“Time for diplomacy has long passed, kyvernítis (governor). We command you to gather the best of your household for this task. Every ship burnt, every ship destroyed will be one less that we shall have to face upon the seas, it will be one less chance for our foes to claim victory.” You say.

“As you command, your majesty.” With some trepidation, Iovivus responds.

“Domestikos (domestic, commander), We grant you your request, once you gather the dozen, prepare a force you find the most fitting of the task you shall undertake.”

“I shall not fail you, your majesty.” Armentarius says with a bow.

“We shall issue a decree of conscription of the nearest thémata (placement, district).” You say turning to Iovivus. “You know how many are needed for this task, we desire for those forts to be filled with proper garrisons.”

The man seems to have a glint of pride in his eyes due to your command. “I will naturally find the best for the task, your majesty.” He now bows deeper than usual.

“Kanikleiou (keeper of the imperial inkstand) !” You call out.

Stepping inside, he bows. “You called, your majesty ?”

“We have. We desire for you to deliver Critobulus Maniakes to us. He is invited as a guest, and he shall be treated as such.”

“By your will, your majesty.” The old man bows once more before departing.

“We all have tasks to attend to. You are dismissed.” You say to the last two men in your office, whom both bow and depart.

Sitting down behind your desk, you quickly draft up decrees needed for the upcoming campaign and you also dispatch servants to look for Tarrizan merchants of import, those that could negotiate with you.

Afterwards, you rise and depart for one of the most heavily guarded locations within the royal district. A storehouse, a small one at that, but made entirely out of strong stones and reinforced with mortar. Twenty of your Scholae (School) stand at guard at all times. No matter if it is shining or raining, be it day or night, this place is always under the watchful gaze of those closest to the emperor.

The door is quickly opened to allow you by your guards, it is your first time getting here, so you are mildly surprised that what greets you is a staircase leading further down into the ground, no light sources are visible besides those of a few oil lamps, expensively made into their own little cages with see through clear glass, at an expensive cost, but for a good reason.

Your guards begin to escort you downwards, each one of your steps is solid and steady, unlike the dungeon beneath the palace, the path downwards here is entirely dry, not even a drop of water or moisture catches your eye.

Eventually, you reach the landing, where six more of your Scholae (School) stand guard, looking after a door made entirely out of steel.

>>5279355

They all bow, before one of them hits the door with his gauntleted fist in a queer rhythm. The noise of moving chains suddenly fills the air and the heavy door begins to open.

Stepping into the chamber proper now, you see as another six of your guards stand inside, with two of their number turning wheels imbedded into the walls so as to open the monster of the door.

What greets you are depressingly empty wooden shelves, still pristinely maintained to the point where you cannot see any dust gathered.

“Your majesty.” A muffled voice calls out.

The figure of a man wearing an entirely dark uniform made out of leather, a single, long, heavy coat reaching to the ankles. His black boots glisten just like the coat itself as they are entirely covered in a strange, mucus like material. It reeks to high heaven; you notice crumpling your nose. To contrast, the persons gloves are entirely white, without the mucus layer upon them. And a single glistening white mask set upon his face, a hood hiding the rest of his face gives the man an aura of mystery. The mask itself is slightly elongated, like that of a crow, where eyes would be, glass had been put in to allow for ease of vision, revealing a pair of curious brown eyes, you notice wrinkles around the eyes as well.

You recognize who that is, or what he does at least, a khumeían (alchemist).

“The shelves are emptier than we had expected.” You say.

“Excuse us, your majesty, but ever since the eastern revolt, we can no longer extract enough naphtha from the swamps. And the previous emperor’s had considered the art of my fellows, as too, expensive.” The muffled, wizened voice responds.

“Then lead us to what we have.” You command.

And so he does, you move shelf after shelf, all entirely bare of any clay pots that would hold the mysterious mixture known as dragon’s breath. An invention of your people’s many tried to steal and replicate it, but they had never succeeded. If they learn of its production, they would not know how to make the devices needed to employ it, nor would they know how to cause the reactions needed to employ it to its fullest effect. Even for you, the exact production remains a mystery, one jealously guarded by your empire.

“These are the remaining reserves.” The muffled voice once more speaks.

Disappointingly, you find a single shelf, a total of forty clay pots, each the size of your head, remain within the extensive storehouse.

“Can more be made ?”

“Unfortunately, no, your majesty. We lack the raw material needed, and the process itself would take a long time and be very expensive.”

“How expensive ?”

“A hundred golden solidus a pot, your majesty.”

>>5279357

You nearly double over. That much would be enough to buy your villages perhaps fifty or even a hundred times over ! Should you dedicate the entirety of your empire’s yearly income, you might be able to produce about ten thousand pots, a large number, but a number that would dwindle quickly when used in war, and it has a tendency to lose its potency if left unused for too long.

“These pots, how old are they ?”

“About a decade, your majesty. They were produced during the reign of Leo the fourth Ducas. They were intended to be used against the Akeoinians, but this batch had never been delivered in time, unlike the rest.”

“We had such weapons on our side, but still suffered defeat.” You say to no one but yourself.

“Akeoinians had felts or hides soaked in vinegar and entire barrels of salt to put out the fires, your majesty. Still, many of their ships burnt.”

“But only when we were able to close the distance.” You remark.

“Have these pots prepared. They may yet be used for their intended purpose.” You solemnly say.

Leaving the storehouse, you head off to your next place of interest. The holy knights and their griffons, they shall come of use yet. The rarity of their beasts, the overwhelming expense of their feeding, you doubt your foes will expect them. A surprise strike before they have a chance to react, for if they do, the riders will find their ends in watery graves.

With your guards left behind, you step inside the opulent cathedral. The gentle noise of a choir, somewhere far up and away from your vision sings in their angelic voices brings you a modicum of peace and calm.

“Your all holiness.” You say quietly, your voice carried by the chamber.

“Your majesty. It is good to see you.” Anatolius says, closing the good book as he stands behind a podium at the back of the cathedral. “What brings you here, your majesty ?”

“I have once more come seeking aid.” You say approaching him. “Akeoinians, the heretics that had humiliated us a decade prior, are once more upon the warpath. They send a diplomat with outrageous and provocative demands, giving us a mere month’s time before they officially go to war. We have no doubt that they shall have long prepared for war against us.”

“Heretics besetting the faithful always brings pain to my heart, and the heart of the church.”

“That is why, we once more need to request the aid of the holy knights.”

“The knights had already suffered heavily, now only half of their number remain. A mere ten against endless hordes of heresy and infidels.”

>>5279358

“But that is why they are needed so. We have a plan that would preserve their lives and still make those foes of ours regret their arrogance and waywardness. Pots of dragon’s breath, dropped from high above could burn entire ships alongside their crews. Just the mere presence of such stalwart, faithful men would be inspiration to all who fight under the wolf’s banner and strike fear for those that encourage the lion’s pride.”

“I must caution you, your majesty. I can only do so much, should the church lend these elites, those of the church would demand that the next course of action you take would be to deal with the heretics within the empire. That would be the cost of mobilising such assets twice.

“But if we agree, they shall fly ?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“We understand, and we shall consider this. We thank you for your time, your all holiness.” You ponderously say.

“May God guide you upon your way, your majesty.”
.
.
.
“Your most regal majesty, I am Vincenso Grato, son of the current Consul of Tarrizo and an admiral in the Tarrizan navy.” The well-dressed man in vibrant blues kowtowing before you says. He seems to be your elder by only a few years, with a clean-shaven face and vibrant flowing blond hair reaching his shoulders, he looks more like a pompous noble, head filled with vanity, rather than a battle-hardened admiral you had originally expected when he was mentioned.

“The Emperor greets you, Admiral Vincenso.” Gallienus speaks for you. “Their majesty knows that war is soon to come with Akeoinians, as such, his majesty, in their infinite wisdom had decided that you and yours are fitting enough to be in his presence.”

“This lowly one is honoured that your majesty had thought about me and my people.”

“It is their desire, for the Tarrizans to provide ships for war against the Akeoinians and their unbridled, misguided ambitions.”

“And if this lowly one may be so bold and dare to do so, what would we received for our service of wood, steel, and blood ?”

“Their majesty is willing to increase production of silk, for-” You gesture for one, and then five. “- one year.”

“Please excuse us, but, wouldn’t an over all increase in production be beneficial both for us and the empire as a whole ?”

“It is the emperor’s desire, that mere barbarians shouldn’t clad themselves in their majesty’s silks, what his majesty provides is already a charity enough, following the Shepherd’s words. But, looking at such matter, perhaps their majesty may be willing to increase the period of increased production.”

“Then, for a decade perhaps ?”

“The emperor might agree, but know this. The longer you haggle as a merchant, the closer you are drawing towards the loss of your exclusive monopoly.”

>>5279360

The man finally raises his head slightly. “Then I should inform you as well. The Akeoinians, in their previous wars, bought their fleets from us, and the still owe a large sum for our labour. Should they take the isles, your majesty, I am sure that we could sign a contract with them as well.”

“You dare !?” Gallienus finally loses his cool.

“Please excuse my words, but as it was said, I am but a mere merchant, not a honourable noble such as yourself, so I must look at profits first and foremost.

Gallienus snorts. “Very well, merchant, their majesty is willing to give you five years of increased production, and in addition to your fleet, you must provide a hundred halberdiers for the upcoming campaign.”

“Your majesty, this lowly one, though heartened by your generosity, must still request more for his homeland, please consider extending the production upwards to eight years’ time.” He says, lowering his head once more. “In exchange, we shall provide the one hundred halberdiers as requested and a total of seventy warships.”

You shake your head and signal for Gallienus to buy time.

“Their majesty shall ponder this. You are dismissed from their presence.”

Continuing to be in his kowtowing position, as befitting a foreigner, he slowly squirms his way backwards, eventually disappearing from your presence.

“Your majesty, Critobulus of house Maniakes is awaiting to be allowed into your presence.” Informs you a eunuch.

Raising your hand, you gesture for him to allow the man in.

As a citizen of the empire, and not seeking redemption, Critobulus merely bows every five steps as he approaches, until he finally stands before the throne.

“Do you know, why we have invited you ?” You question.

“Yes, your majesty. The Maniakes house had always been loyal servants of the empire. I can provide a total of thirty merchant ships.” He says.

“If I am not mistaken, you could provide twice that number.” Interjects Gallienus.

“That would ruin any attempts at commerce, if I were to do so. Please, your majesty, my house had already given all that it can, our livelihoods are at stake.”

“And if our foes win, the entirety of the empire is at stake. Our foes have hundreds of warships whilst we have few.”

“Enough. We understand your situation. You say to Critobulus. “And your concerns.” This time you turn to Gallienus. “We shall consider the matter, once we know of the situation fully. For now, you are a welcome guest within the palace. Enjoy your stay and our hospitality to your heart’s desire.”

“Thank you, your majesty.” The head of house Maniakes bows deeply before you.
.
.
.

>>5279361

You wonder the palace, with a freedom on your mind. In scant few months you had done so much, but it seems like the world conspires against you with every step you take. Every effort you exert is herculean. You will have to train with Armentarius before he leaves. Perhaps once this is done with, you shall invite Mundus and Isaac to teach you the art of war, as it is eerily becoming the most important one for you.

Unfortunately, your hopes for freedom are dashed when you finally reached the guarded door. Stepping through you, as your guards bow, look around the quaint little room. It is similar to your own, before your coronation that is. Silks, velvets, and cloth make up the bed, dyed in less regal colour, lacking the vibrancy of blues, reds, and purples of the highest quality, they are still nonetheless above what most western lords would even see. Laid upon the table within the room are set down a collection of fish dishes with citrus fruits alongside servings of salads, a fine feast, one that you would devour with tears in your eyes back in your village, but it remains entirely untouched by the room’s inhabitant.

Count Durant Dufour, the brave, the foolhardy, the crude. His clothing is immaculate, his hair stilled groomed to perfection as his hat rests upon the table. Reacting to the noise, he turns around, eyebags are clear on his face, a pale look on his face informs you that in the past few days since your meeting, he had not eaten, perhaps not even drunk a drop of water. He looks like a man prepared for his own funeral, lacking the bold spirit that had followed him.

“Emperor of the Thephians.” He says with an incline of his head. “Have you come to personally deliver my death sentence ?”

Amused, you walk into the chamber, taking a seat next to the food filled table. A gaggle of servants rush in behind you to clear it all away, whilst your six bodyguards all enter the chamber.

“Sit.” You command, pointing towards one of the chairs.

Slowly, he begins to walk forwards and sits down.

“Why were you sent here to die ?”

With an amused smirk he responds. “Why would you think that, your regal majesty ?”

You remain silent, simply staring at him, both of you know that the answer to his question is blatantly obvious.

“Ah, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to let the sorrows of my heart out.” He says with a laugh. “Their regal majesty Tedwin is a fine ruler. But he is not a fine man. When his father passed, he, as the youngest son, was not entitled to inherit anything, but the nobles sought to put him on the throne as a puppet. How blind those fools were. After he had crushed his elder brother Rainald, a man that I served, their most regal majesty proved themselves to be an exceptional ruler.” He grows silent.

>>5279364

“Due to me siding against him, it was only inevitable that my death would come. In order to ensure the survival of my house, my death is necessary. The king, he is cold. How could they not have realized when they looked at his eyes. Those eyes do not look upon their fellow man, but rather as simple things of value. That is why King Tedwin is an excellent monarch, he had crushed his foes.” The man’s look becomes distant.

“Upon his coronation day. Upon hallow ground, he purged the high nobles. Crossbowmen upon the second floor, rained down bolts, whilst the King stood, surrounded by his bodyguards.” He turns to look at your eyes. “If you are offered a drink, do not take it.”

“As for the war. The success of the last war attracted many knights, many a petty lord and noble that had even brought their own men-at-arms with them. They all want land, they all agitate for war. So, if the King wins, he will gain that land, and loyal nobles to govern them. Should he lose, then the trouble makers will forever remain underneath the waves.” He sighs.

“No matter what outcome, the King shall win.” He says dourly.

Now looking straight at your eyes, Count Dufour says. “I had given all that I could, without breaking my oaths. Now please, grant me a merciful death.”

The entire time, you sat in silence, listening, observing, pondering as you oft do, about your future course of action.

The matters with the church:

>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.

>The demands are too much, decline it.

The Tarrizans and their demands:

>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.

>No, they are clearly greedier than they have common sense, decline their demands.

House Maniakes and their pleas:

>Let them provide what they can.

>They shall provide all, the empire is at stake here.

Finally, the Count that sits before you.

>Grant his request, he shall be beheaded.

>Torture him for more, even if he breaks at the end of it.

>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279366
>>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
>>No, they are clearly greedier than they have common sense, decline their demands.
>>Let them provide what they can.
>>Grant his request, he shall be beheaded.
Feels good to have a new thread

This took longer than expected. Will make a pastebin tomorrow.

https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5223723/

First thread link.

>>5279374
No worries QM. Your updates are big. Worth the wait.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
Been meaning to get to this anyway.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all. Ensure we get their support for 8 year in exchange though.
Not ideal, but with any luck we can prevent the replenishment of Tedwin’s navy, and either keep them contained or mount a counter invasion, assuming that we aren’t distracted by the other wolves eating away at our Empire.
>Let them provide what they can.
I’m not here to punish them. Maybe we can work out a beneficial relationship with them after the current crisis is averted.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279366
I am going to change my vote regarding Tarrizans to
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
As much as I hate this 70 ships is just too good to refuse.

>>5279366
>The demands are too much, decline it.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>They shall provide all, the empire is at stake here.
>Torture him for more, even if he breaks at the end of it.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>They shall provide all, the empire is at stake here.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.

The Tarrizans and their demands:

>Inform the merchant that you have given orders that in the case the islands are lost the means of producing silk will be moved to the mainland and what cant be moved destroyed. 4 years is my offer. If you still choose not to help you will loose your monopoly.

