>>14464808
"In two days time, at noon when they will be sentenced. The proper legal protocols must be observed, after all."

>>14464839
"Speaking of timetables, when are the tribunals expected to occur for the other Houses? I will need to know so that I can make an appointment with the carpenters. Also, how are the loyal Houses faring?
"Has anything else come up in your investigations, captain?"

That's a little disappointing. Thought we'd get to question them ourselves. Ah well.

>>14464839
Yeah I can't see much point in delaying it. As far as I can tell, this guy is guilty and nothing we can do will save the family. And in regards to everyone wanting to help them, the only way I can forsee us being able to help them without making it obvious we were involved is if we sought the help of the gods in this matter. Otherwise it's too risky in my mind.

Might as well ask the Excolo agent on if we have to punish the treacherous families in a certain way or if it's up to us. As well as if only the heads of those families were involved or not.

From the end of the last session:
I am okay with checking up on the kids, but I am against most forms of aid to them. I believe that our enemies should not be underestimated; our enemies are both political (nobles and others of the Old Guard back at the capital) and the Cult. The Cult has infiltrated the 4th Praetorian's department, and potentially has subverted Imperius Excolo agents.
While making sure that the children and the governor's wife are not approached by the Cult in order to attempt to influence our shadow mage recruit is in our best interests, any aid they receive will likely be highly scrutinized. The Cult would love nothing more than to get evidence that someone acting under orders from us, aided the family of a known traitor. Even if they don't have enough evidence to bring us up on charges and get us stripped of our rank and command, the scandal could be enough to sink our ambitions of becoming the 7th Praetorian.

I cannot think of a way to aid these children within an acceptable amount of risk, and cannot support any plan to do so that does not adequately address my concerns.

>>14464922
Eh, we would have probably screwed the pooch if we interrogated them. Our track record is fairly abysmal when we are the ones doing the questioning.

>>14464944
Yeah but it's a risk worth taking in some ways. There are certain questions that I would have liked to asked if we didn't fail. Like how the governor/his wife/the assassins are contacting the enemy. We could have slipped them some false intel if we were lucky.

I finally finished catching back up yesterday, so I can finally participate again.

Also, I think we should try and improve our Elementalism ASAP.

>>14464965
Actually I think we should talk to Degrian before we do that. If there's a chance we can use our abilities to improve the walls, it might be worth doing that first.

>>14464976
Good idea, maybe some spike traps along the walls, maybe?

I just feel that we've been neglecting our elementalism training lately.

"Two days time at noon, otherwise your stockades would be wasted." you reply amiably, pulling Jayne into a hug at the same time.

"Very good Commander. Did you have any further questions?" the Excolo agent asks politely as Balor and Tyxia, the captain of the Sunstorm walk past, the man looking at you jealously until the mercenary elf regains his attention.

You smirk, and begin heading towards the main house to see what Laelith found in the vault "Are any leniencys afforded children in this affair, or will they receive the full harshness of the law?"

The man shakes his head sadly "Nothing is provided for children unfortunately. Though my men and I will travel with them for as long as we can, and I plan to share my food with the poor girl. She may not be a woman grown, but that would not stop some of the bandits on the roads. And I may be more permissive with where they are sent and how good a deal they may or may not get on some smaller necessities on their way from the city. Have you decided where you will be sending the family yet?"

>>14465036
"One of the sons will be sent back to Dragonsreach, the daughter to a certain town in the north and I intend the other son to be sent to a band of nomads if that is acceptable. The wife shall be sent to the western part of the empire."

Couldn't really think of anything specific for the wife but she did help out in the treachery in the end. Less lenience for her.

>>14465036
"Yes, I have several candidate locations in mind. Horses, of course, will be readied for you and your men, and adequate supplies readied."

Horses able to carry both agent and passenger, as well as more than enough food for the two.
That, and sending them to places where we can be reasonably sure of good people in the communities, is all we should do for them.
Maybe an extra set of clothes, shoes, and winter/traveling clothes.

>>14465100
I'm tempted to say we should use up a boon to ask Raynha to look after the kids. I know it's a huge waste of a resource but it might mitigate some of the likely annoyance she'll have at us for doing this to innocents. I mean, we have a few boons saved up and we've never used them since we're pretty gung-ho on kicking ass using our own might. Might as well get some use out of them now since I doubt it'll be awhile until we ever actually do take the position as the 7th praetorian.

I don't know, what are you opinions?

>>14465130
No. We're doing the best we can for them and already owe a favor to the Second for what we've done so far. We're sending both children to places we know we can trust and are good, safe, welcoming homes for them. The goes have /no fucking right/ to be pissed over that. If anything both Rayhna and Nyetini should be grateful for what we've done.

>>14465130
I don't think that the use of such a boon will be necessary.
Also, technically, it would be two boons. One to protect the kids and mother, and another to make such dealings secret.

>>14464937
"I see no reason in making their trip any worse than it needs to"

Let's just tell the girl to find the McMarhen family when she gets to the village and mention she knows Collin and Justinian. That will get her set up there.

Likewise, tell the boy to drop our name when he gets to the nomads.

Overall that should set them up just fine without boons.

>>14465096
Sounds like a plan.

The shadow mage son should be sent to our barracks at DragonsReach.

The other son should be sent to live with the nomads that we worked with.

The daughter should be sent to live with Collin's family.

The wife (who is innocent, btw) should be sent to the large city in the Empire's south-western corner. She should be fine on her own, but perhaps our retinue has family in that city as well, who can help her get start a new life.

Oh, and let's talk to them before the whole "make you witness the start of your father's execution, then exile you, never to see the rest of your family again."

At least the wife should get to spend a few more moments with her children.

>>14465346
>>14465296
these

>>14465346
Supervised, of course, but I agree.

>>14465278
It's not that I'm not supportive of this plan, but are we sure that it's wise?
Collin is a known member of our retinue. Wouldn't someone in the 4th's department, or the Cult, be able to connect the dots and investigate where we're sending each of them?

>>14465377
That's what I figured. I assumed they weren't allowed to get any obvious help at all.

is there a way to get caught up on the basic characters/setting without sifting through so many archived threads?

You shrug "The daughter I plan to send to a village I stopped over in during my first campaign. One of the sons to DragonsReach, and the other to a Kharynchek Ghorat, its a larger one so you should have no troubles finding them. The wife I will send to one of the smaller coastal cities in the west. Of course I will supply you and your men with good horses and supplies."

The man smiles knowingly and nods "Thank you for your kindness, and those locations are sufficiently scattered. Though I do wonder why you plan to send one of the boys away from the Empire."

You pick your way around a pillar that was pushed over during your storming of the Vila "He will find more acceptance among Vohzd Lennis' people than he would here, and having to send off children so coldly has already put a sour taste in my mouth." is your honest response.

"Indeed it does" the agent agrees, before saluting and heading off to see to some other task.

After a few more minutes of walking with Jayne you find yourself in the house vault below the main house. Most of the chests are pushed off to the side, though a large, grey-green bell held aloft by a wheeled wooden frame. On a table Laelith has set up a matched sword and shield rest, along with other pieces of jewelry "What do you want to hear about first?" the elf asks, smiling.

