>>6150759

Sitting on a stool under the dark green tarp that kept most of the sun away, you nearly emptied the waterskin in one go. Half of the water missed your mouth and splattered down your neck, soaking your shirt and arming jacket. The duel against Garithos had really drained the juice out of you, which worried you somewhat. It had been months since the Incident and you nearly dying, you had regained your mobility and you are fairly sure that you are a bit leaner and more agile than before. But your endurance just wasn't there, it hasn't returned to what it once was.

"Alric… Alric? Are you there?" Malevus asked you as she waited for you to pass the waterskin back to you.

"Oh sorry, I got lost in my thoughts." You said to your girlfriend and smiled while passing the waterskin back.

Malevus was supposed to stay in the basecamp by the farms in the south. Raleigh the True, Silver Hand Paladin in your service, had judged her not be ready to act as your bodyguard after getting wounded by the kobolds some time ago. But now she was here, standing in front of you against her orders. Wearing her simple grey priest's robe over her usual tunic and trousers, she would have looked so plain if not for her long red hair and the fact that she was an elf.

"Alric… stop staring at me, I know we haven't seen each other for a couple days, but still…" She sighed and brushed her hair off her face.

"Oh right, sorry…" You said to her and averted your eyes for a moment before finding her fair face again. "You were supposed to stay in the camp."

"How could I stay there after hearing the news? I was already ready to take a horse and come here, but then I got your letter…" Malevus started to tell you and her voice got quiet. "I was worried as hell you dummy."

"See, I'm still here, nothing happened." You shrugged.

"Don't belittle what happened, you could have gotten hurt or…" Malevus started to say as she put her hands on her hips. "I should have been here by your side. It is my duty to protect you."

"And get caught by the same illusion? Ask Gravis and the boys if that experience was any fun." You said back as you stood up. "It is my duty to make sure my people and my underlings are safe and protected as well."

"Yeah and how can you do that while entrapped in some old magic… and don't worry I will kick Prince Kael’thas in the balls for being responsible for this!" Malevus sternly replied.

"And cause a diplomatic incident!? I just asked for a slight stomp!" You said as the two of you were now face to face.

"He won't dare, my family makes all the clothes his court wears… besides he probably still wants me to join his personal household." Malevus said back.

"Well he is late for that. Still, I am grateful for your concern, but I am fine." You said.

"And you need to stop being so protective of me, I am a Paladin!" Malevus insisted.

"Paladin-in-training!" You replied back to her.

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>>6150761

At that point the two of you heard someone clear their throat. Both you and Malevus turned your heads to look at whoever dared to interrupt you.

"What!?" You and Malevus said in unison as your eyes found Lieutenant Gravis.

"Prince Alric, it is good to see you as well Lady Malevus, but the officers are all ready to continue the strategy meeting." Lieutenant Gravis said to you and tried to stifle his smirk. "The Regional Defenders have accepted Major Reginald as their leader, they won't cause any trouble to you."

"Good, I will be there in a moment." You said to him and continued. "Lieutenant, one more thing. If you interrupt us again, I will have you on the sewer cleaning duty for the rest of the year in Dawnholme."

"Of course, I will keep that in mind. Prince Alric, Lady Malevus." Gravis bowed before leaving. You looked back at Malevus and took a deep breath.

"Look at us, we haven't seen each other for a couple of days and we are already bickering like an old married couple." You said to her.

A slight blush crept up her cheeks when she realised what you had said. Oh you see how this goes.

"Now I need to go, the officers need me and in the meanwhile you will find Raleigh and apologise to him. You broke his orders even with how good intentions you think you had." You said to her and continued. "We will talk later this evening, we aren't finished."

"But marriage…" She stammered.

"Yes! And seven children, nice round number!" You replied and watched her face turn as red as her hair.

She deserved that teasing, she should have stayed in the basecamp, but now that she is here she probably won't go back. You would now need to start worrying about her, she needed to be protected.

But now, the officers.

…

"It is good that everyone is still here." You said to them and took your seat.

Everyone was here, two younger Regional Defender officers had joined you as well and Major Reginald had taken the spot where Garithos had sat before.

"Let's get this over with, we have already wasted enough time with this silly business." You said to them.

Alright, they most likely want to hear your opinion on what just happened, but you also have some questions before you go to the actual decisions on war. You will most likely hear about Garithos soon enough, so maybe you don't need to address him or the duel really? Put him and all this behind you.


>Ask about Garithos, show some interest in his current status.
>Have Major Reginald to tell you how the Regional Defenders are taking this. Do you have them under your command or not?
>Explain the need for unity from this point forward. We are entering gnoll territory.
>Talk about the duel, what your goals were and ask what did the officers think about it?
>Other, write in

QM: New thread! As always if you have any questions, go ahead and ask them. I will try to answer them as best as I can.

>>6150762
>Have Major Reginald to tell you how the Regional Defenders are taking this. Do you have them under your command or not?
>Explain the need for unity from this point forward. We are entering gnoll territory.

lets gooo

>>6150762
>Have Major Reginald to tell you how the Regional Defenders are taking this. Do you have them under your command or not?
>Explain the need for unity from this point forward. We are entering gnoll territory.
I want the reactions from our own officers not the officers of the entire expeditionary force.

>>6150762
>Have Major Reginald to tell you how the Regional Defenders are taking this. Do you have them under your command or not?
>Explain the need for unity from this point forward. We are entering gnoll territory

I think this should be good. I would like to hear what they thought of the duel lol, but this is a strategy meeting not necessarily the time to talk about how he wanted to brand Garithos booty...But it would be fun.

>Talk about the duel, what your goals were and ask what did the officers think about it?

>>6150762
>>Have Major Reginald to tell you how the Regional Defenders are taking this. Do you have them under your command or not?
>>Explain the need for unity from this point forward. We are entering gnoll territory.
Dont give garithos the attention.

>>6150762

Thought for later. I want to offer to buy a copy of Boyd's grimoire and notes, Williams too if we can. As a pyromancer his work most suits Alric. Say It would be nice for starting an Alterac School of Magic, Arcane Sanctum w.e. Or that if he dies in battle does he want his works to live on, and ideally we wouldn't want to have to go through whatever wards he might have set up to protect his stuff. When we do open one he will have a position if he wants. Plus this way he can put some money towards something he really wants. If we need a better argument than someone might have one. Though once Nalice is back I suppose they probably don't know much if anything that she doesn't, they might have some neat ideas.

If Alric summoned learned to summon a Fire Elemental would it be the early warcraft art of a pretty woman shaped elemental, an elemental goon shape, or entirely dependent on what we aim to summon and rolls? A little babby phoenix, a fire hawk, etc.

Would a smokescreen still count as a fire spell? Could Alric try to make one work at the next opportune moment?

If I were to suggest taking a number of loans from various towns, contacts and factions, do you have a good idea of what they would be able to lend? I have something of a lineup of how we could invest and what profits we could get to pay them back. As I'm guessing even Katrana might balk at lending 200-300 Wealth.

Who are some of the likely options for Mayor?

Would an Abbey be a considerable help to Malevus's progression in the Light?

Would any pieces of Alterac Regalia be worth a risky venture into Ogre-held Alterac or Syndicate strongholds? The Crown? A royal seal? etc.

It was better to not talk about Garithos right now, you can talk to your officers in private, but better to not keep dragging the issue and keeping it open. But you want to know if the Regional Defenders can be relied on.

"Major Reginald, are the Regional Defenders ready for combat?" You asked him and looked at the younger officers.

"We are ready, our ability to fight hasn't diminished." Reginald replied back to you.

"But are the heads of the men there?" You continued.

Reginald paused slightly before answering.

"The battle will set them straight." He said.

That was good enough. He was right as well, you don't have time to think about anything else when you are knee deep in dead gnolls. First battle will set them straight, especially if they go and win it.

"Good, because we can't have the men faltering. Not now and not especially in the coming days. We are marching into the gnoll territory proper, most likely skirmish with them in a day or two. South Durnholde Hills have thankfully shown to be empty, so the gnolls are concentrated in their own territories." You spoke and continued. "All of us know what our goal is and what hangs in balance. We have to succeed, no other possibility is acceptable. We can't allow our inner squabbles to hamper us or make us forget why we are here."

There was a chorus of agreeing nods amongst the officers. The Regional Defenders know that you are right even if they might feel or think that you shafted Garithos hard. Which to be honest you did, they are allowed to feel that way, but not during the campaign.

"Now though we have a decision ahead of us, shall we head north and follow the river or do we pivot east and deal with the main gnoll force first?" You said and pointed at the map spread on the ground.

You started with the decision of moving the basecamp near the ruined tower, you needed the medical people closer as there would be casualties. And then you started describing the decision ahead of you.

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>>6151237

Going north towards the ancient forest next to Darrowmere River was a bit of a question mark in your mind. You knew that gnolls were there, they had ambushed you after all which meant that they needed to be dealt with. But you know that The Syndicate also has or had a presence there. There was also the question of will the closeness to the troll territory have any weight? What about the mountains that border The Hinterlands? You would be stepping into the unknown, but you would have the river protecting your left flank in addition to Shoredon and the rest of your men just a short rowing distance away. Would going north be the right choice first?

Going east and into the rear of the gnoll territory was the second choice. Keeping the columns apart as planned and sweeping through the lands was how you had planned the campaign to go in the first place. And now you were in a position to attack into their rear instead of head on. Destroying their camps first and then attacking whoever is nearby could prove to be useful, but how would they react? Gather everyone together and strike as one mass or attack enraged without much thought in tactics? You couldn't know.

So which is it, going north or going east?


Choose one:
>Go North and follow the Darrowmere River
>Go East and strike into the rear of the gnoll territory

QM: Might have another update in me for later today

>>6151238
>Go North and follow the Darrowmere River

We clear it out to be sure they can't become a threat to our rear, to our future wounded.

If we take losses we even have the option to call over some men from Shoredon, maybe get an update on their patrols, let them know the dark irons are coming finally. Once its clear we could tell them to send a scout past where we had Alric's battle against the gnolls and see whats out there.

>>6151238
>Go North and follow the Darrowmere River
Im more interested in cutting off the retreat routes for gnolls.

>>6151238
>>6151247
>>6151291
Why not march north and swing around east? Have leftmost column hold the hills while the others sweep the forest.

>>6151301
We aren't here to hold territory it would just waste an entire column. We clear north and then when its done we turn around and clear the east

>>6151312
We aren't here to hold anything long term yes but if we don't have anything blocking the hills then what's stopping the Gnolls from retreating further into the wilderness up north? Unless the troll territory is right past the hills, there's nothing.

>>6151327
>Whats stopping the Gnolls from retreating
Our formation and scouts covering enough ground to spot and engage them as we sweep the forest. If we have one less column we lose quite a bit.

If theres only one column blocking the way north what stops them from breaking that column before we can get back in time to help them? If a force or stream of gnolls gets around us because we have one less column in our formations then do we end up having to turn around every time incase they and whatever gnoll forces are in the north can combine to crush that lone column or do we end up splitting forces even more. What stops them from retreating around that one column.

It just seems like we should focus on using the column formation and its advantages after we crush whatever gnolls are in the north rather than gimp it, risking loss of a column and more men in the battles to come.

Theres presumably whatever forced them into migrating south in the first place. Orcs, Syndicate, Trolls, oh my. Atleast this is more or less how I see it.

>>6151338
Oh and I suppose they could decide not to retreat but to go for the farms in a vicious counter raid, then we end up having to send one of the columns to stop them while also having left one behind

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I wonder if some magic tattoos for Malevus would be good? The Fel containment ones work without Alric having to do anything. With the sunwell giving her its magic could she sport something protective, could it work just off the ambient magic around us, or my investing mana into the tattoo itself. Could Nalice create some kind of dragon rune tattoo that works with the Light to some powerful or utilitarian purpose? If shes gonna keep getting in danger and jobbing the rolls I think we should consider some more tools. They can be tattoo buddies.

>>6151338
>Our formation and scouts covering enough ground to spot and engage them as we sweep the forest. If we have one less column we lose quite a bit.
Fair enough.

>If theres only one column blocking the way north what stops them from breaking that column before we can get back in time to help them?
Better equipment, training and a defensive position would be more than enough in my opinion.

>What stops them from retreating around that one column.
That's a good point. If the hills stretch much further to the right than shown on the map then a column would be too stretched to be effective.

>>6151350
I doubt the gnolls can organize a raiding force on such short notice while also under attack. Any gnolls would be isolated and picked off by a combination of the locals and border guards.

All in all, your good points are convincing anon.

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Oooh a discussion! I will let the vote go through the night for other anons to vote or to bring things up. Meanwhile I will answer these questions.

>>6150838

All four mages in Dawnholme could at some point become part of your magic circle, be it a secret one or a public one. These are decisions for the future and how Alric wants to approach him being a mage known to the public. At that point asking their help with your studies is doable. A lot depends on Lady Nalice though, how much attention would she want?

Alric is pretty far from Fire Elementals right now, but would he dare to summon a one looking like a pun intended hot lady or would Malevus get mad?

Fire does create smoke, so it could be something he could work towards in the future. Or more likely go for a more mundane Arcane variant of said spell.

Loans are something that I haven't really thought about, mostly to avoid the math on interest and such. My spreadsheet has already grown a bit too much, so I am going to make a decision. Outside of the opportunities I give you, there won't be a loan mechanism in this Quest.

Mayor options will come when the time is right, but you have met and befriended most of them already. One who would have been a great option you hanged.

Isn't it bit strange how the Church hasn't replied to any of the talks regarding your own Priest in Dawnholme? Largest city in Hillsbrad and the religious matters are handled by a Priest who visits the town once or twice a month, a Paladin who is out patrolling often and a trainee.

Alric has no idea where the Crown Regalia are. King Terenas could have them and just didn't say anything. Your brother could have them as a sign of prestige and legal power. Or the ogres have them and are squatting over them. Or they are just missing.

>>6151368

I will rule this out. Malevus would need some stupidly heavy convincing to take a tattoo of any kind, Light forbid a magical one like what Alric has. Especially as she sees the one on his chest as something existing because of a unholy and impure reason.

