Welcome to this quest inspired mostly by Total War, the deadliest warrior, and probably already done to some degree in some light novel. Regardless, this is a take on what if the isekai ability was to summon troops from their respective historical periods to fight in a fantasy world.
A Thousand Blades of History [Deadliest Warrior/Total War Isekai]
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User Total Murtox 3 Threadmarks Reader mode
A New World
- Location
- Peru
You are ready to begin another day, you shower, put on your clothes, and head to the door. You could be going to the door to merely get to the grocery store, perhaps you are going to an office complex or to university. You feel strangely motivated to do things today, to allow your soul to roam the metropolitan cosmos one step at a time. Only for you to walk through your door and appear in a completely white space.
You go "Huh?" for the briefest of seconds before you are utterly and completely pulled into the equivalent of an event horizon in which every particle of your body disintegrates, your mind becoming a free-flowing piece of energy that now perceives time in the most glitches of senses...And then? A black space, in which your body is once more complete and not missing a single thing.
Your body may be fine. But the vertigo? The vertigo is horrible beyond words. You fall to your knees slowly recovering your senses and balance, but it certainly feels as if you had been hit by a truck. But as soon, as you feel well enough to stand back up you feel drops of rain hit your hair, clothes, and the entire world around you.
The black space that had held you in is no more. Instead, your hands touch the grass on the ground you feel a cold wind accompanied by deafening thunder. You look to the right and to the left, trying to make sense of the unusual surroundings that you yourself in.
It takes a while, a long while, your fear and natural reaction to the whole event horizon phenomena almost numb. Instead, you manage to form a picture of what's going and it's not pretty a pretty sight.
You are on a hill and are able to see black smoke coming from a small town next to a river. The town's buildings are a mix of brick constructions and wooden ones, if not for the storm just above you it would appear that these buildings were in flames barely a few moments ago. You are also able to make out figures and silhouettes walking around, some bodies can be found on the ground. While others are being captured or struck down by what appears to be bandits.
Of course, you are in utter confusion about what's going on. A few minutes ago, you were about to leave your home and now you are in the middle of a field next to bandits. You ponder your options in your mind before something appears right in front of you. You think that you are merely seeing things until your hand begins glowing while an arcane sigil forms out of your palm, the sense of latent power is undeniable and you feel as if both are linked together.
Your disbelief only grows as you begin to read from the screen that appears in front of you.
[WELCOME TO (AURELIA)]
[PLEASE SUMMON YOUR RETINUE FROM (EARTH)]
Suddenly a series of screen cards open, allowing you to visage a myriad of titles from "Post Marian Roman Soldier" to "Alexander's Companion Cavalry", of course, the selection was antique in nature. Navy Seals, Spetnaz, or anything like that is just not there...Though, you certainly would feel safer with an American Mechanized Brigade than with soldiers from the BC era. Nonetheless, you more or less managed to catch the gist of what was happening and finally, convinced yourself to pick one amidst them. Only to be welcomed by a list of choices to further customize your summon.
You begin with 10 Points to spend.
ERA CHOICES
This defines the era of the soldiers, only these two eras are available at the start.
[X] [CHARIOT AGE]: From the early armies of Egypt to the post-bronze age collapse in Greece.
[X] [CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
CULTURE
Defines the general cultural homelands of the retinue that's being picked from. There are about dozens of cultures throughout both eras so these are just examples.
[X] Greek
[X] Roman
[X] Scythian
[X] Chinese
[X] Persian
[X] Write-In
RETINUE TYPES CHOICES
These are general characterizations, but it will decide what sort of unit it is and what its baseline duty will be.
[X] Infantry (100 Soldiers)
[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
[X] Cavalry/Chariot (50 Soldiers + Horses)
MODIFIER CHOICES
SIZE
[X] Overstrength [-3 Points][2.5x Troops]
[X] Reinforced [-1 Points][1.5x Troops]
[X] Standard [0 Points][1x Troops]
[X] Small [+1 Point][0.75x Troops]
EXPERIENCE
[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [-5 Points]
[X] Elite: Composed of talented, motivated, and trained professionals. Probably cherry-picked to be part of the assault reserve of any army. [-3 Points]
[X] Veteran: Professionals at their job able to perform up to standard in combat with frequency. [-2 Points]
[X] Regular: Trained and with some level of experience in combat. [-1 Point]
[X] Green: Recently militias, conscripted soldiers, or entry-level professionals. [0 Points]
[X] Rabble: You either have farmers for warriors or very unmotivated soldiers. [+1 Point]
ARMOR
[X] Heavy Armor: Formations that required quite complete armor, everything from early-scale armor to a legionnaire's full kit. [-3 Points]
[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
[X] Light Armor: Formations with little to no armor, light linen to leather armor come here. [-1 Point]
[X] None: Soldiers without any armor at all, either got lost in transport or your retinue just has none. [0 Points]
HORSES
If cavalry
[X] Heavy-weight: Think war-horses for charging formations. [-2 Points]
[X] Medium-weight: The most versatile type of horse, allowing for cavalry to engage in various types of warfare. [-1 Point]
[X] Lightweight: The basic type of horse, think more for skirmishers and horse archers, however, if you want proper steppe horses go one step above.[0 Point]
EQUIPMENT
From bows to melee weaponry. Only determines quality.
[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [-2 Points]
[X] Good: Easy to handle and good for most situations. [-1 Point]
[X] Standard: Weapons that can handle good use but require maintenance and aren't that aesthetic. [0 Points]
[X] Poor: Weapons in bad conditions that while usable do need replacing. [+1 Points]
[X] What Weapons?: Your soldiers came without weapons, they either got lost in the transportation or your soldiers believe in the fist school of fighting. [+2 Point]
SPIRIT
Pick 1. You are able to pick one more if you pick a disadvantage.
Advantages
[X] Fearless; Your troops are relatively fearless even when the odds are not in their favor.
[X] Berzerker: This retinue can go berzerker, this makes their charges more effective but not so useful for when maneuvers and formation are needed.
[X] Disciplined; Your troops are disciplined to a proper standard and are able to engage in tight formation fighting with ease, allowing manuevers.
[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
[X] Unfatigable: Your troops are used to long marches, scorching sun, and cold temperatures. Diminishing any weather effects on them.
[X] Resilient: Your troops are capable of handling more injuries than most other units, reducing wounded and maimed casualties.
[X] Write-In: Ask QM first.
Disadvantages
[X] Reckless: Your troops give in quite easily to attacking the enemy without orders.
[X] Superstitious: Troops that may not be the best at handling magical aspects of Aurelia.
[X] Unruly: Obeying orders is not necessarily their first priority.
[X] Looters: Can't refuse a good time to loot even if it hampers victory chances.
[X] Rigid Thinkers: Your retinue does rely a lot upon being given orders to work properly or are stubborn in their ways of fighting, decreasing their initiative in combat.
[X] Overconfident: Your retinue doesn't think much of their enemies, making them easy prey to ambushes and surprises as they let their guards down.
[X] Fragment Loyalty: There is somebody in your retinue who is liked or preferred more than you when it comes to taking orders. Allowing for them to take command if things aren't going too well or you don't show proper initiative or leadership.
SPECIAL
Max 1
[X] Heroic Figure: Summons a single heroical figure from that culture. They are not Octavian or Alexander, but rather a personification of that culture's martial history. Somebody who can be considered superhuman in some aspects. Abilities and weaknesses will be randomized at the start. [-2 Points]
[X] Healing: There is some low-level healing going on, wounded and sick recover more quickly than usual. Sometimes fingers even grow back. [-2 Points]
[X] Luck of the Dice: Luck is on your side, this unit enhances the luck of your retinue with ease. [-2 Points]
[X] Protected: Magic and curses aren't that effective on your troops for one reason or another. [-2 Points]
[X] Enchanted Weapons: The weapons of this retinue are enhanced with magic, allowing them to be more effective against the supernatural. [-2 points]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to this quest inspired mostly by Total War, the deadliest warrior, and probably already done to some degree in some light novel. Regardless, this is a take on what if the isekai ability was to summon troops from their respective historical periods to fight in a fantasy world.
You go "Huh?" for the briefest of seconds before you are utterly and completely pulled into the equivalent of an event horizon in which every particle of your body disintegrates, your mind becoming a free-flowing piece of energy that now perceives time in the most glitches of senses...And then? A black space, in which your body is once more complete and not missing a single thing.
Your body may be fine. But the vertigo? The vertigo is horrible beyond words. You fall to your knees slowly recovering your senses and balance, but it certainly feels as if you had been hit by a truck. But as soon, as you feel well enough to stand back up you feel drops of rain hit your hair, clothes, and the entire world around you.
The black space that had held you in is no more. Instead, your hands touch the grass on the ground you feel a cold wind accompanied by deafening thunder. You look to the right and to the left, trying to make sense of the unusual surroundings that you yourself in.
It takes a while, a long while, your fear and natural reaction to the whole event horizon phenomena almost numb. Instead, you manage to form a picture of what's going and it's not pretty a pretty sight.
You are on a hill and are able to see black smoke coming from a small town next to a river. The town's buildings are a mix of brick constructions and wooden ones, if not for the storm just above you it would appear that these buildings were in flames barely a few moments ago. You are also able to make out figures and silhouettes walking around, some bodies can be found on the ground. While others are being captured or struck down by what appears to be bandits.
Of course, you are in utter confusion about what's going on. A few minutes ago, you were about to leave your home and now you are in the middle of a field next to bandits. You ponder your options in your mind before something appears right in front of you. You think that you are merely seeing things until your hand begins glowing while an arcane sigil forms out of your palm, the sense of latent power is undeniable and you feel as if both are linked together.
Your disbelief only grows as you begin to read from the screen that appears in front of you.
[WELCOME TO (AURELIA)]
[PLEASE SUMMON YOUR RETINUE FROM (EARTH)]
Suddenly a series of screen cards open, allowing you to visage a myriad of titles from "Post Marian Roman Soldier" to "Alexander's Companion Cavalry", of course, the selection was antique in nature. Navy Seals, Spetnaz, or anything like that is just not there...Though, you certainly would feel safer with an American Mechanized Brigade than with soldiers from the BC era. Nonetheless, you more or less managed to catch the gist of what was happening and finally, convinced yourself to pick one amidst them. Only to be welcomed by a list of choices to further customize your summon.
You begin with 10 Points to spend.
ERA CHOICES
This defines the era of the soldiers, only these two eras are available at the start.
[X] [CHARIOT AGE]: From the early armies of Egypt to the post-bronze age collapse in Greece.
[X] [CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
CULTURE
Defines the general cultural homelands of the retinue that's being picked from. There are about dozens of cultures throughout both eras so these are just examples.
[X] Greek
[X] Roman
[X] Scythian
[X] Chinese
[X] Persian
[X] Write-In
RETINUE TYPES CHOICES
These are general characterizations, but it will decide what sort of unit it is and what its baseline duty will be.
[X] Infantry (100 Soldiers)
[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
[X] Cavalry/Chariot (50 Soldiers + Horses)
MODIFIER CHOICES
SIZE
[X] Overstrength [-3 Points][2.5x Troops]
[X] Reinforced [-1 Points][1.5x Troops]
[X] Standard [0 Points][1x Troops]
[X] Small [+1 Point][0.75x Troops]
EXPERIENCE
[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [-5 Points]
[X] Elite: Composed of talented, motivated, and trained professionals. Probably cherry-picked to be part of the assault reserve of any army. [-3 Points]
[X] Veteran: Professionals at their job able to perform up to standard in combat with frequency. [-2 Points]
[X] Regular: Trained and with some level of experience in combat. [-1 Point]
[X] Green: Recently militias, conscripted soldiers, or entry-level professionals. [0 Points]
[X] Rabble: You either have farmers for warriors or very unmotivated soldiers. [+1 Point]
ARMOR
[X] Heavy Armor: Formations that required quite complete armor, everything from early-scale armor to a legionnaire's full kit. [-3 Points]
[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
[X] Light Armor: Formations with little to no armor, light linen to leather armor come here. [-1 Point]
[X] None: Soldiers without any armor at all, either got lost in transport or your retinue just has none. [0 Points]
HORSES
If cavalry
[X] Heavy-weight: Think war-horses for charging formations. [-2 Points]
[X] Medium-weight: The most versatile type of horse, allowing for cavalry to engage in various types of warfare. [-1 Point]
[X] Lightweight: The basic type of horse, think more for skirmishers and horse archers, however, if you want proper steppe horses go one step above.[0 Point]
EQUIPMENT
From bows to melee weaponry. Only determines quality.
[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [-2 Points]
[X] Good: Easy to handle and good for most situations. [-1 Point]
[X] Standard: Weapons that can handle good use but require maintenance and aren't that aesthetic. [0 Points]
[X] Poor: Weapons in bad conditions that while usable do need replacing. [+1 Points]
[X] What Weapons?: Your soldiers came without weapons, they either got lost in the transportation or your soldiers believe in the fist school of fighting. [+2 Point]
SPIRIT
Pick 1. You are able to pick one more if you pick a disadvantage.
