The Empire of TamrielBoard

Bangkorai Garrison
Bangkorai, Kingdom of Evermor
High Rock

As she finally neared the outer, stone-hewn wall of her destination; the fortress of the Bangkorai Garrison, the silent serenity of Renee’s now-nighttime ride was broken by one of the knights guarding the gate gruffly shouting, ”HALT! Who goes there?” Immedately Renee pulled back on the reins of her horse, lightly commanding, ”Woah” for the horse to stop before looking up at the heavily-armored knight standing atop the wall between two massive crenellations. Before she could respond the knight added, ”A bit late to be traveling, the pass is closed until the morning.” However Renee ignored him as she loudly responded, ”I am Princess Renee Clermont of Evermor! I am here to speak with my brother; Lord-Commander Fernand!” Despite the distance separating her from the knight, she could still see the surprise on his face as he quickly acquiesced, ”Oh! Of course. Forgive me Lady Renee.” he quickly turned around before barking an order towards the gatehouse, ”OPEN THE GATE!” Renee casually turned her attention to the gateway; a large metal grate with two spartanly-appointed wooden doors behind it, and she watched as the metal forward gate was slowly hoisted up, accompanied by the rhythmic clinking of the chains and gears pulling it open. She waited for the gate to rise to the top before she lightly tapped the underside of her mount with her heel and quietly commanded, ”Walk”

As the horse slowly plodded on towards the castle filling the pass to Hammerfell she casually glanced around at her surroundings. The Garrison’s immediate surroundings were drab, sparse scrublands; any trees having long since been cut down to provide a clear line of sight to the fort and provide assailants less cover in an assault. If one looked closely to the ground—as Renee had done before—the signs of warfare littered the field; pockmarks from the projectiles of trebuchets and catapults, shards of shattered swords and thin wooden hafts of arrows. And Renee knew that from the fortress’s history—traditionally under Evermorian control—the far side of the fort was even more heavily-populated with evidence of war and death. It was only as she drew within about 50 yards of the gate that she turned her attention back to it, watching as a few knights labored to swing open the wooden doors that had already been closed for the night. It creaked on its ancient hinges, and as she finally reached the inner gateway the knight from before stepped out, blocking her path. Again she yanked the reins back for her horse to stop, and the knight quickly stated, ”My Lady, I must tell you, with how late it is if you enter the Garrison we will not permit you to leave until the morning. The Reachmen have been growing bolder recently. There is a guesthouse you can stay in.” A slight, diplomatic smile formed over Renee’s face as she nodded in affirmation and responded, ”I can consent to that, sir knight.” The knight stepped out of the way for Renee to proceed and as she entered the fortress—the metal gate already being lowered shut behind her—the knight added, ”One of our squires can get your steed to the stables, My Lady. I can bring you to Lord Fernand.”

Renee quickly stepped down off her horse, watching a squire jog over across the main square of the castle towards her, and once he finally arrived she gently passed the reins over to him with a smile and nod before turning her attention back to the knight, who had now taken his heavy plate helmet off and with a smile of his own requested, ”Please, Lady Renee. Follow me.” The pair quickly walked across the large square towards a building set into the north slope of the pass, with Renee bringing up the rear, and as she did the knight began to make small talk, cordially stating, ”I must say, Lady Renee, you brother has made an excellent Lord-Commander. We have jested that these Reachmen attacks have been Saint Pelin’s test for him, and he’s passed with flying colors so far. You and your mother the Queen should be proud of him.” With a coy smile Renee mused, ”I’m sure my mother is. As for me I respect and appreciate his efforts to keep High Rock safe.” before falling silent. Mercefully—Renee thought—the small talk ended with that as the knight got the hint, and he silently led her up to the castle’s main hall.

As Renee stepped into the warm hall she found most of the garrison gathered within, eating food and drinking ale around their various tables. She quickly gazed up to the head of the room—where she expected her brother to be—and she saw him with an inquisitive look on his face as his eyes met hers, and he quickly excused himself before stepping away from his table and weaving through the knights filling the hall towards her, his confused gaze growing worried as he neared. Upon finally reaching his sister he quickly inquired, ”Renee! What brings you here at this hour? Has something happened?” Not wanting to speak in front of Fernand’s charges she deflected, requesting, ”Can we speak in private, Brother?” The deflection apparently made him even more concerned as he quickly said, ”Of course, let’s speak in my chambers.” and without awaiting an answer he quickly forged ahead, Renee almost having to jog to keep up with the longer strides of her brother; her hand on the hilt of her sword to keep it from flopping around awkwardly as she hurried along. The ancient, narrow hallways leading away from the main hall were darkened, the walls only sparsely populated with torches, causing Renee’s glances to either side as she followed her brother to be particularly fruitless. After weaving through more stone-hewn halls and up more steep staircases than she expected they finally reached her brother’s quarters, and he waited at the door as she stepped in before closing it behind her. As Renee glanced around she was rather impressed with the furnishings; a rather elegant bed and Fernand’s heavy plate armor, shined and mounted on a stand on the far wall, with bookshelves, desks, and wardrobes lining the walls running towards her, and she smiled as she noticed a small tapestry hung over his main desk—a gift she had made for him when he joined the Knights of Saint Pelin. It wasn’t terribly elegant, and she had known even at the time her sewing instructor wouldn’t have approved of it, but it had been—and still was—the best she could do and it warmed her heart slightly to see Fernand appreciated the thought, if nothing else.

