>>12801043
Let's hit up Degrian. Might be able to tell us something interesting about their siege equipment.

rolled 16 = 16

>>12801043
>but it is obvious from his body language that he doesn't approve of its engineering.

Perhaps he has some ideas to improve them? also,

>Fuck yeah commander quest!

>>12801043

If we're heading the first watch, we must keep moral up.

Take a walk when we have time, speak to those on guard duty and reassure them of our cause and strengthen their resolve.

>>12801083
Yes, let's talk with him, see if he disapproves of it because of its intended purpose, or because he feels that it is of inferior engineering.

A suggestion I made during a previous thread.

I believe this is even more relevant with the outcome of last session's battle:

>Second, if the enemy DO eventually show up with flying cavalry, I think we ought to be prepared. We have the arrows, but I think we ought to have all our ranged units perform training drills so as to make best use of their weapons when the time comes.

>We need to have Sansa and Kyria figure out the optimum distance for letting loose volleys while firing up. We also ought to have standing orders for certain units to keep loose formations in case of flying cavalry charges. I particularly don't want any arrow-riddled bodies crashing into our ranger formations.

>We might also want to think about optimal placement for the heavy repeating ballistas we have in the works.

Ask him about why he won't make automata for war too.

>>12801117
Le's wait until we're done our watch to do that but I agree. In theory, we should stay up there. Maybe we should call him up to us.

>>12801140

We need to make sure our admin is up to scratch.

We built heavy repeating balistas and didn't train anyone in their use! WTF man.

Standing order:
When new toys are built, legionaries get drafted into heavy weapons teams to be trained, man and fire them.

>>12801140
Well, at the end of the last session, we were also discussing a combined arms tactic, of having our rangers and archers stick right behind our heavy infantry, so that they can provide close-support volley fire, and if air units arrive, provide close-in AA support.
Also, the infantry could move quickly around the archers, to prevent them from being flanked by enemy units.

>>12801205
That and we should get Gaius and Cornelius' units trained to use pikes, otherwise the enemy pikemen units will just keep beating them initially. Combining spears and pikes should help them out though.

You put your papers back into your chest, you'll be able to come back to them later. You make your way down to the base of the tower, this will only take but a moment you expect. "So your saying that when you rub this... paste, on your eyes, you can see in the dark?" one of the black cloaked hunters asks Blackbird sceptically. The big orc nods, holds one eye open and does exactly as the hunter asked, blinking several times after applying the clear paste.

The orc looks up at you, one eye glowing a vibrant blue, the other its usual hue. "Commander." he greets you, saluting with the paste covered hand "I have a question for you." behind him you see degrian take out a small shockstone shard inside a glass orb, a board and his chunk of lead. Apprehensive, the hunters watch Blackbird as he applies the paste to his other eye. The full effect is... unnerving, to say the least.

>>12801260
Let's hear him out then. No point being rude.

>>12801205

It can work but i'm always afraid of friendly fire in these cases. Volleys aren't terribly accurate.

I've raised before in previous threads about building Mini-siege towers manned by normal grunts wielding repeaters.

The extra height means they can fire over the heads of their comrades and repeater usage is easier to train compared to bows which can take years. Being movable siege, we can even mount the heavy repeaters on them. We'll get the effect of something similar to a humvee with a large machine gun.

>>12801260
Let's hear him out.
Also, that stuff looks like it might be quite interesting to have. We'll need to see if it has any weird side-effects on humans, dwarves, and elves; if it doesn't, then I think we've just found our medieval equivalent of NVG's and can start doing night attacks.

>>12801317
Not worth doing if the enemy has more siege equipment and pitch though I think. It'd be a one time thing we could use and then they'd just get torched in later battles.

>>12801317
The big problem with this is mobility; without engines or teams of animals, it'll be difficult to move around.
This is one of the reasons why I wanted Degrian to work on improved wagons; so that it would be easier to push/pull these kinds of battlefield war-engines.

Pax, what does uurlanth and the empire think of homosexuality?

"I was wondering if you intended to raid the enemy, or if such tactics were considered too... base." Blackbird asks bluntly after you nod for him to continue. Degrian makes a frustrated noise behind the orc and throws the parchment from his board, and slaps a fresh piece onto the surface.

"As a matter of fact I was preparing to send the RapidRiders out to do just that in the near future." you reply honestly, not quite sure where your tracker is going with this.

"You would remove clansmen trained for battle to raid?" Blackbird asks, clearly confused. "If I had twenty strong, resourceful, ruthless warriors I could bring their supply lines to their knees... if you wished it, and allowed me my pick of warriors." Blackbird adds with some pride, clearly seeing an opportunity to prove himself to you.

>>12801331

How well does damping (pouring of water over the wood before the battle) work against pitch?

If it's not very effective: there's a little trick of ablative armour I've cooked up. Cover the front with straw held with ropes. When hit by pitch, cut the ropes.

>>12801345

Well, its mini, not castle assault huge. I was expecting at the very most, one floor above ground in height. Something like that shouldn't require too many people to push about.

>>12801352
Strong dislike, its right up there with necrophilia and defiling the Emperors daughters. Uurlanth is accepting of it like ancient Greece was, the Guild Lands dont really care either way, and the Duchy finds it despicable

>>12801260
>behind him you see degrian take out a small shockstone shard inside a glass orb

That reminds me: Can we get an inventory of the stuff we've gotten over the past session, including the loot we got from the last battle. I'm trying to figure out how we can possibly use them to our advantage, but I'm having trouble recalling exactly what we have at hand.

The shockstones might make for useful weapons, and the extra horses could be used as recompense for the Espiritu Raiders. As mentioned already, we ought to train our legionnaires in the use of pikes.

Also, I appreciate the physical descriptions you gave in the last, last session, but I believe you skipped Laelith and Degrian.

>>12801384

"as long as you return the majority of them in more or less the condition you got them in, then I'll agree"

>>12801384
"If you can truly do that, and even better, arrange so that we can capture their supplies as well as denying them to the enemy, then you will have the men and resources you need within the hour."

>>12801384

He takes 30, including a few velociprey riders.

I don't want him getting his ass captured or killed.

>>12801352
...

You are not seriously thinking that we seduce the captured lordling, are you?

>exercise Hattate
Like the captcha says, we need to exercise Hattate. What ever that is...

>>12801410
I have no clue about that. You'd have to ask Pax for a judgement call. Plus, how long would that armour really work out? How many layers would work? If it only works once, I still think it's a waste of resources simply because we'd be wasting wood we need to preserve for the other armies.

>>12801384
"You have no concerns on outsmarting and outmaneuvering their air cavalry with 20 men?"

