We skip some time in this post, to pass some of the less active events.

They travel east, following the north bank the Lys River towards the town of Cortoriacum.  On the north bank, the farms and sheep sheds look intact, mostly.  Curious residents turn out to watch, especially further north, a mile or two away, where the Centaurs are on the flank.

There is more damage evident on the south side of the river.  Ravaged farms and burnt villages; the Huns were here.  But the river is deep and cold, and Theoderic does not take the troops across.  He keeps to the path on the north side.

At this time of year evening comes early.  The sun is setting as the army reaches Cortoriacum.  Theoderic does not push immediately into the town- if it is held by Huns, he does not want a confrontation at the end of the day’s march, with his troops tired.


At this time of year evening comes early.  The sun is setting as the army reaches Cortoriacum.  Theoderic does not push immediately into the town- if it is held by Huns, he does not want a confrontation at the end of the day’s march, with his troops tired.  He sends the signal to halt, and make camp.

He sends out Titus to speak to whichever locals he can find.  There is much he wants to know:  The presence and whereabouts of Huns is top of the list.  And the supply status, and the condition of the Lys River Bridge.



But Cortoriacum is a  non-event.  And anticlimax, after the buildup in Viroviacum.  There were Huns here, but they were not many.  Just a detachment left behind to make sure the people of Cortoriacum knew who the new bosses were, and to collect the supplies demanded.  According to the locals, this Hun force fled the moment they learned what was headed their way, pulling out in haste and heading south.

Without a fight, Cortoriacum's vital Lys River Bridge is in Theoderic's hands.

According to the locals, this Hun force fled the moment they learned what was headed their way, pulling out in haste and heading south.  The party also learns that from here, the main Hun army went east, and attacked and sacked Ganda... but no word on the fate of Kajira, duchess of Ganda.

But Theoderic turns south.  South of here is Turnacum, and that is Eadoin had mentioned, when the Centaur reported his encounter with Gallic troops guarding caravans for the Huns.  They mentioned that this was where they are going.  Theoderic surmises that if Turnacum was the meeting place for Hun caravans, it must be an supply camp for them.  He selects Turnacum rather than Ganda as the next target.

They leave early, but Theoderic calls an early halt the next day.  Towns are typically spaced a day apart, but Theoderic wants to reach Turnacum with plenty of daylight left, and his troops ready to fight, so the day after Cortoriacum they make a short day of it, traveling only half way to Turnacum before halting to rest.

They are on their way with first light the following morning.

Several hours into the march, at the "lunch stop", Theoderic calls for a messenger.  The swift messenger riders rotate, so one is always available to take messages to Theoderic.  Cirrus is up.  She guides her horse up, and Theoderic pats it.

"Take word to the Centaurs," he says.  "I think there are Huns in the town ahead, and I don't want them retreating.  I want to trap them.  I want the Centaurs to swing away from the main force, and go east of the town, several miles, and then cut back in and move slowly west along the road.   Anyone fleeting Turnacum will run right into them, and they will block there escape."

Cirrus beams with pride at being given such a task.  She turns her horse and gallops away.  Spica looks back at Aelasuria, and says, "She's become quite brave, don't you think?  I wonder if we should summon that strange wizard.  Do you think he can help us?"

That strange wizard is wandering in the caravan at the lunch stop - he is actually quite sane today but you wouldn't know it by looking. In fact he has a beautiful well oiled and seasoned waffle iron. He swings it in the air like a club and he holds it firmly like a holy relic.
Edgar the purple multipod flies overhead and squaks
Bwaaaap! Maybe it can make you fly - try a code word!

No no ... Mutters the wizard its something else - what does it do?

He checks some loose papers from his pockets and checks a tiny little scale sitting on a rock beside him.

As Titus learns about the Huns movements and actions in the region he can not help but want to turn to Ganda. He feels a definite connection. Regardless, he understands Theodoric's thinking and that doing so is not the best move. Avoiding the main body of the Emperor's body as Beligica's allies continue to gather and striking so as to hinder the Huns in the meantime is the short term action that will best serve long term goals.

