49 YBP - Day I:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMhpKRVyOF
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As the first blush of dawn kissed the eastern sky, casting its ethereal glow upon the beleaguered city of Worcester, I, now bearing the prestigious rank of Lieutenant General and the plum and gold uniform with the insignia of two crossed sabres surmounted by a crown. There were only a few people in the army that outranked me now: the four Grand-Generals of their respective army groups - of which three were present, Constantine E. Pride of the 1st Infantry Army Group, Erwin Valour of the 2nd Infantry Army Group, and Reinhart Steelraine of the 4th Artillery Army Group - and the Marshal.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnrdjc7Bje
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The Marshal of the Grand Army was Resiak Zu Scipio, a rather nervous man - likely why he got the promotion, the Marshal represents the army to the Earl and provides counsel.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC32NGNC4N
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In practice, the Grand-Generals are more powerful than the Marshal - who is basically a figurehead.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhnfqmKsnX
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I was upon the towering rampart that encircled the city of Worcester, the capital of the Earldom, and my home. The sight of thick walls being patrolled by soldiers aught to have been a comfort to me. It was not - the sight made me feel me melancholy at best and quietly wrathful at worst.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacPJ3hTCgQ
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There had not been time to evacuate the capital, a fact that was taken advantage of by the 1.5 million soldiers present in Worcester - they recruited children to transport orders, men that were either too old or ill to fight were recruited into logistics roles instead.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO0w6lTu46
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A quick look through a spyglass and even a fool would know that we would have to fight: the Aquilorians and Vorantine had set up Artillery outside the city and had formed a ring around Worcester, it was clearly meant to be a siege but that would never work - Worcester had been preparing for something like this by stockpiling food. The capitol of the Earldom had enough provisions to last for at least six months, even with 1.5 million hungry soldiers and artillerymen present. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc0OGDccFc
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The Meritocratic Council of Aquiloria and the Technocratic Directorate of Vorantis seemed to think that cracking Worcester open like a nut was the most effective method to take it. I had not received any orders about repelling attacks, so I took matters into my own hands.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmKaGKkLuE
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Beside me stood four Grand Warlords - two of them were freshly minted and the other two were faces I recognised, Caesar and Orion. Their eyes were ablaze with rage as they surveyed the sprawling battlefield that lay stretched out before us. Of the 1.5 million men, 250,000 were my own. I had 12,500 Artillery as well - an eighth of the artillery available.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiw4dcK2If
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"I come from here, many of thou do not. But if we lose Worcester, we will probably lose the war. What shalt happen when the Dominion get it's hands on thy home?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWzycVHoay
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A thunderous roar of approval erupted from the ranks of my men, and hundreds of place names were belted out with gusto. Yet even as their cheers echoed off the stone walls, I knew that the true test of their mettle lay just beyond the horizon, where the enemy laid in wait like a hungry beast poised to strike.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe5thC1AyH
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The first sign of the impending storm came in the form of distant thunder, as the enemy's artillery voiced its disdain about our stout defences. Shells shrieked through the air, their explosive payloads landed in the city. The Coalition - likely the Aquilorians - had trainedtheirr fixed artillery guns far too high. The enemy surged forwards, they would probably attempt to blow the walls upiff they get near enough.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9lhHOfh8f
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"Return fire!" I bellowed, my voice a rallying cry amidst the clamour of battle. "Let them learn how to train artillery properly!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNnLHJBOF2
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Withpractisedd efficiency, my men sprang into action, manning the Howizers that lined the walls with a precision born of years of training. The air was soon thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the deafening roar of friendly big guns as our own artillery answered the enemy's barrage with a ferocity that matched their own.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLmUbwrImx
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Yet even as we unleashed hell upon our foes, it became painfully clear that the odds were stacked against us. Wave after wave of enemy soldiers crashed against our defences like a relentless tide, their sheer numbers threatening to overwhelm us at every turn. Soldiers were felled by rifle fire from below, men quickly stepped in to replace them. Bands played martial tunes to keep morale up.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2pJ7Iur0v
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A cold sense of dread began to gnaw at the edges of my consciousness, for I knew that our valiant stand upon the walls of Worcester could only delay the inevitable for so long. The plan was to delay the enemy until the Grand Narcissian Fleet arrived and obliterated the attackers. Grand Wing A, Centre Force, and Grand Wing B are all days away due to being deployed to fight against the Khagan's Navy (That the Khagan's Aerial Fleet had yet to make an appearance according to the gossip and rumours)281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMG8mz1VAg
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Valour has shown me the response that he had gotten from Aeroadmiral Empyr.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLC3iVeMe1
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Dear Grand-General Valour,281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyakOoZ3X3K
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I have received thy request for aerial support and have carefully considered the deployment of our air assets to aid in the defence of Worcester. In response to your urgent plea, I have mobilised all available craft to aid the defence of Worcester.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHCQ8tiQgd