Kind of hesitant to do this... We have no idea on what their army composition is actually like.

>>12801448
Oh god. Literally everyone in the empire will be joining Justinian's harem if we allow that.

Bail out, bail out! We're in too deep!

>>12801452
>"You have no concerns on outsmarting and outmaneuvering their air cavalry with 20 men?"

>Kind of hesitant to do this... We have no idea on what their army composition is actually like.

I agree. This might end up with him captured or killed. But if he stays smart and sticks to forests during the day time, then he ought to be able to avoid them.

But the thing is: These are the plains.

>>12801352
Well there goes your plan of seducing our princeling ;)
>>12801384
"and how would you go about doing this, honored ally?"

>>12801448

Such a fun discussion in the ready room thread, earlier.

If our captured guy looks like this I will laughing my ass off.

>>12801511
If he hides by digging foxholes in the plains and covering himself with camouflaged cloaks during the day, and only moves and attacks during the night, it could work.

>>12801415
I believe I did

Degrian: 3'6", ferret like body is mostly a light tan, with a few gray vertical stripes running down his back. His head is like a cutebolds (furred like the rest of his body) but replace the snout with a hooked beak (goes out about 6") he has a dark brown fu-man-chu mustache perched above his beak, it droops down past his beaks tip. His fingers are about twice as long as a proportionate humans would be, slender and very dexterous. His eyes are small black things, and have a deep brooding look to them.

Laelith: 7', curvaceous and fair skinned. Long Blond hair that stops just above her shoulders. Her face WAS beautiful, but you left it a mess of scars (both cut and burn). Over each eyelid she has a tattoo of Lamynus' sigil.

>>12801528

it was mentioned during the waiting room thread some anon started, and i think it has some merit as long as we keep it between us and the lordling

at least keep it open as an option, kay?

>>12801566
I said it had merit if we tried to recruit him by offering him land and such depending on how old he is. Not the homosexuality part.

>>12801555
Seven feet tall? God damn, she'll have to stoop to kiss us.

>Long Blond hair that stops just above her shoulders.
That's not really very long then.

>>12801549
Do we even have those though? Plus, the enemy might not even be moving supplies at night for all we know. It just seems really risky to me. If they were cavalry maybe, but infantry out on the open plains? One wrong move and they're done.

"You will take 30." you reply "And you have no fear of being captured or killed trying to raid on the open plains?" you add, unsure of his plans.

"The night can be a powerful ally" Blackbird replies. "Cloaks can be dyed, holes dug, one could run to the mountains, tall grass, prepared holes. There are many ways to defeat the light. And with the festival of the Black Sun approaching; not even that will matter for the entirety of the second week." Blackbird adds, offering the paste to one of the more curious looking hunters. "I could leave by tomorrow night if you wish, commander."

>>12801590

what if he agrees to sell out his home nation for all that and when the time comes we found out he tricked us?

you never know, so just keep it open as an option

>>12801650
>festival of the Black Sun
Have him elaborate on this some more.

>>12801650

give him aquila so he can communicate with us in case of emergency

how long should we let him stay out for?

>>12801658

I'd suggest we get to know him first.

We invite him to break fast once our watch is over. We then discuss EVERYTHING except the current conflict. Put him off balance and get his measure. If hes a good leader of men (I expect him to be), I'd really want to recruit him, maybe even for our eventual cavalry wing.

>>12801715
A couple weeks, I think, though I doubt that the enemy commander may wait that long with his son in our custody.

Before Blackbird leaves, we should ask him for the recipe for the paste he's made, and if it can be safely used by our other troops. Being able to attack at night could be a very important force multiplier.

>>12801650
Damnit. We're already hurting on men and now we've lost another 30. I assume the festival of the Black Sun is an eclipse but let's double check with him and see what he means. Leaving the next night is best I suppose. Also tell him to return to us if his raiding ever goes badly.

>>12801555
Thanks.

>>12801715

I'd say up to him. Special Forces work on a hr-by-hr basis behind enemy lines.

We'll need aquila more. The HQ cannot be without communications to the other forces. Give him a signal ring and work out some communication system.

>>12801767

but then wouldnt that give away his location to the uurlanthians?

i think just sending runners should suffise

also, Pax how are arcana made?

can regular ordinary items be made into arcana, or are they like that when they are made?

i also endorce having breakfast with the lordling

in our tower though, not where anyone can eavesdrop on us

"This festival being..." you ask, believing it is what you have known as the Black Week, the time when the Dwarves made their treachery known during the war to slay Shintja; but you want to be sure.

"Every seventh year, the sun shines as a white ring over the blackened sky; leaving no light for a week. It is, was; the one time that the Old Clans would not war on each other raiding instead on the other races." Blackbird replies matter of factly.

The hunter he offered the paste to looks up, his eyes glowing white "I can see perfectly.." he exclaimed, awed.

Paying the man no mind you nod at Blackbird "Tomorrow eve then; and I want you to return should the fighting go poorly for you." you reply, saluting the men Blackbird is suddenly rounding up, and moving towards Degrian, who is now looking over his parchment, nodding approval.

>>12801864
you dont know, as its a lost art (need magic to make the stuff, and magic is gone.) All you know is that it required a VERY specific set of skills, tools, workspace and quite a bit of time.

Have we sent a prisoner back to the enemy lord informing him something along the lines of:

"If we for a moment suspect another assassin or team of assassins has been sent into our midst, your son's life is forfeit.

Until that time, he shall be treated as best we can manage under the circumstances."

Also, should we offer parley if he wishes to beg for the release of his son?

>>12801906
"Thinking up of improvements on their siege equipment?"

Also, before he leaves we should get that recipe from him. A) To research if it has any negative effects and B) It could be useful for us.

>>12801906

i think a night of trying out our white glove again is in order

>>12801940
Most definitely seconding this, especially the part about getting that night-vision paste recipe.

>>12801930
Not yet. He knows we got hurt that last engagement. We should only parley when he comes to us or when this campaign is going our way.

>>12801960

I was thinking more along the lines of allowing him to trade places with his son and his forces withdrawing.

Something that would be unreasonable, but would allow us to meet and possibly gain more info on the enemy lord.

>bad Beatins

oh my

>Authority
>Harem
>Nonchalant creativity

Is this some sort of serious background MaidQuest?

>>12802009
Too risky with only one son. I figure he might try to take us out and capture us. If we had multiple of his sons though... Worth considering then.

>>12801930
>Have we sent a prisoner back to the enemy lord informing him something along the lines of:

I dunno. He would give him more information on our forces' disposition, unless he's been blind-folded since his capture.

