Control is power...(TG to join, PT)

[Osteia]

1308...
Northern Osteia

The weather had just cleared from a solid week of rain. Osteia's countryside was fresh and green, the birds chirped, and the air was fresh. The morning remained misty untill the sun took it's place high in the sky spreading it's warmth through out the land. On an open field near the Northern Osteian town of "Mecca" thunder echoed through the air but it did not come from the sky as it was clear and blue, the sound infact was ground level. Suddenly a massive amount of Silhouette's appeared on the horizion, the origin of the sound became clear.

Eight thousand Ostiean soldiers approached the battlefield loaded with weapons and armor that glistened in the sun. They marched together with pride and honor ready to meet the rebel force in battle. They were prepared to shed blood for the Emperor. The flags, banners, of the many regiments fluttered in the wind as they approached the clearing. On the other side of the field an unknown number of rebel forces dressed in civillian clothes emerged from the forest waving weapons of many kinds in the air. Pitchforks, swords, home made devices, the enemy was in a frenzy cheering and hollaring as they prepared for the battle to come. The Osteians marched on in good order, on their right flank 500 heavy noble cavalry, on the left flank their most ferice unit, 1000 Gothic Knights.

General William Acosta watched the Osteian troops move forward. Acosta was the Emperors son in law, he had married the Emperors youngest daughter Amina,17, he himself was 22. Acosta came from a noble family who had royal ties to the Emperors relitives, he was selected to marry the princess because of his status within the nation. Osteia had always been governed by lords who served under the king, recently things had taken a turn for the worst. The North was often over taxed by the Emperor, they lived in a mannor that was considered unsuitable by those in the South who had always been favored. After countless letters were sent and had been ignored, a rebel army had been formed in order to end the Emperors reign over Osteia. However the Emperor would not stand for this treason therefore he sent his own well trained, fully armed military to dispose of the traitors who challanged him.

(More to come, just the start....)


OOC: This will be a pretty long PT RP. If you want in feel free to TG me before you join. Basicly i need rebel and imperial commanders, these battles will take place all cross Osteia. The kings army is massive. The Rebel forces consist of pretty much everyone who is upset...therefore they outnumber the Emperors army. They will need training in order to win. PLEASE TG me with charactor ideas and i will give you the go ahead.

This Rp is Medieval and adds to my nations HISTORY....

[Osteia]

The General observed the mob in the distance. They appeared ragged but brave, ready to make a stand against the Empire. Acosta looked to an infantry officer awaiting orders,

"Signal an all halt. Next have our reserves form at our center, spearmen will then move fifty more paces forward. Swordsmen and our Elite Heavy infantry will remain behind our archers, there they will wait for an order to move. Longbow men are to be in loose formation concentrated on our flanks, spread it out. We can inflict great losses on the enemies left and right sides causing them to become more centered. Break their spirits and put an end to this, here, today."

The Infantry officer hit the left side of his chest with his right fist giving the Imperial salute. William looked to a cavalry officer mounted beside him, his face hidden behind his Crusader Great Helm,

"Cav are to remain at a close ready, if and when they center I want both units to charge, Noble heavy and Gothic Knights. If they choose to run do not chase but hold until given alternate orders. Watch for your signal flags."

The officer replied, "Yes General, it will be done."

He saluted and rode off to notify the signal corps who used a series of flags and banners to issue orders to units on the field. When in battle everyone knew their place and the well disciplined army functioned as one. William watched as his orders were carried out, there was no other option now, it would be Osteian Vs Osteian unless the rebel force decided to disband. The people here today were committing treason, an armed revolt against the Emperors right of leadership over great nation. It would not go un-punished. Two men on horseback cantered towards the center of the field, one carried a white flag,

"M'lord, rebels wish to talk..." said a nearby Captain

General Acosta spotted them and replied, "Well lets see what they want. Captain Soder, with me". A heavily armoured Gothic knight gave a slight nod and fell in behind the Acosta as he galloped forward. The two men came to a halt in front of the rebels, one of which must have been the leader. General Acosta and Captain Soder gave the Imperial salute but it was not returned,

"What have you to say?" Asked William

The rebel who didn't carry the white flag spoke, "This General, is the peoples free army of Osteia. First I am ordered to request that your army move aside and do not stand in our way. We have no need to fight today, we are not asking for your surrender, just..simply stand aside and let us pass. You keep your colours and honourably stand down. We do not ask that you join us or support us in any way. This man you call your Emperor is corrupt, he does not care for his people in hard times! I know who you are General, you hail from the North like us...or maybe you don't understand these times, you were privileged your entire life."

