>>12647596
gah, forgot the pic initially and my trip dropped

>>12647596
Eh. Let's open up those chests first. We paid good coin for this breaker-stone, and there better be some loot.

Tell Wulf that we will be leaving him in charge of preparing the celebration for the men tomorrow, with Gaius to oversee him. We expect good things and to see how well he manages it. Then go use the breakerstone on the chests.

Tomorrow we should take Sansa out to do something fun to thank her for being so excellent during the trip and ask her how she has been feeling about being our aide. How is the workload, is she handling it well, any complaints, things like that. Depending on how long that takes, we might have time to something else afterward, like go get Laelith's face healed. Then in the evening we'll have the officer's celebration at a bar or eatery or something.

I think Laelith is coming to terms with her face at the moment and it might not be worth healing it unless she wants to. I'll agree to letting Wulf and Gaius organize it although I'm tempted to see just how their armchair strategizing is going.

>>12647725
Well we promised we would, so we should at least offer. If she doesn't want to that's her choice, we won't force her. Besides, it's not like she's hideous after a few scars anyway.

>>12647747
She might want to get the tattoos taken off if a Life Elementalist can do that.

>>12647725
I'm seconding checking out Wulf and Cornelius' little match.

Might give us more insight to our two young captains.

>>12647701
>I'll need confirmation on leaving the mens celebration to Wulf, and the rest to be honest... but the chest check first is a go.

Nodding at the table as you pass, you hear a roar erupt from about a quarter of the soldiers watching Sansa, Aurelius, Finian and Kyrias accuracy contest. Looking over you see Degrain and Kyria tweaking her repeater, Sansa with her arms raised up, and quite a bit of gold shifting hands.

Walking up to the chests; which you had stored in your room for safeties sake; you insert the breaker-stone to the first chest. When you hear the sound of crystals shattering you panic, but the chest pops open easily enough, and you recover the stone undamaged. On the top of the chest you find three exquisitely carved knives, Dwarven steel (Kes-tri-ai-te in the dwarven tongue... it took you months to learn how to pronounce the actual name of the strongest metal in the land properly) from the look of them, each with a different sheen to them. beneath them are seven gloves, one red, one brown, one green, one blue, one grey, one purple and one white; each so fragile looking that you doubt they have any place near a suit of armor or the field of battle. beneath the gloves you find a strange multi-faceted stone, a monacle, and finally two smaller chests at the bottom of the pile.

>>12647837
Interesting. We're going to need to talk to our dorfs and Laelith on what those gloves might be, as well as that stone and monocle. Open the smaller chests I suppose.

Part of me is wary in letting Wulf organize the party now that I think about it... What if we just had him organize it for the men while we did the one for the officers?

>>12647747
Agreed. Let'd have Julius talk with her about it, AFTER we open the chest and and talk with everyone else about the preparations for the celebration.

>>12647876
That's what I meant. We would handle the officer one but Wulf would handle the one for the troops, and to make sure he didn't screw up we would leave the old vet Gaius to watch over him.

>>12647885
Who is Julius?

>>12647833
>>12647788
>>12647747
>>12647725
>damn you guys showed up fast. you'll still get to see whats going on with Cornelius and Wulfs match, dont worry.

Inside the leftmost chest is a set of 10 similar, but not quite identical amulets; in the right there are three sets of rings. one set of 10 fairly plain appearing rings, one of 3 more embellished rings, and another of two equally ornate appearing rings.

>>12647876
>>12647885
Or we could just talk to her about it after we ask her bout the items.

>>12647837
I don't see any problems with any of that. It sounds fine and practical.

Check out what is in the boxes and other chests. Let's get a complete inventory, then fetch Laelith to see if she can identify any of this stuff for us.

>>12647910
Sorry, I meant Justinian, as in US, the commander.

>>12647916
Holy hell we have a lot of items to identify. Laelith and our dorfs would be best I think. If not that... We might have to hit the archives. Hard. Is there anyone else we could ask in theory?

>>12647837

check the two smaller chests

im betting that the gloves augment elementalist powers

as for the knives and stones i guess we'll find out

>>12647916
>rings
Hmm...

>>12647971
>Is there anyone else we could ask in theory?

We really ought to make more contacts among the academics or magic-users.

>>12647979
Color coded for your convenience!

>>12648029
>magic/elementalism has been dead for the last 4500 years or so, this is new, exciting ant terrifying that it is coming back, you can wield the latter, and you have another person who can in your retinue. the best you could find is a theorist, who would be versed in arcane items more than anything. progress post inbound

>moista first. your right captcha, this home-made chicken noodle soup I'm nomming on could use more broth.

>>12648089

pax, can we get a world map?

also, does laelith still have her battle torch?

