Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Adledross: Space Orcs, Preparations and Percy</big>====


The air is cool as Tal leads the way. an hour of flight time finds pandemonium in the air over the site of the orc battle. Dragons all look bloodied and flying high in a hovering position licking wounds. 
Fort is flying firing some kind of large firearm at the ground while dodging attack from the ground. 
Seeing you approach he wings over signing for you both not to approach.
Fort-"Well its a jolly clusterfuck down there. Glad you are here. We have about 80 dead dragons and the living ones are pissed. There are about 200 over in hover that are too injured to fight. the rest are down there. Commander Tal, order them out.. Lets regroup and bring the rest of the troops here. When we were told there was an orc band we were not told they are some kind of heavily armored space orcs."
He hands over the nail gun. "I've seen these before. Total Warriors use something similar. Clockwork, fire about 2 a second, has a clip of about 2000 nails, thin, high carbon steel, razor edged and needle pointed. Fuckers go through like butter. I took 30 or so hits myself before I realized what they are. About 1 in 20 has a flame thrower with about 200 meter range. that's what took most the dragon when they attacked. Now they are ground fighting and pissed off purple. I'd say there were about 2000 orcs.. The dragons didn't think to not attack as ordered. I tried talking to them but I've known smarter tax assessors"

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree with my Sub-Commander; withdraw all troops and regroup. A stronger attack force may be needed... but I have a couple of Spells that could be quite efficacious if friendly forces can be removed from the area. Regardless of the effectiveness of my Spells, I still recommend we call for reinforcements now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal nods and makes a piercing shrill whistle with 3 fingers. Its eyes & mindbogglingly loud.
The dragon hovering hear and fly that way. The ones below rise slowly, unwilling to leave the fight or to brave the renewed weapon fire.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal turns and leads the wing back, noting the absences. "Hra, Junt, Ctas, damn...... We better hope bound companions resurrect or I'll have some pissed of riders. "
Fort-"They are on the run toward the melons. That should cut the turn around time. They are carrying their dead or id go back and collect nail guns"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Though Realmer's Familiar is far away, its Extraordinary Psychic Sense can allow it to communicate across a world, and its Trump Powers across Shadow... when Realmer calls, Bob will hear. Realmer reaches out with his Psyche and speaks aloud.
"Bob! Message relay to Commanders Dandilar, Traxton and Kablin on the Pig Hunt. 'Commanders. We are returning from the Orc Battle; it did not go well. They are heavily armored Space Orcs with Nail Guns and Flame Throwers; they are on the move towards the melon patch. Finish securing the provisions quickly, prepare all Cohorts and Wings for battle then take to the air and meet us along the way.' End message."
Realmer calls out to Fort and Tal; "You heard the message relay. Now I am going to calculate the best place to lay a deadly cloud of death upon them."
Realmer then Shifts into his Vulture Form to conserve energy and take advantage of the thermals and winds. He gauges the wind direction and wind speed, calculating the best place to launch his Cloudkill Spell as he watches the terrain below and the path of the trailing Space Orc Band, trying to get as many as possible when he does launch the spell. Realmer is not looking to cast his spell immediately, but when the conditions and terrain are optimal. When this time comes, he will Shift to his Chaos Form so he can Cast his Warlock Spell; Cloudkill.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After a few minutes bob relays -"Commander Dandilar wants to speak to you directly. can I open to connect /"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Bob. Connect Dandilar with me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dandilar appears in the trump image.-"We can meet these orcs as they come here and set an ambush or we can pin them down and attack. I have a trooper who wants to drop in the middle of them and make them attack him long enough for us to hit the orcs in the rear. Realmer, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what finally kills him here."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer wings over near Tal and Fort, altering his Vulture voice box to allow speech, then responds to Dandilar aloud.
"Commander Dandilar; it will take too long for the Orcs to arrive at the melon patch; I would rather eliminate them as soon as possible and reap their resources. Bring the forces to us. We can circle a large number behind them then drop Alex on them from on high... I too would like to see just how foolhardy and impervious he really is. By the time you join us, their numbers should be thinned out some more... I have a couple of Spells in mind that affect large areas."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In less then an hour the flight of dragons is winging in to the patch to collect their riders, There is something of an urgency as the dragons wing down.
Fort says, "this is kind of a mess but I'm suddenly concerned about the other cache. I think I should go see if I can find it, Commander. I think the full force should be able to handle the orcs"
As the dragons fly by the rider leap into the 60' range to intercept the dragons. they fly up and circle back lower and the dragons grab the Amberites and toss them behind. They race off toward the orcs. Dandilar waves in greeting, looking almost eager. Below the work of butchering is partially done and many melons are stacked but things looked interrupted for sudden reversal of fortunes. Alex is behind Roland now on hi dragon as the two fly fast. Roland waves to Realmer with a wide grin and a sword n hand.
The flight goes wide as you commanded and come in to lay in behind. half way in the flanking maneuver Roland and Alex turn and head for the force together.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the Forces approach the Space Orcs, Realmer gauges the wind again and calculates the extreme distance that he can cast the spell, then releases Cloudkill on the Orcs, any wind hopefully carrying the cloud into more orcs.
By the time Roland and Alex are ready to drop onto the Space Orcs the Cloudkill should have dissipated enough to keep from harming them. Realmer gives the Hand Sign for them to drop.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The flights sort out and ready for the attack, this time not dropping troops to the ground before hand. Arcing in, Tal calls for the attack.
Sighting the forested area the battle is in, the dragons pull wing in for a tight circling plummet.
Alex and Roland are in a burning clearing. Roland shoulders a flame thrower and Alex swing wildly with maul-like cudgels. The ring of death and burning trees in almost 100 meters across. Bodies strewn It looks like a third of the force has lost morale and is fleeing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The dragons land in the groups, dropping Amberites who boldly draw blades. The Orcs have size and swiftness but possibly Chaos str. The dragons and riders start tearing among the shocked orcs trying to flee the madmen in the center.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stays in the air coordinating attacks with the ground and air forces, attempting to force the Orcs into a squeeze between our forces. Realmer will dive in and attack with broad blade and claws where needed to fill a hole or save a soldier.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The battle goes on for a time but in the end the orcs expand all their fire fuel and most of the nail ammunition and are forced to depend on edged weapons. The Amberites mostly have str, End, & war in the 1 to 10 range and can out fight them given time.
The dragons& riders are well, dragons, and absent the fire and nail guns are hard to kill with the riders in the Chaos ranger for str and endurance,
As the battle ends and Amberites and riders start looking things over the dragons all take wing.
Tal comes over, "A hard fight but memorable.. My wing has gone to collect the dead at the other field. Some riders with them will sort and collect arms and armor, such as they are, and fly directly back to camp. Our casualties here will be taken back as well. I assume your customs include burial but how that works here I don't know. I believe the dead will resurrect at camp..this being our first day I suppose we will know soon. to that end we will convey the Amber dead as well. I suggest assembling arms and armor here for transport then returning to the melon field for the pigs. "
Alex is sitting on a pile of Dead, cradling Roland in his arms. Roland looks horribly wounded, covered in blood and gore, burn marks and bit marks. Alex looks bloody and gore spattered as well but doesn't have a scratch on him.
As Tal & Realmer approach Alex looks up, "I've healed him as much as possible. Fort has better skills like that though its a question if they will work if my own clericals don't function. Fort is a Quad Bard...and has not touched the world stone so perhaps his will function. Roland fought bravely...I have been told I may not make saints here, but today he earned it. Its been ages since I fought in a battle like that.. reminds me of my youth....before Tolknor....well.. Thank you."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Tal comments about 'your customs include burial', he is tempted to make a dark joke, but decides this is not the time or place for macabre Necromantic humor.
"Alex, I am sorry; there is nothing I can do for Roland. I do not have healing magics, I only have Necromantic Magics. And the spell I do have that might help would required a living healthy enemy for it to work...."
Realmer trails off. He knows that Death is a part of Life and a big part of Combat and War. Realmer silently says a Death Prayer for Roland, so that his body will perish quickly and his Soul will go where it must.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Considering the severity of his wounds, it might be better to let him die and be resurrected. I mean, I could cast Stone Binding on him, and suspend all time for his body, then we could take him back to camp for healing, but..." Realmer trails off again. "His wounds are severe. He fought well. His actions this day will not be forgotten."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex stands. "This is true. All of it. But....I would consider it a favor if you stonebind him till we confirm the place works that way. At least till I can speak with Fort. We' have known each other only since coming to Rasak. I do not trust you, Benedict, or this place yet, I hope you understand. It would go a long way to establishing the kind of trust this place is supposed engender......Commander."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not hesitate, as he does not want Roland's condition to worsen; he releases Stone Binding upon Roland.
"It is done, Alexandir. He is 'frozen in time' until I release the Spell. Once we confer with Fort, we will know what more can be done. There is one other Necromantic Spell that I know that MIGHT heal some of Roland's wounds, but it will transfer them to me as well as drain my stamina for many hours up to a full day. And I will still have to heal the wounds I take from him. It is a dangerous spell, for me, and could almost kill me and might still not help Roland. But if Fort cannot help him, then I will try the spell once back at camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. "when I argeed to come to this place, Rasak I mean, it was at Random's request that my powrs be limited to physical powers; strength, speed, endurance, memory..He had me promise not to use powers granted me by the World Stone. If I break that promise, he and I would both learn something about me. If the dead rise tomorrow, and Fort is unable to help him, then let him die, if his commander agrees. I must learn to trust Amberites and as yet I have met a few I like, but none I trust. None have given me a reason to trust them. Till today. That makes today unusual, to find two people I might possibly trust."
He pick up Roland and walks back to his dragon and leaps on it back.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The flight back includes a number of stops. securing orc weapons uncovers a large collection of bags used for treasure. Filling them with orc arms and armor, though the dragon riders do not think many of them will use them because of the size difference. Traxton mentions that the Raskara have orcs, they might trade for the stuff.
