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Meta Board => Retired PbP Games => Archive => [D&D 3.5] Nintendo Universe => Topic started by: oslecamo on June 04, 2013, 07:30:03 AM

Title: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on June 04, 2013, 07:30:03 AM
It's a cold, rainy day, fit for the general mood in Etruria Castle. You've been summoned to the War Room, where in the days of old the top commanders of Etruria's army would sit to discuss. A large stone division whitout windows in the first floor of the castle, suported by intricate columns, with a massive oak table at its middle, on the top of which rests an equally massive map of Elibe covered in tiny colored flags and detailed miniatures of troops and fortifications. Blue ones, represeting your forces, are very few and concentrated in a very small area of the map, surrounded by a sea of red ones representing nearby enemies, and a few green ones scattered across representing neutral parties. Scrolls filled with reports and supply lists lie half-scattered over the map as well. Around the strategy table are dozens of chairs plus a small metal throne at the position of honor. They're all empty now.

The one that summoned you stands on his feet, clad in his full set of heavy steel plate except for the helmet, revealing the bald head of an old, tired man. Guard Captain Vallace, called from the retirement on his farm to command the Etruria's castle garrison force when the young king Mildain left on his quest taking the royal guard  and the remaining elite forces on the castle with him.

You all have heard of Vallace's great deeds during his prime time on the army, holding off small armies by himself, protecting the weak and injured in the fray of battle, an highly skilled warrior with an equal high sense of honor. However it's clear to any that look at him now that even if he still has some fight on him, his best years have passed long away. Calling him off from retirement was a clear desesperate measure of a desesperate kingdom.

Still when he crosses eyes with you, you can see nothing but determined will as he starts speaking:

I'm not going to try to pretty up this-The situation we find ourselves into is the most dire I ever remember. Reports keep coming in of Etruria's villages and farms being raided by bandits, what's left of our army is being pushed back relentlessly by Bern's military, our supplies are dwindling and even this castle only has a token garrison left. If Bern were to launch a fast attack here and catch us off-guard, that would be the end.

Our young King Mildain left me in charge of Etruria Castle before he left. I grudgingly accepted because the castle and the nearby lands need to be protected while his highness is away. But I'm now afraid that if we just sit here waiting for the enemy to come to us or King Mildain to come back, we're doomed as it is.

We need to protect the distant farms and villages. We need to secure our supply lines, draft and train new recruits.
We need to take the fight back to the enemy!
But I never was much good at logistics or large-scale strategy. Fighting on the front, organizing the defense of a castle, I'm good at that if I may say so. We need much more than that to overcome the current situation.
I can't be everywhere at once, and I wouldn't know where to start...

But you... You have talent. Potential. Experience. You can turn this situation around if you're given the opportunity to lead.

So, even if it's disobeying the orders I received, I'm puting you in charge of Etruria's forces until King Mildain's return!


Vallace takes his right gauntlet to his chest and makes a large bow towards you

Now, what are your orders, my lieges?
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 04, 2013, 07:42:27 AM
"Can you tell me what all these figures are?" Myriam asked. She was mildly amused at her presence, not having lived in Etruria long, and definitely not any better at leading an army than the formerly retired soldier. But for fighting? Well, that she was much better at, "I know the blue ones are the nice people, nobody cares about the green guys, and the red ones can be killed and driven insane. But what do they represent?"
As she was saying this, the short, slender girl picked up one of the green figures and started examining it from every angle, as if there would be a label on the base or similar.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on June 04, 2013, 10:41:04 AM
On the base of the miniature, Myriam can see carved letters: "GBA/7/16/2004". She can only wonder what they mean tough.

First, bear in mind the map isn't exactly to scale, but it still allows us to get a feeling of the current tactical situation.

Each of the figures represents a platoon of troops-roughly between twenty and fourty troops each.

The figures with spears are basic infantry. I'm afraid that's all we really have available in quantity right now. We have some other kinds of troops still in our side, but not anywhere close to organize in full platoons.

The ones on horses are obviously cavarly. Fast on the open, but get bogged down easily on forests and mountains.

Those with bows are archers, providing ranged support, in particular against enemies coming from above.

The ones with cloaks and spellbooks are arcane mages. Mind you, Bren doesn't have hundreds of mages deployed against us. Each platoon of mages  only has some three or four actual magic users, the rest will be regular infantry with the role of bodyguards.

Those with staffs and robes are divine priests. Similarly to the mages, only a few actual priests per platoon, the others protect them at all costs.

The ones with axes are bandits, opportunist scum, raiders and other villains. They carry whatever weapons and armor they can get their hands on and despite their lack of organization, their unpredictability still makes them quite dangerous.

The big building there is Castle Etruria, where we are now.

The smaller castles are minor but still important fortifications. I'm afraid those that are still on our hands are besieged by enemies of one kind or another. It's been our luck that the bad weather of the last months has slowed down the enemy advance, but it won't last forever...

The tiny houses are villages and farms, the true pillars of any proper kingdom if you ask me.

Aerial forces like pegasus and wyvern riders, as well as saboteurs and assassins are not presented in the map because they're either too mobile or too elusive for us to be able to keep track of them.

Finally, green figures are traveling mercenaries and merchants, offering their services to whoever can afford them. I would love to hire them, but our treasury is basically empty. We would need to secure funds from some place before.

Altough... The group up north has stablished itself on a fort we had lost to local raiders, which they then drove off. I've heard they have since converted the fort into an arena and take on any challengers, with great gold prizes to the winners. But you need to either bet money upfront or your own life to enter their arena. I couldn't ask  my subordinates to take that kind of risk, neither I feel confident enough to take on that arena myself.


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on June 04, 2013, 01:27:48 PM
The Knight of the Wind, Caliburn at his side, looked at the woman in shock, a half-eaten dish made of sausage, bread, and chili in his hand. He was a knight, and knew that the man who had called him was the kind of person he'd want in charge of an army- one more concerned with people than petty victories. Still, he wasn't too keen on following orders, even back home.

"Woah, lady! I know that this is a war, but those enemy soldiers are still people with famil-"

He was cut off, however, by his sword ejecting from its sheath slightly to admonish its wielder. Maurice dropped the food in surprise before catching it and finishing it.
"This is a war, Sir Ogilvie! 'Tis no time for such sentimentality."

The knight drew his sword and twisted it around to be face-to-face with the facial design on the hilt.

"Hey! I'm just saying, we might be able to scare them off. Who wants to fight a hopeless battle?"

"A knight never flees his foe, Sir Ogilvie. You MUST face those who-"

"Are my EQUALS and challenge me. The code also says I'm supposed to seek the greatest challenge, right? Probably the man in charge of the invaders." At this, Maurice began counting off on his fingers with a smirk. "So I head south, do some cleanup, find out who ordered the extra-large barrel of defeat, and we'll be done in time to take in something at the theater!"
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 04, 2013, 06:54:14 PM
The figure resembling a mass of rocks bound together in a vaguely humanoid shape speaks, his voice unsurprisingly gravely but with an overtone that those familiar with the term might label "digital."

"Thank you for your trust in us, Captain Vallace. I will do my utmost to preserve your country and those living there."

It seemed as if Regideus  might continue speaking but he fell silent and Tanek, the trimly built, copper skinned, young man at his side stepped up to the map in his stead.

