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RoE Archive => Fire and Steel => RoE2 Archives => Swordhawk Crusade => : DM B February 20, 2012, 11:28:28 AM
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Archduke William personally commands the Crusade. He's been appointed Marshal of the Crusade by Pontiff Isilviere.
At the beginning of the turn he's overseeing the siege of Oden, Prince Oden's capital.
Stuff related to that siege and the province of Rohrgaard go into this thread.
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“When Lord Rockhammer returns to us, tell him I would have news of Werthangen,” the Archduke says empathically to Captain Tradeaus Enlien, while surveying the circumvallation surrounding Oden, a small scroll , recently read, is held in his hand.
He looks to William Deaulen. “It would seem that our brothers in Knights of Haelyn shall miss the conclusion of this siege,” he says while walking past several large mounds. The construction of the mounds is being overseen by Lady el-Mesir and retinue – they look like little more than piles of trash, refuse and rubbish. Yet, something seems afoot given the meticulous nature of Geraldine’s ministrations to her treasures.
“The services of dwarven engineers have been secured – the represent no small investment. When they arrive, we shall take this castle.”
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War move 1:
Nothing much happens. Siege continues. Weather is fair - warm and only a few minor showers. Supply situation good.
Please list units INVOLVED IN THE SIEGE AT THE START OF WM 1
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Siege Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/OK)
Armsmen, Mounted (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Halberdiers (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Pikes (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Partizans (Auxilliary (EVR); Unknown/OK)
Partizans (Auxilliary (EVR); Unknown/OK)
Archers (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/OK)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/OK)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Skirmishers (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Oden Screening Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Outriders (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Outriders (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Elite/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Green/OK)
Reserve: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK)
Knights (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
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In War Move 2, the Archduke leaves the siege in the hands of William Deaulen while he returns briefly south. "Baron, when Geraldine brings forth her magic, give them the opportunity to surrendur, should they refuse, bring this castle down around them, but engage in no looting. We still have need of this city."
In War Move 3, the following detachment is sent to support Rockhammer:
Regulars (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Halberdiers (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Pikes (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
Partizans (Auxilliary (EVR); Unknown/OK)
Partizans (Auxilliary (EVR); Unknown/OK)
Skirmishers (Auxilliery (WD); Unknown/OK)
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War move 4:
The archduke is absent from the siege camp. Lord Deaulen has command.
WM 5:
Begins.
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Baron William Deaulen consults with his council of advisers while maintaining the siege and waiting for Geraldine to arrive, including Lords Ironfist, Elethan and Serim. "Is there any other method we could use to end this siege quickly?"
Looking at Charrek Ironfist, Deaulen recalls the time the brave dwarf entered the orogs chieftain's underground network of caves, and wonders if there might be a similar opportunity here...
Then, turning to Lord Serim, he asks if there has been any success in his efforts to get assistance from the inside, perhaps the lure of gold?...
Elethan and the guard have been on high alert for any act of espionage or subterfuge on Oden's part, but report nothing so far...
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Osoer sits upon his horse quietly listening and watching the methodical grind of the machinery of war; though it is barely audible over the dull beat of his heart. The Baron of Coeranys has prepared well and his orders will be brief. Osoer watches as men, overseen by dwarves, push and pull the siege trains, aligning them against a single wall – they stout men say that this wall is weakest and will fall easily to concentrated efforts. Other dwarves look to the construction of ladders and other still have begun to mine the walls. The assault will be ready soon.
Archers and crossbowmen are positioned with the protection of regulars to pin down the defenders behind the walls. In the outer field, cavalry await orders to take advantage any openings. Deaulen shall take the eastern most gates with a force of infantry and the ladders. While Geraldine will make a diversionary attack upon the northern most walls along with a very modest infantry force. Osoer will lead the assault upon the weakened wall.
Oden will fall.
As the men finally complete their reposition of the engines, Osoer commands that they begin bombarding the city, throughout the day and night. "Let them understand their predicament and in the morning, continue the bombardment, but also send terms for their unconditional surrender,” he says to Tradeus Enlien and Baron Deaulen.
“We shall commence the assault two days hence,” he says.
“Let us pray that they will take the sensible solution, ” he concludes.
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The dwarves are still activating. They will be here once that's done and they've had time to march north.
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WM 7:
Rohrgaard is reconnoitered by a trio of mercenary cavalry from Kiergard - two marauders and one scout. They are effectively turned aside by the screening force and do not learn anything about the main force.
Outriders (Osoer; Veteran/W)
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WM 5+:
There have been several attempts to infiltrate the camp, but none have succeeded in any meaningful way.
