Scene 38: A Battle in the Expanse in spring of 632
Started 2025-11-30 21:01
Completed 2025-12-01 00:55
Details
Location: The Town of Tiasport
Visibility: Event
Status: Completed
Chapter: 1 - Coronation
Transcript
Arrival
Andreas arrives.
Ada
(Ada) Scouts returned after breaking through the raider pickets to report on the state of the approaching host. Estimates still put the number of raiders at two thousand, at the low end, though broad assumptions are that there are many more. Besides the lightly-armed but savage raiders, a number of black-armoured figures moved among them, seeming to act as officers. Around them all, more of the ferocious beasts that have been seen lately were present: viper-quick and larger than a bear. The scouts also reported a trio of mammoths towards the rear of the host. The report is not generally deemed conclusive, but certainly something, considering the harsh circumstances the scouts dealt with.
A significant host has been assembled to deal with the raiders. Person-for-person, the imperial force outnumbers the enemy, but the enemy are not in fact all people. Albalaski's Ice Wolves, their fabulously well-equipped shock cavalry, have taken the field, as have the Guardians of the Outer Watches, heavy infantry armed with bow and spear. House Sikorin has deployed a contingent of hussars. Forces, though not the full numbers, of the Knights Custodian and Companions of the First King, are present. Numerous Commonwealth volunteers have also taken the field.
One unusual but not unheard of presence is a group of knights from the Divine Assembly -- not even imperial -- along with a priest of Siegfried, and a young, unarmed man they have in tow, who arrived to the field last-minute and are keen to integrate for now with an imperial unit.
Marta
(Marta) One might be hard pressed to identify Marta as the cousin of King Victor Vanzek; there's a hardness and fierceness in her demeanor that fairly breathes //warrior//, and not a hint of nobility to be seen. Her clothing is rough but practical; linens layered underneath protective leather in tones more suited to the Red Waste than the Expanse, though she comes prepared with a small pack to carry what's needful. Her hair is braided back, and she fairly bristles with weaponry; a sword on her hip, knives secreted around her, a bow and arrow hanging off one shoulder. There's no doubting she's come here for war, whether or not war is present.
Marta's been around long enough to recognize -- if not by face, at least by name -- many fellow warriors. To those, she nods in acknowledgement and respect, regardless of rank. But it's to Sigitas that she strides, tilting her head to look at him. "Boyar," she says. "Marta Vanzek. You know this landscape better than most, I'd imagine. If the scouts are right about those mammoths they're going to be a problem." Marta says this like she's commenting on the weather. "I'd like to prepare an ambush for them. Recommendations on a good place to do so?"
Arrival
Bogdan arrives.
Sabine
(Sabine) There is always the question of why crows come to the battlefield. An oft overcomplicated explination given for the simplest of answers. Because it is there.
Two hundred heavy horse, four supply wagons, and one axe of a god. The Companions of the First King come in shining steel and lances, filing up what the scouts consider roads in these desolate expanses, Sabine Lindner at their head. The woman herself tall, and stern looking in her full regalia, white cloaks pulled tight around her and her men. Her eyes forever scanning ahead, as she speaks to the command staff riding with her. "Gunther, take sixty out on the left, Helgund, sam for you on the right. Both of you to refuse engagement until my signal." A pause. "Lets have a see at what the enemy seems to want to do."
Bogdan
(Bogdan) Bogdan Albalaski has fought on the tundra of the Commonwealth before. In fact, he may have fought in this very location before. It has been many, many decades that Bogdan has been fighting the Terror. But he is with is Ice Wolves, trained and ready for this moment, and for this enemy in particular.
Bogdan pulls his horse's reins tight and looks over the distance. Battle is coming. Here.
Andreas
(Andreas) While he can ride, Andreas clearly prefers not to, as he's armed with a two-handed sword at the front of a group of heavy infantry. "Make us all proud," he tells them, the thrill of battle already starting to hit. "We can take whatever they throw at us!" Braveheart this is not.
Sigitas
(Sigitas) Dressed in a chainmail himself, Sigitas seeks obviously some more protection as he hasn't got as much experience on the battlefield just yet at his tender age. Especially at what happened to his aunt shouldn't happen to him.
Accompanied by the Expanse Hussars and some of the famous Knights Custodians hailing right from Voivode's Rest, the young Boyar doesn't show any hint of nervousness as he leads the troops towards the gathering point, even as he is disturbed. Instead he turns his attention towards Marta, when she approaches him "Ah good question. There are some hills here from where you could get a better view over the situation and maybe sneak behind their lines to the mammoths to set up something. It would prove rather difficult I guess."
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Silja
(Silja) It is unsurprising that the Countess Lindner arrives wiht a collection of Knights, all of them on horseback. Including a piper. Mad props to THAT horse who endures the sound of the pipes, even as they are silent for the moment. The house knights are joined by a collection of Divine Assembly knights, with the priest riding up next to Silja.
The Countess is fully armed and armoured as she directs the troops over to settle into the gathering spot with others. A glance around and there's a half twist of a smile and she comments quietly to the priest. "I see we do not lack for leaders."
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Ada
(Ada) The approach of the enemy is heralded by a hideous shrieking carried on the wind, drifting in from far to the north. It continues for some time before abating. The positions taken by the imperial forces block the southward approach of the raiders. A number of forward scouts come riding back with haste towards the main body of the imperial force, unable to get any closer, as the vast feline monsters that move with the raiders threaten to catch them.
Before long, the approaching horde starts to come into proper view. There's still time before any contact is made, but an unusual dedication on the foe's part to preventing imperial light cavalry from getting close. Usually, such an enemy would have been harried by Lonin cavalry for days, and their full strength determined, but not this time.
