Let's hit up Janos first. Curious to see what he has to say and I guess we can give him some things to think about.

>>16184391
sounds like a plan, we do need updates on what's happened in the city

>>16184364
Ok,business before pleasure I think, so talk to Janus first. I'd like to see what we can spend for our temple construction.

>>16184391

Yea, we need a quick update on whats happened since we left the capital. Then we go see what the girls are up to. I'd say Catalina first.

General status report I guess. We've been away from home for a long time.

You dismount Spite, and, with a quick command, send the beast off towards his stall in your stable. "Janos, my friend, how can I help you?"

The man chuckles, and accepts your proffered handshake "It would be a better question to ask how I can help you. Would you care to join me in one of your meeting rooms?"

You smirk and motion to SAnsa to see the maniple peacfully back to their barracks "Of course, my frined."

Inside the office Janos has, and, apparently still does, use when working you see a map, and several sheets of parchment. "Would you like to begin with the Temple, the Dragon Keeps, your finances, or your other ventures?" he asks you, standing behind his desk.

>>16184637
Temple, Keeps, finances, other

>the offered order :D

>>16184688
Yeah might as well. In terms of things we should suggest to Janos, we need to update him on the temples and deals we've made with the gods, suggest the investment into mines and using earth elementalists to make them useful quicker, and I still think we should fund some exploration if we have the cash.

You smirk "The temple first, I suppose. We can move on from there after you bring me up to speed."

Janos nods "Rufus, in his efforts to restore the priesthood to Neshai managed to see to the restoration of Neshais cloister in the Temple to the Ten. Our monetary contribution made it possible, so you reneged on no agreements. Eago and Garagush's cloisters are over halfway restored, and will simply need priests to complete the restoration. Do you know which cloisters will be restored next yet?"

You nod "As appeasement to the god and goddess that were angry with me it will be Lamynus and Eagos cloisters next." you force a laugh "I would hope that the structure less than ten minutes ride from the Dragonbone Palace will be close enough to the wealthy to satisfy Eago."

Janos mimics your laugh "It is nestled in one of the wealthiest parts of the city. I will see it done. Next..."

"The keeps, if you will, my friend."
>cont'd

Janos nods, and motions to the map before him "I have denoted the four most suitable standing keeps for us to restore. All would require 100000 dragoons to purchase. repairs would cost more of course. the northmost is but a few hours from Northmont as the valkerie flies, less than half a week on foot. It is also the most rundown and has the largest amount of still usable underground passageways remaining. The Keep at the head of the Boredoth is in the best shape, and is the most difficult to assail. It has a gate to either side of the mighty river, and is a hard days ride by valkerie from DragonsReach, a week at the most between the river and roads."

Janos pauses to take a breath as he moves his hand to point at the next keep to the south "The keep to its south is in better shape than the northmost, though otherwise the same. the fly there is the same, though a ride would be a few days longer to reach DragonsReach. The southmost is half a days fly from DragonsReach, though the ride is arduous and long to say the least. It is in much the same condition as the northmost, though it lacks the underground passages, and is even easier to assail." the man finishes, before taking a drink from the cup of water that had been resting on his desk.

>>16185094
I'm thinking either the run down one with lots of underground tunnels or the one at the head of the river. Ask Janos if there are any sources of water near the northern most one - it'll be hell to repair but those underground passages could be verrrry useful. Especially if any of them are decently hidden. If there are sources of water nearby, perhaps we can aqueduct some to the keep and be good in terms of that.

If not, I say we pick the one at the head of the river so our forces would not have to worry about water in any siege events. Although I guess that wouldn't help much against the undead.

>>16185208
Actually a fair point that was mentioned in the thread. On top of asking about any other sources of water near the keeps, we should get Janos to take some of our more experienced earth elementalists to look for resources near the keeps.

>>16185208
remember that underground passages also mean more area to defend. That is how we attacked the cult dwarf's main force in our first campaign.

Personally, I like Keep B, as it seems like something I'd build in dwarf fortress.

>>16185072
>>16185094
Hmm, based on your findings I think that choice C close to the main road between Highpass and Lowpass is the best choice.

1) Close to a main road. If we are going to build a school there, transport/communication will be important. Also it could become a waypoint for trade between the cities.
2) Its deep inside Degnar. Means it won't be attacked easily by Uurlanth.

