Just so we have a justification for doing what we want to do in the opening days of the campaign, I penned this. So no we won't be technically starting operations now, I thought it would make sense for the fluff if it were something like this...
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The aide placed a map on the table. Underneath a gazebo type tent stood many men. Men from across the Empire. Generals that had lead many men into battle, now all listening to the words of their commander, Ortolf von Brennenburg. Ortolf looked around seeing the likes of Hoss of Talabecland, Yor Nosredna of Middenland, Alfred Pyke of Nuln and Sir Arthur Frankford, a priest of Sigmar from Averland. There were more, too many to name really, and Ortolf’s head hurt trying to put the name with the face at that moment. These men would help him in the security of this sector, and he looked on with pride.
Many under his command loathed the fact that he was a commoner. A simple pleasure that Ortolf relished. Rumors abounded still of his illegitimacy, and if he really was the son of a noble. His official title was Landgraf since he was entitled a small tract of land near River Aulen at the base of the Black Mountains. He rarely visited that land, no more than a few abandoned villages and an old mill. Much like this land here he thought, just like home…
“Gentlemen,” he began. “Our first order of business is to take that fort there,” he pointed at the unnamed fort in the bottom corner of the map.
“Won’t that be hard to get to at this point,” asked Duke Rudolf VanHelsing.
“Indeed,” chimed Simon ‘Donnerhertz’ Rodimutz. “Sir, it is the anchor of the landscape I agree, but we’ll have to march through the woods to get to it.”
“Aye,” smiled Ortolf. “And we’ll leave tomorrow morning.” A rumble from the crowd began to echo.
His two sub commanders replied with shock in their faces. Rufas of Nordland seemed to pay little attention to the conversation at hand, more worried with staring blankly into the canvas above as if he were gazing at the stars. It was clear to see why he was called Eccentric. He turned away from the conversation and let out a deep sigh of pleasure as he stretched.
“We have no orders to commence movements,” replied Duke Rudolf glancing at the tall wizard out of the corner of his eye.
“Maybe not,” began Ortolf, ignoring Rufas as he contorted. “But we need to gain that fort. We will move quickly before any other armies gain access to the region and we’ll establish a base of operations there before we commence further.”
“Are you sure,” asked Donnerhertz crossing his arms.
“Aye, the Hunters of Sigmar have reported back to me that now is the best time to move. If we wait for orders to commence, in one months time mind you, we’ll get bogged down trying to fight over a cave and an inn.”
Duke Rudolf leaned forward onto the table, closed his eyes and shook his head while Donnerhertz looked down upon the map, pushing his cheek around with his tongue as he thought.
“Now is as good of a time as any,” said Rufas as he finally entered the conversation, his back still turned. “The Dwarfs will not attack us unless we provoke them and we’re bound to run into orcs or beastmen if we stay here anyway. And unfortunately,” he began to turn towards the other men. “Unfortunately, this location would not lend itself to support a foray into the woods.” He paused, smiling at his wise words. “Is this true gentlemen?” A chorus of 'ayes' was soon heard.
“Aye, damn it,” spat Rudolf as he pounded the table with his fist. “I don’t like that we should move so early, but if we do not we will have no anchoring point. And we do need a better base of operations than here.”
Ortolf let out a huge laugh, happy that the operations would commence soon. He went around shaking each man’s hand, except for Rufas who reeled at Ortolf’s gesture. Ortolf was a bit too unkempt for the Celestial wizard’s taste. von Brennenburg smiled widely, showing a few missing teeth and patted Rufas forcefully on the shoulder as he passed him by.
“Get the men ready,” bellowed Ortolf as he looked out onto the camp. “Send the Hunters to scout the way!”
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Sorry if I didn't mention your name, so many generals and it would be difficult to mention you all in such a way. I'll do my best to mention everyone at some point.