>>13331794
"Indeed the cause of that is rather unfortunate but to make up for it - I do have a gift for you." And reveal the new book. Also, is the crystal shaking now that we're close to Laelith?

>>13331794
"Yes, well. Ran into some trouble, and it was enough to cause some delays. There were, however, a few rewards you might be interested in; would you care to see them?"

Then go show her the books and torches.

"There was an... interesting encounter. It seems that even random bandits have elementalists that can equal me these days. It took some time to heal the wounds, even with a life elementalist present.

But to make up for it, I brought you a passionate kiss, a gift, a question, and a mystery. Which would you like first?"

Are we holding the crystal in our hand? Is it reacting to laelith's presence?

>>13331794
Heh, looks like Laelith was lonely and wanted playful banter but Justinian shut her down hard.

You pick the crystal from you pocket, and it begins to glow a warm red and vibrate rather intensely. "There is a bit of a story to that. Would you care to hear my tale first, have your apology, or your gifts?" you ask, tossing Laelith the crystal. It reverts to normal in midair, then returns to the same shade and frequency as it did when Jayne last held it as Laelith catches the crystal.

"I think I need my apology before I can even consider your excuses." Laelith replies, leaning forward, you oblige her with a kiss; and a short time later she says "I suppose I'll have my gifts before your story."

You hand Laelith the books, and torches, not sure which really brings her mind fully from the tome she was translating to you, at a loss for words, her mouth works ever so slightly as she looks the items over. "We encountered some bandits, after dispatching them and knitting our bones back together, we took these, among other, items. I thought you may enjoy them." you inform her, plainly, silently enjoying the happy shock on the elfs face.

"It cant possibly be that simple." she eventually manages, looking up from the gifts, a rather deep smile on her face.

>>13331845
Seconding this.

I still think the crystal is either an elemental amplifier, or a simple indicator of whether the holder has the potential to be an elementalist.

>>13331903
D'awww. We should show we care, then.

/If you know what I mean./

>>13331999
"It's not. It seems these bandits ran into the cult we've been seeing, killed one of their agents and took a chest of theirs. We won't be able to open it until we return to the capital but hopefully it'll have something interesting in it. Plus, it seems they've found one of their objectives in Duchy lands."

>>13331999
"I'm afraid that it is the boring and simple truth. When I saw the torches and rare books I thought of you, my dear. Well, and then there was the fact that I found some information on the Lordfathers, an important cultist chest, and a powerful earth elementalist tried to kill me. But that's all in the past.

Now for a question: Do you think Lena could open a magical chest without damaging the contents?"

>>13332000
Based on its behavior so far it seems to be an elementalist detector.

It turned green when Justinian we holding it in Jayne's presence, red when he held it in Laelith's, and then the same color (yellow, was it?) when either of them held it in Justinian's presence.

>>13332078
Brown. Yeah, looks like it detects elementalists.

>>13332078
Indeed and it only seems to work if an elementalist is holding it since it wasn't working in Sansa's hands. Worth bringing with us in the future, that's for sure since it might give us a heads up on elementalists we'll face or come across. It'll definitely help in finding a life elementalist back in the capital for Laelith.

>>13332000
This pretty much proves it's a detector. I seriously doubt that it is an amplifier.

>>13332003
The next one that we sleep with is Jayne. Tonight, if possible, to make up for time lost to our injuries. Maybe we can convince her to let us help wash off the journey's scent.

>>13332003
Eh, might as well since we just gave her some gifts and everything to set the mood and she seems to have missed us anyway.

Then we should do
>>13332064
and see if we can find a way to open that chest. Surely we could tear it apart with elemental powers or get our mage to open it. If not, we could always send our eagle back to the capital and get someone to send the breakerstone back with him. He's a big bird and the stone is small.

>>13332112
Jayne will be bone tired tonight from using all the elementalism, plus that whole thing with her being the wife and us promising Sansa to help her out with the bet means I vote for Sansa next.

>>13332112
I don't know, I think we should invite Sansa back tonight since we have been making moves on her lately. And we have Kyria due back in a few days.

>>13332137
seconded

get freaky with our elf then go try to unlock the chest

tell her to try and find out what the torches we found do too because it would be awesome to have an earth torch

Well, we can't really give her all these gifts and not expect something in return...

>>13332194
>earth torch
How would that even work? All I can picture is swirling dirt and stones hovering over where the fire is supposed to be, in the shape of a flame.

"Well, that is enough of the truth, I would hope. I was thinking of you, so I took these lovely items from the dead bandit elementalist, hidden in with the rest of the things they took from the cult we have been encountering on and off." you reply.

Several emotions shoot across Laeliths face, but it seems to pause the longest on gratitude, before she replies "Would that it was, Justinian. When one fails to stay fully abreast of your plans and the reasoning behind them, the plans tend to fail in the most interestingly unfortunate ways. What was among the things stolen from the cultists?" she asks, pulling her stool closer to yours.

"An plainly worded note stating that they had achieved their goals in the Duchy, and a magically locked chest... I dont suppose Lena would be able to open the chest without damaging its contents?" you ask, hopefully.

Laelith frowns, placing a hand on your leg "How large was the group of cultists?" she asks, worridly.

"Two, perhaps three of them, why do you ask?" you reply, begining to feel concerned.

"A note with information on the status of an intensely prolific, merciless, and nigh untracable cults main purpose was taken so easilly? When we have not yet been able to capture or question a single member of the cult as to yet?" she responds, thoughtful "Need I tell my clever lover why such a question needed asking?" she adds, there is a lengthy silence before she adds "No, Lena will not have the skill for such a feat for some time yet."

rolled 30 = 30

>>13332223
Gah, I can never get the dice macro right.

>>13332240
"Hmm...it is rather curious. But why would those bandits have those things in their possession if they did not steal them? I did not notice any markings aside from the ones on the blood-soaked clothes we found."

>>13332240
"They had no idea we'd go into the mountains though so there would be no reason for them to set up a trap with false information. Unless some of those bandits were the cultists hiding out with them..."

How I would laugh if the person they were trying to take away from the Duchy were locked up unconscious in that chest and they were going to smuggle her out of there.

>>13332293
Couldn't it be possible that the cult planted that information as a decoy? They may have had some divine assistance, considering that we've been making enemies amongst the gods.

