Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 12 - Revision history

Aorii at 14:48, 1 March 2022

2022-03-01T14:48:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:48, 1 March 2022
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	''Not this drivel again,'' Kaede found herself instinctively annoyed, before remembering that this wasn't Europe and the general wasn't alluding to the 'Russian Menace'. She also recalled that Tsar Nicolas I of Russia decided to make the Russian rail gauge different from the rest of Europe, which precisely addressed the concern that the elderly Manteuffel spoke of.		''Not this drivel again,'' Kaede found herself instinctively annoyed, before remembering that this wasn't Europe and the general wasn't alluding to the 'Russian Menace'. She also recalled that Tsar Nicolas I of Russia decided to make the Russian rail gauge different from the rest of Europe, which precisely addressed the concern that the elderly Manteuffel spoke of.

	After all, from Poland-Lithuania to Carolean Sweden to Napoleonic France to Nazi Germany, Russia had found itself invaded and ravaged by European powers roughly once every century. The ensuing cultural trauma made Russians extremely wary of their national security~~, which~~ made them pursue an 'aggressive defense' policy that sought to create buffer states. ~~Unfortunately~~, this played straight into the ~~modern American~~ propaganda of ~~the~~ '~~Russian Menace~~'.		After all, from Poland-Lithuania to Carolean Sweden to Napoleonic France to Nazi Germany, Russia had found itself invaded and ravaged by European powers roughly once every century. The ensuing cultural trauma made Russians extremely wary of their national security. This made them pursue an 'aggressive defense' policy that sought to create buffer states and limit their exposure to future invasions. However, this often played straight into the propaganda of its adversaries, who claimed Russia was a menace that wanted to 'dominate Europe'.

	Thankfully, the same did not apply to the Grand Republic of Samara, since the accursed Dead Mountains created a natural barrier that shielded it from Western Hyperion. This allowed the Russians of this world to focus on what their ancestors did best -- long-distance trade and taming the wilderness.		Thankfully, the same did not apply to the Grand Republic of Samara, since the accursed Dead Mountains created a natural barrier that shielded it from Western Hyperion. This allowed the Russians of this world to focus on what their ancestors did best -- long-distance trade and taming the wilderness.
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	"Then... how long do they expect you to stay... an indentured servant?"		"Then... how long do they expect you to stay... an indentured servant?"

	Just forcing out those two words burned Kaede's tongue. It might be common in a traditional, eye-for-an-eye legal system. But being synonymous to slavery still gave it a barbaric edge in her worldview. After all, the last society on Earth that practiced systemic slavery was brought to an end when China ~~retook the breakaway region of Tibet and ended~~ the Dalai Lama's theocracy.		Just forcing out those two words burned Kaede's tongue. It might be common in a traditional, eye-for-an-eye legal system. But being synonymous to slavery still gave it a barbaric edge in her worldview. After all, the last society on Earth that practiced systemic slavery was brought to an end when China overthrew the Dalai Lama's caste-based theocracy in Tibet.

	"For assisting the attempted murder of a high noble? Life for a life." Marina stated. Then, the maid finally unveiled her acidic disdain as she added: "What did your naive little head think it was going to be? Maybe I would be quietly hung with a sack over my face?"		"For assisting the attempted murder of a high noble? Life for a life." Marina stated. Then, the maid finally unveiled her acidic disdain as she added: "What did your naive little head think it was going to be? Maybe I would be quietly hung with a sack over my face?"

Aorii at 14:34, 23 May 2021

2021-05-23T14:34:03Z

Aorii at 18:14, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T18:14:44Z

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Aorii at 18:34, 28 July 2016

2016-07-28T18:34:00Z

Aorii at 23:31, 30 January 2016

2016-01-30T23:31:16Z

Aorii at 19:32, 19 November 2015

2015-11-19T19:32:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:32, 19 November 2015
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	"Remember what I told you about refinement and spellcrafting?"		"Remember what I told you about refinement and spellcrafting?"

	"Yeah," Kaede nodded, recognizing this as another one of Pascal's tests. "Mana is the free spiritual power adrift in our surroundings, produced and scattered by all living beings. Mages absorb mana through magically conductive nerves, then transmit it to the soul to be refined into ether. Ether is malleable spiritual power, which serves as the fuel for spellcrafting. Casters must use their nerve system as conduits to form an internalized spell array by channeling ether through to shape the spell. Ether also slowly dissipates back into mana once released into open air, hence Aura Magic uses a casting focus to condense the magical output for a hardened 'shell'."		"Yeah," Kaede nodded, recognizing this as another one of Pascal's tests. "Mana is the free spiritual power adrift in our surroundings, produced and scattered by all living beings. Mages absorb mana through magically conductive nerves, then transmit it to the soul to be refined into ether. Ether is malleable spiritual power, which serves as the fuel for spellcrafting..."

			Basically, if ether was the gasoline required to power the internal combustion engine of spells and magic items, then mana was its natural, unrefined form -- crude oil.

