First, we get together the relief force to send to Commander Nomz.
As I recall, the general consensus appeared to be most of our heavy repeaters and siege engines, our Ranger unit, and Cornelius to provide heavy infantry to protect the two other units.

>>13221671
We still need to send the relief force to Nomz.
Then we need to make sure that enough automated wagons will be ready to transport the entire maniple, preferably during the night, past the enemy fort we're supposed to bypass.

We need to go over our campaign goals with our commanders, and we will likely need to create a permanent detachment led by Blackbird to attack enemy supply caravans and the like deep behind enemy lines.

Also, did our messengers to the Second Praetorian get sent yet? As I recall, I think we were sending 3 or 4 soldiers with our warning about the cult.

>>13221748

He's already forming a tribe from soldiers who want to break off.

I wonder how the line up north is doing.

>>13221714
Wulf leading them, and not Cornelius's unit.

>>13221802
I don't know if we sent them or not but I'm pretty sure you're right about the numbers. I think we decided to send some legionaries but I'm not sure about that, if that's so we should send some from Gaius' unit due to their being vetrans

>>13221857
If not Cornelius, then what infantry unit?
Are you really going to depend on Nomz, already under-strength, to be able to provide a dedicated infantry detachment to protect the Rangers and siege weapon teams from a charge by light or medium enemy infantry?

Fort name: Eagle's Bane.

>>13221857

Agrement: Indeed. Wulf needs the solo time to shine on his own.

Also: lightning is a hell of a deterrent.

>>13221905
Yes, the idea was to send legionnaires.
Gaius' unit sounds as good as any.

>>13221714
I can't recall if that's what we decided on or not but it sounds good to me

>>13221908
Uh, yes. He's a commander too and damn well better be capable of protecting the units we send to help him. We're not fighting the battle for him, we're just sending help.

>>13221927
Yes, 5 or so legionnaires from Gaius's unit, solid vetarans who can be depended on not to be subverted by the cult. Warn them that there will likely be spies trying to get hands on this message and it should ONLY be given to the Second. Nobody else.

>>13221937
Nomz already said that he's dangerously understrength in terms of infantry.
Just because he wants to and will try to protect the assets we send him, does not guarantee that he will be able to do so.

Pax, how long would it take to produce about 100 crossbow repeaters?

Will Degrian be able to do that without badly affecting his other construction projects?

>>13221937

Wulf leading them is fine with me.

But we really need a screen for our ranged troops. Relying too much on our fellow commander sounds like the chance for a disaster.

>>13221959
No, he said he is understrength on his berzerkers that he is using to flank the enemy and deliver the killing blow. He never even mentioned being understrength on legionnaires or other line infantry, just Lacerta.

>>13221962
The more troops we send the more likely he will throw them into the fray and we will start the next critical part of the campaign with a cut up legion unit. The rangers can build defensive fortifications for themselves and the siege engines, that should be plenty.

>>13221970
His latest request for aid said that he needs 2 units to fill in for the berserkers he lost.
In a previous letter, (before the complete destruction of his berserks) he said he was down to 60% of his forces.
He needs infantry as well as something to attack the enemy's flank.

>>13222012
But he got reinforced after the 60% letter. Remember where he said he got reinforced on everything but the Lacerta? And that's why he needed something with punch, because they were his hammer? That's why we send the repeaters and siege engines. His legion units got reinforced.

>>13221996
>The more troops we send the more likely he will throw them into the fray and we will start the next critical part of the campaign with a cut up legion unit.
Isn't the opposite just as likely, that because we didn't send him enough forces, the aid that we do send him suffers even greater losses?

>>13222057
By that logic, our whole maniple should make that pit stop to ensure maximum survival.

>>13222051
No, he already received his reinforcements, but only up to 60%.
From Session XXXVI
>Commander Nomz also reports that he was only replenished to about 60%, as he was unnable to secure replacement units for the Berserkers he condensed together, and is fighting with only 4 Degnarian units still, and as such would appreciate any aid available.
From Session XXXIX:
>Commander Nomz reports that he needs two units to fill the gap left by his wiped out berserkers, or a way to break an enemy flank quickly. Any force multipliers or large infantry would be appreciated.

Pax, can we move forward with meeting our current Merc Commanders?

We still have yet to speak with them regarding continuing the campaign.

>>13221962
>without slowing his production, 100 repeaters would take a month or so

"First" you announce "We will be aiding Commander Nomz. Wulf, you will lead Cornelius and Kyrias battalions to this end, and you will take all of the heavy repeaters and our mangonel. You will defer to Commander Nomz, but keeping our men and machines alive takes immediate priority after that. You will leave tomorrow morning. Understood?" the three in question nod in ascent, Wulf looking particularly pleased.

Janos speaks up "Commander, I know you have yet to officially introduce the next leg of the campaign to us, but I believe what I have gathered will help you with that." as he slides the map, with a few new additions to it, to the center of the table. "In addition to this, which I would be more than happy to explain to the others, I have collected as much on the Lords in the region we will be initially active in, and will be willing to share that as well. Would you like me to start with those now, or give your brief first?"

>new mercs havent shown up yet, after this block of stuff the next timeskip will be to their arrival.

>>13222093
Looking at it even more, god damn. We can't fight his war for him while still fighting ours. We just can't. We have our own mission and dealt with a much worse foe to boot.

I'm not willing to commit so much to clean up his mess when we will need it ourselves before long. There's being nice and then there's him needing to inform command he's been hitting the hookah too hard and needs another maniple to step in.

>>13222087
Yes, that would be the logical conclusion.
But since we have many other projects that we need completed by the end of 2 weeks, we must accept a certain level of losses, or ignore Nomz entirely.

I merely am arguing that sending Cornelius' heavy infantry along with the Rangers and siege engines provides an optimum balance between losses and the successful completion of our engineering projects.

>>13222117

Have him brief our commanders first then raise the new stuff.

A fresh perspective may throw up hiccups that we've not seen yet.

We'd be fighting his battle for him with our troops if we sent anything more. I say tell him we're sorry and have our own mission. He's a bro and all, but we can't be held responsible for his front and ours with so few forces. We're going to need to march SOON.

