Topic: The Muster of Stattenland

[Derek Contyre]

Close to sunrise.
Statten, river city and capital of Stattenland (primarily where the altered maps of Middenland say Estorf is),
2217.


Anastasia Contyre stood looking over the walls of her city, the fields stretched into the distance towards the Stattenwood, where the site of many major battles between Stattenland and Ahlenhof-Hohne had raged down through the centuries.
Scars of those previous battles could still be seen on the outskirts of the Stattenwood, large cairns and burial mounds where countless soldiers from both sides lay at rest.
Fresh snow fell all over the fields for miles in every direction, no one was awake at this time of the morning, the sun could barely be seen cresting the horizon far away to the east and shadows lingered across the land.

Behind her, laughter and gaiety spilled out of her children's rooms, the twins Katarina and Joshua II played a soldiers game with dice and a cup, the object of the game to try and roll as many of the same number on the dice as you could.
The twins always awoke early, their youth denied them sleep longer than they have to. Anya returned inside from the balcony to the warmth of the living room chambers, there a fire roared merrily in the hearth, the long flames licking the cool air and fresh snow off of the Countess.
Anya's long red hair spilled out of its bun, strands dropping across her face as she lent over the sleeping form of her husband.

The Dusseldorf.

Joshua Contyre von Dusseldorf was his legal name, the Count by marriage, his lower station forced him to choose Contyre as his name, though he stubbornly kept von Dusseldorf as well.
She smiled to herself as he slept through her caress, his soft snoring breaking an otherwise excellent morning.
"Wake up Joshua, you leave soon."
Blue eyes fluttered as his snoring stopped abruptly.
The Count arose fluidly, stretching his back and legs before falling back into bed.
"You must come and get me up my lady, for it seems I have lost the use of my willpower on this cold day."
Anya slapped him on his bare back, too late realising the trap as he rolled her onto the bed and tickled her. The Countess squealed and giggled at him, not stopping her slaps, though halfheartedly now that she was laughing so much.
"Stop it!" she shrieked and her nostrils flared. Joshua laughed and rolled out of bed, a twinkle in his eye.
"Are my things ready? My horse, my bow, my sword?"
"Yes, yes and yes, they are waiting with the Guard downstairs." Anya said as she rolled out of the bed, her hair askew and her dress crooked.
"Well then, I think we have some more time available to us then..." He leapt at her and they tumbled onto the bed together, squealing and laughing in equal measure, though soon the laughing turned to kissing and other things.

After sunrise, Inner bailey courtyard.
Joshua mounted his Destrier, the soldiers of the Armoured Guard stood to attention. Securing his pack and pulling his cloak tighter about himself, the Count looked up to the balcony to where his wife and children stood watching. Anya waved to him with Kat and little Joshua II, they both waved to everyone leaving for Hergig. With a smile and a wave the Count rounded his horse and led the elite soldiers of Hamburg out of the city. Their road a winding one, over two hundred miles to Hergig and the Elector that resided there. Achatius von Tiefen.

Dusk, In between Talebdorf and Tussenhof, Statten-Hergig road. Stattenland

The column of men, horses and materials marched on, the many bright colours of the Stattenland soldiery muted by the hundreds of woolen cloaks, hats and gloves they all wore.
Towards the head of the column rode Count Contyre von Dusseldorf and several Tuetonic knights, behind them stretched a column of men numbering just over five hundred.
The wind dropped considerably once they reached the treeline of the Western Forest, there they encamped for the night to wait out the horrendous wind.
Joshua looked over his army again, wandering amongst the tents of the different regiments he had helped train over the past five years.
Regiments of Pike and Halberd sat wrapped in cloaks, fires creating small pools of melted snow while brown mush slopped everywhere. The smell of cooking pots wafted across the campsite, Greencoats, veteran archers and woodsmen scoured the nearby Western forest for spies, rabbits and game. A unit of Greatswordsmen all sat polishing armour and weapons, while several dozen grey and purple clad mercenaries of the '5th' did push ups and star jumps to warm themselves up. Men from the Swords of Hamburg watched on, placing bets on who would drop first.