House Maniakes and their pleas:

>Let them provide what they can.
Finally, the Count that sits before you.

>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279366
>The demands are too much, decline it.
We have enough ships to deploy our fire with. We don't need to make a theocratic inquisition hellhole out of the country
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
This is one of the few cases where we actually have resources to work with rather than promises.
>Let them provide what they can.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279366

>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>Let them provide what they can.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

Alright aerial firebombing anons, I'll give to to you all. Good plan! A little inquisition never hurt anybody, as long as we safeguard diplomats and foreign nobles and such persons. Surely there's more we can get out of Dufour without breaking oaths relating to his nation. Or we can kill him later.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>Let them provide what they can.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279476
>Your majesty we are willing to support you with what few knights are left after we helped you quell the rebellion. And all we ask in return is for you to turn your attention to the growing religious schism within your empire.
>WHAT?! I will NOT be turning the country into a theocratic inquisition hellhole! Who gives a fuck about a schism!
Anon pls

>>5279366

>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
We're going to need them for the bombings.


>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
A loss in the moment, a victory in the future.

>Let them provide what they can.
of it.
More than that would provoke them to simply negotiate with the invaders.

>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
I think we find our adviser on the nations of the West.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
Cite a verse of the sherpard book, upon taking this decision. Ask the Patriarch about his opinion on our marriage choices btw and if he thinks a victory in this war, could be transformed in something more.
Lastly, the people need help.
There is not just the Akeonians in this cruel world. Faith is needed for keep us united and morale higher.

>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
But you
Add 900 halberdiers to that 100 (total of 1000), each with well trained and experienced captains leading them. Have them publically make an oath they will serve us with costant loyalty for this 8 years not just this war.
And we have a deal.
8 years is really long and 1000 men is a small increase, Admiral Vincenso.
And with the profits increasing it wouldn't be much of a loss for you. Beside it can be a way to build relations between our two states no ?
Throw him 2 bottles of fine wine, and tell him to get going. Should be enough.

>Let them provide what they can.
Acceptable, and you have the thanks of the Empire for your service. Prepare your men Maniakes.


>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
Casually drop if he wants to have some time thinking about serving a better ruler. And have a new faith.

///
also send letters to Mundus and Isaac about the coming conflict, we need to prepare. I am wondering if we should send letters to the ladies we are courting ....


>>5279374
np is cool, did you give a description to the previous thread ?

>>5279499
Thankfully Manuel might be able to ensure the schism problem is less bloody, or even bloodless. He is educated and about religion too, and could learn more if he needs to.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
it's something we would have had to deal with anyways.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
once we win this war, we'll force the Akeoinians to pay back all of our trade deficit.
>Let them provide what they can.
they've already done enough for us.

still not sure about either killing Count Durant or not. he may actually want to be executed since at least that would mean that his family might be safe.

>>5279366
>>The demands are too much, decline it.

We'll need stability afterwards, better to not immediately jump into more chaos.

>>No, they are clearly greedier than they have common sense, decline their demands.

We'll give too much I fear.

>>Let them provide what they can.

>>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

We'd be doing Tedwin a favor, let's not. Perhaps we can even win him over? Maybe there are dissenters still that we might be able to contact through him.

>>5279439
Supporting this guy, but increase it to 5 years of extra production to help them out a bit, warships are expensive. I do hope we can demand a fuckton of reparations from the Akeonians when they sue for peace to make this worth it.

File: Greek fire.jpg (7.13 MB, 3013x1543)

7.13 MB JPG

We better supplement the Greek Fire with normal burning oil since we have so few. The pots are small, have the griffins carry Greek fire for special targets, alongside a large pot of normal burning oil for everything else, this should confuse the enemy in choosing what extinguishing method to use. Have the Knights ride without armor to keep the weight down so we can carry more oil.

>>5279366
>>The demands are too much, decline it.
>No, they are clearly greedier than they have common sense, decline their demands.
>They shall provide all, the empire is at stake here.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

>>5279777
Backing this

>>5279366
>have the holy knights
Rooting out heretics later via exile sound good. We can purge foreign spies this way as well.

>accept Tarrizan demands
>let Maniakes provide what they can
We better get good reparations, or at least land from this war.

>give Dufour the chance to convert and live as a civilian under a new name, or be beheaded as a heretic and have his head sent back
I mean, at least we're giving him a choice. We're the merciful and pious emperor, converter and/or slayer of heretics will look good on our resume.

>>5279366
>The demands are too much, decline it.
These are distractions to our real work, fixing this damn empire. Being forced to deal with the heretics will only further delay what we need to do, and further ruin us economically too I'm sure.

>The demands are too much, decline it.

>Let them provide what they can.

>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
He seems incredibly useful, and I suspect would make for a good advisor.

We NEED to focus on the economy. We can't let ourselves be dragged into even more problems than we're already inundated with.

>>5279912
Damn, anon. You hated Patriarch's demands so much you declined twice.

>>5279358
Our empire's yearly income is only 1 million gold solidus? What was our debt again? I thought it was in the tens of millions? Perhaps the debt listed was only in silver, I cannot recall?

Nevermind, found it. Our debt was 90 million silver basilikas, and our expected income was 20 million silver basilikas.

I can probably guess how much silver equals a gold, but just for confirmation QM, how many silver equals a gold? 20 silver to a gold?

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.

>Inform the merchant that you have given orders that in the case the islands are lost the means of producing silk will be moved to the mainland and what cant be moved destroyed. 4 years is my offer. If you still choose not to help you will loose your monopoly.

This by >>5279439 seems risky but worthwhile. It may not even be a bluff, we could simply move the silkworms and plants they feed on and what infrastructure we can and destroy the rest.

>Let them provide what they can.

>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

Honestly, sending him back with our eventual declaration of war may cause some strife back home. The king may suspect him of being a spy. Or he may naturally cause strife as an opponent of the current king. Really, he is worth more to us doing damage back in his homeland trying to keep his family alive and struggling against the pressure from his king than he is to us dead.

>>5279439
>>5279931
The Tarrizian just said that 5 years is too short of a time and now you are offering him an even shorter time.
How is this "worthwhile" in any way? We are in a difficult situation and he is not. If we fail the negotiations here we lose seventy ships. That's likely more than what we have right now. And then those seventy ships can be hired out to our enemies as well.
Would vote for this write-in if it was 6 years but 4 years is just crazy talk.

>>5279366
>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
I would prefer to deal with that later on but oh well
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
We could negotiate for 6 years instead i imagine but it's too late at this point
>Let them provide what they can.
We pushed them around a lot already
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
He can be useful somehow later maybe?

>>5279366
>>5279957
No, your right. I'll change my vote to negotiate for 6 years saying that we can always move the silkworm infrastructure and that they'll gain nothing and lose their monopoly should they support our enemies.

>Changing >>5279931 so that we offer 6 years instead

>>5279777
>>5279997
Changing my offer to 6 years too. Anon, >>5279885 I hope you're onboard with me on this too kek

File: t.arrizans.jpg (143 KB, 848x716)

143 KB JPG

>>5280006
Alright changing it to 6 as well

>>5279958
>>5279366
Changing to negotiating for 6 years too
but I don't think it's going to happen at this point

>>5279916
Whoops, meant to decline the Tarrizan offer too.

>immediately jumping into another crisis once this is over
>over 10 cunts

This is so dumb, for that matter what if we take too much of a beating? Or hell, what if we lose the war? We'll be in no position to persecute anyone.

Nevermind that we have a massive problem with manpower and the economy, and you people want to start an inquisition and kill/exile people?

As well many of you want to hamstring our economy by bending over the maniakes and bending over for the tarrizans.

This won't end well.

>>5280306
i don't like it either but we can't lose this war, as it could mean the end of our dynasty

>>5280306
>10 cunts
It's an airforce. The recon ability alone would be worth it.
>This is so dumb, for that matter what if we take too much of a beating? Or hell, what if we lose the war? We'll be in no position to persecute anyone.
And if we get struck by a lightning we also lose. And if we slip and fall and hit our head and die. And if we get sick with a plague.
What is your point exactly? That if we fail here we will be in a worse position in the future? Can't argue with that.
>Nevermind that we have a massive problem with manpower and the economy, and you people want to start an inquisition and kill/exile people?
Kill/exile whom exactly? We didn't decide anything yet. The schism was a problem that we would have to deal with sooner or later anyway. Or what should we just ignore it and hope that it will go away on it's own?
>As well many of you want to hamstring our economy by bending over the maniakes and bending over for the tarrizans.
What? The majority of votes so far is to not push Maniakes and let them give us what they can. Can you not count?
As for the Tarrizians we have no choice. 70 ships is too good of an offer. We need them on our side and not on our enemy's side.
The only difference that we can make here is for how long will we increase the silk production.
Besides where the hell do you expect us to get ships? No Tarrizians, no touching merchant ships, no help from the church. Do you want us to lose the war that badly? Not sure if you are aware but we don't have many ships on our own.

>>5280306
Things move on their own, they don't remain for us to wait, we would have to deal with these problems sooner or later. What we gain is needed because they are fighters without equals. Besides the infrastructure reform was already approved by us, it will keep going in the background if at a slower pace (and if we win the war we can throw some money in it).
10 cunts ? You mean 10 highly trained warriors that are probably on the martial top in the entire known world. People that if you see them, our soldier morale will improve while the enemies will fall ? Just small stuff really.
No is not really dumb. Is something we need to do if we want their services a second time and doing it helps us anyway.
We will deal with it. That's the answer, be it victory or defeat besides why you think we decide to take them ? Since we have a war, having them would help us greatly.
I don't remember any great talk about making an inquisition. The patriarch didn't even say something like that either. We don't currently have all the specifications about the religious problem, nor how it could be dealt with. We do know that Manuel though has actually a set of skills and knowledge that could allow him an advantage in this hazardous task.
Maniakes are fine by most votes. The tarrizan are very clear that they will give their services to anyone, unless they make a deal to not do that. This is one such deal and our fleet gets more warships. Well built and tested, warships. Of far higher quality than our own.
What do you want to do then ? Go to Patera (Tarrizzo rivals), and ask them for ships ? While giving them the rights the Tarrizans previously had ? Because either we do that, or we angrily stare at Tarrizzo doing whatever they want while we don't make any deals. Sure they don't get to commerce the silk for a while, but they can help the Akeonians in the war so they get a better deal with them.

>>5280337
>>5280317
Are you two voting or what? Do us all a favor and vote for giving the Tarrizans 6 years.

>>5280357
already voted previously

>The demands are too much, decline it.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>Let them provide what they can.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
.... i'd rather we leave the knights alone.
That was a holy shit panic moment. we can wait to raise our own instead of effectively hiring the most expensive mercenary quid pro quo we could do, as it essentially gives the church a blank check.

Yeah, less money on our silk but eh, shit is fucking annoying. might allow us to turn the first rake in on the profits to start something new until the markets stabilize.
and yeah, not killing the merchant marine completely ffs.

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>>5279366
The sabotage plan went through? Oh those poor poor bastards, I hope they get a means to easily kill themselves so they can avoid getting tortured.

>You have to have the holy knights, no matter the cost.
Getting naval bombardment and scouting in exchange for resolving something we were probably gonna have to deal with anyway? Sounds like a good trade to me.
>6 years or no deal, state that the means of producing silk will be destroyed or moved if we lose the war.
We have better leverage, this is a really good deal for them and for us.
>Let them provide what they can.
Hmmm... Im not really committed to either choice, both of them have their positives and negatives. I'll choose this one for now.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.
Seems like a decent enough sort, I found his testimony greatly amusing.

The time has come, my fellow thephians, let us hope and pray for a glorious victory in this war so that we may inflict the most grievous of wounds upon the barbarous enemy. A wound so severe, a peace so costly, that they shall be unable to threaten the empire ever again. AKEONÍA PRÉPEI NA KATASTRAFEÍ!

>>5279366
>The demands are too much, decline it.
>Accept them, it is only eight years after all.
>Let them provide what they can.
>Leave him be, The man clearly has integrity, it’d be a shame for him to die.

Last thing we need is more chaos and distractions.

>>5279567
He did!

Knights:

Accept 15

Decline 7

Tarrizans:

Accept 11

Decline 3

Support for eight years(1000 halberdiers) 1+1=2

Four years 1

Six years 5

Maniakes:

Partial 19

Everything 3

The count:

Death 1

Torture 1

Spare 18

Convert or die 1

Alright. Manuel will accept the Patriarch demands, he will also accept the Tarrizan deal, but seeing how negotiating or declining also reach up to 11 votes, he will try to see if he cannot weasel out a better deal ever so slightly (What do you anons think of this compromise ? Would you like to see me do them more or would you simply I go with whatever vote got the most ?). Then he will inform Maniakes that what they provide will be enough. He shall also spare the Count, having learnt that he is not as brash as previously thought.

>>5279919

>I can probably guess how much silver equals a gold, but just for confirmation QM, how many silver equals a gold? 20 silver to a gold?

Just like it was way back then, there is no direct translation between silver and gold. Gold had been primarily used for international trade and deals between nations, or by the very wealthy. But as was noted by Manuel, what value it does have is to the extreme. The solidus is used widely across the former lands of the empire and beyond, maintaining its gold purity. The cost given in gold is because the required material are beyond current imperial borders.

>>5280619
IMO compromise between reasonably compatible different choices is entirely appropriate- I generally prefer to pretend that we anons represent the Many competing impulses of the PC

Having a bit of a writer's block. Will update in the morning.

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>>5280619
I like the compromise, you should do them more often when the votes aren't contradictory or mutually exclusive.

>>5280725
All good mate, hope you did well in your exams.

>>5280619

I believe that accepting plausible modifications is not something undesirable.

>>5280562
good

>>5280619
It's fine, i don't see too much of a problem

>>5280725
np

>>5280619
Compromises please, democracy is and forever will be a mistake. Hail to you, our benevolent dictator.

I am so fucking excited for this war.
It's going to weaken us either way but if we win it will show others that we are not easy pickings.

>>5281090
Cementing Manuel's reign with the blood of ton barbaron

>>5280619
Goddamit, why are we voting to immediately jump into another conflict after another? Oh well, too late to change it now.

>>5281160
This one we didn't start (technically uncle usurper we also didn't start), and if we do not respond to this Aeikonian Aggression, our empire will be dealt a critical blow.
But on the bright side, cunning minds may see that this war is a way to stabilize our empire, but only if we win.
>we win
>gouge reparations out of the heretics
>heretics too reeling from our victory and reparations that they are rendered a non-threat to us
>reparations can help us with our economy now that we've rooted out most of the corruption in the state
>heretic expunging is on our to-do list as a pious emperor anyways, the cost of getting the holy knights to go sortie just speeds up that timetable

>>5281269
Heretics are a pain on our royal ass as well anyway not just the church. We'd have to deal with them sooner or later.

>>5280619
Despite being someone who voted in favour of 6 years, I think it is probably more fair for those who get a clear majority to get their way completely. They won the vote fair and square. That being said, slight compromises where the votes are close or not mutually exclusive probably wouldn't hurt too badly.

“You are a good man.” You finally say, breaking the silence. “Not many would willingly go to their deaths, for no other reason than to protect their family. We am sure that the Shepherd would willingly guide you to God’s side.” You calmly state.

“Comforting words for one about to meet him.” He says, turning his gaze towards the window, allowing sunshine to wash over his face.

“But one that shall not meet him by our hand.”

“What do you mean ?” The Count turns towards you, shock clear on his face.

“As we have said, you shall not meet him today, nor tomorrow, nor the day after. To deprive this mortal world of a moral man would be a great sin. So, we shall leave you be, so that you may think, wonder, and debate with yourself. We had planned to keep you here for two weeks, after which we shall allow you to return to your king. We hope that by that time, you will have found the answers to the questions plaguing your mind.”

