The Battle of the Marshes

[The Mad Skylord]

The lands to the south of the Marsh Kingdom were eerily silent, as the band of the Andal invaders marched north. Little did they realise they were being watched by many eyes, heard by many ears and smelled by many nostrils. The Marsh King had placed several hundred men - mounted on the nimble, light, fast and sure-footed swamp-ponies - to watch the advance of the transgressors. A humid breeze was in the air, as a rider approached the band of men under the command of Jojen Reed.

Colmar Reed had given his youngest - and many say most skilled - son command of the Vanguard. Their job was to lure the entire Andal group deeper into the treacherous swamps, where a larger ambush would then be sprung by a group under the command of Marsh and Blackmyre - owners of 2 of only 5 Crannogmen Crannog-Castles. The force the Marsh King had sent his youngest son was small, numbering merely 400 bowmen and 500 infantry. Although small, the group was made up of some of the best hunters and fighting men the Neck had to offer, a fact that was reflected in the fierce gaze of the Bog-Devils.

The rider rode through the ranks of the vanguard, looking to find Jojen. When at last he discovered him and his blue frog, the tiny man leaped from his saddle pulled off his helm, revealing long, lank brown hair, a scarred and stubbly face and deep green eyes. He cleared his throat. "My men and I've been watching the bastards for days, Tree Frog, they're definitely on they're way to the Moat. No chance they're going to peel off for the Vale through the northernmost pass anymore."

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Further in the Marshes

A grand fighting force - for the Crannogmen - had been assembled under the command of the most trusted of Reed's friends and bannermen. Marsh and Blackmyre. A host of several thousands had assembled, many of them Reed troops. A grand column of cavalry - under the command of Lorren Reed - were present, mounted atop fierce lizard-lions, their fighting mounts. The large, scaly reptilians had been cleverly armoured with panels of light timber down their noses, tails, flanks and backs. Lorren Reed's own lizard-lion - Cracktooth - had plates of light bronze, purposefully dulled to remove the shine to preserve stealth.

Under the command of Howland Reed came a troop of infantry. Most of them were the more common light troops of the Crannogmen, who brandished their axes, slings and tridents with the air of overwhelming bloodlust. The rest were the very rare and elite band of heavy infantry, clad in boiled lizard-lion leather to make tough armour and shields. Their very presence denoted this to be a campaign of importance, for everything about them was rare and expensive to maintain - especially their bronze sword and axe-blades. Howland's lizard-lion, Scar, looked as grumpy as ever as he eagerly waited for battle.

Finally there was the small group of archers, who had been discreetly led to battle by none other than Lyanna Reed, the beautiful and ferocious princess. Mounted atop Goldeyes, the first egg of Whitescale ever to hatch, she was as much a warrior princess as ever. Goldeyes - named for her incredibly rare golden eyes - lay passively, as patient as her mistress.

The three Reeds were assembling, waiting for Marsh and Blackmyre to begin the planning meeting.

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Troops with Jojen
500 Raider Infantry
400 Raider Archers
600 Outriders

Troops with Marsh/Blackmyre
900 Raider Cavalry
1000 Heavy Infantry
1000 Raider Infantry
500 Raider Archers

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@Ponti
What would you call a reasonable Andal invasion force?

I'm aware of the pet rules, just to clarify, and I understand none of the LLs count if Whitescale dies - obviously I'll have to go through the rp to tame one. Just thought I'd give them their mounts because they're technically princes and a princess and they need something cool. After all, you have a cute blue frog.

@IA+Poach
Poach wasn't signed when I listed commanders, but I didn't want him left out so I assigned him to joint command with you, Iron, just to be fair. You guys should list whatever forces you're contributing.

Bear in mind that you get pets too!

[Poach]

Barnald sat among the forces from his home, awaiting word from the vanguard on when they were to join the fight. Arranged in a small fleet of boats the men of Greycronn waited in silence, the sounds of the marsh wildlife gently filling the air.

