Exalted: Dreams of Exaltation - Prelude: Gremlin Wars

[Krul]

Ash and Director were allowed a few days to get to know the city, and the troops that both of them were assigned. The Director was assigned a large unit, a full company, while Ash was given command over a squad of soldiers, some of whom were even enlightened mortals, though these individuals were mostly in command of the unit.

Of course, both of them would need to select their particular charm loadout for the mission, which was elimation of a gathering group of gremlin's a few days from the city.

[Jeremy]

It seemed the troops were of adequate quality, Director reflected as at the vats his charms were loaded into himself. He had taken the time to review his available charms and select an appropriate list to use to prepare himself for battle.

Gremlins... the scourge should probably be wiped out from range, terrain and surprise permitting. He should make sure that the soldiers were equipped with crossbows and knew how to use them.

Ash... as long as she obeyed her orders, her presence would be entirely beneficial. Her squad should be kept in reserve, they would make an excellent counterattack force.

And so went his train of thought, the Starmetal Alchemical running countless tactical and strategic scenarios in his mind.

Click to reveal..

Loadout: The Strategy/Tactics Configuration

First Charisma Augmentation

Second Intelligence Augmentation

Second Wits Augmentation

Sixth Attribute Augmentation (Dexterity+Melee)

Imprinted Data Cluster (War- Tactics, Socialize- Discern Motivation, War- Strategy)

Integrated Arsenal System (Straight Sword, Mechanized Crossbow)

Accelerated Response System (Dodge DV)

Tunnel-Fighting Tactical Omnibus Implant

Aim-Calibrating Sensors

[Krul]

Aggressive Steel Heart was less certain of which combat layout was the best for the situation, but after discussing things with Strategic Intuitive Director, she reluctantly chose her more mixed combat layout, if he was going to use her as a reserve, rather then a forward force it would work out better that way.

Meanwhile, their units took some time to get used to the new commanders, somewhat concerned, but willing to follow orders. With Ash, her men appreciated her enthusiasm, but were concerned that it would carry them forward into situations beyond they ability to survive. With Director it was slightly different, his calm orderly manner, and understanding of tactics was appreciated by the captains under his command, but he was as of yet unproven in battle, could he lead them? Both of them would have to prove themselves in due time, as they prepared for the coming mission.

Click to reveal..

I'm going to make use of this system for a thread, until one goes back to the vats, or has the right protocols, the charms selected for the initial load are the one's one has available.. this is for allies as well as PC's.. and sense Ash is an ally of sorts.

Ash's Charm Layout

Third Combat Layout - Mixed Combat Layout [10 mote Commitment]

Smoking Corona Strike Array (1st Strength Augmentation, 1st Dexterity Augmentation, Aim-Calibrating Sensors, & Essence Irradiation Corona)

Sixth Dexterity Augmentation (Dexterity + Archery)

Strain-Resistant Chassis Modification x 2

Transcendent Multimodal Artifact Matrix (SS Razor Claws + 2 Acc., Essence Drain)

Optical Enhancement

Accelerated Response System

Multiphase Divinity Regulator

[Jeremy]

It was a certain fact, Director reflected, that every commander has to prove himself to his soldiers at the outset. The commander is not a mere warrior, the lives of his troops, and many more importance factors depend on his being able to competently and appropriately lead, making use of his soldiers' full potential.

Granted, while they remained unsure, that potential would not be reached, but then it was all the more important to demonstrate what the men needed to know.

Director also ruminated that it did not mean foolhardiness. It was not glory being sought from those above him, it was the confidence and support of those below himself.

All this thought was while looking at a map of the campaign region, where the gremlins were gathering and circulating.

Click to reveal..

Can we get some greater details on the mission:

- Area/Terrain

- Estimated size of the enemy

- Any Apostates?

[Krul]

Sending out scouts, in this case, a few men lead by Ash herself, the Director managed to get a feel for the terrain ahead. About 7 tunnels that were interwoven together here and there, parting in places for distances up to 100 feet, then reconnecting and crisscrossing one another, in one area all 7 tunnels open up directly over a huge conduit below where lightning crackles back and forth, under long bridges, and large pipes filled with steam go through the room up and down..

Without revealing herself, Ash was able to indentify close to about 200 to 300 gremlin machines, supported by about a 100 or humans, and what appeared to be a apostate, and Alchemical with dozens of metallic tentacles sprouting from his body, and hair like dozens of snakes.. and his lower body being yet more metallic tentacles, He looked like a twisted mix of spider, octopus and human, and about 75% larger then normal

Ash returned to you shortly with this information. "I'm not sure, brother, but I suspect the Apostate may be something of a problem."

