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Post by ashenmoon on Jun 11, 2015 22:51:43 GMT
Turn 12 - about 2 am - turn ends Sunday 14th Link: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14467358/eclipse/eclipse_dominion_tactical_135908aaf_012.jpgPrince Kansar Sistorian Exhausted, the Prince falls swiftly asleep in his tent. He dreams of a great sea of blood drying out under a merciless, burning sun. Out from the blood-soaked seabed then grows a great forest, but the towering trees are men, nameless men, weeping. He does not know why, but in the dream he has an axe, and he begins chopping down one of the trees. High Palatine Manlia Suren IssanderKata, unconvinced, nonetheless agreed to accompany the High Palatine to speak with Black Sun. Before Servina Eterian and her Eagles depart, their leader gives the High Palatine a brief report on their raids on Aemilon in the afternoon. The Siege made several runs dropping boulders against enemy cannon batteries, but their effect was ultimately limited. In part because a company of enemy Inquisitors were stationed ear the artillery and, spotting the Eagles from far away, forced bound Terrain spirits to protect the Eagles’ target. But more so, the issue was one of focus. The Eagles were not battle-tested, nor used to operating so independently. Privately, Servina confesses to the High Palatine that as long as they lacked specific targets and orders, they were unlikely to improve their performance in the days ahead.* Pondering the Sistorian vassal’s message, Manlia sent her away. There would be time to deal with the Siege’s lack of discipline later. A few hours pass. The Bridge Burners make their way to the hamlets north of Orian and cobble together small, light rafts. News arrive that a horde of sleepy-eyed zealots arrive to Tilium, many of them refusing to believe Gideon has died and accusing the High Palatine of lies. A dozen zealots die, and several more are injured, as they set off a trap left by the Bridge Burners on the road. Not long after that, the noise of artillery fire grows louder and nearer until suddenly, a great thunderous explosion, crash, and rolling splash is heard. Enemy artillery had fired at Orian for quite some time sporadically, but now they had focused their fire on the bridge - and brought it down. Wide-eyed, the Palatine realizes he has been cut off from the rest of the Dominion army... * I e the Eagles will work much better if a player character has line of sight on a pair of cannon and says “bomb that”. Imagine the eagles bombing coordinates they are given before take-off, rather than any intelligent aim-seeking they perform while flying about on their own. Princess Maurielle Alatol of House Jahimis Setting out with several thousand Suren infantry and their elite magi led by Mistress Seda, Maurille searched the western Ediren hills for any trace of enemy survivors. They headed far west and several kilometers south, to the southern edge of the Hills, before the Eagles arrived with information. Quite a few different groups of Republican soldiers had been spotted moving southeast. However, even though they were spread out, Servina Eterian - the Siege’s leader - suspected they were in fact coordinated. Their loose formation and erratic directions might in fact have been adopted in order to confuse a ground-based observer to believe they were separated and fleeing. It was impossible to tell in the dark, but they numbered in the thousands… and they all seemed to be heading to the same place - a bend in the river far to the south. Maurielle and Seda rushed east, guided by Servina’s reports. If there was an organized, and substantial, enemy presence on the west side of the river, it had to be dealt with before it had a chance to wreak any more havoc. First they headed southeast. But, soon Servina had them march due east, and then northwards - the enemy was moving up the western shore. The Republicans seemed to be heading for a new set of bridges that were being constructed a few kilometers south of the previous ones, which had been destroyed. It was clear that the Republicans forces were trying to join together. As she descended from the Hills, Maurielle paused, taking in the mayhem. The moon came out, now and then, from behind night clouds. The world was dappled faint livid and blotched black. The glittering surface of the river teemed with motion where a rickety bridge of strung-together rafts spanned it. While the Suren troops carried torches to light their way, she now for the first time saw that their quarry for the past few hours, the surviving Republican troops, had walked in the dark. There were thousands of them - three, four thousand! All of them crammed around the bridgehead, unnaturally quiet for so many men. Shouts from the cornered Republican force pierced the quiet. They knew they had been spotted. Like an ant’s nest being kicked, the Republicans exploded. The Suren infantry’s onslaught was counter-charged by a wave of Republican companies - a suicide charge, intended only to slow down, to buy time for the troops left behind to get to safety. Following in the wake of Seda’s troops, Maurielle spotted movement to the north. Heading there to investigate, she met with a company of troops she was shocked to find were Wardens. Hard-eyed, capable men, they swiftly brought her to their leader - Danton Redwind. Briefly, he explained that he had been looking for a way to cross over to Aemilon and infiltrate the enemy, but had found no way to do so. Lacking anything else to do, he had crept south to investigate enemy movements down the river - the stealthy construction of a second pontoon bridge crossing. Several thousand enemy engineers had been working on it for hours. The Republican soldiers on the west side of the river were only just beginning to make their way across. Danton, however, was not alone. With him was Lightdancer, and the Last Argument. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV7jTYTK6Us The sound of battle to the south, and the shouts of the panicked Republicans thronging the bridge, all died out. Everyone froze as night brightened with ghostly cerulean lights, streaking stars, arching across the world, blossoming like flowers far above the dark ground. For a time, the beauty was heartrending - a spreading network of glass, glimmering gently, shimmering beneath the moon. Until it began falling to the ground, no longer cold and distant, but filaments of fire threading the world with fury. The screaming began.
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Post by Timeon on Jun 14, 2015 14:54:25 GMT
There was work to do.
Many threads yet to be plucked into place. Drained though he was, Manlia Suren Issander paced through Orian calling orders to those yet awake. The Bridge Burners were to produce sturdy rafts, capable of carrying a few good men. Albor was told to let the fanatics set up camp and sleep north of Tilium, away from the Bridge Burner traps...
"Where are you, Danton Redwind?" Manlia cursed under his breath. Folgar had returned after finding Danton and delivering orders, but it seemed that the Wardens had gone scouting. Chancing an exposed weakness that likely did not exist. Manlia only hoped that they would be back.
Then, to the captain of the Bridge Burners, he commanded. "Bridge of Orian or no, the Wardens may yet rendezvous with us, thanks to those rafts. And when they do, let it be known that they are to use the rafts to strike at the Aemilon. The cannons are their true targets, but the bridge is a secondary one. If Danton does not arrive, send your own men."
"Aye sir, I'll only need twenty to do the job!"
"Don't be a fool" Manlia snapped. "Now get some rest, captain. A few worthy hours."
"A few worthy hours, aye!"
"... and then take your men south, to launch a surprise attack on the sleeping enemy beside the bridge! But coordinate that attack with the chaos on the Aemilon. When you hear the Aemilon come alive, then strike, as they still rub their eyes in their tents!"
At last, Manlia stopped to speak with one of the most trusted amongst his personal guard, a distant relative. "For you, a special task. Travel with the saboteurs to the Aemilon, but take with you a special message for Inquisitor Gori, for after the battle. Hide until then. Tell him simply that I will meet with him, if he makes it clear he awaits my coming tomorrow, apart from our armies. Under the guise of parley, if need be."
"B-but Your Grace? Why?"
"It is critical, cousin. I shall forgive your question. But." Manlia patted the man on the shoulder. "Gori is not all that he seems. His own mad ambition may yet serve us. That is all."
At last, Manlia stopped beside Kata's pavillion. The time to ride for Falor, to speak with Black Sun, had come. Leaving Juluc Smilebiter in charge, Manlia Suren Issander rode for the remaining bridges that would take him to the camp of Prince Kansar Sistorian, and then onwards to the capital.
With the help of scouts, Manlia, Kata and the personal guard found their way across the river, and then took a detour to the Sistorian encampment in the hills. There, to awed intakes of breath, Manlia Suren Issander announced himself and paraded to the tent of Prince Kansar Sistorian, after a debriefing from Lord Torval Sistorian himself. Leaving Kata, Folgar and the guard outside, Manlia entered into the murky darkness of Kansar's tent.
The Prince had not been sleeping well. "Troubled, young Prince?"
