Trimaris fielded about the same. Rumor has it that they had us slightly out-numbered.
Because of the previous night's rain had left the field soggy, they marked off a rather small field for the engagement. We lined up in two ranks, filling the width of the field about 1.5 times. The Northern group was designated as cavalry, and lined up behind the left flank. There were eight of us, with Puck in command, Don Timothy, Theresa, Jean-Michele, Chandra, William of Mooneschadowe, Elric Dracwine, and myself. We loaned Earl Barn to a dedicated "kill squad".
Our orders were a bit confused. We were intended to crush the Atlantian group, but they had lined up on the opposite flank. We also had a strong Mid-Realm group lined up directly opposite us.
Our force held our ground as the Mid-Realm advanced. The Mid-Realmers engaged, and seemed to be under control when the Atlantians advanced. We followed the Coastal Region up into the right flank to meet the Atlantians. Eventually, I made my way into the line, where I made one kill before being hit.
Once off the field, I was able to survey the battle, and was met with a sorry and shocking sight. Our left flank had been crushed, and we were being picked apart. Our forces were decimated until only a few fighters remained, facing our opponents in single combat.
Imagine, if you can, the sense of shame! Never before had we lost a rapier melee to Trimaris. What of all our training? How could we go home and tell them we lost the war?
Analysis: We were over-confident, and paid the price. The Northern cavalry probably should have maintained its position on the left flank, but without an overall picture of the battle, it is hard to say. We followed orders. We were impatient and eager to get into the fight, so we probably engaged too early. We should have kept our Command separate from the Coastal group. Orders should relate to areas of the field or the line, rather than specific enemy units, since it is uncertain how they will be deployed, and in what role. Also, the field was too small for maneuver, which was the basis of our overall strategy. (In fact, mobility & maneuver are the key tenets in Ansteorran tactical doctrine.)
We shuffled about for a few moments, filled with the sickening sense of defeat, until they announced that the victor would be determined by 2 out of 3.
Now, seeing that the field was too small for flanking maneuvers, the battle plan was changed. The Northern unit was placed in front of the line on the right flank, and was ordered to charge the line and break it. We were backed by another group of hot blades who would exploit our break-through.
A charge can be a tricky thing to get going. Unless someone sets a strong committed pace, people tend to look around and trot at the communal speed of the group. This may keep up the unit cohesion, but it dilutes the attention of the fighters, reduces the overall possible speed, and is under-committed to forward motion. A good charge requires discipline; everyone must focus forward, move quickly, and continue pressing through the line, not stopping to engage it. I took it upon myself to set the pace for the charge, eager to wash the taste of shame from my mouth.
As soon as lay on was called, we were off! I was about a pace ahead of the others, and being in the center of the cavalry had the effect of creating a wedge.
Our change in tactics worked wonders! They were not expecting a charge from us. I don't remember hitting anyone, nor do I specifically remember being tagged. However, as soon as I hit the line, and the blades started flying, I knew that I must have been touched and called myself out. I am told by those behind me that the line crumpled around me. It was glorious!
Once I was off the field, I could see that their forces had been split. One group was penned in the corner, ringed in by our left wing, and unable to bring their full force to bear. Our right wing was engaging the other group, and attritting them away.
Analysis: Although our opponents performed admirably, the Trimarian line was not mentally prepared for a charge. They also have cohesion issues because their multi-kingdom force is unfamiliar with each other. Our success in this skirmish, though, is primarily due to two factors: 1) a well conducted charge, and 2) our ability to out-fight them one-to-one.
Once again supremely confident, we were lined up in front of the line, this time on the left flank. Since our plan worked so well, this time Ansteorra was going with "armed mob", and would charge with the entire line.
There was some confusion on the Trimaran side. "Lay on" was called, even though the Atlantians, now opposite us, were still milling about formulating their plan. The noticed us as we were half-way across the field. With impressive discipline they formed up, and even managed a 3 step counter-charge into our advance!
Although we met with pockets of stiff resistance, for the most part, the Trimarans were already mentally defeated. A few of our fighters even made it into their backfield for this battle.
I hope that we all left the field as friends, although I wonder. I heard many blow-calling complaints by our side, although I had no adverse experiences myself. The psychological effect of our charges, though legal and tactically appropriate, may have left them disgruntled, as no one likes to be intimidated. At any rate, we'd best begin practicing to repel their charges next year!
This was the most emotionally moving event of the War for me. Perhaps the factor I enjoy most in melee is the sense of discipline, where one must subordinate one's wishes for the good of the team, being patient when patience is needed, and being courageous when boldness is needed.
Written: 23 Mar 01, Last edit: 27 Mar 01
| Journal Index | Site Index | Prev | Next |