>>46435929
>Carry on observing

>>46435929
>>Carry on observing
we need to gather more information regarding these artifacts and how they can affect us.

>>46435929
>Carry on observing

>>46435929
>Carry on observing
but maintain a small force of soldiers just in case one or the other decides to turn their attentions to us

>>46435963
You decide to watch a while longer. Once you have real information, you may change your mind, but for now moving is still too risky.

Meanwhile, your men are growing restless. The Hellraisers are loyal to a fault, and do not question their intense training as long as they are kept fed and together, but the minions have become hard to control. Those who are allowed to live in their hometowns and see their families, or at least visit a house of ill repute, are content, but many are displace to the fortress, or other lands as needed. Marigold suggests disciplining what she refers to as 'whiners' with hard labor and restriction. Sophia would sooner see them given time off, organized so that no fortification or outpost is ever undermanned, but allowing those who are too tightly wound to cool down.

Marigold is certain this will only lead to complacency, but Sophia has years of command under her belt, and assures you it is the best way to avoid trouble.

>Knuckle down
>Let them indulge
>Other

>>46436247
>>Other
Give them a rotating 2 days(a weekend basically) off with family, and have them return to a tough regime set out by us and Marigold.
Time for our forces to become all elite.

>>46436247
>>46436286
Shall second this.

>>46436247

>>46436286
Sounds good

>>46436247
>>46436286
I like this plan

>>46436286
maybe not too soon, but perhaps, one month on the field and outposts and they get two weeks of vacation.

>>46436286
You allow for a rotating schedule, wherein minions are given two days to relax and five to work. This alleviates some of the stress on them, but many are too far from civilization to do much else but sleep in and drink themselves stupid. Still, it's a significant change.

Unfortunately, the commanders begin to have trouble drilling the minions at more distant outposts. They seem to thrive entirely for their days off, with productivity peeking near the middle of the workweek, and nearly falling off entirely in days before their rest. You give the commanders orders to crack down on this behavior, but they themselves seem to be falling victim to it to a degree, so while you are able to stifle the degradation of your fighting force, you cannot prevent it without omnipotence.

As winter draws to a close, the fighting men of Solaris and Hielon begin pumping themselves up for battle once more. While you cut prices at the start of the season, you lost a great deal of projected profit. Perhaps you might raise prices once more, to bleed your rivals dry before stepping in yourself.

>Keep prices low, earning the trust of both nations
>Raise prices modestly, raising revenue and lowering trust mildly
>Raise prices high, greatly raising revenue and lowering trust
>Cut off supplies, crippling both armies production, but eliminating all trust

>>46436594
>Keep prices low, earning the trust of both nations
Profit is nice, but having them fight themselves into exhaustion is nicer. We cut off the supply when they're both about to collapse.

>>46436594
>>Raise prices modestly, raising revenue and lowering trust mildly
But send envoys out to bob to state why.

>>46436594
>>Keep prices low, earning the trust of both nations

how is the super weapon project coming?

>>46436594
>Keep prices low, earning the trust of both nations
And then we try to convert both sides to our side.

>>46436641
You keep prices as they are. You're essentially giving away these supplies, but with them the two nations are driven harder to succeed, with full bellies and well made equipment.

As spring comes into it's own, Duncan reports in again, This time with more valuable news.

"My dark lord. My spies in Solaris have notified me of a large caravan moving toward the front. It is heavily guarded, but as much as we can determine there is only one piece of cargo. There are no nobles out of place, so I believe whatever they are escorting must be something of great value, and likely great destructive power. With your permission, I will deploy with a small band of Hellraisers, and investigate this object personally."

You thank Duncan for his hard work, and consider his proposal. He seems to greatly desire information on this object, but sending him will blind and deafen you for the time it takes to investigate. However, there are alternatives.

>Send Duncan, the swiftest
>Send Legion, the strongest
>Send Marigold, the cruelest
>Send Gilbert, the wisest

Hellraisers will deploy regardless, and you may choose two lieutenants to go

>>46436866
>>Send Duncan, the swiftest
>>Send Gilbert, the wisest
Have them try and make it look like Heilon did it.

>>46436866
>Send Legion, the strongest
Shen won't like this option

Also tell Duncan to get himself a new protégé. We can't have ourselves blinded and deafened whenever we need him for field work.

