Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 5 - Revision history

Aorii at 23:56, 9 November 2023

2023-11-09T23:56:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:56, 9 November 2023
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	"After that..." Pascal paused for a moment before he added. "I would like to fill any spare capacity with caltrops, especially the ''explosive'' kind."		"After that..." Pascal paused for a moment before he added. "I would like to fill any spare capacity with caltrops, especially the ''explosive'' kind."

	Kaede ~~couldn't help but smiling~~ as she ~~thought of~~ the most underrated weapon of all time: ''~~landmines.~~''		Kaede frowned with a grim smile as she considered the most underrated yet controversial weapon of all time: landmines.

			''At least these early predecessors should be easy to clean up after the war,'' she thought.

Aorii at 16:04, 18 March 2022

2022-03-18T16:04:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 18 March 2022
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	The mere thought of marking her skin offended Kaede. She held nothing but disdain towards most tattoos back on Earth. She had forgiven Pascal for the runes on her arms thanks to their utility. However the thought of punching holes in her earlobes was...		The mere thought of marking her skin offended Kaede. She held nothing but disdain towards most tattoos back on Earth. She had forgiven Pascal for the runes on her arms thanks to their utility. However the thought of punching holes in her earlobes was...

	Kaede thought back to the cute earrings worn by girls back on Earth. ''He'' had ~~never disapproved of those back then~~, so why now?		Kaede thought back to the cute earrings worn by girls back on Earth. ''He'' had always liked it when others wore it, so why is it different now?

	''Am I being a hypocrite?'' The dreadful thought gnawed at her.		''Am I being a hypocrite?'' The dreadful thought gnawed at her.

Aorii at 16:45, 13 March 2022

2022-03-13T16:45:05Z

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	"I'll have to ask Cardinal Lisbeth," he spoke of the Chancellor of Weichsel who controlled the Ministry of the Interior, "to keep me informed of this project's development. If it works well in Nordkreuz, we'll have to consider expanding it to the other cities as well."		"I'll have to ask Cardinal Lisbeth," he spoke of the Chancellor of Weichsel who controlled the Ministry of the Interior, "to keep me informed of this project's development. If it works well in Nordkreuz, we'll have to consider expanding it to the other cities as well."

	''Experiment with policies in select cities and, if successful, use hard political power to expand its adoption,'' Kaede reflected. This was the exact policies used by the Chinese to achieve phenomenal growth after the 1980s. And Weichsel's King seems to know exactly how to take advantage of his autocratic power for similar results.		''Experiment with policies in select cities and, if successful, use hard political power to expand its adoption,'' Kaede reflected. This was the exact policies used by the Chinese -- who learned from the success of the Singaporeans -- to achieve phenomenal growth after the 1980s. And Weichsel's King seems to know exactly how to take advantage of his autocratic power for similar results.

	"It will not be easy to achieve this under normal conditions, Sire." The King's spymaster, Hannes, pointed out. "Any established guild will feel threatened by their loss of market control."		"It will not be easy to achieve this under normal conditions, Sire." The King's spymaster, Hannes, pointed out. "Any established guild will feel threatened by their loss of market control."

Aorii at 00:37, 19 January 2022

2022-01-19T00:37:36Z

Aorii at 23:44, 8 October 2021

2021-10-08T23:44:53Z

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	It took the young lord several moments before he could respond. But in the end, he settled on one item which surprised everyone in the room.		It took the young lord several moments before he could respond. But in the end, he settled on one item which surprised everyone in the room.

	"As many caltrops as the army has available at hand, especially the ''explosive'' kind."		"As many arrowheads and caltrops as the army has available at hand, especially the ''explosive'' kind."

	Kaede couldn't help but ~~smile~~ as she thought of the most underrated weapon of all time: ''landmines.''		Ammunition was an obvious choice. But Kaede couldn't help but smiling as she thought of the most underrated weapon of all time: ''landmines.''

Aorii at 18:40, 29 May 2021

2021-05-29T18:40:58Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2021-05-29T18:40:51Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

Show changes

Aorii at 13:41, 6 April 2017

2017-04-06T13:41:39Z

Aorii at 19:01, 28 July 2016

2016-07-28T19:01:03Z

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 5 - Arsenal of Faith=== "It is finished!" Sylviane breathed out those exhausted words as she released the tension from her sore limbs, leaving Hauteclaire in cont..."

2015-12-08T15:27:59Z

Created page with "===Chapter 5 - Arsenal of Faith=== "It is finished!" Sylviane breathed out those exhausted words as she released the tension from her sore limbs, leaving Hauteclaire in cont..."

