Chapter 7
“Second Battle for Greendale”
10-15-2007 Edited by Chrisy Demaroney
11-3-2007 Edited by Ian Shirm
(Formerly Chapter 13)
Strategy for the inevitable Battle of 1500 Goblins vs. Greendale
Dekari, Aiken, Firatri, Tiberius, Henry, and Kane sat in the town hall building around a rectangular table several hours after dark. There were paintings on the walls of battle scenes and heroes of Kulanian military campaigns of old.
"Tiberius you lost 10 mercenaries in the opening battle correct?" Aiken asked.
"Yes, 10 men and 16 horses." Tiberius replied
"You are relieved of your command." Aiken said
"Excuse me?" Tiberius said, noticeably confused.
"Dekari and I talked it over for a bit after the battle. I’m looking for some field experience and since your getting paid for the use of your mercenaries I would like command of the 40." Aiken said
"Very-well. Mercenaries are a dime a dozen. If you keep paying they're going to keep fighting." Tiberius said with a stoic facial expression, trying not to show his discontent. "Try to keep most of them alive. At least the veterans. If I’m left with no fighters I lose my business in this town, I’ve already lost 10 men this day."
"I will keep as many alive through this conflict as is possible under such perilous conditions." Aiken said.
"I appreciate that." Tiberius said.
"We are looking at a force of near 1500. We have a fortified town and a well supplied base of operations. I fear this is connected to the outbreak of war. There are 2 nations of Blood Elf, 2 nations of Mt. Dwarf, the Lizard man clans and the Minotaur who are waging war upon Kulan. If an army landed on the western beaches and fought their way east they would take small towns to supply the large invasion force. Mohawk is a supercity, not to mention the largest agricultural center in all of kulan. If The invaders held that city they could supply a massive army for a long time." Dekari said.
"This town should be held at all cost. For example the force that attacked us had minotaur and blood elf among them. They could be the vanguard for the western hemisphere alliance. If blood elves went from goblin hole to goblin hole they could raise an army in the tens of thousands and throw them at us as fodder until their regular force could concentrate large numbers in this area." Firatri said
"The force we face now is of no consequence as it stands. They outnumber us only 2 to 1. Tomorrow at dawn we strike and we strike from several directions." Dekari said.
"Did we build those walls for nothing? Wont we take greater losses if we engage on the field instead of behind our walls?" Henry asked
"We must anticipate that their current force of around 1500 will be further reinforced. If a goblin force of 2000 or even another 1000 arrived tomorrow then it would be too late." Dekari said
"I agree with Dekari. For someone with no military experience it seems you know what your doing." Firatri said.
"My father taught me a good deal in my short life. We would have long talks about battles of old and the downfalls of empires in history. My father, Bruce, taught me history, the sword and the shield and my mother taught me Herbalism and lore of the gods. Bruce also taught me a good deal of military strategy." Dekari said
"At first light we attack. Tomorrow morning the town militia of 645 men will assemble in phalanx formation infront of our western gate. The Monks will set up a makeshift hospital in the center of town. The 40 mercenaries on horseback will be under Aiken’s command and they will go out the south gate of town and circle around once combat has started to flank the enemy. I will go with my 38 Avengers out of the north gate and flank them as-well from the opposite side. the Paladins will stay in town as well as the crimson elves to create a small but skilled garrison. To breach the wall the enemy must pass through Henry's 645 man phalanx. They will crash on the shields and spears of the phalanx and their guts will be spilled if they break the lines. I want 7 rows of phalanx infront of the west gate if things go badly they will fall back into the town. to cover their retreat the two wings of cavalry will attack their force. Aiken stay close to town with your cavalry and i will do the same. We dont want to get too far away incase were needed to protect the phalanx's flank." Dekari said.
"Try to sleep. Tomorrow could decide the fate of this town. I will not leave my hometown until i see the goblins exterminated from this area." Dekari said.
The men finished the metting and went to their lodgings shortly after.
