What about our noble prisoners? Did we get a chance to send a message off to ransom them?

>>13856549
generally, prisoners arent ransomed until the emperor gives the go-ahead for prisoner exchange, as such making such moves would be ill-advised before you reach DragonsREach

Here's some more things to do from the end of last session:

Find out when Lennis and the nomads will be leaving, and giving them a good send-off; give them some of the good alcohol, and their fair share of the loot (make sure that it's accounted for properly; we don't want those tribunes accusing us of using slave soldiers again).

Brief all elementalists, and the maniple as a whole, that they will likely be grilled on our usage of magic and elementalism when they are debriefed at the capital.
All elementalists will be prepared for the strict questioning that they will be subjected to once we return to Dragon's Reach.

Practicing more elementalism, continuing the combat training of all elementalists, and seeing if we can shape metals as well as earth.

>>13856654

Also, once we've introduced our pet assassin, he should be allowed to begin starting recruitment from our men to form his own force.

>>13856646
Ah. Very good then. Make sure that the prisoners are not mistreated, and that they are allowed to wash and clean their clothes; mistreated prisoners won't fetch as high a ransom, and if they get sick they could potentially spread it to the rest of the maniple.

>well, if your lookin to try some elementalism training/practice give me a roll

>>13856682
I don't know about this.

Most men with such inclinations would have already been recruited to Blackbird's Raiders. I would rather have a bolstered raiding and deep penetration force, than to spread the numbers between Blackbird's Spec Ops and Daeseu's Black Ops. Unless he is able to recruit from outside of our maniple, of course, so that other units are not reduced in numbers.

rolled 60 = 60

>>13856767
Elementalism training roll.

>Bump for CQ.

After a day of uneventful riding, during which you ensure all of your noble captives are being treated with decency, and learn that Vohzd Lennis is likely to leave when his Ghorat meets up with your maniple, you decide to attempt some elementalism training while riding Spite. It feels strange, trying to ride in a meditative stance, but by midday you finally fall into a proper meditation.

>elementalism skill gain! (pick one)
>terrakenisis: multiple stones twice the size of your fist (with more speed)
>fissures: general increase in the effectiveness of all existing techniques
>stonesense: aweareness of the different ores and ground densities of the surrounding area.

>also, how do you want to go about introducing Daeseu to the rest of your command staff?

>>13856949

Bout time we started on terrakenisis?

Floating rock armour sounds good to me. (Eventually)

Else will stonesense help our general awareness of the area?

Regarding Vohzd Lennis, theres something I would like to try. Are there any Dengarian ceremonies to mark fellows as blood brothers? If yes, we should see if he would accept the offer of sworn-brotherhood with us, binding he and his people more closely to the realm of Dengar.

Daeseu should be introduced to lord helmet privately first. Wasn't that what we first agreed? Maybe Wulf too so that he might have a second person to contact.

>>13856949

will taking the stonesense option add to our general elemental rolls with its "awareness of ground densities" bit?

>>13856949
I wish we had a full skill tree visible, so that we could plan this better.

We use our fissure power the most, which makes it all-around useful.
Terrakinesis would be great to have for combat, and it would make our display of elementalism power at our debriefing more impressive.
Stonesense, I think, is the weakest ability. While we might invest in mining companies, we're not going to be running one.

My vote is for the Terrakinesis.

As for how to introduce our assassin, introduce him to the command staff as a whole as a tracker/investigator/urban scout that we hired, to supplement our recon and intel capabilities while Blackbird is off raiding.

Our ladies, and Janos, and possibly Wulf, will be told the truth (well, Janos and Wulf already know the truth).

>>13857060
>yes, and if you put effort into it you could add some oomph to your elemental attacks
>>13857017
>no such thing as a blood vrother ceremony, though there are certain maniple traditions the Kharyncheck would no doubt appreciate

>>13857090
So Fissures and Stonesense will give passive bonuses to our elementalism (and stonesense giving us knowledge of mineral veins).
Terrakinesis will give us a new ability.

>though there are certain maniple traditions the Kharyncheck would no doubt appreciate
Let's see if Vohzd Lennis would be willing to participate in such. Though their help wasn't absolutely critical, it still was quite a help, and improving relations between the Empire and it's nomadic neighbor is always good.

>>13856949
Fissures. More fissures, always more fissures. With specialization we shall achieve true power. Screw floating stone armor, that's tacky; our power will shatter walls at a glance and open canyons to swallow the enemy in the endless depths. Armor will implode upon its wearers and the very ground shall impale our opponents.

Really, fissures is the best path. Stonesense has some utility, we can splash it a little, but it's not quite up there with endless fissures.

>>13857090

stonesense vote here

>>13857090

Then we should see if he'll be willing to partake in this ceremony with us.

I'm torn between stonesense and terrakinesis.

With the upcoming politicking and backstabbery, either will provide a good number of options to distract and keep ourselves safe.

but terrakinesis for me. Time to expand laterally.

>>13857186
>>13857153
>>13857133
>well then. heh

>>13857202
hah. I'll change my vote to rock-chucking.

>>13857218

Anyone else to vote?

BUMP.
(Srly where are you guys.)

>>13857272
I already voted for Terrakinesis.

