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RoE Archive => RoE2 Archives => Fire and Steel => : X-Tornilen/SM (Alexander) May 27, 2009, 11:55:57 PM
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The first cold winds of autumn are the northern parts of Thoralinar, Tornilen, as the Swordmage arrives at her old sanctum near the border to Elinie. Before her arrival a unit of archers have been recalled from garrison duty and are gathering before the Castle.
With her she has a small group of bodyguards who stay with her as she meets the leaders of the regiment of archers. She seems a little distracted as she does this, but other than that everything seems as usual.
Right now her and the troops are just waiting for Duke Hiriele to show up, then the fun will begin.
[OOC: The distraction is due to SM running a scrying spell on this very province, as she is there. Having her attention split that way must be confusing. I haven't got the results on the spell yet, but the DDC was 7, so I'm guessing I will have the result soon.]
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It is a chill evening, with a bitter bite of winter just edging into the night air and that crisp feeling is matched by the precision of movement from the body of men moving. There is a tension present in all of them, a feeling of accuracy and discipline as well as brutal professionalism. Soldier after soldier passes by and it seems that Ghieste has marched an army to this meeting that is larger than rumour said his whole Duchies army was just a couple of years ago. They move in as much silence as an army can move in, with nothing above a whisper spoken and at there heart rides a stern looking Ghorien, Duke of Ghieste, dressed in simple and plain black leathers with a wicked looking dagger and sword paired on either side of his hips. It is only as he sees the Sword Mage that his face breaks into a more sunny smile and he greets her from horseback with a wave.
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OoC: Since this involves moving troops and forming a field army, I've moved it into the wars section.
Furthermore, having read your DO's there are a few notes that spring to mind.
Tornilen: Merely activating a unit in a province isn't enough. You have to "move" the unit in order to get in contact with the enemy. Even if said enemy is in the province. I can exchange either of your court actions for this action if you want, otherwise the unit won't be available for this.
Ghieste: The same. Only you're activating units in a different province. Since you're using a wage war action, this isn't really a problem.
Both: If you want to "properly" unite forces of several realms under one command, you have to use a grant action and turn over control to one general.
So; The current situation is as follows:
Tornilen force,
Archers OK Veteran - commanded by Duchess Marya Tanar.
Ghieste field army, general is Duke Ghorien Hiriele
1st Dragoons OK Veteran
1st Armsmen OK Elite
1st Regulars OK Skilled
1st Crossbows OK Skilled
1st Knights OK Skilled
1st Outriders OK Green
1st Scouts OK Green
IC: Situation at the beginning of the campaign (war move 1).
Duke Ghorien Hiriele link up with Duchess Marya Tanar's forces. The sorceress begin calling upon her arcane powers!
War move 2 begins.
Later edit: Due to some DO confusion, the DM has been led to believe that the MoC was involved in this campaign. They ain't, so I'm removing their presence.
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*ahem*
Ghorien also has the following with him
1st Knights OK Skilled
1st Outriders OK Green
1st Scouts OK Green
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OoC: Right you are, list updated.
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Your forces are lined up on the slope of a hill, hidden from view, while the Swordmage conducts her divinations.
If you stand on top of the hill and look southeast, the view looks something like below. The Swordmage is far away, scanning the far expanse of the horizon, with glazed over eyes. It seems like she's gazing at the hills in the distance.
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8185/diagonalshillsandmountaj.jpg) (http://img197.imageshack.us/my.php?image=diagonalshillsandmountaj.jpg)
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/diagonalshillsandmountaj.jpg/1/w640.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img197/diagonalshillsandmountaj.jpg/1/)
(Click the thumbnail for a bigger picture)
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Ghorien is careful to place his heaviest troops higher up the slope to allow momentum to work in their favour, with the dragoons placed up beside them and the outriders at the very bottom. Scouts are deployed forward, ready to see what is to be seen.
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Right now you have no target, only the Swordmage's strange visions of danger to the east. If you order your troops to deploy down hill, they will move out of hiding and might be seen by sentries far away.
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Well then we shall not deploy them there yet, merely make preperations of deployment in position to allow for the ease of that position when we are ready.
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OoC: Currently awaiting a reply from the Swordmage...
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From the moment the two armies met up to the moment they are standing on the hill, the Swordmage has been absent-minded and occupied. She has only greeted the Duke curtly and clearly is not interested in speaking before she is done with her spell.
While the Duke takes a look at the enemy from the top of the hill, she sits in a tent with a young female scribe. Finally a messenger asks Duke Hiriele to come to the tent, Duchess Marya is done with her spell.
In the tent she finally pays attention to the duke.
"Duke Hiriele, it is good to see you. Now we finally have specific information on their disposition, I am glad that you have brought so many troops... we will need them. She beckons towards a tent raised at the foot of the hill. Come, let us discuss strategy."
[OOC: The map is attached]
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Inside the tent the two nobles are discussing how to eliminate these bandits.
The Swordmage:
"There are a few things you need to know; They have been her for a while and have clearly dug in - there are fortifications sorrounding their camp. Only field fortifications, but still noteworthy. They also have the supplies to withstand a long siege.
In addition they have someone hidden in the cave who can hide from my scrying and conceal what's inside the cave. Perhaps they have more troops there, perhaps they have an escape route.
Their troops are a mix of Goblins, Humans and Orogs. The heavies are orogs, the regulars human and the scouts, skirmishers, and archers are a mix of goblins and humans.
The leader of the humans is a man dressed as a Knight of Tael's elite guard... rather interesting. Perhaps one of them survived. They look to him at any rate.
I think that is all..."
She falls silent for a moment, then continues.
"We could approach from the south, hidden by the hills and the shadow of the mountains, but if they catch us there we would not have room to maneuver.
Coming in from the west is possible as well, we could gamble on the forest and the hills hiding us.
We could also circle around to the east and approach them through the mountains, though that would take at least a day.
Personally I would like to draw them out of their camp somehow, I do not like the prospect of them escaping through caves below us... if that cave entrance on the hill is an entrance to a larger network. That, however, is speculation."
She looks up at Duke Hiriele. "What do you say?"
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With a sigh he looks over the map a vein throbbing at his temple.
"Well I would say we have several options and perhaps more tools in our knapsack then they might reckon with. First of all we are to the north west so, given the size of our force, we do have the opportunity of driving in from both the North and the West at the same time, our main force to the north with dragoons and scouts to swing in from the west to break their light troops. In the north we use the outriders on our left flank to pin that unit and stop them running while delpoying in depth to hide our numbers. That should let those who do run warn...."
He pauses, a rather spooky smile now spreading across his face.
"Okay, the way I see it is that we have two principal chances - we can either rely on strength or we can rely on guile. I think, giving the fortifications we use guile first and then drop to strength when we have removed some of the obstacles. I assume out only restriction time wise is risk of discovery? I have a team with me skilled in infiltration of enemy lines you see and there is a temptation to trim their command structure before we engage, even if it is just in the outlying pickets. It might even be that, combined with a dawn attack say we could remove the guards and allow a rush of the compound leaving their compass points stranded. Otherwise I would suggest we engage one of the point units and stage a withdrawal by the two or three units that engage it to encourage them to come and crush us on our field of choice, with a fw choice traps laid there."
He looks a little abashed.
