>>17849211
How suited to raiding are Malcius and Gabriel's maniples at the moment? I'd figure ours would be best suited for it with our auto-wagons and if we're the ones who are going out raiding, we should probably wait to hit that fort. I am starting to get worried about the relations between Jarin and the other maniple commanders though. We might need to speak to the others about this matter.

>>17849257
A good point about the autowagons.

Perhaps we should do a bit of mix-matching unit-wise? the siege force won't need much cav, while the raiding force might be better off having only a single legionary unit?

and i'm against sending the elementalists alone to that elemental fort, though it might not hurt sending a scouting party to get a basic layout on it... (perhaps with an elementalist party to scope it out?)

Pax has clarified in IRC that all of the maniples have autowagons. Our maniple is just more experienced using them.

>>17849373
Mixing and matching maniples will just be a bad idea on the organizational front. Especially if accidents happen and someones borrowed unit gets ripped. It'll only cause trouble. Based on what Pax said in the IRC, with each maniple having autowagons but our troops are the most experienced, we should do the raiding. Leave the fort alone for now. At most have some scouts take a look at it and maybe send some elementalists to get an idea on if there living things inside of it.

>>17849257
Seconding asking Malcius and Gabriel about how suited their maniples would be to raiding.

You shrug "Malcius, Gabriel, what are your takes on your maniples strength in regards to raiding?"

Gabriel grins "I have an assault maniple, Justinian. I selected my battalions with taking walls and hitting the enemy hard and fast." he pauses for a moment, and the grin begins to fade from his face "But, once Lord Jaeger decides to try to break the siege, my maniple will be integral to the counter-charge and taking of the city. Besides, my men still need more rest from the crossing before they can be effective."

Malcius shrugs "About as suited to the task as your maniple, though our lack of experience with autowagons makes your maniple the logical choice, my friend."

You nod, and reply "Then I will draw our foe out by ravaging the countryside, and turning his subjects against him for his unwillingness to take the field against us. The team of arcanists will have to wait until Drans Ferry falls though, as I will need the arcanists for my raiding."

"Might I suggest we send the ambush force south tonight then, under the cover of darkness? Our siege will be set, and our foe not watching for a small party striking south, especially after a quarter of our force sets out to raid his villages." Jarin interjects calmly, though he is clearly hoping for some support to your eyes.

>>17849761
"If word has spread that I've come to this front, they may expect it but I agree they should go forth as soon as possible. Either you're right and they won't expect it or they'll have to match wits with Blackbird."

I also think we should put an elementalist team on loan to Blackbird if he thinks it won't slow him down. He's asked for them in the past and I think some should be added to his unit in general.

>>17849761
ambushers to the south, then. the idea is sound

>>17849845
A small team of elementalists should be fine for Blackbirds unit.

Striking south and having blackbirds group go further south should work well to enrage the local nobles. We may even fool them into thinking that there is only one force doing the raiding, at least for a short time.

You nod "I agree that it is time we sent that force south, and your plan is sound Jarin. Though I fear that with the fact that I am here spreading, this may be an expected move."

Malcius shrugs "Expected or not, I have neither seen, nor heard of a workable counter to Blackbird and his clan. I agree that we should deploy them tonight."

-----CQ-----

It is dusk when the siege is finally set, and all four portions of the invading army are beginning to pitch tents, either for the duration of the siege, or a nights rest for your maniple. A black flag flys alongside the halved banner of Lord Jaeger. "Strange, that they would promise no quarter, when it is usually the one laying the siege that does so." Gabriel muses, walking up next to you.

"The IronCoast Lords are nothing if not intense." Wulf adds from your other side, where he sits, taking a whetstone to his blade, the shockstones in its hilt glinting with energy.

"They will make for a hard fight, but I do not doubt that we can overcome them. What troubles me is Precursor Jarin. Tactically he is a solid asset, and his forces are most welcome. Though more and more I find myself wishing for Vibius more and more when certain subjects are broached."

"Politics are never enjoyable, commander." Wulf chuckles, his blade slowly beginning to crackle with electricity as he continues to hone it.

