Myth: A New Age CYOA

[Absinthe]

1D - Turn it on the invading army. However, prepare to just blow it up and make a quick run for it if the enemy gets too close.

2C - Take it then cover it in lead as soon as possible. It seems we can carry it for now but we shouldn't mess with it until it's safe.

3ABD - Trying to cast a Gate spell is pushing it right now. We don't have it mastered yet, and we only have 3 mages instead of the proper 5 (but we do have a ton of energon cubes). It would also take all our time teaching it to everyone. Plus we don't know what would happen if enemy mages try to tamper with the spell. However with B and D we can improve our knowledge of this school of magic and make use of it. A is also a given. E is too risky, since the page we got seems to be bait.

 

[Fangshi]

Sure. They have done more than enough to earn it. Not every human can boast they have killed an archmage.

The four you have encountered so far are:

Jatayu - He is arguably Lyssa's favourite (though do not tell the others that). He is very protective of his master and has a strong tendency toward heroics and 'leaping before he looks' which can get him into trouble. But it is also easier to convince him to do something truely insane. He carried your ring in the attack on the Thin White Mage and is currently searching the area for your Blackrock mercenaries.

Ocypete - She is the fastest of Lyssa's eagles and the one she sent to Muirthemne. She can be quite clever though she also has a tendency to get annoyed quickly and she is not terribly forgiving when someone wrongs her or her mistress. She also has the best command of Bruig amongst Lyssa's known, remaining eagles as she tends to range the furthest north when doing her rounds. She is likely somewhere between Muirthemne and Myrgard at the moment.

Aquila - He is the youngest of the eagles and runs a lot of Lyssa's short range messages. He is the most completely loyal of Lyssa's eagles and so held Thaïs' ring during your attack on the Thin White Mage though he was fairly certain it would get him killed. He is not terribly optimistic but because he rarely expects a good outcome he is also very difficult to discourage. He is currently with Lyssa.

Calaeno - She is quite intuitive if a little dark in nature. Lyssa trusts her judgement the most out of all the eagles but she is rather secretive in nature. She is currently on route to Myrgard.

There may be others as well if they survived.

Well, it depends on how reasonably higher the checks would be.

No way to know. Choices that involve completely separate groups of people are not likely to raise the difficulty of the checks at all while selecting a lot of tasks that require the same people is likely to lead to problems (there is, as always, an element of luck though).

How many skilled mechanics are there in the Fort? Who would be able to help Astrid fix the mortar if that is at all possible?

All the Pathfinders (except Alvis) have some skill with machines but only Astrid really excels at it. Berty is also quite good at improvising things but he has no real formal training.

Lyssa would have to make the call if she thought the rat was smart enough to follow those orders.

That rats are smart enough to do it if given proper motivation. The problem is that they have not received the sort of training and conditioning necessary to ensure that one would stay put and actually follow through with the plan over a long period of time (hours). It might work but Lyssa can not guarantee that the rat won't wander off with your ring and never come back.

The rodents (at least for the time being) are a cross between conscripts and mercenaries as opposed to truly loyal allies like the eagles.

2C - Take it then cover it in lead as soon as possible.

Added.

1D - Turn it on the invading army. However, prepare to just blow it up and make a quick run for it if the enemy gets too close.

Added.

 

[Nevill]

It might work but Lyssa can not guarantee that the rat won't wander off with your ring and never come back.

Well, it's going to be hard to disappear if animal teleportation works as advertised.

Still, we have a contingent of 15 rodents to work with, and Lyssa has a few days to get to know them. That increases our chances to find somebody who would be interested in our offer.

Besides, it's either a life in the wilderness among the predators, or eat-what-you-can in a comfy fort for a quick bit of work. The mice that settled here clearly have a taste for a certain lifestyle.

 

[Grimgravy]

B>Aii
A
BDE

 

[Absinthe]

Fangshi, I've got a few adjustments to 1D. Since we're not making tricky preparations to GTFO, is it possible to set up the archers to nail the enemy as they advance and buy us some time? The arrows can fire from beyond the shades' range, right? If they just retreat as they keep firing into the enemy, they should be able to get a few volleys off and slow down the enemy. Maybe we could get off a mortar shot too. Actually, can we use Strong Wind right now to amplify our archers' and pathfinders' firing range to something ridiculous?

I basically want to burn through a lot of cubes right now to inflict a ton of damage on their invading party with all sorts of spells before we make a run for it.

Grimgravy, care to flop to 1D and 2C? They're basically better versions of 1B and 2A.

