How well maintained do the forts walls seem? Could the use of impact to lower the ground underneath the walls cause them to collapse? I'm hesitant to hit the fort first if we can't cause a breach quick enough. It'll be a damn bloody affair too raiding the fort, which makes me wonder if we should try to draw them out. From what Janos was saying, this lord wasn't super bright so he might fall for a feint to the city/setting fires in it.

Last session I suggested a plan where our mangonel and most of our heavy repeaters are sneaked into range of the fort, while hunters and the rest of our repeaters rain fire onto the city to give the enemy something to worry about.

Also, we should send Blackbird's raiders into the city to make sure there are no hidden garrisons, and they can begin setting fires.

>>13435996
>well kept, but not well loved, if you did a halfway decent walk-around of the fort you could probably find a fairly week point.

>>13436041
Based on what Janos was saying, his light infantry and elven archers, which are his best troops, are likely kept at his manor. That and he's as arrogant as hell. I say we feint the city and see if he falls for the bait in marching out against us.

Hmm. Janos was saying this guy relied a lot on mercenaries. I wonder if we should monitor the fort for a bit to find a weak spot to strike and see if Janos can recognize any of the mercs he might of hired.

Right - we also might want to station some ghosts/hunters in the forest south of the fort. Eventually they're likely going to send people out to send a message to the lord in the south. We might want to intercept them if we can.

>Just realized that there's at least 3 other quests running tonight. Also, that cheese tasted funny.

As you sit, contemplating your options you hear a rustle from the trees behind you. "Commander, I, ah- I was wondering if you planned on using me for this battle." Lena asks before you can turn around. It is a tempting proposition, she has been training for nearly a month, and making good progress at that, from what you've seen. Considering that you are truly unsure as to whether or not Lord Blentus has begun hiring additonal mercenaries or not, in light of your victory against Lord Stant, combined with you uncertainty in your ability to bring down the wall before the enemy forces start taking their toll on your own, having the girls power on the field is a tempting prospect indeed.

>>13436237
"I don't believe so Lena. You've been working extremely hard but I'm not sure if we should throw you directly into combat to test your skills. It could be too risky for you and I'm not sure just how far you've come in using your abilities. I suppose I should of kept a closer eye on your training or asked Laelith before this."

Huh. Is there really only one other person other than myself watching this at this time? Need more ideas from people.

>>13436321
>It really does seem that way. Guess this last slow part was as damaging as I had feared the first slow part would be. :(

>>13436321
Sorry, just got distracted by dinner.

Anyway, I agree with your assessment. We should pick a less important fight to try out Lena's combat capabilities.

>>13436406
Let's just hope it's partly due to other quests running at the moment. Regardless, did the scouts we kill last session have any messages or anything on them? Also, can our scouts see what kind of troops are at the walls of the fort or anything from where we are?

>Well I'm here.

Can we get a list of all the units we have right now as well as a map of the town and fortress? Just so that we can plan the assault better.

>>13436418
What do you think we should do in regards to hitting the city? Might be a bad idea but I think we should try to exploit this guys arrogant and money loving nature to make him do something stupid with his army. When his riches and the source of his precious money are threatened (His town/manor), I think he'll send at least a decent portion of his forces from the fort to try to defend the city.

Important question: How high are the walls of the fort? Is there anyone manning them? And could we possibly sneak in closer to break them down with our elementalism?

Statement: Just found the thread. You're early tonight.

Addendum: This runtime feels like the best test for Lena's abilities would be trial by combat. She has already been throwing around balls of fuck you since her first accident. We should have her start with a surprise barrage on the fort's walls, then move in on the new hole.

-196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
200/200
Excellent
-454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
200/200
Excellent
-98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
150/150
Excellent
-99th Hunters (80% finished with deadeye training)
Aurelius Caspius
75/75
Excellent
-50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
100/100
Excellent
-65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
75/75
Excellent
-House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
45/75
Excellent
-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
145/200
Excellent
-Kemnios Swifriders 75/75(dwarves)
Dagnar Mestius
horse Throwing axes, splintmail, lances, battle axes, kite shields
-Clarish Ghosts 100/100 (Elves)
Vesteaus Helmenu
leather, javelins, shortblades, composite bows
-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
130/175
Excellent
-Blacktusk Raiders 30/30
Blackbird
assorted gear
Excellent
-Kharynchek Cavalry 50/50
Vohzd Lennis Greanthi
Enthused
Off the Combat Roster:
-Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
20/50
average
-Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
Horse, spear, chainmail, javelins
30/60
average

>>13436464
I can agree with a feint to lure his forces out, but I'd like to know the layout of the town and the fort so that we know where his units may come out and assemble in relation to ours.

>>13436434
Zeonquest is done for the night, and our regulars should slowly stagger in.

Also, if we feint towards the city, our feint should be aimed at the Lord's manor, to bait him into marching a force out of the force.
We should sneak the majority of our rangers and artillery to wreak havoc upon them when they leave the safety of the fort.

>>13436488
Gracias.

Hmm, let's see here...

Uh...

...which part's which?

I know that the RapidRiders and the Raiders are off the combat roster, but could we still use them as part of a strategic diversion?

Since they're cavalry, could they move to the south and east of the city, and begin volley fire of fire arrows to cause panic and tie up enemy forces in fire-fighting?

While a trial by combat is very tempting, I vote we should keep her out of a battle that could end up being quite bloody.

The current time is roughly sunset? We should spend an hour or two meditating with a focus on the fortress's foundation. Don't manipulate it, but focus on getting a better sense for where we could collapse a wall.

>>13436488
>yellow is the town, green spots are forests, land descends from west to east.

The fortress wall looks to be 20 feet up, and currently has what you would estimate to be one unit of levied archers, and one of swordsmen manning it.

The towns wall covers the northern side of the city, though the city has grown out of and around its southern and western bounds. The wall is the same height as the forts, and watched by about twice teh number. You cannot see the stone wall around the lords manor in the city, but you have a suspicion that the elven units are on that wall.

There was no message on the riders that you found.
>so, you guys are in agreement that Lena will sit this fight out?

>>13436557
>so, you guys are in agreement that Lena will sit this fight out?
Yes. We need to see her in combat before we can properly deploy her, and we wish to do it in a less important battle.

Statement: Personally, this runtime feels that Lena should open up the initial charge with a barrage of blasts, leaving the fight to allow everyone else to run in, no matter which way we decide to fight.

>>13436557
Hmm...I'm thinking a feint on the Western part, with an ambush by our ranged units from the forest.

Possibly also our siege weapons, carefully concealed and protected by a detachment, to the north.

As for cavalry I see two possibilities, we use them for the feint or keep them in reserve to rush into their (north) flank.

>>13436557
I think she should sit it for now. She can test her abilities on the fort after we've taken it and are in the process of burning it. Also, it sounds like we definitely should only approach the northern part of the city if it's night since we're going to get pegged like hell by those elven archers. Maybe we should try to take out the manor first while it's dark and we have the NV paste.

>>13436594
If we do bring her into this fight, I was thinking she could be one of the opening salvos of the ambush (if we go with that plan).

Infantry (melee):
-196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
200/200
Excellent

-454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
200/200
Excellent

-98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
150/150
Excellent

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
145/200
Excellent
-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
130/175
Excellent

Infantry (ranged):
-99th Hunters (80% finished with deadeye training)
Aurelius Caspius
75/75
Excellent

-50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
100/100
Excellent

-65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
75/75
Excellent

Infantry (special):
-Clarish Ghosts 100/100 (Elves)
Vesteaus Helmenu
leather, javelins, shortblades, composite bows

-Blacktusk Raiders 30/30
Blackbird
assorted gear
Excellent

Cavalry:
-House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
45/75
Excellent

-Kemnios Swifriders 75/75(dwarves)
Dagnar Mestius
horse Throwing axes, splintmail, lances, battle axes, kite shields

-Kharynchek Cavalry 50/50
Vohzd Lennis Greanthi
Enthused


Off the Combat Roster:

-Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
20/50
average

-Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
Horse, spear, chainmail, javelins
30/60
average

"Not in the battle proper" you reply, not turning around, though your voice causes Spite to begin to stir from his slumber "Though I may have a use for you in the beginning of the battle, I'm not sure as of yet." you reply.

