Blackbog Keep

[Mr_Praetorian]

Derovarr couldn't help but roll his eyes (no sense motive roll) when Ulrich began rambling on about the Gods this, and prayers that, and was quick to pick up after him. "If this is true, and Konstantin is planning such maneuvers, then we have all the reason in the world not to declare total war of Norinthians. The last thing we would want is for the Archeronian's to appear as bright ray of hope after we're done blasting through their civilization."

[Zanaikin]

Aelisar: "As if the Archeronians haven't declared some version or another of total war. Their Citadels in Norinth are hardly any better than the Shadow Raiders lurking amongst alliance nations. However, as I've said Konstantin has yet to show any actions towards such a goal, I simply wanted to give you all a warning thus if he starts down such a path, we could pick up the signs of it early."

...and with that the Airindalians turned to leave... by opening a window and starting to shift into the immaterial selves of Wind Walk form, while casting Superior Invisibilities amongst themselves.

Aelisar: "I shall see you all again on the night of the 24th. Good luck until then."

[Zanaikin]

On the morning of May 22nd, a gnome officer came through the teleportation keep. Lenneth called down the major officers within Blackbog, and after gathering in the courtyard, everyone could notice that by now a small army of golem armored warforged was now pouring through. Most of the guards and officers were becoming tense now, but Lenneth seems surprisingly relaxed in the whole situation.

Two hundred warforged marched through the teleportation keep, lined up into files, and then unmounted from their golem armor, leaving the large mithral suits empty and motionless in the courtyard. The warforged then left in neat columns. The gnome envoy? he has long vanished.

Lenneth: "Well, our order came, faster than I thought too. I decided to change the orders somewhat from Derovarr's original proposal when I was submitting it, after Glorard kindly reminded me that we should be able to knock down the price of individual suits considerably if we purchased in large quantities, given the Naralanian's expertise in mass production. Thus I placed this enormous order. The first 40 units of Mithral Golem Armor and full power Grenade Launchers steadily went down in costs, averaging at about 27% of the gnomes' standard price. The 160 units after that? paid for at only 5% of normal costs. The total prices comes out to about 21 million. Since we had no other serious thoughts at the time and it is obvious that our heavy infantry will be used as the center of any battle line, I figure they needed all the equipment necessary, and under all likelihood the Naralanians will extend us more aid should we prove successful with these. Furthermore, we've worked a deal that any Mithral Golem Armor suits we purchase from them starting now will only be charged at 5% cost."

Kovis: "How did they finish it so fast though?"

Kilar: "Skorlungaer hurt their warforged production and training badly, and Naralan now has an excess of equipment with a lack of soldiers to use them. It'll take them a few weeks to redistribute their resources to balance the production of troops and equipment. These... were originally to be equipped to those warforged still training in Skorlungaer when the Imperial attack hit."

Lenneth: "Derovarr, Cary, you two will be responsible on training the troops how to use these, seeing as both of you have had experience with them already. I'd like all three of our heavy infantry companies trained for these units. I think we should be able to work out an arrangement with the Naralanians on acquiring another hundred before the start of the Western Campaign. In the meantime? simply claim that those who perform the finest shall be granted use of these... that'll give the troops some additional incentive to train hard."

(note: yes Cary got a Mithral Golem Armor suit after Derovarr's success with it in Skorlungaer, you've all seen her practicing with it every so while recently)

EDIT: (Golem Armor page updated, more costly... but with built in flyspeed. Drew: if your Golem Armor was enhanced via the standard fly spell, you'll have the same speed there. I forgot there was a built-in all-speed enhancer in the golem armor).

[Mr_Praetorian]

Derovarr sees to it that all rotations of the training regime allow time for the soldiers to train with the armor, and pays close attention to who excels the best while operating one.

[Squall255]

"Haha, let's see the Norinthers try and dispel our troops through these things! And most should have sufficient casting to heal themselves in dire circumstances. I see great promise here. Good luck with the troops Sir Derrovar and Lady Cary." Ulrich states, looking upon the spectacle with what could only be described as hope and amazement.
To Osmund: "Think of it Osmund! How much harder will it be for the enemy to harm our troops! We are becoming more and more self sufficient. It warms my heart to think of all the injuries that will no longer occour thanks to these suits of armor."

[Zanaikin]

[Mr_Praetorian]

On the eve of the 23rd, Derovarr sends a message to all of the commanders and Noncoms that help him run the training program:

Comrades, I regret to inform you that I will not be participating in the training program for the next few days, as I have other duties, both personal and military to attend to. But this message pertains not to my role in the training, but to the importance of the program itself. It has probably occurred to many of you that a new campaign will soon begin. I cannot say much, nor do I wish to cast the proverbial "haste" on the rumor mill, but war is indeed upon us, and, our soldiers must be ready. Combat action draws nigh, and it is possible that I may fall in battle, so, I thought it necessary to impart the following orders.

For the next two weeks, the difficulty and intensity of the training is to be doubled. Many will complain, but, I, as well as many of you, have noticed that some of those who are more adept to the training have been giving up their off guard time to participate in multiple rotations. If this is the case, then those who are doing so are ready to take it to the next level, and we will capitalize on that. I realize that many will complain, but, when we are sweeping our enemies from the field, I doubt there will be much to complain about.