While filling bags with melon and meat Fort and the seekers of the second cache return.
F-"Well, we found the second cache. The Raskara claimed it. there were scraps of clothing and a big damn hole and blood splattered around the tree as well as chunks of..well, Dwarfs.. I must say these dwarves are unlike any others I've met when it comes to care for their dead. There were dead all around. Messy. Clerical magic doesn't work here so I used a magic spell to speak with the dead. What I got was one of their mages got them there because Boney gave them the location. and it blew up massively. I spoke to a couple and they said there were a lot of steel boxes underneath all the caltrops that exploded on them.
"Oh, and I have 20,000 caltrops. 4 prongs, about two inches long each. seeing how things are here, they might come in handy,"
"I take it there were complications with the orcs?"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sighs. "Tis a shame about the second cache, but at least it wasn't the weapons. And all those caltrops will certainly come in handy; very smart move collecting them, Fort."
Realmer sighs again. "And yes, we had some problems with the Orcs. They were like no Orcs I had ever seen; bigger, stronger... and green. They were heavily armored and carried high tech weapons; nail guns and flamethrowers. We lost some troops and a few dragons.... and we almost lost Roland. He is near dead; I cast a Stone Binding on him to 'freeze time on his body' until we could confer with you. But since you just said that Clerical Magic does not work here... then we have a decision to make."
Realmer sighs yet again, very deeply this time. "If he will be resurrected tomorrow, I can release the Binding and let him die. If he will not be resurrected... I could use a Necromantic Spell to transfer some of his wounds onto myself, healing him, after a fashion. The problem is... his wounds are so severe, the spell might not be enough to help him... and... though it will not kill me, it might get me close to death... and then I would have to be healed. But... it also might be enough to save his life and kick start his natural healing abilities and allow other non-magical forms of healing to work. But ultimately, the call lies with Roland's Commander."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"That a quandary. And..Alex, well, he can be difficult at the best of times. I suggest we get back to camp before we perform more esoteric magic. Lets us sort out the spoils and see if Roland has spoiled. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Agreed. Let's finish up here quickly and get moving before anything else untoward occurs. And let's get an official count on pigs and melons. I might need a few of each to barter with... I have a dinner meeting this evening with Commander Andala of the Nast Alat Clan of the Reskara... in fact, all Officers have been invited to attend. But first, let's get this all back to camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In camp the Reen and the Amberites sort the butcher's bill.
Tal and Traxton come over to Realmer. The other commanders see them and come too.
Tal. "We lost 12 Amberites and 8 riders and 82 dragons. I blame myself for the dragons. I should have sent a rider to be able to make judgments on the foe. We can only hope they resurrect. Our injuries were numerous but manageable.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let us hope they will all be resurrected. If not, it is our first loss and our first lesson. Commander Talodak, there is still the matter of Roland. If I don't release the Binding, he won't be resurrected. If I release the Binding and let him die... we are taking our chances on the resurrection. And then there is the matter of my Spell... which may not work or may not be enough, and it will certainly cause me harm... but I am willing to do it, IF we know the resurrections will not occur. It is your call, Commander Talodak."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal-" on the other hand, Roland is there to give me that look. we took 310 carcasses, 1100 melons, 800 orc cleavers, 2800 assorted knives, a huge pile of orc armor beyond easy description, 200 nail guns and 30 empty fire weapons. Oh...20k caltrops. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal looks at Fort. Fort shrugs. "I can't raise him but I can do similar magic to you, commander. But...I can channel through Alex and he might sustain the damage better then either of us. However we are supposed to trust the people who run this place. They must work or the houses of Amber would have a ton of dead over the years...and we have used a lot of magic on day one.... It's your call tal.
He ponders, "if you can make your giant take the wounds, let's see how it fares. I approve."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"In regards to the Flame Throwers... if there is a small of amount of fuel left in each tank, and all of it can be combined into one tank to fill it one quarter of the way full, I might be able re-fill all of them... maybe. Again, magic use. And speaking of which, Fort, I think we need to get all Magic Users together and have a talk with those in charge of this place. If this year of training is about integrating what we have learned here with what we knew before we came, then the use of Magic should be allowed here, with few limitations. I do not like the fact that I am being restricted in the uses of my Powers just because Oberon didn't like others to use Magic here and that his old rules and old way of thinking are still in use here. Magic is a tool to be used, just like this sword or this knife or that armor over there. I'm sure I am not the first Sorcerer to attend this place and I am sure I won't be the last; we must get those who run this place to understand that severely limiting the use of Magic here, and other Powers, is hobbling their soldiers and commanders. But that will be a talk for later."
"Let us divide the spoils, If you do not mind, Commander Talodak, I would like to offer the majority of the Orc armor to the Reskara in trade... minus any that could be used by our larger soldiers that want it. Me and my Officers have been invited to their camp by Commander Andala of the Nast Alat this evening for dinner. Commander Traxton, you're in charge of getting the foods to the Mess Hall in my camp; it is large enough to handle the cooking for all of our Cohorts. Commander Kablin, you're in charge of distributing the weapons and trying to salvage what 'fire fuel' you can from those canisters. Commander Carston, you're in charge of setting up a watch rotation of all Cohorts; I'd like Tesa's Stealth Troops rotated off of watch soon. I also suggest we set up sleep schedules and get some of our soldier some rest. Commander Dandilar, you're in charge of the wounded and establishing a medic station, if there is not one already. I will be in touch with all of you later about our visit to the Reskara camp. You have your assignments."
Realmer turns to Fort and Talodak, sighs and shakes his head. "I do have another spell that I could use to transfer the wounds to Alex, instead of myself, if he agrees to it. But, since I have cast a few spells this day and feel I am pushing my limits.... by this place's standards... Fort, perhaps you should cast the spell... since you have similar magics, and I have not seen you use much, if any, magic since we arrived. Let's get Alex and Roland and see if this works."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Ya, Alex will be a little less Alex-like if I do the spell. I'll go take care of it. "
Tal-"As for the food, your kitchen is better designed to process the meat into usable quantities. Once its prepped we have the dragons to smoke it for preservation. Let us agree to have dinner tomorrow night, with our commanders, to discuss the advance. I believe it is in our best interest to work together. Our people will not wear the armor, mainly because it won't fit, so I have no objection to bartering the lot. I will speak to you in the morning. I have dragons to morn and to hope will revive. If they revive, in those bodies, well and good. If they resurrect in a new body, leaving the old ones in the field then we have a multitude of meat, bone, and leather to tend and perhaps to barter. Many races like dragon skulls and we are not sentimental about the dead. In our realms they are memorialized in another way. It has been a exciting day."
Tal nods, hakes hand with commanders and Fort and leaves to his camp.
Fort-"I'll go tend Roland. Do you want me to hold the camp while you sup with the neighbors?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer agrees with Tal on all points and shakes his hand firmly before he departs. Then he turns to Fort.
"I have a little time before I have to gather the other Commanders and leave, but yes; take Command of the Camps while we are gone. I will also want to take a small contingent of well armed guards with us... to show our strength and just in case there is trouble."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, I remember once when Alex attended a formal feast of a thousand enemy royalty and nobility after they had a group of their premier warriors and wizards attempt to kill him. He refused healing and brought the corpses into the feast hall. He took the seat next to the king after killing a royal cousin to make room at the high table. He hadn't been expected to attend. oh.. but the Rakara might take that wrong....I suggest 2 bodyguards per cohort commander. And Tesa is still in the field. If you have a trump for her, id suggest bringing her."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I have no intention of Alex attending, as a guard or otherwise, this is supposed to be a diplomatic supper. The rest sounds good; I was thinking a single fireteam of guards would suffice; guess our minds are syncing up. And I was also considering bringing Tesa as one of my guards. And no, I don't have any Trumps with me" he gives Fort a knowing look then laughs, "But I do have Bob..."
Realmer reaches out with his Psyche, "Bob, contact Tesa and tell her I need her here, then transport her to me when she is ready, but tell her to make it soon."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob floats off and calls Tesa.
Fort starts looking for guards, includes an unusual one Realmer ha dealt with very little, Drishti; a Diagan born and raised at Diaga Raks. She is known as a fast warrior of the Tesa type and is one of her friends and an acrobat a well as an alchemist. She has been mostly on guard assignments and here appointment to NP was a complete surprise to her. Fort picks two large warriors with a history of ignoring insults.
Bob come rushing back with naked and angry Tesa.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer approves of the guards chosen by Fort and is about to begin a dialog with Drishti about the Flamethrowers, being he is also a bit on an Alchemist, but the arrival of Bob and Tesa, naked and angry takes his full attention.
"What in all the Hells!? Tesa, what happened? Bob, details?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa-"Well, I'm going to have to work on my lockpicking. Its said Conf can break out of a welded sealed vault, but I can't. I was shadowjacking in the forest. I'm not good at it yet. And I tripped a trap.. ME!!!!! Pissing good one. Snapped me in like footpad into a coffin sized box, face down, and sealed shut. Then my clothes faded away.. I could barely turn around...I've been there for hours... I couldn't see in the pitch blackness so I couldn't shadowjack. I figured eventually you would trump me. Now, will one of you tall bastards give me your shirt please? peep show is over."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and pulls off his shirt then hands it to Tesa.
"Don't feel bad about the trap Tesa; I, a dungeon delving Adventurer for decades... also forgot to check for traps and ended up with this sword" he pats the blade on his hip, "through my shoulder and all the rest scattered around the forest... as well as a ton or more of bricks" He chuckles again.
"But if you found a trap, that may mean there is something of value in that area. We may have to go back there tomorrow. But for tonight, we have dinner plans. Tesa, let's get you some weapons and some clothing if we can find some. Then let's walk the Camps to gather the other Commanders and guards then we are off to the Reskara Camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
It takes just long enough to find a tall man willing to fork over his tunic for a long glance as it took her to put it on.
