Dragon's ambition

And we have winning vote:

-[X] You need to show them iron discipline and show them who is in charge now
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lwucnf4e
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lwucng6q
97 + 46 = 143
143 + 12 - 8 = 147

Upon your arrival at your regiment's camp, you gathered your soldiers on the training ground and began your introduction.

"Soldiers, I am Mordred le Fay, your new commander, I may be young but I have completed my training and become a member of the Order of Arcani. I also have a recommendation from the Grand Master of the order, I hope that together we will bring pride to the Empire and gain fame for ourselves."

However, your words did not attract the attention of your soldiers. During your introduction, they were still carrying on their conversations and did not listen to your words. One of them was even brave enough to laugh at you, showing complete disrespect to you. The officers also failed you by not even trying to maintain discipline among their men. When looking at them, they only looked away from you, not daring to look you in the eye.

The only respect you saw in these soldiers was due to their fear of being Arcani. You immediately understood that you would have to enforce obedience and respect with an iron fist and fear.

You quickly weave a spell that shot upwards, causing a loud bang, silencing all conversations and drawing everyone's attention to you. you took a deep breath and calmed down your anger and spoke up.

"I see that my new soldiers lack proper training, but don't worry because I'm going to change it, first those who lack discipline will be punished. Next, we will start exercises that will show you who your commander is and why I deserve respect."

Pointing to the soldier who was laughing during your speech, you gave the order:
"For him, for insulting the commander, 15 lashes, after the punishment, take him to a medic, during which time the rest of you will show me how you run in full equipment. Perform"

Your men stood speechless for a moment, but another boom from your weaving spell forced the officers to move. One of the commanders began to give orders and four of the soldiers he appointed grabbed his comrade and dragged him to the square. Still under the orders of their commander, they quickly prepared to administer the flogging, and after a moment screams of pain could be heard. As soon as the last beat sounded, the officer ordered him to be taken to a medic.

He then walked up to you and gave you a salute with a punch to the chest. "Lieutenant Calar Orlando, punishment has been administered."

Looking at his appearance, you could immediately tell that he was from a rich noble family, on his chest he wore a cuirass with a coat of arms engraved with a number of shiny runes. You also saw from his markings that he was one of your two deputies, commanding half of all Surnia.

"I will remember you, Lieutenant, and now you can give the order to practice."

Nodding his head, he marched off and soon the entire regiment was ready to begin training. And you only felt a smile of satisfaction appear on your lips.


You have effectively taken command of your regiment, none of your soldiers dare to oppose you now. As long as you don't make any big mistakes and don't expose yourself to the great anger of your commander, you don't have to fear any rebellion among the soldiers.
You gain +2 Fame
You gain -2 Reputation


-[X] Get to know your subordinates
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lwuck0m4
98 + 60 = 158
158 + 12 - 8 = 162

Two weeks after taking command, you decided to meet the Lieutenants and Surions who are your subordinates. You called each of them to your place one by one to find out something about them.

The first to arrive was Lieutenant Calar Orlando, he arrived dressed in a good quality military tunic and reported with a cheerful voice.

"Lady Captain, I have come at your call, what new orders do you have for me?"

Pointing to a chair, you told him to sit down and cooled his enthusiasm.

"Calm down Lieutenant, I called you because I want to find out something about my officers, if you would be able to tell me something about yourself?"

For a moment he seemed surprised by your words, but then he started talking.

"Well, I come from the Elder Nobility in one of the central provinces, when I was 14 I entered a military academy and graduated with honors 4 years later. After which I was assigned to this position 3 months ago. From then on, I served as regimental commander until your arrival. I believe, without boasting, that I am really good at tactics and strategy, and I can wield weapons very well. As I am the second son, I have considerable wealth and my family is ancient and influential in the Empire."

His words confirmed your suspicions that he was from a powerful nobility, although you didn't expect him to be from such a powerful one. And so close to inheritance. That's why, unable to contain your curiosity, you asked.

"Because I wish to serve the Empire and achieve through my own skills, not just through the influence of my house."

So, a patriot who wants to prove his abilities to others.

"What do you think about me and my way of command?"

"I may not have gotten to know you well, Captain, but I think you're doing well for now. I also think that you did the right thing by punishing those who showed disrespect to you, and I admire you greatly for that." He said the last words very quickly, blushing slightly.

