"Likely to make us do something reckless. Like chase after him to get revenge immediately. Gather the survivors together and let's get them ready to be moved. We can't leave them here. Find out what direction the elves headed after hitting the city."

Might as well go see what blackbird and Tomas have to say. Also wondering if we should interrogate the prisoners again. Did we get any new ones Pax or did they all die?

>>14355050
Do not let any emotion onto our face.
"Blackbird, I will require a full report.
"Sansa, get the medicae out here, see to the survivors. Keep the maniple in marching order, to be able to move at a moment's notice."

Get the valk unit ready to recon the gold mine, see if the enemy is going for that, or if he's trying to high-tail it back to the forest. We'll send them out as soon as we get Blackbird's report.

>>14355148
We might also want to check out that iron mine. Did they just ignore it and hit the town or did they do something more tricky there to make us think it was still standing?

>>14355148
>>14355132
seconding.

You hold out your hand to Sansa as you collect yourself. The time reading The Bill buys you is enough for that. "Set the medicae to searching for survivors and seeing to them." you order aloud, voice calm and in control "They want us to do something rash, and we will disappoint the bastards. Blackbird, what did you find?" you ask.

The big orc growls out "The forests were empty, Commander, and at least four connecting tunnels Tomas knew to be collapsed had been repaired, no tool marks. We passed their infantry column at distance on our way here Two units of blademasters, one of spears, and two bow, all full strength or nearly."

Tomas interrupts "However, we found velociprey tracks headed south from here, towards the mines. and the infantry was making hard for the forest."

-196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
155/200
good
-454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
160/200
good
-98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
110/150
good
-76th Deadeyes
Aurelius Caspius
90/100
good
-50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
90/100
good
-65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
85/100
good
-House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
50/50
good
House Morzitus Heavy Cavalry
Balor morzitus
50/50
good
-Blacktusk Raiders 75/75
Blackbird
assorted gear
good
-The Sunstorm (elves)
Tyxia Nestad
190/200
Splintmail, spears, kite shields, javelins
good
-Celtron Guard (Dwarves)
Denuk Tyshop
165/175
Surecoats over mail, longswords, tower shields
good
-Daimus Skywings
Damian Corinth
Chainmail, polearms, valkeries
35/50
average
-Neftius Spearmen
Trysha Morose
135\150
leathers, spears, circleshields
good
-Dentrus' Raiders (elfs)
Boros Klars
190\200
Leathers, combat axes, kite shields, javelins
good

>>14355348
"How long until their troops make it to the forest?"

How important is the mine to the south and how long would it take us to chase after the men heading towards the forest? Wondering if we should try to keep them out of the forest rather than run south after the velociprey.

>>14355348
Hmm, it seems like they are trying to smuggle troops past the mountains using the old mines. With elementalist aid, it wouldn't be so hard as they would have abundant reagents (mine leavings). Furthermore, with a tunnel network, they can strike and fade all along northern Dagnar.

>>14355348
"How many velociprey would you say that the tracks represent? A small scout element? A raiding force?"

Additionally, are the elves out of stonesense range?
Also, would we be able to intercept the elves out in the open if we moved out now?

>its a gold mine, so...

"How long until the infantry reaches the forest?" you press, hoping for a decisive blow.

"They were using long-sprinting techniques, by nightfall they will be able to see the forest, though once they reach it they will be incredibly tired, if not collapsing." Blackbird replies.

Jayne shakes her head "With a skilled life elementalist they might not be, if they have multiple left..."

You choose to ignore that train of thought "What size was the Velociprey detachment?" you press

Tomas shrugs "My read? two groups, 50 each... And we found valkerie shit mixed in with the tracks. That mine is the least defensible one in the north, a force like that, skilled knights all, it wont be much of a fight in by my estimate."

"With their speed they are likely to hit the mine at the same time as the infantry hits the forest, if their going as fast as they can." Jayne adds, worriedly.

>>14355558
I was hoping it would be a minor gold mine. We best defend the mine then. So much for air superiority as well since it seems like all their cavalry is hitting the mine. I also think we should send some valk's to scout out the iron mine and see if it's still intact or not. It would be annoying if they're using the iron mine for their own purposes.

>>14355604
Actually, another piece of info we need - can we get to the mine before the velociprey or are we going to be behind them?

>>14355558
So 100 velociprey knights, and whatever's left of their air assets.
We'll need to check with Captain Corinth and his Skywings, but I think if we send all of the air assets, heavy cavalry, and the Neftius Spearmen and Sunstorm in wagons to the mine, it might be possible to defend it, while the rest of the maniple run the elves down.
Sure, they might not be as tired with life elementalists supporting them, but with that many soldiers, they'll either have to spread the healing thin, or concentrate it only on a few.

Protecting the gold mine takes priority.

This may sound heartless, but that gold mine seems to be the last one standing in this area. The Empire has plenty of villagers. Gold is not a renewable resource.

>>14355647
We might need to send the rangers with them as well if they head to the gold mine. They'll need some ranged support and we know velociprey are good against horses. Also, are we sure they only have 100 velociprey? What if their units are bigger? I'm estimating the enemy heading to the forest has around 600 at the forest but I've forgot how big their bow units are.

Tomas and Blackbird were trailing the main elven force a little after they left the forest, correct?
Do either know if the northern iron mine was attacked at all?

We need confirmation that the iron mine is secure, but we can't afford to wait for a valk to go there and come back, either.

>>14355647
Maybe swap out the Neftius Spearmen for a Legionary unit.

>>14355673
Well they can't destroy the gold permanently. They'd just likely make the mine inoperable/seal it if there's an earth elementalist. Arguably, saving civilians is more important. I say we protect the mine and then return to camping outside the forest. Then we return the favour this force has given our people by putting their prisoners on crosses and leaving them nearish the forest so they can see/hear their cries of agony.

