Post by Valen Far on Feb 14, 2022 18:53:53 GMT
The gloom of the chamber faded as Valen reached out and took hold of the One Power, channelling it into a small sphere above the enormous table at the heart of the chamber, throwing the shadows of his pupils in all directions. His steely eyes took in each and every student, wondering who would answer his question first as the figures upon the table came to a halt in their positions upon the map, a map which depicted the various passes within the Borderlands where the Dark One might marshall his forces to once again invade the Westlands. His students had assumed the role of the Dark One’s generals and their assignment was simple: outsmart Valen and reach the capital of just one Borderland nation. A few of them had at first protested, why would they play the role of the Dark One’s commanders? They serve the Light so why should they? And his steely gaze had quickly silenced them as he explained that they would need every advantage they could get to even make a dent in his defensive plans, that advantage would stem from the superior numbers at the Shadow’s disposal and that it was merely an exercise. A test of their tactical acumen and potential, for even the most unassuming could be an incredible commander and often the most obvious choice for command was the word. He waited calmly as they discussed their plans, amused that they were using weaves of air to stop him listening, and then he watched as they began to place their forces. The clever design of the table meant that he could only see the Shadowspawn contingents placed within the valleys and passes.
Once they were ready Valen smiled and simply lifted two tokens, one of the red Aes Sedai miniature and one of the Earth Legion miniatures placing them behind the largest concentration of Shadow spawn ”Remember Dedicated, the Asha’man and Aes Sedai alike may travel at any time and I assure you that Deathgates are forbidden now for they are dangerous but should the Shadow invade… well I assure you I will give the order to use every tool at our disposal,” and he allowed them a moment to adjust their plans then he placed the forces of both Sheinar and Malkier. His choice clearly shocked the students as the aggressive, funnel like positioning of his forces was clearly unexpected ”And as you outnumber the forces of Light, even now in the age beyond the Last Battle, a commander must assume the worst and thus they must plan accordingly. I offer you one more opportunity to revise your battle plans in light of what you see and one opportunity only, after this we shall review how such a conflict might go and what you have done right or wrong, understood?” and he watched as the Dedicated acknowledged his words, their Soldier peers stood in the wings of the war room watching, and he let out a hearty laugh as one of the Dedicated stepped around the table with the miniatures of a Dreadlord, three Fades (and their Trollocs) and the hooded figure meant to represent the Black Ajah. As the Dedicated placed the miniatures down on the Arafelian border with Tar Valon.
”Very well done,” and he clapped the boy on the shoulder hard ”One must use every advantage in battle, especially against the forces of the Borderlands. Striking at the heart of Aes Sedai power would certainly draw the eye of many nations which might offer you enough time to overwhelm the Borderlands… but you forgot one thing,” and he tapped the table where the Asha’man and Aes Sedai miniatures rested in the Blight ”Moving Trollocs that deep behind enemy lines would be a challenge, I do not suffer the same restrictions as the forces of the two Towers may travel almost at will. When your assault begins I assure you it will be smashed by the combined forces of the Asha’man and Aes Sedai… but it might still offer you a reprieve from their fury. Think on this and we shall resume in a week’s time, go with the Light Dedicated and enjoy an afternoon of rest. Soldiers, report to the yard within the hour,” and as the students filed out of the room Valen cleared the table carefully, the glow of the lamp above casting strange shadows over the map as he finished and sat on the edge, studying the Borderlands thoughtfully.
Once they were ready Valen smiled and simply lifted two tokens, one of the red Aes Sedai miniature and one of the Earth Legion miniatures placing them behind the largest concentration of Shadow spawn ”Remember Dedicated, the Asha’man and Aes Sedai alike may travel at any time and I assure you that Deathgates are forbidden now for they are dangerous but should the Shadow invade… well I assure you I will give the order to use every tool at our disposal,” and he allowed them a moment to adjust their plans then he placed the forces of both Sheinar and Malkier. His choice clearly shocked the students as the aggressive, funnel like positioning of his forces was clearly unexpected ”And as you outnumber the forces of Light, even now in the age beyond the Last Battle, a commander must assume the worst and thus they must plan accordingly. I offer you one more opportunity to revise your battle plans in light of what you see and one opportunity only, after this we shall review how such a conflict might go and what you have done right or wrong, understood?” and he watched as the Dedicated acknowledged his words, their Soldier peers stood in the wings of the war room watching, and he let out a hearty laugh as one of the Dedicated stepped around the table with the miniatures of a Dreadlord, three Fades (and their Trollocs) and the hooded figure meant to represent the Black Ajah. As the Dedicated placed the miniatures down on the Arafelian border with Tar Valon.
”Very well done,” and he clapped the boy on the shoulder hard ”One must use every advantage in battle, especially against the forces of the Borderlands. Striking at the heart of Aes Sedai power would certainly draw the eye of many nations which might offer you enough time to overwhelm the Borderlands… but you forgot one thing,” and he tapped the table where the Asha’man and Aes Sedai miniatures rested in the Blight ”Moving Trollocs that deep behind enemy lines would be a challenge, I do not suffer the same restrictions as the forces of the two Towers may travel almost at will. When your assault begins I assure you it will be smashed by the combined forces of the Asha’man and Aes Sedai… but it might still offer you a reprieve from their fury. Think on this and we shall resume in a week’s time, go with the Light Dedicated and enjoy an afternoon of rest. Soldiers, report to the yard within the hour,” and as the students filed out of the room Valen cleared the table carefully, the glow of the lamp above casting strange shadows over the map as he finished and sat on the edge, studying the Borderlands thoughtfully.
