Lord Rockhammer, We have received word that Capt. Stilicho's forces have been destroyed. They died valiantly holding back and delaying all of Zander's forces from advancing. Our forces have linked up with Lord Savetuba's. We await your orders on how to proceed.
Commander Falco
3rd Falchioner's
----------------------------------------------------------
Lord Rockhammer, per your order, Capt. Stilicho's son, Maximus, has been given command of our newest unit of Falchioners. They are moving with all speed to the war front with Zander's forces. The other forces you have dispatched to that front will link up en route. I have taught him well and he has his father's fearlessness. He will prove a most reliable commander.
Your's to command,
General Tyr
Commander- Heimdall Military Academy

Looking out over his battlements to the west, the General awaits anxiously. It has been too many days without word from his western lines. The last he heard was that a line of enemy forces had been spotted and were to be crossing the border in force, in response to this, the General had dispatched 400 men, with another 150 to take to the field the following day.

Frowning the General began to make his descent into the courtyard below and then disappeared into his office. Minutes later a squire knocked and entered his office.

"General, sir. Banners have been spotted on the horizon.. Golden banners sir. Our forces are returning!" The squire then rushed from the office and returned to his duties.

Rising from his chair the General looked down at the map he had been studying and offered a prayer to his God that his forces had made out alright. The General then left his office and made his way to the battlements once more.

Once on the battlements he could hear his forces coming. The drums and pipes brought beautiful music to his ears. He new what that meant now.

The gates to the keep opened wide for his men and then quickly entered, where they were met by the other soldiers and quickly the courtyard was a buzz as friends were reunited.

Looking down on the scene with delight, the General gave a quick count. Only 300 men returned from the 500 he had sent out. Motioning to his guard, they began beating their swords on their shields to get the crowd of soldiers attention. Soon silence followed.

"Men, I welcome you back to our keep. Judging by your entry I would like to think that we were victorious. I am glad to see every one of you alive and well. Take two hours to getting yourselves cleaned up and I will await the officers in my office in that time. Enjoy yourselves men and take some rest. You've earned it. And remember, tonight we will remember those who perished for our cause."

With that the General gave all of his men a salute and descended from the battlements and began socializing with the soldiers.

***
Two hours later.
***
Inside the General's office, all of the officers are seated and the General sits awaiting the reports. The officers represent all but two of his divisions he had sent out, he is missing one from his last group of swordsmen and his commandeers.

"Well, someone begin."

"Sir, I am Sargeant Dickons from the 1st Battlion and I have been selected to present the report. We have all compiled our reports to give you one summation of all of them, rather than each officer giving you a seperate report."

"Good thinking, now report."

"After receiving your orders on how to engage the enemy we began to pull back, but that gave them access to our lumber yard which they began to raid and then later secured as their own. However on a good note, we were able to destroy it completely later on, as we lacked the proper commandeers to rebuild it and make operatable. Once we saw them go for our lumber yard we stopped the retreat and turned to meet them. We placed ourselves so that there was a forest between us. They lacked archers so we set our archers to use the woods as cover and set up our scout forces to monitor the northern pass, while our spearmen and swordsmen monitored the southern pass. Our archers stopped them from going through the woods so thei scout forces took to the northern pass, as did their swordsmen. It was at this time that we spotted another group of forces who seemed to belong to another Warlord named Rockhammer. The northern pass was the hardest battle as we almost lost one complete scout division and we lost a complete spearmen division. However, we did kill all of those enemy units, perhaps 130 scouts and 50 swordsmen. In the southern pass we were able to massacre 120 spearmen with our division of swordsmen and with some archer cover."

The officer stops to take a breath

The officer continues.

"After this we pursued further to our borders as commandeers showed up with archers and more swordsmen and spearmen. We were able to kill close to 60 archers and 60 commandeers. Our swordsmen division decided to pursue these forces and encountered more enemy forces that were on route to our keep. They went down fighting, taking close to 100 men with them, or so the last messenger said, and they also reported more of Rockhammers forces, falchioners and more scouts. All in all we lost just over 200 men sir and we sent at least 400, perhaps even 500 men to their graves. The men faught well sir."

"That is good news Sargeant. I will take all of your individual reports now and read it over and we will meet again in one hour to look at the maps and plot out their troop movement. There is much to be done."

Is it possible to get a game summary? Whots happening?

