Eternal
Year 25
While the war with the Felkans seemed to be going smoothly, the situation has changed somewhat. The Empire still has the upper hand, but unfortunately this has become a three-way entanglement.
The gnolls tribes harassing the Felkans on the western borders apparently weren’t just separate chaotic bands of raiders, but rather a full-fledged conquering horde. After smashing most of the Felkan defenses they have proceeded further into the heartland and that’s where they finally came to blows with the Empire.
So far the gnolls been more of an annoyance to the Empire, but its been distracting enough that it’s given the Felkans enough time to retreat and regroup further north. The Felkans are much reduced in strength now, but they are still definitely not a defeated nation yet. If anything their resolve has gotten stronger and their defenses have too.
Last reports tell of how the orcs attempted to break through the defenses of the city of Yaquan only to be nearly wiped out by large weapons mounted to the city’s towers that apparently harness the power of lightning. One blast ripped through the ranks of the heavily armored orcs and spread like a chain of death killing most of them instantly. These new “lightning guns” are no doubt the inventions of the gnomes.
You heard Captain Gruz was amongst the casualties which would put orc leadership in jeopardy, but since there are so few of them left, the remainder of their now decimated number have regrouped under Roldan’s command who is busily trying to figure out a way to proceed without losing half of his troops in the process. So far though the gnolls have been making that task difficult with their own ongoing attacks.
The only upside to all this is the Felkans seem to be playing up to their typical siege mentality and not making any sort of counter attacks probably hoping that the Empire and the gnolls will continue to kill each other to the point where nobody is in any position to attack them anymore. Of course that just means they’re getting further entrenched. If enough time passes it may very well make most assaults on what’s left of them extremely costly.
Meanwhile you and Alison have been mostly fighting off the gnoll hordes on a regular basis. You’d like to press further west to take the fight to them, but you know you need to stay in occupied Felkan territory to either help defend the main army or to support it when the time finally comes to make the final push on the Felkans. Lately most of your days are dull waiting or slightly less dull combat since the gnolls themselves rely mostly on numbers and terror rather than skill. The terror factor isn’t much of one when going against the hardened troops of the Empire and numbers account for nothing when faced with Empire discipline.
Still, its frustrating not being allowed to do more and tensions are starting to run hot by everyone in the high command…
“But if we continue to attack as we have, we will risk losing it all! I urge you my Emperor for the good of the Empire we should withdraw now! What can it hurt? We have proven our point and even acquired some territory in the process. Why not just let those barbaric gnolls fight over the scraps what’s left of the ruins.” Jacob says to the Emperor.
“Jacob, I said it before I don’t give a damn what the costs are, I won’t let those fucking gnomes continue to mock from behind their smug little walled cities! And I didn’t come this far to be turned back by the incursions of some mongrel dog men or guns that shoot a little light! I don’t care what it takes we aren’t going to rest until the Felkan Kingdom ceases to exist along with those fucking gnomes!” the Emperor shouts and flips a nearby table.
“Why are you yelling at me? I’m just giving my honest opinion on the situation, I’m not even in charge of the military matters!” Jacob whimpers.
“But you ARE in charge of the other Eternals, and guess who is leading the majority of our forces in Felkan territory? That’s right, Roldan. Now I’ll grant you that he’s been fairly successful up until this point, but the fact that he hasn’t made any progress for the past few months is severely starting to decrease my faith that he can get the job done.”
“He’s doing the best he can under the circumstances and he’s the best qualified general we have, I don’t think he should be replaced.”
“I’m beginning to think I should start replacing SOMEONE.” The Emperor unsubtly threatens.
You’ve seen the Emperor mad before and it’s never a good thing. Poor Jacob is trying to stand his ground on this matter, but its obvious the man is incredibly scared for his life. To be fair you actually can see his concerns on the situation, but this thing with the gnomes…well it’s an ongoing source of irritation for the Emperor. Jacob is also taking a verbal lashing for something that really isn’t his fault. True, he monitors the progress of the other Eternals, but in reality it’s not anything meaningful. Not to mention it actually was you who originally convinced the Emperor that Roldan should lead on the main assault force, yet the Emperor has either forgotten this fact, or perhaps still insists on seeing it all as Jacob’s fault.
