>bump, since I showed up a bit early

Well then, time to just spy on and just watch how she teaches the class.

This should be interesting.

Also Bump for CQ
(Directly competing against Boone Quest D:)

>>15190444
>bump for a second opinion.
>and I wouldnt say competing so much as coexisting, as I'd be lurking in there were it not for my still running game of Mud and Blood 2...

>>15190444
I'll second this. We can get a report on how the classes are doing after she's done with the class.

Plus, ask how the shadow mage kid we sent from the traitor's family is doing.

Lastly, get her name.

>>15190566
>>15190444
Agreeing with these.

You signal for Sansa to wait by your side, and continue to quietly watch as the class is taught. The elementalists are faced off in pairs, listening to their instructor "You have seen how others can be countered easily. With earth elementalism, this is not so. A tear in the earth feels as natural to the senses of the elementalist as does level ground." she explains, walking down center of the small group, turning, and allowing you too see a pair of small metallic nubs, not all that dissimilar to Lenas affixed to the old lacertas hip. "Therefore, you must hone your reflexes, and your sight, if you are to prevent elementalists of your own element from triumphing over you. Today, I have paired you off with those learning from the same school, one will attempt to strike at the other, who will counter with elementalism. and as I am certain you know by now, I expect full force to be used... as I can heal any wound ones such as you can open." at that, the teacher walks from the group at her slow, steady pace, and begins to head towards you. "How can I help you... commander?" she asks in her more natural, sibilant tone.

"With your name, and how the arcanists I left for you to train are learning." you reply, accepting her proffered hand.

she chuckles, a wholly disturbing, whispy, hissing noise "Esthriya Renelem. And they are learning as well as can be expected, a few may be ready to deploy with you immediately... though, training for traditional combat may be useful for them."

You nod happily, as earthen spikes, and airborne rocks begin to impact against each other, or flesh, in some cases. "And our exile?" you ask

She shakes her head, patting the metal lumps on her thigh "Still a petulant child, afraid of me, and what I have to teach him. Still angry at his families fall from grace, his plebian status... and his status as a social pariah, and at you."

>>15190710
>Still angry at his families fall from grace, his plebian status... and his status as a social pariah, and at you
"That is to be expected. He is still a child, at the mercy of his emotions and unable to see past them to the truth of the matter, that his father was the cause of his family's downfall. If it hadn't been me, it would have been some other Legion commander.
"That aside, have any of the students showed possible promise as assistant instructors for the next class?"

>>15190710

"Hmm. Perhaps I should spar with him a little.

Since he hates me so, a goal like besting me in combat should be sufficient to motivate him enough to begin his training in earnest."

We should get Collins and/or a few handpicked men down to the academy to help begin close quarter combat drills for now. In the long term, we should look to hire some old invalids/veterans to help tutor this young ones.

>>15190820
I disagree. This isn't Vinland Saga (as awesome as that would be) and we're not Askeladd. If he's going to be a soldier, he's going to have to learn to live with us. Working off his animosity is counter to that goal.

>>15190820
>look to hire some old invalids/veterans to help tutor this young ones.
Second. See if some retirees from the Legion would be willing to become combat and drill instructors for something to do. Also look through any soldiers from our maniple that needed a medical discharge to see if they qualify.

>>15190710
The kid's pissed off at us. Understandable. I wonder what if he was not under our care but High Commander Lucretious' care. I think that this could be good for both of them.

1) Both of them are shadow mages. Kid learns from Lucretious and so on so forth.

2) Lucretious would like a younger shadow mage to mentor. he was quite disappointed when Lena was a light mage so this helps him out too.

3) Lucretious is not Justinian. The kid probably sees us as having killed his dad and shattered his family. So Lucretious could prove to be a stabilizing figure in the kid's life.

One problem with this that I can figure out is that we don't know where Lucretious is. Still campaigning or in Degnar. Well we can ask the Praetorian about it in the breifing.

>>15190905
I don't think that's a good idea.
Remember that the kid is still the son of a traitor. I don't know if Laurentius would want such a volatile unknown.

>>15190875

We're not vikings, we're romans but the character type is still exactly the same. A hot-blooded, scared kid. And we killed his dad.

Frankly at this point we are his Askeladd, since we did recruit him too.

So we might as well exploit this to beat into him the lesson that if he wants anything done, he needs to gain power.

Also his will to kill us is also tempered by the fact that he probably wants to restore his family name. And that we're his only chance to do that. If he falls to temptation and attacks/kills us, hes doomed his entire family.

You shrug "He is still a child, and slave to his emotions. He will learn to accept the truth soon enough. Of our elementalist students, are there any that would be able to help train the next batch of elementalists, or are none that skilled?"

Esthriya tilts her head "Perhaps, one of the water elementalists, and, depending on how this class ends, an earth elementalist." behind the lacerta, the controlled drill has now degraded into a free for all, alliances being born and dying within seconds, as earth and stone collide against each other.

