Collaborative Campaign - Northern Front Report

[Mitchelxen]

This thread is one of the groups participating in the Collaborative Campaign. The main thread is here http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=67882.0 ?

To: His Powerful Highness Duke Theron, Scion of the Mighty Empire of Necropolis
From: His servant Sire William Boldhand, Knight of the Order of the Garter

I know I have previously reported to you, dear Lord, about the grievous conduct of the shambling death known as the Bone Warriors operating out of the Tantellan Wastes. Grievous conduct only is such a manner as they interfere with our Demon Ore mining and exploration here on the Northern Border. You are aware that we were advised by Lir Oz the Wise that any incursions into the Wastes were likely to be ill received by the death that sleeps in that land. It is with great displeasure that I report to you that our worst fears have been realized despite the cautions we have taken as noble retainers of your wisdom.

On the 26th, just a fortnight past, our royal soldiers were waylaid by a small force of Bone Warriors in the area of the Shield Ridge. This area was being used as an outpost to support exploration in the Mountains along the border of the Wastes. Being advised by you that this exploration and the subsequent exploitation of Demon Ore deposits was of the utmost importance we had been operating very aggressively in this area. It seems that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

The good news is that your royal soldiers the Knightsguard Men-at-Arms and Archers, led by myself, personally, made quick work of this shambling evil that attempted to force their will upon us. Several soldiers including Henry Orr, Michael Blackwick, Robert Hastings and William of Dodge were overcome in battle. The latter two now recover from their wounds with the surgeon who has done fine work on your behalf. The Knightsguard Men-at-Arms acquitted themselves well, with the assistance of Lir Oz the Wise, they were able to completely destroy the wretched evil embodied in the spearman that attempted to bring harm to your Empire troops. I myself led the men into battle and dispatched three of the skeletal horrors from the front during the ensuing melee. The Knightsguard Archers also played a vital role, in ensuring the peace of your kingdom, by overcoming five of the vile carcasses on the left flank. It seems our arrows are of little effect against the enemy but these fine men of the bow made their shots count, and dispatched the enemy with pluck and daring.

All in all this first meeting with this new threat to your glorious Empire can be seen as valiant victory for your men, even as the main antagonists were flung back from this your northern doorstep.

I hope this report finds everything in the capital going smoothly and your continued good health is observed with great celebration here in Far Keep. Please report my success and good fortune to my parents, both of whom are great patrons of your council.

Hail to the Emperor! Hail Duke Theron!

Your dearest servant,
William Boldhand

Images from the game, Enjoy!

[Mitchelxen]

Aftermath Sequence for Turn #1

In the Universal Soldier Campaign Game Rules the units can improve in the Aftermath Sequence of the game.
This is also the time that casualties are replaced, or the Replacements Phase.

Empire of Necropolis Replacements
The only casualties to the Empire of Necropolis units was four soldiers lost for the Knightsguard Men at Arms. They replaced two of the four casualties. In the above write up this was classified as the surgeon bringing the men back to health.
The next sequence was the Advancement Phase. In this phase the units can improve through experience. They are given an Advancement Threshold number that can be modified dependent on what occurred in the battle.
For Example the Knightsguard Archer Unit caused five casualties in the battle. There Threshold Number was modified by -2 for this success. They however failed they're roll and did not improve. The Knightsguard Men-at-Arms caused nine casualties, and destroyed a Bone Warriors unit. They're Threshold number was modified by -4 for these successes. The unit successfully passed their check and then rolled a random statistic increase of "+1 Charge Die". This unit will get an extra Charge Dice for the rest of the campaign whenever they charge an enemy unit. The Advancement Phase also lets unit develop skills. Some examples of skills are Frenzy, Hatred, Instant Kill, Always Strikes First and about thirty other skills. Hero Skills are different than Unit Skills.
The Knights of the Garter Unit failed its advancement die roll.
The Spell Caster Lir Oz the Wise had a very successful battle with nine assisted kills (thru the spell Smite) and had a -3 Modifier on their Advancement Check. He however failed the roll and did not improve. His threshold will now start at 3 after the next battle and his chance of improving will be modified by whatever happens in that game plus a general -1 which is always applied to all units just for showing up at the battle.
The Hero Sire William Boldhand did not improve either and his new Advancement Threshold number is 5.