I don't want the enemy knowing more than what he already does.

Does he know who he is going to be taking yet on the raids?

>>12802034
Perhaps instead of sending a soldier back, we put up a post with a message to the enemy commander somewhere his scouts are bound to find.
That if he sends assassins after us or our command staff again, his son's life is forfeit.

>>12802048
We need to have him report to us so that we know who he's taking before he leaves.

>>12802048

Seconding this. Pax, could we get an update once you choose who Blackbird is bringing?

>>12802034
Yeah, that's kind of why I wish we had picked up right after the battle. I would of wanted to send one of their soldiers right from there rather than bring them back where they have intel on our base camp.

This post seems more feasible now. >>12802060

>>12802060

Nah, lets not give him something hard and fast.

Let him stew over the fact that we have his son and that his assassins failed.

If he cracks under pressure he'll come to parley.

>>12802060

thirding this

also, The Walking Dead is fucking awesome

>>12802106
Or he'll send another assassination team to kill us and/or rescue his son.

>>12802124

Then we'll be obliged to send back to him a finger.

He'll then blame himself for hurting his own son and be more distressed and ultimately, more prone to making mistakes.

"I see you have improved on the enemies siege equipment" you say in way of announcing yourself to the Kaskyana, having no real clue what his sketching means, and being generally curious.

"Indeed I have." Degrian replies "You want explained, Commander?" he asks, realizing the look of utter confusion on your face.

"Yes please." you reply, sitting next to him on the small mangonel.

"Obvious that this for rapidly portable firepower. However one well placed arrow breaks rope and ruins apparatus. By removing rope from tip of bucket, instead using momentum created by similar tension system and smooth metal tracks, weapon works faster and with less posibility of destruction. Would be simple to make." Degrian replies, pointing out the parts on his sketch as he goes. (Think medieval steam catapult, with a ratcheting system to pull it back, and the ropes natural tension drawing the firing arm forward to the end of the track, a crossbar stopping the arm (adjustable for aiming purposes)) "Need help with anything else?" Degrain adds, looking over his plans again.

>I'm no engineer, so if thats completely cracked I'm sorry

>>12802166
"I have a question Degrian that I hope you don't think is too personal. Why do you have such an aversion to using certain creations for war?"

>>12802166

Using non-traditional ammo:

Can this launch good sized logs?
For bowling down ranks.

2 chained boulders, one smaller one larger?
When they impact, one will anchor while the smaller will scythe a circular field through infantry.

"Would logs or chained boulders work with this?" you ask the small engineer, yhe wheels in your head turning.

"Logs, no, not if you wish to drop and fire as your foes no doubt do. Chained stones... very much so, will not be accurate but will work. You want me to have engineers trainees modify this one to mine?" Degrian replies, looking at his seat disdainfully.

>automate question next, cant really jump to that without railroading you.

>>12802216
>2 chained boulders, one smaller one larger?
>When they impact, one will anchor while the smaller will scythe a circular field through infantry.

...

Wut.

You really need to get some sleep man.

In any case, I'd suggest just sticking to boulders for now. I doubt we'd be able to produce sufficient amounts of pitch with our resources. And nothing else springs to mind as being useful for ammunition.

Also, I'm gonna put forward the idea proposed last session to have our surgeons trained in life elementalism to improve their abilities. It'd be a great boon for us.

>>12802282
>I meant Aoutomata, not automate... the latter disturbs me somewhat to be honest

>>12802282
Definitely get it modified. His doesn't seem to have any downsides. Also, is there a way we can use the shockstones we picked up form the gnomes as some kind of artillery?

>>12802282
Yes, hopefully the improvements can be done in time.

>>12802282

heartfelt talk with degrian is a go

>>12802282

Ask if hes alright.

Also we need to setup a training program. Once new equipment has been constructed, personnel from our regular battalions have to be rotated to be trained in their usage. We don't want another situation where we don't have anyone capable of using the heavy repeaters.

Also the closest to this idea would be chain shot.

But it was a naval weapon used by cannons to destroy enemy rigging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_shot

>>12802293

It works.

More efficient than a single solid rock.

Much fun was had using stuff from a fantasy novel during a physics outing.

>>12802216

On the topic of non-traditional ammo...

can we use our elementalism skills to "craft" earthen pots?

If we are able and ever manage to capture pitch, fire bombs for the catapults!

>>12802403
Damnit, now I want to see if we can make something like Alchemist's fire from A Game of Thrones.

>>12802296
>if you dont mind losing them...

"Make it so my friend." you reply, and Degrian rises, clearly intent on waking the engineers to get them straight to work, he must have been watching Gaius train his new recruits up to his standards during your downtime. "Degrian, I have one more question, and as it is somewhat personal I hope it does not offend." you announce, pulling Degrian back to his seat.

"What do you want know?" Degrian asks, looking up at you.

"I was curious as to why you are so vehement in your denial to create automatons for combat." You reply.

Degrian looks down at the ground "57..." he mumbles.

"What?" you ask for clarification, immediately feeling bad.

"I have caused the end of 57 sentient lives. And like everything else since I reached reason 40 years ago, I remember. The automaton would require a handler who knows its gears, and only the Kaskyana know how to use the True Gears needed to run one. I cannot bear that weight, I apologize, Commander." he replies, suddenly looking concerned and ashamed, knowing how much of a boon the constructs would be to you and your cause.

>>12802368
...

I would like to know what fantasy novel that was.

>>12802436
"It's alright, friend. I wouldn't ask you to bear a burden you don't feel you can take. I'm sorry for bringing up such a painful subject for you. If there's anything I can do or if you ever want to talk about it, you know where I'll be."

>>12802436
"Don't worry, I understand. Not everyone is suited to the life soldiers live. In any case you have been exceedingly helpful in your capacities as a tinkerer, and you have my thanks for the services you've rendered to myself and to the Empire. Carry on."

I gotta go afk now. But I'll be following on my cellphone.

See you next time, guys.

>>12802438

The Dragoncrown War series by Micheal A. Stackpole.

It was a fun read until you find out how he overrides character motivation at will. Then it becomes turd.

In any case, read the parts concerning the Draconis Baron. This guy invented concrete, repeating flintlock rifles and has magitek cyborgs working for him.

>>12802521
Ah, thanks.

>>12802518

we'll try to not fuck up TOO badly

but dont blame us if the tg dice strike again

"That is quite allright friend, I would never ask anyone under my command to bear more of a burden then I believe they can. Your services as an engineer are more than enough help to me and the Empire. Carry on friend." you reply gently.

>so, what do you guys want to do now?

