The Java War: Part 1

The situation in the British Interregnum in Duch East Indies:
1D100 => 8

After 3 years occupied the Dutch East Indies, The British's grip on the former Dutch colony was still weak. Even so, they need to fund their war against Napoleon and France. So, the British increased taxes on the natives, forcing the sultanates to lease their land cheaply, and force the Javanese farmers and tenants to plant cash crops—such as sugar and tea—instead of food crops. This of course triggered a famine for the natives. The British also tried to intervene in the Javanese Sultanate's internal policies. But, the final straw was when the British without permission built a road through the estate of one of the princes of Yogyakarta Sultanate. Because of this, the sultanates had had enough and resisted the British. Realizing that they would be defeated if they fought separately, the sultan of Surakarta Pakubuwana IV, the sultan of Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwana II, and the prince of Principality of Mangkunegaran Prangwadana put aside their difference and negotiate on the possibility of alliance against the British. Perhaps even peacefully reunifying the Mataram Sultanate.

The negotiation:
1D100 – 20 (Past grievances) => 90 – 20 = 70

The negotiation took place at Surakarta Palace on March 15, 1800. This negotiation is successful and the three sultanates are now allies. After the British are defeated, both the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Principality Mangkunegaran will be annexed and Pakubuwana IV is to be the next sultan of Mataram.

Did the British find out about this secret discussion?

1D100 + 10 (Spy network) + 10 (Bribing sultanates officials) = 26 + 10 + 10 => 46

The information almost got out until the spy—who turns out to be Pakubuwana IV's guard—was found out by a palace servant when he was searching the sultan's office.

Before planning for the war against the British, Pakubuwana IV negotiated with other Sultanates in Java that have become vassals of the British, the Sultanates of Banten, Kasepuhan, and Kanoman. Of the three, Banten is the most powerful, and it is important to secure their alliance, especially since they can blockade both the Sunda Straits and Batavia. Meanwhile, Kasepuhan and Kanoman, which are located in Cirebon, need to be secured. So that, their supply line and flank are secured.

Negotiation with other Sultanates in Java:

1D100 + 15 (Common enemy)=> 80 + 15 =Art!Crit95

Pakubuwana IV successfully negotiated with the Sultanates. And a war plan is being discussed.

Soldiers mobilized from each sultanate and principalities:

Surakarta: 1D15000=> 12,254
Yogyakarta: 1D12000=> 9,677
Mangkunegaran: 1D8000=> 4,862
Banten: 1D15000=> 10,109
Kasepuhan: 1D1000=> 484
Kanoman: 1D1000=> 385

Total troops mobilized 37,771. Hopefully, this will be enough against 12,000 British soldiers. Around 3700 deployed to guard the construction road they build from Batavia, 4300 garrisoning Batavia, 1000 in West Java, 1000 in Central Java, and 1000 in Eastern Java.

War Plan:
1D100=> 91!
Reroll=> 87

Surakarta will attack Demak, Jepara, Pati, and Lasem. Mangkunegaran will attack Kendal and wait until they are reinforce by Surakarta. While Yogyakarta will attack Tuban, Gresik, and Surabaya.

Meanwhile, Banten will distract the British by faking a rebellion in Lampung, South Sumatra and ask British to help them suppress it. Kasepuhan and Kanoman will also launch their rebellion to try and retake Cirebon.

Pakubuwana IV also proposed to send messages to bupati and ulama to join the resistance, which was approved by the rest of the sultans. The war will begin on April 10.

---

The rebellion led by Nobles and Ulamas in East Java:

1D100 + 25 (Freedom cry) => 92! + 25 = 117!
Reroll: 34

British garrison:
1D100 – 10 (Surprise attack) => 34 – 10 = 24

The whole of Eastern Java is swept by rebellion. Villages, towns, and major cities such as Malang, Pasuruan, Surabaya, Madura, Tuban, and many more are taken over by the rebels. Natives attacked the British garrison and imprisoned the administrator.

The rebellion led by Nobles and Ulamas in Central Java:

1D100 + 25 (Freedom cry) => 65 + 25 = Art!Crit90

British garrison:
1D100 – 10 (Surprise attack) => 24 – 10 = 14
The same also happened in Central Java. The key objective cities such as Demak, Pati, Lasem, Jepara, and Kendal have been taken over by the rebels.

