Post/Author/DateTime	Post
meto30 10-19-07, 11:01 PM	This is in essence a series of stat blocks I've fleshed out for my Chessentan Campaign. In my campaign, the returned Tchazzar is creating mighty legions out of the soldiers of Cimbar, but feel free to add your ideas. Anything stat blocks that has to do with Chessentan Battlefields would be welcome. This post will be updated whenever a new stat block comes up. Legions of Tchazzar Legions are the elite soldiers of the Chessentan Empire. Founded by clerics of Tchazzar decades ago, this fighting force is exceptional in its emphasis on training and discipline. Trained to engage and then exchange lines, they are exceptional at drawn-out set-piece battles, especially siege battles. They bear the Red Dragon standard into battle, and call themselves "Embodiment of Tchazzar". Most worship Tchazzar as their patron deity, and strive to follow his example of valor and discipline. Infantry (by meto30) standard soldier of the legions Legionnaire of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +4 shield) hp 8(1 HD) Fort +4, Ref +1, Will+0 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +1; Grp +2; Atk Options Tower Shield Cover Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Phalanx fighting, Endurance, Diehard Skills Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Climb +4, Intimidate+2, Swim+2 Possessions breastplate, mwk short sword, dagger, tower shield, 3 pila, shovel, hammer Infantry Decurion (by meto30) sergeant-in-charge of a contubernium, group of 8 soldiers and 2 support troops which shares tent and equipment Decurion of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 2 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+1 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +4 shield) hp 15(2 HD) Fort +5, Ref +1, Will+0 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +2; Grp +3; Atk Options Tower Shield Cover Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Phalanx fighting, Endurance, Diehard, Weapon Focus (short sword) Skills Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Climb+4, Intimidate+3, Swim+2, Spot+1 Posessions breastplate, mwk short sword, dagger, tower shield, 3 pila, shovel, hammer Infantry Centurion (by meto30) Commands a Centuria, consisting of 10 centubernis. Leads from the front, inspires his men in battle. Centurion of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 4, marshall 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +3, Spot+5 Languages Chessentan, Common, Draconic AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +4 shield) hp 40 (5 HD) Fort +9, Ref +2, Will+4 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword +1 (1d6+2/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +4; Grp +5; Atk Options Tower Shield Cover Combat Gear potion of cure minor wounds 2 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 12 Feats Phalanx fighting, Endurance, Diehard, Weapon Focus (pilum), Weapon Focus (short sword), Dodge Skills Climb +4, Intimidate+8, Swim+2, Diplomacy+4, Knowledge(Chessenta)+2, Knowledge(Royalty)+2, Knowledge(Engin.)+2 Listen+2, Perform(Oratory)+3, SenseMotive+2, Spot+3, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4 Posessions combat gear, chainmail, mwk short sword +1, dagger, tower shield +1, 3 pila Infantry Optia (by meto30) Second-in-command of a centuria. Stays in back as a backup for the centurion, in case he dies. Optia of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 3, marshall 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +3, Spot+4 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +4 shield) hp 32 (4 HD) Fort +8, Ref +2, Will+3 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword +1 (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +4; Grp +5; Atk Options Tower Shield Cover Combat Gear potion of cure minor wounds 1 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Phalanx fighting, Endurance, Diehard, Weapon Focus (pilum), Weapon Focus (short sword) Skills Climb +4, Intimidate+6, Swim+2, Diplomacy+2, Knowledge(Chessenta)+2, Knowledge(Royalty)+2, Knowledge(Engin.)+2 Listen+2, Perform(Oratory)+3, SenseMotive+2, Spot+3, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4 Posessions combat gear, breastplate, mwk short sword +1, dagger, tower shield +1, 3 pila Infantry Signifer (by meto30) Holds the centuria banner. Prestigious position, acts as the oldest brother among the soldiers. Signifer of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 3, marshall 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +3, Spot+4 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+1 Dex, +5 armor) hp 32 (4 HD) Fort +8, Ref +2, Will+3 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword +1 (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +4; Grp +5; Atk Options Combat Expertise Combat Gear potion of cure minor wounds 1 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Weapon Focus (short sword), Endurance, Diehard, Dodge, Weapon Focus (pilum) Skills Climb +4, Intimidate+6, Swim+2, Diplomacy+2, Knowledge(Chessenta)+2, Knowledge(Royalty)+2, Knowledge(Engin.)+2 Listen+2, Perform(Oratory)+3, SenseMotive+2, Spot+3, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4 Posessions combat gear, breastplate, mwk short sword +1, dagger, buckler, centuria banner, 3 pila Infantry Cornicens (by meto30) Centuria's drill sergeant. Coaches the centuria on training sessions. Holds the centuria's drum and the drill horn(cornu) in battle. Cornicens of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 3 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +3, Spot+4 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+1 Dex, +5 armor) hp 25 (3 HD) Fort +8, Ref +2, Will+3 ------------------------------------------ Speed 20ft. (4 squares) Melee mwk short sword +1 (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +4; Grp +5; Atk Options none Combat Gear potion of cure minor wounds 1 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Weapon Focus (short sword), Endurance, Diehard, Skill Focus Perform(wind instr.), Weapon Focus (pilum) Skills Climb+4, Intimidate+4, Swim+2, Spot+1, Perform(wind instrument)+2, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4 Posessions combat gear, breastplate, mwk short sword +1, dagger, buckler, 3 pila, military drum, drill horn(cornu) Cavalry (by meto30) standard cavalry of the legions Legionnaire of Tchazzar (Cavalry) Male human fighter 2 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +2 shield) hp 16(2 HD) Fort +5, Ref +1, Will+1 ------------------------------------------ Speed 50ft. (10 squares) Melee mwk lance (1d8/x3) mwk long sword (1d8/19-20,x2) Ranged none Base Atk +1; Grp +2; Atk Options Ride-by Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10 Feats Mounted Combat, Ride-by Attack, Endurance, Diehard Skills Ride+5, Handle Animal+4, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Intimidate+2 Possessions breastplate, lance, mwk long sword, large wooden shield, dagger, heavy warhorse Cavalry