>>14355699
I don't think we have enough intel to go off traipsing in the woods into what is likely a trap. I think we'd be better off letting the iron mine go and defending the gold mine. We can recover an iron mine, but gold is much more valuable.

>>14355685
We could have Blackbird give a second opinion on the number of velociprey tracks.

Blademasters are in units of 80, Spearmen in units of 160, and Elven Archers are 150.
So this force heading to the forests is 620.

rolled 38 = 38

>>14355745

This seems favorable. I don't like abandoning civilians.

>appear enenci
Ah yes, Captcha, we must appear enenci without actually BEING enenci, thus deceiving our enemies and retaining public support.

>>14355751
I don't think it's a trap. I think they're just trying to get back to that forest ASAP since it gives them a great place to defend from. And I think if they're going to lose, they might try to torch the entire forest.

However, if we've let the iron mine fall, we need to preserve the gold mine. I don't think the people in the empire and our superiors will look too kindly on us for having defeated our foe but let the north get ravaged pretty hard.

>>14355751
The retreating elven infantry force is attempting to retreat back to the safety of the forest; from all accounts, this is the last of their force.
We're concerned about the iron mine, but it's not currently a tactical consideration. The gold mine and the forest are the two we have to worry about.

>>14355745
They can put the gold mine out of commission for the rest of the war by collapsing it. That's as good as destroying it.

>>14355817
I'm aware but my point is it CAN be repaired. A lot quicker with the help of earth elementalists. You can't repair dead civilians unless you're a necromancer and it's not exactly the same.

>>14355838
There's also the consideration of whether the elves will torch the forest if they feel that they can't operate in this theater any longer.

Given the Empire's current levels of technology and industry, the loss of this forest and its logging operations would be just as bad as losing the iron and gold mines.

>>14355864
They're elves they would never do that to a forest

>>14355558

We need numbers on how many enemy valks are confirmed kills and how many we estimate we killed/crippled but can't confirm.

Analysis:

The enemy is sending their infantry and archers back into the forest, while their cavalry and air assets attack the gold mine.

Letting the gold mine fall is not an option. We should either send the entire maniple to the gold mine, or split our forces. I recommend this split:

To gold mine:
Gaius's Legionary Unit
Sunstorm Elven Spears
Finian's Scouts
Noble Heavy Cavalry or Neftius Spearmen
Our remaining Valks

To forest:
Everybody else

>>14355864
I know. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I think you're right though. We should hit the forest. The mines can be repaired. Hell, we can stick around and help to do it if we want to make ourselves look a little better I guess. But if that forest goes up in flames, there's no coming back.

Pax, what has the weather in the area been like? Dry enough that a fire in the forest means it's done?

>>14355904
I think our rangers should also be split off for the mine force: their repeaters will be needed to put up an AA screen against the enemy valks.

>>14355904

if we send any cav to deal with the enemy velociprey, it will need to be Jayne's to avoid the whole "spooks horses" ability those bastards have

>>14355838
What earth elementalists? Justinian is the best one we know of, and he can barely dig tunnels and underground caches.

Dead villagers are gone. The living ones in other nearby villages should have been evacuated already. THIS one should have been evacuated already. Stubborn civilians is not our fault nor our problem.

For all we knew the force we destroyed in the mountains had already sabotaged the iron mine. We cannot let the gold mine fall. Otherwise we're getting chewed out by the 2nd for sure.

Also, Pax, Velociprey beats Horse, but what beats Velociprey in terms of cavalry fighting?
If the noble heavy cavalry are going to be at a disadvantage against the velociprey, it might serve us better to take them to the forest, so that they can swing around and tear up the enemy archers from the flank.

>>14355962
Just as badly as we'd get chewed out by a lot of people if we let the entire forest go up in flames. Granted, there's a chance they might try to defend the forest if we let them get there and we can still save it. I really just don't want to let this forest go up in flames if we can help it.

>>14355979
A valid concern. If we take Jayne with us, she and the life elementalists in the medicae might let us catch up to the elves at the edge of the forest. That's why I say split our forces.

We also need to get confirmation on the status of the iron mine. We sent a few of our valks to do a low pass of it before the ambush. Did they return?

Can our forces even catch a force of velociprey?

>its been light spring rain on and off, so not quite wet enough for an easy forest fire, but if they wanted to they could burn it
>typically Uursan beat Velociprey once the latter is tired, at which point the uursan catches up to it and layeth the smackdown upon it in a manner that only a huge fucking bear can

"Sansa, have the Skywings go to check the iron mine more thoroughly." you order, one of the towns smelters exploding in the background. Damnit. "Blackbird, what is your take on the enemy force headed south?" you query

"I agree with Tomas, no more than 100 riders. And I did not see any sign of this favored knight we are fighting among them." the orc replies as Sansa heads off to do your bidding.

>>14356061
If they have valks with them heading south, we should estimate roughly 150 at least. Definitely want to send the rangers with our forces south at the least as well as the valks. Also, we should ask our noble horse cavalry if he's trained his horses to deal with velociprey. If so, he can go south as well. The wagons should let our men be less tired than theirs at the forest... I just hope it's enough.

>>14356061
"So by your estimation, the enemy commander is with the force retreating back to the forest, then?"

I'm voting for splitting our force.
My mine force deployment is similar to Panda's from here: >>14355904

Gaius and heavy legionnaires.
Sunstorm.
Neftius Spearmen.
Skywings.
Kyria and rangers.
Finian and scouts.

All others to be with the forest force.

Pax, what's the estimated time for when we will make contact with the enemy if we move out now?

>>14356089
Not only will our troops be less tired, but if catch up to them at night, then we might be able to employ moon-eye paste.