He was proud of Cirrus and is careful to give her a smile and nod to indicate this when Theodoric gives her such an important assignment. Meanwhile, he could not help but feel a bit of awe for Spica; nevertheless, he felt as if this was a good time to get to know Aelasuria a bit better. At the lunch break he approaches her, "I am sorry that we have not had a moment to speak previously since I returned. I would like to introduce you to my comrade, Felix", he says scratching between the ears of the now fully grown sighthound, who now stands 30" tall and nearly 100 lbs. His shaggy, golden furred tail wags in appreciation.

"Being a native born Belgican he has helped me understand your new realm", he says smiling fondly at the hound.

Aelasuria smiles warmly at Cirrus when she beams with bride lightly touching her arm as she speaks. "Please say hello to the Centuars for me as well. Find out if they need anything that might help them. We might be able to lend them a wizard such as Scolo or myself. Cirrus if you have time after your duties please feel free to join us for lunch. Your always welcome at our table."

She glances at Scolo and can't help but smile when he arrives. Yes she is very brave Spica. I don't see why not Scolo is rather talented and creative with his magic. Speaking of flying I can transform into a bird and scout for you Theo. If you need a viewpoint from on high that the huns shouldn't suspect. I think Scolo would be very helpful in the initial clash. A few well placed spells could break the huns ranks or at least create chaos making a opening for a calvary charge. For example if he's attached to the Centuars for this battle or our own calvary. I could do the same depending on our needs."

When titus arrives with the hound Aelasuria perks up smiling warmly at both man and animal. She crouches slowly letting the hound sniff her hand to get familiar with her. Then so long as it's bodylanguage is friendly she gently caresses the houns back. Then scratches behind it's ears affectionatly. "A beautiful hound Titus. It's a pleasure to meet Felix and I hope your new companion has been truly helpful. Spica has taught me a few things as has Marisol about Unicorns! Would you like to Join Theo and I for lunch? Scolo you as well we should all enjoy a meal while there is time."

Titus smiles, "It would be a pleasure to join you for lunch. Thank you."

With a respectful nod towards Spica he continues, "I think Felix and I have taught each other a few things as I have trained him over the months, and had he the intelligence and ability to speak that Spica and Marisol have he would have taught me even more. Still, I agree with you that it does not mean that we who may have greater mental and communicative capacity may not learn from lesser creatures.

"It would be a lonelier, much more difficult world were this not the case, I think."

"I am afraid lunch today will be more of a battle briefing, with food," Theoderic says.  "For myself I would just as well eat in the saddle.  But yes, let's round up those who have a part to play here.  Lunch is a good time to share thoughts."

He sends a runner over to bring back Scolo, and another for Seti, cautioning the first that the wizard is often "peculiar".

Lunch is cold, set out on field tables that are just boards dropped down from the sides of the supply wagons.  Meat, cheese, bread, and fruit.

"A scouting trip in bird form would be very helpful," Theoderic says to Aelasuria.  "But don't endanger yourself.  They might have some tricks hidden, remember, they came to fight Elves, and they might be more prepared for Elven magic than the Orcs we've fought in the past."

When others have arrived, Theoderic explains:  "It's simple and straightforward.  I'd rather not fight in Turnacum if I don't have to.  It's protected with moats, and it can be dangerous, even though we are more than a match for any Hun supply camp.  We'll try to scare them out, and then block them on the road with the Centaurs."

Gellas raises a point:  "And if they refuse to scare out?"

"Then it gets much harder," Theoderic says.  "We'll have to get an opening in the town's defenses.  Take one of the bridges over the moat.  At Viroviacum, Scolo was able to use magic to get into the town.  Perhaps he can do it again, get inside just past a bridge."   

Titus clears his throat, "We still do not know large the Hun garrison is, do we? I take it your intention is to scare them out of the city by a show of force before the walls. Perhaps, pretending a siege...

Eadoin's force is strong, but if there are more than a couple hundred Hun and they still decide to withdraw his force will not be likely to do more than harass them and by the time we get the main body of the army around or through the city they will have managed to escape. Is this your intention?

"Perhaps we ought to get some scouts into the city to give us a better idea of what lies before us?"

Scolo approaches,
Walls are mostly irrelevant to me I can step freely in or out with a friend. Scare them .... Hmmmmm what do Huns fear? Why would they run?