Centurion (by meto30) unlike its infantry counterpart, the cavalry Centurion commanded an 'Alea(wing)' of cavalry consisting of 60 riders and 10 non-combattants who looked after the unit. He also carried a small horn for rallying and signaling purposes. Centurion of Tchazzar (Cavalry) Male human fighter 4, marshal 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+1 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dex, +5 armor, +2 shield) hp 32(4 HD) Fort +7, Ref +2, Will+2 ------------------------------------------ Speed 50ft. (10 squares) Melee mwk short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged pilum (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +2; Grp +3; Atk Options Ride-by Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 13, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10 Feats Mounted Combat, Ride-by Attack, Endurance, Diehard, Trample, Weapon Focus (lance) Skills Ride+7, Handle Animal+6, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Intimidate+4, Perform(Oratory)+3, SenseMotive+2, Spot+2 Possessions breastplate, mwk lance, mwk long sword, large wooden shield, dagger, heavy warhorse, horn Archer Infantry (by meto30) standard legionnaire trained to use a composite shortbow. Archer Legionnaire of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 armor) hp 8(1 HD) Fort +4, Ref +2, Will+0 ------------------------------------------ Speed 30ft. (6 squares) Melee short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged mwk composite shortbow (1d6/x3/105ft) Base Atk +1; Grp +2; Atk Options none Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Endurance, PointBlankShot, FarShot Skills Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Climb +4, Intimidate+2, Swim+2 Possessions chainshirt, short sword, dagger, mwk composite shortbow(+1 StrBonus), 40 arrows, shovel, hammer Archer Optia (by meto30) Sergeant in command of an alea of 80 archers. Each archer aleae had 20 support troops just like Infantry Centuriae. The archer alea did not have a centurion, but the entire archer cohort was commanded by two centuriones. Archer optiae trained their soldiers in peacetime. Archer Optia of Tchazzar (Infantry) Male human fighter 3, marshall 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +3, Spot+4 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+1 Dex, +5 armor) hp 32 (4 HD) Fort +7, Ref +3, Will+3 ------------------------------------------ Speed 30ft. (6 squares) Melee short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged mwk composite shortbow (1d6/x3/105ft) Base Atk +4; Grp +5; Atk Options none Combat Gear potion of cure minor wounds 1 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Endurance, PointBlankShot, Farshot, PreciseShot Skills Climb +4, Intimidate+6, Swim+2, Diplomacy+2, Knowledge(Chessenta)+2, Knowledge(Royalty)+2, Knowledge(Engin.)+2 Listen+2, Perform(Oratory)+3, SenseMotive+2, Spot+3, Craft(Cons&Engin)+4 Possessions breastplate, short sword, dagger, mwk composite shortbow(+1 StrBonus), 40 arrows, shovel, hammer Siege Weapon Engineer (by meto30) support troop that maintains and works the Siege Weapons of the legion. Unlike other support troops, whom were considered as auxilliae rank, these men were considerd as standard rank and earned the same pay as an ordinary legionnaire. Siege Weapon Engineer(Infantry) Male human siege weapons expert 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 armor) hp 5(1 HD) Fort +0, Ref +1, Will+2 ------------------------------------------ Speed 30ft. (6 squares) Melee short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged none Base Atk 0; Grp +1; Atk Options none Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Endurance, Skillfocus(Craft(Cons&Engin)) Skills Craft(Cons&Engin)+4, Climb+4, Swim+4, Knowledge(Arch&Engin)+4, Craft(SiegeWeapon)+4, DisableDevice+4, UseRope+4 Possessions chain shirt, short sword, dagger, hammer, wrench, pickaxe Smith (by meto30) support troop that maintains the equipment of the legionnary soldiers. There was usually one apprentice-level smith at each Contubernis and master-level smiths assigned to each cohort. The stat block below represents the apprentice-level smith. Smith Support Trooper(Infantry) Male human blacksmith expert 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init 1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+1 Dex, +4 armor) hp 5(1 HD) Fort +0, Ref +1, Will+2 ------------------------------------------ Speed 30ft. (6 squares) Melee short sword (1d6/19-20,x2) Ranged none Base Atk 0; Grp +1; Atk Options none Combat Gear none ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10 Feats Endurance, Skillfocus(Craft(Armorsmithing)) Skills Climb+4, Swim+4, Knowledge(Arch&Engin)+4, Craft(Weaponsmithing)+4, Craft(Armorsmithing)+4 DisableDevice+4, UseRope+4 Possessions chain shirt, short sword, dagger, hammer, wrench, pickaxe, mallet Curator (by Suin Bahhar) Field sergeon of the Legions. Highest ranking non-magical support troop, earned the same pay as optiae. Curator of Tchazzar (Infantry) Female human expert 1 LN Medium Humanoid Init +1; Senses Listen +0, Spot+0 Languages Chessentan, Common AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10 (+1 Dex) hp 4 (1 HD) Fort +0, Ref +1, Will+2 ------------------------------------------ Speed 30ft. (6 squares) Melee +0 mwk scalpel (1d2/19-20,x2) or +0 dagger (1d4(19-20),x2) Ranged +1 light crosbow (1d8/19-20,x2) Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Options None Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds 3 ------------------------------------------ Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 12 Feats Skillfocus(surgeon) Skillfocus(heal) Skills Diplomacy+4, Heal+6, Knowledge(nobility)+5, Knowledge(nature)+5, Knowledge(alchemy)+5, Profession(Surgeon)+6, SenseMotive+4, Search+4 ------------------------------------------ Posessions healers garb, mwk healer kit, mwk scalpel, dagger Pilum This is a special weapon wielded by the legionnaires. It is very similar to an ordinary spear. Tchazzarian Pilum Martial Ranged Weapon (thrown) price 2 gp per piece damage 1d8/x3 piercing range 20ft, weight 6lb ----------------------------------------- Special On hit, apply ArmChckPnlt-4, AtkPnlt-4 This spear is designed to bend upon impact. The pilum would penetrate a shield, bend, and render the shield effectively useless because of the unwieldy bulk of the pilum's shaft. The pilum is embedded in armor if the attack roll was higher than 7+Defender's touch AC. Removing Pulling the bent pilum from a shield or armor is a full-round action. The strengh check DC is 13. One can attempt to remove the pilum as a standard action, which strength check DC is 20. Failing the standard action DC but meeting the full-round action DC allows one to pull it out as a standard action. Melee Use The Pilum bends on impact. Thus, this weapon is nearly useless for melee. ----------------------------------------- Pseudohistory Section This section was moved becuase the text was too long :weep: Search below for the text.