Dufour says nothing, his tired and weary eyes simply look ahead, staring at something beyond the wall, perhaps beyond the palace and even beyond the empire. And you leave him with his thoughts, rising slowly from your seat as your bodyguards ensure that no hidden dangers now lurk outside of the room.
.
.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-3h9TQ312c&t=173s some church music

It is a sacred ceremony, one that was not carried out last time, both due to a lack of time and the fact that the foes before the holy knights were of the true faith. Now however, the choir is singing their holy hymns as the knights, clad in their resplendent white armour.

“The Shepherd said to the gathered: Will you all tolerate tyranny and abuse of unworthy masters ? Yes, a slave must know his place, but so must a master. If a slave is unworthy, then he is punished by his master, but if the master is unworthy, then he must be punished by his slave.” Anatolius quotes passages from the good book, where the Shepherds followers wrote down his wisdom, as the shepherd himself knew not how to read or write.

Everyone remains silent as the patriarch’s voice mixes with the singing of the choir. The ten knights, their blades bare, rest upon the floor, as they are all on their knees, listening to the holy gospel. Lesser servants of the church use clean linens, soaked in olive oil, to rub down the armour. Both as a plea for God’s blessing, and as means of funerary rights should these pious men leave the moral realm.

You observe this solemn gathering, drawing a deep breath of the incense floating in the air. A smell you think you might have enjoyed, were it not for the fact that it now always reminds of your father’s death.

“And so, this day of days, I give to thee my blessing as a plea to God to spare your souls. For soon, you shall fly to fight against misguided heretics, perverting the Shepherd’s good work and God’s true will.”

>>5281564

The patriarch then proceeds to take a large, but shallow bowl filled with fermented sheep’s milk, naturally Shepherd’s favourite drink, a strong drink, but also a drink that is good for you, not only that is pleases the stomach, but also because it is blessed by God’s grace.

One by one, removing their helmets, the knights take the bowl and drink deeply before returning it. The patriarch using linen then wipes it clean, and from a pitcher pours in a little bit of the drink.

After the last holy knight finishes his drink, every one of the knights puts their helmet back on and rise to their feet, raising their blades with them.

“We march under God’s grace.” They say in unison.

Then, quickly entering a formation. With their white cloaks flowing, the knights swiftly disappear from the chamber.

“A most solemn procession.” You say.

“It is, your majesty, but that is the life of a warrior. Even for all of their training, for the best weapons and armour the church can afford, even with such mighty steads. They are but men, and all men die, your majesty. That is why we must all strive to spread the true faith and live a pious life so as to ensure that as many as possible go to God’s side for their eternal rest.” Anatolius responds.

“That is something that all men must strive for and eventually achieve. We thank you, your all holiness, these men shall be decisive in the upcoming war.”

“It is our sacred duty, your majesty. But do keep in mind, I cannot hold back the demands of my fellow clergy men.”

“We know, the matters of faith are of great importance for us as well, and we shall sort them out as soon as we are able.”

“Then I hope for your success, your majesty. May God’s blessing be upon you.”
.
.
.
The galea (galley) next to the merchant ship of House Maniakes is an imposing sight. The merchant ship is much wider, with a larger deck meant to carry more cargo, but it also makes it slower, especially compared to the two decker galea next to it. One hundred oars men on each side, perfectly made sleek hull, two masts able to unfurl massive sails for the ship’s size. Though slightly less manoeuvrable than your dromōn (runner), they are far better built, and much, much faster.

Then there are of course the men around the ships, resting at your docks. The sailors all look confident, wearing loose clothes wielding primarily shortswords, knives, and daggers. Battle-hardened men from the wars against Patera. But neither the sailors, nor the galea (galley) impress you as much as the gather hundred halberdiers.

>>5281565

Their armour is made out of interlocked plates of armour, putting even the holy knights to shame. As the armpits, necks, crotch, elbows, and knees are protected by chainmail, even your own imperial plate has the same weakness, clear gaps in the armour. But the halberdiers, there is not a single exposed gap not covered by the plates, so intricately and well made, it is unsurprising that the Tarrizans take great pride in these men. You can only wonder at the costs for such fine suits of armour.

Then, there are of course their namesake, the halberds. Two handed weapons, not all that long, but hefty. A meter and a half in length piece of wood, reinforced with metal hammered to it, the top of the halberd has three ends. A spike at the very top for thrusting, a blunt end of a hammer at the front, able to easily crush most armours, and finally, a pick like end to pierce chain and cloth padding with ease. In the hands of experienced, disciplined men, like those before you, these weapons become deadly instruments of war.

Besides the military applications, you are also surprised by their colours, Plumes painted blue and gold stick out from the helmets, expertly crafted is the coat of arms of the Tarrizan Republic. A golden seagull set in a blue background. A humble animal, but showcasing the republic’s origins and their sea trade capabilities.

“Your majesty, I dare not question your wisdom, but the Tarrizans will jump at any opportunity. Are you certain that they will stay loyal ?” Critobulus asks.

“They are driven by benefits. Should they balk at us, then we shall cancel their monopoly, should we lose, they would have to deal with uncertainty of new rule. And finally, we intend to move our silk production in land and destroy what cannot be moved if we do not emerge victorious.” You say.

“Please excuse my insolence, your majesty.” Iovivus nearly jumps at your words. “The reason why the-“ His voice cuts out as he stares at Critobulus.

“I shall not disturb you any longer, your majesty. Once more, I thank you for your understanding and not taking every ship that my house holds.” He bows deeply before moving away.

“As I was saying, your majesty.” Iovivus lowers his voice. “The silk worms can only survive in the south, the warm waters further warm the air arounds us, allowing for wet and hot summers and exceptionally mild winters. The warmth also reaches the mainland, but the worms are exceptionally sensitive. If we could still produce silk, it would be in a very limited fashion, if we could even do it all.”

“But those worms can survive, can they not ?”

“They can, your majesty.”

“Then that shall be enough. The Tarrizan know not so. And, if worse comes to worse, the production could always be revived later down the line.”

“As you command, your majesty.” He says with a bow.

“Now then, you had dealt with the Tarrizans, had you not ?”

“Many a time, your majesty.”

>>5281566

“Excellent, we still wish to negotiate with them, the increased production may reap us benefit in the short-term, but the possibility of our silk losing its value is unforgivable in the long-term. You shall speak for us, try and bring down the given time, or try to receive another benefit.”

“As you wish, your majesty.” He responds with a bow.

Walking onwards, surrounded by nearly two hundred of your guards, as means of intimidation, you quickly begin to approach Vincenso.

“Your most regal majesty. This is a small part of the might of our serene republic.” The man says with a beaming smile. “And as you can see, I do believe the forces gathered here are worth the increase in production.”

“Indeed so, my good friend, indeed so.” Merrily Iovivus says. “Your republic had always been stalwart allies of the empire.”

“We have, my lord, we have.”

“And such a fine relationship also extends between the various families both within the empire and Tarrizo, my, if I do recall correctly. Isn’t your father up for re-election soon, little Vincenso ?”

“I-, how do you know so ?”

“Oh, it is very simple, you see, your father and I go way back, and we occasionally exchange letters. If I am not mistaken, his main opponent is Pantaleo Orsino ?”

“That is correct.”

“My, oh my. From what I heard it seems to be a toss up between the two, it is very common for entirety of all officer held to be reshuffled at the election of a new consul, wouldn’t that be unfortunate ? Oh, but do not worry. I know that the Orsinos are sponsoring his campaign based on their cut of the silk trade. Now say, what would happen if.” He goes silent and ponderous. “They were accused of illegal smuggling ? A ship captain of theirs, carrying the needed goods to finance the campaign. Naturally, he would be released once the charges clear, but that would take some time.”

Vincenso stays silent for a moment, before saying. “And who would provide such a…tip off ?”

“Someone that can be never found, though that person is involved in the production of silk, with his loss, unfortunately we could not increase production for as long as one would like.”

“Then could you still increase it, for say, seven years ?”

Iovivus turns to you. Perhaps you could push him further, but greed could also bring you down, so you simply nod.

“I’d say yes, seven years and no longer.”

“It is unfortunate, but understandable.”

And so, with smiles, some exchanged small talk and promises, the deal is concluded. A corrupt deal, you soon come to realize, a favour in exchange for a favour. But fact of the matter is despite your lack of diplomatic tact, fortune had deemed it fitting for the deal to swing a bit more in your favour.

>>5281567

Everything had been gathered, your infiltrators are prepared, Armentarius is on his way. What ships you could scrounge up had been gathered. Pots of dragon’s breath are already prepared to be reigned down from the heavens. But you cannot help the feeling that in the last moments, you might be able to do a bit more.

>No, everything’s prepared as it can be. Alea iacta est.

>Perhaps, there is still a thing or two you could do ? (write in)

>>5281569
>Perhaps, there is still a thing or two you could do ? (write in)
>Talk to our admiral (Mundus?) about the state of our fleet and general strategy.
We don't even know how many ships we have FFS
>Hire more mercenaries to strenghten our garrisons.
We really should save as much manpower as possible. Peasants are the blood of our economy after all.

Can't really think of anything else.

>>5281569
I don't know, the only things I can think of are just straight up hiring more mercenaries or talking to Mundus like >>5281576 suggests.

I guess if there was still time we could interrogate Dufour or talk to Iovivus or Helena or other knowledgeable persons in order to help determine where the enemy fleet might be moored and what their typical security disposition is in order to help our infiltrators.

>>5281576
Supporting these

Plus maybe talk to a general about the overall land strategy

Also, do we have any foreign intelligence assets

Finally, I think a firey speech to the assembled nobility in the senate is needed. Can’t have the nobles snapped at our backs - they need to be filled with patriotic fervour

>>5281569
Is this the speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace warning for any extra proposals?
>Enlist a number of local fishermen from the island as pilots
They know the area where the battle will take place. They know the coast, the seabed, the winds, the currents, the hazards and everything else besides, the enemy does not. We can use this to our advantage, helping us hide, navigate areas they cannot follow and even helping to lead them into or spring traps. Or just ensuring we don't crash into some rocks like that incident the US Navy doesn't like to talk about.

>>5281569
>Perhaps, there is still a thing or two you could do ? (write in)
>Talk to our strategos and our admiral (Isaac and Mundus) about the current military state of the empire, the forces we have and the ones we can call (noble retinues and levies probably), and the general strategy for the war. Alongside what we will do in case we are attacked by other enemies (magnates/lucenians ecc..)
>Hire more mercenaries to strenghten our garrisons.
>Summon Leontius for a special session of the senate for the incoming war with the southern "kingdom"

>>5281596

>Is this the speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace warning for any extra proposals?

Basically, yes.

The dye is cast.
>>5281595
Seconding this.

>>5281595
>foreign intelligence assets
no they where killed by our father. The spies are to be done again, but it would take time and money, is another thing to do along all the rest.

>>5281576
>Can't really think of anything else.

We can still do some some talking and improve a relation with other characters, just for talking. Armentarius, Gallienus or anyone in the court/government. Or Irene, Helena, Dominica.

>>5281569
>Offer imprisoned pirates and criminals amnesty (and pressgang the noncompliant) for their services, and set them up to either help raid the island or commence with a diversionary assault.

I honestly don’t expect these lads to play a major part in the battle (or after it), I see it more as a way to cause trouble and impose costs on Tedwin with disposable assets. I mean, it’s not like we were going to utilize them near our land borders, and those who desert will still cause trouble on a foreign land instead of our Empire.

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>>5281576
Supporting. Having experienced men who live by gold and the sword telling tales of their exploits to our conscripts will raise their spirits as they wait for the enemy's approach. Choose mercenaries of cheerful demeanor and charisma with strong senses of leadership will keep our terrified boys in high spirits; poor lads, torn from their comfortable homes awaiting possible death in the middle of the unforgiving sea.

Discreetly get someone who knows someone who knows someone to pay brothels to smuggle some joygirls their way as "stowaways". The Church may not approve in the remote chance they find out, but men simply fight harder with a pretty lass watching them behind their backs, even more so to prevent her from falling into the hands of the enemy. Just make sure the girls are absolute filthy sluts who know to not play with hearts to prevent men from seriously falling in love with them and cause infighting which will kill morale, they must just see them as a pretty communal cumdumps and nothing else. Nobody is dying a virgin in our watch and our men will be in high spirits because of it.

Send them some other creature comforts too, such as candies, sweet wines, musical instruments, and such. They'll be more willing to die fighting if they know they will have memories of good times as their last thoughts. Let our men know that we sent them these gifts, get scribes to copy a well-written inspirational speech from us with our Imperial seal stamped on for their officers to read out saying that we honor their service, and that we sympathize with their fears and suffering but we are fighting for God and the glory of the empire.

>>5281623
>the sheer heresy dripping from the second paragraph
Clearly the Church’s demands bear some merit.

>>5281625
Boys will be boys. No amount of religion will change that kek You know every male on earth will fight harder to protect a pretty girl even if he's a chaste lad who's not fucking her.

>>5281623
>sending anything distracting to our soldiers on the eve of the invasion
We got an enemy spy here lads, in the dungeon with him.

>>5281569
>>5281601
Sure, this bundle of proposals

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>>5281623
Oh and don't forget to send some ships with live pigs and chickens too. Nothing like a good hearty feast with your bros as a last meal.

>>5281634
Just have people take turns at the watchtowers to keep an eye out lol. Don't send too much wine, ration out just enough to get their spirits warm and no further. Drunks will be punished by flogging.

>>5281634
Distractions and entertainment is just what they need while waiting for the enemy. Ask anyone who served in the military and they will agree with you. 99% of a soldier's life is pure boredom and 1% is sheer terror.

>>5281627
We are just going to end up spreading diseases with cumdumps. I also doubt they'll care much for the honor of a cumdump when they could seize some prime western pussy on a raid or so.

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>>5281625
For the men of a pious persuasion, send priests to sail from garrison to garrison to administer any Holy Sacraments such as Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and Confirmation for the younger conscripts. They'll rest easy and be less fearful of death knowing their souls are ready to meet The Shepherd.

Forgive me for making so many posts, many of my ideas arrive just after I make one.

>>5281627
I am not ordering brothel whores to become stowaways. We are a religious autist for fucks sake, fucking act like it.

Also, sending luxuries won’t make a damn positive difference in this battle, and sending wine is likely subsidizing disaster. We don’t have the funds to be fucking around here lad.

>>5281684
>wants priests to go with the cumdumps
This really is a disaster waiting to happen.

>>5281685
You underestimate the effects of good morale in war, read the journals of soldiers throughout history becoming demoralized from the lack of comforts while sitting around waiting; it destroys unit cohesion, makes them more willing to surrender, and less willing to fight. We may be religious, but we are also pragmatic; if some of our men are better motivated by a nice ass, let them make their own choice to spend their last moments in sin. We're not sending them shiploads of fine wine, just a handful of casks of the cheap sweet stuff everyone buys at their local tavern to remind them of home, to let our men know we care about them, and have a toast for a future victory, nothing more.

>>5281683
It's primal. Pretty girl behind you and the enemy in front of you; you fight harder. Even if your rational brain does not care about her and you never plan on fucking her.

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>>5281687
Cumdumps are smuggled in barrels in the supply transport ships. Priests go in their separate fancy church boats with big crosses painted on the sails. To each man their own, visit a hooker or confess to a priest, whichever floats their boat.

>>5281576
Supporting talking to the admiral, but not the mercenaries. We're already going to be excessively out of pocket as is.

>>5281749
How about just enough mercenaries to have an experienced officer corps leading the conscripts? I say at a platoon level would be enough, one merc acting as a lieutenant leading a group of fifty conscripts. Shouldn't be too expensive compared to having whole squads of mercs fighting together.

>>5281567
>speak to our admiral and strategos about the upcoming campaigns, and forces available to us
>summon the senate and attempt to drum up any support that we can
>speak with the count and attempt to turn him

I'm afraid mercs may be a bridge too far economically. Besides that, they are wasted as garrisons.