Some sentries and outriders have also been killed or disappeared in the woods. Nothing major though.
Security measures are working.
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Osoer returns word to Alaric that he may desire to send a force to reinforce Rohrgaard, once the City of Oden falls.
Lord Serim is congratulated on his efforts. The serve the crusade, his liege and himself well.
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Lord Serim is humbled by the Archduke's kind words.
He also suggests not trying to take the city by subterfuge. Such attempts will likely backfire in a manner most foul.
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WM 8:
Osoer has returned. The dwarves have arrived.
WM 9:
Active siege begins in earnest. First assaults should go through early next turn if the castle is reduced. The castle should also take a negative level from the investment.
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At the end of WM 9, Osoer will give the city another opportunity to surrendur. It is to be their last opportunity.
Beyond this, he is ruthless in his execution of the siege, both in ways intended to break the castle itself, but psychologically as well. He even goes as far as to, using the dwarves, ensure that the castle is bombarded even in the night.
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The castle does not surrender.
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WM 9: The siege is not in any way affected by the raid.
You fail to take Oden by subterfuge.
Ironfist does not conjure up any magic tricks that lets you take the city.
The siege continues. Lots of units, big siege train, summoned artillery.
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This should be an active siege.
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Indeed it is. From the moment you conjured up some artillery. And with the arrival of the dwarves it's even an effective siege.
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WM 10: Catapults shoot lot of rocks at the city walls. More ladders are built, trenches dug etc. As soon as a breach can be effected the city will be stormed.
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Osoer, along with Deaulen, begin setting the stage for an epic trap for the Osternord force. Osoer forth the knights (dismounted) to take up duty on the siege of Oden and thusly freeing some additional light infantry (primarily Archers) and some regulars, to participate in the trap.
Using the screen force and a unit of knights as bait, they attempt to draw the enemy force into terrain that hinders their ability to easily retreat, and allows them the ability to attack from high ground. Regulars are kept with archers to protect them. Once the trap is sprang, the idea will be for the flanking sides to rain death upon the force, while a second force (light infantry and scouts, as well as Dragoons/Outriders) moves to envelope the enemy.
Osoer will lead the decoy/flanking units, Deaulen will lead the enveloping units.
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Sounds like a good plan. Perhaps Ironfist can assist with his spellcasting abilities to provide additional cover/screening to aid in setting the trap...
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Ironfist left as soon as the dwarven mercs set foot in Rohrgaard. Since then you haven't heard from him. He may have gone back to the Chimaeron.
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WM 11: The Osternord force is assembled. Please list units and commanders participating.
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Siege Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK) (Dismounted)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK) (Dismounted)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dwarven Engineers (Dwarven; Elite/OK)
Dwarven Engineers (Dwarven; Elite/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Osternord Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
William Osoer (General)
William Deaulen (Commander)
Celestial Guard (Followers)
Outriders (Osoer; Veteran/W)
Outriders (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Elite/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Green/OK)
Knights (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK) (Bait - Flying High the Colors of King Alaric)
Armsmen, Mounted (Osoer; Skilled/OK) (Dismounted)
Archers (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/OK) (Dismounted)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/OK) (Dismounted)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
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On WM 12 the Osternord force returns, bloodied but unbowed. William immediately orders assault preparations to commence.
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Lord Serim warns William that Prince Oden is unlikely to surrender his city. They will fight to the end - and may have some tricks up their sleeves.
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Osoer is not surprised by Lord Serim's analysis and he agrees whole-heartedly with the assessment.
"Lord Serim, please tell Lady el-Mesir to be very vigilant. I would not be surprised if magic were to play a part now where it has not before," he says. "When the city falls, the Baron and I shall move to secure Prince Oden. Lord Rockhammer, Lord Serim and Captain Enlien shall secure the remaining elements of the city."
"Send a all the scouts, dismounted outriders, skrimishers, as well as 400 archers and 400 crossbowmen into the foothills to screen against the Swordhawk and the Osternord force," he says.
"Inform the my most loyal captains, that they shall draw lots. Whomever has the short lots shall not partake of any looting, instead they will move to secure vital supplies, such as food, water and weapons. The right of pillage shall last 3 days; I suggest it is time that is well spent for after its conclusion, execution will await any caught stealing, raping or otherwise harming the people of Rohrgaard."
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The assault commences:
Lord Ironfist returns to the battlefield, unseen by the common soldiery. Calling upon the powers of rock and earth he makes two strong towers and the piece of curtain wall connecting them tumble to the ground. Afterwards there are some that say an earthquake did it. Others claim the artillery finally got the better of poor Brecht stonework. Whatever the reason the attack knocks down 2 lvls of castle, making the final assault all that much easier.