1 ton ghost 10-21-07, 12:20 AM	unless they are really well funded (standing armies are still pretty rare in proto-renaissance times), have alot of to groom them, and so on, it would be difficult to have them as Ftrs. most soldiers are Warriors as to mass produce fighting men/women is difficult. that said, some are Ftrs, but they tend to be elite units. but, w/ the new dragon in town running the show, he could be fueling a ton of cash into the defense budget to grind these guys out given aspirations vs. taht draoclich northeast and worry given Mulhorand's intentions around Unther.
meto30 10-21-07, 01:08 AM	The logic behind the fighter class was mentioned in my thread in the Classes forum. Legionnaires are supposed to be an all-professional army, an elite fighting force, 'a class above everyone else' to burrow a line from a poster. Legions will be seperated from the ordinary citizen army, the 'auxiliae'. Of course, the auxiliae are warriors, not fighters. And as you have said, Tchazzar will be funding his army so they can be equiped to the best. (and the legions of rome were a standing army)
18DELTA 10-21-07, 02:43 AM	Those stats were you using the average array, or were you using the elite array? I may have to steal some of your ideas. Personally I would make the grunts warriors, the higher level soldiers warrior/fighters. Then the leaders straight fighters, sprinkle in some other classes for a more realistic army. Npc classes are your friend in this situation. So is Mulhorand going to be Carthage in this campian?:D My:twocents:
meto30 10-21-07, 05:00 AM	Actually, Mulhorrand will become Hispania as Thay brings in its gigantic undead army to challenge Chessenta. In this sense, Thay is Carthage. And Szass Tam will become Hannibal ;) The legions depicted above are elite warriors. The bulk of Tchazzar's army will be the Auxilliae soldiers, who are warriors.
meto30 10-21-07, 07:08 AM	EDIT: The original post is updated. Skill choices has been modified to reflect the historical legionnaire's aptitude with siege engineering. RW legionnaires would often become builders and architects after retirement. Cavalry legionnaire and their centurion has been added. Pilum, a special weapon based on the spear, is added.
Mortagon 10-21-07, 10:29 AM	I noticed that many of he soldiers had the weapon specializtion feat even if they didn't have the prerequistes. Is this intentional house ruling or did you mean to give them weapon focus instead? Otherwise it looks good.
18DELTA 10-21-07, 10:39 AM	So will you also use :dancin: orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc :dancin: as the barbarin rable in this campain? Sorry for the slight hijack, I could not resist it!:D
meto30 10-21-07, 06:28 PM	I noticed that many of he soldiers had the weapon specializtion feat even if they didn't have the prerequistes. Is this intentional house ruling or did you mean to give them weapon focus instead? Otherwise it looks good. Oops. Was I mistaking one for the other? (checks the PHB) You're right! Thanks, I'll switch then right away. So will you also use orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc orc as the barbarin rable in this campain? Sorry for the slight hijack, I could not resist it! Of course. No Roman campaign would be complete without some barbarians for the flavor. ;) But Thay will be hiring orcs and hobgoblins to fight for them, so they are more like Hispanians rather than Germanians... And I must beg for forgiveness. I was not in any way slighting people from Northern Europe.
BadCatMan 10-21-07, 08:45 PM	Nice work. Have you considered the Phalanx Fighting feat (Lords Of Darkness, Complete Warrior)? It gives increased AC for warriors in a shield wall with a heavy shield and light weapon, perfect for legions. Some more of these team-work related feats would be a good idea. Legions weren't exactly the best warriors (as Weapon Focus or Specialization would indicate), but they did work very well together. Tactics versus magic would be handy, though a tower shield probably takes care of most of that. If you can, you might like to check out the old adventure Swords Of The Iron Legion. In it, soldiers of the first Chessentan Empire under Tchazzar are raised as undead. They used spiked shields and tridents, IIRC, which is a bit odd. In my Chessenta campaign, I decided it was an older mode of warfare in the region, discarded when phalanxes came together and stabbing your buddy by accident just wasn't on. It might still be practiced by a few special units and backwards areas. And the trident makes a great martial one-handed spear, if you ignore the extra prongs.
18DELTA 10-21-07, 09:01 PM	Have you also checked out "Heroes of Battle"?
meto30 10-21-07, 11:21 PM	Thank you all for your kind advice. Have you considered the Phalanx Fighting feat (Lords Of Darkness, Complete Warrior)? It gives increased AC for warriors in a shield wall with a heavy shield and light weapon, perfect for legions. That sounds like the perfect feat for my legions. I will switch feats right away. Too bad I don't have Complete Warrior :weep: Sounds like I'm missing a lot of material without them... Maybe I need to do a thorough search through the feat index...
Mortagon 10-23-07, 04:22 PM	there are official rules for the pilum in the dragon compendium book (if you consider Dragon magazine official).
meto30 10-25-07, 08:53 PM	EDIT: Stat blocks updated to include hammer, shovel, and pickaxe in soldier's battle gear. Additional blocks added, including the siege engineer. New entries: archer infantry, archer Optia, siege engineer, smith support trooper Upcoming update: logistics support trooper, Draconarius, Primus Pilus, Legatus, Praetorian Guard, various auxilliae soldiers
The Simbul 10-25-07, 10:33 PM	While I do not have the time to fully analyze the stat blocks provided, I must say I am impressed by your efforts. A while back I considered a project to not only stat out and/or modify every named NPC in Aglarond, but to also give full statistics for virtually every soldier in the Army of the Lion, Army of the Green Drake, the Simbulmyn, as well as Aglarond's Navy and the Yuirwood's Foresters. Perhaps if I was not preoccupied with trying to determine how I should approach, react to, or contend with the looming chaos to be imposed on the realms in a year or so--then I might have the time to devote to such a project. However, at the same time, much of the effort in making full statistics will be wasted when existing NPC stat block tables already exist in the DMG, and when there are easily customizable stat blocks for various types of elite military forces and townsfolk archetypes in Heroes of Battle and Races of Destiny. One issue I have is with ability scores. Basically you are severely short-changing your NPCs by giving them scores of 12 and 10. NPCs with average scores of 11 should be confined to commoners, non-combatants, or monsters without class levels. Generally when a nameless NPC has levels in a PC adventuring class (Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Wizard) they are supposed to be given the elite ability score array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8), and then apply adjustments for race, level, templates, and equipment accordingly. This is true for virtually every NPC created using the tables in the DMG, as well as the tables for villains of various organizations found in Lords of Darkness. Likewise, when an NPC has levels in an NPC class, such as those covered in the DMG (Adept, Aristocrat, Commoner, Expert, Warrior) they are generally supposed to have the non-elite array (13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8), and then apply adjustments for race, level, templates, and equipment accordingly. As for the issue of massive legions of Fighters--it is generally unbalancing when the majority of most armies in D&D and in the Realms consist of 1st level Warriors or CR 1 monsters. However, with enough time and gold one could modify the retraining rules in the PHBII as means to transform large numbers of warriors into fighters, and use whatever gp costs are associated with it as a baseline to determine how much it would cost to make a mediocre army into an elite one. (note: I do not own the PHBII, and it has been some time since I have seen a copy, so I am not entirely sure if they retraining rules include the option to retrain class levels entirely. That said, one could easily come up with a method to accomplish something along those lines).