That being said, the blue warpaint High Elfs of WC2 era disappearing is bit sad. It gave them a nice outlook and made them to standout from your normal humans. And no, you won't get Malevus to paint herself blue either, it is a thing that silly Rangers do and she is a proud Paladin. And as much as she denies it, she was raised to be a Lady.

>>6151410
I would rather you update tonight if you could but so be it.

>One who would have been a great option you hanged.
I doubt he would be a great option given what he did to get hanged in the first place.

>>6151382
Solid, thanks.

>>6151382
But Medivh the discussion is over...

Maybe bring a mage with us to Stormwind for bonding time. Surena could come and tempt us into busting into her old masters abode for more of his artifacts like the bloodstone. Mostly right now I just wanted their notes tho.

Teasing Malevus is part and parcel of life. If we get a hot lady we get a hot lady, or maybe we crit and we accidentally summon a Fire Lord.

Or some dragon brand spells. Fire Breathe, firey wings, scales etc. That said, have we seen any purely Arcane spells in action besides writing? Blink if we count the raiment. Illusions I suppose.

>>6151421
Poor crooked merchant guy, hanged instead of making use of that crime ring. He'd have made a great mayor for taxes, he knew all the tricks to avoid them! I'd guess Beric, maybe Monica, or one of the Sergeants. Normand Garside perhaps if we can drag him out of retirement. In my heart I know its Mayor Wiklish.

I'll blame Arthas. Idk I figure they have an unspoken rule that you have to make the investment for an abbey/church before you get any real attention. Not like Alric cares much for religion anyways. Probably should ask Uther whats up, or maybe get an elvish priest. Grab a priest from SW lol.

Malevus can incorporate her scars into tattoos if she ever feels self conscious. A prayer she really likes. Besides I am sure there are some abilities that would be really handy. I recall Nalice was this close to tattoos that could improve Alric's physical strength, but some kind of connection with Alric to help find him if he was lost might be nice.

I was expecting maybe a vote or two more, but it does look like we have a 3-0 win for going north. What a better way to start a new thread than having the first roll to be the fan favourite! Weather and random event roll!


>1d10
>Best of three, taking the second roll

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>6151702
Here we go again

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>6151702

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>6151702

Had a thought for why we aren't getting a response on our own priest. Nalice considered Raleigh to be a bother and did -something- to pacify him. I suppose that with Katrana's power they could have a hand in preventing a priest from getting stationed here if they thought it was for the best to not have another someone who could sense the magic going or be a nuisance. Though I'd just as soon stick with the Arthas or political opponents being petty.

Some thinking on the Darrowmere League. So if I recall this is pretty much what each of the settlements has going for them. Correct me if I forgot anything.

Tarren Mill has lumber, apple orchards, apple ciders that is popular with the elves so they must have an elven trade contact? Barov support. Already in Darrowmere League.
Hillsbrad has lots of farms? A considerable amount of blacksmithing for weapons, I think they had a mine of their own? Probably iron.
Southshore's town size rivals Dawnholme, has quality armors so they might have a Foundry spec'd for it, lots of merchants who form their merchant council government, docks, and is the base for Regional Defenders.
Durnholde has a lot of land, countryside nobles and knights, the Orc Camps and Gladiator games, Durnholde Keep/Castle and Army, some farms. Plus whatever Alliance money gets sent their way. Langston has a dwarf contact who can get rifles. Blackmoore is technically the highest ranking Alliance officer/noble in the region? Unless Troubridge or someone in Dalaran wants to swing their dick at something. Theres also the Durnholde Deed which would change the balance in the region considerably.

Farther out options for Darrowmere League members who probably need a bigger deal; Alliance Naval Base, Dalaran, Strahnbrad (once cleared of Syndicate?), Younger Barovs. Though I do believe the Alliance Naval Base was run by Troubridge, and 'Troubridge is calculative and sees benefits in staying friendly with Alterac' according to the pastebin. So maybe its not too far out of reach. The Younger Barovs I think are ambitious enough, and want to work with Alric, that they could be convinced to work with us. If all the Barov children banded together would their parents disown them all for disobeying an order not to join with Alric? It might be the lesser of two scandals to let them work with Alric than to disinherit all their children.

Then some of the general opinions in each settlement.
Tarren Mill likes us a lot. Durnholde also likes us a lot, will probably join if we can pull a win for the gnoll campaign. Hillsbrad feels stuck between Dawnholme and Southshore. I think if we can balance each of their niche economic interests that would clinch it.

Southshore doesn't like Alric very much but I imagine they like Garithos even less after his attempting to take over, the departure of Marshall Redpath, all his shenanigans, and hes an asshole. If they are tired of Garithos maybe we can lean into that. They would probably like some deal that gets some business from our oil, buying some ships that could use their docks, and its armor manufacturing stays profitable. Jandice is on their merchant council which should help. Ultimately I imagine a merchant council will look out for their bottom line and stability. Really most of our neighbors have a rather mercantile leadership don't they? Even Blackmoore is trying to run gladiator games to make a few more gold coins.


Finally what I think we have to offer, unless Alric's success and pitch is just that good.
The general agreements for trade would be everyone gets their niche; outside of providing for ourselves, special circumstances, and items the League can't make like Dark Iron goods; we are buying arms and foodstuffs from Hillsbrad, armor and ships from Southshore, lumber and cider from Tarren Mill, etc. Doing so for a better price to our Darrowmere members. More organized trade caravans and trade ships with better protection carrying goods from everyone intended for other regions and kingdoms. Tarren Mill has an elven contact, Durnholde has a dwarven contact, Alric has Katrana (also the Dark Irons or Wiklish's Goblin Contacts but perhaps they would not be keen on those just yet). Having such contacts should be worth some leverage.

Can Alric ensure his leadership of the League, military and in general, or does it end up relying more on consensus. Can he push for more benefits that will help support his own military, or some kind of Darrowmere League Army and Knight Order. Does he need to offer some of Wiklish's inventions to those who would benefit like the Gear for windmills and mines, or the rockets. Promising each prospective member a deal that will see them benefit in the reconquest and rebuilding of Alterac? Offering favors? Does he need to offer some dwarven expertise of the dark irons that could upgrade a lot of their assets, or see if Langston could arrange for some more typical Dwarves.

"We shall head north." You said after a short discussion. "If we now pivot east, it will be us who will have an enemy in our rear."

Your own officers nodded in agreement, but the rest of them seemed slightly unconvinced.

"Prince Alric, we all know what happened when you last fought the gnolls." Mr. Langston said. "We are going to that battlefield, aren't we?"

"It would be you or Captain Maxwell who will be closest to that place." You said. "But yes. We will go there."

"Prince Perenolde, are you allowing that to cloud your judgement?" One of the younger Regional Defenders asked next. It was good that he asked that.

"Yes." You replied honestly. "If I were to answer anything else I would be lying to you… I don't fear death, but nearly dying does change how you think about things."

You sighed and continued after a pause.

"My selfish reason for going north is to clear the forest there out of gnolls. To remove that threat and to avenge several of my men who died. It is also done to protect Shoredon and my other settlements in Strahnbrad Hills." You told them and continued. "But going north and clearing that forest could also flush The Syndicate troops operating there out, if there are any still around there. We only found corpses."

"The Syndicate is a threat against the stability of the whole region, not just Durnholde." Captain Cromwell chose to speak.

"Yes, fighting against them is a possibility. I would like to avoid that if possible, but there is a chance for it to happen. They might even avoid you if they spot your banners and not mine." You told them. "Those are my selfish reasons, the rest of it is just tactics and overall strategy."

Going north first should cover your rear and allow you to be in contact with Shoredon. Clearing the gnolls there could answer why the gnolls are there in the first place, why did they end up fighting the Syndicate? Clearing the north should also be a relatively fast thing to do, the amount of terrain to cover is not that big and you would be traveling away from the main gnoll force in the east. It would be very unlikely for them to notice something happening.

Three days max when you reach the border of the gnoll territory. One day to march in, one day to sweep and search the place and one to return. It was doable, very much so.

Towards the north it is.

…

>8
>4


The weather stayed hot, but at least there was a small breeze and some clouds over your head. You could really use some rain, the valleys were still damp, but the hilltops had dried under the sun. The feet of your men picking up small clouds of dust which the wind then caught.

Flags and banners fluttered in the wind, your army had gotten far in terms of professionalism and presentation. Men glad in orange tabards with the swooping falcon of Alterac embroidered on them. You wondered how many years it has been since Alteraci soldiers marched here? It had to be before the Second War. Probably an even longer time period.

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>>6151962

"Prince Alric." Sir Foecourt greeted you.

"Sir Foecourt." You nodded back to him as he matched the speed with Epona.

"May I speak to you?" He asked, being all polite, he probably had a request.

"I have a request, could my cavalry take the vanguard tomorrow. It would be a great honour for us the Durnholders." He asked you.

Knew it!

"I am sorry, but I will have to decline. The archers will screen our force. Rovers are my best trackers, they will spot our foes before they see us." You replied. "Let my infantry be the anvil, when the enemy is found and fixed in place, I will set you free."

"I understand Prince Alric." Sir Foecourt replied and continued. "That is a sound strategy."

"Did you have anything else?" You asked, feeling like he wanted to ask you something.

"I do… I'm sorry if I am curious, but why didn't you just kill Garithos? Because he definitely tried to kill you." Sir Foecourt asked you and continued. "And we heard you laugh? Were you mocking him?"


>Garithos didn't deserve to die. It hurts him more to live in shame.
>Crippling him would have made him a vengeful, dangerous foe.
>Dead Garithos would become a political martyr and a tool against you.
>He saw how you danced around him effortlessly. Is he sure that you didn't kill something, his career.
>Other, write in

Why did you laugh:
>Write in

QM: It was Foecourt! Again!

>>6151963
>Dead Garithos would become a political martyr and a tool against you.
This is really the biggest reason, the story that would've been spun is "orange prince bad, he kill our friend!".
>He saw how you danced around him effortlessly. Is he sure that you didn't kill something, his reputation.
And this is the unexpected result. I changes career to reputation because, had he been crippled Im sure he could transitioned to another career path but this humiliation? This is much worse.

Why did you laugh:
>Because it was funny.
"All that bluster, all the interference, all those insults. For what reason? And to what result?"

"Is that not comedy Sir Foecourt?"

>>6151963
>Dead Garithos would become a political martyr and a tool against you.
>He saw how you danced around him effortlessly. Is he sure that you didn't kill something, his career.

>Other, write in
"Many men who were sent against me I spared. I believe in second chances and redemption. I can welcome those that do not have a place in the Alliance despite their ingenuity and honesty, such as Masters Wiklish and Blacksteel, and Dawnholme is greater for it."

"The strongest blade a knight can wield is Mercy. With one swing all the weapons they would array against me turn to ash."

>Write in
"Nothing makes me feel more alive."

>>6151990
Hard disagree with the "Mercy" line. I believe that Alric's rationale for sparing people does not apply to someone like Garithos because the conflict is just too vulgar, too personal on his end.

Just like he does not show mercy to traitors, he would not spare such an embittered and spiteful enemy who would just abuse it in turn.

>>6152003
It is perhaps a bit cheesy but I couldn't resist, and I do think as a virtue its done a lot for Alric in particular perhaps more so than a lot of other knights and paladins. That said I must admit what we left Garithos with is a very very small mercy lol. Shattered ego, career in pieces, but he has his technically noble life. I also don't think he will reflect on it but more so than just the skill it would have displayed to kill Garithos it will convince others to reflect on being his enemy. A small mercy to Garithos, but perhaps a greater to the rest.

I also had a feeling on this, though I don't know how best to articulate it towards what Alric would want. Does Alric wish that Uther had been able to show more mercy to the traitorous kingdom of Alterac? Or death to the traitors and they got what they had coming.

>>6152019
Yes, it's way too bleeding heart. Yes the skill displayed by Alric in this public humiliation is intimidating but that has no relevance to the problem I had with the dialogue you wrote.

Alric wouldn't blame Uther or the Alliance for seeking retribution for his father's multiple betrayals, he would do the same were he in their position, but he would blame them for destroying the whole kingdom over it. Most of them had nothing to do with it so why did they get punished?

I also think a part of him is morbidly glad it happened because he loves this high octane life he lives, something he would be unable to do were the destruction of Alterac not to happen.

>>6152052
>why did they get punished?
Those who ordered the destruction of the whole kingdom had little mercy, and those who executed the orders to destroy the whole thing also had little to no mercy, or atleast not enough to stop its destroying the whole kingdom. They either followed orders or took the orders they were given to the extreme where no one could even return before the ogres came in.

But you agree he wanted them to act differently so the whole kingdom wasn't destroyed, or atleast blames them for it. I don't think of it as bleeding heart, how do you get people to act differently? You give them a story with a role model. "He was great and he was outspoken as believing in this. We should do this more."

If he wants people to believe in mercy that would have prevented his whole kingdom's destruction let them see it, hear it, have him venerate it when he can. Did he also do it because a dead Garithos would have been a martyr? Absolutely. Plus we did totally destroy his career and we enjoyed it. Sort of like how everything in Alterac was destroyed but hey they were left alive to find their way into the slums of southshore and Capital City.

"I gave Garithos the same mercy they showed Alterac." Now he can live in shame. Or something like that. Foecourt might like that since I am pretty sure hes a Syndicate deep under cover asset lol.

Yeah Alric absolutely does enjoy this kind of living and it couldn't happen without the destruction. Thats kind of twisted but hey hes making the best of things.

>>6152094
I know why they did it, it was a rhetorical question.

>I don't think of it as bleeding heart, how do you get people to act differently? You give them a story with a role model. "He was great and he was outspoken as believing in this. We should do this more."
But he has done that with all the guilty he has spared and all the innocents he has defended. I just don't think Garithos fits among them.

It's applying that non pragmatic mercy specifically to Garithos that Im calling bleeding heart.

>"I gave Garithos the same mercy they showed Alterac." Now he can live in shame. Or something like that.
Eh... I'd prefer to keep the answer to Foecourt's question grounded. No metaphores for this one.

>Foecourt might like that since I am pretty sure hes a Syndicate deep under cover asset lol.
What makes you say that?

