After Action Report: The Fight in the Conkerhove Woods

[Deets 1129]

AFTER ACTION REPORT: FIGHT IN THE CONKERHOVE WOODS  - LEGION OF SAINT GODWIN

Penned by
Captains August & Stefano of the Legion of Saint Godwin
in the year of our Lord 1976.

[!] This missive is sent to the Lord Marshal of the Heartlands, the Officers of the Legion of Saint Godwin, & to the sellsword Surtr.

I.

 

Summary: 

A patrol of the Legion of Saint Godwin led by Prince August of the Petra, Ser Stefano Montelliano, & Legionary Felix von Theonus encountered beyond the Langkette Pass an ongoing battle between cutlists & a lone traveler who had stumbled into their ongoing brutalization of Aaunish peasants, having found several slain peasants strewn out nearby the road towards Whitespire. 

Legionary Felix was dispatched with the Aspirants Leufroy & Aurel on horseback to scout the treeline to ascertain a clearer understanding of what the patrol had stumbled upon. Promptly, however, this small party was spotted and cultists began to give chase from the woods. Under Legionary Felix’s command, the trio promptly drew back, funneling the engaging force into a small clearing before wheeling about and charging.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the patrol under the command of Ser Stefano given the man’s familiarity with the Aaunish countryside began to flank rightwards, intent on closing in on those who had engaged the lone traveler. It was at this time that the sellsword known as Surtr arrived, offering his aid in dispatching the murderous cult. The ranks of the patrol now bolstered, they made good time as Ser Stefano led them away from the muddy path upon the patrol’s left, ensuring that the second party swiftly engaged as well. No doubt proving vital in the outcome which followed.

Several archers nestled within perches upon the trees began to rain arrows down in both directions, though to little effect as the patrol advanced with their shields held high. However, given the risk posed by allowing these archers to fire unabated, Prince August and the sellsword Surtr soon devised a tactic with which to counter the fire sustained by the Legion. As Prince August nocked arrows, Surtr would throw javelins which the Prince had brought for the patrol, affording a near constant fire of projectiles sent into the treeline. 

As this occurred, Ser Stefano led the remainder of the second group, now including Aspirant Aurel towards the center clearing, within which was found the Dowager Queen of Aaun, Edith Alstion. Her highness had been captured in an unknown manner and was moments away from sacrifice atop the pyre. However, due to the swift intervention of these two, the Dowager Queen was freed with only minor injuries sustained in the fracas. Aspirant Aurel at this time secured the capture of one cultist, now imprisoned within SITE 0-1 “BASTION”. Further questioning of this individual may prove fruitful for the attack upon the cultist’s base of operations.

Simultaneously, the contingent of Legionary Felix secured the clearing beyond the woods, dispatching the force which had initially engaged the scouting soldiers. Both Legionary Felix and Aspirant Leufroy acquitted themselves well, dispatching the opposing force with no injuries. This cooperation and skill at arms ought to be remembered for future endeavors. 

After a further moment, a warhorn emanating from what sounded to be the north signaled the retreat of the remaining archers. Upon a swift inspection, it appears the base of operations is indeed north, distinguishable by a large skull now carved into the mountain.

Casualties:

Several cultists were slain during the encounter.Additionally, several Aaunish peasants were found to have been slain prior to the arrival of the Legion of Saint Godwin.Thanks to the swift actions of the Margrave of Marignan, one cultists was captured near the end of the fight.

Minor were wounds sustained by Queen Mother Edith Alstion during the course of the fight, though ultimately the queen mother was rescued with minimal harm to her person.

Additional Notes & Recommendations:

I. Exploration of further use of the tactic of ranged weaponry, henceforth termed the Surtrian Volley.

II. An inventory search of the existing stockpiles of Legion equipment, searching for any items possibly damaged or worn down from years of storage. Specifically the longbows which may have fallen prey to vicious termites.

Spoiler

 

 

II.

 

Legion Scouting Report: 

A scouting force led by Legionary Felix under the supervision of Captains August and Stefano located the base of operations of this group. Conveniently located north of the Conkerhove Woods, the base itself is nestled upon the lower hillside which dots the edge of the Langkette Pass, nearby where it meets with Mont St. Alexander. 

It was noted by the members present within the scouting force that the hills to the right of the encampment afford a vantage by which the outer wooden palisade’s cover may be flanked. It was suggested by Prince August that a small ranged force should be deployed upon it when the encampment is to be stormed. However, it is also to be noted that the path down from this vantage point is steep, rendering movement difficult. Thus, if the supporting forces on the flank are to render aid in the storming of the encampment itself, this shall require perfect timing on the part of both forces.

The area to the south of the encampment itself is open, with little cover beyond the outcroppings of rocks which dot the path up the hillock upon which the encampment rests. A forward assault will be difficult should no supporting elements be utilized. Recommend providing stout shields to the strongest men who will make up the breaching party.

Additional Notes & Recommendations:

I. Creation of a small force of archers for the assault upon the encampment.

II. Requesting the aid of battle mages from the Order of the Petrine Laurel to lessen the difficulty of breaching the palisade.

His Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Prince-Consort of the Petra, Captain of the Legion of Saint Godwin.

 

The Honorable, Ser Stefano Montelliano, Knight of the Order of Saint Godwin, Captain of the Legion of Saint Godwin, and Bailiff of Enswerp

 

His Lordship, Felix von Theonus, Legionary of the Legion of Saint Godwin, Heir to the Bingleburg.

 

[MrMojoMordor 2413]

'Sir Sparrow' shakes his head in disbelief.
"Back iv mea days - things were dealt by 3 men at most! Ag through honorable bonking I ve enemies!" the out-of-touch collective hallucination notes to a random farmer who's too polite to walk away & keeps smiling and nodding along. "Da, for ve times mea house burned down iv ve fights, if ea had appreciation coin - ea would have 2 I them!" he continues, before adding. "Ea was niet there.. too scared va face mea alone. Anyway - Yam sure ve co-operation between United Kingdom i Aaun ag Commonwealth i Petra will go well! King Edmund or what's his name is about young Ve Queens age!"