Here and there along the imperial lines, especially among the southern soldiers, move priests, offering blessings and exhorting people to great deeds. The group from the Divine Assembly integrate readily with Silja's command.
Gregor
(Gregor) Wherever someone may look, they may very well find a knight of the Custodians. Heavy cavalry can be found on both the left and right flanks, further supported by lighter cavalry intended for more precision maneuvers and support following potential charges. At the heart of the Commonwealth and Imperial formation can be found more of the Knights Custodians in the form of heavy infantry bearing large shields, heavy armor, and blades ready for engagement of the coming host. Behind those can be found lighter infantry bearing long spears, lighter armor, and much smaller shields that permit the utilization of their spears while still providing them a modest means of defense beyond the mixture of chain and leather that they wear. Among those units golden banners and pennants snap in the tundra's wind, the snorting or stamping of horses fills the air, and the low buzzing hum of chatter can be heard as battle plans are discussed and refined in the final moments before battle is met.
Sir Gregor Zebdel's in the process of dismount from his horse and passing the reins to a squire when a summoned messenger arrives, "Good, you've arrived. Notify Boyar Bogdan that we're in position. The Knights Custodian's cavalry, heavy and light, will remain on the flanks. We have no intention of holding in reserve and will join the main push when called upon. Our infantry will stand with the main host and I will be joining them personally," he pauses for a moment in order for his orders not to overload the messenger and with a warm smile he continues after the messenger offers a nod of understanding, "send word to the other units that they are to follow the lead of our local counterparts in the event moment by moment orders are lacking".
A final nod is given that sends the messenger sprinting for his horse and Gregor's attention turns back to the squire, "Thank you. Once you've finished with your current task, you're to retreat to the reserve lines and warm up. Understood?" A nod of understanding is given from the squire and this sends Gregor moving away to join with the gathered infantry with shield secured to his arm and trusty axe passed to him by his own squire with a nod of appreciation before that same squire is likewise sent away to the rear.
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Arrival
Sabine arrives.
Ada
(Ada) The disposition of the foe is clear enough before long. The packs of feline beasts are herded towards the very front. Behind them, the trio of vast mammoths moves up -- hulking, far larger than any Salthosian elephant anyone might be familiar with, far larger indeed, with great howdahs set atop them, bearing more of the raiders.
Beyond, the great mass of raiders moves forward. An ululating cry goes up from among them, but they are held from a charge by their black-armoured commanders. The full extent of the host cannot be seen, yet, obscured by sheer numbers, with whatever might be towards the rear being quite uncertain.
Marta
(Marta) Marta, for some reason, actually smiles -- right as Sigitas says /it would prove rather difficult./ "But if we don't, those mammoths will tear through the infantry once they reach us. I'd rather take the risk now." With a tip of her head, she spins on a heel to head toward the hill Sigitas recommends -- pausing for a second to throw over her shoulder, "I'm going to steal one of your scouts." No explanation, no apology; she simply tramps off to do what needs to be done. Not a woman of explanations, this one. In the tent with mismatched weaponry she picks out what she can: javelins, spears, binding them together for now and hauling them over her shoulder. Tagging one of the returned scouts, she crawls up onto a hill, discussing the territory and the best place to stage an ambush. It's a terrifying sight, but Marta's seen worse -- or she has a spine of iron. She doesn't even flinch at that shrieking. She simply slips down the other side of the hill, moving to the flank, progressing forward where she can and settling in to wait where she can't. It'll take her a while to get there, and there's a good chance some of the felines might sense her, so she simply climbs a tree to wait until she can reach the location she's chosen for the ambush.
Sigitas
Sigitas rolls: 8(Mind: d8), 3(Warfare: d6), 3(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Marta
Marta rolls: 3(Dexterity: d8), 7(Finesse: d8), 3(Distinction: d8)
Total: 10 (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Zoja
(Zoja) \ Zoja was yet another scout approaching Gregor. She had a field report to give regarding the terrain. What appeared to be fairly flat ground when viewed by the naked eye from afar was in fact not. It was more accurate to say that it consisted of many little rises and falls, and in one particular place, the dip was so sharp and sudden that any cavalry traversing that particular patch of land would face some ugly consequences. Zoja didn't like to imagine what it would do to a horse, let alone something so big as a mammoth. For that very reason, however, it could be used to their advantage...possibly.
Sabine
Sabine rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 8(Warfare: d10), 4(Commander: d8), 4(Distinction: d8)
Total: 8 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Sabine
Sabine rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 2(Warfare: d10), 2(Distinction: d8)
Total: 4 (vs 7) - Failure | Effect Die: d8
Gregor
Gregor rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 6(Rhetoric: d6), 2(Distinction: d8)
Total: 8 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d4 (defaulted to d4)
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Depart
Andreas departs.
Silja
Silja rolls: 5(Mind: d8), 4(Warfare: d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 10 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Bogdan
Bogdan rolls: 8(Mind: d8), 3(Warfare: d8), 2(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Sigitas
Sigitas didn't seem to mind Marta's reaction to his answer, watching her disappear in the corner of his eye, before he turns his attention on something else important, as the enemy leaves them without choice other than to react quickly. And that he does, barking some orders to the cavalry officers in charge, who luckily listen to the young man well enough and charge their troops into quite an advantageous situation for the time being. Sigitas still looks worried, though, as he glances over towards the approaching enemies.
Gregor
(Gregor) The Knights Custodians seem noticeably more grim than usual. The threat that approaches is a significant one and it's clear that some minds have began to turn toward home or more hospitable weather. Sir Gregor moves among the forward line of light and heavy infantry, shaking shoulders and offering a few warm words where possible to coax the spirit of others higher. The arrival of Dame Zoja and her report earns a quick nod from Gregor, "That's very good news for us. Messenger!"
