[Fortified Location] Draelmar Hold

Gauls · May 5, 2008, 11:25 PM

With its back to the foothills of the Khardran range, the Draelmar Hold was a glorified fort from eras past. It had always held some force or an other and that led to a steady deteriorating of the state of the hold. So many wanted its protection but none wanted to spend the coin to repair what so many had neglected. Never the less, the fortified hold stood watching over the traders of the Narim / Taralon trade route era after era. It was the last friendly stop before hazarding the route along Ire's southern patrol zone. Countless times the forces stationed at the hold at various times would be called upon to come and rescue merchants or foolish travelers that went into orkish controlled areas for what ever reason.

The garrison had always been the rage-tag group of mercs or private paid guards that used the hold to stage their operations but now the hold was being used by a professional force. The Sherian troops that now made up the garrison had moved in recently and nicely sent the mercs and other filth that were taking anything of value the hold contained out. It was in a state of disrepair but not anything that a little time and resources could not fix.

The walls of the fort were made of stone ramparts (4 ft high) with a 10 foot tall wood wall with platforms at even spaced intervals along it. The double doors leading into the hold compound were heavy wood reinforced with iron bands. The mechanism that used to open and close the doors no longer worked but the heavy doors could still be opened and shut manually. The inner compound was dirt and flat. In the center of the enclosed compound was a stone structure that looked like a keep with the top chopped off. The former stone ceiling it had was now made of wood which leaked terribly when it rained and could fall in any day. This keep was 3 story high with open windows. Inside the inner compound were some wood structures; a small stable surrounded by a low fence, a one story wood building that served as a bunk house, a row of four latrines, and three small sheds that housed food stuffs.

All of these buildings were spread over the large enclosure that made up the inner compound and so the hold itself didn't look like much at a glance. The hold used to be the home of some rich patrician but now it housed the command staff of a Provincial Army.

Veleraen · May 15, 2008, 10:17 PM

From Brightening 28th brightening of Junctior in Autumn Era XIV to 1st of Kalendryas

Info copied, no longer participating.

Veleraen · May 18, 2008, 02:11 AM

Pertinent info copied. No longer participating.

Eyvind Redbeard · July 22, 2008, 04:39 PM

3rd Brightening of the First Cycle of the Month of Immanis in the season of Winter; Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era XV Post Fractum.

The morning breeze greeted a pitch black standard with a white wolf's face painted on it. It seemed as if the wolf was alive, roaring in the winter's wind and almost silencing the footsteps of the five hundred soldiers that marched behind it. This was a Cohort of the Ninth Imperial Legion, a very special Cohort for these were the Black Shields, the elite of the Manjet Legion and they were clad in their dark and long scale armor and marched in organized ranks. After all the emotions of the March of the Manjet, the almost Siege of Hiems and the problematic retreat to a safe zone behind Everdark Keep the Black Shields had become idle with the armistice declared. The war was over but they were still soldiers and there were still problems in the Sherian Province and somehow many failed in their task to ensure law and order, but not them, not the Black Shields.

They had followed their leader to this fort, a fort they would from now on call home. Previously it had been a hideout of mercenaires, then the Provincial Army had occupied it but after some messages were delivered the Regiments of the Sherian Serpents abandoned it as well, leaving but a small garrison waiting for the arrival of Redbeard's men. Tall gates opened to the inside as the marching column approached Draelmar Hold, on the lead a colossal red-haired man mounting a Carmelyn Warsteed, a black beauty that could be as gentle as a puppy to a child and as ferocious as an Ogre in a battlefield.

Although the horse was a mighty mount the Vagaran had not ride on it the whole way, he was a fair man and he had accompanied his men on foot most of the journey, pulling Arthalof's reigns and therefore sharing the harshness of the road and the fatigue of the march. Near his Black Shields he was just a man, Eyvind Björnsson, but near the Provincial Soldiers he was Cencoris and Acting Provost Eyvind Redbeard Avornmagor Björnsson, Commander of the Black Shields and Supreme Commander of the Provincial Army of Sheria, the Sherian Serpents. That was the difference between brothers-in-arms and common soldry.

A Captain of the Provincial Army walked past the gate and in direction of the Imperial Legionnaires, upon stopping in front of Eyvind he saluted and turned back sending a piercing whistle, shortly after a Pikemen Company of the Sherian Serpents marched past the gates and dividing in two groups formed a arch with their long weapons over the road that lead inside Draelmar Hold.

