Grigory listened to Nikolaas' plans with dutiful interest, and does what he can to help. While not a soldier, he has a decent mind and a sharp eye and lends them wherever he can. He also does his best to set the traps that Nikolaas envisions - enjoying the fact that orcs are far more likely to walk into his crude mechanisms than the clever rats he usually stalks.

As the battle draws near, Grigory prepares himself for his first full-fledged battle. He plans to stick as closely to the light infantry as possible, striking from stealth when the opportunity appears. Orcs don't scare him, and he intends to show them that a city sewer worker from the Empire is more dangerous prey than the bumpkin farmers they've been fighting so far.

Ok, I think I understand the basics. During the battle, Grigory and Rufus will act independently, becoming a TS 2 element. He intends to use Shortsword and Stealth (both at 15+) so he'll get a +1 on Heroism rolls, with a +1 Risk modifier because they don't write songs about cowards.

Rufus, sensing his master's anxiety, begins to get visibly excited for the upcoming bloodshed, which gives Grigory an idea. When he has the opportunity, he asks around to some of the men he recruited: "Are there many dogs in this town? And how do they like the taste of orc?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:45, Thu 07 Mar 2013.

A few looked at Grigory blankly, not catching his meaning. One, however, named Otis smiled wickedly "We gots many dogs 'ere master. I bets they like the taste of green flesh." Without any more orders, he took a few with him, and disappeared for several hours. While he was gone, Grigory was able to take some men and set up a massive gunpowder mine right in the center of the road leading to Akendorf. The orcs would have to cross it almost unavoidably.

The count and Bjorn rapidly organized there forces, and Grom showed up about mid day, reeking of alcohol but still appearing as belligerent and dangerous as ever. He helped a few of the other fighters overturn some old and rotten wagons in the gate area and generally spurred people to action out of sheer fear.

About an hour past mid day, one of the battle mages found von Richtgraf and, with a whisper, told him that the orcs were nigh. Following the caster to a high place, Nik could, sure enough, see the roiling mob nearing. The breeze faintly wafted their smell, and chanting to the fighters ears. "'ere we go, 'ere we go, 'ere we go!, 'ere we go..."

It was quickly drowned out, though, by the braying of hounds, barking and snarling. Otis had returned and had dozens of dogs on leads. Mutts, mongrels, and the like, and, you might notice with some satisfaction, a lot of hunting dogs, likely stolen from the apathetic rangers. All of the animals were shoved into the barracks, despite the protests of the militia, until they could be let out on the greenskins. The yowling and snarling was diminished once they were inside, but the crashing of furniture being destroyed was all too clear.

Now is the time to don armor, ready your forces, make inspiring speeches, and decide on a strategy for the first round. After that, the battle shall be joined!

Grigory stood watching the snarling chaos of Otis bringing in the dogs with a smile on his face. "You know Rufus, I think we're going to like the border princes."

Nik stands in the courtyard, surrounded by the men who stand ready at their positions along the walls and in the yard; next to him is Maurice, holding the dreadful plumed dog banner and standing proudly as a servant-at-arms, and on the other side is Pip, a simple drummer boy that would beat the Count's messages over the thumping chaos of battle. The Count is quiet for a moment after capturing the men's attention, even holding up a finger to further quiet any murmuring until all that can be heard is the distant chanting of the orcs.

"Men, I salute you! You who are abandoned by your lord to await terror and doom have raised up; able bodied and fearless, you stand for your homes when others cower in their keeps! You are an inspiration for all, and we strangers are proud - immensely proud - to fight alongside you. Do not believe that this will be smooth or easy for any of us; there is great hardship to come, but you will find a soldier's kit is no burden compared to a slave's chains or a corpse's shroud! I will not bore you with the rewards of glory - you fight for something far more important. You fight for your homes, for your family, for your lives! Do you hear that? No, not that; that's just orcs singing their marching songs. Listen again. There, do you hear? Crows. They know there is a slaughter to be had, and they're right. They're hungry birds, and one way or the other we'll feed them today. What say you, men? Shall we glut them on the flesh of orc!?"

