Exalted 3E - Tale of a Falling Empire IC

[Rykon]

Earlier
"That's just it Fel. If I were a band of rabble led by Anathema and I knew the Exalted within the city were going to be occupied in a place where they were without weaponry, even for a moment... That's when I'd strike." Manato conceded. Foolhardy or no, this would be the worst time to be under sudden attack. Especially with how many sympathizers are in the city... who's to say they wouldn't just be let in quietly.

***

Manato let his concerns of attack drown in the sea of food, alcohol, and the occasional flirtation cast his way. Though the latter left him with a stinging taste of guilt. After he had a sufficient dose he felt it time to use the ages-old phrase, passed down from father to son for generations upon generations. "You were right. I'm sorry." He whispered to Asuna after draining a glass of wine. "I spoke carelessly. How about I make it up to you when we're done here?" He offered.

Manato turned to face Fel when summoned. He shrugged. "Well, I guess this saves us a lot of time being nosey. No objections here. Shall we?"

 

[Random Word]

Asuna politely deflects the advances of the guests. The close proximity of Anathema makes it remarkably hard to focus on proper hedonism.

She swats Manato playfully as she follows Fel and the others towards the source of tonight's intrigue. "Manato! You're going to break my heart with that contrite puppy face. I'm teasing. I'm not some schoolgirl who needs to be reassured she's pretty every five minutes. I'm saying someone would have to be blind not to notice how devastatingly handsome you are. No, wait, even then; your voice," she makes the emphatic 'mmm' of someone remembering a favourite food. "Presents, however, are always welcome. You can start by putting your considerable talents to work ensuring I don't get killed by an angry Anathema."

Irreverence is the well-worn mask for her anxiety, "Did you get us front row seats to tonight's entertainment, Fel? How sweet. I do love a drama with a splash of intrigue."

 

[Psychie]

Xandra grabs a wine flute off of a passing tray and downs it in a single draw, then says, "Well, lets got then and find out just how bad this news is going to be."

 

[jaydude]

Satori and Javald lead the group into a private sitting room on the next floor of the palace. Sitting on one of the couches in the room is an old but fit and muscled-looking man, who looks up with interest as the five of you enter. He has grey hair arranged in a topknot, and a short grey beard running along his jaw. He is currently wearing a suit of Black Jade Lamellar Armor, with a crested helmet on the seat, and resting against the couch next to him is what appears to be a double-bladed polearm of Black Jade, that some of you might recognize as a daikalbar. Xandra, being a career soldier, can see that he's visibly shaken, though doing his best to hide it under a cool and disciplined demeanour.

"This is General Tepet Kirito." Satori says to you, before looking at the old man. "Tell them what you told me and the rest of my council."

Kirito nods and addresses the five of you, looking grim. "I don't know how much you all know, but some time ago, I was sent with what was left of the Realm garrison here to put down a peasant revolt on the route between Kandara and Yangofu. But when I got to the location of it, I found myself facing far worse..."

Kirito's story...
By the time Kirito and his troops had arrived, the peasant revolt they had been sent to put down had seemingly disappeared overnight. Instead, they saw a great army on the march in the distance, a column of regimented humanity heading straight towards them. It was at least twelve thousand strong in terms of fighters, including both infantry and cavalry, and carrying banners depicting a golden sun on a white background. Some instinct told Kirito that it was an Anathema-led army, and his instincts had served him well throughout his life. After all, hadn't many of the Anathema who'd popped up recently claimed to be champions of the Unconquered Sun and Luna? Those Cult of the Illuminated fanatics back in the city had certainly claimed something to that effect.

Kirito looked to the head of the column with a spyglass, knowing that its leaders were likely to be there. The first one he noticed, on the back of a magnificent white stallion, was a black-haired and determined-looking young woman who looked vaguely familiar to him, but was now clad in what was unmistakably orichalcum lamellar armour, and had a sheathed reaper daiklave on her hip. Even from a far distance, Kirito could sense an aura of both command and power about this one, the kind that could inspire men and women to leave their homes and lay down their lives for the promise of a mere ideal.