"Sorry, I just started on ideas - see if you can pick the bones out of those."
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With a sigh he looks over the map a vein throbbing at his temple.
"Well I would say we have several options and perhaps more tools in our knapsack then they might reckon with. First of all we are to the north west so, given the size of our force, we do have the opportunity of driving in from both the North and the West at the same time, our main force to the north with dragoons and scouts to swing in from the west to break their light troops. In the north we use the outriders on our left flank to pin that unit and stop them running while delpoying in depth to hide our numbers. That should let those who do run warn...."
He pauses, a rather spooky smile now spreading across his face.
"Okay, the way I see it is that we have two principal chances - we can either rely on strength or we can rely on guile. I think, giving the fortifications we use guile first and then drop to strength when we have removed some of the obstacles. I assume out only restriction time wise is risk of discovery? I have a team with me skilled in infiltration of enemy lines you see and there is a temptation to trim their command structure before we engage, even if it is just in the outlying pickets. It might even be that, combined with a dawn attack say we could remove the guards and allow a rush of the compound leaving their compass points stranded. Otherwise I would suggest we engage one of the point units and stage a withdrawal by the two or three units that engage it to encourage them to come and crush us on our field of choice, with a fw choice traps laid there."
He looks a little abashed.
"Sorry, I just started on ideas - see if you can pick the bones out of those."
As far as the Swordmage informs you, the brigand pickets are all protected by the forested hillside.
OoC: A team skilled in infiltration?
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OOC I will reply to this question via email....
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OOC: On the court action thing, I whined like a little bitch to Bjørn and he let me do it with my just one action this once. We call it an accounting problem or just that my court has been unusually effective this turn. I'll take more care to use the proper actions for warfare another time.
The Swordmage is switches her attention between the Duke and the map as he speaks. When he is done she nods.
"Ideas are useful. Here is what I would have us do:"
"We'll send a minor force, perhaps my archer regiment and your regulars, down the hill. They will pretend they are a force sent out by two regents that have grossly underestimated the threat. If the bandits choose not to engage or wait, they will simply camp at the foot of the bandit's hill, at the border of the forest.
They will bring only supplies for those two units, things we can do without so they can abandon it. When the bandits engage them in force, they are to withdraw up the hill in a fighting retreat. When they have drawn the forces of the bandits up onto this hill, we counterchare will all the mounted units... While having the foot units circle around this hill and strike from behind. Meanwhile I will attack from the top of the hill alongside the crossbowmen, adding my sorcery to the mix.
How does that sound to you?"
OOC: Map with battle plan uploaded!
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"Yes, let us pull them out of their hole and see what they do then. At the very worst we just have to engage later."
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"Good, we have a plan then. Unfortunately 'trimming' is out of the question though, as we can't spoil the surprise. The archers and regulars should march over the hill tomorrow at mid-day, so it seems they have already been marching a while. Let us start preparing."
OOC: So the plan is:
- Regulars and Archers move down the hillside tomorrow at mid-day. Pretending to have marched for a while and pretending to be alone. They will camp at the foot of the hill and await the enemy's action. It will be a very light camp where they can get out fast and leave everything behind.
- When the enemy engages they will do a fighting retreat up the hillside. Archers and regulars support each other well so they shouldn't take too bad a beating.
- All the cavalry and crossbowmen stay behind the top of the hill, ready to charge and rain bolts on them.
- The Armsmen and scouts circle around the foot of the hill, hopefully catching the enemy on the hillside.
- And... that's all. The Swordmage has a barbarian level and a good deal of fighting experience, so if I've made any big obvious holes in the plan, please let me know :)
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OoC: Who will command the lure units?
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Ghorien stands up.
"Time to go then. I'll take the lure up and maintain the discipline during the run. You, Bareather and Kouralis can hold the commands in position until we are ready to engage."
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Your two followers look at each other, then look at the army, then look at you.
One says nothing, for very good reasons, the other, Kouralis speaks for both of them. As she always does.
"Respectfully your grace, you want US to command your army?"
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"No. I want you to stay with the Sword Mage and ensure that our men know she is commanding on my behalf. Your presence with her will only reinforce that. When I return from this subterfuge then we shall start the real work."
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"As you wish your grace."
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"I know it is not the prefered position for any of us, but if one of us two is to command the decoy and one the main contingent then I think it more likely I can command the decoy without my presence being obvious. I am sure her Grace would agree that she is less.... less subtle than I, more obvious in command. When I bring the decoy back in I will attempt to do it in good order and you two are to rejoin me with my banner. By that point we will all be on the field and the day will be made or broken by our steel."
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The Swordmage nods.
"Admirable, your courage is certainly not lacking. Take care not to catch an arrow in the throat or something, that would be a shame. I did not really intend for any of us two to be in the decoy forces... it is a risky position. You do me honor by accompanying my troops into the trap."
She looks around at the others.
"Any other points to be brought up before we start preperations?"
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"It is a mixture of our troops who take the risk. We cannot both be there."
Ghorien calls his officers in and explains the plan and that the Swordmage, who most of his men have worked with and besides before, will command the detachment that stands in the ambush while he takes the decoy out for its jaunt. He ensures each is aware of the command chain for the battle and is familiar with the plan.
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Your officers don't look too happy at this notion, but accept it nonetheless.
All preparations are made, supplies gathered and the two units sets off marching down the hill. Led by Duke Ghorien Hiriele.
Meanwhile the rest settle in for a long wait.
OoC: Here the DM is most interested in hearing how you will bring about the "Pretending to have marched for a while and pretending to be alone." effect ;D
I should also like to know what plan the Swordmage has for her attack down the hill. Which troops where?
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The Duke keeps his head down and is not dressed in his normal field colours, trying to blend in amongst the men he makes sure that their march in, probably not striaght down the hill but at a tangent to reach the same point, but not being afraid of being seen, kicks up some dust or mud and that they all look tired and worn from a hard days march, including rolling them in it if necessary. The camp is made as though it is complete, as though no other troops are expected and all men are told to limit their conversation in camp. Cooking fires are to be built and a stay for the night to be "expected". When we are to move all are expected to take only fighting equipment, the rest to be recovered later along with the baggage carts for the supplies of the troops we have present.
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You march over the hill and down the long slope. In the distance massive clouds gather over the mountains, maybe a storm is forming?
It doesn't take long before you are at the bottom of the hill, marching onto the plain before the massive forested foothill where you know the brigands to be hiding. To the eye that does not know they are there, nothing can be seen, but you think you spot movement beyond the shadows of the trees.
Then you settle upon the plain, set pickets and have the men play out a little show of collapsing where they stand. Unfortunately, acting isn't exactly what soldiers are best at and it all ends up looking more like a disorganized rabble setting up camp. You think it might have been a good idea to actually wear them out first...
The first hour passes with nothing happening, but you are certain that something is going on up beyond the treeline.
OoC: Uploaded picture is an example, imagine it completely covered with forest and you're there.
(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/562/rwandathousandhills.jpg) (http://img41.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rwandathousandhills.jpg)
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Ghorien smiles at the inability of the men to look tired and is equally happy with the appearance of incompetence that should also put his enemy off their guard. This piece is a waiting game and he will need to send foragers out soon to maintain the appearances. He waits as long as he can before he releases those who would gather wood, making sure the order comes from one of the regimental officers and not from him directly.
