BITE DEATHS FINGER

RIDE ON PROUD KING

It points at you suddenly, its once calm stature now replaced with one of agitated frustration.

'You! You will drown the court in blood and upset the balance! In your blindness you will save your nation, but not your people.'

It settles back into a relaxed position.

'But nothing I can say can change that.'

It turns to look away into the distance as if thinking deeply. Time passes and you feel the urge to ride on and end the dream. It turns to look at you.

'NEVER let it be said that I was UNFAIR. I can offer you the choice, to never wake up.'

It gestures once with its skeletal hand, in the other direction from which you came.

'RIDE with me. And save your people. End your life, and put behind you your call to glory. This is my offer, will you accept?'

***

(Note by the GM - This is my way of judging /tg/ interest, those interested in playing simply say No)

Your words are as empty as your existence, apparition!

I say nay.

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

*roll over, go back to sleep*

>>7473009
but . . . but I want to ride with DEATH

down into the UNDERCOURT

to take over and be UNDERKING OF UNDEATH-LAND and RULE EVERYTHING

Alright then, tell him no. I want to see how far down the rabbit hole this quest will go.

>>7473020
>>7473021

Without another word you urge your horse on. It canters softly away from the crossroad of dreams.

As the mists close in behind you, you see the apparition slump into its saddle.

'Always the scribe, always the observer...'

You feel yourself awaken...

>>7473009

'If you want my life, Death, you have to be prepared to take it your own bloody self.'

Spit in its face.

>>7473037

Where are we going? Did we intend to go anywhere? If it's a dream and we're aware of it could we leave now?

>>7473037

Where are we?

You are woken up by the hooves of horses outside. You rise from your make shift pallet bed and quickly throw on your jacket, emblazed with the oakleaves and swords, the Caldeonian symbol of a Lieutenant.

You throw open the flap of your shitty officer's tent.

Outside a cavalry troop attempt to control their steeds. An officer approaches you with an empty steed in hand.

'The King has requested the pleasure of your presence Lieutenant.'

You take one look at the horse. There is no mistake. It is the same one you rode at the Crossroads in your sleep.

You mount it without hesitation. Though the Royal Guard formed it as an invitation, a request by the King is as good as an order.

He nods and leads the way.

***

(Play Tutorial or Skip to Battle with Learn and Play)

Skip to Battle with Learn and Play

a thousand times Skip to Battle with Learn and Play

>>7473095

As you make your way to the king, the canter of hoof beats spoils the tranquility of the early morning air. The Cavalry Troop turns.

You see a bloodied and battered pikeman, obviously struggling to control his steed as it complains under his clumsy hand.

'The Viyu have attacked! The Captain has been killed! We need you back NOW sir.'

The Guard Officer nods once as you look at him, giving you silent permission to return to the 43rd.

You canter off with the messenger.

>>7473144

'Where did it happen? How many of them are there?'

>>7473144

Check equipment. Make sure everything is here. What are we armed with?

You arrive at the northern part of camp to find a bloody melee already underway. Under the tattered flag of the 43rd you see the trampled remains of the command group, the Captain among them.

As you spur your horse into a gallop, you unholster your sabre. The men in front of you look shocked and weary, the horsemen attacking them are heavy cavalry. As you canter in you manage to take one of the Viyu Knights in the back, unhorsing him. The Caledonian Pikemen immediately swarm him, finishing him off with slender daggers which they plunge into the visor his helmet with undisguised hate.

The other horsemen back off and ride off into the morning mist.

One of the pikemen grins at you.

'Good of you to come sir, looks like you managed to scare them off but I think they might be back any minute now.'

From the tents behind you emerge a troop of bowmen. They mill about uncertainly, their own sergeant lost amidst the suprise attack. Your own men rally them to you.

You need to prepare for the next attack.

***

You now control the 43rd Pike Regiment (Two units of Pike Infantry) and the 2nd Light Infantry (One unit of Archers)

>>7473144
wait what is a pikeman doing on a horse?
Meh, doesn't matter.

Do we have junior officers attached to us? We need a tactical shakedown of the situation.

>>7473301

HOW YOU PLAY - Battles are conducted AUTONOMICALLY, your troops facing off against the enemy using preset TACTICS which you will set for them. Until the the first half of the battle you will be unable to perform or change any troop actions, leaving them to carry out the brilliance (or the stupidity!) of your battle plan!

