Difference between revisions of "Dubhaine Family/Brigdha/Roleplays/2020/August"

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: Both Nivemus and Sirion joined in on the attack on Commonyr by Eponllyn unprovoked. They have yet to even declare war!
 
: Both Nivemus and Sirion joined in on the attack on Commonyr by Eponllyn unprovoked. They have yet to even declare war!
 
: We were wiped out in the first charge and half my men lay dead with very little to show for. This calls for vengeance!
 
: We were wiped out in the first charge and half my men lay dead with very little to show for. This calls for vengeance!
 +
 +
==== Tournament Announced ====
 +
: Eros Harte, Royal of Yssrgard, Duke of the Horde, Margrave of Itorunt, Priest of The Way of the Aethir has announced a Tournament of Joust and Swordfight to be held in Itorunt 7 days from now.
 +
: The winner will be rewarded with 1200 gold in addition to the honour and prestige that his victory will earn him. There will also be a reward of 800 gold for the runner-up.
 +
: All nobles of the continent are welcome on the tournament grounds on the day of this event. Make sure you announce your participation in time.

Revision as of 10:39, 13 August 2020

Dubhaine Family
Fame 40
Wealth 19485
Home Region Ashforth
Home World East Continent

1st August

Summer Day - Fontan

William Armsworth

Caligus campaign day 10, noon.
Getting the unit in tip-top shape again left me exhausted.
Fortunately taxes was leveraged and I was able to exchange the bonds from last week.
I think I can afford another battle this week, should it be desired.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Brigdha emptied the pitcher into her companion's tankard and signalled to a passing serving girl for another. It seemed that Tormald, fourth of his name of the respected Tanners dynasty, was intent on drinking himself into the same dreamless stupor as her other guests, but the famed stubbornness of his bloodline had so far kept him conscious even if not sober.

"To hell with Rowan and his cronies," it had been a very long night and Tormald slurred his words badly, "What good have they ever done us anyway?"

"There, there my friend," Brigdha had a hand on his shoulder, as much to keep him upright as to console him. This was the mainstay of her service to the Shadow King, mixing with those ranks other nobles considered beneath their dignity.

Anagridh cast a critical eye across the littered remains of the night's drinking, surrounded by a bulwark of snoring, unconscious flesh. She snorted and shook her head slowly from side to side in disgust.

"Not up to the standard of your father's soirees?" Brigdha released her grip on Tormald and he slowly slumped on the wooden trestle, the last of his fight drowned in ale.

"You'd be a better judge of that Lady Ambassador," the Elven princess chuckled, a surprisingly warm and earthy sound, and clinking cups the two women toasted the memory of Erik Eyolf Serpentis, by far the most extravagant of his name.

The Ambassador had established herself in the Smugglers' Den, a favourite haunt from her days as a blockade runner and her regular base of operations in the city. Three generations had grown to manhood since the Caligan conquest. Three generations! And what had they to show for their coopted loyalty? Not much. Not much at all. The city prospered well enough from the trade between Karbala and Hamadan, but it had somewhat understandably become an afterthought since the restoration of Domus. And it stood to reason that a city so close to the capital of Shadowdale, with long ties of blood and faith to the lands of Old Fontan, should feel more in common with their northern neighbours than with a distant government focused on southern adventures.

Thus it was that for the past two days Brigdha had held court in the common room, paying host to a succession of old friends and acquaintances struggling to make sense of the recent turn of events - and to turn them to their own advantage if there was a profit to be made.

Some like Tormald had longed for a past which never truly existed, back before the Civil War and Gregor's treachery. She well remembered a day many years ago now debating just that point with him, upstairs in the private lounge when the young burgher was a hot-headed voice for democracy. Though older and wiser he still dreamed of suffrage and a franchise which included men of his station. As if the nobility would ever agree such an absurd notion...