Gabriel chuckles "I would question your right to speak with us, but as Justinians protege, and the man who secured us the alliance taht made this attack, and hopefully the wars end a possibility rather than a dream, I must first salute you, shake your hand, and ask how you managed to avoid capture so long, and spread so much havoc."

>>17850271

Perhaps the black flag is a message to his own men?

we -did- scout the area surrounding us, right? No uurlanthi force waiting to ambush us and try to crush us against the city walls?

>>17850271
"The differences between our nations makes it difficult to always get along. It's unlikely we'll change his mind or he'll change his though, so all we can do is deal with it as calmly as we can. Just be glad I picked Jarin over some of the other options that sounded much worse. As for what Wulf did, I picked him because I knew he had the skills. He's been with me since my first campaign and has been learning from myself and other members of my retinue. Not to mention he may of had some divine help."

>>17850271
"Good training and good information go a long way. A smart head on your shoulders doesn't hurt either"

>>17850271
We should also ask Wulf if he thinks the black flag is there for a reason besides the obvious one.

You heave a sigh "The cultural differences between the Empire and Duchy will make certain subjects difficult, and thanks to our respective upbringings, neither us nor him will change any time soon. You should be glad that I chose Jarin instead of some of the other, less desirable options."

Wulf nods, and flourishes his blade before sliding it into its sheath, the shockstones on the blades pommel and guard impacting on those worked into the sheathe with a noticeable crackle of power. "He is an excellent example of Duchy military training and upbringing. If the Elders knew of the coming storm, I doubt they would have parted with him." Wulf winces, and casts an apologetic glance at you as soon as the words leave his mouth.

Hoping to prevent Gabriel from asking too many questions, you respond to his previous comment "Wulf has been with me since my first campaign, and learning at my feet, and the feet of the best my maniple and retinue has to offer. Add to that a good head on his shoulders, and its not all that shocking that he came back alive and well. Though the black flags our foe flies do puzzle me" you add at the end, further hoping to steer the conversation.
>cont'd

Wulf shrugs "Drans Ferry is a primarily elven city, No doubt their arrogance leads them to believe that they can win this. The Order of the Golden Flame, while primarily human, matches most elves in that regard. I would not be surprised to see a decent detachment of that orders number already garrisoned behind those walls."

Gabriel nods, though his eyes are slits, as he replies "Yes, I remember our briefing, young Wulf. Though it would seem that you have relaxed perhaps a bit too far, since your return to the fold." he pauses, and looks to you "I realize that you are under decree to withhold certain information from the general populace, but I would count your proteges unguarded comment as adding me to the fold. If it comes to you defending yourself, I pressed you to speak, and in all likelihood we will continue to serve together should this storm your protege speaks of arrive soon. We are far too effective a team to break up, and preparedness is all." he shakes his head "Under His Majestey's order or not, your continued secrecy is beginning to wear on me almost as much as Jarins refusal to show respect to our morals when it comes to those irreconcilable cultural differences, my friend." he replies quietly, though he nearly spits the word 'friend' at you.

>>17851072
No point on telling him the whole truth IF we tell him anything just say we think there might be a huge influx of undead and it's our job to make anti-undead weapons

>>17851172
Yeah, him knowing the full story won't really help at all since he already knows to be on the lookout for people associated with the cult.

>>17851072
Damnit Wulf.

"I suppose I have been sitting on this for some time, despite how often we've been fighting with each other. I should have probably told you and the other commanders sooner but I guess I've become too paranoid. Since my first campaign I've come across evidence of a cult manipulating things behind the scenes. I've seen them a few more times during the war with the Uurlanth and it's been damned hard getting any information on them but I know for sure they want this war to go on as long as it can and to weaken every nation involved. Then they're going to use their own liches to raise an army of undead and wage war against everyone. I'm still unsure why but if you want to know why I was so secretive, I've found evidence of them being involved in the upper positions of the Duchy, Uurlanth and even our nation. I'll brief you and the other maniple commanders when we're not in the middle of the campaign if you can wait but I ask you keep this information to yourself for now. This cult had men manipulating the First's messages back in the day. While I don't want to say I suspect anyone in your maniples, it wouldn't be wise to risk it until we're sure."