Now, that said... if we did step in and hold his front for him it might display our skill and ability and get us on the fast(er) track to promotion to cohort commander. That's something to consider too. But Nornz really is asking a lot here.

Okay, several things for the staff meeting:

1. As is being discussed, organize a relief force for Commander Nomz.
2. Brief our officers on recent developments with the people with the symbols of hammers and anvils on them. Mention our suspicions of possible infiltration based on the last letter from the 2nd Praetorian.
3. Brief the officers on our plan to cross the river into enemy territory, etc.

>>13222117
I say give our brief first, which is that we will be the vanguard of the Imperial counter-offensive campaign. Our strategic goals are to force a crossing of the Greyrun river and to secure a safe crossing for the main forces, which will be a week behind us.
In that time, we will also raid deep into Uurlanth territory, tying up their supply routes, sabotaging their river trade capacity, and generally making a ruckus while the main Degnarian offensive starts their invasion.

Think of the reputation at stake here guys

If we send aid, we get some rep as a generous commander who doesn't give up his allies, and Nomz will owe us a big one.

This is a good move to make politically.

>>13222183
Right, I forgot about briefing everyone about the cult.
We will need Wulf to make sure to mention that to Nomz when he makes contact, so that when Nomz returns to Dragons Reach for refit, he can bring it up with the Second Praetorian in case our own messenger team gets waylaid.

>>13222117
We should outline objectives first. Janos's information is supplementary to that, so it comes after our brief. Ask for opinions after.

>>13222214

No need to pass the message.

We should write a letter to the 2nd Paetorian and pass it to Wulf so that Nomz might pass the letter personally to him.

>>13222234
Yes, but I think that Nomz should be informed as well.
There is no telling how widespread the cult's reach is, and Nomz should be informed of what's at stake.

After the briefing we should spend some time with Lena. A blind girl suddenly being able to see, and learn to read, and do magic... it's bound to be scary. We can get to know her and see how she is progressing, and maybe even work with her a bit on teaching her to read.

>>13222252

Can be done, might as well.

And before I forget.

Pass Wulf a good sum of Dragoons.

Have him buy as much of the Toadstool as Nomz is willing to sell.

My chemical warfare plans will not be hindered any longer~

/manical laughter

>>13222282
No. We will not do this. Besides, he said he only grew enough for himself and the occasional sale to a friend.

But just in general, no. We are not going to drug addict our own troops and won't have enough to addict the enemy.

>>13222295

you never know, some "experimentation" could yield promising results

at last get a sample so we can start growing and selling our own

not to our men of course, but back in dragonsreach we could probably get a lucrative business going

>>13222295

Chemical warfare = using it on enemies

I want to burn it in pots and throw them at elves.

Whatever he can sell = whatever we can buy

>>13222282
I must disagree with having Wulf buy mushrooms from Nomz.
We do not know the amount of mushrooms needed to be an effective gas shell, and much of it depends on the composition of the enemy troops.
Besides, Nomz doesn't grow it, he simply knows of a good supplier. He won't have enough to be weaponized.

>>13222320
And risk crippling addiction among our soldiers? Kinda risky, someone has to light the stuff.

Though slipping a little to Laelith... Hmmm...

>>13222126
>>13222182
We've got a couple of weeks until we need to march. We'll be receiving men to replenish our forces, including two more mercenary units.

This is basically mopping up duty, prior to the big offensive, it won't take too much effort on our part.

>>13222320
Y'know, I severely doubt he'll have that much on him. That said, we'd have to do a bit of research to find out if its even viable. I have my doubts as to how well it would work in the open air.

>>13222334
That would be a neat little experiment. Make sure we tell her what it is first. It's not addictive to elves in the smoked form, right? Just gets them really drunk?

>>13222334

A tried it once, a few puffs won't get a person addicted. It does get elves drunks and if they're even a little bit dizzy on the field, they're gonna die faster and shoot poorer.

>>13222329

Even just a couple of shells will give us the chance to cripple a portion of an elven regiment. Given the trouble the elven archers gave us, I want that edge.

>>13222352
As long as she doesn't get addicted and we tell her maybe we can try it on our picnic

I second buying it but only enough for two or three people we dont want to waste money on drugs

>>13222385
Take elf to picnic
*advicetrentz.jpg*
Get her totally blazed

Hell, I'd support it just for the lulz.

>>13222394
Trentz doesn't need to get his ladies wasted to romance them.

>>13222385
>>13222394
Okay, that's a use of the shrooms that I can get behind.

>>13222362
Weaponizing gas is not an easy thing to do.
We'll need to test it to see if the smoke will even spread or if it will simply go straight up.

"I will begin, thank you Janos." you reply politely, looking at the map yourself "We have been selected to act as Degnars vanguard into Uurlanth. In just under two weeks time we will depart for, and cross the Greyrun River, bypassing the enemy fort west of that river. After we ford the river we are to do as much as we can within the week we will be alone to weaken the enemies defenses to ensure as easy a crossing as we can for the rest of the thrust. My plan is to cross north of Lost Conflux, where there will be little to no defense prepared to meet us, then strike south, raiding the towns worth our attention, and burning any built defenses that we encounter. Janos?"

"Thank you, sir. I have marked the major settlements not already on the map in purple, the larger the mark the larger the settlement, that is the purple ink. In orange I marked the three gold mines that feed Lost Conflux, and ensure the lord of that keeps status in the Kingdom. In black I marked the watchtowers and carved fortifications that guard the river. The towers are wooden, and manned by two to three levy battalions, and communicate through rider and signalfire. Excluding mercenaries that leaves well over half of both Lords we will be combating in our endeavors' forces committed to defending the river, and divided." Janos adds to your information.

"Only gold in those mines?" Uurist asks.

"No, they yield small amounts of scrap ore and precious stones, but not enough to be of any note." Janos informs the dwarf.

"How large are these towers?" Laelith asks, contemplating her torch.

"Their footprint is roughly twice that of the one we have constructed here, though they are shorter by a fourth, if my memory serves." he informs the elementalist, who smiles at his reply, a fire seeming to start in her eyes.

>cont'd

>>13222394
>>13222385
We will be getting zero sleep that night. People will be moving their tents away from ours like they did with Blackbird. Drunk Laelith is freaky Laelith.

