A situation arises...

[Lance Stargazer]

*Lance looking at the map and the figures on the field frowns a bit *

Well indeed not bluffing, yet I do not regret of the choice that we have made, even if the situation looks unadvantageous, its not worse than what we could have gotten anyway, this creatures holds the banner of an unfair cause, and they would have stabed us in the back at the first chance, not to mention that they attacked us first, We are not going to turn our back to our allies.

Now This indeed its something to worry though, I am not naive enough to not to consider this army a threat, but well, that not going to stop us, isn't it? They may as well try to come to us, to try to remove any enemies on their back, What most concern me is why they are  comming to us in first place if their supposedly intended target lies to the north, Something is afoot with them .

*he looks at the officers gathered* We have secured about 10,000 troops more to defend Briardusk, that have to keep the army of Khul in check , at least to think twice to attack on the western border, so we need to focus on this battle, and hopefully we end strong enough to show those Dragonstealers what is what they got for showing their nose on here.

I need the cavalry ready, and the archers as well, Need secured the warehouses and the supply lines, If they intend to raise a siege.

*He looks upon Vrebel* If you may so please speak of your ideas and proposals, we evaluate them and see the viality of them, we are here after all together to plan the best strategies.

*he moves a step closer towards Ell, then looks at Griff and the other gathered officers * Your ideas also are welcomed.

*he looks at the assembly*

[davidhoff]

*Griff studies the map intensely with one hand on the table bracing himself and the other clutching at his well trained beard*

Aye Command'a, just keep dem 10,000 Raelite toads outa dis foight n weh gona be jus' foine.  Toime on our soide 'ere, so weh bes make use a it.  We're gona need deh standard castle toype defenses, which Oim sure ye well versed on *coughs* archers, oil, foire arrows, trebuckets n deh loike.

*Griff looks a bit more at the map and the terrain surrounding the castle's 500 meter radius*

Which way ye figure deh gon'a beh com'n from ifn deh attack deh town?  If'n ders a better way tah funnel em, den weh bes be figuri'n how tah getem tah travel where weh want em.  Les try tah keep em on deh low ground n out n deh open ifn weh can.

*Griff stands straight and arches his back in a stretch*

Ye know, a couple tings.  One, is if we got em 'ere or weh can make em quick loike, how bouts some far shoot'n large arrows launched outa balistas.  Oim talk'n big ol'e arrows loike dis soize *motions the size of the table or approximately six feet*.  They don't need tah be accurate if we're talk'n 50,000 plus troops packed loike sardines, they jus need tah shoot far.  Loight dem bassards up wit some foire n a foire bomb attached, n dat do some damage n scare tah heck outa dem gobotypes fer sure.  Oh, n weh may wana  dem balista's at 'bout three-quarters pow'a.  Dat way once deh tink deh got us distanced, weh can lay inta em again at full pow'a.

Now, deh otter ting.  Weh gona need tah be able tah have some small stroike forces ready, so deh can get n and outa deh castle quickly.  Oi figure ifn deh gots some trebuckets dat do'n damage to us, den weh gona need tah go out n root dem suckers out.  Also, ifn we catch eyes of dis ugly arse Orc leader den weh bes foind a way tah get tah 'em quick loike.  If'n weh can face der lead'a n wipe him n his groupies out, den der moral gona take a big hit n most prolly start run'n fer hills.

Also, Oi's suggest set'n up some ov yer calvary hidden outsoide deh town, so if'n weh need em n a planned attack, den deh can come in on deh enemies flank so we're not all com'n outa deh castle proper loike.  Ye can figure some horn signals or deh loike tah get yer message tah em.

Meh Voraxians n Oi stand ready n will'n fer deh foight Command'a.  The Battle Fath'a has led us 'ere for a reason.  Faith Command'a, weh jus need tah believe n He will allow us tah prevail over our enemy.  Our camp is very strong.

[willhoff]

*As Lance and then Griff speak Vrebel lowers his head and enters the tent.  He pours himself some of Lance's "bourbon" and then leans against a tent post drinking and listening until their finished.*

Some good suggestions Major Silversand.  I like keepin' a force outside the city walls for counterstrikes.  I also like yer idea of greasin' the battle field.  If we have time I'd say dig trenches outside the walls and poure grease in em' as well.  Once the enemy is in range we have Jil's archers light em up.

