>>6126659
“Speaking privately, I respect that,” he admits. “But as a general I can’t accept it so easily.”

You take a moment yourself before answering. “Believe it or not, I haven’t often had the opportunity to speak with an enemy general. Perhaps I should be showing a little more patience, lest I lose that opportunity prematurely.”

General Waverly nods along. “I think I understand. You want information.”

“Always.”

“To what end?”

“To address a historical deficit.”

That seems to satisfy him. “If I give you the information you seek, will you be at least somewhat more cooperative?”

“That depends on your answers.”

After a few more seconds, the old general sighs wearily. “Very well, though you should remember that my answers will depend on your questions.”

>Focus on the General himself for a while. Why him? Why the Organization? What line of reasoning brought him to this place?
>Press him on the Asarakam, and details of the ‘war’ on the continent that you’ve heard of. Details have been surprisingly scarce.
>What IS the Organization? Where is it headquartered? Who started its operations and why? How does it fund its activities?
>… what did he mean, “one of a few”?
>Other?

>>6126665
>>Press him on the Asarakam, and details of the ‘war’ on the continent that you’ve heard of. Details have been surprisingly scarce.

>>6126665
>Focus on the General himself for a while. Why him? Why the Organization? What line of reasoning brought him to this place?
As an icebreaker.

>>6126665
>>Press him on the Asarakam, and details of the ‘war’ on the continent that you’ve heard of. Details have been surprisingly scarce.

>>6126665
>>>Press him on the Asarakam, and details of the ‘war’ on the continent that you’ve heard of. Details have been surprisingly scarce.

>>6126665
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 7, 7, 10 = 24 (3d10)

>>6127123

Rolled 6, 5, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>6127123

Rolled 10, 8, 7 = 25 (3d10)

>>6127123

>>6127123
“Ultimately,” you begin after weighing your words carefully, “we know precious little about the asarakam and the war which apparently occurred between them and humanity. Because of that we can only make clever guesses about our place within that broader context.”

General Waverly nods once. “That must be frustrating. Thankfully I can offer some clarity, though the story you are asking to hear is quite a long one.”

“I’m a patient woman.”

“In your own investigations, did you discover that beyond a certain point no written records seem to exist?” the General asks. “Even in the oldest archives in this region?”

“We did,” you acknowledge. “It almost seems to suggest that writing appeared fully-formed at a certain point.”

“Which would strain credulity,” Waverly observes. “The alternate theory of course being that there was some sort of discontinuity – before which history could have been recorded due to the existence of writing, but either was not recorded or was unavailable for some reason.”

“You propose to know that reason.”

“The reason was that these islands were deliberately settled by what you call ‘the Organization’ two thousand years ago, and records of that journey and initial settlement were obliterated.”

“Two thousand years,” you repeat… your mind briefly conjuring up thoughts and memories of the Organization’s technological feats. “You mentioned multiple islands?”

“I did,” he confirms.

“And they were settled prior to the war between the asarakam and humans?” you guess. “And were cut off at some point, probably when it became obvious that the asarakam had an advantage?”
>1/2

>>6128527
“Correct,” the General confirms. “Now, tell me this – what would you say if I told you that the religion of the ‘Twin Goddesses’ actually venerates two ships named ‘Teresa’ and ‘Claire’?”

>Venerating the two ships that brought our ancestors here makes some sense.
>I find that a little difficult to believe. Where are you getting most of this information?
>Other?

>>6129005
>>Venerating the two ships that brought our ancestors here makes some sense.

>>6129005
>Venerating the two ships that brought our ancestors here makes some sense.

>>6129005
>Venerating the two ships that brought our ancestors here makes some sense.

>>6129005
>Venerating the two ships that brought our ancestors here makes some sense.

>>6129005
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 8, 8, 6 = 22 (3d10)

>>6129351

Rolled 1, 5, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>6129351

Rolled 2, 8, 5 = 15 (3d10)

>>6129351
>>6129351

>>6129005
“Well,” you muse, “I suppose it makes more sense to venerate the two ships that brought our ancestors here than most things.”

