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Post by Eren on Apr 2, 2014 21:06:33 GMT -6
"Hmm. Well, there's not much cover. There's a small forested area, where the foe could conceal a force of maximum four men. And one hill we should attempt to take. Not very much cover at all... Well, at least they can't hide."
At the approach of the other man, Eren saluted crisply. "Well met, Deputy. I am Brigadier General Eren Barrata. I use the lance and axe, and rain justice from the sky. I share your sentiments; the moles we have will serve us well in baiting our quarry into our trap. With some cunning and tactical chess, we're sure to succeed."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Apr 3, 2014 18:01:31 GMT -6
Lucien looked at the map himself studiously. The terrain was as Eren said. A large part of the open area would be perfect for cavalry, but Lucien, Samuali, and the other foot soldiers would be left playing catch-up. He looked onto the wooded area Eren mentioned and saw it was close to the hill. Both obstacles would be best left for the infantry since the cavalry would have a tougher time maneuvering through it all. With Barrata in close support-
The blonde noble who was so intent on looking at the map turned and met eyes with the Deputy. He immediately recognized the markings on his armor - such identifying marks he hasn't seen in a long time. "S-Sir!" he stammered, bringing his shield and lance forward in a salute. It was good to see other loyalists in Lycia. Lucien wondered how many others there were hidden in plain sight. "Junker Lucien Chevalier von Metz II, Freiherr Reinhard." He introduced himself with military bearing.
Lucien's family, which had a bit of land in its name near the Ostian border were of a lesser nobility in the old Etruria. However, the cross on the Deputy's armor recognized him as higher nobility. His banner recognized him as a son of a Count in Chevalier's section of the country. Although that was all in the past and both the men had nothing to their names other than their noble status, the respect was shown.
"I wouldn't have anyone else I'd rather follow into battle, Freiherr. How many men will you be commanding, Sir?" He asked. His disposition was a mixture between intimidation, from the Deputy's mean mug and royal standing, and joy. He was about his own age, in his late twenties.
He turned to General Barrata and replied to his talks of strategy. "General, is there any other terrain we should know about?"
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Apr 3, 2014 18:29:38 GMT -6
Samauli was looking at the other map when a new man came up to them he introduced himself as "Friedrich Reinhard, Deputy of the Guard". He then made a jab at Samuali. Samuali was trying to think of a good response to his comment when Lucien and Eren started to do the ritual of saluting and spewing titles to Friedrich. Samuali had no idea what was going on or what it meant but he to gave a weak salute with an audible sigh.
Thinking about the Father and Son something occurred to him. He meekly expressed a slight problem that was bothering him. "Um, the two we brought in were being hunted down. So, um, how would they be good bait when the bait is not wanted?"
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Post by Eren on Apr 3, 2014 21:01:37 GMT -6
"Well, Chevalier, I don't see much of use, unless you have any suggestions. As always, I'd value your input, or yours, Deputy.
Samuali, in response to your question -- the bandits will naturally seize a chance to get their quarry. If we make it look like they're fleeing from the bandits, they will emerge to take our bait. And that is when we strike.
Of course, that is but my opinion. If you have any ideas, concerns, or suggestions, please, vocalize them. I don't want to make a costly tactical error, especially with many lives more than my own at stake."
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Post by Friedrich Reinhard on Apr 4, 2014 10:25:23 GMT -6
Friedrich snapped his heels together and gave his salute with his blade, bringing the hilt in front of his face before bowing and bringing it down and outwards. "General, it is an honor.", he said in a more humbled tone. "And you, Lucien Chevalier, I knew I had seen your face before. Your loyalty to the king is known as is your deed. I'm glad to have such capable and honorable men on with me today. This may be easier than we all hoped for!", he said with great mirth. "You needn't salute, m'lad. Something tells me nobility or generalship isn't something you're quite accustomed to.", Friedrich said to the boy with a smile.
