File: Legio Advance M1 R1.jpg (2.18 MB, 1984x3984)

2.18 MB JPG

So, who is filling out the duty roster? And which one of us is going to get the perimeter sentries set? Someone has to, but then, the tasks never end and the patrol never stops and there is always - always - the reports to write. Command appreciates them so. Maybe they burn them to keep warm? With the heat out here and a warm bonfire going, maybe even icey High Command can feel a sliver of camraderie.

Well, campfire jokes aside, best you make sure your paperwork is in order.

>Officers are defined from a background, some assets, and a retinue.
>Then you customise a specific Command.

>It'll look a bit like . . . this:

# Decius Allectius Natalis
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Traine - Service Records - Rikovol Windblade {Ashfog}
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Legion 2

--

>What's all this then?
Ah, don't panic. Think of it like a turn based multiplayer quest wargame with some light narrative elements and a whole heaping lot of surprises.

>You do this often?
Every now and again. The previous threads are not required reading, as things change and the world adjusts. But if you'd like to gander, try this: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=art%3F

>We even have a slight discord, for tactical skirmishy stuff: https://discord.gg/wyRpUrQ6

Rolled 3 (1d5)

>>5999232
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Scout Cavalry] + Outlanders + Military Affairs

> Rolling for extra riders.

Out in the Uthani grasslands, the outposts of the Empire are lonely things- more markers on a map, than true signals of dominion. The wandering clans are far too raucous and wild to be worth binding down, and for the most part, are left well alone.

But just because it’s largely de jure rule doesn’t mean that generations of presence doesn’t *mean* things. The Houses set down roots, identify points of interest- and control them, through diplomacy, through force, through integration. Clans start to learn. Some even serve, if the price is right, then eventually because they grow used to it. New gods, new ways, new banners, and new Clans as well, who;ve grown used to the Empire’s light handed presence, who;ve sent generations of sons and daughters to ride alongside their legions, who’ve become… almost civilised.

>>5999232
>>5999232
#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

Rolled 338, 789 = 1127 (2d999)

Ah, this is what High Command loves to see. That tent line is regulation *perfect*. And that firepit? Dug to centimeter specificity.

You've done this before, haven't you? A hundred little fortified camps across ten times that in miles. Set enough of them up and you'll start seeing them in your dreams. . .

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>5999232
>Dice for added Volunteers
The very model of the modern pytherii officer

# Decius Allectius Natalis
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Traine - Service Records - Rikovol Windblade {Ashfog}
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Legion 2

--

>>5999232
What’s the difference between “increase numbers” and “increase troops”?

>>5999266
Spelling, for one, but in a much more useful sense the raw *numbers* of a given formation influences how many of them there is to run about doing what you tell them.

Meanwhile, the *quality* of the troops influence everything else. It is the hardest thing to preserve and the thing most desired by an officer; that most rare of breeds: Competent Professionals.

All the numbers in the world won't help much if the troops are of such rawness that they break at the first sign of trouble. Of course, there is sort of an adverse selection pressure in this line of work. You're very unlikely to find formations with both good numbers and high quality of individual troops in it.

In general, numbers help you accomplish more things (There are in the most literal sense more hands to do the work), is useful in a pinch because having friends nearby tends to be useful, and lets formations more fluidly resolve who is fighting, who is resting, and who is guarding.

Quality on the other hand is a universal descriptor for the basic quality of the formation in question. When everything is down to the triarii, when pain and shock and damage rear their heads, the thing that makes a given formation stand and do and perform as required is down to their sheer basic quality.

>>5999270
So having numbers is straight up having more dudes in the formation?

File: Desert Sun Force Disposit(...).jpg (1.45 MB, 2480x3088)

1.45 MB JPG

>>5999274
A marvelous way to win most arguments, yes. If in doubt, bring more friends. Though, the scribes seem to have made a mistake. If you're inquiring about House and Outlander differences, the fact is, both supply *more* - it's just that House troops come unusually well supplied, benefits of deep pockets, and Outlanders are usually a little hardier than your average bar-brawler.

The House troops are noted as "per rank" because one could feel a large formation of well supplied soldiers, given sufficient House backing. The Outlanders only ever get +1d5 in numbers, but do get *quite good* at skirmishing.

---
>>5999239
>>5999246
>>5999248
Alright, fall in and stand down. The sand will which itself for a while, and the grass hides neither snake nor spike tonight. Even the last haggard stragglers are catching up now. A few days of desert patrol will turn the formations right around, half mirage chasing, half heat-stroke. Go over the troops, make sure everyhing is like it is meant to be.

Dispatch Courier delivered some sealed orders from the station up ahead, so we have that to look forward once we've ensured everyone is here, have remembered their water and gotten the tents assembled.

. . .
>Force disposition so far...

File: Desert Sun Legion Orders 1.jpg (1.86 MB, 2480x2995)

1.86 MB JPG

Having ensured that all is in order, it is time for a camp a council. The dispatch courier hands over the sealed command orders, accepts your counter-sign to indicate successful delivery, helps herself to one refill from your water barrels, and rides off. Probably going to scrounge the Blindust Plain for the 9th. They've been out there for two weeks. About time they got a new order.

--

You make camp.
Sentries report . . . NOTHING UNUSUAL

With our cavalry core, scouting is . . . EASY in these conditions, and so we can be very confident that nothing untoward will happen to interrupt our standard camp.

The Legion Orders must be carried out, though this particular order seems straight forward.

Every Officer gains a Influence Action and an Affiliation Action. There will be a 2nd Camp Phase, but actions cannot be doubled (so no officer can "spam" the same thing twice).

Carrying out Legion Orders does not constitute an "action", though if you wish to devise a specific way to do something, an Officer can implement a Strategem. This means you will march "without" spending an action and you can assign a unit to be camp guard and guide without spending an action. But, again, getting clever or creative with it does require the planning effort.

If there are disagreements, the Officer's Council treats your actions as votes, and uses the influences stats to resolve ties if you cannot do so readily.

Tests are done via 3d6, that's dice+3d6 in the options field. Multiple officers can naturally work together; the total amount of margin is tallied (each amount by which the check is passed). You want low rolls, in this degenerate world.

--

You can, at this time, also ask questions.

--

The campground we set up our small fortified compound in is the leeway of a large hill, scrubbly with grass-stains and the lively actions of a buzzing, healthy insect colony. Sweet tang of salt in the air. Shimmering heat waves on the horizon, petrified wood long dried out sticking like teeth from the cracked scrubland. A small desultory trickle of water winds its way through the area, enough to filter and fill half a barrel if we stayed here for a month. Might have been a grand river once, but the sun out here will brook no contender. It's steaming off at the source, or choked further up the flow.

There isn't a vast array of quater-masters or interesting things to get up to, but the scouts report no great danger as mentioned, so, if you wish it, at least you can get some time to drill.

( You may, also, naturally, adjust the moniker of your Command Retinue. The Legion beaucracy is effective, but they stamp a lot of papers. Surely, no oen will notice if you refer to your troops by a different name than the this-number-that-number. )

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>5999232
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 10 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Theurgic 2

The sun beats down on some of Legion's freshest faces. But they know it as a warm caress from an old friend, it only stokes the fervent flames of their souls. Making up for inexperience with sheer zealotry.

The Officer, however, stands with a glum face. She comes from a long line of glorious murderers, from her mother and father to her brothers and sisters. Maybe even her extended family can't escape the history. Will this cycle ever end?

Rolled 6, 6, 2 = 14 (3d6)

>>5999305
> Influence Action: Transfer Paperwork

I count a lot of lumberfoots and Ironsides, but not enough marauders, and *certainly* not enough bows. If we have enemy raiders in the area, then a squadron of disciplined archers would do wonders in frightening them off. We certainly have the numbers to protect them!

(Rolling vs 11 Reputation)

> Affiliation Action: Military Affairs, The Scars

I take my best Outriders, plus any volunteers from the 338th, and scout the path ahead for danger and ambushes. The rest of the cavalry are left with the main force, in case they need a messenger. If we meet serious danger, we try to assess what it is, then withdraw. If we meet travellers- or enemies we can easily overpower- we can interrogate them for information.

File: Crassus Primer 1.png (867 KB, 1356x976)

867 KB PNG

While we stamp the papers and sign the signatures and make sure the Chef is cooking the right bootleather - I kid, I kid, its not boot leather this week - perhaps we should quickly refer to Crassus' Primer on Short, Victorious Campaigns. . . An officer needs to know some of this stuff, though, if you ask my mind, you can get by with a lot of guesstimating.

>Precise unit numbers are obscured a little in this system, as a joke on the universe, but rest assured the simulation background is . . . robust.

>The basic capacity of a given formation in the force can be gleaned from the basic overview. There'll be some more relevant information if you ever find yourself in a fight, but as a short-hand RED is NOT SO GOOD and GREEN is GOOD and YELLOW, the glorious sun, is *exceptionally interesting* (which is neither good or bad, all the time)

File: Crassus Primer 2.png (752 KB, 1256x1004)

752 KB PNG

Wrote a lot of words that man Crassus did. Maybe a little long-winded for a general who so favored speed?

File: Desert Sun Camp Force Dis(...).jpg (1.61 MB, 2480x2603)

1.61 MB JPG

>>5999307
They whisper that one day it will have to, because one day, the sun will set and the next it will not rise. But such words are lies, surely, and what is the world but the cycle of the seasons? It all goes around and around and around. . .

Hey, is this camp warmer, all of sudden, or is it just a sudden easterly gust of warm air?

File: Outrider Report 1.jpg (563 KB, 2480x756)

563 KB JPG

>>5999312
On the distant wind, something stirs. The ground out here is craculature and hoof-traps for the unwary, the dry ground turned to a constant plain of trip-traps for marching feet - or worse, galloping hooves.

But, with some deftness, we have learned to make do. It's not all so bad, and there roads and there ways and there are means.

But on the wind something still stirs. Riders, horizon-distant, gone in a heat shimmer. Elos East Station is on the other side of Windchime Passway, which is supposedly held by Fireskellian's 2nd Cohort, which, nearer to the 1st, are deadly indeed.

So why are the riders that shy away from your approach not from Fireskellian's little lot? There are not many ways through the eastern mountainous terrain for horses. This line of geography has torn itself asunder, in the ancient past, spitting out mountains that like teeth and long rivers that cleave the plains. Yeah, you can go around. Theoretically. You can always go around. And eight years hence you might actually make it.

So as it is unlikely these distant heat-shimmer riders have been on the prowl for nigh a decade, perhaps it would be the wise thing to contrive to ambush three of them and find out who there? If they have a pass-phrase or some civilian business, then all joy to them.

So you do.

Or, try to. But they're wily. Two camps you come across, with embers still hot and cookfires undoused. Not a sign of Them. Except in the second camp, red dry stains on the ground and the smell of burning flesh in the air. A horse died here, lamed, from abuse and long rides, and the rider must have doubled back on a companion's steed. Scout-trick. And if they had to both kill a horse and eat it, then double-back at gallop, then far out scouts indeed running low on supplies and with news to report.

The news of *us* coming closer to *them*.

It looks like there are Sparksworn east of the Elos Station, and east of Windchime Passway, and both are places they should not be east off. And for all your far prowling and deft riding, the rumoured 4th and 7th Cohorts, supposedly patrolling this otherwise placid piece of plain have no deigned to make themselves appear. Perhaps more unsettling than strangers riders, that.

We're not supposed to be alone out here.

Rolled 3 + 2 (1d10 + 2)

>>5999305

#278th Blade-Holders
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 11
New Model Soldier- Red Market Markers - Rebus Pathfinders

!Outlander
!Houses 2
!Theurgic
---
[Tricks Of The Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Hazard Payment]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Houses 2

Led by the noble Arch-Stabbedmeister Mandy Knifearse, the Blade-holders are an ALLEGEDLY mercenary group, renowned for having my piles of flesh to throw at the enemy line, in order to keep the blades of their patrons sharp and stabby

Rolled 6, 6 = 12 (2d6)

>>5999367
Rolling for houses

File: Desert Sun Camp Force Dis(...).jpg (2.04 MB, 2480x3665)

2.04 MB JPG

Ah, I see the slicers have started arriving. Cutthroat fresh from the distance, huh? Took you stragglers long enough. Yeah, you're very good with those knives, people, but you know what soldiering is also all about? Following a map and keeping in march formation, which. . .

Well.

In the spirit of optimism, you'll have plenty of opportunity to practice those very skillsets in the time ahead. It'll be very different from gutting someone in an alley. You might even learn a whole new way to use a knife.

>>5999312
[0 Rep]
In flagging down the Dispatch courier before she makes her sojourn to the 9th, you try to impress upon her the fact that if - just if - the 9th could see fit to ask the 10th to send over some of those Grassteppes people, that might be quite swell out here, in the sun and the rain? Excellent shots, that lot.

The Dispatch Courier tries to wash some dust off her face and does not quite have the heart to tell you that that is not quite within her authority to make happen. But she can certainly bring your message to the distant patrols. . .

==Requisitions==
Archer Assistance [. . . eehhhh, maybe Command will send someone. . .?]

--

Other present officers can join Koras in wheeling and dealing, adding weight to the request. Otherwise, it's down to luck and the smile of the Icons.

>>5999305
#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

You know what this force is missing? A *real* legionary, that's what. A born-and-bred, cradle-to-the-grave consummate professional soldier like Severus Regulus Priscillian, always ready to go the extra mile and then some (within regulations) for Pyther and assorted notions of martial honor (again, within regulations).

How's the sheet? Did I miss anything?

>>5999360
> Reporting Back

It looks like the enemy force outnumbers us by a *lot*, and somehow infiltrated friendly positions. They’re no fools at fieldcraft at either- catching them by surprise isn’t an option.

Unless we want to turn around- and we do not- then we should try to use the advantages they have. They’re overwhelmingly lightly armed, lightly armoured and lightly led, barring a few core units the iron sides can pin down. The rest?

