>>13916904
Interesting. Looks like some of the nobles don't like us much. I suggest we look into finding us a mystic within the city or confirming if Bellatrix is one or not. I do not want more people reading our plans from our mind. We can also find the life elementalist for Laelith while we're at it. Might also want to ask Janos for any info on the Lord's knight we're going to fight and what kind of forces this lord has.

>>13916904
>though more than a few change to glaring at you once they recognize you
Is our current unpopularity with some of the noble houses due to our backing of House Garland?
We might want to talk with some of the merc captains we've worked with about it.

Also, the 80,000 dragoon requisition: that's our budget from the Second Praetorian, and doesn't include the loot from our campaign, right?

The first thing I want to do is see if we've received our replacement troops, and to have them all tested for elementalism or mage ability.

>correct, thats before your loot, it'll take a while to get that all changed over to dragoons
>their pissed at your helping house garlian, or becasue their old guard and dont like how you operate
>no, your reinforcements havent arrived yet.
>consensus on where to start?

>>13917041
We might as well start with Janos. We want all the info we have on this guy we're fighting and it might take him time to remember what we need. I'm also still pushing for elementalist/mystic hunting because the high commander had one of his men already read our mind and has seen at least some of our plans. We do not want that happening again in the future, especially if it's the enemy. Plus we might as well finish cashing in the boon we got to help out Laelith.

>>13917041
Let's start with Maximus' suggestion of checking to see if Bellatrix has any mystic powers, using our little detector arcana.

Once that's out of the way, I suggest using the arcana discretely to attempt to track down a life elementalist for Laelith, and surreptitiously scanning those cheap commoner merc units for any elementalists.

Also, I suggest that we hold off on working on our more expensive plans and projects (orphanage/Academy, Degrian's Workshop/Factory) until after we get our personal money.

I'm curious as to what Merc bands are up for hire right now.

Let's do Janos, then Bellatrix, then hunting down a life elementalist. We really can't do more without the money we looted becoming available.

>>13917125
Well we could start hiring mercs but let's see if Janos knows what we might be facing. If it's all light of fast infantry, we shouldn't bog ourselves down too much with heavy infantry. Or we might want to invest more in cavalry. We should also get some maps of the areas we are heading to before we leave... See what towns they've been hitting and if there's been a pattern to what they're doing or not.

You make your way through the yard of your barracks, passing a strangely alone and contemplatively worried looking Wulf on your way to the officers barracks. You find Janos in the dining room of the structure, chewing on an apple, dicing with Cornelius. "Commander, how can we help you?" your captain asks as you find a seat.

>>13917143
I agree that we should get some maps of the region and see if there's a pattern.
Given the tactics and strategy that this enemy commander appears to be using, and that his entire force appears to be composed of elves, I suggest we hire air recon assets for this campaign.
They can fly at high enough altitudes to not be seen and to not be shot down.

Could we maybe make a slight turn off and greet, praise, or otherwise wish well the line of academy recruits?

>>13917188
"We've received our next orders and we'll be heading out in two weeks after we recover. I'll have a more in-depth briefing in the following weeks so rest up while you can. As well Janos, I need you to gather up all the information you have on Lord Karroll, his captain and his forces."

I think it might also be a good time to go see Wulf after we're done with Janos before heading out. I dislike the idea of him being worried.

>>13917188
>passing a strangely alone and contemplatively worried looking Wulf on your way to the officers barracks
Alright, we'll need to talk with Wulf after talking with Janos.

>"Commander, how can we help you?"
"I have been given our orders by the Second Praetorian. Apparently my exploits have made quite an impact on someone in Uurlanth, because they've decided to copy me.
"A force of two thousand elves, led by a knight-captain of Lord Karrolls, is currently rampaging through our countryside. We are to put a stop to them.
"Janos, what can you tell me of Lord Karrolls and his men."

>>13917252
Luckily for us they were only mostly elven. We're going to likely be made into pin cushions by them but not all of them will have that ability at least. It's a small comfort.

>>13917275
Yeah, I know the force is 'only' mostly elven, but without firm numbers or force breakdown, I think conversationally it works to just say "force of two thousand elves" to start off as a general idea of the force we are facing.

"We received our marching orders, two weeks from now we depart, so rest while you can." you reply, taking an apple for yourself. "Janos, I do have a few questions for you, however."

The former Uurlanthi in question sinks back into his chair, groaning "I'm listening, commander."

Janos tosses a small bag of coin to Cornelius who salutes you, and Janos, though the second salute is more of a mock than anything before departing. You chuckle "I need to know anything you may know about Lord Karrolls captains, what tactics they prefer and such."

"The kings brothers men? A brutish group, though they are not without skill. Two notable elves, one is incredibly sneaky, the other a briliant swordself. He has three human knights of note as well, two are briliant tacticians, the third has only lost three tournaments he joined. Why do you ask?"

>>13917398
"The force we're pursuing is one of Lord Karrolls captains and his force numbers around 2000 at current estimates consisting mostly of elves. I simply wanted to get an idea on what to expect when we face them."

>>13917398
"This force we are to face appears to have one of Lord Karrolls' knights leading it. Unfortunately, we have no more information than that."

Tell him of the tactics they seem to be employing, avoiding direct confrontations.

"Which captain does that sound like, and what sort of person are they?"

"We have been sent to bring down a force of roughly 2000 elves that have been raiding and striking at Imperial cities in the north. the only other intelligence we have is that the force flys Lord Karrolls banners." you inform Janos "Do you have any ideas as to who may be leading, or any information on the knight?"