>>13857086
>Terrakinesis would be great to have for combat, and it would make our display of elementalism power at our debriefing more impressive.
Pah, the most impressive display will emerge from what our fissures can already do. Chucking a few head-sized rocks is nothing compared to the football-field-sized spike bursts that we can call up, and pouring more points into fissures will only make it better.

Pax, I already cast my vote for this so it's not counting for much else. But failing fissures, please choose stonesense over terrakinesis.

my vote for the one that lets us manipulate metals the fastest.

>>13857086
>heh, i wish I had a full list too, that would mean I'm already through the toughest part of alphaing my games together

When you surface from your meditation, you find seven rather large rocks orbiting your body, and that suddenly, the rest of your maniple is giving you and spite a rather wide berth. sheepishly you let the stones drop to the ground. "You do realize that there are safer ways to find room to think on the march, Justinian." Sansa teases from behind you, riding up on Whiskey. You can only shake your head in response, supressing a chuckle. Sansa shields her eyes as she turns to watch where she is riding again, the sunsets brilliance blinding otherwise. "Should I signal for us to stop for the night, Commander?"

"Yes, and pull together the command staff as well, please." Sansa nods in ascent and rides off.

It is just after dusk when the camp is finally set. Soldiers are stretching out their legs, tussling and carousing. Most of the alcohol you didnt add to your personal reserves seems to have spread itself around the maniple well enough. You cant hold the men at fault however, for the most part you are safe from any potential attacks by now. You collect Daeseu easily enough on your way to the command tent, and the elf waits outside when you enter. Your entire command staff, save the mercenary captains, who you would rather not know about your assassin, are waiting inside most of them already seated and relaxed. Janos even has his helmet resting on the table. "How can we help'ye, Commander?" Collin asks lazily after saluting.

>>13857443

Oh wow. This is going to be interesting. Max is going to be pissed he missed this part.

"Gentlemen, my fair ladies. I have someone whom I'd like to introduce to you all.

His identity will come to as shock but do not be alarmed. He likewise has forsaken his vows and has now joined with the empire."

>>13857521
I thought we weren't going to reveal that he's an assassin.

Are we going to inform our command staff of that?
I remember that there was some contention, and that the cultural and social acceptability of having an assassin on the payroll was in contention.

>>13857443
>Janos has helmet on table

Do we have Janos don his helmet or risk the assassin wondering if a traitorous noble might get him back into the Ravens?

By the gods, where is Maximus when his forte comes back around!?

>>13857553
I honestly can't remember. I'm tired and my brain is shutting down.

If that was the consensus, then we go with it.

For now, I'm bowing out. My bed beckons.

>where is everyone?
>also, what do you guys wanna go with?

>>13857677
"Good news, everyone! I've picked up yet another random misfit for my merry band of military scallywags!"

>>13857677
Well, I'm still here.
I'm going with my previous post concerning introducing the assassin, outlined here: >>13857086

>>13857625
>>13857553
Yes there is some "social connotations" to openly employing an assassin.

I think the consensus was that we say he is an spy (or scout) with a specialty it "human relations".

We imply a lot be say very little.

>>13857677
>no clue!

>>13857690

You know what? THIS.

>>13857724
>so for the general introduction, he's just an intel gatherer/urban version of blackbird, then pull the ladies aside and tell them the truth?

>>13857561
I thought Desau already knew about Janos

I've only lurked this quest periodically so I don't claim a full vote. But I do think it's best if his full capabilities aren't known to everyone. As Only Mortals said earlier, probably best to introduce him as an experienced scout and spy who has escaped from his old life.

>>13857769
Yes. The captains should be able to take the hint; urban version of Blackbird is essentially a terrorist and assassin.
We don't want to spell it out because of social considerations.
Same with our superiors; they'll know he's an assassin, but they won't have any proof, and as long as we don't openly say so and it's only enemy commanders mysteriously dropping dead, they won't care too much.

If any of our captains has reservations about Daeseus, they can speak to us in private about them.

>>13857788
>being new to the quest/lurker doesnt lower vote strength by some magical rule dude
>>13857776
>they only ever met when Janos was helmeted iirc

>>13857814
Then announce that we have a new hire to introduce to the command staff, pointedly look at Janos to subtly hint that if he's going to hide his identity, now's the time to put his helmet on.

>>13857814
that's cool with me so long as we open with
>>13857690

>>13857884
Goddamnit! Now whatever I type for Justinian will come out in the Professor's voice!

>>13857896
justasplanned.png

>>13857896
Now I can't help but picture the 2nd praetorian as the good professor

>>13857911

Anon, I salute your brilliant plan.

"Friends, I have found another notable talent to add to our number." you announce, causing the room to perk up slightly, though Laelith, Sansa, Jayne and Kyria all immediately look defensive, though they hide it well. Janos slides his helmet on, sighing. "This," you continue, opening the tentflap "is Daeseu Flenth. In addition to being an extremely skilled infiltrator, he possesses, for lack of more appropriate terminology, the urban equivalent of Blackbirds skill-set."

Blackbird allows his head to lean off to the right, sizing the elf up and displaying his finally piqued curiosity in one "We may have to discuss our trades after this meeting."