Her mind was pulled back to the present as Fernand urgently inquired, ”What’s happened Renee?” She spun around on a heel to see a worried look on her brother’s face, and she hesitated as she started with a caveat. ”What I say can’t leave this room.” The disclaimer apparently only further unsettled Fernand as Renee quickly added, ”Mother has become engaged to Lord Mathieu Haslaine of Northpoint.” She paused, noting Fernand’s visage grow first worried before beginning to morph into anger as she continued, ”But, and this is the part that can’t leave the room; I…get the sense she will soon be a widow again.” Her couched manner of breaking the news apparently confused her brother, and as his face twisted she clarified, ”I think she’s back to her political games, but this time without father to rein her in. From what she’s said to me I think she is going to marry him to get Northpoint, then have him murdered to consolidate power. I…find myself fearing what will come next if she succeeds.” she paused for a moment before tacking on, ”…Or if she fails.” Fernand’s gaze wandered about nervously for a few moments before he re-focused on his sister and added, ”It will be bad for us if she fails…but it could be bad for Evermor as a whole if she succeeds.”

The room fell silent as Renee ponderously gazed about the room, ruminating on her thoughts for more than a few seconds before she finally broke the silence; ”I…It’s distasteful to me to scheme behind mother’s back like this, but I fear our hand has been forced; we must prepare for the worst.” Her voice petered off as she continued contemplating internally, The Royal army is loyal to the crown; either Haslaine’s or mothers. Same goes for Northpoint’s…the Knights of Saint Pelin are loyal to Fernand... her mind went to a childhood friend and current companion of hers; Sir Peter Viernis. Now Lord-Commander of Evermor’s other knightly order, the Knights of the Wolf, Peter and Renee had been friends as long as she could remember. His…particular intimate preferences—in part what drove him to knighthood and a vow of chastity—was likely the only thing that had prevented Renee from dating him in the past, and their friendship had at times been even stronger than Renee had felt towards Fernand, and she was sure she could count on him. As the ideas coalesced in her mind she finally turned her attention back to Fernand and offered, ”The Knights of Saint Pelin are loyal to you, the Knights of the Wolf…are loyal to me. Mother may have the numbers but we have the most skilled fighters in the realm on our side. I’ve heard whispers in the keep that some of the Orcish strongholds have become disaffected already with our mother’s rule; perhaps we can bring them to our side too.” she paused again before hesitantly continuing, ”This might be more of a long-shot but if mother is successful in…doing away with Lord Haslaine, we might be able to get the knightly orders of Northpoint to fight with us; avenge their liege lord while at the same time allowing us to prove ourselves to them; make them less likely to leave-“

At this Fernand interrupted, ”Wait wait! You’re worried about mother’s political scheming but there you just went scheming yourself…” Renee immediately looked indignantly at Fernand as she defended herself, ”I’m not supporting the murder of a nobleman, but if we come to that bridge then Lord Haslaine is already dead. If we get to that point we might as well keep the power we’ve gotten; especially when the alternative is the main port in northern High Rock falling into anarchy. Wayrest has already been largely neutralized; if Northpoint is too then the whole of eastern High Rock is thrown into a precarious position.” Fernand backed down with a terse, clearly not entirely convinced, ”Fine.” as Renee continued, more hesitantly even than before as she spitballed, ”Lastly…I…I don’t know if this is possible, but…do you think the Reachmen could be convinced to-“ Fernand interrupted her with a scoff before quickly retorting, ”The Reachmen?!? Are you listening to yourself? Just in the last fortnight they’ve tried to raid the Garrison twice” However in response Renee’s tone almost became one of lecture as she retorted, ”Look, despite the…tensions between us and the hill tribes at times; there are multiple points in history when the Reachmen—at least some of them—and our kinsmen in Evermor have united against a common foe. It’s not unheard of and if things get rough enough…” however Fernand again tersely cut her off, ”Look Renee, the Reachmen is where I draw the line. It’ll have to get a lot worse than mother just getting a little power hungry for me to be willing to involve them. I’m sorry.”

