Star Crusade MUX - User contributions [en]

Jericho Briefing

2013-07-13T14:11:35Z

Palamedes: Content Update

==Synopsis==

A briefing given to selected members of the Curia and senior Guildsmen, Officers of the State and Members and Cohorts of the Order of the Phoenix by Caelwyn in the War Room of the Old Terminal.

==Invitation==

To the aforeaddressed Peers of Yathrib and Offworld;

To the aforeaddressed Officers of the Crusader State;

To the aforeaddressed knights of the Most Noble Order of the Phoenix;

To the aforeaddressed members of the Church Militant and of the Brother Battle;

To the aforeadressed affiliates of the Guilds of the Known Worlds;

I, Dame Linnea of House Torenson, on behalf of Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan, Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya, Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan, do hereby send greetings and felicitations.

You are invited to attend a briefing in the War Room of the Old Terminal upon the substantive elements of Operation Jericho, a coalition military ground and space campaign of great significance to the Crusader State now under way, whose ultimate goal is the relief of Revelation through the capture of the Kastrum orbital station.

Imperial, Li Halan and Church forces are operating in concert, and we hope that this briefing will help those battling on other fronts to adapt their plans as necessary or to allow them to consider lending aid as may be required.

The successful prosecution of this campaign will require individuals of skill and daring in addition to the clash of arms upon the battlefield, and thus we hope that as many of the Phoenix Order as can attend will do so, to learn how they might, if they so choose, aid the cause of Empire and Church.
Should you be unable to attend, we hope you will be able to send a representative, or failing this, a transcript of the briefing can be made available to you under strict security and a more personal meeting arranged at a later time.

Sincerity in all things,

Dame Linnea Renhet Zelja Torenson

Seneschal of the Dragon Legion

==Briefing==

The War Room of the Old Terminal is an impressive chamber build into the penultimate storey of the great structure's clock tower. No few dignitaries have been invited to the briefing, which appears to have been organised to communicate a matter of general interest to the senior of the officials of the Crusader State, the Seven, a selection of Yathribi nobles of a particularly crusader bent, members of the Church Militant, and particularly the Imperials and the Questing Knights. In order to accomodate this fact, the great tables have been moved slightly, to allow an auditorium-like set of curved benches to be arrayed in place for those attending, with a small stage and lectern in the center.
The security is fairly high, although doubtless rumour will spread afterwards, for the moment, personalities are checked, invitations examined, and there is a glimpse for a moment of what might have been a young man in the marked robes of a Penitent Psychic within the security booth.
Drinks and small plates of food, in the manner of a cocktail party, are arrayed on a buffet table, and petty officers in plum and grey uniforms ensure that each guest is welcomed and supplied as suits their preferences.

Caelwyn is stood by the lectern, reviewing some notes and speaking with a young woman in the uniform of the Supreme Order of Engineers, who appears, along with her crew of five, to be responsible for the shuddering, creaking Magic Lantern projector that is to be used for display.

Julien arrives with a squadron comprised of half Kossacks, half Crusaders. None of which appear to be overtly armed; though one can never know, not with the Decados specialty cavalry.

As is her nature, and befitting her position, Linnea circulates amongst the invitees, greeting everyone politely. She manages smiles and a few moments of pleasantries with most if not all, while keeping keen eyes on the liveried attendants that no one is left wanting for physical comforts.

Though she still enters in a whisper of silk, the Hydessos Emissary's colors are the muted maroon and dark purple of a council session. Samina's demeanor is solemn as well, though the al-Malik beauty keeps her expression pleasant and courtly. She offers a curtsy to each in turn that she meets, according to rank, and settles into the seat offered her. Attentive and quiet, she listens carefully.

Keeping abreast of military things is important for him! Even though he has like two different fronts to overtake right now. ;)
Rose Madani slips in as unobtrusively as possible with a single Ukar guard and finds a seat in the back row.

One of the representatives of the Engineers, working with a protocol officer of Caelwyn's staff, a tall nobleman with a set of gold aguilettes running down his side, moves from delegation to delegation, offering the head of each group of people (or single individual) invited a short stubby metal cylinder about the size of a thumb, with an illuminated red button atop it. The protocol officer explains that if anyone has a question as the briefing goes on, they can simply press the button to alert the speakers of that fact, so that everyone does not have to shout over each other.

There might be more outside, but only two guards are within the room alongside the Decados Chamberlain. Fiamma appears idle in thought, dressed in her dark finery, boots audible on the floor as she steps confidently. Those she knows get a polite greeting, an incline of head or shallow curtsey depending on rank, before she settles into one of the seats.

Having seen to the last of the gathered representatives, Linnea shoots Cael a brief, pointed look, then moves to take her seat as well. From thin air, it seems the tiny Seneschal produces a folio, unsealed but quite thick with whatever paperwork she requires to hand for this meeting.

Once his guests have had the socially minimum amount of time to take the edge off their hunger and thirst and attend to the business of greeting each other, Caelwyn takes the nod of his small socially-adept seneschal to cue him for the next step of the proceedings. He moves up to the stage, and climbs up the short three-stair steps to walk across to the wooden lectern, motioning for people to take their seats that have not already done so, the last laggards coaxed by uniformed servants into place.
The lectern's front plate is carved in the banner of the Li Halan, and as the General gives a significant nod to the Engineer, who starts the magic lantern machine into life. At first, there is a brief moment in which a fifteen-foot-high promotional hologram for "Stan and Stultzy," the popular Church approved cartoon show of the late 4000s appears and begins to rotate behind Caelwyn, but after an aghast look from the Engineer and a blow or two with a hydrospanner over the course of the next couple of seconds, the tracks on the crystal recorders are realigned and a spinning Li Halan cross of equal size takes its place.
The first thing that Caelwyn attends to is to place his hands together, and to pray. "Lord Pancreator, most High, who Guides and Cherishes the Faith. We are gathered here to speak on matters of Your Crusade, and we pray that you bestow all here present with victory in war, and plenty in peace, with discernment for strategy, and with wisdom for the aftermath. We here are your Sword, wielded against the Heretic and Traitor. You are our Shield, and we shelter in the Light of your Power. Amen."

Fiamma leans back in her seat comfortably, steepling her fingers on the table in front of her. Her dark eyes are shadowed with low lashes as she peers, with deceptive disinterest, toward the Lord General and the lantern machine. The cartoon title causes a raised brow of surprise and amusement, though the emotion is fairly subdued. The prayer causes her to sit upright a touch, though she makes no gesture to join in the sentiment otherwise. Save for her eyes, they close for a brief moment.

Leading a stealth Hazat assault on the refreshments, there's Sofia. Actually, she does seem to move pretty quietly, despite her height and build. She is in her chair in time (really, no time travel involved!) and quietly joins in the prayer. She is polite about it, and paying due attention. But it surprisingly sneaky because suddenly, HAZAT!

Caelwyn's voice is sonorous, musical with the lilt of his Li Halan homeworld, the softening of consonants and the lingering vowels, seeming changes of pitch, the legacy of the tonal langauges of his alleged forebears. "Nobles and peers of Yathrib and Offworld, honoured members of the Church and Guilds, I offer you greetings and thanks for your attendance today. Time presses upon us all, but I am confident that you will not consider this time wasted. The operation I am about to discuss has to this point been kept a close secret, for reasons that will become evident as I continue. However, we are now aware that these preparations were not sufficient, and that the Kurga Caliphate became in part aware of our intentions. This speaks to the level at which we of the Known Worlds are losing the intelligence war on a global scale: many factions amongst us have access to intelligence agencies with few peers - and we should learn to make better use of them in concert."
The deeply tanned Li Halan general reaches for a glass of water on the lectern, sips from it, and continues to speak. "Let me speak with you about Revelation." He motions to the engineer, and a rather glitchy but still legible holographic map of the city, marked in red and blue, appears behind him from ceiling to floor. "Until recently, our own troops under the Imperial Marshal Cassius," and here he nods to a staff officer of the Imperial legion, attending in Cassius' stead, "were making headway, as we outnumbered the Kurgans by about twenty-five percent. They have reinforced, however, to equal numbers, and that means we are being pushed back. Not because our troops are inferior, but because they have something we do not have - almost total air and artillery superiority, due to the geostationary battle platform known as the Kastrum, orbiting above the Holy City. If we were able to reverse this trend, and complete the relief of Revelation, then not only do we gain the prize of the Crusade, but we also free the troops that currently struggle to take it. Ten thousand imperial legionaries. Seven thousand offworld crusaders. Three thousand soldiers of the Crusader State. In all, about two hundred companies - nearly the sum of the entire military force of the Crusader State entire. With that force available, free for maneuver and offensive operations, we would truly be able to begin to sweep the Kurgans from the Gulf, and then begin the march on the Pearl Cities."

Pressing the button for the 'asked questions' device, Julien hangs back as he listens to the Li Halan general, quiet until acknowledged to speak. "

Caelwyn motions to the Engineer, and the map zooms out jerkily to show the entire shining gulf, and the approximate troop concentrations. "In effect, the city of Revelation has become a tar pit into which we cannot do otherwise than pour our troops. And, mark me, we have no choice. We cannot allow the heretic to tread the city if it is within our power to take back so much as one inch of that sacred place by the effusion of blood. We are prevented by the Kastrum. We must correct this."
The hologram shifts, to display an orbiting space station, massive and unwieldy, powerful and bulky, surrounded by a flotilla of kurgan naval vessels. "The Kastrum was originally in the hands of the Known Worlds, the primary planetary transhipment point and orbital defense station. It's firepower is significant, and it is puissant beyond the ability of all currently held planet-to-space weapons to significantly affect it - apart from the two mighty meson cannon in the Fallingfire Citadel, and those weapons do not have line of sight to the station and cannot be moved. The Kurgan fleet use it as a space dock, and the Imperial and House naval forces currently on station in the Yathribi system would have to fight a pitched space battle to overcome it - which there is no guarantee, given its firepower and shielding, which is augmented massively by a ground-based transmitter station, that they would be able to do so without catastrophic losses. We cannot simply obliterate it, either: if it is destroyed, it cannot be rebuilt, and without it, we would struggle to take Revelation without crippling attritional casualties. We must recover it, and that is the purpose of Operation Jericho."
Caelwyn pauses at this convenient break in his words, and acknowledges Julien with a bow of his upper body in the Baron's direction, having seen the light flash on his notification board.

"I assume you have a plan to deal with both the station and the transmitter at the same time. My issue is: do your plans fit within the framework we might be seeing in Abay in the coming months?" Namely, Julien mentions the Kurgan forces moving en masse to Revelation as the ultimate military couriers indicate.

Caelwyn nods to acknowledge Julien's question, and includes his response into the next section of his briefing. "The transmitter station's beamed power renders an assault on the Kastrum nearly impossible, particularly considering the fact that we must bring Galliot close enough to launch a boarding action. Accordingly, we must shut the shield generator down without destroying it, since we will need it operational in order to protect the Kastrum from Kurgan counter-attack once we hold it. However, the timescales involved in this operation are measured in up to three seasons. It is for this reason, as I shall mention later, that Jericho was launched as soon as practical."
Caelwyn nods to the Engineer, and a satellite shot of a high mountain town becomes visible, the bulk of the transmitter station perhaps half a kilometer away, built into the side of the mountain. "This is Castle Peak, a town in Riebecksland, about a hundred kilomters from the coast. The transmitter station is located here. It was not operational due to lack of maintenance when the Kurgan first invaded Yathrib. However, in the intervening time since capturing this township, they have brought it online. It must be siezed. Our engineering teams from the Supreme Order must form an understanding of how to shut it down safely, and then it will be shut down in co-ordination with the later phases of the Operation to assault the Kastrum. However, first we must take the station. The intelligence from operatives we have introduced into the town and from the analysis by the Engineers shows that it will take between two to three months to be able to bring the plant into controlled shutdown. To risk uncontrolled shutdown would stress the geothermal plant - and they believe that the consequence of this would be a volcanic event of sufficient power as to cause a massive earthquake and eruption along the mountain chain and into Revelation. Thus, in timing, we must first take Castle Peak. Then we must hold it."

Fiamma glances toward the Hawkwood lord when it is apparent he will speak. The disinterest in her eyes is replaced by sharp focus, coming so swiftly that it is clear it'd been laying in ambush the entire while. Her back arches slightly, her legs crossing before she leans back again, comfortably. Soon after the question, her attention is back to Caelwyn, back to apparent idleness.

"With the forces of Rabaq currently engaged heavily in Teldam, the perfect opportunity to launch a swift ambibious assault into Riebecksland presented itself, as only light garrison troops and quick reaction forces are available to oppose it. This was the reason for the secrecy - secrecy which failed, as the air attack on the assault fleet showed. However, the ground force comprised of mechanised forces did beach successfully and is currently driving hard towards the town, bypassing resistance rather than confronting it."
Caelwyn motions to the engineer, and a map of the area moves into focus on the hologram emitter, a red line dotting its way towards the township. "Once the town is taken, we will hold it until the Engineers have finished their researches and are ready to proceed. As soon as our intention is clear, we expect to face strong attempts to recapture the town. In part, this is a secondary objective of Operation Jericho. If we are ground to dust, it will have drawn enough troops away from other fronts - Abay, Teldam - to provide respite to other Known Worlder armies operating in those areas."
"While preparations to disable the shield generator are ongoing, the third phase is to gather the necessary star naval might to assault the unshielded Kastrum. I have requested assistance from the Imperial Fleet, who have committed to the operation, and Lady Linnea of my household has recently returned from a trip to Urth in which we requested of the Hierocrachy a deployment of elements of the Patriarchal fleet, which have been accepted. Once the fleet is ready and the shield is under our control, we will need to draw away the Kurgan fleet with a decoy action in deep space, assault the station, and deploy special operations teams and boarders to secure the vital control locations and engineering spaces.
The hololith flickers up schematics of the station, apparently obtained from data vaults in Reveleation by operatives unknown. "The timescales involved are broadly. This season, we must capture Castle Peak. Next season, we must hold it, for the engineers to work and to gather the fleet. And then the season after this, we launch the assault, and begin the recapture of Revelation. This requires us to hold Castle Peak against increasing attacks from the Kurgans for between six to eight months, within enemy territory. It will not be simple at all. But if one is not willing to risk, one cannot win."
"Are there any questions at this stage?" he inquires, looking around the room. His own staff seem quite sober. They are, after all, likely to be bled slowly to death in the meatgrinder of siege.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Linnea has no questions to ask, giving the Lord General a faint shake of her head. Her expression too is almost solemn.

"At the end, therefore, I must tell you why I have brought you here to tell you these things. In the first instance, because this is a matter of importance to all individuals within the Shining Gulf. In the second, because those of you of Questing Orders, or that are here on Crusade and not tied to a land, and to the Brother Battle and Church Militant, to you I have a request, an entreaty, and a call to arms. We need your swords, your skills, and your heroism in Castle Peak. Taking it, and then holding back the Kurgans, will need those of skill and daring to support the special operations necessary. This is a campaign for Yathrib, for Revelation, and for the Faith."
The hard-bitten Li Halan commander continues speaking, after taking another sip of water, his conviction thrumming through his words. "For those of Guild and of lands of wealth, for those who can offer material aid, it will be sorely needed. For those of baronies and lands whose territories are already under threat, we do not expect soldiers, you have few to spare. Yet we do request your goodwill, poltical assistance, and where practical assistance may be given to us, that you give it. From the State we need unity. From the Faith we need determination and support. And from you all, we need your prayers. For we will need the Pancreator with us."
Caelwyn nods his head to the engineer, and the magic lantern sputters to a stop.

Rose has been paying close attention and her expression is one of sincerely fervent interest. She does not, however, seek to raise any questions nor offer any public comment.

Caelwyn lets the silence last a few more heartbeats "Two last matters remain. The first, is one of apology. The lands of Riebeck have in part been claimed by Johburg, and we have made no discussion with their Countess on the matter of Castle Peak. In order to preserve, we hoped, the element of surprise, it was necessary, and Castle Peak was not so sworn to Johburg. Nonetheless, it was uncivil, if not dishonourable. We hope that the respite they gain from the adjustment of Rabaqui forces will be recompense in part."
He pauses. "The second, is one of warning, and of promise. My soldiers, myself, those sworn to me, and those allies of the Imperium and Church I have with me, bring with us the fury of the Emperor Wars. This matter, this Operation, may fail. But if it fails, it shall not fail for want of effort. We are used to taking ground, spending blood for it, and holding it. We shall not hold back. This war will be fought to the knife. I have sought and recieved indulgence for use of weapons proscribed by the Church for use upon mankind, providing that they are used against the Kurgan foe in furtherance of the Crusade. If necessary, they will be deployed."
He steps aside from the lectern. "Thank you for your attention, my lords and ladies. If you have questions, then please, speak them now."

Still without particular questions on the briefing, Linnea turns her attention instead to the audience. The Torenson's emerald eyes weigh and measure, searching faces and body postures for dissent, question, approval... probably even boredom.

Sofia is thinking, listening. She hms softly. She tilts her head. She is perhaps working on a mental map, making sure she knows which is where.

Rose shows no response to the mention of church-proscribed weapons, either of approval or disapproval. It's a fact, she makes a mental note of it without giving it any more or any less weight than anything else she's heard.

"Might we inquire as to the nature of these proscribed weapons?" Fiamma asks, head tilted in vague curiosity. Her hands are folded in her lap, legs crossed and poise graceful. Other than the question, she remains silent, looking at Caelwyn for a response. Though her eyes glance idly about the room, scanning for reactions from others present.

Caelwyn inclines his head. "While I do not wish to elaborate to great detail in such an open forum," he replies, "we are speaking at this time, of items including and similar to heavy incendiaries, flammables, land mines and similar area denial explosives, and chemical weapons. Further escalation is not being dismissed. If by fury of technology we can hold this vital point, we will do so, within the grounds of our indulgence." Then he waits a short while to see if anyone else has a question, then nods his head. "If any of you wish to speak with me in private, to see how you might help, what missions are under way or required, or other matters, please make myself, my staff, or Lady Linnea aware. Thank you." He bows again, from his position by the lectern, and walks down the steps from the stage.

"I can spare one company of soldiers, but I would limit their scope of action; they would be seen in that front towards the second phase of your plan, not the first," Julien explains to Caelwyn, nodding once, a measured response, it seems. "As for what political assistance could be found, well, one of Auberry-Malefaux's campaigns turned bitter and now there may be a siege on our hands in the North. Even so, there is the matter of a Quarter-Castellanship of the North being used... for the South. Perhaps the Southern one could be secured to assist your campaign in Riebeck, given enough votes for the candidate I put forth in last Curia."

The Li Halan general steps across to join the crowd as they move down from the auditorium-style benches, to join Julien and the others in a more social forum, the briefing/lecture now over and even some quiet music beginning to play. "It will be difficult, Lord Julien, to move large numbers of reinforcements to Castle Peak once we have the town, nor do I have the resources or the goal in mind to conquer Riebecksland. I will not shun offered aid, but the process would need careful thought. It may be that Countess Amber elects to follow up Rabaq's invasion of her lands with one of her own, but I consider this unlikely, since the threat of Tyche is likely to dissuade her from such venturing. Only once the Kastrum is taken will we be free to airlift troops to continue the defense. Any other ground forces, from the Castellan of the South or otherwise, would have to fight their way to us. An invasion of Riebecksland would take pressure from our defence. But that is a matter for the State to arrange, truly."

Samina still listens quietly, and thoughtfully, studying Caelwyn intently. She remains in her seat for the moment, hands resting in her lap, though her eyes do drift towards the aforementioned staff. As others begin to rise from the benches, so does she, moving to drift amongst the crowd and not yet leaving.

When Caelwyn dismounts from the platform, Linnea rises from her seat with the intention of joining the Earl and guests. A flick gesture to Caelwyn has a drink and light snack speeding towards him by an eager porter.

The Li Halan general mingles for a short while, speaking with the Imperial representatives, and then departs the war-room.

Jericho Briefing

2013-07-11T18:56:39Z

Palamedes: Page creation, partial content

==Synopsis==

==Invitation==

To the aforeaddressed Peers of Yathrib and Offworld;

To the aforeaddressed Officers of the Crusader State;

To the aforeaddressed knights of the Most Noble Order of the Phoenix;

To the aforeaddressed members of the Church Militant and of the Brother Battle;

To the aforeadressed affiliates of the Guilds of the Known Worlds;

I, Dame Linnea of House Torenson, on behalf of Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan, Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya, Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan, do hereby send greetings and felicitations.

You are invited to attend a briefing in the War Room of the Old Terminal upon the substantive elements of Operation Jericho, a coalition military ground and space campaign of great significance to the Crusader State now under way, whose ultimate goal is the relief of Revelation through the capture of the Kastrum orbital station.

Imperial, Li Halan and Church forces are operating in concert, and we hope that this briefing will help those battling on other fronts to adapt their plans as necessary or to allow them to consider lending aid as may be required.

The successful prosecution of this campaign will require individuals of skill and daring in addition to the clash of arms upon the battlefield, and thus we hope that as many of the Phoenix Order as can attend will do so, to learn how they might, if they so choose, aid the cause of Empire and Church.
Should you be unable to attend, we hope you will be able to send a representative, or failing this, a transcript of the briefing can be made available to you under strict security and a more personal meeting arranged at a later time.

Sincerity in all things,

Dame Linnea Renhet Zelja Torenson

Seneschal of the Dragon Legion

==Briefing==

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-07-11T18:28:26Z

Palamedes: Adjusting spacing

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

In the Fall of 5001, the Li Halan soldiers of the Dragon Legion, along with a variety of coalition troops launched an amphibious assault on the coast of Riebecksland. The collated information is presented here.

No personal RP logs will be posted here regardless of the number of PCs involved, only Rumours, Campaign Updates, TPs, and Battles.

== Rumours and News ==

=== September 5001 ===

'''Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013'''

The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

'''Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013'''

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

=== October 5001 ===

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], Riebecksland, October 5001

[[Jericho Briefing]], Akko, October 5001

[[Operation Panopticon]], Riebeckslands, October 5001

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-07-11T18:27:35Z

Palamedes: Adding missions

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

In the Fall of 5001, the Li Halan soldiers of the Dragon Legion, along with a variety of coalition troops launched an amphibious assault on the coast of Riebecksland. The collated information is presented here.

No personal RP logs will be posted here regardless of the number of PCs involved, only Rumours, Campaign Updates, TPs, and Battles.

== Rumours and News ==

=== September 5001 ===

'''Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013'''

The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

'''Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013'''

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

=== October 5001 ===

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], Riebecksland, October 5001
[[Jericho Briefing]], Akko, October 5001
[[Operation Panopticon]], Riebeckslands, October 5001

Caelwyn

2013-06-25T14:33:34Z

Palamedes:

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Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan
 
 
Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan

<center>[[Image:lihalan.png‎|125px]]</center>
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! <center><h1>Quote</h1></center>
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"It has been said, that one cannot control the universe until one controls the world, and one cannot control the world unless there is calm in the community, and one cannot control the community until one controls the dwelling, and the dwelling is chaos unless one controls the self. And this is true. For what needs of armies and weapons, of the transported wealth of worlds, of homes and ownership, if one is not the captain of one's soul? Let those who have wisdom, ponder, and let those who understand take heed." 
<center>--Galaxia 5:8 </center>
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! <center><h1>Basic Information</h1></center>
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Caelwyn possesses a grand-sounding mix of titles even for a man well past his fortieth year, worn down by the demands of his family, the service of the Pancreator, and the relentless pressure of three decades of war. Devout and intense, the Flavian Crusade has kept his inner torch burning where otherwise it might have guttered, and like many Li Halan, wherever he goes, a churchman is never far away: scholars, confessors, and political specialists. It is that faith in the Pancreator's manifest will that keeps him going, energises him, and drives him, and that sent him across the stars to Yathrib. His family estates lie on far-off Kish, providing both wealth and Ishwin Confederacy shock troops: these and his vassals, together with holdings on Midian and lands seized on Rampart during the occupation, are being bled of men, technology, production, and treasure, to fund the cause of Flavian's Crusade. The Pancreator's will is clear: Revelation must be returned to the arms of the Universal Church.

A veteran like so many others of the Emperor Wars, Caelwyn has risen from commanding his own regiment of levies through greater and greater responsibilities to his present rank. He participated in many battles and campaigns of the Li Halan during the Emperor Wars, from the Conquest of Rampart to battles against the Decados and even as a small contingent of Li Halan forces in the final battles of Alexius's final victory at Byzantium Secundus. His reputation is that of an expert grand strategist, able to plan wide-ranging military campaigns even at the planetary level with great skill, although his once formidable skills at command of smaller formations have atrophied slightly over the decades of high command.