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Time for a little OOC input:
Oden has been reduced from a castle 5 to a castle 3 by Ironfist's spell.
You've also invested it for more than 1 turn. So that's a negative level right there.
Let's say that your dwarves have managed to knock down the castle by 1 level, despite missing 1 WM of bombardment. OK?
There is also a fort temple 4 (StS) and a fort manor 2 (EJ) and a fort guild 2 (FrF) in the province.
The manor fort has just been neutralized. Conceptually these are manorial defenses outside Oden. You'll deal with it later.
The guild fort has surrendered by now. Conceptually these are fortified minor towns.
The temple fort has not yet been dealt properly with.
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The final assault isn't too hard. The enemy is numerous, but it's mostly militia and some light infantry. Half-starved and frightened they still put up a spirited fight - clearly they are more afraid of their own leaders than of the attackers. The attackers loose hundreds. The defenders in the thousands - not all combatants, many citizens also die, mostly because it's hard to tell the difference between militia and civilians. Small groups of assassins keep striking at the crusaders, dressed either as civilians or as crusaders themselves. Their impact is limited. Prince Oden's palace-castle is also taken. More or less intact. Someone tries putting it on fire, but a freak rainstorm quells the fire before it can do much more than soot-blacken one part of the castle.
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Enemy forces attempts to interfere with the assault but are repulsed by Osoer's strong screen.
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OOC: Oden has been reduced to a castle 2 with two repairable castle levels (costing 10Gbs each). The guild fort is of course unharmed at level 2.
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Word is sent back to Nunkappel to Alaric.
"Oden has fallen and now rests in the hands of the Archduke. Only Osternord remains in enemy hands."
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Osoer allows his captains to see to the securing of the city. With the news of so many assassains, the castle staff is more or less sacked, instead Osoer sets his retainers to managing the castle proper - that at least will help with security. Patrols within Oden are to be no less than 10 men, whenever possible, as well. The dwarves are invited to stay in the castle to help root out potential security risks (secret passages, false walls, etc) within the castle, as well as to being assessing where to begin making repairs. More importantly, food and supplies are called forth from Friedlund.
"Lord Serim," he asks during a meal with the captains and lords.
"Did not the heretic Raenar Cariele show a preference for the use of assassains?"
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"That he did my Lord. Prince Raenar's agents and assassins were feared by all. Some of them may well have come from Khinasi and Brecht lands. Perhaps some may even have hailed from Rohrmarch."
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Final roster for the end of WM 12. Includes Rockhammer's detachment. Put 1 crossbow and 1 archer in the screening force to avoid taking away all the missile power of the attackers.
Siege Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
William Osoer (General)
William Deaulen (Commander)
Celestial Guard (Followers)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK) (Dismounted)
Knights (Osoer; Crack/OK) (Dismounted)
Knights (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK) (Bait - Flying High the Colors of King Alaric)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Dragoons (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Armsmen, Mounted (Osoer; Skilled/OK) (Dismounted)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/D)
Regulars (Osoer; Green/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/D)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/W)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/W)
Regulars (Osoer; Veteran/OK)
Regulars (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/W)
Regulars (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/B)
Regulars (Auxilliery (WD); Veteran/E)
Halberdiers (Auxilliery (WD); Skilled/OK)
Pikes (Auxilliery (WD); Green/OK)
Partizans (Auxilliary (EVR); Veteran/OK)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/OK) (Dismounted)
Archers, Mounted (Osoer; Elite/W) (Dismounted)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)
Dwarven Engineers (Dwarven; Elite/OK)
Dwarven Engineers (Dwarven; Elite/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Celestial Siege Train (Conjured; -/OK)
Screening Force: Unit (Owner; Experience/Status)
Ervan Vaul Rockhammer (Commander)
Scouts (Brecht) (Osoer; Green/E)
Scouts (Brecht) (Osoer; Green/OK)
Scouts (Auxilliery (WD); Veteran/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Elite/OK)
Scouts (Osoer; Green/E)
Outriders (Osoer; Veteran/E)
Outriders (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Outriders (Osoer; Skilled/B)
Outriders (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Outriders (Osoer; Veteren/W)
Outriders (Auxilliery (WD); Veteran/OK)
Mercenary Khinasi Cavalry (Auxilliary (Alaric); Elite/Ok)
Skirmishers (Auxilliery (WD); Skilled/E)
Archers (Osoer; Skilled/OK)
Crossbows (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/W)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/D)
Skirmishers (Auxillery (Alaric); Unknown/OK)