General Acosta studied this man before him. He was in his thirties, average looking Osteian whom he figured to be a middle class citizen. Acosta was amused by the way this guy spoke to him, he thought him to be mad. Middle class citizens did not speak to nobility with such ease and freedom of speech. William replied,

"Alright soldier, who has given you these..'Orders?' for one. Secondly I will refuse your offer, we will not, and can not stand aside. That is immediately out of the question and was never an option. We have no intentions of supporting this terrorist organization. The Emperor is our leader, he cares for everyone at all times. Even in these hard times you speak of."

Acosta kept eye contact with the rebel who stared back, his facial expression was solid. After a short pause William continued,

"I am from Northern Osteia yes, but I am loyal to my entire nation. Not just a portion, a side of a border, I am loyal to Osteia as one. However It is not my loyalty in question. This is a direct act of treason, therefore this parlay is not between two opposing armies. This parlay is between an army and a group of traitors!"

Acosta un-sheathed a sword attached to his horse in a lightening fast motion. He brought it within a couple inches from the mans neck in a stealthy swipe, the rebel jerked back startled by the sudden movement of the blade. Captain Soder raised a Hand Crossbow firing a single arrow, it whizzed through the air striking the flag bearer in the chest below his throat. The other rebel drew his sword and fled, suddenly the entire enemy force moved forward starting into a jog. General Acosta looked at Soder, "Good shot, I missed that one...oh well, we will get him." He shrugged, Soder replied, "Thank you sir, lets kill some traitors", He dropped the crossbow and drew his battle sword.

The Enemy had no ranged weapons. Acosta and Soder remained in front of the spearmen as Osteian longbows were ordered to 'Loose', raining hell upon the enemies flanks. The majority of the rebels had little to no armour. The arrows were proving to be very effective against this mob. The Osteian free army broke into a full charge, aware that their flanks were being demolished, just as William had said. They would group closer to the center to avoid being caught in the concentration. The Osteian ranks remained steady, awaiting their orders. A senior officer accompanied by two juniors appeared at Acosta's side,

"M'lord, the enemy is reacting how you described. Shall we order the cavalry to attack?"

"Order the reserves to take the front ranks, introduce these greeners to battle. Heavy Noble and Gothic’s are to attack in a pincer movement. Reserves will then charge to assist taking over the task of our experienced front line infantry. What better way to gain experience then killing traitors?" After all those units are committed send in three regiments of Heavy swordsmen. Do it now!"

The officers saluted, then rushed off to carry out their orders. The arrows continued to whiz over head, Acosta removed his 'Sugar Loaf helmet' so he could better watch the events about to take place. The Osteian heavy cavalry charged towards the foe, the earth trembled as they thundered forward in an attempt to crush the enemy under their might. The reserves moved forward in an orderly fashion, tight in formation, ready to enter their first battle. All were egar to earn their veteran status.

Sight of the Heavy cavalry all but destroyed the rebel morale, it sustained a devastating blow. With all the horses and arrows, everything appeared hopeless, many fled while others continued the rush. Cavalry smashed into the rebels on both flanks, attacks were seconds apart, the confusion was everywhere. Osteian reserves were then given the order to charge, "AHHHHHH!!", they screamed as they rushed forward weapons in the air. General Acosta pulled his helmet back over his head, this time he drew a sword attached to himself, "Captain Soder, shall we?" Acosta’s horse went up on two legs as he pulled on the reigns, Soder raised his Mace and galloped off. Acosta charged in behind him....

