Oh yeah, here we go.

Okay, Pax did confirm that the area around the fort we need to bypass is flat, and that the wagons could be used.
So I suggest having all of our soldiers working with Degrian to build his automated wagons.

With that out of the way, let's ask Jayne what the good word is.

>>13195086

This looks promising.

Now to make sure Lealith doesn't incinerate us the next time she sees us.

Lets see what she's holding.

>>13195086
See what's up.

Also, since I have to disappear in a bit for awhile, we should ask whoever we send to Nomz to find out from him if he's being sent back to DragonsReach. If he is, perhaps we can get him to deliver our letter to the second Praetorian about the cult. If that doesn't work, we should probably send some of our own men back. The longer we let them run around unhindered, the more annoying it'll be for us in the long run I imagine.

>>13195130
All flat terrain? That's going to make bypassing it without combat or being seen problematic.

Hug her back, maybe give a light tickle.

"While I can't say I object to this sort of greeting at all, I have to wonder what is going on. Whatever it is, it needs to happen more often!"

>>13195086
>Before you fall asleep you hear light footsteps rappidly approaching to the entrance of your tent.

Shouldn't we have stonesense to warn us about this? And about Laelith?

I suggest always keeping a stonesense-eye out for elven feet heading our way.

>>13195130

That would be a given.

We might also want to consider increasing the number of crossbow repeaters we have. Up to a point where 1/3 to 1/2 our legionaires have them.

This is a good time to train them in their use as well.

>>13195195
>All flat terrain? That's going to make bypassing it without combat or being seen problematic.
Mostly flat. And the wagons move at a constant 20mph; regular marching speed is maybe 3mph. If we do this at night, using NV paste to see, we could bypass the fort in an entire night.

Should we keep the recipe of the NV paste to ourselves, or distribute it to the other commanders in our Cohort, and the commander of the main offensive when we make contact with them?
It's an incredible advantage, but we must take care that it doesn't fall into enemy hands.

>>13195266
My main concern is doing it without being seen. Hopefully you are right in we can do it without being seen since it'll make our initial assaults across the river more annoying if we are.

Also, I herped and derped last thread. Can't we in theory create pathways across the river with earth elementalism? Not complete walls to dam up the river but use stone spikes, flaten them and our infantry have another means of crossing in places that aren't meant for crossing.

"Mind telling me what the good news is?" you ask, sitting up on your cot, Jayne shifts in her place, now sitting on your lap, arms still around your shoulders.

"It would seem news has begun to circulate of our victory here. Youve become somewhat of a minor celebrity in Dragonsreach, the man who won our fair Empires first true victory in the war. As for my house, its becoming quite well known who acts as your personal guard on the field. Poor Bela is claims to be nearly overwhelmed with actual applicants to our house wing. We havent had any warriors of note come to us since before my father died. On top of that my sister has had to go through the torment of attending feasts that House Garlian isnt hosting, and screening breeder applicants on top of that. Though I'm sure she's exagerating quite a bit, with nothing to weigh all of this sudden work against." she explains happily "And all this because I let a dashing your commander sweet-talk me into working with him for his first campaign." she adds, kissing you on the cheek "Did you know that the Empire was so severly on the back foot when we were deployed?" she finally asks, regaining a slight semblance of her normal composure, while you read the letter shes holding for yourself. Jayne is right that it isn't really all that impressive a flow of applicants and social events, but apparently its an improvement.

>>13195289
Keep it to ourselves. We need SOME tricks of our own that nobody else can duplicate. Need that aura of mystique and fear.

>>13195299

I guess we could but if we're going full mechanised infantry, we should need to create the bridges.

Circling around and capturing the crossings will secure them for our forces will do.

>>13195323

I know its a drain on our resources... However we should probably give Jayne a bonus for her excellent performance in the field and her willingness to follow us again on this campaign.

With the new applicants, she'll need money for training, housing, pay and upkeep for more troops. The better the standard of her cavalry, the better for us in the long run.

>>13195323
"Well that's WONDERFUL news, Jayne. Hopefully with this offensive we can bring your house even more prestige."

>>13195299
I guess, we could try that. But I have my doubts, simply because Justinian isn't an engineer.
Wouldn't having Degrian build portable pontoon bridges be pretty much the same, and safer?

>>13195374
I agree with giving a bonus to Jayne from our personal funds.
It's not a waste; it's an investment in a proven combat asset, and a potential political ally and asset.

>bonus now or as a surprise alter, and how much?

>>13195457
>*later

>>13195323
"That's wonderful news, Jayne! Maybe you should let me sweep you off your feet more often, what do you think?

In answer to your question, yes I was informed of how difficult this campaign would be when we started out. But I knew with such an excellent command staff and my own abilities we would triumph."

>>13195404
I'll agree to that. She's pretty much our best and heaviest cavalry, and if we plan to eventually wed her then it's like we would be investing the money in our own estates.

>>13195457
I say later, and maybe...4000 dragoons?

>>13195457

Now perhaps so that she can send it back to her sister soon?

How much do you say, fellow CQers?

I'm thinking 2500 - 3000.

>>13195457
Well I'm all for giving her a reward, but I'm not sure how much of a bonus to giv-

>CommanderQuest XXXX

...

Hmm...

>>13195457
Later. I'd say 10k dragoons, assuming we loot well in this campaign. That's 1/2 of a normal deployment fee for her.

>CommanderQuest XXXX
Uh, actually, that's XL.

>>13195481
>>13195494
>>13195503
I was thinking somewhere around the vicinity of about 5,000. But I think we ought to wait until we get our requisition, because we're supposed to get a bonus.

>>13195533

We already got the bonus. 10k.

>>13195503

I'm thinking about this as a small gift/bonus for her right now. She'll definitely get a share of the loot when we're pillaging.

