The Vanir Confederation is the single largest noble seat in Fanatika. Comprised of many different Great Houses and built upon the foundation built by Prince Shaitan before his unfortunate demise, we are a Democratic Monarchy.

The bulk of Vanir Major lies in The North and Southwest Provinces. Vanir Major also occupies a small portion of Taliesin north and East of Bavaria. Numerous other territories are under the administration of Vanir.

Vanir has good relations with its neighbors. These include the Princedoms of Lancre, Manitou, and Doughnutia. The Confederation is made up of the Houses of Vanir, Aegir, Cupertania, Hoth, and Gewehr.

The Royal Arms of Vanir Proper
port bende de II. peces vert et azure. 2 bears rampant addorsed d'or. Crest of a helm regal sinister with loup rampant halved superior noir presents a globe bende et wavy de VI. peces vert et azure. Cowling IV vert et azure.

The Arms of the Confederation
coming soon


People of Note in Vanir
Grandmaster, Prince of Vanir, Count of Aegir
Stuck_as_a_Mac, Prince of All Penguins, Baron of Cupertania
CivGeneral, Duke of Vanir
Gunning, Count of Eis Mauer
Naervod, Earl of Vanir
Strider, Duke of Utopia

Great Buildings of Vanir:

The Marillion
Located east of Valhalla, this palace is the largest and most oppulent structure in Fanatika. The Marillion has served as the seat of Vanir power since its first inception. A common stop for many nobles, the palace has also been used to host several of the greatest contests of the elite. The Marillion boasts numerous bedroom suites, pools and other amenities plus the renouned Marillion Stables, Kennels and Aviary. With the construction of Bärenhöhle and Walküre castles the defensive requirements of The Marillion have decreased. This has allowed the demigrande hall to be converted to the first Mission of the Spiritualists in Fanatika. All are welcome to enter the palace to attend services, making The Marillion the only grand construction in the land that is available to all.

Castles Bärenhöhle and Walküre
The two keystones of Vanir's defense are the mighty castles Bärenhöhle and Walküre. Bärenhöhle is located at the city of Kuhkaff and Walküre is in Valhalla. Bärenhöhle (trans: Bear's Den) is primarily charged with the protection of the western and southern borders of Vanir, and serves as a second point of Vanir authority to The Marillion. Its well appointed demigrande hall is a shadow of the Grand Hall at the Marillion but is an extravagance seldom seen in a fortress of war. Walküre (trans: Valkyrie) is primarily charged with the defense of the northern border of Vanir and defense of The Marillion itself. Walküre also acts as a counter to American agression and a check against the Keep of Leningrado, also located in Valhalla.

Castle Bärenhöhle

Castle Walküre

Castle Küstenberg
Located at the coast and surrounded by hazardous mountain passes (map coord. 2/-1), Keep Küstenberg (trans: Coastal Mountain) is a virtually unapproachable redoubt. Küstenberg is responsible for eastern defense as well as quick response to aid Valhalla when needed. As the relationship between Vanir and Lancre has been one of amiable friendship for so long, Küstenberg has only recently been upgraded to a full castle.

Castles Angußstelle, Nördmauer and Westmauer
Often called the Three Sisters, these castles were constructed in Gunningheim, Naerva and Androbius at the same time. Angußstelle (Gate Mark) protects the City of Gunningheim and north central Vanir. Nördmauer (Northgate) is the first line of defense against American agression from Denver. Westmauer (Westgate) extends the authority of the Androbius garrisons to deter Russian agression in the northwest.

Castle Angußstelle

Castle Nördmauer

Castle Westmauer

Vanir is an open state, welcoming all citizens and businesses. Squires, Knights and Lords of Vanir may always build wherever they wish in Vanir. Other citizens may build any non-defensive structure in any city of Vanir. Citizens may generally also build in countryside areas, simply post a request if you wish to do so.

If a citizen wishes to build fortifications of any sort in Vanir, a request must be submitted to the Grand Council, and upon acceptance, the citizen must promise use of the fortification to Vanir in times of war.

Vanir has never charged rent and will never do so. Your presence is reward enough for us.

Prince GM, I too am a prince.

Vanir is a Democratic Monarchy, made up of semi-autonomous states. The Confederation is ruled by a Grand Council, headed by the Prince of Vanir and made up of the Lords of the various Houses. In order for a Resolution to pass, or for someone to be awarded a Noble title of Vanir, a 2/3 majority of the Council must vote yes. Other things, such as citizens' requests to build castles on Vanirian land must also be approved by the Council.


When someone is confirmed by the Council and is bestowed with a Noble title of Vanir, a ceremony is held during which the Titles, as well as any gifts, will be given to the lucky person. They will in return swear a loyalty oath to Vanir. Noble appointments will be brought up at the sole discretion of the Prince of Vanir, and will be voted on in the Council.

Sure beats having a Lord with total power, doesn't it?

SaaM: Yes, I know, but it just woulnd't do to have two Princes recognized within the government of Vanir ;) .... who know's what kind of struggles that could lead to?

On second thought, I'll change it.

I am still an Earl of Vanir. Also, I am a Prince of Numenor and will be closely affiliated with Vanir.

I might become an Archduke of Vanir later on.

Just a side note... Gewehr is note a house... It's a Kingdom of mine and gunning's house's :).

Naervod: We have much to discuss. Does Numeron wish to sign an alliance with Vanir, or are you interested in rejoining the Confederation?

Strider: When I asked Gunning what House he belongs to, he said Gewehr, so thats what I wrote down. I always thought you were House Utopia?.....

Welcome to Vanir

Grandmaster, welcome to Vanir. Shai has chosen his eir very wisely :). Due to my past military leader experiance, I am willing to help serve the Confederacy military as Military Advisor :).

I have yet to register my house's name and title whitch is Hoth :). I might be Archduke of Hoth later on, when I have saved my gold to by a castle, enough land, and a new title.

Originally posted by Grandmaster
Naervod: We have much to discuss. Does Numeron wish to sign an alliance with Vanir, or are you interested in rejoining the Confederation?

Strider: When I asked Gunning what House he belongs to, he said Gewehr, so thats what I wrote down. I always thought you were House Utopia?.....

I am... but Gewehr is the combination of both mine and gunning house's.... We both have independent names also.

Any idea what his is? I'll change it if you want.

Originally posted by Grandmaster
Any idea what his is? I'll change it if you want.

I could care less..... No idea what his is though... I don't think his house has a name.

Strider: OK. Whatever.

CG: Thanks. I'll take you up on the Military Advisor business. You're our new CinC. :)

I guess I will also join this Vanir Confederation also. If I can that is :)

Works for me, Lord Strider. Utopia is become a (insert synonym for state here, yet to decide on one) of Vanir, then?

Ok.... Yeah.... Sure.... whatever.... Anyway

I will soon be upgrading The Utopian Large Palace into The Utopian Grand Palace. A structure second most to The Marillion itself.

I am interested in joining the Confederation as a semi-autonomous Fiefdom. Hopefully with these lands I will become the Archduke of Vanir.

Welcome, Naervod. Have you a name for your House?

Numenor is the name of my house.

Also, are there any Prince title positions available, like in Shaitan's Vanir there was Prince and Prince Klein.

Well, as Klein Vanir and many of the outlying regions of former Vanir are no longer under my control, there are no more Princely titles at the moment. :(

I just hope that the rest of the members of former House Vanir will rejoin....

Well there are small lands in outlying Vanir as the Shimonseki area is under my control.

Post #1000!!!!!! Wait... RPG posts don't count, so still 999.:( :cry: :mad:

I hope that the Conferation of Vanir takes note that Fanatika only has one monarch, and his throne is not at the Marillion, but in Bavaria.

If one delves into the history books, you will find that Vanir never had a king at it's head, but a Prince. Fanatika has only ever had two Kings, the King of Fanatika himself, and at one glourious time, the King of Doughnutia.

Actually, Octavian - Shaitan of Vanir was king(appointed) for a brief time during his controversial presidency in Term 3.

Grandmaster, please tell me more about the Confederation of Vanir. Certainly you wouldn't think of discluding one of Vanir's earliest members?

Let me offer my congratulations to the new Prince of Vanir.

And let me also lay down my sword at your feet, and offer my services, for, while I am Prince of Lancre, I am also a Knight of Vanir, and received the title "Knight of the Bridge" from the late Prince Shaitan, signifying the bond between our two houses.

as a knight of Vanir, id like to join this confederation. cincinnatia would be honored to fight if need be alongside other valiant Vanir houses

I would like to apply to the Grand Council to become the Archduke of Vanir. I believe that would make me the second highest position of someone holding a Vanirian title, second only to Prince Grandmaster.

DZ: Basically, the idea is that, whereas the old Vanir was a single entity ruled by a Prince who appointed underlords, the Confederation is made up of semi-autonomous entities, led by a Prince with limited powers and a democratic council of the heads of the other houses. And, no, I wouldn't dream of disallowing a former member to join. :)

Padma: Thanks. I am still interested in reinstating the former pact between Lancre and Vanir. I'll PM you.

Jdd: Welcome back home. I would be honored to have fair Cincinattia fighting at my side.

Naervod: Works for me. I see Archduke of Vanir as a reinforcement of your loyalty to our young Confederation. VOTE: YES. SaaM, CivGeneral, Gunning, Jdd, and Donovan if you want to join, please vote on whether or not Naervod may become Archduke of Vanir.

Vote: YES

Vote: Abstain

I'll keep a tally.

Oh BTW as a member of the Council already I vote YES. Thanks to all who voted, are voting, and will vote for me.

3-0 -1

1More makes me Archduke as there are 7 on the Council correct?

Yes, there are 7 on the council, and a 2/3 majority passes a title proposal. 2/3 of 7 is 4 2/3, rounds up to 5. So if 2 more people vote Yes, you'll become Archduke of Vanir. :)

Am I part of the council?

Ah, thanks for reminding me Strider. I forgot to update the first post last night..... maybe I should get more sleep....

Yes, you're part of the Council, bringing the council total to 8. So there still has to be 5 "yes" votes for Naervod to become Archduke of Vanir.

Ok.... I vote YES.... So that's 4... Only one more!

Well, Naervod, unless CivGeneral and Gunning really don't like you, it looks like you're going to be Archduke of Vanir.

Vote = Yes

Though I would like to be the Archduke, but I can be the Archduke of Hoth :).

Congratulations, Naervod! You've reached a 2/3 majority, so you can now become Archduke of Vanir. :D

A little late, but yes...

Thank you all who voted yes, I will serve Vanir proudly.

The Marillion is always a busy place. As the seat of the Vanir Princedom there is a constant influx of people arriving for secular reasons. As the Spiritualist center of Fanatika, there is also a constant flow of pilgrims, dedicates and the curious. Add to that the madness as the staff prepares for the coronation of a new prince and the activities of the Vanirian nobles as they form the basis of the Vanir Confederacy and massive cleanup and repair efforts from the terrorist attack and the mighty palace resembled a hive of bees. A hive of bees after being given a swift bash with a stick, to be precise.

Into this maelstrom of activity came a small group of American horsemen. They carried the standard of the noble house of Denver, which was related to the Prince of Vanir by marriage, so had readily gained entry past the Vanirian patrols. The leader was an impeccably dressed man of middling height that was more than compensated for by his prodigious width. Perhaps "foppish" would be too strong a word for his appearance but it wouldn't be off by much. He wore no moustache but had a fringe of beard in the American tradition. The beard did little to hide his jowls and they flapped moistily as he cantered his horse to the stable.

The other men were obviously his guard and carried a strange mix of weaponry - both firearms and swords. There was even a lance (from whence the Denver standard flew). The guardsmen helped their leader leverage his prodigious bulk from his mount with as much dignity as was possible and then assisted him in brushing off the dust of the trail and generally making his appearance acceptable. Before he allowed his horse to be led off he took a satchel from one saddlebag and a box from the other. He opened the box and the curious onlookers saw what appeared to be a small dog inside. He snatched the canine out, gave it a vigorous shaking, and plunked it down upon his greasy locks whereupon it became obvious that it was in fact a powdered wig.

Sufficiently attired he began wheezing his way up the grand embankment towards the Marillion proper. Within a hundred yards or so he was leaning on one of his guards. Within fifty more he was being supported by two guardsmen and by the time the hill was crested a total of four men were working to support his prodigious bulk as he himself was overly occupied with the strain of breathing.

The rotund diplomat (for the seal on his satchel could now be seen and identified him as such) was deposited unceremoniously on a bench and sat there for several minutes gasping for air as his crimson face gradually receded to a more normal, though still ruddy, complexion. During this time, two of his guard entered the palace to announce his arrival and see to accomodations. Rudy, the castellan of the Marillion, learned of the arrival and quickly went to investigate. He was led to where the two guardsmen waited, in obvious embarrassment over their charge. He quickly ascertained that the dignitary was one Benjamin Smythe, of the Denver Smythes. Mr. Smythe was an attache to the Margrave of Denver and was in fact here at the Margrave's orders seeking an audience with the heir to Vanir.

