NationStates Jolt Archive

Greal-Corbournne border

The border was quiet, the roads were empty, the border out posts were all manned by a few Greal troops. Then down the road, there was a massive Greal army. The army marching down the road had 20,000 Greal troops, along with a thousand cavalrymen in the front. A mile from the border, the army halted for the night. An invasion of France would be soon...........

Corbournne-Greal Border

A scout of the 16th Corbournnian Hussar Regiment reported to command. "Sir, I am here to report a sighting of the Greal Army. It is moving towards our border. I am not sure quite how large it is, as they are screening with cavalry. I recommend we prepare the border guards at once, sir."
"Very well," responded General Beauregard. "It shall be done." With this, the First Corps of the First Corbournnian Army assembled. It was roughly thirty thousand men strong, and it positioned itself on a ridge inside Corbournnian territory, waiting to see if the Greal Army advanced across the border.

Greal-Corbournne border

The night seemed very long to many soldiers, including General Hill who sat in his tent, most of the soldiers slept on the ground, there were patrols and scout reports coming to the general every hour. During the night, a scout came in and reported a Corbournne army nearby.
“How many?” asked General Hill who went over to the map.
“Not sure sir, it was pretty dark. I estimate a whole corps,” said the scout,” and they positioned themselves on a ridge.”
This was bad, a Greal corps versus a Corbournne corps would be bloody. The Greal army was most likely outnumbered. Though the Greal army troops were well-trained and well-prepared for battle, the Corbournne was probably the same.
“Thank you, that would be all.” said General Hill. The scout left, and left General Hill alone in the tent.
The Greal army was outnumbered, but both sides would probably be eager to fight.

Corbournne-Greal Border

The Corbournnian Troops managed to entrench a wee bit before General Beauregard forced them to rest. Many did not sleep, in anticipation of the battle to come. The ridge was not high, and it did not provide any trees for cover, but it was better than nothing. One division of the First Corps was aligned on the ridge, with the other two behind it in reserve. All artillery was positioned immediately behind the First Division, and all cavalry was behing the Second and Third Divisions, deep in the rear.

Greal-Corbournne border

At 5 Am in the morning, the army was told to wake up, though it was still pretty dark, General Hill wanted his men being used to waking up at 5 AM. Though Some of these men were veterans of a few wars, the rest were new, but were eager to fight. General Hill had a meeting with his division commanders, they could not exactly assault the ridge, it would be a bloody disaster for the Greal army. They could bombard it, but that too would be a disaster. General Hill also wanted another 20,000 men, but the 4th corps was a day away. He decided to start the war on the border.

OOC: Does the ridge have a plain in front of it, and the back?

(Yes, it's completely open, save for a few copses of trees here and there. Think Cemetery Ridge if you're familiar with Gettysburg. I can whip up a map if you want, but it won't be up 'till tommorrow, as I've gotta go to sleep and school.)

Corbournne-Greal Border

The Corbournnian Soldiers awoke to the sound of blaring trumpets. It was a foggy, frigid morning in January, and it was not pleasant. Nonetheless, the men began preparing their coffee and breakfasts, preparing for the battle that was to come.

OOC: EDIT: Never Mind

The extra Greal corps arrived at 8 AM, but there was only half the corps there, the other half was used to guard the rest of the border. General Hill, with 30,000 men decided to start a war that could last a while. He ordered 25 guns up, and they began to bombard the ridge, out of range of the enemy cavalry.. More guns were being brought up.

The war begun.

SIC: A Corbournnian Corps is en route to the battlefield, to be ready tomorrow, on the second day of action. It is comprised of thrity-thousand men and an undisclosed amount of cavalry and artillery. General de Polignac is commanding, and will arrive at midday.

IC: In response to the Greal cannonade, General Beauregard ordered his own artillery to begin firing. There were one hundred guns, but they fired at intervals that matched the potency of the Greal bombardment. This was to conserve ammunition. To avoid the incoming shells as best as possible, the Corbournnian First Division laid down in their trenches.

Battle of the border

More Greal guns were moved up to fire, now they numbered 50, though the Greal guns were outnumbered, the enemy seemed to be firing half-heartily, General Hill knew that they were saving their ammunition. Battalion after battalion were brought up, the battle between the armies would began soon.

OOC: I actually prefer open field battles. European style :D

'Scuse me, am I allowed to rp a brigade of elite stormtroopers in support of greal? 5000 men, our best troops being contributed to the fight under General Narvessen. We can appear as a surprise on their flank, just in the nick of time to be committed, as part of the main force or not at all if this is closed.

