>>13044752
Crapppppp. I had ideas to bolster our defences for the diversion unit. Pax, would it be fair to say that caltrops have been prepared? That would help protect our flanks and could be spread as our forces retreated back from their defensive lines to slow the advancing enemy.

I say talk to Laelith first and then Lena.

>>13044752
Go see that's up with Lena, then Laelith.

lena, then laelith

>>13044778
Also, since the defences haven't been detailed in regards to what Finian was doing at this point, can we suggest some ideas that would of been implemented? If so, I was thinking have the first line have a line of fortifications of some kind to defend behind but on the side the enemy is approaching from, have collapsable pits dug next to them, so if the enemy tries to use the fortifications to protect themselves, they'd cause the pits to collapse and take out a chunk of the unit.

Also, we should protect the flanks of our defensive positions with traps and caltrops.

Also going with Lena, then Laelith.

>>13044778
>fair enough

You make your way over to Lena, who is too engrossed in her observations to notice your approach. "Might I inquire as to what your watching my senior elementalist for?" you ask by way of greeting.

Lena jumps slightly, before turning to face you "I can see her fire, as people with normal sight describe it... its mesmerizing." she replies quietly.

>>13044852
It's already mentioned before, but Justinian ought to use his earthbending to help construct said

>>13044902
"Do you see her as fire or does it appear only now and then as she's using it?"

>>13044915
That's one of the reasons why we're going with the diversion group.

>>13044902
Also, can you see when I use my elementalism?

"Is it constant, or only when she uses her skills?" you ask Lena, trying to decipher just what she is seeing.

"I can see the flame she is contorting, orange and yellow, flickering... even a small area that is bathed in its light. Its as if the blaze is burning away the mists. W... would I be able to learn to make things like that if I took you up on your offer?" Lena asks, her voice showing hints of anticipation. What she said about the flame makes sense to you, the more you think of it. Laeliths torch is lit with magical fire, and has been since you last battled Khalless.

>>13045094
"Honestly, the limits of your talents are the ones I am most unsure of. If magic is as powerful as I think it could be, you may be able to do more than that. Much more. Possibly things you or I couldn't even think possible at this point in time."

>>13045094

that and more my dear

>>13045094
"Possibly, maybe more so."

"Magic has been gone a long time and I will admit to knowing very little until recently. I still have some of my retinue deciphering some books on the subject. Hopefully they might illuminate more on the matter."

>>13045125
>>13045116
I'm with these two.

>>13045094
It is likely you could do that and far more. It is said magic can do anything one can think of, provided you have the willpower to see it to completion.

"Possibly, perhaps even more. Magic has been dead to the world for thousands of years, and no living mortal can remember the limits of its power. I have several of my retinue deciphering ancient tomes on the matter. Should you take me up on my offer, your natural skill will be your only limit." you reply.

"Tomes... the written word?" Lena replies, suddenly apprehensive.

"Yes, otherwise the art would truly be lost." you reply, fearing what you suddenly think may be true.

"I... my people have very few who can decipher the written word, and I am not among them." Lena replies quietly, sounding very sad,. most likely at what she perceives as an opportunity lost.

>>13045217
"Does your sister know how? If not, she can learn. Or perhaps we can assist you in teaching what has been written in those tomes. It may be a difficulty, but it will not stop you from learning about your talents."

Hey guys, let's make braile during the Roman era.

>>13045217

you dont need to be able to read to join me lena, dont worry

i could teach you if you wished

>>13045251

just totally forgot she was blind

>>13045217
I would be glad to teach you. I'm very interested in your talents as well, we could read the books together.

*puts on 'I'm hot for teacher.'*

>>13045217
"Learning a written language is but a matter of time and effort, as long as there are there are those can teach it. If you wish, I can see if there is anyone in my maniple who can teach it to you."

I'm assuming that the tomes are written in a known language, just scrambled with a cipher. Maybe Laelith, because she used to be a scholar?

>>13045266
>>13045256

Sonofabitch. I forgot she's blind, too. Well, maybe there's a way to illuminate writing so she can see it with magical sight?

>>13045257
>>13045266
She's blind. She can't read period. Hence my braile comment or teaching her sister or just helping her directly.

>>13045238
Braille might be pushing it right now, but it wouldn't be impossible to do in the long-term. We'd have to get the assistance of some librarians if we want to see it adopted. (Laelith's here, but we'll need someone more involved in the Imperial bureaucracy.)

For our purposes it would be best to have someone read to her.

>>13045217
>>13045238
>>13045251
>>13045256
>>13045257
Hey guys, idea. Let's read the tomes to/with her. Eventually she will likely be able to control her power well enough to read them.

Plus, she can somewhat see already. Maybe she will be able to make out the runes on the pages?

>>13045283
You may be on to something. Perhaps Laelith can make words out of flames and she can be taught? It'll be hell since she'd need someone to help her read but it's possible in that sense I think.

>>13045301
>someone more involved in the Imperial bureaucracy if we want it adopted more widespread.

>>13045303

or we could just read to her every night

Tell her that we will read to her.

Then let's go check on Laelith. See how she is doing.

Then go check on Sansa. We should see how she is.

Then battle time.

"The innability to read is of no cansequence." you reassure Lena "As a member of my retinue I would work to ensure you are able to reach your full potential." you reply, a plan involving Laeliths torch and teaching Lena already forming in your mind.

"Th-thank you." the nomad replies quietly "I will have an answer to your offer upon your return." at that she rises from where she is sitting and heads for a small tent near your command staffs tents... good, they did move.

You make your way over to Laelith, who turns to face you, eyes glowing the unnatural hue of orange they do when the paste has been applied "how can I help you, Justinian?"

>>13045453
"Just checking in on you. Feeling ready for tonight?"

>>13045453
How are you doing? I hope you slept at least a little last night.

>>13045453
"I just wanted to see how your practice has been progressing."

"By the way, did you notice the blind girl who was watching you? Lena is her name, I've spoken with her and her sister and I do believe she might have certain...talents with regard to those arcane mists you talked about once."

"Oh, by the way, has Finian talked to you about those tomes he's said he needs assistance deciphering?"

>>13045509

this.

>>13045509
It just seems unnecessary to talk about that right now when we're about to enter our make or break battle this campaign. But maybe I'm overthinking it.

>>13045509
This, also ask her how she is doing.

>>13045601
I agree. Just the "just making sure you're ready for tonight" for now, we can discuss our possible mage later.

>>13045601
>>13045624
I just feel we ought to mention that we've noticed something and were wondering if Finian's asked her about helping her already.

Certainly checking up on her was the primary motive for talking to her, but I'd just like to give her a heads up.

Also, at some point later on we need to steal her robes, but leave her sashes.

After all, she said that her sashes were off limits, but she never said anything about her robes...

Something for after the battle, I think.

>>13045661
Second. Do this after the battle.

Leave one extremely revealing robe for her to wear for when she confronts us.

"Just making sure you are prepared for tonight." you reply "How goes the training?" you add, considering the length of the gouts of flame the scarred elf was producing.

"I am prepared, and very well. I have added five feet to the outer limits of my control." Laelith replies, sending a pillar of flame straight up, illuminating the area around her in red and orange.

"Very good. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you after the battle is over, see me in my tent upon our return." At that you nod your dismissal and make your way through the camp ensuring everything else is ready. By what you estimate is midday it is.

>anything else, or skip to the fight?
>and you want to lead the diversionary force, correct?
>also, just finished the "Game of Thrones" feature HBO did... now I need to get myself a towel... haha

>>13045661
I think the consensus was either put that off or cancel that entirely due to recent developments (In which Justinian held her close and comforted her after a disturbing vision.) As it is now so soon after that would not be a good time to do it. Still might be a possibility a bit further down the line, though.

>>13045685
How much time will we be skipping, if we do so?

Does anybody else have any ideas on what we ought to do to prepare?

>>13045694
Uh, no not really.

Why would we call it off? Are you saying pulling a cute flirty prank on her will cause MASSIVE MENTAL TRAUMA OH GOD or something?

Please.

>>13045694
I'm totally fine with postponing the prank, I just think it's a hilarious thing to do eventually. But yeah, later would be better, right now we have a battle to win.

>>13045685
It depends Pax - how far is the diversionary force from the fort? Could we use our powers to help the diversion force if we were at the fort? If not, I say join the diversion force and help them out.

>>13045701
Nope... I can't think of anything else at this point. Although I bet I will when we start. Oh wait! Ask Wulf how skilled he's got at his elementalism. Don't have to RP it if you want but we need to know how good he is.

Alright. Copied from previous thread and updated to include recent changes (Kyria's Rangers included in diversion force).

Diversion: Hit first at the supplies. Flaming arrows aided by fire elementalism, fall back to staggered defenses, be prepared for return fire from archers and a heavy cavalry response. Use earth elementalism to stall enemy response force. (Maybe expand Scout and Legionary units slightly with additions from garrison force.)

Justinian and Retinue, plus some additional troops from the Hunter battalion
50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush (95/100 - Good)
65th Dwarven Rangers - Kyria Esfelda (75/75 - Good)
196th Legionary - Gaius Rex (165/200 - Good)
Cornwall Mercs (170/175 - Average)


Flanking: Hit hard on far side, free slave, and generally smash as much as they can. (Maybe slaughter grounded Valkeries if they can find them.)

Nomads - Vozhd Lennis Starahk (?/? - ?)
99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius (65/75 - Good)
98th Warlords - Uurist Titius (140/150 - Good)
House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian (60/75 - Good)
Kyrtosh RapidRiders (30/50 - Average)
Esperitus Raiders (40/60 - Average)


Garrison: Hold the fort, use extra torches to inflate numbers. (Cornelius in command until we return.)

454th Legionary - Cornelius Hoursch (150/200 - Good)
Impetus Marauders (150/200 - Average)

>>13045787
I think Laelith and the hunters should go separately or leave us early on. I thought the plan was for them to sneak inside the base and torch what they could after our armies have started attacking and their attention was split?

>>13045787
Sorry, the Nomads should be (250/250 - Eager)

And they're pretty much exclusively for freeing the slaves. We don't want to use them as line units, nor would they be particularly good. Just get them to free their families and withdraw.

>>13045787
Alright, so those are our forces. Does anyone have the list of the enemy's forces?

>>13045741
Right!
Can we get a quick status update on how much progress each of our budding elementalists have made?
Like, can our doctor now use his life elementalism to help with surgery and closing wounds? Even if he can't close wounds with it, preventing infections would be more than enough.

Justinian is going with Laelith, right? Not the diversion force.

>>13045855
We got an update last thread on everyone except Jayne, Laelith and Wulf.
>the chef is working with water, but not making much progress. the smith with earth, he seems to be going for stonesense and terrakinesis, improving his craft. the surgeon life, and healing/mending things. Both the smith and surgeon are making decent but not stellar progress

>>13045816
Huh, I just remembered: we made enough NVG paste for our maniple; did think include the nomads as well? I assume we made enough to include all of our mercs and the nomads, but I just want to be sure.

rolled 47 = 47

>>13045869
I had assumed Justinian should stay with the diversion force to help hold off the oncoming hordes more. He'll help the diversion force survive a lot longer and with less deaths. Plus, I'm assuming the last brother will be there and our elementalism might be needed to blunt his heavy cavalry.

>>13045884
We discussed this last thread, Maximus. Justinian can do his hocus pocus at great range.

rolled 100 = 100

>>13045899
Yes but it wasn't confirmed by Pax at how far the diversion force will be and if we can do it from that range. If it's too far, we should stick with the diversion force is all I'm saying.