Rudy had been working quite hard to shield the crown prince from latcheys and and other such bloodsuckers who sought to attach themselves to his rising status. This was a delicate situation as the Margrave of Denver had been fairly close to Prince Shaitan and was married to his daughter Anja. It was even remotely possible that the message being delivered was the long awaited agreement for Denver to secede to Fanatika, something that Shaitan had been working towards for many years. He decided that he would ascertain Smythe's intentions and pass him to the heir if the situation warranted.

When Rudy arrived at the scene, Smythe was generally recovered and in fairly good spirits. His accent was horrid so Rudy broke protocol and conversed in Anglish. Smythe would tell him nothing of the message he carried but intimated that it was of great import to Denver and Vanir and would have repercussions to the bonds of friendship between America and Fanatika themselves. Thus reassured of the import of the Margrave's missive, he arranged a brief audience for Smythe with Grandmaster. Rudy would serve as interpreter at this meeting. Though Grandmaster was fluent in Anglish he had no wish that this ability be generally known.

The audience started well, with consolations on the death of Shaitan and wishes that the two nobles could soon meet again, perhaps for some foxing in memory of the departed prince. It quickly degenerated as Smythe got to the meat of the message. Rory Denver, the young son of the Margrave by Shaitan's daughter Anja, was being proposed as the true heir of Vanir. Grandmaster almost lost his composure when this was said but managed to hold himself in check. Aparently, the good Margrave was concerned that Grandmaster's claim was false. Though specified in Shaitan's will, the marked heir was neither a legitimate child nor was he named the living heir before Shaitan's death. Both of these were generally accepted as necessary to circumvent the established chain of inheritance. As Shaitan's oldest legitimate grandson, Rory had the strongest claim to Vanir's throne.

The stick thusly delivered, Smythe then offered a carrot of sorts. In exchange for Vanirian properties north of Gunningheim, Rory would abdicate his birthright. At this point even the rather blockheaded Smythe could not fail to note the red fury barely contained by Grandmaster and with protestations of the difficult ride and his poor health he took his leave. The fact that he did not ask for permission to depart was not lost on Rudy or Grandmaster.

After the bulbous dignitary had left, Grandmaster called his councilors to discuss the situation. It was indeed grave. Though Shaitan's wishes were specific, they were not necessarily lawful. Young Rory did indeed have a stronger claim to the throne than Grandmaster, whos illegitimate birth would taint the ascension. There was no doubt that the Vanir Confederates would support Grandmaster over Shaitan's American raised grandchild but if push came to shove, the relations between America and Fanatika could indeed be strained. It was even remotely possible that the King would be forced to support Rory's claim.

Several of the councilors thought that a bargain of land (less than what was being asked, of course) in exchange for a firm seat on the throne was a worthwhile exchange. Rudy disagreed violently. He had been part and parcel to Vanir's stellar growth and berated these men for their caution (or cowardice, as he intimated). But no matter what the councilors advised, the decision would be Grandmasters...

JDD had never met Rory, and even in his travels had not visited Denver. The news was puzzling, and made him angry. He decided to ride to Vanir immediately to back up Grandmaster. Hopefully the Denvers would relinquish their claim and things would be as they had been before.

Prince Padma vows to help protect the young Prince Grandmaster from these foolish Denverites. Never mind the "illegitimacy" of his birth. Grandmaster is clearly Shaitan's son, and was named by him as his heir in his will. As to these foolish Americans trying to "steal" some of Vanir, well, just let them try to take it!

*The brash young Prince was now talking furiously with his advisors behind closed doors. His fury seemed uncontrollable; many a man had the soldier seperated from his head for less than this.*

GM: Who do these American dogs think they are?! They march into Vanir and tell me that THEY are the true owners of this place? Americans! Bloody Americans demanding the reins of the greatest of the Fanatikan Houses. I would sooner burn in hell than see some Yankee fool sitting in the Marillion's throneroom. If they want Vanir so badly, they can send the goddamned American Army and take it. My troops will send 'em all to hell! If I am the last man standing, I will keep fighting until either I am cut to ribbons or the whole of the American invaders are dead.

Councillor 1: What are you suggesting, then, m'lord?

GM: I am suggesting that we refuse their extortionate demands and prepare for war. If they are so determined to undermine my authority, then let them come and see how loyal my troops are to me. If I must I will send the Vanirian to forces to Denver and burn it to the ground!

Councillor 2: But what of Anja? Is she not the daughter of Shaitan?

GM: If it comes to war, then I will see that she is not harmed. If we are forced to kill off the whole of House Denver, then she will be angry, yes, but with time all bitterness dissolves. I only hope it will not come to that. We are done here. Oh, and one more thing.... if that redneck porker of a diplomat ever shows his face within the borders of Vanir again, have him imprisoned and exectued. You can send a letter to Denver warning of this, if you'd like.

*With this, the new Prince got up and left the room. He would not tolerate any challenge to his authority.*

*As Grandmaster prepares for a fitful night's rest there is a knock on the door. He stomps over to the door and pulls it open so hard that it knocks back against the wall with a horrific bang.*

Grandmaster: What in blazes is it?! Hasn't there been enough foul news today that my very rest must be interrupted for more of it?!

*With a shock Grandmaster realizes that the visitor he has railed at is none other than his half sister, the Lady Marie. He quickly gathers control of himself and ushers her in with hasty apologies. There is a laugh in her voice as she excuses his angry actions.*

Marie: I see you have yet to start working on your princely demeanor. Understandable under the circumstances I suppose. Still (*her voice becomes deadly serious*), it is something you WILL have to work on. Not only for appearances. It is important that your emotions do not betray you to your enemies.

*Marie walks over to the sitting area and takes a seat. She motions towards the chilled wine and Grandmaster fills two glasses. He is intrigued by this confident woman and curious what she wishes to speak about.*

Marie: I was...confused...at the wake and did not take the proper chance to congratulate you on your ascension. And also to welcome you to the family. I knew even before the will was read. Unlike the rest of my family and the others present, I had last seen my father in life when he was little older than you are now. The likeness is quite strong.

*She pauses to drink her wine, sampling it professionally and then taking a healthy swig.*

Marie: Quite a good vintage, that. I've had experience as a vintner during my exile. One of my first tasks here will be to improve your cellars. My father was a brew afficionado and has left you with generally subpar selections. But we'll discuss such household concerns later. There are items of import that I must tell you of.

There are two other challenges to your ascension. Rory has the strongest claim as the eldest legitimate male issue. There is also Harold, son of our sister Ruth. I doubt that he will prove too much of a problem. Vanir is too far away for the father to expect to spread and hold authority and Ruth would make his life a living hell if he tried. The last problem is another illegitimate son. Father never knew about him but I found him in my travels. He is a rather promising cavalry officer in your own command. If he remains ignorant he will be no threat but as I found him it is prudent to believe that others have as well. He wears father's stamp as strongly as you do.

Rory is too young to rule but old enough to want to. The Margrave is the push there as he controls every aspect of young Rory's life. The lad is bright and talented but warped by the tight reigns that are upon him. You may need to consider removing him in a more permanent manner. I know that this will smack against your honor but there are many things that get compromised when you play the game of houses. Father knew this very well - Vanir did not grow so great without solving the occasional problem. Should you decide that this is the best course I will handle the details. In my travels I have made many contacts.

I must return to my chambers. It is not seemly for a lady to be alone with you without an escort, even if we are half siblings. When you wish to talk simply summon me. I am here to serve.

*Marie finishes her glass and takes her leave. Grandmaster slumps into a chair and finishes his own wine in a single long swallow. He sits back thinking "what in the world just happened here?"*

*The Prince continues to ponder these threats to his sovereignty.*

GM: First an American, then one of my own officers? This will not stand. If this new challenger rises against me, I will have him shot as a traitor. It's that simple. My troops are loyal to me, they will carry out the order. And what right has he over me? If he too is indeed an illegitimate son, than why has he any greater a claim than I do?

Unaware of the situation at hand in Vanir, the soon-to-be Archduke (OOC: Padma, can you please get around to processing, you said you would do it yesterday) sat at his table enjoying a fine lunch. A messenger brought him news of traitors among the officers of Vanir. He mounted his steed and rode to the Marillion to serve his lord in case of a coup among the younger members of the House of Vanir. He carried with him his trusty rifle and supplies, nothing else. This could be a long week...

Octavain decides to leaves the Games at the Augusta via caravel to check on the situation at the Marillion. He had heard of the Denverites claims to the Marillion's throne, and had prepared a full legal document that was sure to prove Grandmaster's claim.

This voyage was a short, routine one. A small bay seperated the two great palaces, and they were visible from each other.

When he reached the midpoint of his voyage, he had noticed something someone he had not seen before. The boat was Octavian's private one, and was usually manned by the same sailors. He was odd because of his facial features; he didn't look Fanatikan. Figuring he was a replacement for a sick worker, Octavian remained unbothered.

The strange sailor disappeared below deck, while Octavian went from the rear of the ship to the front. So many times had he visited the Marillion, as a caslte, palace, and even bigger palace. He began to reminisce of the happy times he had spent with Shaitan there...

This blissful memory was cut short by a sickening cry in English, "All hail Devner!" Before there was any time to respond, a loud explostion ripped through the blissful sea air. Octavian was knocked to the ground.

When he got up, the rear half of the ship had been blown up, and fires were rapidly burning up the rest. Quickly grabbing a plank of wood he hoped could float, he jumped from the ship and watched it sink to the bottom of the sea...

The young cavalry officer walked down his picket line, giving a word of encouragement here, a friendly correction or bit of advice there. Captain Snow commanded one of the few intact cavalry regiments left in Vanir. The Indians had been crushed and driven en masse into the sea but most of the knight corps has dissolved upon the death of the old Prince. Now that the Indians had been dealt with, it was those same knights that were now the target of the new cavalry. Not all of the departing soldiers had gone quietly back to their families and farms. Many had formed into small bands of mercenaries (which was bad enough) and others had taken up the way of the outlaw.

One of these outlaw bands was preying on the caravans now heading regularly from Gunningheim to Riga and Satsuma, part of the massive rebuilding effort. The cavalry had set its picket to catch these outlaws when they attacked the caravan that the regiment was shadowing. They had been in place for several hours, longer than Snow had though would be required. His travel down the picket reassured his men and the general restlessness that had been coming over them passed.

After completing his tour of the picket he returned to his command station and surveyed the surrounding plains and tundra. It was simply too perfect a spot for the raiders to pass up. The caravan sat fat and vulnerable at the juncture of two hill chains, in a lee and protected from the northerly winds. Comfortable camping yes, but easily trapped by a force of experienced horse raiders closing from front and rear. Snow knew in his bones that the outlaws would not pass up this opportunity.

He was not disappointed. Within an hour of his return to the command, the first picket arrived with news of horses approaching from the West. A few minutes more and one arrived from the East as well. The numbers were unclear due to the setting of the sun and massive glare from the icy tundra but it was happening. He quickly issued orders and the pickets advanced, continually sending back refining reports. Behind them came the bulk of the cavalry regiment, some 300 horsemen armed with the finest Valhall longrifles and a smattering of the new carbines and repeaters.

The rogue knights came into range quickly and the picket stopped and was absorbed by the regiment. Snow raised his pistol and fired into the air. At the signal, 300 horses broke into a charge and stormed down on the confused and surprised knights. The knights regrouped quickly and turned themselves to charge against their attackers. At this, the cavalry came to a dead stop. 300 guns raised as one and a deafening explosion rocked the hills as white hot death rained down on the rogue horsemen. The effects on their charge was devastating. The first several ranks of horses went down and the ranks following them piled into and over them. Perhaps a hundred had died from the volley and half again as much from the collisions and falls that followed.

The knights regrouped and began to withdraw but by this time the cavalrymen had reloaded their weapons. The second volley was not as devastating as the first as their targets were not so tightly packed but it was still effective. Another fifty or so outlaws were felled. The rifles were returned to their holsters and the aborted charge of the cavalry resumed. The fleeing knights were weighed down by their arms and armor and the protections worn on their horses. The cavalry had no such encumbrance. They did not wear armor since armor was no protection against the weapons they used. They ran down the hundred or so knights that fled. Many were butchered if they stood and fought but the majority had the sense to surrender. When all was said and done, Snow's regiment had lost a dozen men. They had killed close to 300 and captured just over 100 more outlaws.

There are not many trees in that are of the tundra and plains of North Vanir. There were barely enough to hang all of the prisoners. A few months ago, Snow would have balked at the task but since then he had seen the attrocities that outlaws like these performed at a whim. He was now quite satisfied in doing his duty as an officer in the Vanir cavalry and give these scum their legal deserts.