Be aggressive, move as a single unit, keep the pressure. Don’t give them time to organise, and bleed them and bleed them and bleed them, and may both soul and sun be willing, their morale *will* tell. The horses will go first, punctured by our bows- many as we can find- and the cultists remaining won’t be hard to confuse and pick apart….

>>5999381
…could I replace the Rebus fellas with Theurgic Aspirants? It’s fine if I can’t, I just didn’t realize there were more of the latter than the former

File: Desert Sun Force Disposit(...).jpg (2.39 MB, 2480x3646)

2.39 MB JPG

>>5999392
All clear to us, and the high sun shines. We have everything we need, and you have your Crassus Martialis defined allotment of donkeys, spears, shield grease and rope.

>>5999403
The Rebus would . . . prefer that you . . . do not because they have a request from Legion Command that they need to be on hand to provide you with up to date information of a navigational character, though, when they say that, they do keep craddling their weapons. Also they have this odd way of always keeping three of them with a direct sight-line to you at all times.

It's nice High Command cares. They must have told the Rebus to *really* pay attention to you.

--
That said, some paperwork can be adjusted. But note the important distinction: The Rebus Pathfinders are the foremost scouts, sappers and skirmish specialists in this part of the world (Pick a part; it's that part). If you want people who can make other people hurt in a surprising amount of ways, the Pathfinders are who you task to do it.

The Theurgic Aspirants are clergy-scholars and helpful camp aides. They can provide advise, assistance, soothing, they're quite deft with field triage like the Chemiace, they can plot the weather and the stars and the numious numberous churnings of the high Other and If you ask them to touch a knife, they cite religious bans and cry.

>>5999400
This is a viable and useful report. Thank you, outrider. Let us see. . .

>>5999407
The love of the Rebus for their weapons is absolutely respectable!

But quite simply, 25 bags of skin are walking out this fine morning. By this morning’s end, I’ll need someone who can stitch the bags so I may send out 12 tomorrow, instead of 6.

Unless the Rebus wish to try their hand at needles, it’s a needed change

File: Desert Suns Deploy.jpg (2.71 MB, 4440x3001)

2.71 MB JPG

The 9th (or anyone else) have not sent us more archers yet, but it is still late and we may still march towards the pass as instructed.

The old survey maps can be studied for some use. Though, you all remember the pass, right? Dry, long week manning the old river-carved rock. It's a good solid choke-point, erupting out of the mountainous rock around before it becomes vast montain and harder to pass, more of a long twisty set of stone that was once a mighty river and is now a slow trickle.

The air is dry, and then, in the shadows, clean, drinkable water, like a life-giving arterial vein.

--
We have our force disposition. We have our march orders. Koras has provided suspected confirmation of at least some hostile movement, east of where there should be any at all.

It is likely we will encounter some difficulties on the way to the pass, so let us plan for it. . .
--

>The old maps seem workable, so go by that intelligence.

>Command a formation to deploy to a location. Conflicting deployment orders are resolved via authority rolls, but the formation may be somewhat dazed by the uncertainty of the action.

--
Command Posts
Officers - such as yourselves! - principally operate out of defined Command Posts, where couriers and dispatch runners can find you and keep you up to do ate on information. It's also where supplies are stored and the quartermasters operate.

Posts have a rating, dictating the ease of operations there. An Officer can send as many dispatches/orders as the Post has Command Rating every phase. So, naturally, higher Command Rating makes managing vast forces much easier.

However, some Command Posts have easier access to information and being stationed there increases responsiveness of orders sent elsewhere, as the couriers get to where they need to be faster and you can recieve information back the other way. When seconds count, this can be the difference between victory and defeat.

You should assign yourself a Command Post, as that is where you will be found until you head... elsewhere. But we'll cover that when it comes up.
--

>[Deployment is now active]

--
>>5999403
>>5999415
You sure? You're absoluely sure? Well, no bones to them, they'll . . . be around. You get the distinct feeling the nearby bushes have suddenly aquired Pathfinder tenants, politely making sure your gaggle of contract-bound professionals don't develop *ideas* worth reporting on.

--

Rolled 1, 5, 6 = 12 (3d6)

>>5999305
>Transfer Paperwork: Request a unit of Pathfinders (Reputation 11)
We do need some skirmishers, some ranged specialists, but archers? We can ask for better than that. We can ask for the best.

>Affiliation action: Legion 1, drill the 789th Light Mist in Formation Fighting, copying the 21st Monsoon
Look at them. Green recruits, drilled to perfection. We could learn a thing or two from them.

>>5999422
>You get the distinct feeling the nearby bushes have suddenly aquired Pathfinder tenants
Convenient! I didn't even send the paperwork yet.

>>5999422
Instead of picking a command post, could I declare that I’m riding with the 338th?

I have no interest sitting at the back, nor the actual authority to command.

If that’s all possible, I’d like to lead my raiders around the canyon from the North, above Windchurner Rise, around the trees, and then onto the top of the Windchime rock bridge, still using the trees as cover. Hopefully we’re both fast enough to arrive on time, and sneaky enough to not be noticed.

(It’s also night for me, so missing the first two or three turns to go around suits me fine.)

If the enemy is actually here, then so will their camp, and so will their rations, and I don’t think their horse will like it much if they release the enemy has slipped in amongst their supply wagons. They struck me as somewhat *famished*….

>>5999232

#Palatine Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Traine - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
82nd Kataphractoi Squadron
["""Scout""" Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

>>5999305
The 307th Coaldousers all sit by a flame fueled by a certain Theurge's soul under the scorching sun, with sweat beading off of them. But none of them feel thirsty.

"All of us are here today under the magnanimous caress of The Empyreal Eye! Remember that even if The Sun sets, your Inner Flame will always carry a part of it! If our enemy has fervour, then we will outmatch it! If they have a hunger for victory then they will simply be vultures attempting to leech off our prey! Vince in Bono Malum Sotto il Sole!"

>Perform the Rite of Glories, Ascendant.

>>5999428
All in due time, all in due time. For now, assign a deployment for your favoured fighters and a command post for yourself.

You won't be in that post very long, I think you'll find, because the thing you intend to do is entirely possible - but there is still those Accord Regulations to conform to.

Officers must have a command post, or the army is a mob! Page 3!

>>5999422
>>5999437

Sir yes sir.

We’ll earn those boni yet!

> Windchurner Rise, with the 338th

I also vote we leave the 266th Duskeaters behind as the logistics troops, and plead with mine fellow officers (with actual authority) to remember to Plan our March

>>5999422
>Comand Post: Fort Forlorn
>Deploy 789th Light Mist at C

Rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13 (3d6)

>>5999305
>Transfer Forms
More ragtag bands of fools are gathered, to bring more hands to fill with swords, to fill out the horde.

As the manual of the Sword-Bearer says, a big enough pile of guts is indistinguishable from a rope-trap after all

>Affiliation choice: Theurgic
>Perform the rite of Firekeeper’s Vigil

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>5999422

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Theurgic2

There are many icons, high and low, near and far, and sometimes the legion has a problem that requires a non-combusting solution. Contract theurgy, it's going to be big - tell your friends.

>Deploy Fort Forlorn
>Dice for Volunteer numbers

Rolled 5, 3, 5 = 13 (3d6)

>>5999422
>Strategem: Sunlit Marches (vs 12 Authority)
>Mechalogistics 1: Prepare surplus water supplies.

>Command Post at Fort Forlorn
>Deploy 82nd Kataphractoi to D

Rolled 3, 5, 4, 6, 5, 4 = 27 (6d6)

>>5999305
>>5999422

>Stratagem:
Ensure the Cavalry and the Lights can arrive faster in position. The Cav link with Fireskellian command 1st. The Lights invest the position over the Windchime from Path A and C. Raincatchers block the path from B and have stairway to reinforce C depending on the situation.

Thats the plan for now?

>Affiliation Mechalogistics
Get some additional supplies for Desert Warfare and additional Water. Make sure the men remember their Desert Training.

>Deploy A

File: Desert Sun Camp Force Dis(...).jpg (3.07 MB, 2480x4966)

3.07 MB JPG

>>5999430
And I see the *heavies* have joined us. And just in time too. Going by Koras report, there's traces of Sunlancers roaming the landscape. Last thing anyone wants is to be caught out staring down that sort of weigh without heavy lancers of our own.

>>5999500
Is there an echo around here or . . . Oh, no, that's just . . . The wind playing tricks.

>>5999427
>>5999387
>>5999312
A sun-burnt, somewhat parched troop of Uthani auxillary catch up with us on the march - the Dispatch Courier must have convinced the 9th to send their skirmishers. Extra assistance is always appreciated.

Sadly, Legion High is too far away to ship us a fresh contingent of Pathfinders. We have the command Rebus, here to assist the efforts of the officers and ensure the proper facilitation of information. A job they do well. Unfortunately, they're stretched a little thin, running courier duties and dispatch operations to keep our little advance going at a proper pace.

The northeast front is quiet. It's always been quiet. All the real damage happens far south of here, around Mothwell, where the walls still stand and the Sparksouls still hold dominion. Though, the way the rumour has it, those walls will fall any day now.

Still, even if we won't have the proper crack of mechalogistics support, this little band of Vulpes are fierce shots.

--

>>5999500
Quite rather a lot of them, as it turns out.

>>5999517
>>5999509
We advance at speed. Though as the new skirmisher arrivals struggle to beat up, and the outriders fall in along the path, friction and physics grinds down our momentum. We're not late, because we're not arriving for anything with a deadline, but we're not early, either, in the cosmic sense, of may have been or could yet be.

>[Column average speed achieved]

But, we are, and this will likely prove to be a saving grace in the hours to come, *prepared*. Windchime Pass trickles moisture, slow, in the old and deep river bed. There are wells there. So we can be liberal with our own barrels and wagons, and so, some troops positively slooshing as they march, we rid ourselves gradually of heavy loads and this acceleration almost regains the bleed speed from geography and minor inconvenience.

>[Troops are Well Watered. . . And arriving in good order, neither fatigued nor exhausted!]

File: Pleasant Greens.png (176 KB, 1024x928)

176 KB PNG

Korsas and the 338th outrange the marching footsloggers, sloshing as they go, footfalls hitting the dry ground in tune with the marching song of the sun's rising. Traditional, although, perhaps, around these parts, a little uncalled for. Feels like inviting the wrong kind of attention. But spirits are high and the sub-officers lets it pass for now.

One of the Uthani, leaning down across his horse, runs his hand across the greenery clinging to life in Windchime pass. Deep roots are sucking moisture form the stone and the earth. But as long as there is a trickle, there is hope.

Though it's odd. . . This plant is stained with a slight patina of some red spray. One wonders where the Watchkeepers are? Does the 2nd Cohort not have optios, to set perimeters, or proper protocols? No, Fireskellian is an unbending kind of steelsoul. She sets a schedule and keeps it. . .

File: Spark of surprise.png (338 KB, 1420x980)

338 KB PNG

A little further along the stone and its pitted wind. The greenery is fighting fierce for every bit of rock and grows dense. The cavalry-scouts navigate along the rocky surface, happy to simply be riding on solid, proper ground and not the cracked hoof-trap of the last twenty miles.

A horse whinies, detecting a change in the air. There, yes, we smell it too. Campfires! Cookfires! Low chatter. Friends, and companions and the famous march soup of the 2nd. . .

. . . Contact!

That campire is 2nd Cohort style, long low rocks warmed by the embers to prevent spark brought fires, but the smiling gaggle of twitchy people around it is not the 2nd Cohort.

A single little cloud passes the sun, high, and there is a brief momentary lapse of shadow. . .

>>5999305
>>5999529
Good Good. Oh right we need to assign some people to the whole pointing.

>Assign the 266th Dusteaters to maintain position in camp and act as way-guides
>Have them pass supplies to the 248th 'Ashtenders' Light Troop.

Rolled 2, 2, 6 = 10 (3d6)

>>5999529
>>5999305
Yes, yes, yes - I feel the celestial attentions upon us this day. Perform, for we are upon a stage and our audience is fate!

>Influence: -1 wealth, Commission for my 762nd to add Motivated.
>Affiliation: Theurgic, perform the rite of Glories Ascendant targeting my 762nd and Methodian's 82nd.

>>5999232
# Camercus Allius Vitacius
Authority 9 Reputation 9 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Threshold 1
!Houses 1
!Legion 1
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Raincatcher] + Theurgic 2

>>5999588
Or, hear me out here: You shove a spitescorpion down your own throat and *choke to death*.

Campguard can do, will do, shall do, but you're not Akatoni and you're not *getting* Akatoni goods. Your medals don't impressed me none.

>The 266th will guard the camp!

>>5999587
> **CHARGE!**

[Scars] [Bloodied] [Eager] [Loyalty] [Cavalry charge into lightly equipped, disorganised opponents]

Koras does not waste a second, despite the mutual surprise. With a low whistle, he leads the 338th, and his own retinue, to mercilessly slaughter the foe with axe, spear and hooves!

He trusted his men to take care of themselves, to crush flat encamped light infantry. Instead, he drives into the crowd, focusing on anyone about to raise the alarm.

Operational stealth could still be maintained, and this accident could, if anyone important *survived*, turn into opportunity….

>>5999606
Well, just time in too! From the sound of that scout report, things are about to go slightly sideways. . .

Rolled 6, 6, 5 = 17 (3d6)

>>5999609
(More specifically, I’m invoking the Last One Out tag from my Scarred background.

…I’m not really sure if this requires a roll. The odds seem really in my favour. Just in case it does, though- rolling 3d6 for a spot of spontaneous brutality!)

Rolled 3, 2, 5 = 10 (3d6)

>>5999305
>Influence
Assist Decius with the Strategem >>5999517 (1st roll vs 10)

>Affiliation: Legion
We're good, as the men from the 789th have noted, but a tool left unsharpened grows dull as a matter of course. 21st Monsoon Raincatchers gain Formation Fighting 4 for this deployment.

