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Post by Pitman on Dec 20, 2015 22:36:35 GMT -6
Arawn entered the church noticing the long lines of people and was not here for a simple bowl of soup. No as lord he had to check up on what was the guests doing here.
"I am not here for soup, Acting Margrave Arawn Clarice I hear you wanted to see me?", Arawn soon asked the man in charge.
Arawn looked around knowing full well he didn't wait in line. Arawn pushed himself to talk to the man who talked about the line soon says, "So who is the one in charge here anyways? Just here to see what you wish to talk about nothing more."
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The battle to continued as the very plans Uthyr planned out began to backfire. To thin out of the lines and encircle the enemy thinking one way but underestimating how are King Alan planned out the battle, everything was being reversed on Uthyr from a distance.
"Looks like the plan backfired.", Sir Tristan soon stated as reports were coming in.
Uthyr soon saw the results with, "It seems we lost this bout. Have the men fall back a bit the battle is not over but this round goes to Lamarck."
With this flags soon signaled an orderly fall back, though it would take some time for it to do so. The soldiers on the front lines were in engaged in heavy combat. Due to pikemen reach being much longer the battle itself was turning to the favor of Lamarck's men. Though the men continued to fight the call for a fall back was received a bit late. Parts of the forward lines were in chaos in a melee, and order was being attempted by the commanders blowing horn as a signal for an orderly fall back. Alas as it was too late the forwards began to be instead be pushed back and not forward.
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Rabite
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Post by Rabite on Dec 21, 2015 10:28:44 GMT -6
As Arawn pushes through the crowd to talk to the Paladins at the back of the church, he'll find that the long lines of people would looks at him funny. After all, when even the most uneducated peasant were able to follow the rules and stay in line, their lord who is suppose to be well educated for his duties decided to barge right in. However before he could reach the Archbishop he would have been intercepted by a Knight sent by Paladin Dipan.
"Sir Arawn Clarice I suppose? Come right this way."
The Knight leads Arawn to a room in the church where they had set aside for the meeting. Dipan, who had temporary pass his work to his follow teammates, sits there waiting.
"Greetings, Regent Clarice. I am Gareth Dipan, Paladin of Order of Gaia Saber. As much as we would have liked to have a conversation in a secured location, you would have to forgive us as we were... unable to find such location on our own without assistance from the ministers."
He showed enough respect to the younger man in front of him, at least he wasn't directly showing any of his annoyance at the Arawn. However the Paladin does make a slight nudge towards the lack of operating ability of the House Clarice before continuing.
"Part of the reason for our arrival is due to the orders of the Die Gerade himself. We have received news of the recent major military campaign that Margrave Clarice is carrying out, and we have concerns about the methods of gathering troops for the campaign could possibly cross the borders that are previously set by the treaty of Selardia."
He quickly looks at the reaction from the regent, hopefully to see if his words have shaken up the man a bit to make his job earlier.
"In order to confirm that is or is not the case, we hope to carry out an investigation in the area to check on the status of the people. If drafting had been carry out forcefully, that could mean Clarice had brought the battle to the people so to say, and would have to answer to a summon to court from the Die Gerade. But I'm sure that won't be necessary, and that I won't find anything of that sort... am I right, Sir Clarice?"
Dipan also takes out a map of the marsh, and points out a few locations of major settlements that the Gaia Saber plans to investigate. Their investigation will surely limit any further ability of conscription, and reveal any past evidence of such operations. There's also the problem of recent peasant uprise that were temporary calmed, that conscription sure wouldn't have helped one bit on trying to prevent further happenings of it. Commoners that share similar views but did not bring themselves to arms would surely bring their concerns up to the Archbishop, and that won't look good one bit for House Clarice.
In fact, some had already been received by Florina outside. Although many of the problems are mostly religious in concerns, several of them told her the difficulty of the winter this year with some of their family gone in war, and about their disagreement with the operations. This can't be helped as a part of the commoners tends to see the Civil War as something that doesn't concern them at all. All that the commoners care are their daily lives, as long as they are kept safe and have a bite to eat everyday, they wouldn't care about the banners changing. Though of course thanks to the years of governing, there are some degree of loyalty with the House of Clarice and if it's not too bad they would stay with the Margrave. Just that people that are disgruntled would unavoidably show some of these dissent when someone is there to listen, and you wouldn't get your heads chopped off for doing so.
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As it is starting to get late, they have closed the church after finishing up the last batch of supplies for today. Although many are disappointed from unable to get their portion of goods or meet with the Archbishop, they are told to return the next day. If they had more help from the governing nobles then they might be able to provide more help, but without it there's a limit in terms of manpower so they have no choice but to limit their efforts.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Dec 21, 2015 22:55:37 GMT -6
The battle continued like that for sometime, with Uthyr trying to keep order and pull his men back from the fire. It wasn't a very easy process, but there were some advantages to it on his side; Lamarck continued to play it safe which meant that his lines stayed cohesive without attempting to slam through the middle and encircle him. That didn't make it any easier for the enemies stuck there, who were still in a very unfortunate position, and having to try and pull back without adequate support.
The pounding of drums picked up the pace as the 'rebel' army pursued, not letting him escape so easily. Trying to pull back let Lamarck's light elements play havoc at his flanks, amongst other things.
But it was somewhere during this process that a messenger would come to Uthyr's tent with a parchment scroll, pending on his operational security, he'd either deliver it by hand, or give it to the guards at the entrance to carry through on the last leg. Regardless of how it got there, it was the note's content that was important:
Not long after his army had mustered for the campaign, there had been a surge in subversive activities in the kingdom. Bandits have grown more bold and began to prey upon the people, and peasants angered by the mass arrests and religious turmoil have begun to riot in a few areas. To make matters even worse, the cannier members of both groups have joined forces, several of them attacking jails to spring agitators and notorious criminals, such as the infamous Iron Jack. Or striking against viscounts and barons to seize their food and weapons to sell them to the masses - styling themselves as some kind of Robin Hood, capitalizing off the shortages pushed along by Lamarck's economic warfare and the general requisitioning of goods to keep the soldiers in supply. The nobility are similarly furious now as Byrius's levies, and centralization of the army, have left them too short handed to deal with this mess, and the serfs are mad that their leader's hands are tied.
