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Author Topic: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)  (Read 88389 times)

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #400 on: May 03, 2009, 01:22:00 PM »
Sunderly's Field, North of Mentreda, IC 2524

Luitpold was sweating heavily under his armour. Though he had lived in the Borders for nigh on five years now, he had never become accustomed to the climate. He saw the Bretonnian nobleman riding down towards his company of lancers, he would have to delve deep into his memory for certain rituals the Bretonnians adhered to, they could take offence of anything.

West Bank of the River Trebleca

Lieutenant Lazek had agreed to the truce to clear away the dead and wounded and the Black Company men had looked on at the Dawnstriders and Estalians going about their sad business. Once the last of the enemy started crossing back over the bridge, a heavy-set soldier, one Sergeant Clutz stood upon the earthworks, shouting out insults at the enemy, this then spread into a bawdy song about the enemy which lasted throughout the night, the sound washing over to the enemy camp.

Schwarzbaum, Eastern Border Princes, IC 2524

Thomas and Stefan Vitec sat silently next to each other. They were the youngest and middle brothers of the Vitec family respectively, but had never gotten along well. Matthias was the bond that brought the family togetehr and now that he was not here, an uncomfortable silence settled around the two men. It was Thomas that spoke up first: "Don Arathos, as your prisoners and hostages, I can assure you that any escape attempts will not be made while under your care" Thomas scowled at his brother. "However, now we are here, perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement, You have taken the town of Moslac, now, perhaps your honour has been satisfied?"


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Offline Fog Of Waagh

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #401 on: May 03, 2009, 02:22:12 PM »
    Donixote nodded to Fredrick as he entered the tent, but said nothing. He was busying wasting away with drink and tending to his wounds, haveing no care who passed in his tent today. Alejandro was a different case, he was busy trying to throw the scraps of the army together and get a battle plan at the ready. Alejandro gave a bow to Fredrick and showed him to a seat, waiting to see what he had to say.
 


   --------------------------

Ricardo's Army

   Ricardo looked at the men approaching him, he did not know who they were nore anything about them. At once he ordered his handgunners and crossbowmen to take aim, he held the order to fire only because they seemed to be none-aggressive. His heavy guards moved forward, putting a wall of meat and armor between the men and their lord, waiting for the command to let them through or run them through.
« Last Edit: May 03, 2009, 02:25:55 PM by Fog Of Waagh »
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Offline Toro_Blanco

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #402 on: May 03, 2009, 02:39:58 PM »
West Bank of the River Trebleca

Frederick sighed, nodding to them.  "I am here to offer my apologies for last night's devastation.  It was my idea to force the attack that day, and my idea to attack swiftly.  I am responsible for what happened there, and I intend to take responsibility for this when our respective leaders arrive here.  I know they are upset; I intend to resign my post as an officer and return to the infantry when they arrive."

Two Day's march to Moslac

Rheinhardt and his few men stopped just short of the Estalian lines, having trotted amicably over to them.  His standard bearer called out to them in reikspiel: "Marshal Rheinhardt Dormaier, Grandmaster of the Border Sentinels and envoy of the Dawnbringer, General of the Dawnstrider Legion, seeks audience with the leader of this Estalian army!"

Dawnbringer Hold, Schwarzbaum

"My honor was never the case; I was under the impression you had decided to invade.  It is embarassing that we should come to blows over such chaos, but that leads me to my new concerns: the future.  This is about more than honor, gentlemen.  Your brother is a notoriously hot headed fellow, what will happen once you two are safely back in, Karoly was it?  Once you return to Karoly, what incentive does he have not to being a full scale invasion?  I have no desire to begin an invasion of your lands and would be happy to declare a cease fire immediately, provided there is some way of assuring that I won't be facing a renewed war to satisfy his honor."
The first school of thought is that the ragged-assed Stirlanders, not having two coppers to rub together, nicked it when an elven envoy was passing through the area and had hopped off it to take a pee behind a tree

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #403 on: May 03, 2009, 03:42:51 PM »
Schwarzbaum, Eastern Border Princes IC 2524

