Once more into the Breach

[Trot]

"Then we have nothing to discuss Caradog." The young Norman turns and rides back to his army to prepare the engagement.

[Gandalfus]

Mar would meet the Welsh to the north of Caerleon, with Caradog's army having assembled upon a gentle uphill slope. His left was covered by dense woodland and his right by another downhill slope, and so the Welsh king was fairly confident in his position as the Earl of Gloucester's men assembled opposite.

[Trot]

English Right

Giffard +1 Battles +1 Survival +1 route rolls against Talbot Ewas 92 Norman Knights 239 Sergents 66 Fyrdmen 66 English Foot 105 English Archers 44 Hobelars Archers and Cav are going to Skirmish with the line attempting to pull them out of postion for the infantry to charge in and take on the Welsh infantry. De Lacy 14 knights 22 serjeants 28 fyrdmen 48 footmen 22 Hobelars De Lacy is to attempt to use the cover of the Woods to move around the Welsh Flank in secret and come down hard on the rear with a cav and infantry charge.

English Center

Mar+1 Personal Combat+3 Battles+1 Survival+2 Charisma+1 to route rolls against Roger the Younger of Eu Mar's squire Montfort also acting as Mar's squire +2 survival +1 Personal Combat 59 Norman Knights 238 Sergents 118 Fyrdmen 97 English Foot 97 English Archers Archers and Cav are going to use ranged attacks to soften the line for the infantry charge and try and skirmish to pull infantry out of position for a cav charge to break the line. Main Goal here is to hold for the flanks and break thorough if an opening appears

English Left

Roger Perceval (+3 Personal Combat, +2 Battles, +1 Charisma, +5% Movement Speed, -1 Detection) Ap Nwython 25 Teulu 67 Knights 211 Serjeants 84 Fyrdmen 84 English Archers 84 English Footmen 61 Hobelars Much like the Right and the center the cav is going to skirmish whille the archers exchange fire until the lines collide. When the infantry lines collide the cav is going to wheel around on the flank and try and slam in to the enemy line from the side breaking them.

Reserve

Richard Upbeat +1 to surviving non-battle death rolls, -1 to post-battle rolls (captivity, death, wounding) 50 Norman Knights 88 Hobelars Orders are to hold back and protect against Welsh flanking attempts Richard will ignore this and move into wherever the fighting is heaviest.

[Gandalfus]

Battle of Caerleon:


The Welsh, bolstered by their victory and reinforcements flocking to their King, had taken up a defensive position upon a hill to the north of Caerleon.
The two main areas of battle were the English left and centre, which were the first to engage their counterparts. Perceval saw a lot of success, with the Norman cavalry drawing their Welsh counterparts away and annihilating them. With the archers forced to retreat, they made quick work of the footmen and the Welsh were forced to concede the right.
At the same time, skirmishing began in the centre. The Welsh saw the better of it due to their advantage in archers, and inflicted considerable losses on the English. The cavalry were forced to discontinue their skirmish for fear of their own lives, for the Welsh arrows were severely cutting into their numbers, and the archers were cut down. The English struggled up the hill and although they were repulsed, the loss of one flank and their own grevious losses meant that they were forced to retreat. The right had only just begun their own skirmish when their opposite numbers followed, the Welsh left flank retreating. The rearguard prevented any rout, and Caradog fled north again in good order.

Result: English victory


Welsh casualties:
45 Teleu
149 Footmen
39 Bowmen

English casualties:
117 archers
39 serjeants
19 knights
15 fyrdmen
15 footmen

Post battle rolls:

Welsh: Caradog: 51, escapes English: Giffard: Perfectly fine Talbot: Perfectly fine Ewias: Perfectly fine de Lacy: perfectly fine Perceval: Perfectly fine Ap Nwython: Serious wound, injured in the leg with an arrow. -3 personal combat. Mar: fine Richard (in the reserve so he didn't see any fighting)

Trait rewards:
Perceval +1 battles

[Mary The Quene]

Simply put the English army had won the day, though at heavy cost in the English center. It was Walter's first battle he had ever experienced and from what he saw he did not like it. For someone who imagined the battlefield as a glorified tournament, the reality was quite upsetting. All the hacking and slashing made Walter covered in blood. He'd ride out to Mar after the battle was finished.