Drawing his sight away from the woman, Kirito looked to those next to her, expecting to see the members of her retinue whom were closest to her in rank and bond. The first one he noticed was another figure in demon gold lamellar armour, this one a young man, with a plumed helmet styled like a dragon's head, and a green coat beneath his armour. Another was a figure in a suit of Lookshy-style white jade articulated plate, this one riding a brown simhata and wearing a helmet that covered their entire face. A third was a young man in a buff jacket, who possessed what were unmistakably Marukani-style facial features and, and bore a daiklave of some sort on his hip. Other exalted would no doubt be within or close to the army; scouts, officers, as well as other supporters and specialists. Maybe even a sorcerer or two.

The commander immediately made to return to the city. He knew that there was little chance he could defeat this great golden host in the field with his far smaller force, barring extremely good fortune. With the walls of the city between them and this enemy, they could at least make a stand, and get support from the town guard. But soon after they had turned around, they were ambushed by a completely different force that had seemingly appeared from out of nowhere. Beastmen, humanoids with the heads, hides and claws of moon lions, a Wyld-touched species of great cat known for their indigo-coloured coats. There were at least three thousand of them, and they were led by a hulking and equally leonine figure wielding a grimscythe of moonsilver.

Caught completely off guard, the men and women of the Realm were pulled from their horses or tackled to the ground, before being mauled, dismembered and eviscerated by the beastmen. While this was happening, the monster with the grimscythe, very clearly an Anathema, had carved up countless Realm soldiers with White Reaper Style, the same martial art Kirito thought he'd mastered. Another Anathema, this one a bronze-skinned southern woman with moonsilver smashfists shaped like scorpion's claws, and a large tail like that of the same arachnid, had struck from Kirito's blind spot and nearly killed him, the Dynast having to use every ounce of his martial arts expertise to survive before he managed to disengage.

Kirito had narrowly escaped with less than a dozen of his soldiers, leaving the rest of his army to be slaughtered. It was not a choice he was proud to make, but he had a duty to Kandara and the Realm, and he knew that the most he could do to fulfil that duty now was escape and warn Satori...

Back in the present...
"As you can guess, I made it back here alive." Kirito continues. "I managed to avoid the bestial Anathema and their horde of monsters. But I fear that the sun Anathema and their army have conquered Yangofu, given their location and the direction they were marching in. Not only that, but I kept an eye on them during my journey back to this city, and saw just which direction they were travelling in."

He takes a deep breath, as if preparing to arm a soulbreaker orb. "They're heading for this city as well." he says. "And by my rough estimate, they'll be here in less than a week."

Spoiler: OOC

Once all of you have had enough time to take all this in, please make Perception + Awareness rolls.

 

[D. Rex]

Fel put his hands against the table to steady himself. Fel was expecting bad news, but not this. An army twelve thousand strong peppered with fully armed and armored solar anathema... AND another threesound wyldlings led by the moon mad. And who knows how many of them there were. This wasn't a minor raid by brazen anathema, this was an actual war force. This was an actual attempt at conquest.

"If they have taken Yungogu... then they might have even more forces in that they could send after this force as reinforcements." He said, thinking to himself. How did a force that large escape notice until now? How had word not spread?

"Tepet Kirito, are you absolutely sure on the estimation of their arrival? I have seen anathema embue their followers with the swiftness of a vile wind, moving indefinitely at unnatural speed. With how much confidence can you say they will not be here tonight?" He asked. Fel did not distrust the report the man had made. But he had to be sure, with a force this large they couldn't any more surprises.

Perception + Awareness: 4

 

[Random Word]

Asuna comes to attention and salutes sharply as soon as she enters the room with the general, "Sir." Once she might have felt self conscious saluting a superior officer in a cocktail dress, but when you've had to stand at attention stark naked while being dressed down by an officer such incongruities seem somehow less significant.

She listens with rapt attention and increasing horror as the General delivers his briefing. Six Anathema. Daana'd grant us strength. "My condolences for your losses, Sir. I'm sure I'm not alone in believing their heroic sacrifice in furtherance of such sacred duty will commend each and every one of them when the Dragons choose their next incarnations." The words are almost automatic, but focusing on them helps distract her from her mounting panic.

She swiftly casts her eyes around the room to judge exactly how poorly it would be received to suggest they begin evacuating the city. To say the strategic situation looked grim at first glance would be a feat of understatement.

