The Last King of Ireland

Game Master Amergin the Wise

Could we have a rough idea of the numbers, particularly the cavalry. Basically How outnumbered are we against just the cavalr?

There are about 100 horsemen. At this point, given the fog and the distance, you are unsure about how many infantrymen there are on the field...

Daire draws his sling, and his voice cuts through the fog.

"Let loose! And slay the invaders!"

He continues in that vein as he launches his bullets at the foe.

It occurs to me that Daire could launch bullets while talking, once he has Inspire Courage going in the first round.

Mwk Sling: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

2nd volley

Mwk Sling: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Mwk Sling: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sister Cobhlaith grips her quarterstaff tightly, and stands (defensively) ready to move toward anyone who is injured.

Thanks, it was cavalry I was most concerned about. Let us see what the maintenance has done to my rolls.

HIT THE CAVALRY, BRING DOWN THE HORSES!

Attack 1 shot 1: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 7
Dmg 1 shot 1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Attack 1 shot 2: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 6
Dmg 1 shot 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Archers: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

ONE MORE AND FALL BACK, THORUN STAND READY

Archers 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack 2 shot 1: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 24
Dmg 2 shot 1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Attack 2 shot 2: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 8
Dmg 2 shot 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

RIGHT, GO QUICKLY, STAY TOGETHER

Withdraw: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25

Attack 2 crit confirmation : 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 25
Dmg 2 crit damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The fast moving cavalry and the fear of being charged, throws off all of the first volley and most of the second, with only one of Ruadhán's shots landing, but landing in a critical spot. Then, their bravery holding until the withdrawal is called, the archers fall back in fairly good order.

Well that was a terrible set of rolls, even worse than when I first rolled them! Ouch!

As Ruadhan decided to fire another volley before withdrawing, Aoife and Daire (and Sister Cobhlaith, for the record) can fire once again!

Attack vs Calvary: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Swiftly taking aim once more, Aoife shot to stumble the horses and possibly give people more time to withdraw.

Sorry, seeing Aoife's post made me realise that shortbows are only a 20 crit range, for some reason I had it in my head otherwise, so please ignore the crit.

No worries!

While the archers' volley fails to halt the charging cavalry, Ruadhan and Aoife strike true. Three horsemen fall, but a hundred more will soon be reaching their line... The warriors of Inishowen are afraid, their courage broken by what was, ultimately, a fruitless ambush.

But the battle is far from over!

As the enemy infantry begins to move and the cavalry continues its fast, if cautious, advance, Ruadhan orders his men to retreat. Under the circumstances, the subterfuge is particularly effective. As the men of Inishowen fall back, the horsemen of Derry charge with renewed vigour! They charge into Ruadhan's men, only to be flanked by Thorun's cavalry!

Ruadhan: your men are now engaged in melee. Given the success of the false retreat, your position is strong. Your unit may now attack. Roll 1d20+3+6! You may choose to attack defensively, cautiously, normally, aggressively, or recklessly. Keep in mind that, while your position is strong, you are facing a more numerous, expert, and mounted opponent...

Thorun: your cavalry may now attack! The enemy's attack and defence are reduced by your successful surprise attack. Roll 1d20+6! You may choose to attack defensively, cautiously, normally, aggressively, or recklessly.

The PCs may also attack once.

Where is the info on how mass combat works? I'm not quite sure what the decisions mean.

Mass combat

Keep in mind that 1) you have a surprise attack, which means that your unit will assuredly not be attacked this phase but that 2) drastically changing strategy can prove difficult. Presently, your cavalry's base morale bonus stands at +4.

With Daire fighting among the footmen, the infantry unit's base morale bonus is +6.

Gotcha. Thorun will have then attack aggressively.

It isn't until the thundering of hooves is heard that Thorun roars, cleaving off the head of a straggler as the cavalry bear down.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Earlier
Daire is determined to see a shot strike true!

Mwk Sling, with inspire courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 20

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Now

Daire continues to try and keep the men fired up, them more concerned with glory than fear.

Aggressive Attack

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"DEFEND YOURSELVES, HERE THEY COME!"