With a sigh Renee relented, ”Alright; fine. No Reachmen. But even without them, it at least gives us a fighting chance. I will be staying in Evermor; to keep appraised on the situation and to try to rein mother in, as father used to do. But…if my cover gets blown or the situation devolves too much…I might have to flee to the Garrison.” Fernand’s tone quickly lightened as he responded, ”Of course. Hopefully it won’t come to that but I’ll have chambers set for you in the castle just in case.” Clearly ready to take a break Fernand added after a short pause, ”It’s been a long day, for me and I’m sure for you. I had set plans to send some of the knights to Cyrodiil to assist and learn more of this Akaviri threat out east, and the danger it posed to High Rock; it seems I’ll be needing to cancel those plans. We can discuss this more in the morning before you head home; fair?” Renee smiled warmly at her brother as she nodded and responded with a simple, curt, ”Fair”.

Also honestly I might breeze over the wedding between Queen Emilie of Evermor and King Haslaine of Northpoint, because to be honest the notion RPing a medieval wedding is...not my cup of tea to say the least. We'll see what happens, maybe i'll be particularly inspired to write something great about it, but don't be surprised if i'm sorta just like "Ok it happened, anyway..."

Imperial Province of CYRODIIL – COUNTY LEYAWIIN
19th Frostfall, 4E 203

Imperial Prince Regulus stands atop a watchtower and watched the fierce assault on the city by the eastern portions of the Elder Council army. He is momentarily overcome by adrenalin as both joy and fear griped him. ”It would be wonderful if they grasped victory this day” he mutters to himself, but stops himself as he understand it would also mean his plans would be pointless. Standing alone he continues to watch the action from afar until it slowly dies down, and he receives messages telling him of the great victory that had transpired, if only partial. He dismisses the messenger and lets out a sigh of relief, though a shred of guilt festers inside of him for wishing ill on his ally’s desperate fight. He quickly breaks free from the guilt by thoughts of glory and a hero’s return to the Imperial City. As long as he wouldn’t cause harm to the Empire, he’d be willing to do anything to gain glory. Quite unlike his sister as he was constantly reminded. She was a stanch loyalist who put country and Emperor before her own life. Preposterous, Regulus thought as he climbed down from the watchtower and walked back to his own tent, going right to sleep for the evening.

* The next day - the 20th Frostfall *

The morning was hectic in the camp as Captain Seringi and Legate Albuttian were busy readying the force for the night attack that was about to take place. Prince Regulus awoke from a deep night’s sleep, feeling his body full of strength. After breakfast he gathered the senior officers to deliver the final orders before the commencement of the plan. They had to take the gathering outside to accommodate the many lords, captains and centurions that were assembled. Regulus sat back and let Captain Seringi and Legate Albuttian do the explaining while he ended the gathering with a short and rousing speech. As noon came the whole force was ready and the preparations commenced.

As the day went, all the forces under Regulus’s command except the small contingent from the 8th Legion made their way in a multitude of tiny groups at widely different intervals as to not rouse suspicion from the enemy. The contingent from the 8th Legion would remain in the camp to give the pretence of activity, keeping the fires lit and tending the horses. The force would meet up and assemble a few miles down the coast where several hundred smaller boats had been collected and prepared. Captain Seringi had employed local Argonians in scouting out the Akaviri fleet, sending them out under water. He now had a detailed plan over most of the ships, and how they lay in relation with each other. He had used this to create an intricate plan over where each contingent would strike to create the most chaos and cause the most damage to the harboured fleet. Prince Regulus arrived last with his Imperial Guardsmen and was briefed on the intricacies and continued developments.

“The attack yesterday has done wonders for us.” The dunmer Captain Seringi explained, continuing. “It was so extensive and exhausting that the Akaviri are completely on the defensive, with all of their focusing to the north and east. This also includes much of the crews that otherwise would be onboard the ships, as they have been pulled off to close the holes left from yesterday’s fierce fighting.“ Regulis smiled as he now fully appreciated how successful the attack had been. Crossing his arms, he ordered the commencement of the operation. “Now that these barbarians have travelled all this way, we can’t allow them to leave. This is our opportunity to keep them here, where their deaths are certain. Let us pay these Akaviri savages a visit.” And with that the officers went to their different units and the soldiers said their prayers and goodbyes before dragging their bouts out onto the beach before setting out to sea.

