Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3145691" data-attributes="member: 3448">Actually, we could probably get an army from Canberry there without teleportation.  The concern was I think primarily that we just didn't have the troops to spare.  We have significant commitments currently fighting the barbarians and defending the refugee lands.  We also need strong forces at home to deter the Duchy of Brightspan from splitting and to deal with a potential orcish attack (although part of the possible horde that might attack has gone south with the Abomination's army).  The thought was that if we sent enough troops to carry the day, we would increase the risks to Canberry itself too much.  Also, and I'm not sure if this entered into anyone's calculations besides Alistair's, this could be really bloody.  Better to have that happen to mercenaries than to chew up our army, especially with the ongoing other threats and the new commitments if Hanal moves on Masque or Tang.  But the main consideration was that we just didn't think we had the armies to spare.------“Does that conclude the military issues?”“Not quite, your grace.  The departures of the armies of Caldra and Caligshire have also created issues within the Archduchy.  Because they are devoid of troops, there have been problems with banditry and some humanoid raids.”“Is anyone trying to hold things together?” asked Kit.“Derrick, the son and heir-apparent of the Sheriff of Cogswood is trying to coordinate things as well as possible with his father here for the coronation, but he’s only fourteen.  He’s mostly riding about the countryside with his friends.”Alistair frowned.  “That won’t make up for a lack of any real military presence.  And if he gets himself killed or captured… The faster things get settled down, the better.  But we’ll have to give Furrows the first crack at it.  They’re his vassals, not ours directly, and none of the Dukes will be happy if we start managing their internal affairs.  Especially not while he’s already sorting out an unclear succession after the deaths of the Caligshire House.”“The Duke doesn’t seem well suited to handle a problem like that at this point, but Lady Susan should be ready to act decisively.  With your grace’s permission, I’ll send a message over to her at his compound.”Alistair nodded.Mahler looked at Dame Brionna quizzically.  “You said Brightspan’s army is traveling with two years worth of supplies and still foraging in the countryside?  Doesn’t that seem a tad excessive for what looks to be a short campaign?”“Indeed.  We only really know that they have a huge number of heavily-laden wagons.  Our agents assume that those are carrying supplies, but have not been able to confirm it.”“Spell components?” suggested Kit.  “They’re planning on performing a major ritual; maybe they needed to bring special supplies?”“Maybe,” said Dame Brionna doubtfully.  “My worry is that the wagons might be filled with undead.  It would be an effective way to move them during the days, and they could seriously bolster the army’s power.”Alistair shook his head.  “I was thinking they might be collapsed siege engines, but after hearing your theories, I think that’s a best case.  Still, they can’t keep them covered at all times, and in an army that big, there have to be many people who know what those wagons are carrying.  Make sure we find out.”“Yes, m’lord,” said Kit.  “We’ll find out.  While we’re talking about the strategic situation, I’d like to contact the Duke of Snatterkaz.  I want to make sure that he’s still active, and I can give him our lead that Anastasia may be at the Muldar stronghold in preparation for the ritual.”Alistair nodded. “Makes sense.  Even if she’s not, if he attacks the stronghold and disrupts their ability to perform the third part of the ritual, it will help us.  And it will be a huge relief if he can rescue her-- Hanal is too unstable without her.”</blockquote>

Verification