>>5281569
>>5281576
>Talk to our strategos and our admiral (Isaac and Mundus) about the state our military and general strategy.
We already have a bunch of mercenaries as is and it would be waste to use them as garrisons.

This >>5281596 is also a pretty good idea I wouldn't have thought of
>Enlist a number of local fishermen from the island as guides.

Kinda iffy on the idea of talking to the nobles but I guess it would be good to get them in a patriotic fervor.
>Summon Leontius and the Senate to a special session concerning the incoming war with the southern "kingdom".

And another thing: our original plan was to stall for time and I agreed with that at the time but based on the count's testimony, I don't think the trick will work on the barbarian king. The likelyhood of him seeing through it is too high, he may use that opportunity to make the first move which I don't want. The initiative is ours and it should stay ours therefore I think we should go for the preemptive strategy.

>>5281623
Begone Satan.

>>5281569

I support these choices:
>>5281899

>>5281899
>I don't think the trick will work on the barbarian king. The likelyhood of him seeing through it is too high

I don't expect he cares about any negotiations, I agree that attempting to delay is simply going to hand them the initiative.

>>5281567
>exchange for a favour. But fact of the matter is despite your lack of diplomatic tact, fortune had deemed it fitting for the deal to swing a bit more in your favour.
Does this mean that we got a lucky dice roll?

>>5281569
>Talk to our admiral about the state of our fleet and general strategy.
This seems like an obvious choice
>Hire more mercenaries to strenghten our garrisons.
Be it just officers or more than that adding some experienced warriors to our peasants seems like a good idea.
>Talk to our general
If he is available. Is he gonna command our troops in this war or is he still in the east?

Anons are talking about making a rousing speech in the senate but I feel like that isn't Manuel's thing.
Also don't see any point in hiring fishermen since our governor's troops and ship crews are no doubt familiar with the shores of their islands.

>>5282186
Frankly, pressganging inexperienced fishermen will only negatively impact our food production, which is especially dangerous since a lot of our Empire’s food is imported from the coast due to recent shitty weather for agriculture.

>>5282186

On the other hand, we could make them eat their words in regards to standing against the reform.

Prove us wrong, stand beside us and bring war to the Akeonians. Prove your place as civil and military administrators, help us not only defeat the heretical barbarian invaders, but to drive them out of the empires lands.

>>5282188
Truth be told we'd be better off pursuing contact with smugglers and pirates, which we should have ample ability to do so concerning our former pirate officers and working with all these merchants.

I'd vote for that, anyone else?

>>5282194
I wouldn’t mind back channeling some pressure on our enemies, just make sure that it doesn’t link back to us personally.

>>5282186
>Anons are talking about making a rousing speech in the senate but I feel like that isn't Manuel's thing.
I agree, what I envisoned was more of a professional but impassioned speech. Manuel should have enough awareness to know that he is not a smooth talker, but, he is very dedicated to the Empire and it's wellbeing. Expressing that as it relates to this war is what I imagined to be inspiring, even to the cynical senators. Or at least, I hope it will be.

>Also don't see any point in hiring fishermen since our governor's troops and ship crews are no doubt familiar with the shores of their islands.
I don't doubt that they have some awareness of the seas in the shores of their islands but I think you're underestimating the fishermen. Unlike the sailors, their livelihoods are much more dependant on and at risk in the sea. Given those realities, any successful and old fisherman is likely to have much more knowledge about any characteristics of the local sea than the sailors.

>>5282188
Easy, we're not pressing any significant amount of fisherman. We only need a handful of them to discover any peculiarites in the seas that our admiral could use to his advantage in battle. Pirates and smugglers wouldn't know of such details as well as the locals. That information is what im looking for.

>>5282217
But we already have some gangpressed fishermen in our original ‘fleet’, so I don’t really see much of a point in hampering our food production further.

>>5282222
Are they from the seas of the silk islands? And again, it would only be a handful of them. Potentially discovering an advantageous piece of info for such a low price sounds like an excellent deal to me.

Thinking about it further, using local guides and such really should be something our military should be more than capable of doing on their own, I really don't expect that an emperor should be micro managing things like that.

>>5282414
I thought that as well but only on land. It didn't occur to me that there would be such use of guides at sea given how uniform it looks. If it's standard practice in the navy as well then all the better, and if not, then we just made a good improvement. Additionally, I didn't intend for Manuel to micromanage such things, only that he command the change and then delegate it's practice.

>>5281569
>No, everything’s prepared as it can be. Alea iacta est.

>>5282468
It's been standard practice for thousands of years and still is today in commercial shipping to take on an experienced local with knowledge that goes beyond what's written on the nav charts for areas of water with many navigational hazards or places that require precise manoeuvring like estuaries and harbours. It's easier to pay someone familiar with the dangers to take the helm or tell you where to go than explain to Lloyd's that your multimilliondollar cargo ship left its propeller behind on an uncharted sandbar while the locals laugh at the newspaper because they all knew it was there. Even navies do it too, though obviously they don't want or need civilians around in combat and they generally have more in the way of tech gizmos and navigational staff to make their way on their own.

To address the idea about fishermen, due to the need of recruits after the disastrous defeat, everyone and anyone was pressed into service, with fishermen being prioritized due to their experience. Most came from the isles, as they are the most plentiful and used to going further out to the ocean.

So, Manuel will try and talk with his general and admiral about the general situation, any tactics they can use. He will also summon the senate and see if he cannot drum up support, or at the very least ensure that the nobles stay quiet in their corners.

And since there was talk about mercs and costs, Manuelwill pull some mercenaries with experience from garrison duties in safer provinces and put them on the isles so as to help and coordinate the conscripts.

>>5282167

>Does this mean that we got a lucky dice roll?

Yes.

>>5281576

>We don't even know how many ships we have FFS

70 Warships (Tarrizo)

30 Merchantships (Maniakes)

30 Warships

50 Merchantships

A total of 180 ships of whom 80 are merchantships and 100 are warships

>>5284080

Thank God we accepted the silk deal, thanks to that we have a chance, albeit small, of winning this fight.

I just hope the fortifications on the islands hold up, between the halbadiers, mercenaries and militias we have a solid chance. Of course the terrain can helps us, heavy cavalry generally don't do well fighting in sand or rocky terrain.

>We have a chance of not losing part of the empire in our first year of rule.

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To recall Isaac, you understand, would take too long to be of any use. Just for your messenger to arrive it would take nearly a month, less if he rode on horseback non-stop, but still too long.

As for Mundus. He had finally arrived at harbour, with the entirety of his fleet, a total of sixty ships. Mainly merchant ships, their slow ponderous hulls lazily rowing into port. At the very least, your dromōn (runner) are a more impressive sight, though still overshadowed by the Tarrizans. At least you think so, observing the going ons in the harbour.

You are currently sitting in a gazebo, the warm summer’s sun is shining high above, the sound of leaves ruffling in the wind, makes you nearly forget that in scant few days, thousands will sail to meet their deaths. Perhaps some had already met them, your saboteurs had departed days ago, to carry out their mission, or die trying. You cannot help but feel that even if they are successful, they will not survive. But you knew that, you had thought of that, the inherit dangers, the high chance of failure, yet you still sent them to their most likely deaths. And those men, they had not even batted an eye, they were in fact honoured to be personally given a mission by their emperor.

Is this why history is filled with cruel monarchs ? Because sending people to their deaths is a matter of honour for the condemned. When I get to heaven, will the Shepherd great as his fellow, or will he condemn me as the tyrants he strove to overthrow.

Pondering the matters of morality, can wait after I protect my people. You think whilst sighing. Instead, you turn towards the paper set upon the table. In fact, due to your momentary ponderings, you once more look over the gazebo.

It had been painted white, with vines growing around it, allowing for sunlight, but also providing cover from it. Small wooden statues are carved upon the eight corners above your head. The holy angels whom guided and protected the Shepherd, now watching over those who sit here during hot summer days. The table is perfectly polished and lacquered walnut wood, similar to the comfortable, deep chairs decorated with red cushions upon which you sit right now, in quite the comfort. One that is denied to your bodyguards, as the gazebo is surrounded on all sides by a dozen of your guards. Clad in their heavy, thick armour, you cannot begin to imagine how they must be feeling underneath the Sun, as you there are scant few clouds in the sky this day. Yet you had not heard them shift within their armour even once, despite the uncomfort they must be experiencing.

>>5284423

There are also six servants outside, you had wanted to decline them, but to be anywhere in the palace without them attending you would be a poor sight. Besides, someone will need to clear the dishes before you. As fitting of your asceticism, the food arrayed before you is made out of roasted fish alongside a selection of greens. Though a large tray of pastries had been arranged alongside that as well. You had tried one, and you realize why gout is so prominent amongst those of means.

The sweet, sour taste of the lemon tart is most definitely to die for, there is also a selection of biscuits, dipped and decorated with chocolate. These small wondrous balls of cheese mixed together with flour and fried, coated with honey and sprinkled with poppy seeds. Hours of work went into their production, and yet, this is but a fraction that you could have expected were it not for your cost saving measures.

You wonder if Armentarius is doing well. He had gone ahead to look for the perfect location for his trap alongside a couple hundred of your Scholae Tagmata (School regiment/battalion). If the plan succeeds, some Akeoinian noble, perhaps even more, will regret ever stepping foot upon your empire’s soil.

As for the other forts, they are begin filled, with special, handpicked, mercenaries sent to assist in their training and drilling as well as temporary leadership. You can only hope that it will be enough, as Iovivus had promised you that they will hold, and if they are taken such a price will be paid, that the forts themselves will be nothing but rubble and the island will be cover in a layer of fallen invaders. You’ve learnt, in your months, not to believe such optimistic predictions, no matter how alluring they might sound.

For now, however you concentrate on the papers before you, not paperwork, oddly enough, no. A speech. One that you are having quite some issues writing, it is the reason why you stepped outside in the first place, to look for inspiration, but eloquence was never your strong suit, to the point that what you’ve written down looks closer to an argumental debate preparations rather than a rousing speech. Hopefully, your logical explanations will be enough to sway the senate. Oh, they will applaud and proclaim you a genius, but their words are worthless compared to their coin and their arms.

If you could get them to commit their personal troops, that would be a massive achievement and help the war effort, but you also must do so in such a way that they cannot force favours out of you, worst case scenario, or best case you suppose, the Akeoinians are beaten upon the waves, yet you already owe favours for the unused troops.

Pulling soldiery out of the thémata (placement, district) would do more harm than good, though you could move those men as easily as you breathe, the garrisons are already tiny as they are, to drain them further would invite disaster.

>>5284424

“Servant.” You calmly say.

“Yes, your majesty ?” One of the entourage steps forwards, kowtowing before you.

“Invite Megas doux (Megaduke) Mundus to meet us here, tell him that we desire to know of their strategy and means for the upcoming war.” Not withdrawing your eyes from the newest line of your speech, you say.

“Right away, your majesty.” The sounds of the person scurrying away becomes ever distant until it disappears.

With a wince, you scratch out the line and try to think up of something better.

A tired yawn does put a smile on your face. As you watch Pistis underneath your feat stretch. It had only been a few months, but the direwolf pup is growing at an incredible pace. And he is devouring meat at an even faster rate as well. No wonder there are so few of these powerful creatures out in the wilds, anymore, and there wouldn’t be any wilds left.

You scratch Pistis behind the ear, his soft fur feels nice to the touch. He whimpers, then growls as his legs start twitching. It seems that he’s having a dream.

Rising back up, you continue your efforts of making yourself sound vaguely charismatic, until finally, the servant returns.

“Your majesty, Megas doux (Megaduke) Mundus has arrived as you had commanded.” The servant says.

Looking over, as the servant said, your admiral is before you and bowing.

“Megas doux (Megaduke). We believe this may be the first time we actually converse. Come, sit.”

“Thank you, your majesty.” Mundus’ subdued voice, barely masking its power, replies.

Only now are you actually able to look him over. Black clothing, with a bright blue sash going around, an athletic build, focused more on speed rather than pure strength, short cut brown hair, a face that had not been shaven for a week or two. And then there are his hazelnut brown eyes, avoiding your gaze, as is polite, but still staring, investigating, measuring.

“Enjoy.” You say gesturing towards the food on the table.

“Your generosity knows no bounds, your majesty.” He says, gladly taking a couple of pastries.

“Tell us, how are the war preparations ongoing upon your end ?”

“For now, your majesty, I still have to take a look at the new ships and their captains, in order to get an idea of what I can use and where.”

“And of the terrain ?”

“What do you mean, your majesty ?”

“Whirlpools, rocks just beneath the waves. I’ve read about such things and their impacts upon naval battles.”

“I see, well, the isles had always been part of the imperial heartlands, we are intimately familiar with the areas around us. Though the fact that most of the force will be made up of mercenaries and foreigners, it could cause issues, which is why I must inspect the new forces immediately.”

“And do you have a battleplan in mind ?”

>>5284426

“The enemy outnumbers us, your majesty. This cannot be won in a single decisive engagement, lest we risk losing everything. The isles cannot support overly large numbers, so the Akeoinians will have to split up in order to resupply.”

“So you intend to allow them to land ?” You say with some surprise.

“It is a necessity, your majesty. Only when they split up, will we have a chance. Defeat them one by one until nothing is left, or force them to negotiate a peace.”

“That means that some islands will be lost, should the war drag on for too long.”

“That is correct, your majesty. Unless there is divine intervention, I unfortunately cannot guarantee that no lands will be lost.”

“Can these losses be reversed ?”

“If I can crush the them at the end, yes, your majesty.”

“Very well, we shall keep you no longer. You may take immediate action that you deem necessary.” Not like I have anything better to offer, due to my lack of military genius.

“Thank you, your majesty.” He says whilst rising from the seat and departing the gazebo.
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There is no quiet buzzing you had grown accustomed to. The senate chamber sound more like a market than a gathering place for polite society.

“How dare these arrogant barbarians be so abrasive ?!” Shouts one of the senators.

“We used to rule over these mudhut barbarians, the reason that they are ever so slightly civilized was because of our efforts !” Shouts another.

You had not expected such a response from the senate.

You suppose that excessive pride also has its benefits at times. The papers on hand had become more or less, worthless. You feel a slight twinge of annoyance looking at your hard work, now utterly wasted. Now, instead of trying to encourage the senate to participate, you have to attempt to hold back the aged men from grabbing their own swords and running off to war and getting themselves killed.

Signalling to the men below, they begin to hit the floor with their spears, silencing the chamber.

“Hear our words !” You say.

”We hear !” They respond with gusto.

“Though we appreciate your words and actions. You are all a core part of the empire’s rulership and administration, its continuation of thousands of years of tradition. Instead of you blood, offer coin or men, for you are far too valuable to lose against mere barbarians.” You say with some exasperation.

“I pledge ten thousand silver basilikas for the war effort !” Says a rather frail looking old man.

“I pledge fifty thousand silver basilikas and a hundred of my household guards !” A well-fed looking man in his sixty’s shouts.

Then jumps up another, and another, and another. At the very least you won’t have to worry about financing for the moment.
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Big update, will post the rest of it tomorrow, in the mean time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhNM4RkNsH0

>>5284428
>The enemy outnumbers us
Damn. Even with 180 ships we are still outnumbered?
I dread to think of what situation we would be in if we didn't take Tarrizans' offer.

I read recently that a big problem in the Roman empire was that land was taxed the same regardless of what the yealds were, causing not as productive land barren as no one could afford to work it. So you had the strange situation of high unemployment, lack of food, and empty land.
Maybe we can check if that is true here and fix it?

So while QM didn't start to write the war I decided to post my thoughts on griffins. I don't know in how much detail the war will be written and how much we will be involved (not much probably) but I just want to get this out of my head.

Some anons seem to think that griffons are not that good but I disagree. Griffons have a number of advantages that can turn this war in our favour. So what are those advantages beside the fact that they are huge monsters who can easily tear through soldiers and also can fly?