meto30 10-25-07, 11:21 PM	Thank you, Simbul, for your great advice. May Thayans always cower in your presence. ;) As for the ability scores, I was thinking on not giving extraordinary strength scores; but maybe I'll use the elite array. But that means I have to go through the entire skill list again :weep:
Suin Bahhar 10-26-07, 08:49 AM	Great story on the history of the legions of Tchazzar, Meto30. Who are the high priests or wyrm princes of Tchazzar and Tiamat in your campain? So this cults wyrmlairds have evolved into battleclerics with favored weapon shortsword and Victory and Greed domains? I use Shadu-Ab (Cl18, NE, Cha 19, wis 20) as the head of the Tiamat clergy in Unther. This wyrm princes leads the Dark Scaly Ones from Unthalass temple. They command the greatsword wielding blackscaled Serpant Guard. The Keeper of the Platinum Crown holds the highest rank within the subsect of Tchazzar, his name is Antonius Prisius (Cl14, LE, Con 17, Wis 17, Int 17) in my campaign.
meto30 10-26-07, 08:55 PM	I don't know where I read it, but I remeber a text saying that the old Crown of Cimbar is currently wielded by Tchazzar as a ring. I'm going to go with that. In my campaign, the church of Tchazzar is comprised of the Legions. His highest priest is actually the legatus of the first legion. I have not given him a name yet, but he will be more of a warrior than a priest. I'm thinking of a human cleric/marshall. The crazy cleric in the Rise of the Legions pseudohistory will become the leader of the religious sect of the Church of the Red Dragon. His squad of fanatics will be known as the Bridge-builders (Pontifex), and will preach the teachings of the Father of Chessenta. I think I'll steal your idea for the Church of Tiamat. So Shadu-Ab has returned from exile? What happened to Tiglath?
Suin Bahhar 10-27-07, 11:28 AM	Thats for my PC's to decide ^^, They are to meet her soon! On the run with Furifex mostly.
meto30 10-28-07, 10:39 PM	Pseudohistory for Meto's Campaign Rise of the Legions and the Return of the Father of Chessenta Decades ago rumors of the upcoming return of the father of Chessenta grew in the streets of Cimbar. The rumor spread like wildfire through the middle class, and with it tales of the ancient spendour of the Iron Legions spread about. Spies of Luthcheq and Soorenar noted this movement long before the Sceptnar of Cimbar did, and worked to stem this cult before it influenced Cimbar further into the war path. However, unknown to them, the Church of Tiamat already had its claws buried deep into the two cities, and their efforts to sabotage the growing cult failed. A new church of Tchazzar was born, one that did not have priests and temples, but rather war-clerics and barracks. The reborn Cult of Tchazzar went about in its creation of a new army following 'holy instructions' left behind by the great red dragon. For centuries the might of Chessenta lay in its citizen soldiers, mighty hoplites wielding large round shields and spears, moving with speed and dexterity. However, after the invention of the Phalanx in Akanax, the hoplite warrior was slowly transformed into the phalangite soldier. Massed in a square formation, wielding massive longspears 18 feet long, the Akanax' phalanx proved near invincible in the field. If it was not for the internal strife that burst in the City of Warriors, Akanax might have unified Chessenta. But in the brief halt, the other cities were quick to adopt this new way of war, and soon large armies of phalanx hoplites were commonplace. But what the church of Tchazzar proposed was too new to be accepted by Cimbar. No one could image the short sword defeating the sarissa pikes, much less even reach the soldier wielding it. Amidst the jokes and slander thrown its way, the Cult of the Red Dragon continued on, and from mercenaries, deserters, and its own clerics, formed the first Legion of Tchazzar. The Sceptnar sent a force of hoplites to dispatch the 'rabble cowarding behind shields', but when the outnumbered legions routed the hoplites, Cimbar had no choice but to accept the army into the city gates. As rumor of Tchazzar's return grew, so did the legion, and what was once a small force of seven hundred became a three thousand strong army. The Legatus of the Legion became an important political power. Seeing this as a threat, the skulking spies of Luthcheq pursuaded the sceptnar to destroy the Church of Tchazzar before it wrecked more damage to the 'tradition'. The plan would have worked but for one thing. Night grew old, and as the sun set at Midwinter, armies of Cimbar, summoned from the outlying colonies of the city, gathered in the city streets. As a great horn sounded in the rooftops, 14 thousand soldiers marched towards the Temple-Fortress of Tchazzar located in the port district. Sceptnar's messengers sped through the city, calling the church traitors and ursurpers of the ancient ways, and promoted a city-wide crusade against the Legion, which was, according to the messengers, plotting to take over the city and become tyrants of Cimbar. The navy was docked as well, and marines marched alongside their overland brothers, united in a single front against the power the legion had become. Within the hour the Temple Complex was completely surrounded. Legionnaires were determined to hold the enemy at bay, and manned the walls of the temple-barracks. Sages and historians disagree on which side loosed the first arrow, but it is generally agreed that upon the third hour after sunset, the tension between the two armies broke loose, and the skies of Cimbar filled with arrows. Two columns advanced towards the east wall, and mighty catapults were assembled facing the north. The temple's guardians stood firm. Rock flew into the complex, and a mighty battering ram sped across the avenue and smashed upon the wooden gate. Shield were interlocked as oil and arrows were loosed upon the besiegers, but the gate was already sabotaged by a Soorenar infiltrator, and with the fourth blow it blew usunder, and spears marched into the temple cloister. Pila was thrown, and as the hoplites were confused by the embedded shafts, the legionnaires presented a single line of shields. However it was a street battle. The phalanx could not be flanked because of the buildings, and the formation is said to be undefeatable from the front. But the legionnaires held firm. Along the three breached streets were three cohorts, and they drew the hoplites slowly into the complex, each centuria retreating after a few minutes behind a fresh centuria. Unable to pursue retreating men because of their rigid formation, the hoplites had no choice but to face rested soldiers every ten minutes. Siege weaponry lined upon the defensive perimeter opened fire. Ballistae and Scorpione threw its giant arrows into the Cimbar catapults. As shots were exchanged, the enchanted rocks burst into flames upon impact, and the Temple of Tchazzar started burning. Legionnaires ran to and fro to extinguish the flames, but new fire kept springing up whenever a shot fell upon the temple grounds. The skies were orange from the great flame that rose from the complex. Wives and children were terrified by the sound of battle, and men watched with wariness, fearing that the legions might survive the night. But messengers of the Sceptnar tirelessly ran through the city streets, calling out songs of victory whenever the hoplites gained control of a street. Time slugged slowly as the hoplites drove the centuriae back feet by feet into the main temple. In all those hours, the clerics of Tchazzar have not been idle. Seven hours after sunset, multiple delayed fireball spells placed at tactical chokepoints activated across the temple grounds, incinerating the hoplites drawn into the complex. Amongst this chaos, a special fighting force of the legions known as the Blades of Tchazzar ran towards the east gate and shut it closed. The trapped phalangites were surrounded, and one by one they fell to pilum and sword while legionnaires used their tower shields to protect themselves. But the battle