1625 Sea Season/Disorder Week/Godday

Pavis

Yelm hangs high in the sky, although the day is cool and humid. A few clouds are moving in from the west.
The courtyard outside the garrison is crowded with a line of conscripts, most young and anxious for their first assignment, chatting nervously among themselves, some aged, and a few tough looking veterans.

The line ends at a sturdy oak table where a young male scribe, a tall female in leather armor and a large figure 8 shield, who has a musical instrument of some kind strapped to her back, and a very powerful looking female warrior, begin signing in the first of the recruits.


Each recruit receives from the tall woman a black and red focale, which she assures is properly secured.
The warrior looks each recruit in the eye, places her hands on their shoulders, and repeats their name solemnly before patting their shoulders and sending them on.

Three competent looking soldiers join the back of the line.

They are followed presently by a teen aged Praxian that you recognize as a sable rider, the (mostly) friendly tribe to Lunaar interests in the region. He looks from the ground to an elderly Praxian woman who sits in the shade swatting at flies and back, saying nothing.In the stable are a number of zebras and two white horses.


The three veterans arrive at the front of the line.

Amilcar straightened up, his quill at the ready.

”Gentlewomen and Sirs, please step forward!  Give your names so I may add them to the roster for Master Envoranus’ Expedition-“ Amilcar squinted into the mid-distance, ”into the Unknown.” the Scribe made a motion in the air with his hand to communicate...mystery?  It wasn’t entirely clear.

He arranged his papyrus before him, looking at the fighting types, “Fortune favors the bold.  Who’s first then?”

When he gets to the front of the line, The Aggabortas says to the scribe "The Aggabortas reporting in.  Commander Rostag Valash said I've been re-assigned..." he looks around the collection of unimpressive looking recruits, "...here.  To the... Red Storks (or whatever)."

He turns to address the two women.  "What this gonna be?  A hunt?  Escort?  Scouting?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:28, Sat 05 June 2021.

Coroltha, the large, tough looking warrior who you take to be the second in command, looks you up and down squinting a bit, and then says flatly,
"His lordship wishes to keep the details of this first sortee quiet until we are out of the city. "Ears everywhere.""
She betrays no sign or being sarcastic or critical, nor of gushy enthusiasm.

"Commander Valash's loss is our gain" the tall woman says echoing the plain straightforward tone of her superior. She nods to another veteran behind the Aggabortas, "Cousin Zyxx" she says, in the same impersonal tone but with a smile tugging at one corner of her face.

The Aggabortas returns the impassive gaze, and nods.  Great...



" 'Cousin?' "  The Aggabortas turns to regard the scarred soldier behind him.  "You didn't tell me you had family here, ha, Zyxx!"

In reply to The Aggabortas (msg # 6):

Wanakela quietly waits her turn, swatting at bugs that may or may not be present in this dimension.

In reply to Wanakela (msg # 7):

As the sable brave arrives third in line, he signals to Wanakela, whose place he has been holding.

In reply to Gargle (msg # 8):

The other brave attempts to helps Wanakela to her feet.  Momentarily, she appears confused, swatting at his hands.  He eventually gets her up and leads her to the line in front of the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Sat 05 June 2021.

Astorl nods at Wanakela, waiting for his turn.

Amilcar’s brow knits in confusion, ”I’ve no idea who that Commander is...?” the Scribe looks over at Corolotha, lost.  He shrugs before adding, “And we are not going to be called the Red Storks.  I will not hear of it.  No creativity whatsoever. No, I’m still of a mind of:” His thin, golden hand shot dramatically into the air in front of him, ”The Enlightened Expedition of Envoranus!”

He glanced at Hawendona and added ”1625.  Pavis.” but the cadence faltered, emphasis in the wrong places, and the last bit fell flat.

Straightening up, and acting as if nothing untoward had happened, Amilcar continued, ”But I approve of the name, Sir.  The Aggabortas.  The definitive article, if I may say so.  A strong name for a strong lad,” Amilcar made a motion with his arm indicating strength, then wrote the name down on his papyrus.

The Aggabortas

The golden skinned scholar tapped his paper with the quill, completing the spelling, ”Excellent.  I’ve no idea when we leave. But your name is now in the books, so to speak.  Corolotha will be telling us what to do and when.  Thank you, Sir.”

Amilcar looked past the Aggabortas, ”Next”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:55, Sat 05 June 2021.

The Aggabortas maintains his impassive demeanour.  But now the struggle is real.  Queen Deezola, give me strength...



He watches the scribe record his name, then nods and steps away from the line, waiting to receive his focale, and for Zyxx to report in.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Sun 06 June 2021.

Hawendona hesitates over whether to let the Aggabortas fix his own focale but decides, with a shrug, to maintain the consistency of the induction rituals, and ties it on him herself. "Holay?" She murmurs, tilting her head to the right?

The Aggabortas blinks at the question.  "Yes," he says, trying to discern from the woman's accent where she is from.  He's trying to think where Zyxx is from as well.  "From the capital Mirin's Cross.  Originally with the Dalini regiment, but have been re-assigned a few times..."

"The Crystal Bridge!" Hawendona says with a brief flare of animation and a far away look. "I've been across it." She adds back in her matter of fact tone. "I'm from Tarsh, Furthest, or just east of it, on the way to the Heruvernalda" Her New Pelorian is indeed Tarsh accented, but perhaps not as strongly or as consistently as a typical Tarsh countreywoman's.

Zyxx waits in the line until it is his turn to present himself to the young male scribe (Amilcar) . When it is his turn to talk to the man sat at his table, he takes his helm off and places it under his arm standing to attention.

With a quick blink of his left eye towards The Aggabortas Zyxx draws out his parchment orders (which he ensured he collected from Commander Rostag Valash) from a leather map case on his belt. "Heavy Infantry trooper Zyxx reporting for duty with the Red Storks, as ordered." and hands over the parchment. He then says very quietly leaning forward towards the scribe "Orders were present to me by Commander Rostag Valash, yesterday at the dusk. They do not mention Master Envoranus’ Expedition." Then returns to a full upright attention position.

Looking down at the clerk and scanning the paperwork Zynn continues "Zyxx, Son of Zelah, Grandson of Zennor" As if this is not his first time being asked to give answers to a clerk he continues "My home town is Dunstopp and my original unit is the Crimson Sheilds. Heavy Infrantry through and through!".

Zyxx then looks at the tall woman and then places his faithful helm on his head before wrapping the black and red focale around his neck loosely knowing it will be a minor irritant against the fresh scar on this neck. Zyxx considers a salute to her, but noting that none had been given and the message about "ears", he performs a perfect right turn and leaves.

He walks over next to The Aggabortas , with a nod towards Hawendona along the way and stands formally next to him. He then looks about without moving his head to check nobody else is looking and says quietly "I find that if I talk about my family that others feel obliged to then tell me long stories about all of theirs."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Sun 06 June 2021.

Noticing the scar as she tries to put the focale on him, Hawendona tuts, and mutters  "Zyxx? What have you been doing Zyxx?"

"The Crimson Avocet Company," says the large woman without expression. "The avocet is part of his lordship's crest. It would be a good idea to get used to that name."

Amilcar’s bronze face took on a ruddy hue as his frustration piqued

”By Lhankor Mhy’s bushy beard I will not suffer a name like the Red Storks of I’ve an iota of input on the matter.  What are we?  A story for children told by midwives?!” The shoddy quill the scribe was pressing against the papyrus snapped, sending the point shooting past Zyxx’s ear, narrowly missing.

Calming himself, and acting as if the broken quill were par for the course, Amilcar plucked up another, waving it in the air, ”Perhaps- ENVORANUS’ ELITE IRREGULARS” the scholar appeared to write the words in the air as he said them.

”Anything else really,” he added under his breath, “Storks!” he squawked to himself, unbelievingly.



At the name, Amilcar’s eyes raise, and his left eyebrow arches even more, “Z’s!” the young scribe exclaimed, ”Alliteration is the language of Heroes!” Again the thin, bronze hand shot towards the heavens as his eyes looked dramatically into the mid-distance, ”The amazing adventures of the adamantine army’s most awarded authority on aggressive assault upon all amassing enemies.  You see?  We speak the same language.”

Self satisfied, Amilcar wrote the name down.

Zyxx

”Excellent.  Welcome Zyxx.”

Amilcar made a motion of dismissal, looking past the warrior, and stating: ”Next.”

The two braves help the elderly woman to the table. She has an audible tick that manifests as "Keak...keak...keak." Wanakela shuffles up to the young scribe. "Is this where we put the scratches on the papyrus?" Her hands seem to be trembling, but not out of fear.  She taps on the pages. "Keak...keak...keak." Then waits for the scribe to respond.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Sun 06 June 2021.

Hearing the comment from Hawendona and the comments he moves two paces across to stand next to his cousin and whispers "Defending the empire. I nearly died fighting Sartraties recently, thankfully my old trust helm that belonged to Zennor protected me. The enemy blade ran down the helm cutting into my next and chest, leaving me with another distinctive scar. Thankfully the shadow of death did not consume me this day, as I believe the Seven Mothers protected me as I battle for the empire."

Zyxx considers the name that Coroltha gave. The "The Crimson Avocet Company," well it is better the "Red Storks", and "Crimson" is good. He also thinks I can see how the commander got confussed with the colour (red and crimson) and long legged birds. He thinks to himself no point in saying anything as all that will be bring is problems, but it is most odd that the Commander got the name wrong.

Continuing his whisper "The scribe seems like a nice guy, and like him I was not impressed with name storks either. I also hope we can learn more about this task ahead of us soon too."

Hawendona looks worried, though her whispered reply to Zyxx sounds light hearted "Defened it more cautiously, if you please. Arms and legs I can sick back on again. Heads are more problematic" She smooths the hoplite's helmet plume in lieu of his inaccessible hair.

She takes another look at Amilcar. "A man of strong feelings, it seems. One or two of Hyjembora's scribal colleagues could also reach such a pitch on their pet subjects... We just met."

She indicates one of the buildings of the Lunar garrison complex with a fluid movement of her hand. "You may not have long to wait. I anticipate his lordship Envoranus, Prince of the Kandoor family, bearer of the Silver Robes' arrival most imminently"

”Avocet?  Avocet?  Well that’s an entirely different, magnificent- dare I say beautiful- thing.  More a crane than a Stork,” Amilcar wrinkled his nose at the mention of the word stork, emphasizing the “t” with disgust.

”An Avocet is a heroes representation in animal form. You should have said so from the beginning Corolotha. What a splendid name. What a splendid idea.  I am inspired.” Right on cue the hand shot forth, waving in front of him as if some representation of the air, “The Capital Crimson Stor-“ Amilcar caught and corrected himself, “Avocet Company of Champions!“ his hand had come to a closed fist at the end, and he brought it towards his breast in a motion indicating victory.

”Avocet” he whispered again, as if this would bring the point home.

He composed himself quickly, fixing his quill in his hand, and returning it to the papyrus.



Amilcar jumped a bit as he recoiled from the scraggly old woman that approached, looking down his nose at her while adjusting the wrap of his scarf.

He glanced at Corolotha, his eyes searching for validation that the woman was indeed to sign up for duty.

Finally, exasperated, he said breathily, ”Alright.  Is it simply Keak then?  Or is it Keak-Keak?  Or is it all three?  Keak-keak-keak?”

He gave a half hearted version of his dramatic wave ”Perhaps, Keak the Sneak or some such.”

Amilcar made a little frown and tilted his head to the side in contemplation.

”Actually...that’s not bad. Yadadamean?” the last was a “do-you-know-what-I-mean” put together in a way that may have been meant to mimic the woman’s accent. It was nowhere close.  And a little too loud perhaps.

Waiting patiently at the back of the queue Daranmon watched the proceedings with an expression that defined neutrality, if you could define neutrality in an expression - he was giving nothing away, in other words. When his turn came he stepped up to the table.

"Daranmon. Soldier. Lately served with Zyxx and The Aggabortas, and ordered to report here with them."

Amilcar, nodded approvingly at the soldier.  ”Daranmon.  Good strong name. Daranmon the Daring, perhaps, or no- the dominant.” the scribe puffed out his bird-like chest a bit, before letting it deflate to its previous, unimpressive girth.

He gave a slight shrug, “I suppose we will see.”

The scribe scribbled the name down in script:

Daranmon

”Welcome.  Hawendona has colors for you. Thank you for your service.”

Amilcar looked around for the next solicitor.

In reply to Amilcar (msg # 23):

Coroltha slips behind Amilcar. As deliberate and passive as she has been, she moves with shocking swiftness, placing two powerful hands on your shoulders and holding you down in your chair.
"Yes, we are now The Crimson Avocet Company.
Not the red storks.
And not a play on his lordship's name that he is unlikely to find amusing.
I suggest you get the critiquing of his lordship's decisions out of your system immediately.
If the prince has me crucify you then I shall have to find another scribe.
And you don't want to make me go find another scribe, do you, Amilcar?"

Amilcar looked as if he were sincerely considering the possibility.

Then he seemed to realize the question was rhetorical, and responded quickly, ”Oh- no.  No, of course not.  Employment is terribly scarce these days.” He frowned and shook his head to the negative.

In reply to Amilcar (msg # 27):

"Good," she says, giving your shoulders a squeeze that doesn't quite reach bone crushing levels, but is not comfortable.

"Now sign in these Praxians, they are not on the list and do not need a focale.
And this scout here."

In reply to Coroltha (msg # 28):

Wincing a bit and shrugging his way out of Corolotha’s grip sheepishly, he seemed to rise to his full stature once more.

”You heard the Woman!  Step forth and announce yourselves!”

He nodded at Corolotha, giving her a reassuring nod, as if everything was under control now.

In reply to Amilcar (msg # 29):

The crone howls with laughter, she looks at the braves “See that little ones, the big woman was going to hurt the scribe-man. Keak…keak…keak.  Lucky for him, she changed her mind.”  She affixes her good eye on the scribe. “You may call me Wanakela Five-Deaths, shaman of the Scarlet Horn clan.” Wanakela points at the braves. “This one is ‘Silent Trotting’ and the other is ‘He-who-looks-for-Water,’ and there are more where they came from, if you know what I mean. Keak…keak…keak”  With that she gives Amilcar a wink with her good eye.

Zyxx looks over to Daranmon and moves his head like a twist & a nod to indicate that the towering giant of a man could stand next to his ex-unit comrades.

Zyxx continues to stand in 'at-ease' miltary stance waiting. His eyes keep scanning to area. When he see that the Wanakela make eye contact with him all he does is provide her a long blink to show her respect without moving from his military posture.

He continues to wait.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Mon 07 June 2021.

Amilcar jumped again at the old woman’s laugh, and looked uncomfortable at the mention of her “changing her mind.”  He rearranged the scarf at his neck repeatedly, a few beads of sweat gathering on his brow.

”Erm, yes, lucky indeed.  That’s how I got here.” the young scribe muttered, under his breath.



At the mention of the woman’s name, some of Amilcar’s trepidation seemed to lift, his mind engaged by the titles the old woman put forward, ”Waan-ick-KAY-luh...” he wrote the name down as it sounded and showed it to the old woman, ”Does this look right?”

