>>14093512
>What will your recompense be for me?
A payment of 1,000 dragoons, and a yearly retainer of 500 dragoons.
Sound good?

Gasp, gaze on her new face as your love for her burns brighter than ever, prepare a small victory dance to use when you walk her home as the people gawk and gaze, yadda yadda yadda

"Name your price healer, be it dragoons, herbs, or helpers to assist you."

I somehow have the idea to send word to the soft orcs about finding them jobs, a healers assistant could be one.

Err, didn't Lealith want to keep a few scars on her face?

"I am recently back from a successful foray into enemy territory, so money is no object. However, perhaps you are familiar with stories of the syptonus(sp?) vine? A man under my employ came into possession of one on our way back, and it can produce some rare and useful extracts."

>>14093512
"Why, what do you wish? Money- I can offer thousands of dragoons. Status- I can offer you a position as a founding instructor at a school of elementalism, leading hundreds of elementalists and thousands of others to honor your knowledge and skill in the years to come. Magical items- a man in my employ has a rather unique vine, and there are many arcana I would be willing to give up, even some tomes on topics you would doubtless find interesting.

"I do not offer anything you wish, but ask and I shall see if I can accommodate your desires."

>>14093706
>>14093660
>>14093654
>consensus?

>>14093706
has my vote.

Definitely offer use of the vine.

>>14093706
Seconding this hard.

Also ask about the tatoos.

>>14093706
fourthing

>>14093835
Seconding your hard seconded

Also, offering her work as an instructor... Would she?

>>14093786
seconding this

Not taking your eyes from Laelith you reply "I am recently back from campaign, so almost any monetary sum you would name is within my reach. However, an elementalist I have been training recently came into symbiosis with a Syptionus Vine, perhaps some extract from that would influence you."

The healer hums quietly to herself, thinking "If you speak true, a few vials of the extract would serve me well. Though I would like to oversee the extraction myself."

"Very well." you reply "When would you like my man to visit your shop then?"

"How long will you remain in the city?" the old healer asks, her voice tired, almost ragged to your ears now that your senses are fully returning.

>>14093786
This is really good and includes both the vine idea and asks her if she wants to instruct at our school. We really need to recruit instructors and she's a cool lady.

>>14093952
Tell her, and offer her a place in the magical academy we are founding. Even if it's only as a guest instructor, I would like to get her skills if possible.

>>14093974
Second. Our ambition knows no bounds!

>>14093952
"Not long i'm afraid, and i've an event to attend in a few days as well. If you'd like, I could assist you in closing up your store and i could escort you to my Manple's compound where we could begin the extraction. Or, if you'd rather wait till tomorrow if you're tired, I'd love to have you as a guest."

>>14093974
Second. Also include our wish to have her services on retainer, as a guest instructor for our life elementalists and as an additional healer for our maniple when it's in the capital.

I somehow doubt Laelith is going to be leaving us with enough energy to do more than send the guy over to her anyway, so at her convenience some time in the next... week and a half right?

>>14093952
"We don't redeploy for another week and a half, I believe. Also, there is another matter I'd like to discuss. I plan on starting an elementalism training academy, now that the arts are returning. Would you perhaps be interested in a position as a senior instructor?"

You help Laelith sit up, her mind finally clearing "I will be in the city for another week and a half. Though, if you wish I could have some of my men escort you to my barracks complex."

The Lacertan scratches her head "What good could such a journey do for an old lizard such as myself?"

"I am working to establish an academy for the now returning arcane arts, I could use one with your skills as a senior instructor." you reply curtly

Again, silence falls over the small shop "at the end of this week have your men come for me, I will have your answer then. Now go, I need to rest, and I suspect you have more important things to do than barter with an old lacertan."

>so, what now?

>>14094173
Thank the healer, and leave with Laelith back to the barracks.
Make arrangements for our vined elementalist and a few soldiers to come to the shop later in the week.

>>14094207
2nded

Now, I suppose, it all depends on how Laelith feels. We could take her somewhere nice for dinner and ask her about what she preferred to wait and answer later last time we were in Dragonsreach. How she feels about her new life, being free of Khalless, her family, her future plans, things like that. Maybe children, if the conversation wanders in that direction. I mean, we have favors of gods, I imagine regular human/elven problems won't apply here. We're eventually going to need to have that particular talk with all the ladies, especially Jayne.

>>14094173
When's the wedding? We need to figure out our gift sometime.

>>14094271
Thought we were giving the valk cloak? Arcana was also suggested, but they are all so damn useful...

>>14094271
>you will most likely be doeployed for that, this is the kids coming-of-age/you can finally marry the girl we picked for you party. and the party is in 3 days

>>14094297
Oh, right. Okay.

>>14094290
Last time we pretty much agreed to the ice-knife.
Mostly because, with magic returning, the value of arcana is going to plummet, and we might as well get as much use out what we have before it all get's devalued.