>>6152107
Ah. I wanted to try applying that mercy to Garithos to see if I could without it being too absurd, but I think it was too hard after all. I do think feel that to embody mercy that at some point he should be put into a position to give it to someone he really doesn't want to give it to, but thinks its the right thing to do even if its not pragmatic. Hopefully it'll feel more natural than this. Maybe against Thrall or Jandice or Arthas as Callia begs for mercy. I think I can drop that topic.

What makes you say that?
Ah that I can answer I believe. During the Durnholde Winter Assassination shenanigans Foecourt was present, and Mr SuperAssassin had taken the place of a different country knight who was either not well known to many or a general recluse. They confirmed the real knight was dead when they went to investigate his house if I recall. Certainly countryside knights make for some good targets, access to events and campaigns, the social standing to listen and be heard if need be. An Alteraci noble might have an easier time shifting into such a role too. To avoid some scrutiny, or be in position to gain trust from service if its a long con its good. You could also use it to bring in more people as squires and trade them around to others while assuring that they are good and loyal squires who go on to become knights and bring in more people. His asking for the vanguard while we are about to enter into possible Syndicate held, or formerly held, territory is also a little sus to me. Someone could have gotten ahead of everyone to scout a certain area and influence it before 'discovering' it. I'd have to check my notes if I missed anything.

The accent that slips into Foecourt's speaking that Alric can't quite place has happened a couple times, and feels like a tipoff to my mind. Some kind of Alteraci court accent hes covering up, but which Alric obviously can't quite remember as he was too young.

>>6151963
>>Dead Garithos would become a political martyr and a tool against you.
>>He saw how you danced around him effortlessly. Is he sure that you didn't kill something, his career.
The fight was so onesided it would straight up be a murder.

Why did you laugh:
''utter frustration and absurdity of him''

Foecourt probably is alteraci my wildest hunch is that hes the assasin.
Hes also very interested in figuring out Alric on a personal level.
Other whacky theory is that hes a syndicate noble.

>>6151963
>Dead Garithos would become a political martyr and a tool against you.
The Alliance doesn't quite like the existance of Dawnholme, or at least is divided about it. If Garithos returns to them alive but defeated....

Why did you laugh:
>Write in
"I had some satisfaction in putting Garithos where he belonged. He made his intentions with me and my people clear far before this campaign started, enough that i even had him made a persona non-grata in my lands. This defeat will leave a permanent mark in his life a just reward for all his offenses."

Votes are in, update will come later. Could I have another set of rolls, for another person who interrupts you and weather with a twist.


>1d10
>Worst of three, taking the second roll

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>6152407
Inb4 shit rolls

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>6152407
Time to get lightning struck

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>6152407
absolutely the wurst.

>>6151963
>Other, write in
>"I did not kill him because I am his better in every way, be it war, politicking, education or personal martial might. Now, it's one thing to know this yourself, but another to demonstrate it to others. Another reason I didn't kill him is because killing him would ensure that the alliance doesn't have to be dealing with him anymore and I wasn't going to hand them that favor so easily either. As for the laugh, it was funny because I already knew how it was going to end before the fight started, I think him getting his ass seared was hilarious, don't you?"

“If Garithos had died, he would have become a political martyr. A sign that you can’t trust the Alteraci Prince for he unjustly killed one of us.” You said back to him. “It would have been a grave mistake, they are already looking for reasons to throw obstacles in front of me and that would have been served to them on a platter.”

You sighed and continued.

“But are you sure that I didn’t kill him?” You asked Foecourt back.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“I murdered him! He will never hold a battlefield commission, he will sit behind a desk or just be outright sent home for losing so thoroughly, without getting a single touch in. My armour was pristine, not even a fingerprint. And his officers saw it too.” You said and laughed a bit. “His reputation is gone and there’s enough outsiders and bystanders that can back me up.”

“He walked into a trap.” Foecourt mused.

“Not a trap, because I didn’t want to fight him. He dug his own hole.” You replied to him. “Besides, if he is alive he is going to be their problem and not mine. Would I want to strip them off that joy?”

Garithos had to be helped away from the dueling ground. You had knocked him loopy and people spoke that you had both broken his nose and jaw. Those things could be straightened and healed, but he would be eating soup for a while. And well the branding of his buttocks, he had to be put on a horsecart face down. He could ride with those burns. If he is lucky, the scar will fade away and if he is unlucky…

You didn’t want to be him if his buttocks continued to hurt for weeks, imagine not being able to sit or lay on your back. Horrific existence.

“And why I laughed?” You said and continued. "All that bluster, all the interference, all those insults. For what reason? And to what result?"

"Is that not comedy Sir Foecourt?"

“When you put it like that Prince Alric, you do have a good point.” Sir Foecourt said to you.

“It is unfortunate when it came to having to duel him, but… truth to be told I do enjoy dueling. As you can see I am pretty good at it.” You said.

“It is good to be proud of one’s own skills.”

“You are right about that Sir Foecourt.”

1/3

>>6152511

>2
>9


You had spoken with Sir Foecourt for a while, just casual banter, nothing that important. He had ridden away back to his cavalry and left you alone to continue the ride towards the north.

As the columns marched, wind started to pick up. Some of the gusts were quite strong, but irregular. It had been quite hot weather for a while, it wouldn’t surprise you if it started to rain soon. Or if a thunderstorm would appear. Thankfully the columns didn’t report finding anything suspicious, outside of Captain Maxwell who was commanding Garithos’ former column did report that they had spotted an old ruin, but chose to avoid it like you had ordered them. You wouldn’t have anyone else to step into a trap.

A gust of wind snatched one of the Alteraci banners off a marching pikeman’s spear, it flew down into a valley and got stuck on a shrubbery. A bad omen if one.

“Lieutenant Gravis, send Sir Joe down to fetch it. I won’t have my design left behind like that.” You said to him. “In fact, all of you make sure that it is returned, I am not going to allow anyone to leave the column alone.”

You watched as your knights rode down the hill and as soon as they were close to catch the banner cloth, a gust snatched it again and flew it out of their reach. It did make you smile as you watched them chase behind the cloth.

“Alric…” You heard a voice call you out. You looked to your right and spotted the long red hair first, and then her ears.

“Malevus, did you speak with Raleigh?” You asked. Surrounded by your men, you needed to be professional with her. No overt signs of affection or anything like that. She was your bodyguard, though one who shouldn’t be here right now.

“I did, he was disappointed.”

“Disappointed?”

“I have extra duties when we get back home…” Malevus lamented.

“Good, you disobeyed the orders given to you. As much as you say that you are ready to protect me and hold your sword, if Raleigh tells you otherwise, you need to trust him and listen to him.” You told her. Better to have the talk right now than later this evening. “Captain Cromwell, what should we do with Malevus? I mean she disobeyed the orders and this is a military campaign.”

“I am not sure Prince Alric, those extra duties do sound quite suitable, after all no harm has been done.” Cromwell mused back to you.

“Captain, are you siding with her?” You jokingly asked.

“Of course I can have her whipped, that is the punishment for disobeying the orders after all.” Cromwell replied, this time all professional.

2/3

>>6152513

Malevus had been looking back at you and then at Cromwell and you again.

“Discipline is of utmost importance in the military, that is why the punishments are that harsh.” You said back to Malevus. “We spoke about orders and following them, what is the right thing to do, a long time ago. This is not that case.”

“I understand, this won’t happen again.” Malevus said to you and lowered her head slightly as she averted her eyes away for a few seconds

“Now what shall we do with you…” You mused.


Malevus didn’t have her armour, it was left back home as she was supposed to stay in the basecamp where she would be safe. And she just had her dagger with her. It would probably be safest for her to stay in the backline with the few assistants following the column, but what else could you arrange?


>Have someone lend her a sword, just in case something happens.
>You can probably scrounge her a suit of armour, or a partial suit to protect her. There’s probably enough spares to go around. Though that might give her the wrong idea, she isn’t here to fight.
>Lend her to your mages, they can protect her and she can maybe help carrying their things.
>You won’t give her anything, she isn’t supposed to be here at all, so you are going to order her back to the basecamp where she will be safe.
>Other, write in.


A lighthearted punishment for Malevus for disobeying orders:
>Write in

>>6152515
>Lend her to your mages, they can protect her and she can maybe help carrying their things

A chance for her to listen in on the mages and see what they have. Mage stories from talking with them. Plus it's the best protection anyways.

>Write in
I hear elven rangers paint themselves blue, I expect to see an interesting pattern I can examine later.

>>6152515
>wet towel whipping... make it private tho. Same amount of lashes as with a whip but with a towel instead.

>Send her back to the base camp. Give her the disappointed dad look.

>Make sure she realizes that you can't help others if you, yourself aren't in a condition to be able to help. You end up dragging everyone down with you.

You can't save a drowning man if you can't swim yourself.

>>6152515
>>6152526
Kek I was gonna say "Be Alric's masseuse" but body paint is pretty good too. What say you to both?

>>6152526
>>6152527
>>6152528

Guys. When I said lighthearted, I didn't mean stuff like that. You are in public after all and Captain Cromwell is just right there and he is professionalism distilled.

Something else please. Sorry. No fun allowed.

>>6152528
It's a deal. Alric still hasn't recovered that stamina, he needs someone to work that body.

>>6152529
We're not voting to say it out loud QM. Is the punishment supposed to be public?

>>6152529
Nofunzone.jpg

>>6152533

Troops need to understand that she broke her orders. They know that no harm was done, but rules are rules in this case. Something in that light, yet lighthearted.

>>6152534

Goddamn right!

>>6152537
She goes around the camp telling everyone she's been a naughty elf who deserves to e punished, got it.

File: qm rn.gif (688 KB, 220x220)

688 KB GIF

>>6152537
"Troops need to understand that she broke her orders. They know that no harm was done, but rules are rules in this case. Something in that light, yet lighthearted."
>Nofunzone.jpeg
"Goddamn right!"

Fine, her punishment is doing a bit of a Mulan training montage. Let's get down to business~

>>6152538
Kek. 100%

>>6152515
>>You won’t give her anything, she isn’t supposed to be here at all, so you are going to order her back to the basecamp where she will be safe.
No, send her off. This isn't fun and games, this is a battle to come against an unknown enemy and we have no idea what's even going to happen out there and what the battle will bring. She would have been ill suited to it even if she had her full kit, but without arms and armor? Dipatch her away immediately. Wearing armor ill-fitting for you, can result in severe damage, even if the blow is warded off, we're talking dislocations or open fractures.

>>6152515
>You won’t give her anything, she isn’t supposed to be here at all, so you are going to order her back to the basecamp where she will be safe.
I was thinking a spare sword, but back at base camp she would be safer anyway. Next campaign we will bring her equipment, or better she will bring it, just to be clear.

>Write in
Repeat the Alteraci Footman Drill until exhaustion. The basics are important !
It will make for a fun story in the future.

>>6152515
>>6152773
support

>>6152515
The Cindersword acts as a medium for fire magic along with the finger snapping as a sort of mental crutch to help make the connection from concept to spark. The first fire spell we learned was 'Weave Fire'. We've found a lot of uses for Weave Fire in empowering the cinder sword, setting enemies on fire, impromptu firewalls, and making little flashbangs.

The black dragonscale ring is a strong shadow magic component (and may be enchanted) could similarly help with shadow magic. What sort of gesture would replace the finger snapping? Closing one eye, maybe shifting his dark glasses on his face, covering up part of his face, etc. Though if for some reason the finger snapping also works that would be kind of funny.

I submit that Alric could attempt to learn 'Weave Shadow' as a very basic magic with a ton of potential applications. Draw the shadows around him so he can hide or sneak better, smother an enemy's vision with deep shadows in their helmet or hood if they were trying to cast a spell targeting someone, some minor illusions as shapes in the dark. His magic also has some attributes of its own which might impact how he can use it, like how his fire magic has that molten liquid quality. If he can give it physical presence thats also an opportunity for little tricks like making someone trip, blocking an attack, or grabbing something out of reach. Less flashy which would also be handy as a secret weapon.

I'm guessing that little black box Alric uses which stops the noise we make from getting out of a room is also shadow magic, and Weave Shadow could maybe be used as an impromptu Silence Spell for counter magic. That might take some experimenting.

If he tried to weave shadows around him would he sense if someone was hiding in those shadows? Would be a handy way to detect assassins and other sneaky pranksters like Pai.

>>6152541
Anyways I'll support the Mulan training montage and swording. Malevus is still a measly 2 in Athletics. Some real silly punishments for silly soldiers like 'Collect every stray rock in camp into a basket and dump them for sauna and camp fire use.'

Sending Malevus away and putting her through a training regime seems to be the way to go. I have a solid idea how I will write this update.

Now though, could I have the first rolls for the columns as they enter the gnoll territory. Each d10 is for corresponding column so each of them will get three chances to go high.
>4d10
>Best of three

Rolled 6, 7, 8, 2 = 23 (4d10)

>>6152845
As always...
>Inb4 shit rolls

Rolled 9, 1, 5, 10 = 25 (4d10)

>>6152845
I'm feeling that weather closing in

Rolled 2, 1, 1, 9 = 13 (4d10)

>>6152845

>>6152862
one day I will roll well... that day is not today

>>6152863
9, 7, 8, 10
Langston, Maxwell, Alric, Reginald

Looks like Maxwell will be the anvil today. That reminds me, I hope the holy water helps Malevus in her training.

>>6152862
One day anon

Good rolls, the gnolls won't know what hit them because now they don't see you approaching, but no writing today. I have pretty terrific headache so writing anything is out of order today.

I will get to the update tomorrow.

Qm curse strikes again!

Thoughts are a bit muddled today, caught some kind of cold, but did have a funny musing. Does anyone ever wonder if the shadow box we got from Nalice to stop other people from listening in is also a Katrana listening device, if shes actually been listening to Alric plow Jandice all that time, and all sorts of other secrets being sent to a connected shadow box.

There was only one option really. You couldn’t risk it at all, not for her safety.

“You will return back to the basecamp, I am sorry Malevus, but I can’t risk having you here. Not when you aren’t ready, not when you don’t have your arms and armour with you.” You said to her. “I know you would want to be here with us and it pains me, but I am making this decision for your own good. For your safety.”

Malevus looked at you and then down on the ground. She was disappointed, you were disappointed in having to make this decision as well.

“Look at me Malevus.” You said to her with a gentle voice. She looked back up.

