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RoE Archive => Fire and Steel => RoE2 Archives => Boer vs. Avan => : DM B April 12, 2010, 08:15:31 PM
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The Westerners strike quick and hard - like the Spear of Cuiarécen - straight into the belly of the beast.
From Tuor's Hold they come, falling upon Caulnor with great fury. The defenders amount to little more than militia - they are swept away in a tide of blood and fire. Many outlying towns and villages fall without much of a fight - those that surrender are spared, those that resist are mercilessly butchered and then put to the torch. The larger towns and castles are well defended, however, and refuse to go down without a fight. They are quickly invested by infantry before the host sweeps on, down to Daulton, capital of Avanil. By the end of the first week of summer Boer cavalry stand before the gates.
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Several smaller towns and numerous villages have been seized by the invaders, their inhabitants killed, their valuables and consumables taken, and the settlements torched. This is repeat itself in province Daulton and surroundings. The invaders are staying away from castles, major walled towns and strongpoints, so it's purely a terror strategy. Creates additional confusion, making it very heard to get any reliable intelligence out of the area.
WM 5 begins
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The army of Baron Roesone (currently in Nentril)
ARR (Task force Daulton)
ROESONE
Knights OK Green Iron Order
Knights OK Elite
Dragoons OK Veteran
Dragoons OK Elite (Isilviere)
Outriders OK Veteran (Ghoried)
DIEM
Knights OK Elite
Knights OK Green
Mnt. Armsmen Veteran
Mnt. Armsmen Elite
Dragoons OK Green
Outriders OK Green
Ghieste:
2nd Knights
2nd Outriders
3rd Outriders
In Avanil the weather is fair. Excellent cavalry weather. It will not take many days to reach Daulton if you rush...but there is the issue of the Boer armies - where are they? And relatedly; what about Tuornen? They came from there, perhaps Tuornen represents a threat to your flank?
WM 6 begins
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Contingent is moving along the main road to Duriene and Bhrein. Ghieste outriders are screening the left and right flanks of the movement axis, while outriders from Ghoried and Diemed are serving as advance scouts.
Any friendly or hostile unit has to be reported to Baron.
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Scouts reports presence of enemy outriders in the province of Bhrein.
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No presence of friendly forces (of any kind, wawing peasants counts also ;))? How strong is the enemy presence in Bhrein?
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No presence of friendly forces (of any kind, wawing peasants counts also ;))? How strong is the enemy presence in Bhrein?
Both Nentril and Bhrein have active castles and Avanese militia garrisons; the land is not laid waste or anything. They do of course let you pass without obstruction (they won't be happy if you forage a bit, but they can't really stop you from doing so).
Your scouts are guessing at four light cavalry and two scouts. They are also pretty sure it's an advance party for a larger force.
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What's the exact location of the contingent now? I suppose the main body is at the Duriene/Bhrein border with two scouting outriders already in Bhrein - is it correct?
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Your army is moving from Nentril and into Bhrein - your vanguard is up front and have found an enemy army most likely also moving into Bhrein.
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Aruvor summons his comandeers to a quick meeting.
Gentlemen, we came here to not hide and maneuver. We're in touch with the enemy and as I expect, with STRONGER enemy, at least in numbers.
As I said, I don't plan to hide or run cowardly. Instead, we will strike, gaining maximum from our advantage - mobility.
I want to cause the enemy maximum damage without giving him a chance or time to lock us in a battle, where numbers will prevail.
Here's the plan :
Our units will divide into five groups. Left and right flank consisting of light cavalry will prevent enemy from encircling us and also will deal with light enemy units trying to stop the main body.
In the main there will be two groups of knights with dragoons in the front. Dragoons will clear the path for the knights, enganging the enemy with lances and then pull back, joining the light cavalry.
The main strike will be quick, knights will charge the enemy, then pulling back. Dragoons will help the knights in case they'll have trouble with disenganging.
Reserve - two armsmen - will engange in case the things goes wrong.
After engangment, the knights will join, returning back to the Bhrein/Duriene border, followed by the screening force of dragoons and light cavalry.
