Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Adledross: The Beginning</big>====


Arriving in the dark of night on a rocky plain in front of a thick wide forest. Behind is a fortification city lit by torches and candles. Forces arriving are directed by a short man with a powerfully commanding voice.
The short man taps Realmer with a short baton, "Amberites! You'll take the Midline camp there" He points with a baton. "Its rocky but flat, between the rocks you'll see running water. Establish water discipline, latrine positions are marked, set them up. Diamond formation for camps. You, Relmopator, take your cohort on the west side. You, Kablin, take your 2nd cohort left of 1st Cohort. You, Traxton, take the 3rd just east. "
Alexandir kos Korag starts striding toward the man, "Ill take 4th cohort we will move into the woods to...." The short man points the stick and Alex goes silent. "Dandilar, you take 4th cohort and take the front tip of the diamond, Alexandir is your problem. He is to hold NO rank. He is to lead no squads. He is to be a gods-damned Soldat and learn that his will is not an order to any manjack and swinging dick in this army or will fail him myself. Alexandir, listen to me:You may be a god on Tosa and you and I have fought side by side before. So you know I am serious-Your worst military failing ha always been that you believe yourself right in all thing oh Saint of Battle. You came here to learn, not teach, you will follow, not lead, or by the great tusked boar I will yank all the learning you have gained on Rasak and send you back to Amber to wet your pantaloons in shame. Is that understood oh God of Rage? Good! Carston, take 5th Cohort to the back diamond point. The forests in front for 100 meters is thin leafy wood, good for shelters. Tomorrow's mission will be to secure provender. Camp inspections in 5 hours. Shelters need not be complete but they should be marked and materials assembled."
A large man with a booming voice, wearing a quilted blue gambison and gray hose, yells, "Boney!!! My luck is grand this day indeed!"
The man turns, "Count Roland? Merde, what are you doing here? I expected Edwin."
"Ah, Edwin has the sac crabs. That's a bad thing for us as you know.. I've 500 men and 500 dragons crossing the portals now where..." he freezes in place.
Boney says ,"Good Count Roland, the information is coming to me now and I will handle the Anzara Reen when it is your fontu turn! And by the Daughter of Desire, Roland, you will not command a flight. Now. take your people to Middle Ground camp and tell them they will hop on one leg for your temerity in addressing me familiar because of our past pleasure. You are on Adledross not on Anzara."
The big man hops over to the arriving warriors, hopping on one foot.
"Amberites. I am Adledross Camp Master Napoleon. I may be addressed as Campmaster, General, Sir, or m'Lord till I say otherwise. Instruction has begun. If you fail here, all that you learned on Rasak, all you gained there will be lost, forgotten, erased. You have been warned. On Adledross death is not failure, fear I not failure, pain is not failure, mercy is not failure. Fight well. The foe are arriving around the battlelands. "
"There are 5 battle armies in camp this session. Far north will be the Kanzari Kzin. next the Reskaan forces of human, dwarves & orcs. Amber is in the middle force. Right of them are the Dragonlord of the Anzara Reen. As a kindness I've given the the largest camp, Beware, they have issues maintaining sanitary discipline. Lastly are the Horseman of The Treba learna Cursis who will have the southern most camp.. They are on the far right for better access to wooded lands since they have a preponderance of light, medium and heavy artillery. Know your companions in war. Many missions will mix your forces for joint action. Dismissed to assemble camp!

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Napoleon, knowing NOT to salute in the field. "Thank you, General."
Then he turns to his Cohort and motions for them to gather round. When he addresses them, he raises his voice enough to be clearly heard and he uses a commanding tone, but he does not shout or bark out his orders.
"We are 1st Cohort. Our camp position is central so it's essential that we arrive first and establish out camp perimeter so the other Cohorts can establish theirs. First; Establish camp perimeter, clear the ground and use the rocks to build positions of cover. Second; latrines. Third; cooking areas, water gathering and storage, and last; mount corrals and shared shelters. Area designations and a watch rotations will be established at site. Remember to maintain Water Discipline at all times; keep the water clean for everyone. Absolutely NO polluting of the waters!"
"Tesa, you're the advanced scout leader. I need the four fastest runners here now; you know who you are. You are the scout team. I want all five of you at our camp site before everyone else get to theirs. Run like the wind. Go now."
"1st Cohort; move fast and gather what materials you can on the run. Move out! Triple Time! Go! Go! Go! We must arrive first!"
[Since there was no mention of our 'bonded creatures' arriving, I will assume they come later. Otherwise, Realmer would have sent Bob ahead to Scout the area and sent Tesa on Graso to establish perimeter.]