>>12648134
>its not nearly complete, and I'm not sure if I like the continent name, since the setting is still a wip (the feedback I'm gleaning from how you guys react to what I have is shaping my finishing touches in fact) but here it is. Degnar is red, The Duchy is undergroung in the mountainous peninsula south of the area between Degnar and Uurlanth (blue). The Guild Lands are East of Uurlanth, and denoted by yellow cities. the three islands in the northeast are the Three Sisters (or the whorring sisters, depending on how polite the conversation is)

>>12648089
I assumed that the Empire has it own stable of experts who see to the magic items it has in storage.

Let's look up those theorists, any bit of knowledge helps.

In any case we should get Laelith and the dwarves to check out our stuff, like the others have already said.

Laelith follows you into your room after you roused her from hers. "What is it you want me to... oh." she says as she sees the chests. She examines the items for a few minutes before pulling the gloves, stone, and set of two rings aside as a group, and one of the knifes. "The gloves are training aides for elementalism, except for the white and purple, I haven't the first clue what they are aides for, but I suspect they have a similar purpose. The gloves would be ruined by combat, but will ease your use of elementalism in training. The knife is a marker, be it body, stone, wood or cloth, with proper use it can leave any color mark on the surface you strike with it... permanently. The Monacle, stone and rings work as a group to locate other arcana; and the monacle, if paired with the propper combination of other focuses and rings could seek out other things. That is all I can tell you about this chest< I doubt any of the other items of jewelry are dangerous... but I have no clue as to their use or the use of the knives. Is there anything else I can help you with commander?"

>>12648410
Bring up the prospect of getting her face healed.

>>12648410
Ask her how she has been doing since we got back, physically and mentally. Suitable living quarters and all. Reassure her we will stand for her in the trial. Then ask her if she is still interested in getting her scars healed, and if so that we would be willing to find a life elementalist to do so. Also ask if she wishes the tats removed at the same time.

>>12648410
Does she thing old texts might have information on what these artifacts cold be? If so, we might have to take another trip to the archives in the future. Maybe we should also ask her why she so introspective last time we left the archives.

Hmmm. Using the monocle, ring and stone will take some practice to get an idea on what we can find with it. Anyone have decent ideas on what we could use that knife that changes the colour of things? Part of me thinks maybe we could use it with our scouts but I'm not sure how useful it'd be.

Also, who thinks we should test out the white and purple gloves? Heh. Wonder if they help in contacting the different pantheons with the white one for the sun and the purple for the moon.

>>12648410
Ask her if she can teach us how to use these things, and when would be good for her?

>>12648494
I'd put off testing the gloves until we do a bit more research, but I say we ought to whip out some blank parchment and go magic markers on them with the knife. Y'know just to see what kind of permanent markings they make. We might be able to make runes/symbols on items later on.

Also, we ought to have the dwarves look at the other knives.

seconding this>>12647701 past the breakerstone part

we could check out what mercs are lying around today

>>12648575
It's been one day. Not likely to change a whole lot. Best to wait later in the month when more units would have rotated. As I said last thread, let's not be in a rush to spend the rest of our money.

You think for a moment before responding "Do you think that the books we retrieved from the archives would have any information on this? Other than that I was wondering how you are feeling since we returned to DragonsReach, you seemed rather... introspective yesterday. Aside from that I want you to know that if you wish I will attempt to seek out someone who could heal your face, and possibly remove the tattoos from your eyes. Other than that, it would be excellent if you could fetch Finian for me, as he might be able to identify some of these items as well."

Laelith smiles a little before responding "It was good to be back to my true profession, to be honest. I doubt the books will be of much use, as arcana are not their topic, I would suggest presenting them to one of your Empire codifiers to be identified properly. As to the city, it has no memories, I have a comfortable home in the barracks, and the food is better here than it was on campaign. Thank you for your offer, and while I would like to have the tattoos removed, scouring is painful, and leaves scars of its own... I will think on your offer." as that the elf leaves your room. You could probably check another chest while you wait for Finian.

>>12648663
There's another? Oh snap. We should of opened them all before calling Laelith but let's dig in I suppose. Are we allowed to keep all the arcana we find or only a portion of it?

>>12648663
I'm just wondering why we didn't crack them all open at once and get a grand inventory.

>>12648663

crack that ho open

>>12648686
We BEST be allowed to keep all of this, it's our campaign loot.

>>12648575
>>12648626
On that note: I'm having second thoughts on buying more cavalry. I still think we ought to get horse archers (preferably one who have back-up melee weapons), but given our remaining cash I think I might settle for us getting another infantry formation equipped with shields, since you guys raised the issue of elven archer units with the enemy. (Of course, horse archers would probably be mobile enough to avoid getting rained on with arrows.)

>>12648708
I'm tempted to see if we can look into upgrading our current troops. Similar to how we turned our scouts into rangers, can we do similar things to our units? I'd rather upgrade our permanent units than get more mercenaries if we can.

That and I still think keeping cash on hand for the campaign will be useful.

>>12648708

i was thinking about the lacertan unit that was up for grabs but they dont have shields or armour so yeah

whats up with lacerta and armour?

do they find it cowardly or something?