In any doubt, simply follow my standard.
I also do want to send a dispatch to local (Bhrein) avanese commander with an offer to join us and gain some glory.
I want you comments now, gentlemen. Don't fear to speak.
left flank :
RO Outriders
DIEM Outriders
right flank
GHI 2nd Outriders
GHI 3rd Outriders
1.
RO Dragoons
RO Dragoons
ARR
RO Knights
IO Knights
2.
DIEM Dragoons
GHI Knights
DIEM Knights
DIEM Knights
rear (reserve) :
DIEM Mnt. Armsmen
DIEM Mnt. Armsmen
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It is a sound plan - and it is put into effect.
The enemy outriders cannot really do much to oppose you, except harass your advance, but thankfully you have enough light cavalry of your own to keep them at bay.
Some time later the left flank reports that they have spotted the enemy main body - it would appear that you have slipped through their screen and are in a position to possibly strike them while they are in column of march. If you could accomplish that you could do some real damage. It is risk, however, for the enemy army is big - near enough 10.000 men (40 units) on foot and their main cavalry (if they have any) is still unaccounted for.
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Baron quickly overlooks the situation, seeking for the weakest spot of the marching army. Intuitiuvely, he seeks where int he masses the enemy generals march ... and sends a dispatch to his commandeers.
Then, rising in the saddle, he shouts
Soldiers, Cuiraecen gives us a chance to hit our enemy hard. We will not disappoint him! Do your best, fight for your lives. Strike foe, protect your friend near and watch for your commander. Victory will be ours!
He gives a signal and his units begin to move, quickly and deadly, towards the enemy. Banners of Diemed, Ghieste and Roesone flying high, but above them, crest of baron Aruvor Raemel.
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As it happens the enemy is advancing in three main columns - as one must with an army that big. The field and farmlands of Avanil are good for marching...and good for cavalry attacking marching foes. It is the leftmost of the Western columns that you attack, the one primarily made up of men from Talinie.
You strike them with terrible force at a most opportune location where they cannot easily detect your approach. Hundreds of enemies are killed by blade or hoof in the initial charge. So violently do you strike that you punch a hole right through the enemy column and keep moving. Reforming the army on the others side you are in for something of a surprise. They don't run or stand around in confusion. They form up as best they can. In some case with little thought of coordination, but nevertheless they form clumps of warriors standing side by side, protecting each other with shield and steel in hand.
You press the attack again. Striking for the smaller units, the ones left in the gaping hole in their marching order. Once again you do very well and the enemy die in numbers...but this time they strike back. And you come under heavy missile fire from several quarters. Dozens of knights are killed or unhorsed. You form up again, not far from your initial attack point and assess the situation. You could attack once more, but it will be harder. Still, it is tempting. Many of the enemy are only lightly armored and their lines are still rugged. You won't get an opportunity like this again.
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Baron quickly thinks ... but there's nothing to consider. Heart of warrior calls for next attack, but commandeer's brain urge for caution. Cuiraecen favored them today, but who know how long his favor will last.
Draw back he shouted and soon all his units were on the way to disengange from the enemy.
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Disengaging is easy since none of your units are tangled up in melee or out of sight. The enemy fires some arrows after you, but most fall short. Then you are away and n your way back...to Duriene province.
Now you need to keep sharp and keep looking for that cavalry...
Any orders?
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Outriders are ordered to scout into Bhrein, avoiding encounters. Baron needs any possible info of the actual situation.
Roesonian Dragoons will screen the vicinty to avoid possible ambush.
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The outriders (who are now presumably bringing up the rear - seeing as you're headed back to Duriene and they keep watch against the enemy in Bhrein?) quickly becomes entangled with enemy outriders, scouts, and dragoons. They can keep the enemy at bay for a while, but unless they are allowed to run away - or reinforced - they will be worn down by the enemy over a period.
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How many enemy units are we speaking of?
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Best guess is two scouts, two outriders, four dragoons.
