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Post by Oya on Apr 14, 2015 22:11:22 GMT -6
Here Oya was once more invading Sacae. It was three months since the City of Heroes and Oya was leading another armed force back into Sacae. This time however he was flying the banner of Inquisition. Swiftly after the conclusion of the Battle Nya made a deal with the holy nation. Her loss in the plains left her fleets vulnerable to other pirate groups and by allying with the greatest sea power in the Western isles she secured her little. Island. Oya however had connections to the Inquisition by blood. Willow, his beautiful wife, was a member of the church and her father a prominent member no less. Since Oya married Willow he was moved into the family line as his son, which open the door for him to receive his command. Still Oya was a pirate and as a result the prophet needed solid proof of his loyalty. To prove it Oya sent him Xigshaw, the holy hammer. Giving up such a powerful magic tool without hesitation was the perfect symbol of Loyalty. Oya gained his command and once more he was going to bring the plague of war.
"So are we ready to move out", spoke Oya as he walked through the streets of Taras. During that time Oya's stay in the city he had smuggled in hundreds of fresh horses. The cost of there feed and the space they took up made the city cringe under the pressure, but it was all soon going to pay off. Swiftly following behind the warrior as he inspect the mounts and supplies was Tomas. Oya could not leave his old friend behind. Tomas was worth a thousand pirates as his skill with command and order kept everyone in line. Some people did not like the idea of taking orders from a kid, as they would call Oya, or a dirty pirate. However with Tomas at the helm those complaints never reached Oya or from behind ones lips for that matter.
"Everything is checked and ready to go", spoke Tomas as he looked at a clip board filled with marks. The Sniper had made sure to check everything himself twice this morning. He was not going to make any errors for this assault. He remembered the City of Heroes well, and how him and Oya nearly toppled the walls and took the city. He was not going to let that failure happen twice. They were going to win and push the saceans aside. They would know fear once again.
"Tomas send words for the commanders and give the order for everyone to prepare to mobilize", spoke Oya. The man gave a nod and moved to his task. The warrior however had something else to take care of. From a case located in a sealed box Oya removed his secret weapon for this war. It was an axe, but not just any axe. It was Hargus axe. A dark power radiated from its edges. One would think that Hargus was still alive the way his weapon pulsated with dark energies. Elder Magic, Oya always wanted to study this as a boy and now he held a weapon that practically spewed it from its tips. Still a single axe was only so powerful. However it would serve as a strong symbol and would eat away at the courage of the sacean swordsmen who would undoubtedly stand in his way.
"Carmichal", spoke Oya as he walked into the room they were using as a war council chamber. On the table was a map marked with two locations. The first was the fortess, New Salvation point, Oya called it. The second was the position of the first. Oya had plans to retake it and use it as a launching ground for future attacks in the region. However he first needed a true base of opperations in sacae till they built a suitable dwelling.That is what New Salvation point was for. "Carmichal", spoke Oya again as he searched for the burly man.
Outside the window the soldiers were preparing to ride. A few scouts shot off ahead of the group and began scouting the plains ahead. The rest were awaiting the orders from there commanders and a speech Oya was suppose to give.
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Post by Willow on Apr 16, 2015 10:20:20 GMT -6
"Oya, dear." The Valkyrie walked into the council room, her Luce and Light hanging from her belt, and her Heal staff gently clinking. Her light blue hair was swept back into a bun, and her eyes glowed gently with a pure and holy aura as she embraced her husband, giving him a quick kiss and ruffling his hair. "You've got a speech to give, Oya. You can't let the men down. They're all depending on you. They trust you. You are their hero and their role model. You are a Warrior worth envying, and I hope you'll always know that I have your back. I love you, Oya, and I'll never desert you. Together we will overcome the hordes of Sacaean brutes. We shall fight for Elimine, for her Church and her Country. Righteousness takes the field with us, and so we shall defeat the heathens and emerge victorious. You… Commander Oya… You shall lead us to victory.” The Valkyrie smiled and gave Oya one more hug. ”But in all seriousness, Oya. You have done well in my family’s eyes… But I’m worried. Without Xigshaw’s power to aid you… We must be more careful. I don’t want you to get hurt. We shall advance quickly, but those infernal nomads fight hard. We must stay cautious. We have enough troops, so we need to cycle them. You probably have that figured out. I’ll cycle the healers I was able to ‘enlist’ from the Church. We have good force, but you’re my husband, and I don’t want you to get so much as a scratch…”
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Dietrich Landrik
Mercenary
GAZE AT MEIN ROLLED SLEEVES, NOOBKOPF
Posts: 81
Sacae Fame: -1
Western Isles Fame: 1
Profession: Mercenary Marine
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Profile - Journal
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Dietrich Landrik on Apr 16, 2015 15:24:49 GMT -6
Approaching from the mercenary staging grounds, a helmeted swordsman in a drab, yet clean appearance of his simple uniform walked in. As others from Nya's forces, he also wore the distinctive Etrurian tri-color armband on his arm and a ribbon that bound around his helmet for identification purposes. The three colors of White, Gold, and Black also had the Holy Symbol of St. Elimine on it. Upon entering the pleasant townhouse they had requisitioned for their war council, the man shed his sword belt and helmet. He left it by the door with the owner's daughter who took his items from him and hung them on the coat rack. The house wasn't what one would expect for a council chamber, but they were here temporarily. On the plains of Sacae it would most likely be two tents facing one another.