>>14094297
Oh political marriage, you so crazy. Fortunately we get the best of both worlds, because we're just that awesome.

>>14094324
Good point. Ice-knife then. I just hate the thought of our assassin needing to kill someone with an arcana that wreathes him in flames and suddenly... oh whoops, no ice knife!

You help Laelith stand before replying "Thank you for your consideration, and I will see you at the weeks end."

-----CQ-----

The walk back to your barracks complex is peaceful enough, save the inordinately large amount of eyes you feel falling on Laelith. An hour or so before sunset you pass through the main gate, both of you smiling "I dont know how I could possibly thank you for this." the elf eventually breaks the silence.

>>14094397
Roguish grin. "What, no promises of lifelong love and service? I'm so disappointed."

"Really, Laelith, consider it a gift."

>>14094397
"Dont. It was my way of paying you back Lealith. For my training, for believing in me and my people, for changing from your ways before, for standing against Khalless, everything. This was my way of thanking YOU Lealith.

I love you."

Leave out the i love you? i'm not sure.

>>14094397
"Saying 'Thank you' will do. I did it for you because I love you and wanted to, not because I needed you to repay me.

Though, I can think of some interesting ways of mutual-compensation..."

>>14094438
Leave it out. I don't think it even needs to be said at this point.

>>14094397
"It was something I had to do. Your scars were my doing, and even though we were enemies at the time, seeing them on your face every time I looked at you just hurt."

>>14094462
YOU FOOL! THAT'S THE TRAP!

How many arguments have started from "You never say you love me anymore!"

>>14094438
I'm pretty sure that after the last oh, /half-year/ of being husbando/waifu that "I love you." is well within the acceptable realm of conversation.

>>14094462
It always needs to be said, have you never had a girlfriend?

You smile, kissing her on the cheek "Thank me? This was a gift, love. For everything you have done for me, everything you are to me... Besides, I left you with the scars, if anything it was my responsibility to see them healed."

Laelith kisses you back, glancing around "Be that as it may, we had best head inside before our audience becomes any larger."

>so, anything else you want to take care of before the party?

>>14094614
Bit of training, Ah, and those Engineers for Kyria and Degrain!

>>14094614
I don't think we'll be able to walk anywhere in those two days anyway, so sure.

>>14094614
>"Be that as it may, we had best head inside before our audience becomes any larger."
And here I thought she liked showing off.

>>14094614
More engineers for Kyria and Degrian.
Making sure that we have that high-quality sheath for the ice-knife.
Make sure our dress uniform is in order, and everything's polished.
Make sure that Jayne's attire is all sorted out.

>>14094668
Only the normal stuff, I imagine the next week and a half will teach even Justinian a few new tricks despite his *ahem* proficiency with his sword.

>>14094717
"Elven tickler"

>>14094731
>>14094717
I sort of feel bad for whoever is in the rooms adjacent to us.

>>14094693
about that, should we wear the eagle-cape or not?

>>14094778
I'm personally edging towards no, because we don't want to outshine the governor or his son at their own party.

>>14094749
Then Blackbird decided he wants a second son.

Then no one can sleep tonight.

>>14094820
Oh god the smell, it's a good thing we're about to go on campaign so the barracks will have a chance to air out

The next few days pass uneventfully, aside from giving Degrian and Kyria the go ahead to increase the size of your engineer corps. Janos is constantly on the move, never in the complex long enough for you to discern what projects he is working on. Personaly, you help Laelith train your newly expanded cadre of elementalists, though between her, Jayne, Sansa and Kyria most of you nights start fairly early, despite the quiet resolutions you make to yourself to be more productive each morning as you wake up.

The morning of the feast you wake up, gingerly slipping between Jayne and Sansa to wash and retrieve your dress uniform. By the time you are dressed the ladies you had spent the night with slowly stirring from their sleep. By midday both you and Jayne are ready to make your way to the feast, your crimson and black dress tunic, trousers and valkerie-feather cloak offset by Jaynes stunning purple dress, her hair left down for the occasion, her only other adornment being her houses sealing ring. The two of you ride to the Governors vila, which is a few minutes slow ride from the Dragonbone Palace. It is a large traditional Degnarian structure, oak and white marble, columns lining the roof over the main courtyard, grandiose gardens and walkways dominating the large space. You and Jayne leave your Uursan in the stable, before entering the vila, its interior as generously appointed as the courtyard. The large hall where the feast is being held is well populated, but not crowded in the least. When you and Jayne are announced by the doorman, the few High and Lord Commanders salute you, and a few merchants and nobles applaud or look in your direction. Jayne chuckles on your arm "Oh this should be fun" she quips, inclining her head to a few groups of folk talking amongst themselves, though you have no idea as to whom any of them are.

