1874-05-15: Brigadiers to Arms
Brigadiers to Arms
Summary: Thomas Chandus writes his fellows about matters military.
Date: IC Date
Related: House Tarris Holds Court
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Alfred  Dertan  Gauvain  Letholdus  Thomas  Xavier  

A letter is sent from Brigadier Viscount Thomas Chandus to his fellows - Brigadier Viscount Dertan Kaedon, Brigadier Sir Xavier Arkanin, Lord Marshal Gauvain Tarris and Knight Marshal Letholdus Romante. Together, these men make up the commanders of Her Majesty's Galenthian Army, and form a sort of council on military matters. Added too is the Keeper of the Seals Viscount Alfred Gwynain, the Queen's Chancellor.

The letters are all identical, and it is clear from the spartan script that Thomas wrote them out himself. He eschews any sort of formality in his tone and style.

Gentlemen,

You are all being copied on this correspondence in an effort to continue the shared communications effort in matters of war, as was done during the latest strife. This obviously worked - we won. I relate to you some elements which came out of the Tarris Ducal Court today which we all ought to be on the same page about. I note that whatever level these are being dealt with, they are truly matters of importance to the realm's security and therefore in the purview of all royal officers.

  • The Lord Marshal ordered the construction of fortifications along the Ergonian Marches to defend against the Greenskins. What form these fortifications will take is unclear at this time, but I favour starting with motte and bailey works in most locations, with stone keeps at some key points. Motte and bailey require only a simple work force and easily obtained materials, and are robust.
  • The Lord Marshal also ordered that the Duchy of Tarris raise a new regiment to man these fortifications, to be drawn from each noble house. This will be a Ducal regiment, and perhaps could be drawn from veterans of the past three wars. In terms of equipping, spears and crossbows would be most effective and efficient. It appears that they will be formed and drilled in Aspendon, which will give them first hand experience with the Greenskins who've plagued that fief recently.

A note, particularly to Brigadier Kaedon - the Lord Marshal is requesting assistance from the forces in your Duchy in pre-emptively dealing with these Greenskins, with you and Sir Jarret Sokar asked for by name.

  • Multiple sources indicate that the Parthians are massing ships at their ports, and these are likely aimed at our southern coast. While the Princes of Partharia have stepped up their raiding in the last few months, these are much larger and more serious concentrations of ships. No current information on exact numbers or likely objectives, but we must treat the entire coast along the Great Salt as vulnerable.

It is of crucial importance that we take action to address this as soon as possible. Several options were floated during the court, including firing some of the Parthian ships by using cheap merchant vessels purchased for the purpose, as well as drawing their invasion forces into an ambush. The only way that we will neutralise Partharia is by inflicting a setback of sorts. Evidently, the lessons of 1866 were lost on them.

  • Both the Lord Marshal and I have proposed recruitment of a new royal regiment of light cavalry dedicated to reconnaissance. This reconnaissance regiment ought to be capable of covering vast areas of ground, screening main forces and ranging deep into enemy territory to gather crucial intelligence. They must be able to conduct both conventional and more special tasks. I envision them likely being pieced out in squadron sized elements, attached to the royal line regiments as integral scouting assets. They should be capable of engaging enemy as lancers if necessary. As with the Royal Marines, they should be recruited throughout the Kingdom, though I'm certain that many will come from the East given the plains' propensity for producing horsemen. I am also hopeful that we will one day see a similar force for artillery and engineers.
  • The matter of the Qatunax remains firmly in the hands of Brigadier Arkanin and, as always, he retains command of the northern theatre with respect to Galenthian forces. With news from the north being scarce, please inform us of your requirements in that area.

Gentlemen, although our large war with Rikton and Kentaire are over, we are surrounded by a host of smaller ones. The Greenskins are a complete unknown, and we do not understand their aims or strength whatsoever. Partharia is also difficult to assess, given the nation's fractious nature and the lack of clarity in our current intelligence.

We must work with allies such as Aequor, Navali, Rikton and those White Hall clans who fought on our side in the latest war on these matters. Intelligence is especially key, particularly with regards to Partharia. I would suggest engaging with Chancellor Sir Mattias Thynne of Four Corners, who as you all must know, has the finest intelligence network in the Civilised West. If we've the funds, he will also be able to bolster our forces. He has indeed expressed interest in deploying mercenaries at a potentially reduced rate for endeavours that threaten the whole of the West, all of the above which appear to apply. We should finally seek to leverage the new Legion of the West in these matters, as Kentaire's soldiers would be a potent force.

Keep in contact. The Kingdom depends on it.

Signed,
Brigadier Thomas Chandus

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