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They will arrive after camp is set up. dragons, horses, wardogs, and bob
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Did you just call Kevin a 'wardog'? HAHAHAAAA no... wait.... that could work.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
oh, I understand. I live with three of them. But they are very well behaved and not vicious. But... They absolutely have the potential for it. I've seen them chasing after stray cats and they sure seem vicious then.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
maybe he can take NP next time
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa runs off to gather runners while the rest move o the camp area and start squaring things away. I looks fairly clearly where things get setup from long repetition. Everyone is a soldier so there is no roughhousing or lollygagging. All 5 cohorts get set in place.
Runners scout out good lumber and the axemen follow and start sorting out shelter structures, stacking wood in place in preparation for assembly.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not bark orders or assign tasks, instead he allows the soldiers to assign themselves to tasks; they know what needs to be done as well as Realmer does and they are capable of doing the tasks. Realmer will only assign tasks, direct or redirect manpower as needed. Realmer will not shirk manual labor because he has been given 'temporary command' of the Cohort; a good leader won't order a man to do anything he won't do himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob appears suddenly followed several horses and a cat and a dottle. several of the men greet companion horses. A warrior woman who didn't talk about her past hugs the dottle's neck. The cat runs over to a man from Thelusia.
Bob-"There is an army of dragons coming!!!!!!!"
Coming over the forest is a dark shape of 500 dragons flying swooping wing. They wear leather harness and shriek as if on the attack as they mean to assault the ground. They wing in unison and pull feet forward to fall to land near the Anzara Reen. The men run and leap on the beasts who take off in the air circling around in close quarter spins and flights high in the air.
A soldier of Amber next to Relmopator says-"You know, Amber really ought to have a wing of dragons. "
Fort, standing near by says, "Be careful what you wish for. Wall, on Tosa, has several Dragon Wings of different types;colored dragons, Pernese dragons, Wyvern flocks. If you think pigeons are rough on statues I can tell you dragons are worse.
Lastly a fox come running out of the forest, leaping over rocks and branches, under foliage. It runs up to Fortunadas who kneels to greet her.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Good to see you Bob. And the dragons are invited and not currently a threat. But great to know you're on the job already."
Without looking at the Amber Soldier that addressed him, because he too is staring at the magnificent flight of dragons, "I agree. And perhaps one day soon we will."
Realmer looks around for Graso... he is not sure if she would be considered a 'bonded' creature like Bob... but she is bound to Realmer in a way.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Graso comes running out of the horses of the Treba learna Cursis. It seems especially chipper.
Its noted that few Amberites have bound animals. A few horses and a dottle, a cat, bob and Graso
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Boney walks up to Fort." Soldat, I would like to request you send your companion here elsewhere unless you wish to have a similar creature allowed to Ally with the enemy warband. There is a primal beast that makes its home on this world and in our experience it only bothers to combatant if one side or the other has a primal beast to challenge its supremacy on this world."
Fort nods, looks at Realmer, "Fair point, but...34, you are my cohort commander today...Your call."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree with the General, 33... if we can keep Primal Beasts out of this entirely, then let's do so. Send your Fox away. I would do the same if Bob here were a Primal. The only way I would allow your Fox to stay, Fort, is if someone else also brought a Primal Beast and insisted on keeping it, then it would be another matter."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs cheerfully. "Send? Send my primal beast away? Tell Julian to order Morganstern away. Tell Swayvil to demand the Serpent out of Chaos. My friend here will stay and go if it chooses. And it will deal with the other primal if there is one. I may convey my assurances that I am well, surrounded by boon companion and am involved in a game, not a life or death struggle and that its ok if it wish to find a cool glad and wait it out. But I do not 'SEND' it anywhere. "
Fort kneels and puts his head on the fox's. It turns and look slyly at Realmer, It runs between his legs and disappears into the forest.
"There.. I ...sent...her away.....hehe. She is going to seek out this other primal beast and have words with it."
He turns to Boney and says in French, "One does not command the waves, mon general, but one may implore them."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and nods his head at Fort.
"Fair enough. A Primal Beast Companion is NOT a Familiar like Bob or a Bound Mount like Graso here" Realmer reaches over and strokes her muzzle and smiles, "and cannot be SENT away, only asked."
Realmer pauses then says, "I sure hope the words exchanged between those two Primals doesn't get heated, for all of our sake's."
After seeing that there are few 'bound animal companions' amongst his Cohort, he feels lucky to have Bob AND Graso, but still starts looking around on the ground and checking his pockets and pouches (even though they are normal) for a little white poodle. When he doesn't find Kevin he shrugs and mentally chuckles to himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In the distance Realmer can Boney inspecting the Kzin when Count Roland come up.