>>14095133
Return the salutes as required.
As for conversation, I guess we should make some small talk.

>>14095133
I suppose we should ask Jayne about the other houses that are attending?

>instead eniobst
what are you talking about captcha?

Awesome. We brought the ice knife for a gift, right? Did we manage to get an appropriately decorative sheath made for it?

>>14095133
"Care to give me a rundown of your fellow highbrows around the room then Jayne? I never like to enter a battlefield without some information."

>>14095133
Make sure that Jayne knows we're unlikely to recognize anyone not in the military, so her job is to cover us socially and feed us intel as much as she can without being unsubtle about it.

This is a potential opportunity to make and lose friends and enemies, so we'd best not muck it up. I mean, fun, sure, but socializing amongst the prominent is serious business.

>>14095178
this

>>14095210
>>14095208
>>14095178
Seconding these three.

You chuckle and return the salutes as you make your way to Governor Ovidius and his son "Save the man who is clearly the governor, his son, and perhaps a few of the commanders, I do not know a single person here, would you be so kind as to inform me as to who we are dealing with?"

Jayne pulls you a bit closer "Most of the noble houses of DragonsReach are represented, and not even I know all of the merchants, though it would seem to me that they are grouping along the lines denoted by the Commanders in the room, and they seem to be split almost evenly down the center..."

However, your Ladies council is interrupted by the Governor greeting you as you approach him and his sons table "Commander Trentz, I am so very glad that you were able to attend." He seems to scrutinize you more closely "Especialy so well dressed and beautifully escorted, Lady Garlian." he inclines his head to your escort.

The young man, though he scarcely looks it corrects his slouching, clearly bored posture ever so slightly "I suppose you have some gift for me then?" he asks, not concealing his boredom.

You look at the small pile of books, jewelry, bottles, flasks, decanters, bolts of cloth, and spice jars, and smirk. "Indeed I have." you reply, producing the new Velociprey leather sheath, set with rubies and gold from the looted Uurlanthi valuables, and draw the dagger, a trail of ice and mist following it from the sheathe. The room seems to quiet, and a few of the women gasp at the item.

The boy sits up straight finally, his eyes locked on the blade as you flourish it and return it to the sheathe, before offering him the blade. "Where did you come across this blade?" he asks, clearly happy with the gift.

>>14095404
"It was liberated from the treasuries of Lord Blentus of Uurlanth by my maniple when we sacked Lost Conflux."

>>14095404
"Oh, you know, Urlanthi nobles have so many useful things in their storerooms that they scarcely seem to remember what all they have. The poor thing looked like it hadn't been used in ages, so I took the liberty of removing it from it's former owner's care. He won't be missing it, believe me."

>>14095404
Grin. "Why, in the hands of the Empire's now-deceased enemies. Would you care for the full tale, or shall I leave it at that?"

Really? The coming of age party for a man and nobody but us thought to bring him a nice weapon?

For shame, Dragonsreach. If I had known the poor boy would be getting salt and socks for his birthday, I would have insisted on an overdone sword or spear.

>>14095404
"Liberated from the treasure hoard of a Fat Urrlanthi noble from the campaign. A hundred score men fell from stone walls to ensure that is stayed in that dust covered vault. As you can see, they failed, and the blade now rests in the hands of a worthy owner. Treat the blade well, and congratulations."

>>14095519
Haha, I like this line.

"I liberated the blade from the vault of a particularly fat Uurlanthi noble on campaign. It seemed such a shame for it to move from one dusty vault to another, I'm sure you will enjoy it and treat it better than its previous owner. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations." you reply as the boy takes the blade, working to fit it to his belt almost immediately.

"I would like to hear your telling of the fall of Dyrons Ford, Commander." the boy asks, taking a drink from his flagon.

"Easy son, we will have time for tales of glory later tonight. For now you must be a gracious host and wait for the rest of your guests to arrive." the governor admonishes his son, nodding your dismissal. Smiling you head back for the crowd.

>so, what sort of people do you want to track down?

How about that dickheaded rapist who passes himself off as a commander? Is he in attendance?

>>14095635
Since the merchants and nobles seem to be congregating around Legion commanders, that should help us a bit.
I think we should speak with those commanders who, like us, innovate and attempt to refine tactics and technologies. Then we can work on those that seem to be divided between us and the old guard.

>>14095710
Sounds good to me.

>>14095710
I agree.

>>14095635
Sounds like there is a split, forerunners and old guard most likely. The old guard already hates us, let's get some supporters in the forerunners. If we can start actually build up to get other commanders to follow us on the political field that would lay the groundwork for the future. Our reputation and flawless record of victory should already ingratiate us to many of them.

>>14095710
this and see if House Garlian has any allies in attendance

>>14095691
We should really avoid any interaction with him directly, and we need to find a way of getting more investigation done on him.
Like also tracking down some of his victims and getting their testimonies and such.