The Battle at Dawn
The next day the sun rose and the taverns, inns and restaurants in town were all filled with the soldiers of Greendale. Firatri told the owners of the establishments to bill him for the breakfast of the soldiers and that they weren’t to serve alcohol that morning under punishment of lashing. Much to the dismay of many a soldier. About one hour after the son rose the men were all prepared to put Dekaris plan into action.
Dekari, Aiken and Henry talked over breakfast until had the time was at hand. Dekari took his 38 avengers and rode to the north gate and Aikens 40 mercenaries rode to the south gate. Del'goth horns of war sounded from several Avengers. The bell in the tower of the Temple to Palaxis, the god of harvest, rang to be followed by the bell in the temple of Victor, the god of war, rang as well as the bell in the tower of the Feldan, the god of the hunt’s, temple.
Drums sounded from some drummer boys in the militia and holding the Kulan flag high the 645 militia walked out of the town and formed 7 lines on the field separating the town and the invader, 1500 strong. Aiken spent 2500 gold on armor for the horses, most of the contents of the weapons shop and most of the contents of the armor shop and a good deal went to the fletcher to supply the last two rows in the phalanx with arrows for their shortbows.
Hearing the 3 bells with their unique distinctive tones then the drums of war from the phalanx, the 1500 Goblins and Hobgoblins took the field in tightly packed lines. The 10 Blood Elven commanders stood infront of their army and waited a moment. As the minutes dragged on, the blood elves waited for a representative from Greendale. When they recieved no act of diplomacy they ordered a full charge. As the force of goblins and hobgoblins charged across the field the phalanx remained steadfast.
"Hold." Henry yelled, his officers relaying the message. "Last 2 lines knock arrows" Henry yelled the last 2 lines doing as told. "Hold." Henry yelled. As the rushing 1500 enemy reached short-bow range Henry yelled "Loose Arrows!"
The 45 men in the last 2 lines fired over the heads of the 5 rows of phalanx before them.
"Knock Arrow" Henry yelled. After his order was followed, a moment after the first volley hit he yelled "Loose Arrows!" again.
The first volley struck the thick mass of goblins as did the second then third volleys.
"Last 2 lines fire at will!" Henry yelled, his order followed. "First 2 lines raise shields and spears!"
As they did so the charging goblins crashed into the phalanx formation. The shields all at even height protected the first and second line while both lines fought.
"Lines 3, 4 and 5 push the first 2 lines into the enemy." Henry yelled. "Hold the Line!"
In the bell-tower of Victors temple the bell rang and Dekari rode with his 38 Avengers out of the north gate and Aiken rode with his 40 Mercenaries out of the south gate. As planned the two forces rode west and slightly away from town then swung back towards the 2 sides of the goblin force.
The preoccupied goblins didn’t even notice the charging cavalry from 2 opposite directions with them in the middle. The Blood elf commanders noticed too late as Dekari crashed into their northern side and Aiken charged into their southern side. Fighting in the front, south and north of their army was devastating the goblin force. Aiken and his 40 mercenaries broke lines as their target on that side was sparse. On the southern side of the goblin army they were stretched thin and Aiken was riding amongst his men killing freely.
Near 400 goblins dying in the first 20 minutes of combat morale of the residents of Greendale was raised significantly. From the south, close to a 1/4 of a mile away an unusual horn sounded and Aiken looked in the direction. Down the relatively flat field Aiken saw a reinforcement force of goblins. This force he estimated to be about 500 strong. The 500 ran at full charge in no lines towards the now 1000 fighting goblins.
Dekari noticed this and yelled "Fall Back, Circle around to Aiken!!"
"Swing around the outside men!" Aiken yelled to his men. "Regroup with Dekari's cavalry."
Several minutes later Aikens and Dekaris cavalry met in a group."
"Form Lines!" Dekari yelled. "Prepare to charge south!"
Dekari and Aiken watched as the 10 blood elves in the 1000 goblin force yelled orders and the 900 goblins left under their command dis-engaged from the phalanx and started rushing the flank of the cavalry.
