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#Post#: 4534--------------------------------------------------
The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: September 26, 2013, 10:16 pm
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Konurtc Halfgart Muelnar looked across the lowlands where one
hundred thousand brave men and women had gathered for the
departure to the Graastyling. Frajland was his target, and
Halfgart was known to never miss his target. Eighteen months he
had spent preparing a vast fleet of ships and assembling his
army, and all for this day in which he would sail to the kingdom
of Frajland and take control of what was owed to the Naardi. The
skies were fairly clear and the cool summer air blew across the
plains where tens of thousands of tents had been set up. An
entire city was below destroying itself, taking tents down and
packing chests, emptying wash basins and preparing armour. At
sea the ships ready themselves and loaded supplies from
Kjransbyrg. One thousand ships, purely for supplies, were
readied to sail. For Halfgart Muelnar, he did not plan to simply
make one great raid, he planned on conquer.
"My King," spoke a voice from behind Halfgart as gazed at his
strength below, "We must make ready to sail. The first wave is
departing within the hour." Halfgart turned to Jarl Jurgi, a
tall bulk of muscle even for a Naardi, his beard bright as gold
and as long as his axe.
"Indeed my dear friend," Halfgarts aged face broke from its
solemn gaze into a smile. His black beard was unique for a
Naardi, found only in a few Husmal lines. "Tell me Jurgi, do you
believe the Asatri are with us?" Jurgi smirked at his king.
"I believe the Asatri are always with us, but it is our muscle
that will carry the day, for it is their will that we fight our
own battles." Jurgi replied to Halfgart, who in turn grabbed his
shoulder as he passed by. Jurgi looked out one last time to the
army below, there was no doubt that any army of the known world
could stand against their forces.
Halfgart's servants packed the clothes and supplies while he
looked to his arms and armour himself. His coat of chain mail
was oiled and rolled into a water proof skin of the Halak Seal.
His helmet was polished again and also oiled down, it was placed
in its own special bag as it was the most intrinsic piece of his
armour. It was a helmet that concealed his face with a rim along
the nose in the form of a dragon, the eye brows each of a dragon
as well. Across the metal were images of the gods and sacred
Runes of protection and courage, each faintly glowing in a
bright blue. Chain mail hung from the bottom draping to his
throat. With the chain mail shirt he placed splinted arms of
metal and leather, all oiled as well, and greaves. His shield
was a grand circle shield with a metal umbo, upon which was
engraved another Rune of Fear that was dimly glowing red. The
device upon the shield was that of Halfgarts own personal
device, a black shield with three white wolves running around
the centre. His heavy sword was also oiled down and each Rune
carefully cleaned, the pommel being a wolves head with an open
mouth. This Halfgart kept on his side and his large Wolf skin
cape he wore.
As the last of his items were readied Halfgart left for the
shore, his family he had already parted from yesterday morning.
His eldest son would rule in his place and his wife an equal
ruler and counsellor to him. Halfgarts kingdom would be in good
hands, and now the only thing he thought of was Frajland, and
his place in history. As Halfgart entered the tent city the
busied people would still stop what they were doing to cheer
their king for the coming victory he ensured them. He was
admired by his people, and Halfgart admired them. Their loyalty
was unheard of in other kingdoms, their valour and courage
stronger than any others, and their will unbending. Halfgart
arrived to his Drakkar, the longship was 200 feet in length and
carried Halfgarts personal Husfyrth from his Husmal, 176 total.
All of them were hand chosen by the Seers for this journey and
as such were given special Runes of protection by the Rune
Sages. The Husfyrth cheered at their kings arrival and welcomed
him warmly aboard the ship, and with a long blaring horn blow
from his ship the drums began beating as the oars were worked
eagerly to leave home and head for their destiny. Gathered on
the shore were Halfgarts subjects cheering and promising to be
with him soon. Two hundred and fifty ships set sail and sounded
their horns and drums, the sound shaking the very bones of the
men and fish and alike.
For seventeen days the travelled the sea with strong winds
urging on the ships, saving many of the men from hours of
rowing. Light rain did little to their spirits as the men shared
in drink and feast preparing for battle, and on the eighteenth
day at sea, in the early morning, the horns began to sound as
land was finally spotted.
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#Post#: 4535--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: September 27, 2013, 9:18 pm
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Halfgart peered out from his ship where the warriors prepared
themselves in armour for battle. Upon the shore a decently sized
village slept as the sun rose from the east. As the horns
continued to rumble across the sky villagers could be seen
running franticly and a small number of leather clad militia
seemed to gather on the shore to meet the invaders. The
longships exited the thick fog one by one until the entire
horizon was a long line of wooden serpents shouting in deep
bellows. Halfgart laughed as the small militia broke apart and
they themselves joined the fleeing Frajlandi sprinted with all
they could carry into the hills.
"Look!" announced Halfgart, "The cowards flee with great haste,
yet nothing but our great horns have struck them!" The ship
erupted in cheers and laughter at the Frajlandi's disgrace.
Halfgart knew what would meet them though, a great army of
militia was garrisoned not far from the shore. "Beware my
brothers, we will still have our chance to fight. An army still
stands between us and King Wegland, do not let your guards down
just because Jurgi scared off some villagers with his atrocious
breath." Jurgi chuckled as Halfgart looked back to him, the ship
joined in as well, more solemn this time though.