He detached 20 cavalry to continue escort of the caravan and another 40 to bring the captured horses to the stockades in Gunningheim. The ones who could stand a rifle blast over their heads would become cavalry mounts. The others would become scouts horses or draft animals, or be sold as stock. When the regiment next collected their pay they would enjoy a fat bonus from the bounty on that prize.

By midmorning the cleanup from the previous evening's battle was complete. The hanged men were cut down and placed in a pile with those that had been felled in the battle itself. The trees they had died on became the pyre for the mass immolation of the dead. Standard procedure would have been to let the corpses stay in the trees as a warning to other outlaws but this was a well traveled road and Snow did not want to terrify the honest traffickers. In any case, this story would very quickly be in the ear of every rogue and vandal from Dapperdan to Bavaria.

Snow smiled at a job well done.

*Rudy and Grandmaster are in Grandmaster's private study, going over the paperwork that keeps the Princedom functioning and having a strategy meeting. As usual, Rudy's preparation of the paperwork makes that portion of the meeting very short. Rudy then gives Grandmaster a brief state of the nation and items of note that affect Vanir's relationship with her neighbors, Fanatika at large and foreign nations.*

Rudy: ...so, our fur sales are going very well. We were able to divert most of the cache during the Indian occupation and the foresters came through relatively unscathed. The new rifles coming out of Valhalla are being snatched up faster than we can produce them. We have to watch there. We have to balance between equipping our own cavalry and our Fanatikan tithe. We may need to pull back from foreign sales for now, at least until we get fully ramped up with the repeater assemblies. We may also soon receive the long ago promised assistance to fully settle the north. The governor's office has stop saying "not now" and started saying "yes, soon".

Grandmaster: Excellent. Thank you for your analysis. I believe that concludes our meeting but by the look on your face I believe you have something else to tell me? Something that's not as easy to recite as land profits and fur sales?

Rudy: Er...yes, my prince. I spoke with the Lady Marie. She's quite an...intense...woman. She is quite concerned with young Rory in Denver and that Snow fellow in the cavalry. Between the desertions following your father's death, losses in reclaiming our territory from the Indians and the troops we have committed to the Fanatikan forces our main strength is dangerously depleted. Denver has been building up for quite some time. Our best defense against an offensive from the High North is a counter by fast cavalry. That cavalry has been through the fires of hell with none other than your half brother Shaitan Snow.

*Grandmaster interrupts.*

Grandmaster: Shaitan? His given name is Shaitan? I had no idea.

Rudy: Yes. Your father was quite a popular monarch and there are hundreds of boy children named in his honor. That's not really a surprise, especially since he is a Snow.

*It is the custom in Vanir to give the surname of "Snow" to male children who are illegitimate. Female children in the same situation are given the surname "Star".*

Rudy: It could end up causing problems though. Look at his story. He was born to nothing. He fought his way into the army and then into the knights. He overcame his surname to become commander of his own troop at a remarkably young age. When the news of Prince Shaitan's death came he kept his troop together and used them to keep the bulk of an entire brigade intact. He hunted down deserters and himself tried and hung three officers who were attempting to subordinate their troops. He took command of the brigade and was a decisive force in routing the Indians. His men were the first to shed their armor and train with the new rifles - our first cavalry. He's a bloody hero of Vanir and, though it pains me to say it, rightfully so.

What happens when the new coins circulate with your stamp and he looks in his purse one day and sees his own face looking back at him? He could discover his parentage earlier than that. Thanks to that new printing press there are drawings of you out and about. Your face is becoming known in a way that previous nobles' never were. It's entirely likely that somebody will comment on how much he looks like Prince Grandmaster. He's bright, he'll put it together.

Grandmaster: Okay, so he's popular and a known hero of Vanir, especially with the mounted units. Probably more popular than a foreign born Prince that until recently was sworn to Lancre. He still has no better claim than I do to the throne! Yes he obviously has ambition. He'd have to in order to accomplish what he has. But everything about him smacks of dedication and loyaly. I'm simply not comfortable using Marie's "solution" when there may be no problem at all.

Rudy: But there is a problem, my Prince. I received reports of a Denver delegation entering Vanir. They did not reach Valhalla. From other reports of "bandit activity" I believe that delegation actually headed towards Gunningheim. I believe they are trying to find Snow. The only reason I can think that they would do this would be to try to subvert him and his men. If they can convince him to back Rory we have nothing in the area to counter Denver annexing a goodly portion of the High North. As you said, he's ambitious. Rory would be the first "family" in his life. If they play to that ambition, could he be subverted? Can you take that chance?

Grandmaster: So what do you advise then? Do I have Marie take care of him? Recall him to the Marillion?

Rudy: It is difficult to say. If he pledges to Rory we could lose all of Vanir. If he remains loyal and Denver moves, he is absolutely the man we need in place to push him back. Either choice has risks and I am afraid that you must make that decision as it is your neck...

*Rudy is interrupted by a pounding on the door. Grandmaster yells out permission to enter and a guardsmen veritably runs across the stones and dives to one knee in his haste.*

Guardsman: My Prince, it is the Lord Octavian. He was fished out of the Seabrake. His craft was destroyed by treachery. American treachery! Himself and a handful of crew was all that survived. The cirugeons are at him right now in the infirmary.

*Without another word Grandmaster rushes to the infirmary.*

*The Prince rushes to the infirmary to check on his old friend, Octavian of Dougnutia.*

GM: Doctor, how is he? Will he be alright?

Doctor: Aye, he'll be fine m'lord. A bit of a shock from that blast, and quite a chill from the water, but otherwise he's fine. GOt lucky, he did.

GM: Good, good. Any word on who perpetrated this cowardly act?

Assisstant: Sire, it was those accursed Americans if what he tells us is true.

GM: I thought as much. But I never knew of Americans stooping so low to the level of suicide bombing. Persians, Babylonians, Egyptians, and Japanese, yes, but not the Americans. If it truly was those Denverite dogs who committed this attrocity, I will see that they pay for. I will dispatch of the Head of Denver and of that usurper Rory by my own sword if they infact ordered this attack. Rudy?

Rudy: Yes, m'lord?

GM: Make ready the cavalry in the Far North. Regardless of what Captain Snow has in his head about the Vanirian throne, he is the man to do the job should we need to attack Denver.

Rudy: Right away, sire.

*The Castellan of the Marillion leaves to send a letter to Snow's Cavalry, while Grandmaster continues to discuss Octavian's health with the doctors.*

Slowly, Octavian woke up. His vision remained blury, he couldn't hear correctly, and he still felt tired and cold. As his vision returned, he found himself in a bed. After taking a look around, he realized he was at the Marillion.

Sound began to return to him. He heard the familiar sound of Grandmaster's voice, along with another. They both reentered the room, and noticed he was awake.

"Octavian!" began Grandmaster.

"So, I made it..."

*The interview was not going well. Smythe had discarded his foppish attire in Denver. It would not have impressed the military man he now faced. The effect needed here was much different from the irreverant neglect presented to the Pretender. The folk at the Marillion would likely not even connect the massive hulk of a soldier with the foppish and obese dandy that had invaded their presence short days ago. Smythe radiated command and confidence and carried his pistol and sabre like a man well used to them. Still, the interview was not going well.*

Smythe: You would not even need to commit fully. Simply taking your troops on southerly maneuvers would suffice. We could not then guarantee as much land for you but you would still be justly rewarded for supporting the rightful heir.

Snow: As I told you, land means nothing. Land is a means to acquire power but power is and must be the goal. Whatever pittance of land you would bestow upon me would simply tie me to Rory's apron. No, I'll not support your venture.

Smythe: (raising voice) How can you be so damned dedicated to that man? Don't you believe the evidence of your own eyes? Look at the bloody coin! Look at the newsline I brought! The two of you are peas in a pod. There can be no doubt that you are a son of Shaitan the first. You're as much an heir of the old prince as the Pretender is. He is no more entitled to that throne than you are yourself!

*Smythe catches a quick gleam in Snow's eye and smiles craftily.*

Smythe: Ah, that's it then, isn't it? The crown or naught? I should have known not to bother with these pittance offers. Very well. I am authorized to offer you a more partisan offer. You and Rory will declare for each other and join to topple the Pretender. When your cavalry and Denver's troopers have taken control, Vanir will be split. Rory will take the High North from Dapperdan to Gunningheim and Naerva north. You will have the entire south. What say you?

Snow: That is quite a more attractive bargain, Mister Smythe. I'll entertain it. My adjutant will guide you back to your tent.

Smythe: Thank you for your time, sir. I trust you will make the decision that is best for both you and your nephew.

*Although Snow had wished to hear more from Smythe, he had received a signal from his adjutant. A messenger was waiting for him with an urgent parcel. When Smythe had been led from the clearing the messenger rushed forward. He saluted sharply and handed his satchel to the Captain. Snow opened it, breaking the intricately twisted wires that sealed it. His eyes quickly scanned it and his expression became very grave. He read it again, slower and more thoroughly. When he was done he called for his adjutant and the corporal of the guard.*

Snow: Break camp. We ride within the hour.

Adjutant: Which is it, Snow? Do we follow a Captain or a Prince?

Snow: Just a man, old friend. A man who has just learned that not only does he actually have a family but that it is as close to disfunctional as it's possible to be. Denver has already moved, attacking Lord Octavian on his way to the Marillion. The plot failed and Octavian survived and was able to name the attackers. His move from the High North would coincide with this. He's likely already moving south and probably has Naerva in seige.

Adjutant: You haven't answered my question, Shai. Are we heros or revolutionaries?

Snow: Heros, for now. We will break the force against Naerva and then we will attack Denver. These orders don't quite give me that authority so I may need your skills at contrivance to make a plausible chain of events. Oh, yes. Don't forget to truss up that Smythe character and his envoy. Send them to Gunningheim in chains. They talk to nobody. Gags all around.

*The corporal of the guard heads off to arrange the imprisoning of Smythe and the American troopers. Snow's adjutant speaks to him with the composure of long time companions.*

Adjutant: No regrets? It's more than plausible that it could work. We are the only effective force in half of Vanir.

*Captain Snow sighs deeply.*

Snow: Yes, it would work. I've already planned it out. The cavalry retreating from the steadily advancing and numerically superior troopers...taking outrider positions on Valhalla and Marillion...falling on the unsuspecting defenders at the right moment...

Yes, it would indeed work. But could you live with yourself after treachery so great?

Adjutant: It's not treachery for me, Snow. I swore my oath to you when the army broke at the old prince's death. You're all that kept us together. Me and these men, we're following you.

Snow: Then I suppose it is a good thing that I couldn't live with it. I may be ambitious but the ability to commit such treachery is a trait that I thankfully lack. I'll not take power by taking fellow Vanirians in the rear and in any case I'm not convinced that Prince Grandmaster is truly my enemy, especially considering the source of that information.

Now, get those men moving! I've got a nephew to meet.

Correction

If anybody read post #52 between when it was posted and now, there's been a slight change at the end. I was a bit sleepy when I originally wrote it and made a goof that would have spoiled the story line. It's all fixed now.

*Grandmaster continues to discuss with Rudy what should be done about these two new threats to the crown.*

GM: Rudy, I wonder something. What would happen if we were to perhaps to hedge our bets a bit with this Snow fellow. Perhaps recall him to the Marillion and make him a Lord of Vanir? At least a Knight, perhaps even a Baron or Count?

Rudy: We could, m'lord, but it's no guarantee against trwchery from his side. Plus, it would cost us a fair amount of gold and a damned good cavalry captain.

GM: So I realize.... I am going to retire to my chambers now and think it all over. Oh, and Rudy, one more thing that might help. Have my face removed from the coin presses and replaced by that of our founder, Shaitan. Maybe Snow hasn't noticed the likeness yet.

Rudy: Right away, sire.

*Snow's brigade closed on Naerva. Four of the five regiments were present, over 450 highly trained cavalry. Scouts had started to return with news of the American deployment. Snow had been partially correct; the Americans were moving against Naerva but he had given them too much credit for coordination. The invading troops were still approaching Naerva. The American vanguard, knights and some cavalry, were in the process of cutting off the city and some of the fleeing citizens had been captured, others slain. This presented a problem. The brigade's preplanning had assumed that the Americans would be entrenched and vulnerable to fast strikes in their exposed rear echelons. Troops on the move would be much more difficult to engage in this rocky, snowy terrain.

Snow called a conference with his regimental commanders and his adjutant. After some heated discussion it was decided that the 1st and 3rd would move west and circle around to the American train. The 4th and 9th would attack the main body with fast strikes to pin them down. The 51st, the command regiment, would take the van. The 1st, 3rd and 51st would then join back up with the 4th and 9th to prosecute strong strikes against the main body.