>>46436866
>>46436901
This, although make sure Gilbert isn't anywhere near any fighting, nerds probably won't last long in battle.

>>46436866
>Send Legion, the strongest
>Send Duncan, the swiftest
I think we should also educate Marigold in the ways of war. A bit of Sun Tzu evil style.

>>46436866
>>Send Duncan, the swiftest
>>Send Legion, the strongest

>>46436866

>Send Gilbert, the wisest
Lieutenants:
Marigold;Shen

Remember this is a undercover operation and NO official clothing or anything.

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>>46436866
Apparently, that's the artifact this whole war was all about. I say we deploy everyone, lead the charge, take the trophy and war against anyone who tries to take it back

>>46436866
Finally caught one of these beauties!

>Send Duncan, the swiftest
I imagine if he can go undetected would be for the best.

>>46436978
never compromise like that. especially when you don't know what the hell they are transporting.

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>>46436866
>Send Duncan, the swiftest
>Send Legion, the strongest
Dis is smurtest
Obligatory maskposting

>>46436901
You send Duncan, along with Legion in case his skill at arms might prove helpful. The two of them pack ans set out within the day, riding at full speed toward the caravan.

They ride for days, stopping only to sleep and eat. Along with the Hellraisers, they are a hardened force, tearing through the countryside, rarely if ever spotted by passersby. After a hard ride, and with exhausted mounts, they arrive within range to spot the caravan. It is constantly moving, driven by rotating shifts of guards and oxen. Whatever is inside the armored wagon at the heart is being expedited toward the front line.

cont

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>>46437142
You dismount and hide the horses, approaching on foot with Legion and the Hellraisers. Legion has been given orders to defer to you in all operations, and loyal as he is, he will not disobey a direct command. Still, he is ever hungry, and will seek to sate his soul lust if allowed to.

For now, you order him to keep the rear as you approach alone, trying to gain a better vantage on the caravan. You eventually find a large tree, tall enough to provide a wide vision range. You climb it hastily, and peer out, focusing your eyes.

There are at the very least one hundred armed men ready at any given time. You number twelve, albeit a well trained twelve. The caravan stops for only minutes a day, but you suspect sabotage can aid that. You see the driver, heavily armored, and anticipate a challenge if he is challenged head on. There are many ways to approach this, but you must decide quickly.

>Sneak in and sabotage the caravan, allowing for an assault
>Sneak in and find the object, knowing if you are caught, you will likely be killed
>Charge the caravan
>infiltrate the caravan as it moves, making the operation extremely difficult but gaining maximum surprise
>Other

>>46437227
>Sneak in and sabotage the caravan, allowing for an assault
If we can in some way dispose of their horses, they'll be in a pickle

>>46437227
>Sneak in and sabotage the caravan, allowing for an assault

>>46437227
can we get them guerrilla style? with alchemist fire and stuff like that.

>>46437227
>other
Infiltrate the caravan as it moves, then grab the object while attacking the guard.

>>46437361
If you'd brought a mage, or Marigold, you could have

>>46437281
You leap down from your perch and hit the ground rolling, transforming your downward momentum into forward momentum, and allowing you to take off at a sprint. Your years on the track and field team will not go to waste.

You reach the outer perimeter of the caravan without incident, but once there you are face with a choice. You can wait for the guards to change shifts, giving yourself a brief window to enter the inner perimeter but making reinforcement from Legion nearly impossible, or attempt to assassinate the group closest to you, affording you a wide opening but risking alerting the caravan.

>Wait
>Attack

>>46437636
>>Attack

>>46437636
>Wait

>>46437636
>>Attack

>>46437636
>attack

>>46437636
>Attack
With our men waiting back to help us in case we get into a difficult situation.

>>46437636
>Wait
Don't want to have to take on all of them at once.

>>46437768
You move closer, using the tall grass a few meters away from the road as cover, along with the murmur of the marching troops. You lie in wait just long enough for a group of guards to come within range. They are armored, and your dagger will not pierce the forged iron easily. About now you regret your dark lord selling them so much at so cheap a price, but it is not your place to complain, only to succeed.

You have a few throwing knives, your dagger, two smoke bombs, and a pocket full of sand and stones. Time to work.