Wanakela Five-Deaths, Shaman of the Scarlet Horn

The scholar found the ancient crone’s eye for the first time with his own, ”Five-Deaths.  Fantastic name.  It sounds like there is a story there.  Perhaps I can record it- for posterity’s sake, of course. It could help people understand that savages are people too.” The scribe continued, oblivious to how offensive his off hand statement was, or the fact that it illustrated that he, perhaps, held the same prejudice,  ”Would you like me to include the ‘Shaman of the Scarlet Horn clan’ bit?  I can. I, personally, love it. Along with the five deaths part it really speaks to the imagination” the fingers on the scribes golden hand gave a flourish meant to somehow symbolize “imagination.”

Amilcar wrote down the next name,

Silent Trodding

The scholars eyebrows knit, ”I assume this gentleman is the stealthy type. Perhaps his name ought be Keak the Sneak,” he gave the old woman a sly smile, then went back to putting his pen to papyrus, trying to sound official, “But for the moment this shall suffice.”

He moved on to the next name, jotting it down as well,

He-who-looks-for-water

”A unique name, this one.” Amilcar looked up, but somehow seemed to back away from the Praxians.

”I trust we shall not go thirsty upon this trek then, and I, for one, am relieved for that small assurance.”

Still, his eyes seemed to seek assurance from Wanakela in the form of conformation that the party would not go thirsty.

The Aggabortas nods.  "Built by the Conquering Daughter," he says with a hint of pride.



The Holayan gives a short laugh.  "Yeah, and it's like those plays, where the soldier talks to their comrades about their loved one or family, and you know they won't survive the final act!"



He cocks his head and regards the scribe speculatively.  Leaning closer to Hawendona, he quietly but tightly asks, "Is this man some barbarian slave, invoking the name of one of their gods instead of Irripi Ontor...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:25, Mon 07 June 2021.

Hawendona stares intently at the Aggabortas for a few moments before returning her gaze to Amilcar eyebrows raised. "Perhaps he was drawn to the more unkempt beard?" she whispers. "He was just reassigned from the knowledge temple library, he may have picked up the local slang"

I take it Commander Valash was not best pleased to release three seasoned swords?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:06, Mon 07 June 2021.

In a soft whisper like a guard of sentry duty at night Zyxx says to The Aggabortas "That is true, but for me it is the fact too many story teller soldier often have big a families with far too many stories for me to enjoy over my bottle wine. Then they expect me to remember it all as if I cared the next night when they tell me more boast full stories. I now have a one family story a night limit, for most. Great tales are told by bards & scholars, so let hope that our scribe knows that the sword is mightier than the quill, and survives this outing to write up our tales of honour & glory."

Zyxx scans again and see little is happening and this time whispers gently to his cousin Hawendona "The unit under Commander Valash was developing well as it had a good number of veterans and probably half of them were recovering from their Sartar wounds. I guess he was not please too, hence the quip about red storks !" 

Zyxx continues to stand in 'at-ease' miltary stance waiting, with his eyes scanning the area.

The young scout stepped forward, offering a nod. "I am Astorl." He simply listens, gathering what information he can if he was to scout ahead before any battles.

As the scribe gibbered away Daranmon stared at him, unblinking. His sign-in done he turned and walked over to join Zyxx and The Aggabortas once again.

"A bunch of green recruits, some past-it vets, a wet-behind-the-ears scribe, a couple of women you wouldn't look at twice, and a few mad locals for flavour.

Tell me - did someone organise a festival I didn't know about, for a god of whom I've never heard? I certainly hope that's the case, otherwise this might be shortest mission in the history of the Lunar Empire."

As each of you receive your colors, Coroltha looks you in the eye, pats you on the shoulders, and repeats your name. You have the sense she is committing each of you to memory.

As the last members of the queue are signed in, she looks at the papers and frowns.


Presently, a young man emerges from the palace. He is adorned in a splendid silver breastplate, greaves, and vambraces, all carved in swirling patterns with tremendous skill. He has a silver helmet with enormous black and red feathers under his arm. He wears a long white riding cape.
Beside him stalks an enormous troll. The troll wears the company focale around her right wrist.

Hawendona knots a focale around Astorl's neck "Keep 'em peeled! bushwhacker" she says with a wink. After a quick look around the courtyard she disentangles the few remaining cloths in the basket and ties them in an organised sheaf.

She straightens up at the arrival of the young man and his escort, taking a deep breath. "We are all us" she mutters

The Aggabortas looks at the scribe again, then says out of his mouth to Hawendona, "Yes, I wondering the same sort of thing.  I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.  For now."



"Well, he didn't say anything outright about these orders from above, but let's just say he didn't seem that enthused about the orders."



"We Are All Us," The Aggabortas intones.  "It'd be good to have at least some nomads on our side."  He notes the appearance of the prince and the troll.  "And a troll too.  I've heard rumblings about the nomad tribes setting differences aside, and trolls in the Big Rubble getting feisty," he finishes, before turning to face the prince, expecting some speech.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:34, Wed 09 June 2021.

Zyxx observes the young man adorned in a splendid silver breastplate, greaves, and vambraces, all carved in swirling patterns and a silver helmet enter the area from the palace. As he walks forward with his long white riding cape flapping behind him. Clearly has all the airs of the prince, therfore Envoranus (senior officer due to birthrights).

Zyxx notes nobody taking control, and moves out in front of his old unit buddies and turns to face them (Daranmon, The Aggabortas ), and the rest of the unit and in a crisp sharp bark of a heavy infantry trooper " "Avocet!      ATTENNNNN-TION!       Officer on Parade ground" .

He then makes he way back into the line with Daranmon and The Aggabortas and turns to face forward standing at attention, he knows the other two will probably follow his lead and stand at attention to show the other green recruits what they need to do. Zyxx stands at attention as the sun continues to beat down on him as he waits for the man to address them.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Wed 09 June 2021.

Wanakela cackles with approval.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Wed 09 June 2021.

Hearing Zyxx's bark, The Aggabortas also stands at attention.  Best to set a good example for the fresh meat.

Althuogh not a drill soldier, Hawendona has seen her share of parades and inspections, and supports her cousin's example to the recruits with a supernumerary's best approximation to standing at attention

Amilcar looked the man up and down, “Welcome to the Crimson Avocet Company.”

The scholar nodded at Corolotha as if to confirm everything would, indeed be fine.

”Perhaps we will call you Astorl the-“ the Golden Scribe paused, rolling his tongue around in his mouth, ”Hmmm. That doesn’t really roll of the tongue does it,” he considered a moment longer then blurted out ”Astorl the OWL!” The dramatic hand flashed forth as the crescendo was reached.

But Amilcar didn’t seem pleased.

He looked down at his papyrus and muttered, ”Perhaps. Perhaps not. We shall see.  Please check that this spelling is correct?  The pronunciation implies a distinct lack of vowels where they would normally be present.”

Amilcar showed the book to Astorl for confirmation.

Astorl



Seeing the Noble Lord approaching, Amilcar gathered the papyrus together as neatly as possible and attempted to imitate, as closely as possible the stance taken by the soldiers.

Then he realized- perhaps the Lord wanted Amilcar to record this historic moment. Panic shot through his body like lightning.

The scholar looked nervously at Corolotha, ”Aught I to put to paper words of this glorious procession?  Or...simply attend?”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Thu 10 June 2021.

The troll stands slightly behind the human prince a pace or so to the side and rear in deference to his status. She holds a shield on her arm and has a kopis hanging from her hip and a Rhomphaia over her back.

In contrast to the bright and shining armour of the human she stands behind hers is dull, bronze greaves and vambraces, and a scale hauberk over her body, all of which is far from polished, in fact seems to have been made dull in some way.

At her side scurries a large redback beetle, its head and thorax totally red this colour running into a mottling pattern with the black of the wingcase over its abdomen.

As the human bellow his call to attention the insect launches itself aggressively forward, mandibles clacking aggressively, but with a low guttural grunt from its master it stops and backs up to her side again.

Prince Envoranus gives a quick cursory glance at the assembled troops and turns his attention to the table where he approaches Amilcar.

"Ah good, the new scribe. No, no, sit down, I need you writing. Are you recording everything? Leave out no detail, this is a tremendous day and all who are blessed to follow me, no matter how undeserving, shall be rewarded beyond their highest hopes. Great deeds await us, for thus is my destiny. (Write that down)."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Fri 11 June 2021.

By the Ram's beard, I'm going to deserve a great reward for this!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Fri 11 June 2021.

”Yes, of course, Sir, and most expeditiously.”

Amilcar set to as his hand scribbled away with a new vigor, the quill shaking in the air like a pheasant’s plume.

”…deeds await us, for this is …my destiny.” Golden fingers extended to the sky, punctuating “destiny.”

The Scribe paused, then continued, ”I shall record all faithfully.  You’ve a unique bunch together on this one, Sir. Your entrance just now with your Troll was the stuff of legend, if you ask me. I dare say it will make a fine story for the ages.  The stuff libraries are built on.” He inclined his head in aplomb approval at Envoranus, smiling wide, his quill at the ready.

Amilcar looked at Corolotha, then Hawendona and the warriors- then to the Praxians.

The Bronze scholar made sure his smile didn’t waiver, but it wasn’t without effort.

Envoranus nods.
"That's good. Resplendent as Yelm, use that.
Captain, are they all signed in?"

Coroltha replies, "Most, lord. There are a few stragglers. The wagons are loaded outside the River Gate as you ordered."

"We'll send the list of deserters to the governor's office and have that lot skinned alive. I have a few more preparations, we leave in an hour."

He nods at Wanakela.

Strolling by the assembled troops more appraisingly this time, he says "You are all in for a glorious adventure. All will explained when we are outside of this stinking city."

He returns to the palace.

If I had a clack for every time someone talked of the great deeds they were about to lead us to, I'd have already retired by now, thought Daranmon, wryly.

The problem with 'unique bunches' was that they lacked cohesion, teamwork, the ability to work together under pressure when it mattered most. It was far from a promising beginning.

The Prince walked past and then returned to the Palace. When he was out of sight Daranmon softly quoted the famous words of a revered, ancient sage.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face."

"Well, it looks like our work here is done" Hawendona says, as she kicks the crescent shield towards Amilcar's table and puts her pack back on.

"Don't forget your shield, Master Panegyrist" she adds, slinging the figure eight shield on her back.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Sat 12 June 2021.

Yes, 'this stinking city'.  Write that down, scribe.



"Was that Tysinius?  Anyway, I get the feeling this prince has never been punched in the face."  The Aggabortas responds in an equally soft tone.

"The very one. And as far as the prince is concerned, I can only agree. It will be up to is to ensure he can take that punch, or at least bounce back from it."

The small scribe wheeled around at the warriors, speaking out of Envoranus’ earshot.

Amilcar’s words were hissed rather than spoken, keeping his voice low as well.

”And who, exactly is going to punch him in the face?  You?” he jabbed a finger at the Aggabortas, ”You?” a golden finger jabbed at the air between Amilcar and Daranmon, ”Tysinius?!?” Amilcar made a mocking fisticuffs gesture with his hands that betrayed the fact he may have never been in an actual fist fight in his life.

He continued, ”Another famous quote from a general: ‘To lead people, walk behind them.’ If that Lord is punched in the face it is because you lot didn’t do your job.” a golden finger tapped his stack of papyrus, ”It is a scriveners thin line that separates a valiant warrior and a dead one. Often they are one and the same. You should be willing to to jump in front of any fist aimed at that Lord’s face.  And watch your tongue!  Are you missing the talk of crucification and flaying while alive?!”

The scholar’s eye darted from left to right as he finished speaking, though whether he was looking to see if someone had overheard them, or checking to make sure that Corolotha had, was hard to tell.

"'The quill is mightier than the sword'..only a scribe could have penned such nonsense. You stick to your records and fables, and leave us to do the dirty work."

Daranmon eyed the Scribe with disdain then turned to Zyxx and The Aggabortas.

"Come. We had better inspect the troops and make sure they're ready. They will need to be."

In reply to Daranmon (msg # 56):

Amilcar gave a squinting side eye to Daranmon, slowly raising his little book and violently scrawling something in it, never breaking eye contact.

Finally, with a self satisfied smirk, he snapped the book shut and put it back in his bag.

-



The shield clattered at the Golden Scholar’s feet.  He watched it, somewhat perplexed, unmoved.

”Master what?” Amilcar looked at the shield, blinking, bewildered, ”I can’t pick that up.” it was a simple statement of fact, ”Do you wish me to sit on it?  Like a sled?  Are you going to pull me?  Like a horse?”

The skinny, golden hued man looked expectantly at Hawendona, and, for a moment it was unclear whether the statement was made in jest, or was, in fact, a request.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:55, Sat 12 June 2021.

"Panegyrist - praise poet" Hawendona says, waving a finger toward Amilcar's little book.

"Let me share an observation about arrows" She leans her elbows on his table resting her chin on her fists. Though her heavy leather cuirass doesn't leave a lot of scope for cleavage, what there is, confronts the scribe at point blank. "The thing is, they're woefully indiscriminate on the matter of combatants and supernuminaries (people outside the fighting complement of a unit)." Her finger wavers towards the book again, as she smiles before adding "Same goes for sling stones. People like us, who hang around with soldiers, we're well advised to look to our own protection. They're really not that heavy on your back, and that's just on the march." She smiles again, straightening up "It's not like you'll have to write with it on."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Sat 12 June 2021.

Coroltha looks over her shoulder at the exchange, and moves deliberately over to the stables. She speaks to one of the servants and presently the zebras are led out to the northeast. A pair of servants hoists a magnificent saddle of dyed leather with inlaid precious stones onto one of the white horses
.
Coroltha circulates among the troops and assigns The Aggabortas, Daranmon and Zyxx to each lead 9 soldiers, each group consisting of 4 heavy infantry and 5 slingers.

Each man or woman in the company is allowed to use their own gear, and otherwise receives appropriate kit from the quartermaster. Whatever else you may think of the prince, you notice that the equipment is of good quality.

The troll, who remained where she was standing when the prince left, has been doing just that and in silence, looking at Yelm as though challenging it to make her retreat to the shadows.

Now though she speaks up in excellent new pelorian "The human Amilcar is correct, your jobs are to see to it that the prince is not punched, or assaulted in any way for that matter."

"If you fail in this then you fail in your job and then is your worth any greater than food?"

The Aggabortas listens impassively, then says, "Calm yourself, scribe.  I did not suggest any of us would punch the prince, or even want to.  Daranmon speaks the truth.  The truth of the battlefield.  At some point, something will go wrong.  At that time, we must be ready.  It's how all of us react that will decide our Fates.

"The prince leads you too.  When the time comes, will you be willing to jump in front of any fist aimed at the Lord?"



Without waiting for a response from the scribe, The Aggabortas walks away and meets with his assigned squad, to learn their names, gauge their abilities and knowledge.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Sat 12 June 2021.

“Keak…keak…keak.” Wanakela waves her trembling hand at her new friends. “I look forward to testing our abilities with you all.  This will be a magnificent campaign!”  She heads out of the meeting area, cackling loudly.  Then the riders mount their sables and get ready for the precession.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Sun 13 June 2021.

Reluctantly, Amilcar pulled  out his book again and began writing in it, slowly.

