In early for a change, but only for this post. Back after dinner.

I vote we see how "The Triplets" is doing.

>>14907492
>Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha
Henceforth her name is Vi.

Let's go check on our assortment of ladies. Sansa/Kyria + Vi first, then Laelith and Jayne.

After that it might be prudent to check up on Lena and Wulf, just to make sure they are okay.

>>14907492
Hmm. Hit up the Sansa, Kyria and Vi I guess. Although we really should talk to Uurist, Cornelius, Aurelius and Bellatrix after I think. Been awhile since we've talked to some of them in general.

>>14907616
Second.

You make your way over to the table Sansa, Kyria and - Vi, you decide you will call her are sitting.

"It is... food?" Vi asks, poking at the egg with her fork.

Sansa smirks "Or part of the cure for the hangover if you prepare it differently."

Vi looks at her, confused "Its only good when its warm though." Kyria adds, glaring at Sansa, albeit playfully.

"What is a hangover?" Vi asks, clearly having forgotten about her food for her curiosity.

"We can show you later." Sansa promises, smiling.

>>14907665
>"We can show you later."
Now now, Sansa. Let's try to avoid getting a 3x more powerful than normal life elementalist with no idea of social mores drunk on the second day she has been alive.

Ask Vi how she is doing and what she thinks of... well, everything. The world.

>>14907665
"That might be a little too early to show her that, don't you think Sansa? Besides, it's not half as fun if she's the only one getting a hangover and I doubt she'd be able to out drink you. You two been helping out Vi?"

>>14907771
Oh, and we should also ask the girls how Vi has been adapting overall. See if there have been any... 'integration hiccups' as it were.

I also suggest we test the extent of Vi's powers on the way back to the capital and question her about her hive-mother status and all that good stuff. Plus personally spend some time making sure she is integrating with the human world properly. We don't want her like.... eating people.

You chuckle and sigh, shaking your head "I doubt that is a good idea so soon after her coming into her new body." you interject, kissing Sansa and Kyria before dropping down between them on the bench. "How are you finding... things?" you ask Vi, curiously.

She pulls at the robe she is wearing, one of Laeliths old robes adjusted to fit the smaller, slightly fuller frame of the woman "Uncomfortable, strange, confusing. I do not like sleep, 'making water', clothing, having to bathe." she takes a bite of the egg, chewing thoughtfully "Though, food... is good. What did you do to Sansa Kyrosh and Kyria Esfelda, and why did you do it?" she asks after swallowing.

>>14907896
Kiss them again. "You mean that? It's a show of affection."

>>14907923
Second. Guess it looks like she doesn't remember anything from before the tower.

>>14907896
"I kissed them. It is a humanoid gesture of affection to those one loves and has taken as mates. Though that last part is still under debate until we get home and I work up the courage to ask them formally." *wink*

You kiss both women again "That? it was a kiss, a show of deep affection." you answer, smirking "Aside from vague answers, how are you integrating, Vi?" you ask.

Sansa shakes her head "Getting her to dress was a chore, everything but some of Laeliths more, provocative older cloths were to stifling for her, so we had to shorten some of them for her."

Vi shakes her head "I do not understand how you can be so comfortable in such stifling attire, Sansa Kyrosh."

Sansa frowns, being dressed in plain brown trousers, and a loose thin top she looks rather comfortably dressed to you "Actually, this is loose garb, my leathers, or formal uniform, those are stifling." she quips.

"I do not understand how you could believe so, and besides, it is a waste of resources for all but your armor." she shoots back. Sansa frowns at her, an exasperated look on her face.

"This is what I had to deal with all morning." Sansa laments to you.

"At least you didnt have to teach her to wash." Kyria counters.

"Why did you shorten my name so, Justinian Trentz?" Vi asks, ignoring the comments of the pair sitting to either side of you.

>>14908187
"When a person has a longer name, people often shorten it as a show of familiarity, to make remembering the name easier, and for ease of use. Saying Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha every time I want to get your attention is much more difficult to say and remember than just Vi."

>>14908187
"Your name is very long and humanoids are forced to communicate through speech rather than telepathy, therefore we often shorten names. It can also be used as an expression of friendliness, affection, or familiarity.

"My turn for a question. What do you intend to do now? I personally think it best if you -- at least temporarily -- joined my retinue so you can learn about the world. After I am convinced that you will be able to take care of yourself, though, I will not attempt to keep you from pursuing your own desires... provided they aren't destructive."