"You Sir! Amberite! I aw Boney speaking with you that makes you an Amberite Cohort commander this week. As I am sure you know, we will have some short range goals in the next few days. Food and weapons being most vital. Are you interested in a cooperative effort for a food source? Our dragons came from the east and saw a woodlands patch that looked like a watermelon field. It was being rooted in by a heard of hip pigs. There is a force of orcs about two days east of it. We are 5 days by foot or 4 hours by air. We can ferry troops, and dismount to join you but if our dragons close within scent ranger the pigs will flee. I propose we transport a cohort to west of the field, a cohort north and south, and two cohorts east. We secure water, sweet rinds, and pork enough for at least a week for both forces, not including the dragons. They will be delighted to go feed on orc. "
He looks up and sees Boney inspecting the Kzin, "Oh, and I am a spokesman for Flight Leader Grenit and Ronat Scaleback. Not personally being a flight leader this session."


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Roland; well met. I am Relmopator; call me Realmer. Your plan sounds solid but since it only requires 5 Cohorts, and each Army here has 5 Cohorts each... Your army could accomplish the plan with involving another army... so, if I may ask; why a cooperative effort? And why us? Not that I don't appreciate the offer... I am just curious why."
Realmer continues to watch his Cohort as they assemble the structures; latrines first. As several soldiers move building materials to start work on the 'mess hall', he holds up a hand to Roland and says, "Just a moment."
He turns to the soldiers and calls out, "Do NOT build a mess hall! Just keep the area clear! I have something special planned!"
"Well, better get this done now" he says to himself and Roland.
Instead of using the scarce supplies present, Realmer will use one of his specially made High Order Spells to make the Mess Hall: Realmer's Secure Shelter, which is currently Hung on the Sigil of the Spiral. The Shelter will be made of materials normally in the area, stone and wood, but will not use resources present. The Shelter will be an open air pavilion with square stone pillars at each corner and along all four sides holding up the heavy wooden beams and rafters and slate tiled roof. The mess hall with contain multiple open fire pits with spits and several fireplace ovens. There will be several long thick wooden tables for preparing the food and many long tables of stone with stone benches for dining. Realmer brings up the Spiral, not visible, selects the Spell and upon releasing the required lynchpins, the structure appears out of thin air, ready for use.
Realmer turns back to Roland, "Sorry for the interruption. You were about to tell me why a cooperative effort with us?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"ah, I do meant 5 cohorts of Amber and my 5 cohorts of dismounted dragonriders. As for why we are not not taking them ourselves; Dragons will scatter the hip pigs. Skittish bitches at the best of times if we flew one dragon within scent range the whole herd would scatter. There are close to a thousand of them. If we can take 100 that's meat for a thousand two feets for a week. They plant supplies like this around for the taking. There are 5 armies here. I could take the wing and drop 500 of us far enough away to sneak up but the chance of taking enough is small. 1000 two feets...we can take at least 100. Maybe more. But..none of us have archery so it's hand to hand with hunting knives. Now we have a few combat magic users but the fastest way to fail Adledross is to use too much magic too fast. And lastly, being a wooded area, we couldn't get the dragons to the ground anyway. The forest isn't knee to knee tight but its close enough to make the brutes worthless in a ground fight.
"And why you and not the others? The Treba Cursis horseman over there are terrible ground fighters. Hip pig are 5' at the shoulders with 3' tusks and we would lose half the unmounted horseman in the first 10 minutes of battle. The Reskara don't coordinate well in groups over about 50;it's a racial issue for them. They racially mix squads here but it makes them historically unreliable. That's part of the reason they come here; to get over not trusting each other. Politically their world has a dozen kingdoms none of which are homogeneous. So every kingdom has Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and orc races and all their subraces and none of them get along particular well. Raskara is the dominant nation on their planet because they send their professional warriors here in order to force them into mixed race groups. Its admirable, and has proven effective for the military. But in their homeland, all the kingdoms are just one insult to someone's mother away from civil war even if they are fighting each other.
He looks toward the Kzin and scowls.
