Tribe on the Arges

[mountaingoat]

Just before i start i would like to point out a few things , i do not usually write so my grammar and sentence structure may be slightly odd , just sharing an experience as i play this game through =) .

my rules are as follows , VH/M , Huge unit size , possible use of forced diplomacy , no generic "cheating" , no reloading battles or savegames for that same reason (unless a crash etc ) , fog of war off ,people would of been aware of their surrounding neighbours/empires(i'm sure not all of it but there is no part map fow cheat) with all the migration and emissaries/diplomats roaming. though knowing where exactly where enemy armies are and their basic size is different , so will attempt not to intentionally "spy" with the fog of war system.

Once an army is defeated a lump sum of money is added (cheat) to the bank .. example armycostdefeatedx0.5 = spoils of war. ( trying this out just to add to the ambiance) selling off captured weapons etc.

Across the Danube

The thundering roar of Zalmoxis echoed across the danube , into the ancient lands of the Getae , known to some as the point of no return . Tribes scattered throughout the hills and lakes , constant feuds between neighbours grasping for power and rightful crown of the Getae.

Amidst the battles, a weary tribe displaced ,settles along the rive argyis . With stories mystical powers that are said to enchant the area , and Zalamoxis once bathed in himself .. many a tale of heroes deeds and gods of old can be heard at the drinking halls ..


Their Leader




Zalmodegkos of Odes ..now in his later years , looks to his adopted sons Dizo and Orles to unite the tribes and rule under the Odes bloodlines(the king having two daughters and no sons). With no better time to talk of unity as constant warring has taken its toll on the region , money is scarce and tribal influence is fading . Word from the south brings a message of warning from makedonia and their pending return into the thraco hellenic south , and movement from the northeast with a relative of the skythians . If no action is taken soon, the Odes may just disappear into the ages.



Generals




For the eldest daughter(Zia) the chief selected Oroles, a royal member of the Kostoboki tribe , west of arges , a strong athletic frame surrounding the 5'10 vessel , with eyes that could pierce a suit of scale , well versed in the arts of war , tactics , and a veteran of many neighbouring feuds. His marriage was to of been accepted as peace between the two warring tribes , though this did not work as intended. Oroles was outcast by his own tribal elders on grounds of suspicion that he had helped subdue Kosotboki allies in order to gain favour to the Odes .

Now outcast from his homeland and in lesser favour with king for bringing war back to the Odes .. he has anger towards both tribes ,with his now Chief whom was soon to of left him as tribal heir only to change his selection. Holding more influence than his brother , Oroles knows that with the right planning he may restore himself as heir of even chief of the Odes ... many a night he can be seen at the drinking halls. he bores two sons not yet of age.


Disgruntled though still with a feeling of loyalty to his people . Oroles looks to set out and carve his empire , to rule by right of blood as his ancestors once had . With swaying influence in the area , Oroles unites with a band of loyal followers . Information from Diales his spy , tells that the once allied homeland of the Krobyzii are feuding and with the right timing , their wealth lay for the taking.






Reskuturme the youngest daughter was suited with a distant relative of the Odes, a cousin to the kings nephew , Dizo the bold ... a general whom hast proven himself many times against the northen Agathyrsi and whos ancestors stood and fought Kerethiros the Celt . As sharp as the end of a flax, he stands 6 foot tall and a build of granite rock .. his voice booms throughout the battlefield when commanding , adored by many a loyalist . He commands the remainder of the chiefs army and now rightful heir of the tribe ,he bores a son not yet of age .

Uneasy of his brother Oroles and knowing deep down that himself was not preferred heir , Dizo sets forth with new if not token blessing of the chief to expand the tribal lands , aware of the urgent need to sway influence his way , Dizo sets forth on a bold gesture to conquer the mighty and ancient foe , the Agathyrsi tribe north of the arges river.

272-Spring

Zalmodegkos awakens before sunrise in preparation for his morning physical routine , comprising of exercises designed to increase , endurance , strength and flexibility , this kind of training performed through most of his life and common amongst the Odes. Though not frail even at 60 , his body is not so forgiving , past battle wounds , long campaigning, and little rest adds to the stress and gives no time for healing . todays routine tougher than normal even in the warm spring.