>>14465438
Start with that bell. Curious on what the heck that thing is. Also Pax, would we be allowed to take the sword/shield set or only one of them with what we're allowed to take?

We really need to deal with the houses who were cowed into treason more than we need to deal with the traitor's family. They still have power and influence and have done nothing to pay for their failure to stand against betrayal. We should take them down hard while we still have the authority for it.

>>14465438
Let's start with the bell, then the other arcana.

>>14465464
While we may be military governor, we are still bound by the law.
Those other Houses are to be judged by tribunes at a tribunal. Unless they start something now, they're out of our jurisdiction.

>>14465487
I was under the impression that judging them at a military tribunal was part of the reason we were here. It's our job to judge and sentence them.

>>14465438
Bell, then jewelery.

>>14465393
the first and second threads have a good deal of info, we really need to set up and image that has basic info about the setting

>>14465498
No. That's beyond the scope of the orders given to us by the 2nd Praetorian. Also, the Imperius Excolo agent wouldn't have sent for tribunes if we were expected to preside over their trial.

>>14465540
I don't see how it's beyond the scope, considering both the vast scope of the military in a romanesque republic and the fact the city is under martial law I would actually expect us to be part of the tribunal.

>>14465498
Let's wait and see if it's even our decision or not. If the Tribunes say "let's hear Commander Trentz's input", I agree that we should come down on the noble houses hard.

The nobility is supposed to lead by example, to be exemplars among men. Their betrayal is unforgivable.

>>14465537
Let's make a "Command Quest Boot Camp" thread sometimes.

Hopefully we can try them soon. If we can get access to those noble houses resources, we could do a lot of good for the upcoming siege. Get more food, more mercs, etc etc.

>>14465622
a good Idea
>>14465393
also the IRC is a good place for setting questions you can use suptgs embedded client

>>14465393
>hit the irc and we'll fill you in/catch you up

>yea a tribunal will deal with the other houses, you just have to keep them under house arrest really.

You walk over to the bell "What does this instrument do love?"

Laelith shrugs almost dejectedly "That was the only device that has baffled me." before lifting a matched mallet and striking the arcane item. The bell quivers slightly, but no sound is created. "I can tell that some form of arcane reaction occurs when it is struck, but have no clue as to what it is."

Confused, you take the mallet from Laelith and strike the bell yourself, and with considerably more force. Still no sound, though you can now tell that it is cast and fired iron, and has no seams. "Strange. And the rest?" you ask, handing the mallet to Jayne, who strikes the bell several more times, at multiple points on the bell as Laelith goes over the rest.

"The sword and shield have runes on them that would negate magic, the brooches can capture spoken words, and the rest of the jewelry are not of much interest. Trinkets to ease the lives of the rich, nothing more." Laelith explains, running her hand along the table, going in to depth about some of the stranger items, though they clearly lack any military use.

After nearly half an hour of this, during most of that time Jayne busied herself with the bell, Rufus pokes his head into the room "WHY DO YOU KEEP RINGING THAT BELL?" he half shouts, clearly annoyed.

>>14465652
Interesting. Rufus heard the bell but we didn't? So does it only target necromancers or those that are more specialized in their arcane abilities? We need to see if Lena heard it.

>>14465652
I wonder if the bell only affects necromancers, or if it can be heard by anyone that deals with mental communication.

The sword and shield, though, sound like they would be very useful considering the kinds of enemies we face.

>>14465652
While interesting, I don't think a bell only able to be heard by arcanists is of much use when we already have the crystal.

Sword and shield looks like the best bet. Looks like we just got magical protection.

Though I would like to snatch one of those brooches for possible political intrigue and covert message passing.

>>14465693
Not so sure. It's possible this bell could interfere with necromancers in general. And with what's coming up in the future, it might be worthwhile to grab this. It could be one of the items Neshai said might come our way.

Unless the bell can cause the eardrums of enemy mages to explode from across the battlefield I think our scrying crystal is better.

Err, would the sword and shield interfere with our own elementalism at all? Put on the shield and try to levitate a rock.

>the brooches can capture spoken words
Magic tape recorders yes want want want :D

I say we hold off on picking what we want until we ask Neshai about the bell. If it messed with the undead, I want to be sure of that before we pick it.

"So, you can hear the bell then?" you ask, beginning to get an idea as to the purpose of the item.

"You cant?" Rufus asks, wheeling to face you, a pendant working its way free of his shirt, Neshais emblem, if you recall correctly.

"You are the only one who can actually..." you reply thoughtfully, the familiar presence of Neshai nagging at the back of your mind as you strap the shield to your arm, and successfully raise a stone from the ground "Laelith, how much can the brooches hold?" you ask her.

"A few minutes at most, less if the area is terribly loud." she replies, not looking away from Rufus, who still has not noticed that his pendant has swung free of his shirt.

>>14465766
Well looks like Rufus is a believer of the old gods now. The emblem coming out makes me think we should take this bell even more but I can still wait until we talk to her directly if you guys want.

>>14465766
Hit the bell one more time.
"Tell me Rufus, how loud is this?"

>>14465766
"Have you chosen to become a follower of Neshai then? I will not dissuade you from your path if that is what you desire, you know my feelings on the matter already."

We're still personally tutoring him in combat tactics and strategy right? Mentor bond is still going strong?

First, before I forget, we should get Kyria to study the anti-magic runes. If she can replicate them on everyone's armor... oh ho ho ho.

>>14465766
Well, that's one way of making sure that Neshai doesn't roast you for being a necromancer.

So now we have the son of the governor of DragonsReach worshiping the "just as planned" goddess.

He could make a... powerful ally.
>palpatine,jpg

Personally I would go for the Sword and Shield if we can have both, the shield if we can only have one.

Pax, are we getting all of these, or do we have to pick only one?

>>14465845
Oh shit, you're right! The sword and shield have RUNES.

Get Kyria down here right the fuck now, double time. She will be superawesomeexcited about this.

>>14465845
let's just hope his dad doesn't get pissed

>>14465868
Hasn't his dad been pushing him to take politics more seriously? He'll be happy as hell.

>>14465846
We don't need to take the sword and shield if Kyria can copy the runes down and make more of them. She can make them on better gear too, the sword and shield are both just steel and our stuff is meteorite.

>>14465867
>>14465845
Oh man you guys, Kyria is going to be happy as hell. Runes get her wet, she's going to be thanking us (and maybe another girl) into exhaustion later tonight.

Have Kyria examine and copy down the anti-magic runes. We don't really need the sword and shield after that.

Ask Neshai about bell.

I really like the magic tape recorders, but we can probably acquire more like them later.

>>14465886
I thought that it was just our weapons and chainmail(?) that were meteorite? I thought out shield was still just steel.

Since the runes could conceivably be copied, it might be better for us to take the bell.

>yea, pick one item

You smirk, punching the bell as hard as you can "How loud was that, Rufus?" you ask.

The lad shakes his head "Not as loud as it was, and I could tell that you hit it harder than that."

