I guess we should ask what part of the arcane did he study or was it just in general.

>bumping with map

>>17305304
We might as well ask if he had heard anything about the return of the arcane while we're at it.

You sigh "So, how much do you know about the arcane then?"

The dwarf turns to face you "I know about the separate schools, and roughly what they do. I know that the gods" he spits off to the side, "have favored elements, and some restrict certain schools of magic greatly."

Uurist shakes his head "And I take it this was something you studied out of passing interest?"

The younger nods "I tried summoning a few decades ago when the arcane was still dead. I may have to try agian if I fail to create my kextraetia ingot."

Before the father can reply, a sweating Catalina makes her way over to the group "May I ask what all the commotion lately was about? Commander."

"Ah, well, personal matters of Finian among other things..... May I inquire as to what you were practicing over there earlier. Knowing my maniples abilities and strengths has been one of my greatest keys to success."

>>17305523
"Finian was taking care of a personal matter, or at least trying to. I made sure it didn't get out of hand."

>>17305523
"By the way Catalina this is Augustus Uurist's son”

>>17305748
Seconding this as well.

>>17305523
Might be worth recommending he speak to Kyria about the ingot creation... Or I wonder if we could help in any way with our earth elementalism. Use the crystal and see if he has any talent.

>>17305587
Second.

You shrug 'Personal matters for Finian. Catalina, this is Uurists son, Augustus. Augusts..." you motion back to the platinum haired necromancer.

She nods, timidly "A pleasure to meet you." as she wipes the sweat from her brow, Poofy hopping over to perch on its masters shoulder.

Augustus nods back "The pleasure is mine, my friend. Though, I must ask, is Necromancy not a... dangerous, school of the arcane to practice?"

Catalina shrugs "I have my protection, and I am intelligent about how I use my power... raising no corpses, and not drawing too much from any corpse that once held a soul."

You slowly tune out the conversation between the two and glance around the large chamber. Degrian and his sister are chatting back and forth, the former cleaning his blade as they do so, the latter looking worried. Blackbird is lounging agianst a wall, pipe in his mouth, looking quite content, Cornelius and Gaius sparring in one of the rings, most of their men placing bets on the match. All told, it is peaceful in the extreme. "You worship WHAT?" Augustus almost shouts, shocked and disgusted.

Catalina shrugs "Neshai, the alternative was to have a Mark of Retribution placed upon me, and her followers hunting me to the ground. When one is already missing a portion of their soul, using it as a bargaining chip to avoid that is... wise." comes her shrinking reply.

Uurist nods in agreement "Doubly true when you did not willingly lose that portion of your soul." ignoring his sons mortified shock.

"But, Neshai is said to HATE necromancers." Augustus shoots back, the shock still plastered across his face.

>>17305897
"She hates necromancers that steal what she feels belongs to her. Catalina knows to avoid doing such things, and thus avoid any of her wrath being directed at her."

>>17305923
Second this

>>17305923
This works for me.

After this we should check on Degrian and his sister to see how they're doing.

>>17306007
Agreed. Assuming there's no problems with Catalina and Augustus. We should probably be officially introduced to our new engineer.

You sigh "Neshai hates necromancers that steal from her. Catalina is intelligent about how she practices her talent, so as to not anger the goddess. The state of her soul is a more personal matter, however. Now, if you would excuse me." you stand up, and make your way to Degrian and his sister. The conversation ambles along behind you, but at this point, it is really of no consequence, all things considered.

Your engineer and his siter are quite clearly related, now that the latter is washed. Of similar build, though the one who you do not yet know has a more, feminine, figure when you look closely. Both have the same color fur as well, though Degrians three gray stripes are not carried to his siter, who has but a single stripe down the center of her back, and, no mustache, of course. The two are going back and forth in their native tongue, until they notice your approach. "Commander." Degrian greets you "This is Lethiana, my sister."

You nod to them "Your majesty, Lethiana."

Degrian shoots you a glare. "No, no title from you. I am Degrian, would be dead without you, people would be without hope had that happened. Always simply Degrian to you."

Lethiana chuckles, or, at least what passes for a chuckle among karskyana "Brother is willful, eccentric, no? Must admit he is smart however." as she elbows her brother.

Degrian shakes his head "Take it you wish to meet new engineer, NOT seduce baby sister?"