[Jeremy]

"True," Director murmured, "but they are disorganized and unprepared at the moment, and will become much less effective once he is downed. We'll move out and get the element of surprise."

After making this clear to her and his officers, the move out to battle began.

Click to reveal..

Ash is going to be integrated as a hero, plus five relays and two sorcerors.

Can I take advantage of my Tactical Instincts merit before the rolling of Join War, thanks to the advance information?

[Krul]

Aggressive Steel Heart nods to her fellow champion "Your in command then, I will integrate my forces with yours as directed." She paused a moment, and her eyes gleamed with eagerness, as she advanced a thought. "Give me just a moment, brother... get me close to the Apostate, and I'll take him out of the battle, even if I don't kill him, I'll keep him so occupied with me, you'll be able to finish off the rest of his forces." Her voice was touched with an edge of excitement even as she suggested it.

Click to reveal..

With the information, yes, you may.

[Jeremy]

"If they manage to close in on us then yes. But use restraint. Now let's move out."

Director did not want to answer very bad questions about her demise, hence his clear limitations on her freedom to pursue this action.

Click to reveal..

Heh. 7 sux on 10d10.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2713792/

[Krul]

Ash sighed slightly, but reigned in her enthusiasm a bit as Strategic Intuitive Director sent his forces to their various positions, and moved to attack the enemy. A true battle was about to begin, and for the moment the advantage was with the forces from the city of Loran.

Click to reveal..

And now.. JOIN BATTLE

[Jeremy]

Click to reveal.. (BATTLE 1, FIGHT!!)

(15:31:23) ChatBot: (Director) logs into the Chat.
(15:31:35) (Director): Join War-
(15:32:13) (Director): Wits 5 + War 5 - Magnitude 4 = 6d10
(15:32:42) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 6d10 and gets 1,1,5,2,9,2.
(15:32:55) (Director): meh, 1 sux

[Krul]

Even though his unit moved a bit slower then desired, the Director was still in posistion sooner then his foe, and his attack was unexpected. Lauching his quick attack, the Director attempts to keep his foe of balance and the intial attack goes very well. Ash's division hits the enemy on the right and crunches though them like a hot knife though butter, with the Alchemical in the lead, like the point of a spear. Though non of the other divisions were quite as distructive, they all were increadible effective.

Click to reveal..

Suprise Attack, so you get to attack first, make your attack with all target DV's at 0.. he rolls to join battle immedately following the suprise attack, and gets the following.

(12:45:31) (Krul): Join War -

(12:45:50) (Krul): Wits 4 War 3 - Magnitude 5 = 2d10

(12:45:55) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 3d10 and gets 4,7.

One success

[Jeremy]

The troops moved up to face the Apostate's horde, and as Director told his captains to deliver a volley, the orders were ringing out with quick clarity and the soldiers let out a cheer as they raised their crossbows and fired at close range.

The surprise attack had raised their spirits and the gremlins would react with shock at the assault. Director surveyed the effects of his move, clearly pleased.

Click to reveal..

(16:05:36) (Director): All right... Director sends Archery fire

(16:07:01) (Director): The relevant stats are: Might 2, Ranged Combat Rating 3, Ranged Damage 3, Director: Dex 4, Archery 2, Accuracy +1 (Mechanized Crossbow)

(16:07:29) (Director): also, note that the unit is in close formation

(16:07:50) (Director): adding 3 dice from Tac Instincts pool, leaving 4

(16:08:56) (Director): total: 4 sux (-1 ext penalty for attacking a higher Mag unit since it is in unordered), 10d10

(16:09:42) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 10d10 and gets 3,5,5,5,9,1,1,3,3,5.

(16:09:53) (Director): well...

(16:10:20) (Director): 1 normal sux + 4 auto sux = 5 total attack sux.

(16:15:35) (Director): Pre-DMG soak: 7d10 base dmg + ranged dmg 3 + 5 from attack sux = 15L pre-soak dice (piercing dmg w/ target arrows)

16:17:19) (Director): Krul also wants me to roll for ASH

(16:20:10) (Director): ASH: Dexterity 5 + Melee 5 = 10d10

(16:20:15) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 10d10 and gets 6,3,3,3,9,10,7,7,3,7.

