Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Last Stand of the Dorinthians
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 5907068" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>Ventus, Barok, Danica, Nikolos, and Dartis</p><p></p><p>Nikolos spoke quietly, as if musing to himself. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Were I the orcs, just now, I'd use some of my numbers to simply surround this force, which I outnumber four to one, barricaded or not, and then throw five hundred or so at the creek, slaughtering everybody there. Then I could deal with the more dangerous force at my leisure. Which would make the flanking movement more of an attempt to keep the refugees pinned in place.."</span> He cleared his throat, and took a drink from his wineskin. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"But then, I know nothing of military matters."</span></p><p></p><p>Barok considered his options. Going out on his own against a force like this, without even the most basic potions, to harass them on the flanks and pick off their scouts (as if they'd even need scouts at this stage) would be suicide. So would staying and fighting on the barricades. No, his best option would be to get the hell out of here, and he'd probably have a decent chance of making it... But then what? Not much point in living to fight another day when there's nothing left to fight for. <span style="color: SlateGray">"No, I'll stay right here. Fighting to the last like the rest of you bloody heroes."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"We don't even have the time to set a proper trap for them. If we had the houses along the front rigged with oil we could roast the first wave of attackers and let the rest of them choke on the smoke, giving us cover from their arrows. As it is I can perhaps arrange for a few diversions, or close a part of the front to allow us to concentrate our defenses.</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">If we set enough fires on this side of the town it might buy us enough time to retreat from this position and take out the flanking force before the main army can take us in the back, that is if the Lords are willing to burn the town to save the people."</span></p><p></p><p>Ventus stood by, uncomfortable as he watched the debate between Cal and Randal. His hand rested uneasily on his sword as he looked in the direction of the flanking force. His first instinct was to await orders. His time as a soldier taught him to follow instructions from those in a position to better judge the larger picture. But it was clear here that nobody knew the ultimate goals, tactics or disposition of the orcs.</p><p></p><p>He turned to face Dartis. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"In times when there is no correct choice, the only mistake is to not choose."</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis listened to the cousel of Kyle and Cal and was silent a moment as the horns echoed in the square.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"And to choose how to die. What kind of a man is Silas? He is a damnfool of a scholar that wades into combat more often than is good for him, when he should have his nose in a book. And he is as dear to me as a brother and I would not see him dead by a barbaric orc if I can help it. But neither shall I sacrifice those that are here.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">The square is our best hope of defense and where the main attack lies. This shall be our stronghold. Kyle, keep your reserves here there are needed here. Cal, keep ten archers here, take thirty to the flank facing the refugees and harass that flank of the main column. Once they close with the barricades I want you back here to keep the square from being overrun.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Kyle, this is Ventus. I trust him completely and this is his kind of fight. Put some men under him and let him run the front lines while you manage the remaining lines.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Danica, keep that deadly aim of yours employed here and well as other gifts of yours. Nikolos, I know your healing will be much appreciated here, and I am thankful to have you and your skills among us.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Cal, I will take ten of your fastest archers to try to intercept the flanking orcs. If I can I mean to buy the refugees some time to get here, otherwise I will stay there to defended the rest of our people.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Barok, I could sure use an experianced hand to help me guide those refugees back here, and there's room on Swift."</span></p><p></p><p>Barok nodded in agreement and joined Dartis. <span style="color: SlateGray">"As you say sir."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: green">"Well, it's a plan at least,"</span> Radnal said in approval and began to direct his men to follow Dartis' idea. He left Ventus in the center of where the incoming orcs could be now seen coming while giving last minute orders to the rest of the men on the flanks.