Operation: Blunted Spearhead
~An Artist’s depiction of a Rustler’s point of view, running into an Imperial Pike Wall, circa 1845~
The years of sustained peace were finally broken in 1845.
Bells rang frantically across Providence as Imperial Soldiers rushed from the Bastion to answer a call to arms from Private Jarad Munnel. “Rustlers are hopping about, lads!”
Lieutenant Arthur Komnenos and Ensign Nyseia--the two officers on duty that day--looked to each other solemnly, understanding that it would be a bloody fight. After a moment, they took command of the Imperial Forces and mounted their defense against the Rustler raid. "Rustlers?” Ensign Nyseia raised an eyebrow, as the group had not been seen in years since the sudden disappearance of one of their Captains. “Aye, Rustlers. Seems they don’t know when to stay down.” Lieutenant Komnenos quipped back, unsheathing his longsword.
The Rustler band and Imperial Garrison faced each other as equals outside the gates of Providence, both sides knowing full well that a mistake on either end would spell disaster. An Imperial Trumpet sounded from the ramparts, signalling the soldiers to charge.
The battle had begun.
Both sides were locked in vicious close quarters fighting for hours, each side gaining ground and losing it just as quickly. Under Ensign Nyseia’s orders, they slowly pulled back towards the front gate of the Bastion to form a chokepoint. As the Rustlers drew closer, the Ensign ordered a desperate charge to make room for the soldiers and allow them to recover their strength.
Lieutenant Komnenos saw the Rustlers getting bolder as the battle progressed, watching them over-extend their thinning battlelines. He had a plan.
The Lieutenant ordered a general retreat into the Bastion, giving the illusion of weakness to the Rustlers fighting outside. Hopefully, they may be bold and try to chase the soldiers into the enclosed space.
The plan worked flawlessly.
The Rustler commander found herself caught in the middle of the army as the trap closed upon them. They tried to escape, but ultimately they were no match for the combined strength of the Imperial State Army. The rest of the Rustlers shared a grizzly fate. It was over.
An Imperial Victory.
The return of the Rustlers has been met with swift action from the Imperial State Army. Some still say that they are a force to be reckoned with, but after this recent display, it is clear that they have washed upon our shores and floundered. Any who try to follow their example shall share the fate of the Rustler Captain who was promptly executed after the battle.
Volens et Potens!
Sir Erik Othaman Captain of the 4th Brigade
Sir Erik var Ruthern
General of the Imperial State Army