[14:36] Kaji O Harkin makes his way to the supposed meeting "All set and ready to go"
[14:45] Zeela makes her way from her stall, checking and double checking her equipment, well stocked with healing and manapotions, as well as a few other tricks up her sleeves. She'd then smile to the group, "This is where things boil down to combat, right? Whats the current situation?"
[14:47] Charon and Anzhelina were standing none too far away from the marketplace portal, both looking quite ready for the fight to come. At Zeela's question, Charon gives at nod ,as he speaks... "We're waiting for the forward forces to drop the portal device in Lanzer's stronghold. It won't be much longer, and from there it'll be our job to persue the enemy officers and Lanzer and end this conflict once and for all."
[14:50] Kaji O Harkin holds a shell in his paw "Well if were going to be sieging the castle, I take it youll need something that packs a punch to blow open the gate?"
[14:51] Zeela considers before she nods and steps forwards, checking herself over, "Its going to be interesting.. first time these portals have been used in combat. But they've been designed for such.. so I cant imagine there will be problems. Exciting though, isnt it?" she comments proudly before looking to Kaji, "Inner gates could do with a few more holes, if what I've read of the plan goes well"
[15:02] Kaji O Harkin places the canister in his pack before he smiles to Zeela "Well ive got 4 canisters. Thats the most I could bring"
[15:06] Anzhelina remains stoic for now, though the archangel certainly looks ready for a fight. Charon would speak, as he speaks, "It'll be interesting, but be on your guard. It's going to be very dangerous on the other end, Lanzer's loyalists are decent fighters, and there will be plenty of them."
[15:07] Zeela considers for a few moments before nodding, "Right.. thoes will be useful, Kaji.. can they take down walls if combined?" she asks before looking to Charon and smiling, "Do we out number them?"
[15:09] Kaji O Harkin says, "Well one can blast down a door, but it will take a lot...""
[15:16] Charon gives his head an affirmative nod at the question, folding his arms as he speaks, "We do, though not by much. We've got our work cut out for us today." HE says, adding in a critical voice, "We should be ready for them to potentially engage in unexpected or unconventional tactics. Lanzer and many of the officers who defected to his side are quite good with traps and tactics."
[15:18] Gin had been listening in by the well, trying to stay hidden with narrowed eyes.
[15:19] Zeela considers both the reply she gets from Kaji and Charon, before commenting, "Well.. may I suggest we also employ unusual tactics? If possible to get on the roof of a building with foes inside, why not use the explosives to bring the roof down on them to soften up the resistance?" she suggests, "Maybe Anzhelina can help get Kaji in place with her wings"
[15:21] Kaji O Harkin unholsters his pistol and makes some last minute adjustments, though he covers his eyes with the brim of his hat as he looks at his pistol "Hope I can come back to Laura and my son after this..." he mutters to himself
[15:24] Charon speaks softly in response to Zeela... "I agree, but our options will be fairly limited. It wouldn't be wise to go for the roofs, as the barracks will likely will be dotted with archers... The castle, maybe, but it would be a huge risk to Kaji. If Lanzer is at the roof or upper level of the castle..." He says, trailing off, strongly suggesting that the results would not be pleasent.
[15:24] Gin stepped out and looked at the group. "I'm just curious, I have not been around but what is happening?" He asked in a low voice.
[15:26] Grandmaster Anzhelina would nod, as she speaks... "I can fly a single person into position, but once we're in there it'll be very dangerous to go anywhere in that fortress without a sizable compliment on your tail." She says, before glancing to Gin, and explaining concisely, "We're preparing to besiege the fortress of one of our enemies. Our forces have already engaged their defenses, and we're just waiting for them to drop a portal device in place so that we can flood the interior directly."
[15:26] Athian Hoggard comes marching up to the gathered crowd: "Greetings everyone."
[15:27] Aisling O Luain quietly takes position at Charon's side, just commenting briefly "My troops are positioned around the castle, supporting our allies." She d briefly regard the gathered crowd and then bows slightly. "Blood and Honor."
[15:27] Zeela smiles to Kaji, "I'm sure you will, dont worry." she comments before nodding to Charon, "Understood, of course. Mother mentioned she had some.. observers, in the area, who went dark... so we can assume they are keeping an eye on our movements" she comments before looking to the two approching, giving them a smile, "Greetings, are you ready for battle?" she asks, before eyeing Athian's weapon, "Glad thats on our side!"
[15:29] Kaji O Harkin looks over the others "Well what a sight. This is going to be big guys and gals."
[15:32] Aisling O Luain wears a grim expression. "We cant thank you enough for aiding us in this battle today. But be warned... not all of us will see the end of it. Lanzer is a deadly combatant and a master strategist. I ve served him for a long time, and I know we will have casualties. So... be prepared."