After the reaction dies down, the Count turns to Bjorn with a look of surprisingly solemnity. "Your Grace, perhaps a blessing for the men?"

Our first round strategy is Deliberate Defense, representing our first few minutes of well-prepared work: plenty of heavy rocks being thrown over the wall, perfectly loaded muskets, well rested mages, that sort of thing. We can't gain PB, but we get +2 for our Battle Strategy Modifier and inflict +5% casualties if we win the round.

Total TS: 23 (not counting any individual units (Nigel, Grom, etc.)
DB: +8
Risk: +2 (both Nik and Maurice are firing alongside the men this round, not factored into my Tactics roll)
Basic Strategy Modifier: +2 (Deliberate Defense), +1 (Artillery Superiority), +1 (Fire Superiority).

09:32, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 3d6. Leadership - Fanatics (11).

I'm probably calculating this wrong, but I'm rolling my Tactics (12) + Basic Strategy Modifiers (4) + Defense Bonus (8) for a total of 24. I'm just going to go ahead and roll so that we can get started, but I have no idea how I should have calculated that.
09:35, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 11 using 3d6. Tactics (24).

EDIT
Heroism: 5 + 1 (Broadsword 15+) +1 (Leading a unit), +2 (Risk)
16:10, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 3d6. Heroism (9). Holy shit, I didn't think that would work!

I also changed my speech from Blue to Gray. Formatting is important to me, say what you like. ;P
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Tue 12 Mar 2013.

Bjorn nods to the count and takes the stage.

"Citizens of Akendorf! Men of arms! Men of honor! Our Lord Sigmar would not abide the marauding of such vile creatures as dawn our doorstep this day! Neither shall we abide! Fight we now in the Grace of Almighty God! By his fortitude we shall overcome this menace and smite their ruin upon these city walls! FOR SIGMAR! FOR FREEDOM! FOR THE EMPIRE! FOR AKENDORF!"

Holding up his glowing, flaming war hammer, he jogged to the front of the company he would lead in the battle.

"The count will lead us all, men. Dare you not defy his orders or you shall face the wrath of Sigmar in my mighty hammer!"

Risk Modifier: +3
Heroism: 5 + 1 (skill 15) + 1 (command) + 1 (fanatic) + 2 (risk modifier) = 11
12:09, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 9 using 3d6. Heroism 11.

A mighty cheer rose up from the defenders. Some had tears brightening their eyes, and all gripped their weapons a bit tighter in resolve. Even the dogs, bottled up inside the militia barracks seemed to have taken on a reverent silence.

The orcs boiled down the road and the party took their places among the defenders. As the greenskin mob grew closer, it was clear that the scouting reports were correct and the orcs outnumbered you all by at least five to one. The chanting of "'Ere we go!" stopped when they were about one hundred yards from the town, when the whole group took up a rumbling growl and bounded forward.

The racket they made was enormous, and one could only imagine the sound of a true WAAAAGH if they had not experienced it first hand. Their armor clinked and clanged, they rattled their mighty cleavers on their shields, they snarled, and their feet shook the ground. The orcs charged on and forward until they were only about twenty yards off, when the rush began to slow. The front runners came up short and eyed the barricade erected overnight and in the morning by the human defenders. Soon, those in the ranks behind crashed into the vanguard, something not taken lightly by any involved. Brawls started to break out as the charge began to stutter and lurch forward.

"Shall we fire on them sir?" Asked one of the musketeers to von Richtgraaf. In response, Nik shook his head, but did raise his blade up into the air.

In another couple moments, a huge orc with skin nearly black swaggered forward and started swinging a huge wooden club about. Struck orcs were sent flying "Aye boss, what'd ye do that for?!" was heard more than once.

Another large orc, after punching out the greenskin he had been fighting called out to the apparent war boss "Hey Grog Snortta! I thought this town was sposed to be undefended. Wass this then" He gestured to the barricade. The commander sighed. "Iss somthin to chop down ain't it?! now get to chopping, the lot of ye!"