</p><p></p><p>The men began to grumble, however, as Ventus took command of the front line. He was an Imperial after all. Cal observed with a calculated gaze for a moment before he said aloud, <span style="color: white">"So, you haven't run away and have decided to stand and die with us after all, Imperial. I'd venture that your more than earning your place with us."</span> He then rode away to pick ten horsemen to accompany Dartis, but left a much relaxed unit ready now to take Ventus' commands. Cal delivered the ten riders consisting of five paladins, three fighters, and two rangers; all experts with bows.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos and Danica took their place next to Cal, who was busy making Kyle Radnal's one hundred archers into two small companies of bowmen. He then drew his sword and stood up on the stirrups of his horse. <span style="color: white">"Cavalry! .... Dis-mount!"</span> The remaining riding paladins, rangers, and fighters... all minor nobles and former estate owners, dismounted from their horses and sent them into the center of the town square with young squires. "Cavalry! ... Ready ... bows! Cavalry! ... hold fire...!"</p><p></p><p>Kyle Radnal was equally loud, as he moved back and forth amoung his flanks. He had roughly 150 men on each flank, while Ventus had another 150 in the center. Forty more foot soldiers stood at the ready to the southern part of the outer circular defense and could also act as reserves since that sector so far had seen no sign of the enemy. The militia was mixed with the town guard and wore leather armor compared to the guard's chain shirts. All carried either spears or halberds and short swords. <span style="color: green">"Protect the archers! Hold them back and let the bowmen do their work!"</span></p><p></p><p>As the orcs began to climb the northern barricades to get at the Dorinthian positions, ten horsemen led by Dartis and Barok burst forth from the southern defenses in an attempt to stop an army of orcs from slaying thousands of their kin. From where they came forth they could already see that Silas' defenses were beset by a couple of hundred orcs. Three hundred more orcs were trickling towards their position and forming a long column via one of the main streets. None of the orcs noticed Dartis' band so far.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos, Ventus, and Danica had their own problems to worry about, however. The mass of orcs were coming right down the center and Ventus' line was beginning to bow backwards from the weight of the assault.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: white">"Cavalry, aim at the orcs in the center! Archers, aim over the barricades! Fire!"</span> The foot archers shot over the barricades with the hope of decimating the orcs' ranks behind the first. The elite and horseless cavalry had an aim that was unerring, helping to slow the assault.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: green">"Push them back! For the Rider! For your families! For New Dorinthia!"</span></p><p></p><p>Ventus stood firmly, shoulder to shoulder with the Dorinthians as the orcs pressed their attack. He tried to assemble the men into some semblance of a shield wall, wishing that he had a good old Imperial Legion at his back like he used to. He shook off his idle wishes as unimportant. He was no longer a legionaire; all he had was himself and the men beside him to hold off this attack. He braced for the first impact of the orcs.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"STAND FIRM!"</span></p><p></p><p>And then the orcs were upon them. His sword darted out from behind his shield as he struck wherever he found the opportunity. He did his best to aid those beside him, pushing himself harder than he dared ask of the townsfolk. When the line began to falter under the orc attack he called for one of the reserves to take his place in line.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"Cal was wrong. I have no intention of dying today!"</span></p><p>Gathering around half of the remaining reserve force he moved to reinforce the line where it had been pushed back, hoping the renewed assault of the fresh troops and his own aid would be enough to get the line back into shape.</p><p></p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Silas and Caramip</p><p></p><p>The wind blew from southwest to northeast.</p><p></p><p>The duo had 100 militia men and 2000 old men (ages 50+), women (all ages), and children (ages 0-15) civilians. They had have the following weapons:</p><p>60 spears, 20 halbers, 110 bows, countless arrows, 20 longswords, 50 short swords, and a couple hundred knives.</p><p></p><p>The milita men had leather armor while the civilians had nothing. The militia men were ready to grab spears and halberds like the heroes requested. That left 20 more free, and they could either take the longswords, become archers, or use the short swords or knives for fighting a little closer and more personal.</p><p></p><p>Silas gave Caramip a grateful smile before turning back to the task at hand. <em>I wish Lord Kalnian were here; he's much better at this sort of thing...