"Our names are separated into a first and last name. Most people call me by Justinian rather than my full name. I shortened yours because it's easier to say than Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha all the time. Consider it a matter of efficiency I suppose."

>>14908187

A nickname is a sign of familiarity between peers. Also, six syllable names are a little unusual for daily forms of address. A full name, that is, personal and family, would be in that range and would only be used for formal events, awards, documents, and things of that nature.

In short, it'll help her fit in to use a nickname of one or two syllables. Vi is nice. It sounds nice.

You smile "When someone has a longer name, it is a sign of familiarity to shorten it. For example, I call you Vi, as Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha is a rather long name to say when I want your attention."

"And we often call him Justinian, smelly" Kyria adds.

Vi frowns "I washed." she defends herself, and, in her defense, she does not have a noticeable scent to her.

"I have had to wash horses and dogs that were more cooperative than you." Kyria replies, smiling, though you can not be sure if Vi is quite grasping the humor.

>>14908439
If it seems like we're done talking here, let's go check on Lena and Wulf.

Okay. Nyetini has been one-upping us in the flirting department far too much. It is time for a Trentz Retaliation Strike.

Here's the plan:
1. When we get back to dragonsreach start rebuilding the biggest Nyetini temple we can find. We already planned to do this, just speed it up.

2. Start training with the mystic to increase our mental resistance. We need this for lots of reasons, so we should really focus on it.

3. After we have trained up to an appropriate level and the temple is finished, we go in and personally open it to the public... then go into the private garden sanctum for priests or whatever it is and meditate. We will use the temple opening as an excuse to visit Nyetini.

4. When we get there she will likely be doing the standard flirty thing and overwhelming our defenses. Play along, let her get close and press all up on us. (aw yeah)

5. When she is unprepared and unsuspecting, we launch a patented Justinian Trentz Tickle Attack. This will work for the following reasons: (I hope)
a. Complete surprise.
b. She seems like she is the kind of girl who is exceptionally ticklish.
c. As a goddess I doubt many people have done surprise tickle attacks on her, multiplying the effect.
d. It is a very flirty and fun gesture, especially when we do it to a perpetually nude goddess. (aw yeah x2)

>>14908439
"She's only teasing you Vi. Hopefully you can pick up on that after talking to her long enough. I would like to ask if you have any objections to remaining with us for now. You're going to need to get used to things again after all."

>>14908476
Let's just see if she's willing to stay before we move on.

>>14908439
Let's check on Lena and Wulf, see how the two are doing. I'm sure that they're ignoring the medicae's orders to refrain from strenuous activity, which is only exasperating their recovery.

>>14908497
I support this idea and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

>>14908497
thirded

>>14908497
Worth trying. I shall fourth this.

>>14908497

In response to #5:

Can't she READ OUR MINDS when we're in her domain?

and attempting to out-flirt a love goddess?

: /

I like points 1-3, but 4 and 5 are just kind of laughable

"She is only teasing you, Vi... it is normal to reply in kind, if you are able." you instruct the confused looking young woman, though her expression does not change as you rise from the table. You make your way over to Lena and Wulf, the former looking tired and worried, the latter still emaciated and ready to fall over from exhaustion.

"Hello Commander." Wulf greets you, saluting as best he can with his head bobbing from exhaustion.

Lena shifts closer to him, giving the young man more support "How can we help you?" she asks, looking up at you.

"I was simply stopping by to see how the two of you are faring. You did excellently during the siege but..." you trail off, nodding towards Wulf, who looks to be passed out.

"Just fine, can get back to work soon." Wulf slurs from Lenas shoulder, sho looks to be at a loss for how to handle the determined young man.

>>14908651
Did you ignore point number 2 where we do like Pax said we could (a long time ago, I admit) and train our mind to resist being read? Of course it won't work if she can read our mind. But since we have a mystic to help us we can train to block others out.

>>14908655
"The siege is lifted at the moment. I want the both of you to get rest. Consider it an order Wulf. I don't want either of you to burn yourselves out."

>>14908692
This, and add "And no strenuous activity of any kind. Save that for later."

>>14908677

would there not be a VAST difference between blocking our thoughts from a mortal mystic and blocking our thoughts from a god/goddess while in their domain?

sort of like shielding yourself from a hand full of pebbles versus a landslide?

>>14908655
"Soldiers fight hard, but they also rest hard and party hard. Rest, Wulf. There will be many more chances to fight, for now enjoy your respite.

"Also, Lena, let the boy get some rest at night, please?" Heh heh.