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Time passes by, midday comes and goes away. Afternoon settles in. You are now completely certain that you're being watched. Oh sure, they're good at what they do, sneaking around. But you're better. Much better.
By now you're aware that there's a couple of sentries in the trees, watching you. And you've spotted at least three oddly moving mounds of grass scuttle closer to the camp, checking you out.
Heavy clouds move in over the field and rain begins to fall. Meanwhile your men gets a measly couple of fires going and some food on the spit.
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Afternoon turns to evening and still nothing has happened. The rain falls non-stop, drenching you all to the bone.
Twilight is upon you, soon it will be dark.
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OoC: A battleplan from the Swordmage and/or any further orders from both of you are expected. Most of the day has gone by and the brigands haven't been lured forth to battle yet.
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Once twillight begins to fall, the Swordmage loses patience with this ploy and casts an invisility spell, going down to talk to Duke Hiriele.
The Duke is probably spooked as the empty air starts talking to him, but the Swordmage tries to avoid anything bad happening - like the Duke attacking him.
Anyway, once they can talk, she says the following:
"We have a problem, or plan is obviously not working as intended. The bait is not good enough. THere is no doubt that the brigands will attack after darkness falls - this will be a disaster. Goblins and Orogs can see well in the dark and would annihilate these two regiments.
So, we need to take action.
Whatever happens, these two regiments must join up with our forces on the other side of the hill before nightfall. That cannot be changed. We have fortified our position up there somewhat, we should be able to rebuke any attack.
I suggest a final attempt to lure out the brigands - select a few men who are at least somewhat skilled scouts... or at least look the part, with lighter armour and all that. Perhaps a few of my archers. Send them into the forest, though not far as they would likely be killed, then have them hurry back, come speak to the commander of these forces.
After that, break up the camp and hurry away - as if the scouts had discovered the enemy out there and you have found yourselves outnumbered. If they are foolish enough or greedy enough, this could lure them to attack early - as the "easy" prey is escaping.
I doubt it will work, but you have to leave this position anyway, so it is worth a try. We will likely loose a few of the men sent out, but so be it. Whatever you do, hurry, night will soon fall."
OOC: The plan SM suggests:
- Send a few men out to scout.
- Have them hurry back, as if they discovered something
- The break up the camp and hurry away, as if whatever the scouts discovered made you run away.
- Hopefully, the brigands will see the easy target escaping and thus will be provoked to attack.
- Will likely not work, but we need to unite our forces before nightfall to avoid loosing two units (and possibly the duke) with nothing to gain. When the enemy has the advantage, you do not engage.
- If it's ok with Jon, the forces remaining on the other side of the hill have been busy preparing basic fortifications (very basic, as they also had to be ready to move out at a moments notice).
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OoC:
From the Regent guide p. 180
"All armies are assumed to construct reasonably fortified positions at the end of each day's march – such minor fortifications are equivalent on both sides, provide no tactical benefit, and are not considered to be field fortifications.
In order to build a fortification significant enough to qualify for a field fortification bonus, an army must occupy the province for four war moves (1 action round)."
IC: The Swordmage reaches Ghieste's camp with little issue. The rain is falling quite heavily by now. The men look a sorry lot, drenched to the bone down here.
You see the slopes of the hill before you, it really is quite impressive and well chosen as a hideout. Furthermore, from the looks of it, there seems to be little activity up there and no obvious signs of fortifications. But you know they are there, well hidden further up the slope and inside the treeline.
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Ghorien seems not overly surprised by the Sword Mage's presence or her plan. He agrees that a set of patrols into the woodland and their "discovery" of positions may well work. He lays out his orders discreetly to various officers and then begins the investment of the patrols he dispatches towards the positions and fortifications he has become aware of during his study of the area. They are given orders to proceed up the slope in silence, looking for scouts and defensive positions and to raise hue and cry when they do. They should immediately attempt to regroup with the main units where teh Duke will take command of the situation, aiming to begin a slow retreat to draw them out.
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You have become aware of no field fortifications while you have been down here on the plain. The Swordmage informed you they were at the crown of the hill.
You send a couple of regulars out into the pouring rain and up the hillside. They vanish into the trees.
Half an hour passes and not one returns. The rain has made it completely impossible to see or hear what goes on up there...
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"Time to go." The voice is soft behind Duke Ghorien Hiriele. "I shall see you again soon, begin your withdrawal, we are ready to strike."
The Swordmage leaves and hurries up back the hill, slipping once in the rain and mud, cursing and muttering under her breath she reaches the troops and drops her invisibility. Even though she is not looking particularly dignified - covered in mud and wet - the sight of her bladed mask and robe keeps any soldiers from commenting.
She seeks out Ghorien's commanders.
"This is a mess, our plans are not working well. Keep your eyes peeled and be ready to go down the hill in force. Charging downhill, the mud should not impede our horses too much. If you see anyone engaging Duke Hiriele, we strike. Until then, let's hope the brigands take the bait."
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As you reach the main position of your troops, you are almost certain that you see movement on a hill southeast of your position.
It is most likely the enemy, surveying your troops down in the valley.
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The Swordmage curses as she sees the enemy troops, then grasps the chance it might represent. She orders the troops to stay clear of the edge of the hill, minimizing the risk that they are seen.
Then she sends a short message to the unit leaders of the Outriders and Heavies, commandeering a runner to do it.
"There are flanking troops on the hill to the southeast, if they attack while Duke Ghorien retreats up the hill, I will lead the Dragoons, the Knights, the Scouts and the Crossbowmen to engage them while the rest of you will go down to join Duke Ghorien. Wait until Duke Ghorien retreats and see if they act. Follow the plan, but keep the flanking forces in mind."
After that she gathers the Scouts, Knight, Draggons and Crossbowmen into a striking force, mounts up and joins the Dragoons, ready to ride into battle if necessary.
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Further time passes and the rain changes into a light drizzle. None of the men sent up the hill return. Evening approaches. Dusk is nearly upon you as the Sun lowers behind you in the west.
Meanwhile the main army gets into ready formation. You can't see the enemy on the southern hill.
Still nothing happens... The men are getting restless with this damned waiting game!
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Ghorien curses the lack of return of the patrols, or even any noise from them on which to react, and decides to take one of the enemy scouts he has located personally. Dropping out of the camp in the half light he will try to apprehend alive one of those he has spotted, with a view to then raising the alarm and beginning the retreat, hoping to draw them out that way while interrogating the captured agent.
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You sneak out across the valley floor towards the hillside. But noone is there, noone to accost you or be dragged back home. You do find your own regulars, lying dead in places. Shot down or stabbed from behind. Looks like it wasn't such a good idea to send ordinary regular infantry to do a scouts job - and in such heavy rain where they wouldn't be able to see or hear much of anything.
You sneak forward, all the way to the crown of the hill, quietly climbing over the wooden stakes and dikes erected up there. Nothing. The camp is deserted... The tunnel opening that the Swordmage told you about, has collapsed, obviously to cover their retreat.
The birds have flown the nest...
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Checking fires for the length of time they have been out Ghorien will quickly slip back out over the walls and move back towards the decoy troops and decamping them to rejoin with the main body. Once back in command he will want to deploy the Scouts properly and attempt to locate the flight of the enemy and see if they cannot be intercepted.