>>15191029
"Once you get a chance, I'd like you to write up the instructional materials that you're using here, so I can compare them with the current training regimen I use on the elementalistsm currently active in my maniple.
"Later, I'd like to send Laelith here, so that the two of you could develop the curriculum further. While my maniple is still here in the capital, I shall have my veteran elementalists come here for training, to mix battle-tested techniques with academic theory."

>>15191219
I'll second this.

>>15191219
>>15191224
This is good. Thirding

You nod, ducking a stone knocked off its course and towards the three of you, catching it on a stone pillar before it goes too much further "Once you have the free time, it would be excellent if you could write up the curriculum you have been training with. I would like to compare them to the regimen my current group of combat elementalists have been training with." Esthriya nods, and gives an affirmative grunt "Also, I will have Laelith stop by later to compare, and possibly blend techniques. The other combat elementalists will be with her, hopefully their pressence will aid your training."

"Thank you, Commander." the lacerta replies, pausing before adding "Would you like to observe the academy you purchased, or will you be on your way now?"

>>15191411
We can go see it, I don't think there's anything too urgent today.

>>15191411
"I would love to see where the future will be molded."

Let's check it out.

>>15191411

I think we should at least go to see the kid. Talk to him abit to get him straightened out. Time may not be a luxury we'll have for too much longer.

Then, we'll probably have to report to the 2nd. We're back in the capital and we've not met him yet. He did mention we owe him a boon too.

Other items of lesser importance would be seeing to Jayne's house to see how her cavalry are doing as well as our new personal wing of airborne cav.

Finally, we should detail Daseau and/or Blackbird and his crew to go and check on the convoy that is due. I doubt we can afford for something like that to go missing and so we should send some insurance. I bet Blackbird's are bored.

>>15191500
All good ideas. We don't want Blackbird to be bored, and this would be a chance for him to break the new men in (quite likely, literally).

>>15191500

Oh and, whoever we're sending on retrieval, we need to loan them Aquila.

This might also be a good field exercise.

Have Esthriya come up with a short list of trainees with good skills and are almost ready. Send them with some of our seasoned elementalist for practice in small unit operations.

If everything goes fine, perfect, a good training exercise.

Else if things go ploin-shaped, Aqulia can summon us while blackbird with elementalist support will rip the enemy a new one.

>>15191605
If we've got the time, sounds good.

"Of course I would." you reply politely, catching Sansa on your arm as Esthriya leads you around the swirling melee of earth and stone "And, perhaps to see our exile as well." you add, as the doors are pushed open. The academies interior is simple, but efficient. A kitchen, for personal use judging by the amount of folk inside it; is connected to the larger dining hall, the later room mirrored on the opposite end of the hall. There are six dormitory wings spreading out in two lines from the large common hall, and dining area. In the common hall there are stairs going both up and down.

At the far end of each dormitory wing is a smaller common area, up the starrs are six more dormitory wings, along with several meditation chambers. The basement houses a mostly empty archive, isolation rooms, and additional meditation chambers. Along with a large vault, also empty. "This floor has the space of an entire additional level between it and the ground floor. I keep it dark, as we would waste torches otherwise." Esthriya informs you, moving, and speaking slightly slower in the chill of the basement. "I keep young Restan in a very well appointed isolation cell when he refuses his lessons. Since he is still learning his magesight... taking these" she taps the sight arcana "keep him from escaping." She points too a door, before leaving you, and heading for the stairs again.

You push the door open, as it is not barred. Inside, a young boy sulks in a dimly lit room, staring at the ground. He looks up at the sound of the door opening "Is it you, Esthriya?" he asks, his brown hair now bobbed above his ears and eyes, which are as milky now as Lenas were when you met her, his temples bare, though you can see the outline of a mark where his sight-giving arcana normally sat, no longer concealed by his hairline.

"I am here as well. I am glad to see you doing so well, young Restan."

>>15191744

"You wish, Restan."

>>15191744
"No, it is not. I'm Commander Trentz, here to check on your progress."

Can't really think of anything else without hearing his reaction to introducing ourselves.

>>15191744
"No, Restan. I'm not."

I'd type something longer, but I want to see his response first before laying into him.

You sigh, if he is that combative with Esthriya... "No, it is Commander Trentz, checking to see that you are well. And on your trainings progress."

He hugs his knees closer too his chest, and his head drops into them "Oh. You expect me to work for the man who destroyed my family?" he bitterly forces a laugh, though you can easily hear the bitterness and anger on his voice "My mother will save me from this false debt to you, and restore our citizenship too, just you wait."

>>15191981
The man who destroyed your family was crucified in Northmont. I was but the messenger, as it were. And I am offering you something better than simple citizenship. I am offering you the chance to undo the damage your father caused, and restore your family's name. If you'd like to brood in a dark cell waiting on your mother to save you like a child, that is your choice. If you want to seize your own destiny as a man, you need only talk to me.