Ulreef had gone on ahead with a small detachment, aiming to meet with the King’s own forces to agree their role in the battle. Gliding near-silently through the shallow waters, half a dozen boats moved through the trees and fens, sticking to the myriad of waterways that defined the Marsh Kingdom, moving to where the Reeds said they would gather. Before long they were sighted, concealed among reeds, trees and undergrowth, a large gathering of fighting men all concealed within nature.

Where it was the Andal way to dress in bright and flamboyant colours to denote rank, wealth, and prestige, it was the Crannog way to dress in browns and greens, such that a Crannogman at rest became simply part of the marsh, invisible. The Andals on the road to Moat Cailin would be visible to the Crannogmen long before the Crannogmen were visible to the Andals.

“King Howland.” said Ulreef in a low voice, greeting the King as his boat came upon the islet that the King had set himself up on, “We’re gathered a few miles north of you, watching the further reaches of the causeway. How fares the Vanguard? Have the Andals been spotted yet?”

The Andals were making slow progress in their march northwards, having crossed into Marsh Kingdom lands more than a week ago, hampered by the terrain. Though a “road” of sorts existed between the Riverlands, Moat Cailin and the North, in reality it wasn’t much more than a mostly dry earthen path winding through the marsh. Regular travellers became used to it, but these new and foreign Andals were significantly slowed in their travels, often becoming stuck in mud or struggling to find a place to set up camp for the night. A few had already drowned after mistakenly leaving the path, thinking the ground to be solid underfoot only to plunge through into the waters below when it turned out to be little more than mud and debris clumped atop the marsh.

By now they were nearing Moat Cailin, and should be there in a few days if their current pace was kept. Alas, though the sheer size of this Andal warband necessitated gathering a far larger Crannogmen force to confront it, they would soon find themselves beset well before they could hope to besiege the gates of Moat Cailin.

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[The Mad Skylord]

Barnald sat among the forces from his home, awaiting word from the vanguard on when they were to join the fight. Arranged in a small fleet of boats the men of Greycronn waited in silence, the sounds of the marsh wildlife gently filling the air.

Ulreef had gone on ahead with a small detachment, aiming to meet with the King’s own forces to agree their role in the battle. Gliding near-silently through the shallow waters, half a dozen boats moved through the trees and fens, sticking to the myriad of waterways that defined the Marsh Kingdom, moving to where the Reeds said they would gather. Before long they were sighted, concealed among reeds, trees and undergrowth, a large gathering of fighting men all concealed within nature.

Where it was the Andal way to dress in bright and flamboyant colours to denote rank, wealth, and prestige, it was the Crannog way to dress in browns and greens, such that a Crannogman at rest became simply part of the marsh, invisible. The Andals on the road to Moat Cailin would be visible to the Crannogmen long before the Crannogmen were visible to the Andals.

“King Howland.” said Ulreef in a low voice, greeting the King as his boat came upon the islet that the King had set himself up on, “We’re gathered a few miles north of you, watching the further reaches of the causeway. How fares the Vanguard? Have the Andals been spotted yet?”

The Andals were making slow progress in their march northwards, having crossed into Marsh Kingdom lands more than a week ago, hampered by the terrain. Though a “road” of sorts existed between the Riverlands, Moat Cailin and the North, in reality it wasn’t much more than a mostly dry earthen path winding through the marsh. Regular travellers became used to it, but these new and foreign Andals were significantly slowed in their travels, often becoming stuck in mud or struggling to find a place to set up camp for the night. A few had already drowned after mistakenly leaving the path, thinking the ground to be solid underfoot only to plunge through into the waters below when it turned out to be little more than mud and debris clumped atop the marsh.

By now they were nearing Moat Cailin, and should be there in a few days if their current pace was kept. Alas, though the sheer size of this Andal warband necessitated gathering a far larger Crannogmen force to confront it, they would soon find themselves beset well before they could hope to besiege the gates of Moat Cailin.

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Lorren and Howland, the two toung princes, appeared bewildered by Howland's promotion. Lyanna just sniggered at her brothers' confusion. It was she who spoke. "We await the messenger from the frontline units, he should arrive shortly "

Scar fixed Blackmyre with a cruel reptilian stare. The large, black Lizard-Lion looked hungry and bad tempered, and it was only with a touch from his master Howland, that he settled reluctantly. Cracktooth and Goldeyes.just lounged lazily, patiently waiting for the fighting.