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:37, 19 January 2022
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	Meanwhile, King Leopold had begun their meeting with some updates from the capital:		Meanwhile, King Leopold had begun their meeting with some updates from the capital:

	"Before we start, I should inform you, Pascal, that your proposal for 'Wargaming Command Exercises' to become part of the curriculum of our officer training programs has been accepted. Your old advisor, General Albert von Marienfeld --I recalled him a week ago from Rhin-Lotharingie-- will head the new training programs. He will be developing a more detailed set of rules for these exercises based on your outline. It's still far from actual battlefield command. But it will give the tactical-track cadets and officer trainees at least some experience on how to respond to an ever-changing battlefield."		"Before we start, I should inform you, Pascal, that your proposal for 'Wargaming Command Exercises' to become part of the curriculum of our officer training programs has been accepted. Your old advisor, General Albert von Marienfeld -- I recalled him a week ago from Rhin-Lotharingie -- will head the new training programs. He will be developing a more detailed set of rules for these exercises based on your outline. It's still far from actual battlefield command. But it will give the tactical-track cadets and officer trainees at least some experience on how to respond to an ever-changing battlefield."

	''This is wonderful news!'' Kaede beamed as she stole a glance at Pascal. Her joy at hearing this news overcame even her dull headache. She wasn't sure when he had begun this conversation with the King, but it was always nice to see her suggestions receive adoption on a national level. After all, using history as a teaching tool was exactly what she had wanted to do back on Earth.		''This is wonderful news!'' Kaede beamed as she stole a glance at Pascal. Her joy at hearing this news overcame even her dull headache. She wasn't sure when he had begun this conversation with the King, but it was always nice to see her suggestions receive adoption on a national level. After all, using history as a teaching tool was exactly what she had wanted to do back on Earth.
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	''Well, perhaps not quite that extreme,'' Kaede thought as Pascal began to list off the 'good news' next:		''Well, perhaps not quite that extreme,'' Kaede thought as Pascal began to list off the 'good news' next:

	"But the most important factors are that first, the bulk of the city's population --especially its richer, mercantile sector-- survived the calamity. This leaves us with an abundant pool of not just labor, but also much needed capital resources..."		"But the most important factors are that first, the bulk of the city's population -- especially its richer, mercantile sector -- survived the calamity. This leaves us with an abundant pool of not just labor, but also much needed capital resources..."

	It was a reminder that social stratification came into play even in disasters. The most essential resource for the city's reconstruction was money: coins to purchase supplies, hire engineers, and organize labor. Spare muscle always proved easy to find in the aftermath of a calamity. It was the materials and expertise that proved scarce.		It was a reminder that social stratification came into play even in disasters. The most essential resource for the city's reconstruction was money: coins to purchase supplies, hire engineers, and organize labor. Spare muscle always proved easy to find in the aftermath of a calamity. It was the materials and expertise that proved scarce.
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	The King raised his eyebrows as his gaze took on a thoughtful look. Then, after a moment of silence, his expression formed a broad grin as he turned to Princess Sylviane:		The King raised his eyebrows as his gaze took on a thoughtful look. Then, after a moment of silence, his expression formed a broad grin as he turned to Princess Sylviane:

	"I see. Your Highness wishes to demonstrate your legitimacy by showing everyone --especially the Lotharin military leadership-- who has the Empire's best interests at heart."		"I see. Your Highness wishes to demonstrate your legitimacy by showing everyone -- especially the Lotharin military leadership -- who has the Empire's best interests at heart."

	"Yes, Your Majesty." The Princess confirmed. "As long as the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie remains contested, the intervention of foreign troops will also be looked upon with suspicion. My countrymen have suffered for too long under the Imperial yoke to tolerate another foreign ruler. Therefore, it would be best if we did not bring too many Weichsel soldiers and focused on quality rather than quantity."		"Yes, Your Majesty." The Princess confirmed. "As long as the throne of Rhin-Lotharingie remains contested, the intervention of foreign troops will also be looked upon with suspicion. My countrymen have suffered for too long under the Imperial yoke to tolerate another foreign ruler. Therefore, it would be best if we did not bring too many Weichsel soldiers and focused on quality rather than quantity."
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	The Princess' eyes almost glistened with appreciation as King Leopold reinforced the century-old bonds between the two nations. Weichsel was known for its blacksmithing and steel forging industry. Without them and the millions of high-quality, armor-piercing bodkin arrowheads and artillery bolts they had supplied, it was debatable if Rhin-Lotharingie could have ever thrown off the Imperial yoke.		The Princess' eyes almost glistened with appreciation as King Leopold reinforced the century-old bonds between the two nations. Weichsel was known for its blacksmithing and steel forging industry. Without them and the millions of high-quality, armor-piercing bodkin arrowheads and artillery bolts they had supplied, it was debatable if Rhin-Lotharingie could have ever thrown off the Imperial yoke.

	"I see no reason why we cannot do so again, now that our joint Trinitian faith is threatened by the corruption of greed within and besieged by the violence of infidels ~~without,~~" ~~the~~ King voiced in contempt. "Weichsel has long stood as the 'Northern March of the Trinitian Realm', the bastion of true belief. We are more than ready to serve as the ''Arsenal of the Holy Father'' as well!"		"I see no reason why we cannot do so again, now that our joint Trinitian faith is threatened by the corruption of greed within and besieged by the violence of infidels outside." The King voiced in contempt. "Weichsel has long stood as the 'Northern March of the Trinitian Realm', the bastion of true belief. We are more than ready to serve as the ''Arsenal of the Holy Father'' as well!"