Game summary

1 Ghengis Khan 7165 (1253) 1197 (300) -
2 Zander 6624 (1114) 1321 (433) -
3 Hwatta 5031 (826) 1305 (423) -
4 Hagar the Hun 4797 (823) 1152 (364) -
5 Hankyspanky 4414 (646) 3224 (1059) -
6 kingmen3 3050 (534) 2002 (653) -
7 ROCKHAMMER 1651 (290) 907 (277) -
8 Lonestorm 2076 (414) 1348 (412) -
9 Kyrion 2914 (483) 2378 (761) -
10 savetuba 2213 (363) 2382 (791)

Kyrion's castle fell in turn 15 to WAR
Hankyspanky's castle fell turn 19 to crusaders

Since that time there has been a lull as both sides contemplate their next moves and prepare.

Field Report

Lord Khan

I am pleased to announce that we have captured Hankyspanky's castle. The fighting was fierce and our losses were higher than anticipated. This was do to Hwatta sending aid to Hanky's castle. Though we were outnumbered we were able to defeat the combined forces. Hwatta had 133 scouts heading for the castle, your main pikemen unit allthough batter down to 14 members stepped into the gateway to bar them entrance. It was a heroic move as they were hoping to stop the scouts long enough for us to gain control of Hanky's castle. At the same time the reinforcements you sent had arrived and joined in to help finish Hanky's troops off. Hwatta's scouts turned away rather than attack the pikemen gaurding the gate and we were able to take the castle. Our forces are rearming and preparing to continue our march against Hwatta.

I am sorry to report that Scout Leader R'Hakmar perished in the fighting for the castle. His loss will be felt through-out this war.

We have heard a rumor that Lord Kyrion fell to the combined might of Hagar, Rockhammer, and Hwatta. Lord Lonestorm has called for aid and Lord Kingmen is responding. It is our hope that by driving into Hwatta's land that he will be forced to turn and fight with us instead if continuing to attack Lord Lonestorm.

Your Servant
Field General Katan

Field report

M'lord

We head for the new castle as orded. But on the way there we run into some of Lord Zanders men. They were runnin from men of Rockhamrs. Upon spying us Rockhamrs men turnt tail to run. The men got so excited that they chased after. I must admit I dinna try to stop them. Rockhamrs men run right into more of Lord Zanders men. We caught up and slaughtered the rest off. Accept for the last scout, spying his buddies getting cut down left and raght he turnt tale and run. Being there was only won and the men were feeling merciful they shouted after him that he owed all of us drinks and we'd be buy to collect. We was turnin back when Lord Zander gave us new ordeds. I felt it good to do as he said. I do no wanna be the cause for problems between our lands. Also the ordeds was to attack new men of Hankys. as you have been beating him I thought it should continue.

Captain Savolt
_________________________________________________________

"Seneschal, I want a scribe sent to Captain Savolt. I think it is great that the man attempts to improve himself, but until he can write better I want a scribe preparing his reports. If possible send him a scribe that can teach him, when there is time."

Yes my lord. You should know that everything is in readiness for your departure. A messenger has been sent to the other castle to prepare for your arrival.

"Excellent, with R'Hakmar gone General Katan will not be able to handle the spreading situation alone. We need to divide the forces so another general is needed. If none of the men prove themselves worhty I shall lead the other force myself."

What about Captian Savolt Lord Khan. He is a good leader, even if he lacks the gentlemanly skills of some of the others. He could possibly handle a promotion to general.

"It is very possible that he could. Unfotunately he is following orders given him by General Zander. I have no problem with that, as we are working for the same goal, but it is very likely he wont be where I need him, when the fighting is renewed. We cannot allow these petty warlords to think they can do as they please. They must learn that we are the lords of this land. If that means I go into battle again so be it. I will not ask my men to face dangers that I will not face."

My Lord all of the men know you do not fear battle. they also know you serve a far greater purpose in planning the war from your castle where you can get an overview of the entire situation. You wont have the same view from the battle front.

"That is true, but it still remains that I have no one else capable of leading my forces. So I do what I must do."

Another report comes in to the General. It is delivered by the officers from his 4th Spearmen division rom the 2nd Battalion and his 1st Militia division from the 1st Battalion.

****
"Sir, I am Sargeant Allan Acknar of the 4th Spearmen division. I have been sent by the 2nd Battlion to report to you."

The Blademaster takes a breath before he begins.

