A Week in the Trenches

The week has been a busy one for the Company. We worked 3 sieges, and our reputation grows in Hyborea.



I was present for two of them. Both were unqualified wins for the Client. In the first case, the defenders didn't even mount a defence they were so badly outnumbered. Exophagy lost their Battle Keep without even a whimper. As a consequence, a number of Company brothers stood around and watched. And got paid.

The second siege was bloodier, but the result was the same. A well coordinated battle plan and some heavy mercenary help from TBC and another mercenary outfit known as the Soldiers of the Black Sun made success nearly inevitable.



The third siege was missed. A rare rift in the space time fabric made coordinating the start time difficult. Several brothers including myself got missed and were left drinking ale in the Green Man Tavern and waiting for word from the battle.

I will keep training and learning. Hand to hand in siege combat is a different beast than 1v1 PvP. Massive amounts of damage can be directed on single targets, and I find myself to be extremely vulnerable in large melee groups. Casters and rangers make me an easy target. I fell to ranged attacks far more often than enemy steel. I train and I plan.

Some minor annoyances persist - unsteady Clients who either plan poorly or not at all, difficulties with time co-ordinates and some rethinking about skill sets to best fight PvP.

All in a days pay.

Catacombs and Atzels.

Siam and Xtra with Black Moon Co
Originally uploaded by XtraHox

Here Sgt Siam and I venture into the Catacombs beneath the Noble District with a team from the Blood Moon Company. We are on the neverending search for long lost manuscripts that hold secret recipes.

Longhead and Xtra
Originally uploaded by XtraHox

Contemplating another run into Atzel's Fortress, I wait with Longhead at the gate. Waiting for our brothers.

Into Atzel's Fortress
Originally uploaded by XtraHox

This is an action shot soon after the action started: Longhead, Jackroller, Siam, Dayne, Faez and myself. In this image, a couple enemy go down under our blades and we move ahead. Faez can be seen in stealth.

Blockade Duty

Sometimes the life of the soldier for hire can be pretty exciting. And profitable.

The Company was commissioned to assist in a siege. Our duty: to blockade the main gate into the Aquilonean Border Kingdoms to prevent the client's enemy from entering the battlefield. The pay was good - 2G for the veteran soldiers, and 1G for those who were apprenticed. 18 of the hardest brothers gathered just inside the gate - ready for action. The Captain had flanking rangers on the lookout for stealthy opponents. The main blockading force were positioned into 3 fighting teams. The air was thick with sorcery. Snares and traps were set by the entry.


And nothing happened. So much for the exciting bit.

Well, in reality, there were a couple of interesting moments. We were on high alert and worked on some tactical issues. At one point, a large band of marauders from the Circle of Iron passed through the gate. We have no great regard for these - and under other circumstances would have gladly engaged them. This time however, they were on the client's payroll. A few hands went for sword hilts, but cooler heads prevailed and only hard looks were exchanged.


As the actual siege commenced, the main gate was sealed and we departed. Easy money.