	Emotions stirred in the gaze of every Trinitian present as the King declared his adamant faith. After pledging his commitment to support his allies' holy war, Leopold rode the cresting wave of enthusiasm to ask his landgrave once more:		Emotions stirred in the gaze of every Trinitian present as the King declared his adamant faith. After pledging his commitment to support his allies' holy war, Leopold rode the cresting wave of enthusiasm to ask his landgrave once more:
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	"So Pascal, what do you need?"		"So Pascal, what do you need?"

	~~It took~~ the young lord ~~several moments before he could respond. But in the end, he settled on one item which surprised everyone in~~ the ~~room~~.		"I need as many war arrows and spare bodkin arrowheads as the army can spare." The young lord immediately responded by stating the obvious first.

	~~"As many arrowheads and caltrops~~ as ~~the army has available at~~ hand, ~~especially the ''explosive'' kind~~."		Considering that Lotharin armies relied heavily upon its archers, keeping them supplied with enough arrows was instrumental to maintaining combat effectiveness. Medieval war arrows were labor-intensive to produce as each arrow had to be hand-crafted for aerodynamic flight. Meanwhile, an army could easily consume hundreds of thousands in a single pitched battle.

	~~Ammunition was an obvious choice~~. ~~But~~ Kaede couldn't help but smiling as she thought of the most underrated weapon of all time: ''landmines.''		"After that..." Pascal paused for a moment before he added. "I would like to fill any spare capacity with caltrops, especially the ''explosive'' kind."

			Kaede couldn't help but smiling as she thought of the most underrated weapon of all time: ''landmines.''


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	A minute passed in silence before Pascal realized something was odd. He closed the jewelry box's lid, which instantly snapped his familiar out of her daze.		A minute passed in silence before Pascal realized something was odd. He closed the jewelry box's lid, which instantly snapped his familiar out of her daze.

	"I know girls are always entranced by beauty~~, but~~ you seem to have forgotten yourself completely."		"I know girls are always entranced by beauty. But you seem to have forgotten yourself completely."

	"It's not the gems, it's the mana," Kaede rubbed her eyes. "There must be some kind of resonance effect since I'm your familiar."		"It's not the gems, it's the mana," Kaede rubbed her eyes. "There must be some kind of resonance effect since I'm your familiar."
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	The only exceptions were when she took a nap on Perceval's tofu familiar, or that night when Pascal had slept in her bed.		The only exceptions were when she took a nap on Perceval's tofu familiar, or that night when Pascal had slept in her bed.

	Considering they were departing Nordkreuz for Rhin-Lotharingie tomorrow, Kaede figured she ''really'' couldn't afford another restless night. Yet after trying everything else and failing, the only way she could think of to achieve this was...		Considering they were departing Nordkreuz for Rhin-Lotharingie tomorrow, Kaede figured she ''really'' couldn't afford another restless night. Yet, after trying everything else and failing, the only way she could think of to achieve this was...

	"Let me sleep in your bed tonight." She asked in a voice that was barely a whisper.		"Let me sleep in your bed tonight." She asked in a voice that was barely a whisper.

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	"Good Morn... Kaede are you alright?"		"Good Morn... Kaede are you alright?"

	As Kaede's pale cheeks sucked in deep breaths of cold, icy air, ~~the~~ Princess who had been awaiting their arrival stepped up to hold the smaller girl's shoulders.		Kaede's pale cheeks sucked in deep breaths of cold, icy air, and Princess who had been awaiting their arrival stepped up to hold the smaller girl's shoulders.

	"Yeah, just... give me a moment."		"Yeah, just... give me a moment."
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	"Couldn't they just ward this place in the same fashion as castles? I mean there are thousands of mages in this army."		"Couldn't they just ward this place in the same fashion as castles? I mean there are thousands of mages in this army."

	"--And each with a finite reserve of ether that they need to perform other tasks, including fighting," Pascal ~~highlighted~~ the opportunity costs. "Remember that exposed ether slowly degrade and diffuse their energy back into mana? The magical requirements to keep large-scale wards and barriers continuously running grows astronomical over time. Castles, cities~~, and permanent fortifications~~ are built over ley-lines where they may benefit from a Projection Focus -- have you read about those yet?"		"--And each with a finite reserve of ether that they need to perform other tasks, including fighting," Pascal noted the opportunity costs. "Remember that exposed ether slowly degrade and diffuse their energy back into mana? The magical requirements to keep large-scale wards and barriers continuously running grows astronomical over time. Castles and cities are built over ley-lines where they may benefit from a Projection Focus -- have you read about those yet?"