>>17851172
>>17851272
We kind of have to tell him now. It's a matter of trust at this point and it's obvious if we don't tell him enough, it's going to complicate things between us and him in the future.

>>17851072

"The crossings were but a taste of the waters to come, friend."

You heave a sigh "I will admit that I have kept this to myself for quite some time, but the true nature of things has made me somewhat paranoid. Can you give me your word that you will keep this to yourself, and keep your own council on the matter until I can brief Malcius and Vibius along with you?"

The dwarf nods "I take it this has something to do with the mark you told us to be wary of several months back?"

Wulf nods "It does, and you have my sincerest apologies, Commander. I will mind my mouth in the future. They seem to have ears everywhere, I know."

You simply nod to your protege, dismissing him, and motion for GAbriel to walk with you "It began during my first campaign, when I caught hints of this group, which can be best described as a cult. They are incredibly stealthy, and have corrupted the upper echelons of all of the worlds nations." You open the flap to your tent, and motion Gabriel inside, where Laelith and Catalina sit, both pouring over separate tomes, and Sansa snoozes in your massive cot. You pour a pair of strong drinks from your personal reserve of the mystery brew, and continue "So far as to have corrupted at least one, possibly two Praetorians."

Gabriel grimaces, and tosses back half of the generous drink "That bad?" he shakes his head "I am beginning to understand the paranoia, and the Heirs collection of flayed skin banners. What is their goal?"

You sigh again, and take a more measured drink, before continuing "Their secrecy makes their goal nearly impossible to discern. I do know that they are raising litches, and an undead army, and have been manipulating this war to weaken all nations of the world."
>cont'd

Gabriel curses under his breath, and replies "And we played right into their hands by bringing the Duchy in to aid us. What do you know of their forces?"

You take another, longer, drink, and reply "This crossing was but a teasing taste of the war that is to come. I have been preparing almost since I earned my commission, and still it does not feel enough."

"Especially with the Forge gone silent in recent months. They will likely move soon." Laelith adds, worry in her voice.

Gabriel pounds back the rest of his drink, and offers you his cup for more. A grim grin forms on his face, as he asks "I suppose you would count me a coward if I got myself killed before this storm hits."

>>17851818
"Perhaps. The first thing on my mind though would be annoyance at you leaving me to have to defend Degnar with those stubborn fools in the left fist. I doubt they'll adapt to our tactics as quick as they should be."

>>17851818
"I doubt I'd be able to call you anything but smarter and less stubborn than I, friend."

WE ARE TROLLING CATALINA ONCE GABRIEL LEAVES

she finally seems to have accepted that invite into our tent!

>>17851818
"They also seek to make use of the talents of demonologists. I would suspect they will use the same tactics as the Uurlanthi at the crossing and bind them to weapons that they will give to the undead."

>>17851967
as to Catalina trolling

"Another beautiful woman in my tent and Lealith seduces her with books before I even enter!"
proceed to pout at Lealith, prepare to laugh at Catalina's obligatory stammering

>>17851950
seconding this and then trolling Cat

Shaking your head "Perhaps, though most would simply call you less foolishly stubborn than I." is your reply, as you finish your own drink, and refill both cups. "Though I would find myself hard pressed to forgive you for leaving me to deal with the oafish, set-in-their-ways fools of the Left Fist without your aid, my friend."

The dwarf over-exaggerates a sigh, takes a drink from his cup, and replies "I suppose I have no choice but to weather this storm with the rest of you then, Justinian." before raising his glass in a silent toast, which you accept. The two of you finish your drinks in silence, and when the cups are empty, Gabriel takes his leave in silence, clearly deep in thought, and thankful for your honesty.

You, of course, cannot leave Catalina alone, now that she is in your tent, of her own volition. Smirking, you grouse "Catalina finally joins us in our tent, and Laelith seduces her with books before I can enter."

