In 1099, Jerusalem burned. After the capture of Jerusalem in the First Crusade, The Knights Templar opened the Gate of Hell, swallowing up Jerusalem and committed the Ultimate Act of Heresy. Demons walked the earth and the heretics butchered the innocents for their new unholy lords. Hell versus Heaven. The Heretics against The Faithful.The battle for humanity’s soul and Earth began. In the trenches. In the sea. In the churches. In the hearts and minds. For eight hundred and sixteen years, the war raged on. Humanity is on the verge of defeat and no miracles have yet to turn the tide of war. “Your Father would be proud, Margrave.” Liar.You adjust the badge on your left chest bearing the ancient coat of arms of your family. You adjust the collar, the family saber in sheath on your left and the holster on your right. A scent of flowers linger as the perfume seeps into your woolen uniform. You breathe into your mouth then sniff, good, your breath does not smell foul either. Along with the title of Margrave, you have inherited your late father’s arsenal as well, along with it, his trusty companion that accompanied him in the trenches, open battlefields in the borders, and in dark corners of the night raids. >His actual saber he carried to battles>His ever sharp trench knife>His stalwart trench hammer You walked outside of your room and exit your home, and see the scenery of…Choose your Margraviate’s location. >The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies) >The vast trees of the cold mountains (located in the mountains, natural defenses but supplies take longer to arrive)>The border of war torn lands in the north, and the sight of the black clouds from the industrial fort in the south (supplies are easy to gain and arrives quickly, but constantly attacked, low morale)Hello, it’s my first time running a quest. While this is a Trench Crusade Quest, the lore will be changed here and there to fit the quest. Thank you!
>>6432683>His ever sharp trench knifeHandy-dandy knife..>The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies)
>>6432683>His actual saber he carried to battlesThere's no reason not to be stylish.>The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies)I want to see what monsters' Hell will bring out of the sea
>>6432683>His stalwart trench hammer>The border of war torn lands in the north, and the sight of the black clouds from the industrial fort in the southIn the Grim Darkness of the 20th century, there is only war.
>>6432683>His ever sharp trench knife>The border of war torn lands in the north, and the sight of the black clouds from the industrial fort in the south (supplies are easy to gain and arrives quickly, but constantly attacked, low morale)
>>6432683>His actual saber he carried to battlesCall us blackbeard>The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies)I like ocean cuz we could potentially travel to different fronts of the crusade.
>>6432683>His ever sharp trench knifeAnd>The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies)You are EXTREMELY based for this, QM
>>6432683>His ever sharp trench knife>The ocean, cruel and vast.>first time running a questLooking forwards to it, QM!
>>6432683>His actual saber he carried to battles>The vast trees of the cold mountains (located in the mountains, natural defenses but supplies take longer to arrive)
>>6432683>His actual saber he carried to battles>The ocean, cruel and vast. (coastal line of a peninsula, chance for more goods and supplies)
Rolled 2 (1d2)Coastal643268564326896432702643271364327206432778Industrial>>6432692>>6432693Mountain>>6432749Looks like coastal wins Trench knife6432685643269364327136432720Saber64326896432702643274964327781 for trench knife and 2 for saber
>>6432825HUZZAH!
>>6432831No, Hussar.
