In the minds of mortals there are great goals that they live their entire lives seeking to fulfill. It is common for mortals to desire love, to lust after fame and fortune, to chase after secrets, and to wish to see everlasting peace. Often enough what should end with a valued life of happiness ends in only misery and suffering for the world. War can be rooted in hatred, in ignorance, in a blood lust seated in the throne of cruelty, but just the same it can be born of such good intent. It appears no matter the means or intent, battle will always persist in the world of mortals.
The Western Empire, a land grabbing imperial power from the North, further pushes South seeking to take in new provinces which can then feed into the giant beast of a nation. Its Emperor undeterred by the legends of the South, unfettered by the heroes that claim the lands as their homes, and unmoved by the loss of life that was going to come. It only took the will of one man to start, just one man was the catalyst for what would turn out to be one of the bloodiest wars the world of mortals would see.
To the Northwest the Barbarian clans gather prepared to take back what was once theirs. In the Empire's bid for the South they pushed out any that resisted their sovereignty. With a grudge to claim the Barbarians wasted no time in gathering their hordes, ready to show the Empire that it was unwise to tear people from their homelands.
To the North East the Two Hundred Year War had finally come to an end with the Five Princes of the Five Kingdoms signing treaties and forming an alliance. With their hands freed it dawned upon them that the Empire was growing to be too great a threat for them to challenge alone. With imperials encroaching on their borders those of Dong, Nan, Xi, Bei, and Hexin merged together into a grand army of the united states.
In the center of the White Sea in the lands of Mersus the Deathborne of the islands had been building up a civilization. Untouched for centuries, they had grown quite a deal. Their holy leader, the Prophet and Archlich Koryza rallied her subjects into a crusade seeking to bring the entire world of mortals into the eternal afterlife with them. To them the living were suffering from mortality, and needed to be saved. The Deathborne viewed them not as enemies, but as resistant sinners who must be purged of life so they may enjoy eternal bliss.
At the Southwestern corner of the area a great power emerged. Demons from some hellish world came and destroyed kingdoms only to reforge them under a new banner. These chaotic and vile entities seek to conquer the world, offering whatever one desires should they become a part of the Destruin society. Without hesitation the Destruin have taken to offense, aggressively pushing out and claiming land wherever possible.
To the South in the Southern Kingdoms hastily treaties and alliances are signed. While within them all a hatred burns for one another, with the threats rising all around them the monarchs wisely decide to call a truce and band together. They join their armies, begrudgingly marching with one another to gather their collective strength and use it to hold what they have and survive the coming war. To help keep a unified force under control they elect one of the monarchs to act as the High Monarch, with the victor being King Richgarde of Tidren.
But the war looming did not escape the gaze of the Southern Dominion. A land rife with internal conflict and squabbles. Always ones to seize opportunities, the many governors held council and elected to go to war to see just how much land, gold, and power they could steal from the many nations fighting one another.
All had their reasons to fight, all reacted to the words of the Emperor. But none were prepared for the cost that would come with it all.
Spoiler: Battle of Faali Shrine - Arael Zandramas
An unnatural chill hit a beach in the South of the Five Kingdoms. In the shadow of a mountain rolled in a thick mist that seemed to come without warning. Invisible to outsiders, within was the army of the Mersus Deathborne. Four haunted galleys landed just in the shallows using their magical veil to hide their presence.
Across the haunted decks marcher the force Arael Zandramas had brought. It was small in number for an invasion, but of course a large-scale invasion was not the plan. They were to break into the Faali Shrine and steal an object of mysterious power. A platoon of draugr, a platoon of skeleton warriors, a squad each of wight knights, executioners, crypt keepers, vampires, and necromancers. There too was a platoon of venomous barbs who were on one of the other ships. This force would have to be used decisively.
Next to Arael the skeletal captain of the galley brought attention to something in the distance. The undead eyes were trained to see through this magical mist, it obscured their vision but only slightly compared to the mortals who were completely cut off from visually piercing the thickness. Up a winding mountain path and along a cliff was Faali Shrine.
Carved into the mountainside was a square structure that looked to be ancient. Along its front were towers, a wall, and a thick gate made of iron with two towers built into it. It would be a difficult assault if it were manned. According to the scrying done by Arael it was indeed defended. A trump card the undead brought finally appeared.
Rising from the frigid waters was a creature held in place by chains. An abomination. The massive creature could not fit in any of the holds and would disrupt the deck so it had to be carried in an unorthodox manner. Immediately the necromancers took to controlling it before it was plunged into the shallow waters. Slowly it emerged from the water as the sea drained from its armor.
Planks were pushed off the sides forming ramps that allowed the small army to funnel out onto the beach. The captains of each unit congregated. A head necromancer pointed a glowing finger at the abomination controlling it as the captains of the skeleton warriors, draugr, executioners, crypt keepers, wight knights, and venomous barbs stood in a circle exchanging reverberating words that clung to the air and resonated in a supernatural manner.
"This should be rather easy. We'll be a nasty surprise for a couple of monks then the shrine will be ours." - Executioner Captain
"Do not underestimate our foe. In my last life I did that just before entering my new one." - Wight Knight Captain
"How do we get the abomination up there and ambush them at the same time? They'll see it coming the moment it leaves the mist. Should we try to breach the shrine before it arrives?" Skeleton Warrior Captain
"Provided they have few arbalests and gunners it should be no problem to just forgo the ambush. Any help they could get would take hours or even a day to arrive." - Crypt Keeper Captain
Spoiler: Skirmish of Dahaljurg - Dreskaros
Dahaljurg was a heavily forested basin. To the army's right side a small stream lazily flowed carrying with it fish and insects. A thick fog had settled over the area paired with an uncomfortable cold. This had a visible effect on the troops as some shivered wearing only cloth and armor. It was possible the slaves they brought would die from the weather alone but no one looked concerned for their health. In the center of the army they were flanked by wardens on horseback who kept them in line. Everyone had been marching for days and they were given little rest. Fatigue was setting in for many of the soldiers.
Nearby atop a white steed was the leader of the force, Commander Icaelian. Wrapped about him was a thick cloak that kept him warm and hid the golden painted armor he wore beneath it. Surrounding him were attendants marching on foot. They seemed to be on edge, though it was their role to be such. An Imperial Captain rode up beside him as her horse galloped through muddy puddles.
"Commander the weather is too harsh we should seek shelter for the soldiers." - Imperial Captain
Icaelian gave her a dull look and tilted his head.
"Do you wish to see Destruin's corruption spread Captain? We continue. Those who drop will be replaced. If we truly have soldiers to weak to handle such colds they should have bought cloaks instead of drinks and other vices. It's really their own faults if they die. Not ours." - Icaelian.