>>13195545
Wait, when?

I thought that we were supposed to get the bonus the next time we got to DragonsReach?

Pax, how much to we have in our coffers right now?

35450 personal, and 1750 requisition

Tactical runtime startup.....OK

Greeting: Hello meatbags!

>>13195494

Observation: 2.5k sounds like a fair bonus, as this campaign would be nigh impossible without the aid of Jayne's bear cavalry.

>>13195457
Statement: This runtime votes we should have the bonus shipped to Jayne's home as soon as possible.


Addendum: This runtime had a drawfag do something up for us.

>>13195599
Is that including the bonus that the Second Praetorian mentioned, have yet to pick that up?

>>13195616
We just sent it to Flumenos to pay for the Swiftriders and the Ghosts, I thought.

5000 it is. All the remaining campaign funds plus the rest from our personal.

>>13195620
No, they get paid when they get here.

>>13195633
>correct
>>13195610
>cool

>>13195610

Exquisite, Omicron. You have done the Legions of Dengar proud.

>>13195650
Is the 10,000 bonus we received from the Second included in our funds here >>13195599

>>13195695
no, it would be in requisition, and I've already subtracted it since you committed to spending it

Well hiring the mercs in the past on our last campaign from Khalless cost about 6k. We should at LEAST do that since she's noble cavalry. Can't be too cheap guys and might as well do it later.

Also, I just realized how the survivors of Stant's army will likely spread rumors of us and how we're demons. Appearing in the middle of night without torches. Our eyes glowing. The elements themselves doing our bidding. We are pretty bad ass when you look at it from the other view.

How does a bonus of 4000 now, that we send to Jayne's sister to help in recruiting and getting more uursan, and 6,000 once this entire campaign is over and we've got the loot to spare.

>>13195817
Fair enough. Let's do that.

My instinct is to leave any and all bonuses for post-campaign, but perhaps that's silly, since her sister would be able to use it to improve things while we're out. So sure, why not answer her good news with giving her money. Maybe she'll be so overwhelmed with joy that she'll finally jump our bones.

"Perhaps you should allow me to sweep you aff your feet more often then, Jayne." you reply, grinning. "And while I was informed that this would be a difficult fight, I had confidence that we would be victorious." you add, snaking your arms around Jaynes waist.

"And how was it that you gained such knowledge?" she asks you, teasing.

"I have to admit that the group is either far too attractive, skilled, or foolish to loose. What frightens me is I cant tell who falls in which category more often than not." you quip, mentally deciding to send a 5000 dragoon gift to house Garlian tomorrow morning.

"And which group do I fall in to?" Jayne asks, still playful.

"Well, two of them, but I can never decide which two." you reply, mischievously. Jayne playfully punches your shoulder, and you retaliate by working your fingers up under her shirt and on to her stomach, where you begin to relentlessly tickle her.

Jayne light-heartedly screams out in surprise, and after a brief struggle, you pin her down to your cot, where she stops struggling, grinning widely, flushed and more than a bit riled. Chuckling she quips one more time "Well, I suppose I should let you to your beauty rest then, your getting immolated tomorrow after all."

>>13195868
Groan. "How bad do I have it coming? I'd like to at least get off a witty one-liner before I go out in an inglorious blaze."

>>13195868

"care to join me?"

>>13195868
We have her pinned down on our bed. Aggress!

>>13195892
Seconding this one.

>>13195892

Thirding

Mmm, I'm going to throw my vote against bedding Jayne first. She's going to be our wife already and we've gone on an actual dinner date with her compared to not much else with the others, we don't want to favor her too much over the others.

>>13195985
We don't even have to bed her, even moving to passionate kissing would be nice. Having attractive women sit on our lap then run off with smiles and laughter is becoming a motif with us, and as long as we've got this moment we should exploit it at least a little.

You groan "Just how bad will it be?" you ask "And dont I have the right to a few last witticisms before I die like a winter torch?" you add, not moving your arms from her sides, keeping her pinned.

"No doubt one with _your_ charms will be able to survive... though if our favorite elf were to burst in to see that you had seduced me, well, I'm not sure I'm ready to die for your pranks yet, nor do I have the right sort of authority over her to restrain her... yet." Jayne replies, then moving faster than you had expected her hands are under your short, tickling you just as fiercely as you had her. Before long, you are pinned on your cot by Jayne, who is pressing her body into yours ever so slightly, a smile on her face, auburn hair more than a little messy, the tail she keeps it tied in falling over her shoulder, mischief in her eyes as she stares into yours.

>>13196033

come on, how can you guys say no to that?

we'll make it up to the others later

Compromise idea:

Since she brought up taking her leave so that Justinian could get some rest, let her take her leave.

But mention something along these lines: "Well I suppose I should get some rest. Although all this excitement's gotten me feeling up and about and I could have really blown off some steam...OH WELL! Good night, Jayne!"

trollJustinian.jpg

>>13196033
Kissing. Now. Stop at nothing short of actually sexing her.

>>13196033
>>13196066

Oh wait, nevermind.

Carry on.

(Unless of course anyone else wants to troll Jayne.)

>>13196004
Don't fool yourself, if we press the moment then we'll end up doing the horizontal tango.

I suggest moving to third base (heavy petting), but not sliding into her home plate quite yet. Others might disagree, or from the looks of it our choice might be made for us.

>>13196088
3rd base, Maybe, and likes make it a slow run there.
After all, when she most assuredly brags to the girls later, we want them wanting to either one-up her, or enjoy the touch of Trentz

>>13196180

Agrement: since we're already at this point, we might as well encourage the other girls to step up their game.

>>13196180
It was going to happen eventually, and I guess this is as good a time as any.

