Vanguards for Dasar (public)

[ralfinader]

Scratching his head, he wondered silently to himself what the hells a 0800 hour was. After skulking about the place for a few hours, he determined where the command post was, and left the Fort as unnoticed as he entered. Not wanting to be late for what he could only assume would be a morning meeting, he decided to sleep the remainder of the day in his room in the Troll, and return to the command center before dawn.

[Arianna]

Bastion: Jezels Arrival


Jezel had taken leave of Sar'Lenis with one last embrace outside the Misty Vale, then crossed the road to the sable leading Dwara, and the two loaded pack horses. She met the Stable Master at the entrance to the massive building that could house well over a hundred mounts. She greeted the man ad asked that Spiri be saddled, and Chamlin, and Jolik be brought round as well, The Stable Master being an astute man and a veteran of the legions, knew something was afoot. Jezel had never asked for all three of her mounts at the same time, and as he studied the two loaded pack horses, he knew for a certainty, that where the attractive warrior journeying this time was going to be long, arduous and quite possibly lethal.

The Man turned and shouted for the young siblings, who were the only two Jezels Spiri would allow to attend her, anyone else who even thought to approach or touch her was rebuffed with a not so gentle nip or kick. But with Galen and Lisel the beast was as gentle and playful as a foal.

The pair of children appeared together, and on instructions from Ysgrim disappeared just as quickly to fetch the horses. Lisel led Chamlin, and Jorik out first as they weren't saddled, Galen returned a step behind Spiri, there was no need to lead the grey anywhere.. even if it were possible to do so. As soon as the saddle was placed on her back she was ready to go impatient that it took so long to cinch it in place.

Jezel handed Dwaras reins to Ysgrim along with a purse containing enough coin to pay for several weeks upkeep for the dapple she was leaving behind, since he wasn't trained for battle, nor would he be suitable as a pack animal. Mounting Spiri, Jez waited for Lisel to tie the lead ropes of the pack horses to her saddle with a knot that could be undone with a simple tug on the loose end.

Waving good bye Jezel turned towards the road out of town, glancing at the Misty Vale on her way past. Sar'Lenis was no longer standing out front, and Jezel was slightly sad she wouldn't see her sister one final time, and that she was unable to say goodbye to Arianna as e well. At the outer gates of the city the guards came to attention, and a couple even gave her a parting salute. she was well known to the guards for her help on the few occasions enemy forces tried to gain access to the city, and seeing the number of horses, and amount of materials they knew to a man that where the red head went, death would be a close companion.

The journey to the Bastion was uneventful for which Jezel was pleased. She chose a stand of walnut trees to spend a final night outside. The looming edifice that was the headquarters of the Vanguard had been visible on the horizon since late the previous evening.. She could have completed the trip before mid night, but wanted to rest the horses, comb their coats, and change out of her traveling leathers into her full uniform. Once properly attired she had polished her black, gold, with grey trimmed armor before leaving Cear. It should have been black, grey and gold trimmed, but she was in a rush when she dropped it off at the armorers to be colored.. and when she arrived to retrieve it, it had more gold than grey. How they were able to dye metal was beyond her comprehension, and it cost a goodly amount to do so, but the results were spectacular. And since none of her superiors had yet to comment on the discrepancy Jezel decided to wait for it to become an issue before having it altered.

As soon as Spiri set hoof to the road leading up to the gate of the massive edifice she went into her performance, the horse was a natural born show off, and loved being adored by the masses. Her head went up, her tail arched and flicked with a flourish the most conceited courtier couldn't manage with his cape. she literally pranced high stepping it to rival the most flowery of show horses.

Spiri's exuberance even got the better of the usually stoic Chamlin, causing the stallion to hold his head higher, and tail straighter. There would be no prancing though not from him. Jorik for his part merely looked around trying to take in everything, tossing his head up and down occasionally... the pack horses merely plodded along hoping their burden would soon be lifted, and they could get back to lazing around a nice comfortable stall.

At the gate Spiri halted with out a command to do so. The boy standing guard and a boy he was.. he looked younger than Sar'Lenis, came forward and in a strong deep baritone voice asked her name and business. Jezel looked down at him, then at her armor, then back to the boy. I would think that who I am would be rather obvious from my attire lad, as for my business it's a matter of urgency I meet with Commander Hellcat.

