The Sour of the Mountains (Ceaden)

by **Achesia** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:06 pm

Fawnnorth

The horse brayed and snorted as it trotted down the list in front of the large crowd of peasants, merchants, nobles and royalty. Atop its back a Daevus Knight waved his shield- the sigil of the Daevus house adorning it- to the crowd as he attempted to win their favor. As he passed by the reviewing stand of the nobles and royalty he gave red rose to a maiden in her teens as he passed by declaring that her beauty was beyond comparison. In turn he requested a favor from the maid that he may carry into the joust for good luck. The young girl pulled out a bow from her hair and handed it to the Knight who tucked it into his plate armor as he trotted off to the end of the list. Taking the long wooden lance from his squire he prepared to face his opponent. Lowering his visor he awaited the King’s command.

“Begin.”

Wiping the reigns the knight galloped down the field dipping his lance at his opponent who galloped towards him with an equally ferocious speed. As the crowds cheers rose the Knights met in the center. The Daevus knight with his favors however was unable to meet his target and scraped his opponent’s armor while his opponents lance head dead center of mass, splintering on impact. The impact threw the Knight from his horse and with a large crash man and steel clashed with dirt as the crowd spectator. Cheers arose as the squires helped the unhorsed Knight off the field in a litter. The victor took a lap around the lists taking in the cheers from the many fans.

“Your husband is quite the lance.” The Queen leaned towards her sister Cathleen who watched her husband parade around in victory.

“He is… now, he has practice day in and day out since news of the coming tournament back as Markpath, his master-at-arms has unhorsed him several times before James could take to it.” Cathleen Avondale smiled as she waved towards her Prince husband that was looking towards the royal stand.

“My Lord Hartwig, what do you think of the joust thus far?” The Queen questioned of a visiting Lord from a nearby free city that sat to the left of her husband the king, adorned in yellow silks and jewels.

“It is most entertaining your grace.” The Lord responded in simple pleasantries.

Lord Prince Raphael Hartwig was the monarch of the City State of Aelalelai several hundred miles north of Achesia in the finger. The King of Achesia in an effort to build relations with the city had invited the Lord Prince and his Knights to Feast and participates in tournament for eleven days in the capital of Fawnnorth. The Lord Prince graciously accepted and brought some twenty knights to participate with the nearly fifty knights from around Achesia in a tournament that would consist of a joust, sword play, and a melee. Prince Hartwig even brought his daughters, Princesses Anina Hartwig, Flora Hartwig, and Clara Hartwig- 21, 17, and 11 respectively- to view the spectacle and get a taste of politics. The girls were known even beyond the Free City as being breathtakingly beautiful, their golden hair the thing of tales. It would obviously seem claustrophobic in the Free City so the Lord Prince jumped at the chance to visit the great realm to the south with its King’s invitation. For the past two days they had feasted in their honor and celebration of their friendship.

The midday sun rose high in the sky as the King and his guests watched the joust continue. The contestants had been thinned out to only ten, both Aelalelain and Achesian . The next pairing would have a Knight from each of the Realms. Riding onto the field on a white horse, with bright white steel armor with jewels inlayed into the metal was the young Knight from the Verge known throughout the Kingdom as the Knight of Amethysts, Sur Tristan Aodhán. He was famous for being a valiant hero and handsome suitor of only sixteen years. Donning a white cape with his sigil of a jeweled heart on the back he strode into the lists with great cheer from the crowd of peasants who screamed his praises. Making his lap he waved to his adoring fans and trotted up to the royal stands in front of the Hartwig Princesses. Giving a salute to his King he pulled from his armor a white rose and leaned in to hand the flower to Flora Hartwig whose large dark eyes surveyed the young Knight. Taking it with not even a smile she held it quietly without giving the Knight a word.

“My beautiful lady, may I ask a favor from you to take into this joust?” He courteously asked the beautiful maid.