	"They're enchanted devices that uses magic from ley-lines to power wards," Kaede mustered a simple reply.		"They're enchanted devices that uses magic from ley-lines to power wards," Kaede mustered a simple reply.

	She had mostly glanced over them. For someone more interested in the far-reaching, sociological impacts of technology, she often found herself bored by the technical~~, inner workings~~ of '~~machines~~'. To skip past the minute details to see how innovations altered civilizations and shifted cultures was far more fascinating.		She had mostly glanced over them. For someone more interested in the far-reaching, sociological impacts of technology, she often found herself bored by the technical details of 'machinery'. To skip past the minute details to see how innovations altered civilizations and shifted cultures was far more fascinating.

	"~~That would be correct~~," Pascal nevertheless gave her a passing grade. "Remember that natural mana, not processed ether, flow through the spiritual ley-lines that stretch across the land. Without a soul to refine it, mana lack the malleability of ether that would allow them to simply be injected into a supernatural spell effect."		"Correct," Pascal nevertheless gave her a passing grade. "Remember that natural mana, not processed ether, flow through the spiritual ley-lines that stretch across the land. Without a soul to refine it, mana lack the malleability of ether that would allow them to simply be injected into a supernatural spell effect."

	''In other words,'' Kaede summarized, ''you can't pour crude oil from a derrick straight into the engine and expect it to run...''		''In other words,'' Kaede summarized, ''you can't pour crude oil from a derrick straight into the engine and expect it to run...''
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	The mental imagery that Kaede painted was a steam engine connected to a geothermal vent, using water to translate heat power into mechanical torque.		The mental imagery that Kaede painted was a steam engine connected to a geothermal vent, using water to translate heat power into mechanical torque.

	"But ~~of course,~~ armies in the field have no such blessings," Sylviane hastened the conversation as they neared the destination. "Mages can either use their reserves to fortify ~~camps~~, or ~~they can~~ bolster the army's mobility and ~~enhance its combat effectiveness~~." Then, as she looked back with a grin: "Bet you can guess which choice Weichsel picks."		"But armies in the field have no such blessings," Sylviane hastened the conversation as they neared the destination. "Mages can either use their reserves to fortify, or bolster the army's mobility and firepower." Then, as she looked back with a grin: "Bet you can guess which choice Weichsel picks."

	"Of course," the familiar girl smiled back. ''The Weichsel army always attacks.''		"Of course," the familiar girl smiled back. ''The Weichsel army always attacks.''

	Her magic sensitivity could feel the tingle of layered ~~magical~~ auras as they passed into the innermost camp. Only this small area offered a full assortment of wards that would block teleportation and detect all manners of intrusion, since it protected the single most vulnerable point of failure for a Monarchy -- the King.		Her magic sensitivity could feel the tingle of layered auras as they passed into the innermost camp. Only this small area offered a full assortment of wards that would block teleportation and detect all manners of intrusion, since it protected the single most vulnerable point of failure for a Monarchy -- the King.


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	King Leopold's expandable cabin -- or at least the outer room -- featured little more than a row of cushioned chairs and a huge ~~workdesk~~ that doubled as a map table. The only decorations were the man-sized Black Dragon Crest adorning the wall behind him, flanked by the judging stares of copied oil portraits on each side: the founding King Leopold I von Drachenlanzen, and his greatest general, the 'Commoner Marshal' Hermann von Mittermeyer.		King Leopold's expandable cabin -- or at least the outer room -- featured little more than a row of cushioned chairs and a huge desk that doubled as a map table. The only decorations were the man-sized Black Dragon Crest adorning the wall behind him, flanked by the judging stares of copied oil portraits on each side: the founding King Leopold I von Drachenlanzen, and his greatest general, the 'Commoner Marshal' Hermann von Mittermeyer.

	"Pascal," the smiling figure in his adult prime looked up from a stack of parchment. "It's good seeing you again. How have you been? Brilliant work you did for our country in the Skagen campaign, and your familiar as well," he nodded towards Kaede before acknowledging the Princess.		"Pascal," the smiling figure in his adult prime looked up from a stack of parchment. "It's good seeing you again. How have you been? Brilliant work you did for our country in the Skagen campaign, and your familiar as well," he nodded towards Kaede before acknowledging the Princess.
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	It wasn't really fair that the city needed its rich more than the poor, but the world was never fair. The most essential resource for the city's reconstruction was money: coins to purchase supplies, hire engineers, and organize labor. Spare muscle always proved easier to find in the aftermath of a disaster; it was the materials and expertise that proved rare.		It wasn't really fair that the city needed its rich more than the poor, but the world was never fair. The most essential resource for the city's reconstruction was money: coins to purchase supplies, hire engineers, and organize labor. Spare muscle always proved easier to find in the aftermath of a disaster; it was the materials and expertise that proved rare.