I'm totally for that, though.

>>13222410

Statement: The man's own personal scent is an aphrodisiac, so this runtime must agree.

"The settlements you marked, are they walled?" Blackbird asks, lazily spinning his axe on his palm.

"The largest of the settlements I marked have cobblestone walls, half again your height at best, the smallest are not walled at all." Janos informs the raider, nearly wincing at the feral grin that crawls across the orcs face.

"You expect the garrisons to stay separated once we start striking them?" Gaius asks, surprised at the apparent oversight. "If I were in command I would Marshall my forces once my lands were being raided, shore up the poor excuse for soldiery I had garrisoning the towers with actual fighters, and pull the thorn from my side. I'm sure you have already planned for that eventuality, Commander?" he asks, not taking his eyes from your contemplative form before, during or after he says his peace.

>>13222491
"Not only have I planned for it, it is my greatest hope. If he sallys forth from his fortresses to do battle with us we will crush the few troops he can muster. Once that is accomplished Lost Conflux itself will be easy to take... if it doesn't surrender outright. This would secure one of the largest and best defended crossings along the entire river for the advance of the main force.

You could call this a win-win situation. If he stays divided he will lose his forces piecemeal. If he confronts us his severe lack of professional soldiers will allow us to annihilate him and take his fortress."

>>13222491
Of course we expect them to do that.
Inform Gaius of our improved mobility thanks to Degrian and Kyria's automated wagon, and how we expect to be moving faster than the enemy.
We will be on the move, striking at targets of opportunity and raiding, forcing the enemy to fortify in all directions, and thereby forcing them to be strong in none.

>>13222532
Seconding this see what everyone thinks.

>>13222545
I shall second this.

>>13222532

Seconding.

Addendum: "As well, I have devised a secondary goal, that being economic destabilization of the area. Torwards that goal, we, or rather I, shall set up a gauntlet of stone spikes as we cross the river, damning the river trade route for decades to come. We will do everything we can think of to further this goal. Salting fields, tearing up roads, robbing merchants and the wealthy particularly. By the end of this war, the southernmost reaches will be thoroughly incapable of mustering an attack force for a VERY long time."

>>13222678
>Salting fields
Neytini won't like that much.

"That, Captain Rex, is a question I had been hoping I would be asked." you reply "With the superior mobility that we will gain from Degrians latest development, combined with the paste Blackbird provided us with, we will be able to choose both the time and place that we deal with any force sent forth to attempt to halt our progress."

"An' if the major Lord at Dyrons Ford sallies, even a third of his forces, he'd outnumber us by five. I was also wondering what happens if the Lord at Lost Conflux has professional troops on par with or superior to us? Even some mercenaries could fit that bill..." Uurist questions you, now that Gaius seems to have been silenced by your response.

Just a thought, but would it be possible to use our elementalist skills to create an underground area to use as a loot stash/supply depot? Or will loot not slow us down?

>>13222698

yeah well, the uurlanthi bastards are asking for it and we aim to deliver

remember, they started this war

and we're gonna finish it

>>13222707
"He'll still have to catch us.
"One week is the time that they will have to corner us and attempt to crush us, before the Degnarian counter-offensive appears on the other side of the Greyrun. If his forces are out trying to catch us, they won't be there to fight our main force.
"We are a diversionary force, and our goal will be to avoid direct engagements that do not heavily favor us."

>>13222707
And that's the entire objective of this raid. We are in no way going to fight the Major lord, that would be suicide. But the mere fact he uses those troops will put an enormous strain on both his ability to wage war in the future and the land we will be fighting on. And remember, this will be on Uurlanth territory.

When the main force -- an entire legion -- gets here they will be able to crush him. Until then we merely need to secure crossings, loot, raid, and generally make ourselves as much of a pain as possible. If we can make the river crossings indefensible, scourge the land, and force the major lord to keep a constantly deployed force of ten thousand men eating off of his peasantry... well, that's a job well done.

I had to do it. I just had to.

>>13222792
Now that's advice I can get behind!

>>13222792
That should be reversed. It goes:
Disregard X
*meme*
Acquire Y

>>13222792

you sir, are my hero

>>13222707
Surely you don't suggest Uurlanth has superior troops to the mighty Empire?

But even if he does, that's what we have raiders, Deadeyes, and a newly hired Ambusher company for. While they chase us they will be getting feathered constantly, destroying both morale and their troop numbers.

>>13222751
second

You okay Pax? Uurlanth assassins get you?

"If Lord Dyron does in fact sally forth to attempt to stop us, we will lead him on an incredible chase, that will end with his lands eaten dry in his and our wake, his men exhausted, and a Degnarian Legion on the far side of his river. All we need to do to be successful is weaken the crossings enough to secure an easy crossing. As to the quality of the Lords troops, I once again defer to Janos' superior knowledge." you reply, smiling.

Janos slides a piece of parchment forward, clearly shorn from a larger scroll, that you are more than a little curious as to how he obtained "The Greyrun Lords are a scattered group. We will be dealing with Lords Blentus and Dyron. The Latter of the two is an elf. He is lazy, and spoiled by the riches of his mines, preferring to purchase for himself fine things rather than replace his wooden keep with the stone he could easily afford. His lands are harshly taxed, and he is an arrogant fool, better and braver have sat in his seat as Lord of Lost Conflux. His forces are entirely levies, save two battalions, one of elven archers, and one of Light Infantry. These units he keeps at his keep almost constantly, unless he has changed his ways a great deal since I was last sent to visit his hall. He is without sons, and relies on mercenaries to act as his Marshals." the ex-uurlanthi explains, his finger on the lord in questions banner on the parchment now layered on top of the map.

>cont'd

"Lord Peter Dyron" Janos continues "the fourth, while a fat, corpulent bastard, is more intelligent and militant in mind than his subserviant lord directly to his north. I would go so far as to call him paranoid, most of his forces are human, save two wings of Elven Lancers. He is very protective of the holdings he deems important, and will roatate units to ensure the places he is most concerned for are safe.He is not fast to anger, though once he has been roused he is nigh insatiable in his thirst for vengeance. Just over half of his forces are levies, most of which are guards at the city built up around his keep, or his watchposts." Janos finishes, stepping away from the table and resuming his seat, contemplative.

