Hit up Pontius' response. That's the most time pressing I imagine.

Deal with the woman first, then get her back in the cells. Security hazard to have her roaming free. Then read the response on the way to deal with the elementalists. We should bring Laelith with us when we talk to them.

>>12812416

This. Then we review our elementalist cadre.

>>12812416
this then check on the woman

You stop by your tent to chet Cornelius' response. It plainly reads "How can you be sure that that is the case? Have you dealt with this sort of threat before? As your front is currently quit would you be able to lend me aid in this?" For Cornelius Pontius such an admission, especially to you, takes alot. but how to respond?

>>12812523
Wow. He's actually requesting help eh? Think we should send Laelith to help him out? I don't think we can afford to send our units since we haven't really given our opponent a hard blow.

>>12812523
We don't have any aid to give him. The only thing we could do is send Laelith, and she's bound to us by law. Advise him to try and overwhelm the air elementalist by launching huge volleys of stones and arrows at the flyers.

>>12812523

An air elementalist is fuel for fire.

Call Finian, Wulf and Laelith for a meeting regarding elementalism, our remaining arcana and steps we can take.

>>12812523
damn, this is why we need to get the prince on our side, if we can find out what his father's plans are we can know whether or not we can afford to send cornelius aid. Let's wait until after we check on the woman before we make a decision on whether or not to send aid

I don't think we can afford to send aid right now.

>>12812552

The right idea but fire arrows.

Use the fire to eat up the oxygen.

Hurricane or not, they'll roast or suffocate.

>>12812558
Yeah, I think we should see what intel we can get before deciding on our response. That and see what Laelith thinks herself when we hold elementalists anonymous.

I agree that we can ill-afford to send troops now.

It may be precipitous, but perhaps we should go on the offensive?
Get an idea of where the majority of our enemy is located, and attack in the night within the week, crushing them so that we can send badly needed aid to Cornelius?

You decide to delay your response until after you have consulted with Laelith, Finian, and possibly Jayne. You had intended to converse with Kaitlyn sooner, but matters of war must take precedent at times. You send for Jayne, Laelith, Wulf and the other two potential elementalists you have identified. when they are all in your larger planning tent and ready for your meeting, it is Wulf who speaks up first. "How can we help you, commander?"

>>12812651
Intel before we decide on an attack. I wonder if we should try to exploit that festival that BlackLeaf was talking about where there will be no light. We might also want to inform the other maniples that they might want to plan for that in the event he is right about this festival.

Also Pax - is Blackleaf basically Shagga from A Game of Thrones?

>>12812673
no. you just havent done enough talking with him to get a decent sense of his personality.

>>12812663

Inform them of why we have brought them here, that they'll be participating in experimental stuff.

Demonstrate with an earth spike.

>>12812663
Show them the missives and ask them their opinions, as well as state that we think it likely there is an air elementalist at work. Then ask what they think, and what they would advise. But we aren't sending any backup, we can ill afford it with the inevitable main battle looming soon.

>>12812663
"I've gathered you all here today to speak to you about Laelith's talents. Prior to our campaign against Khalless, such a talent was unheard of but it's obviously very real and we need every edge we can in this war. I believe those of us gathered here have the ability to learn to control the elements if they wanted to and I'm here to ask if you are interested."

>>12812663

Also, putting forward again that Wulf should either be a Air or Water elementalist. These are the best elements which correspond to the demeanour of a tactician.

Still wondering which will be more useful.

>>12812751
Id say water

>>12812751
>>12812775
Let's see if he's willing to do it before we decide what he should do. In theory, we should let the guy decide for himself and what he thinks suits his personality best.

"I brought you all here to discuss Laeliths powers. Before my last campaign we believed that the arcane was well and truly dead. However, we were wrong. I have reason to believe that all of you have the ability to harness the elements as well, with the proper training. I would like to gauge your interest." you state plainly, knowing that Sansa will be keeping any unwanted ears from the tent.

"What makes you believe that we have the potential to harness these... powers?" the surgeon asks, his curiusity plain.

Laelith steps forward "Once you become powerful enough... you are able to get a sense of anothers potential to tap the elements. It varies from person to person, dwarves tend to be an all or nothing affair, and Felixsians normally lack the discipline to capitolize on their potential. But with training you will be able to do as I have and find more potential elementalists to train." Laelith replies, falling into her role seamlessly, though it seems the men in the group are more interested in her legs than her face.

"How do you propose that we capitalize on this potential then, Commander?" the blacksmith asks, looking rather eager. If you recall correctly he only ever gets to repair armor, never forge anything new.

>>12812794
Agreed, but I like Air. I think scrying would be useful.

Also we should start working on stonesense ourselves.

>>12812775

I keep running into the argument that air is more versatile, despite being weaker.

>>12812794

True that.

>>12812838
"Think and decide on an element you think suits yourself. And then we begin training you in the use of manipulating them. Luckily, one of the items we picked up in the previous campaign will greatly assist in your learning."

I suppose we should also get Laelith to explain the elements and what they're best at? Or we could do it I guess.

>>12812838
"Through training, and attempting to expand your minds into the element that best suits you. I have some arcana for this... and I will hold training sessions every evening we do not have combat or drills. I will not lie, this will be anything but easy. But the results, well..."

Earth spike time. Shoot like ten of them up all around the tent to impress them.

>>12812838
>"How do you propose that we capitalize on this potential then, Commander?"
"First is to identify the element to which you have the most affinity. Then, begin training. Fortunately, some of the arcana we picked up in our last campaign will aid greatly in this endeavor.
"All of the various elements have their uses. Military applications will follow what you end up being able to do."

Amusedly state that we're here to learn about elementalism, not anatomy.

"Through training, it will be neither easy nor fast, but the results" you reply, launching a small group of earth spikes in a semi-circle behind you "I can attest to personally. If you are interested, would you please step forward? The first lesson will be tonight."

The doctor, smith and Felixsian all step forward immediately the latter of the three grumbling about a slight on his race. Wulf stands thinking for a moment before joining the group; all of their eyes fixated on the spikes you just created. Jayne chuckles, and asks "Does this mean that I have to train with the group now, Commander?"

I think we should start working with the purple glove, guys. Think about it, if we master it then we get two awesome benefits:

1. Thought reading. Perfect for moving up politically.
2. Necromancy. This likely means life extension too.

All hail the immortal god-emperor!

>>12812963

Why not? You'll probably be working with our surgeon. You can guide him in life elementalism.

>>12812978
We still don't know what it does otehr than it can be potentially bad. Play with if off of campaigns or when Finian gets us Khalless' notes translated.

>>12812979
Yeah, I can't see anything to say other than something like this.

>>12812978

We are not going to be the BBEG. Knowledge of how to defeat it will be sufficient.

Also, it's been awhile since we last prayed to the gods for help. We should pray to Neshai for inspiration.

>>12812963
What? Afraid there will be no more personal lessons, Jayne?

>Amusedly state that we're here to learn about elementalism, not anatomy.
Also this if they start ogling Laelith again. She's our hot elven damaged goods.

>>12812989
>Play with if off of campaigns or when Finian gets us Khalless' notes translated.

Which reminds me. We need to get back to him on that. See how much he's translated and figure out if it can tell us what that other gloves are exactly. We've got a clue s to what the purple glove does, but we need more information.

As for Cornelius' plea for aid, let's consult Laelith after this meeting. Based on our experience, if we don't do something about the enemy's air cavalry, his section of the line might fall to renewed pressure.

>>12813012
Wrong god. We're Nyetini (for romance) and Raynha (for our warmaking and protection). Neshai is on the dark pantheon.

>>12813053
Also Nyetini for growth right? Part of the reason we sent money to the orcs was to court favor with Nyetini as well as build up our power base for the future.

>>12813053

Shes probably the patron for tricksters and schemers.

