>>5937007However, whether by design or by chance, they are now squarely lodged in your path, and they must be dealt with. As hostile foreigners, belonging to a people currently at war with Argos, it is expected that you expel or (preferably) exterminate these interlopers promptly. You request a formal report from Chabrianos and he quickly barks out additional details...
By numbers alone, the Dorians are an even match to your <span class="mu-i">Inachian Honorguard</span> – but numbers alone never dictate victory in war. You tally your advantages: you are present, Argyros is present, your men are rested, capable and well-equipped, and you appear to have the benefit of surprise. As for the opposing force, their advantages: the composition and equipment of their force is unclear, it is unclear who is in command, and you do not know their goals. Even with such deficits of information, confidence swells in your breast – you have little to fear, and your victory is assured. The only questions – how to manage the problem and how much Argive blood will be spilled. Argyros and Chabrianos look to you expectantly as you contemplate, but there's no delay - you immediately bark out orders to:
>Arrange for an ambush to maximum your chances of a swift and crushing victory. The thickly-forested swamps of Lerna provide much cover to those who know how to use it. You and your men will leave the trail and approach the Dorian camp from an oblique angle, catching them by surprise. By necessity, you will leave your chariot behind and join your prowling honorguard. However, if your ambush is spotted, your troops may be forced to fight in an awkward position or on unfavorable ground.>Cast aside deceitful tactics and make straight for the enemy position along the trail; you and your forces are superior in equipment, experience, and no trickery is necessary to win the day. You and your men will simply the charge the enemy position in close ranks and gut them. You are one of the most dangerous men of Argos and it is highly unlikely that the enemy commander can match you. You can and will simply eviscerate them.>Engage the enemy cautiously - rather than a speedy charge, form ranks and advance in the standard fashion. A shield wall of 25 men, and behind them, another 25 men ready to cast spears. This tried-and-true tactic tends to favor better trained forces - such as yours, and provides tactical flexibility.>Send a messenger for parley with the enemy commander, giving up the advantage of surprise. This smacks of weakness in its own right, and may even prompt the enemy commander to slay your messenger and attack. However, it is also possible that you may expel this enemy without bloodshed. Alternately, opposing forces may choose to settle matters with a duel between commanders – men of honor prefer this to the needless deaths of their men. Whether the enemy commanders are prone to honorable conduct – you simply cannot be sure. >WRITE-IN - something else? 