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Post by Raetus on Mar 25, 2016 19:12:40 GMT
Greetings good knight we discuss the matters of the last gathering. A heated affair which I would say was far from successful. Have you heard word from Severus by any chance?
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Post by Raetus on Mar 26, 2016 18:08:47 GMT
Well the night draws to end and I must come to a decision as to how we are to proceed. First I have heard little to suggest that striking against Liabach or the Priest will either harm them significantly or garner us much advantage. It would however certainly become further fodder for them to continue their harassment. Indeed I find last gatherings actions heartening as it demonstrates that they are jealous of our quick action and fear that we will reach Nicodemus before them; this is of course true. I do not wish to waste energy upon fruitless retribution for I believe we will need all our resources in the days to come.
Morrigan & Healh: You are to research the ritual and attempt to ascertain Nicodemus' next relic. Try to gather knowledge from the legate but take care he is a prickly customer do not give him fodder for his fire. Perhaps Healh you might wish to approach him as you are without doubt the most righteous of us all.
Nuncio & Alfonso: We have a force of crossbow men that attacked this gathering. You still have the hunting dogs from last month. Start at the trees adjacent the stables, question the locals (Raetus gives the gathered a description of a scarred man on horseback), interrogate them and then bring the assassins to me alive (Raetus looks at Alfonso).
Symeon: We have pledged to expand the Cathedral and that we will do please attend to it.
Severus: I have heard nothing from for two months I hope he does not feed upon my land without honoring his responsibilities?
You have your orders now please unless you have need of elaboration attend to this matter.
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 26, 2016 20:00:22 GMT
Two things my lord.
1. The Crossbowmen that attacked our Stables are already dead. Peter of Capua caught and hung them not long after the gather. This is partially why I suggested that we retain the services of a Cappadocian capable of summoning the dead and forcing them to speak.
The only things that I know about them are that if they are religious they are not officially sanctioned, and that their crossbow bolts are somehow enchanted to fly straighter than normal. I do not know if they were the only ones of their kind, or if that there are more out there. Even if I did, I have no idea where to look.
2. I was waiting to make my case for punishing Laibach when Nunzio arrived, but I guess now will do. Tactics-wise the plan is fairly simple. We are going to spread our men through their lands with no uniforms or banners, and order them to kill indiscriminately. Merchants will be waylaid, farmers slaughtered, villages disappeared. We will also invoke the fear that our capabilities can generate, and use these men to spread fear of the things that stalk the night. No citizen of Laibach will be brave enough to leave their homes, the ones that are left anyways. Properly executed, this plan will make blood scarcer than gold. We already know that they have begun to array themselves against us, they do harbor a Usurper and are working closely with the false Doge after all. This plan will ensure that they do not have the blood to fuel any attacks on us in the future. It will also have the side benefit of strangling trade, and our domain can become even richer as a result.
I understand your reluctance, but let me say this. Our first priority is Nicodemus, but as of right now there is no action that can be taken. Quite simply, we must wait on Morrigan and Healh to provide a new lead. In the meantime, the rest of us have some time on our hands. I would suggest using this time to both avenge a grievous insult and require lost face, and to cripple an enemy before they can become a greater threat. If we allow this slight to go unpunished, we allow Liabach to grow stronger and deliver the first blow. Assuming they have not done so already.
Nunzio is of the same mind as myself on this.
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 26, 2016 20:02:03 GMT
Of course, despite my counsel you know that I am obedient in all things. Now that I have said my piece, if your mind has not been changed then I will carry out your original orders.
I will not forget how they spat on us in our own fucking home, rejected us after we restored them to health. Sooner or later, that demands an answer.
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Post by Raetus on Mar 26, 2016 22:29:45 GMT
Raetus considers Alfonso words.
"Are you sure that within the domain of Liabach your men may maintain secrecy. The area is renown for it's paranoid citizenry and it will require only one man to fall to the torturer's ministration to reveal their true identity. Further I do not entirely trust this Legate and would investigate the bandits ourselves. However, if revenge is truly what you desire perhaps we can arrange something more subtle.
In the darkness a rat scampers across the floor climbing Raetus' leg. In his lap its dark eyes turn and look at Alfonso.
"In a few months I will return with a vengeance in the shape of these animals. Have your men equipped to transport and distribute them throughout Liabach. Nunzio's men will be required to stop traffic from Liabach after these animals are delivered."
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 26, 2016 23:02:22 GMT
To be quite honest your grace, while it is not certain it is possible that one of our men could be caught and tortured. However, this is not as bad as it seems. The word of a mortal will not be enough to sway the Ard Rhi, torture is unreliable and Dominate could just as easily plant evidence as uncover it. Besides, Nunzio commands his irregulars with a great deal of discretion. They do not know where their orders come from exactly, and as such there is no link back to us. Keep that in mind if things get a little more heated.
That being said, I see the wisdom if your subtle approach. I will pass the word along to our armies and set up the blockade.
As for the Hunters, granted I do not trust the Legate entirely myself but in light of his actions I currently have no leads. In the night of the attack I had my men fan out and look for our attackers and none were found. (OOC actually did this at the end of the night, got nothing) Believe me, I want to drag their intestines through their hollow eyesockets for this slight, but as of now I know not where to look. Perhaps the dogs may find something, and I will of course look again if that is your wish. I feel that a Cappadocian is our best bet at the moment however.
One last thing, this false Doge. Laibach is one thing, Balaam is another insult entirely. I have already stated why his accusation and status are completely unwarranted, but I still must seek permission from you to avenge this slight. I will not kill him, not yet. But I will show him the depths that I will soon drag him down into.
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Post by Raetus on Mar 26, 2016 23:41:34 GMT
I am not sure you will have time to deal with that matter as well. Remember you are to crusade soon and I will need you to distribute these vermin into the Liabach domain. As for Nunzio he will in turn make arrangements to watch the trade routes as you will not want this matter to return into our lands. I have not forgotten the priest but I would have this venture command our full attention. Let his imagination be his torturer for now as he sees what happens to his allies. Balaam will find out soon what a poor decision it is to make an enemy of this domain. |
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 27, 2016 1:08:23 GMT
Alfonso nods.
"Very well your grace, I will see it done."
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Post by Raetus on Mar 27, 2016 13:25:58 GMT
"One more thing Alfonso have you learnt to cloud men's minds yet?"
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 27, 2016 17:47:57 GMT
"Regrettably no, your grace. However, Nunzio is capable of such feats."
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Post by Raetus on Mar 27, 2016 19:18:22 GMT
Well it does not hurt to back our gambit.
( Alfonso's face begins to ripple )
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Post by Raetus on Mar 28, 2016 22:15:42 GMT
(After a moment Alfonso's appearance changes taking on a somewhat fairer complexion with slight freckling, his hair has an auburn tone while his eyes turn a vivid green.)
"There now you look like Drust he was always a troublemaker. Remember buy your supplies outside of this domain grain wagons, grain and barrels I should imagine will be necessary." |
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Post by Alfonso Valencia on Mar 28, 2016 22:59:19 GMT
Alfonso nods. "Of course, your grace. As a matter of fact, I may purchase them in the free city. Might be interesting if Laibach traces this calamity back to their supposed allies no?"
"Also, my friend that has just recently joined Klagenfurt has informed me that they might be amendable to our cause. Perhaps they might put their military towards this blockade as well if approached."
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Post by Raetus on Mar 28, 2016 23:18:05 GMT
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Post by Symeon of Jerusalem on Mar 28, 2016 23:20:24 GMT
(I believe Severus may be waiting until he comes to a game to start posting)
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