Update 8: Years 1150-1155: Apologies for a Late Update
Better Late then Never?
everyone at some time?
The Sjykalfar-Pilsetan War
Part One: Sjykalfar Order Undead Achatin and Pilsetans to Assault Pilsetan Mana Node; Achatin in Uproar!
Unfeeling, unthinking, the animated rotting corpses of Achatin and Pilsetan soldiers are mere puppets to their puppeteer, the Princess Anabella of the Sjykalfar. She, in turn, orders them to assault the Pilsetan mana node. Fortunately for the Pilsetans, the Lion Tribe general is expecting an attack upon their mana node and as the shuffling dwarven, gnomish and pilsetan dead approach the clearing where Pilsetan scholars and sorcerers ply their trade, well placed arrows begin to land amongst their number causing extensive tissue and structural damage. The undead, unfeeling, continue their advance but the Pilsetan formation spearwomen, well trained, experienced and well led, make easy work of the mindless creatures. The pilsetans soldier-women are said to have wailed in grief and frustration at having to face the bodies of their former comrades animated by despicable and abominable practices.
Achatin forces returning home to regroup, heal and grieve their dead comrades, already shocked and angry at having witnessed the animation of their dead comrades soon hear of the affair from their own forces and disgruntled elven villagers. Their leader dead, the Achatin army is fertile soil for the words of an angry and frustrated dwarven demagogue named Cleon Pathos with a tongue for grief, frustration, anger… and revenge. His message is a simple one. The Achatin were invited by the elves to defend their lands in conjunction with them. Instead, they were sent to the front line while cowardly elven soldiers sat in the comfort of their homes, content to let the Achatin fight, bleed and die for them. The Achatin soldiers, in recompense for their sacrifice on foreign soil, were repaid by the dark princess of the Sjykalfar with treachery. The bodies of their friends and comrades were animated and forced to fight again. A rare few might have forgiven this heinous act, this despicable act of dark magic, if only after the battle the bodies had been returned for burial and prayers. But instead they were thrown away in a one-sided battle against a superior foe by the uncaring elves. Well, the Achatin soldiers had had enough. For week after week Captain Cleon Pathos addresses his fellow soldiers with rhetoric and inflammatory speech.
When Princess Anabella addresses them during their passage through the sweet-smelling village of Sjykalfar proper with appeals to the brotherhood of arms and with fear-mongering that they would be unable to return home safe in their current form regardless, only very firm discipline prevents the Achatin army from laying waste to the Sjykalfar township immediately. Afterwards, many must have berated themselves for missing their chance because as they pass through the northernmost Sjykalfar farming villages, the Achatin army, knowing the Sjykalfar soldiers are busy in the south-west, lay waste to entire villages, plundering crops and houses, terrorizing the citizenry and desecrating small shrines and graveyards.
The Achatin are not the only ones who disparage at the tactics employed by Princess Anabella and her cadre of riaï. Many of the common people possess divided loyalties to both their monarch and to the traditional way of life and dream of pious green living with the ‘Tearwillow Reborn’. When they hear of the animation of dead bodies, of necromantic magics being used to twist the bodies of those recently alive to lurch to some sort of cursed second life, it is too much for them to bear. Many villagers throughout the countryside slink away into the forest. Rumors suggest that the Tearwillow and the forces of the druidess Araïlumni await therein to guide them to a new life in their camp.
Pilsetan formation spearmen damaged. Two Sjykalfar farms lose 1 population each. Sjykalfar lose 2 gold and 8 food to pillaging Achatin forces. Achatin gain ‘Captain Cleon Pathos’ a demagogue leader dedicated to fair treatment of Achatin soldiery (and are free to dismiss him if they want).
Part Two: Pilsetan and Sjykalfar Meet at Death Mana Node
After the brief and one-sided encounter at the Pilsetan air mana node the Pilsetan Lion Tribe General commands her forces to advance on the enemy’s death mana node so as to remove the source of elven dark necromantic magics and the source of the enemy princess’s power. Sjykalfar scouts report the movement and soon the two forces are engaged in a race for the node, one to destroy it, one to protect it. Princess Anabella, pre-occupied with a great magic ritual (see below) commands the shadow general to intercept the enemy movement.
This time the Sjykalfar arrive first and deploy their forces on a lightly forested hilltop not far from the small community that had grown around the node.
Within a week the Pilsetan forces arrive, arranging themselves in open field at the base of a long gently sloping hill. The Sjykalfar forces are composed of javelin skirmishers, basic spear and shield infantry and extensive sword and shield soldiery. None are heavily armored. The Lion-General led forces are composed of disciplined, well-trained formation spearmen and adaptable bow and sword missile infantry. Like their opponents, they are also only lightly armored.