"Well if you agree you are in the wrong, Don Arathos, then you should disband your mercenaries, retreat your forces back to your own lands and compensate the good people of Moslac a sum of money to rebuild their homes." Thomas replied. Stefan just sat there, slightly grey-faced due to his wounds. "And yes, my brother, King Matthias was crowned a couple of weeks ago. The ancient name of the Kingdom of Karoly has been brought back with Domzale being the capital city."
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Offline Toro_Blanco

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #404 on: May 03, 2009, 04:52:50 PM »
Schwarzbaum, Eastern Border Princes IC 2524

"I most certainly do not agree that I am in the wrong!  Your men assumed that a wandering murderer was telling the truth about my hiring mercenaries, and you began raiding my villages!  I will rebuild Moslac, but I am not withdrawing my men, nor paying restitution to Karoly.  Now, let me make this perfectly clear to you: I have another two cavalry units, another two infantry, my greatswords here, pistoliers, and a full artillery train en route to Moslac, and it seems your brother has managed to offend the entirety of Solland, because they've marched a damned army down here to fight him at Mortensholm.  This situation is escalating from bad to impossible for your fledgling kingdom, and if we want to see any sort of mutually beneficial resolution we had better get to it, because it won't be long before total subjugation is the only option remaining."
The first school of thought is that the ragged-assed Stirlanders, not having two coppers to rub together, nicked it when an elven envoy was passing through the area and had hopped off it to take a pee behind a tree

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #405 on: May 03, 2009, 06:36:40 PM »
Schwarzbaum, Eastern Border Princes IC 2524

"Need I remind you your mercenaries made the first aggressive move, I was merely reacting to their threat. Your forces waged undeclared war upon the Kingdom! If your allies from Solland did not interfere in the King's plans, the entirety of the Black Company would have struck a hammer blow upon your confederation. I have no doubt Matthias will crush the rebel Imperials, then his gaze will spread eastwards." Thomas smiled at the General.
"And I, for one, can't wait to see you and your men humbled by Matthias!" spoke up Stefan.
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Offline Fog Of Waagh

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #406 on: May 03, 2009, 09:59:53 PM »
Donixote nodded to Fredrick, giving only a smirk. "Your a damn fool... The attack was my idea to charge head on... Don't fight me on this, Ricardo will replace me no matter what... My time in these lands in finished, I get to go home, I'm wounded and useless to Ricardo... I barely have enough troops to call a force... My defeat is a victory, I get to leave this shit hole... No offense... So tell your Lord, it was my Idea...I will tell Ricardo the same."

    ---------

Ricardo nodded to his translator who intern screamed aloud for the messanger to hear. "COME! Bring your message!"
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Offline Toro_Blanco

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #407 on: May 04, 2009, 01:59:49 AM »
Two Day's march to Moslac

Rheinhardt rode closer to Ricardo, and nodded to him, removing his plate helm.  "Greetings, Lord Ricardo of the World-Renowned Military Nation of Estalia!  I am the Grandmaster of these Knights, and on behalf of the General, Arathos the Dawnbringer, I bid you welcome to the Border Princes!  I am certain you wish to make haste to the rest of your men, and the esteemed Donixote your envoy.  We are headed in the same direction, and are happy to provide you escort to Moslac."


Dawnbringer Hold, Schwarzbaum

"They were not my mercenaries at the time you attacked!  They were wandering mercenaries with no patron; you simply invaded because you believed the first wandering idiot who came to you.  If your brother is as quick to judge and as foolish in his judgement as the two of you, I can count on swift victory indeed.  Now, allow me to make something very clear to both of you: It is by my good graces you two are treated as guests.  If you insist on pretending that you were unjustly assaulted, rather than accept the reality that your folly and rush to judgment rather than seeking to understand the situation is the reason we are at war, then so be it.  You can both rot in the dungeons in irons for all I care, and I'll show your brother what a veteran of foes beyond your petty brigandry can achieve when roused to anger!  If you want to settle this like men, and own up to your own mistakes, we can settle this without further bloodshed or hostility, and you will both be in Domzale before week's end, with chests of goods to begin a proper trade arrangement and a signed pact of non-aggression.  Hell, I'll throw in a promise to aid if you decide to fight the Bretonnians, so you'll have more muscle to expand your kingdom west and south if you like.  So, how is this going to end?  Are we going to be spiteful and follow this until its final stupidity?  Or can we be reasonable and settle this like men of brilliance, who know when to seize an opportunity with both hands?"
The first school of thought is that the ragged-assed Stirlanders, not having two coppers to rub together, nicked it when an elven envoy was passing through the area and had hopped off it to take a pee behind a tree