”Ah.  A compliment then.  Thank you.” the scribe made a little frown, ”These are simply my initial, off the cuff thoughts and ideas.  You should hear my actual poetry.” He said it and glanced at Hawendona out of the corner of his eye, then back to his book, as if appraising a fine jewel.



Again, Amilcar reluctantly made marks in his book at Hawendona’s behest, intermittently.

Amilcar looked at the shield.

Unless the scholar grew a few new muscles immediately, it would be impossible for him to lift.

”While I see the point of your logic…have you something smaller?”

Regardless of what was proffered, Amilcar would only answer “smaller” until the absolute smallest available shield was offered.



Amilcar looked from the Troll and bug to the Warriors and back again as they interacted.  When they finished, he simply added:

”Yeah!”

The Golden Scholar nodded at Hurtzag, a smug, self satisfied smile splayed across his face as if to say “we told them.”

Hurtzag returns the scribe's look, and though it is always difficult to read the expression of another race, he might be forgiven for thinking it is the same look that a wolf might give a deer.

Envoranus emerges from the palace again. Coroltha rapidly strolls over to him, nodding at his instructions and at last saluting him, which he casually returns.
Envoranus climbs gracefully into saddle of one of the white horses. The second is led out of the stable by a servant.

Coroltha gets the troops into formation.

You hear trumpets from the Lunar palace; looking up to the balcony you see the Governor of Prax, Halcyon var Enkorth, a middle aged man with golden plaited beard and wearing the ornate robes of his office. He solemnly salutes Envoranus, who returns the salute, striking his right fist to his chest and then and then extending his fist at shoulder height, and holding the salute for a few seconds.
The prince begins moving his mount forward.

Eight elite soldiers of Halcyon's retinue marches slightly ahead of the procession, pushing pedestrians out of the way and otherwise making way for your troop.

Coroltha arranges you to march in threes, with each squad leader extending the line to 4 every 3 rows, and calling out marching orders; you are pleased that most of the recruits are doing well at this point. Hurtzag is near the front just behind the prince, Astorl riding near the front, and Blazik leading the prince's backup steed just behind. In the rear she puts The Aggabortas's squad, just behind Wanakela and the Praxians, Amilcar and Hawendona.

You file past the Old Gate, where traffic into and out of the city has been arrested for your passing, and turn southeast, along the Pavis Way. A considerable crowd has gathered and looks on with a variety of emotions, from awe to curiosity to contempt. and through a path in the Founder's Market, merchants scurrying to shove carts or roll up rugs full of goods to avoid their being trampled.

You file past the Seven Mothers temple, the priestesses playing instruments and singing a beautiful and eerie tune. Lay members, initiates and priestesses line the road to touch you tenderly as you march by, loudly whispering
"Be blessed"
"Blessings of Sedenya"
"Know her love"
"Be blessed"
"Grace of the Goddess go with you"
Their murmurs create a beautiful harmony that somehow melds with the song.

Turning northeast you march toward the meat market, the smells of the stock and offal becoming overwhelming as you finally reach the River Gate.

The eight elite soldiers steps to the left and right as the Prince rides through the gate. Soldiers are lined up along the walls saluting you and beating their spears on their shields as you exit the relative safety of the city walls.

Hawendona scoops up her spare shield after Amilcar has accepted the buckler from Colotha's supplies. She looks overburdened with her armour, pack and shields, and soon breaks a sweat as the column moves off.
On leaving Founder's Market, she gives the Seven Mothers temple and priestesses an eyes-left and a deep head bow. Whenever she is touched by a worshiper she replies "I am not helpless, you are not helpless"

Before the group heads off with their orders, Zyxx walks over to Amilcar and speaks to him quietly in a careful and considered almost monotone tone. "Scribe, I am a professional solider and so are The Aggabortas and Daranmon. I would like to suggest that respect is a two way street. I respect your skills and professionalism, and I expect to you respect mine. I know that The Aggabortas and I both put our lives on the line fighting the Sartarites gaining scars for it too as we defended our commanders. Please never question my loyalty, or commitment to the Empire."

He then looks into Amilcar eyes for a few seconds before continuing but in a more caring and loud tone "I would like to suggest Scribe that you do carry some kit for two simple reasons. One it useful to be able to defend yourself. Two when we attack our foes we kill the easiest ones first, this causes most unhappiness in the enemy unit and also most unarmoured folks are healers and mages that are possible some of the most valuable and/or scarce resources in a unit. I suggest you try and look like a light slinger so the enemy does not single you out. But the choice is yours"

Again he looks at  Amilcar straight into his eyes and says softly & quietly "If you want some training in martial skills, or even knowledge of how to read the battle field see me. I normally train alone at the start of each day as I watch the moon fade away."

As Zyxx walks away he stops and turns toward the scribe "Please remember that The Aggabortas, Daranmon and I are all professional soldiers, and we will always do our duty for the empire."

As the unit walks through the city Zyxx keeps a close eye on his squad. He is sees a few weakness and flaws, but none that need to be correct in front of a crowd. He makes a mental note that they might not be lambs. With a mild concern over magic he starts to repeat in his head the phrase "Blessed mothers protect us all"

As he walk past his temple, he looks into each of the eyes of the priestess that touch him and he nods his head to show thanks for their blessings.

Zyxx walks through the gate with the squad thinking I wonder what the grand plan is before return to his private prayer of "Blessed mothers protect us all".

Amilcar flashed an uncharacteristic anger, hissing at Zyxx “I’ve been in battle before.” as his jaw jutted forward a long scar could be seen traveling along the underside of his jawline. There had obviously been extensive healing work done, but the scar was visible none the less.

The Scribe seemed suddenly to catch himself, realizing the other man’s obviously more martial makeup, and his demeanor calmed significantly, ”And I hold my tongue for no one, Sir. I hope you are all good fighters and loyal too- I’m trusting you to keep me alive!” Amilcar leaned his head to the side, ”But…I will say, as far as the offer of training…that, while I have some skill of my own, I could be persuaded…to be more …committed to doing yours,” his eyebrows raised as the last words rushed out of his mouth as if dropped out of a bucket.



”We’re counting on it,” Amilcar waved at the man as he left, smiling.

-

Later, as the Crimson Avocet Company passed through the city, Amilcar waved and preened for the crowd as they marched. His smile sparkled in the sunlight and his golden features seemed to reflect the sun itself.

At least, if you were to let Amilcar tell it.

In truth, his enthusiasm did not match his station.  While the scholar behaved as if he were one of the coordinators of the procession, the fact was, he was not.

As the unit continues to follow the Prince, Zyxx performs a quick scan of the area. I he sees that all the "gang" are with the Prince in this procession. He thinks to himself Odd that we did not sort out the unit roles and objectives in the city. I hope this Prince has experience of the wilds as he should be sending those scouts off about now too.

Pomp and circumstance. Even in this sun-baked hellhole the Empire could serve up a send-off that would make the Red Emperor smile.

Daranmon had seen too many of them though to feel even slightly moved. None of it mattered even a jot once they were outside of the gate - from then on they would rely on their skills, spells and the surety provided by a keen blade. As they marched he watched his squad with a keen, practiced eye: woe betide the man who fell out of step with the rest, for Daranmon would not countenance anything other than his unit working in perfect harmony. The margins between Life and Death were very fine indeed.

One of the few grizzled veterans in the company, a provincial from Tarsh named Neesmus, carries the troop's vexillum. It is in the form of a silver moon rune at the end of a long pole, with red and white ribbons flowing a third of the way down from the top, otherwise unadorned. As the company proves itself, the standard may become more ornate.

This standard will also house the company's wyter, when it gets allocated.

Neesmus’ arms were most likely made of iron forged in the crucibles of the Mostali, his mind of a singular goal- protect the Vexillum!  His flaxen hair-

Amilcar stopped his writing and looked up from the page, bouncing softly from side to side on the back of his mount.  He absently pressed his charcoal pencil to his mouth leaving a small, ashen circle on his upper lip.

The Scribe wanted his work rooted in truth.

And in truth, he did not know the color of Neesmus’ hair, as he had never seen the man without a helmet on.

The description would have to wait.

His eyes darted about as he considered which party member he might immortalize on papyrus next.

Perhaps the trio of fighting men? Classic, to be sure, but not really an original trope. The Scribe would have to figure out the correct way to feature them. “The Three Friends,” or some such. Perhaps some sort of salute could be encouraged- a crossing of the arms over the chest with a hip thrust?  The details would need to be sorted.

Perhaps the Praxians?  The crone & the scout.  But what narrative?  A rebel band of traitorous savages come to their senses and join the Righteous Lunar Empire in the conquest of civilization over the rabble of Prax. Or perhaps an abolitionist piece, featuring the hardships and considerations that the Praxians faced as a people in the eye of the ever encroaching menace of the Lunar Empire.  A piece aimed at softening the hearts of Lunars towards Praxians.

Amilcar let out a loud snort-laugh-choke-cough combination at the last thought, looking around to make sure no one had witnessed the outburst.

No. There would be no abolitionist piece written by Amilcar. He didn’t hold the position in his heart and would struggle to develop cogent arguments.

His eyes fell to the woman that was helping with everything- Hawendona. Perhaps. Her story could be used as an anchor to tell all of the others. A lynchpin in an anthology of sorts.  Something to consider.

Next, his gaze fell to the Troll.  Hurtztag.  A chance at documenting a culture rarely interacted with at such close proximity. A work which could earn real position among the Libraries. Amilcar made a note to revisit the idea. Perhaps a series of interviews.

The Lord Envoranus would, of course, be central to Amilcar’s writings- but one must be careful with nobles. Often their time and attention were difficult victories to capture, and provisions must be made to frame the narrative differently to place the true subject (Envoranus) in the correct light- but while telling the truth of the matter through the eyes of others.

The young scribe had no doubt he would figure out the correct way to tell the story.

But, then, confidence did not seem to be an attribute Amilcar was lacking for.

As the troops continued to walk in the dust from the Prince, Zyxx considered if he would get to name his Squad. He knew for sure that he would not be calling them Red Storks if he got a choice, even if it would mean he would get to see the scribe lose his cool.

The first thing Zyxx need to consider was how to sort out the squad. Normally he liked to Heavies and Slingers to fight as dedicated units, but that would not be the best option here. He would probably go with the Mavros formation, Heavies with slingers behind. Slingers attack with the Heavies acting as their protectors. Zyxx like to press to get his unit into the faces of his foes, and never truely liked this formation as the slingers never had great range plus slingers were skirmish troops unlike the heavy foot.

The real answer to the problem would be to talk to the other squad leaders tonight to sort out a formation plan, assuming that others would not meddle in soldiering unless they were qualified.

How many times had Hawendona been through the River Gate in recent months to haggle with the Sable butchers of Badside?

This was no short excursion with the seasonal mess officer and his enforcer of choice. She appeared to be the only one with the compulsion (or the poor discipline) to give New Pavis a backward glance. It was no Mirin's Cross, no Furthest, no Boldhome even, but it had a certain villainous frontier charm, would she miss it? Yes, she would miss it. Someday. If there was a someday. For now, like those twitchy recruits she should attend to the next steps.

Where would her maternal fostering of cohesion run into Coroltha's sororal tempering or Envoranus's paternal dictat? How far off was the enemy and what did they know? How far was she going to have to trudge before consigning this fucking hypaspist shield on the unfortunate factotum Blazic or the baggage train? Was Astorl lucky enough? was Wanakela functionally insane? Why would a Lunar noble want a troll as a bodyguard? Was Zyxx's zeal too close to fanaticism? Were the other file leaders dependable? at least they weren't from rival units. A blessing to be counted. Why had Amilcar really leant on The Grey Sage's name?  Time would tell. It always did, for the survivors.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Mon 14 June 2021.

Marching forth from the River Gate, you turn east, paralleling the great river. The river is deep and swift, and the salt ford to the northwest uncrossable. You notice only a few newtlings braving the current flooded conditions, waste deep in the surging water, efficiently using nets and tridentsto harvest the bounty of the Zola Fel. Your troop presently meets up with 3 wagons pulled by zebras, a handful of city guards standing watch. They salute and stand to the side of the road.
Coroltha drops back to trot along the Aggabortas.
“I need your squad as rearguard” (the very important but undesirable task of marching behind the wagons).  “It was determined by lot” she tells you with a shrug.

You reach the great bridge: its width is 30 feet and it is over 300 feet long. Built to accommodate river craft and even allow the passage of giant cradles—thought by many to be a fable until a few years ago.

The bridge is well guarded, and you know that the Lunar soldiers there collect a toll from any who wish to pass; in your case they stand up straight and salute until the last row of The Aggabortas’s squad passes by.

They also seem less shocked by Hurtzag's beetle than one might expect, but to serve in Pavis means familiarity with the Uz.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Mon 14 June 2021.

"Yes Ma'am," replies The Aggabortas, "I figured as much."  Since they've left the city, he re-arranges his squad - no Time like the present.  Three of his heavy infantry at the rear, and the five slingers and remaining heavy infantry in the two rows ahead.  He marches alongside the back row, all the better to observe and assess his new squad.



The Aggabortas returns the salute.  Leaving the bridge behind, he barks to his squad.  "Listen up!  We have been honoured to be posted as rearguard.  Keep your heads on a swivel.  Keep a lookout in all directions, particularly behind.  If you see something, say something!"

As she reaches the wagons,Hawendona looks in the back of one, and then another, in which she deposits her crescent shaped shield.
As the column moves off, she plays a tune on her Tarsh pipes, a march or possibly a hymn. Although the narrow bore and closed chanter give a softer more staccato sound than the Orlanthi war pipes, the instrument's drones may be unfamiliar to some of the conscripts. Unlike the war pipes the airflow is provided by a set of bellows under her right arm

She starts to sing bending some of the notes in what Glamour musicians have popularised as the 'Blue Moon' style
Look down, look down that Daughter's Road
Before you hustle on
Look up, look up to Moon your maker
'Fore Kana Poor blows his horn

Weary totin' such a load
Marchin' down that Daughter's Road
Look down, look down that Daughters Road
Before, you hustle on

Oh love, oh love, what have I done
That you should treat me so?
You caused me to walk and talk and moan
Like I never did before

Weary totin' such a load
Marchin' down that Daughter's Road
Look down, look down that Daughter's Road
Before you travel on

Look down, look down that Daughter's Road
Where former vexilia have gone
Look out, look out. Those winds will chill ya
If you perceive the breeze with scorn

Weary totin' such a load
Marchin' down that Daughter's Road
Look down, look down that Daughters Road
Before, you struggle on
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Tue 15 June 2021.

Hurtzag eyes the newtlings in the Zola Fel with curiosity. She has heard that some humans favour their tails, but decides by what she can see of these ones, that there is likely eating in their bodies and heads too.

She makes a mental note to try one at least if she has a chance before this duty is over.

Zyxx continues with his squad over the bridge, keenly taking in all the information about. After the squad crosses the bridge an takes on water he rearranges the squad into the Mavros formation. 4 heavies and him in the first line, 5 slingers behind. Zyxx taking the left most spot on the line.

He wonders to himself, where and when the ambush will occur. They always do, and without having sent out scouts this is a gimme!