Hey Pax, what about our siege engines and their crews? Are they with us? Or did we have to leave them behind in that logging village?
Can we get them to meet up with us when we run down the fleeing elves?

>>14356104
I can support this. Send spearmen after enemy cavalry. Keep our cavalry to deal with the enemy archers.

>>14356137
Damnit you're right! We're the Midnight Dragon and we have yet to use it this campaign! Clearly we need to correct that.

In regards to your list, I'm a little hesitant to send Gaius and both the rangers and scouts. Gaius simply because I don't know if the legionnaries will be useful in a cavalry fight and the other part because we might need more ranged units to deal with the elves at the forest. Although now that I think about it, if they're in a forest then ranged units will be less useful. I retract my range complaint but still have one for Gaius.

>>14356061

Still hoping to get confirmed/estimated numbers on any enemy valk knights we killed last battle.

>>14356165
You have a point, but that force needs something to hammer the cavalry with once they get tangled up in our merc spearmen.
Should we replace Gaius with the Centron Guard, or Dentrus' Raiders (heavy infantry and light infantry respectively)?

>>14356198
Actually maybe Gaius can go south. They can't really march in formation in the forests. We should ask the noble horse cavalry if they've trained to deal with velociprey though. We can send them south as well if they have at least some resistance. Sure velociprey freak out horses but it didn't last long as I remember.

>>14356234
>We should ask the noble horse cavalry if they've trained to deal with velociprey though
Good point. Let's ask Captain Morzitus about it.

From what I can tell, Degnar Legionnaires are basically Heavy Spearmen. They are perfect for absorbing cavalry charges. Gaius's unit is the anvil. Then the two merc spear units wrap around the Velociprey and go for the kill.

The Rangers and our valks will deal with the remaining enemy valks.

>>14356234
Hopefully we catch them BEFORE they make it into the forest. These elves just might out-Blackbird Blackbird.

>>14356279
If they get into the forest, I say we wait until night and go in with our camo-paste. That's one advantage we should have over them at least.

>>14356104
I'd suggest switching out the scouts for Jayne's cavalry since pax said uursan beat velociprey once they catch them

>>14356338
Yeah, but the problem is that Finian and his scouts are there for AA cover against the enemy valk unit. Though I understand the point about using uursan cavalry against the velociprey cavalry.
I think the AA cover will be more important though.

>>14356369
Kyria's Rangers and their repeaters are pretty good AA already though. Plus we have our own valks.

I'm fine with it either way. The gold mine force has enough troops for it to be a straightforward fight. We'll worry about the main force when we get there.

Your captains and command staff are slowly forming up around you, so you simply ask "Captain Morzitus, have your men trained to deal with velociprey?"

The man steps forward "We trained for them regularly enough to deal with them if need be. My men will have to be a bit harsher on their mounts, but they will be able to fight velociprey if need be."

"Blackbird, what are our chances of catching either group?" you ask, still thinking.

The orc ponders for a moment before responding "The autowagons should be able to catch up with the infantry group before nightfall. a mostly cavalry force should have no problems catching theirs on a similar timeline if they ride hard, though it will be a close affair."

You thumb your greaves as you think "And the enemy commander is with the infantry..."

Blackbird clears his throat "I think you may have misunderstood me commander, I meant that I saw no sign of their leader among the infantry."

Tomas speaks up "Nor did I."

Gaius sighs "The knights go for the glory while their soldiers make a last stand. He hopes to escape while you attack the larger force, stealing another gold mine from us in the process."

>>14356424
Hmmm. Think we should join the force attacking the mines then on Spite? We cannot let this guy get away.

>>14356424
Damn. If the commander is with the velociprey, then it's likely that he's concentrated his elementalists with the cavalry. If he wants his soldiers to do one last glorious stand, then he wouldn't throw elementalists away in a battle he knows is lost.

I'm conflicted; we may need to go with the cavalry in order to counter any elementalists he may have, but our elementalism will be vital to cutting down the large infantry force.
Maybe split up? Justinian with the mine force, and Lena and other elementalists with the forest force?

And what about the siege engines? Can we get them to join up with us in time to use them at the forest?

>>14356504
I think Lena and Laelith might be better off with us. I don't think we want her abilties going off in the forest honestly. And the enemy will be damn tired and we'll have the camo-paste to deal with the guys in the woods. It will be bloody but I think they can manage.

I definitely want us in command for the large battle. Too many things could go wrong.

And it seems to me that elementalists are not as rare and valuable to Uurlanth. They did just throw away a mystic on a suicide mission. So some are probably deployed with the main force.

We do need to tweak our split though. Pax just said that only our cavalry have a chance at catching the enemy cavalry.

>>14356424

to Tomas: What is the best route of escape for the enemy cavalry force from that gold mine?

To anyone that knows: How many damned enemy valk knights did we bring down? They couldn't have gotten away with zero losses.


I think we should send both noble cav groups after the enemy knights and Trentz should ride with them. Bring the rangers,1-2 merc units, skywings, and if they're willing, the Observation griffons. If we didn't take out a good chunk of the enemy valks, we'll need the griffons to bolster our air assets in the hopes of crushing the valks or at least preventing the enemy leader from escaping.

Gaius takes the rest of the force and crushes the enemy infantry.

>>14356550
Ugh..Right. Fire and plasma blasts are not good things to be throwing around near a forest if we want the forest intact.

Alright, but I think we should send the other elementalists with forest force, however. Without Lena to act as a sniper to incinerate enemy elementalists, they'll need all the help they can otherwise get to counter any elementalists that might be with the infantry force.

Is this agreeable?

>>14356550

Couldn't Lealith just elementalism down any fires started?

We need to hit the cav group as hard as possible. Hell, since their commander shouldn't be present, we can go ahead and ignore the infantry for now. Kill the head, and the body will die.

