Lets show them the map and relay the information that Wulf collected on the IronCoast lords.

>>17495724
Second. Might as well ask them if they have any ideas as well and then we can throw out ours after we've seen the map.

"What kind of environment did you expect?"

throwing out some stuff for later in the thread:

-Speak with Wulf:
unfortunately the boy may take our place on the path the late Quintus Seventus walked and warned us of. Perhaps we should tell Wulf the tale that was entrusted to us. Then we give the boy a fucking hug and start ourselves a book of grudges toward that bitch commander that insisted we offer the boy on the altar of Degnar.

- Chat with Catalina
we need to be sure the woman understands that we can't force her to fight her former countrymen, and that everyone will understand if she decides not to (so long as she doesn't retire from the field mid battle.)


>>17495561

"Formalities can be set aside at times, when mutual respect and trust are freely given."
/rimshot

>stars are major knightly orders keeps. Dots are other settlements, squares are still cities.

You set the map down and unroll it "Formalities are often done away with once mutual respect and trust are shared, Jarin."

The Duchy dwarf sighs, and looks over the map "I see no reason to not simply start at Drans Ferry and work south from there."

Malcius shrugs "Perhaps Justinian or Gabriel could strike further south, perhaps at Soothcove, while the rest of us siege Drans Ferry."

Jarin shakes his head "The isolated force would be torn asunder Malcius." as Gabriel nods in agreement.

You shake your head "Actually, my agent found that the UIroncoast lords are not cooperating with each other particularly well."

Gabriel raises an eyebrow "It may be worth splitting our forces then. Perhaps evenly though, myself and Justinian to Soothcove, while Jarin and Malcius take Drans Ferry?"

Jarin shakes his head "Even with a forced march, you would not be able to pass through the countryside in time to take the city before we are either counter-attacked or have no choice but to strike at another enemy city. My foragers are not that skilled."

"Autowagons my Duchy friend, autowagons." is Malcius reply, though he does not look as sold on the plan as Gabriel does.

>>17495763
We should talk to Laelith about our vision before the last battle. We should also talk to Lethiana and Kyria about making the steel rain deployment devices for our air cavalry.

>>17495916
"According to what we were told, the lord of Drans Ferry prefers to sit behind his fortifications and weather the storm. Rather than giving him the siege he is expecting, perhaps we could ignore his city and raid his outlying holdings and deny any additional supplies from entering from nearby locations. He could ignore us but his forces alone couldn't take Estrok and it would look terrible for him in the eyes of the other lords if he left our forces to march through his lands unopposed to attack another lord."

>>17496034
seconding

>>17495916
These lords

"My concern with splitting our forces is that the lords have large forces and fairly well trained units. However, if Drans Ferry can be taken by Malcius and Jarin without a large amount of casualties Gabriel and I would be free to attack area around Rivers Edge and Erlonas and disrupt their food supply. Blackbird and his unit would also prove invaluable in creating chaos in the area"

You scratch at your chin "According to our inteligence, the lord of Drans Ferry is wont to sit behind his walls and weather out sieges. Perhaps if Malcius and Jarin could hold the siege while Gabriel and myself raid the surrounding countryside. when he sallies forth, we crush him." you pause and pour yourself a cup of water from the pitcher on the table "Then Gabriel and I could do the same in the area around Erlonas and Rivers Edge, while the two of you hold down the lord of Soothcove."

Gabriel shakes his head "I mislike the prospect of taunting a major lord... especialy in a time of war when most of them ARE calling very near the full 20,000 they are allowed by their laws."

Malcius nods "I mislike splitting our forces once we move close to Rivers Edge as well. If we were to split, it would have to be early, which would be foolhardy."

You nod, begrudgingly, and add "So we are in agreement upon how to deal with Drans Ferry." the other military minds in the room nod in agreement. "So, perhaps we simply send a contingent of men, led by my Blacktusk Raiders to harrass the southern coastline then, as Blackbird is best suited to such action."

Jarin nods "I could contribute some of my light archers to the force."

Malcius adds "And i a mercenary unit or two, as I am certain Gabriel could."