Since you still feel partly responsible you decide to interject to try to calm things down.
“Emperor, I could take over Roldan’s command if you prefer, though I would still like to keep him on as part of the command staff.”
“While I’m sure you would no doubt do a much better job, I’d rather have you’re where you currently are.” The Emperor says which somewhat disappoints you.
“Of course, of course. Wouldn’t want to risk your precious loyal dog.” Mistress suddenly remarks, this draws an angry glance of both you and the Emperor.
“What? I’m just saying what Jacob’s thinking, personally I don’t really give a shit what drone you decide to sacrifice in your futile war.” Mistress says causing Jacob’s eyes to widen, shake his head and raise his hands assuring that he thought no such thing.
“Ever with the clever remarks. Too bad the rest of your race isn’t half as clever, or you might not be a bunch of mercenaries.”
“I’m not sure why we’re even relying on svelk scum anyway. Alison and I have been doing just fine fighting off the gnolls by ourselves for example.” You remark.
“Alison? Oh, is that the name of the dirty blonde shield maiden that I’ve heard you’ve been getting close to? Tell me, when you’re sticking it to her do you try to visualize that its me?”
A vulgar comment as usual from Mistress. Not unexpected either. While you’d be lying if it weren’t a little annoying, you certainly aren’t going to give her the satisfaction of a retort.
“No answer? Are you not even going to stand up for the honor of your female plaything? Then again I suppose she isn’t worthy of it. I mean given that you experienced the best, why would you bother defending something so inferior?” Mistress continues to taunt.
“Emperor, we are here to discuss the important business of crushing the Felkans, do we really have to listen to the boring and predictable slurs of this…dubious ally?” you ask.
“No, of course we don’t. Hold your vile svelk tongue unless you’ve actually got something more worthwhile to contribute.”
“I have contributed more than my fair share to your foolish crusade. I have come to the conclusion that this war is a losing proposition for my people. I won’t even go into the meat grinder you’ve got our mercenary bands dealing with on the Felkan front. And while I’m sure that may cause you much joy, we svelk are not mindless orc slaves and will NOT fall into your clumsy manipulative plans of convenient genocide through attrition. Yeah, we’re pulling out and moving on to greener pastures.”
“Since when are you or any other svelk so concerned about the future of your people? You’re also acting like you’re in harms way and unless you’ve been sneaking off to fight alongside your kin, you’ve personally risked nothing. You’re also still being paid well so what the hell do you care?” the Emperor remarks.
“You humans think you always have everything figured out about everything when you really don’t know shit. As I said, the price is too high, and we will be moving on to better opportunities.”
“(Sigh) Stop being so damn dramatic, and what the hell do you really want?” the Emperor asks in an exasperated tone.
Mistress proceeds to tell the Emperor that she’s quite serious about pulling out svelk aid unless she gets more support in return.
“If you want our continued help, we do not believe that this General Roldan is able to accomplish his assault on the city of Yaquan in an efficient manner. So I would request that you either change the leadership or transfer us to the gnoll front at Major Krozer’s war camp.” Mistress says and glances at you.
“No! We’ve been doing just fine without you! We don’t need morale falling low because svelk are infesting the camp.” You protest.
“And here I thought you were a professional first and foremost. Open your eyes. Even you can see the benefit of our superior troops being directly added to your fighting force. Besides, I heard how you handled the first time you worked with svelk warriors before, surely if one of them gets out of line, you’ll just go on a bloodthirsty rampage to make a point of who is really in charge.”
You look to the Emperor expecting him to say something about this matter, but he waves you over to speak with you privately. Mistress rolls her eyes and wanders over to one of the bookshelves while Jacob fumbles about with some papers.
“Son, I’m going to include you in this decision, because this is something I think you feel strongly about and I’d rather have you in a positive state of mind. I don’t want to lose svelk support as they have been helpful despite their…well you know. I also have doubts about Roldan getting the job done as well, so the suggestion to replace him isn’t out of the question as far as I’m concerned. In any case I’m either going to have to replace him or send all the svelk to the gnoll front, but I know that won’t exactly make you happy.”