Bone Warriors Replacements
The Dread Archers Unit received five casualties in the battle. They replaced three casualties. Their new unit total is four miniatures.
The Spears of Anarchy were completely destroyed in the battle. They received four replacements. The unit now has four miniatures total.
The Bone Warriors had no other replacements.
Advancement Phase
The Dread Archers had no modifiers on the Threshold die roll. The unit failed their roll and did not improve.
The Spearmen of Anarchy caused four casualties and had an Advancement Threshold modifier of -1. They were successful with the roll and the unit improved in Attack Class. They advanced a level from level "C" to level "B". They will be a good unit if they can get back up to strength in terms of replacements.
The Dead Riders did very little in the battle but they managed to make their Advancement Threshold roll. They randomly rolled the skill Two Handed Attack. They now have this skill and can use it on a roll of 9+. This skill can improve in a future Aftermath Sequence in the Campaign.
The Necromancer Vlad Xerxes had three assisted kills in the game and his Advancement Modifier is -1. The Necromancer was successful at advancing and picked up the improvement of "+2 inch Range on spells". This means the spell caster can cast any and all spells that are applicable from further away. This may be a life saver in future engagements.
Finally the Hero Nembo Dragontooth did not play a major role in this battle. There was no modifier on his Advancement. He failed his roll.

Next on to Turn #2 in the campaign.

[Mitchelxen]

To: His Mightyness, Dread Commander and Liege Lord, Duke Theron, Ruler and Scepter of Power, of the Mighty Empire of Necropolis
From: Least worthy of all Your Servants, Trevor the Red, Knight of the Lance.

I have glory to report as Belzar's Lancers struck the evil Dread Riders of the Bone Warriors Army of the North with a mighty blow that caused the enemy unit to cease existence. Meanwhile, the rest of the Army fought the foul beasts to a stand still and forced the enemy to exit the battlefield in order.

It is with a humble and sorrow filled heart that I report to you, our most glorious Lord and provider, that alas the good Sire William Boldhand has succumbed to a weak stomach. I realize it was early in the campaign and our good fortune at overcoming the foe in our previous meeting, although critical to our continued success, was not necessarily as magnanimous an event in the ongoing struggle with the undead wretches as may first have been anticipated by the late Sire William. No matter the discourse or digression that I choose to use in summation; the late Sire William could not, nay he would not, be dissuaded from celebrating his first on field victory in command. After consuming large quantities of a fine Northern Ale, and I know your Lordship, being aware of Sire Williams somewhat unsettling weakness for all things from the sea, Sire William took it upon himself to finish a substantial and generous portion of uncooked Shurzateez Eel. To our utter dismay, and Sire Williams, unfortunate long lasting displeasure, he was located in the morning in the lavatory swimming with the Eels. The surgeon reports asphyxiation as the cause of the death. My presumption is that he did not chew his Eels well enough.

However, previous to his untimely demise, Sire William had pushed us to close to battle with the horrific Bone Warriors and continue our push into the Tantalean Wastes. Thus we marched our Army towards the small town of Armputshtz and met the enemy in the ruins about that area. The enemy had taken up a defensive position, due to our overwhelming size, I would venture, and waited in the bushes and ruins for our heroic detail to close with them.

In the ensuing melee the Belzar's Lancers performed admirably on the left flank destroying the Bone Warriors cavalry unit that dared to bare our passage. The rest of the men closed with the enemy in and about the Ruins of the Temple of Boog. It was in these ruins that we received our biggest reverse of the day as the Knightsguard of Dragar were slain to a man. I knew these men personally, as they traveled with us up to Farreach to join the Army of the North and I will vouch for their unparallelled heroism, even if they were found lacking in effect.