"Blentus will be easy to take care of" Wulf inserts, his hand on his chin, stroking the stubble he has been cultivating for the last few days... some men simply cannot grow a beard, as unjust as that may be "Dyron we can goad easily enough, but if he is intelligent, a good portion of his professional troops are at the fort he mans in the Halrian Valley, excluding his elven cavalry, and more likely than not several units of mounted men-at-arms. Once we have his ire we will need an exceedingly clever plan, or help, to escape the man." he finishes

"Aye" Collin interjects "But if we can get'im after us we can grind away at his blade before the fight starts. If ye'dont mind my metaphor."

"No," Gaius corrects "he will expect traps, we will be raiding his lands before him, to ensure he stays on our trail until it is too late. If he comes for us with a force capable of catching up with us, it will be bloody, a fight between two forces at full strength. Assuming my young colleagues appraisal is correct, one I am already wont to agree with."

Recitation: "To this end, I have several ideas, the most prominent one being to have him chasing ghosts. We need to make him believe there is reason enough to split up his forces, take out the portion that actually comes after the bulk of our force, and then proceed on to the other."

>>13222983
One potential avenue of help will be those mercenaries Janos mentioned. If any are in his employ and they're being used to chase us, they could be used to feed false intel back to him if we can get them to join us. If we were a smaller unit, we could try making a false trail for them to follow but I don't think we can hide our tracks too well or really make fake ones they'd follow. Might draw off a unit or two if we do make fake trails. If they do send a highly mobile force though, we'll just have to grab a location that'll give us the advantage against cavalry since that's likely the only way they'll keep up with us. Hell, we could make the area bad for cavalry with fissues all over the place and I assume it's still pretty grassy.

>>13222983
"The help will be in the form of an entire legion bearing down on him. He may well wish to pursue us to the ends of the earth, but I would surely like to see him do so through a force of professional troops that size.

And if for some reason we can't rely on them, well, I assume you all know me well enough by now to know I have a few plans to deal with that as well."

And we should. I think we should do a combination of spikes in the river to keep him from sending boats across and follow it with defending at a crossing. As long as we have multiple crossings taken we can destroy one as he advances over it, leaving his forces split.

If we use the mobility of the wagons to the fullest, the only forces able to catch us will be cavalry, unless the enemy somehow catches us in an pincher between cavalry and infantry.

Therefore, if we do have to fight, we should probably be readied for anti-cavalry fighting.
Is providing pikes for all of our infantry viable?

>>13223056
Thank god we are Justinian Trentz, Earth Elementalist and Destroyer of Cavalry.

Ripping enough fissures in the ground will annihilate any enemy cavalry. Yes, we've used that a lot so far. Yes, it's still going to utterly destroy them... horses plowing into leg-breaking fissures will stop them cold and leave the riders dead or broken after they get thrown from the saddle in full armor.

>>13223076
That'll work for charging cavalry, but we should also think about mounted archers.
Also, we shouldn't depend entirely on our elementalism winning the day; we still have to roll dice, and they can still fuck us up. Better to have our infantry prepared to take a cavalry charge just in case.

>>13223076
Not to mention, horses ankles/feet are REALLY sensitive. You break those bones, the horse is off duty for several weeks, if not months. It won't be riding for quite awhile, and may be put down as a result.

We use it a lot because it's VERY effective.

>>13223056
>you have the pikes...

"If and when Dyron does give us chase, we will ensure to leave enough tracks to force him to split his forces. Then those of us with elemental powers will be able to deal with the cavalry, which will be the only forces able to catch us, fairly easily. Are there any remaining questions on this matter?" you ask, and receive only negative indications. "Very good then I will move on to the next matter I wish to speak with you on. There seems to be a large shadowed organization working to some ends I can only assume nefarious. We first encountered them fighting Khalless, and again among Morwayne Stants men, I now have reason to believe they have infiltrated Degnar as well. Wulf, you will warn Commander Nomz when you are at his camp, and Captain Gaius, I will have a letter for the Second Praetorian that you are to have your five most reliable men deliver directly to the hands of the Second Praetorian. Their emblem is a hammer of blood raised to strike and obsidian anvil, if you see this icon anywhere I want you to inform me immidiately, and proceed with caution with the person or device bearing the icon, as I would very much like to take one of these men alive." you inform your staff, most of whom seem unsure of how to respond.

"Do you know their goals?" Kyria asks, sounding nervous.

"No. But I believe we may safely assume that they are not in the best interests of the Empire."

>>13223165
>"Do you know their goals?"
"Not yet. However, from what Janos and the bodyguards of Gaerick Stant have told me, one of their immediate goals seems to be the usurping of Lord Stant's holdings.
"Finian is currently attempting to translate some encrypted notes that were recovered from Khalless, and it is hoped that they will shed some light on this group's actions."

>>13223165

Recitation: "It seems to me, their current goals are to set both Degnar and Uurlanth against eachother. I surmise, this is to weaken both nations in preperation to a coup."

>>13223165
"I am uncertain. Whatever it is, it seems they're trying to get themselves into positions of power since Lord Stant's family has been infiltrated by them as well. If they are linked to Khalless, his personal letters may give some information. All we've been able to determine from them is he's connected with something a lot bigger. Something to do with 9 other lordfathers. Have you determined anything else from the letters yet Finian?"

"Not yet, but I am fairly sure that their goals are not good for the Empire. Their short term plans seem to involve Degnar and Uurlanth warring with each other, at the very least, considering the level of infiltration they have achieved in both nations. FInian, aside from the number of lords being 'fathered', have you uncovered anything else?" you ask him, deciding now is as good a time as any to inform the rest of your staff.

"Not much." the dwarf replies "aside from the fact that they have a set place to retreat to once their lord has been brought to his full potential; and that one such lord, according to his Lordfather, was nearing readiness to... 'fully bloom into his power' as of the last missive Khalless received."

"Many smaller schools of the arcane take many long years to master." Laelith interjects, her scarred face clearly showing the signs of deep thought "Though the most difficult to fully are necromancy, polymorhing summoning, arcanasmithing, and demonology; if my memory serves. I apologize if I have painted an incredibly grim picture, but if talent is being scouted and cultivated over years before the endgame on the first located prospect is almost ready to begin the final stages of his or her training, those are the only schools of the arcane that I can imagine them training for."

