Repel the Mages, a.k.a Eradicating Every Last Mage

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

They arrived at the Blasted Hills early; the sun was rising, spreading it's dim light everywhere. Why was it dim, you might ask? A light fog had risen during the night; for that night there had been a heavy rain, and the night had been the most uncomfortable for the Templars. Lambert strode on the left wing of his army, mounting upon a large war-horse who had almost became a trademark for the Templars. The Templar army was mainly stationed on his right and behind him; for this allowed him to manage his army with efficiency. He ordered a full halt right behind a large hill, which blocked the view to Andoral's reach - it was right behind this hill, standing upon a hilltop ragged and ruined by a long forgotten army. The mages were inside there, in the ruins, all gathered for a secret purpose - or perhaps not so secret after all, for they had gathered in force and were ready for battle. Lambert gave orders for his officers; the army were to form in a wide double rank, which would encompass the whole area covered by the hill. Lambert felt all the pressure and confusion leaving him as he gave the orders; he had entered the perfect mindset for war, and now he was near unstoppable. As the whole army had silently formed the new ranks, Lambert sounded the assault himself, blowing his personal horn first. Soon everyone could hear a multitude of horns blowing in the wind; a signal to attack spiraling up towards the clouds in one loud, frightful echo. The 40,000 - strong army answered in one magnificent, enraging shout, and the massive army began to move like a great tidal wave towards the fortress.

The orders were quite clear - the center was to stop at the mountain-roots, while the flanks encircled the whole fortress. Then they would send a large, but not too large, detachment forwards as a bait, to lure the mages out, and then target them with everything they had: ballistae, catapults, longbows and javelins. The catapults were stationed on the big hills surrounding the now ruined Andoral's Reach, which stood upon a hill too. The ballistae would be stationed on the foothills, whence they could shoot their deadly bolts at ease straight at the exposed mages. Lambert had not forgotten anything, for he was the perfect general and favoured by the Gods, or so he thought. "And soon this farce will end in a most satisfactory way, for I have prepared a surprise for them," thought Lambert coldly as he gazed at Andoral's Reach. The sun was rising from the East, from the left flank of the Templar army, but Lambert paid no heed to it - he was too occupied with the siege.

Soon the 40,000 templars had encircled the fortress, now making loud noises all the time. The hullaballoo of horns, battlecries and insults ascended high upon the sky, echoing so that finally the sound had multiplied to a much huger sounds; the sound of war.

Total Army Count: 40,000 (30,000 infantry, 8,000 archers and artillerycrew, 2,000 elite infantry)
Loss in Turn: none
Remaining army count: 40,000 (30,000 infantry, 7,500 archers, 500 artillerycrew, 2,000 elite infantry)

[shatterfoe]

((OOC Note: Maker requested I play as Mage resistance here, so I shall! Turtle time it is!))


The arrogance of the Templars was something to be marveled upon, thought First Enchanter Irving as he took his position on the battlements, shielded by the thick stone outcroppings specifically designed to protect against archer fire. The Templars were not masters of stealth, as was apparent in their completely obvious march to the outskirts of the Reach -- and the mages had prepared accordingly. The exposed parts -- free of any walls or obstructions were utterly deserted, and only a few sentries remained protected on the battlements - Irving included. Messengers, mostly young boys around the age of twelve, were on the stairs leading up and town the towers within the fortress, ready to pass word along between levels should anything go amiss.

The more able-bodied mages were ready at the murder-holes, ready to open up the holes and dump flammable oil down at the unsuspecting Templars at a moment's notice as soon as the order was given. The murder holes were concentrated around every entrance to the Reach, specifically at the main gate. The stronger men and even a golem were helping carry flammable oil, scalding hot water, acid, or whatever dangerous thing they could use to pour on the heads of the damned bucketheads below. Irving poked his head out, and surveyed the surrounding area closely. Catapults on the nearby hill, a surrounding motion by the Templars -- a futile gesture especially because their line was as thin as a straw at this point... But still. This was a good sign. They were merely here to stamp their feet and try and intimidate them, no doubt with an offer of unconditional surrender before they brought their siege engines to bear from further inland. The ballistae were of little threat, as were the catapults at this stage. He had four strong stone walls protecting both him and his mages - and that would not change with a few pebbles thrown at them.

The sentries would alert the messengers, who would then alert the men and women atop the murder holes to open them up and start the killing when the Templars got too close - if they got too close to the gates. It would make ramming down the gate itself a chore, nearly impossible when combined with wetting the surrounding dirt and making the entire area in front of the gates knee-high mud, and would hopefully force a stalemate.

The mages could not win an outright conflict with the Templars, being nothing more than a ragtag bunch of misfits as a group - and the Templars being a military order where each and every Templar is a professional soldier made the odds of a melee quite obvious - especially due to the fact the Templars were able to surround the entire fortress - as word was passed along messenger to messenger and Irving found out. The Templars could come and hug the walls for all the First Enchanter cared - so long as the small children, the families, and the mages he was sworn to protect were unharmed. And it looked like the Templars were in no position to do any harm at this point. Crouched behind the outcropping of the battlement, knowing full well an archer could pick him off if he wasn't careful and stood up in the open - he watched... And waited. The murder holes would be opened when they got close enough, but until then... There was nothing that could really be done without being a suicide run. The mages had no way to combat the sheer fighting effectiveness of the Templars, and had to play completely defensively and hide out in the fortress until help arrived...