>>15191981
"Destroyed your family? Your FATHER did that, far better than anything I did. If it hadn't been me, it would have been some other commander, one far less merciful.
"If you want to brood in a dark cell until your mother comes to save you, that's your prerogative. But keep in mind that your mother has no resources, no contacts, nothing that is useful enough to the Empire for us to consider overlooking the treason that your family was a part of."

>>15191981

"And that is why you will continue to be a child.

How much longer will you cling to your mother's petticoat and hide from the world? Do you really believe that anyone would help someone who is now a plebian?

Your father betrayed the Empire. Your name, family and line are disgraced. You. You alone of your siblings have been granted an unheard of opportunity by the Emperor, to redeem your family's honour...and you sit in a cell, squandering that one chance.

Are you truly that sort of person, Restan? Or am I talking to a sheep, and not a man of Dengar?"

"Restan, I know it's hard to believe, but I want you to succeed. You, and only you are capable of bringing honor back to your family's name. I want to see that happen. I want to see the stain of your father's betrayal wiped clean by your own honorable actions. That is what I would most like."

You sigh, shaking your head "The man who destroyed your family died in Northmont, nailed to a cross. He discraced your family by attempting to sell the very same city which he had won the governance of in a fair election to Uurlanth. Had another Commander been sent, you likely would be dead by now." you walk over to the boy, and lift him to his feet. He does not look up, however "I have gone so far as to give you an unheard of chance to redeem your families name in the Empire." you grasp the 10 year olds jaw, and turn his face to look at you "In six years, you will be a man grown, and your chance, this unheard of boon, will either have passed you by, or have been seized. What will it be, will you grow to be a man of Degnar, or some meek sheep, better left to the mercy of the wolves?"

The boys eyes bug out, fear, and hurt filling them briefly, before they return to anger "Your lying! Father would never do something bad like that! I dont have any special powers, those are just stories!" his lips trembling, legs shaking. At least he's trying to look at you now.

>>15192303
Give him a demonstration. Nothing too frightening.

>>15192303
Your father confessed to my man the entirety of his crimes. In addition, we have the missives between him and the Uurlanthi spies he sold to in our possession. As to your powers, you most certainly possess them. Though, little sheep that you are, they aren't doing you much good.

Should we tell him about how his cowardly father ran to an escape tunnel leaving his family behind while Urlanth assassins attempted to hold us at bay?

>>15192351

I doubt in this state he will believe us.

The little brat needs to learn this lesson sooner or later though.

>>15192351

It would be better if we could get the casefile from the dept to throw at his feet.

By the time hes gone through it, he'll hate his father and be ready to serve.

>>15192303
"You don't believe me. A regrettable, yet ultimately understandable state. After all, your father engineered the situation so that you, your brother and sister, and mother never knew.
"Did you see your mother's face as you were led away? Did you see to whom the anger was directed?"

>>15192322
seconded

>>15192449
wait, that's myself. I can't even remember what I posted anymore.

>>15192449
did...did you just second yourself?

>>15192421
I want to bring up, subtlety, that the father was using mind control on the family. Imply that they were nothing but mere tools to be controlled and used by him in his schemes.
Also, bring up that his mother directed her anger at his father, not us, when she learned the truth.

>>15192421
>>15192322
Combine these two.
Put him in a cage of stone.

>>15192479
He doesn't need a stone cage, he can't even see very well.

>>15192457
I had a derp moment.

I'll leave it up as a shameful reminder to to remember to look at whose post I'm seconding.

Again you sigh, taking time to collect yourself. It would not do to lose your calm from the stubbornness of a 10 year old child "He confessed all to my man, before I allowed him to be punished." Restan does not look convinced, so instead of allowing him more childish denials, you push ahead "And, did you, by any chance, see whom your mother was glaring at as she was led off to her exile? Your father had engineered the whole thing so that none of his family would know. Becasue he knew that it was treason of the worst degree, and that even you, the youngest of his children, would have tried to stop him if you had learned of his betrayal." The boy falters a bit at this, but suddenly, decides to clam up, turning to 'look' at the far corner of the room. You pinch the bridge of your nose "I see however, that you would rather play the scared lamb than act a fledgling dragonslayer. I will leave you to your thoughts for now, provided you think on what I said." At that, you turn and leave the room, the boy mumbles something as you leave, but you cannot understand what he said.

"that went well." Sansa quips as you climb the stairs to the ground level. Again, all you can do is sigh.

>anything else you want to take care of before you go to your debriefing tomorrow?

>>15192516
We need to talk to Vi about her future. She possesses a unique gift of voice that she could use to raise morale (and potential charity funds for the families of dead soldiers) in Dragonsreach.

>>15192573
Huh?

>>15192583
The girl we pulled out of the tower. Remember? She talks with three voices simultaneously.

>>15192595
No, I know that. I'm just not understanding everything else you said.

>>15192516
I was about to suggest sending Blackbird out to find that missing caravan, but we don't know how much time we're being given before our next deployment.
We may need to delay sending out Blackbird until after the debriefing.

