Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
In general, you should abstain from diplomacy until you're approved by Dachs. Just for future reference.
DaNES II: When the Stars Fall
- Thread starter Dachs
- Start date
In general, you should abstain from diplomacy until you're approved by Dachs. Just for future reference.
Uh dachs just a question, but Areia stats look a bit weird.
Ok I'm a bit surprised that they were able to afford what was essentially building ships up to 75 (what they had on the first turn), and also taking 43 ship losses, their army confidence went down by 2, and they still have a confidence of 4 (did it go up again?). It just seems unchanged in a lot of ways, and like they got all their purchases but not many of their losses. Could you have another look?
Ok I'm a bit surprised that they were able to afford what was essentially building ships up to 75 (what they had on the first turn), and also taking 43 ship losses, their army confidence went down by 2, and they still have a confidence of 4 (did it go up again?). It just seems unchanged in a lot of ways, and like they got all their purchases but not many of their losses. Could you have another look?
conehead234
Braves on the Warpath
to: Ganga
from: Pala
Together we will defeat the Chola. We wish to discuss with you strategy over private channels.
to: Chola
from: Pala
It is not too late to withdraw and perhaps negotiate a peace, lest you wish to fight a drawn out 2 front war.
from: Pala
Together we will defeat the Chola. We wish to discuss with you strategy over private channels.
to: Chola
from: Pala
It is not too late to withdraw and perhaps negotiate a peace, lest you wish to fight a drawn out 2 front war.
Kentharu
Zebra Commander
From The Kingdom of Aigyptos
To The Perseid Empire
King Amyntas is willing to hold peace talks in Alexandria between the Kingdom of Aigyptos, the Kingdom of Makedonia and the Pereid Empire.
The following is the King's proposal for peace.
To The Perseid Empire
King Amyntas is willing to hold peace talks in Alexandria between the Kingdom of Aigyptos, the Kingdom of Makedonia and the Pereid Empire.
The following is the King's proposal for peace.
Treaty of Alexandria
1. All hostilities between the kingdoms of Makedonia and Aigyptos and the belligerent Perseid Empire shall cease immediately.
2.a) Ioudaia, Kyrenaia, and Kypros(?) shall be surrendered to the Kingdom of Aigyptos by the Perseid Empire
b) The Kingdom of Aigyptos shall pay a total of 150 Talents to the Perseid Empire in compensation for Kypros and damages incurred during the war.
3. Attica shall be surrendered to the Kingdom of Makedonia.
4. The Perseid Empire shall retain control of all islands within the Aegean which it currently occupies.
5. The kingdoms of Aigyptos, Makedonia and the Perseid Empire shall agree to peace for 5 years (1 turn).
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
From: The Republic of Panormos
To: Kingdom of Makedonia, Kingdom of Aigyptos, Perseid Empire, Kingdom of Pisidia
Being a neutral, civilized party to this conflict, we see that a decade of war has wrought few gains. Our farthest-ranging traders are most disturbed by the outbreak of conflict across the wine-dark sea, and we wish to negotiate, using our fair poleis as a neutral ground, an end to your war. Unlike the savage barbarians of the north, true Greeks see reason, and embrace peace when peace is mutually beneficial.
We invite you to fair Panormos to settle your differences. We shall make our own proposals regarding an enlightened peace for us all, under the guiding light of Sophia's wisdom, if you accept this truly divine opportunity during this brief lull in your wars.
We view the current Aigyptian proposal as somewhat inadequate, at least in terms of monetary transfers for territories lost and gained, and we do not believe that all parties shall accept it. For this reason, we invite you to the negotiating table without precondition.
To: Kingdom of Makedonia, Kingdom of Aigyptos, Perseid Empire, Kingdom of Pisidia
Being a neutral, civilized party to this conflict, we see that a decade of war has wrought few gains. Our farthest-ranging traders are most disturbed by the outbreak of conflict across the wine-dark sea, and we wish to negotiate, using our fair poleis as a neutral ground, an end to your war. Unlike the savage barbarians of the north, true Greeks see reason, and embrace peace when peace is mutually beneficial.
We invite you to fair Panormos to settle your differences. We shall make our own proposals regarding an enlightened peace for us all, under the guiding light of Sophia's wisdom, if you accept this truly divine opportunity during this brief lull in your wars.