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Battlecruisers:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjSpduRjlj
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• GNA Callisto 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlxKTLbnXo
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• GNA Celeste 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOI8Mc1hHe
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• GNA Tauri 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYNUNxVSnX
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• GNA Zosma 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz51fDdm6t
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• GNA Rêverie281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIur1m04Eeh
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• GNA Invictus 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dwumAbxR9
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• GNA Roma 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFHg77pyt
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Heavy Frigates:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEOC89clpp
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• GNA Rumine Dora 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq1D8Le5pp
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• GNA Oblitus Icaria 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrT9bNWR6k
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• GNA Cor Ferro 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBUHusqglu
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• GNA Rix Erinè 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ub7DCuJqK
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• GNA Sol Indiges281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDKt3h3zqo
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Frigates:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DhTJMNTKG
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• GNA Eir281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE16lBteBhM
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• GNA Prinz Nar281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3BlVylCaW
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• GNA Großer Kurfürst281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTjDnJ7APK
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• GNA Empyr281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcz40magI9
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• GNA Hildr281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSy058G7JS
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• GNA Róta281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc6pQhwJAb
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• GNA Göndull281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xHeVhMBGi
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• GNA Hervör Alviter 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33nNZlj4N
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Destroyers:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7S6kxm4TX
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• GNA Estoc281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpKh6LdgWi
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• GNA Falchion281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPARSj26Dk7
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• GNA Glaive281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVenyiIjBZn
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• GNA Épée281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ385WYvcLlv
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• GNA Arbalest281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe1sDD6NJp
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• GNA Tonfa281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizpWX6gnYM
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I trust that this aerial reinforcement will provide the necessary firepower and tactical advantage needed to turn the tide of battle in our favour. The craft should arrive within two days of this letters arrival.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4beLxhUVYQ
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Ad Astra Per Aspera! 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtri0s1qhI
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Empyr, Aeroadmiral of the Grand Fleet281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYKMpjUzv6
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Under the cover of night, the relentless bombardment of artillery continued. The thunderous rumbles echoing through the darkness like a symphony of destruction. Shells screamed overhead, their fiery trails illuminating the sky as they arced towards their targets with deadly precision.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGn2u11Nwi
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The incessant barrage served not only to rain death and destruction upon the enemy below but also to keep them on edge, our fitful attempts at rest shattered by the constant onslaught. The booming concussions of exploding shells and the shrill whistles of incoming fire served as a grim reminder of the perilous reality that surrounded them, denying them even a moment's respite from the relentless onslaught.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1deb7sI9MR
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For us, the ceaseless din of battle had become a cacophony of chaos, an ever-present backdrop to our struggle for survival. Yet amidst the chaos, there was a grim determination, a steely resolve that refused to yield in the face of overwhelming adversity.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIubYj8avL
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As the night wore on and exhaustion threatened to claim us, we stood resolute, our spirits unbroken by the relentless assault. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxmoVZJJv
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Day II:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYetmgzWEOY
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The second day of the Defence of Worcester was signalled by loud shouts rousing everyone who had managed to fall asleep.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodyLH4Mf29
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There were missing explosives and 25 men were absent. It was presumed that an unauthorised suicide attack had been carried out by the missing men.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkye4XLhnG2
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As the morning mist began to dissipate, revealing the stark silhouette of the enemy encampment beyond the walls of Worcester, a party approached under the banner of a white flag. Their footsteps echoed softly against the damp earth. Interestingly, despite bearing a flag of peace, they had brought one of those armoured flame projector units - The fact that it had been painted white did not provide much in the way of reassurance.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Q7o9n52P