His head returned to a relaxed position letting his golden locks fall down his back. Icaelian was considered to be a beautiful man with a cold face. Under him there was low morale, not many were fond of him. The night before one of the legionnaires was crucified for attempting to sow dissent against the Commander. Yet those in command were rather fond of him. While his soldiers did not respect the man they feared him. Even now the Captain lowered her head doing her best not to make eye contact as she returned to the rear.
Something did catch the commander's eyes. He turned off to the right and slowed his horse. A look of alarm and fury suddenly filled his face as his eyebrows went wide. Where he looked was simply the hilly banks of the basin they were in with trees looming over the fog. His right arm shot into the direction while his lungs depressed as he barked out orders very loudly.
"Shield wall! To the West form a shield wall slaves position in front of the line brace for impact! Arbalests and gunners form up behind the shields conscripts prepare to skirmish! We are under attack!" - Commander Icaelian
At first there was a moment of shock and hesitation until an arrow struck the commander in the chest. With a swift move he swung open his cloak then removed the arrow from his armor and threw it to the ground. Icaelian unsheathed his sword and pointed in the direction of the fog laden trees.
"Barbarians!" - Commander Icaelian
Finally the imperial soldiers started moving with their fingers shivering from the cold. Before the lines could form out came arrows, thrown axes, and javelins. Immediately those closed began to drop. Afterwards came wild elves with painted bodies wielding steel clubs that could do a good amount of damage to armor. They engaged with those stumbling to defend and knocking who they could off balance before starting to retreat back into the fog.
Spoiler: 2nd Battle of Fort Eastguard - Bellmont Redblood
Eastguard was a bit of a mess. The stone fort had been attacked recently and it showed. Many of the walls had crumbled and were still being rebuilt. Scaffolds had been set up everywhere with both citizens of nearby towns and soldiers working on rebuilding efforts. Hanged from the walls were soldiers of the Five Kingdoms, each having their hands and feet bound before their executions. The previous commander had to be replaced by by Belmont and his forces. The Aegis was said to have made a valiant defense but was seriously wounded during the battle. Now Mr Redblood would be the bulwark between the Empire and the East.
The table which hosted the maps of the surrounding area were not very useful. Eastguard had trenches dug around it but there was not much else to the area. It was mostly surrounded by open fields and had few roads around it leading to different towns. The fort itself boasted high walls of stone but they had been damaged in the previous battle. Much of it was crumbling still but the two Eastern towers were still sturdy. Only one gatehouse led into the fort which was on its Western side with a Northern sally port. At the center of the fort was a large barracks-like building with a square tower on it.
Scouts had given a worrying report about an army of the Five Kingdoms marching to the West. It was likely they would again hit Eastguard especially considering the damage that had been done to it. Thankfully along with Belmont's regular forces some had been left behind to aid him. A squad of vindicators, a platoon of bound sinners, a platoon of legionaries, a platoon of imperial arbalests, three squads of imperial lancers, as well as a company of conscripts. This formed a formidable enough force but they knew the army coming was to be quite large.
Belmont was expected to decide their positions. With him at the table were captains of different units who wished to best know where to position and what to do during the battle. Redblood had been briefed on the previous battle. The Empire had planned for a long siege but the cannons of the Five Kingdoms tore through their walls forcing those within the fort to march out and join in a pitched field battle that led to a lot of losses.
What the reports of the advancing army suggested was that they were again bringing cannons along with a large infantry force with few cavalry. A frightening consideration was something that the inquisitors had learned a week prior. The Shogun had left the Burning Isles. Where she had gone was uncertain but the timing would suggest this coming army might be hers. Which if true meant they should abandon the fort. At the same time the size of the force looked to be two small with only around a thousand soldiers estimated in it to belong to the Shogun.
Around Belmont the captains seemed to not be too worried. They weren't exactly relaxed but there was not a look of desperation in them. Instead he saw focus and discipline.
Spoiler: The Assassination of Marquis Philandouil - Khanna Saree
Short and old with a scar under his left ear. Hair black with gray in it. Amber eyes tan skin and a thin build. This was he description Khanna Saree was given of Marquis Philandouil. Her and a small group of warriors had managed to sneak through the Southern Kingdoms to Magnif. With her came an assassin, and a handful of desert archers and sword warriors. Each had long cloaks to disguise their arms though up close people would be able to hear the armor and weapons. It was illegal to be armed in civilized areas of the Southern Kingdoms.
Philandouil was to be located in his manor house in the country side. The area was beautiful and boasted colorful flora along with pretty songbirds. With it being night the scant few flying were not giving off any melodies. The group had found a hill near to the manor which overlooked it. A much needed vantage point to stake things out.
In the distance the manor house looked to be of respectable size with six foot tall walls surrounding it. Those would be easily climbable but the guards patrolling did present an obstacle. A garrison would be in the town the manor resided in. If anyone hit an alarm they would have to escape from a small army, getting spotted wasn't an option. On the Eastern side of the manor was a tall tower with someone standing on it. Even at this distance they could be seen struggling to stand upright. Given the time of night they were likely tired. Ordinarily the guard wouldn't be visible through the darkness but a lit torch was next to them.
Some of the windows had light within them. People in the manor were still awake. At the Eastern side of it was a balcony and garden that led into the third floor of the building. On that top floor would likely be where the marquis's lodgings would be. Much of the building was stone aside from the balcony and tower which were made of wood. A long garden with a road through it led to the front of the build, this was inside of the walls and gate. The gate had three guards standing watch. One bit of information they had was that a wine shipment was expected to arrive soon in the middle of the night. It would arrive via cart, the driver was a dissident who had willingly given the information to the Southern Dominion.
The night was calm and warm with dark clouds in the sky but no wind. It was a waning crescent moon in the sky giving off little light through the thick clouds. The town was quiet with most of the buildings giving off no light. A calm silence lingered disturbed only by the birds occasionally. There would need to be a plan for how to carry out the assassination. They looked to Khanna for this.
Spoiler: Battle of Fort Schwarztoteh - Kenna
Fort Schwarztoteh had seen better days. It was comprised of a mixture of wood and stone with the Eastern walls being rock and the others being wood with stone towers. In total four towers protected the fort with one in the center of the stone wall. The fort was build to look like a circle from overhead and had a road going through it from its East and its West for the sake of travel and trade.
On the Eastern tower was a mangonel. It wasn't visible to Kenna at the small keep. It too was made of only wood and had been hastily built long ago. So far it didn't seem to be in danger of collapse but it was quite unimpressive. This fort for all its flaws had a decent sized garrison. Currently a lot of the soldiers were gathering around campfires and eating meager meals. Through the forward gate came a rider. She looked to be Tidren militia with her colors on her armor.