General Waverly shakes his head. “That’s… not quite it.”

“How do you mean?” Sabela speaks up, having heard something that she evidently doesn’t like.

“The name of our ‘Organization’? What we call ourselves?” he continues. “The Keepers. What we ‘keep’? Knowledge of the Old World. The origin point for our species.”

“That’s why the Organization’s technology and scientific knowledge always seem a few steps ahead of the rest of us,” Sabela acknowledges. “It’s not that they’re ahead, so much as the rest of us have lost what we once had.”

“You’re starting to understand,” Waverly nods. “I will admit however that even our own records are incomplete… so much has been lost.”

>So that’s it then. You’re using this preserved knowledge to devise a weapon against the asarakam, even if it takes centuries.
>That’s insane. If we couldn’t win with your predecessors’ complete knowledge, how do you intend to win centuries later?
>So what’s the asarakam’s perspective? Why fight the war? What have they been doing since? What are they doing now?
>Other?

>>6130762
>So what’s the asarakam’s perspective? Why fight the war? What have they been doing since? What are they doing now?

>>6130762
>So what’s the asarakam’s perspective? Why fight the war? What have they been doing since? What are they doing now?

>>6130762
>So what’s the asarakam’s perspective? Why fight the war? What have they been doing since? What are they doing now?

>>6130762
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 9, 6, 3 = 18 (3d10)

>>6132341

Rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>6132341

Rolled 7, 5, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>6132341

>>6132341
There’s something important missing from this account, of course – the asarakam’s perspective, whatever that may actually be.

“And what about the asarakam?” you ask with a frown. ‘Why did they fight a war against us in the first place? What have they done in the time since then? What are they doing now?”

“In truth, I’ve heard very little to explain one entire half of this conflict that my kind are apparently a part of.”

At this, the general seems to grow slightly uncomfortable – or at least a little more so than before. “I cannot say much about our enemy, owing to how differently they view this world.”

“Say what you can, then,” you cross your arms impatiently.

A moment later, he nods in agreement. “Very well. Since they emerged victorious in the aftermath of the great war they have remained mostly separated from humanity. Many are likely in seclusion, though enough show themselves on at least a semi-regular basis to remind us that they still exist.”

“When was the last time an asarakam attacked humans?” Sabela presses curtly, demonstrating the complete exhaustion of whatever patience she came into this conversation still possessing.

“They attack our facilities, when they can find them,” Waverly answers.

“And when was the last time they attacked anyone un-provoked?”
>1/2

>>6132639
“It’s been at least a half century,” Waverly tells you.

>So that means other than ‘dealing’ with you, the asarakam… leave humanity alone?
>Then your organization should dismantle. Simple as that. We don’t kneed you.
>There HAS to be something else. Why is your organization really fighting this ‘war’?
>Other?

>>6133210
>There HAS to be something else. Why is your organization really fighting this ‘war’?

>>6133210
>>So that means other than ‘dealing’ with you, the asarakam… leave humanity alone?

>>6133210
>>There HAS to be something else. Why is your organization really fighting this ‘war’?

>>6133210
“Then it must’ve been one hell of an attack,” you growl, finding yourself somewhat annoyed. “Otherwise why would your Organization bother to keep this little war of yours going?”

“I have a question,” your mother interjects.

“This is the second time you have spoken out of turn,” Waverly observes. “Who are you to question me?”

“Noel’s mother,” Sabela insists curtly, the corners of her mouth starting to twist slightly into a smile of sorts. “The man-eater known as “True-Heart” Sabela. Tread lightly, little man.”

“She doesn’t eat people anymore,” you shrug, “but she’s also not bound by our rules – and she can tell if you’re lying, so I’d go ahead and answer whatever question she asks you.”

Waverly seems not to appreciate the way that Sabela is looking at him, and so he nods to agree.

“At any point,” Sabela asks, “has your Organization determined why the war between humans and asarakam occurred in the first place?”