Great minds thought alike. Daranmon was already making his own plans when he saw Zyxx lining up his squad, so he wasted no more time. Three short lines were formed, with two heavy foot to either side and the complete contingent of five slingers up the middle, and Daranmon himself immediately behind. That way heavies could quickly switch sides and the slingers could cover whichever direction any attack came from.

And the attack would come, it was just a question of when.

The Newtlings duck under the water when they see Hurtzag's hungry look, only an occasional bubble betraying their location.

Once across the bridge, Coroltha stops the procession and approaches Astorl.
"Don't get too far, stay within a couple of bowshots of the vanguard, but go keep an eye out. Find us a spot to camp about 5 miles up the road."


The area immediately along the river is cultivated farmland with orchards and fields. Visibility is not great and the shadows are growing longer.

Coroltha organizes Zyxx's squad in the van and Daranmon in the middle, ahead of the wagons. She approves of your tactics, although she doesn't seem to expect an attack on so large  a group this close to the city.

She says to Envoranus "Lord, may I suggest that you ride ahead of the baggage train, that way you can better keep an eye on the entire company and provide your great insight wherever it is needed?"  He scoffs at this. "Nonsense, all great leaders lead from the front." Coroltha: "As you say, my prince."

The company resumes its eastward march, .

Zyxx looks over to Daranmon , and nods at him as he orders his men into a formation. He thinks to himself it is great the squads are sorting themselves out. With a rye smile he think to himself that different leaders using different experience & weapon choices can arrange a unit into different shapes. All good, and each better than another for a specific issue.

With the squad watered Zyxx runs through the basic, getting them to go forward and stop as a unit. Then moves to the wheel left, wheel right and finally the U-turn switch involves front & rear line switch places. The squad performs the task well considering only a few mins of drill to learn it.

Squad drinks again and eats quickly, expecting the unit to move out again.

Hurtzag exchanges a glance with Coroltha as Envoranus responds that he'll be leading from the fore. As they move on she turns to those that have been assigned to her "Come, keep your eyes open if anything happens clear a path back for the prince."

In reply to Gargle (msg # 82):

The two Praxian braves go out scouting.  Is Astorl mounted or on foot?

Do the spirits seem out of place or unusual?  (OOC: Rolling on the die roller, attempting to augment the spirit lore roll with the gentle but persistent power of the Moon Rune. Failed the augment, but got the exact number for success on Spirit Lore, with penalty.)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Wed 16 June 2021.

”Great leaders lead from the front,” Amilcar voiced the words in a low voice as he wrote the words into his book, ”I must have gotten it wrong before- in reverse order, apparently.  Glad that’s cleared up then.  Say!”

The Golden scribe appeared to have an epiphany, ”if we are in the front,” he pointed his quill in that direction, “and we are attacked from the rear,” Amilcar pointed the quill in the opposite direction, ”then we will be at the back of the train, and removed from glory.  But-“ the golden scholar smiled, winningly, “But if we are here- in the middle- then we can make our way to the fighting- and the GLORY-“ the thin, dramatic,  golden hand shot out to the heavens, as if angry to have not been put to purpose recently, ”will be just within arms reach- regardless from whence the threat comes!  When we think of it this way- the middle is the front!”

Amilcar held his pose for a minute before collapsing in on himself, his book, and his quill, scribbling while mumbling ”Ooh. I rather like that. Middle is the front!  Because it is, in a sense…”

The Scribe seemed to sense that he may have reverted (again) to his own internal monologue, and he knit his eyebrows as he refocused on Envoranus, “What say you, my Lord, to leading from the middle when the middle is the front.”

The scholar smiled to himself.

This business of war tactics wasn’t nearly as complicated as he had been led to believe.

As they continue marching, The Aggabortas continues watching and assessing his troops.  He also speaks to his heavy infantry, explaining the basic principles of a shield wall, strength in unity, and the necessity of not breaking the formation.

"Busara!" he says, addressing of the female slingers.  "Run ahead to Captain Coroltha and ask what our mission is, now that we've left the city walls."

Although she's probably too far back to hear the conversation, Hawendona's eyes widen slightly at Envoanus's continued presence in the van. Her purse lipped nod seems to indicate approval of a sort.

Astorl is mounted on a zebra. Wanakela’s braves accompany him, riding far to the left and right of the road.




Busara, a young Tarshite who has spent most of her life in Pavis since the Lunars liberated the city, salutes The Aggabortas and trots off past the carts, past Daranmos’s squad, and past Zyxx’s squad to where Hurtzag, Coroltha and are walking on either side of the mounted Prince Envoranus.
After a brief exchange during which those nearby see Busara’s shoulders sag a bit, she salutes and stands off to the side as the company marches by.
Returning to the Aggabortas she says “Sir. The captain said, “Don’t ask questions, little slinger. You’ll know where we’re going when we tell you. Return to your squad.” And then as I was leaving she seemed a little nicer and said “It will be soon.”

Hawendona approaches the servant Blazik who's is leading Envoranus's spare mount alongside one of the wagons.

She loops a long arm around his shoulders and gives him a comradely pat exchanging a few words which ,aside from an open handed gesture disavowing responsibility, she keeps confidential.

Zyxx and his Squad continue along the route lead by Envoranus, staying sharp and alert.

Zyxx keeps scanning the terrain, like a rabbit looking out for wolves. He feels happier that there are now two out-riders which he hopes are competent; no reason to think they are not but then again he could hear one of his old officers reminding him of the basic of running a unit "until you know your men and the units around you assume the worst; and stay ready for the unexpected. It does no harm to pray for luck at times too.". With that he says a little whispered prayer: "Seven Mothers, guide and direct me as I seek to protect your followers, my men and Envoranus. Help us as we take risks in this world which require your protection from those that wish us harm."

Zyxx continues along the route, but there is still a feeling of caution running through his veins. He dislikes following a leader without knowing anything, but he also know that the role of a Soldier is to follow orders without question (well most of the time).

Zyxx continues to reflect on his past and considers Commander Rostag Valash comments with the orders. Was the comment about Red Storks a warning, rather than a joke? Could red mean blood? Could it be a local tune sang to children like "Two forks, Three forks, Red storks, Green storks". No inspiration as yet, except the concerns of "RED".






(OOC - As I am new to this, should I be performing a battle roll to ensure the the squad is ready for a surprise attack / Ambush)

Blazik initially flinches at Hawendona's touch--the young man seems jumpy.




<OOC: probably more of a scan roll, you can roll battle if you want to assess the conditions of the field, what terrain would be favorable, etc. Generally if something makes sense and you want to roll it, feel free!>

Astorl locates a barley field that is more or less flat, about a hundred yards to the east of the road. It’s bounded on the north by a waist high, partially broken down stone wall, and on the east by a small pond.

Coroltha assigns Daranmon’s squad responsibility to dig a latrine and otherwise prepare the camp site (this is not punitive, your experience suggests that these jobs will rotate among the groups day to day).

The carts are moved in and unloaded and the zebras unhitched and led to graze.

One cart holds the tent, floorboards, table, braziers, chests, armor rack, and bed of the prince. Troops are set to unload and construct his tent. While the prince’s tent is not more grand than you have seen on other campaigns, it is huge for a leader of a small company like this.

A second cart holds four-man tents for the army, made of cured hide; some shovels, molds for shaping sling bullets, construction tools, and other miscellanea to support troops in the field.

The final cart contains a variety of supplies under Hawendona’s purview.

Hawendona tries to soothe the jumpy groom as the march continues.
At the camp site, she checks the supplies being unloaded and tries to collar Amilcar to take notes. "You're in charge of records master scribe, would you set down the quantities when I count them please? and I'll let you know how much was expended on supper later. By the way, was the Prince's groom on the list of people we expected? his name is Blazik, he only turned up at the last moment, you might need to add him to the roster of the company."

She checks with Coroltha that it is OK to light a fire to heat up the supper, and whether there are particular tents assigned for the noncombatants or if they just have to disperse themselves amongst the squad tents.

All of the expected supplies are present and there are a couple of bonus sachets of spices from the Grocer's stall boy, who must have had more of a crush than she'd realised. Supper is produced on time and well above army standard.
If there are no specific tents for non-combatants then she will try to weasel a space in cousin Zyxx's tent.

Whilst being positioned in the middle of the marching formation meant his troop would be best able to counter an attack on the middle, or support either the vanguard or the rear quickest, it also left one within earshot of prattling scribes. Daranmon smiled and let it go this time though - doubtless that quill-wielding fool would shit feathers at his first sign of a broo! Or perhaps he wasn't as much of an idiot as he first appeared, only time would tell.

With darkness falling soon it only made sense to stop and set up camp. Daranmon saluted Coroltha as she designated his troop to make the preparations, and immediately handed out orders to his squad to begin. They already knew better than to make even the slightest grumble, for he would not hear of it, and he gave them some little help in the process in any case (to prove he was not above such work, and that they were all in this together). Besides that, setting up camp meant his squad would be off guard duty for the evening, which meant - all being well - a decent meal and a good night's sleep.

When the camp was ready he went to check in with Coroltha to confirm his task was completed, then talked both with The Aggabortas and Zyxx to get their impressions of the first day.

As the Prince gives the order to make camp, The Aggabortas gathers his squad and speaks quietly to them.  "Right, lads, and ladies, let's get to work setting up tents.  We can reserve the best plots for ourselves, like towards the centre, and far away from the latrine!  Hop to it, double time!"

As each of the squads gets about their task, Zyxx sets out his orders to his squad.  "Squad! Looks like we get first guard watch. Heavies, I want one of you on each corner of the camp on guard details. Slingers, I want you to collect some firewood. I then want all the brush and cover removed near the camp, as I like a clear line of sight for our defence. I do not want to make it easy for foes to sneak up on use. I will be back shortly"

He then points at the youngest slinger, a man known as Yanni. "Yanni, with me. I need you to act as the runner for the moment". The two men then walk over to see The Aggabortas . When he get over to the tall muscled man he say "This is Yanni, please can you get one of your men to show him which tents are for my squad. Thanks. I like Daranmon idea that we have a chat about the day, something to do after the meal."<red>

Zyxx then turns to Yanni "Right, I want you to sort out our squad kit into our tents. You will be told which they are. Put the heavies in one, the slingers in the next. As the runner you are with me in the third tent. Put an extra bedroll down in their for Hawendona, as she is my cousin she may as well bunk in our tent. When it is all done come and find me, Do you understand all of that?". Young Yanni nods. With that Zyxx leaves, and walks around the camp checking on each of his Heavy Infantrymen on guard detail first, before checking on each of the slingers. Then he works with the slingers clearing the terrain near the camp.

At meal time he sees his cousin and says that young Yanni will show her that there is a bed roll for her.

After his meal he sits down with the other squad leaders to discuss the day. During the discussion he suggest that they should invite the Wanakela to join them for discussions as scouting information is always useful.

With the camp established, when the braves return from their scouting and have reported in, Wanakela will have the braves take her around the immediate vicinity (so she will will be able to perceive anything out of the ordinary in the spirit realm).
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Sat 19 June 2021.

The evening meal that Hawendona produces is recognisably based on marching rations. Half a segment of hard bread and a pottage of pulses and grains. However it's hot, enlivened by morsels of steeped preserved meat and something spicy, either a local herb or something genuinely exotic. Early in sea season, no one expects much in the way of fresh vegetable matter, and avoiding the hunger commonly associated with storm season is a blessing in itself.

Whilst you can't please everyone, it's much better than might be expected after a day on the march, and meets with approval; even more, so the expectation of a wine ration following Lord Envoranus's address to the troops, based on hints from the file leaders.

After supper, Coroltha calls the company to order, instructing Zyxx, Daranmon and The Aggabortas to put their squads into three rows, facing the Prince's tent. The irregulars are in the back.
She tells Amilcar to get ready to write, and has Hurtzag stand to the prince's side when he emerges.
The shadows lengthen as Yelm approaches the gates of dusk. In the northeast the Red Moon shines, never rising, never setting, a comforting presence in this barbaric land.

As Yelm continues to fall, Zyxx walks over to Yanni and says "Yanni, collect all the slingers and get them all to the met me at the Prince's tent on the East side. NOW!" . Zyxx then walks around the camp collecting the Heavies from their sentry duty post, looking over to the northeast to see the Red Moon. As he walks he whispers to himself the warriors chant for protect from the Seven Mother.

He then meets Yanni and orders the unit to line up, as Coroltha has ordered into a row facing the Prince's tent. Front rank heavies, second rank slingers. Zyxx puts himself on the end of the line, with young Yanni behind him. He then passes out his orders to the unit to stay in a line, looking at the Prince's tent.

Prince Envoranus emerges from his tent. He seems to have brought a larger wardrobe than might normally be found on such a campaign, and he wears a white robe with elegant red and gold brocade in geometric patterns. A silver circlet with precious gems rests on his head. He holds a small scroll in his hand.

"Greeting, Members of the Crimson Avocet Company. You are blessed above all other to be part of this glorious adventure. Songs shall be sung about the great deeds that shall be performed, by me and those with me.

I am the Lord Envoranus of Glamour, son of Idiratus Goldenbrow, Prince of the Kandoor Family, Bearer of the Armor of Kelathes, Heir to the Ruby Sword, and your master. Give thanks!


I have studied the ways of war, of the sling, the javelin, the kopis and the bow, and have mastered them all. You need not worry with me to lead you. No harm shall befall the one who obeys me, but woe to him who ignores my commands!"

he gestures with the scroll, hesitating dramatically for that to sink in.


"But, that shall not be a problem for us, I am sure. No, I see in each of you small reflections of my own glory, little seedlings ready to come to glorious bloom under my nurture.

But that's enough about you.

This mission is the first of many to build greater power and influence in the region. I did not wish to speak of it aloud in the city, as there are many rebellious, greedy, and treacherous ears there.

Now, as you know, the lands to the north and east of the city, provincially called Pavis County, hold thousands of souls and good farmland, nourished by the Zola Fel and Scritha rivers.

The news that has reached me through my careful research and ingenious spycraft..."
he again holds up the scroll
"Is that there is a grand opportunity to achieve a glorious victory in battle, secure the loyalty of the settlers who we will rescue, and come back with great riches.
Every man and woman in this company is assured a bag of wheels when this mission is complete. For up in the north there are two giants, brothers as my intelligence tells me, if indeed giants have families. They are called Dothmarsh and Mothdarsh.
These huge brutes have been terrorizing the countryside and there is little help available to the peasants whom they abuse.
Not only that, but they have put together a fine collection of treasure from the travelers who they eat.
So, our mission is simple. We march along the river bank, find these two giants, take their heads and their treasure, and I return to Pavis to great acclaim befitting my heroism and station. And you few--you lucky few--are each enriched beyond your imagining. Of course the greatest treasure is serving me in this adventure.
And so I say--to victory!"

Zyxx has seen a number of these rally speeches before and knows now when a rallying yell is expected, even if military training says otherwise. So as the after the princes yell of "to victory", he yells back " To VICTORY " looking at his squad to ensure they follow his lead, " To VICTORY! To VICTORY ". Three responses often seemed to be the right number of responses to a rally chant, followed by silence to enable to leader to feel loved and important.

