The Saxon Wars (Inactive)

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

782 AD - Charlemagne's wars against the Saxons.


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Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

stealth


Everyone can either take 10 on stealth or throw out ten rolls.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Fort: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 5 = 25
Fort: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 5 = 16
Fort: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 5 = 27

Phew!

Reolus will take 10, noting that this process is a lot like trying to sneak into the chapel when late for morning offices, something he was never very good at.

Taking 10 results a 9. As they get closer, Reolus will let the others go closest, so he doesn't give them away.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar slings his shield and carries his shortbow.

Stealth take 10+1=11


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo carefully follows his companions, his bow also ready with an arrow on the string.

Stealth Take Ten: 12


The knights creep forward, and after about fifteen minutes of slinking across the damp grass, they see a large camp. There are five separate fires, each with several silhouettes around them. There are tents and a couple of wagons and oxen as well. There are far more than half a dozen men here. Probably closer to thirty. They have a few sentries posted, looking out into the moors, but there's no chance of them spotting the knights unless they creep within the dim aura of light diffusing from the camp's fires.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar circles the camp looking for the women.


Gunthar perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Gunthar can't make out anything from a safe distance in this light. He'd need to creep closer and risk being seen.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar selects the quietest area of the camp where the prisoners might be and the point furthest away from the guards and then sneaks forward.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo stays in his original position, making sure he's as well hidden as possible. If Gunthar wants to die that's his own prerogative. Lo watches the camp intently, searching for any sign of the women or any clue as to the identity of the band.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12


Before I continue with this, I'm going to give you a warning. Creeping up by yourself to a camp of thirty armed men with sentries posted is a potentially suicidal choice. Are you sure you want to do that Gunthar?


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Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

It seemed heroic when Lo was behind me, but with a GM warning now, no.

Gunthar will creep forward until he realizes that he is alone. Then, he slowly retreats back to Reolus with Lo. Whispering, "Now what?


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"We need a distraction to draw a bunch of them away from their camp," Reolus whispers.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

"A big fire? Or one of us leading all our horses?"


Whatever you want to do here, don't lose sight of the larger picture. This is probably something that Theodoric would want to know about. It also appears to be a semi-permanent camp. No one would take the time to build a camp like this if they were just going to move right after. These are likely rebelling Sachsen pagans who plan to winter here. You'd estimate you're about a day's ride straight north or north west of Minden now, maybe a little more.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

I didn't understand the semi-permanent camp part.

"Let's return to Minden for reinforcements." Gunthar suggests.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Looking around, Reolus sees that Gunthar is right, and he nods. "I fear we shall have to leave the women's fates to The Lord."


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo heaves a quiet sigh. "No heroes to the rescue in this tale," he says sadly. "But you're right. Let us be away from here."


The knights make their way back to their camp, and despite their troubled minds and souls, quickly fall into an exhausted sleep around their small fire (except whoever is keeping watch). Morning comes, and with it the sun. Thankfully the pine grove hides them still from the camp of Sachsens, though by creeping to its edge they can now clearly see the camp in the distance. There are wooden stakes set point outward to prevent a cavalry charge through the camp. They count ten hide tents, two wagons, four oxen and a drift of a dozen or so hogs wandering about the camp. Most of the human inhabitants of the camp appear to be still sleeping at this hour, but five sentries still stand watch spaced out around their perimeter.

Reolus takes some time to determine the direction of Minden, and the knights saddle up. A long day's ride brings them back to the small timber village, though they are frozen and bone weary by the time they arrive.

If it's any consolation, you'd all suspect the women will be kept alive to be used as chattel for at least the winter. If you can get reinforcements and head back tomorrow you'll be able to save them before they've been abused for very long.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Exhausted and chilled through the bone and back out again, Reolus makes his way into the kitchens straight away, barely taking enough time to toss his reins to some soldier. Teeth chattering, he barks, "Tea! Hot! Blankets for three! Someone find Father August and Graf Theodoric."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

As soon as they reach Minden, Gunthar digs deep into his practiced reserves to steady himself with a strong appearance and finds the watch officer. "We've found the rebels. Camped a long day's ride from here. My friends are frozen and bone weary, so share the news with Graf Theodoric. Then, please tell Father August that we've returned."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

"I'm all right. That one took the worst of it, he's about to keel over with fatigue." comments Lo, with a nod towards Gunthar.


The knights are immediately led to the house where Graf Theodoric is staying. It's the largest house in town, and has several timber walled rooms. The knights are put in a sitting room, where there is a stone hearth and chimney (a rarity this far North) with a merry blaze going inside. They are brought hot wine and allowed to rest for a few minutes while runners track down the Graf and priest. When the Graf does arrive, it's in the company of Brechthalt von Aachen and Father August. The rest of his retinue waits outside the house. The Graf sees the knights immediately struggle to raise their weary frames from their chairs to bow, and motions them to sit back down. "You may sit," he says. The Graf's voice is surprisingly effeminate, despite his noble and masculine countenance. "Tell me, what have you discovered on Father August's errand that is so important as to demand my personal attention?"