"Not good!" Aiken said to his brother who was beside him.
"Fall back a couple hundred feet. Engage with bow not sword!" Dekari said
"Understood." Aiken said
Now near 25 mercenaries and 31 avengers the cavalry waited on their light war horses.
Dekari turned his horse and rode hard to Henry.
"Henry." Dekari said
"Yes?" Henry asked
"How many losses? Dekari asked
"Not sure, Minimal." Henry said
"Bring your phalanx from 7 lines to 4 and get your wounded to safety." Dekari said.
"Will do commander." Henry said
Henry issued orders relaying Dekari’s wishes for the phalanx. From 7 lines to 4 the phalanx now consisted of about 150 men per line. Dekari rode hard back to Aiken.
Kane, Draven and Dredskif rode up beside the Twin brothers Dekari and Aiken.
"Orders? my crimson elves are still garrisoning the town as well as the paladins."
"Crimson elves on horse and Paladins on heavy horse join us at north gate in 10 minutes." Dekari said.
"And for Garrison?" Kane asked.
"Tell Henry to garrison the town with 150 of his men leaving a 3 line phalanx."
"Will do commander." Kane said as he prodded his horse to turn and canter in Henrys direction.
"What do you think they’re doing?" Aiken asked as he watched the 900 enemy force join with the 500 strong reinforcement force."
"Preparing for an offensive I’d guess." Dekari said
"Weve already lost 20 cavalry we need to use the phalanx more!" Aiken said.
"Cavalry does the most damage, we are afflicting heavy losses upon the enemy." Dekari said.
"At what cost, lets fall back to the town and wait for them." Aiken said.
"No, Were sending another wave once the Rangers and Paladins arrive."
"Lets cut with our loses, these goblins are being commanded by blood elves. They will tell them to attack the phalanx, lets get our cavalry off the field!" Aiken said
"A prudent decision, though i'd like to leave this town with a sizable militia." Dekari said.
"And that they will have, you have fields on all sides of the town, utilize the phalanx! Make them come to us, lets get our cavalry inside the walls, what will we do in a week when minotaur and blood elves start showing up in number?"
"Good point brother."
"Avengers! Mercenaries! Fall back to inside west gate." Dekari yelled.
"Take to the walls with bows!" Aiken yelled" Protect the phalanx with cover fire!"
With that the Avengers and Mercenaries rode back inside the west gate and prepared for the town wall to be stormed.
Once inside the gates Dekari, Aiken, Dredskif, Kane, Firatri, walked outside the west gate to meet with Henry. On their way outside they told all militia members inside the town walls to reinforce the phalanx. At the head of the phalanx on foot with his men Henry stood longsword clenched in his right hand and a gladius clenched in his left. His band mail had an imperial insignia as well as an insignia relaying his role as sheriff of Greendale.
Firatri and Dekari in full platemail, covered from head to toe in armor stood beside Dredskif, Kane and Aiken. Aiken wore his band mail, Dredskif his hide armor and Kane wore his band-mail, his chameleon cloak hiding him partially.
The 6 of them, Dekari, Aiken, Dredskif, Kane, Firatri and Henry stood in-front of the militia trained as a phalanx of near 500 men.
"For losing about 100 men we've killed over 600 of them." Dekari said
"Goblins are weak ignorant prey. I'll send more to their fiery graves before the days through!" Dredskif said.
"Aiken i need you to find Tiberius, hes under our charge as-well, guildmaster or no. Tell him to assume command of his mercenaries and join us on the field." Dekari said
"Will do." Aiken said before turning and walking off the field to find Tiberius.
A short while later Tiberius, Aiken and 25 mercenaries came out on foot to the commanders.
"Adair." Henry said to one of his drummer boys.
"Yes?" Adair replyed.
"Ride to Mohawk and report all you have seen." Henry said
"Yes sir." the drummerboy turned messenger said before getting his horse and riding out of the east gate and south.
