The Winter War: February 6

Day: February 6

Weather: 10 (Heavy Rain - Visibility and Movement are halved)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

Two companies of Lizardmen Light Infantry and a Basilisk move to 027,011 and engage with the forces from the Abbey. A battle is fought.

The Hambley Light Cavalry continue patrolling the Nora-to valley.

The remaining Red Legion and cataphracts continue to pillage the Ironburg, and will complete its destruction on February 7.

Undead legions in the Necropolis continue to multiply. 

Battle Outcomes

Battle of the Arbelving Wood (027,011)

Force 1: The Hand of Law: 1 Company of 120 Heavy Infantry A (mace, shield, banded), led by a 5th Level Human Cleric, 1/2 Company of 60 Heavy Infantry A (mace, shield, banded), led by a 5th Level Human Cleric

• BR: 3
• Commander: STR: 12 INT: 11 WIS: 15 DEX: 16 CON: 13 CHA: 15 (+2) | LA 7 SA 1 MM +2

Force 2: 2 companies of 120 Lizardmen Light Infantry each, (5 darts, spiked club, shield), each commanded by a 6 HD chieftain, 1 Basilisk

• BR: 9.6
• Commander: 6 HD Lizardman Chieftain | LA 5 SA 0 MM +2

Due to the heavy rain, both armies catch each other by surprise in the woods. There are no advantages for either side.

Round 1: The battle beneath the trees is swift and deadly, the Clerics bogged down as they are in their heavy armor are no match for the Lizardmen, who swarm over them. The commander of the doomed Hand of Law cuts his way forward, heroically slaying the Basilisk as its gaze turns him to stone.

Outcome: Victory for the Armies of Immianthe. Casualties: 90 human Heavy Infantry killed, 90 human Heavy infantry taken prisoner. 1 Basilisk killed.

The Winter War: February 5

Day: February 5

Weather: 7 (Light Rain - no impediments to visibility or movement)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

No troop movements today (Troops and PC's need to rest 1 in every 7 days; to make that easier on all of us, that day will be Sunday).

The Winter War - February 4

Day: February 4

Weather: 8 (Fair - no impediments to visibility or movement)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

Two companies of Lizardmen Light Infantry and a Basilisk move to 029,010.

The Hambley Light Cavalry moves from 032,007 to patrol along the valley from 033,006 to 030,006.

A Company of The Hand of Law (Heavy Infantry) together with the nuns of the Abbey of Igolb, fresh from the sack and destruction of the Goblin slave market, move via 027,010 and 027,011 to the woods outside of Fort Arbelving.

The infantry captain, seeing the burning of the Citadel and hearing of the terrible slaughter and resurrection in the necropolis from the fleeing crusaders, seeks out the commander of the Cataphracts to give him the trident, seeing as he is the last hope of the principality in the south. But the commander of the cataphracts is so beside himself with rage that he insists they all go and "make a final end of the demons, even if Oraving itself must be ended with it."

The company of Heavy Cataphracts and the remaining company of the Red Legion converge upon Ironburg (025,016) and attempt to take the underground city by storm. A battle is fought.

Elven ships are seen moving back down south along the lake.

3 companies of elves (Elven Heavy Infantry, Elven Light Infantry, and Elven Bowmen) arrive at Oraving from Arbelladon to garrison it against assault.

The Beastmen in the Necropolis lose control of the Spectres and other Undead legions! The Spectres turn on their masters, and a battle is fought.

With the help of the newly arrived Lizardmen Light Infantry, the Goblin Wolf Riders at 026,012 launch an assault on Fort Arbelving. A battle is fought.

Orc Boar Riders, fresh from the sacking of the Citadel of the Eye of Law, ride up the valley, avoiding the necropolis and attacking the village of Sundamar. Finding the village unprotected, they put it to the sword. The village of Sundamar has been destroyed.