“I would sooner give it to my father’s beast.” The girl coldly responded, her eyes still staring the Knight down.

“As you will my lady.” His pride broken he retracted his armored hand and trotted back off to the end of the list to prepare. The stories of their beauty were well known throughout the lands but their prideful if not often bombastic personalities were something the tales forgot to mention. Like a true warrior he did not let this affect him.

Entering opposite of the Knight of Amethysts was the beast that Flora Hartwig was referring to. A Large and grossly disfigured Knight of Aelalelai named Sur Alf Sigurðr, whose cruel eyes seemed to frighten the fiercest of warriors. His body was torn up from fighting in the mountains of the fingers where not even the bravest of Knights dare to tread, the scares from this very visible on his body and face. His left eye was glazed over and white as he could not see from it while his right eye was cold and dark. Entering the lists only a small courteous cheer erupted for him and he did not take a lap around the lists or ask for any favors. He simply Trotted towards the squire and grabbed the lance from his hand. The two Knights awaited the King’s order.

“Begin.”

The Knights awaited no further bidding and galloped full speed down the field their lances bearing down on each other. The beast violently beat the reigns of his horse as he grunted and growled towards his opponent. As they met in the center the Knight of Amethysts’ shield blocked that of Sur Sigurðr’s while his lance instead struck the beast dead center knocking him from horse. The violent impact with the ground sent the Knight rolling. Victorious Tristan trotted around the lists thanking the crowds for their praise. Un-announced to him from behind Sur Alf Sigurðr had rose to his feet, a small dirk in hand making his way to exact his angry revenge for his hurt pride.

“Sur Aodhán! Behind you!” A spectator cried. Wheeling his horse around he barely missed a strike from his opponents dirk which whizzed by his abdomen. His horse reared and brayed as the beast continued to attempt to strike him.

“Enough! Sur Sigurðr!” The Lord Prince cried in a bellowing voice, rising to his feet in the stands.
The Knight held his ground for a moment shooting a spiteful glance back at his monarch. Turning towards Tristan he snarled and sheathed his dirk in his belt, storming out of the lists in a rage. Tristan sat on his horse dumbfounded and exited the lists on the opposite side.

After the eleven days had past the party from Aelalelai after feasting and dining with the King of Achesia returned via their ships to their city in the north. Things in the capital of Fawnnorth returned to normal with no grand tournaments to make the town more lively only the traveling traders in the market to bring excitement. Things seemed too pleasant in the Kingdom until three riders galloped full speed through the gates in the twilight, baring the Red cat and sword sigil of Aelalelai demanding to see the King at once.

The court was scarcely crowded as most of the nobles had left for the evening when the King entered to see the riders from Aelalelai. He wore his long red robes and tunic with the dragon sigil baring his ceremonial quarterstaff to his thrown. Flanking him on either side was his wife Queen Marienn Daevus and once of his most trusted advisors, his brother in law Prince James Avondale, the Marshall of the South. In the corner also stood his brother Fearchar Odhrán Daevus who was only known for his antics and bedding maidens and wives of nobles alike, none the less he was a Prince who attended court on a regular basis, even if it was only to scope out the women that lay within.

They were all astonished to find that the riders from Aelalelai were none other than the Lord Prince Hartwig, his eldest daughter Anina Hartwig and a Knight to guard them. They all looked tired and worn from their fierce traveling which made the King even more worried as to the urgency of their visit.

“Lord Prince Hartwig, pray what brings you to Fawnnorth my friend?” The King stood and stepped towards his visitors.

“Your grace, Aelalelai has been taken by the hills. The dark power of those mountains descended upon our city not long after we returned and it took the city within hours. It is all gone, I was only able to escape with my eldest daughter, no my heir as my eldest son.” The Lord Prince paused to clear his throat. “Is dead… The rest of my daughters, I don’t know.”

“How did such a power fell a great city such as yours?” The King inquired with great concern.

