Cadet Wars Chapter 1

Cadet Wars 

Chapter 1

~ War Begins ~

The Earth Federation had been around for so long that when it finally crumbled, it did so rather quickly and fractured into so many pieces that the smaller ones were quickly gobbled up by the larger of the pieces.

The Empire quickly arose and became one of the more dominant parts of the former federation; taking over an area of space furthest from Earth. The Earth Federation itself had stood for hundreds of years, spanning from the nuclear wars of 2055 right up to its fall at 2550.

What was left of the Federation was now called ‘Earth Gov’, a small collection of systems including Sol, the home of Earth and five of the surrounding sectors that had stayed under their control. Other smaller factions managed to survive; The Kolat Republic, The Rorakan Empire, the Morsan Monarchy and the Solland Kingdom. The other systems either left out of these superpowers either became smaller states or indepenant forces that allied with the larger powers in a mutual agreement.

The Solland Kingdom, more commonly called ‘The Kingdom’ was not that expansive like its brethren nations but had sustained the civil war relatively intact. Its military had been efficient and the Kingdom had secured a lot of the former Earth Federation’s shipyards in the fracturing.

It was over two hundred years since the fracturing and the last shot of the war had been fired shortly before an Armistice was secured and the military budget was being cut left right and centre by the current Kingdom administration. Twenty battle-cruisers had been decommissioned over the past five years alone.

‘Why the hell are we even on the ship if they’re just going to decommission the next ship we’re going to be on?’ Cadet Weapons Operator Franklin Dawson sighed as he picked up his mess tray and began to walk over to the rows of tables with fellow Cadet Weapons Operator Hector Richardson.

‘Because we can get our degree’s with the universities, serve many a year or half a year before being on a decommissioned ship, getting let off and then go get a real job rather than spending our time sailing the borders and dealing with any of the shit that only goes off during peace time.’ CWO Hector spoke firmly as he sat down, sniffing the lump of goo that the chef’s and their cadets called food.

‘I guess you’re right’ CWO Franklin shrugged and dug into the meal without letting his tongue touch it, it looked bad and probably tasted worse.

‘So where’s Harlan’ Hector asked as he washed down his own serving with the jug of water set out for each table.

‘Probably inside Cassandra’ Franklin chuckled.

‘Wasn’t he with Ebony?’ Hector asked before they looked at each other for a moment.

‘I thought I saw Jeanie with him earlier, but she’s in Operations at the moment… it has to be Cassandra’ they both let out a soft chuckle before getting back to their meal.

In fact, Cadet Operations Watch Officer Harlan Landry was inside Cassandra, then out… then in again. To say Harlan was a bit of a ladies man was an understatement, there were more than enough female officers in his little black book to get him discharged for disorderly conduct towards fellow officers enough times to warrant some sort of medal. Harlan just had that way with women, all he usually had to do was flash a smile and they would be hot under the collar almost instantly.

Cassandra, or Cadet Medical Technician Cassandra Bentley was his latest catch, having met her when a routine round of check-ups for the cadets went around. Space was an unforgiving place after all. Cassandra’s dark black hair flung over the pillow as the small mattress inside the bunk rocked back and forth; the sound proof walls hiding any noise the pair let out; more precisely Cassandra let out as she moaned like a pressurization warning siren.

When they were finally finished, Harlan sat up and picked up the bottle of soda from the side, sipping a little before handing it to the panting Cassandra, finding her soft asleep, he leaned down and pecked her lip before making his way to the shower.

Dressed in his fleet blue’s, Harlan left the Cadet Medical Technician to sleep off the rest of her off duty hours while he made his way back to his quarters for a quick nap.

They were aboard the Kingdom Defence Battleship ‘Loyalty and Honour’. To say the Battleship was old was an understatement, The Loyalty and Honour and served during the Fracture and made its way through the service with honours; finally being decommissioned and instead of being sent to the scrap yard where it was sent to the Navy’s training division for the Cadets to practise on.

All the technology on the ship was just about a hundred years old but still worked on the same concepts that the current technology on basic starships worked on. Some new technology had been installed on the old girl but it was still at least 30 years behind. The Kingdom wouldn’t outfit a decommissioned battleship with its latest technology when its own main line ships were suffering cutbacks.

Harlan made his way to his quarters and passed out on his bunk, only to be woken up an hour later by his roommate Cadet Navigation Officer Brian Hardy.

‘Harlan, Get the fuck up! You have to see whats happening on the Home system!’ Brian told him, shaking him awake and turning to the computer console screen on one wall and using a few button presses turned it onto a Kingdom News channel.