The call for a messenger is answered a few moments later as a young man barely out of his teens trots forward and Sir Gregor wastes little time presenting the information needed, "Notify the cavalry and Boyar Bogdan that the terrain is uneven and treacherous in some locations," and a look is cast toward Zoja so that she may inform the messenger of the general direction of those terrain features. "It may prove a suitable trap the lead the mammoths into if Boyar Bogdan agrees. Go now!" The urging is spoken firm and loud to set the messenger off at a suitable pace to see that message delivered as quickly as possible.
"Dame Zoja, do you wish to accompany the light infantry or join my retinue on the front?"
Silja
(Silja) Silja directs the knights under her command over and around, judging the terrain. She points, calling out directions on where they should set themselves up for the incoming fight. She swings her horse around, to find her own preferred position, clearly not exactly planning to just supervise.
Sabine
(Sabine) "Send the troops up the flank, refuse engagement unless isolated." Sabine sends her runners, young squires, still in the reserves, watching. Keeping an eye on the movements, the features. A small frown touching her lips as progress doesn't seem to be proceeding to her standards.
Ada
(Ada) There's a defile. It went missed by most of the Commonwealth scouts, but amid the mostly flat tundra between the raiders and the imperial forces is, almost hidden from view from up high, a steep-sided gorge. It's only about a hundred metres long, from where the ground first drops to the far end -- it doesn't by any means span the entire frontage of either army, but it is unquestionably an obstacle.
The mammoths, though, are being guided towards the densest concentration of imperial heavy infantry, between the Knights Custodian and the Guardians of the Outer Watches, and the mass of Commonwealth volunteers formed behind them.
The vast feline beasts that prowl at the very front start to diverge. Their interest, or specifically that of their handlers, who control them using horribly high-pitched horns, is very much in the cavalry starting to skirt around to the wings.
Bogdan
(Bogdan) "Ice Wolves!" calls out Bogdan as he takes stock of the position before him. To the untrained eye from the South, every inch of frozen tundra might seem like every other. But to Bogdan, they are each unique. Each ready. And each posing a potential advantage.
"Forward! To that position!" He points. It may seem like nothing to others. But to them, it is Good Ground.
Zoja
(Zoja) "I'd be honored to join your retinue, Sir Gregor," Zoja replied. She would fall into rank wherever it was Gregor directed her to from there.
Marta
Marta rolls: 2(Finesse: d8), 1(Dexterity: d8), 3(Distinction: d8)
Total: 5 (vs 7) - Failure | Effect Die: d4 (defaulted to d4)
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Marta
(Marta) Marta /must/ have nerves of steel, to be able to stay so still up in that tree as the horde begin to surge past her, effectively cutting her off from any allies: leaving her alone. Yet that stillness seems to serve her well, and either luck or the divine are on her side -- she'd call it /skill/ -- as none of the horde yet notice her. She breathes out, slowly and quietly, as the shrieking horde pass by, waiting it out to slip down to the ground and proceed to the defile. It's as she's approaching that she turns to look over her shoulder and realizes the mammoths won't pass through the defile itself, but to the south. She sucks her teeth briefly in frustration, but can't do much about it: no way to signal the army from here. She'll just have to make do.
The real problem with mammoths is that, against an army, they're devastating. Not like a standard soldier can pierce their hides with swords readily, because getting close is in itself a danger. Thankfully, this isn't the first time Marta's dealt with such giant beasts. Taking a gauge at which direction the mammoths will pass through to hit the infantry, she drops her pack to the ground and begins preparing: setting up the spears and javelins with tension held by rope, aiming them up to angle toward the mammoths' undercarriages. It means she'll have to stay hidden, to wait until they pass close enough to loose the taut ropes with her sword. But she's been in worse situations. Probably.
Silja
Silja rolls: 6(Mind: d8), 7(Warfare: d8), 8(Distinction: d8)
Total: 15 (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Gregor
Gregor rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 7(Warfare: d8), 3(Distinction: d8)
Total: 10 (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Bogdan
Bogdan rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 6(Warfare: d8), 1(Distinction: d8)
Total: 8 (vs 9) - Failure | Effect Die: d4 (defaulted to d4)
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Sigitas
Sigitas rolls: 5(Leadership: d6), 6(Warfare: d6), 8(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Sabine
Sabine rolls: 8(Leadership: d8), 9(Warfare: d10), 3(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Silja
(Silja) The sound of the horns is irritating enough, but seeing them whip up the beasts is enough to make the Lindner piper lift up his bag pipes. An eerie wail of sound starts across the snow, and builds up over a few moments, forcing the screaming horns to no longer be the primary soundscape. Not at all subtle. Pipes are never subtle, but the cacophony of sound is enough to distract the beasts.
Silja settles back, drawing out her bow, her sword still settled at her hip. She watches the beasts for the moment, taking her time on choosing her target(s).
Sabine
(Sabine) Sabine's eyes keep moving, watching, waiting. Seeing as things start to develop on the field. A slow turn of her head towards her signilar. "Flanks to collapse in, cut off those beasts from mutual support from the rest of the army."
Ada
(Ada) As part of the imperial host starts to redeploy towards the defile, so too do the mammoths turn, lumbering steadily towards the heavy infantry at the core of the army. The main bulk of raiders follows behind, kept in line the whole time by their black-armoured officers. The raiders themselves are better visible now: clad in pelts and furred, ritually scarred, carrying vicious black hooked blades and spears, and amid them, quite a number of bows too. The rearguard of the horde has not yet come into clear view though.