Okay, new split:

To the gold mine:
Noble Heavy Cavalry
Noble Uursan Cavalry, Jayne (using life elementalism to force march the mounts)
Our remaining Valks
Laelith (some concerns on IRC about her setting fire to the forest)
Collin (to duel the enemy commander/knight)

To forest:
Everybody else

>>14356631
Hmm. Good point. She should be sent to the forest. If they do try to torch the place, she can calm it down. Lena should go against the knights though.

>>14356650
Yes, but they will still remain as a dangerous raiding force, and can still cause significant damage to the Degnarian war effort.
These aren't just some Uurlanthi conscripts, that will attempt to flee back to their homes at the first opportunity; these are battle-hardened veteran special forces, with decades to centuries of combat experience.
You dismiss them far too easily.

>>14356657

Sounds good, but I'd like to at least take a shot at convincing the griffon riders to aid our valks in the air.

>>14356590
Our wagons cannot catch the velocipray. We can send only cavalry, air units, and any retinue members that they carry.

Or we let the enemy knight raze the gold mine and escape. That's still an option. Bad option, I say, but it's there. We don't have to fight him.

>>14356657
Switch Lena with Laelith.
It's been brought up that Laelith can use her fire elementalism to force the fires down if it comes to it.
I still think we should bring some infantry with us, like the Neftius Spearmen or the Sunstorm. Yes, they'll be behind the cavalry, but they can arrive as reinforcements to the fight.

>>14356700

Could we send a small infantry force to block their likely route of retreat? We have the guide/tracker present, so we won't need to figure out his damned maps!

>>14356686
I'm fine with swapping out Laelith for Lena. Maybe she can one-shot the enemy knight.

Keep in mind that this "favored knight" is probably an elementalist himself.

>>14356724
>enemy commander is an elementalist
All the more reason to make sure that he gets a face-full of arcane plasma. Preferably, before the fight even starts.

>>14356714
Pax, can you confirm? Would they be reinforcements? Or would they arrive too late to do anything?

>>14356747
If they're going to arrive too late, then they should be used to block off the most likely escape routes, using Tomas to show them where to go.

>If you have an autowagon trailing they could cut off an escape route, and depending on how long the fight goes they may be able to reinforcfe

>>14356798
Alright, that sounds like we should take along some infantry then.
I'm still supporting the Sunstorm and the Neftius Spearmen.

>>14356657
You know, I'm still not liking the odds, even if we are there personally. If reinforcement is feasible, let's send the Sunstorm Elven Spears and Neftius Spearmen on wagons.

So:

To the gold mine:
Noble Heavy Cavalry
Noble Uursan Cavalry, Jayne (using life elementalism to force march the mounts)
Our remaining Valks
Lena (try to one-shot enemy commander)
Collin (to duel the enemy commander)

Gold mine reinforcements:
Sunstorm Elven Spears
Neftius Spearmen

To forest:
Everybody else

Now we just need to decide where Justinian goes.

>>14356896
Justinian with the mine force.
Seconding the rest of the list.

>>14356896
I like this, personally I'd say Justinian to the mine

>>14356896
Justinian to the gold mine. Collin should go with everyone else

>>14356896

Swap Collin for Justinian

If we bring infantry to the mines it should be the rangers and 1 merc unit.

So, does Justinian go to the gold mine for EPIC DUEL? Or stay with our infantry to protect against elf shenanigans?

I personally say with the forest. I think the enemy knight commander is trying to get us angry and chase after him, while his troops set up an ambush for ours in the forest. If so, I want us in that forest with our infantry troops.

If consensus is gold mine, however, then I suggest one change:

Swap out Collin for Justinian. (It's not a duel if it's three people dammit.)

>>14356959

Blackbird's input should be more than enough to deal with any leaderless elf shenanigans should they make it to the forest.

Final deployment, yes?

To the gold mine:
Justinian (for EPIC DUEL)
Noble Uursan Cavalry, Jayne (using life elementalism to force march the mounts)
Noble Heavy Cavalry
Our remaining Valks
Lena (try to one-shot enemy commander, wear down the enemy valks)

Gold mine reinforcements:
Sunstorm Elven Spears (anti-cavalry)
Kyria's Rangers (anti-air)

To forest:
Everybody else, Gaius in charge

>>14357028
in the words of scruffy, second

>>14357028
Sounds good to me.

>>14357028

sounds like a plan.

rolled 26 = 26

>>14357028
I can live with this.
Let's do it!

Also, test rolling.

Instructions for Gaius (because we worry so):

Avoid fighting the elves at sunset if we make it to the forest edge first. The sun would be setting west(?) and would be in the defender's eyes. Try to delay the enemy until nightfall.

If the enemy gets to the forest first, attack at sunset if possible.

Blackbird's Raiders inside the forest asap.

Collin and Laelith should engage the enemy blade-masters.

Use our superior numbers in infantry to try to crush the enemy archers before they do too much damage. Stay in Testudo if possible. Otherwise, rush them. *It has worked before.*

>>14357137
I should hope that knowing when to attack is something we don't have to inform a captain as experienced as Gaius about.
Though yes, Blackbird's raiders should be stationed in the forest as quickly as they can.
He has authorization to employ the moon-eye paste if he believes it will give him an advantage.

Try to link up with the siege engine crews; the mangonel and heavy repeaters will help against the enemy archers.

Also, Blackbird has permission to fell trees for his patented tree-traps (TM). A few must be sacrificed to save the many.

>>14357137

Can we add "No quarter while any enemy forces still resist" to that? Those forces DID just butcher civies.

And can we do the same with the enemy cav force?

