Stradia: The Fourth War - Chapter 1 Cont "The North Falls"

[Azisien]

Alandir was the first to speak after Graeme and Ishva. "Thank you, sir knight and lady monk. Sir Graeme, your words are wise, but harsh. Many of the townspeople have already left for Midgaard, fearing the Venurian invasion. It is true there are citizens still here, but they should be given the choice to leave or stay. If they are willing to help in the defense, we should not turn them away, even if they have past their primes." He paused to clear his throat, and returned with a voice even more full of hope and confidence. "We can contact Weste immediately and organize a joint evacuation of all the civilians, and commit all of Weste's militia to their defense...Plus some of our own if more are required. However, the majority should remain for the defense." He glanced at Ishva. "With luck, your requests will not fall on deaf ears. Then, he turned slightly to face Aieris. "Only a day after our fellow Kenshurians die in battle, and you mock them openly at this table. Were I elder, the next sound you would hear would be that of the north gate closing at your back."

Rowan spoke now, this time without the accompanying angry fist. "With all due respect, especially to you Sir Graeme, but last bastion of the north or not, we are not fit to combat a Venurian army. Midgaard is a much larger city and it's defenses put ours to shame. It's garrison will also challenge the Venurian numbers directly. If they come and storm us without relent, I do not see how we could hold them off for more than a day, even with every militiaman here. We might kill many, yes, but their numbers will simply overpower us, we will fall, and our civilians will have lost their only protection. At least with a retreating mindset, they will probably not be able to launch their entire force against us simultaneously, and they will be harder pressed to kill us while we're on the run. And attack! Attack them? We don't even know where their camp is! We've looked, and we haven't found it. I am sorry, it could take days, or weeks, to find the Venurian camp, by which time they may be ready to lay siege upon the village." The ranger fancied a quick glance at Bentis. "I would rather not have our city take advice from a militia recruit fresh out of boot camp."

This time the angry voice that assaulted the ranger side of the table was not Alandir, but Sergeant Ereagus. "When last I checked, you were not present at the battle yesterday, Rowan! This militia recruit has a name: Bentis Fairtide, and you would do well to remember it. He fought a Venurian sorcerer head-on in an attempt to save Captain Nord's life, while you sat comfortably in Gole."

Rowan growled. "I will not stand here while you berate me for moderating this village's only source of enemy intelligence and movements, instead of participating in an unsuccessful and disasterous counterattack!" The house master stormed off to his own room.

Today, it seemed silence would be a frequent visitor.

-------

OOC: Bah, ran out of time for the Venurian side. Will update/do another post later!

[Mintaro]

Penn raised a hand quietly. His mind had been turning over a few possibilities. His hand was summarily ignored so when he got a chance to interrupt he did so. "There is still another Possibility we have not considered." He waited until every one had looked at him to continue. "Well we have the luxury of still being near the Forests. We could simply split our forces. Keep the Majority of our foot men and archers in the city to Defend against the siege. This will convince the enemy that we have indeed taken refuge. Mix that in with a fake retreat line to get them beleiving more of our troops have been sent away. Rather than retreat however we simply send our mounted troops into the forests. We have enough rangers and supplies to last us awhile out there. We can simply keep out of sight until the enemy settles in front of Gole for their siege. Then launch an assault. Attack from two fronts. They will have to surround the city, spreading their troops thinner. We can use a concentrated force to Pierce into their camps. If nessesary we can retreat and do it over and over again, though one major assault would probably be better. In the mean time we would hopefully have Reinforcements coming. We can instruct them to group up and attack as a large group as well. With two forces assaulting them plus the archers Volleying arrows. We can catch them without hope of escape."

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

[OOC: sorry I haven't been posting very frequently. Exams are driving me nuts]

Xivven's neutral expression didn't change when she thought over the battleplan. One of her fingers absent-mindedly traced the tattoo over her left fingers. From what news she knows so far, the most recent combat resulted in both sides taking heavy casualties. Hitting them with a second, stronger wave as soon as possible would be a sure way of securing Kenshurian defeat and withdrawal from this place.

