"I found these in the market, they may not be frag grenades but they'll do the job."
Lax sets down a small bundle of seven firebombs and hands one to Garm, Illorn and Gizzard.
"As for food we should be able to farm the islands though we'll need vast quantity of seeds, tool and men to generate what we need. We'll need to set up trade deals to get local crops but we could deal with the local Orks and test your macro batteries at the same time," Lax leans forward grinning.
"I'm told volcanic soil makes for excellent farm land, though we should check with any experts in our crew first."
Gizzard will run the numbers on fuel savings if they stripped down a shuttle.
"I believe we could save a lot of fuel if we stripped a shuttle down to the bare minimum to fly inside the atmosphere."
Garm nods at the suggestions.
"I say we seize the island in a campaign, leave no ork to threaten us. And have a stripped down scout shuttle for spying from the air. Can the giants be put to labour? How can we squeeze the most food and farming supplies for the least expenditure until we have our own stocks ready?"
Garm calls a meeting, ensures that Illorn, Lax, and the Gizzard lad are all present, along with any other surviving members of the command crew.
He remains standing, and announces to the room in a steady voice that carries well:
"I have called you here to discuss how we are taking these islands from the greenskins and anyone else who would challenge us for dominion over them. I am inclined towards sending scouts to assess the situation first. But I would have any ideas of yours, and I would have them clearly and now."
He watches the others, awaiting their responses.
High Factotum Erwin clears his throat "We don't have a complete inventory yet but new supplies of food are becoming less common on the ship. At the least we have four weeks but possibly more. Acquiring land for food is of great importance so I support this endeavour. However we have three unappealing options for getting people there. One is the shuttles but that will diminish our limited promethium resources. The next is using the teleportarium-"
Enginseer Tregor interjects "Few have undergone orientation and we can sorely afford time to conduct more orientation sessions it is out of the question."
"Enginseer we may not have an option. I'm sure we can instill in the men some kind of very real impression that if they do anything but walk in and stand on the platform when told they will be punished severely." Enginseer Tregor does not look entirely pacified by the suggestion. "Given the nature of the teleportarium we will lose crew members given the quantity that would need to be transported."
"Our third option is acquisition of wet naval assets to transport the crew. We do not have an over abundance of skills in this regard either at construction or manning such vessels but we could take or trade for such ships, or try to make some ourselves. Longterm this might become our default method of transporting troops outside emergencies."
"Regardless I think we will need to move the bulk of the crew onto a landmass. Even if we secure food sources hauling the quantities needed to the ship is a not inconsiderable demand in resources and time."
Confessor Davros stands speaking in a passionate tone "Not only should we smite the xenos but all human inhabitants not corrupted should be brought into compliance and their souls saved. I have consulted records from missionaries placed upon the vessel before in previous endeavours and I believe ten to forty percent of the local humans may yet be saved. Without reinforcements this could become a generational crusade but let us be the tinder that lights the flames of this worlds purification."
Lax jots down some figures on his dataslate.
"In that case it would probably be best if we used our scouting mission to find sea vessels. We'll also need to buy large quantities of local seed crops if we are to generate enough food and perhaps some local farmers can be ... acquired. Given that we only have 4-5 weeks of food left I recommend that we send out 2 shuttles on a joint scouting/raid mission if the locals prove unwilling to trade" Lax states.
"So we need water ships, to fill with men and seeds, and also farmers and sailors from the locals. So be it. We plan to draw men under our banner, why not begin with those? We can offer a future which does not result in them becoming playthings for monsters, but to see those monsters smashed back. And coin.", he grins. "So yes, acquire the ships and the workers we will need to make use of them."
"To house crew on the mainland, we will need shelter. I propose raising a new town, to be a port on the shores of our new home."
Illorn will lean forward "We canst leave acquisition of such to the High Factotum. I wouldst suggest we meanwhile take'th 100 men to our camp to reinforce and expand in preparation for such whilst we scout out the land. We know that there be'eth a human settlement on yon island as well as greenskin. I wouldst suggest we seeketh there to see if we canst be paid for our planned action against yon Orks. Mayhaps a simple bounty or even a contract for mercenary work." Illorn will nod towards Lax "Perhaps we mayeth even take part payment in yon seeds and transportation."
