A Call to Arms: The Battle of Queenscross

[kabel]

@ska: an easy way to get green arms is to get the toy story soldiers, at least here in Germany I can still get them for near to nothing, if you need any, I could organize some

[SkaForHire]

The little girl is a necromancer that can reanimate klugg.

Give her high movment so she can run away to saftey.

Klugg is pretty fearless because he knows Carol Anne can bring him back to life.

They claim no guild.

My HERO UNIT

Well that made me laugh! I think I can replicate most of this, where is the barding on the horse from?

----

I have not seen the toy soldiers for a while now... I knew I should have bought a few of those.

[Captain BeerBeard]

Kindoms joust.

[Alfadas]

You will need to go to one of the guild topics pinned at the top of the page, preferably the Mitgardian one, of course, write yourself a short intro and present your sigfig (signiture figure, this is the person who you will "be" in GoH).

Allright, I will do that.

Edited March 27, 2013 by jeroenaa

[Gideon]

Sir Gideon is ready to march towards Queenscross with a small force, hastily assembled in Barqa when hearing of the threat to the city upriver.

Choose however many or few you want to represent in the battle. One of the forces suggested below perhaps, or some of each?

If you tell me which and how many soldiers you have chosen, I will put them in a MOC showing them travelling to Queenscross!

From left to right:

Sir Derrik of Groenby (on horse) with some of his household men-at-arms. Derrik is an old Avalonian knight who in his youth spent a lot of time in Kaliphlin, and has been Gideon's friend ever since that time. He is a battle-hardened veteran who wields a longsword with deadly precision and wears an uncommonly thick and sturdy armor, which he bears with surprisingly ease. Its weight however might slow him down quite a bit if unhorsed.

His men prefers to fight at close quarters, but are also skilled at ranged combat using yew shortbows.

Roger Farstrider, a scoundrel and former sailor who claims to be Kaliphlin's best sharpshooter with his crossbow. Dangerous even at very long range, and completely deadly at closer distance. He is a complete coward who will do everything to save his own skin if threatened. However, wields a sharp three-pronged dagger in close combat if cornered (Heroica shortsword, didn't notice the bad camera angle until now)

Sir Gideon the half-elf (my sigfig, longer presentation here). He is a versatile fighter who wields a razor-sharp longsword forged by an expert weaponsmith in Barqa, but also brings his elven longbow with him to the battle if needed in a ranged engagement. His Mitgardian blood on his mothers side has given him a strength of muscle that his elvish relatives would be envious of. He still favors the well made and ornate cuirass he wore when serving in the Petraean city guard, but has spent considerable amounts of gold on some clever additions to make his armor well suited for both agility and adequate protection. He has also switched the typical Kaliphlin helmet which left parts of the head relatively exposed to one tailorarmorsmith-made for his head. It even has some extra room inside for the pointy ears!

Gideon's squire (in front of him), prefers to fight mounted but lost his horse on his way to Queenscross when the party was fighting a stray Hand pillaging band.

Ediz Falconi, a mercenary captain who leads "the Arkbri Falcons", a fearsome force of former (?) criminals and other outcasts who are bound together by a strong bond of fellowship and their bottomless desire for quick and easy gold. Ediz wears a gilded armor which is rumored to have magical properties. For example it is said to be able to by his will emit a bright light that temporarely blinds nearby foes, especially those of orc or goblin blood or other dark creatures. His troops favors to fight with spears and shields in a close formation, but also each bring a crossbow which they are well known for using to produce precise and coordinated crossbow fire. Ediz has made sure that each man treats the crossbow with extreme care, especially in the field, to always be able to deliver fast and jam-free firing.

When victorious, the are rumored to take every chance to ransack and even cut open their fallen foes in search for gold and other valuables. Since they have had a flawless track record in only accepting to fight for the winning side, their behavior in the face of possible defeat is unknown. But one can suspect that they might be less eager to fight then...

These are figures I put together earlier for my attempt at Ch VI, so I apologize if the parts are a bit uncommon.

Sir Derrik's men can easily be replaced by ordinary dragon knights. Derrik can be just an ordinary armored dragon knight, but if you have a Rohan shield, a green cape and a black horse to spare it would fit him well.

Ediz Falconi's men can be any ragtag force of Kaliphlins, but preferrable with some blue legs or arms. They need not all have persian helmets, but I would prefer if at least Ediz has his golden persian helmet and cuirass, red cape, blue plume and some kind of falcon shield.

All characters except Sir Gideon are expendable, even though I would appreciate to have a some details around their deaths for my story to tell later if some of my named characters are killed.

