We (@Macchiato and myself) take a certain A Knight's Tale style approach to a lot of this, wherein we don't eschew anachronisms, but we also try not to make them carelessly. So a lot of the culture at play is informed by modern progressive elements, but, at the same time, it is still a set of feudal kingdoms, with the pressures that that represents. As a result the balancing act that you mention occurs, whereby we try to stay true to the culture(s, given there's a few other nations as well) of what we're trying to do, while still making it accessible and not hugely off-putting.
Evelyn in particular has that as one of her character flaws (Elitist trait) that survives from years ago when we were first playing with this setting as a fiction concept.
Also, yes, I was asking about the dense-traits thing just in case I wanted to do it for my new Quest. The original/main CK2 traits are nice and all, but are often too broad/impact too many things, so having a lot of smaller traits or etc might be a way to do it differently. Not sure. It's more that traits like 'Kind and Just' wind up getting thrown around everywhere in CK2 Quests and sought after because they're clear stat-boosters, so it creates this sorta samey trait list?
[X] [LANDING] ... a green field, gently sloping up to the tall earthen walls of Tidespray Castle, where you can see many small figures moving between the arrow shelters already.
[X] [CAPO] ... the rest of the Capo landing force, joining your assault wave, and the Dale Spellknights.
[X] [MAGIC] ... keeping those damned arrows off ... (Support focus)
[X] Melee infantry will disembark immediately and begin moving for Ram's Gate.
-[X] Dale Spellknights and Brigade TM will seek to conquer the Castle Keep as primary objective.
-[X] Brigade CM will bypass the Keep and seek to take Reef Gate from the inside and hold it, unless it is obvious that all remaining enemies are inside the Keep and none would be coming from the north.
[X] Longbows will delay one turn to allow melee infantry to disembark ahead of them and shoot at Ram's Gate while still embarked.
-[X] Afterwards, they will disembark and follow the infantry in while shooting at targets of opportunity.
-[X] If Ram's Gate would offer protection or an advantageous position against known enemy forces, they can occupy it after the others have moved in and through. Otherwise, if Brigade CM can occupy Reef Gate, they will join them there.
[X] Ground Songweavers are free to switch to offensive spells if they believe there is already sufficient coverage against enemy arrows.
[X] Royals with Elite Songweavers will approach one turn behind the first infantry disembarking into Tornado range of the Ram's Gate on the southern side of the island and seek to cause a breach for friendly forces to use.
-[X] Once Songweavers can no longer hit enemy targets due to being out of range or at risk of hitting friendly forces, Royals should attempt to circle the island to get just outside range of the Harbour fortifications. If enemy defenders then use those fortifications to engage allied forces on land, Royals should get into range themselves to let Songweavers cast against them.
"Rise up, children of Carentan!" comes Claire Yin's voice, bright and clear over the water. The tournament champion and Capo headtaker stands at the prow of the ship, sword in hand, pointing out over the castle ahead. Strands of hair that have escaped her braids and whip in the suddenly rising winds. The very picture of a Sartieran noblewoman, her heavy brigandine resplendent in red, with House Yin moon and crossed oars over the heart in blue. "Over the sides, you iron hearts!"
Soldiers in scarlet surcoats over laminar armour leap from their grounded transports. The sands below soften their falls as they land and push on. Like a swarm, up and down the beachhead, over two thousand warriors rush forward. The Capo troops move like a well-oiled machine, an extra polish in their drills. Officers from petty nobility and upper crust of the gentry bellow and yell, shaping the regiments with their voices.
Soldiers hold their shields up high, or lock them together as they form ranks, ready for a storm of arrows. Flights like dark smudges or startled crows flash forth from the defenders on the distant walls off. For many, this is the most stressful part of the battle. The advance to the enemy battle line with the darts of their enemies screaming past their ears. Taking hits with no options but to endure until the chance to reply arrives.
The first volley draws near...
Warriors Brigade WW is spotted on the South Wall of Tidespray Castle, including controlling Ram's Gate
Location of Corsair Regiment or Warrior Brigade WF uncertain
Men-at-Arms Brigades TM and CM land on bottom left (D7) and bottom right (F7) cells
DSK lands on bottom center cell (E7)
Intentions:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM Antonia Tellar sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Kira Ng sings Song of the Winds on TM
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Rita sings Song of the Winds for CM (from Victory)
Monica sings Song of the Winds for DSK (from Ironsides)
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
WW splits fire between TM and CM
Castle Keep fires on DSK
Results:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Need 40+, 4d20 = 58, success
Sarah WR: 4d20h2+d9 = 18 - 10 (Magic Resist) = 8 Ram's Gate - Gate, Hp8/9T = 0 Hp, now 8/8 Hp
Ram's Gate - Gatehouse, Hp16/10T, 0 Hp, now 16/16 Hp
Discover that Ram's Gate is using a makeshift quality gate (Sarah deeply embarrassed)
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 18 - (10(Armour)/2(Magic) = 5) - 10 (Shelter Magic Resist) = 3 / 2 (Gatehouse) = 1 / 1000 = 999
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK
Need 20+, 3d20 = 36, success
+18 to DSK Missile Parry
Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM (from sea galley)
Need 20+, 4d20 = 50, success
+16 Missile Parry to CM
Antonia Tellar sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Need 40+, 4d20 = 52
Antonia WR: 4d20h2+d9 = 38 - 10 (Magic Resist) = 28 Ram's Gate - Gate, Hp8/9T = 3 Hp, now 5/8 Hp
Ram's Gate - Gatehouse, Hp16/10T, 2 Hp, now 14/16 Hp
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 38 - (10(Armour)/2(Magic) = 5) - 10 (Shelter Magic Resist) = 23 / 2 (Gatehouse) = 12 / 999 = 987
Kira Ng sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 5d20 = 57, success
+22 to Missile Parry
,
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 5d20 = 73, success
+22 to Missile Parry
Rita sings Song of the Winds for CM
Need 20+, 8d20 = 75, success
+30 Missile Parry to CM
Monica sings Song of the Winds for DSK
Need 20+, 8d20 = 81, success
+36 Missile Parry to DSK
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
Need 20+ Luna Reynolds, 3d20 = 24, +8 to TM Missile Parry Claire Yin, 2d20 = 23, +6 to CM Missile Parry
Tay Northrop, 3d20 = 13, failed
Art Thanh, 2d20 = 18, failed Lana Antilles, 2d20 = 28, success, +8 to DSK Missile Parry
WW splits fire on TM and CM (1 Regt per)
+1 Dice for elevation
WW WR: 5d20h3 = 33 TM Mod: 33 + 10 (Landing chaos) - (10 Medium Armour + 5 Shield + 5 Med v Bow = 20) - 26 (Songweaver) = 0 / 1000 CM Mod: 33 + 10 (Landing chaos) - (15 Heavy Armour + 5 Shield + 10 Hvy v Bow = 30) - 26 (Songweaver) = 0 / 1000
Keep fires on DSK
Keep WR: 3d20 = 24 DSK Mod: 24 + 10 (Landing chaos) - (20 Super-Heavy + 10 Heavy Shield + 10 SH v Bow = 40) - 62 (Songweaving) = 0 / 196
CC fires on TM from unknown location
CC WR: 5d20h3 = 42 TM Mod: 42 - 20 - 26 = 0 / 1000
Only the arrows never come.