*He regards Lance*

Nice of you ta find somethin' for them Raelies ta do Commander.  I'm sure you know we'll need extra guards around our food stores inside the city.  There aint much outside these city walls to eat and an army of the size Jil is talkin' is gonna need provisions.

I'd like to have scouts out in front of this army from the North East so we know how fast thier movin', their direction and how long we have to prepare.  I don't like surprises.  If thier movin slow enough it might be a good idea to pick them off and reduce their numbers as they approach our way with small strike forces at night.

Do we know if there are any tunnels or sewage routes that we can access to leave the city?  We could use them for counterstrikes against the enemy and possibly evacuate the women and children if things start goin down hill.  If the enemy is aware of them then we'll have to make preperations to defend the city from incursions.

*He looks down at the map and continues*

Seems like a bit of a chess game.  Apparently their putin all their resources into Sundance to remove any chance of us comin' on thier flank.  After their done with us they can concentrate on Siphe Principality.  We dont know what that shadow cloud is gonna do.  Maybe it will attack Fieroz City while the horde attacks Sundance.  Maybe it will join the battle here.

As for Jaedon *he stares at the tent walls with a smirk*  we'll see how honorable he is and if he chooses to come to our aid seein' as all this appears to be his fault.  I'm not holdin' my breath.

Commander maybe you can get those talkin rocks back to operational so we can coordinate with Commander Stormhaven.  I hear she used to have some influence with Siphe.

*He leans back against the tent post and lights up a pipe*

[Aerimor]

Deciding to stay near the fire giants, Steel also watches Ractra fly away. With the dragon out of sight, he turns to Razeriem, assuming the elf hasn't already started fraternizing with the nearest fair maiden.

"You were right. I see a forced march coming, and that means field battle again."

He sniffs, turning about to survey the city surrounding him.

"This place is really popular. Maybe we should open a tavern here."

After a few more minutes of looking at the giants with whom he entered the city, "Perhaps we should go find the Champion... or at least comfortable lodgings."

Of course I was right, it's a curse really.

I am NOT getting involved in ANY military chains of command.  I had my fill of ground wars and being responsible for folks at Brairdusk.  

Here is my plan, lay low and stay out of sight.  When the fighting starts, find a place to be useful and unaccounted for.  Save a few units, slay a few foes and get heaps of gratitude from those I helped because my help wasn't expected or counted on.  Maybe save the Crimson Dragon there or Siphey and get a game of chess out of it.

*Casts invisibility and a few moments later dispels it.  Raz is now dressed in a flowing white shirt, black breeches, black vest and black hood, drawn down low over his face.  His fabulous Heartseeker (small sword) still at his right hip.*

Alright lead on, but remember.  No responsibilities, I'm -just- here to help.

[miltonyorkcastle]

"No responsibilities. Got it."

He looks Razer up and down. "I think I'll call you 'Chess', given your current look and affinity for the game. Now, what do you want to bet that what we're looking for is in that big tower over there?"

[Aerimor]

Chess?  You're serious? How about Knight, Bishop or even better Rook.  You know, like you do to people.

*Raz smirks beneath his hood.*

Lead on to the rook err tower, Bishop.

[Dezza]

Castle Siphe:

The next twenty four hours at the castle see the place as a hive of activity as respective battle groups are mobilised and outfitted for war. Supplies are stockpiled and loaded onto as many carts and wagons as can be found, groups of armed Siphe Garra move through the city seizing anything they need for the fight to the south on Sovereign Lord Siphes orders. The first few merchants that protest, men who travelled from Hilm to trade with the Siphe Garra are promptly arrested, have their papers to trade in the Pincipality burned before them and are then escorted to the border and forbidden to return. The rest soon fall into line.


During that time rumours abound around the main castle and out into the city
...Jaedon Siphe is now part human, part dragon
...Daniella Stormhaven has agreed to bring Toran's armies to the battle
...Ractrafiorez has come to prove to the Siphe Garra he will protect them
...Jaedon Siphe has decided to marry the princess of Nesar so they can help fight Shadrixkayls minions.
...Jaedon Siphe has decided to marry the Lady Eliza of Hilm with the hope to one day assume Lord Alexanders role and control all of Hilm.
...Jaedon Siphe has sold his soul to the fire giant king
...Jaedon Siphe is hiring the infamous adventurers and notorious mercenary Steel and Razeriem to assassinate Shadrixkayl
...and more.

