Will of the Thengoz - An interactive Swêbóz AAR

[Tyrfingr]

Will of the Thengoz
- An interactive Swébôz AAR -
By Jaertecken

And so it came to be in the year 268BC, that the tribes known to history as german, united under one banner. The ambitious Swêbóz chieftain Hêruwulfáz had by diplomacy and brute force merged all the germanic tribes into one, single power. Hêruwulfáz was now Druhtênoz Theudónóm Aláizôm - King of All Tribes! With all the tribes under his command and when the last snow has melted, Hêruwulfáz called from all corners of the germanic world chieftains, representatives and elders to a giant council, the Althengoz.

All tribes of the Swêbóz confederation attended the council. There were the wise Samânónz, the political elite of the Swêbóz confederation. There were the Markomannóz, largest sub-tribe of the Swêbóz and mighty warriors. There were also the Wenjoniloz and the Ermundeurjoz, who excelled in trade and farming. There were also the recently conquered tribes, not of Swêbóz origin. There were the Heruskôz and the Hábuskôz, former blood enemies now forced to co-operate under the Swêbóz.There were the Háttôz, raiders of the south who made frequent attacks into celtae lands. The Kimbriôz of the north were also there, as were the Rugôz of the east.

And finally there were the Swêbóz under their chieftain Hêruwulfáz, Druhtênoz Theudónóm Aláizôm and protector of all Germans. With the powerful blast of a brass horn, the first Althengoz had opened.

----

AAR-Conditions:

Version of EB: 1.1
Campaign Difficulty: VH
Battle Difficulty: M

Origin: For a short period of time, before it was lost to CTDs and real life issues, I was a member of Maion Maroneios' interactive Makedonian AAR "From Basileion to Arche". The idea of the interactive AAR, with fellow forum members controlling the direction of the campaign, really got to me and I soon began to plan my own interactive AAR.

Idea: The thengoz (or thing) was the governing assembly in Germanic societies, made up of the free people of the community and presided by lawspeakers. As the AAR title mentions, it is the will of the thengoz who controls the direction of this AAR, what land to conquer and where to go. Every session of the Althengoz will be open for a couple of days, then closed and I will execute the will of the thengoz.

All forum members who would like to influence the direction of my Swêbóz are welcomed to join as a tribe's representative at the Althengoz. The character can be of any age between 16-65 years old, and must be a member of one of the germanic tribes under Swêbóz control. Some extra tribes might be "unlocked" as the AAR goes on. The tribes available in 268BC are:

Samânónz - The aristocracy of the Swêbóz. Wealth and power is primary objective.
Markomannóz - The greatest warriors of the Swêbóz, who desires war above anything else.
Heruskôz - Former blood enemy of the hábuskôz. Ambitions lies in the west, to conquer the tribes of the Belgae.
Hábuskôz - Former blood enemy of the heruskôz. Same ambitions as the former, but even further, perhaps across the western sea?
Háttôz - Raiders of the south. A long hatred against the Sequani and other celtae tribes.
Rugôz - Expansionists of the eastern shores.

If a AAR member would want to have a different character, send me a short PM and your present character will die a heroic death in the next battle. As members of this AAR will only be allowed to have one character at the same time, a new character can only be introduced by the death of the former.

Tomorrow, I will open the first Althengoz. For now, all I can say that anyone who wants to join are free to do so by posting a short summary of their character in this thread.

Disclaimer:I do not know any proto-germanic, thus the primary language of this AAR will be English. English is not my first language either, so bare with me if I write like a drunken fool.

Members of the Thengoz:

Olaf Blackeyes a.k.a Richemer - Richemer "with the demon eyes" is a 25 year old member of the Markomannóz tribe. Although hardened and scarred by many battles, he was nearly crushed by the death of his wife. Now, only the promise of battle, women and strong drinks brings warmth to Richemer's heart.

SwissBarbar a.k.a Arnulf - Only 19 years old, Arnulf is one of the youngest members of the Thengoz but already with a high reputation amongst his fellow Heruskôzes. His father died fighting the Hábuskôz when Arnuld was just a boy, and since then Arnulf has been the head of his family.

King Vasiliyi a.k.a Volker - Volker "the one-armed" is a great veteran of war, reknowned for his fury in battle and loyalty to his general. True to his markomannóz spirit, Volker has seen many battles in his 49 year long life, rumors says he even saw an elephant.

HunGeneral a.k.a Hadubrand - A fine specimen of the Samânónz tribe, Hadubrand is a warrior in his prime. Having served many foreign lords and chieftains, he is widely experienced in battle well enough to be passed as an markomannóz.