>>17306190
“Of course Degrian business first just wanna check how our new engineer was doing.”

"Oh, I wouldn't think of the latter, Degrian. It is good to see you beginning to look healthier, though, Lethiana. I can't imagine what sort of hell you've been put through, and worse to always remember it in detail. I promise you, the only sort of torture you may have to endure from me is an insane idea I may have from time to time. Did he tell you about my request for dealing with riders falling from flying mounts yet?"

>>17306190
"You wound me Degrian. I just wanted to see how you and your sister were doing. We'll be leaving in roughly 3 days and I want to be sure you have anything you need that we can give you. I only wish my duty didn't prevent me from joining you."

You chuckle, whilst gesturing to your heart "You wound me my friend, of course I simply came to meet your sister, judging by her state a few days ago it is miraculous that Lethiana is doing so well." you turn to the female karskyana, standing perhaps a head shorter than her brother "It truly is good to see that you have recovered so quickly."

Degrian forces a laugh "No, I know wives. Seducing comes later." realising your old friends jest, your join in the laughter, ignoring the mortified looking Lethiana. "If must be outside species, could be much worse though."

Desparately trying to change the subject, Lethiana asks "How long until we depart?"

You shrug, and sigh as your laughter dies down reply "Three days, about." before turning back to Degrian "i take it your training is going well?"

The king nods "Will not fail karskyana, and sister will know of my works. Likely improve upon."

Lethianas cheek fur stands up "Brother overstates my talent. Not that skilled."

>>17306351
"I trust in Degrian's skills and judgements, so I'll be very interested to see in the things you will come up with Lethiana. How much have you told your sister about the cult or will I eventually have to give an in-depth briefing on what we're preparing for?"

>>17306383
seconding.

>>17306383
This works for me

You shrug "I trust Degrians judgement, so I have every confidence in you Lethiana, and cannot wait to see what ideas you have." you pause, and sigh, before asking "What has Degrian told you of the Forge of New Divinity?"

The younger karskyana shuders slightly "They controll gnomes, are cruel, violent and manipulative. Have ecerted power on surface to start and perpatrate war. want to make gods to replace existing ones."

You nod "And they are our true enemy, all we do is to prepare for their assault."

Degrian nods, slowly, determinedly "Will do best to be at your side for final battle. Cannot promise however."

Lethiana shudders "I will... will be ready to work when depart. Too much violence, too much pain, need rest before I can think properly again."

>so, anythig else, or skip to meeting your help from the Duchy?

>>17306492
"Don't rush to be there Degrian. Do what is best for your people and to ensure their freedom. Any damage you do to the gnomes will be help enough in hampering their plans. And take your time Lethiana. I imagine you've been through a lot."

I'm tempted to see who won between Gaius and Cornelius.

Might as well see why Blackbird is so content after we see that fight with Cornelius and Gaius

>>17306492
Does anyone else think we could use some of those fire and frost stones? They might be useful for our elementalists. As they can't generate water or fire on their own the stones could be useful in combat.

>>17306539
They would be useful but we'd need to buy them from someone we can trust. The merchant selling them in the past had crap wares. Might be worth asking someone in the Duchy military or something. Oh wait, why not ask Augustus?

>>17306521
This sounds fine to me.

check out winner in that sparring match, then see Blackbird.

I'm not sure the stones will be -that- useful, as they seem to be 1-shot deals with an unknown recharge period.

Check the fight then the stones?

>>17306568
Degrain seemed to know enough about them and knows how to haggle with gnomes. If he has some free time maybe he could help us find a good deal.

>>17306768
Lets ask Degrain if he can help us

>>17306794
Ask his sister.He's busy.

>>17306800
I'm good with that

>>17306800
That works for me as long as she knows what to look for.

You nod slowly "I understand, and there is absolutely no need to rush yourself. I can only imagine what you have been through recently. Once you are ready, and hopefully before we leave this city, I would like for you to procure some blast-emeralds for the maniple. Good ones, you can see SAnsa about the funds for it."

Lethiana nods slowly "Will do my best, Commander."

You cock a grin "Thank you, Lethiana." then, you turn to Degrian "I am glad that you wish to help, but, dont rush yourself. Do what is best for the karskyana. Anything more would simply be a fortuitous hapening. If you need anything else before you leave..."