STATS Brief Rundown - A unit has an attack and defense value. Basically, if they have a higher attack than their opponent's defense, they will ROUT their enemy. The longer combat rages, the more your enemy loses their defense value. Setting up your troops to attack their weaker opposites is vital!

Pikemen Stats - 2 Attack 2 Defense (Special of 4 Defense vs Cavalry)

Bowmen Stats - 1 Attack 1 Defense (Special of Attack from Range)

Viyu Heavy Cavalry Stats - 3 Attack 3 Defense

Your current Troop Tactics are -

Pikemen front line, defensive engagement against all enemy forces. (

Bowmen front line, no orders.

Continue by issuing your orders or inspecting the men. When you are ready simply tell me to START BATTLE.

>>7473306

(He's a messenger, likely one of several cowards in your regiment who found the fastest nag he could and fled the battle! Junior Officers will play a VITAL role later but since this is Play and Learn mode, we'll take it a step at a time. Hope everyone is interested so far!)

>>7473301
pike unit one reform into battle line

pike unit two kneel in front of the archers, archers form a line and ready to loose.

we should remain behind the archers for the best view of our situation.

Can we see the enemy? Do we know where they are coming from? Range? Numbers? Anything?

>>7473311

Draw the bloody bowmen back!

Pikemen form a thick phalanx.

>>7473337

You peer into the morning fog. You eyes are worth nothing right now! Your ears however, pick up the marching of boots and the whinnying of horses in the distance. You guess infantry and cavalry, possibly the same ones that attacked you. Whoever is attacking you will probably know what you have.

***

Enemy Generals and Scouts - Scouts serve as the eyes and ears of the army. At the moment, you have no scouts nor are scouting actions available to you. Enemy Generals are your OPPONENTS. They too have an ARMY and control it as you do, issuing TACTICS through orders before the battle begins. Routing their army (or destroying it!) is the way to victory!

>>7473311

Inspect the men and give them encouragement! Something simple and quick, like 'These bastards are here for your lives and the lives of those you're protecting! You will yield nothing to them!'

>>7473379

What is our geographic situation? If they know how many we are and where we are we're screwed. It might be wise to move, since we'd be unseen as well. Then we could surprise them.

>>7473384

You muster your voice and your heart, giving the assembled men a quick and dirty encouragement. The silence that follows is uncomfortable to say the least.

One of the corporal's walks up you.
'Erm, nice of you to spread the information sir, but we'd be better off with a battle plan!'

***

Morale and Condition - All of your Regiments are in GOOD condition. Conditions can range from EXCELLENT to ABYSMAL, with tiers inbetween. Good is One above AVERAGE, and thus carries modifiers of plus one to all stats. Going backwards infers penalties when you go below average.

>>7473379

well, I like this thinking here >>7473401


What's our terrain? We need to find a hill or a muddy field to neutralize the effectiveness of enemy cavalry and maximize our bowmen.

Are there any field battlements or defensive positions nearby?

>>7473438

A muddy field sounds like a good idea, certainly. Heavy cavalry would be arrow fodder, whether on horse or on foot.

Alternatively we could just move quietly out of the path of the previous charge, and countercharge the cavalry when it comes through.

>>7473401

You gaze at the battlefield. The camp is ideally situated, a deep and overgrown forest on your left, with the rest of the King's Army on your right. Both protect your flanks and cavalry and foot regiments will suffer if they attempt to attack you through there on your flank!

Behind you lies the back of the King's Army, towards the Capital and the Supply Train! Falling back might well lead to disaster!

***

You can still fall back and muster a defence, but that is up to the anons in this thread.

Geographical Situation - One of the conditions that should be examined before battle, often one of your scout regiments will inform you of it and your eyes will tell you the rest (GM note - e.g. I'll fucking write it down)

THE BASIC TUTORIAL IS COMPLETE, TACTICS CAN NOW BE GIVEN (and other things have already been 'enabled', like talking and interacting with the men)

>>7473428

Half a mind to tie that corporal up and lash him, incidentally. But we'll do that later if he's still around to feel a lash.

>>7473490

you mean we're fighting an outflanking force?

this viyu force is clearly led by some sort of a tactical genius....

>>7473490
move archers into forest.

Move them QUIETLY and have them take up position JUST AHEAD of the main battle line of pikemen.

When the charge comes, allow the pikemen to absorb it and pin the fight into position. Then, have the bowmen fire into the backs of the enemy from the cover of the forest.
One mass volley first, then fire at will until arrows are depleted, then draw knives and charge the enemies flank.

