It'll probably be easier to decide in the Camp Phase. There you will get an idea of who you'll be facing. You'll want to formulate your strategy around that.
EDIT: What I mean to say is, some of you may feel more/less confident about the role depending on who you'll be facing. If your unit is an integral part of the proposed strategy, I would probably want to be Commander. If you think you have a good idea on how to win the next battle, I would probably want to be Commander.
@Everyone: I'm going to write and revise some rough drafts of the IC's introduction post today and throughout the week. Hopefully every one will have their bios up by Friday so we can get things rolling.
During the Camp Phase I'm going to provide some details about who you might be facing that day. You guys need to discuss in the OOC who should be the Commander of the upcoming battle once the IC goes up. The Commander will then explain his strategy in the IC, and may delegate troops as he sees fit. Just know it's not a good idea to litter the IC with useless banter; I advise against back-and-forth conversations in the Camp Phase and recommend you only post reactions/comments of the Commander's strategy during the Camp Phase.
I understand some players probably enjoy character development and interaction, so after the Battle Phase I think I will allow a 'Rest Phase' taking place in the evening or night and you guys can post freely and the characters can converse with each other then until the next Camp Phase.
@bright_ops: Aha, Sabaton. I like The Winged Hussars and Last Stand!
@skwint: I suggest choosing a force you feel comfortable playing.
@babbysama: Alaric will not be sending the full force of the Empire at you; he will be deploying small armies similar in size to your own. He moved swiftly to occupy the Maw, and brought only an auxiliary force - that's who you'll be fighting first. Reinforcements are own the way, and the Imperials can field a variety of troops pulled from many races and former nations. Every battle will bring new opponents and they will grow in difficulty.
Like I said in the interest check, you'll remain in the pass for as long as Alaric wants you to remain in the pass. There's a method to his strategy.
Physical: Like many Varan hailing from the north, the young Torr stands high among men and his toned shoulders echo his ability as a warrior. His long, rugged, black hair hangs down to just below his shoulders, and his black beard hangs down to his chest. Cold, dark blue eyes are set upon his cold face, complete with a fierce demeanor and strong chin.
Equipment: Torr wears chainmail over his torso, covered by a padded tabard, while a black belt wraps around his waist. He wears black, iron-plated gauntlets complete with gloves, and iron greaves cover his black boots. A cloak of wolf fur hangs over his shoulders. In battle Torr wears an iron helmet modeled in the shape of a wolf's head. Most of his apparel is dyed black with dark blue accents, with the emblem of a white wolf's head.
Torr carries an iron-braced, wooden round shield, a longsword, a hand-axe, and his family's ancestral blade. He is a master swordsman and has been regarded as one of Asgeir's finest warriors. He prefers to use his longsword and shield together, resorting to his hand-axe when necessary. His family's ancestral blade is an ancient weapon, and never used; a dark-colored, rune-scribed blade comes forth from its wolf's head hilt. Some would say the runes hold magical power, although Torr does not believe so.
Background: Torr is the son of Tarro, the jarl of Valland. Like all Varan, Torr was brought up as a warrior and would one day take his father's place as jarl. Although he has battled bandits, raiders, and pirates, Torr longs for a real challenge. When news of the Sylver Empire's encroachments reached Asgeir, Torr took up his sword and marched south with ten of his best men.
Faction Valland Hold, Asgeir Far to the north lies the realm of Asgeir. It is a land of harsh winters, abundant forests, vast mountains, and chilled valleys. Rivers and tributaries run from the slopes of snow-covered peaks, winding through the dark forests and icy hills before emptying into the seas and lakes.
The High King of Asgeir rules from the capital of Stormhold, the oldest and largest city in the kingdom; Stormhold is also the extent of his power, as the realm is largely governed by independent lords called jarls. Each jarl rules a jarldom and is responsible for its maintenance and protection. Valland Hold is one such jarldom, long ruled by the Valgard clan. The Valgards are capable swordsmen, perhaps the finest in Asgeir. In times of war the Valgards can raise the Wolfguard, legendary horsemen who double as excellent infantry.