>Throw the stones to lure them closer, putting them on guard
>Leap out and kill the closest one, shocking the other two
>Throw a knife at one of their legs, crippling him
>Throw a smoke bomb, gaining full surprise but alerting nearby groups
>Other

Leap, Kill, shock!

>>46438044
>Leap out and kill the closest one, shocking the other two
>Throw a knife at one of their legs, crippling him

>>46438123
>Throw a knife at one of their legs, crippling him

BAD Idea. He will yell, alerting the others

>>46438181
Not if they are shocked, that there friend just died. Really should've sent a fucking mage.

>>46438203
>>46438044
Maybe we need to appoach it from a completly different angle:
>Throw a knife at one of their legs, crippling him
Afterwards use the tall grass as cover to head back to legion and friends, so they have to disperse to get us.

>>46438123
You pounce, sending a knife sailing through the air into the calf of the closest guard. He falls to one knee, confused up until the pain of the wound makes itself apparent, but by then you are upon him, rolling over his back and sliding your blade across the back of his neck. He dies silently, leaving the other two stunned for just a second.

>Drop a smoke bomb
>Attack the closest one
>Retreat into the grass
>Egg them toward you
>Other

>>46438281
>Egg them toward you
then
>Drop a smoke bomb

While a second team goes to check out the cargo. That's our goal right?

>>46438281

i'll vote this >>46438309

>>46438281
>>Retreat into the grass
They will yell for backup, they are trained guards not amateurs. First >>46438265
afterwarts we can "change uniforms" to disguise as some of them and get close to the wagon

>>46438309
You taunt the guards, and they begin shouting for assistance. You can heard alarms, and other troops approaching, but your jape is effective, and the men currently engaged with you come forward with intent to kill. You use a smoke bomb to obfuscate the area, and attack them while they cough on the dense fumes. Meanwhile, you hope Legion and the Hellraisers understand enough to engage.

You fight through several waves of men, taking scratches here and there that begin to add up, until finally one of them lands a clean blow with his axe, shredding your boiled leather and knocking you to the ground. As you lie on your back, feeling the wound for broken bones, he looms over you, ready to bring his weapon down.

>Parry
>Roll and evade
>Use your pocket sand
>Other

>>46438610
>>Use your pocket sand
best trick

>>46438610
>Use your pocket sand
Truly the deadliest of all weapons.

>>46438610
>Use your pocket sand

God damn it Duncan, your leather should also have metal bits on it to catch blades and you should be wearing chain-mail.

>>46438610
>>Use your pocket sand

>>46438682
Chainmail isn't exactly the most quiet material.

>>46438704
We have two mages, Don't give me that. We got magic, ain't gotta explain shit.

>>46438648
You reach into the side pouch on your belt and grab a fistful of the sand you have stowed in reserve. With a flick of the wrist, you create a ray of granules, which catch the eyes of your attacker, blinding him and allowing you time to get back on your feet. He stumbles, flailing and swinging his weapon wildly.

>Finish him
>Retreat
>Other

>>46438765
>>Finish him

>>46438765
>Finish him
>Then retreat slowly but surely to make sure more follow your ass to let the others steal the shit easier.

>>46438765
>Finish him
Tear his spine out of his back
>FATALITY

>>46438789
You run up and deliver a flying knee to his stomach, hurting yourself a bit but also causing hims to crumble. As he falls, you reach behind his helmet and yank it off with one hard tug, driving your dagger into his neck with the other hand. He gurgles and collapses to the ground, leaving you panting among three more waves of soldiers.

But just as you raise your weapon to continue, arrows fly and pierce the enemy chestplates, and likely their lungs. You look off to one side and see Hellraisers, each armed with a bow and several shafts. They beg you to retreat to safety while they serve as a distraction.

>Head back
>Keep fighting
>Other

>>46439216
>>Head back
>Head back
Head back

>>46439216
>Head back

>>46439216
>>Head back

>>46439216
>>Head back

>>46439216
>Head back
Time to bring in Legion and make sure there are no survivors.

>>46439319
You nod to the Hellraisers as they turn back to the approaching enemies, loosing shaft after shaft into them. With their distraction, you make it back to the grass, and head full speed back to the horses' hiding place.

You collapse onto your knees when you arrive, hard of breath and in pain from the damage to your side. You retrieve the first aid kit from your belt and begin patching yourself up, waiting for the others to arrive.