The vast, inhumanly fast beasts tear rapidly across the ground towards the imperial cavalry around the flanks. As they do though, enough Ice Wolves catch up to them to dismount and prepare their long spears and bows, and torches too. The sound of the Lindner pipes confuses the beasts, and some tear off in the wrong direction. From a hilltop, those of Sigitas' hussars armed with bows begin to loose arrows down at the creatures. And crashing in from the side come a number of formidable Companions.
Gregor
(Gregor) "Very good," Gregor answers back to Zoja while he's busy settling his helmet atop his head. Before his visor is lowered he gestures Zoja into position, "Remain with the light infantry. Once the front's fully engaged, we'll be looking to you for support. Cover our flanks and don't get separated from us. We fight together or we fall alone". The little mantra concludes his orders and then Sir Gregor sets off to join with the front line. He's quick to put the information provided by Dame Zoja to work as he calls out, directing the formation to begin advancing toward the uneven terrain and defile discovered by the Knights Custodian's ranger.
The advance of the golden armored Knights Custodian toward the battlefield finds the mammoths notably changing course as well! To that Sir Gregor calls out, "We lure the mammoths into Dame Zoja's trap and when they fall," when, not if. He declares loudly for those within the forward formation, "We set upon them before they can get their feet again. Guide your blows to legs and bellies! If you have an opportunity to slay those who handle the great beasts, then may your blades strike true!"
The tromp of boots begins as the heavy infantry of the Knights Custodians begins to march forward and soon followed by the lighter infantry that will support them. The standard of Sir Gregor Zebdel, Chapter Master of Sanctuary marches alongside the banner of the Knights Custodians themselves as their advance to more favorable terrain (for them!) begins.
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Ice Wolves vs Beast Packs
Ice Wolves rolls: 4(d10), 4(d8), 7(d8), 4(d8), 5(d8), 1(d8), 2(d8), 8(d10), 8(d8)
Support total: 16 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Disoriented d8, Being Shot At By Hussars d8, Outflanked By Companions d10, Lonin Beast-Warders d8
Ice Wolves assets: Prepared Positions d8
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Beast Packs rolls: 9(d10), 7(d8), 3(d8)
Opposition total: 16 | Effect Die: d8
Outcome: Success (vs 16)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Expanse Hussars vs Beast Packs
Expanse Hussars rolls: 4(d8), 6(d8), 2(d8), 8(d8), 1(d8), 1(d8), 2(d8), 9(d10), 7(d8)
Support total: 15 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Disoriented d8, Being Shot At By Hussars d8, Outflanked By Companions d10, Lonin Beast-Warders d8
Expanse Hussars assets: Elevated Position d8
Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8)
Beast Packs rolls: 3(d10), 6(d8), 1(d8)
Opposition total: 9 | Effect Die: d4
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Outcome: Success (vs 9)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Knights of the Fastness vs Beast Packs
Knights of the Fastness rolls: 8(d10), 1(d8), 1(d8), 6(d8), 3(d8), 8(d8), 5(d8), 1(d10), 6(d8)
Support total: 16 | Effect Die: d8
Invoked opposition complications: Disoriented d8, Being Shot At By Hussars d8, Outflanked By Companions d10, Lonin Beast-Warders d8
Knights of the Fastness assets: Flanking Positions d8
Hitches: 3 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8, d10)
Beast Packs rolls: 10(d10), 7(d8), 5(d8)
Opposition total: 17 | Effect Die: d8
Outcome: Failure (vs 17)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Companions of the First King vs Beast Packs
Companions of the First King rolls: 6(d10), 2(d10), 5(d10), 2(d8), 5(d8), 9(d10), 5(d8)
Support total: 15 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Disoriented d8, Being Shot At By Hussars d8, Outflanked By Companions d10, Lonin Beast-Warders d8
Beast Packs rolls: 4(d10), 7(d8), 7(d8)
Opposition total: 14 | Effect Die: d10
Outcome: Success (vs 14)
Ada
(Ada) As for how the fighting proceeds? The beasts fare poorly indeed. One manages to crest the hill where the hussars are posted up, and inflicts some casualties before being slain. A trio crash headlong into the Knights of the Fastness, although the Lindner troops hold. Elsewhere, though? The Terror monsters do badly indeed, and their handlers seek to recall them with blasts on their horns.
Ada
(Ada) The main body of the raiders is fast closing on the imperial line, focused around Bogdan and Gregor, Zoja by his side. The mammoths move up first and foremost, bound straight for that defile in the ground. They are, by dint of sheer size, alarmingly fast, if hardly agile. The raiders in the howdahs have not seen the gorge yet, nor Marta Vanzek posted up nearby, as they prepare bows to shoot down at imperial troops up ahead.
Ada
(Ada) Amid it all, that strange man without any weapons is kept amid Silja's knights, watched closely by the Divine Assembly's soldiers -- he appears to be their priority as much as any battle.
Sigitas
(Sigitas) With the beasts dealt with for now successively, Sigitas along with the Hussars now focus their attention on the main force of the enemy.
Marta
=== TEST: Marta vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 1(d10), 10(d10), 2(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Mammoths Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d10)
Marta rolls: 1(Prowess: d8), 6(Fighting: d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 12) - Failure | Effect Die: d4 (defaulted to d4)
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Marta
=== TEST: Marta vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 4(d10), 2(d10), 8(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Marta rolls: 3(Prowess: d8), 1(Fighting: d8), 7(Hidden: d8), 4(Ambushed: d8), 7(Ran Into A Defile: d10), 7(Distinction: d8)
Total: 14 (vs 12) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Ambushed, Ran Into A Defile
Bogdan
(Bogdan) The Ice Wolves have trained to beat back the beasts, and beat back the beasts they did. The torches are lit and the arrows fly in from the distance, cutting the handlers and their hideous cats down and sending up a cheer from the Albalaski lines.
