Lucina: "Wait. You mean you didn't go after the obvious distraction force so that you could pincer the obvious sneak attack on the reserves and supply column?"
Chrom: "..."
Lucina: *Then realizes how much shit she was actually in* *Starts hyperventilating*
Lucina: "Wait. You mean you didn't go after the obvious distraction force so that you could pincer the obvious sneak attack on the reserves and supply column?"
Chrom: "..."
Lucina: *Then realizes how much shit she was actually in* *Starts hyperventilating*
Robin will be so disappointed in him. All those years of fighting together, and Chrom still can't utilize basic tactics.
As Lucina noticed, Chrom is very friendly and straightforward. Good for inspiring morale, not so good for any fighting beyond "run up and hit then with our swords".
[X] Stay behind and wait
-[X] Bandits are undisciplined and notoriously greedy. Tell the remaining soldiers (the men at arms) to be on the lookout for small group of the bandits sneaking around and trying to attack/steal supplies.
--[X] File in with the ranks of the men at arms, in such a way that you are not exposed to potential arrowfire.
[X] Stay behind and wait
-[X] Bandits are undisciplined and notoriously greedy. Tell the remaining soldiers (the men at arms) to be on the lookout for small group of the bandits sneaking around and trying to attack/steal supplies.
--[X] File in with the ranks of the men at arms, in such a way that you are not exposed to potential arrowfire.
Eh, we're at the point where we need practical training to actually advance most of our abilities. Depending on how this goes we can actually get a few skill increases or otherwise. We can also end up bedridden again but our physical stats if not our skill is getting close to the level of the 1st generation so we have a good chance of succeeding.
[X] Stay behind and wait
-[X] Bandits are undisciplined and notoriously greedy. Tell the remaining soldiers (the men at arms) to be on the lookout for small group of the bandits sneaking around and trying to attack/steal supplies.
--[X] File in with the ranks of the men at arms, in such a way that you are not exposed to potential arrowfire.
[X] Stay behind and wait
-[X] Bandits are undisciplined and notoriously greedy. Tell the remaining soldiers (the men at arms) to be on the lookout for small group of the bandits sneaking around and trying to attack/steal supplies.
--[X] File in with the ranks of the men at arms, in such a way that you are not exposed to potential arrowfire.
[X] Stay behind and wait
-[X] Bandits are undisciplined and notoriously greedy. Tell the remaining soldiers (the men at arms) to be on the lookout for small group of the bandits sneaking around and trying to attack/steal supplies.
--[X] File in with the ranks of the men at arms, in such a way that you are not exposed to potential arrowfire.
Your first instinct is to ask to accompany your father, but you know he would never agree to that. Instead, maybe you can be useful by making sure everything goes smoothly while he's away. After all, that's kind of what you'll have to do in a few weeks anyway. When he tells twenty knights of his guard to stay with you, you don't protest, simply wishing him the best of luck. Though you're not particularly worried: if your father survived the wars against Plegia and Valm, a simple skirmish with bandits won't bring him down.
"Don't worry Lucina. This shouldn't take too long."
With those words, he and his escort are off. But you're determined to not remain entirely passive in his absence. What did uncle Robin tell you, again? Ah, yes, 'always be mindful of the enemy you cannot see, more than the one you can'. As you observe the forest that lies south of your position, you realize that it would be quite possible for a bandit group to have split from the main group and move under cover of the trees. Of course, usually, being attacked by bandits was not a big preoccupation in Ylisse, but given what was happening... Yes, better safe than sorry, definitely. Now, in those situation, what you should do is... Hm. Walking to one of the knight who seems to be the eldest at first sight, you ask.
"Would you happen to be the one in charge of the guards?"
"I am, my lady. How can I be of service?" If he's surprised by you speaking to him, he does an admirable job hiding it.
"Excuse me, I don't think I know your name."
"Lieutenant Kardin, princess."
You observe the grizzled veteran's face before nodding. He would do.
"We need to set up watch turns and patrols along the forest. A few bandits might escape the main force and attempt to raid our supplies."
Your gaze went to the baggage convoy. While everyone travelled rather lightly, Ylisse's nobility still had brought several items of worth with them, that could indeed attract a brigand's attention. The knight looks more skeptical, however.
"I'm not certain this really is necessary, my lady. The men could use a rest, and I doubt bandits would attack an armed column..."
You cut him short. "I'd rather not take any chance."
In other circumstances, you might have felt bad at interrupting your elders, but everything you learned about strategy tells you that these moments were your forces are separated are the ones when you are the most vulnerable, and with a war in progress, you have no intention of becoming complacent. His eyes met yours, and you can see his hesitation.
Charisma C+/Authority C+ (B+ with Princess of the People)/Mark of the Exalt = It will be done!
It leaves as soon as it appears, though, as he stands a little straighter, before turning to his men.
"Miles, Duncan, Feron! Take four men each and prepare for a reconnaissance in those woods. The rest of you, organize a perimeter. Come on, soldiers, move on!"