The Valgards rule from their walled town of Valland. Their land consists of rolling hills, perfect for grazing and farming, and thick forests which allow forestry and hunting. Winding rivers provide fresh water and fish. The Valgard clan symbol, and thus the symbol of their soldiers, is a dark blue field with a white wolfs head.
Asgeir Military A jarl may levy the men and women of his province to form a warband, personally led by the jarl himself. All able-bodied men and women are expected to heed the call, although it is usually the head of household and his oldest sons who pick up arms to fight for the jarl. Shieldmaidens are common in Asgeir and can account for 45% of the nation's military. Because of this levy system it is law for all individuals living in Asgeir to own a weapon and shield. Fathers and mothers train their sons and daughters to fight from a young age, guaranteeing a capable military force in times of war.
Asgeir is a vast realm, and the towns and settlements can be spread across vast distances. Therefore horses are almost required to trek the long distances. Horses are also used to work the fields, herd the cattle, and transport necessary food and supplies to other locations. This has led to an equestrian-based society, and almost all families own horses. It is no surprise then that when levied many warriors ride into battle atop their beloved steeds.
Asgeir produces fine horsemen. They may not be as heavily armored as a knight, nor as fast as other riders, but they strike a middle ground and can fulfill a multitude of rolls. When dismounted they double as excellent infantry. The wealthiest warriors ride barded horses and wear chainmail or iron armor, wielding round shields and either axes or swords, along with a lance.
Those men who have lost their horses or otherwise do not own one act as infantry. They bring with them chainmail armor, iron helmets, a round shield, and a melee weapon of their choosing. Infantry are expected to form shieldwalls, which allow them to absorb enemy charges and deflect arrow volleys, so all warriors must bring a shield.
Varan tactics revolve around charging and breaking enemy formations with their cavalry, and then finishing them off with the support of their infantry. Otherwise they absorb the impact of the enemy charge with their infantry, and seek to flank with their cavalry. They lack in missile units, and only a few jarldoms supply dedicated archer units.
Varan Military The Varan military can be divided into two portions: infantry and cavalry. The Varan are excellent riders, but double as excellent infantry, lacking in archery and artillery.
Command 10 Wolfguard - The Wolfguard are elite warriors from Valland Hold. These chosen champions are hand picked by the jarl himself, serving as his bodyguard in times of war. There are no finer warriors in Valland, and few others in Asgeir can match their prowess in battle. Generally, the Wolfguard are wealthy lords living in Valland who can afford warhorses and maintain a sufficient arsenal; they have thus sworn sacred oaths of loyalty to the jarl, and will fight and die in his name. Some Wolfguard begin as local strongmen who have proven their worth and are granted lands and titles.
The Wolfguard wear iron armor, wolf cloaks, and fearsome helmets meant to instill fear in their opponents. They carry iron-braced, wooden round shields, and an assortment of chosen weapons: greatswords, battleaxes, longswords, maces, etc. Each Wolfguard has a mighty warhorse, protected by barding. While they can act as sufficient cavalrymen, the Wolfguard prefer to fight on foot, utilizing age-old tactics like shieldwalls.
@nariata LOVE the picture! I've seen it in my Google searches a few times before and it always catches my eye!
The Followers of Roffella have that 'nordic touch' I enjoy in medieval settings. The bio looks great, and I especially like the Followers' backstory. You have brought a solid infantry core to the battle, and I definitely look forward to seeing them in action! I had brought a nordic-themed barbarian race to Gripclaw Pass (the setting of Rise of Domrius, the original RP), so the Followers' invoke nostalgia for me. You're accepted! Post in the Bio tab whenever you're ready! @babbysama The first thing that sticks out to me is Florian's backstory. I really enjoyed reading through it and his motives for fighting at the Maw really connects him to the overall storyline of the RP. I'm eager to see him prove himself!
