Grand Campaign

[Admin]

The time had come. The high priests of Tikal were determined to crush the resistance of the "rebels" who had abandoned them and refused to acknowledge the divine right of Citlalmin. Destroying the rebels would solidify Citlalmin's claim as rightful god of all lizardfolk, and the rebel's lands would provide more resources for Tikal.

The rebel's peninsula was heavily forested and rocky, with morning mists sweeping in from the sea. Surprise and ambushes would be easy to accomplish here, for both sides.

Turn Order:
Tikal
Tothitch's Faithful

[killer spork]

The thump of thousands of boots crushing foliage underneath filled General Tayute with pride. After years of flight and fighting from the shadows, the true Empire of Sotek was on the march. It's target? The outer villages that surrounded the outpost of the heritec domain. Tayute was hoping to lure the enemy into a full on battle or drive them back into the outpost where Tayute could have them contained and besiege them at his leisure. In order to accomplish this, Tayute had called upon the priesthood to aid him on his march. Citalmlin himself would be intervening in this battle. Making up the vanguard of his army were Tikalan Legionaries, some of the very best troops that the Tikalan's could field. The soldiers were camouflaged, blending into the natural terrain as they advanced. In addition, Tikalan scouts would be ranging ahead of the main force to bring information back to the army.

Objective: Attack the villages surrounding the outpost, forcing the heritecs to fight for their homes or retreat into the outpost.

Powers used:
Starting Divinity: 11
Remaining: 3
Natures Wrath (5 Divinity) : aimed at disrupting the rebels as much as possible.
Camouflage (3 Divinity) on Tikalan Legionaries.

Order of Battle
Commander: General Tayute
x 1 Regiment of Tikalan Legionnaires (Medium Armor / Handweapon & Shield / Professional / Warbeasts / Camouflaged)
x 2 Regiments of Jaguar Warriors (Medium Armor / Spear & Shield / Militia)
x 1 Regiment of Hrasha Tribesman (Light Armor / Bow & Handweapon / Militia / Scouts)
x 1 Regiment of Spearmen Levee (Light Armor / Spear & Shield / Militia / Throwing Weapons [5 Gold of equipment])
x 1 Regiment of Bowman Levee (Light Armor / Bows /  Militia / Throwing Weapons [5 Gold of equipment])

Total Strength: 6,000 troops

SUMMARY:
-- Powers used: Natures Wrath, camouflage
-- Vanguard unit is camouflaged.
-- Scouts deployed to watch for ambushes.
--  Tikalan troops push towards heritec villages with the aim of provoking a battle.

[Admin]

The faithful had been expecting Tikal's invasion, and their precautions were already in place. A regiment of Warriors patrolled the Tikalan border and would use harassment and guerrilla tactics in the forests to try and slow down the advancing army. Meanwhile, all the villagers, levies and moveable goods (especially food) were evacuated to the fort where thy would make their stand. Their priests made ceremonies and entreaties to the gods, to protect them from Citlalmin's false power.

They would defend the outpost and pray for help to arrive. News had already spread that Michoacan had claimed the throne. If they could hold out, their new lord could drive back the invaders.

Order of Battle
Commander: General Oharte
x 2 Regiment of Warriors (Light Armor / Spears / Militia/ Javelins)
x 3 Regiments of Levy Archers (Conscript)
x 3 Regiment of Levy Spearmen (Conscript)

Total Strength: 8,000 troops

Powers Used:
Protection (4)

[Zurajai]

At the very onset of Tikal's subjugation war against Tothitch's Faithful the Tikalan warmachine deployed en-masse in a blitz of the western-most villages of the Faithful. In an attempt to dissuade such attacks from occurring apostate commanders sought to place a force of warriors between the homeland and the invaders to harass and harm the war effort wherever they could. Despite the best efforts of the guerrillas, however, it seemed they were often out of position or well away from where the initial advance was; whispers among the ranks say that the commander, one Icnoyatl, was either incompetent or working with the enemy.