			"Casters must use their nerve system as conduits to form an internalized spell array by channeling ether through to shape the spell," she continued on. "Ether also slowly dissipates back into mana once released into open air, hence Aura Magic uses a casting focus to condense the magical output for a hardened 'shell'."

	"Correct," Pascal acknowledged before continuing on to explain. "Trying to control the flow of ether through the nerve system is no simple affair. Human biology simply was not designed for such finesse. The only way to manage is to purposefully send the ether to different parts of the body, often many locations at once. The nerves tingle as the ether courses through them, which gives the caster some sense of timing. This is important as more complicated spell arrays will often require path rerouting..."		"Correct," Pascal acknowledged before continuing on to explain. "Trying to control the flow of ether through the nerve system is no simple affair. Human biology simply was not designed for such finesse. The only way to manage is to purposefully send the ether to different parts of the body, often many locations at once. The nerves tingle as the ether courses through them, which gives the caster some sense of timing. This is important as more complicated spell arrays will often require path rerouting..."

Aorii: general edit

2015-03-03T22:04:53Z

general edit

Aorii at 15:39, 13 October 2014

2014-10-13T15:39:55Z

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 12 - Storm Front=== "You can't cast? At all?" Kaede remarked in astonishment. The spoonful of soup she raised before her mouth lay forgotten as she stared at the b..."

2014-10-13T03:55:20Z

Created page with "===Chapter 12 - Storm Front=== "You can't cast? At all?" Kaede remarked in astonishment. The spoonful of soup she raised before her mouth lay forgotten as she stared at the b..."

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:34, 23 May 2021
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	Kaede couldn't stop feeling nervous as she sat at the same table as a King, two generals, four brigadiers, two colonels, a landgrave, plus the crown princess and her bodyguard. The fact she was one of only two people not wearing a uniform didn't help her anxiety, especially as the other was Princess Sylviane who sat on the far side of the table from her.		Kaede couldn't stop feeling nervous as she sat at the same table as a King, two generals, four brigadiers, two colonels, a landgrave, plus the crown princess and her bodyguard. The fact she was one of only two people not wearing a uniform didn't help her anxiety, especially as the other was Princess Sylviane who sat on the far side of the table from her.

			Despite the Keep's austere exterior, Pascal's father had the public areas inside built and decorated with no expenses spared. The opulent dining room exemplified this with its huge crystal chandeliers and life-sized paintings. It was fit to host state banquets -- something Kaede would never have imagined attending, let alone as a girl.

	The Samaran girl fidgeted as she pulled on the soft velvet that clung to the top of her arms. Her bared shoulders and half-exposed back made her feel uneasy, especially as she sat in the presence of royalty.		The Samaran girl fidgeted as she pulled on the soft velvet that clung to the top of her arms. Her bared shoulders and half-exposed back made her feel uneasy, especially as she sat in the presence of royalty.

	''What do womens' dresses have against shoulders anyway?''		''What do womens' dresses have against shoulders anyway?''

	The evening dress she wore was a deep, garnet-red over white. It left everything above her breasts exposed, except for her neck which was hidden beneath a wide choker. Pascal must have used her measurements to order the dress in advance for it to fit her so perfectly. Sylviane had forced Kaede to change into it before dinner when the Princess herself switched into her own starry, deep-violet gown.		The evening dress she wore was a deep, garnet-red over white and looked somewhat victorian in design. It left everything above her breasts exposed, except for her neck which was hidden beneath a wide choker. Pascal must have used her measurements to order the dress in advance for it to fit her so perfectly. Sylviane had forced Kaede to change into it before dinner when the Princess herself switched into her own starry, deep-violet gown.

	It also made Kaede realize that even Weichsel's formalwear for ladies involved a leather corset, only it was hidden underneath.		It also made Kaede realize that even Weichsel's formalwear for ladies involved a leather corset, only it was hidden underneath.
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	"But what about security?" He asked with a concerned look. "Wealth spurs envy, and wealthy lands entice the gaze of would-be conquerors. If Weichsel links itself by polarity rail to the Grand Republic, how could we guarantee that the next train which comes through is not carrying goods for trade, but supply and ammunition to accompany an invasion force?"		"But what about security?" He asked with a concerned look. "Wealth spurs envy, and wealthy lands entice the gaze of would-be conquerors. If Weichsel links itself by polarity rail to the Grand Republic, how could we guarantee that the next train which comes through is not carrying goods for trade, but supply and ammunition to accompany an invasion force?"

	''Not this drivel again,'' Kaede found herself instinctively annoyed, before remembering that this wasn't Europe and the general wasn't alluding to the 'Russian Menace'. She also recalled that Tsar Nicolas I of Russia decided to make the Russian rail gauge different from the rest of Europe ~~for~~ precisely the concern that the elderly Manteuffel spoke of.		''Not this drivel again,'' Kaede found herself instinctively annoyed, before remembering that this wasn't Europe and the general wasn't alluding to the 'Russian Menace'. She also recalled that Tsar Nicolas I of Russia decided to make the Russian rail gauge different from the rest of Europe, which precisely addressed the concern that the elderly Manteuffel spoke of.