Like all plans, it did not long survive contact with the enemy. Like most of Snow's plans, it worked frighteningly well anyway. The 51st smashed the van with unexpected ease. The majority of the American horsemen were not actually knights or cavalry. They were hobilars and unable to fight on horseback. The Naerva militia, relieved of the threat to their rear, launched against the approaching main body. This caused great confusion in the attacks by the 4th and 9th and the cavalry were forced back to wait for better numbers. When Snow and the 51st rejoined them the Americans had entrenched in the bountiful cover. Only one attack was made and that had heavier than acceptable losses. Shortly thereafter the 1st and 3rd arrived in the American force's rear and successfully enfiladed them. It was carnage as 250 cavalry charged through the American formation. With their lines disrupted, the intruders were not able to concentrate fire as Snow led the other 3 regiments down on them. The Americans broke and routed.

The 4th regiment was dangerously depleted and they were detached to assist the Naerva militia in handling captured soldiers and hunting down fleeing Americans. The 1st, 3rd, 9th and 51st immediately turned north to Denver.*

*Rudy approaches Prince Grandmaster with a messenger's satchel in his hand.*

Rudy: Sad news, my lord. American troops approach Naerva. This message got out just before their van circled the city. By now they will be under siege or taken.

Grandmaster: (Groan) And Snow? Any word on his movements?

Rudy: None, but that is to be expected. He was performing outlaw supression actions and could be anywhere between Dapperdan and Gunningheim. He'll get the orders we sent when his scouts pick up his regular discourses but that could be days from now. The only way he could even know of the current situation is if one of the messengers somehow stumbled into one of his pickets.

Grandmaster: How long can Naerva hold with what she has now?

Rudy: Nördmauer will hold for months but they can likely supress the city in a half day or less.

Grandmaster: And then they will be heading here. Very well, we will give battle at Valhalla. Raise the garrisons, evacuate the city and the Marillion of any non-essentials. Send them to Kuhkaff for now.

Rudy: My lord, initial estimates in this missive put the American troop count at 1500 to 2000 troopers. We can raise perhaps 500, a bit more if we pull the garrison at Küstenberg. You'll be pinned and trapped for sure.

Grandmaster: We won't be trapped, Rudy. We will meet them north of the city. Send riders to Klein Vanir, Manitou and Lancre. Request aid to stop the American encroachment. Stress that it's a foreign invasion, not a family dispute. Perhaps they will rally to us in time.

Rudy: Grandmaster, that is a brave and honorable plan but it is the plan of a general, not a prince.

Grandmaster: That it is, but I've been a general far longer than a prince. Send the messages, Rudy. I go now to raise the troops.

*Rudy watches as Grandmaster crosses the room and out the door. Rudy is amazed that in those few steps the worry on the prince's face is replaced with a cocky smile and look of confidence. The leader of Vanir disappears to be replaced by the leader of men.*

Rudy (softly): Spirits, protect us. And our Prince.

Interesting Story :). I wonder when I would be mentioned :).

BTW, I am still loyal to Vanir :).

Originally posted by CivGeneral
Interesting Story :). I wonder when I would be mentioned :).

BTW, I am still loyal to Vanir :).
It's sort a 'pass the story' thing. Feel free to jump in.

You haven't been mentioned because you were off in Lancre, job hunting. :p

Originally posted by Shaitan

It's sort a 'pass the story' thing. Feel free to jump in.

You haven't been mentioned because you were off in Lancre, job hunting. :p

Oh, almost like the "Tales of the GBC" story :).

Well I can be the Military Advisor in Vanir :), I was wondering If it would be possible to be what Padma was a "Living Bridge" Thingy like an Vanir Ambasidor to Lancre :).

The Knights of Numenor were a fierce bunch, 500 strong. Upon the arrival of meesengers at Shimonseki and New Falcon's Nest, they rode with newly equipped rifles to Kukhaff. There, they met the Archduke of Vanir. The Archduke had changed since the last time they saw him, almost a year ago. He was now taller and more muscular. We was a silent and claoked figure mounted on an huge black steed, branded with the arms of Vanir. He gave ashout and soon a regiment of Klein Vanir was on the way to Naerva, to fight the dastardly Americans, trying to shed Fanatikan blood. Little did the Americans know that their own blood would be shed.

The Spirit Visitor

As CivGeneral returns from Larnce. He returns to his Vanir Military Advisor office.

Line Captan Hoek: Good to see you again Grand Admiral CivGeneral, how was your trip to Larnce?

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: No to good Captan Hoek, It apperes that they only want people who are of Lancre origan to be a Military Advisor.

Line Captian Hoek: Sorry to hear that, but there is always the possition of "Vanir Ambassidor to Lancre" open. Ill see Grandmaster to see if that is possible.

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: I just hope that Grandmaster would let me be Military Advisor and Vanir Ambassidor to Lancre

Line Catian Hoek: I hope so too, Grand Admiral.

Line Captian Hoek left CivGeneral's office, Grand Admiral CivGeneral got up from his chair and walked to the bookshelf. CivGeneral felt a cold brease comming from the direction of his desk. CivGeneral turns around and noticed that the windows are closed

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: Hmm, I remembered closing the windows. But where is that cold brease comming from?.

CivGeneral returns to his desk and beguins drawing plans of a new Warship for use aganst the Babalonians, then he noticed something glowing in the other room. CivGeneral walks to the room where the glow is at

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: Hello, anyone there?

CivGeneral walks into the room, and then the glow dissapeares and he feels the cold brease again. CivGeneral then walks back to his desk. CivGeneral beguins to hear a spirit's cry

The Goast:(In a faint goastly voice) CivGeneral!

CivGeneral looks up and noticed the Goast of Shaitan. CivGeneral looked in a shocked look as the Goast of Shai floats down to the floor

The Goast of Shai: I thought you would be happy to recive the inheritance of the land in the provance of MAG

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: I an happy with the inheritance of the lands of MAG

The Goast of Shai: Then why do you want to join Lanrce?

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: I thought it was alright to be part of two houses.

The Goast of Shai floats to CivGeneral, the spirit stops at the front of his desk

The Goast of Shai: Padma was a special case. He was the living bridge between the lands of Vanir and Lancre when they were both in their heavy expansion phase. (That's where his title "Knight of the Bridge" came from.)
Both Vanir and Lancre knighted him to very visibly show that they were "good neighbors" and wouldn't be going at each other. Sort of like a living treaty.
Padma is now a Prince but is still regarded as a Knight of Vanir to show the ongoing friendship and support between the two great northern houses.

Grand Admiral CivGeneral: I see, I can take it that it is not possible for me to be the "Knight of the Bridge", But I am interested in staying as a Military Advisor for Vanir and becoming the Vanir Ambassidor to Larnce

The Goast of Shai: I am happy you have decided to be loyal to Vanir, The ambassidor job would have to require aproval of both the House of Vanir and Larnce

The Goast of Shai disapeares, Meanwhile two Petty Officers came in

Petty Officer #1: Is everything alright Grand Admrial

Gradn Admiral CivGeneral: Yes, just a little encounter with Shai's goast

Grand Admiral CivGeneral leaves his office in seach of Grandmaster but he runs into Rudy

Rudy: Hi, Grand Admiral CivGeneral. I have herd that Grandmaster has an imprtant mission for you, since you are the Military Advisor for Vanir. Come ill show you to Grandmaster's room.

CivGeneral Follows Rudy to Grandmaster's room

*Grandmaster is in his chambers, pondering his options regarding Snow and the Americans.*

GM (to himself): Perhaps, if we were to recall Snow to the Marillion for a meeting of the military staff, and when he arrives have him executed.... or better yet, have him shot by an assassin. I could even work it like those Roman expatriots in America, have an assassin kill Snow and then have one of my loyal soldiers kill the assassin.... No, I must'nt think this way. I'm starting to sound like that mad Count of Stal in Russia who cleansed his army of every officer he thought was disloyal to him, acting strictly off paranoia. I am not paranoid. I will not have a man who has not yet committed treason executed.... but what then shall I do?

*Suddenly, a knocking is heard on the door.*

GM: Who is it?

Rudy: It's me, Rudy. I've brought the Military Advisor with me.

GM: Send him in.

*In walk CivGeneral and Rudy. Rudy bows politely and then leaves the two commanders to their business.*

GM: Welcome, CivGeneral. I have called you here to discuss with you the possibility that one of our cavalry regiments has gone AWOL and is plotting to aid the Americans in their invasion of the North.

CG: Troubling indeed, sire. What would you have me do?

GM: Nothing as of yet. But should we find out that the unit has definitely changed loyalties, than the concept will be to destroy them. It is like we both learned back at Officer's Basic. Cut off the head, and the body will follow. If we need to move against these soldiers, then the plan will be to call their leader, Snow, back to the Marillion and have him killed covertly. We will, at the same time, move our knights into position to engage the commanderless cavalry. They are a subpar group without Snow's leadership. They will fall easilly, should we be forced to attack.

CG: And how do I fit into this, m'lord?

GM: I need you to write up a tentative plan of action, based on what I just outlined. Also, I need you to find the best marksman in our army. He must be accurate, skilled with a rifle and pistol, and loyal. When you find him, send me his name and unit. He will have a part to play in this, should we find ourselves confronted by a renegade officer.

CG: I will set to it immediately, sir. I think I know the right man. But may I ask what role he will play? It may effect my decision.

GM: If you must know, then I will tell you. An assassin will be hired to kill this commander, and your soldier will then in turn kill the assassin. As such, this man must also have no problem with what is in effect cold-blooded murder.

CG: That does make things more difficult. I'll see what I can do.

*Another horseman arrives from Naerva. The news he brings is not good. American knights and cavalry have cut off the city and have attacked the refugees that are desperately trying to escape to the south. Of 5 messengers, this was the only rider to escape their net. There will be no more information from the area. The Naerva militia is fortifying the town but the American troopers are now estimated at almost 3000 men. They couldn't hope to fend off a determined assault and by this time the battle was most likely already lost. The invading force could be at Valhalla in just a few hours.

Grandmaster and CivGeneral have deployed their forces north of Valhalla and the men were working feverishly at entrenching. The evacuation of Valhalla and Marillion had gone very poorly. Most of the proud Vanirians refused to leave, instead they were doing anything they could to help the defending army. Hundreds of boys and old men stood behind the regular forces, armed with anything that could be used as a weapon. Grandmaster saw picks and shovels and any manner of farm implements. He saw one boy, 12 if he was a day, holding a broom.*

Grandmaster: CivGeneral, see that this boy is given a sword. Such bravery must be rewarded.

CivGeneral: M'lord, the armories are depleted. We have none to give him.

*Grandmaster unbuckled his knife belt and motioned the boy over. Kneeling down to the boy's height he handed the belt to him.*

Grandmaster: Take this, lad. It is but a knife but the blade is true. It should serve you better than a broom in any case.

Boy: Thank you, your grace! Thank you! I shall return it to you after we have vanquished the American dogs.

*The scene was interrupted by loud shouts of his name. Grandmaster stood up while CivGeneral looked for the source of the cry. He saw a very excited Rudy rushing about and calling madly for the Prince.*

CivGeneral: (shouting) Rudy! Castellan! Over here! The Prince is here!

*Rudy ran over. Grandmaster had never seen the normally imperturbable castellan so flustered and excited. He arrived gasping for air and talking so fast that Grandmaster almost couldn't understand him.*

Rudy: The Americans have broken! Vanirian cavalry hit their lines before they could approach Naerva. They are routed! The messenger was from the militia and didn't know who they were or where they came from. It must be Snow, though. He's the only one with enough strength to do it.

The American force was broken and a scant regiment was left with Naerva but the main force of cavalry has vacated to the north. Snow must mean to attack Denver itself!

CivGeneral: Your Snow may be a fine tactician but he's no strategist. Those dogs will regroup, given time. Still, they are demoralized. We could concievably force march to Naerva in time to bolster the defenses before they recover. M'lord?

Grandmaster: Yes, that many men will take some time to regroup into any sort of effective force. Even if we don't make it in time, we should arrive before Naerva falls. After the scare Snow gave them we can likely rout them even with our numbers.

CivGeneral, give the orders. Prepare for fast march. No packs. Weapons, ammunition and water only. Load whatever ammo and trail rations that will fit into the fastest coaches and wains you can find.

What's our best time to Naerva?

CivGeneral: 3 hours, give or take.

Grandmaster: Take. I want us there in 2.

*CivGeneral leaves immediately and begins giving orders for the forced march. Rudy turns to give whatever assistance he can but is stopped by Grandmaster.*

Grandmaster: A minute please, Rudy. Why would he leave such a force at his rear? Snow may not be a grand strategist but nobody is that foolish.

Rudy: I don't know but I can conjecture. He has headed to Denver itself. There's no way he can hold Denver or even any territory thereabouts when the American troopers return. He must have a specific objective and there is only one that I can think of.

Grandmaster: Rory.

Rudy: Yes, Rory. I believe he is going after your nephew. For good or for ill I do not know. He could be trying to eliminate a threat to Vanir...

Grandmaster: (interrupting)...or he could be trying to take an asset that will give him the backing he needs to challenge me. With Rory as a hostage he will control the House of Denver. He could force Rory to abdicate his claim in his own favor and then use the American forces in addition to his own.