Janos frowns, thinking "That sounds to be either Sir Klethis or Sir Gontrul. The former the sneaky elf I mentioned, the latter one of Lord Karrolls most trusted knights, though stealth is not his strongest skill. Both are fairly ruthless, and were strongly pressuring their lord to throw in with the Confrontationalists before the war started."

>>13917587
"Anything you can remember in regards to what kind of forces they might have would be useful. I know there isn't much to go off of but once I find out more, I will inform you of whatever I find out."

Don't think there's anything else w can realistically ask him for now. Move on to Wulf and then our mystic/life elementalist hunt?

>>13917615
I agree. The intel we have is too meager to actually do anything really useful with it.

"For now yes, though I will return when I have more intelligence." you finish your apple over a few rounds of dice, not betting any dragoons of course, before setting on your way. As you make for the main yard, you see Lena and Laelith leaving the baths in the officers barracks, the younger of the two blushing ever so slightly, though her face is in the same shape you see on it when she is studying from her tomes. Laelith smirking, notices you and her face switches to a conspiratorial mask. In the courtyard Wulf has moved from his perch on the wall, and is working with his now nearly full-grown hounds, while a small portion of your elementalists have gathered on the far side of the yard, the presence of the surgeon leading you to beleive that they are your life elementalists.

>>13917813
Let's go see Wulf. He was looking worried earlier and it might be something worth addressing. Then we can go look for our mystic or life elementalist.

>>13917842
Second. Let's see how the young man is doing.

>>13917813
Wild speculation: Laelith is giving Lena bedroom tips.

Speaking of Laelith and Lena, we need to remember to buy up any and all tomes on the arcane that we can find, using part of our newfound wealth. Their prices are only going to go up, and we could really use more information.

>The lines of volunteers outside the academy stretches well away from the great building
I wonder if we could use our stone subtly on the line of volunteers to detect which are potential elementalists, and arrange for them to end up in our unit?

You make your way over to where wulf is working his hounds "ROMULUS NO!!" he bellows as you draw near, snapping his fingers at the beast as it lunges for one of the crimson colored dummies he has set up. the hound ignores his command, and the boy snaps again, a small jolt of electricity catching the hound on its hindquarters, causing it to cry out and ceases its attack.

"So, is the training going that well, or are you simply trying to distract yourself then?" you ask causing the young man to jump, wheel and salute.

"Ehhh, both?" he tries to answer, though the look you reply with forces him to give you a straight answer. "I, well, Lena has been spending alot of time with Laelith these last few days... but none of their tomes were missing from the chests we keep them in. I dont think I did anything wrong, but..."

>>13917958
"But you fear the worst. As anyone would. Lealith is a woman of profound intelligence, dont forget that, and need of a book to teach for a lady who's read them for decades, likely isnt needed.

Eitherway, i'll steal Lealith away for the evening and show her around the city, and you can show Lena your pups."

>>13917958
"I'm sure you've done nothing wrong at all Wulf. Lena's probably getting used to talking to other members of the maniple as easily as she does to you and Bellatrix. Finding a friend and someone to talk to in Laelith will be good for her. Plus, I imagine Laelith is still teaching Lena quite a bit even without the tomes. Give her a bit of time and I'm sure things will be more back to normal. You should use this time yourself to explore the city more and enjoy yourself since we'll be back in the field in the next two weeks."

>>13918017
Seconding this one.

>>13918017
Make that a third.

>>13918065

And a IVth

You rest a hand on the young mans shoulder "But you fear the worst. It is most likely nothing, simply Lena finally opening up to the other members of the maniple. And with Laeliths knowledge, she may not need tomes to tutor Lena; give it time and things shall return to normal, trust me."

Wulf sighs, but you can feel some of the tension melt from his shoulders "I suppose your right, thank you, commander." he signals for his hounds to follow, moving towards the kennels with them.

You make a slow circuit of the yard, preparing to set out in search of anyone of use to your plans "Brillinat, do you think you could have it secrete something different? I could use more of this for my experiments." you hear the surgeon/elementalist exclaim, setting a bowl of a greenish viscous fluid aside, and putting another under the now fully encased hand of the elementalist who recently bonded with a Syptionus vine. You are about to investigate further, when a rider enters through your gate, holding a scroll clearly sealed by the Governor of DragonsReach.

Well, damn. Always interruptions.

>>13918129
Well, shit, get that scroll. Important people's messages get high priority.

>>13918129
Well then. Let's go see what Mr. Governor wants with us. It better be good or damn him for delaying our search.

>>13918129

Politics & Intrigue ahoy.

>>13918129
Let's see what the Governor wants from us.

"I, this just might; the commander will be very p..." you cannot hear the surgeons thought to completion as you make your way to see what the letter from the Governor is for.

"Commander Trentz?" the messenger asks as you walk up to the mounted man, you nod your head and the man hands you the scroll. You brake the seal and read over the letter. It seems that his son has finally come of age, and the man is feasting his sons pre-aranged wedding a few months early. He hopes that the hero of the Southern front would be able to attend the feast, with an escort if he desires, at the start of next week. "Will you be attending then?" the messenger asks when you finish the letter.

>>13918221
"I would be honoured to accept. Please give him my deepest thanks for the invitation."

>>13918221
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. Please extend my congratulations to the governor and his son, as well as my acceptance."

Of course we'll accept.

Now, who should we bring with us?
Jayne? Sansa?

>>13918250
Logic suggest Jayne although we should see if she was invited as well or not. Although bringing her with us kind of opens us up for taking shots from her enemies.

>>13918221
"Tell him I would be honored to attend"

>>13918266
True. Also the reverse would be true; it would open her up even more to attacks from our enemies amongst the nobles. Though I suppose that she was with us on both of our campaigns would already have her well-associated with us.