While the war with the Felkans seemed to be going smoothly, the situation has changed somewhat. The Empire still has the upper hand, but unfortunately this has become a three-way entanglement.
The gnolls tribes harassing the Felkans on the western borders apparently weren’t just separate chaotic bands of raiders, but rather a full-fledged conquering horde. After smashing most of the Felkan defenses they have proceeded further into the heartland and that’s where they finally came to blows with the Empire.
So far the gnolls been more of an annoyance to the Empire, but its been distracting enough that it’s given the Felkans enough time to retreat and regroup further north. The Felkans are much reduced in strength now, but they are still definitely not a defeated nation yet. If anything their resolve has gotten stronger and their defenses have too.
Last reports tell of how the orcs attempted to break through the defenses of the city of Yaquan only to be nearly wiped out by large weapons mounted to the city’s towers that apparently harness the power of lightning. One blast ripped through the ranks of the heavily armored orcs and spread like a chain of death killing most of them instantly. These new “lightning guns” are no doubt the inventions of the gnomes.
You heard Captain Gruz was amongst the casualties which would put orc leadership in jeopardy, but since there are so few of them left, the remainder of their now decimated number have regrouped under Roldan’s command who is busily trying to figure out a way to proceed without losing half of his troops in the process. So far though the gnolls have been making that task difficult with their own ongoing attacks.
The only upside to all this is the Felkans seem to be playing up to their typical siege mentality and not making any sort of counter attacks probably hoping that the Empire and the gnolls will continue to kill each other to the point where nobody is in any position to attack them anymore. Of course that just means they’re getting further entrenched. If enough time passes it may very well make most assaults on what’s left of them extremely costly.
Meanwhile you and Alison have been mostly fighting off the gnoll hordes on a regular basis. You’d like to press further west to take the fight to them, but you know you need to stay in occupied Felkan territory to either help defend the main army or to support it when the time finally comes to make the final push on the Felkans. Lately most of your days are dull waiting or slightly less dull combat since the gnolls themselves rely mostly on numbers and terror rather than skill. The terror factor isn’t much of one when going against the hardened troops of the Empire and numbers account for nothing when faced with Empire discipline.
Still, its frustrating not being allowed to do more and tensions are starting to run hot by everyone in the high command…
“But if we continue to attack as we have, we will risk losing it all! I urge you my Emperor for the good of the Empire we should withdraw now! What can it hurt? We have proven our point and even acquired some territory in the process. Why not just let those barbaric gnolls fight over the scraps what’s left of the ruins.” Jacob says to the Emperor.
“Jacob, I said it before I don’t give a damn what the costs are, I won’t let those fucking gnomes continue to mock from behind their smug little walled cities! And I didn’t come this far to be turned back by the incursions of some mongrel dog men or guns that shoot a little light! I don’t care what it takes we aren’t going to rest until the Felkan Kingdom ceases to exist along with those fucking gnomes!” the Emperor shouts and flips a nearby table.
“Why are you yelling at me? I’m just giving my honest opinion on the situation, I’m not even in charge of the military matters!” Jacob whimpers.
“But you ARE in charge of the other Eternals, and guess who is leading the majority of our forces in Felkan territory? That’s right, Roldan. Now I’ll grant you that he’s been fairly successful up until this point, but the fact that he hasn’t made any progress for the past few months is severely starting to decrease my faith that he can get the job done.”
“He’s doing the best he can under the circumstances and he’s the best qualified general we have, I don’t think he should be replaced.”
“I’m beginning to think I should start replacing SOMEONE.” The Emperor unsubtly threatens.
You’ve seen the Emperor mad before and it’s never a good thing. Poor Jacob is trying to stand his ground on this matter, but its obvious the man is incredibly scared for his life. To be fair you actually can see his concerns on the situation, but this thing with the gnomes…well it’s an ongoing source of irritation for the Emperor. Jacob is also taking a verbal lashing for something that really isn’t his fault. True, he monitors the progress of the other Eternals, but in reality it’s not anything meaningful. Not to mention it actually was you who originally convinced the Emperor that Roldan should lead on the main assault force, yet the Emperor has either forgotten this fact, or perhaps still insists on seeing it all as Jacob’s fault.
