Okay guys so I've decided to have another crack at AAR writing... and I'm sorry it's not continuing Eustace's story, but I hope you guys will come to like (or dislike) this guy just as much.
I'm playing Vanilla M2TW because I wanted a really simple campaign so I can focus on story telling (plus I'm pretty crap at M2Tw anyway ). There won't be any historical accuracy whatsoever because I simply don't know enough about the period to limit myself to writing within the boundaries of history. Of course if someone is knowledgeable about the period and can tell me some stuff that I can apply AAR like Spanish titles etc. that would be great.
As always please let me know what you think and if there is anything I can improve one (I'm always plagued with typos). Be warned I haven't done any writing in ages so it might be a bit wooden to start off with.
Enjoy.
Last edited by Shankbot de Bodemloze; December 12, 2013 at 04:13 PM.
I sighed, it wasn’t fair, I was twenty-one and still Father was telling me what to do. He had left for Toledo with the rest of the court earlier on in the week but had forbidden me from coming with him. Yes that’s right, he hadn’t even let his own son, his heir, to accompany him. We had only just conquered Toledo from the Moors and after organising the new province he had promptly returned to his seat at Leon but there was rumours of a new campaign being launched which would explain why my Father had gone back to Toledo, which was much better located and equipped to handle the organising of a new advance. Despite just being rumours it wouldn’t surprise me if it was true, for weeks nobles had been descending upon Leon as my Father gained support from the Lords for a new offensive, of course there had been one notable exception – El Cid, the infamous Lord that effectively ruled his own Kingdom from Valencia, and I heard even rarer rumours that my Father would be taking a break from the Reconquista and reminding him who the true Lord of Iberia is. Whether that is true or not I couldn’t say, but I personally think my Father needs to solidify our position in the peninsular by placing our rule over the remaining Christian outposts, most notably Valencia – but also the upstart Kingdom of Portugal as it is so calling its self, as well as the Aragonese around Zaragoza, after all surely a unified Christian front would be more effective against the Moors then a collection of weaker states?
Furthermore we most certainly need to deal with our internal affairs, I remember a couple of years on one of the few trips my Father actually allowed me on we were riding out around the realm of Leon, visiting minor Noblemen to gain support for the conquest of Toledo when out of the ground came charging forth a group of Moorish troops:
I remember the shocked look on many of the Nobles faces, here we were in the heart of our Kingdom being attacked by the enemy, and the King and his court were the ones targeted. It is kind of ridiculous thinking back, but at the time everyone took it with seriousness, this was a problem that would need to be fixed. As more of our men registered their presence helmets were donned and lances readied, we all knew fleeing would be a huge sign of weakness that we couldn't afford back then. Anyhow we waited:
And waited, until they were close enough to charge and charge we did. This wasn't my first cavalry charge, it was my second - and the experience was still as thrilling, as terrifying, as the first time. I could make out the faces of our enemies as we neared, I could feel the determination of my Father besides me – this was his Kingdom and he was going to protect it or be dammed. Then came the impact:
My lance sadly didn't catch anyone, but I made out a screech as my Father’s pierced through the soft flesh of his victim’s. Our momentum pulled us through the first wave our opponents, who we began to realise were not the threat we had considered, merely a roaming band of peasants who even the local town militia would be able to deal with. For some reason I started laughing, I found the idea of how serious we had all been at the start hugely comical in contrast to the ease at which we were slaughtering these peasants. Indeed not after too long they’re resolve at the chance of capturing the King of Leon broke and soon they were fleeing the field:
We didn’t lose a single soul and within the hour we were back on our way to wherever we were heading. I didn't kill a single person, I'm not sure why, I had killed before, but I assume the chance never presented itself. So yes, I think dealing with our internal problems should be something my Father needs to focus on more, but of course I can’t share my thoughts with him because he never lets me undertake anything official, even the administration of Leon hadn't gone to me in my Father’s absence. Not only is this insulting but it shows to the court that my Father doesn’t trust me, I need to rule these people one day but how can I when he won’t let me do anything? I've talked to my Mother about my thoughts but she has been useless, merely stating that my Father must have good reason from not including you and I should wait until he does blah blah and all that, whilst meanwhile my sisters are off exploring foreign courts and creating diplomatic ties despite both being younger than me.