His actual saber lacked frills, not even an intricate handle. The sabre was shorter than the average, with a wide handle, not that you didn’t have a trench melee option but carrying his sabre was the least you could do. For now, you rested the sabre on the rack with respect. You walked outside of your room and exit your home, and see the scenery of the ocean, cruel and vast. Your cloak danced as the harsh winds blew. Looks like the weather is getting harsher than usual.The grey sky choked the sun, drenching the horizons with darkness. You glared at the ocean. Unlike other margraviate, you faced a two front war. One in the peninsula, and the other in the sea. A heavy sigh escaped your lips. You turn your head to the battlefield, pounded by artillery, fouled with heretical blood, and kept holy by the blood of martyrs. How did father remain so stalwart against two hellish fronts?“Lost in your thoughts, milord?”Your seneschal, Edward gazed at you, easily hiding the concern in his voice. The folds of his old wrinkly skins creased. While he was inscrutable to many servants and soldiers, you knew him your entire life. “Yes, I suppose I am.”“It is a momentous occasion, today is your first day as the Margrave of Maria.”“It doesn’t feel momentous.”He chuckled. “That’s because you have work to do. I’ll have some servants deliver your morning fast.” For most of your memories, you and father spent more time in his study than anywhere else. You sat on his chair, only filling half of the seat. The books on the top shelves required a footstool, not to mention the desk was a bit taller than you imagined. Edward said he’d bring a taller chair later. You stare at the pile of paperwork. With a sigh, you began. The Margrave’s defense consisted of:Artillery, for both coastal defense and the battles.2500 men, 300 being support personnel.7 destroyersThen there were rations, and other details of a Margrave you read through. After breakfast, you returned to work. With the matters of your Margrave done, you…>Read letters from other nobles>Read the list of marriage candidates>Read recent news of the court at New Antioch
>>6433073>>Read the list of marriage candidates
>>6433073>Read letters from other noblesWe are a lord now
>>6433073>Read letters from other noblesThis feels like the most pressing issue at hand, though we probably shouldn't slack on marriage either.
>>6433073>>Read letters from other nobles
>Read letters from other noblesyeah, nobles now marriage as soon as possible after.
>>6433073>Read recent news of the court at New AntiochMight provide context for some of the letters we read.
>>6433142>>6433124>>6433109>>6433099Locking in votes
Pretty sure I know who actually opened the Seals of King Solomon, same ones who opened the gates of Toledo, Constantinople, etc... Some might call them "Skaven."
With a tired sigh, you retrieved your letter knife and began reading once more. Most letters were congratulations of your ascendancy. Others were simple business such as the bank, New Antioch head administrators introducing themselves, and general matters Edward could take care of. Few of the letters were from fellow Margraves. Much like father, they were men of few words, addressing you of important matters without the frivolities of flowery court etiquette. “I suppose I’ll have to reply to them, don’t I?”Edward nodded. “Indeed you do, my lord.” You let out a tired sigh, for the third time, then grabbed your fountain pen and grabbed a paper. By afternoon, you dunked your cramped hand in a cold water bowl and let out a tired exhale. The grandfather clock read 1130. Despite being a momentous day, it’s been quiet. “My lord, shall we break for an afternoon meal?” “Not yet, I want to stretch my legs for a bit. Alone.” “My lord, roaming alone is improper and dangerous. It will not look well. At the very least, a cohort or—”Even outside your study there were two guards. Wherever you went a guard or a sniper tracked you in the margraviate. A margrave was more than a position, he was a symbol of resolute, faith, and duty. You hummed. “But father went alone all the time, didn’t he? And Absolom is watching me.”Edward adjusted his monocle and nodded reluctantly. “As you wish, my lord.” You grinned. “I’ll be off.”The Margrave was a mix of Fortress and a town. Tall walls overlooked the seas, below the battlement the men of Maria carried out their duty. Be it carrying food to the workers, or the fierce training of shocktroops, you were proud of not only as their lord, but as their protector. They were more than mere subjects, these were the people that made Maria run like a well oiled war machine. “Good morrow, m’lord.”“A fine day, m’lord.”“Out for a walk, m’lord?”You greeted every subject you walked by. The armed forces of Maria was varied but united by father’s charisma and leadership. Among them, the most unique were…>The Hakkapeliitta (Expert at: Light cavalry, recon, defense) >The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))>The Eire Rangers (Expert at: Recon, guerrilla tactics, resourceful, behind the lines warfare)
>>6433567>>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))DOOOOGGGG WAARRRRR
>>6433567>The Hakkapeliitta (Expert at: Light cavalry, recon, defense) The sea brings all sorts.
