[Imperial Citadel] Planning the Expedition (Milo, Valeraen, Dani, Darian)

[Shorty]

OOC:
Can't believe I forgot to TS this. I'm such a noob. I should pay more attention...

Brightening 32, Ioannes, Summer of Era XIII
Candlemark 14

"Gentlemen," Sir James of the Order of the Black Rose addressed the assembled personnel that gathered to plan Operation Isle of the Crown. The tall human male looked up for a second and paused. "And excellency..." He smiled and nodded his head to the Regent Milo L'evienne. "We are here to establish a plan and time table for the Expedition."

The people were gathered in the Imperial Citadel's Planning Room which was made for such a purpose. On the north side of the wall a large map of Prime Province hung, on the east side was a map of Alleria, the west wall had a map of Alleria Prime, and the south side was taken up by a massive set of thick oak doors.

In the center of the room a massive rectangular table made of polished redwood stood surrounded by chairs. The Regent Milo L'evienne had the place of honor at the head of the table. The map of the Isle of the Crown laid before him. It was not a very large island, perhaps 10 miles square in area, but it was perhaps more fastinating than any other island known to the Allerian Empire. It was crescent shaped, fat in the middle yet tapering at either end. In the middle of the island was a mountain the final goal of the Operation: Mount Corona.

To Milo's right stood Sir James. He took the lead in the meeting and set the agenda. Behind him a page took notes.

"Allow me to make introductions... From the Order of the Black Rose we have Sir Valeraen and Sir Danique. From the Imperial Archives Imperial Chronicler Duerain Whurfick and Adrian de Aquinas...." Sir James stood and began to speak. On Sir James' right two more Knights of the Black Rose- Valeraen and Dani sat. On Milo's left sat the Imperial Chronicler, Duerain Whurfick- (who was taking on Imperial Sage duties due to Z'kron's absence). To Durain's left sat Darian.

"Representatives from the Ministry of War... Kestor Rufus Silvanus, Commander 1st Covi of the 1st Legion..."
Kestor Rufus Silvanus, wore the regal colors of the Empress' Own Legion and represented the Imperial Legions. He was of medium height, solid muscle, and his dark hair was cropped short He was thoughtful in speech and did not wear his emotions openly. He sat to the right of Dani and gave everyone a solemn head nod
"...and from the Classis, Trieririus Langkar Nobling and Cencoris Drusus Parmenion- Imperial Marines." Both of the naval officers nodded like Silvanus and said nothing. They were both humans but Nobling was slender and tidy looking, the opposite of Parmenion. The Marine wasn't dirty, but he had visible scars from past battles, and the eyes of a man who had seen much bloodshed.

"Shall we begin then?" Sir James asked before continuing. "Currently the party appears to be such: 5 ships from the Classis under the command of Trieririus Nobling, around 1500 sailors. 500 Marines from the 1st Cohortis, 1st Marine Classis. One of these ships carries 20 Pegasi Marine Scouts- one of two such craft in the Imperial Classis."

"The Imperial Legion is contributing 100 elite warriors from the 1st Cohortis, Imperial Palace detachment to be commanded by Kestor Silvanus...

"We also have numerous applicants to his Excellencies call for adventurers, one of which Imperial Chronicler Whurfick invited to the meeting..." Sir James smiled and nodded at Darian. "My brother knights Sir Valeraen and Sir Danique interviewed these applicants. Currently they are... Atl Myrsa, Faust D'Rinishad, Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia ,Odyleon Q. Meiers, Évariste Verdier."

"Our objective is the exploration of the Isle, and the verifying it deserted? Am I correct, or are there additional goals we should consider?" Sir James looked around at the table. "Adrian, the Imperial Chronicler indicates you are an expert of the Isle of the Crown, would you shed more light on the Isle by chance?"

[Milo L'Evienne]

While Sir James managed the introductions all around, Milo kept his seat and gave a nod of welcome to each, some he recognized, some he knew well enough, and a couple he recognized not at all. But all he was sure were knowledgeable in their own fields, and they’d need all the planning and information available before actually departing on the planned expedition. The fewer surprises the better. Surprises, after all, didn’t have near the appeal they’d once had.

Given the nature of the gathering, he’d opted out of his valet’s services much to Eugene’s disappointment, and was dressed in simply tailored tan trousers, a white linen shirt and rust colored waistcoat. Hair having grown back just long enough after a winter cropping to be a bother but resist ties, it was left unbound. ”Welcome gentlemen all of you,” he said simply after the introductions were made, a mixed lot over all as it was, added a nod of thanks to Sir James as well as an indication that they should indeed begin.