>>13045878
yes you did

I was getting the impression that you guys wanted to be in the diversionary force last time. No, you wouldnt be able to lead anything else from there, as if you could you would be so close that the whole point of the assault would be negated.

If you timeskip it will be to the end of the march (just under a day for your force) just as the enemies response to you is visible

Wulf is making good progress, though not in the direction you expected. With the path Jayne has taken you cant really tell what her progress is

rolled 17 = 17

>>13045941
From the sounds of that, it seems like we won't be able to help out the diversion force if we join Laelith. I think we should stick with Finian and help them not get ripped.

What direction did Wulf go in?

>>13045941
Justinian goes with Laelith then. We need to be able to direct the forces, and our earthworking can likely reach far enough to help the diversionary force if we need it to.

>>13045941
Check up on Sansa before timeskip.

>>13045972
Gah. Seems like we're reading that differently. Pax, is the fort too far for us to use the elementalism to help out the diversion force? If it is too far, I say join Finian. If it's close enough, join Laelith. There's my opinion. And yes, that HBO feature on A Game of Thrones looked awesome.

>>13045972

we just have to trust our captains to know what to do, keeping the diversion force from being ahnnilated has priority

>>13046026
Or we could trust that our OTHER captains know what to do.

>>13045972
no, you wouldnt even be able to see the diversionary force, as it is a few hours march south of the enemy camp. (the main assault is hitting the east facing, and Laelith and her firestarters are looping way around to the west of the camp).

Wulf is able to get a single strand of lighting to hit a target about 20 feet away (longer with a proper conductor). He still has yet to be able to manifest more than a stiff breeze in his chosen elements other direction unfortunately.

>>13046057
It's not a matter of knowing what to do. It's a matter of what they're going to be dealing with and what they have to fight them off. Our elementalism will help turn the tides in their favor. Thus I stand by my statement of aiding Finian despite how much I want to be hitting the fort.

>>13046076
Hmmm. Well, whatever. Either is fine then.

Let's get this show on the road. Last minute talk with Sansa, then time skip to the attack.

Seconding talking to Sansa then timeskip.

By the way, I mentioned this before, but can we give her those assassin's daggers? I don't think I know anyone else in our maniple who can use daggers as well as her.

>>13046164
No. We already gave her custom metoric daggers with her name inscribed on them, it was a sweet gift.

You make your way through your camp, until you eventually track down Sansa. she is sitting quietly on the wall, feet dangling off the edge, her bow unstrung, one dagger sheathed while she takes a small whetstone to the other. despite the glow her eyes are currently emitting, it is obvious that she is thinking on something. Hearing your footfalls she turns to face you, saluting, but not rising "Hello Justinian. Are we moving out already?" she greets you, before returning to her work.

>holding on the the assassins blades will pay off... trust me.

>>13046227
Yeah, I'm for holding on to them myself.

"Aye, we'll be marching off soon. Have something on your mind Sansa?"

>>13046227
Sit down beside her.
No, not yet. Are you okay? You seem to have something on your mind.

>>13046227
>holding on the the assassins blades will pay off... trust me.

Well if you say so.

Hmm. I hope the assaulting forces use their signal rings to tell us when to fall back. Don't want to be stuck fighting the enemy army for too long.

>>13046325
Better tell them that before we move out.

>>13046325
We'll be falling back the entire time. Finian's got some staggered defenses prepped, and we can use our earth elementalism to slow the enemy down like we did in the attack on our fort.

"Soon enough" you reply, sitting next to your aide and friend "is something on your mind?"

Sansa turns to look at you "This is a complex plan, Justinain... I'm worried that someone will be hurt, and there wont be anyone around to help them." she replies, clearly worrying about your command staff, which is becoming an increasingly tight-knit group.

>>13046366

"It's the nature of war, that not everybody goes home. All we can really do is cherish the moments with our brothers and sisters in arms, and pledge to defend the innocent and be the greatest strength of the soldier to our left."

>>13046366
I know, I'm worried too. I've assigned Collin to protect you, but I also would like you to watch out for Laelith. She can get a bit... aggressive and overconfident at times. I'm worried she might bite off more than she can chew. If it looks like she is getting in trouble, I want you to order her back. If she refuses... you have my permission to do what you have to in order to make sure she's safe.

I'll be watching over the Diversionary force, so I'll make sure everyone is okay there. I'll be counting on you to make sure the raid goes as planned.

Then put our arm around her and hold her for a bit before we move out.

>>13046366
"Even Aurelius? Unfortunately, this is the nature of war and the burden of being in positions of command. Eventually you must put the lives of those under you in serious risk. We've been lucky until now that so few of us have been seriously wounded but it's something we can never avoid. Obviously we'll all look out for each other if we can but the best we can do is hope that everyone makes it back."

I don't know. Someone think of something better than me.

>>13046429
Might also want to mention that she has to make sure the Nomads get their kin and leave the battlefield ASAP. It's their job to get them back to the fort.

>>13046429
This is actually a good idea in a couple of ways. It will bring the two girls closer together for them to look out for each other, and that part about Laelith is very true. She's very confident in herself and can sometimes get in over her head. It will be good to have Sansa looking out for her. So I second this.

Please tell me we told the nomad leader we were moving out today?

>>13046498
That reminds me, did anyone bother telling him what the plan was?

Because seriously you guys that's pretty important.

>>13046498
I'm pretty sure he's been in on at least some of the plans.

>>13046484
>>13046429
We should tell Laelith to be extra careful too, she will be in one of the most vulnerable positions. That's why I was wanting to go with her, the firestarting group is going to need to pull back at the first sign of danger or they will get destroyed.

>>13046540
That's one reason I wanted to go with them as well honestly. But I think helping out Finian is more important to the overall goals of the campaign.

"Even Aurelius?" you ask jokingly, Sansa smirks and scoffs at this, but before she can respond you continue "It is the nature of war, sadly. Collin will be there to protect you, and I'm sure you can scare our scoundrel enough to have him watch for Laelith properly for you, even though she will be on the opposite end of the enemy camp. With me watching over the diversionary force I'm sure our good luck will hold out for at least one more battle. Saddly, loss is-"

Before you can finish your last kernel of wisdom Sansa cuts you off "I know, its a lesson I've learned too well perhaps. The eve of every battle feels too much like goodbye, which I can hardly stand when its a happy one. Its times like this that I realize how poorly cut out I am for this life..." Sansa laments, sliding all 8 inches of meteorite into its sheathe as you put your arm around her waist, searching for what to say next.

>>13046609
"On the contrary, I think it makes you even more fitting for this life. You value the lives of your comrades. You wouldn't send them into pointless endeavors for little gain. It makes me glad I have you as my aide and in charge of the assault force."

>>13046609
You know, Sansa... when we next return to the capital I am thinking of opening some business ventures and other operations. You've been a wonderful aide and manager. Perhaps you would prefer that life, rather than this one? You would still be in my employ, of course. Just not on the lines, and not needing to deal with the losses.

If that life is one you find more appealing, I would gladly spare you the pain you are feeling here.

>>13046609

"We'll survive. We always do." just leave it at that and get our killing hat on.

>>13046540
Second this. Tell Laelith not to take any huge risks, even if it means pulling out earlier than she would like.

"On the contrary, that very trait is what makes you perfect for 'this life'. You are loathe to send friends to danger, and would rather face it with them than flee. i could think of no one better to be my right hand. Our luck will hold, but should it fail, that is what we have each other for, why soldiers are more want to make friends than enemies. The pain of loss is always a burden better shared than shouldered alone." Sansa continues to look into your eyes as you tell her this, and slowly, you see her features calm, shift back to the usual happy disposition, then set for battle as you help her rise "But enough of this depressing talk, we have a battle to win." you finish, leading her down the stairs.

The ride to you positions is uneventful, and on multiple occasions you remind the leaders of each element the signals that are to be used once the prisoners are free. One flare if the situation good enough to continue the fight, twice for and ordered retreat, and thrice for an immediate withdrawal with all possible haste. Sansa hugs you through your armor as the three disparate forces split off after the camp you used to rest up the men before the battle. You can feel Jayne and Laeliths eyes on you, but both stay back for their own reasons.

Within a few hours you reach the position Finian had prepared, and in no time you have all three sets of fortifications shored up with stone. You walk out in front of the force, a see of glowing white and green eyes faces you, their uncertainty clear. As soon as you give the order to light the torches the plan will be in motion, and if any a force ever needed strong words it would be these men.

>>13046666
Though imposing double dubs, I agree with the sentiment. She is a brilliant fighter, but the psychological weight is a lot for her to carry...

>>13046859
Men! You know our mission! We stand here to defend our homeland, to defend the Empire. These bastards have thrown everything they can at us. Eagles, slaves, knights, peasants, and even elven arrows. And every time, EVERY time, we have shown them that we will not break. That we will not bend. That we will not falter.

So this day, we show them our resolve once more. Our friends and compatriots will be counting on us to lure the enemy out. We will be beset by many foes from all sides, and perhaps the situation will be dire.

But for our friends and fellow soldiers... for them WE WILL NOT BREAK. For them WE WILL NOT BEND. And for them WE WILL NOT FALTER!

FOR THE EMPIRE!

>>13046859
Soldiers of the Empire, we stand at the precipice! With this assault, our enemies will know that there is no place to hide. We will strike quickly and hurt them as much as we can. We will also keep our promises, as we of the Empire do. We will release the captured families of our allies, and in doing so prove the honor and worth of our great nation. With skill and a bit of luck, we may also take the head of our enemies with the capture of their leader, Lord Stant. Remember soldiers, watch your friends, leave no man behind, and complete the mission.

>>13046926
I was going to try something but it would of been sub-standard compared to this. I like.

rolled 98 = 98

Last test roll before battle. Gotta make sure if I should roll tonight or not...

rolled 13 = 13

>>13046997
Yikes. Guess I'm not rolling tonight. That's twice I've rolled that high.

rolled 33 = 33

>>13046997
guess that would be a "no"

>>13046926

hats off to ya anon

"Men! You know our mission! We stand here to defend our homeland, to defend the Empire. These bastards have thrown everything they can at us. Eagles, slaves, knights, peasants, and even elven arrows. And every time, EVERY time, we have shown them that we will not break. That we will not bend. That we will not falter.

So this day, we show them our resolve once more. This day, we strike back! Our friends and compatriots will be counting on us to lure the enemy out. We will be beset by many foes from all sides, and the situation may become dire.

But for our friends and fellow soldiers... for them WE WILL NOT BREAK. For them WE WILL NOT BEND. And for them WE WILL NOT FALTER!

FOR THE EMPIRE!" you shout to the assembled men, a few seconds after you finish, a loud cheer emits from your soldiers and you signal for the torches to be lit, as the last drops of rain splatter against your armor. It has begun...

>map in the next post.

rolled 13 = 13

>>13047037
Alright guys. This is it. Let's show Lord Stant's kids a thing or two about battle.

rolled 18 = 18

Statement: Test rolling while awaiting tactical input.

rolled 51 = 51

>>13047129
Geh. Two 13's in a row. Maybe I should roll tonight. Unless /tg/ dice are faking me out and this will be super high now...

rolled 100 = 100

>>13047141
>>13047129
I vote we use these rolls for our first two.

rolled 93 = 93

>>13047155
I don't think Pax will let us since he hasn't asked for rolls yet. Too bad eh?

Clarification request: Are we rolling high or low?

rolled 7 = 7

>>13047175
In this quest we like low.

rolled 26 = 26

>>13047175
low. Hence why me and Maximus aren't rolling tonight.

