|
Post by Fyremage on Jan 24, 2018 18:52:30 GMT
Karstadt Keep - Rjillund/Badlands BorderThe amassed forces of Rjillund made camp around the solitary visage of Karstadt Keep, designated as the rally point for all Rjillish forces answering the muster. Some seventy thousand Rjillishmen were counted in all, with banners from all across southern Rjillund, and of course, House Cassian itself. The Keep they all encamped around was a fortress meant for border protection and monitoring, housing a garrison of some eight-hundred men at any given time. Today, the keep played host to several notable lords as they gathered to speak about how to proceed, and to discuss the shared goal they all had. A large meeting room was prepared for them, with a solid round table in the center, with several maps and figures standing atop. A window allowed the stiff breeze in from the south, with a fire in the hearth taking the chill out of the air. Erich Cassian was among the first to enter, followed by Margraf Varos, his Cousin Roland Cassian, and several other trusted lords and generals of varying station representing the host. Erich stood at the table, regarding all of the men assembled. "On behalf of my father, thank you all for answering the call. This expedition is of the utmost importance."Erich reached for a figurine that resembled a snake and placed it on the map near the region of the old capital. "Our objective is to reach the ruins of the old capital and fortify it. We are to expect scattered barbarian tribes in the wake, but our largest threat is the Empire of Izhen." Erich paused, searching the expressions of those around him. "We have reason to believe they are making a concerted push to the old capital, and could very well already be nearing it. We must march hard and fast to get there prepare the city for what is coming. It's... possible they could be trying to establish a base of operations to launch an invasion of Trevast itself."Murmers could be heard in the group of men, but Erich continued uninterrupted. "We do not know their strength at the moment, but we will be linking up with forces from Alendron to supplement our own to a combined force of upwards of one hundred thousand men." Further murmurs erupted, with one noble by the name of Godebad, a Vigrafn and Uncle to the Durreich of Weiandel spoke up with bile in his voice: "We don't need any Alendronian scum standing with us! Our women could fight better than their ilk, after cleaning the babes and cooking for their families."Chuckles could be heard, with some murmurs of ascent. Erich smirked, but carried on undaunted: "Be that as it may, we need the help. We don't know the full might of our enemy, and lest we all forgot - Alendron gave our nation a collective black eye in the not so distant past. Plus, we have sent a letter to Luska asking for more men to come to our aid." And then they all fell silent. "Any questions so far?"Lord Newbury TheCalmOne Darasuum
|
|
|
Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 24, 2018 19:21:25 GMT
Karstadt Keep - Rjillund/Badlands Border
Emmanual Varos Margraf of Rji-Fluss
To be back on the campaign trail, with a proper army felt good, and Emmanuel looked out of the slat-like window over the forced amassed below and smiled. He had mustered thousands for this campaign, dragging half the Southern Muster from his lands, and half the Margrafs Guard to accompany the host, drawing on a further twenty-thousand levies from the peasant forces, numbering in totality at 26,000 men. He spotted their banners - 6,000 cavalry, 20,000 commoners on foot, augmenting the force assembled.
He turned away from the window as Erich - the Black Phoenix of Tarria - spoke to the men assembled. Emmanuels face darkened as he heard the man talk of the Empire of Izhen. All to long that threat had passed unnoticed, and deep down the man feared that this reactionary responce might be all to little, all to late. He sneered as the Durriech of Weiandel spoke - his inexperience in the practicality of warfare speaking volumes.
"Yes my Lord," he spoke as the room fell silent "...what measures have been put in place to ensure our allies can find us in the field? We would need to link up with one another as soon as possible?" he spoke, his own experience of the field confirming in his mind that all to often, alliances could fail if they did not work together and march as one "And, have we made entreaties to other nations to see if they would also march - Aladez, the Northern Dukes, even Routaille..." he laughed at the reaction from the room "...all must realise the severity of the threat Izhen pose."
He paused, clearing his throat before speaking once again "I speak plainly now, and forgive me if it is out of turn my Lord, but - please, Queen Aelin Galathion will not be marching personally I hope?"
|
|
|
Post by TheCalmOne on Jan 25, 2018 16:46:45 GMT
Marcus listened quietly while Erich and the others spoke. Personally, he thought that such a blind march against an enemy of unknown composition and strength was a terrible idea, but he had voiced his objection already, and had been overruled. Thus, he would do his best to ensure a victory, despite said unknowns.