Offline GamesPoet

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #408 on: May 04, 2009, 03:15:39 AM »
(Ugh.  So irritated.  Just wrote a piece regarding the Bretonnian actions from Princess du Beaucamp's perspective, cut it from where I had written it, exited from there, and then I couldn't paste it.  Total bummer.  Not sure when or how I'll recreate that now.  Really very irritating. :eusa_wall:)
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Offline Fog Of Waagh

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #409 on: May 04, 2009, 04:48:35 AM »
   Ricardo nodded as soon as the translator ripped the message off, he acted as if he was flattered and spoke in Estalian to his messenger. "Ah, so the bastards kiss ass, hm? Very well, better to be kissed and flaunted then ignored and forgotten. Tell him that my men will follow me where ever he wishes to take me... I would like to meet this Arathos that Donixote wrote of... I would like to see who my men will kill for..."
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Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #410 on: May 04, 2009, 12:20:04 PM »
Schwarzbaum, IC 2524

"Those Mercenaries were already several miles within our territory, and with soldiers carrying the Dawnstrider standard. They had left several devastated villages in their wake, I acted in self defence! If we are to own up to these 'mistakes' you talk of, you have to own up to yours. Your army attacked Moslac with no declaration, you sent a parley yet did not wait for an answer. I stand by what I said before - You will withdraw all your troops from the Duchy of Moslac, compensate the town for the devastation your army unlawfully wrought upon it and disband your mercenaries." Thomas replied. "Then perhaps, if you release us from your prison, we can make arrangements with our Brother about his army not burning your confederation to the ground."
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Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #411 on: May 04, 2009, 07:24:57 PM »


I'm not exactly a pro at paint but it gives you an idea if you zoom in. Colours are maybe a little light but meh.

Burgundy: Voivodeship of Domzale
Slightly dark purple: Protectorate of Moslac
Light purple: Barony of Vidovdan
Red: Freehold of Mortensholm

Join up all the circles and you have the outline of the Kingdom of Karoly at the height of it's power. Now of course, I've lost half of both Moslac (including the town) and Vidovdan (still holding this town), and I've decimated and abandoned Mortensholm, retreating south across the river onto the area of plains near the original borders of Domzale.
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Offline Padre

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #412 on: May 04, 2009, 07:58:43 PM »
Thank you very much for that map. In my addled brain I had Domzale in the wrong place altogther. Now I have a much clearer picture of what is going on (and one of the reasons I had slowed down my posts was not knowing where certain places where - my Border Princes map, from Strike to Stun, has several placenames missing.


I'm gonna liaise with Uryens ASAP re: when he and I can do a battle between the Sollanders and the Black Company. I have noticed that you cleverly had the Don back off in an organised retreat to buy Uryens and I some time to sort a date out. Thank you.
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Offline GamesPoet

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #413 on: May 04, 2009, 08:08:59 PM »
Excellent Map!  Good to see this put on the thread.  I had been using another map I found on the madalfred site, and although it has all the places spotted out, it didn't have the main roads.

Interestingly, the story piece I had written yesterday, that I some how lost as I was trying to paste it into this thread, regarding the perspective of Princess Sophia du Beaucamp and the things that are developing with the Bretonnians was using some of the geographical links between the Bretonnian towns that seem to match with what the roads are on this map.  I'm going to try to duplicate the piece asap because it fits in with whats happening on the thread as a whole.

