The thick woods south-east of the Kingdom, fifteen miles from the border bastion Starkeep. Queen Lara of the Magus Guild revisits the scene of the Bulls' last attack on her in search of her lost staff, the token of her power.
Quietly, the mages and guardsmen move down a narrow pathway, unbeknownst to them the ancient remains of a once pride bastion. Queen Lara, followed by her loyal retinue, concentrates to find the source of magic her lost staff emits.
Mage: “Your grace, it’s dangerous here. The Bulls may still be in the area. We’ve been looking for hours. Shouldn’t we be going back to Starkeep? It was against normal procedure to pass the stronghold without a word. I’m sure they would have at least lent us more men for this mission.”
Lara: “Nonsense! Bulls are nomads, they never stay in the same area for long. Besides, I’m certain those men who attacked us last time will have been purged by Marshal Cales if they haven’t already fled back to their hovels themselves. The reason I took this few people with me is because we’ll be harder to trace. Besides, if we had dropped by at Starkeep, all of you would have just been getting drunk at the banquet and wasting time! Their spies would have certainly noticed such a thing, too.”
Mage: “Well, at least we’re on the right track. There’s still remnants of the battle here.”
Lara: “We are. I don’t understand a thing of it. I put a spell on my staff to hide it, so they couldn’t have taken it. Then why is it not here? Something seems to be clouding my vision.”
Mage: “Your grace! Look!”
At the end of the road a large, armoured figure had appeared without making a sound. The day darkened in a small radius around him as he appeared. The tall warrior chuckled darkly. A shield unlike any the Magus Guild had ever seen before was held at his side, but they recognized its crest all too well.
Mage: “But how?! If he got this close… I should have sensed him!”
Bull leader: “Save your breath, little mage. You’ll need it when I start tearing off your limbs. You won’t live long enough to comprehend the true scope of the power bestowed on us.”
The Bull leader made way, and two wagons rolled up on either side of the road, blocking the way. The feared Bull Phalanx immediately filed in to deny the Magus Guild escape, both groups led by an intimidating knight armoured akin to the leader. There were no war cries, just the rhythm of marching feet.
To make matters worse, crossbowmen appeared on the top of the Bulls' high wagons. They immediately took aim at the mages.
The Magus Guild hastily prepared a defence.
Red Mage: “AMBUSH! DEFEND YOURSELVES!”
Blue mage: "It's a trap!"
Guardsman: “Defend the queen at all costs!”
A phalanx stood idly by either wagon, the men probably being the drivers.
Factions:
Bull West: The ones attacking from behind. They control the sniper on the slope. 15 figs total (West Leader, 1 heavy phalanx, 7 phalanx, 3 axemen, 2 crossbowmen, 1 sniper,). The one in the grey armour with the two clubs is their leader. [Taken by lrdofbricks]
Bull East: The ones attacking from the front. The crossbowmen on the slope is theirs to control. 15 figs total (East Leader, 2 heavy phalanx, 5 phalanx, 3 crossbowmen, 4 axemen). The one with the shiny shield is their hero. [Taken by me]
Magus Guild: 12 figs total (Queen Lara, 1 White Mage, 2 Elders, 2 red mages, 2 blue mages, 4 guardsmen). Queen Lara is their hero, and mages have a ranged attack. Just like with archers, it doesn't matter if they're obstructed. [Taken by Elmagnifico]
Secret faction 1: ??? [Taken by Warhead]
Secret faction 2: ??? [Taken by Magic Soap]
Needless to say Bull East and Bull West are in unbreakable alliances. I will send you your objectives in a PM after you sign up, and information and pictures on your faction if you choose a secret faction. I expect orders every 4 days at least, otherwise someone else will take over.
