Wolverines

[Dungeon Master]

Command
By the DM

Gateway,

Zeva speaks the Wolverines and give them a resounding speech and says she will return.

In a grand ceremony, Zeva hands command over to Governor General Dugan Granitehammer.


The Imperial Family boards the Werewolf, Zeva’s Personal Spelljammer and lift off to the sky, flanked by six other ships.

Day one of Full Command,

I need a list of:

X.O.


Commander of Beachhead Operations (New Continent Project)


Gateway Commander


New Ports Operations


Ergoth Command


Air Force Base(s)


What is going to be the Foreign Policy of the Wolverines?

Allies

Diplomatic Relations

[Adam]

To: Imperial Soreelian Combined Expeditionary Forces, Krynn (CEFK)
From: Governor-General Granitehammer
Re: Command Billets, Redeployment Operation
Distribution: CEFK Major Commands
Security: Secret

Effective immediately, the following officers will assume the duties associated with these assignments:

Deputy Commander, CEFK, and Commander, Ansalon Detachment: Colonel General Thern Ironvein, HMIA
Commander, CEFK Naval Forces: Admiral Miraz Voltros, HMIN
Commander, CEFK Air Forces: Colonel General Yrian Longwood, HMIAF
Commander, Imperial Marine Expeditionary Force: Major General Janus Vered, HMIMC
Commander, Turbidus Strike Fleet: Vice Admiral Millner Johannes
Commander, Ansalon Fleet: Vice Admiral Arden Vale, HMIN
Commander, Imperial Guards Ergothian Detachment: Major General Alyx Marten, HMIG

In addition to the above posts, the following will serve as Ambasadors of Her Imperial Majesty's supreme Will to the various native Nations of Ansalon:
His Imperial Highness, Prince Lucius Janikar d'Irda Royal; Ergoth
Baron Jardeen Willis of Marika; Solamnia
Hon. Grayson Trelp; Nordmaar
Avrialyss Aspenglade; United Elven Nations
Sir Gorax Smithsforge, Order of the Eternal Sword; Thorbardin

[Adam]

Each Soreelian Ambassador bears a letter to the head of state of the nation hosting them. It reads:

"To all who are present, Greetings!
In the interest of mutual trust and goodwill, I submit to you my chosen representative to your People. He [she] represents the Crown of the Empire of Soreel, through me, in the name of Her Imperial Majesty, Zeva Lisset de Janikar, the Greysword. He [she] speaks for the Empire, and no other being save myself or Her Imperial Majesty shall presume to speak otherwise.
We desire nothing more than Peace for all People, and as such request that you might appoint a similar emissary to represent your Nation to us. It is our sincere hope that a relationship marked by friendship and communication will blossom, leading all into a Golden Age of prosperity.
We eagerly await your decision and look forward to fostering contacts with you government.
By the Grace of Her Majesty,
Governor General Dougan Granitehammer

[Adam]

The masts appeared on the horizon just after dawn, the pink rays of the morning sun lending their hue to the sails of the ships riding the sea just off the southern coast of Solamnia. The sea was tossed into froth from the violent winds thrown off the still-frozen expanse of Southern Ergoth to the west, and the sailors cursed as the decks rose and fell to the rhythm of the ocean. They had set out from New Ports three days earlier, stopping to embark a regiment of Marines from Schallsea Isle along the way, and were now within sight of their objective.

On the bridgewing of the three-masted galleon Ankir, the minotaur looked to his human companion. "Lousy seas for this kind of thing, General," Admiral Voltros grunted.
"Yes sir. But we can't always wait for good weather. The enemy never seems to," replied Major General Vered. He pointed to a group of smaller shapes barely visible on the sea's surface. "Right about now."

As he spoke, dozens of signal lights winked from ship to ship, and almost as one, the ballistae aboard each ship opened fire on the coast. Each bolt carried a small incendiary charge at its tip, and these began exploding into miniature fires all along the beach. After three volleys, each ship turned to parallel the shore, barely 500 yards away.
By now, the first landing craft had begun to hit the beach. Each flat-bottomed boat charged straight ahead for the shore under oar, grinding to a halt as they grounded in the sand. As soon as each boat thumped ashore, the front dropped straight down. Immediately, the front rank of men aboard fired one shot from a medium crossbow, dropped this, and raised a large sheild. The back rank lowered pikes out ahead of the front, and the whole body advanced onto the beach.
Within 15 minutes, the first battalion was ashore and in position to cover the landing of the second. Meanwhile, a ship's boat was lowered to recover the men aboard a landing craft that had foundered and capsized in the heavy breakers. Despite the disruption, the second battalion made its landing on schedule and the operation continued.
By noon, the entire regiment was ashore, and its lead elements were 5 miles inland, securing the beachhead perimeter. Finally, a light blinked out to sea from the beach.
"Sir, Colonel Wyzze reports the beach is secure," Vered told Voltros.
"Very well. Secure the exercise. And good work, General."
"Aye, sir, thank you. My staff estimates that we would have taken 15 percent casualties on this landing, with the lead battalion taking about 30 percent. As it was, we had 4 drowned and 7 more injured from the landing craft incident."

As suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The Imperial Marines taking part in the amphibious assault exercise began to return to the beach, where they loaded back into the landing craft and heaved themselves back out to sea. By nightfall, the only trace of their presence was footprints in the sand.

[Adam]

Captain Arnald Frenath stood on the bridge of the Palanthian merchantman High Tide, looking out on the expanse of the New Sea ahead and doing the math in his head. "Eight more days to Sanction, two to unload, two more to reprovision, and 20 back to Palanthus," he muttered to himself. "Home in a month," he smiled.

It would be a rich month. The troubles in southern Solamnia made shipping goods overland from Palanthus to Sanction a risky venture. In fact, it had become more profitable to hire a ship to move the luxury items so in demand in the Solamnic-held city. And so the High Tide had come into her own, hiring out on a 5 voyage contract from a wealthy Palanthian exporter. With all the hulls chasing fool's gold in the Palanthus Cup, it hadn't been difficult to find work for his ship and crew.

Frenath saw the ancient, magically-powered lighthouse at Port o' Call ahead, it's ruby red beam visible even in daylight. In another two hours, the ship would transit the strait and enter the New Sea proper, which would bring calmer seas, if the other captains he had talked to knew their business. The captain had held his breath along with the crew as they passed the east coast of Southern Ergoth. The great white dragon still occasionally sank a few ships out here.

There was another ship ahead, tacking the wind to make a cautious approach. Frenath did not recognize the ensign flapping smartly in the fresh breeze, so he trained his spyglass out to get a closer look. He focused on the flag, and saw a grey field, with a stylized wolf's head centered on a red shield. Then he noticed the crew, and realized that this was no merchantman. All wore a uniform of some sort, and some were armed. His gaze returned to the flagmast, where he noticed the signal flags being run up. "Danger, Restricted Area, Turn Back," he read.

"Turn back, my ass," he muttered. To the helmsman he ordered, "Continue your course. The ocean's still free as far as I know."

The two ships closed the distance, and more men could be seen on the warship's decks now. Frenath now noticed two distinct uniforms; one a medium blue, and the other a grey-green. The latter were armed with bow and sword, while the former began to man the ballistae fore and aft. Frenath's blood froze as the ships came within hailing distance.

"These are restricted waters! Take down your sails and stand to for a boarding party!" a voice called from the man o' war as the ballistae tracked the merchant's hull.

"You heard the man," Frenath cursed. No one had warned him about anything like this before his departure. "Stand by the rail to haul in their boat," he ordered the boatswain.

As the boat from the warship cleared the rail and the men came aboard, Frenath noticed that of the 20, all but one were in the greenish uniform. The one in the blue uniform spoke. "Good day, Captain. I am Lieutenant Commander Varsh of Her Majesty's Imperial Navy. I am sorry to inform you that this channel is closed to shipping due to military exercises in the area. By order of Admiral Voltros, all ships entering the area are to be turned away until tomorrow at noon. Will you comply with this order, sir?"

Admiral Who? the captain thought. And 'Her Majesty's Imperial Navy? Since when did Abaninsinia get an empress? "That depends on my options, son," Frenath replied. This guy's just a kid, he thought. Can't be a day over 25!

As if reciting a particularly uninspiring poem, Varsh replied. "Failure to comply with the Maritime Exclusion Area will result in the seizure of your ship and cargo, and the imprisonment of yourself and your crew."

Frenath exploded. "The Abyss, you say! This is my ship, and no snot-nosed brat of a 'lubber is getting her without a fight!" he yelled in a voice loud enough to be heard aboard the warship.

The Imperial Marines tensed, each loosening his sword in its sheath. "If that is your wish, Captain. The Imperial Navy does not wish for violence, however. Your men will lose, and the ship you have worked hard for these many years will be lost. Is that what you really want, Captain?" Varsh reasoned.