"Are any of your houses in attendance, love?" you ask Jayne as you scan the crowd for any familiar faces, seeing one in High Commander Titus Dereth, one of your mentors closest friends.

"A few on the other side of the room, and a few others on your side." she answers almost sadly. A few moments later she notices the group you are heading to "Lord Firnus Blek and Lady Aileen Crestus, older houses, past their peek, but not bereft of power. I do not know the other three."

"Justinian, old friend!" the aged High commander greets you, balding, and no longer in his prime shape, Commander Dereth is in his late 40s, and has always been known for his more, radical, strategies and views. "I hear that you have known nothing but success since you finished at the academy."

>>14095924
>I hear that you have known nothing but success since you finished at the academy.
"Thank you, Commander. Though I won't say that it was at all easy.
"I must attribute much of my success to the professionalism and skill of my subordinates, as well as a few key force multipliers that I was lucky enough to come across."

rolled 94 = 94

>>14095975
"and the bravery of the men under my command"
never forget to mention how awesome your soldiers are.

>>14095924
"Indeed I have. Fate, a dash of ingenuity, and some skill have been kind to me. I was quite surprised to just HOW positive of a homecoming I received this time. People seem desperate for good news these days."

>>14095975
>>14096020
these

"Thankfully, yes. Fate it seems has blessed me with command of a skillful maniple."

"Thank you, Commander, though I must admit it was not easy. the professionalism of my subordinates carried me most of the way, and some force multipliers helped with the rest of it." you reply, accepting the mans extended hand.

"I would like to hear about some of these force multipliers you have at some point." the older commander replies as he releases your hand "The descriptions circulating the civilians and Legion are rather, outlandish, even to me." he jokes.

"I would imagine, the people seem so very desperate for victory to me. And of course, I will tell you whatever you wish to know about them"

The only woman in the group, clearly a noble, roughly of age with the High Commander by your estimate, though better aged at the very least "It is not so bad in other cities as it is here, DragonsReach is the bleeding heart of this Empire, more citizens join the legion from this city than any other."

A fat dwarf in fine silks adds "And with this war progressing more bloodily since the Yellow Kings wars when I was a lad..."

"It could be worse, though with the farmlands north of Northmont being laid to waste I suspect this city will not be the only one feeling the true weight of this war for long." the High Commander adds.

>>14096198
>with the farmlands north of Northmont being laid to waste
That sounds like the operational theater that we're about to be deployed to.

"Is it as bad as I heard? A force of Uurlanthi rampaging through our lands uncontested?"

>>14096256
second

>>14096198
"If is makes you feel any better," You add, saying to the dwarf, "From what i hear the Uurlanthi spent most of their time after our war with them ended fighting eachother. Nobles taking sides, butchering eachother, killed more of their own men with their own conflict than with us. No pride, no patriotism among them, just hate and greed."

"Is it truly as bad as I have been lead to beleive? When I was briefed the Second told me that there was an Uurlanthi raiding force in the north but..." you trail off as the High Commander moves to reply

"My Cohort was pulled from the northern front recently, and when we passed through that area... it can only have gotten worse since then."

"Deploying to the North, Commander Trentz?" the woman quietly standing next to the fat dwarf asks, the small merchant perks up slightly.

"Indeed I am, and if it makes you feel any better my friend, the Uurlanthi nobility were having a wonderfully bloody feud before this war began." you answer.

"Would that their blood could fill the veins they emptied again." the noblemans escort muses, clearly thinking herself to sound quite intelligent, not a simple adornment for a young unwed nobleman.

"I hate to bring business back into the conversation, though I do rather enjoy insulting uurlanthi 'honor' and 'patriotism', but how well do you expect your, force multipliers, will work against the elves?" the High Commander asks.

>>14096500
"I expect myself to be far better off with them than without them. As for if they will grant enough of a decisive edge for a quick victory... well, that would largely depend upon if the elves have anything similar of their own to deploy, I suspect. The game has shifted, and the one who can learn the rules the fastest rules the board."

>>14096500
Well to start, i've hired some Valkyrie cavalry, which i aim to use for some good scouting and night raids.

I'll show why i've... rather unknowingly gained the moniker Midnight Dragon, as well as set up the battlefield for another destructive heavy cavalry charge courtesy of Lady Garlian and her house's forces.

Alongside a few other things i've hidden up my sleeve, various intel about the identity of the leading officer, I'd like to resolve the northern raids shortly. So that our merchant friends will not have to fret about their caravans."

>>14096500
"It all depends on the situation. Time and place are everything. I'd suspect if I manage to catch them at night with a storm overhead, the battle would be quickly won.