“It could only have been Sigurðr. Ever since the incident at the tournament the man has been hostile to all of my court. He disappeared not long after our return, I only assume he made a pact with the darkness to gain power and take the city for himself.”

“We’ll than you will be safe her Lord Prince, until such time you are able to take back your city.” The King smiled and put a hand on the man’s shoulder.

“Your grace that is another matter I wish it discuss with you. My people deserve no such fate to be at the hand of this darkness. If you would hear my offer my King?” Hartwig bowed his head.

“Speak.”

“I propose to marry my eldest daughter and heir to your brother making him my true male heir, and swear allegiance as Lord Prince of Aelalelai to you the King of Achesia, it is yours to command… if we can take it back with the help of your armies.”

The King thought for a moment, clutching his quarter staff in his hand tightly. Looking back at his Queen and brother-in-law and then to his brother he stood silent for a moment.

“Prince Avondale.”

“My King.”

“Marshall the south, you and your army sails for Aelalelai in six days time.”

“Thank you my King, thank you.” The Lord Prince kissed the King’s ring as he bowed to him.

And so it was, as he exited the court James Avondale kissed his wife’s hand before he stole off into the night to assemble his armies in the south to regain the city of Aelalelai. (Prince Avondale's Force -> Move across northern boarder.)

ORBAT of Forces:

Prince James' II Battalion
1x Prince James Avondale (STR 50, PAY 9600, VAL 30800)
1x Prince Fearchar Odhrán Daevus (STR 21, PAY 2400, VAL 4800)
1x Sur Tristan Aodhán "The Knight of Amethysts" (STR 24, PAY 1700, VAL 3400)
100x Achesian Men-at-Arms Swordsmen (STR 350, PAY 10,000, VAL 20,000)
100x Achesian Men-at-Arms Spearmen (STR 350, PAY 10,000, VAL 20,000)
200x Achesian Peasant Conscripts (STR 500, PAY 20,000, VAL 40,000)
50x Achesian Archers (STR 125, PAY 5,000, VAL 10,000)
25x Achesian Heavy Cavalry (STR 275, PAY 10000, VAL 20000)
20x Achari Cultus Frater Dory Wielder (STR 160, PAY 2,000, VAL 4,000)
20x Achari Cultus Frater (STR 160, PAY 2,000, VAL 4,000)
10x Achari Cultus Frater Archer (STR 70, PAY 700, VAL 1,400)
5x Achari Cultus Praeter (MAG 50, PAY 3000, VAL 6000)
15x Achari Cultus Frater Wyvern Rider (STR 300, PAY 34500, VAL 93000)

Men of Bisonmane
10x Bisonmane Man-at-Arms Swordsman (STR 100, PAY 2500, VAL 5000)
10x Bisonmane Man-at-Arms Halberd-men (STR 112.5, PAY 2500, VAL 5000)
10x Bisonmane Archer (STR 75, PAY 2500, VAL 5000)
3x Achesian Daevus Knights (STR 54, PAY 1500, VAL 3000)

The Duke's Men of Judgestone
4x Achesian Koud Knights (STR 65, PAY 1500, VAL 3000)
20x Judgestone Man-at-Arms Swordsman (STR 200, PAY 5,000, VAL 10,000)
20x Judgestone Man-at-Arms Spearmen (STR 200, PAY 5,000, VAL 10,000)
10x The Duke's Own (STR 105, PAY 6000, 12000)

Knights Reconnoiter

25x Knights Reconnoiter Longbowmen (STR 112.5, PAY 2500, VAL 5000)
5x Knights of the Order of Reconnoiter (STR 75, PAY 5,000, VAL 10,000)
1x Sur Galahad Tigernán (STR 20.5, PAY 2800, VAL 5600)

Total Men: 666
Cost to Deploy: 13,240

Summery of Actions:

(Prince Avondale's Force -> Move across northern boarder.)

