Chapter 18: The Warlord
With the defeat of the Malahaut Prince, the territory now rightfully belongs to the Sulla. This will also enable the Sulla army to reinforce itself from within the territory.
Valerius Pera is a Warlord. As such, his skill revolves around supporting soldiers near him. But that doesn't mean he is unable to participate in battles on the field. The Circle of Command ability enables him to restore the army's morale for every moment they are close to him.
Soldiers facing him in close combat will also have to contend with his Lightning Strikes. As he struck a soldier, a shocking pain will spread throughout his opponents. Not as deadly as Septimus' cleave, but useful nonetheless.
Several of the veteran Sulla's troops are ready for special training.
This cavalry is capable of choosing between Haste, a temporary boost of speed or Masterwork weapons. We chose the former.
These archers will train themselves on firing two arrows at once. They can only use this for a limited only, and will prove useful when performing ambushes.
During the winter, the Sullas take advantage of the Lore increase to research Master Blacksmiths for Heavy Infantry and Archers.
The Guild of Outlaws informs us that they are unable to perform assassination contracts until Spy centres are built. We grant them their request, hoping to employ these dastardly folks in the future.
The newly captured Malahaut region has a Town to develop, we construct a Scriptorium to increase our Empire's Lore.
Winter season ends...
The Sentinels have come forward for an offer. Sensing that perhaps this is the best opportunity to court the Sentinels' favor, Septimus accepts the proposal.
Spring arrives.
Deciding to focus his efforts on clearing the Marauders in Rome lands, Septimus marches his troop towards the Southern Knights army.
Crusaders - with full complement of archers and Lionhearts. This might prove difficult.
No matter. The presence of Valerius means we have two solid front-liners to make a frontal assault while our Heavy infantry perform defensive duties. Archers will rain death from the back as Cavalry wait for the right time to charge from the right flank.
Septimus and Valerius leads the charge with two Legionaries company in support.
Septimus' Winds of the North claims many victims as his sword slashes every living thing near him. Near him, Valerius Lightning Strikes brought immeasurable amount of pain into the enemies.
The line looks steady as our archers commence their volleys. The cavalry given the signal to charge from the right.
Their Crusaders know there's no way through our line.
The Sulla cavalry collides with the enemy as they take heavy archer fire.
Septimus and Valerius charge onwards at the retreating longbowmen. Sulla Cavalry sustain moderate casualties and is forced to withdraw to a safe distance.
The Lionhearts threw their bodies forward to stop Septimus' advance, to no avail.
There is nowhere to retreat for the enemy with their leaders dead.
Sulla Archers are delivering the killing blow at the fleeing crusaders.
They raised their shield for the last time, succumbing after three volleys.
Only the Sulla cavalry suffered any meaningful losses, their lack of armor is costing them dearly.
Later, after the battle...
Septimus. I think you would be interested in this news...
Tell me, Valerius.
Our spies have discovered the location of Publius, the exiled champion. I must warn you though, the area is notorious with escaped slaves...If our friend is there, he might be a captive or a fellow refugee.
Whatever the case, I need him in my army. Let's get him back.
What is this? Who is this man?
Mmmm..he appears to be one of the escaped slaves. He may know something.
A glint escapes Valerius' eyes.
May I have a moment, Septimus?
What is it?
Valerius begins to speak in a softer voice.
We should let him go, let him carry a message to his leader. Then we'll follow him to the source.
Not a bad plan...but I'm sure we can make this coward talk...
The choice is yours, Commander.
Voting time:
Should we employ guile/diplomacy or resort to brutal methods to accomplish our goal?