First - Reconnaissance. Since they posess the ability to fly griffon riders can easily observe both the battlefield and the bigger strategic picture from an eagle eye's view. That is akin to having a wallhack in a FPS or a cheat code to remove fog of war in a RTS. A huge tactical and strategic advantage for our admiral.

Second - Mobility. Griffon riders are not bound by the lines of engagement and can fly way outside of archers or crossbowmens reach. As such they can easily go into enemy flank or rear. They can for example harass enemy convoys and the enemy will either have to send ships from the frontline to guard them or grind their teeth and bear it.

Third - Communication. If a general wanted to relay an order to one of their squads during a battle they would send a horserider to relay that order. But that cannot be done so easily during a naval battle. You can't just send a guy to swim to one of your ships. But what we can do is to send a griffon rider. Faster than any horse and way too high to be shot down during his flight. That would give our admiral a level of tactical flexibillity that others can't even dream of.

So that's all great but how to use the griffon riders most effectively?

First of all the firebombing. We were told that our enemy has salt and special hides to put those fires out. So what we should do is to minimize the chance that they will get to use those before it's too late. I am talking about nighttime raids. Ships with their decks discoloured by the sun will stand out from above with all the black water around them making them easy targets. Now of course they will have people standing guard during the night but they don't expect an attack to come from above and if a pot lands there is no way they will be able to wake the crew up before it's too late. Medieval ships go up in flames very quickly and I really doubt enemy crews have night fire drills.

Second during the battle the griffin riders should be divided in 4 groups. 3x3 and 1x1. One knight must always be with the admiral during battle making sure that our fleet isn't decapitated. One group of 3 will be a reconnaissance group. Flying above the battlefield and reporting the up to date battle status to the admiral. Second group will be a communication team. They will relay admiral's orders to pther captains. Last grup will be a strike team. They will stand at the ready in case their presence will be necessary at some point of battle.

Third during time between battles they will remain divided in the same manner. 4 groups. 3x3 and 1x1. One group will remain a reconnaissance group abserving enemy fleet and relaying their movements to the admiral. One group will reamin a strike group. They will look for opportunities to harass enemy in any way possible be it a supply line raid or an attack of a stowaway ship. Last group will be a rest group. They will relax and take care of their equipment. The groups will be on 8 hour rotation cycle. That way every group will have time to rest.

Sorry if you thought this was an update. The thoughts about griffins plagued me for a few days now and I had to get them out of my head.

>>5285029
Maybe Griffins like Eagles could use sharp calls to relay messages as a battle develops as well.

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>>5285029
Wonderful work anon. Let's use your plan.

I just remembered that in WW1 they would dump pic related boxes of flechettes by the hundreds overboard from high altitudes, pierces helmets and certain death for anyone hit by one; but with the weight of these flechettes, they should be better off carrying more firebombs when targeting the ships themselves. But they're very useful if we need an anti-personnel option such as on the battle formations of enemy marines landing on the islands or crowded ship decks filled with sailors and marines. We can mass produce them inexpensively by casting them out of lead in molds, with bits of sharp iron on the tips for armor penetration. But since we're the Byzantine Empire, we must have thousands of plumbatae lying around already lol

The salt and special hides are just for countering Greek fire, I doubt those can work against normal oil fires. Let's have them drop both at the same time on flagships and them try to guess which method to use on each fire. Plain molotovs are much cheaper to make and will be their primary weapon, save the Greek fire for emergencies.

>>5285028
>>5285029

You raise good points, and i would say their use in reconnaissance and communication far outpaces their use in fighting, and brings far less risk to them.

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>>5285079
Hear hear. I hope those knights have multiple squires each to replenish their numbers.

>>5285028
>>5285079
>>5285077
Excellent post anons, sadly the hard part of the recon operation is keeping the knights in line, they are the best of the best and zealous to match. Tempering their fervour for burning heretics once they get a taste of it and then run out of bombs will take some mighty convincing to keep them from diving after

>>5285140
It will be difficult to say no to them, and their desire for battle for defeat the akeonians heretics would no doubt rise every day.
I would say though that if they attack in group together, it's likely most enemy formations wouldn't survive melee against them.
The captain that died for kill our uncle a year ago, alone killed plenty of elite soldiers.
I think that they could be able to kill bands of overeager knights with ease, nevermind simple levies or man at arms. Though i wouldn't push them alone against say the enemy leader, if they can have support it would be better.

There it might be even a problem with heretics mercenaries, but at least they die for the empire. The Tarizzo Halberdiers will also die for the empire.

>>5279374
just to know the pastebin is about our assets ?

>>5285140
Good soldiers are smart soldiers. They know better than to needlessly throw their lives away and leave their beloved Church defenseless.

>>5284430
Uhh any ETA on that update QM? It's getting kind of late, almost sunday on your neck of the woods.

>>5285402

3151 words currently written, with a lot more to come. As I said, this is a hefty one.

>>5286115
based

>>5284428

-
(POV shift: You are Nikitas Manopoulos, carrying out the emperor’s assignment.)

Your latest attempt at keeping your breakfast down had failed yet again, as you watch the waves wash away yet another ration of salted fish. You’re an equestrian, not a sailor Goddammit ! And you’ve never felt as sick as you have now.

“You alright ?” Calls out a voice.

Slowly turning around, you recognize the man. Thodoris Vidalou, leader of Kurkuas’ troops assigned to this task alongside you. You’ve noticed that unlike you and your fellows, every one of them seems at home upon the waves fare more than upon land.

“Yea, I’m doing fine. Just, how much longer till we get to land ?” You wearily ask. The water terrifies you, as most people out there, you had never learnt how to swim. Then of course, there is the unease of not having your armour besides you, nor any swords. This is an infiltration, so you cannot help but feel a strong feel of unease without your armaments.

“We should reach Ryrgos soon. It was the seat of governance before it fell, but being the biggest city that it was, should an invasion be launched, it is one of the few cities out there able to actually house so many ships.”

You simply nod, nausea once more overtaking you.

“Remember, we’re merchants coming here to trade, our ships are already loaded with wine and pottery. The locals should still be overwhelmingly Thephian, so getting in shouldn’t be too hard, the main issue will come from trying to get to restricted areas. The Akeoinians are of paler complexion and their language, whilst similar to our own, had long since diverged to the point where there’s an audible accent.”

“I know. Why’re you reminding me of everything ?”

“Because things will start going, and we won’t be able to do much discussion. We need to figure out a way to get a large enough fire going, fast enough, so as to ensure this actually succeeds.”

“Presuming the ships are there to begin with.” You call out.

“Assuming.” The man says. “I’ll leave you to puke your guts out, make sure to make yourself presentable when we get into port.”
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Finally, Ryrgos, the jewel of Lefkados. The largest city, a farcry from the glory of Myralos, but still an exceptional city nonetheless. Tall, sturdy white walls show signs of damage and repair, a hint at the city’s history of years past. Same follows for most of the city, as you approach it from the horizon. A large chunk of the buildings shows clear signs of fire, some appear to be entirely new, whilst parts are ancient, the stones and bricks overgrown with moss and vines.

>>5286139

Most disturbingly of all, you can clearly see a tent city had grown all around the city, to the point where it is actually even larger than Ryrgos itself, hundreds of tents, banners flying high above them, clear and distinguishable fields had been set up to differentiate the various tent groupings from one another. You had seen this before; you had been in them before. A war camp, an entire army gathered and ready to march at a moment’s notice.

The dockyard itself is also made out of stone, at the very least the old part, the part built by the empire. Entire sections appear to be made entirely out of woodworks, extending the docks by about two or three times, and you can see why. Hundreds of warships, each and every one appears to be made out fine wood, covered almost entirely in soaked hides, barrels are prominently placed upon the decks at set intervals. The fear driven into the Akeoinians by dragon’s breath is still prominent, it seems.

Throwing out the anchor, nothing more than a really large and heavy rock, you come to halt at one of the docks, further away from the heavily guarded warships. You can already make out dozens of men on patrol, most are primarily clad in padded cloth with hip length chainmail above that. It provides less protection, but allows for easier and faster movement as you note their round shields, metal reinforcements especially prominent where the hand would be the most vulnerable. Shortswords are strapped to the sides and spears are held in hands as the guards make their rounds.

” Salut, vous êtes venu pour le commerce ?” Calls out a man dressed in subdued red, showcasing his wealth, but also the lack of thereof. The guards next to him stand prominently by his side as the man wields a charcoal ended stick and a simple wooden board in his hands.

” Oui, nous avons du bon vin et de la poterie à offrir.” Thodoris responds.

You now realize just how annoying this assignment will really be, as you have no idea what the conversation is about.

Eventually, the discussion comes to a halt and you hope that you will be able to take a step on land, but unfortunately, your dreams will have to wait as the guards next to the administrator, or at least you assume him to be so orders gestures forwards.

Then his guards begin to almost ransack the ship, opening crates, looking for hidden chambers. They seem to be quite experienced in the matter. You had protested when you were informed that they only thing for self defence that you will be able to have would be a knife, but now you can see why.

Having rummaged through to their satisfaction, the men depart the ship and Thodoris pulls out a heavy pouch that jingles with the sound of metal impacting metal. The administrator takes it, opens it, then tries to feel its weight, before nodding and allowing you onto the docks.

>>5286140

You nearly tear up, taking your first solid step in weeks. But you cannot relax yet, in order to keep up the façade, you will regrettably have to lug around a bunch of crates.

And so, you continue on for days, conducting trade deals, selling of the wine almost immediately, but the pottery proves to take a while longer, seemingly on purpose as a way to justify your staying here for longer. At night-time, you and yours endeavour to approach the warships, memorize patrol routes and their sizes. Had you been in your armour and with your weapons, you could have easily slaughtered these curs, but now it is they who are better equipped.

As time passes, you become confident that you had memorized as much as you can and with as much detail as possible.

“This will be the last patrol here, before they change shifts, at that moment they should be at their most lax.” You say drawing a rough sketch upon the wood of your ship in the cargo hold. The scratches of charcoal against wood irritating your ears.

“I’ve purchased oil.” Thodoris says patting one of the boxes you had brought back. “Everyone will have a pot with them, try to spread out as much as possible when you throw them, I’ve already inserted linens into each pot, every group will have a torchbearer to light them up before they are thrown.”

“They will respond quickly, if possible, throw the salt barrels overboard if you can, that should hamper their abilities to extinguish the flames at a reasonable pace. Try to avoid fights if possible, and if you cannot, don’t get too cocky, remember, this time, we’re the ones with lesser equipment.” You go silent over looking the nearly two dozen men before you. “Any questions ?” Everyone shakes their heads. “Good, grab your pots, we will look suspicious as all hell, but we do not have much of choice, we move fast, we move hard, then we get back home and we are celebrated as heroes.” You say in an attempt to encourage the men. Most of whom will not survive the night, as you know the dangers of such an operation.

The pot hanging heavily of your belt moves uncomfortably, your knife’s sharp edge is exposed to the open air. It will be a quick run from where you are, but a run that will expose you nonetheless. You go down the wooden board from your ship onto the dock. Moving with grace and practiced steps, your entire grouping moves as one, approaching the first of the warships.

” Arrêter !” Shouts out one of the guards.

You keep moving, your blade hidden in your sleeve for the moment.

The man angrily shouts out again.

Closing the distance in one step, you use your superior strength to grab his spear and pull him forwards, you knife flies straight into the man’s neck. His comrades are shocked and stunned by what just happened. Rushing onwards, they quickly meet their own ends at the hands of your comrades.

>>5286141

“Grab their weapons.” You command as you approach the first ship. At the distance, shouts are already filling the air, other groups on patrol noticing what had just happened, no way to hide in such open terrain.

You light up your own pot using one of the torches and then you hurl it at the deck of the first ship. Impacting the surface, the oil spreads out everywhere, quickly catching flames. The ships are stacked together, despite the extended docks, there are still too many ships to fit everyone with proper distance. Hopefully the fire will spread out across them in due moment.

Lowering your body, you begin to run as fast as you can, having thrown your pot, now it will be your duty to allow your fellows to throw out their own.

Having grabbed a shortsword and a shield. You quickly approach the other guards. Interposing your shield, you allow for the spearhead to slide on it, pushing it away from you. The strike had resulted in your adversary overextending. You punish him for the last mistake he will ever make. The shortsword goes straight through the throat. Shock and pain clear on the man’s face, a young man, similar in age to your emperor now lays dead, his blood soaking the wooden dock beneath you.

Suddenly, the sound of something whizzing through the air attracts your attention, followed by a scream and a body hitting the ground. Turning around, you see that the one to fall was one of your men, a crossbow’s bolt having imbedded itself in his chest.

Turning around, your blood runs cold. Crossbowmen file from the various ships, closest to the docks as the sound of a horn awakens the city. Behind you, streaming out of the local people’s housing are dozens of men. Armed with maces and shields, each and everyone of the has a set of splint armour, the plates shining from the torchlights, the rattling of chain informing you of their rapid pace of movement.

Finally shifting your gaze to the first ship you had struck you see a grouping of battle-hardened men pouring kilograms of salt on the surface, carrying thick cloths specifically for the purpose of putting out flames and depriving them of air, they quickly combat the flames in a practised manner.

Horrific pain courses through your body originating from your back. The crossbowmen loose upon you with ease. Another scream, another thud, another one of your comrade’s dead. Interposing your shield, you stop another bolt from hitting your head, but that resulted in another hitting your leg.

Forced onto the ground, you again raise you shield and block a pair of bolts, only for a third to hit your back once more.

With your strength failing you, you see another bolt, sailing straight for your eye.

>>5286142

-
(POV shift: You are Armentarius Theocritus, preparing to spring a trap.)

The fort you had chosen is a good one. The isle itself is small, perhaps only two, maybe three thousand men will be able to lay siege to the fortress, whom itself is set atop of a collection of rocks, the area around is notoriously treacherous to navigate safely.

The sturdy limestone walls had been built in such a way that there is only one way to approach, that being the main gateway. Though conversely, it also means that you will have no means of escape should the plan fail. The double gate is just as tough to break through as the walls themselves, so it will hopefully not come to that. A set of three large, circular short towers are built in the walls, allowing for the placement of catapults, should your opponents choose to bypass this fortress, they would be harassed all the way through, any and all shipment would also be under attack as they try to take the nearby islands.

Pit traps had been dug, you had personally overlooked the fortress itself, looking for any weaknesses, but kyvernítis (governor) Iovivus had not lied, the fortresses had been meticulously looked after and maintained.

Besides your two hundred men, you have a collection on new conscripts, they are instrumental for you plan. Their mercenary leadership should hopefully keep them inline of your plan.

The plan is simplicity itself. You had booby trapped the island. With the fortress begin so important, no doubt a force will be sent to secure it. They will engage the local conscripts upon the beach, where they will conduct a, hopefully, false retreat. Guiding the Akeoinians after them, slowly whittling their numbers down via the traps, angering them further and chasing the conscripts.

That is the façade you shall present. Having their wills broken, the defenders will hole up in the fortress, their numbers small, ill-equipped, undisciplined and of low morale. Then, a couple of days in, the defenders will have made a mistake, leaving the gate opened after their attempted sortie.

Frustrated, raging, annoyed they will jump at the opportunity. Only for you to bring down the gates, trapping the attackers and butchering to the last. Unknown to your foes, about the demise of their comrades, you will lift whatever banner flies the most held by your attackers high above, inviting another group.

With their elite slaughtered, the backbone of whomever tries to take this position will be broken.

You are currently standing upon the observation tower, the highest building in kilometres, also acting as a lighthouse, watching the work progressing down below, pits are being dug, caltrops are laid down and disguised. The work will continue on for perhaps two more weeks or so, right before the expected mobilization of the Akeoinians.

“What are our current forces ?” You ask one of the mercenary commanders.