When the ships were within range of the archers the drums added
an even deeper bellow as a single volley fell upon the village,
blacking out the sky as if one of Gramneer's (the god of the
Seers and the All-Seeing one) great flocks of ravens flew over
head. Once the ships were right upon the shore the warriors were
given the order, attack. And with that a thundering horde fell
from both sides of all the ships and charged into the village
slaughtering every man, woman, and child to bee found, which
admittedly ended up being only a few old and sick villagers. A
giant shield wall was precisely and professionally formed around
the village with Halfgarts personal Husfyrth taking the centre
of the wall as the village was cleared. Immediately after the
village was cleared companies of soldiers were sent to act as
forward scouts and pickets while the village was turned into a
fortified position. Halfgart took care in his planning and
distributed his orders to his Husmal. Then with great pride he
joined in the raising of the defenses and encampment as his
servants prepared his chambers, in the Maygars (town mayor)
house. The other buildings would be turned into warehouses,
places of worship, Healing Sages quarters, and then the Husmal
who joined Halfgart would share rooms.
The village was suddenly with life again as the arrows were
recovered and supplies began to be unloaded. The first line of
defence was the open field with trees cut down two hundred and
fifty yards out from the village. The timbers were used to
reinforce the villages shoddy buildings and build a tall wall
around it where archers could stand high over the field. One
hundred yards from the wall a trench was dug ten feet wide and
five feet deep from shore to shore with a small break where
Halfgarts scouts could return to the gates of the new town. In
these trenches sharp pikes were sunk deep and leaves were piled
into the trench. Along the walls at the base were planted
hundreds of spikes built from the limbs of the fallen trees, and
this fortified town Halfgart called Forloth, or Destiny. A
banner as large as the moon was raised over the town and a city
of hundreds of tents was built within these walls. All this was
finished in three days time and not one Frajlandi was seen for
miles. With the Asatri's blessing Halfgart recalled most of the
pickets and scouts leaving but a few to track the assembling
army at the Frajlandi castle the warriors called Feyathrkastal,
or the Castle of the Dead.
A week after the village was finished being fortified Halfgarts
scouts returned with urgent news for the King. Halfgart was in
his house when they returned, soaked from the midday rains that
had begun two days ago. The Husfyrth let in the scouts who bowed
deeply before stripping off their wet cloaks and huddling around
the warm and greeting fire. Halfgart knew their discomfort and
waited for them to get warm, meanwhile he had ordered hot meals
for the scouts. When they had their fill and were adequately
dried off they went straight to business about what they had
seen.
"I hope you are comfortable now my friends, what news do you
bring from our new frontier?" Halfgart asked them eagerly.
"The Frajlandi, my king, they march from their castle towards
us. They move slow in the rain and are four days out still." The
scout said.
"Excellent, what are their numbers and armament?" Halfgart
signalled to Jurgi who stood nearby, instantly he was out the
door and gathering the Husmal.
"There marches no more a thousand, a tenth of those ride upon
horses, my lord. We saw few in actual armour with most simply
baring a helmet and shield, armed with spears, small bows, and
axes. We believe they are led by the Earl of this region. We
were able to capture a sentry. He claims they believe our
numbers are no more than two hundred and we are unfortified."
The scout said cheerfully. Halfgart smiled as he his Husmal
entered the room, he dismissed the scouts and had his Husmal
take a seat as they began preparations.
#Post#: 4536--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: September 28, 2013, 4:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Through the early morning mists a scout rode down the road
between the spikes and pitfalls laid out, pushing as hard as he
could to reach the gates which opened before him. As he entered
the town Halfgart met him on foot with his faithful companion
Jurgi. The scout dropped from his saddle and caught his breath
before speaking. "My King," he huffed out, "They shall be upon
us within the hour." With that Halfgart looked to Jurgi who
raised an ornately carved horn to his lips and blew loud and
long call. Immediately the town erupted as men stirred from
their slumber and armed themselves. The pickets outside Forloth
were called in and the wall was manned with hundreds of archers
and warriors prepared for battle. When the last man had been
accounted for the gates were closed and barred with great
timbers dropped behind them and sealed in place with massive
bands of iron, held by large bolts.
"Ready the Husfyrth, we shall hold the centre wall. I want the
banners high, Jurgi." Halfgart ordered. Jurgi nodded in approval
and sprinted off to gather the Husfyrth. Not long after the
initial horn call the town of Forloth was prepared to defend
against any threat the Frajlandi could bring. They waited
eagerly as the fog cleared from the land, and as it did a line
of dots could be seen along the horizon. In long columns the
Frajlandi militia marched with brass trumpets squeaking to
signify their arrival. Green streamers flew from spears and
intricate banners of green with gold and silver thread weaving
the emblem of the Frajlandi could be spotted out. Their symbol
they marched under was a golden dove adorned with a crown flying
above three crosses, two of silver flanking a golden cross in
between.
Halfgart watched the Frajlandi army assemble, approximately six
hundred men total, most wearing some sort of leather armour and
all carrying a small round shield. Their weapons consisted of
spears and axes, although a few carried swords and many with
bows. Halfgart counted one hundred upon horse back with long
spears and shields, but took little note of them. His attention
was drawn to the centre of the Frajlandi line where three
massive trees were carried by men with nothing but shields, the
trees ending in iron capped points. This was to be their main
weapon to gain entrance to the town while the militiamen with
ladders distracted the archers.