(16:20:36) (Director): 6 attack sux

(16:22:37) (Director): finally, Charisma 3 + War 5 to avert an Endurance point loss, diff 2

(16:22:44) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 8d10 and gets 3,5,3,9,9,8,3,5.

(16:22:56) (Director): loss averted

[Krul]

Utterly suprised by the intial attack, the forces of the Apostate, who upon closer inspect appeared to be Orichalcum with a lot of soulsteel mixed in, were hit hard and fast. Lightning crackled up and down Ash's limbs even as she hit from one side, her razor claw artifact active and up, sense she'd activated it before the attack, and a anima of smoke crackling with blue lightning rose around her as she hit the enemy.

So devistating is this intial attack, and so suprising, that the enemy is scattered and sent in all directions, some of them running away as fast as they could to excape this forceful assalt.

Click to reveal..

At the moment, Ash rolled for by Director, sense she's a Hero in his under his direction, she'll roll independently if she breaks off.

Ok, Damage, the soak that matters is 12L, but your damage is piercing so roll 9 dice for damage. Also, Ash has her Soulsteel Razor Claws out, and enhanced her attack with her combo, her total damage is 21L - 12, so roll 9 dice for her, but with Smoking Corona Strike, she does 1 auto-damage, and 10s on the damage roll count twice.

(13:48:50) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 9d10 and gets 1,7,7,6,4,10,1,10,1.

(13:49:12) (Krul): 4 damage

(13:49:24) (Krul): -Ash Hero Assult

(13:49:35) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 9d10 and gets 3,9,4,2,4,6,6,2,1.

(13:49:46) (Krul): 1 damage + 1 for Smoking Corona

Total Damage: 6 HL's

Enemy Morale Check

Valor 3 - 1 penality for 2 dice, target number of +2

(13:59:18) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 2d10 and gets 8,7.

2 Successes, failed the Morale Check by 1

Failed, Magnitude of Unit Drops to 3, Health Track back to full.

Fatigue

(14:04:38) (Krul): Fatigue Check

(14:05:20) (Krul): Charisma 4, War 3 - 2 Fatigue

(14:05:28) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 5d10 and gets 3,6,9,10,3.

3 successes, no fatigue

Enemy Unit Magnitude now 4, full health

[Jeremy]

Elated by the scattering enemy, Director gestured forward, and so signaled, his men charged.....

Click to reveal..

(17:10:40) (Director): Round 2- Move and attack

(17:13:02) (Director): Might 2, Close Combat Rating 6 (base 3, but it says that bonus sux and max sux from this stat doubles in Close Formation), Melee Damage 3, 1 external sux for higher Magnitude, Dexterity 4, Melee 5

(17:13:41) (Director): +2 accuracy for Straight Sword

(17:13:48) (Krul): (Btw, add +6 to Ash's roll when you roll for her, I forgot to add Acurracy)

(17:13:54) (Director): kk

(17:14:06) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 11d10 and gets 1,1,8,7,3,4,6,9,9,3,1.

(17:15:59) (Director): 4 rolled sux, + Might 2 + CC 6 + Mag Large 1 = 13 sux - (the Parry DV of the Apostate + 1 half his unit's average Parry DV)

(17:17:15) (Director): which is?

(17:18:37) (Krul): (Parry DV of 4 (Reduced by his low war, has to use War Rating not melee rating) + 2 for his unit, but he'll use 2nd Dex Excellency to increase it by +1]

(17:19:14) (Director): so 6 or 7?

(17:19:43) (Krul): 6 I believe

(17:21:36) (Director): ok. so base 2 + Weapon 3 + rolled 7 + Unit dmg 3 = 15L pre-soak dmg again, subtracting 12 soak leaves 3 dmg to roll

(17:21:59) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 3d10 and gets 4,3,7.

(17:22:10) (Director): 1 level

[Krul]

The orchalcum apostate manages to rally his troops together, forcing them to merge into a close combat formation, even as some of them are cut down by the Director's men.

To the suprise of Strategic Iniative Director's forces, Aggressive Steel Heart continued to pour all of her force and power into the next attack, spending motes like water to make it more effective. Smoke and Lightning crackle around her and trail behind her as she cuts foes down like a perfect scythe, the lighting still crackling around her foes as they fall, and she slices deep into the enemies formation, cutting them down like grass.