"So, you've found a spy to work for us then, commander?" Cornelius asks, a slight hint of disaproval edging into his otherwise impassive voice. Gaius body language betraying the same sentiment.

"If you are pressed about it, yes." you answer taciturnly.

"Might I incline as to who the helmeted man is, Commander?" Daeseu asks politely as he takes a seat.

>>13857975

"Lord Helmet, of course."

>>13857975
"for the time being you may call him Lord Helmet and he is a member of my retinue known for his military skill as well as his rather eccentric choice of headgear

>>13857975
Why he's lord helmet.

>>13857975
>"Might I incline as to who the helmeted man is, Commander?"
"A gifted negotiator and analyst. He has helped immeasurably in our recent campaign by providing geographic and survey information on Uurlanth as well as convincing certain mercenary companies to abandon their contracts before they were to have been ground underneath this maniple's heels."

Don't let on that he's even Uurlanthi; it's Janos' call whether to reveal his true identity or not.

Also, Gaius and Cornelius may disapprove of our use of spies, but as long as they accept our judgement it should be fine. Give them a chance to talk to us privately about their concerns if they feel strongly about it, however.

>>13857975
>Laelith, Sansa, Jayne and Kyria all immediately look defensive
Adorable.

>"Might I incline as to who the helmeted man is, Commander?" Daeseu asks politely as he takes a seat.
"Of course you can, but if you need me to tell you I have badly overestimated your skills."

"In any case, I rather hope that you will all have plenty of time to get to know- and hopefully respect- one anothers' capabilities between now and our next campaign. Unless there are other pressing matters, I would like to discuss our immediate concerns upon return home."

Move from here into mentioning that you were told to expect significant inquiry into magic/elementalism, that the troops will need to be ready to present answers on it, and try and prepare your commanders with a unified policy beyond "if it works, use it". Elementalism, magic, runics, gods... it's hefty stuff, and I'd like to have everyone on the same page before we all get grilled on it.

"Why that would be Lord Helmet" you answer, the soft clang of Janos helmeted head dropping to the table punctuates your introduction "as his situation is similar to yours, and, considering your profession I'm sure you wont mind keeping it at that."

"So, he's another Uurlanthi traitor then?" Sansa asks warily.

"No, but he was run out of his homeland just the same." you inform your aid politely.

"Aside from introducing us to our maniples newest addition and assassin attractor, is there anything else you wished to address with this meeting, Commander?" Wulf asks almost resignedly.

>>13858065
>Move from here into mentioning that you were told to expect significant inquiry into magic/elementalism, that the troops will need to be ready to present answers on it, and try and prepare your commanders with a unified policy beyond "if it works, use it". Elementalism, magic, runics, gods... it's hefty stuff, and I'd like to have everyone on the same page before we all get grilled on it.
Oh yes, most definitely this part as well.
Once we get a chance, and if the Second Praetorian is willing to listen, we should outline to him our concept of mobile warfare doctrine. We will need to buy Degrian a workshop, and I suggest have him work on an auto-wagon that, while it might be slower, is easier to repair and can be manufactured by other engineers without his oversight.

>>13858096
Bring up the need to have a unified policy concerning elementalism and magic; we're going to get grilled hard when we return to Dragon's Reach, and we need everyone prepared for it.
We have our Combined Arms Doctrine to work on as well.
We haven't deployed runic weapons yet, so I think we can safely leave it as "an avenue of research that we are currently pursuing with no practical applications available at this time".

Also, no mention of gods except to the Second Praetorian.

>>13858096
"I suppose I shouldn't tell you about the bounty I put on my head as well as your heads then, and yes there is something I'd like to talk to you about. We are likely to be questioned extensively about our use of elementalism and magic and I feel we need to have a unified line in case you or the men are questioned"

>>13858121

I still can't believe Pax actually allowed us to build the auto wagons. Feels meta as hell.

Agree on the topic of unifying thoughts on elementalists, though.

>>13858096
>the soft clang of Janos helmeted head dropping to the table

trolled

>>13858201
Hey, if he has a race of steam-punkish kobolds and gnomes, why not take advantage of it?

>>13858201
>>13858250
>the stuff existed, it wouldve been an invisible wall if I just said "no" and I have more than one plan in place to keep it from breaking my setting

"Dont worry Wulf, this command staff is far too comely for something as petty as another bounty to lay the maniple low." you quip, not so much as smirking as you do so. "And yes, once we reach DragonsReach we will most likely be questioned rather thoroughly on our use of elementalism and magic, as such we need to be in agreement on what our explanation and stance on the matter is."

"Its all returning, and we are simply adapting with the changing times." Jayne answers easily.

"All?" Uurist presses "So not only do you think we need to convince th'higher ups that its elementalism and magic, but that the gods and their damned minions will be on the comeback as well?"

"It isnt that much of a leap, friend" Gaius counters "When the devine lost the war and left the mortal realm to its own devices, the arcane faded away with them. So it isnt so much of a stretch to say that with their foremost gifts to mortals returning They will be returning as well."

Uurist opens his mouth to shoot something back but Laelith cuts him off with a raised hand and a question for you "What explanation do you want us to provide, Commander?"