This, coupled with a few bruised heads was all the commander needed to get his troops moving again. The horde turned as one, and lurched forward again, now only about ten yards away. "Fire!" came Nik's reply.

Muskets boomed out, and fire flared, and the front rank of orcs melted away only to be absorbed by many, many more who threw themselves at the barricade.

Make your Heroic Actions rolls now. Bjorn already took his, but he can make any IC post he likes to reflect a successful roll. Smiting orcs, burning them from the inside-out with holy fire, etc

Grigory, used to small-scale combat found himself completely at a loss during the beginning of the battle, unable to take any meaningful action other than watch the orcs assemble outside the walls.

13:43, Today: Grigory rolled 14 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1 skill+1 Risk.

 Hearing that the orcs had finally arrived he smiled grimly and moved out from the inn with a tankard in his hand and his axe in the other. He quick stepped along until he was outside the barricade and watching the mass of orcs outside.

 Bellowing outside the barricade to the orcs, he let his voice ring outside the walls. "OY, Send your leader on over here, there is one dwarf here who is waiting to cut his greenskin to small goblin sized bits.

 Your leader is an Snotling brain to think he can take this place but i dont think you idiots will pause to listen, so come on, lets dance with death".

Nigel stands in the front with the melee fighters, shooting to take out important targets among the orc ranks. He fires arrows into the eyes and hearts of any officers he can identify, his bow twangs melodically as he constantly shoots with not regard for defense.

12:37, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 8 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1(Bow 15+)+3(Risk)=9. Success by 1!

Standing atop the most vulnerable barricade, Bjorn hurls lightning bolts at the mass of orcs from his flaming war hammer, rendering their armor almost useless and cooking their flesh like raw meat. Some manage to make it up the barricade, but are met with a flaming mass of metal to the face, sending them flying back into the crowd. His battle cry is heard all around: "SONS OF SIGMAR! FOR AKENDORF!"

That initial volley, coupled with the orcs' remaining confusion about the barricade lead to horrendous losses in those first few minutes of combat. Those greenskins who did reach the barricade either swung at it madly with their weapons, ran flat into it, or knawed at it, and made easy pickings for any with long spears, or the heroic company of caravan guards. Few actually targeted the defenders.

The Count von Richtgraf fought masterfully well. Sword flashing, buckler pummeling, and, when Maurice could toss him the occasional pistol, calmly discharging the piece into the face of the closest charging orc. In no time, a short barricade of his own making, comprised of dead and dying orcs ringed in the nobleman.

By his side, the brave priest did a wonderfully fine job keeping up with his leader. He could feel the pleasure of his god coursing through his veins, and his magic seemed to flow effortlessly. Surely Sigmar blessed him this day. Or not. As Bjorn bellowed out his battle cry, he quickly toasted another orc's face. The creature came on, though, already dead on his feet and collided with him, the spike of its shield punching through the Sigmarite's armor.

Nigel stood on a small overturned cart and, with amazing speed, put out the eyes and stopped the hearts of orc after orc.

Grom and Grigory, though, were less successful. They picked off the occasional orc here and there, but, this round, were not the paragons of combat the others were.

The fighting lasted throughout the day. Both forces receded in the night, for a time and took up again before dawn had even broken.

End of round 1!

Grom, I rolled for significant actions for you: 09:16, Today: Secret Roll: Chance rolled 14 using 3d6. significant Action 5+1+3

Bjorn, you were the only one to come up injured: 09:26, Today: Secret Roll: Chance rolled 8 using 3d6. (Casualties) 5+2+1
Your Injury: 09:27, Today: Secret Roll: Chance rolled 5 using 2d6-1.

You all have taken 5% casualties, which counts -1 towards your Battle Strategy Modifier. You have the Trap, and you may now use the dogs. Both will give you a total of +2

This first combat lasted 24 hours. It is now about 3 or 4 PM the day after the orcs first attacked.

After the first day, the Count's spirits were buoyed; he congratulated the fighters, mourned genuinely with the bereaved, and mercilessly dispatched any surviving orcs. Ordinarily an obsessive worker, he is careful to remain conspicuous among the defenders so that they can see the nobleman partaking fully in the hardships and struggle - hauling powder and shot to the small batteries, clearing out corpses, repairing defenses and doing whatever else he can to keep Akendorf in their hands.