In other words, all of the turmoil back home has lead to the brewing of the perfect storm.
The rest of the kingdom is having trouble dealing with the widespread issues, made worse by the presence of a second Lamarck army that had apparently began operations once he had advanced too far into enemy lands to help. This was coupled with heavy border raids tying down the other sections of his Royal Army. The missive was more to fill him in, it didn't have any orders, but the Field Marshal would have to know the situation for when he eventually stopped campaigning and went home. But at this rate, there may not be one to go back to. On the plus side, for the moment, his March was pretty free from all of the chaos; his own people being too loyal to engage in that kind of skulduggery.
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It was by this point that Dragos's army was thoroughly entrenched behind Uthyr's lines, the fog making that much easier than it otherwise would have been. As was said, this half of the colony used to sport a lot of mining; that left lots of tunnels, mixing with natural caves and branch offs dug by smuggles and other criminals who wanted to move around unnoticed. They were extensive, labyrinthine, and dangerous. No one had ever moved an entire army through them before, but that was what made the plan so brilliant. It'd be unsuspected. Dragos's father had begun making small deals with some parts of the criminal underworld, and pulling those strings got him the information he needed to make this possible.
The Margrave craned his neck towards the distance where repeated blasts of brass were coming from, the sounds of battle similar, but much more faint. He assumed it'd be time to move soon. Either the field marshal would fall into his trap, or he'd wind up encircled in a way he hadn't anticipated.
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Of course the troubles in the region weren't coincidental, it was all the result of expertly placed bribes, inserted provocateurs, and whispering the right words in the right ears. Or shouting the right ones in the right taverns, but that was just splitting hairs. Some of the turmoil was organic, if not most, but Lamarck's agents had definitely fanned the flames and turned it from something petty into a massive series of nuisances. The funny thing here was that Byrius's actions made it 5x worse than it should have been, in multiple ways. It probably wasn't something that would topple the kingdom, even if unchecked, but it'd definitely create issues.
Clarice didn't really want to play ball, Uthyr and his family had the population's support, but people keeping eyes out were still in the area. If not to watch Arawn, than to watch his guest. Some might even have been in the soup line that day, before it closed.
They wouldn't make any moves here, but if either of them intended to do anything about it, they'd act as early warnings. Similar sentries kept eyes on the other margraves as well, so it wasn't something unique to this area. As the people most liable to be called on to do something about it, keeping watch over them was just smart business.
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Post by Pitman on Dec 22, 2015 1:02:52 GMT -6
Arawn was soon lead into the room where the Paladin first introduced himself. Gareth Dipan, Paladin of Order of Gaia Saber, who was before him showed respect but one could tell he was annoyed at Arawn which wouldn't be a first.
When the first question was asked Arawn soon says, "Ah that thing. Well the civil war itself is not yet that desperate. Currently my father only drafted commoners who volunteered, with bulk of our forces make up is the Royal Army and of course guards of various lords. I don't expect that unless the situation was so dire it required that, investigate away Sir Gareth, you have my permission and as well if you require assistance, my Marshal Rido can help you."
Of course Arawn should of suspected this when they arrived, alas they won't find much here in the March of Clarice. Due to the campaign's of his father is was almost business as usual when volunteers join up. Though, Arawn does remember his father made it a rule to only take a 3rd of capable men of the March into any conflict just in case they are needed for anything else. Sometimes his father would be over think the process, because the March had to stand ready always especially with the Holy Empire.
"Is there anything else you require?", Arawn soon asked the man not even intimidated.
Arawn looked at the settlements as he stated that looking at the different lords and places. Though he wondered their own state as well, if the man requested Marshal Rido to help then he too would know the current state of affairs in other lands.
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Uthyr watched as the battle was now going against him, the plan had backfired and Uthyr's orders were attempting to reorganize his army. The Battle was not over, no it was only the second day but his own underestimation of the enemy lines and this fog didn't even help him one bit. The situation was slowly becoming dire as he went through many plans in his own head to figure out what to do next. Soon a messenger would become towards his own tent which the guard looked at the man who was out of breath. Looking at the seal and where it came from the guard soon took the message and gave it to an aide.
"My Lord, we got a message just now.", the aide soon stated as Uthyr was still on his horse.
Uthyr soon nodded and was given the missive right away then broke the seal to look at its contents. He would read until his expression changed from surprise to grim.
"What it is Field Marshal?", Sir Tristan soon asked Uthyr who turned to the second in command.
"We been had.", Uthyr plainly stated as he gave the man the message.
Sir Tristan looked at the missive and soon whistles at it.
"So an outright revolt and bandits joining forces and causing havoc at home.", Sir Tristan commented.
Looking at the battle Uthyr was now at a hard crossroads it seemed this war was not going to be a short little war like he hoped.
"King Alan is quite crafty as well it seems. No matter what I do I stand to lose, if I fall back now many lords would call me a coward and even go so far to request my resignation or even outright execution.", Uthyr soon stated in front of the man.
"The King wouldn't do that, you know that.", Sir Tristan then added.
"But it would weaken the King's position further, so much there might be a move by his lords to have the King overthrown and place his younger brother on it.", Uthyr then stated as if fact.
"Oh? But that would only help King Alan, if those lords stand to lose so much now, we are too far in this civil war to simply do that. In fact unless their completely imbeciles, they have no choice but support the King until King Alan is defeated.", Sir Tristan soon mentioned.