>>13858293
"First and foremost, that elementalism is real, and that it is not the usage of hidden arcana. I myself will submit to rigorous physical examination if need be to prove this point.
"Second, just as elementalism and magic are returning, there is the possibility of the gods and their minions returning as well. We have no hard proof of this, and so this is only educated conjecture. Don't stake anything on this, as we can't prove this, regardless of what we may already know.
"Third, that the implementation of elementalism and magic into our maniple's operations in a combined arms doctrine has given us greater tactical flexibility and acted as a force multiplier. Our recent victories are proof enough of that.
"Finally, Uurlanth has shown that they too are beginning to find mages and elementalists within their ranks. In order to counteract them, and to maintain a strategic advantage, we should find and train our own cadre of combat mages and elementalists."

>>13858412
Second

>>13858412
I'll second this. They are all good points and just good advice in general. We might want to be more specific ourselves, but for a general stance for the entire command staff I feel this is a smart position.

>>13858412
>>13858416
"Beyond the facts of the matter, we do not have proof of WHY these powers are returning now to our world. We can hypothesize all we like, and Laelith as a scholar may have better educated guesses, but without more experimentation and time, we still don't know the cause of this recent return.
"However, the fact of the matter is that these things ARE returning, and Degnar must be ready to adapt and take advantage, otherwise we will be at the mercies of those nations which embrace the coming changes with open arms.
"That is our official position. Any questions or suggestions?"

>Sorry, took a while to type everything.

That Magic is back, this is a fact. And we should learn to use it.
As to why? whatever you want to think man.

It doesn't need to get deeper than this

"First and formost, that both Elementalism and Magic are real, and returning. I will allow myself to be put through any examinations required to prove that point, hopefully, that will prove to be enough. Second, that the integration of the arcane into our maniple has greatly increased our effectiveness as a fighting force; should that reason fail to convince the Second Praetorian and Lord Commanders of the worth of these skills as a military asset, the presence of Uurlanthi mages and elementalists should accomplish that end nicely. And finally, that logical conjecture points to the possibility of the gods returning as well, however, as we have no proof of this, do not bring it up in anything more than passing, and even then only if questioned on it." The soldiers around the table all look to have a healthy grasp on your stance and seem to agree with it, though it is clear that Uurist, Collin, and Kyria are less than happy about the concession about the gods.

You salute your staff, and they all rise to leave, however, you catch your ladies before they can leave the tent. "Yes, Justinian?" Kyria asks, looking more curios than anything at your holding them in the tent after the others had left.

>>13858561
"I wanted to let you know a little bit more about the most recent addition to the retinue. As you may have guessed he is a spy and an assassin. If you have any reservations about this I would like to hear them now

>>13858561
Blackbird too, right? If he starts talking shop with our assassin it will rapidly become apparent what he is anyway. Might as well include him in this discussion too.

Anyway, inform them of what he really is, and that hopefully he will act as another layer of protection against assassinations directed at us. Yes, he might draw some assassins as well, but there's no reason for anyone to think he is with us in the Empire... plus, said assassins will travel a very long way and have a very difficult time assassinating the retinue of a Legion commander in the capital itself.

>>13858561
Is Daeseu out of the tent as well? We want this to be private, I believe.

"I'm sure you've all already guessed at Daeseu's more...unpalatable specialties. But I think them to be useful in providing much needed tactical information if we go into the field again, and I will do whatever is needed to preserve the lives of those under my command while fulfilling our legally binding orders, even if it means using unsavory methods.
"I want you all to know, to give me your honest appraisals and opinions. I need your perspectives to stay grounded."

>>13858650
>Blackbird too, right? If he starts talking shop with our assassin it will rapidly become apparent what he is anyway. Might as well include him in this discussion too.
Okay, yeah, I didn't think of that.
We'll need to let Blackbird know what is and isn't socially acceptable back in the Empire. A lot of things can be forgiven as he's obviously an orc and won't be expected to conform to all of the Empire's social niceties, but we'll need to tell him what he shouldn't talk about in front of others, especially concerning assassins.

"I'm certain the four of you already have some idea as to Daeseus less than palatable skills, but I thought it best to be up front and honest with the four of you. Yes, he is an assassin, and yes, there may be times when I will use him as such. However, the skillset I introduced him for is likely to see far more use than his trained vocation." you begin, catching all four of their attentions "What I need from the four of you is your honest opinion on the elf."

Silence hangs in the air for the next new minutes, as your lovers and comrades contemplate what exactly their stance on the elf is. As usual, it is Sansa who breaks the silence, clearly uncomfortable in the oppresive quiet. "If you do have him kill somebody, it would only be to keep ours alive, and as a last resort... right?"

"But of course love. I deplore the use of assassins myself, but..." you trail off, unable to reconcile ytour needs and wants with your duty to your nation and your men.

"When there is only one way forward, we cannot simply lie down because the path is unpleasant." Jayne offers, the words clearly not her own, judging by the reverance she speaks them with "he is a danger to your political aspirations," she pauses for a long moment before continuing, though you are able to hear the words left unspoken as loud as if she had screamed them _to us_ "but his other skills are enough to allow the risk of even being associated with him. It, it would sooth my nerves greatly if you would consult with me before using him to kill." Kyria balks at the direction of the conversation, still shocked beyond words, though she does catch your hand and squeeze, silent support, though your actions leave her shocked beyond words.