For the Director, watching the situation, he knows she's going all out, and perhaps a bit too agressively, as her anima rises around her in a blaze of glory, though fortunatly, she's still part of his unit and he can act defensively on her behalf.

Click to reveal..

Apostate: Change Formation to Close

(14:23:51) (Krul): Positives and Negatives, comes to 5d10 to roll, with a difficulty of 2

(14:24:00) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 5d10 and gets 3,10,8,6,2

3 Successes, he succeeds.

(14:24:47) (Krul): Ash however, is going to go a bit crazy.. maximizing her offensive, and spending 13 motes to activate all aspects of her array at once, Anima is Iconic

(14:25:58) (Krul): Dex + Melee is 10 + 6 Accuracy for Weapon + 5 for raising dex to 10, for a total of 21 dice to roll

(14:26:42) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 21d10 and gets 10,8,10,1,3,3,3,1,10,9,9,4,3,7,4,8,2,1,7,2,1.

Aim Calibrating Sensors reduces external penalities (which include unenhanced DV's] to 0

Damage after soak, Augemented Attack

(14:33:08) (Krul): er.. negative, -12 so rerolling entirely

(14:33:20) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 15d10 and gets 7,5,8,2,9,4,1,5,1,5,10,2,7,6,10.

9 Successes.. raising the total Damage of the enemy unit to 10..

Enemy Magnitude Drops by 1, to 3, Health Refreshes.

Ash's Remaing Motes: 3 Perpheral, 2 Personal

[Jeremy]

Trying to hold back his anxiety at Ash's recklessness, Strategic Initiative Director drew his sword and with a squad around him, entered the fray directly. The battle was raging, but he knew the fight was their's. But it should be brought to a close, and soon.

A human charged at him, and Director thrust his straight sword through the man's chest with a pinpointed stab. A gremlin custodian leaped forward with twisted whirring drills, but Director cut precisely from shoulder to thigh, and the gremlim collapsed.

In a short period of time, a serious hole had opened in the Voidbringer position, and Autochithonian soldiers poured in, smashing the heretics to pieces with every righteous blow.

(OOC: Magnitude 1 is 2-10 men, Mag 2 11-75, Mag 76-150. This should give a flavored extent of how fast the bastards are falling. )

Click to reveal..

(20:21:42) (Director): Ok, so the attack continues

(20:23:52) (Director): Might 2, effective Close Combat Rating 6, Melee Damage 3, 2 external sux for higher Magnitude (it should be Mag 2 left of the Apostate's force), Dexterity 4, Melee 5, +2 Accuracy for Straight Sword, 3 dice from TI pool (1 left), activating Aim-Calibrating Sensors for 3m

(20:24:15) (Director): 14d10

(20:24:23) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 14d10 and gets 4,5,10,7,8,9,6,7,6,8,6,9,4,1.

(20:27:14) (Director): 8 rolled sux + Might 2 + CC Rating 6 + Melee dmg 3 + 2 large mag sux + 2 strength + 3 weapon = 26 pre-soak

(20:27:25) (Director): -12 soak = 14 post soak

(20:27:30) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 14d10 and gets 4,1,2,10,8,8,6,3,3,8,7,3,8,7.

(20:27:50) (Director): 7 hl done

(20:28:24) (Director): Cha+War to avert Endurance point loss

(20:28:29) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 8d10 and gets 4,5,6,7,6,9,10,6.

(20:28:51) (Director): loss averted, Endurance P: 5/6

[Krul]

Even as Strategic Intiative Director moved in essence to what was the mop up phase of the battle, having lead his forces to a nearly flawless victory, Aggressive Steel Heart continued to force her way into the heart of the battle, contining to slash her way deep into the enemy forces, her own unit moving behind her to cut down anyone she missed. There was still no restraint in her, though perhaps, at this point there should be, she simply continued to pour essence into her attack, her anima still blazing around her like a thundercloud made of black smoke and purple lightning.

The apostate was actually rather dismayed at how quickly his forces were going down, this was not at all what he was expecting. The sudden arrive of not one, but two Alchemical's on the field of battle put him at a serious disadvantage. Furthermore, Strategic Intuitive Director was a fair more capable general then he was, his tactics and strategy were so far superior to his own, and the surprise attack had seriously undermined his initial chances.

Suddenly, the Voidbringer chose to abandon his forces, after all, he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day, he could always build up later somewhere else, less dangerous to him. He began to quickly climb up the wall using tentacles that drove themselves into the tunnel walls even as he moved away from the battle.