After a few hours wait, you find yourself amply rewarded. The bulk of the enemy force is approaching your position, at its head is a unit of dwarven mercenaries, in plate armor and wielding greathammers. to the units left (from your perspective) is a unit of human mercenaries in chianmail shirts, wielding longswords and steel kite shields. Elven archers stalk to either outside flank, and hold at what you are sure is their maximum lethal range. In the rear you see the mounted men at arms, a unit of levied swordsmen, and Morwaynes banner, lit by torches. An excellent result, all things considered, well over half of the enemy force has fallen for your ruse. Which will begin as soon as Sansa and Laelith see the two groups of torches meet, and your half of them extinguish. You estimate you will be able to get off one solid command before the battle is joined.

rolled 3 = 3

Test Roll

rolled 17 = 17

>>13047183
But I just got a 7! /tg/ dice are going to extremes for me tonight. Maybe a roll or two wouldn't hurt... I sound like a gambler now...

>>13047194
I say focus fire on the melee units. The archers will be a pain all battle but I don't think we can win a ranged battle against them. Wear down the guys coming in.

Fuck yes amazing 3.

Archers, target the heavy infantry.

The enemy archers will be crippled by the darkness, so we can safely ignore them for a while.

rolled 80 = 80

>>13047194

rolling for earth spikes on the dwarves

>>13047225
Agreement: This routine feels this to be the best option.

Statement: once the melee is joined, the enemy archers would not be able to fire into our ranks without fear of harming allied soldiers, leaving them worthless to begin with. Once blackout procedures have begun, they shall become even more worthless.

Out of curiousity, were the flanks trapped and caltropped? With the long grass, it should make it harder to see them. Also, were there traps in front of our first line?

>>13047265
You may be underestimating the effectiveness of trained elven archers, especially these two units. They can still blindfire into our rear ranks, and a hail of arrows doesn't need to be too accurate.

"FIRE INTO THE MERCENARIES!!!!" you bellow, the response is quite satisfactory, as a torrent of bolts fly past the mercenaries, and a few arrows from Wulfs bow arc over your head.

"FIRST RANK!!!" you hear Finian shout, as a wall of bolts passes through the legionary battalion you stand at the front of. As the cadence continues, up to three, a wall of bolts passes through the legionnaires, with no rest between "3" and "1". Soon the enemy will be upon you, the question is, should you quell the torches now, or after melee is joined?

>>13047352
Wait until it's joined. We can't give them advance warning, and we can take one more volley of arrow fire I think, painful though it may be.

>>13047352
I say beforehand. The elven archers are obviously going to shoot off a volley before the lines hit and disrupt our men. Let's turn out the lights and hopefully mess up their shot a little more.

rolled 27 = 27

>>13047352
Quell them now. This will cause a pause with the melee troops, giving us the alpha strike

rolled 17 = 17

>>13047352

quell torches now

Statement: This routine believes patience is in order. Give the command to commence blackout procedures AFTER melee is joined.

>>13047352
patience
I think we should wait.
they can still not take the bait.

I've changed my mind. Do it after. Take the volley and pull the surprise on them in the middle of melee.

rolled 13 = 13

>>13047422
I'll change too.

>>13047421
>>13047395
>>13047379

I'm with these guys. playing our hand too soon could ruin the whole charade.

rolled 51 = 51

okay then

The elves make their presence known just before you order the torches quelled, and the volley is harsh, to say the very least. the mercenaries continue to barrel onward, though more than a few fall into pit traps, or are tripped and trampled by the human press. "TORCHES!!" you bellow, as you rush up to the first wall, spear leveled and shield raised, within moments the mercenaries will be upon you. and behind the first wave, you can already see the levied swordsmen readying their own charge.

>roll for the usuals if you want to use anything (combat is the only must at this point)

rolled 14 = 14

>>13047610
Spikes in the heavy mercs.

rolled 78 = 78

>>13047610

all fire onto the levies

earth spike the archers if we can

rolling for command

>>13047622

Recitation: "Our first catch of the day"

rolled 36 = 36

Rolling for combat then, I guess

>>13047633
I'd argue my earth spikes into the heavy mercs is better because the cornwall mercs took a heavy morale beating. We need to relieve pressure off them.

>>13047610
That's... that's a lot of guys. We should pull back to the next defensive line, it should help throw off the elven archers now that the torches are out.

>>13047610
Yell to Cornwall "HOLD YOUR GROUND. DO NOT FALTER"
to 50th and 65th "Hit the swordsmen. Show them our worth!"

>>13047667

yeah, those bitches wont last long without support

earth spike the dwarves then

also, your roll counts for elementalsim

>>13047700
Seriously. I guess I can see why their ratings weren't so great. I think they had 3 successful campaigns and 3 bad?

>>13047768

i was thinking more along the lines of they wont stand long against a larger, more heavily armored unit with great weapons, but the're also huge vaginas, i agree

You thrust your spear into the first mercenary to enter its range, you feel one of the edges inside the head catch on something, smiling, you cleave two of your unlucky foes ribs in twain as you retract the spear. "HOLD FAST!!!" you bellow to the mercenaries on your side of the fortifications, stretching out your shield arm, sprouting a line of stone spikes along the dwarven mercenaries front ranks, even as the first few begin to climb over the short walls you erected, collapsing a chest or smashing a head as they drop off the short wall. You open your mouth to order your archers to focus on the levies, but a swordstroke to your vambrace, pulling your focus back to the fight in front of you rather than the battle as a whole. You swiftly dispatch the man with a healthy taste of meteorite, force fed through his mouth. You retract your spear, but find your next target dead where he stands, cooked alive in his armor by a white-hot bolt of lighting. The taste of burnt air fills your mouth as you smash your shield into the face of a mercenary trying to climb over the wall, leaving him to the man to your left you begin on your next target.

once the levied swordsmen get danger close we should fall back to the secondary position. once our ranged units can't hit them anymore have them fall back, followed shortly by our melee units.

rolled 33 = 33

>>13047821
Might be time to fall back... I think those levies will be on us next round. Fall back while laying down caltrops I guess.

rolled 62 = 62

>>13047821

Rolling for elementalism, enhance the wall, increase it's height to protect our rear and allow us to retreat.

>>13047821

Wow, our guys are dropping like flies, and we haven't even dented their actually valuable forces. Apparently the night vision isn't giving us a meaningful advantage after all.

We need to use the earth spike to slow down the enemy advance while we fall back to the next defensive line. If those levied swords reach us we're toast.

rolled 45 = 45

>>13047821

rolling for combat

>>13047866
Our morale is doing better than theirs at least. The mercs are close to breaking. I wish they had broke already but it looks like they'll be chasing us a little more.

rolled 87 = 87

shit Cornwal isn't holding too well.
begin falling back to the secondary line, ranged units fall back first, followed by melee.

>but find your next target dead where he stands, cooked alive in his armor by a white-hot bolt of lighting

what just happened?

rolled 76 = 76

>>13047622

Status: rolling for combat modifications

Executing subroutine ctrl+alt+kill

>>13047881
Wulf just happened. He chose lightning rather than wind control, remember?

>>13047881
Wulf used his elementalism.

>>13047821

They lost 77 guys to our 85. Defenses? Meaningless. Night vision? Meaningless. Elementalism? Meaningless We need to fall back.

Though actually that probably won't work, considering our defense and elementalism seem pretty much unable to phase them, and in previous battles their heavy infantry were easily able to outrun our Rapid Riders, which are the fastest guys we have.

It looks like we're just hosed.

>>13047866

It's doesn't really matter when your enemy is still sitting in the same place.

Once we relocate our casualty rate should drop.

>>13047881

wulfe can shoot lightning with his elementalism

we've made him pretty awesome

We're not going to be able to fall back. Remember, the enemy infantry is significantly faster than even our cavalry, let alone our own infantry.

>>13047901
Part of the problem is that we allowed the elven archers to range us in our current position. Their ability to volley into our middle and rear ranks should be diminished once we fall back, however they will still be able to fight us due to our glowing eyes being highly visible in the darkness.
An effective terror tactic, but can be a liability in a stand-up fight.

>>13047919
Enough guys. Pax admitted his mistake in an earlier thread in letting so many guys get away from us in that last battle.

>>13047931
Hmm... judging by how the battle is currently going, no night vision > night vision.

We might have been better off not bothering with it at all if it makes us stand out like that.

rolled 78 = 78

Crap, missed most of thread sadly reading up

You attempt to focus enough to raise both walls as the fallback begins, but are only able to raise the nearest one. The Rangers and Scouts both begin backpedalling, firing their loaded bolts into the elfs, switching the poles supporting the arrow shields to dwarves with empty bows as they move, the rangers simply leaving the firing to the repeaters. Finally your forces catch a break from the elves, as their accuracy is noticeably reduced trying to fire at moving targets outside the glow of their own sides torches. You drive your spear through the arm of one mercenary and into the chest of the man behind him you attempt to take the moment to instruct your ranged units to focus on the levies, but a solid blow to your helmet garbles your command. You get your own retribution by sending an earthen spike up and into the posterior of the offending soldier. You draw your spear back again, a lone flame becomes visible at the east end of the enemy camp informing you that the next phase of the plan is about to begin. You start to focus, knowing what you will need to do to successfully extract your melee forces from this stage of the engagement without being run down.

rolled 64 = 64

>>13048077
Put up the wall in front of the cornwall mercs so they can get away without being harassed.

rolled 57 = 57

>>13048077

Rerolling for elementalism.

Wall off the heavy mercs and spike them with our left over juice (if we have any).

rolled 45 = 45

Status: rolling for spikes.

Target: enemy commander position.

Executing subroutine ctrl+alt+kill

>>13048077
If we have caltrops on our melee units, we should have them lay them down to slow advancing infantry.

rolled 35 = 35

>>13048104

Clarification: enemy -captain- position, directly opposing currently occupied unit.

>>13048077

Someone else roll for combat and command.

What was our ROE?

Hold the line and run like frak latter or fighting retreat?

If fighting retreat, have the cornwall mercs start pulling back abit.

When the heavies start crossing, we engage their flank.

rolled 78 = 78

>>13048077

combat roll then

>>13048140
Depends on how well we can get away from the enemy troops. If the Cornwall's are stuck in a fighting retreat, we don't have much of a choice. Will roll combat if no one else does in a few mins.

Perhaps we should get ranged units to focus on the heavy mercs or Wulf to hit em?

rolled 5 = 5

Rolling for Combat, wish us luck

I'm also worried about the forces not present here. After all, the enemy (in total) very significantly outnumbers us. There are hundred of infantry and cavalry that aren't present. And if their knights hit us from behind now that will be the end of us. Or they could be slaughtering the actual assault force.

Enemies not present (yet):
80 Armed Sergeants (pikes)
55 Knights (on either Valkeries or normal horses)
200 Levied Halberds
50 Elven Bowmen
80 Longbowmen
40 Mounted Men-at-Arms
80 Footslogging Men-at-Arms

They have the assault force significantly outnumbered (not quite 2 to 1, but close), and even with our defenses we're getting slaughtered. Just imagine how bad it will be for our attacking force. Even if we survive, it's highly unlikely they will.

>>13048162
Pompei made the combat roll already. Maybe you should make that command.

>>13048168

Mounted Men at arms are at our battlefield. Just not on the battlscape right now.

>>13048214
We'll be long dead before they reach us then. The levied swordsmen will be enough to completely wipe us out once they get to us.