	After all, from Poland-Lithuania to Carolean Sweden to Napoleonic France to Nazi Germany, Russia had found itself invaded and ravaged by European powers roughly once every century. The ensuing cultural trauma made Russians extremely wary of their national security, which made them pursue an 'aggressive defense' policy that sought to create buffer states. Unfortunately, this played straight into the modern American propaganda of the 'Russian Menace'.		After all, from Poland-Lithuania to Carolean Sweden to Napoleonic France to Nazi Germany, Russia had found itself invaded and ravaged by European powers roughly once every century. The ensuing cultural trauma made Russians extremely wary of their national security, which made them pursue an 'aggressive defense' policy that sought to create buffer states. Unfortunately, this played straight into the modern American propaganda of the 'Russian Menace'.
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	"I guess even your familiar takes after your father," Leopold's lips formed a bemused smirk. "Her arguments are roughly similar to Karl's from the economic angle. Of course, Karl also did not miss the ''military'' benefits of having our country connected by Polarity Rail." He added before looking to his 'Accountant General'.		"I guess even your familiar takes after your father," Leopold's lips formed a bemused smirk. "Her arguments are roughly similar to Karl's from the economic angle. Of course, Karl also did not miss the ''military'' benefits of having our country connected by Polarity Rail." He added before looking to his 'Accountant General'.

	"It would certainly make my job a great deal easier," General Wiktor chuckled. "The Polarity Rail ~~may be slower than cavalry, but~~ trains need neither rest nor fodder whereas ~~horses~~ do. Transporting troops and equipment around the country would be significantly faster, and..."		"It would certainly make my job a great deal easier," General Wiktor chuckled. "The Polarity Rail's overland speed is comparable to encumbered horses. However trains need neither rest nor fodder whereas animals do. Transporting troops and equipment around the country would be significantly faster, and..."

	The dhampir general trailed off as the door to the dining room opened and in marched a line of Pascal's household servants, each carrying a tray of food. Like the others, Kaede immediately found her gaze drawn in by the delicious aroma of spanferkel. Two roasted suckling pigs were cooked to a luscious golden brown and sliced in a way that maintained their shape. Along with it came roasted beet and soused herring salad, honey mustard chicken salad, white asparagus in hollandaise, and many other dishes.		The dhampir general trailed off as the door to the dining room opened and in marched a line of Pascal's household servants, each carrying a tray of food. Like the others, Kaede immediately found her gaze drawn in by the delicious aroma of spanferkel. Two roasted suckling pigs were cooked to a luscious golden brown and sliced in a way that maintained their shape. Along with it came roasted beet and soused herring salad, honey mustard chicken salad, white asparagus in hollandaise, and many other dishes.
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	"Believe me I've tried. Even pretended I could, back in my younger days," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen chuckled at himself. "But no, not even a spark. All it did was make me look silly."		"Believe me I've tried. Even pretended I could, back in my younger days," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen chuckled at himself. "But no, not even a spark. All it did was make me look silly."

	"I did tell you that the lieutenant-colonel was a commoner, not a yeoman," Pascal commented from her right before taking another mouthful of his own dinner, which as always came with a bowl of cheesy beer soup. He then nudged her over telepathy: "<and you are being rude.>"		"I did tell you that the lieutenant-colonel was a commoner, not a yeoman," Pascal commented from her right before taking another mouthful of his own dinner, which as always came with a bowl of cheesy beer soup. He then nudged her over telepathy, "<and you are being rude.>"

	"Sorry, I didn't mean..." Kaede broke off her stare and looked back down, before realizing that she had forgotten about the sliced spanferkel on her fork.		"Sorry, I didn't mean..." Kaede broke off her stare and looked back down, before realizing that she had forgotten about the sliced spanferkel on her fork.
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	There was also a closet in the corner that camouflaged itself as a small wardrobe, but actually hid the chamber pot that she hated to be reminded of.		There was also a closet in the corner that camouflaged itself as a small wardrobe, but actually hid the chamber pot that she hated to be reminded of.

	The bedcovers and window curtains all came in a gentle floral-pink, then adorned with a vine-like green pattern that gave it the semblance of a flowerbed. Their overabundance of ruffles and laces projected an air of extreme girlishness. Combined with the large wardrobes that devoted way too much space for clothing --including ~~two other dresses~~ that Pascal had already prepared for her-- it made Kaede wonder:		The bedcovers and window curtains all came in a gentle floral-pink, then adorned with a vine-like green pattern that gave it the semblance of a flowerbed. Their overabundance of ruffles and laces projected an air of extreme girlishness. Combined with the large wardrobes that devoted way too much space for clothing --including another dress that Pascal had already prepared for her-- it made Kaede wonder:

	''Is Pascal deliberately trying to feminize me?''		''Is Pascal deliberately trying to feminize me?''

	Nevertheless, Kaede did appreciate the fact that Pascal kept her ~~needs~~ in mind. This was most noticeable in how he left several books on Weichsel in her room, as well as a huge map of Western Hyperion which hung from the wall.		She definitely needed to have a talk with Pascal about this. Nevertheless, Kaede did appreciate the fact that Pascal at least kept her interests in mind. This was most noticeable in how he left several books on Weichsel in her room, as well as a huge map of Western Hyperion which hung from the wall.