The dwarf in question nods in agreement "I can and will, if we decide to move on that course. So, once Drans Ferry falls, we strike at Soothcove then? I fear that the proximity of the other two remaining cities will force us to take on both lords at once if we cannot draw one out."

>>17496503
"That makes the most sense. If we're going to siege Drans Ferry first, we may wish to contact the nearby knight order and see if they intend to interfere or sit out. Our intelligence said they may or may not get involved depending on how we act during the campaign."

>>17496503
"Jacob Hastten, the major lord of Rivers Edge, is old and lets two of his sons control a large part of his forces. Luckily for us none of them seem to work together. They are by no means unskilled commanders, but their reluctance to fight together should give us a much needed advantage.

As for Lord Peter Stout of Elronas, his forces will likely attack us instead of staying behind their walls. We should be prepared for a fast strike of fast cavalry followed by heavy infantry if our main force enters the area"

>>17496628
This is also good

>>17496628

I'm a bit against suggesting we contact the knightly orders so blatantly, unless it is something that has been done in the past. It feels a bit... strange.

>>17496807
I saw it more along the lines of something like a parley situation with the order.

You sigh, take a drink and interject "That seems logical enough. we may wish to look into any knightly orders not aiding our foes, as they could prove useful."

Malcius nods "If they are not already aiding our foes."

You pause to think, before adding "Lord Stout of Erlonas is the most likely to strike at us... especially if we approach his city. After him would be Lord Hasttens sons, so I would predict at most three battles that are not sieges."

Jarin frowns "We should work to draw them out then. I do not like the idea of fighting two sieges simultaneously... especially with the numbers that a major lord can call."

Gabriel nods "However, that is something that we cannot work towards in our plans. We will simply have to be certain that we make every effort to draw them out as w2e move from Drans Ferry to Soothcove."

Malcius shakes his head "There aren't enough towns between the two cities to accomplish that, regardless of how honor-bound the lords and lordlings are."

Jarin grins "We will simply have to strike the villages and farms as well. If we burn the fields and sow the land with salt, they will come for us. Especially now that winter approaches so quickly." he finishes off his water "However, as our plans seem to be set, I have an appointment at the auction blocks, and a large number of captives to sell... would any of you like me to take care of your prisoners while I am there?"

"No, Precursor, I do not want you to enslave reasoning, thinking folk on my behalf." Gabriel clips off, before leaving the tent looking rather cross.

The other dwarf shrugs "I doubt any of the levies he captured will be ransomed, he may as well profit from the doomed men." Malcius, for his part, seems to shocked to move, while you are not quite as surprised. It is not the fact that the Duchy allows slaves so much as how... blunt, Jarin was about offering to slave off your prisoners that has you still fumbling for your response.

>>17497185
when we get a chance to talk to him alone we should tell jarin how our superiors freaked out about our force of volunteers that we gathered in our first campaign so that he's aware of how touchy degnarians are about slavery

>>17497185
"I'll be keeping my prisoners Jarin. I've had my fill of slavery from Uurlanth lords I've faced. They may be our enemy but they deserve better than slavery."

Yeah, we're definitely not going to start salting fields and all that jazz. It's just for sure going to cause the Uurlanth to wage another war for fertile land in the future.

>>17497287
This works well.

Maybe we could use these prisoners like we did at fort Skywatch and pay towards their ransom to perform manual labor.

>>17497185
let's talk to wulf and then laelith after talking to jarin

Alright. What to do next. I say we chat up Laelith about that vision we had and see what insights she has. After that we should either talk to Jarin about the slave issue or we can tackle Wulf/Catalina depending on how people feel.

>>17497466
Sounds like a plan to me.

>>17497287

second the response, but as to salting the fields...

Who says we have to actually salt the fields? We just need something that lets us -look- like we are salting the fields, say some kind of sand or powdered rock?

>>17497499
We are looking into this non-salt substance. If it doesn't exist, we will make it. Start crushing things.

Why not just say outright that the gods would frown upon salting the fields then? The god's reemergence should be public knowledge at this point after the emperor's proclamation after trentz's wedding.

You sigh "No Jarin, I have had quite enough slavery from the Uurlanth, and must respectfully decline your offer."

Malcius nods "Quite." he adds, walking from the tent with you, both of your aides in tow.