"I'm ready..." you barely hear her mumble before she openly asks "What of Wulf?" as the clouds overhead begin to rumble ominously.

>as to the merc units that are off the combat roster, you'll need to ask them.

Statement: Lena is obviously just as itching to test herself as we are. We should let her perform the opening ceremonies.

Addendum: We should send out our elementalists in an even spread to make sure all corners of the fight are properly fucked.

>>13436695
Is she asking what we'll have Wulf do during the battle?

"If I do make use of you he'll likely be joining you. I was thinking of using you abilities to surprise the enemy in an ambush, but as I said I'm as of yet undecided on our course of action."

>>13436756
And that's why I'm worried. She might be too eager to try to prove herself and she might not be as ready as she thinks she is. From the way I've been reading her character, she's been rather timid and protected by her sister all the time in the past and now she's got this new, awesome power that she wants to use as soon as she can. Just sounds kind of dangerous to moi.

>>13436695
"That will depend on what course of action we take. I'm still running possible scenarios through my head so I can't say what role he'll have as of yet."

But yeah, we should probably try to get a plan here. Or should we go talk to our vet's on our potential ideas and get their opinions on what might be best for reducing our casualties?

>>13436758

Statement: This runtime is fine with Wulf joining Lena's side for the coming battle. He'll be sure to fight harder to keep her safe.

There seem to be two ideas so far:

1. Feint and ambush

2. Lightning strike at the manor

Personally I'm for the former. I'm not sure how well we can pull off the latter. And if we eliminate enough of his units, we'd easily be able to take the fort the following day, perhaps.

"That too, depends on how I approach this city. If you are anxious, I would suggest some training, or find someone to talk too. Those have always proved to be effective ways to release pre-battle stress for me." you offer.

"Thank you." Lena replies as she begins to walk away.

"Would you be so good as to send captains Glenth and Dorias to me, I have a question for them." you add, the girl acknowledges your request brfore continuing on her way.

You lightly meditate as you wait for the captains to arrive, and when they do, it is Dorias who announces their arrival. "How can we help you, Commander?" he asks.

"I was wondering how averse you would be to perhaps, playing a more combative role in this coming battle." you inform the soldiers, rising to face them.

"That would depend entirely on the role, and how much extra you would be paying us." Glenth replies from the tree he is leaning against.

If theres a fort to be taken the only way i can think of taking it with the most amount of flair is finding some sort of plant that has a hallucinogenic quality and then you get a huge amount of it make it into cloth bundles kinda like a "hallucinogenic bomb" of sorts. Make lots of them and launch them over the walls. Then you wait for the gas to settle in the fort. gotta make sure it will sink not rise. open gates to utter scene of crazy chaos as most would just go into a slaughter rape fest.

>>13436935
"At this point, the possibility of using your units for a feint. I don't actually plan to have you enter combat but just to be seen and draw attention."

At least that's what I assume people might want to use them for.

>>13436935
"The role is ride out to the east and south of the city where the garrisons should be weakest, and then send fire arrows into the buildings to cause a distraction before the battle.
"As for pay, is an extra [price tbd] dragoons enough?"

I think 300 dragoons each is more than enough for setting some fires from afar and then gtfo before a counterattack.

>>13436963

Statement: That's great and all, but we're already within striking distance. If we wait for something like that, we'll be seen and loose the first strike advantage.

its a very effective move proven in the past. I think if we dont go with it we will have to at least keep it in mind for next time

>>13436963
>I've heard that line of thought before... (and not in CQ)

so, what did you guys want with the mercs? and you seem to be leaning towards the feint and strike plan... specifics?

>>13437030
I don't think 300 will be enough. Maybe 1000 might be more appropriate.

What about an attack on the city from the East/South?
Attempt to panic the civilian population into fleeing for the fort/away from our forces.

If we can take the city and get civilians to hide in the fortress, we can use the civilian presence against the fortress garrison.

>>13437107
Statement: Thus runtime is good with them running to the weak side with flaming arrows as suggested earlier to draw out enemy forces. Then, once their fort is looking in the wrong place, open up a friendly hello barrage on their northern wall with Lena and our war machines.

>>13437132
I do admit I kind of want to hit them from the south. We could use the forest for ambushing and hiding our units in general. I doubt we'd be able to get all the civilians to leave before the enemy troops respond though, so perhaps we should station some troops in the forest in the south and hit the city from the east. Troops will likely head to the city and our forces in the forest can hit them when they're in the open terrain. Thoughts?

>>13437107
damn right you have "pax" its what i call a blast from the past!

"I was hoping the two of you could lead your units on a run past the eastern wall of the city, and strike that flank with a barrage of fire arrows" you reply, hopefully.

"500 dragoons and I'd do it" captain Dorias replies "With javelins too." he specifies.

"The same" Glenth adds "though I am curious as to your plan of attack." he mentions, both men look eager for your response.

>>13437150
Well let's see if we can spot a weak point in their fort before deciding what direction to focus on.

>>13437320
"The leader of this city and fort should be an arrogant and lazy lout who only cares for his money. I imagine the majority of his men will be holed up at his fort and his best men at his manor, so I'm predicting when his city is threatened, he will send his men out from the fort. At that point, I aim to crush whatever is out in the open and focus on the fort."

>>13437320

Statement: "A diversionary tactic. We get their men running from the fort so we can hit it while half-manned. After that, we start a battle proper, with your men leaving the area, then we can get to the looting."

>>13437320
They already ripped us off hard with their recruitment fees. I'm not seeing any reason to give them bonuses for their normal fighting duties.

Call Laelith up and ask her if she can burn a focused hole through the fortress wall. Not light the whole thing on fire, just a small breach we can pour into without damaging the integrity of the fort itself. Something we can repair later.

>>13437419
We don't need to repair the fort. The idea is to burn it down. We don't want to sit in one place in enemy territory and we don't want them to use it again when we've left. Laelith burning it is fine but we can't let her burn it to the point where it makes looting the inside of the fort/capturing the noble impossible.

>>13437390
They were going to leave but we convinced them to stay if they didn't have to fight at this point. 1000 is a small price to pay to have less men have to be used in a diversion attack and it makes us look a lot more dangerous when people see how much cavalry we have. Even though we can't use all of it.

>>13437320
Oh come on!
They're just letting loose with arrows and are supposed to run at the first sign of trouble.
350 each.

Yes, I think we should have the Ghosts and maybe the Swift Riders hide in the forest to the south; the Ghosts to attack targets of opportunity, and the Swift Riders to run down any escaping enemy forces.


Our primary attack is to sneak our artillery into range of the northern fortress wall. Stationed there to charge will be Gaius, Uurist, and the Marauders (for close-in work storming the fort).
Cornelius, and the rest of our forces, along with some heavy repeaters, will feint towards the town.
The idea is to lure the enemy out of the fortress, then whack them with Cornelius and our other forces, while Gaius assaults the fort using the openings created by the mangonel and Lena.

"Your diversionary maneuver should draw out a good portion of the enemy forces, if the information I have on the lord who holds this city is accurate. WIth the fort and city undermanned We should be able to take the fort with ease." you reply rising and heading for camp, motioning for the men to follow you.

"And how do you intend to deal with the soldiers outside the city?" Dorias asks you, sounding more curious than anything. Above you, the sky begins to truly open up, fat drops of rain beginning to strike your face.

>>13437390
It was the Ghosts and the Swiftriders that ripped us off.

The RapidRiders and the Raiders were hired at a fair price, and we've nearly bled them dry.

Oh, and we need to be careful with Jayne's cavalry; they're nearly down to 50% as well.

>>13437497
>fat drops of rain
Wait, it's going to rain? Shit! That throws our entire fire diversion out the window!