Slowly, Frenath regained his composure, aided by the sight of longbowmen on the other vessel taking aim. The kid was right. A day, day-and-a-half delay wasn't that big a deal.

"Then you will comply, sir?" Varsh asked him.

Nodding slowly, Frenath relented. "Tomorrow at noon," he said. "We'll be first in line to come through the strait." Turning to the chart, he bellowed to the navigator, "Make a course for Hamilton, and rig for tacking. If we're lucky, we'll make it in time for lunch."

[Dungeon Master]

Months Pass,
By the DM

The situation in the south has Command’s attention. A “Ghost” Elf leader has rallied elven communities to rise up and become a serious Rebellion. The Bandit King Samuval has the Dark Knights in his employ scrambling to stomp down any illegal activity.


Ergoth Command is in place and doing fine.

The Report for the New Island Continent comes in. Clusters of Lizard men, Wild Elves, Wild Kender, Forest Gnomes and City Gnomes. The Gnomes control a Mountain Range, with cities built throughout it. The Gnome Technology is beyond anything on Ansalon. We are sending in spies to ascertain where the best invasion point is. We have an eye on a very large forested land in the northeast, surrounded by rocky plains, as of now, a owner has not been found of the Forest. The east coast seems quiet, dotted with fishing villages.

The new Command staff is digging in to their new jobs, getting up to speed everyday on the changing situations of Ansalon



Solamnia has accepted Baron Jardeen Willis of Marika, he reports things are insane. Bec Ducard is nothing but a money grubbing Chancellor, the Knight Hood has broken into Three Factions, and a Large Goblin Army has just sacked Kayolin. The Dwarf-Merchant-Knight city was perhaps the richest Nation of Solamnia.

Nordmaar has accepted, and will send a representative at the soonest.

Speaker Gilthas and the United Elven Nations have accepted and are selecting a diplomat.

Thorbardin has turned down Sir Gorax Smithsforge, he has gone to Pax Tharkus to meet with the Former Thane, Tarn Bellowgranite.

[Adam]

After recieveing word of Thorbardin's snub of the Imperial Ambassador, Dougan will select Markus Arunsun to lead a diplomatic mission to old Qualinesti.
"By damn, we should at least be able to agree on a formal cessation of hostilities. I'm not planning on marrying the guy's sister or anything, but we are neighbors. It'd be nice if I didn't have to worry about being invaded on top of everything else," Dougan tells General Ironvein. "If the elves give us any grief, they're just going to have to accept the current status. I'm not going to war because they say so."

[Dungeon Master]

Flashpoint
By the DM

The reports were right. The long range aerial patrol did see a flock of Griffons in the southern Mountain range of Qualinesti.

They are back, led by someone called the Scarecrow, and Alhana Starbreeze, Former queen of the Silvanesti no less.

It started in one of the southern prison camps that Baron Suval erected with the help of the Knights of Neraka. This Scarecrow and a dozen Kagonesti ghost warriors swooped down and unleashed unholy hell on the prison guards. The elven prisoners disappeared into the night, and every prison guard was dead to a man.

The Knights and Baron retaliated against Havinost, enslaving every elf that remained, totaling nearly one hundred and thirty seven.

The Imperial Ambassador to the Elves has been in contact with the Scarecrow and have a worked out a meet time in New Ports in two nights.

[Adam]

Dougan will make it known to the Ambassador that he wants to be in the loop as far as intel goes. If the damned elves are going to start a guerilla war south of him, Dougan wants to be more than ready.

[Dungeon Master]

Esker, located in the distant western mountains bordering Qualinesti


King Agog meets with his personal advisors and the word is given. The Goblins enter the war for Qualinesti on their own side. For too long the upright races has beat the Goblin race into submission, but a prophet has come forth to guide the way forward. The Twelve goblin tribes of Abanasinia are united to get a piece of the pie.


The Goblins hit the Western Flank of Baron Samval and the Neraka Knights, causing disarray that the Elven Uprising uses to an advantage to make great gains.


At least thirteen Blue Dragons engaged the Griffon Army in a titanic aerial battle for the ages, led by the Scarecrow.


A Death Knight has been sighted on the field of battle in Qualinesti, taking on whole elven battle groups and making them withdrawal or perish.


Meanwhile, Wolverine command gets reports coming in on the happenings of the Region by via spies and Reconnaissance teams.

Col. West, Chief of Military Intelligence gives his report. In attendance is Deputy Commander Colonel General Thern Ironvein, Commander, Imperial Marine Expeditionary Force: Major General Janus Vered, and Ambassador Aspenwood.

