>>12413226
Do you know anything, anything at all, about this other "wife"?

>>12413226
What fortifications and defenses do the ruins have? Hidden access tunnels, gates, chokepoints?
The destruction of the walls at Avensgate; were they the result of an artifact in Khalless' possession?

>bumping to get quest number in, and a few bits of miscellaneous shit I let slide last night

You have enough Meteorite to make 6 swords and complimenting shields, or you could trade in 2 sword/shield sets for ringmail. 3 for platemail, 5 for full plate. One sword could be swapped for one shield. You'll need either alot of coke for the forging, or to burn a decent sized magical item.

>>12413279
Well, we need 1 sword for ourselves, and Cornelius is down a shield.
Perhaps we should have Finian do the forging, to give him something to do.
I'm not sure if we have enough coke or an appropriate magical item to burn, however.

What does she know about Khalless in terms of personality? Anything that can set off his temper or make him lose control? Why did he leave the sigil of his god at Avensgate?

I'm liking the idea suggested last thread in maybe giving the ore to Finias and making him make a masterpiece to try and give him purpose in life again. Also, now that we've totally broken this woman I'm wondering if maybe we shouldn't just execute her. She would be very valuable to keep around just for her knowledge on the elven nation alone and whatever she might know about the old gods.

>>12413248
>>12413250
"She is a servant of Karythria, about as powerful as me, human, and mean. There are no choke-points set up in the tunnels but there are firing fields set up at the mouth to the tunnels from either set of ruins. Khalless changes what units are on guard duty where every time a caravan leaves for wither here or the river camp. All tunnels other than the main ones were collapsed when we took up residence." The elf laughs at your last question "Khalless and his disciples caused the walls to destroy themselves of their own power... rather Khalless used the destruction of the walls to teach his disciples elementalism. You actually believe you have a chance against him, dont you?" She finishes... some semblance of courage returning to her at listing her husbands powers and troops after seeing yours.

>>12413279
>I dont always herp, but when I do I derp.

rolled 58 = 58

Ask her if she could control the fire at will without the staff she owned. If she could see if she can now. She might be able to forge those meteorite stones without giving her, her weapon back. If she can, we have to come to an agreement first.

>>12413324
If she wasn't a member of the enemy's high command, I would just have her crucified like any other enemy of the state. However, considering the valuable intel that she offers, I can't justify simply executing her.

>>12413340
How will Khalless react to one of his caravans going missing?

>>12413340
We need more info on how they destroyed the wall then. Does he need time to do that or can he and his disciples do it instantly? Was it a ritual?

And in regards to her asking if we think we stand a chance? It wouldn't be the first time we beat a follower of the old gods, now would it?

rolled 36 = 36

>>12413340
Didn't see this one.

I'd slap that hoe, but since she is being semi-cooperative we can just wait till her execution. We could wait and execute her in front of her husband. That would be gratuitous in so many ways and possibly make him throw all order away and wish to fight us or something I dunno.

>>12413324
Totally seconding the "give Finias some of the ore to make the most bitchin' sword ever" idea."
And actually I'm gonna say we don't execute her *yet*. I can just see us killing her and then later thinking of something we forgot to ask her.

>>12413340
>teach his disciples elementalism
I'm sorry if this was already covered, but I thought no magic beyond the magical artifacts left over from the First Age existed in the current era.
If magic has truly reached a point where it is usable in a military context, then capturing one of these elementalists alive has to be a priority so that the secrets of magic can be tortured out of them.

>>12413383
I'm thinking this guy isn't going to care much about his wife other than as a tool. He seems like the kind of guy who uses his charisma to get what he wants and throws away his tools to get what he needs done. We broke her last thread, so I don't think executing her might be necessary anymore. We might want to bring her back with us for trial. A small part of me even thinks keeping her around for intel might be in order but that'd be hard to justify to people in our army I think.

>>12413324
"Khalless is calculating, level-headed charismatic, and has a fanatical belief in his own plans inevitability. If a being ever had the will and skill to unite the world under one flag, it would be him. The sigil was simply a calling card... he intended it to be a statement to the world: the gods have returned." The elf laughs at your next question "Of course I can shape flames without my staff. Lamynus awakened my potential as an elementalist, nothing can take that from me, the staff simply makes my skill practical in combat; and yes, if I had a flame close enough to the heat needed to forge meteorite I could potentially increase it the last bit to be hot enough... but why would I help the man who destroyed my life?"

rolled 22 = 22

>Khalless and his disciples caused the walls to destroy themselves of their own power... rather Khalless used the destruction of the walls to teach his disciples elementalism. You actually believe you have a chance against him, dont you?" She finishes... some semblance of courage returning to her at listing her husbands powers and troops after seeing yours.

We better put this shit down if we plan on keeping her then.

>>12413417
"because I can give you a new life, as the commander of this expedition your sentencing is up to me. If you are cooperative you may find yourself pardoned"

>>12413417
"You stated you wanted to live. I assume that has changed in the last few minutes since you're giving me reasons to not spare you your life now that you've lost everything. You can continue giving me reasons to end your life if you wish unless you'd like to correct me on how much you value your life."

>>12413393
it has been gone... but whatever wound was dealt at the end of the first age must be healing, as you have seen several instances of its gradual return along with the gods since you came north.

also elementalism != magic. The former takes what is there and shapes/changes/effects it in a semi-arcane manner... the latter doesnt have to explain shit. The former is what your enemies have. the latter is still gone as far as you know

rolled 30 = 30

>>12413417
"Woman, I didn't destroy your life. You chose your own way and now have to deal with the consequences. I DON'T have to kill you and you may be given a trial, even, if you decide to cooperate and help me. If you don't you WILL most likely be killed and even possibly tortured to death by the Empire. If you are under my protection however, you may just live and use your elemental powers for the benefit of others. Unless of course, the deity herself took away those powers. Then, you are useless to me in that aspect."