OOC: Where is your nation on the Napoleonic map?

(Artic, they would have had to depart weeks ago to get to the battle in time.)

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

General de Polignac arrived on the battlefield. The Greal cannonade welcomed him, and he ordered the Corbournnian Artillery to keep up the fire. The artillerymen were ordered to concentrate fire on the Greal guns, as they in the wide open. Not to mention they were well within range of the Corbournnian Guns, due to to the advantage of elevation de Polignac possessed. The Corbournnian Batteries had scarcely been touched by the bombardment, but the Corbournnian Regiments were beginning to take casualties, as the small trenches only provided partial shelter. de Polignac knew, however, that the victor of the cannon battle would only be in a good position to win. It was not a guaranteed ticket to an easy ride to victory.

Its up in Finland. We maintain a small but professional army mostly for small scale expeditions and for defence. Profit before blood ;). Anyway we can either have committed 5000 thousand of our crack troops or just have stayed at home.

(Understood, but what I'm saying here is they would never make it in time. Departing now, there is no way they would reach the battlefield in any less than a month, and this battle is not going to last that long.)

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

General de Polignac arrived on the battlefield. The Greal cannonade welcomed him, and he ordered the Corbournnian Artillery to keep up the fire. The artillerymen were ordered to concentrate fire on the Greal guns, as they in the wide open. Not to mention they were well within range of the Corbournnian Guns, due to to the advantage of elevation de Polignac possessed. The Corbournnian Batteries had scarcely been touched by the bombardment, but the Corbournnian Regiments were beginning to take casualties, as the small trenches only provided partial shelter. de Polignac knew, however, that the victor of the cannon battle would only be in a good position to win. It was not a guaranteed ticket to an easy ride to victory.

Battle of the border

The Greal guns had a difficult time elevating their guns to aim at the enemy guns up on the ridge, but once they worked it out, they began firing. General Hill ordered suddenly a massive bayonet charge of 20,000 men, though he expected it to fail or take heavy causalities, he decided to do that anyway. Among the attackers was a company from the "Tall" regiment. The "Tall" company had a hundred men, who were each armed with a musket, and a seven barreled gun. It takes at least 5 minutes to reload the seven barrel guns, but the company was probably going to fire one gigantic volley, then charge.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

As the Greal infantry advanced, the Corbournnian Artillery let loose all the shells they were capable of firing. Now, instead of aiming at the Greal cannons, they aimed for the marching attackers, specifically targeting the "Tall" regiment.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

As the Greal infantry advanced, the Corbournnian Artillery let loose all the shells they were capable of firing. Now, instead of aiming at the Greal cannons, they aimed for the marching attackers, specifically targeting the "Tall" regiment.

Battle of the border

The Greal guns halted firing. The remaining 10,000 troops were split up, 5,000 of them went around and hit the side of the ridge. Hundreds of Greal troops fell in the cannon blasts, the "Tall" regiment was way away from the front ranks since the commanders realized that the enemy cannons would target the regiment since the regiment had dangerous guns.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

As the Greal troops neared, Corbournnian Arillery Fire continued. Once in range, the Corbournnian Infantry rose and delivered a volley into the advancing Greals. Though it was a March Day, with the temperature around forty degrees, it felt much hotter due to the torrent of smoke and fire that was rising into the midday sun. There was no wind, thus the smoke only slowly made its way up into the air. Soot and dirt already covered the men's faces, and, to them, it no longer seemed to be a day on Earth, but a night in Hell. The Second Division of the First Corps moved to protect the First's flank, due to the new Greal Assault.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

As the Greal troops neared, Corbournnian Arillery Fire continued. Once in range, the Corbournnian Infantry rose and delivered a volley into the advancing Greals. Though it was a March Day, with the temperature around forty degrees, it felt much hotter due to the torrent of smoke and fire that was rising into the midday sun. There was no wind, thus the smoke only slowly made its way up into the air. Soot and dirt already covered the men's faces, and, to them, it no longer seemed to be a day on Earth, but a night in Hell. The Second Division of the First Corps moved to protect the First's flank, due to the new Greal Assault.

Battle of the border

Even after the cannon fire and infantry fire, the Greal force still was around 18,000 men, they continued "climbing" the ridge, when they were near the enemy infantry, they returned fire, the Greal troops on the flank of the enemy troops also did the same.