The Pilsetans make the first move and begin to slowly march their spearmen up the long slope. Missile infantry guard the flanks. At extreme bow range, what would be considered very long range for longbows and normally impossible for these lighter shortbows, they stop and begin to launch volley after volley at the elves. The Shadow general is slow to respond, thinking that the light forest will do much to protect the elven forces from bows fired at such extreme range. The Pillsetan missiles are no normal arrows however, enchanted, the arrows seem to swim through the air like fish through the sea, kicking with their fletching and flexing their shafts, darting hither and yon through the forest, even changing their path in midflight to strike around shields and branches. The extensive volleys soon prove very damaging and, his position challenged, the shadow general orders a charge with most of his infantry, keeping only one unit of sword and shield in reserve. He guards his flanks with javelin-skirmishers. Meanwhile, the riaï general has magic of his own. Calling upon the dark forces of necromancy, he conjures a small smoking orb of death mana and with words of dark arcane power hurls it at the Pilsetan line. When it lands, it expands to an orb as large as a noble’s manor-house, and with a dull, hollow-sounding pop, bursts. Where once there had been proud Pilsetan infantry-women there now lies only ash and dry skeletal remains. The ranks of Pilsetan infantry-women, suddenly depleted of almost a quarter of their number, are disciplined and drilled by their beloved and trusted commander; though shocked and no doubt fearful for their own lives, they reform without hardly missing a step.
The spellcraft of the elven general serves apparently to signal the second stage of the Pilsetan attack. Suddenly a unit of Pilsetan missile infantry jumps to the air and with the grace and speed of hummingbirds takes to the skies in magical flight. Amongst their numbers the Lion Tribe general and her shock bodyguard can be seen, the lion-mane banner of the Pilsetan general whipping about wildly in the high winds.
On the ground the Pilsetans begin to move their shield-wielding spearmen into a long line in front of the archers while the archers themselves continue their rain of magical arrows. The Sjykalfar continue their charge forward even as the shadow general begins a second casting, this one aimed at the Pilsetan forces flying over his army.
The lion-tribe general orders her flying archers to disperse to prevent the enemy’s death magic from striking too many of her forces and this they do. None-the-less, the shadow general is a competent and dangerous sorcerer and his necromantic magics manage to strike at many of the flying archers, sending their ash and soot remains back to the earth.
As the Sjykalfar forces continue their charge, the flying Pilsetan archers fly beyond the Sjykalfar line and begin trying to shower the enemy rear with arrows. Though these arrows, so far from the enchantment of their brother archers do not benefit from the ‘seeking magics’ they once did, their position and relatively short range ensures deadly results. Only their reduced numbers due to the elven spellcraft prevents an immediate rout of the flanked elven forces. The long charge is a deadly one for the Sjykalfar and by the time the two lines finally meet nearly a third of the Sjykalfar already lie dead, pin-cushions for Pilsetan arrows. The two lines meet, the Pilsetan missile infantry drawing blades to protect the flanks of their spearwomens’ line. Sjykalfar javelins tear through Pilsetan shields as thick and organized Pilsetan spear meet loose undisciplined Sjyklafar lines which almost immediately begin to buckle in the center under the combined frontal spear and rear missile assault. Sjykalfar swordmen attempt to dance to the flanks, avoiding the Pilsetan spearline front on and quickly get entangled with the Pilsetan missile infantry. Here the Sjykalfar fare much better, fighting adequately on the flanks even as their center buckles.
The shadow general shouts orders to his messengers, attempting a wider flanking maneuver with his javelin-skirmishers. Even as he does so, a runner shouts a warning, the enemy general once again seeks personal combat with the Sjykalfar leadership. A javelin flies from the sky directly at the shadow general. Sidestepping the missile, only barely, the elven general draws a blade. The Lion tribe general and her shock bodyguard land amongst the elven center, their elite training, weaponry, and flying enchantments quickly carving out a small battle-zone in the heart of the enemy leadership and the infantry reserve. The Lion Tribe general immediately seeks battle with the Shadow general. The two combatants thrust and parry, a battle of speed, agility and training. The lion tribe general feints with a stab and the shadow general dodges left. Changing her stance and grip in mid-thrust the lion tribe general converts the feinted thrust to a wide slash while her opponent has his weight on his back foot. The shadow general steps back, the razor-sharp spear wizzing by under his chin, so close he feels it scratch the hair of his neck. Calling to his forces, the shadow general is surprised to feel his throat suddenly full of blood. Suddenly weak, his chest wet and warm, he looks down at the blood on his opponent’s spear in surprise. His eyes wide, unbelieving, he topples forward, dead.
The elven center immediately routs and the flanks quickly follow. The Pilsetans pursue until they are out of arrows. It is a very bloody day for the elves and a grand victory for the Pilsetans.