The voices of their Songweavers crescendo above them and storm after storm breaks out. Wind reaches a fierce howl and the rainbow-like array of surcoats whip and ripple. Further ahead great pulses of energy smash against the Ram's Gate, testing the timbers and stones.
Offshore, the Concerto Alana Capo watches on and swears elegantly. Her tones are awestruck as she watches the staggering array of sworls and gusts, shimmering gold and purple with the power of their weavers. "What have you wrought here, Evelyn?" she asks aloud. None of her Lifeguards answer.
With a grinding shudder the galley's keel hits the sand in a small spit between the boats that ferried the House Thanh and Capo Men-at-Arms. Soon the House Longbows are making their way out of the boats to join the others ashore. One of the last off the boats, Alana is helped down by one of her companion Knights. But as she straightens out her surcoat a flash of light catches her eye, just like it does all eyes on the beach.
"Impossible!"
Corsair Regiment believed to be firing from within the castle courtyard
WF Brigade still unknown
Men-at-Arms Brigades TM and CM have formed up and will advance next turn
DSK has formed up and will advance at the gates next turn
TL and CL are now landing behind the Men-at-Arms Regiments
Victory and Ironsides enter into Range 3 of the Walls
Intentions:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM Antonia Tellar sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Kira Ng sings Song of the Winds on TM
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Rita sings Symphony of the Tornado on Ram's Gate (from Victory)
Monica sings Symphony of the Tornado on Ram's Gate (from Ironsides)
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
WW splits fire between TM and CM
Castle Keep fires on DSK
Results:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Need 40+, 4d20 = 57, success
Sarah WR: 4d20h2+d9 = 43 - 10 (Magic Resist) = 33 Ram's Gate - Gate, Hp8/9T = 3 Hp, now 2/8 Hp
Ram's Gate - Gatehouse, Hp16/10T, 3 Hp, now 11/16 Hp
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 43 - (10(Armour)/2(Magic) = 5) - 10 (Shelter Magic Resist) = 28 / 2 (Gatehouse) = 14 / 987= 973
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK
Need 20+, 3d20 = 8, failed!
Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM (from sea galley)
Need 20+, 4d20 = 50, success
+16 Missile Parry to CM
Antonia Tellar sings Song of Concussion on Ram's Gate
Need 40+, 4d20 = 56, success
Antonia WR: 4d20h2+d9 = 33 - 10 (Magic Resist) = 23 Ram's Gate - Gate, Hp8/9T = 2 Hp, now 0/8 Hp! Gate is broken! (Antonia dances a jig) Ram's Gate - Gatehouse, Hp16/10T, 2 Hp, now 9/16 Hp
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 33 - (10(Armour)/2(Magic) = 5) - 10 (Shelter Magic Resist) = 18 / 2 (Gatehouse) = 9 / 973 = 964
Kira Ng sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 5d20 = 59, success
+22 to Missile Parry
,
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 5d20 = 47, success
+22 to Missile Parry
Rita sings Symphony of the Tornado for CM
Need 55+, 8d20 = 80, success
Rita WR: 8d20h3+d17 = 64 - 10 (MR) = 54 Ram's Gate - Gatehouse Hp16/10T, 5 Hp, now 4/16Hp
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 64 - 5 - 10 = 49 / 2 = 24 / 964 = 940
Monica sings Symphony of the Tornado for DSK
Need 55+, 8d20 = 63, success
Monica WR: 8d20h3+d19 = 66 - 10 (MR) = 56 Ram's Gate - Gatehouse Hp16/10T, 5 Hp, now 0/16Hp! Gatehouse destroyed!
vs Defenders, WW Mod: 66 - 5- 10 = 51 / 2 = 25 / 940 = 915
Gatehouse is now in ruins and provides no additional defence to that part of the line. Corsair Regiment CC has been spotted in the Courtyard beyond the
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
Need 20+ Luna Reynolds, 3d20 = 48, +8 to TM Missile Parry Claire Yin, 2d20 = 25, +6 to CM Missile Parry
Tay Northrop, 3d20 = 35, +7 to CM Missile Parry
Art Thanh, 2d20 = 31, +4 to CM Missile Parry Lana Antilles, 2d20 = 11, failed
CC fires on TM
CC WR: 5d20h3 = 45 TM Mod: 45 - 20 - 26 = 0 / 994 = 994
"And now, my sweetlings," purrs Monica to the Royal Navy marines who kneel on the deck, watching her wield her power with amazed and adoring faces. "The sound which is as beautiful as it is dreadful."
And she begins to sing. Her voice carries from Ironsides to Victory, which sits fifty paces abeam. She hears Rita Hulland's voice, her colleague and friend. They harmonise, locking in on one spot, one distant point, at walls that sit at the very extremes of longbow flight.
Her song dips, rises, swells, crescendos. She feels the magical power swirl and build, like sultry hands from her hips up to the hollow of her throat. Little hairs stand on end, the world is never sharper. And then the power is elsewhere and she sags.
A mighty thunderclap reaches them a second later and the boat shudders.
.
Lana Antilles, the Dale Mezzo, snarls as the arrows begin to land among her Spellknights while they form their tightly drilled lines. Already she is hot and irritable. Pristine white surcoats carrying the red crescent moon of Dale conceal thickly-plated brigandines. The loose fabric of the coats lets the wind flow, but even this late in the summer the sun beats down. A moment later relief pushes aside the discomfort when an arrow bounces off the top of her helmet and another bounces off her chestplate.
"The Songweaver cover is slackening," one of her Spellknights remarks as he snaps an arrow shaft from his shield.
"You know the plan," replies Lana. "After the vulnerable landing, hit the g-"
Whether her voice simply trailed out or was drowned out, she could not say.
A bright flash sparks ahead, followed by another as great magic concussions assail the gates afresh, and a cloud of dust and debris erupts. But within a heartbeat a new towering pillar of coherent purple light springs up from the gatehouse. A tightly spinning vortex, it is swiftly followed by a second, and the two intertwine before it all comes slamming into the ground. There is an explosion beyond anything Lana, who has her own Elite Songweaver to call upon, has ever seen before, that consumes the entire gatehouse, sending stones and timbers, men and clumps of dirt, sky high.
It is like a hammer blow from the heavens that shakes the ground with a thunderclap that staggers the marching spearmen.