"And as for the Kanzari Kzin.....let's just say you don't want to leave your wounded laying around after battle near them. They are hungry after a fight and none too picky about their meals. And well... I hate the fucks. I'd rather kill them then the pigs. They taste better and their fur makes nice rugs. Also, they don't fight other Kzin. I had a force of them here team up with a foe band against us once. I'll never trust their word again. On the other hand, we've worked well with Amberites in the past. Princes Bleys, Brand, Gerard, and Julian as well as Princess Deirdre have all fought on Anzara with the Reen. I've no complaints with their actions there or here."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We have 10 months to cross 2000 miles. For ground troops that's a he'll of a walk. 7 miles a day without battles and terrain issues. I could fly the wing across in a month but what's the fun in that? Part of this is teaching my dragons to coordinate with ground forces and delay gratification. And to be honest, I've over 200 young dragons on their first trip here. Partially trained...my riders are all experienced but 100 of them are here for the first time. So... It's a training exercise for all of us, isn't it?
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort says, "Your dragons? Are you their commander then?"
Roland looks at the Foxmate with a wide smile, "Well, obviously my wing leader is employing his strategic skills by having his finest strategist and tactician arrange the most reliable alliance."
Fort nods, " well, that is clever of him. I am sure our cohort commander would like you to convey his respects to the wing commander. As one of our commander's finest strategist I should point out that Bonaparte is out of the cat pen over there and is likely to be here momentarily. "
Roland looks over and nods. "Indeed, I'd best make a tactical retreat then. Sir Realmer, we will be ready to wing east in two hours. If your forces are there then I'll know we have an accord."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After Roland goes back to his wing, Fort says. "100 big arsed tusked boars with hunting knives? Charming... if its not too bold, I'd suggest you get Alexandir to wade into these things. He can throw horses.. I've seen him fling centaurs while they had riders on them. Freakish bastard was a strength magic junkie in his youth. He and Zatonic raced to see who could drink the most of the blue strength potions. Also, his skin can''t be pierced by non-magical weapons. I've seen a dragon chew on him till it sprained its jaw. Just pissed Alex off. Have him pick these thing up by the snouts, smash them around and toss them behind him for the rest of us to dispatch. "
Tesa come closer, looking sideways at Fort then to Realmer to add, "We might have good luck with a few of our bigger guys grabbing them by the tusks for the lighter ones to dispatch. Also, a lot of this shelter material is long 3" poles. Put a tip on them and its practically a pig spear."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens to Roland's reasoning and finds it sound. Since Fort interjected himself into the conversation and Fort IS a far better strategist than himself, Realmer decides to make it official, during his Command. Realmer turns to Fort and smiles.
"Your Commander thanks you for volunteering your expertise as a strategist, Fort. You're now Strategic Advisor for as long as I am in command. Please, keep the suggestions, strategies and information coming."
Realmer turns to Tesa and says, "An excellent idea on the shelter poles, Tesa; and considering the amount of materials saved by my use of a Spell for the Mess Hall, we should be able to spare enough for pig spears as well as have enough to complete the shelters. We have two hours until we need to meet the Dragon Wing and less than that until General Napoleon's inspection. The General did say we DIDN'T have to have all the shelter's assembled, just areas marked and materials at hand."
"Tesa; spread the word throughout 1st Cohort and let everyone know to make as many pig spears as we can without sacrificing the shelters; and remind them of the size of these pigs. While you're about that task, find 9 others with... specialized skills like your own; let them know they are now a part of the scout/stealth team; they're your team, they report to you, you report to me or Fort if I am unavailable. Move out."
"Fort; as my 2nd in Command and Strategic Advisor, you are also my official Spokesman, like Roland is for his Commander. Spread the word to the other Cohort Commanders of Amber's Army and let them know the plan and time table. Then get back here as quickly as you can... we've all got work to do to meet both of those deadlines. Move out."
Realmer keeps an eye out for Napoleon as he moves about 1st Cohort's Camp inspecting everything before the General does. Assuring latrines are dug and built, an area for the few horses is marked out and horses are tied up there, he puts Graso in the area as he moves about to assure there are enough poles for shelters and that poles are already being sharpened. Any last minute structures that need assembly or preparations that need to be made before the Inspection occurs is what Realmer is throwing his efforts into.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles, 'Ja, mein Kommandant, I think I'm going to enjoy telling someone to give Alex an order. He has been uncooperative since he was 18. But... I know his secret name and his secret fears....Never piss off bards and historians."
Tesa knows who to pick and grabs them.
As Realmer walks among the camp its fairly clear were everything goes. Latrine spots, tent spots, common area, horse lines. There is a sense of long use. There is also char in crevices.
Realmer sees Fort talking to Dandilar and Carston, with Alex standing beside. He notes there is no deference at all to Dandilar but something about his stance suggests there may be a bit of fear toward the Foxmate. Dandilar has a hated exchange with Alex that ends when Fort puts his hand lightly on Alex's knee, that being close at hand between the vastly different in height.
