>>5659954You peer down at the map blanketing the command table. You recognize it as one of the same maps you studied before the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. The forests, rivers and ruins that dot it are all seemingly where you remember them being. In particular, the middle of the map grabs your attention. It’s here where Rodrigue scribbles something down. You recall this was the site of a large, raised platform that contained a ballista. It would have been a source of great trouble for you during the mock battle, had Hubert not suggested burning it down.
“I understand some of you are familiar with this battlefield.” Rodrigue continues. “We’ll approach Gronder from the north. Over here, on our west side, is where our scouts have reported the Leicester Alliance’s army is currently marching. Preliminary reports suggest their army numbers somewhere between six to seven thousand regular troops.”
All the more reason to ally yourselves with them, you quietly think. But you know better than to vocalize that thought. At this point, there’s no chance of it happening. At the very least, regardless of whether your factions had an alliance or not, the Empire would still have an additional several thousand enemy troops to contend with.
“The Empire’s engineers have been hard at work, fortifying defensive positions and building out trenches.” Rodrigue continues. “In particular though, our scouts report that they’ve been working day and night on completely rebuilding the wooden platform here.” He points towards the middle of the map. “They’re turning it into a sniper’s nest. In addition to the ballista, which has been completely rebuilt to fire several bolts at once, there’s now room to fit several archers. Given the tower’s location and design, it seems that they have the capability to fire down from it in a complete circular radius. I believe that this tower will serve as the crux of the Empire’s defense here. If we wish to stand any chance of taking out Edelgard, we’ll have to make sure it falls.”
“That thing is scary.” Ingrid interjects. “I’ve seen it for myself. As long as it’s on the field and under their control, we’ll be unable to take to the skies.”
“Hmph, why don’t we turn it against them then?” Dimitri asks. “Let them feel the full brunt of their insidious designs.”
“I believe that may be our only choice, my King.” Rodrigue says. “Circumventing the tower will be impossible. The casualties they’d inflict on us would be immense. We’ll need to punch a hole straight down south and capture that tower first, doing our best to weather the oncoming storm of arrows. It will be a tough job, but we have no shortage of armored knights and calvary that should be able to make it through with minimal casualties. Once they reach their destination, they should have no issue slaughtering the defenders within.”
“So, who’s got the lucky job?” Sylvain asks, dread evident.