Edited March 28, 2013 by Gideon

[SkaForHire]

@ Gideon

I have already made a version of Gideon, and the squire shouldn't have too much trouble. Although, I don't know if they will be mounted because of the terrain. I know i have the parts for Roger, but might not be able to find them. Sir Derrik himself is not a problem, and I can give him some dragon knight torso guards -- The elf bodies are already in use and none of my knights of Rohan bodies have green arms anymore, because they became Paulos' personal guard. As for Ediz and his men, they are really similar to the GEAR Co. Second Desert Cavalry "The Hotknives" (can't find the link for them, my first build). If they don't show up, then Ediz's men can show up, and if the Hotknives show up, then Ediz's men can decide that the very minimal amount of money that the city can pay them was not enough to risk their lives... Time will tell.

On another note, I definitely won't be starting tomorrow night, but hope to have shots of the battlefield up. Shooting for Friday night. Work got in the way!

Edited March 28, 2013 by SkaForHire

[Alfadas]

Hey, I would like to send some soldiers, if that is allright. The soldiers I wanted to send have been killed by robbers, so I have to send some other. I would like to send my sigfig, please don't let him die, and 3 of his soldiers. They are regular vikings with yellow torso's, the small viking shields, and the firemen's axes. The hero is on a large wolf, has a yellow flag to his spear, has a brown cape and the silver winged dwarf helmet. He also has an axe from the firemen. He and his men are willing to fight for you.

[Gideon]

@ Ska

No problem if the realities of the battlefield forces my forces to dismount even before the battle.

Dragon knights suits just as fine for Sir Derrik's troops, as they simply have donned Avalonian tabards over their chainmail armor.

Roger Farstrider might wear some armor instead of just his leather vest, but I would not expect him to fight a battle without his lucky hat. I would however not be surprised if he found a hidden sniper spot outside the central battlefield or inside some building where the artist painting the pictures of the battle would not see him. So maybe his only contribution to the battle will be the occassional well aimed crossbow bolt in some part of the battlefield?

You are perfectly right that the Arkbri Falcons cannot be trusted to show up for the battle, even though Gideon called in quite a few favors with their leader to get them there. Their motivation for fighting is not primarily the humble pay Queenscross can offer, but the prospect of looting the foes who the AF believe are carrying great riches from their pillaging throughout Historica. But if the prospect of themselves getting looted instead of the foes, even Ediz cannot force them into combat since they would be likely to elect a new leader if they think Eduz would lead them into too much danger

I'll continue with my Arkbri riverside MOC in the meantime as the soldiers will be the last addition anyway.

Edited March 28, 2013 by Gideon

[Niku]

Just three men from Arfelan will go to help on this battle, as other ones are taking place all over on Avalonia.

From left to right.

Artesdror, an explorer from Albion, was sent to the border for scout missions and did not hesitate to help in any way he can the Kaliphlin people. He has a falcon and a dog who help him to track and in battle too. Armed with bow, spear and a dagger. Better not be on the first line of combat as he dont use any heavy armor.

Ser Blaore, the Oak. A noble from Avalonia, long ago established on Kaliphlin serving as a third advisor for the embassy, He has spent most of his life on the desert lands, and will defend Kaliphlin and its people against any threat, wears heavy armor and is an expert cavalry rider.

Captain Tiven, an ambitious man, he already fought on the battle of Mpya Stedor as the only one who could reach on time from the force of Avalonia sent to help. He sees all this conflict as an opportunity to rise to higher positions. A seasoned cunning warrior, who knows when to fight and when to flee.

The three on their way to Queenscross.

[SkaForHire]

Hey, I would like to send some soldiers, if that is allright. The soldiers I wanted to send have been killed by robbers, so I have to send some other. I would like to send my sigfig, please don't let him die, and 3 of his soldiers. They are regular vikings with yellow torso's, the small viking shields, and the firemen's axes. The hero is on a large wolf, has a yellow flag to his spear, has a brown cape and the silver winged dwarf helmet. He also has an axe from the firemen. He and his men are willing to fight for you.

I can whip something up that is similar. Might not be able to put him on wolf-back, but we will see. Glad you could send help!

@ Niku - The more heroes the better, I can replicate most of these men I think (that is the diver suit right?). Unfortunately, the dog probably won't make it to the battle, unless I see one at the Lego store tomorrow. One last question, are the expendable?

It looks like I may have to create a cavalry unit made up of just heroes!

[Niku]

Yes that is the diver suit just the top part, the pants are from Uruk Hai fig.