But what is known for certain is that the dangerous and highly trained forces of the Siphe Garra and their Fire Giant and Toranite allies are preparing to march south to war with the growing forces of Shadrixkayl that lie hiding beneath a vast cloud of Mist that seems to provide them with some protection.



Sundance:

A city full of fear, already almost a third of the populace have fled the city fearing another rampage through the city as happened when Kuhl invaded Hilm and the Myr'drachs killed without abandon on the city's streets.

Even the presence of Hilms emminent Commander, Sir Lance and some notable personages in Captain Vrebel, Huntswoman Jil and Major Griff of the Red Axes, just to name a few, not enough to stop the fear. The news that fifty to sixty thousand non humans could be marching on the city within days too much for many.

Word has it that Sir lance has already had word of some desertions from the army ranks. With the five thousand soldiers at his command Sir lance and those with him begin to arrange an intensive defensive strategy around the vital core of the city, deciding that with such few soldiers they cannot hold a large front against such an overwhelming force.

Sir lance has promised that within a few days another eight thousand soldiers from Briardusk will arrive as the ten thousand Raelites encamped outside the city have accepted the duty of protecting Briardusk and holding Kuhls growing forces at the border at bay.

Beyond that Lord Alexander has reluctantly committed another ten thousand soldiers to the field but only in support of defending Sundance. These are not expected to arrive for at least another week and a half.

[Lance Stargazer]

. . . . . .
Commander maybe you can get those talkin rocks back to operational so we can coordinate with Commander Stormhaven.  I hear she used to have some influence with Siphe.

*He leans back against the tent post and lights up a pipe*

*Lance regards Vrebel and Griff with a nod *

It is being done Captain Vrebel, all the things you mentioned, But even with that their numbers are overwhelmed, morale its our enemy here too, so we must show no hessitation at all in front of the troops, I want everyone to give a full report of the actual men we have, and to do work with the troops to make sure they understand the importance of the task we have at hand.


The warehouses are being sought for oil, with the famine it may not be as common or abundant as one expect, yet the trenches are already being on excavation work. *Looks upon Vrebel* Please make sure of the Ballistas are ready, *then looks at Griff*  as for the cavalry they will react as strike teams. But as it stands the strike forces have to be ordened alongside the whole city *he points at several places around the inner wall of the core of the city, we need to double check and have every civil evacuated from the initial conflict zone, Near 8000 troops are on their way, and the reinforcements won't come soon, so we need to deal a good strike upon the e
enemy as we can, they are after all still 60 thousand or so.

*Looks at Vrebel again*  Right now i won't count on Siphe,. the whole horde its beetwen us and them and the distance of trip maybe a factor, But lets not discard them, the man has helped in the past and his word and honor is beyond any doubt in my heart, and yet same as us, he has to see for his people. *he doesn't do any remark regarding Daniella though *

This is the time for us to stand and show what are we made of people. It will be as always an honor to fight alongside you.


Now.. lets win this shall we ?

*he smiles reasuringly to the officers *

[Jilseponie Wyndon]

*A couple days later, Jil arrives back  at the camp, trotting up to Lance's Tent.  She raps again on the pole  an awaits an answer before entering.  Upon greeting him with a grim  smile, she walks over to the map and begins pointing out locations and  explaining her observances.*

Here ... in the roughlands, they have set up camp,  about a days travel North from Sundance.  They are settling in and  setting up defenses.  From my position south of this camp, I spied  another large camp to the NorthWest.  I skirted this main camp to the  East and North and spotted another large encampment... here (Taps her  finger).  No where near as big as the non human one and more haphazard  and disorderly. It is a camp of the Shaddy cultists.

So anyways, I stayed through the night, which  turned out to be quite bright and allowed me to get real close to the  camp.  After some time I estimate of numbers are roughly two thousand or  so and they appear fairly nondescript except for one section of the  camp furthest from where I had hidden myself, that is neat, tidy,  orderly and has guards patrolling it. A flag hangs limply above the main  tent in its center.  I stood there some time and the wind finally moved  it enough for me to see a Grey colored dragon over an hourglass with  only a few grains of sand left at the top on the flag.  