was already lost. Careless of the losses they sustained, the grand army of Cimbar threw war ladders up every wall section they could reach. The entire perimeter was about to be breached, and the Legatus ordered the final stand. Three thousand legionnaires lined up around the burning central temple. As the last hour of the night came and dawn approached, the sky slowly turned blood red. At last, eight thousand spears surrounded the legionnary soldiers. Both sides prepared for the final lunge, in a brief session of quiet. It was at that moment, admist the eirie quiet, that a crazed cleric of Tchazzar ran away from the legion's formation and stood atop a destroyed pedestal. He cried, "Father has come to embrace us! Father has come to embrace us all!" Both armies stared in wonder as the cleric kneeled and repeated his announcement. But still nothing happened. The shout echoed through the city, bewildering citizens and soldiers alike. Still nothing happened. Tired by the madness of the balding man, a captain of the hoplites, who was under employment of Soorenar, walked up to the pedestal, and pierced the screaming man in the gut. As the shouting ended, the city grew silent again, and the captain turned to face the soldiers. "What do you wait for here?" asked he. "Is it not the place of us soldiers to face death when it comes, not deny it like this fool has done? Or are all legionnaires such cowards?" The hoplites laughed, and the legionnaires stared in anger. Weapons were raised. The battle was about to recommence. But the fumbling man was not dead. He slowly rised, the spearhead embedded in his flesh, and cried out once again. "The Father has come! And you, captain, shall be the first to meet his wrath." The captain pulled his sword from the scabbard, and grasped the dieing cleric in his left arm. As the two bewildered sides watched, the captain dragged the man towards the wall, and raised his sword to deliver the blow that would signal the end of the Church of Tchazzar. This blow never fell. Choking under the presure of the captain's hand, the cleric let out a single laughter that was more like a scream. As the entire city was focused on the shrill voice, sun rose atop the mountains; a beam of light shown upon the captain and the cleric, and to the wonder of the watchers the cleric seemed to shine in his own light. And moments later, shadow fell. And it was no normal shadow. The entire city looked up in terror as a great red dragon dived through the skies and snatched up the captain and tore him apart with his claws. The captain's blood showered upon the hoplites. The hoplites were already shook by the night's grueling battle and the large number of casualties, and could not take it any longer. The front ranks were pinned by fear, and the rear ranks fled as fast as they could, throwing down their spears and shields. Many fell to the ground, tripped by their own comrades, and were crushed beneath the rampage. The dragon raised its head and roared. The sun's light reflected upon his bright red scales, glossy like a newly hatched wyrmling, but bright and magnificent like an ornamental armor of some anicent Emperor. And Emperor he was. The legionnaires cheered. The citizens watched in awe. The Sceptnar of Cimbar, who was watching the battle from her hilltop palace, could not believe her eyes. The red dragon standard was raised high in greeting to the Dragon King. The dragon turned to his loyal servants, and smiled. Legionnaires, happy beyond measure, kneeled as one, with tears in their eyes. The dragon then turned towards the Sceptnar's palace. With a fiercesome gaze that could be felt by the Sceptnar although she could not see the dragon's eyes from such a distance, the Father of Chessenta anounced to his would be subjects. "Let all who shook their heads in disbelief now shake their head in terror. Let all who spoke against me scream against their pain. Let all who denied the return be evidence of it. The long wait has ended. The Father of Chessenta is reunited with his children. "And the Grand War has begun." The Last King of Akanax After the failed execution at Luthcheq and the near annihliation of the Karanok family, protest at Cimbar's expansion seemed to quiet down in Chessenta. Priests of the Great Red Dragon marched the plains freely, visiting city after city and preaching that the Father of Chessenta wanted all his children to prosper, united under a single Imperial Throne. Tales spread of how the newly formed legions defeated the ancient and battle tested hoplites and phalangites in the Battle of Cimbar, and while many chose not to believe it, they wondered from time to time. And even if one ignored the supposed prowess of the legions, the enemy they faced was not some power-hungry general but a legendary War-hero who was actually a red dragon. The church of Tiamat actively advertised Tiamat's newest champion's powers, and most city-states decided it was foolish to anger Tchazzar. Airspur announced its loyalty to the new Chessentan empire, and many other cities pledged their support, if not their allegience, to the new emperor. Delegations set out from Cimbar, carrying the Dragon Emperor's message: serve the throne, and be served in return. The Father of Chessenta poised as a gentle parent. Amonst the general atmosphere of submission, the Tchazzarian cult in Akanax reached its apex of power. After silencing an inner sect refusing to believe the Red Dragon was the legendary conquerer, the Akanax church set about pursuading people to join the faith. The campaign met some success, and people were drawn to the church, eager to see Chessenta become a mighty power it once was. It seemed granted that Akanax will become the strongest military arm of the new Chessentan empire. It was in this context that the high priest of Tchazzar approached King Hippartes and recommended a full submission to imperial rule. The high priest was certain that the Great Red Dragon wanted Akanax to remain as Chessenta's best military power, and as its leader Hippartes will have glory that will outshine every other warrior. It is said that as the great warrior king sat on his throne the high priest spoke of mighty battles and triumphs, and the king listened, with intense attention and apt ear. After the priest had had his say, Hippartes rose, and walked to the balcony overlooking the city. Fair sight the city was, filled with many roofs and many banners. Just beyond the mighty stone walls lay the great camp. Total of 56,400 soldiers of Akanax, finest of Chessenta and indeed of all the Old Empires region, were camped there, ready to bring victory to the City of Warriors. The war-hardened leader turned to his visitor, and said to himself, "Victory and Glory. Good things to have." The king grasped the high priest's sholder, and told him, "Tell the Father of Chessenta that we shall have glory." As the high priest smiled, the king added, "Of defeating the ugly shiled bearers that are his men and beheading his divine head." And that was the last sentence the priest heard, for one of the King's bodyguards cut off the old man's head. When news of this action reached Cimbar, the ancient dragon shook his head, and ordered his legions to prepare for march. Same orders were issued from the throne of Akanax to its proud soldiers. King Hippartes stood in front of his battle-ready army, and addressed them as all Kings of Akanax have before setting off on campaign. His men answered the call as one: "We shall honor our oath and duty, and after our death shall serve our nation as ghosts, spying on the enemies of Akanax. We shall never tire." And the great host left the city, and marched to war. It is said that mothers, wives and daughters gathered as was custom, and bade good fortune as the soldiers went their way, but all were strangely solemn. Somehow the entire city knew this war would spell doom for all. But they were not without hope. Skilled the legionnaires might be, but no warrior is capable of matching a man of Akanax in discipline, and the army of Akanax outnumbered that of