>>13332240
It honestly does not matter if it is deception or not, since it has not changed my plans in any way. Thank you for pointing it out, however, I can't always be expected to see every possible angle now can I? I'm afraid I might need to rely on your wonderfully brilliant mind even more in the coming years as my plans expand, if that's okay with you.

I'll have the chest isolated and put under guard and send for my breakerstone from the capital. If there is some malign influence stored within.

rolled 92 = 92

>>13332240
Well to the bandits credit they had an elementalist who nearly put me to shame with his skill.

test roll

>>13332240

Recitation: "A pity. I wish I had thought to bring the breaker stone with me. Though, my encounter with the earth elementalist has me wondering if I could simply will it open. Took my sword straight from my hand without blinking.

Either way, cultists had definitely died to them. With the hidden cache was a fine set of familiarly-marked clothes, bloodied in a way only dead men can make."

>>13332311
Possible but that's pretty unfortunate if that's the case. The most divine help we've had were not immediately clear messages... Unless a mystic was involved in giving them information that we would be coming... But if that IS the case, that would mean there's a spy amongst our men who somehow got the message out to them before we arrived but I don't see how that's possible. And I don't see how this information is a very useful as a decoy other than making us interested in the Duchy after our campaign. That's assuming Khalless' notes and letters don't point us to something more interesting like those tomes on necromancy. We definitely need to look into that and stop anyone else from getting them. Otherwise we're going to be having a campaign against the undead in the future.

>>13332240
Indeed, it reeks of subterfuge. We should be wary of assassins... perhaps it is too dangerous for the lovely ladies of my command staff to continue sleeping alone?

>>13332384
Oh Justinian, you so crazy.

"Thank you for mentioning that too me... even I am incapable of finding and searching every angle. I expect to make use of your brilliant intellect even more in the future as my plans grow and increase in complexity, if you dont mind." you reply, wrapping an arm around the elf that has nearly snuck into your lap over the course of the conversation. "The plan you mentioned as a possibility, however, is far too complex to be reliable, and would require too many mystics, spies, and double agents in to many places, and all to confuse a man who may or may not be on their trail, and to do it in such a manner that he would not likely change his course along their trail with the information." you explain evenly.

Laelith blinks at your small lectures, before laughing and musing "Remind me to never give you cause to plot against or around me in the future."

>>13332442
Oh come, surely you've rather enjoyed the fruits of my plots so far? Sansa blushes whenever you enter the room, after all.

>>13332442
"oh but there's always reasons to plot against someone, the questions is what do I want out of the plot. I spend a large portion of my mind thinking of new and interesting ways to put you and the other girls in situations that I find humorous. Everyone needs a hobby dear"

>>13332442
"My plots might well be deep, but yours seem to be all about... subtle maneuvering. Perhaps we should see whose 'endgame' is the best in this situation?"

Recitation: "In the end, I will need to gather evidence to prove anything beyond 'people with this mark are not to be trusted', so this information is only part of a bigger mechanism I have to plan out."

>>13332539
Double entendres, ho!

"Everyone needs a hobby, love." you reply "Though your plots are much subtler than mine, I must admit."

"I'm note sure if I should be flattered or frightened by that." Laelith replies, playfully "I'm a simple, innocent scholar." she defends herself.

"Your no innocent." you accuse, dropping your voice an octive "You cant be around Sansa without her blushing now that you took to my plot... though I am curious as to whos plot has the better endgame." you add suggestively.

Laelith smirks, rising from your lap "I suppose we'll simply have to wait to see how our plots play out then." And just like that she is lost you, engrossed in her work again. Sighing you kiss her on the cheek and head from her tent, knowing the feral smirk that is now platered all over her face without even having to see it.

Statement: Let's get a change of clothes on and find out what all went down while we were away.

>>13332759
Agreed.

>>13332759
Sure. Work before pleasure. Go find Sansa; she should have been getting reports on everything and should be able to fill us in.

>>13332759
Agreed.
We should also use the crystal while walking around the camp, just to see if it activates and we have more elementalists in our maniple.
The problem is that it only reports an elementalist in the area, and can't point them out.

>>13332723
Ooooh, stopped short. The lady plays her game well.

Let's go check up on any developments around camp. Sansa first, see if there are any things we need to see to immediately. Then I suggest Janos, then Collin to practice our soldiery or meditation to practice our elementalism.

Also, we need to invite either Jayne or Sansa for some one-on-one time later in the evening if we are going to make our goal of haremizing them all before we march.

>>13332832
If we're going to see Collin, I suggest we either bring him the book or read the book ourselves and see what it has to say. If I remember correctly, the man doesn't fight with the same weapons as us so we might want to see if the book can help us in that area. Who knows, it might give us ideas in other ways and let us improve the fighting style of some of our units based on what weapons are in there.

>>13332874
Good idea, if we didn't give that one to Laelith too that is.

That said, I think it might be more useful to train elementalism than sword skill. It has much more broad-reaching impact and we're going to be focusing less on the small scale stuff as time goes on.

>>13332921
I would agree were we not in the middle of learning that cave technique... Guess we might as well get it done but I kind of wish we had gone into improving our other skills in elementalism rather than this cave technique. Oh crap, I just remembered Jayne's bears were sick and she's been missing over a day. I hope this doesn't hurt our bear cavalry...

I agree with practicing Elementalism.

>>13332937
I have to agree, it seems that training this one specific skill is taking so long that it had best have other uses like opening up secret tunnels into the middle of fortresses or diverting rivers and such. Perhaps even making huge underground city-caverns or carving cavern-fortresses into mountains.

Because, seriously, we can already split and morph the ground. What is so special about making a hollow hole in stone when we can do that? This must be some kind of new awesome power, right?

>>13332937
To be fair, our next skill of fissures was completely shit-tastic.

rolled 71 = 71

Seeing as how we'll be practicing elementalism, I feel that some test rolls are in order...

>>13333038
It's illogical that we have to unlock specific skills in a specific order anyway. We should just be able to train the general skill and implement it in whatever way we please based upon that general skill.

rolled 38 = 38

>>13333047
Hmm...still rolling high, I see.

>>13333038
Yes but it would of taken one meditation session to learn and we could of got something new and more powerful since we're pretty far up that tree. This cave thing has taken at least 3 sessions so far and we're only halfway done it? Those three sessions invested in fissues likely would of been way more useful in our next campaign than this cave.

And I kind of want to take a level in terrakinesis. It'll give us more options in our one-on-one duels if we can throw stones at our opponent from random directions.