Battle Outcomes

The Battle of the Ironberg (025,016)

Force 1: 1 Company of 45 Heavy Cataphracts of Oraving led by a Level 7 Human Fighter. 1 Company of the Red Legion (120 Heavy Infantry) led by a Level 7 Fighter wielding the Scepter of Vassuryn (a Trident of Command, enemy forces suffer -2 Morale).

• BR: 7.5
• Officer: Level 7 Human Fighter - STR: 14 INT: 13 WIS: 11  DEX: 5 CON: 7 CHA: 11 - LA 5 SA 1 MM +1

Force 2: 1 Company of Goblin Bowmen, led by a 5 HD Chieftain

• BR: 0.5
• Officer: 5 HD Goblin Chieftain | LA 4 SA 0 MM +2

Neither force is surprised.

Round 1: The goblin chief attempts to put up some kind of a defense, but his light troops are no match for the Heavy Infantry and dismounted cataphracts who storm the entrance to the dungeon. The goblin forces are scattered, their morale completely destroyed by the presence of the Scepter of Vassuryn. 

Conclusion: Victory for the Men of Oraving. The Ironburg falls. Casualties: 60 goblins scattered (retreat to lower levels of the Netherdark) or wounded, 60 killed.

The Battle at the Necropolis (027,016)

Force 1: 0.5 company of Hobgoblin Light Infantry (spear, sword, shield, leather), led by a 5 HD Chieftain, 1 company of Gnoll Longbowmen (long bow, battle axe, scale), led by a 6 HD Chieftain, 1 company of 120 Slave Light Infantry led by a 5 HD Beastman Chieftain

• BR: 8.5
• Commander: 6 HD Gnoll Chieftain | LA 4 SA 0 MM +2

Force 2: 6 Spectres, 1 company of 120 skeletons

• BR: 13.5

Neither side is surprised.

Round 1: The Beastmen rally to fight against their recent allies (dealing 3 BR dmg). But the assault of the Undead is unrelenting (the undead deal a total of 9 BR damage in their first assault, 5 of which were Natural 20's), and the shrieking Beastmen flee the necropolis -- those that are lucky enough to get out alive. 

Outcome: Total victory for the Undead. Casualties: 120 skeletons destroyed, 1 spectre destroyed. 30 Hobgoblins, 60 Gnoll Longbowmen, and 60 slave infantry killed and raised as 1 Company of 150 Skeletons. The remaining beastman forces are scattered and wounded.

Forces remaining in the Necropolis: 5 Spectres, 150 Skeletons

The Siege of Fort Arbelving (026,012)

Force 1:  Fort Arbelving Garrison and Arbelving Militia (1 Company of 120 Light Infantry C (Great Axe, Leather), 1 Company of 120 Untrained Conscripts/Militia).

• Battle Rating: 1.5
• Officer: 5th Level Human Fighter - STR: 14 INT: 12 WIS: 14  DEX: 10 CON: 14 CHA: 14 (+1) | LA 6 SA 1 MM +2

Force 2: 1 Company of Goblin Wolf-Riders, Lizardman Light Infantry

• Battle Rating: 11
• Officer: 5 HD Goblin Wolf Rider Chieftain | LA 4 SA 0 MM +2

Surprise: Neither side is surprised.

Round 1: The men of Arbelving repulse the beastmen's pitiful attempt at a direct assault on the gate, though neither side takes substantial casualties. 

Round 2: Felling trees from the forest to make ladders, the Lizardmen and Goblins manage to scale the walls of the fort. Fighting is fierce, but the men of Fort Arbelving are overwhelmed, and most of them are slain. Those that remain are taken prisoner. 

Outcome: Victory for the united Goblin/Lizardmen forces. Casualties: 120 men killed, 120 men taken captive and transformed into a slave legion by the Goblin shamans. Fort Arbelving has fallen to Beastman forces.

Forces currently garrisoning Fort Arbelving: 

• 1 Company of 60 Goblin Wolf-riders
• 1 Company of 120 Lizardmen Light Infantry
• 1 Company of 120 Slave Light Infantry.

