Ethica: Medieval Warfare - Skirmish in Pine Valley Woods

[GrievousKhan]

Battleground Summary:

The armies of the Morad Empire and the Nation of Gybahdin have assembled along the northern borders of the empire. Due to the thick vegetation of the Northern wilderness, commanding officers on both sides know they will need to relay heavily on scouting parties to avoid ambushes and giving away their position. They quickly call on their Mercenary companies to form up into battle groups and send them out to act as Vanguards. The Black Ravens send a small detachment southwards through to the Pine Valley Woods, a strategic and easily defensible location, control of the valley would mean the Gybahdin's have easy access through the heavy woods without relying on the rivers which the Empire strongly controls. Knowing the Valley could be used to outflank the main army, a Redwold party is sent out by the Empire to the valley to secure it before the Stygian's can. The smaller forces are easily able to navigate the tough terrain and will reach far before the main force will, easily hidden from dragon rider scouts above. Whatever side can win this small skirmish will retain it for their faction.

Name:
Pine Valley Woods

Picture of Battleground



General Size/Description:

Both Teams will start just 20 feet outside a large open clearing, the glade is 60 yards from north to south, and 100 yards wide from west to east, a few fallen trees here and there. The Black Ravens are north of the clearing, the Redwolds south. The land is mostly even, save for a large hill to the east end of the clearing that is littered with ancient ruins. To the west end of the clearing is a large and rocky stone formation, climbing it is near impossible even for the best equipped and skilled climber. Aside from these two great land features, in the very center of the clearing is an abandoned and partly ruined fortified camp circled by stakes, it takes up a small area of 32 feet or so. The palisades that circled the small camp, just 7 feet high and made of thin wood, have for the most part have been torn down and broken, a few pieces of the palisade wall are still standing though these are few. Mantlet's, large immobile wooden shields 5 feet high or also known as pavise's, are littered about the clearing, most however are within 10 yards of the ruined camp.

Within the camp itself one would find a small catapult, it's lever missing or torn off, though a replacement could be found, one would need to reach the camp itself first. Aside from this the clearing is for the most part empty save for some wooden stakes and ditches located at the mouths of the clearing both north and south. It seems evident this location has been fortified by both sides of the conflict at varies points, though who originally built it is unclear. Whoever can take control of the small camp in the center of the glade, as well as it's catapult, would gain a huge boon for either side. Not to mention it's ample supply of cover and spare bolts and arrows within.

It is midday and partly cloudy, with a few rays of sun shining down through the clouds. Once in the clearing it would not be difficult for either side to see each other, and those with long enough ranged weapons may be able to fire off a few shots.


Magical Properties:

The Valley itself is not truly magical, though there is said to be something foul and evil that lurks within the ruins, these may just be folk tales however.

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions, aside from climbing the rocky stone formations to the west being impossible to climb

[Skallagrim]

Opening Gambits-

Lars sat quietly on his black and gray destrier, back in the shadows of the trees as his eyes scanned the field before them. The field was clear save for the ruins in the center, a good place to hold for it would allow them defense against a larger force. Sweat trickled down his face as he wiped away the droplets, the shield hanging on the frog on saddle, his helm before him as he eyed the skies for any indication that the dragon riders were watching.

A quick smile crossed his lips, he had ridden on one during the siege of Monte Kassium, it had been a glorious day. They had sacked the mountain fortress and driven the Gybahdin and their lackeys the Black Raven before them. It had been a hard fought and earned victory. It surprised Lars that a cadre of Orcs made a last stand; they fought magnificently, holding back the Redwold as the cowardly Gybahdin lord escaped into the mountainous gloom with his retainers.

Hearing the songs of the birds stop, Lars glanced around quickly, how long had it been? Cursing under his breath, he urged his horse back a few paces further into the shadows of the trees and drew his cloak around him to offer more concealment. Had an animal come close or were it something more deadly? Licking his lips, he cast his eyes back at the other members of his patrol, his eyes locked on the Allomancer for a long minute, then back towards the far end of the field.

The ruins would be vital to securing this area, especially if they had come across a Black Raven scouting group, or worse a party of Gybahdin cavalry. The long spear leaning against his horse he gripped tightly, the rush of adrenalin pumped into him as he began framing his thoughts for combat. His eyes rose skyward while he muttered a quick prayer to the One God for the strength to carry him safely through this battle. Slipping the great helm on, he adjusted his shield, hefting the spear and laid into the frog near his boot until he needed to level it.