Gathering the party you make your way over to the Reskara camp. Its clear on first site that their unity is not strong. 10 different camps, 3 human, 2 dwarf, 2 orc, 1 elf and of a furry faced humanoid race.
A soldier walks up and nods, "You be the Amberites? Or ya hear to cause trouble
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We are the Amberites. I am Commander Relmopator; we were invited by Commander Andala." Realmer is respectful in his tone and demeanor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "Follow me, sirs."
He walks among the camps and people from each watch carefully.
Coming to one of the human camps there are a large group and a man steps forward. Tall, thin , pale to almost gray, with long braided hair down the back.
"I'm Second Sword Delri. The Commander, First Sword Andala waits within. She has 8 associates, including myself to table. If your extra men would like to take dinner with our sub officers I can direct them so. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I am 1st Cohort Commander Relmopator, these are the Commanders of the other four Cohorts" Realmer indicates the four, "whom I will introduce within. These other four" he indicates Tesa, Drishti and the two large warriors with high tolerance to insults, "will accompany us as well."
Realmer turns to his other guards, "Dine with the sub-officers, introduce yourselves, get to know them. Enjoy your meals."
He turns back to Delri and nods.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He seems brisk but proper. He leads to a gathering by an over turned steel box the size of a coffin. Several dozen more are stacked nearby. the small group starts to stand. they all bear the looks of having had a hard battle and medical care improvised from improper supplies, though they all wear solid looking clothes in bright bold colors with black markings.
One of the men looks up and is clearly a large half-orc.
The smell of roasting meat is nearby the fires as several large deer cook . the antlers sit near by.
A woman steps forward and at first she seems somewhat awkward, you notice that she is missing the front of one foot and has one arm tied to her chest.
"Commander Relmopator.. Welcome. Our table is a bitter one today but the meat is good and we have onions and turnips...Its been a strange day. I'm afraid you are not seeing us at our best.


*'''Michael James Watson'''
She waves at the clothes.."I'm not sure of the purpose of these things but they are suitably warm against the coming cold night"


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa whistles slightly in recognition
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I am Twis Andala, First Sword. Come sit."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you, First Sword. You may call me Realmer. This is 2nd Cohort Commander Kablin, 3rd Cohort Commander Traxton, 4th Cohort Commander Dandilar and 5th Cohort Commander Carston. These are two of my advisors; Tesa and Drishti. And 404 and 219 over there are here because they're pretty to look at." He smiles.
"Thank you for inviting us to your table for food and palaver. I see you found the Clothing Cache at great cost; our day was also eventful and somewhat costly. But the fruits of our labor were many, and I would like to discuss the possibility of trade with your peoples. I understand you do not have much to offer in material goods... but perhaps there are other arrangements that can be made in exchange for the goods we have to offer."
"For starters, we have much armor of Orcish design made for large Orc bodies. We may also be able to trade some food and perhaps... some weapons, if talks go well and agreements beneficial to all parties involved can be reached."
"The Amberite Army and the Anzara Reen Army are already on good terms and have decided to work together as a united force. The Reen are on good terms with the Treba Cursis Horsemen and Amber is well on its way to good terms with them as well. And Amber is on good terms with the Kanzari Kzin as well, and the Reen and Horsemen are sure to follow. There is no reason the Reskara can't be on good terms with us as well. Five Armies united can surely defeat anything this world can throw at us."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nods and takes a seat, waves for meat and vegetables to be brought over.
"I do not think that short fellow has our best interest at heart. he told us the location of a transport stone and that a cache of supplies was within an hour walk from it. We took our clan of 100, and a fellow human clan of 75 and tried the transport stone . Splitting up we found a place with about 200 of these metal cases. They were scattered around. As we opened them they were filled with this clothes and with onions and turnips. We started unloading them to see the results. When they were empty, they went invisible. Then when we tried moving they snapped shut on us. like snapping ral dogs. The maws enough to sever limbs and break bones. Those were the lucky ones. Over here are 14 cases that are unopenable with our people in them. They have tiny air holes but we can only hope something this short creature devises will open them. "
Food is brought over. "We are good hunter and took a dozen giant elks. We have 2200 of these ridiculous clothes sacks. and a ton of onions and turnips to show for 3 dead and 200 brutal injuries across 175 people. in the far lights a dozen of our people will commit a sin against the wise one so they may awake recovered.. The Bright Sword has much to answer for sending us here. And we have had to fend off attacks from Orc and Cathar. And we have not yet slept a night"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, General Napoleon, the Short One as you call him, also informed us of the weapons cache and not of its trap; I was alone when the trap exploded and I was pinned to a tree. And the 'band of Orcs' he told us about were more than a band and were big Space Orcs. I'm not entirely sure he likes us either. Perhaps that is part of his job here."
"One of the lessons we are all to learn in this place is cooperation, how to work together to achieve goals and survive this place. In the Spirit of that Cooperativeness, I would like to offer to get your comrades out of those boxes... and there is nothing you need to do in return. A gesture of Good Will and Cooperation."
Realmer thinks to Bob, 'Hey Bob. Make contact with the minds of those trapped in these boxes here and Trump them out of there.'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
bob peeks in each and trumps them out. Delighted to be free, they offer thanks as members off the group go to them and direct them back to their groups.
'Thank you! That is a great relief. We have few wizards and they could do nothing to these things. Our talents in those method are different."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Food is eaten and shared. As tale are told.
he says, "We would trade for meat in the short term since a dozen elks do not fed 175. we ill trade 2000 of these outfits for meat and spare weaponry. As for the orc armor, while some might fit Ranger Faent here you will have to speak to the orcs if they wish those. Our intent is to travel to the transport, then eat, laving nothing behind. There must be a more hospitable place between here and the east sea"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I will confer with my Commanders and the Commanders of the Reen as to a fair trade for the clothing; I know the Reen would appreciate something warm to wear and I am sure they would be willing to trade meat and spare weaponry as well. And while we are here in your camp, perhaps you could arrange an introduction with the commanders of the other Tribes of the Reskara; it would make it easier to start trade and other relations with all the Armies of Reskara if one of the Reskara were to do the introductions."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They look at each other, The half orc says, "If only it were that easy. This is my third time here and the raskara seem to use this place to allow its elite forces to fight each other so we can more efficiently know how to kill each other back home. having done it here. We are fortunate our two clans want to ally. when we leave this camp we will leave nothing behind. Neither clan. We will live off the land so as much meat as you give us will be acceptable. You may take these ugly outfits with you tonight. What you send us tomorrow from your hunt will be satisfactory and will tell us if we wish to trade with you in the future. "
H chews a bone clean while talking.
Andala says, "I'm afraid Ranger Faent has the right of it. my clan and his know each other back home and have had good relations generally. There is no point trying to converse with the orcs. The elves pride themselves of not cooperating. The dwarves and the Cathars would rather fight each other then eat. When we leave tomorrow, after what rations you bring us, we will try to convince the Gufi Alat to come with us. They have too short an attention span to make any plan longer then a few days..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I appreciate your candor and advice regarding dealings with the other Armies of Reskara. I have known several types of Elves and I know they can be Racist and sometimes down right Xenophobic, so if the Elves of Reskara are uninterested in cooperating with anyone, then I shall not waste my time or theirs. I have also known Dwarves and know their love for fighting, drinking and riches to buy their weapons, armor and drink... and I know most detest Orcs and Orcish Craft, so I shall avoid dealing with them for the now. I am unfamiliar with the Cathar, but if their minds are like that of the dwarves and only desire to fight, then I shall avoid them as well. The Orcs I have already had problems with, as well you know, but if they have anything worth trading or could be trusted to keep their word... I might palaver and trade with them."
Realmer turns to the half-orc, "Ranger Faent, if you with to come to the Amber Camp I will allow you to pick the armor you want before we trade it or leave it behind."
Realmer turns back to Andala, "I will have the meat delivered, fully cooked and smoked, no later than sunrise. I will have the weapons we can spare delivered later tonight and we will pickup the clothing then. When we depart, we will eventually be headed towards a plain to the north; the Kzin are already headed that way and if they get there first, they said they will reserve a spot for the Amberites. If you find yourselves there as well, we can camp together... I will try to save you some space. If you find yourselves traveling the same paths we are... perhaps we can make an arrangement to travel together and work together. Something to think about."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Andala nods, "Very good. We have dealt with the Kzin and I should warn you just in case. The Cathar are a feline race and as such things happen in the multiverse the Kzin are...cousins of a sort. they often fight together, I'm not sure how they know each other. The Cathar have fair magics and occasionally their warbands include a few Kzin. We shall consider any payment satisfactory though it will color future arrangements. You are a humanoid race,as are the Reen. Is there something in particular you would trade for?
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer thinks for a moment, looking thoughtful.
"With the clothing trade, our needs for the now are fairly met. But I would be willing to trade some of our sweet melons for some of your turnips and onions; diversity is the key to eating well. And when armor suited for humans is found, we would surely be interested. But what I... what we, as the Amberite Army, are looking for is, cooperation... and perhaps an allying of our forces... but I know that that takes time, and you will surely base that on how well we trade. I know our forces will be staying here another day, at least, to plan and prepare. Should you decide tomorrow, after all trades are completed, that you would like to join us or further discuss joining us, you will know where we are. Commander Andala, Ranger Faent, the evening grows dark and all of our troops need some rest. I will leave you now and send my men to trade soon, then again by sunrise. Well met by moonlight and magic."
Realmer stands and bows his head respectfully to Andala and then Faent.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Faent gets up to accompany you back to camp after farewells.