>>14908708
No, there would not be. This was covered, dude... Pax specifically said we could train to be immune to the gods in their own domains and able to visit safely. Training our mind will also have the effects of being able to visit Lamynus without getting burn-rape-murdered and shield our thoughts from enemy mystics.

>>14908692
Second.
"And ACTUAL bed-rest, Wulf. Not just being in bed."

>>14908773
seconding

You shake your head "Soldiers fight hard, rest, then celebrate. You both need to keep resting, I dont want either of you wearing yourselves out."

"Rested enough, need to..." Wulf begins to protest.

"Thats an order Wulf, rest until I tell you otherwise. And Lena, do try to let him rest come nightfall." you reply, still smirking. Lenas face goes bright red, and you hear Wulf try to mumble something, but he is still to exhausted to be coherent. As you walk away, you see the group that had been dicing walking from their table. You could follow any of them, though only Aurelius and Bellatrix are staying together out of the group. Or you could set out to see to something else in the city.

Have we checked Vi with the elementalism detector yet?

>>14908799

We know for a fact they were chosen for the tower for being powerful life elementalists, I would be severely shocked if they lost that power.

About the only other pressing matter I can think of is checking on the were-minotaurs.

>>14908822
Yeah, but now all that power is in one body, and who knows how the change to and from Loukys might have altered it.

>>14908799
She demonstrated she still has life elementalist powers when we freed her.

We need to check in with the were-minotaurs.

>>14908798
Damnit. Missed our chance to talk to them all at once. I say chat up Cornelius. It's been forever since we've talked to him.

>>14908864
Can you link me? I can't find any example of that.

>>14908927
see
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/14883492#14884873
>She rips herself free of you, clearly using her elementalism to enhance the strength of her small frame

>>14908927
She used it to throw us back, it was in the last thread. Look it up yourself, broseph.

Are Laelith and Jayne still together? If so we should talk to them. If not... hmmm.

I don't know? Bella maybe? Laelith? Uurist?

Sighing, you set off to the former Vila of the treacherous governonr, to see how the were-minotaurs are faring. the inside of the building you put them in is a mess, most of the interior walls are ruined, though you can hear that the folk interred within are currently calm. They are not, however, moving to greet you, and you have no idea where they are in this building.

>>14909103
Well, let's find them.

>>14909103
Uh, call them? Ring a bell or sound a horn? Something to make noise and get them here?

I don't particularly like the idea of walking into a house populated by were-murderers, even if we are a soldier with bodyguards and it's daytime.

>>14909103
Stonesense?

>>14909103
Let's get a guard detail with us, and have them assembled in a courtyard.
They are still dangerous were-beasts, and should be treated as such.

"Hello??" you call out loudly, hoping for a response "I'm here to check up on you."

You hear the sound of feet shuffling from behind you, and are surprised to see the dwarf who vomited pulling himself towards you "One... one has some control." the dwarf half-whispers, his eyes sunken and frightened. "Another..." he trails off, glancing about nervously, as the sound of something crashing towards you can be heard, and felt. The four men you brought with you turning to face the noise, shields ready.

>>14909232
Wait, this is daytime, right?
Shouldn't their transformations have reverted? Because, if not, we could be in some trouble.

>>14909232
Stonesense so we can see how many things are approaching. We best prepare to attack anything that comes out at us.

>>14909232
Prepare a ring of stone spikes (pointing outward of course so they impale themselves if they do charge) to keep them from charging us.

You gather your focus "Men, hold fast" you order the guards, indicating that they take up positions around you and the injured dwarf. Slowly, you extend stone spikes around the small group.

After a few minutes of hearing aimless thrashing, and feeling the large form meander through your stone-sense, it finally begins to approach. The... thing, rounds the corner, it was once human, one of the men who had not talked much at all during your debriefing. he looks at you, some form of recognition on his distended face, though it is hardly recognizable from what it was. His arms are massive, as muscular as a changed were-minotaurs, though still the normal fleshy tone, his nuckles drag on the ground, and he uses the massive apendiges to speed himself along. He has no feet, instead hooves, the color of dirty fingernails are to be found at the end of his legs. Atop his head, one bulls horn extends fully, while the second is stunted, and malformed in how it extends from his head. "Please let him not scream again," the dwarf, huddling at your feet mumbles "when he first..." the poor thing wails, wrath and pain, and confusion and betrayal all wrapped up into one terrifying sound. "He thought he had learned perfect control, but..."

>>14909424
"Which one was he? The one that really liked killing?"

>>14909424
I don't know what we can do for him except put him out of his misery.

