What were Chris and the warband leaders talking about?
Nothing much, really. Just one very simple, straightforward matter.
"I'll withdraw with my troops and wait for the right opportunity to advance again. Whether you can take Bolas Fortress and how you take it are none of my concern."
That was what Chris told the four players.
"This campaign will last a month, and your quest rewards will depend on your results.
The campaign has only one objective: Bolas Fortress. Take it and hold it. Only then will we have enough room to keep surviving, and to take in and settle more displaced people and famine victims."
With that, Chris fell silent and nodded to the four of them.
"Any other questions?"
Lin Ruoyu turned to exchange glances with the other three, then turned back and was the first to stand.
"What do you want us to accomplish in that month?"
"Accomplish whatever you can. Use your abilities and your imagination. You can attack anyone you like. All I want is Bolas Fortress and those poor captives alive."
Chris paused to consider.
"Besides that, I have another task. I'd like someone to leave here and look around elsewhere to see whether the war has uprooted people and created large numbers of refugees. If it has, bring them back.
Or come back yourselves and take food to them. Keep as many people as possible from starving to death."
"The Mountain Tiger warband might want to leave here and take a look elsewhere."
Knife-in-the-Butt was the first to state his position.
"I'll personally take some of my trusted people to capture Bolas Fortress. As for the other members... well, I can't control what they do."
"At least don't let them burn, murder, and pillage, and disgrace the Double-Headed Eagle Banner."
"Oh, that won't