Pulling at my collar, I go over and sit next to Sansa.

Leaning a bit so I can talk quietly I say "You as uncomfortable with this lot as I am?"

>>12282945
Clear our throat to get everyone's attention, and introduce ourselves.

After talking to Sansa we should mingle with the captains. After all, as a pseudo-Roman military figure we'll have to learn to be a socialite sooner or later.

Make our presence known. I think we need to eventually be all how Maximus was in Gladiator with his army. When people notice us coming, they stand at attention with respect.

Look around the group, feel a little amusement seeing how my men are off the battle field.

DM, who looks like they're in most need of my attention?

What do you think of me sticking my thumb up your ass?

Does that make you hot?

>>12283014
Sansa and the Stocky red haired dwarf, the former for the obvious discomfort, the latter because he's both isolated AND drinking his own drink instead of partaking in the very nice bar, with a very nice looking elven girl tending it, no less.
>>12282973
>>12282986
>>12282998
>>12283007
getting mixed signals here

>>12283043
I say we chat up Sansa first and then the isolated Dorf and then call a general meeting.

>>12283043

I walk over.

Clasping the drawf on the shoulder I say "Gentlemen," I look at Sansa, "Lady. Just checking up on everyone."

DM, how do they react?

I'm throwing my vote in with making our presence known when we enter but nothing supper flashy. Also tomorrow I say we rearrange the meeting hall so there is only 1 large table that everyone needs to sit at.

>>12283043
I agree with talking with Sansa a little first, to get her impression of everybody, and then go and talk to the dwarf in the corner.

>>12283043
Maybe we should ask that dorf about the alcohol we had after graduating... We got piss drunk trying to identify it but maybe he'd have an idea. We could even pull Sansa in if we can get him talking.

>>12283053
Second
Also namefaggin to make the inevitable arguing easier to follow.

>>12283080
Continuation of this idea. We are the commander and it more or less its falls to us to make sure all our captains are satisfied, motivated and can work together. Seeing as only 2 of our captains seem to be talking to each other we have a lot of work ahead of us.

>>12283114
That's not a bad idea... Man, Justinian has too many voices yelling at him in his mind.

>>12283132
Name fagging it is

>>12283128
>>12283080
are mine

Talk to Sansa! Then introduce ourselves to everyone else.

I'm unsure whether we should fraternize with the Capitans individual or simply make a single announcment and enjoy some drinks by ourselfs in the corner.

I support the latter option.

>>12283192
If I remember my lore right, in the Roman army the generals pretty much was responsible for taking care of his troops. It's up to us to make sure our captains are happy and have a working dynamic, as mentioned above. We need to stat ironing out the rough patches that are evident. I say we need to talk to the real problematic ones one-on-one for the moment and then do a general meeting with all of them together.

>>12283192
A mixture of both would be best. We need to get a feel for them individually and we need them to get a feel for each other. One thing we should avoid as of right now is showing a favorite.

>>12283215

Agreed. But who shall we start with?

Also, we should be careful that the Captians of diffrent genders don't start up inappropriate relationships (i.e.
>the large red-haired dwarf, staring anxiously at Sansa, who seems to be oblivious of his attentions.

>>12283235
I say Sansa, mostly because she's apart of our retinue and we know her best. She should be the easiest to deal with. After her, work on the dorf who's isolated himself completely.

>>12283253

Again, Agreed. Shall the DM continue the plot, or does anyone else have something to put forward?

>>12283235
Yet there is a possibility we might get in Jayne or Sansa's pants?

Start with the bad ass 40 year old and respect your damn elders.

>>12283225
With what I can glean from Pax's description we don't need to worry about our Legionary captains or our Scout captain personality wise. We should probably converse with our Warlord captain though. And make sure that our Hunter captain's amorous intentions for Sansa don't get in the way of doing his job.

>>12283092
>tips the scales

Walking over to the red-haired dwarf, you snag a chair as you pass the large table they are all situated around. You hear a stifled noise of disappointment from behind you on the table and smoothly place it diagonal from the dwarves and sit in it, all in one motion. Extending your hand you introduce yourself "Justinian Trentz, I'll be your Commander for the foreseeable future. Would you mind my asking what your drinking?"

"Its a cave whisky me mother gave me, nothing special. Uurist Titius, captain of the 98 Dwarven Warlords. Why do you ask?" he replies, his voice showing signs of his holding... something back.

Smiling, you pull out a flask a bit smaller than Uurists; you and Sansa having split the remains of the skin into flasks earlier today; and offer it to him replying "Might I try yours if I let you try mine?" the dwarf considers for a moment before wiping off the mouth of his flask accepting the exchange, his face lights up in delight after a sip before returning it to you. You notice that they arent the same brew.