"I want my Husfyrth to use their bows, Jurgi." Halfgart told him
as he hung his shield from the wall and sheathed his sword. "Our
target is any man who touches those logs. The other archers are
to eliminate any man with a ladder and suppress the enemy
archers. The warriors are to shield the archers. Distribute this
order." Immediately Jurgi was off again disseminating the
Konurtc orders as the Husfyrth readied their bows with lethal
barbed arrows. For a long several minutes both armies stood
still, assessing each other. The Frajland militia could not win
against such numbers, but they thought that all who stood upon
the wall were all there was, they knew not of the army that
stood ready behind the gate. The Naardi knew they would win this
battle, all they waited for was a proper army to meet them. The
Frajlandi Earl could be seen on his horse with a rather large
portion of his cavalry clustered around him. He wore a tabard of
green with a silver fish sewn on it, a silver circlet was around
the top of his head. He was a middle aged man who looked to
clean for any true warrior, and his armour had few to no
scratches on it, Halfgart chuckled when he noticed that.
Halfgart raised his own horn to his lips, gilded in gold and
silver weighing at least ten pounds, and began a series of long
blows hat were joined by all his Husmal and each Husfyrth. The
combine sound of hundreds of horns bellowing at once was
terrifying to the Frajlandi militia who tremble in their place
as the sound grew louder and louder. The Earl ordered his
trumpets to sound but they were drowned out by the horns, and
soon after the chants of the Naardi warriors. Just moments
before the horns ended archers hidden with bows ready unleashed
a hail of arrows upon the Frajlandi below who stood stunned for
just long enough that nearly every arrow found its mark. As the
other Husmal and Husfyrth continued to sound their horn
Halfgarts Husfyrth let their horns fall to their sides as they
grabbed their bows and began targeting the unfortunate souls
tasked with taking down the gate. Arrows flew from the walls
unanswered until the Earl could make himself heard and ordered
his archers to fire back. An exchange of arrows lasted for only
a moment as the enemy archers were cut down where they stood.
Halfgarts men took careful aim ensuring the battering rams would
not move as around it flood men with shields too small to cover
them completely. Frajlandi militiamen rushed forward with
ladders failing to even reach the concealed spike pits. The
mounted soldiers of the Earl waited around him for a breach to
be made in the gate, but Halfgarts men would not allow this. In
ten minutes time the field was littered with arrows and the
walls were only slightly scratched where arrows were shot with
little aim. Soon the Earls men realized their efforts were
fruitless and broke in the wave of death, fleeing back the way
they came. As they retreated the Earls anger flared with hatred
as his trumpets signalled the retreat, coming to late as a third
of his men were dead and a third wounded. The Frajlandi army
broke into the hills and Halfgarts men cheered them on, crying
insults of cowardice at them. When the morning was done Jurgi
reported only two men wounded. The gates were unbarred and the
hundreds of arrows fired were recovered under guard. The wounded
Frajlandi left behind by the comrades were questioned and then
given the great Naardi honour of being executed by a swift
thrust of daggers into their hearts. Halfgarts men had won this
day, but the question lingered, was this all the Frajlandi could
muster or was there to be a better fight ahead of them. Halfgart
hoped for the latter, as he figured no victory could be called a
victory if it was taken from a defenceless slave.
#Post#: 4546--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: September 29, 2013, 3:50 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Six days had passed since the defeat of the Earls militia and
Halfgarts men grew anxious for what was to be done next. Scouts
had been sent in every direction to see what laid ahead and now
Halfgart had a detailed map of his surroundings. From captured
villagers and militiamen he found out that the Earl Alkorn ruled
over this province known as Lithumbria, and the only defences in
the area had been wiped out. Halfgart also learned that the Earl
had fled to the capital where King Wegland was. The surrounding
area consisted of small farming and fishing villages as well as
a gold mine, all of which was undefended. Halfgart sent out
several companies to raid the villages and gold mine.
Several days later the companies returned with wagons of food
and loot. Halfgart then began his second move, leaving a
garrison of two hundred behind he marched out towards the next
province. Orders were left for when the second wave had landed
they would spread out across the province and slaves taken of
all Frajlandi found, then the province would officially be in
the hands of the Naardi. Days of marching went on as the last of
the Frajlandi settlements were pillaged and scouts pushed ahead.
The weather was considerably wetter than back home, but from
their experience the Naardi knew it would dry up soon. Finally
after two weeks the second wave had joined up with Halfgart and
his numbers swelled to 6,000.
One morning scouts returned with great news to Halfgart, they
had marched into the heart of the next province and a large army
of Frajlandi soldiers marched their way. The scout also reported
that the men marched in chain mail and carried spears and axes,
they suspected them to be a more formidable army than the
militia. This army was believed to be led by King Wegland
himself, as his banner had be spotted many times. Listening to
the scouts reports Halfgart decided to meet the enemy, numbering
around 5,000 men on foot and another 600 on horse, and the
battlefield would be of his choosing. Halfgart pulled his army
back to the river they crossed the day before where a large
stone bridge crossed the river. The waters were high from the
rains and he figured this would deter any cavalry crossing, that
and his archers. To ensure the cavalry would be of no use
Halfgart ordered more barricades of wooden spikes brought up and
laid along both sides of the river, the dense forest flanking
the roads would also break up any attack across the river
itself. Halfgart sent his scouts back out to harass the forward
elements of King Weglands army and draw them towards the bridge
the Frajlandi called the River Swye Crossing.