>>5999422
>Command Post: Fort Forlorn
>Deploy 21st Monsoon at C

>>5999615
………

I refuse to believe, with every advantage, that we do not squash this gang into the dirt.

Unfortunately, I do think we can say goodbye to operational stealth.

>>5999618
Don't worry, from our scouting reports, I doubt we ever had "operational stealth" in the first place.

I say let the tired fools bawk as we gleam in the sun and skewer them upon our lances!

>>5999422
> Deploy from D

File: Sunlit Patrol Phase One.jpg (2.5 MB, 4440x3001)

2.5 MB JPG

The cloud holds, the world cast in slight shadow. The light cavalry, eager at the best of time, let the moment linger. They haven't had orders to engage with encountered hostiles.

But they haven't had orders not. Is a warrior not entitled to the spray of blood from his opponents?

One of those delicate, balancing moments - and, in the back, one of the thin looking, wild-eyed fighters screams and epitepth and draws a wicked looking knife. . .

---
Elsewhere, rounding out of corners in the ravine, marching along the preplanned paths, checking maps, the soldiers under our various commands arrive...

CRITICAL SCOUT FAILURE, NO PATHFINDERS IN ATTENDANCE

. . . And contrive to blunder right into the lead elements of what appears to be a sizable Sparksworn contigent, cloth in the smokey swirls of campfire smoke. Lingering haze dragged low by the rising warm air exchanging with the cooler flows from the wet ground in the flood-carve channels.

Is that. . . is that a body? Over there? On the distant wind, low, faint, dying out, a shrill scream and a brief burst of metal on wood.
--
PHASE ONE
--
Our march-line is staggered and things have gone a tiny bit awry through no fault of our own. Sometimes, critical scout failures simply happen - but at least the sun is kind today and the shadows whisper support.

We do not have any established command posts so we do not have any cohesive way of organising our forces. Formations will arrive as previously dictated.

Luckily, we planned somewhat for this! We'll secure the area, set up a command post, get the troops shaken back into order and . . . Let's find out what is happening in this place . . . ?

>STAND BY FOR BATTLEFIELD COMMAND INTEGRATION. . .

Rolled 6 (1d15)

>>5999232
# Lutarius Lutatius Cerco
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 11
New Model Soldier - Merchant Cartel Contacts - Chemicaes
!Outlander
!Houses
!Theurgic
!Administration
---
[Tricks of the trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Bulk Discount]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Outlanders 1

Lutarius began as just another Uthani chieftain, fighting the encroachment of the legions upon the grassland. Tired of outrunning the legion's long shadow and seeing the way the wind was blowing, the outrider turned his coat on the rolling plains. Cunningly seeing an opportunity in the chaos of recent defeats, Lutarius brought together the campaigning scion of House Cerco (part of clan Lutatius) and the allied chieftains of the tribes he was on friendliest terms with. A bargain was struck; Lutarius would be adopted into the family Cerco. From there the path was set, he would marry a girl from the wider clan of Lutatius, as would his allies. Now with Uthani riders at the legion's flanks and guiding their path, the lesser among Lutarius's 'allies' fell to the sword, former competitors sold into slavery for the enrichment of the houses and to the benefit of the turncoats. The bloodsoaked land split amongst truer friends.

The roaming tribes settled, with that change came a change in fighting style. As pasturage shrank and fields grew, horses grew scarce and men numerous. Loosely ordered and flexible, like the ways of old. Potent auxiliaries, backed by the strange alchemic ways of House Cerco.

The empire relies on men like Lutarius to balance its network of 'allies' and keep its subjects in check. A valuable alternative source of manpower when the treasury is flush with coin but the census does not allow for citizens to be levied for the legions.

>>5999422
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 8 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers - 307th Coaldousers]

Tessa sits in a Fort, looking at the Windchurned Temple. Looking at all of the rabble surrounding the sacred place. Her blood boils, and not in the good way that lets her know the Empyreal Eye is within her, but the ugly kind that threatens to torch her heart.

Not only that, but there seems to be Heretics of some sort speaking about a "Choir". At this point she feels like she could explode in anger.

"All ye Faithful! Gather like the flames of a sun-scorched forest and turn our enemies into ash!"

All of the Coaldousers cheer, they have been galvanised, or rather ignited, by her command. Death to Heretics and Blasphemers.

>[Double Rations, Triple Feast]: Spend 1 Wealth to make the Coaldousers [Well-Supplied]
>[Commission]: Spend 1 Wealth to make the Coaldousers Motivated.

>Command from Fort Forlorn
>Deploy the Coaldousers at Point C

File: Order of Battle.png (974 KB, 890x1018)

974 KB PNG

As per Allectius and Methodian's precise planning, our troops will arrive, lights and cavalry first, and heavies following rapidly behind. The march here has been kind, but horrid things are on the wind.

Still, our troops are rested and fed and have plenty of water in these dry hateful environments. Meanwhile, those Sparksworn, they look haggard. They've been struggling . . for a while? But then, where is the 2nd Cohort? Where is Fireskellian? Up head, their Command Post is smoke-blackened and swirled by haze, the clear sign of Threshold violations building by the gradual degree. The fervor of the Sparksworn draws the attention of the grand Icons. Nothing will happen for hours yet, but still. Watch the sparks, from the campfires. They've started . . . dancing.

We should move fast. Organise. We blundered slightly into the enemy, but these things happen to the best prepared of troops!
--

COMBAT INTEGRATION COMPLETE
Officers may now issue orders to troops!

>Each Phase, officers - YOU - have 1 personal action. Since speaking is always a free action, naturally, your Retinue, which is usually right there with you, can be given an order fairly easily as well if you wish it. Otherwise, they follow you as best as able.

>For anything else, you require either personal presence or a Command post, to send orders to distant troops without running there yourself. And running about in heavy armor? That's tiring work.

>Submit your Actions and Orders, if any, using naturalistic language. Don't worry *too* much about precise micromanagement, our troops are professionals.

>Once we get a COMMAND POST setup, which the soldiers will do the moment the area is clear, grid references and better surveys become availble. But right now, we don't have a *table* for our *maps*!

>Get some control over this chaos!!

-

>>5999625
>>5999621
Ah, Grand House Cerco. Did they ever fix that 'when exposed to air it catches fire', issue? Good to have the proper medicants with us. The Aspirants can part time handle the deft needlework, but I do feel safer with a proper surgeon-professional. As for the heavy elements, Vitacius, they are arriving at speed.

--

Sometimes, you just fail a scout roll. No grand horror. Officers (you!) may act from any deployment area, A to D, and - since you had hopefully pre-arranged this - point out where you'd prefer your command retinue to start arriving also.

Though whether they arrive on time is . . . a little up in the air. They're getting there, but these flood-carve channels. They string out the troops. It's what makes this place so defensible!

Locking force Disposition, final Disposition update. . . coming now!

>>5999645
> Command retinue arrives from D

>>5999642
Looks like we don't have an easy line of communications with the 82nd, we'll need to link up with them soon. For now, I'll have to trust Sarjent Actinius' initiative.

"These sputtering SparkMumblers defile our fort with their pathetic mewling. We must be rid of them, immediately! Cathaphractoi, with me! CHARGE! FOR THE EMPYREAN!"
>Charge with my retinue into the mob in front of us in Fort Forlorn. Aim to kill the theurge as fast as possible if feasible.

#Palatine Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
79th Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

>>5999642
>>5999673
Is it appropriate for me to roll here, or are all of the mechanics of combat handled behind the scenes?

File: Desert Sun Camp Operation(...).jpg (4.2 MB, 2480x6121)

4.2 MB JPG

Quite a cohort, I would say. Rustling, rambling, marching - good fine, good core, and a sizable contigent of various specialists.

If we live out the day, we might have some thing good here.

>>5999676
You can, if you'd like, to exert control over your own Fate, always up to associate personal action with a roll.

There's a fair amount of modifiers; but you can, generally speaking, treat your core competence as an officer as 10+ Affiliation, or your particular influence skills. Or, in some rarer but still common cases, your influence skills + your affilition.

Suppose you wanted to order a gaggle of Legios, personally, to form up around you and fall in. Your Authority (12) is combined with your Legion (2, for 14), and having both Service Records and Ferrata backing your authority adds +1 per (16). The issue here, of course, is that is the shaking formation is dazed, half shattered and down 4 members, penalties modify up.

For Orders, it's actually easier - your particular affilitions and authorities add a slight bonus to the Formation(s) in question carrying out the deed if the test succeeds (you got the orders right, as it were). Generally speaking that should immediately confirm for you that a Scholae (Auth 12) commanding Legion troops (2) can be fairly assured that the base check on the Order side is passed with scant difficulty. Then the troops, sufficiently commanded, carry out their particular actions with more vigour.

Of course "carries out their particular action" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. All the best orders in the world won't help a recruit wrestle a spitescorp.

--

Direct rolling and tests become more relevant at certain points; it will be quite apparent. Great big letters and told text apparent. Up until then, it remains an optional courtesy.

>>5999642
>>5999601
Forward! Sing out! Catch the Eye of The Other, lay waste to the enemy - forward!

>Order 762nd to charge the 15 Sparksworn West.
>Order retinue to beg Ashonti's blessing upon Methodian's retinue, granting weight to their charge?

>>5999689
Stats might help, though I see you already have them.

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

Rolled 1, 2, 4 = 7 (3d6)

>>5999684
>>5999673
RAH

Rolled 4, 4, 5 = 13 (3d6)

>>5999642
>Deploy C
>Charge with my retinue into the 7 Sparksworn in that passage north of the Palatine's charge. Aim to kill the theurge as fast as possible if feasible.
"Forward! Give them no chance to rally!"

#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

>>5999305
>Influence Action: Transfer Paperwork

The situation ahead looks dire. While I'll do my best to keep who I can alive, more flesh and blood will be required to keep Elos East. Requesting more outlander volunteers.

>Affiliation Action: Houses

Surely there is some profit to be garnered in these wastes? Poisonous creatures tend to reside in locales of either extreme abundance or...extreme absence of water. A buyer could go a long way to funding this venture's expenditures.

>Administration Action: Release a flare; get the 4th and 7th patrol elements over here, now!

>>5999422
>>5999645
>Deploy C

"Afraid not. The clotting agent has been repurposed as an accelerant. With an emulsion of pig fat in hay it creates a thick black smoke, useful for smoke screens, or as an airborne irritant. It isn't stable long enough even for that though, so we usually just use it to set things on fire, explosively even."

Rolled 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 3, 5, 5, 1 = 27 (9d6)

>>5999305
>>5999704
Forgot the rolls.

>>5999705
>>5999704
No firestart so fulminant it's not good for something. One day, we'll get that improved woundweal recipe. One day. It's a wonder how much the human body can bleed if struck right (as is about to be amply demonstrated).

Well, I suppose until we get the grand newest medical marvel, we must stick with what we have ...

Rolled 5, 4, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>5999642
>Deploy C
>Join Perennis' charge.
"Advance. Slaughter them."

#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

File: Sunlit Patrol Phase Two.jpg (3.29 MB, 4440x3001)

3.29 MB JPG

The cavalry thunders on ahead, spears and lances ready, eager scouts and heavy cataphrachts all learning forward in the saddle. Bracing. Accelerating. The surprised opposition doesn't even know what really hits them - one moment they're a fully functional enemy formation and the next they're either dead or a scattered gaggle of fleeing, shaken soldiers.

Methodian's Heavies thunder straight through the enemy formation, fair shattering them, and with a surprised shout of " About time! " a weary looking group bursts from inside the grain storage, swinging everything they can get their hands on. Back behind Methodian, it descends into a brawl - but up ahead, a much sterner formation, fully formed. The others were disrupted and ocupied, taking by surprise, but this lot is forming up, officers shoving to their troops in line. And behind them, worse yet - barricades and stone walls. Even if the flesh and the flame yields, the collision might be painful.

--
Sarjant Korsar's surrounding riders holler and jeer, chasing a breaking Sparksworn formation on their way. A few arrows clutter in their wake, but up ahead, the Sparksworn have tangled into each other - their archers trying to step aside and make way for their fighters, but the passage across the rock is too treacherous. No one's making much progress. . .

--

Which is about Echo's experience too, scuttling backwards to keep a blade from his eye as seven angry soldiers burst from the building in the wake of the Cathapract charge. Mumbling praying Aspirants do not a fighting force make, and the whole march comes up entire short, gridlocked on the narrow confines, the formation shattered and everyone blocking everyone else!

--

We have the advantage! They're at least as surprised as we are! They certainly weren't expecting reinforcements! GET 'EM!

--

>Phase Two!

[Additional Info to Come. . . ]

We got it up and going. Right, let's straighten up these lines a bit, shall we?

Admin expenditures are now authorised, since we hold a Rally Point. However, fairly naturally, to set such things in motion, you must be at such a rally point.

Reserves coming in or undeployed units can be fast-tracked to the rally point - this is an order. You're sending a courier back down that way to get them to come up this way. Otherwise, they'll fall in as able. Apparently there's a bit of a traffic jam building for our heavies.

It's a Personal Action to set up at a Command Post/Rally Point. Sometimes, there's travel time - especially if the intervening distance is held by the enemy. Send a courier instead, or make 'em go away. If you set up, of course, can immediate start penning orders, organising the cohort(s) and answer any unanswered rapid dispatch mail from back up the chain of command.

>To be specific; it's a personal action to setup at a point if you haven't already set up at one. Once you've done so, you can carry on taking personal actions, but they're by nature limited to the local surroundings of the point. Otherwise, it's helmet on and back out there.

--
Speaking of incoming reports . . .

13th Blue Rats report enemy contact in the stairway on the 2nd flood channel! They'll have them on the run soon!

272th Porcune Winds reports establishment of Command Post at Windchurn. They're requesting a new tasking!

The . . . huh 13th Wetmurk Light Scout-Skirmishers report that they're very much relieved to have been saved from a bad situation, and would we happen to know where the rest of their cohort is? They've been locked inside the Grain Store, fighting the worldst most cramped siege action, for two days. They're request permission to refill their water canteens; it's getting a little dehydrating out here.