"what word of my sons Tarsa?"


the diplomat and chiefs servant pours a cup of spring water for the chief

"Dizo still marches , a day away from Sarmiszegethusa"

the chief begins to cough for a moment the stops

"and what of these rumours about Oroles , are they true?!"

Tarsa hands the cup to Zalmodegkos , his hands now slightly shaking


"It is rumored that on advice of Diales he marches east to subdue the Krobyzii"

Zalmodegkos slighty wheesing now raises his head and voice

"the Krobyzii! ,your homeland? our alli....would he have our tribe hated throughout the land? will he bring makedon to war with us?!.. how does he march !?"

Tarsa takes a step back , his attention turns to outside the window , in the distance he sees a group of birds fighting over the remains of what seems to of once been a cow .. he pauses before answering

"he marches with his followers , he... he has taken the remainder of the tribes coffers , he now fields an army that matches Dizo"


*a giant hand smashes down onto the table sending jugs and cups of water crashing to the ground*

Zalmodegkos now lays back in his bed , he recounts the days of the Odes

"Only Zalmoxis will know what will become of the Odes . Oroles i once favoured for heir , i shall let him go with this army as a last gesture .. but tell me Tarsa .. we are sure to attract unwanted attention in the south , i need to arrange a ceasefire for now with our southern neighbours ... anyway possible "

Tarsa nods and exits the room , while commanding a slave to clean up the floor

[mountaingoat]

Following Oroles

In the open fields villagers take refuge , the thundering march of 4500 soldiers , 2000 Daoi , 500 Getikoi , 500

toxatoi ,500 Pelekuphoro from the east ,500 galatikoi mercenaries from the cleto wars and lastly 500 Drapanai , the

tribes warriors elite ... with the personal bodyguard of Oroles following behind .


A gleam in Oroles's eye as the town emerges in the distance , smoke can be seen pluming from the surrounding

villages

Diales points out to the burning landscape

"a good time to arrive , the enemy is not prepared but take note their general Sinis fights in thraco hellenic ways with a 3000 strong garrison. They have support of makedon and best be taken quickly before world spreads, i have ensured their gates will be of no trouble"

Oroles inspects the landscape stern look on his brow and claims


"This town is will be mine diales"


without delay the town is laid siege , supply into the town is cut , the battering rams prepared , the two generals lock horns




Oroles orders that although the gates are open the walls be smashed down in a sign of his power

"no man standing behind these walls now will be left standing at the days end"

"There is no time for a speech , we take this town today , your spoils await!"


the men cheer as the horn blows to begin the siege.


the mighty Drapanai push the ram on the east of the gate while the Pelekuphoro take the west

toxatoi at the ready in case any targets arise


As the rams move on fire arrows pepper down as the horn blows once again the Galatikoi charge the open gates






Galatikoi captain leads the charge into the gap , the narrow gates become flooded, Toxati pushed up against the Getikoi, the fight rages to hold the gate. slowly each side pushes back and forth.





before to long the western wall crashes down and pelekuphoro pour into the gap eyes set to the flanks , they make their charge into the Getikoi , Toxati now begin to flee , the melee continues .





while the Pelekuphoro cut into the flanks another thunderous crash rocks the ground .. the mighty Drapanai brake through the east wall , a huge battle cry erupts as they make a devastating charge into the open flank.





the melee continues but it is not long before the Getikoi break , with most of the toxati laying on the ground beneath and a unit of Daoi now reinforcing the galatikoi .. a route turns into a fight to the death ..






as the routing forces are down , Oroles surveys the battlefield , no sign of Sinis .. Oroles orders the Daoi and Galatikoi take position ontop the hill near the generals house while the Drapanai and Pelekuphoro head off to secure the east entrance into the town square.



while taking position general Sinis royal bodyguard appears from behind the generals house , a full assault into the Galaikoi !, the Daoi ready their javelins .



Two Peltasti units begin a quick march along the western wall to aide Sinis , and in a single lapse of focus Oroles's main group is flanked







amongst the confusion the captain of Pelekuphoro sees the chaos and charges without orders , saving the Daoi , while the Drapanai march on








Oroles now into the town can see the peltatsi attack on his units rear and orders a full charge . the bodyguard decsimates the ranks of the peltasti while the Pelekuphoro soon close the gap . reserve Daoi begin their march to reinforce the main line a long stand off ensues to take the hill


Orles's men fall back to regroup , the push has halted as hoplites and more peltasti now enter the fray.. Galatikoi and the Pelekuphoroi push forward against the generals bodyguard , word now quickly spreads that Sinis himself has fallen.! the Galatikoi and Pelekuphoro begin to route the bodyguard and charge into the hoplites, Oroles also charges







hoplites fight strong but cannot hold the rush , Sinis's garrison now severely outnumbered and mostly routing , a fresh unit of hoplites halt the army now chasing the remaining forces fleeing to the town square.