"The 2nd Battaltion was sent to defend our northern border and more importantly, share the responsibility of protecting the gold mine along with the 1st Battalion. The initial skirmishes were brutal for both sides and we took several losses and this was only against Warlord Savetuba. Then scouts reported forces from Warlord Rockhammer again, coming down from the north and coming down the eastern side of the goldmine so this is when the two Battalion split and we took to the north-eastern area above the goldmine. The approaching forces were both scouts, militia and falchioners. We need we would be in trouble so we took up our defensive positions and brough our archers up within firing range. We also kept our pikes in the backfield to hopefully draw the falchioners in and trap them. The plan began to work but it turned out to be sour when our forces began taking more casulties then we expected, however the arrival of Lord Ghengis Khan's forces swayed the battle in our favour. His arbs and squires distracted the enemy forces and we were able to bring up our pikemen and trap them, crushing them. 1 scout unit escaped but we heard later that he was rounded up by a scout unit from the 1st Battalion. All in all we sent close to 200 of Warlord Rockhammers men to their graves and lost close to half that and the goldmine is secured."

After this a moment is given to allow the General to collect his thoughts and finish joting down notes. Once he is down the Militia officer begins.

"1st Blademaster of the 1st Division sir. The battles on the western area of the goldmine were long and bloody. Warlord Savetuba brought an assortment of spearmen, militia and scouts, along with balistas and commandeers. Seeing the threat right away we sent word back to the keep and as you know, you sent us the balistas and more archers, along with more pikemen to deal with this threat. With the additional men you sent us we were able to punch holes into the enemy lines and our scout forces took advantage of this and jumped through the hole, taking out the balistas. However, their bravery cost them a lot of lives as they were then surrounded by spearmen. We did our best to save them and quickly our militia and pikemen hit them from the front to disract them and deal some damage. The maneuver worked as we finished off a group of spearmen and routed another, and that allowed our scouts to hit the commandeers. By the time the battle was finsihed we had seen 150 or more of our own men dead or mortally wounded, but we also counted well over 300 of the enemy dead. On a bright note, as my unit began our way back to the keep, we heard that the 1st Battalion had secured another stone quarry and were pursueing yet another Warlord. One named hankyspanky. It seems they are everywhere."

The General joted down a few more notes and though long about what he had just been told.

"Well done men. Take a few days rest and select the finest men we have from the barracks. You'll be moving out again soon as I don't think we will have peace quite yet. I am very proud of you men, you have reported to me that you have killed over 500 men that belong to the enemy and lost 300. I do not enjoy losing 300 men, but if we can kill almost 2 of them to one of us, then to me that is at least something... See to your men and have a good rest, the campaign begins again in 3 days."

The icy wind swirled through the great hall. Lord Hwatta finished congratulating the latest new troops upon completion of their difficult training, wished them the best of luck in the coming battle, and turned to the sergeant of the guard. "What have you found?"

"M'lord, we captured these spies attempting to infiltrate our fortress. They belong to Lord Lonestorm."

"So, he is up to his old tricks again, eh? Too bad he did not find a suitable wizard...your lord could have saved you much suffering. Our dungeons are very cold here. I don't know how Lord Kyrion could stand it in this realm. I liked my old castle much better...although this one is closer to the action."

"What should we do with them, M'lord?"

"Take them to the dungeon and make them comfortable...give them some extra furs and something warm to drink. We may be enemies, but we are not barbarians...despite what my old friend Ghengis may think."

"Yes, M'lord," the sergeant replied crisply as he led the captives out of the room.

Lord Hwatta knew that the unexpected guests would be well cared for and he could once again turn his full attention to the preparations for battle. There was much to do.

Field reports

My Lord

Your scribe has arrived. Following Lord Zanders orders we advanced to his border by the cursed land where we ingaged several of Hankyspanky's units. While I would not consider our casualties high they were not low either. We did kill all of Hankyspanky's men though. Not having any further orders we set up a defesive line and discovered that Rockhammer had a barracks near by. We sent a messenger to inform Field General Katan and began to make plans to destroy this barracks as we did not have any commandeers to capture it. Our messenger returned shortly informing me that the field general was already marching. We were given orders to attack the barracks and any troops in the area without exposing ourselves to high risk situations. This we did until more forces arrived along with the field general.

