Grey Wolf and The Men

[bravesirrobin]

[Thought it was worth splitting this off into a different thread.]

Grey Wolf treats the men in his power with respect and dignity. He needs to barely try to show them his worth as a leader and a battle commander. His persistent efforts pay off, as a slow but steady trickle swells the ranks of those joining him. He is depleting their numbers slowly however, the vast majority are still waiting to see what happens in the city.

[IIRC, Infallible Messenger can be invisible to all except the target, if not then this is now a house rule. Otherwise it's sucky compared to say Wind Carried Words. IM is always inaudible to everyone except the intended target. You have no way of knowing if Azir can get to you. Though certainly no one else has yet left the city.]

[oneiros]

[Wonder if it's worth trying to research an improved version that allows a return message to be taken by the IM? Or is there an artifact we can find/have Ferric make that will allow us all to keep in touch if we happen to be split up pursuing our goals again?]

[bravesirrobin]

[greywolf]

As the men are getting into position as if to prepare for a siege, Grey Wolf sends an invisible infallible messenger to Azir.

"My new friend, we have many injured soldiers out here who would benefit from your talents. I suggest you either finish this conflict quickly from inside the walls or find some way out here. Otherwise many men will die"

This done Grey Wolf gathers his unit together (with all other men and prisoners within earshot)

[in a loud booming voice] "My valiant Wolverines and warriors of Maluka, you have done me proud this day. You have fought like the courageous warriors I knew you were and have brought glory and honour on us all. It is days like this that all commanders wish to see. Today I feel like a general of heroes!

We do not seek needless blood shed. We have come to liberate this city from tyranny and spread prosperity to all. Your bravery has brought this goal closer. Together we shall bring the people of Maluka the freedom they derserve!"

As the cheers of his men fill the air Grey Wolf looks many of the prisoners and Malukan soldiers he charmed straight in the eye before turning away to see to the rest of the camp, his Dire Wold at his heel. As he passes through his men he claps them on the shoulder, congratulating them on their victor as he moves on to speak to Dalph.

"Greetings Dalph. In the name of your father, this day has been is a great victory.

We must make preparations for the battles to come. Are your casulties significant? If our allies are unsucessful within the city we must prepare to storm the wall. Also, I suspect other troops will be making their way back from patrol shortly and we should make preparation to engage them. I take it such a prospect does not displease you?"

[bravesirrobin]

Dalph smiles his thick ugly smile.

"Huh, huh, huh. I'm always ready for a scrap, eh wolfster?

We took some hits. And more won't be ready in time, or may still slip off if your boy Azry doesn't get out here soon. But we'll be ready. You just tell us what to kill."

[Dalph lost about 100 men]

[greywolf]

Grey Wolf advises Daplh to get his men ready to defend our flank if needed and head back to see to the rest of the camp, hoping that Azir will be able to make it out of the city to help heal the injured soldiers.

After the preparations are complete he gets his troops (including the volunteers) and sets them to drills [whatever I would use through Tiger Training Method]. This is in clear sight of the city and is planned as an intimidating sight and to show them that my men are a disciplined fighting force [something all the disciplined military men of the city should appreciate and hopefully fear.]

[oneiros]

[continued from 'Inside Maluka']

...though his consideration of them is brief. Azir's mind is set and whilst the plan may require modifying as circumstances change, it is fundamentally sound. "For whatever reason, Friend Kairos decided that his approach to the leaders of Maluka would be in the same ostentatious vein as most of his overtures. Unfortunately, arriving on a giant wasp attracted the attention of the populous in a manner not entirely conducive to our needs. The susequent attempt to gain entrance to the council chamber then caused the councillors to flee, a sure sign of intemperence, and a failure to uphold their duty to their people. Therefore they are cowards and traitors, unfit to lead.

"You are right that they will be more willing to follow their own, which is why we will ensure that succession is to duly authorised persons capable of providing firm leadership. There are a number of people who would be suitable. *That* is why we must inform Kairos to leave the place and to ensure that any remaining councillors are disposed of. The people have lost confidence in them and are unlikely to listen to anything they might say. To leave them hanging around is just inviting trouble. We do not have time to sway them or coax repentence.

"Now, summon that cherub and get Friends Kairos and Ferric back here, please. Tell them that the people have agreed I am to be their representative. If it makes you feel any better I'll see what I can do to ensure that no-one here dies from infection. Once things are moderately calmer then I can return to Maluka with a negotiated settlement."

Azir turns to look back at the city, noting with disapproval and concern the plume of wispy smoke that seem to be rising from behind the walls. Without looking at Wolf, "I trust that meets with your satisfaction," he remarks dispassionately, inflection spun to make it clear that this is not a question.

[bravesirrobin]

The lieutenant rushes over to the two conversing Solars, though he doesn't catch any of their conversation.

"Sir, Sir, We have to go, Look, Look!!"

He points, and indeed you can make out a couple of thin plumes of smoke slowly rising over the city.

[oneiros]

"Stand fast Lieutenant. We will serve no purpose there if we do not achieve something here. The people are making their feelings known. I must ensure that they are not doing it for nothing."

Azir turns back to GW and raises his hood. "I must return to the city. You have my proposal and I shall give you time to mull it over. The consequences grow with every tick of the clock sir. Send me a message when you all are ready to talk further, I will see that any envoy is safely received." The Doctor pauses wondering if he can impart enough subtlety in the words to follow whilst still sounding like a solid warning to Lt Cuddy not to mess with the city.

"Reinforcements are on their way, we can wait you out for months if needs be. Come Lieutenant."

Shoulders set in firm pose and with as much bearing as he can muster, Azir sets off across the disturbed ground, back to the city.

[continued in 'Inside Maluka']