"How much information do you have on your enemies' forces, captain? Are they capable, experienced? How do they compare to your own troops? In particular, the mages and priests, do you have an idea of their skill with magic? For instance, are the mages skilled enough to perform a full transformation into another creature, of a different kind (a human turning into a lion, for example)? Can they teleport multiple subjects a distance of several hundred feet? Information of this type will help us formulate an effective strategy when meet the enemy in battle."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: ariasderros on June 04, 2013, 09:40:13 PM
A man, with short brown hair and wearing robes, with a countenance about him and manner of looking at the table as if the whole world about him is a series of things to be processed and analyzed.
"I know the blue ones are the nice people, nobody cares about the green guys, and the red ones can be killed and driven insane. But what do they represent?"
Blue are nice people, who should be protected. Red are ones who must be dealt with, whether killed, captured or otherwise, in order to protect the blue people.
Green are ones we don't care about, but they can be turned blue or red, possibly without warning. Thus they shouldn't be ignored entirely.


"Woah, lady! I know that this is a war, but those enemy soldiers are still people with famil-"
As are the forces they wish to cut down. If there must be Widows Tears, let them be those who belong to the aggressors.
He says, but not with any emotion. He speaks this in a manner of someone explaining a mathematical process.

"Hey! I'm just saying, we might be able to scare them off. Who wants to fight a hopeless battle?"
Time and Speed are of the essence, if we were to hold back, or use methods that require a greater investment in one location, then it would be that much less likely for assistance to reach other battle-groups in time.

Those who concern themselves with such things may say that Patience and Mercy are "virtues". But to Academians and Soldiers, they are luxuries. If they can be afforded, then they should, but this map does not bode for such things.


"The code also says I'm supposed to seek the greatest challenge, right? Probably the man in charge of the invaders."
*Blink**Blink*
*Smirk* (More our "Eh" emote than the smirk)
You wish for the greatest challenge, HMM? That is NOT, here, today, whomsoever is the greatest threat. Today, the greatest challenge is in seeing as many of the defending forces live as possible.

"For instance, are the mages skilled enough to perform a full transformation into another creature"
HMM, you will have to forgive me this, I took this form not knowing whom I would encounter here, but this form is uncomfortable to me anymore.
Ans so, the man takes the form of a dragon with blue-ish white scales. The dragon wears only a cape, but it seems as if it is cut in a way to keep him covered, more like a blanket over a horse in the sun.
Though most of those magics you mention are not like that which I currently wield, what I did was more innate than my magic.

You will have to forgive is you think me too cold as I say so, but I do not think it would be wise to try to win everything, and protect everyone. We must make difficult choices if we are to win.
One of the most important things is to preserve as much of our forces as we can, and if possible, consolidate them into a single defensive force. Once that is done, we can then start utilizing portions of the force to attack. As it is, the forces are too spread out too be able to either attack or defend properly against these overwhelming enemy formations.
These ones at far forts who are not engaged should be recalled to the castle, I think.

He points first to the ones at AM5, and AC6.
These should consolidate themselves as quickly as possible, then make way to the castle.
He then points to the garrison at Q4.
These ones should first head due south, then follow the river at a distance to return to the castle.
Looking more intently at the active battles.
He then taps one claw right on top of the Allied Soldier marker at Z26.
And, How long do you believe that these men will be able to hold the choke point without further aid?
...
Never-mind, we cannot afford to make them wait longer than necessary.
Sending out troops from the castle might be somewhat counter-intuitive here, but we must preserve as many of our troops as possible.
I say it would be best to send out two groups of soldiers out from the castle, have them position themselves about this side of thee pass, then have the defenders pull back so that their knights must choose to either not advance, or fight three times their number. Given their aid, I imagine they will choose to take their chances. But it should help minimize our casualties, while maximizing theirs.

Arthur now simply stares at the forces about the fort at AC27.
The other battlefront is more... perturbitory. But, there is a point of potential there.
We need to claim victory over those forces. Need to.
Though I hate, most vehemently, the idea of leaving only one battlegroup in a castle this size. We must send out reinforcements to that battle.
One unit of soldiers is better than nothing.

... What we really need, is some form of strike force. Someone who can hit hard in the middle of the enemy group there, get that battle won, then move north over the river and through the woods, to flank the enemies at the other battle.

If you'll bear to pardon my saying so, Captain Vallace, it seems to me you've called here some people who have less value at strategy, and more value at implementation.

In this area, the one of the greatest current engagement, we need to break the support, the archers, mages and priests, and then the rest.
If possible, we need to attempt to gather the horses form their cavarly. As well as any provisions possessed by the enemy troops, and they must have brought something of sustenance to march on.
The mounts would help us move our troops about, even if none have the training to ride in battle. And the enemies provisions can be used as our own as well.


Then this last is not hears out loud, but rather in your heads:

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 04, 2013, 10:08:03 PM
"I too have some facility with altering my shape," said the walking mountain, "I can assume a form capable of transporting a unit or two of soldiers, as well as the members of the current company, at a fair speed."

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on June 04, 2013, 10:50:53 PM
Alan stood to the side of the table, watching and listening.  He replied when the dragon had finished speaking.  "I agree, we seem to be more useful as our own strike force than in analyzing stratagems from behind."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 05, 2013, 07:13:58 AM
Myriam grinned, looking at the most densely concentrated area of resistance. She wanted to go there, too: go there where things would be the most fun and the most dangerous and the most novel. Small, scattered groups of soldiers were too normal to be interesting. "I want to go to the large group, too. That looks like the most interesting place to be."

Everyone talking about transforming made the small girl grin. So they weren't normal people at all? Fun! Of course, she couldn't transform all the way and lose her new friends, but she could go halfway and give a taster.

"Oh, and I can transform as well."

Then the girl shifted from human to a betentacled, barely around human sized mass, golden eyes set within its body looking out at people and a crawling, flaming sigil shifting along its body. After long enough for everybody to see the thing, it collapsed back into the form of Myriam, hair perfectly straight and all. "That's not all I can do, but I can't do the rest right now. Not safe."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on June 05, 2013, 02:33:39 PM
Maurice looked to the sword, then the others in the room before stretching a bit.

"Would you believe that's not the scariest thing I've ever seen? I mean, don't get me wrong, still pretty freaky, but I saw Tobor the Round in a swimsuit."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on June 06, 2013, 12:40:40 PM
Captain Vallace seeks to aid you with your preparations[url].

 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpDkiEchT1Q)
"How much information do you have on your enemies' forces, captain? Are they capable, experienced? How do they compare to your own troops?
From our reports, most of the enemy forces have received basic, solid training and drilling, definetely not simple militia or conspricts. Most of them have some experience, but few could be called actual  veterans.

Bern's Knight units seem to have the greater martial skill among them. The officers leading their forces are a step or two above that.

Raiders are an undisciplined rabble, more dangerous for their numbers and dirty tactics than anything else.

As for our remaining forces, they've been well trained and most of them have already experienced battle of some sorts. Soldier per soldier they probably can stand against  Bern's forces. But our remaining officers are mostly green. They can barely compare to the ruthless commanders Bern has leading their forces... What was King Mildain thinking when he took all of our veterans with him?



In particular, the mages and priests, do you have an idea of their skill with magic? For instance, are the mages skilled enough to perform a full transformation into another creature, of a different kind (a human turning into a lion, for example)? Can they teleport multiple subjects a distance of several hundred feet? Information of this type will help us formulate an effective strategy when meet the enemy in battle."

As far as the frontline battles tell, the biggest magic used by Bern's forces has been balls of fire. More usually blinding showers and sticky webs. Which is still a lot more than what we have available to us.