The Adjutant was a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts. He had spent little time back at home to reassure his family that he was alive and well. He had little to give them and knew he would set out again. With Nya's Privateers being the only organized group and many of the men respecting him for his actions during the Siege, he had to move off again. Still, the time he had back at his home port was comforting almost like the old times with his previous shipping crew.
Putting aside nostalgic thoughts, the blonde haired man made his way up the wooden staircase with a newly purchased leather covered notebook. Opening the parlor door, he found quite easily that he was one of the first ones there - and rightly so. On his old ship there was a saying, "Fünf Minuten vor der Zeit, ist des Seemanns Pünktlichkeit." translating to "Five minutes before time is a sailor's punctuality."
With a salute upon his entry, he answered the commander's calls for "Carmichal". "He should be on his way, Commander." There was nothing inspiring nor expressive about his speech. It contained the dry and clean cut approach from years of paramilitary service on and off of the seas. Jaded wouldn't be the best term to describe it, but it certainly was something more than veteran.
Popping open his notebook he already took down the names of Oya, Tomas, and Willow, with whom he wasn't directly acquainted with other than her barking orders at him during the Siege. He could see how she was much of the strength behind Oya as the other saying went, "Any good man is supported by a great wife." Closing his notebook and taking a look at the map before the room would be undoubtedly crowded, he noticed a few key forts marked on the large map that stretched from Sacae all the way up towards the Ilian border. If the City of Heroes was any model, these forts would be not much more than glorified mud huts. Still, he couldn't let that allow himself to underestimate them. He couldn't forget the well aimed arrows and flurries of blades from the Sacaens.
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Post by Oya on Apr 20, 2015 15:49:12 GMT -6
"Come on Willow", spoke Oya as he took a seat on the desk. "I got along just fine without Xigshaw before and I don't really need it now. The Holy Axe was useful in battle, but it was kind of a crutch. I started to rely way too much on its power rather than my own." Oya then pulled out his new axe. The weapon he expected to win the war. It was none other than the axe of Hargus himself, the demon king. The axe gave off a evil aura and had a sinister look to it. The power of the monster bleed into the weapon and the personality of the blade mimicked his own. Though Oya would never tell Willow the weapon fascinated him. Oya had always had a fascination with elder magic, but he was never willing to pay the price to wield it. Now he had an axe with the same power. He could feel the neither energy pulsating off of it. With this weapon in his hand he could strike fear into the heart of the saceans and set himself up for greatness.
"With this weapon we can deal a psychological blow to the enemy, thought using it paints me in the same light as its original wielder. However I am determined to see this invasion as a success and turn this weapon from a image of evil to that of divine providence. Still with this weapon being connected to the Abyss and radiating elder magic I fear it might have a negative affect on me. Willow I am counting on you to watch me. If you see me acting strange or becoming too close with my weapon then take it from me. You know me best of all and can tell if something was off. After all you are my wife", spoke Oya as he walked over and gave the maiden a kiss. It was in that moment that he noticed Dietrick enter the room and the young commander's face turned red as a tomato.
"Dietrick", he spoke as he turned away and began move over to the map. The warrior tried to play off his embarrassment, but his face gave testament to his actions. As hard as Oya presented himself he was still weak to embarrassment. Public shows of affection were not really his thing, though he became more sensitive to it after the City of Heroes. A lot of things happen during that siege and some were best left unmentioned. "Right he will be here soon", spoke Oya.
After a few moments of waiting all the low officers had assembled. Oya was finally ready to lay out his plan and there marching orders. The truth of it all thought was that they already knew. Oya however wanted to go over it again. This was his first command in the holy army and his position of power was gained through unorthodox means. There were plenty of generals and old families in Etruria who thought that his position should have been theirs and would waste no time tearing him down if he failed. Oya remembered well the City of Heroes. When he failed to take the wall on the first day he was debunked to guarding the catapults. The shame and anger he felt that day would not happen again. This would be a success or Oya would die trying to make it.