Tolg a.k.a Segmer - A member of the Rugóz tribe, and wealthy beyond many other thengoz members' dreams. Thinly built and rather weak, Segmer has found other ways of making money than plunder and looting, quite unorthodox for a german, trade! During his many caravans in the east, he lost rather lost an eye to nomadic bandits, than his cargo.

everyone a.k.a Theudanaz - Theudanaz is of Heruskôz blood, 30 years old and a great patriarch of his tribe. Before the unification, he fought many battles against the Hábuskôz and although this has not been confirmed, bards speak of tales of Theudanaz fighting along side Arnulf's father when he fell.

the man with no name a.k.a Herumannoz The man of the family, 29 years old and a proven fighter.

[desert]

You haven't conquered ALL the tribes yet, as you will soon find out.

[Vasiliyi]

I'm in. I've always wanted to do something like this. Ill post my summary when I think of a name. Good luck!

[gamegeek2]

Ah well, here you go, now time for me to criticize you :)

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Sign me up. PLZ FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!

Ok seriousness. This is going to be good, and i can finally get some constructive criticisms for my Sweboz AAR which is the only one ive seen in a while, (But in truth it has moved on and become a fanfic so there are really none ATM)

BTW until u conquer all the tribes the only two tribal membership open are the Semenozez (proper Swebozez) and the Markomannez (Swebozez sub-tribe)

EDIT: oh wait u already Blitzed Germania, ok so now i can form my character.

Character name (English for you convince): Richemer (An aside; most Germans of this period have no last names)
Age: 25
Description: 6'3" with dirty blond hair pale skin, a deep scar down the left side of his face, all the way to the collar bone, from battle and (due to a birth defect) piercing red eyes.
Tribe:Markomannoz
History:Born to the times before the Great Battle Wolf (the IRL moniker for Heruwulfaz) he grew up as a battle hardened individual, even receiving a deep scar during a raid from some Habuskoz warriors. His eyes are the most defining thing about him. He scares many of the people he meets when he looks at them. Some say he is possessed by demons, others say that he IS a demon. A fierce warrior and firmly behind the Sweboz Federation and its new "king". He received some lands from his raids at about age 19, married at age 21. But, tragically, his wife died giving birth to their twin daughters, Aluruno; age 2 (obivous rip from my AAR here) and Frujilio; age 2. Due to his fiercesome demeanor he cannot find another love, and has since stopped caring about that.
Interests: His daughters, killing his enemies, drinking, MOAR drinking, even MOAR drinking, and swordfighting. Oh and did i forget to mention drinking?

But i also noticed that your are forgetting the two tribes in the far north, The Crimbrii (Xembrozez) of ancient Denmark, and the Gautzez (Goths) of southern Scandinavia and Gotland Isle. I hope u dont forget to conquer them.

I hope this is as good as Maion's and i hope to see him here as well, along with the rest of the Makedonian AAR crew.

[HunGeneral]

Wow. This is great - count me in

I will post a character description in the afternoon - or as soon as I think one up.

[Maion Maroneios]

Excellent, Jaertecken. I've always wanted to see this in the making, since I remember you mentioning this in the past. Even though I'm not into smelly barbaroi (), be sure that I will follow this one

Maion

[SwissBarbar]

Great, very interesting, I'll gladly participate.

Character: Arnulf
Age: 19
Description: 6.1 feet, long dark hair but light blue eyes, bold features and very muscular body. Though he's a fierce and brave warrior, he sometimes just has a waggish sense of humour.
Tribe: Heruskôz
History: Though he's quite young, he already is known among his fellow men to be a good fighter and brave warrior. Since his father died early, defending his lands against the filthy Hábuskôz, he now is the patriarch of his family. He protects his mother, his younger brother and his teenage sister. He himself is not married yet. Hates the Hábuskôz with heart and soul.
Interests: Fighting with sword and spear, providing for his family and of course women.

Excellent, Jaertecken. I've always wanted to see this in the making, since I remember you mentioning this in the past. Even though I'm not into smelly barbaroi (), be sure that I will follow this one

Maion

you should read my AAR, though about smelly barbaroi the odoriferous Hellenic factions play a more and more important role, could be interesting 4 u ;-)

[Tyrfingr]

You haven't conquered ALL the tribes yet, as you will soon find out.

Actually, I have...You only have to unite the Heruskôz, Hábuskôz, Swêbóz, Háttôz, Kimbriôz and the Rugôz to get "Uniter of Tribes".