The channel showed a large section of a planet covered in a dark cloud as several small lights darted around in the orbit of the planet. The news caster began to explain that the Empire was on the doorsteps and had sent the declaration of war against the planet shortly after they launched a nuclear attack on the largest continent.

Harlan had yet to realise it was the Kingdom’s home world until he saw what continent had been hit.

‘That’s our home!’ he blurted out and stood up.

The Adventures of Nexanda Tor and Andreas Vandersryke - D&D Campaign with GF

Fera

The world of Fera, the 1656th Cycle of the Standard Cycle Calendar. The World has come along way in the past 100 years, Gunpowder has risen to match Magic in its power, steam powered devices like trains and factories for linen and food and the printing press grow by the weeks. 

Magic is still in full growth but is matched by the quick uptake of Gunpowder. 

The Ilmarian Imperium wages war with the Umisa Commonwealth. We now follow the adventures of two people, Andreas Vandersryke and Nexanda Tora as they try to make their way in the world

GAME 1: 3/1/2015

Andreas Vandersryke

Deserting Soldier hiding from a fate that could see him ruling a kingdom if he could face his fate and bring apart the dynasty that destroyed his family and his career. Andreas Vandersryke was a Colonel in the 125th "Wings of the Imperium" Regiment  and served in the Western Conflict with the Umisa Commonwealth and was a decorated soldier.

Being the 29th cousin to the King, he had been born to a minor noble family and instead of being an officer from the start, Andreas had worked his way up the ranks from a Private, using "Andreas Vandersryke", a false name which now was more real than his actual birth name.

Andreas found out his entire family had been killed and the lines of succession to the King chocked off in a mass killing of the entire Royal family; only a few princes and princess's got out of it alive, the most known one being the Former King's brother, who now ruled.

Soldiers came one night to kill Andreas and he had barely made it out alive; deciding to go into hiding, Andreas disappeared into the world and for the past 10 years has been alone. Until he ran into a Dragonborn runaway slave trying to barge her way into a castle while of the man he was paid to hunt.

Now Andreas travels with the Dragonborn "Nexanda Tora", perhaps regaining some measure of humanity along the way.

Nexanda Tora

Former slave to many masters since a hatchling, Nexanda escaped and was helped by a village, their priest taking her in and helping teach her the ways of Balahmut. Although her common is not very good, sounding like a child, she is smart and quite intelligent.

Henry Wemmick - Military Officer

An officer stationed as part of the garrison at Brindol, Henry is a big mouthed Sergeant who loves to talk and tell stories of his past accomplishments, even if their a little.. larger than originally. A fondness for a strong spirit, Henry is a stalwart man who will keep the line even if he alone stood to confront the foe.

Eliza Duckfield - Bar Owner / Ex Militia

Owner of the "Antler and Thistle" Tavern. Eliza is a former Ex Militia captain. She is a very good shot with the musket and retired to purchase her favourite tavern when she collected enough pay to do so. Eliza's main feature is a large scar on her right hand cheek which runs down the back of her neck and to her right shoulder.

Ilmarian Imperium Regimental Forces

Standing forces of the Ilmarian Imperium equipped with muskets and a single pistol. The Ilmarian Imperium's Regimental forces are a strong force that if treated properly can devastate a country.

ADVENTURE:

Arriving at the city

The pair arrive at the city from the North East through the east gate. People seem to be uneasy and looking around. Head to the bar for drink.

Bar Fight

Sat having drink. Nex watching card game, Andreas in corner out of way keeping eye on her. Enemies burst in, Andreas hit the first with pistol, drops it and reaches for Musket. Nex charges to save civilian from death. Bar owner (Eliza Duckfield) pulls musket from under bar and fires. Killing enemy with every shot but one (misses higher level one getting up after falling on table after jumping up)

Andreas spears one with bayonet after it charges him.

Bar on fire, kill them, 3 flee

Ogre Bombardier

Head outside, resting and recuperating. Soldiers around and helping civilians. City is under attack, fire and shots everywhere. Ogre with cart of barrels trudges around corner, civilians flee.

Andreas orders men into firing line, 3 a breast and 2 deep. Standing on front line with them, firing down the street, rush to help men in front. Forms them into line and brings Nex with him. Eliza (Ex Militia captain) leads men behind to join Andreas. Henry leads 2 men to flank With Nexanda.

Ogre trudges forward after 4 volleys and hits front line with club. Killing front line, sending Andreas flying 50 feet down an alley. Second line killed. Eliza holds line and fires 2 more volleys.