	Most meaningful of all -- her room was in the same corridor as Pascal's own, just down the hall that was meant for only the lord's immediate family. It certainly explained the attitude of the maids, who politely addressed Kaede as 'Milady' when they met, only to whisper quietly once she was out of ordinary earshot.		Most meaningful of all -- her room was in the same corridor as Pascal's own, just down the hall that was meant for only the lord's immediate family. It certainly explained the attitude of the maids, who politely addressed Kaede as 'Milady' when they met, only to whisper quietly once she was out of ordinary earshot.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 28 July 2016
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	Three days had passed since they broke camp from Nordkapp. But once again she sat in an expandable wooden dining hall of the exact same construction, chatting over yet more vegetable and meat jerky soup.		Three days had passed since they broke camp from Nordkapp. But once again she sat in an expandable wooden dining hall of the exact same construction, chatting over yet more vegetable and meat jerky soup.

	"Believe me I've tried; even pretended I could, back in my younger days," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans~~-Canaris Oster~~ chuckled at himself. "But no, not even a spark. Just made me look silly."		"Believe me I've tried; even pretended I could, back in my younger days," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen chuckled at himself. "But no, not even a spark. Just made me look silly."

	"I did tell you that the Lieutenant-Colonel was a commoner, not a yeoman," Pascal commented from her left before taking another mouthful of his own dinner. He then nudged her over telepathy: "<u>and you are being rude.</u>"		"I did tell you that the Lieutenant-Colonel was a commoner, not a yeoman," Pascal commented from her left before taking another mouthful of his own dinner. He then nudged her over telepathy: "<u>and you are being rude.</u>"
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	"What was Colonel Brykalski thinking!?" his deep growl resounded in the room like rumbling thunderclouds. "His orders were to scout and impede any landing operation, not decisively engage the entire Skagen main force with just a single company!"		"What was Colonel Brykalski thinking!?" his deep growl resounded in the room like rumbling thunderclouds. "His orders were to scout and impede any landing operation, not decisively engage the entire Skagen main force with just a single company!"

	"That's not exactly fair, Sir," Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Oster~~ followed the General in, alongside with Colonel Dietrich von Falkenrath of the ''Phantom Gale''.		"That's not exactly fair, Sir," Lieutenant-Colonel Ostergalen followed the General in, alongside with Colonel Dietrich von Falkenrath of the ''Phantom Gale''.

	The youthful-looking, fifty-seven-years-old dhampir was one of von Manteuffel's most able and loyal protégés. At over one-eighty-six (6'1"), Dietrich von Falkenrath stood lean and tall, with sepia brown hair, deep emerald eyes under sharply turned eyebrows, and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that would have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral; but unlike his mentor there was a constant, brooding intensity within his gaze, accentuated by two blood-red crosses.		The youthful-looking, fifty-seven-years-old dhampir was one of von Manteuffel's most able and loyal protégés. At over one-eighty-six (6'1"), Dietrich von Falkenrath stood lean and tall, with sepia brown hair, deep emerald eyes under sharply turned eyebrows, and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that would have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral; but unlike his mentor there was a constant, brooding intensity within his gaze, accentuated by two blood-red crosses.
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	"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."		"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."

	Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Oster~~ then stared back with alarm as his fingers tapped the stiff paper:		The Lieutenant-Colonel then stared back with alarm as his fingers tapped the stiff paper:

	"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."		"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."
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	"<u>Continue,</u>" von Manteuffel ordered.		"<u>Continue,</u>" von Manteuffel ordered.

	But before Pascal could move on, it was ~~Lieutenant-Colonel Oster~~ who interjected first:		But before Pascal could move on, it was Hans who interjected first:

	"<u>Major, even with their main air groups away, those skywhales will likely still retain a formidable combat air patrol.</u>"		"<u>Major, even with their main air groups away, those skywhales will likely still retain a formidable combat air patrol.</u>"

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:31, 30 January 2016
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	Kaede nodded back. Motor learning was a widely adapted concept, utilized by humans on everything from vibrating vocal cords for speech to reflexive evasion while piloting a jet aircraft.		Kaede nodded back. Motor learning was a widely adapted concept, utilized by humans on everything from vibrating vocal cords for speech to reflexive evasion while piloting a jet aircraft.

	"Reminds me of how, back as a kid, I thought magic erupted from just shouting some mystical words while making dramatic gestures," Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Oster~~ chuckled to himself. "Which is just silly, when anyone actually sits down to think about it."		"Reminds me of how, back as a kid, I thought magic erupted from just shouting some mystical words while making dramatic gestures," the Lieutenant-Colonel chuckled to himself. "Which is just silly, when anyone actually sits down to think about it."