Those were the days when King Rowan's banner had flown over the city, seat to his government in exile whilst the Vix and their allies despoiled the soft furnishings and priceless heirlooms of his lost palace in Domus. The radicals had made a good job of overrunning the rest of his realm, useful idiots for the King of Perdan, and Brigdha had spent most of her time behind the enemies' lines, organising resistance wherever her gold and reputation could open the necessary doors, freely spending the Shadow King's gold to save His southern neighbour.

To say His Majesty had been poorly repaid for His investment was an understatement. The very same King Rowan who owed his throne - and quite possibly his life - to the unstinting generosity and support of the Shadow King had proven himself no ally at all when put to the test. Brigdha had rarely misjudged a man more, and the sense of betrayal cut deep. There were limits even to the forgiveness of a Balance Walker and Rowan was now as dust to her.

Of course there were those in Fontan who wanted to blame the Shadow King for bringing war to their settled lives. And more than a few Caligan loyalists, men and women whose families had either moved here from the south or risen to prominence under Rowan's rule and were now justifiably terrified that conquest meant penury or worse. Allaying their fears would take time and gold and the good governance which in recent years they'd gone without.

Karbala, Krimml, Fontan, Akesh Temple. How many years had she laboured in the shadows to reunite them? Hoping beyond hope for the restoration of her people. It was so close now she could taste it! But Brigdha refused to let hope cloud her mind. There was still so much work to be done if the lands of dearly departed Basilius were likewise to be returned to their rightful owners.

2nd August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

Pacing slowly up and down in my study in my families mansion while reading a local report before dinner, I am interrupted by 3 knocks on the door.

"Yes?" I inquire distractedly.

"A letter from high command, Sir." the muffled voice of Osmona answers.

"Ah, thank you, captain. Please come in."

She enters and hands me an envelope with the mark of the Grey Exarch imprinted in the wax seal. I open it with anticipation and read it quickly.

"We're not marching for An Najaf, are we, Sir." she asks with downward intonation after I put the orders on my desk.

I shake my head, my lips briefly compressed in regret and make a mental note not to play cards with her.

"Not yet, captain. You see," I say as I beckon her to come closer to the map covering three quarters of my desk, "our forces here in Fontan have been ordered to refit. It will be a few days before they are all ready."

She nods thinkingly.

"But the main reason for our standoffish attitude, I think, is that there is some high level diplomacy going on with Caligus. I suspect that if they do not give in to our demands by the time we are good and ready, we will be getting marching orders," a gleeful smile appears as I speak the last two words.

Osmona smiles in return. "Understood, Sir. Any orders for us?"

"Errrr, yes." I say as I glance over the orders again. "Have the men do some light training after dinner. Make sure they are well rested for tomorrow. Just in case."


Caligus campaign day 11, evening.
I stationed the men around the house and told Osmona to get them fit for a full days work.
Marshal Tempest asked for volunteers to guard Fontan but by the sound of it she didn't get enough.
I can't blame them. Who wants to babysit a city when there is honour to be gained?

3rd August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

Caligus campaign day 12, evening.
I can hardly contain my excitement. I got the news this morning while at home and was able to share it with my relatives: I was promoted to Vice-Marshal!
My mother was so happy, she cried. I made her promise to write Hendrick, who I heard made Lord in a distant realm overseas.
He will not be the only one to bring honour to the name Armsworth.

4th August

Summer Day - Fontan

New War Breaking Out

Perdan has declared war on Eponllyn. They gave the following reason:

Rulers of the East Continent,

The Kingdom of Perdan hereby commits to a war of passage against the Kingdom of Eponllyn.

Accordingly, Perdan will:

  • achieve and fortify a land-bridge to Nivemus, denying these lands to the Eponllyn war machine
  • capture Eponllyn assets in order to restrict their capacity to retaliate and force capitulation
  • pledge to conduct only goodly takeovers, attack only war assets and denounce unwholesome looting options.
  • consider the war completed in their favor when Eponllyn concedes defeat and requisite treaty conditions are signed (which must include a mandatory safe period for the Alexandrian colony).
  • agree to consider provisional return of Eponllyn assets;
    • once the colony has been safely established
    • on the condition that Eponllyn and its allies conduct themselves with nobility and
    • neither betray this agreement or impede the establishment of the colony.
    • consider the war lost when Perdan concedes defeat and signs to mutually agreeable conditions for ceasefire.