Zyxx then ensured the squad stood to attention waiting to see what happens next. As he stands he started to let his military mind start to plan. Ranged weapons would be wise against the giants. I wonder if there are bows and arrows for the Heavies? Pit traps would be useful, but they would be really tough to make for a giant - discount that idea. Pity we do not have a giant siege crossbow, but that would probably be too cumbersome to use - dicsount that idea too. Slingers with oil are often a good, and really option - good option so far. Basic plan = Three volleys of oil, then archers with fire arrows. Better see what supplies are available later.

Wanakela cackles in disbelief. She knows better then to voice any concerns, but to herself she ponders "So marauding rebels and pillaging broos are off the menu.  So disappointing.  Now I know why Crow spirit and the others were casting a shadow of Death over the expedition. I wonder how many here will have to feel their First Death on this mission?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Tue 22 June 2021.

With his squad aligned with the others, ready for the grand announcement - sorry, The Grand Announcement - Daranmon stood at attention and calmly waited. His wait was not long, and Prince Envoranus soon arrived to shower the company with his beneficence, and reward them with the simple sharing of his wisdom. Or something like that.

Outwardly, Daranmon stood stoically, and followed Zyxx's chants with cries of his own, encouraging his own squad to scream "TO VICTORY!" into the desert evening.

Inwardly, his heart sank. Giants. One giant could wipe out an entire company by itself, while two would serve up this ragtag bunch for breakfast. The Prince clearly didn't know his arse from his elbow, but there was every chance he would get one or both handed to him shortly before he became giant fodder. It was perhaps fortunate that Daranmon hadn't gotten to know his squad better - it would make it a little easier to burn what was left of them at the end.

Assuming any of them lived to do so.

The soldiers follow the cheers of their leaders, hitting their spears on their shields loudly.

The prince seems pleased by this and returns to his tent.

Coroltha orders the troops to fall out and tells Daranmon, The Aggabortas and Zyxx to set up guard duties for the night, leaving details for them to determine.

Wanakela's two braves construct a wigwam for her, its strange conical shape standing out among the uniform Lunar tents.

Yelm sets in the west, campfires and the torches of the guards the only light.

Hawendona doles out celebratory rations of wine with help from Blazik. Watchmen get their dues after they've done sentry duty.

Zyxx turn to his squad "Red Squad, back to your sentry duties. We will complete the first watch. The make sure you get food & sleep. Slingers, each of you pair up with a heavy for sentry duty. Yanni your with me."

For the first watch Zyxx and Yanni walk around the camp on roaming sentry duty. Then at the end of the shift all 10 men stop for food and drink, before sleeping.

<<OOC - Off for next 36hours-ish. Zyxx will get up at dawn and practice sword and shield moves to warm up for the day. If anybody joins he is happy to lead the practice drill for all. Cya Zarc.>>

The night passes without incident.

<OOC: any other interactions or things people wanted to do can be added, it's not a problem for things to be a little out of order>


The next morning is crisp as you break camp and there is a cool breeze. You see a few clouds to the south and west.

Gathering up the bedrolls and folding up the tents of the troopers takes a few minutes, whereas breaking down the prince's tent takes closer to an hour.

The Red Moon is a waning crescent on this Freezeday of Harmony Week, a day special to Queen Deezola.

The troops, zebras, and horses fed (and probably the beetle and troll as well(?)), the company moves out. Zyxx's squad is assigned the rearguard today and Daranmon the van.

Astorl and Wanakela's scouts trot off ahead.

After clearing breakfast and packing up, Hawendona approaches Colortha while Envoranus's tent is being struck.

"Morning Chief, tomorrow is a seasonal holy day of Oria, as you probably know. I hope, if things are quiet, you'll allow me to hold a short service in the evening (open to any of the women who want to attend, of course). I'm no priestess, but I'm probably the closest thing we've gotten"

Zyxx starts his day with a few warm up exercise drill practicing sword and shield before returning to his tent to get ready for the tent. He looks out for the scribe to see if he wants some practice with live saving combat skills.

Zyxx gets up and then wakes the unit. After his morning military briefing, Zyxx informs the unit of their role for the day.

While the Envoranus's tent is being broken down and put away Zyxx heads over to speak to Coroltha for a short quiet conversation with the military second in command.

Quiet and untalkative as Hurtzag was before the prince's speech she is even more so since. She had stood straight and silent to his side and not perceivably reacted to the news of the mission, not to the human eye at least.

Now that she knows what they are to be involved in she looks upon most of the humans more akin to the way she would look upon enlo, just so many that will die harassing the giants before the proper fighters get involved.

Between herself and the beetle, one there was no time last night that the prince was left unguarded, though the beetle took the greater share.

"That's a good plan. We must honor our gods in these strange lands."

"Thanks Chief" Hawendona says "I appreciate it. It never did anybody any harm to be right with the Great Mother." Her body language suggests she hopes Coroltha also takes the opportunity, but she leaves the thought unvoiced.

With his squad in the vanguard this day Daranmon roused the men, mustering them into formation in short order. He then put them through a fairly rigorous exercise regime, not too long but not too short either, but enough to ensure they would be ready when the time came to move out. That done he ordered them to get some breakfast, while he went off to check in with the other officers.

Wanakela strolls around the camp, smiling and encouraging folks while they complete their labors.  Once she comes across Coroltha, she asks "Coroltha, correct?  Keak...keak...keak. Greetings. Who should I speak with regarding my excursions?"

Wanakela suddenly becomes distracted by what could be an imaginary bush, which she seems to be happily harvesting.  Once complete, she returns to Coroltha, "sorry, did you say something?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Sun 27 June 2021.

Coroltha nods. "The prince considers you an important asset for this mission.
If by... excursion... you mean leaving the camp, I recommend against that, although unlike the men who report to me, I will not physically restrain you.
If you mean leaving your body, let me know what support you need for that."

"Excellent.... excellent," cackled the crone. "I need to know when we will be stationary for a while.  I can... find my way... back to my body, even if it is moved, but why complicate an already complicated matter?  Keak...keak...keak. In general, it is good for me to spend some time looking around.  You never know what is lurking out there."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Sun 27 June 2021.

In reply to Wanakela (msg # 119):

"As far as I know we are marching at a pace, with little time to explore. If you do wish to wander, let me know and I'll attach a few guards to you. We will stop every night though as we have a fair distance to cover."

After you march a short time, Astorl reports back to Coroltha.


After a couple hours, the company comes upon a noisy stream that is rushing on its way to feed the Zola Fel downstream. A wooden and stone bridge crosses it.

Astorl found it has several loose boards in the bridge that will be problematic for the wagons but has also located some lumber.

<OOC Anyone who wants can make a devise roll or otherwise offer suggestions for getting the carts across the stream.>

(Coroltha is scrambling and Envoranus seems bored and that this problem is beneath his pay grade, instead he consults his scroll).

You also notice more clouds to the southwest.

Wanakela gives Coroltha the agreed signal, points to the clouds at the Southwest, sits cross-legged, rolls her eyes back in her head while levitating an inch off the ground. After five seconds of chanting, a torrent of smoke comes billowing out of her face.  This takes on an opaque image, floating around the perimeter of the company, before disappearing. Wanakela's body looks taught and ridged, while her hands randomly flutter and she cackles every few moments.

While discorporated, first she scans around the nearby area, to make sure that there is no immediate dangers. If everything is safe, she will head towards the clouds in the Southwest.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Mon 28 June 2021.

Seeing as his squad was in the vanguard Daranmon was among the first to have a good look at the bridge. He was no engineer, far from it, and the problems he overcame were sorted with the edge of a blade. He did have some thoughts on the matter.

"Perhaps we can use the lumber to place under the wheels of the wagons as they go over the loose boards. If we can try one wagon at a time we should get them all across safely. It'll take time, but we're not in any rush right now."

15:46, Today: Daranmon rolled 84 using 1d100. Devise roll, nothing to see here!

Hurtzag looks at the bridge and at the timber that Astorl has located and points out that there is sufficient material if they lay it in a particular way.

The Aggabortas motions to his squad to fill their water skins, while he and the other squad leaders consider the issue of the wagons.



He nods to his fellow veteran.  "Yeah, that's my only thought."

He casts a nervous eye at the clouds of Orlanth mustering to the south, though, but is comforted to see the shaman point to the clouds in acknowledgment.

[OOC: The Aggabortas definitely failed his Devise roll.]



"What way do you mean..?" he asks, hoping that the Uz will do most of the heavy lifting.

Zyxx stays at the back, having formed the unit into a defensive formation with the squad on sentry duty.

[ooc failed roll]

You set about securing the bridge. It's a little tricky, but Hurtzag knows what needs to be done.
At one point Annstad the Small, a member of Daranmon's squad, is needed to crawl to a part of the broken bridge to secure a line and he nearly slips into the rushing water but is able to hold on until help arrives.
<OOC: missed a fumble by 1%, that would have been bad and given me the opportunity to put something in that column of the spreadsheet> 

The three wagons make it across with increasing difficulty. The rushing water continues to buffet the repaired bridge until the last of your company is across. Hopefully on the way back the waters will have subsided some...

The rest of the day's march goes by without incident as you make your way along the right bank of the Scritha.

You see a few groups of tenant farmers working the fields, they stop their labor as you pass watching you with a combination of fear and fascination.

Astorl locates a suitable camp.



Wanakela's braves ride back to camp proudly with a boar that they killed while scouting, presenting the animal first to Wanakela.

During the day, The Aggabortas reminds his squad, marching in the middle of the column, to keep their eyes out along the flanks for any danger.

At the end of the day, he prompts them again to erect the tents.  "The further out field we get, the important it is to secure the best tent spots!" he hisses quietly to his squad.

Then gathers his hoplites for some training on a shield wall.  Once they're passable, he'll speak to Zyxx and Daranmon about the infantry in each squad performing combined exercises.  Uh, we'll have to find an experienced slinger to train our missile recruits.

As the unit comes to a halt, Zyxx issues similar orders to the night before. Yanni get the kit into the tents, before joining Zyxx as he walks about the camp as the squad performs its guard duty. As he walks around he trys to talk to others like the scribe and the shaman Wanakela to check they are ok, and ask them how their day went. He check in with Coroltha to check what the plan is for tomorrow.

Zyxx and the squad eat a late supper, and then Zyxx joins The Aggabortas, Daranmon and Hawendona by the fire to talk. He quietly shares his views and knowledge as he finish off his meal with a lump of bread.

<ooc I am watching the Euro 2020 competition, so I might not post much over the next 36hours>

Wanakela eventually snaps out of her trance.  “Water please.” Once Wanakela is able to wet her lips, she comments “during most of the journey, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary… keak… keak ….keak. But when I began to return, I noticed something behind us.  They could be humans, humanoids, or mirages.  We should send out the scouts to get confirmation.”

Zyxx hears the request for water as he just finsihes off his meal and walk over to provides Wanakela water as requested. Zyxx then asks the shaman "Are you ok?" <Assumption of ok>

Zyxx then asks Wanakela in a calm and calculationg manner. <red> "how far away are they? How many did you count? Can you tell me anything else" <red>

With the news from the Wanakela Zyxx returns to the fire and quickly discusses the possible attack and time scales. He then work on a defence plan with The Aggabortas, Daranmon and Hawendona  .

<< Roll of Battle for plan "impale" 6 rolled - 85% chance>>

His basic plan is to move the waggons to be used to create a barrier, to protect the camp from the direction of the attack. He also suggest that the intelligence information needs to shared to Coroltha so that the Prince is aware. He suggest that defences like caltops are laid and all are informed where they are, specifically Calvary. He also suggest that the Troll Hurtzag need to know as trolls can see in the dark, and Hurtzag protects the prince

<Assumming no other better views are put forward, Zyxx with the support of the others will implement the plan>

He goes over to his squad and orders them to have their kit read and be ready for a battle. Yanni is then order to follow Zyxx to act as his runner for messages.

The Aggabortas also asks Wanakela, "Are they heading towards us?  And moving at night?"  He waits for the shaman's response before taking any other action.

But he looks up at the evening sky.  The Red Moon in Crescent Go.  He seeks out Coroltha and asks her, "Captain, is there anyone in this expedition who can call forth a Glowspot?"

Unsure of time to contact Hawendona, decides the troops shouldn't fight on an empty stomach and sends Blazik around the files with hunks of bread and chunks of smoked sausage while she warms up some thin onion soup to wash it down.

Wanakela shares everything she knows about the images.

Daranmon agrees with his fellow leaders Zyxx and The Aggabortas as regards setting up a defensive perimeter for the camp, and on making plans to keep the soldiers weapon skills sharp. He'll confirm which of their three squads holds the best slinger, knowing as a bowman that it is not him, and agree on making them responsible for sling training.

Reports that they are being followed are hardly a surprise - given the fanfare with which they left someone somewhere will have concocted a nefarious scheme - but welcome none the less. Fore warned is fore armed, and all that. He makes sure that word is spread amongst all the troops, to keep them sharp.

<<OOC: Let me know if I forgot to respond to something one of you said>>



Coroltha assigns Astorl to hide on the east side of the bridge to keep an eye out for pursuit while the company pushes forward.


Spirit travel and sight is non-Euclidean, Wanakela's vague answer above is as good as it gets, even ignoring any language barriers. Things like velocity and size are not that obvious when discorporated.


<OOC: ha, we call it "special" now; mark that for a skill check>>

You also find a few hay bales that you can roll around where you want them.



Coroltha shakes her head. She looks with a slight frown at the Vexilium, a nice decoration but unpopulated as it is, not much help in a battle. "Come evening, the moon will be dying as Waterday begins. The next two days could be a little rough. We'll be okay, though."*

The prince is agreeable to the overall plan and in fact makes a few rounds with Hurtzag and the beetle as the shadows grow long and the night begins to fall.

You await Astorl's return.

*<<OOC: I'm going with the new day starts at sunset, an argues about point on BRP Central>>
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:41, Mon 05 July 2021.

When he returned back from scouting, Astorl relayed some important information to the group.

"After about an hour, I saw several impala riders - I numbered them at around 20, although there could be more. It's probably not enough to challenge the Crimson Avocets unless they gain more troops, but they should be able to follow the tracks no problem.

Hawendona has a quiet word with Coroltha after she has talked to the file leaders. "I don't know how it sits with the plan, Chief, but with Oria's Holy day starting at dusk, I could summon her household guardian to the commander's tent. I'm sure Hurtzag won't need the help to guard his lordship, but a big snake and a good ceremony can't hurt esprit-de-corps. And if if comes to it, the added capacity for healing spells might be handy. As soon as we pack up the tent, the guardian departs, but but you can't have it all ways. If I run the worship ceremony through the night, with her blessing, we'll be magically refreshed, not that I'd expect the other women to be present if you need them fresh for tomorrow or on guard. Your call..."

20 or more?!  On their fast impalas they'll pick us off!

"Good job," The Aggabortas says to the scout.  He pauses a second and casts a speculative eye at Astorl.  "You're a skirmisher.  Are you any good leading slingers?"

Waiting only a moment for a response, turns around to survey the environs.  Some terrain they can have at their back and make harder for the impalas to surround them.  If nothing else, the carts will have to do.