Jezel knew all she had to do was to announce her arrival and be grantee with out further question, but she wanted to see if this boy was as capable as he looked. The guard motioned with his hand an instantly four more guardsmen appeared all with hands on hilts, Jezel was impressed with the lads reaction to her. Not only had the boy not been confused by her demeanor, he had done the proper thing and called for assistance. Jezel smiled and decided to end the game, announcing that she was Vanguard Jezel Kelandron here on the orders of Commander Elvina Hellcat.

With the mention of her name in association with El's the guards all relaxed...except for the boy, he came to attention, and was going to salute when Jez stopped him with a shake of her head. no need to salute son.. I'm not an officer... yet. She asked him for his name and was given the name Vanguard Errit.

"Well young Errit, you give honor to the uniform, and I am pleased to call you brother. Now may I have leave to enter?" the last said with a smile and a wink.

As the guards turned to return to their station Errit stepped aside, his face beaming with pride. Spiri moved forward as soon as there was space to do so, and as she passed the young guard he reached out to pat her shoulder on the way by. Jezel noticed the hand move and started, the last thing she needed was for the lad to wind up short a few fingers, the word don't hadn't left her mouth before Spiri's head came around but instead of biting she gently nuzzled Errits hand. Jezel let out the breath she had been holding, apparently the big grey approved of the boy.

Inside Jezel dismounted as several stable hands came forward to take the reins of her horses, Jez ordered Spiri to go with them and to behave herself, which to her amazement the horse actually listened for once.

Jezel stood in the court yard looking around. She had joined the Vanguard several months ago, but had never been here before. She took in the nature of the place, from the high thick solid walls, to the buttresses that gave extra strength against siege engines. The well laid out buildings, set so an enemy would have to basically set siege to everyone individually, while the defenders would be able to rain arrows and other things down on them while remaining protected, and be covered by the next closest building on either side.

When Jezel was finished assessing the home base of her unit. she started asking where she might find her new commander.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Jezel

“Ma’am? Are you Jezel Kelandon?” a young boy approached her from behind.

Jezel turned around and nodded.

The boy smiled,” Excellent! I’m Vanguard Tristan! Commander Hellcat is expecting you. She heard you arrived and send me out to seek you. The executive gathers over half an hour.”

He hurried towards the tents on the other side of the square, briefly looking over his shoulder to see if the tall woman could keep up… which seemed the case.

Tristan grinned to himself, the new commander may have forbidden him to come on their mission, yet she wouldn’t keep him away from the fields as he would follow the famous Lightbringer Celestia Domina herself soonish.

Cheerfully and excited he ran on, leading the tall redhair straight towards the command post, a large dark green tent standing in the middle of the camp.

[Arianna]

Jezel followed Tristan, wondering where the Vanguard had found so many recruits not yet old enough to shave regularly. The tent she was led to was so very Elvina.. nothing fancy or special that would name it an officers tent. the only thing that stood out about it was it was quite a bit larger than the rest, which it had to be to accommodate, The Command Staff, and the other ranks who actually ran things, mesengers, secretaries, adjutants and the like.

Jezel passed through the opening, nodding to Tristan who held the flap back for her. Elvina looked up from her desk as she entered, jumping to her feet and crossing the space between them to give Jez a warm embrace. The sword Mistress returned the embrace just as enthusiastically. Though it had been less than a week since they had seen each other. Jez was happy to see her former lover looking so hale.

The weight of despair that Elvina carried just a few short month ago was gone. The white haired beauty still had worries, but they weren't the
ones that threatened to crush her, merely the concerns of a newly minted commander of forces, she had no real experience in leading. Elvina also now radiated a confidence in herself that was sorely lacking before. Jezel , nodded slightly to herself... that confidence was the thing that would make Elvina a very good commander.

Once the friends and onetime lovers separated, Jez had a chance to look around the tent. Plainly furnished, and few furnishings at that made her nod to herself once more. When Jezel was a girl, and accompanied either of her parents on military exercises, she had occasion to accompany her parents to the command tents of those leading the varied forces at her parents command.. some were like Elvina's holding only what was necessary, and easily broken down and packed away... others were more richly decorated and furnished than some of the estates she attended parities at as a young woman, The former found themselves promoted when opportunity arose..the latter found themselves transferred or out right sacked. Her father's thoughts on the matter were..if a commander thought so much of his comforts, that it interfered with the smooth operations of his command... he didn't deserve that command. If you served under General Harnish Kelandan, your unit had better be able to strike camp, and be on the move in under thirty minutes.