338th Light Horse reports full destruction of enemy formation, but one of their lead elements see Sparksworn Light Cavalry mustering around the large rock face to past Fireskellian's (Presumed) Command Post. [u]Seems like almost a full century of horsemen![/u]!

We've recieved today's first casualty report. Echo is down a retinue member!

--

File: Rally Point .png (535 KB, 1246x750)

535 KB PNG

>>5999813
*Ahem*

>>5999813
Ah, the cavalryman's worst enemy, a wall...

Nothing to it then. Even if I charged through to the north, it would put me in an even worse position, in the middle of a kill box. We'll have to hold here until the reinforcements replace us.

"HALT! Form Up! And Hold!"

>Cease our momentum, and form up with my retinue into a line. Prepare to receive an attack from the front.

#Scholae-Palatini Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
79th Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

File: image_2024-05-09_185310176.png (921 KB, 1148x683)

921 KB PNG

>>5999809
"Excellent! Our cavalry are already getting to work! Lets ensure to keep these flanks clear. Ashfog? We begin!"
>Personal Action: Set up Command at Rally Point Windchurn.
>Spoken Order to Ashfog: Coordinate the Ashtenders in their attack South through the bushes. Careful of the cliff.
>Command 1: "Ashtenders. I hear and see some unlikely archers currently South of the bushes we were facing. Mind the edge of the cliff and get rid of them in short order thank you very much."
>Command 2: "Excellent work Porcupine Winds! You next task is to use this commanding position to support our middle lane near Fort Forlorn. Fire a volley on the enemy position West of Scholae Palatini. You can see the enemy by the distasteful flag they've setup on the other ridge."

"All understood? Good! Legio Advance!"

>>5999813
aaaaAAAAAAA! The echo, the choir, our collective voice diminishes - we cannot work under these conditions!

>Drag, push, and throw my retinue out of the way so the heavy metal can make way

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

>>5999813
>Move forward, kill any enemy in our path
"Out of the way! Ferrata, advance!"

#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

>>5999809
>>5999813
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 8 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers - 307th Coaldousers]

>Personal Action [Names Writ in Bone and Sky] : Bless Echo and Echo's Retinue
>Speak to my Retinue of [Theurgic Aspirants]: "Do any of you know of these... Heretics? Where they came from? Their twisted beliefs? Their goals? So we can more easily crush them, of course."

>>5999809
‘Keep going! Keep going!’

> Continue leading the charge of the light brigade, using our agility to turn and slam into the tangled archers upon the Windchime Rock Bridge

# Publius Quinctilius Varus III
Authority 9 Reputation 09 Wealth 11
Legionflame - Red Market Markers - Chemicaes?
!Legion 0! What do you mean you want them back? I don't have them to give.
!Theurgic 2
!Houses 2
!Outlanders 1 At least my friend Armi doesn't make fun of my name.
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Tricks of the Trad]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Houses 2

--

Rolled 5, 4 = 9 (2d5)

dice

>>5999898
>>5999816
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Scout Cavalry] + Outlanders + Military Affairs

[Last One Out] [Blooded] [Eager] [Loyal] [Extra Water]

>>5999912
>>5999305

>Admin Action: Perform the Firekeeper's Vigil at Theurgic 2 to bless the troops. Ve vill not die.
>Deploy A
>Personal Action: Work with the medicaes to patch up any wounded on our path as we advance west.
>Command (the volunteers): Advance West to support the advance and protect the archers.
>Tricks of the Trade - Hire some looters to come in and gather gear from the fallen Reds. I recognize that they are starving False Sun worshippers, but they've got to have something.

# Publius Quinctilius Varus III
Authority 9 Reputation 09 Wealth 11
Legionflame - Red Market Markers - Chemicaes?
!Legion 0! What do you mean you want them back? I don't have them to give.
!Theurgic 2
!Houses 2
!Outlanders 1 At least my friend Armi doesn't make fun of my name.
---
[One of us] - Better ordering of allies
[Long Shadows] - Impetuosity
[Hazard Pay] - Spending on Looters (who needs engineers in a minefield?)
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Houses 2 +9 troops

--

>>5999809
> Command 1: 762nd Pyrewatchers. Pursue the shaken Sparksworn. Encircle. Execute.
> Command 2: 404th Soft Moonfall. Follow 82 Kataphractoi. Shields high. Wedge formation.
> Personal: Officer and retinue falls-in behind 404th Soft Moonfall's formation.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>5999232

#Mizana
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Rebus Pathfinders
!Outlander
!Houses
!Theurgic
!Military Affairs
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Outlander

An tribal levy of [Esvacian Peltasts], come to answer the Empire's call for aid (and to fulfill their military obligations, those are important).
"Let loose your cries of war, that all might know that the Outlands breed warriors!"

>Deploy, if still possible at this late hour

>>6000170
>>6000019
Reinforcements, is it?
Finally! Full cohort strength! The warm sun shines. And worry not - making fun of anyones name is an Accords offense. There was that whole spate four decades ago about naming your favorite child variations of adjectives for being bright.

If we were allowed to laugh hard at people's given cognomens, we'd have be sick with laughter from every report signed some variant of -shine.

--

>>5999983
Plenty of things worth having, though some things not so market-ready. Still, hardly seems a reason not to ensure a little bit of our old coffers. Religious iconography do go for quite a pretty coin these days. . .

>>5999813
>Advance and slay the Theurge.
"Make way. Codex Martialis decrees that heavy infantry has right of way in case of congestion during close-quarters combat. Aspirants to the back."

#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

File: Precisely .jpg (7 KB, 306x165)

7 KB JPG

>>6000285
Get shoving, but not too hard. A bad fall down a cliff-face can get horrendous in these conditions.

Fortunately, with the presence of troopers trained to work in a fluid formation, this blockage is clearing right out.

>>5999813
# Lutarius Lutatius Cerco
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 11
New Model Soldier - Merchant Cartel Contacts - Chemicaes
!Outlander
!Houses
!Theurgic
!Administration
---
[Tricks of the trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Bulk Discount]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Outlanders 1

"Fall in behind the Ferrata, we need to reach that wounded man!"
>Order my retinue to stay behind the Ferrata. When we push past the first friendly casualty of the day, we'll tend to him by the wayside.

"You! Get back to Chemhounds, tell them to make way for the Raincatchers! The way is too narrow to permit fluid battle."
>Tell one of my retinue to order the 625th to the wayside, the heavies have priority in this fight.

If I can only order my retinue to do one thing, then my second order has priority. My retinue will do the 1st naturally, I assume. If they don't or I can't make it work, then I'll rush up and grab the casualty myself and drag him to my Chemicaes.

File: Sunlit Patrol Phase Three(...).jpg (4.21 MB, 4440x3001)

4.21 MB JPG

Shouts, shoves, pushes and locked shields. The 21st Decani makes his way through the throng and deliver a snap report - he doesn't look uncomfortable at all. A little at home, even. The push and pull of an enormous heaving body of troops is practically comfortable to some people.

The 13th Rats inside the stairwell slam into the Sparksworn guard, but lack the follow-up to finish it. Regulus, Caesius and the combined weight of six Ferrata Legio provide all the mass the push needs. The building might need some new doorframes. Well, it was old and stoney nontheless.

Lutatius sends off a runner and the deft handling prevents a much worse pile-up. Look, it's all clearing now, and to the south of that position, Mizana's pathfinders have taken a positon on the rock and the started shouting movement order as well.

Every cohort on the march is a lumbering beast where it should be an agile wolf. It is a testament to your combined leadership that the situation is not infinitely worse.

Speaking of such, Koras light riders make good way through the first line of archers and Sparksworn cludging cudgels and knives, and then they bleed momentum, slowly, bit by bit, as a the officer of the formation raises his voice. Loud, clear, like the rise of the dawn, and on of the 338th has to shake his head to avoid to clear off any lingering desire to fall in. The Sparksworn on the bridge do something fervent, and lock arms.

The charge runs out of momentum There's *too many* of them.

And below, now, the thundering sound of a hundred hooves sing out . .

--

>Reports have come in to Windchime! Admin responses to these take no action.

>Saevus Salvagers are reporting an interest in this contract bid. They've made an estimate and give you good odds of succes.

>. . . [Minor orders still lingering to be resolved, please hold for Phase Three]

File: Desert Sun Camp Operations 10.jpg (4.95 MB, 3558x6121)

4.95 MB JPG

Ten men to Ten officers to ten formations and thus the Accords proscribe that one should wage war.

Well.

There's been some adjustments and if the Sarethian's that wrote those hallowed words down right and true so very long ago could see us now, perhaps they would comment on the lack of specifiy in our formations and the somewhat lacking march-precision of our troops.

But they could not say one bad phrase about their valour or their will. And even Sareth never won half as many wars as Legion High.

You've formed a full cohort! Such pleasing adherence to the Accorded Regulations of the Martialis makes every Legio feel like they're part of something much grander! ( The Outlanders don't see entirely what the fuss is about )

--

The Luperni Strikers and Publius Quinctilus Varus have report good ordered arrival!

The Esvacian Peltasts and Sarjent Mizana report good ordered arrival!

The 248th Ashtender Lights report complete success and capture of surrendering hostiles!

The 762nd Pyrewatchers report. . . dead allies. 2nd Cohort 555th Thunderlicked Raincatchers. They died in formation, pushed against the rough stone walls. Combat kit up and standing. They were *not* taken by surprise.

338th Light Horse report they've spotted a Flamesworn Officer!

338th Light horse report they've spotted Flamesworn Heavy Cavalry!!

625th Cerco Chemhounds are letting the raincatchers pass by. Expected arrival . . . earlier than expected!

--

>>6000411
>Admin Responses
>To the 13th Wetmurks
"Legionflame Regulus will be near you with his 21st Monsoon, Blue Shields can't miss them. These are not the men who will help you but will be passing you to get to the frontline. Behind them is the ones who can help you.
[Send your wounded to Lutarius Lutacius Cerco and his chemicaes on the wayside near another casualty. For now the wounded will be taken care of by him him and his 625th Cerco Chemhound by the Wayside.]"

>To the Quartermasters
Send supplies to A lane, Rally Point Windchurn for now. We are still clearing the other lanes but this one is the most safe.

>>6000445
Sir!

File: Sunlit Patrol Phase Three.jpg (3.99 MB, 4440x3001)

3.99 MB JPG

The 625 Chemhounds split open with some prodding and the 789th Light Mist Raincatchers accelerate to paced a march, swirling into a single line and pushing to the front.

A young aspirant, the only casualty so far, clutches at his side, trying to stem the ocean of red. Mutters a quiet prayer. At least he gets to die among friends.

This is no place for medical care or triage, there's too much noise, too many troops, too much shouting, a fight is still half winding down as the last Sparksworn standing surrender near the Grain Store. Panting 13th Wetmurks wavering on their feet as a Ferrat legio sees off the last hostile and corrals the surrendering ones. The 13th Wetmurks raise their collective hands in a shaking but rather stoic salute.

None of that will prevent Amelius from dying. The 789th formation leader, civic service marks on his armor, takes one look at the absolute churning morass of troops around the fallen and shoves one of Saccerdotessa's retinue, too busy giving an information lecture on pyrotherugic spark-speaking, out of the way. And then he raises his voice. One of the 21st, more paradeground perfect, less possessing of a aquifiers worth of sheer, undiluted disregard for the chaos, responds. What are they supposed to do? They can't just lock shields and form a square!

The formation leader of the 789ths glares.

The 21st lock shields, forms a square, and executes an oblique sideways two-shuffle formation shuffle. It's pretty impressive, though the Accords specify the maneveur itself has little practical combat utility unless one is facing down an advancing formation of Twinsouled Arbitant-Servitors, though no library can tell you what that is. The 21st fan out, kicking dust and dirt on the fire and dousing it. One of the 789ths grabs a chemicae scholastic and *lifts*.

A little shuffling later, Lutatius finds himself staring down at a dying man in dire need of stitches, cauterising and a friendly reminder that life, as a whole, is worth experiencing for a full score of fifty years at least. Scant sense in quitting at twenty. Alas, the chemicae's carry all the fine needles and -- a bemused looking 21st Legio deposits a chemicae in the little square. Alright, fair shine, but what about the chemicae adjutant, we need his steady hands so -- ah, there is he, thank you. Can you shuffle outwards a little, there may be call for wide arm movements.

The 21st shuffles outwards a little, expanding the square.

--

Command Point Fort Forlorn is likely to be established at the end of this phase, as the jam is clearing out. Alas, for now, there's too much uncertainity up there.

--

338th reports light enemy cavalry!
338th reports incredibly rude gestures

762nd Pyrewatchers have stopped their advance. There's a pyre here (they're watching it). They're investigating. Is that. . . a humanoid shape in there?

We recieve an intelligence update!
--
>Phase Three starts . . . NOW

With a little good will, Phase 3 can occur rapidly - we'll need an officer to accept this by ordering the cohort to proceed when they feel it is acceptable to do so.

>>6000480
> Command 1: 762nd Pyrewatchers. Don the equipment of the fallen 555th. Carry their valiant spirits with you.
> Command 2: 404th Soft Moonfall. March past the pyre and corpse pile. Assume a defensive posture.
> Personal: Officer and retinue fall-in behind 404th Soft Moonfall.

>>6000480
>Command: Yell at the 789th to follow me, we're going to reinforce the cataphracts ahead
>Personal action: Move forward to reinforce Methodian's cataphracts ahead

File: Scavenger's a good job mate.png (213 KB, 1300x1022)

213 KB PNG

>>6000485
OI, YOU PUT THAT DOWN RIGHT THIS INSTANT OR I'M AUTHORISED TO DEFEND MY COMMERCIAL COMPETITION. I'VE BOUGHT ACCESS RIGHTS TO THIS BATTLEFIELD. YOU CAN'T GO STEALING MY PROPERTY.

