Arctos bows to Dunduin as he speaks . .  .

        "Aye humbly stand corrected ser, and my apologize to those gathered here.  Mayhaps I
should get some more rest and let my wounds heal a bit, so's that I can think a bit more clearly.

         My mind tis elsewhere, and naught just from the pain.  Knowing that I shant be seeing
Octavena or my son any time soon tis quite disconcerting indeed.  Its been far too long that
our Maniple hath been away from our homeland and our families!"

         The Patre looking quite disoriented turns about, and amble back to his wagon for a much
needed rest and recooperation . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Wed 24 Apr 2013.

Haakon sighed. "I'd just like to point out that I don't need to play the part of a merchant.  I AM a merchant.  I deal in furs and clothing, mostly made by myself.  The easiest disguise is one that's true... so Tawna, fancy 'playing' a merchant's wife?"

After a pause he added, "As for the rest, as they say, 'Plan early, Plan often', my plan is to keep an eye out for opportunities that present themselves, but in the meantime, I think we need to know as much as is available about this thing I will refrain from naming overmuch, given the power names have with respect to demonkind."

I'm not sure poor merchants is the right way to go. It takes a lot more effort to disguise the wealth of these heroes than it would to buy friendship with the promise of future reward. And information flows to those who provide opportunity.

If you are a poor merchant how would you explain your pet golem, or that war-hammer or titanium armor? A rich merchant could keep such things in stock - purchased from the Crazy dwarves that went north. A rich merchant who knows what those crazy dwarves are doing in the north might be invited to dine with a rotten priest in hope of gathering intel.

And how would poor elves and a poor dwarf and some poor shifters ever be brought together? Only the rich combining for an investment can afford such eclectic company.

"Points taken. However, I'd say the golem can be disguised as a statue or remain as a bucket of mud until we're inside. The armor is only slightly better than normal plate armor which is common for dwarves and not magical. As far as the diversity goes, we could be a group of merchants traveling together for safety which is a common occurrence." Dunduin shrugs "I think it's plausible. There may be suspicions which is to be expected but I don't really see any show stoppers."

Understood ... And so ... About the legion, Arctos and myself.
Cirostis is unsure what to say ...
Who will manage our troops? Keep them sharp and ensure the force is organized and used efficiently? The force needs a Centurion.

"Arctos is our beloved and passionate dwarven hero, of that there is no doubt. However, I do have doubts of having him lead our entire dwarven force. The troops need someone..more..stable as it were for leadership. Cirostis, if you were to stay behind with the troops I would give you command although it would be without title promotion. Only someone of higher rank can bestow that..though if handled well I'd be happy to write the recommendation. Now if you choose to return with me to the dwarven lands then I'd select one of our other officers..probably Torag Ironarms to lead the troops. He's a good sound and solid dwarf. In either case, the dwarven force would most likely be under the supreme command of Theoderic, Heolstor, or perhaps even Texxor here."

Anarki D'Anneci looks at Arctos, with a thougtful expression.  She speaks:  Arctos, there is still a company of Dwarf troops that needs to get home.  Though perhaps you are not as cut out for infiltration as some others, there is.. there is a long way home.  And it is not your Dwarves alone.  There are Lord Heolstor’s troops, and our own Elves.  Duke Barstow and King Theoderic are recruiting a handful for what they call a ‘special campaign’, but a large number need to get home."

Hylensia notes, "I imagine, the road that is open for merchants will not be so open for five hundred warriors."

The Elf woman agrees.  "No, no it will not be.  We should not dare take the same route, in any case.   We would… it would be better to take a very different route, because there is no way we can travel unnoticed, and we might draw Infernal attention away from a handful of merchants walking into a seat of infernal power."

"Shouldn’t we have Halflings for that sort of thing?" someone asks.  That someone gets ignored.

"What is the shortest route?" Anakri asks, working through the problem.

A basic, straightforward question of geography.  TExxor likes that.  He explains.  "Strait south, through the ruins around Theonodun and Caranusca.  Then, skirting Divodurum.  Shortest, not safest.  But it is the narrow neck of Hun territory, once past there you are going out, not in."

