Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 14 - Revision history

Aorii at 22:51, 8 April 2022

2022-04-08T22:51:38Z

Aorii at 19:49, 2 April 2022

2022-04-02T19:49:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 2 April 2022
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. ~~The only problem --at least back~~ on ~~Earth~~-- ~~was that they would be accused~~ of 'forced technology transfers' ~~four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully in Hyperion, Weichsel wouldn't acquire selective amnesia four decades later and start blaming Lotharins on standard practices that both sides agreed upon -- like the politicization of 'forced technology transfers' back on Earth.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

Aorii at 17:05, 9 July 2021

2021-07-09T17:05:53Z

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	If anything, Kaede had been mocked as being too unambitious back on Earth. ''Herbivore men'', as the Japanese liked to say -- a term Kaede found particularly distasteful as it dredged up memories of ''his'' ex-girlfriend and their unpleasant breakup.		If anything, Kaede had been mocked as being too unambitious back on Earth. ''Herbivore men'', as the Japanese liked to say -- a term Kaede found particularly distasteful as it dredged up memories of ''his'' ex-girlfriend and their unpleasant breakup.

	"But at any rate," Kaede rushed to bury the distasteful thoughts that she hated to be reminded of. "I haven't even lived in this world for two full months yet. That is far too short a time to develop a mature view of how I envision its future. The last thing I want to be is one of those people who demand change without even taking the time to properly grasp the reasons behind the current status quo. After all," she declared proudly, "I'm a strong proponent that only those who live within a society have any right to make decisions for that society."		"But at any rate," Kaede rushed to bury the distasteful thoughts that she hated to be reminded of. "I haven't even lived in this world for two full months yet. That is far too short a time to develop a mature view of how I envision its future. The last thing I want to be is one of those people who demand change without even taking the time to properly grasp the reasons behind the current status quo. After all," she declared proudly, "I'm a strong proponent that only those who live within a society have any right to make decisions for that society..."

	Another moment of nostalgia struck Kaede as she remembered how her father succinctly put it: "''all those meddling foreigners who claim to speak for 'the Russian people' need to shut their hypocrite traps.''"

	At that moment, Kaede's keen, familiar-enhanced ears heard a commotion outside the door. It sounded as though every officer who frequented the building was now marching down the hall in their leather boots towards the map room.		At that moment, Kaede's keen, familiar-enhanced ears heard a commotion outside the door. It sounded as though every officer who frequented the building was now marching down the hall in their leather boots towards the map room.
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	''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.		''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.

	Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.		Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.

	Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.		Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.

Aorii at 12:58, 30 May 2021

2021-05-30T12:58:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:58, 30 May 2021
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. ~~Hopefully this time the Lotharins wouldn't~~ be ~~blamed for~~ 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia~~. After all~~, it ~~took both sides' agreement to establish a joint venture, hence the name~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. The only problem --at least back on Earth-- was that they would be accused of 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia, even though the ventures were freely agreed upon and it was how commercially-applicable technology spreads.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

Aorii at 03:26, 16 April 2021

2021-04-16T03:26:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:26, 16 April 2021
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully ~~Weichsel, unlike America,~~ wouldn't ~~turn about face~~ four decades later with ~~a case of~~ selective amnesia ~~and claim that they'd been "forced into technology transfers"~~. After all, ~~technological dominance was upheld by prioritizing one~~'~~s own research and innovation~~, ~~not through~~ the ~~impractical means of trying to stop commercially-applicable technology from spreading~~.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully this time the Lotharins wouldn't be blamed for 'forced technology transfers' four decades later by a declining superpower with selective amnesia. After all, it took both sides' agreement to establish a joint venture, hence the name.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.		Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.
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	....		...

Aorii at 18:21, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T18:21:58Z

Show changes

Aorii at 12:56, 18 April 2017

2017-04-18T12:56:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:56, 18 April 2017
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	''Flourish?'' Kaede thought of the spellword Captain von Lichnowsky had used on her hair. "<u>Does it grow something?</u>"		''Flourish?'' Kaede thought of the spellword Captain von Lichnowsky had used on her hair. "<u>Does it grow something?</u>"

	"<u>Those tentacles ~~under its fins~~. It uses them to snatch game from the ground and deliver to its mouth.</u>"		"<u>Those mustache-like tentacles. It uses them to snatch game from the ground and deliver to its mouth.</u>"

	Kaede shifted her binoculars over for another look at the ~~side-fins~~. The short tentacles that ~~peeked out from underneath~~ seemed more like giant ~~armpit~~ hair than appendages for manipulating food.		Kaede shifted her binoculars over for another look at the jaws. The short tentacles that hung over them seemed more like giant facial hair than appendages for manipulating food.