>>13437481
Before we decide on what direction to hit the fort, Pax mentioned we might be able to find a weaker part of it if we looked. I think we should do that rather than just hit the north and make it harder for ourselves to breach the walls.

>>13437497
A combination of ranged units, closing in quickly and some of my talented retinue members abilities should suffice. They should have no idea we've approached so close if we do this right and the majority of their men should be levies and easily dealt with."

Hmm. Might mean we'll have to have Laelith join them if she can make their fire last longer/be more durable in the rain... Or send Wulf at with them and see if his lightning can do the damage we want.

>>13437519
>not with Laelith it doesnt, and its just starting, the diversion is early and the storm moving slowly.

"I would be willing to pay both of you 400 Dragoons for this mission, as it is not strictly in adherence of our renegotiated contract." you reply to their offers.

"Done" they both reply, heading off to the supply wagon to gather the supplies they will need for their part in the assault.

You enter Laeliths tent to find her lighting the other arcane torches from her own. "How can I help you, Justinian?" she asks cheerily.

"I was wondering if you think you would be able to burn a hole through the enemies walls." you state, watching the torches take the fire, their combined warmth immediately filling the tent.

"If you could get me close enough, and I had enough time, yes." she replies.

>>13437628
Might not be doable if she's helping the diversion force with the fire. I think Impact might actually be useful here - making the ground underneath the wall suddenly sink will make the wall unstable. A few of those and the wall should fall.

>>13437628
"I see you like your new toys, love. Care to give me a demonstration, or perhaps summary of what you've found out about them? I trust they will be useful for you? And so long as you don't mind riding with me on my Uursan I think we can get you close both quickly and safely."

Personally escorting the burninators in the vanguard of our force would be best, and it will then allow us to assess the defenses and direct them in as needed. Sansa should probably command the diversion.

>>13437661
Statement: OR, we could just let Lena loose with a couple of her magic bolts. She probably doesn't even have a maximum range beyond what she can see with those. We need to test her, and this is a perfect opportunity.

>>13437718
I can accept using her in the initial salvo but not for prolonged use during the battle. That was my main hesitation to be honest. If she screws up in the middle of battle in the heat of the moment or something like that - things could go very bad for us.

Suddenly curious, you ask "How resistant is the fire in those torches to rain?" you ask, hopeful.

"Nearly impervious to all but the most intense of storms... why do you ask." the scarred elf replies.

"Do you think you would be able to ignite a few salvos of arrows and javelins while riding past the city, even if it rains?" you ask, the last phases of your plan falling in to place.

"Not even I can run that fast." she replies, jokingly.

"Riding with me then." you reply, in a tone of false frustration.

"How soon would we ride?" she asks.

>>13437764
Yes, she's untested and we can't rely on her yet. Lena can take part in the initial attack, but she won't be a critical factor.

Also, yes, we should meditate to pinpoint the weak point of the fortress walls.

And another thing: have Wulf go with the RapidRiders and the Raiders. See if he can call down the lightning to cover the fires that we're setting; the enemy lord will be more willing to send out his soldiers to help fight the fires, if he thinks it's a natural disaster rather than a battle where he might be killed.
I think Blackbird should help in this as well.

>>13437849
Wait - I'm confused now. Are we joining the diversion force or are we going with the forces that will hit the guys in the open/the fort?

>>13437849
"Very, we will be the vanguard of the main assault force and the attack is soon. I'll be calling a staff meeting and then the attack will begin soon after. I trust that's time enough to prepare?

Oh and no heroics this time, okay dear? Be a good girl and I'll give you a reward when the battle is done."

Slip her a quick kiss and a pat on the bum, then head out to check on Sansa and Wulf. We are going to need them to make an excellent diversion. I think Collin should be assigned to guard whoever leads the diversionary force just in case. It likely saved Sansa's life last time we tried a split attack and Wulf almost got trashed already once.

>>13437913
>you guys were indecisive, and I'm trying to keep this bumped until it picks up momentum again (I cant just wait out you guys' arguments anymore, lol) you can still go wither way.

>>13437913
My thinking was that we would lure out the garrison with a diversionary force then light up the fort and lead or main strike force into the holes created in the defenses. Was I misunderstanding the plan?

>>13437969
My thoughts were we'd cause a diversion to get them to come out and crush whatever came out and then hit the fort with the force of an angry god.

>>13437969
I understand the plan to have Justinian with the force that would storm the fort, what with his earth elementalism helping to pinpoint weakspots in the wall (or even bring them down himself).

I still think that Wulf should be in the diversionary fire group, to make the fires look like they're a natural disaster.
Then when the lord sends his soldiers out of the fort to help contain the fires, our feint force appears and seems to threaten the city.
This will cause indecision amongst the enemy, not sure if they should retreat to the safety of the fort or go to the city's defense.
That's when part of our maniple storms the fort, and the feint portion attacks the soldiers caught in the open, with the Ghosts hidden in the southern forest attriting the enemy.

>>13438010
I can support that. Jayne and our cavalry won't be very useful on hitting the fort so they should go with the feint force. I still think we should put the ghosts and hunters in the southern forest to rain arrows on anyone who comes out and so they can dominate in the words if they're foolish enough to chase them. Stick a unit of infantry or two with the feint and the rest on the fort?

I think it could work.

>>13437951

herding ducks, was it?

>>13437999
Statement: This runtime agrees with this plan of attack. Making it seem like lightning strike is unnecessary, and not doable, as it comes from the direction Wulf fires it from.

>so, ghosts and hunters to the southern forest as a mop-up force, all your cav, plus Cornelius and everything but Gaius, Uurist and the Marauders for a diversionary force? with Lena and your artilery busting down the walls, Sansa/Wulf leading the diversion, and you leading the main thrust?

>>13438075
Statement: Sounds good.

>>13438075
Yeah, and laelith riding shotgun with us, right?

>>13438042
Then here's an outline of the force distribution I'm looking for:
Storm the Fort
- Justinian
-196th Legionary
Gaius Rex
200/200
Excellent

-98th Warlords
Uurist Titius
150/150
Excellent

-Impetus Marauders (Elf)
Aeristus Beztia
Chainmail, twin combat axes
145/200


Feint then Attack Main Enemy Force:
-454th Legionary
Cornelius Hoursch
200/200
Excellent

-Cornwal Mercenaries
Buckmoore Kystris
Chainmail, spear and shield
130/175
Excellent

-50th Dwarven Scouts
Finian Gaurush
100/100
Excellent

-65th Dwarven Rangers
Kyria Esfelda
75/75
Excellent

-House Garlian Uursan Cavalry
Lady Jayne Garlian
45/75
Excellent

-Kharynchek Cavalry 50/50
Vohzd Lennis Greanthi
Enthused

>>13438075
Diversion force for the fires - Two under strength merc units, scouts and Blackleaf's raiders, Wulf and Laelith.

Forest group - Sansa, Ghosts, Hunters, Jayne and Cornelius.

Main thrust - Warlords, Gaius, Maurauders, rangers, Collin,, Bellatrix, Lena and artillery.

How goes that sound guys? I think we have three forces at this point.

>>13438145
Hide in the Southern Forest, Attack Targets of Opportunity:
-99th Hunters (80% finished with deadeye training)
Aurelius Caspius
75/75
Excellent

-Clarish Ghosts 100/100 (Elves)
Vesteaus Helmenu
leather, javelins, shortblades, composite bows

-Kemnios Swifriders 75/75(dwarves)
Dagnar Mestius
horse Throwing axes, splintmail, lances, battle axes, kite shields

Set Fires:
-Kyrtosh RapidRiders (elf)
Bastius Glenth
Velociprey, leathers, shortbows, longblades
20/50
average

-Esperitus Raiders
Kurt Dorias
Horse, spear, chainmail, javelins
30/60
average

>>13438145
Hmm. I suppose that works although I think you forgot to list the dorf cavalry. I think we should put one unit of cavalry with the Ghosts and hunters just for a surprise charge into their flank when units leave the fort.