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The enemy has quite obviously moved their entire army through the cave and subsequently collapsed it behind them. This has happened within the hour. Meaning that right now they're probably under the earth somewhere...
You have no idea where the tunnel exit could be. Unfortunately...
However the entrance is in the south face of the hillside, leading north. (OoC: Edited because I confused even myself here!)
The camp still has some of the more substantial loot left behind, a few wagons with crates too big to get through the tunnel. You could get the army up here to secure the goods if you want...
After checking you rejoin your forward troops and unite the army once more.
What's next?
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The Swordmage does the following: While Duke Ghorien is dispatching scouts and outriders to see if the brigands come up for air somewhere (which I assume he will be doing), she quickly examines if there is any chance of getting through the rubble.
(OOC: Sorcerers have a few options for this - Blink, Stone Shape, and Fabricate comes to mind, though she would have to have them on scroll or wand to do it... which is not impossible. There's also options like using Planar Binding (which she will have) to summon an earth elemental or )
If she manages to get through the rubble, she won't try to catch up with the brigands, simply try to get a clue about where they are going. She does this while they are waiting for Duke Ghorien's scouts to return, she will take his que if he decides to move the army out.
Otherwise she spents the time quickly checking out the camp, looking for signs on who these people were and where they could be coming from.
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Ghorien begins the process of moving the army into the fortified position to await the responses from the scouts and outriders he has despatched towards the north initially - both have orders to locate but not to engage the enemy. He curses their escape but realises that a lucky find in the night may mean a battle at midday and with a bit of luck with an enemy that has had to move all night.
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The camp reveals it's secrets readily enough. First and foremost there is quite a lot of merchandise left behind, stolen goods of both Ghoeran, Roesonean, Osoerdan and Elinien origin. It's clear enough that they left the more bulky things behind before marching off. Including the wagons to carry it on.
You find stolen goods to a value of 4GBs in total.
Meanwhile, the Swordmage fiddles around with the cave opening, but only manages to collapse it more. It's clear enough that something powerful has brought the whole shebang down - and a long way in. It can probably be reopened, but it requires a professional mining crew to make it really stable.
The scouts disappear off to the north and scout around. A week passes before they return. War move 3 begins.
Any plans in the meantime, before you get the report?
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As his men busy themselves Ghorein works studiously over maps and compares his knowledge of the trade flows of the area and the provincs to compare and contrast against the goods and wagons abandoned so recently as he attempts to work out the previous journies of the bandits.
His men are set to work on the fortifications and gain rest in cycle before the works that are due over the next few days. Drill is organised, with thought and consideration of practice given against likely threat and funeral arrangements are made for those patrols who were killed so skillfully in the dark. It is with some care he investigates the site of those deaths, searching for signs of what creatures or men did the work and assesses their skill - knowing what the enemy has up his sleeve should never to be underestimated.
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It seems clear enough that the brigands are using Thoralinar province as a staging area for raids all into all neighbouring provinces. But this hill isn't really good for strikes into the south and east, it's more of a base camp, so they must have an alternative camp somewhere up in the mountains, perhaps on the other side, across a mountain pass.
The scouts return having scouted the entire province this side of the range, they found no brigand army or traces of it. However, they are followed by a group of miners who inform you that they've been plagued by the brigands for months. They're good and tired of the situation and are willing to help you cross the mountain range. They know of a pass going south-west and one to the south-east.
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Examining the maps Ghorien elects to go South East, wishing to cut the Bandits off before they run across the borders with Oserode and cause more issues than already stand between the nations. He pens missives warning Osoerde of the possible danger to it's borders and hopes that they get there in time.
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OoC: You have a further choice to make here.
a) Spend a war move waiting while some of your units get the stolen goods back to the nearest law holding.
b) Detach a unit to bring the stolen goods back to the nearest law holding while you press on ahead.
c) Leave the loot, hoping noone discovers it and press on.
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The Duke smiles grimly and arranges for the goods to be quickly hidden inside the mouth of the cave and behind and/or under some of those handy rocks that strewn the area before the whole of the army gives chase to the bandits and through the pass.
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The Swordmage gives what aid she can hiding the goods, collapsing more of the cave on them if necessary (preferably in an orderly fashion). She seems dedicated to pursuing the brigands as soon as possible.
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War move 4:
You do what you can to hide the goods and then march off to the south and into the more mountaineous region of the Grey Hills.
The journey quickly becomes an arduous one and it is clear that without local guides, you would never have gotten this far this fast. The paths into the Grey Hills are so convoluted and narrow that the 2000 man army is soon snaking it's way in single file over several kilometres.
And even though this range isn't comparable to the peaks of the west or east, it is still a most imposing experience.
You march from the foothills into more mountaineous regions, across a narrow passage going southeast, probably sparing you a week's worth of travel and a lot of danger. Still it takes you a week of arduous work, simply because the horses slow you down to a crawl almost. And soon, you're in the southern reaches of Thoralinar province, looking out over a secluded valley. Beyond it lies the Osoerdan and Elienien provinces of Chalsedon and Achiese.
Indeed a most perfect spot for raiding in all directions.
And sure enough, in the valley below you lies a settlement. Well secluded and protected by forest and strategically placed up against a steep hillside, quite impassable to all but the most daring mountaineers. It is apparent enough from your place in the morning sun that the valley and settlement is crowded with people. A lot of people. Enough to constitute a small army.
War move 5 begins.
(http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/261/img0033e.jpg) (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/img0033e.jpg/)
OoC: Click image for larger version
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There really isn't many options for maneuvering here, your army is still in the process of snaking it's way up behind you and you will need some form of staging point with enough space to gather the troops into formation.
Your scouts has acted as the advance guard, carefully moving ahead of your advance. They are the first to arrive and inform you of the situation, you arrive with the light and regular infantry (archers, regulars and such). Following behind is the heavy infantry and bringing up the rear, your slowly moving cavalry.
There is a wider path down in front of you and a lot of steep and lightly forested hillside. Your light infantry can traverse the steep hillside, but the heavy and cavalry definitely need to use the path, further delaying their arrival.
Below, fields of corn stretch out, making a fine staging point. But the enemy will have spotted you far before you'll have a chance to gather the entire army there.
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Ghorien scowls at the less than ideal situation. With quick instruction and hand gestures he starts the positioning of the lighter troops and issues orders to the cavalry units to proceed with all haste and a measure of caution. The Duke's aim is to get as many of the troops as possible to the corn fields for full battle deployment while allowing the heavier troops and cavalry to catch up and form as qucikly as possible on that field with all the cavalry deployed to one flank as a "punch" unit, out of sight if possible.
He will also prepare heralds and papers for offering surrender, pardon and oath taking for those who live here if they wish to take that route - an option he will be sure to give them before battle is met.
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The Tornilen archers are first into place in the field, sending peasants fleeing into the settlement. Soon the alarm is raised there.
The regulars and crossbows arrive soon after, taking up position in the field as well.
Your scouts and outriders have also traversed the difficult slopes without too much trouble and take up a place on the flank.
Meanwhile the armsmen are cumbersomely making their way down the snaky path, a tough job for any heavy infantry. And your dragoons are having a tough time as well, having to lead their horses down by hand, while your knights seem almost stuck, moving ahead at a snails pace. Their heavy armor and heavy horses are simply not viable in this kind of territory and are forming up the rear.