The destrier pawed the loam, it felt its rider prepare and it did likewise, its thick muscles rippled as the spear slipped into the frog, causing the horse to emit a soft neigh. The next few moments would dictate how this fight would go if indeed a fight were about to begin. The soft wind ruffled the black cloak as Lars looked back at the others again, his voice low, “We may have company…prepare yourselves.”

[GrievousKhan]

The Game Begins

Zubili trended carefully through the heavy underbrush, his scale armor rattling lightly with each step. The going had been surprisingly rough, though nothing the Black Ravens could not handle. It had also been fairly uneventful, save for the one air patrol of scouts that had flown to low and close for comfort. Had it not been for a nearby cave they had managed to shelter in. Their advance and position could have been compromised. The elves of the forest were close allies to the Empire, and n ambush by elves could men the death sentence for his unit. Despite the close call they had managed to make it to the Valley in one piece, and once more it seemed there were no Imperil troops or Redwold dogs anywhere to be seen. However just because he did not see them did not mean they were not there.

The ruined remains of the fortified camp in the midst of the glade seemed an excellent area from which to defend from. Best of all it seemed to be completely empty, meaning it would be a simple task to occupy it. Nearing the edge of the clearing, he stooped to a crouch, using the shadow of the trees and bush's to conceal himself as much as possible. He held up a hand for the other behind him to close to a stop as he surveyed the clearing. The valley was wide and large, large enough to allow the passage of a much large armed force if necessary. It was easy to see why the Stygian's wanted this valley. The clearing however seemed void of much cover, the grass not nearly tall enough to hide a full grown man, even of they crawled the full length. The east end of the valley was closed off by hilly terrain possessing uncountable ruins and the rock's to the west looked even more impassable. A three foot deep and ten foot wide ditch was just eight feet away from Zubili's position. Judging by the stakes it and left over equipment, it was evident this area had been fought over before, belying it's significance. He squinted his eyes for a moment as he stared out to the other side of the clearing, swearing he saw something shine in the shadows as a stray ray of sun hit it.

Having taken in the terrain Zubili breathed in deeply before sharply exhaling, he know the most obvious goal would need to be that camp. He looked back on his men, hardened killers and warriors the lot of them. Tested and true. Between the orc Dorm, Krathos, and the man named James, each own was armed with a ranged weapon, even himself, making them all capable at a distance, and being lightly armored allowed them to move quickly. He looked to Dorm, one of the larger members among them. Zubili calmly nodded his head toward the clearing, in the direction of the camp. Indicating for him to take point. He turned slightly toward James and the others.

"Stay low and move quickly, Dorm will take lead, me, then Krathos, and the rest then follow closely behind."

His order was short and spoken just loud enough for those nearby to hear, well out of ear shot of anyone or thing on the other side of the glade. If there were enemies in the shadows, they had just a long distance to travel as his men. It would take a horse to make up the difference. When they were ready and moved out in formation, Zubili kept his eyes on the other side of the glade as they cut a path through the foot high grass. He chose his formation carefully, allowing Dorm possessing the most armor and longest ranged weapon to take point. The two swiftest of them with the least armor would be in less danger, should their foes possess bows. Now it was a manner of seeing what followed as his party would quickly charge for the camp ahead.

[MelonHead]

Dorm looked at Zubili, he was the captain and his orders were to be followed, at least for as long as it was convenient.

The Orc marksman clasped his crossbow negligently in one hand, resting the loaded end on his shoulder casually and flicking it forward into his free left hand as he was given commands. It was likely that their foes lurked somewhere off on the other side of the plains, and if he was being sent first he wanted the cover of the palisade surrounding the camp up ahead. It was true that he bore the heavier armour, with an iron chest plate and full leather covering the rest of his body. Even the shield on his back was heavier than most, and the sword and dagger at his hip just in front of his quiver of bolts marked him out as a well-equipped mercenary.

“Grah.” He grunted in a guttural tone of the Orc. “As you say.” He nodded to the Captain of the Raven scout force, and pressed forward. Leading the group a few paces ahead, despite the weight of his equipment his powerful muscles forced him onwards at a brisk jog with the smallest of efforts; he was well used to walking in his line of work fully equipped for battle. His crossbow at the ready out in front, loaded and prepared to fire, he maintained point on their way to the encampment.

Should they reach it with no engagement with the enemy, he would enter and quickly jump up onto the far side of the palisade and take a defensive position. However, that scenario was exceedingly unlikely to transpire, and Dorm fully expected a dangerous race to the superior position to quickly ensue.

