Tyrus steps forward, maintaining a respectful posture. "Our group has no leader," he says, "We have struck down a group of orcs nearby and were scouting this group at the bridge, awaiting your arrival."

"Our companion Ian here scouted the place first and saw thirty orcs, a lot of them for Thagakh to count using his fingers.

We tried our luck waiting for the purple-colored knight's reinforcements after clearing those orcs hiding near the forest. Didn't expect Thagakh would only have to wait for a couple of hours before your group arrived."

The half-orc shows an approving nod followed by a thumbs up.

The commander shakes his head at Tyrus. "I assume a man of your clear standing would not take orders from the likes that I see with you."  Turning to his troops, " We will need to push through to the other side so that they cannot avoid danger and pick us off with the near side troops.  Prepare to make a run all the way across the bridge."  Turning back to Tyrus, "could you follow us up at a slight distance.  As soon as we break their line, they will follow us across the bridge.  They will think that they have us from behind.  You should be able to catch them off guard.  Take as many down as you can before we need to turn around.  If we come back at your direction, get out of the way!  ...... Are we clear?"

OOC: Checking in.  I am back from the holidays

"And I would expect a commander who expects men to follow him into battle to not be an elitist turd, but here we are," Tyrus uncharacteristically retorts. "We shall do as you wish. We may be able to further surprise them if Thagakh and I can hit them loudly as if we are stragglers, while our stealthy types and spellcasters hit them from the other side."

OOC how wide is the bridge?

"i might have a plan Ty"

The bridge is wide enough for two wagons to pass as they cross. (15 feet wide)

The commander laughs at Tyrus and turn to his men to prepare for the charge.

 OOC: there's no chance that it looks like maybe it's about to storm, is there?

"I could web the bridge when the orcs hit the end"

The only storm on the horizon is the storm of spears.

OOC: you say that now...

"That's a good idea. If you can get a big enough number of them stuck in place, I have a thing or two that might help."

Ian quickly checks on his Dire wolves and commands the giant weasel to come with him. As he follows the troops via the tree line, he says to Arafiel “you should come with me.”

Arafiel follows Ian

Thagakh swings his magical greatsword in anticipation of an uphill fight as he readies himself to transform into a wereboar in case orc stragglers decide to come their group's way.

The commander instructs four lead riders to don lances and shields.  The next four take up loaded hand crossbows and shields.  The remaining twelve draw swords and shields.  With a quick whistle, the commander leads the twenty troops into a fast trot.  Your team is following behind by about a couple hundred feet.  Ian and arafiel are about 600 feet from the bridge when the Waterdeep force slams into the six Orcs blocking the path to the bridge.  Nine other Orcs are scattered around the small campsite near the bridge.  Several of them are much larger than a usual Orc.  The campsite on the other end of the bridge are just starting to notice the attack.

Please everyone roll for initiative.

Ian 17

Init: 12

Initiative: 5