	"--Two, the city held sufficient stocks to survive a long siege, and the bulk of our underground ~~food~~ storage facilities survived. Thanks to General von Falkenhausen's excellent logistical preparations, the army also left enough extra winter supplies and camping equipment that Nordkreuz will have little problem providing for its own refugees."		"--Two, the city held sufficient stocks to survive a long siege, and the bulk of our underground storage facilities survived. Thanks to General von Falkenhausen's excellent logistical preparations, the army also left enough extra winter supplies and camping equipment that Nordkreuz will have little problem providing for its own refugees."

	''It'll still be an unpleasant winter for them, just not a deadly one...''		''It'll still be an unpleasant winter for them, just not a deadly one...''
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	...And that, was when Pascal added his finishing touch:		...And that, was when Pascal added his finishing touch:

	"In light of these conditions, I have created a system to fund rapid recovery and reconstruction for the city through the open trading of investment funds. All private commerce and industry owners have been invited to publicly speak their business propositions, where they will sell a percentile share of their future establishment in exchange for cash investments necessary for ~~reconstruction~~. I have also taken initiative to do the same for the housing sector and public facilities, beginning with a sizable investment from my own coffers."		"In light of these conditions, I have created a system to fund rapid recovery and reconstruction for the city through the open trading of investment funds. All private commerce and industry owners have been invited to publicly speak their business propositions, where they will sell a percentile share of their future establishment in exchange for cash investments necessary for rebuilding. I have also taken initiative to do the same for the housing sector and public facilities, beginning with a sizable investment from my own coffers."

	For the first time, the King's eyes widened as his mouth opened in stunned silence. Then:		For the first time, the King's eyes widened as his mouth opened in stunned silence. Then:
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	The young lord shrugged as he answered his sovereign:		The young lord shrugged as he answered his sovereign:

	"Mixed, as with any new idea. Some think it is brilliant, some approach tentatively, and some reject it outright, fearing it will rob them of their business' freedom. Overall, the younger generations are more optimistic towards the concept than the older, more established. The guilds are also afraid that it will destabilize the hierarchy; so I had told them that if they want to retain control the market, ''invest'', because Nordkreuz will rise from the ashes -- with ~~them~~ or without them," Pascal finished with a satisfied smirk.		"Mixed, as with any new idea. Some think it is brilliant, some approach tentatively, and some reject it outright, fearing it will rob them of their business' freedom. Overall, the younger generations are more optimistic towards the concept than the older, more established. The guilds are also afraid that it will destabilize the hierarchy; so I had told them that if they want to retain control the market, ''invest'', because Nordkreuz will rise from the ashes -- with or without them," Pascal finished with a satisfied smirk.

	"Ha-!"		"Ha-!"
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	''That's only about three full-strength companies...''		''That's only about three full-strength companies...''

	The victory Weichsel achieved over the Grand Duchy of Skagen in this short war would cripple the naval and colonial power for years if not decades to come. But in doing so, they had incurred heavy losses of their own, especially among the aristocratic cavalry corps that ~~would prove~~ difficult to replenish.		The victory Weichsel achieved over the Grand Duchy of Skagen in this short war would cripple the naval and colonial power for years if not decades to come. But in doing so, they had incurred heavy losses of their own, especially among the aristocratic cavalry corps that was difficult to replenish.

	"I was expecting that you would ask for more than just Phantoms."		"I was expecting that you would ask for more than just Phantoms."
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	Pascal shook his head at the King's presumption:		Pascal shook his head at the King's presumption:

	"We plan to head ~~straight~~ south first. This means bypassing much of Rhin-Lotharingie without drawing attention to ourselves, especially in the northeastern Fryslân region where Gabriel wields a dominating influence. Only the Knights Phantom can manage such a journey fast enough."		"We plan to head south first. This means bypassing much of Rhin-Lotharingie without drawing attention to ourselves, especially in the northeastern Fryslân region where Gabriel wields a dominating influence. Only the Knights Phantom can manage such a journey fast enough."

	"It would also be damaging for my image if we brought too many Weichsel soldiers," Sylviane interjected into the conversation between liege and vassal at last. "Hence quality over quantity is our best option."		"It would also be damaging for my image if we brought too many Weichsel soldiers," Sylviane interjected into the conversation between liege and vassal at last. "Hence quality over quantity is our best option."
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	Pascal was still wearing his undershirt when he opened the thick mahogany door to the main residence.		Pascal was still wearing his undershirt when he opened the thick mahogany door to the main residence.

	She averted her gaze ~~down~~ in an instant. It had been hard enough just to work up the nerves to knock on the door. To look him in the eyes as she asked the humiliating question would be outright impossible.		She averted her gaze in an instant. It had been hard enough just to work up the nerves to knock on the door. To look him in the eyes as she asked the humiliating question would be outright impossible.

	But as a flushed-red Kaede was still trying to build up enough courage, Pascal took her hand and pulled her inside first:		But as a flushed-red Kaede was still trying to build up enough courage, Pascal took her hand and pulled her inside first:
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	"By the way, what did you need me for?"		"By the way, what did you need me for?"