Kansar was only briefly surprised to see him standing there. He nodded grimly, a faint fear in his eyes.
"Worry not. I already know the Thunder Inevitable have fallen."
An echo of Marialla twanged the air between them. "But I do not blame you, young Prince." Manlia Suren Issander stated, kneeling to level his eyes with Kansar's, as the Prince sat on the edge of his bed. "Regardless. You who has served me faithfully and well - I have a lot to ask of you."
(Fanatics to sleep north of Tilium. Bridge Burners' rafts are to be of quality, not quantity. Danton Redwind to launch stealth attack on the Aemilon bridge and the Republican cannons, to be coordinated with a Bridge Burner stealth assault on the Republican camp by the bridge. The Bridge Burners are not to put themselves at great risk and face the Inquisition - they are to cause chaos, kill as many men as possible, and just as quickly withdraw. Juluc Smilebiter's guerilla expertise should come in useful - he can accompany the Bridge Burners and assume a portion of the command.
Manlia to ride to Kansar's camp and send him to take his place commanding the forces in Orian, leaving Torval Sistorian in charge. Then Manlia and Kata are to ride to meet with Black Sun.)
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Post by conumbra on Jun 14, 2015 22:28:03 GMT
The Republic had once again shown its cleverness. No better lesson was there to never underestimate an opponent than the current situation. They may refuse to work with the same God as her, but that didn't make them any less dangerous, any less cunning. This maneuver they'd pulled, sneaking around in the dark, was an example. Any further time spent sitting on her laurels would have let the enemy get the sleep and rest they needed, let them bolster the Republic's troops, no matter how little. Interrupting that would have been great enough but the appearance of Lightdancer was a boon she could never have hoped would come. With his help and the Last Argument's own bombardment, the enemy was being reduced to ashes, helpless before the encroaching fire.
Lightdancer was clearly the star of this dance. The Last Argument, even wreathed in fire as they were, could not hope to match the spirit's brilliance. He stood amongst over a thousand men, yet one could pick him out for miles. It was easy to spot the colour leeched from the surroundings, the colours of once brilliant armour and magic reduced to a uniform white. His bare body was in the outline of a gryphon of blinding white light with six wings of fire. Colour flowed from the air, the ground, the objects around him, only to strike his form and take its proper place. They helped to outline his body, for those who could see it. Eyes of piercing green, claws of darkest red, beak of golden yellow. fur of blue and indigo, a tail of orange. A crown of pure violet sat high on its head. Some arrogant fool might get jealous at the theft of their colour until they saw who was making use of it. She had heard the display was more muted when he wasn't in battle but after witnessing this she would almost be disappointed to see it end.
She shook her head; brilliance aside she had troops to deploy. With great effort she tore her eyes away to give the troops some direction. She approached the commander of the Last Argument. Ryla Meril, a woman for whom Maurielle feared. She...enjoyed her duties a bit too much for Maurielle's taste. Still, she had shown exquisite aptitude with these sorts of battle magics, so at least she was putting that in service of a greater good. "Keep giving them all we've got! Don't let them lure you over the bridge, but push until you can reach over the waterline to those troops on the other side. Bombard and decimate any Republic scum you can reach with magic or blade, but go no further! If the heathens look to mount an overwhelming resistance, we are to pull back. Once these Republicans are mopped up, we are to head to that temple down south. That's Lightdancer's temple, so he'll guide you if something prevents me from following."
Ryla looked at her for a moment with wide-eyed fury, still wrapped up in the magic blazing through her. She was on the outer edge of Lightdancer's influence but even her uniform and hair were starting to bleach. Her eyes were pure white and black not, no trace of the iris remaining. If Maurielle went too close she'd donate her own colour much like Ryla had. But Ryla seemed to calm down and give a nod, swiftly turning back to the enemy, pummeling it with blasts of fire with a look of pure manic joy.
Maurielle left the mage to her work and set to giving the rest of her troops the same notice. A special exeption was made for Danton's New Wardens however. She had little use for sappers as it stood, and she figured the Palatine could make better use of them than she. They were to make their way to the High Palatine in the village of Orian. He'd know better what to do with them. And the eagles as well, they could help deal with the men across the river, maybe prevent them from erecting any more temporary bridges. She relished the chance to head to the temple when this was over, to get some brief moments of rest through this carnage.
(C17 to travel to Orian, moving as stealthily as possible to meet up with the High Palatine P9 to travel over the river and attack the Republic troops stationed across there Rest of the troops, attack the Republican troops in range, go no further than the waterline. If they mount an overwhelming offensive, retreat back to Lightdancer's Temple. Once enemy troops are neutralized, retreat to temple and rest)
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Post by ashenmoon on Jun 15, 2015 18:56:35 GMT
Turn 13 - about 5:30 am - turn ends Thursday 18th Link: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14467358/eclipse/eclipse_dominion_tactical_135908aaf_013.jpgThe DominionHigh Palatine Manlia Suren IssanderThe High Palatine, with Alexis Kata beside him, rode north to Falor. He had business to attend to... Princess Maurielle Alatol of House Jahimis It was a massacre. Thousands, killed to the last man. The fires of the Last Argument offered no mercy, no surrender. Once Seda’s troops joined the battle at the river’s edge, the Republicans soon lost their bridgehead. Their companions on Aemilon were helpless onlookers as the last Republican companies hopelessly braved the river currents in an attempt to escape. Not a dozen made it across. The rest drowned. Perhaps a thousand, maybe two, had made it across before the bridge was destroyed. More than twice that number had been killed. Maurielle was startled awake from her reverie, watching the Last Argument bleach the world with Lightdancer’s presence, by the sound of thunder. Artillery scratched grooves through the Argument’s ranks. Flesh exploded, cloth fluttered high. Their work here was done. ~ Back at Lightdancer’s mansion, miraculously untouched by the day’s fighting, Maurielle took stock of her forces. Though morale was soaring, many were stumbling, falling asleep on their feet. The night’s long march would have its price come the morrow. Even the Siege had suffered from the lack of rest - they had flown too close to the dark earth, and Inquisitors had exacted their revenge on the great birds. As the troops settled in to rest, the princess pondered their situation. It seemed unlikely there would be much action on this southern front tomorrow, unless there were more Republican stragglers… but she had combed the hills thoroughly. Anything larger than a small troop would have been spotted. No, the south was safe. Perhaps it was time to consider her father’s, and Dawn Lantern’s, request? Neither had mentioned exact times, but it was clear that the sooner Black Sun was brought to heel, the better for everyone concerned. A messenger called her attention to the north. Two regiments came straggling out of the night. Going forth to meet them, she was shocked to see many of them wounded, and their faces stinking with fear. These were the regiments she had sent with the Last Argument to keep an eye on the Republican’s bridge crossings to the north earlier that evening. After the Republicans had destroyed the bridges, Lightdancer had led the Argument south, but left these regiments to maintain the watch. Had the Republic attacked across the river? Was she being cut off from the north? Wide-eyed, they told her their tale... Danton Redwind, The Last WardenIt was against his instincts to leave a battle behind, but he obeyed the Jahimi princess’ orders. He led his wardens north along the river, keeping out of the light and the watchful eyes of Republican artillery officers on Aemilon. But not half an hour after leaving - still hearing the screams of combat - he heard a new set of panicked screaming ahead, up the slopes of the Ediren hills. Heading closer to investigate, he found the camp of two regiments - some Suren pikemen along with a regiment of Noisemakers - in full-fledged chaos. Confused, his men watched for some time, trying to determine the cause. Republican saboteurs, perhaps? Men were fleeing into the night, screaming, weeping. Danton grabbed hold of one group of such men and shook some sense into them. They spoke of demons, ghosts appearing from nowhere, clawing the souls out of men. Danton felt ice clasp a hold of his heart. “Danton, no…” whispered his lieutenant, Hodril, knowing his mind. “This is what we do.” “This is not our fight, Danton!” “This. Is. What. The Wardens are supposed to do!” “Our orders-” “I give you your orders.” Drawing his sword, summoning his powers, the Last Warden marched into the maelstrom of spirit forces that had engulfed the soldiers’ camp. Into a place where the worlds had been punctured, brought too close for reality to bear - a spirit well. A place of hell-fire, spawn of the Unformed, chaos incarnate. A place where gods had died. The Wardens went to war. Prince Kansar Sistorian Still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, prince Kansar was taken across the river at Orian on a small, rickety raft. A few hundred metres south, the remains of the great bridge were a smouldering ruin. And it seemed the rest of Orian would soon suffer much the same fate. The bombardment had if anything increased in intensity as the night wore on. For hours, they waited for any sight of Danton Redwind and his wardens, inching slowly back as the cannonade brought down building after building. Finally, Kansar ordered the plan with the rafts to be abandoned. The attack would have to happen without them. However, just as the Bridge Burners began their approach, an enemy regiment of pikemen appeared as if from nowhere out of the night. Juluc’s Guard clashed with them, briefly. Republican flares sailed into the night sky. Then the artillery doubled in intensity. Juluc and the Bridge Burners fell back. Soon, Kansar established a new headquarters a distance north of Orian, as the town had become too dangerous to stay in under the sustained onslaught. Looking around him, Kansar felt the distant stirrings of panic. Panic was good. Panic let you know when to pay extra attention. And right now, Prince Kansar of the ancient House of War, the noble Sistorians, knew that his five thousand troops - brave, fierce warriors all! - were being outmatched by a handful of artillery batteries he could not even see. Perhaps get back into Orian, fortify it, and weather the damages? Or spread out, circle the enemy and assault from the east? As he was pondering, word arrived from the impromptu docks. Danton Redwind had arrived at last.