"If we move fast enough, we can be clear before there is any Hun reaction," Anakri says.  "Maybe. We must expect that they will try to block us.  They are smarting from their wounds in the Ardennes, they may be eager for a second chance."

Texxor adds:  "Even without the Huns, the ruins harbor dangerous creatures."

He turns to Arctos.  "Getting your valorous troops home again…"

Anakri interrupts.  "Or at least, closer to home, so that they may be on hand if Mastiphal can be defeated…"

"That is as worthy a task as creeping in to face Mastiphal," Texxor concludes.

Didn't they hear Dunduin?

So what is your intent with our troops? Where do you want them, what do you mean by having us close? Reveal this plan, please.

They are in the process of figuring out that part of the plan at the very moment.

"You'll want them close at hand," Texxor says.  "Even if you do manage to overthrow Mastiphal without them, there will be a moment of chaos and weakness in the aftermath.  Your enemies will be tempted."

"Burgundy is close," Anakri says.  "They could go there."

Texxor nods.  "Hmm... Burgundy... this all hinges on them being amenable to the movement of the Dwarves and Elves through their lands.   They had no objections before.  But it may strain things to ask the Burgundians to quarter the Dwarves for any length of time.  Could draw attack.  If anything, the Dwarves are now at war with the Huns."

"Were they not before?"  Anakri asks.

"No," Texxor says.  "If anything... they were at war with themselves.  There was no attack from the outside, neither Hun nor Goth."

"Surely part of Mastiphal's plan," Anakri says. "But if the Dwarves do not stay in Burgundy, where, then?"

Haakon said, "Before I set up the Highway Patrol at Vesontio, there was illegal (or semi-legal at any rate) traffic of slaves across Burgundy in covered wagons. So there's no problem with passing through.  As for where the Dwarves should stay, how about the liberated territories?"

If I could go anywhere I'd slaughter a few Goths ... Just for fun. Cirostis muses to himself but that does not seem to be on the table. A few months of playing football with the centaurs no doubt.

       As Arctos is leaving he overhears the discussion concerning the plans for the Dwarves
next billet, and pivoting one his right leg, he turns about quickly in order to make a suggestion  . . . catching himself as he nearly topples over . . .

       "Most respectfully I wishes naught to step pon any the ones feet gathered ere, r'e casue
any tuther problems by the twixtin o' words . . . due to me disorientation from mine Infernal
Wounds and horrid curse.

        But there be a place pon the way to Mastico that the Dwarves couldst possibly billet wi
the proper permissions to do so, but I cannot mentions any the more about n' exact locations as
it be a closely held secret twixt Centurion Dunduin, friend Cirostis, myself, n' faithful companion Scippio ere.   The place I speak O' tis naught just for just any ears to be a hearin
as oathes twere utterd that can na be broken pon the whar O' wot I so speak!  Centurion Dunduin
can affirm that we can na say any the more abouts the locations.  Alls I know tis that art
Manipal wouldst favor seech a place most readily and that art contingent wouldst be much the
closer at hand should we march there weather permitting!"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Fri 26 Apr 2013.

Haakon frowned.  "Would that be the lair of a certain Cobalt Dragon?  If so, that would be an excellent place to hide an army, assuming said dragon was amenable."

        Arctos looks to Hakkon and voices his concern and distress over the though of having to
break an oath, no matter what tactic is used . . .

        "Haakon doth thee take Dwarven oathes so lightly?  If something be an oathed secret why
doth thee press it so?  Tis naught the time nor the place, nor tis there any the reason for thee
to know at the now or compromise an oathes.  Do naught ask us to do seech a thing!

         A general location hath been given to those gathered ere and should more than suffice
any the ones curiosity!  Now let us move on to tuther business, and naught dwell pon this further
as it be a waste o' time."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Fri 26 Apr 2013.

"Do I understand it all correctly now?" Anakri asks.