	She had almost forgotten thanks to all his distractions. But since they were planning to depart Nordkreuz for Rhin-Lotharingie tomorrow and she ''really'' couldn't afford ~~yet~~ more sleepless nights...		She had almost forgotten thanks to all his distractions. But since they were planning to depart Nordkreuz for Rhin-Lotharingie tomorrow and she ''really'' couldn't afford any more sleepless nights...

	Kaede then remembered just exactly what she had come here to ask. Her eyes glanced towards her thin, fidgeting legs in their pure-white stockings as a fiery crimson blazed across her cheeks.		Kaede then remembered just exactly what she had come here to ask. Her eyes glanced towards her thin, fidgeting legs in their pure-white stockings as a fiery crimson blazed across her cheeks.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 28 July 2016
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	The battle had seemed simple on paper. The Weichsel army led by King Leopold von Drachenlanzen had numbered 48,000, more than twice the numerical strength of their foes. Furthermore the Skagen Army of the Home Isles, lead by the half-brother of Admiral Winter, Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen, had been stripped of its mobile striking power in the decisive Air Battle of Nordkreuz. With supplies cut off and morale sapped by constant raids from Weichsel cavalry, the 20,000 strong Skagen force had been battered and exhausted.		The battle had seemed simple on paper. The Weichsel army led by King Leopold von Drachenlanzen had numbered 48,000, more than twice the numerical strength of their foes. Furthermore the Skagen Army of the Home Isles, lead by the half-brother of Admiral Winter, Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen, had been stripped of its mobile striking power in the decisive Air Battle of Nordkreuz. With supplies cut off and morale sapped by constant raids from Weichsel cavalry, the 20,000 strong Skagen force had been battered and exhausted.

	But the Northmen were a tough people bred by the harshness of the arctic ~~winds~~. Cornered by their Trinitian adversaries, they had fought on like wounded beasts.		But the Northmen were a tough people bred by the harshness of the arctic gales. Cornered by their Trinitian adversaries, they had fought on like wounded beasts.

	Thrice the dreaded Housecarls and Västergötland Adventurers charged the Weichsel lines, their final assault lead by Jarl Sigmundsen himself. Through the smoke of hellish rimefire, the ferocious Skagen onslaught almost broke the Weichsel center. But King Leopold had stuck his courtblade into the ground in defiance, allowing no retreat for either the men or himself. His courageous rally, assisted by a searing countercharge from the Oriflamme Princess, had bought enough time for General von Blumenthal's right wing to pivot around the Skagen flank and smash into them from behind.		Thrice the dreaded Housecarls and Västergötland Adventurers charged the Weichsel lines, their final assault lead by Jarl Sigmundsen himself. Through the smoke of hellish rimefire, the ferocious Skagen onslaught almost broke the Weichsel center. But King Leopold had stuck his courtblade into the ground in defiance, allowing no retreat for either the men or himself. His courageous rally, assisted by a searing countercharge from the Oriflamme Princess, had bought enough time for General von Blumenthal's right wing to pivot around the Skagen flank and smash into them from behind.
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	"Is there a need to section the camp off like this?" Kaede asked a few minutes later when guards at yet another checkpoint waved them through.		"Is there a need to section the camp off like this?" Kaede asked a few minutes later when guards at yet another checkpoint waved them through.

	It ~~almost~~ felt as if the army was multi-national, with each group having its own partition inside the overall camp. Compared to open-ground bases that promoted camaraderie, all the fences and sentries in this massive encampment felt ~~almost...~~ stifling.		It felt as if the army was multi-national, with each group having its own partition inside the overall camp. Compared to open-ground bases that promoted camaraderie, all the fences and sentries in this massive encampment felt stifling.

	"The term is 'compartmentalization'," Pascal looked back to explain. "It enhances security and limits the chaos inflicted by surprise attacks. With all the illusion, teleportation, and alchemical transmutation spells we have available, just how hard do you think it would be to insert a strike team of infiltrators and saboteurs?"		"The term is 'compartmentalization'," Pascal looked back to explain. "It enhances security and limits the chaos inflicted by surprise attacks. With all the illusion, teleportation, and alchemical transmutation spells we have available, just how hard do you think it would be to insert a strike team of infiltrators and saboteurs?"
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	She had mostly glanced over them. For someone more interested in the far-reaching, sociological impacts of technology, she often found herself bored by the technical, inner workings of 'machines'. To skip past the minute details to see how innovations altered civilizations and shifted cultures was far more fascinating.		She had mostly glanced over them. For someone more interested in the far-reaching, sociological impacts of technology, she often found herself bored by the technical, inner workings of 'machines'. To skip past the minute details to see how innovations altered civilizations and shifted cultures was far more fascinating.