At this point you see the enemy advancing from the highland town, you found them allright...
Orders?
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His Grace dispatches forwards a herald, at a slow pace, under a flag of truce, with the following message.
"We the rightful rulers and authorities of Torlinen and Ghieste do hereby grant you leave to surrender. If you yield you shall be treated with mercy and with grace, you shall be offered pardon and you, your friends and your familes shall be found roles within our nations that our suited to your skills. If you do not yield then it will be our sore and heavy duty to destroy you in this place and in any place you or yours run to. No more shall we suffer the vagaries and delapidations of your rogue actions upon our peoples and our lands. No more shall we let such travesty occur and with this chance only shall you be offered so generous a settlement.
It should be noted that neither the Sword Mage, Duchess of Torlinen or Ghorien Hriele, Duke of Ghieste are known for their mercy though both are recongised as practical people. Take this opportunity while it is present and it will be your advantage. Refuse it and you will die."
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The brigands chuch stones and fire a few arrows at your herald and keep advancing.
The herald manages to escape with a few bruises and races back to your line.
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The Duke smiles at the attitude shown and decides he can hardly blame them. Ordering the unfurling of his personal banner in the line he commands the regiments on the field to fight defensively, holding position while the heavier troops come to the field with missile troops to concentrate their fire on the forward units of the brigands. From his vantage point he watches for the officers of the enemy, planning to move him and his personal guard into engagement with them as directly and quickly as possible.
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The Swordmage takes up position among her archers, her eyes gleaming with bloodlust below her bladed helmet. She is an imposing figure, standing in a robe seemingly made of blades and swords that shimmer and shift.
Standing among the archers, her men gives her wide berth, letting a few attendants stand close to her, who are told to stand there and hold her components while she casts spells. Lightning begins to gather around her hands as she waits for the brigands to come within range.
OOC:
Veteran Archers:
Archers, AnInfLt, Speed: 3, Def: 15 (14+1(hero)), Morale: +7 (+4+1(exp)+2(hero)), Cohesion: 4/3/2/1, Melee: +4, Ranged: +11 (+8+1(exp)+2(hero)), Range: 4, Mod: +2 Missile vs. Mounted, Special: Indirect fire, Rapid shot
As far as I understand we are not using the battlemagic rules (0th level realm spells), if we are using those, she will not attach herself to the archers but instead bombard the enemy. Otherwise, just stick with the archers and fling lightning bolts and fireballs.
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Ghorien waits for the missiles and then the charge, knowing that he needs to hold his men here and the holding of the enemy here is a matter of timing, that the scouts and light cavalry he has played to his right have orders to frustrate and retreat, frustrate and retreat without commiting full engagement all in a needed bid to let the heavier troops arrive in turn onto the field and what starts as the weak right flank gains bulk and weight until it drives onto the enemies flank with all the weight and pain of a well judged lead weight in a sock to the back of the skull.
Around him stand his Ghosts, his personal guard at the heart of which stand Bareather and Kouralis, both skilled in combat in their own right. In his black leathers and half plate he looks every inch the seasoned general, with shield and axe at the ready for the blooding that is to come. Round him all are greys and blacks, every man and woman checking the ease of draw on secondary weapons, the movement of a piece of armour or the strength of a vital knot. Patience is tested in the day's sun but each of the soldiers present has been through such a thousand times it feels and each knows that his biggest enemy is his own gut and the fear that sits within like a hungry beast, waiting to consume him in those key moments.
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The brigands march down upon you, four units in the front line. A mix of goblins and human infantry, mostly light. A unit of archers behind. There are possibly more of the brigands marching up further back, but you can't see them from here. At least you caught many of the brigand units unaware, buying you time to get your forces in place... If you can just stop this advance force from tearing your thin line apart!
You send out your scouts and outriders to harry the enemy's advance. They close to missile distance and exchange volleys with the skirmishers, but fail to do any damage. Luckily the enemy is just as ineffective. However as the forward units get too close for comfort, they shift their fire directly on the goblin infantry, sending many of the gray pests to an early grave and causing the unit to rout.
Then your skirmisher cavalry withdraws from the advancing enemy. At this point your crossbows open fire, a murderous barrage of steely bolts tear into the enemy ranks, causing another unit of goblins to rout.
Their archers are now within range and exchange rapid fire with your archers. Many of your men fall, but the unit holds firm under the direction of the Swordmage and fire with great certainty into the enemy archer unit, killing many.
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Two units routed seems to be enough for the advance force and they decide to beat a hasty retreat. Screened by their skirmishers who exchange fire with your rapidly moving force of scouts and outriders.
Despite being under fire from two units AND your crossbows, their skirmishers manage to hold your light cavalry off the backs of their retreating comrades who withdraw from the corn field behind the walls of the settlement (OoC: Another field fortification).
The skirmishers leave behind many dead and wounded however.
The field is yours!
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Current status
Tornilen force,
Archers W Veteran - commanded by Duchess Marya Tanar.
Ghieste field army, general is Duke Ghorien Hiriele
1st Dragoons OK Veteran
1st Armsmen OK Elite
1st Regulars OK Skilled
1st Crossbows OK Skilled
1st Knights OK Skilled
1st Outriders OK Green
1st Scouts E Green
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The Duke orders his men to deploy in field formation upon the field of battle, Armsmen central with the Swordsman to the right flank and the xbows on his left, with all the cavalry formed up on that same left flank as a heavy charge when needed. The Scouts are to flank the swordsman while also keeping back slightly to rest them a little, with the Archers and the SwordMage sitting behind the Heavy Infantry of the Armsmen. He also requests the recovery of some of the enemy wounded from the field to be "spoken to" about the strengths and commanders of the opposition.
Arrangements will also be made for the collection of the enemy that are left on the field, under armed guard and their holding in front of the armed lines of his army. A herald will then be dispatched again with the same message as before, making it clear that should surrender not be made then the vengence upon this field will be terrible to behold. Should the Herald be refused then one by one the prisoners who will not yield and swear to the banners of Torlinen of Ghieste will be executed for treason. Publically. In front of their walls, though out of shot range.
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The few survivors are soon dead in front of the walls. But the defenders won't budge.
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Now cursing their stupidity Ghorien waves his men forwards. A pointless fight now, but one that must happen. The aim will be to use the missile troops to clear the fortifications and supress any return of fire while the Armsmen and Swordsman escalade the position and clear the way for the cavalry to push past and rout the remaining troops, using any information gained from the captives before they were executed to guide the actions in the field. Again the Duke will be looking for enemy commanders to take down as quickly and efficiently as possible, with a wry grin when he sights them.
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The Swordmage has been striding through the arrows hitting her unit, completely ignoring them. Around her the men have fallen, but seeing her unfazed has helped them hold position. As they take position as ordered by the Duke, she reminds them not to switch to fire arrows, she desires the settlement intact.
She picks the troops and fortifications under fire from the crossbows as her target, blasting both men and buildings with incandescent bolts of lightning. She is holding back on her power, saving the best parts for any eventual surprises.
Suddenly she halts and grasp the closest runner by the throat.
"Go find Duke Ghorien! Tell him to send the remains of the scouts to our rear, this seems too easy. They can catch any surprises early. Go!"
Then she turns back to the fortifications.