Thanks again for the map, and I'm wondering where this was found?
"Not all who wander are lost ... " Tolkien

"... my old suggestion is forget it, take two aspirins and go paint" steveb

"The beauty of curiosity and creativity is so much more useful than the passion of fear." me

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Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #414 on: May 04, 2009, 10:21:40 PM »

I'm gonna liaise with Uryens ASAP re: when he and I can do a battle between the Sollanders and the Black Company. I have noticed that you cleverly had the Don back off in an organised retreat to buy Uryens and I some time to sort a date out. Thank you.


No problem, I'm very much looking forward to that report indeed!

Interestingly, the story piece I had written yesterday, that I some how lost as I was trying to paste it into this thread, regarding the perspective of Princess Sophia du Beaucamp and the things that are developing with the Bretonnians was using some of the geographical links between the Bretonnian towns that seem to match with what the roads are on this map.  I'm going to try to duplicate the piece asap because it fits in with whats happening on the thread as a whole.

Thanks again for the map, and I'm wondering where this was found?

Great, Bretonnia needs to get into the thick of things!

Found it on google images, any generic 'Border princes Map' search.
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Offline GamesPoet

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #415 on: May 05, 2009, 01:53:32 AM »
(After spending some time on the piece I lost this weekend, the following is only the front portion, for lack of time, but more will follow asap.)

Beauport (formerly Matorea),  Border Princes, 2524 I.C.

Princess Sophia du Beaucamp was once again sitting in her large wooden chair, but this time Sir Augustin was standing and facing her from the floor in front of the small, two leveled dias.  Marceau was at his usual post near the oak door that separated the antechamber from the Great Hall on the other side.

“My lady, I have arrived to report on the status of our troop movements and positions.”

“Sir Augustin, it is once again good to see you, and please do proceed.”

“Captain Ferdinand Weisefechter has arrived in Sainte Therese with his forces to significantly bolster Princes Nadia du Pont’s knights, men-at arms, and bowmen.  He has also negotiated with the local Brasovian horse raiders to provide a scouting force that has been reporting significant conflict occurring in the Charleroi area, between the Black Company forces from Domzale and the Dawnstriders of Schwarzbaum.  Additionally he has already set about strengthening the old Brasovian defenses, has requested additional resources to continue the work, and would like to know if we can send Captain Mardonia’s flotilla of river gunboats for additional support of the position.”

Sir Augustin took a breath and Princess Sophia spoke on the pause, “Would you recommend we grant his requests?”

“Yes, my lady.  It is fortunate of us to have him on our side, and providing what he is asking, could be quite beneficial in being able maintain the position until we can move on Charleroi.”

Princess Sophia looked past Sir Augustin and towards her chamberlain, “Marceau, would you please see to it that my orders discussed here with Sir Augustin are given to those that will provide Captain Weisefechter with what he requests?”

Marceau nodded and replied, “Yes your highness.”

“Sir Augustin, and what of the rest?”


(To be continued ... )
"Not all who wander are lost ... " Tolkien

"... my old suggestion is forget it, take two aspirins and go paint" steveb

"The beauty of curiosity and creativity is so much more useful than the passion of fear." me

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Offline Padre

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #416 on: May 05, 2009, 11:13:47 AM »
The Trade Road, South of Mortensholm

It was another empty wagon. The third they’d found today. This one still had a horse, almost dead, harnessed to it, but apart from the meagre fleshmeat they might skin from the animal’s bones, there was nothing else here for the taking.

Thaddeus looked to see if his lads were angered by the lack of loot, but saw that they merely looked bemused. It had been a strange road to travel down, with long lines of men’s heads left to rot on pikes – a steady supply of crunchy, gamy treats, like a line of aperitifs. Thaddeus’ and his Bulls had all been put in mind of an old Ogrish story about a foolish, drink-addled young bull who followed just such a line of nibbles right into the mouth of a dragon. This thought, as well as the proximity of the forest, had slowed their advance considerably. If asked they would have said they were moving cautiously in case of a trap, but in the recesses of their minds they were looking for the tell-tale teeth of a dragon’s maw.

“There’s nothin’ here for us, boys” shouted Thaddeus. “We’ll go a bit further south and see what there is to see, then we’ll go back and join the boss.”

