The Winter War: February 18

Day: February 18

Weather: 10 (Heavy Rain - Troop movement halted except on lake)

Initiative Order for the week: 

1. The Principality of Oraving
2. Beastman Hordes
3. Undead Legions
4. Men of Hambley
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

The Undead Hordes massed at 026,016 move to 027,013.

The Winter War: February 17

Day: February 17

Weather: 10 (Heavy Rain - Troop movement halted except on lake)

Initiative Order for the week: 

1. The Principality of Oraving
2. Beastman Hordes
3. Undead Legions
4. Men of Hambley
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

Remaining Undead forces merge at 026,016.

Reinforcements:

1 Company of 120 Gnoll Light Infantry arrive at the Ironburg, sent by the Underlords below to bolster the forces of the Fang of Vassuryn.

The Winter War: February 16

Day: February 16

Weather: 9 (Light Rain - Troop movement halved due to mud)

Initiative Order for the week: 

1. The Principality of Oraving
2. Beastman Hordes
3. Undead Legions
4. Men of Hambley
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

1 unit of 60 Hesper Crusader Cataphract Cavalry and 1 unit of 120 Hesper Crusader Heavy Infantry depart the Citadel of the Eye of Law and move north across the lake to 028,015.

1 Company of 60 of Light Cavalry from Oraving, 1 company of 60 Medium Cavalry from Hriving, and 1 company of 60 Crusader Cavalry (Heavy Cavalry) from the Citadel muster at 027,018.

2 companies of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry each, led by the former Cataphract commander, arrive at the Citadel of the Eye of Law from across the lake.

Cavalry (Slave Cataphracts, Wolf Riders, and Boar Riders) from the Ironburg sally out and attempt to make a flying raid on the Undead army lying outside the Ironburg's gates. A battle is fought.

The Undead troops in the Arbelving Wood move out to 026,014. The Undead troops at the ruins of Fort Arbelving move to 026,015.

The Hambley forces massed at 032,007 and the Wood Elves massed at 032,009 converge upon the Ruins of Annalysorian, attempting to dislodge the Lizardmen and other monsters lurking in the ruins. A battle is fought.

The Hambley Dwarves and Heavy Infantry move from 034,010 to 032,010.

Elven Horse Archers from Arbelladon arrive at Oraving to strengthen its garrison.

Reinforcements:

Militia/Conscripts are raised at Oraving, Hriving, and the Citadel.

Battle Outcomes:

Third Battle of the Ironburg (025,016)

Force 1: Beastmen Cavalry - Total BR: 18.3

• Commander: 5 HD Orc Chieftain: LA 4 SA 1 MM 2
• 1 company of 60 goblin Wolf Riders (spear, short sword, shield, leather, dire wolf), led by a 5 HD chieftain - BR: 6.5
• 1 company of 60 Orc Boar Riders (spear, scimitar, shield, scale, giant boar), led by a 5 HD chieftain - BR: 8
• 1 company of 31 Slave Cataphracts led by a a 5 HD orc chieftain - BR: 3.8

Force 2: Undead Hordes - Total BR: 23.7

• Commander: Trazynel the Vampire Lord: LA 5 SA 1 MM 0
• 8 Spectres - 17 BR
• 3 Wraiths - 1.9 BR
• 2 Ghouls - 0.5 BR
• 394 Zombies - 3.94 BR
• 60 Skeletons - 0.3 BR

Surprise: The Undead Hordes are surprised by the Beastmen, who issue out in fury from half a dozen hidden holes in the mountainside, falling upon the shambolic hordes and ambushing them.

Surprise Round: The Beastmen cavalry smash into the flank of the unsuspecting Undead Horde, ripping through their lines as their shamans chant magics intended to help subdue their more powerful undead foes. They do 12 BR of damage. Despite the annihilation of over half his forces, Trazynel is able to draw up his remaining forces and prevent a route.

Round 1: Charging back into the flank of the Undead Host, the cavalry are able to deal 4 more BR of damage, taking no damage themselves as they move too fast for Trazynel's shambling servants to reach them in the rocky terrain of the mountains.

At this point, Trazynel withdraws with his remaining 2 Spectres from the Ironburg, moving back to 026,016.

Outcome: Unqualified victory for the Beastmen Hordes. Casualties: 60 Skeletons, 394 Zombies, 2 Ghouls, 3 Wraiths, 4 Spectres.