>>13858828
part of me wants us to say something that leaves no doubt that we will use him to kill people and that while it's frowned upon in the empire, it's a damned effective tactic. I don't want the girls freaking out when we decide to off someone

>>13858828
Hmm. Odd choice to only tell certain people he's an assassin in my mind. If we're going to be open with our command staff, we might as well have told them all.

"I know taking on Daeseu is a danger but his skills beyond assassination will be extremely useful. His skills in infiltration make him valuable alone. I don't intend to use his other skills unless the situation absolutely demands it. Besides, he'll be an excellent deterrent to anyone attempting to assassinate us. After Lord Stant's last attempt, it might not be such a bad idea to have better protection from it if more competent assassin's are sent in the future."

>>13858917
Second.

And good to see you, Maximus.

"Remember... we have, as a fighting force, killed thousands already. Each one of us has personally killed before as well. In defense of the Empire, and of the things we care for. While we wish it were not so, the time may come when using an assassin to kill one man will save the lives of thousands -- or even tens of thousands -- on the battlefield. Ideally he will never perform an assassination again, and simply see to our own protection from assassins.

Secondly, I surely do not wish to let it be known that I employ an assassin. While we are a commander of the legion and such things are deemed acceptable in war, it would harm my advancement chances and, indeed, tarnish my name... and by proxy perhaps all of ours. This is the thing I fear most of all. If possible, I would like for all of you to keep this secret to the grave."

>>13858933
Sad I missed as much as I did, but previous plans threw a wrench in my ability to be here earlier. Honestly, I think at some point we should be more honest with the rest of the maniple, especially looking at how Cornelius and Gaius disapproved of him being here. Going to have to appease the commanders at some point soon if we don't want problems further down the line.

>>13858917
thirded

>>13858948
You have a good point.
I just think that we should talk to them privately.
As long as everyone is on the same page in the end, and trusts in our judgement, I'm satisfied.

>>13858984
I can live with that. Talk to Cornelius and Gaius at once I suppose. See if they actually tell us their concerns on their own or if we have to prod it out of them.

>>13858948
yeah we should probably talk to Cornelius when we talk to Janos

No reaction from Laelith? Odd. Ask her opinion on it one-on-one if she doesn't say anything in front of the others.

>>13859037
Second. We want all of their opinions. If Laelith doesn't want to voice it with the others around ask her privately.

"Agreed. It's not a thing I take lightly, loves. A recent conversation with the thumb has led me to believe his ability to not be seen may find use at home. We're not done with the Lordfathers by a long shot, and if the 2nd was able to catch one of their cronies reading his mail, imagine just how many more could be snooping around. He can get us evidence without having to have a full investigation."

"Aside from the reasons for keeping him I already stated" you add, now looking at Laeliths comparatively apathetic features "his skills will make him extremely useful in keeping assassins sent after us. And I dont see why I would not consult others before using an assassin." you placate Jayne.

Laelith shrugs and kisses you on the cheek "Just be careful not to get caught love." she finally answers "Such is war I suppose." she adds to the other ladies, who seem to put aside their reservations at that, dropping back into their usual pattern of trusting you by the time you lead the last three from the tent.

>so, what do you want to go and work on now?

>>13859129
I think we should either deal with Gaius and Cornelius or speak to Lennis before he parts ways with us.

>>13859129
Speak with Gaius and Cornelius about their reservations concerning the use of spies and assassins.

If need be, I'll bring out the one phrase that I think sums up Justinian's entire concept of war.

Let's strengthen our bond with the Vohzd before he leaves. You mentioned several legion rituals he might react to positively?

>>13859145
>>13859249
Ideally, we should do both. If we're pressed for time, we should go with Vozhd Lennis first; we'll get to Gaius and Cornelius later.

>>13859249
>rituals your maniple has been undertaking since you took over. Think about it, their basically russian horse lords

The next morning you find Gauis, Cornelius and Uurist at the mess tent quietly eating together "Commander, to what do we owe the pleasure this fine morning?" Cornelius greets you, saluting as you drop into an empty spot at the table they are eating at.

>>13859279
Crap, forgot: And talk to Blackbird, that he needs to be discrete about the assassin and his trade.

>>13859177
add Janos to this and I'm fine

>>13859281
"I wanted to congratulate you men on a fine job this campaign. A number of our battles would have turned out terribly were it not for you and your units. I also wanted to see if there were any issues you had in mind during this campaign until now."

>>13859281
"I wished to talk to you about the philosophy of war, Captain. As the three of you are by far the most experienced with the way war has been fought by the Legion so far, I wished to discuss the matter with you three.
"Now, I know that my employment of infiltration specialists and trapping of fields is unorthodox to say the least. Also, my integration of ranged units, artillery, heavy infantry, and cavalry into a cohesive whole, not to mention the deployment of magic, is new.
"Now, I think the first question that must be answered by any military man, that colors all of his strategic and tactical thinking, is this: What is the goal of War, of fighting a war?
"Gentlemen, please give me your thoughts."

Once they answer:
"Thank you, now let me tell you what I think: The goal of war, of fighting, truly any fighting, is to achieve victory by the most efficient and expedient manner possible. Victory, the fulfillment of certain strategic victory conditions, and not simply victory on the field of battle."