The 550 phalanx was joined by a force on foot of 25 mercenaries, 10 paladins and 31 avengers. Standing directly in-front of he western gate, the last line of phalanx was near 50 feet in-front of the gate. The mercenaries, paladins and avengers formed a small reserve infantry unit of near 65 men behind the phalanx. upon the walls the crimson elves took up position in some of the 16 watchtowers. Many women and young men who were not members of the militia had taken to the walls to use their skill with a bow which in the past had been used for hunting. In the town there was a large temple to Palaxis, the god of harvest. 10 clerics lived at the temple and Palaxis had bestowed upon them healing ability. The 10 clerics wielded war-hammers and maces but were presently being used as healers in the center of town at the makeshift hospital. Any other day the hospital would be the towns marketplace.
"Its obvious that the blood elves are in command of the force." Kane said in the presence of Dekari, Aiken, Dredskif, Firatri, and Tiberius.
"Whys that? Aiken asked"
"They’re making camp and waiting for our move. Any Hobgoblin commander would throw his whole force at us about now, they’re making camp. Looks like a few hundred of those goblins are cutting down trees from that small forest over there. I'd wager they’re building defenses and awaiting more reinforcements." Kane said.
"Henry, send 8 of your civilians, in 4 groups of 2. Send a message that Greendale is going to be put to siege and that Mohawk is most likely in danger. Ask them to send one of the legions stationed there to come north and garrison Greendale, or at the very least send a garrisoning force." Dekari said
"Ok will do." Henry said. He then turned and walked in the westward gate. A short while later Henry came back out from the town.
"Send them?" Dekari asked
"Aye, had them go out the eastern gate as to not be seen."
"I need to spend some time in prayerful mediation. I'll be in my quarters if I’m needed." Firatri said.
"Ok. Dekari replyed.
Firatri left the field and went in the town.
"Henry." Dekari said
"Yes?"
“Bring your militia inside the town. The Avengers, Mercenaries and Paladins need to come in as well. All forces behind the walls. They wont press an attack with us held up in a fortified position and we cant risk the phalanx that far from the town. We can not cross the field for fear of being cut of from what we're here to protect. My goal isn’t to kill goblins. Its to protect the town." Dekari said "I want shifts taken upon the walls, 1/3rd of the military on the walls with 3 shifts per day. I want the town at full alert."
"Henry before you bring your army into the town have them search the battlefield for any weapons. Drag all of our dead into a pile beside the wall and take all the armor and weapons and anything else of value and stack it in a pile in the center of town. This is not an offensive campaign for loot, Everything from the field goes in a pile for now. My brother Aiken and i have paid heavily for this small force to be assembled and we will not allow looting of the field. Stack the goblins in the field and burn the bodys. Have your men start digging graves just outside the southern gate. I'll put the Paladins, Avengers on guard detail of the battlefield and the mercenaries will help with digging graves." Dekari said
"Yes sir." Henry said
Dekari noticed Dredskif, Draven and Aiken leave the field and go to the Dragonstooth tavern.
Meeting With Marcus Ironfist
Several hours later while the three friends drank the militia was still clearing the battlefield. A pile of weapons, mostly goblin shortbows and shortswords sat in the center of town while the smell of hot spiced potatoes, vegetable soup and corned beef filled the Dragonstooth.
Aiken, Draven and Dredskif sat at the bar several seats down from Appius Hortensius Serpentis and his younger brother Lepidus Servius Serpentis. Both hell'goth brothers were getting drunk and had been for a good part of the day. Having a hard time staying standing by the bar Appius used the bar counter to balance himself.
"Bartender." Appius said
"My names Otic, not bartender, soldier."
"My names Appius, not soldier mister."
"Now that weve got that straight what do ya need?" Otic asked
"Another round." Appius said
Otic had two barrels of ale that he was serving from. One was regular ale and the other was watered down ale, but was still strong enough where it was hard to notice the change in taste, especially while drunk. Otic served Appius a pitcher from the second keg and gave him 2 clean glasses.