“I am not making this decision as a Prince, but as your friend.” You told her. “I would never forgive myself if something was to happen.”

“I understand…” Malevus lamented and nodded.

“But don’t think I am allowing you to go free without a proper punishment.” You said as your tone turned into a playful one. “A punishment fitting for disobeying orders.”

Cromwell now gave you a curious look.

“If you so much want to be here with me and protect me, I need to be sure that you are ready.” You said to her.

“What do you mean?” Malevus asked.

“I will write a short letter, immediately to Madam Martin, that you will deliver to her and she will then read to you. It will be the instructions of your training you will undergo.” You told her and continued. “When I return from the campaign, I will duel you in Durnholde, and if you are ready… if you have trained like I told you. I might judge you fit to stand by my side.”

“An apt judgement Prince Alric.” Cromwell replied to you.

“Thank you Captain, now Malevus listen carefully. Take this seriously for how you perform will be how I will judge you.” You told her and continued. “Training like this will be good for you. While I am away, I want you to be sweaty and hot. I am not always there to get you sweaty and hot.”

Cromwell now gave you a second curious look.

“I… I understand…” Malevus said back to you.

“Good, you will understand when Madam Martin will read the letter for you.” You said and smiled.

You had an idea, she will understand it when Madam Martin will read it for her.

“Pack your belongings and prepare to leave, I will have the instructions for you shortly.” You said and continued to smile.

“Of course, I won’t disappoint you again Alric.” Malevus said back before giving you a gentle bow.

As she left, you continued to look at her, your eyes wandering up and down on her body behind the darkened glasses as they found her round buttocks. One part of you wanted for her to stay, but you knew better. As much as her body would have warmed you, knowing that she would be safe would warm your heart even more.

“Now go, we shall see again in a week or two. Malevus my… squire and bodyguard.” You said to her. “My friend.”

1/3

>>6153383

“You need to keep that promise… on top of the other promise of yours.” She said back.

“Of course, I wouldn’t want to break that promise.” You replied, you would have her ears within your grasp. “See you later.”

“See you later…” Malevus replied as she stopped walking and you rode away.

…

It was evening.

The men had marched through the day and finally when the night was arriving and the sun was setting, your archers came back and reported that the forests were just ahead of you. You immediately send out riders to the columns ordering them to stop and prepare for tomorrow.

Tomorrow there will be war.

Malevus had left the column hours ago with the instructions you had written for her wrapped in a scroll. You had ordered her to train the standard Alteraci Footman Drill each day and then also… well not so serious exercises. Amongst them were carrying a jug of water from one side of the camp to the other side without spilling any water, replacing and reapplying the stones in the sauna tent every day, dancing with an imaginary partner and maybe most importantly taking daily baths and combing her hair.

Sure some of the exercises were silly, but they were silly on purpose. You would ask Madam Martin if Malevus had followed your instructions, and if she had then it would show how serious she really was about this.

Besides, when you met her the next time, you wanted her to be in good shape and having taken a nice bath.

Though now within the cover of the tarps over your head, you felt restless. The camp was slowly stopping for rest as the soldiers found their bedrolls. Wind pushed and pulled the tarps and there had been some extra effort to make sure that they wouldn’t fly away. You had already tried to sleep a bit, but not without much success.

Pushing yourself up from your bedroll, you reached for your bag and took out the wooden cover that held your flute. Taking it out, you held it in your hands as you took a more upright position. Testing the feel of the flute within your fingers, you brought it up and played a few tunes.

That got the attention of several of your soldiers who were still upright.

You played a couple more tunes, before settling on a melody. The lyrics playing slowly in your mind.

“Where now the footman and the knight? Where is the harp that was played
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the black hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall wheat growing?”

“They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the valleys.
The days have gone down in the East, behind the hills into shadow.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning.
Or behold the flowing years from the Winter returning?”

2/3

File: Alric, early armour.jpg (114 KB, 454x800)

114 KB JPG

>>6153384

You put the flute down and sighed. You had played that with Malevus in front of your men and you couldn’t since then get it out of your mind. One of the more popular laments sang by Alteracis, yet you found it hit so close to your heart and mind. You found it prophetic, remembering the old what was lost once, yet so popular to be sung, not looking into the future. So you continued.

“Alas for the bright cup
Alas for the mailed knight
Alas for the splendour of the Prince
How that time has passed away
Dark under the cover of night
As if it never were.”

You hadn’t played those verses a couple days ago. It was a lament after all of the times that have passed. Like they never were. It wasn’t fitting for the day of present.

You put the flute away back into its cover and then back into your backpack.

The lament had brought calm into your mind and even the wind had calmed down. The camp had died down and you put your head back down on your saddlebag that acted as your pillow.

Tomorrow there will be war.

You wouldn’t die, nor would your men. It would be the gnolls who would do it. And you would be glad for it.

…

>9
>7
>8
>10


The men marched, no one said a word as you entered the forest.

Normal trees quickly made way for older and stronger ones. The forest floor cleared of saplings as the trees around you blotted out the sun above them.

You had dismounted your horse some time ago already as you walked in the middle of your knights, passing tree trunks as wide as your chest. Each step of yours was a careful one, avoiding fallen branches and such.

Suddenly one of your archers came running back to you. They had been in front of your formation scouting the way ahead.

“Prince Alric, we found them.” He told you with a hushed voice.

“The gnolls?” You asked.

“Yes, their camp. They are gathered around a couple of tents and covers.” The archer said.

“They didn’t spot you?”

“No Prince Alric.”

Good, you still had the advantage of surprise, but for how long?

“How many of them?” You asked.

“Couple dozen if not more.” The archer replied.

That was enough for you. It was time to act.


>Order the archers and your skirmishers to engage the gnolls immediately. Volleys of arrows and gunfire should clear their ranks.
>Form ranks and engage them in a field battle. You wouldn’t take any risks as you would do this by the book and by the numbers. This is what the men have been training for.
>Have your men immediately form up and charge the gnolls, taking them by shock and destroying them on the spot.
>Other, write in.

QM: Good rolls!

>>6153254

The Black Noise Device is just a gimmick to produce magical white noise to allow people to handle business in private. Like I explained in an older thread, the name comes from the fact that a lot of shadowy and illegal business is done under these devices, hence black or dark noise.

Besides there are other ways to spy on you. And would Katrana be able to listen to you and Jandice go at it time after time? I think not.

>>6153386
killing gnolls
i wonder if we should just kill them here and now with a good old charge.

i don't want them to be able to get away, and the attack at range could kill many or wound them. Even if with trees is problematic when they start moving, not the first volley though. But we can do something.

>Order the archers and your skirmishers to engage the gnolls immediately. Volleys of arrows and gunfire should clear their ranks.
>Write-in
>"Master Jon and Luke, do you sense any magic from their camp ?"
>"Captain Cromwell lets give them a volley or two, have the rest of the men prepare for battle. If the Gnolls charge us, have Radan and his rogues ready to deliver a volley of javelins right in their ugly faces before they reach our battle line. Gravis with me, we will hit from a flank."

>>6153386
>Order the archers and your skirmishers to engage the gnolls immediately. Volleys of arrows and gunfire should clear their ranks.

A good time to see Radan's Rifles take the stage. Taking the enemy by surprise and gunning them down is exactly what I want from them. I want Alric there too to witness and get a feel for how guns will change things. Gravis, the boys, and our new Dark Iron bodyguard have guns too after all.

>Other, write in.
Really I'd like to see what the Mages can do as well since Boyd and Williams are suppose to be our fire support, if they can do something to prevent them from running away.

Got me thinking, it would be good to post the troops under your command.


3rd Column (Alterac, Alric)
-4 Regular Knights
-10 Elite Royal Foot Guards
-30 Veteran Footmen
-40 Regular Pikemen
-10 Elite Archers
-10 Veteran Archers
-15 Regular Archers
-20 Veteran Crossbowmen
-25 Regular Bandit Rogues
Durnholder Cavalry, Sir Foecourt
-10 Regular Knights
-10 Regular Mounted Sergeants
80 Foot and Pike, 35 Archers, 20 Crossbows, 25 Bandit Rogues, 14 Knights, 10 Mounted Sergeants

The twenty rifles are split between your own knights and Radan's Rogue Bandits. Jon Boyd and Luke Williams are supposed to stay with our men and provide fire support with their magic.

>>6153386
>Order the archers and your skirmishers to engage the gnolls immediately. Volleys of arrows and gunfire should clear their ranks.
Encircle the camp before attacking however, have the skirmishers start the fight and have other troops form a perimeter behind them. Like shooting fish in a barrel.

>>6153403
Our knights should be included with the skirmishers and archers then.

>>6153389
Missed opportunity for spying. Imagine if someone who made all of these had set them up so they could listen on all the conversations? Its almost guaranteed to be juicy, otherwise you wouldn't need to buy one.

>>6153406

They would be included in that option. Good thinking from you my lovely anon.

>>6153411
Which officer will have command over this engagement? Alric since hes nearby and presumably with his knights, Lieutenant Radan as an officer of the skirmishers in position, or Cromwell if he can make it in time?

Are the crossbowmen included in skirmishers and archers?

>>6153415

The skirmishers would be lead by Rover Brothers and Radan. Main force by Cromwell and overall command by Alric.

I intend to show Alric taking a more central command role during the campaign.

>>6153417
Did we promote the Rover Brothers? I'm kind of memory holing if they got promoted or not.

So who has the most range, the Rover Brother archers or Radan with the rifles?

tfw the central commander takes his position in the vanguard

>>6153420

Rovers weren't promoted. Range, well it depends. Archers are more quiet and well trained ones can outrange and outfire normal riflemen.

And of course Alric is where the fighting is heaviest. Where else would he be?

>>6153398
>>6153402
Just to be clear, can we agree on having our forces encircle the camp while ranged units start the attack. Leaving no escape for the gnolls would be prudent.

>>6153420
Of course! What glorious leader would not lead his troops into combat personally?

>>6153423
Yeah we agree on encircling, no sense letting any escape that could warn others. If the mages are sticking with the main body of troops as fire support so be it, it will be Radan's Rifles who shine today.

>>6153423

If its like this maybe we should pick a mage for the Alric squad, a retinue mage we can rely on for snap situations like this. Williams would be the natural pick as an arcanist bodyguard and the magic writing works pretty well. Boyd would be fun as a pyromancer and Alric could always use firepower for a breakthrough.

>>6153423
acceptable my good man
>>6153404
>>6153386
encircle them for good measure with this anon specifics

>>6153422
>>6153428
Yes, now that you mention it, it is weird for Williams to be in a fire support position when his magic is centered around his role as bodyguard. Medivh can we put him in our squad?

>>6153442

Williams main task is to protect Boyd, who as a Pyromancer will attract all the attention the moment he starts throwing his magic around. They are bit of a package deal.


Now could we get some rolls, looks like skirmishers will skirmish with the gnolls while you try to encircle them. The d10s are Archers, Firearm Skirmishers, Main Force and Cavalry. The first DC 12 is only for the Archers.


>4d10, Best of three
>DC 12, 15, Crit 22

Rolled 9, 10, 9, 3 = 31 (4d10)

>>6153601

Rolled 6, 2, 9, 7 = 24 (4d10)

>>6153601

>>6153602
Well I think that about settles it, whew.

Rolled 7, 4, 10, 8 = 29 (4d10)

>>6153601

Rolled 1, 6, 6, 9 = 22 (4d10)

>>6153601

good rolls

>>6153617
whoops, sorry about the extra roll

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Long hair Alric just dominating that Garithos duel reminded me of a certain someone

>>6153638
I sure do hope we don't end up sacrificing our crew, summoning the Legion, abandoning our humanity to become Sargeras' lieutenant, and then raping Kael'thas in front of Garithos who in turn becomes a cursed wandering vagabond who swears vengeance upon us.

>>6153655
Me too anon. Yet we've already branded someone and broken his dreams so really we are ahead of schedule on that account.

>9+6+7=22, Crit Success!
>10+2+4=16, Success!
>9+9+10= 28, Crit Success!
>3+7+8=18, Success!


Calm down Alric jeez! This is only the first battle of the campaign. Really good rolls, but I am busy today evening so no update. QM has IRL things to do.

>>6153659
>>6153655

:^)

>>6153602
>>6153603
>>6153615
>>6153617
>>6153638
>>6153707
RAAAAAAAARGH KILL GNOLLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>>6153707
Clearly this is revenge for the time we nearly got kiled by a gnoll and our bodyguard.

Actually give Alric a roll.


>3d10, Best of four
>DC 14, Crit 23

Rolled 4, 10, 7 = 21 (3d10)

>>6153857
Inb4 shit rolls

Rolled 3, 6, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>6153857

Rolled 7, 4, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>6153857

>>6153857
I'm guessing magic sense? Or fel sense?

Rolled 5, 8, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>6153857
KILL GNOLLSSSSSSSSSSS

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Ya know it sure is hard to find redhead elves that dont have fel green eyes.

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>>6154223
even fewer that aren't lewd

>>6154223
>>6154243

The ones I have used for Malevus have been the few acceptable ones that I have managed to find, and boy have I searched through most if not all different sites. Lewd redheads are everywhere, but non-lewds? Harder to find, then if I find one that is close enough to what I think Malevus looks like, then there's some detail that irks me and disqualifies the picture.

Maybe some photoshop magic could save the day, but I don't have those skills and besides I think I have found a good variety of Malevus pictures to use. Malevus the Mad, the original character picture, the two Lady versions one being Blood Elf and then the summer dress one. Those should be sufficient to give you my lovely anons an idea of Malevus and her looks.

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>>6154258
Green eyes and distortions in figure are Fel Malevus playing with Alric's perceptions. Which is why even if Malevus is resistant to the magic tattoos, Fel Malevus will embrace them as a symbol of power and destiny.

>>6154294

Spoopy.

Update halfway done, I will have it out tomorrow. You didn't lose a single man during the combat.

>>6154366
Total war carpet of gnolls. Although I don't know if people would really want a gnoll rug, maybe a wall trophy.

I'm curious how the main army crit will work out. I had wanted Radans Rifles to crit but alas the Rovers are too good.