The latter of these rumors were considered unfounded by the majority but a great number of troops found their constant attempts being met with failure from ill placed positioning hard to stomach. At long last and on their own volition an entire war party decided to make maneuvers on their own under the command of Captain Yolotli. With his options clear the Captain had one choice; attack the enemy force as it was en route to the nearest village and cause direct casualties to the enemy or attack their supply lines for a less immediate affect.

---

-- Forces from Tikal advance on the westernmost village under the Faithful domain.

-- Failed attempts early on have led the regiment of Warriors to fall back but for a single war party of two hundred led by Captain Yolotli.

-- Captain Yolotli must decide to attack the enemy to cause casualties to advancing forces or to attack their supply lines. Either choice will lead to a skirmish between the invading forces and the 200 warriors in Yolotli's force.

[killer spork]

The villages that lay at the heart of the apostates domain were the richest targets. It was General Tayute's opinion that the enemy could hardly fit its entire population and vast stores of foodstuffs within the confines of the small outpost, not without leaving anything behind. If he could drive the enemy within its walls and cut it off from relief, then the enemy could be left to wither on the vine and die. The Tikalan thrust continued, Tikalan Legionaires leading the way towards the outlying villages.

The camouflaged professional troops were proving invaluable in getting close to enemy formations and for anti-guerilla operations. Pairing the Legionaries with the scouts, Tayute was gambling that he'd stumble on the enemy sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, he was more than aware that the further he marched from home, the more stretched his supply lines came. Tayute was counting on his well armed militiamen in the rear of the column to protect the steady flow of supplies that was vital to his push.

SUMMARY:
-- General Tayute closes in on the westernmost apostate village, intending to seize it. Tikalan Legionaires in the vanguard continue sweeping for enemy resistance and hunting down guerilla fighters in the brush, alongside patrols of scouts and militiamen. Heavily armed militiamen protect Tikalan supply line as they grow longer.

[Admin]

In a desperate effort to slow the enemy forces, Captain Yolotli would lead a furious raid against the advancing enemy forces. Telling no one, he struck out in the dead of night and launched a series of furious raids with javelineers, using the dense forests and darkness to avoid retaliation. Every moment he could buy would give his people more time to gather supplies and escape into the fort, and potentially more time for help to arrive.

[Zurajai]

Captain Yolotli's war-party struck out at the waning hours of the night with intention to engage the enemy formations advancing towards the villages. The orders given to his men were clear; engage the enemy while they were in formation and do as much damage as possible. Initial prospects seemed effective as positions were taken up and the ambush was set, ready to spring. It never happened.

Using their divine camouflage the Tikalan Legionaries advancing at the head of the column sprung their own ambush. The Faithful warriors held strong and fought for every inch of ground they gave they did so with blood. No matter their fighting spirit, however, the warriors were eventually overwhelmed and fell to a man; unwilling, as it were, to let themselves be sacrificed on the altars to the false idol of Citalmlin. In all they gave their lives decently and slowed the advance long enough; Legionaries forward motion was halted as they carefully looked for the possible greater numbers of the enemy. As soon as it was deemed advisable the order for advance was sounded and the first village of the Faithful was swiftly taken by the Sotek, empty of everything but for the houses themselves.

Miles to the north west and even just across the lagoon forces were in mobilizing for war. The High Goblins of Forgehall had gotten word of the attack from Michoacan who in turn had received warning by their vassal state by means of bird. It would take a bit to mobilize troops and get so far so quickly but it had to be done; it was up to the separate commands of the Goblins and the Avians to decide if a forced march was warranted in order to get there faster. Time would tell of their choice.

---

-- Faithful take 200 Casualties for Warriors deployed outside of the Outpost.
-- Tikal takes 106 Casualties for Legionaries.
-- Westernmost village taken by Tikal without a fight.
-- Forgehall and Michoacan are alerted of the attack; Forgehall to arrive in one GC modmark and Michoacan in two. A forced march will see either reduce their time by one modmark but tiring their forces for the engagements ahead.