>>14909424
On second thought, if he's not attacking, I wonder if we can try to communicate. Maybe he needs to try to reverse the process to revert to just one form?

That screaming thing the dwarf mentioned doesn't seem very pleasant. Let's just kill it

>>14909538

seconding.

"Easy" you order, not sure whether it is for your trembling men, or the beast staring you down "remember who you are." you try to reason with the thing.

"Already tried that, he broke my legs for it." the dwarf at your feat moans.

The beast tilts its head, snorting, before it opens its mouth and begins to try to stop, and you think you can make out 'pain' and 'lost control', though you cannot be sure.

"He has been changing at random since yesterday night." the dwarf explains "the less natural his form, the more violent he becomes."

"Sir, I dont like this..." one of the soldiers announces, as the creatures flesh seems to start to boil.

"I'm sorry, then." Spike it. Best to end the poor creature now.

>>14909538
This got me auto-banned, but let's see if I can get it through this time:
Ask the dwarf for the guy's name, and call it out.
"You did not survive a suicidal charge into an Uurlanthi camp only to die here! You were able to transform halfway, so you can complete the process; look into yourself and see WHO YOU ARE!"

rolled 37 = 37

>>14909723
Let's wait for it.
Concentration check for elementalism in case we DO have to spike him.

>>14909744
>>14909757
The dwarf already tried this. We should just end him here.

>>14909821
Seconding lets just kill it

We did this to these men. They chose it, but in the end it was our idea. Seconding >>14909723

If we can save him, we should. He earned his second chance and we shouldn't just throw away his life.

You take a deep breath, centering yourself before trying one last time to save the man "You survived a suicidal assault on an Uurlanthi camp, earned your pardon, you simply cannot surrender to the curse here! DO NOT GIVE IN, Son of Degnar!" you shout as his flesh begins to shift in earnest.

His legs become as musclebound as his arms had been, his head distorting to a more bull-like shape even as the horns recede into his skull and his hair returns. his hooves grow back into feet, as the thing howls in pain. One arm atrophies back to its human size, along with half of his chest, though not on the same side... and the scrams. Both of his hands ball into fists and the thing charges you, howling in pain and rage.

>roll for elementalism or combat.

rolled 1 = 1

>>14909958
Elementalism roll.
Create a stone cage to contain him.

rolled 6 = 6

>>14909958
Sigh. Elementalism. Raise a wall of spikes at a 45 degree angle, he'll impale himself.

>>14910002
Use this for... combat or command or whatever then.

>>14909990
> 1

Holy shit.

>>14909990
We can at least rest knowing his death was quick and ended his suffering surely.

With a sigh you punch a circle of spikes up around the beast, stopping it dead in its tracks as it strikes them. Howling in rage at smashes its large arm into the spikes, braking one off, and slicing his arm, though you immediately repair the impromptu cage. The beast looks at its now deeply gashed arm, confused. It sniffs at the wound, licks it, then whimpers, curling up into a ball, and rocking on its heels. "Not a beast, not a beast not a beast not a beast." it begins to quietly chant to itself.

"What was his name?" you ask the dwarf, quietly.

"Mathias, I believe" the wounded dwarf replies.

"Mathias, you are right, you are not a beast. You were too eager in your attempts to gain control of your second form. the arcane is not something to be toyed with, move slowly, and do not loose your sense of self." you advise, remembering your nearly disastrous experimentation with the training gloves for mysticism and magic.

"I... I... Thank you, for, for not killing me." the mutated man struggles out, painfully slowly, his voice shifting from a deep gravely tone, to a more human one seemingly at random.

>so, anything else you want to do, or skip ahead to when you get your orders?

>>14910120
See to it that the wounded man and the dwarf is tended to, and check to see if the other three are still alive.

>>14910120
Quality time with the ladies, and that's about it. We kinda brushed off a few of them if I remember right, and we need to make that up to them.

>>14910120
Make sure that all of the were-minotaurs are checked out.
Any progress with the original one?

Then quality time with our ladies during the timeskip.

>>14910120
That works too.
"Well, what about the other two? Were they killed by him, or have they not finished their training?
Also, another thing. I understand you've been through much lately. Take heart, once you've found what central part of yourself allows you control, your worries will be over. At that time, I would like to break bread with you."

rolled 37 = 37

Alright, rolling for training elementalism.

>>14910278
Voting to put this success towards learning the "No Friendly Fire" trait, which will mean that failures below a 95 will only lightly injure a handful of friendlies at most, and won't even count as battle casualties.