>>13196229
We've waited a bit, we can wait a little longer. We can see that they all 'compete' and talk about us specifically, we still have a few weeks in Skywatch, we've enough to have some fun.

After our eventual burn wounds heal.

rolled 4 = 4

Well, I vote for actually going for Jayne, she still is my favorite. She just fits under the tsundere role too well and it would be nice to have a girl who could handle herself in more ways than one. She can stop a man's heart at her whim remember. However, Justinian is still someone to prolong this so, nah, lets not make a move on her yet. Then sleepy time.

Smirking, you reach up and pull Jayne down into a kiss, her eyes close, and arms go from your side to around you, and yours around her. It quickly becomes obvious to you that your first read on the woman was right, she isnt very experienced with this sort of thing at all. As such, your hand on her firm bum is more than enough to keep her from noticing your maneuvering the two of you from your horizontal position, to sitting at the edge of the cot, and her back to your lap, legs around your hips. Eventually you have to break off for air. Jayne looks about, surprised at the sudden change in position. Smiling she announces "And now I look all a mess, what will the others think?" shifting back to sitting sideways on your lap.

"Would you like me to steal something from your tent as well then? Undergarments perhaps?"

Jaynes carefully guarded look of disappointment quickly shifts back to the playful grin she started with as she lightly punches you again "Dont you dare." she orders, to which you respond with a quick kiss on the cheek. "But I suppose I should go watch my things now, just in case you wont listen." she announces, rising from your lap. She does an admirable, though not quite complete, job of straightening her garb before setting off to her own tent, smiling, you lie down to sleep.

-----CQ-----

You sleep, however, seems too short, as a rather angry Laelith bursts into your tent, her pale skin offset by the dark robe that barely covers her. The lack of a burning torch is a relief to you, but the sun chasing the moon as it rises behind her creates the effect the torch would have.

>>13196268
>She just fits under the tsundere role too well
What? No she doesn't. There's not a single girl in our harem that would qualify as a tsundere. Hell, Belatrix is the only one in the story who would qualify.

Jayne is solid Deredere.

>>13196288
Good morning Laelith. Is there something wrong?

trollface.jpg

Begin subroutine TROLLFACE.JPG

Recitation: "Problem, Laelith?"

rolled 95 = 95

>>13196297
Well, we already got under her skin so she isn't necessarily tsundere anymore. Deredere is a good description for her though.

>>13196288
"Hmmm, good morning. I believe those set of robes do quite well to bring out your natural beauty Laelith. Is there something you need?"

>>13196288

"Good morning Lealith. I must say, that looks splendid on you. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company and this wondrous sight this early?"

>>13196288
Well, time to pose on the bed with a smile, "That robes a good fit on you, did you wear that for me? I was hoping for something all Sashes myself"

>>13196288
"My, my, aren't you looking stunning this morning? And to barge into a gentleman's tent in such an outfit! Why, what will the men say?"

You lazily roll out of your cot, pushing the blankets from on top of you as you do so, the morning air flowing through the open tentflap chilling your bare chest. "Why, good morning Laelith, to what do I owe the pleasure of having such a beautiful form before me?"

Laelith stammers slightly before replying "Wh-where are they?" she demands as you slide up next to her.

"Your sashes? I had almost hoped you would only wear them instead of this intensely flattering robe, but I suppose they are still in your tent then." you reply, sliding your arm around her waist and leading her away from the entrance to your tent, you can now feel her shivering from the cold, ever so slightly.

"No, not those. You know quite well what I want back from you, Justinian." She demands, slightly pulling away from you, though you use it as an opportunity to lead her to your chairs instead of your cot, not releasing her until she is sitting on the seat next to you.

Subroutine Trollface.jpg running

Recitation: "Why Laelith, I have no earthly idea what you're talking about."

>>13196435
Oh my, you have a chill! This simply won't do! Come over here, I'll warm you up.

As for the items you seem to have misplaced, I might have some ideas on where to search. I'll of course need to be properly compensated for undertaking such an arduous task.

>>13196435
"could you please describe these items? were they leather? lace? silk? I have quite the collection. please be descriptive."

"I have no idea what you are talking about, my dear." you reply calmly "And though I am flattered that you dressed in such a lovely robe for me, you really shouldn't have, you might catch a chill, and I would have helped you find that which was lost without you going to such lengths." you add, genuine concern in your voice.

"My robes. That I _know_ you took from my tent yesterday. Where are they?" she replies, clearly putting effort into sounding nothing but frustrated.

"Oh THOOOOSE." you reply, an impish grin sliding across your face "I may know where to look, but such information wont come free, and the arduaous task of retrieving them myself would cost extra." you add, stretching.

Laelith sighs, her face staying measuredly impassive "And what would this toll be?" she asks.

Maybe it twas my young ward Wulf, he's been learning a lot from me, maybe he's been observing me and taking my other... ations as part of his training.

>>13196596
*actions as

Shall we wager for her Sash? or maybe a date? a Stroll through the woods together would be quite nice, after we find her more warm clothing.

>>13196592
Well you see, a lady elf of such refinement and grace as yourself must have lived a long and interesting life. I, on the other hand, am a mere clumsy soldier. When I saw you instructing fair Lena I thought to myself "Justinian, when we get back to Dragonsreach I should have this wonderful woman teach me to dance and escort me to a ball or two."

>>13196592

"what would the fair lady be willing to pay?"

>>13196644
A date sounds good. A nice pleasant stroll through the countryside alone is romantic and fun. She can pack us a picnic and we can stay out all day "scouting".

>>13196665
Sounds like a plan.

>>13196646
>>13196665
Combine these two. She has to do both, this is a lot of work we are doing after all.

>>13196652
Hah, I like this one.

