NationStates Jolt Archive

[OOC: This thread is open to participants in the fantasy earth, which can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=539618). Anyone interested in playing one of the other city-states, or the Cyrodil Empire, should head over to the main thread and get signed up.]

The High Duke of Ankh Morpork, Lord Vetinari, strolled down the hall of the palace, his cloak twitching with each step as he increased his stride to keep pace with the figure beside him. The pair paused when they reached the entrance to the Library and Vetinari waited while his companion observed the map of the Circle Sea States.

"It seems," the man began, "that we are disadvantaged in the long run. The other states are arrayed against us and a prolonged war would most likely be indecisive."

Vetinari nodded, he knew this, his own generals had told him so when he had asked them, the day after taking up the Dukedom. "I am aware of that, but this perpetual squabbling is to the detriment of all. Ankh Morpork could be a power, if we were not checked by our opportunistic neighbours to the east."

The former assassin, Davelo Lestrom, shook his head vehemently. "Only the perceived threat is holding you back, the east would crumble quickly if pressure were applied."

Vetinari frowned, "pressure?" It was Ankh Morpork that was feeling the squeeze of her competitor's influence.

Lestrom waved his hand at the map. "You see a solid block of city-states, all arrayed against us and unified in their purpose. That isn't the case." He pointed to a city at random on the map. "Sto Lat, for example. Pinned between ourselves and the Empire, with no access to the Circle Sea and a slightly disputed border with Quirm to the east."

Vetinari nodded again, Sto Lat did look a more exposed target for a quick expansion of the Dukedom's power. "And what about the others? Won't they come running to help?"

Davelo held up his hand, three fingers extended upwards. "Tol Fier and Borderwatch are too small and have enough neighbours of their own to worry about." He lowered a finger, "Pseudopolis has the goblins to their east, and would have to cross the Circle Sea, where we have the Protector," another finger went down. "Quirm and Sto Lat's border disputes are numerous," he indicated the bizzarely placed patches of Quirm territory on the map, "and they could be 'persuaded' to turn a blind eye, perhaps?" The third and final finger curled down into his fist, which connected with the city of Sto Lat on the map. "We strike hard and fast, and sow discord amongst the others."

Vetinari spotted the flaw in the plan almost immediately. "And what when we take the city? It won't work twice, and the territory is almost useless unless we can expand upon it further."

The stooped assassin grinned a crooked grin, "But then, once the others are all on edge from the scary Ankh Morpork in the west, we propose an alliance."

Of course, if Ankh Morpork were to wage war on her neighbours even for a short time, then suitable shock troops would be needed. The city-state was rich in many things, coin included, but not in the kind of capable soldiers required to take a city in such short order as was required here.

While the 2nd and 3rd Regiments began covert preparations on the more isolated lands near to the border with Sto Lat, drilling of Ankh Morpork's numerous irregular forces was increased. The loose lipped nature of the citizen-soldiers meant that they wouldn't be told about the war until the moment of marching, but they definitely knew that something was afoot.

Meanwhile, messages were put aboard merchant shipping headed across the continent, but aimed mainly toward Keld, Veruna and Blackrock, all fine sources of mercenary troops in a pinch. These sealed envelopes were passed off to local military commanders, offering payment in gold for a short contract with the city-state, the target was not mentioned.

Turan the Bearded marched at the head of his troops, contemplating his name. Like the vast majority of his countrymen, he was clean shaven, and scrupulous about remaining so, even in the midst of a campaign. The name had resulted of a three day running fight, at the end of which he had had a small amount of stubble. Ever since then, and until he either greatly distinguished or disgraced himself and earned a new name, he had been the Bearded.

He had grown in prestige since then, but the name had followed him, even now that he commanded one of the largest mercanriy companies in Keld- and one of the finest in the world. A full five hundred Hounds, and as many bowmen, accompanied by a thousand pikemen.

Lord Vetinari had called, and they had come. The promised gold was part of the reason, of course, but even more so was the promise of plunder and glory. Nor was glory among the Kelons an entirely theoretical concept. A man or woman who distinguished his or herself in battle could well expect to see their position in their clan or city state, and said clan or city state's postion in the country rise.

The company of Turan the Bearded- the Sons of Keld as they called themselves- had been in the neighborhood, which was less unlikely than it might seem. As much as they fought among themselves and with their neighbors, mercenaries were much needed in the Circle Sea States.

So they had come, marching to the gates of Ankh-Morpork, and stopping, in perfect formation, the sun gleaming off of the huge, heavy plate armor, and the huge swords and axes slung on their backs.

OOC: Tag for post tomorrow.

Vetinari stared out at the mercenary company arrayed before the gates, the sun glinting off their myriad weaponry hurt his eyes, so unused were they to this show of force. Beside him on the battlement, Commander Biggins of the 2nd Regiment whistled in admiration. The Grand Duke silenced him with a glare.

"Why don't my troops look like that, commander?"

The question was a threatening one, despite the level tones in which it was issued. The man furrowed his brow for a moment, trying to think of an answer that would satisfy His Grace.

"We... uh, don't fight as many wars as these people do. We don't have the experience or the numbers to create an elite regiment like that one, sir."

The correct answer of course, was that Vetinari was getting what he paid for, which in reality wasn't much. Not that anyone would ever dare to call him mean with the treasury, the Duke was a sharp and powerful man, despite who he seemed to be taking counsel from nowadays.

"After this is over, you and the other commanders are going to meet with me and tell me what you need to make our men look as menacing as that."

A troll, sir, or a hundred trolls would be better... the man thought, but merely nodded in agreement.

"I think we should site them outside the city, one of the disused forts perhaps, your Grace."

"That sounds like a good plan, send a messenger down and point them toward the 3rd's old garrison quarters. Then have the leader meet with me here."

As Vetinari turned to leave the rampart, he called back over his shoulder.

"Redouble your preparations and get the marching orders to the irregulars. Time is of the essence now."