"Alright lets go over the plan one more time to make it completely clear. I will lead the main unit of riders and rush to take the fortress that we have labeled New Salvation Point. According to our intel it is currently being held by a small band of brigands who will either be eliminated. While the main force captures our new command post the secondary force will move to retake Salvation Point. The fortress there was burned to the ground and as a result the second force will be forced to build a temporary encampment. After we strengthen our position in sacae we will fortify the position with stones.
"Sir. Emilien Rabin", will take command of the second unit."
"Naturally of course", spoke Emilien. Emilien was not one of Oya's men, nor was he a mercenary. He was a true Etrurian and had served in the holy army for half a decade. His family was very closely associated with the church and held prestige throughout the nation. It was also the Rabin's who aimed to control of this mission. They believed that Emilien should be leading it along side the finest the inquisition had to offer, and not the dirty pirate son that was Oya and his band of dirty cuthroats. However the prophet favored using the dirty band of cutthroats instead of his faithful army and thus Oya gained the command. Still eager for glory and Oya's position Emilien volunteered to join the campaign. With a strong family history and political power Oya had little room to deny. Taking the noble in Oya decided it would be best to throw the man a bone and let him command the second unit rather than place him in the main troop and cause him trouble.
"Tomas I want you to ride with him. You over saw our defenses during our last assault and as a result I want your expertise at Emilien's side." Part of that was true and a part was false. Oya did want Tomas on the job, because he could trust Tomas. Tomas knew what he was doing and would make sure there plans succeed. However there was a second reason he appointed him to the position. Tomas was loyal to him and he would inform him of anything Emilien did. Oya did not trust him. He half expected him to sabotage the campaign just to smug Oya's name. At the moment Oya was not representing himself or his mother. He was representing willow's family and he was not going to let them down.
"Everyone else you are with me", spoke Oya to the rest of his Low officers. Just in case of an emergency and I am not available Dietrick is in command", spoke Oya setting up a rank structure in case anything went wrong. Oya trusted Dietrick. He fought with him during the City of Heroes and showed great promise.
"Alright everyone get to your units and prepare to ride. I have a speech to make", spoke Oya as he leaned off the table and prepared himself. The weight of command was heavy, but Oya was sure he could bare the burden.
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Dietrich Landrik
Mercenary
GAZE AT MEIN ROLLED SLEEVES, NOOBKOPF
Posts: 81
Sacae Fame: -1
Western Isles Fame: 1
Profession: Mercenary Marine
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Profile - Journal
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Dietrich Landrik on Apr 21, 2015 15:10:57 GMT -6
There wasn't too much to write down in his notebook as for orders, but something ticking in the back of his mind as he looked at the Etrurian brass around him alerted him right away that this invasion was looking to be more combative in the political realm than the battlefield. He started to immediately and crudely sketch the faces of the men around him and jotted a few notes, leaving spaces for names save for Sir Emilien. It was rough times for the Etrurian nobility and that was no question once you stepped foot in the country. The general atmosphere was mixed, with those who still supported their nobility even if they outwardly expressed dismissal of the former King and those who wanted to see all of the classes abolished - usually the inexperienced youth or those that poured their life down the drain.
While Oya had complete control of this excursion deemed to be the "rotting house waiting to be kicked in", they were still out of place this far in-land. The privateers were trained for boarding ships, not walls of stone and especially not fighting out on the steppe. Yet their saving grace and quite possibly their greatest weakness was their size. While Oya had command of the Etrurian rank and file troops on the Operational level, the privateers only made up 1/11th the size of the invasion force. Nya must have strings that are both deep and strong.
Hearing his name called, Landrik stepped forward with his notebook and pencil to his side. He made sure to clear his thoughts so the piercing daggers of the men's eyes did not cut through him. He was his own self, no matter what title he had for now. While Nya's army had learned of his feats and respected him, these Etrurians knew little. By the end of campaign he did not need the officers to like him, but they would respect him. "Understood, Commander." Dietrich reported before he stepped backwards to where he was previously standing.
At the order of dismissal, Landrik stuck the pencil through the binding of the notebook and slipped it through the two straps that connected his pauldron to his armor. It was temporary until he got to his belt downstairs. The Officers started lightly chatting as they emptied the building. Landrik stood next to Oya for a moment and softly spoke to the orange-haired lad. "You will have to do much to win the hearts of these Etrurians. I used to be one and I know how betrayed they feel to have someone from the Isles to not only be in their army, but commanding them. Tread lightly, but bring the hammer down when needed." he offered his advice with mixed emotions. He also had to take Oya's age into consideration. All things given, he was unsure of the boy's future. Still, he had the energy and the guts. That alone made plenty of great leaders. "I'll be waiting with our boys." the marine departed with a salute, about-facing and walking down the stairs where he retrieved his equipment belt.
