Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Kashmir border,Kohala Valley, afternoon of 21st April 1557

In the afternoon sun, a man in lamellar armor, holding a glaive, stood upon the wooden fortress wall atop the hill. His gaze fixed on the riverbank below as enemy soldiers emerged from the forest with saffron flags waving in the breeze.

This man was none other than Commander Rinchen, who was responsible for handling the defense of the Ladakhi position.

Rinchen scanned his defenses. The fortress was well-prepared, with fifteen outpost towers positioned to deter any approach. Five hundred archers lined the walls, ready to rain death on any who dared to scale the hillside.

Yet, his defenses had a glaring weakness. The newer cannons they awaited from Srinagar had yet to arrive. He had only ten Xinbai bronze cannons with a limited range of 450 meters, barely enough to cover the riverbank. These Chinese-made cannons were reliable but far from optimal for defending such a sprawling landscape.

Despite the situation, Rinchen had one advantage his 100 hand cannoneers equipped with short-range firepower, capable of dealing significant damage within 50-100 meters. The combined force of 2000 soldiers would have to hold until reinforcements arrived.

Below, the first wave of archers began loosing their arrows, but their effect was limited.

The advancing soldiers hunkered down, crossing the river’s edge with determination. Captain Yonten approached Rinchen, bowing in respect. "Commander, all units are ready. We await your orders."

Rinchen nodded and said, "We must stop the enemy from crossing the river; otherwise, it will be hard to defend our position."

Yonten suggested, "Sir, should we add 500 more archers to increase our numbers?"

Rinchen thought for a moment before relaying his orders. "Yes, do that. Also, deploy 60 hand cannoneers with them to bolster our firepower."

Yonten bowed again and hurried to relay the orders. The reinforcements descended, joining their comrades to form a formidable ranged front.