"Thank you, Captain. For staying behind and watching over the fort. You and your men can now return to the Training Fields where you will be given a month long leave."

The Provincial Officer saluted and formed up with his men. Shortly after the Imperial Cohort was marching under an arch of Pikes and listening to a chorus of soldiers singing to them.

"Oh oh, brave Black Shields..."

When the five hundred Imperials were inside the gates the Pikemen Company shouted in unison as if saying farewell and formed up marching down the road and away from the mountains. It had been their last duty to guard the fort until relief come, and relief had come. Organized as always the Shields spread through the compound and prepared themselves for a long stay, the barracks were happily waiting for them and the bunks were cleant and ready to house them. Where more than five thousand men had lived now only a handful of hundreds did, but war was over and they were here only to keep peace in the surrounding region, were they not? Maybe their leader had something else in mind for the future.

Tasad R'rowl · July 23, 2008, 11:59 AM

OOC: Okay, Tasad's Company was sent out to patrol the area around the basr of the mountains and to insepct the passes and don't know the war is over yet. And now they are heading home.

IC: The Battlecrows were coming up onto Draelmar Hold, their home and were looking forward to their well deserved rest. Striding along to the front right of the ranks was a massive lionoid dressed the same as the others, but noted for the crest on his helm that indicated his rank of Captain.

Captain Tasad R'rowl of the Battlecrows was looking forward to making is report and then getting his men settled in for their leave. Their scouting mission had been successful and now there were several fortified locations in the surrounding passes that could be held by the pikemen and archers with little trouble.

As they neared the Hold Tasad noticed that there was none of the bustle and activity that had long consumed the Hold. In fact it seemed almost deserted, something that shouldn't be.

Bellowing out "Company, HALT!!! Tasad looked intently at the Hold. There appeared to be no battle damgae, but he was not sure who held the Hold if anybody. The command structure of the Serpents was rather stupid so Tasad wouldn't put it past them to moce off to another location without sending messages to the Companies out on patrol. Or they could all be dead and orcs be inside.

Deciding to be safe rather than sorry Tasad bellowed out the appropriate commands," Battlecrows, Shieldwall formation!!!!"

With that command the Battlecrows arrainged themselves into a Wall of shields forty wide and six deep with the archers taking position at the rear of formation to offer fire support. The remaining ten troops, went to the flanks to scout, five to each side to ensure that the Battlecrows would not be attacked from the flanks without warning.

Bellowing again Tasad gave orders," Forward, March!! The Battlecorws moved forward in lockstep, maitaining their Shieldwall and moving in lockstep, each man covering the one to their left as they moved. When they came within arrow shot of the Hold Tasad bellowed out, Battelcrows, HALT!!

Stepping forward Tasad moved to directly below the gates, seeing that there were sentries along the walls although none he recognized, nor their armor, so he kept his shield at the ready in case arrows came over the wall and growled out," Captain R'rowl of the Battlecrows requesting permission to enter the Hold and speak with your Commander!!

Tasad waited to see what would happen. Either he would get arrows shot at him or he would be allowed into the Hold to see what was going on. Eiterh way he didn't much care as he had his whole Company at his back in the stuff hit the fan.

Eyvind Redbeard · July 28, 2008, 08:58 AM

It seemed the Regimental Commander stationed in Draelmar had decided to obey to the orders sent without waiting for confirmations and had only leave behind the Pikemen Company that had opened the gates for the Black Shields in their dark armors. Being few in number these mighty warriors had been rarelly seen by any member of the Sherian Serpents, therefore it was no surprise when the men positioned along the Hold's wall saw a Company of the Provincial Army preparing for battle when marching towards a friendly fort. Soon a man was dispatched to inform the Commander of the black clad soldiers who was, in the moment Tasad started walking in the direction of the gates, in the other side of the fort bent over a table and looking at a map with his most trusted and experienced strategists and Officers.

"According to this map we can easily control the southern Khardran from here and guard the north-south road to Vers. The mountain passes are narrow corridors and I doubt more than a few dozens of Orcs would dare to travel through them to raid eastern Sheria. It is in the Hills that we should expect more troubles, the road must be protected and Auster secured, as always. The town is the center of all trade in central Sheria and also the link between the more remote regions and the capital city of Taralon."