“It was a fundamental incompatibility,” Waverly insists curtly. “Our ancestors wished to survive. The asarakam did not wish to share resources with them.”

“That is a lie,” Sabela replies, “though you seem to believe it whole-heartedly. Let me now ask the second question – which side made the first attack?”

The general’s silence is all the answer you need.

“Humanity started the war,” you sigh, closing your eyes and resting your hand on the hilt of your sword. “And why would the asarakam have even done so? They lived predominantly underground and ate glowing mushrooms. That’s hardly a lifestyle that would bring them into competition with humans.”

“… mushrooms?” the general repeats.

“What was the first attack?” you press.
>1/2

>>6135889
“I don’t know.”

You glance at Sabela, who nods. “True.”

“You suspect this first attack was against the food supply?” you guess your mother’s mind.

“I do. It would make sense, don’t you agree?”

Actually, it makes perfect sense. “If your intention was to wipe your enemy out, then yes.”

You return your attention to the general.

>Order him to disarm his remaining soldiers, and dismiss them. This is non-negotiable.
>You’ll need his help, and his men, in dealing with the garrison on Lavinia.
>Other?

>>6135921
>You’ll need his help, and his men, in dealing with the garrison on Lavinia.

>>6135921
>You’ll need his help, and his men, in dealing with the garrison on Lavinia.

>>6135921
>>You’ll need his help, and his men, in dealing with the garrison on Lavinia.

>>6135921
>>You’ll need his help, and his men, in dealing with the garrison on Lavinia.

>>6135921
“We’ll need your men, and any ships you may have that are still serviceable,” you decide. “You’re going to help put things right here, first and foremost. Then we’ll concern ourselves with events on the continent.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then you’ll be sent back to the continent,” you shrug, “where I trust you can explain to the asarakam what you’ve been up to out here all these centuries. Assuming they don’t intercept you at sea, that is.”
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 1, 8, 5 = 14 (3d10)

>>6136488

Rolled 6, 4, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>6136488

Rolled 3, 7, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>6136488

>>6136488
“Compared to being shot by our own compatriots I think most of my subordinates would prefer to take their chances.”

“That’s fine,” you shrug. “It’s a completely valid position to take, even though I disagree with it.”

“I also disagree with it,” Waverly admits, “which is why I plan to assist you along with however many of my subordinates decide to stay.”

…


The answer is more than you thought at first, but fewer than would have been nice.

Fully two thirds of the surviving soldiers who had been holding out here chose to flee, when given the opportunity by their commanding officer. And that of course makes things more difficult for your side, since those men and women will need transportation and sufficient supplies – otherwise offering them the opportunity to leave would have been pointless.

It takes two days to fully disarm those who are leaving and to replenish the ships they’ll be leaving aboard. Most of these are relatively small cargo ships, not meant for speed or comfort but with plenty of space and buoyancy to carry people, food, and clean water.

What’s left is mainly a store of munitions including automatic rifles and mortars, shells for shipboard rifled cannons, and fuel. To carry those things, you’re left with three steam-powered ships – one of which, by design, carries no weapons. That will be useful as a troop-carrier. There are also two small armed warships, lighter in construction than the ‘cruisers’, which the General calls “River-class corvettes” – their names are Ravi and Teshio. Each carries four guns on single mounts with heavy metal shields, one fore, one aft, and two straddling the main funnel amidships. Ammunition for those weapons is somewhat depleted, with about thirty rounds remaining for each where the General tells you the norm would be eighty on hand.
>1/2

>>6137537
Three ships… two armed, one not. Volunteers, both from your own military services and those still following General Waverly. Limited ammunition. No idea what, precisely, you’ll end up facing once you get there. If things go badly, there will be very few directions to go but forward.

So that’s something that needs to be discussed – with General Waverly, with the officers who will lead crews for those three ships, and with the ranking Hazari Major who will be involved in what may now be the final push to remove the Organization from your homeland.

“The corvettes can’t stay in a fight,” Commander Tomaselli, the highest-ranking naval officer present, insists. “Not what they’re built for. Their only uses in a fair fight are laying smoke and making torpedo runs.”