by **Ceaden** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:32 am

Moderation

Results of Action

(Prince Avondale's Force -> Move across northern boarder.) Noted

Breakdown of the Territory Underclaim

Map
Indigenous Population: Aelalelain (Humans), Go' People (Mountain Humans)
Description: A wild land north of the Kingdom of Achesia. It is centered on the peninsula of Aelalelai (AKA: the finger. It is inhabited mostly by fishermen and farmers the finger is a prosperous region that is dominated by the mountains that make the spine of the peninsula all the way up to the northern tip where the large Free City of Aelalelai sits with its high walls and tall towers. The city itself is home to thousands and is protected and ruled over by the Lord Prince of Aelalelai who commands a small force of men that defend the city and its interests. While he does not rule the surrounding area beyond his walls the Lord Prince has some influence with the local people.

The Aelalelai people do not have a set God that is worshiped; they worship many Gods for many different reasons. This nonconformity is due to the lawlessness that is Aelalelai and the absence of any real authority.

Another major group of the populace in Aelalelai is the Go' People. A highly reclusive segment of the populace they live high in the mountains and do not interact with the Aelalelain people on a regular basis. When they due interact it is usually in a negative way as armed conflicts between the Aelalelains and the Go' are common when the mountain people come down into the lowlands on raids, sometimes even brining monstrous creatures with them. In their latest raid led by a renegade Knight the Go' have managed to overwhelm the Free City of Aelalelai's defenses and take it for their own. It is unclear how they managed to assemble enough strength to do so. The Go' as of late have been making an increased show of force in the lowlands. Rumor has it from refugees that powerful Druids have been leading these forces in their raids.

Land Claiming Size: 12,000 Square Miles
Population: 30,000
Resistance to be expected: Decided by random number.

1-2: 20% Resistance
3-4: 25% Resistance
5-6: 30% Resistance

Number Generated: 2 (25% Resistance)

Total Resistance: 7,500 (Both Aelalelain and Go'

Aelalelain Demeanor Towards Achesia: Neutral
Go' Demeanor Towards Acheisa: Hostile

Aelalelain Units (Neutral):

Go' Units (Hostile):

I already have placed units in each of the Points of interest (POI's) bellow. You may proceed where you wish but if you bypass POI's your liable to be attacked from the rear.

Village 1
Village 2
Village 3
Village 4
Village 5
Village 6
Village 7
Town 1
The Free City of Aelalelai (Large Stone Walled Settlement)
Enemy Camp 1
Enemy Camp 2
Enemy Camp 3
Enemy Camp 4
Enemy Camp 5

You can take this plot of land in segments if you wish,getting the benefits and resting forces and then continuing, but to claim all of the finger you must eliminate or control all POI's and resistance.

Continue,

by **Achesia** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:20 pm

A thousand fires lit the night like stars that had fallen to earth in the plains in the southern portion of the finger. There the host of Achesia was in camp waiting to march north on the morrow and take back the Free City of Aelaleai from the Go’ horde that had descended upon it with the blessings of its Lord Prince who made a marriage pact with the brother of the King, uniting his free city with the Kingdom of Summer- another name for Achesia- in the south. It was however far from summer in the lower portion of the finger. Frigid temperatures kept men-at-arms huddled close to their fires and Lords and rich Knights nestled snuggly in their great pavilions that had been erected to house their nobles. The host awaited news from the outriders of the surrounding area so that the commanders and lords in charge of the King’s Army could strike out a plan of attack for the coming war in the finger.

In the center of the massive encampment on top of the highest hill sat a large pavilion that was almost the size of a noblemen’s house. Guards manned the entrances and servants entered and exited performing their duties diligently. Inside the Lord Commanders of the Achesian Army sat and strategized about their march north and their war with the Go’.