[Silux]

What did Krathos care for the plan? He was getting paid and that was what mattered. The coin held his loyalty, and the Black Ravens held the coin.

The party had emerged within a thick line of trees that framed an opening in the forest. The Black Raven mercenaries, led by the mysterious Zubili, found themselves at the Northern tip of the clearing. Looking across the well lit break in the canopy, one would be greeted by the sight of a crumbling fortified camp, surrounded by dilapidated walls that were evidently fast succumbing the the whims of time and the ferocious appetite of the forest.
Krathos had moved quieter than most of his allies through the undergrowth, owing to his favor of a minimal armor approach to combat. Overall, he was impressed with the Black Raven Mercenary Party’s skill in staying hidden from whatever patrols, Elves or Sky-Riders had been lurking and waiting for them to make a ill-informed choice and step into a trap. That wasn’t to say he necessarily trusted any of them; he merely assumed the majority of them had been paid to undertake this mission just as he had been - either in coin or something far more foul that, quite frankly, Krathos did not wish to dwell on.

As it turned out, Zubili was a sharp eye. Almost as sharp as a hawk. From a distance, Krathos, too, caught a reflection of a wayward ray of light to the South, but would have thought nothing of it if it were not for Zubili’s orders that followed momentarily afterwards. He seemed fairly calm and collected in his organization of the mercenaries; he was confident in his abilities. Krathos could see that much, even if he was mostly unreadable in his emotions and body language. This was good. He was just like Krathos.
We’re going to need one like im’ if any of these Imperial bootlickers show their faces.

He followed Zubili’s orders to the letter. They did not yet seem too unreasonable.
Drawing his bow and knocking an arrow, Krathos crouched himself down as low as possible, obscuring as much of his body as he could within the grass as he focused his vision to the Southern end of the clearing, hoping to catch sight of any movement. he was not sure what was lurking there, if anything, but he felt that he would be ready for it. Krathos drew the string of his shortbow back with a slight creak of the wood straining, and held the arrow in place while noting the fortified camp. He expected a mad dash towards it would be happening in due time. The Fickle Knight turned his head to Zubili and whispered in a mimicked slight tone “You better be payin’ me enough for this’,” as he returned his gaze to the Southern end of the clearing, waiting for the heavier Black Ravens to make their move, totally ready to cover them if worst came to worst.

[Bushidoxisamu]

The young assassin was of coarse was underestimated by his skills of finding his targets. Following behind the group of killers as his job was just to cover the rear. He follows and keeps his steady pace as he pets his little friend on his arm, whispering to the bird "Go be my eyes Ares" the falcon nods as the bird flies up into the sky where the bird is out of range for any kind of fight or will have enough time to dodge anything thrown at the little partner in crime. Ares circles around the area where to the two allies said they think an enemy was at, as it was a signal confirming that there is someone there and moving. Not saying anything cause it can be some sort of animal.

He reaches in his coat and pulls out two throwing knives and one is hold upside down while the other is face straight. Using one as a guard for a sudden ambush and with the one ready to knock out an enemy from a distance or close up. Keeping his guard up as he scans the area around him to check for anything unnatural to the environment, since he learned in training spotting a difference in the surrounding area could mean of a possible advantage over the power of surprise.

[DarthWarman88]

Miklo Simonyi followed his master's orders to a tee. He silently creeps forward towards the enemy camp,the wind whsitiling in his ears, worried he might be spot approaching by a enemy and killed before he even has a shot to defend himself. He sees the enemy camp like it was nothing and stops..... nothing. Then he goes and keeps moving forward and in the process sees some of his comrades close by, some at the same distance, some behind and some ahead of him in various positions, ready to move forward for the epic assault on the enemy camp.

He crouches down by a tree and waits.....

[Sikako J]

A woman dressed in studded red leathers was looking about the soon to be proving grounds. Her hair a copper tone, shortly cropped not to interfere with her vision. Her eyes shifted over her chosen troops for her little mission; one amber in color with a slight hint of copper flakes the other an azure shade and steel bands. She noticed some of the others looked at her with questioning expressions, which was a normal reaction he was used to. She was only five foot four, had a few more curves than your average woman and looked to be younger then nearly all the other captains. But the ceramic mask and the glass daggers at her side were a clear give away that she was not your average warrior. She was an Allomancer, a person born of her homeland that allows them to "burn" (or use) ingested metals, enhancing various physical and mental capacities.