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Post by Willow on Apr 22, 2015 10:19:41 GMT -6
”The axe of Hargus… Great caution will have to be exercised when wielding such a fearsome and uncontrollable power. I will keep you safe, Oya. You just must remember that I am the voice of reason and of the real world. Do not become lost in your own mind. I will be here for you, but you must keep your mind open to the light.” As the meeting began, Willow looked carefully at the map and at the plan that would move their forces in. It was well-formed; they would take them by surprise and so be easily able to destroy the still-recovering Sacaean defenses. There would be no way a bandit army could remass so quickly, and so the opposition would not be expecting their force. After all, it was not every day that Etruria decided to rear up and attack. It would be a great victory for her family and her husband. Willow knew Emilien Rabin. He was well-known and respected, but the Valkyrie knew he most likely detested that he was subordinate to Oya, an unknown pirate from the Isles. Regardless of his feelings, though, Willow believed she could trust him to do his duty. There would be no room for dissent or contrasting opinions. All would fall into line, and the light of Etruria would shine over the heathen plains of Sacae. There would be blood spilled, but those who died would die either supporting the true Way or fighting for their heretic ways. Nothing would stop the Light. Elimine’s power would dazzle the Sacaean hordes.
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Post by Oya on Apr 26, 2015 17:54:53 GMT -6
Oya sat there for a moment, staring at the wall. It was almost time, time for him to deliver a speech. It was weird. Oya was always use to standing before plenty of people. He was the captain of his own ship and lead the forces in the fight against the City of Heroes. However this seemed different. These were not just Nya's pirates, it was a true invasion force. History would be watching. What he says today could be the words placed on his tombstone or the chat shouted by future generations. There was a lot ridding on this moment. Oya had to say the right thing, he had to pick the correct words. If his speech was bad then the campaign could be a disaster. The Nya pirates alliance with the holy nation was fragile as it is and to make things worse Willow's family was riding on his success. He married there only daughter and as a result it would make him the next man in there house. It was a heavy responsibility.
"Commander they are waiting for you", spoke Tomas as he walked in to get Oya. The moment of truth was now. Without a word to Tomas Oya walked out the room. His heart was racing and his palms sweating. A lot was riding on this moment and Oya needed it to be perfect. With Hargu's axe hanging from his side Oya walked out the room and stepped up onto the platform. As he looked up to make the final step he noticed the wolf flag flowing in the wind. The mark represented him well, the Wolf Clan, like there symbol have always been predators. There fangs sharp and there eyes a bloody crimson in the night. Just the very sight of it gave Oya courage as he stepped up on the platform to face the gathered army. Oya was a wolf, and not just a normal mut. Oya was a alpha and what did a alpha have to fear common mongrels.
"Alright listen up men", spoke Oya as he stepped up onto the platform. A calm came over him as he looked out amongst the crowd. It was just another raid, just another mission. History could go and @$^& itself. "This is it. The one moment in your lives you have all been waiting for. This is the moment to sezie everything you have ever wanted. Glory, power, riches, and fame, everything is in your grasp. All you have to do is go and take it. Today we invade Sacae. We march into the land of the crimson demon himself and carve out our own destiny. We will build our castles upon there graves, and let loss the plague of War. Glory to Eturia! Glory to the prophet! Glory to us all!"
As Oya walked off the stage he was followed by a roar of cheers and the sound of horses. Everyone moved to there places and prepared to ride. As commander of the force Oya naturally road a stallion and a white one no less. It made Oya stand out, which was bad in the case of an ambush, however it was needed if he was going to lead this band of sell swords. Not everyone knew who Oya was and in the heat of battle they did not have the time to think. Standing out was the way for your men to know how is commander and who is common mook. It was a unavoidable danger.
"Alright lets ride", shouted Oya as he sent his horse into a full gallop. The warrior rushed off and his forces followed swiftly from behind. Leaving the city was safe for Oya to lead from the front, but once they got into the plains he would move toward the center of the formation.