[everyone]

interesting, I think I'll also participate

(hold on; I'll edit this post later in around 2 hours because I have to do other stuff now but somehow found myself on the .org )

Character: Theudanaz
Age: 30
Description: An intimidating man of large build and bold features
as an extra, I shall add traits: sharp/uncharismatic/vigourous, unselfish/pessimistic/loyal
Tribe: Heruskôz
History: Theudanaz, a patriarch of his family, large and extended. He has seen battle at an early age, joining raids on the lands of other tribes before the time of the unification; but when the Sweboz arrived, the then patriarch of his family had decided to aid the Sweboz; now Theudanaz leads raids in the name of the Druhtênoz Theudónóm Aláizôm.
More on his family, his father had deceased and Theudanaz is married and has two sons.

[Tolg]

Great idea, count me in as well (please ;) ):


Character: Segmer
Age: 39
Description: A little bit shorter then your average German and a comparetively weak build with a patch covering his left eye.
Tribe: Rugôz
History: Segmer is known for being one of the richest members of the Thengoz, he trades amber with the "civilized" people of the south and sees war only as a way to gain more and more riches. His reputation among the tribes is rather bad due to his "womanish" looks and attitude, his dishonesty and his avarice. Non the less he's also know to be a very clever and rational person.
He grew up among to lower classes of society but left his tribe when he was 15 and returned 3 years later as a made man. One of the many rumours surrounding his youth is that he poisoned another rich trader and his escort just before they reached their destination and took their amber to sell it as his own. Though this has never been proven.
Shortly after his return Segmer was attack by a nomadic tribe at the border to Taurike Chersonesos. The slightly drunk leader of the raiders left him with the choice to either keep his cargo - swords and expensive Greek armour - or his left eye. Segmer chose the cargo.
Ever since he has held a grudge against nomads and what he believes to be nomads.
Interests: Money. Money. "Greek" culture (Segmer doesn't differentiate between Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians etc.). Water as he doesn't drink beer.

[HunGeneral]

Ok heres my character:

Name: Hadubrand.
Age: 32
Description: 6.2 feet, rather short brown hair and short beard, dark blue eyes, thin but strong in stature.
Tribe: Samânónz
History: Born as the only son of an influential member of the Samânónz he was sent south with some warriors by his father (who believed his sons passive nature would make him unworthy of his heritage) to see the world outside the forest of Germania and prove himself as a warrior. They spent 3 long years as mercenaries in the service of foreign tribes and kingdoms…. Only a dozen of the original band survived.
Hadurand and his “companions” returned 5 years earlier to the land of the Sweboz laden with riches and slaves – the spoils of war earned in battle with blood. After his Father died of old age he constantly supported Hêruwulfáz in uniting the tribes of Germania.
His experiences in foreign lands thought him a lot about warfare and the peoples of the south. Since then he prefers to outwit his enemies in battle then to overpower them. Hadubrand has also learnt to concentrate on his goal… achieving it with any means he deems necessary be it "generous presents", "hired killers" or open war...
He is very ambitious and strives for power and wealth (since both go hand in hand) but is very loyal to the King since he believes a united Germania can only be in interest of all Germanic tribes. He and his "companions" also hope to gain more income from trade between the tribes and neighboring lands and to lead their warriors (and those of other Tribes or peoples willing to join them) to conquer lands outside of Germania - for more power and more wealth.

[machinor]

English is not my first language either, so bare with me if I write like a drunken fool.

You'd be quite in-character by writing like a drunken fool!

Sounds really promising. I will follow this and maybe join in later.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

I am loving these character desciptions

[Vasiliyi]

Character name: Volker (the wolf)

Age:49 (dull/uncharasmatic/vigerous)

Discription: Fought in countless battles of the Mackromannoz. Lost his left arm a few years back when he was outnumbered. Luckily he survived his wound. Now his weapon of choice is a huge age that he swings wildly. He is a proud veteran and will be loyal to the death to any man who could bring him to battle. Although he never met his father or grandfather legend has it that they were nobile decendents of the kings personal bodyguard, even though he fights with the commoners. The reason for him being in the Thengoz is because of great valor. His bravery on the battlefeild was seen by his king and he was award land and status.

[SwissBarbar]

doesn't Volker mean "The (band of) warrior"?

[Vasiliyi]

Um, well I'm sure it does.. I'm from russia and the russian world for wolf is 'volk' so I kinda made that up... can't it mean 2 things? ;)

[machinor]

AFAIK SwissBarbar is right. The German name Volker/Volkher is derived from the old German(ic) word for "people" or "warband", thus meaning "warrior of the people", and is not related to the Russian word for "wolf". "Warrior of the people" is also a fitting name for a Germanic warrior, though.

[Vasiliyi]

Alright then, I guess I'm a warrior of the people.