Oroles hits the rear killing any remaining spirit , the race now on to take the square






amongst the battle , two units face off , the Drapanai guarding the east opening to the square have been exchanging insults with the Getikoi for over an hour , unaware of the battles course , tensions explode as they break ranks and charge

while the Drapanai hold , their captain can see the situation turning , the Getikoi have the upper hand , their shields and tight formation are hindering the Drapanai movement , stuck between two buildings the Getikoi hold any advance.






Oroles's men finally begin to pour into the town square , the Getikoi are overwhelmed and all remaining forces are flattened ..the battle is over though to Oroles's word , every last soldier is cut down ... the town is taken with a clear victory .







Diales emerges from the dust and blood with news from afar. Taras has allied with the Selekuid to obtain a cease fire with makedon .., he then hands him news of Dizo , Oroles first looking concerned then begins to grin slightly,with remaining forces just under 3000 he ponders his next move.



[may lower the res on some pics later on]

[V.T. Marvin]

Very nice, I will be following this!

Good luck in your writing and lot of endurance!!!

[the man with no name]

oh a getai one. I'm following this.

Also good luck and happy uniting!

[Olaf Blackeyes]

This should be sweet.

[miotas]

Epic story, that battle got pretty hectic.

I look forward to following this.

Although I will agree on this point

Just before i start i would like to point out a few things , i do not usually write so my grammar and sentence structure may be slightly odd , just sharing an experience as i play this game through =) .

[mountaingoat]

A long ride home

*the sound of thumping hooves makes its way to the manor entrance*


"return to your homes , you are dismissed until further notice"



*Dizo praises the efforts of his royal guard in a weak gesture to attempt to keep morale*

As he dismounts , Dizo walks over to the fountain located in the yard and dives his hands into the fresh spring water, throwing them back up to his face as he lowers his body . He removes his curiass and emits a sigh of relief as some comfort returns .Throwing the curiass to the ground ,a large peice segments , he can now see the Dents and jagged openings designated by his foes to have him fall. Though mostly unscathed a holds a deep wound or two to the left lower rib and abdomen. A gentle hand wraps around his waist and begins to peel back the bandages .



"your wounds need tending to , will i have kalo fetch the healer?"

*Reskuturme raises her eyes from the half healed wound and looks up to Dizo , he smiles in return. Their company is short lived as a tall dark figure overshadows them both.*


would you leave us please?

*Reskuturme looks towrds Dizo . He nods and she begins to slowly walk back inside ,her belly rounded as she is soon to have another child.*



"Dizo ! the news of your defeat has spread quicker than your return..what shall i tell the chief of your engagement?"

Dizo continues to wash his wounds then responds.

"an ambush by Seleuth , before we could lay seige two Armies encircled, Skorillo advanced... we took many with us , i barley escaped.."







"word is that in your haste to sack Sarmiszegethusa you willingly lead your men into an ambush"


Dizo begins to ignore Taras and continues to wash.

"Dizo , some might say your actions were suicidal. Next time you decide to sling yourself to battle and lay waste to the chiefs men, you best back that with spoils of war . The power of the Odes is on the verge of collapse , surrounding tribes will only stay loyal for so long.. i don't need to tell you the rest.

I have order from your chief that you are to stay in town to prepare defenses and organise manpower for the new trade roads.


*Taras exits the manor yard*

[mountaingoat]

Tylis, a prelude

Oroles ,on herring of Dizos defeat ,begins to understands the urgency of his next move. Leaving a small garrisonbehind , he marches south west to Tylis . With no more than 2000 men and with no Diales to aid him this time, he marches on only a feeling ,an intuition that this town is ready to be taken under his rule. the night before he had a powerful dream , he dreamt that he wan eagle swooping down upon a snake . was this dream to be taken as a message from the gods? His Kapnobaton had told him previous of his departure to beware of snakes posing as men.