> What's he going to do? You're the one with the *army*

>>6000480
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Scout Cavalry] + Outlanders + Military Affairs

> Order the 338th to disengage and Skirmish away, joining with my Outriders, making a path for the Strikers to take their place. All yours.

> Personal Action: Lead the combined Outriders and 338th to crush the light horse who tried to flank us!

> Personal Action (2), if possible…

‘So your wits haven’t been cooked by your fire and irons! From the pace you ride, you could have fooled me! Two dozen of yours are dead to ‘chickens’; two dozen you were too *slow* to save. Do you need remounts because that laggard’s pace is your fastest stride- or because your bloated egos is too much for the beasts to bear?’

‘Come! Dance with us! See worthy we are of our mounts- and, by sunset, yours as well!’

Rolled 2, 2, 4 = 8 (3d6)

>>6000480
>"Waste these poor fools."
To specify, I am joining them in doing so

#Scholae-Palatini Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
79th Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

>>6000480
>Command: Units fall in, quick march to the west past the 762nd Fyrewatchers
>Personal: Exhort troops to move like they got a purpose!
Nothing stirs the blood like battle! Can you hear it? It calls for you!

>>6000498
A remarkably important distinction. Thank you!

>>6000480
>>6000497

IMPORTANT NOTE
*If* we actually do fold the light cavalry near instantly, and the Sunlancers use that suddenly clear path to charge us, I will not suicidally match my light horse against their lances.

If they charge, we’ll run *away*.

>>6000480
All right, all right, all right. Now we're getting somewhere. Somebody bring up the folding table - no, a crate won't do - I will not have my maps resting on an uneven surface!

>Personal: Set up Command Point Forlorn
>Retinue: Tend to the 13th Wetmurk, give them water and beg the attentions of... Ashloshl? Hydrate our boys.
>Order1: 762nd, keep staring into that pyre, looting the bodies, but CLEAR THE WAY

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

File: All fuel for the pyre.png (656 KB, 1416x1016)

656 KB PNG

>>6000512
>>6000485
" Sirs! "

The 762nd Pyrewatchers report they are unable to carry out your requests! They'd very much like to "loot" the "bodies" but all the bodies of the 2nd 555th Thunderlicked Raincatchers appear to mysteriously have gone missing in a flash arson incident! Damndest thing! May their willing spirits and souls in grand motion return to the Empyreal Eye high above, to watch over us below, in sancticity and safety.

File: Small business owners hav(...).png (254 KB, 1428x1030)

254 KB PNG

>>6000527
>>5999983
" Re-evaluating the profit outlook for this operation I think I can say Saevus Scavengers are willing to accept a contract order for the north side of the battlefield. Good money in cavalry equipment these days, very popular. And if your archers kill them all, the repair cost shoud be minimal. "

File: The Afflicted.png (150 KB, 447x265)

150 KB PNG

>>6000480
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 8 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers - 307th Coaldousers]

>Personal Action - [Names Writ in Bone and Sky]: Bless Scholae Palatini and Scholae Palatini's Retinue.
>Command Action: Command my Retinue of [Theurgic Aspirants] to take a look at those... Afflicted folk.

Tessa breathes in, then out. Okay, their agitation is corrosive. Better to keep her emotions in control.
"My companions Sotto il Sole, look at those folk over there mumbling while seemingly holding back headaches. Whispering... never was a good sign in all of the texts I read."

>>6000532
>Admin action: Yes I do believe we can have an arrangement over that. Of course we'd need to do something about the Cavalry also running amok in B lane. Which... we can get on soon. For now scavenging enemy equipment in A and eventually B is allowed. In the case of 9th Cohort in these lanes at least allow us some process time before we make final decisions. Finding Fireskellian would probably help clear that better.

>>6000480
>Personal Action: to the Porcupine
I need a focused volley on the lead cavalrymen in B lane. We need to try and disturb their entire 'charge'.

>Command 1: Instruct the Ashtender to
"Repurpose the enemy dead bodies as projectile to toss at the enemy cavalry in lane B. Specifically the Lead cavalry." Send the enemies who've surrendered to be processed for intel and to "cool off".

>Command 2: to House Luperni Strikers,
Await for the 338th to get out the way and take their spot at the Windchime Rock bridge. We'd like that bridge back thank you very much. Show them three things. As a demo.

>To Ashfog
Kindly point the arriving supply train to a set up in a spot where they won't be in the way and supply the Porcupines thank you.

>>6000483
Cohort, Proceed.

>>6000483
>Cohort proceed

Rolled 1, 2, 6 = 9 (3d6)

>>6000480
# Lutarius Lutatius Cerco
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 11
New Model Soldier - Merchant Cartel Contacts - Chemicaes
!Outlander
!Houses
!Theurgic
!Administration
---
[Tricks of the trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Bulk Discount]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Outlanders 1

I'll do exactly that.

"Legionnaire, I *request* that you pass a message onto my unoccupied Chemicae, just around the corner. Should you deem such a task worthy of your attention, the message is as follows: Quintus, give the Blue Rats a stimulant, and get them to round up and police the prisoners. Then give the prisoners a sedative and something to make them pliable for questioning. If nothing else we need to reduce the noise polluting the battlefield, their whining will prevent orders from being heard. End dispatch"
>Order: *Request* one of the Monsoon Legionnaires to tell my unoccupied Chemicae near Perennis and Priscillian to give the 13th Blue Rats a pick-me-up, and to get them to police our prisoners, whereupon he is to sedate them and make them pliable in preparation for interrogation. [Authority Roll]

"You're alright, you're going to make it. You'll live 'til your face wrinkles from the sun in old age, and not a desire unsought after, a life fulfilled. Now bite down, the adjutant's hands are gentle, but the cauterization is not. Just focus on my voice, I'll give you your rites, bless your soul for travel or permanence."
>Personal Action: Comfort the wounded man, reassure him of continued life and its value. Prepare him for his passing should the Chemicae falter, the proper rites will ensure the aspirant leaves this earth without regrets.

File: le sigh.jpg (6 KB, 299x168)

6 KB JPG

>>6000571
Well, I was polite at least. That surely has to count for something to these parade ornaments, right?

Ruinous sixes! A pox on all sons named Sextus

>>6000413
>DEPLOY THE BLADE HOLDERS to provide backup to the Luperni- they may not be the best at… anything, but if we can dull an enemy charge, we will

>>6000546
>>6000480
Sorry, but we've got some looting opportunities to create old sport.
>Admin: Follow me and grab the horses Saevus. You'll be able to carry more loot with saddlebags and get there quicker on horseback
>Command the Strikers charge to the NW and take that flag. Kill any enemy horse warriors in the way. Try not to kill the horses.
>Personal Action - Advance with the Strikers to take the flag.

Ah, a hands on customer. Yes, I think we'll have a splendid relationship.

File: Sunlit Patrol Phase Three(...).jpg (4.42 MB, 4440x3001)

4.42 MB JPG

The Light Mist, living up to their name and their long professionalism, weave *around* the hustle, the bustle, the command post being raised, the table. One of them briefly pauses to adjust Echo's map, so it's all where it should be, and then they dip back into formation and fair flow to the front. It's like they don't even quite notice the turmoil, they just follow their commander.

As they gather speed, the Steel Legio don't *see them*, but they hear the synchronised footfall - thomp thomp thomp - and break away. One of them grabs the reins of Methodian's horse, in the doing, and the way is clear.

Impact follows. Then the Steel Cathaphracts shout and join the fray.

--

The Pyrewatchers below studiously live up to the full extent of the orders they've recieved. Unfortunately, they report back, there are no bodies here. They've all mysteriously caught fire.

The 404 and the Esvacian peltasts join them, the roaring pyre and smaller campfire in resonant symphony. The heat should be horrendous. It is almost soothing, instead.

Up ahead, the over-eager 82nd Cathaphractoi have gotten themselves stuck deep inside an enemy formation - multiple enemy formations. The cavalry charge down this funnel never got properly started, five over-eager recruits charged fifty riders first and now the whole business has broken into harassment and strike and counter-strike. But the Cathaphractoi have formed up in a square, and guard each other. The Sparksworn cavalry, lighter, faster, more nimble, have little answer to such patently unfair tactics, and dart around kicking up dust trying to find an opening.

The 404th, warmed by the pyre, raise their voice in song and hammer on their shields as a backdrop.

--

Of cavalry charges elsewhere, it is harder to speak. The dust is so thick in the ground sense is impossible; arrows fly into the dirt but how do we know if they strike? The Ashtenders grunt and get to the scutwork of body pushing. Horses cry out, clashings, screams, but is that pain or victory?

--
The Blade-holders report arrival in *some* order!
The 307th Coaldousers report arrival in *some* order!
The 625th Cerco Chemhounds are next, but they let the others pass first!

--
>Stand by for incoming end of phase reports...

File: well watered soldiers app(...).png (557 KB, 1420x996)

557 KB PNG

The Luperni Strikers report wounded! Their engagement at the bridge is growing weird; the Sparksworn adherents are biting and scratching. They're not *dangerous* but they're fucki-- sorry, Accords - they're tremendously motivated!

404 Soft Moonfall reports the 82nd Cathapractoi are stuck in and unable to extract themselves!

625th Cerco Chemhounds report the road is finally clear, they're coming up on Fort Forlorn B at the end of this next phase!

272th Porcupine Winds are requesting additional supplies, they've been mass volleying and they're running out of wait nevermind the extra arrows are right behind us sorry sir!

13th Blue Rats report AAIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH THE SPIDERS ARE IN MY BLOOD maybe it's a code?

789th Light Mist report complete victory! They've seized the passageway! They're holding it for now. Requesting clarification on orders. They recall the winding old ruins ahead - hellish terrain for proper formation fighting. They'll need to break formation to take it; can we send in the skirmishers first?

338th Light Horse reports they're engaged with enemy light scout elements and winning!

762th Pyrewatchers report the souls and essence of the 2nd Cohort 555th Thunderlicked is ascending to the Empyreal, safe and sure. Their spirits are with us.

404th Soft Moonfall reports the 2nd Cohort 555th Thunderlicked's memories are safeguarded in their banner.

13th Wetmurk report they're resupplying and appreciate the medical attention. They resubmit their request to join the vanguard assault.

Chemicae Ostomo, currently resupplying and giving the 13th Wetmurk medical attention reports that they're all suffering from delusional adrenaline overstimulation. And they've been chewing Shimstims for two days straight. He's willing to sign off on them being combat fit - because against all odds they are - but he notes that they're likely to run out of energy fast unless they're engaged. They'll start collapsing unless they get back in the fray.

--

A Chemicae at Fort Forlorn reports he is ready to sedate and process the captives, and see to their wounded. But Sacerdotessa is asking him to wait, to ponder a possibility first.

--

>Stand by for phase 4. . .

>>6000480
"That would be foolish. I don't foresee these riders climbing up the steps and there are more suitable men here for flank guard duty. It is not regulation for a commander and his retinue to be tasked with such in the midst of a battle. Let us go."

>Go with retinue to the 21st Monsoon. Shout in the general direction of the gaggle of men outside for someone to mind the flank.
>Command the 21st to form up and advance behind the 789th.

"21st, Look alive! Form up! Three ranks! Advance!"

idk process this in phase 4 or something since it's so late. I'm going to bed.

#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Thre(...).jpg (4.92 MB, 4440x3834)

4.92 MB JPG

The Luperni Strikers report they've acquired a nice bounty of horseflesh!

The Luperni Strikers report casualties!

--

>Phase Four. . . IS NOW

>>6000571
Lutatius, be aware, you functionally typed your first order twice! In this somewhat curious type of game, the troops are *excellently* able to read full plain text orders.

The only *hard* requirement is that you indicate if the activity is an ORDER sent to someone, a STATEMENT (talking being generally free) or a PERSONAL ACTION.

>>6000722
> Personal: Activate [Names Write in Bone and Sky]. Resonate with northern-most campfire in the Secondsky Outrider's midst and bend it to the Empyreal's will. "Roar and rage little light. Erupt in incendiary reverence of the Grand Eye's splendor and scour the impious with your fidelity."
> Command 1: 404th Soft Moonfall. Shields up. Press forward slowly and pressure the Secondsky Outriders. Restrict their mobility.
> Command 2: 762nd Pyrewatchers. Add your strength to the 404th's bulwark. Harass through the gaps in the shieldwall. Savage the Secondsky Outriders.

Rolled 4, 6, 1 + 3 = 14 (3d6 + 3)

>>6000743
Is it getting warm in this shadowed flood bed?

>>6000722
Doc, thanks for patching up my man - we're not quite the fighting elite, but we can push a mean paper. I'd say he's worth his weight in reports.

>Admin: 13th Blue Rats assigned to support the 789th in rough terrain.
>Admin: 13th Wetmurk denied vanguard deployment, assign them to fortify Forlorn against rear assault. Uppers are to be issued to prevent collapse.
>Order: Dispatch a rider to update the 266th Dusteaters on the situation, specifically adversary cavalry movements.
>Personal: [Names Writ in Bone and Sky], bless the 13th Blue Rats before they sprint off. They are a lucky sort, one could say fated to survive this day.
>Retinue: Dispatch 3 aspirants to directly oversee the 762nd Pyrewatchers, leading them in song.

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

Wouldn't want to interfere with a Grasscloak's duel. Oh well, time to spend some supplies.

>Retine Action: Throw kinetic bombs into the middle of that red formation on the bridge to knock them into the dry riverbed.

>Troop Action (Strikers): Fighting withdrawal to the NW so the kopeshi advance into the pocket and the Blade Holders can assist us in flanking them. Don't want to be too greedy and steal all the kills. Fewer of my men dying too.

>Action: Turn over the contractually agreed percentage of the captive horses to the Saevus Scavengers. We leave it to Corvax and Co. to distribute these goods among themselves according to their own order.