</em> As the state of their arms became more clear Silas realized that he was woefully lacking able-bodied men. Picking out a militiaman that he recognized, he began barking orders, <span style="color: orange">"Janse, get those militia men swords and position them just behind the barricade. Give the others halberds. Armored militia in front. You there!"</span> He pointed at a group of older men. <span style="color: orange">"Grab a spear. Spread out and line up behind. You!"</span> He pointed at another group of older men. <span style="color: orange">"Grab bows and ready yourself to fire. Arrows <em>over</em> our forces to rain down on orcs. Hurry, get ready..."</span> At that moment he saw the howling orcs descending upon them like a cloud of locusts. <em>I need more time!</em> Shoving doubt and fear down he tried to present a collected face to his fellow Dorinthians. <span style="color: orange">"Bowmen! Fire!"</span></p><p></p><p>Silas then grabbed a nearby woman. <span style="color: orange">"Get women to help you but get those children into the creek and out of sight. Make your way to the town square. Grab a knife; you may need to defend yourself."</span></p><p></p><p>Lacking more time, he cast <em>Shield</em> upon himself, inwardly seething that the magics remaining to him were of little use in battle. <span style="color: orange">"Stand firm!"</span> he yelled. Hefting his staff he rushed forward to support their meager line of swordsmen and to meet the oncoming orcs. He did what he could to yell more orders to those that could act: Armored militia with swords and halberds in the front, old guys/women with spears and halberds interspersed but a step behind, and old guys/women with bows just behind them.</p><p></p><p>Caramip did what she could where she could and prayed that everything else would take care of itself. In her mind, she had a hard time ignoring the connection of what had happened to her so long ago and how this battle was turning out. She prayed that she had the courage to prevent history from repeating itself. Despite how she felt, she did her best to keep her emotions buried and away from the surface, especially around the children. </p><p></p><p>As the horde came into view she hastily made her way towards Silas and took her place on their make shift barricade. Fires had spread across some parts of the town, and she could make out the blood thirsty eyes of the horde. <em><span style="color: Yellow">Wish you where here Nik…</span></em> She thought to herself as her eyes drifted to the novice militia <em><span style="color: Yellow">For your healing will be in much need.</span></em></p><p></p><p>Her drums increased in rhythm and sound. Ahead of them were hundreds of crimson drinking killers. Behind them, lying in wait with fear and prayer, were a thousand more innocent women and children. In between, rested a small militia with nothing but hope, determination and iron. “<span style="color: Yellow">This is what legends are made of.</span>” She stated with a small look towards Silas. </p><p></p><p>Silas blinked, wide-eyed with surprise at Caramip's last comment. Finding his tongue he quietly said, <span style="color: orange">"I would much rather have a quiet life."</span> He glanced back to where he last saw his wife then clenched his jaw and turned back towards the upcoming battle.</p><p></p><p>The orcs came over the barricades, and the newly-made archers took the opportunity to fire at will, injuring or killing a couple dozen of the initial attackers. The next volley went over the barricades to impact against unseen orcs. Men with halberds and spears took care of many of the others. The orcs that fell and were not outright killed were slaughtered by old men with spears.</p><p></p><p>The abjurer and the gnome did their part while motivating the troops, with staff crushing skulls and short sword stabbing downwards. In the midst of this violent encounter, a young woman ran up to the two heroes.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: white">"Orcs! Orcs are trying to swim at us from the creek!"</span> All Silas' defenses were concentrated on barely holding the line, and he had nothing but huddled civilians by the creek.</p><p></p><p><em>To save a few, I've lost them all.</em> Silas pushed despair away and grabbed an archer, shoving him towards the creek. <span style="color: orange">"Archers! To the creek! Pick them off as they swim across."</span> He looked around for Caramip. Spotting the small woman amidst a swirl of chaos he made his way to her. </p><p></p><p>With a smile, she greeted the Magi as he made his way towards her through chaos of battle. “<span style="color: Yellow">Having fun yet?</span>” She prodded as he approaches within shouting distance. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: orange">"Caramip, I need you to give the men at the creek guidance. Orcs are coming across."</span> He flashed her a grin. <span style="color: orange">"And once you've taken care of that find a way for the citizens to retreat towards the town square. We'll hold here to buy you time."