Allow me to explain. I have in my employ, an orc of the old clans. The wildlands are his castle, and among the many things he's shown us that you can make is a unique paste that allows one to see at night as though it were daylight. It also has the wonderful side effect of making your eyes glow, which is an excellent theatrical touch.

Now, as for the storm, it may have crossed your ears that I employ elementalists. My protege is one such person, and he is an air elementalist. Having a storm blow in makes him at least twice as powerful, though, all of the combat elementalists in my maniple, myself included, are quite good at dealing with changing situations."

>>14096579
this sounds good to me

Let's not say too much. This is a war, remember. And a party. Spies could be anywhere. Tell him we would be glad to discuss specifics... at a military council, not a party.

"I suspect that I will be better off with them than I would be without. Between the mercenaries I hired, and Lady Garlians excellent cavalry, one night battle should be more than enough to provide a decisive victory. Provided the enemy commander has not already advanced his tactics." you reply confidently.

"How do you fight night battles so effectively?" Lady Crestus asks.

You smirk "I have in my employ an orc of the Old Clans, and the knowledge he was taught as a lad includes several methods for extremely effective night fighting."

"The old clans? I thought they had passed into mythology hundreds of years ago?" the merchants escort asks, her pretty face twisted in confusion.

"No, they simply went to ground." the fat dwarf quiets his escort, chuckling nervously "Though I am glad to hear that you plan to end the raiding speedily, I know that I am not the only merchant loosing coin to those uurlanthi bastards of late."

Before you can respond however, two noblemen begin arguing rather loudly near the center of the room, the merchant and Lady Crestus both wander off to see what the commotion is, along with some other merchants and a few commanders, none of whom are familiar to you. Commander Titus' wife arrives to drag him bodily to some new friends of hers.

>any suggestions, or just drift off to find some other people to try to get some brownie points with? or just skip ahead a bit in the nights celebrations? (if so, give me a roll for politicking)

rolled 90 = 90

>>14096749
lets see what this commotion is about

Let's go check out the fight!

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

rolled 11 = 11

Lets talk with the groom. He was interested in our victories. And a friend in the governor's house is always apprieciated.

>>14096914
I'm for this so long as he's not pre-occupied.

You wave to high Commander Dereth as you make your way over to the commotion. "The simple fact that you associate with Commanders willing to abandon centuries of tradition and time proven tactics is more than enough grounds to break my ties with your house!" the man on the side of the room dominated by Old Guard supporters shouts at the man opposite him.

"Houses Reshkai and Morlan, big houses, important." Jayne informs you as you approach the group surrounding the two older men,both of whom look about ready to come to blows.

"And I suppose the massive losses being sustained in the north are proof of the nobility of those tactics? The men you stand supporting lost me three full wings of cavalry, _including_ my griffins." the man closer to you replies.

"A few losses and you abandon tradition? I will send the studs you rented me back, and I expect to be repayed the Dragoons you pilfered from me for the animals use. I cannot be seen doing business with one such as yourself." the old guard nobleman demands.

"You speak of honor and tradition, yet you shit on one between our houses going back more generations than I have fingers?" the man standing with the new guard asks. Onwards the pair shouts, neither merchant nor Commander wishing to get involved and risk offending one of these houses.

>heh, I posted before the other two guys responded, do you want to get involved, or just let it go?

>>14096966
I think we can use this.

"Good sirs. Please stop your fighting. Our Uurlanthian enemies will only laugh watching this show. I am Maniple Commander Justinian Trentz, and I will be heading to quash this army in the North in a week. As they have gotten so deep into Degnarian territory, and hurt your houses so badly, it seems that they must be an elite force, and from what my intelligence has gleaned may be led by one close to the Uurlanthian king himself. As leaders we must practice solidarity or we may be swept away by this Uurathian wave.

>>14097013
Something about like this.

>>14097013
>and I will be heading to quash this army in the North in a week
My understanding was that we're leaving to chase the raiding force in a week, not fight on the northern front. We do that later.

>>14097012
We can chat with the groom all we want after the feast, when everyone sits down to drink and mingle.

For now, let's intervene and ask if, perhaps, the house that is advocating the "new" tactics would like to aid us in testing new loss-acceptable methods. Perhaps a wing of gryphons to observe and participate only in maneuvers that the commander finds acceptable. As well as, perhaps, filling some of their breeding rights that just got taken away with some of House Garlain's new excellently-endowed giant uursan from the wild?

>>14097072
>As well as, perhaps, filling some of their breeding rights that just got taken away with some of House Garlain's new excellently-endowed giant uursan from the wild?

I lol'd. Totally support this. Such an offer in the middle of an argument like this will immediately make him look favorably toward us because we just gave him ammunition to fire back with.

"Sirs, I think I speak for everyone in attendance when I say your argument represents a larger schism within the Empire. But I do not believe it is irreconcilable.
Because our traditions are great ones, and to forget our past would be a terrible crime.
But we live in a world that is changing constantly. To remain stagnant in the face of change is equally as terrible.