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Much as he loves the outdoors, the wilderness hereabouts has proved cold, hard and full of grim sights (and probably grimmer opponents, ones that, for now, Lo is happy to let lie). Lo is positively overjoyed to return to Minden’s humble bid for civilization, although he’s too cold and weary to let much of that feeling show.

His legs cry out for rest, his belly for something warm, and his lips for something stronger than cold rainwater, but it’s clear duty must be followed. What’s more, the significance of the dark findings in their venture has begun to dawn on Lo on their ride back to Minden. Graf Theodoric must be warned, and he leads the way to the townhouse despite his own exhaustion.

The simple comforts found within are most appreciated, and when the Graf enters along Brechthalt and Father Augustus, he does his best to pull himself up and bow.

Graf Theodoric wrote:
"Tell me, what have you discovered on Father August's errand that is so important as to demand my personal attention?"

“Hard tidings, my lord,” answers Lo. “First, I’m afraid we must report with sadness that Augustus’ ward Uwe is dead.” Lo takes a breath as he remembers the horrific scene at the hof. “And … slaughtered in a most barbaric pagan fashion.”

“But that is not all,” he continues, fearing the Graf might not consider such news worthy of his attention. “The lands north and east are rife with activity. The enemies of God are moving towards war. We saw fires at night, and this very morning rode from an encampment of Sachsens. Semi-permanent, fortified with stakes against a horse charge, ten tents worth of men and vigilant sentries. We believe them responsible for a raid on the steading of Ulger, a good Christian. Men were wounded and slain, and the women taken.”


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus nods. "He speaks truth, my Lord. I know some of the Saxon ways, and this is more. Saxons have packed up their own hofs, taken their animals and congregated. I am certain that young Uwe learned something while visiting his family, something he shouldn't have, and the pagans knew he would betray them. What they did to that boy, they only do to traitors. I fear the pagans march for war, despite the harshness of the coming winter."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar follows his companions to the graf's house. After his companions speak, Gunthar takes his turn after a pregnant pause after Reolus, "M'lords, we have ridden hard and have traveled rough these several past days. Please let me elaborate. Father August requested us to find his young ward who was late to return from visiting his nearby family. We found him at his family's hof dead in the way Lo and Reolus explained. Returning, we found that the Sachsens had recently raided another hof that had offered us hospitality. Besides killing and stealing, they kidnapped several women. We immediately pursued them into the moor. When we caught them, they had arrived at an encampment about a long day's ride from here. We counted 30 bastards. Since there were too many to take ourselves, we rode as fast as we could to you to get reinforcements. If we return quickly, it's an opportunity to catch them by surprise and destroy them. Hopefully, we can save the women who have survived, because we already found one frozen to death along the trail in the moor. She needs a proper burial when we can."

When he stops speaking, he slowly realizes that that was the most words that he has spoken since his departure from home. To the graf, no less.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"Yes, my Lord. Please forgive my frost-bitten brain, but that is the most important part. It looked like an outpost, perhaps for scouting. We approached at night and were able to reach the edge of their firelight undetected, as they don't know to use perimeter fires. Though we couldn't see in the darkness, there was no doubt evidence of traffic between it and any other outposts imprinted in the ground. The Saxons were not careful and will not be expecting to be found. We can take them by surprise and perhaps head off this attack."


The Graf frowns. "We already know the Sachsen pagans are massing. Any of them not loyal to Christ will be flocking to Widukind's banners after what happened at Verden. We will not have the forces to crush them until his grace, King Charlemagne, arrives in the spring with his army. That being said the information you bring is valuable, thank you," Theodoric says, inclining his head. "Tonight, you will rest. In the morning, I will have mustered a force of twenty spears and four asses laden with supplies. Brechthalt shall accompany you and together you will go forth and crush those heathen serpents beneath the righteous heel of Christ!" the Graf commands. "A victory is just what I need to include in my next letter to the King. Succeed at this, and your names will not go unnoticed."

Brechthalt bows and says, "My liege."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar bows and says, "M'lords." He withdraws to wherever directed thinking, 20 spears versus 30? Should be fun.


The Graf motions for you to leave his house. Brechthalt turns to the knights once they are outside. "You may spend the evening as you wish. I will make sure that you are well stocked with dry wood, a few chickens and a flagon of wine this evening." Brechthalt calls on a thrall to bring the supplies to the knights' tent.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

After warm and full in the relative privacy of their tent, Gunthar says to his two companions, "That was odd. Ordering 20 spears to attack a camp of 30. I didn't know we were so outnumbered."