>>13048207

if only he'd been faster....

>>13048239
Indeed.
In regards to command, I suggest ranged units fire on the heavy mercs if they can. If not, hit the sword levies. Melee units fall back if they can and lay caltrops behind them, since I think they have them. Wulf should hit the heavy mercs with lightning and hopefully they break. Anyone think there should be changes?

rolled 12 = 12

>>13048168
With luck their supplies and armory have been hit in the assault, leaving some is not a good portion without arms and armor. Maybe the nomads would go against our world, free their people, tell them where to run, and rejoin the fight.

And dont count out of the abilities of our fire elementalist, she's the best we've seen yet, more then a match for facing off against one.

>>13048239

I'd put a greater emphasis on command.

Keep our losses lower.

rolled 18 = 18

Guys, we are probably going to have to kite them a bit further than just the second set of defenses. If we are going to give them time to do anything. Sure the initial results are worse right now, because we were a stationary target and they knew where we were even when we doused the lights. Now that we fall back we will have a few major advantage.

A. They will not be able to follow as quickly
B. Will either have to reform or chase as is, either way giving us a little more breathing room or spreading them out for easy pickings
C. Elven archers won't know where to fire till the lines meet and even then will not be as effective.

>>13048162
I think we should use this as our botch

>>13048253
Agreement.

>>13048254

No soldier is going to have equipment left far away in some tent. What we probably destroyed was resupplies and spare equipment. While it will hurt in the long run, in this battle, they' are still at full strength.

>>13048267
Agreed. We're going to be wiped out if we don't.

>>13048267
Save the botch.

>>13048278
>>13048267

Botch does not work that way.

It's the average of 3 rolls.

We don't need to use it for now.

>>13048254
Wrecking those supplies will hurt them in the long run, but in the short run they'll still be able to wipe us out to the last man.

rolled 39 = 39

>>13048276
I just rolled a 12 on a luck roll! of course they were eating in the mess hall unarmed or were giving eachother baths, as is Urthullian nature.

We're going to die if we hold on to it. This is the standard problem with potions, we should use them when we need them, and they're no good to us if we're dead.

We're going to all die if we don't start rolling better.

>>13048307
It's one combat roll. It wasn't in the 80s or 90s or a 100. We'll be fine losing out on one or two rolls unless it's a critical situation. We're fine for now and I rather save it for a more dicey situation. The rest of the rolls weren't bad this round so it should be fine.

Looking at the map something occurred to me. I thought Finian said he would have five positions prepared, but I only see three.

You backhand another soldier back from the wall, raise both fists in the air, and in a sweeping downward motion stun both mercenary units before you with a powerful quake, though you do take a nasty blow to your right elbow in the process; nothing debilitating, but enough to make using your strong arm less than comfortable. Both line battalions of this force immediately begin falling back, the front ranks spreading caltrops as they rapidly backpedal, a hail of bolts moving through the neatly ordered ranks, sewing death among the levies and heavy mercenaries (to a lesser extent). That changes in an instant as a thread of electricity smashes into the frontmost mercenary, and continue to leapfrog around the unit before dissipating, leaving a trail of reeking tarnished armor wherever it traveled.

As you backpedal the accuracy of the elves noticably drops off without the light of friendly units to help their aim. You see them beginning to creep forward, you estimate that your next fallback will bring them directly into the caltrop fields to the flanks of the walls you are in the process of abandoning. From the back of the enemy unit two quick blasts from a warhorn can be heard, followed by another three. You look to either side, before you see what the second set of blasts was for... at least you know where the other unit of levied infantry is now. In the distance a mighty blaze kicks up, followed shortly by a single blue light fired straight up into the sky. With a few quick signals of your own you could have the firestarters on their way here, if they moved fast enough they may even reach the enemies rear before your job is done, as the sounds of battle being joined in the distance are only now becoming audible.

rolled 15 = 15

>>13048384
Is the blue light from Laelith's unit? I say leave them in the fort to help out the rest of the troops. That's more important.

We continue to fall back into position with the archers focusing fire on the levy infantry. Rolling command.

rolled 73 = 73

>>13048384

>Whos in the firestarter group again?

Rolling for command.

Maybe we can pelt the enemy with the fist size stones of our terrakinesis.

>>13048426
Forgot to add. Have Wulf lightning the elves on the left if he can.

>>13048430
We don't have that ability. We took the earth walls instead.

Status: rolling for spikes

Target: Medium mercenaries captain position, maximum firepower

Executing subroutine ctrl+alt+kill

rolled 6 = 6

>>13048384
Rolling for elementalism, fissures All about, they'll miss them easy in this darkness

rolled 71 = 71

>>13048465
ERROR roll required

rolled 7 = 7

Fall back, reform shield wall in between the defenses, make sure to earth spike like a BAWS while the other men are making their way towards us. Pax, I'm rolling for elementalism, also, I was wondering if we were good enough try to, right before their merc line meets ours, to just do the opening of a chasm right in front of the ground. Think small ditch right in front of our line that appears out of nowhere.

I can see us now, "I HAVE THE HIGHER GROUND MORWAYNE!"

>>13048480
Maybe you should make that a combat roll instead. <_<

rolled 8 = 8

>>13048466

trying to redeem myself with another combat roll

rolled 92 = 92

>>13048465
Good think you didnt actually roll it.
Regall Me Combat Gods! ROLL FOR IT!

>>13048488
>>13048466
>>13048426
15, 8 and 6. This round went better than expected.

rolled 48 = 48

>>13048493
ok, i understand, dont ham it up, gotcha.

>>13048497
They still outnumber us 2 to 1.

>>13048442
no have him use his lightning on the heavy and medium infantry.
it looks like he can arc it from one man to the next because of their armor

>>13048466
>>13048480
>>13048488


Tactical analysis: WOO!

>>13048504
Have we ever not been outnumbered? It's always been about breaking our enemies and using superior abilities. Their three melee units have pretty low morale and will likely break by the time they hit our lines again.

>>13048507
Alright fine. If it's not too late Pax, have Wulf focus on the mercs.

Speaking of elementalism, didn't Pax once mention we could create pits with Punji stakes?

Might be a good idea, if we can, to create a few in the areas near the elves. They're going to be what will kill us if they're allowed to keep perforating us with arrows.

>>13048520
Since when has the enemy breaking actually mattered? Last time they just ran, reformed, and came at us today with nary a problem, and even with the same morale that they had originally. In fact it was better for them, because they got us out of our fortress.

>>13048547
I don't remember if he said that but I think something like that would be too draining for battle at this point. If I'm wrong though, it's definitely something to consider. Part of why I wanted Wulf to hit them but if his lightning is more effective against the armoured troops, it's better to use it on them.

>>13048563

The way I'm thinking is that the last time we considered that, we were at a power level lower than our current one. Thus we should be able to handle the strain this time round.

Pax, can you clarify?

>>13048560
Not so sure it didn't matter. Their morale is dropping pretty fast, even for using our elementalism and ranged units. Our Cornwall mercs are doing better than them morale wise and that's saying a lot based on how they've performed this campaign. Plus, even though the sword levies outnumber us, do remember they're basically conscripts from what I recall. It's probably why they weren't leading the charge while the mercs were.

>>13048578
The mercs are leading the charge because they're MORE expendable than the levied swords. That's how they operate, same as sending in the slaves first like last time.

>>13048578

Statement: This is why this routine believed the levied troops to have low tactical value beyond numbers: a peasant with a sword is just a peasant with a sword, while a soldier with anything is thoroughly trained to use it.

>>13048560
And in regards to how it matters - if they break, they have no choice but to run back to the fort. They'll be exhausted when they return and by then, they'll be running into our units there. Who had the surprise on the fort that had no gates and likely their supplies were burning before the attack began. The fort should be in our hands.

>>13048595
They're more expendable yes but they'd also do the most damage to soften us up. They'd ideally want them to mop us up when we were beaten and tired from the mercs so they could get actual combat experience. From what I remember Pax saying, the levies are crap until they get real combat experience, training and gear. I think that's what the men-at-arms were in the past.

>>13048578
Their morale has dropped over the course of this fight, but they started it with good morale, which they had when we first fought them. It's exacerbating the problem of beating commanders rather than armies. We capture or otherwise defeat a commander, but his army escapes more or less intact, and snowballs with the next commander and army that we have to fight. Eventually we're up against an army bigger than an entire legion and we're screwed.

rolled 78 = 78

>>13048604
I wouldn't say the fort is in our hands.... but the slaves SHOULD be freed and they should be extremely crippled when these forces are either routed or forced to retreat back to their base.

>>13048604

It's highly unlikely that the assault force has won yet, they simply haven't had enough time. Nor are they really all that likely to win at all, given the forces arrayed against them and the fact that they don't have the advantages that defenses provide like we do.

And if they break and run, we'll just have to fight them again fresh, and likely reinforced. Maybe not today, but in the next battle.

>>13048655
True, looking over the list again there's a lot more than I realized defending. That and I didn't mean they'd have the fort now, just when the enemy retreated to it. Regardless, the element of surprise should of helped in the assault and done some drastic damage. If we're lucky, they took out an important unit or two before heading out.

>>13048604
For them, "breaking" is just hitting the pause button. It costs them nothing.

>>13048673
Not necessarily true. I believe Pax said the retreating forces from last battle did leave their gear behind, hence why we basically had an armoury in our inventory. If this is the case, the halberd infantry and longbows might be severely underequipped and almost removed from the equation at the fort.

>>13048670
> If we're lucky, they took out an important unit or two before heading out.

When have we ever been able to actually destroy an enemy unit? Aside from the slaves, they pretty much just run and come back again the next day ready for another go.

As you fall back the mercenaries part to let the fresh levies pass through them. You timing is impeccable, as soon as the unit is halfway through the new caltrop field you open the ground beneath them, causing the barely armored soldiers to take massive casualties. Even at this distance you can see the fear in their eyes, illuminated by another bolt of lightning arcing into the heavy mercenaries, all three units receive yet another brutal barrage of bolts. Morwaynes archrers attempt to fire into your units, but very few have kept the range on you, and most of the shots miss, and of those that are in the right area, very few hit, let alone kill.

As the thunder of hoofs begins to bear down on you, a mighty cheer rises from the western face of the enemy camp, even as a raging inferno walks across it from the east.

>>13048690
In this campaign? Not that often. There were the elven skirmishers and the one unit of valks. We did it quite a few times against Khalless though.

>>13048686

Equipment losses that they've probably recouped from their supplies by now, supplies that we haven't been able to burn until today, by which time it's too late.

I think we're going to have to accept the fact that the only thing that this is going to accomplish is freeing the slave families and burning some supplies. We're not actually going to be able to inflict meaningful damage on the army itself.

rolled 48 = 48

>>13048692
Fissures where i hear the hooves, I'll give them a surprise they dont suspect!

rolled 98 = 98

>>13048692

quick, create a schism right in front of the men at arms so that the horses fall into them when they try to pursuit

rolling for combat again

rolled 78 = 78

>>13048692
Why hello men-at-arms. So glad those caltrops are at the side. Continue to pour fire into the levies from the archers while we fall back to the defensive line. Wulf's lightning on them one more time. I think that might break them. Command.

Save our earth elementalism to hit the men-at-arms when they're closer and at higher speed in their charge. Charging into spikes should mess up their charge.

>>13048719

FUUUUUUUUU-

..........now we need the botch

Fuck, those Men-at-Arms are going to be able to swing around and hit our rangers.