[killer spork]

It was a strong army. Thousands strong and now they were massing for an attack. Standing in the interior of the fort, Tenoch allowed a slow smile to spread over his lips, exposing those fangs. The fort was surrounded by burning campfires. Who knew how many troops lurked out there in the dark? All that Tenoch knew was that the attack would be coming -- and soon. The spy toyed with his lantern as he walked along the ramparts, wearing the insignia of a Captain within the ranks of the Faithful.. The signal lantern was concealed within his cloak as his gaze traveled towards the gate that he intended to seize... Now he would only need to give the signal when it was secure.

SUMMARY:
-- The Tikalan army prepares its assault on the Outpost.

[AspenIvan]

Grandmaster Olga Nakbaji had learned from her mistake.  There was no doing this halfway: Either she would commit everything to destroying the last of Citalmin's wretched followers, or she would bide her time and gather her nation's strength.  And the current conditions were ideal for the first option.

The First Immortal of Forgehall stood at the head of over twelve-thousand goblin soldiers, a host the likes of which had not been seen since before the Second Sundering.  Banners of all colors dotted sea of troops: Orange Nakbaji flags held by the Grandmaster's personal retainers, dozens of Blue-on-Red from the Toreyani Order's new Commonwealth Militia, and of course the Pure Green of the Hayani.

Standing atop a conveniently flat boulder, Olga Nakbaji drew her broadsword and pointed it to the Western horizon ahead.  "FORWARD UNTO TIKAL!" boomed the voice of the otherwise soft-spoken Grandmaster.  Thousands of cheers rose from the army's ranks.  The simple symbolic gesture was beyond meaningful to the soldiers: After generations and generations of war, they had the privilege of feeling the Final Victory of the High Goblins within their grasp.

Horns sounded by the hundreds, drumbeats drowned out the cries and shouts.  The march began, and it would not end until the Army of New Forgehall arrived at Copal.

__________

-- Army under Grandmaster Olga Nakbaji (HERO - Lich) makes a forced march to the Tikalan Eastern border village of Copal.

[Admin]

The faithful had achieved the safety of their fort. Perched on a rocky outcropping jutting out into the sea, it was ideally suited to defense against land attacks. Tikal's forces would have to attack through the thin and narrow strip of land leading to the gates and then penetrate the wooden walls if they hoped to achieve victory. Without ships there would be no way to attack the outpost's rear.

Watches were constant, and the many levies and warrior were kept ready to fight at a moment's notice. It was now only a matter of time - if they could hold out until help could arrive, victory would be assured.

[Fel]

There was no point forcing a march. If they arrived to see a Faithful outpost gutted with fire and an army of vengeful soldiers from Tikal outside drunk on victory, or an army battered from sieging the outpost without making any real gains, it mattered little. The Faithful were a tool, and the losses they took, or would take, meant little to the General Mixcoatl.

He knew very well that a fresh army could defeat the almost assuredly harassed and battered army that Tikal had, while a winded one threw the dice on the already risky conscript forces.

_____

-- The Expeditionary force does NOT force march to the Faithful's outpost.

[Zurajai]

"The column is under attack!"

In an instant spears were plunging into the ranks around them, the surprise palpable as fear exploded around the lines. The goblin advance was tired from the long forced march but their general, Olga Nakbaji the First Immortal, had done a masterful job of organizing the march to give her troops as much rest as possible without sacrificing time. In comparison, their attacks had marched a lesser distance in the same amount of time and were far more fresh than their opponents; the only thing out of place was their supply line.

---

Within the walls of the last bastion of the Faithful warriors clung to their weapons and glared out into the darkness. Torches burned clearly in the darkness of the jungle around the outpost and it was clear for any to see that enemy combatants were still at large in their surrounding of the keep. At least, so said several of the Officers. In fact, these Officers were so adamant about the location of the enemy that the scales on the back of several warrior's necks went up. Something was certanily amiss.

Quick and quietly, the commander of the garrison ordered a force to quickly and quietly leave the outpost from the postern gate to scout the enemy lines. It wasn't long until they returned one man less but with information; the enemy was still present but, if their eyes were to be trusted, far diminished. The order was quickly given to apprehend the officers who had been giving false reports for questioning and soon a fight broke out as one of the officers fought his way to freedom only to be wounded in the process. The lone officer escaped into the jungle bleeding from several deep cuts but free of the grasping claws of the Faithful.