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))If we weren't on the coast and peninsula, I would go with the other two. At least these guys are still highly useful despite the current limitations.
>>6433321Good pic, OP.>>6433567>The Eire Rangers (Expert at: Recon, guerrilla tactics, resourceful, behind the lines warfare)Who better to defend our coastal fortress than the Irish?
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))Cry havoc, and so on
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))March of the Dead menthey will find good company here
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))What we need are some marines
>>6433567>>The Eire Rangers (Expert at: Recon, guerrilla tactics, resourceful, behind the lines warfare)
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))On the coast, we'll be facing the dominant Heretic Navy and their guns. Our only shot against them is vicious counter attacks at their beachheads and leaders before they can dig in.
>>6433567>>The Eire Rangers (Expert at: Recon, guerrilla tactics, resourceful, behind the lines warfare)Anyone who votes for anything other than Irish Fighting Lads is a ponce.
>>6433073>Read letters from other nobles
>>6433567>>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))
>>6433711we can hire them laterhell we might be able to marry some bonney lass from the emerald isle since they're trained in fighting costal invaders and esablishing kingdoms regardless of thatright now however we need to survive long enough and troops who dont fear death no matter the odds are our best bet
Red Brigade wins by a huge margin, votes locked in.
>>6433567>The Red Brigade (Expect at: High value target elimination, assault, hunting hounds (mallinois))In the name of God and the Duke, vengeance is ours.>>6433704Hi Corvid!
The Red BrigadeNormally, they would be in the forefront of any harshest and foulest battlefield, seeking out the most dangerous of foes. The Red Brigade of Maria however, were different. While they are still experts of deadly assault, the Red Brigade were formed from the soldiers who died defending Maria. “My lord.”“Lieutenant. How are you?”The man with a grim gaze and afternoon stubble bowed. He donned a red armor and helmet. This was Lieutenant Silas, the right hand man and a reliable man of Captain Grieves. “I’m well, thank you, your lordship. I’ve noticed you’re wandering without an escort.”You suppressed a sigh. “I thought it’d be nice to have some time to think on my own. And Absolom is watching me I’m sure.”“I must insist you travel with an escort so Father Absolom can work and a sniper can only do so much. If you are killed, my lord. The entire margraviate will be in great peril.”The determined gaze of his crushed your selfishness. You nodded with a reluctant but understanding huff. “I… I understand.”He saluted, placing his fist over his heart. “Thank you for indulging in my selfishness.” You patrolled the rest of the margraviate and its defenses. While they were satisfactory, it’d be good to strengthen them, but the supplies and gelts you get from the principality were coming from a month from now. Sure, your margraviate was well maintained, but maintaining a fortress town was no easy task. “Say, Grieves. What improvement do you think is required for the margraviate?” “The walls, more ammunition perhaps…” Silas rubbed his chin. “I’m afraid I don’t know much about marine defense. That’d be Captain August’s field. I’m certain everyone has their own opinion on what must be improved. But I can narrow it to three aspects. Logistics, land, and sea.”You turned to the sea, and to the castle, then finally to the No Man’s Land. “That is much to ponder on.” He placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “You will find your answer, and you are not alone.” After much pondering, for now, you decided to focus on… >Logistics >Land>Sea
>>6434122>Logistics
>>6433859>english hands wrote this letter>>6434122>>SeaIf we can control the sea we have much better flexibility. If we're besieged but they can't control the sea lanes we could get supplies in that way. If we need to evacuate people for whatever reason the sea is much faster to traverse and harder to pin anyone on. If we put a really really really big gun on a really fat ship we can shoot onto land positions unimpeded and with truly hilarious inaccuracy. Truly the sea is the finest mistress.