"Open ground, eh? It can't be too challenging for knights of both dragon and horse.", Friedrich said in regards to the terrain. "Hmmm, this will take some cunning indeed. Should they spot such skilled and terrifying looking me such as us approach on our mounts, we're sure to only drive them away. We need to drag them out of their holes into the open and crush them!", he exclaimed. "However, I don't exactly recommend using the father and his son. The bandits may smell a rat and retreat. They may be cowardly scum, but they're not entirely stupid."
"I haven't exactly given thought to bringing more men with us, Lucien, but I'm sure if we feel the need to bring more, I can easily pull some from the guard barracks at the gate as I retrieve my horse."
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Apr 5, 2014 1:35:02 GMT -6
The soldier nodded in response toward's Friedrich's compliments. "The honor is mine, Herr Reinhard."
Lucien returned his shield to his back and rested on his lance in thought. "I advise using the two would be unnecessarily risky as well as a potential flub. They already came for their heads and failed. Why allow them any time to prepare before we're upon them?" He pointed to the map once more, where the raid was planned to happen. "Herr Reinhard, I recommend bringing anyone you feel confident with. We don't know how many brigands there will be or how strong they will be. The plans won't be finalized until we can strategize with Sir Darius at the gate. He'll have the most troops anyways."
The bell tower from the St. Elimine Cathedral they visited the night before rung, signifying it being an hour until the forces would leave the gate. "It seems we all have some tasks to accomplish to ensure our survival and victory for the fight ahead. I'll be making my way over there now, but any last minute preparations should be done now." the noble stated, saluting the Deputy once more. "I'll make sure the men are lined up for the march, Sir."
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Apr 5, 2014 18:44:15 GMT -6
Samuali just tried to stay out of the way. He knew very little about tactics and what not. He was just thrilled to be a part of it. He was not sure what to think of the Deputy, but he seemed to be the leader. He took anouther look at the map, mentally plotting his next course. He called over to Lucien. "I guess i will just stick with you for now. Let me know when were going."
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Post by Eren on Apr 7, 2014 15:50:14 GMT -6
"I see. Good point, sir. Well, I'd like to know how strong our force will be as well; it will make planning our attack easier. Deputy, I await your signal to leave -- I'm ready for the march whenever you are.
Thinking, Eren puzzled over the situation. He wouldn't be of much use in close, confining spaces like the woods or any bandit buildings or hideaways. However, his mobility as a scout, or his ability to pass walls and barricades could prove instrumental. He would need to be careful; there were bound to be archers. Smiling, Eren whistled a sharp, dissonant two-tone whistle, and, in a brief gale of wings, claw, and black, Mika alighted next to him with a happy yelp.
"Deputy, meet Mika. I hope together, we can help rid the land of this infestation."
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Post by Friedrich Reinhard on Apr 8, 2014 17:35:03 GMT -6
"Hmmm, I suppose I could pull three of my best from the barracks who aren't on watch at the moment. I'll have to pull them from the main guardhouse and have them report in...", he was suddenly interrupted by the bells of St. Elimine's tolling loudly. "....about an hour.", he finished. Friedrich returned the young noble's salute once more. "I trust you'll have everyone and everything you need in order by then. There's not much more to discuss for now. You're dismissed, Herr Chevalier."
As Lucien walked away, Friedrich turned to Eren who seemed to be tossing about the possibilities of the upcoming encounter in his head. Suddenly, he gave a distinct yet simple whistle. Friedrich hardly had the time to take a step back before the General's dragon descended from seemingly out of nowhere, the gale from the wings tossing up a bit of dust. The noble simply put a hand in front of his face to keep the dust from his eyes. "My my, quite the entrance for quite the mount.", he said with a certain measure of surprise. "Well, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mika. The bandits will find you just delightful." In something that had grown to be a habit of his, much to his chagrin, Friedrich caught himself extending his hand as if to shake hands with the dragon. "Erm...you'll excuse me. There's usually always someone important coming into the city that I'm to introduce myself to and be charged with while they stay. Force of habit now, really...", he said with embarrassment and dropping his hand. "General, I look forward to our cooperation in this ordeal. It should make a grand time, indeed!", he exclaimed with a smile. "I'll be off to gather my men. You know where to meet us." With that, Friedrich gave his salute and about-faced on his heels before exiting the square and heading for the main guardhouse.