"Thats an excellent brew, commander, would ye mind telling me what it is?"

You offer a wry smile before replying "I was hoping you could tell me actually. I got a skin of it upon recieving my rank, but they would not tell me anything other than that it was a cave whiskey."

"Thats no dwarven brew" Uurist replies "Perhaps we can find out its origins at some later date, maybe after this campaign?" clearly curious, and less sullen now.

"Actually," you reply "Sansa over there and I tried just that the other night. fun time but no progress. Maybe you would like to discuss brews with us?" you propose, rising from your seat and motioning for the dwarf to follow, he complies, seemingly happy.

cont'd...

>Finally a lanky, wiry man with long, albeit wiry and messy, golden hair is sitting in the corner opposite the large red-haired dwarf, staring anxiously at Sansa

People DO realize that it's the human, and not the dwarf, that is showing some kind of interest in Sansa, right?

>>12283314
Eh, we're too early into the quest to select love interests yet even if we decide to. We're a handsome young commander of high rank and respectable breeding, there's no need to go falling all over the first criminal to join our retinue. Surely there's a possibility, but getting jealous is premature.

>>12283314

By the sound of it our lank haired friend appears to be the hunter captain, and with the way he is looking at Sansa I am assuming her crime must have really stirred up some bad rep among the other hunters. Not entirely certain on a decent approach but if we ask Sansa delicacy shall be key.

Dem womens man, always causing problems.

I have an idea for the captain who seems to have his eye on Sansa. Maybe we can introduce him to another women... one more into him and get him into her ectectect

>>12283371
Jealous? That has nothing to do with what I pointed out. I'm trying to make sure that people aren't getting our captains mixed up.
Honestly, if we're a good Roman Legate, then we'll be trying to angle for a good marriage with a respectable House. Sansa is a member of our retinue, and a staff officer, nothing more.

.>>12283405
Come brother, love and marriage are completely different matters. One is personal and the other political! Do keep your head on straight.

As you take a seat next to Sansa, you notice that while her other cloths are new, she is still wearing that old crimson sash, still uncleaned, as her belt. Uurists dragging his chair back in place next to Sansa draws your attention to the far corner of the other room, where the gold haired man is still blatantly staring at Sansa, clearly nursing a marked cheek from this angle.

"Hello Sansa" you open "obviously not enjoying my party I see. Is the company truly that bad?"

Sansa chuckles, drawing a sip from her flask before responding "the blonde is a rather lecherous fellow, the rest are okay, if a bit stuffy..." Uurist raises his flask to Sansa in a silent toast and takes a swig himself, Sansa looks at the flask curiously before asking "Whats in the flask?"

"A cave whiskey, not yer mystery brew. The three of us'll have ta figure that one out later on I think." you chuckle, nodding in a agreement.

Before you can respond however, Sansa asks "Why is it you aren't drinking from the bar, Captains make quite a bit more than regulars, and there are some FINE brews up there."

"Well, Between me bitch of an ex wantin my money for fo particularly good reason, my son needin it fer college off in the Duchy, The Emperor wantin it fer my bein a dwarf, and 3 debt collectors wantin it for houses I dont live in anymore and wagers I already pair that they think I owe more on yet... I simply cannae afford such a pricey brew. My mums is fine enough anyways." Sansa reciprocates Uurists toast by way of a response.

>>12283447
That dorf is now my favorite character.
We should probably make a speech and get to eating. Unless, anyone else can think of anything they want to do first.

>>12283447
Hmm. That will not do. See if the dorf WOULD accept brews from the bar if he can. If so, I say we treat all our captains to some alcohol. That way we're not putting him on the spot and he still gets some. The things we do to keep our men happy.

What do we know of dwarf/shamed dwarf interactions?

I want to invite Jayne and her dwarf companion over to the table with us too, but that might not be so smart if there is likely to be tension.

>>12283447
Well, for later, while we can't do much about Uurist's ex-wife, his son's college fund, or his Dwarf Tax, we should see about what we can do concerning his unpaid mortgages.
From a strictly utilitarian view, him being in such financial straits makes him open to bribery, something that we need to guard against. Also, by helping him out, we can get his loyalty.
Though before embarking on this course of action, we should read up on dwarf culture, and how they view debts and accepting help from others. We don't want to culturally offend him.

anyone got any ideas how to approach the blond?

>>12283485
This is a good idea. We will be taking our captains to a respectable dining establishment, but not super-high-class. I suggest we buy them their drinks for the night. It might strain our wallet, but we'll hopefully make it up in campaign loot.