We view the current Aigyptian proposal as somewhat inadequate, at least in terms of monetary transfers for territories lost and gained, and we do not believe that all parties shall accept it. For this reason, we invite you to the negotiating table without precondition.
Upon a Hillside
The sun rose as it always does in the east and it rose upon a pair of herders in west Walhia waking up to go about their business. They were young and had just gotten the new flock going, and were out here training the young pups their business. The playful barks erupted from their throats while the parents sat and dutifully kept watch. The young man gently shook the young woman awake.
Wake up, Frida. Its time to for feeding ourselves and the dogs. Said the man, and a small smile crept onto his face. The woman rolled over onto her back and stared up at him for a moment then answered.
Good morning to you Manno. She sat up and stretched. Okay well get the fire going and Ill heat us some of the stew from last night.
The pair of them set to work on the morning rituals. He started the fire then went off and fed the dogs and pups their food, sat and played with the pups for a moment then went about counting the flock to make sure none had wandered off. She went over to the fire and put the heavy cauldron above it. She then went around the hillside checking for any herbs or vegetables they could use. She found a small patch of some berries and began to pick them. Then the dogs began to bark warnings and growl into the distance.
She looked up from her berry patch and heard Manno yelling at her. She ran back straining to hear him as he came running towards her flock all but forgotten. Then she finally heard his words. Run! Warriors are raiding! Get away! Ru The final words ended abruptly as a spear erupted from his neck and lifted him off the ground like a hunter spearing a boar. She screamed and ran as fast as she could away from the worst morning of her entire life.
Frida walked into the small village covered in dirt and exhausted. One of the pups cradled in her arms. Her face was swollen from the endless tears and her feet were a torn and bloody mess from the running without paying any attention. She looked up at the astonished faces of the townsfolk staring at her and all she could say before passing out was Run.
________________________________________
In the Village
Gernot waited patiently outside the herbalists home. He was charged with the safety of his village and so he needed to hear her story. He tried to imagine what could drive a woman to run with such fear and all he kept coming back to was some new group of truly vile bandits must have taken home to the west. Just what he didnt need, he thought to himself. The village was already having trouble with a smaller than expected harvest and here he now had to contend with bandits. He shook his head to ward off sleep. That was when he knew the world had changed for the worse. The woman woke up and screamed as if Holla herself had come down and told her it was time to die. He stood up and walked inside the home.
She screamed even louder for a moment when he walked in. Before it had been only an elderly woman, now it was also one of the largest men she had ever seen. But he was also obviously from Walhia and that was the only thing that stopped her screaming. It didnt end her weeping.
He stood there a moment and watched the emotions pour over her in a matter of moments from pure fear, disorientation, and finally into a deep sadness. It reminded him of the sadness he had when his wife had fallen in the river and drowned. Something of it must have showed on his face for she looked up at him and quieted. The tears kept falling.
Miss, I am Gernot, head of this village. She nodded understanding but otherwise stayed absolutely still as he talked. I need to know what happened and what we can do to help. I am patient, but obviously something has happened and I need to know. She nodded and then seemed to gather herself up, took a few deep breaths, and then spoke.
I am Frida, my husband and I was tending the flock out west several days travel away. I got up and was preparing breakfast when some warriors killed him! She screamed the last out. Gernot continued to wait as the weeping returned for a bit. Finally he goaded her on and she continued. They didnt look like bandits. They looked like the traders who sometimes come from the west. Gernot stared at her for a moment. Then he asked her just one question.
You mean they were from Iberia? She thought for a moment as if trying to remember where Iberia was and then nodded. He quickly stood and then walked outside. He quickly gathered up supplies and a cart to take them to speak to the Lord of his fief. They needed to know the Iberians were raiding. They needed to know because what if it was more than a raid. He told his villagers to prepare to run if they encounter Iberians rather than try and defend the village. Then he took the woman Frida and put her in the cart and headed off to see Lord Raimond of the Sidona Bastarna.
________________________________________
Lord Raimond takes up arms
The trip took over three days until they finally got to Lord Raimonds manor. Gernot approached the guards and was quickly directed to speak to their superior. The superior quickly moved him up the chain of command until he and Frida were outside the hall of Lord Raimond himself awaiting their summons. She looked like the crying had finally stopped, but that the sadness had taken deep root in her soul. Gernot sympathized but could do nothing for her at the moment. This was too important and he was going to have her relive it again. He hated himself for doing it, but hated the Iberians more for putting her through this and making all this necessary.