---

-- Ambush at Teyacapan Gorge begins as presumably Tikalan forces engage the Forgehall Goblins.
-- Tenoch is able to escape after being detected but is wounded in the process. -I Subterfuge and Warrior for two turns.
-- Enemy lines appear to be weakened; Faithful officers who claimed greater numbers have been apprehended over charges of conspiracy or perhaps worse, absolute mediocrity at command. Faithful must post FIRST before any battle posts can be opened.

[Admin]

In normal circumstances the Faithful would have suspected a ruse to draw them out into battle away from their fortified lines. Such methods were to be expected. But the presence of the spies suggested that the Tikal forces had indeed marched way.

Now was not the time for hesitation. With most of the besieging force presumably gone to deal with the approaching reinforcements from Michoacan and Forgehall it was time to strike. If they could destroy even a portion of the enemy force it would secure their safety until help from Michoacan arrived.

SUMMARY:
Faithful Sally to attack Tikal's forces. All but 2 archer regiments leave the fort to attack.

[killer spork]

The disaster of the ambush resonated throughout the army. General Tayute had barely escaped with his life and had sought to regroup his battered army on the border of the country. Thousands of reinforcements had been dispatched and Tikal had requested the Empress send her armies to aid against the encroaching goblins. Meanwhile, the remnants of the army that had been besieging the Faithful outpost (warned by Tenoch) had chosen to withdraw rather than seek battle and move to link back up with Tayute's troops.

[] again sorry for the lousy post but loooong work week. []

SUMMARY:
-- General Tayute retreats within the swamps, readying for another confrontation with the invading Goblin army which was stopped at the border. Tikal dispatches fresh reinforcements and requests aid from the Tecoya Clans for the final showdown. All Tikalan troops withdraw from Faithful territory and back towards Tikal.

(Note: Reinforcements and further mobilization will be addressed during the turn change)

[Zurajai]

With the battle at Teyacapan Gorge having come to a close as a hard won victory for the Forgehall army the forces began to collect themselves. The ambushing force from Tikal had successfully escaped into the undergrowth with the majority of their forces in tow, having unleashed a terrible vengeance on much of the High Goblin forces. The military force from Forgehall, however, was in dire straits; the high casualties suffered as well as the captured forces from Tikal presented a huge problem. Famine and pestilence were both eyeing the goblin ranks hungrily, biding their time but ready to pounce.

Olga would have to take steps to solve the problem immediately. Food, though certainly not scarce, was still tied to that of the supply line of wagon trains under her service. She certainly had enough to feed the Lizardmen captives as they were outnumbered by the casualties suffered during the battle but to simply feed an age old enemy was not an easy thing to swallow. But to not feed them would be a clear and obvious warcrime and would erode their use as a bartering chip.

Meanwhile, the hospitals of the Forgehall army were overflowing with the wounded. The surgeons attached to the force assured their Immortal that every effort was being taken to save Goblin lives but were worried the toll moving the wounded would have on them, especially if the forced march were continued to Copal; even as close as the army was to the Tikalan Capital it was clear that if these goblins were to live a new plan of attack would need to be devised.
__________________

On what was nearly the complete opposite side of the lagoon occupied by these warring factions the battlelines were being drawn. Intent on breaking through the siege Faithful command gave the order to attempt a sally to test the enemy lines and attempt a possible breakout. When the attack finally came in the early hours of the night, nothing stopped them. They found the fully erected siege camp of the enemy abandoned but for fires left burning with coals starting to turn to ash. In one action it was discovered that the siege was a ruse entirely or, perhaps, enemy forces had retreated out of fear. What ever the reason the Outpost was no longer threatened and the Faithful were free to continue on the warpath unabated.