He waited until the Margraf of Rji-Fluss finished speaking. He held a certain respect for the man due to his exploits, but Marcus had never truly antiquated himself with him. "In addition, what do we know of the Izhen host? Will they have allies supporting their cause?"
|
|
Darasuum
Nobleman
single and ready to mingle
Posts: 64
|
Post by Darasuum on Jan 25, 2018 22:33:57 GMT
This would be an interesting campaign. Roland thought to himself silently as he pressed a gloved hand against his temple. His posture was at rest and his expression slightly bored. Many of the other leaders present and their direct subordinates that composed their command structure were displeasing as they boasted and postured their way about the meeting hall. It was bothersome just to be in their presence but perhaps that was the traveling that had worn on the prince's patience. Not only that but his own men felt likewise and he could hear the murmurs and sounds of judgement. Roland did his best to hush and instill discipline. Each member of the Moonstar chapter were worth a dozen of the other chapter's warriors and with that skill did come confidence and sometimes arrogance. While this was earned through trial time and time again it could still hinder relations between friendly forces. Unit cohesion could decide the outcome of battle and Roland would not see his own men be the cause of lackluster efficiency. For now his men spoke softly only to one another or when directly spoken to.
His small entourage was not as large as others present. Only four of his cohorts were present and were at his back. This reflected the Moonstar Chapter's numbers and he had already caught some looks that said enough. All other chapters were generally larger in number than the Roland's. Most notably the Chapter of the Sacred Phoenix. It had been some time since the Moonstar knights had brought about a show of force as large as this. Still in some people's opinion it was not necessarily enough, especially against a force rumored to be considerably large like that of Izhen. But the prince was not daunted by this. Instead he saw it as an opportunity to prove himself and his brothers as the underdog that surpassed expectations. It was this outlook that had earned the Moonstar chapter their reputation and had been a mentality that had served Roland well thus far.
For now Roland wore his armor with a weighted cloak made with violet cloth, displaying his chapter's colors. Two swords were on his back in their usual secured location. The gifted spear he went into battle with was not present but he would collect it before going into battle. The bladed helmet of the Razorfish lay on the table in front of him, silently staring at everyone in front of Roland. The stark metal black and heralding the blood shedding that would come in future nights. Not all of the Moonstar knights present had the same armor. In fact most had personalized armor, the only similarity being the darker metallic color and the purple livery.
For now Roland was silent. He listened to the others voice their input on the preparation of the move on the Old Capital. For many it would be the first time visiting the location. The ice blue eyes of the prince became unfocused at the thought of it being the last place he ever saw. Unlikely, not impossible, but unlikely for him to die on this campaign.
|
|
|
Post by Fyremage on Jan 26, 2018 22:38:19 GMT
Erich smirked slightly at the grandiose statements of the Vigrafn, but his smile soon faded as Lord Varos spoke. He made some valid points, and Erich was quick to address them. "Once we finish our muster here, we will march to the ruins of an abandoned Imperial outpost roughly two days south of the border. It's located halfway between Alendron and Rjillund, and will serve as an adequate rendezvous point provided Izhen hasn't gotten that close yet. And no - " He said, pausing a bit for effect.
"I don't believe Aelin will be accompanying the host. She is still with child, and I doubt they would endanger the royal line." He then turned his attention to General.
"We don't know much I'm afraid. I have dispatched riders south to see what can be found before we set off with the army. Hopefully they will return within the last week, and we can set off with more information. We should be expecting more men however between now and then."
|
|
|
Post by Lord Newbury on Jan 31, 2018 8:51:20 GMT
Emmanuel Varos smarted slightly as Erich spoke, confirming his fears that they had little to no information on the enroaching horde. In his view, to march against a force of unknown size, origins or capabilities was tanatamount to suicide, and almost guaranteed to failure unless they acted carefully. "I think our first course then would be to send out scouting parties - light horse often the best, accompanies by a vanguard of rangers," he gestured to map, festooned as it was with markers indicating the available troops.
"...it must then be made clear as to what the command structure is, and sooner rather than later - we cannot march if the head of the Pheonix is not yet decided." he added.
|
|
|
Post by TheCalmOne on Feb 6, 2018 2:57:19 GMT
Marcus remained silent as he gauged the Margraf. It seemed as if Varos - much like Marcus himself - disliked the fact that the Rjillish host was marching against such unknowns. The strategy the man suggested as also sound, although the general wasn't sure about sending out foot-based rangers too far without the support of a larger army to cover them. "I second Margraf Varos' opinion, although I would keep the rangers with us until the army marches. If discovered, they wouldn't stand a chance against their pursuers on foot."