The preparations were made to the accompaniment of loud music
ordered by Halfgart, meant to draw the enemy in. On either side
of the bridge the supports were weakened and strong ropes tied
to them and looped around several trees. Halfgart meant to draw
the lead forces of the Frajlandi onto the bridge and then
destroy it. He worried not of crossing it as his men were
preparing dozens of boats to ferry men and material across the
river. As they day went on the sounds of distant battle could be
heard as scouts picked off enemy forces and began coming back
across the river. In the late afternoon the last scout was
across and King Weglands army came to the crossing. Wegland rode
to the front of his forces when they halted eyed the Naardi
warriors well assembled.
Halfgart then began his first attack, sounding his horn as drums
and other horn bellows joined in and drowned out the river
itself. A force of warriors stood on the bridge while a line was
formed along the river, dipping in the centre in a horse shoe
shape. Frustrated Wegland leaned into the ear of his Earls to
give orders which were fumblingly carried out. Lines of
Frajlandi soldiers deployed across the river with large shields
as archers joined behind them, meanwhile a column of decently
armoured men, knights most likely, charged on foot into the
Naardi lines on the bridge. Their armour was a combination of
some plate and chain mail, their weapons all large two handed
swords they swung like animals. The Naardi held fast on the
bridge and fought in a unified shield wall that cut down many of
the gleaming knights. Halfgarts archers began their task laying
down heavy volleys upon the enemy archers across the river. The
Frajlandi archers shot back with little effect as droves were
killed and wounded by the Naardi arrows.
Halfgart watched as his forces in the centre began to push back
the knights who were falling in great numbers and quickly he
changed to short blows from his horn, signalling for the centre
to fall back. Obeying their orders the shieldwall pulled back
over the dead and wounded on the bridge as the enemy knights
continued their assault. Wegland swung his arms out wide and
both flanks of his army began pushing past the spikes and
attempted to cross the river. In seconds the push stopped as the
current dragged away dozens of unfortunate souls laden down with
chain mail. Panic began setting and as the Frajlandi forces
threatened to break Halfgarts centre fell back across the bridge
and joined the Husfyrth in the middle of the line where battle
continued to rage. Halfgart joined Jurgi in the line and cut
down many of the knights himself. Finally with King Weglands
contingent of knights trapped on the bridge and in the pocket
the ordered was given. The ropes were pulled tight and the
pillars of the bridge fell away into the river. The bridge
crumbled and cracked for a moment before giving way under the
weight of the armour knights and great numbers were plunged into
the river, flailing helplessly as the river dragged them down.
The knights realized they had been trapped in a pocket against
the river and were quickly overwhelmed, being cut down and
pushed into the rushing waters below. King Wegland retreated as
the archers continued their volley upon his forces and the
Naardi cheered.
After the battle forces were deployed on the other side to
protect against a counter attack as arrows were recovered and
the Frajlandi wounded were slain. The Naardi wounded were pulled
back and treated as Halfgart ordered his forces across in the
boats. The river ran red with blood as bodies floated away or
laid upon the rubble of the bridge. Jurgi reported one hundred
and sixty men dead and wounded with another forty missing,
presumably washed away with the river. The sun set in peace as
funeral pyres burned and feast was had in their great victory
over the army of the Frajlandi. Halfgart again wondered if this
was truly all that the Frajlandi could muster.
#Post#: 4551--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: September 30, 2013, 8:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Halfgart sat his new hall in the town the Frajlandi called
Merthsburg, which the Naardi had taken over and renamed
Muelnarbyrk. It sat just a mile from the Swye River Bridge where
Halfgart destroyed the Frajlandi army of King Wegland. Around
Halfgart at a long table were his Husmal, twenty one in total.
They feasted in honour of their great triumphs thus far and had
just finished sacrificing nine Frajlandi slaves each to the
Asatri. The accompaniment of music filled the hall as the fired
burned bright from the pit in the floor. The aroma or burning
wood and roasted chicken mesmerized the senses as the men all
over the town ate their first hot meals and slept in actual
beds. Laughter and song erupted from Muelnarbyrk and stories
were swapped about the battle for the Swye River Bridge.
Halfgart had another topic on his mind though, and feasted with
a large map of the kingdom of Frajland spread out before him.
"My dear and loyal Husmal," he began and the music quieted, "We
have business to discuss." Halfgart leaned back and wiped his
hands off on the cloth napkins laid out before him, made from
the banners captured in battle. He stroked his thick black beard
and took of his cloak of silver Grumbar fur, the only known one
of its kind. "We must divide the newly gained lands and that of
the rest of Frajland amongst ourselves. This is no easy task,
but I assure you every parcel has its own value." The hall got
silent and the Husmal looked back and forth between each other
before realizing the seriousness of the discussion at hand.
Discussion went on and on for hours as who deserved what piece
of land until finally an agreement was settled. Each Husmal
would take his own army and whatever he could conquer and hold
would be his. Halfgart knew that the Husmal would fight each
other, but after all it was the Asatri's will. The Seer had said
so, and Halfgart proclaimed the capital of Frajland his own. In
the mean time the army would march straight on to conquer the
capital city and dethrone king Wegland. Afterwards the final
distribution of the land would be granted. Eleven Husmal were
also added to the ranks of the most noble Naardi, each for his
own valour in battle and his families standing in the community.
Such an honour was rare and required a unanimous agreement by
the Husmal, and indeed it was granted this day. It had been far
to long since new blood was permitted into the Husmal and the
other houses were growing too complacent with little
competition. Halfgart figured this would stir the competition
for the honours of the gods and himself.