That said, I think the only things left are to ask Esthriya has been contacted by Rufus for Necromancer training, and seeing how he's doing in his elementalism control.

Also, make sure that our chief medical officer completes that report concerning the effects of life elementalist doctors on the combat effectiveness of the maniple.

I think that's it before the debriefing.

>>15192573
I guess singing might be a hobby that could help to restore some Humanity to the girl. I don't see any harm in funding that development.

>>15192605
I had a plan: We set her up as a singer here in Dragonsreach, sort of as a novelty and something to raise morale, and have some of the proceeds from her concerts going to families of deceased soldiers.

I'm not all that keen on bringing her back to war, since she's still just learning to be human again.

>>15192644
That's....kind of out there. I seriously doubt Degnar even HAS any kind of entertainment circuit to put her on, what with it being medieval Rome and all. And even so, what about "tri-souled plant-woman learning how to be human" screams "Idol singing sensation!" to you?

The walk back to your barracks complex is just as eventful as the walk to your academy, though in the waning daylight, the city seems infinitely more somber, with its vast legion of black banners. Once you enter the barracks, you find it somewhat busy, and after a kiss, Sansa wanders off to make sure that nothing fell apart during yours and her absence. Inside the officers dormitory you find Balckbird, Gaius, and the others he went scouting for recruits with going over their list. You eventually determine that Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha is in her room, though she has the door closed. You knock, and she gives you leave to enter, and you are shocked to find her huddled, most likely naked, under a blanket. "Lena and Jayne took me from here to find new uncomfortable things to cover myself with. I dont like this place, why is it so big? Why are all the buildings stone or dead wood? People are dying..." she sounds nervous at best, terrified of the massive sprawling city that is DragonsReach at the worst.

>>15192792
"How are things coming along, getting any more used to Kyria and Sansa's lessons?"

I can't really think of anything else.

>>15192792
"This is a city, Dragonsreach. The largest one in the Empire. You don't have to go out if you don't want to.
"You are obviously troubled by all of the people around us, but it will pass with time."

>>15192792
"This city is called Dragonsreach, the capital city of the empire. Things are made of stone and wood as that's what we use for shelter, as you saw in the last city we were at. It'll take some time but you'll get used to these crowds, although if you prefer to stay here in the barracks for now that's fine."

>>15192644
And for the record - I am against making Vi a singer. I have no intention of making someone who is likely the strongest life elementalist that exists (Or probably has that potential) to sit in the back lines and sing to people. There's also the fact she might not even like singing.

>>15192792
"That is how we make our homes. None of us have the know how to make our homes out of living trees or such. It's scary, I know."

>>15192714
It was a thought. It's an obvious skill she has, and I was thinking that if she did not desire to continue working in the maniple, we could at the very least give her a direction. We're responsible for having her exist in the first place. Without us asking Nyteni to help her out, we'd have had to destroy her along with the other towers.

You sit next to her, and turn to face her "This is DragonsREach, the largest city in the empire. We build our structures out of wood and stone because it is not practical for us to grow them. And, I did not expect you to be so sensitive to the crowds of the city. If it makes it easier, you dont have to leave the barracks if you dont wand to."

"Thank you commander, but if most cities are like this one, but smaller, I will have to get used to it, I suppose. Like your clothes, and how we show affection. Though it would be nice to have a place to stay outside of this city, with our tallents we feel too much of it." she replies, her voice softer now, more resigned than anything.

>>15193009
"There is the Academy. It is more isolated, and so might provide the reclusion you desire."

>>15193009
"I do have an academy further out from the center of the city. There will be other people there learning to use their abilities but you could stay there temporarily if you wish. Although I personally think it would be best if you stayed and attempted to get used to the crowds. Have you had any trouble with the things Sansa and Kyria have been teaching you?"

I'm kind of worried about what Sansa and Kyria might have been telling her... Heh.

>>15193009
We'll probably have another assignment and be out of the city soon, so I wouldn't worry too much about being here for long.

>>15193035
i'm less worried about telling and more about showing

>>15193053
You should not trouble yourself with such worries, friend.

>>15193053
Let's not get involved with Vi. It'd be like courting a child.

>>15193078
agreed

>>15193078
That's not even in the equation at this point. We need to make her more mentally mature to living like a real person and not something that spawns monsters in a tower. I doubt she'd be interested in anything like that at the moment anyways.

You sigh "I have an academy outside the city, there will still be others there, but the sense of them will not be so... overwhelming, if you like I could arrange for you to have quarters there. and, have your lessons in how our society works with Kyria and Sansa been going well?"

Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha turns to look at you, tilting her head "It is not the number of others we can feel that is frightening, it is how many of them die... violently. It reminds us of when we were... different, we do not like those memories. And the lessons, they are, interesting. We, we do not understand how folk of the same..." she trails off, searching for a word, before finally giving up "hive, can be so cruel to each other, that there must be rules set forth to prevent them from harming one another"

>>15193164
"It's a matter of power I suppose. In our society, people will harm others if they cannot be caught doing it. They do it as it makes them more powerful or weakens those they think are in their way. It's an unfortunate reality of our world but not something everyone has to worry about. I hope to keep you out of any situations like that."