During the morning's war-council Nik points out several areas that held well, and a few that did not. "We will shore our forces up here and here, sparing men from this wall. The militia will be well-heartened by yesterday's work, so we'll need to keep a tight leash on them today. Speaking of which, we'll save the mine and the dogs for now - I expect the barricade can hold another day."

Total TS: 23 (not counting any individual units (Nigel, Grom, etc.)
DB: +8
Risk: +3 (not factored into my Tactics roll)
Basic Strategy Modifier: +1 (Defense), +1 (Artillery Superiority), +1 (Fire Superiority), -1 (95% of forces).

08:40, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 13 using 3d6. Leadership - Fanatics (11). I lost control of the fanatics, unless Bjorn can reign them in.
08:44, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 12 using 3d6. Heroism (10). Really not doing so well today.
08:47, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 12 using 3d6. Tactics (22). That's Tactics (12) + BSM (2) + DB (8); that still doesn't seem right to me somehow.

Grigory took what sleep he could over night. He checked on those minding the dogs and saw that they were ready for battle, and made sure the mine's fuses were still intact and dry. Seeing the priest's injuries and the fanatics start to call for blood, Grigory did not want to risk himself any further. The plan seemed to be working and so he did what he could, but with the orcs mostly outside of the wall his short blade could not do much.

11:12, Today: Grigory rolled 13 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1 skill+1 Risk.

Nigel is truly in his element, defending a keep was how he became such a superb archer in the first place, and the defense of Akendorf really puts him in the zone. Every arrow he fires brings death to the orc that it hits as Nigel smiles grimly and keeps count if each kill.

09:37, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 7 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1(Bow 15+)+3(Risk)=9. Success by 2.

Bjorn tries to fall back after taking a hard hit, but when he notices his company getting restless, he holds up his flaming war hammer once more and cries out: "HOLD YOUR POSITIONS! BY SIGMAR YOU WILL HOLD!"

Risk Modifier +3
13:21, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 12 using 3d6. Leadership 13.
     To keep the fanatics from sallying forth.
13:25, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 13 using 3d6. Heroism 11.
     I'm not sure if I can still do this while injured, but I failed anyway.

Those devotees of Sigmar were eager to strike out onto the battle field, but concern for Bjorn's well being kept them inline. Instead, they surrounded him in a protective circle and did what they could to keep him safe and out of combat during the next day of fighting. As a result, they took the heaviest losses.

The orcs were less interested in keeping out of the fighting, and renewed their assault on the gate with a vigor they had not previously exhibited. They charged again, committing all of their troops to press the attack. Nigel truly shined, again pincushioning greenskins with arrows. By the time both sides withdrew from the field, there seemed to be an almost even number of dead humans and orcs. It was obvious that Nigel's stunning archery was the only thing that might have tipped the balance of dead into Akendorf's favor.


End of Round 2!
Grom, I again rolled a Significant Action Roll for you and you came up short
08:13, Today: Secret Roll: Chance rolled 11 using 3d6. Grom. (9)

None of you have suffered any (additional) injuries

Nigel's tipped the Battle strategy roll in your favor. Still, you have taken 10% casualties today. The orcs are down to less than half strength.

The men were fighting hard, but the reality of battle was much more concentrated on the second day; perhaps it was overconfidence on their part, or the new-found resolve of their enemies, but too many mistakes were made that second day. It was therefore little surprise when the Count stalked into the third morning's war council with a much more serious expression than the one before.

"Well done minding the peasants, Your Grace; I fear they're beyond my leash at this point - you must tend your flock with a stern hand." As he speaks he marks out paths and spots on the large map using a piece of charcoal, including a large "X" outside the main gate. "Gentlemen, we have them reeling; I want to devastate them today, and then we may route them tomorrow. The mages and musketeers will slow their fire, allowing the horde to reach here," he stabs the charcoal X with a finger, "then blow the mine. As soon as that's done, we release the hounds to their work - the mages will target the outer ranks to let the dogs fight as long as they can, and concentrate fire alongside the musketeers on the thickest mass when the dogs have been stopped." He steps back from the map and puts his hands on his hips, wearing a look of grim satisfaction. "Look to your lads, gentlemen, and don't stop killing until I give the word."