The doors creaked open and a servant waved them into the hall. Lord Raimond sat upon his large chair concern etched deep into his old face. Next to him were his three sons and a couple of warriors all obviously waiting to hear Fridas tale. He prodded her back into the moment away from her memories and she simply began telling the story again. It was an emotionless speech. There was no more life in her since the day she woke up in Gernots village, she was dead woman walking simply going through the motions of life until Holla really did come and take her away. Gernot looked upon Lord Raimond as Frida finished and saw his eyes were tight and his face radiated the anger that the Iberians would raid Walhia after all the discussions of friendship and trade. He rose and announced to the hall.
Call up the warriors! We will crush this raid and show the Iberians that all their lies will be for naught. The room was quickly alive with activity. I always knew they werent to be trusted but would the Trohtîn listen to me? No of course not. The Aorsi are the threat we face, he said. Lord Raimond shook his fist at people not in the room. The Nerwians are in a civil war we might need to step in, he said. Well look where all his worries got him. Its the Iberians he was trying to cozy up to who raid us now. Well we will show them that no one can defeat the Bastarna! And with that he walked from the hall along with all his sons and servants, leaving Gernot and Frida behind. Gernot stood and slowly led Frida outside where they watched the sun go down. All she saw was her memories and continued to stare in that dead fashion straight ahead. What he saw was the sun was setting on more than just the day.
________________________________________
Upon the walls of Silakoufstat
Lord Raimond and his sons, Gislin, Ulrich, and Othmar had set out to crush a raid by Iberia; only to find they faced a true invasion. They were ill prepared and forced to retreat upon sighting the Iberian army. They retreated fighting delaying actions but kept getting caught in the open ground where they could not meet the superior Iberians on even remote equal footing. Eventually the messenger sent to the Trohtîn returned with a message saying that he had called up the levies and sent the first raised up forth to defend Silakoufstat and that Lord Raimond should head there and take command until the Trohtîn arrived. Lord Raimond complied as it was the best hope he had.
Lord Raimond and Gislin stood upon the walls of Silakoufstat and watched as the last of the Iberians moved into place in the field below. The Trohtîn and the rest of the reinforcements would not arrive in time. Everyone at Silakoufstat knew it to be true, but they would still try and stop the invasion here. Only the gods knew how this was going to end, but Lord Raimond had a fairly good idea. He glanced over at his son and saw that he too could do the simple math and knew they were doomed. He also saw that Gislin didnt shy away from what needed to be done and simply seemed determined to do his best. Lord Raimond was proud of his heir and touched him on the shoulder so he would know it to be true.
They will attack tomorrow morning. Lord Raimond said simply and Gislin nodded his understanding and waited patiently for orders. We will hold here with what we have. There is no point in retreating further. The Trohtîn must have time to get the levies to the battle. He didnt add but we wont be here to see him do it, though it was plain Gislin heard it anyway.
They only had 6,000 men, of which most were levies not trained soldiers. They had lost most of their cavalry in the delaying actions and several hundred warriors as well. Gislin finally spoke. What would you have me do father?
I want you in command of the trained soldiers. Your brothers will each split the levies. Gislin nodded again. I also want that village chief Lord Raimond paused looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing, Gernot to stand with Othmar. For he is only 13 and does not have any experience. You tell your brothers to heed their advisors. Gislin nodded again and waited as he could see his father struggling to say the next bit. And I want you to tell Gernot to get Othmar away from here before the end. I want at least one of the Sidona Bastarna to survive. Lord Raimonds head dipped slightly as he finally let the hopelessness hit him for a moment. Then he recovered and sent Gislin off to deliver his orders.
________________________________________
The Disaster of Silakoufstat
Young Othmar sat with Gernot surveying the approaching lines of Iberians and Lord Othmar tried to guess their numbers. It had to be well over 3 times what they had, perhaps even more than 4. He shook his head trying to shake the defeatism which was set to engulf him. And his second in command, really the true leader of this group of levies, Gernot patted him on the shoulder and spoke encouragement to him.
Milord, this is not the end of the world, though it surely must seem so. We will hold them here if we can and even if we cannot they will flee before the Trohtîn when he arrives. He tactfully didnt mention that the Trohtîn would have to get vengeance for them.