The Winter War - February 3

Day: February 3

Weather: 7 (Fair - no impediments to visibility or movement)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

Lizardmen Light Infantry move from 028,011 to 026,012, joining the Wolf Riders in the Siege of Fort Arbelving.

Heavy Infantry move from Fort Hambley (030,005) to the Nora-To Temple (033,005), further garrisoning it against assault.

The Hambley Light Cavalry move from 033,005 to the outskirts of Annalysorian (032,008). 

Having finished clearing out the ruins near Oraving, a company of the Red Legion move from 027,021 to 027,018.

The Crusader militia in 027,017 and The White Legion (Heavy Infantry), 1 company of the Red Legion (Heavy Infantry), and 1 company of Heavy Cataphracts (Cataphract Cavalry) in 026,016 converge upon the Beastmen lodged in the necropolis. A battle is fought.

The Hand of Law (Heavy Infantry) disembark at the Abbey of Igolb. Together with the half-company of nuns from the Abbey, they march upon the slave pits of the goblins, finding them undefended. The few Beastmen left are put to the sword, burning pitch is poured down their boltholes, and the entrances to the slave pits are collapsed and filled with concrete where possible. The Goblin Slave Pits are no longer a viable settlement for the Beastmen Hordes.

Elven ships are seen continuing their voyage up the lake.

Reinforcements: A company of 120 goblin bowmen appear in Ironburg, reinforcements sent from the Underlords below.

Battle Outcomes

The Battle of the Necropolis (027,016)

Force 1: 4 companies of 120 Crusader Militia/each (Untrained Light Infantry), led by Sir Bruno and the Companions of the Rose.

• BR: 2
• Commander: Sir Bruno Fae-cursed, Level 7 Knight - STR 12 INT 11 WIS 5 DEX 10 CON 13 CHA 10 - LA 5 SA 1 MM +1

Force 2: The White Legion (Heavy Infantry), 1 company of the Red Legion (Heavy Infantry), and 1 company of Heavy Cataphracts (Cataphract Cavalry)

• BR: 11.5
• Commander: Level 7 Human Fighter - STR: 14 INT: 13 WIS: 11  DEX: 5 CON: 7 CHA: 11 - LA 5 SA 1 MM +1

Vs. 

Force 3: 1 company of 60 Orc Boar Riders (spear, scimitar, shield, scale, giant boar), led by a 5 HD chieftain, 2 companies of Hobgoblin Light Infantry/each (spear, sword, shield, leather), each led by a 5 HD Chieftain, 1 company of Gnoll Longbowmen (long bow, battle axe, scale), led by a 6 HD Chieftain, 6 Spectres, controlled by Gnoll shamans

BR: 31

Commander: The Fang of Vassuryn (Sentient Sword): LA 7 SA 2 MM +2

Surprise Round: The Beastmen attempt to hide in bolt holes in the ruins, ambushing the main force of men (Force 2). They succeed, but are in turn surprised by the sudden onslaught of the Crusader Militia led by Sir Bruno and the Companions of the Rose. Force 1 will get a surprise round.

Heroic Foray: Sir Bruno leads the Companions of the Rose on a charge against 24 Hobgoblin scouts (.5 BR) led by a Hobgoblin lieutenant. The combined might of the spellcasters (Ariana and Tuesday) magically enchants and puts to sleep three squads of the Hobgoblins, while Sir Bruno charges and defeats the lieutenant in battle, cutting the brute down. The remaining 6 hobgoblins flee the field. It is a glorious victory, though only a skirmish, and it deprives the enemy commanders of .5 BR.

The crusader militia flood into the ruins, but despite the element of surprise, they are unable to draw most of the beastmen out of their hidey-holes, and the beastmen manage to mount an effective defense.

Round 1: A strange mist fills the Necropolis before being blown away by the wind as briefly as it had come, and the fog moves rapidly Southeast, towards the Citadel of the Eye. 

Heroic Foray: The Companions of the Rose do not make a Heroic Foray this round, having expended most of their sorcery in the ambush earlier. They fight in the ranks.