A few of the othe Lizard-Lions in the cavalry group were milling about quietly, but for the most part the entire armt was still and silent, simply waiting. Many noted the absence of the King, but none questioned it as cowardice. All knew that Colmar Reed was aging, and they simply saw him sending his children as his proxies as a way to ensure firm leadership for the Crannogmen in years to come.

Finally a rider, on a tired swamp-pony arrived making his way to the command group. "We've got them in our sights" the tired man said, it had been a hard ride and it had been tinged with urgency. "They're not long off the Moat, although they're still having trouble with the bog and the snakes. The bastards are flagging and tired. They've come several thousand miles over unfamiliar ground."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"Then it's time to welcome them to the Neck." Jojen said with a twinkle "We'll set a little trap for them." Jojen's bow was strung and his three pronged frog hunting spear was at his side as well. A small knife made of dragonglass hung at his belt and across his back was a quiver of arrows, impregnated with Nestor's venom. The small amphibian was as ever propped on Jojen's shoulder, clinging to it as the boy moved. "We will lead them into the thickest of the mire, through lizard lion dens, and across patches of quick sand. Those left alive will be too tired for a fight."

ooc: Depends on how hard you want the fight to be/what rewards you want to get afterwards.

[Poach]

[OOC: I think you can assume Ulreef would address the right person. I misread the character sheet, it's not so easily done on mobile when you can't use multiple tabs to keep references available.]

"We'll follow on behind them and fall upon their rear when battle is joined." said Ulreef, knowing his troops were likely too far north to arrive on time to join the main group in drawing the Andals off the path. Cutting off their retreat would, however, mean they would have to fight their way back to the dry road or take their chances in the swamps...

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[The Mad Skylord]

The grizzled chief, who was a Bogg, nodded calmly. "I'll pull my men back and rejoin your troops then. You should be able to use us to great advantage, there are 600 of us, although we're only light scouts."

Bogg had an idea of the route Jojen woyld take - and it made him shudder with horror. It was treacherous even for a Crannogman but Andals would be ripped apart by Lizard-Lions, who would be furious at the incursion of the brightly coloured Andals into their breeding grounds.

Ooc: Most of my troops are professionals that are still in training, so I'm not sure how fair it would be to give out rewards etc for an army that doesn't technically exist yet.

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The band of 3 Reeds nodded cheerfully. "So long as they all die or are too terrified to ever come back, father will be happy."

Having recieved the news, the band waited only for Marsh.

Ooc: I know, I was just being flippant. I assumed it was just a mistake.

[Poach]

[OOC: 3 day training time is really only important for player versus player conflicts. You'd be unable to use them against other players until their 3 days were done. I don't think using them against npc invaders is going to be an issue.]

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[The Mad Skylord]

Ooc: In that case, we'll run with a proper invasion rather than an incursion, so they'll have an army rather than a warband. Any ideas what that would constitute? Do Andals have heavy horse yet?

[Pontifex Maximus]

ooc: It would consist mostly of infantry but with some horse that would be "heavier" than the First Men, but that might just mean better armed lancer cavalry, not a knightly class.

Mayb a few hundred to a thousand infantry, a few hundred archers and a low few hundred horse.

[The Mad Skylord]

Ooc: I'd say around 1500 heavy foot, 500 pole arms, 400 archers and maybe 250 "medium" cavalry - which I'll dub them for the sake of ease - then. They are fighting in ground totally to the favour of Crannogmen, so that should be fine.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Jojen proceeded into the thick tangle of brush and swamp with his men, all lightly armed with bows and spears. Perhaps one or two would lose their footing and be injured on their way to the Andal camps, but the opportunity to surprise them "Remain silent." he commanded them, not wanting any idle conversations to give their positions away. A small deer from the marsh was startled and bounded away to the west. They climbed around known lizard lion dens and marked quick-sand pits with a stick. If the Andals followed them into this mire, they would surely not all emerge unscathed. He gave a green smile.

ooc:That composition is fine with me. so are we rolling this, or just RPing it out like BF's event?