>>15193164
There are rules to prevent conflict, to an extent. People are always going to disagree. On the best methods to fight your enemies, on the actual value of a good or service, even over who one's friends are. There are laws in place to prevent the majority of the violence, but those sent to enforce the laws cannot be everywhere at once.

>>15193164
"Some do it because they do not have empathy. Some do it to protect themselves from the first kind. Some do it because they are frightened. A few vile individuals do it a lot, for fame. There are many reasons, and only very few of them are good reasons to kill."

>>15193164
There are rules to follow. Its just that some people choose not to follow them. Some people have morals and some do not. It's individuality, Vi. You can choose what you want to do and damn the consequences, or follow the rules, or any of a hundred other choices. Basically, Vi, we choose who we are, and can choose to change or not to change.

>>15193199
Seconding; this is good enough.

You sigh "It all comes down to power in the end, I suppose. Some seek power, some pursue it honestly, and openly, others with violence and malice. Those in power set the rules, in an attempt to preserve the lives of those less fortunate than them... though even those at lofty posts often scheme and plot the demise of others, all in the name of more power. Hopefully, I will be able to shield you from such unpleasantness, both from small folk and desperate plebeians trying to claw their way upwards at all costs... and politicians that look to use your body as a stepping stool."

Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha smiles, nervously, but she smiles "What does that make you to us?" she asks, innocently "You protect us, but we know that you do not feel, or act, towards us the same way you do towards your... lovers." she finishes, nervous, but curious, and blushing slightly.

>>15193351
"For now, you're simply someone I wish to protect. Something horrible was done to you and hopefully I can help correct it. I treat you differently from the others because I'm unsure how you feel about things in general. I'm not entirely sure how much you understand or remember about how you're going to have to live your life now."

>>15193351
"A friend. A friend will help you without expecting something in return."

>>15193351

"My feelings towards my... lovers... took time to grow and cultivate to what they are now, Vi. When you have grown more adjusted to the quirks of society, perhaps you'll find one or more others to grow these feelings with."

Not the best reply, but it should help.

You stop to think for a while, before answering cautiously "For now, Vi, you are someone I very much want to protect. A terrible wrong was done to you, making it so very difficult to function in society." you rest your hand on hers "And, the feelings I have towards my, lovers, I suppose I must concede that title, as I have yet to make any of it official, though I do it grudgingly, took very, very long to cultivate. Once you are more... whole, you too will be able to find others that you would happily set aside your life for, though for now, it is enough that you are alive, happy, and learning again all that was taken from you."

Vi'Nlya'k'Ranaha nods her head, smiling "That is good to hear." she pauses, thinking over what you said "You dislike the work we used to describe Sansa, Jayne, Kyria and Laelith; even though it is not the term they used. You intend to... marry, them?" you nod, smiling, though you offer no more answer, Vi giggles, and smiles "We are sorry to make you uncomfortable with our words, we simply did not have better words to use."

You smile again "It is of no consequence." and at that you rise, and head from her room.

>so, anything else you want to take care of before your debriefing?

We need to ask Vi what she would like to do with herself. If she wants to use her powers to heal or to see what other things she'd like to do.

>>15193596
I shoulda asked this earlier, really.

>>15193572
We should send a letter to the governor's son, the necromancer, informing him that we're back in the city and would be interested in seeing him if he finds the time. Don't have to do that now, of course.

rolled 43 = 43

>>15193572
Can't think of anything immediate. Perhaps some reading from the swordsmanship book until it's debrief time? Not sure how long we have. Will roll just in case people agree.

>>15193610
Worth doing just so he knows we're back and we'd like to meet up. Plus, we have to see how his father has reacted to his return and changes in view points. Oooo, we should contact that noble house that sent observers too. Don't have to meet now but soon.

For our retinue members and captains who went to recruit new staff members (eg. Laelith, Kyria, Finian, and whoever else?) we need to screen their staff members for elementalism and have our mystic screen them to see if any of them are apart of the cult. We've potentially opened an easy way for the cult to infiltrate part of our maniple or just watch our movements/steal our discoveries in certain areas...

The next morning you head to the Dragonbone Palace right away, to keep your appointment with the recently promoted 1st Praetorian, the Praetorian Militant. You are not hassled when you enter, nor on your way to the mans offices, or even at the door to the Praetorians private meeting room. The man greets you with a swift, happy salute "Commander Trentz, it is excellent to see you after so long a deployment. I saved you for last of my returning fingers and thumbs, as you have potentially the most to share with me. The question is, would you rather attack this list of deeds and news chronologically, or in order of importance? And, I do hate to ask, but how did you enjoy the gift?" he chuckles "Though I was surprised to learn what you chose for your gift from me, I do not doubt that it has been overshadowed now."