You continued talking to him for a while and then called another officer.

Talking took up most of your day, but you can tell that you have really good officers who know how to conduct combat. Additionally, the action you took made them respect you.


You can come up with other officers if you want. And the question is, do you want me to post the statistics of your lieutenants?


-[X] Send a letter to your Master of the Order, he asked you to send him news as soon as you arrive.
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lwucmabs
90

You sent a letter to the Grand Master describing your actions and explaining the reasons for them. You received a short reply shortly after.

Greetings young Arcanist, I am very pleased with your actions, you did well to show what happens to those who disrespect us. Don't let others push you around and maintain the reputation of the order and you will go far. I also have news for you that may be helpful. The Imperial Army will attack as summer arrives, hoping that the rivers and swamps will be easier to cross as the water dries up. So prepare your people and make the order proud.
Grand Master of the Arcanist Order Hellachus Blacklash


You are in contact with the Grand Master, he is a very influential person in the Empire, but knowing him can be dangerous.


-[X] Write a letter to your mother, she would definitely like to know how you are doing.
1
Disaster roll:
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lwvwprur
71

You sent a letter to your mother informing her about the recent events. However, the answer you received was not what you expected.

Mordred le Fay, I was disappointed in you, I hoped that I raised my daughter better, your use of magic was crude and your actions lacked any finesse. You could have handled it all better. I hope you'll try harder next time and come up with a better idea before you make a decision. Write another letter to me when you achieve something in the upcoming campaign.
Morgana le Fay

Your mother is not happy with you, you think you have let her down. In the next turn, all your rolls receive -10, and you lose one action.

It is spring 996 ATC (after the coronation), you have already familiarized yourself with the situation in your regiment and have taken control of it. According to the news from the Grand Master, you still have 3 months until the campaign begins.

What do you plan to do with this time. You have 3 personnel actions and 2 army actions.


Personal action:
[]Legate Dyrnanam Mida has now returned to his quarters, reassuming command and summoning all captains to a pre-campaign meeting. Maybe you should prepare somehow? You can select up to one action from this section (If you don't choose any, you will go without any additional preparations):
-[]Quickly familiarize yourself with the situation in the legion.
-[]Repeat the etiquette lesson so as not to make any mistakes
-[]Find out about Legate and other captains
-[]Write-in something that may help during the meeting
[]Try to get maps of the area around the planned campaign. (Cost 1 Wealth DC:20)
[]Develop your skills. - Through study, practice and learning, develop your skills. (You can select this action more than once). (DC: Current Skill Level x 4)
-[]Write-in what stat to increase.
[]Gambling - You have some money, maybe you can multiply it (Cost 1 wealth - You can gain up to 3 additional wealth or lose up to 2)
[]Go to town and have fun, since you started studying Arcanist you haven't had any time for fun at all, this needs to change. (Cost 1 wealth)
[]Try to get to know one of your officers better. - (If you don't come up with any other one, it will be Calar)
[]Write-in


Army action:
[]Train one of Surni Luxi into Surni Arci or vice versa. - You currently have a surplus of resources so you can do this at no additional cost. (DC: 15)
[]Conduct exercises combining the use of Arcani with skirmishers. - As a member of the order, you know much more about magic than a regular captain, and your men have just finished their training and are still not familiar with magic. (DC:25)
[]Get to know your Arcani and plan how you plan to use them during the campaign. (DC:10)
[]Plan with your officers how individual Surnies will cooperate with each other. (DC:20)
[]Write-in

Lieutenant Calar Orlando
Born in Elder Nobility as the second son, from childhood traditionally raised to be a future soldier, at the age of 14 he joined the military academy, graduated with honors, but did not join the regional army in his province as his family wanted, but chose the Imperial Army. Although he has no war experience yet, he is very well prepared, and now he wants to test his knowledge in a bloody conflict. He wants to prove his potential and skills to everyone. He is quite wealthy, as evidenced by the armor he wears, richly decorated and covered with magical runes. It has a rather "good" opinion of his captain Mordred. Currently lieutenant of the 1st battalion of Regiment 9 skirmishers, and your second in command

Main Stats:
Stamina - +12
Intelligence - +18
Education - +19
Charisma - +14
Espionage - +8
Military - +21