[The Mad Skylord]

Ooc: Yeah, we'll roll it.

[Pontifex Maximus]

ooc: alright, then its time for an unbiased mod to help roll here.

Jojen's forces lay in ambush for the Andal invaders. After an initial engagement, they will feign retreat in order to draw the Andals deeper into the marsh and off the causeways.
Traits: Pathfinder +2, Scout +2, Battles +1
500 Raider Infantry
400 Raider Archers
600 Outriders

Andal Forces:
1500 heavy foot, 500 pole arms, 400 archers and 250 "medium" cavalry

[The Mad Skylord]

I'll post orders for the main force once the Andals are in the Marshes, which is when the actual battle will start. On phone atm, so can't manage it really.

[Trot]

Ooc I'll look this over when I get home in a little while

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[Trot]

Ambush successful

The Andals take 12% casualties trying to move through the marsh while the Crannogmen take a mere 4% casualties before withdrawing deeper into the swamp.

[The Mad Skylord]

So are the And also in the Marsh now?

[Trot]

Yeah they would follow deeper into the marsh

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[The Mad Skylord]

Orders for the Main body

A force of infantry, bolstered by the troops of Jojen's position, hold their ground on a small dry island in the Marsh, inviting the enemy troops forwards. They are instructed to hold their ground at all costs, and are commanded by Jojen Reed.
Troops:
1000 Heavy Infantry
500 Raider Infantry
400 Raider Archers
600 Out riders

Jojen Reed
+2 Pathfinder
+1 Battles
+2 Scout

The rest of the Crannogmen forces are split into two units lurking in the swamp,parallel to each other, waiting for the Andals to go past.. Once the enemy has engaged the unit under the command of Jojen, they will rush forwards and complete the trap, attacking the enemy in the rear with a surprise attack.

Ambush unit 1
450 Raider Cavalry
500 Raider Infantry
250 Raider Archers
Characters present:
Lorren Reed
Ulreef Blackmore

Ambush Unit 2
450 Raider Cavalry
500 Raider Infantry
250 Raider Archers
Characters present :
Lyanna reed
How land Reed

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Andals spoke a queer tongue, Jojen mused as he hoisted himself in position behind a tree. The small teen had scurried up a gnarled, dead ash tree overlooking a causeway which the Andals would soon be walking up. His men had taken similar positions in the trees, stringing their bows or preparing to hurl their spears. Others on the ground had thick leather jerkins on and spears in their hands, ready to seize the opportunity and flick out from the underbrush to stab at their foe. Nestor gave a croak, and Jojen scratched his head with a padded hand before putting the small amphibian on the tree. Nestor climbed. He would find his way home eventually, he always did.

The Andals were marching straight into the ambush. Jojen noted their metal armor. It shone like pale twilight in the overcast, noon day sun. Jojen strung his bow and notched a poisoned arrow. Between the neck and the shoulder these Andals wore no armor, a gap no wider than six inches. He pulled the dart back and let it fly. It lodged into the man's shoulder. Hardly a fatal shot...until the poison did its work. The man gave a cry and pulled the arrow out, but its was too late - Jojen knew. The man had an hour to live. Maybe more, if his gods were kind to him. Jojen gave the signal and hundreds of arrows began to fly like mosquitoes in the heavy, damp air. Soon the enemy was in a fury. Jojen's foot charged in the underbrush. He saw one stick an Andal with his spear just in time to watch the larger, armored man split the cronnogmen in half with a tall bright sword. Jojen drew another arrow but his shot went wide and clanged off the man's armor.

He signaled the retreat. Several dozed on both sides had fallen, but as the element of surprise passed, the Andals seemed to gain the upper hand. Soon his band was in a run through the marsh, dodging known hazards. Jojen swung from tree to tree until he stopped in a willow to survey the damage. Andals were variously stuck in mud, sinking, being attacked by a lizard lion, ensnared by a net and overhwlemed by three or more of his men. He notched another dart and let fly, hitting a man in the eye. He gave a green grin and continued his retreat.