---

-- Olga must make a decision on what to do with the enemy captives; all consequences will not be listed until the decision is made.
-- Olga must make a decision on what the army shall do; hold position, advance, or retreat to reinforcements.
-- Tikal forces have returned to Copal with news of the enemy movements so far and their captured comrades.
-- Michoacan forces to arrive in one more GC modmark unless forced march in which they will arrive after this MM is posted, free to move but tired.
-- Tecoya Clan forces to arrive on this GC modmark if deployed due to proximity to Copal. They are not tired.
-- All units who suffered casualties have had a number of troops returned to active duty after medical attention now detailed in post below. Regarding Forgehall troops, depending on choices of movement and food usage some troops may revert back to inactive duty as injuries resurface or become infected.

---

Confederacy of Tikal
Jaguar Warriors (986) [2] (Medium Armor / Spear & Shield / Militia / Camouflaged)
Hrasha Tribesman (1000) [4] (Light Armor / Bow & Handweapon / Militia / Scouts / Camouflaged)
Spearmen Levee (927) [5] (Light Armor / Spear & Shield / Militia / Javelins / Camouflaged)

Goblins of Forgehall
Grandmaster Olga Nakbaji (HERO / Lich)
Hayani Infantry (869) [1] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Warbeasts)
Toreyani Guard (936) [2] (Prof / Inf / Crossbow / Light Armor)
Toreyani Guard (774) [3] (Prof / Inf / Crossbow / Light Armor)
Toreyani Guard (977) [4] (Prof / Inf / Crossbow / Light Armor)
Javalineer Levy (948) [5] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Throwing Weapons)
Javalineer Levy (904) [6] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Throwing Weapons)
Javalineer Levy (950) [7] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Throwing Weapons)
Javalineer Levy (983) [8] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Throwing Weapons)
Javalineer Levy (995) [9] (Militia / Infantry / Spear&Shield / Light Armor / Throwing Weapons)
Ranger Levy (1000) [10] (Militia / Infantry / Bow / Light Armor / Scouts)
Ranger Levy (744) [11] (Militia / Infantry / Bow / Light Armor / Scouts)
Pike Levy (931) [12] (Conscript / Infantry / Pike / Light Armor)
Pike Levy (907) [13] (Conscript / Infantry / Pike / Light Armor)

---

UPDATED POST ORDER
Forgehall
Tikal
Michoacan
Faithful

[AspenIvan]

The Saints had been clear on the mission of the First Immortal.  It was the time to attack Citalmin's disciples relentlessly, until the Demon-Emperor's held no sway on the mortal plane.  But relentlessness didn't have to mean brashness.  And ending the Demon's sway didn't have to mean killing every lizard in sight.  But on the other hand, being too conservative could lose the Disciples of the Saints a historic opportunity.

It was with great unease the Grandmaster Olga arose from her long moment of meditation.  She had no clear answer, at least not yet.  And in the absence of a clear answer, better to regroup at the risk of losing momentum than press on at the risk of overextension -and possibly losing the entire army-.  With this there was also the hope of reinforcements from Michoacan, and the ability to preserve the prisoners for ransom or exchange.  Still, it was not an easy choice.

Yet, nothing but impassive calm and the hint of warmth in her slight smile were visible to the Chief Surgeon as the Grandmaster approached.

"Milady," the small black-robed goblin bowed.

"Brother Koldari," she replied with a nod of her head.  "I've given your concerns great thought, and I concur with your proposal.  Not one goblin under my command will die needlessly on the march when we know not even the strength of the enemy."

"Thank you, milady."  The surgeon bowed again.  "I will inform the apothecaries and journey-surgeons."

"There is more."  The First Immortal looked intently at the Koldari with a gaze that weighed upon his body.  "Take down the Hospital Tent, but keep the beds and tables as they are.  My mother has spoken to me, and her Blessing is upon us.  I will gather the prisoners: They will see the power of the Saints today."

_____

-- Grandmaster Olga Nakbaji (HERO) decides to stay put until the wounded are well.  Furthermore, she invokes the Blessing of Saint Nakbaj (Healing, -4 Divinity) to bring even those with mortal wounds back to health.  The prisoners will be forced to watch.

-- The prisoners are spared, for the moment.  They will be kept under close guard until either Michoacan or Tlothich's Faithful make a suitable offer.  The First Immortal, the Hayani Infantry, and the Pike Levy Regiments are tasked with their supervision.