"Thanks bartender" Appius said with a hiccup mid-sentence.
"Your welcome soldier." Otic replied, Appius furrowing his brow.
"Idiot Hell'goth brothers." Draven said to Dredskif and Dekari. "The two of em are drunk every time i see em."
"You'll never see me drunk. Being that intoxicated makes you slow and stupid." Dekari said
"Ive been watching the two of them. I dont think they’ve seen one fight the whole time we’ve been here. Cowards. They don’t count as mercenaries under Tiberius since you purchased them right after your father died. Every engagement with the enemy I’ve seen them in this bar before and after, and i would guess during." Dredskif said.
"Worthless mercenaries, a worthless lot, no offense, there’s no honor in fighting for coin. There is only honor in fighting for defense of an ideal. I would fight anywhere if I thought there was a wrong being committed. Firatri made me a knight and once i get to the bronze city i'll have command of my own small army. Once I become a paladin there will be 200,000 men under my charge." Dekari said
"Looks like you lack humility. How does Paial look upon his followers that are self-righteous and kill in his name?" Draven asked
"Depends i would wager. If i killed a man who would otherwise live for years and harm many i would think that he would look kindly upon the act." Dekari said.
Nearing noon and Dekari growing hungry he ordered a round for himself and his 2 companions as well as lunch for the three of them and had Otic put it on his bill. A serving girl gave the three of them each a plate and a mug and she set a pitcher down in the center of the small round table. The smell of the hot meal and the nostalgic feel of the room as well as the sights and sounds of his hometown made Dekaris mood very favorable. The Dragonstooth tavern, so named as a joke comparing it to a sweet-tooth, the childhood hunger for sweets to the adult hunger for adventure had served Dekari for over a decade and he usually engaged in conversation with the locals.
As Dekari went to say something to Dredskif and Draven a cold wind blew in through the open tavern door and Marcus Ironfist, Dekaris grandfahther walked in the tavern. Marcus scanned the dinning room the walked over to the table where the 3 sat.
"Take a seat?" Dekari said.
With a nod Marcus sat. "I see you’ve been busy. I asked you to go to Mohawk then the Bronze city. Looks like you didnt even get out of your hometown." Marcus said.
"Sorry. I couldn’t leave knowing that Greendale would fall. I used some of the money you gave us towards defensive measures for the town." Dekari said
"I’m aware. All out war has erupted." Marcus said
"What do you mean?" Dekari asked.
"There are currently 5 legions at Mohawk 10 legions at the coral isle, 4 at WestWall fortress and 5 at Northguard fortress. Titus has been trying to keep Mohawk and are being swarmed by thousands of goblins, minotaur, and blood elves." Marcus said
"What role is Delgoth playing in the war?" Dekari asked
"200,000 infantry from Del’goth have occupied the two islands north of the Coral Isle, 100,000 per isle. I sent them under the command of two of my generals. They hold both islands north of the coral isle. I sent a force of 50,000 laborers. When this started i took a trip to Palaxis and talked with their king, Orlum of clan Wyrwarf. I purchased Dwarven laborers, craftsmen and contractors. There are 1000 Palaxis dwarves on each of the isles, and construction of 2 fortresses are underway."
"Do you have a task for me, any way I can help?" Dekari asked.
"I would like you to stay and supply my southern army when they come through on their way to Mohawk. I would also like you to stay in Greendale and protect this region. I would like you to keep at what you’ve been doing. Goblins for instance, what you’ve been dealing with. They have underground villages and cities all over under ground. Their presence is being felt and they are perfect allies for the blood elves. The blood elves offer them very little and they can draw fresh troops from goblin cities all the time. Based on that pile of burned goblin and hobgoblin bodies I would guess you have your hands full here. I want you to hold this town while I send my southern army of 400,000 to protect Mohawk." Marcus said
"Thanks, I was hoping you would allow me to stay and protect my hometown," Dekari said
"Come outside." Marcus said.