Advantages
[X] Fearless; Your troops are relatively fearless even when the odds are not in their favor.
[X] Berzerker: This retinue can go berzerker, this makes their charges more effective but not so useful for when maneuvers and formation are needed.
[X] Disciplined; Your troops are disciplined to a proper standard and are able to engage in tight formation fighting with ease, allowing manuevers.
[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
[X] Unfatigable: Your troops are used to long marches, scorching sun, and cold temperatures. Diminishing any weather effects on them.
[X] Resilient: Your troops are capable of handling more injuries than most other units, reducing wounded and maimed casualties.
[X] Write-In: Ask QM first.
Disadvantages
[X] Reckless: Your troops give in quite easily to attacking the enemy without orders.
[X] Superstitious: Troops that may not be the best at handling magical aspects of Aurelia.
[X] Unruly: Obeying orders is not necessarily their first priority.
[X] Looters: Can't refuse a good time to loot even if it hampers victory chances.
[X] Rigid Thinkers: Your retinue does rely a lot upon being given orders to work properly or are stubborn in their ways of fighting, decreasing their initiative in combat.
[X] Overconfident: Your retinue doesn't think much of their enemies, making them easy prey to ambushes and surprises as they let their guards down.
[X] Fragment Loyalty: There is somebody in your retinue who is liked or preferred more than you when it comes to taking orders. Allowing for them to take command if things aren't going too well or you don't show proper initiative or leadership.
SPECIAL
Max 1
[X] Heroic Figure: Summons a single heroical figure from that culture. They are not Octavian or Alexander, but rather a personification of that culture's martial history. Somebody who can be considered superhuman in some aspects. Abilities and weaknesses will be randomized at the start. [-2 Points]
[X] Healing: There is some low-level healing going on, wounded and sick recover more quickly than usual. Sometimes fingers even grow back. [-2 Points]
[X] Luck of the Dice: Luck is on your side, this unit enhances the luck of your retinue with ease. [-2 Points]
[X] Protected: Magic and curses aren't that effective on your troops for one reason or another. [-2 Points]
[X] Enchanted Weapons: The weapons of this retinue are enhanced with magic, allowing them to be more effective against the supernatural. [-2 points]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to this quest inspired mostly by Total War, the deadliest warrior, and probably already done to some degree in some light novel. Regardless, this is a take on what if the isekai ability was to summon troops from their respective historical periods to fight in a fantasy world.
Last edited:
Chapter 1
- Location
- Peru
[X] Plan Armored Bowmen of Kush
-[X][CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
-[X] Nubian
-[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
-[X] Reinforced [-1 Points][1.5x Troops]
-[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [-5 Points]
-[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
-[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [-2 Points]
-[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
Unknown
The roads to the afterlife are many. In every culture, there is always a path to take once life ends. For many, the afterlife is the only way to go back to the ones they have lost or a place to wait for the arrival of those they esteemed dear. It is a place of reunion, peace, and of judgment.
Judgment is the one thing that all humans learn to fear at an early age. Judgment from your peers, superiors, and the forces of the beyond.
Not all manage to arrive with glory or sinless to their resting place, many instead die with frustration and regret.
Warriors are no different in that regard to the rest of humanity. Their life story is a series of battles and adventures that often end in a sudden and violent death.
For them, their glory lies in the defeat of their enemies. Their skill with their weapons of choice, loyalty, honor, love for their homeland, and brotherhood with their fellow warriors.
Yet the greatest sin that they often commit is the sin of hubris. Hubris drives them to seek a great feat, a great victory, and a great glory.
For those that didn't achieve such glory, they are often relegated to the forgotten pages of history. But sometimes, their journey may not just end with death.
In some circumstances, their journey to the afterlife may not be as straightforward as they once thought. Instead, they are giving one more chance.
A chance to join the ranks of the living once more.
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The Lands of Phoenicia
The scorching lands of the east are a place that some Nubians know fairly well. Especially since the death of Alexander.
The Ptolomies are in demand of mercenaries to fight their wars, and Nubian soldiers are a favorite among them.
Eirotatoungngilki marches with the Pharaoh's warband. He already has a pharaoh of his own at Meroe, but he will do work for this one for gold and glory.
He and the band are hired as archers for a battle that will occur in one more field of Retjenu or Phoenicia as the Ptolemaic Greeks call it. A place Eirotatoungngilki knows not, but that remains close to the other battlefields that he has fought upon.
He and his men march along the coast, and then inland. They will have to wait for a few days for their battle.
Eirotatoungngilki will enjoy his days off as much as he can, he does not know if the gods of the Egyptians would protect him. King Ergamenes had done away with them and their Gods could still hold a grudge against him. He would have to pray to Apedemak and hope the Egyptian gods wouldn't punish him for it.
The day of battles arrives. The armies of the Ptolemaic Pharaoh and his enemies formed. The archers will be the first to engage.
Eirotatoungngilki carries with him a bow made out of tropical wood, and a Nubian warbow. His dark skin, hair, and beard stand out amongst the sea of Greek and Egyptian faces. He has the body of a soldier, a body that has been forged through hard training and hard labor. His face is marked by the scars of many battles. His tall stature and muscles make him look imposing.
He wears leather armor and a simple kilt. His sandals are made of leather, and his belt is made of bronze.
From afar he can see the eyes of his enemy of today. Faces of the young and old faces that his blessed eyesight allows him to remember.
"Nubians! We have work to do!" He screams in a loud voice. "Ready your bows!"
He draws his bow and aims at the enemy line. "May Apedemak bless us in battle!"
Eirotatoungngilki loosens his bow.
The arrow flies from his hand, and the archers around him begin their volleys.
The arrows fly over the heads of the enemy infantry. They fall upon their targets.
One arrow, then another, and another. The enemy's archers follow with their own volleys. Now only his God's blessing will save him.
But it does not.
Eirotatoungngilki feels an arrow pierce his heart, and he falls to the ground. He looks up at the sky and sees his god Apedemak. A sign of virtue and glory perhaps.
He has the head of a lion and carries with him two warbows.
He speaks, his voice is thunder.
But Eirotatoungngilki cannot hear. Instead, he watches as one of his officers rushes to help him and drag him out.
It is too late. Whatever his god has decreed, it has been done. His eyes close. Memories of his homeland come to him. Father. Mother. The wife who died in his arms.
And then, silence.
Then nothingness.
He waits in it.
His journey will begin as soon as his funerary rites are completed.
But it does not start.
Then light. Endless light drags his soul from nothingness into a shock as all sensations return to him at once.
His eyes open and he gasps.
A gasp of a dying man, his breath comes in quick and shallow. He feels cold.
And then, the pain.
His body feels like it has been shattered into pieces and remade again. He winces in pain until he notices that he is not in emptiness anymore.
A field. He is in a field. Rain, a town, and smoke.
Unknown Village
Back to you, honestly, you just picked in a random flurry of options that allowed you to summon troops from another world in a matter of seconds. Actually, the process was pretty much instantaneous. It only took you pressing a sort of hologram button in the middle of the air to get more than a hundred people behind you.
Of course, the sight before you wasn't the typical sight that you would expect when seeing warriors. The Nubian archers you had summoned were clearly processing the fact that they were in a place entirely outside of their usual surroundings.
You didn't have much time to inspect your troops, you skimmed to menus that appeared before you giving you some insight into what you could stats from the forces you brought here.
[Nubian Archers]
[Strength: 150]
[Type: Melee/Ranged]
[Experience: Heroic]
[Level: ???]
[Weapons: Warbows (Poisoned Available), Axes, Daggers]
[Armor: Medium]
[Morale: Good]
[Endurance: Fresh]
[Loyalty: Normal]
[Perks: Officer Corps]
[Mana Points: 0]
[Passive restoration and combat restoration available-]
You don't get to finish reading the two menus as a crossbow bolt shoots through one of them. The screen glitches into nothing and you catch sight of a group of bandits not taking kindly to having a small force of strange-looking men next to the village that they are sacking.
You ponder your options once more until there are obviously that many options to ponder anymore. Seeing the situation at hand, it takes little time for the Nubians to feel compelled to answer in return. One strangely begins to speak and you understand him perfectly. Soon, there is a back-and-forth of words and replies between the obsidian warriors.
You make out very little of what they are saying while being busy trying not to get shot at again. You watch as the Nubians draw their warbows, the rain apparently not an impediment to the warriors of Kush.
The Kushite archers let loose their arrows. Your eyes follow the arrows to their targets. The chainmail covering the upper body of the first dozen enemy warriors does little. Their oval shields provide better protection but not enough. As more of the Kushite warriors approach the hilltop and add their bows to the hail of arrows, it becomes clear that the enemy is pretty much defenseless. The crossbowmen that you had seen that wore no armor fared the worst out of the rest of the bandits with an arrow inside one of his eye sockets.
The remainder of the bandits form up around their leader and form enough of a shield wall to take cover behind one of the buildings. However, your Nubian archers didn't stop hailing them with arrows. Some poor smuck got both feet pierced by arrows from the Nubians and fell to the floor in pain before being silenced by another arrow.
Fortunately enough, the villagers who were either about to be captured or executed are now relatively free. Of course, some are untrusting but they to go whoever seems to be helping them out.
Regardless, the skirmish remains far from over. One of the Nubian archers, taller than yourself approaches you. He places a hand on your shoulder and informs you of the course of action he is going to take to take out the enemy. Up close, he is definitely imposing and determined. He wore a mix of iron and bronze armor, with an iron scale armor covering his chest with some level of cotton padding for extra protection.
You nod at the Kushite warrior, seeing no way that you could add to their plan, at least, for the time being. A small formation of Kushite archers moves forward, clearly attempting to flank the bandits from both sides.
It is then that you spot another particular sight. A woman wearing matching armor and wielding a war bow alongside the rest of the soldiers. The Kushite warrior who took notice of your confusion gives you a quick explanation that involved her being a bodyguard to a Kandake or Queen Mother. While he had no time to tell you of her story, he does speak of her with respect.
"We will take care of this enemy tribe for you." He tells you, wasting no more words as he draws an axe from his belt. Ready to join the rest of the Kushite warriors in the fight.
The bandits are clearly attempting to withdraw. The flanking maneuvers leave them with few options, they can either route or try to hold their ground with no chance of coming out alive. The bandits chose the latter, whatever remainder of discipline they kept no longer managing them to hold them steady.
As the bandits attempt to run, they are hit one by one with arrows. Some of the bandit's backs are covered in arrows. The rain is clearly not that much of an obstacle for the experienced warriors you have just summoned.
Finally, there is calm as the rain subsides. The skirmish is over, whatever bandits remain are either incapacitated or more simply dead. Which gives you time to take in the situation and process it. But then...a notification screen appears.
[First Skirmish Bonus: +1 Mana]
[Defeated Bandit Warband: +0.5 Mana]
Unknown Location
The stench of death litters the fields. Rows upon rows of soldiers lay dead, wounded, or maimed. With the rain stopping, the crows come out of the treetops and back to the ground. Vultures circle around the skies and banners lay on the ground, mud covering the otherwise proud insignia of those who carried them.
The face of the man who was brought to this massacre is not that of an old scarred veteran, which explains the disgust and careful steps of the one walking through the fields.
But beyond the disgust and the scars of battle. There is a single thought in the mind of the young general. "Pyrrhic victories won't help at all."
Unknown Village
Eirotatoungngilki inspects the town alongside you and yes, he has finally introduced himself with a name. A name that was way too long and difficult to pronounce. You had settled with calling him by his rank. Captain. Probably a wise choice since you didn't want to embarrass yourself by trying to pronounce a name over and over again with no success.
You discuss with the Eirotatoungngilki what just happened. From the sudden transportation to the battle with the bandits.
He does not know the cause of any of the events that took place. And if he had known, he would probably be telling you.
In fact, he is currently debating with one of the other Kushite warriors why they were sent here. Some of the Kushites certainly demanded to know why they were here. Soon enough, the discussion falls to the same points. They were all dead or about to die before they came here. Some have accepted their fates, some others remain worried about home, unable to come to terms with their deaths. Clearly, not all had finished their business at home.
Regardless, your captain, Eirotatoungngilki explains that in a strange way, he was fairly convinced that they were sent here to help you defeat a great enemy and felt compelled to help you from the get-go. It is why he organized the Kushite warriors and helped to take out bandits. He would ask if you knew who your enemy was but you barely know as well.
This situation leaves many dissatisfied. But it seems that their fate had been sealed by the gods themselves, and it clearly wasn't for them to decide.
They do know one thing though and they can sense it, just like Eirotatoungngilki, they are compelled to help you and if it was you that brought them, then you were the leader.