"We execute on what we train for, Warriors!" thunders Bogdan from the center of the troops, unwilling to hide out at the back.
"See how your cats become kittens in the face of the Imperial might and cleverness!" calls out the old governor, his voice rising above the fray, directed at the main force. "What hope can you have when your beasts of terror are so readily routed!"
Gregor
Gregor rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 5(Rhetoric: d6), 8(Distinction: d8)
Total: 13 (vs 8) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Sigitas
=== TEST: Sigitas vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 7(d8), 4(d6), 5(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Sigitas rolls: 6(Mind: d8), 5(Warfare: d6), 2(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 12) - Failure | Effect Die: d8
Bogdan
=== TEST: Bogdan vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 3(d8), 6(d6), 4(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 10
Bogdan rolls: 6(Leadership: d8), 3(Rhetoric: d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 (vs 10) - Success | Effect Die: d8
Zoja
=== TEST: Zoja vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 7(d10), 8(d10), 7(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 15
Zoja rolls: 6(Prowess: d6), 3(Fighting: d6), 8(Ran Into A Defile: d10), 4(Distinction: d8)
Total: 14 (vs 15) - Failure | Effect Die: d8
Invoked opposition complication(s): Ran Into A Defile
Marta
(Marta) The hardest part about an ambush is the patience needed for precisely the correct time. Go to early, and you risk warning the prey; go too late and all that hard work is for nothing. It's one of the reasons Marta is exceptional at this work. Even under pressure like this, surrounded by the horde, she stays level-headed, patient, calm. Watching with narrowed eyes as the mammoths lumber toward her, feeling the ground shake underfoot, jarring her teeth. But still she holds, until... finally....
Marta swings her sword down on the taut ropes, one by one. They /snap/, the only warning as the spears and javelins loose and fly toward the howdah crews seated atop the mammoths. Some of them miss, but several slam into the crew atop the mammoth, leaving it for all intents and purposes, rudderless, adrift among its own army.
Sabine
Sabine rolls: 2(Mind: d8), 1(Warfare: d10), 1(d8), 5(d8), 3(d10), 3(d8), 6(Distinction: d8)
Total: 11 | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d10, d8)
Sabine
=== TEST: Sabine vs Beast Packs ===
Beast Packs rolls: 8(d10), 4(d8), 2(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Sabine rolls: 8(Mind: d8), 3(Warfare: d10), 8(d8), 5(d8), 5(d10), 1(d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 16 (vs 12) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Silja
=== TEST: Silja vs Beast Packs ===
Beast Packs rolls: 9(d10), 6(d8), 7(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 16
Silja rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 4(Warfare: d8), 8(d8), 8(d8), 2(d12), 4(d8), 4(Distinction: d8)
Total: 16 (vs 16) - Success | Effect Die: d12
Zoja
(Zoja) Zoja, along with the troupe of skirmishers she was working with, did their best, but mammoths are large, tough creatures. Expecting them to go down easy was a hopeful dream, and hopeful dreams had no place in battle. That wasn't to say Zoja was ready to give up just because things didn't go as planned. That was another thing about fighting, and battles, rarely did plans survive impact with the reality of the situation!
Bogdan
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Ice Wolves vs Raider Host
Ice Wolves rolls: 6(d10), 4(d8), 7(d8), 1(d8)
Support total: 13 | Effect Die: d8
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8
Ice Wolves assets: Prepared Positions d8
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Raider Host rolls: 3(d8), 6(d6), 5(d6)
Opposition total: 11 | Effect Die: d8
Outcome: Success (vs 11)
Gregor
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Knights Custodian vs Raider Host
Knights Custodian rolls: 2(d10), 3(d8), 1(d8), 4(d8), 1(d8)
Support total: 7 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8
Knights Custodian assets: Holding Ground d8
Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8)
Raider Host rolls: 3(d8), 2(d6), 1(d6)
Opposition total: 5 | Effect Die: d4
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d6)
Outcome: Success (vs 5)
Bogdan
(Bogdan) The raiders from the Terror do not speak Wendish, but somehow, like with animals, it is the tone that matters the most, not the actual words. When Bogdan's shouts hit the lines, there is something of an unease that ripples through them. What //can// they do that the cats cannot? Bogdan orders arrows loosed, the ranged weapons landing among the host's lines as the Ice Wolf elites march forward.
The main clash cannot be too far away.
Silja
(Silja) The beasts are trying to break free, to withdraw back and possibly get regrouped and return. The collective group of knights clearly wish to be no part of there being Beasts involved at all. The piper keeps up with the cacophony to distract while forces from both Sabine and Silja render them entirely overrun. Howls of dying beasts mix with the drone and calls of the pipe and the screams of the horns. The Companions of the First King nd the Knights of the Fastness are triumphant.
Silja turns from that fight, over to train her bow upon the mess with the mammoths. At least it's a mess to their benefit.
Ada
(Ada) There is abrupt chaos as the mammoths approach the defile. Marta Vanzek's trap, long since laid, wreaks under havoc among the crew of one of the mammoths, which skews sharply over to one side, its reins yanking it off course. It veers straight back towards the approaching raiders, and careens into their forward ranks, too densely packed to do much about it. Chaos ensues among the near part of the horde.
Another of the mammoths continues to plough straight on forward, absolutely dead set on making it into the massed ranks of imperial infantry. It instead falls in a hole in the ground, some of its crew spilling forwards from its elevated howdah to land -- with various broken bones and generally not in a state to fight -- right in front of the imperial foot.