You will have to forgive is you think me too cold as I say so, but I do not think it would be wise to try to win everything, and protect everyone. We must make difficult choices if we are to win.
One of the most important things is to preserve as much of our forces as we can, and if possible, consolidate them into a single defensive force. Once that is done, we can then start utilizing portions of the force to attack. As it is, the forces are too spread out too be able to either attack or defend properly against these overwhelming enemy formations.
These ones at far forts who are not engaged should be recalled to the castle, I think.

He points first to the ones at AM5, and AC6.
These should consolidate themselves as quickly as possible, then make way to the castle.
He then points to the garrison at Q4.
These ones should first head due south, then follow the river at a distance to return to the castle.

Your sugestion here makes sense from a military point of view on the short term...
But recalling those troops back to the castle will result in the nearby raider groups being left free to do as they will. It will be only a matter of time until they realize the local troops have left and seek to take advantage of it...
However it's still your decision. You're right, hard choices have to be made. I couldn't do them with a clear conscience, so that's why I'm handling the responsability to you. Forgive me for my cowardice in this situation...


Looking more intently at the active battles.
He then taps one claw right on top of the Allied Soldier marker at Z26.
And, How long do you believe that these men will be able to hold the choke point without further aid?
...
Not much, they're badly outmatched against Bern's knights. A day. Maybe two with luck.

Never-mind, we cannot afford to make them wait longer than necessary.
Sending out troops from the castle might be somewhat counter-intuitive here, but we must preserve as many of our troops as possible.
I say it would be best to send out two groups of soldiers out from the castle, have them position themselves about this side of thee pass, then have the defenders pull back so that their knights must choose to either not advance, or fight three times their number. Given their aid, I imagine they will choose to take their chances. But it should help minimize our casualties, while maximizing theirs.[/b][/color]

A good strategy.


Arthur now simply stares at the forces about the fort at AC27.
The other battlefront is more... perturbitory. But, there is a point of potential there.
We need to claim victory over those forces. Need to.
Though I hate, most vehemently, the idea of leaving only one battlegroup in a castle this size. We must send out reinforcements to that battle.
One unit of soldiers is better than nothing.

... What we really need, is some form of strike force. Someone who can hit hard in the middle of the enemy group there, get that battle won, then move north over the river and through the woods, to flank the enemies at the other battle.

If you'll bear to pardon my saying so, Captain Vallace, it seems to me you've called here some people who have less value at strategy, and more value at implementation.
I expected nothing less from you. What Etruria needs now is strong, capable commanders leading from the front and by example.

In this area, the one of the greatest current engagement, we need to break the support, the archers, mages and priests, and then the rest.
If possible, we need to attempt to gather the horses form their cavarly. As well as any provisions possessed by the enemy troops, and they must have brought something of sustenance to march on.
The mounts would help us move our troops about, even if none have the training to ride in battle. And the enemies provisions can be used as our own as well.[/b][/color]

I would guess they've been concentrating their forces on the village areas precisely to secure the livestocks and crops there.
Which means we'll probably end up just taking back what's ours by right.


Alan stood to the side of the table, watching and listening.  He replied when the dragon had finished speaking.  "I agree, we seem to be more useful as our own strike force than in analyzing stratagems from behind."

I assure you I wouldn't have given you this burden if I suspected if you would simply sit in this castle playing the lifes of soldiers like chess pieces.


"Oh, and I can transform as well."

Then the girl shifted from human to a betentacled, barely around human sized mass, golden eyes set within its body looking out at people and a crawling, flaming sigil shifting along its body. After long enough for everybody to see the thing, it collapsed back into the form of Myriam, hair perfectly straight and all. "That's not all I can do, but I can't do the rest right now. Not safe."

Vallace simply smirks at the girl's transformation.

It's not my place to judge you by how you look. In my youth I myself fought at the side of some quite exotic companions.
I trust you'll put whatever unique talents you have at defending Etruria's people.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 06, 2013, 03:04:51 PM
"I like the idea of going to the surrounded fort. Plenty of bad people to fight and turn into... friends," Myriam remarked, staring intently at AC27 and grinning, "Might even be able to get a leader or mage or someone fun onto our side! And best of all, they won't be able to say no. I like making friends. It's fun."

Straightening her kimono, the girl folded her arms and looked thoughtful, "How long would it take to get there?"
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: ariasderros on June 06, 2013, 09:28:13 PM
What was King Mildain thinking when he took all of our veterans with him?
Irrelevant. We may theory-craft another day. Let us all focus on questions of import.

Arthur seems to still be emotionless as he speaks. Though these words may seem brashly given, or from a person irate, this dragon states them as a simple matter-of-fact.

Your suggestion here makes sense from a military point of view on the short term...
But recalling those troops back to the castle will result in the nearby raider groups being left free to do as they will. It will be only a matter of time until they realize the local troops have left and seek to take advantage of it...
However it's still your decision. You're right, hard choices have to be made. I couldn't do them with a clear conscience, so that's why I'm handling the responsibility to you. Forgive me for my cowardice in this situation...
In an ideal situation, we would be able to return the forces to their locations with great enough haste for that to not be an issue.
But, to be honest, the full thought was to let them have their way for now, win the current engagements, then return with forces that could actually do something.
That, however, was predicated on the thought that the raiders will behave as men, and not as beasts. If you really believe they pose that great of a risk to the innocent people and the workable lands, then you are correct that we cannot afford to let them be as such.


Arthur, looks up from the map, and looks directly at the captain.

My comment was not based on short term. I can understand the confusion, with your lifespan being what it is. I was looking at the very long term. The idea that some loss of land was acceptable in the current, so long as the kingdom survived well enough to reclaim the lost property.
The only miscalculation I may have made was in the assumption as to the behaviors and humors of the aggressors in those areas.


And still, his words are flat. He also then goes back to simply looking at the map.

I would guess they've been concentrating their forces on the village areas precisely to secure the livestocks and crops there.
Which means we'll probably end up just taking back what's ours by right.
Hmm...



Other than that, at the very least, it would be prudent to not delay, unless anyone has better ideas, it would be best to send out the forces for the northern group.

I will defer to your critiques, Captain, and trust that the remote forces are better where they are. But I will say that leaving our forces spread out as such, does mean that we need to work more quickly on clearing the board.
It matters less to be stretched thin, if there is nothing to defend against.

Very well, if we must be aggressive, then we must do so well.

To that end, these Mercenary groups, do you know off-hand what their asking price would be?
If we can have them deal with the brigands and raiders, then that would allow us to allocate more of our forces to the relevant battles, but means is an issue. I am aware that we do not have enough at this point, but it would help to know just how much would be required. The enemy may have coffers for us to put to such use as we overcome them.


"Plenty of bad people to fight and turn into... friends,""Might even be able to get a leader or mage or someone fun onto our side! And best of all, they won't be able to say no. I like making friends. It's fun."
Such types of things are often considered morally questionable after the battles are won. If you focus your mental manipulations on their healers and mounts, however, then I doubt that any of the 'morally upright' would complain afterwards.

And we could really use the healers and mounts. The mages are less of a priority, but a good goal to have none-the-less.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on June 06, 2013, 11:27:04 PM
"Dude, I don't CARE if it's convenient. Brainwashing is wrong no matter what. You can't go around changing who people are."

"Sir Ogilvie speaks the truth. It is the tactic of cowards and thieves."