"Haakon, Tawna, Julia, Cirostis and Dunduin, perhaps one or two more who we shall add, will travel directly the Dwarven Kingdom.  There, they shall attempt to first discover if Duergar can be turned back.  Arctos and myself and those going with us shall bring the combined army back to Burgundy, and from there, the Dwarves will muster at the secret place of Arctos, awaiting the call from their kingdom."

"That is as I see it," Texxor says, "unless there are still things unsaid."

       Leaning heavily upon his Agnon, Patre Arctos begins to rub his forehead with his free hand
in order to quell the painstaking thought of being left behind, and absent from the upcoming for-
ray betwixt his fellow Dwarves, their Elven Allies, and Mastiphal.  The Dwarven Patre, after a
long pause so's to gather his thoughts, finally replies in an unmistakably strained and emotion-
ally ridden deep voice to the throng gathered about him ...

       "Though mine god Mars wilst undoubtedly frown upon my absence and fore shirking my
duties for the destined battle to come with Mastipahl, I truely cringe at the thought O' e'vr
displeasing mine god O' war!  But it hath been decided, and I shant argue the point, as I
wilst na allow myself to be responsible for our defeat at the hands O' Mastiphal . . . so I
shalt restrain myself and bend to thy request o' remaining behind to ensure thy success in
the task before ye.

       Yes mine friend and alli Anakri, thee surely understands quite correctly . . .

       Mayhaps I should travel in advance with Scippio and Burrus to seek out permission from art would be host, so's to naught cause any undue complications concerning mine and tuthers oathes!
I hope that the asking art host of seech a boon wilst naught be too imposing pon them, as it
tis quite much to ask O' one to allow o'er five score O' Legionaires to be billeted . . . as
ones reasonable hopitality only reaches out e'vr so far!

       But I must admit that I shudders greatly pon the thought O' naught having mine Commander
and friends surrounding myself to aid in keeping me pon the straight and narrow due to my
cursed Infernal afflictions!  Mayhaps I can wholeheartedly hope that art secret host can calm
the restlessness O' mine distraught soul in mine companions absence!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Sat 27 Apr 2013.

I don't know about this - I understand that it makes sense for me to go. I am one of the few of us trained for stealth and trickery... Torag is an excellent choice for leadership, though I think the rightful place is mine. It is a most difficult place to be - am I shirking my duty to the troops if I leave? Am I selfishly grabbing power and not devoting all my skills to the mission if I stay?

I will know which path to take today.

How does it seem ... No. What I mean to say is - having an army of powerful dwarves billited in foriegn lands seems to be a terrible waste - particularly while a war is under way - what path does Heolstor take? Where is the next strike? Are our hammers not needed?

Cirostis speaks pensively truly torn by this.

In any case good  Patre - I know you will have your cavalry trained and ready if Bergundy is your place. I can imagine them, they would be a heavy cav unit I suspect taking advantage of their lower center and stability to turn quickly even with lances running footman or horses through the torso.

         
         Arctos looks to his friend Cirostis as he speaks, then adds his thoughts on the matter,
along with accompanying gestures towards his companion, after his discourse is finished  . . .

         "Alas 'Beardcutter', lest ye forget, thee hath studied the cyperings of the Book pon
Infernal Demons and it wouldst be best served that thee aid the mission against Mastiphal
in the Dwarven lands.  Your counsils pon Mastiphals weaknesses wouldst serve well for the members
O' that mission O' the greatest import.  The Centurion and thee shalt be greatly missed, but art
Maniple still hath able and wise officers to take over command.  Just as I myself cannot shirk
mine duties, and must do something I wish naught to do, mayhaps thy duty calls thee to do like-
wise!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Sun 28 Apr 2013.

Dunduin concurs with Arctos' latest insight. "Do as yee wish Cirostis but I believe Arctos is spot on, on this issue."