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I observed their approach from atop the walls my gaze unwavering as they drew near. Their demands were clear even before they reached our gates, they were visibly armed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3qj1yJgjy
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With cautious steps, i moved down to join the soldiers on the wall, they saluted upon noticing my presence. With a heart pounding in my chest like a war drum heralding the onset of battle. I was given a device to amplify my voice.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQNb23Khdt
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"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, my voice cutting through the tense silence like a knife. "Why have thou come here under the guise of peace, only to bring such a weapon of war with thou?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqgJjBP8OG
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The leader of the Vorantine delegation was tiny from up on the wall, but i could practically see him scoff, his features likely twisted in a mask of contempt. "We demand thy surrender," he spat, his words dripping with venom. "Surrender the city, or face the wrath of our fury."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77Ag7AKzd4
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It was my own turn to scoff. "Thou overestimate thy strength, Coalition" I retorted, my voice ringing with defiance. "We would sooner jump down to meet thou with ropes around our necks."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Z6wCvM0l
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A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of our ragged breaths and the distant rumble of artillery in the distance. And then, in a sudden flash of violence, the fragile facade of peace shattered like glass.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH3qNWalBv
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Without warning, a shot rang out, the crack of gunfire echoing off the stone walls of the city. In the blink of an eye, chaos erupted as the Narcissian soldiers reacted with swift and deadly force, their weapons trained on the enemy delegation in a hail of bullets and bloodshed.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq2MOlhAwV
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Amidst the cacophony of screams and gunfire, the white flag fluttered limply in the breeze, stained crimson with the blood of those who had dared bring it with anything but peaceful intentions. I went to the command tent in the city - the High-Exarch of Worcestershire had prohibited the use of civilian building for military purposes until there is absolutely no choice - in order to inform the Grand-Generals of my suspicion that there would be a massive assault soon.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVNZJ2X5pB
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Grand-Generals Pride, Valour, and Steelraine stood clustered around a map spread out upon the table, their brows furrowed in concentration as they pored over the intricacies of our precarious situation. I recognised that it was a map of Worcester, there were multiple symbols dotted about on it - designating positioning of artillery groups - potential weak points were circled - the main gate around the walls that aught not to be here in the first place was a big one.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLJbC792UN
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"Grand-Generals," I began, my voice cutting through the subdued murmurs of conversation like a blade through silk. "I have grave news to report."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJxfcEWxb5
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Their heads turned in unison, their eyes meeting mine with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. I wasted no time in relaying the events that had transpired at the walls and what it could mean.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHqOb5VuU9
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Unfortunately I w, s interrupted by music being played at a nearly deafening volume. Grand-General Steelraine identifies it as being the Aquilorian / Vorantine anthem.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdBUd4jBg8
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As the joint anthem reverberated across the battlefield, its haunting melody swept over us like a chilling wind, carrying with it the weight of impending doom. The music, a is iumphant yet melancholy piece with a distinctive melody that rec is gnisable across Empyrea.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdt58ya3Qw
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Amidst the haunting melody, the lyrics, or rather the lack thereof was, deeply unsettling, all the other Empyrean anthems had lyrics and without them they seemed almost empty.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1w1upio3L
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The enemy's psychological assault continued unabated - albeit not very effectively - but a new threat emerged from the depths of the battlefield - the sudden onslaught of Aquilorian and Vorantine forces, their ranks swarming like someone gave an anthill the size of a mountain an almighty kick.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1SiOfy18I
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Caught off guard by the ferocity of the enemy's attack, our forces scrambled to respond, their movements hampered by the chaos and confusion of battle. Men shouted orders amidst the din of combat. We had 50,000 artillery - half were Mortars and the rest Howizers.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPB5UZnxNk
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With each thunderous blast, the ground beneath us trembled, sending shockwaves rippling through our ranks as bodies were torn asunder by the savage force of the explosions. Limbs were rent from torsos, flesh seared by scorching shrapnel, as the enemy's artillery exacted a heavy toll upon our forces.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwbqAHV4B9
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Amidst the carnage, the air was thick with the acrid stench of burning flesh and gunpowder, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that hung heavy in the air. Men screamed in agony as they were torn apart by the merciless onslaught, their cries lost amidst the cacophony of battle.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6pklSwpge
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Everywhere was the same: men shooting at the enemy, mostly with the standard issue Narcan-Gloriant 63 bolt-action rife, in addition to the tripod mounted Richard Mk II machine gun - often affectionately nicknamed "Big Dick"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppL4btOMiG
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Several officers were brandishing spyglasses or binoculars as well as the same sabre and pistol type as my own - although my own sabre was more decorated.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUfTYthjnO
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Flare launchers were typically only used by the artillerymen, I observed one firing one into a group of enemy soldiers, the Mortar next to him fired three times in succession, I watched bombshells impact and continued on my way.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7E6hWuinW
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I could hear the gravelly growl that was Lord Sergeant-Major Aurora's voice nearby, the man was wielding a viscous two-handed war scythe, I had forgotten that Aurora came from the subregion of Valerium - the High-Exarch of Valerium has a war scythe as his symbol of office, it represents the agricultural aspects of Valerium.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQQgd2LQpB
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The other High-Exarchs also had symbols of office. I knew that the High-Exarch of Worcestershire had a rapier - to represent the gracefulness of penmanship. When I was a mere Ego Lieutenant my men had engaged in banter about each others subregions, I had learned that the Exarchs of Xyrolith, and Chalcrystis have a staff of crystal and a spear - possibly to represent craftsmanship? 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7xQhWzkyz
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The High-Exarch of Luxequinox interestingly lacks a ceremonial weapon. No one seems to know why. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TvmIVUlYJ
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I approached Grand-General Pride just after noon. Everyone was tired by this point.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv7j9uqqWY
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"Grand-General," I began, my voice heavy with concern. "The casualties continue to mount, and our defences are being sorely tested by the ferocity of the enemy's assault. We've lost many good men today, and the fighting shows no signs of abating."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6EvCqQiwy
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Pride's expression hardened at my words, his steely gaze betraying the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, Lieutenant General," he replied, his voice tinged with grim resolve. "The enemy shows no mercy, and their relentless onslaught threatens to overwhelm us at every turn. 80,000 dead is the most conservative estimate I have been given."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBMbklvWfc
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As we spoke, reports of incidents and skirmishes continued to filter in, each one a testament to the chaos and confusion that reigned on the battlefield. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlJuARRZkH
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Pride listened intently, his brow furrowed in deep thought as he considered the implications of each report. "We must remain vigilant," he said, his voice low and measured. "The enemy's tactics are cunning, but they art not aware of the airships coming to save us."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfaWIJIRb9
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"Valour told me about that, sir." I said through gritted teeth. Grand-General Pride was well connected and had got his rank from nepotism - something that was endemic in Narciss - and I hated him for it.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhFRMIwwp4
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"7 Battlecruisers, 5 Heavy Frigates, 8 Frigates, and 6 Destroyers! Aeroadmiral Empyr is a good friend or mine, no wonder he has sent so many airships!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpnQZSwTen
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"Yes sir."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AGGxrMnwH
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"We just need to last a few more days."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaOv2nafmN
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"And so we shalt, Grand-General."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxWYcsjCnX
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I got away from Pride as quickly as possible, I spent the rest of the day in my quarters contemplating tactics.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxrJBKouVd
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Day III:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbzn9oIbZT
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We were awoken by bugle calls at dawn. That could never have been a good sign.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYteN0F3bNO
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And indeed, it was not. I needed to know what was going on. I stopped the first person that I recognised - Lieutenant Dawnstar. "What is going on?" I asked the terrified man. A massive force is attacking us!" the Lieutenant snapped at me, running to his Platoon. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBIre1gPD6
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I ran up the steps of the fortified wall surrounding the city, what I saw down below shocked me. There were at least ten much larger armoured units barrelling towards the gates. There were at least 400,000 soldiers, the bulk of them moving to launch an attack on the gate.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX2gqoz6uh
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I spirited to find my superiors. I only found Grand-General Steelraine. "Where Is Gr-" I began, but the Artillery Grand-General cut me off. "Pride, being the fool that he is, took 500,000 men and went out to lead the attack personally. Grand-General Valour went with him and took all my mortars to protect the bugger." Steelraine looked so very much like a witty artists impression of what an anthropomorphic ammo store about to detonate looks like, I knew the feeling well.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IDvGkwnB9
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"How many Coalition men are not involved in this attack?" I asked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3YpdZlASq
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"At least another 400,000. That's only if the bloody Dominion doesn't arrive to make this mess even worse."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWiranC0o5
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"We can probably help with what men are left and the Howizers, Sir."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DQ8KVBpDM
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"Drop the Sir, Worce. I haven't the patience for it at this moment. We don't need to move the Howizers, ordered them into new positions already."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEKnGhQuoY
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"I see."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZeJaguSbs
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"Move!"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvlS3ZkSun
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I did. We moved down to a long row of Howizers, the barrels aimed, the operators read. In short, they were ready.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyCwqrHRbD
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"What are our orders, Grand-General Stee-" Began one of the soldiers.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhiaKZBRrh
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"Fire!" The man thundered at the sleepy soldier, I noticed he had the insignia of a sergeant.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtmbmYJvSL
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If the Artillery fire had been nearly deafening before, then the sound of 25,000 Howizers in a large line firing in unison must have been eardrum shattering.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtnL7OXaSY
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As the battle raged on, the deafening roar of Howizers echoed across the battlefield, their thunderous blasts reverberating through the air like the tolling of a funeral bell. From their positions along the city walls, the massive artillery pieces belched forth fire and smoke, sending deadly payloads hurtling towards the enemy ranks with worrying accuracy.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MJ4Bewf5L
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With each thunderous report, the ground shook beneath the feet of both friend and foe alike, the concussive force of the explosions sending shockwaves rippling through the earth. The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder, mingling with the coppery tang of blood and the bitter stench of smoke.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a9qMuuQnr
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Amidst the chaos and confusion of battle, the Howizers served as a constant reminder of the devastating power of war. Each shell that arced through the sky brought with it death and destruction, tearing through flesh and bone with merciless efficiency.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2P7o9AsVl
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But for the defenders of Worcester, the Howizers were a lifeline, a last line of defence against the relentless tide of enemy forces. With each well-aimed shot, they sought to stem the tide of the enemy advance, buying precious moments of respite for their beleaguered comrades.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9riKE9rKBb
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And so the Howizers thundered on, their fiery salvoes lighting up our walls as they unleashed hell upon the enemy below. I took unflinching at the side of Grand-General Steelraine watching the battle from the walls.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDgacAcp9w
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As long as the Howizers continued to fire, there was hope. And amidst the chaos and carnage of war, hope was the one thing that could a leader could never afford to lose. Hope meant morale and men do not fight without morale.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0LGux4K2Z
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The enemy began to retreat, the Grand Narcissian Army forces did not pursue. They began to pour into Worcester. The distant thunder of retreating footsteps echoed ominously.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8U3DwNdYk
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When it was only really the rear guard left, a force broke off of the retreating main body and moved back towards us with frightening speed. They were on the rear guard within moments.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W5RD5UgY7
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I moved down to the gate to be greeted with the sight of Lord Sergeant-Major Aurora dragging the body of Grand-General Pride. His white uniform was dyed red with blood281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQvjWVfFoG
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My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched the harrowing scene unfold before me. The air crackled with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid scent of smoke, mingled with the haunting cries of the fallen. Every fibre of my being screamed for action, yet I remained rooted in place, powerless to alter the course of fate.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3JwHw11iS
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Aurora's voice pierced through the din of battle, a clarion call in the midst of chaos. "Close the gates, Worce!" he bellowed, his words a command laced with desperation. With a heavy heart, I obeyed, the grinding of stone against stone a grim harbinger of our impending doom.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9IzkPCHq2
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A small force outside had refused to move inside. I realised that they must have been the Lord Sergeant-Major's.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNteZn9vgX
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As the gates sealed shut, I turned my gaze back to the fray, witnessing Aurora's final stand against the relentless tide of the enemy. His war scythe danced with deadly grace, cleaving through flesh and bone with merciless precision. Yet even the mightiest of warriors can only defy fate for so long, and soon Aurora found himself overwhelmed by the sheer weight of numbers arrayed against him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQIiVgvk6p
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In his final moments, amidst the chaos and carnage, Aurora's eyes met mine, a silent exchange of understanding passing between us. With a determined resolve, he pulled the pin from a grenade, a smirk appeared on the veteran soldiers face as he embraced his destiny. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNvQXWdpBo
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And then the grenade detonated. Lord Sergeant-Major Erik Aurora and all the enemy soldiers around him were obliterated by the bundle of grenades doing off all at once. One of the longest serving non-commissioned officers of the Grand Narcissian Army was gone in an instant.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejqVbxm9XZ
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Grand-General Pride's attack had cost his own life in addition to 90,000 other men's. The death toll on the Narcissian side now numbered an estimated 179,000 men that had been wounded or killed in the Defence of Worcester. The Grand Narcissian Army could call on an additional 500,000 part-time reservists and men that had military training to bolster its ranks. The Narcissian population was estimated at 16 million - the Empyrean regions were huge, hence why most are split into subregions, official or not. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWXyhKWseE
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The names of the fallen that i recognised included Grand Warlord Nimbus of the 26th Artillery Corps. War Brigadiers Caesar, Orion, Icarus of the 2nd Corps, 4th Corps, and 39th Rifle Brigade. Captain-Commanders Jarl and Oak of the 340th and 341st companies, and Ego Lieutenant Dawnstar.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMRN4j0VDM