"And as for you, overgrown lizard, chivalry's not about convenience. It's about sticking to principles to uphold the greater good, even at personal cost. And if you can honestly say that basic morality should be ditched during a battle, well, I don't think I can work with you very well."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on June 07, 2013, 01:03:53 PM
"The 'greater good' is often poorly defined and even sometimes impossible to attain with one's resources.  Keep in mind that entire wars can be avoided and thus the 'greater good' of preserving life can be attained through assassination and subterfuge.  All war is deceit."

Alan punctuated his last sentence by dropping the image his Holographic Projector showed, revealing his cybernetic implants and true features.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 07, 2013, 01:33:28 PM
Tanek is studying the map. "I notice that, while the enemy soldiers are grouped in companies of significant size, the raiders are scattered in many small units. Using the mobility we discussed a moment ago, we should be able to eliminate or drive off many of them with minimal risk to ourselves."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: ariasderros on June 07, 2013, 10:53:11 PM
"Dude, I don't CARE if it's convenient. Brainwashing is wrong no matter what. You can't go around changing who people are."

"Sir Ogilvie speaks the truth. It is the tactic of cowards and thieves."

"And as for you, overgrown lizard, chivalry's not about convenience. It's about sticking to principles to uphold the greater good, even at personal cost. And if you can honestly say that basic morality should be ditched during a battle, well, I don't think I can work with you very well."

Arthur breaths in very, very, deeply his mouth open, and seems to be trying to make the inhale loud enough to echo (though he does not manage to).

There is a saying dragons have, "Take the Deep Breath". It is meant as I just did it. When we breath in, we are not also breathing out, not to use the strength of our breath, nor to speak. The saying is one of patience and temperance. A reminder to find your internal balance before jumping in.

Arthur then look strait at Sir Ogilvie

Good sir, "Take the Deep Breath".
You are mistaken quite greatly about me, my motives, and my moral integrity.
There has been miscommunication, I believe.
And most of all, there is no need for you to be so derisive towards me. Not towards my character, nor my race.

I do not "ditch morality in battle". Rather, it is that my moral views on this situation are based on having the greatest possible number of survivors. Were you not the one, just a moment ago, commenting that there should be a means to overcome the enemy in ways that do not harm them? You gave the example of routing them, for the sake of their families, even.

I am thinking of the families of this countries soldiers and citizens.

And there is nothing, about this situation, or my suggestions, that is in any way, "Convenient". This is a dire situation, and has potential to get worse.

However, and this is a very critical part of your dissent against me, I am an Academician. I seek to learn. I looked at the situation, and stated what I believed to be the most advisable path in order to manage the saving of lives. At every point, I inquired as to the thoughts of others, as I am hardly alone here, nor am I any form of particular specialist in the art of combative strategems. I wish to have further information and input, so that we may all, us and those in the field, take the best possible course of action.

You wish to make comments about taking a convenient path, when you offer nothing to assist, other than objecting to whatever is said?

By all means, if you know of some way to have everyone come out, on this side of the battle and that, with little to no casualties,


*Loud Telepathy to the group*
Offer It

Because I am doing the best I can think to, but if you can do better, then it is you who should do so. Without the disrespect towards others, please. Or is disrespect such as referring to Manakete as "Overgrown Lizards" your definition of "chivalry".

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 09, 2013, 01:27:04 PM
Regideus spoke. If his voice had previously resembled an avalanche, this time it was more like an earthquake. Soldiers on the walls felt the rumble and looked around nervously.

"Fellow sentients!"

He continued in his former tone which only modestly rattled the walls

"We are here to defend this land and its people. If any of you harbor the slightest sympathy for this country or those who call it home, you will not foster discord within our company. How can we possibly inspire confidence and solidarity in our soldiers in these, most trying times, if we cannot find it between each other?"
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on June 10, 2013, 02:40:07 PM
Alan winced and covered his ears as Regideus rocked the walls with his booming voice.  His suit was likewise complaining.

-- Creature Entry: Regideus.
-- Additional notes: Capable of speech at 110+ decibels.  Recommend ear protection if in vicinity for extended periods of time.

"Regideus, might I recommend being wary of everyone's hearing?  Deafening the troops while trying to inspire confidence in them might have the opposite effect."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on June 10, 2013, 09:55:59 PM
Maurice sighed, slumping into the chair. "Sorry guys, it's just that mind control really skeeves me out. Had to dethrone this evil wizard ursurper who was brainwashing people to serve him. Not important now."

He pointed to the map again. "The situation looks pretty grim to the south. I'd like to head up to the arena to get some money to hire-

The sword clattered in its sheath to draw everyone's attention.
"A knight must fight his own ba- hm. I suppose that advice does not work here. Never mind, forget I spoke. Perhaps dealing with sellswords could be justified for now."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 11, 2013, 01:47:47 PM
Regideus turns to Alan and says at a much more moderate volume "Ah.. ahem, forgive me, I am new to this form of existence and my former state dealt with extremes of volume far more than the ranges in which humans are comfortable. Is this better?"

Around the same time, Tanek replies to Maurice "The arena may well be a good way to increase our strength, but that will be for nothing if we lose all the soldiers currently under threat,"  he gestures to the surrounded forts on the map, including AC-27, "Damage control may have to be our immediate priority."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on June 11, 2013, 03:59:30 PM
"I don't brainwash. Washing brains sounds difficult. I just give people some new abilities, and that seems to make them like me, even if they don't like me trying to do it," the abomination naively replied, sounding affronted by the idea that she would be messing with people's brains. That was just silly, whyever would she want to do that? "So... we're going to go to the place with loads of enemies, right?"
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on June 11, 2013, 05:12:05 PM
Alan analyzed the map in further detail, muttering to himself and his suit a little with several calculations popping up on his HUD.

"For the arena to be worthwhile we would need to win and then get more recruits than we would lose in the time to travel there, succeed in their challenges, and then travel back.  We would also have to factor in the people we could save and recruit through other means during that time.  At the moment it seems we have more to lose through visiting the arena than we would gain.

I would say defense of this castle is our primary goal right now, and that includes preemptive defense.  The raiders near us shouldn't be much of a threat unless they all banded together, which the Northern sets might if they had any kind of sense.  The mountain pass directly East of us should provide those soldiers enough of a defensive stand to hold out for a while longer.  I believe our best chance to make a difference is, as others have indicated, here."  Alan said as he pointed to AC27.

"This fort is the most threatened and least likely to hold out unless we intervene.  It is also close to some mercenaries that we might be able to persuade to lend us aid."

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on June 11, 2013, 10:21:23 PM
Tanek's gaze is fixed on the map and he seems somewhat hesitant as he says "That is also one of the enemy's strongest concentrations of force and we have few troops to commit to the battle even if we take some from the garrison here. Do we truly have the might to prevail if we give battle there?"
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on June 12, 2013, 12:20:43 AM
"You bring up an excellent point.  A head-on assault likely wouldn't work unless we had significant numbers roughly equal to theirs, along with good reconnaissance.  Harassment and deception could work with fewer numbers, though, but that requires us to be persistent and well-organized, and it would take time which we might not have.

Speaking of organization though, our first battle as a team should not be anything large since we are not used to the abilities of each other.  We could mop up the closest raider parties to get comfortable as a group, and then decide from there where we might work best.  Have to play to our strengths and minimize our weaknesses while exploiting their weaknesses."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: ariasderros on June 12, 2013, 12:38:24 PM
"Have to play to our strengths and minimize our weaknesses while exploiting their weaknesses."

Normally, you would be quite right about that, but I would say that many of this county's troops cannot wait for us to dally around. Much the same issue as you mentioned about the arena.

