Quest for the Crown (medieval, OOC, COMPLETED)

[Damak Var]

I didn't realize that. Is he old and frail or hale and hearty or just a frumpy middle aged guy? Does he take having so many thousands of troops billeted around his castle overtax him or does he bear it well?

He's healthy but does not have a warrior's strength. Around mid thirties. The troops are not billeted in his castle they're outside. There's not enoguh room for that many men but the high nobles are allowed to put themselves up in the castle. An army brings good business so I'd say he's ok with it. And if he wasn't he's loyal enough to keep his mouth shut.

[SaintB]

I'll see what I can get in IC tomorrow. But its 4:12 so I am going to friggin' bed.

[Damak Var]

For you new players, the Hell's Henchmen is the name given for the company in the Royal Army commanded by Ser Jekyll Stain. Jekyll a beast of a man, very large and muscular. He's also extremely unnecessarily cruel. The character is based off Ser Gregor Clegane.

This is a good post describing them.

The Hell's Henchmen had been ordered to fall in. One of their own made the mistake of being drunk during the battle. Ser Jekyll had his entire company watch as the man was tied to a post and flogged.

"15, 16, 17...." An officer barked as each lash struck a blow. Allen and winced as the man cried out to the uncaring sky. Whatever could be said about the Hell's Henchmen, they certainly maintained disciplined. Jekyll liked his men vicious and murderous, that is why they were selected from the vilest of criminals. That meant harsh punishments for any acts of insubordination or irresponsibility to keep them in line. The one getting what the officers humorously referred to as "the treatment" was new and learning their standards the hard way. Allen himself carried the scars of 20 lashes for not having his chain mail polished. Murder, rape, and robbery Ser Jekyll tolerated, perhaps encouraged. But spirits forbid you did not have your gear in order.

How did I find myself in such company? He looked around at his so called brother's in arms. There was an officer, Malcom Hakes grinning as he watched the poor soldier take his lashes. Malcolm was also known as Malcom Maidenslayer, or just Maidenslayer for he liked to boast of raping and murdering a 100 women during his time as a highwayman on the King's Road. 100 was probably a gross exaggeration but no doubt the number was high enough to earn a place in the deepest of hells. There was Kell Nightfire, who set fire to a merchant's home burning him and his whole family while they slept. All because the merchant refused to buy up his ill gotten goods. Creeping Tom worked as a knife man in the slums of Avantine. When it came to silent murder, Creeping Tom had very few equals. Pate, or Dead Drink would poison men's drinks in taverns to loot their corpses later as they stumbled home. Ben the Brawler was a large man who's hot temper was only matched by his stupidity. Allen could not remember the exact details of his crime except that it had something to do with bashing some poor bastard's face in. Or was it three men? Trebuchet Jack had flung a whore from a high inn window breaking the woman's neck because "...she kept on demanding a Star for services rendered. I told the wench to shut up about it or else I'd toss her out the window." If anything good could be said about Trebuchet Jack it was that he did warn her and he was the most humorous in the company.

Allen did not have to inquire about these stories. They passed around the company like gossip and some even boasted about their own vile deeds. Dale was the only one who felt sorry about his act of violence. No doubt Allen's own story was spoken of. Only difference was his was not true but there was no use arguing that point anymore.

When the flogging was over the man at arms was carried away roughly. Ser Jekyll ordered the company dismissed to set up camp.

"Get to it you cockless farts!" Maidenslayer barked. Spirits I loathe that man.

Tomorrow they would break camp and march to Sturmwall. Allen wagered the Hell's Henchmen would be on the front lines of the first assault being the more "disposable" of the army. It was not as if any of this lot would be missed.

[Evraim]

While many people have mentioned their ability to hire mercenaries, I wish that you avoid it IC. If you really wish to, you must discuss it with me first. Most like I will deny you.

We could admit new people to role-play the mercenary companies. This would enable us to simulate their fickle loyalty and lack of reliability on the battlefield. If we also represent significant numbers of them as cowardly or disorganized, we would have a few significant drawbacks which might discourage people from hiring mercenaries en masse. Would you really want a large portion of your army debating whether or not the enemy might pay more for their services? I should hope not.

[Damak Var]

Ser Kaspar the Brightlance advances. I think its safe to say its settled.

Next up is Prince Galvion Wallstryn vs. Ser Artanis Helyanwe.