Eventually, the group disbands as many go to bury the bandits, loot, and help the townspeople bury their dead. The atmosphere is calm and serene, the rain no longer pouring down upon the fields as the sun sets.
Another Nubian comes forth, she wears a chainmail shirt and bronze armguards, a war bow is slung over her shoulders, and a sword is hung by a belt. Her clothes are well-tailored and neat, but they are well-worn and stained from travel and use. Her hair is tied up and her features are delicate and refined. She is a warrior, yet she carries herself with confidence and an aristocratic grace that speaks volumes of her authority and wisdom.
Her brown eyes regard you curiously and with a hint of skepticism. Her expression is a carefully crafted mask of neutrality that only betrays a faint air of wariness.
She introduces herself, as Sokkari, the sister of the Kandake of Meroe. The meeting is brief, apparently, she was asked by Eirotatoungngilki to act as your bodyguard and that her duty shall be done. Not long after, she walks away keeping her distance and inspecting the terrain.
A building in the village
The villagers are huddled up together in the one building that seems mostly intact after the attack from the deserters. Women and children, either mourning or in relief of knowing that their families are safe for now.
Their leadership consists of a villager whose age shows with his gray hair and wrinkled face, who goes by the name of Brice and Anthos, a younger man of a taller stature with dark hair and hazel eyes.
"To be beset by two strangers and at the same time. Aren't times bad enough already with having to choose between two emperors?" Anthos asks rhetorically, his more educated words as always contrasting with the situation at hand. "Either that or perhaps we should consider that the gods have not abandoned us after all. To have the strangers help us."
Brice only stares silently, unsure of where exactly he wants to start. Allowing Anthos's mind to wander a fair more.
"But there is something to be said about the skill of these new people." Anthos continues. "Not that we can afford to pay them as mercenaries and I am not even sure if they are from the Empire. Their armor is unlike anything I've seen in our lands."
Brice frowns slightly, wondering if the younger man before him is losing focus again. He clears his throat.
Anthos stops talking.
"The sooner we get them to go the better," Brice says, giving a side-long glance to the Nubians patrolling outside of the house. "If they are here for war and without knowing their enemies, it will just make us a target again."
Anthos is about to reply but you enter the building, accompanied by Sokkari and Eirotatoungngilki. Silence fills the room, leaving a strange tension in the air.
Seeing that the silence is not getting better and that curiosity is getting the better of Anthos, he speaks first. "With which emperor are you siding with, stranger? Coerius or Prabanus?"
You look at him blankly for a moment. The inquisitive look on Anthos's face clearly draws the attention of both your escorts. The villagers are seemingly more interested in the exoticity of the warriors that saved them rather than the answer to Anthos's question.
Of course, you have no answer to Anthos. The names don't mean a thing to you, and you don't have a clue of what the current situation is or which faction is in power in these lands. But your lack of answer is enough for him.
"So none then? That can work well enough I suppose." Anthos responds, allowing his hand to leave his chin. While Brice was clearly doing more than merely asking whatever came to his mind. He already has a child and offers you three some bread and water, which you politely accept.
Once done, Brice gets to the point. "We can't afford to host so many men. We might owe our lives to you but if we keep hosting you, those deserters may return.
Sokkari has nothing to say, Eirotatoungngilki instead glances briefly at you before stepping forward. "Then we shall hunt our own game. We are no burden."
Of course, before you are able to interject or add to the conversation. A small pop-up screen appears.
[Logistics Explained!]
[All your summoned warriors march on their stomachs. Feeding them is imperative to maintaining their combat effectiveness, mood, and health. A supply of food is required. Insufficient food and water will result in a negative status for your troops. Supplies must be procured or summoned. Summoning supplies will ensure enough food for your near and immediate needs. All summoning of supplies costs 1 Mana but the cost may decrease with due time.]
That leaves you an option or a deal to propose. Offering food to a village already in need would be a nice thing to do. Then again, whatever mana seems to be is apparently an important resource.
[X] Summon Supplies and offer them to the villagers. [-1 Mana]
[X] Summon Supplies to build up a small stockpile. [-1 Mana]
[X] Eirotatoungngilki says they can hunt. Let them hunt. [Roll]
Anthos has a hand to his chin again, trying to put into perspective whatever idea that might occur to him. He puts on a thoughtful look, although his thoughts seem to be miles away.
"Can't see why you should stick around. We can't hire mercenaries that we can't afford and that goes double if we can't pay them with food. Though if you do wish to stay, I can give you an offer for you and your men."
The response is unexpected, but Brice looks at Anthos incredulously. Whatever Anthos may think is going to happen, it is obvious that the older man disagrees.
Brice shakes his head. "We won't risk the safety of our town for-"
"I know. I know, but still, they did help us. Without them, we would've lost the town already." Anthos pauses briefly and glances at you, trying to find the right words to say. "Bandits are one thing, but if you saw their armor as I am sure you did they are no bandits. The insignia on their armor is clearly from an army."
Anthos clears his throat and continues.
"A legion to be precise." He adds quickly. "And with legions currently fighting each other, I am afraid that our borders are left unprotected and some other than thieves and deserters will arrive here soon enough. But that's why we have the provincial militia, but it's too holed up in the city of Lypirae to be of any help."
"Now," Anthos says. "Lypirae isn't that far away from here but the magistrate won't be of much help...There is also Avicia, but that place is in the mountains, a small city, with a smaller militia. Secure sure...But without reinforcements..."
Brice seems to finally get what Anthos seems to be getting at, but he is unable to stop him.
"In any case, I want you to escort us all to either location. Neither will be short of work for mercenaries. So we both win."
Brice remains silent but shakes his head. But in truth, abandoning their village for the sake of his people was a lot easier for him to swallow than trusting mercenaries he didn't know.
The ball was in your court yet again. Escort them to Avicia or Lypirae...or stay here.
Whatever happens next, you will need to plan for it. In the end, you decide to:
[X] Prepare to journey towards Lypirae
[X] Travel to the mountain city of Avicia
[X] Stay in Ecilla (Here!)
[X] Go your own way.
-[X][CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
-[X] Nubian
-[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
-[X] Reinforced [-1 Points][1.5x Troops]
-[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [-5 Points]
-[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
-[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [-2 Points]
-[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
Unknown
The roads to the afterlife are many. In every culture, there is always a path to take once life ends. For many, the afterlife is the only way to go back to the ones they have lost or a place to wait for the arrival of those they esteemed dear. It is a place of reunion, peace, and of judgment.
Judgment is the one thing that all humans learn to fear at an early age. Judgment from your peers, superiors, and the forces of the beyond.
Not all manage to arrive with glory or sinless to their resting place, many instead die with frustration and regret.
Warriors are no different in that regard to the rest of humanity. Their life story is a series of battles and adventures that often end in a sudden and violent death.
For them, their glory lies in the defeat of their enemies. Their skill with their weapons of choice, loyalty, honor, love for their homeland, and brotherhood with their fellow warriors.
Yet the greatest sin that they often commit is the sin of hubris. Hubris drives them to seek a great feat, a great victory, and a great glory.
For those that didn't achieve such glory, they are often relegated to the forgotten pages of history. But sometimes, their journey may not just end with death.
In some circumstances, their journey to the afterlife may not be as straightforward as they once thought. Instead, they are giving one more chance.
A chance to join the ranks of the living once more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lands of Phoenicia
The scorching lands of the east are a place that some Nubians know fairly well. Especially since the death of Alexander.
The Ptolomies are in demand of mercenaries to fight their wars, and Nubian soldiers are a favorite among them.
Eirotatoungngilki marches with the Pharaoh's warband. He already has a pharaoh of his own at Meroe, but he will do work for this one for gold and glory.
He and the band are hired as archers for a battle that will occur in one more field of Retjenu or Phoenicia as the Ptolemaic Greeks call it. A place Eirotatoungngilki knows not, but that remains close to the other battlefields that he has fought upon.
He and his men march along the coast, and then inland. They will have to wait for a few days for their battle.
Eirotatoungngilki will enjoy his days off as much as he can, he does not know if the gods of the Egyptians would protect him. King Ergamenes had done away with them and their Gods could still hold a grudge against him. He would have to pray to Apedemak and hope the Egyptian gods wouldn't punish him for it.
The day of battles arrives. The armies of the Ptolemaic Pharaoh and his enemies formed. The archers will be the first to engage.
Eirotatoungngilki carries with him a bow made out of tropical wood, and a Nubian warbow. His dark skin, hair, and beard stand out amongst the sea of Greek and Egyptian faces. He has the body of a soldier, a body that has been forged through hard training and hard labor. His face is marked by the scars of many battles. His tall stature and muscles make him look imposing.
He wears leather armor and a simple kilt. His sandals are made of leather, and his belt is made of bronze.
From afar he can see the eyes of his enemy of today. Faces of the young and old faces that his blessed eyesight allows him to remember.
"Nubians! We have work to do!" He screams in a loud voice. "Ready your bows!"
He draws his bow and aims at the enemy line. "May Apedemak bless us in battle!"
Eirotatoungngilki loosens his bow.
The arrow flies from his hand, and the archers around him begin their volleys.
The arrows fly over the heads of the enemy infantry. They fall upon their targets.
One arrow, then another, and another. The enemy's archers follow with their own volleys. Now only his God's blessing will save him.
But it does not.
Eirotatoungngilki feels an arrow pierce his heart, and he falls to the ground. He looks up at the sky and sees his god Apedemak. A sign of virtue and glory perhaps.
He has the head of a lion and carries with him two warbows.
He speaks, his voice is thunder.
But Eirotatoungngilki cannot hear. Instead, he watches as one of his officers rushes to help him and drag him out.
It is too late. Whatever his god has decreed, it has been done. His eyes close. Memories of his homeland come to him. Father. Mother. The wife who died in his arms.
And then, silence.
Then nothingness.
He waits in it.
His journey will begin as soon as his funerary rites are completed.
But it does not start.
Then light. Endless light drags his soul from nothingness into a shock as all sensations return to him at once.
His eyes open and he gasps.
A gasp of a dying man, his breath comes in quick and shallow. He feels cold.
And then, the pain.
His body feels like it has been shattered into pieces and remade again. He winces in pain until he notices that he is not in emptiness anymore.
A field. He is in a field. Rain, a town, and smoke.
Unknown Village
Back to you, honestly, you just picked in a random flurry of options that allowed you to summon troops from another world in a matter of seconds. Actually, the process was pretty much instantaneous. It only took you pressing a sort of hologram button in the middle of the air to get more than a hundred people behind you.
Of course, the sight before you wasn't the typical sight that you would expect when seeing warriors. The Nubian archers you had summoned were clearly processing the fact that they were in a place entirely outside of their usual surroundings.
You didn't have much time to inspect your troops, you skimmed to menus that appeared before you giving you some insight into what you could stats from the forces you brought here.
[Nubian Archers]
[Strength: 150]
[Type: Melee/Ranged]
[Experience: Heroic]
[Level: ???]
[Weapons: Warbows (Poisoned Available), Axes, Daggers]
[Armor: Medium]
[Morale: Good]
[Endurance: Fresh]
[Loyalty: Normal]
[Perks: Officer Corps]
[Mana Points: 0]
[Passive restoration and combat restoration available-]
You don't get to finish reading the two menus as a crossbow bolt shoots through one of them. The screen glitches into nothing and you catch sight of a group of bandits not taking kindly to having a small force of strange-looking men next to the village that they are sacking.
You ponder your options once more until there are obviously that many options to ponder anymore. Seeing the situation at hand, it takes little time for the Nubians to feel compelled to answer in return. One strangely begins to speak and you understand him perfectly. Soon, there is a back-and-forth of words and replies between the obsidian warriors.
You make out very little of what they are saying while being busy trying not to get shot at again. You watch as the Nubians draw their warbows, the rain apparently not an impediment to the warriors of Kush.
The Kushite archers let loose their arrows. Your eyes follow the arrows to their targets. The chainmail covering the upper body of the first dozen enemy warriors does little. Their oval shields provide better protection but not enough. As more of the Kushite warriors approach the hilltop and add their bows to the hail of arrows, it becomes clear that the enemy is pretty much defenseless. The crossbowmen that you had seen that wore no armor fared the worst out of the rest of the bandits with an arrow inside one of his eye sockets.
The remainder of the bandits form up around their leader and form enough of a shield wall to take cover behind one of the buildings. However, your Nubian archers didn't stop hailing them with arrows. Some poor smuck got both feet pierced by arrows from the Nubians and fell to the floor in pain before being silenced by another arrow.
Fortunately enough, the villagers who were either about to be captured or executed are now relatively free. Of course, some are untrusting but they to go whoever seems to be helping them out.