>>12648783
I think their hide is naturally tough enough that they don't bother. Although armoured Lacerta would be pretty lethal... I suppose their whole heat regulation issues would make wearing armour problematic as well.

Taking the stone to the other two chests, you are pleased to find that one seems to be Khalless' monetary holdings, mostly in gold. Its all Duchy coinage so you will need to take it to the palace to have it re-cast into Dragoons, and you will receive a finders fee after the casting is complete. The final chest is a series of tomes and scrolls, all of it written in dwarven. As you step away from the final chest, Finian enters, a largish bundle under his arm. "How can I help you Commander?" he asks, setting the bundle, with a note attached to it, down on your table.

"You could try to tell me what the arcana still in this chest does." you reply matter of factly, slightly peeved that you cant read anything in Khalless' liabrary.

"Hmmmm." Finian replies, looking at the amulets and rings. "I _THINK_ that the amulets are to ward against imbibed poisons and toxins, but that may have been a common theif who stole that set from the Duchies vault. The larger set of rings may be a set of signal flare rings, but once again, it could have been anyone that stole those. One of the first things Khalless did was destabilize most of the security measures of the Great Hall, so alot of things disappeared from them during his first rise to power... Thats alot of damned gold you have there Commander, and might I ask what the books are on?" The dwarf finally asks as he approaches the other chests.

>>12648747
>That and I still think keeping cash on hand for the campaign will be useful.

That's what I was thinking. Personally, I'd like a third Legionary unit if we're going infantry heavy. Or anything that could counter archers /cavalry.

The horse archers I wanted to get would have been great to harass enemy infantry formations. Hell, we might have even been able to use them to bait enemy cavalry into chasing them so that we could (a) lure them into range of our new repeating crossbows (b) blindside them with our heavy bear cavalry.

>>12648834
"I'm hoping you can tell me Finian. Dwarven isn't exactly my forte."

>>12648708
Ursars can probably take everything up front. I would also settle for medium infantry Myrmidons or such.

Do we even know if the Empire can field medium mounted archers?

>>12648834
"...and might I ask what the books are on?"

I was hoping you could tell me. I can't make heads or tales of the text.

>>12648860
you might be able to find a noble house that has that sort of cavalry wing. (the Empire doesnt train ANY cavalry, all truly professional and well trained cavalry in the empire come from the noble houses... so start making connections if you want reliable medium cav.)

Come on guys, stop worrying about troops for now. We can deal with that later in the month, we have a lot of time.

"Well Finian, I was hoping you could tell me what the books say, Dwarven isnt a language I am familiar with" you reply genially.

The dwarven captain walks over to the books and lets out a low whistle "Its all in an archival cypher. I can translate it, but I'm not the best with cyphers, so it will be slow going. I am however, fairly certain there will be something in here listing the contents of the chest... I could have that done for you by the end of the month, and I can work from there if you wish. Anything else commander? I _do_ have a rematch to see to." he replies, lifting up the chest of paper, huffing only slightly at its weight.

>>12649025
"Have you thought about what you're going to do with the ore I gave you?" Otherwise I think we can let him go.

>>12649025
The knives. He is the son of a smith and used to be one himself. He should be able to tell us something about them.

Otherwise do this stuff:
>>12647701

Finian nods to the package on your table as he leaves your room, lugging the chest. Walking over to the package you first read the note, its sort and simply reads "You helped me through a dark time in my life, and I owe you thanks, consider this it." you open the package to find an extremely well forged chainmail shirt. He must have salvaged some of the meteorite from the wagons to make this. You try the shirt on and are pleased with how well it fits, a bit heavier than your old shirt, but that is expected of meteorite.

>what do you want to do now?

>>12649187

bitchin'

seconding this>>12647701

What will we do for our bet with Jayne? I advocate telling her that she is now required to invite us over to her estate and cook something for us. Personally, no chefs.

We could also bring Cornelius, Sansa, and insist her sister be there. Or not, it could just be the two of us. Either way is fine with me.

At some point I think we need to talk to Laelith about what Khalless might have up his sleeve. He was way too confident about his survival and that's nagging away at my mind.

>>12649187
Let's check up in Cornelius and Wulf.

Also, thirding >>12647701

>>12649261
It could have just been bravado in the face of the guy who owned him.

>>12649261
Good idea.

>>12649324
It's possible but the guy walked away from being killed by the Duchy after he almost led a rebellion. Part of me doesn't want that to happen again. He is supposed to be damn charismatic and if he's given a chance to speak, part of me worries he might be that damn good.

You take your old shirt off of its rack, a few more links giving out in the process, and place your new shirt on the stand before heading out to the courtyard again. You make your way to stand next to Gaius and Kurt, asking them "So, whos winning?"

Kurt chuckles before responding "You picked your ward well, command'r, he'll have Cornelius in a few rounds at this rate."

Gaius shakes his head before responding "He's got a head for tactics, I'll give him that. But no eye for the long game yet, if Cornelius can pull his act together theres a four round trap that could cost the boy the game approaching. How can we help you commander?"