>>13918250
For maximum hilarity, Blackbird.

Jayne or Sansa is probably the better choice, though. We'll want to get a feel for the us-Jayne politics flowing around the city for deciding which.

>>13918307
Definitely but joining a commander for two campaigns and being his escort to a celebration are entirely different things. At that point, everyone will know she's totally thrown her cards in with us.

Escort.

"Does Escort meaning bringing with a date, or those friends i'd trust to act purposely at such a noble event?"

"I would be honored to attend." you reply honestly, trying to decide on who you will bring with you. Either way you have some time before that day. The messenger nods, pulls out a sheet of parchment from his saddlebag, marks it, and rides off. You make your way back to your room to deposit the letter.

Inside you find Jayne re-arranging a drawer in the dresser there, a small pile of her things on the bed. She turns, blushing slightly "The others already took drawers, so I thought I should take one as well. Are you headed out into the city?"

>>13918266
I don't think we should stop any of our ladies from coming if they have a particular interest in coming but I think at the least we should bring Wulf(with Lena if she wants to come) and Jayne

>>13918318
>>13918319
Before we even begin to decide who to bring, we should probably talk it over with Jayne, then. See if she got her own invitation.
Let her know that ideally we would love to bring her, but we know that we haven't made any friends, and some enemies, amongst the nobles and that if she associates too closely with us socially, it may be bad for her House.
When we get some more victories under our belt, the nobles' tunes might change, but for right now, I think it should be Jayne's call. She's been playing the noble political and social game far longer and better than we have.

>>13918342
"Indeed. I was thinking of looking for certain elementalists or others of that nature. Care to join me? Also, have you heard of anything about the Governor's celebration?"

>>13918341
We don't actually need to ask this; we know it from context in-character. And usually in the context an invitation "escort" means "date". Though it's not always romantic, depending upon setting; you can usually bring attendants or siblings or what have you if you want. In situations where it is always assumed to be romantic, rich people without proper dates bring courtesans.

>>13918342
Heh, perfect timing! Let's ask Jayne now about her coming to the festivities, and that she should ask her sister if any such invitation has come to their House yet.

>>13918357
Agreed. Hesitant to go with her simply because it seems we've made enemies amongst the nobles and old guard for our innovative tactics and all. Might be best to fly solo or with a retinue member.

>>13918372

However, if she's been deliberately snubbed, the sheer trolling value of binging her along is not to be disregarded.

>>13918372
>only the nobles who identify with the old guard, you still have plenty who veiw you as a new player and an unknown who would rather like a chance to size you up.

>>13918392
We do not have enough rank to troll the governor without regretting it later.

I wonder how Kyria looks in a poofy dress.

>>13918401

How much worse could it be than Trolling half of Uurlanth?

>>13918401
We're the Midnight Dragon, we can afford to troll the old guard a little

>>13918417
It can be much worse because he's the governor of our nation's capital, who we would have to deal with if we wanted many of our projects and plans to be successful, and not an enemy nation with whom we've been locked in a hate-filled rivalry for past few hundred years.

>>13918477
>>13918417
We CAN afford to, but that doesn't mean that it wouldn't be foolish to squander our credibility inside the empire. Going after enemy nations is one thing, but popularity at home is to be carefully nurtured. When going for the top in politics, never alienate a power group without good reason.

>>13918507

Them disrespecting our girls isn't a good enough reason?

Next goal then I think should be we go out to look for elementalists/mystics/etc with Jayne and Laelith. Collin and Blackbird can go out to look for people to expand the raiders at the moment. After their performance, we definitely need to bump them up to full unit.

>>13918563
I agree. Without Blackbird's Black Ops unit, we would have been very badly hurt in the last campaign.

Affix Tank Cannon to our autowagons?

BLITZKRIEG ROMANUS

>>13918563
Lets keep them off the frontline, a firm 75 skirmishing ambush troop works well.
2 such units, works better.

Ourselves, Jayne, and Lealith. Lady under each arm looking for Elemental potential. Going to the Nobles causeway has a large group of people milling about it now who want to hurt Urrlanthi, as well as other areas to search.

Colin, Blackbird, and Gauis will be poking around the capital for those that they thing would make good warriors, ambushers, or bodyguards after training. Blackbird has a keen eye for this, and Colin his knowledge of the fighting stances, Gauis is there as the resident Dengar authority, as guide to th capital, less the two northerners get lost.

"Indeed i am" you reply, setting the letter on your desk "Would you care to join me?"

Jayne starts sorting her things into the drawer "That depends, care to tell me what is in that scroll you just set down?"

"An invitation to a feast the governor is holding." you reply, dropping into your bed to wait.

Jayne huffs "Well, I suppose the fact that it has been more than three generations since house Garlian had a govonorship means that the lack of an invitation to my house is no slight. Though it is frustrating that my sister either received none or failed to inform me." the next few minutes pass in silence as Jayne finishes packing her things into the drawer she claimed. "I hate to bring up business like this, but I think it might be advantageous for us to make this a simple long-term contract between your maniple and my house, and less gold from your coffers per campaign as well."

Ask Jayne about the invitation and who would be appropriate to bring, things like that.

Take Jayne and Laelith to the ball. Jayne is a noble and knows how to act and I'm fairly sure Laelith having lived as long and studied as much as she has (plus lived in the capital of Uurlanth and been a... so very sociable) will make them both good choices.

>>13918649
I like bringing Jayne and Laelith but I still think we should bring Wulf as a means of introducing our protege to the world of politics but maybe we should wait until we're a little bit more well established ourselves

>>13918662
"Of course. We'll be marching in two weeks from now so it might be best to get this settled as quickly as possible."