>>5286143

“The isle’s been filled with about three hundred more recruits. Shite all of them. Kids that have never seen war or old men whom seen too much. They’ll hold, or they’ll all die. Better are those of the original garrison, about a hundred of able-bodied men, young and hardy.” Lacking any tact, the mercenary surmises. “At least they can dig alright, but I’d rather not have any of them on the frontline.”

“Domestikos (domestic, commander) !” One of your men besides you calls out. “Ships upon the horizon ! Many of them !”

Turning your head to where the man directs, you do indeed spot ships appearing upon the horizon, dozens of ships coming from the direction of Lefkados. You strain your eyes to make out details, but the ships are way too far. You heard that Pateran merchants had invented a strange tube with glass set into it allowing for one to observe things from a great distance with even greater detail.

Silence dominates the lighthouse. Based in your plan, you should have had at least two more weeks of preparation, enough to drill your conscripts into shape and to fully trap the isle.

Perhaps a merchant fleet ? Though piracy recently declined due to the emperor’s decree, it is still rampant. You hope against hope.

Your dreams, however, are shattered. As you make out a golden lion set into a red background flying high and proud above the vessels.

“Send a messenger to Megas doux (Megaduke) Mundus. The Akeoinians had attacked early.” You say to one of the local officers. “Everyone else, prepare to carry out the plan. Get your men prepared, we have scant minutes before the attack begins.”

Hearing your words, an air of chaos sets down as your officers scramble to get the men organized. Until tranquillity is once more restored, as you are the only one atop of the lighthouse.

“So it begins.” You mutter to yourself, before you turn around and also depart for your position.
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A rain of arrows falls upon your lines contesting the beach. As you observe from the fortress’ walls. The shield wall of the newest recruits holds, with them being, sometimes literally, whipped into positions by their experienced commanders. As you had expected, ships bearing the banners of a white ram set upon a green background entirely dominates the attacking force, whilst the rest of the ships pass by the isle, you had ordered to half-heartedly contest them, but not enough for them to decide to turn around and force for a much larger battle.

“Signal the horn for the first position.” You command to the man besides you.

>>5286144

The formations begin to break and retreat, more confused than you would have liked, but not as badly as you had feared. Still, many bodies are left on the shore by this manoeuvre. You had sent the men to their deaths so as to bait the Akeoinians and inspire overconfidence in them. And now the first of the galleys beach themselves, so as to allow for their forces to deploy themselves at a rapid pace.

Rather than waiting to reform into proper formations, your opponents charge in individual groups rather than a concentrated whole. Not a bad idea, continue to pursue a demoralized enemy and force them to break, but that only works if the enemy commander is as equally incompetent as his men, and you are not.

The first screams of your adversaries are heard. The disorganized assault means that not as many as possible were caught in them, but enough to grind the charge to a halt. Just as you planned, this should inflict casualties and buy enough time for your men to arrive at the first defensive position.

Quickly and hastily erected walls with roofs over them to defend against archers, these fortifications will not hold on for long against any dedicated attack, but again, it will force casualties whilst keeping your own to a minimum.

The lull in the fighting lasts for a good ten or twenty minutes, as more and more of the attackers deploy upon the beach. A lucky hit from your catapult actually manages to sink a ship, spooking the Akeoinians to such an extent that they being ferrying their troops with boats rather than entire ships.

Eventually, sounding their own horn, the Akeoinians commence their own charge. Arrayed in formations, you can make you glistening chain, spears and swords. Men-at-arms of whomever decided to fight against you, but definitely not the elite.

Shields raised; they slowly approach the fortifications. Your officers on the ground shout out their orders, barely audible and comprehensible to you, but understandable for the soldiery. They throw out their spiculum one after another, as the position had been prepared for this eventuality. The sounds of battle continue to intensify as the Akeoinian advance stalls under the sheer weight of javelins thrown. The formations look closer to giant hedgehogs from the distance, than groupings of men.

Realizing that they cannot break through so easily, two short blows of a horn are heard as the Akeoinian pull back and retreat from their assault.

But you do not allow them to rest. “Signal the catapults, the first prepared marker.” You command as one of your men grabs a banner and begins to wave it at the catapult crews.

Moments after, two rocks sail across the skies, impacting heavily upon the now recuperating formations. You will not allow them any rest. Scattering and running in all directions, the initial attack wave upon the island seems to be repulsed.

>>5286145

Your men on the wooden walls, far below the fortress begin to cheer and shout insults. But they do not know that all that celebration is pointless as new formations are already being brought up. Ones that you had expected to see. Clad in ankle reaching chainmail, padded armour underneath and every imposed by shining splint, the elite heavy infantry formations make their way onwards. It had taken them a long time to assemble, but now, the real fighting begins. Longswords, maces, axes and sturdy kite shield will prove a bigger danger than simple round shields and spears.

In support to these heavy formations march loose lines of archers, outranging anything you have and forcing your men down as volley after volley continues to rain upon them. The heavy infantry rush as fast as they can, not raising their shields in an attempt to outrun your catapults, but a few rocks still impact them, inflicting heavy casualties.

Plucking up their courage, or most likely being threatened to do so, spiculum begin to rain down once more. Less effective this time around, however still reaping its toll of lives. Forgoing their formations was a smart decision, as now ladders quickly find their way atop of the walls.

“Signal for the second position.” You calmly order.

Two short and a long blow later, your conscripts, this time in good order, begin retreating, abandoning their positions without much of a fight. You simply cannot risk the potential casualties to repel the far better equipped enemy.

The enemy acts as you had hoped, spurred by their easy victory, they begin to chase down your fleeing formations, that is until they reach the fortresses walls. Say what you will about boys and old men, but when it comes to shooting a crossbow, they can do so with ease, to the detriment of your adversaries. The professional elites quickly find themselves having to attack a spearwall uphill, with accurate crossbow fire raining upon them, piercing their heavy plate in its exposed joints or where the armour itself is thinner for the sake of movement. What doesn’t help are the fields of disguised caltrops, specifically set down to pierce the feet of these heavy infantrymen.

Sounds of war now clearly ring in your ears, with only meters away from the fortress walls proper, you see the ram banners waver and fail, the heavy infantry had been just deployed from their ocean-going vessels, before they had a chance to get used to the earth once more. The heat, having to rush and climb walls, everything you had arrayed in such a way to ensure the maximum advantage.

Your satisfaction is cut short, as the bowmen finally make their way up, beginning to rain down their own volleys upon your spearmen.

With a click of your tongue, you call out once more. “Signal them to return to the fortress.”

>>5286147

Three short and a long blow rings out, signalling for your exhausted troops the idea of safety behind sturdy stone walls. And they take this respite with glee, swiftly rushing through the fortress’ gates as they slam shut behind them.

Now the fighting will continue between your crossbowmen and their archers. Some fire will be exchanged between your catapults and with no doubt, the Akeoinian, once they actually bring those up.

But for now, your men performed well. In terms of costs, no matter how cruel it may sound, you inflicted greater loss upon your foe than they had upon you. For now, you shall allow them to rest for the day and prepare for the coming back and forth of the battle. The first phase of your plan had been a success. A large, professional, force had been successfully bogged down.
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(POV shift: You are Mundus Helenos, and a sudden war just sneaked up on you.)

“Megas doux (Megaduke), reports that the isles Hyblide, Platarta, and Taurydon had fallen just arrived.” Reports one of your officers, a capable man, an ex-pirate their majesty had pardoned.

“How many ships ?” You ask.

“Around ninety ships.”

“What of Domestikos (domestic, commander) Armentarius ?”

“There are around twenty ships imposing a blockade, fighting is still on going.”

You wonder looking over the map before you. The main Akeoinian force, numbering around two hundred warships, is ponderously moving towards the Movmetáxinisiá (Purple silk islands) proper, capturing or besieging isles as they go, slowly, bits and pieces of the fleet break off for these invasions, but the force is still far more powerful than your own. Another three hundred vessels is spread all across the isles, raiding, patrolling, providing supplies or carrying out messages.

““Megas doux (Megaduke).” Pipes up Vincenso. “The isles of Paralamis are currently being ransacked by about forty ships, if we can strike them, I am sure we could deliver a deadly blow.” He says with a confident smirk.

A deadly blow that would see you potentially encircled. You wonder about the merit of the idea, and the true intentions of such an attack. Successfully carrying it out could spook the Akeoinians, force them to move more carefully, buying you time. Yet at the same time, out of any force out there, those ships would be the most laden down with booty.

“We should retake the lost isles.” Says your officer, in direct opposition to Vincenso. “I’ve been sailing the seas for decades. Every ship needs fresh water and food. That’s why you sail besides the coast or if you have to go on further, you make damn sure you go in a straight line. We retake the isles, we cut off their supply lines, we starve them out.”

>>5286148

A risky plan, as the isles will be heavily guarded, you ponder. Not to mention, without their supplies, the isles and their people will suffer more as the invaders will turn to looting and pillaging to live off the land.

Then, there is the main fleet. If you can just crush that, you will force the Akeoinian retreat. With such large numbers, they are bound to split up more and more, just a single decisive battle to end it all.

A decision must be made, as you only have enough ships to guarantee the success of one of the missions.

>Deal with the raiders behind enemy lines.

>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

>You know the terrain, and your men are fighting for their homes. Wins this quickly and decisively, limiting your people’s suffering.

God I wish that they would increased the character limit.

Anyways, enjoy, decided to throw in a decision here so as to not write up another 4000 words without you anons getting to decide anything. Welp, now I am off to update Broken Empire.

>>5286149
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.
>Order all food and other resources to be moved off islands not yet captured. If there's nothing to pillage the Akeonians will starve even quicker.

>>5286149
>>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

>>5286153
What are our garrisons going to eat?

>>5286149
>>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

>>5286161
The garrisons move with the food.

>>5286166
So you want to move garrisons off the islands that weren't captured yet? Surrendering the islands seems like a bad idea.

>>5286149
>Deal with the raiders behind enemy lines
Defeat in detail

>>5286149
>Deal with the raiders behind enemy lines.
they were clearly more prepared than us. fighting this war long-term is within our interests. i honesty can't wait to build back up our spy network. it wouldn't be surprising at all to find out that Akeoinians have more knowledge of the inner workings and politics of our empire than ourselves

>>5286149
>You know the terrain, and your men are fighting for their homes. Wins this quickly and decisively, limiting your people’s suffering.

>>5286148
>The Akeoinians have over five-hundred ships
Heaven above, that's mind-boggling. How wealthy is this barbarian king, to furnish such a force?

>>5286149
I change
>>5286177
to
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe

The Akeoinians are too strong to beat outright with our inexperienced fleet, and too numerous to be defeated in detail as I would like. But such a massive force will be highly liable to attacks on their logistics.

>>5286149 #

>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

The only weakness of such a large force is maintenance. Destroying enemy supply lines is not only the specialty of our new navy officers, but also the only way to force the enemy to divide, giving our navy a chance to win this fight.

Unfortunately we cannot prioritize the suffering of our people, if we win this fight they will suffer less than if our fleet is defeated.

>>5286150

>Magnificent work as always

>>5286149
>>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

>>5286149
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.
Time to introduce the Akies to the concept of defence in depth.

>>5286149
>You know the terrain, and your men are fighting for their homes. Wins this quickly and decisively, limiting your people’s suffering
This is the era of the decisive battle, not of a long, drawn out conflict. Don’t turn this into Stalingrad.

>>5286450

They have five hundred warships, we have one hundred and eighty and most of them are converted trade ships, or foreign allies. Fighting this way is not our preference, it's a necessity.

>>5286149
>>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.
If our enemy outnumbers us, the best option is to turn that strength into a weakness. We cut off their supplies, their bulk becomes a weapon in our favor.

>>5286149
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

Whoops, deleted my post because I thought I misread. I thought initially that the choices of where to strike corresponded with each specific group mentioned after the 200 and 300, then thought I misread and thought dealing with the raiders meant defeating in detail the 300 ships doing auxiliary tasks and the decisive battle was for some reason dealing with Paralamis despite the fact that that would not be at all decisive, before finally realising that I had it right the first time.

Our first blow needs to deal a lot of damage, since after that they'll act more cautious regardless of which group gets picked off. We should not fight the decisive battle yet while we are outnumbered, but not pick off the small fleet that could get us encircled. Retaking the isles might force them to either split up to rapidly retake all the isles again potentially letting us attack individual groups again or force them to group up for safety which at least buys us time.

In this case the damage will be the supplies expended and not replenished after we retake the isles, exhausting their massive fleet.

>>5286149
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

If your foe is strong, attack where he is weakest

>>5286149
>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.
>We must minimize civilian casualties; don't want to Siege of Alesia our own people. Get noncombatant merchants to slip in to evacuate them while the enemy is preoccupied with battle a la Dunkirk. Our experienced silk producers must not die, it will damage our economy badly in the long run. Unless they are already evacuated along with silkworms earlier.

RIP to the sabotage party, I was expecting them to blend in with the construction crew at their drydocks and burn down any ships undergoing maintenance, those ships are unlikely to have fire extinguishing gear around. Now I feel sad.

>>5287066
+1 to this guy, make sure they don't get to capture silk farmers, strip the isles of supplies to boot

Sadly it was coming, our bodyguards are all warriors and can work counter spionage but they aren't trained for this kind of work.
Did our sabotage attempt start the war early and possibly fucked Armentarius? Does the recapture plan involve breaking that siege?

File: ww1 flechettes.jpg (74 KB, 800x418)

74 KB JPG

>>5287090
The enemy is surprisingly well-drilled in extinguishing fires, my suggestion to drop flechettes on them look so much more viable now lol. Have strike squads have griffins with firebombs from low altitude to guarantee hits, and then another griffin from higher up will follow up with flechettes to take out the crowds trying to put out the fires, or at least suppress them behind cover; have them less willing to go on deck to fight the fires. Looks like fire by themselves won't be enough to cause the enemy to panic in fear.

By strip supplies, I hope you mean gathering them all into the forts for our garrison's use. Unlike this retard >>5286166 lol

>>5287102
Either that, take the supplies with them or plain dump them, can't give out enemies a break

>>5287090
The sabotage mission was unlikely to succeed, the ones that provided the cover were the guards of the family of helena (yeah we will need a pastebin i can't remember their names) but is more because that the family they serve has a merchant tradition than anything else i think, and our guards well it's not their job to do this. If this was done by spies, it would have been completely different in both approach and execution. Some ships at least where likely burned, but probably not that many. We are fortunate the Akeonians didn't try the same with our own fleet.
I think the Akeonian King was ready, and he is simply waited for us, in case we used the period of time for start preparations against him. And we did that.

>>5287066
>expecting them to blend in with the construction crew at their drydocks
that's unreasonable with this amount of time, our guards don't even speak their language (the ones that know their tongue were the guards of Helena family, and it was probably just their leader that was capable of speaking it. Knowing languages is not a job for all) and the kingdom military wouldn't have allow workers they have never seen on their ships, especially ones that can't understand their kingdom tongue. Could make mistakes and more. They would just use their own workers.

>Recapture the isles and starve your foe.

>>5287222
I didn't mean a long-term infiltration, just put on a disguise and act like they belong in the drydock, set something on fire and gtfo.

>>5286149
>You know the terrain, and your men are fighting for their homes. Wins this quickly and decisively, limiting your people’s suffering.

Recapture 13

Raiders 1

Decisive 3

Move resources off 1

Civilian evacuation 2

So a strike at the back is the way to go.

Writing.

“Whilst I appreciate your advice.” You say turning to Vincenso. “But I will have to trust my captains, who are far more familiar with the lands. No offence intended.” You say, trying to hide your contempt for the foreigner.

“Why of course, none taken, Megas doux (Megaduke).” Vincenso says with a smile. That of a merchant’s, placid and fake.

“We will use the size of the Akeoinian fleet against them. What are the reports saying about the forces occupying the isles furthest from us ?” You ask your officer.

