>>15882584
Let's go chat up Autronius and see what's bugging him.

>>15882636
Second. We should see what's bothering him.

>>15882636

seconding

>>15882584

>Something i've been fooling around with.

The enemy is likely to run if we show that there is a opening. If they break, their formations will be broken up and easier to slaughter.

What I propose is having our own forces take long grass from the current area and camouflage themselves at our ambush point.

Pax mentioned last thread that the grass is waist height at that area so the grass camo doesnt need to be very elaborate, enough to blur their outline and they can kneel in the grass.

Furthermore, if the area to be fought in is trapped and seeded with caltropes, we can force the enemy to advance on us piecemeal as they retreat, making it much easier for us to cut them down.

Wiping the sweat from your brow, you move to catch up with Blackbird and Autronius. Just as you reach earchot, the two begin their conversation. "I realize that you are skilled at what you do. And I respect the Commanders trust in you, but the way you inserted yourself into a meeting our superior officers were holding..."

Blackbird laughs "Was completely acceptable. I had relevant and important information, as well as worthy advice. Knowledge and experience bear more weight than rank. And my knowledge in raiding, and tactics you would refer to as something outside what is normal gave me a perfectly good reason to remain at the table."

"A soldier only speaks when spoken to, and acts on his orders. ESPECIALLY in the presence of his commanding officer." Autronius replies icily. After a few seconds of tense silence, Blackbird begins to laugh, not looking away from the now red-faced Autronius, who is clearly staining... mentally.

>>15882879
Perhaps we should interfere.
"Autronius, while I understand your insistence on proper military protocol, I would rather that I be given pertinent information before I waste time going down unnecessary paths of thought.
"Blackbird is still in the process of improving his manners."

>>15882973
Probably the best. Perhaps make reference about us talking to Blackbird after that one campaign with Spuria and that other commander where he spoke out then. I believe we talked to Blackbird that he needed to improve on his method of putting forth his opinion.

You sigh, and step between the two "Autronius, my friend, I have given Blackbird my express permission to join command meetings when he thinks his input would be pertinent." you turn to face the orc "But I did, however, instruct you to attempt to be more polite about it."

Autronius stutters for a moment before replying "I, I take it he has earned that right then."

YOu nod "Indeed he has, and while I do my best to not give any undue favor to members of my command staff, his input is generally more tactically pertinent at the meetings where it is not simply my own maniple that will be going into battle."

Blackbird nods in agreement "As tactically intelligent as Gaius and Cornelius are, their input is not much different from that of Commander Trentzs peers." the big orc pauses, before chuckling out "Perhaps at first it wasnt, but now that may be a different story."

You smirk "Hopefully our way of thinking will be the norm before long my friend."

Autronius sighs before shaking his head and inserting "If you wish, Commander, I could help Blackbird with his military protocol and etiquette. I would rather he not make things more difficult for our maniple by angering your peers."

>>15883186
"I suppose it may be required. The more we work with other maniples, the more we will depend upon them. Angering them would not be in our best interest, even if it means putting up with an explanation of an inferior plan for a half-hour before a competent one can be put forth."

>>15883186

"Actually, Autronius, his behaviour is a boon during these discussions. Some of my peers have shown a inability to adapt to changing conditions and are very resistant to advice.

Openly chastising them myself will create too much anger between us and likely make cooperation nigh-impossible. Having Blackbird do so allows me to play the part of the conciliator, making them more open to my ideas."

>>15883228
Second. That other commander we worked with in taking out that supply caravan was pissed when Blackbird threw his input and basically called him an idiot. Even though he was right, it's still not the best way to do it. Although I think we should talk to Autronius solo at some point. This solution didn't make him happy and I'm curious to see on how he's doing in our maniple in general.

>>15883276
>>15883228

thirding

>>15883260
Actually, I like this, but rather than say it, think it so that Autronius reads it, while we actually say >>15883228

>>15883260
Even if this is true, which I don't really feel has been the case overall, I don't think this is an argument that will make him feel better about the situation. Not sure if we should say that.