(OOC: If the SM needs to detatch herself from the archers to exercise her full fire power, then she does that.)
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At the Sword Mage's shout Ghorien nods and wonders whether she has spotted that all the cavalry are positioned to respond to such a threat along with the scouts sitting back from the combat that is about to ensue, but he issues further orders to the Scouts that they are to maintain eyes and ears in case of ambush.
He hopes that the withering fire from the crossbows and archers combined can limit the effectiveness of the enemies defences, allowing them to be penetrated and removing the delays and interruptions that they would otherwise cause the heavy cavalry.
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The Swordmage leaves the archer unit and moves a little back on the battlefield, finding a position where she has a clear line of sight to the enemy behind the fortifications.
Around her the remaining wheat sizzles and burns, as the trampled mud starts boiling from the discharges from her magic around her. Lightning and fire flies from her hands toward the fortifications.
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Your interrogation of survivors reveal that they were led by one Commander Gaine Alward. You seem to remember something about him as one of Gavin Tael's Steel Guard commanders. He reputedly fled after Tael's death, attempted a few insurgencies, but was handily defeated each time. A nuisance still it would appear. But what is even more strange is the fact that you discover that he is not the leader of this force... The brigands you interrogate, shudder and speak of glimpses of a terrible horned monster. Two to three times as tall as a man and completely invincible!
It also soon becomes clear that the force you chased off was nothing but an advance guard. The whole might of the enemy is behind those palisades - and there are many of them! Goblins and unwashed men alike leer at you from the walls.
A blast of fire sets a section of the wooden palisades ablaze! And almost as a sign, that starts the barrage of fire. Archers and crossbows on your side open the battle, archers on theirs.
Your infantry march forward in order to give the archers behind them range enough and they come under fire from the many skirmishers in the brigand army.
Meanwhile your scouts investigate your rear for hidden enemies. There are none, you have caught the enemy unaware and they have not had time to set up traps and ambushes.
And your cavalry, including your outrider unit, sit idly on the left flank. Waiting...
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Until now!
The signal is given and the left is released, with the aim of approaching as fast and as wide as possible to the field fortifications using the commitment of troops on the centre to allow the cavalry easier egress to the settlelent beyond and flanking the main body of the enemy.
On hearing of the giant figure they are to face the Duke has also made sure of the deployment of lassos and nets within his ranks to allow for the taking of the "invincible" figure without having to pernetrate his hide.
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Your archers rapid fire riddle a section of the palisades with arrows, striking the unit of brigand regulars, who cower behind their shields, unscathed by the barrage.
They are, however, struck by return fire, many men fall and the only thing keeping them from routing is the presence of their regent, the Swordmage.
Meanwhile, on the left flank, your crossbows also open fire on the palisades, on a unit of hobgoblin regulars, but fail to penetrate the barricade.
And you are still outside the range of their skirmishers...
At this time your estimate is as follows:
Left flank; hobgoblin infantry
Left wing; human light troops
Centre; human regulars
Centre; human light troops
Right wing; goblins
Right flank: goblins
And archers in the rear.
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Your heavy cavalry wing attempts the usual thunderous approach, but have to take the arduous approach up-hill and fall short of reaching their goal. Your light outriders prove most useful in this regard and exchange fire with a unit of human skirmishers on the left wing. Horses scream as they are struck by arrows, while the lightly armed men fall from their positions behind the wooden ramparts, pierced by arrows. Both units hold.
Meanwhile your armsmen come under fire from the light infantry in the centre, but are left unscathed.
Your archers and crossbows do their best to thin out the lines of the centre, killing some. While return fire fall on your advancing infantry, but their heavy armor and large shields protect them from any damage of consequence.
And your scouts are now completely certain that no enemy hides in the rear. Not that they mind taking a break from the fighting up at the palisades...
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And the time to engage has come. Dismounting, the Dragoons on the left advance under the cover of the fire from outriders attempting to tie the enemy in position, with the Knights holding back for a charge possibility should it be required, while the armsmen and regulars push forward on the centre and on the right respectively, shields raised and ready to ward off any incoming shot from the skirmishers and the suchlike. The scouts return to the battle lines, with orders to aid where required in the line.
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The Swordmage focuses her magics on weakening the units holding back the Dragoons. Hoping to open up their flank.
(OOC: I don't how much "juice" the Swordmage has left - Anyway, she is saving about 1/3 of her magical firepower for the apperance of heavy units or the leader spoken of.)
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OoC: It's quite impossible to charge a field fortification, so the only enemy the knights will be able to charge, are units outside of it.
As for magic, you have as many spells as your level allows. I.e. the standard allotment. Which should be enough for the entire battle.
IC:
On the left your dragoons dismount and rush the palisades and earthen ramparts. The Swordmage points her finger towards the palisade at the point of attack and a massive ball of fire roars forward - but suddenly! A robe-clad figure in the enemy centre lifts a hand and the fireball dissipates into nothing on the way, dispelled!
The dragoons come under intense fire from the skirmishers and then crash into close combat with the hobgoblins. Fighting is fierce on the left, but it seems like your forces are pushing the enemy back off the palisade walls. The skirmishers are certainly vacating their spot, prefering to keep out of close combat with the heavier unit. This turns out to be a bad idea as they are shot down indiscriminately by your outriders.
Your crossbows fire back on the offending left wing skirmishers, peppering the palisade once more, but doing little damage. And the Tornilen archers exchange fire with the enemy archers. The arrows fall so thick amongst your exposed archers and they fall in droves, screaming. As the dust clears, it becomes clear to the Swordmage that her men are all dead or dying...
The scouts move up from behind, protecting the sorceress and send some of their own arrows in vengeful flight against the enemy archers.
Certainly your archers did their job well, for much of the enemy archer fire has seized.
And in the centre your armsmen vault the barricades and are peppered with sticks and stones from the irregular unit there. But they shrug it off and soon they are in fierce combat with both enemy units. The palisades cause a certain amount of confusion in their ranks and they are denied in their assault and thrown back.
While on the right, your regulars storm the lightly armed defending goblins. At first they seem to be doing well, slaying many of the gray pests and routing one of their units. But the counter-attack threaten to overwhelm them and about half the regiment is swiftly all but wiped out by the ferocious goblins!
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Ghorien curses the retreat on his right flank and that his cavalry cannot engage harder. He gestures to his signalman and the pennants behind his banner dip and rise in a series of pre-agreed messages. Pushing in again with his Armsmen he attempts to start to turn the line of engagement so that they can push onto the edge of the goblin horde that threaten his regulars. The Crossbows are also ordered to move in support of the regulars hoping that this may ease some of the pressure from them. IN turn the knights are ordered in - it is looking like no one is going to push beyond the palisade and they may as well drive their barded steeds into the melee where they can still push the enemy back at the very least, let alone the damage that the armoured men upon their backs can wreak in the grand combat.
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OoC: The regulars ain't retreating, they received a critical hit. But held the line. You may change your post.
IC: (OoC; forgot to mention this) At this point you spot the Ghoeran commander, he's in the centre, directing the human units there.
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OOC As it stands it suits dramatically, I am happy with the narrative as is, especially as the battlefield is not Ghorien's strategiic home so shall live with how it is, as he saw it, if that makes sense?