A great number of superstitious gestures are made across the unit as the dust cloud begins to settle.
"What are Tellar feeding their Songweavers, anyway?" she hears one of her Minor House Lords call out.
Corsair Regiment has been spotted within the castle courtyard, in a position to cover the front gate
WF Brigade spotted by fleet assets taking position on the north wall of castle, information will reach Antonia next turn
Men-at-Arms Brigades TM and CM are advancing, range 1 from the walls
DSK has formed up and is advancing on the gates, range 1 from the gates
Ram's Gate and Gatehouse have been destroyed
TL and CL have landed behind the Men-at-Arms Regiments and formed up in skirmish order (+10 Missile Parry)
Victory and Ironsides pulls away after flattening the gate to join the ships protecting the harbour mouth
Intentions:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on WW
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Winds on TM
Kira Ng sings Song of the Concussion on WW
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Rita sings Symphony of the Tornado on WW (from Victory)
Monica sings Symphony of the Tornado on WW (from Ironsides)
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL Jacqueline Tsu sings Song of the Gusts on TL
TL Regiment sings Hymn of the Shears on self
WW splits fire between TM and CM
Castle Keep fires on TM
CC fires on CM
WF fires on TM
CL fires on wall TL fires on wall
Results:
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on WW
Need 40+, 4d20 = 33, failed!
Cassandra Mei sings Song of the Winds on DSK
Need 20+, 3d20 = 42, success!
+18 Missile Parry to DSK
Amanda Capo sings Song of the Winds on CM
Need 20+, 4d20 = 48, success
+16 Missile Parry on CM
Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 4d20 = 39, success
+18 to Missile Parry on TM
Kira Ng sings Song of Concussion on WW
Need 40+, 5d20 = 56, success
Kira WR: 5d20h2+d11 = 37 WW Mod: 37 - (10/2=5) = 32 / 915 = 883
Wall, Hp16/14T, 2 Hp, now 14/16 Hp
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Winds on TM
Need 20+, 5d20 = 41, success
+22 Missile Parry to TM
Rita sings Symphony of the Tornado on WW (from Victory)
Need 55+, 8d20 = 75
Rita WR: 8d20h3+d17 = 53 WW Mod: 53 - (10/2=5) = 48 / 915 = 834
Wall Mod: Hp16/14T, 3 Hp, now 11/16 Hp
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Hymn of the Whirlwind
Need 20+ Luna Reynolds, 3d20 = 34, +8 to TM Missile Parry Claire Yin, 2d20 = 32, +6 to CM Missile Parry
Tay Northrop, 3d20 = 35, +7 to CM Missile Parry
Art Thanh, 2d20 = 21, +4 to CM Missile Parry Lana Antilles, 2d20 = 6, failed
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL
Need 20+, 2d20 = 18 Jacqueline Tsu sings Song of the Gusts on TL
Need 20+, 2d20 = 25, +d7 to WR
TL Regiment sings Hymn of the Shears on self
Starting Hymn is automatic
+10 to Armour Pen
"Aren't you glad you don't have to sit through that to get to work?" asks Antonia of one of her Courtiers, Lea Tsu, as the Songweavers continue to split their focus between safeguarding the advance and pummelling the walls. Magic bites deep into the wall.
"It's mayhem," replies the commander.
Antonia nods at that. She can feel the screaming of the lines of power her fellow Songweavers were tapping. The very air itself feels alive, a spark like lightning setting nerves alight. She breathes deeply to sing once more, another outlet for the power of her people.
Further down the line, Lily Reynolds is nearly wetting herself as she watches from beneath sheltering winds the Songweavers crumble parts of the wall. "How brave are they, Aunt?" she asks of Luna. "I can hardly bear to watch this, and they're standing in the midst of it."
"Sometimes you don't see what's happening to the rest of your line," her aunt replies. "You just keep your head down and fight what's in front of you. Hope for the best. But they'll break when we hit them, I promise you that."
Luna turns towards the House Reynolds troops, her own soldiers, and waves them onwards. "It's time, people! Ladder assault, charge the walls and raise them up!"
Antonia has now been appraised of the location of WF Brigade
Men-at-Arms Brigades TM and CM raising ladders against the walls!
DSK has formed up and is storming the gate!
Ram's Gate and Gatehouse have been destroyed
Victory and Ironsides have pulled back out of range of the walls
Intentions:
TM and CM Songweavers now at base of the wall, unable to target the top
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on CC
Cassandra Mei sings Song of Sloth on CC Amanda Capo sings Song of the Rocks on CM Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Kira Ng sings Song of the Rocks on on CM
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Rocks on TM
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Thunderhymn
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL Jacqueline Tsu sings Song of the Gusts on TL
TL Regiment maintains Hymn of the Shears on self
TL fires on Castle Keep CL fires on Castle Keep
MSW Korvin and SW Sirin combine to cast Torrent on DSK
WF fires on DSK
Castle Keep fires on TL
WW splits fire between CM and TM
SP Lana Antilles sings Hymn of Sloth on self
DSK prepares to sing Thunderhymn on self
DSK charges broken gate, counter-charged by CC!
Results:
CC have switched to Shields and Axes
Sarah Laine sings Song of Concussion on CC
Need 40+. 4d20 = 42
Sarah WR: 4d20h2+d9 = 39 CC Mod: 39 - (15/2=7) = 32 / 500 = 468
Cassandra Mei sings Song of Sloth on CC
Need 35+, 3d20 = 38, success
-9 to CC Melee Parry
Amanda Capo sings Song of the Rocks on CM
Need 35+, 4d20 = 32, failed
Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Need 35+, 4d20 = 39, success
+13 to TM Armour Mod
Kira Ng sings Song of the Rocks on CM
Need 35+, 5d20 = 58, succes
+16 to CM Armour Mod
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Need 35+, 5d20 = 59, success
+15 to TM Armour Mod
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords Thunderhymn Luna Reynolds, 3d20 = 24, +d4 to Attack, now d16
Lily Reynolds, 2d20 = 20, +d3 to Attack, now d11 Claire Yin, 2d20 = 23, +d3 to Attack, now d16
Tay Northrop, 3d20 = 32, +d4 to Attack, now d12
Art Thanh, 2d20 = 30, +d2 to Attack, now d9 Lana Antilles, 2d20 = 20, +d4 to Attack, now d16
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL
Need 20+, 2d20 = 32, +d6 Jacqueline Tsu sings Song of the Gusts on TL
Need 20+, 2d20 = 24, +d7
TL Regiment maintains Hymn of the Shears on self
Lana Antilles sings Hymn of Sloth on self
Need 24+, 2d20 = 16, failed
DSK prepares to sing Thunderhymn on self
Starting Hymn is automatic, +d8 to attack rolls
MSW Korvin and SW Sirin combine to cast Torrent on DSK
Need 25+, 8d20 = 69, success
SW WR: 44 DSK Mod: 44 - 10 (Base MR) - 5 (Born in Mists MR) - ((30 (Armour) + 9 (Bodyguard) = 39 / 2 (Magic) =19) - 15 (Torrent Pen)=4) = 25 / 2 (Lords of War) = 12 / 196 = 184
Antonia Tellar + sub-commanders become aware of 1 or more Sea Witches in the Castle Keep
The horn sounds, the soldiers roar, the white flag with the red moon surges. Weapons shimmer with might as the air crackles. The ruins of the Ram's Gate lie just ahead as the Spellknights of Arbalen surge out to come to grips with the foe. The splintered debris of the gate's frame litter the ground ahead of them. Only a twisted skeleton remains of the fortification.