The woods will protect them from cavalry charges, and they can always retreat if enemy infantry catches on.

>>7473523

(General Ursus Creed leads the Viyu force. He has left command of the flanking contingent to junior officer Canker Creed)

>>7473539

That's actually quite a brilliant idea. Seconding it.

Let's start the fight, shall we?

>>7473539
cont.

Make sure to withhold the first volley until AFTER the enemy cavalry has been committed.
If the Viyu scum send in only the infantry, let the pikemen cut them down until they cry for help.

>>7473539

Tactics -

Pikemen Back Line, Defensive Engage and Hold

Bowmen Front Line, In Ambush, Exhaust Ammunition and Counter Charge Enemy Flank

Start Battle?

(I ask again just to make sure all the players are happy with the plan, just say yes to get this SHOW ON THE ROAD)

>>7473027
>>7473095
>>7473306
>>7473438
>>7473539
>>7473566
here

namefagging for clarity

>>7473566

Tactics amended -

Bowmen set to Specific Target - Enemy Cavalry

>>7473553
Oh shi-
CREEEEEEEEED!

>>7473609

Sounds good, sounds good.

LET US ROLL!

rock and roll

>>7473648

Battle Phase Commence -

Your archers move into the woods as silently as they can. Though they are only militia they do a fairly professional job. You remind yourself to praise the bowmen sergeant.

Your pikemen take up a line behind the woods, the corporal in the regiment shouting exhaustively at his comrades to get into position.

Through the mist you can hear the enemy cavalry approaching. The first emerge from the mist and the smoke swirls around their ornate plate mail. Their ranks are thick but not thick enough to obscure the heavy Viyu infantry in march behind them.

BOTH ARMIES HAVE MOVED INTO THEIR POSITIONS

>>7473711

The Sergeant in command of the Knights unhooks an antler horn from his belt, the soldiers around him stock still as their steeds pound the ground in bloody anticipation.

You hear the pike corporal encourage the men.

"Steady you Farmer Scum! I'll not have this regiment buckle under their Barbarian Yolk!"

A hearty 'Ho!' Sounds in agreement and their pikes are lowered to fighting stance.

The Sergeant spots you behind the line, atop your horse. He salutes you with the horn and then blows. The sound is like the wail of the dead. The horsemen attack!

***

Two Units of Viyu Heavy Cavalry Charge the Pikemen Line!

Cavalry Charge Main Enemy Line (Tactics set to Break and Run Down Enemy) They do not Spot the Bowmen.

Enemy Infantry (Unknown Quantity) continue steady march. Tactics unknown.

this is it. We hold this line here and now and stop the charge, or we all die. There is no turning back at this point.

>>7473762

Hold the line! Hold the line!

Ride wherever the fighting is fiercest!

>>7473762

The Horses clash with the Pikemen in a cacaphony of steel and screams. The unarmoured horses and torn to shreds amidst the pike wall, throwing their better armoured riders to the ground. A few, thrown unfortunatly too far ahead, land in the middle of the line and are quickly killed by the pikemen. Far too many however make it back to their feet and all too easily fend off the incoming pikes away with their heavy metal shields.

The Bowmen emerge from the forest. Their sergeant sweeps his sword down.

The arrows fly fast and true, pitching horses and riders to the ground. The horses pitch to the ground, throwing yet more cavalrymen onto the ground in front of your pikemen. Volley after volley is unleashed into the Heavy Cavalry and the toll of bodies that touch the ground in a matter of seconds is staggering.

Away from the fighting you hear the steady march of the Viyu Heavy Foot turn into a pounding charge.

***

Pikemen have stalled the Heavy Cavalry! Casualties on Your Side - Light, Morale damage - Light

Heavy Cav Casualties - Heavy, ONE UNIT DESTROYED. Morale damage- Heavy but holding.

No Bowmen Casualties. No Enemy Infantry Casualties.

Enemy infantry on the advance.

>>7473839

Bowmen stop! We can't have them give themselves away to the infantry.

Pikemen continue to engage until cavalry broken. Then move back a few paces to use the dead bodies as cover.

fuck, we better get the bowmen stuck in before the Viyu heavy infantry shows up and F's them in the A.

The question is, do we retreat them through the forest, or charge them into the flank of the cavalry and try to force a panicked route of the enemies' elite unit?

>>7473875

I think through the forest would be better. If they charged the cavalry now the cavalry would probably route, but then the bowmen would be between our pikemen and the Viyu. Not a pleasant place to be.