We should tilt the Cornwall mercs slightly to cover that side.

rolled 82 = 82

>>13048729
Exactly! Good thing we saved it. And I hope that was our men cheering at the enemy camp...

rolled 65 = 65

>>13048719
you just called an elemental tactic and rolled for combat...

I'll roll for combat, keep up the fighting retreat, stay in the dark.

rolled 82 = 82

>>13048692
Oh dear, those men at arms are in for a doozy once they hit those caltrop fields...... makes me wonder if they will keep going when they hit it. Rolling to make sure the rangers are ready to unload EVERYTHING at once into the men at arms surviving if they do decide to charge through the caltrops. Hitting fish in a barrel when they get closer and repeaters shouldn't leave much room for "overrunning" the ranger position.

>>13048743
Wait, that's true... I'm confused on what Pax will do now.

And incidentally we seem to only be capable of rolling high.

Where the hell were these rolls in Dragon Quest?

rolled 96 = 96

>>13048760
I dunno, we were actually rolling pretty well before this. Kinda odd. Oh well, shit happens.

rolled 95 = 95

We just started hitting bad ruts.
Well the battle's going well in the camp for us at least. But remember, we're the Distract, you need to be ready to get the fuck outa dodge at any time.

We need to keep pulling back. We can't afford to get hit by another of their charges again.

>>13048719
>>13048724
>>13048742
>>13048743
>>13048749
>>13048765
>>13048791

These rolls are ridiculous. Three 90+ rolls. What the fuck.

If the rolls are any indication of how this battle is going to go, we should just quit the field now and cut our losses.

>>13048807
Karma for the round where we kicked ass I guess. Nothing ever goes perfectly for us with /tg/ dice. We're not in nightmare position yet at least so this won't kill us.

rolled 60 = 60

No, bad /tg dice, go back down, i want to see 2s and 1s, a lot of them!

>>13048815
Bad plan. Unlike them, our infantry can't out run cavalry, so those Men-at-Arms would slaughter us if we tried to retreat. For better or for worse, we're stuck fighting this one out.

rolled 4 = 4

Ok, we we rolled at least below a 50 on elemental
But should we Reroll combat or Command?

>>13048846
Command I think.

rolled 9 = 9

>>13048846
I'm going to go ahead and say that roll was my command botch.
How's bout it?

But which order do we call?

rolled 35 = 35

>>13048862
And there's a Combat if you'll take two.
Because those were Horrible Rolls.

Go for the command botch then. That's more important at this point.

>>13048846
>>13048862

Exasperation: OH WHAT THE FUCK

>>13048884
The Emperor protects.

>>13048889

"And craps on us from a very high place."

>>13048862
I think we should reform behind the next defensive line. Tilt the Cornwall mercs to deal with the Men-at-Arms. Spread the legionary out to cover the left and center. Have scouts keep hitting the levied swords while the rangers hit the Men-at-Arms.

We need to do a lot of damage fast and then reposition again before those elves draw a bead on us.

rolled 6 = 6

>>13048905
I dont think we'll need to tilt the mercs, the caltrops and fissures still about will see to them.

>>13048905
Their line is much, much wider than ours at this point though. We're going to end up encircled once the mercs advance.

>>13048921
If Wulf's lightning goes well and the archers focus on the mercs and levies, they should break before htey hit our lines or just as they hit it. They've all gone red at this point.

>>13048920
> 6

...

Fucking /tg/ dice.

>>13048921

They're going to have to advance through the caltrops. That will slow them down and give us a chance to erect some earth walls to protect our flanks before they reach our next position.

Plus we can pelt them with bolts and arrows, increasing the chance they'll break and just say "we're not being paid enough for this bullshit."

>>13048920
They'll probably be able to plow through those really quickly. These are cavalry units after all. We need to move people to shield the rangers from the inevitable charge.

>>13048941
Wall? Screw that. How about angled spikes right in front of them as they're charging? I doubt their horses will be able to avoid that. Who needs spearmen ready when you can make spears appear in the ground?

>>13048949

Was talking about the advancing mercs.

I'm betting on them horses tripping and breaking a few legs, and the rest of the unit tripping up over them.

>>13048949

Tactical analysis: Mounted combatants take much too long to stop to avoid sudden earthen spears. Likely resulting in a pileup of broken men and horses behind the downed line.

Acceptable command.

You order your men to keep falling back, throwing your arm out to create a fissure where the enemy cavalry is charging, its far larger than necesary, and leaves you more tired than you would like... but it works. The first few chargers to hit caltrops rear up in agony, disrupting the wedge, the lucky leaders hit the new schism, shattering their horses ankles, ending the riders flying, more than a few landing face-first on a caltrop. Combined with a fusillade from the rangers fully half of the men at arms are wiped out in the space of a few seconds, and the unit begins to wheel east. You have a feeling that that is the last you will be seeing of that unit.

In front of you, the mercenaries continue to press on, along with the levied swordsmen, though you suspect they all continue more because of fear than bravery, as you see multiple men attempt to flee, only to receive an elven arrow through some weak spot in their armor.

To your west the shape of 150 angry halberdiers is made apparent by torchlight and illuminating paste, you expect them to be upon you before long. In the distance, a single green flare fires off, Laelith and her firestarters are fully withdrawn from the battle now. The only thing left to wait for is Sansa's signal.

>>13048973
>forgot this

>>13048973
Men-at-Arms out? I doubt that. They could very well be wheeling around to hit us from the far side. Either way, the levied halberds are going to be a problem. They're a fresh unit and completely recoup all the infantry loses we've inflicted so far.

rolled 1 = 1

>>13048973
Damnit. Halberds. We gotta break the infantry in front of us first. Focus fire with the archers I guess. Command roll. At least the elven archers aren't completely shooting at us now.

rolled 78 = 78

>>13048973
Fissure dont failed me now, Screw up their advance from the west! lets see how well 150 men with shattered legs or broken polearms fair.

rolled 1 = 1

>>13048973

We need to attack the elves.

Rolling for elementalism. Earth spike/punji stake pit the elves. If they die, the rest of the army will rout.

rolled 78 = 78

Status: rolling for command

Command line: "IS THIS HOW YOUR MASTERS TREAT YOU? WITH THE LASH AND ARROW? FLEE, AND LET THEM DIE IN YOUR STEAD!"

>>13048996

DECLARE AS ATTACK, PLS.

rolled 81 = 81

>>13048995
Dun dun dun dun! Been awhile since I hit a 1. Any other quest, and I'd be raging so hard.

>>13048994
They're definitely broken. Look at their morale square. They're not being paid enough for this job is what they have concluded.

rolled 61 = 61

>>13048995
>>13048999
One Mind
Two Namefags.

Would a combat roll even be needed? they wont be one us by then.

>>13048999
Nooooooes! If only that were combat or something!

As an addition to my command roll, Wulf must lightning the infantry in front of us. They will break damnit.

rolled 26 = 26

Rolling for combat if we engage them. We should try to goad him on.

"Well lookey there! Morwayne seems to like just wasting his most valuable men! First an entire squad of Valkyries and now his men-at-arms. I can't see HOW in the HELL his brother said he was the smart one."

Just for the hell of it.

>>13048995
>>13048996
>>13048999
>>13049003

Statement:....................1,78,1,78.......logic error

rolled 95 = 95

How're the elves still standing strong in green?
They're watching the troops be cut down row by row, the men at arms had orange morale when they came in in the first place.

>>13048973
We need to wheel the legionary unit to angle west, those halberds are fresh, and approaching from an odd angle. They will reach our lines, so we need to be ready.

>>13049038
The men-at-arms are survivors from numerous battles. Of course their morale is trash. And clearly those elven archers don't care much for humans.

>>13049021

About your command roll, I assume we're covered in blood?

Act like an insane bastards, hurl back our heads and laugh insanely.

Something one doesn't understand is that which one fears.

rolled 98 = 98

>>13049007
I Declared Nothing, only offering a helpful suggestion.
I thought it was good.
But if you think we could afford to mess up their archers as a volcano opens up beneath both of them fine.

>>13049038
The elves have been out of the melee. Plus the haven't run into any traps yet. They've pretty much just been standing and shooting. And their loses have been minimal. I'm pretty sure this is the first time they've actually done any serious stand up fighting this campaign, so they're fresh. The Men-at-Arms less so.

With how often we use elementalism, I wonder if we'll pick up a new static bonus like our -5 to combat trait. Hell, I wonder how we pick them up in general.

>>13049073

Repeated actions and plot I guess.

Won't ming, we do more as an elementalist for our men.

Ugh. This is the one of the two quests where I stay up way later than I really should. Gotta head to school in like 3 hours. I kind of feel bad when I don't see a thread all the way through after being here since the beginning but tomorrow is going to be hell for me.

>>13049139

Feel your pain. Gmt here. On my way to uni now.

>>13049163
Heh. Guess we're both crazy then.

rolled 8 = 8

>>13049167
>>13049163
Eastern time here, not going to sleep today, oh well.

>>13049139
>>13049163
California here. It's only 1:20 am, so I've still got plenty of time.

Never mind the pesky final that I have in 7 hours.

>>13049043
>spot-the-fuck-on

The Men at arms flee at full speed east at the same time the levied swordsmen hit the schism you tore between yourself and the wall your force is now waiting behind, the Uurlanthi peasants stop dead, torn between two fears. "SLAUGHTER THEM!!!" you bellow to your ranged units, who lay into the mercenaries, visibly breaking the medium mercenaries, and slowing the heavy mercenaries noticably. You wheel to your left and stretch out your shield arm, tearing a trio of schisms in the ground, your aim is perfect as two of them open beneath the halberdiers feet, while one opens before them, if by some miracle they continue on. At the same moment Finian reforms his scouts, who loose a deadly accurate series of salvoes, perfectly timed and unrelenting, into the Uurlanthi soldiers, blue-white arcs of electricity coating every third salvo. Though your vision is begining to blur from exertion you can clearly see the flank charge falter.

A single bright blue light fires up from your north, followed by another three. Success, and a need for immediate retreat. Almost as soon as your signals fire, a quartet of short blasts on a warhorn sound from the enemy camp, closer, you hear a cry of frustration.

rolled 9 = 9

>>13049198
Huh. Looks like it's time for us to beat a retreat then. Unfortunately, Sansa's attack might of taken more damage than we'd have hoped...

Let's start to pull back then. Make it look like we're heading to our third defensive line and then just disappear. Archers focus on the flanking unit. Command roll. We might want to easy up on the elementalism since it looks like we're finally starting to get tired.

rolled 26 = 26

>>13049198
We should taunt the fuck out of Morwayne before he leaves, ROLLING FOR SHOUT AND TAUNT

"I believe this is TWICE now that YOU have quit the field, where as you suggested I would be the one to quit the field instead Morwayne! Would you like to make it best THREE out of FIVE instead?!"

rolled 38 = 38

>>13049215
Wait Pax, does Sansa's signals mean we need to retreat as well or just they do?

>>13049198
Alright. Those halberds are bearing down on us. The are likely significant reinforcements inbound from the camp. And those elves are still capable of wiping us out if they manage to draw a bead on us.

I think it's time to go now.

>>13049215
Seconding.

Also: excellent roll.

rolled 89 = 89

>>13049198
i think we should stop using our elementalism now

now we fall back

rolled 69 = 69

>>13049198
Something up with Wulf?

How about one more Scism or an earthquake on the levys to moves their morale from "Shitty" to "Snakeman Terror Mission At Night"

>>13049232
we are overexerting ourselves. no more elementalism for now.

rolled 82 = 82

>>13049232
But either way, yeah, transform and roll out, we gave these punks our daily dose of Fucking Your Day, so we can pull back.