We could admit new people to role-play the mercenary companies. This would enable us to simulate their fickle loyalty and lack of reliability on the battlefield. If we also represent significant numbers of them as cowardly or disorganized, we would have a few significant drawbacks which might discourage people from hiring mercenaries en masse. Would you really want a large portion of your army debating whether or not the enemy might pay more for their services? I should hope not.

Refer to this...

Also, there is not a House here that can keep their full potential mobilized throughout war and peace. You don't have the money or the resources. As soon as you do mobilize your House is now bleeding cash. So everybody that does claim mercenary power, you can either hire your mercenaries (ask me first) or use your own more loyal troops (I suggest this), but not both. To put it simply, for every mercenary you hire you lose the ability to field one of your own soldiers. You don't have the resources.

[Evraim]

Ser Kaspar the Brightlance advances. I think its safe to say its settled.

6 to 0. It rather recalls my high school soccer games.

[Damak Var]

Were you on the losing side of that?

Anyways, I want to throw up some characters from the new people. I'll eventually do that so don't worry.

[Evraim]

Were you on the losing side of that?

Anyways, I want to throw up some characters from the new people. I'll eventually do that so don't worry.

No. We lost games, but never that badly.

[Damak Var]

You guys have been doing a good job of it so far but I'd like to say that while there is a raging war going on, this is not a purely military RP. This is character driven with a high focus on intrigue, politics, relationships and romance (although we are lagging on this). Carry on.

[Merodin]

You guys have been doing a good job of it so far but I'd like to say that while there is a raging war going on, this is not a purely military RP. This is character driven with a high focus on intrigue, politics, relationships and romance (although we are lagging on this). Carry on.

Patience, Damak, patience.

I have plans do not worry, big plans.

[Damak Var]

You guys have been doing a good job of it so far but I'd like to say that while there is a raging war going on, this is not a purely military RP. This is character driven with a high focus on intrigue, politics, relationships and romance (although we are lagging on this). Carry on.

Patience, Damak, patience.

I have plans do not worry, big plans.

I have no doubt about that.

[Arbarlorn]

I also got a post up. If anyone has any ideas to make the situation at Ferndale more dynamic or conflicted please TG or reply to meh.

[Merodin]

Patience, Damak, patience.

I have plans do not worry, big plans.

I have no doubt about that.

I do feel bad for Arty.

"Oh, you're.... getting married.... That's... great. I'm really happy for you, Jestrion."

[Damak Var]

Well, Jestrion is going to be in uproar that Charlia is negotiating his betrothal behind his back. I actually don't have a set plan on how that will turn out. Especially when Raiana thinks she is going to be Queen and then Galvion shows up.

[Merodin]

Well, Jestrion is going to be in uproar that Charlia is negotiating his betrothal behind his back. I actually don't have a set plan on how that will turn out. Especially when Raiana thinks she is going to be Queen and then Galvion shows up.

Well, Esme is definitely gonna miss him being her punching bag,

Also, I just realized that you wrote Allen saying that he was accused of being a murderer and a rapist...

Did Allen rape the priest he killed?

[Arbarlorn]

I need to get some more ideas for my characters to get more intimately involved in the rp other than being remote and militant. For instane, Julius of Velun is now the Coinmaster of the Realm while his brother, Lord Nysander, waits impatiently for word for what is happening in Chila. It should be stated that Julius hates his brother with a deep seeded passion and could become traitorous if he saw a way to get away with it and to get back at his brother some way. Julius, in his heart, is truly a coward and, I think in some way, has always known he has, even as a child.

[Of the Quendi]

You guys have been doing a good job of it so far but I'd like to say that while there is a raging war going on, this is not a purely military RP. This is character driven with a high focus on intrigue, politics, relationships and romance (although we are lagging on this). Carry on.

I plan on having Lady Aenemonae have sex with her fiancé and two of her brothers. When it isn't being sinister it may be a little romantic.

[Arbarlorn]

You guys have been doing a good job of it so far but I'd like to say that while there is a raging war going on, this is not a purely military RP. This is character driven with a high focus on intrigue, politics, relationships and romance (although we are lagging on this). Carry on.

I plan on having Lady Aenemonae have sex with her fiancé and two of her brothers. When it isn't being sinister it may be a little romantic.

Going a little Targaryen are you?

[Prince-Bishopric Of Liege]

I plan on having Lady Aenemonae have sex with her fiancé and two of her brothers. When it isn't being sinister it may be a little romantic.

Going a little Targaryen are you?

I'll have Violet negotiating marriage contracts for Loran and Eleonora and Maximilian (both characters I haven't really developed until now).I've always liked to RP the arranged marriages. But there are not a lot of (non-rebelling) small house to marry, I fear...

