The Slaughter at Ephesius

[Shmeepicus 4216]

The Slaughter at Ephesius

From the Perspective of Private Ivan var Ruthern

 

The aftermath of the Battle at Ephesius.

 

 

   It was less than a month after the outbreak of war on the 4th of the First Seed, a small party was being held at the Elven settlement of Ephesius. Many folks were gathered around, drinking and sharing merry moments. The Imperial State Army had been tasked with the defense of the settlement during the festivities. Early on the 5th of the First Seed, a small scouting party of Ferrymen were spotted on the outskirts of the settlement, though their numbers were small. It was dismissed as holding little to no threat.

 

   After a few hours, the scouting party could no longer be seen. It was presumed that what little threat there was had all but vanished, as my grandfather, General Erik var Ruthern, dismissed me back to Providence to make sure an attack upon the city would be impossible to accomplish, though I was there but another hour or so when I received a rather hastily scribbled letter, delivered by bird. It demanded my immediate return to Ephesius.

 

   I gathered my things and returned swiftly, riding down the road to the town where I caught a glimpse of the Dwarven rally, numbering thirteen hundred strong. I bided my time, waiting for them to shift positions and then darted inside, finally amongst the two-thousand strong garrison that was holding the settlement. It was a siege, at least that’s what it felt to be. Large skirmishes broke out between those outside the walls and those within, arrows being shot back and forth, though the dense forest and walls of the town provided cover for both sides. Little, if any, casualties were taken during this back-and-forth. 

 

   Then the day came, the 11th of the First Seed.. the Legions of Urguan had managed to find a way over the wall, quickly spilling into the city. The General Erik var Ruthern rallied the soldiers, who were spread across the ramparts of the palisade. He quickly ordered a charge and they met the main Dwarven force, clashing with the Legion in a fierce melee. Orders were given out from both sides, though were often drowned out by the shouting and clamour of steel on steel. At the end of the battle, eleven-hundred Dwarves lay dead upon the streets and grounds of Ephesius, with only a hundred Orenian soldiers lost.

 

   One Dwarf, whether he was trying to prove himself amongst his comrades, dared to challenge a newly-recruited Imperial soldier to a duel of honour. The recruit, Brennhus, eagerly accepted, likely trying to accomplish the same as his counterpart. He quickly and easily struck down the Dwarven soldier, sending him to meet his ancestors. A loud cheer erupted from the entirety of the garrison as they witnessed this, shouting his name with great joy.

   Ivan sighed as he wrote out his perspective of the battle, this having been his first. He glanced over at his sword, which had a few light notches carved into the hilt. He sat there for a few moments before proceeding to pick up a flat piece of parchment, beginning to create posters that would find themselves all over the city of Providence.

 

   To the good people of Providence, this is not the first war our most Holy nation has endured. I do not foresee it being the last. If the Battle at Ephesius shows anything though, it is that we need not have to worry. The endurance, courage and strength of our soldiers in the Imperial State Army will pave a path directly to the doors of their so-called Grand Kingdom. We have faced foes like this time and time again.. and we shall bury them, with those who came before them and with any else who dare face the might of this Holy Orenian Empire. Those who attempt to disrupt our desire for peace will be met with the only thing they understand, violence. Oren aut Mortem. Oren or death. 

 

[BenevolentManacles 2232]

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[Imperium 3495]

General Erik var Ruthern cleans his armor following the fight, "The first of many victories." Erik chuckles, "I never thought I'd see dwarves climbing trees."

[Mirtok 2853]

Cadet Draco DeNurem wiped the sweat from his brow as the cacophony of battle subsided and the cheering of his comrades filled the air. Victory had been won and the aggressive advances of those under the mountain were driven back.

 

It has been quite the physical exertion chasing his quarry as the enemy Dwarves with their Human battle chattal in tow circled the city for hours; skulking about like a timid predator hoping to score a quick bite from their prey. When the squats comically dropped in from the tree line, he was finally able to extract the satisfaction he had been chomping at the bit to obtain. The fighting was quick but brutal, Draco swung his mace with the skill of a novice soldier as he had yet to graduate basic training, but swung it he did. For a moment he had been caught unaware and a well aimed blow caused him to collapse to the ground, boots stomping about him as Man and Dwarf tangled in mortal combat. It was the likes of Lieutenant Antler that came to his aid, dragging him from the blood stained soil to his feet. He allowed a moment of breath before he charged headlong into the fray once more.

 

"FOR THE EMPEROR!"

[Aehkaj 1244]

"Oren aut mortem." Sir Vladrick var Ruthern would yell, annoyed with his broken forearm

[VIROS 2915]

“Your people have proven themselves once again,” remarks the Archchancellor to her second-in-command @Minuvas

[ErikAzog 3575]

"Excellent fighting from the Imperial State Army." would state Philip Aurelian, "Time for me to join in the combat." slipping into a set of armor of the Imperial State Army, "I shall join them upon the next field of battle."

 

[critter 2812]

Wynanya (Daemyar de Melphestaus, as the apology letters would say) reviewed the missive from inside the still-standing comforts of the Pinecone, the tavern from which their guests had watched the men fight in - however unlikely! - treetops and on earth alike, defending her home, their Empire - 

 

and indulged in a quiet, if sorrow-tinged, smile, lifting a battered tankard high.

 

"Oren aut Mortem, Private. My, what we owe you - may you all find good rest, soon. And not lose that - terribly witty edge, you had, either, goodness. Oren aut Mortem."

[Harald 2875]

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[DelaneyG 1279]

Helton Helvets heard news of this glorious victory as he sat waiting outside of the darkened Bastion, having gotten his blade wet for the first time only a few days prior. Soon enough he would be in uniform, learning to lead, and fighting His nation's enemies.

 

Samuel Gendik continued his mission - ferrying supplies south for the fortifying of defenses at the first line of defense, Southbridge. He heard news of this victory, said a prayer, and continued to work.

[LazyBacon220 600]

Grant Elmere would wake up within his barracks. Quickly sliding his uniform on, he runs out of the bastion, only to be handed a missive detailing the slaughter. "Wish I was there fellas. Next battle, I will be there comrades." He says to himself. Folding the missive and placing it into his pocket, he makes his way over towards the tavern for a glass of whiskey. 

[Frisket 4539]

R

[Pancho 4197]

As Kosher Fier hears of the massacre of dwavern troops, he throws a chair our of the Ceru tower, coping hard.

[mika1278 3213]

Mika Uialben pours in a drink for himself as he watches over the seas from high up in his keep upon receiving the missive

[LithiumSedai 5750]

The Landgrave of Alstreim opted to consider the missive as factual, setting up the pieces upon his wargame board to match. A few dice rolls and many knocked-out figures later - Ireheart axemen and Imperial cuirassiers - the outcome matched as well. A lucky roll, or a proof of tactical and strategic superiority?

 

Only time would tell.