Othmar looked up at the large village chief and responded to him, What you say may be true, but I have a hard time seeing the future when all I can see before us is an army I never truly expected to see. I know they will crush us, but we will wound them grievously before the day is done. He sounded much more confident than his eyes said, but Gernot humored him anyway and simply nodded his agreement.
It begins milord. Gernot said then yelled behind him Shields up lads! They are going to send us volleys! The levies with shields raised them skyward and those without tried to gain shelter with those who did.
The sky went dark as clouds of arrows went up. The day was loud with screams as they came down.
The valiant Sidona returned volley as much as they could, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. And their volleys were a pittance against such as the Iberians could send through the air.
Then the war drums signaled that the Iberians were advancing. Gislin and Lord Raimond took to the walls to hold off the Iberians with the best of their men. Ulrich led his men to be behind the walls for when they were breached and Othar took up position as the reserve.
The battle was nowhere near as glorious as the bards would later make it out to be. Othar watched as some men fought like gods to defend the walls and help their fellows, and other broke and ran trying to get away. Through it all Lord Raimond and Gislin stood firm fighting against the Iberians. Othar let Gernot order the reserves where they were needed, as he knew he did not really have any experience and was simply another sword to fight the Iberians with.
The fight lasted for several hours and the Walhians retreated from the wall. The end was inevitable. Gernot saw it coming and grabbed Othar. We must flee milord. Your father has ordered it.
Othar was stunned. No we cannot the Iberians we must stop the Iberians now!
Gernots powerful arms came up and in that moment Othar saw the small knot around his father collapse. Lord Raimond stood upon the piles of dead Iberians and Walhians and fought like a warrior of legend until an arrow struck him in the eye. He turned and smiled as he saw Gernot land a fist on the top of Othars head and like a sack of grain hoist him over his shoulder and flee with what few survivors he could muster with him.
________________________________________
From the Darkness
Gernot sat with Othar in the middle of the ramshackle camp. They dared not light a fire for fear of the Iberian patrols catching them. The few hundred men sat and silently wept as the whole of their lives were ended and they knew not what the future would bring. Too many of their fellows had gone to the arms of the goddess Holla just a few nights ago. Too many of the survivors knew they were bound to follow.
Othar looked at the lone woman in the camp. His sister, Joscelin. She had snuck along with the army to see what war was like. What she learned was that it was without mercy and everyone, the lowborn to the Bastarna themselves, were able to be struck aside on a whim of the gods. Luckily for her Gernot had recognized her and grabbed her as he fled. She put up a fight until she Othar had regained consciousness and told her to calm herself. He hadnt spoken since.
Gernot? Othar whispered. Gernot looked over in surprise and motioned for Othar to continue. Thank you for being loyal to my father. Gernot smiled a sad smile and then told the young Lord Othar something he would never forget.
Milord, you must understand I have dealt with raids from the Aorsi several times, I have dealt with the Walhian infighting, and I have fought the Averni during their uprising. What we need now is for all that to end so we can crush the Iberians. They have declared war on all of Walhia, Sidona and Averni alike. They will kill us, steal our possessions, and rape our women regardless of who we are. We must all stand together to take vengeance on them for this atrocity. I will fight on my own if I must because my village is surely gone. It was in the path to Silakoufstat and I can only imagine what the Iberians did to it. I will kill Iberians not because it will bring back the dead, but because it will protect the living. That is your duty milord, to protect the living. Othar could do nothing but stare at Gernot. He had not imagined the big man could be so intelligent as well as strong.
You will by my hand of vengeance then. Othar stated quietly but firmly and Gernot nodded. We will rout these Iberians and then take it to their lands and force them to forever rue the day they turned on Walhia. They both smiled and began to imagine what they would do to bring it about.
The next morning they finally met up with the Royal Army marching westward. They met with the Trohtîn and told their tale. It was obvious to Othar that he wanted to weep over the loss of his friend Lord Raimond and Othar could also see the begging for forgiveness in the Trohtîns eyes over his failure to see what the Iberians were plotting. It was a subtle thing; Othar nodded ever so slightly and the Trohtîn could swear he thought he saw forgiveness being granted, but he would never be able to be sure. He welcomed the survivors and they joined him and his council to plan their next move in this unexpected war.
The sun rose as it always does in the east and it rose upon a pair of herders in west Walhia waking up to go about their business. They were young and had just gotten the new flock going, and were out here training the young pups their business. The playful barks erupted from their throats while the parents sat and dutifully kept watch. The young man gently shook the young woman awake.