>>12413417
"Simple, I can offer you the one thing that no other being can, redemption. I hold your life in my hands, but I am not unmerciful. So long as you should not give me reason to be so."

Also ask if Khalless is the only thing holding this rebellion together. If he falls, would his troops lose the will to carry on? With the numbers we are against guys, I think we might have to make an assault designed to kill this guy... Taking him alive will require more manpower than we have as long as he is leading this army.

We should ask what other magical artifacts are in Khaless' possession. The fire scepter was a nasty surprise, and he undoubtedly has more.
How did the rebels get their hands on them? Did Khaless steal them on his way out of Uurlath?

"Because I hold my life in your hands, woman. If you cooperate well enough I can see that you are pardoned, and serve under me; if that is beyond you... I can see you to a fair trial, but you will ultimately be tortured to death, your body left to feed the crows and rats. Or you can continue down the path you are heading towards now... and I'll end you before midday. Now, you said nothing can take your... talents, away from you. So will you use them to aid me in using these stones we found in the carvan... or must I have you bound gagged and kept in a cold damp box until we reach DragonsReach?" You reply curtly, dropping your hand to the dagger you brought with you.

"Do you want me to try now? or do you need to start a fire for me?" The elf replies petulantly

>>12413576
change that first "my" to "your"... I really should re-read my posts before I hit reply, shouldnt I?

>>12413576
The forging can wait. I rather see the rest of the numerous questions asked answered so we can plan a strategy or have an idea on how to handle this rebellion.

>>12413601
second, we can use her as an EZ Forge oven later. We need to know everything there is to know about khalless before we start to plan his destruction

>>12413564
>>12413483
"It can wait, I have more questions for you first. Is Khalless the only thing holding this rebellion together? How many more artifacts does he have and where did he get them? Does he actually care about any of his followers or are they merely pawns? And do be honest with yourself, I have no time for self-deception" you reply, flexing your bare left arm and hand through the pain.

"No, he is the only thing holding it coherent. His disciples would keep it going, though they lack the money and charisma to keep most of the dwarves and mercenaries in their thrall. No doubt they could maintain the criminals so long as they keep raiding. He took the artifacts with him when he left the Dwemmer Duchy, and I dont know how many or what other than that they are kept in two large chests that only he has access to.
... And no, I doubt any of us are more than pawns to him. he wasted half of our raiders and 9 mercenary battalions in the butchery at Avensgate... as well as one of my predecessors. What else do you wish to pick from my brain, Vulture?" the elf replies clearly not happy with her current life choices... but compliant nonetheless

>>12413680
Hmm. I thought she'd be a little more meek after how we broke her last thread. She may have to be watched more closely it seems...

Are there any times when Khalless is separate from his disciples? Can they cast spells whenever they want or does it take time? Would Khalless risk using his spells in the ruins amongst his own men and artifacts?

>>12413680
"You know, you may want to lighten up on the snark. Death eventually claims us all, but there's no reason to rush the meeting.Unless you think there's some sort of *pride* you can take in being needlessly defiant when I have been so merciful to you. "

>>12413726
"Your attitude, I think I liked it better after I first forced you to grips with reality... you seem to keep on letting it slip through your grasp however. See that you never let it leave your sight however, and do try to hold on to it tighter. Now is Khalless ever away from his disciples? does he have enough control in his spells to use it around his men and artifacts?" you reply, more than a little irked that her willful personality is re-surfacing so quickly... this on will need watching.

"They arent spells, elementalism is an exertion of your will on nature, not controlling some arcane mists that supposedly cover the world. Both he, I and Neritia see perfectly well, no mist clouds our perception of the world. And I believe he has about as much accuracy as a marksman with a good bow... he would never fire into a melee, but he would have no trouble avoiding destroying the roof over his head or an item he would rather not. And I can see reality perfectly well... I just prefer my own take on it." The elf replies, perceiving your most recent civil threat quite aptly.

>>12413825
Would it be suicidal to attack him in the ruins then? Could he just cause the earth itself to wreck us like with what he did at Avensgate or will that tire him too much? Is there anything that you know of that can disrupt elementalism?

>>12413825

is fealty to a god required to become an elementalist?

>>12413861
>>12413917
"The ruins are to unstable for anything large-scale like Avensgate. Nothing save a lack of nearby material the elementalist shapes can block them, drop him in the middle of the ocean and he'll be as mundane as you. I can still feel the nearest fire and the thermals and fueling gasses in the air as sure as I could before you forced me and my once patron to part ways... although I doubt you will be able to be taught to feel an element without the aid of a god." the elf replies

>anything else for her?

>>12413975

can an elementalist of the same element as another elementalist negate the powers of said elementalist?

once you choose one element do you have to stick with that one element?

>>12413975
I say we prove her wrong and try everynow and then by ourselves in our own privacy. Whether it is fire or the wind or something similar just as a possible meditation.

"Good, thank you for your cooperation. If you decide to aid me, I could have you brought some proper medical attention and possibly a warm meal. If not, then you get stuck in that damp box we talked about."

>>12413975
Khalless is level-headed she said but is that level-headed for a dorf or in general? Does he have a large amount of pride/faith in his god that he would defend no matter what? Does he actually know how to fight in melee?