We have sought her help and amused her before with some of our schemes.

"I dont see why not, as you ARE best suited to training our surgeon in life elementalism." You reply to Jayne.

"I doubt he will take the same track that I did, but you are the commander." Jayne replies.

"Very good then. You are all dismissed until after sunset." The group moves to disperse, but you signal for Jayne and Laelith to wait. Once the room is clear, you brief them on Comander Pontius' position and ask them for their input.

Laelith is the first to speak "Fire and Air have an... interesting relationship. Until the blaze reaches a certain point, the wind will extinguish it if powerful enough. Life and air have no direct effectson each other, and of course the wind cannot move the earth. What was your plan on this matter, commander?"

>>12813081
No, she isn't. You just mixed up the names. Gods are here:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/12388813/

We're pretty solidly with Raynha and Nyetini.

>>12812979
Pretty much this.

Also, while we take care of other things, perhaps we should have our doctors take a look through Blackbird's night-vision paste recipe, and see if they can discern possible side-effects for the various races. So far, a different glow is the only thing we've observed between orcs and humans that use the stuff.

Perhaps we should send a message to the other maniple commanders, and to Stone Fort, that after consultation of certain astronomic charts, we believe that the next week will result in an eclipse for the entire week.
Specifically to Cornelius, that we can't send aid now, but we will attempt to crush our foe as quickly as we can or reduce his numbers enough that we can send a relief force.

>>12813100

I am reading it.

I suggest you read it again.

>you carve Neshais icon into one rock, and Raynha's into another

Guys, to deal with the possible elementalist in the pegasus unit, would staggering arrow/bolt volleys work?

Have a unit divide their fire into say 3-4 groups.
each group fires roughly 2-3 seconds after the last.

The elementalist will likely miss the 2nd/3rd volley the first time around, or will have to maintain his shield for a longer period of time. Arrows if luck is on our counterpart's side, fatigue to the elementalist if not.

?

>>12813082
"Unsure at the moment. I don't think any arcana we have will assist and the only thing that might help are your talents, Laelith. I'm hesitant to send any units to assist holding his line until we've dealt a more decisive blow to Lord Strant or have a better idea on his forces."

Did Pontius have units with crossbows or only arrows? I wonder if crossbows would be enough to get through the wind.

>>12813082
I was going to ask your advice on the reply I should send him. I was advocating filling the air with sling stones to overwhelm the air elementalist and bring him down. That is doubly effective as earth overpowers air. I have a feeling that our foe will begin to move soon, so we cannot afford to send him aid at this time. Thank you for your input.

>>12813133
Either that, or if we can put up a hail of bolts from repeating crossbows.
If it really is elementalism instead of an arcana, then we can eventually tire the caster out. But if it's arcana, I don't think such a tactic will work.

>>12813081
scheming is the domain of Baashek, moon air god

>>12813082

"I was hoping to send you and a small escort to aid Cornelius.

A large volley of fire arrows should provide the fire you need to surround that wind shield with flame.

Either they'll roast or their air will be consumed and they will suffocate.

What is your opinion?"

>>12813128
Sure, we've experimented with Neshai too. But the ones we seem to align best with are Raynha and Nyetini. Neshai doesn't seem to be up our alley, really. Though there's nothing saying we can't court all three of them I guess.

I'm just thinking it might be good to have the goddess of romance on our side if we are trying to win the hearts of 4 to 5 women at once and make them ours. Plus we've already gained some of her favor.

Maybe we should meditate on the gods later to see where we stand with all of them.

>>12813012
"I was hoping you might help me out on that, Laelith. As of right now, I'm not quite sure I can spare much aid to Cornelius while Stant's forces threaten our position. We don't have a wind elementalist to counter theirs, and from the sound of it Cornelius is have a hard time dealing with his problem."

I suggest sending Laelith, together with a small detachment to aid Cornelius. She's really the best thing we can give him to deal with them. She could probably burn the cavalry out of the sky when they make one of their attack runs.

We need to give explicit instructions to Cornelius to keep her alive, though.

>>12813179
No, we don't need to send troops off. It's way too dangerous with the enemy commander being so cunning.

>>12813163

Hurr. I stand corrected. Why did we choose her then anyways?

>>12813205

True that. Should have a post session discussion about who to choose.

I vote for keeping all our guys here. We can't send out our retinue every time someone else gets in trouble, we need them.

>>12813230
We can have her ride with some of the velociprey riders.

They're faster than flying mounts.

>>12813244
I'm pretty sure we chose her because people were mixing up the N named goddesses, looking at the comments. Whoops!

>>12813230

Not troops. Cornelius should have his own escort.

I meant as a personal guard. Sending her alone will be suicide... It's also insurance if Cornelius doesn't want to 'return' her...

/sharpens knife.

>>12813212
Until Lord Stanton's forces are further reduced, I don't think we can afford to lose Laelith.

I think we should expend the effort to find out the disposition of Stanton's forces, to see how few of his forces remain.
With the advantage that the Night-Vision Paste gives us, I think we should consider a full night-time assault on his camp.

>>12813265
We can ill afford not to aid them. Remember, Cornelius has been fighting daily, and his forces have suffered significant attrition. Add flying cavalry to the mix and his part of the line would be incredibly inviting to a major enemy offensive.

>>12813281
It sounds like Laelith wouldn't have much effect on the air elementalist anyway if he is strong.

>>12813307
But he also reported his enemy is crushed and almost defeated. He has won, he's just hoping to get by with fewer losses. We, on the other hand, haven't decisively won yet and our foe is way smarter. Too dangerous to send one of our most powerful assets away at such a critical time, imo.

>>12813281
Why wouldn't he send her back to us.

She's bound by law to us and he knows it. Also she IS under our command.

The way I see it, if we don't assist Cornelius in any way, his line will either fall or get hit hard for looking weak. We already know he's taken a beating and he came to us asking for help. The guy who didn't like us much. I think we can make do without Laelith for awhile unless they start throwing pitch at us again but then Degrian gave us some advice on how to deal with their siege engines. It might not be the best answer but it is something. And if we do decide to assult the enemy, we should do it during the eclipse if that night vision paste of Blackleaf's doesn't blind us in the long term or anything. We still need intel to decide if an offensive is worthwhile or not.

>>12813308

We don't need to batter him down.

Just deprive him of oxygen or cool air by burning it all up.

It's like defeating a flame war by throwing something metal through it. The molten metal will take care of whatevers behind it.

How about we check in with Finian to see if there are more useful arcana before we continue this debate further?

>>12813345

I dunno, cite 'pressing need'?

Truth be told, I don't trust him all that much. Besides, she will need an escort to get to his camp safely in any case.

>>12813346
But his line won't fall, most likely. The message said that his enemy is almost dead now and he outnumbers them by a fair amount. Remember where he declared victory will be his soon?

He's probably just trying to minimize his losses by borrowing from the other commanders. Unfortunately, we are still facing one of the largest armies.

>>12813349
That's if the enemy will stay in a static position in range of Laelith's powers.
If the wind shield simply sweeps away the arrows, then they won't stay in a single area long enough to consume enough oxygen to make a difference; especially if as a wind elementalist, he can move more oxygen into the affected area by using winds.

How do you propose to keep the fires going around the flyers long enough for your plan to work, when Laelith's range is only about 20 yards?

>>12813328
That's Nomz. Cornelius reported no such thing.

>>12813393
With the air cavalry being untouchable, that could change though and do remember what the reports said - the weakest parts of the line will likely get massively hit in their next offensive. If he has this much trouble over his opponent, he could be the point of the offensive. Hell, we could be next depending on how things with Lord Strant go.

>>12813349
You are making an awful lot of assumptions about how elementalism works.

>>12813328
He THINKS he'll be victorious soon.

As was mentioned in the previous session:
>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.