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Post by Timeon on Jun 17, 2015 21:52:35 GMT
Prince Kansar SistorianNever for a single moment had the awareness slipped Kansar's mind that Renal Sistorian was out there. Every glimpse of the banners of the Atoners had driven unfamiliar emotions through Kansar like so many blades. Every Atoner regiment trampled beneath Sistorian hooves made Kansar wonder - was Renal amongst them? The brother that should have been leading the Sistorian charge instead opposed it. The nightmares had inevitably come, and it was the High Palatine who had pulled him out from them. Only to confront him with new fears, new responsibilities. Waking nightmares. "... these are hard choices, Prince Kansar. Think on them."Oh, he thought on them. The fate of Varantium could yet be decided in the dark, though the night was nearly over. Much would depend on Manlia's visit to Falor. - "Prince Sistorian!" hailed a man of Jahimis. "There are men across the river! Claiming to be Wardens!" Kansar Sistorian opened his eyes. Having sat in contemplation for the past half-hour, the muscles in Kansar's back rebelled as the Prince pushed his head away from his fingertips. Brilliance lay upon the table before him. He had not known what it was truly capable of, until now. He lifted it, and it sharpened his vision and his resolve. The thoughts went away. Duty remained. He departed with the sentry, walking down to the river bank to find a mail-clad man wearing a white cloak which had clearly been stained red and brown. "Danton Redwind." Kansar let the air ooze from his teeth. He was not sure how to feel about this Last Warden, herald of Wardens new. A pretender, or a man of vision like Manlia himself? "Prince Sistorian." Only now, Kansar noticed the shadows under the man's eyes. They were easy to overlook in an ocean of tired men, but Danton's eyes held something more. Horror. And so the tale of the spirit well was told. So many men, killed by the Unbound. Men torn to fleshy ribbons by unwanted concepts made rampant. And as the sun began to rise, Kansar Sistorian steeled himself to the new day. "Return to your men, Redwind. You are no use to me here. Not now. Bear a message to Torval Sistorian. Have the cavalry ride around to Tilium. The infantry may rest some hours more, and your Wardens may rest with them." Danton bowed, and turned to leave. "Warn them that the road between Orian and Tilium is trapped, Redwind. We wouldn't want any more surprises." "No." Danton said without halting. "We wouldn't." - Riding north of Tilium, Prince Kansar Sistorian found them. Oh, they looked like Dominion men at first glance. But their mannerisms were all wrong. Many amongst them were only poorly disguised, wearing obvious trinkets of foreign station, bearing arms and armour of designs Kansar struggled to recognize. The Plutars were not far from Varantium. But they had little in common with it. These Plutarian mercenaries had come a long way to fight another man's war. And yet when Manlia Suren Issander had come to Kansar in his tent, he had claimed that these men were no mere mercenaries. They were volunteers. The spirit-loving Plutars, Manlia would have him believe, recognized that if Varantium fell they would not long escape the notice of the Republic. Their independence only made sense to the likes of Gori so long as there were bigger problems to deal with. It was not too difficult to believe. But the Plutarians did not abide by Common Law - and Manlia had emphasized that fact. He had emphasized that their methods would be... taboo. "But who are we to turn down their help?" Kansar Sistorian repeated what Manlia had said, the words sour in his mouth, not sure if he believed them. There may be changes far greater yet. As promised, Kansar Sistorian found Manlia's majordomo, Darien, at the edge of the Plutarian encampment. He had been expecting Kansar, and was clearly overjoyed to have finally witnessed his approach. "Prince!" Darien hissed, kicking his horse down towards him. "Darien. The High Palatine sends me to relieve you." "Oh, I am relieved!" Darien chuckled painfully. "Did he tell you about- about the weapons?" "No." Kansar said. "Only that I would understand the necessity to allow them, once I saw them in action." But Kansar was beginning to toy with an idea for what those weapons could be. Darien looked to the great hill to the south of them. "We will locate ourselves there, great Prince." "Then begin moving. I will make sure it is secure." Before he could wheel his horse around, a new voice joined them. One of the Plutarians, his thick accent stronger than that of a Republican. "Great Prince. I am Nicholas Fervine, in service to the Lady Lucrezia Dreyal of the Bank of Dreyal. I send you the regards of my mistress." - (C17 Wardens to go to the Sistorian camp, send the cavalry ahead towards Tilium - rest up a bit - then towards the end rouse the infantry to begin the same route. Bridge Burners may sleep where they are with a strict sentry routine, so long as they remain sheltered from artillery. Plutarians ordered onto the hill. Meanwhile, Kansar, R4, R9, 7, 14 and H2 are to wheel around Tilium and scout out the area, using the hill for cover, while the Plutarians take up position on the hill. In case enemies are encountered, a defensive position is to be preferred over an all-out assault, unless victory is likely.)
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Post by conumbra on Jun 18, 2015 4:04:41 GMT
As much as she would like to rest in this majestic edifice of worship, Maurielle knew that these scant hours of rest would be few and far between as the battle raged on. She was congratulating herself for their success in dealing with the Republic horde, but not it was time to move. Already most of her troops were too far south of the Republic's position, alone and without hope of reinforcements. Besides that, she had delayed dealing with the urgent business in Falor for too long. Black Sun had to be dealt wit to ensure success, though how was still a mystery to her. Maurielle had been a diplomat for years prior to her training in warfare, but even during her tenure most of the time speaking with great spirits had been with Stormlight. She'd only spoken to Black Sun a handful of times and had never gotten a clear picture of the spirit. Nothing to push on, no eccentricities to exploit. This would be a tricky negotiation, not least was the spirit's connection to the High Palatine. That was a thread she did not wish to pluck on, for his wrath could see her reputation stripped bare. A very careful walk indeed, especially if the High Palatine was in Falor before she arrived.
Enough thought to diplomatic posturing. At this moment, she had an army to move. She looked to the messengers from the regiments that had come to her in terror. "Unfortunately as worrying as the spirit well may be, I'm afraid we will have to leave it be for the moment. Gather your respective regiments and form up with me. It's time we make our way back north before we get trapped behind enemy lines."
The messenger from the pikemen sputtered. "B-but Princess, you weren't there. We saw things the likes of which I've only heard tell in whispers before! Men rising, horrid monsters! Who knows what they could do to us?!"