Told the numbers and participants, a spark of recognition came to his eyes as a result of the names listed. Darian he hadn’t met till now of course, but he counted several of the participants as good friends, a few he’d met only briefly, and one a name heard in passing but spoken well of if he recalled by the lady Gil’dae. And so no objections to any of them as a result, and he was especially glad to hear that Odyleon had taken up the call. As for the objective, aside from exploration and making sure the conditions on the Isle were conducive to a future Rite of Succession, he’d leave any further comments to those with the expertise in their own areas. And so of course was curious to hear what Darian had to say on the subject.

[Darian]

Two of the names of those listed the Alchemist already knew. Odyleon Q. Meiers and Evariste Verdier. One he knew from a meeting an era in the past, the other by reputation and a brief encounter only. The Alchemist was dressed in what might have been just as much of a uniform for him as what the Rosemen wore. A red jacket with a snake coiled around a sword sewn onto the chest in gold thread and a pair of black trousers, topped off by a pair of black leather gloves that were rarely removed. Sticking out of this was the pale face of a Jaedaxian, made even more pale by too long spent digging around dusty libraries and laboratories.

His hair was a dark red mix bordering on brown and seemed to be unable to settle down in any fashion which might be considered controlled. There was nothing uncontrolled about his face though, the cold face radiating a lack of emotion to make an Allerian proud.

"Thank you, your Excellency," Adrian said to the Imperial Chronicler, nodding towards the rest of the assembled people, "Excellencies." He started "Unless there are more definite questions though, I will leave my initial comments to a suggestion that we enter through the village of Vacus. The ruins there should be sturdier than any later structures built, it's on the shore, so should be relatively easy to resupply, and would work well enough as a starting base. Given it was originally built by the Patria Retax it might hold defensive structures in case there is something dangerous on the island."

"That said, unless they have been there before, the island will probably be nothing like what the soldiers are used to. There are at least twenty different climates present on the Isle, with the Island merely several dozen square miles large, the change from one climate to another might be abrupt." Having said his piece for now, the Alchemist settled back and let the military minds fight it out for a while. Personally though, he had little interest in telling soldiers what to do. Adrian was going to the Island to further his studies in Alchemy, the soldiers, these other people, they were just there to help him do it.

[Shorty]

"Thank you sir for the information." Sir James nodded and continued. "Trieririus Nobling, your thoughts?" The knight pointed to the town on the map labeled VACUS.

"Easy enough with the small flotilla we have," The Naval officer commented. "We'll be bringing along plenty of longboats to land the main party... Cencoris Parmenion, your thoughts?"

The Marine bent down over the map and studied it for a second.

"I can have 200 hundred Marines land and secure a beachfront, the Pegasi Scouts will be flying above to watch for any danger. Second wave of 200 more will reinforce the position and move into Vacus to confirm that it's clear sir." He said with confidence.

Sir James nodded.

"Excellent, behind will be the rest of the adventurers with the Legionaires. Kestor Silvanus, I was assured that you would be providing support staff?" The knight looked over at the handsome legion officer.

"Yes excellency. Healers from the medical corps, personnel from the signal corps, and a detachment of pioneers have been assigned to my unit. Also a quartermaster to see to logistical issues for the base camp. My men are bringing tents and additional supplies and will see to the establishment of the camp." Silvanus answered.

"The main question I have, your excellency is how the adventurers are to be dispersed in the party?" Sir James looked at Milo. "Obviously there are ones more proficient with weapons and experts like Adrian here. For instance Faust D'Rinishad, Évariste Verdier, Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia can be with the Marine landing party.

"Once on shore scouts will begin to fan out towards the middle of the island. Depending on what they find we can adjust plans. However from what we know...there are two to three main pathways on the island. The first one is the Patria Road that runs from Vacus to Mount Corona, upon which is the Imperial Palace. Another runs along the western shore, along the Insula Cliffs. Others might still exist or might not, we do not know for sure know. Very little is really known until we get on that island!" Sir James smiled. "Which is what we are for. Any questions so far?"