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Post by Eren on Apr 8, 2014 20:29:06 GMT -6
Mika extended her snout and, sniffing the Deputy's hand briefly, she gave it a friendly lick. Eren laughed and nodded in agreement with the Deputy, waving as the man set off.
"Well, Samuali," Eren said jovially, "We've got a bit of time before we set out. Is there anything I can do for you? I'd be glad to help you or keep you company, if you'd like. Otherwise, I'm all set to travel."
Smiling, Eren patted Mika's head. She'd been with him and seen him through many battles, and he valued her friendship and selflessness. The wyvern let out a low, happy growl and gently flicked the young Samuali's hair with her tail.
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Apr 9, 2014 0:28:19 GMT -6
"I think we're all ready, actually." Lucien stated to the two, noticing Mika fly in and greet the Deputy. It was a bit of a different route than where Friedrich was setting towards, but he could see him practically march back to his barracks. It inspired him. "Alright. General, Samuali, let's move on out." he ordered in a confident tone. He was already excited to go out, but now it was amplified.
--(TIMESKIP)--
At the gate there were already quite a few men lined up. They wore a mixture of plate and chainmail armor with padded clothing. There was a wooden cart that had six men standing next to it and it had a Ballista hitched onto the rear of it. There were about 30 cavalrymen strutting around, around a quarter of them Paladins. Also lined up was the foot force that consisted of 15 soldiers, 5 knights, and 10 Mercenaries. It was led by a Great Knight and inspecting the men was a grizzled Halberdier. Next to them were about a squad's worth of archers that weren't attached to the Ballista were lined up next to the platoon.
A lot of eyes went straight towards Mika as the trio arrived, her size capturing just about everyone's curiosity. These creatures were more seen as a symbol of Bernese military might rather than a common occurrence. Lucien immediately spotted Erik and Thomas, who were equipped with weapons and some spare armor. They were sitting on their own, a bit away from the other soldiers that seemed to intimidate them. They looked up and smiled seeing some familiar faces. Lucien found the first spot for them to line up to also be in formation.
"Line up here. We'll wait until Deputy Reinhard joins us. There's plenty of space for your mount, General." He commanded, looking to Eren. Seeing a good sized combat force made him feel secure, however they would still have to attack on their own and knowing the tier they were at would most likely be used at the front. "We're looking good, gentlemen."
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Samuali
Soldier
I am getting better and better, so you better watch out!
Posts: 106
Profession: Wanderer
Affinity: Wind
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Post by Samuali on Apr 9, 2014 16:12:35 GMT -6
Samuali had followed Lucien to what appeared to be a small army. They even had a siege weapon. He was taken back from the army in front of him. Just what were they up against? Samuali trailed a little behind, not sure where to go in such a large force. Looking around he found the Father and Son. He gave a nod and smile to them, and they gave a smile back. He got in place where he was told and looked around a bit, taking in the whole sight. He saw a grizzled man inspecting the troops, going down the line to where he was.
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Post by Eren on Apr 10, 2014 20:39:11 GMT -6
"Thank you, Chevalier. Once we're ready to move out, would you consider sending a reconnaissance group ahead? I'm not sure how you'd like to handle this operation, but I've always been a large fan of intel. Of course, it is up to you, just food for thought."
Relaxing, Eren leaned against Mika's side, smiling softly at the interested and puzzled looks his wyvern drew. It was nice, sometimes, to be able to relax with the men before a battle. It reminded him of time past...
Shaking his head, Eren dispelled the nostalgia. He checked his armor, lance, axe, and gloves, making sure all was in order. Stroking Mika's neck as he waited, Eren began tapping a staccato beat with his fingers on the flat of his axe.