I urge you both, as well as EVERYONE in the Empire to attempt to keep our history as well as to write it anew.:

>>14096966
I know that we're a PC and expected to poke our nose into every goddamn thing, but if all the people here, many of whom are more important and powerful than us, are unwilling to interfere in this fight... then we shouldn't, either. Our position in the empire is still relatively fragile and we cannot afford enemies.

Unless we can somehow end this argument whilst pleasing them both, we should keep our damn mouth shut.

>>14097102
I suppose. I mean, it makes good sense not to, but once again: PC. PCs can get away with things that NPCs can't.

>>14097144
Exactly.

We are Justinian Motherfucking Trentz. Our goals are high, our reach is higher.

>>14096966
Its six on one side and half a dozen on the other. Plus, its a party and the nobles have probably been drinking and BOOM! shitstorm. So, lets not get involved, unless it gets to blows. Then we separate them non-violently and Speechify them.

>>14096966
"sirs, remember that we are guests here. Perhaps you should hold this discussion until later, that way you won't be causing a disturbance at your host's party and you will be able to view the issues with clearer heads" and then assuming this works, discreetly pull the noble favoring new tactics off somewhere to talke

>>14097266

I like this

rolled 44 = 44

We should intercede,

"Speaking of age old traditions, I believe it is very rude to be yelling and shouting at an event such as this. If that isn't an old tradition that need not be broken I know not of one that does. That is of course, we are drinking in a tavern and celebrating an event of great joy. Granted, I don't think this is a tavern...."

Keeps us neutral, diffuses situation, possibly.

I believe our position as one of the new guard is already well known.

Although technically it's older than the old guard.

You sigh, peck Jayne on the cheek and step in between the shouting men "Gentlemen, please calm yourselves. It would seem to me that this dispute is representative of a larger schism forming in the Empire, and in the middle of one of the bloodiest wars our nation has seen in generations such divisions would be sheer folly, and only lead to our destruction." the nobleman to your left, the old guard man opens his mouth, but you motion for him to hear you out "While it is true that our empires traditions are great, and to forget them would be a crime; it is rapidly becoming necessary to move those traditions forward into the future. And if you simply cannot continue to coexist in friendship, would it not be better for the stability of the Empire to respectfully and quietly go your separate ways, lest something as petty as breeding exchange ruin a relationship that is certainly worth more than a few studs between your stable-masters?"

"And who exactly are you?" the old guard man asks.

"Commander Justinian Trentz, and you, sir?" you ask.

"Borus Reshkai, head of my house. And I will not be conversing any further with you. You lead a popular trend, one that will embarrass those who moved with it after it fades to the annals of history after this war is won, it is a shame that so many of our young Commanders have fallen into its snare." at that, the old man turns up his nose and struts back to his friends, though more than a few nobles and merchants seem slow to return to that side of that room as the crowd disperses.

Morlan walks up to you, and extends his hand "Well said commander Trentz, and well met. I am Jaxor Morlan." you accept the proffered hand and return the pleasantries "Though I am at a loss as to what I will do for the lost breeding stock, as well as the income."
>cont'd

Sheepishly, Jayne re-attaches herself to your arm "I have learned more than a few methods to circumvent difficulties in accessing outside breeding stock, if you would allow me to offer the help."

"Ah, Lady Garlian. It truly is a shame what happened to your house after your father died, and I am not so proud as to not accept aid freely offered." Jaxor replies.

Before they can launch into their business you interject "Correct me if I am wrong, sir, but it seems to me that you are new to this side of the rift; and as my lovely escort has already crossed into bold territory, I feel I must follow. If you would like, I would be willing to allow you to observe, and perhaps help develop these new tactics and schools of thought you are so tenuously espousing."

"In what manner could a noble house bereft of any combat strength forces do this?" the man asks.

"A few of your griffins to observe, and try a few low risk developments I am working through. And if you truly have no combat capable cavalry, perhaps now would be an advantageous time to expand into a new sort of cavalry?" you offer, allowing no trepidation to seep into your voice.

"Observing and light testing, I may be able to help you with, perhaps were I better informed my other allies would be slower to abandon me when these conversations arise. though I am curious as to what you are offering for house Garlian." the man responds, taking a drink from his cup.

Jayne chuckles "The Commander and I recently came into some very strong Uursan stock, wild cubs, like to grow to the size of my fathers mount, their children almost as large."

"Uursan are hardly the height of fashion..." the man trails off.

rolled 65 = 65

"Aye, and the 'new' line of thought that is the 'new' guard was hardly the height of fashion till it was implemented not too long ago if I recall."