You think for a while. You think as loudly and unshielded as you can about how nice it was for Blackbird to cut off the more idiotic ideas some of the other commanders you have had to work with put forth with his own, sound ideas. You ponder the time saved, the headaches spared, and how nice it was to have someone to cut all that off for you without damaging your image in the eyes of your peers too greatly. And then, when Autronius' face reads defeat, you reply "That sounds to be as good a solution to the problem as any. Autronius there will be no influencing Blackbird to do anything unnatural or embarrasing. Blackbird, there will be no maiming of Autronius."

Autronius nods, smiling slightly with triumph. Blackbird steps forward "Commander, I will still be able to put forth my plans, correct?"

Now you allow yourself to smile, as you reply "Of course, my friend, we will simply have to suffer through idiocy for a time first."

Blackbird chuckles "Relying on luck isnt the worst thing that could have been suggested. In fact, some of my proposed raids, from before my fathers clan died, were much worse than what I cut off today."

Chuckling, you allow the two to wander off to see to their own tasks. Again, you find yourself unsure of what to do, Lena, Catarina and Laelith are still studying, Sansa needs to set your maniples preparations in order, and now, it would seem that Degrian and Kyria now seem to be working on some new project as well.

>>15883627
Let's go see how the research crew is doing. I want to see what they're focusing on now.

>>15883627
>Degrian and Kyria now seem to be working on some new project
Oh, let's see what our engineers are working on now! They always seem to come up something fun for us and painful for the enemy.

>>15883627

See what insane stuff Degrian is building now.

>>15883675
>>15883686
I thought we told Degrian to start working on something to deal with the undead? We should already know his project to a degree.

You make your way over to Degrian and Kyria, both of them gathered around a scrapped autowagon, parchment, and lead set before them. "Hello Kyria, Degrian. Might I inquire as to what you are working on?"

Degrian looks up from his sheet of parchment "Combination."

Kyria shoots him a strange look "We're tryin to combine the autowagon and your request for a device to destroy undead. But it is not going smoothly."

"Smaller, perhaps?" Degrian offers, tossing a sheet of parchment over his shoulder.

Kyria shakes her head "Unless we found a way to make the steam chamber from the steambows more stable."

Degrian shakes his head "Are other ways to make it work. Horse will need to be inside the wagon anyways."

You step back, thuroughly confused, and not sure if you should intervene.

>>15883964
Don't think there's anything we can really add to this. Unless we decide they should clearly come up with a steam engine for the autocarts that wouldn't require horses.

>>15884022

Powered by men. Flintstone-style

>>15884069
That actually might be better. Wouldn't have to worry about the horse getting spooked.

Though steam engines are obviously superior, we may not have the time or resources to get them.

Suggest smaller animals and then move on.

If we need a new destination after this, I once again suggest seeing what the bookworms are researching.

>>15884219
Sure. Let's see what they're looking up.

>>15884219
>>15884227
third

As the two continue to rattle back and forth, sketching all the while, you continue to back up "Perhaps, perhaps a smaller animal to move the thing?" you offer, uncertainly. Unfortuanately for you, both of them turn to look at you, as if you are an idiot, and after a few silent seconds, go back to their bickering. More than a little unsettled, you make your way over to see what Catalina, Lena and Laelith are researching. When you get closer, the three of them are all silently reading from separate tomes, though only Laelith looks comfortable in the heat. "So, my lovelies, what might I inquire, are we researching?"

Laelith turns to face you, her loose-fitting robe fluttering as she does so "Something for Catalina to practice, hopefully."

Lena turns around, stretching and sighing "We could tell you more if you have time."

>>15884305

"Lena, truly you should know me better than that. I always have time for beauties such as yourselves!"

Then proceed to find out what these three are up to. Lealith always does seem to have mischief spring up around her.

>>15884305
"Might as well. If you're going to stick around Catalina, there are certain things you can't do anymore. And at some point, we're going to have to have a chat about another matter related to your skills. But that can wait for now."