Cimbar two to one. And legions comprised less than half of that force. Powerful as the dragon was, once his army was defeated he would be alone, and then all of Chessenta will see who the true master of the battlefield was, all the region's might will fall upon him, and he would be slain. Messengers were already sent to all the cities, bidding them to come to Akanax's aid. When the dragon showes up in battle, the Red Robes, which was Hippartes' royal guard and his most elite group of soldiers, will draw the dragon away from the main body, buying their comrades time to defeat the legions. Hippartes spoke with each Red Robe soldier in private, bolstering their morale. He was going to win. He was going to prove Akanax does not need a dragon lord. But two of his assumptions were wrong. And one of them would prove fatal to him. Some eighty miles north of Akanax, scout parties of the two armies encountered each other and signalled their respective main bodies before engaging in skirmish. The fight was undecided and the two squads broke off, as the two hosts approached each other. Army of Akanax stoped first, and set about making camp, and seeing this the legions stopped as well. The day passed without much action. Next morning Hippartes sent out two thousand and formed them into a rudimentary battle line. Cimbar did not answer in kind, but Hippartes decided against approaching the Cimbar camp, for he knew the formation would be well fortified with ranged weapons. Instead his ordered his wizards to attempt divination of the enemy camp; but it was found that neither side had much advantage in spellcasting power over the other, and all divination failed while abjuration succeeded. Untroubled, Akanax soldiers sang their war chants and taunted the legionnaires, but no answer came save for horns signalling hours of the day. On the third day both sides sent out about three thousand men, and these forces lined up parallel to each other with a mile distance between them. The lines slowly came closer, eventually close enough to see individual men. Each sides measured the other's strength. But no side wanted to provoke yet, and as the sun set they both retreated. This pattern continued. King Hippartes wanted to make sure the terrain was in his favor, and marked a slope near his camp for the next day's line-up. Scout reports came in during the night that some force of ten thousand approached their location. The patrols were unable to identify them, and thus a part of the team was left behind to hound their movement while the rest hurried back to the King. Hippartes could not know what army it was. Was it Cimbar's allies from Airspur? No, the force is too large for the port city to have mustered. Was it from Cimbar's naval allies? Possible. But equally likely was the possibility that the force was from Soorenar or Luthcheq come to help him defeat the dragon. Hippartes ordered five officers ride out to meet the newcomers. Upon dawn the officers returned and reported that these men were mercenary soldiers who were imployed in various cities who've come to find employment in the battle. Although bitterered that the force was not an allied army, Hippartes was relieved that the force was at least neutral. Although it was not the custom of Akanax to rely on foreign soldiers, he could not risk having them falling to Cimbar. He told the officers to offer employment to the mercenaries. But when the officers returned all they saw was devasted camps and corpses. As the scouts have found no signs of movement in the Cimbar formation, Hippartes concluded that the dragon has come forth with his army. The warrior king briefed the Red Robes of this information, and the royal guard sweared its fealty and courage once more. Another day passed without much action, and the soldiers of Akanax took this as a sign of indecision within the Cimbar army. Knowing that falling into complacency is what the enemy might be aiming at, they doubled their drills and scouted the region more rigorously. Skirmishes between scout patrols became more commonplace, and in each fight Cimbar broke off first. This convinced Hippartes that the legions were trying to lull him. Angered at the passive tactics Cimbar was using, the warrior king decided it was time to teach the cowards what it meant to be a soldier. Upon dawn most of Akanax's army marched out to the field. Arriving at the slope King Hippartes marked earlier, the entire force formed a grand battle line. Shields and Spears shone brightly, and the sight was magnificent. Once again Cimbar sent out just three thousand. Hippartes ordered his men into battle stance. The spears were raised. Phalanx soldiers aligned their 20 feet long Sarrisa pikes, while Hoplites and Peltasts doned their shields and checked their spearheads. The noise was great. All of Akanax's soldiers shouted as one, mocking the Cimbar's soldiers' reluctance to show their own strength. Hippartes came latest, as he made sure that the rearguard had the camp's perimeter secure, and saw that the other side was still maintaining its policy of sending just three thousand. He saw a potential for a massive offensive. If his army closed in on the three thousand, then Cimbar would have to either retreat or fight a seriously outnumbered battle while trying to deploy its main force. He secured each flank with ranged infantry and ordered an advance. The line moved forward. Suddenly, there was great rumbling sound as the entire south wall of the Cimbar camp fell forward. Over the fallen pallisade came the legionnaires, in full battle gear, but in poor formation. Regreting his decision to not go closer to the camp with his probing maneuvers in previous days, he ordered his soldiers to halt, and watched. The two bodies joined, and the host of Cimbar was exposed at last. The ordinary hoplites wear visible on either flank, while legions were still in poor formation in their central position. Further observing revealed that the legionnaires were in that formation on purpose; they made no attempts to fill the gaps in their lines. This 'poor formation' is what future historians would come to call 'the Tchazzarian Checkerboard', and it was in this battle that this new doctrine was put to the test for the first time. Scout teams returned to the main body as battle was about to commence. The patrols were unified into cavalry squads, and together they numbered three thousand. Hippartes placed his mounted soldiers on the right, protecting the vulnerable unshielded flank of the phalanx. His own royal guard was right behind the center of the battle line, ready to intervene when the dragon showes himself. The massive phalanx was forty men deep and a thousand men wide. Archers waited behind the phalanx along with clerics, wizards, and monks loyal to Akanax. Before the phalanx was a line of peltasts, light infantry skilled with the javelin. Each peltast carried twenty javelins, which they would throw continuously into enemy formation. Priests walked to an fro, casting protection spells on the soldiers, and blessing key formations. Akanax invented phalanx warfare centuries ago, and the nation knew all the key factors. Scryers used their spells to find potential weak spots in the Cimbar line, but since the line itself was nonexistent and formation filled with gaps and holes, Hippartes could gain no additional insight from his arcane advisers. He knew he had a disadvantage in spellcasting power - the wizard academy was rebuilt three years ago and was reported to be very succesful - and decided to make use of precast defenses as much as possible. Wands were issued to a select team of wizards who would be mounted and act as mobile artillery. Seeing that the arcane, devine, and physical components were all ready, the King ordered the battle horn sounded. It was time for blood to spill. Meanwhile, in the Cimbar formation, things were going much differently. Behind the legions were a massive formation of trebuchets, catapults, and ballistae. The smell of oil was strong, since a bottle was issued to each archer centuriae, and