"Would it be safe to assume that you have chosen to follow Neshai then? I will not attempt to dissuade you, though I am certain you know my stance on such matters. Jayne, would you be so good as to fetch Kyria down here to look at the sword and shield for me?" you walk over to the table and set the shield back down while Rufus hastily attempts to put the medallion back inside his shirt.

"I, um, yes commander. and with the threats my goddess has warned you and I of, it seemed foolish to not seek out the tools to stop _them_. And I believe that this may be one of those tools." he finally manages, looking flustered.

After making you promise to not ring the bell any more so that he can sleep, Rufus leaves in time to see Kyria enter. She is of course, thrilled by the runes, and immediately sets to copying them down to a piece of parchment, though she does describe them as "fiendishly complex, and likely to be short lived."

>so, what do you want to work on now?

>>14465968
Hmm, a bell loud enough to wake the dead? Let's hope not.

>>14465968
Now, let's see to the defenses. Have all earth elementalists work on reinforcing the walls as part of their elementalism training, including Justinian.

All other elementalists to continue practicing as teams and as individuals to get their skills up.

See if our engineers are now good enough that Degrian thinks that they can be trusted with repeating crossbow manufacture.

>>14466013

Sounds good.

Though We may want to look into having defensive artillery built. Degrian may have some other crazy ideas such as trebuchets or something

>>14466013
I agree.

The next morning you set out early to see the walls, where Degrian and his engineers are busily moving about repairing or improving as best as they can. Already a good portion of the walls have wooden arrow-covers set over them, and a few of the engineers are busily cutting out more arrow slats, or shifting the crenelations by adding or removing columns of brick. "How are the defenses?" you prompt the Kaskyana

"Good, could be better. Gates terrible, you should fix." Degrian replies, before walking off to chalk in more changes to the wall. The gates are in sorry shape, and the outside of the wall looks barely repaired from previous sieges. You call in your earth elementalists and set them to work fixing and strengthening the wall, while you set your maniple's blacksmiths to forging a new gate while you see to the gatehouse itself. By midday most of the eastern face of the wall is ready for a siege, though almost all of the elementalists are drained.

You find Degrian happily enjoying a meal on top of the wall, and decide to join him. "How goes the steambow?" you ask casually.

"Finished, though difficult to produce. You have new project planned for me already?" he asks, taking another bite from the chicken leg he has in his hand.

>>14466250
Did we have a specific project in mind at this point guys or should we let Degrian be creative and surprise us with something?

>>14466250

Requesting city map to aid in planning defensive additions.

And we should ask if Degrian has any other ideas for defensive artillery.

Also requesting a list of known siege weapons!

>>14466273
Well since no one else has commented, before we make a choice can we ask him if he can think of any ways to improve the wagons?

>red are noble houses that you have under house arrest, orange are the two loyal, brown are abandoned, black is Lobis.
>balistae, mangonel, battering ram, siege tower, trebuchet

>>14466354
Based on the IRC, only the eastern walls are fortified enough to Degrian's standards. Furthermore, the interior of the city is not designed so that it's easier to defend. Meaning we do not want these walls to be breached.

>>14466345
I can think of a few new projects.

1. Mass-Production Autowagon - not as fast as Degrian's, but much easier to produce and repair. As in, it can be produced and maintained by a human engineer.
2. Armored Autowagon - an autowagon reinforced with light armorplating and sporting two repeaters on sponsons and a single heavy repeater.
3. Runic Steam Wagon - uses the steam runic engine of the steambow to power an autowagon.

>>14466409
agreed, let's get the elementalists to get to work on that right away

>>14466354

So as to defensive things...

I'm thinking we may want to turn a gate or two into solid wall to reduce the number of locations we have to guard against battering rams.

We may want to increase the East gate's defenses by placing two small pentagonal mini-forts protruding from the wall on each side. Create a kill zone where any force moving a ram to the gate can be hit from 3 sides.
We may also wish to do this on the other gates, but priority should be given to the East.

Defensive trebuchets may also be a good idea, especially if Degrian has an idea to give them more range or accuracy. We can also dial in their ranges with preparation.

Ballistae on the towers may also be good. We can fire hooks into the sides of siege towers and pull them down to form a barrier before the walls.

>>14466526
any and all of these have my backing

>>14466526
I also agree with getting ranges on siege engines worked out in advance.

You think for a while "What do you think would be possible? though, any improvements to the defenses here should take precedence." you reply.

Degrian tears more meat from the bone before sliding it down his throat "The walls could be better if we had more time, trebuchets good, I could improve, could combine repeater and steam bows, improve auto-wagons. Perhaps a device to dig stone out faster, or to cleanse water be useful in this situation."

You hear horns in the distance and stand to see a battered looking maniple headed towards the city. The standard denotes that it is under the command of a High Commander, and you would estimate at half strength at best. "Nearly two and a half maniples plus whatever city guards can be spared from maintaining the house arrests to hold a city of 60000." you deadpan to no one in particular.

"Could be worse, could only have two." Degrian replies, standing to look over the wall. "Perhaps we should seal gates." he adds "My engineers will continue fortifying of course."

>>14466730
Couldn't we have the water elementalists on water purification duty?

If the heavy repeater and the steambow are combined, could it conceivably become a continuous-fire ballistae, like a heavy machine gun?

>>14466730
I'll throw in with the improving of the auto-wagons. Maneuverability is paramount on the battlefield.

>>14466730
Eh. Have Degrian focus on creating/improving what he thinks would be best for the defence. Any other long-term projects can be given once this siege is broken.

After this, we need to meet with the incoming forces to get some news. As we do that, we should let Jayne do whatever she needs to start getting her family's name more known in this city and get Sansa on the job of trying to secure more food for the coming siege.

>>14466771
Yes, I am liking the idea of the steambow heavy repeater combo since I imagine that might be applied to our normal repeaters but I think we should go with what can be done in the short term at this point. Those might come into real effect late into the siege or after it while he can work on improving things that will help now.

And yeah, sealing some of the gates might be a good idea but perhaps we should make them appear to still be normal gates? It'd make the enemy waste time hitting a gate that has a stone wall behind it.

>>14466730

I vote to seal the two gates in the worst condition, leaving the East gate and whatever one is in best condition of the other 3.

If he can manage it, 5 trebuchets and anything he'll need to make his improvements to them brought into the city.

Also make gathering extra supplies for creating more siege engines should they be damaged or destroyed.

Hold off on mini forts to flank the gate until we get an update on the front.

>>14466875
If they're falling back, I doubt we'll have time to expand the walls. It might be best to shore up the walls on the north and south if they decide to try to surround the city. Trebuchets will be key though.

>>14466875
I say that we designate two gates that will get sealed, but only do so when the enemy is a day out or so, when we would be closing the gates anyway.

We'll need all gates open if we're going to be bringing in as many supplies and people as we can.

>>14466917

You have a point. very much agreed.

Pax, can Degrian give us a time estimate on the Heavy Steam-Repeater, and how it should work?

If it's going to take too long, he should concentrate on conventional siege weapons. But if it can be done in a relatively short time, then it may give us an edge.

You move to leave the wall to greet the approaching High Commander "Attempt to combine your steambows and heavy repeaters if time allows. We will seal two gates, but only once the enemy is near." Degrian salutes, and walks off to set his engineers to work.