Anyone else have any ideas because I'm running out of em and I'm not seeing any positive signs for us at this point...

rolled 80 = 80

>>12414020
oops forgot my trip

>>12414012
"if you are of equal power you could negate someone of the same element, but one of you will eventually fail. commanding the elements is VERY taxing physically, earth and life are the hardest, water in the middle, fire and air being the simplest to command physically, but harder mentally. Most only have the stamina, patience and intelligence to master one. Though some can learn two elements, no one has ever commanded more than that. Khalless is as levelheaded a being as I ever saw, he is physically and mentally strong and rightfully proud of it; and his faith is as much a part of him as his head." the elf replies.

"Good, thank you for your cooperation. If you decide to aid me, I could have you brought some proper medical attention and possibly a warm meal. If not, then you get stuck in that damp box we talked about." you reply, leaving the room, unsure what to do now that the sun is beginning to rise high.

>hint: solutions come to those who do things

>>12414122

im thinking we're gonna end up in a duel with khaless

>>12414122
Yeah, I don't really get the hint. I always sucked at figuring hints out. Bleh.

Rally up the captains and have a briefing. Tell them what we're facing and that they enemy has sorcery, whether it be through gods or items, they obviously have it. Let's see if they have any insights on our situation.

rolled 58 = 58

>>12414122
Hmmmm, that makes me wonder.....since elemental power and the like has been pretty much unheard of till now, will the fact that it is again usable affect how we could picture forcing our will on an element? Like for example, it would be absurd to even try or feel for it before we knew it was possible because it would be silly and riddle us with self doubt. Now we could try sooner or later but now that we KNOW for sure, what is to say that we aren't able to do it? It is a tool to which we can forge our own way with. I'm picturing us needing to FEEL like the element. The interaction with which connects to our emotions as well as our demeanor. Look at our snarky little elf and her snappy temper and remarks.

>>12414122
Let's give Finian that big hunk of shiny metal.

>>12414175
Finian is not conscious and heavily wounded. He will not be forging any time soon and we should ensure he stays in bed resting and we might want to talk to him when he is awake.

>>12413975
Ask her what is likely to happen when the supply caravan doesn't return. We may be able to draw off some of their units before they stop sending them to investigate

>>12414175

what are we going to have him forge then?

a sword for us and a shield for cornelius?

gifts and shit for our mercs to solidify our control over them?

and i was wondering what khalless' speaches were about?

>>12414175
>>12414210
Finian is unconscious from a head wound right now...

the the caravan doesnt return at the end of the week, a party will be sent to see what happened most likely, they will take about a week as well, and will probably be larger and have runners ready

>>12414244
ah, let's try and do what we did with the caravan or at least something similar

rolled 89 = 89

>>12414296
>>12414244
I say we take the two weeks we have to go after Khall (for short).....This way we can take him unawares, and not waste anymore men then needed.

>>12414244
well it seems like attacking the ruins is out of the question.we'd be outnumbered and have no room to manouver coming out of the tunnels. i think ambushes will be the order of the day when it comes to major engagements. somehow break up the main force of rebels and then destroy them one by one.

idea , attack the camp by the river and when the main force of rebels comes to attack us we torch the forest they have to march through and cut down any who make it through the flames.

also i think a meeting with Raynha and what the hell , Neshai too is in order

No. We can't delay this any longer. Based on the first post, they have around 6000 troops under their command with conservative estimates. Maybe less after their assault on Avensgate but unless we plan to do a super extended campaign, we're not taking this army out piece meal. Eventually they'll just march in force. We have to strike at the ruins Khalless is at and take him out. It's the only way at this point as far as I can see. It'll be a bloody affair but it'll cut their numbers if we can take Khalless out.

>>12414171
spot on actually, it'll take a VERY dedicated effort on your part to pull it off though

rolled 48 = 48

>>12414331
Not only that, but the two weeks will give us time to prepare as well as track Khall if he decides to move, I say we stay here for one more day, then move out. Use the supply caravans for the injured now.

>>12414331
but we are better off fighting a defensive battle against a numerically superior force than we are attacking said force.

>>12414372
Not with the numbers they have though. We won't be able to pull another ambush on their caravan since they'll be expecting something suspicious so we have to use the tunnels now while we have the surprise. This is our best chance to hit one of the ruins but it will be bloody. If we don't take Khalless out, we're not going to stop this rebellion. Although we were ordered to take him alive, we're going to have to kill him I think. There's no other choice since we're not going to get any back up anytime soon even if it was offered.

rolled 52 = 52

>>12414372
This is tactically a sound argument. However, Khalless will most likely leave the ruins eventually. We can face him on open ground. Think our first mission but with more preparation on our part, and more power on theirs.

Also
>>12414356
I'd like to nominate either Life or Fire as our element. This is due to the nature of Justinian. He has passion and drive (fire) as well as understands the value of the working together of parts of a whole to make things work (life).

>>12414331

that will mean taking on him and fifteen other elementalists in addition to all the abhumans he has with him IN ADDITION TO whatever mercs and criminals are at the ruins hes currently at or travelling to.

and you want to attack this force with niether a numerical nor qualitive advantage?

folly i say

Realistically, we only have 1 week to attack them with the element of surprise. Once 1 week is up, they will get suspicious as to why the caravan is gone and then the tunnels might not be as unguarded as they are. If we don't capitalize on them now, we're wasting the effort we put into ensuring they didn't know we found these tunnels. I don't want to assault the ruins to be honest but it's the only option I can see working at this point and taking the head of the rebellion out now.