>>13859386
This is good to me.

>>13859329
this

>>13859386
I like this but I still want to stick with mine. Simply because I want to see if they'll be honest about their issues with us having an assassin or not or they're still going to hold their tongue.

>>13859129
Voting for Maximus's.

The other seems too... blunt. And preachy. Like we're talking down to a couple commanders who have been in the Legion longer than we have been alive.

>>13859438
How about we compromise?
We start off with yours, because honestly they do warrant congratulations, and to see if they will tell us without additional prodding.

Then we go into my part, because these are the traditionalists in terms of tactical thinking; especially Gaius and Uurist.
"I believe that War is Intellect, gentlemen. Numbers alone are not enough to insure victory."

>>13859386
I think this would work better if they denounce our use of an assassin rather than to open the conversation

>>13859483
Honestly, I don't want a compromise. Yours sounds like a bad fantasy author's blurb by the books resident Marty Stu, where he shames the inferior tactical thinkers and they bow down and worship him.

Except we don't have that kind of author's fiat.

"Well, first I would like to congratulate all three of you on your performances during this campaign. You three and your battalions carried the weight of more than your fair share of battles." all three captains acknowledge your gratitude, so you continue "though I would like to know if any of you had any issues with any actions I have taken recently."

The captains ponder for a bit before Gaius speaks up "On this... 'infiltrator' you hired on. How heavily do you plan to use him?"

"I get that ye'need to be subtle with that sort of thing, but honestly Commander, that was an odd way to introduce yer blade." Uurist adds bluntly.

"I was truthful in how I intended to use him. My reaction to the death of Lord Stant was genuine. He deserved to at least face down his murderers. While Daesu wasn't able to pin the exact cutthroat responsible, he was able to impart me with a great deal of information regarding the act. Information that was able to verify some of my suspicions that the Lordfathers are definitely moving within the Uurlanthi ranks."

>>13859516
"I primarily plan to use him for his infiltration abilities. His other skills will only be considered if it's absolutely required in future campaigns. Rest assured, I have no intention of suddenly sending him out to deal with every problem we come across. In regards to why I introduced him that way, I felt it better to be frank about his nature and to get your opinions on the matter. I rather you be aware of this decision through me than find out in other ways."

>>13859516
"Honestly, I hope that the only thing I need ever use him for is to counter assassins sent to relieve me of command staff or to do spying and recon. If I ever give him a mission outside of that... well, I imagine it will be extremely infrequent to say the least.

I would rather not have such a politically dangerous situation at all, to be honest. I'm still, as the two of you clearly know, a very young man with what I hope is a very long way to go. But the Empire, as always, comes first. I will do what I must to protect it, despite the risks.

Though, as I said, it would be nicer if that never came to pass."

>>13859511
Maybe it could have been written better.
But is there anything fundamentally wrong with the position that using traditional Legion tactics and strategies would have inflicted far heavier casualties upon us in this campaign, than what we have currently suffered?
And that with the resurgence of magic, we will need to review our current tactics?

>>13859516
"I am not certain how heavily I plan to use him at the moment. On the one hand, I am inclined to say that in most situations the death of a single enemy commander won't shake the battle, so his primary tasks will be infiltration. On the other... I suspect that individuals will come to be of ever greater importance on the battlefield. How much difference could it have made, if the enemy mage had died before our last battle began? If an elementalist of Laelith's caliber is in an enemy force, how many of our troops could they destroy? If such things become common, I suspect that he will not lack for bloody tasks- and that the corresponding troops in our own army will need to take additional precautions."

"My intent is truthfully in line with how I introduced him, and I thought it best to broach the truth of it with my command staff in separate, smaller groups, to make open honesty easier." you defend your position "As to using him, heavily for information gathering and counter-assassination work. I for one do not like the notion that a blade may be able to work his way into our numbers to relieve me of any members of my command staff, or of my own life. The occasions when I send him to slay a foe will be rare, and only when it is an absolute necessity." both Gaius and Uurist look satisfied by this response, and Cornelius to a lesser extent. The rest of the meal passes uneventfully, smalltalk and discussion of tactics until it is time to get back under way.

>So blackbird and Lennis before hitting the timeskip home?

>>13859692
I can dig that. Blackbird should be quick enough, I assume it's just us telling him the truth.

>>13859692
>So blackbird and Lennis before hitting the timeskip home?
Yes please.
Blackbird may have already picked up on it, but it's better to be sure.

At midday one of the autowagons ceases up, and you take the opportunity it creates while Degrian and Kyria work it out to talk with Blackbird. "Commander, how can I help you?"

"I just wanted to make sure a few things are clear to you, to be honest." you reply, dismounting Spite to stretch some while you talk with the orc.

"The assassin you hired?" he asks, not keeping his voice particularly hushed.

>>13859804
>"The assassin you hired?"
"Exactly. The employment of such persons is frowned upon in the Empire. It would help my aspirations greatly if you would not refer to him as such, when we are back at DragonsReach."

>>13859804
"Try to not announce that in the future Blackbird. A majority of the Empire frowns on the use of such people and it wouldn't be helpful for that to be known by others. Beyond that, I'm assuming the two of you will have some useful things to share with each other and am interested in seeing what the two of you can come up with."