	Nevertheless, she was only too happy to stay her distance.		Nevertheless, she was only too happy to stay her distance.
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	Sure, Thorsten's drakes could use a rest from the morning attack. The hangar deck wasn't merely an extradimensionally-expanded chamber to land and park in. Magic also regulated the rear compartment to offer the sulfur-rich environment of the drakes' home habitat. The volcanic gases back there were terrible for unprotected humans; however the drakes not only preferred it but found it essential for refueling their breath weapons.		Sure, Thorsten's drakes could use a rest from the morning attack. The hangar deck wasn't merely an extradimensionally-expanded chamber to land and park in. Magic also regulated the rear compartment to offer the sulfur-rich environment of the drakes' home habitat. The volcanic gases back there were terrible for unprotected humans; however the drakes not only preferred it but found it essential for refueling their breath weapons.

	The Admiral was actually worried that events were progressing a bit too ideally. His ~~roughly~~ estimate put the attacking force at around half of Weichsel's air cavalry. Did the other units fall behind during their retreat from the peninsula? Or were they still out there in the clouds?		The Admiral was actually worried that events were progressing a bit too ideally. His rough estimate put the attacking force at around half of Weichsel's air cavalry. Did the other units fall behind during their retreat from the peninsula? Or were they still out there in the clouds?

	''It doesn't matter,'' he quickly decided.		''It doesn't matter,'' he quickly decided.

Aorii at 23:37, 30 January 2016

2016-01-30T23:37:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:37, 30 January 2016
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	By attacking from the northwest first, the Admiral hoped to use the flow of battle to tilt Weichsel's formation towards their right flank. This would not only present the skywhales' ballistae a semi-enfilade angle of fire, but also expose the Wickers' rear to Thorsten's drakes coming from the southwest.		By attacking from the northwest first, the Admiral hoped to use the flow of battle to tilt Weichsel's formation towards their right flank. This would not only present the skywhales' ballistae a semi-enfilade angle of fire, but also expose the Wickers' rear to Thorsten's drakes coming from the southwest.

	''All they need is a nudge of chaos buy time.''		''All they need is a nudge of chaos to buy time.''

	As an archmage worthy of the claim, Asgeirr not only had the expertise to craft the most complex spells, but also invented sorceries of the highest tier. Out of his four creations, two of them were made to support major battles and fleet action:		As an archmage worthy of the claim, Asgeirr not only had the expertise to craft the most complex spells, but also invented sorceries of the highest tier. Out of his four creations, two of them were made to support major battles and fleet action:
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	Swinging her binoculars to another battle, Kaede caught the sight of an enlarged Manteuffel Sword in heavy lance form stab into the neck of a volcanic drake. The magical weapon pushed deep before shrinking to its 'normal' size in the wielder's hands, just in time to cleave the Northmen's helmet in an overhead fly-by.		Swinging her binoculars to another battle, Kaede caught the sight of an enlarged Manteuffel Sword in heavy lance form stab into the neck of a volcanic drake. The magical weapon pushed deep before shrinking to its 'normal' size in the wielder's hands, just in time to cleave the Northmen's helmet in an overhead fly-by.

	''~~Quiet~~ impressive for someone over a century old,'' Kaede thought.		''Quite impressive for someone over a century old,'' Kaede thought.

	After the past week, she could recognize the General's figure even three kilometers away; although the sword certainly helped.		After the past week, she could recognize the General's figure even three kilometers away; although the sword certainly helped.
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	"<u>There is no such thing as perfect information. Right now, under these circumstances, we can only pray for their success and learn from our mistakes.</u>"		"<u>There is no such thing as perfect information. Right now, under these circumstances, we can only pray for their success and learn from our mistakes.</u>"

	"<u>But I can't just watch them die!</u>" Kaede ~~whimpered back~~ as she pulled the reins of her ''Phantom Steed'' ~~to turn before~~ spurred it on.		"<u>But I can't just watch them die!</u>" Kaede retorted as she pulled the reins of her ''Phantom Steed'' and spurred it on.