>>12414397
a valid point. As for taking Khalless alive, snipers perhaps? I'd expect that an arrow through the gut would make it hard to maintain your concentration

>>12414477
We were told in the last thread the mercs and criminals were left at the other ruins. He only has the non-humans with him at this point. Also, no matter what we do, his disciples will be with him. Nothing will change that since they're his bodyguard. Hence why we should hit him while they don't know we can hit them in their rear.

rolled 59 = 59

>>12414477
Keep in mind due to our ranged concentration most of the abhumans would go down in the first few volleys. We could also try a kiting maneuver with a small portion of our men and lead them into a bottle neck / ambush depending on the geography. The problem is that they left to go DEAL with something if I recall, so they will most likely be sieging a town/city or not in the best of shape if we can catch up to them soon.

Maybe we should have asked her that, let's go do that <.<......we forgot about that.

>>12414504

what if we could attack him and his guards when he travels between ruins ?

>>12414504
Alright, but what if the mercs taking the overland route to attack them from the front at the same time as our attack from the tunnels?

>>12414522
You're assuming they travel by ruins. The mercs said he has no patterns they can tell in terms of how he moves between the ruins. At this point, I suggest we move towards the ruins he is at, pray we find alternative paths into the ruins, but regardless we assault it and take him out. It will be bloody I know but it's the only chance we have as far as I can tell.

rolled 100 = 100

>>12414516
Our GM is even for taking the initiative. A few of you are downplaying the fact that surprise + organized well paid force + a /t/actical/g/enuis leader = awesome

>>12414526
Two units of mercs to hit their front? They'd get wiped out easily from a few units alone. They're only light infantry remember plus their front will be fortified.

>>12414542
I'm kinda banking on them being recognized and let in before we attack. So, yeah it's less than reliable to begin with. Seems to be a common theme with my plans. I wonder why?

>>12414594
Too many things to hope on. They'd wonder why the hell they're there in the first place and them being stuck in the middle of the enemy forces in the ruins? They'd likely tell us to screw off and find a new mercenary contract. They're mercs, not members of our empire. If they don't see a chance of survival, they're not going to stick around on our side.

>>12414594
maybe have them act like survivors of our attack to get the gates open and then have hit the non-merc units near the gate (im assuming they would have some qualms fighting merc units who they had been serving with)

>>12414642
Wouldn't that just blunt the effectiveness of our attack? Random survivors running into the front gate would spread word to Khalless and the rest of the forces in the ruins that there are people out there fighting them and that alone will ruin a bit of our surprise attack. They'd also wonder why they didn't go through the tunnels itself. A complete surprise attack will get us the most benefit in my mind.

>>12414642
Unlikely, they didn't have a problem fighting the mercs we just defeated.

Dammit. I missed the interrogation. I wanted to ask if the elf knew how Khalless had gotten in touch with the gods in the first place-hpw did he know they were back? Did they contact him? If so, what is their plan?

>>12414673
We have a week on march towards the ruins if everyone agrees with my plan of action. We have time. We have to find out from her what the tunnel entrance at the ruin looks like anyways. We'll have the advantage of a map of the ruins so we can plan out how to hit them unless she doesn't remember what the ruins look like for some reason.

>>12414666
well I was assuming that once the mercs got the gate opened and attacked, our troops would be following behind them. I guess I didn't make it clear

>>12414710
I don't think they have gates on the tunnel although that should be inquired into... The only reason why I suggest we not bother with that idea is because the caravan came from the ruins where Khalless is not at. Survivors or the caravan appearing there would raise more questions than help us. Thus, we should hit the guards at the tunnel with our best troops to let the rest of our men into the ruins ASAP.

>>12414707
One thing we need to think about. The elf said there were kill zones at the tunnel mouths. How are we going to get past those?

>>12414777
Bum rush through, lead units go for whoever is making them kill zones. Attacking a dug-in enemy is always going to be a bloodbath. Any attack that isn't an ambush can be expected to cause heavy casualties. That's war for you.

>>12414777
The fact we're going to surprise them and cut our way through. Honestly, that's the only thing I can think of. That's why I've admitted this will be damn bloody. Obviously we'll search along the tunnels as we go but unless we can find alternate ways into the ruins along the tunnels, we're just going to have to suck our losses this battle. It's that or lose the surprise advantage we have.

on the tunnel searching... you do have roughly one week before you need to either have struck otr be clear...

also, any further consensus/thoughts on the elementalism ideas or do you wanna put that off for later?

maybe we could have Jayne pose as a merc captain offering her services as a way to get into the camp. Once she is in(with us riding along on the "tame" bear) and near khalless, we could use our eagle to signal for the troops to attack

>>12414868
I guess we can try it privately but that's all. If we could somehow pull it off, it would be a nice surprise against Khalless but I'm not holding my breath and it doesn't seem to need us pledging ourselves to a god. I thought we had a week until they sent people out and it took a week to reach the ruins? Can we search the tunnels as we go with the scouts going ahead of us?

>>12414876
Khalless has at least 10 units of troops in his ruins. I am entirely against the idea of having our men infiltrate the ruins before we attack. They will get ripped apart from sheer numbers despite the initial surprise.

Plus, it'd take too long for Jayne to get to the front entrance and if we have her enter through the emergency tunnels, that will make them wonder why the hell the forces guarding the tunnel let them in and they'd think something is up.