Titus nods in agreement with wizard, "Quite so, Magus. This was partly my point as well."

A few thousand orphan babies and a paternity diviner might do the trick - or a chaos portal that turns them inside out. - the orcs not the babies - but of course ... But it would work either way.

It always freaks me out when those things roll through town.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Sat 08 Sept 2012.

Titus looks at Scolo blankly. He is uncertain whether or not the Wizard is having him on or... One never knows with Magic Users.

Rather than speak and make an enemy he simply glances at Aelasuria, who is a Wizard herself, so perhaps he knows something about what Scolo is describing, and then Theodoric, "Hmm... Yes, well, that certainly would terrify me."

Seti appears in person, leaving Dagnish to watch over Melissa until he returns. "How can I serve?" he inquires, still taking in the situation.

"For scouting we have Aelasuria," Theoderic says.  "She can take the form of a bird and fly overhead.  Then, she can report to us, and we can make our attack.  But I expect to be already moving on the city when she does.  We fill do this straight from the march.  As for what they fear, they fear more than they pretend to.  They fear failure and humiliation, and they do fear death.. to a degree.  When we attack, we will attack swiftly and confidently.  They will fear our courage."

"Breaching the moats..." Gellas says simply, to remind him that the issue exists.  "Turnacum has a bridge on the Scaldinus, and canals cut on both sides.

"That is for Scolo.. and he said... a friend.  Perhaps I should accompany the wizard, then, when we seize a path across the canals."

He finds a moment to give Aelasuria some last advice before she makes her scouting trip, kissing her on her forehead as he speaks:

"About the bird form, Aely... I know you... if you can, make it an ordinary bird, please, as plain as any other bird.  Because if your bird form reflects even a fraction of your beauty, you will draw the attention of all the Orcs in Turnacum."

"I am not trained for battle, but our Lord provides us some ways to accomplish our tasks. For example, most priests of Pluto are well-connected to the Earth and have some power over stone. I could not make a bridge, but a small arch through a thin wall may be possible, not enough for horses but enough for a covert mission. Larger effects usually require a collective ritual," Seti offers, knowing there is little he can do directly.

In case it has gone unsaid, he reminds their leader that he is fluent in Orcish, Latin, and Celtic with lesser knowledge of Greek and German. In time, it could be useful. Like Titus, he presumes, he is a trained diplomat and negotiator.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Mon 10 Sept 2012.

"We've spread our clerics thinly," Theoderic says.  "I know you have powers, but the greatest need we will have is a cleric's ability to heal.  It is the difference between a dead man and a man who will be back in action.  And... despite the comforts offered by  Lord Pluto... we have no manpower we can spare.    Therefore, I must ask that you go with the front.  Into the fire, as it may be, where there will be the most need of someone who can turn aside death's touch."

"But before we go in.. and while Aelasuria makes her flight.. this is also the time I should speak to our captive Blackguard.  If there is anything she can do to aid us, I should find out now."

Ah yes ... That will be interresting

Scolo's eye flicks over at Aelessuria as her shape-shifting is discussed then his focus wanders.
He wonders for a moment if he should keep his distance when Theo speaks with Melissa but decides against it - in fact - what was I thinking here?
Oh! I wonder if I can gather some quick iron at our next rest?
No that wasn't it, but maybe I should anyway.
Scolo writes something in his list.

Seti scrunches his eyebrows at the mention of Melissa. Unfortunately, his attempts to gain information have failed. The girl is more interested in pretending to be confused than revealing information. He advises Theodoric of his progress, or rather lack thereof. He would warn caution, but he has already, and in his experience, king's don't like to be told twice. Instead, he follow closely. He will be on a high state of alert for the slightest threat.

"Very well. I am no stranger to battle, and I will do what I can."

She nods and smiles. "Yes they can be very good at letting you know what they want. I have known one that could let you know when she wanted water, when she wanted to go outside, if she needed something she would go to it, come back and go to it again if needed. She could even tell when a door wasn't firmly shut opening it to come in and say hello. She was also very affectionate and protective. I agree completely it would be lonelier Titus." She looks quite happy as she talks about a experience from when she was very little.