[15:35] "I certainly hope that everyone is ready, because time to make last minute preparations is upon us. Steady your courage, sharpen your blade, and dig in your resolve, because this will be difficult. But righteousness is with us, the gods spread their wings at our backs, and we will destroy our enemy, rest assured," Emir says, surveying the crowd, standing arms-crossed.
[15:35] Charon dips his head softly to Athian and the others as they arrive. "I'm glad you're all here with us." He looks to Aisling at her words, as he gives his head a nod. "Good. Let's get things rolling, then." He says, before looking out over the group, as several of Lismore's local defenders join those already present, angels, paladins, mercenary fighters from several factions. They didn't bolster the numbers much, but they looked tough. Charon speaks up to be sure everyone in the square could hear him, "I hope you brought your best gear and your courage with you today, everyone. The portal device that will take us to the fortress courtyard will be dropped and activated at any moment. Make no mistake, this will be a deadly engagement, Aurel Lanzer may be a traitor, but he is still a renowned military general, and his loyalists are competent soldiers. Expect solid tactics and fighting skill, and be as prepared as you can for the unexpected. We want everyone here to make it back alive, so while you should give it your all today, brazen risks will likely cost lives in our efforts today. Aisling will be leading a group directly to the castle, whereas I and Emir will lead groups into the barracks positioned on either side. I don't know what Lanzer has going on in those buildings, but we can't afford to leave them be. Anzhelina will be overseeing the fight in the courtyard while we do our business inside." He says, pausing after the lengthy discussion, before he asks, "Any questions? We don't have long and there won't be time to ask them once we're inside."
[15:36] Gin nodded. "Combat huh? Well I only have my fists... I could try and lend you guys a paw if you like. It has been a while for me after all." Gin noticed other joining them, mostly Athian and that long Sword on his back. "I see..." He paused hearing that some of them may not come back, looking to how armed they were and how he wasn't. Not having fought in some time, the jex began to get a bit of fear for what lies ahead.
[15:36] Athian Hoggard nods at Aisling: "Rather than think of that we should remember all the casulties his actions have cost in the past and would have cost all of us if we hadn't recognized him for what he truly is. It is true, this will neither be easy, nor a victory without cost... but it will save many of those dear to us, all the loyal citizens of three kingdoms, that may live on, because we are taking care of this bad apple today." He looks over to Charon and Aisling: "Are we set on teams by now?"
[15:37] Kaji O Harkin now that he had everything prepared, he loads a canister in the chamber and pulls back the crossbow string "All set"
[15:38] Zeela considers the announcements and speeches, taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves as logic screams she shouldnt get involved. "I've one question.. where am I to go and follow?" she asks, "My magical and illusion sight may prove useful, but at heart I'm a rogue, rather than frount line fighter" she explains
[15:40] Aisling O Luain nods to Charon, before resting a hand briefly on his shoulder "Do come back from this alive, do you hear me..." she says softly. Then she looks around. "I need experts in close combat fighting. Who are used to fight in narrow corridors and confined spaces. My team will go directly for Lanzer and his officers, so... I need the very best. This is also the team that will most likely bear the highest risk of taking casualties. So I need only the most dedicated for this, who are willing to give their life for this cause. As I said before... Blood and Honor..."
[15:41] Athian Hoggard chuckles: "I don't really like narrow corridors, but I love my fights up close and personal."
[15:43] Kaji O Harkin humms "I can stay outside and take out a good bit of their archers or clear the rooms for ya."
[15:44] Emir chuckles softly. "We would not want to refuse someone a chance at restoring honor lost," he comments after the plan is given. "For my group, I want people who cut down their foes quickly, effectively, and to be candid, ruthlessly. We will accept honorable surrender, but everyone else shall fall; my plan is to cut through the barracks and then make forces available to flank Lanzer, or cut off his retreat. He will not escape again."
[15:47] Zeela considers for a few long moments, before smiling to herself, "I pride myself in quick adaptation, and effective and ruthless use of the surroundings. I think I would follow best under Sir Emir's command" she comments, holding back a comment about Lismorians sticking together
[15:47] Charon would give his head a nod, as he speaks and looks over the group... "Well, let's see..." He says, pondering, before starting to pick the teams out as best he can, "Athian, I think you and me would compliment eachother well in one of the barracks. There's more room to move around in there, less corridors." He says, before nodding to Zeela and Kaji, "You two can head for the other barracks... And the rest should follow Aisling directly into the castle. Each group will be supplemented by friendly soldiers." He says, and just as he finishes suggesting groups, the portal gives a loud hum from behind them, prompting Charon to draw his sword and approach, "It's time!"
[15:48] Gin's ears dropped as he took a step back, Gin knew he was no expert so he would just run in and die a dog's death. "I.. Wantto help but looking at all of you, I'm the rookie here.." He bit down on his lip. "If anything, I can provide first aid to those who are wounded."