[Of the Quendi]

Going a little Targaryen are you?

Actually I hadn't thought about them. A little Lannister perhaps but mostly I am going Borgia. I am modelling the relationship between Aeraeriel, Uraeziel and Aenemonae on accounts of the relationship between Giovanni, Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia.

[Arbarlorn]

Going a little Targaryen are you?

Actually I hadn't thought about them. A little Lannister perhaps but mostly I am going Borgia. I am modelling the relationship between Aeraeriel, Uraeziel and Aenemonae on accounts of the relationship between Giovanni, Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia.

I don't know much about the Borgia unfortunately. You know, that's why Jaime and Cersei rationalized their relationship, stating that the Targaryens did it for generations.

Also, if anyone is looking to marry off a daughter or someone else it could be to Lord Nysander of House Velun. He's perhaps the most eligible bachelor (excluding those of the royal family).

[Of the Quendi]

Actually I hadn't thought about them. A little Lannister perhaps but mostly I am going Borgia. I am modelling the relationship between Aeraeriel, Uraeziel and Aenemonae on accounts of the relationship between Giovanni, Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia.

I don't know much about the Borgia unfortunately. You know, that's why Jaime and Cersei rationalized their relationship, stating that the Targaryens did it for generations.

Also, if anyone is looking to marry off a daughter or someone else it could be to Lord Nysander of House Velun. He's perhaps the most eligible bachelor (excluding those of the royal family).

Most of what has been said about them was invented by people who hated them, but provided its true they seem to have been able to up most ASOIAF houses one in perversion, intrigue and blood lust. Reality often beats fiction.

As for eligible bachelors I would consider Lord Aeraeriel the most eligible non-royal bachelor, but if you want your Lord Nysander to get an brother loving redhead for a wife Lady Aenemonae isn't going to be married to her current fiancé.

[Damak Var]

Merodin: Allen bears Ser Jekyll's colors so that comes with it a whole number of connotations.

I need to get some more ideas for my characters to get more intimately involved in the rp other than being remote and militant. For instane, Julius of Velun is now the Coinmaster of the Realm while his brother, Lord Nysander, waits impatiently for word for what is happening in Chila. It should be stated that Julius hates his brother with a deep seeded passion and could become traitorous if he saw a way to get away with it and to get back at his brother some way. Julius, in his heart, is truly a coward and, I think in some way, has always known he has, even as a child.

Well Julius can become more involved in Court. There is a new plan to undermine the Church's banking operations (the Church and Crown are the largest banking institutions in Derria). As well as a succession crisis in Hyderra.

Lupina:

Let's see how the prince gets out of a trap of his own making

Prince Jestrion isn't there and if he was he'd be with a lot of royal troops. Too many to attack with your force.

[Damak Var]

This is the path the royal army is on. I suggest the for Quendi that his contingent leave for Palaeosia sometime after we pass Cyron. Jestrion is going to make a stop at Cyron to interact with Evraim's characters. As well as take Diana Rhynarion as a hostage. He's going back to the Crownlands by way of Velunia. After the final battle of this phase the warring is going to pause for winter. Jestrion will go back to the Crownlands.

Here.

[Damak Var]

We now need to flesh out casualties for the Royal Army. Jestrion's army originally set out from Ferndale with 20k men. That's 6k Illionae-Aenaea, 2k Aurenstein, 1.45k Averril (we'll assume they came along), 10.55k Wallstryn.

The Battle of Krieger's Pass took a total of 1700 casualties.
The Siege of Sturmwall took a total of 3600.

That's 5300 casualties total.

We'll do this according to weights.

Illionae-Aenaea-30%
Aurenstein-10%
Averril-7.25%
Wallstryn-52.75%

Therefore, by multiplying your weight by the total casualties your casualties so far number...

Illionae-Aenaea: 1590
Aurenstein: 530
Averril: 384
Wallstryn: 2796

Subtracting the casualties from original strengths, your contingents in the Royal Army currently number:

Illionae-Aenaea: 4410
Aurenstein: 1470
Averril: 1066
Wallstryn: 7754

At the final battle of this stage the Illionae-Aenaea troops should desert. Then from harassment, skirmishes and disease the Royal Army composed of Aurenstein, Averrill and Wallstryn troops should be whittled down to around 7k. So between Aurenstein, Averril and Wallstryn we are going to incur at least another 3k casualties. The Illionae-Aenaea contingent will as well until they can leave for Palaeosia.