	"The Ancient Draconic spellwords we use exist solely as mnemonics to help expedite the memorization process and to act as a trigger word," Pascal clarified. "Furthermore, mastered spellwords must be used periodically in order to retain that familiarity."		"The Ancient Draconic spellwords we use exist solely as mnemonics to help expedite the memorization process and to act as a trigger word," Pascal clarified. "Furthermore, mastered spellwords must be used periodically in order to retain that familiarity."
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	"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."		"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."

	Lieutenant-Colonel Oster then ~~looked~~ back up as his fingers tapped the stiff paper:		Lieutenant-Colonel Oster then stared back with alarm as his fingers tapped the stiff paper:

	"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."		"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."
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	"<u>~~Captain~~ von Moltewitz: you've been oddly quiet this entire time.</u>"		"<u>Major von Moltewitz: you've been oddly quiet this entire time.</u>"

	Pascal's attention shifted back to the command telepathy channel. The staff officers had been repeating their prior analysis to Princess Sylviane. Pascal saw no purpose for yet another mime, so he had spent his time in discussion with Kaede over their private bond instead.		Pascal's attention shifted back to the command telepathy channel. The staff officers had been repeating their prior analysis to Princess Sylviane. Pascal saw no purpose for yet another mime, so he had spent his time in discussion with Kaede over their private bond instead.
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	''Again,'' sighed Pascal. ''Once again she is off to the front while... what am I even going to do this battle?''		''Again,'' sighed Pascal. ''Once again she is off to the front while... what am I even going to do this battle?''

	The thought of holding her back never even occurred to him. ~~There~~ mere idea of stopping an Oriflamme Paladin from committing to battle was utterly absurd. Pascal's only worry was that since he lacked a Knight Phantom's training, he wouldn't even have anything to do this battle other than twiddling his thumbs from a distance.		The thought of holding her back never even occurred to him. The mere idea of stopping an Oriflamme Paladin from committing to battle was utterly absurd. Pascal's only worry was that since he lacked a Knight Phantom's training, he wouldn't even have anything to do this battle other than twiddling his thumbs from a distance.

	"<u>The general plan is acceptable. I will ride alongside Her Highness in the first wave,</u>" the General replied in his usual voice after a moment's consideration. "<u>But given the factors of uncertainty, we need to hold the ''Dawn Sky'' back as a reserve. The ''Ghost Riders'' will be assigned to the second wave instead. Colonel von Hammerstein will dive ahead of the ''Falcons'' and clear a path through hostile anti-air.</u>"		"<u>The general plan is acceptable. I will ride alongside Her Highness in the first wave,</u>" the General replied in his usual voice after a moment's consideration. "<u>But given the factors of uncertainty, we need to hold the ''Dawn Sky'' back as a reserve. The ''Ghost Riders'' will be assigned to the second wave instead. Colonel von Hammerstein will dive ahead of the ''Falcons'' and clear a path through hostile anti-air.</u>"

	His own concerns tossed aside, Pascal's alertness ~~peaked~~ back up at once.		His own concerns tossed aside, Pascal's alertness piqued back up at once.

	Despite their achievements in the past week, the ''Ghost Riders'' was still an inexperienced unit. To throw them at the skywhales' formidable air defenses alone...		Despite their achievements in the past week, the ''Ghost Riders'' was still an inexperienced unit. To throw them at the skywhales' formidable air defenses alone...
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	"<u>Try absurd,</u>" von Manteuffel said with total indifference. "<u>Perhaps ridiculous, preposterous.</u>"		"<u>Try absurd,</u>" von Manteuffel said with total indifference. "<u>Perhaps ridiculous, preposterous.</u>"

	Pascal couldn't help scoff as he passed the absurdity of the day to Kaede:		Pascal couldn't help but scoff as he passed the absurdity of the day to Kaede:

	"<u>Someone just proposed 'sex pheromones' as a medium of attack.</u>"		"<u>Someone just proposed 'sex pheromones' as a medium of attack.</u>"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 3 March 2015
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	Pascal's left hand then reached into an extradimensional pocket and pulled out a thick book in response to Kaede's question.		Pascal's left hand then reached into an extradimensional pocket and pulled out a thick book in response to Kaede's question.

	"We can still cast them, assuming the process is not too difficult for the ~~caster~~'s level of expertise. It just takes a lot more effort, time, and concentration."		"We can still cast them, assuming the process is not too difficult for the mage's level of expertise. It just takes a lot more effort, time, and concentration."

	Taking the offered book and flipping to a random page, Kaede came across a human physical diagram. Within the figure were color-coded arrow lines, drawn to trace the flow of ether when constructing the spell array. A paragraph-long description of the effect preceded it, while complicated written instructions followed the diagram. Lastly, two lists presented preferable methods on how to transition this spell array to another, as well as suggested spellwords to combine with.		Taking the offered book and flipping to a random page, Kaede came across a human physical diagram. Within the figure were color-coded arrow lines, drawn to trace the flow of ether when constructing the spell array. A paragraph-long description of the effect preceded it, while complicated written instructions followed the diagram. Lastly, two lists presented preferable methods on how to transition this spell array to another, as well as suggested spellwords to combine with.
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	"<u>Huh? why did you send me if you're going to... oh...</u>"		"<u>Huh? why did you send me if you're going to... oh...</u>"

	It took her thoughts a moment to catch up. Kaede's hands soon began shifting through the stack of ~~paper~~ and ~~parchment~~, as though looking for something.		It took her thoughts a moment to catch up. Kaede's hands soon began shifting through the stack of papers and parchments, as though looking for something.