After a few minutes of thinking you finally announce your plan "I will lead our house cavalry, and Captain Corinths riders to deal with the enemy leadership. The Sunstorm and 65th rangers will follow on Autowagon to either cut off the enemies escape, or reinforce us."

"Commander, there are still some 20 enemy valkerie knights in action, and they wont be so nice as to fly up to us this time." the captain of your flying cavalry interjects.

"You'll have support from the 65th, and numbers this time. Lena, you'll be with me. Gaius, you will lead the rest of the maniple to crush the remaining infantry. If they make it to the forest, defer to Blackbird before you enter. If you do, pursue them into the woods, I want Laelith to keep them from burning down the woods around you. We're on a tight schedule my friends; Live well"

"And die Bravely" the legionnaires reply, the mercenaries simply nod or salute. Before the hour is up you are riding with all haste down the southern road, Jaynes face a mask of concentration as the Uursan easilly keep pace with the horses as they barrel on down the road.

"Commander... do, do you think he'll blame me?" Lena asks from behind you, in her more traditional robes, having apparently given up on applying arcane designs to her own arms.

>>14357234
>"Commander... do, do you think he'll blame me?"
"You give Wulf far too little credit, Lena. All he will care about is making sure that you are safe, and were not harmed by Karythria's trap.
"The only thing he will be upset about, is you continuing to blame yourself."

>>14357283

Nicely put!

Seconding

>>14357234
"It would be foolish for him to do so and I don't think he he is a fool, gods are a vindictive lot"

You stifle a chuckle "Lena, you give Wulf far too little credit I think. If he will be upset about anything it will be your insistence on blaming yourself."

"but-" she begins to argue.

"The goddess of duplicity and cruelty was targeting you, and Wulf will be free from their realm soon enough. If he will harbor any ill will it will be towards that goddess for using him to get to you." you explain.

"I, I make a poor soldier, dont I? Blaming myself when I should blame my foes, barely obeying orders... I even cried after my first battle." she begins, honest, but downcast.

>>14357424
"you're new at this still and honestly battle really isn't suited to your character. Perhaps you would prefer working at the academy I plan on opening"

>>14357424

"No one makes a good soldier, my dear. We all simply try our best to be the ideal that is a good soldier."

>>14357424
"Maybe you do, or maybe you just need more time and training. Not everyone is cut out for military service. But it's also true that not everyone can become a soldier with just a few battles, and no prior military training.
"Everyone has these sorts of doubts, Lena. But the important thing is to keep them at bay until the campaign is over. Once we're done here, you can re-examine your life, see if the soldier's life is for you. I could still use you back at the Academy I am forming.
"But right now, at this moment, you need to concentrate. Focus on the battle. Wulf is depending on you to make sure we come out of this victorious. And for that, you need to stay in the here and now, and follow orders.
"Do you understand?"

>>14357234
"I do not believe so, Lena. You could not possibly have known, and I myself only figured it out at the last second."

You sigh "None of us make good soldiers, Lena." you reply, half turning in your saddle to look her in the eyes as best you can "But what all of us trying to be good soldiers must make are good friends, and that you most certainly have the heart for. Most of us never wanted to be soldiers, but life put us into these positions, this Crimson," you continue, thumping your breastplate "and the best we can do is try to keep ourselves, and those dear to us alive. They give us our strength, help us hold fast when all sanity says to run, and yes, when the burden of war is too great, are shoulders to cry on and ports in the storm. and that, my dear, is something that I know you can be, I need only look at you and Wulf to know that much."

Lena thinks for a moment before replying "But so many of the captains look so happy, so, built, for this."

You shake your head "Do you know what Kyria wanted to be?" the girl shakes her head "A smith. and Sansa, hunter. Our lives put us into these roles, but we all chose to stay for our friends, or loved ones. Even I consider quitting the Legion between campaigns, starting a family, governing some small town or city. There is no shame in thinking these thoughts between campaigns, so long as we are there for those we care about when the winds of war howl about us. And, should you decide that this is not for you, I can still use you at my academy... but right now, Wulf is counting on you, helpless as he is it falls to us, to you, to protect him, and the rest of our comrades."

A look of understanding draws across the girls face, but before she can reply, a series of signal flares light the sky. You shift in the saddle to see two wedges of velociprey bearing down the road at you, though something does feel, off.

>>14357746
>something feels off
What does our stonesense tell us?
Is it the feeling of another elementalist?

>>14357746

See if Lena can hit the enemy commander's unit with some bolts of death.

rolled 85 = 85

>>14357746
Elemental roll.
Earthen pike wall right in front of the enemy wedges.

rolled 19 = 19

>>14357829
WHY THE FUCK HIGH ROLLS ONLY WHEN IT COUNTS?!

You bear down on the wedge opposite Jaynes wing, ducking to allow Lena to fire off her arcane energy at your foe. Two riders and one mount fall to an equal amount of bolts, before the melee is joined. You level your spear at your opposite for this campaign, great sculpted wings sprouting from the shoulders of his armor and going well above his head, the elfs naginata leveled at you. In a flash the two wedges glance past each other, your spear tearing through your foes shoulder, and imbedding itself into the skull of the velociprey immediately behind him, while your foes strike glances off of a shield thrown up by Lena. the wedges pass, re-form and begin moving to build up speed for the next charge, testing each other before a proper impact is struck.

The space where all of the wings collided lies littered with horses, uursan, velociprey and their riders, as well as the terribly inaccurate earthen spikes you had attempted to throw up. Dead riders and valkeries begin to slowly rain from the sky, as that combat is joined as well, crossbow bolts and even more polearms joining the lances and spears left in the corpses already on the ground.

rolled 24 = 24

>>14358003
Alright, trying again.
Elemental roll.
Terrakinesis; withering rapid-fire deluge of large stones into the enemy wing.

rolled 31 = 31

>>14358003
wheel and attack

rolled 38 = 38

Dice gods, I do not often pray to you, I do not have the tongue for it. Battle pleases you, Dice gods, so grant me this one request!