Also, I don't think you guys realize it but when it said we bring an escort, I'm pretty sure it just means someone to go with us. Not as many people as we want.

>>13918662
"Your Cavalry have always been invaluable to me throughout my commanding career Jayne, i know for sure without you and your house I wouldnt be here and maybe Khalless' plans would've worked. It's far more then a long term contract to me Jayne, it's a bond. You can go ahead and write something up if you'd like, and if you need additional funds at times dont hesitate to ask."

>>13918662
That sounds good. The Uursan have proven a reliable and strong fighting force, and Jayne both a skilled combatant and elementalist. It would be a shame to lose her for even a campaign, not to mention the cavalry.

I don't think we have to be terribly stingy with the terms either, as eventually House Garlain will (hopefully) be ours. Also, ask Jayne if her sister put the bonus money we sent to good use while she was gone. It should have helped her house with reconstruction quite a bit, getting 5000 out of nowhere at a critical time like that.

>>13918662
I'm good with her suggestion. Also, we should ask her who she thinks we should bring with us. Jayne IS the person to ask, afterall.

>>13918704
Right, but I think bringing two girls should be fine. After all, we have two arms to escort them on!

>>13918704
true but 2 or 3 people is probably acceptable, Pax?

>>13918758
Three is probably not acceptable. Two is likely the limit.

"I would be a fool were I not to." you reply, standing up as Jayne closes the dresser drawer "Though I am curious as to whether that gold I had sent to your sister was much help." you add.

Jayne catches you in a kiss "As much as I want to thank you for a gift that generous, I do beleive you said that we had work to do." You sigh as you lead the noblewoman out of your room. Within an hour you have Collin, Blackbird and Gaius set to the task of scouting talent, and have Laelith and your arcane detection stone ready to search.

>gimme a roll, and are you just grabbing everyone you can find, or trying to screen them?

rolled 93 = 93

screen them

>>13918828
Everyone we can find for now, screening is done after we have them collected and can do it properly.

>>13918828
I'll let someone else roll tonight but for sure we need to screen for a life elementalist to help Laelith and a mystic. We must prevent more people from reading our mind in the future.

rolled 8 = 8

>>13918837
Damnit...

rolled 79 = 79

test roll

also, good thing we have botches

rolled 55 = 55

Botchroll?

>>13918828
When it comes to elementalism, grab everyone we can find. Even if some of them are unsuitable for serious military operations, we ARE looking at starting up an elementalist academy, which we'll need lots and lots of elementalists to pull off. Every one that we can locate and beg, bribe, or berate into working for us.

>>13918837
Good lord, botch that. This is an important matter.

>>13918863
Seconded. We want them all. We can screen them for what duties they should perform later in a more proper setting... or release them if they are idiot sociopaths or something.

rolled 26 = 26

>>13918860
yes, definitely botch.

You lead your escorts up and down the Nobles Causeway, crystal in hand. In the early evening gloom it is difficult to press through the crowd three abreast, though you do not lament that it necessitates your pulling Janyne and Laelith closer to you either. Between your imposing figure, Jaynes promises of wealth and Laeliths batted eyelashes you find 55 potential elementalists, and while the lack of mages or otherwise skilled arcanists upsets you, the afflictions the other talents foster makes that unsurprising. After walking the causway one last time Laelith asks "Will we be doing anything else tonight, or simply waiting for the hopefuls to arrive tomorrow?"

You do not respond imediately however, as you are again going over the list of legitimate mercenary bands you spotted while searching for arcane talent.

-Cavrous Marauders 200
chainmail, combat axes, circleshields
+++
--
7000
-The Sunstorm (elves) 200
Splintmail, spears, kite shields, javelins
+++++
-
9000
-Celtron Guard (Dwarves) 175
Surecoats over mail, longswords, tower shields
++
---
3000
-Dentium Spearmen 150
leathers, spears, circleshields
+++
---
4000
-Bloodied Blades 200
Splintmail, Greatswords
++++
-
7000
-Haraks Raiders 200
Chainmail, combat axes, kite shields
+++
-
6000
-Aestos Rangers 100
Leathers, longbows
++
-
4500
-Myntro Marksmen 150 (dwarves)
chainwail, crossbows, pavises, gladius
++++
-
6000
-Blazing Arrows 200
cloths, shortbows, daggers
+++
--
2000
-Turbid Riders (elves) 60
Leathers, lances, compound bows, horses
+++
-
10000
-Daymars Lancers 50
Plate Armor, Lances, Kite shields, horseback
++
-
12000
-Grelius Raiders 75
Chailmail, longaxes, javelins, Velociprey
++++++
--
15000
-Daimus Skywings 50
Chainmail, polearms, valkeries
++++
---
25000

Grelius Riders and Sunstorm seem to be good buys. I really liked the scouting and mobility the Velocipreys gave us last time, and having them again for this mission, especially when it will involve so much scouting and tracking our foe, would be a good move.

We've got serious bank this time, so I think it's finally time we invested in flying cav. Keep them to scouting, harassment, persuit, and flanking maneuvers and we should have acceptable losses.

The Bloodied Blades, Myntro Marksmen, and Daimus Skywings have my vote.

>and here are the noble houses that you saw openly advertising here

House Deshtius
Heavy Cavalry 50
*****
30000

House Morzitus
Heavy Cavalry 50
***
20000

House Testus
Peagusus Riders 50
*****
45000

House Gontur
Light Cavalry 75
**
22500

House Mestus
Valkyrie Riders 30
****
40000

House Hunstis
Gryfons Riders 35
*****
50000

>>13918993
Well, its worth Noting the merc troops and their prices, but lets not buy immediately.
We might find ones to buy for personal use.

the Sunstorm do look nice, though they are only a spear group and no bows.