Faent-"Our leaders back home play a game with the Adledross. They say we are here to cooperate but in fact we are here to meet enemy leaders. Its stupid and dangerous but so is our world. Further, our clans themselves are far from unified. my own clan will certainly slay me to leave me behind at some point. as one of the few of my world that has traveled off world, beside here, I am not trusted. Should I find myself alone, I would like to say I will be helpful to whatever of the other 4 empire hires me.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Should you fall into bad times with your people, Faent, the Amberite Army will accept you and 'hire' you... as long as I am in Command and as long as I have influence. It is a shame that your leaders back home and some of your peoples here cannot grasp the concept of the Power of Cooperation. But it is their loss and most likely will mean the loss of their lives... at least here."
When they arrive at the Amberite Camp Realmer will give Faent his pick of the Orc armor and his choice of weapon from the spare weapons currently stockpiled.
"I will be sending more weapons and melons to your camp soon. We will trade for the clothing, turnips and onions then. The meat, at sunrise. I will have two of my soldiers accompany you to our camp lines. 404, 219, make sure he gets back safely."
Once he is well out of earshot, Realmer addresses the other Cohort Commanders, Tesa and whomever is within earshot.
"Send them 18 cooked and smoked pigs at sunrise with a large guard contingent. If one pig can feed 10 men for a week, that should hold them over for a little over a week, if they ration well. I also want to send 200 melons, bring back as many turnips and onions as they are will to trade when you get the clothing. And give them 100 orc cleavers and 200 knives. Once we get the clothing and foods from them, we can trade with the Reen to recoup some of our expenses. Commander Carston, I'd like you to take charge of the trade and get it done soon. Report back to me when it is done."
"Are there any objections? Anything anyone would like to add or say? Permission to speak freely. If nothing... you are dismissed."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There are no objections and word of the outfits bring laughter, but of course they still want them.
Fort listens to the explanation and asks. "Did you find something particularly odd about these outfit, Realmer? Other then the color?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I didn't check them for magic, if that is what you mean, but they were a sort of a one piece overall with sleeves, they looked kind of soft and fluffy or fuzzy... and the black markings on them were oddly placed, in my opinion." He uses a Cantrip 2D-lusion to show what they look like exactly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"There is a card in the King random deck for a world called the Blighted earth. I spent time there undercover with the Total warriors. Its a world blasted with radioactivity and political strife. An earth world. They built a wall around one of the great cities of their world, a New York, after a near nuke pretty much screwed that part of the country. Then they took all the prisoners in the whole country's prisons and dropped them in the middle. a federal police force mans the walls but the prisoners inside have their own problems and run their own little nightmare gangland. The federals provide food and clothing. The clothing is what you describe and what I saw in Tesa's mind. bright jumpsuits that make hiding impossible. and those marking, circles and stars, are targeting markers for the wall guards. It helps the insurgents who go in the city and the guards on the walls target shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, heart, nuts. I can't say about these but the ones at New York Federal Penitentiary are specially painted to be extraordinarily easy to see with scoped weapons and night goggles. clothes designed to help guards kill and disable them. But its warm, durable, impervious to dye, falls apart if cut into or sewn on to to cover the targeting points. They also have embedded thread markers for tracking with satellites and computer monitoring systems."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"They sound like more of a bane than a boon. Can they be altered by magic to change their colors and markings? It sounds like the technology side of things is covered and blocked in that regard."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I won't know till I see them. Its a tech world for sure. I assume magic would work but these ,ight be designed for use here. As for bane/boon, the temperature in tat city in the winter gets to freezing for months at a time. its sweaty hot in the summer. the outfts are comfortable for either weather. I think they had some protection to a heightened radioactivity in the region.if you don't piss off the insurgent police, they are comfortable covering.. Anyway, I won't know til isee them tomarrow."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Actually, they will be here later tonight, but it can wait til tomorrow to inspect them. Carston, get some men together and get the melons and weapons to Commander Andala and get the turnips, onions and clothing back soon so you can get some rest. It has been a busy day and there is much we must do tomorrow to prepare for the journey to come. Rest well all. Dismissed."
Unless someone wants a word with Realmer, he will find a place where he is not likely to be interrupted, perhaps his shelter, perhaps on the roof of the kitchen... he will summon Bob to him and the will take the time to Weave and Rack the Spells that Bob used earlier this day; Confusion Storm and Magic Missiles. He also takes the time to Weave and Hang the Secure Shelter Spell back on the Sigil of the Spiral as it will be useful again in some form before this year is over. Once this is done he will retire to his shelter and sleep until just before dawn, when he will have Bob awaken him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
IN the morning Carston comes over wearing a purple jumpsuit.
"This is embarrassing. Purple is the closest to not objectionable. The trades went well. They were very happy with the meat and weapons and send their regards and a crapton of onions and turnips. They were attacked by an orc squad but we took them out. Other then that we are done. The question now is do we leave a presence behind? Speaking with their man Faent I think they have the right idea. Move forward, hope to never need anything left behind, We need to start mapping the place.. The dragons would sure help with that"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Firstly, and most importantly, we will not be leaving a presence behind; I find no purpose for it. And if we cannot use it now, we cannot use it and it should be left behind. Moving forward is best. Secondly, the mapping; let's get on that immediately. Lets take half of the clothing to the Reen and see if they would be willing to recoup half of our trade costs from their stockpiles since I took only from Amber's stockpiles. If they are unwilling, then so be it. And ask them to start some mapping flights. Have someone find out if there is a cartographer amongst our troops and have the scouts, air and ground, report to him or her their finding so we can get a good map started. But before you start any of that... let me see if I can alter the clothing without destroying it."
Realmer brings up the Pattern in his mind and walks it to the center then looks over the purple onesy on Carston. If he thinks it can be altered, he will try to Mold Shadow Stuff and make the color and patterning a forest camouflage and 'tell' the techno stuff inside that the new color and patterns are what it is supposed to be. He will also 'tell the tracking aspect of the clothing to anti-track or scramble tracking instead, and that that is what it is supposed to do.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The first thing Realmer sees through his pattern lens is that they have tags and markers on them, magical, and there is a tiny fire spell bound to each one.
He hears Fort,_"Ya, I noticed that too. Magical, tagged and best not to muck with. I suggest we wear our current clothes and keep these for sleeping when the temp drops. At least tille we see what the weather is like ahead.
The Reen re delighted by the clothes, not having a big interest in camouflage. Carston goes of over the trades and the Reen are pleased. As for mapping....
Carston-"Tal suggests sending 20 dragons and riders ahead with 20 of ours. Do long range lights over the next week ."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Shame about the clothing, but I was considering sleep wear or underclothing as an option as well. Plus once we find armor that will fit us...." he trails off for a moment. "Perhaps I can alter the Orc armor as I intended to alter the clothing... perhaps I can resize it." He shakes his head and continues. "As for the scout flights and mapping; make it so. Though I am sure I don't want to stay here for a full week. I think we should get moving as soon as we are fully prepared... which, based on the look of things, shouldn't be much longer... another day or two? Our troops are organized and efficient... so are the Reen. What is the disposition of the Horsemen? And the remaining forces of the Kzin?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"According to Tal and Roland the horseman have refused to even speak to them beyond telling them that they do not speak to animals. Roland told them that they didn't mean for them to talk to their dragons and they said they had never considered talking to beasts of burden but they understood why he could think that, being a animal and not having the reason of a native horseman. Apparently Tal and some others had to keep Roland back manfully. I'd write thim off for now.'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"the Kzin are gone. We might beat them to the melon patch if you want to talk to them. I had an idea though. Most these armies will be past the melon patch in a few days. But we didn't take a tenth of them and thee were a lot of other food in the area; greens, grains..The Kzin might take a chunk of the remaining pigs but if the pigs know the place they might keep going there. I was thinking it might be good to have a couple trumps to go back there to resupply if things get scarce."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Odd, I recall Tal mentioning offering pigs to the Horsemen in hopes of good relations... I guess that's off the table. And I have no need to speak with the Kzin for the now, just wanted to know their disposition. The melon patch... yes. We could get more supplies on our way, after the others have moved through and while there I can make a couple Trumps, as you suggest. Excellent idea. Now, let's go take a look at this heap of armor... I might have a Pattern Trick up my sleeve to resize it."
Realmer intends to Mold Shadow Stuff with his Advanced Pattern Power to simply make the armor, surely 'shadow stuff', human sized. Once at the pile of armor, Realmer says:
"Here goes..." and tries his idea.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The pain is immediate, as if he is fighting someone else's psyche through a constrruct.. The armor isn't magical but as you attempt to shift the pattern in it the sense of movement is great but it occurs to him that he might be leaving the shadow he is in if he pushes it too far. he think he might be able to change one item at a time, slowly, and at the risk of leaving the shadow of Adledross alltogether.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stops once he realizes that this will not work the way he wants it to. He contemplates trying to alter reality and increase the probability that the armor is somehow magical and capable of resizing itself. But then he realizes the amount of psychic Force required, considering the psyche he seemed to be battling, would not be worth the effort. He drops the pattern and turns to Fort.
"I don't think this is going to work. I seem to be battling against another psyche of some sort that does not want me to change things. I guess we will have to leave the armor here. Probably better anyway, I never really liked Orc craft. Except their cleavers."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You mentioned Roland earlier. How is he? I take it the spell worked? And how is Alex? And what of the dead? Did any resurrect? And the Dragons?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I was wondering if it would work. I can do a low order Polymorph object but it would only last 24 hours or so. We are more likely to find better anyway. As for Alex, how is he? Arrogant, proud, bloody. he has a heroic constitution and heals wicked fast. he'll be good in a few days. easier to let him walk around smiling all wounded. And Roland has finally found someone worth his time. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I am glad that Alex and Roland are both well and that they found each other." Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment then chuckles and says, "I heard a term on an Earth World that might apply to those two; a bromance? Am I using that term correctly?"
