Fury of the Northmen

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (DrHaphazard @ Aug. 19 2003,21:37)]BTW Kristaps, if you could send it directly to me that might be good. Since i'm leaving for school on Saturday i am hoping to finish by Friday night if God is merciful, if not it might take me a couple days longer while i get everything in order. So i was thinking just in case Emperor didnt check his email tonite i could get the save game that much sooner.

Oh and of course if this is against the rules than please disregard.

Sadly I didn't get mutch of a chance to check my email last night... I was a bit busy.

Its ok to forward the game on to the next user on the list to increase response time, Just as long as I get sent a copy so i can see how things are going for us...

I'll check it out when I'm back from work tonight.

But here's the list as of 20th August 2003.

The_Emperor (King Ragnar I)
Dîn-Heru (King Ragnar II)
Monk (King Sigurd II)
Kristaps (King Ragnar III)
DrHaphazard (Current Ruler: King Magnus I)
Sprucemoose
Cazbol
Big King Sanctaphrax
TheSilverKnight

EDIT: TheSilverKnight you have been added

[TheSilverKnight]

e-mail address is chrisspolanski@msn.com

I want to rape and pillage..and..stuff I like to be viking

[DrHaphazard]

Well work has begun on Magnus' reign. I can't promise anything but i still hope to be finished before i need to pack my computer up on Friday to go to school.

I did have a question though, how should i handle any pictures i want to include in my report? I could attempt to use my free Tulane webspace but im not sure if pictures would link off that. I'll see how that works.

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] ]I did have a question though, how should i handle any pictures i want to include in my report? I could attempt to use my free Tulane webspace but im not sure if pictures would link off that. I'll see how that works.

I can host any pictures if you have trouble... just email them to me & make sure there are no spaces in the filenames.


TheSilverKnight you have been added to the above list.

[DrHaphazard]

Oops, one more question, should i attempt to shrink the battle pictures, and if so what program is best for that?

EDIT: Oh and also if so, should i shrink it to 75%, 50%?

[Kristaps]

Quote[/b] (DrHaphazard @ Aug. 20 2003,14:13)]Oops, one more question, should i attempt to shrink the battle pictures, and if so what program is best for that?

Tell us rather how did the battle against 5000 Saxons go?

[Monk]

5000 saxons = Bloodbath



anyway lets hope thats how it ended

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (DrHaphazard @ Aug. 20 2003,20:13)]Oops, one more question, should i attempt to shrink the battle pictures, and if so what program is best for that?

I find that Paint Shop Pro 7 suits my needs... but it depends on what you prefer.

[DrHaphazard]

Quote[/b] (Monk @ Aug. 20 2003,14:23)]5000 saxons = Bloodbath

anyway lets hope thats how it ended

Uh...yeah...about that...ya see the funny thing about bloodbaths is they can go both ways...

On the plus side things are proceeding apace, however i think it unlikely that moosey will be able to play after me. However a 15 stack faction reemergence has just occured so...

[Kristaps]

Hey, who reemerged and where? Mercians already did is it the Welsh?

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (Kristaps @ Aug. 21 2003,06:40)]is it the Welsh?

Heh heh heh...We'll get you boyo

[DrHaphazard]

Quote[/b] (Kristaps @ Aug. 21 2003,00:40)]Hey, who reemerged and where? Mercians already did is it the Welsh?

EDIT: Wait a second I'm not going to compromise my beautiful plot line by telling you the who what and how. Oh, well i already told you the what but that was just to build up suspense.

[Kristaps]

Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Aug. 21 2003,06:37)]

Quote[/b] (Kristaps @ Aug. 21 2003,06:40)]is it the Welsh?

Heh heh heh...We'll get you boyo

Boyo? I'm the spirit of Ragnar III: the worst nighgmare the Welsh ever have had...

In my boyo years I was exterminating Welsh princes: For that, the Welsh dinasty turned into a dynasty of ghosts

[The_Emperor]

Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Aug. 21 2003,12:37)]

Quote[/b] (Kristaps @ Aug. 21 2003,06:40)]is it the Welsh?

Heh heh heh...We'll get you boyo

Are you behind this Big King? Does the Welsh King have the Big King Tash?

[DrHaphazard]

Well the deed is done my hearties. See this is what you can accomplish when you take two days off of work to pack and get no packing done.

In any case, a write-up will ensue, but first i'm going to cook me up a brace of hotdogs.

By the way, do yall like pictures? Cuz i got a lot of pictures...42 so far

[DrHaphazard]

I'm working on it' I'm workin on it. Aight Emperor, i wasn't sure what you're email was. The best i can figure out its this...

ralphwolf@hotmail.com

If thats not right then let me know cuz that is the address i'm sending the pictures too.