Regardless, the skirmish remains far from over. One of the Nubian archers, taller than yourself approaches you. He places a hand on your shoulder and informs you of the course of action he is going to take to take out the enemy. Up close, he is definitely imposing and determined. He wore a mix of iron and bronze armor, with an iron scale armor covering his chest with some level of cotton padding for extra protection.
You nod at the Kushite warrior, seeing no way that you could add to their plan, at least, for the time being. A small formation of Kushite archers moves forward, clearly attempting to flank the bandits from both sides.
It is then that you spot another particular sight. A woman wearing matching armor and wielding a war bow alongside the rest of the soldiers. The Kushite warrior who took notice of your confusion gives you a quick explanation that involved her being a bodyguard to a Kandake or Queen Mother. While he had no time to tell you of her story, he does speak of her with respect.
"We will take care of this enemy tribe for you." He tells you, wasting no more words as he draws an axe from his belt. Ready to join the rest of the Kushite warriors in the fight.
The bandits are clearly attempting to withdraw. The flanking maneuvers leave them with few options, they can either route or try to hold their ground with no chance of coming out alive. The bandits chose the latter, whatever remainder of discipline they kept no longer managing them to hold them steady.
As the bandits attempt to run, they are hit one by one with arrows. Some of the bandit's backs are covered in arrows. The rain is clearly not that much of an obstacle for the experienced warriors you have just summoned.
Finally, there is calm as the rain subsides. The skirmish is over, whatever bandits remain are either incapacitated or more simply dead. Which gives you time to take in the situation and process it. But then...a notification screen appears.
[First Skirmish Bonus: +1 Mana]
[Defeated Bandit Warband: +0.5 Mana]
Unknown Location
The stench of death litters the fields. Rows upon rows of soldiers lay dead, wounded, or maimed. With the rain stopping, the crows come out of the treetops and back to the ground. Vultures circle around the skies and banners lay on the ground, mud covering the otherwise proud insignia of those who carried them.
The face of the man who was brought to this massacre is not that of an old scarred veteran, which explains the disgust and careful steps of the one walking through the fields.
But beyond the disgust and the scars of battle. There is a single thought in the mind of the young general. "Pyrrhic victories won't help at all."
Unknown Village
Eirotatoungngilki inspects the town alongside you and yes, he has finally introduced himself with a name. A name that was way too long and difficult to pronounce. You had settled with calling him by his rank. Captain. Probably a wise choice since you didn't want to embarrass yourself by trying to pronounce a name over and over again with no success.
You discuss with the Eirotatoungngilki what just happened. From the sudden transportation to the battle with the bandits.
He does not know the cause of any of the events that took place. And if he had known, he would probably be telling you.
In fact, he is currently debating with one of the other Kushite warriors why they were sent here. Some of the Kushites certainly demanded to know why they were here. Soon enough, the discussion falls to the same points. They were all dead or about to die before they came here. Some have accepted their fates, some others remain worried about home, unable to come to terms with their deaths. Clearly, not all had finished their business at home.
Regardless, your captain, Eirotatoungngilki explains that in a strange way, he was fairly convinced that they were sent here to help you defeat a great enemy and felt compelled to help you from the get-go. It is why he organized the Kushite warriors and helped to take out bandits. He would ask if you knew who your enemy was but you barely know as well.
This situation leaves many dissatisfied. But it seems that their fate had been sealed by the gods themselves, and it clearly wasn't for them to decide.
They do know one thing though and they can sense it, just like Eirotatoungngilki, they are compelled to help you and if it was you that brought them, then you were the leader.
Eventually, the group disbands as many go to bury the bandits, loot, and help the townspeople bury their dead. The atmosphere is calm and serene, the rain no longer pouring down upon the fields as the sun sets.
Another Nubian comes forth, she wears a chainmail shirt and bronze armguards, a war bow is slung over her shoulders, and a sword is hung by a belt. Her clothes are well-tailored and neat, but they are well-worn and stained from travel and use. Her hair is tied up and her features are delicate and refined. She is a warrior, yet she carries herself with confidence and an aristocratic grace that speaks volumes of her authority and wisdom.
Her brown eyes regard you curiously and with a hint of skepticism. Her expression is a carefully crafted mask of neutrality that only betrays a faint air of wariness.
She introduces herself, as Sokkari, the sister of the Kandake of Meroe. The meeting is brief, apparently, she was asked by Eirotatoungngilki to act as your bodyguard and that her duty shall be done. Not long after, she walks away keeping her distance and inspecting the terrain.
A building in the village
The villagers are huddled up together in the one building that seems mostly intact after the attack from the deserters. Women and children, either mourning or in relief of knowing that their families are safe for now.
Their leadership consists of a villager whose age shows with his gray hair and wrinkled face, who goes by the name of Brice and Anthos, a younger man of a taller stature with dark hair and hazel eyes.
"To be beset by two strangers and at the same time. Aren't times bad enough already with having to choose between two emperors?" Anthos asks rhetorically, his more educated words as always contrasting with the situation at hand. "Either that or perhaps we should consider that the gods have not abandoned us after all. To have the strangers help us."
Brice only stares silently, unsure of where exactly he wants to start. Allowing Anthos's mind to wander a fair more.
"But there is something to be said about the skill of these new people." Anthos continues. "Not that we can afford to pay them as mercenaries and I am not even sure if they are from the Empire. Their armor is unlike anything I've seen in our lands."
Brice frowns slightly, wondering if the younger man before him is losing focus again. He clears his throat.
Anthos stops talking.
"The sooner we get them to go the better," Brice says, giving a side-long glance to the Nubians patrolling outside of the house. "If they are here for war and without knowing their enemies, it will just make us a target again."
Anthos is about to reply but you enter the building, accompanied by Sokkari and Eirotatoungngilki. Silence fills the room, leaving a strange tension in the air.
Seeing that the silence is not getting better and that curiosity is getting the better of Anthos, he speaks first. "With which emperor are you siding with, stranger? Coerius or Prabanus?"
You look at him blankly for a moment. The inquisitive look on Anthos's face clearly draws the attention of both your escorts. The villagers are seemingly more interested in the exoticity of the warriors that saved them rather than the answer to Anthos's question.
Of course, you have no answer to Anthos. The names don't mean a thing to you, and you don't have a clue of what the current situation is or which faction is in power in these lands. But your lack of answer is enough for him.
"So none then? That can work well enough I suppose." Anthos responds, allowing his hand to leave his chin. While Brice was clearly doing more than merely asking whatever came to his mind. He already has a child and offers you three some bread and water, which you politely accept.
Once done, Brice gets to the point. "We can't afford to host so many men. We might owe our lives to you but if we keep hosting you, those deserters may return.
Sokkari has nothing to say, Eirotatoungngilki instead glances briefly at you before stepping forward. "Then we shall hunt our own game. We are no burden."
Of course, before you are able to interject or add to the conversation. A small pop-up screen appears.
[Logistics Explained!]
[All your summoned warriors march on their stomachs. Feeding them is imperative to maintaining their combat effectiveness, mood, and health. A supply of food is required. Insufficient food and water will result in a negative status for your troops. Supplies must be procured or summoned. Summoning supplies will ensure enough food for your near and immediate needs. All summoning of supplies costs 1 Mana but the cost may decrease with due time.]
That leaves you an option or a deal to propose. Offering food to a village already in need would be a nice thing to do. Then again, whatever mana seems to be is apparently an important resource.
[X] Summon Supplies and offer them to the villagers. [-1 Mana]
[X] Summon Supplies to build up a small stockpile. [-1 Mana]
[X] Eirotatoungngilki says they can hunt. Let them hunt. [Roll]
Anthos has a hand to his chin again, trying to put into perspective whatever idea that might occur to him. He puts on a thoughtful look, although his thoughts seem to be miles away.
"Can't see why you should stick around. We can't hire mercenaries that we can't afford and that goes double if we can't pay them with food. Though if you do wish to stay, I can give you an offer for you and your men."
The response is unexpected, but Brice looks at Anthos incredulously. Whatever Anthos may think is going to happen, it is obvious that the older man disagrees.
Brice shakes his head. "We won't risk the safety of our town for-"
"I know. I know, but still, they did help us. Without them, we would've lost the town already." Anthos pauses briefly and glances at you, trying to find the right words to say. "Bandits are one thing, but if you saw their armor as I am sure you did they are no bandits. The insignia on their armor is clearly from an army."
Anthos clears his throat and continues.
"A legion to be precise." He adds quickly. "And with legions currently fighting each other, I am afraid that our borders are left unprotected and some other than thieves and deserters will arrive here soon enough. But that's why we have the provincial militia, but it's too holed up in the city of Lypirae to be of any help."
"Now," Anthos says. "Lypirae isn't that far away from here but the magistrate won't be of much help...There is also Avicia, but that place is in the mountains, a small city, with a smaller militia. Secure sure...But without reinforcements..."
Brice seems to finally get what Anthos seems to be getting at, but he is unable to stop him.
"In any case, I want you to escort us all to either location. Neither will be short of work for mercenaries. So we both win."
Brice remains silent but shakes his head. But in truth, abandoning their village for the sake of his people was a lot easier for him to swallow than trusting mercenaries he didn't know.
The ball was in your court yet again. Escort them to Avicia or Lypirae...or stay here.
Whatever happens next, you will need to plan for it. In the end, you decide to:
[X] Prepare to journey towards Lypirae
[X] Travel to the mountain city of Avicia
[X] Stay in Ecilla (Here!)
[X] Go your own way.
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Chapter 2: Reaching Lypirae
- Location
- Peru
[X] Prepare to journey towards Lypirae
[X] Summon Supplies to build up a small stockpile. [-1 Mana]
The choice between Lypirae and Avicia isn't a straightforward one for someone from another world with barely any knowledge of the region, its cities, and its culture. So, of course, you throw a few questions.
"Avicia? Well, it is a town on the pass to the Silver Mountains...and yes, but don't let the name fool most of the rich veins have been mined to exhaustion a century ago, whatever mines are still open are filled to the brim with expendable slaves." Anthos speaks with clear indifference for the latter part of the statement.
"It's a good place for those with ability with the sword, they are still tribes farther north-west that are claimed to be under rich veins and the fighting requires clearing...This would normally be done by the limitanei stationed there..." Anthos trails off. "...But no good men are there."
"No, good men?" Eirotatoungngilki blurts, curious about the answer.
Anthos stops before smiling to himself. "Not good. There isn't discipline anymore amongst their ranks. If you would only read the reports that I had read..."
"It's why business is good for mercenary bands like yours, barbarian and western alike." He adds.
That certainly doesn't paint the picture of a very secure location. However, a glance at your troops makes you consider that there is opportunity at least. Though, perhaps the unsavory kind.
"As for Lypirae, it is a provincial capital next to the Geron River. The magistrate governor there is named Placidus Aeserninus...As I said, he isn't of much use. May have a job or two for your men, and he has good coin...The province hasn't been looted by barbarians or the marching armies of the two emperors." Anthos does seem to linger on that last part for a moment. "...Not yet, at least. Regardless, I suggest you make your choice quickly. There should be more deserters from where the ones that attacked us came from."
Eirotatoungngilki gives you a brief look, his dark eyes studying you closely before asking. "Which destination do you choose, commander?"
You weigh both options carefully, while a city would be nice to get to know this world. You can't help but feel that there is a little more to what Anthos is telling you and why he is telling you this. The people around are no fools. The Kushite captain, Eirotatoungngilki seems to not mind either option really, not so much eager to follow your orders as much as he is to follow his purpose.
Taking into account the well-being of the villagers, the city would make the most sense. However, if it will turn into a warzone what's even the point? While Avicia seems safer, it also lends itself to less the rule of law and more the rule of strength.
You eventually conclude that...
"Lypirae will be our destination, my companions and I thank you for your hospitality. We will leave when you are all ready."
With that, there is not much left to say given that the choice has been made. But there is one more thing left...supplies.
"Hmm..." That's all that Briar, the village leader manages to mutter over the conversation.
"Don't be sour, old sage. It should be I that should fear reunion with the magistrate, you got your escort and your people will be safe." Anthos replies, before going back to their people to explain the course of action they will be taking.
You turn to look at Eirotatoungngilki, his expression as calm as ever.
"Captain, there is one more matter that I would like to address. Food." You state to him, that you remember the pop-up that appeared behind you earlier. It may seem weird, and extremely out of place for you to summon not only warriors from history but also food to boot...But it must be done. "Please, follow me." You tell him.
Eirotatoungngilki nods and he follows you outside together with Sokkari. Who had been listening to your conversation without uttering a single word.
The two of them follow you out of the main plaza of the ruined village if it can even be called that. It is late at night and the full moon provides much-needed light. The Kushite warriors seem to not mind doing guard duty on your behalf as they patrol around the village perimeter. While some others camp around the fires they put up.