He consults with Daranmon and Zyxx.  "The Prince said he's of the Kandoor family.  I hear the Kandoor are always contesting the Imperial dart competitions.  So they must have cunning.  I hope our Prince will have a stratagem for us, having lead us out here with no cavalry.  Otherwise, I suggest we have our backs against some defensible point, and dig a shallow ditch just at bow range of those impala bastards.  Hopefully, in the night, without Illumination, some of their horses will trip.  And we'll have an Uz with us if it's to be a fight in the Dark."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:41, Mon 05 July 2021.

Hawendona places a small ceramic figure of the Great Mother on a wine cask and then paces out a square behind the camp.

Although it is not so far off or secluded as would be usual for a women's festival, and it would be easy enough for any 'curious' men to approach, childhood stories of the possible consequences will probably keep the demarkation of the social genders intact. The troops in camp will hear only occasional phrases of distinct audibility and most of those in an arcane language (presumably Earthspeach)

After half an hour's chanting Hawendona begins a long ceremony reciting stories

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
of the arrival of Gata in the waters of Zaramaka

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and progressing through song and dance

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
via the birth of the grandmother goddesses, the mother goddesses and the daughter goddesses

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to finish with a lively tune on her pipes

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
celebrating the brith of Voria

---

In the morning the square is filled with an unusual density of spring flowers, both early and late, all in full bloom. A number of insects and small animals are visiting or cautiously eating them.

Night falls, ushering out Freezeday and bringing in Waterday, a day holy to Jakaleel the Witch. The crescent go Red Moon rotates and becomes invisible. Coroltha instructs torches to be set out around the camp and the sentries to stay on the move.

Hawendona leads the worship for the great earth goddess. The small cadre of women of the camp participate in the secret ritual and feel her power.

There's a light drizzle as you pack up camp. The scouts determine that the impala riders rode close to the camp but were stymied by the defensive preparations employed by The Aggabortas. A larger group might be more bold.

The prince consults his scroll and leads the company continuing to the north along the Scritha.

The Aggabortas makes a sign to ward off evil.

"Keep your eyes peeled, squad," he says.  "The Blessed Moon is Dying, so we must be doubly alert.  Particularly in this rain.  But don't worry, soon it will be Full again."

As they march, he explains tactics and contingencies with his hoplites, and asks the best of the three squads' slingers, or Astorl, to train the slingers (with the approval of Zyxx and Daranmon of course).

A tired looking Hawendona gives Blazik some advice as he helps pack up after breakfast.

"Be sure to carry your shield today Blazik. Impalas mean archers, they're the best on the plains unless you count the unicorn girls, and, as I was telling our scribe a while back, arrows can't tell servants from sergeants. And no, there isn't time to go and get it from the wagon when the volleys start. I'll be carrying mine, and She knows I could do without the extra weight today.  Do you have a cap, or something stronger to wear on your head?"

Zyxx likes The Aggabortas thoughts on the slingers and say "The slingers we have seem fine, more training never hurts. Something my drill instructor used to yell as he made us all do another bout at the end of the day, sometime twice if he thought we were slacking. I was wondering if we should not get the slingers together as a unit, with one slinger assigned to each Squad Leader as a runner. Have you seen Astorl use a sling? Before you even ask, I do not use a sling but I am handy with a bow and I do know how to throw a javlin 'metal pointy bit first'"

The thin servant Blazik grimaces and taps on his waterproofed leather hood.
"I...I... don't even think I'm supposed to be here," he mutters.

The company continues along the river bank, the wagons making slow progress along the uneven terrain. While it is nice to not have to carry your own tents, a few pack zebras per squad would accomplish the same benefit.

The rain continues to fall. To the south you see occasional flashes of light, followed by deep rumbling thunder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:45, Sat 10 July 2021.

Today's marching order puts The Aggabortas's squad in the van, Zyxx with the wagons and auxiliaries, and Daranmon behind the wagons.
About midday, Silent Trotting rides back to the column in haste; he seems to be riding casually but gives his sable a burst of speed as he passes a crumbled stone wall. He rides past the prince, Hurtzag, and The Aggabortas's squad and reports directly to Wanakela.
He speaks to her in hurried Praxian.

Before resuming the march Hawendona has a quiet word with Wanakela <in New Pelorian> "Revered Wanakela, would you look at the boy Blazik in the spirit sight when you get a chance? He keeps saying he's not supposed to be here. I wonder if he's trying to tell me something. Maybe he's possessed?"

Acknowledging Hawendona with a point of her trembling hand, "Keak...keak...keak,<in Trade-talk> aren't you just the most beautiful lady.  It has been over 40 years since I have spoke the mother-tongue. But hopefully you can tell me again, a bit later….in Trade-Talk? Silent Trotting thinks we are going to be ambushed soon. Keak...keak...keak, we need to talk to the commander."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sun 11 July 2021.

"Sounds good to me," agrees The Aggabortas.  "I don't know Astorl's weapon of choice.  Actually, I'm fair with a sling myself, but I figure there might be one among our squads (or Astorl) who's better.  And who'd be able to direct the slingers if we three squad leaders are part of a shield wall."

Zyxx sorts out the unit for the day.

Hawendona will try to stick close to Blazic for the rest of the march.

"All good and well, but what if we are attacked from more than one direction at a time? What if our designated sling leader gets all three runners at once, demanding the sling squad at three different locations? Better, I say, to send one of your squad as a runner to the nearest unit - most obviously the one in the middle - for help, while the rest hold the line. Making our squads smaller does not sit well with me, for I'd rather not defend my line with just a few shield men.

The only alternative I would offer is that we split the shield men between two of the squads, while the third is slingers only. And as I said before, I am no slinger."

The Aggabortas considers Daranmon's words for a while, before replying to his two fellow veterans.

"You're right.  Our squads are already small.  With only four hoplites in each squad - five if you include each of us - each squad would quickly be flanked.  So I expect in practice, the three squads would be fighting together anyway.  But fighting in melee, we three often won't have the time or position to know how to direct the slingers behind us.

"I think it best that each squad's slingers be ready to work within their own squads, but also that all the slingers train together under one leader - that is, be ready to fight as one unit by themselves if necessary - for those times when the three of us are too busy or too far forward to give orders to them."

You notice Astorl carries a composite bow.

"Yes. " Hawendona says <in Trade-talk> "So let's do that..."
She looks from Wanakela to Silent Trotting and back a few times but neither seems to be heading to the leaders in the vanguard, or giving the order to do so. Hawendona squints at the shaman moving her head from side to side as if trying to decide if the spirit world has distracted her.

"By your leave, Revered Wanakela..." She says, picking up her pace to catch up with Coroltha, and looking at Silent trotting, jerking her head towards the front of the march. "I'll go, if you think Silent Trotting is being watched by the enemy?"

<OOC if she arrives at Coroltha first, she will relay Wanakela's comment that Silent Trotting thinks the column is going top be ambushed soon

In the commotion, the prince pulls the company to a halt.
Silent Trotting speaks only Praxian.
Translating to Tradetalk and then New Pelorian, you communicate to the Prince, Hurtzag, Coroltha and squad leaders the following:
Silent Trotting spotted an ambush about 4 km north. There is a stream that flows from the west, swollen by the rain, that feeds the Scritha.
Crossing the stream may prove difficult for the wagons, and Silent Trotting observed a single impala scout attempting to hide and watch the stream, with a larger group hidde to the west in a small ravine.
The prince consults the group for advice.

"If they are hiding in a small ravine, then it would be an easy matter to turn the ambush back upon them so long as a group can approach undetected."

"They might be pinned, unable to use the advantage of their small nimble mounts and our own attackers would have the high ground."

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing," nods The Aggabortas.  "In any event, depending on how much trouble the stream will cause the wagons, we might need to cross it even further west anyway.

"Did Silent Trotting get an idea of how many we face?"  He looks around for someone to translate to the Praxian brave for him.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sat 17 July 2021.

Wanakela translates for Aggabortas to Silent Trotting <in Praxian> "Meg kock, gebb gen tot arangous, keak...keak...keak. Abudantas chen 'The Aggabortas.' Vendo lartos. Sep sep, gen tot!" She points with her crumpled hand from the group to the ravine while talking.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Sat 17 July 2021.

Having got the ball rolling, Hawendona takes no part in the tactical discussion, standing almost but not quite out of earshot to await instructions

Zyxx listens to the views of the others and then says at the end of it "I kinda doubt we will get a choice. I expect we will be told what to do"

Silent Running gestures and makes some noises that sound like some kind of language to most of you.

“The boy says twenty, maybe a few more, hidden in the little ravine north of the creek. He thinks it is the same group that was followed us yesterday… keak…keak…keak,” as Wanakela concludes, she looks at the military officers.

"Well," says The Aggabortas, "it sounds like these impalas are looking for a fight.  I don't think digging in is an option, given our mission, so I agree with Hurtzag that we try to approach undetected and take the higher ground.  Once we've taken care of them, then we can work out how to cross the stream.  Only other alternative is to try to make an even bigger diversion westward, further upstream and well away from these impalas, and hope we can find a point we can ford."

The prince listens to the input of the group, nodding.
"Very good. Here is what we shall do. We'll send Zyxx's squad and Daranmon's squad from the wagons and have them follow this skinny Praxian. Hurtzag, go with them, I'll be fine here. March out west a thousand paces and then turn north, cross the stream, and move east, crushing the skulking rats. When we hear the battle, I will lead Coroltha, The Aggabortas and the rest of the company in a charge west and when they try to scurry away, we shall catch them between the hammer and the anvil, dealing with their spy on the way! A brilliant plan!"
Noting Blazik, the prince calls him over. "Here, Blavich, how would you like to be a prince?" The hapless servant shakes his head almost imperceptibly as he shuffles over. The prince removes his purple robe and silver helmet, placing them on the shaking Blazik. He does not look particularly regal.
"Make sure you stay in the front of the column, now, Barzik, we need to keep these barbarians guessing! Er, you might need a little help staying on the horse... Hawendona?" he gestures at the entertainer to steady the noble beast and help keep Blazik upright upon it.

The prince drops back to the east side of the wagons, leading his second horse by the bridle, a big smile on his face.

Hawendona makes sure Blazik's helmet is strapped tight and straightens his cloak.
"Shoulders back, Excellency" She says "You have to sell the part. Nothing to worry about, you have the best healer in the unit as your backboy. Let me help you mount... as it were. Try and keep a grip with your legs, but don't let the horse run away with us.

This reminds me of when my Husband and I were parading in Wilmskirk. He hated horses, and they him, but he was squad leader and they insisted. Have you ever been to Wilmkirk? It's one of the better looking Sartarite towns, they weren't laying them selves out to welcome us of course, but the buildings and the shop goods were a cut above.

What would you like for supper, Excellency? under the circumstances I think we can give you the choice"

She seems intent on prattling away in the hope of distracting the stand-in Prince from his predicament. Before setting out, she sends Thylla to take Envoranus's spare helmet to the incognito Prince.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Wed 21 July 2021.

"Your Highness," interrupts The Aggabortas with a slight bow, as the Prince turns away toward the wagons.  "With this plan, we will be giving up the chance of the higher ground.  And the Praxians are mounted, so I'm not sure we'll have the speed to catch them in a pincer.  More likely they'll be able to avoid our manoeuvre and counter-attack while our forces will be split."

He figures the Prince will not accept his counsel, but as a soldier, he has a duty to at least try...

If anyone doubted The Aggabortas's bravery, they should look no further than here right now, thought Daranmon. The Prince seemed as clueless as most of his type, and there would be every chance of a slaughter if he failed to take on board some advice. Daranmon was not about to hold his breath.

He did keep an eye on the scene even as he prepared his men to move out. If further advice was required he would be quick to offer it.

The prince pivots and looks you up and down. He looks exasperated.
"Well, you and your men will just have to move fast. Look, these are just Praxian pygmies, the weakest member of our company is worth five of them. And I've yet to see a riding beast faster than a sling bullet.
No, fear not, my friend, we shall crush them!"
 He pats you on the shoulder and returns to his place.

Coroltha circulates among the troops and makes sure that every one of the heavy infantry hoplites has a javelin from the supply wagon.

Hawendona's words have a remarkable effective calming effect on the trembling servant.

The Aggabortas gives a salute but says nothing else.

As the prince walks away, he gives Daranmon and Zyxx a look that says 'I tried'.

He walks back to his squad - 7th Squad - to inform them.  "Lads, and ladettes, the other two squads will be attacking the nomads from the west, then we'll come up from the east and attack them from behind.  We're going to have to move fast.  Be prepared.  Put whatever you don't need for battle on the wagons.  Be ready for my order.  We'll move forward as far as we can without being seen by their scout.  And once we hear battle, we're to race forward."

This is your basic understanding of the layout after the two squads split from the main group, let me know if I forgot anybody

As his squad approaches within sight of the stream, The Aggabortas realises that the nomads are actually on the other side of the stream.

Great Goddess, he wants us to attack quickly while fording a stream that will trouble the wagons, on foot, against an enemy that is mounted?!  Is our prince Illuminated?!

He tries to think of a way that will prevent 7th Squad being picked off in the middle of the stream.

As The Aggabortas returned from his abortive talk with the Prince, Daranmon nodded once to him, acknowledging the hopelessness of the task and of the upcoming situation. Still, it would be up to the officers to make the Prince's plan sound convincing to the troops, and to carry out the attack as best they could. He readied his men and then co-ordinated their tacticds with Zyxx before moving out.

All hail the Red Moon...

Zyxx makes eye contact with The Aggabortas an gives him a long blink to show respect and understanding to his action. Zyxx replays the orders in his head "March out west a thousand paces and then turn north, cross the stream, and move east, crushing the skulking rats. When we hear the battle, I will lead.....", and quickly considers the wiggle room in the orders (Not much but some). So the key is the sound of battle for them to come to our aid.

Zyxx considers the distance and time that will take. He then considers the traps they will have laid, which he thing will probably effect Envoranus and Co most. He believes that The Aggabortas will do his duty and probably need to look out for the prince in disguise too. Zyxx issues an order to Yanni "Yanni, quick go over an look at the prince in report back to me on what he is now dressed in, the horse he rides and also with whom he travels. I am guess he will be next to Coroltha. Then report back to me, and fall back in line behind me. Don't just stand there, run and get back quickly too, if you find nothing return. Do you understand?" . He sees Yanni nod to the simple task and return shortly with the information that Zyxx wants for him to key an eye out for Envoranus.

Zyxx turns to his squad "till we earn a name, we will use RED as our name"

Zyxx looks at red squad and performs a quick Seven Mothers blessing for battle "Yanafal Tarnils says Let your plans be dark and as impenetrable as a moonless night, and when you move into a fight, hit like a thunderbolt bringing death upon your foes. He then draws the symbols of Moon, Death and Mobility in the ground with his khopesh. "The Moon for the Empire, Death for that is what we bring to our foes, Mobility for the speed we need for our allies to join us. I ask all the Mothers to look out for this squad" .

Zyxx moves with red squad to join Daranmon and Hurtzag . He says to both the men "I have considered the orders and they make sense, are you happy with them? I have been looking at the lay of the land and have a few little suggestion one, look at our kit to make it as quiet as possible, two whisper, three if we see an enemy scout then we take it out slinger and bowmen. When we make it to the west end of the canyon we then spring the ambush. I am think we may wish to yell as we go into battle to alert the prince. Any views?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Sun 25 July 2021.