Aelasuria nods slightly taking seriously what Theo was warning her about. It wasn't the first time they had encountered unpleasant and very specifically targeting nasty form of magic. "I haven't forgotten the goblins or their swords Theo. I have to wonder if it's truly the Huns or their masters coming up with some of that magic."

Aelasuria thinks about it then wonders if Scolo might have something that would really scare them. "Scolo I think I know what would terrify a orc to it's very core. What if you were to polymorph a few of them into elves. Then imply that it's permanent? Also that you could do it as well to as many of them as you like?" She smiles at Theo's words. "Well there is that too. Failure and just how humiliating would it be to report to the Emperor trapped in the form of a elf?"

She laughs and smiles at Theo's words even though the warning was seroius. She gives Theo a quick gentle hug. "Don't worry. I won't draw attention to myself. I think a raven should be fine and common enough not to attract attention."

She nods speaking softly to Theo before she goes. "Keep scolo and Seti between you and her Theo. I hope that she is indeed going to change for the better. Still it's best to be very, very careful. I best go so that I can return with the information you need."

Shimmering Aelsuaria takes on the form of a ordinary black Raven flying into the sky. She makes her way to see what the Huns are up to.

Bens Post***

From the sky, the towns and farms of western Belgica look very close together, and the land is so frequently cut by waterways of various sizes. These have been adapted for easy defense of the towns; most have a moat or encircling canal of some kind. Turnacum seems to have a moat and more,

Aelsuria cruises over the town and sees the Hun troops below. They are not casually waiting. They are getting ready to move, and they seem to be in a hurry. Several things stand out to her immediately. First, they are not all Orcs. In fact, there are about a hundred Human warriors with them, most of them on horses. They don’t seem as well equipped as Theoderic’s troops, and the horses don’t seem as strong or as healthy. Mostly. There is a lot of variety among them. All together, there are maybe a hundred Human warriors that seem to be working with the Huns. They are with many supply wagons, similar to the ones Theoderic’s army uses for its supplies, but again, with a lot more variety.

There are a lot of Orcs down there, too. Even more of them than there are Human warriors. As many as two Orcs for every Human warrior. It’s a large force, but all these together would be very outnumbered by Theoderic’s troops, now reinforced with the Centaurs.

Then there are the people of the town. From up on high, Aelasuria can’t see many. But there are some, and here and there, it looks like arguments with the Human warriors…

Aelasuria makes another pass. The Huns are taking children. Young teens, mostly- youngsters that look fit for a long walk. The Hun warriors- including the Humans who seem to be on their side, are mixing the children in with their own forces! Some are put on wagons, and some being forced to walk between ranks of Orcs.

Of course their parents are making quite a fuss, but there is little they can do. The Huns have hundreds of warriors, and swords and arrows backing up their argument. Some of the children are protesting too- but the Huns make it clear: Refuse, and we just kill you, and there are plenty more to take your place.

It looks like they are getting ready to leave! And it looks like they are headed east. Looking back over the distance, it looks like Theoderic might not even get here before they leave.. but if he moves quickly enough, he can catch them on the road. But the Huns will have dozens of captured children with them.


***my post

Seeing what the Huns were up to she wanted to peck their eyes out. It was horrible and struck deep into the soul and heart of a elf. Children were the most precious thing in the world. Her wings beat furiously as she returns to Theo to report. It wouldn't wait no matter where she found him.

Black wings beat as a crow comes into land shimmering and gracefully walking for a moment as she stops. Looking at Theo with deep worry and a touch of anger. "The huns are terrible! They are mixing Children into the ranks of their Army Theo. There is no way to attack without risking them."

She actually trembles for a moment distrought at the thought that there might be nothing they could do to thwart this tactic. "I can't forgive them for that. They have no honor, no courage, they are despicable Theo!" She shakes her head for a moment then gets to the details Theo needed. "They have at least one hundred human warriors that appear to be helping them. The orcs I think are roughly two hundred strong. For a total of three hundred solderers, althrough their equipment and weapons are inferior to ours. Their horses are not as healthy as they should be so they won't be able to out run ours. They are getting ready to move and they are in a hurry. They have many supply wagons with a lot of variety. Probably because over half of them they took from other people. Some of the children are also on the wagons. The children they have taken are mostly young adults in their teens. " She included that last bit of information so Theo would know what he was dealing with.