OOC: It took me awhile to get back. But here i am and i intend to work on this. If any of you want a part just msg me and we'll talk. This battle here will go in Osteian favor, then guerilla tactics along with large field battles/ Seiges will occur in the future. If you want to support the rebel cause send people to teach them to fight, a band of your own men. If you want to support the Empire as a sign of goodwill and friendship your welcome to do so. The relationship can become solid for future PT Rp's.

[Osteia]

OOC: Feel free to TG with your ideas, in detail, or brief. Thank you.

Acosta and Captian Soder charged in delivering skilled blows with their weapons, cutting down enemies on both sides. Most of the enemy was retreating by now, the attack from the Osteian reserves in their center proved to be the crushing blow. After the general had killed four men he watched as they enemy continued to fall back. He would not pursue them but simply move into the North and root them out later. Soder cantered up, blood splatter all over his armor, "M'lord", he pointed with his mace as if to say, "They go..we should halt", Acosta understood, "I was just thinking that Captian, order all halt. We will see them again very soon".

The Captian saluted and took off to relay the orders. Some enemy pockets of resistance continued to try to fight their way out, but many were encircled after both cav charges cut around their center, after their flanks were weakened with arrows. William gazed across the feild and shook his head, who ever led this army was a damn fool and deserved to die, William wanted to kill him personally. No commander should ever put this many lives in jeopardy, senseless, stupid move that was never going to succeed. General Acosta then seen the face of a young man laying on the ground bleeding out before him. He dismounted and knelt down beside him and took his hand,

Quietly he wispered....

Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad infernos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.

The life then dissapeared from the young mans eyes and his hand went limp. Slowly Acosta placed it on his chest and looked up, in the distance he spotted a group of riders over watching the battle, they appeared as black silhouettes. The general stood up and continued to observe, curious as to who these riders were.

[Pastaer]

Cornelius Vexille watched as the panicked troops flooded past his squad, into the town. With every passing soldier, his anger increased. It was like a disorganized mob. There was nothing he could see that could even be mistakenly perceived as being one of the qualities of a soldier in this rabble, outside of his small group. He wondered who then served as their commander, and marveled at the man's stupidity, putting peasants against soldiers in an open field like that. He turned to his second in command, a man-at-arms by the name of Chase Morris.

Chase was equally pessimistic about the state of the soldiers. "Bloody hell. This isn't an army, it's a proper mob. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them were armed with wooden planks they pulled off of their houses."

One of the running rebels came to a halt in front of Vexille's small party. "May I ask your name, sir? These troops appear well-trained. Are you the Pastaen aid?" Nearby many "soldiers" were stopping, their interest piqued by the men swathed in black.

"Cornelius Vexille, of the noble house of Vexille. I have been sent to organize this rabble into a worthy fighting force under my command."

The man frowned. "That is impressive, however this army as of now is under my control and jurisdiction. I am the leader of this force, and you will be serving unde-"

He trailed off, his voice inhibited by the sword now impaled in his chest. Cornelius slowly pulled the sword out of his body, wiping the blood of the blade, and turned to the gathered peasants as the man's body collapsed.

"My name is Cornelius Vexille. That man on the ground was the reason for your defeat today. He sent you into a battle only a fool would expect to win, against a trained army in open combat. In time you will have your victories, and you will engage them in proper battles, but now is not that time." He indicated his small force beside him. "These troops have been led through dozens of battles, and any one of their lot would have no difficulty slaughtering ten of you each with the ease of slaughtering sheep if you fought them on an open field. Doubtless the enemy army is the same. But they are not invincible. In such an army, their power steadily increases. Therefore, we must divide them. We will fight in cities and forests, the groups reduced to little more than a brawl. In a brawl, discipline means nothing. We will win those fights simply because we have the numbers. A time will also come where you will be ready for a fight on open ground, and the oppressive Emperor will tremble in fear as we shred through the very core of his army, and march in victory to his dwelling!"

A cheer rose from the men, but Cornelius knew he had exaggerated, even if the troops did not notice. Sure, the tactics he sought to implement reduced the effect that the strict discipline that the Emperor's troops had on combat, but there was still the issue of equipment. Many of the peasants lacked more than a club or farming implement, while the enemy had a sword and shield apiece, at the very least. No matter. He would make do with what he had. As of now, that meant sending troops to raid supplies and training the lot of them. He sighed, and began to issue orders to his troops. Now the true war would begin.

