DefenseIndex | Time Under Chaos | Concerning Amber | Defense Defenses Although one hundred years have passed, Amber remains an occupied city. As such, recent defenses were required to be built to counter attacks from interior, as well as from exterior forces. To meet the difficulties posed to the occupying force have transformed a large section of the city into a garrison. The Scar, as it is affectionately known, is a militarized Ward and supports approximately 5,000 regular troops. Roads from the Ward branch out to allow immediate and easy troop movement to any section of the city. Furthermore, the Scar hosts several ‘animal’ units, consisting of manticores and wyverns. Combined with the loyal Vigiles Urbani and Castle Guard, the city boosts a sizable defense force. Another 500 troops can be called up from the Harbor in times of extreme trouble. Natural defenses have been augmented by the fortifiable city walls. The steep slopes make an approach risky under the best of conditions. Troops are well-versed in anti-siege tactics and possess the best weapons the Chaosian engineers can provide. The three-tier design of the city, winding streets, and stalwart Watch-Houses in each Ward further thwart any army that breeches the walls. Finally, Castle Amber itself and its “Spires” form the last line of defense. (From The Hendrake Guide to Amber) In addition to the defenses remarked of to visiting Chaosian tourists, it is worthwhile to note the other additions and reconstructions of the occupying forces. When the time is right, these will need to be sabotaged, but as many of them are located near civilian populations this task will be all the more dangerous. Suggestions that all of her citizens look favorably on the Scar cut into Amber’s flesh are so laughable that one need only point that it is not named a scar without reason. Numerous catapults, ballistae, and (at gates), scorpions have been rebuilt or imported. The Scar is practically bristling with the siege engines that they brought with them, and as under Oberon, the walls are manned by men with longbows. The Wyvern Riders, however, present a new challenge. Air supremacy has never been a concern in Amber, but if we are to be free the skies must be secured. Wyvern Riders are trained in bombing runs utilizing rocks and burning oil, and one may rest assured Mandor will order the bombardment of civilian targets if he feels it is necessary to keep what he has taken. Some of my fellow revolutionaries question the moderate strength of the guards at the docks. Once the clerks, inspectors, and assessors are discounted, they number perhaps 500. These, however, are not how Mandor intends to hold the harbor. He has large catapults loaded with flammable pitch (and further into shadow, cannons), a fleet of naval vessels in the water, and (if reports are to be believed, and I think they are) the kraken still answer to him as well. The key to controlling the harbor is controlling the waves. I have more thoughts on the defenses of Amber, and how the fruit might be cut from the rot, but I will not publish them in such a public setting. It is sufficient to show that there is much the Chaosians do not wish one to know, as they wish their captives to think themselves ‘protected’ by the jailers which ever surround them. (From the writings of Johann Payne) |
