Ulauf Seld wrote:My kin and family, we have some time now while we are aboard to discuss what actions are going to be taken for certain circumstances.
Questions that I feel need to be answered
What happens if anyone becomes seperated?
I would suggest that if anyone becomes seperated, as soon as the learn that they are seperated from the group, they should remain where they are and Ercrick and I will come and look for you. If Erdrick or I become seperated if it is safe to do so the group remain where you are and I will find the group.
What actions do we take on meeting an enemy?
I would think that if the enemy is but 1 or 2 we should attack but if there be more than that we should either halt and let them pass or detour around until after the viking against Hoag has been completed. Then I think whoever stands in our way is fair game.
Will we need oil and the like to start our fire arrows if they are needed?
I will ask the Captain of this vessel if he has any oil that he can spare for our viking against Tandir.
What will be our order of march?
As for our order of march I would suggest Erdrick and I will lead, following behind us keeping about 100' spacing should be Haefnir and Jorst they can protect Igon who should follow next and near him should be Laenvan.
Behind Laenvan should be Olaf and Sven, with the remainder of the warboat crew following with 2 huscarls trailing the group. They should be no more than 20' behind the main body.
How will we attack the village of Hoag?
I would suggest that as we close with the village, Erdrick and I will move ahead and scout out positions from which we can attack with maximum surprise. In this we may need to take hostages if villagers are working in the fields we may need to move against them quickly to ensure that none escape and warn the rest of the village.
I would suggest the archers with us remain in cover to protect those attacking the village. If we have taken hostages then 2 men from the warboat crew can guard them. I would think 6 men with torches should fire the village while our huscarls and remaining warriors defend those with the torches.
After the viking we should make our way back to the warboat with the best possible speed. About 1/2 league from the warboat our group should split from the main group and head into the woods for a short distance and if the main body is pursued we should attack the pursuers and give time for the main group to get away.
If there is no pursuit then we should make best time for what will remain of the day to put some distance between us and Hoag on our way to Tandir.
Where do we land to commence the viking?
We will need the element of surprise if we are to succeed in this raid, I would suggest asking the Captain of the vessel if he can make shore about 1 league north of Hoag. As we will be arriving late in the evening and we are not familiar with this area I would suggest we lay up for the night and move off just after first light. This way we reduce our risk of getting lost and stumbling into the village or it's inhabitants blindly.
It is now while we sail that all these things must be worked out.
We must discuss our plans so that each of us will know our part of the plan when misfortune strikes, because it will and if we are not prepared then no help from the Grey Slayer will save us on this venture.
How say you on these matters my friends.....