>>12283507
I think we should just approach him if we do go with my idea to buy a round for the captains. Be straight and forward with the man.

>>12283507
Just walk up to him. We're his commander, the entire purpose of this banquet is to get to know our captains.

>>12283507
Well, obviously we could comment on Sansa's attractiveness. "She's a cute one, huh? A bit prickly though." or something. That should get a conversation started at least.

rolled 77 = 77

OOH shit, two quests at the same time ><, this is gonna be mind boggling, I'm in airship quest rightnow as well

>>12283493
Shamed are somewhat common in the Empire. When a dwarf commits a serius crime NOT punishable by death (murder, or raping a child) they are shamed and exiled. The shaming is an act prefomed by one of the Duchies remaining magical artifacts, a razor that prevents hair from growing back ever again, and WILL cause razor burn, these burns taking the form of vibrant blue marks that never truly heal. the least of crimes that could cause this fate demand only a small ammount of hair lost, the worst require that ALL hair be scoured from the body with this blade. Shamed leave the Duchy to either live in the surface trading villages the Duchy trades with the outside world through, or the Empire.

As such there are many Shamed in the Empire, aside from a vauge mistrust from other dwarves, so little of a scar means nothing. Were he in possession of less hair however...

>>12283547
Might also want to mention that we'd prefer if he kept it professional while in the field. What he does on his own time is his own business, we don't care, but the legion shouldn't be fighting itself.

>>12283553
I see the dice gods still hate you.

>>12283566
Pax I been meaning to ask. There are magical artifacts and dragons.....does that mean there are casters and magic users? If so, we need to find us a fireball happy wizard or something.

Actually does he know Sansa is part of our retinue?

>>12283567
I can agree with this.
What he does on his own time is of his own business, but he needs to keep in mind that he's in the Legion now. The eyes of the Empire and the Legion are upon him.

rolled 42 = 42

>>12283571
yep, it seems it, but in Commander quest they seem to work when he calls for them. Like if I claim this post to count? (inb4eatsownwords)

>>12283566
Well I suppose we could wave Jayne and the other dwarf over to the table then, and introduce ourselves to the dwarf once he comes over.

Then I suggest getting up and going over to the two humans chatting and introducing ourselves. Chat them up then invite them to the table.

After that go chat up the blonde haired man, make some jokes since he seems like a more easygoing sort being a hunter and all. Then invite him back, seating him not-opposite and not-close to Sansa or Jayne if possible.

Thus our social mingling will be accomplished and we can make a speech before inviting everyone to dinner!

>>12283485
>Dwarfs are pragmatic and practical when it comes to money, less so when it comes to manners of personal/family honor.

Rising from your seat you announce "Drinks are on me tonight, Ladies and Gentlemen!" there is a rather rapid migration to the bar, you find yourself being half pushed by Uurist, and half escorted by Sansa in that very direction, when a loud SMACK grabs your attention. You look to your right to see Jayne beet red, and shaking her right hand, and the blond man nursing a now doubly red left cheek.

rolled 7 = 7

By the way, I've been meaning to ask the rest of you; Are we playing this guy like an early military version of Caesar? Like, the original one that pretty much everyone loved? Or are we just a new up and rising commander that will carve his path to glory in a plain magnificent military career?

>bropser you'd
indeed I'd bropser

>>12283656
Jayne seemed pretty levelheaded when we spoke to her, so I'm betting he said something stupid. Better go defuse the situation.
>Captcha:suresky Arno

>>12283656
Well I should have seen that coming. Excuse ourselves from Sansa and Urist by saying we need to go take care of a developing situation.

See Jayne first, ask her what's up. Then go talk to the blonde man.

>>12283663
Second one. We just made officer at the end of the first thread.

>>12283656
Oh dear. We got us a womanizer. We're going to need to have a one-on-one with him immediately to tell him to get serious here.

>>12283663
I was hoping we could accomplish both really, although I never knew Caesar was that loved. I always had Maximus from Gladiator in mind when I thought of what we should craft our PC to be.

>>12283601
>there were casters up until about 4000 years ago, when the last of the elves who were children during the wars with the Immortals that ended the first age ended. Their death seemingly cut the gods off from the mortal realm, thus magic items are intensely rare and valuable, and the only surviving remnants of the Immortals are Lacerta (due to Dragons melding them into the "perfect" soldiers) and the lesser elementals, which occaisionally appear during the most intense of natural disters (MASSIVE fires, huge tornadoes, Tsunami's, ect)

Don't think we need to ask. I would say its time to push our rank a bit and tell our good captain that his behavior is not acceptable and to get to work changing it.