Sultanate Surakarta's march

1D100 + 10 (Well planned attack) + 30 (Uprising in objective cities)=> 72 + 10 + 30 = Art!Crit112

Led by Pakubuwana IV, the Surakarta army managed to secure the objective cities by 17 April. Two days later, the army then marched to Kendal.

Sultanate Yogyakarta's march:

1D100 + 10 (Well planned attack) + 40 (Uprising in the whole Eastern Java)=> 70 + 10 + 40 = Art!Crit!120

Led by Hamengkubuwana II, they successfully secured the whole of Eastern Java by April 22th. On the 23rd Hamekubuwana and his 8,677 soldiers march to Kendal. While around 1,000 soldiers lead by Raden Mas Surojo, Crown Prince of Yogyakarta will secured muskets and cannons that were left behind inside the armories of East Java cities. They shall trained using these modern weapons.

Principality Mangkunegaran's march:

1D100 + 10 (Well planned attack) + 30 (Uprising in objective cities)=> 6 + 10 + 30 = 46

Led by Prince Prangwadana, they arrived at Kendal without any difficulty and encamped at the city while waiting for reinforcements. Sadly, on April 16th, their scout spotted the British Army coming from Pekalongan. According to the scouts the British army is around 3,200 strong and 6 cannons. They are less than 2 days from Kendal. Prangwadana ordered Kendal to be fortified with earthworks around the city. He also ordered to check for weapons and cannons inside the British armory in Kendal.

Musket: 1D550=> 507
Cannons: 1D3=> 3

They found 507 muskets and 3 cannons. The Prince then ordered for the sipahi—1000 men strong—to be armed with these modern weapons. He also ordered his cavalry to harass and ambush the enemy.

Mangkunegaran cavalry ambush and harassment:

1D100 + 10 (Familiar territory)=> 63 + 10 = 73

British defense:

1D100 + 40 (Superior tactics and weaponry) – 10 (Unfamiliar territory)=> 80 + 40 – 10 = Art!Crit!110

Led by Brigadier General Samuel Auchmuty, a veteran of the Anglo-Mysore War, the British army successfully defended from the Mangkunegaran ambush and harassment.

Mangkunegaran casulties:
1D500=> 147
British casulties=>
1D250=> 223

British delayed for how many days?
1D2=> 1

But the Mangkunegaran successfully delayed the British for one day. And so, the siege of Kendal began on April 20th.

British attack:
1D100 + 40 (Superior tactics and weaponry) – 10 (Unfamiliar territory)=> 75 +40–10=Art!Crit!105

Mangkunegaran defense:
1D100 + 10 (Prepared defense) + 10 (Familiar territory) – 40 (Inferior tactics and weaponry)=> 81+10+10–40= 61

The British breach the earthworks and pushed back the defender to the line of defense.

Breach the defenses:
1D100 + 40 (Superior tactics and weaponry) – 10 (Unfamiliar territory)=> 32 + 40 – 10 = 62

Hold fast
1D100 + 10 (Prepared defense) + 10 (Familiar territory) – 40 (Inferior tactics and weaponry)=> 83 + 10 + 10 – 40 = 63

Both sides fought for hours. The defender fought tooth and nail on the last line of defense. The British could not break through the defense, they got bogged down right at the last line of defense. Noticing the enemy's momentum slowed down, Prangwadana ordered the fresh Sipahi to charge the British center. The cavalry meanwhile, will harass the British's right flank.

British center
1D100 + 10 (Slight advantage) – 15 (Exhausted and distracted)=> 67 + 10 – 15 = 62

Sipahi
1D100 + 15 (Fresh and motivated) – 10 (Slight disadvantage)=> 71 + 15 – 10 = 76

The British center steadily began to get pushback.

British flanks
1D100 + 10 (Slight advantage) – 15 (Exhausted and distracted)=> 54 + 10 –15 = 49

Mangkunegaran cavalry
1D100 + 15 (Fresh and motivated) – 10 (Slight disadvantage)=> NatCrit95! + 15 – 10 = 100!
Reroll: 2

Exhausted and distracted, the British right flank is pushed back, and forced to withdraw from the battle. The Mangkunegaran cavalry then attacked the British center rear, while the Mangkunegaran left to attack the British center flank. At the same time, Mangkunegaran ordered his center and right to attack.