>>15193718
I'm confused. I know he means the banner, but what other gift?

>>15193718
Chronologically. If we ever have to refer to things in earlier parts of the campaign when talking about the later parts, it's better to have that all already explained.

>>15193718

Start from the start of the campaign and end at the end. Chronologically

>>15193718
Right the gift. "Unfortunately, the only things I've received from you were the banner and the gift arcana from the traitor. I'm not sure what else you mean."

Unless he's referring to how we asked to let Restan keep citizen status as a plebian.

>>15193743

seconding

You return the salute, before allowing your eyebrow to raise in confusion "I have only received gifts from you, Praetor." you reply.

Again, the man laughs "I suppose he is not one known for keeping to others schedules, or being held accountable for doing so, or not. To business then. your preference?"

You think for a moment "Chronological, please."

The 1st nods, the levity draining from his features rather quickly "Yes, the raider. an elf, and a clever one from your reports. Aside from the losses Degnar sustained, which were thankfully light after your arrival in that theater, do you feel there is anything worth adding that you did not report directly?"

>>15193812
"The Uurlanth continued to display their use of the arcane to great effect. They used a mystic to help lure my men out into an ambush by creating false men for me to follow. As well, the elf had a way of stopping the use of the arcane for a brief period of time. I may know the reason for that but I will explain after we discuss the siege as it may make more sense."

>>15193857
seconding Max

>>15193812
"The way they use their arcanists is deplorable, but does not surprise me. He had sacrificed several mystics to create an illusion of a more northward force. Not much else to add about him."

>Again, the man laughs "I suppose he is not one known for keeping to others schedules, or being held accountable for doing so, or not. To business then. your preference?"

I still don't know what he's talking about.

You shrug "Aside from learning that Uurlanths deplorable tactics and use of their soldiers does in fact extend to their arcanists. They sent several on a suicide mission to create the illusion of a more northern force. Luckily for me, the poor bastard died while my scouts were above his illusion."

The praetorian nods "Heartening in its own way, I suppose. Though the increasing amount of enemy arcanists on the field is becoming increasingly difficult to cover up... we will meed to discuss your academy after your exploits have been covered. Now, the traitor, you were lenient to one of his sons, what sort of fruit is that political risk bearing?"

>>15193907
"Fruit that still needs ripening. He blames me for the downfall of his family of course. He is still young though and I have spoken to the lad. With time, I believe I can make him see the truth and than the gains of this risk can truly be assessed based on his potential. I will say, he has the potential to have similar arcane powers as the high commander who relieved me in the south. That's a potential I rather have in our hands than someone else who could manipulate him against the empire."

>>15193923
Max did it better than what I had typed out. Seconding.

>>15193932
>>15193923
Thirding

>>15193923

seconding.

Also, we need to get our valk riders out after Janos' caravan immediately after this meeting. If anything is wrong with the caravan, the sooner we know the better.

also add "He believes his mother will come 'save' him. Winning over a young heart is by far a harder battle than anything the Urlanthi have thrown at me. I'm wondering if I should introduce him to Rufus, the Governor's son."

You sigh, taking the offered seat across the table and map the First has set out "Fruit that still needs ripening. As any young child would, he blames me instead of his father, though he will come around eventually. I am simply glad that he is in the hands of the Empire, rather than one who would manipulate him to harm us."

The praetorian nods "You are in the right on that matter, I must admit. Now, the siege. I have heard much and more, both rumors, and supposed facts, of what occured there. Would you care to enlighten me, as your reports were, understandably scarce."

Mention:

more use of mystics to create illusions
rediscovery of were-bull disease and our use thereof on otherwise condemned men as a distraction
Loukys, the horrible truth of their creation, and how we now, through supernatural means, are in the company of a woman with three minds and little to no memory of being human.

OH, did he get our report on the skirmish with The Widow? How we used the autowagons to excellent effect of tiring out our foes before stomping them to paste?

>>15193975
"The siege progressed normally at first. The Uurlanth continued to show their dominance with the arcane. Were it not for my own arcanists, I'm not sure how the siege would have turned out. Eventually, they threw those overgrown siege towers that seemed to be living plants and within we found something that should have stayed dead. We tried to clear them out but the loukys princes escaped along with some of their spawn. One headed to our territory, one to the north and two to Uurlanth lands. The one in our land will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

The last moments of the siege can only be explained by something I've kept hidden for a long while. The old gods have returned and one of them lent me assistance. Ask any men in my maniple that was on the walls - men long dead fought at our side as we charged out and we cut through Uurlanth swordmasters as if they were wheat. That's also how the Uurlanth elf was able to stop our use of the arcane - he had divine assistance. The traitor in Northmont was consorting with one as well unfortunately."

>>15193975

Enemy used light mage/mystic to conceal special forces/assassins to climb the wall.
Enemy use of elementalists and mages to protect siege towers from damage while assaulting wall
Commander Seventus
Enemy returning ANCIENT EVIL to world
God assistance and later MANIFESTATION

I think two louky groups headed north. Only one was heading for Uurlanth.