>>15884375
Panda says second.

You chuckle "When have I ever been to pressed for time to talk with either of you? Especially something so very, interesting. Though, if you plan on staying, Catalina, we will need to have a longer discussion about your powers, and some other things." You sit on the same bench as the trio, next to Laelith, of course.

The elf chuckles as she turns around, pecking you on the cheek before she begins "Catalina is extremely skilled at creating and commanding flesh golems. The problem is that her ability to control multiple is limited, and once she releases them from her command, they fall to pieces fairly quickly."

Lena nods "Which is part of the reason I was able to defeat her so easily. It took a big part of her concentration to maintain the golems that were guarding her, even with a command so simple and vague as 'protect me'."

Catalina nods "S...so we are going through all of the tomes that you brought with you for a way for me to make more permanent golems." she pauses, looking about sheepishly, not cowering but still clearly scared and unsure of how she should act "Where did you get them all from?"

>>15884576
Much more impolite necromancers than yourself.

Also looting.

>>15884576
"Ever since we've realized the arcane was returning, I've made it a point to acquire as much knowledge on it as we could. A number were from our libraries in Degnar but some were donated by some Uurlanth nobles."

>>15884684

second

>>15884576
"Oh, here and there.
"Ah, and I nearly forgot to mention: I spoke with Neshai last night, Catalina, and she appears to not have any grudge against you. But she did say that she would prefer to see you work for her as a priestess."

>>15884702
I don't know if we want to bring it up just like that. We still need to get a sense on if she even believes in the old gods. Kind of why I mentioned we'd need to talk to her later. If she doesn't believe in them, it's just going to freak or weird her out more I imagine.

You chuckle "Most of them came from necromancers ruder than yourself, Catalina. Others were donated by Uurlanthi nobles, and some are being borrowed from the archives in DragonsReach. Ever since I realized that the arcane was returning, I have been collecting such things."

Laelith laughs "And I have had to catalog and keep track of most of that. Though, I am glad it is a good thing that you allow me to choose what we keep most of the time."

For a while, you simply sit with the three women as they study, for lack of anything better to do. Eventually, Lena perks up, and turns to face you "Justinian, would it be possible for us to take some of the broken gems from the armor you took from Lord Ramons guards after they were defeated? I may have found something."

>>15884796

Of course. Care to share what you may have found?

>>15884796
Why not? What have you found?

>>15884796
I don't think we were going to do anything specific with them so why not. What is Lena up to?

>>15884796
Speaking of his bodyguard unit, what do we do with those lances (I think they were made of meteorite)?

>>15884833

seconding

>>15885040
I don't know about this. I rather not use any form of raising the dead or flesh golems or that sort of things. Perhaps in a more controlled enviroment. However, research is fine.

I think it will be best if Catalina becomes a priestess of Neshai before we can allow her to do the raising the dead part of necromancy.

>>15885040
>"A... a ritual?"

>>15885040

"What kind of ritual? Can you explain a little further in depth since the last one didnt go so well for Catalina.

Also, how many gems are we looking at?"

>>15885040

"Catalina, we will not force any rituals or training upon you, but we may have to work on your confidence and posture should you choose to stay in our company."

You cast an understanding glance at Catalina "Perhaps you could be more specific, ritual is such a, diverse, word. And if it involves raising any dead, it can be wholly discounted."

Lenas smile evaporates, and she immediately hugs Catalina "I'm sorry, I didnt mean to scare you... it was just the easiest way to describe it. All you would have to do is meditate over the gem. Then you make a golem like you normally would, and thats it. You dont have to do anything else until you drain the power from the crystal."

Catalina looks at Lena warily "Only meditate? What do you mean by..."

You chuckle "Focus your power on the gem, it would seem. Meditation, well, that is a term that I will have to explain to you more when I talk to you later on." you finish with a soothing voice, as you notice that the girl is shaking slightly.