A is too easily attacked by Uurlanth or by the cult as the greatest sign of them was in the north. B is too isolated. D has too few benefits.

>since it was asked in the irc I'll extrapolate on the forts a bit to help things along.

>all the forts have some underground passages, its just that a's abundance and d's lack thereof were the most notable.

>defisibility wise it would go b (at 9/10), c (at 6/10), a (at 4/10) and then d (at 2/10) this takes into account position, towers, walls, gates, ect. All three are a good deal more defensible than an average city

>>16185306

Good points.
+1 vote for C

-1 vote for B.

though I doubt we're in a position to buy one of these right now...

>>16185094

My vote's for C but we don't have to decide now.

I'd say we send a small team of elementalist, earth, water, life with some skywing riders to survey the keeps to get more info.

>>16185094
b or c sounds fine to me

>>16185465
Before we settle on any, we should send out people to survey each location for any nearby resources though. No need to pick yet. Just inform Janos of that and then let him move on. Then we can ask him other questions like if any mercs have been asking for Lord Helmet. Might as well ask him about the assassin's and their house as well. And give him a heads up that there are Uurlanth assassins.

>>16185493

oh god, yes. we do need more info on that noble house...

and I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to warn Janos about the existence of those two... if we're not going to convert them both and have them jump out of a fake cake on him...

You nod "The two central keeps catch my attention, though I will need to send a team to more thoroughly investigate each for nearby resources. How go my finances?"

Janos smirks "You currently have 250000 dragoons, though it was quite a bit more before I finished the payments for the restoration work I have been seeing to. And as to the survey teams, do you wish for me to organize those, or will you do so?"

As you think, in order to buy time, you reply " It is good to know that my funds remain healthy. What has my overall income been?"

Janos shrugs "It has been holding at nearly this amount for nearly a month now. When you begin recunstruction of your keep I will need to adjust how quickly I spend again, and the average level of funds will lower, but not terribly, as much of the work will require Elementalists to do properly. A sort of labor you will have a monopoly on most likely, as folk of those talents will be training and living in that fortress once it is ready for use."

You smile, nodding contentedly "And my other ventures?"

Janos smile remains as he answers "You now have nearly 30 ex Imperius Excolo agents guarding your academy, which now has a trio of arcanist detecting crystals to use. They were surprisingly inexpensive to purchase, as their use was still thought to have died long ago. You will need to ask Daeseu about his efforts, as we have had very little time to converse with each other."

>>16185740

"Are those two back yet? I would love to speak to both of them and see that they are safely home."

Methinks it might be time to actually push forward ourselves as the seventh. We're gonna need funding keep this pace of development.

>>16185740

Survey teams: Janos should at least get the ball rolling with that, as we currently don't know how much time we have before next assignment.

How have Janos's ventures been going? Since we seem to be well off, perhaps his personal ventures could use a bit of extra funding?

>>16185825
Indeed. Might also be worth pitching the ideas of the mines and such to him.

>>16185775
I think the seventh is a done deal. It just hasn't been announced.

>>16185740
How about a preliminary assessment of Flumenos property for Lamynus? See if its cheaper to repair former temples or buy empty land and build on it? We don't have to be quick on this, just show continious progess and it will be acceptable.

Are we really in a hurry to move in? That is quite an investment, might as well check all angles. The abundance of nearby resources is a start.

>>16185879

This. We must not forget our end of the deal.

>>16185932
Well the sooner we have the location, the sooner we can get it repaired for the future. Hopefully Janos can get teams out and back before we leave for the next campaign but we'll see.

You sigh "So the elf is still the only of the two we sent away on that mission to return as of yet?"

Janos nods "Indeed. and he has been hard at work ever since his wounds were tended too."

Pursing your lips you continue onwards "I will let you see to the survey teams. Useful creatures, water and lodes of ore are all things that should be made note of. In addition, inquirys should be made as to open properties, or properties previously held by the priesthood of Lamynus in Flumenos should be made eventually."

Janos nods "Another deal struck?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

You pour yourself a cup of water from his pitcher and, after drinking from it, reply "A recompense paid." after a brief pause you begin "Now, what do you know of house Hernanda?"

