Within the hour, I found myself in an emergency council for war. All the Platinum Adventurers, along with various military commanders, nobles, and other bigwigs were in attendance, sans the Duke, who was en route. I myself ignored them, opting to study the huge map on an equally impressive table. There I could see an accurate and topographical outline of the territory held by the city-state of Berkerin. Small towns and villages dotted the landscape, some of which I had been to, but most I had never heard of. I studied the terrain and strategic locations, most notably the roads and bridges an invading force would need to travel to us. I, like everyone else, remained ignorant of the full scope of what threatened us, but I knew that Berkerin would have to be captured or contained before dominion over this region could be gained by a hostile force.
“Planning your next vacation?” asked a bald old man in a fine military uniform that was complete with gold epaulets and more medals than I have had cause to see before. He appeared as energetic and spry as his mustache was glorious, and he smiled at me before he started placing figurines upon the map, apparently not expecting an answer.
“It would seem that I have no need to, for word is that exotic lands are coming to us as we speak to share their culture with us,” I replied as I watched him go about his work.
“So it would seem,” he said as his smile grew wider. “I am sure they plan to charge a hefty premium for their services. I bet they will make us an offer we can’t refuse, the kind where we can find relaxation in comfortable dirt naps.”
“Yeah, I’m not really a fan of such pushy salesmen,” I said earnestly in continuation of our sarcastic banter. “Hopefully we can box their ears and send them packing before too long. I say this, but we could very well be dealing with them several years from now if we can’t secure a decisive victory.”
“All too true,” he replied as he finished placing the last of his figurines. “The men that start wars hope it will be over quickly, but it is the men on the front lines that see to it that it stalls out. I’ve been both of those men, and let me tell you, I prefer the company of the latter.”
I nodded in agreement, but before we could continue our idle chatter, the main doors burst open, followed by an unannounced Duke Archibald Melwyrr Fylthern. Apparently not a man for ceremony during a crisis, he waved away a man who was about to rectify that breach in protocol. The room instantly quieted as the Duke took his seat at the far end of the rather circular room. I found it prudent to slink off to a seat somewhere, but the old man gently put his hand on my arm to stop me. Now ensnared by his gesture and roped into politics, I found myself embroiled in a crisis meeting with no apparent means to escape.
“General Eisenfaust, brief the room,” commanded the Duke in a flat and almost impatient tone. I suspected he would suffer no rigmarole from anyone as he sat sullenly in his chair, his fingernails digging into the ornate woodwork as he clawed at it in vexation.
“By your command, your Grace,” replied the old man next to me as he bowed in reverence. His voice boomed out towards those gathered as he addressed the assembly. “All of you are here because an attack is imminent on our city. Multiple reports have detailed that a force of fifty thousand combatants, along with their non-combatant support personnel, are marching upon us from the northeast.” Murmuring broke out in the audience at the disturbing news, but the old man’s stern and steely gaze silenced the riff raff before he continued. “The Theocracy of Ulsfarh apparently seeks to bring us back into the fold. Many of you know that we gained our independence from them over three hundred years ago, and while relations had been good, in the past decade they have increased aggression towards us. Now they strike at us with no declaration of war. Make no mistake, they will not seek a diplomatic solution, only complete and unconditional surrender will satisfy their avarice, and as they see it, their holy mission of reunification.”
Murmuring rose again from the rabble, and it threatened to break into true discord, but a shout from the Duke silenced the masses. General Eisenfaust continued, and as I would soon discover, his words were as capable instruments as any weapon of war. “Our new champion and I have been discussing strategy, and he has come up with an excellent plan for our defense.” My eyes went wide as I stared at him, for I had never been thrown under a wagon so hard in my life. “Should it please you, enlighten everyone with your brilliant strategy that you have been discussing with me.” His grip upon my arm, formerly gentle, now tight, suggested that it would please me to do so if I enjoyed my station in life. He moved his hand to my shoulder as I turned to address the room, and I could do naught but hope my words would convince everyone that I was not a complete fool.
“I have reviewed our situation, and I have a plan that depends upon the leadership of those gathered in this room.” I found myself surprised as I spoke, for information and ideas flooded into me, and the tendrils of magic I sensed from the general’s hand upon my shoulder suggested that he quite literally had a hand in this. To be fair, I had studied the map and the nature of warfare in this world from numerous books I read in my youth, so I was probably more apt than most of these silkpants to spitball a stratagem that may secure victory. “In optimal conditions, they will be at our walls within three days, but they will need to travel through Arthu-Ja’an valley if they are to reach us.” I scanned the room to ensure my audience at least had a basic grasp of geography, and to my relief, people appeared to be following along. “There are only two bridges across the river there, so we should be able to stall them until they force their way across.” I looked around the room to ensure I had everyone’s attention, and indeed, not a soul appeared to dare show disinterest.