Xivven tapped a well-manicured nail on her chin.
"We could cut off all communications between Gole and Kenshuria. Any rider dispatched we intercept, any bird sent we shoot down. Let nobody know any news of Gole, nothing come in, nothing come out. Within the five days, we can send hit and run teams across all the major roads - as well as find the lesser known ones - to harry and intercept any Kenshurians trying to make contact with Gole.
"While we're at it," Xivven continued, thoughtful for a bit, "if we still have enough troops left, we could stage guerrilla tactics. Scout the land, familiarize ourselves with it in the five days. Engage in the enemies cautiously. The constant whittling will serve to further break their spirits and the lack of communication with the rest of Kenshuria will weaken their resolve."

Xivven fell silent again.

[Ugainius]

"Miss Xivvan, while that sounds like an excellent plan, I don't think we have the resouces to make it a reality. Also, it reduces the effectiveness of our forces by stretching them throughout the countryside. A better idea would be to hold all the troops together until reinforcements arrive, sneek them into position and surprise the Kenshurians with a full strength assault."

Alexander sighed "However it all depends on whether the enemy retreats or stays to defend. I hope they choose which strategy to employ soon, lest we be tempted to take the wrong course of action."

He hoped he didn't sound too pretentious.

[Azisien]

Captain Jyde listened to the chatter until it had died down sufficiently. He rolled a claw absent-mindedly across the various maps and scrolls on the table as he spoke. "Disruption should continue to be our goal. Mithik, how many men remain at our disposal?"

Mithik hadn't moved, but now only one healer was at his side, and the wound was almost completely healed. The sorcerer's claw was clenching and unclenching repeatedly, working out stiffness. "If we exclude both the dead and wounded from the battle, we have one thousand troops still waiting for orders."

The gargoyle captain nodded. "Ample amounts, but Von Paulus is correct, we should not spread our forces too thin. Raiding parties from here on should be small, strong, and mobile. Oyo, that means we'll need ample use of your hunters. All of our regulars should remain at the camp and prepare for the siege. Hmmm...If the Kenshurians do decide to get brave, they will be hard pressed to find the camp with so few of our troops roaming the countryside. Mithik, find yourself a new tent, and get to work on some creative raiding routes. We can't have them shadowing us back here." Jyde shoved some of the maps towards Mithik. "You can use these."

"Sir." Mithik complied. The lieutenant moved away from his little corner of recovery to retrieve the maps with his good arm. Then, he left the tent with his healer in tow.

"Right. Lieutenant Von Paulus, if you would care to look at this map, you would know that there is no traditional way to sneak up to Gole. Moving through the nearest forest will be slow for the entire legion, and there is a good deal of grassland and farmland in any direction around the village. There is the option of a night assault, but we'll need plenty of torches to get into position. If you do have a creative solution to steal us total initiative for the coming battle, I'd like to hear it." Jyde then turned to Xivven. "Let's see what the two of you can do in the field, however. Disruption is our goal and you seem to have the right frame of mind. I'm sure Lieutenant Oyo will be generous enough to impart onto you some of his hunters. I'd like the both of you to wreck some havoc south of Gole. Take plenty of arrows and javelins. Maim their reinforcements, food suppliers, and couriers. Take plenty of supplies for yourself, too, and stay out in the field until two days before the rest of my legion arrives. You can leave as soon as you're prepared."

Finally, the captain turned to Ariosto. "Chaos would be bred best from the inside, I like your thinking. Get what you can out of any prisoners we brought back to the camp, then I want you and Oyo to sneak into Gole and stay there until the night before the attack. You're both human, you should be able to blend in. Kill some Kenshurians that are still stupid enough to wander outside Gole's walls and steal their clothes, make a story, and get in. You could also weasel your way in by cover of dark. Ariosto, your magic should be sufficient to keep you safe, but be careful. Especially if anyone saw you during the battle. Collect intelligence, do your best to slow their operations, sabotage, assassinate, what have you. The men will be indebted to you."