 

[Jester]

Hmmm can we prepare the trap in hut, use spells once or twice and set on the trigger while exiting?
If we will use cannon at least once i doubt that they will check, if it work.

"In essence you are everywhere. "
We are certain god of wisdom, Shulgi for pals.

1)E?
2)C- is ok, but mby firstly put it in some box to make sure book wont be destroyed
3)A- Lyssa should be able to do it quite easily by herself till actuall ritual
B- first step into quick personal gates
D- mostly pathfinders job

 

[Fangshi]

Since we're not making tricky preparations to GTFO, is it possible to set up the archers to nail the enemy as they advance and buy us some time?

It is possible but a bit risky. You ask Ceannard and Bari for an evaluation and this is what they tell you:

Your enemy's ranged units are faster than your own. Not by much mind you but they will be able to catch you if they pursue at top speed and without regard to casualties.

An average soulless has a range equivalent to an average bowman. An average Shade (if an archmage can be said to be 'average') has a range equivalent to a regular mortar, at least when it comes to their Dispersal Dream. So on range things would normally be even.

However you are using Black Arrows and Pathfinder Mortars which give you a slight edge when it comes to range. If you are willing to leave Lyssa amongst your battleline then she could also likely call up winds to increase your range a little more.

On the damage front your archers hit harder than their soulless but their Shades hit harder than your mortars and have no limit on the damage they can do if you are bunched too closely together so that should be taken into account.

They also substantially outnumber you.

So it might be able to do a sort of rolling retreat provided you are not overrun by the enemy's forces.

That is all your captains can tell you at the moment unless you want more specific information.

Hmmm can we prepare the trap in hut, use spells once or twice and set on the trigger in exit?

Yes but you would not be able to connect the trigger until after you are done using it or you would blow yourself up. And there may be some general risks involved with casting spells in a building rigged with explosives.

Astrid would likely have to stay behind until you are done and then try to sneak away or jump on the last chariot out. It would be close but doable if you want to try.

Just let me know and I will add it.

 

[Jester]

1E) Use building to spell a bit, afterwards trap the hell of it and evacuate.

If we have over half hour we could make some traps, fetch a mortar or prepare some points to give us cover while retreating (could use remaining chariots) to buy some time. Astrid is only patchfinder required to do so? If so can rest set some surprises for arrivals or they have something like smokescreen mortar shell to obstruct vision of spell casters?

 

[archaen]

Fangshi, would either of the wards we know help blunt the dispersal dream cast by a shade?

 

[Fangshi]

If we have over half hour we could make some traps, fetch a mortar or prepare some points to give us cover while retreating (could use remaining chariots) to buy some time. Astrid is only patchfinder required to do so? If so can rest set some surprises for arrivals or they have something like smokescreen mortar shell to obstruct vision of spell casters?

Yes that is doable and Alvis, Stori and Ori are working on it while you handle the 'cannon'. It is likely they have a few surprises set up already though Derryth does not know specifically what they are yet.

They do have signalling grenades and shells so they probably could lay down a quick and dirty smokescreen if they had to.

Fangshi, would either of the wards we know help blunt the dispersal dream cast by a shade?

Not as they are. There are a few possible, theoretical leads you could pursue but it would take time, research and a lot of effort.

The Dispersal Dream has been around for thousands of years and so far the only real defence from it is to kill the caster before the spell is thrown or to avoid being targeted all together. Some archmages can shrug it off but they don't do it by shielding themselves, they do it by making themselves near impossible to kill/hit.

 

[Kz3r0]

1. A)ii
2. C)
3.ABD

 

[Nevill]

It is possible but a bit risky. You ask Ceannard and Bari for an evaluation and this is what they tell you:

Actually, we may have a unique opportunity here, as our strike force is really small.

Slow forces:
5 Pathfinders
17 Archers (or less)
6 named characters (Neel, Ceannard, Derryth, Thais, Lyssa, Uttu)

Carriers:
12 chariots (or less)
11 drivers (or less)

Now, we may have sent some of our chariots to the fort with the wounded and with the Black Rod, but we have an hour until the enemy arrives, the fort is only 40 minutes away if we go there on foot, and the chariots are much faster than that. We should be able to get them back if we want them, no?