	"<u>Yes, you will. You do not turn your back on them!</u>"		"<u>Yes, you will. You do not turn your back on them!</u>"

Aorii at 14:38, 6 March 2015

2015-03-06T14:38:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 6 March 2015
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	By attacking from the northwest first, the Admiral hoped to use the flow of battle to tilt Weichsel's formation towards their right flank. This would not only present the skywhales' ballistae a semi-enfilade angle of fire, but also expose the Wickers' rear to Thorsten's drakes coming from the southwest.		By attacking from the northwest first, the Admiral hoped to use the flow of battle to tilt Weichsel's formation towards their right flank. This would not only present the skywhales' ballistae a semi-enfilade angle of fire, but also expose the Wickers' rear to Thorsten's drakes coming from the southwest.

	''All ~~the~~ they need is a nudge of chaos buy time.''		''All they need is a nudge of chaos buy time.''

	As an archmage worthy of the claim, Asgeirr not only had the expertise to craft the most complex spells, but also invented sorceries of the highest tier. Out of his four creations, two of them were made to support major battles and fleet action:		As an archmage worthy of the claim, Asgeirr not only had the expertise to craft the most complex spells, but also invented sorceries of the highest tier. Out of his four creations, two of them were made to support major battles and fleet action:

Aorii: general edit

2015-03-03T22:07:02Z

general edit

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 8 April 2022
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	"I feel like a week of my life has just wasted away."		"I feel like a week of my life has just wasted away."

	It wasn't the first time Pascal had expressed his displeasure ~~over~~ the past week over a lack of purpose. While Weichsel's cavalry forces were taking turns launching raids into the Skagen Peninsula, the bulk of its infantry and officers remained in Nordkreuz, with little else to occupy their time other than training. This left Pascal with very few responsibilities, especially compared to his fiancée.		It wasn't the first time Pascal had expressed his displeasure in the past week over a lack of purpose. While Weichsel's cavalry forces were taking turns launching raids into the Skagen Peninsula, the bulk of its infantry and officers remained in Nordkreuz, with little else to occupy their time other than training. This left Pascal with very few responsibilities, especially compared to his fiancée.

	Princess Sylviane had been busy negotiating a new trade deal with King Leopold that sought to attract Weichsen investment to the mines of Rhin-Lotharingie. After all, while Weichsel has a significant metallurgy industry known for the quality of its steel, it also has a shortage of iron ore which it had traditionally imported from the Holy Imperium. However, since the War of Imperium Succession ten years ago when Weichsel annexed several of the Imperium's northern provinces, Weichsel's economic ties with the Imperials had come under periodic embargos.		Princess Sylviane had been busy negotiating a new trade deal with King Leopold that sought to attract Weichsen investment to the mines of Rhin-Lotharingie. After all, while Weichsel has a significant metallurgy industry known for the quality of its steel, it also has a shortage of iron ore which it had traditionally imported from the Holy Imperium. However, since the War of Imperium Succession ten years ago when Weichsel annexed several of the Imperium's northern provinces, Weichsel's economic ties with the Imperials had come under periodic embargos.
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	"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."		"Why not create new, joint venture businesses with shared ownership? If a business has a 51% Lotharin ownership, then it's technically a Lotharin business and can therefore own Lotharin lands. Meanwhile the margin is so slim that should a dispute happen, it wouldn't be hard for the Weichsen owners to draw support from the other side with a sound argument."

	It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Hopefully in Hyperion, Weichsel wouldn't acquire selective amnesia four decades later and start blaming Lotharins on standard practices that both sides agreed upon -- like the politicization of 'forced technology transfers' back on Earth.		It was the exact same dilemma that Deng Xiaoping faced in 1978 when he decided to reform China and open it up to the world. Kaede recognized this and therefore proposed the exact same solution. Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

	Last she heard from Sylviane, this was the breakthrough they needed. Negotiations had moved onto the next phase, and the Princess was so delighted she spent all of lunch today in a self-congratulatory spirit.

	...That likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.		...That likely contributed to Pascal's mood, as it only further highlighted his own lack of recent accomplishments.
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	"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"		"An expedition group of 6,000 from Västergötland has already arrived and is landing as we speak." Pascal noted. "I doubt there is more to come as that country had taken heavy casualties back during their autumn raiding campaign. Meanwhile Skagen's own forces would not have departed from Nordkapp if they had more troops to disembark. Yes, I maintain my opinion that their numbers are not enough to assault Nordkreuz. But if the Northmen recognize this fact, then they ought to respond to His Majesty and begin peace talks! Their current stance of neither fighting nor negotiating is just wasting our time!"

	Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved --be it through battle or diplomacy-- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.		Kaede made a wry, sympathetic smile as she considered her master's frustration. Pascal wasn't much of a negotiator so he was of no use to Sylviane in the trade talks. What he wanted to see above all else was for Weichsel's army to begin its march into Rhin-Lotharingie, to honor the defensive alliance that he himself stood at the center of. However, until the northern threat was resolved -- be it through battle or diplomacy -- Weichsel's forces were going nowhere. And as a result he was stuck here in Nordkreuz playing armchair general.

	With a deep sigh, Pascal forced himself to turn away from the windows. His turquoise eyes fell upon Kaede and for a brief moment, curiosity overpowered irritation in his gaze.		With a deep sigh, Pascal forced himself to turn away from the windows. His turquoise eyes fell upon Kaede and for a brief moment, curiosity overpowered irritation in his gaze.
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	''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.		''So roughly 1,200 versus 6,000?'' The Samaran girl estimated.

	Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions --based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system-- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.		Kaede had read that Weichsel's battalions -- based on the Holy Imperium's cohort system -- consisted of three companies of 150 men each plus battalion command, with a full strength of 500. Though the reality was a little more complicated since the battalions were organized as self-sufficient units on the operational level, with an integrated support company to manage supplies. As the cavalry shed its support elements to conduct fast raids, this meant that only seven combat companies were present at the battle, with roughly 1,200 combat and command personnel.

	Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade --based on the Imperium's legion-- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.		Meanwhile General Neithard made the brigade analogy since a Weichsel brigade -- based on the Imperium's legion -- was roughly 5,500 men, and the Västergötland landing force was 6,000 in strength. Though in reality the Northmen had a very different unit organizational structure.

	"That's not exactly fair," Chief-of-Staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen interjected. "Brykalski followed his orders to the letter. There is clearly something else at play here."		"That's not exactly fair," Chief-of-Staff General Wiktor von Falkenhausen interjected. "Brykalski followed his orders to the letter. There is clearly something else at play here."
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	The dhampir general then looked towards Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, who clutched the full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by a signal officer earlier.		The dhampir general then looked towards Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, who clutched the full transcript of the ''Farspeak'' message received by a signal officer earlier.

	"According to his second-in-command's report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet's vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes darted back and forth across the sheet of paper. "However, the low cloud cover and snow --the very same that hid their own approach-- also concealed enemy air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders descended into their formation just as the ''North Wind'' Phantoms climbed out of their attack run, forcing them into a chaotic melee. Command of the ground cavalry then fractured after repeated strafing attacks by the drakes' breath weapons, which allowed Västergötland ground troops to close the distance and entangle our cavalry in close-quarters combat..."		"According to his second-in-command's report, Colonel Brykalski attacked the invasion fleet's vanguard, hoping to light enough ships on fire to spread confusion and disrupt their landing," Hans began to explain as his eyes darted back and forth across the sheet of paper. "However, the low cloud cover and snow -- the very same that hid their own approach -- also concealed enemy air forces until it was too late to avoid engagement. Over a hundred drake-riders descended into their formation just as the ''North Wind'' Phantoms climbed out of their attack run, forcing them into a chaotic melee. Command of the ground cavalry then fractured after repeated strafing attacks by the drakes' breath weapons, which allowed Västergötland ground troops to close the distance and entangle our cavalry in close-quarters combat..."

	"''A hundred drakes,''" the elderly Manteuffel remarked dubiously. "Västergötland couldn't scratch together two dozen drakes in its entirety, and our spies report but a handful with the Skagen army before they set out from Nordkapp. Where did ''a hundred drakes'' come from?"		"''A hundred drakes,''" the elderly Manteuffel remarked dubiously. "Västergötland couldn't scratch together two dozen drakes in its entirety, and our spies report but a handful with the Skagen army before they set out from Nordkapp. Where did ''a hundred drakes'' come from?"
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	"Yes, Sir." Hans and Hannes spoke in unison again. The beautiful and androgynous spymaster then gestured for the balding intelligence officer to go ahead, probably since Hans was the first to make the deduction and it was only fair that he claimed the credit.		"Yes, Sir." Hans and Hannes spoke in unison again. The beautiful and androgynous spymaster then gestured for the balding intelligence officer to go ahead, probably since Hans was the first to make the deduction and it was only fair that he claimed the credit.