“I propose a force of mostly Gold Adventurers led by Platinums to intercept the enemy, doing all they can to harass them and inhibit their approach while taking no great risks. We will need them in the battles to come, for certainly the enemy means to lay siege. Meanwhile, our Coppers, led by Silvers, will travel to every village and town to help people evacuate to Berkerin. They will also gather any supplies they can and destroy the rest so that the enemy cannot supplement their own supplies with raids on our settlements.” Heads bobbed in agreement for my rather rudimentary explanation of preparation for a siege. “The army will fortify the city's defenses, while the remainder of the Silver Adventurers will scour the nearby land for all resources, either directly or as armed escort for civilians who can assist. We need to defoliate the surrounding lands, turning the ground outside the city walls to dirt, leveling the nearby forest so they will be without cover or a means of firewood or construction materials. Should they launch an assault, we will turn the land around us to mud by whatever Abilities available as granted by the Blessings or magical equipment of our defenders. That should greatly inhibit their efforts.” More heads nodded in agreement, and with my confidence boosted, I prepared for an unorthodox strategy.
“Inevitably, they will make their way to our walls and lay siege, no matter what we do. Our city only has some thirty thousand people, perhaps forty with the refugees and visitors for the festival. We cannot take them in the field, and so we should not face them in pitched battle outside our walls.” A few grumbles were heard in the direction of the military officers. No doubt they sought glory in the days to come, but I would not let foolish pride be our downfall. “I suggest that our Platinum Adventurers, with support from Gold, form a perimeter around them to keep them contained and to constantly harass them. Should they try to form up for an assault, they will pay dearly and leave their camp and baggage train completely exposed to our retaliation. Likewise, our Adventurers know these lands and should be capable of retreating from or defeating any retaliatory strikes from the enemy rank and file troops. We may not be able to defeat them straight up, but we can bleed them out.”
I spoke with conviction beyond my normal passions, for many were coming around to my way of thinking, “No doubt, they have their own Adventurers on hand, but each day we stall them brings them closer to financial ruin, as services from their own Platinum and Gold Adventurers do not come cheap.” A few chuckles were heard around the room, and while I had meant what I said in earnest and not as a joke, it did seem to relax the audience, if slightly. “Our lives are on the line more than theirs are, so I predict they will not be so bold as to venture far from camp, seeing as they can make a far safer livelihood back in their own lands.”
I looked to the general for approval, and he merely nodded and smiled as he prompted me to continue. “I propose an interdiction force of our most versatile and experienced Platinum Adventurers, which, should the council see it fit, I would lead. Each of us signed a contract,” I continued as I grasped my gorget, “And in that contract, we waive taxation on our income and property in return for mandatory military service in defense of our lands. Now comes the time to make good on our promise. Those of you skilled and brave enough to join me will operate behind enemy lines. Once they cross into our lands, we will destroy the roads and bridges for their retreat and resupply. We will steal or destroy any supplies they send to their army. We will target their non-combatants, seeking to kill their specialists, most notably their siege engineers, for they cannot breach our city until they exhaust our defensive barriers.” Murmurs broke out, and indeed naysayers complained that what I proposed was too dangerous or underhanded. Fortunately, the general intervened again to silence them, and I was free to continue.
“Make no mistake, they are the aggressors, and they deserve no mercy. They come here without the Duke’s permission and with the intent to take that which is ours. We have not acted in bad faith against them, nor is this retaliation for any aggression on our part. All that matters is that we don’t lose, and to that end we either annihilate them or shatter their resolve. To me, their rank and file soldiers are our lowest priority, for if we can destroy their supply lines and all of their support personnel, their morale will crumble, and they will be forced to starve or flee. With the path out of our lands destroyed, their retreat will be difficult, and we will continue to harass them the whole way. I seek to destroy them so utterly that they will never again dare step foot into our lands.”
My words seemed to be inspiring confidence, and so I seized the opportunity from that momentum. “Now is the time to share information and resources. We will need to carefully coordinate and allocate our personnel so the best people are available for each task. Now is not the time for protocol and station, and I expect each of you to follow those who are experts in their field, even if you would normally outrank them.” I glared down members of the audience that I suspected would protest, namely the lesser nobility, and my intimidation appeared to have the desired effect on account that no one protested. “This attack would have been planned well in advance. In all likelihood, the enemy already has agents within our city. It is critical to our unity that we avoid our investigations devolving into a witch hunt, but it is also equally critical that we find and destroy saboteurs, for if they manage to destroy our barrier or dispose of the people who maintain it, our situation will be most dire. I don’t know who is normally responsible for this task, but that needs to be our most immediate and prioritized concern.”