>>12283663
How about Scipio? Or maybe Cincinnatus?

I was hoping for a Roman Rommel personally.

>>12283700
the immortals, not the elves, btw.

Let's go tell him to keep it professional while on duty. Tell him he can screw thirty noble's wives a month in his own time for all we care, but keep professional on our time.

>>12283731
Roman Rommel? So you mean Scipio then.

Excuse ourselves from Sansa and Uurist, and talk down Jayne.
Then we pull rank and take the young man outside, to "talk about the weather".
Then we give him a dressing down for unprofessional conduct not befitting a soldier of the Imperial Legions, and he had better keep his hands and tongue in check.

>>12283744
Basically yeah, I'm just a fan of alliteration.

>>12283746
It's not his hands or tongue I think we need to worry about the most...

rolled 91 = 91

>>12283710
I'm more of a Roman military and government policy admirer. The first Caeser was loved so much that he was able to become THE Caeser in the first place from what I recall.

>>12283692
Not just Officer, we made Commander. Captain is just an officer. We are commanding a chunk of the military in the empire's good in mind. What we do with that kind of power as a PC is what I was meaning.

I'm probably going to form my take as possibly becoming a Caeser by having a glorious military career and while doing so, not stepping on as many toes as possible.

I think we should scold the blond man outside. Humiliating him front of others isn't going to be the best way to start the relationship.

rolled 53 = 53

>>12283788
wholeheartedly agree with this statement

>>12283800
Also agree.

In regards to what we're going to do with the character, I'm all for the glorious military campaign route just as long as we are seen as awesome by our men and parts of the empire.

>>12283809
Sounds good, but it would be nice to use our military glory as a springboard to political fame too.

you sigh, Sansa rolls her eyes, and you can hear Uurist laughing behind you. "I'm sorry, I have to handle this" you excuse yourself from your current company, who you can hear talking about alcohol behind you as you walk towards Jayne. "What did he do?" you ask plainly. When she signed the contract she insisted that she lead the unit she was sending, even after you warned that that would place her firmly under your command, with all of the stipulations that accompanied that. The way she waved it off almost mad up for the fact that her unit ate through a third of your requisition funds, and afraid of how much her full rate would eat. Sometimes it pays to be smooth...

"HE!..." Jayne stutters in response "He pinched my bottom and asked if, if I 'like to ride more than just uursan'!" you sigh, and put a placating hand on her shoulder.

"I'll handle this, don't do anything else on it." you say, shifting your tone to imply a command for the last phrase. You roughly grab the blonde by the arm, and drag him to the hallway outside the room "Just what in the hell do you think your doing? Captain..."

"Aurelius Caspius, 99th Hunters. And I was just trying to enjoy the party Commander Trentz, I had no idea all the women you brought in would be so... prickly"

You sigh, an inept womanazer... great "Their military women, and while I agree that they are damn fine examples of such, you WILL remain respectful and professional with ALL women under my command if that is your idea of a good pick-up line. Now you will go back in there, beg forgiveness of my Aide and the Commander of my Cavalry wing, then remain respectful for the the rest of the night."

the sheepish grin on Aurelius face was that of a man who thought he had found a loophole, and totally incongruous with the salute he gave you before returning to the hall.

Re-entering the room you see that the groups remain more or less unchanged, Sansa and Uurist going on like old friends already, the Legionaries talking animatedly with their words and hands, Jayne and the Shamed Dwarf continuing with their quit conversation. Aurelius bouncing from group to group before finally turning his attention on the barmaid, who seems more than happy to receive them.

>>12283915
Introduce ourselves to the Legionaries, and then the shamed dorf. After that, I suggest we gather everyone up and have a general meeting and quick briefing and then spend the rest of the night getting to know our captains/trying to get them to fit in with each other.

>>12283915
Let's tell Jayne we took care of things and use the opportunity to have a chat with the other dorf.

rolled 22 = 22

>>12283900
>>12283915
Good to go. We've analyzed each closely from just outward appearances. So lets do the closer inspection. Is it just the captains and us in the bar or what it seems like we picked a public one. If it more people, we need to address the captains as a group, so go ahead and have them seated after they get their drinks.

rolled 38 = 38

>>12283932
>>12283941
Let's hit up the shamed dorf first. Since it relates to the topic we just addressed I guess you could say. Then the Legionnaires then we sit everyone down.

>>12283915
Sigh. Well, good enough for now.

Go speak to Jayne and introduce ourselves to the outcast. Ask her if the apology went well and whether she and her companion would like to join the others for drinks.

>>12283984
Also, apologize to her also for his demeanor since he is under our command. She's noble, after all, best to keep courteous and on her good side.

