[center][h3][color=E4D00A]Hugh – Westroad[/color][/h3][/center]

After a moment spent looking over the hill at the occupied village, and another studying the map sketched in the dirt, Hugh breathed out a sigh and stepped into the limelight.  He raised a hand for attention over the general mumbling and clatter of weapons, gear, and animals.  “Looks like our techie's a bit of a rookie. Hope you don't mind, Gaius, but considering this is your first time and all, I'm going to shift some stuff around a little.  Your basic plan of attack sounds pretty good, all things considered, but your pairings could use some work.  Listen up, folks.”

He gestured to each individual as he mentioned them.  “Takes one good fireball to set thatch on fire, so we'll only be needing one mage for that job.  The little incident back in the Basilmeron Castle courtyard has convinced me that Syrena would be best for that job.  Franky will watch her back.  Arkhant and Ronin will be near, but together, and will make sure the civilians get out okay.  The plan is simple and efficient: fighter draws the aggression and the mage throws spells from a distance.  It's a combination I saw a lot of in the Basileus' annual Doubles tournament.  Lilith and Sanguin should lead the assault against the axemen; front-line combat isn't Jeanne's thing.  You also forgot about the thieves.  The trouble here is where to put our armor, which is me and Jakobe; we best resist the archers, but we'd also have the advantage against swordsmen.  I say we employ Habeen and Kuur to harass them until Jakobe, Nick, and I deal with the archers.  Timmy will accompany us to make sure we get through intact.  Once we break the archer's line, they'll flee to try and get back the range.  By positioning Gaius and Jeanne behind them, we'll ensure that there's nowhere to run.  Then Jakobe and Nick will finish the thieves.  During this time, I want Kel performing more reconnaissance on the leaders to determine their capabilities, perhaps trying to separate them if you feel confident, and roaming the perimeter away from the archers to bring down any who try to escape.  Afterward, he and I will move toward the enemy leaders, joined by whoever else is done with their tasks.  They may outnumber us slightly, but we've got skill, unity, and above all, purpose.”

Pulling his weapons from the convoy, he placed two javelins in holders on his back and hefted his spear.  He raised an eyebrow at Nickolas but addressed everyone, “Does that work a little bit better?”