OOC: Sorry for the short post

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

The Corbournnian Artillery now switched its ammunition to grapeshot, ripping, tearing, and shredding its way through the ranks of Greal Infantrymen. Abruptly, however, the deep, thundering booms of cannon fire stopped. The Corbournnian Infantry rose. In the stillness that followed, all that could be heard was the groans of the weak and wounded. Following this, the screeches and yells of the Second and Third Corbournnian Divisions filled the still afternoon air. While the First Division held its own against the bulk of the Greal force, the larger part of the Corbournnian First Corps threw itself against the smaller, flanking Greal force. Storming down the ridge, the rows of gleaming bayonets were a sight to behold, almost as much as the wild shouts of the Infantry was a sound to behold.

Battle of the border

The flanking Greal force halted, and left off a volley. Then, the Greal flanking force took out their bayonets, and pointed them at the charging enemy. The The "Tall" Regiment opened fire its deadly seven barreled guns, then they charged the enemy along with the rest of the Greal force. Greal cavalry were moved to an area near the Greal flanking force.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

In the clash on the flank that followed, hundreds of Greals and Corbournnians alike fell, impaled on cold, steel, bayonets. The overwhelming force of two Corbournnian Divisions against one Greal one began to slowly force the Greals to fall back. Corbournnian Cavalry, ten thousand strong, became visible at the top of the ridge on the other end of the line, where the Corbournnians themselves were not faring too well. The seven-barrelled guns took a terrible toll on the Corbournnian Ranks, who could barely hold onto their ground during the Greal charge.

Battle of the border

The Greal flanking force was collapsing,Greal troops were forced back to the bottom of the ridge. Greal Cavalry numbering 6,00 began approaching the back of the Greal flanking force.....


Meanwhile, hundreds of Greal troops laid on the ridge, some of the 'tall" regiment used their seven barreled guns as clubs against the enemy. The noise of cannons could be heard for miles.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

On the Corbournnian Flank, the two divisions of the First Corps continued pressing the assault against Greal,, regardless of the cavalry in its rear. Five thousand Corbournnian Cavalry formed up behind the raging battle, ready to strike. This would counterbalance the Greal Cavalry, and hopefully win the day for Corbournne. On the other end of the field, the First Division did not fare so well, it was losing ground quickly to the Greal force, and needed a miracle, or some cavalry support, to save it. Another five thousand Corbournnian Cavalrymen rode to this end of the field to prevent the army's destruction.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

On the Corbournnian Flank, the two divisions of the First Corps continued pressing the assault against Greal,, regardless of the cavalry in its rear. Five thousand Corbournnian Cavalry formed up behind the raging battle, ready to strike. This would counterbalance the Greal Cavalry, and hopefully win the day for Corbournne. On the other end of the field, the First Division did not fare so well, it was losing ground quickly to the Greal force, and needed a miracle, or some cavalry support, to save it. Another five thousand Corbournnian Cavalrymen rode to this end of the field to prevent the army's destruction.

Battle of the border

The brutal battle continued, the longer it went on, the more likely that the enemy and Greal forces would be reinforced. General Hill was right, a Greal division was half a hour away. There were riflemen among the division. general Hill hoped that the enemy would collapse soon. The Greal cavalry prepared for battle, they had lancers, and heavy swords. (Plus carbines)

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

In the midst of deafening artillery fire, the five thousand Corbournnian cuirassiers charged into what was left of the Greal flank. They hacked the infantrymen below them to the ground. The battle now seemed poised to become a matchup of cavalry, at least on the flanks, anyway. On the other end, five thousand Corbournnian Dragoons opened fire into the Greal advance, in an attempt to stem the tide.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

In the midst of deafening artillery fire, the five thousand Corbournnian cuirassiers charged into what was left of the Greal flank. They hacked the infantrymen below them to the ground. The battle now seemed poised to become a matchup of cavalry, at least on the flanks, anyway. On the other end, five thousand Corbournnian Dragoons opened fire into the Greal advance, in an attempt to stem the tide.