"You seem to have the most important aspect of being a Commander down Ma'am, Jezel commented as she returned her attention to her commanding officer.

Oh, and what pray tell might that be? Elvina asked returning to her chair, and taking her place behinf the small field desk.

Setting the example you want you men to follow, of course. I was actually fearful when I got here I would find, half a mansions worth of stuff in here. Jez replied with a sardonic grin.

Jez quickly changed the subject, as she saw the flash of displeasure cross Elvina's face. So have you decided just what role I'm to play in this little adventure Commander?

[Amora]

Amora followed the quatermaster to her tent, still looking less than amused by her arrival so far. About half way there she produced a document that she apparently had put great thought into. As the Quatermaster unrolled it and read over it his eyes went slightly wide, it was an order he could fill but he was largely surprised at the specifics of the items she detailed.

50 Alchemical Fire Flasks
20 Acid Flasks
40 Holy waters
20 Tanglefoot bags
20 Thunderstonds
30 Shock Rocks

all items but the Tanglefoot bags must be of improved or better quality, Tanglefoot bags must be of basic quality.

"I don't need the items right away," Amora spoke to him as he finished reading the list, "but I do expect them to be readily available by the time we reach our forward camp for my operations. Also, I need to speak to the Vanguard in charge of the scouts, I want to clear some things out with him before we set out for our forward camp."

"I'll... see what I can do, and pass the word along," he nodded with a slight uncomfortable look on his face. Amora could tell he wasn't used to taking orders from someone outside the Vanguard, but judging by what Elvina was putting together, he might not have much of a choice at this point.

[Arianna]

.....

[Jain Zar]

ooc : Hello fellow writers. Can you please hold the "reaction" posts until I posted the main post(s) I pm'ed (and will pm in the future)?
The one sent (Executive meeting) for instance I will post no later than now wednesday.
Thank you

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Briefing with the executive

Before Elvina could open her mouth, the tent behind Jezel’s back was opened and several people entered. Her executive…
Rising up from her chair, she nodded to them and motioned Jezel to follow them towards a big table on which a map was fully unfolded. The people gathered around and some introduced theirselves to each other.


Her XO, the tall and sturdy Sergeant Harovan, and already known by most stood next to her. Next to him stood Corporal Rochus, the man leading the cavalry, endlessly playing with his moustache, his bald head reflecting a bit of the candle light. He was in a soft conversation with Adjudant Tirel, the one leading the heavy infantry. Tirel reminded her the most of her XO, they could have been brothers, were it not for the huge difference in skin color. Whereas Harovan’s skin was tanned, Tirel’s was simply black. Looking at Tirel also reminded her she needed to look up the newest Vanguard Gormok and see how he was doing after the oath and Ariadne's training.

Next to Tirel stood the only female executive, well, of the normal troops that is. Corporal Erenil, who would be leading the archers, was overall a quiet and calm person. She had the typical features of an elf, but also of humans. This half-elf, which she was, was rather beautiful too and had the same hair color as her commander. It was said she and the man, next to her, Maz’at, were once a couple.

Corporal Maz’at was even more quiet, and Elvina didn’t know much about the wood elf either, except that he was an excellent elite scout, the reason why he would lead her scouts. The reason why he would work with the woman on his right.
Amora Reaver, … Elvina studied the tiefling briefly. She was planning a personal conversation with her, right after this briefing. Amora would be in charge of Elvina’s ‘special operations’ unit and working together with Vanguard Calken and his squad, Maliker and probably also a lot with Maz’at.

Next to Amora stood two tale ladies, neither of them member of the executive but invited to every meeting.
Jezel Kelandon was here because of her tactical military background. Outside this tent she would be under command of Corporal Rochus. Elvina had heard from Rochus he was planning to let Jezel lead the 2th division of the cavalry.
And between Jezel and Elvina stood Adele D'Payens, the last person who had joined for this mission. Adele was free to join these meetings as Elvina didn’t forgot about her background, a Vanguard. And Adele was more than a sister…
Out there on the fields, Adele would operate mostly as a healer.