Realmer chuckles again then says, "Perhaps we should give Alex a special assignment, something to go with his new buoyant personality; Morale Officer perhaps?" Realmer smiles at Fort then laughs for a few moments. "He wouldn't be in charge of anyone, but would be in charge of keeping everyone's Spirits high. And since his Spirits are quite high right now, I can think of no better man for the job."
"I think that Alex needs to learn how to be a part of a team, not just how to take orders from those in command and how to be NOT in command. And something more than just a one-man attack force. I think making him the Morale Officer would do just that; it gives him an important position of high responsibility and high interaction with the troops, but not in a true leadership role where orders are given... more like helpful suggestions."
"And speaking of morale; let's makes tonight's dinner with the Reen something of a celebration of our good fortunes and new alliance. Arrange for some competitive games; wrestling, dagger throwing, etc. Also some strategy games; chess, go... we can draw the boards on the ground, overlarge, and use rocks and such with charcoal markings. We can ask the Reen to ask their Dragons to watch the camps while we spend a few hours this evening enjoying ourselves before the real hard work begins."
Realmer looks back to the pile of armor and says a bit distantly, "And I think I want to give this armor to the other Orc army that did not attack us, just to be rid of it and possibly gain favor. It was the Blue Hand Orcs that attacked us, so it is the Blue Hand Orcs we have issues with, not all the Orcs. I would rather give it to them directly as opposed to leaving it for them to salvage."
Still staring at the pile of armor, almost looking through it... still sounding a bit distant. "What do you think, Fort? Not just about the armor, but all of it." Slight pause. "I don't want to start questioning my own command abilities, or have you or others question them... but if I am to ask 'how am I doing?' of anyone, it would surely be a man with leadership experience, a soldier I have been paired with for 9 years and my 2nd in command."
"I had wondered why I was put in command, especially of 1st Cohort... which I figured out quickly meant I was commanding the entire army. When you mentioned it was because I am a royal, the understanding and magnitude of the situation hit me and... to be honest, I was not prepared for it. I know that was only a little over a day ago now, but it seems much longer. I think the shock of it and the automatic responses of my training have eased back due to some much needed sleep and now my mind begins to wonder again."
Realmer continues to stare at the armor for a few moments, then he shakes his head and turns to look at Fort, looking a bit more like himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh sweetheart are you ever getting a song....ok, let's take this by the numbers and out of order. ". Mt. Rebooting.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've known amberites my whole adventuring lives, though I was among the mighty of my universes before I met Your Bleys and he brought many of your amberites to York and Tosa. As well as Mac' Bar, the Pente Plains, Paradox & Discord.
"I was born in a slum of Wall, on Tosa, and grew up as a thieving gutter rat among the thieves quarters of that sword age metropolis. The Constantinople of Tosa..I was a cup holder in the Beggar's guild by 5, a coin-carrying member of the Thieves Guild by 10, attended the Snikura Assassin's School, and was a tattooed member of the Wizard's guild at 14. At 16 I was dragooned into the army, part of the Wizard's Guild donation to the cause.
" I would have fled into the under-streets when they tried to dragoon me. But a voice from shadow told me to obey and looked over me. Conf of Shadows, the not-god of thieves on Tosa. I had no idea of my relationship to him at the time. Nor his to Tolknor or Nur Al Din. And certainly not his relationship to Tesa, she was not born yet.
I was taught medical skills right along side of swordsmanship by a warrior priest of The Old Faith. By the time I was 20 I had sworn to the fire god Mikon, seen war roll over me a dozen times, served in the line and had been branded a Quad; a servant of four masters. I was never meant to be a leader. I was meant to be a skilled servant. I fought to survive but it was reading, and music that was my passion. Storytelling and history, and the powers of the universe. "
"In time and after many adventures, traveling with a variety of diverse peoples including many of the Elders of my Amber I learned to lead.
"After Tolknor created York I was one of the first Total Warriors. I learned how to be a great leader there. Its part of the Total Warrior creed: A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
Fort chuckles as he monologues, impressing his mighty presence on his story telling.
"Why did they make you a cohort Commander first? Because while Traxton and Dandilar and Carston need to know how to fight and lead troops, you needed to learn to stand bold in a very loud dynamic family that controls much of Shadow. Rasak and Adledross may make them soldiers but it needs to make you know your are an Amberite, not a librarian. I will bet you credits to navy beans that you will remain a cohort Commander even after the other 4 are replaced. This is what Benedict wanted of you. And whoever is made cohort commanders next, none will have your station. Alex and Roland may think themselves universal gods but neither are Amberites...You are here to learn how to lead. and more importantly to learn that it is your duty to lead. What is it Oberon used to say? Death I no reprieve from Duty"
still mt
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Fort mentions Oberon's quote, Realmer says it at the same time: "Death is no reprieve from Duty." Then he chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"When it comes to Alexandir and Roland, I am familiar with the term 'bromance.' While I can appreciate the term and it would be hard to believe such a monumental creature as Alex would dally in such things, it does bring up an interesting or dangerous possibility. They might just be boon companions in this strange place with a different view on titles and leadership. But I know Alexandir, have known him since he was still a Blacksmith's son in a village far outside Wall. I was there when he touched the World Stone. There are types of bondings in our worlds he respects and admires but has never joined in since by the time he might have the others he might respect enough had touched the Stone too. Zatonic. Gerard. Atlas. Grog. "
Fort looks around the camp as thing are in preparation.
"Now Roland.. He is a mighty warrior and he is ambitious and arrogant in a way that might suit Alexandir. Such pairings can be dangerous. Sword Banded. Centaurs and Barbarians on Paradox began it with banded brothers riding on the back of centaur mounts. Culturally it was an important warrior bond, a type of marriage. In time it spread across the Tosian multiverse, being a common thing among adventurers. Sometimes its a formal thing, like with Jake and Kirgor or Cantor & Janak who performed the whole ceremony formally, stepping over the sword on the field of battle, gripping hands in blood from a shared slain foe. Typical Gothic warrior crap... Others are more casual about it like Ascorbc & Boxlifter or Hazarda and Timothy Elhue. Some are also marriages like Zatonic and Geata. Its usually a bonding of equals but I doubt Roland is anywhere near Alexandir's' equal at anything. Of course those happen too in the case of Vonnilia and Shaharazad. Still. one never knows what bands one to another. My own situation is an example. While I am married to the Fox I have a residual bond with Wenda from a much earlier epoch of our lives when things were very exciting. Once the Fox and I became friends, Wenda was....wroth.. I would not want to see what a jilted Alexandir could do to an unsuspecting nation, should he feel insulted after such a pairing. "
He pauses to think.
"There is another possibility and it might be part of why Benedict and Random wanted Alexandir to come here. Alexandir is the Premier Saint of Battle. He leads a council of warriors of epics that view and judge battle across shadow and judge someone to have committed a suitable act of ideal battle worthy of recognition as iconic examples for warriors everywhere. Its a Tosian thing originally, but spread across our multiverse. I heard Benedict mention about extending the Sainthoods to Amber. There are certain magical benefits for inclusion in the order. I bear 6 Sainthoods myself. "
He starts to point to his hat in an act of vanity, only to remember he does not wear it.
"This place is too much of a game for the Saints. So battle here would not count. But Alex might well invite Roland to join him in Amber in the hopes of a repeat performance worthy of inclusion. Wouldn't surprise me."
He puts his hand on Realmer's shoulder. "In the moment though, fear not. Strap your jock tight and lets go. If I think you err I shall make a jest. If I think you are fucking up, ill tap my eye..." He slyly taps the side of his eye with a pinky, but smiles wickedly.
"Shall we be about our business, Commander?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens quietly, except the one simultaneous quote with Fort and deeply ponders Forts words. When he finishes and asks his question, Realmer pulls back with a look of mock-horror on his face.
"God and Monsters, man. I didn't need a detailed monologue, the part at the end would have sufficed."
Realmer maintains the 'horrified' look for several seconds in silence, then cracks a wide smile, winks at Fort and laughs, then slaps him on the back good naturedly.
"Thank you for your candor and your advice, Fort. Now, let's get to business, Sub-commander. Let's see if we can convert some of those caltrops into ammunition for the Nail Guns. And let's see if there was enough Flame Fuel salvaged for a 'refill incantation' I recently learned... or if we are going to have to concoct our own recipe. And the Orc armor... give it to the other Orc army, not the Blue Hands, with my regards. Tell them it is a thank you for not raiding the Amberites Camp. I am sure there is much more to do this day before our feast can begin, let's see what needs immediate attention, shall we."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs, "I'm the first crowned bard you've met I guess? We tend to ramble out of a sense of instruction. I've sung 10,000 Kegs of Ale in the hall 3 times in a row...twice"..
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The fire fuel I think we can manage. Fuel in the line when pressure failed.. I think I can manage refilling the pressure tank with compressed air. You have the refill spell. as for the caltrops to nails, its a very different type of nail...now... I have an idea on that but it bound to piss off the Reen.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let's hear it. Maybe we can find a way to make it sound better to them before we get there."
Realmer walks a soldier's pace, neither fast nor slow. He inspects visually and gives Hand Signs of approval when he sees good work being done. He is also listening to Fort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "The problem with the nails is they are a high quality razor silver alloy. 3cm long,3mm, wide and half a mm in tal. its incredibly high tensile strength makes it work under pressure and its shape makes it stack compactly and fly straight and true.
These are not construction nails. They are not very dangerous individually and depend on multiple hits to cause a lot of tiny wounds. They have no stopping power and cause very little hydro-static shock. What they do is hurt a lot in a lot of distracting places. Enough cause blood loss and a few in the heart or eye can kill. They are easy to use with no kick or recoil. But they want to hit a target with 500 to a 1000 nails and that kind of cumulative damage is what kills. . I'm betting a quarter million rounds were used in that nail fight ,"
He stops and waits for Realmer to stop and look at him.
