England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Hello there. I'm new to the Total War forums, but I've been a long-time lurker. After a particularly good campaign (So far) as the English on VH/VH mode, I've decided to make my first few posts ones that are AAR's.
Despite preferring to bog things down with details, much like a novelist would, I will go a different route. I will only make a story based on full campaigns, rather than seperate battles, and seperate city conquests. The story itself will be written in the format of an esoteric novel known as Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It's style should prove strange by useful.
Each campaign will be signified by key events such as and it will be described as a victory or a loss.
Campaign victories will be listed as such with the following events:
- The destruction of a faction.
- The conquest of 4 or more cities.
- Decisive battles.
Campaign losses will be listed as such with the following events:
- The loss of a city.
- The death of a Faction Leader or Heir.
To keep things short and sweet, major battles will be recorded in a single screenshot. Minor battles will not. Character development will be short, and simple, but effective based on non-game related fiction based entirely on the character's traits. This will include the non-essential characters such as Merchants, Priests and even Ship Captains.
Don't worry though, for those of you who've read RoTK would know, character development rarely gets in the way of the actual story's progression.
Blah blah blah... I guess I'm boring you guys now with the outline of my story.
Anyhow, the first campaign will be up soon. As you can guess by the images I posted, the campaign will be against Scotland.
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
The breakdown of Roman society prefaced the world due to the scarcity of trade across the former empire. Countries could no longer look to soldiers from half a world away to protect them from the invasions of Barbarians. As a result, major industries that depended solely on long-distance trade vanished overnight in the country of Britain. Manufactured goods quickly became localized. Britain became overrun by Saxons, and plunged into a period of chaos. It wasn't until the splintered remnants of Roman and Frankish empires known as the Normans invaded across the English Channel that trade would break free from it's localization, and would once again provide Britain the wealth needed to maintain a true society. As with the rest of the world that was driven by fear of the Barbarians at the door, Britain would be a feudal society.
King William the Conqueror would lead this society. It was William who was said to have led the men of Normandy by thunder and hail across the southern tip of the island at the battle of Hastings. He was also the man who suppressed the subsequent English revolts that would follow in what was known as the Norman Conquest. Although he would not gain leadership of this land until the death of his brother-in-law, King Edward the Confessor. A death that is forever shrouded in subterfuge and mystery.
England would consist of the Fortress of Caen, the City of London, and the Fortress of Nottingham. With soldiers numbering in the thousands across the land. Each province having a garrison of at least hundreds, if not more.
Upon the first summer day, the moon was full, and closest to the earth. It was the year Anno Domini 1080. As William came to meet with his council for the first time of the year, a dark omen filled the sky through the shining red and violet lights among the clouds while the sun set. Oh how the lights danced, while the bright red lights resembling a phoenix fought endlessly with the dark and purple clouds forming the mandibles of a dragon. War was coming.
Motivated greatly by the signs of impending disaster, William shook his fist to the sky and laughed. "These foul creatures pale in the righteousness of our conquests. God is on our side." it was here and now that he decided upon extending his conquest to even greater reaches than that currently held.
King William would rally forth the militia, and send forth his courtly spy Richard into the northern regions to scout for any possible strategic locations. He rode out from the city of London, to the fortress of Nottingham to meet with his son Prince Rufus who was levying an army of spearmen.
"Father, the men we have gathered are strong and vibrant. The Cardinal Aston who speaks with God, has told us of his blessings regarding the bloodshed of the heathens that control the north. There is not a better time to advance to York!" Prince rufus would exclaim.
Humble William would not make his final decision based on the advice of his son nor the omens alone. He would confer in prayer at first at the small chapel constructed in Nottingham, under the guidance of Cardinal Aston the Violent. "Boldness is your strength, and God looks upon this as a virtue. Use it as your advantage upon all trials that you will face."
With this guidance, King William marched north across the borders of Nottingham along with his son, and a troop of 600 men, including 180 archers, and 120 horsemen not including the general's bodyguards.
In the year of 1084 the conquest would be completed, and York would come under the control. Losses were minimal due to strategic planning, and a sound strategy of surrounding the small village with horsemen, while the archer's removed the presence of the spearmen.