It was funny, now that Oya had time to think about it. He was once again invading sacae. The first time he attacked he tore a hole through the city of Heroes wall and killed a great number of him. He was pushed back, but deaths by his hands could never be replaced. If they were smart they would have killed Oya when they had the chance, right after he aided them in killing Hargus. The young pirate was clearly a threat. However they did not and Oya was once again bringing war onto there land. Back in Bern and now in sacae as well they were calling him a plague, or to more correct they were calling him The Orange Plague. The name fit as Oya brought only misery and ruin to whatever nation he was in. In Bern, he caused @%##. In sacae he brought the deaths of hundreds of defenders and aided in the end of Hargus himself. Everywhere Oya went he brought death and destruction. The young warrior prayed that this trend stayed only with his enemies. If this invasion was to fail Oya was sure that his head would soon follow. Either by the prophets axe or the Sacaen's blade.
"Still bloody fun", shouted Oya as he followed the path of there scouts. A wolfish grin crossed the young commanders face as he and his army rushed into war.
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Carmichal
Brigand
Booze is always an acceptable form of payment in my book.
Posts: 41
Profession: Mercenary
Affinity: Wind
Profile: Profile
OoC Alias: Marc
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Post by Carmichal on Apr 27, 2015 9:39:49 GMT -6
Waking up with a hangover was a common enough event for Carmichal, but that never made it more pleasant. This day was no different. Having finished a rather lengthy and unusual job in Lycia, the mercenary had found himself in the unusual situation of possessing money. This, of course, led to many rounds of drinks at the first tavern he could find and eventually turned into a trek that deposited him at the Lycian border with Etruria. Normally, this would have been where he would have turned around, the holy nation being a place he wasn’t rather fond of. However, as he had approached the border, a man had called him over and offered him a job he simply couldn’t refuse. As it would turn out, Etruria was planning an invasion and they needed men. Carmichal was no soldier, but the sheer amount of gold offered was too much for him to pass up. He had accepted the offer and had been quickly escorted across the border and to the city of Taras, now under lockdown in anticipation of the invasion. Unable to leave the city, the mercenary again took to drinking.
Which brought him to his current situation. The sounds of commotion had woken him from his sleep and, as he had risen from his bed, a splitting headache had almost put him back down. He pushed through it. The invasion was to begin today and he needed to be present if he was going to earn his pay. He would need it after having spent most of his previous job’s money. Carmichal grabbed both of his axes from where he had lain them the previous night and made his way outside. The men had gathered in the city’s square and their leader, a pirate named Oya, was giving a speech. The mercenary only made it in time to catch the last few words of it, but the gathered soldiers seemed inspired by it as they let out a cheer. Carmichal himself stayed quiet, mostly to keep from making his headache worse. The crowd began to disperse, joining up with their units and mounting horses. The mercenary scanned the soldiers passing by and eventually found the man he was looking for, a fellow mercenary named Dietrich. Joining him at his side, he saluted lazily. “Reporting for duty,” he mumbled.
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Dietrich Landrik
Mercenary
GAZE AT MEIN ROLLED SLEEVES, NOOBKOPF
Posts: 81
Sacae Fame: -1
Western Isles Fame: 1
Profession: Mercenary Marine
Affinity: Thunder
Profile: Profile - Journal
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Dietrich Landrik on Apr 30, 2015 16:11:16 GMT -6
The flurry of movement sent Dietrich into ass-kicking mode. They were moving and anyone with a case of the "slows" got a good dose of boot. Clenching his sword with his left hand to keep it from knocking against his leg, the adjutant briskly walked from camp to camp getting anyone who thought they could catch up a harsh sense of reality. If the army was to perform as one, it was going to be Landrik to ensure that was the case. Quite a few times, the marine had to still his blade as the sheer levels of stupidity and waste permeated the air with some of the soldiers. Regardless, the train of men on the march formed and left on time - much to the surprise of some of the Etrurian leaders. His men didn't have to like him, but they would respect him.
This morning rout of the men out of Taras was exhausting as soon as the swordsman found his place at the head of the column. As his own small staff of messengers, Berg, Fuchs, and Keppler were right there alongside him.
Berg was a portly fellow with a sharp eye and a patient shot. One would expect a man of his build to be plated with armor or chucking axes, yet it just wasn't the way his mind worked. He was an excellent scout even if his weight would seem to dictate otherwise.
Fuchs was absolutely everything approaching normal and run-of-the-mill, yet that is where his strengths lied. He didn't attract attention on the battlefield and had a knack of not only being observant, but having the capabilities to fill in the cracks of any defense or even turn back an attack completely with his halberd. His personality is something of being incredibly soft-spoken with a monotone, yet a sharp wit that earns him a lot of his notice and respect.
Keppler is a veteran of multiple ship-to-ship combat excursions and was the true leadership in whipping Landrik, Berg, and Fuchs into shape when they were all part of the same crew over a year back. Yet even with this, he prefers Landrik to take the helm and help out when needed, much of it due to bouts of depression which is interjected with very merry times with his shipmates. With his sword and shield, he is much more powerful and full of gusto in comparison to the already stern Landrik. If not for their differences in appearance, one would swear they were brothers.