Teh young priestess and necromancer freezes, and what little color can be found on her face drains "I, well... research. I have an idea for a siege-golem, but needed..." she trails off as she feels Laeliths eyes fall on her, and after the sound of the tent-flap being moved aside and stepped through, Kyrias as well. The young woman blushes, and begins to glance about.

"I am so very intrigued, and heartened by your ideas and dedication, Cat." though your voice is a bit off for the praise you are giving the woman.

Stirring from the cot as Catalinas mind fails, and a stuttering series of nonsensical noises begin to fall from her mouth, Sansa asks "Catalina?" as you can almost hear Kyria lick her lips.

Blushing from the warmth in both your and Sansas voices, she tries to continue "It, it would have a balista of sorts on its back, and, and a ramming head, with front fists that could also. Umm, beat... down... doors?" she tries to explain, as Kyria sits next to her, wrapping her arm around the slight girl.
>cont'd

"A sound plan, quite effective in pushing through gates I am sure." Kyria compliments, looking over the sketches Catalina has laid out.

The young necromancer lets out a frightened, squeking noise, and flees the tent in a rush. All present burst out laughing as soon as she clears the entrance "She'll be back." Laelith decides as the laughter dies down.

"And a little more receptive to our advances than she was this time." Sansa adds, still grinning like mad.
>so, what else do you want to take care of (if anything) before you set off to start raiding?

Ask Laelith to start looking into an item that could help Autronius with his developing powers. The longer it takes for him to go insane, the better for us and Degnar. I imagine any item we create that can help mystics will be super popular.

Can't think of anything else other than that though. We should leave some of our elementalists behind to help the siege forces too I imagine - might be wise to have the earth ones try the tactic of weakening the walls from underground. Think we should parley with the knight keep or just raid to our hearts content and deal with them if they decide to stop us?

>>17852552
seconded.

>>17852552
WE should also see if Blackbird want's a few elementalists to help his force.

>>17852552
I'm all for a parley, give them a chance to surrender before we start extreme raiding

The next morning, you set about a few tasks, first, is getting Laelith to work on finding, or the legwork for developing, an arcane item to allow Mystics some sort of peace. Grinning, she sets to work on her new tasks as you make your way out into the sprawling camp. It does not take long to find your earth elementalists, and assign them to the siege forces. this leaves your own arcanist corps rather small, as Blackbird took a handful of life and fire elementalists with him last night.

It is late morning when your maniple finally sets off to set to raiding the countryside, and your command staff, all on the lead autowagon, are seated to discuss how to approach this portion of the attack. "We may as well start with the Order of the Golden Flames fortress, as they are the only other real military power in the area." Gaius begins, as you roll out a map of the region.

"Why dont we have a map that goes further south?" Aurelius asks, eyeing the map.

"Becuase Drans Ferry does not draw any profit further south than this map. they take some taxes, but with all the commerce flowing downstream, the Jaeger family gains no profit, and has no loyalty from those folk." Wulf replies quickly.

>dots are cities, the star is the Knightly orders fort, assume you are still at Drans Ferry for all intents and purposes

>>17852977
"Engaging the fortress directly will delay us though if the knight order has all their forces within. Perhaps luring their troops out would be best - allow them to spot our cavalry going out to raid and if they begin to chase them engage, we catch them out in the open with the autowagons and our cavalry swoops around."

>>17853022
A good idea. If we try to siege the fort we could take heavy losses (depending on how many are in the fort). Luring them out should work, hopefully.

>damnit captcha! why won't you work!

>>17853022
good as plan as any

You shake your head "No, that will delay us. the Order is not besieged, and will be forced to ride out to either stop us, or break the siege of Drans Ferry."

"Then should we just turn north, and make a circuit of the towns and villages in the area, or strike for specific targets?" Sansa asks, scratching at her head.

Wulf shrugs "The villages near forests of course have more strategic weight. And the northmost is on a rather productive silver mine. If we want to piss of Jaeger, hit his silver and major sources of lumber."