I think, as far as our actions, we could use the harassment method, as you sort of mentioned. Using hit-and-run attacks in order to gauge our strength, the enemies strength, and also provide a bit of distraction to the enemy forces.

That would, at the least, provide the soldiers who need the aid something, even if it isn't much.

Really, the biggest concern here are the troops that aren't on the map. The Assassin-types and the Arial Mounts.
Between the defense-breaking attacks of the assassins, and the sudden reinforcement capacity of the mounts, either of them, in the wrong place at the wrong time, could easily shift the whole battle.

It is that reason for which I am most uneasy about anything other than the most rapid of strategems.

Honestly, it is as I said, I am not a specialist in the ways of war, but I do know that whatever we do must be done quickly. If the major battles can be won before the enemies even become fully aware that we have managed to turn the tide, then it will be much easier to maintain our momentum.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on July 01, 2013, 12:36:56 PM
"Let's hit at least one of the raider groups to the North of us so that we can get some practice together and ease the burden of defending this castle.  After that, we should at least get an idea of what's going on at the choke point to the East of us, and then see what's happening at the fort Southeast of us."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 01, 2013, 05:23:30 PM
"If I serve as transportation, I believe we can find and subdue a raider group quickly and quietly enough that it will not compromise our ability to come to the aid of the southeast fort. Indeed, testing my ability to carry you all and for you to deploy into battle quickly might be wise."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 01, 2013, 05:30:46 PM
"Ooh, that sounds good, and if we make any new friends, we get to bring them along or have them follow us, right?" Myriam said cheerfully, eager at the prospect of having two fights in a row without having to explain their actions to somebody and go through all this talking stuff again before deciding where to go.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 01, 2013, 07:18:32 PM
"That is a good point in favor of tackling some raiders first, said Tanek, perhaps the few of us can go and recruit enough allies quickly that we will have the numbers we need not to fail against concentrated enemy forces."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on July 04, 2013, 08:11:44 PM
It is settled then. If nothing else, wiping out some of the raider groups that have been sighted nearby the castle will rise our troop's morale. I wish you good luck!-Vallace replies
_____________________________________________________

Soon enough you're quickly traveling over the plains, carried in the back of Regideus. After a couple of hours the heavy rain becomes significantly weaker, no longer hindering your vision so much, but still you just see empty plains and tick forests in the background.

Eventually however you find the remains of a simple wood wagon, togheter with a bunch of male corpses, simple peasants by the look of their plain clothes. The rain may have washed out the blood, but it's plainly clear they were brutally killed not more than a few hours ago, axe wounds on their bodies.

From there, you spot a clear set of tracks. It's your luck that the rain lost power on the last hours, otherwise the trail would be much harder to follow. It leads towards the edge of the forest to your west.

Soon enough, you see it-a set of old ruins in the middle of the trees. Perhaps once a proud fort, now a set of half-torn walls and a crumbling ceiling. And around it some sixty men with worn-out axes, rusty swords, stone spears, wood javelins and rough leather armor, skulls and other bone pieces daggling from necklaces and belts. Several are humanoid skulls and bones by the looks of it.  Among the raiders inside the larger ruins segment, you can spot one that clearly stands taller than the other, wearing actual chain mail and wielding a red-glowing black axe. Inside the smaller set of ruins, there's no raiders, but rather a pair of women and children tied up and blindfolded, clearly trembling.

You can see doubt and hesitation on some of the raider's eyes as they spot you aproaching as well, but quickly enough their leader drives its axe into a nearby large rock, cleaving it in two, and shouts:

The prey willingly comes to the great Bagra! Go you worthless scum! Capture the woman, kill everybody else!

Bagra's barking seems to inspire the hesitant raiders. Conflict is clearly inavoidable.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on July 05, 2013, 12:57:17 AM
Maurice looked to the bandits, with their ramshackle arms and armor. Maurice drew Caliburn with a grin.

"Well then! Looks like this'll be over faster than I thought!"

With a burst of wind, he ran into the fray and towards the mob of bandits nearest the prisoners, attacking like some sort of whirlwind of steel and fury.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 05, 2013, 08:37:56 AM
Myriam had arrived from the side, walking forwards and smiling cheerfully at the bandits for all of a second. That was, of course, followed by a shout to make sure as many eyes as possible were on her--before she transformed, turning into a horrible abomination that just should not be. Looking at her was rather akin to watching reality cry out in pain.

Then the abomination moved forwards, one of its tentacles lashing out and attempting to strangle a guard. Painful.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: ariasderros on July 06, 2013, 02:24:14 PM
"You'll have to forgive me if I save my actual magics for situations that demand them"

With that, Arthur let out a line of electricity towards the grouping of bandits that Maurice zipped past the lightning then bursting into a sphere that encompassed the whole group.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 06, 2013, 06:49:03 PM
Having let everyone but Tanek dismount, Regideus stomps forward in the wake of the Dragon's Lightning and lays into that same mob with his earthen fists.

The shaman clings to his deity's back until the latter has finished moving, then makes a few gestures and the ground beneath all three mobs and one of the lone raiders begins to shake.

Meanwhile, Tanek's companion, a Geodude named Tank, had dismounted with the rest. He spies a raider separated from the others and charges, a picture of Regideus's advance in miniature.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on July 06, 2013, 07:41:33 PM
En route to the battle, Alan did some adjustments on his cybernetics.

--Specter operating system engaged
Designation: Alan Lance
Vitals: All clear, skipping analysis as per unit's preferences

Current module and energy loadout:
Generic module names selected due to unit "Wish[ing] those damn engineers would just make equipment designations easier on the eyes."

Universal Translator: Disengaging from Visor mount, allocating 0 energy to module.
Holographic Projector: Hot swap to Visor mount successful, Utility mount stable, allocating 2 energy to module
Scan Visor: Unmounted, allocating 2 energy units to module
Scrambler: Arm mount stable, allocating 3 energy units to module; Generalized language interference field GLIF increased to 60 foot radius, focused language interference blast FLIB range increased to 90 feet, omitting allies from GLIF exposure

Holographic Duplicates enabled.  Two mirror images created and accompanying.

Energy: 7/7 allocated.

Hot swap feature unusable until next cycle.

Secondary systems configuration:
Armblade: Unattached.  Unit opting to hold melee weapon.
Armbolt: Mechanism engaged.  Range: 60 feet.  Fatigue effect functional.

Equipment systems configuration:
Blurring armor engaged,



As they entered into the battle, Alan replied to Arthur.

"No forgiveness needed, so long as we still take care of business."

Alan took a moment to look at the leader and recall any information about this Bagra before moving forward to cloud the minds of the raiders a little.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 08, 2013, 08:57:59 AM
Myriam walked forwards, onto the battlefield, and smiled cheerfully at the bandits for all of a second. That was, of course, followed by a shout to make sure as many eyes as possible were on her--before she transformed, turning into a horrible abomination that just should not be. Looking at her was rather akin to watching reality cry out in pain.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on July 14, 2013, 09:42:33 PM
Maurice runs ahead of the rest of the party, his sword quickly guting a couple of the closest bandits.

Arthur unleashes a shocking blast on the closest group of barbarians, just before Regideus violently crashes on them, crushing their front rank into pulp. Then Tanek's earth magic crushes more of them under shifting stones, traping the others, as well as the lone bandit behind them and the one attacked by Maurice. The group of barbarians led by Bagra reacts quickly even as the ruins around them start to crumble, losing just some of their members.