"Hmm...and you think we will be able to do all this with a Cohort only? I have the feeling that we should have kept some Provincial Troops here to help out with the patroling while we would do the fighting when needed. And we also need horses, maybe a dozen would sufice but right now we only have yours." the calm voice of Shield Daekin Coates, the old and veteran strategist said.

"It's true, we need horses..."

"And we need to inform Vers of our frontier guard position and situation so they don't consider us some sort of deserting troops or organized road thieves." the almost barking voice of Shield Daekin Dogg was heard.

"I will inform Vers on my way north."

"So you will really pursuit with that plan, return to Carmelyn, kill Dag and reclaim the throne of Gonehameau?" Coates asked.

"Yes..."

The man sent from the walls knocked at the door and entered, after saluting he informed his commander of what was happening near the front gate and with but a nod to his council Eyvind followed the Legionnaire out of the room. It wasn't a long stride and the cold breeze of the Sherian winter greeted both when they exited the main building into the courtyard and directly to the gates. The Vagaran wanted to personally meet this Provincial Captain and make sure no blood would be spilled between brothers.

"Open the gates!"

The lionoid heard from inside the Hold and slowly the twin gates started opening and instead of a group of armed men to kill him or capture him was a lonely figure clad in the same black armor of the soldiers in the walls, but this was a figure with a face he would recognize for this was Eyvind Redbeard Avornmagor Björnsson, Supreme Commander of the Provincial Army of Sheria and the one man who had interviewed Tasad for his position. The man was a colossus, standing seven feet in weight and with his long red mane swinging with the wind, he carried no weapon aside of the sword hanging from his belt inside his scabbard, a weapon he seemed most reluctant in holding on this situation because he came in peace.

"Serale, Captain. It seems we meet again, welcome to Draelmar Hold, the new home of the Black Shields. Inform your men that you can enter, we have food and lodging for all. And I would be very glad in having you joining me and the Officers at the table for Rosyum."

Tasad R'rowl · July 28, 2008, 11:44 AM

The gates began to swing open and Tasad held his place. He was no coward and did not worry that he would be attacked. If he was then the soldiers occupying the Hold were stupid beyond measure since they were opening the gates.

Out of the open portal stepped a massive human, larger than even Tasad, which was rare, and Tasad recognized him instantly. It was Cencoris Eyvind Redbeard, the man who had interviewed Tasad and given him his position.

To say that Tasad was shocked was an understatement, since he hadn't expected to meet the Supreme Commander of the Serpents in this Gods-forsaken place, but he kept his face and posture the same and hid it well.

In response to what the Cencoris said Tasad saluted by slamming his mailed fist againt his breastplate and growled," Aye, thank you sir. I'll get the men settled into the Roost and be along to see you as soon as it is completed, Sir."

Snapping another salute Tasad did a smart about face and headed to his men. Once he was again at the head of the formation he bellowed out," Battlecrows, stand down!! The Hold is now the home of Cencoris Redbeard and his men. We will march into the Hold in and take up residence in the Roost. Forward....March"

Tasad Turned and led his men into the Hold to the Roost, the area of the Hold that was set aside for the Battlecrows. Once he had the men assembled again he said," Lt's, take command of your units and set up camp. After camp is set up and everybody is fed one squad will head out on patrol the rest of you men are off duty until further notice!! Lt's. make it happen!!"

With that Tasad left the men to set up their tents and the other numerous chores that were going to be required, and went to find the Cencoris. Walking to the Keep he nodded to the guard and growled," Captain Tasad R'rowl to see the Cencoris."

And then he waited to be told where the Cencoris was.

Eyvind Redbeard · July 31, 2008, 11:04 AM

A bold man this Tasad, even for a Lionoid. He had stood alone before the gates while they were opened without knowing what lay within, he could have been captured, cut in ribbons or shot like a dog by the archers on the walls in the blink of an eye if the ones inside the Hold had been hostiles but he had stood his ground and left his life in the Gods' hands, whatever Gods he had summoned at least. A good adiction for the Black Shields that was for sure or at least a good adiction to the garrison of Draelmar. And it seemed the man could know the mountain passes and the region better than the maps Eyvind had found did.