The baggage train was surrounded by horses and tents, there the Crimson Dragoons Pistoliers and the Stattenland Lancers competed in dress sense, style and number of foes killed by previous sergeants.
Wandering through the chaos and hoodlum of an army at rest, Joshua walked without realising to the quietest spot in the encampment. Here there were horses also, but these were destriers, horses over sixteen hands high bred specifically for the Tuetonic knights. The knights themselves all sat around a large fire, many pots and bowls swapped hands and the warrior monks took much sustenance from the many broths and stews that passed around.
Without a word Joshua Contyre von Dusseldorf, Count of Stattenland sat amongst them and ate in silence.
Hoping the peace of the present could outweigh the coming civil strife that would see if Stattenland could return to being an independant nation.

[Derek Contyre]

"I remember the walls of Fort Denkh being higher than this last I was here."
One of his knights mentioned in the background.
The Count snorted into his glove.
"That's probably because you weren't sitting this close to a surrendered castle Leo."

The knights and Count sat still mounted on their Destriers, the panoply of siege weapons and arsenal behind them, ruined gates and bodies slumped around the gatehouse to their front.
"Shall we enter my lord? We are the only retinue to not."
Contyre watched the walls for a time, his thoughts straying to the bodies on the ground.
"Yes, we should enter now... It was after all, some of my troops that were in the first assault. The men from Stattenland will be missed I am afraid."

The knights and the Count entered the captured fortress, where impromptu medical tents had taken over the majority of the space. The men dismounted and wandered amongst the wounded... The fortress had put up a decent fight, though sheer weight of numbers and the surprise of the quick assault had taken the castle in only hours of fighting.

"Find me Kane and Mathison, we have much to discuss regarding the defence of this place against the retaliation that is sure to follow..."

[GamesPoet]

Good to see this!

By the way, I've written up some fluff material for the Tussenhof area of Hochland, I've got backround, some leaders, and things like that.  Been contemplating doing up some Hochland units, but who knows when.

[Derek Contyre]

Good to see this!

By the way, I've written up some fluff material for the Tussenhof area of Hochland, I've got backround, some leaders, and things like that.

Oooh that is near Stattenland! Feel free to incorporate me in any way.

[GamesPoet]

Good to see this!

By the way, I've written up some fluff material for the Tussenhof area of Hochland, I've got backround, some leaders, and things like that.

Oooh that is near Stattenland! Feel free to incorporate me in any way.

Oh yes, it was your fluff somewhere that initiated it.  Although I'd been looking at the area for a number of years.  I considered using this as a basis for my fluff in this campaign, but I signed up too late for it to really fit, and created Commander Karl Shultz von Weidmarkt instead, which probably better fits the Von Rusdorf faction anyway.

[Derek Contyre]

Oh yes, it was your fluff somewhere that initiated it.  Although I'd been looking at the area for a number of years.  I considered using this as a basis for my fluff in this campaign, but I signed up too late for it to really fit, and created Commander Karl Shultz von Weidmarkt instead, which probably better fits the Von Rusdorf faction anyway.

 

I helped initiate someone else's fluff story ! 

Cool beans, feel free to message me anytime if you want to collaborate.

[Derek Contyre]

Outside the walls of Krudenwald

The count watched his soldiers form up in front of the now repaired gatehouse of Fort Denkh. Though with the taking of the Fort, the Hornhausen men had tried to damage it, no lasting impression had been made, and with most of the construction work going to the Mathison, it was repaired in excellent time.
The Tuetonic finished forming up around Joshua, the clink and groan of their harness a welcome site and reassuring sound.
"MEN OF STATTENLAND! COLUMN MARCH, KNIGHTS OF THE VANGUARD, IN FRONT. INFANTRY BEHIND, ARTILLERY AND TRAIN TO THE REAR. WE MARCH TO FORT SCHIPPEL!"
A mighty clash of arms erupted behind him as his soldiers all shouted as one.

With the shout to march raised, the Tuetonic knights rode forth...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db40S82sqic


 

[Derek Contyre]

The road to schippel, mid morning.

