Turn #67 - Avanil

[DM B]

The Westerners strike quick and hard - like the Spear of Cuiarécen - straight into the belly of the beast.

From Tuor's Hold they come, falling upon Caulnor with great fury. The defenders amount to little more than militia - they are swept away in a tide of blood and fire. Many outlying towns and villages fall without much of a fight - those that surrender are spared, those that resist are mercilessly butchered and then put to the torch. The larger towns and castles are well defended, however, and refuse to go down without a fight. They are quickly invested by infantry before the host sweeps on, down to Daulton, capital of Avanil. By the end of the first week of summer Boer cavalry stand before the gates.

[DM B]

Several smaller towns and numerous villages have been seized by the invaders, their inhabitants killed, their valuables and consumables taken, and the settlements torched. This is repeat itself in province Daulton and surroundings. The invaders are staying away from castles, major walled towns and strongpoints, so it's purely a terror strategy. Creates additional confusion, making it very heard to get any reliable intelligence out of the area.

WM 5 begins

[DM B]

The army of Baron Roesone (currently in Nentril)

ARR (Task force Daulton)
ROESONE
Knights OK Green Iron Order
Knights   OK   Elite
Dragoons   OK   Veteran
Dragoons   OK   Elite (Isilviere)
Outriders OK   Veteran (Ghoried)
DIEM
Knights   OK   Elite
Knights   OK   Green   
Mnt. Armsmen   Veteran   
Mnt. Armsmen   Elite
Dragoons   OK   Green   
Outriders   OK   Green   
Ghieste:
2nd Knights
2nd Outriders
3rd Outriders


In Avanil the weather is fair. Excellent cavalry weather. It will not take many days to reach Daulton if you rush...but there is the issue of the Boer armies - where are they? And relatedly; what about Tuornen? They came from there, perhaps Tuornen represents a threat to your flank?

WM 6 begins

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

Contingent is moving along the main road to Duriene and Bhrein. Ghieste outriders are screening the left and right flanks of the movement axis, while outriders from Ghoried and Diemed are serving as advance scouts.
Any friendly or hostile unit has to be reported to Baron.

[DM B]

Scouts reports presence of enemy outriders in the province of Bhrein.

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

No presence of friendly forces (of any kind, wawing peasants counts also  )? How strong is the enemy presence in Bhrein?

[DM B]

No presence of friendly forces (of any kind, wawing peasants counts also  )? How strong is the enemy presence in Bhrein?

Both Nentril and Bhrein have active castles and Avanese militia garrisons; the land is not laid waste or anything. They do of course let you pass without obstruction (they won't be happy if you forage a bit, but they can't really stop you from doing so).

Your scouts are guessing at four light cavalry and two scouts. They are also pretty sure it's an advance party for a larger force.

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

What's the exact location of the contingent now? I suppose the main body is at the Duriene/Bhrein border with two scouting outriders already in Bhrein - is it correct?

[DM B]

Your army is moving from Nentril and into Bhrein - your vanguard is up front and have found an enemy army most likely also moving into Bhrein.

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

Aruvor summons his comandeers to a quick meeting.
Gentlemen, we came here to not hide and maneuver. We're in touch with the enemy and as I expect, with STRONGER enemy, at least in numbers.
As I said, I don't plan to hide or run cowardly. Instead, we will strike, gaining maximum from our advantage - mobility.
I want to cause the enemy maximum damage without giving him a chance or time to lock us in a battle, where numbers will prevail.
Here's the plan :
Our units will divide into five groups. Left and right flank consisting of light cavalry will prevent enemy from encircling us and also will deal with light enemy units trying to stop the main body.
In the main there will be two groups of knights with dragoons in the front. Dragoons will clear the path for the knights, enganging the enemy with lances and then pull back, joining the light cavalry.
The main strike will be quick, knights will charge the enemy, then pulling back. Dragoons will help the knights in case they'll have trouble with disenganging.
Reserve - two armsmen - will engange in case the things goes wrong.
After engangment, the knights will join, returning back to the Bhrein/Duriene border, followed by the screening force of dragoons and light cavalry.
In any doubt, simply follow my standard.
I also do want to send a dispatch to local (Bhrein) avanese commander with an offer to join us and gain some glory.
I want you comments now, gentlemen. Don't fear to speak.


left flank :
RO Outriders
DIEM Outriders

right flank
GHI 2nd Outriders
GHI 3rd Outriders


1.
RO Dragoons
RO Dragoons
ARR
RO Knights
IO Knights

2.
DIEM Dragoons
GHI Knights
DIEM Knights
DIEM Knights

rear (reserve) :
DIEM Mnt. Armsmen
DIEM Mnt. Armsmen

[DM B]

It is a sound plan - and it is put into effect.

The enemy outriders cannot really do much to oppose you, except harass your advance, but thankfully you have enough light cavalry of your own to keep them at bay.

Some time later the left flank reports that they have spotted the enemy main body - it would appear that you have slipped through their screen and are in a position to possibly strike them while they are in column of march. If you could accomplish that you could do some real damage. It is risk, however, for the enemy army is big - near enough 10.000 men (40 units) on foot and their main cavalry (if they have any) is still unaccounted for.

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

Baron quickly overlooks the situation, seeking for the weakest spot of the marching army. Intuitiuvely, he seeks where int he masses the enemy generals march ... and sends a dispatch to his commandeers.
Then, rising in the saddle, he shouts
Soldiers, Cuiraecen gives us a chance to hit our enemy hard. We will not disappoint him! Do your best, fight for your lives. Strike foe, protect your friend near and watch for your commander. Victory will be ours!

He gives a signal and his units begin to move, quickly and deadly, towards the enemy. Banners of Diemed, Ghieste and Roesone flying high, but above them, crest of baron Aruvor Raemel.

[DM B]

As it happens the enemy is advancing in three main columns - as one must with an army that big. The field and farmlands of Avanil are good for marching...and good for cavalry attacking marching foes. It is the leftmost of the Western columns that you attack, the one primarily made up of men from Talinie.

You strike them with terrible force at a most opportune location where they cannot easily detect your approach. Hundreds of enemies are killed by blade or hoof in the initial charge. So violently do you strike that you punch a hole right through the enemy column and keep moving. Reforming the army on the others side you are in for something of a surprise. They don't run or stand around in confusion. They form up as best they can. In some case with little thought of coordination, but nevertheless they form clumps of warriors standing side by side, protecting each other with shield and steel in hand.

You press the attack again. Striking for the smaller units, the ones left in the gaping hole in their marching order. Once again you do very well and the enemy die in numbers...but this time they strike back. And you come under heavy missile fire from several quarters. Dozens of knights are killed or unhorsed. You form up again, not far from your initial attack point and assess the situation. You could attack once more, but it will be harder. Still, it is tempting. Many of the enemy are only lightly armored and their lines are still rugged. You won't get an opportunity like this again.

[X-Roesone/SG (Shido)]

Baron quickly thinks ... but there's nothing to consider. Heart of warrior calls for next attack, but commandeer's brain urge for caution. Cuiraecen favored them today, but who know how long his favor will last.
Draw back he shouted and soon all his units were on the way to disengange from the enemy.

[DM B]

Disengaging is easy since none of your units are tangled up in melee or out of sight. The enemy fires some arrows after you, but most fall short. Then you are away and n your way back...to Duriene province.

Now you need to keep sharp and keep looking for that cavalry...

Any orders?