"Aye. I like the sound of that. Do the job once, benefit twice. Unless I hear objections, that is what we are going to do."
Garm looks around the table, seeking any such dissent.
Lets take that as no objections.
Heading north across the sea and following the coast of the larger island to the east after a time you start seeing some of the land below become more developed. Smoke spews from the city before you. How would ye like to finish your approach?
Lax is going to keep a look out for anything suspicious.
"We should land outside the city. The local haven't responded well to us flying over them in the past"
"We land outside and walk in."
Illorn will grunt out a laugh as he readies his weapons and armor on the approach. He will also keep an eye out as the shuttle comes in to land.
Rain pours down on your group as you advance. Workers move for the safety of buildings as you approach. Men in oiled leather cold weather gear watch ye. You can see swords at their hips while some in the back have oiled leather covering something you expect to be muskets. A man calls out in Reikspiel "Are you the men of Dupont?"
"You are addressing the honorable Rogue Trader Garm Dariyal" Lax says gesturing to Garm. "I am Lax Stoneborn, Master of Whispers. Who is this Dupont you speak of?"
The men talk amongst themselves, one checks a piece of parchment in the guard post "The Tilean's said ye work for Dupont if you're the ones from the big metal ship. Typical, can't scout properly."
Gizzard stands at the ready watching the negotiation.
Illorn, rain plinking off his helmet, will laugh "Nay, thine Tileans are correct but the boy hath a stick up his arse for titles, and thou didst not use Duponts o'er long one." Illorn will absentmindedly flex his shield arm as he asks"So, we art they as thou asked. Why dost thee asketh?"
"We are the ones you seek. What do you want of us?"
The men on guard duty look a little confused. "You arrived in a big metal flying box. The Tileans said you should have arrived before them or some such. But we're not seeking you, you came here." He quietly consults with one of the others "So uhm as guards I guess what we want of you is to know why you're here. I mean the Tileans said a lot but they clearly messed up the report in other ways."
"I mean m'lords are ye after trade, or wine for example?"
"We're hear, to offer you the deal of a life time. A one time offer to end your Ork problems. For good. If that interests you I suggest you inform your Lord that Captain Garm Dariyal is wishes to speak to him" Lax leans close to the guard.
"Also as a word of advice, I've found that red meat and strong beers go down well with my captain"
Illorn pinches the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger as Lax talks to the guards "Aye, and promise them the rutting moon as well." he grumbles. He'll then glance sidelong to Garm to see how he reacts to being spoken for.
"You have been seeking us. You want your ork problem ended, correct?"
The guards give you quizical looks and huddle together whispering.
"Why're they go on about orcs?"
[b]"I don't know. Maybe the Tileans weren't confused for no reason."
"Weren't they supposed to be here like three weeks ago, wait check the report."
"Yeah they killed a few orcs with the mercs."
"But why are they still on about them?"
"How should I know... Sigmar's backside let the nobles sort this out."
After a few moments the men turn around one of them smiles "Of course, I shall send word ahead. I'm sure Lord Uthred will be happy to hear about any ideas you have about orcs."
You've confused the guards with your assertions and they seem to be happy to let it be their superior's problem.
Garm gives a thin smile and replies:
"Of course. Lead on."
He turns to the others and says lowly in low gothic:
"Do they not know of the ork infestation near here? Perhaps the orks have not strayed far - yet."
In low gothic and in response to Garm.
"Or the news on this planet moves at the speed of wet ships and land beasts"
"There is that. I should recall such things. Let us see if their lords can be bargained with."
Four of the men escort ye while a young boy rushes ahead splashing water.
The keep seems well stocked with men happy to be out of the rain, the men wear a heraldy of orange and white. Servants move to and fro. A short squat invididual with a long beard who is incredibly broad seems to be arguing with a mason and shaking his head.