Perdan has no interest in permanently diminishing Eponllyn unless they continue to block access for the colonial effort.

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 13, evening.
More excellent news today as Perdan finally decided to join the party.
We will tear Eponllyn apart and take the regions their greed prevented them from parting with by force!
The men are itching for a good fight but I am not sure Eponllyn will oblige us. We should know soon enough.

5th August

Summer Evening - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 14, night.
Excitement builds as we are about to cross into enemy territory once again.
Circumstances appear to be in our favour but at least one unknown remains:
What is Sirion planning to do now that their presence is no longer required to counter Perdan?

6th August

Summer Day - Fontan

William Armsworth

War journal, day 15, noon.
The board is set and the pieces are in motion. Now Perdan threatens Westmoor and Perleone keeps our southern flank secure, we have a shot at what is widely considered the biggest prize of the campaign.
With diplomatic relations interwoven as they are, our attack on Fontan likely sparked a continental war, which means there still is Sirion to consider. They are my main source of anxiety as they can take several routes and their armies composition and strength is still unknown to us. Regardless, it is a great time to serve and I am quite content with the position I managed to secure, for now.

7th August

Summer Day - Evora

Region Changes Allegiance

Gadlock has changed its allegiance to the realm of Eponllyn. The region used to belong to Nivemus.

Summer Evening - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 17, evening.
Not much to report today.
The takeover is proceeding as expected.
We should be done here relatively soon.

8th August

Summer Day - Evora

Family Investment

Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has initiated an investment of 430 gold in the region of Evora. Production soars to 88 %.

Summer Evening - Evora

Calvin Carson

Calvin walking around the city of Karbala, he meets some young commoner children.

"Hey there everyone, it's good to see you all again hahaha. Do you all wanna hear a story?"

The children gather around Calvin.

"Yes, uncle Cal tell us tell us!!" They all chanted together.

"Ok ok hahaha, well it wasn't too long ago I battled an interesting creature, not exactly sure what it was. It had 2 heads and there were 3 of them. I was completely surrounded. I sprinted to the first target, it attacked, but I managed to cut its arm off. Killed it and then the others. They weren't very strong."

"Uncle Cal, were you scared?"

"HELL YA!! Hahaha I thought I was going to die."

Kids started to laugh. Calvin still laughing wipes tears out of his eyes from laughing so hard.

"Well kids I have to go for now. I'll come back another time."

"Ok uncle Cal."

Calvin waves to the kids goodbye and walks away to his Captain.

"Sir, might i ask. Why do you waste time with commoners."

"Well that's easy, I used to be one of them."

"WAIT SERIOUSLY?!"

"Why are you so bent out of shape for?"

"Well... it's just hard to believe--"

"Oh just relax captain."

"As you say sir."

They ride away back to the camp where Calvin's unit is.

Family Investment

Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has initiated an investment of 430 gold in the region of Evora. Production soars to 158 %.

9th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 18, morning.
The takeover is around halfway done and though Eponllyn and Nivemus are thoroughly entertained, one threat remains.
Where are they? What are they up to? Much worse is the devil you fear than the devil you know the saying rightly goes.
I'm looking forward to the next stage of the campaign. Action guaranteed.

Diplomatic News

Shadowdale and Caligus have ended their hostilities and agreed to a cease fire.

Summer Evening - Evora

Region Joins Realm

Basileus Anax Preston Greer has handed over the region of An Najaf to your realm; the lord was banished from your realm previously and was thus forced to give up the lordship before the exchange. However, any troops and unbanished knights are now also formally part of Shadowdale.

10th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 19, morning.
As peace was signed with Caligus, my first campaign resulted in a glorious victory for Shadowdale.
The second campaign appears to be similar in nature as we have yet to be opposed.
I'm starting to worry we might run out of enemies soon.