[Osteia]

Captian Soder rode up with three more officers with a report, "M'lord, the rebels fall back, pockets of resistance are being destroyed and our army is at a full halt". We await orders"

Before Soder and the others arrived at his side, General Acosta witnessed one of the men in the distance stab a friendly. This confused the general, and made him more curious as to who these strangers were. He pointed, "Captian, do you see those men?", Soder shook his head, "Yes M'lord, may i ask..who are they?". General Acosta replied, "I don't know...". After a brief silence William spoke, "Re-call and Re-form, i will be riding to Castle Locke. The rest of the army is to make a withdrawl 5Km from here and set up camp. This ground has been taken, and im sure we will be given orders to cross into the North soon. Finally i want all our dead collected and burned. Also, NONE, of our armor or weapons are to fall into their hands.

All the Osteian officers saluted. Acosta mounted his horse, "Captian Acario is to take command, Soder you are with me. FALL OUT!". The general and Captian rode quickly towards the south. The journey to Castle Locke would take them well into the evening. With a third horse they left.

Night was nearing as the two men finally stopped about 2Km away, "Captian, we are a mess... stop by the old stone church, we wash up in the river". Upon arrival William and Soder removed their armor to reveal well trimmed Cross Shirts and trousers. William Acosta had black hair, blue eyes, and athletic body type. Captian Wilhelm Soder was a large muscular man in his 30's, he had dark brown hair and green eyes. William ordered Soder to pack the armor on the third horse while he visted the old church. The church was built two hundred years before Williams time, it's remaining structure was beautiful and mysterious. It was truly one of Williams favorite places, as long as he could remember he had been comming here. He knelt to pray.

Old Church...
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/images/imgstore/383_0zk223l0vd.jpg

Castle Locke...
http://www.castles-of-britain.com/bmbird.jpg

The two knights departed Old Church and headed for Castle Locke.

OOC: This is still semi open.

[Osteia]

OOC: I hate to clutter this thread but i have no OOC thread. As it stands this RP is still open. If you are interested please feel free to TG me. Many roles can be selected, combatant and non-combatant. I just ask that you have knowledge about this time. Thank you! Osteia.

[Pastaer]

"Eyes up! Backs straight! Get that damn weapon up in the air, you weakling! Welcome to the army." Morris was rigourously drillign the troops, his razor-sharp eyes watching as the peasants struggled to perform one of the Inquisitorial Squad's many exercises. May of the peasants were slowly developing a resentment towards Vexille as they struggled to hold their weapons aloft, with their arms fully extended. Sensing this, he motioned to one of his soldiers, who joined the ranks, effortlessly holding his hand and a half sword in the air, as if the tip was begin held at a mans throat. The man's arm never wavered, nor showed any sign of strain, and Vexille saw a few peasants straighten their arms in order to try and keep pace with the veteran.

He walked over to the are where the men were training with crossbows, and there he saw some improvement. He would have much preferred to train the troops with longbows, as his men were armed with, for the arrow could pierce the thickest chain and the stoutest mail without effort. However, bowmen were trained at a young age, and these men simply could not be started early enough on the weapons, so they used crossbows. A few were hitting the targets set up, but most of the quarrels flew high, and the man-at-arms training the troops snarled at them.

"Aim low, you filthy bastards! You can be sure that the bowman on the other side know how to use their weapons, and they fire faster, so make your shots count. Every miss is another man to return fire on your miserable lot."

The men mostly carried crossbows that were spring-loaded, and thus had a relatively short range compared to most crossbows, but they could be loaded and fired faster, and that could make up for the decreased range. However, a few possessed the great screw-loaded crossbows, and thos were a fearsome weapon indeed. They were loaded by a hand-crank, and it was a long and arduous process, but they managed to have a range greater than that of the longbow, although that was countered by the astoundingly slow loading time, and oftentimes each man using one had a few men reloading multiple crossbows for them. Unfortunately, he lacked that many crossbows, or men for that matter, and so they would reload themselves.