Elvina took a deep breath before she started,” Welcome everyone, thanks for being on time.”
She glanced at the map and then looked around in the circle of people, their faces in her direction, most of them curious to what she had to say.

“Over two days we will be leaving the Bastion and escorting a supply convoy to Dasar. Our main objective is to get the goods there safe and sound within a week.” She nodded to Harovan who took over from her a moment.

“Euhm, right, listen up.”

Elvina smiled at his typical approach.

“We’re babysit’tin on ten wagons stacked up with we’pons, food, med’cins and other goodies. I don have to tell evry’one how important these are. But this ain’t a normal convoy. A chest filled with paperwork lets say, but important enuf to draw even the attention of my decayed gran’ma, maybe Peralia watch ov’a her soul, will be under our watch.
We will be moving slow, people, and frankly, I’ll be feeling like a sittin duck. The faster we get to Dasar, the more grateful the back of my head will be.”

A few grinned before Elvina took the word again.
“Right, and that brings me to a few choices. A few days ago, Celestia pointed out there is another route I might consider, it would save us a few days but we’ll have to move through a forest.”
She pointed on the map to the forest west and everyone could see they would need to cross the river, implying goods needed to be unloaded and loaded again.

She looked around,” It would be faster but also more dangerous as woods give more opportunities to conceal unpleasant surprises.”
Her finger moved over the map back to the Bastion and then to the road north. “Personally I prefer to take the normal route, not only because its more uncluttered terrain, but because of the second part of our mission.”

Rochus nodded, “ I prefer more open terrain myself, certainly with cavalry and wagons. What is our second objective?”

Elvina nodded,” We have to make sure the supply route between Lendose and Dasar is safe. Later we'll be stationed a short while around Dasar and seek and destroy any Kor build-ups.”

Rochus looked from her to the map and back,” You mean escort the convoy, and meanwhile take out any enemy camps and forces along it?”

Elvina shook her head,” Not entirely…” she glanced at Amora before turning to Rochus,” It's possible, but there maybe also other options and if a force is too big, we might mark it on the map and return later to wipe it out.”

Maz’at glanced from Amora to Elvina,” I assume the scouts and Amora’s unit will have an important role in this.”

Elvina smiled softly,” Exactly. So any questions? About the route, about tactics… anything at all that is important enough to discuss right now with all the ones gathered?”


ooc : go ahead

[Amora]

Amora's Response

Amora stood in her leathers, arms crossed over a book held to her chest, which was titled "Mixed Unit Tactics," of which she was either reading or brought it with for reference. She looked hard at the map, her pink eyes fitted tightly to the path in which they were going to take.

"I agree," she spoke, "The forest is far to dangerous, to many unknowns, and as we move slowly though it, having to stop at the river and ford across all the supplies splits the forces and could lead to an ambush on either side of the river. If I was after your caravan I'd even attack at the same time on both sides, leaving no room for retreat." Amora either had experience raiding caravans or was just trying to get into the mindset of her enemy. Judging by who was all standing in the room, it was up in the air as to which who would believe.

"I'd suggest sending the scouts ahead by a half a day," Corporal Maz'at raised a brow at that, and nodding in confirmation that he agreed with it as well, "keeping them on the nearby hilltops, scouting ahead, giving them a single light Calvary personnel to act as a messenger. This allows for a good size sort of dragnet ahead and to the flanks of the roads, being easiest to scout out any possible dangers well ahead of the caravan. I'll take my 'special operations' men half way between the scouts and the caravan, clearing out any small nests with care. If I need more, I'll request with my own light Calvary messenger for Calken's squad for a forced march to catch up. If it's any stronger than that," She paused with a sigh, "I'll give you notice of what best a route would be taken for the caravan and how to set up in case the strong force makes a move for the caravan if their own scouts find you before we can take them out. I'll discuss with you Elvina what men I'd like for this part of the trip after the rest of the meeting."

"The runners also make for a good communication between myself and Amora," Maz'at replied, "and I'll keep both of you informed of what's going on ahead and what we need to plan for."

[Jain Zar]

Elvina nodded to Amora while briefly glancing at the book she was holding," Yes, we talk after this meeting." Then she looked between Amora and Corporal Maz'at," Very well, you people will be our eyes, but I want you a little bit closer than half a day, we don't have that many scouts. I don't like the idea of enemies scouts slipping through our net. And, our messengers are going to need a very fast horse. When there is trouble, I want to know fast."