[gamegeek2]

Wolf is "wulfoz" in EB Germanic.

By the way, a number of your EB Germanic names are off, you should ask Blitz for some help...

[desert]

The Southern tip of Sweden (forget the rest of Scandinavia, there's no way you can contol that much) and the lands of the Bastarnozez remain unconquered.

[Tyrfingr]

~ Opening of the Thengoz ~

The blast of the brass horn still echoed in the distant as Hêruwulfáz stepped forward from the crowd. The althengoz was organized so that the members stood or sat on the grass in a semi-circle around a large stone on which Hêruwulfáz now stood. He took a deep breath and started to speak:

- I am Hêruwulfáz, Druhtênoz Theudónóm Aláizôm by the will of Tiwáz and Wótan, and I have summoned you here to attend this very first althengoz. Ours is a mighty confederation of many proud tribes. We are in many ways different, sometimes with old rivalries, yet we speak with the same tongue and worship the same Gods. Long have we been divided by our differences, squabbling over small crumbs of lands while our children dies and our common enemies, celtae and other tribes, grows stronger.

I say NO MORE! I have a vision for a greater future, a future where our tribes prosper and our enemies tremble before our armies! I ask all of you to join me, your king, in this quest...

- Who dare claim himself King of all germans when not all of our brothers are accounted for? It was Ulric, an elder of the Kimbriôz who interrupted Hêruwulfáz in his speech. Ulric stepped in front of the crowd:

- I'm Ulric, of the Kimbriôz. I must protest in earnest to Hêruwulfáz and his claiming of the title "King of all germans". There are still germanic tribes unrepresented at this great thengoz. North of Kimbriôz lands lives the Sueni, distant kin but still kin to my tribe. They speak our words, they worship our gods, how come they are not here?

- What about the silengôz? a man from the Rugôz tribe filled in. We the Rugôz travels often down the great rivers with amber to southern lands, making camp near the capital of the Silengôz and last time I heard, they did not recognize Swêbóz rule.

- It seems, continued Ulric, that great Hêruwulfáz has claimed his precious title before he really was king of all germans. How embarrassing for a king, to not rule those he claim lordship over.

- Enough of this, said Hêruwulfáz. The sueni of Skandzá is a isolated people, who Swêbóz rarely have contact with. Though, its my wish that they too can join our common cause. As for the Silengôz, it is true that they don't recognize my rule and our last offers of alliance was turned down and the messenger hung as sacrifice to Tiwáz. It seems that the silengôz cannot be persuaded by diplomacy and must be conquered by force.

*Hêruwulfáz noticed the excitement rise among the markománnoz*

- However, resources are few and we can only afford to muster one army. However, the conquest of either the Silengôz or Sueni will provide enough gold and men to conquer the next. Hêruwulfáz turned to the thengoz and spoke out:

- What is the will of the thengoz? Where will our armies go first, north towards the Sueni, or southeast towards the Silengôz?

[Olaf Blackeyes]

(Richemer steps forward to speak)

My High King the fact that ANYONE would dare to question your undeniable leadership of the German people is a traitor and should be killed. (He looks menacingly at the two fools that spoke up earlier) But that is beside the point. We must bring all of our brother into the fold, to prevent these types of traitorous behavior from occurring.
But where do we go first with our armies? Now this is a good question. I have listened to the members of my tribe. Many are in favor of bringing the Silengozez into the fold, for they are far stronger than the Gautzez and Sueni will ever be. After all, even though the Sueni and Gautzez control the great quarries of amber that bring the eastern tribes so much weath, the Silengozez remain a threat to those routes. If we allow them to stay outside of our glorious ((Confederation or Nation?)) they will continue to raid our lands and block our trade of this vital resource.
But honestly, i personally think we should attack BOTH!
(At this many of the Makromannoz assembly members begin to cheer wildly. Richemer allows this to go on for a few moments before silencing them again.)
This is partly due to the fact that many of my men want a good fight, and the Sueni have been ripped off for years by the traders of the Rugozez tribe. This makes them far weaker as compared to our brave and powerful warriors. They still fight with sharpened sticks and stones, while the Silengozez have heavy iron spears and swords, supplied by the dammed Boii smithies of Ebornum. They also block our amber trade rather than aid it. The Sueni can wait until later.
I have also seen the Boii swords in action during raids from before our mighty High King lead us to glory, and personally i want one of those damned swords, as do many of my men, (The Makromannoz begin to cheer again, but Richemer silences them immediatley.)
Also the territories of the Silengozez contain the largest amount of iron that can be mined within the territories of our brethren.
So i, and i believe most of my tribesmen wish to attack he Silengozez.