>>14097371
Wouldn't it be interesting if we can make the old into the new? It would force the old guard to eat their words. And, furthermore, there are always cycles in fashion. One has to anticipate and keep ahead of it, or you'll be unable to take advantage of it.

"They will be again the way we use them. Let practicality be your guide, not whatever has taken the fancy of the old nobles for the week.

I have taken to these 'new' tactics because I felt the traditional ones too confining. It is folly to confine oneself, and fashion is indeed folly. Fun though it may be."

>>14097371
"perhaps, but they are damned effective"

>>14097371
"That maybe so, but their effectiveness is never in question. I can hardly count the times Lady Jayne's cavalry has made a clean sweep of enemy units during a tactically advantageous moment, nor how many of my soldiers owe their lives to her sturdy mounts."

>>14097488
I like yours better than mine

(wait, I thought it was lost conflux we took?)

"Perhaps, but this new line of thinking isn't exactly fashionable either. Personally, I let practicality guide my hand in most matters, and a unit of cavalry that looses no effectiveness or survivability with its momentum, and has the power to sweep entire enemy battalions from the field at my command..." you reply.

The last few guests file in, from the look of it the boy now has a complete suit of armor, and a sword to match. Governor Ovidius signals for the meal to begin, cutting off whatever it was that Jaxor had been about to say. "I have to find my escort." he informs you "I will be in contact with you and your Lady within the next few days." again you shake the mans hand before heading off to your seats.

The first portion of the meal is rather uneventful, almost droll if you were to be honest. Eventually the governors son speaks up, as the final course of the meal is nearly finished "Commander Trentz, would you be so good as to tell us how you took Lost Conflux?"

rolled 42 = 42

>>14097638
Did the boy just come to our table or is he asking us in front of everyone.......because if he is asking everyone...I don't think we are allowed to answer that quite as truthfully as we might want to. Keeping elementalists, arcanists, and what not on the down low.

>>14097665
>shouted from his table

>>14097665
We can say we brought down the poorly maintained fort walls using a combination of heavy bombardment on it's weakpoints and highly skilled crossbowmen harassing the wall's archers. After there was a breach large enough from bombardment, we poured into the hole and made a giant mess.

After that, it was a wash and repeat on Lord Blentus' walled estate, which lasted an even shorter amount of time.

>>14097638
I think we should tell them the basics on how we broke in there. We distracted the garrison to the (east/west, fuck me for a cuppa tea cause i forgot) side with mounted mercenaries and hit the opposite side with our siege equipment. We got lucky a few shots in and most of the wall collapsed on itself. This caused the defenders morale to evaporate. Then, we managed to get the mercenaries to leave.

I'm not sure if we should tell them about elementalism.

>>14097676
in that case let's tell the tale but keep mentions of the gods out and don't emphasize the use of elementalism

rolled 86 = 86

>>14097638
>>14097676
OH SHI-

"Well, it was not as impressive as one might think m'lord. We assaulted it at night on three sides. One was a distraction force attacking the gates with my legion units and cavalry at the ready, then, my men on the other sides scaled the walls and slaughtered the few men on the walls actually at the ready. I knocked down the gates with force that shook the ground around it and we took the city with not very much incident after that. Most of the Uurlanthi citizenry and guard were too busy getting out of their night robes to do anything before we were upon them. Though, I am not a man of no compassion and we spared and let most go without any weapons or military supplies."

Didn't necessarily lie, made us look good at how non-chalant about it we were, and I want to make a good impression on the boy so I don't wanna come across as a man who slaughtered an entire city. Maybe it'll plant a seed of inspiration in him.

>>14097713
>>14097715

More or less, a combination of this, but make sure to include the part where we freed a shitton of slaves, to drive home the idea that urlanthi leaders are monsters.

rolled 8 = 8

Gotta head to bed guys, don't get us embarrassed or make to many enemies here.

Night all, twas fun Pax.

>>14097732
The thing is, the Empire really, really, REALLY fucking hates Uurlanth, and visa versa.

Saying that we actively let some of them go might come out the wrong way.

You clear your throat and take a drink, getting amused chuckles from the new guard crowd. "I doubt the truth of it is as impressive as the stories most of you have heard, but if the man of the night insists..." the boy nods excitedly, absentmindedly fiddling with a frozen slice of meat. "It was a three fronted night attack, with a massive storm raging, the lightning so brilliant and frequent it almost ruined our night eyes. My cavalry set off with fire to set the slums outside the cities main walls ablaze as a distraction, and to run down any fleeing enemy troops from the main battle. I had my aids lead the bulk of my force in a pitched battle against the cities main forces. My forces took the uurlanthi dogs when they set out to fight the inferno just outside their walls. When I could hear the battle joined to my east I lead my best infantry over and through the walls of the fortress. It was so ill-kept that a few lucky shots from my siege weaponry put massive holes in the walls. My archers kept theirs busy during the charge..." you continue on through the story, embellishing some of the more interesting combats you encountered, playing up the number of slaves you freed, underplaying the defiance in the demeanor of the uurlanthi peasants you sent south, and inflating their terror.