You chuckle and watch the game for now. As the two opponents slide the wooden figures across the gridded board. Whatever trap Gaius saw, Cornelius missed it, and Wulf beats him just as Kurt predicted, the two old soldiers exchange glances, and your Captain hands your Mercenary a decent handful of coin, all four begin to disperse from the table, but you motion for your protege and eldest captain to remain. "Wulf, I have a task for you. A good commander needs to know the minds of his men, and he needs to know how to keep them happy. So I'm leaving the planning for the celebration I promised the soldiers in your hands, you have two days to plan it out, Gaius will make sure you don't do anything... foolish. Understood?"

Wulf looks more or less happy at the task, if not a bit apprehensive about it. "Yes sir!" he responds before heading off towards the kennels. Gaius salutes before walking off to greet a group of Legionaries who had just entered through the front gate.

>you know that Sansa will most likely default to a night of drinking for something to relax, so you'll need to pull something else out of her, so give me a roll (dont worry, its not gonna be all that hard)

>>12649356
The Empire doesn't take shit from rebels, though.

Also, we best not just get a "Finder's Fee" for the gold. This is our damn gold, we looted it. And they want to try and tax or take it? Motherfucker, what?

rolled 31 = 31

>>12649374
Rollan. I wonder what she likes other than shooting stuff with her bow and booze.

>>12649374
Rolling away.

rolled 92 = 92

>>12649418
Damnit captcha.

>>12649374
What dice?

>rules sineastu

>>12649391
We could always just get it melted down into ingots. And I'm sure there are plenty of moneychangers or merchants we could see that take that kind of coin.

rolled 3 = 3

>>12649374

rollin'

>>12649391

we're a commander in the emperors legion

im sure we can throw our wieght around

>>12649391
I hope you're right. I'll be most displeased if this joker gets away.

>>12649428
Always d100's so far. The lower the better.

rolled 97 = 97

>>12649440
>Always d100's so far. The lower the better.

Gotcha. I was checking, he called for a d2 for the last encounter roll, after all.

>>12649391
They will likely only charge a pittance for conversion. I mean, one of the biggest driving factors for Roman era generals was loot. Take that away and you would have commanders overthrowing you within days, with full military support for the coup.

>>12649472
Right. Forgot about that. Well that's the first time we've had anything other than a d100 as far as I can recall.

>>12649428
>d100, low is good. occasionally I'll ask for something else, usually when I'm indecisive or feeling fiendish

You make your way over to the archery range, which is slowly starting to empty out as the sun moves further to the west and closer to the horizon. "Sansa" you start with, grabbing your aides attention "I wanted to have a discussion with you on how you are settling into your position... and reward you for doing such an admirable job so far. I was thinking you could choose where we go. It will likely be on the morrow."

Sansa thinks for a while before responding "Another trip to that tavern would be nice."

"Although drinking with you IS quite enjoyable, I was hoping that both of us would be able to remember the conversation, and the whole command staff will be celebrating our victory properly tomorrow night. What else interests you?" you reply with good humor, wholly unsurprised.

Sansa blushes a bit, but the look on her face tells of mixed emotions on your denial for another night of drinking with you "Well, I have always appreciated the creature games, especially the Kanixias races. If I recall correctly they should be at the tracks tomorrow..."

>as far as the finders fee is concerned, most money changers are taxed, and skim as well. Taking the chest to the palace to be added to the treasury will net you the most profit (since only Imperial agents are allowed to do this it isnt taxed, and is honestly preformed on a per-pound basis)

>>12649597
Well if that's the best we can do. It just seems like the commanders would be in an uproar about it considering the huge profit motive involved in campaigning.

>>12649580
Sounds like a date then. We can drink her under the table another time, heh.

>>12649632
>its a pretty good amount of the gold, since the Praetorians knows that those who can use this service will ultimately put it back into the Imperial economy in a legal manner. Its really more of a way for them to track how expansive your liquid assets are. They dont like being blindsided by men with private armies, and extra-national holdings.

>anything else you want to take care of tonight, or skip ahead to the outing with Sansa tomorrow?

>>12649580
To the races, then!

>>12649676
Can't think of anything else for today. Maybe figure out where we are taking the commanders tomorrow and reserve it.

>>12649707
Find out from Laelith if Khalless is familiar with the empires laws. If so, we need to brush up on them ourselves. Yes, I am paranoid. No need to have a longterm convo with her, I just really think we should find that out.

>>12649718
Dude, we aren't going to be the prosecutor or anything. We are just a witness testifying. Leave the law to the judges, we are a military officer and don't have time to learn 5000 years of jurisprudence.

>>12649726
I suppose you're right. Of course, I will now weep if my paranoia was warranted, heh. I can't think of anything else at this point so I guess we can go on ahead.

After consulting with Laelith, you are confident that Khalless' grasp on Imperial law is about as solid as yours... he mostly relied on his other wife, who was originally an Imperial national, for legal stuff.