William's supporters grew with each passing moment, especially as Christianity spread. Pagans everywhere reeled at their losses while the word of God denounced everything they held dear.
News of this conquest would not go unheard. King Malcolm of Scotland would receive a message from his loyal diplomat Patrick MacDougall who had been dealing trade negotiations with the people of York at the very moment that the border infraction caused by William's army was noticed by York's border horsemen. "We must not let the offlanders gain anymore territory on this island. I will consolidate our forces here at Edinburough in preparation to free the people of York from William's clutches. Edward, my son, go now back to the old land, and reclaim it for Scotland so that we may rally all peoples to fend off the Normans!" Malcolm would tell his son, and two officials of the court.
Prince Edward would do so, quickly and easily taking the city of Dublin on the same year, only months after York fell. Ireland was now under the control of Scotland, and already the now subjugated people were being consolidated into spear militia's in preparation for war.
War would have to wait though. Within four years, the diplomat Patrick MacDougall had entered into trade negotiations with King William himself in an attempt to buy time for his country. William was not fooled by this rouse however, as he had sent his son Prince Rufus to the west, to conquer the people of Wales by taking the fortress of Caernarvon. The people were not quickly subjugated however. Over the course of the first two years, the fort was demolished, and the village inside the fort, was constructed into a city. The taxes were lowered, and a small church was constructed in an attempt to satiate the unhappy populace. The policy worked however, for the people of Wales were highly religious.
In 1090, Prince Edward would take an army exceeding 300 spearmen, and 100 archers onto multiple cog vessels, and they would sail north-west from Wales to the island of Ireland. There they would make an infraction which would cause major confusion among the ranks of Scotland's Prince Edward's army.
"England dares to attack our lands!? We must sally forth from the city to quell them before they do any damage to the country side!" Prince Edward would quickly ride out with his army. However, one of his supporters would remind him of the strength of Prince Rufus' army. Advising to him, "Sire, should we attack them head on, or should we defend against them with such an indefensible city, we would surely lose both ways. I suggest that we hide in the forests of Ireland to the west. We can wait them out, and take Dublin back while they splinter their army and head north to Edinburough." Rufus would follow this advice, and put the ploy to work setting up a temporary camp in the forests.
Prince Rufus would take the city with minimal casualties, for the only garrison was a broken stack of only 48 spear militia. Only 2 of Rufus' men had died during the battle, and the peasant population seemingly acted satiated, for Rufus spared them any indignities or ransacking.
Two years would pass, and Prince Rufus would take 200 of his spearmen, and 100 of his archers to the north, where he would meet with the 700 men strong army of King William the Conqueror. However, before word could even reach either army, Prince Edward would lead his 300 man strong army to Dublin. Even though the palisade walls were repaired, they would fall easily to the rams constructed by Edward's men. Edward would completely decimate the 100 men strong spearmen army.
The campaign put into place by King William was halted indefinitely as a result. This would be William's first defeat and a lost campaign.
(Screenshots will be included later on in. Most of this had already happened and is being based off of memory. I do however have plenty of screenshots of some very major battles later on, so stay tuned for more!)
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Hm. Edward as Cao Cao? Froggies as the Suns, and maybe Scotland as the redoubtable Liu Bei and friends?
This is going to be entertaining. Very nice idea.
:bow:
I'd quibble with your description of RoTK as 'esoteric' though. It's pretty mainstream for a classic, and gets more computer-game coverage than, say, Polybius.
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
- Non story related banter -
To tell the truth, I haven't gone so far as to pay homage to any of the three major Kings of Romance (Cao Cao was never an emperor) of the Three Kingdoms.
However, King William himself is most likely to turn out to be like Cao Cao, given the way that I've been playing him. Not to mention the traits that hes been receiving lately.
King Malcolm and Scotland will not be around long enough to really fit in the story as one of the three main lords from RoTK... Trust me on this, hes a very minor character. :smash:
If you ask me, there won't be a Liu Bei, unless I, or a rival faction decides to go on Crusades, since thats essentially the only way to get Chivalry up high enough to get Liu Bei-esque traits.
Anyhow, characters will literally be coming in and out of the story, since Medieval 2: Total War tends to go through many generations rather quickly. Don't worry though, each one will be individual and unique. Thats why the RoTK Format fits in so well for an M2:TW AAR. Afterall, it contained over 800 characters!