It was obvious the foe had not wanted to stop and tend to this beast, and so had merely left it and its burden here. Perhaps this was one of the wagons that had carried the heads?

“Hey, Thad,” came a shout from the lead Bull, a scarred old veteran called Jublig ScabPicker. “You think we’ll find the bodies that go with these heads? There’d be good eating then.”

“I don’t reckon we will. I’m thinking they were burned at Mortees-holm. The place reeked of burned flesh.”

Suddenly a single gnoblar burst from the trees on the eastern side of the road.

“They’s back there. They’s back there,” he began to shout, stumbling forwards while pointing backwards.

Thaddeus grabbed the little creature as he ran close, and lifted him right off the ground to get his undivided attention.

“Who? Where?” the Bruiser asked, trying to make it as simple as possible.

“Men, black metal, and these!”

The gnoblar held out a quarrel, bloodied from the tip almost down to the flights.

“They got Stinker with this, right through his middle, but I pulled it out and Stinker spat blood and Grumbug laughed and then stopped ‘cos they stuck one in ‘im too…”

Thaddeus slapped his hand over the gnoblar’s babbling mouth. He spoke more quietly,

“Get yerselves ready boys, there’s crossbowmen out there in them trees. Probably scouts, or a rearguard. I don’t think they’re after loot ‘cos they’s got all that already. Jublig, you take two lads and go tell Agrabog we might ‘ave found some of the Black Company. The rest of you, let’s go sneaking into them trees and see if we can’t smash some skulls. I’d like to have some fresh meat before the real fighting begins.”
« Last Edit: May 06, 2009, 07:10:01 AM by Padre »
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Offline GamesPoet

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #417 on: May 05, 2009, 11:50:07 AM »
North of Mentreda and the village of Haverty, Sunderly's Field, Border Princes, 2524 IC

Mervin had reached the edge of Sunderly's Field as he approached the column of Black Company Lancers for the second time.  He slowed his approach, and this time he noticed the sun was shining in just the right way for the spring green hues of the olive tree orchard to be quite brilliant in color.  And then he covered the rest of the distance to the front of the column of lancers.

- - - - -

Sir Jacques Montfourche had suddenly caught a slight glint off to the left in the trees and underbrush that blocked a view of the Tana Dante.  His head turned slightly to focus in on whatever had caused that, and then Prince Alain Herriot spoke, "Sir Montfourche, what are you looking at over there?"

"Your highness, I thought I caught a quick shine coming off something over there in those woods on the left."

Prince Alain's head turned in that direction and he gazed for a moment, "Hmmm ... I don't see anything."

"Yes, your highness, neither do I at the moment."

"Well, we can't hardly leave our position to investigate, but you keep your eyes on that and I'll watch to see if Luitpold moves out to speak, as he seemed to indicated that he wanted to do."

"I will, your highness, I will."

- - - - -

Lars stiffened his body and whispered , "Aldo, don't move a muscle, but what are they both looking in this direction for?"

Aldo whispered back, "I don't know Lars, but I haven't moved."

Theo whispered next, “Me neither boss. Should I go back and bring up Serge, Rainier, and Didier with the horses?”

Continuing to keep his voice low, although the two knights were more than several pistol lengths away, and even a Hochland long rifle would have had difficulty at this range, Lars spoke again, "Theo, I know everyone is looking forward to some action, but under the circumstances I'd say we are more than just a bit outnumbered. So no.  They can continue to hold our horses while we stay absolutely still right here where we are."

Aldo agreed, “Yes, and let's none of us move even an inch, because the closest one is still looking our way, and the last thing we need is to draw more attention to ourselves with that Bretonnian force on the right, those lancers on the left, and those horsebowmen up through the olive trees on the slope of that hill."

Lars spoke again, “Exactly, we need to stay put, and watch what happens, keeping in mind that Baron de Crux sent us here to watch this road, not engage enemy forces.”

“Well I can’t see why those lancers would have come in this direction, why not back towards Domzale itself?” asked Theo.