Damn! I wish I knew this man's mind! He is either a bloody noble hero or my worst enemy and I do not know which!

*Grandmaster reached into his scrip and pulled out the scrap of parchment that CivGeneral had given him earlier. He reread the name and unit written there, gave a great sigh and began walking towards one of the quickly mobilizing units.*

Grandmaster: (to himself) Either way, I'll be prepared.

*Two hours later, after much preparation and much marching, the Vanirian troops arrived at Naerva. There they found a city heavilly entrenched, vacant but for the soldiers who defended it. Much of the town had been leveled by enemy artillery, but still the troops stood strong. The disorganized American forces were outside the city, regrouping to prepare for another assault. They were stationed at the base of a hill that overlooked Naerva and the surrounding area. The Vanirian army, made up mostly of foot soldiers but of knights and cavalry as well, crested the hill. They looked down upon a broken Denverite force, slowly and clumsilly forming up and reloading for another attack. The Americans were caught completely unprepared.*

Grandmaster: Commander, prepare the troops to charge. We will come down the mountain and hit them before they know what's going on.

Commander: Aye, sir. I'll give the order.

Grandmaster: Oh, and one more thing. No prisoners are to be taken. Kill every man. If a Denverite surrenders, he is to be shot where he stands. If we run out of ammunition, then they are to bayonetted our hanged from the nearest tree. If they are routed, then secure the city and send out light infantry teams to hunt them down. I want no son of Denver to survive the day.

Commander: But sire, that is an obvious attrocity! The Code of Chivalry will not allow it!

Grandmaster: Chivalry is dead. Soldiery is the way of the future. And no soldier disobeys his Prince's orders. Now tell the men to charge, and give my orders to the sergeants. No Denverite is to live past the end of the battle.

Commander: Yes, sir.

*The commander rides off down the line to give the charge order and inform the various sergeants of how the battle is to commence. Then, with a bloodcurdling cry of "Freedom for Vanir!" the lines of cavalry, then knights, then gunmen, then swordsmen charged down the hill and into the shocked mass of American troops. The first wave of rifle fire from the cavalry devastated the Denverite troopers, cutting them down in droves. An American general, one of two in charge of the siege, was struck down and died instantly. As the cavlry reloaded, the other forces charged ahead, cutting into the crowd of enemies with swords, spears, lances, and other weapons. The Vanirian musketmen took to their knees and aimed for the best targets they could find, successfully killing sergeants, lieutenants, messengers carrying requests for reinforcements, and even the other general in charge. Now without leadership, even the armed and organized American columns collapsed into chaos. The fighting was now hand-to-hand, with infantry fighting infantry and horsemen fighting horsemen. When the Vanirian cav had reloaded, they fired another volley into the crowd. Again an entire layer of Americans collapsed. When it seemed the Americans had been softened enough for a rout, the cavalry drew sabres and charged into the throng of people. Lifting their weapons high, they brought them down on the helpless footsoldiers and drove them into the backs of mounted soldiers entangled in combat with other troops. The entire American force gave way and began an unorganized and chaotic retreat. The mounted Vanirians and the swiftest runners of the Vanirian infantry took after the routed Americans. They chased down many of the American footsoldiers who were injured or burdened by heavy packs. These men they attacked and killed with extreme prejudice. The cavalry and knights then hurried forward after the rest of the American force. Shooting as they went, the cavalry knocked down row after row of fleeing enemies. Finally, all that was left of the American force was its mounted component. When became obvious that the Vanirians could not catch the Americans, they shot out the horse fro underneath them. Those who did not break their necks in the fall to the ground were quickly overtaken by the army of Vanir and either shot or stabbed depending on who got there first. When all was said and done, there was only one American survivor of the battle. He was laying badly injured under a pile of bodies at the base of the hill where the battle had begun. When the Vanirian troops regrouped to relieve the city and continue to their next destination, he was never found. Trapped there, he bled to death two days later. Meanwhile, the forces of Vanir returned to the battleground victorious. They dismounted and entered the city of Naerva.*

GM: Men, today we showed the Deverites that they cannot threaten Great Vanir! Thet thought they ould break our spirit by besieging Naerva, but instead we broke their back! The army we just destroyed was the backbone of their invasion force. Our brothers now march on Denver, and the Americans shall never again spill Vanirian blood on Vanirian soil! Hazaa!

*The exhausted but thrilled soldiers cheer loudly, celebrating one of the greatest military victories in Vanir's history.*

The Victory

As the battle draws to a close, Grand Admiral CvGeneral orders the Vanir Solders and Sailors to close into Denver. A fearce battle rored on as Warships Bombarded Denver

On the Frigate Grandmaster...

Line Captian Hoek: Mand the Guns! Fire at Denver's ports!

Senior Chief Petty Officer Otto: Captian, The Ports of Denver is hard to destroy, Grand Admiral CivGeneral is waiting for the defenses to be knocked out. I suggest that we have an amphibious landing

LC Hoek: SCPO Otto, We dont even know about this "Amphibious Landing" and we cannot create this thing called the "Marines".

SCPO Otto: It is possible sir. Just let me round up some expert sailors, some Rifles, and a row boat and we are set

LC Hoek: *Sigh* ok, you may go ahead with this "Amphibious Landing"

Line Captian Hoek thinks that SCPO Otto is crayzy to take on a mission that has not been even discovered. On the deck only a handfull off sailors and one brave officer standed up before the Line Captian his name, Lt Commander Gunning

LT. Com Gunning I will lead the beachhead invasion.

SCPO Otto looks at gunning with a smile

SCPO Otto: Glad to have an officer who is willing to take charge of the invasion

Gunning and Otto climbs down to the rowboats along with the handfull of sailors

Meanwhile... In the battle Field
Grand Admiral CivGeneral is figting in a stalemate, Denvers defenses were overwhelming, then he noticed a couple of row boats rowing to the Bay of Denver

GA CivGeneral: Whats this? Row boats comming out of the two Small Frigates?

CivGeneral noticed that the Row boats has taken up a beachhead inside of Denver, He also noticed that the bombardment has stoped and then the battle stoped as the Mayor of Denver surrenderd to CivGeneral

Mayor of Denver: We surrender, we are extreamly sorry.

Lt. Commander Gunning walks to CivGeneral

Lt Commander Gunning: Grand Admiral CivGeneral, I am pleased to make an adnouncement that our "Amphibious Landing" is a sucsess. I predict if we research the right training, that this will be the wave of the future

Grandmaster rides up to CivGeneral and his army

Grandmater: Men, today we showed the Deverites that they cannot threaten Great Vanir! Thet thought they could break our spirit by besieging Naerva, but instead we broke their back! The army we just destroyed was the backbone of their invasion force. Our brothers now march on Denver, and the Americans shall never again spill Vanirian blood on Vanirian soil! Hazaa!

Donovan Zoi sat down to go through the piles of documents that had accumulated in the land office over the past few weeks. The sudden departure of his predecessor was the reason for the disarray. Prince Shaitan had always kept his office quite tidy and Donovan knew it would be quite some time before it would look that way again.

Oh, well, may as well dive right in...., Donovan thought and that's exactly what he did.

Hmmmmm........Padma's been pretty busy lately. Looks like he and I will be sharing quite a fenceline soon.

BCLG, why didn't you come talk to me?

Yes, Donovan talked his way through his task as if each piece of paper would respond back in kind. But soon his hands fell upon a large envelope from the Fanatikan government that left him without words. The envelope was labeled simply UP FOR AUCTION and was thicker than the usual envelopes of this nature. Upon opening the package, Donovan stared at it in disbelief for a long time. In the most matter-of-fact language possible, this is what the cover letter said:


Enclosed are coordinates for land available for auction near the following cities. These lands were taken back from India by the Fanatikan Army:

Gunningheim
Androbius
Riga
Huntington


Donovan couldn't believe what was being implied here, especially since the late Prince Shaitan had left the lands of Androbius and Gunningheim to the new Prince of Vanir in his will. Donovan also knew that this meant that gunning1 would lose the city of Gunningheim and gonzo_for_civ would lose his interests in and around Huntington. Luckily, Riga had been up for availability when the Indian treachery began so at least there would no cries of foul play in that city.

But then Donovan remembered.......Shaitan was killed on the same day as the Indian attack, and therefore would not have had an opportunity to change the will. Also, with full control of the land office since its inception, the departed prince was the only one familiar with the rules. This is why even Rudy did not raise an eyebrow during the reading; those two cities had been out of Vanir's hands for only a short while. It was therefore assumed by all that those lands would automatically return to Vanir.

Yet there sat the envelope that dared to say otherwise. Donovan thought of throwing it away but knew that there would be follow up from the capital if auction of these properties did not take place. He then came to the conclusion that this must be the cause of all the unrest in that region and that the newcomer Snow may have ulterior motives for fighting so valiantly for the people of those cities. Perhaps Snow had known all along that he could take advantage of these land auctions to legally acquire a piece of his father's former lands; he just needed to make it look good for his future citizens. But who in the upper reaches of Fanatika could have tipped him off?

Donovan Zoi's mind raced through the possibilities with no conclusions.....

How am I going to relay this to Prince Grandmaster??, thought Donovan. He has had the resolve of a king during this time of uncertainty, but I fear the worst by showing him these papers. It is one thing to guard your land, but quite another to learn that your rivals may have a right to be there after all.

That said, Donovan left the land office, papers in hand, and lept onto his horse, Intrepid. He had not been to the Marillion for quite some time and hoped that after his unexpected visit, he would still be welcome there in the future. And the two headed north.......

<OOC> Ouch! That's right! The land rules explicitely say:Any tile that is within an enemy’s borders when a turn chat is complete will revert to no ownership. The current owner (if any) loses all claim to that tile.So that means those lands are now open for anyone to take at the next Availability!
</OOC>

BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I want to keep Gunningheim!!!!

Calm down folks, see my post in the Land Office thread.

:)

YAY!!!! I still get to keep Gunningheim! :D

Luckily Donovan had to go back to fetch a bottle of water for the ride. As he was leaving again, he saw an unopened envelope on the office table. He opened it and read the note:

Oh, you guys have your own armies and fight amongst yourselves in addition to our enemies, thereby superceding government orders in regards to land? My bad. Have fun!

Yours,

Forty


Sorry for the scare, GM and everybody!

A quadruple post!!!!!!

I've never seen one of those!!!!

It's gotta be a first!!!!!

Wow....those all went through?? Uh, my bad.

I had to make it perfectly clear that my previous post was not valid, I guess. Or was it the server?

<OOC>

DZ, you got me scared there.... off with your head! :p

<OOC>

Quadruple post cleaned up.

@DZ - Sorry for the confusion. :(

Naerva

*Grandmaster surveyed the battlefield. The Americans were destroyed and Naerva was saved but there was still something very wrong. He turned to his aide-de-camp.*

Grandmaster: There aren't enough bodies. How many escaped?

Aide: Almost none, m'lord. And what few did escape are being hunted down by cavalry parties as you ordered.

Grandmaster: I want a priliminary bodycount immediately. And get me a status on CivGeneral.

*His aide strode off to complete his duties as Grandmaster contemplated the battlefield again. Reports estimated the American troop strength at 3000. There couldn't possibly be more than 1500 lying on the field. He waited impatiently for his aide and his scouts to report back. Within ten minutes his aide returned.*

Aide: My Prince, the field commanders estimate around 1400 American dead, 200 Vanirians. We don't know how many of the Americans are from us and how many from Captain Snow's original rout. Lord CivGeneral is recovering well. The cirugeon said the bullet just glanced off of his head and will cause no permanent damage. It was so bloody simply because head wounds bleed like that. He is sleeping now but aparently having some frightful dreams. He keeps mumbling about mariners and cannons and rowboats.

*Having given his report, the aide-de-camp returned to his duties.

These were the numbers that Grandmaster had both feared and expected. Half of the invading force was returning to Denver where they would likely entrap Snow's Brigade. The Americans would be disjointed and demoralized. On the other hand, his own men had force marched for two solid hours and then joined pitched battle. They were close to exhaustion. They could still outpace the American forces and could concievably catch them before Denver.

What then? What could 400 exhausted Vanirians do against 1500 exhausted and demoralized Americans? Quite a bit, he realized with a smile, but not enough. They couldn't hope to break so many in the condition they would be in. Very well, there would be no pursuit to Denver. If Snow was loyal and fighting for Vanir he would die. If he was a traitor and seized Denver's head then he would remain in control of a sizeable force. It was in the hands of the Spirits now.

Just as he had made his peace with his decision, he heard shouts and cheering from the direction of his southern lines. He heard shouts of "Lancre" and "Klein Vanir" from excited voices. His aide-de-camp came running up to report.*

Aide: My Prince! Reinforcements are arriving! Cavalry from Klein Vanir and Lancre! Hundreds of fresh men and horse. Ammunition trains from Valhalla have also been sighted a short ways off.