>>6434122>sea since we are a sea established fortress it is not a matter of if but WHEN the heretic sea raiders attack us or the villages under our rulewe need to get a leg up on them, laying sea mines, getting trained sea fleets that can weather hell sworn scum or sea beast, ensuring trade so we are secure if they attack from land and sea at the same timeAlso QM if we havent picked a patron saint for our Fortress id recommend Saint Nicholas of Myra who is the patron saint of sailors and is noted for calming storms and miraculously saving shipwreck victims or Saint Brendan the Navigator who is an Irish monk famed for giving pilgrims safe journeys across the seas since there is a desire for some irish units in our holdings
>>6434122>>Sea
>>6434122>LogisticsIs what wins wars.
>>6434122>Logistics nice dubs.
>>6434122>LogisticsWere not going to do too well focusing on the land or sea without our logistics sorted out. We could have the strongest army, the largest navy, or the greatest fortress but if we can't move men and resources around efficiently, or can't keep them supplied, it'll all be for nothing.
>>6434122>>Logistics
>>6434122>Logistics Tis what wins wars.>>6434025Yo Ogre, good to see ya.
>>6434122>LogisticsThis is no longer the medieval times, if we run out of ammunition we are screwed.
>>6434122>SeaThe sea is a means by which all else is subverted. Supplies can be sunk, raiding parties can be landed. We’re no good to New Antioch if we can’t control our own borders.
Logistics >>6434124>>6434134>>64341366434137643416464341796434233Votes locked
Logistics.The ports needed minor improvements such as upkeeps and small repairs. The roads however required more care. You sat in your study with the map of your margraviate and a cup of tea. The road improvement would require a company of engineers and guards, reallocating manpower was always a risk, but with the Red Brigade, the defense would remain stalwart. “Edward, other than roads, what other ways can we improve logistics?”“We could use more vehicles for carrying out supplies, and a dedicated force for escorting them. There will be times where we must send them for supplies in emergencies.” “Like a courier squad?”He adjusted his monocle. “Perhaps a company. We are rather far from New Antioch. Also, how about expanding the field for more crops or another herb garden?”You read the map and looked back up. “We don’t have the space.” “Yes, but there is the garden.”“The garden… Right.” Father once said the garden was tended by your late mother, was being the word. The old garden was already transformed into a private training ground where you and Father spent time together. You could easily put away the equipment and make a herb garden there. “We don’t have that many herbologists, this would be a long term goal, as will be the road upkeep.” You pondered on the options to choose from.>Make the garden a priority>Make the road improvement a priority>Make courier company a new priority
>>6434436>Make the road improvement a priorityThe benefit of our coastal location is that the Margrave has a chance for more goods and supplies. We should then make sure our resources go into maximizing that effect by ensuring the goods of Christendom have the infrastructure to actually get to us, whether that be by land or by sea.
>>6434436>>Make courier company a new priorityThe mail should never be late. The enemy can use the roads we make, too.
>>6434436>Make courier company a new priority
>>6434436>>Make courier company a new priorityif we are gunna focus on the sea then it would be good for us to protect the supplies we get and distribute.i almost wanted to pick roads, but im worried about the amount of resources it would take away from developing the port and sea assets. if we do we should focus on roads by the port and any factories near the port.
>>6434436>Make courier company a new priorityUnless the road is shot to shit or way too narrow, the bottleneck on our transportation capacity is bodies and vehicles, so this takes priority.
>>6434436>>Make courier company a new priority
>>6434436>Make courier company a new priorityMechanize what we can.
Courier Company vote wins and locked in.