Captain Savolt
__________________________________________________________

Lord Khan
I am sorry I was not able to greet you at your new home. We had heard that the new forces coming here had engaged enemy forces attacking Lord Zander's men. The messenger of Lord Zander that reported this told us that with our aid Lord Zander was able to break the seige sooner than anticipated and was now marching on Savetuba. He also told us that he had sent the new forces on towards Hwatta's castle to provide protection from attacks coming from that direction. Upon hereing that Lord Zander was marching I thought it best not to wait for your arrival but to take my forces and the new recruits I was able to get here and continue the march upon Hwatta's castle. It was my oppinion that with two of their castles under seige that the warlords would be hard pressed to defend both of them. I do not know how Lord Zander fairs but we have already breached the castle we set out to take.
I say the castle because Hwatta has apparently fled to the castle that once belonged to Lord Kyrion. Hankyspanky now occupies the castle, not much longer though. In our assualt we were able to capture a barracks that belonged to Rockhammer This was in large part do to Captain Savolt. within the next day we will be moving our commandeers in to secure Hanky's new castle.
After hearing about the problems Lord Lonestorm was having I order 1 unit each of Pikemen, Squires, and Arbelestiers to march to his aid. I am including the reoprt that Major Kelly sent I think you will find it as interesting as I did. Apparently that wizard finally told Hwatta that you would be the cause of his defeat. I still think you should have kept him in your employ after he made your viewing portal, the ability to be able to see any of your troops and the surounding territory is great, but there is so much more that could have been done.

Field General Katan

Last Edited : Monday, 4 October 2004 - 00:59

Field report

Field General Katan

We marched as ordered to Lord Lonestorms castle. on the way we encountered several units that belonged to Hwatta. We engaged in a serries of hit and run tactics, we would hit them and they would run. As their forces were primarily scouts we dared not try to keep up and leave our arbelstiers exposed. Instead we sent a messenger to Lord Lonestorm informing him of the enemy being behind his castle. He was able to send some troops out and crush them. As we neared the castle we came upon a unit of Hwatta's commandeers. They had captured a quarry, we proceeded to kill the commandeers then destroy the quarry to keep the resources away from Hwatta. Upon entering the castle we discovered that Rockhammer had a force of falconiers within. Our pikemen gave a shout and charged in destroying the last of them. Lord Lonestorm asked that the squires and arbelestiers move to the north end of his castle and add our support to the troops already there. Hagar was attacking from that directiopn in force. Our pikemen remained in the area they were at to deal with any enemy forces that might come from Rockhammer's direction. Upon arriving at our assigned position I discovered that Lord Lonestorms troops were demoralized. Despite having held out against supperior numbers they were loosing heart as Hagar was using balista to strike from a distance, so there was no enemy to strike back at. I moved out to get a better idea of what was in the vicinity and discovered that Hagar had a unit of 29 balista within range of a charge. After allowing the men some time to rest I informed them of the situation, the squires and the arbelestiers agreed that we needed to strike those balistas, even if it were a possible trap. So we charged out and hit them. I was surprised because the squires were able to destroy the entire unit by themselves, also because we could now see more of the enemy and we were badly out numbered. The arbelestiers not having participated in the battle fired upon a large scout unit and inflicted several casualties. Seeing all the troops that was there I knew we were in trouble, then I heard a shout and the ground was shaking. Glancing back I saw that Lord Lonestorm's forces whether ordered to or not, had decided to join us in our attack. Unfortunately they were unable to reach the squires as they had not had much rest since the seige began. They were able to ensure no one would get near the arbelestiers though. But the squires were in front and bore the brunt of Hagar's retaliation. Two scout units, a pikemen unit, and an even larger balista unit hit us and over half of the men died. Then Lord Lonestorms men were able to move forward and Hagar's men began to fall. At the same time our pikemen unit noticed several of Lord Lonestorms men marching out and followed them. They discovered that Hwatta had several units of balista and moved to attack. Lord Lonestorm's men beat them to the first balista and before they could attack the second, Hagar had men over there. Our pikemen moved to block off an opening that would have allowed Hagar a chance to strike at the balistas of Lord Lonestorm. They took heavy losses in attacking Hagar's pikemen.

From that point on there was constant fighting, day and night, until both Hagar and Hwatta's troops were either dead or routed. Lord Lonestorm didn't want to let the momentum that had been built up go so we have marched unto the castle that used to belong to Lord kyrion. Hwatta's flags were flying above the ramparts, including the one that proclaims he has taken his residence there.

Major Kelly

Lord Hwatta stood on the high battlements gazing at the watchfires on the icy plains below. They seemed as numerous as the stars above. He instinctively grasped the hilt of his sword for comfort and reassurance. The coming battle would be a memorable one. The twilight had shown the flags of three different Crusader Lords converging on his castle and outlying resources. The wind blew very chill indeed.

"So, wizard...what do you devine at our old castle?"