"I have a silver magnet spell that will recover all those nails and I am sure they can be re-stacked and the clips reloaded. But....while a majority of those nails are spread wildly around the battle site, the easiest ones to recover......are in the dragon bodies they brought back....and recovering them will be visually dramatic and messy"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer draws in a breath sharply. "I understand what you mean. So the dragons did not resurrect. How about the lost soldiers?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'Oh they did resurrect. All shiny and new. So did our dead as you know. But the old bodies remain. They were talking about smoking the meat and curing leather.. but.. still, its going to be messy and there is no way around it.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, let's be about it then. Perhaps we can offer them a larger share of the Nail Guns and ammunition to help make them feel better about the whole mess."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You want to ask them or shall I?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Who do you think they like better? We've both had about equal interactions with their Wing Commanders." Realmer shrugs.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, there is no reprieve from duty, oh royal commander"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“I could delegate that responsibility to one of the other Cohort Commanders or Sub-commanders...” Realmer pauses to arch an eyebrow at Fort, then continues, “But a good Commander won't make anyone do something he is unwilling to do himself. Duty.”
When Fort and Realmer arrive at the Reen Camp, Realmer requests to speak with Wing Commander Talodak. When they are with him, Realmer gets to the point quickly.
“Wing Commander Talodak; we have a request you're not going to like... it involves the dead dragons. I will be quick and direct; we have a way to retrieve the ammunition for the Nail Guns from the dragons bodies, but it will be very messy. We know this may upset you and your people, but we are willing to give the Reen the larger share of what is recovered as well as a few extra Nails Guns to hopefully help offset the upsetting nature of what we would like to do.... with your permission, of course.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
tal looks a bit surprised. "Proceed, Commander. as I told you, we are not sentimental about our dead. they are memorialized elsewhere. Of course in this situation the dead will be able to watch whats done to their dead bodies. Seems macabre. As for the weapons, we'll take a few of course. But id prefer your ground forces keep the projectile weapons and let u have the caltrops. Dropped from the air they could be potent. "
Fort smiles t Realmer, "I may owe them a song too"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Wing Commander, you have a deal. Sub-commander Fort; it's your show now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort steps up, "I apologize in advanced Commander Talodak. "
Alex and Roland are standing near the dragon corpses. a Fort walks up. He briefly speaks to them and Alex looks angered but Roland assures him and they walk over to the Wing Commander.
Alex-"Commander, I'm told the Reen do not get sentimental about their dead. I do. though that does not stop me from expending them in need."
Tal, "Understandable, Soldier 42. But this is my camp."
Fort does a few preparatory spells, mostly levitating them and arranging positioning. AS he does most of the riders and no few of the dragons move to watch.
Fort raises his hands finally and enchants the high level, low order spell. Quickly its like a blender rends the corpses as a 100k tiny nail rush out to the speed a point to gather shivering like insects
There is a rush of surprise from the Reen.
Tal walks up, followed by Roland. He picks up a nail, looking like a sliver of silver.
"Such a little thing to cause such damage."
Fort nods and picks one up too, "There is a common magic item on Tosa that is a quiver that a fired arrow automatically returns to. The total Warrior have a different style of bolt gun that does the same thing. I don't see any reason that wouldn't work on these. "
Alex-"the bolt guns recover bolts the the clip but not under the kind of pressure these must be under..Still, that's a structural issue the enchanter would probably be able to overcome. Put Jeremy on it. "
Fort snorts. "You put him on it #42. I like my gonads where they are." Alex and Fort chuckle. Roland does too not knowing who Jeremy is or how he might move someone's genitals.
Alex-"How will you load the clips?" fort answers,"TK" Alex nods.
Fort starts using Silver Magnet to fill bag with nails.
Tal approaches Realmer-'We had planned a week to render the dragons but I think we shall just have a bonfire instead. Get it over with quick. We will begin survey flight today then. Would you like to send troops with the riders?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Wing Commander, I would like to send some of my troops skilled in mapping with your Riders. I will have them arrive at your camp shorty after I arrive back at mine. And if you still want to take the week to render the dragons, we might be able to spare the time. The extra resources would be worth it."
Realmer turns to Fort, Alex and Roland. "I will take care of telling Jeremy to get on the Returning Ammunition project... and if he wants MY gonads, he can try to take them. Been a loooong time since I've been in a Sorcerer's Duel... could be fun" he says with a wicked smile and a gleam in his eyes.
"I also have some Trumps to work on and some Fire Fuel tanks to refill as well as planning for the dinner tonight. Speaking of which, Wing Commander... I wanted to turn tonight's dinner into a short celebration of our alliance and good fortunes... I would like all of the Reen to attend and I would like to ask if you could ask your dragons to keep watch and guard the camps while all of our men take some time to eat and get to know each other. There will be some games as well."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal nods, 'well then, since you have the kitchen lets save as much of the smoked pig as possible for the future and I'll have dragon meat sent over with a few of our best cooks. As for the rest, without proper sewing tools the leather of the dragons is nearly worthless. Besides, I suspect we will have more as the year wears on. Till tonight.' He nods and goes to issue orders.
Nearing camp Alex pats Realmer on the shoulder, "By the way, Lord Relmopator, if you ever choose to duel with Jeremy please do it at the gladiatorial arena at Gesheka so the rest of us can watch. If you think your powers challenge his you have greatly underestimated who you see in that old man. I have noticed that in you Amberites. Fine boaster, but not long on delivery. Though your Gerard does remind me very much of my own dear old friend Gerard when it come to backing up his boasts. Ask Fort if I am mistaken in my appraisals" He then walks off ignoring any retort.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles at Alex's commentary, then turns to Fort.
"I never said I would be victorious... I was just implying he would have a fight on his hands he would surely not forget."
Realmer chuckles again.
"I'll go talk to Jeremy... and I'll keep my gonads protected. Then I'm going to work on those Flame Throwers. After that, the Trumps of the Melon Patch and a couple others. While I am working on them, I will need to be undisturbed, so I will need you to manage things for a few hours, Fort. I will let you know before I start that project. In the mean time, spread word throughout our camps that we need surveyors with excellent vision, memory and mapping skills if possible, to report to the kitchen for a few days of supplies then to report to the Reen as quickly as possible. And send a runner now to their camp to request several large pieces of dragonskin suitable for making large maps. Anything else before I go see Jeremy?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Well, going to see Jeremy would require leaving Adledross so its going to have to wait. Ill go back over for the skins and they would probably be a good medium for trumps. I can make contact trumps and we can probably use a few of those. As for surveyors, I have an idea who to grab. Take a look at the flame throwers and lets see where things stand
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Odd. I thought Jeremy was with us. My mistake. The Flame Throwers then."
Once at the weapons stockpile, Realmer will look over the Flame Throwers very carefully, studying their design and workings before attempting to open them or mix fuels from one tank to another. Realmer will be very cautious in every step. If Fort is not with him, Realmer will find someone knowledgeable in Space Orc Tech, or similar, to assist him if needed.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The orcish design tends to have a degree of Gerry-rigging or customization to them but with brute-force over compensations that makes for surprisingly sturdy weapon. A lot of it is pressurized. Fuel tank, compressed air, dispenser reserve,separate lighting fire for a tiny with valves and gauges to maintain the pressurized liquid spray. there are two liquids involved. The reservoir for the lighter fluids are half full at least. After draining the remaining fuel tanks there is just barely a quarter of a tank left. The battle had drained all their juice.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
During the process of combining contents of the Fire Fuel tanks, Realmer should have an idea of the general type of fluid or fluids used to make the Fire Fuel, by smell, viscosity, etc. Enough to know that the Incantation of Refilling, designed for alcoholic fluids, may not work without a bit of modification, but he is willing to try it as is. Hopefully it will just fail and not harm the Fire Fuel, if it does not work.
Realmer touches the fluid within the container with one finger, then rims the top of the open container as he Incants; "Cuius satietatem Bacchaus nomen aeternum" trice.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
From behind he hears "Oh great wizard whose powers grow through a rain of tears."
behind him comes a young looking man with unkempt dark hair a sweet plain face. he wears a white shirt and black vest of a well tailored and embroidered style. He looks over his shoulder and aways over a rise going up to the city of the Adledross, Boney stands he nods to the young man who comes and sits across from you, looking deeply over the Orcish equipment.
"Did the spell work?" H idly teases a long feather quill mixed in his hair.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"It would appear not" Realmer says to the young newcomer, then turns to Boney. "General."
"I thought it might not, as the spell was designed to refill alcoholic beverages. But I thought I might try it 'as is' before making modifications. But I do believe I do know where the modification needs to be made; a simple alteration to the incantation should suffice. I am Commander Relmopator, but I am sure you already know that. And may I inquire as to whom you are?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Cuius satietatem Hephaestus aga Poseidon nomen aeternum" The container fills with the smelly volatile liquid.
"Baccchus is the God of alcohol. Poseidon of water, and Hephaestus is Fire. Though whoever taught you that was making you look silly. perhaps they didn't know any better. The words are not a important as the intent. You have been here a short time and your reliance on magic has already been noted. that's why I am here. To evaluate your combat magic to modify your targets"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is silent for a moment and looks as if he has something to say, but sighs slightly and says instead:
"I am here to learn. What must I do?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Do what you must. You are here to learn. And teach. " He waves at the filled tanks, "Magic tends to be a solitary thing. Duels are one on one. Wars are a team sport. Find poetry in unity. I have no doubt that if you set out on your own you could cross the continent, defeat what foes you could not avoid. But in the end, would you have learned teamwork? I have no doubt that the dragon riders could fly across the continent in a few days. But what would they have learned? I have no doubt you could lead a company across the continent using your magic to destroy many a force unfamiliar with magic and do so with mot of your countrymen as spectators. But will they learn your magic? Will you have bonds of comradeship with them? "
He produces two sliver cups. Pours the fire fuel into both.