Through the blasted hollow Lana can see their target. A regiment of Corsairs defends the gap, ready to strike. Their axes are hammering their shields as they boom out their chant. Sarah Laine has the best reply, as a Song of Concussion takes flight from her lips and smashes a hole through the enemy lines.
Lana leads the way into the courtyard, and her eyes immediately widen. On the far wall of the castle, a multitude of Tranquility Warriors stand, and loose their arrows in a tremendous volley. Before they can even land, another dire threat emerges, as a flurry of brilliant sapphire pulses erupts from the upper half of the castle keep. The Sea Witch magic is deadly, and laughs at the multitude of armour the knights wear, cutting down many. Then the arrows begin to fall.
Yet they do not take a backward step, and they drive the charge home against the Corsairs. Lana has eyes only for their commander, a tall and lanky axeman. Her spear flashes and darts and twice she thinks she has the man, only for him to somehow twist himself free.
Around her the battle rages, the Dale Spellknights hacking their way through their pirate foe. Cassandra Mei, her trusted soldier and Castle Lord, is at the forefront. Pirates fall before her as she drives them back towards the keep. On the right a young knight cuts down one of the pirate heroes.
But despite losing a tenth of their number in a few mad minutes, the Corsairs hold.
A Khironex messenger has landed and is now racing for Antonia
Men-at-Arms Brigades TM and CM raising ladders against the walls!
DSK has formed up and is storming the gate!
Ram's Gate and Gatehouse have been destroyed
[d100+32 (Alana Intrigue) = 125, success]
Alana has spotted a small party escaping from the east wall. It appears to be a pirate lord and a protective escort, heading for the east shore.
Nothing else out of the ordinary is noticed. A friendly ship is protecting that shoreline, and appears to be approaching to capture the party.
Intentions:
TM and CM Songweavers now at base of the wall, unable to target the top
Sarah Laine sings Piercing Song on DSK
Cassandra Mei sings Song of Sloth on CC Amanda Capo sings Song of the Rocks on CM Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Kira Ng sings Song of the Rocks on on CM
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Rocks on TM
All DSK, CM, TM Spellswords maintaining Thunderhymn
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL Jacqueline Tsu sings Hymn of the Mountains on TL
TL Regiment maintains Hymn of the Shears on self
TL fires on Castle Keep CL fires on Castle Keep
TM conducts ladder assault on WW CM conducts ladder assault on WW
MSW Korvin and SW Sirin target obscured
WF holds fire as DSK engaged and other targets at the walls
Castle Keep fires on CL
WW switches to Shields and Axes and prepares to defend walls
SP Lana Antilles sings Hymn of Sloth on self
DSK prepares to maintains Thunderhymn on self
DSK and CC Continue Battle
Lana Antilles and Raine continue fight
Results:
Sarah Laine sings Piercing Song on DSK
Need 30+. 4d20 = 54
DSK gains +18 Armour Piercing
Cassandra Mei sings Song of Sloth on CC
Need 35+, 3d20 = 38, success
-9 to CC Melee Parry
Amanda Capo sings Song of the Rocks on CM
Need 35+, 4d20 = 36, success
+12 to CM Armour Mod
Antonia Tellar sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Need 35+, 4d20 = 29, failed
Kira Ng sings Song of the Rocks on CM
Need 35+, 5d20 = 59, succes
+16 to CM Armour Mod
Miriel Schoenn sings Song of the Rocks on TM
Need 35+, 5d20 = 67, success
+15 to TM Armour Mod
TM Armour = 16 / 2 = +8 Mod
CM Armour: 12+16 = 28 / 2 = +14 Mod
Alana Capo sings Song of the Gusts on CL
Need 20+, 2d20 = 14, failed
Jacqueline Tsu sings Hymn of the Mountains on TL
Need 25+: 27, success
TL gains +5 Armour, counts as Medium (+5 Mod v Bows)
TL Regiment maintains Hymn of the Shears on self
CL exchanges fire with Castle Keep CK WR: 3d20 = 35 CL WR: 5d20h3+5 (Skirmish Armour) = 48
CL by 13! CK Mod: 48 - 5 - 15 = 28 / 2 (Keep) = 14 / 100 = 86
> 25% Total Casualties, -1 dice, now 2d20 CL Mod: 35 - 0 (Armour) - 10 (Open Order) = 25 / 2 (Garrison) = 12 / 500 = 488
Wound Tests required for characters in keep
Korvin [Light Armour, Shield, Sword v Arrows], Armour [3+3=6], Toughness [T3], Parry [v Arrows, 9 for Keep, Need 12+]
WW Character Wound Tests Rachael [Medium Armour, Shield, Axe, v Spear], Armour [6+3-3=6], Toughness [T2 + 1 (???) = T3], Parry [6+6+3+0-5=10, Need 11+, Max Parries 5]
v Semi-Pro, d10 = 1, scratch damage
Boris [Medium Armour, Shield, Axe, v Spear], Armour [6+3-3=6], Toughness [T2], Parry [8+6+3+0-5=12, Need 9+, Max Parries 5]
v Semi-Pro, d10 = 1, scratch damage
Lily Reynolds seeks out Em Lily Reynolds [Heavy Armour, Shield, Longsword, v Axe], Armour [9+3-6=6], Toughness [T2], Parry [11+0+3+6-4= Max 15, Need 6+, Max Parries 7] Em [Medium Armour, Shield, Axe, v Spear], Armour [6+3-1=8], Toughness [T3], Parry [8+6+3+0-5=12, Need 9+, Max Parries 5]
The longbows turn their fury upon the garrison of the castle keep. Long arrow shafts take flight like startled birds, off to strike the distant stronghold. Alana has her own bow in hand, but is mostly letting her regiment go to work. Instead she keeps her eyes out on the developing battle, looking for signs of trouble. As a result, she notices the small party that leaves the east wall of the castle. To her well-trained eyes the composition of the party as a high-value person and a powerful escort is pretty clear. She turns to one of the messengers, ready to snap off an order, when she notices something just off to shore.