Cornelius chuckles "I take it you have something against this particular lord then, Wulf?"

He shakes his head "If I did I would suggest we turn loose our fire elementalists to scorch the winter crops, and salt the land. I'm saving that for Mern, though."

"Mines and lumber. The latter is no good, but I suspect the former will go far for your starting an arcanist hunting corps, and funding the loukys hunting force." Jayne mentions "And no doubt our dear majordomo will be glad for the funds."

>>17853417
Mines it is then we need that wonderful cash

Oh lord it's the traveling salesman problem.

What are we selling? DEATH.

I say counter-clockwise loop. Hit that big town in the northwestern corner, then the silver mine in the northeast (?), then loop south and hit the lumber villages.

>>17853450
Well I'm up for this it's what I want but with a plan

>>17853450
Sounds like a good plan to me.

>>17853450
I actually think we should go northeast along the road and hit the town along there then end up at the mine. Then head back to the major city. Why? This potentially lets us use the forest as a means for ambush if the order takes their time to chase us down. Furthermore, it's pulling the orders troops away from Drans Ferry more so than the northern route so the troops outside of it shouldn't be harassed. Honestly, if the enemy doesn't follow us we might need to siege them to make sure they're not attacked by the order.

>>17853553
second

>>17853553
sorry GP Max is the man with the plan

You grin "We get to use the roads then, I think. We take road northeast to strike the town with the silver mine, taking the lumber towns in our path. Then strike west tot he largest village, and finally south back to Drans Ferry"

Laelith smirks "Why stop at just the towns? We could set the forests ablaze as we clear it."

Kyria huffs "Still put off about not getting to be first last night, dear?"

Catalina shakes her head vigorously "What about the intervening towns?"

"They have little strategic weight. I say a cursory raiding to ensure their militias and guards cant be united alter on." Cornelius opines, by now used to the jibes your family makes about your bedroom antics, unlike Catalina.

"And when the Golden Flame decides to act? What if they strike for our siege forces?" Jayne interjects, grinning, though forcibly stifling any reaction she may have to Laelith and Kyrias jibes, as she _was_ first last night.

Wulf shrugs "At least half of their order is on permanent secondment to House Jaeger. And we need to pay more than a cursory 'visit' to the village between Drans Ferry and the Largest village when we pass them. The Order of the Bloodrose has its Spire. they cant field more than a few battalions worth of infantry, and I would not be surprised if a good portion of that is already in Drans Ferry as well, but we cannot ignore them, as they _could_ whip the vilage militias we ignore into a formidable force given time."

>>17853553
I'm up for this.

Let's also take the time to think up more ways to screw up fortifications. Then later we can experiment on the Order's fort, and finally use them against the main fortress.

>>17853630
"I'm hesitant to completely destroy the forest. It could prove useful for our own uses depending on how the lords southeast of us act. It would likely help cause the forces in Drans Ferry to sally forth and while it is immensely satisfying to cripple the Uurlanth it may hurt us in the long run if the Uurlanth lords are completely crippled when the cult makes their move. Enough hate to Degnar might even cause some of them to assist the cult if they tried to recruit any of these lords, and I don't doubt the cult will try. We definitely need to scatter the militia though - at the very least destroy any military supplies they might have access to if they flee as we pass through."

>>17853726
Seconding this. Destroying the forest would also take too long.

>>17853606
no to burning the forests and yes to hitting the spire on our way to the silver mine

>>17853630
"and Laelith, if you were unhappy about not being first last night perhaps I could make it up to you after a while" Mainly just to continue trolling Cat, even if she doesn't end up with us she's going to have to get used to the openness of the maniple sometime

>>17853630
Ask Wulf whether there any other small knightly orders that we should hit on the way. If it's a small spire or tower, we can just pull the damn thing down.

We should generally be destroying enemy fortifications everywhere we go, whenever possible.

Smirking, you reply "If your _really_ that unhappy about being first last night Laelith, perhaps I can make it up to you later. We may need those trees later in this campaign. And if Uurlanth is too crippled when the Forge of New Divinity strikes, we may very well fall."