Her clothing was drenched in blood down the front from her chest to her knees. She breathed heavily and looked gaunt.
"Please take me to your commander! I come from Tidren with urgent news!" - Rider
Everyone was a bit slow to react at first but a kettle helm wearing man led her over to Kenna. At the rider's hip was a straight sword in an old sheath. Her clothing looked very worn out with tatters here and there. From a satchel she pulled out a letter on aged parchment and unfolded it showing it to Kenna. It was an order from the King of Tidren for reinforcements immediately. Through exhausted breaths she explained.
"The Empire mounted a surprise attack on Tidren from the sea! They need as much reinforcements as possible I was ordered to bring this message to every fort in the region. I barely escaped Tidren and have been riding non-stop. Please tell me the forces here could help my city." - Rider
The soldiers in the fort had gotten a bit lazy but were finally waking up more at this news. On the walls arbalests and archers patrolled while sword wielding militia got gathered together. A crowd formed and looked to Kenna for her command.
Spoiler: The Battle of Giu Sotto City - Destrin Verrux
The clacking of wooden swords together filled the area. In a grass courtyard besides the barracks were lines of soldiers sparring with one another. Most of them were mercenaries, yet they were not here for the money. Every one of them was a proud member of the Funzian City-States. They had been born in this land, bled for it, and defended it time and time again. The Funzian people were well known for their mercenaries but what fewer understand was the strong bonds between the various companies and orders.
Across their faces was painted a grim sort of look. These soldiers knew today could be the day they'd die. Even the sky was turning dark which passed around as being an omen of the loss of Giu Sotto City. Superstition always found its way into the ranks of warriors from one source or another. Some rejected it trying to build up what hope they could. A lot of young faces were partially visible beneath thick helms. Whoever could fight had been drafted as militia to defend the city. If the walls were breached they'd all die anyway. At least with their numbers they might make a difference and some could live.
"Damn it all don't drink so close to the map you imbecile!" - Prince Gianluigi
Prince Gianluigi wisted his mustache by wrinkling his nose in frustration. Across a large round table sat Duke Ampelio slowly pulled back his cup of wine. From time to time he gently supped it. At his corner of the map was a stained spot where a few droplets had spilled covering up the Burning Islands. They were on top of the barracks overlooking the training grounds. At their flanks were flowers too beautiful to placed where only soldiers could see them.
"My apologies his grace. I'm just a bit jittery." - Duke Ampelio
Destrin Verrux was afforded a chair at the table. It was harsh without any of the amnesties that would be expected of a noble's seat. Of course Destrin was no noble. Yet even the prince sat on a similar chair. He opened his gauntlet clad fist unfurling his black cloth gloves beneath the metal. Gianluigi pointed to the duke and leaned back in his seat resting his elbow upon the arm of the chair.
"Duke Ampelio do not give in to damnation and fear. It will hinder morale. I don't care if you're ready to piss yourself stop shaking or so help me I'll send you from the sally port as part of a charge." - Prince Gianluigi
This caused the duke to tremble a bit more. Gianluigi spread his right arm out across the map pulling over a smaller local one with more detail. While the other maps were old this one was fresh. Just to the Southwest of the city he tapped on the map pointing out some hills.
"These hills will soon be covered in demons the likes of which we've never seen. I just know that Bastard will be leading it. He's visited on many occasions and will know it well but I still have its secrets stowed away. A useful aspect of keeping of the fact that we princes keep each other at arm's distance." - Prince Gianluigi
The Knight Captain present leaned in to ask a question.
"Are you sure Maracello will-" - Knight Captain
In the eyes of Gianluigi an incredible anger rose. Destrin could see the veins in his forehead popping as he raged visually at the knight captain who stopped speaking and settled back in his seat.
"That Bastard will come. He's going to want to take all of Funzian for himself. With any luck tonight he'll be impaled over the city's gates as a message to those devils of the West." - Gianluigi
Next to Gianluigi sat his wife, Princess Carmela. She ran a finger along the map outlining the Southwest walls and the tower in the center of them.
"My grace, we should take what siege equipment we have on the other walls and relocate them here. The Destruin prepare to use brute force do they not? We will likely see attacks on the North and Eastern sides but the bulk of their forces will be in the Southwest." - Princess Carmela
As she spoke she gestured very quietly. Her movements carried her points but rather than boldly force others to listen she was using a gentle hand. They were mere suggestions.
"Yes we should do so. They'll be useful in hitting those giants of theirs. Four cannons and ten mangonels if I recall correctly." - Gianluigi
Another at the table was the commander of the Steel Saints. She was an abnormally tall woman covered almost entirely in plates with her helm on the table in front of her. Short-cut raven hair grew to just below her ears. She wore no makeup and bore scars across her lips from a fine blade.
"I believe my knights should set up atop the gatehouses. The demons will seek to take them so they may flood the city and outmatch us in numbers. Steel Saints will not allow such a travesty to happen. We need our best there."
On the map there were two gatehouses along the Southwestern walls. In between them both was a large round tower which would hold a cannon. A short hill led up to the walls. Before the hills were trenches forming long lines going parallel to the walls.
The Knight Captain pointed at a sally port marked along the Eastern walls.
"When their greater demons arrive I can lead out the cavalry. Not for a charge, I don't believe charging into their ranks will be benificial here we'd just be swarmed. I propose we flank and skirmish where possible and try to wound their greater demons before they can hit the walls." - Knight Captain
Prince Gianluigi steepled his fingers with his armored elbows resting on the table. His head turned to Destrin finally.
"What of you Destrin? Where do you think you'll get the best use of your mercenaries?" - Prince Gianluigi
One more person at the table spoke up. It was a woman in outlandish clothing, a cut doublet over a brigandine, a cloth hat with a flower in it, leggings and ruffled sleeves.
"I wish to know what you plan as well. My lowland mercenaries and I plan to be on the walls as a second or perhaps third line to support the forward infantry. I wish to know where your positions will be as well." - Lowland Mercenaries Commander
Destrin had under his command a mix mostly of mercenaries and militia. The militia came as a bit more of an afterthought but he was granted them all the same. Soldiers with sword and shield, bills, spears, and mercenaries with crossbows. Someone came up from the barracks and marched over to the table. It was the commander of the Hounds of War. His arrival was good news, it meant at least some of the reinforcements had made it.
They knew Destruin was coming. Scouts reported them moving East before all contact was lost. They're unsure what exactly they'll be bringing since everyone simply reported "Demons."
On Hiatus from RP'ing
My pronouns are She/Her, and They/Them. If it's hard to constantly switch just stick with She/Her.