“But once they’re in position,” you counter, “as floating batteries they’ll be very useful. So how do we get them into position?”

“The forces on Lavinia may anticipate our defeat,” Waverly grumbles. “They may not anticipate the events surrounding our engagement with the dragon or the aftermath.”

“We could also rely on saturation,” Major Cameron suggests. “Especially if we were to move in under cover of darkness, having multiple merchant ships mixed in might allow two warships to slip in close enough for torpedoes.”

“That would be a gamble,” Tomaselli admits, “but it could work.”

“That would commit us to facing opposition,” Waverly points out.

Maybe. It’s not strictly speaking true of course, as you needed to rely on merchant ships to evacuate the final ‘loyalists’. But you doubt the ruse would hold up under scrutiny, and once the truth was revealed the presence of additional ships would probably not cause any real confusion among your enemy’s gunners the way a similar formation would if brought in unannounced and in the dark.

So in practical terms Waverly is correct. Those two strategies are mutually exclusive.

>The night-time sneak attack plan is perfectly in line with Hazari tactics and training. Merchant ships should be plentiful in Sakia as well.
>Waverly’s plan will work. If we came in under darkness, that could even disguise the tracks from the torpedo launches.
>We’ve snuck onto Lavinia before. Moving mortar crews overland and attacking in sync with a torpedo run could provide a crushing advantage.
>Other?

>>6137537
>>Waverly’s plan will work. If we came in under darkness, that could even disguise the tracks from the torpedo launches.

>>6138899
>Waverly’s plan will work. If we came in under darkness, that could even disguise the tracks from the torpedo launches.

>>6138899
>>Waverly’s plan will work. If we came in under darkness, that could even disguise the tracks from the torpedo launches.

>>6138899
>3d10 best of four

Rolled 6, 5, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>6139798

Rolled 10, 5, 5 = 20 (3d10)

>>6139798

Rolled 1, 3, 3 = 7 (3d10)

>>6139798

Rolled 1, 1, 9 = 11 (3d10)

>>6139798

>>6139798
“Waverly’s plan will work,” you decide. “But it will work better if the arrival time is after dark – less chance that the other side sees something they take an immediate dislike to, and the night might even hide the tracks of a torpedo.”

General Waverly takes a few thoughtful moments to consider these modifications to his own plan. “It feels strange to be seriously contemplating firing on others of my own faction.”

“Are you having second thoughts?” Sabela questions him… though the combative attitude she had before when confronting the general has given way to curiosity. “It wouldn’t be unusual for a man in your position.”

Waverly offers a curt nod. “Yes, it does bother me.”

“I would be bothered if it didn’t,” you admit. “Why did you decide to help us?”

The general takes a few moments before he answers. “Because I began to wonder whether the soldiers under my command – and the people we believed ourselves to be fighting for – wouldn’t be better off if we brought this long conflict to a close.”

“Those doubts are like a bell – you can’t un-ring a bell, and you can’t completely erase a doubt.”

“It probably doesn’t hurt that you owe us your soldiers’ lives,” Sabela adds.

“Certainly not,” the general agrees. “In any event, we will see whether my judgment let me to make the correct call.”

“With that decided,” Cameron speaks up, “that leaves the question of how we wish to deploy our infantry.”

>Only after the two corvettes have taken up a position. Then the infantry can land on smaller boats with supporting fire.
>They can be landed first, outside the harbor. Take up a position from which they can launch a well-timed attack.
>Other?

>>6140621
>>They can be landed first, outside the harbor. Take up a position from which they can launch a well-timed attack.

>>6140621
>They can be landed first, outside the harbor. Take up a position from which they can launch a well-timed attack.
By the way, is there an egress plan in case the operation is botched?

>>6140621
>>Only after the two corvettes have taken up a position. Then the infantry can land on smaller boats with supporting fire.

>>6140621
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 3, 5, 1 = 9 (3d10)

>>6141058

Rolled 2, 7, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>6141058

Rolled 3, 8, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>6141058

>>6141058
“We can land them outside the harbor, so that they can take up positions,” you propose. “The mortars from land and artillery from the sea should catch the troops stationed there between a hammer and anvil.”

