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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3188108" data-attributes="member: 3448">“Finally, there are two strong human, at least predominantly, kingdoms in the south that we could reach out to.  The first is the Kingdom of Flame, which has six full field armies, including one ultra-elite and one elite.  They also have a strong aerial force, with 150 ornithopters and 12 adult or older red dragons with long duration agreements with the Kingdom.”“Red dragons?” asked Kit.  “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.  Why do we think they might be possible allies.”Mahler cut in.  “We’re a major trade partner of theirs.  Their economy has been going into a depression since the fall of the South Kingdoms.  It’s the same problems that we’ve faced, but they’re much farther south and so have had less opportunity to open new markets to compensate.  So we may be able to convince them to help to preserve our trade, or just by paying them to assist.  And we want their trading situation to improve.  Otherwise, the dragons might start raiding.”“What sorts of goods do they trade in?” asked Kit.“Fine horses, better quality crystal than we can make, although nothing like elven wares, some southern fruits, and sugar.”“They sound promising,” said Alistair, “but I’m still worried about the dragons.  I assume they’re not Borsh’troan or anything?”“No, your grace.  They are Paranswarmian, and while it’s never my preference to work with the forces of Paranswarm…”Alistair nodded.  “Sometimes it’s necessary.  And that does explain the dragons.  They must be devoted to Vitrix-Henexi.”“The Kingdom of Flame also has several archmagi.”“That could be very useful,” said Kit.  “If we can ensure that we have magical dominance, that will make the battle much easier.”Dame Brionna nodded.  “The final possible major ally to recruit is the Barony of Augurt.  They seem to be very powerful-- they have nine field armies, along with auxiliaries, and a powerful air navy, led by a Noldar dreadnought.”“Noldar?  I wouldn’t think that the allies of the Noldar would be our allies,” said Mahler.“They didn’t get the dreadnought by being allies of the Noldar.  [There’s a story here about a lucky shot attacking a Noldar force, but I don’t remember whether they captured the voller or whether it was a gift to help conclude the war.]”“I think we could definitely work with them,” said Alistair.  “They’re Paranswarmian, but from what I know, they’re on the least frightening side of the Paranswarmians.  They don’t permit slavery, for example.  Is the Baron attending the coronation?”“Yes, your grace.  Should I arrange a luncheon?”“Please.”“The other possible allies just don’t have much military force.  There’s Running Brook, the Holy See of Manumist, but they don’t have much of an army.  Mostly just guards for their, um, caravans.  And while the Eastern Trade Federation follows the Archbishop’s lead, they do not have much military to speak of.”“Still… if we can convince Augurt, our military situation will be much better.  Have we arranged to hire the Order of the Falcon and move them into position?”“Not yet, your grace.”“We need to do that immediately.  Each passing day makes it harder for them to make it into position in time.  Send Broadfields-- he’s the right person to handle that negotiation, especially because we hope to place him in command of the other army.”“I still don’t like hiring them,” grumbled Kit.  “Maybe if we can recruit some of these possible allies.”“Maybe.  But I’d much rather make sure that we have overwhelming force, instead of just getting rid of their advantage.  And we don’t know that we’ll be able to persuade Augurt, or how much of an army they will be willing to provide.”</blockquote>

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