You find Sansa on her way to meet you "Jaynes sister arrived earlier today, and they are already setting about solidifying their power base here. I have all the food I can find in the countryside headed for us, but it will not be a comfortable stockpile."

You hug her before leading her to the main, eastern gate "Good work, love. It would seem that the first of the survivors from the northern front are arriving however. We will need to gather in any resources we can even faster." she nods in agreement, though she does look slightly worried.

The eastern gate is massive, wide enough for a full Legionary battalion to march through in formation, great oak and stone doors on the eastern door, followed by a trio of iron gates along the 20 foot long tunnel. One by one the gates open to allow the maniple to enter. You count three Legionary battalions, two units of bowmen, and the remnants of a Lacertan light infantry battalion. the remnants of a few mercenary battalions are also following, though they look ready to flee. You feel Sansa go rigid in your arm as the high commander comes into view. He is old, older than Gaius, and it is clear that he was once quite good looking, however, excessive scarring has ruined that, his nose a wreck, an ear missing, one eye sliced out, his hair thinning and going out in patches. "Ah, Commander Trentz" the man greets you, his voice strange, most likely due to the noticeable hole in his tongue "High Commander Quintus Seventus, under your command for the siege, once it starts. Where and when would you like to meet for an update on the Northern Fronts status?" he asks, extending his right hand, albeit a right hand that is short a finger and a half.

>>14467146
Do NOT react at all.
"I am planning for a general meeting of the city defense commanders tonight. I will appreciate a briefing on the Northern Front in three hours."
Salute, then shake the man's hand.

>>14467146
Shake the mans hand and let's hope Sansa is doing a good job of disappearing.
"Get your men settled and we'll go over the majority of the details. Are you the last of the forces that will be arriving or shall I expect more?"

I think we need to get Dasesu working on spying on this guy soonish. That or we need to try to find a way to see if any of his officers are not scumbags as well since Sansa said some of them were assisting him. If we can find someone inside his own maniple to testify against him, I imagine we might have a chance of taking him down.

>>14467181
>>14467182
these

>>14467146
Quintus Seventus sure knows how to live it up.

>>14467146
get sansa physically behind us and then introduce ourselves

As is being discussed in the IRC, let's borrow the recording arcana and have them distributed to our ladies. They are most in danger, and since the arcana will not be conceivably moved until this region is once again secure, it shouldn't be a problem if we use them.

If Degnar forces are retreating back to the city, then the enemy will be here soon. Time to pull out our Aces.

Degrian and engineers should continue to shore up our defenses. Have Lena help if necessary.

I say seal off every gate besides the western gate, once all of our troops and supplies are inside.

Laelith to keep training our elementalists.

Kyria should work on steam runes (perhaps somehow turn it into a pure water condenser?) and anti-magic runes.

Sansa should work on securing food supplies. Seize them from noble storehouses if necessary. Empty the nearby villages if necessary. We have a lot of mouths to feed.

Jayne should work with the remaining loyalist noble houses to keep morale up among the citizens and plebs, while also working to establish her house's influence over the city.

>>14467240
On that note, we should meet with the heads of the last two loyalist houses. We should see what kind of aid we can get from them. Also Pax, are we allowed to take resources/supplies from the treacherous houses or is that not allowed until the tribunal has decided things?

>>14467217
Also we might want to have Dasesu poking around the high commanders officers and see if there are any that might be approachable for our purposes. I can't see much else to do with him at this point really.

You step in front of Sansa, who you can feel crushing your left arm "A pleasure, sir, and as I will be meeting with my command staff after dinner tonight, I would like a briefing from you in three hours, if at all possible." you respond, saluting and shaking the mans hand, firm, despite his age.

He nods "Very good, commander, I will meet you..."

You smirk "My men still house at the barracks complex in the governing district, though I seem to be doing more work out of the soon to be abandoned House Lobis Vila of late."

the man nods, before turning to bellow out orders to his soldiers and keep them moving. Once you are well out of earshot Sasnsa finally opens up "He will not survive this siege." it is a statement of fact, and you know you will not be able to dissuade her from it.

-----CQ-----

Seventus finds you in the office of Dorin Lobis, quietly going over Sansas supplies counts, even with her most recent projections it will not be easy. At least she found a good source of tar. "The front is not collapsed, but it is leaking, badly by now. My maniple was the most bloodied in the legion I was assigned to, so I was sent to reinforce your position and warn you, as the eagles have been being shot down of late." he informs you, as you come to realize that his expression is naturally dour, and depressed, his face from your first meeting him a mask.

>so, what do you want to know from this guy?

>>14467330
General front news, probably. which parts are leaking, how soon do we have to prepare for attacks, that sort of thing.

>>14467330
How long does he think until the front collapses? How large an army is hitting the front and what kind of units has he seen them have or have they done anything odd (E.g. do they have elementalists)? Does he know if other units will be returning to reinforce at the city?

>>14467373
And I assume he didn't arrive with a full wagon of supplies for us to use?

>>14467330

How far out is the front?

How long does he believe we have until this city is the front?

What units does he have under his command?

What is his supply situation?

What is his command style? Frontline leader assumed?

Does his retinue contain anyone with skills useful to bolster the defenses?

>>14467373
Seconding.

rolled 37 = 37

WHO DO I NEED TO KILL?!

>>14467440
You slam your fists on your desk, rise up, and shout that in his direction and you shall remove his mask.

You sigh, hopefully when Sansa gives the more updated estimates of the supply situation at the staff meeting tonight it will be less grim. "Where is the front at currently, and where are the leaks springing?"

Seventus takes a seat near you, the chair groaning under the mans weight, all of it muscle and bone "The front is less than half a days march from the Ceberath river, and should hold there. The largest leak is where my Cohort was positioned, plus several maniples north and south of that, three crossings at best. A second, smaller leak is likely to break a few days north of the main one, with the size of the force and the crossings I give us a week at best before they are on us. By then the Front should be a solid line again. Our blood is too strong to fail, we are the descendants of the Dragonslayer."

You nod in agreement "Indeed we are. Have the Uurlanthi exhibited any, strange, or impossible skills on the field?" you ask, pouring yourself and the man a drink.

The man takes a sip, and chuckles grimly, some ancient memory stirred "Have you found what it is yet? I suppose not, considering I am no closer now than I was when Tri..." he shakes his head, his face returning to business "Some of them, elementalism some of the men were calling it, rumor is that you can do that as well." he replies, sipping from his glass. You check him with the arcane crystal, nothing.

>>14467330
>Once you are well out of earshot Sasnsa finally opens up "He will not survive this siege." it is a statement of fact, and you know you will not be able to dissuade her from it.
Okay, if she does that, Sansa does it RIGHT. I want Blackbird and Daeseu both meeting with her. That kill needs to be utterly untraceable, nothing to point to us or to her. Further, we need to chat with the god of righteous retribution- I remember we had a chat with him about Sansa before.