The mages of Andoral's Reach had already contacted Kal-Sharok -- the dwarves, who had yet to pick a side in the conflict... And though it turned his stomach to do so... The Tevinter Imperium - the only other mages in Thedas he could really hope could help them in any real capacity. Some of the younger mages, particularly the ambitious ones saw Tevinter as some sort of blessed land for the mages... And that worried him to no end. Making a deal with Tevinter would be roughly equivalent to making a deal with a demon - they would suck you dry mercilessly as soon as it became convenient. Still, any help would be welcome at this point. They could only hold out so long with the supplies they had - eight months tops with rationing with all the careless fools the Reach had come to harbor - six with people cheating in food like he knew they would. The Templars would have an infinite supply chain from Orlais and their other supporters - the rest of the world - while the mages were left to starve. Still, they could not let the Templars inside the fortress at any cost - to do so would be to waste every life inside the Reach - and to end the war before it began... Spelling death for all free mages not only in Orlais - but in Thedas. And Irving was not about to let that happen. Not as long as he still breathed.


Total Army Count: 15,000 (Total combatants assembled for battle, the younger, able bodied mages.)
Loss in Turn: none
Remaining army count: 15,000

[lamar]

So it came to this. Sickening.

He marched his company that carried the Lord Seeker's Siege equipment, carefully through the terrain, taking notice of the low visibility, and muddy tracks. Not the most pleasant weather to take part in, not at all. The fort itself in the distance seemed recently patched perhaps, prepared prior for such a possible uprising. Mages weren't idiots, that was for certain.

Lamar trekked upwards towards the Lord Seeker, giving him a respectful glance, and spoke.

"Lord, your equipment has arrived. It would've been here sooner if not for poor weather. But I must bring the matter up again. Can we not at least offer the pretense of surrender, and perhaps...mercy of sorts for mages? Those who submit could be allowed to live, and it would leave a lesser number of foes to kill. Not every mage there is fighting because they wish to. What of the Loyalist Fraternity? Have they declined such a possibility?"

It was a sad day to see the death of so many Mages. This chunk was probably a large percentage, and could perhaps mark one of the first battles of what many presumed would be a war. All his efforts for commodity, for unity, for understanding had simply broken apart, and so did the Templars and the Chantry. Knowing no other place to go, he stood here, reluctantly leading his small battalion into this.

"I insist upon this action if only to earn some respect from the eyes of other Mages and more importantly townsfolk. These ARE former siblings and children of numerous families we're about to slay."

Knowing Lambert's reputation, there was a high chance of being ignored or being called a heathen and to rethink his life, yet no such actions threatened him. He would see to it that no lives were squandered that necessity did not require.

His men went about setting up the siege equipment pre-emptively for the Lord Seeker's usage.

"I understand if you say no however. Perhaps their new residence with traitors could be condemning. And if deemed such...their blood will stain these hills. On your word and orders."

[Lord Seeker Lambert]

Lambert overseed the small battalion treading towards the castle on the muddy road, each clad in different equipment; many fragments of different squads had been forged into one small battalion, it seemed, for Lambert could recognize the banners of the units. He saw the sapper squad plodding on, each carrying a spade, and behind them several logistics squads with large carts containing vital materials, like timber. On each flank there was half a company of Templar soldiers, clad in the gear customary for each soldier serving in the army; a shiny breastplate of steel, shin guards of the same material, large shoulder paddings which made them look even stronger and bigger than they were, and of course a large shield of iron with their weapon of choice. This is because many Templars have looted, or already own, a weapon they were comfortable with; some had axes, some had maces, some even carried morningstars. But the primary weapon of a gentleman, even in the Templar army, however, was always the blade, for when a skilled person uses a sword, it is a very deadly weapon. Axes and maces - they work when used in large groups, but a sword - a perfectly balanced sword, it is the perfect weapon for dueling and cutting through masses of unarmored foes; in short, the swords were great weapons against magicians who weren't very often seen staggering around in heavy armor. As the battalion passed by, he noticed someone seceding from the half-company marching on his side of the road. Soon he recognized him as Lamar, and he pondered what required his attention so much that he decided to speak of it to Lambert.

Lamar approached him steadily, leaving no doubt that he was on serious business; the look in his eyes, his balanced stance - all traits of a good warrior, and it wouldn't have moved the Lord Seeker at all if not for the words that followed his flashy moving.

"Lord, your equipment has arrived. It would've been here sooner if not for poor weather. But I must bring the matter up again. Can we not at least offer the pretense of surrender, and perhaps...mercy of sorts for mages? Those who submit could be allowed to live, and it would leave a lesser number of foes to kill. Not every mage there is fighting because they wish to. What of the Loyalist Fraternity? Have they declined such a possibility?"

At first he could not say a word. What treachery was this? Some spell the mages had cast at one of his most loyal commanders?