If the enemy weaken his forces enough they might commit to a push on his position.

In any case, I suggest requesting some units from the city of Flumenos so that they may take the prisoners from our hands. They might also leave one to reinforce our position, if we can convince them. (Or we might have them sent to any of the more needy positions.)

>>12813406
Well, that's why hopefully Laelith will give us her opinion on how feasible using her might be in Pax's next post.

>>12813414
But it's not untouchable. That's why we send him back a message saying switch from arrows to slings and fill the air with hundreds of them. Wind sucks against earth, and all those rocks will slice up the flyers.

>>12813393

One doesn't reduce his losses borrowing from a rival commander by begging for help. Otherwise hes more crafty and shrewd than we give credit for.

The airborne cavalry can avoid being pinned down and is practically invincible. Basically, it'll fly circles around you, kill your guys, is impossible to pin down and is invulnerable to AA fire.

Just one unit like this will decimate an army by itself with enough time.

>>12813438
Assumptions, HO!

If they fly around and never get in range of your slings then they can't do anything to you. Victory!

>>12813447
You're assuming the slings will work. The same argument can be thrown back at you. We really need someone more experienced in this type of stuff to comment and that's only Laelith or Pax to confirm stuff for us.

>>12813433
Your assumption is that with a higher mass and density, the rocks will be harder to push away than arrows?

>>12813417

Pray tell, what am I assuming? Might as well find out now than later.

>>12813433

His arrows were being deflected. I'm not sure how rocks will be any different since they'll be blown away too.

>>12813462
One would assume his crossbow bolts were deflected as well since he does have a scout unit.

>>12813460
I make no assumption, Laelith just said that wind yields before earth. Maybe the elementalist will be able to push several of them away, but I imagine it will quickly tire him/her out and quickly overwhelm this wind barrier. It's not like there are a lot of practiced elementalists running around these days.

Hmm. It might not be feasible but maybe we should see if we can transport our heavy ranged emplacements to him. I doubt the elementalist is powerful enough to deflect bolts thrown at that strength. The only problem though is it'd weaken our own defenses.

>>12813417
>he's got the right idea though

"I was thinking of suggesting a sustained volley of flaming arrows against the riders being defended by this air elementalist. would that work?" you reply, honestly looking for Laeliths input.

"Unless you catch several of the pegasi on fire, and they stay flying, no. There will not be enough of a blaze to make him a danger to himself. I could end the elementalist if he passed low enough, I could do it easily in fact. If you want me to go to resolve this quickly." Laelith replies, seemingly uninterested in the situation.

"I could kill him." Jayne suggests "I can feel heartbeats now, the adrenaline in ones veins, the veins themselves. I use it to keep StormCloud and myslef from tiring, I could simply overwork his heart, cause it to burst. I would need to be closer to him than Laelith, but if your worried about Commander Pontious trying to keep her for himself or killing her..." Jayne looks, thoughtful, nothing more. Of course, you could always bypass the issue by going yourself and trying to launch some stones at the elementalist. It isnt your forte, but you expect you could at least knock him out of the sky while swooping low.

>>12813462
You are assuming that the air units will remain in an static position long enough for their oxygen supply to run out. You also assume that the wind elementalist is embedded in the air unit. Another assumption is that Laelith will be in range for her powers to work, and will remain safe and focused enough to be able to use her powers.
You assume that Laelith's fires will burn fast and hot enough to overwhelm the wind elementalist, when she has already said that fire is at a disadvantage against air.

>>12813468
I second asking the city to reinforce Cornelius' position

>>12813483

Thats a thought...

Heavy ballista bolts, synchronised to fire together. With a strong net with hooks between them.

Aim in their general direction and fire to trap them. I don't think the whirlwind can mess up the nets much since it'll blow right through.

>>12813503
>
"I could kill him." Jayne suggests "I can feel heartbeats now, the adrenaline in ones veins, the veins themselves. I use it to keep StormCloud and myslef from tiring, I could simply overwork his heart, cause it to burst.

...

She can do that?!

Hey, not following this quest but saw OP's image and had a question that seemed semi appropriate for this thread.

What do you call the type of armor Roman soldiers wore with the strips of metal?

Is there an equivalent in D&D or something else listed in a some rulebook that's close enough?

>>12813503
So we have three ways to do this, but I personally don't favor any of them.

1. Go ourselves. Not an option.
2. Send Jayne. Unless we can lead her Uursan troops then this would be almost as foolish as going ourselves.
3. Send Laelith. Viable, but still no assurance it would work and I'm concerned for Laelith. Plus it deprives us of our most powerful elementalist at a critical time.
4. Wouldn't just throwing a bunch of rocks at him from catapults or slings work? Send him a message and tell him as much.

>>12813536
you gave her a map, and she followed it to controll over living bodies. She could've went for killer plants and poison, but she went for what seemed practical, it would seem

>>12813508

Elementalism can only be used at close range. If the caster was not embedded, it'll quickly fly out of effective range.

Laelith will have to be in range. She'll need to be protected, hence my suggestion of sending a hand-picked escort.

Regarding the final point:
>Until the blaze reaches a certain point, the wind will extinguish it if powerful enough.

Hence a large volley of fire arrows. With enough fire close by for her to manipulate, she should be able to make a large enough blaze.

>>12813524
Wow, that's... a good idea. Launch nets to bring them down.

>>12813556
Yeah, I'm not fond of them either really. The trip is 3 days round trip, and we don't know when he'll next be in battle. Losing Laelith will be painful but I think it might be best to help him hold the line. We just have to make sure she has an escort. Not for her protection but because she's a former rebel and we can't have her going off on her own... <_<

>>12813589
Something we should implement ourselves I think if we don't try to send him our heavy emplacements.

>>12813589
>>12813524
>>12813483
Holy shit! Maximus/kanji dude, this is brilliant!

Send him two of our ballistae modified with nets. It's a small loss for us, but it will absolutely destroy those pegasai. Just as keikaiku.

>>12813612
We should confirm with Laelith if that would work first though. She would have the best idea on if the air elementalist could stop that. If he does, I hope it at least exhausts him.

>>12813589
>>12813524
We'll have to check on the status of those ballistas.

Also, we need to talk to Degrian about making the appropriate ammunition.

>>12813612
Hmmm... and we can even cut down some trees and build more big arrow launchers to replace them in the meantime too. We wouldn't be weakened at all, and everyone will be able to hold the line.

Gets my vote.

>>12813612
We only have 1 mangonel.
We'd have to build another one, and it would be better if it was built at Cornelius' location since it would be slower than normal getting to his position.

>>12813612
With these modifications we can use them against the flyers we are facing too. I think they will work great against flyers of all types so we will be even stronger after we do this. Win/win situation.

>>12813604

We shouldn't send him our ballista. Takes too long.

We have plenty of paper. Have Degrain draw up IKEA-class idiotproof designs. Send them over.

>>12813612

it's called Fuurinkazen. It was the kanji for 'Wind, forest, fire and mountain'. These were on the war standard of Takeda Shingen, one of the finest generals of the warring era.

>>12813641
We're talking ballistaes not mangonels. And we've allready built them.

"Would a Balista modified to fire a net work against an air elementalist?" you ask, slightly unnerved at Jaynes ability to simply snuff out a life with her mind.

"If fired at a close enough range, yes. The protection has to be directional or the pegasi wouldn't be able to stay airborne for a significant amount of time. Provided the gunners have steel nerves that plan would work quite well." Laelith replies.

>>12813674
Really? Because I don't recall them being built; only heavy repeating crossbows which are only half done.

Hey guys, we could suggest to Cornelius not only the large volley of fire arrows, but instead, have a bunch of makeshift braziers carried by men around Laelith in a loose formation so that she can get to and use the large stationary flames as a sort of AA defense? The braziers could be changed to large bonfires lit and placed in a grid if necessary as well.