Spoiler: Mechanics

2m Awareness Excellency for 1 Success
Perception 2 + Awareness 3 + Stunt 2 = 7; 6 hits

 

[Sherwood]

Larissa is rendered nearly speechless by the news. So many Anathema, leading a powerful host against the city. To say that this is not good is an understatement. She looks up and asks, "My first question is, how many troops do you have here that can be put to the defense of the city? Next, how many Exalts are there here that can be called upon to aid us in this? My thought is that if we were able to find a way to neutralize the Anathema, the morale of their army will most likely suffer for it, and can then make it possible for us to deliver a blow against the advancing army."

4 successes on my roll

 

[Psychie]

Xandra was feeling good from the wine she had already drunk, but now that good glow is rapidly fading. "To say this city is in deep shit is an understatement. We should have an edge in the number of Exalts we have, but even a dozen or two Dragon Blooded can't hope to stand up against an army of twelve thousand. What defenses do you have that can be brought to bear against this force?"

7 successes on my Per + Awareness roll.

 

[Rykon]

"I'll wager that with what my cousin just testified to, if they were using anything to speed their travels he would've seen it impact their movement pace, yes?" Manato closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the full picture of this situation settle while sorting out what they even could do. Then he dialed back to what he'd be able to live with. "Greetings by the way General. It's hard to fathom how thankful we all are that you made it back to us."

How many do we have indeed... The answer to this question would naturally be under intense scrutiny. Manato had no intention of losing any of his friends to a lost cause, yet the instinct to uphold his father's dignity smoldered in his heart. Given that there was not one, two, or even three Anathema, but likely six? Baser urges made him want to pack their things and depart this very minute, even if he had to drag some of them. Could he live with that though?

Even still, there was the scathing wrath that nearly every one of their number held for Anathema. Larissa, Fel, and Xandra would not want to rest until these warlords were dealt their doom. Yet, Asuna had just finished voicing a veiled fear to him in private, even before this news hit. With Larissa already showing resolve to fight, this very meeting could get messy. His own reputation was not a credit to them either. All real combat mastery he'd achieved had been in private practice with his now-deceased father. Doubtful any one of these individuals before them would see any merit to a hasty suggestion of his own. There is an advantage to being -seen- as a decorative walking wallet though... Even if it's just a fraction of the truth.

With that acceptance, the regal businessman withheld further commentary for the moment. Anything he needed to communicate was done through a calm breath of his favored smoke, a contented smile, and a friendly posture. Remembering Asuna's subtle call for help, he reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze to offer what warmth and comfort he could. Though none of you have reason to think I can, I will fight... I will burn... burn with everything I have to ward off what's coming.

[I didn't add stunt dice with the roll, cause in hindsight, this post wouldn't reflect an awareness stunt to me.]

 

[jaydude]

Before Kirito can address all of your various inquiries, everyone besides Manato, Satori, Kirito and Javald notices the room's door is slightly ajar, and a childlike face can be seen peering through it. Upon being noticed, the face swiftly vanishes, though no footsteps can be heard afterwards, even by Asuna and Xandra. Whoever was listening in on the discussion is still there, perhaps having not realised that they've been spotted.

 

[Random Word]

Asuna nonchalantly leans back to press her palm against the wall, closing her eyes and communing with the elements of earth and wood to feel for the sounds of breathing or perhaps even the telltale sound of a heartbeat. If she can locate the exact position of the child - and doesn't hear anything to indicate danger - she steps silently to the door, tracing her fingers along the wall to continue to track the child's location. She channels the essence of wind to brush against the child on the side opposite the door as a distraction, then with one swift and graceful motion slides the door aside and sweeps the child up in her arms with a beatific smile, "Caught you!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

Spending so much essence on catching children. Let's see how it goes.
5m Personal Deep Listening Palm to track their location by hearing through the wall. 4m Peripheral Stealth Excellency for 2 Successes.
Dex 5 + Stealth 5 + Stunt 2 = 12; 7 + 2 = 9 Successes

Now to see if one highly trained Prince of the Earth can catch an unruly mortal child.

 

[D. Rex]

Before Kirito can address all of your various inquiries, everyone besides Manato, Satori, Kirito and Javald notices the room's door is slightly ajar, and a childlike face can be seen peering through it. Upon being noticed, the face swiftly vanishes, though no footsteps can be heard afterwards, even by Asuna and Xandra. Whoever was listening in on the discussion is still there, perhaps having not realised that they've been spotted.