>>12414906
over a week until they send out their check-up party if you take the assault, two until the attack hits, threeish for the messengers to get back, four before CRUSHING FORCE but you dont know which ruins the follow-up party will be sent from. and yes you can send scouts down the tunnels

>>12414934
ok then just spitballin'

>>12414942
I say we head out towards Khalless' ruins scouting stuff out on the way now. If we're lucky and they don't send the check-in party out from his ruins, we have 2 weeks to hit it but they might get suspicious and start defending the rear tunnels more. I say we hit them hard and fast while they have no idea at all that anything might be odd.

>>12414942

how about we wait until CRUSHING FORCE then hen they try to attack , collpase the tunnels on them

>>12415059

spelling errors
spelling errors everywhere

rolled 33 = 33

>>12414934
I don't know, actually, I think that only about 3 units would be on guard at all times to be honest. What would stop a group of Urrsan cavalry to just charge through the front gate from the inside. That only one active unit is likely to be manning as well as the fact that we probably have the surprise factor as well.

>>12414942
I would like to get started on our own training by experimenting with our emotions near an element of our choice. Life element seems a bit covoluted to me though. Mind explaining what it entails Pax, if you techinchally already went over it?

>>12414820
perhaps have the legionaries advance in a testudo towards the units making the kill-zones

>>12415074
I meant in regards to the idea of trying to get Jayne inside the ruins itself by saying she's a merc. Even if it worked and she got inside, the second she turns on the rest of the troops, she'll be killed by sheer numbers alone. Your idea might work at charging the guards but we're so boned if they have spears. We'll have to hope our scouts can get an idea on what troops are guarding it before we charge in.

>>12415059
We have no way of collapsing the tunnel. We lack sorcery allowing us to do that and it might collapse the ruins on us as well.

rolled 27 = 27

How about this. We send Jayne on her cavalry along with a the troop of rangers we have to see if they can get "hired." I'd prefer they be with us. Have the bear cavalry and rangers destroy the gate (this will take some improvising and what not and have the mercs march up to the front). This will ensure that the people inside are going to be watching their front not their arses. We then have our legion troops and warlords bumrush them from behind as well as our mercs and bear from the other side. We might need to be in the tunnels or the camp with Jayne and rangers for this to work though.

>>12415074
Life is also occasionally called nature, it is the domain of living things... plants and the condition of the bodies of living things

>go ahead with the scouting missions/advancing down the tunnels?

>>12415121

so like biomancy?

sounds bitchin'

>>12415118
Unless there's a tunnel along the way leading to the surface, it will take her too long to reach the front. It takes a week to reach the camp in between the ruins at a forced march. There's no way we can attack their front without sacrificing our surprise factor with the tunnels.

You know my opinion on that Pax. I've been arguing it for the last while.

rolled 18 = 18

>>12415118
I'm sorry that is a bit unrefined lemme fix it.

2 Legions and Warlords inside of cave. Scouts, noob archers, and mercs on outside marching on a set time to the front gates, out of range of sight till the bear and rangers break down/destroy gates. The enemy troops will be in dissarray and be watching the front while the small mercs/scouts/bear cavalry/rangers are at their front gates not necessarily attacking.......till we give the signal....most likely being our eagle flying out of the tunnel before we march into the rear of their defenses while they are probably still getting ready as well as watching only the front gates.

rolled 37 = 37

>>12415158
She is bear cavalry, that time would likely be halved due to the fact they are cavalry and bears could probably continue a decent pace for quite some time (faster than a quick march for longer)

>>12415158

so the plan is to charge out of the tunnels , cut our way through to the leader and kill him and his 200 strong lacertan bodyguard including 15 elementalist's

we should get the bad rolls out now

can we tie up a few loose ends before we go?

>>12415206
A) You suggested other troops go with the cavalry, eliminating her speed. B) Her troops would be exhausted trying to reach the ruins overland, making them useless in the fight. So unless we find another way to the surface through the underground tunnel, your idea doesn't sound too feasible.

>>12415210
if that is agreed on, what do you want to do?

-captains to talk to.
-you have no weapons (sword got trashed, as did your spear) >you have several above average to exceptional smithies as part of your supply group
-you have wounds that need healing
-you could try your experimentation with elementalism
-something else?

rolled 92 = 92

>>12415237
Well it would be wasting time to try and scout and there not being one. Keep in mind her troops would only be exhausted likely for a day or so because of the trip and we have a week to get there ourselves or however long in the tunnels. The rangers I would think are used to traveling long distance and what is an extra possible 200 pounds or so to a large animal like an urssan?

I'd kind of like Pax to tell us whether or not she and the rangers could make that kind of trip. If not then our best bet IS to just bum rush out of the tunnels since I doubt the camp will be fully up and running then as well.

>>12415258

can we have a falx?

pic related

>>12415286
I'm a halberd man, myself.

>>12415258
Focus on getting healed. Use some of the meteorite ore to force us a new sword at the minimum. Save some for sure for Finian if we can convince him to use it.

I think before we leave, we should have a general briefing with our captains. Let them know what we're marching into unless we can scout out something to help us along the tunnels. They should be aware of the mission we are about to undertake.

>>12415258
heal up as much as possible as well as a new sword for us and a shield for cornelius. Beyond that let's keep the meteorite ore for later. then attack

rolled 92 = 92

>>12415294
Whattya know, same here.

>>12415324

a halberd it is then!

>>12415283
if traveling directly to the ruins (over mountains, not going around) rangers can move as quickly as Uursan, both of which go about twice as fast as other units. it'd take them about 4 days if it was just those two units.