Legion and the Hellraisers make it back, with a large bundle slung over his shoulder. You get to your feet, and ask him what happened.

"I have secure the item, but we must ride quickly. If we remain much longer, we risk exposing our identities, and the identity of our master." You couldn't agree more, and the twelve of you mount up and ride off at full speed, making for a nearby river to throw the pursuing enemy off your trail.

By daybreak, the horses are exhausted, and refuse to run. You dismount, and have the Hellraisers tend them while you speak to Legion.

>"What happened back there?"
>"Let's see what they were so keen to hide."
>"We can't stay here. Let's head back on our own."
>Other

>>46439501
>"What happened back there?"

>>46439501
>>"Let's see what they were so keen to hide."

Also were we stupid and brought 1 horse per soldier? Couldn't we have captured some and release the others to prevent them from chasing.

Normally you bring 2-3 per rider so when one horse is exhausted carrying the rider, you switch and the exhausted one can ride alongside without the heavy weight of the rider

>>46439501
>"Let's see what they were so keen to hide."
A quick peek won't hurt, and we get to make sure it wasn't a decoy

>>46439501
>"What happened back there?"

NO TOUCHING WITHOUT AN EXPERT

>>46439581
Supporting this

>>46439501
>"What happened back there?"
then
>"Let's see what they were so keen to hide."

>>46439571
Legion nods, and goes to fetch the bundle from his mount.

"I was not the one to obtain the item, but I knew I would be best suited to carry it without slowing our pace. I too am curious what demanded such a heavy-" he stops, pulling the knot holding the cloth wrapping closed, and is taken aback, as are you.

Lying on the ground, atop a stretch of canvas, and dressed in strange and colorful robes, is a boy of nearly fifteen, with chestnut hair and a handsome face. It is Kyle, your missing protege, unconscious but alive.

"This is alarming, is it not?"

>"I'd say alarming is a good word."
>"Honestly, you learn to expect the unexpected in this line of work."
>"We have to get home quick."
>Other

>>46439766
>Other
Check if he's awake or breathing. If he's alive this is good news.

Then
>"We have to get home quick."

>>46439766
>>46439802
this

>>46439766
>>"We have to get home quick."
>"We have to get home quick."
Does Duncan know about his voice-abilities?

>>46439766
>>"Honestly, you learn to expect the unexpected in this line of work."


holy shit, our womanizer boy is back.

>>46439766
>"We have to get home quick."
i dont trust him one bit, i would suggest we gag him incase of mind control shinanigans.

>>46439802
>>46439850
>can't read

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>>46440100

>>46439766
>"We have to get home quick."
Then take Kyle directly to the BEG.

>>46440135
not to the BEG. to a huge containment jar. he was transferred in a huge caravan for a reason.

>>46439851
You tell Legion that you should get back to the fortress as soon as possible. It's uncertain what they may have been doing to the boy, or what they meant to do with him at the frontline, but either way it's imperative that your master know of this. Legion agrees completely, and the two of you rewrap Kyle, gagging his mouth to be completely safe.

Legion throws him back over his horse, and after a bit of rest and food, you set back out. Thankfully, with Marigold and Caela's help, you were able to select the finest stock in your territory, and they are ready to move again within six hours.

You dash over the plains and hills, stopping only to rest the mounts, who by the end of this may need to be retired from the strain being put on them. All the while, you notice Kyle does not wake, or even stir. It's possible his slumber is magical in nature, but neither you or Legion are equipped or trained to handle such a malady, and you settle for feeding him ice chips and dunking him in water to keep sores from forming.

When you arrive back home, the horses indeed are tired beyond recovery. You will remember to put them to stud later, but for now, you rush to your lord to inform him of the news.

cont

>>46440216
You are in the training yard when Duncan bursts in, interrupting a push up contest between you and Shen. You are neck and neck at 2,455, with Shen sweating and shaking from the strain, but you stop when you see the look on Duncan's face, and concede the win for the time being.

Duncan rushes to kneel, and Legion follows close behind. In his arms, the thrall bares Kyle, the trainee assassin and protege to Duncan. He is sound asleep, but the expression Duncan wears tells you it is not so simple as that.

>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."
>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."
>"Set the boy down, I will examine him."
>Other

>>46440396
>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."

>>46440396
>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."
>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."

>>46440396
>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."
>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."

