War is Coming (IC)

[Gamblerjoe]

The Breach

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This description covers a minute or so of activity.

As the members of the Figher's guild attack the right flank of the phalanx, several hobgoblins break rank to engage them, covering each of the human fighters 2 to 1. the humans show complete superiority to the hobgoblins, provided they are not in a phalanx. one of them falls, but all 8 legionnaires are easily defeated. several more break off to engage them, but meet the save fate.

Now, without a commander, and facing a crossfire of ballista bolts, the left phalanx loses the will to fight. They all break rank and flee. Their withdrawal is in an orderly fashion, but as soon as their shield wall breaks, the archers on the palisades are ordered to open fire. Using precision fire (as opposed to volley fire) they mercilessly pick off dozens of Kenelm soldiers.

The commander of the right phalanx orders his men to press on. As they make their way to the breach, the Athlan hoplites close it up with their shield wall. As shield wall clashes with shield wall, the 2 sides engage in an epic shoving match. It appears that the Kenelm legionnaires are trying to simply push the hoplites out of the way.

[Lore]

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Phalanxes sometimes engage in shoving matches, even in open fields. Many armies, in fact, have agreed to meet in a large, flat, open field and engage in a "sportsmanly competition" style of fighting, with the winner gaining the upper hand in whatever dispute started the whole thing. Most lawful humanoids, especially non-good ones, are proud to die for their masters' disputes, no matter how petty.

In more cutthroat situations, such as an all out war, things are different. The best way for one phalanx to best another is to attack its right flank. Only right handed soldiers are considered suitable for training in phalanx tactics (this applies to both Kenelm and Athla.) Since soldiers carry their shield in their left hand, and are responsible for protecting the person to their left, every soldier on the right side is partially exposed. They are rigorously disciplined not to break form to protect their own skin. If there are skirmishers attacking, some will break off, fight them, then rejoin the phalanx.

The result of this weak point is that 2 phalanxes engaging each other will spin around in a counter-clockwise circle trying to hit each other in the right flank. Whichever side had drilled movement more will be able to move faster without breaking formation, and therefore have the advantage. If you break formation, it is all but over. You opponent can stop worrying about your right flank.

While all of this is going on, the front rank or two of each side is attacking with swords or spears. If one side finds them self with a significant numeric advantage, it is to their advantage to start a shoving match. Having the advantage is nice, but causing your opponent to break formation, and possibly even flee is perfect.

As Deklin and Evan reengage the Kenelm army, they are treated to an unexpected sight. A human of meager proportions sporting a long brown robe and a "philosopher" haircut emerges from atop the palisades. He jumps off, skidding down the side with his sandals. 10 feet from the bottom, he pushes off, rolls, and merges seamlessly into a full sprint toward the fallen Fighter's Guild mercenary. he stops 10 feet from the man, and stands there, assuming a defensive stance. he dresses and moves like one of the monastics of the temple of Ilmater, but if this is the case, it seems odd that he would just stand there while a man bleeds to death. Before this thought can fully manifest itself, the largest of the soldier's wounds closes, and his eyes snap wide open. Without another instant of hesitation, the monk scans the battlefield and runs toward another fallen soldier...

Most of the skirmishers on the east side of the breach begin going after the Kenelm archers. It's an absolute chicken run as archers run for their lives from swordsman and cavaliers.

Slowly but surely, the remaining Kenelm phalanx find themselves alone on the battlefield. Soon, the southern expeditionary force returns to Highcastle and cuts off their only escape. They surrender themselves to you, including their commander.

As things wind down, you have time to catch your breath, and take stock of what has just happened. As you look at the battlefield to your east, you can see why Kenelm didnt hit the breach harder than they did. You can see the remains of no less than 10 more phalanxes that were formed up and on their way. They where coming hard, but clearly underestimated the strength of Highcastle's siege weapons. Most of what Kenelm brought for their own siege weaponry lays in ruins, scattered across the battlefield.