"Well, A walk in the woods, maybe a simple meal... that would suffice." you reply, nonchalantly.

Laeliths jaw drops "You went through all that trouble... for a picnic?" she asks, shocked

"How do you ask such things?" you reply as if your actions were totally logical.

Laelith simply shakes her head "Please, show me where they are." is all she can manage. Aftera few minuites Laelith is in a warmer, winter robe, and heading from your tent, the two of you having decided to decide on a time and day at a later date. Smiling, you consider what you need to do today, and what you will do now that your day has begun.

>well, what do?

>>13196774

DEGRAIN.

>Finally

>>13196774
Gasp "What will the men say if you leave my tent in new clothes!"

>>13196774
Degrian. We need those automated wagons built.

>>13196774
>"You went through all that trouble... for a picnic?"
No, we went to all that trouble to watch you come storming into our room wearing nothing but that robe. The picnic is just a bonus.


Today we need to dispatch people to the aid of Nomz, send a better escorted message warning of the cultists to the Praetorian, see that all our men are doing well, train a bit, and flirt outrageously with our ladies. We should seriously try to sleep with at least two of them before our assault in three weeks.

>>13196774
We need to have Degrian start constructing enough of those improved self-propelled wagons for our entire maniple.
We also need to get the aid force for Commander Nomz prepped and shipped out. We also need to get a group of soldiers together as messengers to send our warning to the Second concerning the cult.

>>13196819
If we're lucky one of Jayne's men brought the letter, though, we would be putting her family at risk involving them this closely to it.

>>13196845
I was thinking in regards to sending people back to deliver our message. Jayne's cavalry unit likely has people who have either lost their mount or are too injured to fight subtracted from her full unit strength. Perhaps they should be sent back to her house and they can take the message. Assuming they can be trusted.

>>13196819
I think we could probably manage Laelith, Sansa, and Jayne before the assault. Kyria I am unsure about. That's also a pretty good order, IMO. We can make a move on Laelith during the picnic.

>>13196888
My only concern is whether or not they will be allowed to meet with the Second.
I suppose if we provide a letter of introduction, that could get them in, though.

>>13196845
Also have the men cranck out ballistas and catapaults.

If I recall correctly, Pax said we could have 12 ballistas and 3 catapaults before we have to march.

>>13196920

that'd be 4 mangonels mr. girder

>>13196920
Might be best to focus on the wagons first. Speed will be key if we're going to do raiding and want to avoid battle.

After a quick breakfast you make your way to where Degrian and Kyria are already modifying one of your wagons to propel itself. "How can I help?" the diminutive engineer asks, stepping away from the wagon he was working on.

"How long will it take you to modify all of the wagons?" you ask curtly, hoping it wont take too long.

"Two weeks." Degrian replies, moving back to the wagon "Do you need me to work on anything else during this time?" he asks, affixing a metal arm to the gears and weights already inside the wheel.

>>13196969
Should we ask him about making something to help cross the river at places where normally one could not? Could also be useful in helping the main offensive force cross later on.

>>13196969
We also need more heavy siege engines, preferably also self-propelled, and having at least something for rapid bridging of a river would be good. We should be able to drastically reduce any river's width using elementalism, but we'll still need to cross it.

>>13196969
Let's take some time to hit on Kyria while we are here. Ask her about the arm, too.

>>13196969
Ask him if the engineers he's been training are good enough to make a pontoon bridge.
Also, if they will be able to construct siege engines, such as his heavy repeaters and mangonels.
In these two weeks, Degrian is to be given whatever supplies we can provide him with, in order to build the machines we need.

And our Medicae should be ordered to collect all of the ingredients we need for more NV paste; we don't know if we'll be able to gather the herbs necessary in Uurlanth lands.

>>13197004

The pontoon bridge.

Just by floating the carts and connecting them, we'll have one.


>>13196969

Portable siege and more repeaters. Enough to outfit our legionaires.

Tell him hes free to draft manpower from our units currently resting.

>>13197026
>>13197067
Siege engines might be a bad idea if he can't make them self-propelled and fast. I'm assuming we're looking to avoid battles in Uurlanth lands unless we're choosing them so we'll need speed. If they end up slowing us down, we might need to leave them behind for now.

>>13197064
Maybe jokingly say something about how she 'falling behind in the race'
One of the Very last things to say though.

>>13197090
You have a point.
But if we could mount a heavy repeater on a self-propelled wagon, and armor it with, at minimum, thick wooden shield panels to protect the crew from arrows, that would give us an immense firepower advantage that the Uurlanthis will be hard-pressed to counter.

"Yes" you reply "A way to rapidly cross the Greyrun, should my elementalism prove inadequate to ease the fording. In addition to that I will need the siege engine you said you could prepare before we depart."

"Bridge not work, gears make wagons too heavy. Cant have autowagons and siege engines, I need full team to accomplish either. You will need choose." the Kaskyana replies, strolling to the front of the wagon to start work on the other wheel.

>>13197112
I agree completely. All I'm saying is don't load up on slow siege engines of doom when we're trying to perform a series of fast raids and attacks on their river holdings. If they CAN be made to be fast due to the wagons, I'm all for them. If not though, we should leave them behind and make a mental note to have Degrian find a way to make our siege engines quicker at moving if possible in the future.

>>13197112
And you know, we'll be bringing about Tanks/Armored Cars to an Arrow(plus Arcane) tech level

>>13197133
I say wagons then. Speed will be key in this campaign if we don't want to get into constant battles.

Also, we should ask Degrian if he could make one of those constructs he told us about earlier just not for the purposes of war. Could he make one that would be useful in non-offensives means whether it be assisting in moving siege engines, creating fortifications or whatever. He said he couldn't take the burden of taking lives but I think he could take that and I imagine it would be more effective physically than a normal person.