The new Husmal were granted partitions of land by their own
former Husmal and also granted larger plots of land in Frajland
so that the population would be dispersed greater. A single
Konbyofa (essentially Kings Command, Royal Verdict) was made by
the Konurtc, each Husmal had to maintain and build roads leading
from town to town and connecting to the other Husmal lands. The
bridges would be paid for by Halfgart himself. As was in Higland
(or Homeland, the main island) the rivers would remain open and
free for all Naardi to use. The wood rights and mineral rights
would then belong to the Husmal who owned the land, and as usual
the Konurtc would be given his tithe. The eleven new Husmal were
not subject to tithes for five years, allowing them to build up
their new lands afford to pay the labour. The other Husmal,
while annoyed at this, were still happy as they themselves would
be rewarded by the konurtc for having men great enough to become
a Husmal come from their own Husmal's. And thus was the
arrangement, and when the third wave of warriors arrived the
Naardi would make strong push into the enemy heartland. In the
meantime they feasted and scouted and consolidated their
achievements from the last month.
[IMG]
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#Post#: 4552--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: October 1, 2013, 5:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
For two months Halfgarts forces had harassed the kingdom of
Frajland with very little resistance. Two Earls and a Duke had
been killed by Halfgarts forces and their provinces claimed by
the Naardi. The Frajlandi prayed to their martyred god helpless
against the plague and pestilence that destroyed their land.
Thousands fell to the blades of the Naardi while a mere few
hundred of the Naardi were dead. Everywhere the Naardi captured
they began tearing down the feeble buildings of the Frajlandi
and replaced them with sturdy Naardi constructions. Along the
shores great fleets blockaded the ports and sunk enemy ships.
Halfgart saw his prayers answered and dared not anger the gods,
as such he continued the sacrifices and ordered a great temple
built to the Asatri all across the newly conquered lands.
Churches of the Frajlandi were demolished and their relics
destroyed, all for the praise of the Asatri.
Two months, and still no real resistance, Halfgart wondered what
King Wegland was up to behind the walls of his capital, Yorik.
As the march continued on another week, now into its fourth
month, Halfgart chose a large valley, flanked on either side by
dense woods, to camp his army at. He then ordered up a prisoner
to take a message to King Wegland with great haste. Halfgart
meant to bring battle to his men and finish off the last
resistance in his path.
"To the coward who calls himself King, ruler of rubble, leader
of women, bastard of a bitch, father of none, son of the weak,
Wegland of Frajland,
I, Konurtc Halfgart Muelnar, King of the North and the South,
Commander of Men, Ruler of warriors, Son of Milas, Brother of
Lolar, and Fearless of All, do hereby submit to you a challenge
upon the field of battle due east of you seat Yorik, to
determine the strongest and the bravest. Should you refuse I
will sacrifice every Frajlandi to the true gods until their
blood rains from the skies upon your castle. I will salt the
earth, I will break the stone, I will bend the iron, and I will
poison the waters. Prove yourself king and bring forth your army
of old hags and bitter women to fight against the power of the
Naardi. I wait seven days for your reply, after such time I will
set out to deliver a plague worse than death upon your kingdom."
With that Halfgart waited, meanwhile feasting and celebrating
the accomplishments of his men. Not long, he hoped, until true
battle would be had.
#Post#: 4581--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: October 14, 2013, 8:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
One night in a heavy storm lightning lit up the sky and the land
for miles as it flashed and crackled across the sky, the thunder
banged harder than the loudest drums it made it almost
impossible to hear anything else.
Out of the darkness came a figure dressed in long brown robes
arms folded and head bowed slightly like a monk, he finally
reached the main gate of Muelnarbyrk, between the loud claps of
thunder he shouted in a voice that made the hair on the back of
your neck stand on end "I'm here to see your King, I come with
an offer"
The guards at the wooden gate look at each other before
approaching the man. They look him before asking him, "What
business have you with Konurtc Halfgart Muelnar?" The men atop
the wall look down waiting, curious as to why the forward
pickets allowed this man past them.
The man pulled his right arm out of his left sleeve, it was
clutching rolled up paper "It's a map of your locations and
patrol routes, there was a spy watching you.. Emphasis on was
your King will be very interested in this and in my offer of
trade. I will not ask again, open up please" The man put his
hand back inside sleeve before the map got to wet and waited.
The Bondfyrth raised his horn to his lips and blew three short
bursts before the lightning cracked across the sky and the
thunder rumbled over the land. The gates, standing thirty feet
high at least, opened slowly and only enough for a single man to
come through. Jurgi met the stranger on the other side wearing
only his clothes and carrying a sheathed sword in his hand.
"My name is Jurgin Olaffrson. I am Captain of the Husfyrth of
Husmal Muelnar, first of the Husmal of Naardoskia. What business
have you, fellow stranger? I can tell you are not of these lands
nor are you born of my peoples." Jurgi waited, covered by his
Grumbar cloak in the rain.
The man looked at Jurgin his eyes blood red and glowing slightly
"A pleasure, my name is Cogadh I'm the King of the Nation of
Nósparatis, I came here to discuss a trade agreement with your
King, however I saw a spy scouting out your location and
patrols, you could not see him but I can see in the dark as
clear a you can during the day. There will be an attack in a few
days this scout was just checking to see if your patrols
changed.. This is information I am sure your King would want to
see" Cogadh looked into Jurgin's eyes with a look that felt like
he was looking into his very soul
"Will you allow my to see your King? or are you as close as I am
going to get? If that's the case I'll take the map and my trade
and leave" Cogadh continued staring into Jurgin's eyes looking
for a hint of fear or doubt and was impressed to find none.