>>12813659
I'm worried about sending schematics for our new weaponry to someone who would probably have no problem taking credit for inventing them.

rolled 55 = 55

>>12813691
forgot meh trip

>>12813687
Woah woah woah, if the protection is directional then we don't need to send anything. Just tell him to catch them in a crossfire of arrows. Game over. We don't have to do anything.

Why didn't she say that before?

>>12813695
A war is on. Fuck the credit.

>>12813695

Send them to central command as a defence against airborne cavalry. Shit gets disseminated everywhere along the line. Problem solved.

Can we PLEASE move on from this? This one minor decision is taking up so much time it's ludicrous. We're just sitting here arguing on and on. Send some nets, tell him to launch rocks, tell him to catch them in a crossfire, or hell flick him off for all I care.

Let's just MOVE ON.

The problem with the ballista idea though is how long it'll take to construct one. If it takes more than 3 days, it might be more viable to send one of our elementalists.

>>12813707
the spitballing got her thinking more. and by that she meant the wind has to come from a given direction, its not a continuous sphere. If he's a problem it can be assumed that changing the winds direction rapidly and as needed is an easy thing for him

>>12813731
It's not minor though. It could cause a massive offensive if his part of the line falters or looks too weak.

>>12813687
Cornelius is gonna have to get some of his best men on it, then, if we decide to send him this idea.

As it is, I think the best idea right now is to send Laelith with an escort, and advise Cornelius to have his archers fire multiple volleys from multiple directions to overwhelm the elementalist.

>>12813691
She needs to be within twenty yards to control them. As it is, she already has her arcane torch to provide fire for her.

>>12813707
I agree with this. This doesn't require the construction of new units or the deployment of a high-value specialist. It's much cheaper, easier, and faster to implement.

>>12813734
Battles tend to happen with plenty of time between them. Look at how long it has been between our battles. Weeks. I think he will have plenty of time to construct them. And we need our main firepower here to fight soon.

>>12813731
This is a major problem, because if his section of the line is believed to be weakened then all enemy units will converge there to break through our defensive line.
It's not minor, fuckwit.

>>12813751
It still might be worth considering sending Laelith to assist him with an escort. Just in case it doesn't work out or it only works once before the guy gets smart enough to counter it.

>>12813695
>I'm worried about sending schematics for our new weaponry to someone who would probably have no problem taking credit for inventing them.

This: >>12813711
>A war is on. Fuck the credit.

We're in a crisis situation. The enemy is at the gates and we need everyone to hold firm. I'd like to see if any of the weapons work particularly well so that we can get them adopted by the rest of the Legion as quickly as possible.

>>12813772

Calculate the force you need to take out a target. Multiply that by two.

We implement as many of the plans we can. We'll get them one way or the other.

>>12813737
Well then we've got something to advise Cornelius with.

Pax, how many days do we have until the beginning of the Black Sun Festival?
We will want to begin our offensive when we can take the most advantage of environmental conditions.

>>12813770
Oh please. A battle is a major problem. This is a guy asking for advice and support *if* we can give it. We aren't winning the war single handedly yet, son.

>>12813815
Well he can't ask us for help if he's in the middle of the battle. Hence why he's asking so he'll be prepared when battle happens and so he doesn't get smoked by flying eagles with shields.

>>12813801
6 days

>>12813770
Pretty sure he's just mad because we've taken up a ton of time and have like 4 or 5 solutions yet are still stalled here talking for no reason. I'm getting a little impatient myself since everyone seems to be in favor of sending some netguns.

>>12813815

But if hes having too much problem, their king will decide to come down here to blow a hole through this part of the line, including us.

We'll have a frontrow seat in being crushed by the oncoming horde.

rolled 34 = 34

Uh, guys, I don't think you are remembering vital background info here. If Cornelius's test was at the same time as ours, he just became a Commander. This means his retinue and support staff are not as up to par or capable as ours. Even if we sent him the schematics it would most likely be just a waste of paper and to be honest, resources. Laelith is still the only real viable option besides trying a cross fire. I still don't think it is that easy though, cross fire that is, because Cornelius isn't stupid, just not as smart as us. Then again..... you never know.

"You will go then Laelith. I will prepare an escort for you and you can leave as soon as they are ready. A letter will preceed you." you decide, finally quashing the voices in your head. So, what will you send to guard her? and I'm assuming you guys wanna talk to Kaitlyn next?

>>12813840
In any case, I'm voting to advise Cornelius on volley fire from his archers, while sending Laelith with an escort as a back-up. (Explicit instructions that she if to be sent back to us as soon as the problem is dealt with.)

The ballista idea sounds good, but would likely take too long to implement. And as was mentioned, the technical capabilities of Cornelius' men may not be up to snuff.

>>12813882

Collins, leading a handpicked unit. Including some archers. Give them access to our captured horses. They'll be faster and safer.

>>12813882
I'm up for talking to her. In terms of escort... Collin with some Legionnaire's perhaps?

>>12813905
I can support that actually. Let him decide.

>>12813882
I'm for sending some of our legionnaires, rather than merc riders. I'm not sure if I can trust mercs with this job.

>>12813882
Have some of the RapidRiders escort her. Maybe some Legionaries to ride with them as well.

Personally I think the remaining RapidRiders ought to work with the Uursan cavalry from now on. That way they can be used to disrupt enemy cavalry AND be backed up by heavy cavalry so that charges can have better effect.

>>12813905
I can agree with this. Make sure she stays safe and we send a strong enough guard to handle whatever happens. Tell her to hurry back ASAP.

So ronery without Laelith around. ;_;

>>12813905
>>12813912
On second thought, if taking horses doesn't too much longer, I'll seconf Collin with some Legionnaires.

>>12813938
I'm against using mercs simply because they are mercs. The speed would be nice but they can also be bought.

>>12813926

Speaking of mercs, can we speak with our mercenary captains regarding hiring the captured mercs?

We desperately need firsthand intel from them dogs-of-war.

>>12813882
I'm thinking some legionaires and a couple of our crossbowmen armed with repeaters

Why Laleith? Didn't we conclude net launchers was best? Or are we sending both?

I rather keep Laelith here to hit on and use in battle. But oh well, decision made. At least we're moving along.

>>12813958
Cornelius doesn't have the engineering assets to build ballistae or other siege engines on-site, and if we were to build and transport them, it would take over a week.

>>12813951
Good point.

You write a brief letter describing the aid you are sending Cornelius, and the other ideas you came up with, as well as the stipulations attached to the aid. After that you instruct Collin to select a unit to keep Laelith in one piece and ensure she is allowed to return to you when her job is done.

That done you make your way over to the side bui9lding Kaitlyn is being held at, and let yourself in. "If youve come to have your way with me dog, you will not find me easy sport. And Janos will ensure your justice is neither swift or merciful when we defeat you." she greets you. Clearly the rumors in the Uurlanthian camps are as unsavory as some of the rumors you know are circulating your camp. Never any names, only ambiguous slights to the moral fiber of those fighting for the opposite end of the compass.

>>12813958
Multiple solutions to the problem. Give him multiple options rather than one. He'll be told about the crossfire thing, the ballista idea and send Laelith in the event he needs it. Part of me thinks we should report this issue to command just so they know Cornelius' line is in potential trouble and that we are sending assistance but he might get pissed at that.

Let's make sure the contingent we send has horses so she spends as little time gone as possible. How long will she be away, and do we anticipate an enemy attack in that time? Either way, tell her to stay safe and don't take any risks. Maybe give her a hug.

>>12813976
*sigh
"Now, really, must you behave in such an uncivil manner? Especially given your...condition."

>>12813976
"Have my way with...? I have no such intentions. I merely wished to speak to you. You have my word that as long as you are cooperative and attempt no escape, no harm will come to you."