"Shit," she blurts out. The shape is clear, as is the paint scheme. A trireme, a Tranquility Warri... She shakes her head. The shape isn't so clear any more.
A Tranquility...
A Tran...
Ah, an allied ship was there, coming to the shore, ready to mop up those stragglers. Soon the Pirates surrender themselves to the ship's crew and come aboard. And then the ship rows away, and Alana pays it no further mind.
.
The fall of the castle comes with startling swiftness.
In the centre, something stirs within the knights who hail from Arbalen. A ferocity works through them, while the Corsairs falter. What had been a fierce battle becomes something else entirely.
A slaughter.
Lana Antilles drives her spear through the open face of her foe's helmet and slays him. And whether or not the death of the lord of Tidespray Castle sent something through the hearts of the enemy, many, many souls soon follow their lord beyond. The corsairs are cut to pieces as their formation falls apart, the knights hewing and hacking as they please. Almost half their number are left on the courtyard grounds as the others flee in desperation.
Up on the walls the soldiers rush into the enemy lines, their spears hungry. It is worst where Capo hits the wall, the iron hearted soldiers stretching them to breaking point ... and then Claire Yin reaches the summit. She is like a lion among lambs and carves a swathe through the children of Tranquility, her sword cutting down pirate after pirate, marking a blood-soaked path from her ladder to the central part, where she eventually comes to grips with the leader of the wall defences. He, too, she cuts down.
Lily Reynolds had spent much of her girlhood wondering if she would be a coward or a hero when it came her time to face battle. Through the whole march forward the dilemma has played itself out in her mind. Now she has her answer.
She is a warrior. From the moment her first boot lands on the stones that line the roof shelters her sword is buried in enemy flesh, skewering the first pirate that comes her way. She leads the Reynolds troops into the enemy, soldiers rallying behind her sword as it crackles with the Thunderhymn.
The defenders begin to collapse and fall apart, and there is a savage bloodletting as their structure fails them. Lily attacks with a second wind, cutting towards the wreck of the gatehouse, until finally she comes face to face with a wild-eyed enemy commander her own age, defending the last stair down. The soldiers part around them as they cross steel. A quick flurry from the pirate's axe pushes Lily back a step before she catches the other woman's knee with a backsweep. She raises her sword and swings hard.
As the head of her enemy rolls across the floor Lily finds herself with no more enemies between her and what used to be the Gatehouse. When she looks to the far side she sees another noble in red and blue, leaning on a shield and looking back.
"Oh! Well met!" she calls across.
Dock Master Vaian assumes command from Brigade WF, orders a surrender of Tidespray Castle and the settlement
All forces accede, throwing down their weapons.
Tellar Men-at-Arms secure the settlement
Allied fleet brings their ships into harbour or onto the shore, including the prize hulks
Five new Warrior-type triremes captured in harbour
Small knot of Tranquility seen embarking on a friendly Trireme. Confusion arises as Sartieran swears blind it was an unfamiliar Khironex flotilla, and Khironex claims it was a Sartieran flotilla. An hour later, as glamour lifts from the eyes of the fleet officers and they realise that the flotilla was the escaped Tranquility Battle Line flotilla.
Talking to prisoners reveals that there was a Harbour Master of Tranquility on the island, who had command of the battle, but they disappeared mid-way through the battle. Alana confirms this is the woman she saw escape with guards over the side of the castle.
Word spreads to Tranquility of the power of Tellar's Songweavers...
The castle has surrendered, leaving the allied force in possession, and Evelyn with a tremendous victory. The only stain on the whole operation was trying to figure out how it was that they had let the highest value pirate on the island sail away from under their noses. Several people have come forward to swear they saw the Pirates get aboard an allied ship, but no one can say which ship, and none has come forward.
In the end, Alana is the one to realise what has befallen everyone: a Teuvian prayer that would make foe look like friend until one got very close.
"So who was this person?" asks Antonia as the highest ranking nobles gather in the captured castle keep.
"She was a Harbour Master," replies Alice.
Young Violet Tsu' voice rings out from Antonia's side. "I've never heard of those, what are they?" Her eyes go wide after that, realising that she has spoken out of place. However, in the post-battle good humours, no one seems to mind.
"The closest thing Tranquility has to rulers," says Alice. "They control the shipyards and shipwrights, so they control who gets ships, and they get a cut of everything, This whole base was one of them attempting to branch out."
"You know Tranquility better than the rest of us," interjects Evelyn.
"From this, and what I've been told of the attack on Lowenton, you've killed nearly two thousand pirates in under two years," says Alice. "Life is cheap in Tranquility, very cheap. But that's a lot of losses to swallow. I think they're going to back off for now. But be careful, you've given them a lot to think about."
Evelyn nods. "Well, even if they come back stronger some time down the road, this is a great time to get some breathing room." She sighs and leans forward over the table. "Now, we're all missing out on one massive victory celebration out in the shanty town, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we have some serious steam to blow off. But first..."
"First...what to do with the prisoners," says Antonia.
In light of the discussion on traits, I figure I'll make an offer to the thread. The thread can nominate any one character whose profile has been listed, and I'll fully list out the effects and impacts of their traits. (Does not apply to any Hidden Traits)
Edit: Also, wouldn't mind some feedback on how people would like the divvying up of spoils. I can do varying levels of player granular control, from having just a set of full proposals from the different characters to vote for with different ramifications, to voting separately by line item, to giving everything a points volume.
My preference at the moment is just to go for whole proposals in terms of simplicity.
In light of the discussion on traits, I figure I'll make an offer to the thread. The thread can nominate any one character whose profile has been listed, and I'll fully list out the effects and impacts of their traits. (Does not apply to any Hidden Traits)
Edit: Also, wouldn't mind some feedback on how people would like the divvying up of spoils. I can do varying levels of player granular control, from having just a set of full proposals from the different characters to vote for with different ramifications, to voting separately by line item, to giving everything a points volume.
My preference at the moment is just to go for whole proposals in terms of simplicity.
*Sarah casts Magic Missile on the Gatehouse* *It bounces off* *Someone coughs* "You know, Sarah, performance issues are common amongst Songweavers. One out of five..."
Their axes are hammering their shields as they boom out their chant. Sarah Laine has the best reply, as a Song of Concussion takes flight from her lips and smashes a hole through the enemy lines.
See, you really shouldn't try and do that whole "intimidate with roars and songs" thing when your opponent tends to bend the fabric of reality into very pointy, killy shapes any time they open their mouths. I'm sure you're very scary... but they'll win every time.
[d100+32 (Alana Intrigue) = 125, success]
Alana has spotted a small party escaping from the east wall. It appears to be a pirate lord and a protective escort, heading for the east shore.
Yeah... Ladies, you don't go up with the group that gets the highest casualties, low as they turn out to be. We have a much worse fate in store for you... paperwork.
"Let me up there to die in glory! I can't handle another spreadsheet!"