Grant me a winning combat roll.

And if you will not listen, then to hell with you!

>>14358003
Don't forget to have Lena try for another volley of arcane plasma bolts.

>>14358033
command in case that wasn't clear

>>14358048
Yeah, it wasn't. Good thing you clarified.

rolled 48 = 48

>>14358003

Attempt to free spear for the next pass.

You wheel around, and again you can already see your uurlanthi counterparts swerving off to one side, using their agility to prevent their more powerful foe from landing a head-on charge. You raise as many stones as you can muster from the area around the road, and add to Lenas salvo of arcane bolts with them. again the Knight leading this band of elves eludes your fire, and on the next pass he returns the favor you did him on the last, shredding though your shoulder, despite Lenas efforts to halt his blow. The other combat is continuing much more bloodily, you realize, the veritable rainbow of lances leveled by the elven knights far outstriping the crimson, black and golden hued ones wielded by the house Morzitus wing. As more dead flyers rain down around you, Spite tenses up, and lets out a mighty roar as you prepare to bring him around. Jayne lets out a wild whoop "All they've managed to do is piss us off!" she exclaims, a predatory grin plastered all over her face. You flourish your spear, arcing the blood from it, leaving naught but cold meteorite to give to the next elf it finds.

rolled 9 = 9

>>14358151
Elemental Roll
Hit the velocipreys again with a burst of spikes.

rolled 42 = 42

>>14358151
Combat.

Should we have Lena switch targets to the enemy valk units?
They and the noble heavy cav seem to be taking a real beating.

>>14358196
I would suggest that. If I was here, I would have said Lena's initial volley should have supported the valk's. The sooner we get air superiority, the better. The other cavalry looks like they need help too.

>>14358216
Alright, let's have Lena switch her targets to enemy valk units. Faster we get air superiority, the better.

>>14358233
Depends. If it's a cluster fuck up there and it's too messy to accurately hit the enemy, I say have her focus on the other velociprey instead. Leave that up to Pax since we don't really have any idea on how messy it is up there. Hopefully your elementalism roll this round helps deal with the velociprey.

>>14358263
So basically tell Lena, to clear the airspace if she has a clean shot, otherwise, take out the other velociprey group, right?
Let's do it; we're wasting time.

rolled 61 = 61

Tell Lena to target enemy valks if she can get a clear shot and can tell who's on which side. Otherwise, start targeting the other velociprey unit.

Command roll, if necessary.

"Lena, the valkerie knights, if you would." you toss back over your shoulder as Spite picks up speed of his own volition, the frustration and hunger almost palpable. Seconds before the four wedges impact each other, Spite lets out a mighty roar, timed perfectly with the earthen spikes you set to shredding the near side of the knightly wing sprinting directly at the House Morzitus wing, the effect devastating to every knight unlucky enough to pass it. Lena begins firing short beams of energy into the sky, her breathing controlled, and perfectly timed to her up-tempo chanting in draconian. the velociprey opposite spite emits a cry of its own, a long, multi-pitched undulating scream, throwing your spears aim from the knight that has done so much damage to your family in so few battles, to one of the elfs bodyguards, skewering the elf. Your foes naginata similarly burries itself into one of Jaynes riders, and the two of you simultaneously draw your blades, metal crying out against metal above the roar of the charges hitting home. Spite and your foes mount begin to batter each other as well, the scarred old Velociprey doing admirably against your massive mount.

"GRANT ME POWER!!!!!" your foe bellows, and you feel a sad, apologetic sensation in your mind, before a massive sigil of Garagush covers the ground around you, and all sense of the earth below you is lost to your senses. Lena gasps, and tightly clings to your midriff in terror. the elf opposite you grins wickedly from beneath his helm, before launching into another spirited assault.

rolled 37 = 37

>>14358424
Combat once again.

rolled 41 = 41

>>14358424

"AFRAID TO FIGHT WITH YOUR OWN STRENGTH!?"

Combat roll

rolled 62 = 62

>>14358424
We have lost sense of the earth below us, but what about the metal in the elf's armor and weapon?

Elemental Roll.
Metal Implosion.

When we come out of this fight, we need to have a talk with the gods, about how backing losers is not doing anything for helping to increase our desire for cooperation with them, or for Degnarians to begin worship of them again.

rolled 22 = 22

Command roll to rally Lena.

"Lena! The valks! Focus!"

You grunt, blocking one of the blows from your foes blade "AFRAID THAT YOUR OWN STRENGTH WILL NOT WIN THROUGH??" you shout back, and feel a definite since of agreement with your sentiment, though the accompanying feeling that 'business is business'. Wishing vehemently that all mortals were as avers to pandering to the divine as you were, you return the elfs blows just as viciously as he delivers, sending his shield flying back with a strike well timed with both of your mounts rearing up to tear at each other, the elf barely staying in his saddle as his mount leaps at Spite in an attempt to use its larger, more powerful hind legs better, though all it gains the beast is a large chunk rent from its haunch, and one of its smaller, vestigial arms bitten clean off. You drive your blade again through the elfs wounded shoulder, grinning as he works to get his mount back under control, the rapid clamor of approaching autowagons signalling that the end of the battle is very near.

I'm not seeing any elementalism or other magic being deployed against us. Either the enemy ran out of elementalists (unlikely), or they were deployed with the enemy infantry/archers.

rolled 14 = 14

>>14358560
One more time!
Elemental Roll.
Metal Implosion!

rolled 24 = 24

Rangers, into the enemy valks. Try not to hit ours.

Sunstorm, cut off escape routes. Surround them with a spear-wall if you can.