Anyhow, I'm home, and I'm writing now so...
Coming soon! Campaign #2: Medieval manifest destiny.
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Stranded in former Galloway just east of the North Channel between Scotish controlled Ireland and Edinburough, Prince Rufus would find himself between a rock and a hard place. Spies count 200 men lead by Prince Edward holding the garrison at Dublin. To the east was an army numbering in the thousands led by the fabled son of Scotland, Aed of Oakley. To the north of Edinburough was Captain Kirk, a man with a reputation of headstrong actions, but a record of victory and nothing less. Each army outnumbered his, and outclassed his with better troops, and more cavalry.
"What are we to do?" Rufus would ask his loyal spy, Richard the Inconspicuous.
"I have many friends in these lands. They are descendants of warriors from former Strath Clyde, and they hate the scotsmen almost as much as we do for their conquests. I suggest we rally whatever florins we have on hand, and buy their friendship. "Seeing as King William is moving north from York at this very moment to meet with the thousand man army of Duke Oakley, it would be wise to take these mercenaries and reinforce William's army, while our loyal men return to Dublin to recapture it."
Rufus was dissuaded by the idea due to the fact that it's chance of success lied solely on the capability of mercenaries whom he knew nothing of, and his second in command, Captain Jacob, who showed no promise in commanding troops at all. It would only be after many hours of deliberation, that Rufus reluctantly agreed. Thats when he'd send a pair of messengers out. One went to the nearby encampment of warriors in an attempt to buy their help. The other messenger would move east asking William to keep his troops back long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
The messenger would return to meet with Rufus, "My lord, the mercenaries looked upon the money we offered them with awe, and have graciously accepted our offer."
Rufus would nod and state back to the messenger, "How many men now serve us?"
"300 plus change in spearmen, 80 crossbowmen, and possibly 80 men armed with claymores. It's a grand bunch." the messenger replied, while being seated at a banquet that Rufus was hosted with some of his captains and officials in his tent, during preparation.
Captain Lewis responded to Rufus, "Sire, let me take charge of 100 of those spearmen, my troop of spearmen, and our two units of archers. I promise to you that we will easily retake Dublin!" his voice exclaimed with great passion knowing that he was in a position to earn status among the lords, while denouncing the irreputable Captain Jacob. Rufus agreed.
Thus the army splintered into two. The main army lead by Rufus, with 200 mercenary spearmen, one troop of spearmen militia, one troop of men armed with claymores, and 80 crossbowmen would move east into Northumbria to merge with William's army that stood 400 men strong. The secondary army now led by Captain Lewis, moved south into Ireland, immediately besieging the walls of Dublin with two rams previously built.
Two years would pass, and the earth seemed unusually cold. The farms suffered heavy drought as a result, because the winds stopped blowing in rain. The peasants suffered, and trade as a byproduct suffered as well. The newly converted city of Caernarvon especially acted in a scornful way, with many peasants acting out in manners that resembled revolt. Were it not for the 100 man garrison that held the city, these rumors of revolt would have no doubt come to fruition.
The lack of rain and snow aided the battle tactics of Captain Lewis. Arrows easily ignited, and stayed lit in the bitter cold skies, finding their marks on the foolish Spearmen of Edward's behind the walls of dublin. His archers could barely keep up with their own armies losses, and the men in the towers were too busy attempting to destroy the rams before they could reach the gates. As such, they failed grievously in both counter attacking, as well as preventing Captain Lewis' advance to the gates. The gates fell, and soon hundreds of spearmen were storming into the city walls, being led by none-else than the single troop of Mercenary spearmen. Those men fought valiantly despite their poor reputation as unreliable troops. They fought well enough to drive Edward back from the gates, to the main center of the city, while the peasant archers were being reassembled by the city walls.
Hundreds of spearmen then assembled along the dirt road inside of the city, and marched in unison together towards the center square where Edward's remaining 20 general bodyguards, 40 archers, and 40 spearmen stood awaiting the last moments of the battle. It was either them, or the English marauders who dared to invade.