He was right in that we haven't been aggressively pursuing Sansa's quest for vengeance. Well, now we are- and it would pain us a great deal to have her succeed, only for the victory to turn to ashes in our mouths over it. With all the divinations flying around, it's a good chance that someone will question the High Commander's death. We need to make sure that any attempt to do so by supernatural means meets a dead end, and he seems just the one to help us do it.

He might prefer his revenge hot, but as ours is cold already, damned if we won't try our hardest to make sure that it is a perfect dish Sansa never regrets.

>>14467535
"If you've already faced it in the field, then I suppose you can be trusted with this knowledge.
"Yes, it's elementalism. Yes, it's coming back, and from what I've seen, Uurlanth has more of them and they're better trained than ours.
"I will need to go through your command, to identify any who hold this skill. Unfortunately, I will need to pull them out of your command and enter them into my training unit. If we're lucky, they might be good enough in the time we have to be of some use."

>>14467535
"Indeed. If their armies have anywhere near the numbers the knight I faced recently had, this could be a troublesome siege... Are there any individuals in your retinue who you think might be useful for this siege?"

Get him to indicate on the map which crossings are likely to be crossed based on what he knows about the leaks. We might want to start trapping them in the week we have.

And since I'm off for the night, I once again suggest we either get Dasesu to start observing his officers for any that might seem uncomfortable around Seventus or perhaps if our own captains eventually mingle with his men, see if they notice anything.

>>14467601
>>14467591
Can we do both?

You breathe a sigh of relief "Yes I can, I will brief you properly at a later date. What state is your maniple in?" you press him.

"I left my noble wings and the bulk of my mercenary units at the front, along with most of my retinue to lead them in my stead. Of my Imperial battlaions all are at roughly half strength, though the Legionary battalions are over that by at least 30 men. My archers and legionary battalions should be easily replenished from the surge of volunteers the city guard is seeing from those citizens that refuse to flee west. The Lacertan light infantry, axes and mail as I'm certain you saw, will be difficult, if not impossible to replenish in this city however." the man informs you, finishing the drink you offered him.

You nod "Very good, as far as the arcane is concerned, I believe that Uurlanth has a higher quantity of arcanists than us, so this siege will not be easy. I will be screening your maniple for arcane potential, and I will see them trained as best I can before our foes arrive before returning them to you. And, I would like for you to have the likely crossings our foes will use ready for the staff meeting tonight."

"Will that be all then, Commander Trentz?"

>if so, do you want to skip to the meeting or do something else during the interim?

>>14467702
Exchange a few words with Daeseu; tell him that Sansa is planning to undertake a task and that he is to see she does not make any rash mistakes.

Arrange matters with the people handling recruitment so that all volunteers going into the military here go through a cursory screening for elementalism; it would be a crime to waste a potential elementalist by letting them become a line trooper. And we need too boost our elementalists' numbers, and see about getting them trained to work in a coordinated fashion to achieve larger effects than any could alone.

>>14467702
We need to know what the loyal Houses can offer in terms of support. What their specialties are, if they are good at any specific organizations or activities, that sort of thing. We don't need to RP it out, though, just get a report from the Excolo agents.

In addition, speak with the Skywings captain, get a patrol schedule set up to begin patrolling the skies to give us advance warning of Uuralanthi armies approaching.

>>14467769
>>14467792

seconding both

Have Daeseu train Sansa when she's not busy with her regular duties.

Have a quick chat with Neshai regarding the bell?

Train our elementalism, preferably by helping Degrian. I want those walls siege-worthy asap.

The city garrison commanders should present a list of their forces during the meeting. Let's add everybody up and see how many troops we have to work with.

I really want to talk to Kyria about how the steam runes work. Does it turn the moisture in the air into steam? Generate steam out of nothing? Something else? It would be great if we can turn it into a source of drinkable water.

Have those citizens/plebs crazy/stubborn enough to stay in the city start planting "victory gardens". Certain species of weeds are edible and are actually quite nutritious, and they grow like, well, weeds! Every little bit helps.

>>14467898
Seconding all except conversing with Neshai. Figuring out the bell is something we should do on our own time.

As for letting Sansa assassinate Severus; no. We can train her, but she is not to assassinate him if we can prevent it.
Mostly because, I want the evidence against him gathered, a military court to be convened, and have him stripped of his rank and command, and executed.
If she just kills him, then there's no way to erase his stain from her record, and the records of other women.

Idea for Tuesday!

Get to know our merc captains, preferably Curvy Captain or Eye-Making Captain, as for Trentz, it isn't cheating, it is addition!

"Why?"

Why not! And also having a merc captain as a retinue member could have a number of benefits! (depending on the captain)
Possible positive points:
-procuring better prices for hiring mercs
-giving us better info on mercs
-training people for us if we decide to form our own merc unit(s)
-additional lady to sic upon Sansa for laughs!

You find Daeseu winding his way through one of the abandoned noble houses, practicing, you would assume "Commander, how can I help you?" he asks, stepping from the shadows.

You sigh, worried for Sansa "Sansa plans to kill High Commander Seventus. He deserves it, and I dont intend to impede her, however..."

"The time and execution must be perfect lest we lose her. I will see to her skills and self control, though I suspect you will have more luck with the latter than I." Daeseu replies, even outside the shadows his dark garb makes him hard to see.

"Thank you friend. I also need you to find any information you can on the man, he has evaded punishment for his crimes for too long." You add, stepping back to allow the assassin to begin walking from the house.

"A simple enough task, I will see it done well." he answers, sliding from your sight as he does so.

-----CQ-----

You next find the head of the Excolo agents, and before long know that you have roughly 100 heavy horse from house Rigels, and 50 Griffon riders from house Mourrs, as well as another 50 cavalry, light however, archers on velociprey in leathers. You are also able to speak with the captain of the guard, and he thinks he will be able to get the remaining citizens to start growing more food. Though, he did request for help in the training of the new recruits to his guards.

-----CQ-----

After a brief conversation with Kyria you know that you need water for steam runes to function, and that she has nearly reached a breakthrough with the secure chest you had asked her to get you into. Finally, you are headed for the command meeting, which you are holding in the main dining hall of house' Lobis Vila. On your way in you pass Quintus, who is slowly headed for the room, repressing laughter as he watches Balor and Tyxia walk towards the same place, in close conversation. Within minutes of your arrival, the hall is full, and all are watching you to begin the meeting.

Looking back, I don't suppose we ever had Rufus ring the bell for us?

>>14468002
"Let us get this meeting started. What are our current food and water stores?
"Captains, how fare our defenses?"

>>14468074

seconding as i've got nothing better

>>14468002
"Listen up, y'all motherfuckers, we are in deep shit. Deep. Shit. Giant goddamn army coming to be all up in our business, no food, not enough troops, and they got magic ALL up in this whereas we've got just me and my posse.

But for all that, we are going to SCHOOL these pussy Uurlanthi bitches, and here's how. Listen close."

Then lay down the most brilliant plan ever. (Someone else can write that part.)

>>14468002
Then it could still work as a water recycler. Urine -> steam -> clean water.