* After midnight – the 21st Frostfall *

The fleet of small boats slowly made their way along the coast before crossing the bay, moving towards the port of Leyawiin. As if blessed by the gods, the moon was blocked by a thick cover of cloud, darkening the ground below. The torches from the Akaviri fleet and the fortified city of Leyawiin shone brightly in the distance. Captain Seringi led from the first boat, sending forth teams of Argonians to move in front by swimming to silence any lone sentinel remaining on post. Finally, as they neared, he signalled for the boats to go to their intended destinations. Turning to his fellows he told them “Draw swords!” before hopping onto the nearest ship. Following him and boarding the other outermost ships were the Nibenay mercenaries, falling upon the sleeping skeleton crews with aggressive but silent proficiency. Meanwhile, Prince Regulus led the Imperial Knights further in between the ships, towards the harbour itself. The boats drifted quietly as they rowed as silently as possible. As they got closer the rowing got more hectic, and the splashing could soon be heard. Seeing their assault about to be discovered the Prince ordered for the sentinels on the harbour to be killed immediately, and so a few Knights drew their arrows and shot them without hesitation. Their quick deaths stopped from sounding the alarm, their bodies were soon discovered. Too late. As the boats finally arrived at the harbour and the Imperial Knights stormed the port.

Barely a few hundred Akaviri were camping outside the walls to keep watch over the harboured fleet, but the lack of naval action had made them careless, as most were sleeping quietly inside their tents. The knights charged up from their boats and stormed forth, sliding the throats of sleeping Tang Mo and piercing into the tents to kill their unknowing occupants. Torches were knocked to the ground, sparking fires as tents were set alight, often with their users inside.
The southern city gate that opened out towards the harbour had been closed for the night, and Prince Regulus wanted it to stay that way. He stormed through the harbour with his strongest knights and a team of mages, and they quickly went about piling barrels and other flammable materials into a large pile beside the gate before setting fire to it. The flames spread quickly, transforming the whole gate and adjacent towers into a massive flaming pyre. As this was taking place, Captain Seringi and his mercenaries moved quickly through the skeleton crews, linking the ships together and making them as combustible as possible. Regulus and the Imperial knights had soundly decimated the sentinels and crews stationed on the harbour, but soon found themselves assaulted by other forces stationed outside the city, who hastily made their way over after witnessing the fires and screams. A fierce melee developed on the harbour and throughout the port, but the Imperial Knights stood defiant. Their heavy armour made the attacks by the lightly armoured Tang Mo mostly ineffective, while the few Tsaesci were quickly cornered and set upon with furious efficiency.

Prince Regulus took note of a mighty looking Tsaesci roaring out orders, and charged forth, Legate Albuttian following closely behind. The Tsaesci Captain pushed his Tang Mo subordinates in front of him, but they were quickly dispatched by Regulus with his blade. Seeing no choice, he charged a fireball and sent it flying towards Regulus, who noticed it time and dodged out of the way, sending it flying past and setting several unfortunate Tang Mo alight. Regulus moved quickly though the mass of people and assailed the Tsaesci Captain with all his might, forcing it to block with its spear, only to be pushed backwards. Regulus then followed up with a Shock spell at close range, causing the Tsaesci Captain to whinge in pain as his mussels contracted from the lightning. Seeing and opportunity, Regulus jumped forth and struck his blade upwards into its throat, piercing its skull. The body of the large lizard creature shuddered a few seconds as the brain ceased working, before falling over with a thud. Regulus put his foot on its chest and cut of the head, placing it on its own spear before flaunting it about to thunderous cheers and angry screams. Already tired and severely beaten, the Akaviri troops lost heart and fled as quickly as they could. Ordering his soldiers to not pursue, Regulus gazed out towards the fleet just in time to see the fires being lit all along the edge of the Akaviri fleet, a sign that the fleet war ready to burn and that they should pull out. But just as he was about to give the order, a confident Akaviri archer let loose an arrow. The arrow flew far, over the whole harbour as if guided by magic, about to hit the Prince. Yet, in the last moment before its impact, Legate Albuttian noticed it and jumped forth, pushing Prince Regulus aside. But the arrow pierced through his breastplate, and he fell down dead.

Prince Regulus was stunned by his close aid’s death, but the cries around him pulled him back into the fight. Shouting with every fibre of his body he ordered the retreat, and horns followed. The Imperial Knights pulled back to their boats and began rowing as hard as they could, leaving their dead behind. Captain Seringi and his Nibenay mercenaries had cleared most of the ships of their crews and bound them tightly together, so when the blazing fire spread it jumped between ships with a horrid speed. Regulus and his Imperial Knights bent down in their boats as they made their way out towards sea between the burning ships. When they met up with Captain Seringi and his Nibenay mercenaries they could faintly see through the blazing fleet that the Akaviri had finally extinguished the fire engulfing the gate with powerful frost magic, but too late to save their fleet. As the Akaviri stormed out onto the harbour filled with bodies, most of their fleet was ablaze. The large fire was mighty in size and intensity, so strong in fact that it almost shone as bright as a star, lighting up the whole bay as fiery ashes rained down upon the city, setting new fires.