File: No, it's suddenly a lot c(...).png (551 KB, 1180x814)

551 KB PNG

>>6000747
IIt's not - it's much colder, as the shadows lenghten and the campfires and larger pyres give out.

An Outrider, half inbetween some far-east insult about the countenance of someone's brother's sister runs out of air in his lungs and the insult die in his mouth...

File: Gift horses, mouths, etc.png (997 KB, 1414x1014)

997 KB PNG

>>6000750
Plenty precious of you, there, Publius. Obliged. Though, I haven't called in the Co of Corvax and Co yet. We usually don't attend, uh, let's say ""live"" kinetic situations?

Though other than that man down there wearing eight thousand bits worth of scavenge, it does look like it's dying down on this side of the fray.

Well, sometimes you have to take some risks. You want me to whistle for my people, then? They usually do all the heavy lifting. I can use this here horse and go get them! We're camped nearby, found ourselves a lot of ironshells from a Legio patrol that appeared to have run right into a gaggle of cavalry.

Odd, you don't usually see the Easties out so far west. Thought they were all meant to be kept at bay for Elos East Station. We were just heading home from there to off-load earlier scavenge in Fideli.

Then we found that dead Legio patrol and thought we migt as well camp and out and you know, my mother always told me my instinct was all wrong but I think that turned out to be an eminently wise decision.

Well, I talk on. Pass me the reins and I'll go round up my people...

>[Admin] . . ?

>>6000722
"789th! Clear those sparkie stragglers, then give the cavalry and the skirmishers space to work!"

>Order: See above
>Personal: I will join the 789th in clearing the last red circles around Methodian's cavalry

>>6000722
>>6000722
Urgh, fuckin' profit marginers.

>To Ashfog: Get ready to give the Porcupine a sterling example. Shoot down one of their officers would you?

>Command 1: Porcupine. Most of you fire a volley on the rock bridge and the rest aim for the officers. Follow the lead of Ashfog then ressuply arrows

>Command 2: Bladeholders! The Luperni are letting the bridge open for you. Kick and slash them off of it would you kindly? They can only come from 1 direction afterall

>Personnal Action: Ashtenders return to rally point an ressuply. Get ready some choice throwables to disperse and disorient enemies.

But they're charging into our pincer maneuver? Why stop them? You're just taking on 2:1 odds instead of letting the Hounds help you.

>>6000768
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Scout Cavalry] + Outlanders + Military Affairs

> Retinue Command: Pull back the 338th slightly to give me space. Make sure everyone drinks water, checks for injuries, and cheer and jeer as loudly as possible!

> Personal Action! Duel! Duel! Duel!

Equipping a shield and a quiver of spears, and hurl them at him and his horse from just outside his reach- alongside a steady stream of taunts. Hopefully evading his strikes with agility and deftness, I fight defensively, dragging out the fight to exhaust him and subtly retreating to lure him into worse and worse terrain, until he makes a fatal error.

>>6000807
*Equip a shield and a quiver of spears, and hurl them at him and his horse from just outside his reach- alongside a steady stream of taunts. Hopefully evading his strikes with agility and deftness, I fight defensively, dragging out the fight and subtly luring him onto worse and worse terrain.

(With actual grammar, this time. Bloody phones)

>>6000722
The Legio have finally arrived, and my complement are ill suited to assaulting barricades in walls. On the contrary, there seems to be a worthy quarry up ahead, now that the raff has filed out through the riverbed... There might yet be something to write about today.

>Make a fighting reposition to the North and West into the riverbed

#Scholae-Palatini Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
79th Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

File: Rats in the walls.png (954 KB, 1416x1016)

954 KB PNG

The 13th Blue Rats report - to Perennis, since his esteemed officership is standing right there, cleaning Sparksworn off of his blade - that they've run into exceptionally heavy resistance. Might be a hot minute or ten or twenty or thirty taking this place, Sir. Cramped hallways, twisting turns, and they've setup actual honest-to-the-sun *barricades* in there. Spikey ones, Sir!

Can't the Legio do this? They have all the *armor* and *helmets*! Or ask the coruscant bird of fire dancing on your helmet to do it, that one looks dangeorus ! And maybe the enormous spiders crawling out of your eyes? We have options here, Sssss-S--Sir!

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Four(...).jpg (5.15 MB, 4440x3834)

5.15 MB JPG

On the stone bridge, soaked by sun, sprouting arrows by the minute, the Dawnlighter formations spot an opening and advance. The Luperni House troops perform an admirable fighting withdrawal. Maybe the House tutors do good instruction? As the 278th Bladeholders charge in, a slight mistiming occur - the Dawnlighters aren't quite so much pincered as they are slightly misaligned. The formations clash, and the lines ripple. The medium infantry have neither the numbers nor the angle, but their formation is adaquate. Casualties are low on both sides, as the soldiers push and prod at each other, avoiding the slippage that would send them down to the flood channel below. Wounded Luperni peel back and away, towards Rally Point Windchurn where the Chemicae shake their head and point them to the triage stations. A Bladeholder, then another, join them. The sun shines down.

Sometimes, blades simply vital organs. Stumbles that should have sent you careening over the edge avert at the last moment as a friend reaches out. A shield holds one more strike than it should have. Luck. Just luck. Or the gentle, benign attention of the distant Sun. . .

--

The dust from the cavalry charge begins to die down. A few scattered of them lie in the riverbed, moaning and groaning. Some more have been thrown from their horses! But where are they headed? What were their orders?

--

>Stand by for end of phase reports. . .

File: Midday.png (814 KB, 1408x1018)

814 KB PNG

The Cerco Chemhounds are arriving at Fort Forlorn!

The 13th Blue Rats are encoutering heavyresistance! This place is a killhouse! Voided Stars, they've got *spiked barricades*!!

278th Blade-Holders report wounded!
Luperni Strikers report wounded!
These Dawnlighters are harder to kill than they have any right to be; it's as if blades don't quite. . . cut right. We need a field specialist in counter-theurgy and ward operations over here, they're damn right cheating!

338th Light Horse reports their grass-cloak is absolutely going to win this!

404th Soft Moonfall reports they've cleared the floodbed in the south-west section near Fireskellians' (presumed) command post. No further sign of hostiles. Everyone down here is a little dazzled and half-blinded, but morale is high and they're ready to proceed.

726nd Pyrewatchers report their supplies are running lower, they might need time to resupply and reform.

>Stand by for end of phase orders. . .

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Four(...).jpg (5.38 MB, 4440x3834)

5.38 MB JPG

The Glory, Triumphant, the High Eye at the apex of its arc, and the world below, sunkissed and beautiful. Spare a thought for the things the rays touch, all the greenery and blue water that make life worth living. Some things are worth dying for, but so much more is worth living for - as young Amelius has learned, today.

In the shaded floodchannels, the heat is less, the shadows deeper. The water more accessible, in canteen and in the clear trickle below boot. But in the open areas, where Koras struggles, on the high bridge where the Dawnlighters stand like mountain stone, chipped away by arrows and blows, the heat grows more intense and the sun much more a cut than a caress.

It is good we prepared as much water as we did, and that the various troops are well supplied. Now that the engagement has run its morning course, Supplies will begin to matter in the utmost. A fighting force sheds weight as it advances, first canteens, then rations, then munitions, then, in the final counting, manpower.

Perhaps if we do our job well, and pray, and proceed with competence, much more of the former three than the last.

>Phase Five begins . . . NOW!
>ETA: Please, if possible, within 12 hours from this point. At 70%+ activity, we may proceed faster.

>>6000952
"Surrender? That's a good joke, sand muncher. You only outnumber us 2 to 1. Your boss Turdovich seems decently motivated enough, perhaps in a few dozen years you might have the skills to challenge me 10 on 1 on a good day, downhill, with the Empyrean on your side.

Wait, what the fuck did you just say to me? "I will lose"? I'll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Pyther Scholae Officer Academy, and I've been involved in numerous secret raids on the Rikovians, and I have over 300 confirmed kills. I am trained in skorpion warfare and I'm the top lancer in the entire Pytherian armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another shishkabob. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words. You think you can get away with saying that shit to me on the battlefield? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of theurges across the continent and your soul is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You're fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that's just with my bare hands. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the Pytherian Cathaphractoi Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little "clever" comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn't, you didn't, and now you're paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. You're fucking dead, kiddo."

>>6000952
>>6000954
"Ahem, excuse me, sorry I get a little worked up when ants act overconfident. I understand that weaklings have their coping mechanisms. Look, I'm not so merciless that I wouldn't accept the surrender even for a gutless weakling like the lot of you that can't even comprehend the concepts of initiative, dignity, or honor unless your commanding officer smacks them across your face, which I doubt they are inclined to in the first place from what I've seen of them. Leading from the back. Telling their men to die for them while they cower. Ha. Anyways, I am perfectly willing and able to accept your uncharacteristically gracious surrender. I hear you poor aimless lot have been having trouble with the water supply in this desolate wasteland. We have ample provisions for even you gormless dustslimes. You will have no want for ration or water in our care provided you behave. You need not look further than how your sorry associates are being treated at Fort Forlorn. Those that had the sense to give up your hopeless cause in favor of life are being treated and tended to, and probably drinking the first non-sawdusted water they've had in weeks. When's the last time you've tasted genuine fresh water, dustgummer?

How many of you need to be trampled below our blessed Cathaphractoi for you to realize there is no hope of victory? How many need to be skewered on the unforgiving lances of justice for you sandchewers to get a hint? Can you explain to me the delusion that perturbs the minds of gravellickers that gives them the bizarre impression they stand to defeat a foe that towers over them like the heights over a tick? I like to think I have quite the flexible mind but this really does behoove even me. In any case, I would like to hear, do your men surrender?"

>I am stalling for time for my retinue to catch their breaths

#Scholae-Palatini Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
79th Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

File: Tick Tock.png (556 KB, 1424x1016)

556 KB PNG

>>6000954
>>6000956
We shall hardly need to wait ten years. A mere score of hours will do, Scholae.

>>6000952
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]

Well, I tried defence, and it’s not working. Blood will tire me faster than the weight of his armour ever will. Time has turned against… but I will not yet admit defeat!

*I see a line*

When his lance has passed me and is in backswing, just after wounding me, I raise my sabre in an unassuming manner, as if I’m considering surrender- before hurling the blade at his face!

In the single moment of confusion that buys me, I [Push] myself and go [All In], surging forwards. Leaping out of the saddle, I tackle him, vigorously and repeatedly smashing my buckled against his helm while trying to wrestle a knife into his joints or neck- throwing all of my weight and desperation into hurling both of us into the water.

His armour is aneblrmous advantage, but if we are both dazed and prone and lying in two feet of water while two angry horses try to trample us, I think it will matter less.

>>6000977
*buckled -> buckler, against his helm.

aneblrmous -> an enormous advantage, unfortunately, but if the radiant ancestors want me to survive and have kids, they’ll hopefully make his armour sink into the mud quite thoroughly.

>>6000952
Right, right, right. Paperwork finished, I can finally do the job I was contracted for. Don't mess up in front of my peers, don't... Ahem.

"Celestial heavens, I beg thee to lend me your kindest caress - shatter not this resistance before me, but allow me to alter its ebb and flow!"

>Admin, Chow: Half of each unit is authorized chow, the other half are on duty with a priority on guarding the southern ramp.
>Admin, Prisoners: Chemicae to treat the prisoners in the building where the 13th Wetmurk held out.
>Order: 762nd Pyrewatchers to scale the northern cliff face, perhaps having packed climbing gear to speed them along with their [Tricks of the Trade]. Objective is to seize the accelerants, slay the theurge, and THEN collapse on the manned barricade.
>Personal: Tap the aspirants, have them echo my chants as I work my theurgy. Reduce friction in the riverbed, turning it into a slip-n-slide. Slap that friction onto dust clouds adversary riders kick up during the impending charge.

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

>>6000934
> Personal: Activate [Names writ in Bone and Sky]. Bless the 404th Soft Moonfall. "Though we are but dust, sunlight resplendent pours from our hearts eternal."
> Command 1: 404th Soft Moonfall. March, double time. Do not allow the scattered Outriders to regroup. Push them out of the riverbed.
> Command 2: 82nd Kataphractoi. Sally forth towards Fireskellian. Cut down the heretic preacher. Ravage the enemy's backline.

>>6000952
"Blue Rats retreat, tend to your wounded. If any of you are still eager and able to fight, flank the enemy position through that slippery passage to the south.

Light Mist, to me. We'll deal with this obstacle head on."

>I'll personally lead the 789th to swat the barricade and its defenders aside.

>>6001018
#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

>>6000952
"Perennis! Codex Martialis decrees that frontal assaults on fortified positions are—...! Oh, void. Monsoon! Double file! Follow the 789th!"

>Take command of the 21st. Have them form into a two-wide column and follow behind the 789th, but not too close, so as to give them room to disengage should it come to that.

#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

>>6000952
Ah, the path ahead, I see it! Forge ahead, brook no delay!

>Command: Esvacian Peltasts to scurry up the bank to the North and begin pelting the Dawnlighters, lets hope it goads them into breaking formation
>Command: Pathfinders to follow as all speed permits
>Personal: Remind the Esvacians to keep up their momentum, a peltast who halts is a peltast who is dead!

Rolled 4, 4, 5 = 13 (3d6)

>>6000952
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 8 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers - 307th Coaldousers]

>Free Action: Tell my Retinue to keep an eye on me and restrain me if I do anything... Unbecoming of my status.
>Admin Action: Ward the Afflifcted to soothe their pain. (Theurgic Skill-test)

>>6000952
"I AM HERE! THIS BATTLE IS AS GOOD AS WON!"
>Deploy

>>6001161
The forgotten sheet, left behind in the wake of VICTORY.

#Lucilla Maximus Superbus
Authority 9 Reputation 10 Wealth 10
Legionflame - The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Theurgic
!Houses
!Military Affairs
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion + Military Affairs

>>6000952
>Admin Action: Loot that fine Destrier that is now unmanned as the grasscloak Koras pulls Terkovich into the river.
Personal Action: Use my knowledge of wards from my Theurgic affiliation and disrupt the Dawnlighter's magic. Maybe throw salt or holy water or something at them. Whatever works.
>Troop Action: Strikers advance on the Dawnlighters.