Archers attack: 1d20 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 6 = 17

Dropping his bow, his blade and shield practically leap into his hands

Attack S sword: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
Dmg S sword: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Attack shield: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
Dmg shield: 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6

His blade swings awkwardly, but his shield smashes into a horse's face causing it to rear.

The charging cavalry slams into the ranks of retreating infantry, only to find themselves flanked by Thorun’s horsemen! Ruadhan’s men turn, and the false retreat proves a successful and bloody trap for the men of Derry. Ruadhan’s men’s defensive attack hits hard, and Thorun’s aggressive charge proves equally effective.

But the ambush comes at a price. The infantry is hit hard and, when Ruadhan assesses his forces, it is plain to see that his unit will not survive another such assault. Still, with Aoife in the ranks, the warriors of Inishowen continue to fight with vigour…

Ruadhan: roll a DC 15 Morale check, which is improved by Daire’s presence (1d20+6). If the check fails, the unit is routed. If the check succeeds, you can now (1) attempt to withdraw – roll a DC 18 Morale check (1d20+8) or (2) remain in the melee. If you remain in the melee, decide if you want to continue to attack defensively or if you want to adopt a more aggressive strategy. You can also sacrifice your offensive capability and allow Sister Cobhlaith to attempt to heal the unit. If you remain in melee, roll the unit’s attack: 1d20+3. Add an additional +1 to your offensive check on account of Aoife’s presence.

Coblaith: if Ruadhan decides to remain in melee and allows you to do so, you may now attempt to heal the unit. Roll a Heal check and specify what additional means you want to use.

Thorun: you may withdraw or attack. If you decide to remain in melee, decide if you want to continue to attack aggressively or if you prefer to change strategy. You can then attack: 1d20+7.

PCs can also make their individual attacks.

Thorun knows the terror and chaos cavalry can cause on a battlefield. And he knows the delicate situation his allies are in. And he knows he job he has. With a war cry he buries his axe into a forehead, kicks the corpse over, and leads another charge!

Basically plan to continue doing ridethroughs at random angles. Don't want to just sit there, but want to keep hitting over and over again at full speed.

Mass Combat: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Thorun Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

"Their death! Our glory!" , Daire shouts as he keeps launching bullets.

Sling: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 25

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Men of Inishowen hold it together, this is all part of the plan."
Morale: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Archers, disengage....NOW!"
Withdraw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"Back, back and reform. Sister be ready we have wounded."

I am guessing no attacks if withdrawing.

Slashing his blade wildly, Ruadhán tries to keep the cavalry busy whilst his unit withdraws. When the last man is clear he breaks for it, sprinting clear and back to the reforming archers.

Finding itself flanked and bloodied, the charging cavalry attempts to change strategy, but fails to come together as a cohesive unit and continues its aggressive assault against Thorun's riders this time. As Ruadhan’s men withdraw successfully, the horsemen fight. The men of Derry suffer a crippling blow from Thorun’s horsemen, themselves striking true but without conviction, as they see the tide turning. And as Sister Cobhlaith tends to the wounded, the charging cavalry is annihilated!

Sister Cobhlaith’s must still roll a Heal check.

In the near distance, you can hear the footsteps of the marching men of Derry who will soon be upon them…

Ruadhan and Thorun: you must now decide between engaging the infantry or disengaging entirely. Presently, your infantry is heavily wounded but could be bolstered by Sister Cobhlaith's intercession. Your cavalry is wounded but stands strong. To be clear: the dice were in your favour given that, realistically, your infantry should have been decimated. Your heroes know that God was with you and also that the men of Derry remain far more numerous. That being said, you came here to fight, and I'm not sure that Thorun would ever call his men to fall back!

Thorun understands his place is to lead warriors, not create barbarians worthy of a glorious death. If the others want a retreat Thorun will call for it. But his inclinination is not to back down.

"Men of Inishowen, we have done more than we set out to, but we are not an army on our own, we must leave some glory for the main army. Archers mount up behind a rider and let us get out of here."

Yeah, it ended up being more of a fight than I had planned. I was thinking to hit, draw off a small troop, smash them and then repeat. More guerrilla warfare in the style of the kerns (certainly the later woodkerns) to slow them down and leave them scared of every bit of cover they might pass. Ruadhán would definitely consider them done.

Had you been fighting infantry, withdrawing and attacking would have been a sound strategy to be repeated. But against cavalry... That being said, it was a clear victory!