The adjutant, noticing their Carmichal rejoining the ranks, ticked him off a little. Not in a personally offended way, but one on the unit's honor and prestige. "Duty was four hours ago. Don't let it happen again." he sternly stated. That was it, however, he didn't plan to be on anyone's bad side. Business was business.
"Did you hear about what your position will be from Oya yet? I know he had been doing a lot of restructuring of Nya's privateers since our actions at the City of Heroes." he asked, wanting to change the subject.
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Post by Willow on Apr 30, 2015 21:58:19 GMT -6
The speech went well; Willow was very impressed with Oya's performance. Especially for one brought up without the benefit of education or culture. He spoke with the air of a haughty, rough noble - one who was loath to deal with 'dirty' matters, yet expertly versed in them. How interesting, considering that her husband's background was that of a common pirate.
Ah, it brought back memories... Her parents had been understandably shocked when she had announced her impending marriage to a pirate. But like all men, Mr. Ivy was moved by money, and the great promise that a group of mercenaries provided. After all, it was like having his own paramilitary navy. Not anyone could claim that they could add the full force of a pirate band to the Prophet's aims - and where Nya's Raiders lacked in ships, supplies, or manpower, they made up for it with the absence of any overt connection with Etruria. Any who crossed Etruria and her Prophet were a target of the Raiders, and no government could blame it on the great country of St. Elimine.
The men of this force were a strong bunch. She fancied them capable of the enterprise they had been assigned to. With the power of her light magic, the strength of her husband's dark axe, and the sheer number of their troops, it would be straightforward to capture their targets. She knew some of the men, and she was heartened to see that they would be reliable fighters. She remembered Landrik, Berg, and Fuchs... But there was a new one with them. She would have to see who that was. And there was a large man, who she was not familiar with. He looked a little tired, and seemed to be walking as if he was in discomfort. Hmm. She would treat him, if he needed anything.
Moving over to the group, Willow dismounted from Storm and looked the men over, nodding at Landrik and then taking her staff out of its holster on her belt. "Hello, Landrik. Who are your companions? I remember Berg and Fuchs, but these two are new to me. And the big man looks a bit ill."
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Post by Oya on May 3, 2015 20:26:18 GMT -6
On Oya's command the riders began to leave the city. The gate was large, but not large enough and as a result they had to leave four horses at a time. Oya took it upon himself to lead and rode out first. The light weight riders followed behind him at fast pace. There goal was simply to put some space between them and the city. Most of these men were low ranking officers who Oya had personally chose. They were good at organizing people and getting people in place. Before they moved into full gallop into sacae they needed to be in proper formation. The gate prevented that so once the other riders came through Oya and his officers would place everyone in there proper position.
As Oya's rampaging steed came to a halt he could see the army moving out behind him. The horses began to leave the gate in groups of four and as soon as they arrived the warren officers began to move them into place. The formation was simple, everyone was moved into four distinct columns. The first column was light carvery. There were men and women how have fought on horseback before and knew there way around a steed, but they wore light armor and moved quickly. They were the vangaurd of the force and there jobs were to intercept any clan or organize resistance that might be in there ways. The second column, which was in the middle for the formation was the supply wagons and horses ridden by people who did not really know how to fight on a steed. There job was to keep a eye on supplies and control the group. A great majority of the Eutrians volunteers were here as well. Keeping them near the supplies was not a wise decision, but Oya could not trust them anywhere else. He would of course have plenty of his key officers there to make sure nobody is sabotaging anything. On both the left and right flanks were horsemen of both light and heavy armor. They protected the sides in case of attack and were the heavy duty of the formation. They served as either office or defense depending on the situation. In the rear were the true heavy riders. This were the armored riders and horses rode. They protected the rear from sneak attack and served as reserves in case anything happened in the center.
As the formation began to pull together oya road off to visit some of his allies. He had heard Carmichal had finally showed up. Oya was a stickler for being on time and he was going to let the shirtless man know it. This was not a raid in the middle of nowhere, this was a invasion. Being late could cost them the campaign if they suffered a grievous loss. Still, Oya did not really thing he would have the chance to speak with the man. It would not take long for the formation to be in place and the moment it was Oya wanted to move. There best weapon would be surprises. A enemy that does not know you are there can not defend from you. Oya was not going to loss that element just to tell somebody they needed to be on time. There was a time and place for everything. Stopping midway Oya turned his horse around and rode to the front of where the march was going to begin. He watched as all the horses moved into place and everyone would soon be ready to ride.