Then Myriam screamed, and as the bandits eyes turn towards her, she changes. Most of the barbarians, in particular those struggling under Regideus direct assault, end up gazing into nothingness while pronouncing uncomprehesible words. A couple of them look back at their own companions, weapons pointed at them, their muderours intent suddenly shifted. Some are "just" left shaking visibly, while a few others and those under Bagra's direct command hold firm.

Alan can't get a proper lock-on  with FLIB in Bagra inside his block of minions, but suceeds on using it on his secondary target. The bandit doesn't seem much bothered by it. The visual scan proves more sucessful

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As two of the bandits proceed to spill their own companion's blood, releasing animalistic roars mixed with mad laughter, Bagra raises his axe and barks orders:

Those mind tricks of theirs are nothing you coackroaches! Just get togheter and kill them! And none of you even imagine about fleeing, you saw how fast some of them could move!


As he speaks, he pushes forward his group of bandits, driving them out of the crumbled ruins parts before he points his axe at Tanek in Regideus back. The surrounding brigands pull crude wooden spears from their backs and launch them in a disorganized volley against the spellshaper!

Regideus himself is attacked by two lone bandits, both of their muscles bulging up as they grunt and spit. One, wielding a crude  axe with both hands, still trembling from witnessing Myriam, fails to penetrate his tough hide. His companion, wielding a rusty sword in one hand and a dented axe in the other, drives them simultaneously on the pokemon's body, sinking them trough chinks on his rocky body with savage strength! Or at least he would've, if a sudden glowing  barrier didn't stop his weapons at the last moment! Still the divine curse jumps to him, and altough he manages to shrugg off the first scritpture, the second warps around him, limiting his movements.

The lone, immobilized barbarian between the two bigger groups pulls out a wood spear and throws it at Maurice, that easily dodges it almost as if the projectile was in slow motion. Then the eastern barbarians manage to scramble out of the shifting earth created under them and swarm around him, stabbing and slashing and bashing with a myriad of weapons while roaring insults all along.

One of the lone barbarians in the back aproaches the prisioners.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 16, 2013, 05:51:41 PM
The mass of tentacles and eye-raping flesh shifted, moving with alarming speed, almost rolling in a way that suggested its many appendages were being used as caterpillar tracks to speed its bulk towards a target. Myriam's tentacles lashed out as soon as it was within range, aiming to enshroud and drag down her unfortunate victim.

Well, he was quite possibly more fortunate than many of his colleagues: he would likely escape dying if the god beside him didn't kill him.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on July 24, 2013, 12:23:16 PM
As Alan moved forward he took the option of hiding using his armor's Blurring capability.

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Upon moving up close to Myriam and Regideus (double move to AK-16) he whispered to them.

"Bagra's a mean piece of work.  He'll sacrifice his pawns to save his skin, and when he isn't turning them into raving savages he becomes one himself.  He's got no sense of honor, and I'd expect him to let, or even order, the prisoners be killed.  See if you can keep his cronies away from the prisoners, and then see if you can deal with the mob around him.  I can't get a good shot on my mind scrambler with him in there."
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Clanjos on July 25, 2013, 12:12:47 PM
As the mob surrounded him, Maurice dodged the blows as best he could- however, sheer numbers managed to get the better of him. This did not lessen his resolve as he had but one response as he lashed out with Caliburn.

"Come on, step it up!"

Caliburn, blade dug into one of the mob, had its own response.

"There is nothing that the Knight of The Wind cannot best!"

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Concerned Ninja Citizen on July 26, 2013, 11:25:13 PM
Regideus receives a pair of solid hits from the raider, but stones appear to spring from the ground and interpose themselves as his divine shield wards off the damage. A rocky projection leaps from his body in response, shoving powerfully at the raider while the god focuses his attention on the immobilized mob in front of him. Striking and ripping, he hopes to finish them off. 

Tanek is less fortunate. A hail of missiles rains down on him and he takes several direct hits. Badly wounded, he scrambles from Regideus's back and attempts to take cover behind the earthen deity.

Tank meanwhile, swings at the raider in front of him, attempting to push him back, then sinks smoothly into the earth.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on September 12, 2013, 06:33:08 PM
The bandit struggles like a possessed madman, but Myriam still suceeds on holding him down and tear away his weapon, shody armor, his pouch belt and then his clothes until there's nothing left to remove.

Maurice's blade takes an heavy toll on the bandits surrounding him, but it seems that just as one body falls a fresh enemy steps on the empty space left to take a swing at the knight.  Not even when a sonic-speed slash decapitates three bandits at once do they seem to falter!

Regideus meanwhile swings its massive fists from opposite directions at the weakened bandit group right in front of him, managing to trap most of them. The pokemon god feels the packed-up flesh be squeezed until it bursts and the bones underneath break in a series of cracks until he only feels a soft mush between his hands. The few survivors that had managed to duck in time away from the blow are left cowering in the floor!

"Press on you worthless scum! Don't think you'll have any better luck than them if you try to run now! Get the tentacle beast first, it seems squishier than that rock giant! And where are my hostages?"


Bagra leads his own group closer to Regideus, unleashing a new volley of javelins and darts, this time aimed at Myriam! They almost hit Alan as well, lurking just besides her whispering advice.
As if following his command, one of the lone raiders enters the ruins with the hostages and pushes his worn-out sword to the neck of a tied up child that seemed to be praying before, but now is just glaring in terror.

Yah all heard da boss! Leave us alone or the little runt gets it!

Meanwhile Tank misses his second swing at the Raider, but manages to slip off below the earth just before he breaks out of his daze. Looking around, he moves around the trees, pulling an handaxe from his belt and throws it at Tanek that is hiding behind Regideus. But he manages to take cover under his master's body, the weapon ricocheting harmlessy out of the divine shield.

The insane bandits keep dueling with their own companions closest to them, aparently oblivious to the rest of the battle.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 23, 2013, 04:42:15 PM
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For the moment ignoring the arrows that were impacting on her grotesque personage, Myriam turned her attention to the bandit in her grasp. Such an unfortunate soul, to be the first of her new friends, this day; he would undoubtedly be riddled with arrows, if he managed to get out...

What followed was not something that anyone was likely to pay too much attention to.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on October 29, 2013, 11:44:28 PM
Having delivered his message to Myriam and Regideus, Alan moved forward to hopefully get to the mook by the hostages in time to save them.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on November 12, 2013, 07:09:01 AM
The battle rages fierce  allaround Myriam as she transforms the bandit on her grasp into one of her kind, and he quickly stops struggling. His enraged face relaxes and turns into a relaxed expression, some drool sliping from his mouth as he looks up at nothing in particular.

Fine, that's how you want it, that's how I'll do it! Kill one of the sheep!-orders Bagra while advancing with his mob towards Myriam, and the bandit watching over the hostages cuts down one of the tied up women, while the others scream in terror.

Regideus moves to intercept, but Bagra uses his underlings as cover and splits off, quickly closing in with Myriam!

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I don't know what you're doing to my man there, but I don't like it! Cut if off!
-he threatens at Myriam as he swings his axe at her (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkQXQLPrCqo). Despite rusted and cracked, the weapon cuts  deep into her flesh. Bagra's martial prowess is clearly on a superior level to his minions. goes straight trough her body whitout inflicting any visible damage. Bagra's eyes widen in disbelief.