>>15194067
I'm sure Pax will correct it for us. I was going off of memory. Also, I suppose we should mention Vi and the fact a goddess appeared to help us with that matter.

You look about, and sigh when you see nothing to drink, so you pull the flask from your boot, and incline your head to the cups on a side table, grimacing "Mostly true then?" the First asks, grimacing himself "Out with it then, Commander, and remember that this is not something I like to make a habit out of."

You nod "The siege progressed normally enough for the first few weeks. Save for enemy arcanists alowing them to maneuver elite light infantry to our walls, which they promptly scaled, and nearly reached the city through due to the surprise."

The first takes a drink "I realise that the more generic term is easier to use, but for the sake of my own knowledge, please, use the specific terms." he interrupts.

You nod, and drink yourself "High Commander Seventus eventually was wounded, and died from his excessive battle wounds, as a hero, later. His aide came to me with certain, disturbing facts about his past."

Again, you are cut off "You knew already, and you saw that justice was done, I know you too well by now to think anything else. HOwever, you are correct in thinking that the truth is not the story the Empire needs right now. Praetorians will know the truth, as will His Excellency, the Emperor, and a select few Commanders. But to the public, it was the great mans dying wish that those who once wronged him were given a second chance." Now the Praetorian drinks deeply, before motioning for you to continue.

You take an equally deep drink and oblige the man "At the start of the last phase of the siege, my foes produced what appeared to be massive, living siege towers. However..." another drink "however, they were Loukys hives. Are you aware of what the loukys are?"
>cont'd

The man nods his head "I have made a habbit of learning the myths the rumors surrounding you are linked to of late, and I am sorry to say that I do know what the abominations are. I do hope that the numbers of beasts that escaped were not as great as in the rumors."

You shrug, having not heard the rumors yourself "Two groups, princes and some lesser strains fled north, while two additional group fled both east and west. Soemthing will need to be done about the ones that fled to Degnarian land."

The man nods "We will adress that along with several other matters once you are done with the initial portion of the report. And the Were-Minotaurs?"

You finish your drink "4 potential citizens, should the four remaining of the 30 odd I sent out as a distraction learn to control their sickness."

the Praetorian needs two swallows to do the same, before sighing and replying "It was bound to happen eventually, and I feel it is best that the old laws were turned to in this case. Now, the ambush I sent you on..."

>>15194197
"There were some issues between the other commanders and myself. Partly due to their hesitance to use the arcane and partly due to a member of my retinue. He's the last of the old Orc clans and he was a little rough in speaking to High Commander Quintus, however, his plan worked effectively. The only problem is that the Guild have joined the Uurlanth against us in the war. We interrogated some of their men that were taken alive and we can expect far great numbers coming as well as more elementalists from the Guild lands."

I forgot the exact details that the Guild guy said so fill it in if possible please Pax.

>>15194197
It was a complete success, albeit bloodier than I had hoped, but the biggest news on that is that the Guilds had joined with Uurlanth and is training up their levies to sargeants an large amounts.

Can we ask how the diplomatic front with the Duchy is doing?

"My man Blackbird made the suggestion, rather abruptly, how we should proceed based on the correct assumption that there should be no survivors. The more we fight the Urlanth, the more I understand their tactics. Here, they used their massed weaker elementalists to counter the powers of mine, while their more powerful ones made a mess of our men. Our Light Mage is, as always, proving to have been one of my best finds, and once she took out their Shadow Mage, it was a done deal."

>>15194197
"Commander Spuria is very much an old guard commander, but we seemed to reach an understanding by the end of the mission. At the very least she concedes that the arcane is something that will need to be addressed and for now all we can do is use our own in response.

"Commander Quintus was skeptical at first as well, but after the mission I believe he has accepted that arcanists are now a force to be used as well. He asked me to train any potentials in his maniple and return them to him for field use as soon as possible."

"As to the other facts... well, I'm sure you already know that Uurlanth has aligned with the Guilds. One of my retinue, Laelith, informed me that the Guild of the Beast was present in numbers. They also had extremely disciplined mages and elementalists."

"Finally... there is one more matter. The divine. They have returned, and I am afraid there is no way to hide it. While dealing with the Louykis I requested a service from one of them and she manifested in sight of a large number of troops and civilians. By now word is likely already beginning to circulate through Dragonsreach, though I have attempted to keep it as contained as possible for now."

After we see how he reacts we should drop the bomb about becoming Preatorian of the Gods.

You take a deep breath, and stifle the sigh before responding "High Commander Quintus and Commander Spuria were both averse to my tactics, and a member of my retinue, Blackbird. In their defense, he is one of the last orcs of the old clans, and was, extremely blunt, to put it lightly. The battle itself was very bloody, mostly due to the more active roll the Guilds are taking on Uurlanths side. A detachment from the Order of the Beast, one of the larger orders in the Warrior Guild were present, along with a corps of highy effective elementalists. Saving that, the battle was a success."

the Praetorian nods "Quintus has already told me of his working with you to start his own corps of arcanists, and Spuria has voiced her opinions that the arcane must be countered. The last rumor of your exploits..."