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The main body (dragoons + knights) turns around and under baron's command reinforces the slowly retreating outriders. Baron does not want real fight, only to the extent that drives away the enemy scouts and relieves the outriders. Then continues to Duriene, outriders and dragoons screening.
By the way, from where arrived the enemy army to Bhrein - from north?
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They refuse to do battle...and the situation repeats itself. It's something of a conundrum - if you stop to help your screen whenever they come under attack you become greatly slowed down, but if you do not the screen will eventually fail and you'll become exposed. The general in you realizes that your position is becoming worse by the hour...you are rapidly losing the initiative. You must use your superior speed and escape or you must stop and fight.
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Will retreat deeper into Duriene solve the situation? If so, baron chooses to retreat. If not, he'll need another plan. He's considering the possibility to turn from Duriene to Nabhriene or Taliern.
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Speeding up and letting the outriders fend for themselves will prevent the enemy from pinning you down. If that happens you will be in big big trouble. Where you want to move sort of depends on what you plan to do next...
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Retreat to Duriene and then Taliern at full speed. Outriders are allowed to maneuver and retreat freely to minimize the damage they'll take. Their commanders do know the general route plan to allow them to catch up later.
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On the way, baron sends a swift courier to Tael Brosuine in Bhaine. General Brosuine is ordered to reinforce the garrison in Seamist using the units from Bhaine and block the pass from Seamist to Nentril. Only screening force has to be left in Bhaine.
Signed, Aruvor Raemel.
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Baron, riding amongst his personal guard, waved at the nearest Knight-Commander. The mid-level and skilled soldier he saw the signal and rode nearerSir?
I need information about the state of our light cavalry - immediately. I'm also interested in insights of other officers about the first engangement, especially observations about our enemies - the composition of the units, the expected direction, and the like. After we stop, I'll call all the officers for a meeting, but unfortunately It's not possible now.
Commander nodded and rode back to his men, in his head creating the orders needed to fullfill the task he got.
OOC :
Baron is working on a new tactics against the irritating enemy cavalry - does he know if he can count with some/any of his outriders? It is unclear if any of them made it safely ...
And, is it known to Baron which direction the enemy army was marching before the attack? General direction is more than sufficient (heading north or south).
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Your outriders have been destroyed, but the rest of your army is in good shape. Presently hiding/whatever in Taliern. There is no enemy presence here. It would appear that the bulk of the enemy army has continued west (they came from Daulton by way of Bhrein - some units may have gone north to Tuor's Hold instead) towards the Seamist Mountains. Presumably they intend to cross. Perhaps Brosuine can hold, but you doubt it. He has too little and not enough time to prepare. You can only pray that weather or the gods intervenes.
You also get final confirmation on Daulton. The city lies in ruins after being torched. The death toll must have been immense. They say that Prince Avan is among the dead, that he refused to leave his castle.
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WM 8 begins
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WM 6 spent moving to Bhrein, fought battle, retreated to Duriene.
WM 7 spent moving to Taliern, scouting, sending dispatches, etc.
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The enemy army is presumably in Nentril in WM 8.
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In the evening after receiving the sad news about the Daulton's fate, Baron called for his officers.
"Perhaps it's still too early for condolences and mourning, but I'm almost sure our fight for Avan's cause is over. What remains is fight for our comrades. We left a part of our army behind Seamist mountains and we owe them something.
I'm almost sure our army in Northern Taeghas will be crushed by the horde that we met back in Bhrein. Even with our help is the fate of the army questionable."
baron felt into silence for a moment.
"What I wanted to do now may seem as a suicide for most of you. Indeed it is. But it is also what we owe to our units in Taeghas. And with Cuiraecen's favor there's always chance for a good end."
"We will move back to Duriene and Nentril, using our speed to catch the enemy. As we lack the light cavalry to scout, we'll use our dragoons as the close screening.
We'll advance in wide formation, dragoons in front and both flanks, till we reach Nentril border. In such foramtion, we'll be able to catch and encircle possible enemy scouts if we're lucky. At the border of Nentril we'll stop and only one dispersed dragoon unit will scout for us.