He was itching, roaring, flaming, exploding...
He was ready.
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Post by Friedrich Reinhard on Apr 14, 2014 23:39:29 GMT -6
The small army was gathering at the gate as planned. An assortment of faces in an assortment of appearances. Friedrich rode upon the busy scene with three others just as promised. As if the cross on his armor and probably the armor itself didn't give him up as someone who was once important in a certain land, while the other three men rode on brown Lycian Thoroughbreds, Friedrich trotted in on his white Eliminean Charger. It was a majestic creature that one could tell was expertly bred for a perfect balance of speed and shock. No normal Deputy of the Guard could afford such a thing and everyone knew it. The stares of the whole army and even the Great Knight leading the force had locked his gaze upon the out-of-place deputy. Friedrich gave a salute with his hand as he hastily trotted past the assembly of men. They all suddenly stood at attention; some had no idea who he even was but they did it anyway.
As the men still stared at them, the group approached Lucien, Samauli, and General Eren with Mika. Erik and Thomas were there as well in some decent armor and arms. "I'm glad to see us all here.", Friedrich hailed to his companions. "Are we set for march off, Lord Chevalier? At any rate, we could hunt down lunch and be done with it before all those men are done hurrying up to wait...", he sighed out with impatience. The three men came forward, seemingly eager for action. "Your Grace, if you wish, we could do just that", one loudly offered with enthusiasm. Friedrich gripped the reins tighter in his hands and his eyes widened. He looked back to the mass of men still waiting for orders as they were now chattering amongst themselves before looking back intently at the young Sergeant. "Sergeant Richter, I remember explicitly requesting you to never ever refer to me like that...", he said sternly. The rider, Richter, had a look of shock for a moment. "S-sorry, sir.....did you still want us to get lunch or-..." -he was cut off by the deputy- "That part was a joke, Sergeant.", he said with the flattest of expressions.
"General Eren, you are requesting reconnaissance, yes? I've just the volunteers for that. Richter here is my finest Sergeant and Michael and Alistair are his best Corporals. I think it would be a great idea indeed to scout ahead.", he offered.
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Lucien Chevalier
Soldier
Posts: 37
Profession: Lesser Noble
Affinity: Light
OoC Alias: Synkkis
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Post by Lucien Chevalier on Apr 19, 2014 3:37:04 GMT -6
The group had little time to talk among themselves before Sir Darius noticed their arrival. He rode upon a horse plated in armor with the colors of Santaruz as well as his armor being very ornate and just as beautiful as the city had been. Even with how bleak things were outside of Santaruz, inside of the city remained just as vibrant as ever and Sir Darius was a personification of this. "Deputy Reinhard. It seems we're all here. I'd rather us move on and not burn daylight." he did not wait for a response before he turned his horse around and rose his arm signalling the gatekeeper. "Typical march formation! Onwards!" he shouted, trotting through the gates, his soldiers marching behind him.
Now at the rear of the column, Lucien recognized it was time for them to start moving. "We move in step unless told otherwise. Once we're in the field of battle your survival is paramount. No use being slain by some ruffian when the whole world is crumbling around us and there are more noble causes to die for." He stood out in the middle of the street and raised his lance. "Form column on the guide in two ranks... march!" he was hoping they'd know the basics but wouldn't be too disappointed if they looked motley while on the march. He was more focused on the task at hand.
While they moved forward a wagon with a red cross painted on the side followed in behind them with a small collection of clerics and priests just in case there were any wounded in the coming battle. Lucien himself hoped that the brigands would give themselves up without a fight, but he had to be prepared to fight for his life and the lives of others around him. Now out of the gates, the posse was greeted by the high noon sun and the dark clouds that seemed to linger above Laus in the far distance. The noble made a short prayer, looking to those he was fighting with - realizing he was blessed to have such good company of honest men and ones looking for redemption.
--(THREAD END)--
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