At this point in the battle, and due our troops being leaderless, thanks to Sire William's untimely passing, a truce was negotiated, in that the vile debased necromancer Nembo Dragontooth begged your holiness to allow his troops to leave the field in good order. After some internal discussion and granted some inept planning, it turned that the loathsome undead creatures were allowed to hold onto the dignity they had and we retired on the town.

It is with humble disappointment that I provide this report to your wondrous visage of glory and kingship. We will continue to push into enemy land and bring your Empire to its presumed fruition.

As a small token of our continued success we have found a demon ore deposit and return 100 p.p. of that wonderful ore along with this report to show our diligent persistence in pursuing your greatness.

Pictures to follow.

With all due respect and loyalty,

Trevor the Red

[Mitchelxen]

Some pics of the battle. Campaign turn synopsis to follow.


The Empire of Necropolis soldiers close with the Bone Warriors in their defensive positions about the ruins and woods. Notice the Cavalry battle at the top of the picture on the extreme right flank of the Necropolis line.


The Knightsguard of Dragar close on the ruins. Notice the cavalry have been pushed back by a timely charge by Nembo Dragontooth and his henchmen.


The view from the Knightsguard Archers as they try to perform missile fire against the skeletons of the Bone Warriors. The Bone Warriors necromancer kept up a barrage of Darkness spells all battle long to foil their attempts at missile fire.


The Bone Warriors ready to shamble out of the woods. They would prove to save the day as they charged the flank of the Knightsguard of Dragar soldiers and helped to destroy that unit.

[Mitchelxen]

Turn #2 Campaign Turn Summary

The first phase in the Campaign turn is the Production phase. The Empire of Necropolis player had production of 1300 pp (1000pp + 50 pp (attack order) + 250pp (winning a battle)). The player chose to send out two teams to perform Exploration (cost 500pp each). Thus he has 300 pp remaining to carry over. Please note that both players had built a Barracks in Campaign Turn #1. Having a Barracks is required to produce new Units and Heroes (but not replacements).
The player choose cards on the Exploration Chart and received Demon Ore Deposit Found and Untimely Death. The Demon Ore Deposit provided the player with 100 pp worth of Demon Ore. This is important because he can use the Ore to make Magic Items of higher levels, which will give him an advantage later in the game.
The second Exploration event was the death of his Hero Sire William Boldhand. He will be replaced in the following turn with a Hero of equal value but he loses the hero for the battle which followed. This could also have been more devastating if it had occurred later in the game when the Hero had more experience and was of more value than he is on the second turn of the Campaign.

Meanwhile the Bone Warriors player had production of 800 pp (1000pp + 50 pp (Attack Order) and minus 250pp (for losing a battle)). The player chose to build Fortifications in the Ruins of Port Di for 500pp. He also hired henchmen for both his Spellcaster Vlad Xerxes and his Hero Nembo Dragontooth. This cost 100pp for each and gives both Heroic Models two henchmen that count as extra casualties before they take hits on the tabletop. This cost the player 700pp total and left 100pp for the following turn.

In the War! Phase the Empire of Necropolis Player performed an Attack order. The player felt he needed to push his advantage against the Bone Warriors due to their lack of replacements. The Necro Drake Lords Bone Warriors performed a Defend order. The Scenario was rolled and it was a Meeting Engagement somewhere within the lands of the Bone Warriors. The tabletop battle was then set up and fought and the results were a draw. Both players then advanced to the Aftermath Sequence and determined casualties and experience levels for their Armies.

Next the Aftermath Sequence for Campaign Turn #2 in detail.