Stolen novel; please report.
I paused for a moment to let my words sink in. Many were clearly pondering the implications of my strategy, and I took care not to overwhelm them. “We also need to infiltrate their camp with our own spies. We need to kill their officers, sabotage their siege engines, sow dissent and disinformation, and distribute rumors and information that defectors will be awarded amnesty and citizenship, an offer that should be real and legitimate. Each person that defects is one fewer we will need to fight, but obviously, they should be closely monitored until a peace treaty is signed. This task will be extremely dangerous, so I advise that we only accept volunteers.
“Make no mistake,” I shouted for emphasis as I addressed the room, “They will eventually launch an assault on our walls. We need to delay them as long as possible and hamstring any efforts on their part to effectively succeed. We need to compromise their leadership, their morale, and their supplies, so that they will be unable or unwilling to continue hostilities. This war will not be glorious. It will be a vile and disgusting waste of life and resources, but we must defend ourselves. Everyone helps to the best of their ability. In accordance with the law, anyone who betrays us will be executed. Keep each other honest, support one another, and be patient and respectful, as times are about to become difficult for everyone. This concludes the overview of my stratagem.”
With that, I turned to the Duke and bowed as appropriate. In truth, I had no real fealty to him, but this was my home, and so our interests aligned. In that moment, the general’s hand departed me, and I felt the magic and wisdom bestowed upon me drift away. However, I still remembered my words and the basic ideas it granted, so my education on warfare certainly bloomed at that moment. I don’t think I said anything truly profound, but many in the audience lack even a basic understanding of what needs to be done in war.
“I find your council to be favorable,” commented the Duke, who now appeared far more agreeable than when he entered the room, his posture far more relaxed, much to the appreciation of the chair arm if it could express itself. “General Eisenfaust, do you find fallacy in this plan?”
“No, your Grace. I could not have said it better myself.” As we were both bowing to the Duke, I caught a wink from the general, and suspected that perhaps he was being more literal than figurative.
“Then by my authority as Duke of Berkerin, I, Archibald Melwyrr Fylthern, decree that it be so. General Eisenfaust, I leave the implementation of this plan to you. I must deal with matters of state to rally the people to our defense and to coordinate logistics. You are commander in chief for military operations in this theater of war. Bring us victory.”
“It will be so, your Grace,” replied the general with a final bow.
The Duke and his retinue departed promptly, but whether or not they would actually be dealing with matters of state or venturing off to lollygag somewhere, I could only guess. However, the Duke himself appeared to be that rare breed that actually cares about his people, so I imagine he personally would honor his word. Most of the rest of Platinum Adventurers stayed here with the military staff, although Erethel and some others left as well. Judging by their attire and my knowledge of them by reputation, they would be managing the defensive barrier around the city, a most arduous task that I certainly did not envy.
“My apologies for putting you on the spot there,” said the general to me as people shuffled to their stations to receive orders, as if somehow each knew where to go and what to do. “My Blessing is keenly gifted at strategy and coordination, but frankly, the former does not manifest well within me, and so I need to proxy it through someone else.” He smiled at me rather earnestly as he stroked his mustache with his right hand. “You delivered your words marvelously, and indeed I had to provide very little in the way of helping you devise a strategy. It was all already there in your noggin,” he continued as he tapped his own bald head for emphasis, ”All I had to do was help calm your nerves and organize it for you as you spoke. You must have had a solid education.”
“I have read a great number of books and treatises on warfare, but I was completely shocked when you said I had a plan. Some warning would have been greatly appreciated.”
The old man laughed at that, his eyes seemingly looking back through the years at precious memories. “Everyone says that, and you are not wrong, but that initial shock helps me integrate my mind with yours so that I may employ my Blessing correctly.” He leaned in conspiratorially as he whispered into my ear. “There is a reason no one else was up here around the table. No one ever tells the new guy to do otherwise. You just happened to be the poor soul who unwittingly volunteered to help me.”
“Why do I get the feeling that I volunteered for far more than just being your voice for this briefing?” I asked as I sized him up. The general appeared to be in his element and greatly enjoying the opportunity. I sensed not that he lusted for war, but rather for the opportunity to apply his skills to a worthy challenge.
“Ah, you do learn quickly.” he replied with a smile as he clapped me on the back. “Your interdiction force is a bold move, and I am going to be depending upon you to bring us victory. No pressure, but I suspect everything hinges upon you.
I did, in fact, feel pressure, but as he addressed the room and gave orders, my impression of him changed. At times he had the calm reassurance of a father to son, and at others, his majesty at dealing with difficult personalities and challenges was like watching a maestro bring harmony to an impromptu orchestra. We talked at length for hours about all manner of matters that would need to be addressed, oftentimes with me as his puppet, and it was not until sunrise that everyone had their orders and a detailed battle plan had been concocted.