The heavy troops of the Men of Oraving attack from the west while the Crusaders surge in from the south, the latter attempting to draw off the Orc Boar-riders. Strangely, there are no Orc Boar-riders to be seen, but they are successful in drawing the Beastmen out of their hidey-holes. Something has gone horribly wrong, though -- not only are the Beastmen stronger than the Men or Oraving had any reason to expect, but they have used necromantic magics located in the ruins to raise powerful allies! Foul spectres, terrible lords of the undead, rise under the control of Gnoll shamans, draining the life of the attacking Men of Oraving and raising them as undead legions! The companies of crusading militia under Sir Bruno are broken and scattered, and for many of them, death is only the beginning of their woes. The crack White and Red legions are shattered by the Beastmen and Spectres, fleeing broken away from the ruins. Only the Heavy Cataphracts of Oraving manage to hold together, losing 2 BR worth of troops (15 out of 60). Seeing no chance of recovering the field, the remaining Cataphracts withdraw from the battle.

In the aftermath, as the heroes do what they can to gather together the survivors as their former compatriots are raised as skeletons and zombies among the ruins of the Necropolis, smoke begins to rise from the Citadel of Law: Using the powers of the Fang of Vassuryn, Orc Boar Riders were magically transported to the undefended Citadel, and have unleashed fire and rapine upon it, as is their wont. 

Outcome: Crushing defeat for the Men of Oraving. Casualties: 60 White Legion, 60 Red Legion, 120 Crusader Militia, 8 Heavy Cataphratcts killed. 60 White Legion, 60 Red legion, 120 Crusader Militia, 7 Heavy Cataphracts captured as slaves. One half of the slain Men of Oraving are raised as a company of 120 Skeletons, under the control of the Gnoll Shamans, and half of the slaves are converted into a single company of 120 Slave Light Infantry. 84 Hobgoblins killed, 60 Hobgoblins wounded or scattered.

Total forces now occupying the Necropolis:

.5 companies of Hobgoblin Light Infantry (spear, sword, shield, leather), led by a 5 HD Chieftain, 

1 company of Gnoll Longbowmen (long bow, battle axe, scale), led by a 6 HD Chieftain, 

6 Spectres, controlled by Gnoll shamans

1 company of 120 skeletons, controlled by Gnoll shamans

1 company of 120 Slave Light Infantry

The Winter War: February 2

Day: February 2

Weather: 7 (Fair - no impediments to visibility or movement)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

The victorious Lizardmen at 031,005 withdraw to Annalysorian with their captives. 

Lizardmen Light Infantry move from 029,010 to 028,011, holding their position. 

A company of Lizardmen Heavy Infantry advance from 033,006 to 033,005 and lay siege to the Temple of Nora-To.

The Hambley Light Infantry garrisoning the Temple of Nora-To and the Hambley Light Cavalry descend upon the Lizardmen Heavy Infantry at 033,005, attempting a pincer movement. A battle is fought.

In Fort Arbelving, the defenders begin rallying the surrounding citizens and prepare to defend the fort against a siege.

Ships carrying the Hand of Law (Heavy Infantry) reach the northern end of the Lake today (031,011) and will be able to disembark tomorrow.

The Sundamar Militia harry the large force of Beastmen occupying the Necropolis, but the Boar Riders of Ironburg ride out against them, and the Militia are unable to withdraw in time. A battle is fought.

The large force massed at 026,019 splits in two, with the Crusader Pilgrims advancing to 027,017. The White Legion (Heavy Infantry), 1 company of the Red Legion (Heavy Infantry), and 1 company of Heavy Cataphracts (Cataphract Cavalry) advance as far as 026,016. 

The Red Legion tasked to clear out the catacombs at 027,021 finishes doing so. Rumor is they have also unearthed an artefact of great power...

The victorious Goblin wolf riders surround Fort Arbelving, doing their best to cut off any communications or supplies to the fort. 