We can put the next success towards our progress to becoming Justinian Trentz, Master of Magnetism.

"I realize that you have been through much, once the lot of you have your self control, I would like to share a meal with all of you, to celebrate your rehabilitation." you tell the dwarf.

"I hope to survive to that day, Commander." the dwarf replies, not sounding overly confident. The rest of the were minotaurs can be found scattered about the building, sloppily meditating, pacing the floor, one of them punching at his shadow, though his hands are more positioned for holding a knife than punching. Only one of them claims to have any amount of control, and that is the man from whom you infected the others. You set out from the ruined structure encouraged, though not overly pleased with their progress, and send a medicae to see to their injuries.
>cont'd

-----CQ-----

You spend the next few days mostly outside the city with the other elementalists training. You have a basic course set up, the intent being improving the focus of all of you to prevent any additional catastrophes due to elemetnalism going out of control on the battlefield. It is grueling, but mostly effective. When not training you are almost constantly with either Sansa, Kyria, Jayne or Laelith, or some combination of the group. Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha continues to integrate with normal society apace, though there aside from Sansa Kyria and yourself she seems either unable or unwilling to interact with anyone. In fact, she seems outright terrified of Lena and Laelith.

After three days Seventus passes, and Johan gives you the sheet containing his admission of guilt, and the name of every woman he wronged on it. Later that day, you receive the Seconds reply to your status update. It begins by congratulating you on your swift victory, and ensuring that your maniple will be properly rewarded for its heroism. He requests that you prepare a list of those who distinguished themselves above the rest as well. He then apologizes, before instructing you to replenish your forces from the other units in the city, and any volunteers you can muster, that you have one more task to complete before your maniple can return to DragonsReach. Your direct superior, Quintus Sulpicious, his left fists Thumb, and Spuria Vitellius, one of your peers in the left fist, are among the commanders moving to the front with their maniples. He informs you that while he cannot detail this mission on parchment for security reasons, once they arrive you will be informed of your mission. He closes stating that the return of the Loukys is something that he will need to discuss with you personally upon your return to DeragonsReach, and wishes you luck in your last battle of your current campaign.
>cont'd

-----CQ-----

You spend the next several days replenishing your troops, and manage to reach full strength for all of your imperial battalions by the evening before your scouts sight the relief column approaching.

>trait gained: Steady focus: any roll under a 95 will cause no noticeable, or quantifiable damage to yourself, or any friendly units.

>>14910516
We might want to relase the Skywings for this mission. They can go back to DragonsReach to replenish with our blessings.

>>14910578
Agreed. We'll still keep our offer open to their captain, though.

Who did well?
Wulf
Lena
Leath
The Pegasus Mercs (SkyWings was it?)
That Life elementaist (the woody one), also we need to get his name some time
The city guard(I think), the ones who had the wall on our side (north or south)
Collen

At lest thats the ones I remember
What do people think

>>14910617
there was a list someone made last thread, let me pull it up.

>>14910636
alright, the list:

>Blackbird and his men took out a few unit's worth of elven archers.

>Wulf had his light show.

>Lena and Laelith each took out several siege towers.

>Vine guy poisoned and killed a siege tower.

>Collin fought a Prince by himself.

>Gaius took on, then took *down*, four Uurlanthi knights by himself.

>Everyone fought First Age monstrosities and did not rout.

>>14910651
I think we should add the SkyWings (3 units)
but other than that I'm happy with that list

>>14910578
Second. We need to see if he'll agree to our offer of sponsorship, first.

>>14910617
Crestus (Vine Guy)
Gaius should be put up for a commendation for his holding of his section.
Lena and Wulf for commendations.

The City Guard should be put up for a civilian unit citation, since they're really a civilian force.

>>14910677
I agree.

>>14910677
Agreed with putting a commendation on the company banner for the Skywings. They're not proper Legion, so they wouldn't get any medals, but we can write up a letter of commendation for them.

>>14910651
Okay, that's the list for first-line commendations.

Let's have the captains of each company put forward anyone they feel displayed exemplary service for a service citation.

Voting to ride out to meet the approaching column.

Also, while we're still here in the city, I'd like to outfit all of the merc units we can with repeaters. I know it'll cost us a lot, but I think that the extra unexpected volume of fire they can provide will be worth it.

>>14910745
second

>>14910617

Ride out with a small group to greet the column.

Tempted to suggest Seventus be posthumously awarded something...

Even if he was scum, he DID throw himself, alone, in the path of several (was it 4 or 5?) enemy elites/special forces, preventing them from entering the city. He then fell in battle defending the city from abominations from another age.