Skills:
Weapon skills (S) - 12
Balistic Skills (S) - 4
Manual labor (S) - 2
Engineering (Ed) - 4
Law (Ed) - 4
Magical Knowledge (Ed) - 2
Logistics (I) - 8
Management (I) - 4
Operating Siege Machines (I) - 10
Infantry Command (M) - 14
Cavalry Command (M) - 16
Skirmish Command (M) - 19
Strategy (M) - 16
Air Combat (M) - 8
Scout (Es) - 8
Intrigue (Es) - 4
Ambushes (Es) - 8
Diplomacy (C) - 4
Command (C) - 11
Oratory (C) - 4

And here we go:

Map I created for this quest

-[X] Repeat the etiquette lesson so as not to make any mistakes
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lx46or0e
Roll + Education - Penalty
79 + 1 - 10 = 70

With the help of one of the Arcanites, you decided to repeat the etiquette lesson. You were sitting in your office and listening to what your subordinate was saying.

"The Legate always begins each meeting, starting himself or giving the floor to one of the officers, you should not interrupt them at this time…" - You should not interrupt because such speeches should be short and a discussion should arise from them, but as the experience of your former instructors says, this is true differently.

"…You should also be properly prepared for the meeting. Know the condition of your soldiers and their ability to fight..." - Not knowing the readiness of your own soldiers may be considered a failure to perform the most important duties of an officer. This may result in degradation or even death.

"…If you eat anything, eat and drink slowly and in small amounts…" - It is better to eat slowly than to leave during the meeting, the Legate could look at it with a bad look, not to mention getting dirty or drunk, it would be certain a disgrace upon your own person.

"…During toasts, you should stand up if the standing commander calls for it…" - It is also better to be considerate of all other captains, as not standing up for their toast while they are standing may be considered an insult.

You repeated the etiquette lesson and memorized them. Now you definitely won't make any mistakes during the meeting.


-[X] Try to get maps of the area around the planned campaign. (Cost 1 Wealth DC:20)
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lx46ot2y
Roll + Espionage - Penalty
61 + 2 = 63
DC=20 - Pass

You looked at the newly delivered map of the surrounding areas, it showed rivers, cities and towns, as well as fortresses and castles.

The general topography of the area showed marshes, hills and gaps in between. While the quality wasn't amazing it was definitely much better than what you had available, if it was real of course.

Comparing it with available maps, there were no errors on it, but you should always watch out for cheaters.

You looked at the merchant who was selling you this map and immediately felt a certain disgust. He looked like the simplest and most disgusting image of a wealthy merchant, fat with sweaty palms and forehead and a greedy smirk.

You looked at the map again and made your decision. Taking out the previously prepared bag of coins, you hand it to the merchant.

"Here is your payment for your services."

Taking the purse, the merchant looked inside and quickly tucked it into his coat, then bowed and began to leave.

"Oh Lady, thank you, if you ever need me, I will help you"

After finishing his sentence, he ran out of the room as fast as he could. You look at the door through which he disappeared. Only after a while do your gaze return to the map, just muttering to yourself

"This map better be real."

You obtained a map of the surrounding areas. It may be useful during the campaign
You lost 1 wealth.


-[X] Develop your skills. - Through study, practice and learning, develop your skills. (You can select this action more than once). (DC: Current Skill Level x 4)
-[X] Command
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lx46ow53
Roll + Charisma - Penalty
84 + 12 - 10 = 86
DC=24 - Pass

Despite your skills in strategy, you still lack one important thing, that is, the ability to command and give orders to make your people listen to you.

So you started practicing giving orders so that your voice would be heard and wouldn't crack when shouting. You found a place away from the camp and any noise where you could practice in peace.

After a few weeks you could see the first successes. While carrying out exercises of one of the Suri.

"First Suria, forward, strike"

This time, your voice sounded clear and loud enough for every soldier in your squad to hear. Suria charged, colliding her training weapon with the soldiers of the other Suria.

"Surnia, retreat"

Your voice sounded good again, the soldiers heard it again and immediately began to obey the order. You felt a surge of satisfaction for the future.

You have gained one point in the Command skill.


-[X] Get to know your Arcani and plan how you plan to use them during the campaign. (DC:10)
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lx46pae6
Roll + Magical Knowledge - Penalty
61 - 8 = 53
DC=10 - Pass

In the command room, you gathered all the Arcanites from your regiment, you got to know them all, and although none of them were exceptional in their magical abilities, they were of a sufficient level.

