Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 349: Execution by Firing Squad at Sea 2

TL: Etude

The goblins that emerged from the city streets were not like the timid, disorganized mobs that people usually imagined. Instead, they behaved like trained soldiers, tactically advancing and retreating, and they didn’t scatter in panic even when facing an overwhelming enemy. Although their level of skill was still poor in Harrison’s eyes, it significantly altered the traditional image of goblins.

The goblin army, if it could be called that, was not wielding scrap metal but proper swords and some were even equipped with leather armor.

It was clear that these goblins were cannon fodder released by the pirates, purposely used to disgust and wear down the kingdom’s army. The real force of the pirates was undoubtedly still lurking in the shadows, waiting for a chance to strike a fatal blow. Harrison would never believe that a group of goblins alone could cross the sea to invade the Kingdom of Ordo, annihilate the kingdom’s navy, and occupy West Hill. Moreover, the intelligence gathered earlier had not mentioned goblins; the pirates were all normal humans.

Humph! Thinking of ambushing us, how naive. We have our own contingencies.

With that thought, Harrison ordered the officer beside him, “Raise two more columns of smoke! Signal our allies to start attacking the port.”

The officer quickly departed to execute the order.

…

At the dock area, numerous oar-sail warships had already untied their ropes, with decks filled with pirates holding swords, ready to strike.

Pirate leader Zod – a capable lieutenant of Edward – laughed merrily after hearing a report from a minion and said to Nathan standing beside him, “Mage sir, the kingdom’s army has received our little gift. Should we go clean up those northwest folks now? Our brothers out on patrol say they’re waiting just outside.”

They had discovered a fleet outside the port, monitoring Port West. From the shape of the ships, it was clear they belonged to the northwest fleet that had recently arrived.

“Of course, Captain Zod,” Nathan smiled and nodded. “You are in command here.”

He turned, gazing towards the city area from where the sounds of fighting were coming, “Sir Harrison, our gift is not the only surprise. In the days to come, the shadow of our ‘gifts’ will follow you for a long time.”

With a grand gesture, Zod ordered, “Set sail! Let’s meet our folks from Northwest Bay!”

The thunderous beat of war drums began, and the rowers, keeping time with the drum, vigorously rowed the warships towards the sea.

…

“Another two columns of smoke have risen!”

“The kingdom’s army is requesting our support!”

From the tall mast of the Unicorn, a lookout shouted down to the deck.

Tirpitz raised his telescope, observing in the direction of Port West for a while.

Before he could decide, the lookout shouted again, “A fleet is coming out from Port West! They’re flying the skull flag!”

“Notify the entire fleet, target the pirate fleet to the southeast!” Tirpitz spotted the movement through his telescope and immediately issued the order.

A series of small flags of different colors and shapes were hoisted on the mast, a new signaling method using flags to complement linear tactics. Through these signals, Tirpitz’s orders were rapidly communicated to each warship.

At this time, the fleet was located northwest of the harbor. Tirpitz ordered the fleet to move towards Port West.

…

The pirates had a total of 18 ships, arranged in an inverted V formation which allowed for easy transition to either a horizontal line or a double-column formation. Zod and Nathan’s flagship was positioned in the central gap of the V, allowing them to control the overall situation. They also had a simple set of flag signals for command.

The tip of the V formation pointed towards the distant northwest fleet. Despite the unfavorable wind direction, the fleet was slowly approaching the enemy, propelled by the rowers’ efforts.

At the bow of the pirate flagship, Nathan’s eyes were wide open, staring blankly in the northwest direction. It seemed like he was daydreaming, but a closer look revealed a faint shimmer in his pupils.

Pirate leader Zod, rubbing his hands nervously, cautiously asked, “Mage sir, what’s the situation with the enemy?”

Nathan closed his eyes, catching his breath as if he had just jogged a short distance.

Once his breathing steadied, he opened his eyes and said, “Six sail ships in front, six oar ships behind, arranged in a line, heading towards Port West.”

“A horizontal formation?”

“The kind that’s connected head to tail… a column formation, perhaps?”

Naval tactics of this era were primarily of two types: ramming and boarding. Ramming involved using a ship’s massive ram at the front to target the vulnerable waterline of an enemy ship’s side, destroying the hull and keel to cause sinking or loss of mobility. Oars provided the flexibility for precise strikes and quick retreats after impact to avoid being dragged down by a damaged enemy ship. Boarding involved approaching the enemy ship’s side, hooking it with ropes before contact, then placing boarding planks for close combat.

Sea battles typically began with ramming and ended with boarding. When ships approached each other without a direct collision, or one side took evasive action at the last moment, or a collision caused no damage, close combat ensued due to the proximity of the ships.

To deploy forces effectively, allowing more of their own ships to ram the enemy, fleets usually formed one or more horizontal lines, charging parallel towards the enemy. This required skill from the sailors or rowers. If ships were too close, their oars could entangle; too far apart, and enemy ships could break through the gap.

A single-file column formation was generally used for long voyages.

“Haha! These fools!” Pirate leader Zod laughed heartily.

“Are they waiting to be cut in half with that formation? They probably think we’re still holed up in the harbor.”

“Oh, right!” Zod slapped his forehead, “They don’t have your and Lord Edward’s ability to see for miles. Such power is incredibly useful on the vast sea.”

Nathan smiled and asked, “So, Captain Zod, have you decided on a strategy against the enemy?”

“Of course!” Zod said contemptuously, “I’ll circle to their side and then strike their middle, cutting their fleet in half. We’ll sink the oar ships first, then deal with those slow-moving sail ships. Ships without rowers are definitely less maneuverable.”

“Those six oar ships can be disregarded, but those six sail ships, I’ll present them as spoils of war to Lord Edward.”