IC
So he shows himself at last! Ghorien checks round him that he has his ghosts and his companions with him and quickly directs their martial attentions to the commander. Leaving his personal banner in the Armsmen he works his way through his own lines until he is in a position to lead the engagement directly against the enemy. As he stands behind, waiting the chance to launch he quickly checks his half plate, his shield, his axes and his daggers, knowing any and all will be needed for this. Looking left and right he can see his friends stand with him and are likewise ready for the task ahead. Then, when the lines grow close and the distance is short he raises his voice in an almighty cry and leads the charge of his gray and black ghosts forwards in a surge of energy, anger and destruction.
"Havoc! Havoc! HAVOC!"
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The Swordmage keeps casting spells on the left flank, intending to keep the other wizard busy.
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OoC: Cool, you got it 8)
IC:
You give your orders and the crossbows march towards the right side, in aid of their beleaguered brethren. The regulars are locked in a life or death struggle with the horrible goblins, they had acquired a foothold on the palisades, throwing aside one unit and forcing them to rout, but were in turn hit hard in the flank and all but torn apart. Still they fight on! Tearing into the tiny, but numerous enemies, killing them left, right and centre and routing yet another goblin unit. The enemy right is broken!
The battle is in full swing by now, pink humans and gray goblins are dying left right and centre. Ghorien Hiriele leads his own bodyguard on a wild charge and joins the armsmen just as they attempt once more to vault the palisades. A roar goes up as they throw themselves at the Ghoeran led regulars and irregulars holding the centre, renewed with zeal and energy at the presence of their Duke!
The Ghoeran commander exhorts his men to equal feats of bravery and attempts to use his numerical superiority to throw your battle-hardened armsmen back!
The struggle is fierce, yet neither party gives even one inch of ground!
The outriders on the left ride their horses all the way up to the barricades and jump up, taking the left flank of the palisade as the first unopposed of your units and raising their unit's banner! What an honour! From there they exchange fire with the skirmishers in the settlement proper. Both units loose many men to intense shortbow fire, but at the end the enemy unit withdraws deeper into the settlement, covered by a reserve unit of skirmishers moving forth to the rear.
At the same time your dismounted dragoons are fiercely struggling against the hulking hobgoblins, trying to force them off, whilst the massive goblins push back. Green-grayish blood mixing with red making the rampart slick footing. This time however, your forces give ground and loose some of the advantage they had before. The hobgoblins are fearsome opponents indeed!
Your scouts keep exchanging fire with the remaining archers on the other side. Clearly and finally winning the "fire superiority" struggle, as the arrow fire from the settlement stops.
This time the Swordmage manages to overcome the enemy mages' counterspells and strikes the hobgoblins on the left flank with a terrifying flash of lightning! The humanoids howl in pain and stricken terror, but otherwise hold the line.
At this point in the battle a great cheer goes up in the enemy rear and one of the fleeing goblin unit rallies, as the terrible orogs march into battle! They are headed directly towards the wearied regulars who waver and shout in great terror at this fearful sight!
Cries of horror resound from your regulars. "IT IS THE GORGON! IT IS THE GORGON!"
And the unit stands on the ramparts looking upon the approaching orogs gripped in fear, but STILL they do not flee! Such foolish bravery.
And sure enough. In the middle of the heavily armed orog unit marches a massive figure, ten foot tall, gray, stony looking skin, with massive ram's horns growing from his forehead. He wields a massive two-handed sword and is clearly, undoubtedly, a foul spawn of Azrai. An awnsheglien.
OoC: Since the battlefield is rather smallish, Ghieste is able to see most of this. The Swordmage, on the other hand, can't see what's going on behind the walls, but will hear the regular's cry of terror.
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Hoping the Knights are doing what was asked of them on the left flank and plowing into the ranks of the hobgoblins Ghorien turns his attention to the pretend Gorgon coming his way. Not entirely unexpected he shouts to rally his regulars as he pulls his Armsmen in that direction and presses forward himself, flicking the blood and flecks of bone from his axe as he goes. He signals quickly to bring forward the stone weighted nets and lassos to his own unit so that those men skilled with them can launch them at that horrendous figure.
He also sends a herald to call the Sword Mage urgently to his side. This does not seem like his fight alone.
As he wades into the terrified ranks of the regulars he shouts encouragement telling them to "Hold!" and that "the work here is almost done now lads". Loudly he jokes that is that is the Gorgon then he himself and his Ghosts are clearly King Boer and his arse wiping westerners!
As he nears the front of the line though he is careful to touch the pommel of his misericorde, her of the final kisses, knowing she is tense and ready on his left hip.
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OoC: Almost forgot...
IC: The left flank hobgoblin unit's situation swiftly changes from tasting victory, into the bitter smell of scorched flesh and ozone. The dragoons on their hand draw back at the intense energy outlet of the Swordmage, fearful for their own lives!
At this point, the knights arrive, dismounting and throwing themselves at the beleaguered hobgoblins! It doesn't take long before the greyish-brown humanoids are cleared from the ramparts. Their corpses littering the area, whilst a few survivors flee where they can.
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The reports from his left flank merely make the Duke's stare more determined and flinty. The battle is so near to being carried it feels and now this... this Monstrousity walks upon the field. A sigh says it all.
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Down in the corpse strewn plain, the surviving scouts look at the Swordmage in a "what now?" sort of way. The clamor from the battle is so intense that it is completely impossible to make out anything Ghorien Hiriele is shouting.
The outriders continue exchanging fire with the newly arrived skirmishers. Using the field fortification for their benefit for once! Neither does much damage to the other.
Hiriele tries to shift the weight of his force around, so they move sideways instead of straight ahead, fighting as they go, in order to link up with the shaken regulars. The ploy succeeds and with the added support of the crossbows climbing the ramparts, you stand ready to receive the newly arrived enemy!
The battle is joined as the brigand regulars and irregulars press away on your left side, taking many of your armsmen down, but meeting more than equally the cold deadly steel of your armsmen. The irregulars are decimated as they are pressed between the regulars and your armsmen, at the moment of your tactical "side-step", and the unit routs in panic! Whilst the orogs and goblins charge your centre and right! The crossbows are the first to open the battle on your right, with a deadly barrage into the onrushing goblin skirmishers. The little grey buggers are torn to pieces and they turn tail and flee yet again!
At this point the orogs and the titanic looking figure thunder into your regulars, with Ghorien Hiriele in the middle, surrounded by your personal guard. Your regulars are completely torn apart at the insanely powerful orogs! Some are still standing, most are running away. Your position shielded you from the worst, but now you are in the middle of a frenzied battle for survival! Massive weapons doing their best to tear you and your guard apart. It's a veritable slaughter!
If not for the swift action of your knight commander, you would certainly lie dead upon the field this day. His unit's decisive charge around the rear of the enemy and into the side of the orog unit, saves your measly life.
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Now that you're close enough to see the huge bugger, commanding his forces securely from the centre with a thunderous bellowing voice, here's what he looks like:
(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3254/theogre.jpg) (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/theogre.jpg/)
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The Swordmage leads the scouts up to the top of the ramparts, hestitating for a moment as she sees the monsters commanding the Orogs. A few of the scouts see her hestitate and for a moment panic is close to spreading, but she raises her sword.
"Forward! The daylight will weaken them and the day is almost ours!"