>>12802587

walk around, speak encouraging words to the watchmne on duty, then have breakfast with the lordling in the morning

>>12802587
Get that night-vision paste recipe from Blackbird, like several people have already asked, and then we need to check over our present intel.

>>12802587
Finish our watch up on the tower. We're supposed to be up there so we should stay up there until it's done. After, spend some time talking to men around the camp and then I'll agree with Pompei and have our little breakfast with the lord we captured.

>>12802587

Training program~

Make it a standing order and we don't have to worry about not having people trained to operate our toys.

Do an inspection of the men on watch and chat with them. Find out their worries, reassure them, keep moral up.

>>12802587

Would it be possible to get our mercs to start drills and whatnot to bring their skills up?

If we can bring our merc units up to (or more likely just below) par with a regular military unit, our forces will be more powerful and it sounds like we may need to squeeze out every advantage we can get.

You walk the circumference of the camp on your way back to the tower. Most of the Legionnaires are bone tired from the days fight, glad they are alive... and all eager to "finish what we started earlier today". They were in the back of the column, but it is clear that someone talked some fire into their hearts. Most of the scouts, rangers and hunters look forward to being able to put the training they were put through to use, wanting to "fletch some knightly arse" as one dwarf put it. Most of it is nothing more than soldiers bravado, but you can tell its honest, and the fact that you have yet to quit the field in defeat is seemingly moving to your mens heads. You eventually climb the tower again, take a seat facing the east and pop your chest open, your lantern still burning from when you left the tower.

>you received dispatches from the other maniples in the cohort today, so what do you want to go over first?

>>12802710
>its possible, might not be easy, but possible

>>12802732

What do we have?

>>12802732
Go over the other dispatches. If we're going to get uninvited guests, we should find out. Find out about the maniple closest to us if we have to choose which one first.

>>12802732

lets see whats up with the rest of the cohort before we go to bed

>>12802732
>you received dispatches from the other maniples in the cohort today, so what do you want to go over first?
How about getting that recipe from Blackbird?
Are we going to get it before he leaves tomorrow?

>>12802758
troop dispositions from all three of your sibling positions, estimates on enemy forces, a message from Cornelius, and a few odd requisition requests from Stone Fort, along with a brief update on the status on the overall campaigns progress.

>>12802792
Let's see what Cornelius wants with us.

>>12802792
troop dispositions
estimates
war updates
Cornelius
Requisition

>>12802792

...

Wait... is the requisitions from US to fort stone or is fort stone requesting stuff from us?

>>12802817
Seconded. Might as well see how things are before seeing if Cornelius wants something.

>>12802732

Not easy in the way that the mercs will be angsty about being forced to train or that the training may be useless due to their merc nature?

Either way, we let them know that training and unit coherency will see more of them alive to spend their pay at the end of this campaign.

>>12802860
That might not go over well with their captains.
Remember, they aren't directly a part of our command. What you propose to say can be construed as us undermining their captains' authority.
We can say that to their captains, but we shouldn't say that directly to their men.

>>12802837
I wouldn't be surprised if it was for us to send them. We were holding the woods for the rest of the army and perhaps they need some.

In the future, we should expand Blackbird's SpecOps unit with transport troops, so that the supplies from the convoys that he raids can be brought back to us.
More loot for us personally, as well as for the soldiers that go on these raids, motivating everyone to become part of the elite Shades.

>>12802979
Let's see how successful this is first. I honestly think this is going to go badly but I hope I'm wrong. Losing 30 troops is going to hurt.

>>12802979

I don't think the Tanith way is the right way in this setting.

Wagons are big and clunky, they need to move quickly and silently. Maybe the horses we captured.

>>12802986
Well, I'd also like to see if we could potentially attack the enemy in the middle of the night, without the usage of torches to surprise the enemy.
Also, I'd like to know what color dwarf and elf eyes glow when the paste is applied to them. It was blue for orcs and white for humans.
Related to that, I'd like to test how visible the glowing is in pure darkness, to see if a large number would be visible by sentries at night.
We must get that recipe from Blackbird before he leaves tomorrow.

>>12802732
Let's try to find out who talked up our troops and inspired them. Sansa maybe?

Cornelius is reporting that after the first week of constant fighting four of his five mercenary battalions are below fighting strength, with the last likely to follow by midday tomorrow. Of his three Legionary Battalions two are at half strength and one at 65%. He reports that his Scouts are at roughly three quarters strength as is his bowmen battalion. He reports that the 223rd Light Axes were destroyed in an enemy flanking maneuver this morning.

He predicts that at least three quarters of the enemies hired force has been destroyed, as well as nearly all of his mercenaries.

Commander Nomz reports that two of his three Berserker battalions have been disbanded to form one at roughly full strength. Both of his Hunter batalions are at three quarter strength, his Warlord Batallion at roughly half strength. 3 of his mercenary bands were medium melee, and apparently looking to consolidate into one band. the other two are at half strength, but willing to continue. The noble cavalry wing he hired has retired to DragonsReach for at least a month.

He reports only soldiers flying Lord Errist's banner in his area and suspects a new lord to reach his position by the end of next week.

Stone Fort is reporting roughly 30% losses across the board despite their defended position. They predict at least another two weeks before they are able to break Lord Errist's force, unless one of the Maniples in the south are able to flank their besieger. Until the siege is broken all Maniples are to remain in their positions, and not bother requesting to rotate to the Fort to await their reinforcements.

>>12803025
That's what I meant. Either that, or sending along more soldiers than would normally be needed, so that the extras can use the wagons and horses that were used by the supply convoy to bring the supplies back to base while Blackbird continues to raid.

>>12803042

Pax can we get the map again? If possible, estimated travel times to the other positions.

Since all the commanders have their estimates, whats our estimate on our enemy's forces?

>>12803082
Honestly we've smacked a good portion of his forces at this point. I'd imagine he's at half strength.

On the Far northern flank of the campaign front Steel Fort reports an unnervingly small amount of Uurlanthian pressure, the same stretching down to midway between Stone and Steel, where the line is bowing under the pressure, berfore once again drastically laetting up until the line reaches Stone Fort. Lord Commander Gariustus predicts that each front will be probed in time, then overwhelming force will be brought to the position deemed to be weakest. He urges that none be shown, and that the men of the Legion hold fast until the II, IV, V, VI and VIII Legions are ready for the push.