-------------------------------------------------------

You have never been to the Kanixias races, always having been more of a chariot man yourself. But Sansa's enthusiasm as you walk with her to the tracks is contagious, even though you have no idea what a Kanixias is. The inside of the Gemnos Circut, the largest racetrack in the city, is alot different today than you are used to seeing it. Most of the seats are full of citizens and plebeians, but the track itself is a much smaller angled circle, a dividing line spirals from the outside edge to the center, and a glass shield runs its perimeter. As a Commander of the Legion, you are able to secure entry to the area that is usually track, but is simply open space today. You find yourself surrounded by minor nobles and other Commanders, but the crowd is thin, and you and Sansa are able to find a place along the glass. Shortly after finding your spot you see your first Kanixias, which turns out to be the beast that the gnomes you encountered were riding. Now the glass makes sense...

>how do you wanna come at this?

>>12649815
Oh dear. Tempted to make a little bet with Sansa now on the races.

>>12649851
We must do this.

>>12649851
We still haven't claimed the rewards from our last bet.

>>12649851
I think we ought to make small talk.

Ask her when she got interested in the races, etc. Y'know get to know her a bit better.

Of course, I'm not against a wager. Provided we win.

>>12649902
Oh I assumed small talk would occur regardless. We need to see how she's adapting as our aide and if she's gotten over the shock she had after her first battle as our aide where the death toll really was horrible for her.

Ask her how the duties are for her, make sure she's not taking too much on herself. Tell her we appreciate her acting as our lieutenant and that she has been doing a great job.

>the same kind of bet she had made with Jayne or some other sort of bet?

>>12649970
Sure, just a friendly "Whoever wins has to fulfill a request for the other." type bet should be fine.

>>12649970

same bet she made with jayne

>>12649970
Jayne-style bet. This will be interesting.

"This should be more interesting than I was expecting" you state as nonchalantly as possible. Sansa looks over at you with a look of mock incredulity on her face.

"Did you expect me to have boring tastes?" she asks, trying to keep a straight face, realizing your jest. The first three Kanixias' are herded out on to the track, one brown and confident in appearance, one red and energetic looking, the other green and mean in appearance.

"well I honestly havent gotten all that much of a chance to learn more about you personally, so how could I be sure?" you reply slyly "How about a bet?"

Sansa forces out an obviously fake laugh "Trying to get some of those dragoons you paid me back already?" she asks.

"Of course not, I was thinking something more along the lines of what you and Jayne had made before..." you trail off.

Sansa blushes at the revelation that you found out about her bet. Laughing a little she replies "Sure, which one are you betting on?"

>pick a critter, than roll 1d3 once you guys have a consensus.

>>12650115
the red one

>>12650115
I say brown.

If no one else posts, go for red then.

>>12650115
Why would she blush? She was the one who told us about it.

I say brown.

rolled 3 = 3

>>12650115
Brown it is, I wonder if our choice actually matters.

>>12650200
that you called her out on it, after she thought she got away scott-free perhaps? maybe she doesnt want to fess up, and is worried that she might have to? any number of reasons. (you are young daring strong successful and an all-around great guy remember... I've been doing my best to subtly paint you as a ladykiller)

>>12650235
Now that I think about it, I wonder if we have any major friends or enemies from our academy days. Wonder if we'll run into any of them in the city/on our next campaign.

>>12650271
Well there IS Cassius, who Justinian beat fair and square during the final test.

>kincin systen

"I like the brown one" you reply as your chosen beast is herded into the first chute.

"Red." Sansa replies smugly as that creature is herded into the second chute. A bell is rung and a piece of meat is dumped into the center of the circuit. The brown and red Kanixias' sprint ahead of the green one in the third chute. The crowds roar makes conversation hard, but not impossible.

"So, how are you liking your duties now that our first campaign is over?" you ask plainly, doing your best to appear as if you arent worried about the race at all.

"The work is easy enough, numbers come to me well... I dont particularly like some of the things I need to count however." she replies, unable to tear her face from the race as your choice gains the lead.

"The casualtiy counts? I doubt its the ration levels that you dislike to track." You reply matter of factly. The red Kanixis bellows and surges ahead, trying to snap at the brown one

"Yes." she replies "It feels like we failed them, no matter how few the losses are, I feel like there must have been something we could have done differently to prevent their deaths... maybe I'm to soft for the life of a soldier, all I can see are friends mourning over their bodies, flagons of ale spilt for the fallen after victory, silent toasts after defeat. Returning letters when a man who can read and write falls..." her face turns down a bit, but it only lasts for a moment as both of your choices fall on each other, the green Kanixias loping past the other two, launching a few of the quills on its tail at the pair to ensure they dont beat it to the meal across the finish line.

>I've been doing my best to subtly paint you as a ladykiller

So, does the emperor have a daughter?

>>12650403
"It's the burden of being in command. All we can do is try out best to make sure as few men die as possible. We can never allow the rest of the men to see thie weight of this burden though. At least we have each other for that."