Laelith smirks "I suppose you can make it up to me, another long ride, perhaps?"

Jayne shakes her head "I wont be revitalizing the two of you fools after that, we are supposed to be on duty while marching."

Sansa chuckles "But Vi will, and I think I would get jealous from that." as Catalina pales, and tries to hide along the back rail of the autowagon, though she ends up bumping into Belatrix, who simply pushes her back towards the conversation.

"Wulf, are there any other minor orders in the area?" you prompt your protege through your mirth.

He shakes his head "No, but as we move south there will be more of them, and some may be poor enough to buy off, if you approach them properly. I will brief you on them as they become relevant to our situation, of course."

Before you can nod your thanks, Catalina pipes in, somewhat emboldened by Belatrix's silent encouragement "If, if we stop for a few hours, I can craft some flesh golems to ensure we can move past the Order of the Golden flames fort unimpeded, Commander. Nothing grand or permanant, but..."

Kyria grins "We would probably end up sneaking by at dusk or during the night then... fitting for your moniker, love."

>>17853991
"It has been awhile since we've done anything at night. Go ahead with that plan then Catalina. Laelith, perhaps we can try to use that combined elementalism skill to give the Order of the Golden flames a parting gift as we go by."

>>17853991
Trying both the flesh golems and sneaking by at night sounds like it might work.

>>17854056
"... You know, they can't try to break the siege if they are busy trying to fix their own fortress, can they?"

Yes! Let's buzz the Order of the Golden Flame at night, and see what kind of damage we can do to their fortress. Not with a proper siege, mind you. Just expendable flesh golems and earth elementalism.

You grin "Lets stop the wagons then, Catalina has some work to do."

Laelith grins cattily "I take it I can have my compensation now then, love?"

You sigh "Sometimes it feels like all I do is work." though you are grinning rather broadly.

Jayne sighs "I'll help Sansa get the men briefed on our plan then. And I still wont give the two of you a perk-up after this foolishness. Someone has to keep Catalina from passing out from overworking herself.

Looking somewhat pale, and more than a little flushed Catalina groans "Thats what Vi is for..."

"What am I supposed to say now?" Kyria quips as your command staff starts openly laughing."

"I thought you were the one that holds everything together when it comes to things like that." Aurelius quips, ignoring the none too gentle slap on the side of his head from Belatrix it earns him.

Vi shrugs "We are first tonight anyways, so it doesn't bother us."

-----CQ-----

As dusk falls, Catalina stands, rather smug looking behind a horde of flesh golems, most of them the size of a dwarf, save a few large ones clearly geared towards bashing down walls. "Where did she get all that necrotic flesh from?" Sansa worriedly asks you, as you stand next to Laelith, preparing to mount Spite with the elf.

Catalina chuckles "Plenty of Uurlanthi livestock was lost or left behind tin the mad dash to the city walls this area experienced. A bit of necromancy and a few willing soldiers..."

Laelith grins, and, torch in one hand, leaps up onto Spites back, as you climb atop him yourself. "We will need to start focusing now, love, if we are to be ready with our combined attack when we pass the fort.

>>17854119
Second

rolled 38 = 38

>>17854302
Alrighty. Elementalism roll. Let's do this.

>>17854324
it appears the walls are made of sterner stuff...

>>17854337
Nonsense. We're focusing purely on elementalism so it should be fine.

You nod to Catalina, then to Sansa at your caravan of autowagons head, and finally to Laelith. Spite begins to trundle along as the two of you focus. You pull stones from the earth, and push them together into one large clump of earth. Laeliths torch begins burning brighter, and hotter as the flame grows, and begins to slowly detach from the torch.

Eyes half open, you look ahead to see the decaying horde of fleshy abominations bound forwards. At their front are blade-armed little things, that slash through the thatch huts and dive into the open windows of the wooden houses, in search of any of the peasantry that lives around the Orders fort and supports it. Of course, none of them are there to be injured, but their homes are ransacked, and the clamor raised by the handful of surviving farm animals are killed raises the alarm in the fort.