Fort leads Alex off and motions Alex to sit. He then leans in and whispers to the massive man's ear. He nods a couple times briefly. Alex stands and pats Fort on the shoulder almost fondly.
Carston comes over, "Realmer, Interesting plan. I've a few dancer types like Tesa to send her. I think we might want to leave a few men behind. These Reskara are having trouble getting organized and might take the chance to come steal building supplies. I get the feeling that might be allowed. I was also wondering if you might be able to make trumps for us to keep in touch. Fabric for a medium, blood for the art? Charred sticks?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Carston, send your dancer types to Tesa and let's try to gather some from each Cohort. I was considering leaving them behind during the hunting and gathering, just in case... now I am sure they will be staying here, considering the Reskara's problems and possibility of losing our supplies due to raids while we are gone."
Realmer thinks for a moment as he looks about the camp. looking at building supplies... realizing that most of the 3" poles will need to be trimmed a bit on either end for their intended use... a smile spreads across his face.
"Yes, Carston. I can produce some Trumps for the Cohort Commanders... I can cut some wooden disks and carve faces on them, but they will take some time to create and Command will change... but they could still be useful. I will be using Bob, my Familiar, to communicate when needed... he is nearly a Living Trump...." Realmer trails off then smiles even wider than before.
"Bob, you just got promoted to Communications Master. You will be responsible for keeping your eyes and ears tuned to the other current Cohort Commanders, as well as myself, and relay Communications between us. Go introduce yourself to the other Cohort Commanders and let them know you will be listening for their call. In fact, Shape Shift off a 'remote eye' (can also hear) for each Commander. Can you do that, Bob?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob nod, ot of bouncing in place. "Will do boss. " Then blinks away.
Carston-"How does each cohort leaves a fireteam of 10 sound? "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the troops start shaving the tips of poles into spears a Kzin Warrior walks far behind the Reskara and up to the back of the Amberite forces, close to where Carston and Realmer stand talking.
He makes a chuff, announcing himself.
"Amberites!! I am T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzinti; I command Clan 5 of the Kzin forces. I would like to parley before the day gets too much older. I have 2 clans running at speed east and north. 2 clans running hard east. And one here maintaining our camp. Who speaks for you?'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was thinking the same, Carston. A 10 man fireteam per camp for guard... but I only want half of them visible; I want the other half to be Tesa's extended team of Stealth Fighters hiding and roving the camps and areas between."
Realmer watches the Kzin Warrior out of the corner of his eye until the approaches and announces himself.
"Well Met. I am Relmopator, Commander of the Amberite 1st Cohort and this is Carston, Commander of the 5th Cohort. You may parlay with me, T'Fanal of the Kzin. Please approach and speak freely."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We intend to make a center run for a week then aim north. There should be a thick forest before the flat lands beyond. We can tell from our position that the north is rimmed by snowcapped mountains near to hand. We will maintain a contact line to our troops in camp here. If you wish to trade with one of our bands make the parley howl like I did before entering.It will bring a commander. We have no idea whats ahead but the supply points will have something. We are fleet of foot and sure in such woods, we should be ahead of you. If what we find is weaponry, we may be willing to trade it for food. If we find a well armed warband there should be surviving weapons, clothes and supplies suitable for you kind. We do not deal with the Rskara. Dirty distrustful people without honor. "
He preens his paw briefly.
"We have dealt with the Anzara Reen before. They are bold fighters as long a they have dragonkind to give them courage but they flee under hard pressed battle. Still, if they wish to parley we will hear their petition. I am not familiar with the horsemen further on."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Soon our perimeter will have guards; if you wish to speak to a Commander, let one of the perimeter guards know and they will direct you. If you cannot locate a Commander look for a purple Beholder" Realmer uses a 2D-lusion to create an image of Bob, "he is our Master of Communications, his name is Bob; address him by name, tell him who you are and he will put you in contact with a Commander."
"Since your Clans are headed east, I should warn you; a flight of dragons will be flying east very soon and will most likely pass over your Clans then return back later... I will warn them of your Clans' presence so there are no mistakes. Two days east of here, by our movement rates, there is a band of Orcs, three days past that is a field of sweet melons and around 1000 hip pigs; we will be going to hunt and gather with the Dragonriders of Anzara Reen. The Orcs will be Dragon feed and should be bones at best by the time your Clans arrive there and the melon field beyond will be well picked over. But the hips pigs should return by the time your Clans get there. I will make sure the Amber and Anzara troops do not ruin too many of the melons we do not harvest, so that your troops will have food."