Khanna scanned the surroundings of the manor again before addressing her unit. "Here is what we shall do. There will be two entry points." Khanna faced the assassin. "First, you shall head for the eastern wall and scale it, avoiding the eyes of the guard on the tower and guards patrolling the walls. Be sure to watch for an opening before attempting to climb. You will then make your way across the garden, using the cover of night and any foliage you may come across, and finally reach the balcony to where our target will most likely be. As for me..." Khanna took off her cloak, laid it on the ground, and pointed down at main gate. "I shall make contact with our 'informant' that is delivering the wine before he reaches the gate. I will hide in one of the barrels and pass through. I will be taken to the cellar no doubt, so it shall take me some time before I will be able to reach the top floor, where the assassin and I will converge and cover any potential escape of the target."
Khanna turned toward the archers. "Each of you, fan out and surround the parameter. Pick a section to cover and watch all movement. You are to cover us during the mission and when we escape. Be sure to signal the others and us if possible if anything does not seem right. Make the sound of an owl as a signal."
Khanna finally addressed the warriors. "You all shall hide within the brushes a distance away from the main gate, be sure to stay low and hidden. If the alarm has been rung and you see alarmed movement among the guards then most likely one of us was discovered. You are to attack the guards at the main gate, acting as a diversion for me and the assassin to escape. Once we have emerged from the manor, you are to immediately cease your attack and retreat. If only one of us has escaped, you are to retreat if the other has not emerged for some time. If neither me or the assassin has emerged from the manor for longer than expected when the alarm has rung, you are to retreat."
Khanna examined her unit, seeing the rough determined eyes of each she came to admire. "That is what we shall do. I have faith in your abilities. May your sword break armor and your aim be true." She then looked up at the moon. "ham chaand ko dekhane"
"aur yah aapako dekhata hai" The soldiers responded. And with that, Khanna and her unit set off to carry out the mission.
This blade of mine will shed blood this night.
Last edited by cashpop; 12-03-2016 at 11:12 AM.
Reason: slight grammar
Belmont lurched over the table with both hands firmly placed on the side, studying the map and marking out every intrinsic detail of the fortifications. It was going to be a tough fight, pared with the information from his scout's of a thousand man force approaching, they were at a five to one disadvantage. Heavily outnumbered, but they had the fort and a garrison of troop's to help. They would prove useful to some extent though what that was had yet to be determined.
He sighed, then looked up to his officer's, his gaze moving over them before he returned to an upright position. "Were outnumbered five to one and in a crumbling fort. Since we cannot rely on numbers, we must rely on tactics, strategy and the training of the troop's."
He paused for a moment to let his words sink in before glancing down at the maps again then back up to them. "In a situation like this, a weakened position requires an unorthodox strategy to survive. We will not kill them all. Instead, we will force their commander to retreat. Now, I have heard that the leader 'might' be the Shogun of the Five Kingdoms, but with a force that small, they are likely here to probe the defenses and take the fort for a larger army if the defenses are weak. Which means we are not left with many choices other than to inflict enough casualties to force the commander to recall his forces and consolidate for a larger attack or we destroy the fort, preventing the enemy from acquiring a strategic foothold into the Empire."
He would reach under the skirt of his longcoat to pull out the blade from the sheath attached to his thigh and placing the tip aimed at the map's, would begin to outline troop deployment, strategy and position.
"There is only one way to the fort and its through the mountain pass way far out near the contested border zone. They most likely have an outpost set up to maintain watch for any approaching Imperials but its also a lightly fortified base lightly, made of wood. Its an excellent spot that I would place an outpost and likely if I am a betting man, my supplies for the army too. We send my elite scouts and with blades, flint and steel, they will set fire to the outpost and supply depot and kill a number of the enemy's on their way out under the cover of night. The enemy commander will assume that an enemy force ambushed their rear guard and once they see their supplies are nothing but ash, they will turn heel and run, effectively routing them. Our primary strategy though will be to cause enough casualties to force the enemy back should the plan to burn their outpost fail. I will want arbalests and my riflemen on the wall's and in the towers. Lets also get some Ballista siege weapons up on the towers and the stable parts of the walls but assign some of my men the stations. They have better aim then whatever inexperienced men the previous commander didn't take to the afterlife with him."
It was a bad joke, Belmont's gaze shifting up only for a moment to notice the nervous coughs about the other officers before returning to his strategy's.
"Moving on. . ." He coughed, his gaze moving back downward. "Tell your men to abandon repairing the walls and digging trenches. Fill the trenches with pitch and when they get close enough that they can mount siege ladders to the walls, ignite them. It will keep them at bay and since the pitch will burn for hours and funnel them through to the main gate. I want that gate to be fortified with triple the amount of wood beams so that they cant knock it over short of using the cannon's that they are bringing along. . . and as for the cannons, I know for a fact that they cant be aimed higher than several feet over their position and despite their long range, they have a terrible drop off rate. They have the low ground, so they will need to get close for the cannons to be effective, which means they have to trek it through plains. Plains that are likely muddy with rain, blood and piss from people that have already died here. Therefore I want all trebuchets deployed to the hills and plains behind us to shell the field. Use this map here." He said as he pointed his blade to a rolled up map to the right edge of the table.
"This will be where I want all the siege weapons deployed in the fields. We only have four Trebuchet's so they dont need to be heavily guarded but once we start shelling them at a range they will send Calvary to rush us while the infantry will most likely be committed to the gates. I want spike ramparts on the front and sides of the siege weapons and two Ballista mounts in front of them to deter the riders from a forward assault. I also want two full platoon's of my riflemen and a single platoon of legionaries set to guard the weapons, split up evenly across the four weapons while everyone else is concentrated and in the walls, ready to fight when the enemy army gets here."
He took a step back, letting the commanders absorb the information and orders for a moment while he sheathed his blade back in the holster under the skirt of his coat.
"I have called for the rest of my personal troop's and reinforcements to come. I do not know when, but they assured me an army of thousands will be here once they can properly rally and marshal enough troop's to route this army if they truly intend to siege us. For now, we use what we have, rely on our skills and strategy's then pray to the god's we live long enough to see them reinforce our position."
He sighed, rolling his neck and shoulders as if he was stretching.
"For now, I will retire to observe other field reports and update our strategy if needed. All of you have your orders so see to it that the preparations are made before the enemy army is at the gates." As he began to walk and opened the door almost halfway, he turned and said to them one last parting remark. "And cut the bodys of the dead down too. Give their weapons and outfits to the scouts, they can probably use the disguises if they are not covered in blood." And with that he stepped out of the war room and back into the larger area of the fortress.