Like the previous mornings, the host of men from Stattenland had broken camp and continued on the march before the other assembled von Tiefen forces, the Count took his title of "Master of the Vanguard" very seriously.
Huntsmen of the Greencoats regiments scoured ahead for leagues, reporting on the movements of the von Kerpen ahead. Their forces were marshalling outside the walls of Schippel, though no outward sign of advance had been made.
Joshua Contyre rode to the head of his bodyguard, the Tuetonic knights champed at the bit, even as vanguard forces. The count rode to the side of the road, allowing his troops to march past. Several knights rode over to him, Captain Pietr led the army, the Battle standard of Stattenland held high.

[Derek Contyre]

Ambush on the road to Schippel

The road to Fort Schippel. Before Dawn


The mist lay heavy over the land, obscuring the hills that surround Fort Schippel.
Thin scraggly trees appeared suddenly as the knights rode slowly down the road. The force of men rode in silence, the hooves of the horses muffled with linen and cotton, their harness well oiled against the mist. Visibility for the knights was poor, each saw apparitions in the fog surrounding the road.

A large man lead them, his harness shined a dim silver in the pre dawn, the red and blue of the Contyre pennant a stark contrast to the black armoured knights with their white plumes and banners. Reining his charger in, the Captain whispered, "Hold to, men... The von Kerpen is not far off."

The Tuetonic knights vanguard formed into a wedge around the captain, their armour muted in the early morning.
"Our scouts reported that an encampment is to the north of the road, ready for an ambush." He whispered louder this time. Around the fifty knights, the mist swirled and the wind picked up slightly, blowing the cold air onto both man and horse.

"Captain Pietr, what are your orders?" The Meister of the lance asked.
Pietr looked him over, steel was in the man, especially his eyes.
"Artur, Count Contyre wants this road clear for the main force to arrive before dawn. When the sun comes over those hills to the East, it will be in their faces. Our plan is to clear the road for that to happen. We are to swing around north and ride down upon the camp from behind, catching them unaware and crushing them as quickly as we can."
The knights to a man nodded as one and began loosening their swords and maces.
"As one men, we form up on me."

The ride through the mist and hills surrounding the Fort was terrifying, any moment Pietr thought a scout or guard from the von Kerpen army stationed nearby would sound an alarm and the small force of knights would be overwhelmed by thousands of soldiers. But the Greencoats had done their job well. The archers had crept into enemy territory during the night and slaughtered the men on patrol with accurate bow fire and sharp knives.

Minutes riding through the mist felt like hours, though the sun never rose and the way forward was never clear. Slowing to a halt, the lance of knights formed up once more.
"Perssivalt, hand me the map."
"We are now here, as I can tell. The Greencoats have marked the position of the enemy nearby... It should be on a tree or hill."
Several knights dismounted and began searching nearby. After several tense minutes, the men returned with the mark.
"Well then, this is it. Mount." Pietr rode to the front of the lance and unfurled the banner of Contyre.
The men urged their horses forward and kept pace together, the muffled sounds of their movements carried far, but when they reached the outer camp, the men emboldened.
"They can't see how few we are in the fog!"
We'll use the old ways," Pietr yelled. "SPEED UP HORSE! CHARGE!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN8vOC0gte0

[Derek Contyre]

Swords rang and men clashed, the impact of the Tuetonic knights charge was devastating, coming down from the north, the prepared traps and pitfalls that the von Kerpen soldiers had prepared became useless to them.
The ring of steel was akin to hammer on anvil as the armoured knights hacked down at the elite troops on foot below. Pietr struck his sword into a man's face, blood spattered across his blade as the man fell. Spurring his horse on, he knocked down a group of armoured soldiers trying to overwhelm a knight with halberds.
"Thank you sir!" The knight nodded and rode into battle again.
Though the fighting was furious, the knights on their armoured steeds had the advantage. Many Tuetonic knights fell in the battle, but the Kerpen foot soldiery broke and ran towards the rode. There they fell into their own traps and pitfalls.
"Ride East, cut them down so that our army can make it through!" A dozen men rode their horses off into the mist.