>Ask the 272th Porcupine Winds to shoot those heretics using earth magics. The can advance a little bit behind the 278th Blade Holders to get the angle if they need to.

>>5999232
Rereading the rules, sheet should look like this:

# Publius Quinctilius Varus III
Authority 9 Reputation 09 Wealth 11
Legionflame - Red Market Markers - Chemicaes
!Legion 0! What do you mean you want them back? I don't have them to give.
!Theurgic 1
!Houses 2
!Outlanders 0 At least my friend Armi doesn't make fun of my name.
---
[One of us] - Better ordering of allies
[Long Shadows] - Impetuosity
[Hazard Pay] - Spending on Looters
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Houses 2 +9 troops

--

I think that I accidentally conflated Legionflame and New Model Soldier and basically gave myself the New Model Soldier affiliations with the Legionflame Authority, Rep, and Abilities.

>>6000729
Will do, skyvoice. Sorry about missing phase four, was away all afternoon.

>>6000952
>Personal Action and Orders: "Chemhounds! Listen up! Drink your fill of water now and pop a stimulant, we won't have time for it in the midst of combat. We're going on a little excursion, into the central flood channel, up the wall, right in between two groups of Dawnlighters corking the way to our final victory. Some heretical theurge is to be the first soul we send to the Maker in despair, then we open the flood gates and stab those bridge bugs in back! Load up on supplies, be generous with your piton use, and remember, the Empyrean Eye is always watching! Lets go! Chemicaes Quintus and Ostomo with me, Civilla you stay here and tend to anyone who needs you, or do whatever the grasscloaks need you to do. Move, move move, NOW!"

>>6001334
>>6000952
# Lutarius Lutatius Cerco
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 11
New Model Soldier - Merchant Cartel Contacts - Chemicaes
!Outlander
!Houses
!Theurgic
!Administration
---
[Tricks of the trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Bulk Discount]
---
Command:
[Volunteers] + Outlanders 1

Forgot my sheet.

Not sure if it needs to be said, but I will be using Tricks of the trade.

>>6001334
Never a need to apologize. All is forgiven.

>>6001312
>>6001210
So you did, and for reasons unknows, no clerk managed to catch it and apparently High Command signed off on it. What a mistake! Ah, sometimes, these things happen.

>>6001161
>>6001164
Ah Maximus Superbus, I am superplussed to finally have you here. Surely, nothing will stop in our wake now!

>>6001136
They nod. They smile. They put their hands in their pockets. You know that's where they keep the extra-strength rope.

>>6001036
A sign of mistakes made elsewhere, yes.

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Four(...).jpg (4.82 MB, 4440x3834)

4.82 MB JPG

The Accord Regulations, on the question of how to go about assaulting a motivated enemy in a fortified position possessing superior local advantage has the following somewhat laconic advice:

Find a different path or a different war.

--

The Cohort moves, and all across the lines, contact is made. Dispatch couriers try to reach Command Posts to provide proper updates, but the thundering hooves of cavalry cut them off. Are we winning? We are succeeding?

Methodian stalls, blusters, talks terms, threats, boasts, the Sunlancers - cut from the same cavalry man's cloth - offer it in likewise terms. And each breath is joy to the lungs as the Steel Legio feel energy slowly flit back into their hands, legs, their hearts.

Somewhere, near Fireskellian's (presumed) Command Post, something goes cataclysmically wrong for someone, barrels spill, troops die, screams are cut off.

Down in the flood channels below, the officers try to make sense of it! But there are too many soldiers too tightly wound, pressing, pushing, too much dust, too much struggle.

Wait, is that . . . the sound of cavalry?

Behind us?

--
>Stand by for END OF PHASE REPORTS

>>6001471
>Admin: All not engaged. Permission granted for water and ration. if some don't have do share. Supplies are also found in Windchurn

>>6001471
*Cough* *Cough* "Hhhhhhhuuuuuuhhhh...just...just...gimme some water and a stim. I...I was an outlander too...once. This barely qualifies as a light jog." *Hacking cough*

"I'm serious, up the ropes, now! There's two lancers for every one of Methodian's horse lovers. We're in dange- is that...do I hear hooves...from behind us-"

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Five(...).jpg (5.37 MB, 4440x3834)

5.37 MB JPG

Nothing ever happens on the eastern front.
Except when it happens all at once
--

House Luperni report victory! And a few wounded

278th Blade-Holders report victory! And a few wounded!

272th Porcupine Winds report . . . a very, very light cavalry force coming *back* down the flood channel!

789th Light Mist report enemy position seized, prisoners processed (zero), surviving hostiles processed (zero) and one enemy banner taken in storm action! Requesting new deployment sir!

21st Monsoon report--- SIR!!! SSIIRRRR

307th Coaldousers report-- whatever he was going to say got cut off, as he got stabbed

Evascian Peltast report light enemy contact from the rear! And more coming! Reform! Reform!!

404th Soft Moonfall reports they've seen off the enemy outriders to the west, but they gathered some good speed doing. Turning about will be slow. These ones look utterly broken, we're unlikely to encounter them again. Success!

Maximus Superbus and the 777th Stormbinders report they're en-route from the camp to the Command Post Forlorn but there's a bunch of cavalry in the way, they've had to lock shields and form square to avoid being over-run! They'll get there, but. . . Apologies for the delay!

--

Outlander Ak, of the Eight Fingered Smiling Fox Vulpes, reports Korsas Auror is alive and he's putting in a request to carve his name in the Pillar of Valour. Denied, naturally, but we may see about a medal.

--

>Phase Six...!

>>6001534
> Command 1: 404th Soft Moonfall. Fall back to the slope linking the riverbed and Fireskellian. Dig in at the apex of the incline. Brace against assaults from the riverbed.
> Personal: Officer and retinue take position between the 82nd Kataphractoi and the 404th Soft Moonfall.
> Command 2: 762nd Pyrewatchers. Form up around Allius Vitacus and his Retinue.

File: Maximal.png (431 KB, 1208x1016)

431 KB PNG

Meanwhile, elsewhere, in events of dubious cannocity:

The 777th Stormbinders report the cavalry harassment is abating, they must have run past them. One of them also reports that their officer singlehandedly slew ten score Outriders by beating them to death with each other.

That last part seems . . . unlikely. Must be sunstroke

>>6001534
>Orders: "Ooooh NO! What the fuck! CHEMHOUNDS up the ropes! Rain spears! Rain flash-fulminants! Startle the horses! Porcupines, loose arrows! Ostomo, you're young and spry, get back to the command post, evaluate, meet back by the bridge via the access passage with Civilla in tow. If there are enemies in the command post, then you remember our crates of fulminant-woundweal paste? Furthest from our current position? Good, use your discretion, all it takes is a spark. Empyrean protect you!"

>Personal Action: Up the ropes with my groundbound Chemhounds and Quintus. Hopefully the bodies trip those horsemen up, if not, then some pointy sticks should do it.

>>6001534
"Hm. I see. Decanus, into the temple! Rescue the Fulminant!"

"Now, as for us, we shall secure that theurge there while he is indisposed. You, Chemhounds! Give over any spare rope you have!"

>Order the 21st to assault the temple and save Fireskellian.
>Personally rush the panicked theurge and thump them upside the head a few times. Tie them up and send one of the Ferrata to deliver them to Windchurn.

#Severus Regulus Priscillian
Authority 10 Reputation 09 Wealth 10
Legionflame - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Theurgic
!Houses
---
[One of us]
[Long Shadows]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Legion 2

Rolled 2, 4, 5 = 11 (3d6)

>>6001534
Ah...
I don't suppose we packed caltrops? Blight it all, throw everything you have! BATTLE COMES FOR YOU
>Pathfinders to throw anything that might trip up the enemy horses, up to and including their (ranged) weapons.
>Peltasts: about face, launch a volley of javelins, and introduce these foul horsemen to the ends of your spears!
>Personal: lead a rousing war chant! (Roll?)

>>6001573
Sirrrr? There are people in this world who leave their homes without caltrops?

>>6001534
>Orders: “GET ME THE DAMN THEURGES, I’VE GOT WOUNDED AND I NEED HANDS!”
>Personal: start grabbing weapons from the dead

>>6001534
>[Admin] Nay, let them cower.
The sounds of thunderous hooves come from behind. Up on the ledge above, the masses of infantry that could more than match the parched and tired enemy cavalry shake and bawk. To my front, more cowards, tiptoeing around engaging Koras and his lights. Shameful.

"Are these the kinds of men who call themselves soldiers these days?"

To my retinue: "Take a quick swig of water to refresh yourselves. Let us show them what it means to be men."

To the sand slushers: "It appears you have more time to consider my generous offer. Gutless knaves, observe how true soldiers conduct themselves in battle, and dream of the day you will have an ounce of our mettle!"

>Turn around and counter charge the oncoming outriders

#Scholae-Palatini Theramin Braccius Methodian
Authority 12 Reputation 08 Wealth 10
Scholae Trained - Service Records - Legio Ferrata
!Legion 2
!Mechalogistics
!Administration
---
[Listen Up!]
[They Wrote A Book On That]
[Best Parts of Valor]
---
Command:
82nd Kataphractoi Squadron
[Scout Cavalry] + Legion + Mechalogistics

>>6001534
Good, good, good - you've saved me yet again, Amelius! I reckon a raise might be in order. For the time being, take a step back - nary a profit to be found in death.

Then again... with the sun at its zenith, lifeblood spilling thusly, and souls burning freely...

>Personal: Distance myself from the rear assault. Enact some theurgy, attempting to call the Empyreal Flame, the Spark of Life into the bodies of the fallen. Just some husks, as a treat. Nobody will notice, honest.

#Echo
Authority 8 Reputation 10 Wealth 9/10
New Model Soldier - Ash Marked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Houses1
!Outlander1
!Theurgic2
!Threshold1
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[762nd Pyrewatchers] + Theurgic2 + TerrorResist1 + Offensive Theurgics

>>6001534
>Grab that rider's lance shaft and throw salt in his eyes. These polearms aren't that dangerous when they aren't moving.
>Command Action: Strikers Strike! - have the Strikers come down the path to attack the Heavy sunlancers. Cerco and the Blade Holders can manage the heights and the Porcupine Winds have new horsey targets moving in, but based on previous charges we'll have time to establish a defensive formation after hitting the Sunlancers before they arrive.
>Looters: Where are you going? Are your packs full? There's plenty of loot to be had on the bridge.


"

>>6001623
Oh, I'll be back, with the rest of the Saevux Scavengers! I see you've all produced rather a lot of merchandise, we'll get right on it. But I can hardly stack half a hundred bodies by my lonesome.

I'll be RIGHT back with you, good luck with the batttleeee!

Eh, I guess you need to acquire the capital to leverage opportunity. Stay safe Saevux.

Question: Approximately how much wealth would it take to outfit the most valorous of the surviving Strikers as a Luperni Knight, and how likely is the House to approve such an elevation if I pay for the equipment?

>>6001534
# Sarjent Koras Auror
Authority 8 Reputation 12 (!) Wealth 10
New Model Soldier - The Scars - Uthani Outlanders
!Houses
!Military Affairs
!Outlander
!Theurgics
---
[Tricks of the Trade]
[Cold Coin, Warm Hearts]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Scout Cavalry] + Outlanders + Military Affairs

> Personal Action: Scream in adrenaline fuelled victory! Try not to faint.
> Personal Action (2): Retreat up to dry ground and start to tend to my wounds.

> Command: Look! Behind us! The outriders are coming back; I send the 338th thundering to Fort Forlorn, swift as the wind, to drive off the enemy raiders. If Command doesn’t give you a heroism bonus, I will!
> Command: Rest and regenerate with my Outriders, and parley with the Sunlancers. Admit that they are *very* good at this cavalry business. You’re obviously no Imperial, nor Ulthani. Where are you from, and why are you here?
> Command Action: …;But if they ignore me and suddenly charge, either flee from their lances (if at us), or follow after them and flank them as they flank the cataphractoi.

>>6001534
#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

> Lead my retinue and the 789th back to Fort Forlorn, to drive off the attack! Double time! Go go go!

>>6001636
>>6001633
You run a few quick calculation as you grab a fistful of sand and huck it at a heavily armored cavalry man and your troops, yelling, try to pull you to safety.

Accounting for the metal, the cost of the forging, replacement remounts, tutors for blade training, it might come out to roughly one measure of Wealth for each Striker, to ensure the full regalia and equipment. Conveniently, this is quite well within your budget - if a little hard to swing.

And the House troops, being well paid professionals, are quite willing to accept the elavation to higher officer. Can the distant Hound Lords entirely gainsay it? Perhaps. But they trust your discretion, surely, or you would not be in this position, and so it does seem fair passing likely you could raise a more armored force.

The real issue - aside from monetary cost - is (estimating quickly, assuming the cavalrist being swarmed by four light infantry is the standard) - heavy armor is so costly. And delivery times out here very. You'd need to find a large source of pre-fabricated equipment to outfit the troops in time. If only you knew some kind of fast operating, agile business operative who might have a few stacks of lightly used heavy military equipment. It's good stuff, that stuff. The cavalrist lancer, tearing his way free of the throng, demonstrates how effective it makes you at not being stabbed

>There is a way to accomplish just this, but it must be . . . after this engagement!

File: image_2024-05-11_200822727.png (596 KB, 1009x426)

596 KB PNG

>>6001534
>Admin: General Advance Granted.

>Personal action: 248th Ashetenders, once more we're kicking bodies down from the bridge on top of the light horses returning. If they stop or don't approach we will still clear the bridge off of bodies and then you will move to reinforce Fireskellian. In simple orders:
1. Clear the bridge of enemy bodies and hostile. Try to toss them on top of the incoming cavalary.
2. Find a way into the temple. There should be a back way through in between the bushes on the right turn at the bridge.
3. Save Scholae-Fulminant Fireskelian, clear area of hostiles in the temple.
3.5 I will be joining you on shortly on this task for now Ashfog will lead you in.