>>46440396
>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."
>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."

>>46440396
>>46440432
>>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."
>>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."
yeah, that. Also ask Sophia an Caela if they know anything

>>46440396
>>46440432
Seconded.

>>46440396
>>"Summon Gilbert and Caitlyn."

>"Stand, and tell me what occurred."

>>46440432
You tell Legion to summon the mages, and ask Duncan to tell all he knows.

"We found him like this, my dark lord. He hasn't awoken wince we left the caravan. They may be searching for him as we speak, but it's doubtful they know it was we who took him. It's more likely they will blame the Hielonites." You hum, taking this in as best you can. Duncan bows his head suddenly, drawing your attention back to him.

"My dark lord, I beg you, help Kyle. He was foolish to be captured, I know, but I swear I will take full responsibility for his blunders, down to the letter."

>"Fear not. I am not angry, only concerned."
>"I should think so. If the enemy knows of us, we have lost a great deal of leverage."
>Silence
>Other

>>46440780
>Silence

>>46440780
>"Fear not. I am not angry, only concerned."
I am sure you did your best, and the result, the gains, are great. I just hope they don't discover it was us.

>>46440780
>>46440801
Always best option.

>>46440780
>Silence

>>46440780
>>"Fear not. I am not angry, only concerned."

technically they should fear us. they took a resident of our contry for their purposes. this can be a good excuse, should we go to war against them.

>>46440780

>"I should think so. If the enemy knows of us, we have lost a great deal of leverage."

>>46440780
>"Fear not. I am not angry, only concerned."

>>46440801
yep
duncan is stoopid here, because of this we know that Kyle is ultra-valueable to them.
Imagine if he just stood in a corner googling the ladies of a high ranking delegation of them and they recorgnize who/what he is....

>>46440866
forgot link
for op to count
>>46440780

>>46440801
You say nothing, and feel Duncan begin to shake under the pressure of your stoic facade. Soon, Gilbert shuffles in, followed closely by Caitlyn. They each have with then a bag of various tools, which they lay out near Kyle before beginning a through examination.

"No atrophy of the muscles," comments Gilbert.

"Blood pressure and heart rate seem normal," responds Caitlyn.

"Mental signals seem to suggest a dream state."

"Possibly caused by the spell, but not likely."

"No signs of physical injury, meaning he wasn't tortured."

"Ah! I think I found something!" exclaims Caitlyn, folding Kyle's shirt to reveal something attached to his neck. She takes a spyglass and examines it closer, while Gilbert looks on. "I recognize this bug. It secretes a venom that causes paralysis. He isn't asleep, he just can't move. If we remove it, he should be back to normal soon."

"Indeed," says Gilbert, standing and dusting off his hands, "but if the Solari saw fit to plant this creature on him, it's possible they saw good reason too. I suggest putting him in containment first."

>Remove the bug, there's nothing Kyle can do to harm you
>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days
>Other

>>46441076
>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days
safety first
we're (kind of) evil, not stupid

>>46441076
>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days

H...OH NO, WHERE IS THE WOMAN?

>>46441076
>>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days
Better safe than sorry
Also how to feed Kyle during that?
And they should check for any "safety switches"

>>46441076
>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days
Get some whores, we now how to win him over

>>46441076
>>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days

>>46441216
know how to win

>>46441076
>Wait until you can safely secure him, which may take days
We helped him lose his virginity, that creates a bond bruh. Now we must teach him the meaning of bros b4 hos.

>>46441282
You have Gilbert build a containment area while Caitlyn studies up on the Slumber Slug, as she calls it, despite it resembling a tick much more closely. Duncan returns to his work, though you sense apprehension and doubt before his departure.

When at last the containment chamber is built reinforced with runes to negate any potential damage Kyle might do upon awakening, you gather together to watch his awakening. Gilbert and Caitlyn are both hesitant to remove the insect themselves, out of fear. But it must be done, one way or another.

>Have Gilbert remove it
>Have Caitlyn remove it
>Have Legion remove it
>Remove it yourself
>other

>>46441460
>Remove it yourself

ONLY ONE MAN, IS FIT ENOUGH FOR THIS.

>>46441460
Why didn't we invite Duncan over? To join?
>Other
ask all about their opinions beforehand. Maybe an exchange will do good here

>>46441460
>Remove it yourself
I assume we have resistance to charm magic and other shit like that.