When you arrive at the center of the village, you place a hand on the ground and summon supplies. The villagers watch you from their homes with a certain level of trepidation and fear. But there is also curiosity amongst the youngest ones.
Then, a shimmer of light comes from the ground and forms into jars, wooden boxes, and ceramics, everything under a sheet of linen just above them.
You sigh in relief and wonder if they can all eat together. That's when the reality of the situation sets in. You had just summoned a decent amount of food that would probably fill a week or two of meals for the entire retinue.
Eirotatoungngilki peers out at the contents of the recently created stash of supplies. He puts on a grin and pats you on the back. "So you are a magician! This is quite impressive." His deep voice reverberated."
It is not only the captain that is impressed with the food, the group of Kushite soldiers manage to spot food that's very much recognizable to their appetite and traditions. Meat, fish, butter, barley bread, there is enough to go around and no doubt enough to entice the rest of the group to join them in a meal.
The fact that you don't have to feed your men certainly comes with their perks, though, it did cost mana out of your pool. And it will have to be replenished...Perhaps, it may not be the best of ideas to summon food after every battle that you find yourself in.
Sokka approaches you, her face stoic as always, but you can sense an air of approval coming from her. Likely, she is as impressed as the rest of the warriors are at your magical capabilities. Some may have heard of a certain Hebrew, but most of the soldiers here likely only know of shamans, mages from myth and tradition.
You meet the gaze of Sokkari, a half-smile is seen for a second before she moves back to her original position. Leaving you to wonder if that was the same look of approval that Eirotatoungngilki is showing you right now.
The captain chuckles again. "Let us enjoy this meal and drink in honor of our victory in battle! Toast to Apedemak!" He proclaims, clearly not wanting to wait much longer before ordering men to begin preparing the food. Salt and pepper are soon used to create tasty seasoning. The smell of the cooking meat begins to waft through the air.
It smells heavenly, you haven't eaten in a long while...Or at least, it feels like it has been a long while since you ate. While the villagers are equally curious about the scent of the meat, some of them still distrust. You can hear a few voices voice concerns about a magician who suddenly saves them and offers them free food. Honestly, if you were in their place you would have the same doubts.
For the Kushites, however, the smells of their traditional dishes have stirred some sort of longing for home, with a few nostalgic sighs, they sit around the fire and share a drink of beer and wine.
You are made to taste some of the food offered to you, which is surprisingly good. Of course, no matter how good it tastes, it doesn't make up for the fact that you have no clue who or what Apedemak is. But you toast to his honor nonetheless and enjoy the celebration.
A few of the Kushite warriors, at least, the ones that came with their instruments played their music. They are no symphony by any means, but the rhythm of the drums and strings has the warriors stomping their feet and clapping their hands in tune.
Anthos and Briar are very much welcome into the small celebration. For despite being wary of you, they are not ignorant enough to reject an offer of food for their people. Even if they refuse to touch the alcohol.
Soon, both warriors and villagers are fed their spirits lifted and raised, though you do worry if perhaps everyone has been eating a little too much of what's supposed to be traveling rations. But you are sure that they'll be fine.
The feast ends in relative peace but with a somber attitude, the beer allowing many men to realize that this is not their homeland, few of them realize that their homeland is not within reach anymore and fewer seem to talk and accept their deaths...Many are still unsure of this strange fate that has befallen them, warriors of a magician who knows little of the world and they are meant to protect.
Yet, many others manage to find some sense of kinship with the Kushite warriors. Sharing drinks and stories and songs, forming friendships, or at the very least a connection. There are very few with family amongst your rank, their reunion is happy for some, and sad for others...You wonder if it is right or wrong to make use of your powers or if there is even a reason for it other than self-protection.
You withdraw to sleep amongst the soldiers, feeling exhausted and at ease. Rest comes easy and all the sounds fade into the background.
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The first day on the road is slow, you had to wait for the villagers to gather what little they had. However, there are a few oxs and animals that help carry the supplies to Lypirae. The Kushite warriors must also help by carrying jars, bags, and boxes. But of course, everyone is willing to carry their weight after a good feast.
Under the scorching sun of the grasslands between your forests, you begin to realize that marching for hours on end is something that you also ought to get used to or perhaps, you should simply get a horse.
Not much else to do but march, but the sights and the landscape around you are worth seeing, it is completely unbothered just like in ancient times. Besides, it gives you time to ask Anthos about a few things that interest you.
The Kushite men also speak amongst themselves, seemingly not bothered by the heat and the work. A few of them discussing the gods and the history of their kingdom, a few of them from the times when Nubia was under the reign of the Pharaohs, to those that remember and fought against the Romans to men like Eirotatoungngilki who lived when the Ptolemaic pharaohs ruled.
However, the topics of your conversation with Anthos are mostly centered around the politics and the events of the Vallucian Empire, mainly, the civil war.
"The two emperors, Coerius and Prabanus. Both were chosen by their father to succeed him. Their father, Claudius Eutychianus believed that the empire could be split into two halves. North and South." Anthos speaks.
"The two halves are not equal, though. The north has the wealthiest provinces and cities. The south has been the richest of the two of the halves for a long time, it is the place where the very empire was born." He tells him. "But the north is also the place where the legions are stationed, the palatines, the comitatenses. And of course, it is also more fertile than the south."
He goes on. "Coerius is the ruler of the north, Prabanus, the south. Their armies have surely begun to clash already and will continue to clash until only one stands."
Anthos seems to pause for a moment, before continuing. Only for Briar to come to interrupt his next words.
"So that's it? The emperor is dead, and the two princes are fighting for the throne. How can you even tell if the two are legitimate sons of the previous emperor?" He asks, his face showing signs of old age but his body still able to march along with the rest.
Anthos nods. "You are half-right...They are his sons but from different mothers. One is the son of the current empress, the other, the bastard son of a concubine."
You listen to Anthos, learning a little bit more about the conflict in the lands of the empire. But there is a nagging feeling, a question.
"Do you think either is better?"
Anthos stops in his tracks, he takes a moment before answering.
"Better? That's hard to say, I guess. If Coerius wins, the north will be safe, and the south will be the one to pay the price. Prabanus has few allies in the north, but not all the legions have declared for Coerius yet."
"If I am half-honest, I would say that I do not mind which one wins. As long as we are not caught in the middle." Anthos pauses for a moment before looking back at you.
Briar is quick to interject. "That's exactly the problem, lad. We are caught in the middle, bandits, deserters, and barbarians will keep coming from wherever they come from. Our homes are burned and we are on the road to a city whose doors may not even open for us."
Anthos frowns at his friend's words, but he nods, agreeing.
"Well, I suppose there are worse places to be in, then..."
The Nubian captain, Eirotatoungngilki, speaks up, having heard your conversation. "I know what it's like being in a war not of your own, the only certainty you wish for is for your home to be the same as when you left it."
Briar shakes his head and turns to walk away, the old man having enough of the conversation. While you are left thinking about the fact that it is you that brought them death to another war not of their own.
The Kushite warriors, meanwhile, have been busy trying to figure out their circumstances, the majority of them have been talking about the events that led them to being transported here. Their deaths, their gods, and the changes in Nubia, Kush, Meroe, and Egypt.
There is not a lack of conversations that revolve around the gods and the afterlife, a few of them are not afraid of admitting that they fear they have sinned in life, and their punishment is to fight in the wars of a stranger for eternity.
Some, however, believe that this is their test, to prove themselves worthy of the gods once more. A new beginning.
And then there are the soldiers who believe that their arrival in this world was simply a result of a deal that had been struck between the gods and your magic.
Of course, there is no shortage of rumors about you and how exactly your powers work. The villagers themselves seem to not have figured out the full extent of your powers, but there is certainly some level of apprehension, even fear.
But what catches your attention the most are the words of a Nubian that says. "I want him to bring my son here. He was great a warrior like many here, he deserved to die with his blade in hand."
You can feel the weight of those words, the responsibility that it implies. But you do not know what you could do for the man, you are no god or deity that can conjure such miracles at mere whim or are you?
[X] You decide to give it a try, maybe it is possible to do so? [Unknown Mana Cost. 1d100 Roll][Improve Morale Significantly]
[X] You make a promise to try and summon more warriors out of Kush to reunite the warriors with their families if they have any. [Next warband must also be Kushite][Improve Morale Slightly until completion of promise]
[X] You stay out of it, after all, you aren't even sure that it would be the right course of action.
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You are awaken in your tent by the sudden entrance of the Nubian captain.
"Commander, there are horsemen ahead, they claim to be from Lypirae." He speaks calmly.
"Very well." You say as you exit the tent. Perhaps, it wasn't that easy to not be unnoticed when you walked on foot and the magistrate's scouts could move on horseback.
You and the captain walk towards the group of scouts, who are already talking with the educated Vallucian of your group, Anthos.
"And you are claiming to have been attacked by bandits? Are these the ones?" One of the raiders asks, looking at the Kushite warband both with stern and curious eyes. "What are Zegarii doing this far north? Don't they usually raid our ships?"
Anthos clears his throat and tries to come up with an excuse. "Well, this isn't any group of Zegarii, sir. As you can see, they lack their very distinctive tattoos. This is a small band of mercenaries, they were traveling and defended the town."
"And you are leading them to Lypirae. Why?" The scout asks again.
"For protection. Some villages and towns could use their service, and they are looking for work. So, please, if you are willing, we need to enter the city and the magistrate would be delighted to hire such men. You can speak with him yourself."
Just as he finishes those words, the sound of more horsemen closing is heard, this time their armor heavy enough to let it echo through the air. At the helm of the incoming squadron of cavalry is a horseman with a shining scale armor piece and a red cape, his hair is black and he wears a helmet with red plumes.
He slows his horse as soon as he gets close, his expression stern.
"Aeserninus, I have come as requested. What is this matter that cannot be solved by a single scouting party?" He asks, looking down upon Anthos.
The scout bows his head slightly and answers. "General, sir. These villagers have claimed to be attacked by bandits and this mercenary band helped them. They want to sell their services."
"Really? Helping a town too poor to pay for their services?" The general turns to look at the dark-skinned warriors and the villagers, his eyes are dark and his expression is unreadable.
"To see Anthos at the helm of them is strange enough, I would think you would have taken the first chance you had to leave Ecilla behind." He tells him.
Anthos nods, a forced smile on his face. "It's not that easy to leave, general." He says. "We all have our duties to fulfill."
You approach the group, catching the general's attention. It does all feel like watching a bunch of historical reenactors play out a scene on television or a movie, you certainly feel more out of place due to the clothes you wear.
"And who might you be, stranger?" The general asks.
The words of the Vallucian officer catch you by surprise, you certainly don't what you exactly are to the Kushites or the villagers. They called you a magician, wizard, and a commander, but the latter probably makes the most sense of all the given options. "I am..." You say. "...The commander of this band."
You gesture to the Kushite warriors. Eirotatoungngilki nods respectfully, not bothering to correct you.
The officer seems unimpressed, but he keeps his focus on you. "These are strange times indeed if a foreigner is leading a group of foreign mercenaries into our lands. But so be it, the comes will decide what to do with you, not the magistrate...He is no fool to reject capable fighters."
With a single gesture, the general orders his men to escort the group of refugees and mercenaries.
"Follow my men." He tells you while turning his horse around to lead the march.
Anthos doesn't raise much concern about this, but rather, he seems to be eager to get to Lypirae.
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The journey to Lypirae has been a long and quiet one, but you arrive in the late evening. The sun has barely set, leaving the sky a warm shade of orange and blue, the wind is cool, and the river's waters are calm. The city is surrounded by a tall, sturdy, stone wall with watchtowers every few dozen yards.
You can hear the sounds of the city, the shouts of the workers, the ringing of bells, and the clatter of wagons and carts. There are people everywhere, going about their daily lives, shopping at the markets, and enjoying a meal in the many taverns.
The gates are wide open and there are guardsmen everywhere, keeping an eye on the people coming and going. Those villagers with family in Lypirae enter the city with their help, those without and your warband alike stay outside of the city walls. Some of your Kushite warriors were allowed to go inside in groups of six or eight, their skills with the bow drawing the attention of the populace, and their height, strength, and physique drawing the admiration of the city people.
Sokkari and Eirotatoungngilki remain the closest to your side, alongside a group of the Kushite warriors as you are escorted to meet with the Comes.
The Comes office is not very luxurious, though, the walls are decorated with paintings and statues. The furniture is well-made, and the windows are open, letting in a gentle breeze.
The man wears a mix of armor and noble clothes, his hair is neatly combed, and his beard is well-groomed. His eyes are a dark brown, and his skin is tanned. Though, he certainly looks more friendly than the officer who escorted you here.
He sits on a large chair, a table before him.
"Good to find you here. Anthos." He greets the Vallucian officer. "I have received the report. Bandits? They have become quite a problem recently, haven't they? But I suppose you will be fine as long as you are under the protection of these new friends of yours." He says with a smile to which Anthos replies with a simple nod.