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Post by Hugo on May 18, 2015 14:41:01 GMT -6
Pah. Stupid desk clerk. He was late for roll call on account of some faulty paperwork. Hugo managed to get to his post just in time to hear the Orange haired one speak about this invasion into Sacae. His mind recalled the mental list of acquaintances troublemakers, famous people. He knew of Oya and his affiliation with the Nya pirates. His uncle had butted heads with the matriarch once. It wasn't anything serious. According to his Etrurian relatives the Orange Plague as he was known, married into a respected house, and was leading this war out of both obligation and fun. Hugo did not care. He just wanted to get this invasion started. As the roar of the crowd reached its height Hugo quietly checked his belongings. His light armor was in place; his weapons were sharp, his quiver full, and his raccoon cap placed firmly on his head.
The warrior began to think on the task at hand. He fully hoped for this campaign to be one worthy of his talents. He had witnessed the destruction of Ostia and knew full well what Kraft was capable of. Part of him wondered what kind of madness the Prophet would instill on Sacae and its scattered people. The man sighed as he fell in line. Hugo was not in the army for glory. He simply wanted to do his job and send what was needed back to his family. If glory came with it so be it. Since, he was inexperienced with mounts his task was to look after the supply caravans. Not the most glamorous of professions in an army but it was one that was needed. Hugo could keep an eye on several wagons at once and launch an arrow quickly at anyone who appeared to sabotage the goods.
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Post by Willow on May 24, 2015 14:51:44 GMT -6
Willow finished her conversation with Landrik and company and moved off to another portion of the column. The sociable Valkyrie managed to spread good morale and smiles wherever she went, causing the men to laugh and whistle happily. She was satisfied; a content army was more likely to fight well than one preoccupied with the battles ahead. Fighting a war once was enough; no need to fight another one in your head.
As she made her way toward the rear, Willow noticed another man, who seemed to be aloof and was not celebrating, but instead checking through his supplies. It was a sign of a good soldier, one who was prepared, but Willow couldn't recall ever seeing this one before. But he seemed experienced, especially with the weapons he carried and the poise with which he held himself.
"Hello," Willow said, riding up alongside him and dismounting, extending a gloved hand to shake. "I am Willow, wife to Oya and one of the leaders of this operation. I am glad to have you with us, soldier. Pray tell, what is your name? While you look experienced and versed in battle, I do not recall ever having the pleasure of talking with you before. Rest assured, however, that men who serve well will be rewarded, not only by the minstrels and the bards, but also by the treasury. Your full service is all we can ask. And thus, if you give your full measure of devotion, you can count on ours. I will heal any wounds you might incur, and you will receive good gold for your efforts."
Willow smiled at the man. She hoped he would be sociable, and not one of those inconceivably awkward men who could fight like a born hero but couldn't speak for their life.
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Post by Oya on May 26, 2015 15:59:04 GMT -6
"Report", spoke Oya as his officers returned. The team gave him a positive and relayed the information that everything was a go. It was then that Oya gave the orders to ride. The warrior wanted to enter into Sacae as fast as they could and gain ground as soon as possible. The invasion was suppose to be a sneak attack and there was no greater aid in catching your opponent off guard than speed. Oya lead the way with his sprinting white steed as the other horses followed behind. It took a moment at first, but the entire army rushed off on horse back as they moved into the plains. The scouts Oya had sent out before had marked the way and made preparations for them to pass. There goal was to figure out the location of passing clans or geographical buffers and redirect the army to avoid and pass by them. Oya had the man power to take out any clan that engaged them, but the battle would slow them down and give all of sacae a warning to there arrival. By avoiding them altogether Oya and his forces can cut deep into the plains and gain a position before the plainsmen even realize they are there. After that he can worry about securing a supply route. It was unlikely the saceans could blockade them from receiving supplies from Eturia, especially with them trying to defend there own homeland. If push came to shove Oya's forces could always scavenge from the land. Sacae was plentiful and a good raid could feel a lot of men.
The first day was dull. There was a little skirmish between some of the scouts and a few sacaean horsemen, but there reinforcement quickly put a end to the riders before they could retreat and warn anyone. The main force was not even sighted as the scouts eliminated any threat before they caught up. By the end of the day the horses were exhausted and rightfully so. Oya and his men had ridden them all day and gave little opportunity for rest. As the sun began to set the army dismounted and began to set up camp. Oya was a stickler for Order and had given his officers specific orders on where and how the tents were suppose to be set up. The encampment was a uniform square shape and the tents were pitched in regular intervals. There were four paths that moved through the encampment. The first rand down the camp horizontally and the second vertically. Between the tents there was also enough space for a horse to ride and surrounding the entire encampment was a small trench. Guards were posted in shifts and meals were served on a strict scheduled. The first to eat was not the men, nor Oya, but rather the horses. After the horses were feed the soldiers and after the soldiers were the officers. Oya had specifically set this up as a way to prevent distention amongst his men. They got to eat first and feed the same food Oya and the officers ate. There was no quicker way to turn a army against you than to deny them a hardy meal.