>>46441460
>>Remove it yourself
Get some hookers too, Kyle will need a wake up present

>>46441523
he sang before, others were enthralled, we were resistent

>>46441460
>Remove it yourself

>>46441460
>Remove it yourself
This is probably the best idea.

>>46441460
>Have Legion remove it

>>46441571

key word, resistant, not inmune. if the solaire (or heilion) weponized Kyle, who know what they did to his voice.

>>46441593
>>46441631
good point changing my vote.

>>46441460
>>Have Caitlyn remove it
Only female available. Obvious choice

>>46441460
>>Have Legion remove it

>>46441719
I'd rather she not get mind raped and then physically raped.

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>>46441763
There's literally nothing wrong with that

>>46441460
>Other
Contact Shaka and see if he can help. If not....
>Remove it yourself

>>46441479
You step within the boundaries of the runes, approaching Kyle cautiously. He lays limp on the floor, and you kneel down to feel his neck. You find the insect, pinch it tightly, and pluck it from his skin with one good tug.

You are immediately blasted back nearly thirty feet, and slammed into an invisible wall made by the failsafes of the rune circle. A booming scream unlike any you've ever heard, even when fucking that banshee when you were in college, echoes throughout the fortress. Those outside the circle cover their ears and fall to the ground in pain, though they don't seem to be truly injured.

The scream lasts a few seconds, and dies down, allowing you to fall to the ground and compose yourself. You look over to Kyle, who seems to be alright, stirring slowly to wake. You approach him, finger probing your ringing ear, ready to summon your weapon if need be. But when you arrive at Kyle's side, he merely looks up at you dreamily.

"M-...d-..." he whispers something hardly intelligible. You lean in closer to make out his harsh whispers.

"My...dark...dark lord..."

>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."
>"Be silent, at once."
>"Stand, and remember your allegiance."
>Other

>>46441840
>>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."

>>46441840
>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."
>" DO you remember what happened?

>>46441840
>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."

>>46441840
>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."
Also ask about his infiltration of the adventurers once he fully recovers.

>>46441840
>>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."

>>46441840
>>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."

And keep him in quarantine for the time being, maybe pay some 'lady' to keep him company and feed/wash etc him, but she is not to leave during the quarantine either.

>>46441840
>>"Ease yourself, you have undergone quite a bit."

yeah, leave him in quarantine

>>46441840
>>46441869
This

>>46441869
Kyle sits up and rubs his face with his palms. You ask him to recount as much as he can.

"There was a huge creature. Like a bear. And... someone attacked me? I think. Then it was hot, like I was on fire. I remember being picked up and carried, but I was fading in and out. Sometimes I was awake long enough to drink water, but mostly I just remember the sunlight, and the wind, and the sound of wagon wheels. After that, I woke up in a strange room. People asked me who I was, but I didn't say anything. Eventually, they started force feeding me, and beating me when I refused to eat. Then they stuck me with something, and I passed out. After that, it's just haze. There are moments of clarity, but each one was short, and all I can remember was screaming for help before they stuck me again."

You nod, and look to the others. Gilbert seems to be the only one getting any of this.

"I'm sorry, my dark lord. I wish I could say more."

>"Rest for now. We'll try again when you've recovered."
>"You must think, boy. Is there anything else?"
>"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"
>Other

>>46442427
>"You must think, boy. Is there anything else?"
then
"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"

He'll rest when he's told us everything we need to know.

>>46442427
>"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"
>"Rest for now. We'll try again when you've recovered."

>>46442427
>>"Rest for now. We'll try again when you've recovered."

>>46442427
>"Rest for now. We'll try again when you've recovered."
then after recovery
>"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"

>>46442427
>"You must think, boy. Is there anything else?"
>"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"

>>46442427
>"What of the adventurers you were to keep tabs on?"

>>46442615
"Adventurers? Oh, right. It's hard to recall what happened one the last day I recall. We were heading to the forest for something. Then we split up, and one of them attacked me. I don't think I beat him though. Oh! The bear must have killed him! That's right, we were looking for a bear! I'm not sure why though. Anyway, I'm sure the bear finished him off. As for the others, I'm not sure. I was alone with him. Except..." Kyle trails off, scratching his head as he tries to put his thoughts into words. "Except one of them is still alive, I think. Her name was... er, I can't remember now. She was nice to me, I think. But I don't know what happened to her after. I just remember thinking about her a few times. Maybe she was the one who saved me from the bear."