Twenty spears and four knights to attack 30 farmer/hunters.

In fact, go ahead and level up to level 2!


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3
Brechthalt wrote:
"You may spend the evening as you wish. I will make sure that you are well stocked with dry wood, a few chickens and a flagon of wine this evening."

“My hearty thanks my lord,” bows Lo lightly. “Such fare will be wholeheartedly enjoyed with the knowledge we are to return to the cold wilds soon.”

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Simply trying to get a sense of Brechthalt’s character – is he capable, or does his rank stem from station rather than ability. Is he confident about the coming engagement, or fearful?

Lo returns Father Augustus’ mule (and says a few awkward words of comfort, depending on the man’s emotional state), then sees to his own beasts. Afterwards, he joins his companions in their tent.

Gunthar wrote:
"That was odd. Ordering 20 spears to attack a camp of 30. I didn't know we were so outnumbered."

Lo chuckles as he sups on his flagon. “Last night you seemed eager to take them on all by yourself. But I do agree, it would be nice if at least one of ours stood for each of theirs. I guess this is where we show the mettle of Charlemagne’s knights against the heathen.”


I guess I should have mentioned the father before, my bad.

Father August was indeed distraught, but not too surprised to hear about the fate of his acolyte. Lo finds him praying in the church, he is grateful for the return of the animal and thanks the knight profusely for finding out what happened to Uwe.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus tends to his physical needs first with food and warm wine. Once he feels more like himself again, he heads to the church to pray, both for the souls of the fallen, and the safety of those who head out tomorrow to fight the Saxons. Once that's done, he heads into the yard to practice his spear, though he has enough sense to hide behind a building or off in the corner where the men can't see his ineptitude.


<< Preparing for Battle // Friday, October 19th, 482 AD // Morning // Cold, clear, windy 37-39° F >>

Lo - Brechthalt seems both competent and serious. The fact that he's still by Theodoric's side after the defeat at Sunden shows that he must be trusted.

The morning comes, and with it duty. The knights break their fast and follow their morning routines, necessarily sped up by the task set before them. Once fully equipped they are to meet Brechthalt in front of the church, in the "town square". They ride the short distance from their tent are confronted with the sight of their troops. There are twenty men standing in two rows of ten. Their equipment is standard only in that each one has a wooden shield, a spear and a helmet as well as a saex or axe at their belts. Their clothing is a motley assortment of furs, leather and layers of linen and serves more as protection from the cold than from weapons. They appear to be at least disciplined, as they stand in formation eyes straight ahead on Brechthalt. Brechthalt is mounted on his own steed and bedecked in chainmail armor from head to knee. He's also wearing articulated gauntlets, greaves and a steel helm (things only the richest can afford). He holds a lance in one hand, and rests the other on the pommel of his masterfully forged sword. A wooden shield is strapped to his back over his winter cloak and furs. He nods to the knights and waits for them to approach.

"Good morning. Here are our men. Would you like to say anything to them, or shall I?"


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar breaks his fast with welcome anxiety in his belly. His emotions teeter between the potential success and potential failure. Success wipes out the rebels and of brings revenge on his cousin's killers. Failure finds him too young and inexperienced for the purpose.

"Good morning, m'lord." Gunthar nods and defers to his companions.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

After breaking his fast, Reolus heads out to see if he can find a small tent to tie to his horse, as well as a bundle of dry firewood.

At the gathering, Reolus nods to Lord Brechthalt and steps forward to address the men.

"Thank you, my Lord. Good morning, men. The purpose of this excursion is many-faceted. This is a rescue mission. Good Christian women have been taken by these pagans, and the Lord God only knows how they have suffered these past two days. We go to break their bonds and return them to their families. But this is also a mission of the utmost strategic importance. Pagan forces have established a permanent base of operations less than a day's ride from Minden. As a man of God, I would personally rather see these barbarians brought into the fellowship of Christ than cut down on the moors, but with tensions so high, that outcome seems unlikely. Our primary objective here is to ensure the safety of this town."

"The pagan forces outnumber us only slightly, but even if they outnumbered us a thousand to one, we have the Lord God Almighty on our side. Abraham had the Lord on his side when his 318 kinsmen destroyed the combined armies of four heathen kings. Joshua had the Lord on his side when his group of road-weary travellers destroyed the city of Jericho with a trumpet blast. Judah's army of mere thousands repelled the invading army of over a million Ethiopians. And let us not forget that 12 simple men gathered in an upper room after the Resurrection of our Lord and changed the world forever. The Lord will fight for us today, and through the strength of his arm, we shall claim his Victory."

"Let us pray." Reolus drops to his knees in the dirt and waits for the men to do likewise. When they are ready, he begins to chant.