Alan slips unnoticed between the confrontations all around him to close in to the ruins holding the hostages.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 12, 2013, 12:32:39 PM
The horrific mass of tentacles glared at the man, shuffling around him a bit before lashing out to try and smash every bone in his body. She might not have been hurt by his attack, but that didn't mean it hadn't annoyed the monstrosity.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Jackinthegreen on November 12, 2013, 01:31:25 PM
Alan grit his teeth as one of the hostages went down.  Luckily he had moved into ranged for GLIF to be effective against both Bagra and the raider threatening the hostages.  Now he had to make a decision on which one to fire FLIB at.  If he took out Bagra's ability to communicate, how would the raiders react?  Even if it was badly, he couldn't let Bagra bark out more orders.

He turned around and shot Bagra with FLIB, hoping it'd be enough.  After the shot he reallocated energy to 3/3 for the Projector and 1/3 for the scanner and then moved to Y-14 (Z-14?) to hopefully be able to get a charging bull rush off on the V-16 guy.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on November 15, 2013, 05:18:27 AM
Myriam's tentacles rake at Bagra, and altough his flesh proves tougher than that of regular humans, she's still dealing plenty of visible damage, covering his body in dark bruises while the sounds of bones cracking under the impact is heard, while her new "friend", still a bit drooly, proves a distraction from the other side. The bandit leader still manages to dodge out of the way of two tentacles, one of them by amazing reflexes.

Then Bagra's body muscles riple and the veins of his neck bulge as he lets out an animalistic roar followed by a series of grunts mixed with thrown spit at Myriam. It almost seems like he was trying to say something, but forgot how to speak. Still a dark fire now seems to burns in his eyes. Is he really human? The bandit converted by Myriam starts shaking, and Bagra suddenly turns and chops off his head in one fluid move, then spins around and delivers two more axe blows at the mass of tentacles, hacking deep in her flesh. It's unnatural how he can still put up so much fight in his current condition.

A bit up more north, Alan remains undetected, watching how the raiders around seem to be confused at the sudden loss of speech from their commander. Most of them still are locked in combat with someone else, but the one watching the hostages seems at a loss of what to do.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 15, 2013, 06:18:54 PM
Bagra endures some more blows from Myriam, clearly still only holding up thanks to his rage. Until Myriam finally connects a direct hit to his skull, that cracks it open-but no blood spills from inside. Rather, a dark purple cloud comes out and Bagra's body quickly dissolves into dust that dissipates into mid-air. The only things left over are his axe, and six crimson crystals (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=3993.msg85506#msg85506) that fall on the grass below.

The effect on the remaining bandits is instantaneous-once they notice their leder's demise, they rout and start running for the woods. Myriam could be able to pursue and catch some whitout trouble if she pursued now, but she won't be able to get all of them due to them spreading out too much. At least, the hostages seem to no longer be on any danger.


Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 18, 2013, 11:48:03 AM
Having successfully defeated the bandit boss, Myriam went off after the fleeing bandits. If she could just grab one or two, then she could make a few more friends... a few people like her. Or children. That sounded good, too; making... MORE.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 19, 2013, 11:23:03 AM
Running into the woods, Myriam quickly catches up with a pair of the fleeing bandits. As they try to escape, she easily catches them both and proceeds to do her work. A few moments of desesperate screaming later at the hands of her tentacles, and the transformation is complete in one of them. Altough he remains unchanged on the outside, Myriam knows they now share the same "nature". As for the other bandit, she knows her children are now growing inside of him.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 19, 2013, 11:29:12 AM
Myriam made sure that both of the bandits were in no state to be rushing anywhere, before returning to her apparently human form--and immediately setting to carrying them back home with her. Seeing as everyone else had apparently fallen against the bandit group or... something, she felt certain that she'd need some more friends. Maybe try and sneak up on the castle guards and turn them.

She'd probably have to pay attention to the state of things this time... and try and learn how combat worked. Oh well, that seemed fun enough!
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 20, 2013, 09:11:28 PM
Now that she thinks about it, Myriam's not very sure about what happenned to her companions. They seem to just have become... Lost in the woods. Still, she finds her way out, and after a long and boring walk under the rain dragging two uncoscious bodies each bigger than her current form, she finally spots Etruria Castle in the distance.  There's no guards on the ground, but she can spot some over the castle walls, illuminated by torches. They don't seem to have noticed Myriam yet.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 21, 2013, 06:02:58 AM
Myriam peered up, trying to see if it was the same guards as when she left. She'd remembered something about being attacked and enemies and... really, it would be quite bad if these weren't the same people at all.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 22, 2013, 02:40:54 PM
Looking carefully, Myriam notices that the soldiers in the walls aren't wearing Etruria's typical blue clothes.

They're wearing Bern's scarlet uniform. The castle seems to have fallen while she was away!
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 22, 2013, 02:52:50 PM
Not the same guards? That meant her treasure was in danger! It was in a remote cellar, so not the first place anyone would look for such things... but still, she had to get back to it before it was all taken! She couldn't simply break in, though; she was injured from the earlier fight. Maybe there was a servants' entrance or secret escape nearby? She'd had enough time to look around the castle when bringing in her things... or maybe she could at least find one.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 22, 2013, 03:09:49 PM
Myriam remembers a secret passage hidden in a nearby woods, meant as an escape route in the case of siege. The heavy rain helps her conceal her movements besides the need to drag two unscious bandits behind her as she moves towards it...
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After some minutes of walking across an uderground, dark, wet and cold corridor, Myriam emerges into a small stone room, on the other side of which there's a set of stairs. On the walls are hanged Etruria's flags, suggesting the enemy still hasn't found this place. There's a couple beds and some chests on the floor containing various basic supplies, including preserved rations, money, basic clothes, simple weapons and armor.

Myriam remembers the stairs on the room should lead to the prince's personal chambers. It was supposed to be his escape route after all...

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 22, 2013, 03:33:21 PM
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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 26, 2013, 07:49:04 PM
Myriam's keen ears hear the sounds of furniture being pushed and broken far up the stairs, then a faint conversation from the same direction:

"Damn, nobody's been here for quite a while now! Guess those rumors about the coward prince from Etruria having escaped before we got here were true..."-says an heavy male voice.

"Figures, and seems like he took all of his country's remaining valuables with him. No wonder general Vallace surrendered so fast when we springed our suprise attack!"
-replies another

Well, that poor old man just had some ragtag recruits to protect this castle against our elite assault troops and wyvern knight Kante leading us, he knew he had no chance. Smart of him to prevent any more needless bloodshed. Etruria is as good as finished, now it's mopping work.

Still, what good are first pick rights if there's no decent treasure in this castle? Keep searching!


And the sound of furniture being broken and pushed around resumes.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 26, 2013, 08:05:15 PM
Myriam, for ease of rearrangement, resumed her nightmarish form and lifted a backpack, filling it with the potions, and then neatly arranged the armour. Her new friend would be out for a while, so she left him by the incubating bandit and placed a sword by his side, just in case it would come in handy. The bullion, meanwhile, was stashed in her obi after returning to her humanoid appearance.

Finally, the monster downed one of the more numerous potions and settled down to wait, sitting so that anyone coming down the stairs wouldn't see her--and anyone descending in the dark would run the risk of tripping over the quarterstaff she forced between the two walls at shin-height.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 29, 2013, 11:35:53 AM
The noise of enemy soldiers searching upstairs continues, but is only some seconds after Myriam gulps the second potion that there's a sudden "click" and the sound of an heavy stone door sliding.

Ah, found a secret passage!
Hmm, it looks dark down there, should we go tell the sergeant?
Nah, let's take a look ourselves first, I smell gold down there. More for us if we don't need to split it with anyobody else!
Ok then, watch your step!