I presume that means we both lost the bet?

>>12650403
>Green one wins.

Hah! I knew it.

Let's see if there's another race next. Maybe we'll have better luck in that.

>>12650403
Well now. That could have gone worse I suppose, at least she didn't win. Let's try again. Muhahaha.

Ask her for opinions on the captains and Laelith.

>>12650403

how big are these kanixis and where can we get one?

>>12650464
>Ask her for opinions on the captains and Laelith.

Good idea.

"It's the burden of being in command. All we can do is try out best to make sure as few men die as possible. We can never allow the rest of the men to see the weight of this burden though. At least we have each other for that." You reply plainly. Another trio of Kanixias are herded out; one motled in color, and snarling, another jet black, and by the looks of it it would be pacing were it not for the leash, and the third blue and timid in appearance

"I suppose your right. It never does get easier for anyone in a command position though, does it? If you want another go at our bet, my moneys on the mottled one." Sansa replies, torn between you and the beasts.

>>12650508
they are the beasts you saw the gnomes with, they are about twice as long as your Aurachnospecs, and the same height. And its not likely that you'll be able to catch one doolittle, they are pretty rare.

>if you caught my deleted post, I misread the response and had to re-do.

>>12650573
I say the black one. Sansa is a cheater, shifting her bet like that.

>>12650573
I'm game for the black one.

>>12650634
>>12650609
throw up a d3 then

>>12650573
"Only when you have skilled aides to make it easier for you." Obvious reference to her, heh. "Otherwise command shouldn't be easy. When you hold power over that many lives, it should never be a simple matter."

rolled 2 = 2

Hmm. Maybe we should use our botch if we lose to her, heh.

>>12650655
Oh shit son.

Okay, I think this is getting to decision point time. We currently have, most likely, been handed the keys to both Jayne and Sansa's pants. Laelith is still holding out due to severe mental trauma, but it seems like she will succumb soon.

What is our course of action, gentlemen? Shall we proceed or deny these women our essence, lest they sap and impurify our precious bodily fluids?

Basically, I'm asking if we want to hold out for other potential options.

"It isnt supposed to be easy" you reply as her choice is loaded into the first chute, yours into the second and the blue into the third. "But with good aides it isnt quite as hard." Sansa grins a bit at your thinly veiled reference as the bell rings and the race begins. "What do you think of my captians?" you ask her point blank, as your choice streaks ahead of the others.

Sansa gasps, a slight frenzied look filling her eyes for a moment before replying "Gaius is a good steady man, and Cornelius is likely to follow in his footsteps, I like them. Uurist is a good dwarf, and a better drinking friend. Kyria is a sweet girl, and deserves much better than she thinks she does. Aurelius is a pig and he knows it... but does his job well enough. Finian... is hard to judge, he was so reserved at first, then he snapped, and now he is changing to quickly for me to make heads or tails of. I feel for him though, that was a tough time in his life we met him in. Did you want me to give you my assessment of the other members of your retinue as well?" Sansa replies, grimacing as her choice falls upon the blue kanixias in frustration and hunger, the crowd roars in excitement, and your choice slows to a leisurely trot as its remaining competition seems to have sated itself

>well, do you want her to?

>>12650735
Hard to say. Based on what Pax has said about us back in our Academy days, we were busy chasing women rather than paying attention to history class. In a way, that clearly dictates we proceed, heh.

Anyways, that might be jumping to conclusions. I don't think it's gotten to that stage just yet.

>>12650764
Can't hurt.

>>12650764
If you would like. I understand that you have only just met the recent mercenary hires, however, and don't expect a rundown of them.

And oh my, it seems I won. Fancy that.

>>12650764
Indeed. If there are going to be any problems, it would be best to know now and we can possibly try to smooth them over. If we can't win Sansa onto our side, the captains won't be much easier.

>>12650655
Welp, looks like we won.

>>12650735
Funny, I was thinking we'd joke about having two pretty women indebted to us, hinting at the kinds of things a young, strapping commander might have them do. (Even better if we can win bet with Kyria, who was obvious throwing 'interested' vibes.)

But then, there's Sansa's bad experience with her previous commander. But then I think she likes us better.

>>12650777
Bear in mind that it is unlikely they will be okay with sharing. Even Laelith, as she seems to have left that life behind. Maybe.

>>12650816
Oh I'm well aware of that. And I imagine there will not be a consensus on who to chase, so in a way I'm hoping it hasn't gotten to that point yet.

You also have to bear in mind that as we move up in rank we might want a political marriage.

Of course, Jayne is also nobility. Eldest daughter, even, with no hint of any sons.

>>12650853
But then that opens up the can of worms on if we want to aim for a political house with more sway. I believe she said after the death of her father, the prestige of her house has dropped quite a bit and the campaign in the north didn't do much to help. Do we try to secure links to a more powerful family or stick with hers? Or do we not bother with a political marriage, since that opens us up to a whole new world of enemies if we advance that way?