The army itsself was moving north, into the region, intending to let the opposing army move a little ways in. Vexille's men, surprisingly, had little need for supply lines, as the citizens were not particularly pleased with the Emporer, and the towns they passed supplied them with food, occasionally men and weapons as well. Of course, there was another reason for this retreat. One of his major assetes was that of the disgruntled peasants that hadn'tjoined the army. The enemy would have to guard their long supply lines from partisan attack, and forage for supplies, further angering the populace by the widespread destruction such an army caused while searching for food. Besides, every time that army slept, a few men would perish from slit throats, and all that, in the end, could do more damage than the peasants in the army ever could.

[Osteia]

The two men crossed the only bridge in to the heavily fortified castle Locke. The castle was built within a period of 150 years. Thousands of workers from around the empire built it from the ground up. It was deemed impossible to be taken by enemy forces, a pure show of Osteian power. The guards at the main entrance recognised the two officers and immediately granted them access. The two entered the center courtyard and dismounted handing off their horses to nearby soldiers who would unload the armour and take the beasts to the stables located within the castle. Night had fallen over the land, Osteian sentries set torches ablaze through out the fortress and it's ramparts.

General Acosta, followed by Captain Soder entered the keep heading to the great hall. Laughter and music echoed through the hallways as they got closer, "I’m starving...that was quite the ride", said William, Soder replied, "Aye it was sir, I will be glad to sit on something other than a damn horse". The great hall was alive with dancers, musicians, lords and ladies, enjoying good drink and food. William glanced around then suddenly noticed the Emperor himself seated at the rear of the room, "Soder, the Emperors here. I will go and speak to him, you are dismissed for the evening.", The captain nodded heading towards one of the officers tables.

Emperor Callixtus spotted his General and son in law, "SILENCE!", he shouted. Everything suddenly stopped, the dancers cleared the floor allowing William passage. Acosta gave the military salute then lowered his head. Callixtus stood up, "General, what word of the battle?. In what state is this band of traitors who choose to defy me?"

William replied to the Emperor, "Your greatness, I wish to inform you that the battle has ended in our favour. The rebel force sustained a devastating blow. They appeared brave and willing to fight until the empires might overwhelmed and destroyed them. It was my tactical decision not to pursue. Our troops would have become scattered about the countryside. A reform has been ordered, the men are stationed 5Km away from the border. We took minimal losses, an exact number will be dispatched when available".

Emperor Callixtus clapped his hands three times and a grin crossed his face, "Well done General, well done.", given news of the victory the Emperor stood there in his glory, "General Acosta is a loyal servant of our people! He stands before you now, honour him. William, come, sit at my table. MUSIC!". The party came back to life in full swing. William sat beside his wife, the emperors daughter. He lit up when he seen her, when seated she whispered in his ear, "Our hero!", the two laughed and began to eat.


Rebel encampment...Northern Osteia

The weather was back to it's usual antics. The sky was dark and the rain fell once again. The mood of the rebel camp was
undesirable, morale was low. They broken from the battle and many were exhausted from the training their new leader had begun that very day. Everyone who didn't desert and decided to stay would under go this training. Many hoped it would bring them up to par with the Emperors army who effortlessly crushed them earlier that day. A lone figure made his way through the encampment towards the commanders tent, when he arrived the guards challenged him, "Who goes there?", the man responded, "My name is Quincy, I have some information for Cornelius Vexille".

[Pastaer]

Cornelius was praying on his mat, following his meal of undercooked ramen and mead. His god did not ask for any religious subservience, but Cornelius was a very devout man nonetheless. Chase walked in, and Cornelius rose from his mat.

"What is it, Morris?"

"A man claims to have some information for us."

"Very well. Bring him in." He walked to the table in his room, and retrieved his scabbarded sword and stiletto. Just in case.

[Osteia]

Rebel encampment...Northern Osteia

The Osteian entered the tent and lowered his head briefly. He looked towards the man standing in front of him. Softly he spoke, "My name is Quincy Moretti sir. I wish to assist in any way i can. First with some information" After a pause he continued, "The Osteian general, the one who led the imperials today. His name is William Acosta, he is married to the Emperors daughter Amina. He is a person who is adept in planning tactics. Taught from a young age by veteran officers. He is young but advanced in warfare."