Henry Wemmick (Military officer in charge) takes men long way around to the rear, Nexanda moves around through side. Stray shot knocks over torch off side of cart, Nex takes it and jumps onto the cart. she attempts to hit the barrels with torch but looses balance and drops sword. this saves her from a club of one of the archers. After another volley the cart shakes, barrel falls and splits on the carts floor, and she looses balance, 

Hitting ground she realises she doesn't have the torch anymore; cart goes up in explosion as Henry's men drag her back. Ogre, cart and archers go up in blaze.

Andreas struggled to feet, firing shots slowly as he took a step forward each time. 3 misses but last shot kills Ogre through side of its head. He collapses.

Nexanda takes him in her arms and they are treated by a medic.

Recovery

Medic does his best with "he should be dead" comment. Mage comes up to heal and says same. Pair argue, Older woman doc tells them "If you want to fuck, then do it after work" and the pair get back to work. (Mage-professional disagreements)

During treatment in medical tent, Half Orc man storms in, looking for people who killed the Ogre, Andreas shys away and Nex says they did. He storms up and takes her hand and tells her good job.

Spend next day and next healing, in a private room

Meeting with Councilman

Henry comes and gives them letter, Councilman Eoffram Troyas wants to meet with them. During meeting, the half elf councilman wants to hire them to help but doesn't really trust them. The pair try to convince him. Andreas making it seem that they want to help without mentioning he wants to, Nex wanting to help because it is morally good to do. She had some knowledge of an attack 10 years ago thanks to one of her former masters being from around her mentioning it at some point.

Nex tries to convince the councilman but cant convey it in common as her language isn't well versed. Andreas does it for her. Andreas gives a "Who else you got to do this?" speech and Nex compromises with a "Pay half, we do job, pay then" - Deal for 200 per missing person - 200x7. plus 200 for retrieving lost treasures.

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Interrogation of Kobold

​Threaten him, Notice red hand up side down - Failed to convince him, sent wrong place to ambush

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​​Heading out

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​Nex bought flintlock pistol, Andreas bought horse and cart

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​Ambush

​Riding down road, nex jumps off and walks in front, Andreas ready with rifle. Enemies scuttle out and attack. Nex fires pistol and One hits Nex with poison dart and she goes to her knees. Andreas fires musket and then charges next to her; telling her to get on, firing pistol at it. Nex climbs on and horse charges off, hitting one of them and then it climbs on the back.

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​Andreas reloads pistol and fires it at the enemy, it falls off the back and Nex passes out thanks to poison.

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​Nex Poison healing

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​Andreas rides for a mile before jumping into back and cutting off her armour. He heals her after going and finding herbs to help her.

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​Sets up camp for her to rest

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​Andreas scouting

​At castle riverroar, Andreas heads off to scout the place alone, leaving rifle with her and taking her pistol.

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​Comes back, house empty and first room kind of scouted. Decide to go back for more help​

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​Return to city and meeting with Councilman

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​at city, talk with councilman and he says they can have 5 men. Men be waiting for them at gates in 2 hours.

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​Next Morning and Start of Journey

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​Men waiting, 4 regulars and Henry. Nex tells men, "If Protection needed, hide behind me... meat shield. " Henry laughs and offers drink to Nex, strong alcohol which makes her react to it. He laughs and starts trying to recruit her, giving long story about his past in the West. Andreas tries to hide the reaction he had to the mention of the West War. 

​

GAME: 04/01/2015

Company make their way to the Castle. Make their way into the catacombs quietly. Engage first group of hobgoblins, one fleeing north down to the stairs while the rest are butchered. Andreas takes injury and one is set alight by a bullet knocking over one of the brazers and spilling oil.

Move East into the next room, heading into the stairs and splitting to engage the lizards there. Andreas and 2 men hold off one while Nex, Henry and the rest hold off the other one. Nex suddenly has something just on her when she is pulled down by the lizard and stabbed. A Gnome jumps away and attempts to flee back into the next room and hides behind a corner. 

Henry accidental stands on the runes and is sent flying down the stairs behind them. After the fight they move into the next room and find a dwarf tied across the room. Moving up, Nex is jumped on again as the Gnome  tries to stab her, this time failing to get past her armour. Andreas fires a musket shot and hits it while its stealth, then draws his pistol and fires again, hitting the mark instantly and killing the Gnome.

The dwarf explains where he was brought from and where another prisoner was.

The group then move back to the main hall, leaving the dwarf and heading east. Peering around the corner, Andreas gives orders and Henry hands over a grenade which goes short but kills 1 and stuns the rest. The group move in formation and pick them off. Andreas getting hit badly against the wall and almost being knocked out.