Now Grandmaster's recent decision was erased. He was fairly sure he could convince his allies to pursue the invaders back to Denver. If he didn't, there would be a strong aggressive force on his north border, either controlled by Denver or Snow. If he did, he could be facing either demoralized Americans between the two cavalry forces or combined American and traitorous Vanirian cav. It all hinged on Snow.

He had already confirmed that the "special" trooper CivGeneral had found was assigned to his direct command. Would he be needed? The allied cavalry would be here shortly. He knew he had to make his decision on pursuing the Americans before they arrived.*

Prince Grandmaster prepares for his next encounter with the enemy, when he spies a pelican approaching...

Grandmaster: A pelican? Word from my Brother and Sister Spiritualists no doubt.

The pelican lands and sure enough, there is a message for the Prince. He begins to read...

"My dear friend and brother in the Spirits, Grandmaster. We have arrived back at the Marillion to the most disturbing news. We discovered that fair Vanir wars with the Americans of Denver. And further to this, you lead the armies of Vanir to repel the invaders.
What is disturbing to us is that we have heard rumours that you have ordered your troops to give the enemy no quarter. Further to this, you have ordered that any surrendering soldier is to be killed.
My friend, if this is indeed so, then we fear for your immortal soul. Such is not the way of the Spirits. Pyra himself said that to fight is one thing but to fight without honour is the way of the Demons.
Please Brother, tell us truthfully if you gave such an order. If it is so, we will work hard to help you, for the mistake is as much ours as it is yours. We have failed you brother, and we will take our share of the blame for this sin.

We await your reply.

Brother Adam, Sister Eve and Brother Joseph

The Letter

In CivGeneral's office after the Spiritualist has feasted and rested, Grandmaster walks in to CivGeneral's office

Grandmaster: Grand Admiral CivGeneral, you will never guess what I have recived

CivGeneral: What is it Grandmaster?

GM: A letter from my Brother and Sister Spiritualists.

CG: Ahh, I beleve I have met them two before, handed me a very important book that would help me see the Light

GM: So are you in Gradn Admiral CivGeneral?

CG: You bet, Im in

Grandmaster and CivGeneral left the CinC office in preperation for there next plans

After days of resting, Octavian finally felt well enough to walk around the palace. It had been so long since he had been here...

It was an odd greeting in the Great Hall of the Marillion. There were the Spiritualists, whom he had last seen too long ago. As he slowly caught up with their activities, Rudy ran up to Octavian, looking relieved to find him.

The next few minutes were despressing compared to his joyful reunion. As he found out the activites of the past few days, he cursed the attack on his ship, for his papers and legal work had been lost.

"Though Doughnutia likes to remain apart from the conflicts of the other houses of Fanatika," Octavian began, "Small garrions are kept around our lands for defense and keeping domestic peace. I will draw up as I can and send them to Bavaria in the event Vanir should need more assitance. Vanir will never fall!"

*Grandmaster writes a quick reply letter to the Spiritualists, as he is busy preparing to send his troops to Denver.*

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I indeed gave this order. But it was justified. It was brought to my attention that during the siege of Naerva American artillery fired on helpless and unarmed civilians. Likewise, they had attacked without any provocation. Because of these attrocities I had every right to demand that they pay dearly. I now intend to march my men to Denver and show the Americans the error of their ways. I only hope that you can forgive me for taking the action I must to defend my lands and my citizens. If not, then I will see my half-brother Rory in the PLace of Lamentation, where I will continue the fight against Denver on my own until the demons themselves pry me away from the traitor. Good day to you.

--Grandmaster


*GM now prepares his troops for the long march to Denver.*

Major General Naervod, Archduke of Vanir prepares the Knights of Klein Vanir for the pursuit of the demonic Americans...

Naervod enters the ruined city of Naerva, his namesake to find heaps of dead civilians in the rubble. He saw the bodies and recognized them as his friends and even his second cousin Dominic whom he enjoyed the company of greatly. He wept bitterly at the destruction. He yelled, "They were innocents, they did no wrong. Why did they have to die like this?"

His yell echoed through the city like thunder. suddenly he whirled around to face the loyal knights. He ordered, "I want you to find and kill any escaping Denverites on sight. No one is to be spared with the exception of their leader. Bring him to me."

There was a clatter of hooves as the Knights rode off with the Archduke at the front. He was going to teach the Americans a lesson they would never forget...

The Planning

Grand Admiral CivGeneral walks along side Grandmaster

CG: What are we going to do about the demons and Denver

GM: Hopefully we can teach the Citizzens of Denver a lesson, and the Deamons, well take care of that

Naervod walks in

CG: Ahh Hello, Major General Naervod. I have a very specal mission for you.

Naervod: I wait your command Grand Admiral CivGeneral

CG: I want you to check out Naerva and see how it is. Later on Ill send some Elite Knights to Naerva to pick you up

Naervod: Yes sir, I will make Grandmaster and you proud

Naervod rieds of to Naerva, soon Grandmaster and Grand Admiral CivGeneral rides of to denver

Grandmaster rides with his troops and happens upon a small patrol of American soldiers...

Grandmaster: (incensed with rage) Kill them all! Spare none! Remember what they did to our people in Naerva!

The troops fall upon the hopelessly outnumbered Americans. Some drop their weapons and beg for quarter, only to be cut down where they stood. Grandmaster sees a soldier flee into the nearby trees and gives chase. He easily catches up with him in a clearing and with one sweep of his sword, cuts a deep gash accross his back. The soldier falls down. Grandmaster dismounts quickly on him...

American soldier: (desperate and terrified) Please, please, no! Spare me!

Grandmaster: American dog! Did you spare the women and children of Naerva?

Soldier: I had nothing to do with that. I was only recently conscripted to the army. I am a farmer.

Grandmaster: I'll make you wish you stayed in your fields!

Grandmaster raises his sword. The soldier feebly holds up one of his arms...

Voice: GRANDMASTER!!!!

He turns round to see Brother Adam riding like a wild man through the trees. Adam jumps off his speeding mount and runs up to him...

Grandmaster: What the? What are you doing here?

Brother Adam: Saving your immortal soul. What are you doing, Brother Grandmaster? This man is surrendering!

Grandmaster: He is an American!! He must pay for his crimes.

Adam: What crimes? Have you proof he committed any crimes?

Grandmaster: I need no proof! He is an American, that is enough.

Adam: Oh Brother, what has happened to you? This is not the way of the Spirits.

Grandmaster: (losing his temper) And what did the Spirits do to prevent the atrocities at Naerva? Do you know what the Americans did to the innocents there?

Adam: I can imagine. But two sins do not cancel out each other. Justifying an atrocity with another atrocity is not the way, Brother Grandmaster.

Grandmaster: (furious) That's Prince Grandmaster to you! I rule here now. I have my people to protect, and I'll do it my way!!!
And I saw that this dog gets put down like the animal he is!

Grandmaster runs at the wounded soldier, his sword poised to strike...

Adam: No, Brother, I cannot allow this!

Brother Adam rushes between the soldier and Grandmaster. He puts out both of his arms in protection. Grandmaster rushes into him. Then, to his horror he sees what has happened. The blade was pushed deep into Adam's body. Adam looks into his friend's face with a mixture of pain and sorrow...

Adam: I...forgive....you...

Adam collapses on to the ground...

*GM pauses, shocked at what has happened. He drops his sword, allowing the American soldier to crawl away.*

GM: Private! Get the surgeons, right away!

*The young Vanirian soldier runs to get the battlefield doctos marching with the army. The surgeon runs to where GM stands.*

Surgeon: What happened here?

GM: It was an accident. Can he be saved?

Surgeon: Perhaps. Both of you, give me your shirts. These should stop the bleeding. I need your help to carry him back to Naerva, where I can work better.

GM: We'll lift him onto my horse. Then run him back to Naerva on it.

*The Prince and the Private help Adam up onto GM's warhorse and then send the horse and the surgeon off to Naerva.*

GM: Soldier, see that this American is given a warm meal and a soft bed in Naerva. Also, find CivGeneral and have him give the order. All combat with American forces is to cease. All survivors are to be allowed to escape or taken prisoner, where they are to be given food and shelter. Understood?

Private: Yes sir!

*The soldier helps the injured American up and then they head off to find the Grand Admiral before any more blood is needlessly shed. The Battle of Naerva is over.*

As the troops attacks the pillaging americans in Naerva, CivGeneral noticed that Brother Adam tries to block the march. CivGeneral notices that Adam has been wonded. CivGeneral Orders Medical Officer Commander John

Cmd John: Grand Admiral CivGeneral, Broher Adam is drifing in and out of Councianceness.

Cmd John observes Brother Adam, John takes out a blanket to cover Adam

GA CG: Hmm.. to bad we do not know anything about Sanitation and "super medical herbs". Do your best Commander John.

Adam: *Caugh* *weaze* CivGeneral...come...hear...

Medical Officer Cmd John, notices Adam is trying to talk

Cmd John: CivGenral, I beleve you should take a look at this

GA CG: What is it John?

Cmd John: Brother Adam is trying to say something

Adam: CivGeneral...please...take this...in memory...of...Brother Adam

CivGeneral takes the Silver jewelry from Adam's hands, CivGeneral whiped the blood of the Silver object, The object was "The symbol of the Spirits". Then Adam sliped in a coma

Cmd John: I shall take him to the outskirts of Naerva for medical attention. My men had just set up a medical tent there.

Soon Commander John orders a squod of troops to carry Brother Adam to the outskirts of naerva. Soon Grandmaster rides to CivGeneral

GM: I am calling off the hunting of American troops in Naerva, I beleve that they have learned there lesson

GA CG: Ok, I have just sent one of my Medical officer to take Adam to the outskirts of naerva, there is a medical tent there

Edided: I was confused regarding the pass along stories, I edited it to reflect the american hunt in Naerva.
@GM: I recived your PM, please help me on how to do a Pass along story so that I would not be confused in the future, thanks

*After some time of preparation, the order is given that the troops are to set off for Denver. They are informed that no more attrocities are to be comitted, and should it be discovered that the enemy is entrenched in the city, that civilian casualties are to avoided as much as possible. The troops march and ride off. Eventually they reach the city, the heart of the enemy's House. They see that the city is surrounded by American troops, bombarding their own town with artillery and obvious disregard for civilian life. Inside are Snow's troops, dismounted, heavilly dug in and fighting for their lives.*

GM: Captain, ready the men. We're going to charge head-on into their rear and try to break the back of the siege. If we can lighten up their attack enough, maybe Snow's boys can break out and we can join together for a pincer.

Vanirian Captain: Sir, yes, sir. I'll send out the order right away, sir.

GM: Very good. And find the 3rd Rifle Company, I have a specific mission for them.

Captain: What is it, sir?

GM: See that cannon battery over there? Besides for the men loading and firing the cannons, the entire battery is undefended. The 3rd Rifle is to capture and hold the battery until our artillery specialists can reach them and take control of the heavy guns. Without the shelling they're taking now, Snow's troops will be able to come out more into the open and fight better. Plus, if we can turn those guns on the American troops, we'll have enough firepower to shatter their lines.

Captain: Excellant plan, sir. I'll tell them of it.

*The officer rides off to give the orders. Amazingly, the Denverites are so intent on destroying Snow's Cav that they don't notice the Vanirian force behind them. Suddenly, a warcry erupts and the Vanirians charge. The Cavalry and Knights lead the way, firing volleys of hot lead into the backs of the Americans. They are followed by a mixture of riflemen, swordsmen, and archers, all running at full speed towards the masses of enemies. The riflemen fire volleys at the Americans, running too fast to aim at all, while the archers rain down sheets of death. Finally, the first wave of mounted soldiers crashes into the Denverite ranks. Random gunshots ring out as cavalrymen take aim and fire, often fighting with a sabre at the same time. The fighting is hand to hand as knight's clash swords with American bayonets and other weapons. Men are cut down in torrents by the Vanirian storm. Now the swordsmen on foot reach the throng of people and attack with all their might. Many fall against the superior marksmanship and range of enemy riflemen, but many still are able to overwhelm and kill their enemies. The riflemen fire one last volley of red hot devastation into the crowd before charging down the besiegers with bayonets. The archers keep their distance, knowing that hand to hand fighting is useless, but eventually even they are drawn in, firing arrows at point blank range and sometimes stabbing opponents as though the arrows were daggers. Then a loud cheer is heard from the far-right of the battlefield. The 3rd Rifles had taken control of the American artillery! The barely armed Vanirian cannoneers ran through the thick fighting to the captured battery and began to wheel the huge guns around. A loud boom was heard as a salvo of grapeshot tore into the mass of troops. A few moments later the second round was fired. When a cannonball took off the head of one American general, and the other was struck down by a Knight's sword, the Denverites paniced and broke rank. Many fled into the surrounding countryside and escaped. Others tried to scale the walls into the city, and were either shot down or captured inside the walls. Others franticly surrendered and were allowed to live, while still more tried to fight a desperate running battle trying to break out of the Vanirian encirclement and were either killed in action or captured. The victorious Vanirians entered the city, where they met with Snow's forces.*

GM: So, Captain Snow, we meet at last.