>>13049198

Time to fall back. Just keep hammering the units that attempt to pursue us with arrows, fall back in good order.

Pax, I hope we can see our results from tonight instead of having to wait for the next session. :D

>>13049198
What frustrates me is that the most valuable units on the field, those damn elven archers, are still pretty much unscathed. This was our chance to even the odds against them, in any other circumstance they would be able to simply slaughter us, and we couldn't capitalize on it.

>>13049259

We routed one of their remaining cavalry and mauled the hell out of 4 line units.

I expect the med mercs to quit the campaign. Heavies might do so as well.

The levies are going to be shitting in their pants the next time they face us. I think we did pretty ok.

>>13049257
Agreed.

Statement: the suspense is overloading my subroutines.

>>13049259
I know what you mean man but priorities. We could of rushed them at this point and we needed the ranged fire to keep their melee units off us. If it's any consolation, a lot of their melee units have been savaged and I think we actually are doing better in that front for once. That and their supplies should be gone. I just wish we could of grabbed the second son this battle.

>>13049276
Couldn't of rushed them sorry.
And if we're lucky, maybe our assaulting force mauled the valks so they're not at full strength.

>>13049268
And had two of our own line units badly mauled in turn. Considering how massively they have us outnumbered, that's barely even breaking even. Plus whatever casualties the assault group took while likely be even steeper given that they didn't have elementalism or fortifications to back them up and the enemy still kept an immense force in the camp.

The remainder of the battle is more of a pissing match than anything. The enemy infantry on your left flank break from crossbow fire as you retreat, while they fall back to regroup with their commrades, hoping for a counter-push no doubt. The elves, unscathed for the most part continue to try to take parting shots, but are unable to do so effectively through the darkness.

You dont see anything of your maniple until you reach your fort the next day. The mood is triumphant, but subdued. Sansa approaches you worridly "Do you want the bill or the tent first?" she asks, looking over her shoulder several times in the direction of the medical tents.

>bitches got nothing, 3:37 am
>kinda week brag on my end tho, as I dont have shit until tuesday...

rolled 66 = 66

I agree on the fact that the mercs will either quit or be easy to dispatch with from now on. They took outrageous losses and have been misinformed or not really told about the abilities of our maniple. I mean, the sheer variety powerful of elementalism that we provide for field control in real time is very useful and vicious. I'm wondering if others will start to smarten up about it now that it seems to becoming mainstream.

>>13049303
"Bill first. I want to see just how bad this attack cost us."

>>13049303

Butcher's bill... Bad news first. Always.

>sigh, viewers

indeed captcha

rolled 47 = 47

>>13049303
OI! It's 4:40 here foo, back up!

Just kidding Pax, love yeh. No shouting at Morwayne to piss him off some more? Now to clarify, Morwayne is supposed to be the tactical genius one right?

rolled 33 = 33

>>13049312
"Get me the Bill and a Stiff drink."

Based on Sansa's reaction, I think some of our captains/retinue got injured...

>>13049303

"I actually managed to come back mostly unscathed this time. Let's hear the damage."

>>13049313

And its now 940am here Pax~

I have to screw up my sleep cycle to be here for this quest~ :p

>>13049319
> Now to clarify, Morwayne is supposed to be the tactical genius one right?

Yes. He's the next one up, the strategist. The one after him is the front line fighter.

>>13049319
>hence why you have yet to see him actually join the battle, try to push a bad situation, or overcommit his forces

It takes sansa a few minuites to update her tallies on the units you brought with you, but she has it too you before long, still unable to take her eyes from the medical tents.

196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
135/200
(5 with Blackbird)
good

454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
150/200
good

98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
100/150
(10 with blackbird)
average

99th Hunters
Aurelius Caspius
55/75
(10 with Blackbird)
good

50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
85/100
(5 with Blackbird)
good

65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
-arm useable, but nowhere near full capacity (permanant injury)
70/75
good

House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
50/75
good

Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
30/60
poor

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
150/200
Average

-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
130/175
Average

Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
20/50
poor

"I do believe that both the RapiRiders and Raiders wish to end their contract early, Justinian." Sansa adds as she hands you the sheet of parchment, and you can see why.

>>13049303
> The mood is triumphant, but subdued. Sansa approaches you worridly "Do you want the bill or the tent first?" she asks, looking over her shoulder several times in the direction of the medical tents.

That's not a good sign.

rolled 65 = 65

>>13049336
Augh, i dont think we can take a heavily armored knight with a large great weapon. We need reinforcements

>>13049351
"I'll talk to the mercs. What's happening in the tents?"

Hmm. We need to see if we can keep the mercs. Having them around even for garrison,scouting or chasing down the enemy would still be useful.

>>13049351
"we'll deal with contracts later."
go to the med tent

rolled 38 = 38

Deal with contracts after the tents. I can safely assume that they succeeded with freeing the slaves?

We lost 165 men that battle if my numbers are correct. Not terrible based on the damage we did in the last battle and the supplies being taken out. We also don't know how much damage the assault force might of done at the fort.

rolled 79 = 79

>>13049351
looking over the list
"Is there anything else? an Injury? Did the assault not go as well as planned? Did the Nomads get out ok?"

>>13049351
Wow. Those are some pretty bad losses. Actually, this entire battle looks like a loss over all. They have a lot more troops to draw from, so they can afford to eat casualties in the hundreds. We can't.

>>13049303

"What of Laelith? The Nomads?"

We NEED to talk to those mercs. If we lose them, then this entire campaign is going to hell fast.

And damn, more Uursan loses. Never a good thing.

>>13049389
Not necessarily. We knocked out one merc unit for sure, took out about a third of the sword levies, and most likely crippled the halberd levies. The heavy mercs are at half-strength of leaving after we broke them and we still need to see what damage the assault group did to the fort defenders. Plus those supplies being gone will kill their morale across the board. You can't fight a war without food and water and they're going to be hard pressed to get enough for all their men now, especially with Blackbird hitting their caravans.

>>13049351
196th Legionary - Gaius Rex (165/200 -30 men)
454th Legionary - Guard Duty
98th Warlords - Uurist Titius (100/150 -40 men)
99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius (55/75 -10 men)
50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush (85/100 -10 men)
65th Dwarven Rangers - Guard Duty
House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian (60/75 - 10 men)
Esperitus Raiders (30/60 -10 men morale drop)
Kyrtosh RapidRiders (20/50 - 10 men morale drop)
Cornwall Mercs (130/175 - 40 men)
Maruders - Guard Duty


How did the normads do?

Damn....

>>13049404
The rangers weren't on guard duty, though they only lost 5 men.

rolled 76 = 76

>>13049403
I there the halberd levies might've been destroyed.
150 moved on us that we saw
on reaching the battlefield, caltrops and fissures saw too it that a whole 70 were taken out.
We then unsealed a second bunch of elemental attacks on them where they broke and ran.
Halberds might be finished.

Blackbirds attacks have likely escalated greatly now that the black week has begun, to the point that he might come back in the base one day with another poncy blueblood in tow.

>>13049404
And we might end up losing the Espiritus Raiders and RapidRiders entirely.

>>13049413

Hurr, my bad.


6th Legionary - Gaius Rex (135/200 -30 men)
454th Legionary - Guard Duty
98th Warlords - Uurist Titius (100/150 -40 men)
99th Hunters - Aurelius Caspius (55/75 -10 men)
50th Dwarven Scouts - Finian Gaurush (85/100 -10 men)
65th Dwarven Rangers (70/75 -5men)
House Garlian Uursan Cavalry - Lady Jayne Garlian (60/75 - 10 men)
Esperitus Raiders (30/60 -10 men morale drop)
Kyrtosh RapidRiders (20/50 - 10 men morale drop)
Cornwall Mercs (130/175 - 40 men)
Maruders - Guard Duty

Updated.

"I'll deal with the contracts on the morrow, how did things go on your end." you reply, as Sansa leads you to the medical tents.

"Gaerick was prepared for an attack. He and his personal guard were watching the prisoners I'd number them at 75 initially all highly skilled, pikes in the flanks, longbows, and elven archers supporting. Near the end about 50 mercenaries rushed to try to stop us as well. The nomads all fled the field as soon as the slaves were free." she explains. You enter the tent to see Collin on a bed, blood-soaked bandages slowly drying, Jayne and the surgeon you had been training both standing over him, hands a hair above his skin, both silent and breathing heavy.

By all rights the Dwarfish Swordmaster should be dead, or at least uncoscious, instead he looks at you and coughs out (thankfully a blood-free cough) "Fucker was good. 'is men wer'nae too shabby either... only took four'ta slow me down." he adds... this you find truly terrifying, as you have seen Collin easily handle 10 regular soldiers at a time with ease in both training and battle.

Fuck. Looks like they weren't able to damage the camp.

Hopefully Laelith was more successful.

>>13049442
"I'm glad you made it out of there friend. If he was that prepared, I'm sure you must of surprised the hell out of him to take on four of his men at once."

Well then. Looks like this guys bodyguard is elite as hell. Maybe we should consider them all mini-Collin's based on that skill.

rolled 92 = 92

>>13049442
Holy shit, I thought we were the scary as fuck ones in combat, but Collin seems like a monster in his own right. That, is, bloody, scary as hell, that or, are we a scarier bloodier fighter than Collin Pax?

rolled 8 = 8

>>13049454
They didnt tell us about the camp, they told us about the prison camp attack
"Bet those four arnt in the best of shape either, Ehy Colin?" A hand on Jayne's shoulder and a reassuring nod and we leave the medical tent to check on our firebug, an ask Sansa how hitting the main camp faired.

>>13049442

Remind me which one was Gaerick again? Was he the Crunchy son or the father?

>>13049442
we passed the gods' test. the slaves are freed.
as our reward, we should see if they can do anything for collin

>>13049478
He was the eldest son. The frontline fighter with a heavily armoured cavalry bodyguard.

Man, the more I think of it, the more we're losing out on the son we captured. Unless he's a savant politician and we just don't see it, he seems to have the least talents of use to us. Which actually might be possible now that I think about it... He did manage to get all those things from the other lords to help him in battle.

2x Armored Sergeants (pikemen): initially 200 men strong 80/200 (unchanged)

2x Knights (Valkeries, horses): initially 50 men strong 55/100 (unchanged)

Levied Halberdiers: 300 strong 130/300 (-70)

Levied Swordsmen: 300 strong 200/300 (-100)

2x Elf bowmen: 150 strong 270/300 (-30)

Longbowmen: initially 200 strong 80/200 (unchanged)

Mounted men at arms: initially 150 strong and fought as two separate wings of 75 85/150 (-20)

Footslogging men at arms (heavy armor, shields and maces): 150 strong 80/150 (unchanged)

5 mercenary units, all medium infantry or better: two destroyed by traps, one fought, was 200 strong initially. the other two are at least 150 men strong 130/300 + ?/200 (-170)

Looks like we broke even in terms of percentages. Which means this entire battle was a dismal failure. This was our chance to actually do some damage and the best we could manage was a draw. We had surprise, traps and fortifications, night vision, and elementalism and all we could manage was a draw, and maybe a crippling loss if we lose those mercs.

We're fucked.

>>13049485
Yes, but the support did put Stant into quite a bit of debt, if his letter is to be believed.

If those supplies weren't destroyed, then we've come out of this on the losing side.
Even if Stant's forces lost a lot of infantry and men at arms, they've still got their mostly untouched elven archers. They only need enough infantry to shield the archer groups; elven arrows will do the rest in a stand-up fight.