She opened up the helm, allowing the soldier to see her look of determination. "As much as it pains me to say so, we have larger issues to deal with. That spirit well is at the enemy's backside currently and as long as we stay far away it will most likely prove a detriment to the Republic if it expands. If it does not expand than we may simply ignore it for the time being until we finish with this war. Once we are victorious, I'll lead the charge against this abomination, you have my word. Right now, I see only more troops lost in containing it and right now this is something we cannot afford." She let the look slip, taking on a sad look of resignation, eyes downcast. "We've lost too much already."
That seemed to soften their hearts. They received her orders more openly after that. She was sending the eagles to the west to act as messengers once again, telling the army she'd stationed at the Western town to begin marching as fast they were able to Falor. Not the city itself, but the northern chokepoint. That area offered both an easily defensible position outside the city itself as well a means to cross the river. Meanwhile, her men were to head north as well, staying far clear of the spirit well. She feared that...thing truly. She didn't know what going near there would do to her, let alone the mages they had stationed. She couldn't risk diverting resources to deal with it just yet. Besides, this family business had to be attended to posthaste.
Speaking of family business, the eagles were to also send specific orders for Radiant's Rays, the least-injured unit of Yesterday's Children, and the Rhinoceros Crash. They, along with Maurielle and the Last Argument, would make up the "show of force" her father wanted regarding Black Sun. They'd be marching towards the cabin she'd held herself up in, in an attempt to begin negotiations. The Rhinos would provide some much needed defense if things came to blows.
(P9 to travel west, give troops left behind in the town their orders. All of the troops stationed there and under Maurielle's command are to head north, aiming for the chokepoint north of the three hills the Last Argument had been stationed on at the beginning of the battle R9, C5 and R6 to to meet up there and to move into Falor, heading to Black Sun's location.)
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Post by ashenmoon on Jun 20, 2015 9:13:55 GMT
Turn 14 - about 7:30 am - turn ends Sunday 21st (will update late-ish evening Monday 22nd European time) Link: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14467358/eclipse/eclipse_dominion_tactical_135908aaf_014.jpgThe DominionPrince Kansar Sistorian Leaving Orian behind with only the Bridge Burners on its outskirts, Kansar rode northeast to Tilium, then southeast towards the great hill. The regiments marched through ancient orchards and as the sun warmed the day their heady scents filled the air. There was nothing to the east, nothing to the south. But as he led his troops on, a steady stream of reports came from the scouts watching the enemy encampment at the bridgehead. First it was simply boiling with commotion. Then, regiment after regiment marched north - a chaotic migration that soon revealed itself to be a giant phalanx formation. The entire Republican army was coming. High Palatine Manlia Suren IssanderAfter meeting with both Dawn Lantern and Black Sun, the High Palatine rides south with all haste. As he gallops down the road, he finds himself riding into the Sistorian cavalry that has been marching since before dawn. A messenger arrives: Gori had agreed to meet, though the details of where and when were yet undecided. Those were the words of the High Inquisitor - but the Republican army seemed intent on battle... Princess Maurielle Alatol of House Jahimis Riding north, Maurielle skirts the chaos of the crossing - tens of thousands of men and beasts struggling towards the eastern shore. With her were the lumbering giants of the Rhinosceros Crash, the knights of Radiant’s Rays, as well as some other Jahimi troops she had found along the way - the lion Maulers and some of the Yesterday’s Children. If they pushed hard, they might make Black Sun’s mansion within little more than an hour.
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Post by Timeon on Jun 21, 2015 22:22:00 GMT
Prince Kansar SistorianSome things were inevitable. The tide of metal and flesh that washed upriver certainly seemed like such a thing. Without innocents to march across the magical mines, the Republicans instead whipped their own forward. Unflinching. But not undying. And still they came. The fanatics still milled behind Tilium and men still marched towards the hill by the time the Republican regiments were upon them. The mines had not bought any time at all. All the while, Kansar found himself haunted by the secretaries of the Silvered Fire magi. Now that one of the highest nobles of the Suns had graced them with his command, and relieved them from Juluc, they were making sure to utter all of their grievances and concerns. "The Bridge Burners!" Kansar shouted, not for the first or last time. "Had ample time to watch the Republicans approach! Furthermore, they set up camp beside rafts! They'll either regroup with the rest of the army or make a hasty escape, have faith, damn you!" Amidst all the chaos, Manlia's new shepherd, Albor the Heretic, was administering to his faithful as they milled about Tilium's outskirts. He preached of the iron fire of the Gods - and as he did so, Kansar could not help but guess that his words were carefully chosen and rehearsed - as if in anticipation of something. Something. And as he had that thought, he looked up to the hill upon which the Plutarian mercenaries had based themselves. The Copper Jaunt, they called themselves. Still looking, Kansar saw them signal their readiness. Not knowing the exact nature of their weapon, he did not pretend to command them - but Manlia Suren Issander's instructions had apparently been clear enough. And Darien was all too happy to see that they were carried out. Ten minutes, Kansar was told. Ten, now, until the toys of the Bank of Dreyal were put into play. Kansar simply made sure that the rest of his own orders were carried out. Albor was garrisoning one thousand of his fanatics in Tilium, the very edge of the horde. The rest of the horde would take shelter behind Tilium, posted along the north-eastern road leading out of it. That formation would keep them out of the way of the marching Republican turtle, but would still afford them the protection of Tilium. As for the rest of his men... They would be allowed to use Tilium's outskirts for cover, keeping well out of artillery's fire, if it were to come to that - but still within reach of command, should a hasty attack become necessary. Kata's Silvered Fire magi were already within range of Tilium to rain fire upon their enemies, and the scouting Vigil Unblinking would rejoin the army soon. Their collective task was to delay the Republican army if possible, to harass it - but not to engage it directly. For that, of course, would be suicide. ((H2 to garrison Tilium and position the rest of its horde along the north-eastern road. Thus, the 'tip' of the horde begins in Tilium and extends outwards. P12 to attack the enemy where most effective, in an attempt to slow it down. In the case of the enemy marching on P12 and the hill, they are to withdraw to enjoy the protection of the rest of the army, and Kansar himself. R7 to rejoin the army. Overall, the army may wage a defensive and highly cautious war, but is not to make a suicidal stand before the Republican pike and bayonets.)) --- High Palatine Manlia Suren Issander... the shock and disgust had not left Manlia even as he rode into the Valley of Flowers, Alexis Kata by his side and the rising sun and all of its glory arrayed before him. No, some things could not be healed by morning or its aroma. When one's own Gods have proven fickle... faith is tested. Manlia Suren Issander's career had begun with the tolling of bells, with the averted and shamed eyes and faces of the Curia behind him. His tenure had begun with the praise of the Seraphs. For a short while, it truly had seemed like there had been hope for reform. For the longest time, Manlia Suren Issander had blamed the Curia for Varantium's decadence. He had blamed its people for Radiance's slumber. But mere hours ago, Manlia Suren Issander had been given reason to doubt. He had thought that in this direst hour, the Seraphs would finally set aside their differences. He had ridden to meet Dawn Lantern in Falor, beseeching him to lay aside his ancient conflict with Black Sun and to acknowledge the needs and wants of the people of Varantium. He had taken his daughter, Adela, to meet Dawn Lantern, hoping to teach her both Hope and Faith. Dawn Lantern... "Cease this petty feud with Black Sun!" he had implored Dawn Lantern in the Palace of Light itself. "If you push, now, she will push back! You dare not tip Black Sun dangerously to one side when things are as they are!" Sometimes, when you've begun to raise a great rock, heaving it onto your shoulders to tip it on its side... you reach a point where you either tip it entirely, or are crushed beneath its weight. Black Sun is that rock and if she tips back, Varantium will surely be crushed beneath her - I myself, and you, High Palatine, along with it! But it need not concern you, as I have taken steps of my own...But... Manlia's mind had put the pieces together. Dawn Lantern had said that the only reason he would not take to the field was Black Sun's own refusal to do so... all a lie. A ploy. Dawn Lantern never intended to take