You don't think you'll get anything else useful out of him today. You give him leave to rest, until he can recall something else.

A few more days pass before anything eventful comes up. When it does, you receive a message from Duncan on the front. Apparently the Solari are in full retreat after the caravan was robbed. The Hielonite have pushed them to their border, but are not pursuing them any further. If you do nothing, this war may end without much gained for your side.

>Stay out of it
>Attack the retreating Solari
>Attack the Hielonites
>Other

>>46442914
can we attack them using solari armor and colors?

>>46442965
if possible we should do this.

>>46442914
>>46442965
seconding false flag attack

>>46442914
>>46442965
How devilish! I like it!

>>46442914
Voting this >>46442965

Didn't we false flag earlier?

This is going to end poorly.

>>46443415
Yes, yes it is.

>>46443364
there were no indications of such thing. alotugh the solari might have tought of a hielon attack due to them being at war.

>>46442914
>>46442965
Fuck it, I'll support.

>>46442965
You turn to ask Vanessa how long it would take to have your smiths forge armor resembling that of the Solari troops. Then you remember she isn't there. Instead, you look into it yourself, and learn that they can make passable fakes in about a month, which will be cutting it close. You order just enough to outfit the Hellraisers, telling the armorers to work double time for triple pay.

You have Shen study up on Solari tactics and maneuvers, to make a more convincing ambush. They are actually quite well trained, focusin on hammer and axe, but your men are able to adapt with a bit of effort.

When the armor is finished, you have it sent ahead, so that you and your men can meet it in transit. By the time you approach the Hielonite border, your Hellraisers are dressed to impress. All that remains is to decide the method of attack.

>Attack and kill as many troops as possible
>Target the civilians, to really anger them
>Target supplies and caches
>Other

>>46443698
>Target the civilians, to really anger them
quick raiding party, in and out

>>46443698
>Target the civilians, to really anger them
Sorch and burn everything and then run away.

>>46443698
>Target supplies and caches
We're still selling to them, right? More profit for us.

>>46443698
>>Target the civilians, to really anger them
but don't kill htem. maim them batman style.

>>46443698
>>46443805
this
>>46443818
that might be too obvious

>>46443818
Supporting. Makes tactical sense.

>>46443742
You send in your men, telling them to focus on causing civilian casualties. They find a trading town, nestled cozily in a series of farming fields. In the dead of night, they charge in, setting fire to houses and shops, killing any who resist, and hunting down those who flee.

They retreat at the first sign of military reinforcement, riding back at top speed and making sure to serpentine and throw off any pursuers. When they return to you, they report two hundred dead, and likely some injured. You return to the fortress, and await news.

As spring warms to summer, Duncan confirms that the Hielonite forces have begun to amass for a counter attack, spurred on by the supposed attack by mutinous Solari troops, seeking revenge for their fallen comrades. Though the Solari deny any knowledge of the attack, the Hielonites are not quick to forgive, and soon the war is back in full swing. Only now, the Hielonites are the aggressors, and the invaders, pushing inward toward the Solari capitol while leaving nothing but ash and charred soil in their wake.

>Offer to aid the Solari
>Offer to aid the Hielonites
>Continue watching
>Other

>>46444284
>Begin seeing which side truly wishes or needs our 'aid' while watching.

Can we do a sneak attack on the Hielonites capital and raze it by ourselves?

>>46444284
>Continue watching
there was a counterpart to Kyle, right. We should concentrate finding it/him/her

>>46444399
it was more on the lines of secret weapon. we don't even know if it's a person or an artifact.

>>46444284
>>Offer to aid the Hielonites

don't send men. maybe other stuff, but not men.

>>46444518
whatever it is, it is ours and they stole it from us.

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>>46444330
You sure can

>>46444649
well by all fucking means, We have a city to raze while they raze the enemies. If they kill the one kingdom for us and we kill the other. Two heads, just a lot of bodies now mindlessly fighting.