She turned to the stunningly beautiful Erenil," Corporal, I know your men also are able to shoot while riding from horseback. Pick two of your best to support the communication. Since we have the extra horses... ," she glanced a moment at Jezel before looking back at Erenil.

Corporal Erenil flashed a very short but charming smile to her commander just before answering with a crystal clear voice," Aye Ma'am, I'll see to it..."

Elvina caught the smile, only nodding in response before looking around in the circle of people. "Anyone else?"

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : … meanwhile …

Not far from the command post a blond female elf sat cross legged, her green eyes fixated on the entrance of the large tent, almost as if she was waiting for the Vanguard executive to come out again.
And frankly, she was waiting... waiting for the sign to go, to finally depart.

Her desire for revenge was big, the deeply rooted emotional reason for it greatly empowering her will to live. No one would stand in her way and she would not stop until she felt satisfied.
The elf closed her fiery eyes while she continued sharpening her weapons. If one would observe her now, he or she might conclude the female was actually enjoying the warlike sound of steel on whetstone.

With her lean athletic physique, yet curvy enough, she had the ideal female body in the eyes of many guys… and girls. She was aware of that and certainly not shy to put it to use if needed for her goals. On the other hand she shrank from no form of violence.
She was also the ‘tough guy’ in the scout unit and known as hard to get... in every aspect.

The reason was to be found in her past….




+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Black clouds curling around the tree tops visible in the distance, were the appalling evidence of the terrible massacre that had taken place only a day ago.

No more words were there to be said by any of the refugees standing on the hilltop, with their faces covered under dirt and mud, their fine clothes ripped and many of them showing multiple injuries, even the children…
Only a few had the courage to look in the direction of the disaster, ... the event that had taken place in their village an excruciating flash of light that would never go away.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXUCFk8VJFY


The passing of an elf has always been something that caused deep grief among their people, a grief that could linger for years, even decades, in many hearts. The passing of one of theirs was something that struck deep,... let alone a entire village…

The group of Sun Elves, not more than a small number of adults and lots of children, many of them orphaned by the raid, started to gather around a single woman after she motioned them to do so.
With her hand on the shoulder of an elder child leaning against her, she looked a moment around in the circle of these weary, hungry, and homeless souls after their joint dreary flight from their invaded village.

She did her best to speak with a calm and reassuring voice,” Alright, we cannot stay here. I am aware we are all tired but we have to keep moving.” She looked at the adults. “We will lead the children into the mountains, while some of us remain behind to set out false trails.”
Hope sounded in her voice as she continued, soft yet clear enough,” We will survive this and we will call our brothers and sisters for help. But now is not the time for words, now is the time for us to…”

A short twish sound from somewhere out of the woods preceded the point of an arrow suddenly sticking out of a little boy’s chest. His eyes rolled back in his head just before he collapsed in the arms of the elder child near the woman. He had died on the spot.

Several children screamed while the elder child, holding the shot boy, burst into tears,” Aidan, NOO!!”

The head of the woman in the middle snapped to a man standing left from her, “ Faelon, take them, take our daughter and lead them into safety!!”

The man hesitated while arrows started to rain down on the group,” But…!!”

“Our clan has to survive, the children are our future! Run! Run now !! I command you !!”
And with that she turned around, her arms rising in the air, calling upon the energy hidden within her and summoning a wall of fire between the first pursuers emerging from the forest down below and the refugees.


The man didn't hesitate anymore but grabbed the hand of the elder child standing between them and blindly grabbed another little hand before he started to make a run for the hills above them, seeking his path over the difficult muddy subsoil. Others followed his example and though he didn't look back, he could hear how several of his kin fell in the next volley.

At some point he felt how a sharp object pierced his upper arm, but he ignored the pain and kept going up the hill, dragging the two children along, until he realised a sudden weight on his right hand. When he glanced he noticed the smallest child hung limp, two arrows sticking out of its little back, and he could sense all life in it was already gone.