>>13919002
>>13918993
Save the big money for the noble list, guys. They probably have far superior flying cavalry.

Actually, hold on. Pax, how do Gryphons compare to Valks? Strength, Toughness, Speed, the works.

I don't know that we can count on success in this mission without some air cavalry. When operating against a highly mobile force... we'll need eyes in the sky like nobody's business.

Aside from that, we have 80k and need numbers. I say we buy all of them that cost 6k or less, for a total of 975 troops at 25.5k, perhaps in addition to others.

Also, have we cashed in all our captured weapons and armor for money, or do we still have it? Because we could literally re-equip some of these mercenary units with better gear and have it count against their pay, I think.

>>13919009
How much more devastating is a Gryfon rider compared to a Pegasus rider?

Valkeries are faster, and have better eyesight (which means diving attacks from higher up) but arent as tough.

Griffons are tougher and stronger, but fly slower and lower, and they are much less easily frightened than valkeries

-The Sunstorm (elves) 200
Splintmail, spears, kite shields, javelins
+++++
-
9000

-Celtron Guard (Dwarves) 175
Surecoats over mail, longswords, tower shields
++
---
3000

-Daimus Skywings 50
Chainmail, polearms, valkeries
++++
---
25000

Totals to: $37,000

Remember guys, we have two weeks. With the war going on I imagine we can check back at the end of every week and find an entirely new list. I want spearmen to deal with any potential cavalry and to secure our flanks. We need melee manpower to lock the Uurlanthis down.

We should Ask Jayne on the noble houses before we consider recruitment.

It'll be easier to haggle with the mercenary company valk than the noble houses as well.

>>13919058
It sounds to me like valks are what we want, since we're primarily looking at using our air cav for scouting.

And, as long as that's our focus, unless we're looking to build ties with another noble house I don't think we need to go for the expensive house cav over the relatively cheap mercenaries.

>>13919089
I got a minor problem with the dwarves, but only due the "training levels" that they seem to have. That is what the pluses are, right?

Hey, what about re-hiring the Ghosts? They've proven to be quite good at accurate volley fire, and their night-time raiding capability is pretty good.

>>13919129
Those are successful and failed campaigns. Might not be their fault. I included them because they are cheap as dirt and are stubborn dwarves with shields and heavyish armor.

>>13919129
>pluses are successful campaigns they have been on, minuses either unsuccessful or ones where
the recruiting commander was not satisfied by their performance.

>>13919134
>track them down and you should be able to, though they did work out of Flumenos...

>>13919134
We should get all our mercenary commanders together and poll them for who wants to extend their contracts. Some probably want to break off and spend some time refitting/recruiting.

>>13919139
Ahhh, Ok. Worth at least meeting the leader then I suppose. See what kind of man he is, or what he may have done to get kicked out of the mountainhome.

>>13919046
>>13919091
I like these

>>13919139
If we're going to try to lock the enemy into a single location via melee, then we NEED strongly defended heavy infantry, especially if they have big shields.

I agree we need the Skywings for their aerial recon capability.

>>13919169
Agreed.

Pax, we are getting more squads added to the maniple itself, right? Do we have any more info on the leftovers that the praetorian said he'd be giving us?

>>13919046
Don't forget that we're not just the maniple anymore; we're being given command of a Fist. A broken one, admittedly, but a Fist nonetheless.

I think we should hold off on most mercenary hiring until after we get firm numbers on how many units we're being reinforced with.
Though I do agree with hiring the Skywings now; we need aerial recon, and more flying units are unlikely to become available in just a week.

Buying every single shit unit is going to do nothing but attenuate our elite strikeforce capabilities. Remember, we rely on speed and mobility. And do you really want to take a cavalry charge in a bunch of clothwearing peasant archers and have them break, hurting morale for the entire force?

Let's focus pick rather than broadly pick.

>>13919217
No, we're being transferred to a maniple IN the fist. The fist is more prestigious than a vanilla legion, but we're still just a maniple commander.

>>13919229
The last entry in the previous thread said "You will depart in two weeks, by then your forces will be replenished, and some of the smaller sized units I am restructuring across the Legions, so they will grow." Hopefully that translates to more units.

>>13919236
Well, yeah. We're getting more units. We're still a maniple, though. A cohort is five times our size with commanders working under us. A fist is a legion, with five cohorts.

>>13919229
Ah, you're right in that it's a lateral move, and we're still only a maniple commander.
However, the Second Praetorian did say that he would be adding some units that he is restructuring, so we will have more units under our command.

>>13919089
I can agree with this. We have lots of time to come back but those look like good initial purchases and we can still haggle with them. I think we might want to try investing in another noble cav wing at some point just to open up new links with the noble houses though.

>>13919250
Ah, I see. But I think that the idea was to wait and see what new units the empire will be giving us before we go and sign on another 1000+ mercenaries, even if we have the money. I gotta agree with >>13919218, poor quality will do little except hurt us in the long run.

>>13919202
>the Second is bumping all the smaller more elite unites up to 100 at the minimum

"Jayne, I doubt I will enter into any contracts with other noble houses today, but what is your take on the ones currently advertising?" you ask, leading the group over to a place to sit and talk.

The noblewomen thinks for a while before finally responding "House Deshtius, well, Castus is likely to try to tell you how to fight your battles, be wrong, and try to besmirch your name when your ideas debunk the traditions handed down to him; excellent cavalry, for horses, however. Balor Morzitus is cut of a similar cloth to you, and his riders are just as skilled as Deshtius riders, his house is simply younger. Timilus Gontur is a scoundrel and lazy, more like to be drunk than ready to fight. I do not know the Testus family, though they have a good enough reputation. House Hunstis has been the best source of griffon riders for the last four generations, and they have the pride and sense of entitlement one would have from knowing they are considered the best in their field. I do not know house Mestus either, and excluding the breeding scandal they went through years before my father passed, they have a solid enough reputation."