But hey, I'm just trying to give the higher ups a bit to work with for propaganda.

Yeah, we should also mention to the Second that Seventus died in action, as well as including the list.

>>14910651
This is a good list for commendations, but I think Degrian should get one too. Little dude worked super hard on the defenses of the city along with his engineers. We shouldn't fail to commend him just because he didn't swing a blade like Gaius or light towers on fire like Laelith.

>>14910795
Agreed.

Now, let's ride out to meet the column.

>>14910745
I disagree with that. The cost would not be worth the temporary benefit. We're fine with what we have right now.

So, here's the plan for repeaters + mercs:
Step 1: Equip all mercs with repeaters.
Step 2: "Our bolts will blot out the sun!"
Step 3: Legionnaires advance under cover of Unlimited Repeater Works: Do you have enough bolts, King of Crossbows?
Step 4: Profit!

>>14910852
I disagree with your assessment.
Equipping our merc companies with repeaters gives us greater tractical flexibility, as they can then switch from using their spears and pikes to contain an enemy to raking an enemy formation pinned by a legionnaire company.
Also, with our air assets completely depleted, we need more ground-based AA to compensate.

>>14910857
You sure it's wise to just fork over repeaters to people who will leave our employ after this campaign? No guarantee we're going to get them back and if someone else gets their hands on it, they could start to reverse engineer their own.

You write down the names of most of the members of your retinue, and a good deal of your captains as well for commendation, then send out the orders to your captains to nominate any of the individual soldiers they feel are worthy of something as well. At that you saddle Spite, Sansa mounts Whiskey, Janye Stormcloud, and the finally revitalized Wulf a horse he borrowed from the stables. About an hours ride from the city you meet the column, at its head, a wiry red-headed man in black armor, its crimson trim forming an elaborate mural of the Second Emperors triumph over the final hold out of the Dragons Enforcers, the right arm of the plate armor a cahain sleeve, a longbow slung across the mans back. Riding to his right is a large, muscularly built woman in the simple armor of a Legionnaire, completely unembelished, save the helmet, which has a trio of steel crests running from the brow of it back all the way to the neck-guard. "Greetings, Commander Trentz" the formerhalf shouts once you are within earshot "I am High Commander Quintus Sulpicious, and the minx to my right is Spuria Vitellius." she shoots him a glare "would it be safe to assume that you have a place prepared for us to meet privately in the city?"

"Some introductions to those who rode out with you would be appreciated." Spuria adds, saluting in synch with the rest of the group.

>>14910886
Yes, I get that you disagree because you suggested the thing I said not to do.

I still think it's a bad idea. Expensive, only useful for one battle, could let slip the designs to the enemy as >>14910898
said.

Overall, no. We aren't filthy rich yet.

>>14910886

I'm more worried about the ability of our merc companies to effectively employ the ideas you've come up with.

A legionary unit would easily have the cohesion and discipline needed, but I can't help but feel that most merc units would just devolve into a confused rabble while trying to switch between ranged and melee.

>>14910898
We're not giving them to the merc companies like we did with the Skywings; we're equipping them with the repeaters and expect them to be returned at the end of the campaign.

>>14910916
"This is Lady Jayne Garland, captain of her House's uursan cavalry that is attached to my maniple.
"Sansa Kyrosh, my aide-de-camp. And Wulf, one of my leading combat elementalists."

>>14910916

"The former governor's mansion is currently in use as an asylum for several men whom contracted the were-bull disease and fought for us in a surprise attack, however, space can be found fast enough."

After that, introduce our cohorts and ride on.

>>14910916
Introduce Sansa, Jayne, and Wulf and then shake both their hands. Lead them back to the city to our briefing room and fill them in on the status on the way. They were coming to be a relief force, so the fact that they don't have any siege to break must be pretty mindboggling for them.

>>14910920
>>14910898
Alright, then what do we do about the city full of repeaters we have in Northmont?
Just confiscating all of the repeaters wouldn't be enough, since we had to distribute the plans to the bowyers in the city to have enough produced to equip the City Guard.

>>14910999
Give them to other crossbow units in the legion. We have two elite maniples who we just met and I bet they would jump at the chance for a tech upgrade.

>>14911016
And all of the bowyers who now know how to produce repeaters?

>>14911041
Less likely to sell it to the Uurlanth than mercs. Especially we kind of just did save their asses from the Uurlanth butchering them. Kind of why I thought the idea to mass produce them in the city was foolish but there's no point spreading it even more at this point. If we're lucky, we can just get the plans back and none of them made copies but I won't hold my breath.