The Battle of Annalysorian (032,008)

Force 1: The Men of Hambley - Total BR: 12.5

• Commander: Level 5 Human Fighter - 
• 3 companies of 120 Light Infantry E/Hunters /each (spear, hand axe, shield, leather), each led by a 3rd level Human Ranger - 3 BR
• 1 company of 120 slingers, led by a 3rd level Human Ranger - 1 BR
• 1 company of 60 Light Cavalry (3 javelins, sword, shield, leather, light warhorse), led by a 3rd level Human Fighter - 3.5 BR
• 1 company of 60 Horse Archers led by a Level 5 Human Fighter - 5 BR

Force 2: The Wood Elves - Total BR: 20.5

• 2 Companies of 120 Elven Bowmen/each, each led by a 5th Level Elven Ranger - 7 BR
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry A led by a 7th level Elven Spellsword - 4 BR
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry B (spear, sword, shield, lamellar), led by a 7th level Elven Spellsword - 4.5 BR
• 1 Company of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry B, led by a 7th level Dwarven Vaultguard - 3.5 BR
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Light Infantry led by a 5th Level Elven Spellsword - 1.5 BR

Force 3: Monsters of Annalysorian - Total BR: 17.1

• Commander: 6 HD Lizardman Chief with the Shield of Vassuryn (+2 to defending fortifications)
• 1 Company of 120 Lizardmen Heavy Infantry - BR 7.5
• 1 Company of 120 Rock Baboons - BR 1.6
• 1 Company of 60 Chameleon Riders - BR 8

Surprise: The Lizardman Chieftain splits his forces in two, laying traps and ambushes in preparation for a long running battle to the Acropolis. As the Wood Elves march into the city, they are ambushed by the Lizardmen, their ancient and hated foes. The Men of Hambley, more cautious, are not caught in the ambush.

Surprise Round: Ambushed, the Elves take 2 BR of damage before the Elven Commander is able to rally his troops to push towards the Acropolis.

Round 1: The Men of Hambley and the Elves assault the Acropolis from the North and South respectively. Thanks to the magical resistance of the Shield of Vassuryn, it is hard going. At the end of a long hour of fighting, the Men of Hambley deal 1 BR of damage, and the Wood Elves deal 3 BR of damage. They are repulsed with losses, however: The Men of Hambley take 3 BR of damage, and the Wood Elves take 4 BR of damage. Demoralized, the Elven forces begin to waver.

Round 2: The commanders renew the assault, the Men of Hambley dealing 1 BR of damage, and the disorganized Wood Elves dealing 1 BR of damage as well. The Men of Hambley suffer another 1 BR of losses, while the Wood Elves are repulsed with 3 BR of losses. This, coupled with the might of the Shield of Vassuryn and the demoralizing effect of the ruins of their ancient city, causes many of the remaining Elven forces to flee the field of battle. The Elven Commander withdraws with his remaining units, hoping to prevent a total route.

Round 3: Still in good order, the Men of Hambley renew their assault on the Acropolis. They're able to make no headway, however, and are repulsed with 2 BR of damage. Seeing that their allies have fled the field, and that the Beastmen have some kind of magical aid, the Men of Hambley are completely shattered, and their remaining units flee the field.

Outcome: Victory for the Lizardmen. Casualties: All Hambley forces scattered or eaten by the Lizardmen. All Elves except for 1 Company of Elven Heavy Infantry A scattered or eaten by the Lizardmen. 120 Rock Baboons killed, 120 Rock Baboons wounded or scattered. 15 Chameleon Riders killed, 15 Chameleon Riders Wounded or Scattered. 

Remaining BR of forces in Annalysorian: 11.5 (120 Lizardmen Heavy Infantry, 30 Chamelon Riders)

Known Troop Locations as of Week 2

The Principality of Oraving

Oraving (028,021)

• 1 company of the Red Legion (120 Heavy Infantry, spear, sword, chain, shield), good morale, led by a 7th Level Human Fighter
• 2 companies of 120 Militia/each, each led by a Level 5 Human Fighter
• 1 Company of 60 of Light Cavalry led by a Level 5 Human Figther

Hriving (027,019)

• 1 company of 60 Medium Cavalry (lance, shield, lamellar armor, and medium warhorse) led by a 7th level Human Fighter
• 2 companies of 120 Militia/each, each led by a Level 5 Human Fighter
• 1 Company of 120 of Bowmen led by a Level 5 Human Fighter

Citadel of the Eye of Law (028,018)

• 1 company of 60 Crusader Cavalry (Heavy Cavalry) led by a 7th level Human Cleric
• 1 unit of 60 Hesper Crusader Cataphract Cavalry, led by a Level 7 Cleric
• 1 units of 120 Hesper Crusader Heavy Infantry/each, each led by a Level 7 Cleric
• 2 companies of 120 Militia/each, each led by a Level 5 Human Fighter
• 1 Company of 120 Crusader Heavy Infantry led by a Level 5 Human Cleric

The Abbey of Igolb (030,011)

• 1 company of 120 slingers led by a 5th level Human Fighter
• 1 Company of 120 Crusader Heavy Infantry led by a Level 5 Human Cleric

On the Lake:

• 2 Companies of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry A each, commanded by a 7th Level Human Fighter