Prince Fearchar Odhrán Daevus sat on the table in the center of the pavilion gazing into the fire a warm mug of Achesia Fire Tea nestled in his hands as he took an occasional sip. Dressed in warm furs to keep the heat from fleeing his body he paid little attention to the talk of strategies and war making that was going on around him. Odhrán Daevus was not regarded highly within the Achesian court; he was known to be foolish and irresponsible when it came to any important responsibility that was given to him. When he did attend court he was more than half the time drunk or in the process of wooing a Lady of the court into his bed. Some members of the court wondered as to why the King granted the Lord Princes request to marry Odhrán to his daughter as it would give him control of the entire finger by right of land. However; due to the circumstances it was understood there was not much choice than to proceed with the agreement as first stated.

Sur Tristan Aodhán "The Knight of Amethysts" stood over a map that was laid out near where Odhrán was seated on the table. He noted that the map was not as recent as the commanders had hoped as not much trade came from the southern portion of the finger and few ventured into those wild lands where no law but the sword exists. Tristan was not bound to join the host when it marched from the South March; however he had requested the Marshall to be allowed to join his ranks in the taking of the city. A noble request they called it and the marshal happily expected such a prestigious knight to join his host in hopes his skills would be put to good use despite his young age. Tristan however; knew his intentions were not entirely for King and Country but for Princess Flora Hartwig who was now captive in the city to the north. While she rejected him at the tournament he still could see her beautiful eyes burned into his memory every time he closed his eyes. He vowed to himself and to the Summer God that he would resource the fair princess and prove to her he was worthy of her attention.

Sur Galahad Tigernán stood silently at the other end of the tent where the side flap had been raised to give a view over the plains. He watched the flickering fire light spread throughout the camp and the edges waiting for his outriders to return with word of the surrounding area. Galahad was the Grand Master of the Knights Reconnoiter, and order of Achesian knights skilled in surviving and scouting the wild lands surrounding Achesia and its frontier. He unlike the other commanders still insisted to wear his steel sword around his waist, saying that he did not trust these lands for what they were. He was a cautious man, older in age but wise by many years. He was always cautious when beyond the borders of Achesia and even more cautious within Acheisa’s court. Some said he was a paranoid old man but those who could see him for what he was knew that he was the smart one for all his precautions. His eyes never left the horizon as he waited for word of the lands beyond.

Sitting in his large oaken chair listening to other Knights both Daevus and Koud alike talk of strategy and tactics of the war to come, Prince James Avondale hardly paid attention. His mind was else wear as he took another puff of his pipe weed, his eyes staring off into the fire to his right while Knights hardly noticed his attention being elsewhere. Marshal of the South he was dubbed by the King- his brother in law- when he saved the Kingdom from the false goddesses of the woods and became the champion of the Dread Lord. He commanded the loyalty of all the forces in the southern portion of the Kingdom, whether they are Daevus, Koud, Royal, Knightly, or Achari Cultus. He had much responsibility placed on him when only a few short months prior he was just a mere Squire for the Abbas of the Daevus clan. He looked over to his great magical war hammer: Suhammer which glowed a bright violet and made the ground emanate a dark seal of the Dread Lord when it sat on the earth. It was a powerful weapon that gave him much power on the battlefield, even though he rarely stepped on it- much to his dismay- as his Praetors who advised him said it was north lordly for him to take the field before his troops. He was to command not fight, even though he was the most powerful force at the King’s disposal. His thoughts turned to Vidar, his close friend and large ferocious dragon, one of the first that had been seen in Achesia for centuries. The black light emanating dragon was always a companion to him and his ride into battle. Surely he was off hunting beyond their cap and feeding currently. Vidar did not stay in the camp much as he upset the horses, animals, and even the men sometimes with his presence. The only other beings that seemed to except Vidar’s company were the Achari Cultus Wyverns which were ridden by the Fraters of the Clergy into battle. While they could not speak in tongues as Vidar could they seemed to identify with their larger and stronger winged cousin.

“My lord?” One of the Koud Knights finally noticed that Prince Avondale was not paying attention to what was being stated.