Jyde clapped his huge hands together. "Let's get going!"

"Uhh, what aboot me boz?" Zoreg seemed hurt.

"Make sure the troops staying in the camp don't get too rowdy. I hope you can handle some babysitting. Now if there's nothing else I should know, proceed with all of your duties." The captain proceeded to sift more seriously through the stacks of parchment littered on the table.

******

The stone archway overlooking Midgaard's eastern gate gave a spectacular view of the Thambas River and the outlying farms. It also let Lord Hebridean examine the hundreds of temporary huts built for refugees and army soldiers that could not fit in the city. With all the refugees trickling in daily from the north, his city was greatly overcrowded. It had been well-populated without the war, and the walls would unfortunately not expand to allow for infrastructure.

A knight approached the lord of the city and bowed deeply. The man was not a knight of the Long Patrol. He was dressed in full battle attire aside from a shield, even though battle was still quite far from Midgaard. His beautiful full plate mail had been dyed a dark green and gold trimming. Spikes built into the wrists and ankles of his gauntlets and greaves mimicked long, dagger-like claws, and his war helm had a similar spiky appearance. A hefty-looking mace was strapped to his waist. Not technically a knight, he was a Templar of Bahamut, some of the most elite fighting units in the entire city, and personal guards of Lord Hebridean.

"Victor, what brings you to the east gate archway?" Hebridean asked as the templar approached. Compared to Victor, Midgaard's Lord was not much to look at. A human man, five foot five inches tall, bald except for a thin ring of light brown hair from ear to ear around the back of his head, and fitting of the stereotypical "plump noble." His robes were similar to a monk or priest's, with the same dark green and gold style of the templar's armor.

"My Lord, another legion has arrived. Six thousand strong, mostly swordsmen and some archers."

"Good. Get them across the river and into these huts, then." Hebridean looked pleased.

"I thought you should also know, civil unrest is mounting. I believe it is the tight living quarters, but old prejudices are rearing their head during wartime." Victor continued.

At this, Hebridean turned his head to face his templar. "The dwarves?"

"Most probably. Six more elves were murdered last night. A family, in their home. We didn't catch the culprits, but the wounds hint at dwarven weaponry. My Lord, we've already increased guard patrols in the elven areas of the city, but our men are stretched enough as it is." Victor's tone was becoming angry.

"Anger will do us no good here, Victor. Your men can only do their best, I can ask for no more. Do not increase the patrols any further. Give the family full rites, I will cover the expenses personally." Hebridean turned back to watch the Thambas. A large rowboat was approaching the gateway to the docks; yet another supply ship from the dwarven cities. Abruptly, the Kenshurian lord reached into his robes and pulled out a letter. The symbol of the Order of Recogni had been inked on it, and it was signed by one of their monks in Gole. "Ah, Victor, before you go. The approaching legion should stay here and recover from their long march. What of Lord Darren's legion?"

"He's getting bored, sire." Victor said flatly.

"Very well, he should proceed to Gole, then. See to it his entire force is mounted. Time is our ally no longer, and I fear for our dear friend Gorn."

******

The kick was so powerful, it removed the wooden door from its place in the frame and sent it hurdling through the air for a brief moment. The assailants were already into the room as the door made a loud crashing noise and came to a stop on the floor. A figure jumped out of the only appreciable furniture in the room; a bed. There was a metallic grinding and a silvery shine that revealed the sword the surprised figure had unsheathed.

"What do you plan to do with that, Alazar?" One of the two uninvited guests asked mockingly.