The Li Halan style of battle, augmented by Hazat thinking in years past and still full of the lessons of Sun Tzu, combines deception and diversion with a willingness to spend the lives of his troops like water poured onto the desert when necessary, yet preserving them carefully from needless losses. Caelwyn's pseudonym of "The Thousand Flowers General" came to be from an incident during the conquest of Rampart. Rather than imprison, ransom, execute or impress any captured self-identified 'Leaguers', they were offered the choice of making a thousand origami flowers to be offered to the altar of the new Orthodox cathedral, and when that task was done, they could swear an oath not to return to the battle and be released back as productive members of the new society - albeit carefully watched ones. The cathedral in Sa'frya even now contains hundreds of thousands of preserved paper flowers, proof that even the techsophists can be changed to productive members of society by compassion and the care of the Pancreator.

The General returned for a year after the crowning of Alexius to participate in the ongoing pacification of Rampart, before beginning a tour of his fragmented, battle-won holdings that lasted only one more year before, on Midian, Flavius announced the formation of his Crusade after the discovery of Yathrib's plight. Pledging his sword, his men, and his holdings to this great Holy Work, Caelwyn gathered his troops and supplies from across his holdings, marshaling and preparing, recruiting and gathering support from vassals or nobles who could be persuaded by passionate argument, careful poems, or religious exhortations. When the time came, his forces, and those Li Halan crusaders who pledged their own resources and companies to him as their Captain poured through the Yathrib jump-gate in company with the others of the Flavian Crusade as the Dragon Legion.

After years of grinding island to island warfare, these territories are now secured, and with the support of Duke Maximino, the Lord-General has now taken the Legion north into the battle for the Holy City and the support of the Crusader State.

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! <center><h1>Description</h1></center>
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Of only middle height but serious demeanour, Caelwyn's features are browned and bitten by the light of far-flung worlds, telling of years of toil in the service of his House's military. A pronounced epicanthic fold hints to his Li Halan family origins, although the stocky man of middle years bears no scars nor marks from his career that can be seen on visible skin, not so much as a cut, only a swordsman's calluses.

He is wearing a grey camouflage pattern jacket and trousers, the trouser ends tucked into dark grey desert boots. Over this under layer is strapped a modern version of samurai armour, the black-enamelled kevlar plates of breastplate and backplate joining arm and leg protectors, shoulderplates, and gloves. His swords are fixed to a harness across his back, that also holds a blaster pistol in an alaskan holster riding the curve of his stomach rather than at his side, more easily allowing him to sit in vehicles. Trifle pouches, communications devices, and a water canteen hang from the back and sides of the belt, a heavy shield generator nestled against the small of his back in a socket in the backplate.

The only splashes of gold-embossed colour are the circle of stars on each side of his collar, the twin sigils of the Twisted Spire and the Li Halan cross over his left breast, and a shoulder flash patch on his left arm of a snarling sinuous Chinese Dragon coiled around a jumpgate cross.
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! <center><h1>Contacts</h1></center>
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* Grand Duke Maximino Li Halan: A steadfast supporter but a difficult superior, always willing to further the goals of House and Church, but often in a divisively heavy-handed manner.
* Countess Eleanora Justine [[Amber]] Carlotta din Alt van Gelder, Countess Johburg: Though their views of the ideal structure of society differ, both are equally firm on the need to ward, protect, and take responsibility for their lessers and avoid unnecessary suffering and atrocity in war, and this dedication to duty formed a bond between them - his iron code of morality and honour helped in this regard. His increasing frustration with the Crusader State's lack of direction has strained their relationship, but there is still a deep layer of trust, tempered by mutual understanding of what the dictates of honour and loyalty might require of a man.
* Count [[Renaud]] Germain de Moley, Count of Leon: A vigorous warrior, although with an uncertain temper, his faith has wandered from the sheltering arms of the Church, and should be brought back there for his own sake.
* Conde Juan Antonio Corvado de Rolas y Vivar de Justus, del Hazat, Count of Oultrejouyeaux: A man with no small amount of courage, but his blatant use of witchery in combat coupled with an abrasive personality makes him nearly impossible to work with.
* Baron Hugh of Justinian, Lord of Remle, Quarter-Castellan of the North: Solid soldier that despises politics, and dedicated crusader, but may be dangerously over-focused on regaining his lost lands. 
* Baroness Midare Kirin Rinzetsu Li Halan, Lady of Jopha: Young and untried, but not lacking courage nor wits. Her feud with Momoko of the Hazat causes him headaches.
* Commodore Sofia Estefania Madalena Inez Guadalupe Eduardo Benignamin de Aragon, Baroness of Fenford: A most atypical Hazat in the matters of social discourse, and a little tentative and self-doubting, but in battle brave and bold, and in peace kind and hopeful. Don Sans is a fortunate man, as are the people of Fenford.
* The Rt. Rev. [[Agravain]] van Gelder, Abbot of St. Palamedes: Without doubt a most devout man dedicated to the Pancreator, but for one who has spent time on the Garden Worlds, he seems to lack the social niceties. Unfortunatly tainted with the stamp of the Curia-faction. Would make an admirable Abbot and Chancellor, or esteemed Inquisitor - but not both at the same time. However, as a representative of the Universal Church, Caelwyn has often supported the Inquisitor's efforts, even to the use of troops.
* Lady Linnea Torenson: Devoted Companion, Spymistress, Essential Logistician, Ward and Daughter, Prize of War and Hostage. For this young woman's safety, and happiness, worlds would burn at Caelwyn's hand if needed.
* Lady [[Samina]] Fairuz Nouhad al-Malik: The Songbird. While their Houses' emnity upon Yathrib makes them opponents, there is naught to be despised in the charming and culture-loving person of Samina herself, and much to be admired.
* Sir Cephus Justinian: Bluff and no-nonsense, the Armsmaster of Remle is dependable, although Caelwyn's interaction with him is mostly as a result of his daughter Naima.
* Sister [[Naima]] bint Justinian: A young idealist despite her chequered past, Caelwyn is honoured that she has come to see him as a mentor in both the conventional areas, but also in matters spiritual, which surprises him. He greatly values her trust, though regularly attempts to remind her that dark deeds may be ahead in war. Her visions and blessing from the Pancreator is worrysome, all the more so because the senior churchmen of Akko seem to have little time for the blessed amid the rough and tumble of politics.
* Master Zaed: While he sullied the honour of Caelwyn's tourney with his witch powers, he served out his penance. However, his reticence to re-enter combat and professed loathing for battle does not mesh with his urge to gain glory for love, nor should it be countenanced while the Heretic threat remains so strong.
* Brother [[Miles]] Fortius, Apprentice of Brother Battle: This young brother has performed excellently well on several operations under Caelwyn's orders, although not under his direct command. If youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the growth of wider world-awareness, he will go far.
* [[Verity]] Iolanda Winters, Entered of the Supreme Order of Engineers: Scatterbrained and lacking decorum, but a clear genius and may go far in the Engineers - if she survives the broadening of experience to rid her of her naïveté.
* Dame Trisje Miep van Gelder, Knight of the Company of the Phoenix: A skillful and seemingly reliable investigator-agent that clearly has much of her House's training within her - in all aspects.
* Dame Anja Torenson: Cool, collected, and poised - just as one would expect from a Torenson.
* Captain Sir Zakaria Haidar ibn Yunus ibn Hakim al-Bahri al Malik: While certainly brave, the flamboyant Al-Malik privateer has earned Caelwyn's emnity, but so long as he works towards the defeat of the Kurgan, matters will lie, even though Fallingfire and Hydessos are far from friendly competitors.
* Brother Moroko, Acolyte of Brother Battle, Vicar-Commander of Prior's Ford: An expert warrior, but not the best tactician or strategist, and despite his offworld origins, appears to have become wedded to the Yathribi De-Moley cause. Nonetheless, a man to be relied upon to do his work in battle's clamour.
* Baroness Lysandra Justinian, Lady of Claudius' Tomb: A determined woman, Caelwyn has a great deal of respect for Lysandra, even though he is fairly certain that despite her moves between Justinian and Decados, it is the Mantis' claws that are deepest embedded. Her ascension to Constable resulted from being one who has least offended any faction, at a moment when her opponents seemed to suddenly crumble - not the best foundation for a solid premiership.
* Baroness Chiaka Iulia Theodosia Justinian, Lady Avenal: Often a political opponent due to her natural but frustrating concerns with the North above all things, Caelwyn nonetheless enjoys his games of Go with the noblewoman who appears to cherish her Li Halan heritage. She seems brave but frail, a curious combination for a successful space privateer.
* Baron Hassan ibn Abd Al-Haww ibn Al-Malik, Lord of Helborg: A friendly young nobleman who has no idea of the reality of war, or the impact of the shells he tosses about. He'll learn or be deposed.
* Baron Arkady Ivanovich Decados, Lord of Margat: Amber seems to think much of Arkady, despite the initial reports that he was at best a dilettante warrior. Still, the Mantis are never what they appear to be.
* [[Isabeau|Isabeau Meeks]], Freewoman: An odd mix of innocence and intensity, her devotion to her protector Zaed had her approach Caelwyn on several occasions, despite the social gulf.
* Abiku of the Guild of Courtesans: Curiously reticent for a woman paid to put people at their ease, there seemed to be more to the Courtesan than met the eye.
* Geoffrey de Moley, Guardian of the Crusader State: A noble man, and a man of honour, but a weak and vacillating leader. Left it to his vassals to make a stand against an overbearing abuse of authority.
* Baroness Alysenne [Katerine] De Moley, Lady of Josselin: Attractive but severe for such a young noblewoman, Katerine's willingness to essay dangerous operations in battle if the reward was worth the risk drew Caelwyn's attention.
* Sir William Hawkwood, Knight Grand Gross of the Swords of Lextius: His attempt to sieze power was conducted with hands far too rough and grasping. A renowned soldier but lacking enough political nous to ease the transition and instead caused an ongoing riot. Caelwyn has in recent months been moving more and more towards his line of thinking, however - the State is a crippled mess, and strong, unified leadership may be the only way forward. However, it might be siezed without such -foolishness-, and returned to the bosom of the Church.
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{{InfoboxChar
|Image=[[Image:caelwyn.jpg|300px]]
|Concept=Devout Crusader
|Rank=Earl
|Faction=Li Halan
|DoB=Sometime in 4947
|Homeworld=Kish
|Home County=Offworld Crusader
|Height= 5'7
|Weight= 160lbs
|Physical Effects= Tanned
|Status=Unmarried Older Nobleman
|}}
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! <center><h2>Campaigns</h2></center>
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[[Castle Peak Campaign 5001]]
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! <center><h2>Gallery</h2></center>
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<gallery>
File:caelwyn2.jpg
File:Cael3.jpg
</gallery>
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! <center><h2>Soundtrack</h2></center>
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'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOY-Mi5rLY DJ Krush/Kodo - Ibuki Reconstruction]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzf6SLBBpY Poets of the Fall - War]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiK8AN-vDuI The Birthday Massacre - Red Stars]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCMlrY1y3N8 Tarja Turunen - Oasis]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIP41E4B-bI Origa - Inner Universe]'''
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[[Category:PCs]][[Category:Active Characters]][[Category:Li Halan]][[Category:Noble]][[Category:Offworld Crusaders]]

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T14:02:29Z

Palamedes:

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T14:01:25Z

Palamedes:

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

In the Fall of 5001, the Li Halan soldiers of the Dragon Legion, along with a variety of coalition troops launched an amphibious assault on the coast of Riebecksland. The collated information is presented here. No personal RP logs will be posted here regardless of the number of PCs involved, only Rumours, Campaign Updates, TPs and Battles.

== Rumours and News ==

=== September 5001 ===

'''Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013'''

The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

'''Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013'''

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

=== October 5001 ===

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], October 5001

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:45:24Z

Palamedes:

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

== Rumours and News ==

=== September 5001 ===

'''Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013'''

The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

'''Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013'''

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

=== October 5001 ===

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], October 5001

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:43:51Z

Palamedes:

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

== Rumours and News ==

=== September 5001 ===

==== Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013 ====
The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

==== Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013 ====

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

=== October 5001 ===

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], October 5001

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:42:12Z

Palamedes:

[[Image:Shining_Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

== Rumours and News ==

=== Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013 ===
The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

=== Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013 ===

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

=== September 5001 ===

The navy of Akko appeared on the Riebeck coast out of nowhere, and from its ships spilled hundreds of Li Halan legionaries -- even some armor -- in a lightning-attack, driving towards the mountains east of Rabaq. At the head of the force was Lord Caelwyn Li Halan, single-mindedly headed for the town of Castle Peak -- but for all his shock and awe the Kurgans were ready to respond. Even as Kurgan forces pivoted from supporting the drive towards Teldam, dropships from the Kasbah fell from the sky onto Akko's fleet, just as Caelwyn's soldiers had begun their campaign. Blasters and lasers scored fire into the sails of her ships -- the frigate 'Stormbringer', one of Akko's most powerful vessels, was set alight, while much of 'Hautclere's Gold Squadron was damaged before 'Durandal', the powerful fusion-driven flagship of the Lord Warden's squadron was able to turn guns on the dropships. The surviving vessels from Gold Squadron were taken in tow, while those Stormbringers who survived were put aboard vessels for the sail back to Akko, leaving the hulk of 'Stormbringer' as a testament to Kurgan fury.

== Battles and Missions ==

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], October 5001

Battle of Vimer Ridge

2013-06-25T13:35:18Z

Palamedes: Headings and Paragraphs

== Travel to the Front Lines ==
The request for assistance came in several forms. For those with links to the Imperials, the appealing note was written in formal terms and countersigned by Marshal Cassius. For those with links to Caelwyn, it was personal requests, or letters. For those of the Muster, the lure was simple - cold hard cash. In every case, though, the help needed was simple enough in context - in potential field actions somewhere on the East Bank. Travel was arranged beforehand - by heavy rotor-flitter, to catch up with a moving military column, it seems. But two things were not mentioned, nor given - the location of the operation, nor the target, til the fateful day. Operational security around the mission was high, with Li Halan intelligence agents working hard to keep matters in the dark.

What limited rumours there were relate to the departure of the Dragon Legion and its entire logistics train on the road leading south from Akko a couple of weeks ago, and perhaps, the mysterious departure of the Port-Admiral's Squadron on 'manouvers' in the gulf at around the same time.

The flitters collect those of you from Akko and from Remle - and you journey swiftly southwards, the destination presumably being somewhere in the Teldam campaign area of the wild coast, around the battles in Johburg. Reaching Teldam and refuelling at a Li Halan military cantonment north of that town - it seems Countess Johburg has surrendered an element of her sovrenighty for assistance against the Kurgans, for the encampment is heavily fortified but flying the Li Halan flag, you have a few minutes to stretch your legs before the flitters take off again, but rather than flying further south, as you might expect, they arc out to sea and begin flying directly across the gulf, keeping low to the water to avoid coastal radar. You are heading directly for Rabaq, the coastal province that currently has its troops teeming in Johburg, and which Johburg claims at his own. Yet it seems the Countess' forces know nothing of this.

Sundiata is laying near on the ground staring up at the sky as he waits to see what is going to happen next. He looks down at his pendant containing his energy shield for a few moments, before deciding to stand up and do a few stretches. After taking a few stretches, he adjusts he practices sliding his rapier out of its scabbard a few times, and does the same with his medium revolver. His dragonfly is still on the ground as he continues with his stretches, "I knew I should went with another type of armor. I always feel clammy in this type."

Idonea is not exactly unused to such modes of transports and so, decked out in her Muster Plate and with her assault rifle on it's three-point harness she just sits smoking a roll up and waiting for the off. The only thing marking her out from many others of the guild on the planet being the crudely painted jumpgate cross on the front of her helmet. She's checked her weapons, checked her ammo, checked her squawker and fusion torch, checked her boots so all that's left to do is sit and smoke.

Naima rides in the flitter with the dust of Remle still on her heavy boots. The young Amalthean is armored for battle, field medic style. Compared to the young woman that departed Akko at the beginning of the campaign, she is perhaps shockingly thinner, battle-lean even in her face. Her medkit is pouched on her belt, and she even has a field knife strapped to her thigh--though it's mostly hidden by her cloak except for when she's moving.

Trisje is reasonably lightly armored looking, all things considered. Though the fact is she probably has her energy shield and replacement battery ready. And she does have a surprising number of pouches, all well strapped for mobility, but also easy access. She seems ready to take on an army. Aside from her usual plethora of knives - including an Ukari style Kraxi knife, she has a sniper rifle along as well.

The flyers move low over a beach and over the enemy coast. Below, the shattered remains of some field defenses can be seen, along with the cleared-up remains of a beach landing by a heavy force. It seems the local militia, confident that Johburg had troubles on its own shores, were not expecting anything of this nature to happen, and paid the price of overconfidence. Those familiar with warfare, however, might notice the great swathes of the beach turned to black glass - the hallmark of Firecracker Rounds, terrifying incendiary devices from the Emperor Wars, normally proscribed for use against any but Symbiots by Church edict.

Idonea finishes her roll up and grinds out the butt under the heal of her boot before taking a moment to look round the faces of the others in the transport. Naima gets a brief nod and a reasuring smile before she says quietly, "you need someone to keep an eye while you do stuff just let me know okay?" Then to Trisje, "not really the time to go into it now, but when we're done here I could with a word with you about some bandits I believe you were dealing with a while back. I'll come find you once this is done."

Linnea, having finished a final inspection of the ever-present medical tent and seen to a small host of logistics and supply issues despite the hour, lifts her eyes to the dark sky briefly as though to gauge the time, but no, her ears have picked up the throb of blades set to rent the air - the flitters en route and landing just on time. Gone are the find silks and filigree metals of her city attire, given over in favor of sturdy and protective clothing more suited to resisting mud and blood and air-borne toxins, the slippers and sandals of court exchanged for boots almost as heavy as the young woman herself. Smartly, she turns on a heel and heads to where the Lord General is likely to be attending other preparations.

Naima is largely innocent of all but some of the the surviving human remnants of warfare, so her grey-green eyes look down on the glassed beach with a degree of wonder and curiousity at water moving over something so shining and dark. Her gaze moves from the viewport to Idonea as she speaks, and the young woman offers the Muster Chaplain a shy smile in return. "I will, thank you, Sister." she replies quietly.

Trisje nods to Idonea. "Aye. I can do that." The questing knight says. Even as she starts to look outside, curious, her brows raising at what she sees and her head starting to shake back and forth. "That is probably going to piss of the Kurgans. Presuming they engage in similar holding back to us." She muses.

The flitters, who are full of assorted specialists, Imperials, muster personnel and of course, our heroes, have flown a jinking path through the landscape, keeping well away from townships that are currently defended only by static militia - the equivalent of the armsmen of the lands of the known worlders that huddle behind their walls while their great lords have taken the bulk of their armies to fight for land elsewhere. So as it has happened to the Known Worlders, so it is now happening to Rabaq. The rotorcraft set down at dusk outside a field encampment in an area of lightly forested hills, the air is fresher than in many places on Yathrib thanks to a breeze coming down towards the coast to the mountains. The camp is significant, and clearly only the main overnight camp of a large field army, with Li Halan and Dragon Legion banners flying overhead.

The muster troopers disembark, making their way towards their paymaster officers, past rank after rank of tents, past rows of tanks and armoured cars with the heraldry of the Twisted Spire blazoned across their flanks, and past artillery tractors bearing the sigil of Fallingfire on their bonnets and on the faceplates of the howitzers they tow. The others of you are gathered up and escorted to the command tents beneath the largest banners, where anti-aircaft cannon trace the skies. The actual command post is in fact not in those decoy tents, but in a dug-out in the copse of woods, and you are led on from the tent to this location where you are met by the Li Halan General Caelwyn and his seneshal Linnea. He nods to you all, formal and ice-featured, and waits til all are settled into chairs amid the rest of his officers before the briefing begins.

With nothing yet specifically to do, Idonea sticks herself to Naima's side, protect the healers and all that. Glancing round the encampment she uses what she can of the light to get a feel for the layout and strengh of the force assembled, whistling quietly to herself as she does so. "This is going to be an awefully big surprise for someone soon," she mutters before falling into step behind the waiting escort.

Trisje starts to head towards the Command tent, making sure to smile and offer assurances to the regular troops she sees. She even distributes some Questing Knight Cards! Seems someone understands the importance of symbolism to morale. The Emperor is on their side, and his finest are represented!

Sundiata scratches his head as he wonders why there are no knight-errant cards, or at the very least charming al-Malik investigator posters." Sundiatta riases his arms in a shrug, and slings the rifle around his shoulder as he makes way to the tent.

Naima still brushes her hood discreetly over her face as they disembark, even though it's under cover of darkness. She does observe carefully however, as she walks alongside Idonea. "It seems so," she agrees with her Sister quietly, deft fingers smoothing the fall of her cloak. As she reaches the bunker, her eyes widen as she spies Linnea at Caelwyn's side, for a moment her features animated rather than neutral-serene, though as Caelwyn bows so does she, and more deeply. And not half-bad, for a non-Li-Halan, before settling into a seat near the front.

"Sister Naima," Linnea murmurs softly, and, to the Void with propriety and the solemn occasion, the tiny Torenson moves to embrace her friend and offer a loving kiss to the priestess' cheek. She positively beams as she adds, "Bless the Pancreator for bringing us back together! But darling, you look like you have not eaten since I saw you last. Let me get something brought for us all."

With no apparent sign of imminant violence, Idonea releases teh chin strap on her helmet and removes it, placing it on the floor infront of her so tha she can rest her feet on it during the briefing. Or what she's asusming is going to be a briefing anyway. In a similar line of thinking she digs into the pouches on her belt and withdraws both a pre-rolled smoke and her lighter before proceeding to light up once more.

Naima's arms wrap around the tiny Torenson as well, her lips lingering warmly on Linnea's cheek. "I've missed you, azizati," she says softly. "Blessed we are that you've returned safely." She touches fingertips to Linnea's cheek, as if making sure she's still there. Though mindful of the others she settles into silence again, though her lips curve into a smile that lights her eyes. She brushes the hood back from her face as she resettles.

As he makes his way towards the camping ground, Sundiata eyes spot an ammunition dump that is under heavy guard. Sundiata taps his foot a few moments as he takes notices at the unusual high amount of guards that are watching this dump, and that they are all wearing anti-gas gear. Sundiata lets out a frustrated sigh, "Oh, Sunny boy, what you got yourself into this time?

Trisje merely gives a flourished bow to Caelwyn and then stands to the side to let matters get explained and others to greet those they seem to know. The woman just a bit late due to the morale aiding she did on the way!

== Planning and Preparation ==
Once everyone is seated, Caelwyn nods to one of the aguillette-shouldered operations officers, who raps on a large map of the Gulf with his swagger stick and then moves to another board on which a smaller image, looking like a starship or satellite shot has been blown up to A1 size, showing the immediate fifty miles around the encampment. Caelwyn nods his head to the officer, who steps into place to point out things at his General's command, and the Li Halan nobleman begins to speak. "Officers and men and women of the Known Worlds. As you now know, after our landing one week ago, we are currently one hundred and eighty five kilometers into the coastal Emirate of Rabaq. As yet, this information is not widespread outside of the milita forces that have been unfortunate enough to encouter the formation." The officer raps on the red X on the larger map.

The Li Halan general continues. "To all intents and purposes, we have maintained strategic surprise and a reasonable proportion of tactical surprise. Our target is the township of Castle Peak, a strategically vital location for the relief of Revelation." The adjustant taps on the map. This seems to be an unlikely thing, given how far away the town is from the Holy City and the fact it's on the other side of a giant mountain rage, but the Li Halan officer sounds entirely convinced of what he is saying.

Idonea frowns faintly as the claim about Revelation is made, but then she's not actually overly bothered about the why of this operation, just the how, the when and the where. One of which has just been answered well enough. Taking a drag on her smoke she continues to flick her attention between Caelwyn and the map as called for, not yet starting to make any notes.

Caelwyn continues. "The local defenses forces for this province, under a local commander by the name of Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, have managed to rally themselves and are preparing to try to meet us in open battle. Our strikes on their communications structure have as yet prevented them from achieving this. Their numbers are not equal to ours, but we cannot afford to be bogged down in protracted combat, for if the Kurgans were to successfully divine our final objective, they would be forced without question to reinforce it, making our assault on Castle Peak all the more bloody. Speed and concentration of force have brought us this far, and we must maintain the momentum. Accordingly, tomorrow we will be launching a pre-emptive attack in the sector in which they are massing their field force, in an attempt to shatter its coherence and allow us to rapidly continue on to Castle Peak. Are there any questions at this stage? I will be outlining the battle plan momentarily."