</span></p><p></p><p>She looked back towards the river as she listened intently to recent developments. “<span style="color: Yellow">I’ll need your rod of Darkness.</span>” She stated reaching. Taking the rod, she shoved it into her vest pocket and the offered a simple nod to the Magi before running off towards the river. </p><p></p><p>Once reaching the river Caramip tactfully surveyed the situation and took command over the archers. With the wand in hand she quickly began to cover her side of the river bank in darkness. At the same time she ordered the archers to open fire on the on coming Orcs. Her only hope was that the cover of darkness would be able to give the edge they so desperately needed. </p><p></p><p>Knowing that he had given the woman an impossible task to match his own, Silas began to turn away when an orc lauched himself from the top of their hastily-constructed defensive wall and crashed into Silas. The two tumbled to the ground and the sudden impact slammed Silas' jaw closed on his tongue. Salty blood filled his mouth. An aged spearman thrust his spear into the orc's throat. Blood spattered across Silas' face. Silas struggled to his feet wiping sweat from his forehead and smearing blood across his face in broad swaths. Amidst a dozen other cuts and bruises his throbbing tongue struck him as the most ludicrous. Hefting his staff in both hands he turned back to meet the next oncoming orc and began to laugh...</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Nikolos, Danica, and Ventus</p><p></p><p>The Imperial way of fighting involved getting in close with a wall of shields, and then using the short sword for quick and controlled thrusts into the body. The Dorinthians played by different rules, preferring to use their spears to hold an enemy at bay while the archers do their work.</p><p></p><p>Ventus adjusted to the new tactics, and signaled a small reserve of men from the southern end of the exterior defenses to rush forward and meet the orcs where they were beginning to break through. His family sword was buried deep into the ribcage of an orc that he pushed against a barricade with his shield. With bloody blade held high, Ventus rallied spare soldiers into pushing the orcs back over the barricades.</p><p></p><p>All the while, Danica, Cal, and a hundred archers plied their own deadly trade. Every time the groups of archers let loose another volley over the barricades the sound of injured orcs rang out. The attack began to peter out, and the orcs could be heard regrouping on the other side of the barricades.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos followed Ventus close, keeping the Tallione man from harm more than once, and helping to pull the injured out of the way so that they might recover and fight in this battle once more. He saw one particularly older and larger orc on top of the barricades and cast a <em>detect thoughts</em> spell. The priest found fear and some confusion in the creature's thoughts and the Nikolos reported to Ventus what he detected. The battle was not going as easily as the orcs had thought. Also, it seemed as if they were expecting elves and half-elves, and not battle-hardened humans this far north. The orc was looking for a place to breech the human defenses and was focusing hard at their sparsely defended southern flank. The orc considered reporting the weakness to the chieftain.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Dartis and Barok</p><p></p><p>The heroes' hearts grew cold in fear and worry as Silas' defenders ceased firing arrows over the barricades at the incoming orcs. Had the archers run out of ammo or were they somehow wiped out? It looked as if Dorinthian spear and halberd tips still peeked out in defense of the barricades, though. The halt in firing gave the orcs a better opportunity to form up for an attack, and they pushed harder.</p><p></p><p>Though still at the maximum arrow range, Dartis ordered a couple of volleys to be fired. It did prove a minor distraction, as Barok could see some of the closest orcs peering in his general direction in confusion.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Silas</p><p></p><p>The abjurer's laughter increased when one of the orcs came from over the barricades and slashed at him, but instead connected with his <em>shield</em> effect, causing sparks to fly. Silas' return swing crushed the warrior's windpipe and the battle mage coolly stepped over his corpse.</p><p></p><p>On examination, it was plain to see that the loss of his archers had quickly turned the battle against the mage and his army. His defenses were beginning to bow inwards, and Silas realized that if he couldn't find a way to turn the tide again, either he would need Caramip to disobey his last order and return with the archers, or a miracle from the heavens would have to descend.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Caramip</p><p></p><p>The gnome arrived at the creek's bank just in time to take control of the situation. A few dozen orcs were coming at her from the creek by swimming across the deep body of water. <span style="color: white"><em>"Diraak"</em></span>, Caramip uttered the command word and waved her newly grabbed wand at the deepest part of the creek. She used it repeatedly to coat a larger area.