Perform-Sing: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

With his psalm finished, Reolus rises and mounts his horse.


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo bows his head through Reolus' prayer, and tries his best to project an aura of confidence and experience towards the assembled men.

Eeady to rock and roll.


The mules Theodoric is sending with you have bundles of dry wood and food. There are tents as well.

<< Minden-Rebel Camp // Friday, October 19th, 482 AD // Morning-Evening // Cold, clear, windy 37-39° F >>

The soldiers all lower their heads as Reolus prays, and a few of the more devout ones join him on his knees in the near-frozen muck of the street. Brechthalt also lowers his head, closing his eyes and grasping the crucifix at his neck. When Reolus is finished he nods respectfully to him. "You heard the man. Move out!" he shouts to the soldiers who form two double columns of five men each, separated by the pack mules in the center of the formation. Brechthalt and the knights take their place at the fore of the column, leading the way north out of Minden and onto the moors.

The terrain is familiar now to the knights, but that makes it no less dreary. It isn't long before their faces and extremities are numb from the wind constantly hitting them in the face. They have it better than the footmen however, whose boots are quickly soaked through by the damp ground. However, filled with holy purpose they press on, eager to crush the Sachsen. The force takes a break for a meal and to rest at midday, but press on after an hour or so. As sunset draws near, the knights estimate the column to be about a mile from where the camp is.

"We must camp, the men are weary from the march and it grows dark," Brechthalt says to the other knights. It is true, the soldiers look very cold and fatigued. He motions to a nearby grove with a plentiful amount of fir trees. "There should work nicely. We'll have to wait for dark for fire, or they might spot the smoke," he muses. "Might we should share a tent, and plan tomorrow's assault?"


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3
Brechthalt wrote:
"Might we should share a tent, and plan tomorrow's assault?"

Pleased with Brechthalt's handling of the men and caution in choosing a campsite, and pleased still further the man is happy to include the other knights in planning the attack, Lo quickly agrees, eager to hear Brechthalt's intentions.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar continues to maintain his mother's advice that it's better to look like a fool than open your mouth and prove it, so he maintains his silence around Brechthalt. He nods at the lord's invitations and helps set up the tent after he has seen to his horse Sigi.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus is happy to have as many bodies as possible in his tent, as to increase the shared warmth. As the men prepare the camp, Reolus mingles, offering encouraging words, prayers, and other exhortations to help cheer up the men. Once they have whatever they plan to eat prepared, Reolus takes the ladle and serves the men himself.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

With that done, he retires to the knights' tent to help with the planning. He takes a handful of loose dirt, spreads it evenly on the underside of his shield, and with a stick, starts sketching what he remembers of the Saxon camp, offering the stick to Gunthar and Lo to add their own details.


Once the knights are settled into their tent Brechthalt asks, "So how would you who have laid eyes on our target undertake the assualt?"


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Any chance we could get a map of the enemy encampment DM?


Grumble, grumble. I suppose. Later.


Map


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo settles down beside his fellow knights, his belly reasonably full and a cup of wine in hand. Although it can’t exactly be said that all are now travelling in style, it’s a lot more comfort than their first expedition across the moors. Still, the added food and warmth doesn’t quite settle the feeling of disquiet in the pit of his stomach at the prospect of battle on the morn.

He turns his attention to the map Reolus has deftly scratched into the dirt.

“There’s no obvious weakness in their defences,” he observes “Though as our force is largely infantry, the lines of stakes they’ve fortified the camp with are not of too much concern, except that they might split the cohesion of a unit marching in formation.”

“Brechthalt – are we to merely defeat them and drive them from their camp, or does the Graf expect the utter destruction of the Saschen force? If it’s the latter, then it might be necessary to split our forces in two and attack from opposing sides.”

“I wonder if there might be some value in trying to panic the oxen as the attack is joined, sowing confusion amongst the enemy and disrupting their lines?”

Lo turns to Reolus. “Your thoughts?”


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Jumping in with his advice, Gunthar offers, "We have at least three advantages: first, we can choose the time of battle. Second, we have our bows to hurt them from range, and lastly four mounted knights."

He pauses, "So do we want to hit them before dawn with stealth and bows? If their guards pursue, we draw them into an ambush with our spears. We keep the horses out of sight to let the battle set up for the shield walls, then we flank them with the horses to break them."

He looks at the older knights.


"I like part of that young Gunthar. We could hide our men in a grove, and then the four of us could ride out and harry the camp. Sachsens are notoriously undisciplined. I'm sure some of them would charge out to attack four lone knights. Then we could use the mobility of our horses to draw the attacking force back into the grove where our men wait in ambush. Divide and conquer. Once that attacking force is dealt with, we can order the remaining spears forward to attack the camp, and ride around to flank the opposite of whatever side they hit," Brechthalt muses.

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