>>7473906
true.

BUT

let's face it, once their cavalry routes, we're just going to BALLS OUT charge their last unit with EVERYTHING we've got.

First the enemy see's it's elite unit fleeing in panic, then they see the thundering hordes of doom on their heels. Panic is infectious.

>>7473839

The bowmen continue their steady fusilade into the back of the engaged knights. Their sergeant professional in his conduct as he ignores the incoming infantry, sticking to his orders.

The Pike Corporal seizes the moment.

'Into them men! Drive those dogs back! For Crown, Caledon and the 43rd!'

With a massive battlecry the pikemen surge forward. Even as the enemy cavalrymen shield themselves from the arrows they find themselves at the mercy of the pikemen. Scores are swept under by the methodical piston push of pikes and soon the survivors of the Cavalry charge are in full retreat, dropping gear and ignoring the pleas of their more crippled comrades.

The Enemy Infantry close with the archers. (Tactics - Watch Flank, Counter Charge) Their heavy armour and shields protect them from the few of your bowmen who were fast enough to shoot at them and in an instant they are among them. The light arms of your bowmen are no match for their enemy and many are sent down into the dirt.

***

Viyu Heavy Cavalry Defeated! (Two Units)

Pikemen Unengaged!

Bowmen under attack by Enemy Heavy Infantry (One Unit vs One Unit)

Battle has reached half-way, you may re-issue your orders to unengaged units.

>>7473939

Oh bloody hell.

PIKEMEN COUNTERCHARGE! TO YOUR COMRADES!!!

And have the archers back off, if that's possible at all.

>>7472973
That pic looks like Duerer's woodcut called "Ritter, Tod und Teufel".

>>7473875
>>7473906

(Sorry lads, but the battles are autonomic, so you couldn't issue orders then even if you wanted to! You can now though, so feel free to take those Viyu down a notch)

***

Morale Damage Viyu Cavarly - Absolute, Broken and Fleeing, no chance of Rally

Morale Damage Pikemen - None, Victorious over enemy regiment

Morale Damage Viyu Heavy Infantry - Medium, Dismayed over the slaughter of the greater half of the army.

Morale Damage Bowmen - Light, Victorious over enemy regiment but charged by superior combatants

>>7473939
We join the pikemen ourselves, and lead them in a glorious charge.

It's time to lead by example and rescue our bowmen. They were badasses and we will not leave them to be shredded by the enemy.

Rally the men, steel their hearts to glory, and ride for king and country!

>>7473939
Get the pikemen to charge at the Infantry, order the Bowmen to pull back if we can, we should also personally charge into the rear of the Infantry. Are there any enemy horses still alive? What would the chances be of some pikemen with riding experience being able to control them and use them as the enemy cavalry did (without the horrible death)?

>>7473967

(it could very well be. I do a little research for appropriate pictures before I run a public game like this but not enough to tell you where it is from!)

oh, look, it's medieval 2 total war

>>7473977

Also, yes, lead them from the front, waving your sabre ferociously.

>>7473985
>>7473993

Tactics -

Pikemen Front Line, Engage Enemy Infantry Offensive

Bowmen Engaged, Fighting and Holding (no further orders may be given though you can remember to set them to skirmish next time)

(The horses would take too long and your infantry are not equipped for it! However, you can still try if you want)

>>7474044
Forget the horses then, but remember to catch them after the battle, take the enemies equipment and train some men in its use.

Proceed to get round the back of the Infantry and show them our righteous fury.

>>7474035
can i use a clamoar instead?

>>7474044
make sure we get stuck in with the boys.

We can't expect to lead these mean if we do not demonstrate our personal skill and valor.

>>7474080

Tactics -

Pikemen Front Line, Engage Enemy Infantry Offensive

Tactics Set.

Battle Re-Start.

***

As the last of the cavalry stragglers run off, you ride down to the pikemen. The corporal finishes off one of the Viyu horsemen stuck on the floor, holding his foe down as it struggles against his hand. He looks up to you, expectant of orders.

You unsheath your sword. He grins and nods. No words need be said.

'FORM UP ON THE LIEUTENANT YOU PIG FUCKERS. SHOW THOSE VIYU SCUM WHAT FOR.'

You charge forward, sabre at hand to the beleaguered archers, your pikemen behind you.

***

General in COMBAT

Bowmen - Casualties Medium, Half Unit Left!, Morale Damage, Light, Taking Casualties but joined by General.

Pikemen On the Advance!