TOTAL GNOLL DEATH

>>6154377
I imagine they'll nail a gnoll that managed to get out of the encirclement with a real good shot.

>>6153659
the ass brand.....

>>6154557
kill them all

rip qm

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Apologies, work has been rather ornery yet again. I will try to get the update out when I can, but I can't exactly promise when. Hopefully as soon as possible.

But rumours of my death are not correct, still here!

QM LIVES! *STOMP* *STOMP*

>>6155501
How come the death knight we beat didnt have a death knight staff

>>6155591
He was a corpse dressed in rags, divested of most of his traditional arms and armaments.

>>6155615
He was unliving in a burial mound for tribal kings and their guards I feel like he could have dropped a little something something. Makes me want to check out the other burial mounds just to be sure there arent more of these guys napping inside, and think of the archeological discoveries.

>>6155632
He wasn't dressed in the regalia of the death knights of Gul'Dan is what I meant to say. The concept art Medivh posted depicted a complete death knight aligned with the Shadow Council that were the souls of orc warlocks inhabiting human corpses. The barrow we found was some random warrior that the spirit that haunted the place tried to possess. He had no reason to have a staff like that there, since he wouldn't have had one in life.

>>6155710
I believe his body did include armor from Stormwind, I think we sent the remains of it down to Stormwind so I certainly hope it was not some random warrior possessed by a spirit. Then the whole place was saturated with fel, the undead mooks with fel enchanted weapons. The prophecy of doom he was spouting. I'm pretty sure it was a full death knight. Maybe he used his staff to fake his own death.

>>6155591

Umo didn't have a staff. He was a death knight, but wasn't that strong. If he had a staff, your magic wouldn't have worked. Think him as one of the unupgraded death knights you can train in dozens in WC2 and not the OG ones following Gul'dan.

And his bones, arms and armour was sent to Stormwind. Hopefully someone can recognize them and get buried properly.

>>6156128
Medivh I've a question, how much of these lands like Strahnbrad, Tarren Mill, Hillsbrad, and Southshore belonged to Alterac before it was destroyed in the Second War? With the Deed we know Durnholde is rightful Alterac clay, though it was a rather old deed from the sound of it, possibly the land between them as well. If the summit in Stormwind concludes with Alric having the right to reconquer Alterac and be it's King would they not also end up returning some other lands? Did Alterac have some island colonies with some sort of small trade navy?

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“Lieutenant Gravis, Lieutenant Radan, take your men and join the archers. When you are in position, give them a volley and engage them. We will be right behind you.” You gave them the orders and turned towards the rest of your officers. “Captain, get our men ready. We will envelop them from the sides and make sure that they can’t escape to either direction.”

“Yes Prince Alric.” Captain Cromwell replied back to you.

“Sir Foecourt, you will keep your cavalry behind us to our right. When the time is right, I will give you the signal and you will ride down any survivors that will attempt to escape.” You ordered the Durnholder.

“Understood, we will do our job.” He replied and took his horse back to his riders.

“Wonderful, everyone knows why we are here, so let’s not tarry here.” You said to everyone around you.

Your officers muttered ayes and gave approving nods. Time to go to work then.

…

>22, Crit Success!
>16, Success!
>28, Crit Success!
>18, Success!


Gravis and Radan had disappeared into the forest ahead of you. They were maybe hundred yards or so ahead of you and the Royal Foot Guards. Captain Cromwell and his portion of the footmen were on the left flank and Lieutenant Beckston on the right. The cavalry was ready as well.

Your steps and the steps of your men were careful. Avoiding fallen branches, everyone was on their toes so to speak. You wouldn’t make the noise that would ruin this plan. You hadn’t even drawn your sword, it might heat up too much as you moved and start to glow. Horrible for stealth really.

But then ahead of you came the now familiar snaps of matchlocks being fired. The archers and your skirmishers must have engaged the gnolls in combat. That was the first signal and to your left the trumpeter of Cromwell sounded the general signal for an assault. To your right Beckston’s trumpeter replied. The trumpeters were a new addition to your army and they were excellent in a situation like this where messages just couldn’t be shouted at each other.

1/3

>>6156954

Now drawing the Cinder Sword, you picked up your pace into a jog with the Royal Foot Guards following suit. You could now hear steel on steel as your knights must have ditched the firearms for more trusted steel.

And then in seconds you reached the clearing where the fighting had already begun. Archers in their loose line were releasing arrows that hit more often than they missed. There were already a good number of gnolls on the ground made pincushion and some had holes blown into them thanks to the firearms used. A faint cloud of smoke dispersed as a gust of wind shook it apart as you watched Radan and Gravis hack the few remaining gnolls into shreds that had survived the initial volleys.

Crossbows followed the archers and released their first volley on your left as the flanking footmen closed in. The gnolls in the clearing were taking up their weapons, some had shields and actually helmets, but under the arrow and bolt fire their regrouping lines were starting to splinter, but it wasn’t enough to break them. What they needed was a bit of fire. Your pyromancer Jon Boyd raised his bandaged right hand up and sparks flew from it to the wooden staff he was carrying with his left. As he chanted, the sparks grew until he jabbed at the gnolls with the staff and a fireball flew straight into their lines.

The unfortunate gnoll that took the fireball was instantly killed as the fire burst its chest right open before engulfing its body. The flames caught three other gnolls around the one hit and their fur was easily caught on fire. That was enough to break their lines and cause the gnolls to waver, probably realising that this was it, some of them decided to run away while the rest, well they charged to their deaths.

Without planning or coordination the gnolls ran towards your men. Swords and axes of the footmen hacked them on your left and into the pikes to your right. Few of them tried to reach your mages, but Luke Williams raised his short metal reinforced staff and suddenly in front of him two gnolls slowed down to crawl. Williams didn’t have to do anything more as the crossbowmen with whom they were with had reloaded and in absence of other proper targets, loosed their bolts at the gnolls from a close range. It was a bit of an overkill, but the two gnolls were thoroughly dead after twenty bolts had struck them.

“Send in the cavalry!” You shouted and one of the Royal Foot Guards who had gotten the trumpet duty, blew a short signal.

In just a moment you got the confirmation that Sir Foecourt had received your signal as you saw the cavalry dashing between the trees far to your right and disappear beyond your sight as they went on to chase the escaping stragglers down.

2/3

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>>6156955

And just like that the battle was over. Footmen carefully stabbed the bodies laying on the ground to make sure that they were dead as they walked over them. Archers stayed alert as the Rover Brothers took them and sent out sentries to watch the flanks. The first battle was over with an apparent overwhelming victory over the gnolls.

…

>21, Success!


“41 dead, no casualties on our side.” Cromwell told you.

You or the Royal Foot Guards didn't even need to use your weapons. Now your men were checking the gnoll bodies before piling them and their shoddy weapons in a pile.

“No one got wounded?” You asked him.

“No Prince Alric. We are picking up arrows and searching if we can find anything useful.” Cromwell said back to you.

That had gone well. Sir Foecourt and his cavalry had returned as well, they had cut down eight more gnolls, bringing the total number of butcher’s bill to 49 dead gnolls. A sizable force, if they had stayed together and organised, they could have proven to be a difficult enemy to any of your troops. But knocked apart and disorganised, they were no match to your might and magic.

“Good, keep searching and when everything is done, set the bodies on fire. They know that we are here now, no need to keep our stealth up.” You told him and continued. “And send riders to other columns, they are to be on alert and move carefully.”

“Understood Prince Alric.” Cromwell replied and saluted.

You had slung your tall kite shield on your back as you walked through the clearing. The men seemed a bit tired, but their spirits couldn’t have been higher. First battle being a decisive victory was a good sign.

A wind blew past you and you thought that you felt something in the corner of your mind. A sensation spread through your body as you looked around until your eyes spotted something hanging from a tree.

Walking towards it you knew what it was and what just had happened. They know that you are here, whoever set up the ward made from bones, bits of wood and rope, knew that you had just defeated the gnolls camped here.

“Prince Alric?” Gravis asked you carefully as he had followed you walk towards the hanging gnoll effigy.

A gnoll sentry ward. You had faced those before and in the gnoll grimoire you had taken was a description of one. A crude thing, apparently the mages of Dalaran can make much efficient and effective designs. You should probably get rid of it though, that should send a message back.


>Snap your fingers and set it on fire.
>Take the Cinder Sword and cut it down.
>Call Boyd and Williams here, let them deal with the magic sentry.
>Have Gravis to shoot it.
>Other, write in.

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>>6156153

The map I posted is the canon situation before the First War. If we take that as the situation before the Second War as well, we can see that only Strahnbrad was controlled by Alterac. But your Deed tells you that Durnholde is Alteraci territory, so it means that at one point in history they did lose the land to the Alliance for whatever reason. But currently the lands you are fighting in have been abandoned for who knows how long. How strong the Alliance claim really is?

Completely hypothetically if you were to reveal the Deed and demand the territory to yourself, don't expect them to just agree with it. Alliance does see these lands rightfully as theirs. A more subtle approach is needed.

And no Alterac didn't have island colonies, but they did have a fleet in Darrowmere Lake and a trade fleet that could traverse the river and go out into the sea.

File: Map of Alterac and Hillsb(...).png (1.21 MB, 1002x668)

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>>6156959

And when looking at this map, you crossed through the 18. South Durnholde Hills and now you are fighting by the shore of 19. North Durnholde Hills. Well they are bit more than hills, nearly mountains really. And to be honest the distances and scale of the territory map is all wonky, but what can you do with a WoW in-game map? Not much really.

But it does show two things rather well. What places are considered to be part the Alliance currently and what places are not under their control, even if they might have the claim.

File: Map of Alterac and Hillsb(...).png (1.31 MB, 1002x668)

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>>6156960

And for sake of getting things clear, based on the canon situation the borders of pre-Second War Alterac would be something like this. Behold my artistic skills when it comes to MSPaint.

>>6156956
>Call Boyd and Williams here, let them deal with the magic sentry.

>>6156956
>Snap your fingers and set it on fire.
Look around first though, make sure no one but Gravis sees this.

>>6156956
>>Call Boyd and Williams here, let them deal with the magic sentry.

>>6156956
Hmm I wonder if this will ripple into whoever destroys it becoming a target for the gnoll shaman and his champion. Alric might want to have that fight and destroy it himself, but it would be fun to see Boyd and Williams have a magic duel with the shaman. Gravis does it and wins some glory, or we dash in to save whoever is targeted. Leaning towards Boyd and Williams to see if they can do something neat with it, and if they get targeted later Alric could dash over to save them earning their trust and loyalty. Plus hes got that promise to keep for those ears.


>>6156959
Decent bit of land to retake.

Hmm I guess the circumstances might be worth a gander. Whoever was lord there before that happened had the sense to hide the Deed, but that brings up why he or she felt they had to hide it rather than leave with it. Suppose it was just prudent as their line never was able to come back for it, unless Blackmoore actually knew it was buried here lol. Gnoll trouble? Plague that left it abandoned, then the Church came in to clean up and took over for a little while? Just a plain old feud? Some combination perhaps that left Alterac too busy and weak to retake it.

The identity of the Lord at the time might be handy. It is a bit odd though if Alterac lost the land I would have guessed it would lose it to Stromgarde as a long time rival but it was lost to, or just picked up, by the Alliance/Lordaeron instead. So I suspect some kind of odd circumstances. Tarren Mill as well if theres any significance to it being right inbetween Alterac and Durnholde.

I wonder how strong the Barov claim to Tarren Mill is?

Would it be worth looking into other documents and history to find an event where the exchange likely happened and some bits before that? The accounts of that in some Capital City or Dalaran vault, or Alterac City but thats a bit of a problem. The Barov archives. Even to look around for someone whose noble ancestor passed on the right to it as well. Make one up as we also have papers to lend such a claim weight if that makes a difference, since I think making bloodlines and ancestry trees out of thin air is also funny.

Working out some kind of backroom deal to get the land back might be in order I suppose. Or back to the political marriage to include the exchange of lands. Getting a bunch of nobles and neighbors to say they recognize it

If I had to go for subtle I suppose I would aim for some kind of Gotcha! moment. Lots of lands were lost and destroyed in the wars. There are of course survivors and knights who want to reclaim their ancestral lands. Maybe they have papers if they were lucky. Otherwise just their honor and knowledge to try and press claims for getting it back. What if the Alliance had built or expanded a base on top of their ancestral lands because they were fighting the Wars? Well the Wars are over and now people want their lands and estates back, there must be some cases of it. Find them, use them with the Deed, maybe an heir.

>>6157036
To spitball some more either Alric finds the time or gets some help. Eligius is pretty busy and Tari is quite pregnant. Maybe Garside since hes quite good at paperwork and retired from other duties.

Though if we are open to asking around for help Jaina or Kael or Jandice could look in the Dalaran records. The Barov records could have something. Calia or the daughter of that late Southshore Mayor was supposed to be in Capital City could look into it. If the neighbors have records going back that long we could probably get a look.

Oh and I suppose if we asked Beve maybe some documents were saved or she could look into it. She has quite the network, though I'd wonder if she would also try to apply pressure to certain nobles or forge documents. It could be seen as a common interest for the Syndicate to cause some chaos, help make the Alliance lose Durnholde keep who then have to scramble to try to relocate the orc camps and figure out solutions.

Same with Katrana if we asked her for help on this lol. I must wonder who should be trusted with it.

Boyd and Williams seems to be the winning choice. This is an easy job for the two, but still it would be nice to have a roll for them.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 10, Crit 18

Rolled 8, 8, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>6157085

Rolled 10, 7, 7 = 24 (3d10)

>>6157085
>>6157097
Inb4 we don't beat an 18

Rolled 3, 8, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>6157085

>24, Crit Success!


“Call Boyd and Williams here, I need their help.” You said to Gravis while still looking at the gnoll effigy.

“Of course.” Gravis replied and you heard his footsteps move away from you.

It didn’t take long for the two mages to come to you.

“You called Prince Alric.” Boyd said to you.

“First of all, great work with that fireball.” You said to them and continued. “Now though I need your help with that.”

You pointed at the sentry ward effigy thing hanging from the tree.

“I need the two of you to get rid of it.” You said and continued. “It is a gnoll sentry ward, I saw them during the Uther’s Expedition. I think the gnolls, or whoever put that there, now know that we are here.”