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Grand-General Valour informed me that Grand-General Maxim of the 3rd Assault Army Group had committed suicide. Maxim was renowned for being strange, frequently being reported conversing with people that aren't there, abruptly breaking out into laughter, and generally being a bit weird. The consensus among Ego Lieutenants and non-commissioned officers was that Maxim hear voices in his mind constantly, anyone above that was told that it was true and that he had a condition that wasn't serious. I was told that that he did indeed have a condition - Schizophrenia - and that it was serious, evidently the voices has driven him to kill himself, a shame, but I had never met the man.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEPyBUCPvI
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Valourgavee me a letter from Marshal of the Grand Army Scipio - something that could only mean one thing, I was being promoted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNuYbhYrVi
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It read281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW5HJaxdQV
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Dear Lieutenant General Charles A. Worce,281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOICu9a4PU
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The fate of Grand-General Pride has come to my attention. Thou may be aware that Grand-General Maxim committed suicide because of his Schizophrenia. This means that 1 million men do not have an overarching superior. This is unacceptable. Thou shalt be made a Grand-General and given command of the 1st Infantry and 3rd Assault Army Groups owing to the emergency situation, thou shalt stay in command for the remainder of the war.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj9048UfTr
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If this letter had reached thou, I am already in Worcester. I await thy presence at the administration building in the office of High-Exarch Regimè of Worcestershire.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEM7xb1rUS
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Ad Astra Per Aspera!281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xUXnxI5Sz
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Resiak Zu Scipio, Marshal of His Eminence's Grand Narcissian Army281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrDjxfOWxJ
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"What doth it say, Worce?" Valour asked me.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm1rWox2tR
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"I am to be made Grand-General of the 1st Infantry and 3rd Assault Army Groups."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2joC8AM5Tl
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"Thou needs to go to the Administration Complex, I presume?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKWRWFzPqD
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"Indeed."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uv5FRIZIX
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Valour took me there. I entered the office of High-Exarch Regimè of Worcestershire.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3pJZzm1gT
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Marshal Scipio stood behind the large mahogany desk. This was one of the few rooms that was not adorned with maps and tactical diagrams, a reminder of the ongoing war effort.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HpUSvCDb7
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I saluted him. "At ease, Grand-General," Scipio said with a nod of approval. "I've heard impressive things about thou."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzKkezP2YR
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"Thank thou, Marshal," I asked without revealing sense of pride swelling within, "I amhonouredd by thy confidence."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFIkazfs4T
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Scipio continued, "Congratulations on thy promotion to Grand-General." He handed me a uniform befitting my new rank, along with the baton and sabre signifying my high position. "Wear it with pride, Worce. After all, thou art in command of half the army now."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm0U1kGLwY
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I accept the baton and uniform. The former was identified to the one that I had often seen the late Grand-General Pride waving about. The uniform was white and gold - not to mention highly decorated - and it bore the insignia of a laurel wreath enveloping a pair of crossed batons surmounted by a crown. The sabre was identical to the one I had received from Grand Warlord Egoni - something that seemed ages ago - except that it was gold rather than silver.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlAPNFfoCo
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Scipio then asked if I had any questions. I nodde. Theree were many.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR7vhmDMJ1
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"If i am to command the Assault forces, i aught to know where they art. Art thou aware of the 3rd Assault Army Groups whereabouts?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdebDuLOkiT
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Scipio sighed, a look of frustration crossing his features. "They art stationed at Graina Maria, but they should reach Valeshire soon."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvPtBYmbLI
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"Valerium?" I was confused as too way the Assault forces were there and not here.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml8aae3Yf7
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"Grand-General Maxim was ordered to stay away until a proper attack could be mounted."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbijSmJ9XnA
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I nodded, that made sense, "And what of Grand-General Maxim's suicide? Could it have been prevented?" he asked, his tone grave.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqAcdwiYHr
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Scipio's expression softened. "Maxim was battling severe schizophrenia. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't prevent the tragic outcome. It's a loss that weighs heavily on all of us."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucMpuh1tii
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I never knew Max. Thehe loss was cushioned by my newly bestowed 1 million strong command.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQdK0kcwZT
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"And what have thou been doing all this time, Marshal?" Worce inquired, curiosity piqued.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylJqJorC98