the field. Only to ride on Manlia's victories. And so he had, and the city was his. "I talk plainly with you, Dawn Lantern - my life may be short and meaningless compared to such as you. But as I represent the living, so too do I speak for future generations. We are the multitude who sustain you. The multitude has already splintered in rebellion once before because of the weight of this ancient game! The Republic, Dawn Lantern. Out there. They are proof of what I say. It is I who leads on the field cleaning up the mess caused by you and Black Sun. Small as I may be, and disposable before Time, I am the man holding the rock. And I ask you as a friend and ally, I who have supported you against Black Sun in the Curia - I ask you to treat me as an equal, or else I ask that you drop the rock. The rock you think you hold." Equal? Men will never be equal. Not to each other, nor to ones such as me. I think this conversation has gone on long enough, Palatine. You are tired from the long day past. Perhaps you should go back to your people, and lead them in their struggles.Still, even in that moment, Manlia had held out hope. His eyes threatened to water as his mind took him back mere hours, into agony. "They are your people, Dawn Lantern, as well as mine. You forget that you need us. Without us, you do not exist. This division between us all is an inner battle in a schizophrenic mind. Simply realise that and the problem is cured!" You go too far, human.Even then, the argument stretched, deity and man. They diced with the fate of a nation, while God was asleep. And this is why Men should never be trusted to govern themselves. You threaten civil war, now, of all times? I will outlast you, human. However great the calamity, however deep the depravity, I will look back on this time and see in it merely one more cycle of the histories, repeating itself. To you, it will be the end of all you hold dear.Mnalia had carried his hysterical, sobbing daughter out of the Palace of Light. His eyes grew hard as he remembered. If only the night had ended there... But he had ridden to Black Sun's mansion, then, with Alexis Kata by his side. It was a veritable brothel - the decadence of Varantium made manifest. Black Sun had ignored him at first, until Manlia had reminded her of their old friendship, had stroked her ego, reminded her that his own ploys were the mere product of her teaching as patron of House Suren. A tiny antelope with diamond horns sat up next to Black Sun. It japed ceaselessly even as Black Sun spoke to him at last, mocking him. The High Palatine has no loyalties except to Father. Who am poor old I to know what goes on in that head of yours?"Dawn Lantern is delusional enough to think he can assume Father's place." Manlia had tried to warn, speaking of his prior visit. The antelope chimed in - And the High Palatine is delusional enough to think he can play the role of Our Father! What is the difference between him and Dawn Lantern, hmm?Kata had defended him, and the four of them spoke of Varantium, of its state and of the ideals which drove it. They spoke of Father - of Radiance. At last, Black Sun grew impatient and dismissed everyone save for Manlia himself, with a thunderous smack of her paw. When they were alone, Manlia thought they could speak more candidly... But apparently not. His suggestions to reform the government, to end the conflict with Dawn Lantern, were met with further games. Manlia Suren Issander, you are a human, and so I will forgive you your somewhat limited perspective. But as you yourself said, the Republic is not the greatest issue - in fact, it is a symptom of the greater disease. Change can be violent. Often, the greatest changes are brought about by the greatest upheavals. But throughout all the long centuries, and the many calamities that have befallen Varantium, what has changed?Again, he beseeched her to end the division. One solution Manlia proposed was for Black Sun and Dawn Lantern to accept the Seraph Lightdancer as an equal. The two-way feud would be made into a balance of three. But no. Lightdancer is weak, and has always been. Father gifts him much but he has never built anything for himself."Perhaps therein lies his brilliance. It is not your nature to understand one another, as Seraphs. You are the embodiment of different ideals. But you know this, however hard it is sometimes to see." In the end, Black Sun revealed her true motivations. And Manlia Suren Issander could barely conceal his horror. And when he turned to leave, Black Sun's parting words darkened his temper further. For all our talk, son of Suren, you have not understood a single word I have said...- And so they were here. The Valley of Flowers. In the distance, the earth trembled with the advance of the Republic. Manlia had arrived in time to behold the bulk of the Dominion army crossing the river, and the majesty of the Sistorian cavalry riding towards him. Upon seeing him, they raised cries of adulation. However bitter, the previous day had been a victory, and whatever his differences with specific nobles, Manlia Suren Issander was still High Palatine. They hailed him and saluted him. Some dismounted to prostrate themselves. When a moment of calm washed over them like the eye of the storm, Manlia made his Will clear. The army was to assemble on the hill behind them with all haste, by the quickest routes available. It would be a fighting retreat to Falor itself... into Dawn Lantern's nest. He would send the Pride of Sakhran to harass the enemy at its weakest points, without chancing any serious harm to its own numbers. Lord Varazes jumped at the opportunity, swearing that his warriors would be able to do what they did best. And then, to Lord Torval Sistorian- "Fly your banners high above this army and across it, Lord Torval. We must tempt and enrage Renal, if we can." And the cavalry would form up and join Manlia two kilometres east, ready to relieve the army at Tilium if necessary. As they prepared to ride, Manlia asked one of the nearest Sistorian nobles, a certain Lord Dervin, where Princess Maurielle could be found - for why had it been necessary to send Torval to organize the army, when Maurielle should have been there to do it? Then he was regaled with the tale of her victory over the fleeing Republicans - but also warned. She was marching to Falor. Why? None could say. But Manlia Suren Issander could guess. He remembered Dawn Lantern's words regarding Black Sun in a rush - " I have taken steps of my own..." But it was already too late to do anything about Maurielle. Manlia could only stare, wild eyed, as he led his cavalry in the opposite direction. ((Pride of Sakhran horse archers to harass marching enemy without taking any real risks. Rest of the cavalry to group with Manlia two kilometres to the east, then to slowly march south-east to the fields behind Tilium - and may exploit any incredibly obvious strategic openings due to any battles that may erupt in and around Tilium. Lord Torval himself, however, is to organize the Dominion infantry army as it arranges itself on the hills north-west of Manlia Suren Issander by the quickest routes available. Throughout all of this, it is to be kept in mind that this is a fighting retreat, meant to delay. Our fighting strength must be preserved for the defence of Falor itself, when there shall be ample time for boldness and insanity. Resources must be maximized.))
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Post by conumbra on Jun 22, 2015 4:18:49 GMT
There are moments in time where things sit so precariously, that all it would take is one tiny nudge to push them one way or the other. One small adjustment, one movement, is all that would be needed to change the course of events, with every option offering possibilities she had never dreamed of before now. This put so much responsibility on her shoulders it almost made her head swim. As she rode to Black Sun's mansion, she could see it now. This moment in time was a precious porcelain sculpture. If she wasn't careful she'd end up smashing it carelessly against the pavement, and then chaos would result. But if she didn't push hard enough she risked not achieving anything; if there was anything she disliked most, it would be wasting an opportunity. The trick would be to poke and prod just so, in such a way that the correct response was provoked.
The problem lay in predicting the response. With humans, no matter how alien, Maurielle had always been able to find some means to connect. None were of such an alien mindset to confuse her. Spirits even had trouble understanding the wishes of other spirits sometimes; she would have her work cut out for her, trying to piece together the motivations of this being. Meanwhile she was being urged ahead by the motivations of another such being. She felt like some boardgame piece brought to life, moved on a board, played to her master's whims.
A spark shot through her mind, nearly making her pull on the reins and stop the horse. It took a significant effort to keep herself steady; a few of the men she was riding with looked askance at her, but she managed to keep some composure. She felt the shudder roll down her arm, twitch her hand. If she hadn't been focused on settling this so she could have gone back to winning a war, she might have seen this sooner. She was being played. Such a fragile situation, so rife with unintended consequences, it would have been childishly easy for her to barrel right into one. So easy that she couldn't help but feel like this was being set up intentionally. Wouldn't it be better, instead of starting a conflict yourself, to send a subordinate to do it, someone you could blame?