“You want it gone?” Boyd asked and sparks flew out of his bandaged arm, just for Williams to grab. It clearly hurt Boyd as Williams shook his head and let his arm go. “Luke, what have I told you about not grabbing my arm?”

Williams just rolled his eyes too dramatically and stepped forth. For a few moments he looked at the effigy before starting to draw in the air around it. The Dalaran writing started to circle around the effigy slowly.

“I get it!” Boyd replied and started to draw on the ground underneath the effigy.

Soon with the Arcane writing circling in the air around the effigy, and having gotten a few of your soldiers as curious bystanders, the effigy burst on fire and quickly burned down.

“Williams knows his defences and I can burn it down. We isolated the effigy and then just add a spark into the mix.” Boyd explained.

As the writing disappeared from the air, you watched as the effigy harmlessly burned and fell on the ground in small pieces.

“That’s it?” You asked.

“That’s it. We could have just knocked it into pieces or… I could have burned it down. But this was the safest option, whoever put it there now has a blindspot.” Boyd said to you.

“But does that whoever know what happened to it?” You asked. “That magic was used?”

“No, that’s the best part. No feedback, nothing.” Boyd said and Williams nodded to it.

Well that was settled then.

“Good work Mr. Boyd, Mr. Williams.” You said and gave them a polite little nod.

“You pay for our services Prince Alric and we are happy to serve you.” Boyd said back.

If more gnoll effigies and sentry wards are spotted, you now know that they can be rather easily dealt with.

…

Boyd had set a light on the pile of the gnoll corpses, their assorted weapons had been thrown in the mix as nothing useful to you had been found amongst the gnoll corpses. They had been just a defensive party or a patrol sent here to watch for anything that might happen.

A raiding party potentially.

Your messengers had reached the other columns, telling them about your success and telling them to be careful. They had continued their slow sweep forward and now it was time for you to do the same. Enough time had been spent with this engagement.

1/2

>>6157191

“Captain Cromwell, shall we continue?” You asked him.

“The men are ready if that is what you ask.” He said.

“Then carry on, lead the men.” You said to him.

Everyone was ready. The gnolls knew that you were coming, how would they react to it though? That you weren’t sure. But that shouldn’t stop you, you had to press forward as there was still a day ahead of you.


>4d10
>Best of three

QM: Rolls for all columns.

Rolled 9, 8, 8, 3 = 28 (4d10)

>>6157193

Rolled 3, 6, 6, 9 = 24 (4d10)

>>6157193
Once more into the rolls

>>6157194
Hot damn thats pretty good

Rolled 1, 7, 8, 8 = 24 (4d10)

>>6157193
Everything by the numbers boys.

>9
>8
>8
>9


As the hours passed and your men walked through the forest, the smaller trees made way for the large ancient trees you had fought in. As the trees blocked the sun from entering the forest floor, it felt like evening had already arrived. But it also meant that all the shrubberies and smaller plants had died, it was just a layer of thick peat and half rotten leaves everywhere.

The march forward was slow due to caution and trying to avoid too much attention. The men were alert as they scanned around and regularly looked up as they passed every new tree.

Yet there was nothing.

Rovers didn’t spot any tracks outside of some old ones that the rain had already washed nearly away. Yet it felt like you were being encircled, watched by many eyes.

The evening arrived and your men gathered together. No campfires were made or tarps were set up. Each man leaned on the others, those given watch duty stayed on their knees to stay low just in case.

Yet nothing happened when the night arrived. The watches were rotated and the men got their rest or ate their rations. You spoke briefly with your officers and retired for the night. You had everything arranged and all your men were ready. Camping in enemy territory was dangerous, but this was something you had been preparing for.

Taking off your helmet, you placed your head on your bag and closed your eyes. With a shield and sword by your side, you slowly drifted into sleep.

1/2

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>>6157263


“Wake up. Wake up Prince Alric.” Gravis whispered to you and shook your shoulder.

The sudden wake up made you jolt up and you found your hand searching for your rondel dagger and with other going for his throat, before you realised who had woken you up.

“What is it?” You whispered back and tried to blink the sleep off your eyes.

“It’s..the gnolls are here.” Gravis said after getting distracted by your Fel green eyes for a second.

“Here?”

“The archers spotted them, they are coming.”

“How many?”

“Dozens, at least dozens.” Gravis answered. “I have alerted Captain Cromwell already.”

“Good, get the men ready for a battle.” You told him and went for your sword and shield.

You stood up and looked around, the men were being shaken up from their sleep and they quietly took their arms. Brushing your hair off your face with your hand, you stared into the dark forest. You couldn’t see anything, what wouldn’t you pay for Malevus and her elven eyes right now? But the gnolls were somewhere there and so you put your helmet on and waited, that was what you could do.

“Prince Alric.” Cromwell said and continued. “The men are nearly ready, how do you want to respond to the gnolls?”

“Suggestions?” You asked. Royal Foot Guard took their positions around you with the mages and your knights.

“Form a battle line and take their attack head on. Let them come to us.” Cromwell said to you.

Most of your men were already ready for battle. Just a few minutes and all of your soldiers would be ready, but would they be ready before the gnolls would be all over you?

In the distance you heard a faint blow of a horn, it came from your far left. A blow was followed by another and then once more. Three blows, that was the agreed signal for being under attack or an ambush. Either Captain Maxwell or Karramyn Langston and his Durnholders had been attacked. So that was the plan the gnolls had, a night action to ambush and attack through the darkness. Trying to take you by surprise. Well hopefully everyone was ready and they had their watches set up.

But now you just had to decide how you would deal with the gnolls trying to attack you. They might try to encircle you or just attack without warning. Maybe what Cromwell said was the best way to go, form a defensive line and be ready to take them head on. Or maybe you could throw a hatchet into their plans and charge their assault. That actually could work.


>Have your men form a demi-circle and prepare to take the gnoll attack coming at you.
>Your men aren’t ready so you need to buy some time. Pre-emptively take your knights and bodyguards and attack the gnolls somewhere ahead of you and then draw them back into your well prepared defenses.
>You aren’t going to allow the gnolls to have the initiative. You are going to order the men into ranks now and charge the gnolls before they can react to what is going on.
>Other, write in.

>>6157267
How about a counter ambush? Does the local terrain have enough hiding spots that we could pull it off Medivh?

It'd be better than a straight up charge since they they wouldn't see it coming.

>>6157275

The forest floor is flat and clear of things to hide behind. Really there are trees, but to hide nearly hundred and fifty men behind some trees? Bit difficult.

Darkness is what is hiding the gnolls from you.

>>6157276
Shame, was hoping to hide in some holes like the hobbits hiding from the ring wraiths. How good is gnoll nightvision?

>>6157290

Better than what humans have.

If it came down to a backroom deal what does Lordaeron want, and what could we give to King Terenas that would be good enough. Something good enough for the claim to Durnholde to actually be accepted, and for their support to retake Alterac.

Rejoin the Alliance and Calia political marriages seem the most likely, Alrics or maybe even his younger sister but I don't know if he could do that to her. Some kind of political play on Alric's part that shores up the holes in the Alliance. Killing Kel Thuzad, though thats more for Dalaran.

>>6157267
Hot damn another update. I imagine that Langston or Maxwell can aid the other so that should be fine, and our boy Reginald will probably take a bit to get over here. Their cavalry can probably arrive a bit faster if we decide to take the defensive, or buying time which also buys Reginald's cavalry time.

>Your men aren’t ready so you need to buy some time. Pre-emptively take your knights and bodyguards and attack the gnolls somewhere ahead of you and then draw them back into your well prepared defenses.

>Other, write in.
I'm going to take a play from the past when we fought those kobolds and ogres recently. Alric goes forward with the boys, swings his sword to splash some peat and trees, Weaves it into a firewall so they can keep from getting overwhelmed, and fall back.

I bet our new dark iron bodyguard has some good night vision. Dwarves aught to for working in those tunnels.

>>6157292
Hmmm, I think I got it. Have all our infantry form ranks, light torches and draw attention to themselves with Alric also there looking the part of Big Boss.

Meanwhile all our ranged units sneak around to flank, a lot easier now with the distraction

>>6157295
The problem I see with that idea is that a wildfire could very very easily get out of control and fuck us up just as much as the gnolls. Is there any you see in mine?

>>6157346
You are absolutely right in fact conditions for it I think are just right for a big one. Windy, hot without rain for some time, all this peat and big old trees. Possibly diminished water reserves unless they did fill up since they are by the river. If it happens I want to see how they deal with it.

Last time we had an out of control fire at Durnholde we had to rely on Jandice, but I'd like to see if Alric or Boyd can manage to get it under control this time. I was very interested in the option which seemed to suggest Alric could draw the fire into the Cindersword to try and put it out.

That said, I wouldnt be surprised if people go another way. Its a shame the darkness favors the gnolls slightly, though if Boyd could make a smokescreen then I think we'd be even. Perhaps slightly better if the smoke hurts the gnolls who I presume are a lot more sensitive with their noses.

>>6157375
Well I don't want to see it. Now is not the time to test our limits, if we fail what is likely to be a very high DC roll we'd be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

>>6156956
>>Call Boyd and Williams here, let them deal with the magic sentry.

>>6157267
>>Your men aren’t ready so you need to buy some time. Pre-emptively take your knights and bodyguards and attack the gnolls somewhere ahead of you and then draw them back into your well prepared defenses.

>>6157295
>>6157267
>support

Fire should be fine with our fire mage here. And us as a sneaky back up if shit hits the fan.

>>6157267
>Your men aren’t ready so you need to buy some time. Pre-emptively take your knights and bodyguards and attack the gnolls somewhere ahead of you and then draw them back into your well prepared defenses.
Time for glory. We've avoided the worst of it - being slaughtered in our sleep, but we need to counterattack immediately. And time to get some personal glory too. Our sword will act as a beacon, drawing enemy attention, but that's exactly what we want. Time to kick some ass.

>>6157557

Alright, Alric goes to kick ass and take names. Give me some rolls!


>3d10, Best of four
>DC 18, Crit 25

Rolled 8, 7, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>6157602

Rolled 2, 1, 8 = 11 (3d10)

>>6157602
Inb4 shit rolls

Rolled 4, 7, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>6157602
Rollan.

Rolled 7, 4, 1 = 12 (3d10)

>>6157602

>19, Success!


Barely over the DC, now some rolls for the guys coming with you. The first d10 is for Royal Foot Guards, second for Gravis and the knights and third for the mages. The DCs are in that order as well.


>3d10, Best of three
>DC 15, 17, 19, Crit 23

Rolled 9, 4, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>6157631
Here we go again

Rolled 1, 7, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>6157631
My plan was better...

Rolled 10, 4, 2 = 16 (3d10)

>>6157631

>>6157631
I don't believe my plan called for bringing the mages, it was Alric to weave the fire. >>6157295

Poor Gravis. That reminds me which group is our Dark Iron buddy accounted with, knights or the royal guard? Shame they couldn't hit 17 even with the guns.

Any chance Alric could grab a bundle of powder and shot from Gravis to toss it into the gnolls, then boom?

>>6157640
Your write in tied with the preemptive strike prompt, one you and you supporter also voted for. Thereby making it a 4-2. Good thing too, since I believe it would've made the DC even higher than it already is.

>>6157652
I'll always bet on Alric for the big plays. Everything will be fine with the shot and powder grenades. Though I suppose Boyd should be plenty capable of trying the shot and powder grenade too.

>20, Success!
>15, Failure!
>12, Failure!

Yeah, this is not a disaster, just a minor set back. Now could I have one more roll for things unrelated to any of this.


>1d10
>Best of three

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>6157822

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>6157822

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>6157822
15 is a failure? It's the first DC

>8

Meanwhile elsewhere.

…

Eligius sighed.

She was nowhere to be seen. They had agreed on two weeks and the time had passed and she wasn’t here. Eligius had made his way to the hunting cabin the Prince and the Assassin had agreed for the meeting place to be.

And she wasn’t here!

Sure, the Assassin had plenty on her plate, first to reach the Frostwolves, then make them not kill her, and then get back here for the mission the Prince had planned and agreed to. But she wasn’t here, no sight of her.

Eligius sighed again.

He had made the journey without her being here, what a waste of time really. Though he had placed a letter on the table of the cabin just in case she would appear here when he wasn’t around. Eligius would visit the cabin every four days and when the Assassin arrived, she would know to wait around. Next to the letter was a pack with some rations, dried meat and such reserved for her.

But she wasn’t here now.

Eligius fixed the collar of his robe and looked around once. Everything was as he had been instructed and so when he stepped outside, he took in the breeze of a summer night. If she doesn’t appear, Eligius would curse her and when he caught her, he would feed her soul to a succubus. That he would swear.

Eligius sighed again and took a step forward.

There was a thump behind him as if someone landed there. Before Eligius could react, he found a knife on his throat. The sharp blade caught him swallowing and drew a bit of blood.

“Oh you got here~” A playful if familiar tone said to him behind him.

Oh great, she actually got here.

“What do you say oh milquetoast scribe?” Pai the Assassin whispered into his ear.

“Release me?” Eligius guessed.

With a gentle shove Pai let go of Eligius. His hand found his throat and wiped the droplet of blood away, turning around he saw the Assassin standing there, smirking while playing with her dagger.

“Great to see you in one piece.” Eligius said to her. “Did you deliver the message?”

“I did, I won’t say I liked the experience.” Pai replied as she stashed the knife away. “So… everything ready on your side?”

“I just need to get everyone here.” Eligius answered.

“Good, then we can go and save the Princess.” Pai said back. “Two days Scribe, in two days you will be here with the rest of the party and then we will be off.”

“Of couse, but remember you aren’t the one giving orders here. It will be me, the Prince trusted all of this on my shoulders.” Eligius said.

“Sure sure, now go and disappear from my sight.” Pai said and continued. “Just remember, I am doing this for myself and not for anyone else.”

1/2

>>6158031


“And if you decide to betray us, I will make sure that…” Eligius started to say.

“Make sure what?” Pai asked playfully.

“You will regret it.” Eligius replied. “See you in two days.”

Pai didn’t reply as Eligius walked away where he had left his horse. For the Assassin the threats where whatever, but the way Eligius had said it meant something more.

