Quoted By:
Rolled 5, 2, 11, 1, 16, 12, 9, 19, 7, 10, 4, 9 = 105 (12d20)
You fall into the moment – the vise of your mind, only somewhat weakened by your concussion, moves to its true calling – the strategic deployment of violence. The enemy phalanx is about fifty strong, in a loose double-lined format. They clearly expect to wrap around your forces, press down upon you with superior numbers, and drown you in spearpoints. You immediately order the Salaminians to advance slowly and spread themselves widely, to deny the likely wrapping action. Already, jabbing feints being traded for true lunges - tests of each other's resolve and quickness converted into pain and suffering.
You consider the hostile crew, as you step slowly forwards.
Their first error – they have organized themselves on the central axis, for ease of travel, but this has denied them the chance to drive you and your fellow assailants off the vessel at the first possible moment. They offered you purchase upon their ship freely – even as a boy, you would have avoided this first mistake at all cost. The same formation also allowed Prince Ajax to jaunt merrily to the stern deck area, where he defends the grappling irons. A crucial mistake that creates all the following.
Their second error – they have placed the entirety of their force into the formation. They have no reserve, no missile support. They are flankable.
The third error – they have forgotten that there are other means of ambulation aboard the vessel – the hold is apparently undefended, and there’s not one, but two trap-doors into the hold at your left and right sides, within easy reach.
The fourth error – their captain, Kyrtios – is nowhere to be found. He is out of sight, and therefore is unable to respond to the changing conditions on the battlefield. His men are left to make what success they can without the benefit of a commander. This last concerns you most.
All this is clear to you the moment that your sandals come to rest upon the rolling deck. Victory here is all but assured – it is simply a question of time and casualties suffered. Buttressing this knowledge is the simple truth that no band of commoners could hope to stop Prince Ajax, yourself and Pollux, once having entered the fray, in addition to two talented archers at your back. Even beyond this, Menelaus is en route with a contingent of Lacedaemonian warriors – fine Spartans who will add their numbers to your own.
Which raises the question – where is Kyrtios? His absence is a deception of some kind – you’re certain of it. The men around you prowl forwards, hunting for blood, and Pollux steps adroitly into danger. You cannot move – not yet – there is some mystery afoot here. What you would you do in Kyrtios’ position?
“Nikandros!” Pollux howls to you, breaking your train of thought. “This is the part where you start barking orders!”
>cont
>I'm rolling for the following:
>salaminians (+5/+5), pirates 1(-2/-2), pollux (+3/+3), pirates 2 (-2/-2)
