∞ 60: Much-needed practice [written/action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[written]

Genis, please send a message when dinner is ready. I will be out for awhile.

If anyone needs me, I will be in the library.


[action]

[For lack of anything better to do on a nice summer afternoon, Albert has decided to sit in the library with a ... somewhat-odd setup. A map stretched across a table out of sight from the front door, dotted with small wooden figures designed as soldiers, cavalry, archers, mages... The map, upon closer inspection, shows patches color that denote plains, mountains, water bodies, and forests.

In some ways, the setup looks like a game board. It's really a lasting reminder of another strategist's presence in Luceti; he was the one who had introduced Albert to the method of practice, after all.

Nearly two years in Luceti without access to strategy books and news of warfare have dulled his skills. He doesn't look pleased as he makes moves for both armies.]

Comments

[silversnowfall]

To move your pieces across the map and attempt strategic victory?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

You helped her during the last experiment, did you not?

[chikaidestroyer]

[On top of a bookshelf, huh? Then it's quite possible Albert might not take notice of the silver-haired general. He continues working on the war campaign.]

[Action]

[goggle-syndrome.livejournal.com]

...yeah but not really. I just stayed at the lake to make sure she didn't drown. [and of course there's more detail to that, but whatever, we won't go into it]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Depending on how loudly Raine said that, it may or may not have been heard by Albert. He keeps working on the war objectives.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

That's more than you were required to do at any point. Thank you for your assistance, even if she may have not appreciated it.

[Action]

[goggle-syndrome.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. She appreciated it...I know she did.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[It was likely more to herself than to him, but for now Raine'll simply watch his progress, with a thoughtful look. It is an interesting game, after all, and she's reminded of that long one during the late fall all those months ago. And Mark. And the events leading up to it. It's been a while since she considered that.

The thought makes her shake her head a little with a sigh.] ... Mn.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

She was panicking quite a bit, so I wonder how much she was able to convey with a sane mind.

[Action]

[goggle-syndrome.livejournal.com]

Not a lot actually.

[chikaidestroyer]

Indeed. [He's still writing. There are a lot of environmental conditions he has to write down if he's to redo this campaign later.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

You were not affected during the last experiment? I presume you weren't if you were able to spend so much time with her.

[Action]

[goggle-syndrome.livejournal.com]

Nope, not this one. That's probably good though because a few people I know were affected too besides Raine.

[silversnowfall]

I didn't mean to interrupt you, and I don't intend to. It's simply an offer for later, if you feel inclined to take it.

[retreating back to her book now]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He is still working, moving several mage units from the center of one army rearranging the battalions as the mages move to the front.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[... Now that's interesting. She starts paying more attention to what Albert is doing, letting her thoughts be for a moment.]

[chikaidestroyer]

It's an intriguing offer. I may take you up on it once I can explain a simplified campaign.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[The battalions reformed, the army moves through plains. Albert moves to the other army, which has a frontline consisting of cavalry. This army has the high ground, but moves very slowly through hills because of their mounted frontline.]

[silversnowfall]

You'd deny me the chance to learn through playing?

[chikaidestroyer]

Considering how I 'play' this 'game,' I believe an explanation would be necessary.

[silversnowfall]

I realize it's less of a game and more of a...trial, perhaps.

[chikaidestroyer]

Then perhaps referring to it as a game isn't the best course of action.

[silversnowfall]

My apologies. I couldn't think of a better word.

[Albert seems to become irritated easily...]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[It's interesting that the two armies are using nearly entirely different formations. She studies the first carefully for a few more moments before turning her attention to Albert and the second.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[It's the campaign, Nephry. Juuust the campaign.]

It's fine. That is how I would explain the setup to those not familiar with strategic practice.