[Mitchelxen]

Aftermath Sequence for Turn #2

Empire of Necropolis Replacements
The Knights of the Garter took took three casualties and replaced one of them. There unit is now at two figures.
The Knightsguard of Dragar unit was destroyed. A destroyed Unit must be completely replaced and loses all experience levels gained. These figures must be replaced thru the Production Phase of Turn#3.
Belzar's Lancers lost two casualties, one was replaced.
In the Advancement Phase the Knightsguard Archers were successfully made their threshold check and their Morale Class improved from III to II. This means they will have to check morale less often.
The Knightsguard Men-at-Arms improved as well. They improved their Morale Point from six to five. This is the number they need to roll more than on 2d6 when required to test morale. This improvement should help them stay on the battlefield longer.
The Knights of the Garter made a successful Threshold Check as well and added "+1 inch" to their movement speed.
Liz Or the Wise also was successful in his Threshold Check. He recieved the Magic improvement of "+2 inch range". All his spells can now be cast two inches further in range.
The Knightsguard of Dragar were destroyed and therefore the Unit cannot improve.
Belzar's Lancers improved and gained +1 fatigue point. This means they will not drop a level due to fatigue until they reach 11 fatigue points instead of ten.

Next up is the Bone Warriors Aftermath Sequence. Stay tuned!

The NecroDrake Lords Replacements

[Mitchelxen]

The NecroDrake Lord Replacements

The Dread Archers received one replacement figure. Even though they did not take any casualties they still can recover casualties due to replacements coming from the capital.
The Spears of Anarchy lost two Bone Warriors and are thus down to two figures left in the Unit. They rolled well and received 1d6 worth of replacements bringing their total now to eight figures in the Unit.
The Dead Riders Unit was completely destroyed and they lose all experience and can only be replaced through pp.
The Dread Horsemen rolled poorly and did not receive any replacements. All their Bone Warriors were killed outright in the battle as they were rode over by the Belzar's Lancers.
The Horde Shockers rolled a six and replaced their casualty.

In the Advancement Phase the Dread Archers, Spears of Anarchy and Dread Horseman all failed to advance in level. Their threshold numbers are now low which means that next turn their will likely be a number of advancements, depending on the die rolls.
However, the Horde Shockers were successful in their Advancement Threshold check and a Hero emerged from the ranks. This Hero will be added to the Army for the next turn, yay!
The Spellcaster Vlad Xerxes did not advance but the Hero Nembo Dragontooth received a Melee Skill which when rolled was Florentine. The henchmen rolled to see if they became a Hero and failed, they will continue to serve Nembo.

Next Campaign Turn #3 on the weekend.
 

[Red Orc]

Great to see that this is progressing!

Have you considered posting your maps from the campaign here, so people have another view on how the campaign is going?

I'll make a battle-marker that you can add to the map so people will know the locations, which might help.

[Vinlander]

Quite enjoyed that. Great report lads!

   

[Mitchelxen]

Here is a copy of the new map for the Northern Front. We have added a third player. The Dwarves of the Flaming Forge. Report to follow about Turn#3.

[Red Orc]

 

Now that's what I like to see!

I'll get that added to the main map as soon as possible Mitchelxen.

[Mitchelxen]

We have added another player to the Campaign. The Elves of the Isles have heard rumors of Bone Warriors massing in the North. They have hired a mercenary army of Reptiliads to patrol their Northern border. Do you think they will find any trouble?

[Mitchelxen]

To: His Potent and Grand Lord Commissioner, Scourge of the Fens and Prodigious Peer of the Realm, Duke Theron, Ruler and Sword of the State of the Unrivaled Empire of Necropolis
From: Your Most Unworthy Minion, Trevor the Red, Knight of the Lance.

I have unusually glad tidings to report to my Lord. The scourge that has been known as the evil and vile Bone Warriors has been stopped. We have stemmed the tide of now turn to the offensive against the depraved creatures that shamble out of the Tantelan Wastes. The Northern Front has been quiet which has allowed us to hone our soldiers to a sharpened edge.