Also, we need to assign our retinue to forces.

>>13438154
I think Jayne's cavalry might be better with the feint.

For the feint to work, it has to be large enough to be a credible threat.
Also, watch out for elven archers on the walls of the Lord's manor.

>>13438046
>convincing cats to herd ducks, actually, haha. not that I minded, and I'm guessing/hoping that after this battle it'll get closer to that again
>>13438134
If you think you can ride with the diversion and make it back in time

"The diversionary force will be leaving very soon, actually. And remember love, no heroics this time, just do your job and I promise there will be a reward for you after we are victorious." you reply, kissing her on the cheek and making a half-hearted grab for the sash of her robe before heading off to gather your command staff to brief them on the mission.

It doesnt take you long to inform them of your plan, and for once, save Lena's worrying about Wulf, everyone agrees that is a good, albeit incredibly daring, plan. Before long Aurelius and Vesteaus are leading their men towards the forest south of the city with all haste, while your cavalry units are mounting up, both Collin and Laelith looking rather confused.

>>13438177
Weren't we going to hit the city from the east, away from the manor? That way the enemy troops from the fort have to go directly east to help with the fires. That should put them right past the forest where the hunters and ghosts and such will be. I figured Jayne would be better just because a charge from her in the flank would crush a levy unit.

I think Wulf should go with the diversion force while Sansa goes with the guys in the southern forest. Collin goes with us to the fort and Bellatrix sticks with Lena.

>>13438202
Uh oh. Let's see what's up with Collin and Laelith.

>>13438154
>>13438173
Sansa with the Southern Forest group.

Wulf and Laelith, with Blackbird, assisting with the fire diversions.

Lena and Bellatrix, Collins with the Fortress Group. Lena to help punch open the walls, Bellatrix to protect her, and Collins because there's going to be room to room fighting and he will dominate that kind of fighting.

>>13438202
>both Collin and Laelith looking rather confused.
Why are they confused? Laelith's job is to light fires. Collin's job is to protect Wulf, Sansa, and Laelith.

>>13438204
Ah.
I was looking at it from having the feint threaten the Lord's manor from the north (but stay out of range of the elven garrison) to further infuriate and panic the Lord at the sight of an army about to march on his manor and cause him to make more mistakes.

You make your way over to the elf first "Something missing, love?" you ask her, agian trying for her sash.

She chuckles, brushes your hand with her torch and replies "Who will I be riding with? As it seems that you will need to wait here to lead the assualt force."

>>13438264
I had considered that but I was a bit worried about those elves. To be fair though, it would be night and we have the NV paste... Worth considering. Do we want to make it more likely the lord sends out guys or do we want to lure them to an easy ambush spot near the forest seems to be the question.

>>13438271
Hmm. Maybe we should send Sansa with the fire starters since she has a horse. Also so we can make comments about Laelith and Sansa on the same horse later on.

>>13438271
Can we take her out personally and still make it back to lead the main assault? We told her she would be riding with us in-character before plans were finalized OOC.

rolled 17 = 17

Resignation: I'll not be able to keep up with the thread for the rest of the night, guys. I've got some obligations early tomorrow and I need to get to sleep early.

Rolling for luck, regardless.

>>13438304
>It'd drain Spite, but since the assault will be lead on foot most likely...

>>13438322

can this count as a luck roll? :D

>>13438271

Have we assigned Sansa anywhere? The two pulled off some highly destructive synergy last battle!

>you guys have been on the fence as to wether she's feint or clean-up crew OOC, you could tell her to go with either still, as she has a horse

>>13438332
Do it then. We don't need to ride Spite in this battle anyway because the Uursan cavalry is going with the diversion force.

>>13438380
Errr, that is, we won't need to ride him into the fray. Obviously we will need to ride him to transport Laelith and to get between the two forces rapidly.

>>13438380
Yeah stick with Sansa with the forest group. She's worked with the hunters for ages and damn good with her bow. Would be a waste to not have her there. We'll take Laelith and give poor Spite a good work out.

Now to see to Collin.

>>13438410
Oh crap. Maybe we should ask Laelith what she thinks about using Lena first.

>>13438291
If we have Sansa and Laelith share a horse to be part of the fire starts (Laelith lights arrow, Sansa fires arrow), they can still continue to make it to the Southern Forest group and assist in the flanking attack.
Let's go with this, so that we can move on to the next question:

Feint - from the East, or from the North.
Either way, I agree to have Jayne's cavalry along with the Swiftriders stationed in the Southern Forest to launch an unexpected cavalry charge into the enemy's flank.

>>13438410
>>13438380
Well, teach me to take too long typing.

Ignore my Sansa recommendation from >>13438421

>>13438421
If we feint from the east, whoever takes Laelith CAN make it to the forest group. If we do it from the north, there's no way we'd be able to make it to the forest without drawing attention to it in time.

If we take Laelith, let's hit the north. If Sansa is going to do it, hit the east.

"I have to see to a few things, then we'll be on our way, dont worry." you reply patting her rump as you pass her to talk with Collin. As she is already focusing for battle, she jumps, screams at, and you assume threatens you, but you are out of earshot by the time she gets to the last part. "Something the matter?" you ask Collin as you approach him.

"Aye, I cannae remember where I put me'lucky kilt. I never fight without it" he replies, a bit sarcastically.

"Truly, I did not take you for the superstitious sort." you reply, playing along with his ruse.

"Ah, ya've found me out." he replies amiably "What I really cannae puzzle out is why'ye decided ta let the girl fight so early, or at all. I dont think she has the right personality fer battle." he adds, more seriously.

I think the feint should be from the north and here's why:
The Lord's Manor is there. If we appear to threaten it, the Lord will panic, because that's the first thing that's going to get attacked and looted. If our intel concerning his personality is right, he won't be able to stop himself from sending soldiers to defend his valuables.

We just need to make sure that the feint stays out of elven archer range. With shielded heavy repeaters, we can make it appear like we're going to demolish the defenses from afar before closing in. The artillery fire doesn't have to be accurate as long as it hits within range.

>>13438496
>I dont think she has the right personality fer battle
"That it may be, Collin. But right now she's just itching to take part, to prove that she's not a weak little blind girl, always hiding behind her sister.
"I think it better that she find out now, when she has reinforcements to get her out of trouble, instead of trying it alone to prove a point."

>>13438502
Fair enough. And since we're taking her, it will be done from the north.

>>13438530
Pretty much what I would of said. She doesn't realize what it's really like taking a life and until she does, she won't realize what she's asking for by asking to take part in battle. At least with us around, it won't go terrible.

>>13438496
"I agree, but to know for sure we'll need to have a test. This is the best opportunity. We heavily outclass our foe and will be taking them at unawares, and if there are any problems then we will be able to handle them without risking defeat. It is a trial run, of sorts.

If battle does not suit her I am sure her powers will be useful in other ways. It would be foolish, however, to leave this option unexplored and untested."

>>13438558
>>13438502
>so, leaving the assault command to (?) and leading the feint then?

"That may very well be Collin, which is precisely the reason I am letting her take part in this battle. Right now she is trying to prove that she isnt a helpless little girl. Taking a life is something she has never done, and it may very well compel her to request duties away from the battlefield. I would rather she realize that with friends and comrades around her, then alone in a melee, if she breaks down today she will not die for it, if I put it off, she very well may." you reply evenly.

Collin thinks for a moment before responding "I suppose your right then, Commander. I'll se'ye on the field then." before heading to his tent to gather his battle garb.

>>13438650
Assault command is Sansa until we get there. Feint command is Wulf after we leave. We will take Laelith with us on Spite for the Feint, then after the diversion has been started we will run down to the assault and take command there.

>>13438681
I thought Sansa was going to be with the peeps in the forest? I suppose Gaius could hold the assaulting force for now since I believe Wulf was going with the feint force.

>>13438719
Couple things about that. One, do we really want to stick her with a bunch of mercs that we barely know, with no backup? Two, she is one of our secondary strategists and we sort of need her to pull off our rapid-transition plan and not have everything go to shit. Gaius is going to be leading his unit.