there were in total forty centuriae of archers. Each centurion was marshalling their respective centuriae, briefing them of what they were to do on what situation. Artillery were loaded, and ready signals were given to each optiae, and from there up the chain of command to the Legatus Imperius, Marcus Barta. He knew what he was to do, and was determined not to fail his Dragon Emperor. As the battle horns of Akanax rung, he orderd the first volley be released. At once, thousands of projectiles flew into the sky. Enflamed arrows, incendiary jars, spiked iron shots, crossbow bolts, ballistae pila, and rocks inscribed with timed explosive runes were launched. There was no evidence of evocation spells. Hoplites raised their shields, while the phalanx were helpless, unable to defend themselves. The barrage landed all across the Akanax formation, wrecking terrible damage to the densely packed soldiers. Archers of Akanax answered in kind, hurling barbed arrows with deadly accuracy. While the exchange of ammunition continued the King urged his soldiers to move on. This they did, and after what seemed like a decade of torment, peltasts came into range, and they threw their javelins at the first line to no effect, since the legionnaires have already sheltered themselves in a great shield wall that extended above their heads; one of King Hippartes' advisers joked they looked like giant turtoises. After a few volleys peltasts moved to their customary position right behind the phalanx line. But as the peltasts tried to squeeze their way through their comrades the legionnaires broke their shield wall and hurled large javelins at them. This infamous weapon was the pila, romoured to have been used by Tchazzar ages past to great effect. The long steel shaft delivered a mighty punch upon the shields of the hoplites, and many broke or bent where steel met wood, where lead was deliberately added to soften the metal while adding weight. The phalanx, being interlocked in a shield wall, could not do anything to remove the embedded shafts quickly, and soon the legions sounded their own battle horn marched forward. The gaps in the line were filled by soldiers behind the first ten ranks, and these men hurled their own pila, adding more hinderance to the phalanx shield wall. The warriors of Akanax steadied themselves. Many found their shields too bulky, and thus captains ordered the formation to slow their advance. Spear was lowered and a great formation of spear points presented to the legions. The legions moved on. It was only moments before shield met spear. Akanax cavalry raced east, eager to outflank the legions. On the other side were light lancers of Soorenar, but the men were not dismayed by this alliance, for Akanax has defeated Soorenar countless times, and they shall do so again. But when the two formation neared the light infantry hidden among the Soorenar cavalry became visible, who had been keeping up with the horses by grabbing on to the animals. The foot soldiers were armed with javelins and slings, and they used these weapons to distrupt the Akanax horsemen. Unable to stay massed the cavalry spread out, and attempted to envelop the Soorenar men. But they were not alone; horsemen garbed in the style of legionnaires rode from behind the catapults, heavy cavalry just like Akanax's. The only difference was that Cimbar horsemen wielded shields. Akanax' warhorses charged. The legionnaires did so as well, but midway they turned course. Behind them was some five hudred crossbowmen, and the cavalry captain realised his folly, too late. King Hippartes realised something was amiss. Upon seeing his cavalry column take hits he ordered some of the reserve line to go to the right flank and prevent the Cimbar horsemen from enveloping his men. Still there was no sign of the dragon. His royal guard could not engage the enemy until Tchazzar showed himself, and thus stayed under the arrow fire. The phalanx was performing superbly. Their shields hammered the legionnaires continuously, following the rythm of the war flutes played by the officer. Men of Akanax are trained from birth to continue thrusting without tiring. The legionnaires may cower behind their large shields, but they cannot do so for long. As a boy Hippartes had felt the hammering of pikes upon his shield, and knew no one could withstand the pressure in elongated periods. After some twenty minutes of continued thrusting, legionnaires in part of their formation broke off and retreated. Hippartes knew this wasn't a rout, because the retreat was too orderly. Once the legionnaires went behind the first line and formed multiple columns, they retreated altogether. To Hippartes' horror, the retreating first line fit snuggly into gaps in Cimbar's second line, and the second line charged, hurled pila, and filled the gaps just like the first line has. The phalanx kept thrusting. On the right flank cavalry were still racing around, because the Cimbar horsemen refused to give Akanax's cavalry a chance to go into melee. Undecisive skirmishes continued. On the Akanax left, soldiers bearing eagle standards came into view; they were the Blades of Tchazzar, chosen elite within the legions. Knowing that his best infantry were already pinned in their battle with the legion's main line, Hippartes commited the entire reserve to the left flank. They arrived just in time to save the Akanax left from being surrounded. The red dragon was still nowhere in sight. The continued barrage prevented the Akanax archers from doing any concentrated fire. To prevent being slaughtered the archers spread out, but this meant that any volley cannot be concentrated effectively. The rain of arrows was continuous, and the heavy pieces fell on regular intervals. The main phalanx was protected because they were near the legions, but the rear was suffering heavy losses. Hippartes ordered his archers forward, nearer the phalanx line. The Akanax right was finally making headway. They succesfully engaged the Cimbar horsemen and routed them. It was matter of time before the horsemen charged the ranged infantry from the rear. But as the horsemen approached their targets, mercenary formations emerged. They wielded giant barbed chains. These were thrown at the cavalry with great strength, and many horsemen fell to the ground. Concentrated crossbow fire again harrassed the Akanax horsemen. The ground around the Cimbar rear was filled with hidden holes and buried spikes. Unable to maneuver, the cavalry captain ordered a straight charge. And the Cimbar horsemen that has routed moments before dismounted and charged into the cavalry on foot. The legionnary second line retreated, replaced by the first line. It was an hour since the battle started. By this time Hippartes was aware that his calvary perished. He could not support the cavalry because he trusted their better equipment, better training, and greater numbers to win the day and commited the entire infantry to the main line. His light infantry was pinned down by the continued barrage. However, the battle was going in his favor. His phalanx was getting only minimal losses and the legions kept falling to the ground. The hoplites on either flank of the Cimbar line was poor quality, and could not stand against the mighy sarrisa pikes. Traditional hoplites of Akanax were doing their job well, protecting the flanks. The left was going well also; the Blades of Tchazzar could not get past the spear wall. With the battle in stalemate, his spear line would slowly cut down the Cimbar's numbers. He kept on the lookout for signs of Tchazzar. Three hours have passed. The continuous thrusting became harder as the legionnaires crept forward. Phalanx captains lost track of how many times the legions switched lines. Countless shields were rendered useless by the pila, and some were abandoned. The battle was growing into an endless contest of endurance, and Akanax was determined to win. Corpses of legionaires started piling up. Still no sign of the dragon. Hippartes wondered if the dragon believed in his chances of victory