You are brought to a door before a hall and kept waiting a minute before a signal is given and "Lord Captain Garm Dariyal and his retinue." A voice calls out clearly to announce you.
The main figure in the room is a large man with black long hair tied in a ponytail and has a handlebar mustache. An orange and white sash adorns his chest over his armour which bears intricate designs. He looks at you curiously.
Another figure looks at you appraisingly, he wears gold embroidered robes and has a staff bearing eldritch symbols but seems to be at least platted in gold. He has blonde hair with a neatly trimmed beard and various golden rings.
Another figure stands in stark contrast with what passes for civilization here. Her hair is wild and her clothes made from hide with a necklace of fangs from beasts unknown. He hair is grey and her skin weathered and cracked but there is a worn in strength to her. Her feet lie bare on the flagstones. She looks at you suspicous. In her hands she holds a gnarled old staff.
There are various guards and members of the court about. One calls out as you approach "You stand before Imperial Viceroy Uthred of Neuland."
Garm's appraising gaze roams over the riches on display.
Best to show our interest in wealth.
He is in an open, gregarious stance for when he speaks:
"Viceroy Uthred, I am glad to meet you. Whether or not you have heard of it, orks make camp and mass closer to here than you should be happy with. And we can offer our services in purging them."
He turns to the others, and in Reikspiel adds:
"Describe the details to the Imperial Viceroy."
"Yes, we are from the great ship Hymn of Battle and as my Captain has said we would be honoured to cleanse this island of Orks for you.
While our livery my not be as refined as your our weapons, and skill with them, are of the highest quality, nearly as high a quality as your robes.
Unfortunately duty compels me to mention that we cannot preform this task for free and we will require some odds and ends, as well as a small payment.... merely to cover your expenses, though nothing too onerous for a man of such obvious wealth" Lax says, calling upon his childhood training at balls and courts.
"I have no issue with you killing the greenskins if that is what you wish. I'd wish you well in the endeavour. It is clear that they are far closer to your ship than the lands under my protection. I have enemies far closer to hand than the Greenskins of Trogland." He looks at your group appraisingly.
"I might provide some support in resources to this matter but let us not dance around the obvious. You seek to end a threat to yourselves and mitigate the cost, not offer some service as a kindness merely burdened by practicality. The landscape and locals provide buffer enough to make the orcs no threat of immediate concern."
"If you seek coin of greater weight at some stage in matters of more immediate concern to me I might accommodate so you. The exact value of which I could not currently calculate given what I know about you."
Garm gives a thin smile in response.
"Certainly, the orks are closer to us. But we have potent weapons which no others seem to on this world. Sooner or later, those orks are going to seek softer prey than us. And perhaps by then we will have found other uses for our arms. So in a way, we are doing you a kindness by making an offer now, and not squeezing you in an hour of desperation."
"But perhaps we will be putting our arms to your service before any of that comes to pass. What matters press on you, that we could cleave away?"
Illorn, shield put away on his back as they were escorted in, is leaning with his back against one of the pillars. His arms are crossed but Lax and Garm know that won't slow him down if he needs to draw a weapon. He is listening partially to the negotiations but is mostly paying attention to the others in the room, especially the two that smell of wizardry and shamanism. Whether or not they were as such was another matter.
The gold robed man speaks and Lord Uthred turns to him "You sow your words precisely but you have made a miss step. Your limited dealings with us have shown you are either far less competent than you think or weave deceptions unthinkingly. You have a flying ship, this we know, anything else we can be less certain of."
Uthred turns back to you "He does have a point. Do not make idle threats about squeezing us in my own hold, another man I could take this as deliberate but you wield the tongue of Reikspiel in an ungainly manner so I shall put this down as accidental." Uthred takes a sip from his wine "You're worth more than many sell swords I'd reckon but there is much unknown. How many men do you command or are all present? How does their wargear compair to your own? Warmachines? Now there is wisdom in concealing this if you are would be warlords... but if you are mercenaries you must make your assets clear."