The Pilsetan Lion general impales wounded elven soldiers and the heads of the dead Sjykalfar
Ominously, the Sjykalfar princess is not present. In Pilseta proper, the Heron Tribe Councilor frets over what the greatest elven necromancer may be preparing. She does not have to wait long.
Lion Tribe general gains 1 martial. Pilsetan formation spear x2 damaged. Formation spear x2 gain experience. Missile infantry damaged, Missile infantry gain experience x3. Sjykalfar lose shadow general. Sjykalfar javelin-skirmisher wounded. Sjykalfar javelin skirmisher gain experience x2. Light spear and shield infantry dead. Light sword and shield infantry dead. Light sword and shield infantry damaged x1. Light sword and shield infantry x2 gain experience.
Part Three: Sjykalfar Ritual Devastates Pilsetan Country-Side
While Princess Anabella would have no doubt wished to have been part of the defense of the western death mana node, and would have been if the Pilsetans were not so quick to charge the position, her skills were not being ignored. Working in conjunction with the sinister riaï mage Rasmus Svigard (with whom some whisper a romantic affair is developing), the princess of the Sjykalfar has developed an elaborate ritual, channeling death mana to send tiny motes of pure necromancy floating over the horizon and gently alighting upon the farms and fields of the Pilsetan countryside. Wherever they land, plants wither and die, their fruits and grain shrivel and crumble at the slightest touch. Pilsetan farmers more courageous then careful exploring the floating motes soon find themselves sickened, tired and lethargic; some even die.
The ritual completes just as the remnants of the shadow general’s army returns from the front. Simultaneously, scouts begin to report Pilsetan galleys sailing eastwards on the estuaries of the ‘North Pilsetan’.
Pilsetan farm fertility reduced to zero (will recover over an extended period of time)
Part Four: Princess Anabella Takes Command
With news of the Pilsetan victory at the Sjykalfar death node trickling back to the riaï court many nobles begin to seriously wonder at the future of the elven people. The Pilsetans, it seems, have a stronger martial presence on the battlefield and only the elven command of necromantic magicks balances that equation. Now, the source of that magic was under serious jeopardy. At any moment Pilsetan mages would unravel the link between the Sjykalfar sorcerors and their source of death magic. Defenseless, the elven people would only be able to watch in fury and anguish as the Pilsetan warrior-women marched over their beloved home.
Even while Princess Anabella maintained her usual calm demeanor, the riaï council was in a panic. Some suggested suing for peace, surrender even. Others suggested an immediate counter-attack to secure the mana while the possibility still existed. Still others suggested contacting the nation of Throal or the orcs of Uld’ar and asking their assistance. Characteristically, Princess Anabella brought the council to immediate attention and unity when she declared that the only acceptable
Sjykalfar response was to counter-attack. Her ritual completed, she would personally lead the armies of the elven nation against the Pilsetan army.
Rasmus Svigard, declaring his continued loyalty and devotion to the elven matriarch was the first to dedicate himself to the personal guard of the princess. Raising his onyx-tipped wand, he vowed to personally slay the Lion General herself should she attempt to kill the Sjykalfar monarch. Following his lead, many other of the riaï council soon joined the bodyguard. Many did so out of dedication and loyalty but many tempered blind devotion with the realization that the Lion tribe general would most certainly attempt to challenge the princess in personal combat and that victory for the general would spell certain collapse for the entirety of the elven nation.
When the defeated elven army returned, they had but a week to replenish their supplies, greet their loved ones and heal their wounds before Princess Anabella commanded their return to the Pilsetan position, herself at their head. Prayers were whispered to any that might listen that neither the renegade Achatin nor the Tear Willow reborn would strike at the undefended city when she left.
Sjykalfar scouts are quick to reveal that the enemy Pilsetans seem to have begun reinforcing their position at the death mana node. Mages are already involved in unraveling the aetherial knots that tied Sjykalfar mages to the node. They aso revealed that Pilsetan scouts were probably already aware of the returning elven army.
On the fourth day of marching the elven army perceived Pilsetan galleys floating several miles offshore of the Sjykalfar countryside within the great ‘Loon Lake’. Judging them to be only lightly encumbered Princess Anabella continues her march. The death mana node is too important a goal to gamble dividing her wounded and demoralized forces.
Approaching the area near the death mana node elven scouts report that the Pilsetans have taken positions similar to that taken previously by the elven shadow general, at the top of a lightly wooded long sloping hill. Princess Anabella forms her armies in a thick clot at the base of the hill, her shield-wielding forces at the fore to protect against the Pilsetan shortbow fire. The day is overcast and threatens rain. There is no wind.