Coincidence? No. They couldn't afford to believe any of it was coincidence. If it was a curious child, they could be dealt with. It could be a spy of another house. But also anathema could where many false faces. The meeting, regardless, was compromised.

He was ready to leap over the table and chase the figure, but a quick glance at Asuna let him know she was already at work. He would trust her to do what was needed, but he was ready to spring into action at a moments notice. Random Word

 

[jaydude]

Asuna can only hear a single person on the other side of the door. When she bursts through it, she has a brief glimpse of a surprised-looking twelve year old boy with black hair, before she grabs him. Naturally he yelps and attempts to break free, but all Asuna has to do is adjust her grip to restrain him for the time being.

"Okay. What in Pasiap's name is going on here?" Satori asks, the satrap sounding a little irritated as she, Kirito and Javald stand up and look at the door.

 

[Rykon]

Manato looks at the boy, then back to Satori and her entourage with shrug. "Good question. This one any of yours?"

While he waited for them to assess the situation, he turned back to the struggling boy and squatted down to eye level. "Hey there buddy. You have a name?"

 

[jaydude]

With the boy being bought into the room, the first thing the group notices are his clothes. Namely that he's wearing an ochre-coloured silk robe that's more restrained than Dynast gala attire, but far too high-quality for a mere servant or the child of one. Satori, Javald and Kirito all appear to recognize him however, with the first two letting out quiet sighs of annoyance.

The boy meanwhile has calmed down a bit since being grabbed, and looks at Manato with mild indignation. "I am Hasuri Boruma, King of Kandara." he says, sounding a little regal for his age, but also more than a bit snappy, as if he's both annoyed by his current situation, and bitterly thinking that his title means next to nothing right now.

 

[Random Word]

Asuna grunts as she lifts the child - she didn't nearly fail the fitness portion of the curriculum so she could casually pick up twelve year olds. This kid was heavy. She is also painfully aware that her outfit primarily consists of clouds and water. Ordinarily she wouldn't bring someone caught spying inside - the last thing she needs is for them to see more than they already did - but she needs to put the kid down somewhere he can't run away in a hurry so she steps inside, sets him on the floor, and pins one of his arms behind his back so he can't run away. She would hold him by the ear, but the look on Fel's face means she's still not completely convinced he's just an ordinary child.

Then he speaks, and her eyes immediately cast heavensward. Dragons, of course you caused a minor diplomatic incident. Children. Asuna immediately releases the King, shifting from her crouch into a kneeling position and offering him a bow. "My sincerest apologies, your majesty."

 

[D. Rex]

Asuna can only hear a single person on the other side of the door. When she bursts through it, she has a brief glimpse of a surprised-looking twelve year old boy with black hair, before she grabs him. Naturally he yelps and attempts to break free, but all Asuna has to do is adjust her grip to restrain him for the time being.

"Okay. What in Pasiap's name is going on here?" Satori asks, the satrap sounding a little irritated as she, Kirito and Javald stand up and look at the door.

"Someone was eavesdropping." He explained to Satori.

A child. Just a child it looked like. Despite the youth, Fel was none to keen on releasing the grip on the hilt of his sword. Though at the revelation of the boys name and title... Fel looked at Satori with an arched brow. "King?" He asked with a hint of incredulity.

 

[jaydude]

Satori matches Fel's slightly incredulous look with an equally exasperated one. "I did tell you that I was regent here when we first met, didn't I?" she says. "Sorry if I made the mistake of assuming you knew what a regent actually was."

Boroma meanwhile gets back up to his feet and dusts himself off, giving Asuna a nonchalant glance, before turning his attention to the rest of you. "Don't worry about it. I'm used to people not paying much attention to me here. And it's not like any of you felt the need to pay me a visit when you came to this palace." he says coolly, his tone more than a little reproachful at that last sentence. "I wouldn't be surprised if none of you knew that I existed until now."

 

[D. Rex]

Satori matches Fel's slightly incredulous look with an equally exasperated one. "I did tell you that I was regent here when we first met, didn't I?" she says. "Sorry if I made the mistake of assuming you knew what a regent actually was."