"Now, then. The question is, what is to be done with them?"
"They are a band of mercenaries, comes. They have no allegiance and seek to make coin." Anthos responds. "Their numbers are small, but their skill is not. I have seen them fight, and they are worth their price."
"That will have to be seen and I have just the tests for it." The comes replies. "But first, we need to deal with the matter at hand. These new barbarians to our east are growing more troublesome by the day." He says. "While your town was attacked by deserters of the imperial armies, then the eastern towns have suffered a similar fate but in the hands of barbarians to our east, a new horde it seems."
"We will not allow ourselves to be overrun by the barbarians of the plains or the forest. We have our walls, and our men." He adds. "I have sent men to deal with the problem, and you are to be their very reinforcement. The legions are not coming to our aid, the armies of both emperors are far from us, but we will not give the barbarians an inch, while I am here." The comes explains.
The comes then takes you to a map of the region, it is a crude map made of leather with a red X over the eastern forests and plains. "There have been reports of attacks all over the borderlands, from the eastern forests, to the very river that this city sits next to...You are free to pick between the two areas that I have marked. You will join either the riverine patrols or a few cohorts in the forest."
The comes then looks at the rest of the warriors with a curious gaze. "The pay will be good. ten denarii per warrior in your band, one for every villager."
You nod, understanding that the comes has offered you the job. Except for the part where he mentions the villager. So you ask him. "Villagers?"
The comes looks at you in slight confusion before replying. "Yes, the villagers, they have been given refuge by the city. We are not heartless enough to throw them into the wild, but food and safety aren't free. They will need to pay their way with labor, and I can only provide them with the option to join the militia or be your porters. I believe that one is the nicer of the two."
Anthos looks at you. "He is right. These are hard times, commander."
You look at Eirotatoungngilki, the warrior speaks. "Porters are not a bad option, we will have to see what they can carry and for how long. But some should be useful."
You end up having to decide whether or not to bring the villagers along or not. But also whether to accept the mercenary job offered by the comes. At the moment, you feel like you are more auxiliaries than anything else.
You...
[X] Accept and get your men ready to go on a riverine expedition.
[X] Accept and set up for a forest reinforcement mission.
[X] You decline to help the Comes, deciding that better prospects can be found elsewhere.
[X] You decline to help the Comes, and leave the city....Rome-like cultures aren't your thing with all the slavery and harshness. Maybe, the supposed "Barbarians" offer a better deal to you?
As for the villagers.
[X] You agree to take them into your warband to work as porters and support and volunteers if they wish to fight.
[X] You recruit only those with enough strength and endurance to seemingly be able to fight in a battle. The rest are not your problem.
[X] You don't take any of the villagers, believing that your support staff should be made out of other kind of people.
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Of course, throughout the journey, you have also played and received notifications from the strange menus that appear from time to time. Your march, exploration, and little feast have made it so that your mana is regained through achievements...It does feel very gamey, and you feel as if the supernatural being that brought you to this world is either having fun or torturing you by gamefying what should be extremely difficult magic that brings actual people to another world. Regardless, the notifications are as follows:
[Marching Achievement I: +0.5 Mana]
[Feasting Firstly: +0.25 Mana]
[First city in another world: +0.25 Mana]
[Mercenary contracts 1: +0.5 Mana]
[Lore Basics 1: +0.25 Mana]
It almost feels like a flood of notifications from an MMORPG that congratulates you on every little thing so that you stay engaged. But in your case, you don't have much option than to do these things whether you want it or not.
[Passive Mana Generation: +1.5]
[Total Mana: 3.75]
The tally leaves you pretty much still behind on what you would need to summon another band of the caliber of what you have already summoned. Still, it does mean that clearing those objectives and defeating enemies will probably be a few ways to increase the amount of mana at your disposal.
The marching and the fact that you have to get used to how things are in a seemingly ancient world also mean that you must consider honing your skills. Thankfully, there are a few options for that given that there are skilled warriors rightly available to train you. But there are also other ways to spend time and your efforts that may gain you a reward.
Personal Actions
These will cover anything regarding the summoning of troops to using actions to learn, and gain skills but also engage in actions other than those. You currently have a single personal action to engage in.
[X] Training with the Kushites: The Kushite training regime may be harsh for someone of the modern age, but they will able to translate some of their abilities to you, albeit slowly, the warriors you have summoned not only have talent but years of experience and fight to draw from. Matching them at any level will be no easy task, but you can try.
[X] Practice Summoning: This strange ability of yours seems to be rather powerful than it should be. What if you could summon special forces from the modern era? What about a tank or a helicopter...You decide that it is best to spend your time engaging in learning as much as you can about it from the maze-like menus of the strange game interface available to you.
[X] Commander's Role: You are a commander by being a magician or simply due to how the magic of the summoning works, but you are no tactical genius just yet. You could try and learn more about it by following Eirotatoungngilki. You could learn to give orders and perhaps even gain more confidence when dealing with them.
Character Sheet:
Name: ???
Sex: ???
Age: ???
Skills:
Summoning [???]
???
???
Retinues
[Nubian Archers]
[Captain: Eirotatoungngilki]
[Strength: 150]
[Type: Melee/Ranged]
[Experience: Heroic]
[Level: ???]
[Weapons: Warbows (Poisoned Available), Axes, Daggers]
[Armor: Medium]
[Morale: Good]
[Endurance: Fresh]
[Loyalty: Normal]
[Perks: Officer Corps]
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OOC: Alright, finally the update is out. Sorry for the wait, and hope you enjoy it. Do feel free to create short 800-word omakes to gain bonus mana if you wish so. As for possible questions you may have, yes so far the setup seems to be around a late-romanish fantasy-alternate empire, the fantasy elements are yet to be revealed though but will be visible soon enough. I have updated the cost for troops and traits, making summoning more expensive but less able to be abused through min-maxing. That's about it, if you have any questions feel free to post them here or in disc.
[X] Summon Supplies to build up a small stockpile. [-1 Mana]
Leaving Ecilla
The choice between Lypirae and Avicia isn't a straightforward one for someone from another world with barely any knowledge of the region, its cities, and its culture. So, of course, you throw a few questions.
"Avicia? Well, it is a town on the pass to the Silver Mountains...and yes, but don't let the name fool most of the rich veins have been mined to exhaustion a century ago, whatever mines are still open are filled to the brim with expendable slaves." Anthos speaks with clear indifference for the latter part of the statement.
"It's a good place for those with ability with the sword, they are still tribes farther north-west that are claimed to be under rich veins and the fighting requires clearing...This would normally be done by the limitanei stationed there..." Anthos trails off. "...But no good men are there."
"No, good men?" Eirotatoungngilki blurts, curious about the answer.
Anthos stops before smiling to himself. "Not good. There isn't discipline anymore amongst their ranks. If you would only read the reports that I had read..."
"It's why business is good for mercenary bands like yours, barbarian and western alike." He adds.
That certainly doesn't paint the picture of a very secure location. However, a glance at your troops makes you consider that there is opportunity at least. Though, perhaps the unsavory kind.
"As for Lypirae, it is a provincial capital next to the Geron River. The magistrate governor there is named Placidus Aeserninus...As I said, he isn't of much use. May have a job or two for your men, and he has good coin...The province hasn't been looted by barbarians or the marching armies of the two emperors." Anthos does seem to linger on that last part for a moment. "...Not yet, at least. Regardless, I suggest you make your choice quickly. There should be more deserters from where the ones that attacked us came from."
Eirotatoungngilki gives you a brief look, his dark eyes studying you closely before asking. "Which destination do you choose, commander?"
You weigh both options carefully, while a city would be nice to get to know this world. You can't help but feel that there is a little more to what Anthos is telling you and why he is telling you this. The people around are no fools. The Kushite captain, Eirotatoungngilki seems to not mind either option really, not so much eager to follow your orders as much as he is to follow his purpose.
Taking into account the well-being of the villagers, the city would make the most sense. However, if it will turn into a warzone what's even the point? While Avicia seems safer, it also lends itself to less the rule of law and more the rule of strength.
You eventually conclude that...
"Lypirae will be our destination, my companions and I thank you for your hospitality. We will leave when you are all ready."
With that, there is not much left to say given that the choice has been made. But there is one more thing left...supplies.
"Hmm..." That's all that Briar, the village leader manages to mutter over the conversation.
"Don't be sour, old sage. It should be I that should fear reunion with the magistrate, you got your escort and your people will be safe." Anthos replies, before going back to their people to explain the course of action they will be taking.
You turn to look at Eirotatoungngilki, his expression as calm as ever.
"Captain, there is one more matter that I would like to address. Food." You state to him, that you remember the pop-up that appeared behind you earlier. It may seem weird, and extremely out of place for you to summon not only warriors from history but also food to boot...But it must be done. "Please, follow me." You tell him.
Eirotatoungngilki nods and he follows you outside together with Sokkari. Who had been listening to your conversation without uttering a single word.
The two of them follow you out of the main plaza of the ruined village if it can even be called that. It is late at night and the full moon provides much-needed light. The Kushite warriors seem to not mind doing guard duty on your behalf as they patrol around the village perimeter. While some others camp around the fires they put up.
When you arrive at the center of the village, you place a hand on the ground and summon supplies. The villagers watch you from their homes with a certain level of trepidation and fear. But there is also curiosity amongst the youngest ones.
Then, a shimmer of light comes from the ground and forms into jars, wooden boxes, and ceramics, everything under a sheet of linen just above them.
You sigh in relief and wonder if they can all eat together. That's when the reality of the situation sets in. You had just summoned a decent amount of food that would probably fill a week or two of meals for the entire retinue.
Eirotatoungngilki peers out at the contents of the recently created stash of supplies. He puts on a grin and pats you on the back. "So you are a magician! This is quite impressive." His deep voice reverberated."
It is not only the captain that is impressed with the food, the group of Kushite soldiers manage to spot food that's very much recognizable to their appetite and traditions. Meat, fish, butter, barley bread, there is enough to go around and no doubt enough to entice the rest of the group to join them in a meal.
The fact that you don't have to feed your men certainly comes with their perks, though, it did cost mana out of your pool. And it will have to be replenished...Perhaps, it may not be the best of ideas to summon food after every battle that you find yourself in.
Sokka approaches you, her face stoic as always, but you can sense an air of approval coming from her. Likely, she is as impressed as the rest of the warriors are at your magical capabilities. Some may have heard of a certain Hebrew, but most of the soldiers here likely only know of shamans, mages from myth and tradition.
You meet the gaze of Sokkari, a half-smile is seen for a second before she moves back to her original position. Leaving you to wonder if that was the same look of approval that Eirotatoungngilki is showing you right now.
The captain chuckles again. "Let us enjoy this meal and drink in honor of our victory in battle! Toast to Apedemak!" He proclaims, clearly not wanting to wait much longer before ordering men to begin preparing the food. Salt and pepper are soon used to create tasty seasoning. The smell of the cooking meat begins to waft through the air.
It smells heavenly, you haven't eaten in a long while...Or at least, it feels like it has been a long while since you ate. While the villagers are equally curious about the scent of the meat, some of them still distrust. You can hear a few voices voice concerns about a magician who suddenly saves them and offers them free food. Honestly, if you were in their place you would have the same doubts.
For the Kushites, however, the smells of their traditional dishes have stirred some sort of longing for home, with a few nostalgic sighs, they sit around the fire and share a drink of beer and wine.
You are made to taste some of the food offered to you, which is surprisingly good. Of course, no matter how good it tastes, it doesn't make up for the fact that you have no clue who or what Apedemak is. But you toast to his honor nonetheless and enjoy the celebration.
A few of the Kushite warriors, at least, the ones that came with their instruments played their music. They are no symphony by any means, but the rhythm of the drums and strings has the warriors stomping their feet and clapping their hands in tune.
Anthos and Briar are very much welcome into the small celebration. For despite being wary of you, they are not ignorant enough to reject an offer of food for their people. Even if they refuse to touch the alcohol.
Soon, both warriors and villagers are fed their spirits lifted and raised, though you do worry if perhaps everyone has been eating a little too much of what's supposed to be traveling rations. But you are sure that they'll be fine.
The feast ends in relative peace but with a somber attitude, the beer allowing many men to realize that this is not their homeland, few of them realize that their homeland is not within reach anymore and fewer seem to talk and accept their deaths...Many are still unsure of this strange fate that has befallen them, warriors of a magician who knows little of the world and they are meant to protect.
Yet, many others manage to find some sense of kinship with the Kushite warriors. Sharing drinks and stories and songs, forming friendships, or at the very least a connection. There are very few with family amongst your rank, their reunion is happy for some, and sad for others...You wonder if it is right or wrong to make use of your powers or if there is even a reason for it other than self-protection.