"That is the thing, lords are angry their losing so much, but none of them can see the bigger picture. Their so engraved in their old way of thinking, I wouldn't be shocked if it ends up being their fault that the Holy Empire may one day conquer us. Now if I stay...", Uthyr soon stated.
"That is just as bad right? The Field Marshal who allowed his own supply lines to fall and the lands at home to burn.", Sir Tristan pointed out.'
"Exactly, if I Stay the course we will be in a just as bad situation, without supply we will be forced to raid Lamarck's own lands which would cause their people to hate us more. Not to mention Lamarck's popularity will sore well King Fernand's falls into outright rebellion. So now we are at this crossroads.", Uthyr soon stated as he grinded his teeth as the battle though not lost was in a bad situation never the less.
"So? Why not press the attack? King Alan is here now, if we get rid of him here and now the war is over regardless. He dies so does his cause, he is the glue that his supporters are connected to. If that glue disappears then his entire base will collapse on itself. Though it wouldn't end the civil war it would cause havoc on their side and with both sides in a bad situation it will calm down a little and go back to small raids between both sides until one side rebounds." Sir Tristan suggested, which was a violent it would mean the death of Uthyr's main army potentially.
"My Army would be decimated but Lamarck would be headless.", Uthyr soon stated as he saw before him.
What should he do? Finish off Lamarck or fall back and deal with the situation at home? Not knowing this one choice alone affected the entire civil war with consequences that both sides didn't expect.
Uthyr sighs then gives his order, "Call for a general retreat. I want it orderly and done correctly. Have the main army begin falling back well the rearguard to begin defense as well fall back towards the Duchy of Byrius. Even if it sounds good to attempt to kill King Alan, there can be another day. Without a base of supply and potential reinforcements to happen it would only dry us to death until we starve."
The aide soon nodded as he quickly went towards to give the general flags and horns to prepare for a full retreat for the army.
"Field Marshal I say that is a mistake.", Sir Tristan soon mentioned.
"So noted Sir Tristan.", Uthyr gave his reply.
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Rabite
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Post by Rabite on Dec 22, 2015 3:23:07 GMT -6
Everyone in the room pretty much raised an eyebrow when Arawn mentioned 'Drafting' and 'Volunteering' in the same sentence, but they didn't press on the subject. After all they may as well treat it as a valuable evidence that conscription did happen, along with the words that reached the ears of the Archbishop. They were about the refuse the help that was suggested by Arawn, but they were stopped by another voice.
"It would be beneficial to receive help from a local administrator, thank you very much for your assistance, Sir Clarice."
Finally finished hearing the confessions of the people of Clarice, Florina enters the room just in time to accept the assistance offered by Arawn. Due to the winter weather, the young woman is wearing thicker clothing to combat the cold. A hood, a thicker robe, and a pair of snow boots is enough to do that job, seeing that they spend most of their times in door or in vehicles. She doesn't seem to be surprised that the noble that she met a few months ago would be in charge of the land in place of the Margrave.
"Paladin Dipan, you are free to carry out your duties, I'll be fine here."
"But your holiness, we were ordered to keep you safe..."
"What is there to be worried about? The regular escort team should be enough to handle most problems, and I'm sure as a brave knight Sir Clarice would protect us from harm."
That was pretty much what Dipan was worried about, the armies of Clarice. What if they decided to attack just to prevent the investigation team from gathering evidence? But with the Die Gerade all the way back in Gransela, the Archbishop's words became the next highest order, so they move out to carry their duties even though worries still exist in their minds.
Now all that remains in the room is Florina herself, and two Dames that are in charge of her personal safety. Florina walks over to an old set of furniture that belongs to the church, dusts it off slightly with a cloth before sitting on the chair.
"Do you have some time Sir Clarice? Perhaps you would like to have a conversation with me?"
Normally there would be some tea or other beverages for them, but in a poor church like this, all they have is warm water. One of the Dames pours a cup for Florina, and then one more for Arawn if he comes.
"How do you fare since our last conversation, Sir Arawn? You're of a different standing than before, did your change of status bring new vision to your mind? Did they give you answers? Or have they brought more confusion towards the future?"
Looking into the eyes of the person in front of her, just like how she usually does when she have conversation with others. Although it sounds like a simple thing, many cannot do this, being afraid to meet the gaze of others. However Florina had no such fear, understanding that each person have their own thoughts, and only by making contact can you accept the values of others. James is another person that could do this, but while the religious leader have a strong will that is like the sun in the eyes of others, those of the Archbishop is like a calm pond that is clear and does not even have waves that would block one's visions of her.
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Outside the church, the Knights are getting their JMS ready so they can quickly travel to the planned locations. Several of them headed back towards the castle to look for the Marshall that Arawn has mentioned, so that they could meet up at their destination. They also request that Rido provide them with some simple data such as the recorded population of the areas, the average income of the commoners, the amount of yearly harvest, and the accuracy of these data. After all in an age where there are still many unclaimed land, there could be people living in areas where the influence of the local government could not reach. They also help to use these data to judge the level of changes caused by unusual decisions such as drafting soldiers, and the usual mobilization of the army.
Waiting for the other Knights to arrive along with Rido, they decided to start the investigations ahead of time. It wasn't too hard to notice that a chunk of the population has joined the army for promises of wealth and fame, but there's also the information that some of the nobles had forced people into armies in order to fulfill the levy requirements from their Margrave. These underhand ploys are not uncommon, but the problem gets worse when House Clarice could not maintain a firm enough control over the area. Adding to that is the lack of willingness to help in the cause of their 'king'.