>>12813976
Oh, please. I'm afraid keeping the women away from me is my largest problem right now. No, I'm here to talk and because I am concerned for your health. I am told you woke up crying earlier, I hope you are not injured?

>>12813976

Please retcon that we brought the camp doctor with us.

"I would just like to ensure your health. I heard you were unconscious before you were brought into the camp and I have brought our physician here to check up on you."

Let's commune with the gods later tonight to see where we stand. Also I second studying necromancy/immortality/mindreading with the black glove tonight. Since there are a lot of elementalists around we need to start moving up on the power scale again.

>>12814063
Last time we tried to use that glove, we almost lost consciousness. Let's not fool around with it while we're on the battlefield in the middle of a campaign. Who knows what side effects it could have? We don't even truly know the effects it has at the moment.

>>12814063
I would suggest waiting on the black glove till between campaigns when its safer.

You sigh taking a seat near her. "You are not bound, and to be honest I have more than enough willing women about me to lower myself to such a... base, act I shall be the perfect gentleman for the duration of our chat, if you are so worried. My reason for coming to you is simply that I am concerned for your health, after seeing you crying to Janos this morning, and talking with him afterwords. I feel that your time will come when you are still in my custody, considering how wars tend to drag on. There is no need to fear though, I will give you some of my medical staff to ensure one as... slight, as yourself survives the ordeal." you reply as kindly as possible.

"Wh- how... what would make you, how could you?" the petite raven haired woman is reduced to blushing and stuttering between your inferences, and what you just revealed to her.

"Oh, he didnt tell me directly, but your Janos is ever so easy to read. I fear his face simply isnt cut out for duplicity." You reply, still the kind gentleman.

After a few moments the Uurlanthian soldier collects herself "That is all very well, but what is your true reason for separating me from my comrades and... Janos?" she asks, clearly catching something that would have replaced your captured lordlings name.

rolled 83 = 83

>>12814089
>>12814082
safety first mind
I agree

>>12814082
>>12814089
I was suggesting it because last time we were overwhelmed by voices. But now we're out in the countryside and only our men are around. Maybe it will be easier to focus away from huge population centers.

>>12814095

"Etiquette, of course, my dear lady. One like yourself should be given some privacy.

I am curious though as to why he thought to bring you out onto the field of battle. Did he not fear for your safety?"

>>12814082
>>12814089
Thirding this.

Also, can we get an inventory list of all the stuff we've collected, Pax.

I've been having a hard time keeping track.

>>12814095
"That is simply precaution. A man in love will do foolish things to protect those he loves. I couldn't risk Janos convincing the rest of the prisoners to attempt to escape. Plus, I presume any medical attention you get would be preferably done away from others rather than out in the open."

>>12814008
add "I doubt it would make the Prince more friendly toward me if his lover were in ill health, especially if she is carrying his child"

>>12814101
Perhaps. But our enemy has shown that he is quite willing to use assassins.
We might be able to hear the assassins' thoughts, but there's no guarantee that we could get the glove off in time to defend ourselves.

>>12814095
He loves you, you know. Do you love him too? But both of you know that it can never be. What will happen to the child when he is forced from your side? Will you give it away? What of your happiness?

There are ways both of you could be together, forever.

>>12814151

It's abit early to be so direct.

We need to get them to trust us abit and release their sorrows. For some reason it's easier to do so when dealing with a stranger.

Once they're a wreck, can we strike and plant the seeds in their minds.

>>12814131
>>12814099
>>12814089
>>12814082
No glove, but the gods thing might be a good idea.

>>12814185
Agreed. Slow and steady like yesturday.

"It is a simple precaution. It would be most unfortunate if Janos were to attempt an escape on your behalf. especially considering the quality of medical care in the wild." you reply "Though I am curious, why would he let someone he cares so much for join his guard? surely you would be safer in his fathers house." you add, genuinely curious.

Kaitlyin blushes slightly "Well, we met when I was assigned to his guard." She replies, clearly dwelling on happy memories, then she seems to recall something more recent "I'M. NOT. PREGNANT!!!!!!" she exclaims, suddenly doubting herself after you so heavily implied the opposite. She returns to her seat and calms herself before asking once again "What purpose do you have in talking with me?"

>>12814220
"To determine whether you were pregnant or not honestly. A woman would better know than a man on the condition of her body. Your crying also made me think something was wrong beyond your captivity."

>>12814095

"I find myself in a... strange position for a military commander. By all rights I should release someone in your condition, but at the same time I can't let you give information to my adversary. I also fear that I know very little of how you will be treated by your countrymen should it become known who fathered your child. Would you care to enlighten me on this? I could not bring myself to put you and your child at risk unwittingly."

>>12814220
I see, of course you aren't. My apologies. I was simply saying that if you were, there would be no need to worry.

And I am here to ask about Janos's father. Now, do not get me wrong, I do not intend to ask you to betray anything about his forces. I simply wish to know about the man. What is he like? What does he think of Janos and... you.

>>12814220

"To have a good gauge on your health, physically and otherwise. You are of importance to Jonas and I'm sure he would be most distraught if his fiancée suffered in way."

EMPHASIS on FIANCÉE. We must say this and remind her that she can't be with him!!

>>12814261

... or she could not be with child and that was a waste of braining.

>>12814220
>I'M. NOT. PREGNANT!!!!!!"

Well this could get awkward for us.

And everything seemed to be going so well when we talked to Janos.

>>12814267
This, I have a feeling she's going to be the way we get Janos to betray his father... My god we are Palpatine aren't we?

>>12814334
Except better looking.

>>12814334
>My god we are Palpatine aren't we?
You say that as if it's a bad thing. I mean, once we have telepathy and real magic in our hands, we could potentially be all Sith-like. We'd just need to get a lightsaber and a hooded cloak.

>>12814334

I see no problem with that.

"I honestly wanted to be sure of your health. I would have been in an awkward position were you truly pregnant, as I would have been obliged to go out of my way to ensure your health, as my prisoner. I would still like to be sure of your health; I feel its the least I can do as your last months with your beloved will be spent in my captivity. It truly is a shame that it is almost certain that Janos' father will use him for a political marraige once I ransom him off after the war. Even more so that it will likely be even longer before you can be freed, it would be uncouth for a married man to spend his new families money to free an old flame." You reply, Kaitlyns mood shifts from anger and ire to depression almost as soon as you bring reality to her doorstep. "Now, what can you tell me of Lord Stant? Not his armies, the man, I wish to know my foe better."

"Truly I never knew the man all that well. He was a skilled drillmaster, saw to the training of all of his sons bodyguards. Generous with rewarding success, fair in punishment. He had been conditioning us for our role in this war for months before we attacked." She replies, now staring at the floor, speaking in quit words. "Is there truly nothing that can be done to avoid the prediction you make? Are you so certain that is to be Janos' fate?" Kaitlyn asks, looking up at you with sad eyes. Were you not already taken by others they would break your heart.

>>12814365

"Exceptional times require extraordinary sacrifices.

Tell me, what would you give to spend your life with your beloved?"

>>12814310
that could of course be the fear talking, denial is a powerful thing you know. Being a captive can be terrifying, as can being preggers for the first time, for all you know she's damn near pissing herself with fear every waking minute.
/helpful GM

>>12814365
"By Janos' own admissions that seems to be his fate. It seems he has no choice but to leave your side as long as he returns to his father. The only way I can forsee preventing it is if you abandoned them all and went to somewhere where you two could be together."

>>12814365
"Well not if things go in accordance with standard procedure. If I ransom Janos back to his father I can only presume that his fate would go in accordance to your nation's customs. Unless something drastic were to happen to change things, of course."

Let's keep up the subtlety here.

>>12814365
He seemed convinced of his fate, especially after his defeat, and it pains him.