---

Knowing how much effort Arctos put into the pony platoon Dunduin decides to try and assist in some way. He seeks out Heolstor and puts in a request. "Lord Heolstor, this may be an odd request but I'd appreciate it if you could assist. As you probably know the dwarves have acquired a number of ponies. Our hero Arctos is..determined to put them to tactical use. While the idea has merit, the problem is that dwarves don't have any real experience or expertise in this area. You do. Perhaps if you could have some of your officers provide some training and guidance it would help. Even in simple matters of care and breeding of which we know very little would be helpful. Anything you can offer will be appreciated. Plus it will help stabilize Arctos and keep him mentally focused on something. Likewise, we'd be happy to provide ground troop training for your troops."

"For you and yours? Anything, brother Dunduin."

"Not all my men are staying, many are headed back to homes South of Lingones... But some will. Those cavalrymen that do stay I will make available to your warriors. You must know though, mounted combat is not a skill learned in a week or a month. Many of my men were raised in the saddle." Heolstor explained. "Give my officers what time you can. I can give your trainees quarters in Tullum or Lingones. There they can spend the coming months learning what they can without the distraction of constant movement."

"... And if they are willing to teach my men in turn how to fight as you do in formation all the better. A fair trade that. My men will see to it that they do not want for anything."

The dwarf takes breath and sighs ...
 Indeed this will be my course though I return without an easy heart a poor merchant I will play ... Or better yet - why not play a BeardCarver, connected to some merchants to act as a guide and bring trade to my home city? When do we intend to move?

The sooner the better I hope.

Dunduin smiles "Both I and the dwarves have found a true friend in you Heolstor. It's my desire to grow that friendship making the world a better place for all of us. Thank you."

---

Dunduin chuckles at Cirostis comment "Of course, beardcarver is perfect. What better way to learn about the situation and seed information. Certainly, Cirostis your wit and skills are most needed."

---

"So then. Does anything else need to be addressed? Shall we begin departure preparations?" Dunduin asks reiterating Cirostis desire to get under way quickly.

       Upon hearing the Dwarven Centurions request for addressing other concerns, Arctos
continues . . .

       "Wot intelligence doth we now hath about the Gothes?  As far as I know Optimus Mogendu and
his Gothe troops art still in Vipiacus, and are now mores the likely reinforced!  In fact
pon thy return it tis mores the likely that you'll run into Duergar patrols, but Gothe ones
as well!"

Cirostis nods to the Patre's wisdom.

He listens to the others to finalize a starting date. He realizes he needs to trade out a few more things with the Wererats and prepare himself to travel. In his mind logistical concerns flitter by - such as food, warmth, shelter or spending money, how to hide the wealth they have, etc ... He plans his return to the Faire it should be ending soon he'll need to be singleminded in getting prepared.

1. “Listen,” Tawna says, knowing a thing or two about covert operations, “it is important that the Dwarves with us.. .Cirostis and Dunduin... no longer be seen in their regular roles.

“What do you mean?” Anakri asks.

“We know there was a spy in the city.  Spy, assassin, whatever.  Arctos went looking for him.  If there's still a spy here, they might see Cirostis and Dunduin addressing the Dwarf troops, and then they make the connection with a pair of Dwarves on the way to the Dwarf Kingdom, the merchant game is up.  So from now on you guys are Dwarf merchants.  You already have a stand in the market, so we already have some cover for you.”

Anakri has one more element to add.

“We have a Human scout who has been in our service for a while.  We promised our aid, and I think Callidus is an excellent addition to this vital mission.  He is fearless.. but also clever, relying on quickness more than brute force.   I will also send one of my own, who is good with stealth and with disguises as well, Erulian.

“They'll have plenty of brute force on call, if Arctos gets the Dwarf troops to a good position.” Texxor says.  “When the winter weather clears, it will be time to depart.”

He looks over at Arctos and adds, "And when you get there, you can ask about intelligence Wot The Gothes.  There's the Huns and the Burgundians between us and them, few of us here have ever even seen a Goth."


The party heading on the mission to the Dwarf Kingdom is Haakon (and Tawna, of course,) Julia, Callidus, Dunduin and Cirostis.    They (no one else, please, unless brought in by the GM) report to a new thread:  To The Dwarven Kingdom.