There was no choice but the abandon the body, and instead he focused on his wounded daughter. He picked her up, and while carrying her in his arms he ran up the next hill. No more arrows fell down or soared around their heads… actually the only sounds he heard belonged to a fight far below them. On the next ledge he had to stop, his lungs were burning and he needed a minute to catch his breath.
Setting the girl down he suddenly realised they had a visual on the fight.

Down at his feet, he saw the hill on which they had gathered moments ago. He saw his kin in the middle of it, surrounded by Kor which were kept at a distance by a few fighters and the single sorceress in the middle.

“Father...? What is …” The girl had appeared next to him and saw the battle too now, just on the moment the few fighters fell to long black spears.
The sorceress was alone and even from this distance it was certain she was not going to make it. Her powers were fading and the orcs closed in her, ignoring the burns on their bodies.

The young girl’s lip shivered as she whispered,“ M… mommy…?”

Suddenly the man seemed to realise what his daughter was looking at. He quickly turned her to him and took her in his arms in an attempt to protect her from what was going to happen next.
“Shut your eyes…” his voice filled with emotion.

And while he buried the girl’s face against his shoulder the man witnessed how his wife got pierced from several sides, just before a big Kor chieftain took her head.

Tears filled man’s eyes, but instead of crying and shouting, he picked up his daughter once more and continued his climb, ignoring the pain of the short arrow sticking out of his arm. No other elf was to be seen. It was just them now.
He carried a future in his arms and he would do everything to secure it.


A day later they had reached the bottom of the mountains, and the Kor seemed to have either given up the pursuit… or they were satisfied…
They hadn’t eaten in two days and been running for almost all the time.

“Gisela, hang on … I… “ suddenly the man called Faelon collapsed.

“Father!!”, the girl turned around and quickly kneeled next to him. She observed his face,” We must rest.”

But the man didn’t answer as he was unconscious.


Hours passed…

The girl had found a small mountain river nearby. She had torn off strips of her clothing and soaked the fabric to transport some water from the river to her father’s lips.
His face looked pale and despite the cooling water, his head was warm and sweaty. The arrow was removed but the wound looked bad, the skin black around the place of the impact.

Just before nightfall he opened his eyes and moved his head a little.

The girl noticed it immediately and embraced him carefully,” Father! I was so worried… I…”
She could feel his hand touching her arm, lightly resting there, before he attempted to raise his arm further and touch her cheek.

She took the hand between hers and led it to her lips, softly kissing it. “We … made it, father, I’m so glad you are aw…”

“My child..,” his voice sounded cracked and dry.

“Ssstt… it’s okay, I will take care of you now…”

He shook his head, or at least he attempted,” There… isn’t much time…” His other hand rose and fell softly with what seemed like a precious breath.

“Father…?” growing concern in her voice.

He coughed and cleared his throat,” I want you to listen… very carefully.”

She nodded, brushing his hand over her cheek and kissing it.

“You are… young… yet healthy, and you have a whole future ahead of yourself. And those you love are never truly gone.”

“Father… no…,” tears pooled in the girl’s eyes.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Gisela checked the slender sharply pointed sword in her left hand for its balance, the hilt rather complex to protect the hand holding it. Though the rapier was perfect for thrust attacks, her blade was sharpened over its entire length, making it more versatile.

And it was needed. That night when life left her father’s body, she had cried, but the day after she went back down, and she counted the bodies that had fallen to the Kor.


Just before his last breath left his lungs, her father had asked her to look away once more.

Three hundred thirty one… and she wouldn’t stop until she had paid them back in the exact same coin.
She wouldn't look away,... not anymore...

[Arianna]

Jezel listen quietly in the back ground, until the mission had been laid out, and talk turned to how best to accomplish it. Stepping forward, her height, and breadth of shoulders making her seem imposing, caused several gathered around the table to look up and move out of her way.

She nodded to Elvina, and acknowledged the few that she had at least met previously..for those who didn't know her she gave an introduction, and a brief synopsis of why she was there.

For those who don't know or have not heard of me, I am Jezel Kelandon. I earned the title Sword Master at the age of 15. My parents are both Commanding Officers in the service of the Empire, and I have been studying and developing tactics since I could walk. Commander Hellcat has requested my presence as and advisor/ cavalry soldier on this little adventure.

Now if you will allow me to present, my opinions on how best to accomplish our mission? Jezel paused as she waited for any objections to her taking over the discussion. None of the people present actually held an officers rank..and in fact only a couple of them were even sergeants. She doubted any of them had any real Command experience up til now.