Maybe the milquetoast scribe was more of a man than Pai had thought?


QM: Proper update comes tomorrow.

>>6157878

4+7+4=15 doesn't past the DC 17. The DCs are in order of the troops named.

>>6158032
Ah, at last, the adventures of our hypercompetent henchman, can't wait for it.

>>6158032
Good to see Eligius and Pai are ready

When we get another moment with him we should ask Langston how strong the Alliance claim on Durnholde is, where does it originate? If anyone would know its probably him or he could look into their own records. Thats probably the most direct way to check out the strength of the Alliance claim.

Update is half-finished, I will get it up tomorrow. As time passes, I will have these short jumps into the story of Eligius and Pai and their merry adventure when it is plot relevant.

“Captain, you will form the battleline and get everyone ready. I will take my group and go trigger their assault.” You said to him and continued. “They will react to us and we will then return to your prepared defenses.”

“Prince Alric, that is risky.” Cromwell opposed the idea.

“Yes, that is why we are doing it. I could have armed, armoured and recruited a second army like this with the coin put into our armours.” You said back.

It was true. Aurvan’kal and the Dark Iron plate that you had acquired were worth somewhere around hundred and fifty footmen armed and ready. So if anyone was more equipped and ready to interrupt the gnolls, it would be you and your bodyguards.

“Understood, we will be ready then.” Cromwell replied, knowing that arguing back wouldn’t change your mind.

“Then we shall move, Lieutenant Gravis… others… follow me, we have a hard task ahead of us.” You told them.

It would be more than hard, but still doable. The gnolls aren’t exactly known for their tactics or discipline, you can draw them out and cut them down.

…

>19, Success!
>20, Success!
>15, Failure!
>12, Failure!


As Captain Cromwell and Lieutenant Beckston got your men ready, you had already made some distance away from them. The Royal Foot Guards flanked you on both sides holding their shields up just like you did. Lieutenant Gravis had his knights in the second rank on the flanks to protect them and to protect Boyd and Williams who were right behind you. You had taken the mages with you for two reasons, they were around and ready, and both had skills that could prove really useful. Boyd with his flames and Williams with his defensive magic. The Dark Iron champion Bakhtet was with the knights as well. You would like to see how he will fight against the gnolls, how good of a fighter he truly is.

You snapped your fingers and the Cinder Sword caught on fire. The grey blade had already turned orange and white from the heat, but now as the flames tried to fight their way up while the liquid fire of yours wanted to drip back down, it was like a lamp to moths. The Cinder Sword illuminated the forest around you. Shadows danced amongst the trees as you held the sword in front of you like a lantern. Everyone would see it, that was for certain and that was the plan.

There was no need to give orders or instructions to your men, they knew what they were doing. Just a timely order for the mages was what was needed, a right moment for a fireball could prove very useful.

Suddenly a howl of a wolf echoed through the forest, but you knew better. It was not a wolf, but a gnoll who howled. Then it was joined by more howls, they were coming.

With an inhuman cry one gnoll carrying a two handed club ran out of the darkness straight towards you.

“Hold!” You shouted and braced yourself.

1/2

>>6159067

Barely managing to brace your shield, the large club impacted it and next the gnoll’s torso followed. It could have knocked you on your back if not for the gnoll having also ran into your sword that now was pushed deep into its stomach. Pushing with your shield, you pulled the Cinder Sword out and delivered a quick slash on the gnolls stomach, finishing the work by gutting it.

More inhuman warcries could be heard as gnolls appeared from the darkness, the next wave being more careful than the wild one that you had just killed and stepped over. They came at you and your men at ones and twos, charging when they thought that they had a chance to get a hit or two in. But when they crashed at your shields, they couldn’t get the job done. In ones and twos they attacked, and in ones and twos they fell. The Royal Foot Guards being your best soldiers, they didn’t flinch when a gnoll threw itself at them. Their Dark Iron shields easily protected them and with their swords they hacked and slashed back.

The rifles of Gravis and his knights proved to be less than effective, the four shots rang out without a noticeable effect. The darkness of the night made aiming difficult and with the gnolls moving around hitting them wasn’t as easy. But their swords did keep your flanks safe and clear, no one tried to attack you from behind.

“Boyd!” You shouted out, several gnolls had gathered in front of your men. Now would be a good time for some fire.

“Step aside.” Boyd replied as sparks flew out of his bandaged right arm to his staff. With a jab forward, a wave of scorching fire jumped out of it and spread across the open forest floor. But to your and his disappointment, the flames and sparks dissipated without hitting the gnolls. Just the dead leaves and branches on the forest floor were caught on fire.

It did give you a bit of breathing room to look around. Your men were all still standing and healthy, all eighteen you included. In front of you and to your flanks stood maybe two dozen gnolls, more arriving each moment. Dozen gnolls were already dead and you could hold your position for a few moments until their pressure on you becomes too much to bear. Or you could withdraw now, Captain Cromwell has probably gotten the men ready. You don’t need to hold them here and take the chance for them to actually succeed in wounding or even killing one of your men. But you still have the initiative, their charge hasn’t been disturbed yet properly, you have an opportunity to deal a considerable amount of casualties to them.

2/2

>>6159068


>Start fighting withdrawal back to the rest of your soldiers. You have done enough to buy time and get everyone ready.
>The gnolls are still coming at you, defeat the ones who have gathered in front of you before making other decisions.
>This isn’t enough, you need their full attention. Attack the gnolls and be on the offensive.
>Other, write in.

QM: There will be a second set of voting after a decision will be made on how to employ your mages and if you are going to cast spells.

>>6159070
Hmmm maybe the spirit of my plan can still be scrounged up from this.

>Start fighting withdrawal back to the rest of your soldiers. You have done enough to buy time and get everyone ready.
Send a runner to tell Cromwell to prepare for an envelopment. I hope to feign weakness in the center and slowly give ground until we can pull a Cannae and encircle the gnolls.

>>6159070
>Other, write in.
Rather than break formation have the Royal Foot Guard and boys make some noise. Have the knights try shooting all together at once in volleys to be more effective.

Weapons knocked against shields, some war cries. Have our strong dark iron friend throw some gnoll bodies into the fire to rile them up, one gnoll head cooking on the top of Alric's sword.

If a fireball or fire wave is too hard, what's easier than that and scales up nicely? A really big ball of arcane light to blind them a bit? Lightning? Magic missile to knock some big branches onto the gnolls? Fire Shield and unleash the Alric?

>>6159097
I support a fighting withdrawal in good order. No need to overplay our hand.

>>6159098
I am against this because that'd be blindly charging into the unknown. We do not know what else gnolls have got with them, or who. And if we get surrounded, then it will be us that will require rescue.

>>6159068
>Start fighting withdrawal back to the rest of your soldiers. You have done enough to buy time and get everyone ready.

>>6159124
Its a sensible choice to fall back, just a shame we didn't get more damage to the gnoll charge and more of their focus for when we pull them into Cromwell's line. More time slowing them down also means time for Reginald's 50 or so cavalry to arrive from the right. Plus I want to see more of what we can do with our most elite group. Alric, the Royal Foot Guard in Dark Iron Plate, Gravis and the Knights with guns, the Mages. If we held here for another round I was hoping we might spot a gnoll leader, some kind of champion or shaman. Good intel even if we can't kill it. Maybe now would be the time to ask Boyd if he can try a smokescreen as we pull back.

Fighting withdrawal seems to be the one that wins. Now will there be magic? Do note, there are plenty of people around you who don't know about you knowing magic, if you were to cast something even how discreetly, people at minimum the mages would notice.


>No, both Boyd and Williams needs to keep themselves fresh for the rest of the battle.
>Have Williams cast Slow on the gnolls in front of you. That should confuse and slow them down a bit.
>See if Williams has some tricks in his sleeves, he might be able to slow or stop the gnolls with some other magic he knows.
>Boyd can cast a Fireball and attempt to blast the gnolls in front of you.
>Boyd could create a Wall of Fire between you and the gnolls. That should slow them down.

Alric and magic:
>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.
>The forest floor is slightly on fire, weave it into a larger pyre to keep the gnolls away and illuminate the battlefield
>If Boyd casts his fire magic, Alric weaves it and strengthens it with his own. This might be discreet enough for people other than the mages to not notice.
>Alric openly snaps his fingers and sets a gnoll or two on fire.

Mana: 2/2
Fel: 1/1

QM: Please vote on both and choose only one in each.

>>6159181
Fighting withdrawal in preparation for an envelopment QM, don't forget about the runner.
>No, both Boyd and Williams needs to keep themselves fresh for the rest of the battle.
Im considering sending them to the flanks but regardless, it does not make sense to fight ferociously when you want to entice the enemy to come after you.

>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.
We'd need to be in dire straits for this to come out.

>>6159181
>>No, both Boyd and Williams needs to keep themselves fresh for the rest of the battle.
>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.

this are still gnolls but we can step back. Hopefully Cromwell has prep the men

>>6159181

>See if Williams has some tricks in his sleeves, he might be able to slow or stop the gnolls with some other magic he knows.
I want to see what else hes got up his sleeves one way or the other. Plus if we need to save his ass later we can bond a bit. What have they been buying with the gold and supplies we gave them? Some potions from Madam Martin? Gear? Some kind of mage consumables? Or just getting themselves settled nicely in town with apprentices.

>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.
Its just not going to happen without some gnoll champion breathing down the neck of someone. Life or death. Sworn loyalty and hard fought bonding. Though to be fair I had made my argument before that the jig is up as far as the syndicate is concerned and some agreed with it, but Dalaran is also a different matter. I just know one of them is a part time dalaran informant with some level of loyalty.

Would they keep it a secret between them and whichever Kirin Tor? (Hopefully Kael who likes us) Probably, with mixed feelings. On the one hand a mage monarch is probably something Dalaran would like considering how much of their history is people giving them the stink eye if they arent Elves. They also don't like people doing magic outside their supervision cause trying to control power and knowledge, but also demons and magic heart attacks.

Just taking the cat out of the bag would also antagonize Alric which undercuts any chance of cooperation in the future, pushes away a potential monarch neighbor who will almost certainly pursue magic. Also an admission they are even spying on royalty. I'm sure theres some other points where either side looses some face as well. Like what they allow to go on in the Underbelly, which before Alric told her even Jaina didn't know about, and rogue mages like Kelly.

For those reasons I think it opens a secret dialogue between Dalaran and Alric that remains secret until Alric chooses to reveal any magical pursuits. A number of their questions are predictable as are Alric's answers. So I'm not very worried.

>>6159181
>>No, both Boyd and Williams needs to keep themselves fresh for the rest of the battle.
>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.

>>6159181
>>No, both Boyd and Williams needs to keep themselves fresh for the rest of the battle.
>No, keep it as a trump card and avoid tiring yourself.

Double No! Fighting withdrawal is slightly difficult and there's no dueling involved so this time Alric only has three dice to use. Otherwise the rolls behave just like before in order of Alric, RFG, knights and mages. The second DC is for the mages.


>4d10, Best of three
>DC 15, 17, Crit 22

Rolled 1, 9, 1, 5 = 16 (4d10)

>>6159458

Rolled 7, 10, 2, 7 = 26 (4d10)

>>6159458

Rolled 9, 8, 6, 7 = 30 (4d10)

>>6159458

>>6159488
nice

>>6159458
27 for RFG, Crit!

Royal Foot Guard is truly the Elite. I can hear the 300 soundtrack. Can't promote them much higher so I guess medals and trophies and gear upgrades.

It would be so damn expensive to try and outfit them with better gear than their dark iron arms and armor. Making our own becomes necessary. Surely we can lure an enchantment mage, or some kind of dark iron rune master. Then walk the line of only doing it for the elite.

Or fashion improvements lol. Some mountain lion cloaks and bear pelts. Helmet plumes. Fancy ass sheaths. Painted shields. Torqs?

>>6159488
Need a Sun Tzu quote for this one.

"The general who does not advance to seek glory, or does not withdraw to avoid punishment, but cares for only the people's security and promotes the people's interests, is the nation's treasure."

>>6159476
>>6159488
Alterac Stands !

>>6159511
Probably just fashion improvements and medals, maybe something to honor them like a title just for them "Prince's Blades". That will be for later when the campaign is over. Those are all good suggestions (the mountain lion cloaks are probably not that in reach unless we hunt them on our own). I was thinking a little ecranche (those small shield things) decorated with an hawk holding a flaming sword, placed on one of their armored shoulders.

Anything else i feel.... that includes enchantment mages, dark iron rune master, master smiths and the like for being made ..... we would likely give it to just characters instead than troops, simply because the difference in skill is bigger and you don't need to outfit multiple soldiers with very costly equipment but 1 for 1 character. Just for give a reminder Aurvan'kal is a masterwork and enchanted and that was quite costly to buy. If we ever manage to get those specialists they will cost quite a bit.

>1+7+9=17, Success!
>9+10+8=27, Crit Success!
>1+2+6=9, Failure!
>5+7+7=19, Success!


Looks like the knights took a hit here, but the Royal Foot Guards carry the withdrawal hard and probably saved this portion of the battle. But no update today, IRL things are occupying me.

>>6159524
Oh yeah those ecranche would look nice. Title would be nice too and speaking of honor I had a feeling. Is it kind of awkward that these men can be elites, whom we have invested in considerably at this point, but not knighted? Would they be something like unlanded knights of the most freshly minted variety? Could they buy a knighthood if they really cared? Or is their rank and prestige enough considering some of the burdens knighthood might entail.

Yeah we do have quite a decent amount of characters, officers, and mages now. Most of the officers have their own armor or like the Rovers and the mages might prefer to not wear anything with much bulk. The mages if we end up dragging them into the Alric squad more often would probably be worth a fancy half plate lol.

>>6159745
Before we can make them knights, we need to get lands to grant them for service. It is obviously implied without saying that once Alterac is retaken and Alric is crowned, he is going to reward his most ardent supporters appropriately, which would be both just and honourable and would further strengthen his position as those people, once they assume positions of power and influence, would carry on his work in strengthening and expanding his realm. And having competent subordinates to which we can delegate important tasks and trust them not to fuck them up is probably the biggest reason why we will succeed, I think.