Quincy waited for a reaction, but there was none. The man continued to stare at him,

"Sir, what im saying is we will not be able to defeat them face to face. I told Amon. The man you killed today, had spent far too many years as an imperial soldier. He should have known. Now Cornelius, Vexille i will tell you how we can upset the Emperor".

Quincy held a rolled up piece of paper in his left hand, he raised it, "May i?", without waiting for an answear he unfolded it accross Cornelius's table.

"Now general, see these lines i have marked, here, here, and here? those are routes the Empire uses to transport tax money from the North into the South. The routes themselves are not patrolled, well, normally anyways. The amount of guard for these transfers change time to time. Usually they are mobile with roughly 12-15 horses, sometimes foot patrols are present."

Quincy looked up, "Well..?"


OOC: I decided to throw a rebel charactor in. I think he has the info you need

[Pastaer]

Cornelius was perplexed. Why on earth was the North still paying taxes, anyways? Must be the loyalists in the area. I must watch out for them. He turned to Quincy.

"Did you serve in the forces, Quincy? Your map appears to be well-detailed, and you display an understanding of tactics." He turned to Chase. "Gather a few hundred of the average-faring troops, and arm them with crossbows from the stores. It is about time they receive some combat practice." Meanwhile, the rest of the forces would be moving eastward to try to pass by the opposing army, conveniently standing between the enemy forces and the routes. After all, it was time these peasants learned the Pastafarian art of defensive war.

[Osteia]

OOC: Loyalists are still in the north. They expect Osteia to quickly put this rebellion down. They fear the emperor and will continue to pay.

IC:

Quincy responded to Cornelius's question, "I was a member of the Gothic Knights. Osteia's most elite heavy cavalry unit. I did what I was told until recently, word of the rebellion had spread to the Emperor, so he took action. General Acosta..and I were Captains, under an Osteian General Named Regulus. We were dispatched to a village in here in the north, Liguria, was it's name. Regulus ordered we burn the town, orders were to kill the civilians....everyone, reason being, some key leaders of the rebellion were believed to be hiding there. Now I know that was never true!. Just a scare tactic employed by Callixtus.

Quincy took a moment then continued,

"During the attack I separated from my unit and started helping people escape. Women and children mostly. I was discovered and suddenly forced to kill an Osteian knight. Signed my death sentence right there. Suddenly I saw an officer who was witness to it, quickly I pulled a woman on my horse and fled. When at a safe distance I turned to view the carnage. Everything was on fire, people were screaming, in the distance I saw who I think was General Acosta watching me escape with the woman. Anyone else would have sounded the alarm. William is not butcher, he didn't want to be there any more than I, his choices are different because he is married to the Emperors daughter."

"I had been reported though. I am currently wanted for desertion, and murder of Osteian Nobility. Punishment for such crimes are severe. I don't even know what happens. People have done it before. They disappear, never to be heard from again."

Gothic knights....

http://www.longshank.com/images/gothic%20plate.jpg

http://www.arador.com/gallery/15c-3.jpg

[Pastaer]

Cornelius was secretly outraged, although he took care to conceal the signs on his face. The tactics this so-called "Emperor" employed was little different from those employed by the heathen barbarians that once inhabited the area around Pastaer. Their cruelty was their own undoing, and this nation appeared to be no different. He turned towards Quince.

"In light of your military experience, I offer you a position leading a sizeable portion of the Rebel "soldiers", if they qualify for that description." He left the tent, leaving Chase to sort out the details.

He began issuing orders to a few of his precious few veteran soldiers, a combination of deserters from the emperors army and the troops he brought over. Many had not led troops before, but they understood war well enough. A few would eb leading the raiding parties when they moved to secure the tax routes, along with a sizeable force to begin to secure the area, fortifying it in case of attack. If they were lucky, the troops would have time to fortify the area before the Empire retaliated, and secure a powerful foothold in the area. If not, they would simply retreat, and continue to raid the entire route.