"What if their goals are as plain as their names imply?" Sansa asks, looking nervous "what if they are simply another crazed cult bent on ruling the entire land, and they expect nine lords will be n eeded to rule the land?"

"Aye" Collin agrees "I cannae' believe that a thing so newly live as magic could have such a lengthy plan so well underway already."

>>13223293
"It's entirely possible they were initially a crazy cult but saw magic was returning to the world earlier than us. We saw their men up north - numerous numbers of them had an amulet with their symbol and they all died while we tried to interrogate them. Regardless, it would be safer to assume the worst and plan accordingly. We'll have to hope this war with Uurlanth ends sooner rather than later so we can convince the rest of the Empire of this threat. Hopefully Khalless' letters will give us something to work with as well as Lena's budding talents if they demand proof like last time. Unfortunately, Khalless' tomes did mention things such as necromancy and that he was looking for something. If we have the chance and his notes say anything, we might need to find what he was looking for for confirmation."

Recitation: "The plan, likely, was not actually theirs, but that of their patrons. Magic disappeared with the gods. Magic coming back, means the gods are also back. This is something I can no longer keep silent of. During the black week, you may remember the sudden downpour and hailstorm that lasted but several moments but ruined many of the prison tents? Wulf, Laelith, and myself were all given visions during this time, each different, but all consisting of two gods fighting over us."

>>13223293
I have also had some contact with very powerful associates of mine regarding this matter. I cannot go into details, but suffice to say that they have the ability to uncover virtually any secret in any land... yet their abilities both magical and mundane have been completely blocked from discovering anything regarding this cult. It seems likely that whatever their plans they are extremely powerful. I do not wish to cause undue distress, but I would be wary who you mention this to. They have already shown to have the likes of Khalless and a mystic capable of reading our minds and fooling our sight into thinking he was Morwayne Stant. In addition, I believe the assassins sent to kill myself, Sansa, and Jayne to have been part of that cult due to the arcana they were wearing.

Be on your guards.

>>13223293
"With our current information, we cannot form an informed estimation of what this cult's goals are, or their long-term plans.
"However, since we know they exist, and that their goals are opposed to the good of the Empire, we can make some defense against them.
"Once the Second Praetorian has been informed, we can then formulate a more comprehensive strategy against this foe."

Alright, anything else we need to discuss?

>>13223340
How about we NOT say anything about the gods right now? Okay? Imply we know some very powerful people sure. Say we see things and hear voices? Not so okay.

We need to inform our other two wives before breaking something like this to the rest of our commanders anyway.

>>13223340
I don't know if we should talk about the gods just yet before our next leg of this campaign. It will weird out some of our captains and that will hurt morale.

>>13223357
Also not sure about mentioning our associates just yet since they know we haven't seen anyone recently.

>>13223382
We've been sending messages off with our eagle constantly and have all kinds of crazy arcana from Khalless. They know both these things.

>>13223382
Statement: This runtime feels it is necessary to reveal this information now. IF not the visions, at least the idea that the gods are returning. Recite evidence: Collin's advanced healing before our last battle, and Kyria's fully healed arm. These are not things that just happen, and could easily be accepted as divine intervention.

>>13223361
I like this best

>>13223401
Fair enough but at the same time, it might lead to questioning of who these people our by our captains if we let on something like that. Sure we can silence them by just keeping hush on it but until now, we've been pretty open with them. That kind of change might be bad. I think any hints we know about the gods or very powerful people should wait until we're done our campaigning and can convince our captains we're not crazy on leave.

>>13223424
But it could be argued it's some arcana we have and for some reason we just think it's the gods. We KNOW a lot of our captains don't believe in the old gods. I think only Uurist might believe in them. Couldn't tell looking at the old conversations since it didn't say who was talking but it sounded like it might be him. I don't think we should take the risk just yet.

>>13223458

Statement: Lady Jayne at the very least already knows from conversation with us, and given how vivid his vision was, Wulf will most definitely believe. Laelith KNOWS they are real, so that's not even a question.

>>13223424
I agree that we should reveal it soon. Perhaps back at Dragonsreach.

But having our men question our sanity before a dangerous raiding campaign into enemy territory is not smart.

We SHOULD tell our girls now, though. Lena and Wulf too.

"While it is entirely that they are merely a cult of half-mad fanatics, the evidence that has been uncovered on them through Laelith and Finians excellent work, has unable to provide any solid information to confirm or deny such possibilities. In addition to the length of time that has passed since I last conversed with these associates, and the caliber of the mystic they sent to impersonate Morwaye, and Khalless, who was one of their Lordfathers, I would rather prepare for the worst than assume the best, unless the Second Praetorian orders us otherwise once he has been informed." You reply honestly, hiding your own trepidation at the matter as best you can. "I do not mean to alarm, but I would rather that none of us fall to this threat needlessly and before we have begun to properly deal with it. Do any of you have matters to bring up?" you ask the group, and receive naught but negative indicators. At that you dismiss the meeting and make your way back to your tent.

>so, what do?
>and yea, you can make a case for magic at this point, but gods? thats gonna be harder

>>13223494
Errr, and by tell the girls now I mean invite them all back to our tent and sit them all down for a talk about what is going on. They are some of our most valuable and trusted assets... they need to be in the loop.

>>13223496
Pax, can you confirm who said htey still believed in the old gods in our first meeting with our captains? Might be time we talked to them and see if they had a vision.

Part of me wants to talk to our chef now or Laelith and see if we can find a way to help him improve his water elementalism. If we got super lucky and he can control the water and help us cross the river? That would be sweet but I doubt he went that path.

>>13223494

Reluctant Agreement: Very well, this runtime changes his vote to this. Our girls, at the very least, should know, and Sansa is the only one of which whom we haven't either talked with about this or had feel the touch of, so she may be the hardest to convince.

>>13223494
Alright, I agree, but only because Trentz's Girls are either elementalists and might receive recruitment offers by the gods, or have had a god's favor directly applied to them.
With that, I also wish to have Wulf and Collin there as well, and probably the doctor, chef, and smith.