The declaration from their Die Gerade, the lack of interest of the Civil War, and the recent unsettled uprises in the half-Kingdom all factors into the unwillingness to join the war. Drafting them into the army just makes it worse by increasing their dissent towards their lord and the king, who seems to not care about their people at all, and just want to fulfill their ambition and conquest. The public declaration did not help them one bit, in fact war simply means an increase in taxes and hardship for the commoners. If it wasn't for the long years of governing by the House of Clarice, these people might have revolted just like some of the other commoners in other areas of the half-kingdom.
The arrival of the investigation teams helped easing some of these tensions, as it provides an outlet for them to speak their concerns. The name of the esteemed Archbishop Exion also helps them feel that the Church of Devanism is really here to help them, or at least place high importance on them.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Dec 22, 2015 4:58:21 GMT -6
Lamarck's personal banner was, indeed, one of the most prominent amongst the enemy battle lines, the magenta wyvern fluttering in the colony's faux-wind. Getting to him wouldn't have been easy, back behind the majority of his forces, but it could have been possible. Yet that possibility went out the window as Uthyr rejected Tristan's approach for the safer one of trying to preserve the kingdom.
By and large, it was probably the better choice, though neither one was going to end up to be very good.
The most prudent road to take back to the Duchy was the one they had taken in, one of the four that met the traffic circle here. In better times it was a big route of trade between the duchies, but it'd probably be a long time before it saw use in that function again. The area around the park was considered prime real estate, even the baron's villa overlooked it from a hill in the distance. Traveling in either direction brought you to communities, smaller ones as you neared the border. Off the roads were primarily fields, unclaimed buildings from the colony's earlier days, and empty lots.
The nearest one in the rearward direction was named Annecy, a small village that they had passed on the way here. The closer you got to the border, the more militant the buildings became. Annecy had flat topped roofs and houses made out of stone that could work as hideouts for the family in the event of a siege or attack by bandits. Fairly robust construction, if not the most comfortable or pretty to look at. The residents had fled or hid themselves before the army arrived. It was where his rearguard were passing through as they moved to secure the way back for the army's retreat, though it'd take them a decent amount of marching to get there. It wouldn't go as planned when they arrived.
By the time they were about halfway through the village they'd find the main road blocked at a four-way intersection, where two smaller roads met the highway. Battery powered farm vehicles were placed back-to-back across the road, with stacks of tires and gabions in front of them. That was about when bullets began to rain down into their formation, fired from skirmishers on the rooftops. Anyone looking up would see distinctive black-and-gold uniformed men perched up top holding stone bows, with which they lobbed pointed bullets. These men were dead-accurate and picked their targets in this order: anyone wearing a noble's colors, anyone holding a banner, anyone holding an instrument, and then anyone left over. In other words, they tried to shoot important people first. Considering the fog, this probably meant that standard bearers and musicians were the folks most likely to be shot, with the actual commanders protected by the low visibility. Fortune wasn't entirely against Byrius, it seemed.
Of much greater concern were the two armies on both of their flanks, each hosting identical banners that denoted these troops belong to Margrave and Margravine Tzympenos; evidently both were present, if the subtle differences in the standards were to be believed. Rugged looking troops with greyed uniforms, sloped shields, pointed helmets, and bludgeons stared at them. Fortunately or otherwise the soldiers didn't immediately go for the melee, instead they plucked wicked darts from their shields and hurled them into the rearguard's formations as they closed to break them up and inflict initial casualties. On a good shot they could kill a man, even on a bad one they'd ruin a shield. What was worse is that the men had no cover from darts of bullets, completely exposed to the firepower raining down at them from multiple angles. From somewhere within these two formations, a loud horn sounded.
Back at the frontline's, Lamarck heard that and made a chopping motion with his hand. Another deep brash horn answered it, and almost at once, his army began to push Uthyr much harder, going from conservative to lashing out at his retreating foes. Phase two of the trap had been sprung. It might take awhile for news from the rearguard to get back to him, but the reason for the change in tactics would become clear once it did: He was caught in a pincer, Lamarck had somehow managed to sneak an army behind him.
Little did either group know, the second army had brought cavalry with them...of a sort. Bringing horses through those mines was an impossibility, so instead they brought the riders, and they had to work to acquire mounts on their own on this side of the field. Easier said than done. At the moment they were foraging for mounts further afield and coming back around, so for the moment, the back line troops just had to deal with the pincer they were caught in specifically.
Tyzmpenos Ambush Force:
31x 25-man Infantry Platoons (775) 4x 25-man Skirmisher Platoons (100) 5x 25-man Cazacul Dragoon Platoons (125) (Out of sight)
40 points in total
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Post by Pitman on Dec 24, 2015 2:11:51 GMT -6
When the Knights were in discussion with Arawn he was about to reply until he heard a female voice form the distance which he recognized.
"Ah, Lady Florina, it is nice to see you again. Yes, it is after all my duty to abide by the treaty.", Arawn did a courtly bow.
When hearing the calling off the guards, Arawn soon adds, "Do not worry nothing will happen to her, after all it is my responsibility for any guests entering the March of Clarice to be treated as so."
"I always have time, only thing waiting for me back at home in endless amounts of paper work on running this March. I completely understand why I father always went on campaign, not only protect our country but to hide from the paperwork.", Arawn soon joked.
Arawn soon took a note that meant to have a seat, he soon walked over as one of the Dame's offered him some water which he graciously took. Turning to the older woman who was of that of the church it was not every day in Clarice. Though for Arawn this would be the second time he meet her and this time knowing full well who she was.
Arawn sipped the water then says, "Officially I am now ruling in my father stead, to keep everything running as he goes off to put down the rebellion. Unofficially, its not that I don't know what I am doing its... this uncertain future of the nation as a whole. Since last time we talked all those months ago at the King's Funeral much has happened. The Butchering that the Late Count Gristo in the name of the King, meeting various people and meeting the current Duke Byrius. What has been nagging behind all this, why are we fighting for some silly throne when we got a larger threat on the horizon."