You make your way to your tent, most of the fort already asleep, exhausted from the days work. You clean yourself, and set out again, looking for Sansa, hoping to receive a proper update on what has happened in your absence. After an hour you set out, you find her, sitting quietly in her tent sipping on a glass of some alcohol and humming a tune. "Would you be so kind as to tell me what happened in my absence?" you ask politely, before entering her tent.

"Oh, Degrian has us all working like mad to complete the additions to the fort, the men are eager to move out. There truly isnt very much that can happen over a two day span. Care for a drink?" she replies, holding out a glass to you

rolled 62 = 62

Well that one was at least better.

Last test roll.

>>13333053
Hmm. I think I will try a night without test rolls and see how luck treats me.

rolled 60 = 60

We really need to finish up this cavern-making skill. I hope it lets us branch out into other, interesting, siege-breaking and fortress-cracking stuff.

rolled 43 = 43

rollan for elementalism

Statement: We haven't gotten smashed with just Sansa in a while. Opportunity presents it's self.

>>13333056
Sure, why not? We've had a hard day ourselves and could do with some relaxation.

"Where do you keep all this fine liquor anyway, Sansa? I don't seem to remember you bringing a private stash with you when we left..."

>>13333056
"It never hurts to check. If we're going to drink, I think it should be something we still need to figure out." And we bust out the special brew.

rolled 5 = 5

>>13333055
>And I kind of want to take a level in terrakinesis.
Oh, and don't forget: apparently, if that bandit elementalist was any indication, if level it we can also affect metals too. We could force the sword out of our enemy's hand with that.

Make ourselves a stone chair and sit down

>>13333084
I agree. Elementalism can wait. Or maybe not, programming drunk can get you some crazy code, so I wonder what magicking drunk would get you?

Assuming we even get a chance to do so, that is. Drinking with an interested party in their tent at night speaks to other activities.

>>13333067
I hope you're right but honestly I think if we had just kept chugging away at fissues, we would of started to learn some siege-breaking or fortress cracking skills. Let's just get it over and done with and hope we can get some more time in to learn some more combat powers for this upcoming campaign. We'll need all the help we can get.

>>13333098

Obsevation: We could also probably do things like having armor stab/crush it's own wearer.

>>13333098
Honestly, I would prefer to level fissures and shatter the sword in his hand rather than control it, since we are already so heavily focused. Remember that we are able to effect things that aren't touching the ground since we created razor-spikes on the rocks the eagles were trying to drop on us.

>>13333118
Shouldn't we already be able to create spikes inside the armor with enough levels in fissures?

>>13333118
Like having the all of the joints of a company of plate-wearing soldiers seize up because they're now all fused?
Or the metal in a light infantry company's chainmail crushes their bodies, breaking their ribs in the middle of a battle?

>>13333147

Statement: Indeed. The levels of brutality possible is only limited by our lack of training and imaginations.

You accept the glass, but wave off Sansa's prffered bottle "I was just checking, not that checking ever hurts." you reply, defusing the sudden flare of frustration and lust for revenge by producing your flask and filling your cup. "Now finish that off so we can enjoy ourselves."

Sansa smirks "If you insist" she replies, trying her hardest to sound put off by your offer of a better drink, and failing.

As you fill her glass you ask "Where did you get that from, I wonder. I dont seem to remember you taking any alcohol with you when we set out."

"Why, did you rummage through my things as we left the capitol?" she shoots back, taking a healthy gulp from her glass. At that rate, the flask wont last very long.

rolled 18 = 18

>>13333098
I just had the best idea. Does anyone remember the final fight in KOTOR 2?

Because I'm thinking of something like that.

>>13333187
"perhaps, you wouldn't happen to be hiding anything hmm?"

I'm against starting an entirely new element tree when we already can do most of the abilities we want with fissures. Shatter swords, spikes inside armor, splintering the armor and making deadly shrapnel waves, instantly reforming the metal in the ground into enormous above-ground geometric spiked lattices that can impale entire batallions... these are just some of the things high level Fissures could do from what we have seen.

Though one interesting thing Terrakenesis could do that nothing else could replicate would be vibrating chainsaw-blades of sand, "forcefields" of dust that deflect blades away from us, thousands of steel ball-bearings that we can launch into the enemy like bullets, and after we gain mastery we can do this:
>http://www.hulu.com/watch/12387/x2-x-men-united-magneto-escapes

>>13333187
"No but I can make it a habit on future campaigns if you wish."

"No, but if you wish I can make a habit of it." you reply, finishing you glass, and puring the last of the flask into yours and hers.

"I think not." Sansa replies, toasting your glass and taking another long pull from hers.

"Why, are you hiding something from me, my dear?" you ask, in between sips.

"Why, of course not." she replies, frowning at the empty flask. "Tease." she accuses you.

"I have a full bottle back at my tent, if you wish to continue this." you offer, trying your best to sound innocent.

"That depends, do you actually plan to have a good time, or find some excuse to stop early or run off to do more work?" Sansa asks, as she sets the glasses down on one of her closed chests, before dropping into your lap to await an answer.

>>13333372
Well, that just depends on how convincing you are. Would there be a reason for me to stay and have fun, you think?

Well, enough teasing the girl, I say.

>>13333310
Still I think we should at lest finish the cave technique since we are already half done.

>>13333310
I'm liking the "Magneto of Sand" angle that we could go with Terrakinesis, though I see your point about finishing off a skill tree so we get to the good stuff before starting another one.

How about we continue Fissures for the rest of this campaign, and then we switch to Terrakinesis afterwards?

>>13333443
Dunno, we might want to invest in stonesense too. That could lead to strategic superiority, allow us to spike enemy leaders at 50-mile ranges, give us some jedi-level shit in personal combat as we detect enemies through their metal armor or swords, or eventually even allow us to learn important political secrets by reading private letters via the metallic pigmenting used in ink.

Statement: We're two points away from having caves nailed down. Abandoning it now would just make us wish we finished it later on down the road. Think of all the uses this ability could have. Hell, we'll be able to make our own wine cellar ourselves once we get to having a manor back in Dragon's Reach.

>>13333496
We could create a giant tunnel under the river and not need to take the crossings at all! Holy shit! Entire plot point evaded! We spend all our time looting super-valuable targets instead of fighting, and when the main legion gets here we just show them our dozens of secret tunnels under the river!