That day on the field Nik stands among the front-line defenders, both to inspire the men who may be sullen from the previous day's losses and to make a better showing of his own efforts; as the orcish horde approaches with their familiar chanting the Count calmy checks the priming of one of his pistols while speaking aside to his drummer-boy. "Pip, my boy, I grow so weary of that inane orcish noise; tap us out a lively tune, won't you? Something martial."

Total TS: 23 (not counting any individual units (Nigel, Grom, etc.)
DB: +8
Risk: +3 (not factored into my Tactics roll)
Basic Strategy Modifier: +1 (Defense), +1 (Artillery Superiority), +1 (Fire Superiority), +1 (Trap), +1 (Dogs), -3 (85% of forces).

09:17, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 9 using 3d6. Tactics (22).
09:16, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 4 using 3d6. Heroism (10).
09:16, Today: Nikolaas von Richtgraf rolled 13 using 3d6. Leadership - Fanatics (11).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

Grigory watched as the fanatics died at the hands of the orcs. And marvelled at his companions' heroic actions and self-lessly putting themselves in harm's way to defend the town they had arrived in only a few days ago. He was not a hero - he was just a man from Nuln who didn't like rats. But he was happy for the opportunity to be fighting alongside them.

Just before dawn, as the sounds of the orcs started up signalling their return to the the attack, Grigory found Nikolaas. "There are a lot of dead orc out there," he said. "I think we should blow the mine when they arrive today, and release the dogs when they're scattered and confused. Maybe we can end this."

11:34, Today: Grigory rolled 10 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1 skill+1 Risk.

The warrior priest stayed as close to the front line as possible, positioning himself between the fanatic peasants and the orcs.

"BY SIGMAR, YOU WILL HOLD! LET NOT THE SEEDS OF CHAOS WE SEEK TO DESTROY TAKE ROOT IN YOUR HEARTS AS INSUBORDINATION! YOU WILL HOLD!"

Despite his injuries, Bjorn was felling orcs left and right. One especially large adversary was dropping fanatics like flies, and the priest would have none of it. Though the foe was nearly twice his size, Bjorn charged the thing and managed to land a solid blow to the chest. At first, the enemy shrugged it off. A moment later, it was holding its stomach, clearly in pain. It began to retch and collapsed, flames spitting out of tiny holes in its skin, till finally the creature burst into flames and melted into a pile of ash. This so demoralized the nearby orcs and bolstered the morale of his company that it may very well have turned the tide—at least on that front—of the battle.

Risk Modifier: +3
13:33, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 10 using 3d6. Leadership 13.
19:07, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 4 using 3d6. Heroism 11.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Sat 16 Mar 2013.

Those who watch must think the Brettonian mad, covered in the gore of two days of battle, he charges about the field sending arrow after arrow into the enemy forces. Each arrow finds a place in the eyes and hearts of the orcs and the archer loudly shouts out the number of each kill, a number that is daily growing larger, more demoralizing to the orcish horde, and lifting the morale of the human forces.


15:53, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 7 using 3d6. Heroism 5+1(Bow 15+)+3(Risk)=9. Success by 2. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sun 17 Mar 2013.

On day three, the orcs were wavering and the defenders could feel it. Their numbers had been greatly diminished and when the battle was met, the fight was clearly starting to go out of them.

Grom, Nigel, Bjorn and Nikolaas swung through the greenskins like reapers harvesting grain, and, in only a few minutes, the orcs broke and ran! The development was too tempting for the fanatics and, with a shout, they rushed over the barricade out after the orcs. The trap was sprung just as they surged over, blowing up several dozen greenskins (the humans were, luckily, too far away to feel the blast), and the fighters made short work in violently worshiping their warrior god.