Col. West begins:

Qualinesti has been destabilized in the last 48 hours. All hell is braking lose. First the Elves led by a Ragman called the Scarecrow hit a Prison Camp in the South.

The Baron retaliates and strikes Havinost, the whole town is incarcerated.

A heavy horde of Goblins has broken Dark Knight lines and has drove them in the Elves realm of control. The Goblins originate from the Western Mountains of Qualinesti.

The Baron is Based in Frenost, backed by 2, 000 Mercenaries and criminals. The Knights of Neraka maintain their base camp there also, protected by 700 knights.
40 miles west of Frenost is the Dragon camp where 300 Knights defend the air command. It is believed that there are 6 wings Blue Dragons, twelve to a wing.


It is believed that there are 400 Qualinesti elves and 1,000 Kagonesti residing in some capacity inside Qualinesti lands.

These are all rough estimates pieced together from many different reports. We are running constant air patrolling, infiltration, spyworks, and spell augury from the Wizard Core.


Oh, and there are some reports and some missing units in and around Darken Wood and northern Qualineti near the White Rage River. Something about a Death Knight was with vast and terrible power laid waste on all that came in it’s path. A frightening report if I may say so.

The Baron is a former Neraka Knight, and also served with Mina during the War of Souls. He is a bit of rouge, unpredictable in his tactical decisions.

Marshal Hayes is the Commander of the Dark Knights in Qualinesti, no further data on him.


The Rag man, or Scarecrow leads the elves with fevering zeal, he has only begun his assault, but he apparently has the elves support. He is accompanied by Alhana Starbreeze, the former queen of the Silvanesti. At least 80 Griffons are at the Rag man’s command.




DM Note:
What are the Current Wolverine Troop Deployments in Abanasinia, as well as eventually, I would like to know what the Wolverine Deployment on Krynn looks like Numbers-wise?


Abanasinia

Gateway

New Ports

Ergoth

New Continent (East Shore)

[Adam]

"So let me get this straight, Colonel. What we have is a three-way free-for-all in Qualinesti, which brewed up practically overnight, complete with undead warriors and dragons?" Dougan asks calmly. "That's just wonderful. I was hoping you would have some bad news for me," he continues sarcastically.
Standing up and pacing the room, the Governor-General continues. "These bastards must've worked hard for the timing of this clusterfuck to come out the way it did. We just packed off the last of the heavy weapons last week, and now this. Do we have any indication at all that this war will spill over the river and into our backyard? I want answers, people, not guesses. Ambassador Aspenglade, has this Samuval character accepted our envoy? We need more information than some small recon teams can provide. We need political intelligence as well as military."
"General Ironvein," Dougan looks to the Army commander. "I suppose this is your war-warning alert. Keep your boys sharp, and take all measures consistent with the safety of your command, but keep a defensive posture. Last thing we need is to provoke any of the parties to our south."

[Adam]

The redeployment of Soreel-based units is assumed to be complete at this point. With these forces and the indigenous recruitment efforts, the current troop strength of Combined Expeditionary Forces Krynn stands at 3 divisions (one corps) plus one regiment of Army, one division of Imperial Marines, one wing (3 regiments) plus one regiment of Air Force, and 48 ships from the Imperial Navy, with one partially completed hull under construction at New Ports Imperial Shipyards. Of the warships, only 8 are capable of assault sealift, the others being suitable for surface combat, general cargo transport, and strategic sealift (movement of personnel in a non-assault role across the ocean). The 8 assault transports are suitable for staging a regiment-sized forced entry landing via beach or port, leaving the rest of the Marines (2 regiments) to enter via the beachhead secured by the assault landing.
The Imperial Air Force presence consists of 3 regiments of ptarrons, 3 squadrons of 8 per regiment. Added to this contingent is a single regiment of "special operations capable" ptarrons. This regiment is the only Air Force unit to remain on Ansalon, the rest being in transit to New Unari (internal referrence name for the new Continent) for operations in support of the Army and Marines.
Most of the Navy is tied up in supporting the transit, as well. Currently only 12 vessels remain in Ansalonian waters, primarily operating in the New Sea.
As for the Army, only one regiment of regulars remains in Abansinia, along with 2 regiments of local militia who participated in the last actions against Haven in the War of Souls. The rest of the Army is either in transit to New Unari, or staged on islands off the new continent's shore awaiting the arrival of the rest of the force. Of the regular soldiers, they are evenly split between the CEFK Headquarters in Gateway and the Imperial Barracks at New Ports.
Finally, there is the Imperial Guards Detatchment stationed in Ergoth with His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince Lucius. This is a battalion-sized force charged with guarding the Prince. Under normal circumstances the Imperial Guards are outside the normal Imperial military chain-of-command, unless assigned to combat operations by the Empress Herself.
This leaves the following correlation of forces:
Ansalon Detachment:
Army: 10,496 regulars, 20,992 irregualr militia
Navy: 8 frigates (plus 1 under construction) , 4 corvettes
Marines: nil
Air Force: 1 regiment (3 squadrons of 8 ptarrons each), special operations capable.
New Continent (New Unari):
Army: 94,464 regulars
Navy: 18 frigates, 10 corvettes, 8 landing craft assault ships
Marines: 31,488 (10,496 assault loaded)
Air Force: 1 wing (3 regiments) ptarrons
Total Personnel:
Army: 104,960 regulars, 20,992 militia
Navy: 26 frigates (plus 1 under construction), 14 corvettes, 8 landing craft assault ships, 1,982 sailors, 2,500 shore establishment
Marines: 31,488
Air Force: 96 ptarrons, 192 ptarron crew, 960 ground crew
Imperial Guard: 656
CEFK Headquarters and Command Staff: 1,209
Total CEFK Personnel: 143,947 (excludes civilians, dependents, and contractors)