(Richemer steps back into the crowd)

EDIT:Can we get a map/financial situation/army size plz?

[Tolg]

(Segmer raises, indicates his ever present bodyguards to remain sitting and speaks while fixing his gaze on the king neglecting the presence of the other members of the Thengoz)

My King, you should now ask yourself what kind of land you which to rule over, over some snow-clad rocks in the northern sea or over the fertile fields and the fat cattle of the rich south?
Do you wish to become a mighty king feared even in the furthest corners of the world or a you content with being a local lord only slightly more powerful then his ancestors worthy hardly more then a passing mention in the songs of the bards?

(Segmer stops for a moment still looking only at the king.)

Mighty King, those seals in the north have nowhere to run away to, we can spear them and take their hide and their fat any time we want.
The Silengôz are an entirely different matter. I've been in their lands often enough to tell you: They can be nothing but a bother to you. They are a continuous danger on your eastern border and if we don't hurry they might even loose their independence to the Boii or one of the other tribes surrounding them, making them as much of a thread to your alliance as the the powerful tribes of Gaul to the west. Moreover they block they block the flow of your amber to the south and hence also the flow of weapons and livestock back north to your armies.

Never forget, you, my king, may choose between slavery or power for you and your people.

(Segmer steps back ans sits down.)

[SwissBarbar]

Arnulf rises slowly and demands silence

"My king", "My high king". Who are we, Romans? Greeks? Etruscans? Why don't you bootlick him right away? Show respect and call him by his name! Many men are kings. But his name is his own, it's a gift of the gods and his ancestors. Hêruwulfáz. Hêruwulfáz! Honour that!

Right. Who to attack? Well, unfortunately I cannot propose the Hábuskôz. He smiles. As you all know, the filthy Belgae defeated our tribes several times in the past. We could never invade their lands and get near harbors to the rich Island of Britain. He looks to Segmer, knowing that he has always an open mind for new sources of wealth. Now we are strong. Strong enough do crush them, strong enough to challange the whole lot of those pathetic Celtic tribes in the south. Lets take their land. Lets slaughter their people. Lets force the will of the thengoz upon them!!

[HunGeneral]

Hadubrand steps forward completely silent then begins to speak.

(Takes a sharp look on the two who interrupted the High king earlier the turns to Hêruwulfáz) "High King. Will you simply allow such fools to question your position because the Sueni and Silengoz are too stupid and foolish to be willing to join our confederation peacefully?"

(waits a few seconds for silence and continues) "Of these two tribes the later are more in need of “convincing” if you ask me. They openly defy you and sacrifice your messengers who would bring them an offer of peaceful union. The have rejected this offer. So let us show them what happens to those who defy the High king….

(turns to the Richemer and the other Markomannoz) .. Markomannoz!! Are you ready to show the Silengoz what fate awaits those who refuse our will?!?! Are you ready to strike down upon them with all the might of the Germanic peoples?! Then let us do so!! let us teach them the horros of war so they learn the value of peace! If they refuse to be our allies then they will become our slaves!!"

[SwissBarbar]

Ah, the Markomannoz. True warriors who have my full respect. But why attack the weak Silengoz, stupid cowards they are. There will be time enough. I say enough Germanic blood has been shed for now, let the Celtic tribe pay! Especially the Belgae! When we take their lands, the Silengoz will join us automatically

[everyone]

"Yes, why attack the Silengoz? the lands to the west are where more riches are! we'll have lands to feed our people, the tribes, our armies who would soon be the dread of all tribes, German or Gallic!
The land of the Silengoz may have some riches, but if not to Gaul, why not the east? at least there is amber there to trade, and I'm sure that all who are here at this Althengoz would gladly support expansion, as long as it leads to riches."

[HunGeneral]

Hadubrand again steps forward and speaks:

"Yes of course the true reward for any warrior who fights bravely are the spoils of war. Both Arnulf and Theudanaz are right that the lands of the east and west could give us more riches than the Silengoz.
However we could take the east later but the kingdoms and other great tribes to the south are more than willing to conquer and subdue other peoples and tribes and if they subdue the Silengoz or the Silengoz submit to them freely then we would have to fight these aswell. About the Celts to the west - let them fight eachother now, when they are weak enough we can conquer them easely"

[SwissBarbar]

They fight each other for decades. They are weak now. We should not wait until one tribe gets the overhand, especially the Aedui or Arverni, who are getting more powerful every day. Now is the time when they are weakest. Now is the time to strike and get their lands. You keep the wealth, Hadubrand, I get the women! laughs loudly