>>13438738
I suppose. I just feel uneasy about leaving the troops in the forest without anyone leading them honestly but alright. We'll just have to hope they're smart enough to know when to strike.

>>13438763
They are ambushers. If they can't stage an ambush by themselves then we were even more ripped off than we thought originally.

>>13438774
>>13438763
on that, your hunters are with that group as well...

>>13438774
Fair point. Hmm. This is alarming if we're the only two people here. That means we're doing the rolls tonight if we get to battle.

>>13438786
Then they should be fine without Sansa there in the first place. He's an ex-Ghost himself and the Ghosts bill themselves as professional ambushers. I'm really just not seeing the reason we need to dedicate our second in command to leading two units while we have a force of, what, 8 of them without a leader otherwise?

>>13438801

I'm lurking until the battle.

>>13438801
No, I'm still here.

It concerns me to have only Aurelius and the Ghosts in the Southern Forest.
I recall both Maximus and I wanted Jayne and the Swiftriders there to charge into an exposed flank when the opportunity presents itself.

>>13438849
Swiftriders are in the forest too, I was just not including them in the ambush plans because, as you said, they are there to charge into an exposed flank rather than conduct sneak attacks.

You make your way to Spite, and swing past Laelith, catching her open hand and swinging her up into the saddle in front of you "Ready to go then?" you ask the elf, who merely nods as you set off towards the eastern flank, quickly cathching the firestarters.

In the distance, Jaynes wing and the Swiftriders can be seen carrying the rest of the ambush force to their destination, and you can hear the diversionary force readying behind you, half of your siege engines in tow. "Bring us closer to the walls" Laelith instructs as you catch up to the middle of the group of outriders. You wave your hand, and the force angles towards the city. As the soldiers ready their weapons, you hear a mighty laugh erupt from behind you, and with a mighty crack of thunder the storm begins in earnest as the first salvo arcs over your head.

Laelith sets off a series of protracted gouts of flame for each group of arrows and javelins to pass over you. By the time you ride past the city a full 8 salvos have bee unleashed, each one having started a group on buildings on fire. Her eyes ablaze laelith turns her head back to face you, as the rain begins to stick her long hair to her robes "If you pass closer on our return I can grow those fires even larger." she informs you.

>>13438985
Damnit. This storm is being caused by a god. Oh the annoyance. I think we're going to have to make the second pass if we want this diversion to be what we need it to be. This is going to make me so sad...

>>13439008
Make the second pass, raising our shield (we do carry a shield while we ride, right?) to protect lealith and ourself from any incoming arrows. If our shield can't protect both of us, favor Lealith with its protection.

>>13439042
Seconded. Also signal the engines to start firing if they haven't already.

>>13439008
Gods have pretty well been getting all UP in our business.

>>13439085
Seriously. In some ways it kind of makes me wish we had just dedicated ourselves to one god so we'd get some back up. Who cares though. We'll show how badass we are without it.

You nod, and spur Spite to move even faster, wishing you had Sansa to keep the great uursan from tiring. As you pass each fire Laelith makes a wide arm motion at it, causing the groups of fires to erupt into infernos, setting the shacks and tiny houses that are typical of the edges of a city ablaze, their residents already fleeing, not noticing the riders in the night just outside their city.

Before long you are with the feint force, where Laelith begrudgingly slides from your saddle to take her place for the battle "Try not to push yourself too hard again this time." she tells you as you head for the command group of this portion of your maniple.

Near the center Wulf stands, blade drawn, a maniacle grin on his face. The second thing you notice is that his weapon, and fists are dancing with lightning bolts, again the boy laughs, the same voice you heard earlier "The storm air is so... alive." he announces to no one in particular. You slid off Spite to talk with the boy "Has the enemy began to move yet?" he asks, eagerly.

>>13439109
>We'll show how badass we are without it.
That's the spirit!
Now, let's get those flames higher, and only after they're good and high, signal the feint to reveal themselves. We need to be sure that the Lord takes the bait.

>>13439124
Say this just to him, not super loud.

"I just arrived so I have no idea. Wulf - look at me. Control yourself. Something is working behind the scenes here and it's affecting you."

>>13439124
"Be calm Wulf. Battle is exciting and victory is enthralling, but remember that it is more than just the foe that will die this night. Even the best plans will see some of our men fall. They will need you to be a level-headed commander to keep the losses to a minimum. Remember that a commander is as much a shield for his men as they are for him. They fight for him, and in return he brings them home alive."

>>13439124

Set commander voice to personal:

"Wulf, keep yourself grounded."

>>13439168
Seconding this. While I appreciate what the Wanderer has done for our young Wulf, that doesn't mean that were going to let him become the god's pawn so easily.

We need to get a spyglass from a scout and see what the fort is doing.

"Wulf, calm yourself. You need to be level-headed to be an effective commander. If you protect your men, they will protect you, as exhilarating as victory is, as great the spoils, it will ring empty if you have no one to share it with." you advise him, as the volts of electricity spread along his arms. "And, I think there is something at work behind the scenes here." you add to him, quietly.

"I know" he replies, calmly "This is my storm, and I am the eye." he informs you "The power is, intoxicating, and it is not often I will have such a pool to work my elementalism in. The storm is me, and I it. I felt this front approaching yesterday, and meditated all through the day, up until your meeting to be prepared to bend it to my will." he explains as the city bells begin to toll. "It will be time to work soon." he adds, wreathed in blue-white bolts up to his shoulders now.

>>13439278
Holy hell. That's awesome and I'm sad we can't do things like that, heh. Unless... Hmm. Hey Pax - are there any active or dormant volcanoes near us in Uurlanth territory?

"Don't lose yourself to that power Wulf. We're here to crush this fort but I'd like to take the lord alive if possible and harm as few civilians as possible. I can't imagine what you're feeling but just be careful."

>>13439278
This is... not good.

I'm afraid we are going to need to punish Wulf for this after the battle. You don't make such drastic plans without TELLING THE MAN PLANNING THE BATTLES. Especially when he is your superior officer.

For now all we can do is either leave him in command or try to inform Sansa that we won't be joining the main force and to attack without us while taking control here personally.

>>13439278

Hoolee shit. Wulf gets superpowers during thunderstorms.

>>13439278
....Holy shit. He's a far, far better elementalist than I gave him credit for.

rolled 9 = 9

>The second thing you notice is that his weapon, and fists are dancing with lightning bolts, again the boy laughs, the same voice you heard earlier "The storm air is so... alive." he announces to no one in particular.

Great, Wulf is now Krueger

>>13439318
What?

We expected Wulf to be flinging lightning bolts for our plan.
All he did was go ahead and make sure that he can do so, for longer, and more powerful, than what we originally thought we needed.
And the storm was going to happen anyway; Wulf simply attuned himself to it so that he can draw upon it to amplify his power.

I see no reason to punish him, or to alter our plans at this point.

>>13439347
>>13439343
>>13439318
>>13439314
>so, hang around to make sure Wulf is leading effectively, or head off to your theater of this battle?

>>13439347
You could even say he is...

*sunglasses*

...stealing our thunder.

>>13439370
The punishment would be because he failed to tell us of a relatively important consideration, both strategically and tactically. And I'm not proposing we crucify him, but explaining to him where he went wrong and putting him on corpse cleanup oversight duty again should do the trick. Quite a step down from being in our direct chain of command.

>>13439372
>well, at this point I can move you to the fight, or you can make sure Wulf is as calm as he claims, what'll it be?

>>13439278
"Calm yourself Wolf, your powers are a tool not an intoxicant. The men need you to lead. Don't do anything to get them killed. They, and I, are counting on you"
Reminding him of his responsibilities should help keep hi in check, hopefully.

lets move on to our theater

>>13439372
Go to the Fortress Assault group, and leave Wulf with a final warning to stay focused and to control the power, not the other way around.