The worst of it is I've had a letter from my friend Vaasco as he recounts nearly everything that is going on in his life since being put in charge of the scouting forces that guard our borders. Of course I pretend to be interested and I reply in earnest but whenever I get a letter from him I start seething with anger – all of it is so unjust. Why does my Father do this to me? Have I not been a good son? I'm resolved on doing something about this, and soon, I have had enough and it is time my Father starts treating me as he should.
I do have a slight reason to smile though, a letter I have been eagerly waiting for has arrived, and as I read through its contents a plan starts to form in my head as to how I can get my Father’s attention and gain some rightful recognition, as well as showing Vaasco who is the greatest.
Last edited by Shankbot de Bodemloze; December 13, 2013 at 04:50 AM.
Reason: so out of practice
Nice start with this tale. I don't know why you are going back from S.S. to vanilla but I guess that's secondary and your own choice. May this AAR have a long and complete life.
I want to pace myself with updates though so people don't expect them every other day.
For anyone that is interested this is the last bit of work I have saved on my computer from Tales of a Kingdom, it was the start of the next chapter but as you can see it was left unfinished:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Volume 3: Forming an Empire The Accounts of Eustace Radcliffe Chapter 3
Previously... By now most of the men were watching. But I didn't care, I was angry and this man was goading me. I smashed at his face even harder this time, and heard the crunch of his jaw dislocating. He fell to the ground with a scream, and Rodger came running over. However before he could say anything the man looked behind me, and raised his finger.
Turning around I saw...
* * * *
Stanely... and my heart sank. His eyes locked on mine and a look of pure anger crossed his face as he charged at me with a bellow of fury. I was rooted to spot, all I could feel was the bitterness of betray well up from my within me as Stanley contiuned to charge at me. However before impact was made Rodger tackled him aside with a grunt and they both ended up on the flaw. I watched as Stanley proceeded to jump up off the ground and sprinted away. He had no chance, and he knew it.
I heard a scream as a spear struck him in the back, hurtling him forward a few more yards before he crumpled onto the ground. Sir George galloped after him and dismounted, but a nearby groan distracted me. Looking down I saw Rodger, his face filled with anguish as he clutched the side of his stomach where a sword was buried in him. This snapped me out of my trance and I shouted out for a bandage carrier, bellowing for him to get a move on unless he wanted to be cleaning the latrines for the rest of is miserable life.
However, before the man could get near him I was tapped on the shoulder, and looking round I saw to my utter disbelief the tribal leader who I had violently pummelled just moments before smiling crookedly at me with blood dripping out of his mouth. I raised my eyebrow mockingly, my previous rage forgotten, but he just pushed me aside and crouched over Rodger, after grabbing a collection of equipment off the abashed bandage carrier. I watched for a few minutes before turning around to see Sir George walking over with a grave look on his face. We caught eyes and I just shook my head gently, indicating that we'll discuss this later - I needed to calm down first.
Looking around I saw most of the men had their eyes glued onto the scene, of course they all quickly pretended to be occupied when they noticed I was watching. Despite everything I found myself smiling slightly, but that quickly vanished as the tribal leader stood up and whispered to me that we needed to get Rodger back to the camp hospital if we stood a chance. Nodding slowly I indicated to two of my men to "escort" the tribal leader, along with the men who had come over and picked Rodger up, back into the camp. Watching as they marched over the short distance back to the gates I roared across the battlefield, "Form up ladies, this isn't a bloomin' mother's meeting!"
Even though the weariness of battle had set in they quickly marched into formation and dressed ranks. "Right lads," I shouted out too them, "I want the Bulls and Kingston's men to sort our dead out and strip the bodies. Bone, get your men on watch duty. The rest of you get inside and sorted out. Full parade tomorrow morning, sharpish."
Theses men who would enjoy the remaining hours marched past shouting out all manner of insults at those who were left to sort things out. The price of not getting much action I mused. As Kingston's men started their task I signalled him over telling him the enemy bodies will need to be disposed off as well, but try to find anything that would give us some clues first. As he walked off I told him his men would be excused from morning parade as well, and he sighed thankfully before issuing his order.