"The Scout is the problem." Hurtzag says "Those in the Ravine will find it difficult to see or hear anything of our approach. They rely upon the scout to be their eyes and ears."

"With the right magics though we can buy ourselves a period to approach with the scout being in no state to alert anyone of anything."

Question-01 - How far from the river are we? I am trying to get an idea of scale from the map.

Question-02 - What time of day/night is it?

Zyxx replies to Hurtzag "I like the idea of magic, I do not have that ability. Also our orders are to go west, they are not to take out the scout. I really like your idea, and if you could get the prince to amend the plan to take out the scout with force or magic please suggest it - I think he respects you more than us."

Wanakela cackles with anticipation for the upcoming skirmish.

The Aggabortas holds up a hand to call a silent stop to the squad he is leading, just within sight of the stream.

"Philos," he calls to one of his slingers.  "Check with Captain Coroltha whether we are to wait here for the sounds of battle, or advance further.  Prince Envoranus orders that we are to rush west upon the sounds of battle, but if we cross the stream now, all the impalas will rush towards us in the ambush they seem to have planned.  I figure His Highness means us to stop briefly here, or advance just very slowly, and just be seen by the scout.  That way, we act as decoy so that Zyxx and Daranmon can fall on the impalas from behind."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Mon 26 July 2021.

Hurtzag regards the human a moment and then replies "My first order is to keep the prince safe."

"You have your orders, I suggest that you follow them."

She glances towards where she was told the scout is "I shall go towards the man, the bush hides him from us, but hides me from him. I will go far enough not to be seen by those in the gully who rely on him as their eyes."

"This should put me within spell range and when you are closer I shall try to cloud his mind."

"When I signal, move fast. It is a spirit spell so you have some time, but not a great deal."

With that she breaks off and heads towards the scout.

OOC: If I have read the ranges, the size of the bush, etc wrong from the map GM, then please correct me and I'll re-think this :)

Zyxx looks as Hurtzag heading off and walks a few steps over to Daranmon and says quietly "I love following orders, when somebody else helps deal with the real issue. Hurtzag gone rogue as she is dealing with the scout, this is excellent news for us as I was wondering how the Prince's plan dealt with it and her view of the orders works very well to me. Hurtzag said 'When I signal, move fast. It is a spirit spell so you have some time, but not a great deal.' Its something to cloud his mind; so we better head out now. Are you ready Daranmon?".

Yanni turns up, "great to see you, I look forward to the briefing as we walk" .

Zyxx turn to his Squad "Red Squad! Time to hussle up and move out. Stay mean, and keen. When I pass an order I need us to move quickly, as the troll is helping us out before we attack the enemy at the west end of the ravine. Let us see the blood of our foes at our feet."

Zyxx looks over at Daranom and issues an order to his squad to move out and start to carefully and quietly move out in line with the Prince's plan, while listening to Yanni providing him the intel he requested.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Mon 26 July 2021.

For folks who have asked for a bit more of a sense of scale, the scalebar is about a kilometer.
The prince dispatched the two squads a little below the level of the map, i.e. this is after the groups begin to separate.

I added a scalebar to the new map



late morning to early afternoon

Daranmon nodded to Zyxx to confirm he was ready. His men were well-drilled and knew exactly what to do.

"Silver Squad! Let's move out. Keep your feet light and your eyes peeled, and as always be ready for action. Be prepared for changes to the plan at any moment, and remember: the Red Moon is with us, and death awaits our enemies."

He led his men out in formation, on equal pace with Red Squad. It was time to fight.

Philos trots over to Coroltha, who seems to be counting in her head.
After a brief exchange, he returns and says "She says we'll move at half pace, the signal will come soon."

From behind the baggage you hear the prince call out in a stage whisper "Blizich! Lift that lance higher. Higher! We need you to look like a royal!"


Presently Coroltha motions the company forward. Blazik is in the front with Hawendona to his right holding his reigns and Coroltha to the left.

Hawendona leans back for a proper whisper to Blazik.
"Give 'em a SILENCE IN THE RANKS Sire
Your spear's plenty upright for me"

Zyxx continues to lead Red Squad, and counts the steps as he goes. Each 100 steps he puts his hand out to indicate to Daranmon 100 paces. Zyxx continues to scan the area to ensure he is aware of any possible problems or issues. He also keeps hoping to re-catch sight of the Hurtzag , he notes that the others are moving out. As he notices
Hawendona at the front holding his reigns to the horse near Coroltha to the left, he says a short Lunar psalm of protect while he continues his counting in his head.

Soon they will be at 1,000 steps and needing to turn towards the river to get to the west end of the ravine.

The Aggabortas nods silent as Philos gives their report.  He gives the slinger a pat on the shoulder in acknowledgment, and then continues forward, at half pace as the Captain has ordered.

OOC: So I checked the rules and gone is the POW x10 metres for spirit magic spell range, replaced with a flat 50m, which means looking at the scale she'd have to cross the river to get close enough. Scratch that then, Hurtzag continued with the others.

<ooc: that's an interesting rule, I never played with that, was that RQ3?>

No pre that, RQ2, though may have been a house role we used, so long ago I'm not sure now.

Zyxx get to 1000 paces and looks about. He then then taps his sheild and looks at  Daranmon and then taps his helm by his eyes and points back towards   Hurtzag . He then whispers to red squad "knee down, we are taking a short break before we cross the river; plus Hurtzag looks to be joining us too"

[OOC - I am busy for Friday, Saturday, Sunday this week. I will try and find time to log on when I can.]
[OOC - My RQG knowledge is low, what is the range of runespells? ]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Thu 29 July 2021.

160m

<OOC: wish I had or knew how to make a topographic map>

<since you don't have eyes on the inside of the ravine I'm graying that out with the Starcraft fog of war>




Both groups move forward, mostly out of sight from each other due to the intervening gentle hills and farmland.

As the Zyxx/Daranmon/Hurtzag group approaches the western crossing, the ground runs downhill subtly until the last few meters where there is an abrupt drop to the creek. There are trees dotting both sides of the stream. It will take a little climbing to get down to the stream; the water is pretty high it looks like it will be safe to wade across, a little harder for Annstad the small than Annstad the large.
On the far side of the stream the hill is steeper, presumably leading to the ravine where Silent Trotting spotted the waiting riders.



Meanwhile, the detail with the wagons slowly makes its way to the ford near the confluence of the stream with the Scritha. Blazik is shaking, trying to take comfort from Hawendona's gentle encouragements. Coroltha is stoic as always.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:09, Fri 30 July 2021.

Hawendona decides it's time to have the talk with Blazik
"OK Blazik, you're doing well. I'm proud of you. Now remember, you and I, we're not warriors, we're a gimmick. We're not here to win the battle just to confuse the enemy.
Ask any general, he'll tell you the important thing about your first battle is not to die, and I'm here to help you with that, so stick with me.
If your horse wants to go fight, I suggest you hop off and let him. He's a professional, he'll take care of himself.
When it goes down, concentrate on keeping that shield between you and the sharp things. If you have to kill a Praxian, do it. You can apologise later.
Nearly there now, hold fast, we'll get through this together."

She looses a canvas cover on her figure eight shield and lets it fall to the ground. The leather surface of the shield depicts a stylised big cat with its snarling mouth on the shield boss.

Hurtzag approaches Daranmon and points out the second scout on the hill above the ravine, straight ahead.

"I suggest moving along the stream a little further, that way we are not on the edge of his vision as we cross. If I can get a little closer to this one then I can cloud his mind perhaps."

The Aggabortas picks up his own pace slightly, and moves towards Hawendona and 'the Prince'.  While there's still a lot of distance from the nomad scout across the stream, he speaks quietly.  "I imagine we should not ford the stream but rather linger on this side of the stream for the rest of the column to catch up to us...?  Once we start to cross the stream, I figure the nomads will spring their 'ambush'."  He casts an eye at Coroltha on the right flank, watching for her lead.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

<< OOC who is ST? My commuter killed my links so need to refind the message to the names>>

Zyxx looks at the nearby heros and calls them over, with a hand signal to indication stay low and walk to me quietly. He then whisphers "I can see an impala rider at the top of the hill." and points at the location "I would do the same kind of thing if I was defending a ravine too. So we know they have a competent leader, with fair to good military knowledge. Now we need to take him out, or get past him".

<< OOC how far away is the impala rider at the top of the hill? Also what is the range of a Rune Spell? Like Madness or Mindblast >>

Zyxx takes his helm off, wipes the beads of sweat off his face with a red cloth and then says softly "I am happy to listen to others ideas, and I do like Hurtzag idea of clouding the mind but I worry taking the scout out could be a poor choice. I would bet a bottle of wine there will be another scout at the other end of the ravine on the hill too, and that is the one we will need to take out. I think we need to 200 pace past the tree and cross there. I hope the river is easier to cross as I did not like the other bank here much too." . He then gives the helm a kiss on a rune at the base of the helm's red maine and places it back on his head. He sees the looks on the others faces and whispers "I like to do this for luck, before a fight".

<<OOC I want to go and cross at the tree most left on the map, which I hope do not mean map work for you.>>
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

Silent Trotting, the Praxian scout and devotee of Wanakela.



You reckon he's about 95 meters from the stream.

Range for most rune spells is 160 m (thanks for reminder, Hurtzag)(i.e., double most spirit magic); one issue right now with your magic being associated with the phase of the Red Moon is that only 1 point rune spells are available.



I can do it. Am I correct assuming the whole column heads that way?

BTW assume that the trees indicate denser foliage rather than individual plants.

<< OOC thanks for the replies. I forgot about moon phase so no RuneMagic for me.>>

Zyxx whisphers "if we got the slingers and those with bows we could take him out, but we do not yet have an effective range to get the rider"

<< OOC from the river how far is the rider and can he be shot at from there? >>

For the slingers, between 80 and 120m is medium range--in game terms that cuts the chance of a successful attack in half.

From what you've observed in drilling, you think both Daranmon's and your slingers would hit a target at this range about one shot in four, with Yani and Annstad the small (the two best shots) having success about one shot in three and with Madros and Moirades having considerably worse success.

You'd have to get a little more in the open to effectively use a sling since you're watching the scout behind the cover of the brush along the stream.

In addition to your slingers, two hoplites have composite bows in addition to their other gear - Jeffets and Sandene.

Coroltha responds.<PM>

Hawendona takes note<PM2>

Zyxx looks over at the others and whispers "We need to get to about 50m for the slingers to be effective. At the range we are at I would expect 2-3 hits out of all the slingers and probably only one hit from the four archers. It might sound like enough but I think we need better odds, as we need to silence the problem - hence why I think we push on. I am interested in your views too."

The Aggabortas gives a nod and a brief salute, then veers back to the left flank to his squad.

Zyxx see the orders The Aggabortas head off to his squad, he nods at Hurtzag and moves over to his men. He whispers to them "Stay sharp squad. We have a scout over there." pointing at the location of the scout "and we are going 200 more paces away to then cross the river. It should be further away from him making easier to cross. It a coin flip of a chance that there may be a second scout, so stay alert. When we get to our next point we will cross the river as planned. We may need to run, but for the moment we sneak." He then looks at the slingers and bowman and says "we may need to use our slings and arrows to take out the next scout."

Zyxx thinks about his battle plan, then scan the land before setting off with his troops, esnuring that they stay slow, low & quiet to minimise the chances for enemy scouts.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Thu 05 Aug 2021.

Hurtzag frowns at Zyxx "Only if my spell does not cloud his mind. Hit him if we cannot get close enough for the spell to work before he spots us or if the spell fails and he looks to be about to alert those below."

The west squads work their way into position like so-



<ooc: I'll start posting about the stream crossing Monday, I want to give everybody a chance to weigh in who wants to and also want to move the scene forward>

Wanakela lays in the wagon, underneath her emaciated legs, attempting to hold herself up from time to time with her gnarled hands, peeking over the side.  When things align in the physical and spirit realm, she will let out a cackle.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

Zyxx reviews his plan in his head, and scans the area for scouts. Then takes in the rest of the lay of the land. He looks at the river, the banks and works out his crossing. Then considers the need to attack at the far end of the ravine.

He looks at the group and signs be quiet, and then he spends a good minute listening to see if he hears anything odd.

Then he turns to talk to the others

(OOC - GM - He will share what he hears & sees with the others here)

<ooc: PM to east group>

<PM east follows>

Zyxx looks over at the others, he whisphers "I have looked out and it looks good to go. Lets cross the river and get ready for war"

Zyxx then signals to his squad to start to ford the river staying low. He points to the slingers and gets them to be ready with sling and bullets at the ready. He points at the heavies to indicate they need to protect the slingers.

The squad silently continues on their journey
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Wed 11 Aug 2021.

Zyxx and the squad cross the river and get to the other side. He scan the land and plans his attack from here with this information.

Then Zyxx whisphers his orders to the squad and then they stop staying low about 100 paces from the ravine east entrance.

(OOC GM - I assume you will roll secretly the skills for scan & listen & battle; so that I do not know. I am also going to make assumption on what happens to try and keep the story going)

I put some coordinates on the map and some hexes, which may make it easier to communicate intentions. It made me realize I don't want to be a board game designer, but it may help with some specifics (even though the hexes are really large--in this case 250m so a sling bullet can only reach about 1/3 of a hex)

Yes; if you think of anything specific you want to roll let me know, otherwise assume that I'll be tracking scan and listen and move silently behind the virtual GM screen

Maybe one more set of PMs... looking forward to the party being reunited...

<Another East PM>

(OOC - Thanks. I think is more fun not rolling and letting the GM tell you - no way to metaplay that way)

Zyxx moves next to the others, as the water drips off his soggy body, he whispers "Down to business folks. We need to now move quietly into the west end mouth of the ravines. Then we spring the attack. If we can get to them before the cavalry get mounted and ready we stand a great chance."

"If we are spotted we charge hard and fast. Shields will need to lead the charge. It will be tough against the cavalry, so chop away the legs of the beasts first."

"I believe the Prince wants us to attack the west of the the ravine in the ravine, rather than taking the ravine high ground and attacking from there - which I think would be a stronger position; but that does not align with his hammer & anvil plan. Are you all ok with the battle plan? Attack the flat open ground in the west end of the ravine."

Zyxx looks at the replies, and nods.

Zyxx then issues the orders quickly and quietly to the squad.

<< OOC - Plan is to move quietly from B4 into C4 (in the south part of the hex). Then move on from C4 into D5, to take the fight to the enemy>>

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Mon 16 Aug 2021.

The Aggabortas...

A few things happen in relatively quick succession:

The west group starts moving toward the western opening of the ravine (D3).

On the east group, the first wagon emerges on the north bank.

The second wagon that harbours Wanakela enters the stream.

To the east of the west group, and to the west of the east group (around H4) you see a flash of light as a flaming arrow shoots straight into the sky.

The wagon with Wanakela, abruptly stops its forward movement.
Kelrik the cart driver vigorously shakes the reigns, and the zebras are straining, but the wagon has stopped.


Onjur the hoplite investigates the wheel.

The third wagon begins to enter the stream accompanied by the rest of The Aggabortas’s squad and runs into the traffic jam.