>>13333512

Statement: NOW you're thinking with portals!

"Oh, I aim to enjoy myself tonight." you reply, standing up "The question is, will you be able to keep pace?"

Sansa follows behind you "I think you'll find me far harder to outdo than your expecting." she replies, sliding her arm around your waist and slinking under your cloak, as she chased you into the chill winter air without hers. By the time you return to your tent, the bottle of alcohol is all but forgotten.

-----xxx-----CQ-----xxx-----

As it turns out, Sansa was able to deliver on her bragging, as you are sure it was just before sunrise when you both finally fell, and stayed, asleep. As it stands, you expect it to be just before midday as you wake, pinned to your cot by your aids spry form, still out cold. You slide from beneath her, dress yourself quietly, and head out into camp, thinking on what needs to be done... and wishing you had stretched before setting about your day. Lamenting the folly of not caring for your overworked muscles as you feed yourself, you quietly enjoy a late breakfast before setting out to your daily work.

>well, what do?

>>13333512
Oh my god. How did I not see this before? Do it. Our mission is only to secure crossing points for the river. If we can do that without fighting and spend all that time looting and building up an enormous fortune and/or a reputation as the Ghost of Degnar then... hell yes!

>>13333512
Given a day or two, we might be able to do it.

But not only that, but creating caves where we can hide our maniple, effectively disappearing from enemy trackers.
Imagine their consternation when they follow our maniple's trail, only for it to end suddenly in the middle of nowhere.
Then the trackers get pulled under into our newly created cave system.

We could become the Roman equivalent of Rommel's Ghost Division.

>>13333530
See how Bella and Collin have worked out, check in on Jayne and the cubs, then practice Elementalism for the rest of the day. Really work at it. We want to get powerful.

>>13333533
>>13333555
Ghostmind.

>>13333562
Slide in using that new elementalist detector crystal to find any more potential elementalists between Jayne and practicing more elementalism, and I think we're set.

>>13333568

Look at those post numbers.... What could this MEAN?!
I do apologize... it just struck me as interesting.

>>13333576
2nd

>>13333496
>>13333512
>>13333528

Brilliant!

now i don't have to defend my idea for this wagon-sized cave focus, right?

This skill could also in theory be used while part of a siege force to sap a wall section, given a few days.

>>13333576

Agreed.
Just a side note, does our fatigue affect the effectiveness of our meditation? Should we consider resting and/or tending to our body before we begin the long training sessions?

>>13333562
>if thats the plan then roll for elementalism

>>13333617
Oh dear. If it comes down to choosing to make sweet, sweet love to our women and practicing our elements then... well, I guess we will be forever a novice at magical stuff.

rolled 50 = 50

>>13333627
rolling

rolled 96 = 96

one last test roll

Statement: The idea of rapidly digging a tunnel underneath enemy fortifications and popping up out of the hole shouting "surprise, cockbags!" amuses this runtime greatly.

rolled 73 = 73

Statement:ffff, too late to roll. well, let's see what I would have gotten.

rolled 40 = 40

>>13333627
Elemental rolling.

>>13333627

Pax, a question on elementalism and fatigue from it.

Is is possible to focus on increasing our stamina for elementalism in the future or is it more of a "more skill = less energy used"? Or will we have to find out in character? :P (I forget if we've had this talk with Laelith)

>>13333668
>more skill = less energy used. thats the defining difference between elementalism and mysticism/magic. Your physical shape is what fuels your elementalism, where magic relies solely on the power of your mind.

Rising from your meal, you head to the practice field away from the prisons, being watched by men who wish you dead is... unnerving. You fall into a meditative stance, ignoring the men milling about the yard, using it as an impromptu carpentry workshop for the additions to Fort Skywatch. Before you can fall into your trance, however, a guard walks up to you. "The, uhh, honored guest, would like to, err, see how you are doing, sir." he informs you, before whispering "You have no idea how difficult this is becoming with these prisoners on the loose."

>>13333668
That's good question: Is stamina in elementalism physical? If we asked for a boon from a diety for superhuman stamina, would that allow us to perform elementalism for longer periods of time?

rolled 24 = 24

>>13333648
Two 90's in a row I shall not be rolling tonight lest I wind up supplying us with a structurally superfluous new behind with a spike.

>>13333726

Statement: might as well see what he wants then.

>>13333726

I'm a "newfag" to this- just joined in last night. I'm going to stay silent for a while and try to understand the story better...
On another note- thanks for the great writing and riveting story Pax.

>>13333726
Sigh.

Keep him inside until we march. Tell him we regret it but it's something we have to do for now. Remind him there are all kinds of fun activities he and his lady can get up to indoors, though.

>>13333726
Hmm. Let's see what Janos wants. Maybe it'll be useful for us.

Hey Pax, I have a question. All the talk about being able to remove an opponents weapon with our elementalism has me thinking. Would we be able to "remote control" a weapon with terrakinisis? Like have one floating around us during battle?

>>13333726
Whisper back, "I appreciate all that you and the others are doing. I understand that it's difficult, but I assure you, it will be ultimately satisfying when we hit Uurlanth where it hurts."
Out loud: "Thank you. I shall see to him shortly."

"Very well" you reply, rising from the ground and heading over to the cell you have given over to your turncloak. You knock before entering "Already tiring of the fun that can be had stranded indoors with a beautiful woman, my friend?" you ask, foregoing a normal greeting.

"Fantastic, the jester has returned." says a sleepy sounding mound of blankets and clothing suspended in the corner.

"Please forgive Kaitlyn, her stamina is not as great as mine." Janos asks you, and recieves a wooden cup to the back of his head as a reward shorlty thereafter. "And no, I'm not tiring of this life, but the wait for the chamber pot to be changed is becoming more and more painful each time." he adds, lamenting the necessity of keeping up appearances, no doubt.

"What do you have for me then?" you ask "Other than complaints, that is." you qualify laughingly.

"Its too bright in here for humor." the blankets complain, despite the darkness the room is more or less held in.

"I have the map you requested, though I could not remember the names of the smaller towns and villages, I have the rise away from the valley marked off, and found a way to make a few shades of green to mark off major forests and marshes, as well as smaller rivers." he explains, setting out the map. "There are no real roads connecting villages, though most have at least a few sets of wagon ruts linking them. the larger ones have pallisades, at the very best, the rest are unfortified, save soldiers home from their garrison. Is there any more information you wished on the area we will be operating in, while we are here?" he asks, spreading the map a bit flatter on his makeshift table.