>>7474129

Ride in with the bowmen! Encourage their efforts while waving the pikemen on! FOR GLORY!

>>7474129

The Pikemen clash with the swordsmen, skewering those attempting to put the sword to the rest of your bowmen.

You charge in among the men, dodging several bows and behead one of the Viyu attackers. His victim gets up off the ground and says a silent prayer.

***

Bowmen - Casualties Severe! (3/4 of unit gone!) Morale Terrible, scared at sheer number of casualties but holding.

Viyu Heavy Infantry - Casualties Severe, Morale Terrible, Last Enemy Unit against Several Attackers but holding.

>>7474205

As you and the bowmen you rescue fight back to back, the full body of pikemen impacts. The Heavy Infantry lose heart and scatter.

You are Victorious!

STAND BY FOR POST BATTLE REPORT.

hoorays!

Wenches and Brews all around!

>>7474224

Hurrah! Right, get discipline back among our men. True victors take victory calmly, like everything else.

Form up! Proper lines!

>>7474224

2nd Light Infantry - Depleted and at 10% strength

43rd of Foot - 14% Casualties, Almost Full Strength

Morale of Army Group 1 - Excellent

Condition of Army Group 1 - Average

You have some time before the next Event, what would you like to do?

(Some GM Notes, you can now look indepth at the stats of your units, including skills and the officers that lead them as well as their equipment. You can set tactics now so that battles are easier to enter into and/or talk to regiments/officers)

>>7474304

We need to commend the pike corporal, as well as the sergeant of the bowmen, for bravery.

And yeah, tell us more about the units please. I think the bowmen might need replenishing...

>>7474304
what about junior officers?

Can we field-promote that bowman sergeant for his gallantry in the face of the enemy?

Can we send a runner to army HQ for reinforcements/additional regiments (ideally one unit archers, one unit light cavalry, and another unit of pikemen) , intelligence, orders, and to let the king know that we have opened the enemies flank for exploitation?

>>7474304
Could we send a runner to the general telling him how the battle went and reccomending some of the men for a commendation?

>>7474304
gather the surviving horses of the cavalry, start plundering the battlefield for usefull equipment and supplies, and set up sentries to watch for enemy movement, we don't want any unpleasent suprises.

>>7474328

You grin and unhorse yourself as the men pat each other on the back and listen to the laughs of men who had faced down death together, defiant.

Others still are bowed down amongst the bodies, grieving for their comrades who are all but gone or taking from the corpses the material things they will no longer need.

You walk over to the two officers who seem to be watching the horizon.

The bowmen sergeant rests on his bow as he scans the terrain.

'You can see we broke them, their regimental standards are cast down and their leader is fleeing with them. I don't think we can expect them back.'

The Pike Corporal laughs.

'Not after the beating we gave em! Good show!'

You grin and pat both men on the back, commending them on their bravery.

The Pike corporal grins and you can't tell whether he's blushing or the blood from the battle has rushed to his cheeks.

'Who knew such nice things came from royal bastards.' He says before he can stop himself.

The Bowman Sergeant laughs out loud, diffusing the tension.

'Truely, you speak the mind of the people.'

***

The Pike Corporal is named Bradley

The Bowmen Sergeant is named Caracus

The Bowmen are currently too weak to constitute a unit. All their stats are reduced to 1. The only combat role they can fill is that of scout and/or skirmisher. They are armed with Longbows and Civilian Clothing.

Both Pikemen Units are depleted but only by a little and are otherwise untouched. They are armed with Leather Armour and a small wooden shield along with their regulation Pikes.

>>7474432
>>7474377
Do these.

what's with the idea of gathering enemy horses?

We have INFANTRY.
You don't just get on a horse and ride into battle. Cavalry is trained for years before they fight. Our infantrymen have BOWS and PIKES, both of which are useless on horseback in this scenario.

I mean, maybe if we plan on covering the horses in pitch, lighting them on fire, and sending them into the enemy formation then fine, gather 'em up. But there is no way we can just scrabble together a cavalry unit that is anything more than fail.

Best bet is to send a runner to the king and request a cavalry skirmishing force or something.

>>7474375

(There are several ranks of Junior Officer, Officer of Regiment (e.g. Bradley and Caracus) Officer of Army Group and Officer of the Army. Obviously, at this stage, there is no need to appoint any since all your regiments have officers. In the future however, officers in regiments might prove not up to player standard or officers of experienced regiments might give boosts other units of their type will not have)

>>7474432

The surviving horses are skittish and hard to calm. Those that down run immediately bite and kick with fearsome force. You manage to gather only a handful of the more docile ones. Some men are already sporting the trophies of victory but a real scrounging effort may be undertaken to equip all your men with some form of enemy equipment.

