The Armies Gather.

After the Free Peoples of the West had recovered their Sacred  Dalag Naomh (see 4 post series inc prelude and a fierce battle)  several years went by while the Midlands were preoccupied by the latest war with the Federation. (See 8 posts in 2020 starting: here)

After a period of calm, the King at last saw fit to punish the forest folk for their raid to recover their deity.

Once again the Earl of Cowcross leads an army into the hills and forests of  Old Valdur. Already the foresters have been sent forward to ensure that the enemy does not spot then until it's too late.

The eagle has spotted the Midland intruders and brought the news to the Watcher who immediately sends forth her messengers to alert the Westfolk..

War has come again to the hills and forests.

They Shall Not Pass!

OOPS!  I just discovered that I did not finish this battle report from last June! Well, hopefully late is better than never. Good thing I have some pictures at least.

This game was a revenge attack from the Great Raid launched in the previous year against the Midlish Kingdom's Eastern Frontier. (See Fight at the Ford and the stop motion video report on the following clash).

This game followed a year later when the Midlands launched a revenge raid against the Valdurian province of the Northern Federation. In expectations of a counter raid, border guards were posted along the frontier to watch and raise the alarm if, or when, it came, and to hold until relieved. 

ALARM! SOUND THE HORNS! TO ARMS!

LIGHT THE BEACONS!

 The Northern Federation Horse Guards and some of the local Valdurian tribesmen were first to arrive.

The Valdurian light troops relied on ambush and missile fire to slow down the invaders until help  arrived.

After a fierce and bloody fight, the Black Knight, Captain of the Pass and Commander of the expedition, fell prisoner to the Captain of the Federation Horse Guards and the battle was over.

Legend has it that the ghosts of the fallen rise and fight amongst the woods and fields each year on the night of the anniversary of the battle.

The Watchers in the Pass

After last year's raid into the East Watch of the Midlands, the Federation had been waiting and watching for a response from the Midlands. In the woods at the mouth of the Black Pass, the Old Ones watched the roads that the Steel Men might take. Long before the Midlish riders emerged, the word had been passed. 

"Hurry! They are coming!"

 to be continued........

(Note: The archers in the wood are home cast Prince August orcs. I originally painted these weird, hairless, brutes a greenish hue but they never looked right to me. Yesterday I decided to fix them so repainted their flesh and added shaggy hair and beard. Now they fit in! )

To Arms! The Beacons Are Lit!

Who will answer?

Prince Wyngnuht, 8th of his name, and the Valdurians!

"(Oh great, the 50 year veterans.....)"......."ANYONE ELSE?......"

"The Men of Dale and 2 Squadrons of the Horse Guards!"

"(Well, more would have been better, but that's something anyway.")

 

Brave Men! The Foe is upon us! The enemy desires to cross  the Duck River, burn your farms and drag your families into slavery! It is up to YOU to STOP THEM!.

Revenge!

It has been 18 months since the Great Raid on the Eastern March of the Midlands. When his anger is fresh and hot, a warrior's anger may cloud his judgement. 

Now, tempers have cooled and the damage made good. With summer approaching, the Duke's messengers have been dispatched to his nobles.......

" The dish is cold, it is time to eat!"