It should be enough - because we do believe we know what's our enemy doing - his units will attempt to cross the Seamist mountains. And as we can't count with strength suepriority and surprise and our enemy will have some countermeasures ready for sure,
we need to catch him and strike at the very moment his rear units will be the only what reamins in the open plains of Nentril. The rest of enemy army will be unable to react quickly due to the heavier terrain, giving us the opportunity to strike at weaker enemy and disengange.
We may even consider a night attack at the enemy's rear.
Any comments?"
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Given the great successes under you command thus far there are few, if any, objections. The men look forward to more victories and more glory. A few pragmatic officers, however, rise the question of pay: If Avan is now dead, where is reward money, lands, and so on coming from? If none is forthcoming...why fight at all? Why not negotiate for some sort of settlement?
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We fight now to gain better cards for negotiation. We all know nothing will stop enemy to crush our army in Taeghas if he decides to. But imagine enemy commander with army stuck in the mountains, bad weather falling and both exits threatened by enemy army. I DO expect some sort of negotiation immediately begins after our strike.
And the last thing - the units on the other side of the mountains swore loyalty to the same lords as you did. Perhaps there will be no prize money but surely you'll be able to stand before your lord and be sure you did the best to save his army for further fights.
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Since the Baron is such a great commander the troops follow him, despite any misgivings about pay.
Upon arrival in Nentril several things have become apparent; the great enemy host have just passed through these lands unopposed. What Avanese forces remains have hid behind their walls and prayed that the enemy would not stop outside their door. Now the bulk of the enemy infantry is crossing the Seamist Mountains. it is late in Autumn and it is no small feat they are attempting. You know, for you made the crossing in fairer weather not too many weeks ago.
The enemy cavalry, however, has not gone anywhere, rather awaits your coming. Perhaps they are merely waiting for last as a security measure. Or perhaps they have anticipated this bold strike of yours. You do not know. What you do know is that you will have to run away like a coward - or face a cavalry army larger than your own in open battle. Unless you can come up with some other alternative of course.
At any rate, the enemy is arrayed against you on the fields of a nameless Netril village. You'd say that they number six knight units, another six lancers, plus at least four dragoons for flank security. You are also certain that there will be at least a small reserve, plus scouts.
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A messenger under truce flag is sent to the enemy. Baron wishes to speak with the cavalry's commander.
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A meeting is arranged in the early hours of the day. A cold sun shines down on the fields, struggling with the dew that has gathered in the night. Winter is coming to the Heartlands.
His attire is rather common, utilitarian plate and mail, with a simple surcoat bearing the symbol of Haelyn (much like a templar would wear). The same goes for his arms; they seem rather plain, with very little in the way of ornamentation. Perhaps he as taken a vow of poverty? That doesn't quite add up, however, for the enemy leader sits upon a prize stallion who is the equal of any animal you have set your eyes upon. He has removed his helmet for the occasion. He has dark hair and cold eyes. You think he must be related to that squire of Duke Diems...the one who lost his leg...Cereval Shaeme. The family resemblance is strong. His Dieman accent confirms your suspicions:
"I am Moergan, humble servant of Haelyn, Marquis of Thasbyrn, and commander of this army. Now, you called for this meeting...I presume you mean to surrender?"
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I'm Aruvor Raemel, Baron of Roesone and soldier of Cuiraecen. It's my pleasure to meet you, Marquis. Am I right you led the attack on Daulton?
As you surely know, we Cuiraecenites rarely surrender. I'm instead going to offer you a limited non-aggression agreement. It seems to me that this war is over and none of us has a reason to fight here a lose our men for nothing. Your army is returning home and I want the same for my men both here and in Taeghas.
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"I have heard of you Baron Aruvor Raemel...and I find that the stories actually do you justice. I was a well executed attack on my marching columns, and so I must applaud you skill and daring. Now, however, I think it is time for you to use your experience...to evaluate your own position. Which is not very good. My infantry is on its way over the mountains, where I am sure they will have to fight more of your southerners. But win they will, and in doing so they will doom your entire expeditionary force to isolation and destruction...