Then it was time for a meeting.

"In exceptional circumstances, we will use magic together to create greater spells. It will be dictated by me. Any ideas for creative ways to use our magic?"

"If we are crossing rivers or other areas where water prevents us, we can dry it with fire, or stop or move it so that the soldiers can cross" - The first idea was immediately suggested by one of the youngest of your Arcanites.

Almost immediately, however, the answer came - "It won't work, it's too powerful a spell, too difficult to cast in any reasonable amount of time. We can't stop the river, and the stream won't stop us. But we can use fire to try to create a cloud of smoke or dust that will obscure our troops."

"What if we use the earth to create a causeway over the swamp or a bridge over the river, the water will be able to flow freely and the army will pass through without any problems." - After a moment of thought, another idea appeared among the Arcanites.

Other ideas came and went, some for better or worse, but finally after a few hours you decided how you would be able to use your magic.

You and your Arcanites have made plans to use magic during a campaign, and you will receive a bonus on rolls affected during that campaign.


-[X] Conduct exercises combining the use of Arcani with skirmishers. - As a member of the order, you know much more about magic than a regular captain, and your men have just finished their training and are still not familiar with magic. (DC:25)
https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lx46oyed
Roll + Magical Knowledge + Skirmish Command +10 from magical preparation - Penalty
93 + 6 = 99
DC=25 - Pass

You were currently standing on a small hill, watching as your fully armed regiment was just finishing forming up.

The Arcanites communicated the status of each Suri using magic. As soon as everyone was in their seats, you raised your hand in the air and gave an order.

"Arci begin"

The skirmishers set off at a trot towards the previously prepared targets, and as soon as they reached the range, they fired at the "enemy" and immediately began to retreat.

Running as fast as possible under the cover of the rest of the infantry. The Arcanites then started creating a large amount of smoke which effectively covered the retreat of the skirmishers.

"Luxi, flank charge"

Hearing your orders, the light infantry quickly ran towards potential targets on the flanks, first throwing javelins at their targets, then immediately charged.

The Arcanites continued to report to you and pass orders between you and your officers. The maneuvers would take some time, but you could already tell that your preparations with the Arcanites were paying off.

Your maneuvers were very successful, during this campaign the risk of mistakes in cooperation between the Arcanites and the rest of the regiment decreased to zero.

You came at the Legate's call to his headquarters in the central fort, the meeting takes place in a small room with a large central table on which maps are spread. There were 11 captains gathered in the hall with you, as well as the Legion's Arcanite sergeant. Some of the officers were dressed in armor, some in well-made robes, and the Arcanite sergeant was dressed in his magical robe. You arrived before the Legate arrived, so you tried to hold conversations with the other officers.

https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lxafkxzy
Roll + Education + Etiquette reminder
44 + 1 + 10 = 55

During the conversations, you learned a few things about the Legion.
There are 12 regiments in the Legion, 7 skirmishers, 3 heavy infantry and 2 cavalry.

The Arcanite sergeant's name is Malalion Anduscar, who has been serving in the army for 10 years and is a veteran of several wars. Draichaklon and Milber Bendarn are two brothers who command both cavalry regiments and have a great rivalry with each other, Kanalarkas Mirgogal, a young man not much older than you, commands the 2nd regiment of skirmishers and has an unfavorable opinion of you.

The Legion is well stocked for the next campaign with supplies ready for the next six months of campaigning.

All conversations were interrupted by the arrival of the Legate together with the Campmaster (in charge of the Legion's supplies) and the scribe who will write down all orders.

The 40-year-old legate was dressed in a short robe that did not interfere with movement, with a gold-plated cuirass enchanted with magical runes. He wears a long black cloak on his back, pinned to his armor with black pins in the shape of dragon wings.

Immediately you all made a salute, beating your chest lightly, the Legate responded with a salute of his own and immediately began speaking

"Welcome to our meeting, some of you I already know, the rest I will meet during this campaign. I returned from a conference with the rest of the Legates and Ager Marescalus, and we agreed on the dangers of this campaign and the plans for carrying it out.
I'm happy, so you can sit down."

The Legate waited until all of you took their seats, then pointed to the map and began to explain.