The half-Kurgan Amalthean, laces her fingers together as she listens, though she seems to watch Caelwyn as much as she does the visuals. She tilts her head slightly as she regards the mountain range, biting lightly at one corner of her mouth as she regards the mountain range. Naima remains silent for now, her posture uncharacteristically still.

Trisje listens carefully, lips pursed in thought as she does, studying the map. For some reason she gets an almost amused smile on her face, as though some thought came to her at the last second. But then it sobers as the plan starts to be described and Trisje looks to Caelwyn with a more sober expression. "If this commander is a rallying point..." She takes a deep breath, "Is it something we should deal with?"

"Yes," replies Caelwyn in an impassive voice. "One team of Ishwin commandos has been assigned to sabotage the enemy headquarters and, if possible, eliminate the commander. Your particular skills, Dame Trisje, would be of particular use in that area, and I would like to offer you command of that element of the overall plan." Caelwyn's words are a direct escalation, as strikes on command elements and logistics are a hallmark of the Emperor Wars, not the so-called 'just wars' of Yathrib. He tilts his head, waiting to see if she will accept.

Trisje nods to that. "The Ishwin? That'll be a first." She says, a sad smile on her face. But a nod as well. "I'll do it." She takes a deep breath then. leaning back into her chair and crossing a leg over the other.

Caelwyn nods to the duty officer, who moves the satellite map forward on its tripod stand. "The enemy force is mustering at present as their troops trickle in, and is split into three field amps on the other side of this terrain feature - Vimer Ridge. The first is set up in centrally in and around this farm complex, and that contains the HQ element. The second is here, in this area of broken rock and rugged ground around the creek bed where it crosses what passes for the north-south pilgrim road, and that holds the majority of their infantry in a scattered encampment. The third, which provides their scouts and pickets, is the cavalry encampment, although they also retain an infantry/dragoon element similar to our armsmen."

"Our plan is relatively simple. While the sabotage element under Dame Trisje engages the HQ under cover of dawn and assassinates their commander, our armoured forces along with the allied crusader element will begin its assault on the infantry encampment. Sir Sundiata, Sergeant Idonea, I had intended for you to accompany this force, since it will contain both muster and crusader elements, which you are familiar with. You will not benefit from artillery cover during this assault." He pauses to let the noise go through the room, then explains. "Our howitzer company will be deploying FASCAM into the terrain between the infantry encampment and the HQ camp during your assault. Your job is to stampede, horrify and force the infantry to make their move and fall back onto the HQ. Into the minefield that is being laid in front and atop them."

While Caelwyn speaks, and such damning, terrible words they are, Linnea turns her dark-eyed attention to the gathered guests. Each face is searched, reactions weighed and noted in silence and without hiding her intense measure. Whatever the diplomat may be seeking, she offers nothing in the way of indication if it is found, merely returns her impassive gaze back to the Li Halan General after that time.

Naima's hands remain in her lap, though her fingers are tightly laced, almost white-knuckled, their tips digging in to her palms. Her expression remains rigidly serene, but she closes her eyes as he speaks and keeps them that way, her breath catching and shallow in her chest. For the moment, though, she remains outwardly silent.

Idonea starts taking notes once the map of the ridge is brought forwards. She makes a sketch map of her own, noting on it points of interest but particularly those at the infantry site since it looks like that's where she'll be fighting. Being basically a career soldier, she's all for effective plans rather than ones that get her killed in the name of making sure that the ruperts can hold their head high in society afterwards. Nodding silently to indicate she understands she plan she offers a couple of questions for clarification. "How many enemy are we expecting at that location and what sort of readiness or resistance on their part can we expect?"

"Another amazing plan basically comes down to me being part of a force that goes charging the enemy." Sundiata quips as he points in the direction of the ammunition dump, "All right, what is with all the people wearing gas masks outside. How does that fall into this little party?"

Trisje just nods, looking at the map carefully, the woman seems to be rather deep in thought right now.

"We expect that there will be between four and five hundred militamen in the encampment. You will be moving in with equal that force in ground troops, and the armour elements - a company of medium tanks and two of armoured fighting vehicles," replies Caelwyn to Idonea.

"The remainder of our truck-mobile ground forces will be moving to set up to drive off the cavalry element. Having them retreat will suffice, they cannot keep up with our convoy for long enough to concentrate to do more than harrying damage. Lady Linnea, Sister Naima, the medical station will be just behind the ridgeline, where the artillery will set up. There'll be a company of security troops to look after you."

He pauses at Sundiata's question and makes a sideways motion of his hand. "In this battle, Sir Sundiata, it does not. This is more than one battle for the fate of the world. The hard parts will come later."

Idonea nods in acknowledgement to that answer as she makes the appropriate notes alongside the sketch map, then adds a note as to where the healers will be stationed as well. THen it's time for hopefully her final question, "how up to date is your information? Do you have men watching them an dupdating you of their movements or is this the picture as of some period o time ago?" It's not an acqusatory question, or an agreesive one, she's just running things through in her head and wants to know how likely it is that things willbe close ot as pictured or if they've had chance tomove and change.

Naima remains quiet and still, eyes still closed, though her body language is attentive. Her hands still curl tightly in her lap. As she is named, her eyes open and she looks at Caelwyn again. "Understood, Your Excellency," is her soft reply.

Caelwyn, unlike some noble officers which lack chins, actually seems to consider this a perfect valid question from Idonea. "We have a recon platoon scattered along the ridge-line, and two LRRPs in the sector watching for reinforcements."

"I will want to see those reports too." Trisje says then, still looking thoughtful. "And obviously anything the Ishwin have gathered and their current plan of attack as well." She looks between the others with interest.

"Well, I am glad this is one of those easy parts in the fate of the world." Sundiata pulls his burnus over his head, "I guess all that is left to do is to tell the cooks to roast us some kippers, because we were be back after breakfast."

Idonea seems satisfied with that answer and nods once to indicate such and settles back into her chair to follow the rest of the briefing.

The night after this passes fairly quietly, as the preparations for the dawn raids get under way. The camp-beds that are provided are almost comfortable, and the tents are for a wonder, private. Quite a few of the muster company take advantage of Idonea - in that they go to get shriven. There are quite a lot of chaplains in this army anyway, but familiarity is key in such matters.

Trisje is shown the data regarding the movements of the pickets and sentries, and the defenses around the HQ camp, and the best places to potentially snipe the enemy commander from, and so forth. The mostly silent native-american-esque Ishwin do not seem resentful of Trisje being put in place over them, but then, they might not feel resentful if punched in the face, either.

The allied Crusaders, small units of ten or fifteen men under indiviual knights and lords, numbering around four hundred, make Sundiata welcome, and also try to get him drunk. In the pre dawn darkness, they form their men up.

The artillery is towed into position, and the medial camp is dug out and sandbags filled, following Naima and Linnea's instructions.

Despite the influx of the suddently faithful that always happens before battle is joined, Idonea does manage to get some sleep, having long ago perfected the trick of sleeping where ever she can close her eyes. With dawn appraching though she's back on her feet, armed and armoured and sat having a last smoke and cup of khaf with the rest of the Muster contingent. Were it not for the vast amount of plate and weapons around it could almost be a merely social gathering given the relaxed nature of it. There's a job to do, and some of them won't be coming back from it, but no point in worrying about that now after all. The Pancreator's Will will be done.

Naima moves about in quiet preparation, almost as if in ritual--though the dark-haired healer does not sleep. She gives gentle instruction, checks everything twice, though once everything is as prepared as it is going to be, she finds a perch atop one of the sandbag walls, still protected from view, and within sight of the horizon where the sun will eventually rise. She watches the sky and stars as if seeking some sort of sign, her drawn face solemn, and a white silk scarf trailed meditatively through her fingers. She occasionally brushes a saint's medallion at her left wrist, winding the scarf about her right.

Sundiata does spend sometime among the allied Crusaders telling some pretty outlandish tells involving Sundiata solving century old mysteries for a Hawkwood Countess, before going to spend the night writing messages to the administrators to Gant, and another to his noble sister in Aylon. He goes the sleep without drinking in alcohol, so he can start the day with his usual pre-mission routine. When he awakens, he makes sure he has enough ammo him, and batteries charged for his shield. He takes out a small razor and mirror, and touches up his facial hair, before rejoining the crusaders.

Giving over command of the medical area to Naima, Linnea makes herself available to each of the guests, ensuring everyone is as comfortable and content as can be in such a brutal atmosphere, before she too retires - but not to her bed, sleep will come later for the Seneschal. There is -always- something needing doing in the Command tent, and so that is where she takes up the last of the night's hours, resolving minor mishaps, updating reports and so forth.

Trisje seems to be in her element with the Ishwin, silent or not. She is as well. But definitely seems to be asking them what their plan is and ready to work with it. Pointing out a few little things here and there, but seemingly willing to trust them otherwise. But the fact is, this is her element. And she has become rather somber, even if she seems comfortable.

The Ishwin commandos prepare earlier, along with Trisje, for they have to be at work before dawn comes. The plan is not overly complicated - they will infiltrate the outskirts of the HQ camp, plant explosives and sabotage devices, and then use recoilless rifles to strike the sleeping commander's tent area while the bombs go off. Then, once he rushes out - Trisje can introduce him to a bullet. The Ishwin are unusual soldiers - natives of a free tribal confederacy, sworn to various families of the Li Halan in order to secure nomadic rights. The three tribes sworn to Caelwyn send warriors each year as tithe - their best hunters. They all carry jumpcrosses aroudn their throats, but also leather medicine bags and strung coyote teeth and eagle feathers on their dogtags.

== The Battle ==

Many say it is always darkest before the dawn, and Trisje seems to be using this to the fullest effect. Complete with nightvision goggles to help her lead the way and hold up a hand to guide the Ishwin. Very serious business now! And despite the patterns of guards, she somehow manages to slip by and find the right path in. Ducking spot lights, hiding against walls. Somehow, they make it seem easy. Even if it really, really shouldn't be.

Sometimes, objectives change. And when things seem to be going very well. It is best to make certain the mission succeeds. Especially when those explosives are expensive and might be used elsewhere. Even while trying to look forthe best places to set the explosives, other options appear, the skeins of fate intervene. And Trisje changes the objective. No, this is going to end with the knife. And while the bodyguards continue to do their thing, Trisje and her team still somehow slip through, rapid, silent as the night breeze.

Through a fold under the tent. Trisje slips in, just as silent as before she makes it to the bed and draws that wicked knife, and even as she covers his mouth and gives him a new, crimson smile, she is whispering sadly. "I am sorry. May the Pancreator accept you into his arms." Yet then it is done, and she turns to slips back out, leaving only a single card. A Black Hand upon it. Her expression now immensely saddened.

The Ishwin and the Questing Knight-turned assassin exit the set of hastily-fortified farm buildings and leave in their wake quiet incomprehension of what has just occurred - a set of lethal surprises, and one career in the service of lord, the local people, and the kurgan faith brutally cut short. No saint was Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, but no great sinner either, and his blood slowly pools beneath him. Without his co-ordination, however, and his skill, the battle will be far harder for his leaderless men. Taking up a defensive position in a pre-prepared 'hide' in a large formation of thorny scrub on the Kurgan side of Vimer Ridge, the ishwin and their long-gun-wielding companion hunker down to wait for chances to swing the battle.

The minutes tick down to dawn, the men deploying into their vehicles and starting their engines, the foot soldiers and petty cavalry forming up into their loose skirmis-formation ranks. The order has gone out that bans banner-poles for each Crusader's retinue, which means that roughly a fifth of the force is now able to use a weapon rather than carry a flashy flag. Sundiata and Idonea board their rattling and growling tracked transports, the muster company forming up independently of the crusaders with the remit to force the infantry not to retreat up the creek bed but to turn aside if they try - a holding action.

With the order to move out the helmets go back on and the kahf gets left behind and while no smokes are extinguished prematurely, no new ones are lit. Check armour, check equipment, check the guy next to you's armour and equipment. It's a long standing routine and one thats completed with little fuss or hassle before the nod is given that all is set and the Muster take up their position ready for the off.

Now out and in position to offer harassing fire and of course, that other shocking and explosive surprise, Trisje looks to still be sad. Her nightvision removed, her hide set up and a shot loaded. Now it is just the waiting game. Plenty of time with her own thoughts, alone even with the six Ishwin accompanying her mere feet away.

Her duties as discharged as they can be at the moment, Linnea adheres herself to her Guardian's side as much as he will permit, exchanging the occasional murmured word, pointed glance, helpful suggestion. As Caelwyn's Seneschal, she has her own set of instructions to follow once the Lord General has departed, but it is clear that the young Torenson is loathe to be parted from him until absolutely necessary.

Sundiata checks his armor, and weapons again. "Like a drunk guy in a bar fight. It is always comes down to rushing someone." Sundiata looks over at the Crusaders, "Always an honor." Sundiata turns on his energy shield, and prepares to fight.

With everything in the medical tent at the ready, and only time before her, Naima stays in her solitary vigil. Her gaze moves towards the area she knows that the attack will take place in, though it's likely hidden from her view. Her eyes are wide, as if the bear witness, and alone she sings a prayer softly, fingers brushing against the cross-and-grail pendant nestled at the base of her throat. She lifts her thoughts heavenward and outward, tears spilling down her cheeks, even as her tone is one of praise.

Caelwyn clambers into the cupola of his command tank, the radio aerials whipping the air from the back of the turret, lifting a hand in salute and farewell to Linnea, and motioning her back to the medical station. He cranks the seat up, to let him sit shouders and head out of the TC hatch. Communications silence is broken, and the orders go out over the squawkers to the heads of groups of crusaders, to tank commanders and truck convoy leaders. Engines roar, breaking the pre-dawn quiet. Horses whinny and buck, and the racking of bolts on rifles fills the air like a rapid-fire threshing machine turned on for a brief minute. Dust flies in the air as the treads hurl the vehicles forward, scudding across the ridge and down the slope towards the infantry camp, whose sentries begin to sound the alarm even as the chainguns begin to fire. Idonea's muster company bounces in their trucks and transports to the blocking position in the stream-bed, while Sundiata's footsldiers begin their quick march down to combat range, ready to drive the enemy before them.

Idonea is not in the vanguard as the Muster troops pour out of the trucks and into position along the stream bed, but that doesn't mean she's hanging back. Most people may call her 'sister' but there's also that 'sergeant' bit in there too and she's using it now as she gets the newer recruits moving and 'encourages' them to keep focused. There's certainly a good stream of words there that she wouldn;t use on consecrated ground, but then this is another kind of work and if it keeps them alove then she's not going to be sorry for it.

Maybe it's becuase this isn't her company and so the troops aren;t used to the way she handles things, or maybe they didn;t have their breakfasts this morning, what ever the reason though, the troops with Idonea just don't seem to be taking to her that well. Nor infact, does she seem to be on top form either as a spray of bullets from her rifle go wide of their mark causing a few more muttered curses and then a quickly improvised apolgetic prayer, just in case.

Crack. Trisje has seen a sergeant who seems to be rallying some of the defenders. And with the slightly flick off her finger, a bullet ends that little charade even as the Kurgans duck, not knowing what is happening.
You paged Fiamma with 'So if I understand how to best defend the Federation, then I'm doing my duty!'

With the trauma tent and safely surrounded by her guardsmen and the soldiers standing watch over the medicos, Linnea peers out across the way, trying to see what she can see of the unfolding skirmish whilst listening to the com chatter - a difficult goal, but necessary. The first shells of the morning flick an energizing switch in the tiny Torenson. Gone is the faint gaiety of her usual demeanor, and the vague worry from the departure, this Lin is all brisk business and efficiency.

There that familiar rush of ecstatic bliss that comes over him once the battle finally begins, and Sundiata sinks his rapier into the first man he sees. He strokes the back of the man's hair as he pulls his rapier from him and he lets out a gleeful shout to his comrades "Let their blood marked our victory! Onwards!" The crusaders that are close enough to hear his shouts press forward with more determination.

Her hymn finished, Naima pauses for a moment after the noise of the shells. She remains poised for a moment, then soundlessly dries her face with the scarf, keeping it against her lips for several calm heartbeats, before tucking it back into her tunic. She turns away from her perch, slipping down from it and driving towards where Linnea is, a quiet presence.

The assault crashes home into the Kurgan infantry camp as it begins to rouse to the sound of their sentries' alarms. The crack of hidden rifle fire eliminates opportunistic officers wih grim precision as Trisje strokes her trigger, and the Crusaders, full of the urge for first blood - and also the chance to plunder the camp full of soldier's loot - hammer into the kurgan lines. The kurgans recoil, trying to regroup and falling back to regroup again, the 'tide' of the battle shifting to flood troops towards the creek bed, where the muster wait to hold the line. However, the press of the enemy against their ranks is greater than expected, and even in two ranks of rippling rifle fire, bodies begin to fall, wounded or killed, as the blockign force is pushed back and back.

Trisje is still obviously sad if the Ishwin can see her face. But despite that, it is almost methodical. Pull the trigger, eject the shell, load. Start aiming again, adjust. Find the target. Pull the trigger. Repeat. Even with the chaos of battle, that is the thing she perpetuates. Chaos.

As the battle starts to rage, the casualties begin coming in, arriving at the medical station on the back of cloth stretchers carried by sweating men and women as they rush back and forth into the crucible of battle bringing out the wounded and the hurt, the ripped and the dying. The grim business of the butcher's bill.

Linnea has her sleeves up and her expression set into the Torenson's neutral mask, ready to take in the injured as they are delivered. A barked word, a gesture, an occasional regretful shake of her head - these are the fates of the soldiers coming in for attention, delivered between bouts of bandaging and other stop-gap care. No Hippocrates, the Amalthean-trained diplomat still works efficiently and smoothly, even as she moves around the small space with Naima to reduce the bodycount as much as possible.

As the casualties start rolling in, and the medical tent moves into its chaotic-seeming coordination, Naima sees nothing but those who are brought to her when they clear the first hurdles of triage. Her expression is openly compassionate, even as she must set bones and stitch before anesthetic takes effect, staunch arterial blood, cauterize, snip--and then move on to the next, stripping off gloves and sanitizing as best she can and leaving other attendants to do the cleanup. Her rhythm is a prayer, even as she sees every soldier brought before her, loves them, sends them on.

Idonea isn't so much as holding a position for now, moving moving up and down the line, hauling wounded back or offering support (verbal or ballistic) as required. One thing she's not doing though is shutting up, whether it's a shout of encouragement here, a reprimand for loosing focus there, or even a reminder that that lot over there are a bunch of heathens that need stopping for the good of the Pancreator. Whichever way though, there's language in there colourfull enough to make even a hardened sailor blush. It seems to be slowly working though as the push back slows and the mercs mamaged to check the forced retreat and start to dig in.

And even as things continue, Trisje spots another Kurgan leader - a subcommander who is rapidly helping to push thing into a cohesive line, rallying the forces and making the right calls. But he is wearing armor, and armor has holes. And it is one of those that Trisje shoots into, dropping still another of the officers who might have saved this day.

Sundiata is having a more difficult time with his next opponents, until he finally finds the only vulnerable part of his opponent's body. After a quick thrust of his rapier, another Kurgan is castrated. Sundiata's gleeful laugh as he steps over the man to pursue another opponent does not help to rally those close by him.

The trio of heavy tanks crashes through the thornbush perimeter of the cavalry camp, smoothbore guns belching flechette canisters and the hull and turret coaxials spitting rapid fire death, the TCs, Caelwyn included, swivelling their pintle-mounted machine guns to hose the area. Appalled at the sudden appearance of seemingly invulnerable metal monsters, the weapons to breach such steel behemots in the HQ encampment , the cavalry break and run, scattering themselves in an uncohesive mess across the landscape as they desperatly try to escape the battle.

The kurgan infantry are starting to stiffen but are in a fighting retreat, just as desired by the battle plan. If the muster forces can hold the line a little longer, they will deflect the retreating troops currently being harried forward by Sundiata's crusaders into the waiting minefield.

A troop of fleeing Kurgan cavalry, however, wheel towards the nest in which Trisje and the Ishwin are lurking, seemingly guided by one of their number who has stiffened in his saddle and suddenly pointed unerringly to the launcher of the murderous sniper fire, and they gallop at full pace across the plain, crashing into the bushes with sabres and pistols.

Sundiata is already swept up in this ballet of death. He sticks his rapier deep into the eye of his opponent, pulls the remains of the eye and brain matter off his rapier, and tosses at his next opponent, before he closes the distances and guts the kurgan. Sundiata lets out an orgasmic howl, "The Lord General wanted them to fear us! I cannot smell their fear yet!"

And then come the Cavalry! Unfortunately, even they are not enough before the Ishwin and the Questing Knight. As suddenly the slender woman is amongst them like some sort of graceful dancer, slicing her way through with her knives and launching others to stop the sortie trying to end her reign of death, only to become the latest victims...

Sundiata's progress seems to have given the Kurgan's facing the Muster a fresh wind and despite the hail of bullets issuing forth from the mercs their line is starting to buckle once more under the pressure. Spotting the weakness forming, Idonea pushes back up the line yelling abuse and encouragment in similar doses and firing off a few (largely inneffectual) rounds into the oncoming forces. As she reaches the critical point in the line it becomes apparent that someone has been taking lessons from Trisje as all the officers and sergeants for that section are down. Muttering a mixture of curses and prayers together she watches for a few moments as the corprals fail to regain the cohesion required before figuring that there's only one thing for it and steps up to be the gobby fucker in the line of fire herself. It seems to be slowly working, but not quickly enough and so for extra added motivation she scrambles for their unit banner and plants it firmly in the ground a yard or two infront of the line. "I'll take the name and nuber of any fucker found abandoning that standard," she calls, laying down a bit more fire into the Kurgan lines as she does so. Maybe it was the prayers, maybe she just scared the enough, but it seems to work and teh line solidifies around it's new position in time to deflect the kurgans into the artillery fire. Trisje's opposite number has the last laugh though as the flag planeting had been enough to pain a great big target over the chaplain's brestplate which rapidly becomes peppered with fire. It does a grand job all told, stopping most of them, but there's only so much one piece of armour can manage and in the end several rounds smash through it before she drops.

No rest for the wicked, or those that stitch up the wicked when the wickedness is temporarily finished, and so Linnea slogs through the waves of injured, dying and dead. For such a frail noblewoman, she is nigh inexhaustible and does not shy from of all the gore and filth of her work. When the patients start to turn up Kurgan, she speaks to them in their own tongue as they are treated with no stint of her modest skills. As the wounds come in more and more horrific, bandages and balm are set aside in favor of waxen cord and needles, hot irons and tourniquets. A particularly mangled leg is marked for removal with a colored tie; that patient ordered to join Naima's slowly growing pile. And then, Idonea is spotted, and delicate little Linnea proves all those years on the battlefront have left their mark on her tongue by dropping a bit of a verbal bomb, and calling for Naima, stat. The Kurgan about to lose his leg can wait.

Naima strips off her surgical gown underlayer in exchange for another with little modesty in the medical tent and accepts a cup of water in the very brief lull, as well as a cloth to wipe the sweat from her dusky forehead. Then it is another softly murmured prayer, as she preps the surigical area again. She offers Linnea a brief kiss to the cheek as she passes, touches a few hands here and there, as if she gains strength from reaching out to others as well. Tools are laid out, bandages and sponges prepped, the next round of anesthetics prepared for the very lucky and rare few.

Once the first waves of Kurgans come through she will speak words of quiet comfort in Kurgan, even to those unconscious, as she works, her comforting touch no less than it was towards her father's people. But her focus is on what is to do, what must be done, and what she can do. At Lin's voice she looks up immediately, and moves to her side. Her clinical expression softens, and she touches the chaplain's forehead very gently and tenderly before beginnning her work.

As the medical teams work their best effort on friend, and as much as they can give on foe, for the Li Halan teams are bringing in the Kurgan wounded, although lower down the triage lists, the artillery continues to bark. The retreating Kurgan infantry have stumbled into the middle of the perfectly targeted artilery-spread minefield, and the howitzer-fired projectiles blossom into orbs that burrow into the ground and throw out tripwires, only for them to be sprung by kurgan feet to leap up to launch ball-bearing blasted death at waist height. For all intents and purposes, as the HQ units retreat, the cavalry are utterly routed, and the infantry shocked, appalled, and degenerating into an any-man-for-himself scramble, the battle is over.

