Io's Labyrinth

[Corwin]

Seira pouts, but accepts this state of affairs. Focusing on her army, she examines the griffon riders for their means of attack, while checking whether the griffons can accommodate an archer as a passenger each.

[Anastasia]

They have several things - jars of alchemist's fire, slings and short bows. Also long swords in a pinch.

[Anastasia]

On a glance, you don't think the griffons could manage two riders.

[Corwin]

Nodding to herself, Seira familiarizes herself with the equipment and capabilities of the other soldiers as she waits for the signal to begin.

[Anastasia]

It looks to be about the same as yours all around.

Okay. Seira, you said you have a skill you want to use here?

[Corwin]

Sure. Profession/General at +50, though presumably I would come up with a fun battleplan to be judged?

[Anastasia]

Sure to both.

Additionally, does anyone else have a way they'd like to contribute?

[Nephrite]

Moore can certainly give her bard bonuses to the skill checks but I don't know that that's "fair." But the dragon did say we could add Seira, so if they are he totally would.

Otherwise he can just Aid Another on Profession/General.

[Anastasia]

Up to you there, Moore.

[Corwin]

Seira decides to go for an elaborate plan! First, fog covers the battlefield, obscuring it from enemy view. Under this cover, earth is softened and reshaped into trenches and barricades with grease funneling attackers into specific routes should they wish to avoid it. Meanwhile, half of the mages imbue the same number of pikemen with flight and invisibility, while others use illusions to display the correct amount ready for an enemy charge in the trenches alongside the real defenders.

As the bulk of the army bunkers down, the flying cavalry departs at top speed to drop all of their ordinance from a decent height on the archers. After the blitz, they will dash back in apparent disarray, inviting pursuit by the enemy griffon riders. As their paths cross with the invisible pikemen flying in wait, the enemy's day should get worse, especially as the no longer fleeing cavalry makes coordinated turns to take them from the flank. With the ambush happening far enough that her own archers and mages wouldn't be expected to contribute, Seira trusts that the battle will go in her favor. Then, while they are still capable of flight, her flying pikemen will sacrifice themselves by dropping on the enemy healers from a great height, speartip first. With a bit of luck, her opening strike will have reduced the enemy archer numbers and put them in disarray, so enough should get through to prevent the enemy from recovering from future engagements.

Depending on the success of her attacks, Seira will decide whether to have the mages provide mounts for those in her forces who are capable of riding for a coordinated strike with her griffon force and archer support, or to fight a battle of attrition as the enemy tries to get past her defenses while harassed by griffons, archers and offensive magic. Either way, she expects a lot of things to be set on fire!

On the defensive front, she'll use some of those pikemen to protect her valuable mages, and ensure that they or the archers are in several groups so that a single spell or explosive won't be able to take them all out in one lucky hit.

[Nephrite]

Okay. In that case then, Moore will give Seira +5 untyped bonus. His other bonuses are morale and insight, so I think she has those covered with magic.

[Anastasia]

Very well then. The plan is accepted and go ahead and make a Profession (General) check, Seira, as well. I'll take that all in totality and begin to adjudicate how it goes.

[Corwin]

18:44 <CC> roll 1d20+55
18:44 <Penuche> CC invokes Penuche's magic: < 74 > [d20=19]

[Corwin]

I forgot that I get +15 competence and +4 wis (+2 to wis skills) from Philosopher's Friend, so 91?

[Anastasia]

Cool. This reply will be a bit, it's a lot to mull over and mentally run.