The she runs as swiftly as she can towards the battle in the center, trusting the scouts to keep up. She eschews spells until she joins the battle, making her way towards Duke Ghorien's position. Only then does she let rip with her magic.
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Duke Hiriele is caught very alone on the rampart, pressed by many orogs and supported only by a thin line of his own bodyguard. They are clearly no match to a full-fledged unit of orogs and are dying all around him, spending their own lives to save his.
Your scouts are no close combat unit, indeed they aren't worth much in combat generally. But they follow your command and move to save their Duke, placing themselves in harms way, but otherwise making not a dent in the heavily armored orogs. You manage to pull the Duke out of immediate mortal peril however. His bodyguard is not as lucky. They are all dead, to a man. Nets and ropes lie strewn about...
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Flecked with the blood of his own men Hiriele's face looks haggard and tired. He gestures to his Armsmen, acknowledging that between them and the knights are the best chance of breaking these Orogs before they break his army in turn.
He spits on the ground in front of his feet, somehow a slightly strange and almost a sad farewell to the dedication of those who gave their lives.
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OOC: Just checking, you do remember that Orogs take huge penalties in daylight? :P
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The focus of the battle has clearly changed now.
Your forces outnumber theirs by far and they know it, but your line is thin and easily broken. At the exact point where Hiriele and the Swordmage is, protected by the few scouts trying to fight the orogs, are where they attempt to break through. Throwing the scouts completely aside. The knights obviously try to prevent them and kill many of the hulking brutes in their retreat out of the settlement. But still it is not enough to stop them. Your scouts are woefully unable to make even a dent in the side of these armored titans, but somehow... By sheer force of will and great luck, do they prevent the orogs from breaking through!
Meanwhile your crossbows open fire once more, but even bolts are not enough to penetrate their armor.
On the side your dragoons throw themselves into the fight against the regulars slaying many in their flanking attack, allowing the armsmen to shift focus towards the orogs. But to no avail.
Then a great flash of fire breaks out amongst your scouts, sending many to a burning death below and the explosion throwing both Swordmage and Ghorien Hiriele headlong over the ramparts. The blast and fall severely injures both of you, and the last you see is scores of orogs vaulting over the walls and force marching out across the fields. The huge horned figure in the middle of them.
Then blessed unconsciousness untill your knights find you amongst the blood, muck and bodies of the fallen.
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OoC: Orog's receive a -1 penalty in sunlight.
IC:
The aftermath is as follows.
All the enemy units were either routed, broken or destroyed, all but the orog unit have been taken prisoner or have simply fled into the hills. The Ghoeran commander was captured alive and awaits your pleasure.
You know not what happened to the orogs... Their march was so effective and swift, that they were gone before your bewildered and bloodied units knew what to do. They disappeared into the most forbidding areas of the hills.
The status of your units will be entered in your DO's.
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As he recovers his wits Ghorien orders a lock down and search of the settlement for stolen goods, treasures and effects. All humans who survived battle are to be questioned on their activities and then offered servitude or death - all accounts and witness statements are to be recorded as are the contents of the ramshackle town.
It is at this point that the Duke realises that he is within the borders of Torlinen and apologises for his presumption offering her the pleasure of interrogating the prisoner.
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The Swordmage staggers to her feet with the aid of a knight. After she is on her feet, she removes her somewhat dent helmet and takes a look around the field. While she and the Duke are being led to the men, she wryly remarks to the Duke Ghorien: "That was an interesting tussle, but next time we do this, I suggest we bring a bigger stick." She laughs at her own joke, a still coming down from the blood rush.
Once they have joined the men, she first goes to command the recovery of the field, making sure that all the fallen are accounted for. She suggests that they take the prisoners - a small selection of soldiers and all the officers that they have caught - back to Tornilen. The rest of the prisoners they will hang them on the way there, putting them along the roads they have terrorized. If the Duke does not protest, the prisoners will be offered
On the way back they can also collect whatever loot is left at the site of their first camp, adding it all together. She offers the Duke to take 2/3 of the total collected treasure, as his troops bore the brunt of the fighting. Once the prisoners are taken to Tornilen, they can interrogate them at their leisure the coming season.
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The first camp you "attacked" was obviously the main base. All that is here are supplies and a fine place to stage raids into all surrounding provinces.
The prisoners are a mixed rabble, those goblins that were not slain or fled, yield you little in the way of information. They're apparently a mix of Spiderfell and Markazor goblins... The humans are another matter, the surviving regulars are actually part of Gavin Tael's old army - or so they claim. Most of the rest of them are brigands of the usual caliber. Disgruntled peasants from all over Anuire, former mercenaries and just plain criminals.
But the special thing about them all is they banded together in this small army... Something they inform you was due to the "Ogre" forcing them into service. They all claim to have served this "Ogre" out of pure terror and claim to be quite innocent otherwise! The "Ogre" was planning to reconquer Ghoere, him and his wizard friend.
They all want to accept Ghieste's deal of servitude. You don't believe they would be a very trustworthy bunch of regiments however...
The Ghoeran is one Commander Gaine Alward. He was apparently second in command to the Ogre. And once one of Gavin Tael's elite soldiers.
He refuses to talk.
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The Duke sits in some comfort in an ornate high backed chair under a beautifully decorated pavilion while he reviews the paperwork and materials that his stewards have gathered already. As he sips at his wine he peruses the documents and attempts to assess the value of the information there within; the detailed losses of the regiments and the field dispatches and commentries from his officers that he demands after each major engagement, the notations for extraordinary valour that at least brings a little good news to the monotany of the names of the dead and the wounded. He also examines the lists of those who captured of the enemy who are willing to swear servitude and ensures that the oath that he will require them to swear should the Sword Mage be agreeable is couched in the terms he wishes it to be and he smiles as he re-reads the text he has approved. In his mind he calculates the numbers and types of men that have survived and what that would equate to in the form of regiments for Torlinen's armies.
And then it is with some delight he turns his attention to Commander Gaine Alward. He requests he is brought before him and made to stand in the field, not in the shade, with no food or water while he reads, while he eats and while he drinks. Every so often Ghorien will look up and gesture to a chair opposite him at the table asking the Commander if he wishes to speak yet. The smile everytime he asks drips with sarcasm.
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It takes you well around three weeks to get back to civilization, what with all the wounded and shattered men to transport. Prisoners to escort. And the demands set upon you by the added weight of the loot wagons.
The reports are clear enough. All around your regiments performed admirably. Holding their ground to the very last, a most commendable deed indeed. Most interesting, your knights appear on the charts as the unit that saw the least action.
Alltogether, included what loot you found in the brigand's second camp, the total tally of ill-gotten gains amount to 6GBs. Quite a fortune for such rabble!
Of the units willing to swear service to you, there are two units of broken skirmishers and a unit of broken regulars, both skilled. Obviously not to the Swordmage since she declared that they were all to be hanged - and has already had most of the goblin prisoners, as well as some of the human, hung on the way here as a dire warning to all.
Indeed these three broken regiments are what remains - and it is up to you whether to intercede with the Swordmage or let her hang them. Your commanders are of the general belief that these men cannot be trusted and should be hung.
All these and more trivial matters of supply, takes your time in the cool afternoon sun. Winter is approaching slowly...
Commander Gaine Alward remains standing, not responding to your questions. He looks straight ahead, not looking at you either.