The horses are not necessary to appear is just to show they will arrive on time, but if they form part of a unit of heroes that is fine too.

About if they are expendable or not... I will let you decide that. //

[SkaForHire]

Sadly, I got carried away with building... So, probably the first bit of fighting will begin tonight, and I will run the battle for a few hours each day for a week instead of a couple big days. But I will have updates tonight. Everyone who has sent troops already will make it in time for the first portion of the battle (the planning, the pre-battle setup pics, and the initial strategy.) From this point on, whoever sends troops will be reinforcements coming in late (I am not sure if story-wise this will be a 7 day battle or one long day played over a few days... I am leaning towards a 7 day epic battle.) Anyway, pictures of Queenscross battlefield coming soon. Here is the preview shot i put in the Kaliphlin thread:

queenscrosswip by skaforhire, on Flickr

[Axis600]

I've updated my soldiers a wee bit, I'll make an effort to take pictures and put 'em up later in the day.

[SkaForHire]

UPDATE:

Rumors report that the battle has begun at Queenscross, all we know is that our troops held out on the first night. We do have artist renderings of the pre-battle meeting at the Great Forum of Queenscross.

DSC_2077 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Paulos, standing behind the raised podium, addresses the General's Council before the battle. They discuss strategy, but the biggest joke of the night was "What happened to Falconi's golden armor?" Rumor has it that there is such a high price on his head that he donned more mundane armor for the battle so not to attract too much attention.

Also seen in the above picture is Derengar the Bull, Captain Hugh Hos, Sir Gideon, Sir Derrik, Artesdror, and Triumvriate member, Senator Craxus.

DSC_2113 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Another pic showing Falconi and Sergio Jarrett listening to Paulos speak.

The Great Forum of Queenscross, from down a destroyed street:

DSC_2088 by skaforhire, on Flickr

DSC_2110 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Paulos addresses the General's Council - Senator Craxus in the foreground.

Now some pictures of the battlefield before the it all begins:

DSC_2102 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The plan is to barricade the entrance of the bridge, and hold out on the west side of the city as long as possible.

DSC_2090 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The flattened west side of Queenscross, where the fire elemental went through months ago. The only building left untouched was the Green Berry Inn, now the residents of the city call it "Devil's tavern" because they can only assume that the innkeeper Valinda Malfor had made a dark deal to keep her tavern in one piece when the fire elemental destroyed all 9 buildings that surrounded it. Valinda refuses to leave her tavern, even though the enemy shall be upon it by nightfall tonight.

DSC_2111 by skaforhire, on Flickr

One of the few buildings on the east side of the river to get damaged during the elemental raid months ago was the Bridge Barracks. Here we can see that the city was in the middle of rebuilding the roof when this latest threat arrived.

DSC_2101 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The grave marker and park of Old King Vlasik

DSC_2092 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The east side of the Arkbri River, all of the MOC buildings open up similarly to the MMV buildings. I didn't build furniture though.

DSC_2095 by skaforhire, on Flickr

I used almost all the white, tan, blue and green I had for this city. Someday I would like to build a more detailed version of this area of the city - the Inn District

DSC_2106 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The Tower of the Old Kings overlooks the Inn District, or what is left of it on both sides. The Senator has suggested Paulos seek its observation deck to oversee the battle.

DSC_2104 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Some more of the damage can be seen here.

Also, in the set, you can see renditions of the heroes already sent and the forces that will be fighting for our side so far. I did not want to clutter up the thread with matching everyone's picture, but you can go look if you want. Here is a picture of the sorting table to leave off this post with:

DSC_2067 by skaforhire, on Flickr

[Captain BeerBeard]

Lookin' awesome. I wanna play!

[Alfadas]

Indeed, looking good! I want to know who wins!

[Maxim I]

The soldiers of King Dragonius XXV:

King Dragonius XXV of Drakrydar (Golden Dragon)

Sir Gabriel Drakrydar (black dragon)

2 Drakrydar Spearmen

Sir Xaviso Goldrak (black & yellow)

Sir Aron Dradark (red&blue)

Reinforcements from Mpya Stedor:

2 Imperial Crossbowmen

Alleenridder Sir Phil Iepe (left)

Alleenridder Sir Alex Kristo (middle)

Alleenridder Captain: Sir Gah Rydog (right)

4 Ximian Spearmen and their Captain

edit:

I prefer that Sir Gah Rydog survives the battle, but wounded. As he is the son of one of the most important dukes of Ximus, Gah being wounded will result in more troops sent by the Ximians (woop woop for me )

The others may die if you want so. But the Golden Dragon of the king has to survive the battle

Edited April 2, 2013 by Damaximus

[Kai NRG]

Here's my character, sorry for the not so great picture, the weather was uncooperative to say the least.