Cornelius letter reads as such: "Commander Trentz, I have encountered an arcane force that my backlog of arcana is unable to nullify. One of the Lorlings I am facing has some arcana that creates a mighty wind, shielding his Pegasus Knights from my archer fire. I was hoping that your library of arcana may be able to work around this; as the arcana I possess which nullifies other arcana is proving inefectual. I would have come to you in person to make this request, but I doubt that my surviving captains will be able to reliably hold the battle together during a half-weeks absence on my part. If you are unable to help, please inform me and I will ask the same of Commander Nomz."

The requisitions are mainly asking where the cohorts engineers went, spare steel for the maniple smithies, a few requests for specific weapons that you could check for, but nothing terribly urgent.

>>12803092
Yeah right. We're not that lucky. I imagine 1/4 his strength at best.

>>12803111
Oh crap... I'm thinking he might be facing an elementalist here guys. An air one. I think we should send him a warning about that.

>>12803111
Damnit, we should have been going through our maniple to see if anyone has a talent for elementalism.
We have Jayne already working on Life; what about Wulf?
Also, we discussed last session on having our surgeons and doctors try training Life to help heal wounds faster and better; whatever became of that?

>>12803042

Reporting my findings after checking back with previous threads:

Currently engaged with Lord Strant
Cornelius with Lord Karin
Stone Fort with Lord Errist
Nomz has annihilated Lord Graos and he has been forced to request reinforcements from his Lord Errist, probably weakening their formation.

However he expects a new lord incoming.

Gentlemen, either our intelligence was inadequate or they're redirecting more Lords to our positions.

here's the travel time map requested

You have been searching surreptitiously as you can, you have yet to test Wulf, all but one of the surgeons lack the willpower to use elementalism, the chef seems to have some potential, but the Felixsian is thoroughly uninterested in learning. The smiths are the same as your Surgeons, all but one lack the capacity.

>>12803185
>redirecting more Lords to our positions
That will fuck us over, since we still don't have reinforcements coming from Dragons Reach yet to relieve Stone Fort.
I think we need to see about taking some trusted men from the maniple and begin training our own elementalist unit. We need force multipliers to fight against these Uurlanthian reinforcements.

rolled 34 = 34

just throwing this out there Pax, could we eventually try learning a few new moves with our earth "bending?" I was thinking instead of doing a spike or chasm now, learning how to make a wall. That would be extremely useful for combat. Either stopping a cavalry charge, or splitting a formation into easier to handle chunks.

>>12803215
As our protege, I think Wulf should be tested so that he is well-equipped to handle things in our stead.
If the cook isn't interested, I guess we can't help it.
The surgeon and the smith, though, should be started on their training.

>>12803111
That sounds like an elementalist. Tell him as much, and say that there is nothing to be done about it other than killing the one responsible. Probably one of the riders, from the sound of it.

>>12803185
It can be assumed that the reinforcements wont arrive until the front is assigned to a new Major Lord, or the King decides this front is the weak spot on your line, at which point, prepare for hell.

>>12803215

Whats the big red square called again? Totally forgot...

>>12803215

well , bring all potentials to our tower after breakfast with the lordling in the morning and we can see what can be made of them

>>12803237
yea, next time you guys wanna roll for meditation/training more stuff will become available

>>12803250
Flumenos

>>12803278

Whats at this city?

Also do we have our estimate on Lord Strant's remaining strength?

>>12803296
Large garrison, which would be porked if your front fell, so you can expect generosity when it comes to reinforcements from them if you ask nicely.

As to Lord Stants men, well, you have his son, he could tell you everything if you do well at the interrogation. Otherwise, you halved his pikemen, ravaged his mounted men at arms, took a good chunk out of one of his knightly units, and killed roughly a hundred soldiers each from his longbowmen and skirmishers

>>12803111
Concerning Cornelius' problem, do we have any arcana that might help?
Otherwise, we should send Aquila with a message for him, that we don't have any arcana that could help.

There's no real reason to tell him it could be an elementalist, and there no specific tactic he could use any differently than if the enemy was using an arcana.

>>12803335
You forget Pax. We have two sources of interrogations. We still have the troops we captured so in theory we have a backup if we botch with the son.

>>12803352
Yes there is. He knows to actively hunt out a certain person and to keep an eye open. It might not be a captain that's causing this and he might ignore them otherwise.

>>12803352

Have a quick meet with Finian and Laelith regarding her powers and our recovered arcana. Finian might have found something in that book.

We should discuss first before we decide on any action.

I put my vote for Wulf's elementalism to be water or air.

>>12803357

Actually, we have one more.

Tell our mercenary captains that they have free reign to recruit from the 20 captured mercs.

Offer a small bonus for the first person who spills the beans.

rolled 22 = 22

>>12803377
Aye, couldn't agree more, water because he does well in the different positions and responsibilities he holds and is quick to adhere to the position given. Air, well kind of for the same reasons......

You compose a brief letter to Commander Cornelius stating that you know of no arcana that can counter his foes powers, and that he may be dealing with an elementalist. That being the case, it will be one man in particular, who may not even be the captain. If he can single out and slay or overwork that man he should be able to dispose of the threat.

>well, what do you want to go to now? your chat with your captive, meeting with your elementalism candidates, or getting that recipie from Blackbird?

>>12803461
Recipe since that should be quick. Then interrogate.

>>12803461

get recipe from blackbird

have breakfast with lordling in the morning

have potential elementalists come to our tower-office after breakfast

>>12803461
Get that recipe from Blackbird, meet with the elementalist candidates, then interrogate the prisoners.

>>12803461

Quick question:

How many prisoners do we have other than the enemy lord's son?

And could we request that Flumenos send a unit or two to take our prisoners back from the line should it be needed?

>>12803492
>>12803480

Break fast with the lordling then we do the normal interrogation.

If that fails, money works with the captured Mercs.

If we let our merc captains hire them, we'll have more manpower too.

>And you do have 20 captured mercs, who, theoretically you could allow to hire into your mercenary unit if they want to.

>>12803528

Is it wise to trust enemy mercs to fight against their friends and former employer?

>>12803542

We did that once already.

It went rather well.

If they were about loyalty, they would have enlisted in the regular army.

>>12803556

I'm talking about if they end up fighting their former merc unit. Surely they have friends there and even a handful of them turning their weapons against our merc unit in battle could bring disaster to that unit, if not to the battle as a whole.

>>12803542
They're mercenaries. Give them enough gold, and they'd slit their own mother's throat.
A gross generalization, sure, but true enough.

>>12803524
>120, 100 excluding the mercs, and yes.

The rest of your watch goes by uneventfully, and you have Aquila on his way with your letter to Cornelius before you go to bed. The next morning you talk with Blackbird, asking him about the paste. He gives you a small pile of sheets of parchment, otlining herbs needed, proportions, and mixing orders. Its all very complex, but you thank him for the help and remind him to report to you before he departs.