Battle Outcomes

The Battle of Nora-To (033,005)

Force 1: Lizardmen Heavy Infantry (1 company of Lizardmen Heavy Infantry)

• BR: 7.5
• Officer: 6 HD Lizardman Chieftain | LA 5 SA 0 MM +2

Force 2: Hambley Light Infantry (1 company of Light Infantry), Hambley Light Cavalry (1 company of Light Cavalry)

• BR: 4.5
• Officer: 3rd Level Human Fighter - Level Human Fighter - STR: 8 INT: 12 WIS: 13 DEX: 10 CON: 13 CHA: 14 (+1) | LA 6 SA 1 MM +2
• Lieutenant: 3rd Level Human Ranger - STR: 12 INT: 11 WIS: 15 DEX: 16 CON: 13 CHA: 15 (+2) | LA 7

The Lizardmen are taken by surprise thanks to the cunning woodcraft of the Men of Hambley. 

Surprise round: The Lizardmen are taken totally off-guard by the sudden courage of the Men of Hambley, losing more than half their forces in the initial assault (new BR: 3.5). They waver as they attempt to regroup in the dizzying maze of trees that is the Trollwood.

Round 1: The Lizardmen fail to regroup, suffering further casualties (new BR 1.5) thanks to the swift-moving light cavalry and the expert woodcraft of the Hambley Rangers. At this point, their commander decides to withdraw from the woods, if possible, however they are unable to outmaneuver the Hambley Light Cavalry. Outmaneuvered and outnumbered, the remaining Lizardmen break and route, only to be mopped up by the men of Hambley. The cries of lizardmen echo through the Trollwood into the night.

Outcome: Total victory for the Men of Hambley. Casualties: 60 Lizardmen slain, 60 Lizardmen wounded or scattered.

Skirmish near the Necropolis (027,016)

Force 1: Sundamar Militia (1 Company of 120 Untrained Conscripts/Militia)

BR: 0.5

Officer: 3rd Level Human Fighter - STR: 13 INT: 7 WIS: 11  DEX: 8 CON: 15 CHA: 16 (+2) | LA 7

Force 2: Orc Boar Riders (1 Company of 60 Orc Boar Riders)

BR: 8

Officer: 5 HD Orc Chieftain | LA 4 SA 0 MM +2

The Orc Boar Riders outflank the untrained Sundamar Militia and take them by surprise.

Surprise round: The Boar Riders descend upon the Sundamar Militia, completely destroying them before the latter can muster.

Outcome: Total victory for the Beastmen Hordes. Casualties: 60 men slain, 60 taken as slaves.

The Winter War: February 1

Day: February 1

Weather: 8 (Fair - no impediments to visibility or movement)

Initiative Order for the week:

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

Troop Movements

A unit of Lizardman Light Infantry are spotted at 029,010, scouting the area.

A unit of Lizardman Light Infantry enter the Trollwood at 031,005.

A unit of Lizardmen Heavy Infantry are seen entering the Valley of Nora-To at 033,006.

One unit of Heavy Infantry and one unit of Light Infantry move into the Trollwood from Fort Hambley, patrolling it. They encounter the unit of Lizardmen Light Infantry at 031,005. Neither side is surprised. A battle is fought.

A unit of Light Infantry move from Hambley to the Temple of Nora-To to garrison it against attack.

One unit of Light Cavalry moves from Hambley and patrols the Valley of Nora-To. It encounters the Lizardmen Heavy Infantry at 033,006. Neither side is surprised. The Light Cavalry keep their distance, shadowing the Lizardmen as the latter move towards the wood.

Militia from Sundamar move to 026,016.

Light Infantry from Fort Arbelving and Militia from Ardyle move to 027,011 to scout.

The Hand of Law (Heavy Infantry) from the Citadel of the Eye of Law embark on the Lake and begin sailing north. 

Four companies of Crusader pilgrims (Militia), The White Legion (Heavy Infantry), 1 company of the Red Legion (Heavy Infantry), and 1 company of Heavy Cataphracts (Cataphract Cavalry) muster at 026,019.