>>6159756
Yeah I spose it's not really worth the bother to try to hand any parts of land out now. What sort of backroom deal do you think might need to be done to ensure Durnholde goes to us?

Or wait until Thrall and Grom have their way with it and the property value has dropped lol.

>>6159786
Durnholde is already pretty much ours, we've got the deed. And Blackmoore probably won't be surviving the events that are coming.

>>6159745
Well i suppose that Alric doesn't want to give the knight title too much just yet. I am not sure if the royal guards are all knighted either upon becoming a royal guard honestly.

They have their own armors, but in comparison to what they could get is not the same.

>>6159786
more than what we have ? idk maybe get something on the Alliance, or make sure they are occupied with other stuff.

>>6159805
Medivh seemed to imply they wouldn't just give up their own claim if we just pull out the deed, but if the invasion leaves it a ruin maybe so. So wait until Thrall invades and leaves with Blackmoore dead. It would certainly skip any bother trying to avoid or handle it besides helping evacuate a bunch of fleeing Durnholde people. I'm rather interested in options of preventing the invasion.

If we got Durnholde by some kind of deal and got it intact, could we convince the Alliance to release the orcs into the wild hinterlands since these weakened ones are mostly ""harmless"". Or some other solution. It's a lot more trouble but I wonder about it.

>>6159810
By the end of we have enough veterans I could see quite a lot of knights. Then if we manage to retake all the pre Second War territory we've got about 23-25 provinces. A couple less since Alric wouldn't give up Dawnholme and Alterac City, and Strahnbrad Hills is a vassal already.

>>6159834
Well without know more about their claim they do currently have it, and they've had it for long enough that no one ever mentioned to Alric that Alterac used to own it. More or less out of living memory. Plus the whole 'Sworn to the King in Alterac City' part making it sound like unless he has the Throne it doesn't belong to him but to whoever is King in Alterac City, which is currently some ogre lol.

The Durnholde deed screams "bait" to me. Everything about it makes me think it's either a forgery or otherwise not useful until Lordaeron starts getting buttfucked by the Scourge and implodes.

Also, I really think we should stop trying to gain new territory for a good while: I don't trust Lordaeron not to try and find reasons to kick the shit out of us. Between Arthas already disliking us (I know Jaina cooled him off, but still) and our humiliation of Garithos, some of the nobles are probably just chomping at the bit to "Enforce the Edict".

Furthermore, remember not to metagame too much. Both with Medivh making it clear that he's not afraid to dick us around if we try to abuse our foreknowledge and the changes we've already made to the timeline (See: Taretha now longer being Blackmoore's minion, Garithos's humiliation, our "befriending" of Thrall, etc), I wouldn't trust the future to go as predicted.

>>6160008
No way that would be such a bizarre scheme to be a forgery. Blackmoore and especially Langston are not good enough actors for that, and forgery seems like quite a subtle art. Plus it would be useful after Thrall invades and Durnholdes property value sinks if we need to throw them a bone in trade, easier to go in and justify our claim if they lose it. Though if it gets used as a bargaining chip in the Stormwind Summit with the Alterac Issue that wouldnt be bad either. If Blackmoore actually survives and Durnholde stands due to previous shenanigans around Tari and Thrall well who can say for sure.

Lordaeron has a faction that does like us with Terenas and Calia. Uther tries to at least keep us up to date on politics like the warning about old school guys like him getting retired or pushed out of their positions by newer nobles. Plus the Arthas/Garithos/Stromgarde leaning faction is eating some humble pie with Garithos and if we can pull a campaign win. They should be weakened going into this Stormwind meeting and for some time where we can keep pushing. Make a few moves like letting a promoted Reginald station the RD garrison back in Dawnholme or something if need be, the big issue was Garithos anyways.

Also I don't think I'd call wanting to save his good friend Tari or wanting to dunk on that asshole Garithos for his actions as meta. Meeting with Thrall ehhhhhh he was the one to approach Alric and engage with the whole 'help me kill this death knight' thing, then we know he would want to know about Tari, we point out he could have gotten her killed with the letters and dagger. He's grateful and embarrassed. Doesn't seem like meta to me.

>>6160044
>Blackmoore and especially Langston are not good enough actors for that...

I don't think it was forged by Blackmoore or Langston, but by one of Blackmoore's predecessors, if it's even forged at all. I'm not married to the idea that it's forged, it's just sketchy as shit and I don't trust it. Like I said, it *feels* like something that, if used wrong, will bite us in the ass.

>Lordaeron has a faction that does like us with Terenas and Calia...

Obviously, but I don't trust Lordaeron even slightly, and I think that humiliating Garithos is just going to make the Anti-Alterac faction start being sneaky.

>Also I don't think I'd call wanting to save his good friend Tari or wanting to dunk on that asshole Garithos for his actions as meta...

I wasn't saying that those actions were meta, I was saying that those actions have already changed the future and has made our meta knowledge less useful, if not outright useless.

>>6159838
We could only convince the alliance if the orcs immediately fuck off to Kalimdor and become someone else's problem. But we'd also need to somehow hammer out a peaceful agreement between the two sides and there's also the possibility of an intervention from Kul'Tiran navy, they are pretty upset about Daelin's death.

>>6160140
It's probably best to use the deed when we can back it up with authority and power behind it. We can have it investigated later on perhaps by Eligius, see which Alteraci King made it. I do think its likely a true claim, but it does remain a bit sketchy in nature.

>>6160044
Don't forget that anti alterac faction is likely going to get bigger, Stormwind with King Varian will probably support them. He doesn't like what we did at all by accepting Stonemasons.
>Make a few moves like letting a promoted Reginald station the RD garrison back in Dawnholme or something if need be, the big issue was Garithos anyways.
I prefer to not expand for a while than let an Alliance garrison inside our lands again. Putting them out and using their barracks has housing was a victory for Alric. For protect Dawnholme power, for gain approval from the different people under him (for example the majority of syndicate prisoners do not like the Alliance. If we want to recruit them not being seen has weaker or under control of the Alliance is pretty much needed), being seen has a important prince and for give a roof to the new people we are inviting to live in our lands.

Garithos had the intention to expand the garrison established in Dawnholme, while we are in good terms with Reginald, we are wearing different colors. Something like that cannot be allowed to happen again.

>>6160140
>I don't think it was forged by Blackmoore or Langston
Ooh. Hmmm. Not impossible but it would be really funny if Durnholde lords are just thia conga line of Lords with dubious reputations one after another, passing on their wack ass schemes like an Olympic torch of treason.

If used wrong yeah there are some natural consequences. I think we can plan out a right way that leans into the controversy surrounding it.

>changed the future
Ah gotcha, yeah. Just gotta work with what we got.

>>6160185
I have idealized use of a backroom setting with Terenas to hammer out some kind of deal beforehand, if we don't wanna do a political marriage or re enter the Alliance or basically pay to even the scales. Pitching the Orc Camp solution, as trying to take Durnholde the camps can't be ignored and might be our best bet to sway opinions, in considerably different ways to different people. To Dalaran who don't want to kill the orcs it's setting them free in some wilds to reclaim their shamanistic roots, which considering how even humans did it is natural, and be out of camps because if it's in Alliance hands it's subject to political shenanigans for another 'kill the orcs' new noble to grab and enact. To Strom or Kul Tiras it's pitching an end to the taxes that support the camps, and the orcs are so lethargic that they will probably get eaten by trolls, gnolls, ogres, or other orcs out in the wild. Let nature take it's course, since education of orcs route blew up when Thrall escaped. Plus both their political opponents in the matter will just keep fighting tooth and nail on this anyways without a solution they can tolerate. If they chimp out, then they can finally finish Daelins revenge. Hopefully Thrall grabs them without a fuss, builds some ships of his own on the eastern shore, and fucks off.

>>6160267
At the very least id hope we could expand to get rid of that troll dam on the river and open or control trade on the Darrowmere. That would be just a straight win to reopen it, I'm sure the Barovs would appreciate being able to use it for trade and moving Tarren Mill goods rather than the long way around costing them in logistics. Balanced moves will get us the support we need against anti-alterac factions. Darrowmere League needs that river open and more members so they can't hit us without raising a fuss.

No update today, I wrote half of it during the workday and then got stuck playing Stalker 2. My bad, but it is a really fun game.

Medivh's Stalker 2 review after 20 odd hours would be: 7/10, still buggy and things don't really work all the time, but the vibes and potential is there for it to be a real 9/10 game. Wait a six months before buying it.

>17, Success!
>27, Crit Success!
>9, Failure!
>19, Success!


“Withdraw!” You shouted the order. “Steady!”

This wasn’t the time to use magic or have your mages to cast their, you wanted both Boyd and Williams to be ready and fresh as the battle turns into a proper field battle. Their magic would be needed then.

The gnolls didn’t give you much room to breathe as they attacked again as all of you started to take steps back while keeping your shields up. It wasn’t easy to walk backwards while having to concentrate on keeping the gnolls away and avoiding tripping on their corpses.

Yet you made your way back step by step. Each gnoll that tried to approach you or your Royal Foot Guards either were stopped by your shield or cut by your swords. They had changed their tactics somewhat and didn’t rush you like before, they were more careful and tried to approach your shieldwall with more thought. Like if they tried to punch through a gap between your shields and break your formation like that. You didn’t have to think more about their tactics as they kept pressing you, but they couldn’t get through.

Every time a trio or a couple more gnolls tried to get through your line, the first gnoll was outright cut down or ended up being a lucky one who just got slashed at and suffered mild to more serious wounds. Cinder Sword lobbed off a hand of a gnoll carrying two blades, you would have normally finished the threat, but your steps back pulled you outside the reach to do so. The Royal Foot Guards both sides of you performed similarly, their dark grey and black Dark Iron plate mails being in contrast to their Princes silvery Elven plate.

With practiced moves, the gnolls posed no threat to you as yard by yard you got closer to your own troops.

Suddenly a volley of arrows flew over your head and then started to steadily fly past your formation's flanks. Several gnolls took arrows to their hides and started to pull back into the darkness as their silhouettes were illuminated by the burning forest floor behind them. Couple more steps and you would be back in your own lines.

“March! Forward!” You heard Captain Cromwell order behind you and the trumpeter gave the order for general advance. Good, he had gotten his men ready.

Your archers were joined by the crossbowmen giving a volley at the gnolls who now moved to take cover behind trees and clearly disengaged for a moment. This gave you enough to link up with your battleline.

1/2

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>>6160784

“Is everyone alright?” You asked and immediately noticed Gravis and Joe dragging Thomas into the backline. “What happened?”

“Gnoll managed to strike him with a club, knocking him unconscious.” Gravis replied back as the footmen rushed to plug the gap in the shieldwall.

“Raleigh! See to him!” You ordered while not knowing where the Paladin was currently standing. “Captain Cromwell, you got everything ready?”

“Yes Prince Alric.” He replied and hefted his two-handed battleaxe on his shoulder. “We are ready, but don’t expect reinforcements.”

“Why?”

“We have heard more signals from both sides, all four columns must be engaged by the gnolls.” Cromwell said.

Damn it. You hadn’t heard them as you were too occupied trying to keep the gnolls away from killing you. But at least you had succeeded, your men were ready and only real casualty was the unconscious Thomas. You even felt rather fresh, but you knew that a small toll had already been done on your stamina.

Warcries and howling ahead of you intensified as the gnolls reformed their ranks and without warning their projectiles started to fly towards your battleline. Knapped stones were launched with slings that impacted on the shields of your footmen and they were followed by something you didn’t exactly like. A number of crossbow bolts struck your men, most of them hitting the shields or harmlessly bouncing off plate mail, but a couple got through. An archer cried in pain as the bolt struck his arm and he dropped his bow. One pikeman took a bolt that found a gap and penetrated the mail underneath the plate.

Quick, you had to make a decision how to deal with the gnolls before more of your men start to get wounded or even killed. The night didn’t make the situation that easy, but the fire did illuminate the gnolls ahead of you well enough for your archers to give a quick reply with their own volley. A couple dark shapes fell lifeless on the ground.


3rd Column (Alterac, Alric)
-3 Regular Knights
-10 Elite Royal Foot Guards
-30 Veteran Footmen
-39 Regular Pikemen
-10 Elite Archers
-10 Veteran Archers
-14 Regular Archers
-20 Veteran Crossbowmen
-25 Regular Bandit Rogues
Durnholder Cavalry, Sir Foecourt
-10 Regular Knights
-10 Regular Mounted Sergeants
79 Foot and Pike, 34 Archers, 20 Crossbows, 25 Bandit Rogues, 13 Knights, 10 Mounted Sergeants

>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.
>Soldiers! Advance! Move closer and engage them in melee to prevent their ranged troops from fighting you.
>Cavalry will solve this. They can cut down their ranged troops and rundown those who have been wounded.
>Have Boyd strike them with another Fireball, that should scatter them and provide you with more illumination.
>Other, write in

>>6160790
Poor Thomas got bonked but atleast hes just unconscious. I presume Radan's Rifles are in range if we continue to exchange fire?

>>6160008

I can say that I have planned some !!FUN!! stuff to happen in the future. Let's just say that Alric has planted willingly and unwillingly some seeds that will make things a bit different.

>>6160795

Of course, we are talking 70~ ranged troops on our side.

>>6160790
>>6160797

>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.

Excellent. They want to test out their new crossbolts, but we have Radan's Rifles. Better to whittle them down a bit before we engage. When they try for melee that should be a good time for a nice Fireball or some such.

I must wonder how they got crossbolts, Syndicate dead or hidden caches perhaps? Also damn everyone got night attacked, but atleast they each had something going for them.

A dozen or so dead gnolls from going out there. Maybe another dozen or more from the fighting withdrawal and arrows. Very nice maneuver all in all.

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>>6160790
>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.

We've got more than enough ranged soldiers, and I want Radan's boys to get more experience with their guns so we can start using some proper pike and shot tactics sooner rather than later.

>I can say that I have planned some !!FUN!! stuff to happen in the future.
>MFW

>>6160790
>>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.

>>6160790
>>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.

>>6160790
>>If they want to exchange ranged fire, then let them. Your ranged troops are far superior to theirs, the gnolls will lose this exchange and be forced back to melee.
it remains a forest, but it's also a forest for them.