Click to reveal..

(20:22:49) (Krul): Rolling for Ash who is using her last 5 motes to activate Aim Calibrating Sensors and Essence Irratiation from her Array, leaving her only enhanced attacks for further attacks

(20:22:56) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 16d10 and gets 8,7,10,8,1,6,.

(20:23:34) (Krul): 10 successes with no active defenses that apply

(20:23:53) (Krul): Damage is 15L - 12 for Armor so 3 + 10

(20:24:05) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 13d10 and gets 8,3,4,8,7,7,8,6,7,2,7,8,7.

(20:24:52) (Krul): 9 damage for her attack

Magnitude Drops to 2.. Rout, the Commander is abandoning the unit and the remaining units are running away.

NOTE: Should Strategic Intuitive Director want to pursue the Apostate, he's the only one who had any motes left, Ash will go with him, but she doesn't have any motes left at this time, sense she spent them so aggressively against the army the Voidbringer had.

[Jeremy]

Strategic Initiative Director walked forward, past the downed corpses of heretical men and gremlinized hulls. He had beaten the Voidbringer, and for a moment as he saw the retreating traitor, he allowed a chuckle of triumph. Then his smile disappeared.

The Apostate could not be allowed to escape! Shouting to a clump of men he ushered them into a firing line to target the Voidbringer. His form started to glow a visible blue as he focused and directed their attention.

Then, his eyes found a weary Aggressive Steel Heart down the tunnel. "Ash!" His voice calling out to his Soulsteel sister. "Shoot the Apostate, sister!"

The distinctive sound of crossbows firing accented his point as squad after squad took the Apostate for their new target.

Click to reveal..

(20:26:32) (Director): A Solo character unit is Mag 0

(20:27:01) (Director): Hence Director is ordering his soldiers to shoot him down

Aim Calibrating Sensors again, 3m

(20:27:58) (Director): Dexterity 4, Archery 2, +1 Acc, Ranged Combat 3, Might 2, +1 from Tac Instincts (empty pool)

(20:28:13) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 8d10 and gets 9,4,7,7,6,8,5,5.

(20:30:50) (Director): sorry, Mag large 4 sux + 4 rolled sux + Might 2 + Ranged Combat 3 + Ranged Dmg 3 +7L = 23L vs. (10/2) soak = 18 post-soak

(20:30:58) ChatBot: (Director) rolls 18d10 and gets 5,1,10,5,4,3,7,7,9,2,2,1,3,8,7,5,1,1.

6 hl.

[Krul]

As the apostate alchemical attempts to flee the attack, when her brother Alchemical called out to her, she nodded slightly, even though weary, and more or less spent, she still had her natural attacks, and she lifted up her onslaught crossbow, which had been hanging at her side, to fire at the fleeing enemy.

On bolt went right though the heart of the Alchemical, and the next bolt through his head, and he fell from the wall, even as his tendrils lashed out at the wall several times, and for a moment, he went through several death throws as it lay dying on the ground.

Ash stepped up, and about to finish it off as it lay dying, turned to her starmetal companion. “Perhaps you would like to finish him, brother?”

Click to reveal..

(18:23:58) (Krul): Ash makes a dual attack, at -1, -2 on her Onslaught Crossbow

(18:24:06) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 12d10 and gets 10,10,5,6,6,7,7,4,1,8,8,8.

(18:24:14) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 11d10 and gets 2,9,6,7,2,9,3,5,8,10,10.

(18:28:48) (Krul): each attack gets through the fleeing apostate's defenses, pushing them further down each time. Reduced DV to 5, then to 4

(18:29:45) (Krul): Damage 12L - 10L + 9-5 for a total of 6 on the first strike, and 12L-10L +8-4 for 6 on the Second strike, 12 damage dice rolled

(18:29:51) ChatBot: (Krul) rolls 12d10 and gets 8,9,5,6,3,10,9,3,3,10,9,5.

6 Damage.. Alchemical had only 10 Health Levels, he's past incapcitated, Director can finish him, but the death is certain at this point.

[Jeremy]

SID shook his head. "No, have your kill, credit is greatly due to you. However you were exceptionally recklessness in that assault, a fact I'm afraid will not be omitted from the report made when we return."

[Krul]

She laughed in response, not at all concerned about the matter, as she lowered her crossbow and fired directly into the head of the apostate, finishing it off. A good bit of orchicalcum remained that could be harvested to be used in construction, and she reached down to pluck the Soulstone from the Apostate's head, handing it to Stratigic Iniative Director.