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 12 % to 10 %.

11th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 20, morning.
Eponllyn has made a move I do not pretend to understand:
They have the nerve to attack with an army that appears to be less than half our forces strength while we are prepared.
Sure, Nivemus is waiting in the wings but they have yet to even declare war. Can an uncoordinated attack hope to dislodge us and prevent us from achieving our aim? I don't think so.

Luna Tempest

Lady Tempest arrived in Karbala once again at the summons of the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun. Luna wasted no time making her way towards the districts of the palaces for she knew that both her own time and Lindow's was extremely valuable as of late.

Upon arriving at the royal palace the guards would quickly grant the Grey Exarch entrance for the Grey Guard were present and were well aware of the Lady's position. Luna would scale the grand stairs and enter through the massive ornate doorway protecting the Shadow King's Palace.

Once inside the magnificent atrium Lady Tempest announced herself to the attendant, "Inform the Shadow King of my arrival and that I shall be waiting for him royal library."

Luna set off down the hall to explore some of the grand palace while thinking about all the rare books she had likely never even heard of before accessible in within the palace.


The First after the King

Lady Tempest was once again reading numerous a books when the Shadow King entered the library not even noticing his arrival as she was once again buried within a book. However this time the tome was something more abstract, Legends of the Ocean was its title.

As Lindow came alone he approached quietly and Luna near jumped when she heard him speak,

- Entertaining between books again, Grey Exach Luna? - Luna would quickly stand and bow before her King before addressing his question,

"At every opportunity your Majesty. This world is filled with so much knowledge I cannot hope to learn it all, not with several lifetimes so anytime I find myself is such a spectacular library I cannot help myself."

The Grey Exarch turns back towards the table to grab a different book and present it to Lindow,

"Have you had chance to read this tome my King? It's titled the history of the Spider Queen of Shadowdale. It's quite a riveting read."

Luna studied the Shadow Kings face before returning the book to the table then continued, "Oh but you likely have not summoned me to the Grey Palace to discuss books with a girl. I assume you wish to speak with your Grey Exarch. As always I live to serve tell me what it is you require and I will see it done your Majesty."

The Grey Exarch awaited for instruction with baited anticipation. Did Lindow wish to alter the Eponllyn Campaign or was he going to congratulate Luna's efforts against Caligus now that they had peace. Her mind ran ripe with the possibilities that were to come.


Lindow extends his arm and looks at Luna

- Let's walk for a while, I have to tell you something -

Lindow took Luna's hand and they began to walk through the Grey Palace.

- Did I ever tell you that when I was young I was a knight in the reign of the Spider Queen? It was a time of learning, where I learned important values ​​such as patience and control of the favor of your nobles. The Spider Queen was a master at controlling the favor of the nobles but she had little patience. When a king treats you disrespectfully you start to stop loving him and that's what happened, a group of disgruntled nobles dethroned her - Lindow met one of his heralds on the way Lady Tempest listened to the Shadow King intently for this conversation was surely another stroke of Destiny. If could be no coincidence that she had just been reading of the Spider Queen when Lindow asked that fated question.

Hand in hand Luna would reply, "No your Majesty I don't think you have ever told me this story. It seems despite all her knowledge the Spider Queen lacked wisdom. Thankfully you have both in spades my King. The Shadowdalians both love and respect you dearly and I know none that wish to depose you."


- Boy, tell the butler Sebas to go to the palace porch -

-Yes, your highness -

- This way, M'lady. You know, seeing you there in the library has reminded me how much has happened since the first day we met at the Grey University of Karbala, I honestly never thought that little bookworm was going to become the Grey Exarch of Shadowdale's armies. - Lindow said smiling as they reached the porch.