Wanakela pops up and attempts to get the attention of something in the water.
<OOC: for those who are familiar, you can identify the language as Spiritspeech.>

Zyxx nods his reply to agreement to Hurtzag, and watches the troll move off to deal with the scout.

Zyxx turn to Daranmon and whispers "Sad to see the Troll go as we will need ever warrior we have when we attack, but I do agree that taking out the scout is a wise move; even if the Prince did not ask for it. Lets keep moving."

Zyxx looks around again scanning & listening briefly before signalling to all to move forward, sticking to the plan.

OOC - I think we are quoting references differently. For me D3 is the hex with the letter "D" in it.

I was assuming the hex reference was Letter going down, Number going upwards on the diagonal. How are you referencing the hexes?

PLAN - in word format
As I think we are using differently I will use words to explain the plan.
(1) Move from the Hex on the river the one containing the containing the letter "Z" to the one containing the letters "Hu"
(2) In the "Hu" hex move all the side of the ravine to its mouth. Then prep for attack on the "grey" enemy
(3a) Both squads ready, and then attack.
(3b) Slinger taking down riders, hopefully before they get to their mounts. Heavies push forward fast attacking all in front of them.
(3c) War cry scream as surprise attack starts, Heavies to scream first as them hit the enemy.
(0) If spotted then the plan will be to go a variant of 3, with screaming at the start.

Checks
(A) The grey blob is the enemy
(B) The grey blob is in the ravine, or is the grey blob on the high ground.

Assumptions
(1) The grey blob is the enemy and it is in the ravine, and therefore out of sight at the moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Mon 16 Aug 2021.

In reply to Zyxx (msg # 228):

See above-I put coordinates in each hex (for the west side). D (Daranmon) is just barely in C3.


So the ravine was originally filled with dots (you can still see'em) indicating impala riders from Silent Trotting's reconnaissance.  I put the gray blob on there as nobody is sure they are still there, the Starcraft fog of war.
You know that there is a ravine (you can begin to see it now).
Silent Trotting's take (translated by Wanakela) is that the impala's were waiting in the cover of the ravine in ambush.

That's correct

“He-Who-Looks-For-Water,” rides up next to the wagon in the stream.  He seems intent on pulling Wanakela out of the wagon.  She seems to be preoccupied with what she though was her new friend.  Frustrated at it’s un-spiritual nature, she begins to  throw curses at it.

<OOC Wanakela will augment her spell casting with more Spiritspeech, and attempt to demoralize the being in the stream before “He-Who-Looks-For-Water,” pulls her out.>

<OOCx2 Assuming she has time and range, she double casts Demoralize on it, using Spell Barrage and a total of 4MPs.  She crit her augment and the best result she achieved was succeeding against POW 14 or less.>
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

(OOC1 - Thanks for the update on the map, and the answers to the questions)

Zyxx moves to the mouth of the ravine with the squad, using the ravine for cover. He cautiously looks in, while being prepared to issue order if needed to charge their foe.

(OOC2 - I will let you roll for me so I do not see the numbers)
(OOC3 - I have to go away tomorrow, so I will not be online on Wednesday)

(OOC1 - Thanks for the update on the map, and the answers to the questions)

Zyxx moves to the mouth of the ravine with the squad, using the ravine for cover. He cautiously looks in, while being prepared to issue order if needed to charge their foe.

(OOC2 - I will let you roll for me so I do not see the numbers)
(OOC3 - I have to go away tomorrow, so I will not be online on Wednesday)

Hurtzag and her beetle tromp off after the scout through the brush.

Seeing the flaming arrow, the scout shouts in Praxian into the ravine.

The squads led by Daranmon and Zyxx move toward the west opening of the ravine. You hear a general rustling coming from that direction an expect to see the enemy soon.

---

On the other side of the engagement, Onjur strains to hear The Aggabortas over the rushing stream. When he does he looks down--and is immediately yanked under water with great violence. Any efforts to resist are brushed aside as he is dragged through the murky water beneath the wagon.

He-Who-Looks-For-Water rides to the back of the wagon to assist with getting Wanakela out.


There is general panic in the stream. Jaxana cautiously peers into the water with her spear ready. Slingers on the north bank have slings equipped, waiting for a target. You're not sure how effective slings will be if the target is partially underwater.

The Aggabortas curses.  "Out of the water!" he roars at his troops, even as enters the stream himself, speartip pointed at the water in front of him.  He scans the water for movement, praying to Yanafal Tarnils: Great Ram, reveal our foe.  His speartip, now covered in a sheen of red, shifts towards a new direction.
[OOC: The Aggabortas casts the 1 point rune spell Find Enemy.  Assuming the spell works, I'm manifesting the spell as the god guiding the spear to show the location of the enemy.  I can't recall for now - does casting a rune spell require a roll in RQG?]

You roll against the associated rune. For some spells it matters a lot which rune you use; For common rune magic, you can just use your highest rune.

The speartip moves, but wanders and settles on no one location.

[OOC:
16:50, Today: The Aggabortas rolled 91 using 1d100.  casting rune spell.
Failure  :(  ]

Zyxx rallies the squad and cast his spirit magic (protection3) for the fight ahead; and leads his squad into the ravine. When they see the enemy they push on towards them and engage in battle. As Zyxx moves into the battle he issues additional orders to support the group as they go.

As Zyxx push forward he says a prayer to the seven mothers

In reply to Zyxx (msg # 240):



East side of the engagement:
Despite her age and the tough life she has had, Wanakela deftly scrambles onto the sable of He-who-looks-for-water like a warrior half her age, and the brave keeps control of his sable, guiding it up the far side of the stream bed.

The Aggabortas calls on the power of the Seven Mothers to reveal the water monster's location, but the spell fails. Wading out into the stream you have a hard time seeing anything in the turbid water. Jaxana cries out and motions with her spear and you see a strange wave emerging from the water in striking distance of both of you. A couple of slingers seem unsure about whether they should attack for fear of hitting one of you.

Hawendona sees a blurry figure, followed by less blurry figures, around hex F3, exiting the narrower eastern opening of the ravine. The lead figure is moving at a tremendous speed; you think it's a bison rider which seems strange... Coroltha sees it also and moves up in front of Blazik's horse.

-----

The western opening of the ravine disgorges two groups of mounted warriors on impalas. Half (about 10) turn to the north and circle to the east. The other half turn to the south and are surprised to run headlong into the hoplites of Daranmon and Zyxx's squads.

<OOC: I'll adjudicate the combat, let me know if you do anything different in the first round; if you attack please go ahead and make rolls>

Hawendona rubs the horse's neck saying "Steady" before taking a deep breath to yowl some incomprehensible battle cry.
.
She draws a knife

If the column was near exiting the stream, The Aggabortas would take a defensive stance.  Instead, with spear in hand and shield on the other arm, he thrusts at the strange wave, ignoring the slingers behind him for now.  "Strike, Jax!"

(OOC - Sorry not been online as I have been unwell since Sunday Night)

Zyxx sees the 10 foes and yells "NOW!" and the squad follow the orders Zyxx gave them. The heavies & Zyxx move forward fast to engage the enemy, while the slingers move to the side and start letting loosing stones after stone rapidly at the foes.

As Zyxx chargers forward he cast a spell (Bladesharp-5)

(OOC Zyxx now has Protection-3 & Bladesharp-5)

East side:
The blurry rider is getting closer but is still out of range. He is clearly riding a bison. The prince's horse with Blazik in the saddle is very well trained and seems unperturbed by the servant's nervousness. The prince peers between the events in the stream and the incoming cavalry.

The Aggabortas jabs his spear into the watery pseudopod; the spear meets unexpected resistance as it plunges into the creature. Jaxana adds her spear thrust; water gushes from the injuries. You sense anger from the creature as the holes in its substance close around the thrusts.
Another watery tendril shoots from the wave, engulfing Jaxana and yanking her off her feet, under the stream.

Standing firm beside Blazik and Coroltha Hawendona begins to sing
"Went on advance with my sister Cait;
Everyone swears by her dancing gait;
I realized a thing or two,
Then I got wise to something new:..."
If she's covering feelings of nervousness she's making a good job of it. It sounds like she's enjoying the moment

OOC Stuff:
Spell = Bladesharp5 roll 38 (Success)
Spell = Protection3 roll 2 (Success)
Kopis Attack = 13 under 115 (special)
Location = 7 was hit.

Damage (Basic) = 8
Damage (Special) = 8
Damage Bonus = 1
Bladesharp = 5

Total Damage (if Special) = 22

Shield [if needed] = 79 under 115
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Fri 27 Aug 2021.

The southern group of 10 impala riders are shocked as, driving out of their hiding place, they crash into the Lunar infantry. Riding out four abreast on their small mounts and carrying bows, they are met with the deadly spears of the Crimson Avocet hoplites; two are killed outright with a spear to the gut, a third receives a bad injury to his arm and is unable to hold his bow. A fourth is dropped by a vicious slash from Zyxx's kopis, which severs his leg and dumps him off his mount.
The slingers are nervous as they unleash a torrent of stones and bullets at the confused Praxians. Despite their clustering, few of the projectiles hit their targets, but two more impala riders go down.
The startled detachment of impala riders are broken, half of their group dead or unable to fight. They reel back into the ravine pursued by a volley of sling stones.

Zyxx yells out his orders as he pushes forward "Slingers, let loose those stones. HEAVIES keep charging"

Zyxx moves forward to take on the next rider and scream "RAAAAAAAAaaaaaaagh"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 10:04, Mon 30 Aug 2021.

“He-Who-Looks-For-Water” drops off Wanakela on the North shore, then rides his sable a little further North to keep a look out for more attackers.

Wanakela scampers to a covered position, so she is out of view from the oncoming riders, but has vision on the water fight.  From there she attempts to support the hoplites with a double cast of Disruption.  She succeeds on both castings (spending 2 POW,) but fails to overcome the POW of the entity (I am assuming that the interaction for Shaman “Spell Barrage” with Disruption is the same as for Multispell, I.E. both Disruptions are added together and attempt to effect the target once.)

So movement on SR 1 and 2, with casting on SR 3 and 4.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Tue 31 Aug 2021.

On the west side, the riders sprint out of range of the hoplite spears, taking partial cover in the ravine. Only a handful of slingers have a good view of the riders descending into the ravine over the shields of the heavy infantry, but two of them hit with deadly effect, one striking a rider’s lower back and the other thumping a stone off his head--two more impala riders are dumped from their mounts! The three survivors have had enough (for now) and streak off to the east of the ravine.
The young soldiers let out a loud shout of victory over the first engagement...

Zyxx takes control of his unit and yells out "RED SQUAD CHARGE"

Moving at a run Hurtzag tries to intercept the small group riding down the canyon as she has no chance of catching the scout and those he follows.

The Aggabortas stands uncertain a moment.  Get back to the northern shore to await the signal to charge west?  Or remain in the stream where half is squad remains together with two of the wagons?

He sets his jaw and remains where he is, jabbing his spear into the watery enemy, shield up ready to ward off any attacks.  His thrust connects, but at full extension of his arm, so he's not sure if it's caused the creature much pain.

Hopefully anyone already on the bank will raise alert if the signal to attack has come.

"Get across!" he yells at the slingers of his squad still in the stream.

As Zyxx charges forward with his squad he looks around to ensure that he is aware of as many elements in the battle as he can. He sees the slingers letting loose their rocks, and glad for their support. He thinks to himself, I hope they stay with the unit but we need to train them as archers.

Zyxx and the squad continue to chase down their foe as they continue with the princes plan. Zyxx thinks to himself "I Hope the anvil gets to rescue the hammer."

(OOC: Can we get an update on what is happening with the Water Wyrd? Thank you in advance.)

To be clear, do you run into the ravine? That's the most direct path

<OOC: The Aggabortas's spear strikes it, I'll give more details shortly, I think everybody's weighed in. I like Wanakela's approach, sorry the dice were not cooperative>
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Zyxx is following the prince's plan. I think that means go into the ravine to get to the prince, is that correct?

The prince didn't mention the ravine, he basically just said go kill those Praxians

East side-

The Aggabortas strikes something in the water with an off balance thrust.
There is a roiling of the water after which the stream seems to return to its normal flow.


The rest of the slingers and troops scamper to the north side of the stream, dripping and terrified. The two wagon drivers clutch their spears. looking desperately to the left and right. The front wagon is still stuck.

There is no sign of Jaxana or Onjur,

Mr Blur is nearly in javelin range and singularly focused on Blazik. Hawendona and Coroltha stand on foot at either side of the mounted hapless servant. Hawendona's song provides some calming for the young servant while the prince's warhorse is unworried.


West side-


Zyxx and Daranmon lead their two squads into the ravine, tromping through the impala droppings  and wary of the left and right ridges that would be good spots for a second ambush, and making all haste to catch up to the rest of the company. You know that a considerable group of cavalry is charging along the northern side of the ravine.

The three imapala riders that survived the brutal first engagement are far out of range. In the distance at the narrowest part of the ravine to the east, you hear a strange, deep THUMP as something appears in front of the riders--or maybe nothing appears--a sheet of absolute blackness that absorbs all light. The riders pull up short and you see charging down the hill from the south the huge form of Hurtzag.

"When I looked at Cait, she was in a trance,
Thrusts went askew, she was viewed askance;
All the foes were going wild
Over Caitie's glancing guile."
Hawendona plays with her knife checking weight and balance as her song continues

Zyxx calls the the squad "Heavies Charge to Hurtzag. Yanni take the Slingers up to the top of ravine above my position and then let it rain rocks when needed."

With Mr. Blur being in javelin range, Wanakela will throw a double Demoralize at him.
The 2nd casting effected POW 15. Afterwards, she scampers away and to cover (out of sight from Mr. Blur, but able to see the last know location of the two Hoplites pulled underwater.)

"The Aggabortas, I believe you have dispatched the creature.  But I cannot see your soldiers! Can you see them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

Hurtzag continues her charge down the hill.

Eastside:
The 10 or so impalas that road to the north east are out of sight.
The slingers try to scale the north side of the ravine but are having trouble, Yanni looks to Zyxx for guidance.

The three impala riders (the only survivors from the brutal run in with the Zyxx/Daranmon squads) stop short at the darkwall, shocked again by their bad fortune. From behind the black wall, Hurtzag strikes out at the nearest impala with her kopis severing his right arm and dumping him from his mount. The second nearest impala sprints away kicking at Hurtzag as it does so. The third manages to get off a bow shot at the dark troll, but the arrow goes wide in the panic.
They are able to put some distance between themselves and the troll, moving out of melee range.

Westside:
While the soldiers have now scurried across onto dry ground, there are still two wagons and wagoners in the stream.
The front wagon is still stuck, holding up passage of the second wagon.
There is no sign of Jaxana or Onjur.
The fast moving bison rider nears, getting about 40 meters from Blazik's group, holding back his javelin to kill the "prince", when a small translucent sphere, distorting light passing through and around it, leaps from Wanakela to the rider. Those closest to him and with good eyesight can see the expression on his face transform from grim determination to dread, as he turns his charging bison and nearly a 90 degree angle, streaking out to the east.
A couple of slingers take a shot at the departing figure, their stones missing their mark narrowly.
The approaching riders in the distance stop their approach about 200 meters from the party. They seem to be conferring with a newly arrived impala rider.