With no objections being put forward Jezel began to lay out the plan she had developed on the journey to the Bastion.First I agree the forest option is untenable. We would have to stop every ten paces to replace broken wheels and axles. plus the fact massed archers and cavalry would be next to useless. so we stick to the roads and fields, using the terrain to hide us when we can, and moving as quickly as possible when it can't.

Jezel looked at Amora, and wondered how the Woman would handle being told her plan was also untenable. I'm sorry Amora.but your idea of having the scouts half a day out, and using the Infantry as the lead units is folly. First the scout being so far out wouldn't be able to keep us up to date with information, and can Orc can cover a lot more ground a lot quicker than most people...we need to take two or three steps to his one, and he can go all day with out rest.

What we need to do is send the scouts out no more than 2 hours ahead..they can move a lot faster than the rest of us with the wagons. they will need to not only look for enemy forces..but memorize and if possible draw maps of the terrain. This will come in very handy not only during our advance..but also on the return when we will be free to...... exercise a bit more exuberance in our dealing with the enemy.

I am not a scout but I would propose that they work in teams of 3..that way if they come across a group of enemy..two can stay and watch while the third returns to give us the good news. For groups of five or less, I would suggest the scouts try to lead them away from our line of march..if we don't have to get into a fight,,we shouldn't.

For any group of say up to 30, we will, use the archers and cavalry to set ambushes. The scout who brought us the news will lead one unit of mounted archers and one unit troop of cavalry as quickly as possible to the best ambush position close to the enemy. On the way the leader of the each group will decide which spot is the best for a second ambush. Once the archers are in place the scout will lead the cavalry to the enemy position and then rejoin his team. The cavalry will circle around and make one pass through the enemy position, not staying to fight. They will ride in onside and out the other. Since we hopefully will be facing nothing worse than Orcs and an Orc is easy to manipulate, once out of the camp the cavalry will slow until they are sure the enemy is going to chase them.

Orcs are easy to anger, and frustrate so once their blood is up..they will chase you for hours, so with the orcs in tail, the cavalry will lead them to the archers, once where we want them, the archers will loose no more than three volley's before mounting up and moving to the second position.The cavalry will turn back and make one more pass through the enemy.. this will occupy the orcs while the archers egress.

The scout team will follow behind dealing with wounded Orcs.. Orcs may not be as quick witted as the average human..but they are far from stupid..they will learn from their mistakes, and their leaders are usually quite adequate at developing new tactics to deal with a situation.

So if we must engage them... Looking around taking in each person individually, We Make Sure None Are Left Alive to tell others how e defeated them.

Now for large groups it would be best for use to go around them when ever possible..Another reason why the scouts need to memorize the ground they cover. If it comes to battle we will use one troop of cavalry in the same manner, only they wont charge..only make sure they're seen and followed.

The infantry will set up a battle line with pikes, in a position using defiles and heavily wooded areas on the flanks to force the enemy into a tight formation. The archers and the other cavalry troop will set themselves out of sight on the flanks to either side. Once the enemy is able to see the infantry arrayed to engage, the cavalry leading them will disperse in many different direction.. this will further agitate and confuse the Orcs, so their attention will be diverted to the infantry... once they begin their attack the cavalry will reform behind them and charge through their ranks, followed by a volley of arrows from the archers, then the second cavalry troop will charge. Followed by another volley from the archers. Hopefully by the time they reach the pikes, there will be a lot less of them.

Timing will be critical..we don't want the cavalry charging into a hail of our own arrows so the commanders will have to be very watchful. once the first group of cavalry reaches the infantry they will support the flanks. the archers will begin taking aimed shots. our arrows will be only partially effective at long range so aim for their heads necks or legs...he can't hit you if he can't stand.

Now for the infantry. with the butt of their pikes driven into the ground for support, at an angle high enough to pierce an Orcs eye..they wait. They wait until first wave of Orcs is on them.

An Orc wont try to go around a pike..he will try to smash it out of his way, so they will keep their pike high until they see an Orc raise his arm to strike at the pike, once the Orc begins his swing, drop the angle of the pike to hit just below the Orcs rib cage. With the power he put into the swing of his weapon, and his size..he will be forced off balance and his own momentum will carry him onto the blade of the pike...while this is happening the cavalry troop on the line will charge through the line one more, as the other troop closes from the side and rides thought them once more. they will alternate charges from both sides, until all enemy are dead

Jezel finished up with one more look around the table saying that if anyone else had a better idea they of course should discuss it.