“Good question Theo, but that’s why we need to hang low, and see what happens next,” replied Lars, “Just don’t move until I say otherwise.”
« Last Edit: May 05, 2009, 12:10:43 PM by GamesPoet »
"Not all who wander are lost ... " Tolkien

"... my old suggestion is forget it, take two aspirins and go paint" steveb

"The beauty of curiosity and creativity is so much more useful than the passion of fear." me

"Until death it is all life." Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #418 on: May 06, 2009, 01:34:51 PM »
Sunderly's Field, Border Princes IC 2524

Luitpold walked over to his horse, donning his helm as he went. His Standard Bearer, Bartalan, joined him, leading his own horse and carrying the banner over his shoulder. The rest of the Lancers dismounted to save the horses, and broke camp, though still remained armoured and with their weapons close.

The Bretonnian Nobles were slowly walking their horses toward the middle of the field. Luitpold had served in the Reiksguard for over ten years, and had been stationed at Helmsgardt for a fair few of those years, having to meet many a noble and had become somewhat of an authority in the matter. The noble walking his horse toward him had an elaborate set of heraldry, signifying him as a Duke, or as the new Bretonnian masters in the Borders had liked to call themselves royalty.

The four men met at the centre of the dusty field. Luitpold, his hand raised in greeting, his voice muffled by his gleaming black sallet-style helm, spoke first. "Your Highness, I am Luitpold von Jorgen, Captain of the Lancers under his Majesty Matthias I of Karoly. His Highness himself has sent me on a mission of peace to your realm in the hope your Noble sir would see fit for us to discuss military and political issues that will join our two most noble and great houses in a unity of the greatest importance."

Just north of the Upper Tona Dante river, Border Princes, IC 2524

Lieutenant Gergo Hunyed watched from the sanctuary of the trees at the approaching ogres. They were not like the ogres employed by the Don, more feral looking with ramshackle armour and enormous guts not common to the ogres native this far west. His Sergeant, Fredek crawled up next to the officer, his crossbow on his back tied with a short length of thin rope.
"There doesn't seem to be too many of them. Perhaps we could take them?" The young officer asked.
"Nah, those bastards take some killing, we've only got twenty of the lads here. The little goblin creatures are easy enough, but they'd stay in line if them ogres told 'em to." the grizzled sergeant replied.
"So... what do we do? our orders are we watch out for the main enemy force, this is just the vanguard."
"I say we stay put, Sir, they'll come or they won't, we'll have to fight them if they come in the trees, though they'll probably just pass us by, we killed them goblin scouts."
"Right, Sergeant." replied the young officer, trembling slightly.

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Offline Padre

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #419 on: May 06, 2009, 05:53:13 PM »
Just north of the Upper Tona Dante river, Border Princes, IC 2524

Lieutenant Gergo Hunyed watched from the sanctuary of the trees at the approaching ogres...

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #420 on: May 06, 2009, 06:25:34 PM »
Sweet! :icon_cool: :::cheers:::
"Not all who wander are lost ... " Tolkien

"... my old suggestion is forget it, take two aspirins and go paint" steveb

"The beauty of curiosity and creativity is so much more useful than the passion of fear." me

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Offline Padre

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #421 on: May 06, 2009, 07:56:23 PM »
South of Mortensholm, in the camp of the Army of Solland

“My Lord,” said Captain Joost, “I have someone here you must surely meet. He claims to be Graf Edric, of Mortensholm, and I am inclined to believe him.”

“The Graf is alive?” asked the Baron de Crux, his face showing more than a touch of incredulity.

“It seems he is, despite the fact that his army was apparently butchered and beheaded to a man."

“Then of course, I must see him.”

The captain turned towards the tent’s exit, but stopped when the Baron suddenly spoke again.

“Wait, Joost. Tell me first, how is he?”

The captain should have known that the baron would quickly realise there might be something odd about the Graf suddenly appearing.

“I never knew the man, of course, but I have to admit I doubt he is the man he was. I thought him a vagabond when we first encountered him, mad with fever or drink. If I had to guess, I would say he has been in the wilds since the battle.”

“I see, yes. Well then, Joost, have him given his own tent, and assign some servants to him. Give him food and clothes, and the chance to regain something of his wits. I will speak to him this evening – unless, of course, he insists.”