Justinians skills:
Command +++-
Polearms +++-
Shortspear ++++
Mid Blades +++-
Longsword +++
Light Armor ++++
Heavy Armor +++-
Uursan Riding +-

that should help you decide on what weapon you want
( a "-" eqals half of a "+")

>>12415333
Your trip seems to have dropped. And I still vote halberd. Its got the choppy of an axe and the stabby of a spear what's not to like?

>>12415361
thanks
>>12415333
yea, thats me alright

rolled 64 = 64

>>12415333
We'll say that since we favor a shortspear, we would like to get better with its more professional cousin the halberd.

Also, you been dropping your trip. I say we get them there guys. The ruins there will not likely know anything is amiss for a week and a half likely due to the fact that A) only the OTHER ruins will find out that the caravan is missing, and B) travel time from there at best is likely half a week as well to the ruins that Khall is at from the other ruins......

>>12415361
The fact we're boned if someone gets inside our range. I vote shortsword and getting us a replacement for our spear without using the ore if possible.

>>12415361

we should have a back up arming sword just in case we get into a confined space and the halberd is too awkward to use

nd what about the prisoners and the elf?

>>12415361
A liability in extreme close-combat formation fighting, which the Legion is known for.
But I would say short spear, because that's what our skill is best at right now.

>>12415361
Yeah but its not exactly ideal for fighting in closed situations is it? I'd suggest a shortspear and a sword

rolled 18 = 18

>>12415371
>travel time from there at best is likely half a week as well to the ruins that Khall is at from the other ruins......
Gah my english is atrocious today.
Travel time from the other ruins that know about the caravan to the one that Khall is at would most likely be half a week at best anyways. Unless we are say that the tunnels are uber highways of doom.

>>12415391

alright but can the short spear have a hook on it?

so far consensus is halberd + shield for Cornelius +?
that leaves 9 more hunks of meteorite

>>12415371
I'm entirely against us splitting our forces like that since we'd have no way to command them and have no idea how fortified the front is. If everyone else agrees, then there's nothing else I can do but my advise is to not split us like that with so much information unknown on what their front is like.

>>12415429
At least give us a shortsword as well if you guys want a halberd for some reason. Confusing since we're not really skilled with it and you guys want to experiment now when we're in a critical stage of our campaign, but maybe it'll work...

>>12415430

im with maximus

were goin straight into kill zones after we come out of the tunnels so we need all the support we can get

>>12415429
Include a Medium blade, like a Gladius, for ourselves. We're going to be in enclosed spaces, and a short weapon will likely be good as a backup.

>>12415441
We're nearly as skilled with polearms as with spears. Besides, a halberd *is* a spear with an axe and a hook attached.
I'm not rally adamant about this, I just think they're really cool. If you honestly think that it's just a bad idea we'll go with something else. We are just about to step into the bloodiest battle yet after all.

>>12415429
I think we've decided on something more along the lines of Spear + Sword + shield for corny

>>12415430
Yeah that seems like a better idea on second thought

rolled 42 = 42

well perhaps we keep the mercs and scouts with us? Just have the bear cavalry ready to tear out the inside of the camp with the rangers as soon as we charge in. We may be entering a kill zone, but the kill zone is pointless and moot if they aren't ready for a rear attacker anyways.

>>12415475
Oh they're definitely cool and if we weren't going into the make or break part of our campaign, I would be fine with it. I just figure at this point, we should stack the odds in our favor as best we can.

Hey, if we are going to be attempting to charge the killzones, can we modify some of the wagons into wheeled, armor-plated walls?
Wide enough to cover two or three men, and since they're on wheels the soldiers using them can charge forward with them soaking up arrows and bolts until they're right on top of the defenders.
Given the size the tunnels, and that they are likely level and relatively clear of debris, it might work.

>>12415508
Hell it's worth a shot

>>12415508

we can use the rest of the meteorite for that good idea

rolled 37 = 37

>>12415508
*BRILLIANT.jpg

If we're getting a sword can it be a cutlass? A heavy chopping blade could be useful.

>>12415508
Alternative idea - if we can somehow get the wagon moving fast enough, we could in theory light it on fire or something and use it as a ram to hit whatever units are guarding the entrance if your idea isn't feasible. Otherwise, if we could armour it it would be useful to have our archers in for extra protection once we can get it into the kill zone.

>>12415531
I thought we were going to save some of the meteorite for Finian?

>>12415508
yea, itll take all but enough for 4 weapons or shileds but you can do it. So the Shield is a definite, and you want some sort of spear and mid-blade. care to decide, haha?

>>12415508
in addition to this we could have the legionaries advance in a testudo

>>12415546

after he acted like a dick to us?

i dont think so

how much regular ore do we have for the fort-o-wagon?

>>12415546
I was under the same impression.

If the shield cart needs more armoring, we could put niches on the inside where the legionnaires would place their shields, and could be quickly detached once they get into close-engagement range.

>>12415565

spear and mid-blade yes

make the spear barbed

Alright, I ran the numbers and if we armor the wagons, get Cornelius a shield, and save one for Finian, we'll have enough left for a set of ringmail, a shield, and a weapon for us.

>>12415571
He acted like a dick because he's not thinking straight. We stick by our friends man. Especially because that might be one way to get one of the gods favor if I remember right. We will make him snap back to reality and maybe make an awesome blade in the process.

>>12415602
We've slowly been getting evidence and personal experience that the gods might be coming back, or at least, their power is still here.
Should we talk to Finian about it, and have him consider invoking the Forge God when he forges with the meteorite metal?