"dèan am fìon uisge teine seo" The gasoline smell disappears and the glasses are filled with a fine burgundy.
"Amber sends warriors here every year to become great soldiers. It is Benedict's hope that out of each legion will be at least one leader. What will you teach them? Cantrips? Low Order magic? Power words?"
He drinks the glass and the glass refills
"This is only the first week. Nothing much is expected of you. But the battles will vary greatly. Magic may not solve problems the same day to day. But a sharp blade always cuts" He finishes the glass and sets it down, walking back up the narrow path to the heights, where Boney awaits.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches as the young man walks away, then look past him to where Boney is upon the hill and gives him a slight nod. Realmer sits on the ground cross-legged in front of the filled flamethrower contemplating all he has just been told. He laughs at himself out loud and shakes his head as he realizes that after all these decades he is still thinking like a low order wizard. He knows what he wants the magic to do. He knows how to manipulate the magic to do so. He knows how to weave a spell to accomplish this. He has always known.
Realmer begins by gathering all of the empty flamethrowers around him. Then he removes the fuel tank lids to open them all. He sits in the center of them with the filled flamethrower between his legs. Then he begins weaving a new spell; a combination of the spell he learned from Brand, what he just saw the young man do, and a variety of other low order spells with similar function.
When he has finished weaving the spell, he stands, leaving the filled flame thrower on the ground at his feet. He waves his hand over the fluid in the tank then holds his hand over one empty tank and turns in a circle so his hand passes over all the empty tanks and he completes the spell with the incantation "e pluribus unum". All tanks are filled.
Realmer will secure the tops on all of the filled tanks and then store them away. While he is storing them away he contemplates what magics he will teach and how.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The tanks fill quickly responding to the powerful magics. Is stressful and hard but direct. Something about Adledross battles slightly against magics of that power.
Fort whistles, "That's more like it. We shall have to speak of magic like that. I've a date for a Broken Pattern and Mal at Riess. Its been an age of the world since I focused on magics but my high order magic is York based and a order of magnitude below that you did. Meats cooking. We have a good number of of the Reen in camp. We also Faent and a group of his people.
His people are allied with the human and apparently ally with them in their home world too. A number of them are half-orcish and are looking that armor over with a possessive avarice. "
Picking up a flame thrower and locking through it click, lights it off to make a long fire burst.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Not bad... not efficient but it will do. Now, lets get these back to camp and tuck in. Oh 100 cases of a heavenly burgundy were delivered with a note saying a gift from Percy. Do we know a Percy?'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer picks up the glass of burgundy he did not drink (wine and all) and hands it to Fort. "If it smells like this, then yes, we know a Percy. He just told me a few things I needed to hear. And you and I are not the only ones going to be talking about Magics; the entire army, if possible is about to learn about Magics. I found out that this is not just a place to learn, but to teach.... and if there is anything I could teach, Magics would certainly be it. We need to find out who knows what concerning Magic; who has it and who does not. And then find out who has the capability to learn Magic and teach them. And it's not just going to be learning Spells or Cantrips, it will also be tactical lessons on efficacious spell use."
Realmer appears to be beaming. "How much dragonskin did you secure? I should get on those Trumps soon. Speaking of which, perhaps I should also teach Trump Artistry to those who can learn it and perhaps some Shape Shifting exercises for those who possess it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Cantrips are where to start. Damned useful magic and nearly impossibly to kill oneself using them. I can teach Cantrips easy. as for low order spells, it get dicey pretty fast but Amberites have an affinity for them so perhaps. I would be delighted to learn Trump art. I can make contact trumps but the my transport trumps only work around the York shadows. When CHAD was hired we got a bunch of special transport trumps for non-amberites. Marvelous things. I couldn't figure them out but I'm a technician not a specialist. Some of our wizards got instruction from Finndo and Fiona. Others like myself were given maps and history lessons. If it wasn't for Arlo I might have become the first Quad Crowned Bard but according to our customs he has dibs on the bardic crown for Amber.
He sips the wine and nods, savoring it.
'As for pelts, 30 square meters at least. Its still pretty fresh but we can manage it. By dawn I'll have the skins ready for maps and Trumps. I suggest we both work on making contact trumps for the next couple days. while the surveyors give us a feel for the road ahead"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes; Cantrips. The stepping stone to Low Order Magic. And Power Words as well; the stepping stone to High Order Magic. Both easy to learn, both useful but in different ways. Let's find out who already possesses Magics and to what degree. Those that can, will teach what they can. Those without Magics will learn.... a few Cantrips and a couple of Power Words at least. Those with Magics will learn more; High or Low Order. As the year progresses we will determine to what extend each soldier will continue to learn Magic."
"Once the dragonskin is ready, I want to not just make the Trumps, but to start teaching you and others the Artistry, and other uses, of Trump. It would be best to mark them in the Tattoo Style of Inking... I will need to prepare some inks for the skins... with just what is around here I could easily make black... perhaps some red using blood... perhaps some green using leaves and herbs...."
Realmer begins looking around the camp for various plants, rocks, charcoal, etc. that could be used in the making of inks.
"And save aside a few of those Silver Nails; they will make excellent Tattoo Needles.... we can work up a stylus for them out of wood."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort smiles, "I can probably help with the inks. Let me think for a second....." He pauses for dramatic effect.
He whispers, reaches a stand of grass in hand and casts Commune with Nature.
After a few moments he says softly, "For yellows I find sources ahead, nearby, for marigolds,dandelion &sunflowers. Oranges there are some wild carrot within a mile... nice. Quite a frigging lot of carrots. We have onion skins. Browns-Excellent. There is a stand of walnut trees. Where the Kzin went through are groves of blueberries, grapes, hibiscus... That's nice. Spinach...that will make greens....Hibiscus makes good blues and we can flavor water. Oh....Cherries.. and look at that.. There are several thousand of them and the damn trees are crawling with vig snakes, so if there are Vig snakes there must be...... There!!!! Ink Vines..that's all the black ink we will need and we can braid whips too if we like. Make good ropes...Traps....With ink vine hooks.....OK... that's about as far as I dare seek now...That's food and ink....Hmm vig snake,...good eating..."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I had another idea...We have 5 cohorts of 1000. That's based loosely on Amber doctrine;A fire team of 10, 10 FT to a company, 10 companies to a cohort, minimum. and they essentially are telling us who is in charge. While I get that they are going to change leaders we need to establish something that will transcend leadership changes. A general doctrine for the next 10 months....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I like the way you're thinking, Fort. Some way of keeping all the alliances forged so far intact? A way to keep some standard operating procedures in place? Hmm... many things to contemplate there."
"In regards to all those resources you found... know where all these places are? And they are all close by? If so, let's get some foraging teams out there and back soon. The additional foods could add a bit more robustness to tonight's dinner and of course gives us more time to make the ink. The addition of rope to our supplies would certainly be beneficial at some point in the near future... rope is always useful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"All those sources are within a couple hours. I've hunted Vig Snake and so has Carston. We are both veteran of Ink Vine attacks. I'll speak to Carston and see if he will lead that group. the rest.. except for the flowers the rest don't need gentle harvesting. I'll handle the flower and we can piece out the other ones. "
He looks thoughtful, "I'm not to worried about foreign alliances. I'm concerned about Amber interactions between groups when cohort command changes. You might want to head straight, someone else might want to go north, someone else hunker down for a month and farm. We can't say what alliance will hold as time goes on but we need to be focused ourselves. Look, I'm a Tosian CHAD, as such I'm a hireling of Amber. So is Alexandir and Carston. The rest of these people are soldiers of Amber, Thelusia, Diaga, Kashfa and a dozen other Amber tributaries all here to further their career in Amber. You are the only one here with no career goals as far as the Army of Amber is concerned. As a Royal you have the ear of the King You aren't going to be stuck commanding 3rd Cohort, 2nd legion in the hope of promotion. You need to set the tone for the next year so that the career people who follow the 5 of you into cohort command, know they are supposed to be following YOUR plan...These are professionals..They know what side of the bread is buttered."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"In the mean time. Lets focus on Clean, Chill, Heat, Extinguish, Purify water, Zap, Firefinger and Werelight. 8 Cantrips that are extremely useful and I bet everyone here can learn them fast. we can teach it on the march and in camp at night. I don't remember any wizard standing out over the last decade but one never knows."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, much to think on, much. Yes, the Cantrips are great. Also, Power Words: Magic Negation, Neural Disrupt and Lifeforce... three of the more useful for our purposes here. I'll get some teams on the foods, while you get the snakes and flowers. I'll let the kitchen know to save some of what we need for our inks. We will talk again soon about MY plan and those doctrines... but to be honest, I will need a lot more information about what is out there and what is to come before I can formulate that plan. And that is why we will talk again soon."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the day pushes to evening various groups return with bounty. Carrot, walnuts, grapes, berries, spinach, cherries, and 300 very large snakes over 12' long and a foot across. Of the 200 troops Carston took to fight the snakes many are injured but seem in good spirits. Most of them have black scars on their bodies, mostly face and neck. fort reaches them first and is talking animatedly with them while inspecting the snakes.
Among the troops there is a lot of sorting going on and several troopers seem talented in butchery. After Fort tells them how to clean the Vig Snakes they make short work of the luscious snake meat. Many troopers are familiar with hunting enough to know how to stake out the skin.
