“The Patrol”

 

 

 

 Please enjoy this short story, I wrote it as a lead up to tomorrow's battle. I will be playing through a solo scenario and photographing the game. Afterwards I will be writing up the battle report and publishing it on the 4th of July. 

 

Thanks for following along! 

 

The night air was cool, and the moonlight glistened off the surface of the Silver River as we moved silently through the thick underbrush. My name is Sergeant Tomas Harrow, and tonight, my squad and I were far from the safety of our encampment in Cardinalia. Our mission was clear yet heavy with danger: to uncover the rumoured location of a Berylian cache of Lunarite, a substance that has altered the fate of both nations.

 

As the captain of a veteran patrol unit, I had been witness to several skirmishes along the volatile borders. Still, rumours of what Lunarite could do had added a sharp edge to our duties. The high command believed that obtaining more of this resource could be the key to overpowering Beryl's technologically advanced weaponry.

 

We approached silently, the only sound being an occasional night bird. My men were alert, their eyes darting over the shadowed terrain in search of any sign of the enemy. As we moved closer to the source, the soft murmur of voices shattered the night's quiet. With a silent hand gesture, I ordered my men to conceal themselves close to the ground.

 

I saw them through the bushes: a small contingent of Beryl troops, an officer with his men, guarding a nondescript wooden crate stamped with unfamiliar symbols—the Lunarite. They were well-armed. Their body language and the way they held their weapons spoke to them expecting trouble.

 

The direct engagement was too dangerous given our small numbers, but the Lunarite had to be recovered. I retrieved the map from its case and plotted our approach, using the terrain to our advantage. Our best bet was a swift, decisive strike catching the guards before they could react fully.

 

I turned to my men, whispering the plan as softly. "We strike hard and fast, secure the crate, and retreat before they can regroup. Remember, speed is our ally tonight."

 

There were nods of agreement at my words, and we prepared our weapons. Looking into the faces of my men, my resolve steeled: for Cardinalia; for our future, we could not afford to fail.

 

I uttered the signal; and, like shadows, we converged upon the target of our encounter: an encounter that would undoubtedly engulf us in the fires of battle.

Bio: Captain George Fairchild.

 

Captain George Fairchild

Unit: Light Infantry, 1st Cardinalian Regiment of Foot 

Faction: Cardinalia

 

 

 Early Life:

George Fairchild was born in the bustling capital of Cardinalia, Rubea, in the year 1775. His father, a decorated officer in the Cardinalian army, instilled in him a sense of duty and honor from a young age. Growing up in a military household, George was exposed to the rigors and discipline of army life early on. His childhood was marked by rigorous training, both physical and academic, preparing him for a future in the military.

 

Military Career:

At the age of 18, George joined the Cardinalian army, following in his father's footsteps. His early years were spent as a junior officer, where he quickly distinguished himself through his bravery and tactical acumen. His leadership during the Battle of Red Hill, where he led a successful flanking maneuver, earned him a promotion to captain. He was then assigned to the Infantry  Company of the 1st Cardinalian Regiment of Foot.

 

 

 

 

Personality and Traits:

Captain Fairchild is known for his unwavering loyalty to Cardinalia and his men. He is a stern yet fair leader, demanding the best from his soldiers while ensuring their well-being. His tactical brilliance is matched by his physical prowess, making him a formidable presence on the battlefield. Despite the harsh realities of war, he maintains a strong moral compass and a deep sense of empathy, often going out of his way to protect civilians caught in the conflict.

 

Role in the Silver River conflict:

In the ongoing conflict over the precious minerals along the Silver River, Captain Fairchild plays a crucial role. His regiment is tasked with securing key positions and safeguarding the mining operations from Beryl Kingdom incursions. His strategic decisions and daring maneuvers have turned the tide in several skirmishes, earning him the respect of his peers and the ire of his enemies. The discovery of Lunarite has only heightened the stakes, with Captain Fairchild at the forefront of efforts to control this valuable resource.

 

Notable Engagements:

-Skirmish at Silver Ford: Leading a surprise night attack, Captain Fairchild's company successfully captured a strategic crossing point, disrupting Beryl Kingdom's supply lines.

- Defense of Ironwood Outpost: Holding a vital outpost against overwhelming odds, Fairchild's leadership and determination prevented a major Beryl Kingdom advance, buying time for reinforcements to arrive.

Personal Life: 

Off the battlefield, George Fairchild is a devoted family man. He is married to Eliza Fairchild, a compassionate woman who runs a local orphanage in Rubea. They have two children, Thomas and Clara. His love for his family is his anchor, providing him with the strength and motivation to endure the hardships of war.

Timeline.

 

Timeline of Events

 

50 Years Ago (1759)

-Discovery of Steam Power:  The Beryl Kingdom harnessed steam power, revolutionizing their industries and military capabilities.

 

45 Years Ago (1764)

-Invention of the Rifle:  Cardinalia developed the rifle, providing a significant advantage over the musket in terms of range and accuracy. This is followed by the Beryl Kingdom’s Science College to perfect the invention further in the coming years.

 

40 Years Ago (1769)

- First Skirmishes: Tensions over navigational rights on the Silver River led to skirmishes between Cardinalian and Berylian patrols.

 

35 Years Ago (1774)

- Steamship Advancements: The Beryl Kingdom introduced steamships on the Silver River, enhancing their control over trade and military movements. The first Steamships are clunky and prone to exploding, but this doesn't prevent a proliferation of manufacturing. The first river pirates begin their raids of the vessels.

 

 30 Years Ago (1779)

- Discovery of Lunarite: Prospectors from both nations discovered Lunarite along the banks of the Silver River, recognized for its potential to dramatically enhance steam technology. This ore is highly sought after by both countries. Mining explodes along the territory.

 

 25 Years Ago (1784)

- Race for Resources:  Aggressive mining operations for Lunarite began, escalating tensions as each side sought to harness its properties. The Beryl Kingdom develops steam-driven mining machines, these designs are used by both nations.

 

24 Years Ago (1785)

- Discovery of the Western Wilds: Explorers funded by wealthy Cardinalian patrons reported the discovery of a vast, untamed country to the west, rich in natural resources but fraught with dangers from hostile wildlife and fierce and noble tribesmen. The Beryl Kingdom sends a scouting party that does not return.

 

20 Years Ago (1789)

- Border Incidents Increase: Military and civilian incidents along the river grew more frequent as both nations claim ownership of multiple Lunarite mines. Skirmishes happen on the regular and mercenaries find employment with both nations as hostilities increase.

 

15 Years Ago (1794)

- Diplomatic Breakdown:  Failed negotiations led to increased hostilities, with each side accusing the other of sabotage and espionage. Tempers flare and Ambassadors are recalled.

 

10 Years Ago (1799)

- Technological Espionage:  Spies from both nations increasingly sought to steal secrets related to steam technology and Lunarite processing. It is discovered that both sides are having difficulty processing the ore completely.

 

 5 Years Ago (1804)

- Armed Confrontations: The construction of The Hawk is finished, a watchtower built by the Beryl Kingdom’s military. It has the most advanced cannon and watches the Silver River at a crucial junction.

 

1 Year Ago (1808)

- Silver Festival: In an attempt to ease tensions, The Beryl Kingdom hosted a cultural and technological exhibition showcasing innovations in steam and rifle technology. Though well-received, underlying tensions remained high.

 

Present (1809)

- Brink of War: The discovery of a particularly rich vein of Lunarite has both nations mobilizing for potential war, with each claiming the valuable resource.