“The courier company seems easy to create and the quickest to be completed. Have that as the priority and start with the others as well.”Edward bowed. “By your will, my lord.” Nothing much happened after that. Since the margraviate did not have enough motorbikes, only a platoon was formed, but a request had been sent to New Antioch. Along with a platoon, new posts were created throughout the margraviate and one near New Antioch in case a sensitive message needed to be sent. A month had passed since their creation. Most of your work have been administrative, you had little time to train and visit the men. Your presence bolstered the morale of men when you visited, but that was all you could do. Managin your land was more work than you thought. “Rragh!” You side stepped from the polearm, then lunged with your saber, flicking your wrist. Your master-at-arms, Toussant, twisted his polearm to parry your counter. You went for another lunge, but the polearm slithered its way to your feet and tripped you. “Ugh!”You hit the floor with a heavy thud.“Ow…” “We can try again, young lord.” You took Toussant’s hand and got up. You wiped your sweat. The fabric of your white shirt clung on to your chest as sweat dripped from your head. “A good bout.” Toussant said. “I fear you have become too busy to train.”You took a swig from your flask of water. “I still have to train. What’s a Margrave without his martial prowess.”He nodded affirmingly. “Indeed, a margrave is a different breed from those pig nobles. I also heard you’ve read through some of the marriage proposals. The rumor is, there is one from—”The door to your training room burst open. One of the couriers first bowed and shoot out his arm with a scroll. “Apologies my lord but I bring urgent news!” You grabbed the scroll stare at the seal of New Antioch, specifically, the seal of— “The Synod of Strategic Prophecy Headquarters…” You swallowed the lump in your throat. “When was this letter sent?”“Only two days ago, milord.” The courier said. “It’s thanks to our new posts and motorbikes that we got to you quickly, thank the heavens!”You opened the scroll. Margrave BasiloneThe Synod of Strategic Prophecy Headquarters have prophesied an offensive from both sea and land in 11 days. They will come at night, then begin their assault at dawn. Additional reinforcements are being discussed along with additional divining. God be with you, and your soul ever pure.-The Synod of Strategic Prophecy HeadquartersYour hand trembled. So much yet so little were told… You placed the scroll on the table and took your coat. >“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”>“Send a courier to my study; I shall have him send a letter to request reinforcement from New Antioch immediately!” >“Send words to post scouting parties immediately! >Write-in
>>6434926>“Send words to post scouting parties immediately! What an innocent child
>>6434926>“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”I mean...we should really do all three, but I think this has priority. We're receiving divination support, and the enemy is eleven days out from us, scouting that far out seems a bit premature. But any engineering and maintenance work that needs doing ought be taken care of, we need to dig in.
>>6434926>>“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”We should reduce shelling off the coast to feign weakness and low ammo, then unleash hell on them when they attack. Or we could make a fake "weak point" in our lines and then encircle them when they push too far deep.
>>6434926>“Send a courier to my study; I shall have him send a letter to request reinforcement from New Antioch immediately!”We literally just improved our communication efficiency, and reinforcements aren't quick. So to make sure they get here we should send word out to the right people ASAP.
>>6434926>“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”>>6434955we should pull the villagers into the fortress and have our guards ready defenses to ambush them when they think they're establishing their landing positions
>>6434926>“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”>“Send a courier to my study; I shall have him send a letter to request reinforcement from New Antioch immediately!”I dont see why we can't do both?
>>6434987>>6434928This is my fault, but whatever you choose is to have priority. Sorry for the confusion
>>6434926>“Send words to post scouting parties immediately!Forewarned is forearmed. Additional forces are no good if we don’t know where to put them.