	"That would be correct," Pascal nevertheless gave her a passing grade. "~~But remember~~ that natural mana, not processed ether, flow through the spiritual ley-lines that stretch across the land. Without a soul to refine it, mana lack the malleability of ether that would allow them to simply be injected into a supernatural spell effect."		"That would be correct," Pascal nevertheless gave her a passing grade. "Remember that natural mana, not processed ether, flow through the spiritual ley-lines that stretch across the land. Without a soul to refine it, mana lack the malleability of ether that would allow them to simply be injected into a supernatural spell effect."

	''In other words,'' Kaede summarized, ''you can't pour crude oil from a derrick straight into the engine and expect it to run...''		''In other words,'' Kaede summarized, ''you can't pour crude oil from a derrick straight into the engine and expect it to run...''

	"This is where the Projection Foci ~~devices~~ come in," Pascal continued on. "They are built specifically for their deployment locale, attuned to the ley-lines each taps by design. They ~~also~~ do not refine the mana itself, ~~as nothing but a soul could achieve that. Instead, the Projection Foci harnesses~~ the magical pressure of the mana stream to energize near-depleted ether cycling through wide-area spell fields."		"This is where the Projection Foci come in," Pascal continued on. "They are built specifically for their deployment locale, attuned to the ley-lines each taps by design. They do not refine the mana itself; instead, they harness the magical pressure of the mana stream to energize near-depleted ether cycling through wide-area spell fields."

	The mental imagery that Kaede painted was a steam engine connected to a geothermal vent, using water to translate heat power into mechanical torque.		The mental imagery that Kaede painted was a steam engine connected to a geothermal vent, using water to translate heat power into mechanical torque.

	"But of course, armies in the field have no such blessings," Sylviane ~~tagged on to hasten~~ the conversation as they neared the destination. "~~So mages~~ can either use their ~~ether~~ reserves to fortify ~~their~~ camps, or they can bolster the army's mobility and enhance its combat effectiveness." Then, as she looked back with a grin: "Bet you can guess which choice Weichsel picks."		"But of course, armies in the field have no such blessings," Sylviane hastened the conversation as they neared the destination. "Mages can either use their reserves to fortify camps, or they can bolster the army's mobility and enhance its combat effectiveness." Then, as she looked back with a grin: "Bet you can guess which choice Weichsel picks."

	"Of course," the familiar girl smiled back. ''The Weichsel army always attacks.''		"Of course," the familiar girl smiled back. ''The Weichsel army always attacks.''
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	''Even I can be a good little familiar in front of your boss...''		''Even I can be a good little familiar in front of your boss...''

	"Your insights do you merit, Pascal," the King flashed an approving grin as he leaned back with a cup of steaming coffee. "What you just spoke of is exactly why I've sent for General... ''Professor'' von Marienfeld, to immediately begin developing a course for 'Command Exercises' using this 'Tabletop Wargaming' concept that we've discussed by letter. It's still far from actual experience, but it will at least put the tactical-track cadets in the spotlight as they formulate large-scale battle plans and respond to ~~the~~ ever-changing ~~conditions of the~~ battlefield."		"Your insights do you merit, Pascal," the King flashed an approving grin as he leaned back with a cup of steaming coffee. "What you just spoke of is exactly why I've sent for General... ''Professor'' von Marienfeld, to immediately begin developing a course for 'Command Exercises' using this 'Tabletop Wargaming' concept that we've discussed by letter. It's still far from actual experience, but it will at least put the tactical-track cadets in the spotlight as they formulate large-scale battle plans and respond to an ever-changing battlefield."

	Kaede beamed as she stole a glance at Pascal. She wasn't sure when he had began this conversation with the King, but it was always nice to see her suggestions receive adoption on a national level. The Prussian General Staff had first developed wargaming, or ''Kriegspiel'', in the early 1800s using metal pieces and dice. But on Hyperion, the availability of magic meant they could enchant dedicated tables to automate the wargame's mechanics -- something not possible on Earth until the advent of the information age.		Kaede beamed as she stole a glance at Pascal. She wasn't sure when he had began this conversation with the King, but it was always nice to see her suggestions receive adoption on a national level. The Prussian General Staff had first developed wargaming, or ''Kriegspiel'', in the early 1800s using metal pieces and dice. But on Hyperion, the availability of magic meant they could enchant dedicated tables to automate the wargame's mechanics -- something not possible on Earth until the advent of the information age.
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	The King looked down in deep thought. One-third of his remaining Knights Phantom was hardly a cheap price. But...		The King looked down in deep thought. One-third of his remaining Knights Phantom was hardly a cheap price. But...

	"You shall have it," his firm reply set the deal in stone. "I'll give you Walther's ''Falcon Force'' company, plus all the surviving elements of Erwin's ''Ghost Riders'' and anyone you could recruit in time to replenish ~~that unit~~. But in return," King Leopold dangled the strings attached with an open smile, "I want you to fund Erwin von Hammerstein in building at least three new Phantom companies."		"You shall have it," his firm reply set the deal in stone. "I'll give you Walther's ''Falcon Force'' company, plus all the surviving elements of Erwin's ''Ghost Riders'' and anyone you could recruit in time to replenish it. But in return," King Leopold dangled the strings attached with an open smile, "I want you to fund Erwin von Hammerstein in building at least three new Phantom companies."