[Veleraen]

Veleraen had gotten notice from a squire earlier that brightening as a notice had been sent to him about a meeting, inviting him to it for the planning of the trip to the Isle of the Crown. The giant had managed to squeeze himself into the planning room, thanking the engineers for making vaulted ceilings and large doorways. However sitting around a planning table and being four or five times bigger than everyone else somehow made him uncomfortable in such a small room, but the Giant held it in and took hold of the situation at hand.

As the introductions were being held, Veleraen simply nodded his head as his name was said and did nothing more, not wanting to halt the proceedings. Listening carefully to the plans, Sir James had quite a bit to say as all the military groups were gathering and preparing for the expedition. Everything he said seemed perfectly correct to the Giant, not having to lead such a meeting made him a little more relaxed at the time.

Veleraen looked over to Adrian de Aquinas, not having met the man before but he sure knew a thing or two of the Isle of the Crown. "He sure seems to know a lot of the Isle, I wonder if he visited before the Cyraxians took it over." Veleraen shifted in his reinforced chair and listened to what the human man had to say. As the meeting went on, more and more information was spouted from the mouth of Sir James and then he asked if anyone had any questions. Veleraen was somewhat overwhelmed by all of this and decided to keep his mouth shut for the time being, deciding to observe the men at the meeting and absorb the information coming forth.

[Dani]

Dani listened intently as the plans unfolded before his eyes. He had visited the isle before and even fought to protect it against the Cyraxians. That unfortunately was a failed mission.
None of the past mattered for the Isle had returned and it was time to reclaim it! Everything was coming along fine as far as he was concerned, with the added knowledge Adrian brought to the table things seemed to be looking bright.
Planning was essential to the success of this mission and Sir James appeared to have all the bases covered as usual.
The one thing Dani was concerned with was the reports of the figure that was deemed responsible for the return of the Isle. So when asked of any questions, the Knight spoke up.

“What of this reported figure?” he asked as he looked about the table.

[Milo L'Evienne]

The information provided by Adrian was valuable in the extreme, Milo would easily concede; as would be having him accompany the expedition. Whatever unknown quantities might lay in wait on the Isle since its reappearance, having all the information previously known of the place at hand, the landscape and what to expect was indeed more than just useful. No call for stepping into any surprises that were avoidable, given he felt a particular sense of responsibility for those adventurers he’d called on to participate. The notion that there were so many climates scattered over such a small terrain was fascinating though, and a fact he hadn’t been aware of previously. Thanking the man with a nod then, he turned to those militarily inclined while they outlined the logistics. A good thing to have so many military minds in one room as Commander in Chief he may be, but given his own lack of extensive military expertise that would lead to less than optimum results should he be left to coordinate such on his own. So of what they laid out, he thanked them and added his approval as well before turning to Sir James’ question.

”Well, I believe each party should consist of those who’ll make up a varied range of skills so to adequately meet any situations that might arise unexpectedly. Weapons, knowledge, a mage…Are there enough members with magic skills to manage it? For myself, I think the road to Mount Corona and I would like to request that Odyleon Meiers accompany my own party unless his particular skills are found to be of more use elsewhere. And this figure, yes. Have there been any citizens come forward that might have personally witnessed the reappearance of the Isle?”

[Shorty]

A young Order of the Black Rose page entered and handed Sir James a note. He grimaced momentarily and thanked the young boy. A couple chuckles escaped the knight's teeth before turning to Milo.

"Seems that your invitation has been taken up by a great many people...including an ex-Imperial Margrave..." Sir James smiled. "We've had to turn down hundreds of applications, by the by excellency... However to your question...care to field it Imperial Chronicler?"

Duerain Whurfick nodded his massive dwarf head and began to speak in a low, scholarly voice.

"Many observed his appearance and the Isle's return but few could see where he went. From what I have seen so far that actual eyewitnesses are few. The two reports of this being come from an Allerian Prime Coastal Service sloop on maneuvers and a work crew repairing the coastal road. It was the work crew that first reported he Giant coming ashore, but after that there have been no reports of him being anywhere." The Imperial Chronicler nodded his head again and leaned back in his chair.

"Thank you Chronicler Whurfick." Sir James continued. "Now, let us decide on parties...Here is my suggestion your excellency..." Sir James studied the map intently for a few seconds

"In five brightenings we shall arrive at the Isle. At 0800 candlemarks the landing party (hereafter known as Group 1) under Cencoris Parmenion and including adventurers Faust d'Rinishad, Liselle Vamplyer-Sapientia, Evariste Verdier and Sir Danique from the OBR. It will be reinforced at 0815 candlemarks by Group 2 of 200 more Marines and adventurers Atl Myrsa, Dogg Doldozar, Grodyn ben Putin, Sir Parreyon Syndicus, (avanthar's alias here), and Sir Valeraen. They will advance into Vacus, supported by Group 1.