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Scipio chuckled lightly. "Ah, well, you see, I have my ways," he replied cryptically, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Let's just say I've been busy orchestrating some strategimanoeuvresrs behind the scenes."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB9DRBvVRI
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I raised an eyebrow at this, the Marshal had probably sat at a large mahogany desk much like the one in front of me and ordered Grand-Generals to move here and there. Thpositionon was largely ceremonial.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEHnS94eyf
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"What's the situation in other regions?" Worce asked, shifting the conversation to broader concerns.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMZ9jJDAuO
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Scipio's expression turned into a smirk, evidently pleased in that regard, "Dissent in the Estrin Dominion is being violently suppressed by Khaj Lefu, on the orders of Khagan Zultan," he explained. "As for other regions, I'm afraid I don't have much information at the moment. Our focus has been on the defence of Worcester. The developments in the East are satisfactory to me - if the Khagan is uprooted by a coup d'état or a revolt it will pull one of our most dangerous adversaries out of the war."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIsMButhRP
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"What of Cerulea?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORs5fRYatA
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"The Theocratic Confederacy of Cerulea has not done much of anything, it has the Conclave of Viziers stumped, they art probably going to attack with the rest of the Coalition in some sort of surprise attack, Valerium would make a good spot to invade to crack Worcestershire open, hence why the Assault Army Group is there.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G9SvUvsV6
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"Art the Valkyries real?" I asked, his curiosity getting the better of me, "No one appears to have seen any.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjjScTjMm6
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It was the marshals turn to nod, "Yes, they art very real. The elite of the elite. There art two Corps of them, The rest of the 3rd Assault Army Group is made up of two Corps of Sappers- who can perform a variety of functions such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses, and road and airship bay construction and repair - and four Corps of Jägers, a heavier type of Infantry.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUQcjIE8yG
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"And what about the Grand Narcissian Fleet?" I pressed, eager for information on our aerial friends and saviours.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou6111jIel
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Scipio's expression hardened. "They're nearly at Worcester, and they'll break the siege tomorrow. We must be prepared for a fierce naval battle."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7R8S4MT8p
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"And finally, Marshal, what advantages do we have?" I asked, seeking reassurance amidst the looming conflict.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxVF5mYZFB
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Scipio smiled confidently. "We have discipline, logistics, and the firepower," he replied. "We just need to use it properly."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN5zdG170J
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Day IV:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJIIg4nttK
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Everyone got a shock at how early the Grand Narcissian Fleet arriv. Itit was 0600! 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMKXhwtH20
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Better early than late however, the sky was filled airships.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVji1fcbZhF
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His Eminence's Grand Narcissian Fleet looked spectacular, casting long shadows over the battlefield, the unmistakable roar of engines filling the sky. My heart quickened as I scanned the sky, anticipation building up to a powerful climax. Then, like avenging Valkyries descending from the heavens in myths older than Narciss, the airships appeared on the horizon.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPGrKF94O3
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Their sleek forms glinted in the light of the rising sun, each vessel a formidable presence in the sky. The GNF had arrived, and with it, a surge delight swept through the defenders of Worcester .281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5yrF4mu5T
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But there was little time for celebration. As the airships closed in on their targets, the sound of gunfire erupted below. The Coalition forces, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the airships, scrambled to mount defencese. But it was too late.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4wHEWojft
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The airships unleashed a barrage of firepower, raining down destruction on the enemy ranks below. Explosions lit up the wals as shells detonated on impact, sending plumes of smoke and debris into the air. The ground shook beneath my feet as the full force of the aerial assault rocked the battlefield. Say one thing about the GNF, say that they were the friend of thinfantrymanan.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNZLVKvp2P
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In the chaos that followed, the Coalition forces faltered, their lines crumbling under the relentless assault. Panic spread through their ranks as soldiers scrambled to retreat, desperate to escape the wrath of the advancing airships.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8mp1kgvf4
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With each passing moment, the tide of battle turned ifavouror of the defending forces. The arrival of the airships had brought renewed hope and firepower. The enemy forces were pursued until they reached the border with the Dominion, they keep running.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrnFLYbyQG
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We had successfully defended the capital. I had risen even higher. The motto of the Earldom makes perfect sense to me now.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK4tGhn5Vz
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"Ad Astra Per Aspera..." I whispered to myself.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxByN0j82Pq
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Chapter Five - Battle of the Golden Bay:281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosrhIaKVTg
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The Lance Corporal appeared to be the embodiment of concentration as he pored over what he had written so far. There was the soft rustling sound of the page as he placed the notebook down on the coffee table as delicately as one might handle live ordnance. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEYv0xhXJf