</p><p></p><p>Although it was not impossible to see inside or outside the magically created darkness, it did make the sighting of the enemy much harder. The swimming orcs had the hardest time, though, as Caramip's archers fired either at the noise of their surprised shrieks or the slightest hint of orc in the dimness. Soon the orcs had either drowned unable to find dry land or been made into pincushions. None reached the Dorinthian side alive.</p><p>The gnome smiled, but then looked back to where Silas last stood. The mage was still there, fighting with his staff, although his line was beginning to buckle. There didn't seem to be an easy way to get the people across the creek. On the other hand, it was evident that Silas' defenses would soon fall unless aided.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 5907068, member: 34958"] Ventus, Barok, Danica, Nikolos, and Dartis Nikolos spoke quietly, as if musing to himself. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Were I the orcs, just now, I'd use some of my numbers to simply surround this force, which I outnumber four to one, barricaded or not, and then throw five hundred or so at the creek, slaughtering everybody there. Then I could deal with the more dangerous force at my leisure. Which would make the flanking movement more of an attempt to keep the refugees pinned in place.."[/COLOR] He cleared his throat, and took a drink from his wineskin. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"But then, I know nothing of military matters."[/COLOR] Barok considered his options. Going out on his own against a force like this, without even the most basic potions, to harass them on the flanks and pick off their scouts (as if they'd even need scouts at this stage) would be suicide. So would staying and fighting on the barricades. No, his best option would be to get the hell out of here, and he'd probably have a decent chance of making it... But then what? Not much point in living to fight another day when there's nothing left to fight for. [COLOR=SlateGray]"No, I'll stay right here. Fighting to the last like the rest of you bloody heroes."[/COLOR] [COLOR=SlateGray]"We don't even have the time to set a proper trap for them. If we had the houses along the front rigged with oil we could roast the first wave of attackers and let the rest of them choke on the smoke, giving us cover from their arrows. As it is I can perhaps arrange for a few diversions, or close a part of the front to allow us to concentrate our defenses. If we set enough fires on this side of the town it might buy us enough time to retreat from this position and take out the flanking force before the main army can take us in the back, that is if the Lords are willing to burn the town to save the people."[/COLOR] Ventus stood by, uncomfortable as he watched the debate between Cal and Randal. His hand rested uneasily on his sword as he looked in the direction of the flanking force. His first instinct was to await orders. His time as a soldier taught him to follow instructions from those in a position to better judge the larger picture. But it was clear here that nobody knew the ultimate goals, tactics or disposition of the orcs. He turned to face Dartis. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"In times when there is no correct choice, the only mistake is to not choose."[/COLOR] Dartis listened to the cousel of Kyle and Cal and was silent a moment as the horns echoed in the square. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"And to choose how to die. What kind of a man is Silas? He is a damnfool of a scholar that wades into combat more often than is good for him, when he should have his nose in a book. And he is as dear to me as a brother and I would not see him dead by a barbaric orc if I can help it. But neither shall I sacrifice those that are here. The square is our best hope of defense and where the main attack lies. This shall be our stronghold. Kyle, keep your reserves here there are needed here. Cal, keep ten archers here, take thirty to the flank facing the refugees and harass that flank of the main column. Once they close with the barricades I want you back here to keep the square from being overrun. Kyle, this is Ventus. I trust him completely and this is his kind of fight. Put some men under him and let him run the front lines while you manage the remaining lines. Danica, keep that deadly aim of yours employed here and well as other gifts of yours. Nikolos, I know your healing will be much appreciated here, and I am thankful to have you and your skills among us. Cal, I will take ten of your fastest archers to try to intercept the flanking orcs. If I can I mean to buy the refugees some time to get here, otherwise I will stay there to defended the rest of our people. Barok, I could sure use an experianced hand to help me guide those refugees back here, and there's room on Swift."[/color] Barok nodded in agreement and joined Dartis. [COLOR=SlateGray]"As you say sir."