>>13919089
>so, goin with that then?

>>13919287
I can live with that. Might as well wait until next round before we hire any nobles if we do. See the entire field before we hire them.

>>13919287
>Balor Morzitus is cut of a similar cloth to you, and his riders are just as skilled as Deshtius riders, his house is simply younger.
I am inclined to get to know this guy, at least talk to him for a bit even if we don't end up hiring him. We need ties to more noble houses, and it seems like a fine place to start.

>>13919287
Yes, signed. Do it, we can get more infantry when we come back next time.

Funds are like this:
80k starting
-15k for supplies
65k
-10k for bribery in the field
55k

So our actual operating funds are only 55,000 dragoons. We can't go splurging on everything on the list. Take the three listed and come back at the end of the week for another list.

>>13919287
Wait 5 minutes, please. I need confirmation on something.

Guys, remember that we only have 2 weeks; that will likely not be enough time for us to be able to build enough auto-wagons to carry our enlarged maniple, plus all of these additional mercs.
Unless we can purchase enough horses and wagons to have them keep up, we're going to have a big problem.

So what I'm saying is: don't forget the logistical requirements and concerns that our merc choices are going to create for us.

Finally, Pax: if we have Degrian start building auto-wagons today, how many will be ready by the time we march? Enough for how many merc companies, roughly?

>>13919324
I feel the same way to be honest. He has cheap heavy cavalry if we really wanted it but I like the idea of being friendly with this house just for the fact he isn't old guard.

>>13919333
>So our actual operating funds are only 55,000 dragoons. We can't go splurging on everything on the list.
And don't we want to leave some money behind to invest?

>>13919340
Justinian Trentz: Inventing the doctrine of moble warfare and mechanized infantry 1500 years early.

>>13919358
That's just from our req funds. Doesn't include our loot funds, which is being kept separate at the moment.

>>13919358
>you havent received your lot back from the money exchange yet, this is just your state money

>>13919340
>So what I'm saying is: don't forget the logistical requirements and concerns that our merc choices are going to create for us.
We need to tell our engineers to go head-hunting just like we told the others. Our engineering corps must grow ever more elite to support our growing army.

Hell, we need more runesmiths, too. Chat up Kyria about it; she's got a unit to command, can't be spending all her time forging super magic weapons and crap. We needs must acquire more!

Just finished reading through the last thread, didn't even realize there was one yesterday. Now I gonna start reading through this one

>>13919374
Yes, and our engineer unit is paid out of our own pocket rather than being a legion unit. But thankfully we can afford it. They are what, 30 people now? Have Kyria/Degarian expand it to perhaps 100 strong.

>>13919340
>you had room for your maniple plus 4 merc bands on the last campaign
>also, make three haggle rolls if your just gonna talk to Morzitus for now

rolled 1 = 1

>>13919415
One haggle roll it is. Based on my luck, I'll haggle the middle priced unit.

>>13919420
Damnit. I'm on fire tonight. I should of said the expensive one.

rolled 57 = 57

Haggle valks.

>>13919420
Damn!

rolled 79 = 79

last haggle roll

It's obvious why I got a 1 for the haggle now. The commander of that merc group must be female.

>>13919466
Oh god Maximus.

itbegins.jpg

>>13919466

>>13919481
You know the rules just as well as I. When it comes to women, Justinian Trentz is just that damn good.

>>13919488
Oh yes, we know what to do all right. But being flanked by two of our lovely ladies will probably create friction.

Sexy friction. That will be worked out later in the bedroom.

>>13919466
Oh god. She'll probably wind up paying _us_ to take her on.

>>13919522
Get your mind out of the gutter. We shall be a perfect gentleman, An incredibly attractive perfect gentleman.

>>13919586
Of course. That's how it always begins, after all...

You stand up to see about recruiting some mercenaries, feeling lucky you start with the Celtron Guard, the captain is a scarred old dwarf, and shrewd to say the least, only going as low as 2000 dragoons. The captain of the sunspears is extremely amiable, and were it not for the two ladies watching you deal you would be more than happy to acquisce to her advances, though her brazen intentions do allow you to haggle her price down to 4000 dragoons. Off-put by having already had the two extremes of the possible ways negotiating a contract can go, you are strangely surprised by how, average, your negotiations with the captain of the Daimus Skywings proceeds, more like something from an instructional book on the mercantile system than reality, you eventually settle on 1800 dragoons for the unit.

As you pass the nobles stalls, a friendly voice calls out "You wouldnt happen to be the Midnight Dragon, would you?"

You turn to see the man Jayne identified as Balor Morzitus resting in a chair, watching the sunset more than for passing commanders it would seem. "Indeed I am." you reply politely, walking over to the man, extending your hand.

"Rumor is that you will be deploying soon, and as skilled as House Garlians riders are proving for you, I'm certain you could use another proper wing of cavalry." he observes shamelessly as he shakes your hand.

>>13919601
Tell him that we've had great success with Jayne's noble cavalry, and have heard good things about his unit as well. What kind of deal does he think that he can cut us for this campaign? After all, we're just a mere maniple commander... taking on two noble units is quite pricey.

Remember guys, we still have yet to pay for Jayne's unit.

>>13919601
Dang, did you forget a zero or something Pax? 25000 went to 1800?

>>13919634
oops, yes, yes I did 18000

>>13919601
After negotiations it looks like we have 31k left of non-allocated requisition funds. From that we still have to pay Jayne's unit, so expect ~15k or so to go to her.