Uh yeah, there's kidna a lot of pictures, but i like pictures and I've made sure that they're not ungodly large files. The whole package is 1.6 MB, i hope thats ok with you. I'll see about not using all the pictures, but since this is my first write-up i'm trying to go for gusto.

EDIT: Oh, and if you haven't gotten my email by tommorow afternoon please let me know. My email service is unreliable at best.

[The_Emperor]

the hotmail one should work, but ralphwolf@clara.co.uk is my main one.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Quote[/b] (The_Emperor @ Aug. 21 2003,19:05)]

Quote[/b] (Big King Sanctaphrax @ Aug. 21 2003,12:37)]

Quote[/b] (Kristaps @ Aug. 21 2003,06:40)]is it the Welsh?

Heh heh heh...We'll get you boyo

Are you behind this Big King? Does the Welsh King have the Big King Tash?

Yep-He's my second cousin from the valleys

[DrHaphazard]

Well i don't know why but my webmail couldn't send the message to your hotmail account. I'm going to try with your .uk account this time.

[sprucemoose]

hehehehe

is it my turn soon?

oooh er i want to bash the brits

[DrHaphazard]

sorry spruce, the British isle has been completely subjugated. There really wasn't left for me to do but push over an already toppling Saxon kingdom.

[DrHaphazard]

Well ive decided to release the first half of my story given the very real probability that it will be a while before i can complete the second half. Well ive tried to do some unique stuff, let me know what you think because i'll try and use the succesful techniques again in future write ups.

-----------------------------------

[What follows is a compilation of excerpts from that worthy man Godrum of Guent, Mercian Ambassador to King Ragnar III and later to King Magnus I, rulers of the Vikings. Certainly not every note, petition and digression needs be brought to your attention, so a summary of the good ambassador’s records have been provided for your education. The Mercians occupy the light blue area of the map while the Saxons control the red portion.]

The Year of our Lord 906:
I have arrived at the camp of King Ragnar III, leader of the Vikings at the behest of my lord, the King of Mercia. I have taken up this task begrudgingly as it almost certainly will cost me my head. I have the dubious task of trying to secure peace for the war ravaged people of Mercia…

Alas, Ragnar III was struck down by the curse that has dogged his family for generations, dying suddenly and perhaps mysteriously in his 56th year. I thought I was making good headway with this man in striking up a peace treaty between our two peoples. Now all my hard earned spies and costly bribes will be for not as his successor will certainly employ new retainers and servants more to his liking. Of this man, Magnus I have heard much, indeed it was impossible to speak with the old king but to hear of this man’s prowess on the battlefield. I have yet to meet he who they call The Fat and I grow tired to think of having to make another good impression…

The Year of Our Lord 907:



King Magnus I of the Vikings has certainly made his new reign known far and wide. Unlike his father who remained a devoted seaman and captain to the end of his days, Magnus loves to keep his feet on solid ground. To this effect Magnus has cancelled many of the ships under construction and those that were planned to be built. He has also stopped the construction of shipyards and those proud creators of the Viking warships grumble to now be reduced to creating humble fishing vessels. Magnus clearly fears no attack at sea since no one has the temerity or even the resources to construct boats of war.

I have not yet ascertained the economic state of the Viking kingdom, but they seem to abound in money since building projects and new fighting units are springing up everywhere. Much of the lands are poor since the Vikings razed most of them during the conquering and obviously if the Vikings are rich it is because of the spoils of war, not because they are wise merchants or grand farmers. Magnus has made attempts clear land for farming and improve semi-fertile land, but still his main thrust is to war.

The Year of Our Lord 908:


My lord, the King of Mercia was obviously wise in sending me as the ambassador. My long service in the army of my king has left me with the scars of a soldier, and there are few things the Vikings respect more than the old warrior. I have met King Magnus I and drank with him in the Mead Hall as we talked of battles of yesteryear. Truly he is fat as people say, but his eyes are shrewd and his wit is quick. He is obviously too clever by half and I must watch myself, especially after a long night with a drinking horn. He seems indifferent to talks of treaties with the Mercians but has displayed no anger either…

Also in this year, hoping to take advantage of confusion over the death of King Ragnar III, the King of the Saxons brazenly marched forth into Dere, with a force outnumbering the Viking at some 10 to 1. I was not personally in attendance at the ensuing conflict, but I hear of the great feats of valor preformed every night in the Mead Hall. I grow disheartened at the news of this impressive victory and I ponder even now how the good people of Mercia could ever hope to defeat this seemingly inhuman race.