Don't laugh. This is war, man. If it's either this or dying of thirst, you'd drink it. :(

Is Quintus just ignoring Sansa?

rolled 51 = 51

>>14468129
arse is so stuck up he probably doesn't remember her

Tell the captain of the guard that he can have the volunteers train with the regular troops. With so little time, just make sure that the archers know how to fire a bow, and the legionnaires know how to form a spear wall and hold the damn line.

And it looks like our noble houses specialize in war. Of course they do. I love Degnar. :)

Wasn't there some talk about being able to upgrade our legionnaire units.
I'am wondering what happened with that?
(I guess I don't follow this quest as closely as I should.)

You nod to all in attendance "What are our food and water stores at, and how defensible are we currently?" you ask openly to start the meeting.

Sansa passes out sheets of parchment with her most recent estimates on how long you will be able to hold out. Two, perhaps three weeks, it could be better, but it could be much, much worse. "In a months time reinforcements are due for the front." Quintus shares "We only need to hold out that long."

Degrian clicks his beak "Will be hard, but walls will hold for that long."

The captain of the guard clears his throat "My veteran guards will be hard pressed to train in all of the new volunteers the guard has. Could any of you commanders provide support there?"

The captain of the cities garrison is first to reply "Your rabble are naught but chaff for a battle like this, and I will not waste my captains time training more wheat for the thresher."

"Fuck you Radagast" the captain of the guard replies angrily.

"I may be able to spare a legionary captain or two for that cause. Commander?" Quintus replies, looking to you.

Gaius slides the sheet of parchment from him "My battalion is as ready as it will be with the replenished troops, with your leave Commander I could help the guard, I may still know some of the men in the guard here, if they haven't all retired or died."

"And I'm certain some of them remember chasing you down as a child Gaius... though they have all come to their senses and retired. My ffather sends his regards, by the way, though he is angry at you for not visiting him." the captain of the guard cuts you off.

The legionary captain sighs, shaking his head "Had I not been so busy I would have already."

As for meeting:

Get update on food stocks, water supply, war materials (wood, metal, stones, fuel, tar, ammo, etc.) Ammunition fired over a wall can't really be retrieved. Let's not run out of damn arrows.

Get comprehensive report on what units we are working with, including the town guard. If someone in this city is not a civilian, we want to know about it.

>>14468187
Make it so, Gaius.

And yes, now would be a good time to upgrade our units again. Can Gaius's unit get centurion gear yet? Can we equip Cornelius's unit with some pilum (pilii?) or just some javelins?

Since we are defending a city, it might be worth it to make sure that all units have some ranged capability. Even if it's just slings and pebbles. A rain of pebbles going really fast can still ruin your day.

>>14468187
"Even if they're not ready for front-line formation fighting, having more support personnel, especially to repel ladders, will always be welcome.
"Commander Severus and Captain Gaius will assist in training the City Guard."

Send Gaius (and his legoin) and Colin to help train the newbes.
Also lets work on integrating all of these people into a cohesive force

Every man who hauls arrows, water, food, or wounded is a man we can use. Every man who stands a watch, cook food, or boil pitch is one we need.

We will turn away no hands. Even if they only fill support roles and dig latrines, that is work the soldiers need not do.

If we can, however, I would like volunteers to be trained in archery first and foremost. The garrison captain is correct, they will not be able to stand toe to toe with regular troops. But with a bow and arrow slits to take shelter behind they will not need to.

Pax, how does the city get its drinking water?

We should talk with Sansa soon. Tell her we love her and will support her completely in this, and that we've already told Daeseu to assist her in preparation. Tell her that we will personally aid her in any way we can, be it pinpointing the man with stonesense or ensuring that he is in a certain place at a certain time for a certain accident to happen.

"Very well Gaius, your battalion, Collin, and the High Commanders men will be assisting in the training of the city guard. What are our troop levels at now?" you ask, looking at the commanders and captains at the table with you.

After a bit of figuring, the numbers boil down to:
500 city guard (mail, spears, bows, circle shileds)

Seventus
47th Legionary 200
254th Legionary 200
371st Legionary 200
237th Archers 200
240th archers 200
56th Lacertan Light 120 (circleshield, axes, chainmail)

Garrison
Legionary 200
Legionary 200
Light Spears 150
Dwarf Light swords 150
Archers 200
Dwarf Scouts 100

>>14468299

Conspiring to assassinate a fellow legionary commander, specifically one of a higher rank sounds very... untrentz no matter how we cut it. (even if I personally agree with just killing him)

>>14468326
The fact of the matter is, the man is too ingrained in the command structure to have a fair trial while he yet lives. It will be a lot easier to get his victims aquitted once he's out of the picture.

>>14468326
He hurt one of our ladies, I think it's pretty Trentz to want to string him up by his balls and laugh. We've never taken any shit from people who messed with our girls.

>>14468347
Of which I can only think of two others we've actually dealt with.

Possible solution to water problems:

i was thinking we apply our "supply cache" experience and create a chain of them from the river to a well under the city if possible, filling the caches with coarse pebbles/rocks so that the intake from the river isn't HUGE and noticeable and more just seeps...

>>14468301
Pax, as military governor of this city, do we have the authority to use the seized assets of House Lobis in the defense of the city? Technically it's supposed to go to the state, but we're looking at an imminent siege, and it may be better served if we used it to pay for engineers to churn out repeater crossbows.

>>14468363
>yes, figure another 50 heavy cav if you do so

>>14468350
Still, 100% kill rate so far.

I support aiding her in this however we can. We don't actually pull the trigger so to speak, but we make damn sure that Sansa gets away unharmed, scott free, and everyone chalks it up to an unfortunate accident.

>>14468363
Yes! Our bolts will blot out the sun!

>>14468363
The city is under martial law, couldn't we just commandeer the engineers and say "Make these." if we wanted?

>>14468370
Heavy Cavalry isn't going to be much use to use when we're in a siege.
I'd prefer if we could use the money to hire artisans and engineers to help either shore up defenses, create more crossbows, or if they're good enough, manufacture repeaters and siege engines.

>>14468384
If we did that, they'd have a harder time doing business after this whole affair was done, having used up so much material.

>>14468405
I'm sure the empire will compensate them afterward. For now, though, you don't worry about being paid so much as staying alive.

>>14468384
Yes, we could conceivably do that.
However, Degnar has an ingrained aversion to conscription and press-ganging. We were highly criticized for even using volunteers.
We should be ready to be court-martialed at the end of this campaign if we do something like that.

Pax, are our cav units trained to fight on foot if needed or would they have to train to do so?

>>14468425
Then I don't really understand the institution of martial law if you can't, you know, exercise that authority in any real way.

>>14468301
Good. Now we know how badly to poop our pants when the enemy shows up.

>>14468326
Normally, I'd agree to help Sansa. But the city will be under siege soon, and he is a High Commander. Killing him now will surely hurt the war effort. I just can't get behind this. Our duty to Degnar overrides our duty to our ladies.

>>14468370
Yes, seize House Lobis's assets to outfit another 50 cavalrymen.

Hey, Pax, for all of those traitorous houses' men that we have under guard, would it be possible to draft them? Or would they be likely to turn on us?