>>12283932

>>12283821
Don't worry, if I remember right our backstory was that we were essentially the adopted son of the Empire's greatest strategist up until he died and we went to the Officer's Academy. We've got great things in our future.

>>12284080
forgot my post derp. What I meant to say was >>12283932 This

>>12284092
Well yeah, but you have to remember what happened to Ceaser when he was a dick to nobles. And this is the woman we are going to be relying on for cavalry support this campaign at least.

>>12284092
Plus, we did well enough on our final exam that the head commander of the entire army put us directly under him.

>>12283958
its a decent dining hall in the back room; the nicest back room they have, which happens to have its own bar/barkeep.

Walking leisurely over to Jayne and the Shamed Dwarf you introduce yourself to the latter.

"Captain Finian Gaurush, 50th Dwarven Scouts captain. A pleasure to meet you." The slight Dwarf replies, the closer look you now have reveals streaks of blue in his short-cut black hair, faint and dark... but there notetheless.

Noticing you observation he answers "I stole my fathers crowing work, a damned fine shortsword, perfect it was. Got us noble holdings even... I was only going to show it to my Lady, impress her of my families worth. It didnt matter that I was going to return it though, only that I took it from the "hall of perfection" without permission. Father took the blade to me himself; my Ladys house was higher than mine, and her father demanded my exile. She said she would await my return at the end of my exile, but thats not for another hundred years..." You find yourself at a momentary loss for words, and you may not know her that well, but the twinkle in her left eye tells you that something about that story got to Jayne.

Stifling the joke you had just thought up you instead respond "That was... sudden"

"I simply thought you should know the nature of my crime, why I was shamed and exiled, that you need not mistrust me."

>>12284132
Thank him for the trust he has for us by telling us so frankly and that his past doesn't matter now. Not sure what else to say without sounding like a potential dick so someone else think of something.

>>12284132
Let him know that due to the small amount of hair missing we didn't think it was anything serious, we were just curious.

>>12284132
"well finian , prove yourself on the field and i'll trust you sure enough"
now end with a brisk nod and go talk to the legionnairies

>>12284132
alright now lets introduce ourselves to the legionaries and start the feastin

rolled 53 = 53

>>12284120
keep in mind that was the LAST Caeser, not the first. For good reason too. He was about to make himself the true emperor and dissolve the Senate I believe.

>>12284132
"You are wise with how you approach the profession then sir. I do not hold past transgressions against my officers and would hope to only judge someone based on their actions that are shown presently. So far you have done well in that aspect. Jayne, the problem has been solved, and I am truly sorry for the rudeness of the captain."

Take hand and kiss? or is that exclusive to medieval times?

>>12284132
"I'm glad you're so upfront about it. As one of my captains I will be entrusting my life and success to you, and in return I will ask for your trust in my leadership. It will be my honor to command you and ensure that you and your men return to those awaiting them."

Then shake his hand. Like a boss.

>>12284190
Let's not do the kiss. We just berated the guy for something similar and while we have much more style, we shouldn't do that right now. Plus, that's a little too much for the moment I think nor does it fit with Roman culture. I could be wrong though.

>>12284190
No kissing. I think that was strictly after the Roman era.

>>12284190
pretty sure that is med.. but lets play it safe and not do even if it was customary since Aurelius might get the wrong idea.

Also tell the shamed dwarf that we trust him whether or not he is was a criminal. One does not make it to captain without being honorable.

>>12284190
I approve of apologizing to her. His actions reflect on us as the commander. The kiss is too much, though.

>>12284209
aw yeah, and we look like a pimp in front of the lady who is all teary about the story

rolled 40 = 40

It seems my hopeless romantic side is showing I guess, heh.

>>12284209
Yeah, brohandshake would be awesome. Straight up guy it seems.

"Thank you for your frankness, and you need not worry about my trust, so long as you are honorable and reliable both on and off the battlefield." inclining your head towards the table and taking your leave.

Upon approaching the last pair not seated, you find yourself being drawn into a rather heated discussion. "I dont care what your damned books say, an experienced Legionnaire can take an elven soldier in singles combat on fair footing any day of the damned week!" The older man exclaims, pounding his right fist into his incomplete left hand.

"And I dont care what youve 'seen' Captain Rex, breaking ranks and charging their line was a terrible idea! had you simply adapted the phalanx into and envelpong snare, surrounding the smaller unit your losses would have been..." the younger commander begins to reply

"You think they wouldn't have seen such a maneuver approaching them? That they would simply let us envelope and slaughter them?" the old soldier replies, his bushy eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"If you had any form of ranged..." the younger man begins, idly scratching at the red stubble on his chin.