Naima takes a moment after the surgery is done, and even slips the Muster an analgesic--and without asking for risk of a refusal. She tucks a blanket gently over covered stitches. "You'll have to try to not curse for the next few days. At least nothing with any hard consonants," she teases her. "Don't undo all our hard work. And get some rest, dear one. I'll make sure you get a full report when you wake."

Trisje and the Ishwin come back to the camp, walking in, bloodstains on their clothes and even on their faces. But like vengeful demons they walk in like they are merely returning from Sunday brunch. Trisje's face the one that's odd, despite the blood spatter, it almost looks as though there might be tear trails as well.

Sundiata is wiping his rapier on the ground while chatting to a fellow crusader, "Yes, I think the Kurgans learns that beneath this charming and handsome exterior beats the heart of a ruthless, and sadistic maniac." Sundiata starts to count the number of kurgans that he killed, "I hate ending on an odd set of numbers. I hope the battle was worth it, and the spoils are worth it too.

From his tank cupola, the heavy vehicle sat atop the ridge line, Caelwyn surveys those that have fought bravely and boldly, fiercely and well, in pride, and in sorrow, in heartache and in triumph. While the Kurgan are scattered, there are no few Known Worlders on the field that will not breathe again, from muster troopers dying for their pay, to crusaders that have fought their last fight for the Pancreator atop this ridge, to those that slaver over the impending plunder, and those of the Li Halan so far from the garden worlds to fall on a nameless field. In the annals of the crusade, however, this place is now and forever Vimer Ridge, and these are the men and women that fought and died there, saints and sinners both - in the cause of Holy War.

Battle of Vimer Ridge

2013-06-25T13:30:48Z

Palamedes: Spelling Corrections

The request for assistance came in several forms. For those with links to the Imperials, the appealing note was written in formal terms and countersigned by Marshal Cassius. For those with links to Caelwyn, it was personal requests, or letters. For those of the Muster, the lure was simple - cold hard cash. In every case, though, the help needed was simple enough in context - in potential field actions somewhere on the East Bank. Travel was arranged beforehand - by heavy rotor-flitter, to catch up with a moving military column, it seems. But two things were not mentioned, nor given - the location of the operation, nor the target, til the fateful day. Operational security around the mission was high, with Li Halan intelligence agents working hard to keep matters in the dark.

What limited rumours there were relate to the departure of the Dragon Legion and its entire logistics train on the road leading south from Akko a couple of weeks ago, and perhaps, the mysterious departure of the Port-Admiral's Squadron on 'manouvers' in the gulf at around the same time.

The flitters collect those of you from Akko and from Remle - and you journey swiftly southwards, the destination presumably being somewhere in the Teldam campaign area of the wild coast, around the battles in Johburg. Reaching Teldam and refuelling at a Li Halan military cantonment north of that town - it seems Countess Johburg has surrendered an element of her sovrenighty for assistance against the Kurgans, for the encampment is heavily fortified but flying the Li Halan flag, you have a few minutes to stretch your legs before the flitters take off again, but rather than flying further south, as you might expect, they arc out to sea and begin flying directly across the gulf, keeping low to the water to avoid coastal radar. You are heading directly for Rabaq, the coastal province that currently has its troops teeming in Johburg, and which Johburg claims at his own. Yet it seems the Countess' forces know nothing of this.

Sundiata is laying near on the ground staring up at the sky as he waits to see what is going to happen next. He looks down at his pendant containing his energy shield for a few moments, before deciding to stand up and do a few stretches. After taking a few stretches, he adjusts he practices sliding his rapier out of its scabbard a few times, and does the same with his medium revolver. His dragonfly is still on the ground as he continues with his stretches, "I knew I should went with another type of armor. I always feel clammy in this type."

Idonea is not exactly unused to such modes of transports and so, decked out in her Muster Plate and with her assault rifle on it's three-point harness she just sits smoking a roll up and waiting for the off. The only thing marking her out from many others of the guild on the planet being the crudely painted jumpgate cross on the front of her helmet. She's checked her weapons, checked her ammo, checked her squawker and fusion torch, checked her boots so all that's left to do is sit and smoke.

Naima rides in the flitter with the dust of Remle still on her heavy boots. The young Amalthean is armored for battle, field medic style. Compared to the young woman that departed Akko at the beginning of the campaign, she is perhaps shockingly thinner, battle-lean even in her face. Her medkit is pouched on her belt, and she even has a field knife strapped to her thigh--though it's mostly hidden by her cloak except for when she's moving.

Trisje is reasonably lightly armored looking, all things considered. Though the fact is she probably has her energy shield and replacement battery ready. And she does have a surprising number of pouches, all well strapped for mobility, but also easy access. She seems ready to take on an army. Aside from her usual plethora of knives - including an Ukari style Kraxi knife, she has a sniper rifle along as well.

The flyers move low over a beach and over the enemy coast. Below, the shattered remains of some field defenses can be seen, along with the cleared-up remains of a beach landing by a heavy force. It seems the local militia, confident that Johburg had troubles on its own shores, were not expecting anything of this nature to happen, and paid the price of overconfidence. Those familiar with warfare, however, might notice the great swathes of the beach turned to black glass - the hallmark of Firecracker Rounds, terrifying incendiary devices from the Emperor Wars, normally proscribed for use against any but Symbiots by Church edict.

Idonea finishes her roll up and grinds out the butt under the heal of her boot before taking a moment to look round the faces of the others in the transport. Naima gets a brief nod and a reasuring smile before she says quietly, "you need someone to keep an eye while you do stuff just let me know okay?" Then to Trisje, "not really the time to go into it now, but when we're done here I could with a word with you about some bandits I believe you were dealing with a while back. I'll come find you once this is done."

Linnea, having finished a final inspection of the ever-present medical tent and seen to a small host of logistics and supply issues despite the hour, lifts her eyes to the dark sky briefly as though to gauge the time, but no, her ears have picked up the throb of blades set to rent the air - the flitters en route and landing just on time. Gone are the find silks and filigree metals of her city attire, given over in favor of sturdy and protective clothing more suited to resisting mud and blood and air-borne toxins, the slippers and sandals of court exchanged for boots almost as heavy as the young woman herself. Smartly, she turns on a heel and heads to where the Lord General is likely to be attending other preparations.

Naima is largely innocent of all but some of the the surviving human remnants of warfare, so her grey-green eyes look down on the glassed beach with a degree of wonder and curiousity at water moving over something so shining and dark. Her gaze moves from the viewport to Idonea as she speaks, and the young woman offers the Muster Chaplain a shy smile in return. "I will, thank you, Sister." she replies quietly.

Trisje nods to Idonea. "Aye. I can do that." The questing knight says. Even as she starts to look outside, curious, her brows raising at what she sees and her head starting to shake back and forth. "That is probably going to piss of the Kurgans. Presuming they engage in similar holding back to us." She muses.

The flitters, who are full of assorted specialists, Imperials, muster personnel and of course, our heroes, have flown a jinking path through the landscape, keeping well away from townships that are currently defended only by static militia - the equivalent of the armsmen of the lands of the known worlders that huddle behind their walls while their great lords have taken the bulk of their armies to fight for land elsewhere. So as it has happened to the Known Worlders, so it is now happening to Rabaq. The rotorcraft set down at dusk outside a field encampment in an area of lightly forested hills, the air is fresher than in many places on Yathrib thanks to a breeze coming down towards the coast to the mountains. The camp is significant, and clearly only the main overnight camp of a large field army, with Li Halan and Dragon Legion banners flying overhead.

The muster troopers disembark, making their way towards their paymaster officers, past rank after rank of tents, past rows of tanks and armoured cars with the heraldry of the Twisted Spire blazoned across their flanks, and past artillery tractors bearing the sigil of Fallingfire on their bonnets and on the faceplates of the howitzers they tow. The others of you are gathered up and escorted to the command tents beneath the largest banners, where anti-aircaft cannon trace the skies. The actual command post is in fact not in those decoy tents, but in a dug-out in the copse of woods, and you are led on from the tent to this location where you are met by the Li Halan General Caelwyn and his seneshal Linnea. He nods to you all, formal and ice-featured, and waits til all are settled into chairs amid the rest of his officers before the briefing begins.

With nothing yet specifically to do, Idonea sticks herself to Naima's side, protect the healers and all that. Glancing round the encampment she uses what she can of the light to get a feel for the layout and strengh of the force assembled, whistling quietly to herself as she does so. "This is going to be an awefully big surprise for someone soon," she mutters before falling into step behind the waiting escort.

Trisje starts to head towards the Command tent, making sure to smile and offer assurances to the regular troops she sees. She even distributes some Questing Knight Cards! Seems someone understands the importance of symbolism to morale. The Emperor is on their side, and his finest are represented!

Sundiata scratches his head as he wonders why there are no knight-errant cards, or at the very least charming al-Malik investigator posters." Sundiatta riases his arms in a shrug, and slings the rifle around his shoulder as he makes way to the tent.

Naima still brushes her hood discreetly over her face as they disembark, even though it's under cover of darkness. She does observe carefully however, as she walks alongside Idonea. "It seems so," she agrees with her Sister quietly, deft fingers smoothing the fall of her cloak. As she reaches the bunker, her eyes widen as she spies Linnea at Caelwyn's side, for a moment her features animated rather than neutral-serene, though as Caelwyn bows so does she, and more deeply. And not half-bad, for a non-Li-Halan, before settling into a seat near the front.

"Sister Naima," Linnea murmurs softly, and, to the Void with propriety and the solemn occasion, the tiny Torenson moves to embrace her friend and offer a loving kiss to the priestess' cheek. She positively beams as she adds, "Bless the Pancreator for bringing us back together! But darling, you look like you have not eaten since I saw you last. Let me get something brought for us all."

With no apparent sign of imminant violence, Idonea releases teh chin strap on her helmet and removes it, placing it on the floor infront of her so tha she can rest her feet on it during the briefing. Or what she's asusming is going to be a briefing anyway. In a similar line of thinking she digs into the pouches on her belt and withdraws both a pre-rolled smoke and her lighter before proceeding to light up once more.

Naima's arms wrap around the tiny Torenson as well, her lips lingering warmly on Linnea's cheek. "I've missed you, azizati," she says softly. "Blessed we are that you've returned safely." She touches fingertips to Linnea's cheek, as if making sure she's still there. Though mindful of the others she settles into silence again, though her lips curve into a smile that lights her eyes. She brushes the hood back from her face as she resettles.

As he makes his way towards the camping ground, Sundiata eyes spot an ammunition dump that is under heavy guard. Sundiata taps his foot a few moments as he takes notices at the unusual high amount of guards that are watching this dump, and that they are all wearing anti-gas gear. Sundiata lets out a frustrated sigh, "Oh, Sunny boy, what you got yourself into this time?

Trisje merely gives a flourished bow to Caelwyn and then stands to the side to let matters get explained and others to greet those they seem to know. The woman just a bit late due to the morale aiding she did on the way!

Once everyone is seated, Caelwyn nods to one of the aguillette-shouldered operations officers, who raps on a large map of the Gulf with his swagger stick and then moves to another board on which a smaller image, looking like a starship or satellite shot has been blown up to A1 size, showing the immediate fifty miles around the encampment. Caelwyn nods his head to the officer, who steps into place to point out things at his General's command, and the Li Halan nobleman begins to speak. "Officers and men and women of the Known Worlds. As you now know, after our landing one week ago, we are currently one hundred and eighty five kilometers into the coastal Emirate of Rabaq. As yet, this information is not widespread outside of the milita forces that have been unfortunate enough to encouter the formation." The officer raps on the red X on the larger map.

The Li Halan general continues. "To all intents and purposes, we have maintained strategic surprise and a reasonable proportion of tactical surprise. Our target is the township of Castle Peak, a strategically vital location for the relief of Revelation." The adjustant taps on the map. This seems to be an unlikely thing, given how far away the town is from the Holy City and the fact it's on the other side of a giant mountain rage, but the Li Halan officer sounds entirely convinced of what he is saying.

Idonea frowns faintly as the claim about Revelation is made, but then she's not actually overly bothered about the why of this operation, just the how, the when and the where. One of which has just been answered well enough. Taking a drag on her smoke she continues to flick her attention between Caelwyn and the map as called for, not yet starting to make any notes.

Caelwyn continues. "The local defenses forces for this province, under a local commander by the name of Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, have managed to rally themselves and are preparing to try to meet us in open battle. Our strikes on their communications structure have as yet prevented them from achieving this. Their numbers are not equal to ours, but we cannot afford to be bogged down in protracted combat, for if the Kurgans were to successfully divine our final objective, they would be forced without question to reinforce it, making our assault on Castle Peak all the more bloody. Speed and concentration of force have brought us this far, and we must maintain the momentum. Accordingly, tomorrow we will be launching a pre-emptive attack in the sector in which they are massing their field force, in an attempt to shatter its coherence and allow us to rapidly continue on to Castle Peak. Are there any questions at this stage? I will be outlining the battle plan momentarily."

The half-Kurgan Amalthean, laces her fingers together as she listens, though she seems to watch Caelwyn as much as she does the visuals. She tilts her head slightly as she regards the mountain range, biting lightly at one corner of her mouth as she regards the mountain range. Naima remains silent for now, her posture uncharacteristically still.

Trisje listens carefully, lips pursed in thought as she does, studying the map. For some reason she gets an almost amused smile on her face, as though some thought came to her at the last second. But then it sobers as the plan starts to be described and Trisje looks to Caelwyn with a more sober expression. "If this commander is a rallying point..." She takes a deep breath, "Is it something we should deal with?"

"Yes," replies Caelwyn in an impassive voice. "One team of Ishwin commandos has been assigned to sabotage the enemy headquarters and, if possible, eliminate the commander. Your particular skills, Dame Trisje, would be of particular use in that area, and I would like to offer you command of that element of the overall plan." Caelwyn's words are a direct escalation, as strikes on command elements and logistics are a hallmark of the Emperor Wars, not the so-called 'just wars' of Yathrib. He tilts his head, waiting to see if she will accept.

Trisje nods to that. "The Ishwin? That'll be a first." She says, a sad smile on her face. But a nod as well. "I'll do it." She takes a deep breath then. leaning back into her chair and crossing a leg over the other.

Caelwyn nods to the duty officer, who moves the satellite map forward on its tripod stand. "The enemy force is mustering at present as their troops trickle in, and is split into three field amps on the other side of this terrain feature - Vimer Ridge. The first is set up in centrally in and around this farm complex, and that contains the HQ element. The second is here, in this area of broken rock and rugged ground around the creek bed where it crosses what passes for the north-south pilgrim road, and that holds the majority of their infantry in a scattered encampment. The third, which provides their scouts and pickets, is the cavalry encampment, although they also retain an infantry/dragoon element similar to our armsmen."

"Our plan is relatively simple. While the sabotage element under Dame Trisje engages the HQ under cover of dawn and assassinates their commander, our armoured forces along with the allied crusader element will begin its assault on the infantry encampment. Sir Sundiata, Sergeant Idonea, I had intended for you to accompany this force, since it will contain both muster and crusader elements, which you are familiar with. You will not benefit from artillery cover during this assault." He pauses to let the noise go through the room, then explains. "Our howitzer company will be deploying FASCAM into the terrain between the infantry encampment and the HQ camp during your assault. Your job is to stampede, horrify and force the infantry to make their move and fall back onto the HQ. Into the minefield that is being laid in front and atop them."

While Caelwyn speaks, and such damning, terrible words they are, Linnea turns her dark-eyed attention to the gathered guests. Each face is searched, reactions weighed and noted in silence and without hiding her intense measure. Whatever the diplomat may be seeking, she offers nothing in the way of indication if it is found, merely returns her impassive gaze back to the Li Halan General after that time.

Naima's hands remain in her lap, though her fingers are tightly laced, almost white-knuckled, their tips digging in to her palms. Her expression remains rigidly serene, but she closes her eyes as he speaks and keeps them that way, her breath catching and shallow in her chest. For the moment, though, she remains outwardly silent.

Idonea starts taking notes once the map of the ridge is brought forwards. She makes a sketch map of her own, noting on it points of interest but particularly those at the infantry site since it looks like that's where she'll be fighting. Being basically a career soldier, she's all for effective plans rather than ones that get her killed in the name of making sure that the ruperts can hold their head high in society afterwards. Nodding silently to indicate she understands she plan she offers a couple of questions for clarification. "How many enemy are we expecting at that location and what sort of readiness or resistance on their part can we expect?"

"Another amazing plan basically comes down to me being part of a force that goes charging the enemy." Sundiata quips as he points in the direction of the ammunition dump, "All right, what is with all the people wearing gas masks outside. How does that fall into this little party?"

Trisje just nods, looking at the map carefully, the woman seems to be rather deep in thought right now.

"We expect that there will be between four and five hundred militamen in the encampment. You will be moving in with equal that force in ground troops, and the armour elements - a company of medium tanks and two of armoured fighting vehicles," replies Caelwyn to Idonea.

"The remainder of our truck-mobile ground forces will be moving to set up to drive off the cavalry element. Having them retreat will suffice, they cannot keep up with our convoy for long enough to concentrate to do more than harrying damage. Lady Linnea, Sister Naima, the medical station will be just behind the ridgeline, where the artillery will set up. There'll be a company of security troops to look after you."

He pauses at Sundiata's question and makes a sideways motion of his hand. "In this battle, Sir Sundiata, it does not. This is more than one battle for the fate of the world. The hard parts will come later."

Idonea nods in acknowledgement to that answer as she makes the appropriate notes alongside the sketch map, then adds a note as to where the healers will be stationed as well. THen it's time for hopefully her final question, "how up to date is your information? Do you have men watching them an dupdating you of their movements or is this the picture as of some period o time ago?" It's not an acqusatory question, or an agreesive one, she's just running things through in her head and wants to know how likely it is that things willbe close ot as pictured or if they've had chance tomove and change.

Naima remains quiet and still, eyes still closed, though her body language is attentive. Her hands still curl tightly in her lap. As she is named, her eyes open and she looks at Caelwyn again. "Understood, Your Excellency," is her soft reply.

Caelwyn, unlike some noble officers which lack chins, actually seems to consider this a perfect valid question from Idonea. "We have a recon platoon scattered along the ridge-line, and two LRRPs in the sector watching for reinforcements."

"I will want to see those reports too." Trisje says then, still looking thoughtful. "And obviously anything the Ishwin have gathered and their current plan of attack as well." She looks between the others with interest.

"Well, I am glad this is one of those easy parts in the fate of the world." Sundiata pulls his burnus over his head, "I guess all that is left to do is to tell the cooks to roast us some kippers, because we were be back after breakfast."

Idonea seems satisfied with that answer and nods once to indicate such and settles back into her chair to follow the rest of the briefing.

The night after this passes fairly quietly, as the preparations for the dawn raids get under way. The camp-beds that are provided are almost comfortable, and the tents are for a wonder, private. Quite a few of the muster company take advantage of Idonea - in that they go to get shriven. There are quite a lot of chaplains in this army anyway, but familiarity is key in such matters.

Trisje is shown the data regarding the movements of the pickets and sentries, and the defenses around the HQ camp, and the best places to potentially snipe the enemy commander from, and so forth. The mostly silent native-american-esque Ishwin do not seem resentful of Trisje being put in place over them, but then, they might not feel resentful if punched in the face, either.

The allied Crusaders, small units of ten or fifteen men under indiviual knights and lords, numbering around four hundred, make Sundiata welcome, and also try to get him drunk. In the pre dawn darkness, they form their men up.

The artillery is towed into position, and the medial camp is dug out and sandbags filled, following Naima and Linnea's instructions.

Despite the influx of the suddently faithful that always happens before battle is joined, Idonea does manage to get some sleep, having long ago perfected the trick of sleeping where ever she can close her eyes. With dawn appraching though she's back on her feet, armed and armoured and sat having a last smoke and cup of khaf with the rest of the Muster contingent. Were it not for the vast amount of plate and weapons around it could almost be a merely social gathering given the relaxed nature of it. There's a job to do, and some of them won't be coming back from it, but no point in worrying about that now after all. The Pancreator's Will will be done.

Naima moves about in quiet preparation, almost as if in ritual--though the dark-haired healer does not sleep. She gives gentle instruction, checks everything twice, though once everything is as prepared as it is going to be, she finds a perch atop one of the sandbag walls, still protected from view, and within sight of the horizon where the sun will eventually rise. She watches the sky and stars as if seeking some sort of sign, her drawn face solemn, and a white silk scarf trailed meditatively through her fingers. She occasionally brushes a saint's medallion at her left wrist, winding the scarf about her right.

Sundiata does spend sometime among the allied Crusaders telling some pretty outlandish tells involving Sundiata solving century old mysteries for a Hawkwood Countess, before going to spend the night writing messages to the administrators to Gant, and another to his noble sister in Aylon. He goes the sleep without drinking in alcohol, so he can start the day with his usual pre-mission routine. When he awakens, he makes sure he has enough ammo him, and batteries charged for his shield. He takes out a small razor and mirror, and touches up his facial hair, before rejoining the crusaders.

Giving over command of the medical area to Naima, Linnea makes herself available to each of the guests, ensuring everyone is as comfortable and content as can be in such a brutal atmosphere, before she too retires - but not to her bed, sleep will come later for the Seneschal. There is -always- something needing doing in the Command tent, and so that is where she takes up the last of the night's hours, resolving minor mishaps, updating reports and so forth.

Trisje seems to be in her element with the Ishwin, silent or not. She is as well. But definitely seems to be asking them what their plan is and ready to work with it. Pointing out a few little things here and there, but seemingly willing to trust them otherwise. But the fact is, this is her element. And she has become rather somber, even if she seems comfortable.

The Ishwin commandos prepare earlier, along with Trisje, for they have to be at work before dawn comes. The plan is not overly complicated - they will infiltrate the outskirts of the HQ camp, plant explosives and sabotage devices, and then use recoilless rifles to strike the sleeping commander's tent area while the bombs go off. Then, once he rushes out - Trisje can introduce him to a bullet. The Ishwin are unusual soldiers - natives of a free tribal confederacy, sworn to various families of the Li Halan in order to secure nomadic rights. The three tribes sworn to Caelwyn send warriors each year as tithe - their best hunters. They all carry jumpcrosses aroudn their throats, but also leather medicine bags and strung coyote teeth and eagle feathers on their dogtags.

Many say it is always darkest before the dawn, and Trisje seems to be using this to the fullest effect. Complete with nightvision goggles to help her lead the way and hold up a hand to guide the Ishwin. Very serious business now! And despite the patterns of guards, she somehow manages to slip by and find the right path in. Ducking spot lights, hiding against walls. Somehow, they make it seem easy. Even if it really, really shouldn't be.

Sometimes, objectives change. And when things seem to be going very well. It is best to make certain the mission succeeds. Especially when those explosives are expensive and might be used elsewhere. Even while trying to look forthe best places to set the explosives, other options appear, the skeins of fate intervene. And Trisje changes the objective. No, this is going to end with the knife. And while the bodyguards continue to do their thing, Trisje and her team still somehow slip through, rapid, silent as the night breeze.

Through a fold under the tent. Trisje slips in, just as silent as before she makes it to the bed and draws that wicked knife, and even as she covers his mouth and gives him a new, crimson smile, she is whispering sadly. "I am sorry. May the Pancreator accept you into his arms." Yet then it is done, and she turns to slips back out, leaving only a single card. A Black Hand upon it. Her expression now immensely saddened.

The Ishwin and the Questing Knight-turned assassin exit the set of hastily-fortified farm buildings and leave in their wake quiet incomprehension of what has just occurred - a set of lethal surprises, and one career in the service of lord, the local people, and the kurgan faith brutally cut short. No saint was Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, but no great sinner either, and his blood slowly pools beneath him. Without his co-ordination, however, and his skill, the battle will be far harder for his leaderless men. Taking up a defensive position in a pre-prepared 'hide' in a large formation of thorny scrub on the Kurgan side of Vimer Ridge, the ishwin and their long-gun-wielding companion hunker down to wait for chances to swing the battle.

The minutes tick down to dawn, the men deploying into their vehicles and starting their engines, the foot soldiers and petty cavalry forming up into their loose skirmis-formation ranks. The order has gone out that bans banner-poles for each Crusader's retinue, which means that roughly a fifth of the force is now able to use a weapon rather than carry a flashy flag. Sundiata and Idonea board their rattling and growling tracked transports, the muster company forming up independently of the crusaders with the remit to force the infantry not to retreat up the creek bed but to turn aside if they try - a holding action.