>>13333805
With a high enough TK level we should be able to do shit like the video that was posted >>13333310

>>13333726

>"Your physical shape is what fuels your elementalism"

so uh... do fade-to-black moments increase our physical shape? :P

"Laelith, Sansa, Jayne, [dwarf-engineer]. I need you all in my tent to help me increase my elemental power stores!"
trolljustinian.jpg

>>13333868
Kyria! Kyria, you fool! How could you forget our dwarfen lass?

I see no questions to ask him. Tell him we will want his advice on army placement and terrain, but that will be when we are actually there rather than so far in advance.

Back to elementalism.

>>13333868
>in that it could potentially boost your stamina, but you are drained before anything else. Stay in peak form and you can pull more off, pretty much.

>Lanath Tam
No captcha, I will not start a Firefly marathon tonight, and no, I dont think that was Simon and Rivers moms name.

>>13333866
Hmm. A fair number of villages and the terrain isn't completely flat so we'll have a bit of an easier time. I am glad to see forest there so our hunters and the elves will be quite useful.

"You said you knew of some mercenary bands that would likely be willing to leave Uurlanth with the proper incentive. Any ideas where they're being employed and ways to contact them?"

How much gold did the bandits have?

>>13333868
Y'know, I'll admit that my proposal to ask for a boon for super-human stamina had an implicit motive to it.

>>13333866
"Do you believe we could convince these towns to surrender without a fight?"

>>13333996
HAH HAH!

You know we've been at war for centuries, yes? Their hate for us is religious in nature, as is ours for them. We shall plunder them and salt their fields to render them incapable of attacking us once again.

Speaking of which, I have an idea to make the whole crippling their production thing more palatable to Nyetini. Instead of salting the fields and destroying the growth and making her hate us, we can instead procure some super-fast growing poisonous kudzu/ivy from the swamp we are going to pass near. Instead of salting farmer's fields we plant that everywhere we go.

In a month's time the area will be lush and overgrown, budding with new life. It will also be completely uninhabitable and our goal of damaging Uurlanth's warmaking capability is fulfiled.

"Two, actually." you respond "Do you know where the mercenaries that may be convinced to turn to our cause are currently employed, and do you believe that any of these towns could be convinced to surrender without a fight?" you ask, mentally striking your forehead as soon as the second question tumbles out.

Janos raises an eyebrow at you "Sadly, I do not, as I have been too long from Uurlanth to know who currently employs them, but I will be sure to notify you the moment I see or hear of such a band. As to your second so called question, I refuse to insult questions by treating that statement as such... have you been drinking?" he asks, almost serious.

>>13334034
Swamp plants grow the way they do because of the environment. Unless the conditions are right, a lot of the plants won't survive on normal terrain. Also, while their people may hate us, they're not stupid and if their defences are light, they won't fight to the death if they are severely out numbered. Plus we are not salting the earth here. Our mission is to primarily weaken the crossing for our men. Raiding will only be done to sustain ourselves for now and to cause the defending levy troops to be more likely to desert when we hit their fort.

>>13333996
Thanks for making us look like a complete fool, moron.
Maybe you should think a little harder before letting such idiocy drip out of your head.

>>13334038
"A little bit, maybe."

"I may also not have gotten much sleep last night."

rolled 16 = 16

>>13334038
"Yes, well, I thought I would ask. Anything to bring more of my men home alive if I can, you know. My thanks for the map. It will not be too much longer before you two will be able to roam again, have patience."

Then elemental training.

rolled 22 = 22

>>13334079
Fuck yes! A good elementalism roll! Finally!

>>13334038
"perhaps but that doesn't make the question any less valid"

>>13334064
Good point. It's the main force's objective to cripple the foe, ours is merely to secure the crossing and loot as much as we can.

I was just thinking if we could present an alternative to burning crops and salting the ground then it might get us in good with the goddess, and one step closer to romance with her.

>>13334064
Jayne's specialization is to make things have a ton more stamina/endurance/growth potential. We can drill wells. We have a budding water elementalist who can suck that water up and create mini-swamps out of the fields.

Just saying, it might not be completely harebrained.

>>13334117
You don't have to burn the crops and salt the earth when raiding to cause damage. We can destroy their industry in the villages while leaving the crops fine. Take what we need, leave some so the villagers don't starve, take any resources the villages might have that could be used militarily and destroy what we cannot take. That's all we need to do. Salting the earth and burning crops wasn't our order nor should we do it unless we want to piss off some off the gods. At this point we have no reason to do that.

>>13334038

Recitation: "Youthful optimism is a different wine altogether. I'll be leaving you to your charming pile of clothes now."

"Perhaps" you reply, snickering "perhaps my lady kept me up longer than yours did. Maybe my men are like my children to me." you reply, none of it a lie, but the mental slip will be incredibly hard to save.

"I find it hard to believe you are a father, especially to soldiers years older than you." Janos replies, dropping to his seat.

A grin crawls across your face, surrounded, you can attack on all fronts, and the bastards cant get away from you, nor can you miss "There could be a few bastards..." you offer "and I did adopt Wulf."

Janos' head drops into his hands "I am far to tired for jokes, commander motley. I'm certain you have subordinates other than me to harass."

>>13334038
Forgot if it was in another ep or not but does Janos have any idea of what kind of guard might be defending the villages? Also does he know which ones might have walled defences? Knowing which ones lack walls and how big their garrison is might let us split our forces to hit multiple villages at once and if we can do that, we might be able to cause a bit of fear in the men defending the fort. At least the levies.

>>13334151
The main objective of the main force is to damage Uurlanth's infrastructure severely enough that they can't conduct war on us again for at least a hundred years. If we present the idea to the commanders as a quick way to destroy it and as an alternative to laborious crop destruction then it would accomplish the same goal and the goddess might get a she-boner for us.

It was just a suggestion, anyway.

>>13334198
The goddess you are thinking of is Already married.

>>13334239
Uh, no. Nyetini is not. She is the goddess of Love, Growth, Life, and Beauty if I recall correctly. Pacifistic and hates war.

>>13334170
"Ah, but where else can I find a captive audience? Farewell Janos, don't be too demanding on the poor thing tonight, eh?"

Are we using those two excellent rolls called for elemental training or are we going to be forced to roll a 99 now?

>>13334250
Yeah, but Rayha is the one concerned about our campaign.