Then the sound of boots coming down the steps quickly aproaches. Soon followed by a "thud" and a short scream as a soldier clad in red breastplate, a longsword sheated at his belt, comes rolling down the rest of the stairs and lands prone just in front of Myriam!

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 29, 2013, 11:54:03 AM
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Myriam shuffled into the full view of the soldiers, stopping just out of reach of the first soldier and looking rather smug at the success of her little trick. Then? Then, everything went terribly wrong for the unfortunate soldiery, as the slight girl before them turned into a mind-breaking abomination.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on December 31, 2013, 12:36:42 PM
As he tries to get back up, the soldier gazes upon the girl transforming into something beyond description. His face becomes transfixed, as if day dreaming, his mouth opening and closing whitout making a sound in pure disbelief, and he remains on the ground.

I told you to watch your step! I'm coming down!-calls the other soldier from above the stairs, followed by the sound of him quickly descending the stairs.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on December 31, 2013, 01:23:48 PM
The unfortunate soldier in front of Myriam was... well, grabbed, tentacles lashing out and seizing him, and then attempting to force him to the ground. If he was very fortunate, he might avoid this fate--but really, what chance did he have in the long run>?

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 06, 2014, 09:33:58 AM
The soldier still struggles a bit, but there's just too many tentacles quickly latching into him and he's quickly immobilized by Myriam.

His companion goes down a few steps of the stairs, notices the tentacle mass stretching over the fallen human on the floor, and starts to back away slowly.

H-Hold up man! I'm going to... HELP! THERE'S MONSTERS IN THE CASTLE! HELP!


And he breaks off running up the stairs away from Myriam.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 06, 2014, 09:42:42 AM
The pinned soldier's life was about to get a whole lot worse. So was the other guy's, maybe.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 08, 2014, 07:49:06 AM
Myriam closes in with the fleeing soldier, her tentacles almost touching him as he keeps screaming

IT'S JUST BEHIND ME! SOMEBODY! HELP!

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 08, 2014, 10:13:40 AM
Only one tentacle was within reach--but that one tentacle was enough. Its very touch would drain the man of moisture as it constricted him, and then as Myriam tried to pin him down fully...
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 11, 2014, 06:23:54 PM
Myriam sucessfully catches the fleeing soldier, that can only struggle helplessly against her crushing grasp.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 12, 2014, 08:16:25 AM
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Much like his companion the tentacles got everywhere. Unlike him, this guy got to wake up.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 13, 2014, 06:54:56 PM
The soldier calms down and completely stops his struggles, his eyes doze around for a few seconds, before opening again and looking around, no more fear on his eyes. He seems to try to say something, altough he's still muffled by tentacles.

However, Myriam's keen ears are busy with something else. The clear sounds of boots and clanging armor quickly aproaching from the other extreme of the stairs. At least a dozen, possibly more.

Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 13, 2014, 07:04:12 PM
Myriam drops the man immediately, using the time to resume her human form and straightening out her kimono, whilst offering a hand to her new friend. That's a lot of people, and she can't really fight them all off at once. Well... not yet, at least. Maybe in the future. For now, well, relying on how oddly fragile people's minds are seems good!
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 13, 2014, 07:27:40 PM
Just as the assimilated soldier is getting on his feet helped by Myriam, a large unit of red-clad soldiers arrives, spears and javelins at the ready. 

What happened? We heard shouts about a monster being in the castle!-asks a soldier with plumed helment and emblazoned pauldrons, clearly a minor officer.

Ah, sergeant...-replies the assimilated soldier- Yes, me and  Jake discovered a secret passage on the prince's room, and we descended to investigate. We... Found this girl locked in there. But then something down there made him trip and caught him... Something big and unnatural. I... Decided to run back to get reinforcments. Didn't think it would be wise to go further into unknown darkess whitout more support.

The sergeant seems somewhat suspicious of the soldier's story, but then turns to myriam and asks her in a stern voice:

Who are you? What were you doing in that secret passage. Was there anything or anyone else locked in there with you?
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 13, 2014, 07:48:47 PM
"I'm Myriam! I live here. Or, well, I live in the basement. It wasn't being used, and I keep it clean of vermin and notice if things are falling apart, so I got to stay." Thus far, all true, if a bit strange--why would you let this slight girl live down there on her own, after all. Now came lying--or, more accurately, misleading rambling without actually saying anything false. Lies were hard. "I went in there when I noticed there were people, and I was a bit worried about that, but there wasn't anyone else in there with me that I noticed, just supplies."[/color]

Did the people she brought with her count? She hadn't really noticed them there whilst looking around.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on January 21, 2014, 07:45:56 AM
So you're a servant girl? Then you'll be working for us now. Don't worry, we don't bite, despite whatever scary stories your previous masters may've told you.

Still... It wouldn't hurt to check what's in this "basement" that we failed to notice until now. You guys, go get check it out. Take it slowly. We're not in an hurry anymore, and if there's anything valuable down there, it should be fairly divided among us.


With this words, half of the soldiers salute and start descending the stairs. Myriam knows it's now only a matter of time before they find the uncoscious coldier and bandits down there. Then the sergeant looks back at Myriam, this time smiling with a friendly face:

So, servant girl, isn't there anything else you want to tell us? No secret you were told to keep? Your previous Lords are gone now. There's no need to hold any loyalty for those that failed and abandoned you. But if you prove useful to us, then maybe you could rise from a servant girl. No longer living in basements. Having your own proper room, perhaps your own house someday. Bern rewards handsomely those that prove their use to the kingdom. But if you're holding something back from us, if you try to betray us from some foolish reason...


There's "only" ten soldiers around Myriam now, plus the sergeant. There's actual enough room for her to run directly away from them towards the main corridor, from which she could quickly go to any of the other castle areas. Provided she doesn't run into any more enemy soldiers of course.
Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: Raineh Daze on January 23, 2014, 09:06:06 AM
"Yes. You are not taking my things out of that basement," Myriam stated, tapping the sergeant's breastplate with more force than anyone of her slight frame should be able to conjure up. Myriam once again cast off any guise of humanity... right in the centre of all the soldiers, which was probably not going to do them any favours, followed by an unspeakable muttering.

Then she bolted, rushing out from the centre of the group, wanting to get to her hoard--and hopefully, they would be too... busy to follow her. Maybe her friend would take some time to deal with them.

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Title: Re: Gaiden Chapter I-Taking Charge
Post by: oslecamo on February 07, 2014, 06:51:13 PM
Wha-

The soldiers stare at Myriam for a moment, then suddenly four of them draw their swords and attack their own comrades! Blood sprays across the corridor as one of men breaks into crying and sobbing while the sergeant just stares into the air, aparently oblivious to what's happening around him. Another suddenly turns towards Myriam with bloodshot eyes, throwing one of his javelins with mechanic acuraccy, managing to actually wound her! Only two of the soldiers seem in control of their actions, and start moving towards Myriam, when her latest "child"steps in their path with his sword drawn:

Don't hurt her! She's not the source for this madness! It's whatever's lurking in that basement!
Step out of the way you idiot! That is a monster! If we kill it, then its curse will end!
How do you know that? It could just make things even worst!
Can't you see? We're already fighting against each other, it can't get any worst! It is a menace and must be stopped. Get. Out. Of. Our. Way.


The would-be-pursuers draw their own swords. It seem like they'll attack Myriam's latest child, who stubbornly stands in their way.

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