British
1D100 + 40 (Superior tactics and weaponry) – 20 (Attacked from all sides) – 20 (Exhausted and wavering)=> 15 + 40 – 20 – 20 = 15

Mangkunegaran
1D100 + 35 (Local superiority) – 40 (Inferior tactics and weaponry)=> 75 + 35 – 40 = 70

The British, exhausted and surrounded from all sides began to flee. Prangwadana ordered his cavalry to pursue the fleeing enemy. The Mangkunegaran, against all odds, has won this battle.

British Casulties:
1D500 + 2250=> 217 + 2250 = 2467

How many cannons the British left behind?
1D6=> 2

Mangkunegaran casulties
1D1000 + 1500=> 908 + 1500 = 2408

Number of dead:
1D2408=> 2252

510 British soldiers retreated to Cirebon.

2307 Mangkunegaran garrisoned Kendal until reinforcement arrived.

---

April 21, 1800
Kendal City Hall, Mayor's Office

The sun shines through the office window. Prince Prangwadana could hear the sound of birds chirping. It is a beautiful day to have a picnic. Contrasting from the beautiful day, Prince Prangwadana felt melancholic. He read the casualties report on his desk and frowned. Of the 2408, 2252 are dead. They pushed back the British for 50% casualties. He felt guilty. These men died because of him. Two thousand young men perish in a single battle. He knows from the very beginning that the war will be difficult to win, especially with the British superiority in both tactics and weapons. And yet, he doesn't have any other choice. His people have–no, not only his people, but the whole of Java has suffered because of the white men. They starve the people, while at the same time influencing the nobles and sultans to fight each other. As their prince, he must protect his people. So far, they have managed to defeat 5700 British soldiers. All they had to do was defeat 6300 and then they won the war.

But he is not confident they could breach Batavia's defenses. Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo and his 10,000 soldiers couldn't do it. Could they do it? The Dutch strengthened the Batavia Castle after his great-great-great-grandfather. Could 36,000 men breach the defenses guarded by 5300? He once again read the casualties report. To inflict so many casualties while outnumbered. He could imagine it. The coalition army tried to breach Batavia Castle and tens of British cannons fired upon them, inflicting heavy casualties. After days of sieging the castle, the Coalition army was unable to breach their defenses and had to retreat. What then? The British will deploy thousands of soldiers from India. Then they invaded Mangkunegaran and finished what the Dutch started, annexing the two sultanates and his principality. He lost his throne and was exiled to Ambon or India. Did he make the wrong choice? Should he side with the British?

'No!' His mind screamed at him. If he sided with them, the British wouldn't given him any lands. Neither Surakata nor Yogyakarta. They will probably only give him small lands or estates while they annexed the rest. They can't consent him to restoring the Mataram Sultanate.

Shaking his head, he once again began to think that their tactics must change. Yesterday's battle proved that fighting the British in an open battle was tantamount to suicide. By now, the news of their defeat should have reached Batavia, and Governor Fendall will no doubt send a subjugating force. Perhaps even pulling forces from Sumatra and Maluku. Perhaps even India. If three thousand red coats could almost defeat him, what would happen if they faced ten thousand of them? He shuddered imagining fighting them. He must convince both Sultan Pakubuwana IV and Sultan Hamengkubuwana II to build fortifications in Central and East Java instead of attacking Batavia. Make the British bleed for every step and force them to peace. And during peace, they shall strengthen our forces by producing muskets and cannons. And when they are strong enough, they shall besiege Batavia.

His thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. He took a deep breath, and said, "Come in!"

The door was opened, and his aide came in. He bowed, then said, "My Prince, Sultan Pakubuwana IV and his army have arrived."

"I see," Prangwadana nodd. "Very good. I shall greet him." He stands up from the office chair and comes outside the office, with his aide following behind.

The city hall is full of bureaucrats and army officers going to and fro. He ignored them and immediately came outside the city hall.

He could hear jubilant cheers from the people of Kendal as Surakarta army marched triumphantly. At the head of the army was Surakarta Sipahi, led by Sultan Pakubuwana IV. He wore his Jawi Lengkap impeccably, majestically astride his brown horse, looking like their ancestor, Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo. Which he is. After all, he was the one who used his charisma to coax, entice, and persuade nobles, llamas, and the other sultans to unite and fight the white men, the prince thought.

Pakubuwana finally arrives in front of the city hall, he then comes down from his horse while a stable boy leads his horse to the stable. The sultan then stands before Mangkunegara.

"Sultan Pakubuwana IV, I welcome you to Kendal." The Prince greeted politely. He carefully observes Pakubuwana's face. His neutral expression masks the exhaustion from days of marching.