>>13334170
"I do but they are starting to pull their weapons on me every time I make but one little joke, with you I have a, please forgive the pun, captive audience"

>>13334286
So? Nyetini has been watching us too. Just because she hasn't directly called us out and dictated how she wants us to wage war doesn't mean she doesn't watch what we are doing.

>>13334307
Yes, be we don't have any indication that it will necessarily curry favor with her. Not as much as it would with Rayha, at least.

You sigh "I do, but they are starting to flee whenever I smile. Your the only captive audience I have left." is your response as you leave the cell, shifting your head to avoid the cup sent hurtling at it.

On your way back to your preferred practice field you pass by the stable area, Where Jayne is sitting calmly, watching one of the uursan that lost its rider play mother for the cubs you found, at least that is going well. When you reach the field a brilliant white flash greets you, and you are nearly bowled over by a Bellatrix, her hair standing on end and mussed as if she spent the last day changing hats and hoods as quickly as she can, the scent of 'too long without seeing a bathhouse' her, and most others in the camp, have has been replaced by a nice singed scent. On the far side of the field, Lena is standing, looking horrified, and trying very hard to suppress a giggle, from the looks of it.

>investigate or start training/timeskip to Wulf/reinforcements showing up?

>>13334334
You are just retarded. Yeah, I'm sure promoting growth over violence and introducing methods that facilitate that won't have any effect on the opinion of the goddess of growth who hates violence and is constantly watching.

>>13334349
Oh, we might as well see what's going on here... but I do want to keep that excellent elementalism roll!

>>13334349
Just the summary, it doesn't look like this is anything we need to get involved in personally but it would be nice to know what is going on and go "tut-tut you two, play nice now" at them in a fatherly manner. Then training and Jayne seduction/timeskip.

>>13334349
investigate then timeskip to mercs arriving or wulf's return, whichever comes first.

>>13334349

Statement: let's just leave them as-is and get to our meditation.

>>13334349
If we can keep that elementalism roll, I'd say investigate and see how Lena's training is going. Can she see now and such I guess. Just get a general idea of where she is.

>>13334351
My point is that she hasn't even brought it up.

Also, planting weeds would be a lot more effort than burning and salting, which, as Maximus has pointed out, is not our job. We need to quick if we are to do any opportune plundering, and spending the time to plant won't help at all.

>>13334419
Supporting this sentiment.

>>13334441
Thirding.

You make your way over to Lena "What did Belatrix do this time?" you ask the younger sister as she settles back down to her book.

"I, it was an accident, honest." Lena starts "But, she asked me to try the shield spell I have been trying to learn on her, and, well. She'll be fine, I think, I hope. She wont be angry, right?" Lena finally settles on, pouting as she reads her book, one of the small torches you recently took lighting the tome for her, its a poor approximation of her own facial features, in your opinion.

>>13334494
"If she is angry, I'm sure it will pass. It just might take some time. Just try to be a little more careful on using your abilities on others before you know how to properly use them. Are you able to see the world now using your abilities?"

>>13334494
"Well, she *did* ask you to try an experimental spell on her; you can't be blamed for that.
"Oh, she's probably a little miffed right now, but I doubt it'll last."

>>13334494
Come now, she was the one who asked.

About more mundane matters... how are you settling in? I trust everyone has been fairly polite? Do remember that they are soldiers in the field and some level of off-color comments towards pretty girls are expected. Don't hold it against them.

"I doubt it will last, just be careful, and dont rush yourself." you reply reassuringly.

"I, well, I just feel so bad, she didnt deserve that." Lena replies, quitly.

You raise an eyebrow before responding "You mean to tell me that your sister has never once done something that you wanted some petty, harmless revenge on her for? Truthfully, this must have been a cathartic experience for you."

Lena looks mortified "NO! I well, I never, shes my sister and I dont want to... well, not that I would ever do that to anyone, its just mean and..." she trails off, quite taken aback by the train of thought you implied she had been following.

Not wanting to be a distraction, you ask "So, can you see the world clearly now that you have trained more?"

Lena sighs, and eventually responds "No, its still mostly mists and colored forms. i can discern where things are, and their color, but unless it has some ties to the arcane I cant see any clearer than that. Arcana, elementalists, and I'm assuming other mages I can see clearly enough if I focus, but that is still draining. As to arcane fires effects, I am still entirely clueless as to why it allows me normal sight within its light."

You smile "Its better than nothing though, am I correct?" you ask, and Lena nods. "I hope you are settling in well, and if any of the soldiers seem particularly lecherous, forgive them, so long as they do not act on what they may say of course."

"Yes, I like it quite well, though i will be sad when we start moving again. As to the men, they are worse now than when Wulf is around, but I think their afraid of me." Lena replies, a hint of sadness in her voice

>any more questions or skip ahoy?

>>13334688

Sorry if this is a dumb question... Has she seen the crystal? I was thinking perhaps she could discern something about it with her unique vision.
Thanks.

>>13334688
Tell her that our retinue is like a big family, (more truth than normal considering we are sexing half of it) and she should feel at home. We're not afraid of her and will always welcome her with open arms.

Then skiiiiiiip.

>>13334688
"It'll take time but they'll get used to you as they get to know you better. I imagine Laelith went through the same thing since she was formerly fighting against us. Although I'm sure Wulf hopes no one gets too friendly with you. How have things been with your sister and Aurelius?"

>>13334700

Statement: that's a good catch, actually. We should tell her about the crystal we found, and that she should seek out Laelith later and ask if it reacts to Lena at all.

And now: training!

>>13334732

Seconded.
Training, please.

>>13334688
"Don't worry too much about that. You'll be worthy of fear soon enough, but so are more than a few people around here. Respect and loyalty are stronger than fear, and you'll get that, too, eventually. If you don't feel like you'll ever fit in after another couple weeks, come talk to me about it."


Let's skip to elementalism now.

You fish the crystal out of your pocket, it lights up a gentle white, and sets to a steady, slow pulsating, though the feel of it in your hand is like Spite when your holding him back before a charge. Lena turns around, and her mouth drops open "Its.... its beautiful." is all she can manage.

"Its a peice of arcanna I found during my trip, and I was trying to determine the completeness of its use. As to the men, dont worry, a maniple is akin to a large extended family, your one of us now, the nervousness will soon fade, and we will defend you as fiercely as you us, and more." you reassure the girl as you walk over to your place on the edge of the field to begin your meditation.