“That might force those troops to surrender more quickly,” Waverly nods in approval. “It may sound harsh, but in reality it may serve all sides’ interests.”

“Certainly suits me,” Cameron agrees curtly. “They surrender or it puts us at a huge advantage, either way fewer of my men get killed so I like it.”

“Which leaves us with one question,” Sabela muses. “What role should the silver-eyed warriors and awakened beings play?”

>We will lead the charge on land. That’s where we’re at our best.
>We can slip in ahead of the advance to mark targets and disable any artillery.
>We’ve proven capable as swimmers. That could be a way to cause some chaos.
>We shouldn’t serve a ‘role’ at all. At least, not on the front lines.
>Other?

>>6142342
>We’ve proven capable as swimmers. That could be a way to cause some chaos.

>>6142342
>>We’ve proven capable as swimmers. That could be a way to cause some chaos.

>>6142342
>>We can slip in ahead of the advance to mark targets and disable any artillery.

>>6142342
>We can slip in ahead of the advance to mark targets and disable any artillery.

>>6142342
>3d10 best of three

Rolled 6, 6, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>6142884

Rolled 6, 10, 3 = 19 (3d10)

>>6142884

Rolled 1, 9, 3 = 13 (3d10)

>>6142884

>>6142884
“We have some options,” you observe with a nod. “We’re excellent swimmers even without awakening, and we’ve had a lot of success in covert missions on land.”

“What are the best-case results of each option?” your mother asks thoughtfully.

“If we were to sneak in on land?” you frown. “The objective would be to mark targets for the mortar teams and corvettes, that way they could get their fire where it needs to be faster.”

“That has a definite appeal,” Waverly nods in agreement.

Sabela merely follows up with the next logical question. “And the naval route?”

That one takes a moment to consider. “The night that we first encountered that asarakam we placed explosives against the hull of a ship to simulate a strike from a drifting mine.”

“In this case actual drifting mines would become a hazard for Tomaselli’s ships,” your mother observes. “So planting explosives would need to be the plan.”

“What would the targets be in that scenario, Tomaselli?” you ask. “Keep in mind, my kind and I are bound by the rule prohibiting us from directly taking human life.”

“That’s tough,” Tomaselli admits. “You break the spine of a ship, a lot of people are going to die. You don’t do enough damage, it won’t do anything to serve as a distraction.”

“So what would be the logical balance to strike?” you ask. “A big enough problem to serve as a distraction without killing anyone?”

“The screws and propellers are the obvious targets,” Tomaselli offers. “For larger ships with three drive shafts, blasting the centerline shaft can cause problems with the entire length of the power train – the center shaft is a maintenance nightmare under the best of circumstances.”

“And for ships with two drive shafts?”

“Set the explosive between the rudder and one of the shafts, set slightly to one side. That way the blast completely disables maneuvering.”

“We could commit to both,” Sabela observes. “It would however require complete commitment.”

>Awakened beings aren’t bound by our rules. It could be beneficial to create mixed groups for each objective in case things go badly.
>Our warriors would be better at the target identification. We could move into position and signal simultaneously without killing anyone.
>Awakened beings could make for a distraction on land even after identifying key targets. Silver-eyed warriors are fine enough as swimmers.
>Other?

>>6144015
>>Awakened beings aren’t bound by our rules. It could be beneficial to create mixed groups for each objective in case things go badly.

>>6144015
>Awakened beings aren’t bound by our rules. It could be beneficial to create mixed groups for each objective in case things go badly.

>>6144015
And one final 3d10 best of three.

I've been trying something different here - lining up all the relevant rolls and decisions before one comparatively lengthy update. So that will be what comes next.

Rolled 10, 1, 4 = 15 (3d10)

>>6144537

Rolled 8, 9, 9 = 26 (3d10)

>>6144537

Rolled 8, 5, 9 = 22 (3d10)

>>6144537