Command roll.

>>14358586
Switching to combat, since all elementalism has been sealed.

>>14358586
during this say "METAL CRUSH! YOU! ARE! DEFEATED!"

rolled 18 = 18

>>14358560

We'll have to give Garagush his champion. In tiny pieces.

Combat

No. Honorable death in battle is too good for this bastard. It's the crucifix for him. Take him alive.

"For Degnar!!!" you below, as you press forward, spite shredding into the velociprey your foe is riding, as you rack his limbs from his body, and finally his head. Six strokes is all it takes to leave him in as many pieces, your blade is sharp, and elven flesh and bone soft and brittle. As the rangers clear the skies, the Sunspears move in to finish the remaining knights in short order. None of them escape, nor do many of their surviving mounts.

-----CQ-----

"Bloody, but invigorating." Balor quips, as he rides up alongside you, his eyes glowing from moonseye paste. Cleanup from the battle had taken little more than an hour, so you had opted to make all haste for the forest, in hopes of still being able to lend a hand.

"I could have done without the lost riders, but enough of my stock survived that it wont be to hard of a blow. Though having the gods power turned against us again was, disheartening." Jayne replies almost nervously.

"I'm begining to think the dwarfs are right. They took Wulf from me, and this one took my sight and my strength from me again." Lena declares as you ride up on your camp outside the forest, the sounds of reverie already apparent.

>>14358773
"Not entirely surprising though. The gods will move to protect their interests and Garagush clearly had interest in that elf for some reason or another. All we can do is fight through it or act like our foes and ask the gods for boons. Who knows what the costs for that would be, however."

No barbers bill?

>>14358773
Get a sitrep from Gaius.

>>14358773

We took his head for proof of his death and at least an arm chop up and to give to Garagush in a box, I hope?

>>14358773
>sounds of reverie already apparent.
Good, sounds like this campaign is done.
I want a final mop-up and search of the forest for the enemy base camp, in case there's still supplies, arcana, and intel we can recover.
Then, on our march back to Dragonsreach, intensive elemental training.
I want to try to get the next Fissures upgrade to boost everything, then we work towards Metals and Magnetism.

>>14358847
this

>>14358773
"Not all gods are vindictive. Just remember that they, like any merchant, will peddle their boons to anyone willing and able to pay their price.
"It's not always a bad thing to purchase an edge, especially when your life is on the line. But just keep in mind the cost, and make it clear where you stand relative to the divine."

>>14358847
We need a report from Gaius, and I think the Skywings deserve a bonus for their recon work and considering how heavy their losses were.

rolled 30 = 30

Rolling for bringing the elf commander's body with us next time we meditate.

Let us present Garagush with an immaculately wrapped box filled with his champion in tiny chunks.

>>14358873
Second.

Our valk mercs and the noble heavy cavalry get glowing commendations.

Tell the chefs to bring out the good stuff to serve. Booze for everyone.

You shrug "They aren't all vindictive or violent. They sell their boons to any who will aid their cause or bolster their power, and like any good merchant, they do not discriminate against any possible customers." Lena mumbles something, but seems to accept your words.

Sansa strides up to you, smiling, though somewhat reserved, she hands you The Bill "It went well enough, though it was not a clean affair. None of our units made it out unscathed, though Gaius was clever enough about it. Also, an eagle arrived from the second for you, its in your tent."

-196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
140/200
good
-454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
140/200
good
-98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
95/150
good
-76th Deadeyes
Aurelius Caspius
85/100
good
-50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
85/100
good
-65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
85/100
good
-House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
38/50
good
House Morzitus Heavy Cavalry
Balor morzitus
30/50
good
-Blacktusk Raiders 60/75
Blackbird
assorted gear
good
-The Sunstorm (elves)
Tyxia Nestad
185/200
Splintmail, spears, kite shields, javelins
good
-Celtron Guard (Dwarves)
Denuk Tyshop
150/175
Surecoats over mail, longswords, tower shields
good
-Daimus Skywings
Damian Corinth
Chainmail, polearms, valkeries
20/50
average
-Neftius Spearmen
Trysha Morose
120\150
leathers, spears, circleshields
good
-Dentrus' Raiders (elfs)
Boros Klars
185\200
Leathers, combat axes, kite shields, javelins
good

>so, letter, or Gaius first? I figure I have one of those in me yet tonight

>>14358920
I seriously still think you guys are overreacting over this whole thing. The gods are returning to a world where they have no followers or believers. Of course they're going to be interested and give boons to those that believe in them and have their favour. To tell the gods to stop accepting certain people just because we said so, a random mortal at this point, will not fly.

>>14358938
I say letter. Might as well let us think over the contents for next session and then we can talk to Gaius at the beginning on Sunday.

>>14358938
Gaius.
We need to know what state our maniple is currently in, before we can take up another of the Second's suicide missions.

>>14358938
The letter first then Gaius.

Are you sure that's not the unit statuses before the battle, Pax? Those are pretty low casualty rates! I don't think we could have done any better.

Debrief Gaius. Commend him on job well done. See the 2nd's letter unless Pax runs out of battery. :)

>>14358947

We're not saying "don't work with anyone else", we're teaching them better business skills.

That and reminding them not to underestimate the strength of mortals.

>>14358955
second

>>14358938
If it's only one, then the Second's letter.

Also, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Maximus that everyone is overreacting about the gods peddling their boons and favors like amoral arms dealers.
Because that's exactly what they are at this point: weapon dealers. I would expect no less from a human arms merchant than how the gods are acting now.
There is no need to unnecessarily antagonize them.

>>14358947
We are not telling them that or anything like that. Mortals that they work with, that happen to be working against us, will just consistently end up chopped up into little pieces. Eventually they'll get the hint.