so much as to not come to the battle himself. He smirked in pity. If the dragon was foolish enough to not acknowledge the might of Akanax, then that would be his downfall. Men of Akanax shared their king's view. If this went on any longer they would win. The legions switched lines once again, but this time the third line, which only watched all the time, came forward. On the extreme right was the Red Dragon Standard, a silver statuette of Tchazzar painted in scarlet and red mounted on a tall staff. Men of Akanax realized that this was the best line of the three, and was thrilled. The Cimbar finally commited its last line. Captains across the Akanax formation urged their soldiers to double their attacks. If the third line is broken, then the entire Cimbar formation will rout. Historians write that men of Akanax could not believe their eyes so much that they kept on thrusting. This must be true. When the veterans of the third line grabbed onto the end of the sarrisa pikes and yanked them out of the phalangites' hands, the phalanx formation apparently just stood watching while the first rank retreated and the second charged forward to yank their own share of pikes. Bewildered, many of the soldiers raised their pikes to avoid having them grabbed by the legionnaires. Captains screamed for them to stop, but the mistake was already made. The third line clashed into the phalanx formation. Bloody melee ensued. Missiles started falling much nearer to the battle, and now the phalangites found that they were no longer safe from the barrage. Rear lines of the legions started hurling their last pila into the phalanx formation, and many more were forced to drop shields. Soon the captains had no choice. They ordered the phalanx to drop pikes and draw swords. All this time the legionnaires methodically removed the dropped pikes and carried them off behind their own lines. The barrage finally ended. The two armies were engaged in close melee, but the mighty soldiers of Akanax were, unbelievably, being pounded. Hiding behind the tower shields, the legionnaires bid their time, blocking the sword blows of the hoplites, and stabbed at the arms. Blood was everywhere. The third line continued unbroken. Then, again, the legionnaires switched lines. The fresh first line charged in. Phalangites fought on. Switch lines. Another charge. Phalangites fought on. Switch lines, and one of the Akanax men cried out in agony and stabbed himself. As the man fell crying, those around him stared in wonder for a moment, and broke formation. Many just charged at the legions, while a few ran away. All were cut down. Into this breach in the phalanx line poured the legionnaires. The phalanx was broken. The formations were flanked and enveloped. King Hippartes orderd his men to form a closed formation around himself and endure the blows. For the first time in some centuries, the men of Akanax made their heroic last stand, as their forefathers did in times of crisis to buy time for their homeland to prepare its defenses. The broken phalanx formed their legendary circle of spears around the king. Hippartes bid his men to remember their history and honor their ancestors. Around this desperate stand, legions moved into enveloping formation. Subdued the phalanx may be but they still held the numerical advantage, and a complete envelopement was impossible, but the situation was clear. The men of Akanax would fight to the last man. Those who lost their weapons helped their brothers wield the now too heavy sarrisa pikes. The men were tired, but resilience burned in their eyes. The legions watched in silence. A roar came from the south. Over the hills came the magnificent form of the Great Red Dragon. The father of Chessenta flew with all his speed to the battle, and dropped a large piece of stone in the middle of the phalanx formation. The men of Akanax cursed the dragon and tried to save the comrades crushed beneath the rock. The hands stopped. King Hippartes stared in disbelief. The stone was a part of the Main Gate of Akanax. Few more pieces fell from the dragon's claws, all instantly recognizable pieces from architectural marvels of Akanax. Great rampart of the east wall. Headquaters of the Akanax Barracks Complex. Temple of Assuran. And finally the High Palace of the Warrior King. These pieces fell, and many soldiers wept, abandoning their pride. Hippartes could do nothing, his mind having been bewilderd too many times in the day. Legions watched. Hippartes expected them to laugh at the weakness of Akanax. No one laughed. Hippartes expected insults and jeers. Yet all were silent. Slowly, Hippartes kneeled to the ground. It is said that he commanded his bodyguard to slay his king, for he has commited the greatest crime by allowing their home city to fall. His bodyguard refused, and tried to hold back his tears and failed. Historians will remember this day as the day when the discipline of Akanax was broken. All of the soldiers of Akanax mourned their loss. The warrior king stood, and faced the great dragon now landed amonst his soldiers. He challenged the dragon to come forth. He challenged the Father of Chessenta to a duel. And to this the Dragon Emperor replied: "And the wayward child now asks his father to embrace him. No, child, you have crossed the line, and have gone too far. When Cimbar did nothing you marched to war. And this is the result I have promised you. Did you think that your father will not teach his children discipline? "But I shall grant you your last wish. For I am your caring father, and I will embrace my child, even if he has turned against his father." And then the king charged at the dragon with only his spear. When the great warrior came within twenty feet Tchazzar snapped the spear with his claws. Heedless, Hippartes charged again with his sword. It is said that he died in the arms of the Emperor, after his sword failed to penetrate the red scales. The Father of Chessenta grabbed unto the king's limp body as if embracing his wyrmling, and let go. All of Akanax dropped their spears. All kneeled weeping. The emperor only stared at them, and shoted, "and may all those who miss their father's care go to Akanax. There you shall see that I am truly your father, and I truly care for you." And the dragon flew away. The legions followed, starting their long march back to Cimbar. Akanax, unlike what Hippartes believed, was not destroyed. The dragon simply appeared above the city and asked the populace to give him pieces of the grandest buildings in the city. Cowed by the appearance of the dragon, the city attempted to defend itself but failed. The dragon collected what he wanted, shouted that he shall not see Akanax fall from his grace, and went off North. Once the armies returned, the spirit of Akanax was broken. It would be some years until the city recovered from this terrible defeat, and when they did so they were completely changed. Once they called themselves the finest soldiers of Chessenta. They now call themsleves the finest legionnaires of Tchazzar. Even today the tomb of Hippartes, last king of Akanax, stands upon the battlefield. Many bards choose to visit this place in their travels, to pay homage to the once great warrior king. No popular songs are yet to be made of him, but talented authors across Faerun are racing to be the first to write one.
meto30 10-28-07, 10:46 PM	Arrggh!! My original post became too long. I moved my pseudohistory section to a new post. I hope my new piece is not bad. I kept banging my head upon the wall because the quality is too poor. But please have mercy and read the text entirely. I know, the text is horribly long, but I couldn't help it. I kept writing on.
meto30 10-31-07, 03:52 AM	For more experienced legionnaires, give them an additional fighter level. I recommend the "Hold the Line" feat for the fighter bonus feat. PS: Does anyone have ideas on how to represent the Testudo formation in game rules? I was thinking of just giving them additional AC and take away DEX bonus, but this doesn't seem to work out well on test battles.