English archers fired over the buildings with burning arrows, covering the sky in darkness for a moment due to the sheer volume of wooden shafts that filled the air. As they fell, so did dozens of spearmen and archers. Edward himself would be struck by two of the arrows, causing him to reel to the back of his troop's formation. Another volley of arrows would fill the sky, with another half dozen Scotsmen falling to their demise. Edward again would be struck, this time in the thigh.
Just as Edward was reforming his troop, a small squadron of spearmen came at him and his men with spearpoints, and shields. Edward would be struck dozens of times before his bodyguards could come to his aid. It was then and there that he would draw a final breath, and falter from his horse to the ground below.
"The Prince is dead!" shouted one of the bodyguards. This was the moment that every man outside of the square would fall back to the square, hoping for some semblance of relief from the men who guarded it so fiercly. Alas, there was no help, for the square was taken... Every scotsmen was either taken prisoner or killed during the final moments. Dublin was once more English, and there wasn't a single scotsman on the Irish island that could do anything about it. Unfortunately, Captain Lewis who had boasted so arrogantly about his abilities as a leader... had also died during the battle.
Though it would be a month after the actual battle took place; in the east word of Prince Edward's demise filled the ranks of Scotland's own with fear, and mourning. England however celebrated it's victory.
"Let the bastard burn in hell for his heresy." spouted King William to his captains and lieutenants.
"Father, this is a sign from God." Prince Rufus who had arrived to merge with King William's men many weeks sooner would state. "This is a sign of our impending domination over the God Given land of Britain. We shall rule by his grace."
King Malcolm mourned the loss of his son, and as a result called upon Aed to prepare his forces to move south to not only stop England's invasion, but to exact swift brutal revenge upon William and Rufus.
William won this campaign, capturing Dublin, and removing Malcolm's firstborn, Prince Edward. Now only Prince Alexander remains as the sole heir to Scotland's throne.
{Real screenshots of the game will be included in the next campaign!}
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Campaign #3. - A little axe.
Furious of the loss of his beloved firstborn, King Malcolm ordered a draft of every able bodied scot throughout the northern provinces. Heeding his call for vengeance, thousands of men stepped forward to undertake the defense of their homeland from the imperialistic English. Before the night was done, the Scottish army numbered well into two thousand men strong spread out in only one fortress, and one city. The remaining 1500 stood outside of the gates of Edinbrugh goading the English Army to the south by killing English scouts, and sending them back on their horse beheaded.
After the fourth loss of a scout, King William met with his young but brave son Prince Rufus. "Son, our beloved God spoke to me in a dream about the bloodshed that awaits upon our staying in this encampment." it seemed that William's right hand shook in disdain at the memory of his dream before continuing his speech. "Thunder and hail will rain down irregardless of where we head, but if it is on this battlefield that we choose, we will lose all hope and glory... This is proven by the loss of our scouts."
"Father, you speak of Madness."
"Stay your tongue fool! I know of what I do, we ride out tommorow for Edinbrugh. We shall end this war before long!"
William's army numbered in the 700's after a short headcount, including the losses of his few scouts. He gathered up his retinue, issued to them their orders, and sent them out among the men to improve morale that had become impoverished as a result of rumors of William's recent punishments on officials who disobeyed him.
Two more years would pass as village after village, and town after town along the road between York and Edinbrugh became shorter, while English borders spread deep into Scottish territory. It wouldn't be long now before William would set up an outpost only days away from where the town stood. Of course, became the English scouts all lay dead, and Richard the Spy was currently busy in Dublin rounding up rebels, William and Rufus failed to notice the army just over the hills north of Edinbrugh. There lay hidden the army 1500 strong, led by the famous Aed of Oakley.
"Are we set to encircle them?" Aed would state to his first in command, Captain Kirk.
"Yes sir, my men should be in place before nightfall."
"Then we ride. Encircle them so they can't make an escape. The fools won't see us coming."
William did however anticipate this attack, even if he did not know of the exact numbers. Before nightfall, and before the encampment was completed, he'd call forth his men, and issue to them a rousing speech. "The scots will be here soon, so I thought it'd be prudent for me to let you know that... I have brought you here to fight! I can promise you nothing, save a hard struggle! Would you have me tell you anything else? But if I say we can win, then we can win. We shall be victorious, if all do their part! And all will do that!" surely there was more to his speech, but after the last statement, every last man in his army was screaming at the top of their lungs, while brandishing their weapons.