>>14911041
Grab the plans back up, tell them not to make any more, and call it a day. Some things you can't do anything about. They were just under siege by Uurlanth and are very unlikely to spread it around. Even if they do, though, that doesn't mean that if one egg in a dozen is cracked you throw up your hands and throw the whole pack away. Which is exactly what we would be doing distributing repeaters to a bunch of sellswords.

You shake both of their hands as you turn Spite around to head back for the city "The loevely ladies accompanying me Are Lady Jayne Garlian" you begin, indicating Jayne with your hand "My aide de camp, Sansa Kyrosh, and the young man is my protege, and one of my most skilled elementalists, Wulf" they both nod, though Spuria looks rather nervous when you introduce Wulf. "As to a place to meet, there is a rather nice abandoned Villa I have been using for such meetings. The outbuildings are in poor shape, the liquor stores are empty, and the food is gone." you inform them as you ride "But we will not need the former, and can break into my personal reserve for the second, though, you will have to see to the third issue with the meeting place I fear."

Spuria shakes her head, sighing, though Quintus seems to perk up "Ah, I had hoped to share a glass or two with you, Commander Trentz. The rumors paint you to have excellent taste, and I do hope you do not disappoint."

Before long the three of you are gathered about a small table in what was once the library of the Villas main house. "Are we finally going to begin the important discussion?" Spuria asks as what had become an ongoing discussion on fine liquors between Quintus, Sansa and yourself winds down.

The red-headed man sighs, and stretches, his left arm clanging against the claymore crossed with his bow. "I suppose so. As I'm sure you are aware, Commander Trentz this front has been a rather bloody affair from the start, and not in the fun sort of way some your affairs no doubt began. Our Praetor has, to be blunt, tasked us with flanking and at the very least crippling, preferably destroying their next supply train, and any reinforcements moving with it. Do you have any questions?"

>>14911145
Where are we expected to intercept this supply convoy, and what kind of defenses can we expect?
From the sounds of it, it won't be any mere supply caravan.

Guesses at numbers, what sort of route they've been using for transport, camps along the path.

>>14911145
I have a hard time believing that three maniples are needed to take down a simple supply and reinforcement caravan. What's the catch?

Also, I think we should ask who is going to be in command and how much freedom we will have in our methods of operation? Point out that he has no doubt heard that we tend to operate... unconventionally at times, and would value the flexibility of operational freedom.

rolled 19 = 19

>>14911145
I can assume when you say "we" it also means you along with us. How far away is it, what defenses are there, and why is this supply train so important that they would send us after it. I don't think a simple supply train flanking would warrant three commanders of our skill to be taken down with the only reason being that it is a supply train to their front. One that can be lived without till the next, more secure, and defensible one arrives......

>>14911145

"Do we have any information on their supply train?
The enemy forces we have to flank?
Do either of you have elementalists, mages, or mystics in your forces?
Do you have a plan already or are we starting one from scratch here?"

If we need to start a plan from scratch, we need to have Blackbird in here.

You raise an eyebrow "By we, you mean all three maniples?" Quintus nods "Why do we need three maniples for a simple supply train ambush?" you press.

Spuria shakes her head, frowning "The enemy force is rather large, as are its supply trains and their guards."

You sigh again "Still, a large guard would require three of the best maniples the Legion has to offer?"

Quintus chuckles "Ahh, young love. No, something has been speeding along the training of the conscripted enemy forces, which have been gathering near TruthsHaven before departing. We have been seeing more sergeants and fewer levies. We do not, however, know what has been speeding the process along."

You nod "How much autonomy will we be acting with, as I'm sure you have heard, some of my tactics are rather, unorthodox."

Quintus scratches at his chin, pouring himself another drink "That depends entirely on how much you are willing to share, and what your plans are and how viable I judge them."

rolled 5 = 5

>>14911296
Firstly, how much do you know of us already? *pours ourselves another drink as well*

Repeaters?
Arcane?
Elementalists?
Deities?
Blackbird?
Autowagons?
Oh, and did I mention Deities?

Any that they don't say anything about, or if they don't elude to any of the things, we show them an example of each. The deities, they just have to take our word for.

"As you may have heard, we produce an advanced repeating crossbow design. More bolts in the sky, more dead bodies. We've made several very successful nighttime attacks in the past using moonseye paste of the old orc clans' design. As well, we have a large compliment of various elementalists raised from our own ranks, as well as a light mage I discovered before my original foray into Urlanthi territory."