Wake up, Frida. Its time to for feeding ourselves and the dogs. Said the man, and a small smile crept onto his face. The woman rolled over onto her back and stared up at him for a moment then answered.
Good morning to you Manno. She sat up and stretched. Okay well get the fire going and Ill heat us some of the stew from last night.
The pair of them set to work on the morning rituals. He started the fire then went off and fed the dogs and pups their food, sat and played with the pups for a moment then went about counting the flock to make sure none had wandered off. She went over to the fire and put the heavy cauldron above it. She then went around the hillside checking for any herbs or vegetables they could use. She found a small patch of some berries and began to pick them. Then the dogs began to bark warnings and growl into the distance.
She looked up from her berry patch and heard Manno yelling at her. She ran back straining to hear him as he came running towards her flock all but forgotten. Then she finally heard his words. Run! Warriors are raiding! Get away! Ru The final words ended abruptly as a spear erupted from his neck and lifted him off the ground like a hunter spearing a boar. She screamed and ran as fast as she could away from the worst morning of her entire life.
Frida walked into the small village covered in dirt and exhausted. One of the pups cradled in her arms. Her face was swollen from the endless tears and her feet were a torn and bloody mess from the running without paying any attention. She looked up at the astonished faces of the townsfolk staring at her and all she could say before passing out was Run.
________________________________________
In the Village
Gernot waited patiently outside the herbalists home. He was charged with the safety of his village and so he needed to hear her story. He tried to imagine what could drive a woman to run with such fear and all he kept coming back to was some new group of truly vile bandits must have taken home to the west. Just what he didnt need, he thought to himself. The village was already having trouble with a smaller than expected harvest and here he now had to contend with bandits. He shook his head to ward off sleep. That was when he knew the world had changed for the worse. The woman woke up and screamed as if Holla herself had come down and told her it was time to die. He stood up and walked inside the home.
She screamed even louder for a moment when he walked in. Before it had been only an elderly woman, now it was also one of the largest men she had ever seen. But he was also obviously from Walhia and that was the only thing that stopped her screaming. It didnt end her weeping.
He stood there a moment and watched the emotions pour over her in a matter of moments from pure fear, disorientation, and finally into a deep sadness. It reminded him of the sadness he had when his wife had fallen in the river and drowned. Something of it must have showed on his face for she looked up at him and quieted. The tears kept falling.
Miss, I am Gernot, head of this village. She nodded understanding but otherwise stayed absolutely still as he talked. I need to know what happened and what we can do to help. I am patient, but obviously something has happened and I need to know. She nodded and then seemed to gather herself up, took a few deep breaths, and then spoke.
I am Frida, my husband and I was tending the flock out west several days travel away. I got up and was preparing breakfast when some warriors killed him! She screamed the last out. Gernot continued to wait as the weeping returned for a bit. Finally he goaded her on and she continued. They didnt look like bandits. They looked like the traders who sometimes come from the west. Gernot stared at her for a moment. Then he asked her just one question.
You mean they were from Iberia? She thought for a moment as if trying to remember where Iberia was and then nodded. He quickly stood and then walked outside. He quickly gathered up supplies and a cart to take them to speak to the Lord of his fief. They needed to know the Iberians were raiding. They needed to know because what if it was more than a raid. He told his villagers to prepare to run if they encounter Iberians rather than try and defend the village. Then he took the woman Frida and put her in the cart and headed off to see Lord Raimond of the Sidona Bastarna.
________________________________________
Lord Raimond takes up arms
The trip took over three days until they finally got to Lord Raimonds manor. Gernot approached the guards and was quickly directed to speak to their superior. The superior quickly moved him up the chain of command until he and Frida were outside the hall of Lord Raimond himself awaiting their summons. She looked like the crying had finally stopped, but that the sadness had taken deep root in her soul. Gernot sympathized but could do nothing for her at the moment. This was too important and he was going to have her relive it again. He hated himself for doing it, but hated the Iberians more for putting her through this and making all this necessary.