"True, but it was successful recklessness, make the report, brother, I would not have you falsify anything. Indeed, if you need me to support any part of your report, only say so, and I'll agree with it."

Clearly, she was not in the least repentant for her actions, though perhaps Director would know a few ways this could have gone differently, in a different tatical situation.

[Jeremy]

Director inwardly made a note to discuss Ash's flawed line of thought with her at a more appropriate time as he took the soulgem. All it took would have been an Apostate more interested in getting to grips with the Alchemicals, or a better organized foe, and she could have been overwhelmed after loosing momentum.

But now, Director wanted to reorganize the company and take stock of losses, minimal as they likely were. So he only nodded to Ash, and moved away to call the officers back together.

The sword he carried rose up and retracted into his body, part of the Integrated Arsenal System.

[Krul]

Even as he retracted his blade, Ash also retracted her razor claws back into her own body. She then returned to her own unit to make sure everyone was alright, a few of them had been wounded in order to keep up with her, but non of them too seriously.

In general, that was the status of just about everyone in Strategic Initiative Director's forces, some folks were wounded, but no one was dead. It was an almost perfect attack, in fact, and even now there were still a few folks engaged with and taking out a few remaining gremlins.. the way was open.

Not too far beyond this point, there was a huge deposit of magicial materials, several veins of all of 6 basic materials, even adamant.

[Jeremy]

Director restrained a laugh when he heard the news, trying to hold his joy back behind the mask. They had not yet completely secured the area after all. "We'll move onto the deposits and make sure they're secure." He informed his cluster of subordinates. "Until we're completely sure the area is gremlin-free, the mission is not complete."

[Krul]

"There do appear to be some gremlin's remaining sir, but we believe we'll have the area clear within a hour or two." They looked around for a moment at the area around them, most of them wearing goggles to increase the light they could see by. "We should bring in the mining crews as soon as possible."

Even as they began to clear out the last few stragglers, the men continued their work, when suddenly one of them called out to the commander, to both champions in fact.

"Sir, Ma'am, you better take a look at this." When both of them came to take a look, it appeared that there was a message, from the Apostate here, to a second, more powerful one. He was reporting success in his mission, and requesting additional backup to prepare an attack on Loran itself.

[Jeremy]

"By Autochithon! How many more do we have to deal with?" Director's swear was tinged with a strained quality, as he focused on keeping an annoyed, rather than fearful or shocked expression. If the city was at risk for a second attack... Loran was in no way at risk for falling, but severe damage could be done. It was his decision yet again, and he knew much less this time.

"Ash," his voice clear and brooking no disagreement, "take your squad back to Loran as fast as possible. Bring them this message and explain what's happened. Make sure they're on alert. I'll stay here and ensure the mining crews get started."

[Krul]

Considering the matter for only a moment, she nodded. "A good choice brother.. may the Maker watch over you." With that she began to call out commands to her squad and within a few minutes they were gone. "Get your buts in gear, soldiers, we have a important mission, we have a critical message to take back to the city, and there's no time to wait for stragglers, up and at em folks."

Say what he could about her impetuous behavior, it did come in handy that she was completely unwilling to wait for anything when she had a task, taking it on with as much enthusiasm as one could possibly expect, he barely even had spoken the words before she was gone.

Leaving Strategic Initiate Director in command as the mining crews prepared to move in to the area, and his unit was still mopping up the last few gremlins in the area.

[Jeremy]

Director watched his Alchemical sister leave, and considering the situation, nothing had better go wrong with her return. Or with the city. In the mean time, the Starmetal strode off to assist his men with the mopping up and following reorganization.

[Krul]

Mopping up didn't take all that long, especially with Strategic Initiative Director there to see that it went easily and efficiently. Soon enough, it was clear and the mining crews went straight to work, with Ash returning to the city, there would be vessels coming out to pick up the resources soon enough.

[Jeremy]

Given that Ash would warn the city, then the question of action remained, albeit reduced in possible options. It was certainly of the greatest urgency to track and stop this greater Apostate, but with the limited information that was provided by this letter...

Director had little choice but to hold his position and secure the area fully. After all, the mining crews could not be left unprotected, and dividing forces at this point would be only rash. He had the supplies brought up, and the men beginning to establish a guarded camp in the tunnels.