"We have a few hundred men but as I have told you they are well armed with weapons unlike any you have seen. That said, words are cheap perhaps it would be best we could give you a demonstration. Tell us of the foe that vex's you and let them serve as proof"
"I clearly have more work to do in the mercenary business. Name a foe, we work a price and conditions, and then you can better judge if I attempt deception."
"A few hundred men? They would want to be extraordinarily well armed if you are trying to crush the orcs of Trogland with such small numbers, a good quantity would want to be your flying golem men." He gestures towards Illorn.
"I'd be willing to send a man to witness your forces in combat but they'll not be going with any gold at this point. You can go kill orcs as you desire or the lizardmen to the north who are of a more immediate concern to me or the local savages."
Gizzard will watch the exchange with all the presence of a man who has no idea what is being said.
"You would swear to gold for after the work is done?"
Garm glances at Illorn meaningfully.
"I promise nothing right now and do not offer you any gold. The indications for your ability are uncertain but promising but, your reliability is less so. If you wish to go and show your and your troops abilities fighting a hundred or more foes with my man as witness that would go a long ways to further proving your abilities and reliability."
"But if you can do as you say and kill tens of thousands of orc warriors with a few hundred troops I certainly will reward you with gold." Lord Uthred looks doubtful at this.
Illorn lets out a low rumble as he talks, helmet still in place "Enough word jousting. Thou could'st hire any number of small armies. But if all problems couldst be solved as such thou wouldst have no worries. There art places armies cannot go, places that swallow them whole and spit out their bones."
Illorn is addressing the Viceroy directly and its clear he is speaking from experience "What we doth offer is focused power at great speed. Name'eth thee a target; beast, daemon, War-leader, or whatever vexeth thee that an army could'st not reach or solve, and a price. We shalt see thine target dead or destroyed, then return'eth here for our gild. You get thine proof and we get paid."
He will lean back against the pillar, arms crossed again "Such an agreement would cost thee naught, unless we suceed'eth, in which case we all prosper"
"For such a relatively unknown group that is a more reasonable proposal. We'll start with something not too excessive given your supposed means. Either you'll deal with the issue or die in the attempt and stop bothering me."
"There's a Norscan raider called Drek'thul, his armour is black as obsidian and bares a white pelted bear upon his shoulders. His eyes are red and without an iris. He has five ships under his command but without him they will scatter to imagined fortunes and new masters. More than one monster sails beneath his banner."
"My men spotted his ships along the Southern coast by a bay near white cliffs. If you can fly your ship as quickly as you reported to my scouts it should be a simple matter to find him. There's no great mystery to his movements for a while he will raid the locals so he should be near the coast. If you make as great haste as you did coming here then the season will change before you find him I suspect. Bring me his head and the pelt on his shoulders and I will grant you this much gold." He gestures to a quantity of gold...
"Elias the Flayer has raided many of late, if you wish more coin than that you can extend your ambitions towards killing his men and seizing his holds as they'll be laden with booty."
Garm grins, and then states decisively:
"Now we are talking. This we shall do. A good day to you, Viceroy Uthred."
He turns to the others:
"Come. We have work to do."
And then makes to leave.
No one stops ye as ye prepare to leave the area though they're definitely keeping an eye on ye.
Garm is well used to stares and muttered words as he leaves establishments. He shows no sign of noticing these.
Once the group is well away, he says:
"So, we have a 'Norscan' to kill. Can the Hymn's auspexes find his ships or will we need to spend fuel on scouting?"
"I don't know. We should vox the ship and ask. In the mean time I think we should buy some small to medium sized ships here and start transporting our men to the island."
"Aye, we need transport, and to raise the ship. And I would keep shuttle flights to a minimum. We must not waste our advantages."
Garm will vox back, asking that the word be sent to the bridge: Can the auspexes find several wooden sailing ships if a rough area is known?
"Ah captain??!!, we can't really do that. A wooden boat is organic matter just like the islands they're bopping around. It's just going to look the same to the sensors."