You withdraw to sleep amongst the soldiers, feeling exhausted and at ease. Rest comes easy and all the sounds fade into the background.
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On the road to Lypirae
The first day on the road is slow, you had to wait for the villagers to gather what little they had. However, there are a few oxs and animals that help carry the supplies to Lypirae. The Kushite warriors must also help by carrying jars, bags, and boxes. But of course, everyone is willing to carry their weight after a good feast.
Under the scorching sun of the grasslands between your forests, you begin to realize that marching for hours on end is something that you also ought to get used to or perhaps, you should simply get a horse.
Not much else to do but march, but the sights and the landscape around you are worth seeing, it is completely unbothered just like in ancient times. Besides, it gives you time to ask Anthos about a few things that interest you.
The Kushite men also speak amongst themselves, seemingly not bothered by the heat and the work. A few of them discussing the gods and the history of their kingdom, a few of them from the times when Nubia was under the reign of the Pharaohs, to those that remember and fought against the Romans to men like Eirotatoungngilki who lived when the Ptolemaic pharaohs ruled.
However, the topics of your conversation with Anthos are mostly centered around the politics and the events of the Vallucian Empire, mainly, the civil war.
"The two emperors, Coerius and Prabanus. Both were chosen by their father to succeed him. Their father, Claudius Eutychianus believed that the empire could be split into two halves. North and South." Anthos speaks.
"The two halves are not equal, though. The north has the wealthiest provinces and cities. The south has been the richest of the two of the halves for a long time, it is the place where the very empire was born." He tells him. "But the north is also the place where the legions are stationed, the palatines, the comitatenses. And of course, it is also more fertile than the south."
He goes on. "Coerius is the ruler of the north, Prabanus, the south. Their armies have surely begun to clash already and will continue to clash until only one stands."
Anthos seems to pause for a moment, before continuing. Only for Briar to come to interrupt his next words.
"So that's it? The emperor is dead, and the two princes are fighting for the throne. How can you even tell if the two are legitimate sons of the previous emperor?" He asks, his face showing signs of old age but his body still able to march along with the rest.
Anthos nods. "You are half-right...They are his sons but from different mothers. One is the son of the current empress, the other, the bastard son of a concubine."
You listen to Anthos, learning a little bit more about the conflict in the lands of the empire. But there is a nagging feeling, a question.
"Do you think either is better?"
Anthos stops in his tracks, he takes a moment before answering.
"Better? That's hard to say, I guess. If Coerius wins, the north will be safe, and the south will be the one to pay the price. Prabanus has few allies in the north, but not all the legions have declared for Coerius yet."
"If I am half-honest, I would say that I do not mind which one wins. As long as we are not caught in the middle." Anthos pauses for a moment before looking back at you.
Briar is quick to interject. "That's exactly the problem, lad. We are caught in the middle, bandits, deserters, and barbarians will keep coming from wherever they come from. Our homes are burned and we are on the road to a city whose doors may not even open for us."
Anthos frowns at his friend's words, but he nods, agreeing.
"Well, I suppose there are worse places to be in, then..."
The Nubian captain, Eirotatoungngilki, speaks up, having heard your conversation. "I know what it's like being in a war not of your own, the only certainty you wish for is for your home to be the same as when you left it."
Briar shakes his head and turns to walk away, the old man having enough of the conversation. While you are left thinking about the fact that it is you that brought them death to another war not of their own.
The Kushite warriors, meanwhile, have been busy trying to figure out their circumstances, the majority of them have been talking about the events that led them to being transported here. Their deaths, their gods, and the changes in Nubia, Kush, Meroe, and Egypt.
There is not a lack of conversations that revolve around the gods and the afterlife, a few of them are not afraid of admitting that they fear they have sinned in life, and their punishment is to fight in the wars of a stranger for eternity.
Some, however, believe that this is their test, to prove themselves worthy of the gods once more. A new beginning.
And then there are the soldiers who believe that their arrival in this world was simply a result of a deal that had been struck between the gods and your magic.
Of course, there is no shortage of rumors about you and how exactly your powers work. The villagers themselves seem to not have figured out the full extent of your powers, but there is certainly some level of apprehension, even fear.
But what catches your attention the most are the words of a Nubian that says. "I want him to bring my son here. He was great a warrior like many here, he deserved to die with his blade in hand."
You can feel the weight of those words, the responsibility that it implies. But you do not know what you could do for the man, you are no god or deity that can conjure such miracles at mere whim or are you?
[X] You decide to give it a try, maybe it is possible to do so? [Unknown Mana Cost. 1d100 Roll][Improve Morale Significantly]
[X] You make a promise to try and summon more warriors out of Kush to reunite the warriors with their families if they have any. [Next warband must also be Kushite][Improve Morale Slightly until completion of promise]
[X] You stay out of it, after all, you aren't even sure that it would be the right course of action.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Road to Lypirae
Days later
Days later
You are awaken in your tent by the sudden entrance of the Nubian captain.
"Commander, there are horsemen ahead, they claim to be from Lypirae." He speaks calmly.
"Very well." You say as you exit the tent. Perhaps, it wasn't that easy to not be unnoticed when you walked on foot and the magistrate's scouts could move on horseback.
You and the captain walk towards the group of scouts, who are already talking with the educated Vallucian of your group, Anthos.
"And you are claiming to have been attacked by bandits? Are these the ones?" One of the raiders asks, looking at the Kushite warband both with stern and curious eyes. "What are Zegarii doing this far north? Don't they usually raid our ships?"
Anthos clears his throat and tries to come up with an excuse. "Well, this isn't any group of Zegarii, sir. As you can see, they lack their very distinctive tattoos. This is a small band of mercenaries, they were traveling and defended the town."
"And you are leading them to Lypirae. Why?" The scout asks again.
"For protection. Some villages and towns could use their service, and they are looking for work. So, please, if you are willing, we need to enter the city and the magistrate would be delighted to hire such men. You can speak with him yourself."
Just as he finishes those words, the sound of more horsemen closing is heard, this time their armor heavy enough to let it echo through the air. At the helm of the incoming squadron of cavalry is a horseman with a shining scale armor piece and a red cape, his hair is black and he wears a helmet with red plumes.
He slows his horse as soon as he gets close, his expression stern.
"Aeserninus, I have come as requested. What is this matter that cannot be solved by a single scouting party?" He asks, looking down upon Anthos.
The scout bows his head slightly and answers. "General, sir. These villagers have claimed to be attacked by bandits and this mercenary band helped them. They want to sell their services."
"Really? Helping a town too poor to pay for their services?" The general turns to look at the dark-skinned warriors and the villagers, his eyes are dark and his expression is unreadable.
"To see Anthos at the helm of them is strange enough, I would think you would have taken the first chance you had to leave Ecilla behind." He tells him.
Anthos nods, a forced smile on his face. "It's not that easy to leave, general." He says. "We all have our duties to fulfill."
You approach the group, catching the general's attention. It does all feel like watching a bunch of historical reenactors play out a scene on television or a movie, you certainly feel more out of place due to the clothes you wear.
"And who might you be, stranger?" The general asks.
The words of the Vallucian officer catch you by surprise, you certainly don't what you exactly are to the Kushites or the villagers. They called you a magician, wizard, and a commander, but the latter probably makes the most sense of all the given options. "I am..." You say. "...The commander of this band."
You gesture to the Kushite warriors. Eirotatoungngilki nods respectfully, not bothering to correct you.
The officer seems unimpressed, but he keeps his focus on you. "These are strange times indeed if a foreigner is leading a group of foreign mercenaries into our lands. But so be it, the comes will decide what to do with you, not the magistrate...He is no fool to reject capable fighters."
With a single gesture, the general orders his men to escort the group of refugees and mercenaries.
"Follow my men." He tells you while turning his horse around to lead the march.
Anthos doesn't raise much concern about this, but rather, he seems to be eager to get to Lypirae.
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Provincial Capital of Lypirae
The journey to Lypirae has been a long and quiet one, but you arrive in the late evening. The sun has barely set, leaving the sky a warm shade of orange and blue, the wind is cool, and the river's waters are calm. The city is surrounded by a tall, sturdy, stone wall with watchtowers every few dozen yards.
You can hear the sounds of the city, the shouts of the workers, the ringing of bells, and the clatter of wagons and carts. There are people everywhere, going about their daily lives, shopping at the markets, and enjoying a meal in the many taverns.
The gates are wide open and there are guardsmen everywhere, keeping an eye on the people coming and going. Those villagers with family in Lypirae enter the city with their help, those without and your warband alike stay outside of the city walls. Some of your Kushite warriors were allowed to go inside in groups of six or eight, their skills with the bow drawing the attention of the populace, and their height, strength, and physique drawing the admiration of the city people.
Sokkari and Eirotatoungngilki remain the closest to your side, alongside a group of the Kushite warriors as you are escorted to meet with the Comes.
The Comes office is not very luxurious, though, the walls are decorated with paintings and statues. The furniture is well-made, and the windows are open, letting in a gentle breeze.
The man wears a mix of armor and noble clothes, his hair is neatly combed, and his beard is well-groomed. His eyes are a dark brown, and his skin is tanned. Though, he certainly looks more friendly than the officer who escorted you here.
He sits on a large chair, a table before him.
"Good to find you here. Anthos." He greets the Vallucian officer. "I have received the report. Bandits? They have become quite a problem recently, haven't they? But I suppose you will be fine as long as you are under the protection of these new friends of yours." He says with a smile to which Anthos replies with a simple nod.
"Now, then. The question is, what is to be done with them?"
"They are a band of mercenaries, comes. They have no allegiance and seek to make coin." Anthos responds. "Their numbers are small, but their skill is not. I have seen them fight, and they are worth their price."
"That will have to be seen and I have just the tests for it." The comes replies. "But first, we need to deal with the matter at hand. These new barbarians to our east are growing more troublesome by the day." He says. "While your town was attacked by deserters of the imperial armies, then the eastern towns have suffered a similar fate but in the hands of barbarians to our east, a new horde it seems."
"We will not allow ourselves to be overrun by the barbarians of the plains or the forest. We have our walls, and our men." He adds. "I have sent men to deal with the problem, and you are to be their very reinforcement. The legions are not coming to our aid, the armies of both emperors are far from us, but we will not give the barbarians an inch, while I am here." The comes explains.
The comes then takes you to a map of the region, it is a crude map made of leather with a red X over the eastern forests and plains. "There have been reports of attacks all over the borderlands, from the eastern forests, to the very river that this city sits next to...You are free to pick between the two areas that I have marked. You will join either the riverine patrols or a few cohorts in the forest."
The comes then looks at the rest of the warriors with a curious gaze. "The pay will be good. ten denarii per warrior in your band, one for every villager."
You nod, understanding that the comes has offered you the job. Except for the part where he mentions the villager. So you ask him. "Villagers?"
The comes looks at you in slight confusion before replying. "Yes, the villagers, they have been given refuge by the city. We are not heartless enough to throw them into the wild, but food and safety aren't free. They will need to pay their way with labor, and I can only provide them with the option to join the militia or be your porters. I believe that one is the nicer of the two."
Anthos looks at you. "He is right. These are hard times, commander."
You look at Eirotatoungngilki, the warrior speaks. "Porters are not a bad option, we will have to see what they can carry and for how long. But some should be useful."
You end up having to decide whether or not to bring the villagers along or not. But also whether to accept the mercenary job offered by the comes. At the moment, you feel like you are more auxiliaries than anything else.
You...
[X] Accept and get your men ready to go on a riverine expedition.
[X] Accept and set up for a forest reinforcement mission.
[X] You decline to help the Comes, deciding that better prospects can be found elsewhere.
[X] You decline to help the Comes, and leave the city....Rome-like cultures aren't your thing with all the slavery and harshness. Maybe, the supposed "Barbarians" offer a better deal to you?
As for the villagers.
[X] You agree to take them into your warband to work as porters and support and volunteers if they wish to fight.
[X] You recruit only those with enough strength and endurance to seemingly be able to fight in a battle. The rest are not your problem.
[X] You don't take any of the villagers, believing that your support staff should be made out of other kind of people.
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Of course, throughout the journey, you have also played and received notifications from the strange menus that appear from time to time. Your march, exploration, and little feast have made it so that your mana is regained through achievements...It does feel very gamey, and you feel as if the supernatural being that brought you to this world is either having fun or torturing you by gamefying what should be extremely difficult magic that brings actual people to another world. Regardless, the notifications are as follows:
[Marching Achievement I: +0.5 Mana]
[Feasting Firstly: +0.25 Mana]
[First city in another world: +0.25 Mana]
[Mercenary contracts 1: +0.5 Mana]
[Lore Basics 1: +0.25 Mana]
It almost feels like a flood of notifications from an MMORPG that congratulates you on every little thing so that you stay engaged. But in your case, you don't have much option than to do these things whether you want it or not.