When are the Tribunes passing judgment on the traitor Houses?

rolled 1 = 1

>>14468436
It's more so that we are the go to guy for any decisions needed to be made and all that jazz since we de-governored the governor

>>14468431
>already trained
>>14468449
>likely to turn

>>14468449
He's just one commander, his death isn't going to destroy the war effort. Hell, it won't even hurt it considering where he is right now. We're right here to take command instantly when he drops.

>>14468475
Having their commander die, either in battle or a mysterious death before the siege even begins, will surely demoralize unit captains and troops alike.

Or do you think our men wouldn't give a fuck if Justinian buys the farm?

>>14468475
If he were to die of 'natural causes' then it may not affect the morale of his command. But if it's obvious that he was assassinated somehow, then it would not do well to unit morale.

Also, considering that this is so close to the front line, and in a city where treason was rampant, the Imperius Excolo WILL investigate the death of any high-ranking officer.

>>14468505
Fortunately we have a lady in our harem who can stop hearts at fifty paces.

>>14468498
>>14468505
All the more reason to give her our full support. It's going to happen, guys. The only question is if we are going to help her and make sure she doesn't get caught.

I say yes.

Okay, so, once again, voting to use the funds available to us as military governor of Northmont, to pay for the manufacture of repeaters for the city guard and garrison who will be stationed along the walls.

>>14468534

seconding (again?)

Seconding the idea of getting a secret underground water pipeline from the river to the city.

Failing that, seriously look into urine recycling with the steam runes.

>>14468542
It'll smell awful and release ammonia into the air.

>>14468542
We could probably work on the secondary water source with the earth and water elementalists. I recall we already did it once when we were raiding inside of Uurlanth.

>>14468534
Thirding, although Pax seems to think we need more cavalrymen for some reason. :)

Regarding the gates, I still say that the big eastern gate should be closed and sealed shut with a stone wall behind it. Keep the western or southern one open, and close/seal all the other ones, once our troops and supplies are inside.

>>14468551
I hear that leather tanning doesn't smell good either. We'll do it away from the rich section of the city. The poor people are used to bad smells. :)

>>14468505
I'd rather we somehow get him to confess, have him tried by tribunal, stripped of rank, etc.

You are able to get things set in motion to have as many repeaters as possible produced for your defending forces by the merchants of the city fairly easily, though you suspect that convincing the merchants with stalls or stands to move them to avoid starting easy fires will be a good deal harder. Once the other captains and commanders had come to grips with the return of the arcane they are all more than happy to allow you to screen their troops, and very much like your plan for ensuring a constant supply of water to the city from the river. It is fairly late in the night by the time the meeting is finished, and the room is emptying. And you still have so much that needs to be taken care of before the siege starts.

>gah I'm tired, gonna call it here for tonight.
>someone archive please
>I'll be back tuesday at 9pm server time
>if you have any CQ/setting questions just e-mail me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>14468580
That's a pipe dream. Support Sansa, kill him, cover it up completely or make it look like an accident.

Archive completed.

rolled 10 = 10

I'm saying we make it in official documents after the Excolo agents leave, that we executed the two assassins, keep one, as teh body of the assassin who infiltrated our compound, assassinated Quintus, went for us, and was foiled

Something I came up with in IRC with a bunch of brainstorming.

>>14468690
Might as well. Whatever the plan for actually killing him entails, scapegoating the enemy assassins seems like a good move.

>>14468690
I vote against it. It's too convoluted to work without the Impericus Excolo detecting shenanigans.

>>14468690

I'm against any plan that involves plotting to kill a fellow legionary commander. Regardless of how vile he may be, it is EASILY an act of TREASON.

If Trentz plots and any part of the plot fails, his life will likely be forfeit. As will that of any retinue members that plotted with him or depend on his continued existance to prevent their death (Lealith). Not to mention that our captains and men will likely end up sent to the front as cannon fodder to erase the last traces of Trentz's influence. Jayne's house will also likely be pushed farther toward ruin should Trentz be executed for treason.

In short, how the hell do we justify killing this guy for Sansa when it could mean to fucking doom of the entire family that is the maniple?

I say we can't. If Sansa can't be convinced of this, we remove her from the equation. KO her and send her back to Dragon's Reach with the Morlan Griffon riders and Rufus.

rolled 80 = 80

>>14468730
They have no real reason to expect shenanigans though. That's the beauty of it. Uurlanth likes its assassins. Trentz, Jayne, and I believe one other were the targets of assassins on teh southern front, I don't see why we can't be again. Especially on such a pivotal point on the northern front.

>>14468735
>I say we can't. If Sansa can't be convinced of this, we remove her from the equation. KO her and send her back to Dragon's Reach with the Morlan Griffon riders and Rufus.
Hahahahahah.

No.

I have to agree with Gloq's plan to use the assassin here. It's straightforward and with the sheer number of assassins used against us so far it's an obvious out that probably won't be investigated too much. Hell, we even have an actual Uurlanthi assassin in our retinue to put the "finishing touches" on the plan and leave unique Uurlanthi trademarks of an assassination.

rolled 24 = 24

> We /officially/ execute the two assassins, actually only killing one. Have the other one under close guard in probably one of the abandoned noble houses. Probably by Daesu. Have Quintus killed by Daesu and Sansa, then bring the assassin discreetly to us, you know, he is an assassin after all, kill him violently in front of our tent, preferably mangling his face so the Excolo agents won't be able to recognize him.

re-refined plan after some kinks ironed out in my usage of language.

>>14468747
>>14468777
I am still against this plan. I think you put too much weight on our actions and events around us not garnering scrutiny.
We have many enemies, some powerful ones, ones which would not find it beyond their capabilities or means to acquire divine support in their efforts to discredit and defame us. Combined with the power that they have within the Imperius Excolo, they should not be dismissed easily.

How do you plan on protecting this entire plot from divine intervention or interference? What price are you willing to pay to the gods in order to cover up this treasonous act, because it IS treason. Until Severus is stripped of command and rank, he is still a Legion Commander. Any action against him is action against the Legion, EVEN IF it's for its own good.

>>14468807

Again, the plan is STILL TREASON.

And again, I still can't believe I'm actually against killing someone.

rolled 6 = 6

>>14468824
Well, Jorga for one, Rhyna might be cool with it, and teh god of planning would probably be cool with it, considering it is a pretty cool plan.

>>14468824
Why would the divine interfere? It's not like he's giving worship to any of them. Not only that, but the god of vengeance himself advocated for something like this and likely would be fine with covering it up without us even asking.

Really, though, the gods don't have dick to do with this. It's an internal mortal affair through and through.

>>14468848
The Cult, for one, has a vested interest in seeing us fall, considering how many times we've interfered with their plans.
They don't have to care about Severus; they only need to know that we engineered his death, the assassination of a fellow Legion Commander, and that's all they'll need. Their Imperius Excolo agents could dig up the rest.
Of course, there's others, enemies amongst the Old Guard that might stumble upon faith and use it to bring us down.
And then there's Uurlanth, and quite a few lords that would love to see the bright, young Midnight Dragon dragged down by his own Empire for treason.

All of them could call upon divine aid, and given a high enough price, the gods would answer.

>>14468845

>>14468885
The cult is actively working against the gods, broski. It uses arcana that block the sight of the gods and fuck with their powers.