Does anyone want to contest Ruadhan's order, which your warriors seem more than happy to obey?

Yeah fair one, particularly considering the terrain. All the stuff I have read involves them melting into difficult terrain of attacked.!

Hearing Ruadhan's command, Thorun stifles his burning chest. Luckily he did not let it loose yet. "We live to fight another day! Cavalry, on the wings of the foot soldiers!" Thorun rears his horse and thunders away from the fight.

Aoife, grabbing a horse that no longer had a rider, mounted up and swiftly made her way to Ruadhán's side. "Ruadhán, this infultry is going to follow us back. I really hope you have a plan for that." Aoife pointed out. "I also had an idea but, well I need some information and it's pratically suicide. The commanders of infultry are easily seen yes?" Aoife asked.

Daire makes a point of encouraging the men to cohesively obey Ruadhan's command.

Listening to Aoife's words, he replies with a grin:

"Practically suicide? Those plans either succeed or fail spectacularly! I am all ears."

Aoife grinned as she said "Well, a small group of us remain, we hide as the force marches through. We do one, and I mean one, strike targeting their commanders. Then we flee out of here like the hounds of Hell are at our heels." With a simple shrug she added. "With luck it will leave them scrabbling long enough for you all to regroup and fortify... or to get away. Those who remain might survive if they are crafty enough... but likely we'll all die." Aoife pointed out.

Daire takes a moment.

Not quite certain death...but it beats waiting to die.

"Ah, sure why not? I can hardly tell the tale well without seeing it with my own eyes."

As Aoife approaches, she finds Ruadhán riding behind a wounded cavalry man, helping him to stay in the saddle and guiding the horse.
"For these infantry I am relying on two things. Firstly we can move a lot faster than they can, if we ride two to a horse and swap often, so they won't be following us. Secondly though, they were going there anyway so Muirchertach had better be ready with his lads. He now has an advantage that he has cavalry and they don't, not a decent bunch anyway. I am also hoping that we will have put the fear of God into them, and once we have disappeared from view they will be afraid of further ambushes. In fact once we are clear and Sister Cobhlaith has done what she can, I am tempted to lay another ambush if we can find a suitable site."
As Aoife outlines her plan, Ruadhán smiles a wolfish grin, "I like it, it depends upon what we know of their leaders, but it is right up my street. Nudging his horse forward he approaches Muirchertach's lead man. "Eoghan, what do we know of our enemy's leaders? Are they war leaders who will lead from the front, or craven types who will hide away surrounded by bodyguards?"

Daire also thinks on Ruadhan's question about the character of the likely enemy leadership.

K Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

K Nobility: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"King Nial is ever accompanied by guards and servants. He is a silver-tongued coward," Eoghan answers plainly without even attempting to conceal his disdain for the man. "He is dangerous, but he is no warrior."

"The King of Buncrana who stands with him is experienced and battle-tested. As for King Donegal, he is said to be temperamental, but he remains an able warrior and leader."

Daire thinks a moment, and then the words come rushing out.

"Aye, O'Dohery of Buncrana is a superb commander, also full of pride and lust. He hates the O'Neil but he does not have proof of an alliance between them and Nial, who may well have conspired to bring down his brother. And Donegal of Tyrconnel is hot-tempered but able."

Still in full flow, Daire continues.

"We defeated the O'Gallagher horsemen of Lifford, sworn to Donegal but also allies of the O'Donnell, as are the Connaill, pious as they are. And don't forget, we met other O'Donnell allies on the way - the O'Clery."

"Uha.... I hate this. Too many names." Aoife said as she rubbed the side of her head. "But O'Dohery might be able to be turned to our side... or even neutral at least. If we could find a way to make him believe this Nial is actually allied with with the O'Neil we could cut him out of this battle. I would love to remove Nial from this, it would end here and now if they've no king to follow but I don't think we'll get close enough to take the shot craven as he is. Donegal sounds like the best choice to remove from this now, yet with so many problems it will create." Aoife said with a long sigh.

"However... with Donegal gone wouldn't his forces have to return to their home? To swear to their new King rather than remain?" Aoife asked.

Am I correct in assuming that Thorun is helping the cavalry to retreat and as such isn't privy to this conversation?

