If there are Dukesmen in the city, it’s nothing you can handle, so you decide to keep on toward the 75th. Finally you see them, gleaming in the sun.

Major Callis waves you over and he says, “Shields up, we’ve got movement by the East Gate.”

You take a deep breath and concentrate on Words of Power to give shape to your desire, a shield capable of absorbing blows from the enemy, yet allowing your own soldiers to fight freely. You finish just as trumpets sound the forward. You march with the 75th through the East Gate to set up a wall made of iron and will.

Before you can catch your breath, drums sound and Dukesmen are howling down the road to the gate. The first blows hit your shield, making you gasp as holes open. The 75th answers in kind and engages the enemy.

You give yourself over to providing energy to your shields, paying little attention to the physical fight until you see a small group of Dukesmen make their way toward you.

Do you trust the 75th and hold your shield? Or do you protect yourself?