SIEGE OF WINTERFELL | SEASON 14 ROUND 6 | NWL vs AAO.

The final round of the Siege of Winterfell is here and we have a great feast for Westeros with two teams vying for a top 100 finish. NWL will be facing off against AAO, both teams are striving to finish their season off with a bang and this is the perfect opportunity to show Westeros, what the smaller teams are made of. NWL is led by Ba1erion, the team is disappointed that they didn’t finish higher but they wish to try something new in their last match of the season. On the other hand, AAO led by GrumpyMongo wish to end their season with a strong finish, proving their spirit as a team. Both NWL and AAO have proven the power of determination and teamwork and the final match of the season is sure to bring Westeros a treat!

Ba1erion wants to try a different approach this time, “we will have the same groups but they will be directed by leaders I have appointed, “he wanted to have group leaders instead of everyone just waiting on his command. “This will sure up our problems and decisions will be made immediately,” Joel1101 who was second in command, came up with the new strategy and wanted their first attempt at it to go off without a hitch. The usual setup with group A and B going towards the Armory and C with D going towards the Hotspring would remain the same but with the addition of group leaders, NWL feel things will change with these improvements. Siege of Winterfell has a symmetrical battlefield, both sides have two outposts and two strongholds on their side with the Armory and Hotspring on the left and right side respectively with Winterfell itself directly in the middle. The team which controls these structures will accumulate points per minute with a package coming from Winterfell which when delivered also provides points, the team with the most points at the end of the match wins.

Joel1101 wished for a new start, he had been frustrated with how things went this season, “we need to show that we have learnt from our mistakes and this new addition to our tactics will show our adaptability, “Joel1101 wanted more matches to fine tune their new strategy. “Believe in our new team leaders and we should do well, today, AAO is no match for us but I want to see more from us today,” Ba1erion wanted total domination, since the match before left a sour taste in his mouth. Their tactical tweaks may be NWL's X-factor with warriors like Joel1101 leading the charge to implement them effectively. 

On the other hand, GrumpyMongo knew he faced a tough challenge today, “we face a team with larger numbers, so we will need to play in an unconventional way, “GrumpyMongo’s strategy centres on alternative tactics to level the playing field. He wanted to use strong warriors in a core with supporting players to take out important targets in the heat of battle. The stage is set for an exhilarating battle as AAO aims to prove that strategy can overcome even the steepest odds.

The match got underway with both sides slitting their forces, “since they have bigger numbers, we need to choose which side we prioritize, “GrumpyMongo decided to send most of his army towards the Hotspring, the thinking was the healing buff would prove to be more beneficial than the Armory buff. “They are sending a larger army towards group C and D, maybe we should send group B towards the Hotspring as well,” Ba1erion thought about it but decided against it, he wanted to test his new group leaders. “We should have the Armory without a fight, it’s all on us for the Hotspring, group leaders prepare yourselves, your time to shine is now,” Joel1101 knew the main fight was coming towards him and he relished it. 

Joel1101 finally made it to the Hotspring, “I see AAO have already made it to the Hotspring, they have many more cavalry than us, group C come with me, we will go around and flank them,” Joel1101 wanted to see what group D would do with group C leaving their side. “Stay in the Hotspring, fight them in formation, target the strongest one together, “Rainelle was in charge of the group AAO sent to the Hotspring, she knew that numbers were not on her side but if they could take out the strongest warriors of NWL quickly, they may stand a chance. With Group C flanking, Group D faced the brunt of AAO’s cavalry head-on. This was their moment to demonstrate management and their ability to hold the line would determine whether Joel1101’s flank could succeed in breaking AAO’s position.

As the Armory fight was done and dusted with NWL taking control of the structure, the Hotspring proved to be a tougher task, “they are moving away and running towards our stronghold, don’t follow them until we have the Hotspring,” Joel1101 saw his flanking move countered with most of AAO moving northward. “There are too many of them here, we need to split them up, come with me,” Rainelle wasn’t going to allow her group to be pincered but heading further into enemy territory was a gamble but one she was willing to take. As both leaders weigh their options, the outcome will depend on their ability to adapt to the evolving battlefield and overcome such adversities. 

The time had come for the first package to spawn and NWL had already moved their package group to the objective with a small contingent force of AAO close by. “We need to get rid of these guys before the package spawns, “Toflin wasn’t the strongest warrior but he sure could run fast and best suited for a quick getaway for NWL. Meanwhile at Stark Stonghold 2, a battle broke out between Rainelle’s forces and Joel1101’s forces, “this is where we will make our stand,” Rainelle could see the predicament she was in, she was surrounded and far from her main base. “You made a mistake coming here, now enjoy the consequences,” Joel1101 was going to show no mercy to his younger counterpart. As NWL quickly dispatched of Rainelle’s forces and took Stark Stronghold 2, all eyes would move towards the first package of the match. 

As soon as the first package spawned, Toflin dove in head first and started making his way towards the delivery point. “Stop him, we need that package,” as soon as these words were uttered NWL forces jumped towards Galla and his forces, AAO would have a tough time getting close to Toflin and the package. As Toflin pushed forward and NWL secured his getaway, AAO forces would find themselves in a bad position, not just in terms of points but it was becoming increasingly obvious that AAO found themselves consistently outmanned and forced into reactive plays rather than proactive ones.