>>12415663
Nah, he needs to make it himself, you know "honor of his clan" and such.

So then... do you try to get the elementalist elf to get the fires hot enough, look for coke or what?

also, you are sure about the carts, shield, and a spear (possibly with barbs) what about the last two chunks of rock? a sword and a chunk for Finian or some chainmail for you?

>>12415781

would the chainmail be of higher quality our plate ?

>>12415781
Actually, instead of the chainmail we should get something for Sansa and Collin.

>>12415799
better material, harder to break and such but your platemail will still provide more complete protection

>>12415781
Let's have the elf get the fires hot enough.
We might as well get some more use out of her, and doing so proves that she's still a usable asset to our captains.

>>12415824

yeah , give the last chunk to finian

if the elementalist does anything have an archer keep an arrow trained on her. i dont fully trust her.

so: wagons
spear
shield for yourself
chunk for FInian
?

You have the elf heating up the forges within a few minuites... the whole camp is still resting due to the fighting yesterday, pretty dull to be honest. Finian is still out cold, do you want to gather your captains together?

>>12415907
Indeed. We should be frank with them on what we're expecting to face and see if they have any ideas.

Also, we might want to place Finian under 'house arrest' and prevent him from going into battle.

>>12415907
Oh right - even if it's not from the meteorite, can we get a replacement short sword for battle? I'm sure we must of recovered something decent after all the mercs we've killed or took from Avensgate.

>>12415907
?=midsword

Gather captains, outline the plan. Have them select men strong enough to be able to carry out the charge.
I think the legionnaires should be behind that wagon-fist charge.

?= Cutlass, shield for Cornelius, new set of knives for Sansa, and a new sword for Collin. Leaving us with one left.

>>12415961
the knives would burn half of a chunk of ore, you could get a shortblade of some sort with that, but you wouldnt have a full chunk left with your suggestion.

If the opening on the enemies side of the tunnels is the same as the ones on your end you could complete your goal with three wagons, freeing up enough for two weapons for yourself, three additional one chunk items (weapon or shield) and a spare chunk for Finian though.

>>12416011
Shouldn't our elf captive know what that end of the tunnel looks like and thus how many wagons we'll need?

>>12416011
What could we get with one-and-a-half chunks of ore?

>>12416032

a peace offering to the elf in the form of some kind of gift?

>>12416011
Before committing to only 3 wagons, confirm with the elf that the enemy side of the tunnel is the same as this side.
We should also have her draw a map of the kill zone so our troops and captains will know ahead of time where they need to charge.

>>12416057
Let's wait until she proves her worth. No point wasting this valuable material on her right now.

>>12416065

shes already given us a shit ton of good info ya know..............

>>12416080
But, why would we waste valuable war material making our prisoner a gift?

Three wagons will do it. One and a half could get some wicked barding for your aurachnospecs, or a few small weapons.

You captains start filing into the room, do you pitch it to them straight and then ask for ideas, or see if they have anything they need brought up?

>>12416096

she may be our prisoner now , but if we can get her to warm up to us , we can have an elementalist in our ranks , which we'll probably desperately need in the immediate future.

that and we crushed her religious views and convinced her that her "husband" didnt love her.

and we beat the fuck out her face to the point where the scars will never go away

an apology is in order

>>12416115

see what they need first

>>12416115
Break it to them first and then ask them for ideas and any concerns they have. If it was important, they will still mention it. If it's not important, they will handle it themselves.

>>12416115
The latter, good to let the troops know you care about them.
>>12416123
She tried to burn us and Cornelius to death. I'd say we're just about even.

>>12416123
No apology.
But yes, she may be useful to us. It needs to be made clear that as long as she is useful, her life has value to us.

>>12416115
See if our captains have any pressing issues first.

>>12416152

you eloquen/tg/entlemen

arent acting very gentlemanly

>>12416168
I agree we shouldn't make her life dependent on how useful she is but it's a little to soon to go all apologetic. After this entire thing is over, mayhaps we can start to be nicer in general treatment but we shouldn't waste this meteorite on something that might be useless if we lose this next battle.

>>12416011
How much ore for arrowheads?

"Captains, welcome. I believe I have a viable strategy, but before we get to that... is there anything you feel needs to be brought to my attention, or that you would like to ask?" You begin the meeting curtly, the hammers in the makeshift smithy already pounding out plating for three of the wagons, you know that your new weapons as well as a few gifts are close behind.

"Commander, umm I believe we are facing the supernatural" Cornelius states boldly, limping forward a bit "I think it would be best if you requested aid. Alos... Why the hell is that elven bitch meandering our supply train??? she could light the whole place up at a moments notice!!" the legionaire exclaims as boldly as protocol allows him to when addressing a superior officer.

>>12416209
thats me, dropped ma trip somewhere

>>12416209

"that elven bitch is not to be harmed or anything of the like unless i order it . do you understand cornelius?"

>>12416209
"While it's obvious to us we're facing the supernatural, that's only because we've seen it. If a month ago, someone had sent you a letter asking for help because of sorcery and people believing the old gods, would you of believe it? No, we're very much alone in this at the moment and even if we requested help, it'd take too long to get here."

Not sure what to say about the elf exactly. Maybe just comment on how we've broken her beliefs in this rebel and how she's denounced him?

>>12416209
I'm afraid aid isn't coming, war has broken out with Uurlanth. As for your concerns about the prisoner, she is under my orders to assist in the forging of the ore and she won't light anything because she knows there are far worse than death I can do to her. I believe sealing her in a cold, damp box was discussed at some point.