[/COLOR] [color=green]"Well, it's a plan at least,"[/color] Radnal said in approval and began to direct his men to follow Dartis' idea. He left Ventus in the center of where the incoming orcs could be now seen coming while giving last minute orders to the rest of the men on the flanks. The men began to grumble, however, as Ventus took command of the front line. He was an Imperial after all. Cal observed with a calculated gaze for a moment before he said aloud, [color=white]"So, you haven't run away and have decided to stand and die with us after all, Imperial. I'd venture that your more than earning your place with us."[/color] He then rode away to pick ten horsemen to accompany Dartis, but left a much relaxed unit ready now to take Ventus' commands. Cal delivered the ten riders consisting of five paladins, three fighters, and two rangers; all experts with bows. Nikolos and Danica took their place next to Cal, who was busy making Kyle Radnal's one hundred archers into two small companies of bowmen. He then drew his sword and stood up on the stirrups of his horse. [Color=white]"Cavalry! .... Dis-mount!"[/color] The remaining riding paladins, rangers, and fighters... all minor nobles and former estate owners, dismounted from their horses and sent them into the center of the town square with young squires. "Cavalry! ... Ready ... bows! Cavalry! ... hold fire...!" Kyle Radnal was equally loud, as he moved back and forth amoung his flanks. He had roughly 150 men on each flank, while Ventus had another 150 in the center. Forty more foot soldiers stood at the ready to the southern part of the outer circular defense and could also act as reserves since that sector so far had seen no sign of the enemy. The militia was mixed with the town guard and wore leather armor compared to the guard's chain shirts. All carried either spears or halberds and short swords. [color=green]"Protect the archers! Hold them back and let the bowmen do their work!"[/color] As the orcs began to climb the northern barricades to get at the Dorinthian positions, ten horsemen led by Dartis and Barok burst forth from the southern defenses in an attempt to stop an army of orcs from slaying thousands of their kin. From where they came forth they could already see that Silas' defenses were beset by a couple of hundred orcs. Three hundred more orcs were trickling towards their position and forming a long column via one of the main streets. None of the orcs noticed Dartis' band so far. Nikolos, Ventus, and Danica had their own problems to worry about, however. The mass of orcs were coming right down the center and Ventus' line was beginning to bow backwards from the weight of the assault. [color=white]"Cavalry, aim at the orcs in the center! Archers, aim over the barricades! Fire!"[/color] The foot archers shot over the barricades with the hope of decimating the orcs' ranks behind the first. The elite and horseless cavalry had an aim that was unerring, helping to slow the assault. [color=green]"Push them back! For the Rider! For your families! For New Dorinthia!"[/color] Ventus stood firmly, shoulder to shoulder with the Dorinthians as the orcs pressed their attack. He tried to assemble the men into some semblance of a shield wall, wishing that he had a good old Imperial Legion at his back like he used to. He shook off his idle wishes as unimportant. He was no longer a legionaire; all he had was himself and the men beside him to hold off this attack. He braced for the first impact of the orcs. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"STAND FIRM!"[/COLOR] And then the orcs were upon them. His sword darted out from behind his shield as he struck wherever he found the opportunity. He did his best to aid those beside him, pushing himself harder than he dared ask of the townsfolk. When the line began to falter under the orc attack he called for one of the reserves to take his place in line. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"Cal was wrong. I have no intention of dying today!"[/COLOR] Gathering around half of the remaining reserve force he moved to reinforce the line where it had been pushed back, hoping the renewed assault of the fresh troops and his own aid would be enough to get the line back into shape. ***** Silas and Caramip The wind blew from southwest to northeast. The duo had 100 militia men and 2000 old men (ages 50+), women (all ages), and children (ages 0-15) civilians. They had have the following weapons: 60 spears, 20 halbers, 110 bows, countless arrows, 20 longswords, 50 short swords, and a couple hundred knives. The milita men had leather armor while the civilians had nothing. The militia men were ready to grab spears and halberds like the heroes requested. That left 20 more free, and they could either take the longswords, become archers, or use the short swords or knives for fighting a little closer and more personal. Silas gave Caramip a grateful smile before turning back to the task at hand. [i]I wish Lord Kalnian were here; he's much better at this sort of thing...