"Ager Marescallus has decided to divide our Legions as follows:
To the west of us, Legions 74, 53, 12 and 27 will be marching along the coast and their main direction of attack will be the Principality of Arancia.

To the east of us, the Legion 69 and 71 will attack the border forts, and then, marching along the main road, they will occupy other fortresses, heading towards the center of Duchy of Santiano.

Now our task is to attack the border forts, then capture Ginestra Fortress, which stands dangerously close to the flanks of our eastern legions, and after conquering the fortress, march towards the lake, occupying subsequent cities and towns, until we reach the city of Bajara, the capital of the Principality. Together with Legion 71, we will conquer them.

The entire campaign should start at the beginning of summer and end before winter. If we succeed, next year we will be able to attack the Republic of Silvaland.

Any questions?" - throughout his speech, he showed appropriate places and directions on the map and moved various figures representing appropriate units.
"What enemy forces should we expect during this campaign?"

According to the information obtained by our people, each fort has a garrison of up to 100 soldiers, similarly to the garrisons of towns, and in the Ginestra Fortress there are from 1,000 to 1,500 of them. In Bajar, they will most likely gather what will be left after our attack. But now it's 3,000 soldiers."

https://rolz.org/embed?xm213q93vq:lxai8abk
Roll + Strategy
26 - 8 = 18

According to your estimates, there are about 10,000 enemy soldiers before reaching Bajara. It will be almost impossible to win before winter arrives, so this time it was you who asked the question.

"Will we have any reinforcements available just in case?"

The eyes of the audience turned to you, as the only woman in the room you were already attracting the attention of those present, but now that you spoke, everyone looked in your direction. Your words brought mocking smiles to the lips of some of the officers. But Captain Kanalarkas Mirgogal spoke first, his voice full of sarcasm.

"Ah, Lady Captain, don't worry, no harm will come to you. All you have to do is give command to Lieutenant Calar Orlando and you will stay in the safe town at the rear."

Before anyone could add anything, the Legate's cold voice drew all attention away from you.

"Enough, Captain, Lady Mordred has only just completed her training, but she is a member of the Arcani Order, I am sure she does not lack courage, and she also asked an important question." - Mirgogal gave you another unfriendly look, and then stopped paying any additional attention to you. The Legate, now turning towards you, explained in a much calmer and more pleasant voice.

"If we need reinforcements, we should call on neighboring legions for help, and as a last resort, local garrisons of about 10,000 soldiers. So we won't be left without support... In the face of disaster, we can always call on one of the dragon riders."

Turning back to the map, he began to move the figures around.

"Our legion will be divided into two, Captain Kanalarkas Mirgogal, you will lead 3 regiments and capture the forts located in the hills to the east of our road, then follow the river downstream, cross at the appropriate location and capture the crossing leading to Ginestra Fortress.

During this time, I, leading the rest of the legion, will take over the border forts and then the Fortress itself, then I will join your forces and together we will move on towards Bajara. Do you mind this, Captain?"

Mirgogal immediately saluted and replied with a smile:

"Me and my soldiers will proudly complete this task."

The Legate, looking at the rest of the participants, asked a question:

"Do any of you have any ideas, comments, or would you like to volunteer to have your regiment go with the captain?"

You can now propose something, but in most cases you will have to convince others to accept your suggestions.
[]Captain
Kanalarkas don't need that many people, he will do his job with two regiments.
DC = 60
[]Captain Kanalarkas need more soldiers, he should lead four regiments.
DC = 30
[]We should call upon soldiers from the garrisons to aid in the campaign.
DC = 80 (They will join at the beginning of the campaign)
[]We should ask for one Legion to be transferred from the west to help us.
DC = 70
[]We should request the transfer of one Legion from the east to help us.
DC = 90
[]We should call a dragon rider for help. (Even with a successful roll, your opinion will drop and the entire Legion will feel humiliated)
DC = 100
[]Write-in

Captain Kanalarkas was given a difficult mission to perform, but participation in his task would bring more glory and prestige for each participant than following the Legate's command.
[]Volunteer and join Captain Kanalarkas.
DC = 10
[]Stay in the main part of the army.
DC = 10

What do you think about Captain Kanalarkas Mirgogal?
[]Write-in


Ager Marescalus - One of the highest ranks in the Imperial Army, can command forces of over 5 legions.