"Artur!" Pietr called, looking for the Meister of the lance. "Artur!" He dismounted and handed the Battle Standard to one his knights.
Wandering through the camp site, Pietr found his man still breathing, even with the spear through his guts. Around him lay four dead knights in the Kerpen colours.
Artur looked up to the Pietr coming towards him.
"AH, Captain, good to see you on this fine day!" the man coughed blood as he spoke.
"Indeed my friend, though it seems you will not see the sunrise." Artur chuckled. "This old wolf? no, I don't need to. I have fought bravely and died with honour. My Hochmeister will be proud to call me brother now."
"Who finished you? So that I may look upon a foe worthy to best a Meister of the Tuetons." Coughing up more blood, Artur pointed to a large man in golden armour, with a Tuetonic hand and a half sword thrust into his heart.
"There is the bastard that gutted me, though I finished him... Pulled myself onto his spear. He didn't see that coming. Thought I would fold over." Artur laughed as he died, clutching Pietr's hand.

Pietr stood. "Perssival, form up the men once you have led them in their holy rights. I know these are templars but we will have time for the proper ceremony later, we have an army to ride down."

[Derek Contyre]

With the destruction of the outlying camp by Pietr and the Tuetonic knights, the main vanguard forces began pouring across the wilderness in earnest. The blue and yellow liveried state troops of Stattenland maneuvered through the hills easily.

The first assault on the von Kerpen positions happened with an hour to spare before the sunrise. The Provincial Army fell on the defenders with cold fury, swordsmen and halberdiers led the advance, scything down the Kerpen men relentlessly.
Spear walls collapsed under the assault of the Armoured Guard of Hamburg, the greatswordsmen chopping the men to pieces who held their ground.

Though the initial surprise of the attack had overwhelmed the outer defences, hundreds of soldiers were fleeing back to the main camp, horn and bugle rent the air and the sound of cavalry advancing could be heard.

The captains of the Stattenland soldiery checked the rapid advance and fell into orderly lines. Regiments of pike and shotte formed into the centre around the ruined tents of the outer camp, with the Swords of Hamburg and the '5th' on the left flank, while the Armoured Guard held position on the right.
Ranging far out in front of the main lines the Greencoats and Crimson Dragoons launched numerous hit and run attacks on the Kerpen soldiery forming up opposite Contyre's men. Heavy cavalry to the right with large blocks of halberds, spear and sword in the middle, with a large screen of handgun and archers opposite the Armoured Guard.

Joshua Contyre stood amongst the regiment of Armoured Guard, their plate armour and zwei handers a reassuring presence. His own burnished steel plate he now wore, with a broad brimmed hat. The Sword of Contyre and steel buckler in his left fist.
"They have light troops opposite us, many missiles there. Towards the centre are what appears to be infantry wielding pole weapons and spear. No pikes that I can make out, though the standard is one I have not seen before.
"A hedgehog on the right, holding a chained cup, the foreground is a shield bearing a key and the words MAX MORIR while a poleaxe and banner in the background... The colours are difficult to see."
"Doubtless my lord, we will drive whomever that captain is from this field today." A Guardsman mentioned.
"Hopefully Arxon, hopefully. Though we lack the numbers to win decisively."

[Derek Contyre]

The large amount of infantry, and the half burnt camp dictated the battle that morning. Brutal close quarter fighting.
The Lion Standard of Contyre advanced everywhere, while the Hedgehog rose to meet them.
Pike regiments clashed with the regiments of spear and halberd, while a running battle of swordsmen swirled around them. Contyre arquebus traded shot with von Kerpen archers and handgunners, but the longer range and refined guns made the contest one sided.
All the while the heavy cavalry held back. As did the count and the Armoured Guard.

The hack and slash ended abruptly, the centre of the field belonged to the Contyre troops, disciplined pike regiments and massed shooting from the handgunner's drove the Kerpen soldiers back. Though the 5th mercenary regiments were embroiled against a large regiment of halberdiers. On the right, the large amount of missile infantry had hung back, wary of the Contyre right flank, where the Tuetonic knights had returned.
That decided the battle, with their centre falling back and the right wary to engage with the ferocious Tuetonic knights nearby, the von Kerpen soldiers retreated back towards Fort Schippel.
A great cheer went up from the soldiers of Count Contyre, the lion standard and the Tiefen key fluttered in the wind.