“Aye my Lord, it will be done.”

“Good,” said the Baron. “Now, before you go, what news from the riders and scouts?”

“The Black Company are still backing off, but as they know the land somewhat better, they have been able to maintain a posture of defiance and readiness as they do so. They move most quickly only when the land slows us down, and then as we think to catch them they are once again in a position to harry us. Our scouts have encountered their scouts upon several occasions, and even they fight hard. So far we have no prisoners – they refuse quarter. Nor do they give it.”

“The heads, what of them?”

Captain Joost put his hand to his forehead and rubbed, as if he was in pain. He answered,

“It has had an effect on our men, which is surely what they intended. There have been a few grumblings, some reluctance to march as fast as they might. And the sight of Agrabog’s brutes eating them even as flies buzz around them has not exactly reassured the men. The Black Company’s reputation is not undeserved.”

“Yet we have the upper hand in numbers,” said the baron. “It occurs to me that the enemy may well be playing a waiting game. Perhaps they expect reinforcements, a relief force or allies? I think we can ill afford to tarry any longer. We’ve done all we can for Mortensholm, and now we may well have found their Lord. We must go about the business of defeating the Black Company, and soon. I will order that the army array itself before dawn and we march to meet them. Now that the foe have moved from the forest we can meet them in battle. Besides, I know that Agrabog has been growing tetchy, and I don’t want to see what new trouble his annoyance might bring. If we strike now then we kill several birds with one stone.”

“But my Lord, we have not got the entire force with us, what with the rearguard in Mortensholm, and the flanking forces, and could not possibly muster all together in so little time. Even Agrabog has sent several companies of Ogres upon scavenging errands.”

“Yes,” said the baron, “and the enemy knows that, which makes them complacent. They think they can fall back slowly, confident that we are too dispersed to deliver a blow against them. They think we have delayed because we are afraid. But we are neither afraid nor too few, we have enough courage and sufficient force. We shall attack in the morrow at first light, Empire and Ogre, and they shall know our wrath.”

(PS: Battle arranged for this Saturday with Uryens being the Sollanders and Ogres, and I shall command the Black Company. Of course, as with any game, I intend to win!!)
Photobucket has now re-destroyed my pictures, so the first half of my collected works thread is no longer working again. To see my website version of the campaign thread, with fully functioning pictures, please go to https://bigsmallworlds.com/

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #422 on: May 06, 2009, 08:50:09 PM »
Hehe excellent Padre! (Awesomely painted xbowmen btw.), looking forward to the battle! The Noble and honourable Don Matthias shall surely defeat the flea-bitten mongrels from the north! ;D

The Grand Army of Solland's Camp, Mortensholm IC 2524

Sergeant Macks screamed orders at the men like every sergeant in history does, you scream and holler loud enough and the job gets done. The Fusiliers were scrambling all about the place packing away the tents and  gathering their equipment and possessions ready to move out. The sergeant marched over to Lieutenant Bennis, the Lieutenant was sitting down on a camp chair, reading a thick volume. Macks chuckled at the scene, the apparent confusion all around the officer, yet he was serenely reading a book, cross-legged and occasionally pushing his reading spectacles up his nose when they slip down. He usually did this, and had earned the title 'Scholar' from the men, a title half to make fun of the Officer, but also a sign of affection for their leader.

The Sergeant saluted crisply, his rifle cradled in his other arm. "Sir, the Company will be ready to move out at the sun's zenith."
Bennis clapped the book together and pulled off his spectacles before looking up at Macks. "Very well, we are behind Siegfried's horse in the line and before the Kreutzhofen Halberdiers. Have the quarter master dish out extra rum rations."
The Sergeant beamed at this. "Yessarr!" He then saluted again before storming off to shout at the men once more.

I for one welcome our new flying cat overlords.