The doors creaked open and a servant waved them into the hall. Lord Raimond sat upon his large chair concern etched deep into his old face. Next to him were his three sons and a couple of warriors all obviously waiting to hear Fridas tale. He prodded her back into the moment away from her memories and she simply began telling the story again. It was an emotionless speech. There was no more life in her since the day she woke up in Gernots village, she was dead woman walking simply going through the motions of life until Holla really did come and take her away. Gernot looked upon Lord Raimond as Frida finished and saw his eyes were tight and his face radiated the anger that the Iberians would raid Walhia after all the discussions of friendship and trade. He rose and announced to the hall.
Call up the warriors! We will crush this raid and show the Iberians that all their lies will be for naught. The room was quickly alive with activity. I always knew they werent to be trusted but would the Trohtîn listen to me? No of course not. The Aorsi are the threat we face, he said. Lord Raimond shook his fist at people not in the room. The Nerwians are in a civil war we might need to step in, he said. Well look where all his worries got him. Its the Iberians he was trying to cozy up to who raid us now. Well we will show them that no one can defeat the Bastarna! And with that he walked from the hall along with all his sons and servants, leaving Gernot and Frida behind. Gernot stood and slowly led Frida outside where they watched the sun go down. All she saw was her memories and continued to stare in that dead fashion straight ahead. What he saw was the sun was setting on more than just the day.
________________________________________
Upon the walls of Silakoufstat
Lord Raimond and his sons, Gislin, Ulrich, and Othmar had set out to crush a raid by Iberia; only to find they faced a true invasion. They were ill prepared and forced to retreat upon sighting the Iberian army. They retreated fighting delaying actions but kept getting caught in the open ground where they could not meet the superior Iberians on even remote equal footing. Eventually the messenger sent to the Trohtîn returned with a message saying that he had called up the levies and sent the first raised up forth to defend Silakoufstat and that Lord Raimond should head there and take command until the Trohtîn arrived. Lord Raimond complied as it was the best hope he had.
Lord Raimond and Gislin stood upon the walls of Silakoufstat and watched as the last of the Iberians moved into place in the field below. The Trohtîn and the rest of the reinforcements would not arrive in time. Everyone at Silakoufstat knew it to be true, but they would still try and stop the invasion here. Only the gods knew how this was going to end, but Lord Raimond had a fairly good idea. He glanced over at his son and saw that he too could do the simple math and knew they were doomed. He also saw that Gislin didnt shy away from what needed to be done and simply seemed determined to do his best. Lord Raimond was proud of his heir and touched him on the shoulder so he would know it to be true.
They will attack tomorrow morning. Lord Raimond said simply and Gislin nodded his understanding and waited patiently for orders. We will hold here with what we have. There is no point in retreating further. The Trohtîn must have time to get the levies to the battle. He didnt add but we wont be here to see him do it, though it was plain Gislin heard it anyway.
They only had 6,000 men, of which most were levies not trained soldiers. They had lost most of their cavalry in the delaying actions and several hundred warriors as well. Gislin finally spoke. What would you have me do father?
I want you in command of the trained soldiers. Your brothers will each split the levies. Gislin nodded again. I also want that village chief Lord Raimond paused looking thoughtful for a moment before continuing, Gernot to stand with Othmar. For he is only 13 and does not have any experience. You tell your brothers to heed their advisors. Gislin nodded again and waited as he could see his father struggling to say the next bit. And I want you to tell Gernot to get Othmar away from here before the end. I want at least one of the Sidona Bastarna to survive. Lord Raimonds head dipped slightly as he finally let the hopelessness hit him for a moment. Then he recovered and sent Gislin off to deliver his orders.
________________________________________
The Disaster of Silakoufstat
Young Othmar sat with Gernot surveying the approaching lines of Iberians and Lord Othmar tried to guess their numbers. It had to be well over 3 times what they had, perhaps even more than 4. He shook his head trying to shake the defeatism which was set to engulf him. And his second in command, really the true leader of this group of levies, Gernot patted him on the shoulder and spoke encouragement to him.
Milord, this is not the end of the world, though it surely must seem so. We will hold them here if we can and even if we cannot they will flee before the Trohtîn when he arrives. He tactfully didnt mention that the Trohtîn would have to get vengeance for them.
Othmar looked up at the large village chief and responded to him, What you say may be true, but I have a hard time seeing the future when all I can see before us is an army I never truly expected to see. I know they will crush us, but we will wound them grievously before the day is done. He sounded much more confident than his eyes said, but Gernot humored him anyway and simply nodded his agreement.