Alazar tried to cut down the man who had used his name, but he was no warrior. Another grinding noise revealed the assailant's own weapon. Alazar's sword made a loud clank as it hit the floor first, followed by his arm up to the elbow, followed by an animal scream. "Your technique was mediocre. It would have been passable if the attack had been faster. This isn't a training camp, either, so that move cost you your arm. Let's see what you lose next." Alazar's attacker knelt down before the screaming merchant and gripped the older man's fleshy stump with his free hand. Alazar's screams of pain intensified as the raw tissue, muscle, and bone sizzled and bubbled from fire unseen. "Ah, the pain." After the wound was burned shut, his arm froze almost solid, three inches up from the elbow.

"Who ARE you?!" Alazar managed between groans and cries.

"That special item you had in your possession four months ago, where is it? You know exactly which one I'm talking about." The attacker said, his voice was cool and level.

"If I tell you...y-y-you'll kill me!" The merchant said.

"If you don't tell me, I'll kill you." Negotiation was easy with the pathetic.

"I'll tell you...If you can guaruntee my safety, and...and fix my arm! And I want one thousand gold pieces! After that you'll never see me again!"

"That's a lot to ask for, given your position."

Alazar shook his head. "No, it's not! It's worth that much! And you...you know that!"

For the first time since arriving, a smile crossed the lips of the late night trespasser. "Very well. You have a deal, on my word."

Alazar nodded frantically, gripping his frozen upper arm. "Gole! It's in Gole. Bentis Fairtide."

"I'll need to know what he looks like." The first man glanced back to the second, who had stood behind and to his right hand side the entire time. Alazar screamed a moment later, and the second man smiled and nodded.

"Excellent. Thank you for your cooperation, Alazar." His attacker reached for his belt and retrieved a pouch. He tossed it into Alazar's lap. "It's not gold, but they're scry gems. Eight of them, worth three hundred apiece if you're persistant enough. And you are a merchant, after all." The man grabbed Alazar's stump. This time the merchant only yelped a little. With his sword placed on the floor, he used his other hand to connect the severed arm to the stump. White light poured from his hands onto the two pieces, and after a few moments they became one again. Alazar's upper arm also thawed. Ten seconds passed, and it looked like nothing had ever happened.

"I gave you my word, and so you will receive in full." The man said flatly. He picked up his sword and stood. The second man behind him nodded, seemingly for no one, and left the residence quickly. "However, no place in Kenshuria is safe, so I cannot possibly grant you that. Only in death will you find true safety."

Alazar's eyes lit up as if a torch had been ignited in his head. "What?! No, you can-" A torrent of flame burst from the man's free hand, and incinerated Alazar's head. The spell ignited the floor and bed nearby, and soon the entire room was catching fire from the intense heat. Silent now, the man exitted Alazar's apartment.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

"Sir."

Xivven glanced briefly at Alexander. "If it wouldn't be much trouble on Lieutenant Oyo's behalf, I would like to request a dozen hunters to accompany me in harrying the outskirts of Gole. More would be ideal, but the smaller the group the easier it is for us to disperse before Kenshurians could mount a counterattack. We will not be engaging any hostile movements openly, but should the event ever arise, I would also like to request for a lesser combat medic to aid us in the mission, pushing the group's numbers to fourteen."

Xivven turned to Alexander and prompted, "Lieutenant Von Paulus?"

[TheBlindMime]

Loki took the opportunity to move through the crowd as the attention was drawn away from him, without his full mail upon him his usually thundering movements seemed deft and controlled. It was easy for a man below eye level to move amongst a gathering such as this, everyone was so uncomfortable the slightest touch would cause them to move aside.

He was speaking low enough so only Gorn could hear before the Elder even realized the dwarf was there. "In ev'ry one of oure' chess games, you had to make the tough choices to claim victory over me. The sacrivices you made howevar drove you to victory. The mindset you had then is the one you need now, you must sacrivice the pieces for the objective. Alandir is going to let Weste fall to try to steady Gole but I have seen the way the Virnirans fight. They hid amongst the dead to ambush our troups."