Which is reminiscent of your own position Baron...in that it is hopeless. Mine cavalry far outnumber thine. If you fight you will die. If you run you will have no honor...and might still be run down and killed. Or you can surrender and be treated fairly. There are only those three options...there will most certainly be no terms of non-aggression. It is your choice Baron...for although I build my liege a fine funeral pyre out of the City of Daulton my blood still cries out for vengenace upon those who consort with assassins."
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I don't know which assasins you're speaking about, Marquis. But as You said, youh heart cries for venegance so I fear for fates of those who surrender. And as I said, Cuiraecenites rarely surrender. Do you job, Marquis and perhaps we'll se someday again.
Baron then returns back to his units. His plan : form a wedge from his knights, flanks guarded by dragoons, attack teh center of enemy knights where supposedly marquis might have his position.
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"That would be the ones sent by Prince Avan Whoreson to slay my liege, Brandon of the blood of Boer. But I guess such a petty detail has escaped your notice...but very well, if you insist on insulting my honor I will oblige you. Death it is."
With that he returns to his lines...and the battle commences:
You attack in tight formation at good speed. There is a slight rise before the enemy lines, but not enough for your attack to be slowed. As you reach the point where the charge will be called arrows start flying through the air. Their scouts have hidden in between the flanking dragoons and now fire enfilading fire at you - it could have been very bad, but at your current speed their engagement time is too brief for them to do more than sting. Then enemy horns sound and the Boer cavalry surge forward to meet you. It is like the clash of titans.
You find that your initial charge to the center is quite successful. The enemy is hit hard and pushed into disarray. But your flanks are hit equally hard and your formation starts unraveling - the only option is to keep going forward, avoid getting pinned. That works for a while, until you run into the Boer reserve - mounted armsmen (now on foot) - form a solid block of polearms and great axes. You find yourself between two hammers and one anvil.
And last minute ideas or orders?
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Turn left/right (whatever) along the dismounted units and attack the cavalry flank.
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There is little room to maneuver:
ENEMY INFANTRY
ENEMY YOU ENEMY
KNIGHTS YOU YOU KNIGHTS
LANCERS YOU YOU YOU LANCERS
ENEMY DRAGOONS CLOSING THE NOOSE
Your lead units have some momentum left, however, and you are able to turn to the left and break through the enemy lines. Perhaps fifty men are still with you; the rest are locked into a gigantic melee.
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... perhaps he gone simply mad, perhaps his heart of a Cuiraecen paladin won the battle with his instincts ...
Baron turned his horse back and charged the enemy line. Few of his fellow soldiers, mostly personal guard, followed him, fear in their eyes, but the banner of Aruvor Raemel still flying high and freely.
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Your mad charge into the flank of the enemy infantry throw them into disarray, opening a gap through which many more of your men are able to escape. But for the brave Baron there is another fate - a felled horse, bloody injury and then blissful darkness...
(some of the units have survived thanks to the heroic actions of the Baron - now they must try to survive the pursuing enemy cavalry...has it all been in vain?)
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Word of the Baron's death on the field of battle, as well as a lengthy recital of his heroic actions, are sent to Roesone and Tornilen (here the Duchess is away on urgent business, so she's yet to hear) as quickly as possible.
WM 11 begins.
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Additionally: The capital city of Daulton has been razed (OOC: The province has lost no less than 2 province levels). The Westerners have also foraged extensively and caused general havoc wherever they could. Avanil is, however, a well-fortified realm, so in terms of lost province levels it has done fairly well, but a lot of negative province growth has been inflicted.
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Turn ends.
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END RESULT - All SURVIVING units broken and in Caulnor
ARR (Task force Daulton)
ROESONE
Knights B Skilled Iron Order
Knights B Elite
Dragoons OK Veteran
Dragoons OK Elite (Isilviere)
Outriders OK Veteran (Ghoried)
DIEM
Knights B Elite
Knights OK Green
Mnt. Armsmen Veteran
Mnt. Armsmen Elite
Dragoons OK Green
Outriders OK Green
GHIESTE
2nd Knights
2nd Outriders
3rd Outriders