>Retinue Action: Ashfog, please lead our Ashtenders with proper timing and maneuvering on the above^ I will be with you shortly

>Command 1: Porcupines it appears the Lighest Cavalry is returning. Give them a proper welcome back with arrows.

>Command 2: Reorganize and take care of your wounded. Make sure the area is clear. When that is done join in at the temple.

>>6001703
>Command 2: is meant for the Blade holders

>>6001703
Please do NOT push the bodies over, you will hit me and my retinue >>6001594

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Five(...).jpg (5.3 MB, 4440x3834)

5.3 MB JPG

The Esvacian Peltasts report hard contact with a considerable enemy cavalry formation. They're holding, as Mizana chants, pelting them with spears. But the less eager among them already scaled up the rockface before impact, and they don't want to stick it out here for much longer!

--

The high sun above shines down on us, with affection. That is the truth of it, and all the truth there needs to be. What are we, if not the children of the sun?

--

The eastern front is meant to be quiet. This is anything but.

--

>Stand by for end of phase reports. . .

File: Iron Grip.png (658 KB, 1414x1018)

658 KB PNG

A Ferrata Legio reports they've captured a hostile sparkspeaker. And they'll transport him to Windchurn the moment he -- Hey --

sunfed from the midday point, where the grand Eye above lends the most strength, the sparkspeaker theurge growls and whips his head up, suddenly stronger than three men and warmer than ten. Heat radiates. The Ferrata legio grits his teeth and maintains the steel-grip on his prisoner despite the sudden white-hot pain this act entails and he brings his fist up once - twice - again - trying to reduce the fulminant stargazing madman to concussive darkness but it avails him not. Theurges, when pushed to extreme, fed by sunlight and adrenaline and sensation, they're more Other than they are Here, and pain is more sensation that draws in more attention that lets them channel vaster things across the Threshold. This one is leaving humanity behind, at pace, sparking his own soul in a last ditch spiteful spate of sheer, undiminished desire to watch us and all our works dim to ash.

The Sparkspeakers, each and all, are recalcitrant to be taken alive. They do not abide by the polite conventions of the Accords of War. Few theurges will ever willingly be prisoners when they can instead go out, sunbright, hallowed and exalt themselves to the Eye in their final moments.

Sometimes, staring too long at distant stars erodes human fragility and perspective both.

SIR! THE ACCELERANT! MOVE! HE'S SPARKING OFF

File: Extra Water Rations? In t(...).png (620 KB, 1414x1016)

620 KB PNG

13th Blue Rats bannerleader, taking the chance to sip from his canteen. Packed extra, on command orders, and haven't that just been a good thing today? It's unusually hot. Well, best be rid of the weight, and up ahead is allies, so maybe now is a good time to empty this one and be prepared to move fast. He unscrews the lid and moves. As he navigates the remains of the barricade, rounds a corner into a crime in the doing.

The sun above stares down, hot and piercing.

It is a point of theological debate if Icons have a sense of humour. Traditionalists would claim not, that such things are beyond them. What use does the Empyreal itself have for laughter?

Another viewpoint is that a sense of humour is all the Icons really have.

The bannerleader glances down at the canteen in his hand. He looks up at the sparkspeaker two arms-lengths away, shimmering in heat, the Ferrata Legio desperately trying to *move him* as his own gauntlets melt, Regulus beginning to turn with the sudden whaft of heat at his back.

He looks down

oh

type seven alchemical accelerant

spilled all over the floor by the sudden crush of fighting

The bannerleader does the only thing he really can do in this circumstance

File: Sunlit Skirmis Phase Five(...).jpg (5.14 MB, 4440x3834)

5.14 MB JPG

404th Soft Moonfall are reforming near the incline to the temple!

The Esvacian Peltasts report hard contact. They desperately need reinforcements!

Luperni Strikers are reporting total success. They've slewn eight enemy knights in single combat. Ten, at least. Glory to the Lupes! The left flank is entirely secure, as befits the best troops in Pyther!

307th Coaldousers are relieved to see reinforcements. They have multiple wounded and are nearing the breaking point. They're resupplying now. Good to see you, Sirs.

789th Light Mist report they've re-captured Command Post Windchurn. Thaumatheurgic feedback event report; the Sunblessed made contact with water and the bindings blew out. Warm souls, warm memories, Sir.

278th Blade-Holders are reporting success on the bridge-span. They're ""resupplying"" and ""re-arming"" now.

272th Porcune Winds and 625th Cerco Chemhounds are reporting they've seen off the enemy light cavalry in the secondary funnel. The Cathapracts stole the glory as usual but it was their hard work that did it.

625th Cerco Chemhounds report the Sparksworn are retreating in disarray to the west, on foot, with wounded, in slow trickles. But there appears to be . . . one or two cavalry elements out there that are less panicked. They're not advancing or approaching, but the Chemhounds would recommend sending someone *else* in pursuit. Not them. They're too expensive on a per man basis to walk into an ambush. Please.

762nd Pyrewatchers report the Temple is secure.

21st Monsoon reports success. The Temple is secure. Sizable Sparksworn in attendance but their office was shot with an arrow. Lucky shot. They're running on fumes, but so is the enemy. Do we engage or stand down?

--

It looks like . . . We've done it ? For now ? Almost ? The last of the Sparksworn are retreating, or pulling away in some disarrayed order. But the Peltasts; they're in a rough bind.

7th Wetmurks, on behalf of Scholae-Fulminant Fireskellian, requests the attention of a chemicae. They have wounded, they've been fighting for two days straight, and they're damn sore thirsty too.

--

Supplies are running low across the entire line!
The troops desperately need a break!
Fatigue is starting to set in!

No outrider reports of circling enemies. Perimeter secure for now!

>Phase Seven!

>>6001803
> Command 1: Retinue. Enflame the righteous zeal of the 762nd Pyrewatchers. Oversee the sterilization of the temple. Excise the blasphemers with steel and spite.
> Personal: Officer. Quaff a draught of water. Steady your breath. Still your soul. Soak in Glory's paternal radiance.

>>6001803
>Send a retinue to fetch the 82nd to rendezvous with us back at Fort Forlorn, and see to saving that downed lancer if possible.
>Make for Fort Forlorn at a relaxed pace, and once arrived, set about winding down, the battle for us is over.

>>6001803
"Three three eight! Run them down! Don't ride into a trap!

Light mist! Triage! You've seen the aftermath of a battle before.

Coaldousers! Stand down. Good work holding the line. You can rest now soldiers."

>Personal action: I will see if Echo requires immediate aid, then go check if any of our fallen happen to still be alive, at death's door and in need of some quick first aid. Are the Blue Rats so outrageously lucky, by any chance?

#Titus Caesius Perennis
Authority 10 Reputation 11 Wealth 10
Fireforged- The Scars - Legio Ferrata
!Legion
!Outlander
!Military Affairs 2
---
[Get It Done]
[That's Not Regulation]
[Last One Out]
---
Command:
[Raincatchers] + Military Affairs 2

>>6001803
>>6001830
Perennis, you and yours arrived right in the nick of time. We'll be fine after a little rest. I'd recommend you take your 789th and the 338th to cut off adversary cavalry in the riverbed.

Good work everyone, it was a tough hold.

>Take a breather in the shade, mingle with the faithful. Send a runner to the 762nd requesting they resupply and return.

Given the nature of the way these operations are resolved, it is possible to send other orders if you change your mind. We go by the last sent. Just try not to do it too much, it can get a bit messy

>>6001838
That cavalry have a head start and little to delay their advance, we'd just waste our time trying to catch up to them

Publius wrapped a sash around his spearwound. The chemicae would address it soon and the Spider would look favorably.

"No stimulants for the Strikers thank you. They'll heal better without hurting themselves further without feeling pain, and the enemy are on the run anyway. Now lads, good work. Since the Saevus sauntered off, those scallywags, lets get looting. Armi, you grab that cataphractoi. See who his armor will fit. Everone else, follow me and let us investigate the lost legionairre regalia.

>move SE and start looting the bodies near the fire. Publius will sit next to the fire and supervise while he does his best to stabilize his wound until the Medicae have a chance to look at it properly. Koras can run down the retreating troops if they want. Publius was too short on horses for that task. Now, what sort of regalia would the lads like for their knightly banner? A hound motif of course. They liked bondsteel, so maybe a forge? And he'd need to write some letters to the family of the lost and see replacements. Hmm... The scholae processed reports during battle, but Publius at least had the luxury of waiting until after.

File: image_2024-05-12_011017185.png (680 KB, 1100x446)

680 KB PNG

>>6001803
>Admin: Get the wounded healed and back in shape. Worst cases 1st then on to the lightly. The Aid Station will be at what used to be Fort Forlorn. Send the Medical supplies there and have those who haven't drunk some water get hydrates

>Call the next supply from the Logis at camp

>Command 1: Ashtenders come with me we need to get water to the Temple, Firskellian and her troops must be parched.

>Command 2: Anyone able and near Lane D and C who are not injured and still capable. Clear these 2 lanes of enemies. Everyone else, get some shade, get the place back in order when proper rested.

>Personnal action: Go greet Fireskellian with water and the Ashtenders. Make sure the area is clear first then we can tend to the each other proper. We'll attempt to walk there thank you very much

>>6001803
No reinforcement forthcoming, eh? There's only so much a peltast can do. Send this problem riding on down the line. These horseboys will watch their backs while they do so, if they know what's good for them.
>Pathfinders, scoot up the incline to the North, with haste!
>Remaining Peltasts on the riverbed, clear up after them while their comrades already on the ridgeline cover them with a hail of javelins
>Personal: Be the last one up. Make sure any rider who takes his chances comes to regret it. What sort of war leader daren't risk themselves as the men under them?

>>6001963
One of the peltasts - chanting - toss you a spear. Maybe out of courage. Maybe because he needs free hands to shimmy up a rope.

Ah, join the Legion, they said. Go interesting places, meet wonderful people, improve the world, aid the civic connective tissue of society, do a good turn, honour the old oaths, face down eighty or so fast riders in a single channel without reinforcements, maybe try some of that jerky they make in Pyther, all new and wonderful experiences. . .

Though admittedly.
Some of them you only get to have once.

>>6001858
>>6001810
> Command 2: (If in range) Offmap elements of 404th Soft Moonfall. You are critically out of position. Regroup at Fireskellian immediately, double time.

>>6001803
> Lead my retinue to track the enemies retreating West. Don’t engage; just observe, at a distance. Where are they going? What are they trying to do?

>>6001969
We only get one death. May it be a good one, that those who came before may welcome us without shame, that those we left behind may remember us without grief, that those who are yet to come may celebrate us without compunction.
>Begin singing a death song.
Minds death naught a brave man, though he be bound or free
Knows he comfort in his end, beyond mortality

>>6001994
>>6001803

Actually

If it’s alright to change my mind

After realising how *fast* Light Cavalry can go, I would like to propose a different plan.

Leasing my Outriders to blitz down from the North, I rescue the peltasts with a heroic rear charge! Let’s put this new halberd to work!

>>6002059
*Leading

Not Leasing

Damned phone. ; (

>>6001803
"Thank you Kerenza, I'm not as young as I used to be."

>Orders: "Good work Chemhounds! Methodian's metal horses will get all the credit, but it was you who cleared the way, fended off the riders. Take pride, bask in the Glory's radiance! After your prescribed detox though, go on, pop those pills, it'll ease the come down. And make way for the passerbys, to the left side, easy now, don't fall. Rest easy, take a load off and drink some water, you've earned it."

>Orders continued*: "Quintus, dose that wet sparkspeaker. If not for the lucky 13th, I'm pretty sure we would all be dead right now. When you're done, head into Fireskellian's command post, see if anyone needs you. I'll wait here for Ostomo and Civilla."

>Personal Action: Take a breather and drink some water. Sit with my men and shoot the shit.

*For neatness, if nothing else.

>>6001803
>Entrust the prisoner to the 13th. Have them deliver him to our nearest theurge for further containment. Send one of the Ferrata with them.
>Head into the temple together with the retinue.

"Scholae-Fulminant. At your service. What would you have us do?"

>>6001803
#Sacerdotessa della Luce
Authority 9 | Reputation 9 | Wealth 8 | Threshold 1
Legionflame - Ashmarked - Theurgic Aspirants
!Theurgic 2
!Legion
!Houses
---
[One of Us]
[Long Shadows]
[Names Writ in Bone and Sky]
---
Command:
[Volunteers - 307th Coaldousers]

>Personal Action: Help with the Aid Station to recuperate the Wetmurks.
>Free: Tell my Retinue "Help with caring for the wounded. And prepare materials for a Ward. Apparently we're expecting a Theurge soon."

>Command Action: [307th Coaldousers], Come to the Aid Station and rest. You guys need a break.

Sacerdotessa's force was cut in Half in a moment. A sad time that reminds her of the cost of all this.

Ferrata Legio Esmond and the 13th Blue Rats report capture of a Sparkspeaker!!!

--

The thunder of hooves abates, slowly, dust churned high in their wake. The peltasts, scrabbling up the rockface, do so while - between snatched breaths and grunts of effort - half whispering half singing verses of an old song. The one ones safer up the clifff hurl javelins into the dust, to the horror of the riders below, belting out the last verses in a salute.

The Sparksworn outriders, complying surely with the orders of their commander, do not give battle or allow themselves to be penned in. They take their wounds and keep going, securing dazed riders, grabbing sudenly available reins, and push, push, push. They hammer through the Esvacians and continue on the path. Hard riders, each and all, but from the gruesome sounds, very lightly armored.

--

Scholae-Fulminant Fireskellian, Servicemarked, requests you join her in her command post.

--

>Stand by for end of engagement reports. .