It pained Loki heavily to say this, to admit to his friend that he believed Gole to be lost before the battle even began. He wiped his eyes clean before continuing, "They will not rest nor wary until Gole has fallen, they will take Gole by any underhanded tricks their deviouus minds come upon. To even begin defending this town we ar' gunna need to destroy needless buildings, to give our defenders the open space they need for when our defenses our penetrated. We will have to tare down buildings that you and I put up together, though as I recall I did most of the heavy liftin'."

Loki laughed just a little at his own joke, turning away from his old friend. "And you may have to leave this town behind you..." Loki turned to his old friend speaking just a little louder but still not disrupting the main discussion, "But I swear to you my friend with the Kinshuran army at our backs and the wrath of the gods in our war cries, we will take this place back. If'n I had a family name I'd wager it on that." Loki would risk his life upon that oath as well.

"Hell, if'n you asked me to I'd march through the gates of the underworld with you my friend. I will fight for Gole with e'erything I have and more to give those dammn Virnirans what for!" He raised his fist in the air, the proper method of giving what for. "But only you can decide that my friend, I have told you what I believe to be true to the best o' my ability. From this point forward I will follow what you believe; To the gates of the underworld and beyond if need be, just give the word." Loki motioned towards the group of speakers and the growing anger and infighting amongst them and their rival strategies. "So long as you remember, you are Lord Gorn Altreas, and Gole is now and will forever be your home."

[Loki, The Fallen]

Vincent felt very out of place in this room. He was not a great tactical mind, nor did he feel that he had shown any exceptional bravery in the previous battle. He sat nervously as talk of retreat, talk of making a ‘Last Stand’, and other plans flew across the table. He had seen the enemy, and he heard some of the possible plans being discussed, and it worried him. He was still afraid for the other inhabitants of the city, many not able to fight. And with all these concerns flying about his mind, he prayed. He silently called out to the light, beseeching it to guide them.

Eventually he spoke.

Sirs, forgive me for interrupting. I am not one with tactical knowledge, but from what little of this discussion I understand, it sounds like there may be a consensus regarding this towns non-combatants and the need to evacuate them. I may seem rushed to say this, but if this is our desire I would advise that we immediately notify the townsfolk. That process will take quite some time and I fear the longer we delay the longer we give the Venurians to approach.

The urgency in his voice barely covered his nervousness, something he never felt addressing a congregation.

[Ugainius]

"Lieutenant Oyo, may have eighteen of your archers, please?" Von Paulus asked. "They are by far the best units for ambushing the convoys of men and supplies that will be heading for Gole.

I must also raise the question, before I leave, what will we do if the Kenshurians decide to cut and run?"

[Barahad]

The council had reached an impasse. Those who had argued for retreat were unlikely to be swayed by any of the arguments which might yet be presented. Likewise, those who advocated a strong defence of Gole were as unlikely to be swayed as the others.

Graeme turned to Elder Altreas. "My lord, we can argue the merits of defence, attack and retreat until the Venurians are upon us, but I feel that the council cannot reconcile on these points. I would ask that you bring this council to a close and give us our instructions regarding the defence or abandonment of Gole. In either case, there is much work to be done, and none of us know with any certainty how much time we will have to carry out our orders."

He fell silent again, his mind churning. He was certain that abandoning Gole would be a grievous mistake, but it seemed unlikely that the others around the table would be easily swayed. The debacle of yesterday's battle had put the fear of the Venurians into them. They doubted themselves and their abilities. There was no way to convince them of the possibility of resistance short of a successful defence, somewhere, somewhen, somehow. If a man would not fight tooth and nail for his home, then why would he fight any harder for a city to which he held no attachment? No, a defence had to be mounted at Gole, and if it were not the whole militia, Graeme at least would remain, alone if necessary.

His face grew grim and dark as he pondered on these things. He silently prayed that the Elder's decision would be swift.