"M'lord, the castle has been overrun by Lord Ghengis...he has squires, arbelestiers, scouts and commandeers in the courtyards. They have already taken over half the castle and should complete their conquest on the morrow."

"Have you any good news?"

"We did capture 2 more spies from Lord Lonestorm...he seems to be very concerned about us for some reason. Perhaps with good reason. I am preparing something special M'lord. It will be ready soon."

"Goodnight wizard...let us rest for the coming battle and dream of glory." Lord Hwatta turned to descend the stairs thinking of comfortable sleep close to the large fireplace inside.

"Sleep well, M'lord", the wizard replied rubbing his hands and casting a minor spell for warmth.

Field report

Lord Khan

I am pleased to inform you that once again we have taken a castle belonging to Hankyspanky away. At first we feared the battle would be fierce. But the men who came to oppose us were green and barely new one end of the sword from the other. It was more like a slaughter than a fight and we did not find any glory in killing these men. They were valiant but under trained. I know you wish to be the one who takes hwatta's castle and fullfill the prophecy, but Rockhammer is a greater threat at the moment and leaving him behind could cost us more lives than we care to lose. The reports we have heard say Lord Zander will be taking Savetuba's castle shortly. I expect his men to join us at Rockhammers castle. Once Zander arrives I will march the men up to attack Hwatta.

For those who don't wish to decipher what we are saying:

1 Zander 19101 (2859) 3190 (980) -
2 Ghengis Khan 16561 (2726) 2397 (503) -
3 Lonestorm 12090 (1748) 3125 (1016) -
4 Hagar the Hun 8420 (1435) 3631 (860) -
5 Hwatta 7936 (1289) 4801 (1436) -
6 kingmen3 5607 (1046) 3334 (1018) -
7 Kyrion (eliminated) 2914 (483) 2378 (761) 1
8 Hankyspanky 5594 (730) 5178 (1828) 1
9 ROCKHAMMER 4874 (753) 4829 (1144) -
10 savetuba 4401 (702) 5994 (1842) -

Several turns ago Hankyspanky grabbed the extra castle bringing it back to 5 warlords vs 4 crusaders.

This turn 34: Hankyspanky's Castle has been taken over by Ghengis Khan.

Zander is currently in the process of taking Savetuba's castle, while Lonestorm is at Hwatta's saying hello. Kingmen3 has forces with Lonestorm assisting in the battle as do I. Hwatta has marksmen along with falconiers defending his castle this will be a nasty fight.

And fun...don't forget fun!!!

Cheers,
H.

yes and my macemen just sent word they want to play as well so say hi to about 50 of them in the next few turns )

Will I be able to recognize them in that crowd?

H.

They will be the ones resembling their lord, so they will be big and ugly

This whole Clan game got Ugly about 10 turns ago at least from WAR's perspective. After an initial early success we kind of fizzled out. That must have been the point where experience came into play. Would like to know how you guys did it someday. Great game though!!!

Last Edited : Tuesday, 5 October 2004 - 09:27

Really ass kicking tough defense. I gave Zander my old castle so he would not have to whole up in his castle against you and Savetuba. The way he was playing, having four barracks against your six was more than an even match up. Kingmen3 and I sent troops to help out at Lonestorms. I admit mine didn't get there very quick, but then Hwatta had troops in the back that had to be dealt with to keep Kingmen3 from losing his marketplace. Once they did get there I noticed that Hagar the Hun left a stack of 29 balista unprotected and charged out to hit them. Lonestorm and Kingmen3 joined in and that seige was broke.

This part happened before breaking the seige at Lonestorms. Zander told me you had a large falc force that his smaller force was running from, we made a plan to lead you towards some of my forces, when you saw them you turned into his pikemen and I got you from behind. That freed Zander up to go full force against Savetuba, while I marched toward Hankyspanky's new castle.

None of you came for me after I took Hakyspkanky's castle, allowing me to tech and build troops. You guys allowed me my freedom, which let me send troops where ever they were needed. So I got to look like I was a far better player than I am. Then when I had enough forces built up I marched on Hankyspanky in his new castle. This march was made more successful as Zander was marching upon Savetuba forcing you to choose between who you wanted to defend. About the time we were getting to the castles Lonestorm broke the seige by him, preventing Hagar the Hun or Hwatta from sending aid down to Hankyspanky.

I would also say that you guys crippled yourselves in ignoring the resources. We got to tech more than you did even while fighting. I just spotted a pile of gems, you should never have ignored that. If nothing else they become useful in selling so that you have more gold to use.