49 YBP - Day I:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q0gPS0oXk
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO15lFMrb0
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6KR43W1Xg
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In practice, the Grand-Generals are more powerful than the Marshal - who is basically a figurehead.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguoet8JVVc
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3mdf6KgW4
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCj0Edjnkb
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgza8GdFvfS
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2MgOtGIT2
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFYlHhCS3b
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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?"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBFkGXb1nh
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hEjY4FdYw
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0sDcBl25a
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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!"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULrFzbZ4eQ
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lPm4NmGLM
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ1mw1dY8i
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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)288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5rKvN1mOl
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Valour has shown me the response that he had gotten from Aeroadmiral Empyr.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRRsir2s3F
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Dear Grand-General Valour,288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAgCrdHuHX
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk4IBC8yhC
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Battlecruisers:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMOSN7hgY0
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• GNA Callisto 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWwLqlQ0Tr
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• GNA Celeste 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAAa5MUw0V
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• GNA Tauri 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJZmGsWZVf
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• GNA Zosma 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EE9u0Tsfq
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• GNA Rêverie288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKzJZ1mOMH
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• GNA Invictus 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPoXH8Xdwu
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• GNA Roma 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMeYbg7VDV
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Heavy Frigates:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HggCC4dt7
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• GNA Rumine Dora 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBQXSSYVzD
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• GNA Oblitus Icaria 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAsZxlDHYd
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• GNA Cor Ferro 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDndGsCiXMx
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• GNA Rix Erinè 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ddBiYMP8
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• GNA Sol Indiges288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuUSDhhIvx
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Frigates:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdvBnk7tmS
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• GNA Eir288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEBcB0yCiF
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• GNA Prinz Nar288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH4bCsursJ
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• GNA Großer Kurfürst288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDoTJWiZxx
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• GNA Empyr288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVHlJ8pLGu
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• GNA Hildr288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu4LvPTfx6
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• GNA Róta288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QhDq3zkug
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• GNA Göndull288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9WJ57QiIo
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• GNA Hervör Alviter 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzevD23vd2
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Destroyers:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR71IMLKw3
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• GNA Estoc288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReIW2ki6Au
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• GNA Falchion288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUEi1C6M4B
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• GNA Glaive288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA2cfhaoOg
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• GNA Épée288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rf7nbIpmu
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• GNA Arbalest288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Be8kW0r10
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• GNA Tonfa288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8X9adSXIg
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5iR8UGYTd
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Ad Astra Per Aspera! 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CfJe52WH3
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Empyr, Aeroadmiral of the Grand Fleet288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQh7GLlQ8M
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYZfWNcevb
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuFSLkuAQu
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3auLie3KK
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ829EwiB4Hm
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Day II:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVGaDrJhVN
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGV4rS4wp6
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsUmpl9wAb
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl89Mf7Bo1I
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaor0NA5OQ
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7CtsMDtMx
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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?"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LVqwu5vUC
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPbnbFAnT3
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFzPTU9vkj
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPc5jX3Xpx
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarZkPXkHlS
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9dFhMmwY1
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFts3wl9qNg
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MV8EO4acz
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtigMtzoqhO
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFmqgFFBVo
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDsN76nA3Z
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzhxWoUZSI
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUeqgbE1gx
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxNJ1m9EtK
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCUq88QyRn
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIRnxVqQIe
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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"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5eVWJV58R
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3Swjqgrqm
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWB7qz54IS
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGXIeHlbin
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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? 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkbzJtsZyq
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The High-Exarch of Luxequinox interestingly lacks a ceremonial weapon. No one seems to know why. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWngbgjozC
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I approached Grand-General Pride just after noon. Everyone was tired by this point.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O7omTUgkn
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN0quIFV6f
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpWMSqUdc9
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwKDJIsJc0
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRHNgPurAN
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXViEIAS9W8
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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!"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbzXxsfhx
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"Yes sir."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvXg8knHOc
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"We just need to last a few more days."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoTfPaH8HJ
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"And so we shalt, Grand-General."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItRDmLYNNJ
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY266018Ci
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Day III:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03ftTL69G9
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We were awoken by bugle calls at dawn. That could never have been a good sign.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yygZPqJWw
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZCbOY2672
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sEjombaVI
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GpO7zPkBP
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"How many Coalition men are not involved in this attack?" I asked.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7iDCJbHgn
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJP7Tr7MTI
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"We can probably help with what men are left and the Howizers, Sir."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPTXq48vpq
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBLq2nAhoa
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"I see."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLobbsqFgYq
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"Move!"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4mUmReR6f