Boroma meanwhile gets back up to his feet and dusts himself off, giving Asuna a nonchalant glance, before turning his attention to the rest of you. "Don't worry about it. I'm used to people not paying much attention to me here. And it's not like any of you felt the need to pay me a visit when you came to this palace." he says coolly, his tone more than a little reproachful at that last sentence. "I wouldn't be surprised if none of you knew that I existed until now."

If he had half a a mind to infer, he'd assume her insult was a projection of her own humiliation at being the regent to a child. She seemed the type to be proud enough of her position that this would seem a bit of a sore spot to her. "Lady Satori, the very least you could do in return for a favor is curb the insults until they are actually warranted. As they are not appreciated. A simple 'Yes' would have sufficed." A kind rebuke, but a rebuke nonetheless. Just because he was helping her didn't mean he was keen to be stepped on.



But with the identity of the child confirmed, Fel did finally release his sword, and gave a respectful bow. "My apologies you majesty. Navigating the political court is not my area of expertise, let alone knowing who is who. I hope the efforts we are about to undergo will act as an apology for any offense we have caused."

 

[Rykon]

Looks like it was Satori's after all. "Please pardon the rough handling, young king." He offered hands to help both Hasuri and Asuna to their feet. In a calm tone, he hoped to salvage the situation without further discomfort. "We've yet to be introduced after all."

Now that the boy had given such a bold, if veiled, verbal slap to the group at large Manato responded by giving him a firm pat on the back. "Quite the contrary, King Hasuri. I'm well acquainted with how things work in the Threshold. However, this is merely the first day of our visit, and I'm sure a King has better things to do than personally tend to the presence of visitors on their time. Does he not? Understand this trip was intended to be a relaxing departure for us. If I wanted to stand on ceremony and force others to do so in turn, I could've stayed home. Instead, we've been blessed with assault, conspiracies, suspicion, threats, and now a thinly veiled attempt at clever condescension. My how industrious your land has become." Manato cut off his rebuke.

"Now, I believe you all should go back to trying to sell us on why we should spend our vacation, our assets, and our blood protecting your interests. If we could start with answers to questions that'd be great." Manato outwardly made a posture of thinning patience but hoped it would remind each of these administrators what they were really here for. To beg for what help others would give and not insult those who took pity on the plight of a forgotten people.

 

[jaydude]

Satori's fist clenches, and her eyes narrow dangerously at the rebuke from Fel. However mild it might have been, he can tell it's taking her a lot of mental effort to avoid losing her temper here.

When she does speak, her voice is surprisingly measured, given the circumstances. "My apologies, Fel. I thought you were insinuating that I had previously made no effort to imply the existence of another authority figure besides me, whereas I felt I had done otherwise."

"Quite the contrary, King Hasuri. I'm well acquainted with how things work in the Threshold. However, this is merely the first day of our visit, and I'm sure a King has better things to do than personally tend to the presence of visitors on their time..."

The bitter look on the boy king's face at this statement, and the way Kirito narrows his eyes protectively at the Fire Aspect when he hears it, suggests that Manato is way off the mark with his assumption that the king has little free time. That said, neither of them try to interrupt and correct the businessman.

"Now, I believe you all should go back to trying to sell us on why we should spend our vacation, our assets, and our blood protecting your interests. If we could start with answers to questions that'd be great." Manato outwardly made a posture of thinning patience but hoped it would remind each of these administrators what they were really here for. To beg for what help others would give and not insult those who took pity on the plight of a forgotten people.

Kirito exhales and sits back down, clearly not wanting moods to get any more volatile here.

"I took such possibilities into consideration myself." he says while looking at Fel and then Manato. "But I also had a chance to observe the army of the sun Anathema on multiple occasions during my journey back here, so for all I knew, they were indeed using such means of expediting their march. My estimation is based on what I saw of their progress each time, and my knowledge of Kandara's terrain."

"That doesn't account for the bestial Anathema, though. If you didn't see them on your way back, they could be much closer to the city." says Javald, to which Kirito nods in agreement.

The General then looks at Xandra and Larissa. "We've got walls, gatehouses, ballistae and catapults. All the defences you'd expect a city like this to have, of course. There's even a cart-mounted Implosion Bow that we can transport to anywhere within the city. We used to have more of them, along with some Lightning Ballistae, but the Ragaras decided they'd be of more use in Corin Prefecture." he says, evidently disagreeing with that viewpoint judging from the tone he uses for it.