Pilsetans and Sjykalfar Meet Again
The elves begin their long march up the hillside and, as expected, the Pilsetans respond with bow fire. This time the archer-women lack the magical enchantments to guide their arrows and the elven shields do much to protect their forces, especially at such long range. Princess Anabella whispered ancient, nearly forgotten words of dark necromatic power and suddenly the sky darkens further and a strange ghostly wind whips wildly through the Pilsetan forces. Voices from beyond the grave whisper dark threats, like jilted lovers in the ears of the Pilsetan warriors. Cold, whispy fingers, like skeletal branches in the dead of winter pull and tug at Pilsetan armor, pluck at cloth, caress skin. A wave of doubt, purest fear ripples through the Pilsetan line. Archers slow their fire, gaze about wildly in panic and fear. Capatilizing on the fear-inducing spell, Anabella orders a general charge, indicating her javelin-wielding forces are to spread out attempt to flank the enemy missile infantry. Under cover of the confusion causing fear-inducing spell, the elven line is able engage the Pilsetan infantry line.
Despite the presense of their beloved dark matriarch, the elves are once again slowly beat back by the superior numbers, training and martial leadership of the Lion general’s forces. The formation spearmen of the Pilsetan center already push the elven light sword-wielding infantry, fighting in much looser formation back. On the flanks Sjykalfar javelins attempt to circle wider and wider to flank the Pilsetan missile infantry while Sjykalfar sword infantry closer to the center attempt to round on the corners of the Pilsetan spearwomen. The Pilsetan spearwomen extend their line, adequately countering the elven infantry on their wings without seriously threatening their center. Missile infantry pull their swords and charge elven javelin-throwers and despite receiving short-range volleys from the elven skirmishers, look to win the melee.
If it were not for the Princess Anabella and her death magic, the elven people would have lost the battle, the war and their lives. But it was not to be. Drawing on further death mana, Princess Anabella knew that the Pilsetan and elven bodies from the previous battle had been hidden- the lion tribe general would not allow these bodies to be reanimated in a second battle. But that did not mean their tortured spirits could not be corrupted and harnessed. This the elven princess did, calling forth spirits of purest necromatic cold. These creatures, wraiths or specters, whatever they might be called, were aetherial creatures of dark cloth and skeletal visages. Pale purple mists trailed after them and where they went so too did a cold from beyond the grave. The effect upon the Pilsetan line, combined with the earlier fear-inducing spell was great. Many a Pilsetan warrior-women forgot her discipline and training, her veneration for her beloved general and dropped her weapon and fled. As the specters worked their way through the Pilsetan ranks, though the carnage was but little, the effect on morale was great. Just as the Lion general was systematically engaging the specters, sending them back to their graves, the elven matriach wove the last of her mana into one last spell to push the Pilsetan morale over the brink. This time she wove a pattern of arcane that embodied her personally with a powerful vampiric aura. Immediately her riaï bodyguard began to feel a supernatural weakness and began to pale even as their princess was enchanted with a strength and speed never before seen. Charging through her own ranks, she pushed directly into the Pilsetan center, slashing with her sword, bludgeoning with her staff all with a speed that left her a blur and a strength that sundered shields and broke bones. Her opponents too began to weaken and feel faint as their lifeforce was drained to empower the elven matriarch’s spell. Faced with magical devastation and the morale of her armies ready to break at any moment, the lion tribe general ordered a general retreat. But the effects of the elven death magicks had already been felt. The Pilsetan center rippled with panic and almost as one, collapsed upon itself as it turned and fled. The flanking infantry and missile infantry was more courageous and fought a fighting withdrawal but their retreat was hasty and many a wounded Pilsetan soldier had to be left behind.
As a light rain began to fall and the winded elven army surveyed the battlefield, the saw that this time,
they were the victors.
Princess Anabella gains ‘riaï bodyguard’ (+1 salary, +1 power). Pilsetan formation spear destroyed. Formation spear x1 gain experience. Light missile infantry damaged. Light missile infantry x1 gain experience. Sjykalfar javelin-skirmsihers damaged. Javelin-skirmishers x1 gain experience. Sword and shield infantry damaged. Sword and shield infantry x2 gain experience. Princess Anabella gains 1 martial.
Part Five: Pilsetan Marines Raid Sjykalfar Heartland
Operating from galleys based off the Sjykalfar coast on nearby Loon Lake, Sjykalfar javelin-skirmishers make numerous small raids up and down the coast, stealing or burning crops, pillaging villages, disrupting commercial traffic and killing those individuals that do not flee when they hear of their arrival. Though locals often organize themselves into militia or some semblance of organized defense, the Pilsetan raiders simply retreat in the face of defenders, using their galleys to quickly insert themselves elsewhere, always maintaining the initiative against the elves in this way.
Upon hearing news of the Pilsetan loss at the death mana node to the west however, the ships and their raiders depart for their homeland.
Sjykalfar lose four food, 2 gold and 2 hammers to raids.