"Thank you," Pakubuwana replied tersely. He then looks around and pays particular attention to the houses. "I notice that most of the houses here are hoisted mourning flags." He pauses and then stares at Prangwadana. "I also notice the sign of battle outside of the city. Did the British attack you?" He asked while fowning.

"We shall discuss this during dinner. Rest for now, Sultan." Prangwadana answered.

Pakubuwana look hesitated but then agreed. Prangwadana ordered one of the servants to guide the Sultan to his chamber. He needs his rest for what they need to discuss.

Later that night.

After dinner, the two monarchs yesterday's battle.

"Two thousand dead?! Are you sure?!" Pakubuwana asked, his eyes bulging.

"I am afraid that it is true," Prangwadana answers neutrally. "Our men have high morale but their weapons are inferior compared to the British."

Hearing the report, Pakubuwana begins to massage his temples. He could feel a headache forming. Outnumbered, the British managed to inflict heavy losses. He then remembers something. "Speaking of inferior weapons, we manage to secure muskets and cannons from the cities that we reconquered."

Prangwadana raises his brow, "Is that so?" He simply said. "How many have you secured?"

Muskets:
1D1100=> 748

Cannons:
1D4=> 4

"Almost 750 muskets and 4 cannons. Should be enough to almost equip my Sipahi with modern muskets." Pakubuwana answer.

Prangwadana nodded. "Then combined with my own Sipahi, right now we have almost 1200 armed with British muskets, around 800 armed with arquebus, and 7 cannons."

"We have defeated 3700 that guarded the constriction road, and around 2000 soldiers garrisoned in Central and East Java. We shall fight around 6300. After that, the British defeat and humiliation will be beyond question. We shall anvenge Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo." Pakubuwana confidently said.

Prangwadana suddenly coughs. "Your Majesty, if I may give you an advice?" Raising a brow, Pakubuwana nodded.

"I advise we do not attack Batavia." Prangwadana calmly said.

"What?" Pakubuwana said incredulously. "One last battle and we shall win against the British and liberate Java. Restore Mataram Sultanate and now you want to stop attacking Batavia... why?"

"Your Majesty with all due respect, our forces are not ready to breach Batavia's defenses. We lack cannons, our men need training to competently use the British muskets and cannons. We must defend what we gained and force the British to accept peace. During peace, we shall further strengthen our forces by producing more muskets and cannons. And when we are strong enough, then we shall attack Batavia."

Confincing Pakubuwana IV:
1D100 – 15 (Ambitious) – 10 (On a cusp of victory) => 7 – 15 – 10 = –18

Pakubuwana frowned, his body tensed. Prangwadana could feel the tension in the room. "And if we do that, we also risk strengthening the British. They have more resources than we possess. So, they can reinforce their men from India, outproduce us, and bribe our bureaucrats to leak state secrets like what happened during our negotiation. We must strike them while they are weak. With Sultanate Banten reinforcing us, we can defeat them." Pakubuwana said calmly.

"But—" before Prangwadana could say anything he was cut by Pakubuwana. "But nothing!" He sternly said, his frown deepening.

Convincing Pakubuwana one last time:
1D100 – 15 (Ambitious) – 10 (On a cusp of victory) – 10 (Stubborn)=> 100 – 15 – 10 – 10 = 65

Prangwadana refuses to give up. His grandfather was the greatest warrior and general since Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo. The blood of a great warrior and general flow in his body. If he can't convince Pakubuwana to play defense, then he shall try to convince him to postpone the attack for a month at least. Prangwadana took a deep breath, and said, "Your Majesty, I beg of you to postpone the attack for at least a month. So that, we can at least train the Sipahi and produce more muskets for the rest of them."

Pakubuwana started to tapping the armrest of his chair, he then took a deep breath and sighed. He stopped tapping and pinched the bridge of his nose, muttered something under his breath, shook his head, and then glared at Prangwadana. "Fine. One month... no more, no less."

Prangwadana could feel the tension in the room dissipated. He suppressed the urge to smile, relieved he was able to convince Pakubuwana. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I promise I will not disappoint you."

Pakubuwana only grunted and stood from the chair, then left the room without saying anything.

---

April 27, 1800
Kendal

Yesterday, Sultan Hamengkubuwana finally arrived in Kendal. He was told the change of plan, and he agreed. Especially since around 1000 of his men are also training to use the modern muskets and cannons. For now, the three monarchs agree to strengthen the defenses of Kendal.