"Aye, this is news my Konurtc would like to hear. It has been a
slow few days for all of us. Come and take feast in our Great
Hall friend, we have warmth and good food." Jurgin seemed much
more eager to get out of the weather than deal with the stranger
and led him towards the Great Hall. The building was made of the
local oak wood and gilded in white gold paint, standing three
stories tall. Heads of dragons and ravens protruded from around
the corners and massive statue was carved of wood sitting atop
the roof, a fearsome dragon with an open mouth facing the
Frajlandi capital.
Jurgi entered the building quickly to dodge the rain and greeted
his king who sat at a table in the hall, in the floor a great
fire smouldered filling the room with a heavy smoky smell.
Amongst that was the smell of dinner, slow cooked chicken in
garlic, wild onions wrapped in animal fat, honey cooked
vegetables, and warm berries. Jurgi licked his lips as he sat at
the table and offered the guest a seat. Cogadh stood in the door
way, unable to enter the room.
Cogadh stood outside, not attempting to take another step "would
someone like to drop the barrier? I am not even going to try and
cross it" Cogadh said starting to get a little irritated with
the hold ups.
"Patience, stranger." bellowed Halfgart, looking up from his
scouts reports. The Seer walked forward from the shadows, an old
and feeble man he may appear but Cogadh knew his powers far
surpassed that of an old man. His one eye appeared blind but he
knew he could see, both legs limped in an awkward gait, but he
knew he could sprint, and he stuck out an open hand with twisted
fingers, but alas he knew that this old man could wield a sword
better than any other old man. The Seers' eye wandered as if it
was looking up and down at Cogadh and muffled words chanted from
his mouth. Shortly after the Seer disappeared back into the
shadows.
"Come and feast, my friend. I heard you were coming." Halfgart
said much to Jurgi's surprise. "Please sit, and share what you
wish with me."
Cogadh walked in and dropped his monk robes revealing his lush
blue silk robes with gold fasteners accompanied by a blue and
red cape, he walked over to Halfgart and handed him the rolled
up map and slowly bowed "Your highness, if you knew I was coming
then you must also know who I am.." Cogadh said as he slowly sat
down.
"I do, King Cogadh. I see you have brought what my Seer said you
would, a view from the Ravens of Ylli. I knew of your visit and
I know where you are from, but I know not what you want.
Enlighten me if you would." Halfgart said accepting the map and
sweeping his hand for the servants to see to the guest. They
rushed over from their waiting positions and picked up the
robes, preparing a place at the table for Cogadh. The plate was
left empty but the cup filled with warm red blood.
Cogadh took a long drink of the blood "Cows blood, killed within
the last 2 hours, thank you King Halfgart but the blood is all I
require, if I could get refills I'm happy. But back to the
business at hand" Cogadh said looking very serious
"I request a trade agreement, we know you are on a campaign that
is why we approach you now, we know you trade is slaves. Well
our food supply is under great strain at the moment thanks to a
plague, do not worry Vampires cannot catch it we are completely
immune so I'm not a carrier" Cogadh took a small sack off his
belt and dropped it on the table, it opened as it hit the table
it weighed 25 lbs (11.3 KG) it was full of Sapphires, Rubys and
Emeralds
"That is the first payment if you agree, also a few weeks ago a
ship washed up on the shores of Nósparatis it was a ship that
looked like one of yours, they started killing our food supply,
so we defended our food. We didn't kill them because I was
coming to talk to you anyway but we took all 50 of them
prisoner, their language is Naardi but they said they followed
their own flag now when asked who ordered them to attack. I have
them chained up in my ship since I know the Naardi code" Cogadh
finished his drink and put the empty cup down waiting for a
reply.
"Well these men are probably Armal men who went on Dreyfhollen.
We hold no power over them, so they must be returned to their
Armal. Seeing as they are still Naardi and we do not have a
current peace treaty, they are in breach of nothing. As for the
payment, this will buy a single ship of slaves, 180 in all."
Halfgart replied, looking through the bag with his finger.
Cogadh although a little annoyed accepted Halfgart's decision,
out the corner of his eye he noticed a sword on the wall, Cogadh
stood up and walked over to it and took it off the wall "This
sword belonged to Gézark, about 20,000 years ago he was given
the order to check on your Nation, we have been watching you
grow for thousands of years Gézark was a great warrior but he
was to arrogant and proud. He was spotted by your people and
rather than run as he was ordered he decided to fight, he killed
hundreds of your people before you finally over powered him. You
have stories about him, 'The Monster of the Night' this was his
sword, made from Dwarven steel strongest steel around" Cogadh
spun it around his hand effortlessly
The 3 red gems in the handle were glowing brightly "I know no
one can wield this sword, that's why it's up here instead of
being used.. I can remove the Blood Magic from it Halfgart if
you would like to use it, if not then keep it as a trophy, it
matters not to me" Cogadh ran his finger across the blade which
cut him making his finger bleed but was healed in less than a
second "still sharp.. What say you you highness?"