Offline Toro_Blanco

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #423 on: May 07, 2009, 03:30:43 PM »
Dawnbringer Hold, Schwarzbaum

Arathos was extraordinarily displeased by this point; the Estalians had butchered his emissaries when Diego was killed, and pursued him to Moslac alone, if Frederick's story was accurate.  This nonsense about his men having hired them and such was just that, nonsense.  He was furious that they would, even as prisoners, insist on his fault in this matter.  He had never attacked Domzale!  His men were out to keep the peace, and this foe refused to turn over a murderer, then attacked his own towns, and dared lay the blame at his feet!?  He rose, clearly unhappy, as dinner was being served.  "I have no stomach for further discussions with either of you.  It is clear to me what I must do here, and I shall.  I will not allow my temper to get the better of me, so you both shall continue to stay here as my guests.  I leave you to eat your meal, and enjoy your reunion.  With Sigmar's help, I may be able to bring your eldest brother here to continue the festivities."  With that, he turned on his heel and left the room, the guards watching the Vitecs after the door shut.  Arathos was fuming with rage as he made his way to the courtyard; the prisoners were let out twice daily to relax and enjoy the sunlight (he was no barbarian, and treated his captives well, though handgunners on the walls ensured they did not try anything foolish), and he meant to speak to them.  As he walked out, the captured halberdiers and lancers looked over, stopping their various conversations as Arathos waited for silence.
     "Men of Karoly, prisoners of this war, I have come to make you an offer.  Any of you who wish to fight for the Dawnstriders are now welcome to do so, and receive your freedom after you serve our army.  Your families will be welcome to emigrate to our lands, and you will be treated well, paid a standard wage for your time, and be given your armor and weapons free of cost, yours to keep after your term is finished.  I know many of you will refuse this offer, for you both comprise stalwart bodyguard regiments, but the offer remains open until I declare otherwise, so feel free to think it over."  With that, he made his way past the men and out of the Hold altogether, and walked over to his greatswords.  Oberst Melhoff offered a salute as the general approached.
     "General sir, glad to see you're back.  I take it we're leaving soon?"  Arathos nodded, and the officer noticed the scowl faintly drawn across his face.  "Something the matter sir?"
     "I'm not in the mood to deal with these...Karolingians any further, but it seems war is not going to end just yet.  Amazing, isn't it?  I hold captive two of the three members of their royal family, and they still have the audacity to remain impetuous!"
     "Do you expect any of their soldiers to take that offer?"
     "No.  Maybe it will cause some disorder amongst them, maybe they'll wonder why I'm making it.  I don't really care, I just want to take as many troops away from our enemy as possible.  Besides, with all the fighting we could use fresh troops wherever we find them."  With that, the troops Arathos had brought with him to escort Thomas to Schwarzbaum made ready to leave, and march back to Moslac.  It is likely they would arrive at the same time as Ricardo and Rheinhardt, though neither army realized it.
The first school of thought is that the ragged-assed Stirlanders, not having two coppers to rub together, nicked it when an elven envoy was passing through the area and had hopped off it to take a pee behind a tree

Offline Inarticulate

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Re: Border Princes IC 2524 (Linked to the Solland Effort)
« Reply #424 on: May 07, 2009, 08:04:46 PM »
Schwarzbaum, Border Princes IC 2524

The Black Company soldiers surprised Arathos by accepting his offer. They were mercenaries after all, and would earn better pay fighting for the enemy than staying as prisoners of war. One condition was that they would form their own unit and receive their Black Armour back.

Thomas and Stefan sat in silence in the dining room. Stefan, now with his appetite returned, gorged himself on the banquet, Thomas ate his meal more civilised. It was the fat brother that broke the silence. "You know, I think we should've taken the man up on his offer, we could become rich under him."

Thomas dropped his knife. "You would join with the enemy against your own blood? Matthias has always been good to you, given you more'n you deserve." The younger Captain pushed his plate away.

"That may well be, but at least I didn't lose half our territory and an entire army!" Stefan scoffed.

Thomas leapt at his brother, his knife leaping into his hand. In a flurry of movement, the fork was at the fat man's throat, pushing into the flesh. A thin trickle of blood started dripping down the terrified man's neck. "I will take no more of your scowling you fat bastard. I don't want to see you again you snivelling coward." The  younger brother tossed the knife away, storming out of the room, a couple of guards flanking him back to his quarters.
I for one welcome our new flying cat overlords.