Arawn of course meant the Holy Medeen Empire, House Clarice unlike other Houses was always ready to march to war on a moments notice. The Threat of the Holy Empire was a constant threat for a century now since they begun their expansion into so many nations that many had already fallen. The future was uncertain, with left Arawn pondering his role in all this. Arawn felt it was his own fault the civil war became far worse then it became just because what he allowed happen. Now his father was forced to be a Field Marshal and lead their soldiers against the very people they swore to protect.
"My Lady may I be blunt? I still have my own apprehensions with this war. My father stated he handled it but I am deeply troubled, so troubled I wonder if this war was more then just the intention of just the greed of two men.", Arawn soon stated.
He waited on her reply on this, strange enough though a stranger Arawn actually trusts Florina more then some other nobles. Like an elder sister he never had, or warmth of a mother that his own never gave. Since the time of his attempted assassination on his life he still investigated about the dagger that was used. He continued to investigate only to lead to dead ends, now with words of wisdom before him Arawn gave hint his own ideas of why the civil war continued to grow worse by the day.
"Lady Florina, only four people know of this as I began my own investigation on the night of the attack on my life. Marshal Rido, Duke Ronald Byrius, myself, and a special informant named 'Johnny'. So far everything has ended on a complete dead end. Now I think, I think it is a good time tell you, strange enough I trust you.", Arawn soon informed the woman.
This of course now all left is the woman's reply on the matter, this information so tightly sealed, Arawn was still searching, searching for the answers. Especially in a time where the civil war increased its threat by the day.
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Marshal Rido rode on horseback towards the meeting point with the Paladins of the Archbishop. Hearing the words that Arawn ordered him to help them Rido grabbed his best men he completely trusted along with him. Sir Willias, Sir Heindrick, and Sir Roberto; they were the most loyal knights of Uthyr's House and were considered very well trained on their own; they also simply known as The Tri Swords of Clarice. Bringing them was in good faith that the March of Clarice does no half measure in helping in abiding the Treaty signed by their lord. Arriving he was ready to give all the help that was required for the investigations for Paladin Dipan.
Arriving Rido soon says, "Alright I am here, Marshal Rido here to help in your investigation."
With the help of the Marshal of Clarice meant much, this man is well known throughout the March and has served the previous Margrave and the current one. a Veteran Knight of many wars Rido's had scars on his face and a head balding. His hair was now grey and white no longer the dirty brunette it was in his youth, with his beard shortly trimmed to keep it maintained. Paladin Dipan, might of heard of this man as he was known as the Brown Bull of Clarice, though in today's world he is simply now known as the Old Bull of Clarice, being one of the oldest still serving the March. Now the Paladin may not trust the man due to this but in terms of efficiency Rido was considered the best and why he always was Margrave Uthyr's right hand man.
Dismounting Rido soon introduces, "The orange haired kid is Sir Willias, the blonde is Sir Heindrick, and the scruffy red head is Sir Roberto."
Of course their introduction was required to gain the trust of the Paladin and his men. Though only four came Rido and these men had clout to make anyone talk within the March of Clarice.
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As the Rearguard helped the main army begin to fall back Uthyr's own camp broke camp. With his Centerpoint Battalion being the protection of the Field Marshal, they as well began to fall back as the entire army continued to fall back. Uthyr was riding along Sir Trisan not hearing of what was occurring on the front line as King Alan began his trap. As they rode with his men soon the ambush began to descend on to Uthyr.
"A Set back but we can regroup and.. wait a horn.", Uthyr soon commented suddenly an ambush occurred at the sides of his group well they were retreating.
"We are under attack Field Marshal!!", the aide soon shouted when the suddenly appearance of an army from the rear.
"What?", Uthyr soon shouted as the forward positions of the now forward was utterly crushed instantly.
"Well well it looks like they managed to get an army behind us.", Sir Tristan commented as the entire army in front went into complete panic as the men were being crushed by sword of melee.
"So that is your plan King Alan... a good play if I say so myself.", Uthyr commented on horseback as the forward positions were both routed and completely overran.
"O..r..ders Field Marshal?", the aide soon asked.
Uthyr soon began to look around cursing his luck orders, "Damn Muskets and mounted men are useless here, it seems we been had. Have all calvary dismount and help in the melee. If we do not break through here we will be utterly crushed by the Main Army of Lamarck and this other. The only way is forward gather your courage and break through!"
So the non mounted infantry along prepared themselves and charged into the enemy lines. The only way out was forward, if they run they will die. Uthyr himself took out his own blade well those who were mounted were ready to move. For now Uthyr waited to see the current situation but it looked bleak.
Field Marshal's Centerpoint Battalion
4x 25-Man Clarice Heavy Knights (Heavily armored, Veterans, Long Sword, Heavy Round Shield, Muskets stored on back) (100) 2x 25-Man Royal Army Guard (Lead by Sir Tristan, Heavily Armored, Veterans, Royal Army weaponry) (50) 2x 25-Man Royal Musketeers (Lightly Armored, ranged Soldiers with Muskets) (50) 3x 25-Man Light Infantry Volunteers (Volunteers, Green, Lightly Armored in leather and a single steel helmet, Spear, round Shield, short sword) (75) 22x 25-Man Royal Army (Royal Army Trained, Green, Armored in leather and some plates armor at chest area only, Spears, Round Shield, and Long Sword) (550)
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Rabite
Veteran Member
Emperor of H
Hey, look over here.
Posts: 1,887
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Post by Rabite on Dec 24, 2015 3:32:43 GMT -6
"Sir Arawn, while it is true that this war have little benefits if any at all for the Kingdom of Selardia, I would not say it is merely due to the greed of a few. If I have to say it then it would be the greed of many, so many that even those that started the conflict could no longer hold them down. The two of them, merely provided the spark that ignited the conflict that had already been building since the former King's time. The Civil War, simply magnified such problems."