Battle of the border

It was panic, hundreds of Greal troops ran for their lives, others made squares and only 3,000 of 10,000 fired their muskets into the cavalry advance. Then, the 6,000 Greal cavalry charged the enemy cuirassiers. On the other end (The main battle), the enemy dragoons inflicted heavy losses on the Greal troops. Greal cannons opened up again, this time, there were a hundred of them.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

Taking some casualties from the squares, the Corbournnian Cuirassiers charged headlong into the Greal advance. The resulting collision resulted in a terrible crash. The ensuing clash took many lives quickly, and it was quite possibly the most ferocious fighting the battle had seen. The other flank saw some reserve Corbournnian Artillery firing into the Greal ranks, though there were only about sixty guns active, as opposed to the Greal one hundred. What was left of the Corbournnian Infantry and the fresh Dragoons began to feel the heat of the artillery barrage, and Division General de Polignac decided he would have to order something daring to keep his army from collapsing under the weight of the combined arms of the Greal assault. When his order reached the front lines, the Infantry quickly retreated to the Dragoons' postition. From this point, they reorganized and rallied. Then, with a thundering roar, the entire lot of them rushed the oncoming Greals.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

Taking some casualties from the squares, the Corbournnian Cuirassiers charged headlong into the Greal advance. The resulting collision resulted in a terrible crash. The ensuing clash took many lives quickly, and it was quite possibly the most ferocious fighting the battle had seen. The other flank saw some reserve Corbournnian Artillery firing into the Greal ranks, though there were only about sixty guns active, as opposed to the Greal one hundred. What was left of the Corbournnian Infantry and the fresh Dragoons began to feel the heat of the artillery barrage, and Division General de Polignac decided he would have to order something daring to keep his army from collapsing under the weight of the combined arms of the Greal assault. When his order reached the front lines, the Infantry quickly retreated to the Dragoons' postition. From this point, they reorganized and rallied. Then, with a thundering roar, the entire lot of them rushed the oncoming Greals.

Battle of the border

The Greal troops, surprised, halted when the Dragoons and troops charged them, some Greal troops formed squares, others fired. The “Tall” regiment fired their seven barreled guns, then fired their muskets. The Greal artillery opened up another thunderous barrage as the enemy charged. Meanwhile, on the other flank, the Greal cavalry fought hard with the enemy Cuirassiers. Greal infantry were running everywhere, some squares stayed where they were, firing again. General Hill was delighted when the vanguard of the Greal division nearby arrived, he quickly planned to send in his new 5,000 men.

(For time, I'm going one hour per each of our posts, your next one will start the 6 PM phase, if you will.)

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

The carnage on the Corbournnian Left Flank and Center was repulsive, as the battle continued on with no end in sight. On the Corbournnian Right, the situation was similar. Sightings of Greal reinforcements forced General de Polignac to inquire of his own reinforcements, and when they could arrive. Optimistically, five thousand of the Second Corps could arrive in an hour or two.

(For time, I'm going one hour per each of our posts, your next one will start the 6 PM phase, if you will.)

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

The carnage on the Corbournnian Left Flank and Center was repulsive, as the battle continued on with no end in sight. On the Corbournnian Right, the situation was similar. Sightings of Greal reinforcements forced General de Polignac to inquire of his own reinforcements, and when they could arrive. Optimistically, five thousand of the Second Corps could arrive in an hour or two.

Battle of the border

It was starting to get dark, the fighting continued though. The only trees in the area were on fire, lighting up the area. General Hill immediately deployed his new 5,000 men and sent them up the main assault, he did take 1,000 from the division and sent them to reinforce the flanking force. Cannon fire continued. There was sounds of the wounded crying, musket fire everywhere. The endless battle continued.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

A Corbournnian Brigade arrived on the field of battle. One thousand were deployed to support the attack on the Greal center. This was mainly meant as a stalling action, provided the futility of the assault. The other four thousand, however, were sent to counter the much smaller Greal deployment on the flank. The two cavalries interlocked in fierce fighting, the four-to-one personnel advantage possessed by the Corbournnian Infantry could prove the deciding factor on that side of the field, if not the battle.

Corbournnian Territory, Just Inside of the Border with Greal

A Corbournnian Brigade arrived on the field of battle. One thousand were deployed to support the attack on the Greal center. This was mainly meant as a stalling action, provided the futility of the assault. The other four thousand, however, were sent to counter the much smaller Greal deployment on the flank. The two cavalries interlocked in fierce fighting, the four-to-one personnel advantage possessed by the Corbournnian Infantry could prove the deciding factor on that side of the field, if not the battle.

Battle of the border

General Hill was worried, now both sides would have to halt their artillery since it was too dark to aim in the dark. The fighting continued on the ridge, bodies were everywhere, Greal troops were fighting brutally. But, at some point the battle would have to stop......

bump

This whole Earth seems to be dead, should I still post a response?

OOC: Probably not, this is declared dead.

Very well then.

*de Polignac pays his final respects to his old friend, NSNE.*