With the order to move out the helmets go back on and the kahf gets left behind and while no smokes are extinguished prematurely, no new ones are lit. Check armour, check equipment, check the guy next to you's armour and equipment. It's a long standing routine and one thats completed with little fuss or hassle before the nod is given that all is set and the Muster take up their position ready for the off.

Now out and in position to offer harassing fire and of course, that other shocking and explosive surprise, Trisje looks to still be sad. Her nightvision removed, her hide set up and a shot loaded. Now it is just the waiting game. Plenty of time with her own thoughts, alone even with the six Ishwin accompanying her mere feet away.

Her duties as discharged as they can be at the moment, Linnea adheres herself to her Guardian's side as much as he will permit, exchanging the occasional murmured word, pointed glance, helpful suggestion. As Caelwyn's Seneschal, she has her own set of instructions to follow once the Lord General has departed, but it is clear that the young Torenson is loathe to be parted from him until absolutely necessary.

Sundiata checks his armor, and weapons again. "Like a drunk guy in a bar fight. It is always comes down to rushing someone." Sundiata looks over at the Crusaders, "Always an honor." Sundiata turns on his energy shield, and prepares to fight.

With everything in the medical tent at the ready, and only time before her, Naima stays in her solitary vigil. Her gaze moves towards the area she knows that the attack will take place in, though it's likely hidden from her view. Her eyes are wide, as if the bear witness, and alone she sings a prayer softly, fingers brushing against the cross-and-grail pendant nestled at the base of her throat. She lifts her thoughts heavenward and outward, tears spilling down her cheeks, even as her tone is one of praise.

Caelwyn clambers into the cupola of his command tank, the radio aerials whipping the air from the back of the turret, lifting a hand in salute and farewell to Linnea, and motioning her back to the medical station. He cranks the seat up, to let him sit shouders and head out of the TC hatch. Communications silence is broken, and the orders go out over the squawkers to the heads of groups of crusaders, to tank commanders and truck convoy leaders. Engines roar, breaking the pre-dawn quiet. Horses whinny and buck, and the racking of bolts on rifles fills the air like a rapid-fire threshing machine turned on for a brief minute. Dust flies in the air as the treads hurl the vehicles forward, scudding across the ridge and down the slope towards the infantry camp, whose sentries begin to sound the alarm even as the chainguns begin to fire. Idonea's muster company bounces in their trucks and transports to the blocking position in the stream-bed, while Sundiata's footsldiers begin their quick march down to combat range, ready to drive the enemy before them.

Idonea is not in the vanguard as the Muster troops pour out of the trucks and into position along the stream bed, but that doesn't mean she's hanging back. Most people may call her 'sister' but there's also that 'sergeant' bit in there too and she's using it now as she gets the newer recruits moving and 'encourages' them to keep focused. There's certainly a good stream of words there that she wouldn;t use on consecrated ground, but then this is another kind of work and if it keeps them alove then she's not going to be sorry for it.

Maybe it's becuase this isn't her company and so the troops aren;t used to the way she handles things, or maybe they didn;t have their breakfasts this morning, what ever the reason though, the troops with Idonea just don't seem to be taking to her that well. Nor infact, does she seem to be on top form either as a spray of bullets from her rifle go wide of their mark causing a few more muttered curses and then a quickly improvised apolgetic prayer, just in case.

Crack. Trisje has seen a sergeant who seems to be rallying some of the defenders. And with the slightly flick off her finger, a bullet ends that little charade even as the Kurgans duck, not knowing what is happening.
You paged Fiamma with 'So if I understand how to best defend the Federation, then I'm doing my duty!'

With the trauma tent and safely surrounded by her guardsmen and the soldiers standing watch over the medicos, Linnea peers out across the way, trying to see what she can see of the unfolding skirmish whilst listening to the com chatter - a difficult goal, but necessary. The first shells of the morning flick an energizing switch in the tiny Torenson. Gone is the faint gaiety of her usual demeanor, and the vague worry from the departure, this Lin is all brisk business and efficiency.

There that familiar rush of ecstatic bliss that comes over him once the battle finally begins, and Sundiata sinks his rapier into the first man he sees. He strokes the back of the man's hair as he pulls his rapier from him and he lets out a gleeful shout to his comrades "Let their blood marked our victory! Onwards!" The crusaders that are close enough to hear his shouts press forward with more determination.

Her hymn finished, Naima pauses for a moment after the noise of the shells. She remains poised for a moment, then soundlessly dries her face with the scarf, keeping it against her lips for several calm heartbeats, before tucking it back into her tunic. She turns away from her perch, slipping down from it and driving towards where Linnea is, a quiet presence.

The assault crashes home into the Kurgan infantry camp as it begins to rouse to the sound of their sentries' alarms. The crack of hidden rifle fire eliminates opportunistic officers wih grim precision as Trisje strokes her trigger, and the Crusaders, full of the urge for first blood - and also the chance to plunder the camp full of soldier's loot - hammer into the kurgan lines. The kurgans recoil, trying to regroup and falling back to regroup again, the 'tide' of the battle shifting to flood troops towards the creek bed, where the muster wait to hold the line. However, the press of the enemy against their ranks is greater than expected, and even in two ranks of rippling rifle fire, bodies begin to fall, wounded or killed, as the blockign force is pushed back and back.

Trisje is still obviously sad if the Ishwin can see her face. But despite that, it is almost methodical. Pull the trigger, eject the shell, load. Start aiming again, adjust. Find the target. Pull the trigger. Repeat. Even with the chaos of battle, that is the thing she perpetuates. Chaos.

As the battle starts to rage, the casualties begin coming in, arriving at the medical station on the back of cloth stretchers carried by sweating men and women as they rush back and forth into the crucible of battle bringing out the wounded and the hurt, the ripped and the dying. The grim business of the butcher's bill.

Linnea has her sleeves up and her expression set into the Torenson's neutral mask, ready to take in the injured as they are delivered. A barked word, a gesture, an occasional regretful shake of her head - these are the fates of the soldiers coming in for attention, delivered between bouts of bandaging and other stop-gap care. No Hippocrates, the Amalthean-trained diplomat still works efficiently and smoothly, even as she moves around the small space with Naima to reduce the bodycount as much as possible.

As the casualties start rolling in, and the medical tent moves into its chaotic-seeming coordination, Naima sees nothing but those who are brought to her when they clear the first hurdles of triage. Her expression is openly compassionate, even as she must set bones and stitch before anesthetic takes effect, staunch arterial blood, cauterize, snip--and then move on to the next, stripping off gloves and sanitizing as best she can and leaving other attendants to do the cleanup. Her rhythm is a prayer, even as she sees every soldier brought before her, loves them, sends them on.

Idonea isn't so much as holding a position for now, moving moving up and down the line, hauling wounded back or offering support (verbal or ballistic) as required. One thing she's not doing though is shutting up, whether it's a shout of encouragement here, a reprimand for loosing focus there, or even a reminder that that lot over there are a bunch of heathens that need stopping for the good of the Pancreator. Whichever way though, there's language in there colourfull enough to make even a hardened sailor blush. It seems to be slowly working though as the push back slows and the mercs mamaged to check the forced retreat and start to dig in.

And even as things continue, Trisje spots another Kurgan leader - a subcommander who is rapidly helping to push thing into a cohesive line, rallying the forces and making the right calls. But he is wearing armor, and armor has holes. And it is one of those that Trisje shoots into, dropping still another of the officers who might have saved this day.

Sundiata is having a more difficult time with his next opponents, until he finally finds the only vulnerable part of his opponent's body. After a quick thrust of his rapier, another Kurgan is castrated. Sundiata's gleeful laugh as he steps over the man to pursue another opponent does not help to rally those close by him.

The trio of heavy tanks crashes through the thornbush perimeter of the cavalry camp, smoothbore guns belching flechette canisters and the hull and turret coaxials spitting rapid fire death, the TCs, Caelwyn included, swivelling their pintle-mounted machine guns to hose the area. Appalled at the sudden appearance of seemingly invulnerable metal monsters, the weapons to breach such steel behemots in the HQ encampment , the cavalry break and run, scattering themselves in an uncohesive mess across the landscape as they desperatly try to escape the battle.

The kurgan infantry are starting to stiffen but are in a fighting retreat, just as desired by the battle plan. If the muster forces can hold the line a little longer, they will deflect the retreating troops currently being harried forward by Sundiata's crusaders into the waiting minefield.

A troop of fleeing Kurgan cavalry, however, wheel towards the nest in which Trisje and the Ishwin are lurking, seemingly guided by one of their number who has stiffened in his saddle and suddenly pointed unerringly to the launcher of the murderous sniper fire, and they gallop at full pace across the plain, crashing into the bushes with sabres and pistols.

Sundiata is already swept up in this ballet of death. He sticks his rapier deep into the eye of his opponent, pulls the remains of the eye and brain matter off his rapier, and tosses at his next opponent, before he closes the distances and guts the kurgan. Sundiata lets out an orgasmic howl, "The Lord General wanted them to fear us! I cannot smell their fear yet!"

And then come the Cavalry! Unfortunately, even they are not enough before the Ishwin and the Questing Knight. As suddenly the slender woman is amongst them like some sort of graceful dancer, slicing her way through with her knives and launching others to stop the sortie trying to end her reign of death, only to become the latest victims...

Sundiata's progress seems to have given the Kurgan's facing the Muster a fresh wind and despite the hail of bullets issuing forth from the mercs their line is starting to buckle once more under the pressure. Spotting the weakness forming, Idonea pushes back up the line yelling abuse and encouragment in similar doses and firing off a few (largely inneffectual) rounds into the oncoming forces. As she reaches the critical point in the line it becomes apparent that someone has been taking lessons from Trisje as all the officers and sergeants for that section are down. Muttering a mixture of curses and prayers together she watches for a few moments as the corprals fail to regain the cohesion required before figuring that there's only one thing for it and steps up to be the gobby fucker in the line of fire herself. It seems to be slowly working, but not quickly enough and so for extra added motivation she scrambles for their unit banner and plants it firmly in the ground a yard or two infront of the line. "I'll take the name and nuber of any fucker found abandoning that standard," she calls, laying down a bit more fire into the Kurgan lines as she does so. Maybe it was the prayers, maybe she just scared the enough, but it seems to work and teh line solidifies around it's new position in time to deflect the kurgans into the artillery fire. Trisje's opposite number has the last laugh though as the flag planeting had been enough to pain a great big target over the chaplain's brestplate which rapidly becomes peppered with fire. It does a grand job all told, stopping most of them, but there's only so much one piece of armour can manage and in the end several rounds smash through it before she drops.

No rest for the wicked, or those that stitch up the wicked when the wickedness is temporarily finished, and so Linnea slogs through the waves of injured, dying and dead. For such a frail noblewoman, she is nigh inexhaustible and does not shy from of all the gore and filth of her work. When the patients start to turn up Kurgan, she speaks to them in their own tongue as they are treated with no stint of her modest skills. As the wounds come in more and more horrific, bandages and balm are set aside in favor of waxen cord and needles, hot irons and tourniquets. A particularly mangled leg is marked for removal with a colored tie; that patient ordered to join Naima's slowly growing pile. And then, Idonea is spotted, and delicate little Linnea proves all those years on the battlefront have left their mark on her tongue by dropping a bit of a verbal bomb, and calling for Naima, stat. The Kurgan about to lose his leg can wait.

Naima strips off her surgical gown underlayer in exchange for another with little modesty in the medical tent and accepts a cup of water in the very brief lull, as well as a cloth to wipe the sweat from her dusky forehead. Then it is another softly murmured prayer, as she preps the surigical area again. She offers Linnea a brief kiss to the cheek as she passes, touches a few hands here and there, as if she gains strength from reaching out to others as well. Tools are laid out, bandages and sponges prepped, the next round of anesthetics prepared for the very lucky and rare few.

Once the first waves of Kurgans come through she will speak words of quiet comfort in Kurgan, even to those unconscious, as she works, her comforting touch no less than it was towards her father's people. But her focus is on what is to do, what must be done, and what she can do. At Lin's voice she looks up immediately, and moves to her side. Her clinical expression softens, and she touches the chaplain's forehead very gently and tenderly before beginnning her work.

As the medical teams work their best effort on friend, and as much as they can give on foe, for the Li Halan teams are bringing in the Kurgan wounded, although lower down the triage lists, the artillery continues to bark. The retreating Kurgan infantry have stumbled into the middle of the perfectly targeted artilery-spread minefield, and the howitzer-fired projectiles blossom into orbs that burrow into the ground and throw out tripwires, only for them to be sprung by kurgan feet to leap up to launch ball-bearing blasted death at waist height. For all intents and purposes, as the HQ units retreat, the cavalry are utterly routed, and the infantry shocked, appalled, and degenerating into an any-man-for-himself scramble, the battle is over.

Naima takes a moment after the surgery is done, and even slips the Muster an analgesic--and without asking for risk of a refusal. She tucks a blanket gently over covered stitches. "You'll have to try to not curse for the next few days. At least nothing with any hard consonants," she teases her. "Don't undo all our hard work. And get some rest, dear one. I'll make sure you get a full report when you wake."

Trisje and the Ishwin come back to the camp, walking in, bloodstains on their clothes and even on their faces. But like vengeful demons they walk in like they are merely returning from Sunday brunch. Trisje's face the one that's odd, despite the blood spatter, it almost looks as though there might be tear trails as well.

Sundiata is wiping his rapier on the ground while chatting to a fellow crusader, "Yes, I think the Kurgans learns that beneath this charming and handsome exterior beats the heart of a ruthless, and sadistic maniac." Sundiata starts to count the number of kurgans that he killed, "I hate ending on an odd set of numbers. I hope the battle was worth it, and the spoils are worth it too.

From his tank cupola, the heavy vehicle sat atop the ridge line, Caelwyn surveys those that have fought bravely and boldly, fiercely and well, in pride, and in sorrow, in heartache and in triumph. While the Kurgan are scattered, there are no few Known Worlders on the field that will not breathe again, from muster troopers dying for their pay, to crusaders that have fought their last fight for the Pancreator atop this ridge, to those that slaver over the impending plunder, and those of the Li Halan so far from the garden worlds to fall on a nameless field. In the annals of the crusade, however, this place is now and forever Vimer Ridge, and these are the men and women that fought and died there, saints and sinners both - in the cause of Holy War.

Battle of Vimer Ridge

2013-06-25T13:30:25Z

Palamedes: Page Creation & Content

The request for assistance came in several forms. For those with links to the Imperials, the appealing note was written in formal terms and countersigned by Marshal Cassius. For those with links to Caelwyn, it was personal requests, or letters. For those of the Muster, the lure was simple - cold hard cash. In every case, though, the help needed was simple enough in context - in potential field actions somewhere on the East Bank. Travel was arranged beforehand - by heavy rotor-flitter, to catch up with a moving military column, it seems. But two things were not mentioned, nor given - the location of the operation, nor the target, til the fateful day. Operational security around the mission was high, with Li Halan intelligence agents working hard to keep matters in the dark.

What limited rumours there were relate to the departure of the Dragon Kegion and its entire logistics train on the road leading south from Akko a couple of weeks ago, and perhaps, the mysterious departure of the Port-Admiral's Squadron on 'manouvers' in the gulf at around the same time.

The flitters collect those of you from Akko and from Remle - and you journey swiftly southwards, the destination presumably being somewhere in the Teldam campaign area of the wild coast, around the battles in Johburg. Reaching Teldam and refuelling at a Li Halan military cantonment north of that town - it seems Countess Johburg has surrendered an element of her sovrenighty for assistance against the Kurgans, for the encampment is heavily fortified but flying the Li Halan flag, you have a few minutes to stretch your legs before the flitters take off again, but rather than flying further south, as you might expect, they arc out to sea and begin flying directly across the gulf, keeping low to the water to avoid coastal radar. You are heading directly for Rabaq, the coastal province that currently has its troops teeming in Johburg, and which Johburg claims at his own. Yet it seems the Countess' forces know nothing of this.

Sundiata is laying near on the ground staring up at the sky as he waits to see what is going to happen next. He looks down at his pendant containing his energy shield for a few moments, before deciding to stand up and do a few stretches. After taking a few stretches, he adjusts he practices sliding his rapier out of its scabbard a few times, and does the same with his medium revolver. His dragonfly is still on the ground as he continues with his stretches, "I knew I should went with another type of armor. I always feel clammy in this type."

Idonea is not exactly unused to such modes of transports and so, decked out in her Muster Plate and with her assault rifle on it's three-point harness she just sits smoking a roll up and waiting for the off. The only thing marking her out from many others of the guild on the planet being the crudely painted jumpgate cross on the front of her helmet. She's checked her weapons, checked her ammo, checked her squawker and fusion torch, checked her boots so all that's left to do is sit and smoke.

Naima rides in the flitter with the dust of Remle still on her heavy boots. The young Amalthean is armored for battle, field medic style. Compared to the young woman that departed Akko at the beginning of the campaign, she is perhaps shockingly thinner, battle-lean even in her face. Her medkit is pouched on her belt, and she even has a field knife strapped to her thigh--though it's mostly hidden by her cloak except for when she's moving.

Trisje is reasonably lightly armored looking, all things considered. Though the fact is she probably has her energy shield and replacement battery ready. And she does have a surprising number of pouches, all well strapped for mobility, but also easy access. She seems ready to take on an army. Aside from her usual plethora of knives - including an Ukari style Kraxi knife, she has a sniper rifle along as well.

The flyers move low over a beach and over the enemy coast. Below, the shattered remains of some field defenses can be seen, along with the cleared-up remains of a beach landing by a heavy force. It seems the local militia, confident that Johburg had troubles on its own shores, were not expecting anything of this nature to happen, and paid the price of overconfidence. Those familiar with warfare, however, might notice the great swathes of the beach turned to black glass - the hallmark of Firecracker Rounds, terrifying incendiary devices from the Emperor Wars, normally proscribed for use against any but Symbiots by Church edict.

Idonea finishes her roll up and grinds out the butt under the heal of her boot before taking a moment to look round the faces of the others in the transport. Naima gets a brief nod and a reasuring smile before she says quietly, "you need someone to keep an eye while you do stuff just let me know okay?" Then to Trisje, "not really the time to go into it now, but when we're done here I could with a word with you about some bandits I believe you were dealing with a while back. I'll come find you once this is done."

Linnea, having finished a final inspection of the ever-present medical tent and seen to a small host of logistics and supply issues despite the hour, lifts her eyes to the dark sky briefly as though to gauge the time, but no, her ears have picked up the throb of blades set to rent the air - the flitters en route and landing just on time. Gone are the find silks and filigree metals of her city attire, given over in favor of sturdy and protective clothing more suited to resisting mud and blood and air-borne toxins, the slippers and sandals of court exchanged for boots almost as heavy as the young woman herself. Smartly, she turns on a heel and heads to where the Lord General is likely to be attending other preparations.

Naima is largely innocent of all but some of the the surviving human remnants of warfare, so her grey-green eyes look down on the glassed beach with a degree of wonder and curiousity at water moving over something so shining and dark. Her gaze moves from the viewport to Idonea as she speaks, and the young woman offers the Muster Chaplain a shy smile in return. "I will, thank you, Sister." she replies quietly.

Trisje nods to Idonea. "Aye. I can do that." The questing knight says. Even as she starts to look outside, curious, her brows raising at what she sees and her head starting to shake back and forth. "That is probably going to piss of the Kurgans. Presuming they engage in similar holding back to us." She muses.

The flitters, who are full of assorted specialists, Imperials, muster personnel and of course, our heroes, have flown a jinking path through the landscape, keeping well away from townships that are currently defended only by static militia - the equivalent of the armsmen of the lands of the known worlders that huddle behind their walls while their great lords have taken the bulk of their armies to fight for land elsewhere. So as it has happened to the Known Worlders, so it is now happening to Rabaq. The rotorcraft set down at dusk outside a field encampment in an area of lightly forested hills, the air is fresher than in many places on Yathrib thanks to a breeze coming down towards the coast to the mountains. The camp is significant, and clearly only the main overnight camp of a large field army, with Li Halan and Dragon Legion banners flying overhead.

The muster troopers disembark, making their way towards their paymaster officers, past rank after rank of tents, past rows of tanks and armoured cars with the heraldry of the Twisted Spire blazoned across their flanks, and past artillery tractors bearing the sigil of Fallingfire on their bonnets and on the faceplates of the howitzers they tow. The others of you are gathered up and escorted to the command tents beneath the largest banners, where anti-aircaft cannon trace the skies. The actual command post is in fact not in those decoy tents, but in a dug-out in the copse of woods, and you are led on from the tent to this location where you are met by the Li Halan General Caelwyn and his seneshal Linnea. He nods to you all, formal and ice-featured, and waits til all are settled into chairs amid the rest of his officers before the briefing begins.

With nothing yet specifically to do, Idonea sticks herself to Naima's side, protect the healers and all that. Glancing round the encampment she uses what she can of the light to get a feel for the layout and strengh of the force assembled, whistling quietly to herself as she does so. "This is going to be an awefully big surprise for someone soon," she mutters before falling into step behind the waiting escort.

Trisje starts to head towards the Command tent, making sure to smile and offer assurances to the regular troops she sees. She even distributes some Questing Knight Cards! Seems someone understands the importance of symbolism to morale. The Emperor is on their side, and his finest are represented!

Sundiata scratches his head as he wonders why there are no knight-errant cards, or at the very least charming al-Malik investigator posters." Sundiatta riases his arms in a shrug, and slings the rifle around his shoulder as he makes way to the tent.

Naima still brushes her hood discreetly over her face as they disembark, even though it's under cover of darkness. She does observe carefully however, as she walks alongside Idonea. "It seems so," she agrees with her Sister quietly, deft fingers smoothing the fall of her cloak. As she reaches the bunker, her eyes widen as she spies Linnea at Caelwyn's side, for a moment her features animated rather than neutral-serene, though as Caelwyn bows so does she, and more deeply. And not half-bad, for a non-Li-Halan, before settling into a seat near the front.

"Sister Naima," Linnea murmurs softly, and, to the Void with propriety and the solemn occasion, the tiny Torenson moves to embrace her friend and offer a loving kiss to the priestess' cheek. She positively beams as she adds, "Bless the Pancreator for bringing us back together! But darling, you look like you have not eaten since I saw you last. Let me get something brought for us all."

With no apparent sign of imminant violence, Idonea releases teh chin strap on her helmet and removes it, placing it on the floor infront of her so tha she can rest her feet on it during the briefing. Or what she's asusming is going to be a briefing anyway. In a similar line of thinking she digs into the pouches on her belt and withdraws both a pre-rolled smoke and her lighter before proceeding to light up once more.

Naima's arms wrap around the tiny Torenson as well, her lips lingering warmly on Linnea's cheek. "I've missed you, azizati," she says softly. "Blessed we are that you've returned safely." She touches fingertips to Linnea's cheek, as if making sure she's still there. Though mindful of the others she settles into silence again, though her lips curve into a smile that lights her eyes. She brushes the hood back from her face as she resettles.

As he makes his way towards the camping ground, Sundiata eyes spot an ammunition dump that is under heavy guard. Sundiata taps his foot a few moments as he takes notices at the unusual high amount of guards that are watching this dump, and that they are all wearing anti-gas gear. Sundiata lets out a frustrated sigh, "Oh, Sunny boy, what you got yourself into this time?

Trisje merely gives a flourished bow to Caelwyn and then stands to the side to let matters get explained and others to greet those they seem to know. The woman just a bit late due to the morale aiding she did on the way!

Once everyone is seated, Caelwyn nods to one of the aguillette-shouldered operations officers, who raps on a large map of the Gulf with his swagger stick and then moves to another board on which a smaller image, looking like a starship or satellite shot has been blown up to A1 size, showing the immediate fifty miles around the encampment. Caelwyn nods his head to the officer, who steps into place to point out things at his General's command, and the Li Halan nobleman begins to speak. "Officers and men and women of the Known Worlds. As you now know, after our landing one week ago, we are currently one hundred and eighty five kilometers into the coastal Emirate of Rabaq. As yet, this information is not widespread outside of the milita forces that have been unfortunate enough to encouter the formation." The officer raps on the red X on the larger map.

The Li Halan general continues. "To all intents and purposes, we have maintained strategic surprise and a reasonable proportion of tactical surprise. Our target is the township of Castle Peak, a strategically vital location for the relief of Revelation." The adjustant taps on the map. This seems to be an unlikely thing, given how far away the town is from the Holy City and the fact it's on the other side of a giant mountain rage, but the Li Halan officer sounds entirely convinced of what he is saying.