(It's a risk, the next event might occur during scrounging but I leave it up to you to decide)

>>7474525
>>7474377

(WARNING, SENDING A MESSENGER WILL START THE NEXT EVENT)

>>7474478
designate the bowmen as an official scout unit. Have them arm themselves with swords (replacing their knives/shortswords) from the fallen cavalry/heavy infantry (shouldn't be a problem since there are so many enemy dead and so few bowmen left).

Have the sergeant gather them up and send him to the enemies last known position to scout things out and locate the rest of the enemy army, standing orders to avoid engaging and remain unseen.

Gather the pikemen and have them form up, keep them acting like a professional army.

Send a runner to the main HQ for this:
>>7474375
>>7474377

>>7474591

Send the messenger anyway. Ask for reinforcements.

As for the bowmen, reform them as scouts. Better that way, to keep them out of danger. If some of them can ride, give them the docile horses

Can't we save any wounded? Even if we can save Viyu wounded then we'll have prisoners to trade or ransom.

>>7474599
>>7474620

You send for the same pikeman who had summoned you before. Unsuprisingly, he looks unchanged and no fresh blood adorns his uniform.

You give a disapproving look and he looks away. You send him off on a horse to tell the King of your success.

As he gallops off you gather Caracus to you and explain to him his new role.

He nods. 'The Swords will be a good addition. I think the men will enjoy scout work, low danger and normal pay. I'll get right on it.'

(Bowmen have changed into Scouts. Scouts at 50% strength. Scouts have Attack 1 and Defense 1 and Special Ability Disengage. Default Tactic is Skirmish)

You can perform or interact one more time before the messenger returns.

Anyway /tg/, it's been good but I can understand if entertainment and interest is waning so I present to you a save point.

y/n for continue?

I'd like to continue, but I appear to be one of two people in this thread lol.

>>7474705
I will continue.

>>7474734

(Fucking tell me about it huh? I can only hope the others are simply reading and not playing)

>>7474705

Well, we should permit them to continue looting. And also, if no one's around, we should move the corpses of our dead into the forest or something.

>>7474705
well, I say we give the more docile horses to the scout unit to improve their mobility. If that's possible.

Form the pikemen up and set picket sentries, tell them to grab some food while they can as we wait for the runner to come back.

Send the scouts ahead and instruct them to keep to the forest. If they spot the enemy, they are to immediately disengage and return to us. If they do not, they are to continue to hold until we catch up at some point.

lurker here. Reading. Not much to say though.

>>7474756
>>7474662

You don't stop the men as they go about the aftermath of battle and they strip whatever is not bolted on. It took only minutes for men to replace lost shields, fill hungry stomachs and sport new helmets.

The horses are filled with the gear men don't want to carry. The Viyu wounded who can stand are forced to load the gear, under watch from small detachment of pikemen. (Supply Caravan and Prisoner Train Established.)

Your messenger returns quickly, followed by the Guards you had seen earlier.

He makes to speak but the officer, his cap now bloodied and his arm in a sling beats your own man to it.

'Your men are required immediately! The command post has been hit and hit hard! All units have been recalled by order of the Head Militant to the centre line!'

***

One out of Two Battles in this chapter complete! Moving onto Battle two...

>>7474862

(Ah well, that's fine. I'd try to include more but I always worry that waiting too long will exhaust the patience of some players)

>>7474863
oh, snap.
form the men up, start to march back.
Pikemen in front in phalanx, scouts behind, us/baggage train/prisoners last

and make it snappy, tell the men to move before they don't have a kingdom left to fight for.

>>7474863
Tell him to lead the way. We need to be there as soon as possible.

>>7474863

You ride ahead of your column, the men behind you ready and willing and already marching to the beat of a makeshift drum.

The officer, glad to be away from the fighting for even a moment starts what seems to be light conversation.

'I hear you were given your comission by the king himself. A high honor! I myself had to make it through the academy at Tyrul.' He grins and continues, 'How then did you manage to make yourself a Pike Lieutenant so quickly? The supply officers tell me you have only been here a month and my contacts in the Order Templaris and the Mage Confederation say you have not been issued any outside work, I find it hard to believe that the king-'

One of the man's aides canters to his sides and pulls him roughly before he can continue, whispering urgently in his ear. You wait patiently, you've had this conversation many times before.