1D100 + 10 (Familiar territory) + 10 (High morale)=> 73 + 10 + 10 => 93

Trenches and moats are built around the city. It's not much, but it's better than the hastily built defenses on the day of battle.

The Java War Part 2: Disaster

April 26 1800
Port of Batavia

Governor Fendall stands before a frigate, its crew lowering a plank. The reinforcement from India has finally arrived, which is led by a veteran of war who has an interesting military career. Disgraced during the American Revolutionary War and redeemed himself during First Mysore War. He is certainly the perfect man for subjugating revolt in Central and East Java.

The plank finally lowered, and from the ship came down an old soldier. His eyes are that of an experienced general. "General Cornwallis, welcome to Batavia." Governor Fendall greeted. "I trust that you have a pleasant journey?"

"Well enough. We brave through a thunderstorm... luckily we only lost one transport ship." Cornwallis answered, his voice hoarse because of age.

"Thank God." Fendall nodded. "We have much to discuss. Come! We shall further discuss in the Batavia Castle." Both of them walked to the castle.

"When will you march?" The governor asked.

When will Cornwallis march?
1D7=> 7 days

"A week from now. I must reorganize the men first." Cornwallis answered. They continue to walk to the castle.

---

Rebel spy:
1D100=> 95!
Reroll=> 34

How many days for this information to reach Kendal?
1D4=> 3 days

Later that night
A bar in Batavia

"Here's to the men we lost during our journey. May they rest in peace!" A British captain shouted. Which was promptly answered by the men of his company. He then drinks the ale on the glass. His body is swaying and his face is red from drunkness. The captain then approaches a hostess. She has long silky black hair, there is a small mole under her right eye. She is simply beautiful. "Hello, beautiful." He greeted. She then stares at the captain, and smiles.

A couple of hours later

Mawar sat on the bed, the other side of the bed was the captain, drunk, tired, and sleeping. She recalls the information that she extracted from him. Almost 15,000 soldiers, led by an old and experienced general. The rebels need to know about this subjugating force.

---

April 29th 1800
Kendal

War plan:
1D100 + 13 (Prangwadana) + 10 (Pakubuwana) + 8 (Hamengkubuwana)=> 80 + 13 + 10 + 8 = ArtCrit!101

"Forgive me for suddenly requesting a war council, Your Majesties. But we have new information from our spy regarding British subjugating force." Prangwadana then paused and gave a piece of paper—containing the information—to Pakubuwana. "Three days ago, a force of almost 15,000 men arrived in Batavia, led by a general who led won in the First Mysore War, Marquess Cornwallis." He continues.

Hamengkubuwana sighed and shook his head. "Then we are in danger of facing veterans of 15,000 redcoats."

"Indeed. We have to change our strategy." Prangwadana said.

Finished reading the report, Pakubuwana gave the paper to Hamengkubuwana, then stared at the Mangkunegaran Prince. "Guerilla?" He tersely asked.

Prangwadana nodded, "Guerilla." He then pointed to a map of Java. "Between Cirebon and Kendal, they have to cross many rivers. If we can destroy these bridges," he said while pointing to bridges around Cirebon and Kendal, "we can delay the British until we can relocate the civilians, our family, money, weapons, and courts to our villas on the Dieng-Merbabu-Merapi mountain chain. We left behind some of our men and ordered them to burn rice fields and poison the wells, making them rely on their supply lines from Batavia."

Hearing Prangwadana's plan, Pakubuwana took a deep breath and said, "Should we encourage the people who refuse to evacuate to attack and harass the British?"

"We should. I shall speak to Bupatis and Ulamas, and tell them to encourage the people to resist the British." Hamengkubuwana suddenly interjected. He raises his head and looks at the other two monarchs. "I swear it. The people shall resist and bite."

The other two monarchs then nodded. "If that is all, we shall adjourn and make our preparation," Pakubuwana said.

---

1D7000=> 5401

Five thousand men armed with crossbows departed Kendal amid cheers. They shall rejoin the 1000 men under the twin sultanates Kasepuhan and Kanoman.

Sabotage:
1D100 + 10 (Familiar territory) => 74 + 10 = 84

How many bridges did they destroy?
1D20=> 18

They successfully destroyed 18 bridges, burned the rice fields, killed cattle, and poisoned wells.

How many days did the British get delayed?
1D14=> 13 days

Evacuation:
1D100=> 77

Well enough. Civilians, the royal family, money, weapons, and officials are successfully evacuated to the Dieng-Merbabu-Merapi mountain chain.

