I'm confused as to why Stein would use any form of magic, alchemical bull♥♥♥♥ or otherwise in the first place.

Are you just trying to invoke the Rule of Cool?

Alchemy is a middle ground I'd say. It's a lot of science, but can still be magic. I don't think it's unreasonable for both sides to use it.

((This is Chermanshire, they could have looted the weapons from a alchemal blacksmith. If stein is against alchemy aswell))

"Sorry Charlotte, I don't know why you put up with me sometimes."

"Lord Robert, what shall you have me do?"

I think it would be nice if it was explicitly alchemy rather than Flail's idea of "natural magic". Natural magic (from chemicals? dafuq?) could be defined as anything; background mana static, magic crystals or whatever, places where the walls between planes are thin...

My biggest personal objection toward the original idea is that it would give Stein magic that is essentially identical to Olvite magic (Flail said it so himself, exactly like magic but from chemicals). Stein will end up having magic and tech. Will we have to give Olvitium guns and mechs made of crystallized mana to compensate? No one side should possess both axes of development; they should be kept largely separate, with alchemy/hextech as a middle ground.

I'm fine with both sides using some degree of alchemy/hextech, but it should be distinguished from regular magic in many substantial ways; e.g. cannot mimic "finer" elements and ethereal stuff like light and shadow, but tends toward chemicals, potions and cruder, more destructive applications of base elements like fire and ice.

But this is just my personal opinion. No slight is directed to Fail Flail, who writes excellent RTDs and contributes like mad to the community.

Stein does not use alchemy, that is stuff of sorcerers, not manly men.

They use bandages, antibiotics and such to heal wounds. They use things like incendiary ammo rather then enchanted stuff.

The way I think of it is like this.
Enchantment = witch craft. Alchemy = witch craft. Tossing a fireball at your local villain = Good move, but still witch craft. Opening a portal to dimension containing eldritch abominations? Witch craft. Of the first degree.

The magi from Olvitium use potions and magic. Their Enchanted Guard are exactly that. Enchanted and use potions too, for healing and such, with sword and shield being their weapon of choice - There is little need for a rifle when the magi next to you can burn down a house with magic.

The Stein Imperial Hussars however, have no such magi to help them. So they use gunpowder and steel, along with superior numbers.

> Isaac: Great, dragonflies. Fantastic. Whatever, let's get a move on already!

I almost forgot to reply to this message :o

"Good!"
"You'll have to get the shield stones. They are quite big, around the size of a heater shield." He gestures to a nearby cart.

"One has to be placed at each of the eight compass points from Castle Grey's centre. Thankfully, our magi have modified a compass to detect the castle's centre, so we can place the shield stones in the right place." He hands over the compass.

"Carrying those stones and trying to fight at the same time is going to be difficult, so I'll come with a few of my guard to help carry the shield stones."

"Now we best get under way, before those bastards get here and start removing the shield stones."

"The shield will function even in Mana if it only has four stones, but then Castle Grey will be like throwing a piece of meat to a pack of starving wolves. Not a pretty sight."
"Indeed, we'd have to fight off horrific creatures in there. But that's Mana for you."

Well, We should set off then. Let me see if this Steinien had any of their vision enhancing equipment, it would come in handy for scouting ahead.

Set off with Lord Robert.

Minor:
Check to see if mr jumpy here had some binoculars.

EDIT: Just a suggestion, maybe after everyone rolls we put "the story so far" in the OP for readability; its hard to figure out whats going on when the rolls are decentralized.

So alchemy/hextech/LOL STEIN I GUN CHEMICAL MAGIC revolvers are a no-go, Caek?

Eh, I know Chermanshire riflemen could have them, but I would be OK if caek wanted to just change em to something else...

Hextech and all that sounds like am okay fit for Chermanshire soldiers, maybe. But Stein should flat-out never have something like that.

Yeah, but as we know the stein forces had been looting a lot before they may have come here; its possible that they picked em up along the way...

Why would assassins en route to kill Lord Robert slow themselves down by looting armories for kicks?

Although it probably would be a valid excuse if they ganked a squad of Rifles.

Regardless I think hextech (JUST LIKE MAGIC, BUT FROM CHEMICALS) is a bad idea that shouldn't be repeated. Alchemy is okay, magitech is okay, but not this.

Eh, I don't know. You have a good point there, caek may change them to something else if he wants.

To caek:
Lord Robert, before we go, do you think we really have a chance to save Chermanshire?

Yeah, it all rests on his decision.

Slightly offtopic; I plan to roll tonight.