The officer returns a little paler than before.

'I apologize sir, I did not realize you were one of our majesty's... many products.'

You continue on in silence.

>>7474931
PLOT INTRIGUE EH??

"cut the chatter, this is war, not a tea party".
Ride on in stoic silence

>>7474931

You reach the command post, tents overlooking a massive plain, an ideal observation post since it is mounted on a small hill. You can hear the sound of the general army down below but as you approach you spot the worryingly familiar ring of swords clashing to the rear of the army tents.

The Guards canter ahead and leave you behind, heading straight for the Royal Tent. A robed man stops you in your tracks and his guard bid you unhorse. As you unmount you spot the magical tattoo that the man spots running around the right side of his face, his blind eyes an indication of his life calling.

'We are lucky to have you here, him of royal blood so close in our... hour of need.'

The clanking of heavy plate boots interrupts the mage and he looks visibly frustrated. A group of Holy Templars approach and point angrily towards you.

'Is this the Royal Whelp?'

The mage shrugs.

'I do know not who he is, why not ask him?'

The Templar commander sighs and shakes his head.

'I apologize sir, but we have all been struck a terrible blow. Your... father was killed in a raid. A suicide squadron of skirmishers backed up by wild beasts set upon us before the real battle could begin. Once they had killed the king they melted away again.'

The templar stopped short, feeling uncomfortable. The mage continues for him, smoothly.

'Naturally, though you are not first heir Right of Blood and the rule of the Royal Army means that control of your father's army passes down to his next and, more importantly, closest son.'

go on . . .

>>7475042

You know you should have felt more shock or more pity at your father's passing. Though he could not show it publically he had loved you greatly and had helped you all he could.

But you feel nothing. And in your head, you can only hear one voice,

TAKE THE CROWN, LEAD THE PEOPLE, CLAIM GLORY.

You cut the chatter short and tell them to bring you a war map.

They fall in quickly and bring it to you without question. Perhaps there really is royal blood in you after all.

***

You now control Royal Army Group 1

You now Control

Order Templaris Detachment (One Unit, Heavy Cavalry, Allied Command)

Mage Detachment (One Unit, Support Artillery, Allied Command)

10 Pike Regiments (12 Units)
(25th, 18th, 22nd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 43rd)

10 Bowmen Regiments (10 units)
(1st Militia to 6th Militia)

6 Heavy Infantry Regiments (6 Units)

2 Light Horse Units (both set to scout)

1 Heavy Caledonian Horse Unit

1 Scout Unit

1 Named Scout Unit
(The Experimentals, Allied Command)

Objectives - Take control of the army and defeat the Viyu force

>>7475148
sitrep on enemy forces and current engagements?
Capabilities of our mage unit?

list of our units currently engaged?


This is a massive amount of information to keep track of. Curious to see how it plays out.

>>7475148
Make the pikemen our royal guard, with the sergeant commanding them, and make sure that they and the bowmen get some kind of award for being such righteous dudes.

>>7475170

Allies - Allies are forces on the field that react as if they have their own generals and tactics. You may appeal to them to have them follow your own tactics though this may be turned down or accepted pending other factors. They may or may not reveal their stats to you but stats will be revealed automatically after any battle having witnessed them in a fight.

Simplified Royal Army Group

28 Infantry Units, (12 Pike, 10 Bow, 6 Heavy Infantry)

3 Horse Units (2 Light Horse Scouts/Skirmishers, One Heavy Horse Shock Cavalry)

1 Scout Unit (Scout Dedicated Bow Armed Infantry)

3 Allied Groups,

Order Templaris

Mage Confedartion

The Experimentals

None Engaged, all awaiting tactics and orders.

Scouts have returned with INFORMATION.

Enemy Viyu Force (as spotted)

10 Heavy Infantry Units

10 Heavy Cavalry Units

2 Unknown Units

>>7475194
I believe the order templaris are probably the standing royal guard. Replacing them with footslogging infantry is a grand way to alienate and piss off your elite unit . . . and the rest of your nobility. The problem with nobles is their sense of entitlement.

>>7475268

Wait. That's it? What is the margin of success for a full out charge?

Is this the only army of our kingdom or do we possess more?

>>7475268

let's get that report from the scouts then, please

>>7475305

You are not sure if there are other armies. The Order insists they can have yet more Sword Brothers here in days though you do not know what that means, nor if they would be here for you or their order. The mage keeps to himself and simply smiles.