Grom passed his leadership roll as well and I crit-failed on the orc's roll. You've won by a significant enough margin that you may slaughter the orcs to a man, or let them go. Furthermore, you suffer no casualties, so there was no risk of injury.

Congrats! you've won! I'll leave this thread open for the rest of the day in case you want to make any RP pursuit or after the battle posts, and then start chapter 2 tonight or tomorrow.

Seeing that the battle be won, Bjorn lead the fanatics to slaughter any remaining greenskins.

"Leave none alive! For no such mercy would e'er be shown by these foul creatures!"

Upon his return, he directs his company to the building in which the mayor has boarded himself.

"Herein stands your 'fearless leader.' With him is one apostate Witch Huntress by the name of Benedikta. She has poisoned the mind of the mayor against you and to her own dastardly whim. Chaos has taken root in her heart, and it is only a matter of time before it spreads. Let us end it here while yet we are able."

11:36, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 14 using 3d6. Public Speaking 13.
     Hoping for at least a +1 for appealing to their fanaticism and showing who is truly to blame for the mayor's incompetence.
11:38, Today: Bjorn Jorgensen rolled 11 using 3d6. Captivate 12.
     Not a huge margin of success, but hoping for bonuses for a good speech.

Nigel pursues the orcs with the rest of the men, he continues to fire arrow after arrow, but this time his aiming for their knees. The terrified looks on the faces of the orcs as they fall to the ground and are beaten to death by the fanatics makes Nigel smile as he remembers those that died in Akendorf's defense.

While Bjorn leads the fanatics to help him capture Benedikta, Nigel oversees the light infantry, helping them strip the orcs of their weapons and armor and throwing their bodies into a large pile to be burned. Anytime they find a fallen human though Nigel makes sure the body is carried back to the city with honor to be buried after receiving proper blessings.

To maybe find anything extra special while they're looting the orcs:
12:25, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 12 using 3d6. Search 12. Success by 0.
12:25, Today: Nigel Plaskitt rolled 11 using 3d6. Scrounging 13. Success by 2.

Grigory smiled as the dogs ripped into the orcs. Chuckling to himself, he said: "Quite a show, eh Rufus?"

Once again, he marvelled at his heroic companions as they commanded not only the battlefield, but rapidly seized mob rule of the town as well. He followed the crowd as Bjorn led the march on the Mayor's house. It was the kind of popular uprising that the poor had drunkenly wished for in Nuln around empty tankards of ale every time a noble came through the neighbourhood on a gilded carriage. To actually see something of the sort, in a border town small enough that it might not immediately be stomped down by the Imperial army, was thrilling.

The fact that it might give him a chance to get his blade close to Benedikta's neck veins, was just gravy.

The battle was won! After the defenders had made bloody pulp out of the remaining orcs, Bjorn took them, Grom, and Grigory with him to the palace.

Nigel and von Richtgraf stayed behind to deal with the aftermath. Seeing to the proper disposal and burial of corpses and, of course, the looting of the battlefield.

Most of the greenskins' equipment was as good as junk to the humans. But they had been raiding the countryside and valuable trinkets were to be found here and there. A gold earring pulled out of an ear, a ring around one of their large, tusk like, bottom teeth, the occasional human or dwarven weapon. After about 2 hours of looting, the count had gotten about 5,000 Crowns worth of coin and valuables, after the looters had no doubt pocketed quite a bit, to distribute to the soldiers or keep for himself as he saw fit. People were now starting to come out of their houses, and gather at the front gate, to get a look at the bloody ground, and at their conquering hero.

All of a sudden, someone, one of the musketeers, jumped up onto the dearly protected barricade and took the standard from Maurice. He raised it above his head, where it wobbled precariously and screamed out "To Nikolaas von Richtgraf! May he never be forgotten by us, and always be remembered as 'The Savior of Akendorf'!"

The people thundered a reply, and started, quietly at first, chanting the Count's family name, until it was taken up by, what seemed to be, the entire city shouting out "Richtgraf! Richtgraf! Richtgraf! Richtgraf!"