I figured that something important was going on, so I summoned a bit of help and got to the tent (She grins with no further explanation* This is what I heard ... *She closes her eyes, concentrates and alters her voice to sound similar and replays the conversation*

"The master is pleased  with the numbers you have brought. He does not  wish you to engage the  humans to the south. They are insignificant to  his plans for now.  Segemek will direct your allies from the mountains  and provide support  to ensure the humans cannot come to the aid of those  to the north. You  will be asked to fulfill your promise in three weeks  time, until then  you must prepare and take control of all here then move  to a ravine to  the north west of here that I will show you. There you  will lie in wait  until it is your time. Segemek will ensure you are not  disturbed.

Three weeks, remember this."

*She opens her eyes*   That was some kind of shadow creature. They broke up, I disengaged and made my way back with all due haste.

[miltonyorkcastle]

/// I think your post got cut off there, Jil. ///

[Jilseponie Wyndon]

//Odd, took 4 tries to get it it to take.  No idea why it did that.  Ended up making the change, copying the whole document, highlighted everything and pasted over the top.  Nothing major was missing though ... so, it's all good.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Lance looks upon the map for the posible point that the enemy may be refering, and studies for the posible ways to get there, then studies the roads and the posibilities of movement on the area*

Well. I must commend their generals for the ruse, The threat of a Siege with such army was not more than a ruse inside another, so they intend to attack to the north with the main force remaining some unknown plan to keep us here, Those numbers are indeed a great deal of advantage

*he studies again the map then nods to Jill*  Please send scouts to keep an eye on the enemy movements on all time, we need to keep our eyes open for that, and prepare the army, Once they will start to move we'll see the posiblity for an attack on the ones who decide to stay to keep us.

*he calls upon his liueteniants for an update on the defenses and keep up with the instructions given up so far*

*smiles to himself and shakes his head*  Why there never is a river and a dam when you need it?

[Jilseponie Wyndon]

*Jil comes back from another scouting mission, looking distraught and worried.  She seeks Lance out in his tent after sending the scouting parties that came in with her to find rest and replacements as per the roster dictates. *

Lance, we have a situation.  

*She directs him over to the map and starts placing markers in different sections*  

A patrol found me and reported some very disturbing news.  Everywhere in the roughlands, and I do mean, ~everywhere~, each nook and cranny, ditch, ravine, crevice and cave, you name it, has an orc, goblin and anything else that can be hidden in it lying in wait.

*She sighs and shakes her head, then holds up a hand to forestall anything he may respond.*  Also, *She points to a spot with a marker indicating a camp*

2 patrols have been captured and are being held here.  8 men and women are tied up on large pole constructs wearing just their small clothes in front of the main tent.  They have been severely whipped and beaten.  Symbols of Grand have been carved into their chests and their bare  torsos are splattered with dirt and blood. Several appear unconscious.  Before them on the ground is something, of which I am unsure of, gives me the sinking feeling it's some kind of trap.   Now, I know this is a ways out, and no guarantee that they may still be alive, but I feel that if they are setting such a trap, they would do what they could to keep them barely alive to draw us in.  The place was crawling with the enemy, so there was no way I could get any closer nor do a rescue attempt on my own with what few folk I had with me.  But these are good scouts, they have families, and they are being tortured for our benefit *With a look of distaste*.  This is a small encampment, scattered between us many non-humanoid creatures my other scouts can place or spot once again.  But not only can it be a rescue mission, but informational gathering as well if we do this right.  And if they do not survive, we can at least bring the bodies back to thier loved ones.  

But then, the decision to go or not, rests upon you, Lance.  *She spreads her hands out towards the map* My scouts have worked hard and have done their job well.  I couldn't ask for a better group than what I have under my command. *She looks to him for his reply, watching his eyes.*

[davidhoff]

*Griff watches Jil and he appears to be boiling inside.  He does not wait for Lance to answer when she's done*

Oi will lead dis group! *slams his axe flat on the table*  We will get yer scouts back and those dat oppose us will feel deh wrath of deh Battle Fatha.  He will deliver us tah our enemy with strong axes n roight cause.  It is time for des bassards tah see our battle eyes!

[willhoff]

I'm sorry to hear about yer scouts Jil.  Thats just plain sick what they've done.

*Vrebel lays a comforting hand on her shoulder* You and yer scouts have provided this effort very good intel so far.  I'm not going to let them down now.