As he marches towards the town an eagle flies overhead, the gods are watching over today.




Seige



Scouting parties send the word

"Virssuccios advances!"

Trumpets and horns blow in Oroles's camp , men run from all directions , picking up spears and shields , seargents screaming out commands for the men to fall into rank

Oroles acts surprised , he knows now the garrison strength is of 3000 or more , but with an open battle the advantage sided with him.





The gate of Tylis open and hundreds of men begin to appear infront of the towns walls. As they fall into rank, Oroles can see the Celts heavy influence still resides in the region (from the thracian celto wars), their line infantry consisting of Gaeroas , Eoci Curoas and Galathraikes .





The young enemy general Virssuccios appears to be unaware of how to direct a battle, eager for the blood lust to begin he leaves his forces scattared and in range of the toxatoi!.





The lightly armoed celto troops begin to fall as the arrows hone in on their targets . soon the arrows run low , toxatoi are too few to make a significant dent . Virssuccios orders a full charge.





As the battle lines draw closer the Daoi ready their javalins , suddenly Virssuccios's forces halt ..commands are yelled out and javalins are let loose from both sides.

After the barrage , Virssuccios's line of troops enter into a feirce charge with Virssuccios himself charging head first into a line of Daoi .




A feirce battle begins , Getakoi against Enoci , Daoi pushing against Virssuccios,and the Galathraikes . Drapanai force their way into Gaeroas right flank.

Oroles charges to counter Virssuccios , his charge so powerful that it routs the cavalry . Virssuccios runs but is knocked to the ground . a young foolish generals life on this plain has now ended.




Oroles sees a unit of elite thracian peltasti hitting the ranks of Daoi , he orders the Pelekuphoro captain to lead a charge . Oroles then heads left and flanks the Galathraikes that are engaged with the Daoi. The power of his charge weakens the morale of the Galathraikes instantly ,as with the rise of Oroles's power his elite unit has grown in numbers.



panic throughout the enemy ranks as their king lay dead , and although the fallen are almost even for each side , a route from the Galathraikes leads way to a mass slaughter by Oroles .

As the routing men fleed towards the town gates , the remaining forces (now circled) felt the wrath of the "Oroles charge" .

With the remaining forces taking their last stand ,Oroles charges , pulls back , charges , pulls back ,then charges again, until the remaining lines brake.



Now was his chance to take the town , Oroles ordered his men to chase down those fleeing that were close by , but to leave those in the distance as they were fleeing towards the town . Oroles would charge once the townsfolk opened the gates

as the great gates opened to the fleeing thracians commands, Oroles's cavalry unit plowed through the peltasti and followed by Getakoi they captured the gates.




without a need for more troops to be sent in , Oroles trampled down the few men remaining putting up a last effort defense in the town square .





Tylis was captured and although heavy losses were sustained , the criticalness of the victory ensured that many fresh ranks were to come

[the man with no name]

Wow good job

[mountaingoat]

Summer 270

Priesthood

*Back in Buridava , stories begin to emerge of Oroles success , his fame and influence now rivaling that of the kings*


Dizo sits at a desk in the council chambers while he overlooks plans for the towns development .Reading on, he is interrupted by a elderly man wearing a tall felt hat. He is part of the old aristocracy.

"Dizo, you will not be king of the getae , at least not with the current state of affairs "


"Be gone old man"


"I want to help you Dizo , i want to help you achieve your greatness , to reach power that you seek and much more"


"and what would you have me do?"


*The old man grins*

"we can help you , but we also need your help Dizo , you are of a pure bloodline , and when you join us a new spectrum of power can be shown to you."


*Dizo looks on at the old man cautiously*

"what priesthood do you hail from? I do not see the mark of Zalmoxis"

"you will know our name in due time , we are a guild related to the priests of Zalmoxis"


*Dizo starts to feel uneasy as the old man talks on , his frequent use of hand movements and body gestures seem to follow some sort of pattern .*

"you must understand Dizo , due to our ways you shall only know of us when we present ourselves to you. We come from a time of the great ones , and we work to restore their glory "


*Dizo interrupts abruptly*


"you tell a fine story that is worth nothing to me ... i'll ask you to leave again , if i had been talking to a commoner right now , he would be laying beneath my feet"


*The old man chuckles and as he walks out the door he yells *


"shall i return your gift then ? or will you watch over this town until your days end?"