Since you still feel partly responsible you decide to interject to try to calm things down.
“Emperor, I could take over Roldan’s command if you prefer, though I would still like to keep him on as part of the command staff.”
“While I’m sure you would no doubt do a much better job, I’d rather have you’re where you currently are.” The Emperor says which somewhat disappoints you.
“Of course, of course. Wouldn’t want to risk your precious loyal dog.” Mistress suddenly remarks, this draws an angry glance of both you and the Emperor.
“What? I’m just saying what Jacob’s thinking, personally I don’t really give a shit what drone you decide to sacrifice in your futile war.” Mistress says causing Jacob’s eyes to widen, shake his head and raise his hands assuring that he thought no such thing.
“Ever with the clever remarks. Too bad the rest of your race isn’t half as clever, or you might not be a bunch of mercenaries.”
“I’m not sure why we’re even relying on svelk scum anyway. Alison and I have been doing just fine fighting off the gnolls by ourselves for example.” You remark.
“Alison? Oh, is that the name of the dirty blonde shield maiden that I’ve heard you’ve been getting close to? Tell me, when you’re sticking it to her do you try to visualize that its me?”
A vulgar comment as usual from Mistress. Not unexpected either. While you’d be lying if it weren’t a little annoying, you certainly aren’t going to give her the satisfaction of a retort.
“No answer? Are you not even going to stand up for the honor of your female plaything? Then again I suppose she isn’t worthy of it. I mean given that you experienced the best, why would you bother defending something so inferior?” Mistress continues to taunt.
“Emperor, we are here to discuss the important business of crushing the Felkans, do we really have to listen to the boring and predictable slurs of this…dubious ally?” you ask.
“No, of course we don’t. Hold your vile svelk tongue unless you’ve actually got something more worthwhile to contribute.”
“I have contributed more than my fair share to your foolish crusade. I have come to the conclusion that this war is a losing proposition for my people. I won’t even go into the meat grinder you’ve got our mercenary bands dealing with on the Felkan front. And while I’m sure that may cause you much joy, we svelk are not mindless orc slaves and will NOT fall into your clumsy manipulative plans of convenient genocide through attrition. Yeah, we’re pulling out and moving on to greener pastures.”
“Since when are you or any other svelk so concerned about the future of your people? You’re also acting like you’re in harms way and unless you’ve been sneaking off to fight alongside your kin, you’ve personally risked nothing. You’re also still being paid well so what the hell do you care?” the Emperor remarks.
“You humans think you always have everything figured out about everything when you really don’t know shit. As I said, the price is too high, and we will be moving on to better opportunities.”
“(Sigh) Stop being so damn dramatic, and what the hell do you really want?” the Emperor asks in an exasperated tone.
Mistress proceeds to tell the Emperor that she’s quite serious about pulling out svelk aid unless she gets more support in return.
“If you want our continued help, we do not believe that this General Roldan is able to accomplish his assault on the city of Yaquan in an efficient manner. So I would request that you either change the leadership or transfer us to the gnoll front at Major Krozer’s war camp.” Mistress says and glances at you.
“No! We’ve been doing just fine without you! We don’t need morale falling low because svelk are infesting the camp.” You protest.
“And here I thought you were a professional first and foremost. Open your eyes. Even you can see the benefit of our superior troops being directly added to your fighting force. Besides, I heard how you handled the first time you worked with svelk warriors before, surely if one of them gets out of line, you’ll just go on a bloodthirsty rampage to make a point of who is really in charge.”
You look to the Emperor expecting him to say something about this matter, but he waves you over to speak with you privately. Mistress rolls her eyes and wanders over to one of the bookshelves while Jacob fumbles about with some papers.
“Son, I’m going to include you in this decision, because this is something I think you feel strongly about and I’d rather have you in a positive state of mind. I don’t want to lose svelk support as they have been helpful despite their…well you know. I also have doubts about Roldan getting the job done as well, so the suggestion to replace him isn’t out of the question as far as I’m concerned. In any case I’m either going to have to replace him or send all the svelk to the gnoll front, but I know that won’t exactly make you happy.”