"My Lord Gloucester" He bowed to his superior, clothes completely covered in blood and dirt.

[Xion]

Towards the middle of the battle, as he was leading a force of his Teulu and infantry forward, ap Nwython would be struck by an arrow in the leg, and be forced to withdraw with some of his Teulu, while Llwelyn would take Seririol's place in leading his forces for the rest of the engagement.

[Trot]

Terms are sent to Caddog acknowledge Glouchester as the rightful lord of Gwent and submit to Edgar as King In Morgnng(sp?). Scoust feom the reserve that saw no fighting are to follow and find out where the Welsh force goes. The reserve from Llanfair is to move up to help replace the Norman loses.

[Lucius Malfoy]

For once, Giffard rode off of a battle with no major injuries. He was pleased with this and with the fact that they had captured the high ground from the Welsh. Word around the camp was that Mar once more attempted to negotiate with Gwent's King.

[Gandalfus]

Terms are sent to Caddog acknowledge Glouchester as the rightful lord of Gwent and submit to Edgar as King In Morgnng(sp?). Scoust feom the reserve that saw no fighting are to follow and find out where the Welsh force goes. The reserve from Llanfair is to move up to help replace the Norman loses.

Caradog sends back the envoy's head. Mar's scouts find that he has retreated north, towards the mountains from which he came, and that his men number around a thousand or more.

[Barry Goldwater]

Perceval whooped as he plunged out of battle. His sword was covered in blood and gore, dents crisscrossed his ringmail and helmet and his limbs felt like they were on fire from the day's exertions, yet he'd actually lived through it all with nothing worse for the wear, save a few bruises and cuts. More than lived through it - he had won. His division had succeeded in their tasks, shattering the Welsh teulu - Perceval crossed blades with more men who looked like they'd been dropped in from the 5th century than he cared to count this day - and then driving their archers and foot off the slope and out of the woods, always moving forward and never back. It had been a baptism of fire for the Earl of Nottingham's second son, his first real battle, and he'd passed with flying colors (but mostly Welsh red).

[Mary The Quene]

Perceval whooped as he plunged out of battle. His sword was covered in blood and gore, dents crisscrossed his ringmail and helmet and his limbs felt like they were on fire from the day's exertions, yet he'd actually lived through it all with nothing worse for the wear, save a few bruises and cuts. More than lived through it - he had won. His division had succeeded in their tasks, shattering the Welsh teulu - Perceval crossed blades with more men who looked like they'd been dropped in from the 5th century than he cared to count this day - and then driving their archers and foot off the slope and out of the woods, always moving forward and never back. It had been a baptism of fire for the Earl of Nottingham's second son, his first real battle, and he'd passed with flying colors (but mostly Welsh red).

Walter recognized Perceval from sight, having seen him in the various councils before. Walter himself was a couple of years older but he always felt much younger than his age.

"You fought well, my good sir" Walter was still covered by blood and dirt. Walter was easy to confuse for man more in his early twenties rather than his late twenties. He didn't seem to grow a beard either.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Well thank you. You were no slouch out there today either, from what I could see." Perceval replied, still grinning as he removed his helmet. "You're Sir Walter de Lacy, aren't you? The newest addition to our army here. We've met at the war table, but never got formally introduced, 'sfar as I remember. Roger Perceval, Baron of Rutland and pleased to make your acquaintance." That was what he had heard, anyway. The Lord Lacy himself was known to be one of the King's comitatus, so it made sense enough to Perceval that he wouldn't be here in person.

[Trot]

Mar felt the thrill of combat fading as he rode down. The welsh had not stood long when the flank collapsed. Cowards is what they are. But still Mar had enjoyed being in the field again the thrill of combat was like nothing else he ever experienced even a short battle like this. His armor was dented in a few places and mud and blood still

Richard rode to find his brother the young man had sat the battle watching and it had infuriated him. He was the count of Mortain he deserved a flank over the baron of Rutland. He had planned to charged in but the welsh had withdrawn before he had a chance.

"I should of been in the front Mar." Richard said. "I have the right to lead the same as you."