*Dizo gets up to ensure the old man has left , but as he looks out the doorway there is no one to be seen.*

[mountaingoat]

Dizo's defense

battle drums sound , the large town gates open and hundreds of villagers begin to walk in .

Dizo hears word from a scout that a captain named Zyraxes stands with a small army outside of town.

He quickly gathers the new troop of Daoi , just recently trained at request of the chief one season ago.

Dizo briefly goes over the mysterious letter he received two days ago. It states that an army will arrive on the 22nd , It even has the captains name and troop size . the end of the letter is underlined, and informs that to ensure a victory , blood must spill at the site of the ancient ruins, by the western road.


Head to head

Dizo commands the troop consisting of 900 daoi and 150 toxatoi . Enemy forces consist of 600 Drapanai and 400 Getakoi.


Unusually , the defending army begins to advance

The Daoi take cover in the tall grass




As the Drapanai close in a hail of javelins pelts the forces.

Drapanai now head into a unit Daoi , heavy losses ensue.





Dizo commands the remaining Daoi charge into the Getakoi as he heads around to their rear.

while the Daoi hold , Dizo performs the classic charge , pullback , and charge manavour.

The Getakoi ,now distraught , begin to flee ..




Dizo performs a second charge manavour into the rear of the Drapanai and they break .

A full charge of remaining forces into the last Drapani finish the battle.





A bloody victory !

Dizo looks towrds the ruin site as his men cheer on . A purple hue surrounds the air and then dissipates into the sky.

[V.T. Marvin]

Interesting plot, I am looking forward to see what that old man is about...

[the man with no name]

Interesting plot, I am looking forward to see what that old man is about...

Me 2. Also the letter is probaly from the old man or his priesthood.

[Roka]

interesting, will be following this closely

[mountaingoat]

thnx for the replies , will be updating again sometime today

[mountaingoat]

Sacrificial

Sunset

Dizo stands in attendance at the sacred site. Inivted to partake in the ceremony due to his shown commitment and ability to complete all tasks set out for him by the elders, but a a new trial awaits. The elders call forth Dizo to take part in the evenings ritual.


Clutching his newborn daughter Mokasokos , he stands before an alter, on a mountain pass, located deep in the south thracian highlands. The high elder ,wearing a serpent mask , steps forward with arms streched out . Dizo hands over his third born and the elder begins to walk up towards the altar . Adjacent to the alter stands a bronze statue of an ancient deity , arms stretched out as if to receive a gift. The deity is known only by the name of Baal.

Surrounding members begin to chant while the high elder stands on top of the alter. A fire is lit beneath the statue , the high elder lifts the newborn into the air and it now begins to cry . With one hand holding the newborn , the elder pulls out a ceremonial dagger. Soft words are spoken and the infant begins to calm ,and without delay the dagger is swiped across the neck. Blood begins to fall upon the alter and chanting has now ceased. The elder places the infant out into the statues arms which are now engulfed by the fire. As he stands down he walks towards Dizo who is forcing back tears . He places his hand on Dizos shoulder as if to reassure him of his deeds and then hands him the dagger. Dizo accepts the offer ,he has now given his second daughter ,and third child of the Odes bloodline,as an offering to the gods. This is to seal his entry into the brotherhood and to strengthen his role as ruler over the Getae.


A black plume of smoke surrounds the mountain top and the elders make their way back to the capital.

[mountaingoat]

264




Two sons come of age

Koson per Drobeta


vigorus yet lacking sufficent training in the arts of war , Oroles commands that he is kept at Tylis as overseer , where his advanced training will begin.



Brasos per Rekidava


This young man is vigorus and well liked by those that he meets . Though he does not share the more commen traits with that of his father Dizo, it is rumored that he is first to flee at the site of any blood. He is commanded to follow Oroles in his next campaign . So that he may learn the basics of battle .

[mountaingoat]

263


Serdike

Oroles readies his army outside the gates of Serdike , and adresses his men in preperation for the siege. The township of Serdike targeted due to their proximity of Tylis and that any battle up north with the Triballi would be too costly.

The seiging army is made up from mostly regional Daoi , two mercenery Getakoi , and one mercanary flax. Oroles's high influence inspires tribes and chiefs to offer their services at a modest rate.