*Snow's Brigade, over 300 strong and still flushed from their victory at Naerva, arrived at Denver. They quickly overpowered the small garrison that had been left in the American city and set about taking their true objective: The mansion of the Denvers where Snow's half sister and nephew as well as the American noble presumably hid. There was some interference from the civilian townsfolk and this was severely reprimanded. After the fourth neighborhood was engulfed in flames the incursions of locals stopped.

The bulk of the cavalry were dismounted. Work parties limbered what few cannon were found and the brigade's engineers began shelling the Denver mansion. Snow did not have enough men to force entry and time was short. He knew it would be only a few short hours before the failed American expedition against Naerva returned. He and his men must be ready to leave by then. To this end, the bulk of the temporary footmen began throwing up earthworks and hastily cobbling together defenses. Snow smiled at the irony. If things did not go quickly at the mansion, the Vanirians would essentially be defending the American city against the American troops. The great difference, of couse, being that their backs would be to the hostile populace of the city instead of to grateful defenders.

The Denver mansion was a monstrously huge affair, built of local marble and granite. It took far longer than Snow wished to finally force entry through its walls. Snow's adjutant led the charge into the building and constant reports were sent back to him of the room by room fighting. He busied himself with the defenses of the city and worrying over the progress of the enemy troops.

A half hour later his pickets began reporting. American troops, numbering a rough thousand, closing on Denver. It was less than he'd feared but certainly more than he could handle. A sick feeling hit his gut as he suddenly thought of where the missing Americans might be. The battered regiment he had left in Naerva would sell their lives dearly but their fate was foregone if the missing Americans had rallied to attack the city.

And then the Americans began pouring out of the woods in a wave and there was no more time for thought. He went from defensive work to defensive work, giving words of encouragement and orders of action. The world erupted into sound and flying death as the Americans and Vanirians traded fire. The Americans made slow but steady progress. The works that the Vanirians had been able to set up were small but solid and the advantage of cover was a telling advantage. Until the Americans began unlimbering artillery. The reports of cannon being made ready sent a cold spike down Snow's spine. Orders were given to fall back from the areas threatened by the cannons and the American advance picked up speed.

At least the locals would not be the problem Snow had feared. The American troopers fired on anything that moved, not caring if it was friend of foe. The cannonade struck any building or structure that might protect a Vanirian, no matter that the Vanirians had vacated them. The destruction that the Americans were unleashing on their own city amazed and enraged Snow.

The Vanirians began slowly pulling back towards the Denver mansion. Reports of the mansion raiders' progress became fewer and fewer as men were lost and the battle moved farther inside the massive structure. There was still hope, though it got slimmer by the minute. Snow no longer assumed that capturing the Denver nobles would be enough to stop the American troopers. They fought with a bloodlust that was sickening. But, it was still critical to Vanir for young Rory at least to be taken or slain. If or when this was accomplished, the cavalrymen would remount their horses and try to break through the encirclement. Once clear of this deathtrap of a city they would be able to return to fair Vanir with little problem. If they could get clear of the city...

The desperate situation vanished in an instant as great cries of excitement erupted up and down the defenders' lines. Heavy cavalry and troops burst forth from behind the Americans and plowed into their undefended flanks. The Americans' singleminded assault proved their undoing as forces from Vanir, Klein Vanir and Lancre pounded into them. Chaos erupted from the Americans as Vanirian engineers took charge of their cannon and turned the deadly fire upon them.

Snow reevaluated his positions. He did not have enough fighting force left to rally a charge. In fact, if he abandoned his defenses he would give the Americans a chance to reenter the city and take their own defenses against the fresh Fanatikan forces. He gave orders to hold positions up and down the line. The fighting became even more deadly as the desperate Americans tried to enter the city. Just as his brigade was in serious danger of being overrun, the Americans broke and began to rout. Snow's Brigade would survive this day. But what about Snow himself?

As the relieved defenders poured out of their defensive works to help their rescuers in mopping up the battle, Snow remounted his horse and took off at speed for the Denver mansion. The proud edifice was a broken shell of its former glory with massive rents in its walls and many fires burning. He saw a staggered line of his assault force coming out of the building. Were they in retreat or were they successful?

There! Four bound captives. The two men were trussed and carried and a woman and young boy were being led out firmly but politely. He was startled by the tap on his shoulder.*

Trooper: Captain Snow? You are ordered to report to Prince Grandmaster. I will take you to him.

Snow: Very well. Let me gather my escort.

Trooper: That won't be necessary, sir. The area is secured.

Snow: It isn't the Americans I'm worried about, soldier.

Snow quickly gathered his escort and, with his newly found sister and nephew in tow, began making his way towards the most important interview of his life.

CivGeneral rides to Grandmaster and Snow. CivGeneral does not know who Snow is, but he would soon learn of who Snow is

CG: Grandmaster, Ive just recived your message from the front

GM: GrandAdmiral CivGeneral, I would like you to meet Snow

Snow: I am Snow, Its an Honor to meet a great Military Mind

CG: Nice to meet you to, Snow.

Snow: Thanks, Grand Admiral

GM: Snow, CivGeneral is an Excellent CinC of the Fanatikan Army, He had even lead the Fanatikan Underground Forces to Liberate the Gold Bluff Casino and other cities that were under Indian Control

From a tower of the Marillion, Octavian sees a slow moving caravan of of people headed toward the great palace. As he arrived at the courtyard to investigate, he notices that they carry among them the wounded of recent battles. Hoping not to see a familiar face, he turns around to reenter the palace. However, he is stopped by a horrible feeling that compels him to turn around. Then, there he sees a the face of the Spiritualist Adam. An indescribable feeling a grief, not believing what he saw...

Hours later, Octavian was still at the side of Adam. Suddenly, he came to, sitting up almost immeadiately. Octavian had him sit down, and explain what had happened to him...

The mysterious Prophet
Prophet Rex walks into the gates of Vanir. Line Captian Hoek walks up to the figure

LC Hoek: Hello Stranger how may I help you

Prophet Rex: I am seeking refuge from the Americans, you see Naerva had been ransacked by the Americans, I exscaped with only my life in tact. I had a vision about this a long time ago

The fog rolls in to Vanir

LC Hoek: We better head inside

Prophet Rex: A wize choice my friend

Prophet Rex settles into one of the chamber rooms. His room was quite small with only a bed an a desk

Prophet Rex: This room is perfict, Hoek, I dont ask for much. I just use the bare nessiceties that nature offers. Thanks kind one

LC Hoek: Not a problem, if there is anything you need just ask

Line Captian Hoek left the room, The Prophet sits at his desk and looks at the candle and starts to write one of his predictions

The Prophet Diaries: AX-75
The house of Vanir would see a great battle between the sons.

The Master battles Winter in a tourny of epic proprtions that would decide the fate of Vanir

Prophet Rex finishes his prediction and wanders around the Vanir Castle. Hours later one of CivGeneral's officers cane into the room and reads one of the Prophet's predictions. Senior Chief Petty Officer Otto reads the writing

SCPO Otto: Hmm it looks like it is writen in Latin

Otto beguins to read the pediction as he learned Learned Latin

Otto: Vanir? Battle? Sons?

Otto was about to leave the room but Prophet Rex came in and saw him reading the document. Otto looks at Rex with consern

Otto: Vanir? Battle? Sons?

Prophet Rex: I have seen this in a vision, This prince would battle a son whos name has a winter name in it would battle

Otto: (In a more worried look) Would this Prediction become a prophacy and become true

Phophet Rex: Not to worry my friend, It could happen in the near future or the far future. NOw I must tell the Spiritualist about my vision

Prophet Rex leaves the room and heads to the Cathedral in Vanir

The meeting between Snow and Grandmaster is being rescheduled. Tentatively it will be Sunday at the same time (8:00 AM EST, 13:00 GMT).

The meeting is going on right now in the #demogame_rpg channel!

Originally posted by Shaitan
The meeting between Snow and Grandmaster is being rescheduled. Tentatively it will be Sunday at the same time (8:00 AM EST, 13:00 GMT).

The meeting is going on right now in the #demogame_rpg channel!

OOC: Shai, would it be possible to be in the story as a supporter on Grandmaster's side?

The promotion

In the CinC's office, Grand Admiral CivGeneral has just recived a message that he won the Military Election. The Fanatikan Government had just promoted CivGeneral to the Rank of Grand General. Grandmaster walks into his office

Grand General CivGeneral: Hi Grandmaster. How was the meeting with Snow?

Grandmaster: Things went well. A very experianced Cavalry officer no doubt. BTW, congrats on being promoted Grand General

GG CG: Thanks, even tough a Grand Admiral and Grand General are on the same rank level.

Soon Line Captan Hoek walks in

Line Captan Hoek: Hi everyone

GG CG: Guess what Hoek?

LC Hoek: (looking confused) what?

GG CG: I am promoting you to the rank of Commodore

Commodore Hoek: Thank you kind sir

Commodore Hoek looks at Grandmaster and then back to CivGeneral

Commodore Hoek: Sorry for inturrpting, Ill leave so that you to can continue your meeting

Commodore Hoek left the room, leaving Grandmaster and CivGeneral alone in there conferance

I ask that you support your native son in the election for RPG Manager (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43431).

So, Shai....do you have a transcript of Sunday's events? I couldn't make it that day.

I've been working on making a nice color coded transcript of the GM vs Snow encounter to post here but it's taking way too long to complete. I'll still finish that but in the meantime here is a copy of the chat log for those too curious to wait. ;)

GM vs Snow (http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads3/GMvsSnow.txt)

*The door to Grandmaster's study burst in and Rudy rushes in with excitement plain on his face. He waves a sheaf of parchment in his hand as he rushes towards Grandmaster's desk.*

Rudy: My liege! Look at this! It's the most amazing thing!

*He stops short and his look of excitement is replaced by one of profound embarrassment.*

Rudy: My profound apologies, your grace. My excitement overcame my sence of decorum.

Grandmaster: Apology accepted and no offense was taken, Rudy. Now, what is the excitement about? I haven't seen a look like that on your face since before the troubles began.

*Reassured by the prince, Rudy completes the short walk to the desk and hands the parchment to Grandmaster.*

Rudy: It is a writ, created and signed by Prince Shaitan when he was King of Fanatika. As you know, the King holds special powers over many things, one of them being the issue of noble and royal births. This writ was obviously intended to be held with his will but somehow was misfiled. I just came across it while going through the land titles again for Master Zoi. Go ahead! Read it!

*Grandmaster reads the parchment*

Writ and Proclamation of the King of Fanatika

Let it be known to all and sundry that Grandmaster of Aiger is of regal as well as noble birth. By proclamation of the King, his parentage is legitimized and he is specified to be mothered by Anja, Lady of Aiger and fathered by Shaitan Rex, King of Fanatika and Prince of Vanir. Though conceived out of wedlock this union has been legitimized and bears no taint of bastardy.

Let no man question the will of the King.

Signatory: Shaitan Rex

Rudy: He legitimized your parentage, my prince. This removes the threat of usurpation from Rory or any claims of a false throne. I should have realized he would have done this to ensure there was no question of your ascension. After all of the cases he tried, what are the chances that he would have left a loophole big enough to lead a cavalry charge through? I just wish this had come to light earlier to avert any problems with Denver and Snow.

Grandmaster: It is a relief to see this, indeed. I think I would not have had things play out differently though. Rory has been effectively eliminated as a threat in any case. Because a confrontation was forced with Snow, I now have an excellent general who's loyalty is beyond question. Had this writ secured the throne we might never have been put into a situation where Snow and I were tested and I would never have been able to fully trust him. I am not a believer in coincidence, Rudy. Whether the writ was misplaced before or after his death its odd hiding place has the marks of Shaitan's machinations about it.

Grandmaster reads the writ again and smiles. In a place separated by more than distance, a greyed warrior also smiles. He looks up from the massive oaken table as the image of Grandmaster fades and turns to his companion.

Shaitan: You're right Alexander. It is frustrating to be able to do so little but it is amazingly rewarding when that little bit works. Now, how do we stop Brother Fox and Sister Dana? I would have thought that Fox at least would have deciphered the portents we have managed to send him.

Alexander: I fear that if we do more we will be overstepping our bounds. The Great Ones already caution that we remain too attached to our mortal world and I should not like to jeopardize the liberties we have gleaned. We shall have to trust that brother Adam will see enough to forbid them going to India.

Rudy knocks on the door to Grandmaster's study, and is admitted.

Rudy: My lord, the Prince of Lancre requests a private audience with you.

Grandmaster: Sir Padma? I wonder what he wants. Show him in, Rudy.