>>13049519
Indeed but that likely means he got those items from the other lords on word alone. When they're all in the middle of their campaigns. That's not very easy to do unless the other lords are quite generous and based on the intel we got from the other commanders, their fronts weren't going easy. It at least makes me feel a little better about the guy.

rolled 44 = 44

>>13049504
Keep in mind, you aren't counting losses for the units and things that our OTHER units fought.
We gave the old man a finger in terms of his economy.
We wrecked his supplies hopefully.
We broke even on OUR side without even counting the additional losses that WE didn't see on an attack, not defense.
We also wrecked the hell out of their supplies most likely.
Not to mention Morwayne is getting frustrated and might not keep a cool head for very much longer.

At LEAST, we will have a HUGE amount of breathing room now. I have a serious doubt Uurlanth will decide on attacking our position.

>>13049473
>Collin is pushing 300 (middle age for a dwarf) and spent about 250 years training, he makes you look like a child in battle
>Gaerick is the crunchy son

"It must have been quite a surprise for the blue-blooded bastard for you to down four of his men then, am I right friend?" you reply putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Four??" the dwarf coughs "I cut through ait'a tha bastards an crossed blades with th'blue blooded bastard im'self. He wasnt too much better than you, an I figgure it'd take two'a his men ta slow you down friend. Uurist did pretty well with them boys too." Collin trails off as you smile and grip his shoulder a little tighter, finally giving in to his exhastion. The surgeon informs you that Collin really should be allowed his rest.

"You did well friend." you add, obliging the elementalist and leaving the tent. You make your way over to Laelith, who is currently behind her tent, plunging her face into a bucket of water, robe pulled down from the shoulders to just above the bottom of her bust line (if it were any lower her nipples would be bared). Not all that surprising, considering that there are scant few feet between the back of her tent and the wall. As her back is turned to you she has yet to notice your approach.

>>13049530
But if that's the case, how is it that he is being so easily manipulated by us? Shouldn't the reverse be happening?

Either way, this attack was an abysmal failure. Even with all of our force multipliers, we only came out even in terms of losses inflicted.
We shouldn't have allowed Stant's elven archers to range us.

>>13049539
> I have a serious doubt Uurlanth will decide on attacking our position.

With those elves he won't need to. He can just keep harassing us until he's ready, at which point he'll be able to roll right over us.

>>13049542
Damnit Pax. Stop extending this. I'm going to die at work in less than 3 hours ;_;.

"Congratulations on a successful mission Laelith." I don't know. My brain is dead.

>>13049542

Turn our back to her and cough. "So, how did it go on your end?"

>>13049554
Good dice rolls and the fact we know he loves his bodyguard and thus his weakness? I'm just trying to find any good in the situation. You're probably right but it leaves me with some hope at least.

rolled 72 = 72

>>13049542
A) Wolfwhistle
B) "Oooh, a Bath, can i join you?"
C) "Feeling a little hot under the collar after all that fire?"

>>13049539
> Keep in mind, you aren't counting losses for the units and things that our OTHER units fought.

Considering the condition that our assault unit came back in, their returning morale, and what they've been saying about the enemy being prepared and fortified, I seriously doubt they were able to inflict any meaningful damage on the enemy.

rolled 1 = 1

>>13049542
We should come up and start giving a massage, just for the hell of it. She seems like she might need it. The trolling potential for this is also high, we should do well not to take the bait.

Pax, mind giving us a rundown on the damage we did to the OTHER Uurlanthian forces or would that be too much metagaming going on?

>>13049580
You rolled a 1. Clearly we must do that. Heh.

>>13049580
> 1

Well now we HAVE to do this.

Though do it while asking how things went, so she knows it's us without having to turn around.

rolled 5 = 5

>>13049580
LISTEN TO THE DICE GODS WE HAVE AMAZING MASSEUR SKILLS!

>>13049580

this should be funny

>>13049504
> 2x Elf bowmen: 150 strong 270/300 (-30)

Damn. Damn it all.

With all we had going for us, this is the best we could manage? Fuck, we're toast.

>>13049580

oh god, we're going to get raped by the fire wielding elf.

the entire force just lost the bet on which lady would bed us first!

>includes nowelied

>>13049611
lets be constructive about this. our usual tactics are ineffective against them, therefore we should make it a priority to think of a way to kill the archers or at least reduce their effectiveness. perhaps we should hold a meeting to see if anyone has an idea

You pasue to think for a moment, it may only be a soldiers hands, but you do have to learn to be good at certain things during training. You silently sneak up behind Laelith and begin massaging her shoulders "So, how did it go on your end?" you ask nonchalantly

Laelith tenses up, then you hit a deep knot in her shoulder, she goes stiff as a board, and ten seconds later, after the knot is about half the size it was she relaxes into it "Both caches went up in falmes, at least five overgrown birds and- ooh, I'd say a quarter of the tents. the back walls were going by the time I sent off the second flare as well." she replies, the usual edge to her voice nowhere to be found. "How did it go on your end?" she replies, her voice betraying a lack of curiosity, simply greed.

>the assault force cleaned up pretty well, all things considered.

>>13049611
Given the effectiveness of the elven archers, I think we need to stop thinking of them as regular archer units, and classify them as siege engines and high priority targets. We need to cut them down to half-strength while we still have the advantage of darkness with us.

>>13049639
"Losses were high initially but once we moved from the light and the elven archers couldn't see us, we managed to make them regret facing us. Had things gone better at the fort, perhaps we could of swept them off the field."

And with that I am heading to bed guys. Someone else archive tonight.

>>13049653

Statement: Already done, meatbag.

rolled 74 = 74

>>13049639
Well let's work on that knot a little more.
"Not as good as I'd hoped, they hit out front pretty good, and the archers got off good shots through their lines even after we quaffed the torches.

Though a good number of traps and the earth opening by my hand, and plenty toppled to the ground and broke, limbs, morale, bit of both. Cavelry arrive for them, hit a rut i made and crashed, hard. good 20 were dead in a matter of moments and the rest fled.

But those damn archers."

She was honest with us

on the subject of elven archers...

Pax, with the enemy's supply lines being hit and the fact that we stand between the enemy and the nearest forest... any chance the elven archers may find themselves with an arrow shortage in the near future? especially if their supplies were burned.

or would that just be wishful thinking?

rolled 15 = 15

>>13049639
"We made them pay for facing us on the field with very bloody noses." Closer to her ear now, "I hope to find that we will get to rest for a little before we fight them again. I am glad that you have bought us that time."

Promptly leave, gotta play it cool you know.....being the lady's man 'n all. Gotta let her know, we considering it, but, that's it, just considering.

>the assault force cleaned up pretty well, all things considered.

Does this mean, they did well, so we can expect that they actually DID inflict a good number of casualties?

Enemy force total, edited slightly for clarity

2x Armored Sergeants (pikemen): 80/200 (unchanged)

2x Knights (Valkeries, horses): 55/100 (unchanged)

Levied Halberdiers: 130/300 (-70)

Levied Swordsmen: 200/300 (-100)

2x Elf bowmen: 270/300 (-30)

Longbowmen: 80/200 (unchanged)

Footslogging Men-at-Arms (heavy armor, shields and maces): 80/150 (unchanged)

2x Mounted Men-at-Arms: 85/150 (-20)

5 mercenary units, all medium infantry or better, two destroyed by traps, one fought, was 200 strong initially. the other two are at least 150 men strong: 130/300 + ?/200 (-170)

They lost 390 men in total. A bit over twice our loses (165), though their loses were mostly non-vital troops (levied troops and mercs, who are pretty much there to die anyway) and they had twice our numbers to begin with, so it's a draw. If we lose our Rapid Riders and standard cavalry units it will be a major loss.

With all our advantages, with the entire decked stacked in our favor, we still lost. This looks to be the end for us.

>Bit busy with sch right now.

I'd say we passed the test. We should go and pray for collin. If we earned a boon, we should use
it to save collin.

>>13049724
Damn. For once I wish we could actually run someone down. Even when we win, we lose.

"It was rough going at first" you reply "But once we were out of the light and away from the elven archers fire we did quite well. Multiple units routed or wiped out, the commanding noble raging from frustration... but those archers. I fear they will be a problem for a longer than I care to put up with them." you reply, moving from her now loosened shoulders to her neck.

"I'm sure well- ah... figure it out. Oohhh thatsthespot... I talked with BLackbird as well. He says Lord Stant left three days before the Black Week started, and that the caravans have been increasingly well guarded. He dosnt know how much longer he'll be able to stay afield without losses... suspects... that they will try to force an open battle soon." as you release the back of Laeliths neck from your grip she rises and fixes her robe before turning to face you "Your good." she compliments you before heading into her tent.

>I'm gonna call it for tonight now, since we've been archived I'll see you guys monday at 9pm server time

rolled 43 = 43

>>13049724
Why do you keep complaining about that. We don't know how many men that our other units took out. Hell, we know Collin took at least 8 of the knights out, Laelith at LEAST five of the valks sitting there, and you are also forgetting the fact that a good chunk of their supplies are either burned up or soaking wet because they had to get them away from the fire. We did alright, not amazing, but alright. Either that, or you are trying a clever ploy to get Pax to divulge the actual casualties on their side. Which, for RP sake, I will call you out on even if that isn't the case, unless Pax would like to actually tell us by taking it upon himself.

>>13049724
mounted men at arms and levied halberds are as dead as the goddamn batmans parents. I'll throw you that bone

>>13049735

Except we don't even win most of the time. The last three major battles have all been, when you consider the big picture, losses.

Even when we beat Janos, we took so many losses, actually killed so few enemies, and captured the weakest of the commanders, doing nothing but handing all of his troops to his more competent brother, that the entire thing was a catastrophic loss.

Then in the defense of the fort, aside from the loss of their slave meat shields they essentially took no losses and left with a complete overview of all of our capabilities, destroying any chance we might have of surprising him in the future for no gain.

And now we had everything going for us, and all we managed to do was break even and potentially lose our cavalry support, again for next to no gain. Those elves are still out there, and all they need is a few hundred guys to stand in the way, buy them a few minutes of shooting, and they could destroy our entire force on their own. This was our chance to even the odds and we blew it.

>>13049785

Statement: you're forgetting a major factor: they now lack slaves. With fewer meatshields, they will have to consider very carefully how they place their own units.

Also: they are now short on both supplies and tents, which means all of their men will be incredibly low on both morale and fighting spirit. Which means they're more likely to break from a fight or have off-camera fights amongst themselves.

>>13049756
I agree with him, because we failed to take out the most powerful weapon that Stant's forces have, the elven archer companies.
If we are ever forced into an open battle, those archers are going to completely destroy us. Their mounted men-at-arms and levied swordsmen only gave them strategic flexibility. The only infantry they need is some that are heavy enough to keep our infantry in one place long enough for the elven archers to range in their volleys. They've proven accurate enough that they can fire into our middle and rear ranks without endangering their own front line fighters.
We MUST eliminate them or drastically weaken them somehow, before the end of the Black Festival and Stant attempts to force us to an open battle.