Fort comes back over "So I learned something as I wandered out to pick daisies for the cause... I Communed several times. The forest runs north and south the whole run of the place and its packed with food. Fruit, vegetables, those melons, walnut, pecans, peanuts, as well as stocked with prey animals. From speaking to some of the plants it seems this is how its always been and this is the richest food region on the continent. I'm betting a lot of armies rush through the various minor encounters, like the vig snakes and the hip pigs to reach the other side and find themselves short of provender. I think part of our plan should be instructing the dead that when they set out to reach us again they forage with a purpose. Also, it may be more important then ever to be on good terms with the Dragonrider just to get back here for chows"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head and says, “Hmmmmm. I believe I am beginning to fathom this place. Maintaining good relations with the Reen, and all of our new allies, is important regardless of their ability to ferry food quickly. I have an idea for that too... the resupplying, that is. We are already planning on making some personal Trumps of... well, I guess we should discuss whom shall be Trumped.” He chuckles then continues, “And location Trumps of the Melon Patch, and I am now thinking one of this camp area too, since there is much provender to be found close by. As we visit the other sites you have learned of, we will make Trumps of them too. So, regardless of death of troops or dragons, we can return for provender. But I am also thinking about those who die, getting to the sites quickly and rejoining the Army quickly.... so to that end, I intend to create a Trump at each site, something semi-permanent.... maybe carved into a tree or the stone of the ground... hidden and only known to our troops and allies. I'm still working out the details and logistics in my head... once the surveyors return we will know more and be able to plan better. But I was thinking that each time we visit a new area of provender, I Trump back to the previous location, create a location Trump there for the site I just left, then Trump back to test it. And so on as we progress through this forested belt of plenty. When the last site is reached.... perhaps a Trump of me... I should always be with the Army... and if I die... well, I have Bob to get me back to the Army.”
“As the supplies have been coming in, I have been pulling aside what we will need for the inks and I have already begun making some of them. With a little more help, I am sure we could finish the inks before dinner and the festivities begin, allowing them to steep for richer and more permanent colors. I have also made several styluses while you were gone; I used some the Silver Nails and some pieces of the harder woods, then fire hardened them. While I was making the styluses, I thought about tattooing a Trump image on a person... those who would be willing... never tried it before though... not exactly sure how well it would work... but in theory, it should.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've seen trump tattoos before. They tend to fall apart as skin recycles and grows. Its like tattoos on shapechangers. One shift and its easy to forget to shift colors in. Though....hmmmm I wonder.... You Amberites seems to be closer connected to your shapechange then mine were. None were skilled at it but after the repair all of you have it to some degree...."
He reaches out and grabs your wrist....looking closely at it.
"Hmm You can shapechange skin color....change nails, bone, facial structures... My shapechanging to animals is not as freeform.....If I could speak to Digan he would be who to ask.... If you drew the trump you wanted....Could you use it as a guide to shapeshift the trump into your skin? It wouldn't be inked, a matter of pigmentation, but you would still focus the forces as you created the design..... I know how to embed spells in tattoos...in theory...never needed them myself but I know other practitioners that do.. York high order sorcerers that embed sorcery spells in ink...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Take a closer look, Fort. I can also take on Animal and Demon Forms, add body parts like wings or extra limbs, and alter body parts.... though I am no Advanced Shape Shifter like many of those in the Courts, I do have more Shape Shifting ability than most Amberites. If I were to focus on my Shape Shifting Abilities and continually remind my body, for a period of time, that the Tattoo is part of my body and not to reject or get rid of it, it would remain a part of me until I decided to rid myself of it. It's rather like conditioned muscle responses; once the conditioning is in place the rest is automatic."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I can see. but the ink is still a foriegn substance the body shuffles off epidermis around....hmmm something for the future. I have people stretchng dragon and Vig skin for maps and trumps. we can start on them a soon as we have something to put on them. I;ll set out tomorrow morning. We have guests arriving.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Guests? Oh my. I hope the hors d'oeuvres are ready." Realmer chuckles as he casually looks around.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The day to day stuff seems to have established the other armies to some degree. There seems to be a plan for the first week. lets sort of a month plan to get thing rolling.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer's Plan for the next month:
Establish a Long Term Plan & Doctrines for the Amber Army to follow, so that as Command changes we can all maintain standard operating procedures and remain focused on our short and long term objectives. This needs to be completed and established BEFORE we break camp. (some of what is listed below will be part of the Long Term Plan & Doctrines)
After the first week of surveying, mapping and prepping are done, we will break camp. We will send out Scouting Teams both in the air and on the ground and work our way north through the forest, identifying all the food spots, gathering what provender we can, and marking them on our maps. We will also be making Trumps of each place to take with us and semi-permanent Trumps left at each previous place once the next one is found. The Army will continue to travel north through the forest as far as we can feasibly go before we must turn (East? West?) to make our way towards our destination at the end of the year.
Continue surveying and mapping as we move. Continue the Magic training where time allows. Begin and continue cross training all soldiers in the skills they can train each other in. Continue to search for caches. Keep watch on the other Armies' movements. Make contact with other Armies for trade of supplies and information. Maintain daily and weekly reports to/from all Commanders and Advisors within our Army and with Allied Armies. Maintain a flow of information to the troops to help keep them informed enough so that they know what is going on and so if they must assume Command or are assigned Command, they will already have in idea of the situation and what to do. Maintain daily and weekly activities to boost Morale and increase Camaraderie; singing, shared stories, minor events at camp, etc.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
This is the result of the aerial surveillance after a week. It shows the remnants of a large battle the horseman fought in the south and ht Kzin in the north. It shows the Orc battle and sight of the melon patch and the vig cherry battle. And 4 currently active battle zones of the clans.


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The aerial observation showed at least 4 spots the clans had had major fights but they were seen later in the week and just showed dead and burns. The horseman in the south had a major fight lasting several days and seemed evenly matched. In the north the Kzin had broken the heavy forest, crossed the rolling hills and fought a heavily armed foot force and seemed to have destroyed them. Recon said they were feeding after the battle.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the first week comes to a close and all prepare to breakdown camp for travel, Realmer calls all soldiers of the Amber Army into Formation in the center of Amber's Camp for a Speech/ Announcement. He uses his Shape Shifting to Alter his Voice Box to allow his voice to project further and be heard more clearly at a distance without having to 'yell' or 'scream' at the top of his lungs or use Magic to be heard by all.
“Soldiers of Amber!!! We have had a good week! And the month ahead looks promising! We have all worked well together within our own ranks. And with those of the other Armies. Our TEAMWORK is what has gotten us here. We have ALL done well! I am sure all of us, as soldiers and commanders, would like that to continue. Am I right?!”
He pauses for a moment for those who might vocally approve, as soldiers do.
“Excellent!!! I thought so! And do you know how we achieved that level of teamwork!? By forgetting who we were, outside this place, for the last 9 years!”
Realmer gives them all a couple of moments to let that sink in.... then continues.
“Regardless of our respective Heredity, Titles, Allegiances and Loyalties outside this place... HERE, on Adledross, we are ALL just soldiers in an army. All that matters in this place NOW, is what we do here for the next year. Anything outside this place that has come before or comes after, has no bearing in HERE. Who we ARE or WERE outside this place does not matter in HERE. We are NOT of Amber or Tosia... Kashfa or Begma... or any other of a dozen places while we are in HERE. WE are an Army of Soldiers that MUST work together, WITHOUT Ego or Self Centeredness, if WE are to survive, thrive and be VICTORIOUS over this place. So WE can pass the Test that those who run this place have put before US. And though, those who run this place may have control over who is in Command at any given time, WE, the Soldiers, the Army, are in control of what WE do and HOW we do it. Though they set some of the parameters and some of the goals, it is US that must achieve those goals within their parameters by setting OUR OWN parameters for achieving OUR OWN Goals along the way. The MOST important thing WE must ALL learn here and practice here, according to those who run this place, is to WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM. It IS what has gotten ALL of US here, so far.”
Another short pause.
“Our Goal is NOT to get to the Destination first. Our Goal is NOT to destroy every Enemy Force we encounter NOR to evade them. Our Goal, short and long term, IS to always work together as a team, a company, a cohort, an army, a group of armies, to achieve common goals and victories over this place. Our Goal IS to always share knowledge and experiences with fellow soldiers and to form bonds of Camaraderie that span our differences outside this place. Our Goal IS to teach our fellow soldiers what we know and learn from them what they know. Our Goal IS to leave this place Victorious, with ALL of our memories, knowledge and experiences of what we have learned here INTACT, so we can ALL be better Soldiers, better Leaders, better people.”
And again, another short pause.
“To that end, WE will be setting forth Doctrines to establish Standard Operating & Command Procedures, Long and Short Term Goals, Rules of Engagement, Rules of Behavior and appropriate Punishments for Infringements, should they occur. These Doctrines will be written down for ALL to read. These Doctrines will be established by ALL of US. Regardless of your current rank, you are free to suggest additions which will be discussed and added based on how it can improve upon what WE already want to accomplish and how WE want to accomplish it. Once all Doctrines have been agreed upon and set, ALL soldiers of the Amber Army, including ALL current commanders, will read it and mark it in your own blood to make it binding for ONE and ALL.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[a few suggestions to add to what was posted above for the month plan and what ever we add later]
Never Raid the Camps of the other 4 Armies sent here for Training/Testing.
Raiding of other Armies Camps is restricted to Enemy Forces ONLY.
Non-Combatants and Non-Hostiles will be treated with dignity and respect and will NEVER be attached or raided.
Sexual Fraternization with anyone MUST be Consensual. Sexual Fraternization with non-Amber Soldiers is permitted, but care must be taken in these situations and a Commander should be consulted in each case.
Always maintain good relations with those Armies and Commanders you can, even if they are not Allied Forces.
Maintain cooperation and information flow amongst Commanders and Troops alike.
Do not destroy crops or orchards or wild food patches once we have taken what we need.
The use of Massively Destructive Forces used against Enemy Forces that could affect the environment or terrain, thus affecting our Army, must be used only in the most dire of situations and when all other options have been exhausted.
The Use of Torture against Enemy Combatants as a form of Interrogation to gain Information is highly restricted and should only be used when all other information resources have been exhausted.
The Use of Torture against non-combatants and non-hostiles as a form of Interrogation to gain Information is FORBIDDEN.
The taking of Prisoners of War is highly restricted and will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Command.