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“After the conclusion of the Assault on Worcester, the Valkyries, in addition to the rest of the assault forces, became involved for the remainder of the Coalition War. Everyone knows that.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoCuupKfZc
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Worce thought for a moment. The room itself seemed to listen intently out of respect for the famous veteran when he finally spoke. “Indeed, they did become involved. They joined up with my forces as we marched towards the Bay of Gold to defend one of the Earldom’s weakest points. If the Coalition was to reach there – and I predicted they would try correctly -  they could have easily crippled our ability to fight by destroying the food supply for the entire region and effectively cutting Narciss in half.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX92YQaQd6
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“Art the Jewelled Peaks not near the Bay of Gold? There is an airbase there. Why defend there instead of starting an invasion of our own?” Harvester had the look of puzzlement that could only belong to the rank and file plastered all over his features. Worce sighed at this and drank some tea – ironically, the expensive kind from villages in Valerium such as Esto – before responding. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3zZfkFWNV
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“Thee art like the rest of thy generation: quite impatient. The Aquilorian Fleet would have sent us scurrying away if we attacked the border with the Dominion without the support of the GNF. The airbase was relatively new and housed Grand Wing A back then , as it does today. But the airships would not be able to prevent a combined ground-air invasion alone.”281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk19nQHWzp
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Harvester slumped into his chair at that, evidently not having thought about it. “So the forces went to the Bay of Gold...then what? All I know is that they were divided at some point.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Yb9qJ4Ay
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“Indeed they were. I realised that the Ceruleans would be unexpected as they had done nothing up to this point. I anticipated that the Coalition would attack here soon, as they thought it undefended according to reports from spies. The Dragoons would be a dangerous force to fight on the beaches directly, especially if a fleet was bombarding us from above. I adopted unorthodox tactics to deal with this possibility: I informed the officers the 1st Infantry and 3rd Assault Army Groups would be separated into the Sixteen Corps that made it up and divided between nearby Settlements, where they would encircle and destroy the enemy should there be an attack." 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2yU0fNvnc
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Harvester seemed to understand the utility of this, but seemed to be struggling internally to work out where everything would be sent, “Where were they all sent?” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cdVrR7GX6
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Worce was evidently still both Grand-General and High-Exarch of Worcestershire in his heart as evidenced by the fact that his response was to pull pen and paper from seemingly nowhere before beginning to create a rough copy of the Order of Battle. He jabbed the pen at the paper as he explained what was sent to the villages with careful precision. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5J2fVOkJ0
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“Corru Née got the 1st and 2nd Infantry, the 17th and 18th Assault Corps, and the 58th Valkyrie Division. The 3rd and 4th Infantry, in addition to the 19th paired with the 21st Assault Corps joined by the 59th Valkyrie Division, were sent to Nordoste. Meanwhile, Glänzeno was garrisoned by the 5th and 6th Infantry plus the 22nd Assault Corps and the 60th Valkyrie Division. Lastly, the 7th and 8th Infantry combined with the entire 23rd Valkyrie Corps (Made up of the 70th, 71st, and 72nd Valkyrie Divisions) went with me to Esto, where I took direct command.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaX5f4nzfe
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Harvester noticed but tried to ignore just how much the pen shook in the elderly man’s grasp. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59IAVgAwci
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“What of the GNA Craft?” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1jCp307KR
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“As we were brought to the area by airship, the naval officers were still around. I managed to get a hold of High-Commander Azure of the Battlecruiser, GNA Caeli, to warn the Jewelled Peaks Base to keep their airships aloft on the other side of the mountain in case of an attack. I also asked that they keep a small craft like an Escort Destroyer nearby so that we could signal for support.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdYSSkkn7o
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“What did he say?” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTwSIndtP6
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“Nothing. He saluted me and went off with the last airships soon after. One of my Spotters sighted the Escort Destroyer not long after...” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZygTJ7gm6
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Lance Corporal Harvester seemed to take this in. “I’ve never seen a Valkyrie. What were they like?” he asked curiously.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMOa4XBYvW
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“They wear midnight black uniforms. The officers got gold highlights. They unnerved the Jägers and Support Jägers of the assault forces and flat-out terrified the regular infantry. The officers weren’t much better. The way they were structured was the same. All one hundred and twenty thousand of them seemed to be like the late Lord Sergeant-Major Aurora. They moved with such precision and ruthlessness that it was as if they were a single entity, a shadow that swept across the battlefield, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.” 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TW3zFAui7
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Harvester nodded slowly, absorbing Worce’s words. The room fell silent again.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmLHoKJYkV
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“So...what happened at the Bay of Gold, sir?” asked the Lance Corporal, who was picking up his pen. 281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUNS4eKLDZ
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“Well” began Worce.8964 copyright protection277ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yjO9m1xCz 維尼

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