“The griffin riders report groupings of a dozen ships acting for patrol and supply duties. Most of the islands had been seized, but those with stronger and better forts are still holding. In particular, the isle held by Domestikos (domestic, commander) Armentarius is offering stiff resistance. Just having to supply the soldiery there, the Akeoinians had to dedicate at least thirty or so warships. The fighting had continuously intensified for the past week or so.”

“Could the holy knights deliver a message there ?”

“You’d have to ask them, Megas doux (Megaduke).” The officer responds. “But I doubt that they’d take a risk of turning into a pincushion just to deliver a message.”

“Tell the holy knights to prepare for war, I shall have them fly high. They will be our guiding light, so to say, preventing us from stumbling across a larger fleet.” You begin giving out your orders. “Every ship we have is to be mobilized and sent to the rear.”

“Not that I question your decision, Megas doux (Megaduke), but wouldn’t that leave the rest of the isles entirely open and exposed to attack ?” Once more, the tarrizan questions your command.

“My order will not be question, merchant. You fight alongside me due to the grace of their majesty, doubt my orders again, and I shall have you flogged.” You finally snap.

“As you command, most honourable of the Thephians.” Vincenso says with a polite and flowerful bow.

“We set sail !” You bellow, ending the war council.
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“Loose !” You shout out, the catapult placed prominently upon the bow quickly snaps as a boulder is launched high into the air. You had intended to use these in your reclamation efforts, but the situation had called for extreme measures.

The griffin riders had informed you of patrol fleets on your way to your target, but be it bad luck, or you simply overlooking something. The enemy had caught you. The patrol routes of enemy ships had meant that you had no way to move without a group noticing you. With no way back, you had decided to go onwards, but that had resulted in the current situation.

>>5288452

First or so dozen ships had been quickly boarded and dealt with, but then the next dozen came, alongside another, and then another, and another. About forty warships are now beneath the waves thanks to your brave crews and their boarding attempts. Around twenty more are currently burning thanks to the efforts of the holy knights, whom had been diving and rising throughout the battle, but the staying power of their mounts is noticeably less than those of proper warhorses, they will have to land to rest soon, lest they simply fall from the skies.

You wipe away the sweat on your brow, watching the rock impacting one Akeoinian galley, its wooden hull is broken through by the impact, forming a massive hole allowing for the salty ocean water to flow in and quickly drown the vessel. Your spathion is covered with blood, as you had to take to the front personally. Your cheek also stings as you had received a shallow cut there, nothing serious, but an annoyance nonetheless.

Vincenso and his Tarrizans had proven their weight in gold, something you are loathed to admit, but the merchants fight upon the oceans with the ferocity of your greatest warriors would fight on land. Their ships expertly manoeuvre through the Akeoinian ranks with practiced ease. The main reason, you think, is because the ships you are currently busy struggling against are of Tarrizan make. Were more of a philosophical man, you would see some such saying and irony in it. Now, however, you just feel great annoyance in the happenings before as another galley, the fiftieth you reckon.

A bit more than one hundred warships had been lain low, but it had costed you dearly as well. Almost every single one of your merchant ships, slow and ponderous as they are, had been sunken. Thankfully, your foes concentrating on the obvious weak links meant that your own warships were left more or less untouched, whilst the Tarrizans had lost ten of their own.

One thing of note you had observed was the fact that none of these vessels bore the banners of the golden lion, but rather a hodgepodge of different banners. This surprising showing of lack of coordination is what had allowed you to inflict as many losses as you had. The crews of those ships had also puzzled you, heavily armed and armoured, but entirely unused to actually fighting on the seas. They were difficult to kill, yet quite easy to at the same time.

Still, this is a small consolation. You have, at best, ninety warships left to face around four hundred. And it sure as damn feels like you are facing down all of them.

“We’re running out of stones !” One of your sailors shouts out over the dim.

>>5288454

“Then grab your swords and raise them high ! Oars, put your back into it ! Helmsman, guide us to battle ! If we are to die this day, let us die as Thephians ! The greatest of all men ! Let us show these barbarian dogs what war is !” You shout to the point where your lungs hurt, but you voice carries far and to nearby ships. You could never be a calming presence, or a charming singer, but your voice is the most powerful of all, a voice fit for military command.
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(POV shift: You are Armentarius Theocritus, preparing to spring a trap.)

“Now !” You shout raising your mace.

The sound of a portcullis dropping heavily onto the floor echoes, and then another. Screams of men being impaled and killed in a horrific way echo loudly. But they are the lucky ones.

“Pour it down !” You command.

Obeying your words, holed beneath your feet are opened up and the contents that had made this room so sweltering are poured out. Hot, boiling water, pours upon men in their armour, the elite you had waited for an entire week for.

The heavy splint armour offers nothing in terms of protection, it in fact makes things worse, as the metal quickly heats under the torrents of water. Wails of dying men send shivers down your spine, for those are not screams most common in battle, those are not the screams of dying men, those are rather the mourning wails of animals about to perish.

“Crossbowmen, loose !” You command to those currently heavily pressed down onto the tops of the walls. You specifically decreased their presence in the battle, luring your foe into thinking that they had inflicted far more casualties than they actually had, or that you had run out of bolts to exchange for their arrows.

Now rising, trembling and scared, young boys and old men alike let loose. The bolts sail through the skies, the exceptionally close distance rendering the armour night on useless. Curses, shouts, and screams quickly fill the centre of the fortress.

The conscripts you had used as bait, despite your best efforts, are dying like flies. They simply lack the experience and equipment needed to stand up to the men in front of them. But their sacrifices are not for nothing, as you can change this equation.

“Horn, now !” You shout to the man next to you.

A single, long, ear-ripping sound echoes across the island. Bursting out of the various structures, fortifications built into the walls, your two hundred elites strike the flanks of the attackers. Nearly five hundred best men-at-arms, caught on all sides, hemmed in, loosed upon, attacked from all sides, with no reinforcements coming.

“With me !” Your officers quickly bellow their own warcries and rush down alongside you to join in the fray.
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>>5288457

With a scream, you bring down your mace onto the head of the man on the floor. His armour already dirtied and covered in blood. Suddenly, a most foul of smells greets your nose as the noise of a mace bending in the armour, cracking the head, and snapping the neck signals the end of the battle.

Your own armour is in tatters, needing immediate repairs, it had saved you more than once this day. Your shield, you had already lost the track of it, you doubt that there is anything left of it. You had been wielding your blade around, in an attempt to ensure that your multiple foes keep their distance before you. Breathing heavily, you slowly march on and take a seat upon a set of stairs leading up to the top of the wall.

Taking off your helmet and pulling down the chainmail, you fully take in the sight before you.

Bloody, mutilated corpses lay on the floor. Men weep and cry for their mothers, both those that soon shall die, and those that grief for those that had. The Scholae (School) stalk the field as harbingers of death, and angles of salvation. Calling on for their fellows to carry away the wounded on your side, mayhaps they will recover, but most likely they will simply succumb to their wounds. As for those foes that still live. If they are lucky, a quick blow to the head from a mace ends their suffering, but those too exhausted to swing a mace simply slit their throats after removing their helmets.

“Domestikos (domestic, commander).” Calls out the crude mercenary officer. “Fuck of a scrap, innit ?”

“What is it, mercenary ?” You respond, lacking strength to chastise the man.

“A lot of the conscripts are dead, or so rattled that they need to rest.”

“What of the Akeoinians ?”

“They’ve moved their faster troops closer to the walls, they seem to be waiting to storm in at a moment’s notice.”

You simply nod at that.

“And it seems that they’ve finally brought up siege equipment. What few rocks we have left, I’d suggest to pelt those constructions with.”

“What ?”

“Ladders, mainly. Can’t really transport siege towers, well, they could, but they’d have to rip apart their own ships. But what they did brink up were their own catapults.”

“I see.” You let out a breath, rising to your feet once more, another battle will soon be had.

“The Akeoinians are still unaware ?”

“Seems so.”

>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>”The men are far too tired. We will weather the storm and plan from there, after everyone that can be in a fighting shape, is.”

>”Always expect the unexpected. Wonder if the Akeoinians heard that saying ? Prepare everyone for a sally. One good push, and we may retake the entire island. As well as all of their supplies.”

>(Write in)

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”
Slow and steady. I want to try the third option, but it's far too risky and could lose us the entire island. Still, a success would break them.

>>5288459
>>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>>5288459
>>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”
Rules of war? What's that?

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>>5288459
>We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>>5288459


>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

Do they only have ladders, to storm a fort? I don't want to curse the dice,.but I think this will be our first victory in this war.

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

We are gonna have to fight dirty, ideas? Throwing corpses on top of them? Giving boiling water to the men at the walls?

>>5288459
>”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later.”

Where's the griffin firebombings? :(

>>5288832
See
>>5288454
>"Around twenty more are currently burning thanks to the efforts of the holy knights, whom had been diving and rising throughout the battle, but the staying power of their mounts is noticeably less than those of proper warhorses, they will have to land to rest soon, lest they simply fall from the skies."

>>5288839
Jfc, I reread the update three times and missed that line very time. I need to go get some sleep.

>>5288454
>Still, this is a small consolation. You have, at best, ninety warships left to face around four hundred. And it sure as damn feels like you are facing down all of them.

This is bad, shame we didn't capture any ships.

Hopefully if we can recapture the islands they've taken we can focus on countering small groups of raiders and harassing supply ships. Any manner of proper fleet action is far beyond us, of course with their numbers I guess it never really was a possibility. Well, here is to hoping for more fragmentation of their fleet.

>>5289147
By the sounds of it, a number of ships were captured but I doubt we have enough men to spare to form prize crews large enough to bring them home for crewing and repair, so the best course of action would have been to scuttle them to deny the enemy the opportunity to get their ships back.

>>5289173

Or it could replace the sailors of the merchant ships for real warships, leaving the merchants in port.

Because of the huge difference in the number of ships in the two fleets, unless our is destroyed, it will end this war using only warships.

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QM, about the Holy Knights, are their squires tagging along with their own griffins too?

Squires are historically given their own horses; griffins take a long time to fully grow, and need a lifelong bond with their rider from birth to be used effectively, and the Holy Knights definitely trains squires to maintain their numbers throughout the centuries and would bring them along in this campaign to give them combat experience.

Because I am imagining right now that all 10 ordained knights are being purely used for combat roles, and the squires are being used for recon, messaging, and as lightly armed escorts during combat. This would explain the surprisingly large amount of damage they inflicted this battle. Then they have younger pages and attendants as groundcrew preparing ordnance to quickly rearm all the griffins.

>>5289521
Also, letting squire riders do all the recon and messaging work keeps the Knights' fully grown mounts with larger payload capacities, higher top speed, and better maneuvering capabilities fully rested at all times just in case battle arrives. I imagine the squires' mounts wouldn't be fully grown yet and be only able to carry just their rider with their only offensive capability being a bundle of plumbatae to drop from a safe high altitude while they do their observation work.

>>5289521
>>5289529
You are giving me the idea of a Griffin Carrier ship.
Imagine, if you will, a ship with a flat landing zone for Griffins to land and be rearmed/rested. These could be used as floating pit stops for Griffin couriers, or as a mobile base where Griffins could attack from far from the coast.

>>5290027
Well they belong to the church not us for one, and instead of trying to create wonder weapons we really just need more ships.

>>5290098
>Implying wonderweapons won't turn this war around
Anon, let me pitch you on this sick ἑλέπολις...

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>>5290027
No need for that. Griffins are VTOL. Just like an F-35 you can station one in any ship that has a helipad and sufficient hangar space. Gives you a lot more flexibility and you don't need huge expensive carriers.

>>5290429
I was thinking more of a helipad than a carrier-style runway, indeed. Maybe on top of a tower/mast? No wait, that could cause disasters. Maybe somewhere in front or behind the ship, some sort of overhang.

>>5290451
Nah, just launch them from the poop deck of a normal ship. And make the stairs big enough to lead the griffins to the lower decks into their stables. They're not planes that can get easily fucked by cables or debris.

>>5288459
>”The men are far too tired. We will weather the storm and plan from there, after everyone that can be in a fighting shape, is.”

Lets please make sure we get some unfucked mail out of the bodies before the next wave comes in

>>5290027
may or may not work depending on how expensive and effective griffins really are, and how enemy ships can be equipped to counter them

>>5291042
Supporting. Loot all the corpses, get our boys better gear. Why the hell didn't we think of this before

>>5291042
Pretty good idea, though I expect we're on a pretty strict time table.

>>5291042
Supporting this too.

>>5288459
Is QM alive?

>>5292045

I am, my schedule is hectic, I will try to put out an update tomorrow. Worry not, the only way that I would flake without a word is if I am dead or in a coma...or maybe stranded somewhere i suppose.

>>5292112
I hope you dont die from food poisoning like that Ottoman QM

>>5292115
Rundown?

”We carry on with the plan. Raise the white ram banner and reopen the gates. The more we kill here, the less we will have to kill later. We have no time to waste, get the conscripts back into shape.” You command, putting on your helmet, you only have moments before the Akeoinians wizen up to the fact that you held the fort.
.
.
.
It took a few minutes, but you watch as the white ram’s flag is slowly getting raised over the highest tower of the fortress. The gates are slowly opened up, and the portcullis rise one after another.

You await as the sound of horns signal forward advance. Or at least you assume so, as the sound of footsteps grows closer. You are unable to observe the approach, as you need to hide your presence to the best of your abilities.

With the noise growing all encompassing, you strengthen your grip on both the mace and the sword. Your heartbeat intensifies, your blood begins to boil and you can feel sweat covering you. The tell tale signs of a warrior preparing for battle. You take a deep breath, and force yourself to calm down. This is not your first battle, and it will not be your last. Looking around, you see the rest of the [i]tagmata[/i] (regiment/battalion) centring themselves as well. Each and every one in their own little unique way, but all take hold of their emotions.

The conscripts, you have no doubt, are fairing much worse. Especially the few that you can observe. They seem to be shaking, both from frayed nerves and exhaustion. Unused to the rigours of war, if pushed too far these men will collapse. But they will have to hold, lest they all fall here and dedicate their families to a foreigner’s whim.

Suddenly, a noise you had not expected sounds next to you in the gatehouse. It takes a moment for your mind to process it. But you soon realize what it is. The noise of wood impacting stone !

“Close the gates !” You shout out to the men around you. “They caught on to us, prepare to defend the walls !”

Rushing out, the cascading noise of wood on stone keep ringing out, and the first of your foes had already clambered up.

With a rapid swing, you smash the man’s skull in as more and more begin to clamber over the wall, the defenders around you also scramble to reach their defensive positions. You had made contingencies just in case. Unfortunately, most of these preparations were cut short, still, you had drilled and trained your men to occupy the walls in certain sections, so as to ensure they all know what they are doing. Now, these plans will be put to the test.

“Hold the walls ! For your families ! For the Emperor ! For the Empire !” You shout as powerfully as your lungs would allow you.

-
(POV shift: You are Mundus Helenos, caught in the eye of the storm.)

>>5293733

The screech of a griffon is a terrifying sound. Especially if you hear it become ever louder. The following noise of armour being crushed is even more sickening however. That Akeoinian noble had most certainly not expected to meet his end today. Had he known how he’d die, you doubt he would clad himself in steel. The armour now doing nothing but prolonging his suffering.

Another one dives high from the heavens, you try to keep a track of it, but the shining Sun and the sheer speed of the drop makes it difficult for you to do so, however, you do not need to see clearly the strike to know its result. Another ship, a pot of ignited dragon’s breath now dropped under the poop deck. The shouting of oarsmen informs you just how powerful of a blow was just dealt.

The battle had turned in your favour once you realized just how much Akeoinian nobility values personal honour and achievements. It is a good way to earn glory, but the fanciful flags and painted hulls makes it clear whom is in command of a portion of a fleet. Employing swift strikes and boarding actions, with the holy knights dealing with those whom are too far deep behind enemy lines for a direct strike being decapitated with a swift strike, or a pot of scorching death.