The final scout in the army, known as Nigel would return scouting to the King, shaking and shuddering in fear as if he had saw death itself, "My lord, the Scots are coming!"
William who believed himself to be following the divine path of god, would reply, "I know. God had told me of this moment, and I saw the outcome of this battlefield. Fear not, for we are just."
"They number in the thousands m'lord!"
William for a moment took to thought, before laughing out haughtily and heartened to his lesser commanders, and retinue. "This worries you? Every last man here is as good as three scots. Why worry about a thousand scots, when there are 700 english standing before you now! Ready your horse, and prepare to relay orders!"
Just over the hills, the scots would be marching. Like a forest growing in mere moments, they stood out like 6 foot tall trees, each with a spear or bow in hand. To the east away from the main army, was cavalry that had numbered in the hundreds.
Guided by his own delusions, and a knowledge of fighting under the guise of night, William would issue orders to each of his retinue, gaining a position to the south of the encampment on a large hill. His bowmen readed their arrows in a long line of burning tar preparing to fire volley after volley of burning needles into the hearts of their opponents. Horsemen lead by Prince Rufus would take hiding in the nearby forests, while the Hobilars would purposely expose themselves to the far east, where the hundreds of scottish horsemen prepare their charge.
Moments would pass, before the first volley of burning arrows was fired into the mass of Scottish footmen and archers that march across the grassland. The ground underneath them trembled, only to be forever marred by burn scars from the needles fired into the air. Dozens of scots died in the first volley, followed by a second, a third, a fourth. That was when from behind sprung a suprise ambush lead by Prince Rufus, and a hundred knights. It would take them no time at all to decimate the foolish Scottish archers who ventured too far ahead of the Scottish army. Then just as fast as they sprung forth, they'd dissapear back into the forest without a trace.
The Hobilars would lead the Scottish knights led by Captain Kirk to the main army, where spearpoints awaited them. The hobilars would rush through the spearpoints that were not brandished at the time, just so they could with the help of two more companies of spear militia come around the main body of spearpoints, to encircle hundreds of foolish Scottish horsemen. They too would be decimated. That was when King William would valiantly ride out with his bodyguards, to meet with Captain Kirk's mailed knights. Blows and clashes would be struck all around, but while only a few of William's men were downed, William would contribute to the deaths of dozens of the knights. This would go on long enough for William and Kirk to exchange blows for a couple bouts, before Kirk would succumb to death at the hands of William's sword.
The scottish main army would encircle around the lesser sized army of England. However, like a ghost in the night, Prince Rufus would encircle the main army led by Aed of Oakley. Each Scottish man would now douse the soil in excrements, at the sound of hooves trampling into their ranks, while the spear points of the main army would charge forward. The bowmen would place their bows down, and King William himself would even enter the frey. That was when the cowardly sheep of Scotland would retreat, only to be fleeced by the horsemen of England. 900 Scotsmen would be captured by a much smaller English force, while Aed of Oakley would retreat with his tail between his legs.
Ransom was refused. The 900 men were each put to the sword as a result.
Aed of Oakley after arriving back at Edinburgh would then be commissioned to lead another force out from the city to attack King William while he was still recouvering from the last battle merely a week ago. Aed agreed to this, only on the condition that Captain Rory and his powerful troop of Highlanders accompany him. It was agreed, and so Aed would set out to meet again with William.
Aed would set up a camp just outside of where William was still encamped, and small blows were being exchanged between the two encampments by way of arrows.
After being struck by a stray arrow in the leg, William furiously would rally his men up to engage the enemy at night before they'd have time to prepare in the morning. "Men, I ask of you too much, but I ask of you to win for England another victory for the ages! Those scots over there need to be killed. But we do them a kindness because that way they escape their shrieking, shrill and horrid wives - women better suited to gutting fish than pleasing men." each man laughed, embracing the thought of another slaughter of Scottish blood. They too now believed that William was following a divine right put into place by God himself, and that embiggened every man's spirit.