People resisting the British:
1D100 + 25 (Freedom cry)=> 85 + 25 = ArtCrit!110

When a battalion of the British army arrived in Kendal, the people greeted them cordially. They give them delicious food and tea. The British soldiers, after a harsh march through burnt fields and villages, feasted like pigs. That night, while the soldiers slept with their stomach full, the citizens of Kendal burned the houses where the soldiers slept. They then escaped while the British soldiers tried to control the inverno. The same thing happened in villages around Kendal.

1D300=> 216

Two hundred British soldiers became casualties of this raging inferno. By dawn, the southern part of the city and villages around Kendal have become nothing but ash.

What do Cornwallis do?
1D100 + 18 (Cornwallis)=> 36 + 18 = 54

For now, he decides to stop and secure his rear. He ordered his men to hunt down the rebels that were harassing his supply lines. They probably know where the three sultans are.

Did they manage to capture a rebel?
1D100 + 18 (Cornwallis)=> 66 + 18=> 84

How many rebels were captured?
1D4=> 4

They did. When a group of rebels attacked a British supply convoy close to Pekalongan, they in turn got ambushed by hiddened British soldiers. They successfully pushed back the rebels and captured 4 of them. Cornwallis decides to torture them for the whereabouts of the three sultans.

Extracting information from the rebels:
1D100 – 10 (Defiance)=> 84 – 10 = 74

Quality of information: 72

Colaborating information from the 4 captured rebels, the British finally got their information about the rebels. The three sultans, their courts, and their families evacuated to somewhere in the Dieng-Merbabu-Merapi mountain chain. That means the rebel's capital cities are empty, and thus easily subjugated. Meanwhile, in East Java, there is a small force of around 1000 rebels led by the Crown Prince of Yogyakarta. It will be easy to crush them and retake port of Surabaya, to make it easier to sending supply.
Where will the British march?
D1=> The Mountains
D2=> Sultanate's capital cities
D3=> East Java

1D3=> 1

Cornwallis decides to march his army to the mountains. Either capture the three sultans or contain them in the mountain.

---

Build the defenses on the mountains:
1D100=> 100!
Reroll=> 2

The rebels transformed the entire mountains into a fortress full of deadly traps such as spiked pits made out of teakwood which will impale the enemy's entire body that fall into it, foot traps with small spikes laced with poison, urine, or poop which will tightly clamp down on the enemy's leg, the wooden ball with spikes that would swing down from a tree, spider holes, and many more. These traps are strategically placed on trails that the British will be using to march. If the British manage to push through, then they shall have a nasty surprise before the gates of the villas.

Mount Merapi is defended by the joined forces of Yogyakarta and Mangkunegaran which were commanded by Prince Prawangdana. Meanwhile, the Dieng-Merbabu mountains are defended by Surakarta commanded by their sultan Pakubuwana. In total, around 26,000 guarded these mountains.

---

And so, the British finally arrived in the mountains on 24 of May 1800.

Which mountain Cornwallis stormed
1=> Merapi
2=> Merbabu
3=> Dieng
1D3=> 1

Securing the foot of the mountain:
1D100 + 18 (Cornwallis) – 30 (Impregnable defenses)=> 63 + 18 – 30= 51

It took the British 3 days to make and secure a foothold on the foot of the mountain.

Casualties:
1D500=> 294

May 26 1800

Cooper looks around the jungle, his company is tasked to scout ahead of the regiment. Since yesterday, they haven't found any sign of the rebels. Plenty of animals such as warthogs and deer, but humans? Nothing. They probably hiding deeper into the mountain, he thought. Suddenly, a soldier in front of him falls into a pit. His scream was cut short after he fell into the pit. Cooper then braces himself and takes a look at the pit. He saw a soldier's body, his body impaled by long spikes, blood dripping from the many wounds on the body. The sight paralyzed him, and when he snapped out of it, he puked his breakfast into the pit. The rest of the company immediately surrounded the hole, and when they saw the gruesome sight, most of them puked.

"Should we..." he groaned, he could still see the body. "...should we take the body?" He asked his sergeant. But before the sergeant answered, something pushed his body and he fell into the pit. Panicked, Cooper looked around him. He didn't see anything else. He then inspects the thing that pushes the sergeant into the pit. It looks like a sphere, he then looks around him. He didn't see anything. He knows that the mountain is about to become hell.

