Seniogum
The State of Play
The war with Leodama has begun.
On the 24th of Caligo Praemensis, 1412, a blood moon rose and the howling of Leodamite forces swept into Silvillud. Aggressive posturing by the mysterious King Frigras had seen the garrison reinforced by both Palish and Rusagan troops, the latter having moved the majority of their forces to the Leodamite border.
A night foot raid on the border forts of Silvillud lead to extreme casualties on the side of the defenders, whom, while not surprised by the attack, where shaken by the ferocity and time of the attack. While the alarm was sounded, troops who where marching back to rest attempted to assist, but these unrested men sold their lives dearly.
The following day, word was dispatched to West Gromborough, the de facto highest ranking military command in the area, and the House of Gattly began to fortify and prepare reinforcements.
In the east as well, further calamity occurred as a coordinated strike by Sexen and Kedomite forces took both Atcaster and Dester in a matter of days, forcing all remaining Rusagan troops to pull out of Silvillud. A week later on the 4th of Eloesis, undermanned and outnumbered the Lord Protector of Silvillud, Jonathan Arnell, ordered a retreat and the secession of the Protectorate. Lord Arnell and a small number of loyal soldiers remained in an attempt to facilitate a peaceful occupation.
With the withdrawal came disturbing claims of monstrous creatures alongside the Leodamites. Even more concerning were reports of advanced siege weaponry being deployed on a mass scale, something hither too believed beyond Leodama’s capability.
On the eastern front, Rusager was faring no better, a combined Sexen and Kedomite force crushed the disorganised and exhausted Silvillud troops that had formed an ad hoc garrison in Recester. The Magnus fled to East Gromborough on 15th Eloesis, signalling the collapse of Rusagan resistance and allowing the Sexen forces to push forward into the southern Palish counties, many of whom had already dispatched troops west, answering the summons of Lady Gattly. Forces along the Kedomite border were already engaged and could not provide relief, so East Gromborough fell on the 12th Leviomensis. The noble House of Gromly sought refuge with House Gattly, which now too found itself besieged.
Crown armies dispatched in response have found themselves entrenched in combat in the duchies of Welton, Rocaster and Harewick, and the Corona Imperii itself has fully mobilised to defend it’s border with the now occupied duchy of West Gromborough.
The 2nd Reserve Regiment
Word has been slow to travel north and the winter here has made it even more difficult for any response to be organised. There is some hope, however, as the 2nd Reserve Regiment has
been mustered and marches south. A significant minority of the army are professionals, and conscription has lead to those from all walks of life to find their way into service.
You are part of the 2nd Reserve Regiment, and while the rest of your fellow troops marched from the Duchy of Ketts two days ago, on the 22nd Eloesis, your company, the Rear Guard stayed behind awaiting the arrival of a specialist squadron. You are under the command of Sergeant Gregory Arnell, a distance relative of the Lord Protector. The mixed company comprises all forms of men-at-arms, auxiliaries and other civic accompaniments.
It is Sedice the 10th of Tandemensis, your camp is currently outside Pikesby, your final supply stop before heading into enemy controlled territory. Your small band has not been afforded the luxury of messengers, so Sergeant Arnell has reported to the City Hall, to discuss any news the Duke can give him. You however, have had to remain here, outside the distant walls and wrapped in the warm coats provided to you.
You huddle around the fire with your tent mates, the cold biting at your fingers, as you stare out across the camp. Spirals of swirling smoke curl there way from fires, torches and breath. A small circle of green sits around the mess tent where the heat has melted the snow, but it’s canvas doors are closed to you, only opening during meal times. To your west, in far grander tents than your own, the banners of the House of Kettleby fly. A small group of a dozen or so bannerets joined you for the journey lending the black on blue stripes of the Kettleby house to your colour. The core of Arnell’s company, experienced axemen, are set up just to one side of them, the two professional groups keeping to themselves with no love lost between them.
Your eyes turn to the command tent, set plainly in the centre of camp, the rampant swan of the Palish military fluttering in the icy wind. Heralding that, the black edifice of your specialists, the arcane majesty of the Bellicus Sect, war magic brought to bear on your enemies. As you watch you see the Sergeant return, accompanied by the senior Bellicus representative, Decima, a Sectmistress of the Black Hall, striding alongside him. It could be your imagination, but your certain you see her head tilt to keep you in her periphery, and you shiver as her eyes spark. They disappear into the tent.
The flames before your crackle and offer some much needed warmth and you are just about to relax, when you hear the splitting whistle and activity springs up amongst the camp. You are moving out. All hands jump to stations, flames sizzle as they are doused, and pegs are hoisted from the frozen ground. As you and your tent mates begin to unpin the twines and roll the canvas, you think back to your first meeting with them...