The Wood Elves of Arbelladon

032,009 (Outside the Ruins of Annalysorian)

• 2 Companies of 120 Elven Bowmen/each, each led by a 5th Level Elven Ranger
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry A led by a 7th level Elven Spellsword
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry B (spear, sword, shield, lamellar), led by a 7th level Elven Spellsword
• 1 Company of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry B, led by a 7th level Dwarven Vaultguard
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Light Infantry led by a 5th Level Elven Spellsword

Oraving (028,021)

• 1 Company of 120 Elven Light Infantry (spear, short sword, shield, leather), led by a 5th level Elven Spellsword

Arbelladon (031,019)

• 1 Company of 60 Elven Horse Archers, led by a Level 7 Spellsword

The Men of Hambley

030,005 (Fort Hambley)

• 1 Company of 120 Light Infantry A
• 1 Company of 120 Bowmen

032,007 (Outside the Ruins of Annalysorian)

• 3 companies of 120 Light Infantry E/Hunters /each (spear, hand axe, shield, leather), each led by a 3rd level Human Ranger, and 
• 1 company of 120 slingers, led by a 3rd level Human Ranger 
• 1 company of 60 Light Cavalry (3 javelins, sword, shield, leather, light warhorse), led by a 3rd level Human Fighter, 
• 1 company of 60 Horse Archers led by a Level 5 Human Fighter
• 1 company of 120 Heavy Infantry A (spear, sword, shield, banded), led by a 5th level Human Fighter

034,010 (Along the East Shore)

• 1 company of 120 Heavy Infantry A (spear, sword, shield, banded), led by a 5th level Human Fighter,
• 1 Company of Dwarven Heavy Infantry A led by a 5th level Dwarven Vaultguard

The Beastman Hordes

025,016 (The Ironburg)

• 1 company of 60 goblin Wolf Riders (spear, short sword, shield, leather, dire wolf), led by a 5 HD chieftain
• 1 company of 60 Orc Boar Riders (spear, scimitar, shield, scale, giant boar), led by the Fang of Vassuryn
• 1 company of 60 Slave Infantry led by a 5 HD Orc Chieftain
• 1 company of 31 Slave Cataphracts led by a 5 HD Orc Chieftain
• 1 company of 120 Orc Bowmen led by a 5 HD Orc Chieftain
• 1 company of 120 Kobold Light Infantry, led by a 3 HD Kobold Chieftain
• 1 company of 120 Gnoll Heavy Infantry, led by a 6 HD Gnoll Chieftain
• 1 Company of 120 Gnoll Longbowmen led by a 6 HD Gnoll Chieftain

The Undead Legions

025,016 (Outside the Ironburg)

• 8 Spectres
• 3 Wraiths
• 2 Ghouls
• 394 Zombies
• 60 Skeletons

027,011 (Arbelving Wood)

• 1 Spectre
• 50 Zombies
• 90 Skelletons

026,012 (Fort Arbelving Ruins)

• 1 Spectre
• 1 Wight
• 50 Zombies
• 120 Skelletons

The Winter War: February 15

Day: February 15

Weather: 8 (Clear - Troop movement halved due to mud)

Initiative Order for the week: 

1. The Principality of Oraving
2. Beastman Hordes
3. Undead Legions
4. Men of Hambley
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

The cataphract commander at the Bronzeborn Mine hires another unit of Dwarven Heavy Infantry A (depleting it of mercenaries available for hire this week), and then begins sailing across the lake with his two companies of Dwarves.

The Spectre at 027,011 raises 90 Skeletons.

The Spectre at 026,012 raises 120 Skeletons and 1 Wight.

1 Company of Light Infantry move from Shantytown to garrison Fort Hambley. 

The following units at 031,006

• 1 company of 120 Heavy Infantry A (spear, sword, shield, banded), led by a 5th level Human Fighter, 
• 2 companies of 120 Light Infantry E/Hunters /each (spear, hand axe, shield, leather), each led by a 3rd level Human Ranger, and 
• 1 company of 120 slingers, led by a 3rd level Human Ranger 

move to join the following troops at 032,007:

• 1 company of 60 Light Cavalry (3 javelins, sword, shield, leather, light warhorse), led by a 3rd level Human Fighter, 
• 1 company of 60 Horse Archers led by a Level 5 Human Fighter, 
• 1 company of 120 Light Infantry E/Hunters (spear, hand axe, shield, leather), led by a 3rd level Human Ranger 

The Hambley force of Heavy Infantry and Dwarves at the Bronzeborn mine moves from 034,012 to 034,010, unable to move any further because of the mud.