"But, in the story one of your soldiers breathed fire to set the slums ablaze, another turned the storm against their knights, and that you willed the earth to swallow up the forts walls." the boy protests after you finish your tale, though he looks more than thrilled with your rendition, confusion and a bit of disapointment is on his face as well.

"I would like to know what you _REALLY_ used to take those walls down, a handful of balistae and a mangonel wouldn't be enough to do the job" a gruff military voice adds, though you are unable to place the voice before it falls silent again. All eyes are still on you, clearly wanting the answer to those questions.

>>14097821
yeah, but it's better to be considered merciful rather than a cold blooded murderer. plus I doubt anyone, even our most ardent detractors could say that we are soft on the uurlanthi.

rolled 53 = 53

>>14097821
Before I go to bed for now, I'm thinking we need to take the initiative to change that. Especially if our visions or anything similar are any sign of that. It will most likely need us to bridge the gap between the two factions and bring about the unification against a common enemy to the people of the world we reside in. It might get us a bad reaction, but if it does we can easily just recover by:

"I see many of you are appalled that I didn't /slaughter/ unarmed men, women, and children running for their lives. The guards that fought us were killed I assure you that, if it truly offends you. However, the day that I willingly let an innocent man be slain simply because of the place he was born or the actions his superiors or lords take when they have no say in the matter, is a day that I myself will have fallen from the TRUE Degnarian traditions.

May as well come clean about the elementalism if everyone seems to know so much about it already.

>>14097860
"I'll make you a deal, when I come back from my next campaign if you'll have me over at some point I'd be happy to tell you the tale in full" or "I would love to tell you but unfortunately my superiors have told me not to discuss this pending their decision on a matter relating to my previous campaign"

rolled 79 = 79

>>14097860
Another post before I go to bed.
"Ah, well under all of the Praetorians' orders and many High Commanders', I'm afraid some of the details are not allowed to be revealed at this time. Though I'm sure a lot of rumors will be brought into light in some time."

Promptly sit back down, with a smirk on our face.

A) We've met with the Praetorians and spoken with them.
B) Gives us a hint of mystery
C) We have an excuse to further attract more people to want to associate with us because of our "connections."

>>14097860
Hmm, calling it military secrets won't work in this crowd. Say we used elementalism with our battle tactics to amplify the damage we did, but not up to the levels that the governors' son has heard.

"As best as I can say, that is what happened. There IS more to it, however, I have orders to keep some of the more outlandish elements of how my maniple functions under wraps until certain decisions are made. I am hoping to be able to share these -elements- in the near future."

>>14097941
I like this

>>14097939
there are still civilians in the crowd, if it was just military personnel then it would probably be okay to bring it up but with there being merchants and other non-military people in attendance we probably shouldn't mention it

You smirk "As much as I would like to regale you all with the full story, I have been ordered by several Praetorians to keep certain details of my campaigns within my maniple, and to let some of the more, interesting, stories spread and grow. I am certain that in the coming months, the other _elements_ of that story will no longer be state secrets; and at that time I will be more than happy to regale you with the complete story."

The room fills with groans, chuckles, and excited chatter as you sit back down "Well done, though I am almost offended that none of my feats made it to the rumors and stories." Janyne whispers into your ear.

-----CQ-----

The rest of the night went comparatively queitly, much to your delight. As you ride back to your barracks next to Jayne you tick off the men you know to be your enemies in your head, and weigh against them your new allies, and decide the night went well. By the time you and Jayne make it back to your room it is well past midnight, smiling, you drop into your bed.

>Damn I'm tired, and since this is a decent spot to let off, I will
>back thursday at 9pmish server time
>someone archive please
>if you have any questions just e-mail me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

Thread archived. Remember to vote, folks!

I HAVE A SINGLE SUGGESTION BEFORE I AM OFF
SO PLEASE LISTEN TO ME.

Remember the criminal lord we defeated?
We said to him something like: "now your criminal empire is shattered". That is simply not true, we just created a power-vacuum and his place is going to be replaced by someone else very soon.
The criminal element simply cannot be eradicated however we try, why do you think that Empire tolerated him?

What we COULD do, is either replace him with our man, or put him back and make him our puppet.
I suggest we use our Assasin for this task, place him as a direct or shadow leader of criminal organization. This will also help him with our task to compile information about the Cult as having criminal spy network is a huge boost.
He could even work together with Janos to make things run even smoother.

And we could become altruist even, by making the criminal organization more tame and less hurtful to normal citizens.

Seriously... consider this. Having it in our hand would be a great asset.
If you are reserved about it, we can ask permission from the 2nd