---

Securing the rest of the foot of the mountain:
1D100 + 18 (Cornwallis) – 30 (Impregnable defenses)=> 62 + 18 – 30= 50

The rest of the week was spent securing the rest of the foot of the mountain.

Casulties:
1D500=> 352

May 30 1800

"You boys ready?" Sargeant Sullivan asked. "Ready, sir." The rest of the platoons answered. Nodding, Sullivan then leads his men charging toward the cave where the rebels hiding. The scouts suggested that the rebels were using these caves to rapidly march and ambush the British. General Cornwallis ordered these caves to be secured and destroyed by triggering a cave-in.

Entering the cave, Sullivan stabs a rebel not far from him. The rest of the platoons pick their target and stab them. After clearing the mouth of the cave, Sullivan ordered his men to set up the explosive around the cave passage. Not long after, the men had set the explosive, Sullivan then lit the fuse and bolted from the cave. A moment later, the gunpowder exploded which triggered a cave-in.

---

Further ascending the mountain:
1D100 + 18 – 30= 41 + 18 – 30= 29

Casulties:
1D500 + 100= 477 + 100= 577

June 4 1800

A few minutes earlier, he and the rest of the company heard the sounds of gunfires and screams. Quickly realizing there was an ambush, they immediately marched to the source of the sounds. "Let's hope we get there in time..." Cooper muttered under his breath.

As the minutes dragged on, an oppressive tension enveloped the red column. Every face was serious and focused.

Finally, they reached the site of the attack, only around a kilometer from their last position. The area is an isolated watering hole—a perfect spot for an ambush. Everything was eerily silent. Even the wind seemed to have stopped blowing.

"Company, halt! Stay alert." Captain Johnson ordered.

Slowly, the British company approached the ambush site, taking in the carnage. Countless bodies littered the watering hole, there were even bodies on the small pond, blood contaminating it. Several arrows were embedded in the bodies. The whole company had been massacred. The acrid smell of burnt gunpowder lingered, detectable even from a distance.

Checking the position of the bodies, there are a few of them that were trapped in the now infamous foot trap. It looks like the soldier was about to refill his waterskin when his foot was trapped. His screaming then attracted the rest of the company, which promptly massacred, Cooper thought while inspecting the body of the trapped soldier not far from the watering hole. Sighing, he couldn't help muttered, "What a mess we are in..."

---

Scouting the rebel's main hideout:
1D100=> 99!
Reroll: 49

June 5 1800

"Sir, message from the scout."

Cornwallis looked up from the report he was reading and took the message. Reading it, he couldn't hide a smile forming on his face. "Good news, sir?" His adjutant asked. "Indeed. The scouts finally found the rebels' main hideout."

Marching to the main hideout:
1d100 + 18 – 30= 41 + 18 – 30= 29

Casualties:
1D500 + 100= 401 + 100 = 501

The numerous traps littered their march. Casualties are mounting, but the British keep marching. Finally, they arrived at the rebels hideout, which is one of the sultan's villas. The villa has been turned into a fortress, with trenches built in front of the villa gate. The whole villa is surrounded by steep slopes in the north, east and west. The scout reported that there is only one gate and they cannot flank the trenches because it's protected by cliffs in their north, east, and west. Which means the British army has to attack head-on. They decide to build their camp not too far from the eastern slope.

---

June 6 1800

Weather:
1D100=> 64

It is a beautiful morning, with a clear blue sky. Shame that this beautiful day is ruined because of the war, Prangwadana thought idly. Around him, soldiers preparing themselves for the battle, on the first trench, the elite sipahi checking their weapons and other such activities. The archers on the second and third trenches also do the same. "Are the traps ready?" He asks his adjutant. "Yes, Your Highness. All traps are set and ready."

"Good." Prangwadana nodded. "Tell me, do you think the British will retreat when the traps are sprung?" Hamengkubuwana on his right, sitting atop his horse asked. "I don't know. So far, the British are stubborn after facing various traps around the mountain. If they could keep marching after that, then their victory would come sooner or later. And we are only delaying it from happening."

Prangwadana then shifts his focus to the enemy ranks. He saw the British soldiers marching in line formation toward them. They look confident. Let's see if you are still confident after this, Prangwadana thought.