>>13197149
I agree, and we can always take the necessary materials to make a luch of our specialized mounted guns which we'll ride home to dragon reach on.

The hell is it powered?

>>13197133
Okay, we go with the wagons then.
Also, from what he's saying, we may need to use elementalism to create stone bridges or to raise the riverbed to the point where the water is only an inch or two deep, to cross.
Of course, this also helps us in making trouble for Uurlanth river trade, so it's not all bad.

>>13197195

I highly recommend getting them to mass-produce crossbow repeaters.

Imagine our auto wagons racing down the plains. Unleashing a hail of crossbow bolts.

We absolutely must have siege engines with us. If our job is to take down as many of the fortifications guarding the crossing as is practical, then we need the tools to do so quickly and effectively- which means things which hurl very large rocks very fast, and thereby remove annoying walls.

We'll have to handle the crossing entirely with our elementalism, if that's the choice.

>>13197227
We just have to make sure they don't get into the hands of the enemy. I'm sure eventually they will get access to it but let's try to deny Uurlanth this kind of thing as long as possible.

Anyways, I think they'll be too busy with the wagons for now so I don't think they can make more. Probably going to have to wait for our next return to the capital. We should really arm Gaius and Cornelius' units with javelins or some kind of initial ranged weapon they can use before a charge or upon receiving one just like the real Legions had.

Also Pax - can we upgrade any of our units in similar ways to how we upgraded our scouts to rangers with the current gear we have on hand? Or only what our imaginations would allow us to do at this point?

>>13197227
A 4-6, hell 8-10 repeater mounted gun on our Wagons.

>>13197241
A lot of the river holdings north of Fort Conflux will be relatively easy to take though since they're not stone. I believe the stone holdings are only near their bigger fort south of Fort Conflux and there's where you may be right. However, I still think faster wagons and thus letting us move quicker is more useful. Hitting the river crossings will be more painful but if we're quicker, we can avoid enemy armies a lot easier compared to if we were dragging around 12+ siege engines.

>>13197244
Equipping all of our regular legionnaires with javelins or pilums would be outstanding.

>>13197180
>inertia, weights, counter-weights, some gears and non-euclidean geometry... ia ia Degrian

"The wagons then. And how long would it take you to make a lifter automata?" you ask, curious, as Kyria kicks something on her side of the wagon in frustration.

"Still not affixing parts right..." Degrian admonishes the shapely dwarf calmly "For one? Year, maybe more if no good metal available. That next, or something else?" he asks as Kyria finishes her side of the wagon through much cursing.

"Good morning Justinian." she greets you, maker her way around the wagon to join the conversation.

>>13196943
Ah, my mistake.

>>13197133

Dangit. In the future, I say we ought to invest in creating another engineering team so that we can have them do multiple tasks.

In any case, I vote we go for the wagons, since we'll need to mobility, as Maximus already said.

>>13197294
Morning sunshine, problems? One would think things would be easier with two working arms.

>>13197294
A year eh...? Maybe we should have him work on something else. Think we should have him try to work on the crossbow design more and create something for long range? Imagine if we could get crossbows that rival the range of elven archers... Dorf snipers are a go!

>>13197294

Pax, can they produce crossbow repeaters on the side while building the wagons? This is when they draft our resting troops to help out.

>>13197294
"Not immediately next, but if we get some time and I can set you up with a proper workshop in Dragons Reach, then yes. For now, self-propelled wagons, heavy repeaters and other siege weapons, and then putting them on the wagons for mobile firepower.
"Good morning, Kyria. Machinery giving you problems?"

Maybe we should ask if she's had any progress with the runes?

>>13197341
>Maybe we should ask if she's had any progress with the runes?

Wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Good morning, Kyria." you greet her, catching her in a hug before anything else "Arm still fine I see... and I am curious, are the runes treating you better than the machinery?" you ask

Kyria smiles and pecks you on the cheek "Slightly. I can get steam reliably... but no forge yet." she replies "And yes, my arm is still fine... you WILL have to tell me how you managed to fix that someday." she adds as she steps away.

"Good to hear, Kyria." you reply, before looking at the smaller of the two, standing at roughly the same distance from you. "No, you can work on that when we return to Dragonsreach and you have a propper workshop. I would like you to begin working out how to get a crossbow to accurately rival an elven archers maximum range accurately next, though siege engines and autowagons take precedent over that." you reply.

"Very good... I think I have plan, after Kyrias words." Degrian replies.

"Excellent, I look forward to seeing them working." you reply "And your falling behind, Kyria" you add as you head off into the camp, work on your mind again.

>Your hunters are ready for an upgrade, with a bit of training, and a slight re-equip. Either shortblades and Javelins in addition to the black cloaks, longknives and Longbows for some Shadows, or some infiltration/hiding practice and better long range skills for some Deadeyes.
>Legionary battalions are close
>If you had the spare repeaters, yes you could affix them to the wagons (too complex for Joe soldier to make though)
>what now?

>>13197439
Next order of business is putting together a task force to go help out Nomz, I think. Call up Wulf, explain the situation, and get his tactical assessment of what forces we should send as a test of what he's learned thus far.

>>13197439
>or some infiltration/hiding practice and better long range skills for some Deadeyes
This. I think we should also see about recruiting elves into their ranks.

Next I think it's breakfast with Aurelius.

>>13197439
I'm thinking Deadeyes. Closest we'll get to our own elven bowmen unless they can be upgraded more. Plus, having another unit able to do infiltration type stuff in this next campaign would be damn useful.

>>13197439

Deadeyes

for the love of the gods, Deadeyes

some elementalism practice anyone?

>>13197439
More Shadows are always good, but having some Deadeyes with NV paste snipe enemy artillery crews and officers when we do another night attack is also very nice.