>>12814365
Well, I suppose if Janos were to defect then he would be able to marry whomever he chose. >>12814353
I didn't mean to imply it was a bad thing, I was just stating what was going through everyone's mind.

>>12814365
"You ask a great deal. Fate? A man -- and a woman -- makes his or her own fate. But not all choices are easy, and not all people worth the sacrifice. There are places where you could live happily, and raise a family. But the real question is: Is Janos, your love, worth the sacrifices you would have to make? Do you truly love him that much? Enough to change both of your fates?

That is the question you must answer. And if it turns out you do... then yes. There is a new fate and new life that could await you. But it would not be in Uurlanth."

Then walk out without waiting for her reply. Let her think on it.

>>12814394
Go for this, but with more subtlety on the last part.

>>12814420
Nice. The implicit assumption here is that if she really loves him she will defect, and if she doesn't defect then her love is meaningless. There is no way she would say that, because she's full of youthful starry-eyed love and passion.

Let the anger floooooooooow through you! You don't know the pooooower of the dark side!

"By Janos' own admission that is to be his fate once I ransom him home. But Fate... there is a fickle beast now that you mention it. So, unavoidable for most. Until the beast crosses the wrong person, attacks them through the wrong gate. Some people choose to sacrifice much to avoid the beast, clinging to that which it threatened all the tighter, for by the time the beast has been slaked it is all they have left. Excuse my philosophizing, but it is ever so common to see such acts as a military man. Not more than three months ago I was the beasts teeth and claws; yet today I am the man on the mountain describing the beast to one who seems doomed to be its next victim." you reply, your voice never loosing its kind, caring tone.

"I, what sacrifices do you mean... what would one have to give to slake the beast?" Kaitlyn asks, hanging by your words, even as you walk the razors edge.

"That is a question you must answer for yourself, friend. We both know what the beast hunger for, but has it chosen its meal carelessly?" you reply staying the sage on the mountain, being ever so careful to avoid specific names and acts. Kaitlyn hugs her legs to herself, looking lost in thought.

"Is there anything else you wanted of me?" she asks, a hint of gratitude for something she does not understand nor grasp in her voice.

>>12814420
This

>>12814502
I so want to ask her about the enemy army but we'll save that for captured troops and mercs. Now let this simmer in her mind.

"Just think on what I've said. If you have need of me, ask the guards and I'll have some food sent to you soon. Are you sure you don't wish my surgeons to check up on you?"

>>12814502

"I believe not. I will bring Jonas to see you tonight if nothing else interrupts me today. Have a good day."

>>12814502
If you start feeling... strange, do let the guards know. I will leave instructions with them to fetch the doctors.

"I do not believe so. If you and Janos both behave well I will allow you to see each other. and if you begin to feel... strange. Do tell the guards, they will send for the surgeons.." You reply, Kaitlyn nods at you as you move to leave the room, once again deep in thought.

>well, what now? I'll give you two rolls for interrogation if thats what you want, if something else, tell me.

>>12814579
Someone else roll interrogation. I already screwed us last time.

>>12814579

Speak with merc captains about hiring the captured mercs.

Offer a bonus to whoever coughs up the info. Perhaps 200?

Then double check it with the others who will inevitably follow up to try and claim the reward. We can do the interrogation after as well.

rolled 67 = 67

>>12814579
Rolling for the interrogation also we need to find out if there are any side effects to the NVG paste.

rolled 61 = 61

>>12814579
Interrogation roll 2/

rolled 32 = 32

Holy crap... Why can we not get a good roll?
Tempted to say use our botch... Let's see what I would of got.

>>12814592
200 is way too much. That would be like what, six month's pay at least?

rolled 15 = 15

>>12814594
Curses but it could have been worse.

>>12814618
Damn it that was what we needed!

>>12814594
>>12814605
Huh...

Well what else were we supposed to do today?

Or will we be using our botch?

>>12814579

We need to craft a new piece of equipment. We've always seemed to have to shout our orders out and we don't seem to have any other way of communicating with our troops.

We should see to the forging of a war fan or a distinctive command baton with which we can direct and give orders using specific motions.

>>12814594
>>12814605
>>12814616
wanna botch (hint, fighting aint likely in this session)

>if so, update post inbound

>>12814631

Do it then.

>>12814631
Botch it. We seriously need intel on this guy. Plus, we need to see how they knew where to send the assassins.

>>12814638
>>12814631
Agreed use the botch.

rolled 61 = 61

Aw, I would have liked to use the botch on our elementalist training tonight. Gah, oh well, hope we do well the first time then.

also use the botch for the second roll not the first.

>>12814656
I figure we have lots of chances to improve our elementalism beyond this campaign. We NEED intel now to help plan future moves and try to smash this guy good.

After a few hours of taking prisoners aside for "chats" - some more civil then others, you feel you have gleaned a wealth of information. You learn that initially Lord Stant had two wings of Knights, 50 men each, all with Valkeries, and horses. he had two units of Armored Sergants, wielding pikes, two units of Elven bowmen with 150 head each, his Longbowmen, numbering 200. Two units of men at arms, one mounted, the other on foot with morningstars, kite shields and platemail. He had two units of levied soldiers, each numbering 300, one with halberds, the other longblades and circleshields. and 3 units of mercenaries, all medium or heavy infantry, numbering at least 150 men.

Of his sons you learn that Janos was in fact present to prove his worth or be sent off to be useful in interhouse politics, either as a husband or a dagger. The second youngest son, Morwayne, is a level headed and tactically minded, the men count him for at least a third of his fathers aparent cleverness. He commands from a unit of hosemen, all heavily armored.

The second Eldest takes after his father, leads from the front, and is the second in command of the campaign front Lord Stant has been assigned. He has placed fourth or better in the last three Kings Tournaments he attended, and is a given to take the crown of any smaller tourney.

All of the men were surprised by the pitch, aparently Janos obtained it from another Lord without his Fathers position, as was his use of the Valkerie Knights, and mercenaries. His mission was to be a simple probe, and he was to quit the field if outnumbered.

>when I sarted the subverting Kaitlyn posts, "Devils Gift" by shamans harvest started playing. Just realized that and felt like sharing

Other things that we need to consider:

1) We should look at our captured war horses and pick out the best for a mount. We cannot afford to always be with the heavy cavalry in the thick of things. Sooner or later, we'll have to be behind to appreciate how the battle is ongoing. Using Jayne's cavalry wing for this is a terrible waste and we should look to setting up a General's bodyguard unit.

2) Siege equipment training. I've been harping on this as I was very dismayed when we had the engines but no one trained to work them the previous battle. We need some of our regulars seconded to train and man them during our battles.

>>12814750
I'm confused on this intel... In our initial battle, they had skirmishers and such and the information we just got didn't mention he had those initially. That and I thought they had two units of mounted men-at-arms and that we had bashed both of them that they'd likely fuse them into one?

Are the armored sergeants the pikemen we took on last battle?

>>12814750

Pax, what have we smashed of the enemy's forces again?

I remember you once saying that 2 of the merc units fell prey to our trapfields and quit the field.

>>12814750
Anyone remember what units we faced last session and the one previous that?

Let's start a process of elimination.

>The second youngest son, Morwayne, is a level headed and tactically minded, the men count him for at least a third of his fathers aparent cleverness. He commands from a unit of hosemen, all heavily armored.

I propose we beat him by personally punching him in the face.

>The second Eldest takes after his father, leads from the front, and is the second in command of the campaign front Lord Stant has been assigned. He has placed fourth or better in the last three Kings Tournaments he attended, and is a given to take the crown of any smaller tourney.

This guy we'll outsmart by luring him into a trap.

>>12814767
perhaps one of our scout units (finian's?) could be trained as siege engine crews and those not manning the weapons act as a guard against enemy flyers?

