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Post by Vaklu on Dec 11, 2014 21:45:23 GMT
Gudrik whistled between his teeth. "I started training when I was 10. Bloody sword was taller than I was. But you've been practicing for sixty years but I noticed none of you used a shield is that just how your family fights or is that true for all or your troops?"
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Post by ravigen on Dec 11, 2014 22:00:27 GMT
Sayoko shook her head, "Before the Ikegami really began mining the area around us, iron was in short supply so we didn't use shields, instead focusing on crafting exceptional swords to make up for it. On average katana will be stronger than longswords or the like simply because of the effort and style used to forge them."
She chuckled softly.
"But even when we acquired more iron we had grown used to fighting without shields, it's just how our fighting style works, no Samurai uses a shield it would only weaken their skill in battle." |
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Post by Vaklu on Dec 11, 2014 22:19:06 GMT
Gudrik smiled. "The shieldwall is the greatest source of strength my people have tacticly, or it was until the empire came with their muskets and cannons. In the wastes I saw what a handful of horse gun could do and I understand that those are the least of the heavy guns made by the empire. Though I'm surprised that there seems to be so little preperation here on the frontier. My troops barely probed the edge of the wastes and we took heavy losses. I Hate to think what'll happen when those orcs decide to march."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 11, 2014 22:24:51 GMT
Sayoko nodded, the wastelander threat had been looming over the North for a time and she knew her father had been preparing for it as best as he could but there was only so much one could do, though Sayoko was eager to march out and take the fight to the orcs, she would await her father's decision.
"Agreed, and that is why my father has spent so much effort into building up resources and training soldiers. It is our hope to have a standing army of 20,000 ready by the end of the year to march out into the wastes."
She took another sip of wine and looked around the feasting hall.
"With any hope we will have muskets of our own by then." |
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Post by Vaklu on Dec 11, 2014 22:34:45 GMT
"I've been hoping to raise musket troops to fight for my brother but first we'd need to find a source of saltpeter. We've started building settlements on the mainland so maybe some will be found but I'm not going to hold my breath."
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Post by ravigen on Dec 11, 2014 22:40:42 GMT
"You should talk to my father about it, our lands are rich with gold, iron, silver, and even saltpeter. I'm sure he'd be willing to arrange for trading gunpowder in return for improved relations with the Jotun." In any event it would give them an edge against the Commonwealth should they attempt anything. |
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 12, 2014 5:52:12 GMT
In the third week of the tournament, Chello entered the feast and after some brief mingling, made her way purposely toward Chief Garlog's table. She curtsied in the respectful manner of Surveakom women and smiled at the orc chieftain. "Good evening, Chief Garlog. I'd like to congratulate you and your people. You all have done quite well in the events this year. Though I suppose it should be no surprise. The prowess and determination of the Western Guardians is well known throughout all the lands. It is encouraging to us all to see our trust in the Firetooth is not ill placed. It was all the more encouraging when we heard of the new cathedral being built in Thunder Crown. Swords in the hands of those who are as pious as the are mighty in battle are well placed indeed."
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Post by talis on Dec 12, 2014 6:08:35 GMT
Garlog was in a rather good mood. So far his men had done exceedingly well, and he himself was in the top 3 for the single combat. There was already much glory earned, and more to come. So when queen Chello approached him he simply grinned. "Aed's blessing is with us! He looks over our contestants and sees that honor goes where it's due. This will be a tournament for the bards, no doubt!"
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 12, 2014 6:13:37 GMT
"Indeed it shall be," Chello agreed.
"My husband told me that the two of you discussed our nation's agreement on River Road Out Posts, shortly before the tournament began. He told me that in order to for the Firetooth to conserve funds for the cathedral, he agreed to take responsibility for the outposts. He said the details were not all worked out, so I just wanted to confirm that this was indeed the understanding agree upon."
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Post by talis on Dec 12, 2014 6:25:12 GMT
"He agreed to take responsibility until the Cathedral's done, yes." Garlog assented, eyeing the woman a little more keenly now. He had some experience with busybody wives and could smell an incident coming. "You and your husband are of course invited to the consecration ceremony and the Winter Solstice festival. It will be a grand showing of Firetooth hospitality."
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 12, 2014 6:37:36 GMT
"Yes he mentioned that," Chello smiled and gave another gracious smile, "I am looking forward to visiting your lands. It will be nice to visit mountains once again."
"I just wanted to make sure what Azlyn had reported on the Out Posts was indeed a mutual understanding and assure you that Elon is more than willing to take full responsibility for all outposts. The Firetooth don't need to worry about them at all. It is magnificent that the Firetooth are doing their part for the north by building a new holy site and Elon shall do its part by securing the the road and maintaining safe passage all along the mouth of the River Ryn and the lands of your people."
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Post by talis on Dec 12, 2014 6:43:43 GMT
"I would be quite willing to speak to your husband about the particulars." Garlog countered bluntly. He wasn't here to negotiate with the king's wife. If Azlyn wanted to weasel his way out of the agreement he'd have to do it in person.
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Post by missmilkmaid on Dec 12, 2014 6:50:57 GMT
"Oh yes, of course," Chello said, "It's quite proper that you and he should discuss this with his panel of advisors. I simple came to convey my congratulations and assure you the king is more than willing to shoulder this responsibility and allow the Firetooth to focus all their resources on your holy endeavor in full security." Giving another smile she curtsied once more, before giving a parting nod. "Aed's face smile upon you in the final combat, Cheif Garlog. It was a pleasure to finally make you acquaintance."
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Post by talis on Dec 12, 2014 6:55:52 GMT
"It's a pity I cannot say the same." Garlog replied bluntly, allowing Chello to leave with her petty victory. He would need to have a talk with Azlyn about his wife, right now Garlog wasn't sure whether to pity the fool or berate him. Did she really think her little tricks would override an agreement between two men? Or that Elon was in a position to make such ridiculous plays anyway?
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