>>6434926>“Send a courier to my study; I shall have him send a letter to request reinforcement from New Antioch immediately!”Let's use our newly found strength on the Postal ServicesAlso idk much about the lore except that it's like WW1 with a biblical apocalypse on top of it. But with the place we chose and that the city is called Maria, in Venezuela we have Our Lady of the Valley, who protects fisherman and coastal cities. Just wanted to drop that little lore out there
Rolled 1 (1d2)Since there's a tie, I'll do it by dice1. Courier2. Defense
“Send words to strengthen our position immediately!”The swift departure of the courier became your priority for the day. After that, you headed to your war council. The moment you entered, the men of distinguished positions saluted in the tense air. “At ease, gentlemen. Take your seats.” You observed their faces, and none of them seemed perturbed, hardly bothered. The Captain of Red Brigade, The Captain of Maria Naval Strike Force, Absolom, The Commander of Maria Yeoman, The Quartermaster, anyone who was someone was in the war council. On the table was the map of Maria, with various wooden carvings to symbolize assets. The walls were damp, the air cold and thick with tension. “Report.” “The men have begun fortifying the trenches and walls. I’ve doubled the guards and the shifts.” Commander Yard of Maria Yeonman said. “As for the scouts, I am still deciding on who to send due to their lack of experience in scouting.”“The Red Brigade stands ready, be it assault or defense.” Captain Grieves said. “A patrol has been established and the ships are on 24 hour standby.” Commander Tross of Naval Strike Force said. Most importantly… “How are the supplies looking?”The Quartermaster nodded. “We are always ready for a siege lasting a month, but without knowing the forces and how long we might be under siege, I cannot report if we are truly prepared.”“I see.” You stared at the map of Maria. “My lord, I recommend we prepare our defenses solely in Maria. We know when they are arriving, there is no reason to post scouts.” Commander Yard said. “The Red Brigade can, however.” Captain Grieves said. >“No, have the Red Brigade here.”>“Have the Red Brigade stand guard in other outposts.” “Quartermaster…”>“Have the farmers harvest whatever they can now.” (if chosen, there will be bonus to ration but after the battle food issue will arise)>“Continue as you are.” “And Commander…”>“Have every able bodied man posted. No, I don’t mean just the militia, all non-essential personnel.” (this will contribute to possible unrest but bolster in defense numbers.)>“Have your men focus on the fortification, have the farmers or other subjects to them if you must.” “This meeting is adjourned.”
>>6434926>“Send a courier to my study; I shall have him send a letter to request reinforcement from New Antioch immediately!”Get back up NOW. Luckily we might be able to beat the heretics with our new roads and couriers...
>>6435310>“Have the Red Brigade stand guard in other outposts.” Better to have them out in the outer layers of defence, so they make contact early and have more time to identify and kill High Value Targets before they reach Maria.>“Have the farmers harvest whatever they can now.” (if chosen, there will be bonus to ration but after the battle food issue will arise)Don't let the enemy anything to scavenge.>“Have your men focus on the fortification, have the farmers or other subjects to them if you must.” Lets see how strong this attack looks to be before we call for desperate measures. Eleven days isn't enough to train a useful soldier anyways, at best they can be used as labour for defensive works. I'm sure they have useful things to be doing anyway, for their families, or companies or whatever.
>>6435310>“Have the Red Brigade stand guard in other outposts.” >“Continue as you are.” >“Have your men focus on the fortification, have the farmers or other subjects to them if you must.”
Oh shit forgot to add this [1/11] Till the assault
>>6435310>>“No, have the Red Brigade here.”>>6435310>>“Continue as you are.”>>6435310>>“Have every able bodied man posted. No, I don’t mean just the militia, all non-essential personnel.” (this will contribute to possible unrest but bolster in defense numbers.)
>>6435310>“No, have the Red Brigade here.”These guys don't have a specialty in recon>“Continue as you are.”>“Have your men focus on the fortification, have the farmers or other subjects to them if you must.”We don't have enough information on how bad the raid is going to be and until we do we should try to keep operations stable for as long as possible.
>>6435310>“No, have the Red Brigade here.”Not a good idea to divide them. Easier to get surrounded and picked off.>“Have the farmers harvest whatever they can now.” (if chosen, there will be bonus to ration but after the battle food issue will arise)They will either burn or loot it anyway. If harvested soon at least we get something instead of nothing.>“Have your men focus on the fortification, have the farmers or other subjects to them if you must.” Need people to harvest the crops, do jobs, and build defenses. Militias need to be rallied and training.