Degrian nods "I will ask. Thank you, Commander." and at that, you leave the sibling to themselves, and walk over to the ring where the spar between Gaius and Cornelius is reaching its final stages. The older of the two using his superior strength and experience, the younger his energy and nearly equal strength to keep pace. While many would see it as two brutes having at each other, to your trained eye, it is a vastly intricate duel. Each blow a probe fro a new weakness, each block a show of strength, and every dodge a hidden weakness.

Eventually, Cornelius falls, unable to hold back his older peer any longer, to the roared cheers of Gaius men, and the grumbled dissatisfaction of Cornelius'. You nod to, and salute both of them as you pass, blad to see the men unwinding "You may beat me some day boy, but you arent quite good enough for that yet. Perhaps when we next have time to do this properly you will have me."

Cornelius grins as you pass from earshot "And then, my 454th will become Centurions, and again be your battalions equals, as well as brothers."

Amused by the bravado, you make your way over to Blackbird, and slide down next to him against the chamber wall. The orc takes a long drag from his pipe, sighing in content "Enjoying life, my friend?"
>cont'd

The orc nods "Yes, my first son is growing strong, my second will be born well before we return, and third as well." he replies, smoke pouring from his nostrils and mouth. The orc idly runs his free hand along his tall horns, which seem to be twisting more drastically as of late "I will soon be a chieftain in reality as well as name."

"In reality? I thought that..." you let your question trail off as the huge old clan orc turns to face you, inhaling through his pipe again, and blowing smoke into the open air before replying.

"I may love my men as brothers, but, they are not true orcs. Only sons, and grandchildren can make a chieftain. A strong bloodline that traces back to me at its root. They may call me cheiftain, but, I have not yet become one. The blood of my descendants is not yet strong enough for such changes to occur in me." the orc shrugs "But I am patient, and do not doubt that it will happen soon enough."

You shrug, and nod in agreement, watching your maniple rest in contentment as the day fades away.

-----CQ-----

It is midday two days later when your newest peer arrives at the gate to your barracks. He is tall for a dwarf, up to the base of Collins neck. His armor is inlaid with diamonds, his baradiche slung over his back, protruding from behind his chestnut and blood red cape. His helmet would reach to the crown of Collins head, and is shaped like a flat-topped, circular tower. Two shields are strapped to his back, one his kextraetia crescent shield, the other wrapped in cloth so thick you cannot discern its nature. Having been warned of his arrival by Sansa, you are there to greet the dwarf, of course "Commander Trentz, I presume?" he asks, after the two of you exchange salutes.

>>17307038
"That is correct. Precursor Betoms of the Fire Warhost? It's an honour to meet you and I'm eager to see the soldiers of the Duchy in battle."

>>17307099
Second this

>>17307099
yup

>>17307099
This sounds good.

We should also introduce him to the other commanders if they're here

You nod "That is me. And you are Precursor Bretum , of the..."

The dwarf nods, removes his helmet, shakes his dreadlocks free from the form the tall device held them in, and finishes "Third Battlehost of the Fire Warhost. I take it I am permitted to enter?"

You nod "Of course. I look forward to fighting alongside the dwarves of the Duchy."

As the dwarf falls into step with you, he responds "Likewise. Now, what do you intend to do before we depart? If you have nothing in mind, I have been informed that you have a taste for alcohol and fine food. One that I share, once we see to a small piece of business."

>>17307311
Time to break out the good stuff.

I can't think of anything else we need to do before we leave.

>>17307408
seconded

You nod, grinning "I have been sampling the local food and drink over the past few days, but would be more than happy to continue doing so. What is this buisness you are refering to now?"

The dwarf chuckles "Tradition. As you are doing a service for the Duchy, it shall repay you as best it can. Your Degnarian peers have already received their gifts, and, I have been appointed to deliver yours." he takes the shield-like bundle from his back, and hinds it to you. You unwrap the package and are amazed to see, an exquisite kite shield. It is Kextraitia, but colored simaliar to your armor. Most of it is crimson, save for the outlined dragons head in shadow emblazoned on it. The beasts eyes are jet black onyx, each the size of a child's fist, and its brows are outlined by diamonds. Each tip has a small mural depicting your battles thus far, with a likeness of a dwarf, cowering and covered in blood in teh beasts mouth. Then, starting at the top left corner, and wroking to the right, then down after the third tip, are images representative of your other campaigns. a dragon Consuming a valkerie, then the same scorching the land, followed by a dragon coiled around a city protectively. The third is a dragon flying towards a Desert Star, fire billowing towards the emblem. "The lower tip can be finished after this campaign. I do hope it is to your liking, as the masters who crafted it would be distraught otherwise."

