The Gu ships sent out to attack the Osterbon harbour were already faltering against the Luxenberg rockets. Although the accuracy was not ideal, many of the rockets still managed to inflict fire damage upon the ships.
While the Gu sailors were occupied dousing the flames, they sailed right into range of the Luxenberg battleships. Due to them being distracted, their attention was soon captured as dozens of cannonballs flew into the Gu ships.
Splintered wood and flailing limbs were quick to fly in the storm of cannonballs. The Luxenberg defence was staunch and offered no time for the Gu sailors to react. The bombardment of cannonballs and rockets made the Gu ships stuck in an awkward position.
They could not run away as they would be easily picked off during their retreat. While at the same time, rushing forward meant certain death. Many of the ships' captains were at a loss, and confusion was quick to sow division in the crew. Gunners were called to assist with the fire, while sailors tried to sail the ships.
In the end, the constant barrage of projectiles was too much and all the Gu ships were eventually sunk. At the same time, Field Marshal Wellesley watched as the main part of the Gu fleet sailed down the coast, away from the city.
"It seems they have opted to land their troops away from the city," The Luxenberg Field Marshal said. Generals Hill and Kamensky nodded as they too watched through their spyglasses.
The opening victory was Field Marshal Wellesley's. Although all he had achieved was sinking a fraction of the Gu fleet. They still had many ships, including a massive ground army, which could be a problem. Wellesley was not sure how large the Gu army was, but he estimated that it could contain around 300,000 soldiers, including some cavalry and artillery.
In comparison, they had 4 corps comprising of, 140,000 infantrymen, 20,000 cavalrymen and 600 cannons. In addition, there were 10,000 militiamen of the garrison in reserve, plus 20 Luxenberg Rocket artillery pieces. This would at least be able to put up a fight against a foe that outnumbers them 2 to 1.
Within a few hours, the main Gu fleet had begun landing its troops and setting up a camp at an abandoned fishing village. Its former residents were evacuated to Osterbon for their safety. Scores upon scores of Gu soldiers were digging trenches and forming a perimeter around the village outskirts.
Tents were erected, and officers had first picks on suitable houses to accommodate them. Princes Yichen, San-Tong and Stetson had found a nice double-story house to set up in. They all convened in the living room where a large map of Bulgar was spread out.
"Today's loss revealed many things about our enemy. They were prepared, which means that the fleet that we sunk a week ago managed to warn them with a carrier pigeon. Hence why their fleet was organised and their walls were fully manned," Prince Yichen stated while tapping his finger on the map, before continuing his analysis.
"We must assume our enemy has greater numbers than we anticipated. They also seem to have that devastating weapon that was vital in the war against the Grand Duchy of Fontaine. Our troops stand at 250,000 infantrymen, 10,000 cavalrymen and 500 guns. It is not a lot, but it can definitely cause problems within the continent."
"That being said, I believe we must change strategy. Today's most important discovery was that we would fail if we tried to besiege Osterbon. With this in mind, I would suggest an alternative strategy. Does someone have an idea?"
Yichen's analysis caused the others in the room to ponder. The biggest restraint on their plan was their ships. They could not afford to lose any of their ships; if they were sunk, it would result in them being stuck on a hostile continent, with no means of returning home.
"There are two ideas, Your Highness. The first is to leave a little garrison for our ships and look to have a long inland campaign. This would result in us moving inwards to capture nearby cities such as Konitz and Amsardam. The other idea is to load back up into our ships and sail for Bismarck. Although that city is not as defendable as Osterbon and we may be easily crushed by the Luxenberg Army," Stetson suggested.
Prince San-Tong was quick to oppose either idea, "We can not risk losing my ships. This is the majority of the Gu Navy, losing them would mean crippling our means of sustaining a war in this nation. In my opinion, we must capture Osterbon; we could create a foothold in this continent if we are successful."
Prince Yichen weighed his options. His initial plan was to surprise the Luxenberg forces and overwhelm Osterbon with their superior numbers, but given the stoic defence, it would be a costly victory if they could take the city.
"If we attack inland and lose our ships we are fucked. Our men are already tired from a long voyage; we can not load them back up into the ships and sail to attack Bismarck. You may be right brother, that we will fail to take Osterbon, but our plans will not work if we can not control the city. Surely Stetson has a few ideas on how to take the city," San-Tong said with some passion in his voice.
Stetson frowned and studied the map before him. "My father never mentioned any hidden passages or sally ports that we could take advantage of. We do not have any ladders or climbing hooks that could reach the top of the walls. The only way to get in would be to send an elite team to sabotage some buildings and use the distraction to open the front gate."
"Do we have any soldiers who could pull it off?" San-Tong asked. For a moment, Yichen took a moment to sit on a chair in silence. He carefully thought about this idea before giving a slow nod.
"Yes, we do,"