It begins milord. Gernot said then yelled behind him Shields up lads! They are going to send us volleys! The levies with shields raised them skyward and those without tried to gain shelter with those who did.
The sky went dark as clouds of arrows went up. The day was loud with screams as they came down.
The valiant Sidona returned volley as much as they could, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. And their volleys were a pittance against such as the Iberians could send through the air.
Then the war drums signaled that the Iberians were advancing. Gislin and Lord Raimond took to the walls to hold off the Iberians with the best of their men. Ulrich led his men to be behind the walls for when they were breached and Othar took up position as the reserve.
The battle was nowhere near as glorious as the bards would later make it out to be. Othar watched as some men fought like gods to defend the walls and help their fellows, and other broke and ran trying to get away. Through it all Lord Raimond and Gislin stood firm fighting against the Iberians. Othar let Gernot order the reserves where they were needed, as he knew he did not really have any experience and was simply another sword to fight the Iberians with.
The fight lasted for several hours and the Walhians retreated from the wall. The end was inevitable. Gernot saw it coming and grabbed Othar. We must flee milord. Your father has ordered it.
Othar was stunned. No we cannot the Iberians we must stop the Iberians now!
Gernots powerful arms came up and in that moment Othar saw the small knot around his father collapse. Lord Raimond stood upon the piles of dead Iberians and Walhians and fought like a warrior of legend until an arrow struck him in the eye. He turned and smiled as he saw Gernot land a fist on the top of Othars head and like a sack of grain hoist him over his shoulder and flee with what few survivors he could muster with him.
________________________________________
From the Darkness
Gernot sat with Othar in the middle of the ramshackle camp. They dared not light a fire for fear of the Iberian patrols catching them. The few hundred men sat and silently wept as the whole of their lives were ended and they knew not what the future would bring. Too many of their fellows had gone to the arms of the goddess Holla just a few nights ago. Too many of the survivors knew they were bound to follow.
Othar looked at the lone woman in the camp. His sister, Joscelin. She had snuck along with the army to see what war was like. What she learned was that it was without mercy and everyone, the lowborn to the Bastarna themselves, were able to be struck aside on a whim of the gods. Luckily for her Gernot had recognized her and grabbed her as he fled. She put up a fight until she Othar had regained consciousness and told her to calm herself. He hadnt spoken since.
Gernot? Othar whispered. Gernot looked over in surprise and motioned for Othar to continue. Thank you for being loyal to my father. Gernot smiled a sad smile and then told the young Lord Othar something he would never forget.
Milord, you must understand I have dealt with raids from the Aorsi several times, I have dealt with the Walhian infighting, and I have fought the Averni during their uprising. What we need now is for all that to end so we can crush the Iberians. They have declared war on all of Walhia, Sidona and Averni alike. They will kill us, steal our possessions, and rape our women regardless of who we are. We must all stand together to take vengeance on them for this atrocity. I will fight on my own if I must because my village is surely gone. It was in the path to Silakoufstat and I can only imagine what the Iberians did to it. I will kill Iberians not because it will bring back the dead, but because it will protect the living. That is your duty milord, to protect the living. Othar could do nothing but stare at Gernot. He had not imagined the big man could be so intelligent as well as strong.
You will by my hand of vengeance then. Othar stated quietly but firmly and Gernot nodded. We will rout these Iberians and then take it to their lands and force them to forever rue the day they turned on Walhia. They both smiled and began to imagine what they would do to bring it about.
The next morning they finally met up with the Royal Army marching westward. They met with the Trohtîn and told their tale. It was obvious to Othar that he wanted to weep over the loss of his friend Lord Raimond and Othar could also see the begging for forgiveness in the Trohtîns eyes over his failure to see what the Iberians were plotting. It was a subtle thing; Othar nodded ever so slightly and the Trohtîn could swear he thought he saw forgiveness being granted, but he would never be able to be sure. He welcomed the survivors and they joined him and his council to plan their next move in this unexpected war.
Flavius Aetius
Ruler Of Liguria
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2007
- Messages
- 774
From: Kingdom of Mysia
To: Panormos
We are offended that we have not been invited to the peace talks.
To: Panormos
We are offended that we have not been invited to the peace talks.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
From: The Republic of Panormos
To: The Kingdom of Mysia
An oversight brought on by the horrors of war, we assure you. The Mysians are welcome indeed.