Sansa sighs "It went well, up until Jarin announced that he was off to sell slaves."

The other aide shrugs "Could have been worse, we could have offered to take him to an orgy. The other nations of the world are so very... stuffy, about that sort of thing."

Sansa chuckles "Yes, but what if he had accepted? There arent any that I am aware of, and even if there were, I dont plan to share Justinian with anyone but his other wives."

You join the light mirth "Nor I my wives with anyone but my wives."

Malcius shakes his head "Some men have all the luck." he murmurs as the four of you split off to see to the last of your preparations.

-----CQ-----

It is early evening when you find Laelith. Lethiana is out searching for salt, or anything that could look like it, and Sansa is off searching for Wulf or Catalina for you. "How can I help you, love?" she asks as you plop down next to her in the small liabrary she had found, a few books spread out before her.

You sigh "I had another vision, just before the battle."

Laelith turns to face you "And we still havent puzzled out that damn riddle Neshai left you yet, though I think I have an idea... a vague one, but an idea nonetheless. Now, do you wish to start with the latest vision, or my thoughts on the riddle?"

>>17497773
Riddle first. Then see if this new vision changes things. Hell, I can't even remember the old riddle.

>>17497773
Riddle me this, riddle me that
who's afraid of the big, black bat?

>>17497815
The starving cat! The starving cat!
... Why is it looking at us like that?

Elegan/tg/entlemen, I come bearing a small gift: A map annotated with the banners of the lords we know of.

>>17497773
Thoughts on the riddle first.


IRC has come up with some ideas of how to damage and and cause chaos in the Uurlanthian countryside. They are just ideas at the moment and aren't set in stone.

*Salt the fields that cash crops are grown on (nobles probably make a great deal of money from cash crops)
*Destroy mines (metals are war materials after all, and gems are expensive)
*Destroy salt production
*Destroy irrigation to cash crops if there is any
*Destroy roads behind us or create caverns under them that will collapse when the enemy walks on them. We could even make the roads into low walls.

I like the fake salt idea, also destroying their cash crops and other non-food crops. Although this will certainly draw the wrath of the knightly orders.

Mines should be hit as a matter of course.

Have the Blacktusk Raiders (plus friends) detachment go bandito style on the Uurlanthi countryside. Focus on that forest near RiversEdge.

I'm also thinking that there are opportunities for "creative engineering" on Uurlanth's city walls.

Remember that we want to draw out the Major Lord's forces, but not piss him off so much that he throws most of his 20k stack of troops at us at once.

You shrug "The riddle, I suppose."

Laelith sighs "It may be hindsight now, but after thinking on the other visions you had it simply meant that there would be a great war, something typically symbolized by the sword, before fighting the undead, something best done with a bludgeon."

You nod, sighing "Yes, that is hindsight at this point I suppose. And the second half, 'Everything remains as it never was.' What do you think that means?"

Laelith scratches at her head "Well, the gods have returned, as has the arcane, so things will be as they were. However, there are nations not city states now, and the immortals are dead, so things arent really as they were. Expanding that part of the riddle beytond the divine, I think it means that the nations borders will remain as they were, but things will change drastically within them. Again, things remain, but in a way that they weren't before." the elf sighs, causing you to chuckle slightly "Like I said, it is not of much use now, except as reassurance. Things wont change, at least some of the big ones."

You shake your head "At least we figured it out before we died. It would have been rather awkward having to ask Neshai what she meant."

Laelith chuckles "I suppose... though I doubt you will be in Neshais grasp... Raynha or Nyetini will claim your soul when your time comes. Now, your latest vision?" You sigh, and explain it to her, in as good of detail as you can, and, when your finished, Laelith shudders slightly, and moves over to rest in your lap, hugging you a little tighter than usual "Someone is going to play the hero soon... someone close to you. I just... dont be the one to do it love, please." You glance up, and notice a now very worried looking Sansa in the entrance to the room, clearly she found the others you wished to speak with, but having caught enough of the conversation to be worried, froze before telling you.

>>17498121
we're going to need to call a meeting of the harem/other people we're close to and warn them not to take any unnecessary risks

>>17498121
"I don't intend on me or anyone close to me having to play the role of a hero if I can help it. I'll be careful though. I expect the same out of all of you though - you've both pulled reckless stunts at times in the past."