"You werent even listening to my damned story! Were you?" The other man replies, not letting his young counterpart continue, clearly in good humor but still offended.

>>12284256
I won't lie. then. Part of the reason my response was what it was is due to bias towards Sansa rather than Jayne... Heh.

That and I do think the kiss isn't something that would fit the Roman empire.

rolled 81 = 81

>>12284282
Ya, I'm pretty sure that was after the Roman Empire when the chivalric code and what not was made.

>>12284277
Approach casually and join in on the conversation due to the fact it's strategy talk and it's probably something we're pretty damn good at. Find out what the situation was exactly before supporting one side.

>>12284282
Aww snap, shipper wars already.

>>12284297
Second, I love war stories.

>>12284277
break up the fight in as amicably as we can

>>12284277
Awesome, our Legion Captains are already hitting it off!

>>12284297
This, but emphasize that experience tends to beat book-learning.

>>12284277
We should introduce ourselves and have him repeat the story, (since he wants to anyway) then give our opinion in the way most likely to make them both think favorably of us. "While X is a good idea, in that situation Y was very effective because Z." If that isn't possible we should just say what we think.

rolled 51 = 51

>>12284318
I don't think it's a fight more than a friendly debate.

>>12284300
Also, I'm totally for a harem.......Just sayin.

Hellp, I'm tempted to mention how thinking beyond the book works a lot and then refer to our graduation battle. Splitting our light dorfs and dealing with the berserkers the way we did probably wouldn't be called by the book.

>>12284350
Well ancient Roman patricians did sometimes have concubines in addition to their noble wife... but that's so not what we need to be focusing on right now

>>12284350
Harems FUCK YEAH!!!

I say we sit at their table and listen to them argue tactics.

>>12284406
If we had more time, I'd agree. Unless the situation was totally in favor of by the books tactics, I think we should just leave it as saying while book tactics are good, an army should be like running water. Flexible and adaptable to the situation. Yeah maybe not the best analogy but you get my point.

rolled 83 = 83

>>12284406
This, and when they ask for input, simply tell them, that the situation is always different when you yourself are there. Quick not by the book thinking is what saved our asses as well as having a reliable crew is what saved us. Not just by the book tactics and experience.

You walk up to the two men, forming a triangle "If your younger counterpart wasn't listening, perhaps he will listen when you tell me, if you would be so kind." You but in, stopping the incessant cutting off and the flow of different tactical situations and the approval or disapproval thereof.

"Captain Gaius Rex, Sir, and I'd be happy too. It was about 20 years ago in the last Uurlanthian war. I had just inherited Command of the 169th due to some damned elvish sniper while we were out on patrol. We sent off the unit of outriders with us to take down the snipers, while me and mine continued on the patrol rout, since we were about halfway through it and wanted some damned grub. We eventually ran into a group of about 80 Elfish Swordsmen blocking the road we were to be keeping clear. I ordered the men to form up, we were down to half-strength so there were only two ranks of us. The setting sun made our crimson armor look as if it were ablaze, pointy ears turned it into a blush by laughing at us instead of charging our formation. The back half of-em pulled out bows, so I ordered the tortise. Nothing happened for about five minutes, then arrows started slipping through the gaps we had left in the formation as eye-slats. At the rate we were moving they'd break the formation before we closed in on them, so I ordered the charge. By the end of it 20 of us were left, and we had one of them prisoner. Bookboy over there seems to think we'da had time to encircle'em like they were a bunch of highland barbarians. I think he's a dumbass."

The younger man sighs "This 'dumbasses' name is Captain Cornelius Hoursch, and I was merely quoting the tactics for dealing with lightly armored, highly skilled infantry I was taught at the academy; Commander..."

>>12284468
Support Gaius but on the grounds that the flexibility of a commander is more important than just following the books. A legionary unit at half-strength would of a hard time encircling them, especially if they're being pelted by arrows in the process.

rolled 47 = 47

>>12284468
the situation calls for this
>>12284430

>>12284468
"While it's good that you remember your training so well, elves are a slippery bunch and in all honesty would likely have just pulled back and kept firing.

>>12284468

i think you could learn a lot from captian rex , captian cornelius , but at the same time , Mr. rex hear doesn't have the booklearning and training you do. i like a friendly debate hear and there my self , but theres no need to get offensive or hostile. you both have good points and i think it'd be a good idea if you respected eachothers opinions

So he killed all the elves?

But it is also true that the elves would not have expected you to try to encircle them with fewer units. Also maybe add in something about retreating till reinforced, i'm pretty sure the book would include something like that. A dead soldier is no use to the legion.