	"Four decades ago, Asgeirr Vintersvend --the bastard half-brother of Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen of Kattegen-- wrote a book titled ''Massive Strike''," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans explained. "In it, he espoused for the concentration of airborne striking power by pooling together aerial assets, including both drakes and skywhales, which may be swiftly deployed for overwhelming air offensives that can quickly decide a war."		"Four decades ago, Asgeirr Vintersvend -- the bastard half-brother of Jarl Eyvindur Sigmundsen of Kattegen -- wrote a book titled ''Massive Strike''," Lieutenant-Colonel Hans explained. "In it, he espoused for the concentration of airborne striking power by pooling together aerial assets, including both drakes and skywhales, which may be swiftly deployed for overwhelming air offensives that can quickly decide a war."

	''This sounds remarkably familiar...'' Kaede couldn't help reflect.		''This sounds remarkably familiar...'' Kaede couldn't help reflect.
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	General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.		General Neithard, on the other hand, looked far more dispassionate. He turned his attention towards Pascal as though merely observing a formality.

	"Sire, we know, that the enemy knows, that our cavalry --and particularly our Phantoms-- are scattered within Skagen conducting deep raids. We also know that Admiral Winter deliberately circumvented around the Skagen Peninsula, to strike directly at Nordkreuz from the North Sea. Asgeirr Vintersvend has successfully delayed our ability to detect his skywhales until the last possible moment. He likely did so hoping it would take us time to regroup our air cavalry, which creates a window of opportunity that he can exploit."		"Sire, we know, that the enemy knows, that our cavalry, and particularly our Phantoms, are scattered within Skagen conducting deep raids. We also know that Admiral Winter deliberately circumvented around the Skagen Peninsula, to strike directly at Nordkreuz from the North Sea. Asgeirr Vintersvend has successfully delayed our ability to detect his skywhales until the last possible moment. He likely did so hoping it would take us time to regroup our air cavalry, which creates a window of opportunity that he can exploit."

	"You're saying that Admiral Winter will likely launch an immediate air strike on Nordkreuz?" The King inquired. "If that is the case, should we not order the ''Phantom Gale'' to remain within the city?"		"You're saying that Admiral Winter will likely launch an immediate air strike on Nordkreuz?" The King inquired. "If that is the case, should we not order the ''Phantom Gale'' to remain within the city?"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:07, 3 March 2015
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	[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch14_NordkreuzStr.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkreuz\|right]]		[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch14_NordkreuzStr.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkreuz\|right]]

	Then this morning, they received word that an intense air assault had struck the city of Nordkreuz. Kaede wasn't sure if Pascal's household was alright. All she did know was that they were now racing against time to sink the carriers before those air groups returned.		Then this morning, they received word that an intense air assault had struck the city of Nordkreuz. Kaede wasn't sure if Marina or the rest of Pascal's household was alright. All she did know was that they were now racing against time to sink the carriers before those air groups returned.

	When the General slowed the Phantoms down to reorganize their formations, Pascal sent Kaede ahead to serve as a forward observer. She and the other scouts wore ''Camouflage'' spells that blended them into the low, dark clouds, making them nearly impossible to spot in the distance.		When the General slowed the Phantoms down to reorganize their formations, Pascal sent Kaede ahead to serve as a forward observer. She and the other scouts wore ''Camouflage'' spells that blended them into the low, dark clouds, making them nearly impossible to spot in the distance.
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	Which, of course, would be perfect for Skagen's interests.		Which, of course, would be perfect for Skagen's interests.

	Asgeirr had no way of knowing if he had struck gold. But the rest of the gamble seemed to have paid off. His son Thorsten was returning from a victorious assault that destroyed most of the city, just in time for a decisive air battle that ~~could~~ seal Weichsel's fate for this entire campaign.		Asgeirr had no way of knowing if he had struck gold. But the rest of the gamble seemed to have paid off. His son Thorsten was returning from a victorious assault that destroyed most of the city, just in time for a decisive air battle that would seal Weichsel's fate for this entire campaign.