Idonea frowns faintly as the claim about Revelation is made, but then she's not actually overly bothered about the why of this operation, just the how, the when and the where. One of which has just been answered well enough. Taking a drag on her smoke she continues to flick her attention between Caelwyn and the map as called for, not yet starting to make any notes.

Caelwyn continues. "The local defenses forces for this province, under a local commander by the name of Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, have managed to rally themselves and are preparing to try to meet us in open battle. Our strikes on their communications structure have as yet prevented them from achieving this. Their numbers are not equal to ours, but we cannot afford to be bogged down in protracted combat, for if the Kurgans were to successfully divine our final objective, they would be forced without question to reinforce it, making our assault on Castle Peak all the more bloody. Speed and concentration of force have brought us this far, and we must maintain the momentum. Accordingly, tomorrow we will be launching a pre-emptive attack in the sector in which they are massing their field force, in an attempt to shatter its coherence and allow us to rapidly continue on to Castle Peak. Are there any questions at this stage? I will be outlining the battle plan momentarily."

The half-Kurgan Amalthean, laces her fingers together as she listens, though she seems to watch Caelwyn as much as she does the visuals. She tilts her head slightly as she regards the mountain range, biting lightly at one corner of her mouth as she regards the mountain range. Naima remains silent for now, her posture uncharacteristically still.

Trisje listens carefully, lips pursed in thought as she does, studying the map. For some reason she gets an almost amused smile on her face, as though some thought came to her at the last second. But then it sobers as the plan starts to be described and Trisje looks to Caelwyn with a more sober expression. "If this commander is a rallying point..." She takes a deep breath, "Is it something we should deal with?"

"Yes," replies Caelwyn in an impassive voice. "One team of Ishwin commandos has been assigned to sabotage the enemy headquarters and, if possible, eliminate the commander. Your particular skills, Dame Trisje, would be of particular use in that area, and I would like to offer you command of that element of the overall plan." Caelwyn's words are a direct escalation, as strikes on command elements and logistics are a hallmark of the Emperor Wars, not the so-called 'just wars' of Yathrib. He tilts his head, waiting to see if she will accept.

Trisje nods to that. "The Ishwin? That'll be a first." She says, a sad smile on her face. But a nod as well. "I'll do it." She takes a deep breath then. leaning back into her chair and crossing a leg over the other.

Caelwyn nods to the duty officer, who moves the satellite map forward on its tripod stand. "The enemy force is mustering at present as their troops trickle in, and is split into three field amps on the other side of this terrain feature - Vimer Ridge. The first is set up in centrally in and around this farm complex, and that contains the HQ element. The second is here, in this area of broken rock and rugged ground around the creek bed where it crosses what passes for the north-south pilgrim road, and that holds the majority of their infantry in a scattered encampment. The third, which provides their scouts and pickets, is the cavalry encampment, although they also retain an infantry/dragoon element similar to our armsmen."

"Our plan is relatively simple. While the sabotage element under Dame Trisje engages the HQ under cover of dawn and assassinates their commander, our armoured forces along with the allied crusader element will begin its assault on the infantry encampment. Sir Sundiata, Sergeant Idonea, I had intended for you to accompany this force, since it will contain both muster and crusader elements, which you are familiar with. You will not benefit from artillery cover during this assault." He pauses to let the noise go through the room, then explains. "Our howitzer company will be deploying FASCAM into the terrain between the infantry encampment and the HQ camp during your assault. Your job is to stampede, horrify and force the infantry to make their move and fall back onto the HQ. Into the minefield that is being laid in front and atop them."

While Caelwyn speaks, and such damning, terrible words they are, Linnea turns her dark-eyed attention to the gathered guests. Each face is searched, reactions weighed and noted in silence and without hiding her intense measure. Whatever the diplomat may be seeking, she offers nothing in the way of indication if it is found, merely returns her impassive gaze back to the Li Halan General after that time.

Naima's hands remain in her lap, though her fingers are tightly laced, almost white-knuckled, their tips digging in to her palms. Her expression remains rigidly serene, but she closes her eyes as he speaks and keeps them that way, her breath catching and shallow in her chest. For the moment, though, she remains outwardly silent.

Idonea starts taking notes once the map of the ridge is brought forwards. She makes a sketch map of her own, noting on it points of interest but particularly those at the infantry site since it looks like that's where she'll be fighting. Being basically a career soldier, she's all for effective plans rather than ones that get her killed in the name of making sure that the ruperts can hold their head high in society afterwards. Nodding silently to indicate she understands she plan she offers a couple of questions for clarification. "How many enemy are we expecting at that location and what sort of readiness or resistance on their part can we expect?"

"Another amazing plan basically comes down to me being part of a force that goes charging the enemy." Sundiata quips as he points in the direction of the ammunition dump, "All right, what is with all the people wearing gas masks outside. How does that fall into this little party?"

Trisje just nods, looking at the map carefully, the woman seems to be rather deep in thought right now.

"We expect that there will be between four and five hundred militamen in the encampment. You will be moving in with equal that force in ground troops, and the armour elements - a company of medium tanks and two of armoured fighting vehicles," replies Caelwyn to Idonea.

"The remainder of our truck-mobile ground forces will be moving to set up to drive off the cavalry element. Having them retreat will suffice, they cannot keep up with our convoy for long enough to concentrate to do more than harrying damage. Lady Linnea, Sister Naima, the medical station will be just behind the ridgeline, where the artillery will set up. There'll be a company of security troops to look after you."

He pauses at Sundiata's question and makes a sideways motion of his hand. "In this battle, Sir Sundiata, it does not. This is more than one battle for the fate of the world. The hard parts will come later."

Idonea nods in acknowledgement to that answer as she makes the appropriate notes alongside the sketch map, then adds a note as to where the healers will be stationed as well. THen it's time for hopefully her final question, "how up to date is your information? Do you have men watching them an dupdating you of their movements or is this the picture as of some period o time ago?" It's not an acqusatory question, or an agreesive one, she's just running things through in her head and wants to know how likely it is that things willbe close ot as pictured or if they've had chance tomove and change.

Naima remains quiet and still, eyes still closed, though her body language is attentive. Her hands still curl tightly in her lap. As she is named, her eyes open and she looks at Caelwyn again. "Understood, Your Excellency," is her soft reply.

Caelwyn, unlike some noble officers which lack chins, actually seems to consider this a perfect valid question from Idonea. "We have a recon platoon scattered along the ridge-line, and two LRRPs in the sector watching for reinforcements."

"I will want to see those reports too." Trisje says then, still looking thoughtful. "And obviously anything the Ishwin have gathered and their current plan of attack as well." She looks between the others with interest.

"Well, I am glad this is one of those easy parts in the fate of the world." Sundiata pulls his burnus over his head, "I guess all that is left to do is to tell the cooks to roast us some kippers, because we were be back after breakfast."

Idonea seems satisfied with that answer and nods once to indicate such and settles back into her chair to follow the rest of the briefing.

The night after this passes fairly quietly, as the preparations for the dawn raids get under way. The camp-beds that are provided are almost comfortable, and the tents are for a wonder, private. Quite a few of the muster company take advantage of Idonea - in that they go to get shriven. There are quite a lot of chaplains in this army anyway, but familiarity is key in such matters.

Trisje is shown the data regarding the movements of the pickets and sentries, and the defenses around the HQ camp, and the best places to potentially snipe the enemy commander from, and so forth. The mostly silent native-american-esque Ishwin do not seem resentful of Trisje being put in place over them, but then, they might not feel resentful if punched in the face, either.

The allied Crusaders, small units of ten or fifteen men under indiviual knights and lords, numbering around four hundred, make Sundiata welcome, and also try to get him drunk. In the pre dawn darkness, they form their men up.

The artillery is towed into position, and the medial camp is dug out and sandbags filled, following Naima and Linnea's instructions.

Despite the influx of the suddently faithful that always happens before battle is joined, Idonea does manage to get some sleep, having long ago perfected the trick of sleeping where ever she can close her eyes. With dawn appraching though she's back on her feet, armed and armoured and sat having a last smoke and cup of khaf with the rest of the Muster contingent. Were it not for the vast amount of plate and weapons around it could almost be a merely social gathering given the relaxed nature of it. There's a job to do, and some of them won't be coming back from it, but no point in worrying about that now after all. The Pancreator's Will will be done.

Naima moves about in quiet preparation, almost as if in ritual--though the dark-haired healer does not sleep. She gives gentle instruction, checks everything twice, though once everything is as prepared as it is going to be, she finds a perch atop one of the sandbag walls, still protected from view, and within sight of the horizon where the sun will eventually rise. She watches the sky and stars as if seeking some sort of sign, her drawn face solemn, and a white silk scarf trailed meditatively through her fingers. She occasionally brushes a saint's medallion at her left wrist, winding the scarf about her right.

Sundiata does spend sometime among the allied Crusaders telling some pretty outlandish tells involving Sundiata solving century old mysteries for a Hawkwood Countess, before going to spend the night writing messages to the administrators to Gant, and another to his noble sister in Aylon. He goes the sleep without drinking in alcohol, so he can start the day with his usual pre-mission routine. When he awakens, he makes sure he has enough ammo him, and batteries charged for his shield. He takes out a small razor and mirror, and touches up his facial hair, before rejoining the crusaders.

Giving over command of the medical area to Naima, Linnea makes herself available to each of the guests, ensuring everyone is as comfortable and content as can be in such a brutal atmosphere, before she too retires - but not to her bed, sleep will come later for the Seneschal. There is -always- something needing doing in the Command tent, and so that is where she takes up the last of the night's hours, resolving minor mishaps, updating reports and so forth.

Trisje seems to be in her element with the Ishwin, silent or not. She is as well. But definitely seems to be asking them what their plan is and ready to work with it. Pointing out a few little things here and there, but seemingly willing to trust them otherwise. But the fact is, this is her element. And she has become rather somber, even if she seems comfortable.

The Ishwin commandos prepare earlier, along with Trisje, for they have to be at work before dawn comes. The plan is not overly complicated - they will infiltrate the outskirts of the HQ camp, plant explosives and sabotage devices, and then use recoilless rifles to strike the sleeping commander's tent area while the bombs go off. Then, once he rushes out - Trisje can introduce him to a bullet. The Ishwin are unusual soldiers - natives of a free tribal confederacy, sworn to various families of the Li Halan in order to secure nomadic rights. The three tribes sworn to Caelwyn send warriors each year as tithe - their best hunters. They all carry jumpcrosses aroudn their throats, but also leather medicine bags and strung coyote teeth and eagle feathers on their dogtags.

Many say it is always darkest before the dawn, and Trisje seems to be using this to the fullest effect. Complete with nightvision goggles to help her lead the way and hold up a hand to guide the Ishwin. Very serious business now! And despite the patterns of guards, she somehow manages to slip by and find the right path in. Ducking spot lights, hiding against walls. Somehow, they make it seem easy. Even if it really, really shouldn't be.

Sometimes, objectives change. And when things seem to be going very well. It is best to make certain the mission succeeds. Especially when those explosives are expensive and might be used elsewhere. Even while trying to look forthe best places to set the explosives, other options appear, the skeins of fate intervene. And Trisje changes the objective. No, this is going to end with the knife. And while the bodyguards continue to do their thing, Trisje and her team still somehow slip through, rapid, silent as the night breeze.

Through a fold under the tent. Trisje slips in, just as silent as before she makes it to the bed and draws that wicked knife, and even as she covers his mouth and gives him a new, crimson smile, she is whispering sadly. "I am sorry. May the Pancreator accept you into his arms." Yet then it is done, and she turns to slips back out, leaving only a single card. A Black Hand upon it. Her expression now immensely saddened.

The Ishwin and the Questing Knight-turned assassin exit the set of hastily-fortified farm buildings and leave in their wake quiet incomprehension of what has just occurred - a set of lethal surprises, and one career in the service of lord, the local people, and the kurgan faith brutally cut short. No saint was Bighaz Muhammad al-Derj, but no great sinner either, and his blood slowly pools beneath him. Without his co-ordination, however, and his skill, the battle will be far harder for his leaderless men. Taking up a defensive position in a pre-prepared 'hide' in a large formation of thorny scrub on the Kurgan side of Vimer Ridge, the ishwin and their long-gun-wielding companion hunker down to wait for chances to swing the battle.

The minutes tick down to dawn, the men deploying into their vehicles and starting their engines, the foot soldiers and petty cavalry forming up into their loose skirmis-formation ranks. The order has gone out that bans banner-poles for each Crusader's retinue, which means that roughly a fifth of the force is now able to use a weapon rather than carry a flashy flag. Sundiata and Idonea board their rattling and growling tracked transports, the muster company forming up independently of the crusaders with the remit to force the infantry not to retreat up the creek bed but to turn aside if they try - a holding action.

With the order to move out the helmets go back on and the kahf gets left behind and while no smokes are extinguished prematurely, no new ones are lit. Check armour, check equipment, check the guy next to you's armour and equipment. It's a long standing routine and one thats completed with little fuss or hassle before the nod is given that all is set and the Muster take up their position ready for the off.

Now out and in position to offer harassing fire and of course, that other shocking and explosive surprise, Trisje looks to still be sad. Her nightvision removed, her hide set up and a shot loaded. Now it is just the waiting game. Plenty of time with her own thoughts, alone even with the six Ishwin accompanying her mere feet away.

Her duties as discharged as they can be at the moment, Linnea adheres herself to her Guardian's side as much as he will permit, exchanging the occasional murmured word, pointed glance, helpful suggestion. As Caelwyn's Seneschal, she has her own set of instructions to follow once the Lord General has departed, but it is clear that the young Torenson is loathe to be parted from him until absolutely necessary.

Sundiata checks his armor, and weapons again. "Like a drunk guy in a bar fight. It is always comes down to rushing someone." Sundiata looks over at the Crusaders, "Always an honor." Sundiata turns on his energy shield, and prepares to fight.

With everything in the medical tent at the ready, and only time before her, Naima stays in her solitary vigil. Her gaze moves towards the area she knows that the attack will take place in, though it's likely hidden from her view. Her eyes are wide, as if the bear witness, and alone she sings a prayer softly, fingers brushing against the cross-and-grail pendant nestled at the base of her throat. She lifts her thoughts heavenward and outward, tears spilling down her cheeks, even as her tone is one of praise.

Caelwyn clambers into the cupola of his command tank, the radio aerials whipping the air from the back of the turret, lifting a hand in salute and farewell to Linnea, and motioning her back to the medical station. He cranks the seat up, to let him sit shouders and head out of the TC hatch. Communications silence is broken, and the orders go out over the squawkers to the heads of groups of crusaders, to tank commanders and truck convoy leaders. Engines roar, breaking the pre-dawn quiet. Horses whinny and buck, and the racking of bolts on rifles fills the air like a rapid-fire threshing machine turned on for a brief minute. Dust flies in the air as the treads hurl the vehicles forward, scudding across the ridge and down the slope towards the infantry camp, whose sentries begin to sound the alarm even as the chainguns begin to fire. Idonea's muster company bounces in their trucks and transports to the blocking position in the stream-bed, while Sundiata's footsldiers begin their quick march down to combat range, ready to drive the enemy before them.

Idonea is not in the vanguard as the Muster troops pour out of the trucks and into position along the stream bed, but that doesn't mean she's hanging back. Most people may call her 'sister' but there's also that 'sergeant' bit in there too and she's using it now as she gets the newer recruits moving and 'encourages' them to keep focused. There's certainly a good stream of words there that she wouldn;t use on consecrated ground, but then this is another kind of work and if it keeps them alove then she's not going to be sorry for it.

Maybe it's becuase this isn't her company and so the troops aren;t used to the way she handles things, or maybe they didn;t have their breakfasts this morning, what ever the reason though, the troops with Idonea just don't seem to be taking to her that well. Nor infact, does she seem to be on top form either as a spray of bullets from her rifle go wide of their mark causing a few more muttered curses and then a quickly improvised apolgetic prayer, just in case.

Crack. Trisje has seen a sergeant who seems to be rallying some of the defenders. And with the slightly flick off her finger, a bullet ends that little charade even as the Kurgans duck, not knowing what is happening.
You paged Fiamma with 'So if I understand how to best defend the Federation, then I'm doing my duty!'

With the trauma tent and safely surrounded by her guardsmen and the soldiers standing watch over the medicos, Linnea peers out across the way, trying to see what she can see of the unfolding skirmish whilst listening to the com chatter - a difficult goal, but necessary. The first shells of the morning flick an energizing switch in the tiny Torenson. Gone is the faint gaiety of her usual demeanor, and the vague worry from the departure, this Lin is all brisk business and efficiency.

There that familiar rush of ecstatic bliss that comes over him once the battle finally begins, and Sundiata sinks his rapier into the first man he sees. He strokes the back of the man's hair as he pulls his rapier from him and he lets out a gleeful shout to his comrades "Let their blood marked our victory! Onwards!" The crusaders that are close enough to hear his shouts press forward with more determination.

Her hymn finished, Naima pauses for a moment after the noise of the shells. She remains poised for a moment, then soundlessly dries her face with the scarf, keeping it against her lips for several calm heartbeats, before tucking it back into her tunic. She turns away from her perch, slipping down from it and driving towards where Linnea is, a quiet presence.

The assault crashes home into the Kurgan infantry camp as it begins to rouse to the sound of their sentries' alarms. The crack of hidden rifle fire eliminates opportunistic officers wih grim precision as Trisje strokes her trigger, and the Crusaders, full of the urge for first blood - and also the chance to plunder the camp full of soldier's loot - hammer into the kurgan lines. The kurgans recoil, trying to regroup and falling back to regroup again, the 'tide' of the battle shifting to flood troops towards the creek bed, where the muster wait to hold the line. However, the press of the enemy against their ranks is greater than expected, and even in two ranks of rippling rifle fire, bodies begin to fall, wounded or killed, as the blockign force is pushed back and back.

Trisje is still obviously sad if the Ishwin can see her face. But despite that, it is almost methodical. Pull the trigger, eject the shell, load. Start aiming again, adjust. Find the target. Pull the trigger. Repeat. Even with the chaos of battle, that is the thing she perpetuates. Chaos.

As the battle starts to rage, the casualties begin coming in, arriving at the medical station on the back of cloth stretchers carried by sweating men and women as they rush back and forth into the crucible of battle bringing out the wounded and the hurt, the ripped and the dying. The grim business of the butcher's bill.

Linnea has her sleeves up and her expression set into the Torenson's neutral mask, ready to take in the injured as they are delivered. A barked word, a gesture, an occasional regretful shake of her head - these are the fates of the soldiers coming in for attention, delivered between bouts of bandaging and other stop-gap care. No Hippocrates, the Amalthean-trained diplomat still works efficiently and smoothly, even as she moves around the small space with Naima to reduce the bodycount as much as possible.

As the casualties start rolling in, and the medical tent moves into its chaotic-seeming coordination, Naima sees nothing but those who are brought to her when they clear the first hurdles of triage. Her expression is openly compassionate, even as she must set bones and stitch before anesthetic takes effect, staunch arterial blood, cauterize, snip--and then move on to the next, stripping off gloves and sanitizing as best she can and leaving other attendants to do the cleanup. Her rhythm is a prayer, even as she sees every soldier brought before her, loves them, sends them on.

Idonea isn't so much as holding a position for now, moving moving up and down the line, hauling wounded back or offering support (verbal or ballistic) as required. One thing she's not doing though is shutting up, whether it's a shout of encouragement here, a reprimand for loosing focus there, or even a reminder that that lot over there are a bunch of heathens that need stopping for the good of the Pancreator. Whichever way though, there's language in there colourfull enough to make even a hardened sailor blush. It seems to be slowly working though as the push back slows and the mercs mamaged to check the forced retreat and start to dig in.

And even as things continue, Trisje spots another Kurgan leader - a subcommander who is rapidly helping to push thing into a cohesive line, rallying the forces and making the right calls. But he is wearing armor, and armor has holes. And it is one of those that Trisje shoots into, dropping still another of the officers who might have saved this day.

Sundiata is having a more difficult time with his next opponents, until he finally finds the only vulnerable part of his opponent's body. After a quick thrust of his rapier, another Kurgan is castrated. Sundiata's gleeful laugh as he steps over the man to pursue another opponent does not help to rally those close by him.

The trio of heavy tanks crashes through the thornbush perimeter of the cavalry camp, smoothbore guns belching flechette canisters and the hull and turret coaxials spitting rapid fire death, the TCs, Caelwyn included, swivelling their pintle-mounted machine guns to hose the area. Appalled at the sudden appearance of seemingly invulnerable metal monsters, the weapons to breach such steel behemots in the HQ encampment , the cavalry break and run, scattering themselves in an uncohesive mess across the landscape as they desperatly try to escape the battle.

The kurgan infantry are starting to stiffen but are in a fighting retreat, just as desired by the battle plan. If the muster forces can hold the line a little longer, they will deflect the retreating troops currently being harried forward by Sundiata's crusaders into the waiting minefield.

A troop of fleeing Kurgan cavalry, however, wheel towards the nest in which Trisje and the Ishwin are lurking, seemingly guided by one of their number who has stiffened in his saddle and suddenly pointed unerringly to the launcher of the murderous sniper fire, and they gallop at full pace across the plain, crashing into the bushes with sabres and pistols.

Sundiata is already swept up in this ballet of death. He sticks his rapier deep into the eye of his opponent, pulls the remains of the eye and brain matter off his rapier, and tosses at his next opponent, before he closes the distances and guts the kurgan. Sundiata lets out an orgasmic howl, "The Lord General wanted them to fear us! I cannot smell their fear yet!"

And then come the Cavalry! Unfortunately, even they are not enough before the Ishwin and the Questing Knight. As suddenly the slender woman is amongst them like some sort of graceful dancer, slicing her way through with her knives and launching others to stop the sortie trying to end her reign of death, only to become the latest victims...

Sundiata's progress seems to have given the Kurgan's facing the Muster a fresh wind and despite the hail of bullets issuing forth from the mercs their line is starting to buckle once more under the pressure. Spotting the weakness forming, Idonea pushes back up the line yelling abuse and encouragment in similar doses and firing off a few (largely inneffectual) rounds into the oncoming forces. As she reaches the critical point in the line it becomes apparent that someone has been taking lessons from Trisje as all the officers and sergeants for that section are down. Muttering a mixture of curses and prayers together she watches for a few moments as the corprals fail to regain the cohesion required before figuring that there's only one thing for it and steps up to be the gobby fucker in the line of fire herself. It seems to be slowly working, but not quickly enough and so for extra added motivation she scrambles for their unit banner and plants it firmly in the ground a yard or two infront of the line. "I'll take the name and nuber of any fucker found abandoning that standard," she calls, laying down a bit more fire into the Kurgan lines as she does so. Maybe it was the prayers, maybe she just scared the enough, but it seems to work and teh line solidifies around it's new position in time to deflect the kurgans into the artillery fire. Trisje's opposite number has the last laugh though as the flag planeting had been enough to pain a great big target over the chaplain's brestplate which rapidly becomes peppered with fire. It does a grand job all told, stopping most of them, but there's only so much one piece of armour can manage and in the end several rounds smash through it before she drops.

No rest for the wicked, or those that stitch up the wicked when the wickedness is temporarily finished, and so Linnea slogs through the waves of injured, dying and dead. For such a frail noblewoman, she is nigh inexhaustible and does not shy from of all the gore and filth of her work. When the patients start to turn up Kurgan, she speaks to them in their own tongue as they are treated with no stint of her modest skills. As the wounds come in more and more horrific, bandages and balm are set aside in favor of waxen cord and needles, hot irons and tourniquets. A particularly mangled leg is marked for removal with a colored tie; that patient ordered to join Naima's slowly growing pile. And then, Idonea is spotted, and delicate little Linnea proves all those years on the battlefront have left their mark on her tongue by dropping a bit of a verbal bomb, and calling for Naima, stat. The Kurgan about to lose his leg can wait.

Naima strips off her surgical gown underlayer in exchange for another with little modesty in the medical tent and accepts a cup of water in the very brief lull, as well as a cloth to wipe the sweat from her dusky forehead. Then it is another softly murmured prayer, as she preps the surigical area again. She offers Linnea a brief kiss to the cheek as she passes, touches a few hands here and there, as if she gains strength from reaching out to others as well. Tools are laid out, bandages and sponges prepped, the next round of anesthetics prepared for the very lucky and rare few.