Halfgart eyed him cautiously, "Indeed it is an unwieldy sword
and it has never taken to Rune Magic. Should you dare try your
magic, this demon will not be released again upon our people
will he? Our stories tell of the First of Kings slaying the Grym
Wot with his sword and trapping him with in the gems, indeed the
very reason the sword is unwieldy is because the Grym Wot
thrashes to this day inside it." The entire halls attention was
obviously fixed on the happenings that they stood silent.
Cogadh stabbed the sword into the table "No he's gone for good
the Blood seal on this sword means only a Vampire can wield it,
I'll remove the seal but Gézark will not come back, the choice
is yours" Cogadh stood waiting.
"Then I would be honoured to wield the blade." Halfgart said.
Cogadh nodded and removed the blade from the table "no what you
see do not react" he said and walked into the middle of the
Great Hall and knelt down and placed the sword on the ground in
front of him and began reciting and incantation in his native
ancient language, all the light seemed to drain from the room
but the fire still burned brightly, next the heat drained from
the room so much that everyone's drinks froze in the cups. A
dark red magic began to swirl around Cogadh and inside the
vortex Gézark took form standing at 6'4 (1.92 meters) bright red
hair and skin as pale as Cogadh's dressed in common clothes just
as he was on the day he was killed. The vortex grew brighter
lighting up the and slowly Gézark vanished, the incantation
stopped, the vortex slowed and eventually stopped and the light
slowly returned followed by the temperature.
Cogadh picked up the sword and the 3 red gems were gone, he
walked over and slowly handed the sword to Halfgart "Halfgart in
accordance to Nóspar law the giving of a blade symbolizes an
alliance, do you accept?" Cogadh asked holding the sword firmly.
"You must understand that for us alliances are built over
hundreds of generations and can not be forged in the moment. We
accept this blade as friendship and pray for a long lasting
trade relationship." Halfgart stood up reach his hand out past
the blade.
Cogadh shook his hand and placed the sword down on the table
"the steel is practically indestructible, so take care with it"
Cogadh said and he let go of Halfgart's hand
"now back to the business at hand my friend. We do not take
children or females carrying children (pregnant) it is part of
our law, the rest feel free to load them up, once the food
arrives and it's all as we agreed your ships captain will get
payment for 4 times as much, I am a creature of my word" Cogadh
said in a very sincere tone.
"Agreed." Halfgart pulled from his pocket a large coin, upon it
glowed a yellow circle with three dots in it, a large triangle
encompassed both. "This is a special gift my friend, should you
ever need to speak my name into the charm and I will hear the
words emanate from mine, this is a rare gift and a special
privilege."
Cogadh took the coin and nodded then walked out to the servants
at the corner of the room and picked up his water proof robes.
Once covered he walked towards the door he turned and looked
back "I will order your men released as soon as I get back to
the ship, I hope they do not attack again my friend" he said in
a serious tone that made sure everyone knew what would happen to
them if they did
With that Cogadh walked out of the hall and back out of the main
gate and vanished into the night.
#Post#: 4582--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: October 14, 2013, 10:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
It was dawn when the men stirred from their slumber, wanting
nothing more than to sleep in their warm furs, but now was the
day of battle and this excited them more than being warm or well
slept, as Father Lolar said, "He who wishes that of his
neighbours be his must race before the Sun and toil till just
before the Sun." A dense fog rolled through the flooded hills
after several weeks of rain had turned even the most dry fields
into marshes. Halfgart looked out from his Great Hall and saw
thirty thousand warriors preparing for battle both inside the
town and outside the walls. Twenty-Eight Husmal in total now
gathered for the greatest battle ever had in their time, and
victory was assured to them by the Gods.
"Jurgi," Halfgart called, "Look at it all." The pair of them
looked over the whole of the land, the thick fog creating a
spectral feel to the array below.
"This is the day the Naardi step out of the ice for good, we
make our place as the greatest Naardi from any time in our
history. This land is all ours, we must only show it to these
lesser slaves." Jurgi grasped his sword tight and grabbed his
helmet before leaving the Konurtc side and attending to the
Husfyrth assembling on the first floor of the Great Hall. For
Halfgart he had already fought this battle a thousand times in
his sleep at a hundred different places, and finally he had
decided upon one. A narrow passage between a steep wooded hill
and a wooded hill of debris, the latter being flanked by flooded
fields far to poor in condition for cavalry to consider
crossing. A single ancient stone road cut the middle of the
hills and here King Wegland would be drawn into a lethal gap to
be cut down on both sides by the Bondfyth hidden in the woods.
After finishing the preparations the army marched out a few
hours after the forward scouts had to draw the Frajlandi army to
their field of battle. Halfgart joined his Husfyrth in the
centre as the wings of the army took cover in the dense
woodland. Halfgart carried a fairly ordinary Spatha with three
empty sockets where gems had been, but along the blade powerful
runes glowed bright, and along the edge a faint blue light
emanated from inside the blade itself.
King Weglands army finally arrived to the field of battle two
hours after the Naardi had gotten settled in their positions and
the fog had settled low around the feet of the men in the
valley. With a great rumbling the first line of the Frajlandi
opened to allow five hundred mounted warriors in armour to form
a long line two deep in front of the main force, all while brass
trumpets and horns squirted. Halfgarts response was to sound his
own deep bellowing horn in loud bursts. The Frajlandi cavalry
began trotting forward across the open field clumsily as only
the fortunate few in the center were able to remain on the road.
Mid way down across the field and on the eighth blow a storm of
arrows raced past the shieldwall of the Husfyrth ahead of the
cavalry and cut down the prideful knights atop their mounts.