	Since she was neither a company commander nor HQ staff, Pascal lacked an excuse to bring Kaede to any tactical meeting. However, if she was already present when the meeting began, then General von Manteuffel could hardly ask her to leave without sounding as though the familiar, and her master by extension, was untrustworthy. That would have been extremely rude in terms of noble propriety.		Since she was neither a company commander nor HQ staff, Pascal lacked an excuse to bring Kaede to any tactical meeting. However, if she was already present when the meeting began, then General von Manteuffel could hardly ask her to leave without sounding as though the familiar, and her master by extension, was untrustworthy. That would have been extremely rude in terms of noble propriety.
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	The youthful-looking, fifty-seven-years-old dhampir was one of von Manteuffel's most able and loyal protégés. At over one-eighty-six (6'1"), Dietrich von Falkenrath stood lean and tall, with sepia brown hair, deep emerald eyes under sharply turned eyebrows, and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that would have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral; but unlike his mentor there was a constant, brooding intensity within his gaze, accentuated by two blood-red crosses.		The youthful-looking, fifty-seven-years-old dhampir was one of von Manteuffel's most able and loyal protégés. At over one-eighty-six (6'1"), Dietrich von Falkenrath stood lean and tall, with sepia brown hair, deep emerald eyes under sharply turned eyebrows, and a short-trimmed walrus mustache that would have been fashionable during World War I. His expressions were almost always neutral; but unlike his mentor there was a constant, brooding intensity within his gaze, accentuated by two blood-red crosses.

	Meanwhile, the intelligence chief was reading the sheet of ~~parchment~~ -- a full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by the signal officer earlier.		Meanwhile, the intelligence chief was reading the sheet of paper -- a full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by the signal officer earlier.

	"Based on the full report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes scanned through the report with remarkable speed. "However the low cloud cover and mist -- the very same that hid his own approach -- also concealed the enemy's air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders dived into his formation just as he climbed out of an attack run, resulting in a chaotic melee with his ''North Wind'' Phantoms."		"Based on the full report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes scanned through the report with remarkable speed. "However the low cloud cover and mist -- the very same that hid his own approach -- also concealed the enemy's air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders dived into his formation just as he climbed out of an attack run, resulting in a chaotic melee with his ''North Wind'' Phantoms."
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	"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."		"Skagen's volcanic drakes can outfight several of our Phantoms in any close encounter, especially once their attack penetrates our formation and disrupts our superior cohesion. The report also states, and I quote 'we attempted repeatedly to break off, but regardless of which direction we turned, a strong gale always blew against us while lifting the wings of our foes'..."

	Lieutenant-Colonel Oster then looked back up as his fingers tapped the ~~thick parchment~~:		Lieutenant-Colonel Oster then looked back up as his fingers tapped the stiff paper:

	"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."		"Sir, this is the most important piece of information that the Colonel died to bring us. Between those winds, the skywhale they saw emerging from the clouds, the advancing blizzard covering that fleet, and this unusual cold front that just came down from the North Sea -- it can't be all a coincidence, Sir."
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	"<u>What is so nostalgic about this?</u>"		"<u>What is so nostalgic about this?</u>"

	"<u>Eh...? It just reminds me of something from my world,</u>" she replied. "<u>The Northmen ~~fits~~ the attackers well, apart from those crazy flying whales. But the defenders won that fight, so the concepts might be useful...</u>"		"<u>Eh...? It just reminds me of something from my world,</u>" she replied. "<u>The Northmen fit the attackers quite well, apart from those crazy flying whales. But the defenders won that fight, so the concepts might be useful...</u>"

	Just as the first captain reached the cabin door, it was pushed open to allow a striding princess through. Sylviane still wore burning steel plates over her cerulean battledress. Her long hair and cinder cape billowed white-blue embers with every step. Her cheeks were also bright red and pink, which alongside her slightly labored breathing revealed a rushed return from her last mission.		Just as the first captain reached the cabin door, it was pushed open to allow a striding princess through. Sylviane still wore burning steel plates over her cerulean battledress. Her long hair and cinder cape billowed white-blue embers with every step. Her cheeks were also bright red and pink, which alongside her slightly labored breathing revealed a rushed return from her last mission.
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	"<u>So are you going to tell me?</u>" Pascal asked again, dragging Kaede's attention back to their conversation as they turned to head out.		"<u>So are you going to tell me?</u>" Pascal asked again, dragging Kaede's attention back to their conversation as they turned to head out.