Seeing that the young man in front of her seems to be out of touch with politics before his recent raise to power, Florina decides to explain a bit more to him, according to what she have seen in the past.
"The Civil War was not the causes of these problems, it is the end result of these factors adding to it. Surely the Empire have a hand in all of this, but they are not the only cause. If the Kingdom was united, without internal hostility, then none of their attempts would get far. However that is not the case... my own house is an example of this, before the recent years the House of Exion and the House of Gransela had a long feud that even caused major military actions against each other. What the Kingdom needs, is someone that is willing to forgive, which is the reason why James, the Die Gerade, requested it on the treaty. Only by forgiving past enemies can they work together towards a common goal, but from what I've seen so far in the Civil War, it seems... King Fernand, is unwilling to do that."
However she ended at that, without further discussion into the topic to avoid supporting any of the two main faction of this war. Taking a sip of water to moisturize her lips and throat from the discussion, she turns to the assassination that Arawn had referred to.
"If you wish to place your trust in me then I would be honored to accept it, we would not turn away any pleas for help. No matter the difficulty, those that are 'Just' will have the support of us all."
Now all it needs, is for him to continue and reveal his mind. The investigations of the case before was interrupted by the call to war, otherwise given more time the Church would have gathered further information independently. But with both sides ignoring the order of the court, they were forced to suspend the case. If there are new evidence then it will surely be helpful in reducing conflicts between the nobles.
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Paladin Dipan and several other Knights that were still around introduced themselves and greeted the three Knights and the Marshal. The groups that have began investigations on their own had returned, and handed their commander a short report of their gatherings.
"Hm, this is not directly related to the investigation, however I see there are some disturbance among the commoners. Speaking on the behalf of the Church, I would recommend that more resources be placed on them rather than on military actions. The Die Gerade has told us, in order to affect the external, one must first calm the internal. We won't say anything about military actions be carried out, but I would like to remind you that it would be an unfortunate happening if the fire of rebellion continues to spread within the Kingdom."
He did not give any orders, simply handed over parts of the data to the Marshal, and give a few comments of his own. But with the Marshal and Knights here, they can have an easier time in gathering the information that they need.
"Marshal Rido, I would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind. What are the usual wage for the basic recruit? I have heard of news that Clarice had increased the wages in order to gather more military personnel for the campaign, so how much is the new amount? I know some countries have a system where people could pay in order to avoid military service, does such system exist here in Clarice?"
Simple questions that could be gathered by regular means, just that with the person in charge right beside him, it'll be a lot easier to just ask him instead. From these data the Church can judge the amount of commoners being called to service, and how much of them are being forced to do so. Besides that, he is also a bit worried about what the local nobles might do. Some of them might decided that it would be better to preserve their own military strength, and force untrained peasants to pose as professional Knights in order to fulfill their levy requirements. In that case it would surely be illegal according to the treaty, and House Clarice as a whole might suffer penalties for it accord to how they deal with the problem.
"The Winter this year is not too bad, so it seems a bit out of place for the poor to exchange their lives in order for a small increase of pay. Are you, Marshal Rido, not worried that some of the nobles that are further away from the center of Clarice politics, might have falsely report their situations?"
As much as their King would have hoped to have full power to himself, it is virtually impossible as no one can be everywhere at once and do everything on his own. There are always blind spots that one person might not be able to see, and who knows what some of these nobles are doing behind their lord's back.
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Richter
Veteran Member
Posts: 1,870
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Post by Richter on Dec 24, 2015 4:40:28 GMT -6
The army of Caliacra closed on its foes with a steady march, their own drums and fifes keeping the pace so that the troops could accurately throw their darts into the midst of the opposing force without risking hitting one another. They saved their final dart however, only lobbing four out of the five and reserving the last. The reason for that would be revealed soon.
The rearguard reacted like caged animals, attempting to launch themselves against the forces closing in on both sides. Their lack of focus would likely prove to be detrimental unless it was part of another clever ploy by their field marshal. Bullets continued to rain down from the skirmishers on the rooftops, unopposed by the lack of ranged forces on the ground. With the enemy taking formation and moving closer they could now see more clearly and pick targets better, so for that reason, they ignored both the knights and guards in favor of focusing on the core royal army soldiers. The reason for that being their crossbow-launched slugs weren't particularly effective against plate armor, so they instead shot at the weaker troops and sowed discord in their ranks.
The final darts of the infantry were also released at the 15 yard mark to break the enemy's stride, the missiles hurled and then maces drawn as another blast of a horn signaled a counter charge. They stepped forward with their left foot, hunkered down, and rammed the front rank of the enemy with their shields to stagger them, and then laid in with their maces, clubs, and other bashing weapons. The distinct advantage here was that bludgeons were decently effective against the heavy armor sported by the rival force's elite soldiers, whose own swords they had at least some measure of protection from in turn.
War cries, screams, the clash of steel on steel, and other less savory noises quickly drowned out almost anything else in the vicinity. Tzympenos's forces fought like devils, the land they were from was rough and it bred suitably rugged individuals. Likely, they were also just as afraid of failing their leaders as they were of fighting the enemy ahead of them. Several of the ambushers fell in turn as the two sides pushed against one another, blood being eagerly spilled by both factions. The distinct disadvantage here was that whichever side Uthyr's men had rushed, the opposite was now crashing into the back of their lines just as hard. That alone could break the formation if they weren't very well drilled troops, and even if they were, it'd split their forces and deeply confuse them.