Other raiders stop to ready bows to exchange shots with imperial troops. There are casualties on both sides, though not so many as in a clash in melee.
Sabine
(Sabine) Sabine continues to watch, still and stern. Signalling her troops to extend the lines, to envelope them. Trapping them between the Knights Companion and Lindner House troops. The carnage only given a cursury glance to make sure it was proceeding before her eyes drift onwards to the main enemy line.
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Guardians of the Outer Watches vs Raider Host
Guardians of the Outer Watches rolls: 7(d8), 6(d8), 7(d8), 5(d8)
Support total: 14 | Effect Die: d8
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8
Raider Host rolls: 5(d8), 4(d6), 4(d6)
Opposition total: 9 | Effect Die: d6
Outcome: Success (vs 9)
Bogdan
Bogdan rolls: 3(Leadership: d8), 5(Rhetoric: d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 13 (keeping extra die: +3) (vs 9) - Success | Effect Die: d4
Kept extra die. 1 PP spent. (0 PP remaining)
Gregor
=== TEST: Gregor vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 3(d10), 2(d10), 1(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 5
Mammoths Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Gregor rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 2(Warfare: d8), 3(Ran Into A Defile: d10), 2(Uncontrolled: d10), 6(Distinction: d8)
Total: 9 (vs 5) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complication(s): Ran Into A Defile, Uncontrolled
Marta
=== TEST: Marta vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 7(d10), 2(d10), 7(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 14
Marta rolls: 7(Prowess: d8), 5(Fighting: d8), 2(Hidden: d8), 2(Ambushed: d8), 8(Ran Into A Defile: d10), 10(Uncontrolled: d10), 6(Distinction: d8)
Total: 17 (vs 14) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complication(s): Ambushed, Ran Into A Defile, Uncontrolled
Sigitas
=== TEST: Sigitas vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 7(d8), 6(d6), 3(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 13
Sigitas rolls: 3(Leadership: d6), 5(Warfare: d6), 1(Flanking: d8), 8(Taunted: d8), 7(Distinction: d8)
Total: 20 (keeping extra die: +5) (vs 13) - Sigitas achieves a HEROIC SUCCESS! | Effect Die: d6
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Taunted
Sabine
=== TEST: Sabine vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 8(d8), 4(d6), 5(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 13
Sabine rolls: 3(Leadership: d8), 8, 3(Warfare: d10 (Doubled)), 3(Taunted: d8), 7(Distinction: d8)
Total: 15 (vs 13) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complication(s): Taunted
Silja
=== TEST: Silja vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 7(d8), 5(d6), 4(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Silja rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 2(Warfare: d8), 3(Taunted: d8), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 8 (vs 12) - Failure | Effect Die: d8
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Taunted
Marta
(Marta) Some warriors are the sort to appreciate the little victories even among the chaos of a giant battle. Marta? She simply sucks at her teeth, watching the chaos as one of the mammoths careens back into the approaching raiders, and the other tumbles into a hole. That leaves one still to target. Still and silent, she pulls her bow off her back, nocking an arrow, lifting and sighting: aiming at the howdah crew of the remaining, in-control mammoth. And probably hoping /she/ doesn't get stomped on in the process. For now, the fact that she's largely hidden keeps her safe. Aim, steady, release. Repeat. Her arrows tear through the crew, one by one. Slow but steady.
Bogdan
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Ice Wolves vs Raider Host
Ice Wolves rolls: 1(d10), 1(d8), 4(d8), 8(d8), 4(d8), 6(d10), 5(d8), 6(d8)
Support total: 14 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8, Companion Charge d10, Beset By Lindner Knights d8, Outflanked By Hussars d8
Ice Wolves assets: Prepared Positions d8, Inspired d8
Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d10, d8)
Raider Host rolls: 6(d8), 3(d6), 2(d6)
Opposition total: 9 | Effect Die: d6
Outcome: Success (vs 9)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Knights of the Fastness vs Raider Host
Knights of the Fastness rolls: 1(d10), 1(d8), 7(d8), 2(d8), 8(d10), 1(d8), 6(d8)
Support total: 13 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8, Companion Charge d10, Beset By Lindner Knights d8, Outflanked By Hussars d8
Knights of the Fastness assets: Flanking Positions d8
Hitches: 3 (rolled 1 on: d10, d8, d8)
Raider Host rolls: 6(d8), 3(d6), 1(d6)
Opposition total: 9 | Effect Die: d4
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d6)
Outcome: Success (vs 9)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Companions of the First King vs Raider Host
Companions of the First King rolls: 9(d10), 8(d10), 2(d10), 2(d8), 3(d10), 2(d8), 4(d8)
Support total: 17 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8, Companion Charge d10, Beset By Lindner Knights d8, Outflanked By Hussars d8
Raider Host rolls: 8(d8), 4(d6), 4(d6)
Opposition total: 12 | Effect Die: d6
Outcome: HEROIC SUCCESS (vs 12)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Expanse Hussars vs Raider Host
Expanse Hussars rolls: 2(d8), 1(d8), 8(d8), 1(d8), 4(d8), 7(d8), 1(d10), 6(d8), 5(d8)
Support total: 15 | Effect Die: d8
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8, Companion Charge d10, Beset By Lindner Knights d8, Outflanked By Hussars d8
Expanse Hussars assets: Elevated Position d8
Hitches: 3 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8, d10)
Raider Host rolls: 8(d8), 4(d6), 1(d6), 2(d8)
Opposition total: 12 | Effect Die: d8
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d6)
Expanse Hussars complications invoked: Overextended d8
Outcome: Success (vs 12)
Ada
=== SUPPORT ROLL: Knights Custodian vs Raider Host
Knights Custodian rolls: 9(d10), 8(d8), 6(d8), 5(d8), 8(d8), 10(d10), 2(d8), 6(d8)
Support total: 18 | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complications: Taunted d8, Companion Charge d10, Beset By Lindner Knights d8, Outflanked By Hussars d8
Knights Custodian assets: Holding Ground d8
Raider Host rolls: 5(d8), 4(d6), 2(d6)
Opposition total: 9 | Effect Die: d6
Outcome: Success (vs 9)
Bogdan
(Bogdan) Bogdan can see it. The distance closing between the Ice Wolves and the main Raider body. But he can also //feel// it. The decades of combat, of leading these warriors, and their fathers and mothers into battle, It is a sort of a sixth sense that the old man has, and so he knows it is time to prepare them for the next, big push.