Janos shrugs "A solid, old house. Lord Horatio is a solid, old-minded man. I courted his youngest daughter for a short time, but she found me... uninteresting. However, she did prove quite useful to me in my efforts to insight this war I have come to both love and hate." he sighs ruefully "Never has such a poor idea provided me with such a happy result." when he sees your raised eyebrow, he shakes his head and continues "Their assassins are quite skilled, and intelligent. A poor enemy to have made, I fear."

You smirk "I had captured Lady Alicias betrothed, but she decided to forcibly exchange him for a set of twins from her Shadow Guard."

Janos pales "They... they heard nothing of me, did they? I have just now finalized the purchase of the Villa you gifted me with, and my endeavors at the pits are just now beginning to bear their full fruit..."

>>16186213
"Of course not. You think I'd be foolish enough to mention you to them? I just wanted to give you a warning ahead of time so you can be careful while we're around. I remember you saying you melted down your old helmet - it might be time for Lord Helmet to have a new look."

Also, tell him about investing in old, destroyed mines.

>>16186213

"[mystic name] found their minds easy to read and found no information of the sort, my friend. If you like, I can have him search again specifically for such information, though."

>>16186213
"I do not believe so. Aurelius has been wrist deep in their heads since they came to me, so I'm sure he would have said something if they knew. While they are around, I'll make sure to call you by your taken name.

Also, Aurelius has discovered through them a way to end this war quickly. What can you tell me about the SteelCoast(IronCoast?) lords?"

>>16186304
This sounds good to me.

You chuckle "Of course not, my friend. I am no fool, and thanks to Autronius' efforts, I know that they know nothing of you, and assume you dead if anything."

Janos sighs relief "I suppose i will need to have a new mask forged... quietly. Perhaps one with gold this time."

as your chuckle dies, your face sets into a vicious grin "What can you tell me of the IronCoast Lords?"

Janos looks to you quizzically "Violent, levelheaded, wealthy enough... I will need some time to gather my information on them, if you need a report however. Have you any other business for me? My Lady expects me later this eve." he grins sheepishly as he finishes.

>>16186554

Look into finding a possible temple for the whore in Flumenos.

>>16186554
"Oh, yes, information on any abandoned or collapsed mines within distance of the forts. They could be an extra source of valuable metals, as well as good training exercises for earth elementalists. I had a lot of free time on campaign to think of ways to make elementalism profitable..."

>>16186595
he's already on that one.

>>16186608
Second. Also, ask if the mercs arrived that we let go during our campaign.

You smirk "Aside from making sure that even nearby abandoned mines are checked for by the survey teams, no. Enjoy your night my friend."

Janos smiles, salutes you, and heads from the room, a spring in his step. You follow the man closely, though once you enter the courtyard to your barracks complex, you stop while he heads to meet his other half at their horses. Looking about, you see Lena and Catalina resting beneath a tree, the latters meager possessions at her feet. The two of them perk up when they notice you exit the building, though Sansa does the same. You sigh and look back and forth between the two, unsure of which to go to first.

>>16186792

Lena and Catalina first.
Wait, call Sansa over and we can help both of them with their problem.

Sansa's been waiting longer. Don't want to piss off one of our wives, now.

>>16186792

Sansa first. I expect it's about work.

Check up with Sansa.

>>16186792
Talk to Sansa first.

>>16186792
I say Lena and Cat. I imagine they're wondering where she's supposed to stay and all. Should be quick.

Smiling, you make your way over to Sansa "How can I help you, love?"

She chuckles, planting a kiss on your cheek as she falls into step with you "First, your debriefing will be tomorrow at midday in the Firsts secondary office. The message arrived while you were speaking with Janos."

You smirk, and, slowly making your way to Lena and Catalina answer "Interesting, he normally waits longer before holding those."

Sansa nods "Quite. Now, that aside, several of your old mercenary contracts found us while you were with Vohzd Lennis' people. Looking for a long-term contract. The elves, if I recall correctly."

You sigh "Well, they were a useful group, though it would have been nice if I had been around to speak with them."

Sansa nods "I agree, though they said they will try to contact you again before teh summer ends."

You raise an eyebrow "Do they intend to infiltrate our wedding? There is very little left to the summer."

Sansa chuckles "I would not object a few more less loftlily placed guests. The nobles can be so very... boring, to drink with." she pouts "Speaking of drinking, I overheard some of the men planning for a night out with you some time before our wedding. And..."

"And?"