Being an Allomancer was a rare ability of her people, most were only able to use one metal being called Mistings. She however was one of only a hand full of known Mistborn, able to use all allomantic metals and gain their corresponding powers. Her teachers in the Steel Ministry had taught her the basics of metal 'pulling' and 'pushing' as well as pewter burning, to boost her strength and speed dramatically.

Somehow she had ended up here after having been “transferred” out of her own homeland that she now had been fighting against for several years. Her powers allowed her to excel among the ranks. She was a trained Mistborn, one of the most efficient killers of the Central Dominion of Serendin able to use all allomantic metals one could burn. Twelve vials lay strapped safely to a leather belt constructed to keep them safe. Inside contain the source of her truly gifted powers. However she knew that her superiors didn’t appreciate her form of fighting, she wasn’t formally trained as a knight thus she didn’t see the need for true noble combat. You got down and dirty to kill who needed killing.

That is why she had handpicked the team that was before her. Fandor Thule the brutal hammer wielder with armor thick as a palisade wall and a temperament that matched that of an angry badger. He was younger than she and she knew little of his history. But he had come highly recommended in defense combat, stories that he had held off twenty-three Hazekillers (a lower level albeit dangerous mercenary group) in a keep’s hallway.
Next was the man Lars Grimsson, the Zwarte Ridder, a man that needed little introduction to those that knew of combat. He was highly trained in the great sword and was rumored to have cleaved a man and horse in two in one fell strike. He was also a well know ‘mar-sha-ka’ grappler, able to pin nearly all that came against him. He would need to be the moral backbone of this group to keep the Redwold’s honest, he deeds of defending the weak well sung. Next to his stead he was already giving ill tidings for the upcoming contest.

The other that was near to the gathered group was a bit of an odd choice, the dreaded Feisty Ankle Biter, Evvie the one of dragon blood. She was young, brash, overconfident, and never backed down from a mission thus far. Her reports had mentioned that she had somehow destroyed the iron portcullis of Fort Red Rock over a single night…but no one knew how she managed it.

She decided to burn copper, to keep her safe from being sensed by other Allomancers and Magic users. It produced a cloud about her that interfered with others ability to sense metal and life force. She had worked on extending her cloud’s range to about thirty feet, ensuring the group could avoid any scrying attempts. She quickly drew up a vial labeled with a purple marker and drank the contents. Feeling the new metal link in her stomach, she began to burn brass, the metal of Soothers. She stepped up projecting a calming feeling about her to draw her warrior’s focus.

“I know you all think it odd to take orders from I…” a small grin formed under her mask as she burned brass to steer away any feelings of doubt in her troops, “..but I have been give command for this mission. We are to take and hold this Valley from the clutches of the foul Black Raven moneygrubbing beasts. They know little of honor, lack discipline, and cannot hope to match our combined might!” She then began to burn zinc, to enflame their desires for victory and to enhance their confidence. “Before stand a collection of warriors that kingdoms would pay hills of gold and would quake in their boots to face against in open combat. The Black Ravens are little more than wild animals to be put down, but remember a cornered rat will fight with all it has. Watch from the sky as their arrows will most likely be laces with toxins most foul. My copper cloud can help keep us from sight until it is time to strike, act as shield brothers and protect your flanks. Lars lead forward at a trot, Evvie to his sword arm..Fandor fall into position behind Evvie and all be ready to face a hail of arrows before we can meet them face to face.”

[Skallagrim]

Two Knights Defense

Lars eyed the far end of the glade, the ruined structure helped conceal the view, however it appeared as if something moved in the shadows, grunting he wished that a far-sighted elf had come along. Exhaling softly he watched a hawk rise slowly from the trees before vanishing into the sky far above them, unless he moved forward he doubted he would see the raptor again.

Hearing the demure voice of Scouti, the captain, speak he twisted in his saddle and faced her, his eyes focused on her face. The mask gave her a haunting appearance, but then she was a spell user, an Allomancer, and that gave her excuse for the odd appearance. The truth be told he had heard of her, she was reckless, improvisational and a good leader. Her tactics and tricks mirrored the Black Ravens in the swift and unexpected nature of them.

That he had been selected to accompany her in this was a shock, he had thought he would be tasked with the cavalry to strike the slogging foot soldiers of the Gybahdin advancing through the high vales where the knights and light skirmishers would have their way with them. His eyes fell on the mammoth armored form off to the side, Fandor Thule. While Lars was taller and heavier, the armor that Fandor wore made him seem ominous, coupled with his legendary hammer and shield, the man was everything that he had heard from other footmen.