Rudy ushers in Prince Padma of Lancre, and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

Padma: Grandmaster, my friend. I have come to impose upon you in the name of our mutual friend, Sir Disorganizer. As you know, all that sorry business about his being a vampire is over, but he is despondent about the evil things that he did, and were done in his name. The Spiritualists, the Jedi, and other friends have all tried to make him understand that it wasn't his fault; that his mind was not his own. But he insists he must be punished to atone for his crimes.

He has asked me to set up a court, to try him according to the laws of Fanatika. But I fear to set up such a court in Lancre, as that is where the worst atrocities occurred, and his chance of receiving a fair trial are slim. Separating fact from emotion would be difficult for any Lancrean.

Then I thought of Vanir. Close enough to Lancre to be aware of what happened, yet far enough removed for objectivity to remain.

Grandmaster: My friend, that is no imposition. Remember, Sir Disorganizer was once my liege-lord, and friend, too. Would the court at Valhalla do? The Honorable Sirius Hale sits there, and has proven to be a fair and equitable judge. He was also a long-time friend of Prince Shaitan, and I am sure he would happily accept this case.

Padma: Thank you, my Prince! That will be most acceptable.

Grandmaster: Then I shall speak to Mr. Hale, and see how soon this case can be arranged on his docket. Now, since you are here, can you tell me how your dog-breeding is going? I understand you have developed some excellent scent hounds, for trailing small game....

The two old friends drift off into pleasant conversation.

*The Right Honorable Sirius Hale, the highest ranking judge in Vanir, sits at his huge desk working through a pile of papers. Unlike many of his contemporaries, his office is almost spartan. A single painting of the Marillion is the only decoration readily apparent. Upon closer examination two small tin "photographs" can be found among the papers on his desk. One is of this very court building. The other is of the deceased Prince of Vanir.

He finishes with the paper he is working on and signs it with a flourish. He carefully sands the wet ink, blots it and then folds and seals the paper. He then sets it in a pile of similar papers and picks up a thick folder that contains missives requiring his attention. He pulls out a stack of letters and quickly thumbs through them. He stops suddenly as he sees the crest of Vanir on one. He carefully sets the others aside and breaks the seal on the royal missive.*

My dear Sirius, I hope this letter finds you well. Marie informs me you had a rather bad bout with the flu this season.

All is well here. The young prince is coming into his own and shows great poise and promise. I swear that sometimes I forget it is he and not his departed father that I serve. Young Rory has turned the corner and is shaping up into a rather fine squire. I don't know what to credit more; the separation from his bedeviled parents or his fascination with all things Vanir.

Speaking of those parents, the lady Anja has seemingly adjusted to life in the convent of Ste Agustus, though she reportedly gave the abbess several small fits when she first arrived. The Margrave of Denver is yet in Androbius where he has been held as a guest of the throne. This must needs end soon, unfortunately. The Americans have been applying political pressure for his release and we will soon be forced to return him to Denver and remove our occupation forces from that territory. We hope we have shown the Denverites enough of the freedoms of Vanir that they will rise up of their own accord once the Margrave holds power again.

As you no doubt realize from the seal I used on this letter, I have official business to impart. You are instructed to appear for a council with His Grace the Prince Grandmaster at your earliest convenience. I should also tell you that "immediately" would be the most convenient for our liege and the suggestion that you may daudle is purely the semantics of politeness. As such I have dispatched a carriage to collect you and it shall arrive a few hours after you receive this letter.

I cannot tell you precisely why the Prince has summoned you but I can say that I have secured an excellent vintage of banana juice special reserve for us to toast with after your meeting with him. In case you cannot decipher that hint, it is good news that draws you to Vanir. Good news for you in any case.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Yours,
Rudy

*Hale thought for a moment. It was nearing lamplight now and the courier had arrived near noon. The carriage would be arriving at any moment. Just like Rudy to give him as little notice as possible. He quickly gathered his quills and ink and returned them to his traveling desk. He began stuffing whatever of his unfinished work he could reach into the desk and was just finishing as a knock came on the door.*

Hale: Yes, what is it?

(muffled) Bailiff: There is a coach for you, your honor. The driver says he is instructed to carry you to The Marillion.

Hale: Yes, yes. I am expecting him. Tell him I will be there presently.

(muffled) Bailiff: Very good, your honor.

*Hale stuffed a few more things into his portable desk and folded it up into its carrying configuration. He then grabbed his surcoat, wig and hat and headed out the door. Although the summons was unexpected it was not unwelcome. Hale thought it was time and past time that he met his new liege lord. And most definitely past time to see how the youth measured up to Hale's greatest friend and former liege lord, the departed Shaitan.*

OOC: Hmm , all of a sudden I drift out of these stories :/.
I understand that it is a Pass along story. But I would still need clarification and a time for me to pop in the story. I understand that I am currently writing my own RPG stroy for the time being. But I kind of felling left out from these stories :(. I understand that I am writing my own RPG story (Hmm, its not getting any responces), But I can use one of my Secondaty Characters to play the part untill I have returned from my RPG story.

CivGeneral steps off of his soap box

It's a bit rough to include your secondary characters for stuff like this because they're all naval officers. They aren't around the Marillion.

@CG - Got you in the next chapter :)

I messed up your last post somehow. I was trying to reply to it and I guess I clicked Edit by mistake. Didn't realize I was in your post until I finished, proofed my stuff and saved it. I deleted the post so it wouldn't be my post with your name on it. Sorry about that.

*Grandmaster sat reviewing the pile of papers that Rudy had left for him to sign. It was much smaller than he had been used to. With Vanir's forces nationalized there were no longer any considerations for troop supply and gold appropriations for the defense of Vanir. Of course there was now a rather hefty tax to support the national militia but overall he could see how the new system was more efficient.

It had caused problems though. His brother had taken his promotion and run with it. After only a few short months he had transformed the High North from a dangerous and weak territory to the safest and most secure area in Fanatika. Nationalization had not been good to the young general though. Despite Snow's obvious accomplishments and skill at mobilization and training of troops he had been forced to accept a demotion to Brigadier General in the newly organized Fanatikan North forces. Only CivGeneral's intervention had saved even that rank for him. The bigotry that had kept Snow at low ranks for most of his career was aparently alive and well in the Fanatikan command structure.

Fortunately Snow had been placed with CivGeneral's command. The two had a strong friendship from working together as generals of Vanir and CivGeneral was able to keep Snow's anger and disappointment in check. It was still festering though and both Grandmaster and CivGeneral feared that an explosion was imminent. CivGeneral was now departing on an extended journey and his second in command was a pompous fool named Bradigan who had more rank than skill. There was no love lost between Snow and his nobly born superior. Without CivGeneral there to keep the reigns tight, what would happen?

No matter how he imagined the scenario Grandmaster kept coming to the same conclusion. Bradigan would eventually go too far and Snow would either kill him or beat him within an inch of his life. Either way, Snow would be hanged for attacking his superior officer. Somehow Grandmaster needed to get Snow entirely out of the situation. He had tried to use his contacts to get Snow transfered but there was active resistance against this. Somebody high in the command structure wanted Snow exactly where he was.

Maybe a vacation? If he could get Shaitan to visit the Marillion for a holiday until CivGeneral returned that would solve the problem. No, that wouldn't work. Precisely because CivGeneral was away from his post, Snow would never take a leave of absence for something as trivial as a holiday. Something important then. Something family related maybe. Or Vanir related.

Grandmaster sat up abruptly and quickly rifled through one of the piles on his desk. Eureka! This was it. Süd-Besitz needed immediate attention and he could easily spin it so Shaitan was the best, if not only, man for the job. Baron gonzo had sent a missive saying that he was planning to visit in England, the homeland of his wife, and had hinted in broad strokes that this trip could be a preparation to permanently move there. If Süd-Besitz was preparing to abdicate, the Confederation needed know immediately. This was not something to be trusted in writing, most likely why gonzo had not done more than hint in his letter. A trusted and loyal Vanirian would have to be sent to consult with him. Someone who was attached to but not intimate with the Council. A certain Brigadier General Shaitan Snow fit the bill perfectly.

Grandmaster grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and quickly began writing to General Bradigan explaining that familial duties required Snow's presence at the Marillion immediately and he would also need to be excused from duty for an indeterminate amount of time. He signed the note with a flourish and put it on top of Rudy's pile. The castellan would add the embellishments and descriptors to politely let Bradigan know that noncompliance with Vanir's request would be dangerous for him.

Feeling almost smug with himself, Grandmaster left the rest of his work for later and went to his rooms to prepare for the arrival of The Right Honorable Sirius Hale.*

* There is a commotion at the palace gates and Grandmaster looks out his window to see what is about. He sees his guardsmen in a tizzy, clapping the backs of a group of riflemen and ushering in a small cavalry contingent. At second glance he notices one of the cavalrymen carrying the standard of Sud-Bezits and at third glance he notices a large impecabbly dressed rider who can only be his half brother. Grandmaster quickly heads down to the grounds to welcome back his kin.

As Grandmaster exits the great doors of the palace, Shaitan Snow is handing his charger over to the Marillion grooms. He removes his saddlebags and guns and turns toward the grand palace and sees Grandmaster walking towards him. His face breaks into a grin and he hurries to reconoiter with his liege.

The two men meet and grasp hands but the formal embrace turns quickly into a battling bear hug until both men release, gasping for breath. *

Grandmaster: Well met, brother. I trust your mission was successful? In truth I was expecting you back much earlier and had begun to worry over your absence.

Snow: Well met indeed and I have bountiful tidings for you.

Grandmaster: Good news, I hope?

Snow: Some better than the rest but all in all not a foul pill to swallow. Come, let me whet my whistle and I shall relay all.

* Snow hands his weapons to his adjutant and the two Vanirians head into the Marillion. They relax in Grandmaster's study with a bottle of fine French wine and exchange toasts to King and country. *

Grandmaster: Come now, do you wish me to have a fit over my curiosity? Tell me what has transpired with Sud-Bezits.

Snow: Well, I can tell you how Sud-Bezits is right at this very moment. He is tired but comfortable and enjoying a fine glass of vino with close kin.

* Snow rises and removes his traveling cloak. As he walks to the wall to hang it up, Grandmaster sees that he wears the mantle of Sud-Bezits. Snow turns around after hanging up his cloak and smiles at the look of surprise on Grandmaster's face. *

Snow: Aye, brother. I am no longer a landless noble and the Confederation still stretches from the High North to the Summer Seas. Lord gonzo is a lord no longer. He named me his heir and abdicated his titles in my favor. You were quite right that his plans were to accompany his new wife to her homeland and make his mark there. Her family is powerful and nearly makes up for its lack of sons with its wealth. He has been made welcome there and is even now pursuing a high position in the English government.

Grandmaster: Do not take this wrongly for I am delighted at your good fortune, but why on earth did gonzo name you his heir? To my knowledge the two of you had never even met.

Snow: It was not so much for me as for our father. Sir gonzo had great respect and gratitude to our departed sire and, as he has no sons of his own, wished to honor Shaitan by honoring his son. He told me that my personal appearance was the cement on his decision. He viewed it as almost a divine providence.

Grandmaster: Then I am doubly glad I sent you instead of another. I can now guess what kept you so long as you must needs have solidified your power over Sud-Bezits. Is it wise for you to have returned yourself? I appreciate the visit but surely a message would have sufficed.

Snow: I had considered sending a herald but I could not resist coming myself to see that look on your face. (smiles) Plus, there is the matter of my army position. I am removing myself from the northern command as I have been offered and accepted overall command of the Rhineland and Hafen Land garrisons. I could not bear to miss telling that ass Bradigan in person that I now outrank him civily as well as militarily.

So, that is the meat of my news. Tell me what has been happening here in the frigid North. I need a bellyful of cold to keep me comfortable in my boiling new home.

* The conversation turns to common news, gossip and local happenings and the two men talk amiably into the night. *

In the The Marillion Library, Dr. Conrad Zimsky was looking at past Bloodlines of Vanir. Then he dicovers something.

Dr. Conrad: Look at this, I think I might found something

Librarian: Let me see. Hmm

Dr. Conrad: If My predictions are true, then CivGeneral might be a Long lost Relatve to one of the Bloodlines of Vanir.

Librarian: Thats nice, but he should have done that a long time ago when Vanir was young.

Dr. Conrad: I will not give up. I will Prove that CivGeneral is related to one of the Bloodline of Vainr. Even if there is a Distant Cousin kind of thing that is enough to prove the Bloodline.

Dr. Conrad runs throughout the The Marillion in search for CivGeneral. Dr Conrad runs into one of the Guards

Dr. Conrad: Excuseme, but can you tell me where CivGeneral is at, I need to show him someting important

Guard: He is in the Ballroom attending McNulty's...

Dr. Conrad: Thanks, sorry for rushing

Guard: That is ok

Dr. Conrad runs in the Halls of The Marillion in search of CivGeneral