"And?" you ask, momentarily slipping mentally.

Sansas pout deepens "and Jayne gets to go on political outings with you, Laelith can train with you, Kyria works with you regularly with her runes, but me..." you raise an eyebrow, and the girl huffs indignantly before mumbling "I was hoping to join the group when you left for the taverns..."

>>16187291
"All you had to do was ask, love. I don't see why you couldn't."

If she's done, let's see what's up with Lena and Cat

>>16187291
"Tradition demands such a night be done by men only Sansa. However, you are right and I haven't had the chance to spend much time with you. Perhaps a day out in the city with just the two of us to make up for it? Maybe we can finally figure out what that blasted drink is as well."

>>16187325
?
The guys are more likely to be taking us out to a bachelor party; bringing Sansa along would kill that.

>>16187360
seconding this. I'm guessing it's frowned upon to bring your fiance to your own bachelor party

Girls night out anyone? With Sansa leading?

>>16187360
Seconding this

>>16187393
>>16187360

These two sound great.

I can't image the trouble they'll get into.

You sigh, before kissing the girl again "As much as I would love to have you along my dear, tradition frowns upon having..." you chuckle "one, of your fiances along for sucha night." when her face begins to fall, and gaze shift groundwards, you gently rest your hand under her chin "However, it would be cruel to do nothing with you, my love. Let us say, three days after the men of the command staff take on whatever journey of celebration they have planned for me I will spend a night about the city with you. No one else, just the two of us."

Sansa smiles, sheepishly, and kisses you on the cheek "I knew it was foolish to ask for your leave to attend that particular night with you... but I got what I wanted."

You laugh heartilly "I am begining to fear that I am influencing you too much."

Sansa joins your mirth "Perhaps so... but I do not mind that. Perhaps we will even discern what that damned delicious mystery drink is." You hear a crash from one of the dormitories, and Sansa sighs warily "I suppose I will have to see to that."

Realizing just how lucky you are to have someone like Sansa to help you run the maniple, youmake your way over to Leana and Catalina "It seemed that the two of you were looking for me before. How can I help you?"

Lena smirks "Aside from reassuring Catalina that she is allowed a room in the officers dormitory, will be paid, and accepted as a citizen when her tour is over... we were hoping to go to the archives in the Palace. And, see if Catalina will need to do any training at your academy."

>>16187393
...Not sure if want...

If they do, we should remind them to be very careful, we still have plenty of enemies in the capital, and all of them together and drinking and out on the town would make a very tempting target.
In more ways than one...

>>16187540
"Absolutely, yes. I should have access to deep archival entries now, so I will help you with that part when you want to go. Would you like me to show you to the officer's dorms?"

>>16187586
Second

>>16187586
Sounds fine, second.

>>16187586
Can't think of anything else to say.

You smile warmly, as you respond "Every word is true, and of course I would be willing to help you. Now, do you want to delve into the deeper archives, or those that most citizens are unable to access?"

Catalina and Lena look at each other, before the former responds "The deeper archives." as the three of you enter the officers dormitories.

You nod as you point out to the girls which rooms are available. Catalina eventually settles on Lenas old room before the three of you set off for the palace. "The city is so clean..." Catalina marvels as you make your way down the streets.

You hear Laelith chuckle from behind you "It shocked me at first as well. The corruption is still there, just hidden better, unfortunately." Laelith smirks at your surprised face "You didnt truly believe that I would allow you to go to the archives without me, did you love?"

>so, what do you want to search the archives for then?

>>16187845
Search the archives for runes and runesmithing texts. Kyria will need them for further development of the anti-mage bolts that we want.

>>16187845
"Cause I'd like to expand our knowledge of the known world a bit. See if we can't find any accounts of finding other lands across the seas."

>>16187863
>>16187872
>kinda need a tiebreaker here...

>>16187845
Let's go pick up some more rune texts.

Something we should have Kyria look into is runes to maintain things at a certain temperature, and possibly some kind of stasis rune. This will allow for: protection of samples for various plants and shit to make poisons, medecines and all that jazz, better storage of food (could make us a lot of money, and make seiges a lot easier to defend against, plus helping on that exploration voyage), and several other ideas that need some work but could be very... Fun. In the best DF sense of the word.

>>16187872
Second

....fuck it, let's do both.