I'm not sure which we'll need more.

>>13197487
I know. The idea of having them be able to sneak up close and wreck some shit as shadows is appealing but I think the Deadeyes will be more useful in the long term. Especially when we won't have elven mercs available to us for our sneaky missions.

rolled 85 = 85

I agree, Deadeyes and see if they can get some practice with the 300 or so Composite bows that we have.

Also, what possible upgrades are there for the Legionaries?

Also Test Roll

Alright, I think Deadeyes wins the vote.

So, have breakfast with Aurelius, then confer with Wulf to test his tactical skills on the problem that Nomz is having, then get the relief force ready to move out.

>>13197475
I think Pax forgot about breakfast and we already had a quick one before we came out. In terms of what to do now, I agree with sending out forces to help out Nomz.
Think we should send him a letter to deliver our intel to the second Praetorian if he's returning to the capital or should we just send some of our own men now and get that settled?

>>13197516
>Think we should send him a letter to deliver our intel to the second Praetorian if he's returning to the capital or should we just send some of our own men now and get that settled?
Why not do both?
We don't know how high or extensive this cult's influence is, and if Nomz IS returning to the capital, he should be warned.

>expensive ones, ones you want the empire to pocket, because you sure as hell cant.
>though it is possible to get them some javelins
>and no comment on my Cthulhu crack back there? sadpanda.jpg

As you make your way through your camp, your stomach informs you that an apple does not count as breakfast. At which point the sound of Bellatrix rather loudly informing Aurelius that she will be at the breakfast as well reminds you that you do, in fact, have an agreement to keep to. You make your way over to the pair "Ah, ready to eat then?" you ask them. They stop, look at you, then follow you to the mess tent.

"What is on your mind then, Commander?" Aurelius asks, as Bellatrix groggily sits down next to him.

>>13197573
He's right.
Nomz is very appreciative of the tactics, and will be even more so of the reinforcements we'll be sending him.

Plus, giving info to a more ranking officer to bring to the second, giving him something that only Trentz and the 2nd would know to get a personal audience. But passed to the retainers of the 2nd as something he and Nomz shared.

>>13197595
I hear that your hunters have gotten quite skilled this campaign. I recently hired some Elven Ambushers, what do you think of mingling with them and seeing what the men can pick up in the way of ambushing and long range shooting?

Bellatrix, did you sleep badly last night? No more bad dreams, I hope? And how is Lena faring after my brush with death last eve?

>>13197595
Bring up that we need some of his hunters pulled for Deadeye training, and that we'll need him to work closely with the Ghosts when they arrive.
Our invasion of Uurlanth is going to require that we forage for supplies, and that we'll be depending on him to provide for the maniple.

Also ask Bellatrix how her sleeping has been, if she's had any more bad dreams. Also ask about Lena, but avoid mentioning the accident.

>>13197701

Seconding.

"Not overly much." you reply amiably, glad that you didnt take any sausage this morning "I was just thinking that your battalion will need to start deadeye training once the newest batch of mercenaries I hired arrives."

"Who will be training us?" Aurelius asks, interested "And will we still be feeding the maniple its meat once we pass into Uurlanth?" he adds.

"I dont know the captains name, but the unit is the Clarish Ghosts. And yes, unless we find a farm large enough to feed several thousand hungry soldiers." you reply "You look as if you didnt sleep very well, Bellatrix, I hope it wasnt more nightmares." you say, looking to the young Kharyncheck warrior.

"I, well... yes, it was. At least Lena is doing well." she replies, before taking another bite from the slice of cheese she has on her plate.

Before you can respond, a familiar set of arms drapes around your shoulders "Good morning, Justinian" Sansa greets you "Mind if I join the three of you?" she asks, already siting next to you, and taking a bite of... sausage??

>>13197812
A chuckle, maybe a peck on her chin/cheek. "I dont understand how you can manage to eat that, has he fixed the recipe to make them softer?

>>13197812
"Of course Sansa. We were just speaking about new training the Hunters were going to go through soon. Are you going to take part in that as well when the time comes?"

>>13197812
Ye gods woman! What have you done with my lovely darling Sansa's sense of taste! After seeing that I might need to check the food to be provided during the celebration.

>>13197812
Should we suggest to Bellatrix that she start training with the mysticism glove, if only to get enough control to block things out?
The whole 'becoming a lesioned and warped figure of your former self' is disheartening, but unless we can eventually have an arcana or runed crown to dampen mystic abilities so that it doesn't happen, I don't know what else we can do for her.

>>13197812
>"Mind if I join the three of you?" she asks, already siting next to you, and taking a bite of... sausage??
I have an idea of where this is going...

"Sure Sansa, the more the merrier."

Also, this: >>13197889

>>13197915
We don't even know that's what she is. Why the assumption that she's a mystic just because her sister is a mage?

After what she's had to go through over the years they could just be normal nightmares.

>>13197915
We should first find out more details on her nightmares. I kind of want to do that in private rather than in front of other people. Mystics also seem to go insane to a degree... Not sure if we should put her up to that honestly even if she can become a mystic.

>>13197945
Also, as it is Laelith will have her hands full training Lena.

If we do pursue trying to see if Bellatrix has the potential to be a mystic, we ought to wait until we get back to DragonsReach when we have more free time.

>>13197935
Last thread when we talked with Aurellius about Bellatrix, he said that it was almost as if she could read his mind.

>>13197945
Of course we'll ask her in private. Also, Laelith said that it's not that the mystic goes insane; it's simply that's how it looks to people who can't read other people's thoughts and act on them.

>>13197915
We don't actually have proof that she's a mystic, although it's very possible. Might want to present it as going through all the gloves searching for any talents she might have...