'I'm sure your father has more in this kingdom that what you see here, but for now you will have to make due.'

(Chances of success on a full frontal charge are almost negligible, their heavy cav hits harder and is far more numerous than your own cav, as do the Viyu infantry. Their unknown units might anything as mundane as more Viyu infantry or as terrifying as a magically charged Shock Cavalry unit or worse yet, the terrfying beasts of war the Viyu have a love of taming.)

>>7475347

Scouts report what looks like Unidentified Infantry marching behind the main Viyu ranks. However, they are too deep behind the main force for your scouts to get a closer look.

2 Unknown Units reclassified as 2 Elite Heavy Infantry.

SET OUT YOUR TACTICS AND PLAN OF ENGAGEMENT, THE VIYU ARE ON THE MARCH.

>>7475388
Form a battle line?

jesus, well . . .

form a pike line as our central combat front.

each unit in a phalanx with 6 feet of separation between each unit.
Heavy infantry forms up behind the pike line, each infantry unit stands between two pike units, and behind (so as to block the 6 foot gap, and be able to support either of the 2 pike units.

uhmmm . . . . skirmishers out front, orders to fire volleys but avoid melee.

Ask order templaris to be our honor guard, keep them in reserve with us. Mages to the center of the battle line, behind the pikes and heavy infantry.

cavalry to the flanks (2 scout units on the left, heavy shock unit on the right)

10 bowmen units stand behind battle line and prepare to fire high-angle volleys as the enemy advances.

>>7475434
>>7475458

(GM Note - Gotta run guys, real life has caught up with me for a moment. It was fun running it, even if only for two players. Changes... will be made. Stay tuned, and if you see another quest thread with me in it, be sure to stop in and remind me how much I suck/rock)

I still don't know what our mages can do, but we should have them concentrate on the enemy elite infantry

bowmen fire volleys into the massed regular infantry

pikemen will handle the heavy cavalry

>>7475488
No! I just finished reading up to this point and was ready to join in! Aw crap.

Alas, my troops in disarray!

>>7475584
>>7475627

Slow much?

Where's that slowpoke character when you need him.

>>7475656
I'll be the drunken bard, staggering around and horribly mangling tunes as my lord attacks people for whatever reason he chooses, eh?

Anyone gonna archive this?

Can't their Heavy Cav just outflank us? We must prevent it. Maybe we should use all our cavalery as reserve. They would be overwhelmed as a flanking force because of enemy's cav superior numbers anyway.

>>7475872
well, we never got a description of the terrain. I kinda assumed it was open field.

The point is, there's a lot of important info the OP never delivered before taking off.

>>7475937
As I recall, it was a hill overlooking a large plain. If they try to flank, we should be able to see it coming, though since we can't change orders until halfway through the battle...

Maybe set some of our pikemen in reserve along the flanks? Just one or two units on each side, with orders to hold the line in case the enemy tries to flank.

And yes, someone really should archive this.

>>7475488
damnit, just logged on to /yg/ and finished catching up
>>7475458
that sounds good but I'd suggest just putting all of the cav to one flank to increase their hitting power

Thread archived at sup/tg/. Vote it up!

>>7476246

I think we can assume, that enemy will try to outflank us, as he can smash through our cavalry. We should make a mobile reserve made of our whole cavalry (to hold outflanking cav) and a few units of pikemen (to strike tied cavalry). We'll have to do it already behind our main line, or the pikemen would have too much ground to cover. Once we destroy most of their cavalry, we can make our own outflanking maneuver and strike their infantry. We'll need a thick middle line of infantry to hold enemy heavy inf for long enough to finish with the flankers :(. Luckily, our front line is cavalry-proof.

>>7476409
Delicious +2 defense vs. mounted units...

>>7476246
yeah, but moving all our cav to one side would probably result in insta-flank of the unprotected side.

my idea was to provide an all-around solid defense, and hold the templars and heavy cavalry as reaction forces to stunt breakthroughs in our line and/or exploit gaps in the enemy line.

I really wanted to utilize the mages in some way, but we didn't get any info on their abilities. (Straight fireball damage mages, or buff mages, or what?)

>>7476605
Well they are classified as heavy artillery, so I'm guessing hellfire from the sky from our mage buddy. On another note, having all-around defense will be useful if they try to flank both sides and attack from the front.

is 'caledonian' a stargate reference by any chance?

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Strategy%20Quest

done and done fellow anons. Vote.