"Heh, Well, about him, yes. Unfortunately, it's not a word that's good to have publicly associated with my name. There's a heavy stigma against using them. However, he's already proven to be very capable in information gathering, and I'm hoping having him around will also prevent successful assassination attempts on US. Something that successful commanders have to worry about from time to time."

"Precisely, though, announcing him as such once we are in dragons reach, or around those who may speak with my superiors..." you trail off ominously.

"Why would you need to avoid your pragmatism being known? Its a perfectly viable tactic in warfare, slaying the enemy leadership." Blackbird questions, confused.

"Socially, the Empire finds assassination distasteful, despite its uses." you answer.

The orc shrugs his shoulders "I will mind my tongue then commander. Did you need anything else?"

"Not in particular, so long as the two of you are helping each other improve your respective crafts." you reply, the orc only looses a feral smile for his response.

-----CQ-----

The rest of the week rolls along quietly enough, you are nearly to where you began this campaign when the thunder of hooves heralds the approach of a rather large group of riders. You turn to see what could only be Vohzd Lennis' Ghorat approaching, the man already riding out to meet his family.

Before we totally leave his company, I say we give Lenis a flagon of the good stuff we found casks of back in the Fat Bastard's mansion. Assuming we have enough to send him off with, at any rate.

>>13859981
Second.

You ride over to where Vohzd Lennis is embracing his wife "So, friend, I take that this is where we part ways?"

The man turns his horse to face you "For now, yes, I suppose. Though I do hope that we will be able to work together again, I took nearly 40 strong horse from the uurlanthi to only seven warriors lost."

Lennis offers you his hand, which you fill with a bottle of stronger alcohol you took from Lord Blentus' cellar "A gift amongst friends." you explain, accepting his hand after he shifts the hand he is holding the bottle in.

"It is ill omen to give a man liquor and not share a drink of the drink with him. Even worse for two leaders to drink together but leave their Ghorats thirsty." Lennis warily interjects before you can ride away.

>>13859934
Let's go see the man off then. Perhaps we should use the idea suggested earlier and use a maniple tradition as a sign of friendship between his people and us? Hard to suggest what kind since we don't really know them though.

>>13860058

Drinking...drinking is good.

>>13860049
It would be rude of us to leave just like that. Might derail our time table a bit but I suggest we keep in line with the traditions of his people. We may not have enough of the super good stuff for everyone but we did loot Blentus' booze.

Also, I think we might want to give him a heads up on the coming storm the empire will face when it comes to the undead. No details since we know so few but even a heads up might make him come to us when he sees the undead rising.

>>13860058
I think he meant drinking, our maniple seems to do a good bit of it

>>13860112
I posted that before seeing the recent post so it can be ignored.

>>13860049
Well then, by all means, let's have some drank.

>>13860091
Second.

"Then it would be foolish for us to not do so." you answer amiably, before signalling for your maniple to stop to camp here for the night.

"Shall we celebrate our victory then?" Lennis asks, his younger son and the young man who will be the Vohzd after his father passes finally rides up. A brief, rapid-fire conversation triggers in their native tongue, with much gesturing to the food carts of both the Ghorat and your maniple. Finally Lennis turns to face you "Have you ever hunted Plainsboar?"

>>13860179
"I cannot say I have but I assume I'm about to have that chance."

>>13860193
Let's get hunting!

Have Sansa prepare the maniple for a victory celebration, then. I'm sure the men won't mind.

"I cant say that I have." you reply honestly, the image from your ride east, the boar the size of a mule beset by a troop of Grassbadgers nearly fifteen adults strong, and holding its own suddenly flying to the front of your mind.

"Well, a brief hunt will be the simplest way to ensure all of our people have both food and drink tonight. Marax saw a mated pair not far from here, let us ride." At that the big man wheels his horse about and rides off. You toss off a salute and follow the man.

After a short time you can hear the boars, though Lennis insists that you do not need to dismount yet. "Lennis, I have a warning I feel I should pass on to you, one that could panic our people if it spread." the man grunts for you to continue "There is a good chance that men commanding the undead will strike at the civilized peoples of Catarasia in the future. I do not know when, or why, all that I know is that the group planning this strike is vastly powerful, and incredibly difficult to find when searching them out."

The man riding next to you once again grunts, before falling into silence. After a few more minutes he hands you a javelin and spare throwing arm "From the front strike through the eyes, but do not look in them. From the rear the base of the skull, do not dismount." At that he rides off at full speed at the male of the pair, which is the size of a particularly large mule, leaving the sow to you.

>roll for your kill

rolled 61 = 61

>>13860326
And with that I am out for the night. See you all sunday.

>>13860346
Night Maximus.

You spur Spite into action, readying the strange weapon as you approach the sow, her minute tusks still large enough to dwarf those of lesser boars. You let the javelin fly, and while your martial prowess is impressive, all that it merits you is the ability to strike the animal in its shoulder, not through the eye like you needed to. You have Spite run around behind the sow as Vohzd Lennis dismounts to gut his kill. You draw your spear and thrust it in one motion, nearly pinning the beast to the ground with the force of your blow. Its head is almost torn clean off when Spite tries to keep running, though you manage to slow him down in more than enough time. "Thank you for the warning, Commander Trentz." Lennis finally answers solemnly "Let us not dwell on the grim future on this night, however." he adds, his voice swinging back to the booming happy tones he had been speaking in since you left Uurlanth.

