As the talk got interrupted, Belenir adressed the gathering with an official tone.
- Brave warriors I fear our window is running out... - He started speaking and glanced at everyone before continuing - The time has come to confront the corsairs. Our intelligence is solid – Hamzir Dahab Al Umbari and his forces are aware of our approach and will be prepared.Remember, Harzim Dahab Al Umbari is a cunning adversary. If given the chance, he will strike without hesitation. We'll divide into two teams: Team Red, comprising melee warriors, which I will lead; and Team Blue, consisting of our ranged fighters, led by Minaiadan. - Belenir then revealed his plan to the others. Minaiadan glanced back at the Forngarmo before Belenir continued his speech.
- Be welcome Forngarmo, friend of King Elessar. - He addressed the ranger with a nod and she nodded back to him, focusing her attention on Belenir again.
- Gah, so he has failed to meet the terms of leaving Eriador. Then he is to be marked as a brigand and to be brought to justice... - Thandanar then said and sighed deeply.
- Our primary objective is to eliminate the corsair force. The secondary, yet crucial, objective is to capture or neutralize Harzim Dahab Al Umbari. He is more valuable to us alive. Rantost is heavily guarded by elite corsair troops. Our mission is to clear this area. Any question before I'll move on to the rules of engagment? - He finished his speech with a question towards his allies.
- How many troops does Harzim have left, sir? - Thandanar then asked, trying to strategize his task.
- Roughly between fourty to sixty. - Belenir then answered him shortly.
- Which group shall I join, my lord? Close-range fighters are more prone to injuries? - The only unknown woman then asked.
- Team Blue, My lady... - Belenir then answered her. Forngarmo kept appraising the woman hoping to find more about her before the task. So far, she only found out that the woman might be the band's healer.
- My bow is also ready should you have need for it. - Nimrostel then spoke after being silent for a long time. Belenir nodded at this.
- I see. Rantost is one of the islands, is it not? They will see us approaching so we will need to know exactly what is happening. - Thandanar then spoke again, thinking more about the incoming battle and the strategy. The wizard standing nearby didn't seem as focused as the rest of the group. He just stood beside, smoking his pipe.
- You would honor us, lady Nimrostel. But for your own quest, perhaps you can train our soldiers here and join us some other time. Please train them in archery and hunting. - Minaiadan then said to Nimrostel, knowing that her skills might be crucial for their backup forces back on the island. She really wanted to help but before she could do anything or answer another elf came up to her. They talked a bit before she turned back to the group informing them that she needs to leave urgently and then took her leave.
- Rules of Engagement: We are authorized to execute, but capturing Harzim alive is preferable.Upon reaching the shore, we'll first take out three sentinels guarding the area. If this is executed quietly, we proceed with Plan A. If compromised, we switch to Plan B. I'll explain both plans now - Belenir then started to explain, after saying his goodbyes to Nimrostel - I assume they are aware and fully prepared for our arrival since we've abducted two of their sentries. So be prepared for anything. Plan A: Team Red will move stealthily along the northeast coastline, preparing to assault the camp.Team Blue will head northwest, eliminate sentries, and destroy the boats to prevent escape.Both teams will reconvene at the camp's entrance and proceed with Plan B. - He then took a wooden stick and drawn a sketch of the camp explaining his intentions and plans further.
- Here's the camp entrance, marked by a small river. Alongside it, you'll find their boats. Team Blue's mission is critical – set those boats ablaze. This will cut off their means of escape by water. Plan B: In case of detection, both teams will unite at the camp and launch a coordinated attack.We lack comprehensive intel on the camp's interior, so exercise utmost caution. If spotted, immediately transition to Plan B. If you've completed stage A, proceed towards stage B. we'll meet in camp and launch an attack together. Any questions? - He finished explaining and asked his allies. The group seemed to not have any questions and just remained silent.
- Good. May the valar be with us and we we'll capture this bastard! - Belenir then exclaimed.
- Once and for all! - Thandanar then added.
The strange woman spitted on the ground as a sign of agreement with the others.
- In addition, Achillenor will join us with his mariners. Gear up everybody. - Belenir then said inspecting the armor of his companions.
- Will Achillenor be joining the Group burning the fleet? He has experience with such. - Thandanar then asked but Belenir shook his head as a no. After that, the warriors spreaded around the camp for their final preparations and as they were ready, proceeded to the boats. Forngarmo glanced back at Tinnudir before entering the boat, then ahead at her new allies. She was still on guard as she remembers being betrayed before, but they seemed a true band of warriors. Although she had a slight mistrust towards the lady that was assisting the team she was assigned to...
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The Fourth Age: The Corsair Threat of Evendim - Before the Battle
Submitted by Forngarmo on January 7th, 2024

