Carefully laid plans

As everyone breaks camp in the morning, there’s a buzz of nervous excitement in the air. Almost everyone is a veteran at this point, but the anticipation of combat can rattle even the most jaded campaigner. And today marks the beginning of the first offensive campaign against the demon lord that anyone can remember.

As the camp readies to march, you meet one final time with your leaders. Nathan has a map of the prospective battlefield, based on his scouts reports of the demon lord’s reserve army. Based on that, you lay out your plans with the help of the others.

“Me and the girls will set up as the center, baiting their best forces against the orc and dwarf forces. Dura and Unir, our job is to hold them in place, giving time for Ochiba and Nathan to bring the flanks up to pin them on three sides. Once we do that, Genna will bring our cavalry through the woods to hit their **** from the rear. Ruka, I want your archers to cease fire when the cavalry attacks, we don’t want to kill our own.”

Everyone nods, and the Forgefather speaks up. “I received word that our siege train is going to arrive in time for the battle. I can have them set up light pieces behind the archers. Possibly that will blunt their charge and save some casualties.”

You nod. “Do it. Tell them to conserve ammo, though, we’ll need them to break formations against the main army. Not to mention any fortifications we come across.”

Ochiba points to the tree line. “We should station some scouts in here to ensure they don’t try sending a flanking ****.”

Nathan smiles. “Already on it, general.”

Ruka speaks up. “I have some people there as well. Any demons headed that way will be unpleasantly surprised.”

You smile. “I knew I should leave this to the experts. Ok, once we’re engaged, my objective is hunting down those Lilim. Between the six of us, that shouldn’t be too bad.”

Uzume grins. “I’ve been waiting a while to smash some demons in a non-sexual way! No offense, you two…”

Kali chuckles, and Samara grins. Kali gives Uzume a wink. “That’s for later anyway.”

You give Sadie a look, stopping her from joining the conversation. “That’s enough, girls. Let’s get this done. Everyone watch each other’s back, this is just the first battle. Good luck today.”