>>12650885
Too many variables, we won't even know if the political marriage thing is an option until we get some glory.

Plus, I like all three (technically four) of the current options.

>>12650898
I agree completely. That's kind of what I was trying to point out really. There are tons of variables that would have to be considered.

As your choice trots across the finish line, you shoot sansa an amused look, and she lights up brighter than you have seen her yet. "It wouldn't hurt." you reply, as if the bet really wasn't all that big of a deal to you.

Sansa sputters a bit, before responding "Wulfs interesting, a fast learner... he should go far with that face of his. Colin is a solid dwarf, maybe a bit to drawn by the gold, but he has excellent reasons so it is forgivable. Jayne is, well, Jayne; a little to comited to what is good for her house, and blind to alot of other things, save perhaps you. As for Laelith, and Blackleaf I am unsure about both of them. While they have useful skills, the nature of how you recruited the elf, and the personality of Blackbird make me worry. The fact that they are so reclusive makes me nervous even more. I dont believe they will betray you, but I dont know if they have your best interests in mind. Laelith is no doubt indebted to you, but I fear the day she no longer feels that to be honest. As for the mercenaries... its to soon to be sure, but Kurt seems to be acclimating to the unit well enough, the other two are keeping to themselves too much for me to get ant good idea of how they will work out." by the time Sansa finishes her rundown her face is nearly back to its natural shade. "And, umm, Justinian... are you going to want to know what I was going to tell you when you recovered, or did you want to know... something else?" she asks timidly, her face beginning to redden again.

>>12650937
>Laelith and Blackleaf

BLACKLEAF NOOOOOO

>>12650885
>>12650853

Why not start our OWN "noble" house later down the road? A certain sister may end up bringing ruin to a family and forcing a certain sister to seek another home.

Also, if it comes down to us being forced to choose between the two... we should choose war. Let the women form a competitive bond of friendship attempting to team up to pull us away from war.

>>12650937
I vote making her say what she would of said upon our recovery. Not sure what else we'd ask her honestly.

>>12650937
>are you going to want to know what I was going to tell you when you recovered, or did you want to know... something else?"

Well now that you've got me curious, what did you want to tell me?

>>12650937

>Blackleaf

Soooo many mental images right now. So many.

>>12650937
How about you tell me what you would have asked me had you won.

>>12650984
Err, to clarify, the answer to the question she would have asked us. Like if she would have asked "What is your favorite food?" she has to tell us her favorite food.

>>12650937
"Laelith is a trouble woman. Khalless did a lot of damage to her but I think she'll improve over time. Honestly, I think part of the reason she is so reclusive is because of what she has done in the past. It'd be rather awkward for her to join the rest of the captains and I'm not sure how the captains will respond. In regards to Blackleaf... I think he will be fine as long as he's in the thick of combat but I understand your worries. His actions in the last battle were alarming suffice to say."

>>12650970
>>12650951
ahh get off it, freudian slip from being on /tg/ and my shenanigans-o-meter going off

and a concensus would be nice

>>12651003
We don't need to actually respond to those opinions. Just thank her and move on.

>>12651000
If we're not getting a consensus than go with asking her what she would of asked us if she won. It'll still be interesting to hear although I'm still wondering what she would of said upon our recovery.

"Hmm... Why dont you tell me what you would have asked if YOU had won the bet?" you respond to her query, a mischievous grin on her face.

"I, well I would have asked if you prefered jayne or me, or maybe which of my features you thought was most fetching, and called you out on all of the 'safe' answers men give until I thought you were twlling the truth." she stutters out.

>anything else you want to ask her, or hop ahead to the shindig with your command staff?

>>12651089
Smile and tell her, "Well now I suppose you are just going to have to wonder about how I would have answered."

>>12651089
Can't think of anything to ask her at the moment. Think we should test her tactical and strategical ability at some point? Might be worth looking at who we can leave in command of our maniple in the field if we are ever separated from them for some reason.

>>12651121
Smoooth.

I like it.

>>12651121

Trollface.jpg

Jayne:
+: Noble
+: Sexy warrior lady
+: Inexperienced and shy
-: Noble house is poorly regarded
-: Merc leader, might not see each other much

Laelith:
+: Fantastically beautiful
+: Smart and powerful /w elementalism
+: "Experienced" yet seems chaste
+: Fragile and reliant moe
+: Possible polygamy
-: Heavily damaged goods
-: VERY "Experienced" from the past
-: Technically a prisoner
-: Will outlive us by hundreds of years

Sansa:
+: Reliable and assertive
+: Total bro
+: Acts as an organized and excellent day-to-day legion manager
-: Former criminal
-: Has at least one enemy higher ranking than us

Did I miss anything?

>>12651238
While she is beautiful without the scars, do remember that we messed up Laelith's face pretty good.

>>12651238
I suppose you could add it as a plus that Sansa is innocent of her crime and that she's not bad of a warrior herself. Read thread one to see how she saved our ass during our graduation battle if you have not.