>ya know, if you wanna do both, just roll for searching the archives twice

rolled 49 = 49

>>16188049
Rolling for runes.

As much as I would like to go into the archives for new and interesting factoids, runes take priority.

rolled 84 = 84

my roll then

rolled 48 = 48

>>16188078
FUCK

rolled 17 = 17

....Botch?

>>16188096
sure

rolled 1 + 19 = 20

Test

I'm surprised were botching something this far out of combat. Though given our luck with dice I wouldn't be surprised if a shelf falls on us.

>>16188276

Actually. Our very first out of combat roll required a botch.

Hee.

>>16188284
That's right, when we first tried to recruit Sansa.

You chuckle "I suppose I should have been surprised that you did not know our plans the moment we made them, love."

Laeliths smile deepens "It is nice to know that you believe me so powerful."

Catalina looks confused so Lena explains to her "Lealith may be a skilled combatant, but what she truly loves are tomes, archives, and pursuing knowledge." The silver-haired girl nods, still confused, but believing Lenas words nonetheless.

-----CQ-----

The stay in the archives went quite late. Then again, it started late as well, as it took some time for Catalina to get used to what she described as a massive source of power surrounding her, like water does a ship at sea. You do not know what the girls were searching for, but Catalina seemed to be quite happy with their findings. You found a small stack of tomes for Kyria to go through, but, just as you were finishing checking them out of the archives, you were nearly scared senseless by Catalina using the power exuded by the massive skeleton you are underneath to appear seemingly from thin air behind you at the desk. After that you find more than one tome about the Great rebellion. Most of it is legend, but you are able to confirm that the loyal remnants of the Dragons Armies did flee both directly north through the tundra past the DragonsSpines and across the sea, and directly south from the IronSpine mountains. It is a well known fact that no corpses were found on the Tundra, and that no corpses were carried by the currents back to the coasts occupied by the Dweomer Duchy. Saving that, the five thousand years of plagues, famines, and wars has kept the folk of Kataraksia in the area of their homelands since then.

Sighing contentedly as the four of you begin the walk back to your barracks, Catalina asks "So, Justinain, what did you search for in the archives?"

>so, anything else you want to do before you hit your debriefing, or just get right to it after this bit?

>>16188364

"I'll tell you show me what you checked out."

Might be time to drop by Rufus to see hows he doing. Or Find Daeseu.

>>16188364
I think we should skip to the debriefing. It's already too late to do much today, and there's not really enough time to do anything in-depth before our meeting tomorrow.

>>16188364
"Oh this and that, a few rune books for kyria. Nothing much."

Timeskip to debreifing.

>>16188406
second, though we will need to introduce catalina to rufus before we leave the capitol

>>16188364
"Clues to a bigger world. I wanted to see if there were accounts of others finding foreign continents. I did find some promising evidence of there being other lands, but no solid stories of others seeing them. I think once this war is over I'd like to fund some exploration vessels to see if we can find more out there, purely for scientific reasons. Also, I looked for some more runic research materials for Kyria."

>>16188433
>>16188411
either one of these are fine with me

You chuckle "Some material for Kyria, and, perhaps, clues to a larger world."

Laelith sighs "Oh Justinain, would that you could stop at reforming the government, politicking with the gods and saving Degnar from its foes almost highhandedly."

Lena shakes her head "He would not be the Commander if he could."

You chuckle "And what did you ladies search for?"

Lena shrugs "We found resources for Catlaina to teach from if need be, or further her knowledge with. Nothing specific. And I returned the tomes on arcane foci. Using them is a terrible idea, and a grand mistake. I am honestly glad that Uurlanth is leaning towards them."

Catalina tilts her head "How so?"

The redheaded girl turns to face her, but is surprised when Catalina gracefully steps in front of the group, and continues to walk with the rest of you, facing Lena. Shaking off her surprise, the mage continues "They are far too simplistic, and restrictive in the aid they provide the caster. It is much, much, much harder to know when an overcast will be explosive, and they make the mage soft."

"Soft?" you ask, intrigued.

Lena chuckles "Were I not constantly training physically to better focus my magic, and jumping around like a fool in battle in my attempts to cast faster yet, do you think I would be able to keep pace with Wulfs soldiers constitution? Let alone for a week..."