Destrin studied the map with a disinterested eye. He was fairly infamous for seeming not to give much of a rat's ass about the actual workings of the larger battle--Something that irritated tacticians to no end--But it seemed like he was operating to a greater plan, just not one he felt like keying anyone else in on--anyone else except, of course, for his own soldiers. The two nobles sat there, one about to piss himself, and the other spewing piss out his mouth. Making up for his own fear, probably. Destrin didn't care--He lived for the fight. Defensive battles were his forte, as well, given his previous job.
"Oi. Both of you, it's just another enemy with blood an' guts. Just 'cause we 'aven't seen his, doesn't mean we won't be spillin' it tonight. An' don't you go thinkin' about failure--I don't care if you have ta rip out yer own spine an' kill 'em wit it. Killin' 'im 'ere and now'll give us the whole damned theater o' war."
He wasn't saying anything they didn't know, of course, but the man was getting the impression they were needing someone who actually fought a fight or two to tell them what was up. Peasants were far better about their opinions that nobles were, of course--And less likely to pretend they understood what was at stake. They had their superstitions, of course, but they were blatantly ignorant, at least. "Aanyway, I'm imaginin' we'll have plenty o' cowards willin' to set up an' play support. I plan on bein' more aggressive. Knights plan on harassment, yeah? Well then, I got a bit of a plan in mind. I'll need one o' those fancy mangonels yeh have." He made a lazy gesture to the map, leaning forward just enough to point out a patch of land nearby to the hills pointed out--Closer to the city, yet far away enough from the walls to give it an angle, and most importantly, with a gentle slope and a minor copse of trees. "Ah'll have some men set up some nets, put somethin' on 'em. Thinkin' fish, mayhaps. Stop the arrows with that. Set up with a couple o' trenches, an' use the dirt ta' create a nice, flat area. Enough for...Say, four mangonels. Don't ask me where I'm gettin' three more, but bring me good men ta' load 'em, too. And lots o' ammo. Anyway, set up those trenches--" He was now gesturing to the front of the slope, "layer in tha pikemen an' the militia musketmen, if we have any of 'em, if not, our better muskets--Anyway, we'll 'ave 'em pepperin' the demons when they try an' go for the fortification. Give our lovely lil' knights a golden opportunity ta' cut down some demon bastards, an' will keep 'em at bay for a while.
Finally, he pointed to behind the sloped area, "Mercenaries'll be kept behind tha hill, when the demons figure out how ta' close the distance, we can flank 'em with the mercs, an' pincer 'em in. Mangonels can fire 'till they're outta ammo, and jus' like that--We'll pull back." He leaned back now, and watched the men. Before they could give any sort of response, however, one of his mercenary captains walked in--Another bloody mercenary captain. He was just wishing these arseholes would be allowed to run their own damned companies so they'd get off his back, but alas--The nobility seemed to think that winning a fight or two was worth saddling a man with soldiers. They only really slowed Destrin down.
"Anyway, ah'll run outta ammo eventually, so I need a way back into the walls." He looked to the two nobles before him, "So I'm goin' ta need some sorta plan fer hightailin' it back in through a side gate." Quite frankly, he wasn't certain they'd bite. More likely than not, they'd cite things like how the plan was 'suicidal' and 'unfeasible' and how mangonels were 'too expensive for a mere soldier like himself to possibly attain.' You know. The small shit.
Another day, so far nothing. Kenna had little to do, much like the rest of her fellow war band. They were stuffed in this old wooden death trap waiting for either an invasion, or new orders that would likely never come. Still not having much to do was good for moral. Though Kenna was pretty sure this was still some form of punishment.
While she was out walking Kenna noticed a disturbance, and very clearly heard some messenger calling for her, or rather the commander of this garrison, Kenna could already imagine the shock on the rider's face when they first saw her, assuming the rumor about her size and shape had not spread around.
Scampering quickly to her place (marked by her hammer) Kenna climbed up onto the stool and stood there waiting, normally she stood on the table to be at roughly head height with the men but she felt some formal manners were needed here.
Upon receiving the rider, and her message Kenna sat down, making her hair hardly appear above the table, she scratched her chin for a second and closed her eyes in thought. Though in truth her mind was probably made up.
"I once lost my home to the Empire, then I lost everything else to them. I understand that fear you feel, I know more deeply what those bastards are willing to do to your home than perhaps anyone else in this fractured half assed warband they call an alliance."
Kenna then hopped up on the table, her full three foot two inch height hardly tall enough to look the rider in the face.
"You get some rest and take meal shield sister, throw off your weariness of your journey. For soon you shall have another."
Kenna then looked around to all those gathered.
"And soon shield brothers we all shall have journey, Gather your armor, sharpen your axes, shod your horses, and take whatever prayer and ritual you choose. Tomorrow at dawn we ride to WAR!"
Kenna shouted her last word before turning to the nearest soldier.
"Sound the call to arms, let all here know that they are to prepare now, we will waste no time in the morn, haste is needed but it is unwise to leave unprepared."
Kenna then jumped down from her table and hefted her hammer. Then like one who has not eaten for a week but is suddenly presented with food she dashed off to arm herself, she was not wearing her plates, and she would need them in the coming battles, she would need all the armor she could handle to bring the empire to her level. All about her she saw her men, and as she hustled along she called.
"To war, to war! Brothers to war! gird thy armor, lift they sword! To ruin and death, we ride to war! for honor and glory, for hearth and home, We come with fire, we come with Doom! To war now brothers, to war we ride! Up! Awake, to war we make! With dawn's first light we make for sea, our foes are stron yet so are we! To war, to war! Brothers to War!!"
"Life before death,
Strength before weakness,
Journey before destination."
-The First Ideal
As the ships of Arael Zandramas made landfall, he was not on deck to see it. Instead, he was below decks gazing into his crystal ball. What he saw was unsurprising. The fortress was guarded, and the approach would be difficult - a narrow point that the missile forces of the Five Kingdoms had under their control. If he were to assault it directly he would lose a great number of soldiers, and possibly risk his army breaking before he even breached its walls. No matter. Direct assault had never been his style. The lich made his way on deck, watching his captains and their forces fan out on the beach. The abomination that rose from the depths was a welcome sight. Welcome, but clumsy. If subtlety was to be his approach, the abomination would cause an issue. Still, he was sure he could find some use for the monstrous creature.
His glamour, powerful though it was, was easy enough to replace. He made his way to his captains, clad in supple black leather and a rippling cloak that almost seemed to be made of living shadow. He looked them over mildly, and a soft smile tweaked his lips. "Oh yes, they will see our forces coming, that much is certain." He paused, stroking his smooth, sharp chin as he did so. "We can count on it. The surprise attack will be swift, and terrifying. No doubt it will put fear into their hearts, particularly when they see the monster we have brought from the holy land." He made a slight gesture toward the abomination.