"You don't have experience Richard, and Perceval was father's second." Mar replied his tone tired he had been about to organize the pursuit of the Welsh. "You know full well you had and important role."

"How can I get experience if you leave me in the rear?" Richard fumed "It is my right the same as yours!"

Suddenly a voice interrupts the two lords.

Simply put the English army had won the day, though at heavy cost in the English center. It was Walter's first battle he had ever experienced and from what he saw he did not like it. For someone who imagined the battlefield as a glorified tournament, the reality was quite upsetting. All the hacking and slashing made Walter covered in blood. He'd ride out to Mar after the battle was finished.

"My Lord Gloucester" He bowed to his superior, clothes completely covered in blood and dirt.

"We will discuss this later," Mar says turning to the new arrival as the younger brother turns and leaves.

"Ah Sir.. de Lacy," he said recognizing the man after a moment. "How do you fare?"



When the forces arrive from Llanfair and the bodies are buried mar orders the army forward to follow the Welsh army into the mountains. Outriders are deployed as scouts to find their exact location.

[General Brewster]

For once, Giffard rode off of a battle with no major injuries. He was pleased with this and with the fact that they had captured the high ground from the Welsh. Word around the camp was that Mar once more attempted to negotiate with Gwent's King.

Talbot had fought viciously at Giffard's side once more. Perhaps even keeping him from serious injuries this time. Talbot was quickly becoming a serious veteran among the other Lords. He had now seen battle in almost every battle that was fought by the Kingdom of England since the Normans had first landed. Receiving injury only once. A remarkable feat for someone always on the front.

[Trot]

Later after the battle Mar and Richard are back in Mar's tent. "Richard, I am not here to argue with you it's done."

"Then I should return to Normandy you will respect me brother or I will go home." Richard says his voice firm.

As this conversation continues a man knocks on the tent and steps through. The one eyed solider looks up at the two Lords. "My Lords Gloucester and Mortain." Mar looks up at Alberic One eye. An old friend of his fathers. "My lords I have some information you should know now that your father passed." He glances at both lords, "Robert Curthose is alive at a Monastery in Lombardy he was put their on the orders of your late father."

Mar tenses then nods slowly, he had not been surprised per say when Robert disappeared. The man had been in the way for Edgar to claim Normandy. In the end it was better this way. "Who else knows of this?"

"Only myself and a few other of your fathers retainers." The man says. "Trusted men."

"Good let no one else know of this it would be bad form for it to get out." Mar says troubled slightly.

Richard froze at the news presented by the old retainer. His family was cursed it seemed. This was why god frowned on what his father had done to Robert Curthose. The next day. Richard takes his surviving retainers and departs for Normandy.

[Gandalfus]

As they approach, Mar's riders warn of the possibility of an ambush. The scouts found Welsh hiding in the forested hills, likely for Mar's army to pass by them before they attack.

[Trot]

The Normans are going to attempt to trigger the ambush

English Right

Giffard +1 Battles +1 Survival +1 route rolls against Talbot Ewas De Lacy 106 Norman Knights 261 Sergents 94 Fyrdmen 114 English Foot 66 English Archers 66 Hobelars When in position the Sergents are going to form a sheildwall to minimize the damage of the arrows and wait for the welsh infantry. The cav is going to move around attempting to flank and get behind the welsh lines. Archers will fire on the welsh archer positions.

English Center

Mar+1 Personal Combat+3 Battles+1 Survival+2 Charisma+1 to route rolls against Roger the Younger of Eu Mar's squire Montfort also acting as Mar's squire +2 survival +1 Personal Combat 40 Norman Knights 124 Sergents 103 Fyrdmen 82 English Foot 58 English Archers When in position the Sergents are going to form a sheildwall to minimize the damage of the arrows and wait for the welsh infantry. The cav is going to move around attempting to flank and get behind the welsh lines. Archers will fire on the welsh archer positions.

English Left

Roger Perceval (+3 Personal Combat, +2 Battles, +1 Charisma, +5% Movement Speed, -1 Detection) 67 Knights 211 Serjeants 84 Fyrdmen 45 English Archers 84 English Footmen 61 Hobelars When in position the Sergents are going to form a sheildwall to minimize the damage of the arrows and wait for the welsh infantry. The cav is going to move around attempting to flank and get behind the welsh lines. Archers will fire on the welsh archer positions.