"You fight for your families! Your fight for your villages and your homes! Drive your spears through them and see them off back to the abyssal pit from which they came!"
With an approving roar, the Ice Wolves charge forward, spears pointed at the ready, looking to run them through the bellies of the main bodies.
Gregor
(Gregor) Where before there was some anxiousness among the ranks, the Knights Custodian have found their resolve. Standing at their front alongside other heavily equipped infantry, Sir Gregor stands prepared to receive the mammoth's charge with shield and axe at the ready. He calls out along the line, "Stand firm against these beasts from the Expanse! We hold here to receive them on shield and with blades!"
The mammoths continue their charge toward the Custodians lines and Sir Gregor, along with other officers, continue to call out for feet to remain planted and shields presented forward. The ground may be trembling with the mammoths charge, but it could just as well be a figment of Gregor's own imagination. Breath steams in the air as mounting adrenaline causes some to begin breathing heavier while they watch the furred faces of mammoths intent on charging at and over them.
When one of the mammoths suddenly veers to the side and into its own lines, Gregor lets out a loud shout of celebration that's taken up by others among the Custodians. It's cause for celebration but it's short-lived as there's another mammoth storming across the tundra directly at the Knights Custodian formation. Their patience and resolve is rewarded when the next mammoth takes a wrong step forward into nothingness and suddenly tips forward, crashing onto its front and face. Its handlers spill or are thrown from the howdah and that seems to be the signal necessary for the Custodians to surge into the fight. "Advance!" Gregor calls out finally as the Custodians leap to that order like a rope pulled taut suddenly snapping and relieving all the built up tension. Sir Gregor moves forward in formation along with those who serve beneath him, yet for the same cause. Blades flash and spears jab as they put down the mammoth's handlers during their advance on the mammoth itself. From there the orders of Sir Gregor Zebdel still stand and soon the implements of war carried by Custodian heavy and light infantry alike begin to strike out at the fallen mammoth's legs and exposed belly.
Sabine
(Sabine) Sabine keeps watching, as the beasts are dispatched and the Knights Companion swing back behind the lines to reform. Long moments of silence, before her eyes settle in on a spot in the enemys line. Her hand drifts down, wrapping her grip around an axe once held by a god, some of the last magic in the world. And slowly drawing it forth. "Signal the charge."
The words soft, and a bit final, and followed by the horn from the signal troop at her side. The shift of troops, and then the thunder of hooves as the combined weight of the Companions push into trot than gallop, lances level, axe of Valon held high as they rush towards the enemy center.
Sigitas
(Sigitas) It feels just like the right moment for Sigitas to give the signal for the charge, when everyone else gets ready as well for combat and soon enough the action begins. With a grim expression on his face, the Sikorin Boyar watches as the cavalry crashes into the enemies and urges them further on, as they seem to have the advantage for now "Cleanse our land from those monstrosities. Fight for those that they have already taken."
Depart
Zoja departs.
Ada
(Ada) The raiders were expecting a head-on clash, charging towards the ranks of imperial infantry, not this -- not being picked apart by a surge of cavalry crashing into an unprotected and then, soon after, entirely disordered flank, with the Companions causing particular disorder, while Sigitas' hussars make it a long way -- to the point of being overextended. The black-armoured warriors in their midst attempt to reform them, to have them turn to face the charge, hindered terribly by one of the mammoths which goes charging straight through the heart of the horde.
Another of those mammoths is caught in the defile, and Gregor's Custodians set about it, inflicting wound after wound after wound. Only the third is in any way still on the go, but its crew are struggling to steady it as imperial archers continue to loose arrows at it. The Ice Wolves surge headlong into the van of the horde, the fabulously well-armed shock cavalry following Bogdan straight into the tick of it.
The exact purpose of the strange, unarmed young fellow with the warriors of the Divine Assembly becomes clear. As Silja's knights cut into the side of the horde, the young man is ushered forward, even mid-melee. He utters a prayer to Siegfried as he stares out at the raiders, and where one moment, there was a knot of black-armoured warriors, next, there is a sphere of blindingly bright light. It is fleeting, though, and the godtouched abruptly collapses thereafter.
Ada
(Ada) And, left behind, after that sphere of light vanishes? Ash.