[Historical note: The Battle for Dere in the Year 908 was indeed a stunning victory for the Viking army as the Saxons very foolishly marched to battle against that wizened commander Lord Grethir, Thane of Cawdor, greatest of all the Viking commanders with a total of 9 gold stars to his credit. Although the Vikings were indeed heavily outnumbered by the Saxons as you can see below the true ratio was much closer to four Saxons for every Viking. Perhaps the Saxon king Egbert II hoped that his mere presence would bolster the confidence and fighting spirit of his troops thereby ensuring victory. He was mistaken…]



[…While the first wave of the Saxons closely matched the makeup of the Viking army, they were simply not as well led. Several units of Saxon Huscarles very foolishly charged the Viking line ahead of the main force. Archers whittled away at their number and then they were engulfed by the cruel Viking axemen. The Saxon King himself rode boldly forth straight at the Viking general Grethir but he too was engulfed…]



[…The King of the Saxons certainly lacked nothing in courage as he neither flinched nor attempted to run despite the obvious bad turn of events. Unfortunately he and his men inflicted few casualties and King Egbert II must have died a desperate and frustrated man. With the fall of their valiant but misguided king the Saxons wavered and finally broke as the Viking Raider Cavalry finally smashed into their archers. A few units of Huscarles, the Berserkers and the Cavalry were allowed to chase after the fleeing men, but the rest were called back to preserve their strength. The two units of Huscarles that were hit the hardest, down to 2 and 5 men respectively, were highly praised on the battlefield for their courage. They were allowed to retire with the cheers of their comrades to tend to their wounds which were many and deep.]



[Ironically the men manning the catapult and trebuchet did not run and indeed showed impressive accuracy with their weapons. The raider cavalry was hit repeatedly as it chased down the fleeing archers. The Berserkers and Huscarles were called back after this impressive display of artillery. Finally, furious at continuous hits the cavalry turned and smashed all 3 siege pieces, killing many of their handlers. Unfortunately the cavalry needed to be reigned in as Saxon Royal Bodyguards arrived on the field determined to avenge their king’s death and return his body to the Saxon lines.

The fighting that ensued was short lived and the enemy nobles forced to flee, although they rallied gallantly and attacked again as their infantry arrived. The infantry this time consisted mainly of Armored spearmen and Frydmen. They put up an impressive display against the axes of the Vikings, inflicting few casualties but standing their ground. Ultimately the crush was too much and they also fled, escorted off the field by the Viking cavalry. More infantry showed up to the glee of the Vikings, but they turned and fled before battle was joined. So ended the Battle for Dere and the life of the Saxon King Egbert II…]



The Year of Our Lord 909:

In this year the Vikings, in search of a steady source of income have attacked into the province of Guined on the western coast of our Isle. The copper is plentiful there and even though the rebels tired to destroy the mine as they retreated it is being rebuilt for use by the Vikings. I am continually impressed how many Viking warriors can be called up in merely a year and thrown at a province.

My king continues to steer a wise course as the Mercians maintain giant armies in the two provinces we do control. Perhaps the Vikings will be dissuaded from attacking my people for this simple reason. I see Magnus rarely now as he is more often in council than the Mead Hall. My new spies are unfortunately not placed close enough to the king to be near these late night gatherings. I must redouble my efforts on this front in order to learn of Magnus’ plans…

The Year of Our Lord 910:


Since my lord has not seen fit to recall me and since my work seems hampered near the Viking King I have decided to go on a tour of the Viking lands which are indeed extensive, especially compared to the small but valiant kingdom of my homeland. The Vikings are indeed a murderous and terrible people, but confusingly Magnus has done much to help those that are under his sway. Certainly many martial buildings have been constructed so that new warriors might be instructed in the Viking way, but there are also signs of improved agriculture in the works all across his kingdom. Certainly this will benefit the Vikings’ coffers, but it has also makes the conquered people of these lands happier and less likely to revolt.

Of course there is a more sinister side to this “happiness” as well. In every province there is a network of spies among the locals in order to inform the king and his chosen governors of any possible rebellion. An interesting mix of happiness and fear of reprisals keeps the locals in line. Trained assassins also can be found near and wide ready to do their master’s bidding. I have made several contacts in my journeys and for the right price they have agreed to keep my appraised of the situation in their homelands.

And I would be failing in my commitment to my king if I were not to mention the terrible pagan rites that are practiced in the north. Sacrifices to Odin are common, the better if the victim is a recalcitrant Christian, thereby spreading fear and undermining His followers. I cannot speak of the horrors I have witnessed and I pray even now that by some machination the Christian armies might rid our beautiful isle of this menace.