The force of Imperial Knights and Nibenay mercenaries did not arrive back at their camp before dawn, and the sight that met them was a massive cloud of smoke as tall as the sky, and ashes raining down far and wide. The troops were over themselves by their victory but were far too exhausted to celebrate. Prince Regulus on the other hand was horribly conflicted as he stood looking over the city, the smoking ruing of the Akaviri fleet covering much of his view. His victory was glorious, it would earn him fame and fortune, but back there lay his saviour Albuttian, his friend, burnt to ashes. Prince Regulus did not say anything as Captain Seringi joined him and the two spent the rest of the morning gazing quietly on their accomplishment, before retiring to their tents.

* * *

Roleplay: Akavir Invasion

A month passed and the refugees began to arrive. They were greeted, given accommodation in the Cavern District (the area reserved for the poor and the beggars) and were handed their tools of war.

The Akaviri horde was advancing and trampling all beneath its feet. Word arrived in Alofstead that the invasion force was being split into three. The main one, which they called The Divine Fire, going West through mainland Morrowind, one south to Black Marsh and a smaller detachment, named The Blessed Hatchlings, head to the continent of Vvardenfell.

The Vvardenfell-bound party passed over the sea with minimal casualties, much to the dismay of their enemies! The much weakened Black Isle was ill-equipped to deal with the landing party. The small force that was mustered by the Dunmer fought bravely but was armed only with hand-me-downs and hastily constructed equipment which was no match for the proud armaments of the Tsaesci. They were cut down in the field of battle and the Akaviri menace headed North in good numbers. The force, filled with bloodlust, decided to prioritise a moral victory over the Vvardenfelli residents and headed to the ruins of Vivec in order to find and kill any pilgrims that had ventured to the now dead city.

A few fanatical members of the old House of Indoril and a handful of pilgrims had formed a shrine among the rubble. They were no match for, and were outnumbered by, the now experienced horde. Men, women and children were cut down as they tried to resist or begged for mercy. Any who were unlucky enough to survive were put in chains and forced to serve their new masters.

News of this event reached Balmora and Suran and caused the populaces to rally their spirits in anger. The Tsaesci, unaware of the fact that they inadvertently rallied the spirits of the poor, wretched inhabitants of the isle, split into three again and headed to Balmora, Suran and Alofstead respectively. This tactical decision was based partly on arrogance, but also because they had resolved to eliminate Vvardenfell in a lightning war, so that they could join their main force in the more glorious plundering of the province of Cyrodiil.

As the third and largest of the new regiments reached the walls of Alofstead, the residents hurled insults and projectiles at the invaders. The Akaviri invaders held their resolve and encircled the settlement, keeping the occupants in and giving them time to construct siege engines. The Alofsteaders gave prayers up to the Eight, Jyggalag and some of the refugees asked Talos for strength too. When the necessary rituals had been completed, the walls were lined with fighting men and women and they braced for the first assault, uncertain of when it would come.

Nadd wrote:

Oh, I'm liking this. Love how menacing you make the Akaviri! I'm planning some more Akavir invasion stories, so we'll get to see a larger Imperial response for the battles ahead.

Thanks very much, my friend 🙂. I enjoy your writings too and those of Trollz.

Yes, it would good if we could get a more co-ordinated campaign going in this or future events. One of the things I do love about our Region is that, because the Empire is in such a state (with multiple, independent, small states), it does give us a lot more autonomy when it comes to coming up with plots while keeping the same general theme running through it and being able to bounce of each other's stories somewhat.

Nonetheless, I do think it would be fun to go with your suggestion and have a huge coalition together fighting in the same battle or at least co-ordinating a war together as part of a War Council. We could even really take the "alt-history" to a whole new level and create a Tiber Septimesque figure who could re-unite the Empire again but in a Federalist form. I think that idea would definitely be better left to a later event, though tbh.

So what do y'all think? Do you like reading my Evermor storyline happening somewhere else or would you rather I RP House Hlaalu more active in the Akaviri situation?

By the way my thoughts for the Hlaalu concept are using my Nerevarine character. She returned from Akavir shortly after the Oblivion Crisis and being a Dunmer has quite a long life. After the Great House is expelled from the council she is elected Grandmaster and works on repairing the House's honor slowly but surely. I'll be using this Akaviri invasion to say that the Akaviri wiped out House Sadras (Hlaalu's replacement in Bethesda canon) and House Hlaalu is able to re-establish itself by fighting against the Akavir, though of course it will be in a Hlaalu way, not just straight up outdoing them in a fair fight.