She tried to refocus, chastise herself for jumping to easy confusions. It was all too simple to think of grand plots and conspiracies where there were none; it had been a constant danger during her years as diplomat. But still, something didn't seem right. If Dawn Lantern was going to provoke a conflict, this could jeopardize everything. The situation would spiral out of her control before she had a chance to consider her next breath
She sighed and urged the horse further, guiding her regiments up north. No point in turning back. Of this was indeed some kind of trick, Dawn Lantern would find another servant to rush ahead, as she had almost done. Not to mention, she couldn't risk the Jahimis family standing on a hunch. If this was set up so that she blundered, she would have to choose her next words with more care than she'd ever done. Else she risked losing everything she'd ever worked for.
At last she came to Black Sun's mansion. She did not bother sending out a messenger. If Black Sun didn't understand the point being made when the regiments' flags were raised high, she was thicker than Maurielle had thought.
(Maurielle and the troops with her continue riding to Black Sun's mansion)
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Post by ashenmoon on Jun 22, 2015 21:44:53 GMT
Turn 15 - about 09 am - turn ends 28th of June. Yes, turn is quite delayed. GM is off on vacation and can’t promise regular updates. Link: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14467358/eclipse/eclipse_dominion_tactical_135908aaf_015.jpgBonus!Each team is given 15 points to spend on upgrades! How you divide it between the members of each team is up to you. It comes with certain limitations: - The effects of the points will only occur 3 turns from now, to prevent any too situational-specific upgrades. - The points may be spent on upgrading any unit with Quality upgrades, or: - Creating Party-sized units (spawning at a Player Character) and upgrading them however you want, just as when originally recruiting units - By spending an -equal amount of points that a specific Regiment-sized unit is worth- you can “splice” that Regiment into 4 Company-sized units. (If, say, a Regiment has Infantry, Heavy, and Quality upgrades, it is worth 3 points. Spend 3 points and you replace the Regiment with 4 Companies that all are Infantry, Heavy, and Quality.) Damage to the unit will be inherited by the Companies, and the price is still the same. Do note that on the open field, a Regiment is still roughly equivalent in fighting-power to ~3 Companies; Companies and smaller units are effective when it comes to close-quarters and quick maneuvering. The DominionPrince Kansar Sistorian Cannon fire. The Plutarian mercenaries were cannoneers, firing blackpowder weapons in service of the Dominion. Blasphemy. The Republican force marches west a distance, then turns north again. Blasphemy. Kansar orders his troops to follow. High Palatine Manlia Suren IssanderEvents unfold in inevitable slow motion, and the High Palatine watches with dismay as the Republican advance cuts like a knife into the trickle of regiments arriving from the crossing to the west. Torvald soon sends word. Only a few thousand of the infantry made it to the hill - the rest retreated before the Republican advance and are now bunched up around the river crossing - leaderless. Motioning the cavalry forward, Manlia rides close by the remains of the Spear of Radiance. Only four remain. They argue loudly. Motioning Attia Handar to join him, he asks what the argument is about. Two of the Spear are calling for a purge - to wipe out the filth to the south. The blasphemy. The artillery. Confusion reigns as to its providence, some believing it at first to have been Republican artillery firing on Dominion troops. Now many believe it to have been some minor noble, falling to desperation and deceit, so afraid of death that he would sell his own soul for salvation in this life. Already Tycorro Tassar, the fervent knight, is leading his company of Archonic Knights south. If the Dominion is to be reborn, cleansed, then surely such blasphemies must play no part in its rebirth! Manlia could barely speak, such was his rage. With the enemy in plain sight, they would attack their own allies? Just then, a messenger arrives. The High Inquisitor of the Republic was waiting in the small village just east of their position. He was prepared to parley with the High Palatine. Princess Maurielle Alatol of House Jahimis At the entrance to Falor, Maurielle’s force is directed east across the river by a messenger of Dawn Lantern’s. They cross the bridge there - just north of them was the fortress-prison where some three hundred Republican prisoners had been led during the night by the Rhinosceros - and circle the city, never entering it. They approach Black Sun’s mansion. They make their intentions clear. From within the city, a regiment of Suren infantry - the Palaienid Aegis, guards of the Palace of Light, issue forth. They have been sent by Dawn Lantern, enforcing what they believe to be the High Palatine and Seraph’s unified will. Privately, Maurielle wonders if the High Palatine was aware that his troops were participating in this action, and if he were, what his thoughts were. For now, the thoughts of Black Sun are clear. The doors are barred. Protective magics swirl, and the threat of death lies heavy in the air. The mansion had all the hallmarks of a fortress besieged by an enemy, willing to fight to the bitter end.
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Post by Timeon on Jun 28, 2015 12:50:32 GMT
"You scream heresy, but remember this!" Manlia Suren Issander turned his horse, his bodyguard falling in beside him. "There are few heresies greater than the sin of disobeying Radiance! Disobeying me! We will deal with the artillery when this is over. The one true enemy is there, marching on Falor itself! So ride with me, Spear!"
The sun burned sweat into Manlia's eyes as he thundered to a halt amidst the congregation of Tycorro Tassar. The Archonic Knights had just set out to strike at the mercenaries, when Manlia Suren Issander challenged them to a halt. "You break rank at the risk of my displeasure!"
"But High Palatine-" Tycorro raised his voice, hesitant but defiant.
"Enough!" Manlia finally snapped. "I have suffered dissension long enough from children who think themselves above their station. I have acted as a patient father with unruly sons. But no longer! You are all mine. And if you turn on your own now, today, then Radiance will be dust and ashes tomorrow, and your legacy will be spit and curses upon the lips of your descendants!"
Tycorro Tassar seemed to pale, perhaps now realising what the full measure of the High Palatine of Varantium's displeasure could entail.
Manlia Suren Issander tilted his head, and the eyes of the Archonic Knights followed. The Republican turtle formation was approaching the hills, marching on the stranded soldiers without pause.
"There is your true enemy! There!" Manlia's ragged voice bit deep. "Tycorro Tassar, organize the Sistorian cavalry, and ride to victory or to death. There, the southeastern flank of the formation! They lack pikemen, expecting combat in the front, rather than a challenge in their rear. Send the Sistorian cavalry through the corner of that formation, Tassar. Open the way for a charge with Archonic magic, and as they scramble to recover - ride the heavy cavalry through them! But not into the turtle, Tassar. Sweep past it. Grind away a thousand men and regroup on the plains."
"High Palatine."
Manlia gritted his teeth and acknowledged Attia Handar of the Spear. "Make sure he does his duty, Handar. Scatter the Republicans with fire and magic, and send the cavalry through them while they pause for breath."
"What of you, High Palatine?" Attia Handar asked.
"I will sow poison amidst their ranks. I will speak with their wretched High Inquisitor, and allow him false hope. And then I will lead the stranded men to Falor."
-----
Sistorian C1, C2 and P3 will lead the Sistorian cavalry west, to strike at the vulnerable corner of the turtle formation (enemy regiments R4 and R3).
To prevent the heavy cavalry riding into a hail of bullets, C1, C2 and P3 will rain destructive magics on the enemy lines en route, and thus allow the heavy cavalry to blast through that softened up corner. The cavalry are not to ride deep into the turtle formation or into pikemen, they are to sweep through the corner of the formation and keep going.
After Manlia conveys his orders, he will spend a maximum of 15 minutes with High Inquisitor Gori, and will then continue swiftly onwards to meet Danton and the soldiers in the hills. His orders to those men are for them to conduct a fighting retreat across the river, destroying the bridges as they do so. Some peasants can be sacrificed to buy the valuable units time for their retreat - if the lumbering turtle formation somehow catches up with them and has time to aim and fire their weapons.
Horse archers R15 are to continue their harassment, but with the intention of regrouping with the Sistorian cavalry, not retreating to Falor.)
After some discussion, in terms of unit upgrades: 2 Quality to the Palaienid Aegis - 1 Quality to the R3 Suren Magi and 1 point to the R4 Kata Magi - 1 Quality to Sistorian R4 under Kavad, 1 Quality to the second least damaged Sistorian regiment - 1 Quality to turn the Jahimis Noisemakers R7 into effective magical soldiers - 1 Quality to Albor's Horde 2.
