Empires of Ashes

Madara: so...what do you know?

Mordred: Of the invaders?

Ket: "Then he'll hit with his real force, rally the slaves, and send them back in... he'll surround us given the chance. and this isnt taking his archers and horse archers into the equation."

Madara nods

Trajan: horse archers are greatly overestimated. Harassers at best. We cover our flanks, weather the storm like a dam weathering the tide.

Ket: "I am more worried about their foot archers and heavy cavalry."

Trajan: thoughts?

Mordred: I know they won a cavalry battle against your father,and that they've landed on my shores, capturing a fortified dockyard in the process

Madara: I was there at our loss. Barely made it out with my life.

Ket: "We need spears on the flanks, but we only have so many of my men, who will need to be together in order to avoid being surrounded."

Mordred: Atleast that's a shred of good news amidst a disaster

Trajan: my spear auxilia can cover the flanks with your men.

Madara: rather...what else do you know of them?

M: "They use similar weapons to the Brigardi, especially on their warships. They can sink any vessel we have without engaging in a boarding action.

Madara: aye... used one of those to kill my father.

Max: With...extreme bravery and sacrifice...my men have captured one of their vessels. As we speak I have druids and smiths examining their weapons.

Madara: a noble sacrifice, and another piece of comparatively good news.

Max: Indeed

Ket: "I'll send out more scouts, get an accurate fix on their numbers."

Trajan: good thinking.

Madara: these are...dark times

Ket: *nods thoughtfully, running his fingers through his short, scruffy beard.* "Being overwhelmed or starved is our greatest concern."

Trajan: if we can secure a supply line across the vein, we'll be fine.

Mordred: We will prevail

Ket: "That is my worry. If i were them, i would take the bridges."

Trajan: so...what if we make one?

Madara: maybe... But enough doubt.

Ket: "Across the vein?... perhaps a barge ferry."

Trajan: exactly.

Ket: "They would patrol it, we'd have to hide it."

Trajan: What do you mean? they aren't here yet, they don't patrol it yet.

Mordred: *Nods*

Ket: "When they take the vein. we will have to keep it hidden from them. we can't hold an entire supply route."

Trajan: we are right on the banks of the river, Ket, We can guard the crossing we make like we guard the rest of our holdings.

Madara: so what is the situation back home for you?

Max: The invaders have landed and captured a nearby city, we could besiege them for a decade with little to no effect. Their navy has decimated our reserve fleet and all other warships are making way to my fortress city. On the ground the situation is a little better, the civil war has served to kill any disloyal lords.

Ket: "I would not call eight miles, right on the banks. and there is the canyon to consider. Do we use it, leaving us vulnerable, or do we go across the plateau, lengthening the route?"

Trajan:...I mean on the north, not back the way we came. The banks are right there.

Madara: at least you are unified against this foe then.

ket: *rubs his forehead and mutters in kelthrovi* "Damn i need more sleep."

Trajan: *chuckles* Anyway, we establish a bridge there, it'll still be within our lines.

Mordred: As much as we can be, yes.

Ket: "I'll set my men to it... Do you have any of that oil for your mangonels spare?"

Trajan: I'll have my quartermasters have a look.

Madara: aye... that's the one strength we both share in this fight.

Ket: "We might want to have that bridge disappear in a hurry."

Trajan: true, but for now we need it for supplies.

Mordred: How far have they pushed into your land?

Madara: two of the border cities have fallen, the third is besieged as we speak.

Mordred: Are people riding to challenge the siege? Or will you wait for a note oppurtune moment?

Madara: some ride. The rest wait on the decision of my war council tomorrow.

Max: I wish them luck

Madara: likewise. Anyway, for now, let us enjoy ourselves, eh?

Mordred: That sounds like a great idea

Madara: so...tell me of yourself Mordred. We didn't have much time to talk at the wedding.

Mordred: What is it you want to know?

Madara: Well... important question first. How do you fight?

Mordred: Depends on my foe. But in general I strive for efficiency over flair.