"In terms of numbers, with the Realm garrison now gone, it's just the city watch left. I can get around three thousand of them to man the walls, and they'll be decent enough against soldiers, especially when they have a defensive position to fight from. But given the anti-Realm and pro-Anathema sentiments plaguing this city, I'm more concerned about their loyalty than their fighting ability. The city watch are generally recruited from the populace." he continues. "As for Exalts, we have a few Dragon-blooded of our own, namely staff or people managing family interests here or nearby, and I imagine a few of the gala guests could be persuaded to stay and help us out."

 

[Rykon]

Satori's fist clenches, and her eyes narrow dangerously at the rebuke from Fel. However mild it might have been, he can tell it's taking her a lot of mental effort to avoid losing her temper here.

When she does speak, her voice is surprisingly measured, given the circumstances. "My apologies, Fel. I thought you were insinuating that I had previously made no effort to imply the existence of another authority figure besides me, whereas I felt I had done otherwise."

Manato's gaze appeared as if he might ignite her dress from the sheer fury he projected. Don't even think to snap at my friend just because you've had to seduce him for help and now insult him in public. You got what you asked for. Don't think I can't tell what's going on here, young miss.

The bitter look on the boy king's face at this statement, and the way Kirito narrows his eyes protectively at the Fire Aspect when he hears it, suggests that Manato is way off the mark with his assumption that the king has little free time. That said, neither of them try to interrupt and correct the businessman.

Great, don't tell me they aren't bothering to properly educate or socialize this poor kid after executing his father. How egregious can you be? Seriously. Perhaps I should be taking up negotiations with him to make a point. Manato relaxed the anger from his face. He knew he was poking a soft spot, but for it to be that tender is a terrible sign. The look he returned to Hasuri showed respect for how hard he fought to remain himself, even if it was mildly inconvenient for them in the moment. Sometimes when Manato had to break the 'Cynis' character, the searing heat left people a bit sore. It was unfortunate but necessary to correct the tone of this meeting.

Kirito exhales and sits back down, clearly not wanting moods to get any more volatile here.

"I took such possibilities into consideration myself." he says while looking at Fel and then Manato. "But I also had a chance to observe the army of the sun Anathema on multiple occasions during my journey back here, so for all I knew, they were indeed using such means of expediting their march. My estimation is based on what I saw of their progress each time, and my knowledge of Kandara's terrain."

"That doesn't account for the bestial Anathema, though. If you didn't see them on your way back, they could be much closer to the city." says Javald, to which Kirito nods in agreement.

The General then looks at Xandra and Larissa. "We've got walls, gatehouses, ballistae and catapults. All the defences you'd expect a city like this to have, of course. There's even a cart-mounted Implosion Bow that we can transport to anywhere within the city. We used to have more of them, along with some Lightning Ballistae, but the Ragaras decided they'd be of more use in Corin Prefecture." he says, evidently disagreeing with that viewpoint judging from the tone he uses for it.

"In terms of numbers, with the Realm garrison now gone, it's just the city watch left. I can get around three thousand of them to man the walls, and they'll be decent enough against soldiers, especially when they have a defensive position to fight from. But given the anti-Realm and pro-Anathema sentiments plaguing this city, I'm more concerned about their loyalty than their fighting ability. The city watch are generally recruited from the populace." he continues. "As for Exalts, we have a few Dragon-blooded of our own, namely staff or people managing family interests here or nearby, and I imagine a few of the gala guests could be persuaded to stay and help us out."

"What is it that you intend to do to entice this brotherhood and your guests into fighting for Kandara? The plight of its king and people are not lost on me or my friends, but you'll need to give us something to work with if you want us to help sell this fight to others. Otherwise, I'd urge everyone to consider an evacuation to mitigate a tragedy as best as we can. I won't pretend to have any expertise on the viability of this stand, we have Asuna and the General for that. What I can say, is this sounds an awful lot like fighting for charity beside potential backstabbers right now, and that doesn't put us in a winning posture now does it?" Manato let out a deep exhalation of smoke from his pipe. "So... what is house Ragara willing to do for a territory it has nearly left behind?"