It was a rainy day and five Argonian - three Elders and two youths - met in Cuptor to discuss the current events. The Elders - Nibenay-Born, Chases-Her-Tail and Wanders-Many-Lands - lead the discussion, while the youths - Cornelius and Red-Belly - for the most part, listened:

Nibenay-Born: "What word from Leyawiin?"
Chases-Her-Tail: "I'll let the Akaviri tell you themselves."
<A panting Akaviri scout enters>
Scout: "sss we failed! The vile Prince Regulusss defeated us! We have no sssoldiers left in Cyrodiil ssss. Let usss pray that the Eastern army isss able to reach here, otherwissse all is lossst!"
Nibenay-Born: "This is very troubling news indeed."
Wanders-Many-Lands: "The warrior companies of Nadd and Trollz are formidable fighters. I am sure that they were responsible for swinging the battle."
Chases-Her-Tail: "Indeed. I cannot imagine how else we would have lost."
Red-Belly: "What will we do now?"
<the young Argonian was fearful. He had recently married and feared the violet retribution which may come from Prince Regulus.>
Cornelius: "Forget the Akaviri alliance! I say we surrender and switch allegiance!"
<Cornelius, a heavily Imperialised Argonian who had been raised as an orphan in the Imperial City, also had a young wife and a son too. He never had any interest in fighting the Empire and was in no mood to risk his family's life in a futile struggle.>
Chases-Her-Tail: "Be quiet, child! I apologise, dear Scout. The youth is cursed by his age with ignorance which, in turn, leads to a sorry lack of conviction."
<The Akaviri scout raised his claw to signify that he had taken no offence>
Nibenay-Born: "Indeed... I have no interest in giving up our independence again. The Forces of Man have never been our friends, I do not wish to be ruled by them again!"
Wanders-Many-Lands: "I am in agreement. We are in a unique position of being despised by our own race for being too like the Imperials and being despised by the Imperials for being too like our own race! Self-governance as an Akaviri tributary is the only acceptable option."
Red-Belly: "Then what are we to do?"
Wanders-Many-Lands: "Further fortify and garrison Leafrot and Malada. Hold off the enemy for as many days as possible and hope our Akaviri friends reach here in time."
Cornelius: "And if the Dunmer defeat them?!"
Nibenay-Born: "We must pray that Stendarr delivers rightful punishment on those vile Daedra-worshippers and that our noble allies put them to the sword!"
Chases-Her-Tail: "That's all we can do, along with what Wanders-Many-Lands has suggested."
<All nodded besides Cornelius who stormed out.>
Nibenay-Born: "Council dismissed! Stay safe, brothers and sisters."

Imperial Province of CYRODIIL – BRUMA
3rd Frostfall, 4E 203

The meeting had just adjourned, and Princess Clivia sat back in her comfortable chair, waiting for people to clear out of the room. However, General Warhaft stayed seated as well, quietly waiting. As the last person walked out of the room, Warhaft slowly stood from his chair and walked over to close the door. Clivia felt confused as she looked at him but waited attentively. When he did not immediately begin to talk, she asked him “Is there something more you want to say, General?”.

Warhaft, who had been staring at a painting showing the heroic recapture of the Imperial City from the Aldmeri Dominion, a battle he had taken part in, turned around and walked over, sitting down in a chair right beside her. Clivia immediately felt uncomfortable, this was the first time he had acted so quiet and restrained towards her. Getting himself comfortable in his chair, he looked directly at her face before speaking “I am afraid I must leave you here.”

Clivia was most bewildered. Leave her? Her bewilderment clearly showed on her face as he smiled gently. This of course only increased her bewilderment as she had never seen him, THE General Warhaft, make such a face before. Warhaft looked bemused as he began laughing. “You should see your face, Princess. It’s most amusing, completely out of character.”

Clivia found herself at a loss for words, stammering as she tried to reply. “Character? … I do not understand.” Warhaft smiled again, a gentle smile certainly not suited to his harsh, battle scarred face. “You didn’t think I was fooled by your fake persona? I’ve known you since you were but a child, of course I could see through you tricks.” Clivia tried to reply, but she was in no state to think of anything quick-witted.

Warhaft continued “You’ve had it hard, growing up without parents. But you have become a fine Imperial lady, if I’d say so myself. Perfectly worthy of the title of Imperial Princess.” Clivia finally managed to calm down, realising she no longer needed to uphold the façade with him. “Thank you, General. That means a lot.”

General Warhaft feigned a cough as he had clearly had enough emotional discourse, quickly moving the conversation along. “Now, back to me taking my leave. I believe you should understand, you have learned a lot from me after all. The times call for urgent action, and I believe I’m needed elsewhere.” Clivia understood his point but let herself make one last childish wish. “I still need you, with me.”