[Amora]

Corporal Maz'at looked to Elvina, his dark brown hair glinting with the faintest moss green when the light hit it just right, his amber eyes looking over her as she stated she wanted the scouts closer. He disagreed with both of them twelve hours was plenty to spot out any camps that would be any trouble, but if Elvina wanted them closer....

"Fine," He looked over to Amora, "the Scouts will stay out 3 hours a head, that's slow moving caravan time, anything bad goes on we can likely get back in an hour or so. That still leaves us enough time to assess a situation and properly deal with it before the Caravan is even in reach of danger. Gives us enough time to scout out a off the trail path if we need it. I'd rather not stop the Caravan if necessary."

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : end of the briefing

Elvina nodded to Maz’at and looked around to see if there was anyone else who wanted to add something.

“Alright, no forest, we take the normal route. We will also move a bit slower than we really can, that saves on our breath the moment we have to fight.”

A few of the gathered may have raised a brow at first as they assumed the goal was to reach Dasar as fast as possible.
But with the sound reasoning, it was clear the commander was taking precautions considering the cargo and special delivery. She was expecting trouble.

Elvina glanced at Jezel before looking at Amora and the others. “I say we used the tactic presented during this meeting, and if anything else, more unusual happens…” she grinned, looking at a few of them,”... well, we ourselves have a few unusual people within our ranks.”

Corporal Erenil flashed a smile at Elvina, while Rochus answered the grin with one of his own.

Elvina glanced at her XO,” If no one has anything else to say, this meeting is adjourned. I’ll be around if anyone has questions. Over two days, right after breakfast, I want our company ready to go, we gather in front of the Bastion. Sergeant, meet me here tonight.”

Harovan saluted," Ma'am."

Elvina turned to Amora,” We can talk now,” she glanced at the others,” If you want to excuse me now.”

Several saluted and some started soft conversations with each other while Elvina nodded to Amora. Just before she had turned towards the exit, she fell a hand on her arm from behind.

“Can I talk to you later on, commander?” It was Erenil.

Elvina said,” You can go ahead right now, certainly if its brief.”

The female half elf shook her head,” In private.”

Elvina rubbed her chin, and looked as if she was calculating, right before shrugging. “Tomorrow morning, meet me here. Unless its urgent?”

Erenil shook her head,” Tomorrow morning is fine, commander.” She saluted and flashed another smile.

“Right,” Elvina turned to Amora and motioned to leave the tent.

On their way to the gate, the white haired Vanguard studied the camp which counted many tents right now. Another company had started to assemble and soon hers would move out and make way for them.
They passed the training grounds and after seeing a familiar face, Elvina stopped briefly to watch. Gormok was showing what he was worth and she could see has was taken seriously this time. She shook her head to herself as she recalled hearing what had happened when he arrived. Vanguards shouldn't be like that, they are supposed to be multicultural.
The two continued their journey towards the gate, perhaps this was something for in a speech...


A few moments later the two ladies left the Bastion. Just outside the palisade Elvina stopped and turned to Amora and whispered,” We move in the shadows...”

And without any further words the two suddenly vanished.

It may be clear to Amora now the commander had something to say that wasn’t meant for anyone else to hear.

Using nothing but a few bird-like whistles, Elvina led Amora over the hills…

[StaffSgtSkunk]

The past few day's that went by didn't really teach Gormok much apart from scaring a few of the soldiers due to the size of him. There were the odd moments when he got talking to some but he didn't know or understand what they were saying. Gormok spent most of his day's at the camp training with the dummy’s and such, as well as having to repair them due to forgetting about his own strength.

He also helped out the blacksmith a lot as that is one of the few things he could remember how to do. He wasn't quite too sure if he made any of the troops smile as most of the ones he spoke to wore helmets that covered there face or hid them. It wasn't going to be long until they had to depart but Gormok made the most of it although, sleeping in a tent that was slightly too small didn't help much.

Despite all the problems that has happened so far and him not being the brightest or smartest of orks he still somehow found this all fun and enjoyed every second of it.