>>12814750
well it seems like someone has trouble following orders. Also, we should consider asking either Jayne or Sansa for advice on how to manipulate Kaitlyn

>>12814784
I presume the unit of Men-at-Arms might have been one unit split into two, but I could be wrong.

In fact, I hope I am.

>>12814790
First session was a unit of men-at-arms, skirmishers and 100 longbows.

Second session was another unit of men-at-arms again mounted, two units of pikemen, a merc unit, the valk knights and Janos' unit. Plus the pitch and siege units.

>>12814788
We also pretty well butchered the last, taking them down to half strength. And his two units of armored Sgts are now at half strength, probably going to be consolidated into one.

Updated list:

90 Valks
1x 200 Armored Sgts /w pikes
2x 150 Elven Bowmen
1x 200 Longbowmen
1x 30 Men-at-Arms (Based on number escaped)
2x 300 Levies (chaff, newly raised)
1x 100 Heavy Mercs (all others quit the field)

rolled 77 = 77

>>12814798
DO NOT ASK THEM, that would tarnish our honor as a gentleman that respects others emotions and doesn't toy/manipulate them.

>>12814827
100 longbowmen only since we took them out in the first skirmish and might as well add the units of his sons to it. Did we get any info on what the father leads?

>>12814788
>>12814784
Elf Skirmishers: DEAD

2x Armored Sergants (pikemen): initially 200 men strong

2x Knights (Valkeries, horses): initialy 50 men strong

Levied Halberdiers: 300 strong

Levied Swordsmen: 300 strong

2x Elf bowmen: 150 strong

Longbowmen: initially 200 strong

Mounted men at arms: initially 150 strong and fought as two seperate wings of 75

Footslogging men at arms (heavy armor, shields and maces): 150 strong

5 mercenary units, all medium infantry or better: two destroyed by traps, one fought, was 200 strong initially. the other two are at least 150 men strong

the guys left out what they figured you knew about due to your having destroyed it.

>>12814839
from behind. He's older, past his fighting prime, and honest about it.

I suspect our prisoners may have omitted a few units just to screw with us, such as the skirmishers from our first battle.

Perhaps we should expect 3-4 "unlisted" units to be under our foe's command?

>>12814843

I see lots of testudo action for our legionaires. Infact, this should be our preffered way. Using them to take out the archers.

In this case, we should speak with Degrain about manufacturing more repeaters and crosstraining our legionnaires with them.

>Testudo with rapid-fire crossbow action
>mfw

>>12814843
Bloody hell are we outnumbered. Against a lot of experienced troops too. Our elite ranged units are sized at less than 100 and their elven ones are 150 and 100 longbowmen left. They still have 4 melee units, their men at arms, valk knights and fresh levy troops.

>>12814838
eh, either way. Just an idea.

Okay, breaking it down:

Knights (50) x 2 – Valkeries/Horses
Armored Sergants x 2 – pikes
Elven Bowmen (150) x 2
Longbowmen (200)
Men-at-Arms x 2 – Mounted & Footmen w/ Morningstars, Kite Shields, Platemail
Levied Soldiers (300) x 2 – Halberds; Longblades & Circleshields
Mercenaries (150 each?) x 3 – Medium/Heavy


So that's about 1,650 men we can count, plus several hundred more in units whose sizes we're not sure of.

...

How many guys do we have again?

>>12814858
With all the line infantry they have though, I don't think we can afford to put them on archer hunting duty. Especially after our merc elves got decimated the way they did.

>>12814867

This. We need an update after Blackbird and Collins took off with some of our men.

We recruiting those captured mercs?

>>12814867
Well we know the armoured pikemen are either at 2 100 men units or 1 200 sized unit. The bowmen we cut in half in our initial battle and the mounted men-at-arms are at half-strength. Plus one of their merc units was hit hard in the last battle, I think to the point Pax said they'd quit the war.

rolled 83 = 83

>>12814861
Well, we are supposed to be defending against them. Keep in mind, we haven't tried holing up yet, digging bunkers in the hills with stores of logs to tumble down into the lines of men approaching up the hill or across the levelish plains. Actually, we should get to that, if I had a map someone else could point out good positions to do that from, digging out said log sized holes, forcing logs into them, then covering said hole and propping said logs till the other forces begin to march on us, then we let them loose. Hello, squashed Uurlanthians. Well, it sounds simple. We are outnumbered because we are defending, and we can commit ALL of our troops at a time, while they cannot because if they do, it will be an all or nothing kind of deal for them.

>>12814888
Oh I'm aware but we won't ever deal a decisive blow if we're on the defense constantly with the way this guy is fighting us. I was hoping we could go on the offensive on our terms for once but that's way too risky with those numbers. At least not without some advantage and the eclipse is the only thing I can think of that would give us that. However, unless we can find that the enemy has split his forces, attacking his base camp when he has those numbers is suicide.

>>12814843
Revised list of our foes:
1x 200 Armored Sgts (Medium Infantry)
2x 40 and 50 Knights (Super heavy, flying)
2x 300 Levies (Light infantry, poorly equipped/trained)
2x 150 Elf Bowmen
1x 50-100 Longbowmen
1x 30 Mounted Men at Arms
1x 150 Heavy Infantry (Men at Arms)
1x 100 Heavy Mercs
2x 150-200 Med-Heavy Mercs

196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
170/200
average

454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
150/200
Average

98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
150/150
average

99th Hunters
Aurelius Caspius
75/75
average

50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
100/100
average

65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
-arm useable, but nowhere near full capacity
75/75
average

House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
60/75
average

Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
Horse, spear, chainmail, javelins
40/60
Below Average

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
150/200
Low

-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
170/175
Average

Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
30/50
below average

>yes, the recruiting worked.

>>12814905

We shouldn't discount Blackbird Solutions Inc.

With any luck, their raiding will have them lose moral, men, get them tired from not being fed enough and cause desertion.

>>12814926
Until we get solid reports though, we shouldn't assume they'll be a huge factor. As it stands, they have at least about 700 more troops than us. We have to hope they split their forces at some point during the eclipse week and we can take apart their army or we're in trouble at this rate. We're going to need scouts out there big time and we should find out about this paste of Blackleaf's ASAP. We might need to start mass producing it and making sure it's safe for us.

rolled 68 = 68

>>12814905
Keep in mind our objective is wholly to just defend and give time for the offensive to be ready. Sure it would be ideal for our men to be ready and taken less casualties and given more casualties to the enemy, but the mission is still the most important thing as of now. We went out of our way last campaign and got crap for recognition because it was so damn incomprehensible to some of the Senate, but now, if we can assist and provide valuable assets and readily hold the line by aiding other commanders as well as sufficiently hold our own line, we will get a good amount of acclaim I would think.

Pax, I have a question, how many different Commanders are there in the Empire, Our level of Commanders that is. I find it odd that the Empire would commit two fresh and new commanders to defending the front line to buy time for others too....... oh wait, that makes sense, cheeky bastards.

Let's see about making those trap pits we were thinking of before.

>>12814951
I get defending is our mission but you know the saying - the best defense is a good offense. As it stands, this guy can leisurely pick apart at us with his plans. If we can hit him decisively, it puts pressure on him and prevents any massive attacks on our fort with all his troops.

>>12814950
Y'know now I wish we could have instructed Blackbird to go for opportunities to kill off the enemy's pegasi by poisoning them or something.

>>12814998
I imagine poisoning food is a standard tactic for such raiders.

Let's do elementalism training and god talking.

>>12814998
>he leaves tonight remember, you still get to give him some last second orders
>>12814951
of course the guys in the Representative Senate are cheeky bastards, thats why they got elected

anything else you guys wanted to know about your new intel?

To take a page out of hamster book:

Our objective is to make our enemy incapable or unwilling to take and overrun our current position.