Your prisoners pen is looking fairly full, but the man you wish to talk with is easily found in the middle of it, his guards still standing about him. He is currently deep in conversation with one of his guards, her hands in his, the two speaking in hushed tones, looking directly at each other.

>how do you wanna come at this?

>>12803588

Last thread:
>The mercenaries took extensive damage, no more than 80 of the original 200 made it back by your estimation, it is not likely that they will stay signed on.

If we emphasize this to them and offer gold and continued employment, there should be no problem.

>>12803598
Interesting. Looks like he has someone he cares for. A potential bargaining chip. Make our presence known before saying:
"You are the son of Lord Strant, correct? Let's be civil and I ask you join me for a meal. You have my word that you won't be harmed or anything like that during this meal."

>>12803598

ask the guard who is speaking with him just what exactly is she doing

>>12803598
I expected the lordling to be in a separate cell.

Don't meet with him personally. One of the prison guards should tell him that his presence is requested by us for breakfast.
Make it clear that it is only to be him, and that he is to come alone.
If he doesn't agree, then he doesn't have breakfast with us.

>>12803598

With formal titles. Make a note of his companion and have her seperated from the group once we leave.

>>12803658

I don't think he'll have much choice.

We should also see to him getting separate quarters.

Holding those two separately will drive him nuts.

>>12803670
I actually think we should leave the girl alone for now. It seems like we're already threatening him. Let's ease back on that for now since we can do that after if necessary.

>>12803704

Heres a troll idea, say we're separating the males from the females. That they need their privacy.

If he asks further we ask him if she was of importance to him. /trollface.jpg

>>12803724
Seems unnecessary to do though and it'll just be an annoyance for us to keep them divided. Let's be perfectly civil for now and only make live annoying for captives if they are uncooperative.

>>12803724
Could work, especially seeing as the prisoner holding area is near capacity and we need to build a secondary prisoner barracks.

>>12803703
100? AND our prisoner pen is looking nearly full?

We should request 2? units from the city take our common prisoners back. I'm sure we'll have more in 2 weeks.

Also, see about having some sort of simple building made to house the lord's son and possibly another 3 persons (preferably separate from one-another).
>>12803598
we should separate him from the rest just because having such a leader in a group of prisoners is BAD.

"Guard, what has the Lordling been doing with that woman?" you ask him as you approach the gate.

"She woke up and started crying, he's been consoling her I would think, though the men around all became rather reverent for a few minuites of it. You want me to do anything about it?" the guard replies, matching your quiet tone.

"I'm going to take the Lord for a... talk. Separate his woman from the group, but not until I am climbing the tower; and make sure none of his men see where you take her. Be respectful, she is of little use as a bargaining chip already damaged or defiled." you reply, before letting yourself into the pen and making your way to the Lordling. "I am Commander Justinian Trentz, would tha man who is son to Lord Aaryn Stant please rise?" you announce, directly behind the lordling.

"Janos Strant, fourth son to my father Lord Stant. You will torture no information from me, so be quick with your business." he replies curtly, his head nearly at the tip of your chin.

"I realize that you have not been fed since you came here. I merely wish to be civil, ser. Would you join me for breakfast?" you reply as civilly as possible, though it does gall you slightly.

"And if I refuse you?" Janos replies, defiance in his eyes.

"Well then you wont eat I suppose." you reply plainly, making it clear that you are addressing all of the captives, not just Janos. The young noble glares at you, but follows as you turn to leave the pen.

>okay, how do you wanna loosen this guy up?

>>12803758
Question who leave such arrangements. Openly. In front of all the prisoners. Complain about potential ransom be treated better.

Separating male-female is also okay. But keep the pens near, so there are no accusations of... Well, any general accusations.

>>12803758
Agree on separating him from the rest although I don't know what to do about the prisoners... Sending out units just to take our prisoners from that city might weaken it and I don't think we should just slaughter them... Hmm. What to do.

>>12803794
Talk in general I suppose and be respectful. Try to get an idea on the guys personality. Compliment him on his commanding and strategy in battle since he did give us a painful blow.

>>12803794

So Janos, how much respect does a fourth son garner in his fathers household?

>>12803794

No direct questions yet.

Skirt the issue, talk about our training and life as a protege. Ask about him, compliment him on his skills at arms and leadership. Ask if his family is well.

Be polite, keep him blindsided, whatever he expects, give him the opposite and extract little tidbits of info he inadvertedly reveals as he fumbles about trying to figure us out.

>>12803802
Considering the amount of time that travel takes, and that we are here specifically to prevent enemy forces from reaching the city, I don't think have a prison detail brought out to us to take these prisoners off our hands will be problematic.

>>12803794
We have a normal breakfast with him, converse about any reasonable requests he has concerning the treatment or accommodations of his men, and that nothing personal, but if his father sends more assassins after us, we'll have to start killing the prisoners, including him.

>>12803852

Advice against direct threats.

He's already hostile and doing so will reinforce his mental image of us and have him clam up.

>>12803881
Agreed. Hopefully sending a letter to his father will be enough to stop future assassins. Still think we should do that in some manner.

"I must admit that you did well for yourself yesterday, Janos. I'm sure your father would be proud." you state offhand as you begin climbing the tower.

"Well, um. He taught me well, I suppose. Had ser Vories heard my horn the first time I blew it I would have taken the field. Your strategy was too brash." he replies, chuckling at the end of his reply, but quickly controlling himself.

>>12803894
Just set up a pole with a letter attached to it where his scouts can find. That way we don't have to release any of our prisoners, who would have gotten a look at our defenses.

"Is the woman you were comforting with child? I'd prefer to have warning to make the proper arrangements if so."

>>12803910
"Indeed. Your knights having mounts that can fly was something I was unsure of and I lost sight of that during the battle. That and I thought your horn was signalling your siege engines. An unfortunate lesson but one I have learnt from."

>>12803910
"Yet here we sit. Sometimes things do not always go as one plans. That is the true nature of battle. But come, surely you must be ravenous."

>>12803934
Go with this one.

>>12803910

my strategy needed to be brash, lest I sit back and let your artillery blow my men to pieces safe behind a wall of pikemen

>>12803910

"Perhaps it was. Ser Vories was it? Magnificent beast. It's a pity they have to be bridled for war. Such predators should roam wild and hunt freely."

"Indeed. Your knights having mounts that can fly was something I was unsure of and I lost sight of that during the battle. That and I thought your horn was signaling your siege engines. An unfortunate lesson but one I have learnt from." you reply honestly, hoping that he will be offput by your own honest review of yourself.