Potions were passed around, the expensive kind that gave the benefits of a full night’s sleep in a few gulps. The bottle had a clearly printed warning to the detriments of continued use over a period of time, and not wanting to develop the laundry list of mental disorders that such could bring, I made note to follow the schedule by which I could safely use them. Apparently, such conveniences were standard practice during a war, and those and other essentials were stockpiled at great expense between wars for the key players to consume. While I indeed felt well rested and refreshed after drinking it, I found it did not include the comfort of a warm bed shared with a loving mistress, nor the opportunity to dream and simply not have to think. This particular brand had a tagline of “No rest for the wicked”, and I found that the message struck home all too well after its consumption.
I hand-picked those who would be in my interdiction team. Myself included, there were 83 Platinum Adventurers in the city and 427 Gold. From my understanding, rank and file soldiers were on par with Coppers, and seasoned veterans were on par with Silver, so the burden that the Platinums and Golds shared was not extended to the rest of the Adventurers. We shouldered the lion’s share of the responsibility for national defense, but so too the spoils of war if we perform admirably. I had wanted Blythnin on my team, but I begrudgingly had to accept that she would lead the interception force, for her clone army would be far too valuable to lead attacks and cover retreats against the enemy vanguard.
My team would have six members, myself included. A male gnome, Bellwright Muddlespoon, would be my support specialist. Prideful, but easily managed by praise, his Skills at battlefield control and transportation would be critical, as he was a known expert at getting a party into and out of a fight for rapid and undetected assaults, all the while miring the enemy’s ability to defend. Not satisfied with one support specialist, I opted for a second in Gulfore, a beefy female orc who specialized in defensive barriers and powerful boons to amplify our strength and Abilities. She did not speak much, but her discipline was second to none. I had the male elf twins, Garro and Rarro, each powerful blasters that would rain down destruction with reckless abandon upon our foes through their mastery of the arcane. Apparently, such was their favorite pastime, much to the distress of many erstwhile party members caught dangerously close to their wanton application of force. Lastly I had a human female known as Skull. She wore all black, and her full plate was macabre and intimidating, which matched her absolutely wicked looking zweihänder. She would be my frontline fighter, for she was both fearless and capable of sowing terror and despair through her martial prowess and by the Abilities of her Blessing.
I gave us each two hours to gather supplies, make preparations, and say our goodbyes, after which we would rendezvous at the city gate. After recovering my personal effects from the arena, I followed my tracking ability, [Find Companion - Pet], to The Boys, for they would lead me to Chooka. I found them at the guildhall, where Chooka was in her element in a veritable storm of paperwork and handling logistics. We said our goodbyes briefly, for while I knew we cared for one another, we both knew that what was at stake was too important for us to catch up on feelings. If anything, we both avoided talking about the fight in the arena or the war, opting to table that for when we had time to spare. I could see that she was worried, but she buried herself in her work to distract herself from her concerns that I may not return. I promised myself that I would survive no matter what, for I did not want this to be how she would remember me if I perished. Also, I am rather adverse to dying, so it was not a difficult vow to make. Surely countless more made similar vows, and doubtlessly, some depressing percentage would fail to keep such a promise.
While our parting may seem weird, something far more disturbing had occurred. I had ignored it at the time, or possibly missed it due to being nearly unconscious, but I had unlocked a Skill, [Dragoon - Favored Mount I], apparently because I technically rode The Boys to a battlefield, dismounted, and won a challenging fight. That [Deed] provided a cornucopia of perks for The Boys and my connection to them, especially in relation to how I could communicate with and command them.
“Come back soon, Papa,” I heard in my mind as I left The Boys. “And bring snacks with you,” chimed in a slightly different voice. Apparently, in addition to a host of other perks, I could now hear the thoughts of The Boys if I so wanted. They were a clever bunch before, but my new Skill granted them even more intelligence beyond their kind. I mused on the implications that would bring as I restocked my supplies.
With a heavy heart, I headed to the rendezvous point. Birds sang their songs while merrily oblivious to the approaching peril as they greeted a late summer morning that promised to be fair, at least as far as the weather was concerned. More people than normal at this hour hustled and bustled, each doing whatever they felt appropriate in preparation for the coming war. I could only hope that their efforts were not self-serving, but I found myself thankful that they were at least not rioting.
Fortunately, my party assembled without issue, each well equipped for what was to come. I would expect nothing less of Platinum Adventurers, and without much talking, we set out. We rode in a spectral wagon as summoned by Bellwright. It did not exactly touch the ground, so the ride was incredibly smooth and swift. As I watched the city grow smaller in the distance, I wondered if I would see it or those I loved ever again.