Therefore our tactical objectives are:
Conversion, division and attrition of enemy forces
Neutralisation of enemy assets and capabilities (Particularly siege and leadership)

>Conversion
On it with the lords. However if we can find a way to get him to lead those men against his father, we deserve a medal.

>Division
False outposts and objectives. If we can get them to detect small detachments to attack smaller targets, we can slowly cut them down to size.

>Attrition
Blackbird Solutions Inc. We should also allow the RapidRiders to go on nighttime fire arrow raids on their encampments.

Neutralisation of assets:
Their siege is gone, it's our turn now.

Fliers are our main problem but we do have lots of good ideas to deal with them. We'd better start converting those ballistas.

Leadership, one down, 3 to go. The headstrong one should be simple, especially if we can get him to assault the fake outposts. Now we should plan on how we can CREED the smart one.

>>12815037
God, I hope you did not just use a webcomic to help plan tactics.

>>12815046

Parson Gotti is the PERFECT warlord.

>>12815049
More like the PLOTTEST warlord.

If we can get Janos on our side, our options become HUGE but I don't think he'd willingly help betray his fathers forces directly. I wish though. He'd be so useful to have as an inside agent or just as bait for an ambush.

In regards to the intel, are the elves apart of their empire or are they mercs of a sort as well?

>>12815076
The elf bowmen are presumably Uurlanthian nationals, otherwise they would have been mentioned as mercs (remember Degnar = humans, dorfs and Lacerta; Uurlanth = humans, elfs, Felixsians)

>>12815076
Also ask how our enemy has been positioning his forces. Does he keep them all together at his base camp or does he have multiple bases? How often does he send out patrols? Or is that stuff we just don't get info on?

>>12815100
when your captives left it was one large base, and fairly well guarded.

I can't think of anything else that might be useful right now unfortunately... Perhaps which lord Janos got the pitch from or is that something we'll have to ask him directly? I have a potential idea if we can get him on our side now...

>>12815113

How often do they get supply convoys?

This is our ticket it!

How long before Laelith gets back? We sent her mounted, right? Because that probably will factor into any burn-the-camp raids.

>>12815142
>>12815140
their just soldiers, all they know is that the food and water didnt run out, and that the pitch was going to be a big issue if the attack failed.

>>12815142
How often and from where. How guarded and how it is received. Blackleaf can use that for sure.

So, what are we doing now? Besides just discussing things we could also be discussing while doing other stuff.

>>12815149
Big issue eh? Looks like some lord will be pissed at Lord Stant. Man I really want Janos on our side then. He could write a letter to that lord to potentially get him even more pissed at Lord Stant in general if he was.

>>12815150
NO NOT BLACKLEAF

>>12815149

Drat. Pass on the suggestion to Blackbird before he leaves, however discretion is up to him. If it looks too dangerous, just burn their supplies.

Choose a warhorse for ourself. Train elementalism.

And troll the girls before Laelith leaves. By giving her a big hug and telling her to come back safely.

>>12815181
Huh. Have I been remembering his name wrong all this time? My mistake.

>>12815160
A meeting with Blackbird before he heads out, and then Elementalism 101 with Professor Justinian Trantz

>>12815185
Second all this. It's just good business.

Especially the hug trolling.

>>12815185
>>12815195

>>12815185
>>12815195
Thirding the trolling.

You meet with Blackbird, and what look to be 10 Hunters, 5 scouts, 10 Warlords and 5 Legionaires, all packed light, with their weapons, and light armor they took from your growing armory of looted weapons and armor; though most seem to have their heavier armor in their packs. You give him the best update you can before seeing them off.

Next, you see Laelith, who is now being watched by 10 Rangers, and 20 Legionaieres. After a brief discussion on what she is to be doing, and at what point she will be returning to you you ask her to return safely, and give her a not quite quick hug before her contingent rides off; you can feel three sets of eyes boring into your back the whole time. However, when you turn around you seem to be alone.

>That seems to be a good point to call it for tonight, since I have an 8:30 am class and all. I'll hang around for questions until we get archived. And I'll be back wednesday at 10pm server time (work, gah.)

>>12815267
Uh-oh, looks like they just noticed there's more competition. trollan' trollan' trollan'

>>12815267

We're gonna get killed one of these days.

How did we do today Pax?

>>12815316
Either that or there will soon be the most epic catfight in history.

>>12815316
good. nothing that I can use to bite you in the ass with, still didnt break your sith-streak, all around successes

>>12815337

/Note to self: Prepare folder of palpatine images before next CQ.

No elementalism training? I guess we'll do that next session?

>>12815349
I think we should start branching out into stonesense. We could eventually get to the point we have jedi-like battle awareness.

Thread archived. Vote up people.

>>12815337
Any GM hints on how we should handle this situation or if we're on the right track on how to handle this? You've seen us debate. I'm thinking this is like the Khalless situation where sitting back and letting our enemy do as he wants will be bad in the long-term.

>>12815349
indeed. Like I said, I got class at 8:30 am, and its 1am here so... yea elementalism and then ???? (possibly some profit after wards)

>>12815377
I personally am thinking that he will be forced into action if we raid his supplies enough. We should sit back and prepare tons of traps for him. His overeager son already blew two of his big aces.

>>12815377
sitting and waiting is the hard road in this situation, but if you strike without enough force, it will be the easy choice by far.

>>12815396

Is the enemy encampment still at the base of the hill?

>>12815382
Elementalism and talking to the gods to see what's up. Maybe a quick hint to the love goddess that we're walking a fine line here romantically and could use some help. And the earth/protection goddess to ensure Laelith stays safe over there.

We're not religious after all, but it can't hurt to be on good terms with them. If we ever become an immortal sith god-king we would probably want to be pretty chummy with them.

>>12815396
How much did Degrian's improvements to the catapult (Forgot real name) increase it's range by?

>>12815431
Also, how dark is it going to get when this festival hits? I assume it's not going to be pitch black out there but what? Or do we have no idea?

>>12815421
I don't know, it currently seems like Laelith will be the toughest to bring around. All that recent trauma and such. Maybe not, though. Regardless, if we request romantic boons it shouldn't exclude any of them.

I wonder if Justinian's harem is going to grow any larger. We're still only on our second campaign and 24ish years old. Oh god....

>>12815449

Still missing a 1000yr old loli.

>>12815445
total solar eclipse by the end of the first day. The sun will rise to meet the moon in the middle of the sky, and they will stay locked until midnight of the seventh day. The new week will be born with the first sunrise in seven days

>>12815417
not any hill in particular, but you are higher up than them

>>12815431
roughly 25% increase in range, accuracy as well if its crew is skilled enough

>>12815483
Wait, so there will be total darkness during this time? This has a lot of possibilities if that is the case...

>>12815555
Indeed I smell a raid coming on the main course being the enemy base but first we need to know if there are any side effects to the nvg paste..

>>12815555
Now I'm imagining an entire Legion of glowy-eyed soldiers wreaking havoc on the the Uurlanthian forces.

>>12815628
Indeed. I assume the enemy will be relying heavily on torches at that point. Part of me thinks we should try setting up a diversion - set up numerous torches and fires in the field so the enemy can see them but don't light them yet. Hopefully when they are all lit, the enemy thinks we're marching out with our army and they ride out to meet us. In that time, we raid their base and hit it as hard as we can before escaping. Not the best plan but it might work. Plus, this eclipse will really mess up their air units ability to spot us as long as we're not using fires.

>>12815654
You know I just realized we've pretty much become the R&D division for the empire.

>>12815654
For the week leading up to the eclipse, we can set up small outposts and outlying scout camps. Have large amounts of torches and ready-made campfires prepared. We want to lure Stanton's forces to attack empty camps of torches and unattended campfires during the Festival, while we harry them constantly from the darkness, arrows coming out of nowhere.