"Had my guard held for a moment longer I would have had your cavalry flensed by those knights, however it was not to be." Janos replies as you cross the window halfway up the tower that Degrian had insisted on.

"Such is life, is it not?" you agree, doing your best to sound philosophical. There is mostly silence until you near the top of the tower, where you add "Now that woman you were with before I took you from the pens... is she with child? I would hate for your firstborn to be at risk when the time comes, and would be willing to make the necessary arrangements for you."

Janos lights up like a ripened tomato at that comment and sputters out "N-No, of course not. She is not of high enough birth for such a pairing, father would, he would, well... what gave you such a thought??" he manages to finish, as you sit and motion for him to do the same.

>>12804035
"You seemed rather concerned for her when I approached and I rather not place her at risk if she was in such a situation. Well, at further risk I suppose after yesterday."

>>12804035
"What gave me the thought doesn't matter. I required an honest answer, and I shall hold you to such."

>>12804035

"By that look on your face. It's that of a man in love. She will not be allowed to be wed to you? Surely your father will not be that concerned of such rules. Are you not his son?"

>>12804035
Bingo -that's the right track.

Oh this is getting interesting. Now we have to try to get a sense at what a fourth son can expect in terms of land and such and we might have a way to recruit him...

>>12804096

Not land. Love will be the way to recruiting him.

We have to make him melancholic and angsty. Then offer him a chance to settle with her in the Empire.

>>12804112
That's kind of what I meant - will he ever really get the chance to be with her as a fourth son of a noble? Things like that. If he also can get his own lands in the empire, it's even more of a reason for him to switch sides is what I was also thinking since he can make his own house here and marry who he loves. Or at least be with her if he joins our retinue.

>>12804112

"By that look on your face. It's that of a man in love. She will not be allowed to be wed to you? Surely your father will not be that concerned of such rules. Are you not his son? And you did not answer my last question either." you reply, believing that you can see your opening to turn this man to your side, young man actually. He cant be a day over eighteen years.

"Well, I am the youngest. Truth be told I am more likely to be married off for the sake of strengthening my families position. Would that I could impress my father on the field of battle, you have ruined that however. and I see no reason for Kaitlyn to be with child, she is still a maiden to my knowledge" Janos replies, cutting into the eggs you had set out for him, the color not receding from his face, and a twitch of his carefully built facade of disdain telling that he lied... somewhere in his last statement.

>>12804131
>>12804112
>>12804122
I honestly don't think that he'll go for it, but you guys are welcome to try.

>>12804149
"She isn't a maiden, is she? A dangerous game if she is child I assume. I imagine something your father would be most displeased with."

>>12804149

"A political marriage... and I suppose you would not want her taken as a concubine? Or do you find that distasteful?

Losing on the battlefield doesn't mean he loves you any less."

>>12804149

are you quite sure of Kaitlyn's pureity?

i can have my maniples surgeons give her a check up if you want.

and if she IS with child, where would that leave you with your father?

>>12804175
Gah. "A dangerous game if she is with child."

>>12804193

Hmm, doesn't the checkup seem a little rude?

We will have him spitting the eggs out for sure.

>>12804249
Yeah, I think that might be a little too far.

>>12804262

its just to keep him off balance , its not like we're actually gonna do it

"Ah but she isn't, is she?" you reply, leveling the same glare your mentor leveled at you when he had a similar conversation with you. "It isn't so bad, even with a political marriage you could still have her as a concubine, am I correct?" you continue, taking the poor boy apart, or so it would seem.

"We have no such traditions. I will be expected to be a faithful husband when that day comes, and as I have brought Lord Stant no glory on the field I will do my best to honor father by strengthening the house." he replies, nibbling away at a piece of toast.

"Surely but a few defeats on the field of battle will not blind your fathers eyes to what makes his son happy, I should hope." you console him.

"It is more than a few, I fear. My father describes me as I describe you. Brash, careless, and normally inept. He will have no sympathy for me, that is saved for my sisters." the lordling replies, depressed; and resolutely giving you a positive response to the depth of his relationship with Kaitlyn.

>>12804273
I'm afraid that might piss him off though for us suggesting it.

>>12804280
"You have my sympathy then. Were you apart of my empire, such an issue wouldn't be a problem and you two could happily live your lives together."

>>12804280

"And what of your mother? Does she know of your liaison?

Being dutiful and filial to your father is well and proper but one should not live his life at the direction of others. I'm sure you have considered eloping with your beloved, have you not?"

"Such an unfortunate system. I much prefer that of my own nation; I will be able to marry for politics, and still retain those close to me. I can respect honoring your parents, as your mother no doubt supports him... But a man should never live his life for others, and some things ARE worth angering others over, love among them." You continue "Surely the two of you have considered eloping?" you ask.

Janos however, seems to have reached his limit. "Are you my jailor or my wetnurse? I need no advice from you, nor do I need your silken words eroding my loyalty!" he replies animatedly, attempting to sneak some of the fried potatoes into his pocket as he rises in anger. "What is it you TRULY want of me??" he certainly does look agitated, but he isn't stomping out of your tower either...

>>12804411

I am the man who defeated you on the field of battle and didnt have you and the men and women down there in that pen executed

unless you want to change that, i suggest you give me some information, GOOD information

and you might as well put that food back while your at it, you wont be going back to the pen where you can stir up trouble

>>12804411
"So much for being civil. I wanted to get an idea of the men I've been facing honestly. I'll admit, part of me was hoping to get information on your army out of you but I'm not foolish enough to expect you to answer it. If you feel that you've had enough breakfast and conversation, I'll escort you back to your prison if you'd like."

Let's let our words simmer in his mind for now. We have the mercs and other men we can interrogate for info anyways.

>>12804411

"I'm just a commander, trying to get to know his opposite number a little better.

And about the potatoes, if you wish to bring some back, please, bring a plate. Theres no need to get your hands too dirty.

I would only ask one thing of you right now: that you tell me which units your brothers and father command. Casualties are inevitable on the battlefield, however, I would like to see that your family suffers no tragedy when we next come to blows."

>>12804454
I think we should hold back on that kind of stuff with this guy. The mercs and other soldiers we captured are still sources of information and I think the reason this guy reached his limit is because we've hit some sensitive spots for him. Best to let him keep thinking about it unless we have no choice but to rely on him for information.

>>12804465
We keep him in a separate cell.
And we need to tell him to either eat the potatoes now, or put them back on the plate; reinforce that he's not as clever as us.

>>12804454

We shouldn't be directly asking him that. If we let him stew with the questions in his head abit longer, the next time we speak to him, we'll have a better time of it.