With 45 mins left in the match, AAO would again attack both Stark Strongholds in an attempt to split NWL forces and make it easier for them to hold their outposts. “As long as we keep them here, we may have a chance of keeping our outposts,” GrumpyMongo was feeling the heat, NWL had done well to counter all of his moves thus far and now AAO is left further splitting their forces just for damage control. While their decision to attack the Stark Strongholds was a gamble, it was also their best chance to regain control of the battlefield. However, NWL was now in firm control of the battlefield and it would take some courage and some luck to take it from their grasp. 

While the second package was taken by NWL uncontested, the battle for Stark Outpost 2 was beginning, “this is our outpost, we won’t be giving up without a fight,” Rainelle was adamant this time, she would reign supreme. “It didn’t end well for you on your stronghold, what has changed”? Joel1101 started to taunt Rainelle and immediately felt a sharp pain towards his abdomen, “this time it will be different old man, “Rainelle got a quick jab in while Joel1101 was distracted. Rainelle and Joel1101 found themselves at the centre of the conflict, each leading by example in a fight that raised the spirit of their teams. Would Rainelle’s stubbornness prove enough to hold Stark Outpost 2 or would Joel1101’s experience and NWL’s overwhelming strength ultimately prevail? 

Unfortunately for AAO and Rainelle, the battle wouldn’t change the shape of the match so far as NWL took a commanding lead and with half the match already done and dusted, it would take a miracle for AAO to change the course of the match. “Stark Outpost 1 seems to be their last stand, well done to the group leaders so far, you have been doing a great job,” Ba1erion was proud of NWL for bouncing back from their last match and was glad the new strategy seemed to be working thus far. “If we keep them moving from outpost to outpost, we could get behind them and reach the Hotspring again, “GrumpyMongo was dreaming big but he believed AAO could rise from the ashes for one last glorious stand. The second half of the match promised high theatre but the odds were clear, this was NWL’s match to lose. 

GrumpyMongo’s gambit seemed to work as NWL became overconfident, “now is our time, make a break for the package and move as a group towards the Hotspring,” GrumpyMongo was pumped up by Rainelle’s unwavering resolve and made his move. “What are they doing, they are rushing from their main base towards the package, stop them now,” Ba1erion was surprised by the sudden burst of life from AAO but NWL were not so easily outsmarted. As GrumpMongo made his way southward, he was met by Ba1erion himself, “it ends here GrumpyMongo, with your demise, the rest will fall into line,” Ba1erion was amused by GrumpyMongo and his determined look. As the clouds turned red, all eyes would be on both leaders to show their mettle, as GrumpyMongo charged forward and struck Ba1erion in the chest, a large gasp came from the NWL forces, “this is all you have Grumpy, I thought you were better than this, “Ba1erion then quickly counter attacked with his own lunge but that was shielded away by GrumpyMongo and his quick reactions. “I must admit you have some skills,” Ba1erion and GrumpyMongo were off to the side while the rest of the forces battled around them.

Meanwhile Rainelle and her forces made their way to the package, “stop right there, I won’t give you another chance, leave now while you can,” Rainelle could see a large group with the package holder but still felt confident enough to demand their surrender. “She is a tough one but hold her here while I make my way out, “Neatnik was another quick package holder for NWL but he had already seen what Rainelle could do and wanted no part in that.

As the heavens opened up and made the battleground wet, Ba1erion and GrumpyMongo continued their dance of death, each one not willing to give an inch to the other. “While you waste your time here, my forces are already taking the Hotspring, you were so easily fooled by my diversion,” GrumpyMongo seemed happy with himself. “You don’t seem to understand, we have already won the match, there is no need for us to push ourselves anymore, “Ba1erion was happy with the win but in the back of his mind, he was furious with himself for falling into such an obvious trap. As Rainelle held her ground against overwhelming odds and GrumpyMongo battled fiercely, the match was winding down as defiance would not be enough to overcome raw power. NWL had played with clinical precision, ensuring that the outcome was all but certain. 

As the match came to its final minutes, Ba1erion seeing no need to further exert his power, left GrumpyMongo and his forces in the middle of the battlefield, each warrior nodding to their counterpart as they knew the war was over. “I won’t make it so easy next season, mark my words, “GrumpyMongo gave one last shout before he made his way towards the Armory which was left unguarded by NWL. “We got what we came for, the strategy worked well, give them the rest,” Ba1erion and his forces made their way back to their main base, where they would remain for the rest of the match. Meanwhile AAO were able to gather a package of their own and deliver it in the final 5 minutes of the match, giving them some points but it wouldn’t be enough to keep them in the top 100. As the battlefield cleared and the season came to an end, one thing was certain, the rivalry between NWL and AAO had only just begun. The promise of future battles loomed and both teams left with lessons that would shape their strategies for seasons to come.

As the rain stopped and the clouds cleared, GrumpyMongo and Rainelle found themselves meeting each other in the middle of the now empty battlefield, “we fought well, they were just better on the day, “Rainelle didn’t seem to shy away from defeat, she would only learn from it and so would AAO. “Raining on Rainelle, sounds like a great song, “GrumpyMongo was already looking forward and not dwelling on the past.

Ba1erion and NWL celebrated in their main base, “top 100 is secured and everyone got one match in with the new group leaders, what more could I ask for”? As the sun broke through the clouds, casting light over the battlefield, both teams departed with their heads held high. For AAO the battle was a reminder of the challenges they needed to overcome and for NWL, it was a celebration of strategy. The season ended with one chapter closing for NWL and AAO and another one beginning for those who made the playoffs and all of Westeros awaits the next Siege of Winterfell.