	Sure, Thorsten's drakes could use a rest from the morning attack. The hangar deck wasn't merely an extradimensionally-expanded chamber to land and park in. Magic also regulated the rear compartment to offer the sulfur-rich environment of the drakes' home habitat. The volcanic gases back there were terrible for unprotected humans; however the drakes not only preferred it but found it essential for refueling their breath weapons.		Sure, Thorsten's drakes could use a rest from the morning attack. The hangar deck wasn't merely an extradimensionally-expanded chamber to land and park in. Magic also regulated the rear compartment to offer the sulfur-rich environment of the drakes' home habitat. The volcanic gases back there were terrible for unprotected humans; however the drakes not only preferred it but found it essential for refueling their breath weapons.
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	"Send ''Dawn Sky'' toward the southwest. Locate and skirmish the returning drakes. Do not engage in close combat. We only need to buy time to finish off the patrol before hitting the main group ~~with~~ full force!"		"Send ''Dawn Sky'' toward the southwest. Locate and skirmish the returning drakes. Do not engage in close combat. We only need to buy time to finish off the patrol before hitting the main group in full force!"

	[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch14_Nordkreuz1.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkreuz: both sides redeploying to interdict\|right]]		[[Image:Daybreak_v2_ch14_Nordkreuz1.png\|thumb\|Battle of Nordkreuz: both sides redeploying to interdict\|right]]
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	Sylviane could feel her arms shaking. Had she carried a sword instead of a chained hammer, the effect might have been obvious.		Sylviane could feel her arms shaking. Had she carried a sword instead of a chained hammer, the effect might have been obvious.

	''I have ~~Hauteclere~~ with me. I can take these stupid beasts!''		''I have Hauteclaire with me. I can take these stupid beasts!''

	She began to twirl her meteor hammer around her right hand. It would not do to let her idle arms reveal her anxiety and fright.		She began to twirl her meteor hammer around her right hand. It would not do to let her idle arms reveal her anxiety and fright.
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	So while Sylviane the twenty-year-old girl continued to tremble and doubt, Sylviane Etiennette de Gaetane, the ''Cerulean Princess'' of Rhin-Lotharingie, found herself increasingly resolute and firm.		So while Sylviane the twenty-year-old girl continued to tremble and doubt, Sylviane Etiennette de Gaetane, the ''Cerulean Princess'' of Rhin-Lotharingie, found herself increasingly resolute and firm.

	She could even feel the support of another from within. Her union with ~~Hauteclere~~ made the phoenix's presence persistent, their selves intertwined so closely she was no longer certain where Sylviane ended and ~~Hauteclere~~ began.		She could even feel the support of another from within. Her union with Hauteclaire made the phoenix's presence persistent, their selves intertwined so closely she was no longer certain where Sylviane ended and Hauteclaire began.

	But she could feel his unequivocal approval and support: his soothing touch that calmed her mind, his blazing heat that warmed her soul.		But she could feel his unequivocal approval and support: his soothing touch that calmed her mind, his blazing heat that warmed her soul.

	"Storm clouds manifesting!" the voice of Sir Robert ~~shout~~ back.		"Storm clouds manifesting!" the voice of Sir Robert shouted back.

	They multiplied from the existing cover, with some new clouds forming out of thin air. These dark, ominous masses grew rapidly in size, as though hours had passed right before their eyes.		They multiplied from the existing cover, with some new clouds forming out of thin air. These dark, ominous masses grew rapidly in size, as though hours had passed right before their eyes.
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	"''Purify Flames!''"		"''Purify Flames!''"

	Ether trailed out of Sylviane and ~~Hauteclere~~, down the channeled aura of their burning chevron to each individual armiger. Orbs of blazing orange turned white-blue as the phoenix's power cleansed them into sacred flames.		Ether trailed out of Sylviane and Hauteclaire, down the channeled aura of their burning chevron to each individual armiger. Orbs of blazing orange turned white-blue as the phoenix's power cleansed them into sacred flames.

	Different sources of ether normally repelled one another. But phoenixes were natural Metamages, capable of fundamentally altering the spells of others with their own power.		Different sources of ether normally repelled one another. But phoenixes were natural Metamages, capable of fundamentally altering the spells of others with their own power.
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	She first dodged a falling drake covered with bleeding wounds. Her eyes then sprang wide as a jet of liquid rimefire burst out from the smoke, coming straight at her like an infernal hand of death. The bladed tip of a charging lance emerged next, followed by the reptilian face of a hideously-scarred volcanic drake which let out a terrible, shrieking cone of flames.		She first dodged a falling drake covered with bleeding wounds. Her eyes then sprang wide as a jet of liquid rimefire burst out from the smoke, coming straight at her like an infernal hand of death. The bladed tip of a charging lance emerged next, followed by the reptilian face of a hideously-scarred volcanic drake which let out a terrible, shrieking cone of flames.