Marta
=== TEST: Marta vs Mammoths ===
Mammoths rolls: 5(d10), 1(d10), 8(d8)
Difficulty to beat: 13
Mammoths Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d10)
Marta rolls: 8(Prowess: d8), 3(Fighting: d8), 2(Hidden: d8), 8(Ambushed: d8), 7(Ran Into A Defile: d10), 7(Uncontrolled: d10), 7(Distinction: d8)
Total: 16 (vs 13) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Invoked opposition complication(s): Ambushed, Ran Into A Defile, Uncontrolled
Sabine
=== TEST: Sabine vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 1(d8), 2(d6), 4(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 6
Raider Host Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Sabine rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 4(Warfare: d10), 7(Companion Charge: d10), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 12 (vs 6) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Companion Charge
Sigitas
Sigitas rolls: 3(Leadership: d6), 4, 1(Rhetoric: d4 (Doubled)), 5(Distinction: d8)
Total: 9 (vs 8) - Success | Effect Die: d6
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d4)
Silja
=== TEST: Silja vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 8(d8), 4(d6), 6(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 14
Silja rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 7(Warfare: d8), 1(Beset By Lindner Knights: d8), 2(Divided In Two: d10), 7(Distinction: d8)
Total: 14 (vs 14) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Beset By Lindner Knights, Divided In Two
Gregor
=== TEST: Gregor vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 7(d8), 4(d6), 5(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Gregor rolls: 2(Leadership: d8), 8, 8(Warfare: d8 (Doubled)), 9(Divided In Two: d10), 1(Distinction: d8)
Total: 16 (vs 12) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Divided In Two
Bogdan
=== TEST: Bogdan vs Raider Host ===
Raider Host rolls: 5(d8), 6(d6), 6(d6)
Difficulty to beat: 12
Bogdan rolls: 1(Leadership: d8), 7(Warfare: d8), 8(Divided In Two: d10), 6(Distinction: d8)
Total: 13 (vs 12) - Success | Effect Die: d10
Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)
Invoked opposition complication(s): Divided In Two
Sabine
(Sabine) Sabine keeps going, as do her troops. Light infantry don't really stand a chance against the charge of heavy cavalry, not without proper anti horse weapons, and the impact is as devestating as can be expected. Other members of the Companions overtake her, and the initial path carved by Valon's axe, and the orders to her signilar are clear. Forwards, forwards, through the enemy in line, split them in two then loop around.
The rest is just a matter for the chroniclers.
Marta
(Marta) The searing light striking into the midst of the battlefield makes Marta turn that way -- because it clearly heralds something. Good or bad can't be determined by her, not from this distance. She sucks at her teeth once more, and returns her focus to the howdah crews. She has a job to finish, and an iron will. And several more arrows to deliver to the crew to ensure that the giant beasts are no longer under the control of the enemy.
Ada
(Ada) The chroniclers may note, certainly more than Sabine ever would in her stories, the CRACK, as if thunder had sounded, every time the Axe of Valon strikes a target, or that it sends the foes of the empire flying tens of metres each time, such is the force behind it.
Ada
(Ada) The last of the mammoths is left decrewed as Marta continues to pick off the howdah riders, arrow after arrow striking home, and it slews around, rampaging on the clearest course off into the desolate tundra.
Bogdan
(Bogdan) "Forwards!" shouts Bogdan over the clash of swords and spears, the calvary driving into the raider host, slaughtering them as the others crash into the sides and flank and otherwise mop up the Terror forces that seek to march in. Although there is not great glamor on being the body that faces the enemy head on, someone must be the fix so the others can be the flank, and the well-trained, well-disciplined, and high-morale elites are more than ready to be it. "They will not route, just as you will not route when defending your homelands, so run them through and make them pay!"
Sigitas
(Sigitas) At first the Hussars turn out somewhat overextended and this might turn out at an disadvantage at some other time and place, so Sigitas does his best to correct it immediately, before the troops continue to close in on the enemy, while other allied troops join in on the encounter, their numbers turning it into a more and more clear victory at the end of the day. This doesn't stop Sigitas from staying focused until the last one of the creatures' existence is rooted.
Gregor
(Gregor) The mammoth fallen and blades put to work, the Custodians emerge from the defile on the raider's side of the deep ditch. Sir Gregor moves to stand after pulling himself up and onto the defile's edge. His shield raises along with his axe as he calls out, rallying the Custodians to continue forward once they've finished their climb to the top, to the last. "They brought their beasts and they fell! Forward and fight together!" Sir Gregor's call to action is answered by freshly blooded and energized Custodians as the heavy infantry begins to move forward at a hurried pace. Their harness and implements of war clatter or rattle as the Knights Custodian advances.
Along with Lady Sabine Lindner's charge the heavy cavalry of the Knights Custodian rides, taking their guidance from the same guidance that she gives to her own knights.
In the melee Sir Gregor commits himself alongside the knights under the banner that they serve. The Knights Custodian's banner charges into the fray with the raiders and Sir Gregor fights beneath it. He catches blows upon his shield and answers with his axe, felling one opponent after another. Where his shield or axe may not be convenient, he utilizes shoulder blocks and armored elbows to thwart an attacker before their blows may land.
The Knights Custodian overruns the barbaric host as one after another falls and the Custodians, maintaining their cohesion seem to approach the matter from a very purposeful and regimented manner. No one knight rushes ahead of their neighbor. They anchor themselves together as their heavy shields and armor protects them during their advance and their blades send the bastards from the Terror to whatever afterlife they may or may not believe in.
Ada
(Ada) The enemy host begins to collapse as imperial troops envelop it. Some of the black-armoured warriors put up a staunch fight, but the core of the raiders, vicious though they are, are poorly armed and barely armoured, and they collapse before the weight of the superb imperial soldiers, now free from the perils of the great beasts they faced.
It is some time before the sounds of battle entirely subside. The enemy is shattered utterly, but, as ever, there are imperial casualties. This is how the Expanse is. Some in the empire wonder if the Commonwealth will spare its superb soldiers for battles elsewhere, whether the Companions or the fine knights of House Lindner will fight with them. Can they afford to?
Here and now, though, the empire triumphs over the eternal foe of Lonin.
Depart
Marta departs.