Oh, and Lana just kinda... Eviscerates him just like that. A lot of slaughter going on in this section in general. Our guys definitely earned their paychecks, no doubt about it.
"Shit," she blurts out. The shape is clear, as is the paint scheme. A trireme, a Tranquility Warri... She shakes her head. The shape isn't so clear any more.
A Tranquility...
A Tran...
Ah, an allied ship was there, coming to the shore, ready to mop up those stragglers. Soon the Pirates surrender themselves to the ship's crew and come aboard. And then the ship rows away, and Alana pays it no further mind.
Descriptions are generally various flavors of the word, "BULLSHIT!"
So, this is both bad and good. Bad because they'll certainly expect what we can do next time we clash, and good because we have set them so far on the back foot that we have a lot of space to take advantage of. And we can see just how ridiculous our Songweavers are. We picked the magic House, and I'll be damned if we didn't get it.
Well, that's certainly a good day's work. I mean, we only inflicted casualties at a rate of 6:1. While assaulting fortifications. Nothing to write home about.
I wonder if Tranquility is thanking their lucky stars that it was Sonissimmo that launched the raid on Tranquility rather than the Tellar, because that might have been a very, very different animal.
I'm putting together the full formal list, but in short hand...
Level 1 Castle (used)
-with Harbour (Level 1 Fort)
Civilian Settlement of Nune Reef - town sized slum based on food imports and fishing, imported from Tranquility, about 4,000
17 Ships
-4 Lords (2 are badly beat up)
-7 Corsairs (a lot are mauled)
-6 Warriors (1 in naval battle, 5 when the harbour surrendered)
-varying levels of damage, some of which can be adapted to your own ship types, some of which are scrap bait
Killed - 810
Wounded - 1,187 (1,067 of which were subsequently captured)
Captured - 3,636
Personal Loot and Spoils:
Special Items: tbd
General Money and looted equipment: 8,000 gold crowns
more to be determined
Captured Commanders and Heroes
Pirate Lords:
Dierdre (led the fleet as a whole, valuable)
Cassandra (led the Lords flotilla)
Lorelei (from Memphrabi, Levar Alan will want to return her to face the music)
Vaian (a very junior one, held the untested dock defences)
Well, first and most obviously, any enemy heroes who have been killed by someone identifiable (or identified), that person gets the first pick of their stuff, especially if they're a noble.
Whoever we put in charge of the castle, we need to make sure they're damnably loyal and clever, to make sure it doesn't get taken back at some later date.
The unkillable. Can we make that his unofficial nickname?
Overall, that worked out really, really well for us. I'm not necessarily sure about keeping the castle for ourselves, but those ships could assist in our efforts to jump-start our Navy. Pirate witches might be interesting to keep. Might be able to assist in our magic research somehow? Because that big ritual spell sounded interesting, especially if we can shave some time off it and give it to our Elite Songweavers. We could get even more OP on the water.
Offshore, the Concerto Alana Capo watches on and swears elegantly. Her tones are awestruck as she watches the staggering array of sworls and gusts, shimmering gold and purple with the power of their weavers. "What have you wrought here, Evelyn?" she asks aloud. None of her Lifeguards answer.
Gatehouse is now in ruins and provides no additional defence to that part of the line. Corsair Regiment CC has been spotted in the Courtyard beyond the
Lily Reynolds seeks out Em Lily Reynolds [Heavy Armour, Shield, Longsword, v Axe], Armour [9+3-6=6], Toughness [T2], Parry [11+0+3+6-4= Max 15, Need 6+, Max Parries 7] Em [Medium Armour, Shield, Axe, v Spear], Armour [6+3-1=8], Toughness [T3], Parry [8+6+3+0-5=12, Need 9+, Max Parries 5]
*wince* There's the power of a Spellsword in a duel if anyone needed another example, I guess. Where did Lily's +2 attacks come from? The d3 was Thunderhym.
[d100+32 (Alana Intrigue) = 125, success]
Alana has spotted a small party escaping from the east wall. It appears to be a pirate lord and a protective escort, heading for the east shore.
Nothing else out of the ordinary is noticed. A friendly ship is protecting that shoreline, and appears to be approaching to capture the party.
---
Small knot of Tranquility seen embarking on a friendly Trireme. Confusion arises as Sartieran swears blind it was an unfamiliar Khironex flotilla, and Khironex claims it was a Sartieran flotilla. An hour later, as glamour lifts from the eyes of the fleet officers and they realise that the flotilla was the escaped Tranquility Battle Line flotilla.
Talking to prisoners reveals that there was a Harbour Master of Tranquility on the island, who had command of the battle, but they disappeared mid-way through the battle. Alana confirms this is the woman she saw escape with guards over the side of the castle.
Word spreads to Tranquility of the power of Tellar's Songweavers...
---
The castle has surrendered, leaving the allied force in possession, and Evelyn with a tremendous victory. The only stain on the whole operation was trying to figure out how it was that they had let the highest value pirate on the island sail away from under their noses. Several people have come forward to swear they saw the Pirates get aboard an allied ship, but no one can say which ship, and none has come forward.
In the end, Alana is the one to realise what has befallen everyone: a Teuvian prayer that would make foe look like friend until one got very close.
"So who was this person?" asks Antonia as the highest ranking nobles gather in the captured castle keep.
"She was a Harbour Master," replies Alice.
Young Violet Tsu' voice rings out from Antonia's side. "I've never heard of those, what are they?" Her eyes go wide after that, realising that she has spoken out of place. However, in the post-battle good humours, no one seems to mind.
"The closest thing Tranquility has to rulers," says Alice. "They control the shipyards and shipwrights, so they control who gets ships, and they get a cut of everything, This whole base was one of them attempting to branch out."
*facepalm* If I had known what exactly a Harbour Master was maybe I could have figured out something. Oh well, at least we know now what kind of tricks they can pull -and- that they seem to have some kind of heavy Teuv influence. That's actually very valuable information.
"From this, and what I've been told of the attack on Lowenton, you've killed nearly two thousand pirates in under two years," says Alice. "Life is cheap in Tranquility, very cheap. But that's a lot of losses to swallow. I think they're going to back off for now. But be careful, you've given them a lot to think about."
In light of the discussion on traits, I figure I'll make an offer to the thread. The thread can nominate any one character whose profile has been listed, and I'll fully list out the effects and impacts of their traits. (Does not apply to any Hidden Traits)
Edit: Also, wouldn't mind some feedback on how people would like the divvying up of spoils. I can do varying levels of player granular control, from having just a set of full proposals from the different characters to vote for with different ramifications, to voting separately by line item, to giving everything a points volume.
My preference at the moment is just to go for whole proposals in terms of simplicity.