If I'm right the cavalry and infantry are together retreating so he could be if you wish.

If that's the case than once the retreat looks to be happening smoothly Thorun will attempt to find the others.

"OI!" Thorun's frame is seen bouncing towards the party. "Glad to see you lot didn't eat a hunk of metal..." He pauses as he reads the conversation. "Uhh, something happen?" He ventures.

"Planning a likely suicidal mission." Aoife told him with a nod. "Small group stays behind to take out commanders of the infantry then flee out of there like the hounds of Hell are at your heels." She summed it up.

Thorun laughs, a rumbling sound from deep in his belly. "Aye, sounds like it. Tell me where you'll need me. How many horses will we need?" Once being told he nods and goes off to secure riderless horses.

Indeed, I will assume that you've all come together to discuss what comes next as the infantry and cavalry join. However, a word of warning: you're on the clock! The enemy infantry is on the march and may be upon you sooner than you think!

Given that it would take at least some time for your archers to mount behind the riders as ordered by Ruadhan, I will allow you all until tomorrow before your army is ready to move... And until the day after that before the enemy is upon you if you haven't withdrawn!

The idiomatic ticking time bomb!

"I say we take us few, twice as many horses as us for near our hiding spot, slay the nearest of the three we can, then flee as if hell looms behind us. Shall we do it?"

"We may not have the horses for that.... but I do agree we must all be ready to strike on the same target. If we don't and we all choose a different one they will likely live and the the plan would be all for not. I suggest Donegal, though I know not what he looks like so Daire's idea might be the best to work with." Aoife said.

When the archers have mounted behind the horsemen and the men of Inishowen are ready to ride, Eoghan and a few others approach the heroes of Largay, horses in tow.

"Our men ready and the kern of Derry will soon be upon us. Unless we want to fight, it's time to go," Eoghan explains.

"But we're staying with you," Eoghan speaks for himself and the half-dozen veterans behind him. "These are our lands. We'll not let you fight our battles alone."

"And you'll need us to recognize Donegal."

"The more the merrier then. Let us do this!"

Aoife took a look at each of their faces and sigh. "You're more experienced in battle, I can tell. Those who are not will be looking to you all. For that reason you cannot join us. This plan, this idea... it is a Hail Mary. Only by the grace of God will this work." She explained. "I cannot knowing put so many veterans into the jaws of death when there are other who need them.... but Eoghan is right, we need someone who can recognize Donegal. So I will accept the help of one, and only one, of you. My allies and I walk into the valley of death, and it is likely we will not return." Aoife explained as she tried to express upon them the full gravity of the plan."Please, if that happens I wish to know the men we leave the battle to are in good capable hands."

"You don't get to decide," Eoghan responds with a friendly grin. "Ruadhan is in charge and all of us are ready to die to defend our lands. You would feel the same if this was your home. You wouldn't let strangers fight for you, not without putting yourself in harm's way."

The warriors who stand with Eoghan all seem to agree, and all seem to have their mind set on fighting at the side of their new, heaven-sent allies.

Aoife opened her mouth to say something as she pointed at Eoghan, then closed it and was silent for a moment. She couldn't say he was wrong. That would be a lie and she'd done enough of that as of late. Finally she turnes to look at Ruadhán and said "I like him! We should keep him." as if the fact she had just been silent for a few minutes hadn't happened.

Then she looked back to Eoghan and stated "Fine. But if you survive this I'm kicking you in the ass."

Thorun returns, horses in tow. "Aw f*+$ you went and got more people. I'll get more horses..." He grumbles and gallops back off.

Sunday, May 8th, 1166. The heroes of Largay and Inishowen watch as the horsemen and archers ride north-west toward Culdaff. In the distance, the footsteps of the warriors of Derry rumble ever-nearer like the inexorable tide.

"What now?" Eoghan asks, now wondering if this all was a good idea and if he should have remained with his kinsmen and returned home.

"Ever been hunting Eoghan?" Aoife asked. Though it was more of a rhetorical question. "We hide, and we wait. We should spread out a bit, the more we're clustered together the easier it would be to catch us." She said as she looked around then look to those who remained. "Where shall we hide?"

As they ride Thorun looks for an area where a small group may be able to set up an ambush.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14