"We will take advantage of that fear, and breach their walls in secret." He examined his generals' expressions, noting their curiosity or disbelief. "Vampires. Executioners, to me. I shall lead you to the shrine under the cloak of invisibility. We will position ourselves further inland so as not to raise suspicion." His bright blue eyes glimmered as he spoke. "Firstly, though, I must disguise you - and myself - as reinforcements of the Five Kingdoms. To do so in the middle of battle would be taxing on my own stores of magic."
Arael concentrated for a moment, feeling the silky touch of the illusion that shrouded him shift and ripple. His eyes met the captain of his Crypt Keepers. No longer were they bright sapphires. They had become hard and brown. His face was more masculine now, his body strong and fit - belonging quite clearly to an experienced soldier. His hair was tied back in a top-knot, in the style of the Five Kingdoms, and his features were exactly what one would expect of a general of his enemy. No longer did his staff resemble a long brazier of eldritch flame - it had become a glaive. Mercy, only a few feet away from him, changed from a sleek black mare to a fiery brown courser.
"This is the plan. As my select group of soldiers and I travel to the shrine posing as reinforcements, the rest of my forces will march toward the castle - making sure to never get close enough to take missile fire. Stay just out of range - and I expect the crypt keepers to be doing all they can to protect the Venomous Barbs in particular. Do not start marching until twenty minutes after I have set off. That way, I estimate that you should already be over halfway to the castle by the time I reach the gates. They will see the threat, and be all too glad of reinforcements - no doubt."
Arael paused, and raised one hand. Around his palm, the air seemed to distort and shimmer, until a powerful illusion fell over his vampires and executioners. Now, the vampires appeared as a unit of Tidal Arbalests, gunpowder missile units of the Five Kingdoms. His executioners now seemed to all who perceived them to be Changdo Warblades. His illusion changed sight, and even touch, but it could not mask sounds. He knew that much.
"Once we are inside, my vampires will travel to the walls. Once the gates open you are to cut down their ranged forces. It should be a massacre, their gunpowder troops will not expect a surprise attack from our most deadly infantry. You will have the element of surprise, and feed on their bodies to fuel your blood magic. Meanwhile, I along with my executioners, will make my way to the gatehouse. We will slaughter any who man it and open the gates from within. The blades of the executioners should make short work of the hapless sentries.
He nodded to the executioner captain. "More likely, of course, they will have no more than a few individuals posted at the gatehouse. As soon as we begin to open the gates, all of my outside forces will attack from the front. I place my necromancers in charge of directing this stage of combat. Ensure that our forces breach the fortress as smoothly as possible. Use the venomous barbs on the ground to cause even more chaos on the walls, if you will. At the same time, of course, my executioners will be slaughtering the living. When all is said and done, we will offer the slain the pure gift of undeath, and all will rejoice." He smiled, then. Among his own people he was known as the "Disciple of the Blessed Death" for his zealous commitment to the prophet Koryza.
"And now, we move into position. Let the bodies of the slain litter the ground. Let them rise again, immortal warriors of our eternal paradise." Arael murmured a silent word, and the air around himself, his vampires and his executioners seemed to quiver, before everyone in the area disappeared from view completely. "I have every confidence in you, my necromancers." His voice echoed from empty air. "You need do very little indeed. Simply ensure that you are there to reinforce our attack when the castle gates open.
With that, Arael began to travel toward the shrine, getting in position for the coming attack.
Last edited by Evening Rain; 12-04-2016 at 12:29 AM.
Spoiler: The Assassination of Marquis Philandouil - Khanna Saree
Everyone split up to follow their paths. At a distance Khanna could see their progress. The warriors slowly stalked their way to the gates. Their movements were slow but persistent, moving at a crawl of a pace while constantly checking their surroundings. Counter to that was the assassin who moved with a great nimbleness darting from place to place. Next were the archers who each had their own movements. Some went in short bursts while the furthest away jogged the entire time using trees to hide their presence.
Khanna made her way around the town and to the road leading into it. After a few minutes of waiting she spotted the cart. It had two riders. One was a soldier wearing Philandouil's colors and crest. He was simply armed with a mere sword at his side and at this distance looked bored out of his mind. His head was leaned back, he was stargazing. Next to him sat a young man dressed in greens and yellows.
The cart was pulled by a lone horse and looked to be a shipment. Judging by the description she was given this was her contact. Their pace was fast. Beside the road were overhanging trees with bright green leaves covered in a cold dew that glistened with moonlight. Across their bodies flashed shadows and moonlight as they moved beneath the trees towards the town and manor.
Spoiler: The Battle of Giu Sotto City - Destrin Verrux
Prince Gianluigi raised a fist at Destrin.
"Quit acting like a fucking asshole! I'm the prince here I'm the only one who gets to be an asshole!" - Prince Gianluigi
He slammed his hand down on the table which kicked up the edges of the map. Next he traced his fingers along the map to the Southeast of the city.
"You propose a field battle, or at least a partial one followed by a retreat. It is possible. Might even throw the demons off balance. They'll be expecting to just be able to throw their entire mass at our front but this would give them two places they'll need to assault. It might be better for us to deal with their larger demons as well. They'll have to protect them on the front and the flank." - Prince Gianluigi.
Some of the others nodded while the duke looked to disapprove. But he didn't speak up a word. The Knight Captain dragged his finger in a semi-circle around the side of the city and into the field.
"We could do as follows. When the demons divert attention towards the hill we can time our charge. We can wait until the arquebusiers fire then as they reload charge the wounded and scattering demons. Then we push through them and make a charge for their rear at their chain of command, or at least where they should be." - Knight Captain
"We could split the mercenary groups. Leave the lowland company to wait in reserve behind the hill. Whenever the demons finally make it up the hill they'll be exhausted and we can come in rested and ready to fight. During that time Destrin and his forces can retreat to the sally port." - Lowlands Mercenary Captain
"We'll stay up on the walls. We're more heavily armored so we should be able to last best up there and repel their advances." - Hounds of War Captain
"Then we'll just need to move one of the mangonels from the walls to that hill. Boy I don't want to be whoever is stuck with that job." - Prince Gianluigi
They all continued to repeat the plan and began working out who would carry what where. Where the supplies would be coming from and how much of the militia needed to be dedicated to setting up the plan.
Spoiler: Battle of Fort Schwarztoteh - Kenna
The rider had a look of relief. She let out a held breath and slowly her chest lowered as she relaxed more.
"I'm so glad to hear. Not everyone has been able to send reinforcements. I'll gladly take the moment of rest and a quick meal. But I must be brief. Every second counts." - Rider
After Kenna's speech the soldiers seemed to be in a daze. After a moment's hesitation she was met with war calls and howling from the warriors. Suddenly they dropped whatever they were doing to rush to the armories, to the stockpiles, to the barracks, to fit themselves for battle. Those closest to the conversation roared.