Laelith chuckles "Your week is nothing girl, trust me."
>cont'd

The mage turns up her nose in mock indignation, which she ruins when she glances down her nose, clearly searching for any hurt or offense in the elfs features as she replies "We shall see, old one."

So it is to the sounds of mirth that the group travels on into the night.

-----CQ-----

The next day, you and Sansa find yourselves in the Firsts office, Gabriel, Malcius and Vibius standing with you, as well as their aides. "Congratulations are in order, for multiple reasons." the praetor greets the group gathered before him. "However, before that can be seen to, I will here the specifics of your campaign."

Malcius nods "Thank you, sir. I do believe that it would be best for Jsutinian to begin, as his input and arcane aid is what kept us on this side of oblivion on several occasions." The other commanders nod in agreement.

>>16188671
Outline for the Praetor the opposing lords and their force composition. Give brief summaries of the battle we fought.
Report in detail on Uurlanthi advances in magic applications on the battlefield, and of their aerial troop tactics that we are currently experimenting with to see if they may be useful.
Then provide what intel that Autronius has been able to rip from the prisoners, and the information regarding the Iron Coast Lords.

>>16188671
Alright, give him a good rundown of what happened, including the capture of Lord Ramos, our suggestion to publicly execute him for ordering necromancy and being a horrible human being, the decision of his daughter to work for us, us capturing Vistyek, and his escape, but most importantly, the information we got from the twins. Grin like a madman and tell him that if we hit the iron coast lords now, we can end the war.

>>16188707

Probably have to include that the uurlanthi might be using these tactics to some degree in the future thanks to the escape of the enemy leader.

>>16188726
I've been meaning to bring it up, but I don't think we should trust that information so implicitly. Just because the twins believe that information to be true, doesn't make it actually true.
We haven't received independent confirmation of it, and so we should recommend that we attempt to verify it first before acting upon it.

>>16188746
We should also say that the Lady Hernanda has been fighting the Cult as well and that she has claimed to have cleared a few areas in Uurlanth of the Cult.

I think this can mean two things. One, we have allies of a sort against the cult. Or, the cult has pulled back their forces, like in the Duchy

>>16188791
Three, that's what they want us (her included) to think.

Four, that's what they (including her) want us to think.
Etc etc etc.
Oh paranoia, you make politics so much fun.

The praetorian clears his throat, silencing the two of you "So long as she serves her seven years in your maniple, she is welcome. Though I do wonder how many more weddings you will have before you are finally done."

You chuckle "Not even the gods can be certain, Dominu." after the laughter from that particular joke dies down you continue "Raul Vistyek, some minor Lordling unlikely to inherit his family seat, was stolen from my grasp by a pair of assassins sent by his betrothed, Alicia Hernanda. The latter aims to displace her siblings for the family seat. Successful or no, we can expect the Uurlanth to continue to advance warfare as we are."

The praetorian takes a drink from his cup "How exactly was this lordling stolen from you, Commander?"

>>16188908
"Would you believe Hernanda told her assassins to take his place to be my captives? Because they did. And because of this, my mystic has been able to garner some interesting information. If it's true, we may well be able to end this war very soon. IF it's true."

>"How exactly was this lordling stolen from you, Commander?"
Honestly? Because we were idiots and forgot to make a cage without a door. Can't pick a lock if there is no lock.

>>16188958
Pretty much this then

>>16188908

"Two assassins awaited our force's victory celebration after the destruction of the enemy force, infiltrated the camp, killed the soldiers guarding the boxed captive, and escorted him out of the camp. They then placed themselves into the box, offering themselves as a replacement for the freed lordling."

>>16188908
"Lady Hernanda's assassins were equipped with lock-breaker arcana, and were skilled enough to evade our patrols and slipped through our defensive perimeter after combat operations in the area had ceased.
"They say that they were ordered to take Vistyek's place as my prisoners, and that Lady Hernanda is still willing to pay ransom for them.
"Through interrogation and use of my staff mystic, I have learned from them that the Iron Coast Lords may present a weak point in the Uurlanthi war-host. Verification of that intelligence is still on-going, however."

"Further interrogation revealed that the twins were sent to gather whatever information they could, on Degnar in general and on me in particular, while they are in captivity. I have already confiscated the arcana that they use to communicate with their lady.

"I take full responsibility for letting Raul Vistek slip out of my fingers, sir."