Once the first waves of Kurgans come through she will speak words of quiet comfort in Kurgan, even to those unconscious, as she works, her comforting touch no less than it was towards her father's people. But her focus is on what is to do, what must be done, and what she can do. At Lin's voice she looks up immediately, and moves to her side. Her clinical expression softens, and she touches the chaplain's forehead very gently and tenderly before beginnning her work.

As the medical teams work their best effort on friend, and as much as they can give on foe, for the Li Halan teams are bringing in the Kurgan wounded, although lower down the triage lists, the artillery continues to bark. The retreating Kurgan infantry have stumbled into the middle of the perfectly targeted artilery-spread minefield, and the howitzer-fired projectiles blossom into orbs that burrow into the ground and throw out tripwires, only for them to be sprung by kurgan feet to leap up to launch ball-bearing blasted death at waist height. For all intents and purposes, as the HQ units retreat, the cavalry are utterly routed, and the infantry shocked, appalled, and degenerating into an any-man-for-himself scramble, the battle is over.

Naima takes a moment after the surgery is done, and even slips the Muster an analgesic--and without asking for risk of a refusal. She tucks a blanket gently over covered stitches. "You'll have to try to not curse for the next few days. At least nothing with any hard consonants," she teases her. "Don't undo all our hard work. And get some rest, dear one. I'll make sure you get a full report when you wake."

Trisje and the Ishwin come back to the camp, walking in, bloodstains on their clothes and even on their faces. But like vengeful demons they walk in like they are merely returning from Sunday brunch. Trisje's face the one that's odd, despite the blood spatter, it almost looks as though there might be tear trails as well.

Sundiata is wiping his rapier on the ground while chatting to a fellow crusader, "Yes, I think the Kurgans learns that beneath this charming and handsome exterior beats the heart of a ruthless, and sadistic maniac." Sundiata starts to count the number of kurgans that he killed, "I hate ending on an odd set of numbers. I hope the battle was worth it, and the spoils are worth it too.

From his tank cupola, the heavy vehicle sat atop the ridge line, Caelwyn surveys those that have fought bravely and boldly, fiercely and well, in pride, and in sorrow, in heartache and in triumph. While the Kurgan are scattered, there are no few Known Worlders on the field that will not breathe again, from muster troopers dying for their pay, to crusaders that have fought their last fight for the Pancreator atop this ridge, to those that slaver over the impending plunder, and those of the Li Halan so far from the garden worlds to fall on a nameless field. In the annals of the crusade, however, this place is now and forever Vimer Ridge, and these are the men and women that fought and died there, saints and sinners both - in the cause of Holy War.

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:28:01Z

Palamedes: Page Creation

[[Image:cote-leon.jpg|400px|thumb|The Shining Gulf|The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size.]]

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== Rumours and News ==

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=== Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises Jun 04 2013 ===
The five squadrons of the Akko Navy took on supplies and munitions and departed port, standing out to sea and steaming southwards. The press-gangs were out a little in and around the dockyard areas to top up the crews, but the short period between orders and departure prevented much in the way of desertion.

While there is at present no appointed Lord Warden of the Port, the dockside rumours around the wharves as the long-quiescent vessels readied themselves for a voyage are that a shakedown cruise and exercise is planned after their extended time in harbour. In the taverns frequented by the officers, however, the discussion focused on the curious news that the destination for the exercises was not being disseminated through the fleet, presumably to avoid any rumours reaching the roaming fleet of the Caid of Tyche.

=== Crusaders Head South Jun 07 2013 ===

The military preparations that had turned the Old Terminal into a hive of Crusader activity over the last several weeks have come to fruition, with a column of cavalry, foot, motorised infantry, artillery tractors, armoured fighting vehicles and supply trucks heading out of the city under the Dragon-and-Jumpcross banner of the Dragon Legion of the Li Halan.

Curiously, they were headed south, along the coastal road, although recent rumours in the City have indicated that the relationship between Countess Amber and the devout Lord-General have become strained of late, and there seemed to be a low likelihood of any Li Halan forces being committed to the battles for Teldam.

== Campaign Updates ==

== Battles and Missions ==

[[Battle of Vimer Ridge]], Fall 5001

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:17:28Z

Palamedes:

Castle Peak Campaign 5001

2013-06-25T13:16:06Z

Palamedes: Created page with "The Shining Gulf - Click to view full size. BLURB TEXT == Rumours and News == X === Akko Navy Sets Sail on Exercises ..."

File:Shining Gulf-CastlePeakCampaign.jpg

2013-06-22T21:05:58Z

Palamedes:

Character Creation

2013-06-11T11:31:05Z

Palamedes: CG requires 5 items, not 4. Updated.

Star Crusade does not have a character generation system; instead, players submit a background, description, and a few other items to staff and then have their statistics hand-set based on the character's background and experience.

== Character Applications ==

Applications require five items:

* Proposed Blessings & Curses
* Exceptional Abilities
* Description
* Background
* Plot Hooks

=== Proposed Blessings & Curses ===

On Star Crusade, the meat of a character's personality and history are encapsulated in her blessings and curses, and any character application needs to include a proposed list of such traits. Staff may edit or delete the list, but it is this list which helps define who a character is.

Players should submit several careers as well as a handful of personality and other traits with their application as described below.

Blessing and Curses can be found on the [[Blessings and Curses]] page; you also encouraged to take the 'traditional' blessing and curse of your faction, as listed in [[Traditional Blessing and Curse Pairs]].

==== Careers ====

Every character will have one or more Career blessings. Career blessings describe the primary focus of your character's life over roughly a five-year period; the blessings provide synergy bonuses when relevant and are also used by staff as the primary guide when statting your character.

A character should have one Career blessing for every five or so years they have lived after the age of 12 or 13. A brand new fifteen-year-old knight would have one Career blessing; a slightly more experienced knight at 20 would have 2, while a seasoned veteran at 25 would have 3 and a now-aging crusader at 30 would have 4.

You can take a Career blessing more than once. A thirty-year-old who has spent her life at court might, for instance, have Debutante and Courtier III. Similarly, if none of the Career blessings listed on the [[Blessings and Curses]] page fit your character's background, just talk to staff and we can either add an appropriate blessing or steer you towards one that matches your character.

==== Personality and Others ====

Characters should also pick several Personality blessings and curses, and - if appropriate - some Physical or Reputation traits. In general, characters should have 3-5 non-Career Blessings and 3-5 non-Career Curses, and they should have a roughly equal number of each. If you don't see the Blessing or Curse you want, talk to staff: we can always add a new Blessing or Curse when appropriate.

=== Exceptional Abilities ===

Tell us if your character has Psi, Theurgy, Cyber, or other exceptional abilities, including noteworthy training. If there is something you see your character as being so good at that they could compete in the Olympics or the equivalent, tell us. If there is something you see them as being so good at that they could win the Olympics, tell us that too.

This isn't just your character being very competent; this is your character being Usain Bolt (or Lance Armstrong, for the drug-loving Decados) exceptional. The answer can and often will be 'no' - your character can be great at something, or great at several somethings, without being Olympics-quality. But we do want to know if you see your character that way.

=== Description ===

Before submitting an application, make sure you have set a @description on your character. Your description does not need to be a novel, but should give us some sense of your sex, age, and physical features. We use this description to match physical blessings and curses that you have requested.

In addition to your @description, you should also set @sex, &age, &fullname and any other +finger attributes you would like to set up.

=== Background ===

Using the background code (+help backgrounds), submit a short background for your character. Your character's background does not need to be a novel. Most backgrounds are 3-4 paragraphs, though a concise paragraph will suffice, and some players instead choose to write several pages of background.

If your background is more than five to six paragraphs, please include a brief one-paragraph summary at the top of your background giving the highlights of your character.

All backgrounds should include:

* What planet is the character from?
* What social class was the character born into?
* What sort of environment (city, country, monastery, traveling) was the character raised in?
* What is the character's outlook on religion?
* What has the character done since he or she left home? (This should roughly align with the character's Career blessings)
* Why has the character come to Yathrib?

If you like, you can address these topics as a sort of questionnaire; alternately, you can write a narrative that addresses these questions.

=== Plot Hooks ===

At the end of your background, please include 1-5 plot hooks. These plot hooks take the place of benefices and afflictions from prior editions of Fading Suns and are a quick way for staff to generate stories particularly relevant for your character.

All plot hooks provide some benefit and some detriment for a character, usually because they connect the character more squarely with the world.

A plot hook should have the following format:

:'''Plot Hook Title:''' Short description.

Here are some suggested plot hooks:

* '''Vendetta:''' The character has an enemy who is out to get him or her. The enemy may cause trouble for the character, but the enemy's enemies may also seek the character out and offer aid.

* '''Ally:''' The character has an NPC ally, usually an important political figure on or off-world. The ally may lend aid to the character's endeavors, but will also expect help in return with his schemes.

* '''Artifact:''' The character has a strange or unique artifact, perhaps an Ur relic, a functioning Second Republic think machine, or something else. It may hold secrets that will help the character, but it will also attract attention from rivals who wish to claim the artifact for their own.

* '''Infamous Family:''' The character is from a particularly infamous branch of their family or has a relative famous for his or her misdeeds. This reputation may proceed the character, attracting people looking to settle old scores but also giving the character the opportunity to redeem the family name or just trade on its infamy for intimidation value.

* '''Very Wealthy:''' The character has a store of movable, personal wealth from past success. This may be an inheritance, a previously found treasure, or something else. This store of wealth increases the effective level of the character's lifestyle, but also may attract thieves looking to steal the character's riches.

* '''Black Sheep:''' The character has been ostracized by her house, guild, or church sect for real or percieved past misdeeds. The character cannot call upon the usual support of her faction, but in turn may find welcome among outcasts and iconoclasts.

* '''Claim of Right:''' In addition to the character's "natural" faction, the character can claim membership in good standing in a second group. Perhaps the character is a priest from a noble family who still has strong links with his house, is a Muster officer who is now on a permanent contract to the Imperial Army, or is the noble child of a Decados lord and a Hazat lady welcome in both families. Questing Knights, Swords of Lextius, and members of other adventuring orders all have this hook.

* '''Secret Society:''' The character is a member of a secret society, with the benefits and drawbacks thereof. This may be membership in an occult coven like the Fayvana or the Invisible Path, participation in a revolutionary group like BAMA or the Third Era, or in an underground splinter sect like the Incarnates or the Sathraists. Even noble conspiracies like the Royal Gambit can qualify.

== Submitting an Application ==

Once you have decided on all four of the items above, it is time to submit your application. Make sure you have set your background and plot hooks using the +help backgrounds and have set a @description on yourself.

Then, use +request (+help +request) to submit an application request. Include in your +request your proposed blessings and curses.

== Once Your Application Is Received ==

Once staff receives your application, they will review your background and set you up with a set of statistics. The staffer setting you up will check your stats with you and talk briefly about your background and concept until you are both relatively content.

Final approval requires more than one staffer to look at your +sheet and +background, but to expedite getting characters on the grid we approve characters as soon as one staff member signs off and hits +approve. If there isn't a second staffer on, however, this is a 'provisional' approval and it's possible some last-minute tweaks will be made after you hit the grid.

Regardless, once you hit the grid, have fun roleplaying!

Caelwyn

2013-05-30T00:38:20Z

Palamedes:

__NOTOC__
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{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"
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{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2" style="font-family: Perpetua, Times New Roman;"
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Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan
 
 
Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan

<center>[[Image:lihalan.png‎|125px]]</center>
|-
| class="cell"|
{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2" style="font-family: Perpetua, Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; border: 1px solid black;" align="justify"
|-
|
|-
! <center><h1>Quote</h1></center>
|-
|
"It has been said, that one cannot control the universe until one controls the world, and one cannot control the world unless there is calm in the community, and one cannot control the community until one controls the dwelling, and the dwelling is chaos unless one controls the self. And this is true. For what needs of armies and weapons, of the transported wealth of worlds, of homes and ownership, if one is not the captain of one's soul? Let those who have wisdom, ponder, and let those who understand take heed." 
<center>--Galaxia 5:8 </center>
|-
! <center><h1>Basic Information</h1></center>
|-
|
Caelwyn possesses a grand-sounding mix of titles even for a man well past his fortieth year, worn down by the demands of his family, the service of the Pancreator, and the relentless pressure of three decades of war. Devout and intense, the Flavian Crusade has kept his inner torch burning where otherwise it might have guttered, and like many Li Halan, wherever he goes, a churchman is never far away: scholars, confessors, and political specialists. It is that faith in the Pancreator's manifest will that keeps him going, energises him, and drives him, and that sent him across the stars to Yathrib. His family estates lie on far-off Kish, providing both wealth and Ishwin Confederacy shock troops: these and his vassals, together with holdings on Midian and lands seized on Rampart during the occupation, are being bled of men, technology, production, and treasure, to fund the cause of Flavian's Crusade. The Pancreator's will is clear: Revelation must be returned to the arms of the Universal Church.

A veteran like so many others of the Emperor Wars, Caelwyn has risen from commanding his own regiment of levies through greater and greater responsibilities to his present rank. He participated in many battles and campaigns of the Li Halan during the Emperor Wars, from the Conquest of Rampart to battles against the Decados and even as a small contingent of Li Halan forces in the final battles of Alexius's final victory at Byzantium Secundus. His reputation is that of an expert grand strategist, able to plan wide-ranging military campaigns even at the planetary level with great skill, although his once formidable skills at command of smaller formations have atrophied slightly over the decades of high command.

The Li Halan style of battle, augmented by Hazat thinking in years past and still full of the lessons of Sun Tzu, combines deception and diversion with a willingness to spend the lives of his troops like water poured onto the desert when necessary, yet preserving them carefully from needless losses. Caelwyn's pseudonym of "The Thousand Flowers General" came to be from an incident during the conquest of Rampart. Rather than imprison, ransom, execute or impress any captured self-identified 'Leaguers', they were offered the choice of making a thousand origami flowers to be offered to the altar of the new Orthodox cathedral, and when that task was done, they could swear an oath not to return to the battle and be released back as productive members of the new society - albeit carefully watched ones. The cathedral in Sa'frya even now contains hundreds of thousands of preserved paper flowers, proof that even the techsophists can be changed to productive members of society by compassion and the care of the Pancreator.

The General returned for a year after the crowning of Alexius to participate in the ongoing pacification of Rampart, before beginning a tour of his fragmented, battle-won holdings that lasted only one more year before, on Midian, Flavius announced the formation of his Crusade after the discovery of Yathrib's plight. Pledging his sword, his men, and his holdings to this great Holy Work, Caelwyn gathered his troops and supplies from across his holdings, marshaling and preparing, recruiting and gathering support from vassals or nobles who could be persuaded by passionate argument, careful poems, or religious exhortations. When the time came, his forces, and those Li Halan crusaders who pledged their own resources and companies to him as their Captain poured through the Yathrib jump-gate in company with the others of the Flavian Crusade as the Dragon Legion.

After years of grinding island to island warfare, these territories are now secured, and with the support of Duke Maximino, the Lord-General has now taken the Legion north into the battle for the Holy City and the support of the Crusader State.

|-
! <center><h1>Description</h1></center>
|-
|
Of only middle height but serious demeanour, Caelwyn's features are browned and bitten by the light of far-flung worlds, telling of years of toil in the service of his House's military. A pronounced epicanthic fold hints to his Li Halan family origins, although the stocky man of middle years bears no scars nor marks from his career that can be seen on visible skin, not so much as a cut, only a swordsman's calluses.

He is wearing a grey camouflage pattern jacket and trousers, the trouser ends tucked into dark grey desert boots. Over this under layer is strapped a modern version of samurai armour, the black-enamelled kevlar plates of breastplate and backplate joining arm and leg protectors, shoulderplates, and gloves. His swords are fixed to a harness across his back, that also holds a blaster pistol in an alaskan holster riding the curve of his stomach rather than at his side, more easily allowing him to sit in vehicles. Trifle pouches, communications devices, and a water canteen hang from the back and sides of the belt, a heavy shield generator nestled against the small of his back in a socket in the backplate.

The only splashes of gold-embossed colour are the circle of stars on each side of his collar, the twin sigils of the Twisted Spire and the Li Halan cross over his left breast, and a shoulder flash patch on his left arm of a snarling sinuous Chinese Dragon coiled around a jumpgate cross.
|-
! <center><h1>Contacts</h1></center>
|-
|

* Grand Duke Maximino Li Halan: A steadfast supporter but a difficult superior, always willing to further the goals of House and Church, but often in a divisively heavy-handed manner.
* Countess Eleanora Justine [[Amber]] Carlotta din Alt van Gelder, Countess Johburg: Though their views of the ideal structure of society differ, both are equally firm on the need to ward, protect, and take responsibility for their lessers and avoid unnecessary suffering and atrocity in war, and this dedication to duty formed a bond between them - his iron code of morality and honour helped in this regard. His increasing frustration with the Crusader State's lack of direction has strained their relationship, but there is still a deep layer of trust, tempered by mutual understanding of what the dictates of honour and loyalty might require of a man.
* Count [[Renaud]] Germain de Moley, Count of Leon: A vigorous warrior, although with an uncertain temper, his faith has wandered from the sheltering arms of the Church, and should be brought back there for his own sake.
* Conde Juan Antonio Corvado de Rolas y Vivar de Justus, del Hazat, Count of Oultrejouyeaux: A man with no small amount of courage, but his blatant use of witchery in combat coupled with an abrasive personality makes him nearly impossible to work with.
* Baron Hugh of Justinian, Lord of Remle, Quarter-Castellan of the North: Solid soldier that despises politics, and dedicated crusader, but may be dangerously over-focused on regaining his lost lands. 
* Baroness Midare Kirin Rinzetsu Li Halan, Lady of Jopha: Young and untried, but not lacking courage nor wits. Her feud with Momoko of the Hazat causes him headaches.
* Commodore Sofia Estefania Madalena Inez Guadalupe Eduardo Benignamin de Aragon, Baroness of Fenford: A most atypical Hazat in the matters of social discourse, and a little tentative and self-doubting, but in battle brave and bold, and in peace kind and hopeful. Don Sans is a fortunate man, as are the people of Fenford.
* The Rt. Rev. [[Agravain]] van Gelder, Abbot of St. Palamedes: Without doubt a most devout man dedicated to the Pancreator, but for one who has spent time on the Garden Worlds, he seems to lack the social niceties. Unfortunatly tainted with the stamp of the Curia-faction. Would make an admirable Abbot and Chancellor, or esteemed Inquisitor - but not both at the same time. However, as a representative of the Universal Church, Caelwyn has often supported the Inquisitor's efforts, even to the use of troops.
* Lady Linnea Torenson: Devoted Companion, Spymistress, Essential Logistician, Ward and Daughter, Prize of War and Hostage. For this young woman's safety, and happiness, worlds would burn at Caelwyn's hand if needed.
* Lady [[Samina]] Fairuz Nouhad al-Malik: The Songbird. While their Houses' emnity upon Yathrib makes them opponents, there is naught to be despised in the charming and culture-loving person of Samina herself, and much to be admired.
* Sir Cephus Justinian: Bluff and no-nonsense, the Armsmaster of Remle is dependable, although Caelwyn's interaction with him is mostly as a result of his daughter Naima.
* Sister [[Naima]] bint Justinian: A young idealist despite her chequered past, Caelwyn is honoured that she has come to see him as a mentor in both the conventional areas, but also in matters spiritual, which surprises him. He greatly values her trust, though regularly attempts to remind her that dark deeds may be ahead in war. Her visions and blessing from the Pancreator is worrysome, all the more so because the senior churchmen of Akko seem to have little time for the blessed amid the rough and tumble of politics.
* Master Zaed: While he sullied the honour of Caelwyn's tourney with his witch powers, he served out his penance. However, his reticence to re-enter combat and professed loathing for battle does not mesh with his urge to gain glory for love, nor should it be countenanced while the Heretic threat remains so strong.
* Brother [[Miles]] Fortius, Apprentice of Brother Battle: This young brother has performed excellently well on several operations under Caelwyn's orders, although not under his direct command. If youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the growth of wider world-awareness, he will go far.
* [[Verity]] Iolanda Winters, Entered of the Supreme Order of Engineers: Scatterbrained and lacking decorum, but a clear genius and may go far in the Engineers - if she survives the broadening of experience to rid her of her naïveté.
* Dame Trisje Miep van Gelder, Knight of the Company of the Phoenix: A skillful and seemingly reliable investigator-agent that clearly has much of her House's training within her - in all aspects.
* Dame Anja Torenson: Cool, collected, and poised - just as one would expect from a Torenson.
* Captain Sir Zakaria Haidar ibn Yunus ibn Hakim al-Bahri al Malik: While certainly brave, the flamboyant Al-Malik privateer has earned Caelwyn's emnity, but so long as he works towards the defeat of the Kurgan, matters will lie, even though Fallingfire and Hydessos are far from friendly competitors.
* Brother Moroko, Acolyte of Brother Battle, Vicar-Commander of Prior's Ford: An expert warrior, but not the best tactician or strategist, and despite his offworld origins, appears to have become wedded to the Yathribi De-Moley cause. Nonetheless, a man to be relied upon to do his work in battle's clamour.
* Baroness Lysandra Justinian, Lady of Claudius' Tomb: A determined woman, Caelwyn has a great deal of respect for Lysandra, even though he is fairly certain that despite her moves between Justinian and Decados, it is the Mantis' claws that are deepest embedded. Her ascension to Constable resulted from being one who has least offended any faction, at a moment when her opponents seemed to suddenly crumble - not the best foundation for a solid premiership.
* Baroness Chiaka Iulia Theodosia Justinian, Lady Avenal: Often a political opponent due to her natural but frustrating concerns with the North above all things, Caelwyn nonetheless enjoys his games of Go with the noblewoman who appears to cherish her Li Halan heritage. She seems brave but frail, a curious combination for a successful space privateer.
* Baron Hassan ibn Abd Al-Haww ibn Al-Malik, Lord of Helborg: A friendly young nobleman who has no idea of the reality of war, or the impact of the shells he tosses about. He'll learn or be deposed.
* Baron Arkady Ivanovich Decados, Lord of Margat: Amber seems to think much of Arkady, despite the initial reports that he was at best a dilettante warrior. Still, the Mantis are never what they appear to be.
* [[Isabeau|Isabeau Meeks]], Freewoman: An odd mix of innocence and intensity, her devotion to her protector Zaed had her approach Caelwyn on several occasions, despite the social gulf.
* Abiku of the Guild of Courtesans: Curiously reticent for a woman paid to put people at their ease, there seemed to be more to the Courtesan than met the eye.
* Geoffrey de Moley, Guardian of the Crusader State: A noble man, and a man of honour, but a weak and vacillating leader. Left it to his vassals to make a stand against an overbearing abuse of authority.
* Baroness Alysenne [Katerine] De Moley, Lady of Josselin: Attractive but severe for such a young noblewoman, Katerine's willingness to essay dangerous operations in battle if the reward was worth the risk drew Caelwyn's attention.
* Sir William Hawkwood, Knight Grand Gross of the Swords of Lextius: His attempt to sieze power was conducted with hands far too rough and grasping. A renowned soldier but lacking enough political nous to ease the transition and instead caused an ongoing riot. Caelwyn has in recent months been moving more and more towards his line of thinking, however - the State is a crippled mess, and strong, unified leadership may be the only way forward. However, it might be siezed without such -foolishness-, and returned to the bosom of the Church.
|
|-
|}
|}
| width="350px" class="cell" td valign="top"|
{| width="350px" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"
|-
{{InfoboxChar
|Image=[[Image:caelwyn.jpg|300px]]
|Concept=Devout Crusader
|Rank=Earl
|Faction=Li Halan
|DoB=Sometime in 4947
|Homeworld=Kish
|Home County=Offworld Crusader
|Height= 5'7
|Weight= 160lbs
|Physical Effects= Tanned
|Status=Unmarried Older Nobleman
|}}
|-
! <center><h2>Gallery</h2></center>
|-
|
<gallery>
File:caelwyn2.jpg
File:Cael3.jpg
</gallery>
|-
! <center><h2>Soundtrack</h2></center>
|-
|
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOY-Mi5rLY DJ Krush/Kodo - Ibuki Reconstruction]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzf6SLBBpY Poets of the Fall - War]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiK8AN-vDuI The Birthday Massacre - Red Stars]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCMlrY1y3N8 Tarja Turunen - Oasis]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIP41E4B-bI Origa - Inner Universe]'''
|
|-
|}
[[Category:PCs]][[Category:Active Characters]][[Category:Li Halan]][[Category:Noble]][[Category:Offworld Crusaders]]

Caelwyn

2013-05-30T00:24:59Z

Palamedes: Contacts update

__NOTOC__
{| id="characterTable" width="100%"
|-valign="top"
| class="cell"|
{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"
|-
| class="cell"|
{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2" style="font-family: Perpetua, Times New Roman;"
| style="color: black; font-family: Perpetua, Times New Roman, serif; padding-right: 0px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center" |
Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan
 
 
Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan

<center>[[Image:lihalan.png‎|125px]]</center>
|-
| class="cell"|
{| width="100%" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2" style="font-family: Perpetua, Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; border: 1px solid black;" align="justify"
|-
|
|-
! <center><h1>Quote</h1></center>
|-
|
"It has been said, that one cannot control the universe until one controls the world, and one cannot control the world unless there is calm in the community, and one cannot control the community until one controls the dwelling, and the dwelling is chaos unless one controls the self. And this is true. For what needs of armies and weapons, of the transported wealth of worlds, of homes and ownership, if one is not the captain of one's soul? Let those who have wisdom, ponder, and let those who understand take heed." 
<center>--Galaxia 5:8 </center>
|-
! <center><h1>Basic Information</h1></center>
|-
|
Caelwyn possesses a grand-sounding mix of titles even for a man well past his fortieth year, worn down by the demands of his family, the service of the Pancreator, and the relentless pressure of three decades of war. Devout and intense, the Flavian Crusade has kept his inner torch burning where otherwise it might have guttered, and like many Li Halan, wherever he goes, a churchman is never far away: scholars, confessors, and political specialists. It is that faith in the Pancreator's manifest will that keeps him going, energises him, and drives him, and that sent him across the stars to Yathrib. His family estates lie on far-off Kish, providing both wealth and Ishwin Confederacy shock troops: these and his vassals, together with holdings on Midian and lands seized on Rampart during the occupation, are being bled of men, technology, production, and treasure, to fund the cause of Flavian's Crusade. The Pancreator's will is clear: Revelation must be returned to the arms of the Universal Church.