[Passive Mana Generation: +1.5]
[Total Mana: 3.75]
The tally leaves you pretty much still behind on what you would need to summon another band of the caliber of what you have already summoned. Still, it does mean that clearing those objectives and defeating enemies will probably be a few ways to increase the amount of mana at your disposal.
The marching and the fact that you have to get used to how things are in a seemingly ancient world also mean that you must consider honing your skills. Thankfully, there are a few options for that given that there are skilled warriors rightly available to train you. But there are also other ways to spend time and your efforts that may gain you a reward.
Personal Actions
These will cover anything regarding the summoning of troops to using actions to learn, and gain skills but also engage in actions other than those. You currently have a single personal action to engage in.
[X] Training with the Kushites: The Kushite training regime may be harsh for someone of the modern age, but they will able to translate some of their abilities to you, albeit slowly, the warriors you have summoned not only have talent but years of experience and fight to draw from. Matching them at any level will be no easy task, but you can try.
[X] Practice Summoning: This strange ability of yours seems to be rather powerful than it should be. What if you could summon special forces from the modern era? What about a tank or a helicopter...You decide that it is best to spend your time engaging in learning as much as you can about it from the maze-like menus of the strange game interface available to you.
[X] Commander's Role: You are a commander by being a magician or simply due to how the magic of the summoning works, but you are no tactical genius just yet. You could try and learn more about it by following Eirotatoungngilki. You could learn to give orders and perhaps even gain more confidence when dealing with them.
Character Sheet:
Name: ???
Sex: ???
Age: ???
Skills:
Summoning [???]
???
???
Retinues
[Nubian Archers]
[Captain: Eirotatoungngilki]
[Strength: 150]
[Type: Melee/Ranged]
[Experience: Heroic]
[Level: ???]
[Weapons: Warbows (Poisoned Available), Axes, Daggers]
[Armor: Medium]
[Morale: Good]
[Endurance: Fresh]
[Loyalty: Normal]
[Perks: Officer Corps]
ERA CHOICES
This defines the era of the soldiers, only these two eras are available at the start.
[X] [CHARIOT AGE]: From the early armies of Egypt to the post-bronze age collapse in Greece.
[X] [CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
CULTURE
Defines the general cultural homelands of the retinue that's being picked from. There are about dozens of cultures throughout both eras so these are just examples.
[X] Greek
[X] Roman
[X] Scythian
[X] Chinese
[X] Persian
[X] Write-In
RETINUE TYPES CHOICES
These are general characterizations, but it will decide what sort of unit it is and what its baseline duty will be.
[X] Infantry (100 Soldiers)
[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
[X] Cavalry/Chariot (50 Soldiers + Horses)
MODIFIER CHOICES
SIZE
[X] Overstrength [6 Mana][2.5x Troops]
[X] Reinforced [4 Mana][1.5x Troops]
[X] Standard [2 Mana][1x Troops]
[X] Small [1 Mana][0.75x Troops]
EXPERIENCE
[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [5 Mana]
[X] Elite: Composed of talented, motivated, and trained professionals. Probably cherry-picked to be part of the assault reserve of any army. [4 Mana]
[X] Veteran: Professionals at their job able to perform up to standard in combat with frequency. [3 Mana]
[X] Regular: Trained and with some level of experience in combat. [2 Mana]
[X] Green: Recently militias, conscripted soldiers, or entry-level professionals. [1 Mana]
[X] Rabble: You either have farmers for warriors or very unmotivated soldiers. [0 Mana]
ARMOR
[X] Heavy Armor: Formations that required quite complete armor, everything from early-scale armor to a legionnaire's full kit. [-3 Points]
[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
[X] Light Armor: Formations with little to no armor, light linen to leather armor come here. [-1 Point]
[X] None: Soldiers without any armor at all, either got lost in transport or your retinue just has none. [0 Points]
HORSES
If cavalry
[X] Heavy-weight: Think war-horses for charging formations. [2 Mana]
[X] Medium-weight: The most versatile type of horse, allowing for cavalry to engage in various types of warfare. [1 Mana]
[X] Lightweight: The basic type of horse, think more for skirmishers and horse archers, however, if you want proper steppe horses go one step above.[0 Mana]
EQUIPMENT
From bows to melee weaponry. Only determines quality.
[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [4 Mana]
[X] Good: Easy to handle and good for most situations. [3 Mana]
[X] Standard: Weapons that can handle good use but require maintenance and aren't that aesthetic. [2 Mana]
[X] Poor: Weapons in bad conditions that while usable do need replacing. [1 Mana]
[X] What Weapons?: Your soldiers came without weapons, they either got lost in the transportation or your soldiers believe in the fist school of fighting. [0 Mana]
SPIRIT
Pick 1. You are able to pick one more if you pick a disadvantage.
Advantages
[X] Fearless; Your troops are relatively fearless even when the odds are not in their favor.
[X] Berzerker: This retinue can go berzerker, this makes their charges more effective but not so useful for when maneuvers and formation are needed.
[X] Disciplined; Your troops are disciplined to a proper standard and are able to engage in tight formation fighting with ease, allowing manuevers.
[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
[X] Unfatigable: Your troops are used to long marches, scorching sun, and cold temperatures. Diminishing any weather effects on them.
[X] Resilient: Your troops are capable of handling more injuries than most other units, reducing wounded and maimed casualties.
[X] Write-In: Ask QM first.
Disadvantages
[X] Reckless: Your troops give in quite easily to attacking the enemy without orders.
[X] Superstitious: Troops that may not be the best at handling magical aspects of Aurelia.
[X] Unruly: Obeying orders is not necessarily their first priority.
[X] Looters: Can't refuse a good time to loot even if it hampers victory chances.
[X] Rigid Thinkers: Your retinue does rely a lot upon being given orders to work properly or are stubborn in their ways of fighting, decreasing their initiative in combat.
[X] Overconfident: Your retinue doesn't think much of their enemies, making them easy prey to ambushes and surprises as they let their guards down.
[X] Fragment Loyalty: There is somebody in your retinue who is liked or preferred more than you when it comes to taking orders. Allowing for them to take command if things aren't going too well or you don't show proper initiative or leadership.
SPECIAL
Max 1
[X] Heroic Figure: Summons a single heroical figure from that culture. They are not Octavian or Alexander, but rather a personification of that culture's martial history. Somebody who can be considered superhuman in some aspects. Abilities and weaknesses will be randomized at the start. [4 Mana]
[X] Healing: There is some low-level healing going on, wounded and sick recover more quickly than usual. Sometimes fingers even grow back. [4 Mana]
[X] Luck of the Dice: Luck is on your side, this unit enhances the luck of your retinue with ease. [4 Mana]
[X] Protected: Magic and curses aren't that effective on your troops for one reason or another. [4 Mana]
[X] Enchanted Weapons: The weapons of this retinue are enhanced with magic, allowing them to be more effective against the supernatural. [4 Mana]
This defines the era of the soldiers, only these two eras are available at the start.
[X] [CHARIOT AGE]: From the early armies of Egypt to the post-bronze age collapse in Greece.
[X] [CLASSICAL AGE]: Beginning with the hoplites of Greece to the Roman Legions of Caesar and Augustus.
CULTURE
Defines the general cultural homelands of the retinue that's being picked from. There are about dozens of cultures throughout both eras so these are just examples.
[X] Greek
[X] Roman
[X] Scythian
[X] Chinese
[X] Persian
[X] Write-In
RETINUE TYPES CHOICES
These are general characterizations, but it will decide what sort of unit it is and what its baseline duty will be.
[X] Infantry (100 Soldiers)
[X] Projectile (100 Soldiers)
[X] Cavalry/Chariot (50 Soldiers + Horses)
MODIFIER CHOICES
SIZE
[X] Overstrength [6 Mana][2.5x Troops]
[X] Reinforced [4 Mana][1.5x Troops]
[X] Standard [2 Mana][1x Troops]
[X] Small [1 Mana][0.75x Troops]
EXPERIENCE
[X] Heroic: Warriors and soldiers that have gone beyond duty and have excelled in their respective fields. Probably extremely loyal to their respective generals and instrumental in their victories. [5 Mana]
[X] Elite: Composed of talented, motivated, and trained professionals. Probably cherry-picked to be part of the assault reserve of any army. [4 Mana]
[X] Veteran: Professionals at their job able to perform up to standard in combat with frequency. [3 Mana]
[X] Regular: Trained and with some level of experience in combat. [2 Mana]
[X] Green: Recently militias, conscripted soldiers, or entry-level professionals. [1 Mana]
[X] Rabble: You either have farmers for warriors or very unmotivated soldiers. [0 Mana]
ARMOR
[X] Heavy Armor: Formations that required quite complete armor, everything from early-scale armor to a legionnaire's full kit. [-3 Points]
[X] Medium Armor: Formations with enhanced armor protection, providing a good balance of protection and agility. [-2 Points]
[X] Light Armor: Formations with little to no armor, light linen to leather armor come here. [-1 Point]
[X] None: Soldiers without any armor at all, either got lost in transport or your retinue just has none. [0 Points]
HORSES
If cavalry
[X] Heavy-weight: Think war-horses for charging formations. [2 Mana]
[X] Medium-weight: The most versatile type of horse, allowing for cavalry to engage in various types of warfare. [1 Mana]
[X] Lightweight: The basic type of horse, think more for skirmishers and horse archers, however, if you want proper steppe horses go one step above.[0 Mana]
EQUIPMENT
From bows to melee weaponry. Only determines quality.
[X] Excellent: Extremely well-crafted weapons that require either little maintenance or are made from upgraded materials from the standard of the era. [4 Mana]
[X] Good: Easy to handle and good for most situations. [3 Mana]
[X] Standard: Weapons that can handle good use but require maintenance and aren't that aesthetic. [2 Mana]
[X] Poor: Weapons in bad conditions that while usable do need replacing. [1 Mana]
[X] What Weapons?: Your soldiers came without weapons, they either got lost in the transportation or your soldiers believe in the fist school of fighting. [0 Mana]
SPIRIT
Pick 1. You are able to pick one more if you pick a disadvantage.
Advantages
[X] Fearless; Your troops are relatively fearless even when the odds are not in their favor.
[X] Berzerker: This retinue can go berzerker, this makes their charges more effective but not so useful for when maneuvers and formation are needed.
[X] Disciplined; Your troops are disciplined to a proper standard and are able to engage in tight formation fighting with ease, allowing manuevers.
[X] Tactical Officers: Your retinue is commanded by properly trained and veteran officers, allowing orders to flow more easily, tactical flexibility as they respond to threats, and enhanced morale.
[X] Unfatigable: Your troops are used to long marches, scorching sun, and cold temperatures. Diminishing any weather effects on them.
[X] Resilient: Your troops are capable of handling more injuries than most other units, reducing wounded and maimed casualties.
[X] Write-In: Ask QM first.
Disadvantages
[X] Reckless: Your troops give in quite easily to attacking the enemy without orders.
[X] Superstitious: Troops that may not be the best at handling magical aspects of Aurelia.
[X] Unruly: Obeying orders is not necessarily their first priority.
[X] Looters: Can't refuse a good time to loot even if it hampers victory chances.
[X] Rigid Thinkers: Your retinue does rely a lot upon being given orders to work properly or are stubborn in their ways of fighting, decreasing their initiative in combat.
[X] Overconfident: Your retinue doesn't think much of their enemies, making them easy prey to ambushes and surprises as they let their guards down.
[X] Fragment Loyalty: There is somebody in your retinue who is liked or preferred more than you when it comes to taking orders. Allowing for them to take command if things aren't going too well or you don't show proper initiative or leadership.
SPECIAL
Max 1
[X] Heroic Figure: Summons a single heroical figure from that culture. They are not Octavian or Alexander, but rather a personification of that culture's martial history. Somebody who can be considered superhuman in some aspects. Abilities and weaknesses will be randomized at the start. [4 Mana]
[X] Healing: There is some low-level healing going on, wounded and sick recover more quickly than usual. Sometimes fingers even grow back. [4 Mana]
[X] Luck of the Dice: Luck is on your side, this unit enhances the luck of your retinue with ease. [4 Mana]
[X] Protected: Magic and curses aren't that effective on your troops for one reason or another. [4 Mana]
[X] Enchanted Weapons: The weapons of this retinue are enhanced with magic, allowing them to be more effective against the supernatural. [4 Mana]
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OOC: Alright, finally the update is out. Sorry for the wait, and hope you enjoy it. Do feel free to create short 800-word omakes to gain bonus mana if you wish so. As for possible questions you may have, yes so far the setup seems to be around a late-romanish fantasy-alternate empire, the fantasy elements are yet to be revealed though but will be visible soon enough. I have updated the cost for troops and traits, making summoning more expensive but less able to be abused through min-maxing. That's about it, if you have any questions feel free to post them here or in disc.