You sigh, wishing you hadnt finished your drink "The divine are returning. I have done my best to hide it to this point, for fear of being labeled as mad, but..."

The Praetorian nods "Understandable. A phantom host to ride with you, and a woman pulled from a still living hive of ancient terrors, even as a rumor is hard to hide."

You tense, but hide it "She is harmless." you defend Vi, reflexively.

The praetorian chuckles, the room seeming to lighten slightly at the levity "I see the OTHER rumors to your nature are true as well." the man rubs his temples "You are aware that you are now the first member of the Degnarian Legion to admit to the divines return, let alone openly recieve gifts from them, are you not?"

>>15194337

Unless there are others who are better at keeping secrets than us, yes.

>>15194337
That might be true, but only because we got gifts from them way before this battle. There are other Legion members who have been receiving divine favors already- within our own retinue, no less.

Might not be politic to mention that, though.

"I seem to be the first prominent member of the Legion to admit to a great number of recent truths."

>>15194337
"Well, I thought it best to openly announce it considering my intentions. You were told some time ago that I had ambitions to the highest offices of the Empire, and that my intentions were no threat to your post.

"That is because I intend to become the Preatorian of the Gods, to act as advocate of the Empire to them. This will likely make me many enemies... but I do hope that I will have friends as well. Those who see that we cannot just pull the blankets over our eyes and hope these matters go away. I hope that I will be able to count you among them, if possible."

>>15194337
"Well, I had my suspicion that I was the first, but knowing is a different thing. I have been attempting to maintain a warm or at least neutral relationship with them. The lady of the seas is not happy with me, but I've managed to smooth that over for now I believe. However Lanymus, I'm afraid, will likely hold a grudge against me for a while due to the manner in which I brought Laelith over to our side during my first mission."

>>15194337
I was not aware that I was the only one, though I am aware of how much of a headache you must have right now.

With everything that's been happening in the last few months, I feel as a man dancing on quicksand. If I put a foot wrong, everything sinks. And if I stop dancing, everything sinks.

You shrug "I had suspected that. It actually is not overly difficult to maintain at the very least neutral relationships with all ten of them, when I keep the relationships professional."

the man chuckles "i fear I may lose a promising Commander to an office suite not to far from my own. A suite that has lain empty for the past 4000 odd years. I will support you when you make your bid."

You nod "Thank you, Praetor. Would I be out of line to ask how our relationship with the Duchy is at the moment."

The man sighs again "Warm, but not warm enough. Should they not declare for us within a month, which is our projection for the Guilds to have arrived with their vanguard force, His Excellency and I have a plan to ensure that they do, though it will require both of my fists, and I do not doubt that you will mislike the plan. In the meantime, I have several tasks for you."

You salute "What would you have me do, Praetor?" you ask, being certain to use the honorific more often, to assure the man that you are still his loyal man at this juncture.
>cont'd

Rubbing his temples again, and resting his elbows on the table he replies "You are to select from the assorted survivors of decimated battalions housed at the barracks complex across the Nobles Causeway, and down four, the soldiers most suited to hunting down, and slaying the Loukys threat, along with any other returning First age, or Arcane creatures, this Order will remain a force until such a time that such creatures are no longer a threat. Your academy has proven to be the most successful, so you are to standardize the techniques, as well as screen and induct into your academy any arcane talent found in my fists. As to your technology, the repeating balistae we will move into service as quickly as possible. Am am not at liberty to discuss the rest, though I do not doubt that one who can do so will be waiting at your Barracks by now. These are orders that I cannot have you questioning, or deviating from. They are simple and straightforward. You can begin screening on the morrow, here is a list of which members of my fists are currently in the city. You are dismissed commander Trentz, I need another drink, and as I said before, I do not make a habit of doing so with those I command." the man hands you the sheet, salutes, and rises, turning towards a cabinet at the far side of the room, you return the salute, and leave his offices, list in hand.

>we seem to be dying down so I'm gonna call it here
>someone archive please
>I'll be back thursday at 11:30ish server time (late start due to work)
>if you have any setting/CQ questions just email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com
>
>
>
A new campaign is starting soon. That makes this and excellent time to join the quest if you've been watching, reading and lurking but not participating. I will be posting summaries at the start of each thread for a while now to make it easier to jump in. If you have more questions just hit the IRC, we're psychotic, but dont bite, honest.

Maybe a good way to help along the duchy proceedings could be, in a show of good faith, inform then of the new birth of runecrafting. The cultist forefather girl, the we know was on their way to duchy lands can be a problem. And to those dwavers still loyal to the late khalless.

>>15194483
Justian Trentz, Head of the Imperial Monster Hunter-Killer Task Force.

Pic Very Related.

We should also remember to gave some basic conventional combat training to our new elementalists. A retired soldier will do fine