"At 0830 Group 3- the Legionaires under Kestor Silvanus will land with His Excellency the Regent, Adrian de Aquinas, Odyleon Q. Meiers, Cein S'Alvia. I will accompony his excellency with a detachment of knights and squires." Sir James took a breath and looked around the room. "In case of emergency the Order of the Black Rose will take operational command of military assets."

"Upon establishment of a base camp and securing the area, Groups One and Three shall take the central road- Group Two shall explore the eastern road and the Insula cliffs. Communication shall be arranged through OBR squires and pages whom will act as messengers, as well as utilizing the Legion's support." Sir James turned to Milo and nodded his head. "So is my council your excellency...does anyone have any more questions or recommendations?"

[Dani]

Once again, Sir James’ tactical knowledge and planning abilities gave birth to an excellent plan, all seemed in order. With Danique’s flying abilities he was a little surprised he wasn’t tasked with scouting the Insula cliffs along with the Pegasi Scouts, all the same he would probably be better utilized within the stated group.

“All is order, well done Sir James! Might I add they that the necessity of flight may arise, please inform the Pegasi Scouts that another may join the skies above the Isle.”
Since tensions might be high, Dani didn't want to be mistaken as foe and attacked

[Milo L'Evienne]

Milo had imagined they might manage a sufficiently numerous group of adventurers to accompany the expedition and hoped for a balanced mix in the process, but he hadn’t quite predicted the extent of it where so many had offered their swords or other skills. Then again, the Isle of the Crown possessed a particular allure that was hard to resist. ”Parreyon. Good,” he noted with a pleased nod when told the man had thrown his own willingness into the mix, though it didn’t surprise him.

As for that large and mysterious fellow who’d brought the Isle back into sight, he turned his attention to lord Whurfick in hopes of learning more than he’d managed to glean thus far. But though there were indeed a number of witnesses, it seemed the mystery would remain for the moment. ”Thank you lord Whurfick,” he said all the same with a smile when all was said and done.

Whatever the case, Sir James had been doing his planning well, as he could hardly find any objection at all to the planned approach, or the arrangement of groups. Though a single brow lifted slightly and a wry grin tempted the corner of his mouth at learning that Cein S’Alvia had been assigned to his own group. While he’d no objections at all and didn’t doubt the energetic fae possessed sufficient skills in his own right, Milo imagined it might otherwise be viewed as fortunate that Mrs. Stromb wasn’t coming along, armed with her fly broom. Last the fae had visited his own offices in the palace, Nana and her temper had near been the end of S’Alvia for meddling with her beard-and him without the use of arcana to defend himself while in the palace. And so the smile lingered somewhat as Sir James came to a close and sitting back, he nodded his approval in the wake of Sir Danique’s. ”Indeed Sir James, well done and thank you for your hard work. I’ve no further questions of my own.”

[Veleraen]

Veleraen took comfort in the fact that Sir Syndicus was going to be with them on the trip to the Isle. The katta had been a good friend and mentor to the Giant and he hoped that with him and the other adventurer's help, the Regent and the rest of the men would arrive safely and be able to perform the ceremony as Milo had announced.

As Vel listened, everything seemed in order. Noting that he would be in the same group as Sir Syndicus as a few others including a few notable strangers he had only interviewed a few brightenings ago, the Giant nodded in agreement with the Regent's comments. "Aye, Sir James, I feel confident the plan looks solid indeed. I only have one question, who shall lead our group who are to venture onto the eastern road and the Insula cliffs?" The Giant looked at Sir James briefly and then to the map of the Isle where he put a finger on his group's target, reaching over with his long, bulky arm.

[Shorty]

"Yourself Sir Veleraen." Sir James looked around. "That is why I want two knights that I can trust in each party. Sir Danique and yourself Sir Veleraen are held high within the Cirle of Knights. That is why I wish for each of you to be present in the party. You shall take a squire and four pages each to attend to you. I shall, however, inform the Pegasi scouts of your presence Sir Danique."

Sir James looked around the room and nodded.

"Well then, if everything's in order gentlebeings, let us call it a night. In two brightenings we sail for the Isle!" He said, adding a fist pump.