>>12804465

i thought we were going to seperate him from the rest of the uurlanthian prisoners so he cant organize them into trying to escape or something

>>12804487
Eh, let him take the food. Do what >>12804473
suggested in terms of it. Lets him know he's not as clever as us and shows us being gentlemanly. I also agree on him being separated just because him being with all his men in a prison is a bad recipe for attempted break out.

Do put the potatoes back.

And I want to know what kind of a man your father is. Surely this conversation is relevant to that? Or would you prefer I act as some of my comrades and send you back to him a bit at a time? I don't want that, he doesn't want that, and your lady surely doesn't.

So.

Sit. Back. Down.

>>12804411

"No need to make a mess of your pockets. You may bring anything you like back to her. What I want for now is for you to keep your countrymen from doing anything foolish while in our care."

>>12804507

this>>12804533 has the best of both worlds therefore, i endorse it

>>12804570
I don't think we should force him to stay though. He's already irritated.

>>12804570

I'd say we shouldn't be forceful. Slowly corrupting him, getting him to make small concessions which he can keep justifing to himself until he has gone too far.

Too much at one time will just make him a hardliner.

"I simply wish to know my foe better. However you seem to have become rather... agitated. I do not expect you to freely give me information on your fathers forces, so I wanted to know him better, and one of the best ways to learn of a man is to learn how he keeps his house. I will escort you to your new cell if you have had enough of breakfast then... and if you want to keep the potatoes for later you need only ask, there is no need to dirty your hands friend." you reply, finishing your own food and rising. Janos looks unhappy that his new cell is away from the rest of his men, even more-so when he does not spot his Kaitlyn among them. "Dont worry, she is safe and being treated gently." you tell him as you close the door to his new cell behind him.

>I think thats about good for this session. I'll be back monday at 9pm server time, and I'll be around to answer questions until we get archived.

>>12804595

fine,fine, just make it completely clear that he has no power in his position and that we decide wether he lives or dies

>>12804623
Placing him in a separate cell and his woman is missing? I think we just did.

>>12804614
Now that we know that the enemy has aerial cavalry, and we can shoot them down, will our troops be harder to shake when they come onto the field?

>>12804614

So as a corrupting force for Chaos, how did we do? :D

>>12804614
Thread archived. I'm tempted to say we should talk to his woman at some point. See what her thoughts on the matter are and maybe she'll be more willing to give us intel on the enemy.

idea

we fabricate a letter from his father stating that he wont give us any randsom for a worthless lout like his son, etc.

further glorifying the empire, make it sound like the tits, offer him his own land and house in exchange for information and perhaps service

1.beat back lord strants
2.invade uurlanth
3.???
4.profit!!!

>>12804643
almost palpatine tier imho. I was expecting a cock-up that never came. your guys are fukkin subversive.

>>12804636
yes and yes. now that its a known threat you'll know when their circling, on approach, striking, pulling up, and at the top of the cycle again.

>>12804699
I'll agree only if we can get a letter from the guy. We don't know what his writing is like or how he signs his letters. Too risky to backfire.

>>12804701
Well I do enjoy the social game rather than the combat game whenever I play RPGs. Manipulating people and such, while I may not be great at it, is still something I like to think I can do at times.

>>12804701

How does he look like anyways?

(God its 830am, almost time for class)

>>12804722

would that be possible Pax?

could we use some item or member of our retinue to successfuly forge a believable letter from lord strant?

In anycase, we can deduce that his father, and 2 other brothers are on the field. Not sure if uurlanthians keep their women in the kitchen though.

>>12804752
Pretty sure our initial interrogation of troops we captured from the first battle confirmed only 3 of his sons were on the field of battle. And the fact his heir was not one of them. This guy definitely got busy with his wife if he has 4 sons and sisters.

>>12804745
if you knew what his writing looked like it could be doable

>>12804738
Up to your chin, so a little over 6'. Short cut black hair, small goatee on his chin. Has the makings of a soldiers build, but his youth as a nobles son during peace has left him a bit on the soft side. No doubt he would be carved out of wood by the time the war was over had you not just cut his role in it short.

>>12804745
>>12804722
>>12804699

Thats an interesting idea.

Time to plant the screws and gears in Kaitlyn's head. If shes willing, she'll help us.

I'd rather though, that he defected willingly. If he ever finds out he'll be backstabbing without question.

>>12804759

deends on how old the guy is, but that was common among medieval nobles need someone to inherit the manor and keep the family name going

>>12804767
Oh I want him to willingly defect as well. But if his woman is willing to defect and she knows we'd be willing to help them out, she could potentially convince him as well. That and she might just give us intel that we really need at this point. We won't win this war by staying on the defensive.

>>12804763

so the plan is , we send a letter to lord strant via blackbird and his plain stalkers, we get him to send a letter back, cue lalith who used to be a librarian , she copies his handwriting and we then implement>>12804699

sound good?

>>12804794
I dislike this simply because it potentially puts our raiders at greater risk. plus, if it's just the warning I suggested earlier, he might not respond. We'll need to send a letter that will get him to respond but I'm not sure how to do that just yet... Maybe if we captured another son it would be doable but not with only one that he didn't seem to hold in toooo high regard from what he said. Plus, I think we've done a decent job with him for now. Let our words simmer in his mind and we can work on the girl and interrogate the rest of his men.

>>12804794

We don't need to go that far.

We just need to tell him that we sent a messenger to him but he never came back.

This alone implies his father couldn't even be bothered with him. THAT will crush him.

>>12804822
Heh, you have a point there. Didn't think about that. That could be just as effective as a forged letter and still get the same effect we want.

>>12804813

how would they be at risk?

whenever they assault a convoy of supplies and exterminate it, just leave the letter in the mouth of a head on a stake and lord strant should get it just fine then

then i guess this plan could be used on the next son we capture

in any case, i'll see you fellow fa/tg/uys on the morrow

>>12804848
The enemy likely has scouts out there and if a note suddenly appears where they spotted none of our forces, it might lead to questions. Would be better to place it in a place they're watching and they can see our men leave it.

That or see if they have a parley system. Might be worth trying to use it if so.

>>12804872

The thing is, what if he does want to trade.

What do we do then?

>>12804907
We have two options then I think - make demands that are something he wouldn't accept for one son (And I doubt he'd be willing to offer too much at this point. He still has a chance of winning) or don't make demands for a trade. Just send him a letter saying no more assassins or his son might get similar treatment. Then we can tell his son we got no response to the message we sent concerning him. And it would still be the truth. Just a stretch of it.