>>12416209
"Captain, we are currently facing rebels that have access to magical artifacts. So yes, in that regard, our enemy has access to magical assets.
"As for requesting reinforcements, the Empire is now at war with Uurlanth, and we need to break these rebels now.
"As for the elf; I am testing out one of her claims. A hunter team is ready to drop her at the first sign of betrayal."

"Well captain, since we are now at war with Uurlanth there will be no help coming, however we will get an extra months downtime once we return o DragonsReach victorious. As to the supernatural... I wont rule it out yet as they do have quite a few artifacts. As to the Elf, I have a Hunter team assigned to drop her if she so much as twitches her nose without permission. Otherwise, I have a cold, damp, sealed box set aside just for her in case we need her restrained later on." You reply, the captains have a mixed but mostly positive reaction to your response. After half an hour of explaining and debating with your captains, Garus has volunteered to have his battalion push the wagons, Uurist and Jayne for the charging protion of your plan to get into the enemies fortress. Aaryn, Arthurius and Aurelius are unsure about your plan. The rest of your captains seem neutral in their opinian of your plan.

>anything else YOU want to bring up with them?

>>12416323

whos commanding the scrub archers?

>>12416323
Crap. The mercs are unsure. We need to reassure them. Stress the fact we'll have the surprise on them and we may find alternate paths once we have scouted the tunnel more. The only other alternative is to meet them above ground when they are in fortified positions and without the element of surprise.

>>12416323
I suppose ask if anyone else has alternative ideas on how we should approach this? I can't think of anything else to ask them at this point. Maybe let them voice their concerns?

>>12416334
A ratty looking kid it would seem; cant be more than 17... damn he sounded like he was at least 30 when you heard him in the last fight.

"I know that..." Aaryn replies to your tactical reminder "I just dont know how effective your wagon plan will be. It seems perfectly logical, but a bit risky for the follow-up unit if the first charge doesnt get enough attention, and I'm under-strength as it is."

>>12416323
Did we ever identify who it was that was leading the scrub archers? We intended to find them and commend/promote them, as I recall.

As for the merc captains, their units aren't the ones that are doing the charge; they're just on clean-up duty. Unless they can propose a better plan.

>>12416381
Heh. Bear cav rushing out of a tunnel followed by heavily armoured dorfs should catch some attention. Anyways, we have a legionary unit pushing the wagons as well and that would likely draw a lot of fire. This should be a night attack as well, so we'll have time before other troops can be combat ready.

Trojan Caravan?
We pose as the caravan.
Use our disguise get past the defenses.
Tell the guards we ran into trouble and had to head back.
Maybe we can convince them to send some of the garrison to investigate, leaving less at the base.
or did we destroy the wagons already?

>>12416416
The fortress we're going to attack isn't the one that sent the caravan.

>>12416424
then they expect a caravan to show up.
oblige their expectation.
the elf is still alive, maybe she could get us through

>>12416446
No, they don't.
This was all covered back up further in the thread.

Aurthurias laughs when you remind him exactly what will be doing the charging, and Uurist and Jayne join him when you throw out the idea of a night attack. Aaryn grins sheepishly and goes back on his last statement.

>anything else you guys wanna take care of before the raid? if not lets call it here, I got class in the morning. archive please, I'll be back again Wednesday at 8ish acter I leave tonight

>>12416463
nuts.
thought I had an idea.

>>12416496

go visit the kid with the archers

>>12416496
Thread archived. All that's left to take care of is potentially Aurelius' feelings on the matter, unless that has changed, and then anything our scouts find as we move during the week. I assume we can handle that Wednesday though.

>>12416505
Yes that man needs a congratulations and a promotion.

>>12416505
you dismiss your captains, following the one you dont know by name yet "So child, your the one who ended up leading the new archer unit? How'd you end up in charge" you ask, slipping back into a less formal tounge, hoping to get more respons out of the youth.

"None of the older men had the drive to take over the leadership role... and I'd always wanted to be in the Legion. Orphans dont really have much of a place in the northern towns and villages. Is there anything in particular you wanted to ask me?" the youth replies

>>12416550

your name perhaps?

>>12416550
Orphan? Part of me wants to repeat history and adopt the kid like how our mentor adopted us, heh.

>>12416550
First how about your name.

>>12416496
Congratulate the kid that was leading the archers, tell him he has a fine career in the Legion ahead of him, and maybe a promotion.

"Never got a name... the other children called me Wulf, since I wandered into town one night, and I could do a better howl than any of them. Always been good with a bow, never thought I'd get a shot like this at joining the Legion though... always figured I'd be stuck in the northern villages." Wulf replies

>>12416583

well , Wulf , im going to give you a brevet rank of captian , are you up to that?

>>12416603
Frame it more as in a temporary captain since he's not actually apart of the Legion. That can be decided if these men decide to follow us back to the capital after we deal with this rebellion.

I'm also liking more and more the idea of mentoring him like how we were mentored.

>>12416615

so whether the archers come back with us or not , wulf is now part of the retinue?

awesome

>>12416615
>>12416603
"Well Wulf, I think I'll officially place you in charge of the archer battalion the townsfolk raised, and I'll see about making it permanent if the unit follows us back to DragonsReach. If not, well you show potential, I may have a place for you in my retinue if you continue to impress me. Dismissed" You reply to him before heading off to the medical area... your burn ointments are wearing off. You can hear Wulfs ecstatic whoop just after most men would be out of earshot, you'll need to teach him how to judge a mans hearing range at some point in the future.

>see you guys wednesday!