[Dungeon Master]

Action
By the DM

Ambassador Aspenglade replies, “Yes, he received Ambassador Winik and was completely in agreement of the Status Quo doctrine that was proposed. I have not heard word from Winnik in a couple of days. He is not over due, but we are awaiting word. His last dispatch was to report the Baron’s noting that there is more elven terrorist activity again, it comes in waves. He was unconcerned.”

“Sir, I went to Khur and got word that all of the elves are heading to Khur and that he had no designs at the moment to try to retake Qualinesti. He has either changed his mind and we did not know, or he has nothing to do with this. This Scarecrow says he is the General of the Rebellion, I stand ready to fly with you to meet the elves General.”

General Ironvein states he knows of no death except for the recent air mishap to can be attributed to the Baron or the Dark Knights in the last 13 months.


Your X.O. Issues orders to all company commanders, this is not a drill, repeat, this is not a drill.

It gets everyone’s attention, and the Wolverine Army tenses and waits.


At the meeting point two days later,

Four Ptarrons fly south, low to the ground, the fliers are expert Special Ops guys and gals, so despite you hasting flying, you know you are in the best’s hands.

30 minutes later, you can see thru your ice cold goggles, the lights of New Ports. The foursome comes in and two land while two stay in the air for air cover. You hate the landings too …

But it is soft, nothing too much to grumble about except for getting down. Nothing graceful about you, except when those great killing strokes in the battle of Arun, yeah, those were the days.

The Ambassador to the Elves Avrialyss Aspenglade, slides down off of his mount and is thankful to be on the ground again in one piece. Ptarrons travel is relatively new in the wolverines, being the youngest of the services at Eight years.

Wolverine Marine Guards escort you inside the Merchant Port town gates.

Major Yaris stands at attention. Yaris is the C.O. here at New Ports.
“Good Evening sir, the Elven delegates are in the Roaring Griffon.”


Inside the Roaring Griffon, it seems a bit different here over the years. No one you know behind the bar. The Bartender calls you over to the bar. “Evening General, names Drel Darkvale, I understand some VIP elves are here to talk to you, and I have standing orders to conduct these kid of meets in the back room, so that’s where I put them. Can I have anything brought back to you?”

Drel calls the barmaid Cynthia over and directs her to conduct you to the meeting room. She does so happily and with a warm smile to the old General, a minute later the General is led into a large backroom with a long table with ten chairs around it. The light is dimmed somewhat. A cloaked man with a mask, and one of the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on, in black hair and off while cloak around her delicate shoulders. They get up and meet you, though the Masked man does not reach out to shake your hand.

But the woman elf does. “Greeting General Sir, I am Alhana Starbreze, and this is Lord Orexas,” She gestures gracefully with her hand to her masked companion.


General Granitehammer takes in the sight of this Ghost commander, wrapped head to tow in green cloth wrappings also wrapped in a dark green cloak.
You never see his face.

[Dungeon Master]

Closing one book, and starting another
By the DM and Adam

Granitehammer meets Porthios and Alhana and make sure they understand the Wolverines are not in the position to aid in the retaking of Qualinesti. The two parties part ways, both headed to different destinies.