"The horsemen are called the Treba Cursis and I know little of them as well. We will trade with your people in a fair manner based upon our needs and yours. Thank you for introducing yourself, T'Fanal."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He considers your answer.. "I see. Its not your intention to hunt the whole herd? You do not intend to take the whole herd but would leave us a substantial number of the prey? I understand such estimates are at best guesses at this point but can you estimate how many of this possible thousand you think your troops will take? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Our plan is to cull 100 plus... it is unlikely we would or could cull more than one third the herd. The Dragons will not be feasting on the herd; hence the mention of Orc remains in your Clans path."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "That is generous and will not be forgotten. The melons are of no concern to us. They are food for prey. If your dragons allies will be generous enough to contact us and give us a heading to this herd tell them it will be remembered also. We will be running straight and not hard to find. We have a clan to the north tasked to find the plains. I suggest considering a mutual camp on the first sign of the flat lands. It would be for the Kzinti, the Amberites, ...and the Reen. Others would have to petition once its established. I do not ask this now, consider it. When you find the plains, if we are there, consider the invitation offered."
He turns suddenly, looking at Alexandir coming up. His eyes go wide and he crouches.
Alex-"Cohort commanders. Commander Dadiril says his men are ready to move to ally. We have 100 and 30 sharpened poles. I have a stout cudgel and will bash them like that game king Random tried to make me play. Goof? The Foxmate has dared me to grab the pigs and smash them against trees. He's a little weasel and it annoys me to owe him a debt but the idea is entertaining. Why are you talking to this Kresh? Kzinti filth..."
He turns on the Kzin commander who speaks-"Tailbiter...In the flesh..Its a pity I can't bring the real death to you in this place. You serve Amber?"
Alex laughs.."Amber called me and mine in its time of need in fear of destruction. I don't recognize you personally, but then I'm not usually on speaking terms with rugs. "
He turns disdainfully to the Kzin. "Commander Dandril's compliments. We stand ready, Commander Relmopator, Commander Carston."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Alex, this is COMMANDER T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzin 5th Clan, and as of right now Amber's Cohorts are on good terms with his people, so while he is in my camp, you will treat him with the respect due any Commander. Understood? Good. Now, go tell Commander Dandilar to leave a fireteam of 10 behind to guard your camp then have the rest move to the Dragonriders camp and team up with them for our transport. Move out."
Realmer turns away from Alex and faces T'Fanal.
"Commander T'Fanal, I thank you for the information on your troops movements and future plans. We appreciate your offers of trade and your offer of mutual camps once the plains are reached. Please send my regards to the other Commanders of the Kanzari Kzin Clans. And if your Clans on the move watch the flight path of the Dragons as they leave and return, they will know which direction to head to find the melon field and hopefully the hip pigs. Well Met and Good Fortunes, Commander."
Realmer thinks to Bob; 'Bob, have you contacted Kablin of 2nd Cohort and Traxton of 3rd? What is the status of 2nd and 3rd Cohorts? Are they nearing ready to meet with the Dragonriders?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex chuckles as he walks off, walking close to the crouched T'Fanal, "Good sir T'Fanal, You are a commander so I shall be polite as instructed. Please, if we interact in the future, and I hope we will, you have my permission to not to bow to me like that." He walks off with a hearty laugh.
T'Fanal rises from his attack crouch an angry look on his furry face. "Tailbiter here....Did Amber really go crawling to him for aide?"
Carston-"No Amber did not. Amber contracted with CHAD, which I am a member of, for mercenary service. King Korag was hired, as was his pantheon. Some of us in CHAD like him about as much as you do. I was not aware the Kzin had dealt with him. They are not a race in the Tosian/ York multiverse. He has been forbidden a leadership role here and it clearly chaffs. Disregard him as I, a native born Tosian, must do sometimes. "
T'Fanal nods, "Well said Sir Carston. I shall let my people know to ignore him. He has fought on the side of Saints of Battle in our realms. There are several Kzin Saints of Battle but the ones he fought beside were the Carataz, a lizard race..My regards to your cohorts. I go to join mine." He turns and lops away.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob pops in, "Traxton and Kablin have set aside two Cohorts each. They had a short skirmish with Orcish forces of the Raskara. The Raskara are heading east now. Boney approved their camp with heavy criticism . He will be here momentarily by the way. I expanded Confusion Storm and Magic Missiles, as well as slowing ray in support of the Cohorts. The 2nd and the third are coming with Sir Carston's forces now. "
He hovers excitedly. "Speaking of coming now, Boney will be here momentarily."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well done, Bob. Keep the expenditure of Spells and use of Magic to a minimum; essential use only. Firstly; I may not have the time to re-Rack the Spells, and secondly; I found out that the fastest way to fail this course is to use too much Magic too soon. Use your Power Words and Innate Powers as needed, but sparingly for now. Use your Racked Spells as though they will not be replenished. Also, keep me apprised of any communications you relay between other Cohort Commanders that I am not a part of. Oh, and as well as being Communications Master, you are also on Over Watch; keep watch over all Amber Camps primarily, watch the other armies' camps as needed."