Sitting at the head of the Officers' Rosyum table the Vagaran wandered in thoughts with his eyes open and a glass with crystaline water in his hand. To his right sat the proud and mighty Tarfuss, his single and last right hand since Cyrus Marius and Teig O'maiolain had disappeared. Of the so called Legion Boys only the two of them remained but it would have to sufice. The chair to Eyvind's left was kept empty for Captain Tasad of the Battlecrows. More men sat around the table, Shield Daekin Coates, Shield Daekin Dogg and Shield Daekin Bevir, who had come from Prime to join Tarfuss and his Domanus, and some other Daekins, Sword Daekins and Spear Daekins. It was Eyvind's Officer's Council.

This was what Tasad saw after being guided through a maze of corridors inside the Hold's main building, the core of the fort itself. As for his men they had already followed the Captain's orders and had settled while others had left the Hold to do their patrolling. No Black Shield would prevent a Battlecrow to do his duties and vice-versa.

"Serale again, Captain."

The deep voice of the red-haired Vagaran said as the Lionoid walked in the room where the group of black clad armored figures sat for their meal, war had been over not too long ago and no one dared to be unprepared should something arise, the room itself was shadowy with only some candles on the walls and a fireplace on a corner, despite all the fire it was still a rather cold and dark room.

"This is Captain Tasad R'rowl of the Battlecrows and the Second Regiment. For his misfortune or maybe for his fortune his Regimental Commander seemed to have left Draelmar without sending word to the Companies patrolling the moutains, I just hope his was the only or else we will be flooded with more Regimental Troops than we can support healthly, not that the presence of the Battlecrows is something we're not glad for." Eyvind paused for a moment while the men around the table expressed their support and the happiness in having the Provincials with them "Please, there is no need to stand. Sit with us, you are a guest this Brightening."

Once Tasad had sat down some men entered in the dinning room and started serving the Officers. There was Drelic, steamed chicken served over boiled and fried rice, for there were two large dishes and there was some Charismean Red Wine and Keethco's Ale. For a moment silence was obsolute as most of the men, Eyvind included, bowed their head and thanked for the meal. It wasn't nothing extremely refined but it was healthy. Then conversation sparked around the table as men discussed about the wildest things.

"Captain." Eyvind finally said after a little sip of wine "What do you intend to do now that the war is over and your Regiment was sent back to the Training Fields?"

Tarfuss · July 31, 2008, 12:47 PM

Tarfuss was, as usual, hungry. He could hear his stomach growling above the mild chatter around the table. As it had been since Heims, things were more somber than they had been back in the days at Prime. Eyvind had had wild ideas, and Tarfus was always ready to go along. Everything had been an adventure or at least a fine joke then. He didn't feel much like laughing now, nor did most of the troops, he imagined. They needed something to improve morale, that much was certain. His brooding was interrupted by the arrival of the Lionid commanding the Battlecrows. He was an imposing figure.

At long last dinner arrived and Tarfuss dug in, his table manners had never improved and he got nearly as much on himself as he did in himself. It was good food, though, and he ate his share and then some. He heard Eyvind ask the Captain a question regarding his plans and he turned his head to listen.

Tasad R'rowl · August 1, 2008, 05:30 PM

Tasad entered the dining area and at Eyvind's offer took the seat that was reserved for him. The meal went quickly after the introductions and soon after Eyvind said," What do you intend to do now that the war is over and your Regiment was sent back to the Training Fields?"

Tasad took a moment to think on this question and reflect upon his options and after looking at all the points he could consider growled," Let me first answer your unspoken question there are no other Companies out patrolling. My command had been sent out on our own to secure the passes in the surronding mountains and to build fortifications since we were the only ones who could build a palisade without it toppling over on us in our sleep. As for what I plan to do now.... to be honest sir my lads and I are none to keen to be back in the Regiment. By the Gods, they didn't even send runners to my Company that they were hoofing it out of here. The Regimental Commander would best serve his provience by slipping and breaking his neck. They are inept and more than likely the whole provience will be owned by the orcs in short order. I can either break off and make us into mercinaries, not a desirerable choice, or if you are looking for a Company of heavy infantry that can march cavalry into the ground, stop the enemy cold, and will hold their line no matter what happens, well then sir, I think I could point you in the right direction of where to find one. Either way I would like for my men and I to have a bit of time before we start soldering again. I was thinking Arakmat for a month or so to train in the harsh conditions the desert there provide."