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxxjTU0cGY
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"What are our orders, Grand-General Stee-" Began one of the soldiers.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhFmVZpjhx
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"Fire!" The man thundered at the sleepy soldier, I noticed he had the insignia of a sergeant.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxLomoeGTW
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7X30UtGCm
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKZta21rrx
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUnyMP09Cp
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWFq9U3Qz5
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBHtcgRudi
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNrXuSap0u
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotBteBnI3O
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehvBGwiEZj
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqgGlAoz1K
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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 blood288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJElgJ0qAc
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn8m1b2jPE
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN8yP2GGOe
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbryDnybTDH
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW42794SpX
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhxiz4l42J
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8MlP2kqPs
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF1iNGtp91
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuarxj9KbH
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOhISqznHs
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliHCP0Zplr
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It read288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxbeuVZhT2
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Dear Lieutenant General Charles A. Worce,288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyEv9ybBs4
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfItmIF2aKE
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tEO63xvY3
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Ad Astra Per Aspera!288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGfqna11qY
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Resiak Zu Scipio, Marshal of His Eminence's Grand Narcissian Army288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrafKKM3N6
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"What doth it say, Worce?" Valour asked me.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiaC06ALjD
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"I am to be made Grand-General of the 1st Infantry and 3rd Assault Army Groups."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6lQJwu56J
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"Thou needs to go to the Administration Complex, I presume?"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS38LOSqtYx
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"Indeed."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCVMjO29Mr
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Valour took me there. I entered the office of High-Exarch Regimè of Worcestershire.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1FCrnEN2R
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yCkwzMQku
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ1HFdje9t
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"Thank thou, Marshal," I asked without revealing sense of pride swelling within, "I amhonouredd by thy confidence."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe3feYeHL5
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4MmvGg29V
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3ntzyoetk
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Scipio then asked if I had any questions. I nodde. Theree were many.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MQ3MQT1v8
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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?288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrLlmDfOnC
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkm0t67gKR
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"Valerium?" I was confused as too way the Assault forces were there and not here.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupumOJul6G
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"Grand-General Maxim was ordered to stay away until a proper attack could be mounted."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3pcILNuk8
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEaxAp0QDg
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWDf5GXitf
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I never knew Max. Thehe loss was cushioned by my newly bestowed 1 million strong command.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFER5HhyGn
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"And what have thou been doing all this time, Marshal?" Worce inquired, curiosity piqued.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpluh6AGPyG
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAHk5wbMTd
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTPQn6t2Re
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"What's the situation in other regions?" Worce asked, shifting the conversation to broader concerns.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDGMQx3Pp0
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uex0Vmydp
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"What of Cerulea?"288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdITEt1nGH
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3a3rP55wU
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"Art the Valkyries real?" I asked, his curiosity getting the better of me, "No one appears to have seen any.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hDFD7CKDU
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvK5G5YZy5
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"And what about the Grand Narcissian Fleet?" I pressed, eager for information on our aerial friends and saviours.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF12KQIlUt
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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."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoCitzUjav
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"And finally, Marshal, what advantages do we have?" I asked, seeking reassurance amidst the looming conflict.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy0x9IZRSL
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Scipio smiled confidently. "We have discipline, logistics, and the firepower," he replied. "We just need to use it properly."288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekbMSCCeFL
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Day IV:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1skywFTkRE
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Everyone got a shock at how early the Grand Narcissian Fleet arriv. Itit was 0600! 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6m6CeN70M
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Better early than late however, the sky was filled airships.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvTPahV7GI
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07VNXRDYiL
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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 .288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35GfbYNKSk
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK3owcWCBw
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRZ7d5ohZY
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWXCt3zSkC
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j4jfdUwGu
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Px8LyVjTF
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"Ad Astra Per Aspera..." I whispered to myself.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOAgOEj42K
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Chapter Five - Battle of the Golden Bay:288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQQKFBFgOw
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLErILIMO0r
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCpDB73TiC
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfYMgB5D0Q
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii67FezIYE
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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.”288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHQiwgRJwB
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZMQtzPyRu
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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." 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB87SJKVnsO
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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?” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9ygPTpQ4z
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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. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKPw3Eo58E
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kzb2JaaTj
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Harvester noticed but tried to ignore just how much the pen shook in the elderly man’s grasp. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunVo1GG7A3
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“What of the GNA Craft?” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhUDefu58o
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbkis1fEKK
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“What did he say?” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3BEtTAKur
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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...” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwbWlAiHht
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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.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNJEENoO7v
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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.” 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY3aURvPkW
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Harvester nodded slowly, absorbing Worce’s words. The room fell silent again.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mewg8Dmwy
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“So...what happened at the Bay of Gold, sir?” asked the Lance Corporal, who was picking up his pen. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xfB4SpXvg
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“Well” began Worce.8964 copyright protection284ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3OqKMdzLg 維尼

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