Actually, I don't think we've systematically tested all our forces for elementalist powers yet. I recall going through our support staff, but not the line troops. We have many hundreds of potentials here, and a couple weeks off; we should systematically go through them and find anyone with a scrap of talent. I have the ambition of one day commanding entire units of elementalists, and now seems like an excellent time to start.

>>13197981
But then we'd make Aurelius' woman all hideous and ugly. I don't think he'd forgive us for that, heh. Before we consider starting to train her, we need to translate the book we have on mysticism. Too risky to just have her put the glove on and go wild. Perhaps we might find out more things to avoid the whole turning ugly and the seeming to be insane if we translate it.

>>13197987
I was under the impression that Laelith already did a sweep of our maniple's personnel to find the doctor, smith, and cook, though I suppose we should also check the mercs, too.

>>13197998
Point of fact, she's not his woman yet.

>>13198021
He's made progress with her and the two of them came together to this breakfast. Close enough for Aurelius at this point it seems.

"But of course Sansa... though with taste like that I may need to check the food you selected for the celebration later tonight." you reply, planting a light kiss on her cheek.

"Are you sure you dont want to talk about the nightmares?" Aurelius asks Bellatrix, moving to put his hand on hers, though she avoids it.

"My dreams do not make for enjoyable mealtime conversation." Bellatrix insists.

"Nor do mine, but I think that may be Justinians fault." Sansa interjects, moving on to eat an egg.

Bellatrix blushes noticeably, you barely keep your composure and Aurelius' jaw drops "I... I'm not sure if I am ready to be as open with my past as I would need be to discuss..." Bellatirx trail off, the change in looks on the face around her at the table already reading into what happened. She sighs "I did not give myself up, but I will not share the details either. I was younger than I should have been to do as I did, though I matured quickly." she explains, relief forming on her face as the worst of the pity washes from the rest of the groups faces.

>>13198115
"It's alright Bellatrix. None of us will force you to speak about your past and I'm sure any of us here will be there if you ever change your mind. One thing I am curious about though... Have you decided what to do with your hair Aurelius?"

Hopefully that last part can lighten things up a bit.

>>13198115

Recitation: "I see. Soldiers get this as well sometimes, after particularly gruesome battles or losing one too many friends on the field. More than one of my previous mentor's close friends would sometimes just have an episode out of the blue. Some got better when talking about it, and others would just go into an episode again when it was brought up.

For a people with a long history of war, us mortals just aren't fully equipped for everything it brings."

>Justinian Trentz Victory Dance

"Bellatrix, worry not so much of your past, as it will only hurt your present and hold you back from your future. You kept Lena safe from harm for years, and now you can at last relax, if not for a little bit, because hundreds more are here to help. You and Lena have a future here, i promise it."

>>13198115
So, tell me Bellatrix... what can you possibly see in Aurelius. I mean, I'm clearly the better choice as Sansa here would tell you.

>>13198326

Rebuttal: None of that, now. Four meatbag females is enough.

>>13198343
Indeed. We're trying to stay on good terms with our captains. Not piss them off at us and make them leave. Especially now that our hunters are getting an upgrade.

Though you feel a deep sadness for the girl, you cant help but congratulate yourself for being right, as you reply "Dont worry, after years of keeping Lena safe, you have found a place where you can be at ease, and you can wait as long as you need before discussing your past." you take a deep breath before you say what comes next, not truly believing that you are about to do this "As a soldier I have seen this sort of thing often, though not always as dramatic, or well hidden. These mental ailments are one of the prices those of us who live a life of violence pay, eventually. And I have found that keeping these pains close to yourself only ever worsens them. I will not order you to share, but I think I know of a few people who would be willing to listen, and help ease your pains, when you are ready."

"Oh?" is all Bellatrix can manage.

"A certain too-long haired captain sits at the front of that list." you inform her, Aurelius shoots you a betrayed look, Sansa laughs, and Bellatrix visibly relaxes.

"You said the Clarish Ghosts? I think I know their captain, actually." Aurelius interjects, looking to change the subject, finally capturing Bellatrix' hand in his as he does so. The young woman looks to fight it, but upon realizing how close you are sitting to Sansa she instead returns his grip.

>>13198343
It was more of a teasing comment with the genuine question about what she sees in him.

>>13198413
Fair enough. Hard to tell over the net what kind of tone people want in what they ask.

>>13198412
"A good kind of know or 'I rather avoid him' kind of know? What do you know of the man?"

>>13198412
>I think I know their captain, actually
"Oh? What kind of person is he?"

>>13198412
"A past tryst perhaps?"

Just to mess with him.

>>13198496
Heh, now that you mention that I don't think we've seen any female merc captains or commanders yet.

>>13198507
You realize we're almost in bed with one?

>>13198526
Observation: Noble houses don't count.

>>13198540
Yeah I meant as in random mercenary captains or commanders in the legion. Nobles are far above mercenary captain level.

"Is that so? And if you are in fact, correct, would you be so good as to tell me the sort of elf I will be dealing with?" you ask the captain, sipping at your water.

"He made me the man I am." Aurelius replies, with no hint of emotion to the reply.

"Your last tryst with another male then?" Sansa asks, grinning, all she receives is a brief glare from Aurelius.

>>13198586
Huh. That doesn't seem promising.
"Will there be problems between you and this man? If so, I'll aim to minimize unit interaction between you two after your training to make things simpler."

>>13198586
and maybe giving a kiss/wink to Sana for being on the same wavelength

>>13198586
"Aurelius, that's colorful, but not nearly as informative as I would like. Let's hear a real assessment, please. You're one of my captains and I value your judgment enough to want it spoken fully and completely."

>>13198623
Gotta second this, stick an arm around her and give her a peck. Sassy little lass, I could just eat her up.