*He glances down briefly at the map*

Yeah its probably a trap.  But they better hope they're prepared for the prey their lurin' in.  We'll need to make an example out of them so they dont treat prisoners like this in the future.

I am curious bout your ideas of doin' it "right" so we can get some information?

Anyways, *Shrugs and lays his greatsword down on Griff's axe still on the table* I'm in.

[Jilseponie Wyndon]

Doing it right means, leaving someone alive to question, like a leader.  Or not burn down a tent containing papers, not killing the cowardly messengers ... *She rolls a hand indicating she could go on and the different things they could look for.*  Yes, I understand in the height of battle, that is hard to do and honestly, I have no love for them.   All I ask is while you are "teaching them a lesson" you keep an eye out for such things and make the best of the situation.  This is no little skirmish, this is a move on a larger game of chess and we need to learn about the opponents as much as we can.  Its not just our lives on the line here, but everyone else in this battle and the the people we fight for on this continent.  *She smiles at the dwarves*  I'm sure Vorax would rain his gratitudes down upon you if you were able to really stick it to the nemy in the way it would hurt most.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Lance met Jil's gaze when it came to him, but the Commander has remained silent during the exchange, his eyes shows obvious concern and distaste for the situation that the people is in, and yet his mind is running thru plots over the time, he listen intently to the words given then hearing Jil again he breaks the silence*

This creatures have no forgiveness from our side, this shows their true colors, I agree that they should be rescued, We'll show that Hilm nor we leave our allies unprotected. *Looks upon Griff and Vrebel* Your worth is as always proved then thousand times to any army.

*Looks at Jill* Arrange what is needed to prepare this incursion, show us how we can approach the most without being spotted to use the surprise that such attack may bring. *Looks upon Griff and Vrebel again * And what she says its true, where our main objective its the recovery of our prisioners any intel we may be able to gather will serve to save even more lives.

*To Jill* Vorax milady, doesn't just teach of the way to fight bravely, part of what they are good at is tactics and strategy as well. I am fully confident that Griff here will do what is worth in order to gain this war with the less casualities posible .

*Then addresses to the Vrebel and Griff again* We should not forget that this group may have conection with the cultists to the West ( Khul ), so there is way more to gain in this than this battle, we need to remember that the stronger we end this conflict the better for repelling or even starting an offensive against Khul, they moved some pieces as you said. .Just think the same ruse in a greater scale.

Get ready then.. the faster we attack the better chances we may hold.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Time passes and the Commander Stargazer , takes his leave towards his personal tent, after some time he returns holding a pale blue stone on his hand , his features concerning, he has been waiting for about 20 mins after the last message*

*muttering to himself*
She must have been out of energy again...  Not much to do but to keep up fighting towards this side.  

*he return his sight to the map, locating the crevice that was spoken by Jil spies, he then addresses a meeting and send the information towards the rest of the troops to be ready*

We'll do the rescue first, then we need to prepare to move, we can't afford to be stopped here,. the longer we stand here the stronger our enemy gets in the frontier.

*he looks upon the dark sky, making a small silent prayer , a single lone star seems to brighten in his eyes and his eyes alone, taking away any trepidation of the knight soul*

[Dezza]

After days of preparation the armies of the Siphe Garra, made up of two main Battleforces, each comprising of several Battlelegions wended their way towards the southern borders of the Principality. Once there, in two main camps approximately a days march from each other they prepared their defences.

Their fire giant allies had already been busy in the weeks previously hauling huge boulders and rocks into place to create several raised defensive bluffs which would give archers and boulder throwers cover and stall the advance of any attacking forces.

Battleforce Oaxsama, named after the First Rank who led it, Nijau, Jaedon Siphes right hand man held the camp about a weeks march from the base of the Orsgaunt Mountains, while the other Battleforce was commanded by Jaedon Siphe with his recently appointed, primary advisor Lady Commander Daniella Stormhaven.

Within days the campsites were established just inside the border defences with Battlelegions taking turns to man the ramparts. Many took time to examine and wonder at the purpose of the glowing boulders the giants had put into place at intervals along the border. At night their dull red glow lit up over a small area and could be seen from far into the distance.