Remaining 7 points to be spent on a new party-unit - Chainbreakers - Infantry, Ranged, Magic (Spirit), Quality, Quality, Quality, Quality
These hand-picked elites carry the Burning Man's Spark and have been trained by him in the Crucible. Theirs is an ever-changing siren song which can be heard in the spirit realm, empowering friendly spirits, terrifying rival spirits - but most importantly of all - providing spirits who have been Bound with an avenue of escape, like a sudden light in the darkness. Chainbreakers therefore disrupt Binders with their aura and song, forcing them to fight to contain the spirits they have imprisoned. This naturally leads to many Binders turning into chimeras, which may set in motion a chain of other nearby Binders panicking further to see their comrades transformed, leading to ever more chimeras. The nature of the Chainbreaker lament may also calm and soothe rampaging chimeras, restoring degrees of sanity to them when they so choose.
They are reinforcements who are led by the Burning Man's own majordomo from the RP - Adjumot.
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Post by Devius on Jun 28, 2015 23:08:41 GMT
It was not meant to be this way. Not like this. Each volley from the mercenaries' cannons is a dagger in my heart, stabbing deeper with each strike of thunder. Surely you must be laughing now, brother. I am no better than your ilk. I have been steeped in blashpemy. This stain will never be erased from my soul, from house Sistorian. I choke down bitter tears and urge the men forward. The enemy slipped past us, and we must follow. They cannot reach Falor before us. Moving down the hill, I spot a multitude of troops in disarray at the crossing. They are in need of leadership. I summon Juluc Smilebiter to my side. The man's devotion and capabilities remind me of Tycorro Tassar. "I must rally the troops ahead. You will oversee the march in my stead. We will reconvene in Falor." I lean in close. "You will make sure no man disturbs the mercenaries'... methods. If anyone causes even the slightest disruption, the will answer to me. They will answer to the High Palatine. They will answer to Radiance." True to his name, the Smilebiter shows no reaction to my words. He simply nods, and sends word down the chain of command. Satisfied, I spur my mount towards the crossing. (All troops follow and harass the enemy as they move, never committing fully to an attack, eventually circling west across the bridges to reach the capital before the enemy. Kansar moves ahead to the troops at the crossing to rally them and move them towards Falor.)
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Post by conumbra on Jun 29, 2015 0:55:41 GMT
This was going to be difficult. Standing here risked some sort of stalemate, yet push too hard and a useless war would be started. No, that would not do, not for her nor Dawn Lantern's ambitions. She didn't know those for certain, but she could guess. Bait out a conflict, jockey for power in the resulting rubble, toss her aside as acceptable losses. Or perhaps he meant for her to succeed and drive out Black Sun, allowing him more free reign to do what he wished. Or he planned for both, deciding that either one would be a success for him. An admirable tactic, if she was correct. It was possible he wanted something more obtuse that she could not grasp, but those were the two most likely ideas, and so they would be the two she would keep in mind.
It was obvious that sitting outside out of the fortress would be a stand-off that she would not win. Spirits may have had not need of sleep, but her troops certainly did. Something had to be done to force the tide, though it had to be measured. So she sent forward a messenger, carrying both a written and vocal entreaty for a negotiation. Maurielle was only asking that she be let in, no one else unless Black Sun allowed it. All she wished for was some much-needed negotiation about an issue that surely would be settled within the hour it was so minor. The messenger went unarmed, clad only in his armour and bearing the written parchment along with him on his horse. Now she just had to wait for the response, if there would be any.
The commander of the Palaienid Aegis approached her. One might notice the similarities between the two. His eyes were a deep shade of blue, his hair was the same shade of dirty blond. The similarities ended there; his chin was rounded, his cheekbones less pronounced, his nose smoother. It was like all the hard points that had been on her face had been smoothed over, made gentler. She looked over him, inspecting him for faults or problems. His armour was lighter than her own, which made some sense, the Aegis preferred to be more maneuverable. She opened the faceguard on her helmet; she didn't want to take the whole thing off in case the fortress in front of her decided to become the aggressor.
She got down off her horse and reached a gauntlet out to him, brushing aside a layer of dust on the armour. "I see you're still keeping yourself as disordered as usual Jalace."
Jalace snorted. "Says the woman with blood spatter and scrapes on her armour. Looks like you barely survived a greatsword, it almost got through in places."
A warm smile graced her face. "The barest of luck is sometimes all I need."
"Yeah, and I bet a thick layer of steel doesn't help at all." He chuckled. "It's good to see you again sister, I was beginning to wander if I'd go through this entire mess without seeing you again."
She looked near her, but most of her men had gotten into clumps, busying themselves with their own business. "Be more careful with your words. We're no more in the same family than the High Palatine and a baker." Her face softened and she sighed. "But yes, it's a pleasure to see you after all these years. Did you receive the books I sent? I remember you writing home for anything to do with the natural order. Does this fascination still hold you?"
For a moment his eyes darted away from her, following a small flock of crows. "Yes, thank you." he said, "I haven't had much time to study them, given my duties. But they're fascinating. You should give them a read, you'd marvel at what is being written of the simple creatures."
"Maybe when you read that textbook of etiquette I sent you, I will read more of your kind of literature."
His face shriveled up in disgust. "How you can stomach all those rules and mannerisms I don't know. I can barely keep it together during palace duty. All those men and women, preening and clucking. Like watching a group of geese, it is."
She playfully slapped his armour. "Don't forget, I'm supposed to be one of those preening women. And maybe you'd rise higher if you didn't disapprove of them so much."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps. But already such talk bores me. I actually came to tell you, a messenger rode through Falor a few hours ago. Said he was on his way to meet with the High Palatine, that we were getting reinforcements. He barely spared a moment to tell me they'd be of great help against the Inquisition before running off."
"I hope so, those Inquisitors have proven a very hard nut to crack. I wouldn't turn away any help against them."
"I've heard the tales." He spared a glance to the fortress mansion. "How long do you think it will be until I can see some real battle?"
Her eyes looked downcast for a moment. "I'm hoping we'll stop their advance at Falor. If not, we meet them at the city. We have strong walls, solid stone and enhanced with powerful magic. With luck you won't even see battle today."
"A shame, I was looking forward to testing my sword."
"Maybe you'll get lucky and you'll be put forward when we deal with the prisoners."
"A man can dream. But I'll leave you to your duties, I think I see your messenger returning."
And with that he left her uncertain whether she'd ever see him again. Perhaps he'd fall when the Republic came at the city, or perhaps he'd remain untested. No use thinking of such things, the reply was returning.