A veteran like so many others of the Emperor Wars, Caelwyn has risen from commanding his own regiment of levies through greater and greater responsibilities to his present rank. He participated in many battles and campaigns of the Li Halan during the Emperor Wars, from the Conquest of Rampart to battles against the Decados and even as a small contingent of Li Halan forces in the final battles of Alexius's final victory at Byzantium Secundus. His reputation is that of an expert grand strategist, able to plan wide-ranging military campaigns even at the planetary level with great skill, although his once formidable skills at command of smaller formations have atrophied slightly over the decades of high command.

The Li Halan style of battle, augmented by Hazat thinking in years past and still full of the lessons of Sun Tzu, combines deception and diversion with a willingness to spend the lives of his troops like water poured onto the desert when necessary, yet preserving them carefully from needless losses. Caelwyn's pseudonym of "The Thousand Flowers General" came to be from an incident during the conquest of Rampart. Rather than imprison, ransom, execute or impress any captured self-identified 'Leaguers', they were offered the choice of making a thousand origami flowers to be offered to the altar of the new Orthodox cathedral, and when that task was done, they could swear an oath not to return to the battle and be released back as productive members of the new society - albeit carefully watched ones. The cathedral in Sa'frya even now contains hundreds of thousands of preserved paper flowers, proof that even the techsophists can be changed to productive members of society by compassion and the care of the Pancreator.

The General returned for a year after the crowning of Alexius to participate in the ongoing pacification of Rampart, before beginning a tour of his fragmented, battle-won holdings that lasted only one more year before, on Midian, Flavius announced the formation of his Crusade after the discovery of Yathrib's plight. Pledging his sword, his men, and his holdings to this great Holy Work, Caelwyn gathered his troops and supplies from across his holdings, marshaling and preparing, recruiting and gathering support from vassals or nobles who could be persuaded by passionate argument, careful poems, or religious exhortations. When the time came, his forces, and those Li Halan crusaders who pledged their own resources and companies to him as their Captain poured through the Yathrib jump-gate in company with the others of the Flavian Crusade as the Dragon Legion.

After years of grinding island to island warfare, these territories are now secured, and with the support of Duke Maximino, the Lord-General has now taken the Legion north into the battle for the Holy City and the support of the Crusader State.

|-
! <center><h1>Description</h1></center>
|-
|
Of only middle height but serious demeanour, Caelwyn's features are browned and bitten by the light of far-flung worlds, telling of years of toil in the service of his House's military. A pronounced epicanthic fold hints to his Li Halan family origins, although the stocky man of middle years bears no scars nor marks from his career that can be seen on visible skin, not so much as a cut, only a swordsman's calluses.

He is wearing a grey camouflage pattern jacket and trousers, the trouser ends tucked into dark grey desert boots. Over this under layer is strapped a modern version of samurai armour, the black-enamelled kevlar plates of breastplate and backplate joining arm and leg protectors, shoulderplates, and gloves. His swords are fixed to a harness across his back, that also holds a blaster pistol in an alaskan holster riding the curve of his stomach rather than at his side, more easily allowing him to sit in vehicles. Trifle pouches, communications devices, and a water canteen hang from the back and sides of the belt, a heavy shield generator nestled against the small of his back in a socket in the backplate.

The only splashes of gold-embossed colour are the circle of stars on each side of his collar, the twin sigils of the Twisted Spire and the Li Halan cross over his left breast, and a shoulder flash patch on his left arm of a snarling sinuous Chinese Dragon coiled around a jumpgate cross.
|-
! <center><h1>Contacts</h1></center>
|-
|

* Grand Duke Maximino Li Halan: A steadfast supporter but a difficult superior, always willing to further the goals of House and Church, but often in a divisively heavy-handed manner.
* Countess Eleanora Justine [[Amber]] Carlotta din Alt van Gelder, Countess Johburg: Though their views of the ideal structure of society differ, both are equally firm on the need to ward, protect, and take responsibility for their lessers and avoid unnecessary suffering and atrocity in war, and this dedication to duty formed a bond between them - his iron code of morality and honour helped in this regard. His increasing frustration with the Crusader State's lack of direction has strained their relationship, but there is still a deep layer of trust, tempered by mutual understanding of what the dictates of honour and loyalty might require of a man.
* Count [[Renaud]] Germain de Moley, Count of Leon: A vigorous warrior, although with an uncertain temper, his faith has wandered from the sheltering arms of the Church, and should be brought back there for his own sake.
* Conde Juan Antonio Corvado de Rolas y Vivar de Justus, del Hazat, Count of Oultrejouyeaux: A man with no small amount of courage, but his blatant use of witchery in combat coupled with an abrasive personality makes him nearly impossible to work with.
* Baron Hugh of Justinian, Lord of Remle, Quarter-Castellan of the North: Solid soldier that despises politics, and dedicated crusader, but may be dangerously over-focused on regaining his lost lands. 
* Baroness Midare Kirin Rinzetsu Li Halan, Lady of Jopha: Young and untried, but not lacking courage nor wits. Her feud with Momoko of the Hazat causes him headaches.
* Commodore Sofia Estefania Madalena Inez Guadalupe Eduardo Benignamin de Aragon, Baroness of Fenford: A most atypical Hazat in the matters of social discourse, and a little tentative and self-doubting, but in battle brave and bold, and in peace kind and hopeful. Don Sans is a fortunate man, as are the people of Fenford.
* The Rt. Rev. [[Agravain]] van Gelder, Abbot of St. Palamedes: Without doubt a most devout man dedicated to the Pancreator, but for one who has spent time on the Garden Worlds, he seems to lack the social niceties. Unfortunatly tainted with the stamp of the Curia-faction. Would make an admirable Abbot and Chancellor, or esteemed Inquisitor - but not both at the same time. However, as a representative of the Universal Church, Caelwyn has often supported the Inquisitor's efforts, even to the use of troops.
* Lady Linnea Torenson: Devoted Companion, Spymistress, Essential Logistician, Ward and Daughter, Prize of War and Hostage. For this young woman's safety, and happiness, worlds would burn at Caelwyn's hand if needed.
* Lady [[Samina]] Fairuz Nouhad al-Malik: The Songbird. While their Houses' emnity upon Yathrib makes them opponents, there is naught to be despised in the charming and culture-loving person of Samina herself, and much to be admired.
* Sir Cephus Justinian: Bluff and no-nonsense, the Armsmaster of Remle is dependable, although Caelwyn's interaction with him is mostly as a result of his daughter Naima.
* Sister [[Naima]] bint Justinian: A young idealist despite her chequered past, Caelwyn is honoured that she has come to see him as a mentor in both the convenational areas, but also in matters spiritual, which surprises him. He greatly values her trust, though regularly attempts to remind her that dark deeds may be ahead in war. Her visions and blessing from the Pancreator is worrysome, all the more so because the senior churchmen of Akko seem to have little time for the blessed amid the rough and tumble of politics.
* Master Zaed: While he sullied the honour of Caelwyn's tourney with his witch powers, he served out his penance. However, his reticence to re-enter combat and professed loathing for battle does not mesh with his urge to gain glory for love, nor should it be countenanced while the Heretic threat remains so strong.
* Brother [[Miles]] Fortius, Apprentice of Brother Battle: This young brother has performed excellently well on several operations under Caelwyn's orders, although not under his direct command. If youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the growth of wider world-awareness, he will go far.
* [[Verity]] Iolanda Winters, Entered of the Supreme Order of Engineers: Scatterbrained and lacking decorum, but a clear genius and may go far in the Engineers - if she survives the broadening of experience to rid her of her naïveté.
* Dame Trisje Miep van Gelder, Knight of the Company of the Phoenix: A skillful and seemingly reliable investigator-agent that clearly has much of her House's training within her - in all aspects.
* Dame Anja Torenson: Cool, collected, and poised - just as one would expect from a Torenson.
* Captain Sir Zakaria Haidar ibn Yunus ibn Hakim al-Bahri al Malik: While certainly brave, the flamboyant Al-Malik privateer has earned Caelwyn's emnity, but so long as he works towards the defeat of the Kurgan, matters will lie, even though Fallingfire and Hydessos are far from friendly competitors.
* Brother Moroko, Acolyte of Brother Battle, Vicar-Commander of Prior's Ford: An expert warrior, but not the best tactician or strategist, and despite his offworld origins, appears to have become wedded to the Yathribi De-Moley cause. Nonetheless, a man to be relied upon to do his work in battle's clamour.
* Baroness Lysandra Justinian, Lady of Claudius' Tomb: A determined woman, Caelwyn has a great deal of respect for Lysandra, even though he is fairly certain that despite her moves between Justinian and Decados, it is the Mantis' claws that are deepest embedded. Her ascension to Constable resulted from being one who has least offended any faction, at a moment when her opponents seemed to suddenly crumble - not the best foundation for a solid premiership.
* Baroness Chiaka Iulia Theodosia Justinian, Lady Avenal: Often a political opponent due to her natural but frustrating concerns with the North above all things, Caelwyn nonetheless enjoys his games of Go with the noblewoman who appears to cherish her Li Halan heritage. She seems brave but frail, a curious combination for a successful space privateer.
* Baron Hassan ibn Abd Al-Haww ibn Al-Malik, Lord of Helborg: A friendly young nobleman who has no idea of the reality of war, or the impact of the shells he tosses about. He'll learn or be deposed.
* Baron Arkady Ivanovich Decados, Lord of Margat: Amber seems to think much of Arkady, despite the initial reports that he was at best a dilettante warrior. Still, the Mantis are never what they appear to be.
* [[Isabeau|Isabeau Meeks]], Freewoman: An odd mix of innocence and intensity, her devotion to her protector Zaed had her approach Caelwyn on several occasions, despite the social gulf.
* Abiku of the Guild of Courtesans: Curiously reticent for a woman paid to put people at their ease, there seemed to be more to the Courtesan than met the eye.
* Geoffrey de Moley, Guardian of the Crusader State: A noble man, and a man of honour, but a weak and vacillating leader. Left it to his vassals to make a stand against an overbearing abuse of authority.
* Baroness Alysenne [Katerine] De Moley, Lady of Josselin: Attractive but severe for such a young noblewoman, Katerine's willingness to essay dangerous operations in battle if the reward was worth the risk drew Caelwyn's attention.
* Sir William Hawkwood, Knight Grand Gross of the Swords of Lextius: His attempt to sieze power was conducted with hands far too rough and grasping. A renowned soldier but lacking enough political nous to ease the transition and instead caused an ongoing riot. Caelwyn has in recent months been moving more and more towards his line of thinking, however - the State is a crippled mess, and strong, unified leadership may be the only way forward. However, it might be siezed without such -foolishness-, and returned to the bosom of the Church.
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{| width="350px" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"
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{{InfoboxChar
|Image=[[Image:caelwyn.jpg|300px]]
|Concept=Devout Crusader
|Rank=Earl
|Faction=Li Halan
|DoB=Sometime in 4947
|Homeworld=Kish
|Home County=Offworld Crusader
|Height= 5'7
|Weight= 160lbs
|Physical Effects= Tanned
|Status=Unmarried Older Nobleman
|}}
|-
! <center><h2>Gallery</h2></center>
|-
|
<gallery>
File:caelwyn2.jpg
File:Cael3.jpg
</gallery>
|-
! <center><h2>Soundtrack</h2></center>
|-
|
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOY-Mi5rLY DJ Krush/Kodo - Ibuki Reconstruction]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzf6SLBBpY Poets of the Fall - War]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiK8AN-vDuI The Birthday Massacre - Red Stars]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCMlrY1y3N8 Tarja Turunen - Oasis]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIP41E4B-bI Origa - Inner Universe]'''
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|}
[[Category:PCs]][[Category:Active Characters]][[Category:Li Halan]][[Category:Noble]][[Category:Offworld Crusaders]]

File:Cael3.jpg

2013-05-29T20:15:54Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-29T15:07:13Z

Palamedes: Contacts added (more data to go)

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Caelwyn Ichiro Xiu-Feng Li Halan
 
 
Earl of the Twisted Spire, Lord of Sigil Rock, Baron-Warden of Sa'frya Honourable Lord General of the Glorious Forces of the Kishian Quin-Long Li Halan

<center>[[Image:lihalan.png‎|125px]]</center>
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! <center><h1>Quote</h1></center>
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"It has been said, that one cannot control the universe until one controls the world, and one cannot control the world unless there is calm in the community, and one cannot control the community until one controls the dwelling, and the dwelling is chaos unless one controls the self. And this is true. For what needs of armies and weapons, of the transported wealth of worlds, of homes and ownership, if one is not the captain of one's soul? Let those who have wisdom, ponder, and let those who understand take heed." 
<center>--Galaxia 5:8 </center>
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! <center><h1>Basic Information</h1></center>
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Caelwyn possesses a grand-sounding mix of titles even for a man well past his fortieth year, worn down by the demands of his family, the service of the Pancreator, and the relentless pressure of three decades of war. Devout and intense, the Flavian Crusade has kept his inner torch burning where otherwise it might have guttered, and like many Li Halan, wherever he goes, a churchman is never far away: scholars, confessors, and political specialists. It is that faith in the Pancreator's manifest will that keeps him going, energises him, and drives him, and that sent him across the stars to Yathrib. His family estates lie on far-off Kish, providing both wealth and Ishwin Confederacy shock troops: these and his vassals, together with holdings on Midian and lands seized on Rampart during the occupation, are being bled of men, technology, production, and treasure, to fund the cause of Flavian's Crusade. The Pancreator's will is clear: Revelation must be returned to the arms of the Universal Church.

A veteran like so many others of the Emperor Wars, Caelwyn has risen from commanding his own regiment of levies through greater and greater responsibilities to his present rank. He participated in many battles and campaigns of the Li Halan during the Emperor Wars, from the Conquest of Rampart to battles against the Decados and even as a small contingent of Li Halan forces in the final battles of Alexius's final victory at Byzantium Secundus. His reputation is that of an expert grand strategist, able to plan wide-ranging military campaigns even at the planetary level with great skill, although his once formidable skills at command of smaller formations have atrophied slightly over the decades of high command.

The Li Halan style of battle, augmented by Hazat thinking in years past and still full of the lessons of Sun Tzu, combines deception and diversion with a willingness to spend the lives of his troops like water poured onto the desert when necessary, yet preserving them carefully from needless losses. Caelwyn's pseudonym of "The Thousand Flowers General" came to be from an incident during the conquest of Rampart. Rather than imprison, ransom, execute or impress any captured self-identified 'Leaguers', they were offered the choice of making a thousand origami flowers to be offered to the altar of the new Orthodox cathedral, and when that task was done, they could swear an oath not to return to the battle and be released back as productive members of the new society - albeit carefully watched ones. The cathedral in Sa'frya even now contains hundreds of thousands of preserved paper flowers, proof that even the techsophists can be changed to productive members of society by compassion and the care of the Pancreator.

The General returned for a year after the crowning of Alexius to participate in the ongoing pacification of Rampart, before beginning a tour of his fragmented, battle-won holdings that lasted only one more year before, on Midian, Flavius announced the formation of his Crusade after the discovery of Yathrib's plight. Pledging his sword, his men, and his holdings to this great Holy Work, Caelwyn gathered his troops and supplies from across his holdings, marshaling and preparing, recruiting and gathering support from vassals or nobles who could be persuaded by passionate argument, careful poems, or religious exhortations. When the time came, his forces, and those Li Halan crusaders who pledged their own resources and companies to him as their Captain poured through the Yathrib jump-gate in company with the others of the Flavian Crusade as the Dragon Legion.

After years of grinding island to island warfare, these territories are now secured, and with the support of Duke Maximino, the Lord-General has now taken the Legion north into the battle for the Holy City and the support of the Crusader State.

|-
! <center><h1>Description</h1></center>
|-
|
Of only middle height but serious demeanour, Caelwyn's features are browned and bitten by the light of far-flung worlds, telling of years of toil in the service of his House's military. A pronounced epicanthic fold hints to his Li Halan family origins, although the stocky man of middle years bears no scars nor marks from his career that can be seen on visible skin, not so much as a cut, only a swordsman's calluses.

He is wearing a grey camouflage pattern jacket and trousers, the trouser ends tucked into dark grey desert boots. Over this under layer is strapped a modern version of samurai armour, the black-enamelled kevlar plates of breastplate and backplate joining arm and leg protectors, shoulderplates, and gloves. His swords are fixed to a harness across his back, that also holds a blaster pistol in an alaskan holster riding the curve of his stomach rather than at his side, more easily allowing him to sit in vehicles. Trifle pouches, communications devices, and a water canteen hang from the back and sides of the belt, a heavy shield generator nestled against the small of his back in a socket in the backplate.

The only splashes of gold-embossed colour are the circle of stars on each side of his collar, the twin sigils of the Twisted Spire and the Li Halan cross over his left breast, and a shoulder flash patch on his left arm of a snarling sinuous Chinese Dragon coiled around a jumpgate cross.
|-
! <center><h1>Contacts</h1></center>
|-
|
* Grand Duke Maximino Li Halan: A steadfast supporter but a difficult superior, always willing to further the goals of House and Church, but often in a divisively heavy-handed manner.
* Countess Eleanora Justine [[Amber]] Carlotta din Alt van Gelder, Countess Johburg: Test
* Count [[Renaud]] Germain de Moley, Count of Leon: A vigorous warrior, although with an uncertain temper, his faith has wandered from the sheltering arms of the Church, and should be brought back there for his own sake.
* Conde Juan Antonio Corvado de Rolas y Vivar de Justus, del Hazat, Count of Oultrejouyeaux: A man with no small amount of courage, but his blatant use of witchery in combat coupled with an abrasive personality makes him nearly impossible to work with.
* Baron Hugh of Justinian, Lord of Remle, Quarter-Castellan of the North: Solid soldier that despises politics, and dedicated crusader, but may be dangerously over-focused on regaining his lost lands. 
* Baroness Midare Kirin Rinzetsu Li Halan, Lady of Jopha: Test
* Commodore Sofia Estefania Madalena Inez Guadalupe Eduardo Benignamin de Aragon, Baroness of Fenford: Test
* The Rt. Rev. [[Agravain]] van Gelder, Abbot of St. Palamedes: Test
* Lady Linnea Torenson: Devoted Companion, Spymistress, Essential Logistician, Ward and Daughter, Prize of War and Hostage. For this young woman's safety, and happiness, worlds would burn at Caelwyn's hand if needed.
* Lady [[Samina]] Fairuz Nouhad al-Malik: The Songbird. While their Houses' emnity upon Yathrib makes them opponents, there is naught to be despised in the charming and culture-loving person of Samina herself, and much to be admired.
* Sir Cephus Justinian: Bluff and no-nonsense, the Armsmaster of Remle is dependable, although Caelwyn's interaction with him is mostly as a result of his daughter Naima.
* Sister [[Naima]] bint Justinian: Test
* Master Zaed: While he sullied the honour of Caelwyn's tourney with his witch powers, he served out his penance. However, his reticence to re-enter combat and professed loathing for battle does not mesh with his urge to gain glory for love, nor should it be countenanced while the Heretic threat remains so strong.
* Brother [[Miles]] Fortius, Apprentice of Brother Battle: This young brother has performed excellently well on several operations under Caelwyn's orders, although not under his direct command. If youthful enthusiasm is tempered by the growth of wider world-awareness, he will go far.
* [[Verity]] Iolanda Winters, Entered of the Supreme Order of Engineers: Test
* Dame Trisje Miep van Gelder, Knight of the Company of the Phoenix: Test
* Dame Anja Torenson: Test
* Captain Sir Zakaria Haidar ibn Yunus ibn Hakim al-Bahri al Malik: Test
* Brother Moroko, Acolyte of Brother Battle, Vicar-Commander of Prior's Ford: Test
* Baroness Lysandra Justinian, Lady of Claudius' Tomb: Test
* Baroness Chiaka Iulia Theodosia Justinian, Lady Avenal: Test
* Baron Hassan ibn Abd Al-Haww ibn Al-Malik, Lord of Helborg: A friendly young nobleman who has no idea of the reality of war, or the impact of the shells he tosses about. He'll learn or be deposed.
* Baron Arkady Ivanovich Decados, Lord of Margat: Amber seems to think much of Arkady, despite the initial reports that he was at best a dilettante warrior. Still, the Mantis are never what they appear to be.
* [[Isabeau|Isabeau Meeks]], Freewoman: An odd mix of innocence and intensity, her devotion to her protector Zaed had her approach Caelwyn on several occasions, despite the social gulf.
* Abiku of the Guild of Courtesans: Curiously reticent for a woman paid to put people at their ease, there seemed to be more to the Courtesan than met the eye.
* Geoffrey de Moley, Guardian of the Crusader State: A noble man of honour, but a weak and vacillating leader. Left it to his vassals to make a stand against an overbearing abuse of authority.
* Baroness Alysenne [Katerine] De Moley, Lady of Josselin: Attractive but severe, Katerine's willingness to essay dangerous operations in battle if the reward was worth the risk drew Caelwyn's attention.
* Sir William Hawkwood, Knight Grand Gross of the Swords of Lextius: 

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| width="350px" class="cell" td valign="top"|
{| width="350px" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="2"
|-
{{InfoboxChar
|Image=[[Image:caelwyn.jpg|300px]]
|Concept=Devout Crusader
|Rank=Earl
|Faction=Li Halan
|DoB=Sometime in 4947
|Homeworld=Kish
|Home County=Offworld Crusader
|Height= 5'7
|Weight= 160lbs
|Physical Effects= Tanned
|Status=Unmarried Older Nobleman
|}}
|-
! <center><h2>Gallery</h2></center>
|-
|
<gallery>
File:caelwyn2.jpg
</gallery>
|-
! <center><h2>Soundtrack</h2></center>
|-
|
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOY-Mi5rLY DJ Krush/Kodo - Ibuki Reconstruction]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myzf6SLBBpY Poets of the Fall - War]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiK8AN-vDuI The Birthday Massacre - Red Stars]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCMlrY1y3N8 Tarja Turunen - Oasis]'''

'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIP41E4B-bI Origa - Inner Universe]'''
|
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|}
[[Category:PCs]][[Category:Active Characters]][[Category:Li Halan]][[Category:Noble]][[Category:Offworld Crusaders]]

Caelwyn

2013-05-29T14:24:29Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-29T14:20:53Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-29T13:58:38Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-29T13:40:17Z

Palamedes: Update Sidebar, Quotation

Caelwyn

2013-05-22T22:46:36Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-22T22:44:09Z

Palamedes:

Caelwyn

2013-05-22T22:42:05Z

Palamedes: Initial setup