He brings heavily-armored lancers, which is a great complement for Nariata's core infantry. The crossbowmen will be a fine addition to any ranged forces which may be brought to the pass. For me, the Galatian lancers bring back memories of the Thanisgard cavalry, which complemented my own core infantry in Rise of Domrius; our two commanders got along on very friendly terms and we relied on each other in the role play. You may post in the Bio tab whenever you're ready! @thecrash20 Where the previous two bios were more grounded, Erebus' bio is more focused on fantasy - a nice contrast. Looks like he has brought 29 men to the battle, serving as specialists and supportive infantry. I think the Allies will find supportive skills useful. As the first commander in Rise of Domrius, my forces were saved by a contingent of mages so I definitely know their usefulness. Post in the Bio tab whenever you're ready! @bright_ops I gotta say, I enjoy the thought of orcs/uruks coming to the Maw, just because I want to see what kind of reaction the other Allies have. I didn't think I'd like the idea at first, but I'm really intrigued by it!
The inclusion of light infantry and some cavalry-types are welcomed additions to the Allied forces, and I especially enjoy the thought of the support personnel. During the Rise of Domrius I sent my own forces to hunt for food during the second battle, so I'm reminded of that. I might have some potential excursions for the support personnel if you're interested. Just post in the Bio tab when you're ready. @conscripts Glad you opted to have 20 elephants, a manageable number for me, heh. We didn't have elephants at Gripclaw (the location of the original RP) so I'm interested to see how they fare here. The inclusion of heavy, light, and ranged cavalry are nice additions, and I am going to assume the knights are foot soldiers? Let me know where the knights are mounted or not ('knight' usually denotes they are), and then feel free to post in the Bio tab! @seriousarmour Bane's forces will add to the core infantry the Allies need, which is great. The inclusion of crossbowmen will be a nice addition for the ranged forces, and the scorpions should prove useful in the defensive battles to come. Post in the Bio tab when you are ready. @zetsuko Elves! I was waiting to see some elves! I like ranger-types and I think I'll enjoy reading about the Darkforest Rangers. What I really like is their capability to act as ranged units as well, something we are lacking in so far. The Twilight Knights will prove useful for the core infantry. Post in the Bio tab when you're ready!
@TJByrum You have my interest but I was sort of intrigued - is this a gorefest or will there be a chance for some diplomacy; i.e. someone from the Allies heading over to treat with Alaric in hopes of slowing him a bit more?
You will learn what kind of person Alaric is soon enough. ;)
But to answer your question, no, not really. Alaric, or rather the Empire, seeks to absorb your people and press them into military service. No one nation gets a free pass; you either serve them or you fight them. I'm not accepting bios from anyone who wants to serve the Empire.
Welcome to the Battle of the Maw. The Sylver Empire continues to rise. Imperial banners hang over the East and now the legions march west. Alaric, the Empire's premiere general, moves swiftly to occupy the Maw, the only safe route through the Dragonspine Mountains. A loose confederation of Western kingdoms move to oppose him, intent on holding the pass for as long as possible.
The stage is set. As the hodge-podge Western Armies assemble on one side of the Maw, Alaric and his auxiliaries prepare defenses opposite them. The Allies know they cannot hold out forever, but for each day they resist they buy their homelands more time to prepare for the coming invasion. How long can they withstand Alaric's assault, and will their efforts be in vain?
The Goal You will be commanding a small unit sent to hold the Maw. Your force can number no more than 400 men. You must work with your allies to hold the Maw for as long as possible. You cannot 'win', you cannot defeat/kill Alaric, and you cannot prevent the invasion. Your job is to delay the invasion for as long as possible so the Western kingdoms can prepare a proper defense.
There are two phases. The first is the Camp Phase. The players can interact, speak, and listen to reports, but ultimately you need to agree on a Commander for the upcoming Combat Phase. The Commander will devise a strategy for the upcoming battle, and may delegate command of troops to other players. When the Commander has decided on a strategy the phase ends. I recommend choosing the Commander here in the OOC, as opposed to long-winded back-and-forth arguments between characters in the IC.