"I insist upon this action if only to earn some respect from the eyes of other Mages and more importantly townsfolk. These ARE former siblings and children of numerous families we're about to slay."

He trembled a little, but soon wheels began running in his brains. Perhaps he is right after all? Perhaps I could use this opportunity to do something different for a change - or just to lure them to their deaths, every single one of them?

"I understand if you say no however. Perhaps their new residence with traitors could be condemning. And if deemed such...their blood will stain these hills. On your word and orders."

Lambert smiled, for he thought that the man had finally came into his senses. He had still given Lambert a good idea, a choice; and he decided not to scold Lamar for speaking so boldly. For he had been useful, and as always, his every word had a meaning. The Lord Seeker conjured a satisfied smile on his face, clearly messaging his feeling to Lamar. After a while he spoke.

"You have been useful, as always. I will see to my options and decide when time is nigh; for it is far too early to make such decisions now. Far too early to even call it a victory, Commander!"

Then, after thinking for a small moment, he added: "But victory is very easily attainable. We have enough manpower and resources for this, and thanks to your siege equipment, we can march in very soon. Lamar, I want you to do something. I want you to select all the men, that you think would fare badly in a battle, but who are enthusiastic and more than ready to sacrifice their lives for the Templars. I want you to form a battalion of these men and then select two dozens of strong, able and clear-minded soldiers to go with them. I want these two dozens carrying two battering rams; one for each dozen, and the battalion amassing around them to protect them from any harm. Have them advance in a very loose formation, and a shield-wall protecting the battering rams from the flanks and front. Do you think that you could do this for me?"

Again he thought for a moment before speaking.

"I want the catapults bombarding their walls; half with large boulders and the other half with flammable munitions. I want these flammable munitions to be shot at the defenders, whilst the other half shoots gaps at vulnerable parts of the wall. I also want the keep itself bombarded after the front walls have been weakened from several parts."

Satisfied with his plan, the Lord Seeker held his sword high so that the sunlight emanated from it brightly, and he undetectedly angles his sword so that the rays of light were pointed towards the defenders. After a while he lowered his sword again, and it had became warm to touch in the sunlight. Lambert looked thoughtful.

"Yes...", he thought out loud, "I think that this battle will not be an easy one... mages, especially blood mages, can easily kill loads of my men..."

Then, as if he had woken up from a daydream, he turned to Lamar.

"Perhaps we could have even more business to discuss about this siege. More than you would have thought. Find me after you have fulfilled my orders, Commander, and we shall speak."

Then, as is his custom, he leaves the scene grinning with his back turned to Lamar. Lambert knew that he would sooner or later leave his mark on this young Commander, and he had plans for it. Indeed, he had great plans for him, and he didn't intend to let go of them very soon - as was his custom.

Total Army Count: 40,000 (30,000 infantry, 7,500 archers, 500 artillerycrew, 2,000 elite infantry)
Loss in Turn: none
Remaining army count: 40,000 (30,000 infantry, 7,500 archers, 500 artillerycrew, 2,000 elite infantry)

[lamar]

At least the decision or even an illusion of choice was there. Even if Lambert sought utter chaos in his pursuit and campaign against mages, at least he could appeal to his fellow knights to an extent. He turned back, glancing toward his soldiers that had accompanied him and were getting their siege equipment ready.

"Men!" he barked.

Heads looked up from their work immediately.

"The Lord Seeker would have the catapults ready immediately. Supply half with large boulders, and others with flammable ammunition. The rocks shall be bombarding the visible gaps within the Reach, while our flames will strikes the Defenders. Once significant damage has been sustained by the enemies' fortress in multiple areas, strike the keep itself to weaken it. I trust the more experienced lot of you can tell when we'll need such aid."

And their Maker-loving soldiers set out to work. His glance met with the soldiers in their ranks, and he went among the rows, pulling out every shivering, every indecisive man or woman he could pluck. Then the most skilled, those who hardly winked or batted an eye at the conflict rearing it's head.

He quickly counted outloud, skipping over some when he came across groupings of the men, veterans.

"17, 20, 23, 24. Good. The Lord Seeker requires aid. Twelve of you will take up a ram, as will the other dozen. Go, now."

His attention turned to those recently affirmed or new to war, easy to pluck out from the rest.

"You will be guarding these men with your lives in the glory of the Maker and in Andraste's name. There are Blood Mage,s and Abominations awaiting us today gentlemen, and if you wish for your side by the Maker do as I command. I want a loose formation around the rams. Bare your shield directly in-front of you and stay close to the rams. Especially those in the front and backs. Guard these men with your life and advance upon the enemy. I want as equal a number divided amongst the rams. Now go with Andraste's Grace!" Lamar yelled at his comrades.

Slowly, yet with precision the greenhorns clunked their shields like novices until they were held in front, a loose shield-wall forming around the lifted rams, and as a unit they moved. Lamar himself then went about assisting the catapult workers with moving the projectiles closer to their siege equipment, until a good stockpile was forged, almost slipping on mud due to the horrid terrain.

He gave a swipe of his brow, and returned to stand by his Lord Seeker.

"It is done as you asked. What would you have me do now?"