When he was out of hearing distance Sir George walked over and I gave him a look that spoke volumes about how I was feeling; betrayed, angry, shocked even. He was about to open his mouth but I brushed past him and walked over to Stanley's body - and then the rage finally boiled over. I drew my sword and swung it down in a mighty arc, intent and severing off the bastard's head. Before the stoke struck I was hauled back by Sir George who whispered in my ear that now was neither the time nor the place. Grabbing my sword off me, he virtually dragged back into the fort and into my quarters, silencing the almost bemused expressions of the passing soldiers with a stony glare.
We arrived into my quarters and I was pushed into the seat my sword placed back hands. Sir George walked over and grabbed two jugs, filling them with ale before sitting down on the seat opposite me. I went to speak but he beat me too it.
"Eustace, I know how you feel-"
"You have no idea," I retorted sharply, my voice lined with an undercurrent of anger.
He sighed, "Yes I do, for I too have been betrayed by a comrade, a friend even. The anger consumes you and all you want to do is draw your sword, curse to the heavens, and charge into battle feeling as though even good fears you himself. And you know what? I was about to until my General sat me down and said something I have always remembered to this day, 'Betrayal is human nature. It will always happen. However what makes us, what defines us, is how we deal with it. We can let the anger consume us and become a shell of who we were, or we can face it. We can face it and give it the two fingered-salute. We can turn it into a weapon, a drive - we can deal with it and move on. We can beat it.' And you know what Eustace? I listened to him, and here I am today," pausing, a small smile formed on his lips, "and I've found this is easier done when we've had a jug of ale down out throats. So drink up. Drink up and move on. These men are battered and they need you."
Looking up I saw the intensity in his eyes, and that convinced me. I had a duty to these man, and to Rodger. So I drank, and the bitter ale washed my anger, my sadness away. I slammed the jug down onto the table and extended my hand to Sir George, he grinned before grasping my hand in a firm grasp. I just nodded, and that was all we needed. Sitting back down I rubbed my temples and sighed deeply, "So what do we do now? We have beaten the enemy, we have captured their leader. Do we know how many enemies there are, how many leaders they have? We need to build up our defences here, we'll keep the scouts out and if they haven't found anything within the week 'll take a column out and we'll hunt them down."
Sir George nodded in agreement adding, "However if we co-"
Before he could finish a man came into the room, weary eyed and drained.
I had finished reading the letters contents and my mood had changed for the better, my friend Pedro was once again proving his worth. In any court one can find men who are willing to sell their principles to the highest bidder, and for Pedro that just happened to be me. Officially he was a spy for my Father but I had managed to bribe him so that any report he sent back to my Father a copy would also reach my hands. From this letter it seems that the rumours my Father might be turning his attention to El Cid are true - it contains a report of Valencia's defences and its garrison:
Which surely indicates that is the next target of the Kingdom of Leon? By now my plan is fully formed, I will take the garrison here at Leon and march to Valencia. I will lay siege to El Cid and his stronghold whilst I wait for my Father to arrive - then after a glorious victory surely my Father will have to start treating me with more respect and recognition. So with a smile I went and ordered the preparations for the garrison to get ready to depart. From the report it is apparent I will need a few more troops to bolster our forces, and once again I must thank the royal the court for providing men who are willing to fulfil that task.
'Captain' Gonaluo was that man, a mercenary Captain who was renowned for frequenting the taverns of Leon, and as my visit wasn't strictly official I couldn't summon him to court so I would have to go and visit him myself. I was thankfully the tavern he was present in was located at least in the Merchant Quarter, I didn't fancy going out into the where the peasants lived, I didn't want to catch any disease before my plan came together. Nevertheless, my royal garments did attract a few stares as I made my into the Boar and Mead but that couldn't be helped - I wanted Gonaluo to know who he was dealing with.
It was easy to identify the man, who else but a mercenary Captain would have the bravado to fondle the serving girls as enthusiastically as he was, I of course kept my eyes forward, it wouldn't be right for me to get distracted by some commoners flesh. I asked if he was Captain Gonaluo which he confirmed, and I made my offer over the hustle and bustle of merchant merry-making. We discussed logistics, men, rewards before he asked about payment. It was coming out of my own finances so I was reluctant to part with it but he demanded now or the deal was off. That couldn't be allowed to happen, I needed these men to help me with my plan, so I hesitantly handed over the sum - however just as I did someone behind me spoke in a light voice.