>>14358992
I don't know. Selling to both sides seem like a fast way to get one of your products shoved into your gut.

Since we can't intimidate the gods, let's intimidate their potential customers. Uurlanthis that deal with gods get special treatment from our blade. If the gods don't get the hint, the mortals will.

>>14359002
You're saying the exact same thing but in a roundabout way. You're basically saying the gods should not pick a certain population of the world (In this case Uurlanth) individuals simply because they might oppose us at some point. And if we walk up to a god and tell them to learn to do business better, we're asking to get slapped upside the head for thinking we know better than these gods. Based on the last conversation we had with Neshai and on what these gods could do to us, I think that's rather unwise.

>>14359002
>>14359044
That's still the same as telling the gods to not sell to a specific population. It's still us messing with their business.
And seeing as we don't have any defenses while on the astral communicating with the gods, I think it's unwise.

>>14359064
>>14359082
How is that the same? We are not telling them *anything*. Uurlanthiis that make deal with gods, and then use boons to get in our face, get chopped up into dog food. If the gods bitch about it, we just point out that it was in self defense!

Furthermore, Degnar and Uurlanth are at war. Enemy individuals that deal with gods are powerful enemy assets, which we should seek to eliminate at every opportunity. That's all I'm saying,

>>14359002
>>14359044
>>14359064
>>14359082


Would the plan be better if we just gave him the bitzbox and say "I understand business, but he wasn't as good a fighter as you."?

what god of war wouldn't want to open a box to find bits of a person? especially if we follow up with how said person just couldn't compare to the god's fighting skills!

Justinian Trentz: Trolling gods with a smile!

You sigh "I suppose I'll speak with Gaius in the morning, lets see that letter. Who is it from?"

"The Second" Sansa shrugs, wrapping an arm around you.

"No, no, he's mine tonight you greedy little thing." Jayne interrupts, mirroring Sansa.

"But Kyria keeps hogging me whenever she finds out that its my night." Sansa pouts.

"I cant help that sunshine is infatuated with you, maybe if you took care of her some on your own it wouldn't be an issue." Even with your sight distorted by the moonesye paste you can see Sansa light up as red as she used to get. You chuckle as you extract yourself from the squabbling women to see what it was the Second had for you.

The letter is still sealed with the insignia of office, crimson wax with a black mailed fist over the top of it in wax. you break it open and read.
>cont'd

"Commander Trentz, first, I would like to congratulate and commend you on your swift victory. Jaxor Morlan has kept me informed of your progress through the obervers you took on, and though you have yet to finish your foe, I do not doubt that you will need more than a few days to do so. You have your place in my Left Fist as the Third Finger, upper joint. Your new standard is waiting for you in Northmont, as is your first mission as one of my elite. It has been brought to my attention that the Governor of Northmont has been subverted with the likely imminent faltering of the Northern Front. You are to impose the Emperors law on the man and his family, then hold martial law, and if necessary defend the city until the reinforcements I have bound for that front arrive. You will have my mark, so any commanders less than Lord in rank should at the very least cooperate, if not outright obey your command, as the acting governor. It is customary for new members of any praetorians fist to receive a gift of arcana, and since the traitors such as him have their families possessions rendered to the state, your gift shall be first choice of one item from those possessions once belonging to that family which has been stricken in its entireity from imperial history, recorded only within the Annals of Treachery." at that the letter is signed, marked, and ends.

>>14359154
>Since we can't intimidate the gods, let's intimidate their potential customers. Uurlanthis that deal with gods get special treatment from our blade. If the gods don't get the hint, the mortals will.
This part is what I'm referring to.
It's one thing to target enemy recipients of divine boons because they are a strategic threat; it's another when we seek them out solely because they have the boon or favor, and we give them special treatment.

The former is an unfortunate necessity of war, and won't be begrudged by the gods (except Karythria, spiteful bitch that she is).
The latter is a threat to the powerbase of the gods.

>>14359180
interesting......Very interesting

Look, we have to kill some of them in self-defense anyway. I'm going to assume that no one is suggesting that we stop defending ourselves.

I'm just taking it one step further. If the gods are dealing with someone, then that someone is a "worthy individual", according to Pax. If that "worthy" person is loyal to Uurlanth, then we should prioritize him as a target, over "mook captain #312".

The chopping up into little pieces part will ensure that they don't get brought back as an undead that can cast magic.

We're moving up in the world, Gentlemen. Assemble the troops to let them know the good news when it becomes appropriate. This after such a victory will have us in good spirits.

>Oh, and since I didnt mention it, the emperors justice in this case means crucifying the governor in question after you exile his family to the far corners of the world, with, at the most, 5 gold dragoons a piece.
>at that, I'm off to bed
>someone archive please
>I might be back sunday at 9pm server time, homework allowing, if not, tuesday at 9pm server
>if you have any CQ/setting questions just e-mail me at: paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>14359180
Good thing we brought Daesu. Sounds like we'll be needing his skills.

Also, what about Rufus? Will he and the House Morlan observers be returning to Dragonsreach now?

rolled 58 = 58

>>14359180
oooo, damnatio memorae.

>>14359196
I think you are just arguing over semantics now, Ngodom. You don't seem to be objecting to targeting them. Are you objecting to the "chopping up" part? We don't *have* to chop them up.

We are now the 2nd's middle finger. Great.

Thread has been archived.

>>14359259
Yes, I am objecting to the chopping up part. Also, the fact that the gods can read our mind when we enter their realm.
When dealing with them, intent is as important as results.
We need to go in with the mentality, and the intention, that any Uurlanthi that receives a divine boon or favor will simply be targeted as a high priority target. This will be done not because they received divine favor while fighting against us, but because they now represent a heightened threat, the same as an enemy elementalist.

>>14359312
Fair enough. Agreed.