Stay with her for a bit longer then lets go see who Sansa found.

>>17498202
>>17498175
Seconding both of these. The meeting should be sooner rather than later, maybe tonight?

We should see Lethiana and Kyria about steel rain briefly. Then on to Wulf or Catalina.

>>17498329
I still would like to see high altitude air bombing.

We need to add guidance wings to the pitch bombs Lethiana built.

You smirk "I dont plan on dying any time soon love." you plant a kiss on her forehead before adding "Though, I think I will have to ask that you and Sansa try to not play the hero anytime soon either. You have both done some rather reckless things in the past."

She grins, albeit through worried eyes "Fine. I'll only do as many foolishly brave things as you until this is all over than." chuckling, you accept her reassurance, and stay for a while, before rising to leave.

"So..." Sansa prompts you, curious and worried.

"I had a vision, and, assuming that you heard Laeliths take on it, one I am inclined to agree with, we need to be careful." is your calm, even response.

Sansa nods, before wrapping her arm around your waist "We were allowed to keep one fifth of the siege arcana. That amounts to 10 of the grappling hooks, and half as many of the ladders. Now do you want to see Wulf and Lena or..." she trails off as Cornelius walks past, his new arm affixed and working now.
>cont'd

The arm is expertly forged, the shoulder perfectly rounded, and actually attached to his body. From it spouts a short, deep crimson flux of arcane power, connecting the black dyed shoulder to the bicep, a decent sized spike protruding roughly half a foot from the upper end of the limb segment, and wide enough to shield the shoulder. the forearm, also midnight black and connected by a deep crimson arcane flux has twined blades protruding backwards just past the arcane energy linking the segment to the rest, as well as a single blade protruding out to the first finger joint, and curved to protect the top of the palm.

The palm itself is in three segments, allowing for at least as much range of motion as a natural hand. Each finger joint has a bladed, razor-sharp looking spike protruding from its tip, the actual fingertips looking more like they belong at the head of a crossbow bolt than a hand, as they do not need to allow for the next joint to remain close in. "I think he will need to learn to use that as a weapon... and soon." Sansa eventually finishes as Cornelius continues down the path to his barracks.

>>17498516
"I imagine he will once he gets used to it."

I say let's hit up Catalina first. Assuming that's who Sansa was going to mention before she stopped talking.

>>17498534
Seconding. Lets see Catalina next.

"Jayne's sister might not approve of her lover's new spikey arm. Oh well."

See Catalina first, then Wulf/Lena, then have a chat with ALL of our retinue + harem. No heroics from anyone unless absolutely necessary.

"No one is allowed to chicken out of the final battle with the cult by dying early."

You smirk "Once he is used to the limb, I dont doubt that he will." Pausing to breath, you then add "Lets see Catalina first, no doubt Wulf is still rather shaken from his ordeal."

Sansa nods, silently leading you to where Catalina is. You find the young woman meditating, her whip curled in upon itself before her, its gem eyes scanning back and forth for any intruders, some manner of poison dripping from its fangs, and seeping down its body. The silver haired necromancer rises as you enter the room, and salutes as she greets you "Commander, what is it you wished to speak with me about?"

You sigh, sitting in an open chair as Catalina does the same "The coming campaign, and your role in it. I will not force you to slay your countrymen if you do not wish to."

Catalina tilts her head to the side, before replying "I made my mask for a reason, Commander."

Sansa frowns "To prevent you from being found out. Not to fight. What, what if you see old friends, would you..." Catalinas slow, sad shaking of her head kills your wives words in her mouth.

"I suppose when you're not allowed to have much of a life to begin with... At any rate, do be careful. We will all have important roles to perform once this war is over."

>>17498721
"Just remember to have confidence in yourself and faith in your friends and you will do well."

She seems fairly prepared. So wulf next?

>>17498721

"So long as you choose to walk the path of your own accord, Catalina. None of us would hold any ill will toward you should you choose to not do battle with your former countrymen."

"And feel free to stop by our tent should anything vex you."

We need a nickname for her, like lord helmet.