Seeing as he did win the battle though one can't really complain. A victory is a victory.

>>12284468
"Commander Justinian Trentz.
"Now, I can see the merits of your plan, Captain Hoursch, and it's not a bad one. Otherwise, it wouldn't have gone into the books at the Academy.
"But there's something to be said for being adaptable and doing the unexpected. As Captain Rex pointed out, his unit was at half-strength, and the enemy had a range advantage."

>>12284524
Uh, I'm pretty sure the older commander DOES have the book learning. He knows all about the tactic.

Introduce ourselves and point out that to encircle they would have to have broken the tortise and changed formations, allowing the expert elven sharpshooters to pick off perhaps a dozen before the tactic was completed. That would mean they would no longer outnumber the foe and the tactic would have been a deathtrap for the legionary forces.

It was a solid tactical assessment, captain, but the fact that they had bows and the legion was already at half strength is what decided it.

"Justinian Trentz, but please you gentelmen can call me Justinian, unless I shout of course that is. I'm afraid that I'm going to have to side with Captain Rex on this. Elves are no fools, and damned slippery to boot. An understrength unit would have a a hard time encircling them, and the elves would be more likely to pull back and continue their arrows tender ministrations upon your foreheads. Book tactics are fine when you on a full stomach and at maximum strength; but a great man once told me that 'the damned things are all based on theories that old men who are content to sit on their laurels came up with long after they got to where they are. once a fight starts all a book is good for is lighting arrows and keeping your arse from freezing off.'. I am glad to have two captains as smart and devoted as yourself under my command, however I do believe we are keeping the others waiting." You nod towards the table and the two large men head towards their seats, Rex looking pleased, Hoursch looking thoughtful... clearly recognizing who your mentor and the source of the quote was.

You take your open seat, the one Sansa save for you, she perks up and slides you a glass whispering "best of the night so far" you nod your thanks, noticing the queer look Jayne is shooting Sansa, before realizing that everyone else is looking at you rather expectantly...

The more i think about it the more wrong both of them sound.

The enemy has a larger force, distance, and good ranged troops... sounds like a good time to recognize that this is a battle you do not want to fight since it will be on the enemies terms. Pull back and either get reinforced or maneuver yourself till you are in a position that is favorable to your side.

>>12284611
Introduce ourselves officially, introduce everyone to everyone else, explain our mission, then sit down to eat.

>>12284632
Part of me also wants to throw in their thoughts on what we should do first for our mission but that might ruin the night if egos clash. Yeah, that should wait. I assume we'll have a more generic meeting later and we can do things like that then.

Speech!

They all know us now, so no need for introductions. Start off saying we are glad to be here and have all of them under our command. Move on to say that while in the future we will be doing battle together, for now we should drink and be merry, for opportunities like this will be far fewer in the field. Finish by telling them that we hope they will all come to know and respect each other, and not to judge each other too quickly. We are all equals at this table and your lives will be depending on each other in battle. Time to eat.

rolled 78 = 78

>>12284632
I agree on introducing ourselves officially. However, we need to have everyone else introduce themselves. It will allow us to assess their attitudes towards each other based on their reactions. We know blondy will get a bad reaction from the ladies, but everyone else we need to know. Like whether or not the dwarves have beef because one is shamed, or whether or not any of them are a speciest (racist).

>>12284656
Actually, maybe a formal introduction would be appropriate with them all assembled. I think we should say that we will hold a briefing tomorrow morning talking about the meeting and for now they should just enjoy themselves before the work starts.

>>12284656

what he said

>>12284611
"As you are all by now aware, I am Commander Justinian Trentz, of the Degnarian Legion, and your commander.
"At my side is Sansa, my aide.
"Our mission is to track down and recover a magical artifact that has been stolen by an unknown group. Their trail is already being tracked by a battalion of scouts, and we will rendezvous with them enroute to the north.
"As some of you are already aware, Lady Jayne Garlian shall be accompanying us and providing cavalry support.
"Now, if you will all raise your cups?
"For the Empire!"

We will be bold, we will be clever, we will be killers, and then we will be rich.

>>12284681
This. Keep it simple for now, we can hold a formal strategy meeting tomorrow morning and have everyone give their thoughts.

>>12284656
I second this. We should save the war talk for our first briefing. For now we should just focus on having a good time while we can.

rolled 84 = 84

I just feel that if we say anything, it should be something wise or simple and straight to the point. We are climbing the ladder eventually to the top and we need to get the experience down now when we start.

Something along the cliche lines of, all of us are here under my command, which in turn is the Empire's command and will. I am a moral man and will not turn my cheek to those that are not, and will regret and be saddened by any loss of life in our troops. However, such is the way of war. According to the ___ Praetorian (wasn't sure which) war is going to break out soon. So we need to carry this mission out quickly and decisively with the least amount of collateral damage possible.