"To Tidren!" - Soldiers
Seeing this the rider seemed pleased.
"But dawn's first light? Should you not march now? Your soldiers seem ready to march at the ready. I only ask because, time is of the essence here." - Rider
Spoiler: 2nd Battle of Fort Eastguard - Belmont Redblood
The captains all saluted to Belmont upon receiving their orders. Their knees and heels clicked together, folded their arms across their chests, and bowed their heads to him. Everyone got to work immediately. Not many of the uniforms of the enemies could be given to the scouts. Most were soaked in blood that had already dried and carried awful stenches. Some so foul the soldiers were afraid to find the origins of them.
Efforts to move the siege equipment was rough. Nearly everyone had to help with the task but after a good time they got it done. There was not enough pitch to fill all of the trenches but they did their best to fill those closest to the gate. Large wooden stakes were implanted near the field siege position. Things went according to plan until a hitch arrived.
The scouts returned to relay that they were unsuccessful. While the were preparing their subterfuge the enemy army arrived. It was decided it would be too risky to try and carry out and returned to deliver at least their scouting reports. First was that the Shogun was not sighted among the enemy. Second was that they did indeed have cannons, but also brought with them chariot mounted ballistas, some strange sort of compact siege ladders, and some sort of fireworks. The army looked to be a mix of mostly light infantry and missile infantry. They had low amounts of heavy infantry and cavalry. None of them recognized the enemy commander.
This forewarning was short lived as the enemy forces appeared on the horizon. The army of the Five Kingdoms marched in unison but ahead of them was a single rider. They carried a flag of piece. It appeared before the battle they wanted to see if the Imperial army here would surrender the fort. Before the enemy army arrived a message was delivered to Belmont.
"Commander, they wish for us to surrender. The offer us safe passage back into Imperial lands provided we surrender the fort. Their leader is someone named Gonsuro Rai." - Imperial Soldier
Spoiler: Battle of Faali Shrine - Arael Zandramas
At the outside gate, Arael met a well-dressed soldier. She was wearing a clean uniform with a tall paper had. Beneath the cloth were hints of a brigandine. A long spear was in her right hand which she had planted butt first into the ground.
"Halt! What is the meaning of this? Who are you and what is your intention at Faali Shrine?" - Guard
Arael examined the soldier sternly, remaining silent for a moment before giving a begrudging nod of approval. "At ease, soldier. I am Captain Li Feng of Ganko City. We received reports of a surprise invasion force coming from the coast." Arael's eyes scanned the shore. Sure enough, his troops had begun marching up from the beach. "It seems that we have arrived just in time." He noted in the masculine voice and distinct accent of a Five Kingdoms soldier. "Open the gates. We do not have much time before the enemy forces arrive."
"An invading force? That could explain the strange weather." - Guard
She gave a careful look at the group scanning them over. The guard shifted her balance and looked back to the closed gate followed by her head jerking back. Her eyes were focused on a stone pillar covered in moss with a blue glow to it.
"Magic? Here? Then that means, the enemy!" - Guard
Suddenly her gaze returned to the disguised undead. She screamed loud enough for them to hear clearly.
"The enemy is here they are trying to surprise us! Open the gates let the reinforcements in before the enemy arrives!" - Guard
On her heels she spun around as the gate slowly opened with a bit of urgency to her movements. The walls sprung to life with gunners of different sorts. Bells rang loudly as infantry rushed from the shrine setting up in the courtyard.
"Stay in the courtyard, whatever you do do not let the enemy into the shrine it is a sacred place!" - Guard
Ogres lumbered out of the darkness of the shrine wielding their great metal clubs.[/QUOTE]
Arael took careful note of the enemy forces as he moved with a sense of urgency into the shrine. "Arbalests! To the walls!" He called. "Warblades, with me. We shall reinforce the gate house!" As he went, he called out "Let us send these abominations back into the sea!"
The executioners and vampires both moved into their positions. They did so slowly and with care uttering not a word. Some of the Five Kingdoms soldiers seemed a little bothered by their appearance. There was not shock and alarm but instead what appeared to be annoyance. The walls were looking rather cramped now. Arael's warriors awaited their signal.
It would not take long. As soon as the bulk of his force was just outside the range of the Five Kingdoms' missile units, he began his attack. Firstly, his executioners and himself would ambush those in the gatehouse, carving into the polearm-wielders. Then he would open the gates from within, which was the signal for his warriors on the wall to attack - and his forces on the ground to charge forward, using the abomination as a monstrous shock unit.
In the air was a tension that felt like it could snap at any moment. After a bit of waiting the soldiers on the walls began yelling down.
"Something's out there!" "It's like an army coming our way." "I can't see anything." "There's shadows or something in the night." - Soldiers
A captain on the walls raised an arm then lowered it like he was cutting something.
In the ensuing barrage the abomination was revealed as it was pelted with bullets and quarrels. It continued to march. It was in that moment that the ambush was revealed. The guard who let them in was given a moment to reflect on her actions. A pang of regret filled her eyes as a vampire grabbed the her head and pulled it back before ripping out her throat with their powerful jaws. Those closed to the vampires fell easily to their attacks while others reacted in shot. Slowly the gate began to open as two vampires worked the system.
On the wall an arbalest began spinning their crossbow overhead. Another soldier turned to see this and took a step towards them.
"What are you-" - Soldier
Before she could finish the glamour fell and her body was cut nearly in half by the now visible executioners. Within seconds almost all of the soldiers on the walls were dead with their limbs and heads rolling down the steps and falling off the sides. This gave the Deathborne army free reign to advance.
Around the courtyard the Five Kingdoms forces got over their initial shock. On the wall the enemy captain shouted.
"Ghosts! Evil spirits come to defile the shrine! Do not let them destroy this sacred-" - Five Kingdoms Captain.
The captain's words were cut short just like his head. A defensive line formed in front of the shrine entrance with qiang infantry at the front. At the flanks the front infantry crouched while thunder gunners stood behind them reading their weapons to fire. At the core of the line dao infantry formed behind the qiang infantry ready to switch places should archers arrive to fire upon them, which they would block with their shields. The courtyard had two lines in it along the flanks which formed made up of moonblades. Formed into a sturdy ball behind the enemy lines at the center of the entrance were the ogres who howled and screamed in anger. They stood taller than the other warriors by at least a foot and were some of the bulkiest soldiers Arael had ever seen.
Around the lich formed the vampires while the executioners made their way down from the walls absolutely drenched in blood. Arael's army was almost upon them with the abomination making its way closer to the open gate. Something came to Arael's attention. It felt like from the shrine itself a wind was coming out towards them. At the present it was gentle, but very consistent.