I was actually prepared to have to submit a plan out of whole cloth based on a rough points estimate, so any guidance is welcome. You've done a hell of a lot of work recently, though, so I'm inclined to keep things as simple as possible for you. Full proposals with potential amendments? I had a few ideas kicking around already, especially with regards to the island itself, but I would've needed a lot more information to really propose something.
17 Ships
-4 Lords (2 are badly beat up)
-7 Corsairs (a lot are mauled)
-6 Warriors (1 in naval battle, 5 when the harbour surrendered)
-varying levels of damage, some of which can be adapted to your own ship types, some of which are scrap bait
For clarification, Memphrabi's magic system is the one with the big ritual approach. She's actually a Sorceress rather than a Sea Witch (it's in her profile).
So if you want to push your magic research in that direction you will need to make friends with those guys (Sonissimmo is pretty close to them already, they may be able to help).
Refitted to Sartieran or Khironex spec depending on who gets them. Corsairs can be converted to Oboes or Standards, Lords to Bells, Warriors to Flutes. The Royal Navy informs you that they cannot convert Lords to Royals, however, as too much in the construction and enchanting is different.
In light of the discussion on traits, I figure I'll make an offer to the thread. The thread can nominate any one character whose profile has been listed, and I'll fully list out the effects and impacts of their traits. (Does not apply to any Hidden Traits)
Okay, I took a look around, and in my opinion, these are the most interesting profiles to get a complete picture on. I'll refrain at the moment from specifying down from here if people would care to weigh in?
Gay; Attractive; Symphony; Married to Candice Kettleblack; Divorced from Luna Reynolds; Tutored; Veteran; Talented General;Halberd-master; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Atheist; Wandering Warrior; Familiar with Killers; Aged; Spry; Hard as Nails; Statesman; Trained; Maestro of the Hunt; Rounded the Table; Heavy Drinker; Proud;
Symphony Lucas Capo, House Executive
Male, 56
Martial Poor
Combat Fair
Stewardship Great
Diplomacy Fair
Intrigue Elite!
Magic Good-Songweaver
Piety Middling-High
Dread 4
Symphony; Cunning; Lewd Streak; Married to Theresa Capo; Father to Alana Capo, Raul Capo; Aged; Grasp of Numbers; Tutored; Longsword-master; Maestro of Shadows; Familiar with Killers; Consummate Spy; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Merciless; The Taxman Cometh; Iron Fist; The Lurking Spider; Venerated Statesman; Man As An Island; Restrained Drinker; Cold-hearted; Blind-Eye; Ruthless; Severely Austere; Ambitious; Affairs;
Symphony Theresa Capo, House Marshall
Female, 46
Martial Good
Combat Great
Stewardship Great
Diplomat Good
Intrigue Great
Magic Good-Songweaver
Piety Middling
Chivalry 2
Symphony; Child of Capo; Veteran Songweaver; Tutored; Longsword-master; Grasp of Numbers; Married to Lucas Capo; Mother to Alana Capo, Raul Capo; Brave; Attractive; Knightly; Veteran; Trained; Valorous; Spear-master; Calm; Aged; Spry; Combat Virtuoso; Hard as Nails; Statesman; Aloof; Heroic; Blind-Eye; Ambitious; Firebrand; Affairs;
Refitted to Sartieran or Khironex spec depending on who gets them. Corsairs can be converted to Oboes or Standards, Lords to Bells, Warriors to Flutes. The Royal Navy informs you that they cannot convert Lords to Royals, however, as too much in the construction and enchanting is different.
Got it. So Sartier/the Royal Navy would not actually have any personal interest in having Lords as is, as they would also not helm that model themselves?
Gay; Attractive; Symphony; Married to Candice Kettleblack; Divorced from Luna Reynolds; Tutored; Veteran; Talented General;Halberd-master; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Atheist; Wandering Warrior; Familiar with Killers; Aged; Spry; Hard as Nails; Statesman; Trained; Maestro of the Hunt; Rounded the Table; Heavy Drinker; Proud;
Symphony; Cunning; Lewd Streak; Married to Theresa Capo; Father to Alana Capo, Raul Capo; Aged; Grasp of Numbers; Tutored; Longsword-master; Maestro of Shadows; Familiar with Killers; Consummate Spy; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Merciless; The Taxman Cometh; Iron Fist; The Lurking Spider; Venerated Statesman; Man As An Island; Restrained Drinker; Cold-hearted; Blind-Eye; Ruthless; Severely Austere; Ambitious; Affairs;
"Rise up, children of Carentan!" comes Claire Yin's voice, bright and clear over the water. The tournament champion and Capo headtaker stands at the prow of the ship, sword in hand, pointing out over the castle ahead. Strands of hair that have escaped her braids and whip in the suddenly rising winds. The very picture of a Sartieran noblewoman, her heavy brigantine resplendent in red, with House Yin moon and crossed oars over the heart in blue. "Over the sides, you iron hearts!"
Gay; Attractive; Symphony; Married to Candice Kettleblack; Divorced from Luna Reynolds; Tutored; Veteran; Talented General;Halberd-master; Veteran Songweaver; Loremaster; Atheist; Wandering Warrior; Familiar with Killers; Aged; Spry; Hard as Nails; Statesman; Trained; Maestro of the Hunt; Rounded the Table; Heavy Drinker; Proud;
FWIW we know Maestro of the Hunt, that was the chargen pick and is in my trait list. Wandering Warrior, Familiar with Killers, Talented General, Loremaster, Atheist, Hard as Nails, and Rounded the Table were the ones I was most interested in from her list.
The Capo troops move like a well-oiled machine, an extra polish in their drills. Officers from petty nobility and upper crust of the gentry bellow and yell, shaping the regiments with their voices.
So, unsurprisingly, looks like Capo's infantry is better trained than ours - or at least, those of our Minor Houses. Guessing they're also more used to amphibious assaults.
Offshore, the Concerto Alana Capo watches on and swears elegantly. Her tones are awestruck as she watches the staggering array of sworls and gusts, shimmering gold and purple with the power of their weavers. "What have you wrought here, Evelyn?" she asks aloud. None of her Lifeguards answer.
I guess Capo's just not used to so many songweavers being on the battlefield at the same time.
"And now, my sweetlings," purrs Monica to the Royal Navy marines who kneel on the deck, watching her wield her power with amazed and adoring faces. "The sound which is as beautiful as it is dreadful."
Huh. Looks like the Royal Navy is experiencing some sort of revelation about Tellar songweavers. That'll probably boost our rep further among Naval Houses and the Royal Navy, especially since Tellar wasn't really interested in naval expeditions before and hence, no one's really seen what Tellar can do on the waves.
There is an explosion beyond anything Lana, who has her own Elite Songweaver to call upon, has ever seen before, that consumes the entire gatehouse, sending stones and timbers, men and clumps of dirt, sky high.
It is like a hammer blow from the heavens that shakes the ground with a thunderclap that staggers the marching spearmen.