>>13049833
Their tactical doctrine does not include the usage of slaves as a normal course.
While we reduced the numbers amongst their infantry, it is not enough to prevent them from being able to form a protective line in front of their elven archer artillery.
Even including possible losses from our rear attack to free the slaves, not enough damage was done.
Yes we destroyed their supplies, but according to Laelith, Blackbird is seeing increasing security on the Uurlanth caravans, indicating that Stant is willing to pay the costs to get his supplies through. As those supplies get through, our destruction of his current stockpile will be inconsequential.

rolled 73 = 73

>>13049843
I'm confused, how is this agreeing with me, or are you saying that you agree with me in that we did okay, but not amazing. I understand that we didn't manage to take out his archers, but guess what, no matter what we do now, we can expect the camp to be on guard. Hell, if anything if we engage his men now, we just have to throw a constant small earthquake towards the Elves. How hard can it be with the earth shaking and shifting perhaps half an inch while aiming a longbow, can't be that hard can it? *heres to hoping people can hear my sarcasm* Either way, they will not be marching on us, it would be suicide for them. plain and simple. Sure they can harass, but it won't be that much longer before the actual Empire Offensive Legions will be here.

>>13049762
Updating...

2x Armored Sergeants (pikemen): 80/200

2x Knights (Valkeries, horses): 55/100

Levied Swordsmen: 200/300

2x Elven Bowmen: 270/300

Longbowmen: 80/200

Footslogging Men-at-Arms (heavy armor, shields and maces): 80/150

Mounted Men-at-Arms: 65/75

5x Mercenaries, all medium infantry or better, two destroyed by traps, one 200 strong initially, two 150 strong initially: 240/500

>>13049865

They're going to counterattack. They now know about and in all likelihood will very soon have sizable quantities of the night vision paste. Once they equip their elven archers with it they'll be able to wipe us out well before the have any supply issues.

>>13049865
I am agreeing with the other person, and disagreeing with your assessment of the situation.

Marching on us and forcing an open engagement favors Stant's forces very well. They still have enough infantry to protect their archers, and they have enough archers to destroy us.
If they separate their archers into two wings like they did this time, Justinian would need to constantly cause earthquakes in two locations, quickly tiring him out.

>>13049863

Statement: The answer is simple then. We must stage a full assault within the next three days. We must give them just enough time to let hunger set in, but not enough for the next caravan to come.

Tactical appraisal: They are weakest now, in this time period.

>>13049884
We lost quite a bit of time by falling back all the way to our fort.

>>13049865
> Hell, if anything if we engage his men now, we just have to throw a constant small earthquake towards the Elves. How hard can it be with the earth shaking and shifting perhaps half an inch while aiming a longbow, can't be that hard can it? *heres to hoping people can hear my sarcasm*

1. We need to be close to do that. With their range, we'll be long dead before we get that close.

2. If it's daylight (or if they have night vision paste) and they only need to shoot for range, it actually won't effect them.

rolled 14 = 14

>>13049879
How in the hell do you think they will get the paste, we just so happened to have an old orc who knows how to make the stuff and got it to production. You are also not reading into the actual tone of the writing that Pax has. His tone is not that of defeat, indifference, or happiness, it's one of, you did a good day's work. If he hasn't gone to bed yet I could ask for a clarification, Pax? Keep in mind that Quest threads are not only for our roleplaying wants but an outlet for writers and people who enjoy having others enjoy their writing.

>>13049879

Fuck, we just gave that away didn't we. Now we're going to have to deal with elven archers in the dead of night in addition to their daytime harassment.

And they can probably attack us during the week now that they can see in the dark as well as we can.

We just gave away that advantage for nothing. Fuck.

rolled 58 = 58

Still not understanding how they magically have night-vision paste like we do...

>>13049903
How, then, do you explain the numbers that we have? Unless Stant is going to quit the field and prepare his defenses, which wouldn't make sense considering the advantages he holds and that at minimum Imperial reinforcements are at least 2 weeks away, unless the counter-offensive started a week ago.

>>13049922
They could take it off of the dead bodies, collect it, and then use it in an attack. They won't be able to make more, but as long as they're willing to scrape dead mens' eyes for the stuff, they'll have enough for about 150 archers.

>>13049912

Sarcasm: Oh my! They must have some form of psychic power which lets them tell what sort of eyewash we use! How will we ever defeat them?

>>13049922
They can get it from our dead and wounded. We were routed and had to leave them behind. They'll be able to question the living prisoners, figure out that it was paste in the eyes, scrape it off, examine it, figure out what it is made of, and start making tons of it for themselves.

>>13049938

Statement: A process that will take quite some time. They do not possess MAGIC or a STERILE LABORATORY with which to discover how it's made. We only told the few men who actually made the stuff, our medics, how it was made.

>>13049933
Even if they don't acquire the formula, they could still collect enough of the paste from our dead that we left behind to be able to field enough archers to make a difference in their favor.

rolled 30 = 30

>>13049923
Facts:
A) The enemy forces were called BACK to the fort. This signifies that they needed to regroup and felt that they were either, not able to fight us properly without defenses, or needed the extra hands to assist in keeping losses at the fort minimal.
B) The only below average Morale on our side are the cavalry mercs which we can re discuss in their contracts very easily.
C) Our losses were only even when speaking of percentages, when we were assaulting a fortified position, sure at dead of night, sure with night vision, but also keep in mind we were fighting 1 to 2, not 5 to 1 like a standard assault on a fortified position as well as us splitting our forces up to do different things.
D) We can always send a few more men to Blackbird if he deems it necessary to deal with the enemy caravans more efficiently. Hell, sending out Wulf to get some experience might be good and the fact of the matter is, lighting during a storm is totally normal, it striking your caravan might just be bad luck, but not something to be scoffed at, then you are ambushed after your wagon is set on fire, or hell, your wagon is just set on fire.

All in all, it was an alright engagement, I will give you we didn't do as well as planned, but you making it out that we did absolutely horrid.

>>13049959
Again, you ignore the reality that they can immediately begin using the amount of paste recovered from dead bodies to mount a counter-attack, one that the eldest Stant son is no doubt advocating.

>>13049866
Alright, between their mercenaries, men-at-arms, levied swordsmen, and armored sergeants, their line infantry still have ours woefully outmatched. If we lose out mercenary cavalry units we'll only have Jayne's Uursan, and though good they aren't a match for the Valkerie knights. And we have nothing that even comes close to their elven archers. Plus they have the night vision paste now, and they know everything there is to know about our elemental abilities and our repeaters, so they'll be able to plan around them.

>>13049972
> All in all, it was an alright engagement, I will give you we didn't do as well as planned, but you making it out that we did absolutely horrid.

I'm saying that, as usual, we lost in the long run. And considering that this was the very best we're ever going to do, and that was at best a draw, we definitely have lost in the long run.

rolled 1 = 1

>>13049965
Will you just calm the hell down with the paste, you have no idea if it is reusable after applied, no idea if they can figure out whether or not it was in the eyes, and we know for DAMN sure if they try to engage us now, all of their mens morale will have dropped, and why does everyone keep thinking that they didn't lose a significant amount of men outside of the battle that we fought. It seems pretty clear to me that we did well, as well as Pax, most of you just seem to be worry warts or negative nancys jesus.

>The mood is triumphant, but subdued.
The only reason Sansa was troubled was because Collin got badly injured defending her.

The next time we even see a commander on the field, we should ask Wulf to strike them with lightning. It may be too much trouble to capture the smart one, and we'd have a much easier time with a shittier dude commanding the enemy.

>>13050021
> and why does everyone keep thinking that they didn't lose a significant amount of men outside of the battle that we fought.

The casualties that the assault group inflicted are already included in the updated list here >>13049866

>>13050028

Agreement: I shall also advocate the electrocution of the enemy commander when the time comes. Kill the head and the body will die.

rolled 22 = 22

>>13050032
>mounted men at arms and levied halberds are as dead as the goddamn batmans parents. I'll throw you that bone
He is saying that he levied halberds and mounted men at arms squads are so broken from our fight, that they are unusable. The squad size is too small and will most likely get sent back home due to the large casualties. Besides, those were the units WE were fighting, not the other units.

>>13050040
No, killing, capturing, or doing whatever to the commander accomplishes nothing. His forces will just flee, regroup under the leadership of another commander, be subsumed into his forces, and come at us the next day that much stronger. This was the problem when we fought Janos. Sure, we captured him, but we didn't actually kill any of his troops, so they just got handed off to his brother, you merged them with his own troops into a giant army that outnumbers us 2 to 1. We do that again and the next army will outnumber us even more.

Because we can never actually kill enemy troops and can never run down retreating enemies, they'll just continue snowballing until the campaign becomes completely hopeless.

>>13050032

Statement: That we know of. Pax was not forthwith coming of any information on the enemy units beyond those we engaged.

Suggestion: Perhaps send a few mounted scouts to do a headcount?

>>13050021

>The mood is triumphant, but subdued.
> The only reason Sansa was troubled was because Collin got badly injured defending her.

They're only looking at the results of this battle. They're not looking at the big picture. This was as stacked a fight as we were ever going to get, everything was in our favor. If we couldn't win today, we're not ever going to win. And we didn't, so we're fucked.

rolled 14 = 14

>>13050077
tro, thank you for being one of the few sane ones left
no decisions till next thread, I will keep in mind that the two anons left that are being angry about the losses and what not into account but the fact of the matter is that we did fine, whether they like to think it or not

>>13050073

Statement: Without a commander, the forces will break, and we will be able to run them down. Their heavy units outrunning cavalry was a continuity error Pax had flubbed on, and won't happen again.

Either way, it is in agreement that ARCHERS have become our primary focus.

>>13050121
> we will be able to run them down.

When has this ever been true in this campaign?

And sure, Pax is going to let cavalry run down infantry, now that we don't actually have cavalry to run people down with. That ruling is to our detriment.

rolled 48 = 48

>>13050108
>This was as stacked a fight as we were ever going to get, everything was in our favor.
Incorrect, let me list to you why.
Advantages:
A) Nightvision attack. Sure this is an advantage.
B) Hitting from all sides. Could be argued, but I'll let you have this one.
C) Defenses set up for OUR side of the battle.

Disadvantages:
A) Assaulting a fortified position.
B) Being outnumbered 2 to 1.
C) Despite attacking in the dark, we attacked during the "day" time normally. Guards are still up and the men in general are still able to be mustered easily.
D) We were not TRYING to inflict actual troop specific damage in the first place, we were doing this to free the slaves, torch supplies, and inflict a large amount of damage just for a small skirmish on OUR part. (this is a disadvantage because we didn't outline ourselves to go for the elves in the first place)

Statement: This routine grows weary of meatbag defeatism-based logic, and must undergo rest and maintenance until the next cycle starts.

ta-ta fellows.

>>13050073
It's not like have an inexhaustible supply of commanders, and I doubt they'll just find some other guy sitting in town with an army of their own.
Furthermore, the point is to kill this commander because he's actually a tactical genius and whatnot. The next commander would be a lot more likely to make critical mistakes that we can actually exploit.

>>13050155
What. Why did we attack in the day time? I assumed with the nightvision we would at least attack at night, even if it is that blackweek thing, just due to that fact you mentioned of them technically being AWAKE during the day.

>>13050155

> Assaulting a fortified position.
Which we're eventually going to have to do regardless. This isn't going to get better.

> Being outnumbered 2 to 1.
Which we still are. And our loses have been heavy on our most valuable troops, our line infantry and cavalry. The enemy's most valuable troops took next to no losses. If anything we're worse off now than we were before the attack.

> Despite attacking in the dark, we attacked during the "day" time normally. Guards are still up and the men in general are still able to be mustered easily.
And this isn't going to get any better either. The black week is going to end, and then we'll have to attack in daylight.

And whether we were trying to inflict damage on the elven archers does not change the fact that we didn't, and got mauled for little gain.