Blackbog Keep

[Mr_Praetorian]

"Defensive probing, no less. I certainly hope our allies are making good use of the 'calm before the storm.'
Well, if there are no further updates, I must return to the training grounds; rotation 3 is most likely waiting for me." He said, rising to hit feat.

[Zanaikin]

[Squall255]

Ulrich spends the day researching and reviewing Dispelling techniques, as well as making sure that the soldiers know that he is available for private conversations if they have any questions about their faith, the church, or the Gods. He will also hold a short (Read 10 min) sermon this evening for those who wish to attend. Ulrich stresses the fact that these events are completely voluntary, and attendance will neither reflect upon the soldiers, nor even be recorded.

[TheDude51]

In between his retraining, Dmitri is going to start having his meals with groups of Misalen officers, being interesting, engaging, and funny, and generally friendly. Basically making an effort to develop connections and friendships.

[Mr_Praetorian]

On the second day of said conversations...
Derovarr entered the dining hall in the officers section, lesser men (or, rather, ones without belts of strength) would have collapsed from exhaustion by now, but, Derovarr figured that if he had once mastered the ways of the Stone Dragon, then surely he could handle his own training regime. Though his ring of sustenance removed the need for food or drink, he had nonetheless determined that the hard-knocks from rotation 5 had earned him a mug of ale. As he stepped into the room, literally dripping in sweat, his eyes were immediately drawn to a table at the far end of the room, where Dmitri was "entertaining" a few officers. The first thought he had was to clear the room and set Dmitri straight, but he figured that such a strategy was not the best fit for someone with training in espionage. So, instead, he decided to be "cordial".
"Well, well, well. Commander Revmiren. I didn't expect to see you here." he said, sitting down at the table between two other commanders.

[Zanaikin]

(10:32:29 PM) judson256 entered the room.
(10:32:29 PM) theonecag entered the room.
(10:32:29 PM) Zanaikin entered the room.
(10:32:41 PM) theonecag: "Well, well, well. Commander Revmiren. I didn't expect to see you here." he said, sitting down at the table between two other commanders.
(10:33:58 PM) judson256: "Captain! Good to see you here. Here, sit down. How's the new training program going?"
(10:34:34 PM) theonecag: "Spectacularly. The finest troops in Penthiae will become yet, even finer."
(10:37:16 PM) theonecag left the room.
(10:39:07 PM) theonecag entered the room.
(10:39:15 PM) theonecag: "Well, well, well. Commander Revmiren. I didn't expect to see you here." he said, sitting down at the table between two other commanders.
(10:39:23 PM) theonecag: ((?))
(10:39:30 PM) judson256: "Captain! Good to see you here. Here, sit down. How's the new training program going?"
(10:40:02 PM) theonecag: "Spectacular. The finest troops in Penthiae will be come yet finer."
(10:41:37 PM) judson256: "Good to hear. We will need all our prowess in the days to come."
(10:41:57 PM) theonecag: "Indeed we will."
(10:43:13 PM) theonecag: "Good to see that you're lightening up a bit. I was rather worried during our exit from Trelling." he replied, giving him a steely gaze as he looked up from his mug.
(10:47:37 PM) judson256: "I know! I'm actually enjoying it here. Its nice to be able to focus on myself rather than trying to lead an army...
(10:49:17 PM) judson256: I'm sure that will change once we get into combat though, so I'm trying to relax here as much as possible before we get sent into the front lines."
(10:49:19 PM) theonecag left the room.

(Cag's campus has lost their internets... will attempt to restart chat later)

[TheDude51]

theonecag
9:33
"That's good to hear. I was beginning to worry."
Judson Kempton
9:33
"Indeed. Here, sit down and join us. ((Dmitri turns back to the officers and continues the story he was telling)) So, anyway, there I was [etc]"

theonecag
9:33
"Surely you remember that little fuss with the fire blast."
"Or, whatever that spell is called."
"There really are too many fire spells."
Judson Kempton
9:38
"Of course. Your men had quite a rough time in Trelling. Hopefully there aren't any Norinth infiltrators hanging around Blackbog."