Though outnumbered 2 to 1, the army of five hundred men would gather together into two lines, of archers first, footmen in the back, and cavalry on the flanks. They'd march up the hill to the position where the scots were, but they would hold steady long enough for the archers to lure the foolish Scots from their tents by way of burning arrows. Then William's dream would come true. Lightning and Hail would rain down from the cosmos, filling the sky with darkness, and blinding every man on the field. Arrows were now useless it seemed.
William shouted out to the heavens, "I know of what you desire! I shall give to you a sacrifice of heathen blood!" He'd point to his son and he'd shout, "Take the hobilars and ride with them behind the flanks of the Scots. Do not return until you have killed their leader."
Rufus although worried about William's rather suicidal order, would obey only by fear alone. With only 80 horsemen, he'd ride to the north-east, and come up behind the flanks of the Scots main army, under the guise of the hailstorm. Then as the armies themselves engaged in the main battle, Rufus would once more ride out to decimate the foolish archers who strayed too far behind the main army of spearpoints. The hobilars were then ordered to mop up any of those who'd dare to retreat.
Then Rufus would give the order to his men to charge forth into Aed's troop. Aed completely unaware of his rear flank, would continue shouting orders to his men in his horrible pig-latin, before being struck down by a sharpened lance point, followed with a cruel trampling from multiple horses. Death came quickly for him, for he died in a single blow.
That was when Aed's army panicked, hearing no more orders from their leader. Before long spearpoints came to blows, and Rufus and the Hobilars would start singling out seperate squadrons, removing their souls of their earthly bodies one blow at a time. Hundreds would flee, and once more the horsemen would chase, and capture each and every one of them. Rufus was hailed as a hero. Aed of Oakley was given a proper buriel by Rufus days later, followed by a period of mourning.
Ransom for 600 men was refused. They too were then put to the sword.
William would once more be forced to halt his siege on Edinburgh, due to a need to reorganize his squadrons, and to receive supplies from York. Only this time, York's monthly shipments didn't arrive. William of course, had sent his only scout down to York to meet with Captain Geoffrey to demand supplies. When the scout would return, he'd shout out to William, "Scots! They're everywhere in York! We've been betrayed!"
Patrick MacDougall it seems had gained quite the reputation down in York during his previous attempts at gaining trade relations. He became very well known among the elite nobility in the town, and had managed to persuade them to throw down the Oppressive English banners, and their high taxes, in favor of Scottish banners. Every man who did not follow in suit, was murdered on the spot during this defection.
William though angered, remained calm. He'd state, "We will exact our revenge on Edinburgh. Men, we leave tonight." Once more, he had planned for a night attack upon the Scottish. After packing up their camp, they'd march for hours only... this time, men were waiting by a nearby forest in ambush. Only they didn't attack, instead they blockaded the road to Edinburgh.
Captain Rory was waiting in the forest with 300 men. Upon a small parley before the battle began, Rory would demand that William acknowledge defeat, and that he return to Nottingham without assailing York. Naturally William refused defiantly, before spouting obsceneties about Rory's mother and her Scottish Lineage. Insulted by William's cavalier attitude, Rory would then wave out a large scottish flag. This was a signal for a second ambush. This time by a troop numbering near a thousand. Once more William found himself fighting against the odds, in an unfavorable position. Rory would shoot his crossbow at William, nearly missing him, but instead hitting William's horse. The poor beast whelped, before rushing back to the main English army.
William would shout out to his men in a rush, "Men! You see the enemy?" he'd point to the large force 800 strong, before continuing, "We have put fear in their bellies, and their backsides already hurt from it! That is why they have come here for us with tactics unbecoming of a truly chivalrous leader!" he'd brandish his sword out, and each man remained silent, while the cold steel was brandished from their sheaths. Creaking noises from the sinews of each bow would twang out, as arrows were now being volleyed out into the force lead by Captain Rory. William would issue orders to his captains, who would then splinter the army into two forces. One protecting the eastern flank where the army of 800 men were marching toward, while the remainder protected the archers who assailed Rory's army with arrows.
William once more would look to his son before spouting in an unappreciative manner, "Fool, get over here! Prove yourself worthy of lineage, and remove the head of that man there." He'd point to Captain Rory, before scowling out, "As my dream predicted, it is you and only you who will be able to down him before nightfall. Do so, and I shall give you a fiefdom in Caen!"
Rufus would spout out, "Father, give me the Hobilars so that they may aide me."