To: The Kingdom of Mysia
An oversight brought on by the horrors of war, we assure you. The Mysians are welcome indeed.
Espoir
Warlord
From: Kimmeria
To: Pan Pizza
Due to our stake in Anatolia we would also like an invitation.
To: Pan Pizza
Due to our stake in Anatolia we would also like an invitation.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
From: The Republic of Panormos
To: Kimmerian Bosporos
As an interested party you are welcome to attend, but as you are not a member of the warring parties you will not be able to affect the peace terms.
To: Kimmerian Bosporos
As an interested party you are welcome to attend, but as you are not a member of the warring parties you will not be able to affect the peace terms.
Espoir
Warlord
Your naivete is quite welcome in these dark times. We will be in Sicily to see it firsthand.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
Your boorishness is not. Consider the invitation rescinded.
Espoir
Warlord
We weren't going to say it at first, but your entire idea of a peace conference is ridiculously silly. Is the Perseid Basileus really going to go to the godforsaken west at the abode of his rebellious colony to give away territories he considers rightfully his?
Who trusts a Pan Pizzeria anyway? You westerners sure weren't appreciative of peace until you got your lands mauled by the Aorsi recently. Consider all tariffs on Panorman goods doubled.
Who trusts a Pan Pizzeria anyway? You westerners sure weren't appreciative of peace until you got your lands mauled by the Aorsi recently. Consider all tariffs on Panorman goods doubled.
Thlayli
Le Pétit Prince
OOC: Out of character, I have no respect for someone who switches countries on a whim. In character, I have no respect for some half-Scythian barbarian who calls me naive.
IC: Your irrelevant objections have been duly noted. Panormos will continue to act as a moderator for the civilized powers who have already privately agreed to negotiate with our mediation.
IC: Your irrelevant objections have been duly noted. Panormos will continue to act as a moderator for the civilized powers who have already privately agreed to negotiate with our mediation.
Mon Dieu!!
We had no idea.
To: Wu
From: the Court of the Empress Suiko
Such deeds were not known to us or our court and we are pleased that you apprehended the vile perpetrators.
Kraznaya
Princeps
To: Riben Zhou
From: Sun Zheng, High Chancellor of Wu
Has your majesty failed to instruct her people in the most noble of the arts, to be unflinching in the face of treachery? We have the heads of your criminals which we have kindly executed on what we are sure is your behalf. The next merchant ship bound for your shores will be carrying them on board to serve as a better example, we hope, for your people.
From: Sun Zheng, High Chancellor of Wu
Has your majesty failed to instruct her people in the most noble of the arts, to be unflinching in the face of treachery? We have the heads of your criminals which we have kindly executed on what we are sure is your behalf. The next merchant ship bound for your shores will be carrying them on board to serve as a better example, we hope, for your people.
OOC: Great update. Pisidian glory shall reign supreme.
IC: To: Perseid Empire
From: The Kingdom of Pisidia
The Kingdom of Pisidia seeks peace with the Perseid Empire. This war while successful can only bring distruction to both of our people. Our desire is simple. The Perseid Empire will cede a port and surrounding land to ensure a land link to our heartland to Pisidia. Perhaps the port we already control will suffice.
To: Mysia
From: Pisidia
Mysian armies have been crushed in battle and stand no chance of success. We demand 200 tribute for Mysia in exchange for peace.
IC: To: Perseid Empire
From: The Kingdom of Pisidia
The Kingdom of Pisidia seeks peace with the Perseid Empire. This war while successful can only bring distruction to both of our people. Our desire is simple. The Perseid Empire will cede a port and surrounding land to ensure a land link to our heartland to Pisidia. Perhaps the port we already control will suffice.
To: Mysia
From: Pisidia
Mysian armies have been crushed in battle and stand no chance of success. We demand 200 tribute for Mysia in exchange for peace.
alex994
Hail Divine Emperor!
OOC; Wonderful update! 
IC:
The Kingdom of Nanyue would like to iterate our desire for peace.
IC:
The Kingdom of Nanyue would like to iterate our desire for peace.
Flavius Aetius
Ruler Of Liguria
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2007
- Messages
- 774
From: Kingdom of Mysia
To: those bastard and obiviously misinformed Pisidians
I don't really know what your advisors have said to you, Nesilios, but it looks to me that your army was crushed, not mine.
OOC: really, maybe you misread the update...
We will feed them to the crabs.