The last person he expected to see was the one called ‘anklebiter’. A creature rumored to be dragon… Lars shook his head as he eyed the female dragon being. Short and thick, although not unappealing if that sort of thing attracted you, she was definitely a whispered name. Some feared that she was omnipotent, perhaps turning into a vast scaled dragon at a whim. Although Lars had never heard of such a thing, he did wonder if it were possible. Evvie was also considered a reckless fighter, her weapons of choice her fists. It was rumored that she had wrestled a hill giant to a standstill, a feat of no small measure.

Scouti did magic, as she stood before them all, creating a cloud that instinctively caused Lars to hold his breath before sheepishly exhaling. As she spoke he let his gaze wander back towards the ruins, that would be the logical focal point, a place where both sides would need because it gave command of this opening, a place where men and supplies could rest after a trek. Turning back to her he nodded when she laid out her plan, casting a gaze at Fandor he grunted, “Into the breach brother…”

Exhaling he waited until Evvie was on his right, then he adjusted his shield, grasping his spear he leveled it, touching the flanks of his destrier, advancing forward at a slow trot. Settling into the saddle he made sure the spear sat securely in the frog on the back of the saddle to help hold it as the horse advanced. Slowly he emerged from the gloom of the trees into the sunlit vale, the great warhorse trembled as it wanted to charge, to run with wild abandon towards an enemy where the rider and horse would use their speed and strength.

The wind ruffled his black hooded cloak, billowing it out around him as sun glint off his blackened helm and the spear point. His shield secured on his left arm, covering his flank and slightly forward he felt the bottom edge of the kite shield tap on his boot.

[ImportantNobody]

While the group of mercenaries was travelling, Evvie, the half dragon girl, leapt playfully along the branches behind them, a large grin on her face despite the serious task at hand. On occasion she misjudged her leaps and either came crashing down or clawing desperately at the branches with her hands with chibi lime green wings flapping wildly, but for the most part she was able to go along a little more smoothly then that. She spent a lot of time outdoors, not even owning a house, so she had a lot of practice with such things in order to help kill time. She leapt again, this time some smaller branches above her scrapping inside of her light purple hair and snapping off. She ran her hands through her hair twice to try and brush off the larger pieces, but that was the extent of fixing herself up. She didn't care much at all about personal appearances unless it made her somehow look less awesome. She didn't even bother to rub off the smudge of dirt on her left check, which she had gotten while playing along the trail a little while back.

Walking through the forest normally was boring, especially when she was ordered not to run off chasing random animals that happened across their path. She needed to be close by the rest of the group in case something happened. Suddenly the group stopped moving, so she halted her progress on one of the branches, arms and feet planted firmly on what little space she had in order for her not to fall off while she was trying to figure out what they were doing. When it was clear that they were not going anywhere any time soon, she wrapped her legs around the branch and then hung upside down, causing her messy hair to dangle downward. She then let go and twisted around so that she landed on her feet, causing dirt and dead leaves to fly upwards all around her. She recognized that people wanted her to be quiet, so she sheepishly lowered her tail and fell into line with the rest of the group. This sort of behavior was not her style, but she liked hanging around them anyways and it lead to some interesting fights. Hopefully one was about to occur now because she was starting to get bored. She didn't like her friends getting killed, but up until now it seemed like she and her team could defeat any enemies that they came across.

She flinched a little at the cloud that her leader sent out, having a better sense of smell then most humans so it even left a bad taste in her mouth. She gagged a little bit and fluttered her wings, but then settled down. The second magic causing the desire for victory and raising confidence hardly affected her due to already feeling that way. If anything it gave her an overconfidence and a big head. She let out a grin, revealing her sharp canine tooth. Her silver, catlike eyes become both intense yet with a hint of playfulness. It was clear that a battle was indeed coming. She didn't understand every word that her leader said, but she understood the main idea. She was to go with Lars at the front, which was perfect. She'd hate having to go back behind someone and watch them get all the glory. She walked over to the man on the horse and gave him a playful little nod and a light flick of her tail.

She was able to maintain her pace with her horse despite her tiny legs, revealing that her physical abilities put her above what a teenage girl would be able to do. Her only disadvantage was a lack of skill compared to the others, but for things like this she had no trouble at all holding her own with them.

"Go! Fast as you want! I keep up!" Evvie called out to him while keeping her head down as she ran. She was feeling completely exhilarated.