With the number of characters we have, we can set up our retreat this way:

X - - - - - - - - -> X1 - - - -> X2 ---------------------------------------------> X3
...........................................<-----------..........................................
Y----------------------------------------------> Y1 - - - - > Y2 - - - - - - - - > Y3

Group X retreats on foot, while group Y does so on the chariots. After a while, the chariots dislodge group Y at point 1 and go back to pick up group X. They do so at point 2, while group Y moves on foot. Finally, both groups are reunited and the cycle begins anew.

This should give us an edge in speed, granted to us by sheer composition of our forces.

What say you, Fangshi? Legit or not?

 

[Fangshi]

What say you, Fangshi? Legit or not?

Are you asking can it work? Sure.

Will it work? Who knows.

Soulless and Shades are faster than your infantry though so you will have to be careful.

There are two ways Ceannard and Bari can see that going wrong besides obvious mistakes in timing and coordination among your men.

The first is not too damaging, if your enemies realize that they can not easily reach you then they will simply give up their chase and your strategy will be undone.

The second might be a greater cause for concern. If they throw 300+ Soulless at your X group right from the start it is unlikely that you will be able to get to them in time to escape.

Also keep in mind that the path to your fort is winding and Soulless can float.

 

[Nevill]

The second might be a greater cause for concern. If they throw 300+ Soulless at your X group right from the start it is unlikely that you will be able to get to them in time to escape.

Would it matter if we have both X and Y? It's 14 archers and 1 mortar against several hundreds of Soulless.

Also, it's not like we can't send some people ahead. We only need Astrid to set up the trap, the rest are just luxury. In fact, we can send half of our forces home right now and only leave enough people to fit on the chariots - if we are so inclined.

I know I want to bait them out, though. Dangle the target right before their noses.

There was one mission in the original Myth Campaign. I believe it's this one.

Spoiler

I'd like to play it similarly here, but I don't know if the conditions are the same.

Also, can we make it look like we intended to blow up the building from the outside, rather than from the inside, but didn't have enough time to do so?

 

[Nevill]

3)A- Lyssa should be able to do it quite easily by herself till actuall ritual

I would advise against spreading our efforts too thin, because of this:

Choices that involve completely separate groups of people are not likely to raise the difficulty of the checks at all while selecting a lot of tasks that require the same people is likely to lead to problems (there is, as always, an element of luck though).

Lyssa can handle the foci on her own, but she is also required for animal cooperation, as she is the only one who can speak with them. By pursuing both goals at once we might not succeed in either.

 

[Fangshi]

Would it matter if we have both X and Y? It's 14 archers and 1 mortar against several hundreds of Soulless.

Also, it's not like we can't send some people ahead. We only need Astrid to set up the trap, the rest are just luxury. In fact, we can send half of our forces home right now and only leave enough people to fit on the chariots - if we are so inclined.

Well keeping everyone in a chariot would help prevent the Shades from easily reaching you though your opponents will still have an easier time crossing rough and impassable terrain.

Also, can we make it look like we intended to blow up the building from the outside, rather than from the inside, but didn't have enough time to do so?

You might be able to come up with something though your Pathfinders are already quite stretched.

Current Tally:

Spoiler

archaen:
1.Ai, 2.A, 3.ABD

Azira:
1.Aii, 2.A, 3.BDE

Nevill:
1.Aii 2.A 3.BD

Absinthe:
1.D, 2.C, 3.ABD

Grimgravy:
1.B>Aii, 2.A, 3.BDE

Jester:
1.E, 2.C, 3.ABD

Kz3r0:
1.Aii, 2.C, 3.ABD

1.
A)
i. 1 vote
ii. 3 votes
B) 1 vote
C)
D) 1 vote
E) 1 vote

2.
A) 4 votes
B)
C) 3 votes

3.
A) 4/7 votes
B) 7/7 votes
C)
D) 7/7 votes
E) 2/7 votes

 

[Nevill]

Well keeping everyone in a chariot would help prevent the Shades from easily reaching you though your opponents will still have an easier time crossing rough and impassable terrain.

Hm. So theoretically, it could be possible to do a retreat with these forces:

Derryth, Thais, Lyssa, Uttu, Ceannard, Neel, Bari, Astrid, Ori, Stori, Alvis and a spare chariot with an unnamed archer. 12 people in total, not counting the drivers.

The mortar team should be able to provide us with a smoke screen when we really need it if the enemy catches up with us on a winding path.

Anyone wants to try it? We can probably swap some of the melee-oriented Pathfinders with the archers.

I propose Aiii - instead of rigging the trap mechanism we use our extra time to set up an appearance of us trying to blow the place up from the outside and failing to do so due to the lack of time, leaving an 'obvious' trap for enemy to disarm to lull them into a false sense of security while they are oblivious to the real one.