"Whoever did what they did to that girl..." Laelith whispers in your ear, a violent edge to her voice.

Sansa interrupts the near silence as she drops down across the table with what you can only assume is her dinner "Going to 'meditate' with another woman Justinian, I'm hurt." she lecherously teases.

>>15885263

"I'm hurt. Do you insinuated that I spend an insufficient amount of time in you? That can be rectified in quick order."

>>15885263

"I'm sorry, love. Would you prefer to meditate with her first?"

>>15885302
Seconding.

What if the corpse is not human but animal? We still have a lot of decomposing mounts lying around.

Can we... can we create a horse/uursan corpse golem cavalry unit? Heck, the uursans wouldn't even need riders.

HOOO-BOY

Let's not do this, but it came to mind instantly

>>15885308
Seconding this combined with
>>15885302

>>15885418
Maybe not to have undead units. But my original idea was to have a Uursan flesh golem push the autowagons.

You mock shock, placing your hand over your heart "Sansa, my love, certainly you arent saying that I dont spend enough time with you? I can rectify that immediately, if you are." as Laelith grabs your arm, you smirk slyly "Or, perhaps it is that _you_ wanted to be the first to meditate with Catalina here..." you trail off.

Sansa laughs "Justinian, you made that joke several months too late for it to have any affect on me. Kyria got to me long ago, if you would remember."

Now it is Laeliths turn to act mortified "You mean my lovely form had nothing to do with your... change of heart?"

Catalina tunrs to look at Lena, mortified, truly mortified, not acting the part "Are... are all degnarians like this?" she asks.

Lena laughs "The first time I was with my... man, we were at it for a week straight. But no, most of us are a bit less, open, about it."

Taht does not put Catalina to ease, but it does take her mind off of her fear "So, this, ritual, you were talking about, what about that?"

Sansa pre-empts any response "Justinian and the rest of us will put your week to shame Lena... and do it witjhout ruining all of the fabric in the room with the scent of it." she declares.

Lena shrugs "I rather like how our room smells." she turns to Catalina, smiling "The fact that he is lazing about with his concubines means that we have our permission... unless he simply got distracted again."

>>15885418

I'm against using dead friendly mounts.

It could be devastating to morale of our cav units to think that the mounts they ride to battle might end up as part of a FRIENDLY flesh golem. Many riders may prefer their mounts (and those of their dead fellows) be allowed to rest in death.

>>15885573

We'll need to speak with our men first and see how they feel about it but those mounts will be stronger, faster, more resistant to damage.

If we use them, I say perhaps in our flier corps.

Sorry I'm late guys.


Making mounts shouldn't be a problem, finding a rider willing to use one, well, that may be a problem.

rolled 59 = 59

>>15885709
>>15885573
I would think using them as actual mounts after that would be the issue where the morale would come into play. I however don't think it would be a problem to use them as machines for physical labor and such like the autowagons as a motor. To be honest, I think the men should/would get over it eventually considering they have had to deal with our unconventional"ness" as it is all ready.

What about the enemy's mounts, then? Surely there is no emotional attachment there.

>>15885810

Theres still that creepy-crawly feeling of mounting (heh) a dead animal.

No sane soldier would like that very much.

rolled 28 = 28

>>15885829
>>15885810
I think realistically, being able to find enough expensive gems and such and not using them as currency turn in quantities to have enough of for one unit is a bad idea, and keep in mind, they would only be able to follow commands based on the purity of said gem and the preset commands of the creating necromancer. It would be too much upkeep and impractical to use as such. However, a few to power our large autowagons and such isn't so impractical and they can be maintained / replaced easier due to the light damage that might come from their use unlike the proposed combat counterparts.

rolled 43 = 43

>>15885563
Also, have a relaxing bath with Sansa and Laelith and give Lena and Catalina a go ahead to our loot stores for the gems to see what they can come up with. I say relaxing, but only as relaxing as getting a good session of love making with a lithe lustful elf and a perky upbeat human aid can give.