"As you all know I am Commander Justinian Trentz, and I will be your commanding officer. To my Right is Sansa Kyrosh, my aide..." most of the men look at her approvingly, save Aurelius, who looks pensive, and Jayne, who is looking at her seat more than her. As you work your way down the list you mostly see the a general air of acceptance as a peer among you commanders, save what could be a budding rivalry between the women, their dislike of Aurelius, his preoccupation with the barmaid, and a slight eyebrow raise from Uurist to Finian. "I look forward to serving with all of you during this campaign and hopefully many to come. Tomorrow we leave to wrest a stolen arcana from a band of rebels, but tonight we shall drink and make merry, for tomorrow we take to the field. To Dengar, Victory, and a swift return to this hall!" The men and women at the table raise their glasses as well... damn, Sansa knows how to pick a good drink. Conversations break out across the table as you sit down.

>any particular topic you want to bring up?

>>12284797
Maybe have a chat with Uurist and Rex about the war brewing with the Uurlanthians.

>>12284797
Can't think of any specific topics but just from general conversation going on around the table, are there any topics that seem to catch Aurelius' interests that aren't involved with breasts? We're going to have to find a way to make the guy more liked and showing he can be interested in things other than breasts would be a good step.

>>12284797
actually i was thinking of skipping ahead a little bit becuz its kinda late , even though i have a couple hours left in me , i would like to get at least closer to some action

>>12284797
Let's keep the conversation towards light stuff for now. We don't know people's political or idealogical leanings yet, so some military campaign stories might be good.

"I dont see why we got sent chasing after some arcane trinket" You hear Rex declare "Wars brewin in the East, and we get sent in the wrong direction. Those damned Uurlanthians owe me a son and a wife, and I want to make the fuckers pay up! or at least balance the books."

Uurist chuckles "Trust me Gaius, the books are never balanced, and your better off without th'lass. sides, we might get ta head north, and I wouldnt mind see'n mum if we head past LowPass."

"Your both hopeless, tying down to one woman, the bachelors life is the best life. COrnelius is right though, not a damned scrap of magic'll be left in 50 years." Aurelius replies

"While I respectfully avoid your blatant misconception on the simplicity of relationships... I'm going to have to disagree with you on magic. Rumor has it that its actually returning. People hearing the gods talk to them again, the braziers in their temples burning well past the last of their fuels, and in queer shifting colors..."

Arya and Jaynes heads drop into their hands, as Aurelius responds "You dont ACTUALLY believe in the Ten, do you? their priests havent had any REAL power for thousands of years. Only power I believe in is the Strength of my bow and the gleam of a gold Dragoon coin." Cornelius and Finian raise their glasses in Aurelius' direction, the rest of the table seems unmoved by Aurelius' little speech.

Until such a time that the magic does return and start making up for all the magic that has been lost we need to hold onto what little is left. Besides the only thing we can truly put faith in is good alcohol.

>>12284918
Interject with a mention of how you'll be suppressing a rebellion, this isn't just some fool's errand.

>>12284939
>>12284946

a mixture of these

>>12284939
"I'll admit to holding quite bit of respect for a person's strength of arms and gold, but I'll tell you all whose power I really believe in.
"Tax collectors, and their damnable accountants."

Only things sure in life, are death and taxes.

>>12284918
"It isn't just the trinket Rex. If we don't get these rebels sorted out now they'll be a real pain when war does break out."

"Until magic does actually return, we need to hold on to what little we have, besides it simply wont do to leave a rebellion go unchecked with Uurlanth knocking on our front door. As far as religion is concerned the only things we can truly have faith in are good friends and better alcohol." You interject.

"Speaking of good alcohol..." Sansa adds, pulling out her flask.

Seeing where she is going you pull out yours as well "That and tax collectors... the bastards probably chase you on the other side of the grave even." you and Sansa busy yourself pouring out shots for the others at the table and filling them in on the nature of this particular brew. here we go again... you think to yourself. Tonight is going to be fun.

>I got early class, so I'm gonna call it on this one I think. I should be back again sunday night, someone archive please

>>12285005
I assume you meant Sansa in the previous post. Getting Arya and Sansa confused? Just don't throw Bran or Robb in there, heh.

See you Sunday then OP. I just hope it's not another 4am session like the last sunday one.

>>12285005
Bonam Noctem OP. See you Sunday.

it should be a bit earlier, since I dont have work this sunday it should start at about the same time this one did.

Good night OP. See you Sunday.