Furthermore, keep an eye on those who continue to succeed beyond the level of their comrades. At the official start of the new campaign, I would like to form the top 50 who have excelled the most into a "Captain's Company", to honor the success of the program, the Guard, and its leaders. Those selected must not only excel in physical fitness, but also have a strong grasp of tactics, and the willingness and ability to lead. In my eyes, the soldiers we train now are the best of the best, so, these warriors must be the best of the best, of the best.

Gods willing, this letter will be for nought, and I shall make my return to the rotations within the next few days.

Honor in Battle, and Glory in Death,
Sir Derovarr Rothwyn

P.S. Don't skip out on training with the Golem Armor. By our commander's mandate, they must be integrated with our tactics as soon as possible.

[Mr_Praetorian]

At the Funeral for Lenneth and her kin...

"Comrades. Warriors of what is good, and right, and just. It is by virtue of a dire incident, that we must mar what should be a time of triumph and celebration with the funeral and veneration of one so righteous. Though our allied force was great enough to destroy our target objective, a massive teleportation device that would allow our enemies to bring in an unprecedented amount of re-enforcements, it was not without casualties. Among them, our great commander, Lenneth Tiriel.

She fought bravely and valiantly through the opening of our swift but brutal raid, but, regrettably, she was struck down by a villainous creature. One that, being a an empty shell of what was a man, clearly had no concept of honor, and so felled with the help of his vile allies.

Thus, the darkening of our predicament..." Derovarr said, looking around, before resuming.

"But, my comrades, the time for mourning must be short. For we shall not mourn one who has fought as bravely as Lady Tiriel and her kin. We shall not spend the next hours casting our heads down in a display of defeat and shame, nor shall we spend any. We will remember and honor her, like all those others who have fallen in the this Great Crusade. We walk away from here with our heads held high, ready to brave whatever challenges we must, as our fathers, mothers, and ancestors have done before us.

In it is these days that common folk and citizens across this great land will look for champions, both amongst them, and from afar. It will be in these days that we shall face challenges both horrific and daunting. It will be in these days, that the true mettle and prowess of the Guard will be tried. But, we will persevere...

Our banner's shall rise, our armor shall shine like the noon-day sun, and our blades will sing the names of our fallen comrades, as we emerge proudly upon the many battlefields to come. In blood, the unjust deaths of our heros, citizens, and allies shall be repaid.

The shadow of Norinth and the Imperium has grown thick over these lands. But, the light will cast out the shadow, and, as it has always been, it shall be our torches that carry that light!" Derovarr finished, raising his fist into the air.

[Squall255]

Ulrich presides of Lenneth's ceremony, offering this as a Eulogy:
“We are gathered here today not to mourn the loss of the great General Tiriel. That would give too much satisfaction to those who saw her taken from us. We are here to celebrate her return to those whom she worshiped, and those that we worship. For it is by Pelor’s grace and Heironeous’s will that that she has passed from this realm. She has been risen on high in Celestia to aid our patrons in their war against the Abyss, and needed someone of her amazing cunning and power to aid them. Let the Norinthers think they slew our general. We shall know the truth. She has but risen to heaven to fight alongside the angels as one of their own. Do not despair for our sakes either. Lord Pelor knows our limits. He knows what we are able to do. His power is great and would not force us to fight a losing battle. We CAN still fight, and we WILL win this battle. So do not have negative thoughts, for today, today we celebrate Commander Lenneth’s glory at being brought closer to our gods. She was a leader who was loyal to her men and her country. She had a cunning that surpassed all that Norinth could throw at her, and he skill with a blade was unmatched even in unfair circumstances. We were truly honored to have known her. “Honor thy dead, but do not mourn. To mourn is to cast a shadow on the soul of the departed, and to weigh their heart with a mortal burden.” Rejoice in Pelor, and prepare to meet what Heironeous has deemed we face on our own. The Gods help those who help themselves. Offer up your training to Heironeous and he shall guide your blade in battle, and offer yourself to Pelor and he shall mend your wounds and cleanse your mind, as they have done for Lady Tiriel."

[Zanaikin]

[Mr_Praetorian]

Derovarr took a long time reading the letter, which was obviously just as heart-wrenching. After he finished, he sat the letter down, and closed his eyes for a moment. None could be sure whether he was in deep or thought, or merely trying to hold back tears. But, slowly his eyes opened, and his posture returned to that bolt-upright position that he was known for. After staring straight ahead for a moment, with a stern look, his face eased into light, albeit comfortable smile. He looked over to first Kovis, and then Cary, before finally speaking.

"So it shall be."

[Zanaikin]

[Laharl]

Teodor calls a meeting for the next night, telling no one what the purpose is. After everyone arrives and is seated, he begins pacing across the room as he speaks.

"I suppose you're all wondering why I've called you here tonight. At Trelling, I believe you have all had a run in with a certain blue orc chieftain. Now, I have here in my hand a map detailing the location of a blue orc hideout that I have reason to believe is where that very same chieftain is holed up. So, are you guys up for a little revenge?"

[Mr_Praetorian]

Derovarr looked obviously intrigued (no sense motive necessary) at the idea of hunting down this foe.

"Interesting proposal. May I inquire as to where you uncovered such a map, and, also, why taking down such a foe would interest you?"

[Laharl]

"Well, I...acquired the map from an...acquaintance back in Norinth several months ago and it's sat at the bottom of my bag ever since. An intelligence officer never reveals his sources, you see. As to why I'd be interested...let's just say I'm not a huge fan of the Fens or any of its denizens and leave it at that, shall we?"