[/i] As the state of their arms became more clear Silas realized that he was woefully lacking able-bodied men. Picking out a militiaman that he recognized, he began barking orders, [color=orange]"Janse, get those militia men swords and position them just behind the barricade. Give the others halberds. Armored militia in front. You there!"[/color] He pointed at a group of older men. [color=orange]"Grab a spear. Spread out and line up behind. You!"[/color] He pointed at another group of older men. [color=orange]"Grab bows and ready yourself to fire. Arrows [i]over[/i] our forces to rain down on orcs. Hurry, get ready..."[/color] At that moment he saw the howling orcs descending upon them like a cloud of locusts. [i]I need more time![/i] Shoving doubt and fear down he tried to present a collected face to his fellow Dorinthians. [color=orange]"Bowmen! Fire!"[/color] Silas then grabbed a nearby woman. [color=orange]"Get women to help you but get those children into the creek and out of sight. Make your way to the town square. Grab a knife; you may need to defend yourself."[/color] Lacking more time, he cast [i]Shield[/i] upon himself, inwardly seething that the magics remaining to him were of little use in battle. [color=orange]"Stand firm!"[/color] he yelled. Hefting his staff he rushed forward to support their meager line of swordsmen and to meet the oncoming orcs. He did what he could to yell more orders to those that could act: Armored militia with swords and halberds in the front, old guys/women with spears and halberds interspersed but a step behind, and old guys/women with bows just behind them. Caramip did what she could where she could and prayed that everything else would take care of itself. In her mind, she had a hard time ignoring the connection of what had happened to her so long ago and how this battle was turning out. She prayed that she had the courage to prevent history from repeating itself. Despite how she felt, she did her best to keep her emotions buried and away from the surface, especially around the children. As the horde came into view she hastily made her way towards Silas and took her place on their make shift barricade. Fires had spread across some parts of the town, and she could make out the blood thirsty eyes of the horde. [I][COLOR=Yellow]Wish you where here Nik…[/COLOR][/I] She thought to herself as her eyes drifted to the novice militia [I][COLOR=Yellow]For your healing will be in much need.[/COLOR][/I] Her drums increased in rhythm and sound. Ahead of them were hundreds of crimson drinking killers. Behind them, lying in wait with fear and prayer, were a thousand more innocent women and children. In between, rested a small militia with nothing but hope, determination and iron. “[COLOR=Yellow]This is what legends are made of.[/COLOR]” She stated with a small look towards Silas. Silas blinked, wide-eyed with surprise at Caramip's last comment. Finding his tongue he quietly said, [color=orange]"I would much rather have a quiet life."[/color] He glanced back to where he last saw his wife then clenched his jaw and turned back towards the upcoming battle. The orcs came over the barricades, and the newly-made archers took the opportunity to fire at will, injuring or killing a couple dozen of the initial attackers. The next volley went over the barricades to impact against unseen orcs. Men with halberds and spears took care of many of the others. The orcs that fell and were not outright killed were slaughtered by old men with spears. The abjurer and the gnome did their part while motivating the troops, with staff crushing skulls and short sword stabbing downwards. In the midst of this violent encounter, a young woman ran up to the two heroes. [color=white]"Orcs! Orcs are trying to swim at us from the creek!"[/color] All Silas' defenses were concentrated on barely holding the line, and he had nothing but huddled civilians by the creek. [i]To save a few, I've lost them all.[/i] Silas pushed despair away and grabbed an archer, shoving him towards the creek. [color=orange]"Archers! To the creek! Pick them off as they swim across."[/color] He looked around for Caramip. Spotting the small woman amidst a swirl of chaos he made his way to her. With a smile, she greeted the Magi as he made his way towards her through chaos of battle. “[COLOR=Yellow]Having fun yet?[/COLOR]” She prodded as he approaches within shouting distance. [color=orange]"Caramip, I need you to give the men at the creek guidance. Orcs are coming across."[/color] He flashed her a grin. [color=orange]"And once you've taken care of that find a way for the citizens to retreat towards the town square. We'll hold here to buy you time."[/color] She looked back towards the river as she listened intently to recent developments. “[COLOR=Yellow]I’ll need your rod of Darkness.