The Blood-Gulch Ambush
The Conflict
Prelude
After rumours of increased hobgoblin activity, Captain Mirkweaver decided to personally lead a strike force into the mountains to discourage further mobilisation. After hearing of her presence from his scouts however, commander Tariic then decided to oversee the ambush personally, bringing his personal guard.
Deployment
Captain Mirkweaver, 8 of her vampire spawn, and 2 werebear auxillaries entered into the pass. The werebears quickly noticed that something was wrong, however they did not have time to warn the others before the attack started. 2 of the vampire spawn were pulling Captain Mirkweaver’s coffin.
Hobgoblin archers were arrayed along the cliffs to each side of the pass, with Tariic and his personal guard at their rear, and a detachment of his soldiers at the front.
Battlefield
The pass between the Western Outpost and Forgewell, known as the Blood-Gulch
Conditions
The weather is clear. The time of day depends on the players, but if the skirmish occurs without them it is dawn, with the Darian troops tired from a long night’s march and looking for somewhere to camp, while the hobgoblins are fresh.
The Engagement
2 vampire spawn died in the initial volley as the hobgoblin units got into position. Tariic then held the melee units in place around 20ft from the front and rear of the Darian formation in a bid to buy more time for his archers by forcing Sallicia to be the one to react and close to melee. Due to the werebears’ lack of surprise however, they were able to react quickly and charge the formation in front of them, and Sallicia quickly ordered her spawn to follow suit.
If the players are present, they arrive shortly after the melee units clash. Another vampire spawn has died, but they are pressing through the hobgoblins, as the archers now have to pick their shots more carefully. Tariic however is about to charge into their rear.
Completely surrounded, and with her troops stuck in single file, it is at this point that Sallicia attempts to duel Tariic one verses one, in the hopes that the hobgoblins will be discouraged by their leader’s death. His personal guard fight alongside him to subdue her however, and without her presence the vampire spawn are easily dispatched. The werebears fall a short while later, overcome by sheer numbers.
Outcome
Either Sallicia is captured or Tariic is slain, providing a loss of leadership in their command and allowing the other faction to push further into their territory. The players may also align themselves to one faction or the other if they were present.
Aftermath
Without Sallicia Forgewell will eventually fall, causing a breach in the Darian line. Whichever side manages to woo the players also has a distinct advantage, no matter their level.
Historical Significance
In Literature
If Tariic survives the war, he will rise through the ranks, eventually reaching the position of High Warlord, and writing a treatise called ‘Arthashastra’, in which this skirmish is used as a textbook example of flanking maneuvers.
If Sallicia survives however, she contributes the first chapter of ‘The Art of War’, in which the skirmish is dissected to show the effects of reconnaissance and unexpected developments.
Belligerents
Strength
Sallicia Mirkweaver,
8 Vampire Spawn,
2 Werebears.
Casualties
Variable
Objectives
1: To survive the ambush
2: To eliminate hobgoblin scouting units
3: To kill Tariic Thaar
1: To capture or kill Sallicia Mirkweaver
2: To drive the Darian forces from the pass
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