theonecag
9:39
"Well, we do have two Citadel Elite, who are surely keeping their eyes open."
Judson Kempton
9:39
"
"Ah yes, Teodor. Yes, I'm sure he is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of Norinth infiltrations."

theonecag
9:41
"He seems to know a considerable amount about the weapon schematics of the Terrans. I have more than a feeling that such knowledge will prove useful."
Judson Kempton
9:45
"Any information could be helpful. I'm sure you are incorporating that into your training regimen."

theonecag
9:45
"It certainly should."
"Well, I should go get ready for the next block." he said, rising and downing his ale.
Judson Kempton
9:47
"Have fun."

theonecag
9:47
"That I will." he replied, stepping out.

((And we are ready for updates))

((Finally))

[Zanaikin]

[Mr_Praetorian]

Special Note: When training reaches the two week point, will begin working on a slightly modified regimen (though they will still do most of their training with their comrades). The modified regimen, known the as Charge-Breaker program, is intended to further enhance the effectiveness of counter charge maneuvers. The applicants selected will begin retraining with this focus in mind (read: Commentary Collision). Those not selected will be trained to take advantage of the break created by the others. Selected: 50% of the heavy infantry.

The purpose of this program follows the philosophy of instilling a sense of tactical mobility by giving a line waiting to meet a charge an alternative to simply standing there and "taking it", and also to create an effective 1-2 counter to any charge against the line. Those not selected will be trained to look for, and react to opportunities created by the break.

This initial bit of training shall last exactly 1 week, and will be no less intense than the regular regimen. After that week has elapsed, the normal regimen shall resume for a week period before switching back, and so on, and so forth.

[Zanaikin]

also, Kharvan command will 'hint' to Dmitri and Teodor if they could somehow suggest to or push for the Misalinians towards taking the "Imperial Outpost Near Klykov" mission soon, because they could really use that information.

[Mr_Praetorian]

((To save everyone some time.))

On the Morning of May 3rd, Derovarr calls a meeting of commanders...

"Ladies, gentlemen, comrades. As useful as this time we have been granted to retrain, re-equip, and generally ready ourselves for the many great battles to come. I believe that it is time that we begin to look to our allies who are not so fortunate. Granted that we may not be ready to attempt any large attacks, I believe that there is at least one option we have.

As we all know, the Terrans have been up to something in Archeronian territory near Klykov. Based on what we have been told, the Imperium is constructing some sort of fortress or redoubt under some sort of cloaking screen, that requires almost direct confrontation in order to breach. As the Archeronians are currently far too strained to send a proper attack force, for the time being, anyway, we have been asked to launch a probing strike into the encampment to test their capabilities.

Obviously, this action will not go unnoticed by the Imperium, who, apparently believe us to still be pondering their offer. So, let's be sure we're as ready for them as we can be before we head out. Jens, we must speak later, for think it may be possible for you to help us out with our defenses.

So, perhaps we should begin what information that we possess?" Derovarr said, looking at Dmitri, expecting him to know something.

[Zanaikin]

Kovis: "That's the problem actually, we have no information. Forget its size, forces, or whatever, we do not even know its exact location. The Archeronians could only give us a general region of where it may be hidden."

[Laharl]

"I'm aware my credibility has suffered of late. That said, it seems fairly obvious that we need to get some actual intel on this place before we do anything. We do have at least two other experienced operatives here who you all probably trust a little more than me. One of them is even Kharvan."

[Mr_Praetorian]

"Well, then I believe the time to call upon yours and Dmitri's skills in covert-ops. Before we stage a large scale strike, we'll need to know what to expect, and where to find the blasted thing in the first.

Therefore, I propose moving a strike squad into the general area. Our two operatives will then begin the stealthily scout the area. The rest of the strike force will stay on call from afar in case either of the two run into trouble. It's not that I doubt your capabilities, gentlemen. But, rather, that I would rather not underestimate those of our enemies.:

[TheDude51]

"Theres really no need to move a strike force into the area. With teleportation, they can strike just as quickly from the safety of Blackbog Keep, and it would be best to minimize our exposure to the enemy in that area.

As soon as I can get my spellbook straightened out and scribe a couple appropriate spells, I will be able to scout out a good area relatively quickly."