>>46444330
You decide enough is enough, and call your staff together. You announce that you'll be riding to Hielon while the bulk of their troops are occupied invading Solaris, and taking the capital by force. Legion is all for it, as is Shen, both eager to test their might against the guard of Hielon. Gilbert and Caitlyn promise to prepare a suitable entrance for you. Marigold and Duncan both seem nervous, but for different reasons. Duncan because it means his spywork will need to be better than ever, and Marigold because her Hellraisers will finally see true combat.

The only people dreading this attack are Sophia and Caela. They both ask if you truly need to invade, when there is a chance of cooperation.

>"My decision has been made. Prepare for battle, both of you."
>"The Hielonites are rabid. It is our duty to bring peace to this land, by force."
>"Whatever artifact the Hielonites hold cannot be meant for good, especially if the Solari wanted it badly enough to invade so suddenly. We must secure it."
>Other

>>46444765
>"Whatever artifact the Hielonites hold cannot be meant for good, especially if the Solari wanted it badly enough to invade so suddenly. We must secure it."
The sooner we take it, the better for us all.

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>>46444765
>"They are both rabid dogs. Killing each other on and off, long before any of you existed, so It is our job, nay duty to bring peace and stability to this region, wither by force or words! While our enemy kills off there own enemy, we'll have freed the people from own hands. "
>Also do abit more recon so we don't stumble into a trap.

>>46444765
Going off on a single vote from salt Poor form.

>>46444915
it was a tie, and he might've rolled a dice he has with him. Pay attention next time and it can always be changed via the 'other' option mate.

>>46444859
The two of them seem unconvinced, but Sophia does her best to hide it, while Caela meekly goes along with her shield-sister's decision.

You assemble a force of twenty-thousand, armed and supplied. You gather north of the capitol of old Theon, and begin marching as summer reaches it's peak. The trek is long, but you take it at a comfortable pace, waiting for the Hielonite armies to pierce even deeper into the heart of the Solari nation.

Finally, you arrive at the Hielonite border. You assemble your troops for the final push, marching through the dense evergreen forests the nation is famous for. You expect to meet resistance from the national guard, consisting mostly of mages and some mercenary forces, within days. There are many forts between you and the capitol of Hielon, but if you make haste it should be simple enough to capture it before the bulk of their troops can turn and run back, and even if they do, they'll be trapped between two enemies.

As you begin the first day of the march, you are approached by Gilbery and Caitlyn. They both seem ecstatic as they rush to report to you.

"My dark lord! Wonderful news! I've completed our first prototype, and it's ready to test in the field!"

Gilbert brings you to one of the wagon, which he unveils with Caitlyn's help. Beneath a large tarp, lies a device built from black iron with wood for support. It is long, and bares a multitude of intricately carved runes along it's length. You approach it, and examine the fine work. You can't help but smile.

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Sorry, have to wrap to feed and water the seed. Next week, we see the weapon in action, so don't miss out!

Thanks to everyone who participated today, even though it was a bit slow I had fun, and I hope you all come back again.

If there's any comments suggestions, feel free to leave them here or on the twitter.

>>46445212
Thanks OP for the run! I've thoroughly enjoyed it, kinda wish it didn't slow down at the end. See you next week !

>>46445212
>Kneesocks
Excellent taste OP. See you friday!

>Listening to Salt Mind

Goddammit

>>46445937
Well we are the BEG, I don't see the issue here. We must expand for the glory of our best daughter!

>>46445212
I miss Vanessa ;_;

>>46446069
Their elite troops and mages are probably waiting in the capital. They won't just leave it undefended, especially when they know there's a third nation waiting to strike at any moment. We're about to get ourselves fucked up, when we could have let the other kingdom get fucked up, and then fuck THEM up when they're still weak from the fighting.

>>46446891
Its fine, We got this BB. We can always spin this as we found out they had a hostage and they falsly accused the other kingdom.

>>46447035
That's a terrible plan

You're terrible

>>46447143
They tell me this a lot, But do you have a better plan besides letting two nations beat themselves down and let innocent people die?

>>46447220
Which innocent people are you talking about exactly?
The only ones dying are the soldiers. If they don't kill each other, then we'll have to be the ones to kill them most likely. The only difference in attacking and not attacking sis that now we're risking our own men to get the same results we could get without having to risk them.

>>46447678
Only now, the Hielonites are the aggressors, and the invaders, pushing inward toward the Solari capitol while leaving nothing but ash and charred soil in their wake.