The thunder of hooves would eventually be heard as the cavalry they had brought finally arrived on the scene, whipping through side roads and coming around to outflank the enemy rearguard - that is to say, they slipped in between the sizable gap between the main army that was fighting Lamarck, and the forces trapped here. A very bold move, but it was the kind of thing horsemen were known for. These one in particular. Their own standard identified them as being from one of Tzympenos's vassals, a particularly infamous bunch from a smaller colony outside of the city proper. There seemed to be an even mixture of men and women in the cavalry wedge, which would be considered fairly odd for the era. They weren't as intimidating as they should be, mostly riding draft horses rather than stallions, but the synchronous battering of horseshoes on pavement was rattling all the same. They drove themselves towards the area of heaviest fighting, where the royal guard and knights themselves were liable to be putting up the most resistance, and came close enough to see the whites of each others' eyes...
They fired the pistols built into their spears at that point and then broke away to retreat before actually getting close enough to melee, so that they could circle back to do it again next turn after having suitably disrupted the enemy by assaulting not just their rear, but the flank as well. If that was allowed to happen, they'd be totally encapsulated.
Tyzmpenos Ambush Force:
31x 25-man Infantry Platoons (725) (2 squads destroyed) 4x 25-man Skirmisher Platoons (100) 5x 25-man Cazacul Dragoon Platoons (125)
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Post by Pitman on Dec 28, 2015 15:01:24 GMT -6
"Forgiving huh... if it was so easy the world would be a better place.", Arawn admitted it was a good dream to think of especially in the world they lived. In the perfect world Arawn wouldn't mind that, it would end the starvation of many lands and would simply allow things to attempt to mend the realm.
"The problems seem a bit much, but sometimes letting out steam might be good for the mind.", Arawn then suggested, which meant if there was some way to let your anger out it actually helps one feel better. Of course there is other ways of going about it though the most common is simply violence and war.
"My Lady so far His Holiness and yourself; have again and again shown you sincerely care for Selardia. I am green in politics but I am not green is when I smell a rat or something not right. Very well the current situation I been wondering lately is something that sparked this civil war into what it is now.", Arawn soon stated which meant that Arawn was disclosing something hardly anyone should know but he trusted them enough.
"As you may recall the night after the funeral on my way back I was attack by what he called himself a 'Professional Thug'. We all know how that turned out but the day I woke up, my father already declared for King Fernand. That alone made me pause, because my entire life I known my father he never took a side to preserve the realm because it is the duty of House Clarice to keep the people of Selardia safe. The thing that has been nagging me is of a weapon that was used against me. It was different then anything I have seen or my blacksmith who knows of all smithing other nations does, he is an expert. The dagger alone was made a metal we never seen and it did things that is considered impossible, like bend without breaking. The problem is where could this so called 'Professional Thug' even get the weapon, its not ordinary. I even made contact with a very reliable sources in the underground who knew nothing, which begs to differ, I do not think it was someone from Selardia that is behind this plot. No, I am starting to suspect either nobility or even worse, agents outside the kingdom. This is why I am asking you, right now I am telling you this because I know you and his holiness would have their own ways on the religious side to find things out. Right now the only ones who know of what I am doing is Marshal Rido, my smith, my underground contact named Johnny..., and Duke Ronald Byrius who himself has not even told his elder brother. Now yourself and his holiness, this is why I am telling you. Your proven yourself trust worthy and proven that you actually care, I do not know if its a conspiracy or simply a spy. We got nothing to work on but this dagger I have its why I am needing help in this.", Arawn soon stated to the woman before him.
Arawn was young, naive, but at the same time, he was brave and simply wanted to do the right thing. He was not sure if he was religious or not; he has not made up his mind if there is a God or not he was a lost child who just wanted his father's approval. Now his small wings are now fully grown and he is using them to find the truth in the matter, because it worried him his father acted out of character to even him which made him question the current mindset of his father or why two King's are bringing ruin to the realm.
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Marshal Rido looked over the data which was gathered with all the introductions done he read the parchment then he hears of the suggestion by the Paladin. Of course he was talking of the commoners in away to protect them but Rido was more older then the man before him knowing what age they live in.
"If that was so easy I think I would support the idea, but as you know Paladin we live in an Age of Constant War. The world of Luna war has become the most common thing to see now. Though Age of Heresy ended its repercussions lead to the decline of society and left and age of warlords who ravage Luna. It is only until now that the common man has found some form of happiness but its only here in Selardia that they have experienced this. Go to any other nation and things are far far worse there then here. Trust me I know from experience and years on the field.", Rido gave his own opinion, which meant that he understood what the Die Gerade wanted but he was a realist. In this age, it was an era of war not an era of prosperity or peace but an era where war was the daily life of people and to gain as much resources that what little there was. Just maintaining the dome was a miracle in itself but it required attacking and taking other nation's own resources to maintain it. Thus why some Historians call the current Age the Age of Endless War. Simply put peace was a fallacy and the only way to maintain it was through the force of arms and taking it away from another people.
On hears the first question Rido soon simply replies, "Depends on the time actually. Wages are not fully set due to we simply cannot maintain a large army all the time. It of course affects food production and other things so it really really varies. Before this civil war we usually paid around 25 Coins of Currency a day which is enough for basic living wages to pay for meals for their families a day. With the break out of the civil war and requiring new recruits Margrave Uthyr has gone into his own personal fortune to pay much more to increase the volunteers. Which should be around 75 Coins a day until the civil war ends. Or that was the plan he told me, we can maintain this for a year though after that it potentially could bankrupt the March of Clarice if we extend it. Then leads to trouble how to continue it after that then might require a tax hike. Well never the less we are not sure, if the civil war will last so that is something to think about."
When Rido heard of the paying out of system he soon laughs at that. After a breath chuckle which he soon replies, "Ah I haven't seen that system in the March since Margrave's Uthyr's father. No One of the first reforms for the March of Clarice, was it was mandatory for all nobles of the March serve a minimum of two years with his troops. It was mandatory or well, lets say there are more endless nobles within the March. Only commoners are allowed to volunteer, drafting system is only used in emergencies if something unexpected happens."