A company of the Red Legion (Heavy Infantry) move into the Ruins Near Oraving (027,021). The ruins are sunken catacombs, infested by satyrs and minotaurs. It will take the crack troops of the Red Legion only a day to clear it out.

A band of Elven light infantry depart Arbelladon, sailing north along the lake.

Ironburg vomits out hordes of beastmen as four companies move out from it to occupy the ruined necropolis at 027,016. The massive force of beastmen passes through 026,016 and encounter the Sundamar Militia, but the militia withdraw as ordered, harassing the flank of the beastmen as they move into the ruins. Thus harassed, the beastmen are unable to focus on searching the ruins this day.

The full force of goblins (three companies of goblin infantry, one company of goblin wolf-riders) moves out from the Slave Market, intending to besiege Fort Arbelving. They meet the Fort Arbelving Garrison and Ardyle Militia in the woods at 027,011, and are completely surprised by them. Managing to outflank the goblin force, the men take advantage of the opportunity. A battle is fought.

Battle Outcomes

The Battle of the Trollwood - Battle at 031,005

Force 1: Lizardmen Light Infantry (1 Company of Lizardmen Light Infantry)

BR: 4.5

Officer: 6 HD Lizardman Chieftain | LA 5 SA 0 MM +2

Force 2: 1 Company of Heavy Infantry, 1 Company of Light Infantry

BR: 3

Officer: 5th Level Human Fighter - STR: 8 INT: 12 WIS: 13 DEX: 10 CON: 13 CHA: 14 (+1) | LA 6 SA 1 MM +2

Lieutenant: 3rd Level Human Ranger - STR: 12 INT: 11 WIS: 15 DEX: 16 CON: 13 CHA: 15 (+2) | LA 7

First round: The numerically superior Men of Hambley engage the Lizardmen Light Infantry, but the Hambley Light Infantry are routed almost immediately by the fierce, primaeval warriors. The Hambley Heavy Infantry manage to keep together, withdrawing in good order back to the protection of the stockade of Fort Hambley.

Outcome: Victory for the Armies of Immianthe. Casualties: 60 Hambley Light Infantry dead, 60 Hambley Light Infantry captured as slaves.

The Battle of Arbelving Wood - Battle at 027,011

Force 1:  Fort Arbelving Garrison and Ardyle Militia (1 Company of 120 Light Infantry C (Great Axe, Leather), 1 Company of 120 Untrained Conscripts/Militia).

Battle Rating: 1.5

Officer: 5th Level Human Fighter - STR: 14 INT: 12 WIS: 14  DEX: 10 CON: 14 CHA: 14 (+1) | LA 6 SA 1 MM +2

Lieutenant: 3rd Level Human Fighter - STR: 13 INT: 7 WIS: 11  DEX: 8 CON: 15 CHA: 16 (+2) | LA 7

Force 2: Goblin Army (3 Companies of Goblin Infantry, 1 Company of Goblin Wolf-Riders). 

Battle Rating: 8

Officer: 5 HD Goblin Wolf Rider Chieftain | LA 4 SA 0 MM +2

Lieutenants: 3 5 HD Goblin Chieftains | LA 4

First round: The goblins are ambushed, and 2 companies of goblin infantry are destroyed or scattered at the outset of the battle. Wavering, the numerically superior goblins desperately try to rally amid the trees. 

Second round: Inconclusive fighting beneath the trees as the goblins rally.

Third round: Inconclusive fighting beneath the trees.

Fourth round: The Fort Arbelving Garrison destroy the remaining goblin infantry and kill many of the Wolf-Riders, but the Wolf-Riders smash through the line of the Ardyle Militia, scattering them. The Fort Arbelving Garrison withdraws in good order to the protection of the fort.

Outcome: Victory for the Goblin Army. Casualties: 180 Goblin infantry dead, 180 Goblin infantry wounded or scattered. 60 Ardyle Militia dead, 60 Ardyle militia captured as slaves by the Goblin Wolf-Riders.