Warhaft shook his head, replying “No, you’ve learned enough, now get out there and beat those savages down in the dirt. Show them Imperial might once and for all. That is your mission, and you will succeed.” Clivia looked down, trying to hide her blushing face.

Warhaft quickly continued. “I must get back to the Imperial City in haste. While that new Elder Councillor Mazog was certainly effective in marshalling an army to face the Akaviri horde in Leyawiin, the Empire can amass far mightier forces. Since it seems the Imperial Legion High Command is overwhelmed, incapable of making decisions, I’ll have to make my return to active service.” Clivia straightened her expression, nodding in agreement. “I shall quickly finish here and follow after you!”

But Warhaft shook his head. “No! Focus on one enemy at a time. To grasp victory never be hasty. Take the time you need to crush your foe.” Clivia felt embarrassed by her childish comment, but she always valued his lessons. Warhaft rose from his chair and looked down on Clivia. “Your highness, Princess Clivia Mede. I, Amiel Warhaft shall take my leave from your service. May you be victorious in your fights ahead.”

Walking over to the door, he turned and looked back at her one last time to say, “Goodbye my little Princess.” Before hastily leaving the room. Clivia sat alone, deep in thought. The crackling of the fire in the brazier the only sound except for the faint noise from the wind outside. She felt overwhelmed by the emotions but managed to calm herself after chugging a glass of wine. She knew things would never be the same again. No longer would she have the stern but helpful General Warhaft to keep her company, to clean up after her antics. Those fun times were past, she had to move on. A battle awaited her that would decide her future. Now was her opportunity to show what she had learned, to bring glory to her teacher and mentor.

That same evening, with wind aghast, General Amiel Warhaft set off towards the Imperial City with a small escort. If there was anyone who could organize the Legions for a proper response to the Akaviri invasions, it would be him.

* * *

Roleplay: Akavir Invasion

Trollz wrote:

(Wow a lot of interesting stuff has happened quickly! I think I will end the battle of Leyawin either tonight or tomorrow then if Nadd doesn't mind. I assume his last post on that battlefront was a pretty definitive blow to the Akavir in Leyawin and all that is left now is really to just totally recapture the city. It seems the Akavir invasion in Morrowind really took a big turn though in Akavir's favor. I would note that since the Akaviri Invasion was instituted by a vote at the beginning of the month that I'll hold a poll soon close to the end of this month to let us vote on continuing the Invasion plotline for another month or else phasing it out.)

My last post on that battlefront was intended as my last act, so go right ahead and end it as you see fit. My most recent post is intended to fit into my plans for act two if we go for it.

General Warhaft arrives in the Imperial City and puts things into order, getting the western Legions transferred east to face the Akaviri in Morrowind. He's supposed to be a traditional military man of the Legion, as opposed to Councillor Mazog who's now a prominent politician.

If anyone wants to use my Dreughs as part of the RP then please know that you have my permission to do so! I wish I could get more involved but, unfortunately, my work (Healthcare) is preventing me from being active atm. Once Covid-19 cools down, I'll be contributing more... but, I think that could be a long wait!!

The Empire of Tamriel: Liberation of Leyawin 25th Frostfall, 4E 203

A few nights prior the knights of Nadd revealed the fruit of their activity in the south. After commandeering some vessels from the coastal villages and sites, they had boldly surprised the Akaviri navy at the harbor south of Leyawin. Much of the contingent here was killed and their ships set alight. The massive fire caught part of the city of Leyawin. As the Akaviri struggled to put out the blaze, Colada and Tizona leading the Thalmor harassed them at the gates, opportunistically inflicting some casualties and damage to the distressed enemy, but not daring to make a full assault. After the fighting the knights of Nadd joined the perimeter siege, buoyed by the victory, though saddened as their Legate Albuttian, a veteran Imperial Legionnaire, died in combat taking an arrow to save Prince Regulus. With the fall of the Akaviri navy and the harbor the enemy has been totally trapped in the city.

Sir Mazog decided to remain cautious, and over the next few days maintained the siege. His scouts have estimated that only 4000 or so of the enemy remain, and are in poor condition with the city's infrastructure and their own camps having been ruined. Dispatches from Morrowind finally arrive bearing grim news that the forces of Akavir have overrun the east of the province and are still pushing.

Sir Mazog looking for ways to hasten the siege, but not to risk taking too many casualties called the tribes of the Khajit, the cat-like people of Elsweyr which borders Leyawin. The Khajit had been enslaved and large amounts of their territory incorporated into the Nibenean Empire. After the Nibenean Empire's collapse though Elsweyr regained autonomy many of the Khajit remained enslaved in their own homeland by the Imperials of Cyrodil, the former ruling class of the Nibenean Empire. Sir Mazog has promised to recognize Khajit living in Elsweyr as free and restore the ancient border of Cyrodil and Elsweyr to the way they were before the rise of empires in exchange for their aid.