"First rule your highness, don't trust a mercenary," I turned around sharply, facing an average sized-man who seemed in all accounts quite normal apart from a pair of shifty looking eyes. They darted across the room, always on the look out, for what I had no idea, but looking at them for too long made me slightly uncomfortable. He contiuned, "You just gave away a small fortune for men of our status, as well as your whole plan, to this lump." The man who I had been speaking to chuckled heartily.
My face reddened, I am the heir to the Kingdom, I shouldn't be making these mistakes and people shouldn't be speaking to me like this. However as the beginning of a response began fumbling fro my lips he interrupted, "However we are forgiving folk, especially to people of your rank," he said with a bow. This was better I thought, although could I detect a hint of mockery? "And as such you will be pleased to know the man you have been talking to does work for me, even though I am Captain Gonaluo, and he will pass that tidy sum onto me."
"So will you do as I have asked?" I inquired with a harsh bark, I had to regain control over this situation, I am the Prince for the Lord's sake.
Gonaluo smiled assuring me all would be well and his men would follow us to Valencia in a few days, he just had to get some final affairs in order before he departed. With that settled I made my excuses and got back to the court as quickly as possible, that was enough of dealing with commoners for one day. At least the trip had been fruitful, and soon I would be on my way to Valencia, ready to prove my Father wrong and have something to brag about to Vaasco. Speaking of him I had received yet another letter from him detailing how he had vanquished a mighty Moorish patrol in a heroic victory.
Apparently Vaasco's scouts had spotted the Moors leaving Granda on their way to cause havoc among the local Christian villages and had shadowed them all the way. He and his men managed to catch them up before they plundered any villages and were planning to ambush them the next day. However somehow the Moorish commander had word of their movements and turned his mean around to face them, readying for an attack:
I can imagine Vaasco being thrilled at the chance of some personal glory, defeating a Moorish patrol with mere scouting forces would be a worthy achievement, and true enough the letter goes on to say how he ordered his Jinetes forward to pepper the enemy with javelins, trying to draw them out of formation. Sadly the Moorish commander was as hot-blooded as Vaasco and sent his men forward to engage our cavalry, a bad mistake he comments, saying that his javelins pierced through the enemies cloth-armoured archers, creating havoc in their lines:
He goes on to brag about how his masterful tactics ensured that our cavalry stayed out of the range of the Moorish spearmen and inflicted maximum causalities unto them, shattering their resolve at which point he and his bodyguard charged forward, slamming into the broken spearmen and cutting them down like the dogs they are. Meanwhile the Jinetes kept their regrouped archers pinned down until they soon fled as well, pursuing them until they're mounts were exhausted:
In much more detail he describes his fight with the enemy cavalry and how he killed multitudes of men which I skip over, seething with anger. I don't believe the victory was as superb as he writes but it is still a victory nonetheless, and at least he is fighting! I realise I need to get to Valencia as soon as possible to keep up with his achievements and this sets me into motion. Over the next few days I order the men to ready themselves as quickly as possible - time is off the essence.
Soon it will be time to show that fool Vaasco who is the greatest...
Last edited by Shankbot de Bodemloze; December 15, 2013 at 10:58 AM.
Re: M2TW AAR - The Designs of Men **UPDATED 15th DECEMBER: Chapter 2**
Good to see you writing again Interesting choice of faction and protagonist; I want to see how long his youthful hot-blooded streak lasts. Grammatically, I'd point out that you should try to avoid run-on sentences, which crop up now and again. Other than that, a great start to a promising AAR. +rep!
M2TW AAR - The Designs of Men **UPDATED 20th DECEMBER: Chapter 3**
). There won't be any historical accuracy whatsoever because I simply don't know enough about the period to limit myself to writing within the boundaries of history.
Of course if someone is knowledgeable about the period and can tell me some stuff that I can apply AAR like Spanish titles etc. that would be great.
Be warned I haven't done any writing in ages so it might be a bit wooden to start off with.
The Scribbling Scotsman
Citizen
Senator
Miles
Grote Smurf
Originally Posted by Shankbot de Bodemloze
Thanks for all the support guys, I really appreciate it.
Biarchus
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