	Pascal gave a faint cringe at that. The specialized equipment and high-quality armaments of the Knights Phantom made them ''very expensive'' units. Recruiting from the middle-class yeomanry rather than the aristocracy, it would fall upon him to subsidize the costs that they couldn't afford.		Pascal gave a faint cringe at that. The specialized equipment and high-quality armaments of the Knights Phantom made them ''very expensive'' units. Recruiting from the middle-class yeomanry rather than the aristocracy, it would fall upon him to subsidize the costs that they couldn't afford.
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	The Princess' eyes almost glistened with appreciation as King Leopold resurrected the century-old bonds between the two nations. As a major steel-producer, Weichsel was known for its blacksmithing industry. Without them and the millions of high-quality, armor-piercing bodkin arrowheads and artillery bolts they supplied, it was debatable if Rhin-Lotharingie could have ever thrown off the Imperial yoke.		The Princess' eyes almost glistened with appreciation as King Leopold resurrected the century-old bonds between the two nations. As a major steel-producer, Weichsel was known for its blacksmithing industry. Without them and the millions of high-quality, armor-piercing bodkin arrowheads and artillery bolts they supplied, it was debatable if Rhin-Lotharingie could have ever thrown off the Imperial yoke.

	"I see no reason why we cannot do so again, now that our joint faith is threatened by the corruption of greed within and besieged by the violence of ~~heathens~~ outside," he spat in contempt. "Weichsel has long stood as the 'Northern March of the Trinitian Realm', the bastion of true belief. We are more than ready to serve as the ''Arsenal of the Holy Father'' as well!"		"I see no reason why we cannot do so again, now that our joint faith is threatened by the corruption of greed within and besieged by the violence of infidels outside," he spat in contempt. "Weichsel has long stood as the 'Northern March of the Trinitian Realm', the bastion of true belief. We are more than ready to serve as the ''Arsenal of the Holy Father'' as well!"

	Emotions stirred as the King declared his adamant faith, pledging his commitment to support the Holy War.		Emotions stirred as the King declared his adamant faith, pledging his commitment to support the Holy War.
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	"Good timing Kaede. I need to show you something."		"Good timing Kaede. I need to show you something."

	He ~~lead~~ her over to a dresser by the corner. Sitting atop the intricately-carved table was an item she would never expect most men to own: a ~~cherry wood~~ jewelry box, complete with gold trim and magical enchantments.		He led her over to a dresser by the corner. Sitting atop the intricately-carved table was an item she would never expect most men to own: a rosewood jewelry box, complete with gold trim and magical enchantments.

	"W-why do you have..."		"W-why do you have..."
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	But thanks to her wispy voice, even that must have sounded cute as Pascal lit a wide grin:		But thanks to her wispy voice, even that must have sounded cute as Pascal lit a wide grin:

	"Ask Marina to help you with those earrings ~~tomorrow morning~~. If you are worried about the piercing, ask Lady Mari -- Sylv always praises her embroidery for being extremely precise."		"Ask Marina to help you with those earrings. If you are worried about the piercing, ask Lady Mari -- Sylv always praises her embroidery for being extremely precise."

	Kaede was still fuming when Pascal handed her a small velvet box with the earrings inside.		Kaede was still fuming when Pascal handed her a small velvet box with the earrings inside.
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	Kaede felt so humiliated that she wanted to cry.		Kaede felt so humiliated that she wanted to cry.

	"Ever since we came back... even when the herbal tea helped me fall asleep early, I'd still have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night, and then I can't fall asleep until it's almost morning! It's been driving me mad and I don't even know why only except that I slept fine with you! And..."		"Ever since we came back... even when the herbal tea helped me fall asleep early, I'd still have nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night and then I can't fall asleep until it's almost morning!" the torrent of words rushed out. "It's been driving me mad and I don't even know why only except that I slept fine with you! And..."

	With an exasperated sigh, Pascal stepped in and wrapped both of his arms around her thin shoulders, hugging her closely.		With an exasperated sigh, Pascal stepped in and wrapped both of his arms around her thin shoulders, hugging her closely.
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	"Stop worrying so much. You know I would never do anything to you without consent."		"Stop worrying so much. You know I would never do anything to you without consent."

	He always did have the oddest way of trying to cheer others up.		''He always did have the oddest way of trying to cheer others up.''

	Kaede knew most men had standards and expectations. She knew that she wasn't being fair to him. Yet at the same time, the alternative seemed unfathomable.		Kaede knew most men had standards and expectations. She knew that she wasn't being fair to him. Yet at the same time, the alternative seemed unfathomable.