Golden Flame acolytes, clad in chainmail, and wielding short swords rush out, and begin to hold the smallest flesh golems as they reach the walls. As the larger golems approach, Laelith asks in a strained voice "What is our target, Justinian, we have to aim as one for this to be effective."

You know that the rest of the Orders men will be out to beat back the abominations that are now running amok outside their forts walls soon. Considering your target, you regard the fort. It is tall, about three quarters the height of most city walls, and is five sided. The stones are polished, and free of vines or blemishes, despite the clear age of the structure. The parapets are exquisitely carved tongues of flame, and on the main stone gate, a raging golden inferno is painted in beautiful detail. You cannot see what is behind the walls to judge what you may strike, but the towers, one at each corner, and one central along each length of wall could be a good target, if you are lucky enough to cause one to tumble inwards with your arcane strike.

>>17854431
I'm thinking closest tower that's in the middle of a wall. Even if it doesn't collapse, it would make a decent breaching point. Someone else roll elementalism this time.

rolled 96 = 96

>>17854431
rolling for elementalism

>>17854431
Make it so!

Have the flesh golems do as much damage as they can.

rolled 12 = 12

>>17854476
Sigh. Botch?

rolled 78 = 78

>>17854476
BOTCH!

rolled 16 = 16

Rolling for botch

>>17854476
im so sorry guys, i didn't mean to...

>>17854499
It's all good, everybody gets one

"The nearest non-corner tower, Laelith." You reply, straining yourself as the massive mound of stone shifts into the fire and begins to slowly melt and pop under the intense heat. Before you, the flesh golems second wave crashes into the knightly lines. As more skilled initiates charge out of the gate, their splintmail better suited to turning aside the blades of Catalinas golems, longswords glinting a faint green from the hasty blessing placed on them, almost push the horde of golems back away from the walls.

Then, you and Laelith fire the now ready orb of molten rock. You both aim for the indicated tower, but neither of you really were prepared for how unwieldy and large the sphere is. It begins to drift down, and to the left, away from the battle, carving a deep, perfectly smooth gouge in the earth as it rushes onwards. As the third wave of golems hits the force of knights in training, the sphere of magma smashes against the wall, low and just before the corner to the left of your target.

Initially, the magma splashes in all directions, massive gobs of the stuff raining down both on the road, and battle to the right. The damage is massive, to the knights, the road your forces will soon be passing along, and the golems holding the knights attention. Then, the main bulk of the melted stone hits the wall, and passes right through it. The molten orb of destruction continues on, just barely skimming the walls inside edge as Laelith and yourself relinquish control of the massive flux of destruction, watching in satisfaction as all it touches inside the fort simply ceases to exist.
>cont'd

Heedless of the heat, the final wave of flesh golems, lead by massive brutes with over-sized hands clearly made for crushing and smashing, rush through the gap, wreaking a pitiable amount of havoc in comparison to the arcane assault that has left yourself and Laelith shivering from exhaustion in the cool night air. However, they are still compounding on the damage done, and forces the last of the knights to stay within the forts walls to defend their home, instead of giving chase, or helping deal with the horde of flesh golems still trying to press to the gate, and gain entrance to the fort as well. Already, your maniple is passing the fort, autowagons easily avoiding the puddles of magma on the road.

You can barely make out the battle when you turn to look back after negotiating the magma-littered road yourself, but it is clear that the golems, while still fighting, will not even last through to midnight. Not that that is an issue, as the Order of the Golden Flame will certainly move to follow you, instead of attempting to break the siege of Drans Ferry. whats more, with the damage done to their home and base of operations, they will not be able to catch you, and if they do, they will be tired and demoralized. Satisfied with the nights work, you let yourself fall asleep in Spites saddle, as Laelith already has. The uursan knows how to stay with the maniple, and not spill you from his saddle on night marches like this, and every member of the maniple knows that if this plan is to work, you will have no choice but to ride through the night.

>and that sit for tonight
>someone archive please
>I'll be back thursday at 9pm server time

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