We send our slower forces ahead, and then withdraw on the chariots, trying to wreac havoc among the pursuers and inflict as much damage as possible.

Astrid elaborates, "If I start now I should be able to set up a trigger that will detonate the entire structure if any spell is cast through that opening. It would only take maybe forty minutes to completely set up. If they fire off a spell then the entire structure and everything in it will be destroyed."

"If they don't discover our tampering," you remind her.

"Well, yes," she grudgingly admits, "It would be conditional on their continued ignorance of our act of sabotage. However I could also install a secondary trigger to set off the an explosion should anyone try to tamper with my devices. It would take more time though... maybe an extra twenty minutes."

It trades away the difficulty the enemy might have with dismantling our trap if they discover it in favor of our trap being less apparent and better hidden.

Since the initial trap only activates when someone casts a spell, it has a bigger likelihood to blow up a mage - or a group of mages, as it may be.

I'll go with Aiii>Aii A BD.

 

[Azira]

Sort of like a medieval cannonball run? Count me in. Berty is the perfect Captain Chaos.

 

[Grimgravy]

I'll add a conditional to my 1. vote. 1D>Aii
But I want to learn from the the diary not cover it in lead.

 

[Nevill]

Fangshi, who can we expect to catch in our trap with Aii if it is found? Who in the undead army would be proficient enough to try and dismantle the trap or otherwise tamper with it? I would assume the mindless undead would not have the skill to do it. So that leaves us... ghols? Shades?

Are Soulless more vulnerable to the Strong Wind than the ground forces, seeing how they are floaing and there is no friction to help them steady themselves? Can we blow them off the ridge?

 

[Absinthe]

Fangshi, lets not do the rolling retreat then, given that the Watcher's army is sure to just order a reckless charge on our forces (attack attack attack is all they do really) with their massive hordes and eventually that will screw us over if they can just outrun us. Just leave 1D as is for now.

Also, Nevill, your illusion plan is too risky. I mean, we don't even know if illusions will work on those archmages. Plus the enemy will still be faster than us on the rolling retreat, so it's not looking pretty there. Frankly, I like 1D the best since we still get to wreak some fast havoc on the enemy (Fangshi, lets make sure to burn through a lot of cubes for a rapid high-power barrage for the short duration that we are attacking.) but we also get to guarantee that the enemy will not get control of the base since it will be destroyed.

However, for Aii I agree that we should immediately evacuate everyone who would go on foot and just leave chariots for a much quicker escape.

 

[Nevill]

Who said it has to be an illusion? I certainly didn't. It is as mechanical in nature as Aii - we make an appearance of rigging the hut, then when we are ready to retreat, one of the fuses 'malfunctions' (it's one way it could be handled), leaving the place standing. They know we have tampered with the place, but the results of our tampering are in plain sight.

There were also a few 'knowledge' checks made by you and your allies to determine what sorts of plans you came up with though naturally I can not tell you who rolled well or not.

I don't really trust Bari in magical matters (the suggestion to use a tree as a staff came from him), so I don't want to waste our resources on a long shot.

In front of each of the remaining walls rests a large uncut stone, a sort of platform or pedestal that someone could likely sit or stand on.

What goes into the pedestal? The mages themselves? Some artefacts? Live sacrifices? We don't know.

I especially don't want to burn through cubes if I have no idea when (or if) the next batch of supplies comes and with a long siege ahead of us.

All I want is to blow up the building - hopefully, with some mages in it.

If we get on the chariots, we may still outrun enemy mages, so there is that. Mindless undead like Soulless we can likely outmaneuver.

 

[Nevill]

Eh, I feel lucky today. Here is another proposition for a trap.

Aiv - rig the place and use something unique as a detonator/trigger placed on top of the hut. If the trigger is removed, the place explodes. Once we get away, we keep an eye on the hut. If a mage enters it, we cast Retrieve Item on the detonator. There is a line of sight, and we have a spyglass.

Are there downsides to this plan?

 

[Azira]

We constantly need to monitor the place, so yeah, there's that. If for some reason trees or other shit gets into the LoS, the trap's ruined.

Keep it simple. If there really is a thing as a magic-o-meter which will trigger once a spell is cast, great! If not, rig it to weight? Too many variables will screw us over.

 

[Nevill]

The fort is on a montain, though, and we will be heading up. I don't know if LoS will be a concern.

Just another idea, is all.