Which Rido would regret saying in the future for those words were in fact true to what was occurring on the front.
"Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall, it don't matter in Luna technically there is no seasons only what the human mind thinks, due to living in another realm that does. Of course whatever controls the weather is what dictates it, if I had my way I would say have Spring all the time due to never ending problems with food. As for the nobles, as I said earlier unless they don't want their head on their shoulders they better listen to the Margrave. Its how Uthyr has kept the March so smooth sailing, even if its somewhat Tyrannical, it simply works when he is very very serious.", Rido soon told them.
Of course there was always the potential of a Lord revolting but its been years since someone tried. Last time the entire core branch of that noble family were all publicly beheaded for treason. It was one of the few things why the commoners of the March of Clarice actually liked their lord. He treated everyone equally, that no one was above the March Law and that he was fair. Then of course the tradition of the House sending its heir to fend for themselves to 'know' their commoners. Though with recent events, Rido soon wondered how will Arawn react, especially if the Nobles think they could change their standing in the March in today's situation.
"Anything else you wish to ask Sir Dipan?", Rido soon inquired.
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The Battle was going from bad into worse as Uthyr saw what a trap they laid for him. He was in the worse possible situation that could happen and could potentially not only end his entire army but end the Duchy of Byrius before it could even rally enough troops to fight a war. After all a large portion of the Duchy's own guards and knights were here in this battle. If the entire army fell meant the entire Byrius side of the war would lose its best troops and most well trained veterans. Uthyr mentally cursed in this situation in making such a rookie error he is not known for, his goal of ending the war swiftly with the least casualties as possible and give the Kingdom the best chance if Medeen comes knocking on their door was completely ruined. He was too cautious and ended up falling right into King Alan's trap, now his own force was in a life and death situation which required only victory or death. He began to think all potential ideas to get out of this mess, one of course which is the one option which could help but it would mean the sacrifice of the entire Main Army. Another was the opposite, he give up his own men and the best to allow the Main Army to fully retreat, but it required to sacrifice of the entire rearguard and Vanguard along with his own troops. Which left no matter what today Lamarck will win the day and Byrius would lose either its best troops or most of its troops.
"What a predicament orders Field Marshal?", Sir Tristan soon asked.
Uthyr curses, "We are done for, we got options but all of them will have many people die."
Sir Tristan soon frowns, "Well its better then being completely wiped out."
Uthyr soon gave his order, "Sir Tristan have your best men and yourself break through towards the main army to inform them of the planned route to retreat is no longer viable. You're to lead them to a long way out, have the Rearguard stand at whatever costs to prevent Lamarck's Army from getting here. The Vanguard and the Centerpoint Battalion will hold the enemy here as long as possible until the main army fully retreats, then we will scatter in multiple directions. Expect most of us to be dead by nightfall. Do not wait for me and fall back as quickly as possible.", Uthyr soon muttered, which gave his own Clarice troops pause who were near.
Sir Tristan soon nodded who called over his best men with Sir Tristan saying, "Good Lucky Field Marshal."
Of course such a situation could be considered a desperate gamble on Uthyr's part. Now it was do or die moment but the entire rearguard of the army would likely be dead for sure. He couldn't allow the main army to fall, falling meant losing half of Byrius War Potential which itself is like losing 1/6 of the national war potential of Selardia. But Uthyr knew, King Alan most likely knew this, he was also just as desperate, more reacting then proactive. This move had its risks as well, if wiping Byrius War Potential also risks Selardia will be itself as a nation greatly weakened, especially when this side had large portion of veterans of the Kingdom. One could call this ingenious which Uthyr would normally be proud a fellow countryman in making but right now it was his bane that it was used on him.
"Margrave your orders?", one of the head Knights of his own House soon asked.
"Move in to support to royal army, whatever it takes do not allow them to encircle us. Your the best that this kingdom has with many campaigns in your hands. Whatever the costs just like the usual its life or death!! No Longer its about victory but now its about simply to survive!! Move Forward and do not stop! Even if fellow friends fall do not stop because if you stop we all die!!", Uthyr soon ordered as he himself took out his blade, as he dismounted.
"We are always with you Margrave!!", Another of his knights soon shouted.
"Then let us make haste!! We will carve a path through the bodies of our enemies for our allies may live another day!!", Uthyr soon shouts.
Moving quickly the men of the House of Clarice moved, they had no chose but to head into a single point. Uthyr's plan would require his heavy troops to smash into a single point of the enemies' planned encirclement. It meant break their lines who would be thinner now to punch of hole into the army the plan, to open a path for the royal army and other volunteers to break out and prevent a complete masscre. During this Sir Tristan would attempt to break through with a few of his best men on horse back to inform the main army of the change of plans and new orders for the rearguard to hold their ground until death. If they didn't the entire army would be utterly decimated beyond rebound. This plan was a gamble that relied on luck and the use of the fog. Uthyr knew it was over now for the current campaign but with the attack back at Byrius, he had to go or lose the entire trust of the nobility AND the commoners alike.
Field Marshal's Centerpoint Battalion
4x 25-Man Clarice Heavy Knights (Heavily armored, Veterans, Long Sword, Heavy Round Shield, Muskets stored on back) (100) 2x 25-Man Royal Army Guard (Lead by Sir Tristan, Heavily Armored, Veterans, Royal Army weaponry) (50) 2x 25-Man Royal Musketeers (Lightly Armored, ranged Soldiers with Muskets) (50) 3x 25-Man Light Infantry Volunteers (Volunteers, Green, Lightly Armored in leather and a single steel helmet, Spear, round Shield, short sword) (75) 16x 25-Man Royal Army (Royal Army Trained, Green, Armored in leather and some plates armor at chest area only, Spears, Round Shield, and Long Sword) (400)
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