>>14911296
First, ask if they've been briefed by the 2nd or another High Commander on the Uurlanthi's use of elementalists and mages, as well as invoking of divine assistance.
If not, it's time to give them some demonstrations.

Since we wanted to spread repeater technology amongst the Legion, introduce repeater crossbows amongst their Scouts and Ranger companies.

>>14911296
Fair enough, toast the man. He's open minded and willing to listen, and our mission should be... well, hopefully relatively straightforward. We'll obviously be getting more details when we arrive at the combat area... which itself is probably not determined yet, as supply trains move.

>>14911296

"Might I send for one of my... men... with relevant talents in this area?" If allowed, send someone to get Blackbird in here.

Inform them that the gods are back. One goddess sent spirits of fallen heros to aid in the breaking of the Uurlanthi siege, while the goddess of love manifested upon our very walls to create Vi.

Also explain the capabilities of our various elementalists, demonstrating if needed.

Informing them of the repeaters might also be useful.

These two should have the same security clearance as Trentz, so I say hold nothing back. (except where it involves us keeping Uurlanthian... refugees)

You fill your own glass again, and toast the man, "What would you like for me to share, I'm certain you have heard at least a few stories, perhaps I can-"

"Has any of it been properly tested and proven safe for our legionaries? I am no foe of progress, but the rate at which you have been advancing, is, in all honesty, foolish at the very best." Spuria cuts you off, clearly more than a little agitated.

"I would be interested in your wagons, and perhaps the crossbows you have developed, as to the arcane, I fear that I must side with Spuria. I have seen far too many budding elementalists or new-found mages wreak untold havoc on both their own side, and their foes during my last deployment to fully trust them yet. As to the rumors of the divine, you are brave to deal with them, if you tell the truth, however..." Quintus trials off, taking another drink from his cup.

I would say that we shouldn't mention the Goddesses who tapped in on the battle until we know more about these two. The woman at least seems fairly uncomfortable with the arcane, she might be old guard.

>>14911421
Fair enough, we shouldn't push this. He's our commanding officer at the moment, after all. Let them look over the repeaters and demonstrate what they do and how they are simply normal mechanical things.

We can show him our wagons too, but I don't know if he will want them.

Don't bother with selling them on the arcane now, their minds have been made up already. This goes double with the gods, don't even bring it up. Especially Vi. Don't even mention her.

>>14911421
Just smile and change the subject, ask how the front has held up while we were here fighting.

>>14911421
"The main problem that I have encountered with the arcane is that anyone of sufficient strength to be of use, is also a danger to their allies without proper control.
"There is no means of reducing the risks of combat elementalists except by constant and rigorous training.
"You many not want to deploy any, however, given the Uurlanthi penchant for working their elementalists to death and taking advantage of the extreme amounts of destructive power they can unleash via such practices, I don't see any way to counter them except by deploying elementalists of our own.
"Now the repeater crossbow is easier. I can show you examples, and if we have the time, have more manufactured.
"The auto-wagons, unfortunately, are still difficult to manufacture. If we had a few weeks, we might be able to make more, but the primary components can only be constructed by my head engineer."

>>14911421
"For the wagons we will have to train some of your men to maintain. Just having a maintenance handbook won't be good enough, as the wagons are complicated devices. The bright side to this is being able to maintain one means being able to make more of them as needed. As for arcanists, ours are well trained. I have come across several training tools and manuals, one of which belonging to the late Lord Blentus actually outlined several weaknesses and pitfalls the manuals I found previous made no mention of. Our eternal foes in the cult of the lordfathers left us a treasure trove of arcane information as well. Once we've filed through what works and what doesn't, likely you'll see a modernized field training manual for each of the arcanist types."

>>14911512
I don't know if these two have been briefed on the Cult by the 2nd so I'm leery of mentioning it to them.

However, I second the mentioning that we are preparing a training manual for combat elementalists.

You smile and begin to explain your mundane advancements to the pair. Spuria does warm up to the repeaters after a demonstration, and defers to Quintus when he orders her to utilize the autowagons for the journey to the ambush point, a few days east of Steelfort, which is still holding out. However, after Degrian begins explaining the workings of the wagons an d how difficult they are to maintain they are, he rejects your gracious offer to share the plans for them. By the end of the week all three mainiples are ready to depart for the ambush point.

>i gotta get to my homework, so I'm gonna call it here
>someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9pm server time
>if you have and CQ/setting questions just email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com