William would refuse stating, "No, I require them to assail the other force."
Rufus would look to his father, and huff out angerly, before riding off to meet with his squadron of bodyguards. They would ride together to the western flank, and come up behind Rory's troops. Again they would assail the few Scottish archers that remained from the last few battles over the past months, and they would completely slaughter them. Only this time, Rory was expecting the ambush. His entire troop would divert to meet with Rufus' troops. Rufus noticing this, would then take flight, moving towards higher ground.
William saw this occuring, and he'd order the few remaining Mailed knights out to assist his son. The mailed knights proved their worth this time, doing nothing but distracting hundreds of Rory's spearmen. Just enough so that Rufus could once more charge towards Rory. This time, he'd charge directly into Rory's squadron. Lances would peirce through hundreds in men in mere minutes. Rory being one of those poor unfortunate souls to be instantly killed. It would be followed with squad after squad of men routing, each to be cut down by Rufus' troops.
With one front now completely guarded, William would then reorganize his army up on a hill facing east, where the other army of 800 men were advancing from. When that army would march into seeing distance, a large Scottish flag could be seen in the distance. That signified only one thing.
"Royalty." William would mutter out to himself. He knew he would finally get to face the cowardly Malcolm. Or so he thought.
Arrows were now raining down onto English men, but they were prepared by having their shields up. Only a half dozen died in multiple volleys, before the English spearmen would charge down from the hill to the spearpoints of the enemy. Rufus would flank from the north, while William himself would ride up towards where he believed Malcolm to be.
After charging into the General's troops, killing dozens, he'd notice a silver armor, different from the Gold plate that he knew Malcolm to wear. The man's helmet was off, and the face of a mere boy could be seen. Clearly this was not Malcolm... It was his only living son of 3, Alexander. One had died to English hands, and the other died foolishly to Rebels.
William would push through, but Alexander being the whelp that he was, would realize that he was losing this battle due to his clear inexperience. As such, he'd pull back, withdrawing from the heat of battle directly for the road back to Edinburgh. He hadn't even been struck once.
This resulted in the Scottish losing heart once more, seeing leader after leader fall, or run away at the hands of a lesser sized English force. Suddenly rumors of English superiority were true at the hands of English men wielding English steel. The Scots ran, only to be rounded up like cattle and sheep.
Ransom for 600 men were refused, and they too were slaughtered for the insolence of the leaders of Scotland. What fools they were.
Nothing was left to stop William from Besieging Edinburgh. Edinburgh itself only had a garrison of 50 horsemen, and 100 spearmen left. They overextended themselves in the campaign to repel William from the Scottish borders. They sealed their own demise.
This battle was a quick one, resulting in King Malcolm falling valiantly in battle against the spearmen of England. His son Alexander would also fall due to a stray arrow. There was only one man of Scottish lineage still alive. This would be Malcolm's adopted son. Patrick, now King Patrick.
Edinburgh had fallen, and Scotland becomes crippled with only a few ragtag militias left north of Edinburgh in territory that has yet to be discovered by the English. William has won three great victories to be heralded for all of the ages in this extremely successful campaign.
{Stay tuned tomorrow for the demise of Scotland!}
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Awesome AAR! I'm loving it! ~:)
*subscribes to thread*
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
- No story until Thursday. -
Since my girlfriend wears the pants in this household, my computer time has been severely limited. Essentially she has besieged my desk, stolen the chair, and claimed my fortress of solitude for herself so she can play god awful games like The Sims 2. :furious3:
Why? Because she has had three days off, and has tommorow off too. :help:
I promise that I'll buckle down and get another installment of the story in on Thursday though. I've been using the time I have free to plot out an outline of the story, that way it's at least worth the wait. (Meaning it'll be huge.)
The next chapter won't be 'just' the fall of Scotland, but a mish-mash of every 'minor' event that has happened between the siege of Edinburgh, and the (Not recorded in the story yet) siege of Iverness. That includes plenty of action in the Burgundian and French territory, as well as a sub-plot story involving Cecilia who has received no mention yet.
It should be fun.
Until then! Sorry again. :shame:
Re: England: Fleecing the sheep of the world.
Nice AAR. Can't wait to see if anyone can stand up to the might of the English.