-- All Javalineer Militia Regiments assigned to setting a fortified camp.

-- The full-strength Ranger Militia Regiment is assigned to patrolling/scouting the area around the camp as far as feasible, to keep an eye out for enemy armies in any direction.

-- The understrength Range Militia Regiment has a special mission (PM moderator).

-- All newly recruited/mobilized forces force march to meet up with the Army of the First Immortal (See Below)

RECRUITMENT AND MOBILIZATION:
-- 2x Nakbaji Shieldwall (-18 Gold, -4 Iron) (Template modified slightly, acceptable to admin since template in question hereto unused.  See Application or Ledger.)
-- Village (Wood) mobilized for 2x Bow Levy

[killer spork]

Storm clouds were gathering on the horizon, peals of thunder ringing out like the crash of steel on steel. Within the depths of the jungle, figures moved through the thick and heavy foliage. Behind the vanguard came thousands more. It wasn’t just the soldiers of Tikal but the mysterious Tecoyan Clanswomen as well. The Lizardfolk had gathered their forces into a combined army. The last of Tikal’s strength was being mustered for this operation to deal a decisive blow to the Goblins. Uaxmal’s goal was not victory but simply to buy time for his people to make their journey to the South. It was inevitable that the combined weight of the False Emperor and His Goblin Allies would eventually overwhelm the Tikalan defenses. Thus, the capital was slowly being transformed into a mobile city. For every hour that the Tikalan army bought, it meant that the Tikalan’s and their new Empress would have more supplies during their Exodus to be at last free from Taraba’s Wicked Kin….and to plot their revenge!

In the distance, the goblin encampment loomed. General Tayute had dispatched his scouts to determine enemy size and strength. Yet, there was another warrior within the Sotekan ranks that had an even greater desire for retribution. For Camaxtli, this had become a personal affair. The Immortal had wounded both him in body and mind, the Otomi warrior was determined to have his revenge. What form it came in, he didn’t know…but he would not be content until Olga was at last a cold, dead, corpse.

SUMMARY:
- A combined Tecoyan-Tikalan army launches an attack on the Forgehall army encampment.
- Order of Battle will be PM’d to moderator.

[Fel]

Mixcoatl understood the strengths of his army, and the weaknesses of his opponent, and was confident in an open, pitched battle that he would be able to outmaneuver and effectively out-think whoever the general of the Tikalan armies opposing him would be, some lizard with half a brain already overworked from just figuring out how to eat. It couldn't be too hard?

Unfortunately, he had to also worry about his allies. The Faithful were known very well as being a tool, a mere auxiliary that could survive, but didn't have to. The goblins of Forgehall, while more important, were also expendable. Still, having a meat grinder of forces not his own was useful, and he was never one to put himself in a position of conflict and risk when there were other options available. Also, to be fair, the goblins of Forgehall had been the first true allies of Michoacan, in a world where it would've been just as easy to slit the throats of the envoys sent. There was no small measure of pride, almost a sense of loyalty.

He ordered a courier sent to Forgehallan troops. The army of Michoacan, flying in huge regimental formations to make quick time, would be flying over the Eastern portion of Tikal to get to the Faithful's outpost, and it would be understandable to understand their position, and perhaps get a bit of correspondence and communication with the goblinfolk. Two heads are better than one, even if one is almost a lizard.

For the moment, though, the army goes towards the outpost of the Faithful, ready to strike out for the Tikalan capitol as soon as they arrive, unless word from the Forgehallan forces comes requiring their aid.

Summary:
-- If called on, Michoacani forces will avoid going to the Faithful's outpost and help the Forgehallans instead. If not called on, they will meet with the Faithful and march on the capitol of Tikal.

[Admin]

The faithful sharpened their spears and prepared to meet their new lords. Their commander was too hesitant to try attacking Tikal on his own - no, he would wait for Michoacan's forces to arrive, and then obey their orders. In the meantime he would protect their holdings - there was no way to tell if the armies of Tikal would return before their allies.

Summary:
-- Faithful forces gather and wait around their camp. They will join the Michoacan forces when they arrive and obey their new lord's orders.

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