You clamber back onto your flagship, having just slain another overeager fool unused to the seas.

“[i]Megas doux[/i] (Megaduke) ! The enemy fleet seems to be entirely in disarray.” Reports one of your officers.

“Looking over the clearly confused and disorganized groups around you, the feelings of greed begin to show themselves in your mind. That is until with a heavy thud. A tired griffon, carrying an equally exhausted holy knight appear before you. The silent approach had not scared you, the great [i]Megas doux[/i] (Megaduke) of the Thephian Empire ! Most definitely not, the fact you had drawn your sword was because you wanted to inspect it.

Clearing your throat, you say. “Holy knight, God’s blessings with you, what do you have to report ?”

“And God’s be with you as well. The Akeoinians are entirely confused, but I bring ill tidings. Upon the horizon I and my brothers had spotted a fleet of fifty ships carrying the golden lion’s banners. They approach is slowed due to their own compatriots and the wrecks of ships still not entirely consumed by the ocean.” He says grimly. ”They also appear to be rallying and reorganizing the scattered fleets.”

You scratch your chin in thought. “Send word to the Tarrizans, have them move alongside us. Our objective remains unchanged. This is the best chance we’ll get.”

“As you command, [i]Megas doux[/i] (Megaduke).” The man responds, before with some protesting, his griffon once more beats his wings and lifts off into the skies.

“Signal the rest of your ships, we have to retake those isles no matter the cost.”

>>5293735

A quick salute later, flags are raised and signals given through them, to be carried onwards to the rest of the fleet, and soon you once more ride the waves, without the petulant interference of the Akeoinian nobles too busy fighting with each other to and far too concerned about personal vanity than the greater whole.
.
.
.
-
(End of POV shift.)

You had trouble sleeping as late. Unlike the Lucenians, uneducated barbarians concerned over nothing but plunder. You are now fighting barbarians better equipped and disciplined, concerned about stealing away the lands of your ancestors.

“A total of five million silver basilikas had been donated by the senate for the war effort, your majesty.” Says Auxentius Melodus, the appointed [i]protasekretis[/i] (first secretary) of the senate.

A man more than thrice your age. Balding, greying hair. Wrinkled features and a lithe figure show the ravages of age. The clean-shaven face and clear, sharp brown eyes however, clearly display that with the coming of age, the man’s mind had only become sharper. A favourite within the senate, due to his military experience and tendency towards neutrality in most factional conflicts had made this man the most acceptable compromise for all factions.

“And our ship production ?” You ask not looking up from your documents within your office.

“As commanded, it was increased as much as possible. A total of five more warships had been built, with another two-dozen projected to be built in coming months.”

“A swift increase.”

“Thanks to the senate’s generous support, more resources than before had been mobilized, the people themselves know that we are fighting for the empire’s honour and to beat back foreigners. Once the war ends, such enthusiasm shall die down, but for now, I suggest we make the best use we can of it.”

You nod at his conclusion. The past few days you’ve worked with him proved fruitful. Though the man’s loyalty to you is still uncertain, but his loyalty towards the empire is unquestionable.

“Your majesty. May I also advise the appointment of a new [i]kyvernítis[/i] (governor) [i]Kósmosaspída[/i] (World shield).”

“I can perfectly well manage it myself.”

“Your successor may not, your majesty. It would also be prudent to grant it as a sign of political favour. Your majesty already possesses all the private land once held by the remainder of your house.”

“Then to whom should I give the honour of ruling over that land in my name for a decade ?”

“That is for your majesty to decide. I am merely presenting to you an opportunity.”

“I shall keep that in mind” [red]Governorship may be assigned at any time as a write in to any character, family or a general idea (Like a rich merchant, or a loyal retainer). This is possible because the court’s influence is non-existent.[/red]

A knock on the door alerts the two of you. “Your majesty, a representative from Patera is seeking audience.”

>>5293737

“And what do they seek ?”

“They had arrived with over a hundred warships and surrounded the harbour, your majesty. But their representative is simply saying that they wish to assist us in our war.”

Now that gives you pause. “Fine, we shall meet them.” You exchange a glance with Auxentius, before departing towards the throne room.
.
.
.
Kowtowing before you is a middle-aged man with a well-kept blonde beard and short cut blonde hair. To go alongside these features, he also wears a collection of well-fitting clothing around his plump figure made out of yellow velvets and gold threads. A fine, perhaps comedically, large and wide hat rests upon his head.

“The most honourable and wise of the Thephian Emperors. I come here today as a representative of Patera. My people had heard of the unjust and cruel invasion of those Akeoinians. We wish to offer our most humble assistance in this war, and the wars to come. We had brought a hundred ships with fine crews and trained warriors, with a hundred more to come, should in your great wisdom your imperial majesty decides to humour our lowly desire to fight alongside you.”

With his nose raised as high as possible, Gallienus says. “And what do you wish for such a privilege, representative of Patera ?”

“As your majesty knows, my homeland had fought with the Tarrizans for generations, but even we can put our differences aside for the sake of such an august empire that had once civilized us and out people. We merely seek help you in your prosperity, as little as it may be. The trade of purple dyes is limited by your decrees. And just like Tarrizans act as your transporters for silk, we would merely request to be granted the same honour for your purple dye.”

Gallienus turns to regard you. And you begin to ponder as well, an alliance for a monopoly on purple dyes, the other luxury good of your empire, unique in the world for its vibrant colours.

>Accept the deal.

>Decline it outright.

>Negotiate. (Write in)

>(Write in)

>>5289521

>QM, about the Holy Knights, are their squires tagging along with their own griffins too?

They have no squires. That is entirely handled by the church. Once they reach a certain level of experience by completing various tasks, they get the honour of being anointed as a holy knight.

>>5293741
Fugg, that's enticing. Newb, does Manuel know the terms of the Tarrizian Monopoly off the top of his head?

>>5293741
>Negotiate. get every skillfull merchant in on this negotiation.

>>5293741
>>Negotiate. (Write in)
Try to negotiate not a permanent but a temporary arrangement.
Tell them that we cannot simply trust our dye to them till the end of time. We are willing to give them monopoly for 10 years here and now. If in those 10 years they will prove to be capable and worthy of our favour that monopoly will be prolonged.

That way they get what they want and we get a way out if we ever need it.
Don't push them too much though if they insist on permanent privileges. With enemies out numbering our ships more than two to one we cannot afford to refuse another hundred ships on our side.

>>5293741
>Accept the deal.

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>>5293743
Oh shit, that's too bad. How many years will it take for their numbers to be replenished? I hope it wouldn't take too long for the next proverbial class to graduate.

>>5293766
Supporting. I'm pretty sure we have this same arrangement with the Tarrizans anyway.

QM, where are the Murex snail farms for the purple dye located? I was thinking they are located in the Silk Isles due to the large amount of warm rocky coastal waters, but then only silk is mentioned to be produced there so far. Unless this is the time where your beloved giant snails are going to make an appearance lmao I'm now imagining that the dye is made from giant purple fantasy land snails.

>>5293766
support

>>5293766
Support. We need to buy ourselves time to build up our navy, so when we want to go back to the original manufacturing level, we can deal with any conflict that might arise.

We need to be extremely careful about this situation in general, if we squander the period after we win this war we might send the empire into a spiral from whit it will never recover, but we might also have the opportunity to revitalise it and return it to its former glory.

>>5293766
Support

I will say one thing, these monopolies are only granted until we say they are not. Once we have regained our footing and our strength we needn't maintain them. Though perhaps we can make 10 year monopoly periods the standard? Bidding wars etc

>>5293766

Didn't we already have an agreement with the merchant nation? How are we going to guarantee a monopoly, if we already have a written contract with another nation?

>>5294492
Tarrizans have monopoly on silk. These guys want a monopoly on purple dye.

>>5293741
>>5293766
Supporting this

I hate giving up our trade goods but we really need those ships

>>5294495

Now I get it, that leaves us with just one luxury product left, our glass.

>>5294498
It sucks but a hundred ships is something we need desperately
If we weren't outnumbered so greatly I would vote against taking this deal but our fleet really needs reinforcements
At least if we succeed at negotiations then after a decade we can tell them to beat it without breaking our word

>>5293741

>Negotiate, We will increase purple dye production for the next fifteen years, for the support of two hundred extra warships plus an infantry contingent to reinforce the Isles' garrisons. If they don't agree with the starting time of permission, we'll negotiate until they do.

If this agreement passes, we will have another two hundred warships, drastically reducing the difference between the fleets. So I believe that following the structure of the last agreement will give the appearance of being a fair decision.

>>5294504
I might be getting this wrong but I believe they didn't ask for an increase in production but for a monopoly on selling our dye in the west.
Also two hundred ships seems like an outrageous demand. I doubt they can give us any more ships or people than what they brought already.
It takes time to bring ships from where they live to us after all.

>>5294499

Who knows? Maybe with reinforcements we have a chance to loot, or even with luck, occupy enemy territory making all these sacrifices worthwhile.

As for the noble title of the shield, what would you think of giving it to a lesser noble house, which has its origin in the army? We need to maintain senate neutrality and having a possible new source of recruitment for our royal guard would be nice. I even thought about suggesting the head of the royal guard, but the senate would probably be pissed at a commoner being placed in such a strategic position, plus he wouldn't be with us to save us if he had his own House to look after.

>>5294511
I don't want to make any decisions regarding that title before we win this.
Who knows what happens during the war we might have to give that title out to reward or placate someone.
Right now the only person who deserves titles is Armentarius. He is probably our most ardent supporter together with the Patriarch.
But yeah let's win the war first and give out titles later.

>>5294508

>"We had brought a hundred ships with fine crews and trained warriors, with a hundred more to come, should in your great wisdom your imperial majesty decides to humour our lowly desire to fight alongside you.”

Yes I'm aware that they asked for a monopoly I just don't think this is acceptable. Of course if it's not possible to escape the monopoly then it is better to have a bad deal than no deal at all, but if it were possible to avoid giving this privilege it would be the best result of this situation.

>>5293741
Supporting >>5293766

>>5294511
I think it's a fair assumption that the majority of the Akeonian elites are with the invasion fleets as well as their common soldiers, if we can win on the waves we should have enough momentum to at least establish a foothold in our former lands.

With that count we may be able to gather some local support from discontent Akeonians as well. Point of fact, if he does a good job and converts he might make a good governor to ease the transition.

To be honest I don't want to give up the world shield. Yes we could hand it to a loyal retainer but who's to say THEIR successor won't pull any power plays from such a strategic position on our heirs? Still, if the majority agree to give it up I would be biased towards Armentarius. I feel like he is trustworthy as he had many opportunities to betray us when we were at our weakest.
>>5293766
>support
>>5292142
>>5260043

>>5294499
I admit I don't know much about economics. What's so bad about monopolies? Won't it be a good thing for our bottom line since it will be treated the same as our highly profitable silk production? We can price gouge much more effectively if they are motivated to be the sole trader of purple dye.

>>5293766
Support, good idea.
This might create some friction with Tarrizo but eh. I don't mind beside, Tarrizo is already getting something great from us.

>>5294581
Honestly i am considering to straight up just annex World Shield in the imperial family holdings. Since is the province that surround the capital province, is strategical enough to be our own.
At the same time Armentarius isn't a bad choice. Even if I prefer to keep him in that position (if we make him governor of world shield, i would still want him has commander. He is really good).

But if we give it to someone, i don't want to just do the normal deal of giving it to someone. We need to create something special possibly.
If it’s Armentarius, i am considering making his future noble family connected to our emperor guards, maybe having the honor of being the only nobles that can be part of it. Having this idea is not just for specialize the province in something (right now it's just an average province with no specialization), and creating a strong bond between families, it also because it would create a tradition in the emperor guard and put Armentarius skills as commander of the guard to use. If he had any heirs, he would likely transform his family in the mirror of the guard too.

>>5294600
What's bad is that we lose all our flexibility.
Right now we can sell our dye to anyone we wish and probably sell to a highest bidder.
If an export monopoly gets established we will be contractually obligated to give Patera merchants preference when it comes to selling our dye.
That is to say Paterans get to have first pick at our dye and buy as much as they can fit in their ships and then whatever is left can be sold to other parties.
That of course is only true for exporting our dye. We would still be able to sell it on our internal market to our nobles and merchants. Then they could resell it to anyone they wish. However all external trade would have to go throught Paterans. In the west at least. I doubt they have any trade control eastward of us.
It is true that our bottom line would become very stable since Paterans would without a doubt buy up all the luxury goods they can in order to resell it. However our profits as a whole would probably get cut since we no longer be selling for the highest prices possible.

tl;dr
Minimum price of dye goes up, maximum price goes down, we are guaranteed to sell more dye but for worse overall prices.
Also giving control over one of our major income sources to a foreign entity will weaken our grip on the state economy.
At least that's how i understood things. I am also not an economist.

>>5294042
A lot will depend on what kind of peace we can get if we win the war. Winning battles, keeping territory and capturing someone important will all help in the peace deals, for example taking the patriarchs of noble families or the prince/s of the De la Mare family. Capturing King Tedwin would be the best, but he isn't dumb enough to get captured easily or not without an harsh fight at least. He is very ambitious though, which is something to keep in mind when dealing with him. We will need to restore spies soon, for counter any plans he has.
Ultimately when the war ends whatever the outcome, we need to face the heretics question. Which Manuel should be able to accomplish with his skills.
But
If the victory/peace deal is good enough it can help the empire and us. Our marriage can be essential for create more stability/peace too, done after the war might be a good idea (the marriage could even help in the heretics question in a way, by showing our support to the true faith if we want). At the same the noble courting Manuel is doing, is part of the social life of the empire. People from the street seller of food to high nobility, will gossip about it.
Also what everyone thinks about creating an honorary position like, "The Empeor Champion" ? Sort of a special title/position for one great fighter, i would probably make it a special tradition/honor just for the Emperor guards. It would solidfy further our relation with them too.

>>5294581
While Armentarius is certainly the most deserving, we would lose him as our right hand I fear. Though overall it might be worth it, a militarized central province could be extremely useful.

>>5294619
>heretics question

You know, I wonder how viable attempting to mend the schism might be? After the war and our marriage, hold a grand summit and sit down with the heretic religious leaders.

Of course we could go the Ottoman route and place a tax on them. Might be handy with retaking lands.

>>5294658
It depends on what problem we need to face : it’s something more down on earth or theological ? It will be good to see when we need to resolve it honestly.
If it risks a division in the church, it might be several problems combined.
Our reputation has pious should give us the possibility to hold a grand summit and enough respect to not have a shouting match in it, and our education wouldn't make us look ignorant on religious problems.
If the war goes very well, we could throw another condition in the peace deal like having the Akeonians stop changing the temples or doing conversions in the island, or creating problems for the faithful there. Something like that would be of great help.

Also a possible name for a son, It's from the first thread.
>"Currently, you find yourself in the cathedral of his martyred saint Artades. The first companion of the Shepherd. He had been executed by a Thephian emperor of old. He had crushed invading pagan armies, in the Shepherds name as a mercenary, and his reward was betrayal for his desire to spread the true faith back when the empire was ruled over by godless pagans."
It might be a demanding name though, even if it can be symbolic.

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>>5294658
>Council of Nicaea

Kek I hope not!Santa Claus appears and bitchslaps a heretic

>>5294806
Mate this schism has the potential to be real fucking bad, its real world parallel would be Islam in general. Mohammed started a revolution and declared Jesus was a prophet instead of the son of God, just like the heretics in this case are; this is going to be very delicate and not something we want to deal with while knee deep in shit

>>5294883
i wouldn't make any parallel without knowing the full picture, which we will know when we face the issue since we promised the Patriarch to resolve this problem as soon as possible.
After the war we wouldn't be in a knee deep in shit, we would be at peace and if we win well is a big deal.