>>13439415
Which consideration are you referring to? The weather, or his enhanced abilities?
I'll point out, as a commander we should have been paying attention to the weather ourselves, so it would have been reasonable for Wulf to assume that we knew about the storm.
If it's about his temporarily enhanced capabilities, they don't change our plan, and they are an extension of his training, which we encouraged him to undertake. If we were too busy with the women to pay close attention to his progress, then that's our fault, not Wulf's.

>>13439372
We go to our theatre after making sure he's aware not to go overboard. We're needed at that fort. We took earth partly to deal with fortifications.

Having trouble posting.

rolled 73 = 73

should we play the Lena card on Wulf?
I think it might be a dick move but...

Within an hour Wulf sets his troops to marching on the city, meeting mostly mercenaries and levies. The young man is efficient in his commanding, and despite the mad laughing, clam and controlled, often using his bow rather than blade when his combat prowess is needed. Satisfied, you mount spite and make your way to the fort, knowing that the enemy is now heavily engaged at the city.

The forts walls loom tall, dark wood on a black sky, were it not for your mooneye paste you would not be able to see your men, though it seems the enemy commander is not a complete fool, as he has shifted the garrison to the forth face of the fort. Unluckily for him, the northwest corner of the wall is rather weak. Your men await you command to begin the assault, watching you as you slide off Spite and tell him to rest.

>the only volcanos in Uurlanth are at the southeast border or past it.

>>13439475
We've trusted the lad so far and he hasn't let us down. Let him be. If he fucks up, then we're going to chew him out. No reason to do anything unless we have to.

rolled 98 = 98

>>13439497
If I'm right, impact should mess up those walls pretty good. I say focus the siege equipment on the weakened area and impact the part of the wall where the archers are on the left side near the weakened part. Rolling elementalism.

rolled 12 = 12

>>13439546
Urgh. What a great roll. Someone else make up for my crappy roll with command.

>>13439546
I agree.
but that 98 doesn't.

>>13439578
That it does not. I suppose we could botch it if people wanted or just wait for now since we're not actively in a rush.

rolled 4 = 4

>>13439497
Can the enemy see us in the storm and darkness?
If not, I suggest subtly moving all infantry to the west, in preparation for rushing the opening when it's created.

Have the artillery systematically attack the walls, as if we're searching for a weakness.
While the enemy is occupied, meditate and concentrate on the weak point in the wall, and weaken it. When properly weakened, all artillery is to immediately shift fire to that point in one all-out barrage.
When the wall opens up, all infantry charge in with Gaius in front, Uurist in center, and mercs protecting our flanks.

Command roll.

>>13439497
Not sure if this will actually go through or not...

Hit the NW corner with our siege engines and hit the area under the NE unit with our elementalism.

>>13439605
It might be better to wait and try again, since we're going to go into melee combat and might want to save the botch.

You chop your arm through the air, and your artillery opens up with deadly precision. A storm of great wooden balista bolts lances into the unit of bowmen furthest to the right. The mangonel starts on the same end, sending great wooden chips flying from the wall as its crew walks it along the face. You order for your men to shift to the western corner of the fort, trying to focus yourself to weaken the corner enough to bring it down. However, your concentration is broken as a flurry of brilliant white bolts lances into the upper middle portion of the walls eastern face, Lena's now rainsoaked form standing, arm outstretched, almost motionless, save her hands and arms, which are working though a slow, complex pattern, and shifting to the west.

>rolls, ect

>>13439670
I agree honestly. We're not in a rush to take them out just yet since they shouldn't know we're here. Should we use Lena now to hit the other side of the wall where the other archer unit is? See if we can take the walls down where the archers are stationed?

rolled 24 = 24

>>13439699
Let's try that impact on the weak spot of the wall again. Elementalism roll.

I don't think we need a command roll just yet; current orders still stand until we see if we breached the wall.

rolled 4 = 4

>>13439699
"Lena get back here, you're a prime target! The battle is still young. Don't get yourself killed before it begins"
also command roll
focus artillery on the northwest wall

rolled 97 = 97

>>13439699
Are we able to see/know where the wall's stairs/ladders/access points are?

If possible, we could attempt to trap the enemy forces on the wall and then take them out with the siege weapons or burn the section.

>>13439756
Now THAT is how you command roll.

>>13439790

I used to roll so much better before un-anoning D:

>>13439790
>you'd have to have been inside the fort to know that, unfortuanately

With a mental heave and a stomp of your foot, a series of large, perfectly symetrical, clean edged craters erupt along the walls western corner. As what must be a reserve unit rushes torches to the wall units, the fickle flames flickering and dancing wildly in the wind and the rain, barely illuminating past the wall, you motion for your seige engines to taget the weak spot of the wall. Great slivers and pieces of wood begin to blast from the wall, the structure near falling now. You shout to Lena to stay in formation in between peels of thunder, both natural and crafted by battle, and much to your satisfaction she does so, the whole time continuing her slow channeling of power.

>you know the drill.

>>13439850
>forgott map, derp

rolled 43 = 43

>>13439856
Command rollan "Keep up the fireworks, boys!"

rolled 46 = 46

>>13439850
Concentrate all artillery fire on the NW corner.
Once a breach has been opened, target the enemy archers and fire at will.

rolled 82 = 82

>>13439856
"HIT IT AGAIN. TEAR THIS WALL ASUNDER"

rolled 81 = 81

>>13439850
Alright, since I got beaten to the punch for a command roll, let's try for an elementalism roll.
Shake that section of the wall apart.

rolled 40 = 40

>>13439850
advance the troops a bit so that Lena can start taking shots at the soldiers on the walls.

rolled 57 = 57

are we taking prisoners?

rolled 42 = 42

>>13439914
No, if the enemy archers trace back where the magic bolts came from, they could begin volley firing where Lena is standing. It's too dangerous right now.

rolled 73 = 73

>>13439936
true.
>>13439914
hold off on this for now

"Take that wall down!!!" you bellow, as another stone flys over your head. A few moments after your order, and you hitting the wall with another wave of elementalism, it does, in fact come down. The entire northwest corner goes, in fact, and takes the better part of the levied bowmen watching that portion of the wall with it, they look ready to break, but unfortunately for them, have no-where to go. You spur your men onwards as the dust is put down by the rain, to your left, Lena can contain the built up power no more, and unleashes another, even larger, salvo of white-hot bolts into the sowrdsmen perched on the wall.

Inside the better illuminated courtyard you see two mercenary units, one in half-plate, wielding battleaxes and kite shields, the other in surecoats and cahinmail, wielding spears. You suspect that once you enter the courtyard, your mooneye paste will be more of a hindrance than anything else.

rolled 74 = 74

>>13439991
Artillery focus on the other archers. Take off the paste and hold up for now. Running inside will be killer for us unless we can take care of their archers. I wish we had brought some archers of our own. Command roll.

rolled 58 = 58

>>13439991
Is there any way to cause the torches to go out?

Otherwise, since it's raining, I think it would be important to take 30 seconds to order the assault force (except the artillery crews) to look up into the storm and wash the paste out.

Rolling for command in case it's needed.

rolled 3 = 3

Have them come out to our killing field. We're having shish-ka-bob. Keep hammering at what's left of the wall archers, and nail everything that tries to come out.

>>13440017
Yeah, I don't see why we need to march in yet. Keep taking down the walls and then eventually we can range them to death with artillery. Someone use elementalism I guess.

rolled 48 = 48

Elem roll

rolled 27 = 27

>>13439991
"Aim Right! Fire on the Northeast Side!"
Command

>>13440017
You are correct, and I hit my against my desk in shame at not seeing the obvious answer of "Keep firing and make them fight us in the dark!"

rolled 61 = 61

>>13439991
move Lena to the left so she can hit the heavies should they decide to venture fourth

You order your soldiers to hold, and the charge slowly slows to a halt, a short sprint from the gaping hole in the wall. "Keep firing, make them come to us!" you shout, wishing you had some form of ranged unit with you, as the damage done by your siege engines to the men on the wall is inaccurate and uneven at best.