>>12651238
Kyria, the peppy, blonde dwarf captain of our ranger unit. Also a bit a tinkerer.

You feel your face pull into a devious grin before you respond "And I guess you will have to keep on waiting to find out." Sansa cocks an eyebrow at you in way of a response, but her face contorts into her 'thinking' face once she figures you arent looking anymore. She'll probably be trying to figure out those answers by herself for quite a while now. The two of you enjoy a few more races before finally leaving the tracks realaxed and happy. You have a few hours left before your command staff will be meeting at the same restaurant you took them to before the campaign began, and not a whole lot to do it would seem.

>well, what do you wanna do then?

>>12651301
Find an expert on alcohol around the world in the city. Find out what the hell we were given after graduating. Otherwise I can't think of anything serious at the moment.

>>12651319
Now now, the two of us can't get too wasted before the party.

>>12651301

This: >>12651319

Also, check in on how Wulf is doing with the preparations.

>Fifteen fingua

>>12651345
Let's leave him be. A show of confidence.

As long as we don't drink much I suppose we can take Sansa around looking for the drink.

>>12651374
I was thinking more along the lines of finding a known expert and letting him try it. Then he can tell us if he knows what it is.

>>12651388
Isn't it, you know, gone?

Also, if we could slip Sansa some extra drink before the party then maybe the others could actually keep up with her.

>>12651398
I think Sansa and us have it divided up for a bit still. This dinner might call for a shot of it for our captains after the success of the last campaign if we have enough.

As you return to your barracks complex you see a group of minstrels entering, and the last keg of ale being offloaded off of a rather large cart. When you enter you see a modest stage set up, and the kegs off to one side of the courtyard, from the looks of it the minstrels are a more, alternative, group, a kithara, a small set of drums, a lute, a few dancers with tympani and bells and a singer. Wulf has mostly everything in place it would seem "Boy has an eye for quality at a good price" is all Gaius can tell you about all of the things your ward brought in for the party.

You ask around the city a bit, and eventually find your way to the man regarded as the greatest authority on alcohol in DragonsReach. when you ask him about the origins of the drink he only laughs, responding "Now the Second Praetorian would be very sour if I spoiled his fun. Helped him pick the drink out myself for its unique teaste and rarity... I couldnt tell you, and you cant outbid your superior... but I can sell you more if you want more time to decipher the drinks origins."

>>12651424
Yeah, sure. One night in the future we'll share it with Sansa and try to figure it out again.

>>12651424
Hmm. Wonder if we could weasel a hint out of the guy but it's good to know we at least found a source. Tempted to get some for the celebration and we did just get a nice jackpot of gold... So unless it's hugely expensive, I think it's worth getting another so we can find out what it is.

>>12651450
I don't know, this is something personal we can have between us and Sansa. Going out and drinking the nights away trying to find the beverage, and all that. We could give it to our captains, but that would spoil the exclusivity.

>>12651470
Hmm. I suppose. We did let them have it last time before we left. I guess we should save it only for really epic or important wins. Like our battle after taking Khalless would of been a good time. I think it's worth getting regardless. And I now collapse to sleep. See you all next time.

>>12651450
>>12651449
You buy another bottle from the man who hints "Everything you know about drink names is wrong" before you leave. You are pleasantly surprised that it isnt as expensive as you had expected, on par with most other quality drinks, but not the upper end of the group.

The rest of the day and most of the next pass uneventfully, and you eventually find yourself leading your command staff to the same restaurant you treated them to last time, but you rent out the room with the most extensive selection of alcoholic beverages. There are only light snacks set out, and your command staff is begining to split off. BlackBird and Laelith standing off to different sides of the room, Sansa, Uurist and Buckmoore already grouping around a table to drink. In one corner Gaius, Cornelius and Kurt are standing in a group, occasionally joined by Wulf, who is often distracted by the serving girls, much to Aurelius' dismay. Jayne and Kyria are talking with one another quietly, Degrian trying to insert himself in the conversation periodically, but when they resolutely stay on topic he lopes off to chatter with Finian.

>well? anything in particular you wanna do here?

>>12651532
Did we ever congratulate Blackbird on his wedding? Ask him how he finds married life, and if he drinks. Maybe try to lead him over to Sansa, Uurist, and Buckmoore.

Then the next solo, Laelith. We should go chat her up after Blackbird and see if we can get her to integrate some.

>>12651532
Thread archived. I suggest trying to integrate Laelith and Blackleaf amongst our men. Gotta stop them from being so reclusive. Now I really do leave.

>>12651573
>>12651577
Good idea.

Also, rib Wulf a bit. It looks like he's really taking after Justinian.

If we;re archived already, I think I'm gonna crash too, since this is a pretty good place to cut off, since I have an 8:30 am class. I'll be back wednesday at 9ish according to the server time. later.

(and yes, I'll start with these last few posts next session)

>>12651649
See you then, man.