After a week in camp, all preparations were completed and drills were being run by those responsible to do so. All seemed calm, that is, until a night when there were no moons visible in the sky and the stars were hidden for the most part behind dark clouds. Soldiers on watch at Camp Oaxsama were startled into readiness as several fire giants shouted alarms and raced to the nearest glowing boulder to one side of their main defences. It had started to glow brighter, a dull angry red and emitted a low thrumming sound.

Horns were blown, men and women were roused from slumber in the deep of night, torches flared to life along the border defences as several thousand soldiers took up positions.

First Rank Nijau and his main advisors, including Lady Jillian of the Toranites took position centrally with a fire giant called Kirger that was in charge of the giants in this region. As they watched, tendrils of mist snaked into view across the barren lifeless ground of the Roughlands, spreading as far as the light from their torches could penetrate into the darkness. Nijau shouted an order and archers at intervals along the front lines lit flare arrows and launched them into the night sky. They drifted in long arcs out into the Roughlands to reveal masses of mist like shapes drifting towards them in vast numbers.

A gasp of disbelief followed by a quick prayer to Toran issued from Jillians stunned lips. Nijau seemed to regather his composure quickly and turned to those around him.

"Get word to the leaders of each Battlegroup immediately, they cannot let fear overtake them, they must hold the line no matter what is out there."

Jillian nodded to Nijau, "I'll make sure the Toranites who joined us are spread out at intervals to do what they can."

As people rushed to make ready Nijau could do nothing but watch as the mist built up and then steadily moved forward.

Not long after tense men and women watched the mist gather, thicker and thicker before them then suddenly rise up and surge forward like a wave. It reached as high as their defences and curled as if to smother them from above but just as it reached a point where it could come crashing down on them the dull throbbing sound from the glowing red boulders flared like a deep throated trumpet burst shattering the eerie quietness of the battlefield. The vibration of the sound caused the mist to break apart and dissolve just in time to reveal masses of creatures of all sorts of terrifying countenance that surged forward with a myriad of cries, shouts, roars and hisses.

They came at the ramparts, up and over, the soldiers fought with everything they had to defend their homeland. Here and there on the battlefield holy light glowed from the various Toranites supporting the Garra host. Once the Siphe Garra discovered that many of the enemies they faced still bled and could die they steadied recovered and began to hold their ground, retaking their former positions after several hours of fighting and slowly beginning to drive the enemy back. First Rank Nijau and Lady Jillian along with a battlegroup made up of a high number of Toranites and some of Nijau's best warriors moved up and down the line lending additional power to the fight as needed.

Several hours before dawn the creatures retreated along with the mist that had settled just outside the light range of the fire giants glowing boulders.

When morning came the worst of the stories from the nights battle was those of the Siphe Garra or any Toranites that were not killed by the enemy but instead were dragged screaming back into the mist laden Roughlands, their cries of horror the last thing their comrades could hear before they disappeared into the enemies clutches. Several archers sobbed as they recalled shooting arrows into friends who were carried off in the night rather than let the enemy have them.

The next night they came again, and the next night, each time they struck in another way, from another angle, testing, probing the Siphe Garra and Fire giant defences.  By the fifth night word had arrived from Jaedon Siphes camp that no attacks had been forthcoming against their section of the border and there had been no reports of any enemies being seen within Principality lands. Whereas at Battlegroup Oaxsama, Nijau did have to report the loss of at least a hundred soldiers who had been taken by the enemy alive, as well as a tally of over a hundred dead and the same amount wounded.




 ******************************************************


Meanwhile, a long way to the south in Sundance, dwarves began to arrive in small groups, strong and hardy servants of Vorax, called to join the Major by their various Generals around the world to put down the threat being made by the servants of Grand. Their timing welcomed warmly by all those present and most especially by Major Griff and Captain Vrebel who Sir lance had given full authority to in order to rescue the captured scouts held by the enemy horde.

By the time word reached Sundance of the first attacks against Camp Oaxsama Major Griff and Captain Vrebel were putting the last few details of their assault onto the table for Sir Lance to approve. Their plan relied heavily on the adventurers gathered to make a difference in the battle they expected to face. The fact that the enemy numbered in the tens of thousands didn't seem to faze them at all. In the end if was their confidence that allowed Sir Lance to give them the go ahead.