Luna followed Lindow to the porch that was prepared stopping only for a moment to have a private word with the Shadow King, "My King, no Lindow. I honestly never thought I would be your Grey Exarch either. All those many years ago when I came to Shadowdale as a refugee from Beluaterra I had no idea what my future would hold. That day we met and you asked me to join the Shadow Legion as a knight has been without question one of the best days of my life. I have devoted my life to your reign and your realm and if I could take the time back I would do it all over again. Again and again. Serving such a wise and kind Monarch has given my life purpose more than you will likely ever understand."

The Grey Exarch would resume her path towards the porch, "Whatever you require of me my King, now and always I will answer whether in the light or the shadows I will always be yours to command."

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Dana Blackstone to the vacant lordship position in An Najaf.

Summer Evening - Evora

Knight temporarily absent

Lancer Hamor Hamor, Outlaw has been imprisoned by Eponllyn patrols while travelling through Commonyr.

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Troyes:

Perdan vs. Eponllyn
Estimated strengths: 580 men vs. 570 men
The Perdan's Golden Lions (Perdan), sponsored by Imperatrix Lady Alyssa Kingsley, were led into battle by Marshal Ulric Hawk.
Knight Octavian Schwarzherzig is spotted wearing the Emerald Ring of Battle.
Viscount Ulric Hawk is spotted wearing the Dragon-Scale Jacket.
Countess Dustiria Noire is spotted wielding the Splendid Sword of Alex.
Knight Greg Derik is spotted wearing the Ducal Suit of the Father.
Attacker Victory!

Knight temporarily absent

Marcus Towerfall, Knight of Karbala has been captured by Sirion forces during the battle in Commonyr.

Huge Battle Fought

Eponllyn, Nivemus, Sirion vs. Shadowdale
Estimated strengths: 1610 men vs. 980 men
The Army of Nivemus (Nivemus), sponsored by Dame Sandra Jimenez, were led into battle by Marshal Hallvar Schancke.
The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Talon Lionel Kinsey, were led into battle by Marshal Lionel Kinsey.
The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal Maccio Aurelle.
Duke Hallvar Schancke is spotted wearing the Bone Cloak of Good.
Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.
Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.
Duke Godric Tórrarin ka Habb is spotted wielding the Old Buckler of Obsidian Islands.
Noble Jaques Talos is spotted wielding the Adorned Shield of the Queens.
Marcus Towerfall, Knight of Karbala was captured by Brian M. Cameron's unit.
Attacker Victory!

Takeover Stopped

The takeover attempt in Commonyr has been stopped.

Tyrann Thrane

As Tyrann crossed into the small plains of Visue the sun sank into the peaks of Evora and the winds eerily exhaled from the foothills. A sensation had overcome the young Viscount, one he had not felt since the mysterious disappearance of Lord Zenta. He turned to face the mountain, as he did his vision began to tunnel and then became consumed in darkness.

He saw the still waters of Evora teased by the tips of the ancient swaying willow trees. The ripples reflected the moon and from these small slivers of light a dense fog began to spew. The wind exhaled once more, but with a chilling bite and pale figures began to rise from the thick fog; shrieking...

Monsters!
Monsters have been seen in the region of Evora.
The local population is requesting help and fears that the monsters will eat their food and destroy their houses.

12th August

Summer Day - Evora

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 10 % to 7 %.

13th August

Summer Day - Evora

William Armsworth

War journal day 22, night.
With Karbala in sight, I finally stopped looking over my shoulder. My fears finally materialized and it was even worse than I suspected.
Both Nivemus and Sirion joined in on the attack on Commonyr by Eponllyn unprovoked. They have yet to even declare war!
We were wiped out in the first charge and half my men lay dead with very little to show for. This calls for vengeance!

Tournament Announced

Eros Harte, Royal of Yssrgard, Duke of the Horde, Margrave of Itorunt, Priest of The Way of the Aethir has announced a Tournament of Joust and Swordfight to be held in Itorunt 7 days from now.
The winner will be rewarded with 1200 gold in addition to the honour and prestige that his victory will earn him. There will also be a reward of 800 gold for the runner-up.
All nobles of the continent are welcome on the tournament grounds on the day of this event. Make sure you announce your participation in time.