The Khajit agree and add a few thousand of their skilled light armored warriors to the cause. From the forests to the west of Leyawin bordering Elsweyr these Khajit troops devise a plan to infiltrate the city. Skilled acrobats and climbers, they note the weakness of Leyawin's west flank, which does not have a gate. Scaling the wall at night they enter Leyawin and begin to set the whole of the city on fire before withdrawing like ghosts back to the jungles of their borderlands to Leyawin's west. Discomfited and with nearly no provisions, the Akaviri decide in the middle of the night to try to break out of the siege to the east and abandon the city.

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The fires in Leyawin hadn't even subsided as the late night watch sits on a small wooden sentry tower facing the enormous gap in the eastern wall. Akaviri soldiers and sentries stare back at him, and some movement in the city is seen, taken to be them hurrying around to battle the blaze set by the Khajit. It is a dark night and the glow of the city masks the dark silhouettes stirring near this entry-point. Out of the thick warm darkness comes the faint blue flash of spells and the whirring sound of rushing arrows. The sentries of the camp cry out wounded before spells obliterate their towers.

The Tsaesci and Tang Mo charge into the camp and a confused clash begins in the dark. Sir Mazog hastily has messengers sent to rouse the other parts of the army to the north to come aid him. The Akaviri reach his own tent and the orc goes out with Trollz at his side fighting them. The Thalmor reach the Elder Councilor first, providing their magical skills to counter what remains of the Kamal.

A fierce duel of thunder magic and frost magic breaks out. The Kamal slow down the enemy, and making some small walls as barrier create a gap in the line for some of the Akaviri to flee. Colada and the Thalmor notice this and descend upon them, their lightning spells wreaking havoc upon the Kamal and their infantry support. Colada disintegrates an ice mage and his attendants with a blast of chain lightning and sneers at the Akaviri in triumph. Out of the gloom three Kamal mages emerge and fling ice spears at him, one of which strikes him in the chest. His proud look flashes with mortal dismay for a moment with a gasp. His face contorting he sends back a blast of lightning at the Kamal that struck him and kills it instantly. Two more icy spears are conjured and pierce the high elf in the torso. Colada throws back a bolt, but missing, falls over from his wounds.

"Brother!" Tizona cries out, emerging from the battle surrounding her sibling to throw an exploding fireball at one of the Kamal as he approaches Colada. The other Thalmor in fury begin unleashing a combined spellstorm of lightning and fire, utterly decimating the hordes around them.

"S-sister I am done for." Colada coughs out and lifts himself some as Tizona crouches down by his side melting the ice spears away and trying futilely to heal the enormous gouged wounds in his body.

"Don't say that..."Tizona reprimands him but he hushes her.

"Take this." Colada breathes out, his lips trembling growing cold, and he shakily retrieves a black soul gem from his pocket and puts it in Tizona's hand.

"I can't!" Tizona tries to push the black soul gem away but Colada refuses to take it.

"You must do it quickly, I am about to die. Bind it to this blade and use it in all your adventures. May my soul serve the Summerset Isles." Colada feebly speaks and struggles to unsheathe his elven blade and place it in Tizona's hands.

Tizona's eyes well up with tears as she takes the sword and the soul gem from her brother. He nods and gives her a feeble smile. The tall high elf maiden casts the soul trap spell on her brother and thrusts him through with his sword. Colada exhales his last breath and it glows as it is drawn and trapped in the black soul gem.

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The battle goes on into the night. The knights of Nadd to the south come up with their cavalry in a splendid charge. Sir Jaquavis and some of the north army come down and deal massively with the Akaviri. As they are fighting Sir Plutarch and Cassandra wit the Mage's Guild wizards enter Leyawin from the north and recapture the city, finishing off the few defenders that remain.

When the dawn comes, thousands of Akaviri corpses lie about the outside of the east gate, though also thousands of Tamrielites like are perished. The scouts report that a little under one thousand of the Akaviri, mostly Tang Mo and a small cadre of Tsaesci officers, had broken the line and fled. They had crossed the Niben River and passed Blankenmarch where a few hundred were felled. It appears this breakaway force is making its way northeast to a village called Cuptor which a small force of Akaviri had occupied, enslaving the native Argonians of the borderlands of Canulusia

Sir Mazog allows half his army, and the wounded to occupy Leyawin. Officially returning the city to the The Empire of Tamriel, the orc seals his orders to rebuild the city and entrusts them to the knights of Nadd whom are returning to the Imperial City to report on the war. Sir Mazog announces he shall retain 3000 troops, and pursue the Akaviri which escaped. Along with his friends, the Elder Councilor rests for another day before setting out for the region around Lake Canulus.