>>13223547
>With that, I also wish to have Wulf and Collin there as well, and probably the doctor, chef, and smith.

Let's start small. Girls and Wulf first. Then we can move on to the others.

As you head to your tent to write your letters, Sansa strides up to you "Is something troubling you, Justinian?" she asks, genuinely concerned.

"Just lost in thought." you excuse yourself, knowing she wont let it rest, will follow you into your tent, and then you will be able to broach the topic with her properly.

Smiling to yourself for guessing your girl so accurately you nod to a stool as you take a seat youself. "What is it, Justinian?" she asks again, now looking even more concerned.

>well, how do you wanna broach this topic with her?

>>13223494
yeah that seems like a good idea

>>13223577
Ask her what she thinks about how magic seems to be coming back to the world and all the strange things she's seen while campaigning with us I suppose. I want to get an idea on what she's thinking before we blurt anything.

Recitation: "Well, how do I put this... I believe I know the likely source of the lordfathers' plot, but I just can't voice it without seeming completely out of my mind. And the only reason it makes sense to me at all is because I've experienced things on a personal level I also can't share without seeming mad."

>>13223577
"something that I should have came to you about before now. Tell me Sansa, what do you know of the Gods?"

>>13223595
I agree with this.
We want her to come to the conclusion, by herself and guided by us, that obviously magic and such are returning to the world. If certain things from the First Age are returning, it could be a sign of the end of the Second Age, and if magic returns, then so could other things, such as gods.

>>13223595
Second this.

>>13223622
Dude, get some subtlety. You are hitting a nail with a sledgehammer.

"I was, curious as to your take on the, arts, that are returning to the world." you reply, tentatively.

"Your elementalism, Lenas, magic?" Sansa asks, seeking clarification, you nod in response "I cant deny that its real, and not arcana, or that its useful... why bring up the topic so privately, everyone in the maniple already knows about it."

"You know what happened at the end of the First Age, right?" you ask, to which Sansa nods in ascent "That the gods left the world along with the immortals, magic, and elementalism, correct? Arts which are now returning to the world."

"Are you implying that..." Sansa trails off "But is that a good or bad thing if, if the gods are real, and returning to power, what do we do if they are?" she asks, now sounding quite frightened and her usually active, searching eyes, focused directly on you now.

>>13223702
"we act no differently than if they didn't exist, they are beings of great power and worthy of our respect but not our worship"

>>13223702

Recitation: "We do exactly as we are now: everything in our power in service of the people of the empire. So long as we've protected our nation, we've done our job. If that means foiling plots of otherworldly beings, so be it."

>>13223702
Embrace her I suppose. She seems a little scared suffice to say.

"It means we do as we've done as always. We do our duty to the Empire, protect its interests, its people and each other. The gods are powerful and can get our respect if they deserve it but that doesn't mean we should go run out and start worshiping them and doing as they desire."

>>13223739
I agree with this.

And who knows; we were able to get rid of them once, maybe if needed we could do it again. The gods and demons will have to walk more carefully now.

>>13223702
We do nothing differently. They are powerful, but we need not bow to them simply because of that. We do as we have always done, and trust in each other and our feelings for each other. Then give her a tight hug and kiss.

>>13223774
Was it mortals that caused them to leave or did they do it on their own? Don't recall if Pax told us what happened exactly or not.

>>13223786

Statement: as far as anyone knows, it's a mystery. This runtime surmises they left because they had all exhausted their power fighting eachother for a time.

>>13223786
Not exactly sure.
For magic, I think it was that no new people were born with the gift, and so it just died out, along with the immortals (who apparently weren't so immortal anymore).

Yeah, we need Pax to give us some clarification on that.

You lean over to embrace Sansa "We do as we have always done, protect our friends and our homeland. The gods are powerful, they can grant great boons, but first they must earn our respect. Much has changed since they abandoned us to their immortal children, we have changed. They need to learn that we will not be cowed by simple power, or wisdom, or any ability they may have, they must earn our respect, as we must theirs, if we wish to borrow their strength."

Sansa falls into the embrace willingly, it almost feels as if she's melting into you, looking into her face, you dont see your fearless, intelligent aide and confidant, but a soft, caring girl clinging to the one she trusts the most "Your as stubborn as a boarox." she chides, not letting go of you "Your mad, to witty for your own good... and dammit your always right about things like this. Why cant you be wrong just once, why cant things just stay as they were, and why arent you frightened in the slightest by this, when I'm terrified?" she asks, as you begin to suspect the only reason she isnt trembling is the death-grip she has on you.

>>13223864
"Well, I've had slightly longer to get used to it. Give it a couple weeks, you'll be fine. But if you want to feel better faster, I can think of a way to cheer you up." Roguish grin. Kiss.

>>13223816
>>13223811
>>13223786
>when the gods made the world they made the immortals to be their stwards and servants in the mortal realm, those immortals were the 6 dragons and the matriarch and patriarch elementals. At first they were everything you would expect of devine servants, caring, magnanimous and benevolent. Then the pantheon split, and forgot about their children while they fought their war. They partly went mad, and partly went 'baww, mom and dad got divorced, it must be my fault'. They became evil, destructive bastards, and that which time could not lay low was laid low by the hands of the mortals they were oppressing, that they had been created to steward. When the gods got over their spat, they found the link to their realm and the mortal realm had been severed with the death of the immortals. Now the wound is finally healing.

>>13223896
USE YOUR BEST ROLLS
*Advicejustinian.jpg*
ON WOMEN

guy who made em needs to do this one too

>>13223864
"As much as we may wish the world to stay the same, it always changes and we must adapt with it. I'm sure we showed Lord Stant's men that in our last few battles. I'm not afraid because I know the day I am wrong or in trouble, I have my aide to help me out."

>>13223919

>>13223864
Smile.

You're my right hand and my wonderful, beautiful, resourceful darling aide. You look out for both my and my men, always ready to help or step up to any challenge. But sometimes, just occasionally, here in my arms... it's fine for you to be afraid and terrified of the world. I won't back down from anything, gods or man, because it's my job to protect you, always. Because you're not just my aide, you're much more than that to me.