>so, any goal in particular for this celebration?

>>13860437
having a good time without making a fool out of ourselves

Other than having a good time and further sowing mutual respect for our peoples? Nah. Maybe teach eachother dirty words and lewd songs and the like.

>>13860437
Not really, just forge bonds with his people that will, hopefully, allow us to have his support should we ever need it for any political or military affairs.

>>13860437
Maybe we can get Sansa to stop being such a prude about other women with a little liquor in her.

Then again, I'm not entirely sure it's possible to get Sansa that drunk.

>>13860477
Pretty much this.

>>13860504
I'm changing my vote to this

By the time you and Lennis are back to the camp both of your groups are set up for the night, and trading liquor, and stories with each other. A mighty cheer goes up from both groups, and by the time you unload your kills with the cooks on the far side of the camp you can already hear your men and Lennis men bragging, the latters that he killed the greater beast, the former that you get more females than he.

By the time the meal is ready the wild, energetic music of the Kharynchek people is filling the air, thundering drums, rapid tunes on stringed instruments, both strummed and bowed. Your soldiers try to dance with the tune, though most cant, not that a good portion of them arent making friends from the Ghorat. Sasna and Uurist for once arent competing with each other in their cups, rather they are drinking every kharynchek that approaches them under, and laughing as they do it. Loud bragging tales of conquest on and off the battlefield are accented by crude jokes, roaring laughter and whoops of pleasure accent the music at random intervals. More than a few fights break out, though all of them end with the concerned parties staggering drunkenly to a bottle or tankard somewhere nearby as if the two men had known each other their whole lives.
>cont'd

Almost every member of your command staff is toasted more than once, from Lena to Blackbird to Sansa to yourself. And once the tales of Maraxs accomplishments start circulating amongst your maniple he receives his fare share of toasts as well. Late into the night the celebrations continue when you finally decide to look for one or two of your lovely ladies to finish the night with. Laelith is deep in conversation with Lena when you find them, neither terribly drunk, but they both have their drinks; Jayne, when you find her, is going on about breeding and care of Uursan with Lennis eldest son, who seems to be countering with the equivalent knowledge for horses. By the end of the night you have Kyria under one arm and Sansa under the other as the three of you stagger drunkenly to your tent.

>well, this seems to be as good a spot to let off as any.
>I'll be back sunday at 9pm server time
>someone archive please
>if you have any questions just e-mail me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>13860504
Well, basically any of the other girls would be fine too. Kyria is both her close friend and totally into that. Laelith, I'm sure, has had plenty of experience with both sexes. Jayne, Sansa, and Justinian have all spent the night together in the same bed already.

Really, if there was any harem that would encourage bisexuality, this one is it. It is only a matter of time, even if she doesn't come around this feast.

>>13860655
This can only end well.

>Sansa status updated:
>Achievement Unlocked: Ultimate Hangover.

I can't wait to get back to the capital and see how the war has gone. If Uurlanth doesn't score a crushing victory then I imagine this will end in crippling their economy and population for at least a hundred years. Perhaps the Empire will, during that time, launch an invasion and expand? Only time will tell!

>>13860691
I don't know if it will be that bad, but considering that the main objective of the campaign was to cripple Uurlanth's economy it's probably going to hurt them. If that's compounded by severe population depletion by raising every man who can fight then yeah. They will have a hard time ever recovering.

Not to mention the severe political ramifications considering what we've learned of Uurlanth's political structure. I imagine half the nation's nobility will be dead before the dust settles. Might even force some social upheaval, which would set them back even further.

There's a real chance Uurlanth will never recover from this war if they suffer a devastating loss. It could cause the downfall of the kingdom.

Session has been archived.
Don't forget to vote!

>>13860713
I'm worried about that. If the kingdom falls into turmoil it would be a huge breeding ground for cults, both god-cults and the Cult that we hate. The people would start turning to anything that could keep them safe.

We might have to try to force the Empire into war with Uurlanth again in such a situation, simply to restore stability.

>>13860760
Cross that bridge when we come to it, bro. Plus we aren't anywhere near that powerful yet.

I'm just waiting for our triumphant homecoming as the Hero of the Empire for this war. Shit's gonna be so cash. Also likely going to be a lot of political maneuvering as people either vie for our favor or try to destroy us because we're a threat.

Since we're going to have a lot of valuable loot to pawn off, I suggest we use some of it for home town improvement and charities, and to start a side-business. Donate some cash to the local firefighter's brigade and capital area museum?

As for the business, our recent finds in other people's libraries has me thinking reproductions of old tomes could be a lucrative business indeed. Hire a couple dependable scribes and get a storefront.

>>13860858
We're not rich enough to delve into giving it away, yet. I would rather us supply those funds to our orc tribe up north. And we're already going to be burning a ton of money buying up all these temples, buying Kyria a workshop, getting Laelith's face healed, and starting an elementalist/mage academy of our own.