>>17307311
Might be worthwhile seeing what he knows about the nearby lords and if we need to get any other supplies for the campaign.

>>17307649
"I'm honoured by this gift. It will go to excellent use during our next campaign. Before we go on to enjoy ourselves though, I was curious on what information the Duchy may have on our opponents and if there are any supplies you think we might need in addition to what we have."

Oh right. We got free reign on Duchy libraries right? I assume Laelith and co. have been raiding the hell out of em?

"This is absolutely magnificent. The masters skills certainly live up to their titles"

You grin "Of course! Its a masterwork, those who crafted it truly deserving their titles."

As you sling the shield over your back, you hear one of your centurions mock-whisper to a Warlord "Twenty Dragoons says its ruined before this campaigns out."

A third soldier accepts the bet that the dwarf does not "And another ten says the idiot that didn't take your bet is dead before we get home."

As the trio falls to arguing, you turn and bellow "Three weeks sanitary duty. Pots, pits and fires, morning and night."

"Commander, it was just-" you cut the mans protests off with a harsh glare.

The Precursor raises an eyebrow "You allow such behavior from your soldiers?"

You shrug as the two of you make your way to a dining hall "I treat my maniple as a family, and, sometimes the children get unruly."

The dwarf shudders, and takes a seat at the table your wives are already eating at "A family of two thousand seems a bit much to me."

Sansa laughs "And that's before he starts impregnating his wives, mind you."

The dwarf shakes his head, chuckling "This should be a most interesting foray into Uurlanth, to say the least." as he serves himself.

You nod "And profitable, I hope. What do you know of the lords with which we will be doing battle?"

The dwarf shrugs "They are not so violent and power-hungry as the fools that dragged the Duchy into this war, aside from that, I do not know much."

>>17307894
"I assume that goes on to their knight orders? Unfortunate but we should be able to manage. What types of tactics does your force specialize in? I can explain to you how the other maniples travelling with us are organized so we can get start planning ideas on how we might best divide our forces once we lift the siege."

>>17307894
See if he knows anything about the situation in Estroek

the fact that the lords we're going to be fighting arent as gung ho about the war makes me think that if we go sherman on the first lord we take on, we could possibly convince the others to surrender

>>17307894
There isn't anything major we need to do until we leave, so IRC is suggesting a timeskip.

>>17308162
Sounds good to me.

p.s. sorry I'm late, but there was wine involved.

>>17308162
thirded

You grin "I take it that that means they may surrender more readily?" before pausing to pour a few cups of one of the brews Sansa stocked for the campaign "And are the knightly orders much the same?"

The dwarf nods "Uurlanthi? surrendering on their mission to unite the world under one despot on a shiny chair? No, they are not likely to surrender. Though the nightly orders share the same level0headedness. They may not surrender, though once it is clear that they will not prevail, they will seek terms."

You sigh, and Sansa quips "Better than we have had up to this point though. And in a siege, with a city full of folk to feed..."

Kyria shakes her head "This is Uurlanth Sansa, it would not be surprising for them to fling live peasants at us over the walls."

Vi frowns "That would be most... displeasing. we do not think we could mend that sort of physical damage."

You finish taking a drink, and add "what of the situation in Estrok, my friend?"

The dwarf swallows his food, and replies "Once we arrive, the garrison should be able to mostly break the siege. The assault forces will only be needed to solidify our hold of the area outside the gate."

You nod, glad that the true first leg of the campaign will go smoothly "And what is it that your host specializes in?"

The dwarf grins "Line combat, and starving out cities. We may not be able to lead a charge, but many of them have died on our ranks. we also have four battalions of scavengers and light archers, so supply line support, I suppose."

>gah, we're going painfully slow, and at this rate, we're gonna hit the sige pretty quick. so, I'm gonna crash now, and say that next Tuesday will be the siegebreaking.
>someone archive please.
>I'll be back tuesday at 9pm server time

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