Ssk'thar outlined harassment patterns for his serpentfolk—where they'd strike, when they'd withdraw, how to maximize psychological impact.
Urgak planned shock assault routes—where his orcs would hit, how hard, and how to disengage before being surrounded.
Vex'ahlia coordinated her elite two hundred, assigning them to rapid response roles that required split-second deployment.
And through it all, Seraphina wove corruption magic communication networks, invisible to mortal eyes but creating shadow-links between every defensive position.
Finally, with five minutes remaining before estimated contact, Vex'ahlia called for attention.
"Everyone clear on their roles?"
A chorus of affirmations.
"Good. Then get to your positions. Remember—we're not trying to win this battle today. We're trying to survive it. Make them pay for every yard. Make them question whether this settlement is worth their soldiers' lives. Make them slow, cautious, and afraid."