Surprise:
1D100=> 85

Suddenly, he saw the first rank of the British formation stopped. He could hear screams coming from them. Using his spyglass, he saw most of the first row and some on the second row clutching their bleeding feet. Satisfied, he lowered his spyglass and muttered, "Now, what would they do?"
Rallying and keep marching:
1D100 + 20 (Cornwallis) – 25 (Field of traps)=> 74 + 20 – 25= 69

To his surprise, the enemy kept marching. A lot of their soldiers have fallen into the traps but they keep marching. "Stubborn..." he muttered under his breath. He then looks at a group of archers on his left. "As we planned, on my mark loose the fire arrow around the stump of the tree." He said while pointing to the stump of the tree in the middle of the field. "Yes, Your Highness."

"Are you sure the pine tree resin will be enough to burn them all?" Hamengkubuwana interjected. "What if the fire went out of control?"

"Do not worry. As I said during the planning, I have prepared for the eventuality by creating the firebreaks. I have also contacted the rain charmer. You see those clouds?" Prangwadana asks while pointing to the south. "Thanks to the rain charmer, I am confident that around tonight or tomorrow morning, it will be raining. Which means the fire will be easily extinguished. As for your first question, we have enough. Maybe not to burn them all, but it should be enough to demoralize and rout them."

"My Sultan, my Prince, the enemy is close to the tree stump." The captain of the fire archer reported. Sure enough, the British are only around twenty steps away from the fiery trap.

"Very well. On my mark, loose the fire arrow." Prangwadana said while looking through his spyglass.

Fifteen steps...

Fourteen steps...

Thirteen...

Twelve...

Eleven...

"LOOSE!!!"

Fire attack:
1D100=> 93!
Reroll=> 78

When the fire arrows landed around the tree stump, the flammable resin quickly ignited. The fire spread and burn at least three British regiments. The smell of burning skin and meat, the sounds of soldiers screaming, the sight of them, this may as well be a hell on earth. "Forgive me. May Allah forgive you—my enemy—and us. Amen." He prayed.

Some of the sultanate's soldiers turn their heads away from the scene of carnage. Some of them even puke. Meanwhile, the fire archers tried to suppress their sadness and fear.

Attempting to rally:
1D100 + 20 – 25 – 25 (Fire attack)=> 72 + 20 – 25 – 25= 42

Cornwallis, realizing that his men are wavering ordered retreat. Sadly he cannot save the three regiments that are burning alive in the field of fire. The first day of battle is over.

---

---

June 9 1800

It was a cloudy morning when Prangwadana's adjutant reported the British's movement. "Your Highness, the British are forming up." Prangwadana's adjutant reported after he had his breakfast. "I see." He calmly answers. He glanced at Hamenkubuwana who nodded. He nodded back and said, "Well then, let's prepare for today's battle." He stood up from the dining chair and exited the villas followed by Hamengkubuwana.

"Today will be a hard battle," Hamengkubuwana said. "We have used all tricks we have. For now on, it will be a good old sword clashing." He continues while getting up his horse.

"Indeed." Prangwadana simply said. Hamengkubuwana looks at him. He looks distracted. "You okay?"

"I am fine. It's just..." he paused and sighed. "I don't know why... but I have an uneasy feeling today... something is coming." He said while scratching his chin. "Anyway, let's focus on the battle."

---

Noticing something?
Rebels: 1D100=> CritFail2!
Reroll: 77
British: 1D100=> CritFail1!
Reroll: 10
Around 10 AM, the two armies are clashing in hand-to-hand combat. The first trench is hotly contested. With the two combatants charging and countercharging. The din of battle prevented both sides from noticing movement on the cliff slopes.

Cooper stabs his bayonet into the rebel's stomach. Around him, his comrades still desperately fight the rebels. This is the third time his battalion tried to secure the damn trench. He look for a target when suddenly he hears a bungle from the rebels' rear. The rebel soldiers around him disengage and retreat.

"They are retreating!" Someone screams. "After them!" Captain Johnson, holding his bloody saber pointed it to the enemy's second trench. "Forward!" He shouted. The company then ran after the retreating rebels, followed by the rest of the battalion.

---

Sir! We are pushing the rebels, sir! Our men have taken their first trench, permanently sir! The enemy is retreating to the second trench!" Cornwallis' adjutant reported. "Very good. Ordered the rest—" he was suddenly cut by one of his staff. "S-sir?! L-l-look at the slope!!" He screams while pointing at the western slope. Looking at it, what he saw petrified him. Soil, trees, rocks, and mud sliding down the slope. And all of that is rushing toward them. "Good Lord... ORDERED THE ARMY TO–"

CRASSHHH!!!

---