With all of their forces landed after being delayed by storms on the lake, an Elven force is finally able to move from their camp on the shore at 031,010 to 032,009, just outside the Ruins of Annaylsorian. This force is composed of: 

• 2 Companies of 120 Elven Bowmen/each
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry A
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Heavy Infantry B (spear, sword, shield, lamellar), led by a 7th level Elven Spellsword
• 1 Company of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry B
• 1 Company of 120 Elven Light Infantry

Reinforcements: 

• The Spectre at 027,011 raises 90 Skeletons.
• The Spectre at 026,012 raises 120 Skeletons and 1 Wight.
• The Principality of Oraving hires a Company of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry A

The Winter War: February 14

Day: February 14

Weather: 9 (Light Rain - Troop movement impossible except on lake)

A proclamation goes out from the Citadel of the Eye to all points of the Principality, beginning thus:

""Where the Eye turns, the darkness of Chaos recedes. It gazes this way, and the mists retreat. It looketh into the abyss, and the tempests abate."

And wheresoever the righteous man steps, the shadows fly and light reveals the order of nature which always endureth, but was hid; was assailed, but was never conquered. Was it not so even since the First Days, when the Great Dragon of the Void was broken and cast down, and his bones bent into the land, and its ceaselessly beating wings fixed into the veil of the firmament? Thus Vassuryn was held subject to the Law, and his defiance availed him nothing. Likewise did the fiery sword of Atheldard reckon with the tyranny of Traznyel. If it was thus in the afore times when Chaos was strong, shall it be different now, in the light of the sun, beneath the gaze of the Eye All-Conquering? Therefore do not fear, but gird your weapons and go forth boldly like your ancestors. 

And if your brother should perish, neither should you fear him; dress him and bury him with honor, according as you have been taught, and no invisible spirit shall again stir his bones. But if in haste of peril, as on the battlefield, the fallen may not be afforded full Rite of Burial, then the expedience of the Lesser Rite shall suffice, and will be thought good. For the Eye of Law is not blind, and knows your purpose is to deny the Enemy the chance to desecrate the good subjects of the Law. By this manner then shall you first sever the crown of reason from the heart, and submit the body to purifying flame..."

Over the course of the next week, bards and alewives begin spreading the story of Trazynel: that he was a cuckold, that he was known to engage in various depraved acts because of his madness, and other even more uncomplimentary things are whispered about him.

Initiative Order for the week:

1. The Undead Legions
2. Men of Hambley
3. The Beastman Hordes
4. Principality of Oraving
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

The Undead legions remaining in the Necropolis vacate the ruins, marching on the Ironburg. Small bands of zombies are sent roving into the mountains, seeking for secret entrances into the Ironburg's tunnels, however these are all caught and killed by the Beastman sentries.

Reinforcements:

The Beastman Hordes: 

• Ironburg: 1 Company of 120 Gnoll Longbowmen led by a 6 HD Gnoll Chieftain

The Men of Hambely receive the following reinforcements as they call in their vassals and arm their citizens:

• Oraving: 1 Company of 60 of Light Cavalry led by a Level 5 Human Figther
• Hriving: 1 Company of 120 of Bowmen led by a Level 5 Human Fighter
• The Citadel of the Eye of Law: 1 Company of 120 Crusader Heavy Infantry led by a Level 5 Human Cleric
• The Abbey of Igolb: 1 Company of 120 Crusader Heavy Infantry led by a Level 5 Human Cleric

The Men of Hambley receive the following recruits, drawn together from seagoing mercenaries and the settlers drawn to the newfound prosperity of Fort Hambley:

• Fort Hambley: 1 Company of 120 Bowmen, led by a Level 3 Human Ranger
• Shantytown: 1 Company of Light Infantry, led by a Level 3 Human Ranger

The Wood Elves of Arbelladon raise the following troops in their Elven fastness:

• Arbelladon: 1 Company of 60 Elven Horse Archers, led by a Level 7 Spellsword

The Winter War: February 13

Day: February 13

Weather: 10 (Heavy Rain - Troop movement impossible except on lake)

Initiative Order for the week:

1. The Undead Legions
2. Men of Hambley
3. The Beastman Hordes
4. Principality of Oraving
5. Wood Elves of Arbelladon

Troop Movements

1 Spectre and 50 zombies march to 027,011 and begin raising the undead from the battlefield.

1 Spectre and 50 zombies march to 026,012 and begin raising the undead from the ruins of Fort Arbelving.

A company of Elven Bowmen land at the north end of the lake, at 031,010.

The former Cataphract Commander or Oraving arrives in a small ship at the Bronzeborn Mine, and recruits a unit of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry A.

Reinforcements:

Units of Militia are raised at Oraving, Hriving, and the Citadel of the Eye (120 Militia/Conscripts each). 

The Men of Oraving recruit 1 unit of 120 Dwarven Heavy Infantry A at the Bronzeborn Mine.

The Undead Legions outside the Ironburg (025,016) raise 60 skeletons, 134 zombies, 2 ghouls, and 1 spectre.