The old general remained silent when the topic of command was brought up. He was one of the most senior members of the military present, but seniority wasn't everything, and Marcus knew that there were others just as - if not more - capable than him.
|
|
Darasuum
Nobleman
single and ready to mingle
Posts: 64
|
Post by Darasuum on Feb 9, 2018 3:56:00 GMT
The composition of a scouting force was trivial at this point. At least that was Roland's opinion. Not knowing their enemy was the greatest weakness and in a worst case scenario would end up with the whole host slaughtered. While the prince had confidence in their own ability he did not want to make any unnecessary risks. Raising his own voice for the first time in the public presence of other since his arrival he would look at all the lords present in turn. "Let us not discuss what we do not know and instead state what we do. There we can decide where the Izhen forces are located. Can any of you tell me where they are or have been?" Naturally the prince had a follow up question and a point to be made. To the other lords it seemed like their solution to this conflict was to throw bodies and steel with no regard towards pragmatic limitation. Roland did not hold make the hint of annoyance and frustration in his question.
As if on queue one of his men produced a scroll and layed it out on the table before his suprior. Placing an empty tankard on one side and a lain dagger on the other to keep it from rolling in on itself so they could examine it. It was not the largest of maps but it was more than enough of the immediate area and was the type they could carry with them. "What area does the Izhen currently operate in?" He placed a finger randomly down on the table to emphasize his question. "Which direction are they coming from?" Again he jabbed his digit into the table "And where are we going to meet up with Alendron forces?" The final movement of his finger ended his questioning. His tone returned to a more diplomatic one as he looked into the eyes of his cousin, Erich. "These are what we need to know before my men can be of sufficient use."
|
|
|
Post by Zoilus on Feb 12, 2018 17:29:01 GMT
General Louis Forgeron sat in his tent, troubled. He had been sent his orders from Aladeen: take his army, 12,000 strong, to support Rjillund's campaign into the Badlands, against the tribes and possible incursions of the Izhen. Sensitive information hadn't been sent along with the queen's orders, but if she was concerned enough to send him, surely it was justified? The queen had her issues, but she was competent enough when it came down to the bone.
Still, despite his own faith in Aelin, the other officers were displeased with the idea of this campaign, to say the least. Every one of them with significant rank was a veteran of the war with Rjillund, and now, so close to the end of the war, they were helping them? Most were of a mind that the Rjillish deserved whatever was coming, and if Alendron was threatened, they'd deal with it on their own terms. Forgeron wasn't entirely unsympathetic to this view, but if the Izhen were even half of what his orders had implied...well, best to deal with this situation far from home.
Forgeron was finishing up the last of the night's paperwork when one of his senior officers, Orcus de Proinsias, entered. "Orcus, I wasn't expecting you. Is there an issue I need to handle?"
Orcus gave him an odd look. "Nothing you need to handle, sir. We'll be crossing the border tomorrow, correct?"
Of course they would. Was the old man going senile? He'd been at the meetings, he should know their route. "Yes. Is there a problem?"
Orcus gave him a bizarre smirk. "A problem. Yes, that's one way to put it, Louis. The problem, Forgeron, is you and your fool of a queen. The problem is that in the name of misplaced loyalty, you will drag Alendron and her soldiers to the grave, so the brat can keep throwing her tantrums. The problem is," now Orcus gave him a pitying look, "you wouldn't have joined us. So: before we cross this border again...I'm going to begin to resolve this problem." Orcus flashed a dagger, and snapped his fingers. The tent was suddenly full of stony-faced officers.
Louis's mouth was dry. This couldn't be happening. "Have you gone mad? Is this a joke?! I don't care how noble you are, Proinsias, I'll have your commission for this-" But as he started to get up, Orcus had already stridden across the room, and plunged the dagger into his chest. Forgeron fell back into his chair.
"Rest now, Louis, it's well earned. The new, greater Alendron will be built in your honor." Orcus gave him a mocking salute, and stepped back. One of the other officers approached, a younger man Forgeron had personally recommended for a promotion. The young man looked him in the eyes, and sunk a second dagger into his chest. His vision was darkening, but he did hear one more thing, intently whispered:
"For Alendron."
|
|
|
Post by Fyremage on Feb 22, 2018 19:09:19 GMT
Erich stood straight up from his leaning posture over the table, and looked at each lord in turn. "Respectfully, my lords: I already said, I have already dispatched several scouting parties so as to gain more intel before we set off. By the end of next week we should have word from them. Once we do, the rest of your questions shall be answered."
He nodded over at the Margraf of Rji-Fluss, and as if to get the conversation moving, he said: "Margraf Varos, it is His Majesty's decision that you serve as the commander of the Rjillish host." Erich gave him a nod in respect and a slight smile. "I'm sure you will not let us down."
|
|