The Year of Our Lord 911:

As I explained in previous years a huge number of buildings are being constructed and new warriors trained. This has undoubtedly strained the budget of the Viking king as he has again taken up the practice of raiding into enemy territory. Thankfully it is the Saxons who felt the brunt of this attack, but every new departure of raiders could be headed towards my homelands. The King Magnus seems displeased now by my constant entreaties and suggestions of a solid peace treaty. I must try a different tactic in the future…

The province of the latest concerted Viking raid, Suth Seaxe, has been leveled, with no building left standing. Despite orders merely to conduct a raid, the leader of the expedition, Lord Sigmund of the Northern Isles, decided to stay and fully destroy the Saxon forces in the province. Vikings are not meant for drawn out sieges and so catapults were drawn up and an assault of the simple fortification was made.

Victory was all but assured, however I heard that Lord Sigmund conducted the assault poorly. Certainly the siege equipment leveled many buildings, but when it came to assaulting the defenders the Vikings were overly confident. Many greedy Viking Thralls rushed in too quickly only to be met by the capable axes of the Saxon Huscarles. The defenders fought valiantly and with desperation, killing more than their fair share of Vikings, but the contest was uneven and the site left a charred ruin.



The Saxons in the meantime have made use of their immense wealth to bribe the rebels on the borders of the Viking lands. I do not know the sum that changed hands, but the force of archers and spearmen that they bought, though large, will surely not stand up to a determined Viking charge…

In the Year of Our Lord 912:


Lord Sigmund has once again ignored Magnus’ order to return. This display of impetuosity might serve my King well and I have begun a detailed report about the disposition of all the Viking commanders, hoping to find some weakness the Mercian armies might exploit.

In this case however Viking greed proved more than worthwhile. Sigmund brazenly, given his poor battlefield performance, attacked straight into West Seaxe. This is the capital of Saxon lands and immensely wealthy, producing 1,000 florins of worth a year. So fearsome were the Vikings, or so cowardly were the Saxons that not even a fight was put up for this most important province.
With glee the Vikings summarily razed everything and the loot and slaughter was tremendous. Spoils equal to a full 5,000 gold pieces was sent in humble servitude to the King Magnus I With so amazing an amount sent home, one can only imagine the amount of the loot that was kept by the soldiers themselves. Sigmund and all his men are undoubtedly rich now, and that will make them all the more loyal to this Lord of the Northern Isles.

[Historical Note: In this our worthy ambassador was mistaken for the amount of treasure sent to Magnus equaled not 5,000 florins, but 10,000 florins]

In the Year of Our Lord 913:


A Mercian warship has appeared off the west coast of our beautiful isle Oh it brings joy to this old soldier’s heart to see the great uproar this caused in the Viking court as they rushed warships to the area. I have managed to convince Magnus that this measly ship poses no threat to his powerful warships, but the Vikings remain wary. While I am glad to see the Vikings fear us still after all the years, I wonder at the plan my King is hatching. Certainly we cannot hope to defeat the Vikings at sea. I hope he does not mean to antagonize the Vikings for we would surely lose Oh I have been away from my homelands too long and I no longer know my king’s mind. Why did he not inform me of this fateful move?

Also, fearful that the Saxons will buy the loyalty of all the remaining rebels, Magnus has grudgingly agreed to attempt a bribe himself. The leader of the “rebels” of Drefet is none other than Lord Hywel, whom I had fought along side now nigh twenty years ago How he came to be ruler of this province I know not, but an able commander he is with 5 gold stars to his credit. I wonder what his reaction to the bribe will be…

In the Year of Our Lord 914:


Lord Sigmund of the Northern Isles continues his raiding party deep in Saxon territory. Not content to stay anywhere for long he has invaded East Seaxe, leaving West Seaxe black and barren. No Saxon army has dared to meet him since he burned the Warrior Hold in Suth Seaxe. Lord Grethir, that old fox of Dere, has grown restless and attempted to join Sigmund’s forces, and indeed lead it. But Sigmund rebuffed him soundly and Grethir had not enough men to assert his authority. Sigmund’s men are indeed loyal to him. The Viking king seems pleased by these turn of events, liking Sigmund’s fire and commenting that, though and able commander already Sigmund could use more victories…