[/COLOR]” She stated reaching. Taking the rod, she shoved it into her vest pocket and the offered a simple nod to the Magi before running off towards the river. Once reaching the river Caramip tactfully surveyed the situation and took command over the archers. With the wand in hand she quickly began to cover her side of the river bank in darkness. At the same time she ordered the archers to open fire on the on coming Orcs. Her only hope was that the cover of darkness would be able to give the edge they so desperately needed. Knowing that he had given the woman an impossible task to match his own, Silas began to turn away when an orc lauched himself from the top of their hastily-constructed defensive wall and crashed into Silas. The two tumbled to the ground and the sudden impact slammed Silas' jaw closed on his tongue. Salty blood filled his mouth. An aged spearman thrust his spear into the orc's throat. Blood spattered across Silas' face. Silas struggled to his feet wiping sweat from his forehead and smearing blood across his face in broad swaths. Amidst a dozen other cuts and bruises his throbbing tongue struck him as the most ludicrous. Hefting his staff in both hands he turned back to meet the next oncoming orc and began to laugh... ***** Nikolos, Danica, and Ventus The Imperial way of fighting involved getting in close with a wall of shields, and then using the short sword for quick and controlled thrusts into the body. The Dorinthians played by different rules, preferring to use their spears to hold an enemy at bay while the archers do their work. Ventus adjusted to the new tactics, and signaled a small reserve of men from the southern end of the exterior defenses to rush forward and meet the orcs where they were beginning to break through. His family sword was buried deep into the ribcage of an orc that he pushed against a barricade with his shield. With bloody blade held high, Ventus rallied spare soldiers into pushing the orcs back over the barricades. All the while, Danica, Cal, and a hundred archers plied their own deadly trade. Every time the groups of archers let loose another volley over the barricades the sound of injured orcs rang out. The attack began to peter out, and the orcs could be heard regrouping on the other side of the barricades. Nikolos followed Ventus close, keeping the Tallione man from harm more than once, and helping to pull the injured out of the way so that they might recover and fight in this battle once more. He saw one particularly older and larger orc on top of the barricades and cast a [i]detect thoughts[/i] spell. The priest found fear and some confusion in the creature's thoughts and the Nikolos reported to Ventus what he detected. The battle was not going as easily as the orcs had thought. Also, it seemed as if they were expecting elves and half-elves, and not battle-hardened humans this far north. The orc was looking for a place to breech the human defenses and was focusing hard at their sparsely defended southern flank. The orc considered reporting the weakness to the chieftain. ***** Dartis and Barok The heroes' hearts grew cold in fear and worry as Silas' defenders ceased firing arrows over the barricades at the incoming orcs. Had the archers run out of ammo or were they somehow wiped out? It looked as if Dorinthian spear and halberd tips still peeked out in defense of the barricades, though. The halt in firing gave the orcs a better opportunity to form up for an attack, and they pushed harder. Though still at the maximum arrow range, Dartis ordered a couple of volleys to be fired. It did prove a minor distraction, as Barok could see some of the closest orcs peering in his general direction in confusion. ***** Silas The abjurer's laughter increased when one of the orcs came from over the barricades and slashed at him, but instead connected with his [i]shield[/i] effect, causing sparks to fly. Silas' return swing crushed the warrior's windpipe and the battle mage coolly stepped over his corpse. On examination, it was plain to see that the loss of his archers had quickly turned the battle against the mage and his army. His defenses were beginning to bow inwards, and Silas realized that if he couldn't find a way to turn the tide again, either he would need Caramip to disobey his last order and return with the archers, or a miracle from the heavens would have to descend. ***** Caramip The gnome arrived at the creek's bank just in time to take control of the situation. A few dozen orcs were coming at her from the creek by swimming across the deep body of water. [color=white][i]"Diraak"[/i][/color], Caramip uttered the command word and waved her newly grabbed wand at the deepest part of the creek. She used it repeatedly to coat a larger area. Although it was not impossible to see inside or outside the magically created darkness, it did make the sighting of the enemy much harder. The swimming orcs had the hardest time, though, as Caramip's archers fired either at the noise of their surprised shrieks or the slightest hint of orc in the dimness. Soon the orcs had either drowned unable to find dry land or been made into pincushions. None reached the Dorinthian side alive. The gnome smiled, but then looked back to where Silas last stood. The mage was still there, fighting with his staff, although his line was beginning to buckle. There didn't seem to be an easy way to get the people across the creek. On the other hand, it was evident that Silas' defenses would soon fall unless aided. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Last Stand of the Dorinthians
Top