>>13919642
Alright, recalculated. Since we will be leaving Janos in the capital to work on expanding our holding and buying up temples we can dispense with the 10k bribery fund.

That leaves us 41k for Jayne, Morzitus, and however many footsoldiers we can hire.

I imagine after negotiations Jayne and morzitus will cost about 30k for both, leaving us 11k for our foot units next time. That will be two, MAYBE three foot units worth of cash, for a total of 5 units of footsoldier mercs, one unit of merc flying cavalry, and two noble cavalry units.

I think that's a solid order of battle. So, try to hire him and haggle him down from 20k a bit.

>>13919682
>well, once we get some confirmation roll for it

rolled 59 = 59

>>13919687

rolled 91 = 91

>>13919682
I support this.

>>13919690
A decent roll. Let's see what I would of got...

rolled 10 = 10

>>13919682
Sounds like a plan to me. Shall we roll?

>>13919682
Actually, we probably can't use that 10k on Janos, temples, or anything but military supplies.
It's part of our requisition, and every dragoon has to be accounted for.
We'll likely need that money for when we're on the march; remember, we'll be operating within our own territory; we'll need to properly pay for everything.

>>13919690
>>13919699
>tg dice

>>13919773
The 10k isn't meant for non-military stuff. We had 10k set aside in calculations for bribing mercs but if we leave him behind in Dragonsreach, the chances of us bribing the enemy mercs decreases a lot. So that 10k is just being put back into the funds for hiring mercs.

>>13919773
this, we need to fund Janos and our temple-building out of our profits from the campaign

>>13919797
....ugh. You're right. I must be more tired than I thought to have read it that incorrectly.

>>13919797
The only reason Janos was able to successfully bribe enemy mercenaries so often was that we were in Uurlanth and kicking ass. Bribing them away from an oft-victorious raiding army boldly striking into the heart of enemy territory would be almost impossible anyway.

"I just may, but for a simple maniple commander such as myself, hiring on two Noble wings, plus the Valkerie mounted mercenary unit I hired..." you reply leaving the statement open.

The man, only a few years your senior scratches at his beard "Considering your reputation, the attractiveness of the company you keep, and my own curiosity as to how you will use flying cavalry. Would you be able to do 16000?"

You accept the mans proffered hand as a response, and after pointing him to your barracks complex make your way back to Jayne and Laelith. "How did it go?" the noblewoman asks accepting your help in returning to her feet.

"Well enough." you reply, pecking her on the cheek as you help Laelith up.

"Has Balor moved past his infatuation with me yet?" Jayne asks, mirth in her voice.

The mans reasons for signing on for less than his going rate suddenly become more clear to you "I'm afraid not." you groan out.

Jayne giggles "Oh, but you and I can have such fun with him now." The walk back to the barracks complex is otherwise uneventful, and as none of the bands you hired had begun to arrive yet, the yard is still quiet.

Sansa walks up to the three of you, hugging the other two females and kissing you. "A messenger from the second, you and the members of the maniple allegedly in possession of arcane talent have been summoned to the palace in three days time. And as your aide, I suppose you should tell me just how much coin you spent today."

>anything you want to take care of before then?

>>13919825
I suggest we hit the library then. Get material on high mages to improve Lena's abilities and perhaps see if we can find anything more specific on counter necromancers.

>>13919825
none that I can think of, skip ahead

>>13919825
Nope. OH! Wait! We should see about a wedding gift for the couple. See if the ladies have any ideas as this should also give us ideas for any gifts for them we decide to give in the future.

>>13919865
Ah, good point. It would be bad form to show up without a wedding gift.

>>13919825
As Maximus said, check out the libraries for books on magic and elementalism. Also, one last group meeting with all elementalists and mages before the examinations begin. Tell them to expect the worst, the warning that the Second gave to us about some of the tests being potentially humiliating or degrading.

>>13919865
We should find out more about the family. Personality of the father and son if we can.

And mabey we should start thinking about where or in what we want to invest.

>>13919896
I'm thinking the copying of books will become lucrative, as people begin to clamor for more of the elementalism and magic tomes.
Property is always good; they aren't making more land, y'know.

Other than that, there's Degrian's Workshop. Since we're leaving in just 2 weeks, we might need to hold off on the orphanage and Academy for now.

>>13919823
Meet with Kyria and our engineering team (separately), tell them that we need to expand our item creation staff. They need to recruit or train people for that during our downtime now.

>umm, consensus, kinda running in every direction possible here

>>13919952
I don't think much of what we've suggested is mutually exclusive and we have days to do it in. Do it all.

>>13919952
Still leaning towards the library idea at this point. For the gift, we'd best ask Jayne about the gov and his family but that can wait until after we get potential research that Laelith will need to go over.

>>13919952
Today, have the meeting with all of our elementalists and mage, warn them of what's to come.

Then Laelith and Lena can check out the libraries, Jayne can find out about the governor and his son to find a wedding gift.

We meet with Kyria, Degrian, and the engineers to increase our Engineering Corps.
Janos and Sansa can begin looking into businesses and property to invest in (Sansa to show Janos around the city).

>>13919952
A lot of these things can be handled in the time skip. Buying temples, the workshop, a place for our academy, things like that can all be handled while we are gone by Janos.

One thing that can not be put off is healing Laelith's face before the party, or hitting the books looking for solutions to our arcane problems at said lady's side. Besides, I can think of worse ways of spending our time than reading and getting smarter at our lovely elf's side.

When we take her to the life elementalist we should also totally ask her with what's up with Lena and why she was blushing after the baths.

>>13920008
>>13919988
>>13919960
Is this still too much to do in the limited time, Pax?