Now Sigmund faces a choice however, all the rich land is now guarded by at least one full army of Saxons. It will be interesting to see if he returns to smash the small armies of the poor provinces or will daringly attack into the heart of Saxon power. Also interestingly my spies inform me that the loyalty of the Saxon generals is extremely low. Perhaps Sigmund needs do nothing and his enemies will fall to bickering amongst themselves…

Again I fear my King has blundered. He has decided to claim West Seaxe for himself. While it no longer makes the money it once did it is still suitable farming land. I fear however that this will serve only to anger the Saxons who also made an attempt to reclaim it but pulled back on seeing a larger Mercian force. I fear that the huge armies that keep my people safe will be spread too thin to repulse either a Saxon or Viking attack…

On a humorous note, the bribe that Magnus so begrudgingly set was rejected A full 4,000+ florins was offered if my sources are correct, an immense sum for an army the Vikings could easily defeat. Magnus was so furious he split the oaken table before him with his grand axe. Having stooped to bribery the king could not stomach the insult of rejection. While I was amused at the old Viking’s discomfiture I cannot help but feel that my old comrade in arms, Hywel, will suffer greatly for his defiant gesture…

In the Year of Our Lord 915:

Having found the Saxons unwilling to give battle in East Engle and unwilling to embark on a lengthy siege of the keep Sigmund was forced to look for a new opponent. Sigmund now roams free like a rabid dog. Utterly fearless and unpredictable, all are afraid to stand in his way. Confident in his men’s loyalty and fighting prowess Sigmund seems determined to bring his foe to the ground. With this aim in mind he has set sail around the whole of the Isle and landed in Pouis, home to three full Saxon armies, and more importantly, to the new King of the Saxons Harold II.

In choosing this target Sigmund has acted wisely. The troops stationed with the king are mainly inexperienced spearmen and rebels newly bribed into the army. These will make easy fodder for Viking axes. This Harold is known to be a sybarite, eating too much and wearing too fine a clothing, very foolish for one whose kingdom is being ravaged. No one dares jest about this upstart Saxon’s weight problem, however, since they are unsure of their own, shall we say, “expansive” king’s reaction.

I have also received secretly the information that my own sovereign wishes to attack the Vikings sooner than later. Year after year I have sent him intelligence warning of the inhuman fighting ability of these terrible Norsemen. I cannot fathom why My Lord Jesus should suffer for good Christians to fall so easily to these pagans, but surely that is not for me to know. In any case, my warnings seem to have the opposite effect of what I intended, and my good king is determined to attack before the Vikings grow stronger. Since I have done all I can to dissuade him from this course I must now endeavor to keep the news from Magnus for as long as possible. I will remain in his court until shortly before the planned attack to keep up the appearance of friendly relations. If God be merciful then by this deceit perhaps the Mercian armies will win a miraculous victory over these savages.

In the Year of Our Lord 916:


My life is forfeit, as truly it has been these past ten years. I flee even now, but the chances of a true escape are doubtful. I have much Viking land to travel through before I reach the Saxon border, but even should I reach that my fate is uncertain, since the Vikings raid deep, and the Saxons are no true friends of Mercia. This shall be my last entry in this journal until I have reached safety. I only write now because I have nothing else to do traveling as I am disguised as a merchant in a cargo train. Alas I hear the Vikings headed north tell of spectacular victories and cowardly enemies. I know this can herald only the destruction of the proud Mercian kingdom.

I have instructed my last remaining servant to take this diary to my King Offa II of Mercia if I should be caught or killed, so that my sovereign might know I have done all in my power for him and his people…

The diary was indeed delivered to the King Offa II by our good ambassador’s servant. The old ruler mourned deeply this sad delivery, for he regretted not only the death of a faithful vassal, but also the greater catastrophe that had taken place…]

[sprucemoose]

boo hooo

[The_Emperor]

Ok guys, in case anyone was wondering this campaign has officially come to an end... I think we are still awaiting the last write up from DrHaphazard of the final victory of King Magnus I over the British Isles and the conclusion of this saga.

So here is the final line of Viking Kings and the years of their reigns in Command of the Marauding Vikings

The_Emperor (King Ragnar I)793 - 822
Dîn-Heru (King Ragnar II)822 - 847
Monk (King Sigurd II)847 - 880
Kristaps (King Ragnar III)880 - 907
DrHaphazard (King Magnus I)907 - 931

Now The Russian Campaign carries the flag... Until the next one

[sprucemoose]

At last a PBM that is complete

well done chaps

[Mount Suribachi]

DrHaphazard I really like your write up. An interesting perspective to describe the reign from and very well written to boot. Great job

Now get on with the 2nd part

[Dîn-Heru]

DrHaphazard, when will the rest of the story continue?