Gespard de Chalons
Human
Emperor of Orlais}}Strength{3} Dexterity{1} Willpower{1} Magic{0} Cunning{3}
Posts: 67
|
Post by Gespard de Chalons on Dec 20, 2012 3:42:05 GMT -5
The Orlesian Army - General Philippe Laurent - Admiral Eugène Gaston - 90,000 men (15 legions) - 6000 Chevaliers (4th Chevaliers) - 6,000 engineers (1st siege legion) - 6,000 light cavalrymen (1st light horse legion) - 30 ships (with room for 300-400 men) Total: 108,000
Rebels - Cecille Allard - 90,000 men (15 legions) - 2,000 Chevaliers (8th Chevaliers) Total: 92,000
After the victory in the Heartlands and the supposed death of the Empress, the remnants of Celene`s army fled to Jader, who since had been trapped between Gespard`s great force and the border of Ferelden. For months the armies had avoided clashing together, as the question of surrender had lingered in the air, but now that it was clear that the rebels would not yield, it was time to do battle. On the Emperor`s personal orders, General Philippe Laurent had been given the responsibility to lead the one hundred and eight thousand men into a siege, while Admiral Eugène Gaston had been sent to blockade the city with thirty ships.
As the morning arrived a late autumn day, the ground had frozen and the wind swept across the landscape with good strength, and upon the sky one could see the sun behind clouds. Stepping out of the tent, two hours away from Jader, General Philippe walked into the military camp as the soldiers prepared to move out. Today the long awaited siege would begin and by winning over the enemy, Philippe thought that the Emperor would reward him with gold and title.
Philippe was dressed proper for a fight, wearing a black tunic and pants, with a brown gambeson on the surface that made it easier to wear the chainmail and the heavy plate armour. Around his waist was his belt and on it hung the scabbard with the sword, while attached to his shoulders hung his red cloak that symbolized who was in charge. Straddling across the frozen ground, the general summoned his black Destrier, a loyal and well trained horse. When mounted he asked his servant for the helmet and once it was put on, he gave the signal. What followed as he rode ahead with a group of guards and officers, was the sounding of the horn, shortly after the commanders begun to give orders and the drums drummed. Quickly as they could manage, the legions headed out, bringing siege-equipment and more.
In three vertical lines the 15 legions marched on the ancient Tevinter road, with a legion of chevaliers on the right and another legion of light cavalrymen on the left, whereas the 1st siege legion followed behind. Over hills and flat terrain they traveled, carrying banners of gold and red above their heads. On the right they could see the Dalish forest, which once had belonged to the Elves, while on the left they could see the Waking Sea and the ships that approached with them.
With the stumps of their thousands feet and the beating drums, the earth trembled, but as they crossed the last hill and came into view of the city, their positions changed. Now the 15 legions moved to stand in three horizontal lines, 5 legions on each line, with the 1st siege legion between the second and the last. The 4th legion of Chevaliers was put in the back as reserves, while the 1st legion of light cavalrymen remained on the right flank, which in front stood General Philippe Laurent with his guards and officers.
With a lifted arm from Philippe, the drumming stopped and as it became silent, they observed with good distance away from any reachable projectiles. As they watched, the 30 ships commanded by Admiral Eugène Gaston came into position and in a half circle; with 15 ships on two lines they blocked the port to the city. None would be able to get out, or in, without fighting them first. In good distance away from its walls, they waited, but had no orders to attack.
As General Philippe turned his gaze to a nearby horseman, he ordered the man to ride forth with a white flag. Down the hill he rode and as he stopped in the middle of the field, between Jader and the army, he waited. It was common practice in warfare, before battles were fought that leaders spoke with each other, and this was what Philippe intended. If Jader had any leaders, now would be the time for them to step out and discuss a peaceful solution, although if nothing was agreed upon, then there would be battle. Observing the walls from where the army stood, Philippe waited for someone to come and if someone choose to ride toward the man with the flag, then he would too.
|
|