"We have 10000 dragoons remaining in our requisition funds after today, and yes love. I did purchase food and supplies as well as mercenaries." you inform Sasna, who nods and heads off to record the expenditure. Before you head off to sleep you talk with Kyria about finding more actual runesmiths, and though she sounds willing she does not sound overly optimistic.

As you head for your bed, you notice Bellatrix heading to her room from the baths. You pull out the arcana-detecting crystal and point it in the womans direction, it does not respond. She sighs "So its only my sister that has to worry about taming some mad powers... only my own ghosts and memories to deal with." you can smell a slight hint of alcohol on her breath.

>>13920008
Remember, we want to pimp out the sun pantheon first and foremost. Have him buy up old temples of Nyetini and Ranhya first.

>>13920071
Everything okay?

>>13920071
"Everyone has ghosts and memories to deal with, although admittedly yours are likely worse than many. I can imagine it's a tough burden but you and Lena aren't alone anymore. There are people here who can help you bear that burden. Lena is one of them. As much as you've protected her, she's grown to be able to protect herself. And while she can help you bear your burdens, I think you'll be important in helping her face the burdens she will be facing in the future. You two really need to talk to each other about the past."

>>13920071
"Bellatrix, if you need a drinking partner, I suggest talking to Sansa. She has a very well developed taste for various wines, and should be able to help you find something that will fit your tastes."

>>13920071
See if she's willing to talk, and ask her how it went with Lena, and if she's been settling in okay in her new room.

>>13920114

Yeah... let's not suggest drinking as a cure for dealing with problems.

>>13920145
I don't want Bellatrix to be drinking her problems away; I want her to befriend Sansa so that she won't have to drink herself into a stupor, and so that there will be someone responsible to keep her from doing so.

>>13920071
"Well, personally, I think you should feel glad it didn't say you were a Mystic. They tend to eventually go mad, and I was worried you might have the inclination to be one."

You sigh, resting a hand on her shoulder, she stiffens at first, then relaxes "I understand how hard it must be, what you had to do to st-"

"Ten." she cuts you off "I was ten and Lena nine when a man first came after her. him and three of his friends, just to get to a pony, to flee. But no one expects a little girl to stab a warrior grown, to... for the last nine years that has been my life. Running, killing, lieing, not even the one I did it all for could know, to gentle, to fragile to know what it took to keep her safe. And now..." Bellatrix shakes her head, clearly not so deep into her cups that she will spill all.

"She wont even share a room with you?" you guess, Bellatrix nods dejectedly "Your both safe here, Lena must feel that, I saw how tightly she clung to you when we found you among the slaves."

Bellatrix huffs "For you it is just a sad story, something that happens to the most unfortunate of children. But for us, for Kharynchek? To slay a member of your Ghorat, especially one kind enough to take you in as an outside, especially children, unable to pull their own weight. All I can remember of mother is her voice teaching that lesson, before anything else. There is no greater transgression, no matter the reason there is no forgiveness for such a crime."

>>13920221
I can't grant you the forgiveness that you seek, but I can offer you a place where you'll be accepted regardless. It's not easy sending my men, or gods, the women I love into battle to risk their lives. We all make hard decisions, hard choices. But here, if you wish it, you can stay and have people who will help you through the hard times. You are here for Lena, you say... but perhaps you could choose to be here yourself, as well. Whatever crimes you say you have done in the past, in my eyes this is a new start... a blank slate.

Taking the offer or not is your choice. Not something you have to do for Lena or anyone else."

>>13920221
"If your life is full of lies, then tell one more, Bellatrix. Tell yourself that you are no criminal, that you have no sin upon you which cannot be forgiven, and tell it so well that you believe it. In time, you may forget that you ever thought it a lie at all... and it's not as though anyone else will need to know. No man nor woman of the Empire will hold it against you, even should you tell the tale."

>>13920221
"we're not amongst the Kharynchek Bella, and if you wish you can consider that chapter of your life closed. as for your Ghorat, you did what you had to do to protect your sister and no reasonable person would judge you for that"

"This is not Kharynchek. Many here will love you if you but give them the chance.

As for your sister, think of how she must feel. Have felt. She must have seen herself as a burden to you, unable to help - even if that wasn't true. Now, she is trying to do you a favor, to lift her own weight off of your shoulders and carry her own.
And maybe, you can carry a little bit of each other too.
Time, Bellatrix. Just give it time."

>>13920221
"Bellatrix, you are right. I, a man born and raised, defended, within the walls of the Empire, cannot truly understand your past. There is little I can say that would ease your burden, except that here, we will help your shoulder the weight of your past. That is what a legionnaire does; help a fellow legionnaire in need, no matter the odds. And you are a part of that now, Bellatrix."

"Bellatrix, while I cannot provide you the forgiveness you seem to be seeking, I can offer you something else. A fresh start. The darkest chapter of your life is over, close that book Bellatrix, you have finally reached a place where you can be safe, where you are not the only one concerned for Lenas safety." You answer soothingly. "Lena must have thought herself a terrible burden to you, now she is simply trying to repay you, to carry her share of your burden. and in the end, that is what we are all here for, to carry each others burdens, and if you would let them in, I'm sure there are those amongst us that would love you as Lena does."

Bellatrix seems to grasp what you are saying, though she does not inflate much. "I... thank you." she finally responds contemplatively.

"And next time you feel the need to drink, I'm certain Sansa would be more than happy to join you.

>geh, I'm about to crash, I think I'm gonna call it for tonight
>someone archive please
>I'll be back thursday at 10ish server time (work late, sorry)
>if you have any setting/CQ questions just email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

Archive created. Go vote!