"Alright we are less than two days away from our first target destination", spoke Oya in the war tent as he pointed to the map. There was a spot marked on the map where Sir Rabin was suppose to separate with the second force and head to the old salvation point. From there Oya and the rest of the army was suppose to assault the fort they had picked out for there new base of operation. The point of separation was a two days away and the fort was three. Oya had already discussed this with the officers this morning, but he was not going to let them forget. Everyone needed to know what they were doing and when if he wanted this mission to be a success. The truth of the matter however was that Oya was unsure. He had commanded forces on the sea and a small force at the city of Heroes, but never a land invasion. There was so many things that could go wrong and Oya was not going to have it on his head. The army was a day ride from the city and inside of enemy territory. They were on the enemy's turf, that meant a attack could come out of nowhere.
"Commander", spoke a scout as he walked into the war tent. He brought a report from the scouts that had a seal of urgency on it. Oya read over the information and a malicious smile crossed his face. "It seems that a small clan of sacaens have moved near out encampment. They are a hour away on horse back and have the potential to see our encampment." As Oya finished speaking he looked around the room at everyone gathered before him. "I don't think I need to say it, but this clan needs to be removed. We can not risk the alarm being raised on the first night. I need volunteers to form a assault team to ride out and whip out the enemy." Oya paused for a moment as he prepared himself for what he was about to say next. "However I do not simply want them killed. I want to make a example out of them. The first invasion of Sacae failed because they did not break the will of the plainsmen. Even with there superior military might and more advance military tactics they lost to the blades of a few armorless barbarians. However I have no intention of repeating history. I want to break the will of these savages and implant the flag of Eturia into the ground. So, by my order. Every man or woman who surrenders or dies by our hands will be skewered on a pike from there anus to there head and left out in the sun to rot. There will be no burial by earth or fire. If you can not take the sight of that then don't volunteer. This is war and war is brutal."
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Post by Hugo on May 27, 2015 9:19:22 GMT -6
Hugo continued with his business until a woman approached him. She was a fair woman with locks of light blue hair framing her face. He didn't know much of anyone in this company. Though Hugo was sure he had some members of his family scattered about within the ranks, but no knowledge as to where they could be. But this woman was neither a member of his blood family or any of the spouses. But he noticed wherever the Valkyrie went the others seemed to smile. They were happy. The poor fools had no idea how brutal this was was going to be. But yet this woman was there to ensure morale, which was a needed component for all armies.
This woman introduced herself as Willow. Now that was a name he knew. The same name as Oya's wife. As she continued to speak Hugo listened. She was Oya's wife. And one of the commanders of the army. His superior. So this is whom the Nya child married. Not bad. He was not in this army to look for a wife. But she was expecting him to be sociable. Which he obliged.
"Milady my name is Hugo. This is the second time I have answered Eturia's call to arms. The first time I was nothing more then a no name mercenary and was forced to flee during Ostia's seige. Though I hope this time it will be different." He paused. He did not like revealing his motives for joining the army. The prophet had his respect but not his devotion. Hugo was simply here as a working man. Meant to follow orders. To get paid. But, Willow was curious. And it would be rude or possibly disrespectful of him not to answer properly.
"My.. devotion is to my family. The gold I earn here will better serve them. Glory does not buy them a meal... but it is an added perk." He tried to give a bit of a smirk. His poor attempt at humor. He embellished the truth a little. Hugo's family wasn't poor. His family was actually pretty wealthy all things considered but they were very large. And they still needed gold. Gold paid for the feed and upkeep of the animals they raised.
"Excuse me Lady Willow." Hugo walked ahead and smacked the hand, with his large fist, of a greedy solider who was trying to take rations early.
"You will wait like the rest of us." He spoke in a commanding voice. The solider returned to his formation and Hugo to his. -
By the time the army finally stopped after the first day of marching Hugo was exhausted but he felt good. After he finished eating his meal he did a round around camp. Everything was organized. He liked it. Oya had shown intelligence by having the animals eat first, then he soldiers, then the commanding officers. This made sense and would lead to an overall happier army, which would lower the threat of mutiny. A messenger ran past him out on an errand. And things seemed to be going so smoothly. Which was to be expected on the first night on the campaign. Hugo adjusted his familiar hat and continued on his way through rounds.
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