 

[D. Rex]

Satori's fist clenches, and her eyes narrow dangerously at the rebuke from Fel. However mild it might have been, he can tell it's taking her a lot of mental effort to avoid losing her temper here.

When she does speak, her voice is surprisingly measured, given the circumstances. "My apologies, Fel. I thought you were insinuating that I had previously made no effort to imply the existence of another authority figure besides me, whereas I felt I had done otherwise."



The bitter look on the boy king's face at this statement, and the way Kirito narrows his eyes protectively at the Fire Aspect when he hears it, suggests that Manato is way off the mark with his assumption that the king has little free time. That said, neither of them try to interrupt and correct the businessman.



Kirito exhales and sits back down, clearly not wanting moods to get any more volatile here.

"I took such possibilities into consideration myself." he says while looking at Fel and then Manato. "But I also had a chance to observe the army of the sun Anathema on multiple occasions during my journey back here, so for all I knew, they were indeed using such means of expediting their march. My estimation is based on what I saw of their progress each time, and my knowledge of Kandara's terrain."

"That doesn't account for the bestial Anathema, though. If you didn't see them on your way back, they could be much closer to the city." says Javald, to which Kirito nods in agreement.

The General then looks at Xandra and Larissa. "We've got walls, gatehouses, ballistae and catapults. All the defences you'd expect a city like this to have, of course. There's even a cart-mounted Implosion Bow that we can transport to anywhere within the city. We used to have more of them, along with some Lightning Ballistae, but the Ragaras decided they'd be of more use in Corin Prefecture." he says, evidently disagreeing with that viewpoint judging from the tone he uses for it.

"In terms of numbers, with the Realm garrison now gone, it's just the city watch left. I can get around three thousand of them to man the walls, and they'll be decent enough against soldiers, especially when they have a defensive position to fight from. But given the anti-Realm and pro-Anathema sentiments plaguing this city, I'm more concerned about their loyalty than their fighting ability. The city watch are generally recruited from the populace." he continues. "As for Exalts, we have a few Dragon-blooded of our own, namely staff or people managing family interests here or nearby, and I imagine a few of the gala guests could be persuaded to stay and help us out."

Such a firebrand to be set off so easily. But from what he has seen of her so far, it wasn't out of character for her. "Satori, I have more respect for you than to suggest anything of the sort. If anything, I was looking towards your experience and knowledge of Kandara to fill in my ignorance of the matter, as it is very likely I just was not paying well enough attention." He conceded truthfully, unaware of the look that Manato was currently giving the satrap, himself figuring such an admission would extinguish her ire on that front at least. "Manato can't always be whispering in my ear to prevent me from putting my foot in my mouth."


His ears perked up at Kirito's report of the cities defenses, and he turned to look at Tepet dynast with a face that was half drained of blood. "THREE THOUSAND!" Fel exclaimed as he felt his heart drop into his stomach. And each of them with questionable loyalties.. That was but a pittance compared to the forces that were approaching. Kirito may have ensured it enough to keep the walls, but for how long? As soon as the watched started losing people then they could be overrun easily.

"Even if we muster everything we have right now, we will be hardpressed to push back the first wave. As soon as they breach the walls or a gate, we will likely not have enough men to keep a force that size at bay for any meaningful length of time."

"We have a warstrider, and someone who knows how to use one. That will make a large difference. But it will only go so far unless we have ways to back it up. With that many anathema on the field, it will not be able to cut through that army without suffering great damage. But it could put the fear of the dragon in them that they may try less aggressive tactics to keep from earning heavy losses themselves."

Fel looked at Asuna, if anyone had a way to miracle a winning strategy out of this, it would be her.

"Do we have the resources to repair the warstrider and enough engineers to see that it is quickly repaired? That sort of information is dire in determining how we will use it."

 

[Psychie]

Xandra shakes her head. "Even with the walls and the siege weapons you have, you are outnumbered five to one and your troops have questionable loyalty at best, against beastmen and soldiers that have the benefit of Exalted training on their side. I don't see a way that you are going to win this fight, even if we are able to kill the Anathema. This is not going to end well."

 

[Sherwood]

Larissa says, "I also have something up my sleeve that can help. I know a spell that is very effective against battle groups. But even so, we need to get more troops on the ground." She looks over at the Satrap. "What other forces are there in the area? We will need reinforcements from somewhere or the Anathema will roll over us."