	Panic and terror seized her nerves for a precious moment as Sylviane froze in her flight. Her burning aura might repel the drake's breath, but nothing she had -- not wards, not armor, not even ~~Hauteclere~~'s protection -- could stop the Northmen's weapon from hell.		Panic and terror seized her nerves for a precious moment as Sylviane froze in her flight. Her burning aura might repel the drake's breath, but nothing she had -- not wards, not armor, not even Hauteclaire's protection -- could stop the Northmen's weapon from hell.

	Just a split second before the rimefire would have melted her flesh, ~~Hauteclere~~ took control of her burning wings and spun them away from an agonizing death.		Just a split second before the rimefire would have melted her flesh, Hauteclaire took control of her burning wings and spun them away from an agonizing death.

	The flame jet traced her afterimage, intent on roasting the Princess who led the formation. However the phoenix maneuvered them beautifully through the air, transforming the sharp, spinning bank into a wide corkscrew that evaded not only rimefire but also the thrusting lance.		The flame jet traced her afterimage, intent on roasting the Princess who led the formation. However the phoenix maneuvered them beautifully through the air, transforming the sharp, spinning bank into a wide corkscrew that evaded not only rimefire but also the thrusting lance.
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	The standard armament of Skagen Drake Outriders included a rimefire siphon in the left hand and a long lance under the right arm. The combination was heavy and almost unwieldy. But in the trained hands of elites, it was both terrifying and effective.		The standard armament of Skagen Drake Outriders included a rimefire siphon in the left hand and a long lance under the right arm. The combination was heavy and almost unwieldy. But in the trained hands of elites, it was both terrifying and effective.

	Sylviane could hear ~~Hauteclere~~ cooing in her mind, calming her back down with soothing sounds attuned to the ongoing symphony of war. Her resolve ~~quickly~~ regained control, although she continued the corkscrew to duck beneath the drake.		Sylviane could hear Hauteclaire cooing in her mind, calming her back down with soothing sounds attuned to the ongoing symphony of war. Her resolve soon regained control, although she continued the corkscrew to duck beneath the drake.

	Even coming into reach of those scythe-like claws was better than playing with rimefire.		Even coming into reach of those scythe-like claws was better than playing with rimefire.

	Her body rotated to face upwards as she went below. She dodged one swipe of the drake's claws while deflecting another with her small shield. Meanwhile the drake screeched in pain as her mere proximity torched its underside with ~~Hauteclere~~'s blazing aura. It provided just the right distraction for two of her armigers to smash their flails into the drake's biting head.		Her body rotated to face upwards as she went below. She dodged one swipe of the drake's claws while deflecting another with her small shield. Meanwhile the drake screeched in pain as her mere proximity torched its underside with Hauteclaire's blazing aura. It provided just the right distraction for two of her armigers to smash their flails into the drake's biting head.

	Coming out behind the drake, Sylviane soared back up and spun around to hurl out her meteor hammer. Instead of smashing the mace-like cylinder into the back of the rider's head, she wrapped its chains around his neck instead. Pulling with all her strength, she yanked his body off the blinded beast, snapping his spine in the process.		Coming out behind the drake, Sylviane soared back up and spun around to hurl out her meteor hammer. Instead of smashing the mace-like cylinder into the back of the rider's head, she wrapped its chains around his neck instead. Pulling with all her strength, she yanked his body off the blinded beast, snapping his spine in the process.
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	"Second third! Switch targets!" von Hammerstein's yell came muffled by the ringing. "Suppress the flanking whales!"		"Second third! Switch targets!" von Hammerstein's yell came muffled by the ringing. "Suppress the flanking whales!"

	The range soon closed to but a few hundred paces. 1st Platoon's layered wards had thinned but not broken outright. Their casualties remained surprisingly light.		The range soon closed to but a few hundred paces. 1st Platoon's layered wards had been thinned but not broken outright. Their casualties remained surprisingly light.

	But even through her fuzzy sight, Ariadne soon spotted an anomaly forming on the nearest skywhale's back. Glowing dots connected themselves into a rectangular field of ether, ready to unleash a weapon of unknown power.		But even through her fuzzy sight, Ariadne soon spotted an anomaly forming on the nearest skywhale's back. Glowing dots connected themselves into a rectangular field of ether, ready to unleash a weapon of unknown power.