Tides of War

Written by Nat James, Gail Miller, Paul Northway,
Tania Siegemund and Andrew Stewart
in collaboration with and
based in the campaign world of Sean Murphy

The fleet held position off coast, out of sight of the mainland. Aboard the flagship a wizard, lost in a mind-link spell, received the latest orders and muttered softly to a scribe. The Marine General waited patiently, already knowing their content before they were decrypted.

Striding onto the bridge of the flagship, the Indefatigable, he paused. Waiting below on the main deck were the assembled officers of the Marine Legion, while on adjacent troopships and frigates the two thousand Marines under his command stood waiting. Every soldier was fully kitted-out, with armour polished and weapons in hand. All were silent and still, the only noise the faint droning of the team of wizards maintaining their cloaking aura. For a moment he felt overwhelmed with pride at the supreme disciple of his elite army. Then, for he felt economy was the mark of a superior commander, he simply read the orders he held.

"His Imperial Highness, Carn Imperator, in this, the 3rd year of his reign, declares war on the nation of Armarch, in retaliation for their dishonourable attempts to foster rebellion and treason within The League, and uprising in the Imperial Capitol. As per Executive Order CLXVI He orders you and the forces under your command to immediately assault and seize the port city of Bok, and to establish a forward base of operations in preparation for a full invasion force by regular army.
Ave Imperator!
Marines, we go to war. Hail The League! Hail Carn! Ave Imperator!"

"TO WAR! AVE IMPERATOR!"

With a resounding cheer by his forces, the path of destruction had begun.

Within an hour, their casualties were 32%