On Hiatus from RP'ing
My pronouns are She/Her, and They/Them. If it's hard to constantly switch just stick with She/Her.
At the Prince's loss of composure, Destrin laughed. Usually it was considered a dangerous move, but--Well, with men of his caliber, the worst the nobility usually did was send him into a death-mission. What the commander was proposing right now was already a death-mission, so there wasn't really anything the man could do to him. His anger, then, was just funny as hell. But then he got right back into planning, and that actually bought a lot of respect from the commander. He made a pretend motion to tip his hat to the prince, leaning back in his chair. "Ya got right pissed there, but were thinkin' the whole time anyway. Ah like it. Thinkin' you'll go join the other theaters if we lock this'un down? 'Cause I wouldn't mind servin' under a man who can keep his head even when it's steamin'."
He did actually glance down to see what they were all talking about. The Hounds of War...Yeah, whatever. He didn't really need heavily armored soldiers, anyway. A bloody suicide run that'd be for them. "Jus' make sure some o' yer hounds're ready by tha gate. If tha fight goes south, we're gunna need a lot o' armor ta repel the demons long enough ta' get inside."
For the most part, though, Destrin had to admit that he admired the balls on the Knight Captain for charging straight into the thick of the battle. If it weren't for the fact that knights weren't his people, he'd have wanted to go join them in their charge. "Well, Knight Cap'n, ah think yer gunna have the hardest time 'ere, so ah hope you live through this fight. An' remember," He was looking over to the prince, "Enough supplies and operators fer...Actually, make that six mangonels. No less. Leave the rest up ta' me, but ah don't wanna get down there an' learn that ah've only got a fifth of tha ammo an' manpower ah was expecting. Got it?"
Dreskros grimaced as he saw how poorly this 'commander' was doing. Forced marches? Crucifixions? Dreskaros was never any good ad command and even he knew that that was shit-tier. But far be it from him to complain or criticize this noble, at least, not until he fucked up, which was likely to happen. He urged his rhino on silently and without complaint.
He could feel it, something was off. Some, electrical feeling in the air. He did not know what, or why, or how. But the turning of the wheels of fate rang like the clamour of steelsong in his mind. He did not want to bring it up, but then...the cry came out, and battle began. Dreskaros rushed to the site of the ambush, his rhino bellowing s it charged. Unfortunately, he got there just as the first ssault...a probing most likely, was rebuffed. His rhino trampled and gred a few elves, and with a mighty *CLANG*, his sword cleaved through several more.
Slowing down to a trot, he faced the collected soldiers of the Western Empire and held loft his bloody sword. "Men nd women of the Empire! These things re savages, but insects compared to us. But just like the bee and the hornet, they can sting. You all, however, are like lions; mighty, noble, and vicious! You are the hope of the Empire, heroes all! Men shall sing of the glory you shall win this day, for we hold the line, against all odds!" A silly speech, in a way, but sometimes men need to hear such things to regain their morale and spirit.
With that, he rides over to the commander. "So, 'fearless leader', the men are tired, cold, and demoralized. What is your plan?" He says, blade, still dripping with hot blood, resting on his armored shoulder.
Spoiler: Things I like
Spoiler: Quotes
I would rather have a russet coated Captain who knows what he fights for and loves what he knows, than he who calls himself a gentleman and is but little else
-Oliver Cromwell
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.
-John Stuart Mill
There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare.
-Sun Tzu
Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head.
-Euripides
It seems like such a terrible shame that innocent civilians have to get hurt in wars, otherwise combat would be such a wonderfully healthy way to rid the human race of unneeded trash.
-Fred Woodworth
It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.
-Thomas Jefferson
If a man dedicates his life to good deeds and the welfare of others, he will die unthanked and unremembered. If he exercises his genius bringing misery and death to billions, his name will echo down through the millennia for a hundred lifetimes. Infamy is always more preferable to ignominy.
-Fabius Bile
Spoiler: Thoughts of the day
A broad mind lacks focus.
A questioning servant is more dangerous than an ignorant heretic
A small mind is easily filled with faith.
A warrior's faith in his commander is his best armour and his strongest weapon.
Adamantium walls and plasteel bulkheads may seem formidable, but an unshakable faith in the Immortal Emperor of Man can overcome any barriers.
An Empty Mind Is A Loyal Mind
An open mind is like a fortress with its gate unbarred and unguarded.
Better crippled in body than corrupt in mind.
Consider the Predator. Let your soul be armoured with Faith, driven on the tracks of Obedience which overcome all obstacles, and armed with the three great guns of Zeal, Duty and Purity.
Facts are chains that bind perception and fetter truth. For a man can remake the world if he has a dream and no facts to cloud his mind.
Faith without deeds is worthless.
Happiness is a delusion of the weak
Forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
He who lives for nothing is nothing. He who dies for the Emperor is a hero.
If a man dies that another should live, that man's spirit shall eat at the Emperor's table
Innocence proves nothing
It is better to die for the Emperor than to live for yourself.
Leniency is a sign of weakness!
Mercy is a sign of weakness.
No man that died in the Emperor's service died in vain.
Nobody is innocent, there are merely varying levels of guilt.
Only in death does duty end.
Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane.
Pain is an illusion of the senses, despair an illusion of the mind
Purge those who are unclean.
Sometimes the good must perish so that the rest survive. The lot of courage is to be sacrificed upon the altar of battle.
Survival is no birthright, but a prize wrested from an uncaring galaxy by forgotten heroes.
The common man is like a worm in the gut of a corpse, trapped inside a prison of cold flesh, helpless and uncaring, unaware even of the inevitability of its own doom.
The Emperor will not judge you by your medals and diplomas but by your scars.
Though silver in your palms weighs light
Compared to death by blast and sword,
Do not shy the hopeless fight,
For endeavour is its own reward.
Kenna hardly slowed down on her hurry to the armory to answer the rider's question.
"Because, shield sister, by night we are surrounded by all sides, the moon, the wind, even the trees could betray our leaving. Before we march we make sure the walls seem manned, and the stores seem full. We do not want to lose a border fort to defend a city, if as you say the Empire is simply laying siege then your city will stand yet, and if not then we will simply take it back anyway. For now let us prepare in our own way, prudence is needed as much as vigor in war, far too few realize the danger this place truly stands in, even if that danger stands far away."
With that Kenna disappeared into a small building to arm herself properly. There was yet much to do, walls must be made sure and watch must be set before the small army would depart, and that was what the night of preparation was for.
"Life before death,
Strength before weakness,
Journey before destination."
-The First Ideal
[M] Never-Ending Conquest (IC]
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