>>17498721
"I just wanted to be sure you weren't forcing yourself to do this. And make sure you're careful during this campaign. I don't want to see you come to any harm from needless risks."

>>17498884
... Lady Helmet?

Sorry. I'm tired and not creative right now.

>>17498941

sadly, she has more of a mask than a helmet...

Lady Canary? (caged/free Canary?)
Lady Skull? (dragon bone mask?)
Lady Fluffy? (her fluffy abomination?)

>>17498969
Lady mask?

You frown, and reply "I simply wanted to be certain that you werent forcing yourself down this path. We would not hold it against you if you chose to not fight against your countrymen."

Catalina looks you straight in the eyes, a rare thing for her, and replies "They are my countrymen no more. I do not wish to be grouped with the man who impregnated my mother and his ilk. they already cost me a portion of my soul, and they will have no more of me." she looks away after moments of holding your gaze after her declaration, and, despite the lack of fire in her voice at it, you believe her.

You smirk "Very well. If anything is troubling you, you are more than welcome to come to me, Lady Canary."

As Catalina begins to stutter against the moniker you just assigned her, Sansa teasingly interjects "Be glad you arent Lady Helmet... Janos' wife is reather skilled with her bow." as you and your wife leave the young necromancer to her own devices.

-----CQ-----

Sansa leads you to Wulf and Lena, the two of them sitting along the wall, looking out over Uurlanth. From the look of things, Wulf just finished telling his story to Lena, judging by the way she is clinging to him. "Dont worry, the Forge will pay for what happened to you... as much as those you associated with will." Lena assures the young man through a hoarse voice.

Your protege pulls her just a bit tighter to him "I'm just glad that you aren't angry with me... that its all over with. Things aren't muddied anymore, friend and foe simple to tell." he then announces "How can I help you, Justinian?"

"I had another vision, though I prefer not to share the details. All I want to say about it is that we've all got a job to do once this war is over, and I want us all alive to be able to do it.

Same goes for you, Lena. No unnecessary risks."

First of all, GROUP HUG.

>>17499178
"First of all Wulf I would like to thank you for the sacrifices you have made over the past months. Without which Degnar would have lost a great number of men and women.

I won't try to pretend I can fully understand what you have been through but you should know that I am proud of you and that your sacrifices haven't been in vain"

>>17499249
>>17499243
Seconding these as well

>>17499178
"You've gone through a lot Wulf. Because of me, you've had to do things that you are going to torment yourself over for some time. No thanks you are given will make up for it, but many lives have have been saved thanks to you. You can't let what happened in Uurlanth destroy you though. Sansa and I have seen what happens to a person when they let events in their life ruin them and you can't let that happen. We won't let that happen. Everyone in the maniple is here for you. Most of all though, we're just glad you made it back to us alive and safe."

And then you can have your group hug at the end of it. Sufficient enough for ya Generic? Pax can throw in more details about Seventus in the story if he wants. I can't remember the details to hint at it more.

You purse your lips, and fight the sigh for a moment before sighing and replying "Wulf, you have been through alot, at my order, and for that I apologize. Some of these things will haunt you for a long time, you have done things you are not proud of, and wish you hadnt done." you pause, and sit down next to the young man, Sansa sitting to your side "And whats worse, is that, aside from myself and a very select trustable few, none will ever know of the sacrifices you have made, once again, I cannot apologize, or thank you enough. But your back with your family now, and it is of the utmost importance that you stay grounded, because once this war is over, our real work will begin, and I need you for that almost as much as Lena simply _needs_ you."

Sansa nods "Just remember that, stay true to yourself. You arent alone, and you are loved. Your like the son I havent had yet to me."

Both you and Wulf groan in exasperation, before you surprise all present by pulling the whole group intro a hug "I wont become like Sansas last commander, I promise." Wulf replies "Its... just alot to process for me."

Lena forces a smile as the group peels apart "Besides, I dont plan on dying any time soon, so you wont have any reason to go mad like he did."

Wulf chuckles "You have a good point Love... I suppose I just need to work out some of this frustration. Leaving for Uurlanth tomorrow in my Crimsons instead of a travelers robe will be... cathartic."

>calling it here... I have work in the morning
>someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9pmish server time. (thursdays my dads birthday, so I wont be around)

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