You plant another kiss on Sansa cheek, getting a smile in return "As... promising, as that sounds, I feel the need to ask if that will cause any problems I will need to manage, and for your... proper review on the man, as one of my captains you have my utmost trust, of course." you reply to Aurelius, finishing your meal.

"No, the cause of our, problems has long since passed. He is a quiet enough fellow, unassuming and not demanding of others. Though he is cut out of the same cloth as you and I when it comes to women, and his desires are... unpleasant, to say the least." Aurelius responds.

"It would seem that all you need to do is keep him from us" Bellatrix inserts, motioning to Sansa "and you will be able to work with him well enough."

"That would be my suggestion. His skills are sufficient, though he takes more pride in them than he has any right too. So, what is it you will be bringing up at our next meeting then? What grand scheme has our brilliant commander cooked up for this next leg of the campaign?" Aurelius asks, a slight hint of sarcasm in his tone, though it is small enough to draw out that he does in fact want to know your plan, and trust you.

>>13198715
Oh come now, have I let you down yet?

I plan nothing less than to bring Uurlanth's river shipping to a grinding halt for a hundred years or more.

>>13198715
"Details still need to be worked out and topography examined if we get get the intel but I think I have a plan on how the next leg of our campaign will go. I'm hoping we'll be able to cross the river and hit one of their forts quick enough that they haven't had the chance to mobilize to counter us and from there we'll raid and weaken their holdings on the river as the situation determines."

Reminds me - we should get Blackbird back and eventually send out some scouts to try to examine patrols at the fort we have to bypass.

>>13198715
Laugh confidently. "First, we're going to rescue another maniple out of the goodness of our hearts. Then we're going to cross the river at a location they'll never expect, use weapons they've never seen, smash some forts, loot some towns, and greet the main force with a smile and bow when they finally arrive. It'll be a grand time all around, glory and wealth for everyone."

You chuckle, pulling Sansa closer to you "I plan to start by Aiding Commander Nomz in his battle, then cross miles north of where the Uurlanthi will expect. After that we will plunder and sack our merry way through their holdings, attacking them with our brilliant engineers latest machinations, and after a week of terror on the Uurlanthi part, and having crippled commerce on the Greyrun for at least a hundred years we will smile and bow as the main force arrives." you reply.

Sansa puts her arm around your waist "Though I'm curious as to how you intend to execute the hundred years of bad trade, I like your plan." she compliments, this time you are on the receiving end of a kiss on the cheek.

"I have to admit, that does sound like fun." Aurelius replies. The conversation goes on for a few more minuites, but eventually you all rise and head off to see to different matters. For you, its a single blast on a strange horn, followed by 30 soldiers in black-stained armor, many of them having boar tusks affixed to their heads, it a sad approximation of the massive black-skinned orc at the groups leads lightly twisted horns.

>>13198890
Blackbird! Go clap the big orc on the back, he did us proud.

>>13198890
Excellent! Let's get his after action report, make sure those guys get fed, see if he needs anything in particular. Discover if he's somehow corrupted all those men and they need to be moved from their own units to his permanent command.

You quickly walk up to the orc, and with a healthy pat on the back, which you suspect he hardly felt through his leathers you greet him "Blackbird, my friend. I assume the raiding went well?"

the big orc chuckles out "Indeed it did, friend. Though you managed to prove my better at the end of the festival. It is... rejuvenating, to spend a week raiding a true foe for the sake of it. Though I fear some of your soldiers picked up on some of my traits." he replies, motioning to the men with 'horns' on their helmets.

Go congratulate them on a stupendous job also inquire whats up with horns and get the after action report off him.

>>13198976

Recitation: "Hopefully, then, they'll be more than prepared for the next leg of our journey. I guarantee you will enjoy this part, as well as the news that came with it."

Oh lord, he's going to go back to getting Sons.
Well, so much for restful sleep.

>>13198976
Perhaps you can incorporate that into your raiding in the future? Perhaps you can create the legend of a lone orc who is in a dozen places at once, and can never die. Your unit did very well, and I'm of a mind to make it permanent.

>>13199005
I like this. Let's see if we can make them not only a raiding force but also a psychological warfare one.

Tell him what our next job is as I'm sure he'll absolutely love what our next task is.

"I assume they would very much like to split off from their old units to join yours then?" you ask, resigned to Blackbird getting a clan to lead, one way or another.

"I believe they would like that." Blackbird replies as his graygreen skinned firstwife walks up to him, a hand on her stomach, and embraces him with the free hand. Blackbird lets out a booming joyous laughter, and more than a few of the men now under his command cheer as well "What then, is our next move?" he asks, throwing an arm around the smaller orc and waving his men off to their tents.

"We attack." you reply, letting a feral grin slide across your face.

"And my role in this will be?" the orc asks, clearly intensely happy.

"I was thinking of you building up a legend around yourself. The greatest of orc raiders, menace of Uurlanth, who can be in 31 places at once, and best twice that number in single combat." you reply evenly.

Laughing again, Blackbird replies "I like the way you think, Commander. When do we leave?"

"Soon enough." you reply, before filling the orc in on the rest of your plans, and informing him of the meeting tomorrow.

>I think I'm gonna call it for tonight, as the next chunk is gonna be rather lengthy
>someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9:30, 10:00pmish server time
>setting/didnt fit in the thread questions? e-mail me at: paxcomquest@yahoo.com

Where did everyone else go? Also what are we gonna name this new unit?

rolled 10 = 10

>>13199101
>>13199149
Black Tusk Raiders

Ok Its been archived remember to vote.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/13195086/

>>13199149
Was occupied with stuff unfortunately. Didn't miss too much at least.

>>13199183

Statement: The obvious answer is The 'Ard Boys