His name is Azc (admittedly he looks more Avalonian than Kaliphlin, but it's his fancy), better with his mind than at fighting but pretty good with a spear. Partial to pretzels and teddy bears. No problem if he's wounded/killed (might even be a relief as I can never find a Kaliphlin looking torso for him).

[Infernum]

Is the character that I sent in the Kaliphlin thread there, or do I need to send others? I can if I need to, just wondering.

Nice work so far Ska! So many buildings! I'm having problems building just 2 or 3 for my Challenge VI entry.

[SkaForHire]

@ Jerroenna -- For some reason I did not upload the pictures of your troops (I took some liberties with the limited vikings I had), but they are there too.

@CBB -- come on over! Beer, lego and wargames!

@Kai -- Azc will be added.

@Infernum -- I think I said this on the Kaliphlin post, but this is actually a different thing than the send one warrior thing (that is actually part of a continuing story that may or may not be my Ch 6). But, I did say, since that event has not happened yet, you can say that the warrior you sent "took a detour" to Queenscross first. In that case, I will go back to that thread and build your warrior for this battle too.

@DM -- The king and his main body of troops are currently holding off the southern enemy army that is attempting to flank the Bridge. But he has given orders to send a raven if things get too out of hand and he will personally fly to the bridge battle site to help. I already made Alleenridders under your instruction and they have already begun fighting (although they look a bit different.) I will make it so the nobles arrived one day later - although I won't be able to make them look too similar to their picture. I am sure these new troops from Ximus will help hold back the horde.

[gedren_y]

Is it just me, or has Hugh somehow acquired a tan? Well, travel across a desert will do that to you. Hopefully his accent isn't too much for the others to understand. His soldiers, though, will likely not be understood by the rest of the forces.

[SkaForHire]

THE PARLE

In the hand of Paulos MacLean:

This will be the official general’s account of the Battle happening in Queenscross in year 103 AH. If I do not live to see it done myself, this journal should be transcribed three times and one copy sent to each the King, Petera MacLean, and the Council of the High Lords of Kaliphlin.

Today could have been worse. We lived through the night with minimal casualties. The forces of corruption have not pressed the attack into the night, and I feel they are still waiting. Always waiting. Two months, one week, or five more hours, it is always a slow burn with this army.

DSC_2133 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Around noon today a black fog crept over the rest of the western portion of the city, it stopped about 100 yards around the mouth of the bridge, but eclipsed parts of the river too. For this reason, we knew the battle was to begin. At about the 18^th hour of the day a horde of Orks stepped out of the fog in the Northwest corner of the battlefield. I recognized them as the Stoneface Clan, a bitter enemy of Eastgate’s past who had held up in the Witherwoods for a generation now. It was not a surprise, they had been chomping at the bit to kill some more humans, Victor has given them that opportunity.

DSC_2118 by skaforhire, on Flickr

To our surprise, another force came out of the fog along the northern road. This one was led by a human in blue and it consisted of a fist of orks belonging to the Hand of Corruption. I am still not sure where these orks of the hand hail from, but there seem to be thousands of them in Historica. The man shouted to our nearest defense that he wanted to have a Parle with our commanders. We called for Abu’dun, the great diplomat we had with us here, to go out and take the Parle. A contingent from each guild (save Nocturnus, who are not here) wanted the honor of escorting him to the meeting. Straws were drawn and the Mitgardian contingent made up of Alfadas Manderdson and his men, Sergio Jarrett, The warriors from Valholl, and Steen Larsson’s men marched behind Abu’dun.

DSC_2116 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Meanwhile, we made our final preparations with the few solders we had. I deployed with my bodyguard at the top of the Tower of the Old Kings. Senator Craxus was right, it does provide a total view of the field, and with the use of a flag-man I can communicate with everyone on the field. The tower was not meant for defense, but we packed four archers in each level below my location. Artesdror, an Arfelan, took control of the townsguard archers in the tower, and is the last defense of the tower if we are overrun. At the foot of the tower, the a few of my men, Florbad the Mighty, and the Southern Lions guarded the lone entrance.