>>13223946
Wow, nice and romantic. Say it!

>>13223946

Statement: A feeling this runtime can only describe as complete disgust rises from deep within my memory core. Clearly, this is the correct option.

>>13224059

a bit jaded are we rudy?

>>13223946
Bow chicka wow-wow! Do this.

(I also d'awwwed)

>>13224092

Statement: No, it's just this runtime has noticed that the more disgust felt for a particular a romantic meatbag moment, the more likely it is to be the correct answer.

You smile "Because I have more than just myself to worry about, I have you, my right hand, my beautiful, resourceful, daring, kindhearted aide; all my other friends, my soldiers, my homeland. I have always been, and until my last breath will remain, the rock against the storm. I never need to fear that duty for I always know that your there to help me hold back the rain and the wind. But sometimes, when the storm is too great for even those as strong as you, I know I can always shelter just one more, here in my arms." you comfort Sansa.

"But what if you-" she starts to ask, but the though isnt worth finishing, so you drop your mouth over hers, and finally her eyes close, and as you hold her there you can feel the fear finally melt away.

As your lips part, the smiling, strong young woman, capable of anything you ask of her slowly returns as the embrace holds. Eventually she quips "As much as I'd like to stay here, I do have a feast to finish preparing, it starts with the sunset, by the way."

>skip to the celebration, or try to talk to someone else?

>>13224165
If we really wanted to be a dick we could bring in Kyria and Jayne and do a similar routine with them.

>>13224165

Statement: We should talk to Wulf to clarify what we know about his vision.

>>13224165
Talk to the other Captain we know believes in the old gods. We should shoot down our theory on who got visions and why.

>>13224165

can we squeeze in some elementalism training while talking to wulfe?

>>13224165
Okay, guys, are we all agreed that this celebration needs to end with us in bed with all of our ladies simultaneously? Because I'm pretty sure that is the appropriate ending.

>>13224192
Bring in all the other three at once. Kyria can hear it from both us and Laelith and Jayne can have what we told her confirmed.

>>13224165
Talk with Wulf about his vision some more.

Also, I can't recall if we checked the surgeon, cook, or smith if they had visions.

>>13224224
I don't think we did but we should definitely do that before the timeskip

AS Sansa leaves your tent, thankfully back to her usual self, you write the next few letters you need to have prepared, before going out to find either Laelith, Jayne and Kyria; Wulf; or the rest of your small cadre of elementalits. You find Wulf first, training his now frighteningly large hounds with stuffed Uurlanthi armor, just outside your prison tents... the animals are getting aggressive rather quickly, surprisingly. "Hello Justinian." he greets you, holding a small sling loaded, in case on of the hounds goes for one of the stuffed figures not in uurlanthi garb. "How can I help you?"

"I wanted to talk about that vision you had before the night raid." you tell him openly, as no one is in earshot at the moment.

"What about it did you want to talk about?" he asks, warily, as your last discussion on it was rather, odd.

>>13224306

Recitation: "You had told me that your mother used to pray, and you started because of that. Did you ever give a thought to who or what your were praying?"

>>13224306
Which way, if either, does he feel like following?

The Hag, we haven't had any direct dealings with, but we know we did snag her attention.
As for the Wanderer, did it feel like he was protecting Wulf from the Hag's attentions, or just hiding him?

>>13224352
He follows no way. His loyalty must be to us, then to the empire, and only then to any others or gods. To follow any god would all too likely prove in violation of that.

"You said you were religious because of your mothers faith, shich god did, do, you worship?" you ask honesty.

"I, well... I suppose if they really are coming back it doesnt hurt to talk about it, does it?" Wulf asks, before continuing "I knew who I belonged too, even though I was just barely able to think. It was always The Wanderer, I never stayed in one place for more than a month, less time when I was younger, no one wants to watch a child that isnt theirs. I knew who kept the highwaymen and bandits from me when I slept off the road. And now, it ends up that the element I command is his domain as well. It just makes sens, I guess, life is a journey, after all." he finishes, though it seems as if he is leaving something off when he stops talking.

>>13224375
Well, of course that what we want him to say and do.
That's why we need to find out if he's falling into the trap of worshiping the gods; if he does it now out of habit, he may do so in the future with true conviction.
We need to nip this now, before the gods can get an even stronger hold on those around us.

>>13224421
"There must be more to it though. Why else would you see The Hag in your vision? Something must have attracted her attention."

And I think I'm out for the night. See you guys tomorrow night I assume.

>>13224421

and The Hag?

>>13224421
And? I have a feeling that's not the whole story, Wulf. Why is Neshai interested in you?

>>13224437
Seconding this.

Also, if the Wanderer really has been protecting Wulf, then the gods were already starting to come back from that long ago.
Also, we'll owe the Wanderer for his protection of Wulf from the more mundane threats.

>>13224421
Well, it good that he's clear on which god he has as a patron (fortunately one of the 'good' pantheon).

>>13224441
>>13224437
>>13224443
Fourthing these questions.

Also...how much do we know of Wulf's past, anyway?

>>13224463

Observation: You know, that's really a good question.

>>13224475


we just kinda picked him up in the north when he joined with the scrub archer battalion we raised after the sack of the major city there

he tried to take command of the archers and had a measure of success so we recriuted him to our retinue

we've never really talked of his past

a good time to start would be now

>>13224500

Agreement: Indeed. Hang around and shoot the shit with Wulf.

"And?" you ask, knowing something is being left out.

"the journey ends in death." he finishes the phrase "Neshai and Eago were the first gods born, the first to pair, and the last to split, when they realized they had to choose sides. Normally if you follow one, you follow both. I, I'm not sure I want to know what happens if you break that rule."

"There is no rule, and you will allow no consequence." you reply stern and reassuring at once.

"But-"

you cut the young man off "Things are different now then they were when the teachings on the gods were written. You werve Degnar, yourself, and me. No divine power is to be allowed to hold sway over you. You may prefer one of the ten, one of them may prefer you, but they are to know that it is not a master-servant relationship. If we do not start this new Age properly, I fear we will repeat the mistakes of the last one, to more disastrous results. Do you understand?"