>>16189044
second

You sigh "The two assassins that freed him had been waiting for several days after our victory and their allies fled. On the eve of our victory celebration, they killed the guards surrounding the box I had the man in, saw him safely from our camp, then returned to his prison to take his place."

Your superior looks at you, clearly quite confused "Why would they do that?"

You shrug, and sigh "Their Lady has some sense of fairness or honor. either way, they provided tome interesting intelligence. Mainly that their Lady is working to combat a... mutual foe." The other commanders show various tells, mostly to confusion or curiosity. "However, my mystic was able to lift from their minds that the Breakwater, ShadowPeak, and Swamp Lords are all militarily finished for the war."

The Praetorian smiles, lightly, but it is there "I will have to confirm this, but it would seem that a strike at the IronCoast Lords would bare their western border. That could force them to concede this war." The man pauses, and shuffles though his desk before finding a report near the middle of what you can only assume are the ones he freshly received today. After glancing through it, his smile becomes full-fledged "It would seem that your assassins' knowledge was correct. Commander Trentz, with your report, I just may have my plan for the four of you after your peers finish theirs. Excellent work."
>cont'd

-----CQ-----

After Vibius, Gabriel and Malcius finish their reports, the Praetorian sits, and motions for the four of you to do the same "first, the four of you are being moved into my Right Fist." he pauses "It would be correct to assume that I am declaring for the new guard, politically. This is how I am going to announce that, by removing the Old Guard Commanders from my more prestigious Right Fist." for several minutes, the man allows the four of you to shower him with thanks. Eventually he continues "As to my plan for the four of you, in a months time you will depart for Flumenos, and from there, I will have several ships take you to the Duchy port at Suthpon. From there you will lend your support to the renewed siege of Estrok. Except for you, Commander Salvius. your maniple will remain with the fleet, to ensure that our naval connection to the Duchy is not severed." he pauses again before adding "You will not need all three of your over-worked maniples to man the wall, I would suggest you rotate amongst yourselves. During that time I will work to coordinate a strike to eliminate the IronCoast Lords as a threat."

>>16189149
What are the reports concerning the current siege of Estrok? Have the Uurlanthi deployed any specific arcana or elementalism that we have been able to identify?

>>16189149

"...'renewed siege milord? And what of raven and owl?"

>>16189229

>I derped. those were internal communiques with Janos

Replace with some reference to our operation or something.

>>16189149
"I assume your Right Thumb will remain where he is, then? (referring to the shadow mage commander, correct me if I'm wrong.) He's an alright fellow in my book."

You look confused "Renewed Siege, Dominu? what of... our agents?"

The Praetorian sighs "High Commander Lucretius was unable to recover them. The King had decided to see to his lordlings initiative. Lucretius was left no choice but to flee for his life, and those of his men. I am truly sorry, Justinain. As to the siege, a detachment of the kings forces is now seeing to it, fairly competently, and pressingly, but it will not a be a quick thing."

Malcius tilts his head "Why are we going by sea? Why not overland?"

The praetoian looks to the man sighing as he replies "The southern front is not the same stalemate as the northern. You would not be able to reach Wethron through our foes. And, sailing is faster than marching." the man smirks "Might I suggest that you set your engineer to creating something useful for naval warfare, Commander Trentz?"

Gabriel looks over at you "I am a bit surprised that you are taking the lads death so well, Justinain. You seemed close to him."

You shrug "I have it on good word that he yet lives."

The praetorian sighs "I had hoped to address it with you privately, but I do as well. Rumors through our intelligence networks of a 'Nomad Lord' traveling Uurlanth, looking for support. He seems to leave naught but chaos in his wake however, and never seems able to rouse more than a few young, albeit promising knights to his cause."
>sont'd

You smirk "It is good to know that the lad is doing well, I suppose."

The praetorin nods in agreement "The four of you are the most functional, effective team of commanders I have had for quite some time. I wish you all fortuitous luck, and place my trust in you." the man stands, grinning "Now, if you woudl excuse me, my wife informed me last night that the formal garb I have for my office here is in no way appropriate for Commadner Trentzs wedding. I am to meet her shortly to rectify that. dismissed."

>well,. thats it for tonight
>someone archive please
>I'll be back Thursday at 9pm server time (online classes have seemingly randomly scheduled online lectures. Wont be able to run Tuesday)