>cave technique completed!
>Impact and sculpt stone learned, fissures improved!
>new skill!
Enhanced stonesense: allows you to more accurately count living things detected through stonesense, as well as get a rough idea of the layout of buildings within half a mile.

Terrakenesis: fist sized stones

-----CQ-----

The next week and a half go slowly, you spend alot of time meditating, helping Jayne and Degrian with their projects, being gently torn in half by Laelith and Sansa. By the time the guards signal that friendly forces are arriving from the north, that section of the fort is complete, and the second new section over halfway finished.

>go to meet the column, or wait for them to enter?

>>13334868
I like scult stone. That could be very, very useful. If we have to pick between terrakinesis and stonesense... I say stonesense for now despite my desire for terrakinesis. That'd only help us one on one while stonesense will be a lot more valuable this campaign.

I say go meet the column.

>>13334868
>being gently torn in half by Laelith and Sansa
It is a good pain.

Does it really MATTER if we ride out or not? Why is that even a choice? Go ride out anyway.

>>13334897

Agreement: Seconding on both counts. Stonesense will also aid us with digging our tunnels under the river, as well. Who knows, maybe we'll actually find some nifty ore or somesuch in the doing.

>>13334971
Speaking of which, we should use our powers to move any metal ores we find into position under the walls of the fort to make tunneling attempts next to impossible.

>>13335005

I don't think we would really have the power necessary to move veins of ore. :S

You walk from the northmost gate, and meet the column about a mile out from the fort. Wulf is walking in the lead, his bow resting on his shoulder, whistling a marching tune and generally looking satisfied. "Hello, commander Justinian, how did things go back here while I was gone?" he asks, rubbing the scar he seems to have obtained during this deployment, running from his left temple all the way down along his jawline, to the side of his chin.

"Well enough." you reply "I caught some uursan cubs with Jayne, killed some bandits and took their ill-gotten gains in the exchange." you inform the young man

"Sounds like things went as well for you as they did for me." he replies, taking a deep breath.

>>13335029
Sure we do, we've done bigger things.

>>13335032
"Give me a rundown of what happened Wulf. How was Commander Nomz situation?"

>>13334868

Recitation: "That dashing new scar of yours has a story, I take it? Once you're all settled in again, you'll have to regale myself and the rest of the command staff with tales of your triumph over a few stiff drinks."

>>13335032
"Then let's Hear it Wulf.

I want to hear what's happened before we return to the base."

>>13335032
"I trust you have a report prepared for me? Or do I need to unleash Sansa on you for neglecting that element of your duties, heh.

Nice scar, by the way. Leading from the front like certain other insane commanders do?"

"Will you be giving me your report or telling me the tale behind that new scar of yours then?" you ask your protege.

"Commander Nomz thanks you for the aid, he was able to squeeze enough gold out of the defeated Uurlanthi to hire more mercenaries. his front will hold easily now, I expect. Your predictions for your losses were spot on, so both units will be at full strength. As to the scar, well, I was out front you see." Wulf begins, seeming more enthused as you reach the fort, though you arent so sure the story has anything to do with it. "I was more than happy to shock the heavy infantry that came my way, maybe pluck my bowstring some, but this lordling got it in his mind to kill me and break the flank, I think, and rushed me in the most ostentatious leather armor you've ever seen. He must have thought the obvious few years he has on me put him at an advantage. I swear to the Ten that we went at it for an hour, and I know for a fact that Collin will beat me over the head when he hears the story, but by the end I had this nice gash on my face, and my blade through the noblebrats throat." he finishes, clearly telling you the short version of the tale. "I'm sure you'll have me tell the rest of it later, but I have things that need doing in the fort." he excuses himself, and before you can stop him, a pair of amrs locks around you.

"Unless my memory is failing from one too many blows to the head, I believe you had talked of some reward before I left" Kyria greets you.

>>13335177
"Well it depends, my dear! Are you still enchanted by the local elven beauty?"
Hug/kiss her forehead
"I can put in a good word with her for you if you like."

trentzgrin.jpg

>>13335177
"Hmmm, a reward? Did I say that? My memory is pretty bad these days, what with getting attacked and dueled by random elementalists. Perhaps you can tell me about it at length as you clean up from the road? I hear Laelith and Sansa set up a shower stall near their tents and I was about to go clean up myself after settling the men back in..."

>>13335177
Time for a off the ground hug and a kiss for our spunky dwarf shooter.

I think we should talk with Jayne about buying one of the cubs off her perhaps to gift to Kyria. The bear cav card is of Dwarf riders, and I think she'd like raising a little bear cub, even if it doesnt end up as a combat beast.

Oh right, and sexing.

>>13335212
add "And who knows who could be in there currently? Our enchanting elven beauty perhaps?" to that, as per >>13335206

>>13335177
Hmm. We need to get a description from Wulf or anyone else who went on how well our new equipment performed up there. In terms of effectiveness and how the enemy up north reacted to them. Wondering if Lord Stant's boys spread the word on our gear or not and if our new gear has continued to kick ass or not.

>>13335226
Remember we deployed some repeaters to the Stone Fort too. That said, they don't seem to have a large-scale professional military like we do so they should be MUCH slower to adapt to our tactics on multiple fronts, much as the various commanders vary widely in skill and resources.

>>13335206
>>13335212
>>13335221
>>13335225
Shower threesome with our nonhuman wives? Sign Justinian up!

>>13335226

We should ask Nomz for his take on the men we sent to aid him. Another commander's viewpoint will help us guide Wulf's continued education in war.

>>13335243
Indeed but those were the heavy ones, not the light repeaters used by the rangers. I still want an idea on if it was a complete surprise to them or not simply because it'll give us an idea on how their communication might be between armies and if we should expect some of our opponents in the enemy lands to already have knowledge of what we can do. A proper volley with those repeaters on the right unit when they don't know about them is still going to be a lot more devastating than using it on people who expect it. Although to be fair, the enemy might just throw their levies into the grinder again and not care. I'm hoping the first guy we deal with at least cares about his people a little and will give up eventually.

>>13335264
Hmm. Good idea. Maybe Wulf or someone else has a letter or message from him to us since we did leave him that note for us to deliver.

We should give Wulf and the men who went with him a small victory party tomorrow to celebrate the victory and his first victory in command of his own (small) force as well as his own first victorious duel with an enemy commander.