After rest, the group move west into a large room with a large floating image of a swamp and castle. Moving apart, one of the men stares to long and a Jelly comes from the one way portal and attacks .After a few minutes a Spectre comes from the south west wall, then a few minutes later another from the south east. Killing them both and killing the jelly which split into two, the group then moved West into the next room.

Moving through the dark room, the group were suddenly ambushed by Fire creatures on either side. The fight almost went bad, one man went down but was healed by Nex and the rest picked off the others.

Resting for a little while, the group went north and checked a room where they found another prisoner locked in a cell, Andreas broke the lock and Henry put his men on guard outside the room and in the hallway adjoining.

GAME 7/1/2015

Crypt Room

Moving back outside into the room, the group headed east up into the next room while one of the men lead the rescued hostage back to the exit. The group was engaged by a trio of spiders which were quickly dispatched. The group then headed north and into a small hallway which contained a hobgoblin and a lizard. Andreas didn't manage to be stealthy so gave them away, but they managed to kill the enemies.

Stealthily heading down the stairs, Andreas scouted ahead with one of the other soldiers following. Unfortunatly Nexanda fell and stumbled down the iron staircase. With a swear, Andreas fired his rifle into the enemy hobgoblins. The trooper next to him fired too and while Nexanda got up and moved behind Andreas to  fire her pistol, the others fired from above them on the staircase.

Taking out the hobgoblins with ease, the group spread out, Henry taking care of a wounded man. Andreas noticed on the side was the treasure; the helm and the mirror of fate. Holding the mirror, Andreas put it down before moving to the others; Nexanda takes hold of the mirror and suddenly finds herself in a new room.

The hallway was that of a rich castle and what sounds like a war raged outside. Moving through the hallway and into a room, she had entered a study of some sort. "If your here to kill me, just do it"  a man called out. She told him she wasn't going to kill him, he slowly admits that he is the King of Ilmaria. He chuckles to himself and says "so today is the day" confused, Nexanda follows him as he orders her to. Limping down the hall with a bad leg, he leads her to the throne room.

There he tries to get the rifle and jacket from the plaque on the wall, telling her to help him with it. Putting it on, he tells her who he is; he is Andreas, 40 years in the future. He explains she told him of this day 20 years prior and then tells her to stay behind the curtain behind the throne.

Sitting down, he waited while a bunch of soldiers, two in a blue trench coat and tricorn hat, two children (one looking 13 the other looking about 5) and a tall woman approach. They tell him the red hand are  close and he says he's staying. They argue but he tells them he's staying, the little child starts to cry and Andreas tells him "Dont cry, Kings cant cry" and the child stops, before telling the older child to look after her brother. The teen nods and removes their hood to hug him; a Dragonborn female.

Sending them off with Henry, now head of his royal guard, the powder mages are sent off too leaving the tall female and Andreas alone. Their conversation is quiet but he can be heard telling her he loves her and will die a good death.

She walks out the side to join the children but stops to stare where Nex is, directly at her before leaving. Andreas nods to Nex and then waits as the Red hand soldiers enter. He fires his rifle at them as they charge, killing many. Powder horns explode with some sort of invisible magic, he throws bullets at them which shoot out like musket fired bullets; shots aimed at him dodge slightly.

He takes a shot to his kneecap and goes down, still fighting. He kills more until they get too close, switching to his pistol he fires more; drawing and dropping 5 pistols in a row. They then lay into him, stabbing and hacking at him. After 5 minutes they leave with his crown and jacket, coughing blood; he calls Nexanda over to her and with his dying breath tells her. "do not interfere with the execution" before dying in her arms.

The moment he died, she was suddenly back in the room with the mirror, which was now cracked. Andreas turned and complained that she'd broken it. With a small tear she walks over to Andreas and tells him "look after that knee" before going off a little. Looking confused, Andreas continued helping Henry with the trooper who was hurt.

09/01/2015

After the brief rest, the group head through to the next room and attack the rats inside, eliminating them and rescuing Mirtala, they guide her back to the entrance. The group head downstairs and eliminate two large drakes and saving the so called "witch" from the magical trap; which Andreas jumped in and pulled her out with the second where it was not working. It turns out that she wasn't a witch, she just played it to keep people away from her. Taking her back upstairs she is left with the group of civilians. After another long rest of 4 hours; the group then proceed through to the hallway and eliminate both of the goblin's watching the hallway.

Proceeding back to the last staircase, the group head up and ambush the group of hobgoblins and  the drakes. Nexy charged right in to fight one of the drakes while the rest held off the goblins with musket fire. The group fires on the goblins and takes them out with ease with the drakes being engaged.