“Yes, my mind was wondering. Continue.”

“I was saying milord that with the march north many of the towns and villages that we will encounter will be very wary of our presence in their lands, since the raids by the Go’ have taken their toll.”

“Indeed, we must be cautious when approaching villages; I want no conflict with them.”

Soong calls could be heard throughout the camp as a commotion began to break out.

“My Lord Marshal, the outriders have returned.” Sur Galahad Tigernán stated as he quickly walked down the path to where the outriders were dismounting.

James Avondale rushed out of the pavilion as well to hear what news had been found of the north.

“My Lord, we have seen much of the surrounding area. We have come across many farms and homes, all of which are empty. It seems the peasants that inhabit this land have retreated to three surrounding villages to marshal their strength against Go’ raids. There are three villages, each to the North East, North and North West.” The outrider pointed on the map where the villages lay, marking them with some graphite. “They are heavily populated with many armed citizens. Some stand watch, but we went undetected.”

“Then it seems we must be cautious when we approach as to not insight their hostilities.” Sur Tristan Aodhán chimed in.

“That is not all milords. We also ran across a Go’ raiding camp. We could not get a number but it is there to the north, just miles away from the northernmost village.”

Prince Avondale thought for moment on past discussions on strategies that they might take in their conflict in the finger. The time to act was now if any time at all.

“Prince Odhrán. It is time that you embrace your soon to be Lordship over these lands. You will take command of half of the force and March north east and sunrise to treat with the two villages in that direction. Bring as little harm to the populace as possible but they must fully submit to the King.” James leaned in to whisper into Odhrán’s ear so that the next few words would be private. “Your brother trusts you, therefore I trust you. It is in you to be a great leader. Take this chance to prove so to that court of fat noblemen and assert your authority.”
Odhrán simply nodded as he meditated on those words from James.

“I will take the other half of the force and March northwest and meet first with the Go’ Camp in the north. We will crush these barbarians where they stand and they will learn to fear the Dread Lord. At sunrise, we march, pass the word to the men.”

“Yes Milord.”

Swiftly preparations were made for the army’s departure. While their stay in the plains was short the men were eager to move on. They would soon meet the hordes of barbarians in battle for their King and their country.

Updated ORBAT

Prince Avondale's Host
1x Prince James Avondale
1x Sur Galahad Tigernán
3x Knights of the Order of Reconnoiter
15x Knights Reconnoiter Longbowmen
20x Achari Cultus Frater Dory Wielder
20x Achari Cultus Frater
10x Achari Cultus Frater Archer
3x Achari Cultus Praeter
15x Achari Cultus Frater Wyvern Rider
50x Achesian Archers
100x Achesian Peasant Conscripts
50x Achesian Men-at-Arms Swordsmen
50x Achesian Men-at-Arms Spearmen
10x Achesian Heavy Cavalry

Prince Odhrán's Host
1x Prince Fearchar Odhrán Daevus
1x Sur Tristan Aodhán "The Knight of Amethysts"
50x Achesian Men-at-Arms Swordsmen
50x Achesian Men-at-Arms Spearmen
100x Achesian Peasant Conscripts
15x Achesian Heavy Cavalry
2x Achari Cultus Praeter
10x Bisonmane Man-at-Arms Swordsman
10x Bisonmane Man-at-Arms Halberd-men
10x Bisonmane Archer
3x Achesian Daevus Knights
4x Achesian Koud Knights
20x Judgestone Man-at-Arms Swordsman
20x Judgestone Man-at-Arms Spearmen
10x The Duke's Own
10x Knights Reconnoiter Longbowmen
2x Knights of the Order of Reconnoiter

Action Summery

(Prince Avondale's Host -> Move to Enemy Camp 1)
(Prince Odhrán's Host -> Move to Village 1)

The Sour of the Mountains (Ceaden)

The Sour of the Mountains (Ceaden)

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