If Bob was not speaking verbally, then Realmer will tell Carston what Bob said and that Napoleon is on the way now. Realmer will look over 1st Cohort's Camp one last time to assure all is ready for inspection.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Boney walks into the Amber camps. Walking though the camp he inspects various elements before walking into the mess hall. He examines it in detail before walking over to Realmer.
"Quite a display of magic, Cohort commander. Is that facility for all the Amber cohorts or yours in particular?" He walks by, clearly not expecting an answer.
"You seem to have quite a lot of pointed sticks. I assume you will use them to establish a perimeter wall and sleeping structures? " He walks on to Dandril's cohort. and speaks to him briefly.
Walking back to Realmer, "Very well... report?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"General; the Mess Hall is for all of Amber's Cohorts. I considered it a necessary use of Magic for several reasons; saving limited resources, a central place to prepare and store food in a defensible location and large enough to handle the large influx of meat our army is about to get."
"We have allied with the Dragonriders for a hunt; 5 days march east of here is a field of sweet melons and a herd of nearly 1000 hip pigs. Our forces and theirs will be transported on dragonback to areas surrounding the field, a four hour flight. The sharpened wooden poles are to be used as pig spears; any that survive the hunt will be used around the perimeter in weak security areas."
"I have assigned my Familiar, Bob, as Communications Master so that all the Cohort Commanders can remain in contact; his powers are Trump Based. He has also been assigned as Over Watch for the Amber Camps."
"I have assigned 33 Fort as my 2nd in command and Strategic Advisor. I have assigned 32 Tesa to gather Stealth Warriors, 10 per Cohort; they will be remaining behind to guard the Camps during the hunt."
"I have made contact with Commander T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzinti 5th Clan; he informs me his Clans are pushing east and northeast, then plan to move towards the plains to the north; they have invited Amber's Armies to join them when we arrive there... I promised nothing."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. "I see. Few of the previous Amberites have had competitive combat magics. Oberon was never a fan of magic in the hands of others. " He looks at the kitchen.." I could have used that outside Moscow... Of course, I could have used a nuke too. I just spoke to the commander of the Blue Hand Orcs because of their conflict with one of your cohorts. Pity I am not allowed to bounce people home on day one.. Some troops never understand the point of this place. Watch out for them. So the dragons saw the pig herd.. that's predictable. I'll tell you this. Between here and there are at least two weapon cache's and flying over them will make them nearly impossible to find. But food is a priority. "
" You have 300 days to reach the other side of the continent. Foe bands are in place. We had a donation recently as a new client nation has requested the Adledrossians to allow them access to the training facility. They would make the 13th client nation. They donated 12 Mandalay stones for the next 10 sessions. Those stones are up for grabs. I suspect their forces will be here next session. There is an applicant observing now ready to pay the weight for his elite forces. They would be the 14th and I don't like their look at all.""
Fort asks, "Who are these client nations. if I might ask, mon General?"
He nod, looking over the pig poles, "The 13th nation accepted is the Kingdom of York. Their ruler Tolknor paid 5000 Mandalay stones. His ah.. Total Warriors, I believe, will be here next session. The other is the Empire of Azcala. They have offered 2000 Mandalay stones as well as 20,000 Red crystal power focuses. I have voted against them but mine is a single voice and I'm not on the Adledross Council"
Fort say, "Merde.....I'm a Total Warrior...Field Captain, but still. figures that as soon as Tolknor could get his troops past the locked Shade level he would expand. And I don't like the idea of Azcalans training here one bit."
Fort chuckles, "Alex is going to shit. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you for the information about the weapons caches, General. I am sure the Kanzari Kzin will find them first; if so, we might be able to trade with them... I did give them information about the pigs location and Commander T'Fanal seemed reasonable enough."
"And General, thank you for speaking with the Blue Hand Orc's Commander; I heard about the incident... my Familiar was directly involved, and I really don't want any more problems with them. But we will keep our eyes on them."