Soon enough, the small encampment is abuzz with activity, with you at the center of it, making sure that everything is running smoothly. Your presence earns you a few glances, but no-one questions your orders. You suppose that the sight of a ten year old ordering grown soldiers around could have been comical to some, but you were raised for this; you know what you're doing, and those you talk to can see that. That alone is enough for them to listen to you, despite your age.
For an hour, the road remains quiet, soldiers standing at the ready for a potential peril that might not exist. As you begin to allow yourself to believe that nothing might happen, after all, you see one patrol exiting the southern woods with haste, running back to the camp. As you go meet them, their leader delivers his report, breath short.
"Bandits in the woods, my lady. At least one hundred and fifty, probably more. As the scouts said, they seem well-equiped. They're moving straight toward us. They should reach us in a few minutes."
Beside you, the elder knight let out a curse, clearly distressed by the news. So you were right to be careful, then. Pushing back the sudden wave of anxiety that threatens to overwhelm you, you try to think of your options. Ylissean forces are probably more numerous than the enemy, but you're worried about their quality. Besides the twenty knights your father left, most of the men here are levies, with little in the way of training and equipment. Against regular bandits, it probably wouldn't be a problem, but such a major force, well-equiped, and so close to the borders? It was hard not to see the hand of Plegia here. In that case...
You have 200 spearmen, 100 bowmen and 20 knights with you.
Direct your forces...
[] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[] To move south toward the woods, and engage the enemy there
[] To move west, up the road, trying to get closer from your father's forces, should they come back
[] To move east, down the road, preventing the bandits to push deeper into Ylisse should they choose to.
[] To move north, through the fields, to delay the battle by a few minutes and with luck to find a better defensive position
Where will you stand?
[] On horse
[] On foot
[] On the frontline, to support the soldiers during the first clash
[] At the rear, to keep a good view of the battle and direct troops where they're needed
[] With the reserves, to reinforce the line where there will be danger
[x] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[x] On foot
[x] On the frontline, to support the soldiers during the first clash
[x] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[x] On foot
[x] On the frontline, to support the soldiers during the first clash
This should help moral, they can't run when there's a ten year old girl leading them. Also it makes for great propoganda. We're pretty bad on horseback so we should avoid that.
[x] Use the baggage convoy as a barracade to break up any charges and stop spells
I don't think we have the men to effectively proctect the convoy so may as well use it, right?
[x] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[x] On foot
[x] On the frontline, to support the soldiers during the first clash
We have probable numerical superiority and almost certain quality superiority. We shouldn't sacrifice the convoy.
[X] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[X] On foot
[X] At the rear, to keep a good view of the battle and direct troops where they're needed [x] Use the baggage convoy as a barracade to break up any charges and stop spells
-[X] put the valuables and as many supplies as possible in 1 or 2 wagons at the center
[X] Arrange the majority of the spearmen and some wagons in a light arc around the center wagons. Leave the rest to guard the rear and/or shore up the front line.
[X]Have the archers stand behind the arc, facing the forest. Tell one to fire a single arrow towards the woods, and tell the rest to not fire again until bandits have reached that arrow.
[X] Defer to the knights' commander for how the mounted soldiers will place themselves.
[X] Tell the soldiers that they must hold the bandits here, or they will trap your father and his men in the city and go on to ravage the country. You will stand with them and fight for Ylisse and your Father.
We shouldn't take any chances, here. Normally bandits would be a minor threat, but we are facing a large number of Plegia-sponsored bandits with only fresh recruits and twenty knights. If we had a more experienced bunch, and there wasn't the possibilty of surprises from Plegia, i would advocate moving east to keep all bandits out of Ylisse.
The new recruits are nervous, so standing with them and conserving ammunition should help with morale. Lucina should fall back to direct the battle if her endurance runs out or if she is injured.
We don't know specifics about the enemy, so that's all I got for now. I hope it helps.
[X] To stay there, and prepare to receive the charge in the best possible conditions
[X] On foot
[X] At the rear, to keep a good view of the battle and direct troops where they're needed
[x] Use the baggage convoy as a barracade to break up any charges and stop spells
-[X] put the valuables and as many supplies as possible in 1 or 2 wagons at the center
[X] Form a ring with some of the spearmen and the remaining wagons. You will join the front line for the initial clash, but will switch out with a spearman should you become injured or fatigued.
[X]Have the archers stand behind them facing the forest. Tell one to fire a single arrow towards the woods, and tell the rest to not fire again until bandits have reached that arrow.
[X] Defer to the knights' commander for how the mounted soldiers will place themselves.
[X] Tell the soldiers that they must hold the bandits here, or they will trap your father and his men in the city and go on to ravage the country. You will stand with them and fight for Ylisse and your Father.
People, we got plenty of knights and footsoldiers.
We have only one Tactics trained at a high level. Only one mage.
You don't put your sole commander in the front line even if she's the best at swording. Back row to direct the battle saves more lives than just one more blade at the front.
People, we got plenty of knights and footsoldiers.