Dekari nodded and followed Marcus.
Once outside Dekari was startled to see several thousand men, elves, and dwarves.
"There are 1000 Avengers, 1000 Crimson Elven Rangers, and 1000 Hill Dwarves from Palaxis, “Marcus said. “In command for the Avengers is Virgil Calpurnus Paulus and commander of the Rangers is your uncle Talon Del’goth Ironfist. I’ve had visions of your time here. I’ve chosen to help you, as well as your brother Aiken."
"I hear my name?" Aiken asked who was walking towards the door to the tavern before he spotted his brother and grandfather.
"Yes Aiken." Marcus said
“Dekari, I would like you to stay in Greendale as commander of this territory. You will be continuing your lessons under Firatri and Ancus. Aiken, you will be trained as an avenger and Virgil will be your instructor. The 3000 I have given to you will be to protect the local towns and villages and pave the way for troop-movements south.”
"Thank you," Dekari said.
"Sounds agreeable to me,” Aiken said.
"I Have 4 armies, D'Hellzaben continental, North, Central and South. The southern army will come through here,” Marcus said. They will need supplied with rations and the supply lines will come through Greendale. They are already marching here, it’s a long walk so I wouldn’t expect them for another few weeks.”
"Dekari, there is a large temple in Rockport, when this is over you can continue your paladin training there, and you might decide to spend a few years there." Marcus said
"He’s getting Paladin training now." Firatri said who had walked over to them. "He’s displayed good sense with each skirmish and has barely used his militia due to the fact that they’re civilians. The quality of using the militia as a reserve and not wanting to use them because they are citizens not soldiers is something a Paladin would do. "
Marcus took two whistles out of a leather pouch on his hip. Marcus handed each of the brothers a whistle.
Aiken blew into the whistle and seemed confused that it made no noise. "How’s it work?"
With a smile Marcus said "Only use it in emergencies, when either of you use it I will hear it no matter how far away and I will come. The sound it makes none but I can hear."
"Ok. Thanks." Aiken said
With that Marcus uttered some words and a portal appeared infront of him. Marcus stepped in and it closed behind him.
450 goblins, 35 Hobgoblins and 5 blood elves
+1000 goblins, 50 Hobgoblins and 5 blood elves
1450 Goblins 85 hobgoblins 10 bloodelves
-600
800 goblins 50 hobgoblins 10 bloodelves
+500
1300 goblins 100 hobgoblins 15 bloodelves
VS
Henry: 550
Tiberius, 25 mercs
Ancus:Monks: 5
Firatri: Paladins: 10
Kane: Crimson Elves: 10
Dekari: Avengers: 31
Aiken: Draven, Dredskif, Kane, Appius, Lepidus
Wagons: Torto, Dorlum, Ancus
Appius Hortensius Serpentis: (Human) (Drifter/Mercenary) (Deserter)
Lepidus Servius Serpentis. (Human) (Drifter/Mercenary) (Deserter)
Party:
Dekari: Human Fighter (Bear)
Aiken: Human Thief-Mage (Bear)
Firatri: Human Paladin Rockport
10 Paladins
Ancus: Human Monk Rockport
5 Monks
Dorlum: (Mountain Dwarf) clan of Buhrodar: Empire of Haraxis (Drifter/Mercenary)
Torto: (Hill Dwarf) Clan of Syrkyst: Empire of Palaxis (Drifter/Mercenary)
Dredskif: (Minotaur) the Clan of Warlord Bolthorpe (Drifter/Mercenary)
Kane: Crimson Elf Ranger (Bear/Qualistay) Aikens friend
20 Crimson Elf Rangers
4 Mercenarys Hired from greendale
Draven: Human Fighter (Hellgoth) Drifter/Mercenary
Appius Hortensius Serpentis: (Human) (Drifter/Mercenary) (Deserter)
Lepidus Servius Serpentis. (Human) (Drifter/Mercenary) (Deserter)
-Ties to Assassins guild and Kulan Underworld
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