"And I am in total agreement with both of you; I don't like the idea of Azcalans training here either. And I will make sure King Random hears of it as soon as I return to Amber." Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment, then asks: "General; did you say there is an Applicant from Azcala here, now, observing our training? May I ask who?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"a king of some sort.. Zictalas and his wife, sister I think, Zent...something, I believe. There are two others, Azcona, their son, and a wizard of some kind, Xoxol, Scary creatures..I'd rather fight them then speak to them. But that's not how the Adledross do things. I understand Amber will be or is at war with Azcala. Pity Benedict already has a Bonaparte on his staff. "
He nods, "Very well. Carry on. You are cleared to proceed. "
He looks to fort and speaks in french to him. Fort and he goes back and forth. then Boney nods, salutes with the baton and heads off down the line.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort waits till Boney is out of camp-"He told me the Kzin are far north of the two caches.. He said one is a few hours between here and the melons in a straight line. the other a good way south of the straight line, halfway. One is weapons, the other is cold weather gear."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Did he mention which was which? Doesn't matter. Do you think it likely the Treba Cursis or the Reskara would find those caches first, if we don't send out our teams now? Or do you think it can wait until after the hunt? I don't want to spread our troops out too much. Maybe we leave another... 4 fireteams of 10 each behind, as well as the 5 fireteams guarding the camps... send 2 fireteams each to each cache. Thoughts, Fort?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
" Depends how much we trust the dragon riders. I thought Roland a little smarmy and Boney put the same restriction on him as he did on Alexandir. that's telling. they have not done anything to warrant distrust and it is day fucking one anyway. If they are going to snake us it won't be for a month at least. So.. I suggest we get them to slow their flight on the pigs to give us a chance to spot the caches from the air. A few hundred dragons, riders and Amberits is a lot of eyes from the sky. A weapons cache and a clothing cache? Probably sizable. Knowing where they are possibly, thanks to the Prisoner of Elbe, gives us a much better chance to spot them.. and.. my sight is good. My wife may not be here but I still have her visual acumen. If its down there, we'll find it. Also, I can think of a dozen Amberites from Rasak that are jungle-woodland types. We have the dragons drop them a few hours in, let them do the ground work'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent idea, Fort. And I'm sure the Dragonriders will agree if we cut them in on the caches. Make it so."
Realmer pauses a moment, looking thoughtful. "As well as the Camp Guards Tesa is gathering and in charge of.... I would also like one Commander to remain behind here at Camp. I will volunteer to stay as I have already ridden on a Dragon, so there is no thrill there for me. And though I have not been on a hunt of this size, I feel my versatile resources and direct link to our Over Watch would be better suited here."
"Fort, gather 1st Cohort and the spears and head to the Dragonriders' Camp. If you see Tesa before I do, send her and her fire teams my way."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"While thats charmingly noble, you should lead the raid for the amberites. As a royal the other cohorts will defer to you anyway. Let Carston stay. he's a good egg. And he has experience killing Orcs, I can assure you. You need to be there as much to keep Roland from making decisions."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You are my Strategic Advisor, consider me advised. Let Carston know he will be staying. I'll be leaving Bob here too. Guess I'll be gathering the troops and spears..." Realmer trails off as he notices the teddy bear.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A small plush looking knitted teddy bear walks up to Realmer after Boney leaves.
"Pardon the interruption...."


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is always wary of cute things; especially very cute things.... they always feel like a trap of some sort. So, Realmer is wary, but friendly. He turns to the teddy bear and nods his head.
"Well Met. I am Relmopator, 1st Cohort Commander. How may I help you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Commander Andala of the Nast Alat would like to invite your officers to dinner tonight, of roast Hare caught on the perimeter. He wishes to make a distinction our clan and the Blue Hand orcs that beached common community early in order to secure food...ah. in this case... your people.. No one was slain but we do not wish your animosity due to their actions. My lady is woefully angry at the blue Hand. Our regards.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Your Commander's offer is appreciated and gladly accepted, provided our Commanders and officers are available come dinner time this evening. If we do not show, please do not take offense, we have much happening already and are unsure of our exact timetable. Your Commander's concerns and wishes to make distinction are admirable and again, appreciated. Please send my regards to Commander Andala, and your Lady. I will be in contact with Commander Andala later this day."
Realmer nods his head to the teddy bear.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Thank you, Lord Relmapator. my Lady, Commander Andala will be pleased. This is her Clan's first attendance at Adledross and she does not wish the Blue Hand to blacken the good regard of the Clan Nast Alat."
It bows and waddles off.
Fort-'Suddenly I'm feeling tired...hehehe"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and says, "Well, no rest for the wicked. We have a long day ahead of us. Let's get the troops and spears gathered, make sure Tesa has her Stealth Camp Guards ready and move out to the Dragonriders camp."