By the time Battlegroup Oaxsama faced their fifth night of combat a small force comprised of a several adventurers, a company of five hundred archers, a thousand Hilmite pikes, 200 mixed Toranite and Hilmite heavy cavalry and over fifteen hundred battle hardened dwarves marched to the north of Sundance. Their journey took over a week before they established a based camp several hours march from the Hordes last known location. Already Huntsmistress Jil and her scouts had taken down over two dozen orc and kobold scouts hiding in some of the multitudes of holes, caves and ravines in the Roughlands as they made their approach.

With a camp established Major Griff, Captain Vrebel and several others made their way forward to gain a better view of the enemies position. Within hours Jil had brought them to a craggy bluff that gave them an opportunity to take in the sheer size and spread of the enemy horde.

Griff whisteled through his teeth, "Dats a lot of boogers teh kill."

"I'll take the left side, you take the right," Vrebel joked as he used Jils viewing glass to get a better view of the terrain between them and the horde. Inside he felt excited at the battle ahead but a was admittedly nervous of the outcome now seeing the enemy hordes actual size. As powerful as he was, all it took was one lucky blow to end his part in the battle.

"Aye" Griff couldnt say much else as his gaze swept over what lay ahead. "What deh?" Griff suddenly pointed to something moving through the middle of the camp.

Vrebel shifted his view to look at the object and grunted. "So they've got a 30 foot tall stone collossus out there as well. I've taken them down before." Sure enough the massive stone construct was moving to the centre of the camp where the main tent was carrying something suspended from its hands which it lowered to the ground.

"Wait a minute," said Vrebel s he watched, "its got something. A..umm...oh *curse* its a cage, they've got more prisoners, Garra by the look of them. What are they doing this far south?" He watched as the cave was opened and a dozen Siphe garra and even a Toranite were dragged out of the cage and taken away into the larger tent. They didnt re-emerge. "This just got a whole lot harder." Muttered Vrebel.

"Nay different, we take em all out den." Griff answered. "First loight tomorrow, wit deh sun at our backs."


The next day dawned bright and warm, Jil returned to announce several kobolds near their position had been taken out and the time to go was now. The force set out with the dwarves to the front behind Vrebel and Griff. They stayed low as best they could working their way forward drawing ahead of the archers and the pikes and cavalry which were to provide reserve troops and hold their path open for them to flee back along.

As they reached the bluff from which they had spied on the enemy the day before they began to fan out and move towards the front line of the horde. Just were still a mile away from the edge of the enemy camp when an orc suddenly appeared out of a cleft in some rocks and attacked a dwarf. it was cut down within seconds until another one suddenly appeared from seemingly nowhere.

within the next few moments chaos and confusion reigned as orcs, goblins, kobolds and others popped up from various places in the ground, and more just kept coming. Vrebel and Griff became separated as the attackers slowed and stalled then had to turn back on themselves and face attackers emerging within their own ranks. Vrebel cut down at least a dozen of the non humans before suddenly something hit him hard in the back and made him stagger. Turning quickly he looked down at a boulder the size of his head that had just struck him in the back. Then within seconds the sky was full of them. Vrebel ducked for waht little cover their was just as a dwarf nearby had his head caved in by one of the incoming missiles. The cries of the wounded filled the air around him. The attack had ground to a halt the enemy was amongst them now and the horde didnt care sending their boulders slamming into enemy and ally alike.

Not far away Griff had come to the realisation that they were sitting ducks where they were and ordered a retreat as he killed an orc that came out of a hole behind one of his dwarven soldiers and was about to stab him in the back. He swiped another boulder coming for him out of the air with a heavy clang as it struck his axe then bellowed at those around him to back up and re-establish the formation out of range of the boulders so they could deal with the enemy amongst them first.

Several frustrating hours later they force under Vrebel and Griff withdrew to base camp, finally managing to deal with all the enemy that had infiltrated their ranks and caused such chaos.

"We need a new plan," Vrebel said simply as they tended to the wounded and dying.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Lance is watching over the rampart at the drills around, frowning and basically keeping the preparations done thru the city defenses, appearing as if still ready to resist a siege*

- Well , now we need to wait - *he looks upon the sky again, his mind goes into a silent praying, he man of faith jumped down to walk towards the tent.*

*He sits and study the map again, putting the places where every "camp" it may be located and watching and studying the incoming plans and movements, he is doing his part to keep the enemy believing that they are still getting worried for the siege, maybe this would help Jill and company to do a safe entry, just his prayers accompany the group*