[Krul]

There was some murmuring from the men, very complementary stuff in fact, some of them were looking upon their general with new and wondering eyes. Over the next two days, a good degree of mining was done, and Director found that there was little need for him, other then a small probe made by enemy forces at one point.

It was the third day however, that things became more interesting, and another army unit arrived, and a series of instructions from the Grand Council.

Director and his unit were being recalled to the city, with what resources he had, to prepare the city defenses for invasion.

[Jeremy]

As the combined flotilla of miners, soldiers and ships prepared to depart, Director stood upon the deck of the lead ship, looking into the distance. In the direction of Loran, where the city faced a major gremlin assault. But the scourge would be stopped, with the combined efforts of Director, his sisters and the city itself. Surely the blessed Alchemicals of Authchithon together in order would prevail.

And yet, it pointed to the dangers, the increasing tide of ruin. Let us hope Project Gateway should yet prove the way to our Maker's healing. No less might be necessary.

"Sir?" It was one of his aides, Ashton. "We have everyone prepared to leave."

"Good." Director replied crisply, keeping his formal guise of calm amidst the clamor of troops and ships. "We shall sail then, to protect our city then."

[Krul]

It takes him about a two days to return to the city, with a great deal of resources in tow, which the city officials are quite pleased to receive, as some of them are necessary for the Seal project.

Meanwhile, Director is summoned directly to the Assembly, only to find that a lovely woman made of green Jade is waiting for him at the entrance. "Good Day to you brother, I am Resplendent Emerald Dream, but you may call me Emerald. Ash is presently scouting the enemy, but you and I are called to speak with the assembly about the assault."

[Jeremy]

Director half-bowed in respect, scrutinizing the female Alchemical before him for her qualities and nature that could be observed. "Well met, sister. I am Strategic Initiative Director, short version Director."

As they started walking into the Assembly, he politely and interestedly asked, "What is your role in the city as of now? And has our Orichalum sibling been finished?"

[Krul]

"Not yet, it appears that there are some critical oils necessary in the initialization step required before our Orichalcum sibling can be brought on line. As to my purpose, I have been assigned to city moral, efficiency, and system repair." She gave him a smile. "It is my honor to serve." From the sound of it, her words were heartfelt and deep.

"It appears that the city may be under attack soon, the Assembly hopes that Vanguard of Many Honored Footsteps will return before it happens." She offered that bit of information as well, even as they stepped into the assembly chambers.

Grand Autocrat Selvera and the rest of the Assembly were waiting for them as they entered. "Greetings, Champions. Strategic Initiative Director, we had your report from Aggressive Steel Heart, do you have anything to add?"

[Jeremy]

Director respectfully nodded, and then began, voice clear and precise. "After I dispatched Aggressive Steel Heart to alert this Assembly of the particular nature of the the overall Apostle threat, my forces secured the area and maintained their position to protect the mining crews at work. When your orders arrived to withdraw to the city, I responded promptly, and all the remaining soldiers, crewmen and ore mined has arrived safely."

He focused inquisitively at his superiors. "I am given to understand that the reported 'senior' Apostate is in position to threaten the city? What is the dispositions of the invading force?"

[Krul]

"We don't know at the moment, we presently have Aggressive Steel Heart scouting the enemy position, with firm orders not to engage. We are not entirely certain what the Apostate is seeking from this attack, the city is not all that easy to engage.. but we are somewhat vulnerable to attacks from the sea of oil, however, Loran herself has a number of weapons she has brought on line for dealing with that front, and a number of our Oil Divers have been refitted for combative purposes."

"According to the archives and your own capabilities, however, we believe you may be the best choice for strategical command, Champion. A major battle hasn't been fought in the metropolis sense her founding, you have more experience with matters involving war and strategy, in your memories, then any of our present generals."

[Jeremy]

Director bowed his head in gratitude, "Thank you. I shall not fail the Metropolis. Our soldiers are prepared then?"

[Krul]

"Relatively, they are not yet prepared for their new commander, and we believe it will be 24 to 48 hours before the enemy attacks, if we are lucky. Perhaps Vanguard will return by then, if you would speak with the Captains and Generals Champion, they are gathered in the Grand Meeting Hall, next to this building."

[Jeremy]

"Understood." Director noted. "Then by your leave, Grand Autocrat, Assembly, I will join them." Once he had permission to leave, Director proceeded to the Grand Meeting Hall, thoughts heavy.