Reserve

Montfort +3 battles +2 survival +1 Personal Combat 62 Norman Knights 55 Sergents 74 Fyrdmen 92 English Foot 92 English Archers 143 Hobelars Orders are to attempt to sneak around the ambush position and strike them from the rear while the battle lines are engages specifically taking out the archers and the welsh skirmishers

[Gandalfus]

Battle of the Blackwood

The best way to describe this battle would be organised chaos. The English marched into the dense woodlands where Caradog waited for them and sprung his trap, ostensibly with a plan to defeat it.
It did not work.
The two armies broke up into three separate engagements. Their visibility was impaired by the woods, though this hindered the English more than the Welsh - their troops were used to making war in their own lands, and they had picked their position upon a slope. The English were facing their enemy uphill once again, except this time they could not even see them.
The English infantry was ordered to stay put and await the Welsh advance. An advance that never came, for the welsh footmen had smarted after the last battle and decided to wait for the English to come to them, using their superior number (and quality) of archers to force them to engage.
And the superiority told. Arrows whizzed through the trees and cut down a countless number of good Norman men, unable to do anything without even seeing where it came from. They were confused, and eventually would retreat under a hail of arrows.
Thus, the Norman advantage in infantry remained largely unused in every engagement. The cavalry fared a little better, though the left under Giffard managed to successfully appear behind the Welsh and rout them. The right managed to show, but the King of Gwynedd was ready, Caradog himself springing upon the English knights and hobilars and pulling them from their horses whilst they were trapped on unfriendly ground - brave Perceval's leg was trapped in his stirrup and very nearly hewed off by a Welshman before he was saved and spirited to safety. The Welsh had, wisely, left their horses behind in their camp, for their little worth in woodland was proven. Mar's cavalry got lost entirely and did not even show, and when they finally found the battlefield it was after the engagement had concluded. Even then, they ran afoul of terrible misfortune. Many horses snagged their feet in the undergrowth, with both Richard d'Eu and Montfort sustaining traumatic head injuries. Mar was lucky not to meet the same fate, but perhaps was struck with greater misfortune - he was stranded with no horse, and though his squires were carried away he himself was captured by a horde of hooting Welshmen. They left the field with their prisoner and their victory, certain now that they could dictate terms.

Conclusion: Crushing Welsh Victory.

casualties and post battle rolls

Total casualties: English: 146 archers 189 Serjeants 42 Fyrdmen 34 hobilars 13 knights Welsh: 53 footmen 11 Teleu 10 archers Post battle rolls: Welsh: Caradog: lives. English: Giffard: Lives Talbot: lives Ewias: lives Lascy: Lives Mar: Captured Roger of Eu: Coma for 3 days Montfort: Also in a coma for 3 days. Perceval: Maimed leg. Can’t walk without aid.

[Trot]

Mar led confident after the Welsh's last withdraw moves ahead confident in the plan he had laid out. The plan would end up in disaster however. The Welsh ambush had arrows raining down on the Norman force and the casualties mounted quickly. The cavalry mar was leading failed to mount an effective charge. Soon the cavalry was bogged down in the fighting, Mar never realizing as he became more and more isolated from the force soon his horse was killed from under him and he was thrown surrounded and alone in the midst of the Welsh. He had failed the first time ever he had failed in battle. His reckless arrogance had gotten his men killed and had lost him the war. It was these thoughts that went through his head as he was dragged to the Welsh King.

[Gandalfus]

"Hello, little earl."

Caradog was still stained with blood. Not his own, but that of the men he'd pulled from horseback and given a living autopsy. He grinned.

"I told you, you know. But I won't gloat. It is very unchristian."

Mar was sat down opposite the King. Some ale was poured, and bread set out. He wasn't tied or shackled, but two men stood very ominously behind him in the background.

"You will be exchanged back to your men for a hostage of equal worth whilst you raise your ransom. A ransom that will pay not only for your release but the damage you have done to my realm."

He was very calm, even tucking in to the meal laid before him. Roast boar.

"It will be paid within three years. Or the hostage will be killed. You will leave this kingdom and swear upon Saint David's relics to never return."