"I, well, yes. But how do I know that I will be safe, when Neshai comes to claim what she believes hers?" he asks, worried

"A soldiers life is all travel, all a journey. And if that is not enough, you are fast on your way to becoming a champion of The Wanderers element. If not that, then there are others a soldier can go to for protection from a jealous deity." you remind Wulf, as he calls his dog to heel.

"And you?" he asks, looking curious as he rewards his hounds.

>Neshai and Eago were the first gods born, the first to pair, and the last to split

Huh. Well that's new information.

>>13224553


shiiiiiiiiiiit son, all the gods be wantin' a piece o' justinian, but wez be savin' ourseleves for raynah

empire comes first though, ya dig it?

>>13224572

I suppose that should be gist of our response.

We ARE trying to get Justinian to be the 7th Praetorian, after all. That position requires a certain amount of diplomatic neutrality with regard to the deities and primacy of the interests of the Empire.

Neytini is going to be our wife. Let's just get that out in the open.

>>13224638

being Justinian Motherfucking Trentz, we do have a feasible chance somewere down the road

but do you really want to fuck the ex-wife of the evil war god? do you?

i can guarantee you that it wont end well, unless we find some sort of god-killing weapon

>>13224553
I do not serve the gods, and they do not serve me. They are great and powerful, and I respect that. But power is not all it takes to earn my trust or patronage. The king of Uurlanth is powerful too, after all. Just as I must prove myself to the gods, they must prove themselves to me. Ranhya is one who we favor, and Nyetini... well, let's just say that I do not limit myself to the charms of mortal women.

"There are several gods who are, interested, in me. But as I already told you, Degnar comes first." you reply, resisting the urge to drop into a ridiculous voice and accent for the reply "Now, I do believe that although I have taken you under my wing, I know surprisingly little about you, would you mind sharing?" you ask, as one of the hounds makes its way over too you, and plops its head into your lap.

"When I was very young, eight, maybe nine, my mother, the last family I had, died. She simply took ill and that was it. Within a matter of weeks debtors had me out of her house, I tried to earn money to buy food, but I couldnt, I was too young. I ended up fleeing that town after stealing food, the story was much the same until I was older, five, maybe six years I fell into that pattern of drifting into a town, and being run out after getting caught. Somewhere along the line I took a bow and some arrows, not for need, just to see if I could get away with it. I nearly lost my hand as a thief for that. But by the time I was fourteen years of age, I think, I was a respectable shot. After a while I realized I was an adult grown, sixteen years, somehow I got it in my mind that I could just settle in to a town and be normal, I went through four villages in as many months, run out for one reason or another. I had just stopped in that town the week before when it was attacked, and I ended up meeting you." Wulf informs you, keeping his voice as even as he can. It is obvious that alot happened to him during his life, and much of it he doesn't seem very eager to bring up.

>>13224553

"I imagine any deity seeking to claim me as their own would have to deal with several capable women"

>>13224651
>but do you really want to fuck the ex-wife of the evil war god? do you?
Hell yes. I vote for trying to turn him into a bro, being a soldier like us and all. (In fact, I would say that might be one of the reasons Nyetini could like us. Her ex was a soldier too after all. She likes the bad boys.)

But if he refuses to give her up, well... we'll challenge the gods themselves for those we love.

>>13224651
OUR BRAVADO, INTELLECT, AND UNSURMOUNTABLE LIBIDO SHALL BE THE ONLY WEAPONS JUSTINIAN NEEDS

>>13224667
Oh come on, let's tell Wulf we intend to wed a goddess. Let's see how he responds.

>>13224667

dont do anything that'll get you run out of here wulfe

ive grown fond of having you around and i'd rather you stayed with me and the legion for a long time

>>13224679

say that to Garagush when he chops off your cock and feeds it to the goats

>>13224671

and you think that courting his ex "the whore" will endear us to him? i think not

and besides, we already chose raynah over him, trying to get in bed with both (metaphor) will probably end bad as well

>>13224667
Well, you have a home here, until find a better one.

"Well, hopefully you wont manage to get yourself run out of the Legion as well, Wulf, I'm beginning to grow rather fond of you." you reply dryly, at a loss for what to say at his openness.

>I ehink I'm gonna call if for tonight.
>I'll be back Monday at 9pm server time
>someone archive please
>if you have any setting/didnt fit in the thread questions just e-mail me at: [email protected]

>>13224753
I doubt it. And if it comes to that, well, we haven't signed onto her wagon yet. We can always throw in our lot with the love goddess instead. We aren't committed yet.

>>13224667

Recitation: "The great part about being a soldier is that there are other soldiers with you. We're never truly alone, and there's always someone watching your back. Oh, by the way, how are things going with Lena?" the last part accompanied by a elbow.

>>13224783

we accepted a boon from raynah, she is our patron for all intents and purposes

mind you, i would've picked garagush from the very beginning

in any case, it's far too late to contradict ourselves now. and as for choosing nyetini as our patron, she's a pacifist

our job involves killing people all the time, i dont think thats what she looks for in a champion

>>13224753
Whatever, who cares when you're boning the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty?

>>13224815
We don't have a patron. Just because you accept a gift from someone doesn't mean you signed on to be their bitch.

>>13224815
>our job involves killing people all the time, i dont think thats what she looks for in a champion
She married the god of war at one time. I'm just saying.

For once Pompeius, you and I are in agreement. (Well not really the first time, but you get the idea.)

Personally, I'm more inclined to gain Neytini's favor in order to ask for a boon in the future. (Ensuring that a certain commander's children with his elf and dwarf ladies don't end up stillborn.)

Thread Archived.

Statement: it's been fun, meatbags, but this runtime has to shut down for maintenance.

Fine fine. No trying to be bros with the evil gods then. But wooing Nyetini is still totally awesome and we should do it.

>>13224898
Well, Lamynus is definitely out after what we did with Laelith, as is Baashek after thwarting his little game with the slaves. Karythira, well we really haven't interacted with her, though she's apparently into pointless cruelty, backstabbing, and taking things but never giving anything in return, so I doubt we would want to deal a lot with her.

But as for Neshai and Garagush, well the last time we chatted with them they actually were somewhat friendly, at least as friendly as the two of them get, anyway. I think we can do at least a little bit of dealing with them.