We have only one Tactics trained at a high level. Only one mage.
You don't put your sole commander in the front line even if she's the best at swording. Back row to direct the battle saves more lives than just one more blade at the front.
I'm already forgetting we have a ranged attack. Whoops. Lightning magic is also a good morale booster! And it's a good point that directing the battle from the beginning will likely do more good than standing at the front. I've changed [] At the front to []at the rear.
EDIT: I'm considering adding another element, but I'm worried about overcomplicating things. The bandits might not know we have cavalry with us. If we send 10 riders west and 10 east, with instructions to turn around after a bit and ride back to smash the bandits from behind, that could be both a huge element of surprise and prevent bandits from heading further into the country. Thoughts?
Basic plans are good. And Enshuu's hits the key points while improving them a little, the archer marking their distance is a very good especially. Spears (and wagons) to break any charges, archers behind to whittle them, and the Knights will likely flank. If we were disciplined enough I would say form columns that could open to let them charge through from behind, but... well levies.
The plains would be useful to the mounted knights, I'm not sure how well they'll do on the forest edge.
Maybe... break the initial wave on the wagons and spears, and then have our guys pull back, the enemies flood through the wagons, and then have the knights charge down the rows inbetween our spears and the wagons? How heavy are the knights? Cause we could have them just trample a good 50 to 80 of their men right there if we're lucky. Then we could push back forward with the knights moving in and out to plug up holes that appear... I'm honestly not sure what to do with them here if the enemy doesn't break actually.
Whatever happens there, we should not be mounted. We could probably do some nasty magic/commanding combo if we tried, anywhere we're firing is likely somewhere that needs to be reinforced anyway, but the frontlines isn't bad either with our sword skill. Honestly we're probably just more than a match for most of the troops on the enemy side one on one.
Also, do we need a ring? We should probably get a hemisphere with a few troops in the back to watch for flanking.
We might not need a ring, but these guys won't be fighting uniformly. I'm a little worried about one or two bandits getting behind the line and breaking both cohesion and morale. That's another reason I wanted to go for a circle, since you get a good feeling of security knowing your back is covered.
The idea of funneling the bandits through rows of wagons and spears is really intriguing, but as you mentioned we might have to save the idea for troops that aren't liable to trip and stab themselves while doing maneuvers.
As for the heaviness of the knights, Man-at-arms were historically heavy armor cavalry. To use the FE class system, they're probably all Great Knights.
As for the heaviness of the knights, Man-at-arms were historically heavy armor cavalry. To use the FE class system, they're probably all Great Knights.
Ah, I think I must have mistranslated the term, sorry about that. Man-at-arms referred in my narration to the levies and was intended as a generic term for soldier. As for the knights with you, think more like your standard cavalier class - still quite heavy by most standards, though.
Ah, I think I must have mistranslated the term, sorry about that. Man-at-arms referred in my narration to the levies and was intended as a generic term for soldier. As for the knights with you, think more like your standard cavalier class - still quite heavy by most standards, though.
Are we sure we should be in the front? I'd think center would both be safer and let us react to what is happening rather being tied up/focused on if there is some "totally not grimleal agents" in the group.
We might not need a ring, but these guys won't be fighting uniformly. I'm a little worried about one or two bandits getting behind the line and breaking both cohesion and morale. That's another reason I wanted to go for a circle, since you get a good feeling of security knowing your back is covered.
Well, I suggested a hemisphere for the majority of the troops, maybe something a bit shallower in shape, and then have, say... 10% of the spears and archers watching the back.
The idea of funneling the bandits through rows of wagons and spears is really intriguing, but as you mentioned we might have to save the idea for troops that aren't liable to trip and stab themselves while doing maneuvers.
Those were actually two separate ideas. One was to have the calv in the back and have them charge forward through our troops and into the enemy, here I made a not about them not being able to open and close the lines effectively to do this, the other idea was to have them split in half (or all go to one side, doesn't matter too much) and then our men fall back and make a... make a trench kind of, between themselves and the wagons where the calv can just charge down the line from the side. That second idea was back when I was still thinking we were making a line formation instead of a circular one.
Speaking of, a ring really does not center our stopping power enough. A shallow hemisphere, kind of just a light arc, means we avoid side-flanking manouvers and have enough up front to meet the enemy. We can't afford to cut down our numbers to having half, at best, facing the enemy lines. We don't have enough of a number advantage.
And this is a raiding party. This is going to be short, brutal, bloody, and fast. Holding troops for rotation isn't going to work here as they aren't going to sit and siege us.
So, like I suggested, majority of the troops up front in an arc, with a good chunk in the back for back-flanking maneuvers.
I see, that makes sense.
Adding this to my vote:
[X] Arrange the majority of the spearmen in a light arc around the wagons. Leave the rest to guard the rear and/or shore up the front line.
So, a few ideas are being tossed around, it seems. Calling the vote in 24 hours, should give enough time to finalize a plan, if you think there's something to add or change.
*Then realizes how much shit she was actually in* *Starts hyperventilating*