Tasad growled out the last with a smile, which the scar on his muzzle turned into a scowl, but he guessed that it would be taken as he intended it. His previous meeting with the Cencoris had impressed the Lionoid and he would serve such a man gladly, be they katta or not. But the leave and training he would be adamant about since they needed the break and the training would be good for them.

Tarfuss · August 2, 2008, 12:59 AM

Tarfuss smiled slightly as Tasad gave his measure of the Regimental Commander under whom he served. There were many such, unfortunately. He took another drink out of his mug. Tasad then offered his unit of Heavy infantry to Eyvind - which he described in bold colors and no small amount of boasting. Tarfuss bristled slightly. He'd set the Black Shields against any other Heavy Infantry and bet his life on them. He took a breath. There was no need to cause an incident. The man was no foe, and it was just pride getting the better of him. He took out his pipe roll and began to pack a post meal bowl. A nice calming smoke to soothe his jagged nerves. He was, perhaps, too sensitive about such things after the.... advance in the opposite direction of the enemy that they'd been forced to endure.

Eyvind Redbeard · August 7, 2008, 10:32 PM

The idea of having a rogue Company around wasn't to Eyvind's liking but having that Company joining his Black Shields would be a must and an excellent addiction to reduced number of the Shields. The bristle coming from Tarfuss' direction alerted the Officer about a possible provocation coming from the tired veteran. The Spear Daekin had been through a hard time during the retreat but there had been no other option. Of course spending an entire Cycle marching under smoke clouds that covered the entire sky wasn't something a soldier, no matter how hardened he could be, would easily endure. But his Shields had endured and become stronger thanks to it.

"I gladly accept your offer Captain and your idea of traveling to Arakmat is most well received. In truth I need someone to go there and be my emissary in the city of Kyathis, and who could be the best emissary in a Katta city than a Katta himself? You may even find other agents of mine in the city, but that is another history. First I will tell you of an history most already know, a history that came in the Herald.

Yes, a Skyship of the Ancient Aelyrians appeared over Aelyria Prime and to everyone's surprise the winged ones proclamed the Regent as the new Prince of the Kingdom of Aelyria and to everyone's surprise he accepted. Well, as far as I know a Kingdom is rulled by a King, not a Prince so obviously the former Regent is being used as a puppet by the Ancients. There is also the fact of legality and morality for the claim. Are these creatures who first of all invaded the mainland with war and gathered the land under their banner, then vanished for millennia leaving mortals to their own affairs and then finally returned, worthy of rulling us? I say they are not, and that they deserve not.

Obviously whatever fight against this new emerging power will be hard and we will need allies, thus your mission in Kyathis. You must convince the ruler of the city to join us or at least give us some help if things end up in total war. I will also give you some letters you will send to the Consul of Arakmat and to Pasha Godah. Some letters will grant you permission to march in the Province with armed men while others will be secret and for no one but the person receiving it eyes.

I trust you will not betray me for there will be no gain in doing it and your honor will prevent you as well. But I require that you sworn your alligience to me, just like I require to all my men."

Eyvind then waited for Tasad to swear his alligiance before continuing, taking some letters from his belt's pounch.

Secrets :

"These are the two letters you must carry and you must keep them with your life. Since your task won't be easy your one hundred Battlecrows will be reinforced with one hundred and fifty new members selected by you in the Training Fields."

Secrets :

Turning to Tarfuss the red-haired man raised his glass for a toast.

"To the strong hearted. All hail the glorious dead!"

Later on Eyvind would talk with Tarfuss to help his friend but right now they would drink and eat and remember the men who had died in the skirmish with the Worg riders.

Tarfuss · August 8, 2008, 02:10 AM

Tarfuss had not heard of the return of the winged ones. He didn't know much about them, except from legends. Here they were now, real, or so the paper said. The papers say many things, he thought darkly. Now that they declared the Former Regent King... And Eyvind was suggesting something that sounded vaguely like ... insurrection or mutiny to Tarfuss' ears. Then again - what difference did it make to the man in the street? One boss or another - they were all bosses and bosses where best things to be avoided.

Eyvind took the Katta in with open arms. For a man so filled with twisting thoughts, Eyvind was a curiously trusting soul, Tarfuss thought. He rubbed his beard and took a puff off his pipe just as his own tall red haired boss boomed out a toast: "To the strong hearted. All hail the glorious dead!"

Tarfuss nodded grimly and shouted back, "The glorious dead departed" and quaffed down the rest of his drink.