Old Guard enemies would hardly be old guard anymore if they started worship of gods.

Uurlanth is a multi-generational enemy who every upstanding citizen knows for the pack of lying dogs that they are.

Regardless, we already have divine protection of our mind and actions you know. Remember our talk with Governor Lobis?

>>14468905
>The cult is actively working against the gods, broski. It uses arcana that block the sight of the gods and fuck with their powers.
When was this ever proven? We don't have any concrete proof on what the Cult is working towards, and can only guess at how they intend to achieve it. Also, if the Cult was working against the gods, then why would one of them, Khalless, have been a servant of Garagush, or the Second Wife, a servant of Karythria? Not to mention, their Morwayne-double using Baashek in that tactic with the nomads?

>Old Guard enemies would hardly be old guard anymore if they started worship of gods.
Just because they started as Old Guard, doesn't mean that they can't discover that elementalism and the divine are coming back, or that they won't hold enough of a grudge to turn it against us.

>Uurlanth is a multi-generational enemy who every upstanding citizen knows for the pack of lying dogs that they are.
No one would believe an Uurlanthi if he accused us of treason. But no Uurlanthi who is smart enough and resourceful enough to call upon the divine against us would be that obvious. They would use third- or fourth-parties to investigate, feeding them instructions told to them by whatever god they purchased the assistance from, to uncover our treason.

>>14468939
>When was this ever proven?
Raynha herself said it.

>Old guard blah blah
Not feeling the massive threat here.

>Uurlanth
Yeah, sure, I can see that conversation going really well.
>What evidence do you have for this extraordinary claim?
Well, see, I heard it from a friend of a friend who heard it from the gods. This is totally trustworthy!
>Right...

rolled 86 = 86

>>14468939
Except, I doubt that a single god could overpower hte possible three gods, likely at least two, definitely one god completely backing this action.

>>14468905
>Regardless, we already have divine protection of our mind and actions you know. Remember our talk with Governor Lobis?
Finally, that only protected us.
The protection was not asked for, so more likely than not, the gods that protected us saw some advantage to it.
But such protection would not necessarily extend to the covering up of events. Yes, the gods might prevent our mind being read concerning the assassination, but would they be able to prevent another god from seeing the actions we take? Or of the actions of any other?
Jorga may be fine with our act of vengeance, but what of Raynha, goddess of honor, think of this treason? Or Garagush? I admit, Neshai may find the plot amusing, but would it be worth her time and resources to protect us, if she were to be offered something to not interfere, or even inform on us?

rolled 26 = 26

>>14468967
stop being so abrasive maaaaaaan, just chiiiiiiiiiiiil

>>14468939
Look. We've got gods protecting us already without even asking them to, and a god who specifically asked us to do this shit.

We've got some backing here.

Jorga will be more than happy to help us out, hell he exhorted us to do it.
Nyetini will too, we put ourselves at risk for a woman we love.
Raynha will be glad this horrible excuse for a commander is gone.
Baashek will like the subterfuge and by his very nature is harmed by plots being revealed easily.
The rest don't give a fuck.

rolled 88 = 88

>>14468976
>Jorga may be fine with our act of vengeance,
Jorga isn't just fine with it, he wants it.

>but what of Raynha, goddess of honor, think of this treason?
Raynha will not like Quintus anyways, might not like our plot, but she will most likely be okay with it seeing it as a necessary violation to get the justice that is needed.

>Or Garagush? I admit, Neshai may find the plot amusing, but would it be worth her time and resources to protect us, if she were to be offered something to not interfere, or even inform on us?
You are also forgetting Baashek, the thing is, most of them already see us as a connection with the real world. We are going to BRING them BACK into the limelight. If that isn't enough, considering we are doing it MUCH sooner than any cult, or Uurlanthi dog would, they would keep it in their interests not to fuck with our rise to power.

>>14468967
>Well, see, I heard it from a friend of a friend who heard it from the gods. This is totally trustworthy!
You really think that someone would actually phrase it in such a manner? Rather than saying "I have evidence that Justinian Trentz orchestrated the assassination of High Commander Severus. He used the cover of the Uurlanthi siege of Northmont in order to carry out this deed. His motive was for a woman, a member of his retinue. As the military records show, she was sentenced to fight in the Academy battles when she attempted to kill Commander Severus when she was in his command. She obviously carried that murderous grudge, and convinced Trentz to murder Commander Severus.
"I have here the affidavits of several members of the staff at the time who saw that though Trentz reported that both Uurlanthi captive assassins had been executed, that one was kept alive and released to where Commander Severus was supposed to meet Trentz."

>>14469018
>"I have here the affidavits of several members of the staff at the time who saw that though Trentz reported that both Uurlanthi captive assassins had been executed, that one was kept alive and released to where Commander Severus was supposed to meet Trentz."
If we allow this to happen we fucking deserve to be stripped of rank. Honestly, wat? Nobody but us, Daseau, and Sansa should know that elf is alive. And a former Uurlanthi assassin's testimony is hardly... yeah.

>>14469015
>they would keep it in their interests not to fuck with our rise to power.
However, Garagush has shown that if the price is right, he'll still help get us killed.

We will need to spend some time communicating with the gods, to ascertain if your evaluation of their reactions is true, or if mine is correct.
That, at least, can be done and we can have some hard evidence for going one way or the other.

rolled 64 = 64

>>14469036
That's only because big G likes a goddamn awesome fight scene.

>>14469036
I thought you were the one advocating not pandering to the gods? My, my. The tables sure have turned. Going running to them before every action to see if they give us permission.

>>14469053
For one, this is not pandering.
Two, this entire assassination plot depends on the gods either staying neutral or actively helping us. The chances of failure are far too high, and this plot's reliance on uncontrollable factor too great, to not make sure of certain variables.

Your insinuation that I have changed my stance concerning the gods is baseless and incorrect.

>>14469080
Every action requires the clause "... as long as the gods don't directly intervene and stop us."

No, seriously, that can be said for everything.
>"Attack the commander... as long as Garagush doesn't intervene and stop us."
>"Find the devious plotter... as long as Baashek doesn't intervene and stop us"

Your objection relies on a god actively interfering and helping to take us down. The default stance is "gods don't do shit", unlike your implication that their default stance is "fuck Trentz over for no reason."

>>14469102
The question is not if they will intervene directly or not when we are carrying out the assassination. The question is if this course of action is one that they approve or disapprove of, and will therefore affect if they are helpful or not to our enemies in the future if this event is investigated.

We do not, and should not, decide upon courses of action based on the whims and desires of the gods. But we need to keep them in mind, because they are a potentially hostile power that can strike at us through a myriad of different channels.

The assassination puts everything that we have worked for in jeopardy. To not be assured of every detail would be foolhardy.

>>14469168
Of course, that's entirely reasonable. But you objecting by saying that it's likely they will reveal our plotting is not, especially with having secured so much divine backing thus far. One action will not, and should not, change the solid record we have built in the eyes of the gods that currently favor us anyway. Especially when two of those gods that favor us highly, Jorga and Nyetini, would be highly supportive of this action.