We thank you for your replacements from the capital. We will put these men to good use. Upon their arrival the soldiers were put out into the land to do some much needed tax collection. The men were successful in scaring up extra provisions for the men and coins to fill your coffers to over flowing. All the Units in the army were dispersed about the countryside and were successful in collecting your quarterly tax. Many of the local inhabitants were more than willing to part with their goods and belongings to support your ongoing campaign here in the North.

Meanwhile, I spent my time in good standing searching the local brothels, Inns and Brew houses for some stout companions to help me in the upcoming battles. I am happy to report that I was able to procure the services of two small but stout lads which I have sent to Liz Or the Wise as bodyguards for his service. I also happened along two large swarthy fellows in the wee hours of the morning after a particularly successful bout of Nines and Aces at a local establishment. These two chaps were more than happy to accompany me back to the newly completed Barracks and insisted on accompanying me in my trials for the next few weeks. I realize the pay will be steep for these two fellows but I will provide out of my own living expenses unless it so pleases your Lordship to do otherwise on my behalf.

In the morning I took the lads out to a rousing weapons exercise with the Knightsguard Men at Arms who have spent their time in and around the Barracks in weapons and tactics training. I have personally overseen their training and they are rounding nicely into a strong unit which we can count on in the upcoming campaign.

As always, with greatest wishes and humbly beseeching your pallidness,

Yours,

Trevor the Red.

[Red Orc]

Great to see this progressing and another player added to the campaign! I'll update the main map with the two new territories very soon, promise!

[Mitchelxen]

Turn #3 Campaign Turn Summary

The Empire of Necropolis player had 1050PP. He replaced his losses from the battle which cost him 632 PP. This included replacing the Knightsguard of Dragar as they were totally wiped out in the battle. This Unit lost all experience and upgrades and is a fresh Unit for the purpose of the Campaign. The player also used 200PP to purchase henchmen for the Hero Trevor the Red and the Wizard Liz Or. Finally he had 198PP left over which he saved for the following turn.

The Bone Warrior player had 1000PP for the turn. He replaced his losses from the battle which cost him 677PP. The Bone Warriors also had to replace the Dead Riders as they were completely destroyed in the battle. The player also bought henchmen for the new Hero Chrysanthos Yonah. This left 223PP that the player saved for the following turn.

Both the army of the Empire of Necropolis and the Bone Warriors took a Defend Order in the War! Phase. Therefore no fighting occurred in Turn#3 (and thus the name "All quiet on the Northern Front") and the Units could be used for Training or Building in the Aftermath Sequence.
The Empire of Necropolis player choose to Train the Knightsguard Men-at-Arms (because they had the best shot at leveling) however they failed their Advancement Threshold check. Training adds a factor of +2/3 to the Advancement Threshold and allows a check. The rest of the Empire of Necropolis Army were put into Building and generated an extra 400PP for the following turn bringing their total to 598PP saved.
The Bone Warrior player decided to Train the Dread Archers, the Spears of Anarchy, the Dread Horseman and the new Hero Chrysanthos Yonah. The Dread Horsemen passed their Threshold Advancement Check and acquired the skill Frenzy on a 9+. This skill allows them to charge a foe and get double charge dice if they pass their check. The Hero Chrysanthos Yonah (surprisingly) passed his check as well (the hero needed a six and made the die throw). He received the Heroic Skill Supernatural Strength 9+. This allows him to subtract one from the target number needed to hit in melee on a successful skill check, this could be a valuable skill in the continued fighting. Two Units, the Hero and the Necromancer were used in Building, amassing 300PP for the Bone Warriors. The total savings for the turn was 523PP which will be carried over to the next turn.

The Dwarves of the Flaming Forge and the Reptiliads will be joining the game in Turn#4. There is some discussion as to how much these players should have to start the game, in terms of experience and previous production (PP) to spend. It seems appropriate that some experience and building should be allowed. This is not really covered in the rules (perhaps it should be, hmmmm) but is really up to the players to decide. We will make a decision and post it here for all to see. What do you think?