A great number of superstitious gestures are made across the unit as the dust cloud begins to settle.
"What are Tellar feeding their Songweavers, anyway?" she hears one of her Minor House Lords call out.
Right, the whole Elite Songweaver does not necessarily mean Elite magic stats. Huh - so Tellar probably has the strongest Elite Songweavers, right? Ones who combine Elite Songweaving with Elite! level magic. Some Houses have Elite songweavers and some have elite! level magic, but the combination is notable and especially scary given that Tellar has two of that kind.
Given all the surprised reactions thus far and the Sartier map (presumably, it's been Raleigh - who are good fighters but bog standard - and Vincennes - similar but with more army), I'm guessing that while Tellar has the reputation and history, Tellar itself hasn't really taken the field in force lately so actually seeing Tellar in action is a rather eye-opening experience. The difference between on paper and in person, hrm?
Hrm. Surely, Tranquility has heard of songweavers already. I suppose Houses don't just send Elite Songweavers out on raids, usually. That or pirates are just drastically upping Tellar's threat level in particular.
"She was a Harbour Master," replies Alice.
Young Violet Tsu' voice rings out from Antonia's side. "I've never heard of those, what are they?" Her eyes go wide after that, realising that she has spoken out of place. However, in the post-battle good humours, no one seems to mind.
"The closest thing Tranquility has to rulers," says Alice. "They control the shipyards and shipwrights, so they control who gets ships, and they get a cut of everything, This whole base was one of them attempting to branch out."
We'll need to get more info from Alice about Tranquility's ruling structure. I sort of thought they were just a giant mess, but if they have actual ruler types...
Hrm. Surely, Tranquility has heard of songweavers already. I suppose Houses don't just send Elite Songweavers out on raids, usually. That or pirates are just drastically upping Tellar's threat level in particular.
8 x Tellar Oboes (Pride of Harper, Song of Storms, Song of the Sea, Sword and Song, Sea Shanty, Tellar Ascendent, Pitch Perfect, Harp of the South)
4 x Khironex Bells (Unbreakable, Thunderer, Sea Raptor, Entangler)
4 x Khrionex Heavy (Wintry Peak, Mount Valaran, Mount Lorgan, Olirand Ridge)
8 x Khironex Standards
1 x Memphrabi Quinquereme
24 x Galley Transports
Expected Ground troops: 1 x Reynolds Men-at-Arms
1 x Morcombe Men-at-Arms
1 x Tsu House Longbows
1 x Capo Men-at-Arms
1 x Thanh Men-at-Arms
1 x Capo House Longbows
(Guessing on the transports, I assumed it was an even split between Tellar and Capo for those.)
Eyeballing it, Khironex provided perhaps 60% of the fleet, Tellar and the Navy the rest. (As far as I know, we don't know costs on Royals to guess at the value of contribution. Oboes are 1000 gold, Flutes are 500 gold.) This doesn't factor in value of the transports.
On the ground, it's a 47%, 47%, 6% split based on manpower contribution, but based on cost, it's 28.6% Tellar, 29.4% Capo, 42% Dale. (Based on a reverse calculation to establish Spellknights value at 50000 gold.)
17 Ships
-4 Lords (2 are badly beat up)
-7 Corsairs (a lot are mauled)
-6 Warriors (1 in naval battle, 5 when the harbour surrendered)
-varying levels of damage, some of which can be adapted to your own ship types, some of which are scrap bait
We need more information to really think about how to do this. My first gut reaction is the Lords go to Khironex, split the Warriors between Tellar and Capo (Tellar would pass them to the minors that took part, Capo can do whatever), 4 Corsairs to the RN and 1 each to Tellar, Capo, and Dale. For equal splits, make up repair costs with cash from the common pool. This is obviously imbalanced towards Khironex, but Sartier appears to not be able to use Lords, so they'll take most of their value here and not get much elsewhere.
Cash mostly goes into a general pool used to even out uneven splits and any remaining to be divvied up later. A bounty to people who won duels could be interesting. Special items we'll see. I'm not opposed to awarding spoils directly again to people who claimed them but some could be so powerful that they need be split as national assets.
Pirate Lords:
Dierdre (led the fleet as a whole, valuable)
Cassandra (led the Lords flotilla)
Lorelei (from Memphrabi, Levar Alan will want to return her to face the music)
Vaian (a very junior one, held the untested dock defences)
I don't have enough information on what the use/value of these are of these captives to make a decision here. Giving Lorelei to Levar is probably fine. (Speaking of which, he'll probably take most of his minor value as just cash.)
Level 1 Castle (used)
-with Harbour (Level 1 Fort)
Civilian Settlement of Nune Reef - town sized slum based on food imports and fishing, imported from Tranquility, about 4,000
This is the interesting one. One option is to just raze the Castle and Fort. One option is to let the Khironex have it, though there's already some negative comments on that. I'm personally interested in whether the Royal Navy might be interested in holding it, possibly with a small Royal Army detachment for inner garrison. Or even some kind of joint administration between Khironex and Sartier, since Khironex still wants it as a waystation. (Some kind of designated tradezone?)
Also, flavoring some of the above splits is Tellar's position as leading Symphony, which should have a small weight above just the value of their own contributions.
That's a fantastic result for us to have, both in the naval and land battle. Not only do we get the fantastic comparison with the first Tranquility attack by Sonnissimo, but the actions of our songweavers, taking out a Lord by themselves and then taking out the gatehouse in an incredible display of high level magic, is going to have a lot of people sitting up and taking notice.
The reactions of the courts of Sartier, Tranquility and Khironex should be wonderful to observe to what we did with our songweavers here.
@FriedIce@Terrabrand@Katreus@Aegir@Imrix@The Laurent Don't forget to weigh in on if there's a particular character you would like Oneiros to give a full expansion on their trait list for. I subselected a list of what I thought looked like the most interesting above.
@FriedIce@Terrabrand@Katreus@Aegir@Imrix@The Laurent Don't forget to weigh in on if there's a particular character you would like Oneiros to give a full expansion on their trait list for. I subselected a list of what I thought looked like the most interesting above.
Eh, I'm not quite involved enough to be able to figure out who looks interesting, so I've been refraining for that reason. It'd take more time than I've felt able to give this quest, I think, so I feel I'd be more likely to steer us toward a bad option than do anything helpful.
Eh, I'm not quite involved enough to be able to figure out who looks interesting, so I've been refraining for that reason. It'd take more time than I've felt able to give this quest, I think, so I feel I'd be more likely to steer us toward a bad option than do anything helpful.
There aren't strictly any bad options, at least on the small list I provided. It's just more information and flavor for us to use. Now, if you went off on your own and selected really boring like Logan Sarba, okay that's a bad option, but otherwise I would encourage you to just pick whatever jumps out at you.