The Combat Phase begins with the deployment of both armies. Naturally, Alaric will be the on the offensive as he tries to break your force. I will post with troop movements, attacks, and results, and the players will post in turn with their own reactions, movements, and attacks. During this phase you may only post once per turn. Casualties are tallied at the end of every battle and troop counts are updated on the OOC.
The role play ends when the Allied army retreats or is destroyed.
The Maw The known world is split into two distinct regions: the West and the East. Dividing them is a vast mountain range called the Dragonspine Mountains, which run from the northern wastes to the southern shores. Only one safe route exists between the Dragonspine and it is aptly named the Maw.
The Maw is a large valley between two mountains. Two armies may encamp well out of range on either side of the mountain pass, and two armies may maneuver within the pass to do battle without feeling 'cramped'.
Bio [b]Name[/b]: Your character's name and/or title. [b]Physical[/b]: A physical description of your character. [b]Equipment[/b]: Anything your character may wear or use, including armor and weapons. [b]Background[/b]: A brief background of your character. [b]Faction[/b]: The name of your faction with a brief overview. [b]Command[/b]: List the units you intend to bring to the Maw. I need to know their weaponry, armor, function, skills, abilities, etc.
You may add onto the bio as you wish, even include pictures, but everything I need is right up there.
The Western Armies [Name/Faction] - [Army] - [Player]
Hello everyone, looks like we got a lot of interest, which is great! I'm going to reply to the recent posts then try and get an OOC up. I'm going to be working tomorrow and then I will be off Sunday.
@6slyboy6: Remember, the Allies know they can't win the battle. They're just trying to buy their homelands as much time as possible by holding Alaric in the pass. In Rise of Domrius some of us (including me) decided to stay behind and die a glorious death; others opted to retreat when things looked bad. It's up to the player's discretion on what happens to their main character.
Ballistas and flaming ordinance are fine. And you have it right - it's a good idea for the players to dedicate their soldiers to one or two certain roles, but that's not a requirement. I, for example, in Rise of Domrius, brought the core infantry, another brought the cavalry, another brought artillery, and someone else brought mages, etc.
As for the similarities to Tyranny, that is intriguing. This role play is based off of Rise of Domrius, which was made in 2014; looks like Tyranny was released in 2016. I would think it's a coincidence, but an interesting one!
@conscripts: I don't mind you bringing elephants into the pass, but let's keep their numbers low. I don't want 500 elephants, if you know what I mean. I can assure you Alaric will have some means to deal with them at some point. ;) 10-20 sounds like a good number.
@babbysama and [@bright_ops: The battlefield will be like a large valley between the mountains. It's long enough and wide enough for two armies to maneuver and battle, without having to worry about 'not fitting', if that makes sense. You won't be having to deal with any altitude sickness or anything like that. The Western Kingdoms could be sending additional food and supplies to the pass; they would be unmolested, as no enemies exist behind you, so it's not a big concern. In the previous RP, however, I took time off during the second battle to hunt for food; it was a fun excursion.
@thecrash20: Yes, that's plausible. The GM of the last RP brought 10 men into the pass.
@Everyone: It's interesting to note in Rise of Domrius we had the addition of a traitor! We never knew who he was, but he apparently messed a lot of stuff up for us. I learned who he was years later and he was responsible for causing the allies to bicker on the third day. I decided not to include a traitor in Battle of the Maw because we might already have enough going on as it is.
@conscripts: You will determine the commander in the Camp Phase. The Commander will formulate a strategy, explaining how the troops will deploy and what they should do. He may even assign specific units to certain players, it's all up to him/her. Generally you would be leading your own troops on the battlefield, unless the Commander has specified otherwise. You can act freely and do as you wish, lead your units the way you want to lead them, or you may follow the orders laid out by your Commander. During Rise of Domrius I assumed command of the infantry (I had brought the 'core infantry' to the battle), and in both of my engagements I just grouped our infantry under my command; it didn't matter who they belonged to; because I was named commander I had the privilege to just assume command of every infantry unit we had. I delegated the command of the cavalry to others, and the command of the mages and archers to others, etc. Hope that makes sense.