[15:50] Aisling O Luain looks around and then eyes the Jex "This is very valuable help, friend. We will need a lot of healers after and during this whole campaign." She looks to Charon then. "Who is left for my group then?"
[15:50] Athian Hoggard reaches out and pats Gin's shoulder: "First aid on a battlefield is a very important task. Besides, it is good to know you are there to have our backs while we fight in the thick of it. Don't worry. Everyone is important in his own way."
[15:51] Kaji O Harkin humms "Well if no one else I can go with Aisling" anyway he waits for the order to go in!
[15:52] Zeela listens and nods, "Yes, sir!" she replies before looking to Kaji and giving him a nod, before looking to Athian and giving him a smile, "Agreed, first aid is a useful thing.. plus I'd like to think there is no pride on the battlefield" she comments, looking to give Gin a smile too
[15:54] Emir nods to Zeela and Kaji. "Very well. And all serve their role on the field. Glory matters little when you end the day impaled on a pike rather than sharing a drink in your tent," he comments. The tall stallion steps forward and rests a hand on Anzhelina's shoulder. "Fly well and strike true," he states softly.
[15:55] Charon would nod to Aisling, as he speaks, "That'll leave Emir with you, and we'll send a lot of these guys from the garrison in with you. I've watched them during the cross training, they're very skilled." He says, a compliment he doesn't give out easily. But he speaks urgently now, as he moves for the portal, "We can't delay any longer. Everyone, move out! Let your blades strike true, and come home alive!"
[15:56] Aisling O Luain calmly draws her blade and stands at the ready!
[15:56] Gin pats his bag (which the player forgot to equip). "Then I'm in, I may not be able to figt head on but I'll tend to any wounds that I can." He grinned up to Athian. "Good thing I have my herbs, bandages, and ointments ready... It'll be field dressing so they may still hurt a bit but it'll get you back up." He says andstood at the read to enter.
[16:13] The moment the group makes it through the portal, they're beset by Crimson soldiers - the garrison fighters, Charon and Anzhelina strike out hard against the ambushing soldiers, Charon cursing audibly as he shouts to the group, "GET TO THE CASTLE! Me and Anzhelina will lead the garrison out here, the rest of you get in there and take Lanzer down!" He says, in an urgent voice. The garrison fighters quickly manage to push the crimson defenders clear of the staircase, giving Lismore's warriors a clear path inside.
[16:25] Emir curses quietly when of course the plan is immediately dashed. He pauses at the stairs. "Remember your training and follow your orders. Blessings of the Queen upon you," he calls, lifting his sword, which alights in pale blue flame. "The Legion stands Eternal!" he shouts to the Lismore garrison fighters and their allies doing battle outside. "Everyone in!" he reiterates to the group attacking the castle, leaving Aisling to lead the charge while he helps clear the way, intending to assist the outside forces and bring up the rear.
[16:28] Aisling O Luain would immediately engage the forces outside the portal in combat, mercilessly cutting a way to the castle. She pushes away any regrets she may feel by killing some of those soldiers. They wear the Crimson colors, same as she does, and some of them she might have even trained herself. But for now... they were enemies and she has to deal with them accordingly. She is glad that battle vets like herself and battle instructors always hold back some tricks they dont tell the other soldiers, so she made ample use of that and used it to bypass her opponent's defenses. Knowing the training methods if the Crimson soldiers by instinct she also knows particular weaknesses and exploits them. Her own troops she d give commands while charging ahead. "Secure our position, take out shooters on the walls and on the ledges. Keep them from coming after us!" Hearing Charon, she d briefly take a moment to look at him and then say quietly amidst the battle "Dont die, my love..." She then forges ahead up the castle stairs, leaving a bloody path behind her.
[16:30] Kaji O Harkin as soon as he exits the portal, he takes aim for one of the enemy guards and fires out a canister that will burst into a very bright light on impact so he could distract them when they all come in "Surprise!"
[16:31] Zeela would not need telling twice once they arrive to find combat all around them, most likely taking a jab or an arrow to the chest, revealing her chain-mail under her clothing. The feline would dive out the way of more attacks, rolling as she moves towards the steps and up into the building. Looking about, her sight is quickly drawn to the flame sentry over their heads, and she'd waste little time in throwing her arms up and apart in its direction, forming a momentary shield of antimagic between them and it, expecting something magical from it. "Whatever that thing is, its high in magic!" she'd call out, already wanting to know how it works.
[16:32] Athian Hoggard follows the others inside, swinging his blade sideways to make sure the enemies keep their distance as the group passes the stairs leading into Lancer's hideout. Once in the hall, he pants and chuckles softly: "And the old saying keeps ringing true... no plan survives the initial assault. Well, here we are." He tries to get his bearings: "Seems we got ranged units to both sides of the hall... and... what the... can someone tell me what that orb on the pillar is supposed to be? High magic, eh? Never would have guessed, Zeela." He winks at her and gets ready to move.