We've taught him well!

>>13335299
From the way Uurlanth nobility has been sounding the levies are going to be nothing more than cannon fodder, period. Don't get your hopes up.

>>13335335
The best part about cannon fodder is that fear spreads faster than fire through their ranks!

>>13335032

We could use the girl's abilities to find elementalists, could we not?

>>13335335
I resent that comment!

...Even though it's true for most of us, unfortunately.

"I must admit, my memory may have suffered as well, after being attacked by a bandit elementalist. I heard that Sansa and Laelith had a makeshift bathhouse set up between their tents, and I know that a good scrubbing can help jog the memory." you reply, lifting Kyria up into a hug, and planting a kiss on her "Once then men have been seen into the fort I think I will need a wash myself, and you never know who you will find in these makeshift public baths..." you trail off.

"But those uncertainties do make things so much more fun." Kyria quips as she struts off towards the command staff tents, grinning like a swamphound.

-----xxx-----CQ-----xxx-----

As it turns out, no one else was in the makeshift bathhouse, not that you let that spoil your fun. Though washing twice was almost annoying. You walk out into the fort as the sun dips below the wall, Kyria still clinging to your arm. You savor the moment, knowing that you will know precious little peace in the weeks to come. The yoke of command can be set aside until tomorrow, you figure. Jayne walks past, her demeanor dropping ever so slightly when she sees you and Kyria "Go on" Kyria instructs you "I wont hold it against you, I think all of us but her have figured out how this story ends, and I think its sweet, in your own strange way, the way you went about this." she adds, kissing you on the cheek and patting your rump. Grinning you set off to catch up with your favorite noblewoman, yes, the mantle of leadership fan rest for a night.

>right, seemed like a decent place to stop
>someone archive please.
>I'm visiting some relatives out of state for newyears, so I wont be back until sunday(? (late)), or monday at the usual time(ish)
>if you have any setting/random-assed CQ questions just shoot me an email at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>13335461

I vote we find two strong boards and a carpenter.

>>13335476
Thread has been archived. How long until we have to march Pax? And have our men been preparing extra supplies to ensure we don't have to take anything from the swamp?

>>13335513
a little over a week. and yes, you are gonna be very well prepared. Should be moving by the end of next session, unless you guys get distracted by something

>>13335534
Most excellent. Of course I'm sure the swamp won't be that easy to deal with if we have to camp there. Anyways, I'm wondering if we should march a few days earlier to account for travelling time. We have a week until the main force begins their march and I'm assuming they're not going to do a prolonged siege on the fort we're bypassing and it'll take us a few days just to get to the northern part of the river as it is.

>>13335476
So does this mean we have rolled in the hay with all four and Jayne knows (or soon will know) about our marriage intentions/reasoning? Exact situation would be best to have formally stated so we don't have any miscommunication.

Also, I imagine it will keep Jayne from being too sad about being last.

>>13335476
Are the Uurlanth forces preparing for a counterattack? How is the northern front doing?

>>13335586
True, but that said we don't need to do much other than secure a way across (either above or below the river) and then loot the shit out of everything we can. If we can lure out the Major Lord's forces and have him moving like a locust through his own land for a significant time before the Legion gets here then we will have had a stellar victory.

>>13335725
I figured we were going to cross and hit as many of the defended crossings as we could and eventually take out the wooden fort in the north. Raiding at this point will be done to sustain ourselves so we can take out as much as we can. The more crossings we can take out, the quicker our assaulting forces can get across and the better we look for creating so many openings and creating them all on our own.

My main worry at this point is if the arriving forces decide to use us to fight or let us raid to our hearts content... Hopefully we can persuade them to let us raid. We also need to ask Janos if he knows what villages are lightly defended or have no walls near Fort Conflux. If so, I need to think of a way to break to morale of the levies at Fort Conflux before we even begin to fight them...

>>13335757
The second himself gave us our orders. They specifically said we just needed to secure crossings and then could raid to our heart's content.

Even if the commander of that legion tells us to fight with his forces we can flip him off, we have orders from over his head.

>>13335781
Fair enough but we obviously need to be more diplomatic about it. I think I have some excuses on why we'd be better on raiding if the situation comes to it anyways. Plus I'm thinking Pax might have a nasty surprise for us in terms of who is commanding the offensive but I'll wait and see if my hunch is right.

>>13335913
Sansa's old commander Rapimus is a Cohort commander. To deal with a Major Lord and all his vassals (35k+ men catalogued so far plus mercs) there would need to be a full Legion dedicated to the offensive rather than a mere Cohort, which consists of a mere 5k-7.5k troops including mercs. Which means he couldn't do crap to us because he would be under direct observation of his superior, likely very close observation due to being part of a major offensive with the entire war riding on it.

>>13335963
Good points again but do remember Pax has changed some things in terms of unit sizes since I believe his version of a maniple is incorrect and I remember someone mentioning that in and old thread. You are likely right, however, so he may not be in command after all. Unless he got a recent promotion to Legion commander since we left...? Hard to say. We may have to deal with him regardless so we might want to keep Sansa behind the scenes when we meet some with our reinforcements.

>>13335985
I was basing those numbers off the latest troop numbers Pax has given, and they Jive well. It would set a Legion at ~20-25k professional soldiers plus ~5-10k mercs, as opposed to a Major Lord and all his minor lords being 5-10k professional soldiers, 15-25k Levies, 5-10k mercs. This would balance out well, with the Empire having vast qualitative superiority (especially since our professional troops are better than all but their most elite professionals [knights]) and Uurlanth having numeric superiority. Both demonstrated traits so far. It also takes into account the much wider variation in army size we see in Uurlanth forces compared to our own. One major lord's forces could be 20k men strong, whereas the king's army is (I think?) 50k men without mercs, larger than the largest Major Lord who would top out around 45k men including mercs.

So yes, it could be that Rapimus is deployed down here, but he will almost assuredly be overseen by his direct superior. Also, remember that he was already deployed when we were on leave and the Uurlanthi hammer fell on the north, so if he was stuck up there he won't be redeploying to us any time soon.

>>13336030
Was he deployed? I forgot about that fact. Then I guess my worries were irrelevant although I do wonder if we'll be seeing more people we knew back from the Academy at this point. Regardless the next campaign will be interesting and us doing well will greatly help our political career. The more money we can get the better since we have a lot of projects to work on back in the capital.With that I am off. See you whenever Pax is back.