>>15885905
Wait wait wait. Don't we have a battle to prepare for?

>>15885905
second

>>15885957

Yes we do.

NO TIME RIGHT NOW FOR FUN.

>>15885957

Yep. No time for love, Doctor Jones.

Find the airborne wings. Get them ready to begin dumping a large load on the heads of our enemies.

Blackbird and his infiltrators should also get ready to move out to trap the field so that when the enemy advances on the anvil (us), they will be running piecemeal and into a prepared ambush.

From IRC:

<TRO> Here IS a thought, though, could we practice trying to make molten rock with Laelith for now?
<TRO> Just to see how well we can synch our abilities.

>>15886149
>>15886114
seconding these

>>15886114
Definitely get the air cavalry ready. Dump everything we can spare that are sharp and pointy on top of the enemy camp. We should have plenty of looted weapons and arrowheads by now.

Not sure about trapping the field. If the initial charge is not successful, we may need to wade into the camp and join the battle.

Leave some open lanes so that our troops can march on the camp if needed.

You chuckle "As much as I _would_ like to show you lovely ladies a good time right now, I fear that we have a battle to prepare for."

Sansa sighs and Laelith pouts a bit "Is that a promise for tonight then?" the elf asks, almost whispers, into your ear. You nod, grinning. It takes the better part of half an hour to bring Sansa up to pace on what the battle will be, and your maniples role in it. By then, she is more than ready to set out to get your men ready to for the fight.

-----CQ-----

You then set off to find Blackbird, who is with his men, preparing traps for the coming battle. Blackbird looks up at you from a particularly cruel trap he seems to be working on, a look of frustration on his face. "You needed me for something else, commander? I recently finished my first... lesson, with Autronius, and am preparing my traps, but if there is anything else you need...

You smile at his initiative, and allow him to carry on. When you reach your aerial cavalry, it is much the same, the men already preparing for the approaching battle, and not in need of any additional instruction.

Eventually, you find Laelith at the training area, as the sun nears the horizon. "Justinian, I take it the maniple is in order then?"

You nod "Indeed it is, love. I did happen to have an idea, however. We should attempt to combine our elementalism."

Laelith nods, excitedly smiling "I was wondering when you would ask about that. It most certainly wont be easy, but it is possible." she replies, as she jogs to fetch her arcane torch.

>I need 2 rolls for this training.

rolled 40 = 40

>>15886333

Rollin'

rolled 43 = 43

ROLLING FOR AWESOME

Both of you spend some time warming up, and preparing yourselves. Eventually, with Laeliths help, you find a store of stone that will be easy enough for her to melt down, and after a solid minute of work, raise a large boulder of it from the ground. "Small chunks, love, we dont want to destroy anything valuable." Laelith instructs as you break off a smaller rock.

The first attempt ends in a rock starting on fire, but extinguishing when it hits the ground. The second rock is moving too fast and nothing happens, and the third is incinerated. The fourth, however, is a perfect success. A jet of lava is formed, about as long and wide as your forearm, and moving faster than any man or beast can without arcane assistance. And it continues that speed for all of a few seconds. The next few jets of magma skew one way or the other as either Laelith or yourself exert too much pressure on the combination of fire and earth, ruining the aim. However, as the sun finally sets, and to the roaring cheers of a crowd, the two of you are able to get a single jet of magma to make a circuit around the training area before it cools off, and without killing anyone.

>combination Skill Acquired: Magma Jet!!

Tired, yet satsified you pull Laelith into a kiss. Then, both of you filthy from soot, ash and dust, and dripping sweat from the heat, you lean on each other and make your way back to your bathtent.

>well, this seems as good a place to stop as any
>someone archive please
>I'll be back thursday at 9pmish server time
>If you have any setting/CQ questions just email me at [email protected]

Sweet! Now that we've pulled that one off, we could, at least in theory, create even stronger fortifications by raising, melting, shaping, and finally rapidly cooling off magma. Hell, get us a water elementalist and we could make walls of fucking obsidian.