	"<u>Right. Well, It happened near an island called ''Midway''...</u>"		"<u>Right. Well, it happened near an island called ''Midway''...</u>"


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	"<u>Captain von Moltewitz: you've been oddly quiet this entire time.</u>"		"<u>Captain von Moltewitz: you've been oddly quiet this entire time.</u>"

	Pascal's attention shifted back to the command telepathy channel. The staff officers had been repeating their prior analysis to Princess Sylviane. Pascal saw no purpose for yet another mime, so he spent his time in discussion with Kaede over their private bond instead.		Pascal's attention shifted back to the command telepathy channel. The staff officers had been repeating their prior analysis to Princess Sylviane. Pascal saw no purpose for yet another mime, so he had spent his time in discussion with Kaede over their private bond instead.

	Progress was slow at start, since his familiar was distracted by the fear of being tossed off her horse amid the gallop. So Pascal had cast a sticking spell to glue her cute butt to the saddle again. A ''Night Sight'' spell -- offering monochrome sight at half range -- also helped offset the near-darkness they rode in, since lighting was minimized to reduce the chances of being detected from afar.		Progress was slow at start, since his familiar was distracted by the fear of being tossed off her horse amid the gallop. So Pascal had cast a sticking spell to glue her cute butt to the saddle again. A ''Night Sight'' spell -- offering monochrome sight at half range -- also helped offset the near-darkness they rode in, since lighting was minimized to reduce the chances of being detected from afar.
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	He thought back again to the surface strike and high-altitude attack combination used by the 'American' torpedo and dive bombers. Just like those aircraft that Kaede spoke of, it was important that he utilized each Phantoms unit in the correct role. With the ''North Wind'' destroyed, Weichsel had five companies of them remaining, although only two of them still held a full complement of one-sixty:		He thought back again to the surface strike and high-altitude attack combination used by the 'American' torpedo and dive bombers. Just like those aircraft that Kaede spoke of, it was important that he utilized each Phantoms unit in the correct role. With the ''North Wind'' destroyed, Weichsel had five companies of them remaining, although only two of them still held a full complement of one-sixty:

	1st -- the ''Black Lancers'' -- a company fully equipped with armored gryphons and excelled at frontal charges. They had the best chance of going toe to toe against the drakes.		1st Knights Phantom -- the ''Black Lancers'' -- a company fully equipped with armored gryphons and excelled at frontal charges. They had the best chance of going toe to toe against the drakes.

	3rd -- ''Phantom Gale'' -- an all-weather combat unit led by Colonel von Falkenrath. He was one of Weichsel's best stormcaller mages, albeit still nowhere as good as the Skagen admiral.		3rd -- ''Phantom Gale'' -- an all-weather combat unit led by Colonel von Falkenrath. He was one of Weichsel's best stormcaller mages, albeit still nowhere as good as the Skagen admiral.
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	4th -- ''Falcon Force'' -- specialists of high speed attacks, using either explosive munitions or kinetic strikes. These men would be perfectly at ease diving down from a high attitude.		4th -- ''Falcon Force'' -- specialists of high speed attacks, using either explosive munitions or kinetic strikes. These men would be perfectly at ease diving down from a high attitude.

	5th -- ''Dawn Sky'' -- unit with a fetish for fire and light magic, led by the near-sociopathic Colonel ~~Ulrich~~. His men had a reputation for methodical yet unparalleled destruction.		5th -- ''Dawn Sky'' -- unit with a fetish for fire and light magic, led by the near-sociopathic Colonel Rudel. His men had a reputation for methodical yet unparalleled destruction.

	Lastly but not least, the new ''Ghost Riders'' company. They were led by the capable von Hammerstein, but still too inexperienced to have a specialist tradition.		Lastly but not least, the new ''Ghost Riders'' company. They were led by the capable von Hammerstein, but still too inexperienced to have a specialist tradition.
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	"<u>That is why the second wave features two companies when only one could manage the attack,</u>" Pascal highlighted. "<u>Although it would be nice to increase those numbers, it is imperative that the first wave be sufficiently convincing as the 'main attack'.</u>"		"<u>That is why the second wave features two companies when only one could manage the attack,</u>" Pascal highlighted. "<u>Although it would be nice to increase those numbers, it is imperative that the first wave be sufficiently convincing as the 'main attack'.</u>"

	"<u>In that case it would be best if I lead the first wave,</u>" Sylviane's intent words joined in at last. "<u>An Oriflamme's presence will no doubt draw their undivided attention. Those volcanic drakes might be tough, but a phoenix's flames will scorch them just the same.</u>"		"<u>In that case it would be best if I lead the first wave,</u>" Sylviane's intent words joined in at last. "<u>An Oriflamme's presence will no doubt draw their undivided attention. Those volcanic drakes might be tough against fire, but a phoenix's flames will scorch them just the same.</u>"

	''Again,'' sighed Pascal. ''Once again she is off to the front while... what am I even going to do this battle?''		''Again,'' sighed Pascal. ''Once again she is off to the front while... what am I even going to do this battle?''
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	"<u>Well, since it's their nostrils, I suggest we pump it full of pheromones and make the whales go into a sexual frenzy,</u>" an enthusiastic voice erupted from one of the officers.		"<u>Well, since it's their nostrils, I suggest we pump it full of pheromones and make the whales go into a sexual frenzy,</u>" an enthusiastic voice erupted from one of the officers.