(Maurielle will stay at her current position, let the troops rest and then meet with Black Sun, if possible)
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Post by ashenmoon on Jul 8, 2015 1:44:52 GMT
Turn 16 - about 11 am - turn ends Friday 10th Note: in the unit spread sheets have been added a column for exhaustion/general unit condition. It is a simple number - an approximation! - that climbs as the unit gets more exhausted by staying awake, fighting, moving quickly, etc, and decreases when it rests/sleeps at night. Numbers above 20 indicate rather worn out units, who will perform less-than-optimal in battle (these have also gotten a small red “Z” or two on them in the map). Link: dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14467358/eclipse/eclipse_dominion_tactical_135908aaf_016.jpgGeneralThe Republican phalanx, twenty thousand soldiers strong, roll over the landscape. Out from the orchards, it swells up against the higher ground - avoiding the steep cliffs to the west - while shunting aside screens of Dominion units. While the companies scattering before the Republican advance cannot delay it for too long, the Dominion’s ranged skirmishers take advantage of the Republicans’ dogged determination to remain in formation. Their front regiments suffer under the continuous missile fire. While most eyes are distracted by the taking of the heights, the Dominion cavalry charges. The phalanx grinds to a sudden halt. It is the Sistorian cavalry - several thousand strong, and preceded by wicked demonic magics cast by Archonic knights. They turn unexpectedly south and slash into the southeastern portion of the phalanx. Two regiments - a segment of the phalanx’ wall that did not consist of pikemen - are all but wiped out, while the cavalry suffers only minor casualties. Their formation regroups south of the phalanx which, after hastily rearranging its pikemen, continues its northward crawl. Soon, however, fires set in the southern orchards have the cavalry move back into the open plains to the east. Farther south and west, masses of Dominion troops head towards, and back across, the bridge crossing there. To the north, the front lines of the Republican advance have forced the Dominion companies there up against the slim river winding its way through the Valley of Flowers. There are plenty of ornamented bridges crossing the slow waters, and in either case a man can easily swim it. It is not yet noon of the second day. The Eclipse is yet twenty-four hours away. The Republic is at the outskirts of Falor. Prince Kansar Sistorian The soldiers take forever to cross the river - the bridges are much too small to accommodate tens of thousands of milling men. Prince Kansar rides north side by side with the Last Argument. The city of Falor lies ahead. The enemy is to the side, across a broad bridge to the east. High Palatine Manlia Suren IssanderAfter a brief meeting with the High Inquisitor - of which the High Palatine at first has little to tell to his companions - Manlia rides north to find Lord Torval already executing the fighting retreat he had envisioned. But there is only so much that can be done to delay the enemy without outright engaging the pike-bristling hedgehog trampling across the Varantian fields. The High Palatine soon finds himself with his back against the river. Messengers from the south indicate the cavalry are trailing the Republican formation at a distance. A messenger from the north inform him that the Palaienid Aegis left the Palace some time ago, ordered by Dawn Lantern to make their way to Black Sun’s mansion... Commander Jalace of the Palaienid AegisBlack Sun invites Princess Maurielle to her mansion to parley - alone. Jalace urges her not to go, along with Maurielle’s own advisers, and - most vocally of all - Dusklight, Dawn Lantern’s emissary to the scene. Dusklight had expected to be the one to speak to Black Sun, but instead, Black’s invitation had gone specifically to the military commander. The Princess disappears into the palace. Warily, Jalace watches the sprawling compound, surrounded by his and the Jahimi troops. What would the High Palatine do, in a situation like this? Most agreed that the High Palatine and Dawn Lantern saw eye to eye on these sorts of things - it was Black, always Black, who threw a wrench in things. Seraphs in all the Dominion could be difficult, fickle even - but Black was something else… Half an hour or more passes. The troops are restless, nervous - aware that something is wrong about this entire situation. Dusklight grows agitated, claiming magics are building up inside the mansion - nobody else can tell, but there is shadowy movement behind the parapets and arches. Maurielle appears in the maw of the mansion’s gate - a small, distant figure. She waves. Jalace heaves a sigh of relief. With a crack like lightning, it seems the gate all but caves in on her. For a moment, he stares in disbelief - shouting, he rushes forward. To help. Forms and figures appear in the reshaped, jagged silhouette of the gateway from within. Magics glitter - both there in the darkness, and next to Jalace, from the hands of Dusklight. Dusklight screams, crumples to the ground. Then all is chaos. ~ Afterwards, the Princess is extracted from the rubble - alive, against all hope. She shakes off the medics swarming her, insisting she is alright. Insisting it did not make sense - that she had not seen any signs of an attack. That the meeting had gone well, that Black Sun had agreed to engage in talks with the Curia and representatives of Dawn Lantern. By then the swift, confused and brutal battle had already ended. The mansion was on fire, the bodies of spirits littering the grounds, along with several score of his own men. The remaining resistance had surrendered and were herded together as prisoners by uneasy soldiers - wondering where this day's actions put them with the Common Law, and even more so, the powers that be. Black Sun had disappeared, but all knew that this was only the beginning of something far greater and terrible... Hearing shouting, Jalace looked south - south, over the Valley of Flowers. South, across the river, to the hills beyond. The Republican army was approaching. For a minute, Jalace could only close his fist in a vice and fight to breathe against the panic.
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Post by conumbra on Jul 8, 2015 21:53:33 GMT
Black Sun's residence reduced to an inferno. Dusklight, dead on the ground, struck down by magic, though it was unknown whether it was aggressive or retaliatory. She could not have expected things to go this way, not like this. She didn't want to, couldn't dare to control for all the variables in play here. And with the Republic approaching, she couldn't afford to seize up in panic, like Jalace was threatening to do. She had to react quickly and decisively, to secure victory like she always had.
She could feel things were on the cusp of spinning wildly out-of-control, once word got out. And it would, she had no doubt of that. Close to three thousand men had witnessed events here; there was no possible way to prevent them from spreading rumours. The best she could manage was to alert those that she could, and pray something positive could come out of this morass.
She waved away the lingering medics seeking to heal her. Through some miracle she'd managed to leap out of the way of the vast chunk of rock, though a lingering stone had struck her, knocking her unconscious before she could call back her forces. Now the deed was done; their response had conclusively been an attack. She feared a spark had just been lit over a pile of tinder.
She hesitated standing up, her gait unsteady, unsure for a few moments. A particularly brave doctor came to ask if she didn't need attention but she said the dizziness was already passing. She couldn't take the time right now to have her head examined; she had a war to fight, possibly on two fronts.
She found Jalace where he'd been since the gate had fallen. Standing stock straight, back rigid, beside the corpse of Dusklight. Dead now, the spirit was just a cinder. He'd been a blaze of oranges, reds and purples swirling together to make an ever-changing sunset. Now the streamers were dull and grey, with no life left. Her half-brother was of more pressing concern however. Him, she could deal with.
He stood there for a few moments with her, silent."You ever feel like you're standing in that moment just before the arrow hits? Where you know something terrible is going to happen but you're powerless to stop it?" he said.
"I have." Maurielle said, "There's that sense of expectation hanging in the air. Sometimes it lasts for a few seconds, sometimes a few days. And the longer it goes, the worse you'll feel. If you're looking for relief, you'll get it when the other shoe drops." She looked at him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Only thing you can do is try and keep your head above water."
He sighed, long and deep. "What are we going to do? What can we do?"
She took her hand away. "What we must. First, gather up the fastest horses we can muster and several men who treat the horse like they were born on it. Speed is essential for this, we can't wait for Black Sun to make the first response to this madness. We'll send one man to warn Dawn Lantern of what's occurred here, what she's done." She spared a few moments to glance at Dusklight. "And to convey the body back to him." she said, her tone more melancholy. "The others, we'll send to meet up with my men south of the city, warn them of what's happened and tell them to be on their guard. Send one man to each unit I brought. Spare the Last Argument, their loyalties are still in question."
She spied the smoldering ruins of the former palace. "Have the men here try and douse the fire, then scour through the remains. Maybe we can find some evidence of where she went or what she was planning."
"What about the rest of the army?"
"At this stage we don't know which of those units will do the right thing if needed. Dawn Lantern will know better which of them to alert and which to be wary of."
He turned to leave, presumably to gather the necessary messengers, then turned back. "And the High Palatine? Shouldn't he be alerted as well?"
She spared a glance across the river to the south, seeing off in the distance the masses of men converging on the river. "At this stage the High Palatine is leading thousands of men into battle with the most dangerous enemy the Dominion will likely ever face. If he makes one mistake because his mind is on less immediate matters, not only will the men under him perish, but he might very well lose his own life in the process. As fragile as we are now, we cannot afford such a devastating loss. When he takes shelter within the city, it will give him more time to consider things."
"I...suppose you're right. This...all this. I never thought for a moment this could happen. I mean, Black Sun was always antagonistic, always provoking. But to stoop to this, to provoking a conflict now, of all times? I didn't think she was capable of this."
The smoke from the mansion blurred her vision, lingering tongues of flame painting a landscape of destruction with their light. "Neither did I," she said, before moving to give out her orders.
(Messengers will be sent to Dawn Lantern, P7, P1, P9, warning them of events here and telling them of Black Sun's betrayal. Troops at the mansion will scour the ground looking for any obvious clues, then make their way into the city to link up with the troops moving in through the southern chokepoint.)
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