With battle numbers even at 2000 each side ,he faces off to the general Drigiza, whom is reported to have sent request to the tribes south of the danbue. An army consisting of many elite thracian infantry, peltasti , and light spearmen , this town was preparing for war.


As per Tylis , the enemy general is green , and advances out of the gate in some kind of show of military superiority .



Elite thracians let out a battle cry and charge directly without support into the front lines of the Getoaki !

Peltasti begin to form up behind and unleash a hail of javalins against the Daoi

Levy hoplites make an advance on the right flank against the secong Getokai unit

Oroles has Barsos charge the thraci flanks








The Daoi now enter the charge against the trhaci

Oroles charges the remaining flank

encircled ,and slaughtered the now fight to the death!





Drigiza orders a full charge and clashes into the lines , the battle rages







Oroles commands several more charges to the rear of the enemy forces whom are not totally encircled Drigiza's men , although armed with armed with superior equipment for the most part , begin to fall in large numbers , and shaken by the impending slaughter , they begin to flee.







Oroles sees the oppertunity for another Tylis and breaks off at full charge into the routing forces in hopes of capturing the town gates. He does so , and without hezitation runs down the routers , chasing them back to the town square . Serdike is taken!

[Vasiliyi]

Ive always liked the savagry of Getian troops. Those romphoria (sp?) give me nightmares when I fight them, and i always recruit them when i can, they are just so pretty. Good aar, keep this up!

[mountaingoat]

261


Mikra Skythia


summer

The governor dismisses a report that an unknown force has arrived in Mikra Skythia, from the north. A few days pass and a new report makes its way to the governor ,this one being urgent. A small army from the Sauromate camps outside the walls of Kallatis. With no general to lead them , the captain probably looking to make a few coin while the town has.

A meeting is held in the town square with elders entering an argument to surrender the town , for they claim any defiance would be met with harshness on the enemies part , and that the town does not have sufficient defense for it.This leads to arguments for and agaisnt , with influence swaying the way of the elders due to their standing .
All is set for the town to surrender when a captain named Kloilos steps up. He is loyal to Oroles and fought to capture the town previously as captain of a Daoi unit . Kloilos goes against the elders decision and gathers the large towns forces outside the gate.


Kloilos's small forces consist of 80 Daoi , 200 Galatikoi ,and 300 skythian auxila foot archers .

The Sauromate force matches in size, they bring horses and arrows.


the skirmish starts with a pelting of arrows , both sides at a stand off.



while the arrows begin to run low , Kloilo charges under a hail of arrows with the Galatikoi , hoping to force them into melee . They take heavy losses on the way ,but they close the gap.

A feirce melee takes place as Kloilo becomes flanked by horsemen .. they fight on .



The hardened veterans are too much for the saruomate ,their captian falls in the midst of the battle . Foot archers brake in an instant , they begin to run but are cut down , only the horsemen escape.

[mountaingoat]

261

Mikra Skythia

Summer

The governor dismisses a report that an unknown force has arrived in Mikra Skythia, from the north. A few days pass and a new report makes its way to the governor ,this one being urgent. A small army from the Sauromate camps outside the walls of Kallatis. With no general to lead them , the captain probably looking to make a few coin while the town has.

A meeting is held in the town square with elders entering an argument to surrender the town , for they claim any resistance would be met with severe penalty on the enemies part .Argument arises that the town does not have sufficient resources for defense nor will the new chief have funding to raise the siege in time .This leads to arguments for and against , with influence swaying the way of the elders due to their standing .

All is set for the town to surrender when a captain named Kloilos steps up. He is loyal to Oroles and fought to capture the town previously as captain of a Daoi unit . Kloilos goes against the elders decision and gathers the large towns forces outside the gate.


Kloilos's small forces consist of 80 Daoi , 200 Galatikoi ,and 300 skythian auxila foot archers .

The Sauromate force matches in size, they bring horses and arrows.


the skirmish starts with a pelting of arrows , both sides at a stand off.



while the arrows begin to run low , Kloilo charges under a hail of arrows with the Galatikoi , hoping to force them into melee . They take heavy losses on the way ,but they close the gap.

A feirce melee takes place as Kloilo becomes flanked by horsemen .. they fight on .



The hardened veterans are too much for the saruomate ,their captain falls in the midst of the battle . Foot archers brake in an instant , they begin to run but are cut down , only the horsemen escape.