DSC_2125 by skaforhire, on Flickr

At the barricade in front of the bridge one of the knights of Queenscross, Sir Gerhig organized the remaining townsguard troops. He also organized a cavalry squadron for counterattack, and hid it behind the bridge’s tower. Joining that unit was both Ser Blaore, the Oak and Captain Tiven. To round it out, the party of Centaurs, under their leader Anallia Longstride, took a position between the Tower of the Old Kings and the Forum. They too will provide a counter punch if needed. They also posess our only healer present in the city. We sent Hugh Hos and his men out of the city to find healers in the countryside and bring them back yesterday night, but he has not returned yet.

DSC_2126 by skaforhire, on Flickr

There were many lesser nobles and freeholders that came to Queenscross when they saw my call to arms, I thought Sir Gideon was an established leader of men, so I put them under his command. He, Sir Derrick and that hired thug Falconi will hold the forum as a strategic location during the battle.

DSC_2128 by skaforhire, on Flickr

House Cresenthorn, one of the few traditional elven houses in Kaliphlin (located in the Witherwoods), sent a small group of warriors to Queenscross. Their lord, Al’Meter sent his regrets for not coming in person, but apparently the majority of his warriors are helping in Avalonia at this time. I put these men up on the makeshift rampart we built to guard the chain across the river. I put the rest of my own guard with them.

DSC_2120 by skaforhire, on Flickr

On the other side of the chain are the few men from Mpya Stedor that have arrived. They are guarding that end of the chain and waiting for their commanders to arrive. Near them we placed Derangar the Bull, my cousin, and his men to the least wanted task of them all. They created a makeshift raft and are in charge of engaging any ship that breaks through the chain. The Bull’s men are indeed brave for taking this position, falling off that raft in armor is certain death.

DSC_2130 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Finally, the GEAR 2^nd Light Cavalry is here. Their horses have been sent away and they will be fighting on foot. The majority of the men have taken position on the bridge in order to reinforce the Townsguard if the barricade falls. A small contingent of their riders – those who ride Ostriches into battle, kept their mounts as another shock force.

When Abu’dun marched his guard up to the man, (who I was later told by Sergio was none other than the Kaliphlin noble, Hect al’Jeen) their groups stared off. They met right in front of the Green Berry Inn, and I could see its mistress sweeping the front porch and watching the events unfold. From my vantage point I could see that Abu’dun was gesturing as if talking defiantly. Later, Sergio told me that al’Jeen had grown tired of listening to the diplomat talk, raised his hand, and arrows came streaming out of his lines, taking out both Abu’dun and his bodyguard Bolis. At that point Alfadas went into a rage and commanded a charge, the Mitgardians went will all the best intents, but were unprepared for well armored, well trained Corruption forces.

DSC_2134 by skaforhire, on Flickr

DSC_2135 by skaforhire, on Flickr

It soon became evident that they were losing the battle. Men were falling quickly, Sergio took a mighty blow and fell to a knee, two men from Valholl were fell.

Out of the tavern steps a figure clad in black. The creature grumbled “You fools, you are outflanked and outnumbered!” At this point Sergio called the retreat, and the black figure called upon his skeletal mount and entered the battle.

DSC_2140 by skaforhire, on Flickr

One report said that he charged in and let the Mitgardians escape, pulling the unconscious, yet living members of their party to safety. One of Alfadas’ men swore they saw a little girl in the window of the inn as they retreated, which would be explained later.

DSC_2141 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The Beast of a man destroyed al’Jeen’s nob of a head in one mighty swing, then took on the rest of the orks without fear. Unfortunately, after downing a few more he was ganged up on, his skeletal mount destroyed, and he himself ripped limb from limb. He was a brave man, and we thought we would never know his name.

DSC_2143 by skaforhire, on Flickr

The orks dragged away poor Abu’dun’s body, I can only imagine for what purpose. Most of our men were able to make it back to the lines. In the middle of the night we were able to retrieve a semi-conscious Bolis, but the three other men that were left on the battlefield did not wake. One each from Valholl, Alfadas’ men, and Steen Larrson’s men. Later that night a small girl came into camp followed by the same large black-clad man we saw save our men. She introduced herself as Carol Anne, and the greenish man as Klugg. She told us she was here to fight orks. We are not in the position to deny anyone, so fight she will. At least her servant has a knack for staying alive.

DSC_2146 by skaforhire, on Flickr

DSC_2145 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Edited April 4, 2013 by SkaForHire

[Alfadas]

Hey, looking good! The pictures are great!

Edited April 4, 2013 by jeroenaa

[Gideon]

Nice to see some more pictures, you have really captured some fierce action in some of them!

Good thing Carol Anne and Klugg showed up to save the day, but maybe we cannot expect much more reinforcements now?

[robuko]

This is very exciting. The PGTC plans to send reinforcements, but we are many days' march away.