			Pascal actually wasn't sure whom that was.

	''Moron...''		''Moron...''

	~~Pascal actually wasn't sure whom that was.~~

	Had there been any telepathic crickets, their chirping would have filled the channel's utter silence.		Had there been any telepathic crickets, their chirping would have filled the channel's utter silence.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 13 October 2014
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	Weichsel might not have any propeller-driven 'torpedo' or 'dive bombers' that Kaede spoke of, but the Knights Phantom were more adaptable and just as deadly.		Weichsel might not have any propeller-driven 'torpedo' or 'dive bombers' that Kaede spoke of, but the Knights Phantom were more adaptable and just as deadly.

	"<u>My plan is that we ride up behind the Northmen army and follow them. Once Nordkreuz confirms a full scale air attack, we send all of our Knights Phantom in and assault their skywhales. Our goal is to destroy those armored beasts protecting the drakes and hopefully kill their admiral alongside them. Without the skywhales to shelter their drakes ~~during rest periods~~, we can easily ~~eliminate them~~ with further harassment from the air. Once we achieve air dominance, Skagen loses any chance of taking Nordkreuz and will have no choice but to retreat to their ships -- assuming they are still there...</u>"		"<u>My plan is that we ride up behind the Northmen army and follow them. Once Nordkreuz confirms a full scale air attack, we send all of our Knights Phantom in and assault their skywhales. Our goal is to destroy those armored beasts protecting the drakes and hopefully kill their admiral alongside them. Without the skywhales to carry their supplies or shelter their drakes, we can easily cripple their remaining forces with further harassment from the air. Once we achieve air dominance, Skagen loses any chance of taking Nordkreuz and will have no choice but to retreat to their ships -- assuming they are still there...</u>"

	Pascal held no doubt about the operation's second stage. As soon as they cleared the threat to Nordkreuz, the objective would shift to destroying the moored Skagen fleet. Without their ships, that army of twenty-two thousand would be stranded on the mainland, cut off from supplies, and harried from all sides -- a textbook opportunity for complete destruction.		Pascal held no doubt about the operation's second stage. As soon as they cleared the threat to Nordkreuz, the objective would shift to destroying the moored Skagen fleet. Without their ships, that army of twenty-two thousand would be stranded on the mainland, cut off from supplies, and harried from all sides -- a textbook opportunity for complete destruction.
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	But before Pascal could move on, it was Lieutenant-Colonel Oster who interjected first:		But before Pascal could move on, it was Lieutenant-Colonel Oster who interjected first:

	"<u>Major, even with their main air groups away, those skywhales will likely still retain a formidable ~~Combat Air Patrol~~.</u>"		"<u>Major, even with their main air groups away, those skywhales will likely still retain a formidable combat air patrol.</u>"

	"<u>That is why we will launch two separate waves,</u>" Pascal clarified.		"<u>That is why we will launch two separate waves,</u>" Pascal clarified.
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	Lastly but not least, the new ''Ghost Riders'' company. They were led by the capable von Hammerstein, but still too inexperienced to have a specialist tradition.		Lastly but not least, the new ''Ghost Riders'' company. They were led by the capable von Hammerstein, but still too inexperienced to have a specialist tradition.

	"<u>We send the first wave on a level attack against the skywhales. The ''Phantom Gale'' can form a wind tunnel and clear a path through any acidic rainclouds they throw at us. The goal is to draw in the enemy's ~~Combat Air Patrol~~, which the ''Black Lancers'' and ''Ghost Riders'' will engage.</u>"		"<u>We send the first wave on a level attack against the skywhales. The ''Phantom Gale'' can form a wind tunnel and clear a path through any acidic rainclouds they throw at us. The goal is to draw in the enemy's combat air patrol, which the ''Black Lancers'' and ''Ghost Riders'' will engage.</u>"

	Pascal wished they were still standing around a projection table. Tactical explanations were so much easily when they could configure three-dimensional diagrams to show and tell.		Pascal wished they were still standing around a projection table. Tactical explanations were so much easily when they could configure three-dimensional diagrams to show and tell.
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	His own concerns tossed aside, Pascal's alertness peaked back up at once.		His own concerns tossed aside, Pascal's alertness peaked back up at once.

	Despite their achievements in the past ~~weeks~~, the ''Ghost Riders'' ~~were~~ still an inexperienced unit. To throw them at the skywhales' formidable air defenses alone...		Despite their achievements in the past week, the ''Ghost Riders'' was still an inexperienced unit. To throw them at the skywhales' formidable air defenses alone...

	''He is using them as fodder.''		''He is using them as fodder!''

	Pascal almost retorted before holding back his thoughts. Apart from the stupidity of accusing one's superior, he couldn't really fault von Manteuffel for such thinking. Being the newest and least trained of the Phantoms naturally made the ''Ghost Riders'' the most expendable.		Pascal almost retorted before holding back his thoughts. Apart from the stupidity of accusing one's superior, he couldn't really fault von Manteuffel for such thinking. Being the newest and least trained of the Phantoms naturally made the ''Ghost Riders'' the most expendable.