Lena's arcane outburst slows to a halt as the swordsman she had targeted moves down a staircase. Unthinkingly it would seem, she begins the motions to cast the spell again as the second unit of levied archers falls into the central position on the wall, its western falnk bracing to hold back their comrades who are attempting to flee. The wind shifts, now blowing over the fort, instead of into it, from your perspective. As you patiently wait the right time to charge, the scent of tar fills your nose, emanating from the wall.

rolled 37 = 37

>>13440152
WHAT. Tar from the walls? I think we best pull back from those walls. If it is hot as hell tar, we don't want to be near the walls.

Let's start cracking the wall in the middle with some impacts. Elementalism.

rolled 17 = 17

>>13440168
I agree, pull the men back a little, and call for the catapult to arc their shots a little, see if we can pepper the inside of the fort with some chain.
Inaccurate and guess work, but devastating when it hits,

>>13440152
We can manipulate fist-sized rocks, right?

Try to grab any flints the archers have on the wall and spark them before the archers can launch those flaming arrows, pitch and turning the walltop into a blazing inferno.

If that's beyond our power let's see what those bowmen think of the wall under them collapsing.

>>13440183
Damn, i forgot to add command roll to the last bit of the sentence.

>>13440183
I think we should focus on taking those archers out. If they're going to flame arrow, we need to bring it down and kill them.

Knowing that the scent of tar on the battlefield can mean only one of a very few things, you focus on taking the wall down underneath the levied archers, your artilery still arcing shots into the soldiers, you shout for them to go for the wall they are standing on instead. As you do so, a line of small fires jumps across the archers that are still standing, and as your men finish backing up to avoid any large post of hot tar being sent their way, a massed volley of fire arrows sails towards the area before the northwest corner of the fort. Many of the arrows extinguish in mid-flight, but enough land to give them an idea of your location. Grittting your teeth as Lena rushes past behind the line units, and begins preparing to attack the mercenaries in the fort, you prepare to impact the ground beneath the wall again.

rolled 43 = 43

>>13440291
Dont let them loose another volley!
QUAKE

rolled 41 = 41

>>13440291
Bloody hell. Get Gaius and the warlords ready to be shielded from ranged attacks using their formation. Get the Maurauders to fall back more since they're going to get ripped. Artillery focus fire on taking that wall out. Command.

>>13440324
Also have Lena change targets to help take out the wall. That has to go down soon.

>>13440324
>>13440311
Both not bad rolls...hopefully that wall comes down soon, or we reduce the number of archers.

"Gaius, Uuist, that formation you came up with?" you shout loudly, a few seconds later you are rewarded as both battalions start moving together, you order the Marauders back as the enemy archers salvo again, this time tighter, more precise, taking a few more of your soldiers down with their fire. You order Lena to destroy the wall as you rock it with a quake, spilling more than a few men from the sides of the wall. Packed in this tight, you hear your men beginning to grumble about "standing about like pincushions". You look to see why Lena has not stuck the wall yet, and see her and Bellatrix huddled under a glimering white half-dome. Whatever you do, it will need to be fast, the enemy will have your range soon...

rolled 6 = 6

>>13440414
Screw it, we can't keep this up. Charge forward into the breach. Artillery keep up the fire on the wall to make it go down and Lena follows with her attack when she can. If we're in close combat, hopefully the archers won't be shooting at us. I assume the paste is gone. Command roll.

rolled 7 = 7

>>13440414
One final attempt at elementalism at the center of the wall that has taken the most damage.
Instead of attempting to bring it down, the wall erupts into spikes, impaling all of the archers.

rolled 4 = 4

>>13440429

Let's get to it, then.

Rolling for elementalism

>>13440437
Curses. With a roll like that, I bet we could of brought it down. I don't think we could even earth spike them since they're on top of wooden walls. Kind of why I've been saying we should impact the entire time. Nice roll though.

>>13440437
>>13440429
>6 Command
>7 Elementalism

>>13440429
>>13440437
>>13440439

The dice gods have finally smiled upon our quest.

rolled 7 = 7

>>13440186
>>13440429

Attempt to form a fissure on the back end of the wall to collapse it into the fortress as we charge.

(and hopefully i don't fail with dice again!)

>>13440452
Indeed. It's been awhile since we had a string of rolls like this but when it happens it feels good man.

I'm done with work. :[

Need to catch up with thread. In the mean time I'm here for moral support.

Go Degnar! Rah rah rah!

"Paste out lads" you command, just loud enough for the men in the formation to hear, the rest they dont even need you to tell them. The massive block of crimson tinted steel advances through the night, ignoring the steady rain of arrows, the Legionaires smashing their gauntleted hands against the insides of their shields in time with their feet. As the front of the formation opens up, allowing the 98th to charge forth, you tear into the wall with all of your elemental might, causing a good portion of the front half of the wall portion to fall forwards, spilling the bowmen on top of it. The carnage is incredible, the frightened levies barely collecting themselves as the mercenary captains below at the enemy units not engaged by the Warlords, moving them for a flanking attack on your soldiers.

>make your rolls, as normal

rolled 13 = 13

>>13440517
Warlords keep at the heavy infantry. See if they can push them back if possible. Legionnaries go meet the flanking mercs if they can. Mauraders go mess up those archers that survived after they get hit with artillery and Lena since I believe she is still outside. Command.

rolled 38 = 38

>>13440517
Tron Legacy soundtrack playing, CQ on /tg/

Time to combat roll

>>13440517
Elem roll.
Fuck their day up.

rolled 18 = 18

>>13440517
The levied swordsmen and medium mercs haven't been engaged yet; earth spikes to break up their formation horribly impale a few.

"The Flank!!!" you shout to the men around you, and are rewarded by the legionaires rushing forward, and wheeling into position to watch the 98ths flank, the dwarves hammereing the heavy mercenaries back as far enough to accomodate the 196th. Seconds before the medium mercenaries reach striking range you send a row of earthen spikes tearing through their front ranks, before stepping up with the other soldiers and hacking down the nearest uurlanthi mercenary. The demented song of steel on steel is joined by the wail of terrified soldiers, as levies never meant to see line combat are set upon by a mercenary batallion equiped to tear through light infantry such as them. The screams grow even louder as you send a row of spikes through the front rank of the levied swordsmen approaching the rear of the mercenaries your are currently slicing through. The wail of war grows louder still as the shrieking thunderous impacts of Lena's arcane bolts impacting flesh, earth and wood alike is added. Again the stromwinds shift, and again, as the fighting drags on, flashes of lighting bringing steel to like, and creating strange shadows at impossible angles fron the torches casting the whole field in an eerie orange glow.

rolled 61 = 61

>>13440648
SURRENDER OR YOU WILL DIE TO A MAN AND THE CITY WILL BURN! YOU CANT COLLECT A PAYCHECK WHEN YOU'RE DEAD!

maybe as well speed this up, the mercs can see we've breached the castle, why die?

rolled 1 = 1

>>13440648
One last elementalism roll from me for the night.

rolled 28 = 28

>>13440648
Elemental spike the heavy mercs. Let's get the warlords through although I imagine this battle is pretty much over once one of those units break. Elementalism.

>>13440691
Beat me to the punch. In that case make my roll combat I guess. Don't think there's much to do for command atm.

rolled 11 = 11

>>13440681
...
Yeah.

rolled 77 = 77

>>13440681
>1
You know that for it to work, you have to declare an action too, right?

Anyway, let the Marauders deal with the archers; have the artillery fire into the levied swordsmen, and elementalism can be directed at the rear ranks of the medium and heavy mercs.

Command Roll.

>>13440681

They'll be lucky if they have BONES after this one! D:

>>13440681

-I- did that? Holy shit. Uh. Wow.

"Surrender if you value your lives, mercenary dogs!!!" you shout, slashing through the torso of one mercanary, caching a blow on your shield and stabbing another. You kick the man down, bring up your sword, and with a mighty forward step plunge the blade through his skull.