Panic spread like wild fire as the cavalry was destroyed in
three volleys of several hundred arrows each and quickly
retreated back into the enemies own lines. Halfgart knew that
they would not give up so easy though, now.
King Wegland's infantry then began moving forward, armoured
squares of spears and shields marched forward with a shinning
center of knights along the rode as their core. As they reached
the wounded and dead cavalry arrows again shattered the ranks of
the knights killing them to a man as they stubbornly marched
forward, then true battle was had. The Husfyrth clashed with the
veterans of the Frajlandi army slaying many of them before they
could swing their axes or thrust their spears. King Wegland
began throwing unit after unit into the holes piecemeal where
his lines were cut down and the Husfyrth allowed themselves room
to retreat and draw the Frajlandi army into a very a narrow
point between the hills, but that was the key point. The veteran
forces of King Wegland were devastated as arrows flew from both
sides into them from the woods and dropped many hundreds before
they could tell where the death was being dealt from. By the
time they realized it a great flood of Naardi warriors collided
into the flanks of the army cutting them off and surrounding
them. King Wegland thought he could use his cavalry to hit the
Naardi flanks but the poor survivors of the first advance were
finished off by the archers still waiting in the woods for such
a move. In thirty minutes Konurtc Halfgart and his Husfyrth had
cut their way through the veteran forces and were facing King
Weglands own mounted contingent themselves. Halfgarts plain
looking blade cut through steel as if it were butter, great
bursts of fire exploded as the blade hit the enemy and men
unlucky enough to taste thrust were frozen from the inside out.
In two hours the valley was littered with the dead of the
Frajlandi and King Weglands head was mounted high to honour him.
Now the kingdom was finally Konurtc Halfgarts, and this point
would be known as Estotlevale, or extinction valley.
#Post#: 4586--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: October 20, 2013, 7:32 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Konurtc Halfgart stood before the massive stone walls that
surrounded Yorik, capital of the former kingdom of Frajland. The
wooden gate stretched six men high and was strapped with mighty
iron bands, impervious to most weapons. Atop the wall stood a
ragged army of peasants and artisans, very few men at arms
having survived the last battle. Halfgarts army now encircled
the city and had kept them under siege for seven days. Three
separate attacks by the Dukes and Counts still loyal to their
slaughtered King attempted to break the siege but were unable to
penetrate the lines leaving hundreds dead. Now with the
surrounding provinces subjugated the city of Yorik was helpless,
being starved into submission, Halfgart need only wait while his
men rested from the exhausting last three months of war.
Halfgart raised his horn to his lips and began a long bellowing
sound, shaking the core of the men on the wall, visibly wavering
at the thought of what was to come. As the bellow ended the
order went down the lines surrounding Yorik and great catapults
launched limbs and heads high over the walls, sown from the
corpses of the brave Frajlandi that attempted to relieve the
city. The decaying stench filled the air heavy as even the
hardest Naardi tried to hold down their burning vomit. This had
been the course of action every other hour for the last two
days, and its effects were telling as the sounds of disease
could be heard inside the walls, the moaning and groaning of
agony, the smell of burning flesh in throughout the day as the
dead bodies were gathered and burned.
But Halfgart was not intending to force a surrender, nay he
intended to kill every Frajlandi in the city, and then burn it
to the ground. Yorik would no longer be but a memory, destroyed
and salted so to ensure the Frajlandi would never again have a
seat of power declared by their weak god. How long, Halfgart
thought, would these fragile creatures last.
#Post#: 4631--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Saga of Halfgart Muelnar's Graasdreyfhollen [Campaign]
By: Erwinfoxjj Date: November 3, 2013, 8:29 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The odor of death lingered mixing steadily with the ashes in the
fall sky, now filled with black smoke. Thirty six days the siege
lasted, and now Halfgart stood before his prize, which the men
called the Pyre of Frajland. Across the former kingdom of
Frajland smoke plumes rose high into the sky marking death and
destruction, marking the path of the Naardi war path. Death
filled the kingdom and now the slaughter was at its peak with no
formidable force left to slow the Naardi. Already the great
resettling had begun as maps were drawn and Naardi spilled
Naardi blood over who would get what of the disputed land.
Hralfgart had already decreed all duels and battles outlawed
between his subjects but that did not stop them from taking what
they wanted.
"Lothir, come to me." Hralfgart beckoned from his seat at the
large table in the hall. A tall man came forward to his liege,
his hair dark brown and eyes grey as iron.
"Yes, my lord." he answered coming from his station behind the
king where he stood guard, his chest built like a barrel
sheathed in chainmail.
"I want to ask you something, and I order you to respond
truthfully." the king said soft spoken, Lothir nodding in
acceptance. "Do you believe us so powerful that we could take
the treasure and land of a sky serpent?" Taken aback, Lothir
almost fell on his rear at the question.
"Father," Lothir replied, "I believe us powerful enough to ally
with him, aye we could even fend him off. But a sky serpent
fights long and hard for what he sees as his. Why bother with
these questions?"
"Because," Hralfgarts face turned from boredom to a pale white,
struck with worry, "I have seen him in my minds eyes, when I
sleep he comes to me bathed in flames that melt steel and turn
iron to diamonds. He threatens death upon all our people."
Lothir sat and looked equally shocked and worried as his father
did. The room was silent save the crackling of fire in the
center of the room. Both men stared long into it.
*****************************************************