As you stomp your foot down, however, you forget that you had been focusing to unleash another storm of earthen spikes on your foes. Having temporarily forgotten, you put all of your might into the downward stomp, realeasing an wordless roar as you do so. The ground around you, forming a line dividing your soldiers and the enemy rends open, drops and raises all at once. Outward the rend pushes, spikes and broke shards of earth and stone flying forward, only to be consumed by the earth behind it a moment later. Outward the line pushes, bloodily expanding, tearing flesh as easilly as it does the ground. Your soldeiers shout, triumphant as the enemy warriors to to run, screaming in terror.

As the pulse of destruction abates, nearing the forts walls, you spur your men onward, urging them to give chase. Victory is yours.

>so, anything you wanna do now, or skip to sunrise and meeting with the other elements of your maniple?
>also, quarter, or no?

>>13440813
Well I imagine we have a city to start looting and a manor to deal with. I imagine we should also clear out the fort and see if there's anything interesting in it. Give quarter. As long as their gear is taken, they're just extra mouths the Uurlanth will have to deal with. Plus we might get some useful information since this lord uses his mercenaries as his captains and crap.

>>13440813
The mercs shall surrender their weapons and armor immediately on capture, while the levied swords will be given the same treatment, and then escorted back to the town to help put out the fires.

Lets check out that room/door place thing in the Fort!

And then onto the town's manor, Loot!

>>13440813

If they surrender, they live, but don't get to keep any of their equipment. Skip to the meeting up, but be sure to include any useful things we loot from these guys.

>>13440813

A raiding force is sadly not in a position to hold prisoners. Our mobility is life once a true force moves to crush us, and we can't afford to be slowed by prisoners.

Give no quarter, but let them escape and flee south if they are able to open a gate to flee.

>>13440866
We don't have to take them prisoner though, hell we might be able to boost some of our mercs with the mercs who surrender. We take their gear and let them go. Even if they make it to another lord and they're re-armed, their morale will be trash and they won't be very eager to march back onto the battlefield nor will they do it for long.

>>13440842
>>13440840
>>13440837
I agree with these sentiments.
We're not only trying to beat the Uurlanthi, we're trying to bog them down as much as we can with refugees and defeated, demoralized soldiers.

>>13440866
I'm fine with them living to flee so long as they surrender their equipment first. We're not monsters, afterall. Just damn GOOD.

As the storm dies down, you instruct your men on the terms quarter will be given, and make your way over to the forts side-room, only to find it locked. Suddenly drained, you decide to go and see if Lena is able to open the door for you. You head out of the fort in search of the slight mage. You find her near the pile of corpses that was once a battalion of levied archers, the girl doubled over, retching, well dry heaving at this point, unless the torch you are carrying is secretly arcane, and distorting your sight. You approach the girl gingerly, her sister, apparently helping chase down the broken enemy. "How can I halp you, commander?" she groans out, straightening her back and looking at you, her face much paler than normal, even by torchlight. And you can see why, the men who died by her doing are obvious by their wounds, and the agony frozen on the corpses faces.

"I drained myself too much ending the fight, and need some help opening a heavy locked door... Are you alright?"

>>13440893
"This is the unfortunate price of being a soldier Lena, and part of why I didn't want you to participate in this battle. Your talents can be used in ways other than killing, you don't have to force yourself to go through this. Here, let me help you up. There's a door I'm wondering if you can help me open."

>>13440893
You can start by smiling for me Lena.
Thanks to your power, and mine own, we've managed to capture this fort with minimal casualties, and drew a swift surrender. We've saved a lot of lives, now if you would, come with me."
Pickup no less then ten other soldiers with you as you head over to the locked door, less any surprises lie within.

>>13440920
The girls going through the shock of killing people. I don't think we should ask her to smile.

>>13440912
Maximus has it

>>13440893
Her sister is also going to get a Stern talking to.
She has One Job in the manple. Stay by Lena's side and keep her safe.
Emperor forgive if one of the dead archers was feigning death and struck to attack the only living mage that we may see for months! Yelling and commander voice all around!

"Bloody work, isn't it?"

Now isn't the time to ask her whether she still wants to be a soldier (err, battle mage) or not. Give her some time to unwind and think.

Go see about that locked corner of the fort.

"Are you allright, Lena?" you ask, concerned for the delicate girl, you move to support her as you walk.

"Well enough." she replies, absentmindedly by the time you cross into the fort she asks "Does it... does it ever get any easier?"

"I'm afraid not, Lena. Nor should it, lest we become monsters, as opposed to the soldiers we are." you reply "Though, if the burden is too much for you I can find a diff-"

"What else could a blind girl do?" she asks, to which you have no immediate answer "You... you said that the legion is like one big family, that we are of the same fold and fend for each other. I have a skill, one that could save many members of the... my new, extended family, I will fight." she insists, the second time you have ever heard sternness in the little redheads voice, though her features betray a great amount of fear and uncertainty.

"Then you should be proud of what you did today, Lena" you reply as you approach the door "you saved many members of your new family, so try to smile." you instruct her, as she begins to examine the door "I doubt Wulf would like to see you this sad."

>cont'd...

At that comment, she perks up a little "You were right, this door has an arcane lock on it." she informs you "It will not be a problem." she adds, taking a few steps back, her face turning to steel as she slowly begins moving her hands in an intricate, looping pattern muttering words of power and command in draconian, until, finally, she thrusts her right hand forward, a brilliant white flash nearly blinding you at such a close proximity, completely obliterating the door. when your vision clears, your blood begins to boil. This room, was a holding pen, currently nearly overfull with sentient beings in threadbare cloths, iron collars around their necks, signifying their station, their hands and feet cuffed and chained, vacant, beaten looks in their eyes. The stench is overpowering, and you doubt there are more than two score of chamber pots for a group that numbers well over one hundred. You hear Lena gasp, and begin to cry next to you, while in your head, a cross is already being measured and constructed.

>wow, its 4:30 am, I think I'm gonna crash
>someone archive please
>I'll be back sunday at 9pm server time
>questions? email me at: paxcomquest@yahoo.com

>>13441052
Well then. I can't wait to meet the lord of Fort Conflux. I bet he's hiding out in his manor. This one must be taken alive. Yeah, we should get Lena away from this room but I guess that can wait for Sunday.

LET MY PEOPLE GO!

>>13441052
We're getting food, and we're getting water, and we're going to burn this noble slaver dynasty to the Ground, man by man.

>>13441052

...
a cross sounds too good for this one.

>>13441052
Yes. We'll be needing to get a carpenter.

But actually, I'm worried.
If we're Sherman, and we end up freeing slaves as we tear through the Uurlanthi countryside, those freed slaves will only slow us down if we take them with us.

I think after seeing this, Lena shouldn't feel so bad about those guys she toasted.


As for the cross, we'll just have to turn it into an upright funeral pyre.

>>13441119

We should see if Blackbird has any ideas.

Perhaps his new critters could use a fat, noble meal?

Yeah, those slaves look pretty traumatized. I don't think they can look after themselves right now.

We are so sacking the town.

We are still a raiding force, though, and do not have the time to stay here to rehabilitate former slaves. Still, if they don't slow us down too much, I bet we'd earn major brownie points with the Sun Pantheon if we take them with us and try to help them.

First things first: Sack. Pillage. Capture the lord. Put him on a cross.

I would also be okay with a burning at the sake. >:)

>Clausius Touthed
Future NPC? You're scaring me with your sooth-saying skills, Captcha.

anyway, thread archived, be sure to vote.


Man, the dice gods were pretty pleased with us today. Someone must have made a sacrifice on a bed of d4's

>>13441090
>>13441119
>>13441136
>>13441198
Now, now.
We're a Legion commander. We must embody the ideals and will of the Degnar Empire and of the Legion at all times.
We must give in to momentary anger, and must calmly apply the laws of the Empire to properly execute this noble.
Yes, he will be made to suffer, but it must be done in a manner that is compliant with Legion regulations.

>>13441281
Crucifixion?