[Multi AAR] The Epic of Caelvs Morsvs Lvminivs - 'Rí Inse Ghall' - FINISHED, with EPILOGUE!

[Sunbird Alkibijad]

Btw, I didn't understand, what's the "portugal is best" reference, or what was it?

[ReD_OcToBeR]

very good writing there, i could picture everything very clearly, now kick some ass lol.

+rep

[SonOfAlexander]

I use whichever faction/expansion is as convenient as possible for the set of units I need.

EDIT:
@ Sunbird: Well, like I said before, I haven't been contributing for a while (before tuesday) because I was in Portugal. It is just such an AMAZING fantastic place! I love it! So I dedicated that one to Portugal... though I may have done that before

[SonOfAlexander]

N.B. guys, before the next update comes out, Ive put some pics on the last post and the posts with the battle of lismore. Have a look ata them if you want.

Ive got all the pics from the seige, now Im just writing it

[SonOfAlexander]

Chapter 15: God is on no one’s side
For the whole TWC forums crew, who read my work and encourage me

The marshals sat arguing in the canvas tent as the night started to die. The black cloth of night was steadily drawn back by the goblins of the dark. Few sounds filtered through from outside as both the Brigantian and Menapii troops started to rise. The men, eating, washing and talking about the coming battle, could see the Menapii over the city walls doing exactly the same thing, and staring back at the Brigantians with equal knowledge of what was going to happen.

Caelus thrust open the ‘door’, letting in a little light to add to the dim candles that tried but failed to light the tent. A stone in the centre had a vague drawing of the city’s streets on it, the chalk marks showing where the marshals would go. Berthas, the logistics expert, was probably the most important in making sure that the battle went to plan. At Lismore the men had been travelling light, the baggage train failing to keep up as Caelus had pressed ahead to the ideal terrain. But now they were fully equipped, with armour, swords and shields, bearing the standards and colours of the Brigantian Green, not the individual colours of the clans.

Caelus explained to them how he was planning the various phases of the battle. He outlined to each man the utmost importance of his task as the camp grew ever louder outside. Caelus now had a whole troop of javelin-armed chariots to accompany him. The rich men of the Brigantians had joined Nye’s bodyguard and the Chief’s cavalry to form an impressive set of horse troops. Souter had plenty of painted and impatient berserkir. Part time mercenary warriors, Kerns, had been taken on as skirmishers and put under Lanner’s command. Lanner also controlled the spears and Chosen Swordsmen, who now had their helmets, capes and magnificent, gleaming, engraved, two-handed head cleaving swords. Many war hounds had also been brought to the battle by civilian handlers, and these would play an important role, under the command of Souter.

The sun was rising over a crisp, clear winter morning in Hibernia. The sun handsomely illuminated the buildings of Wexford. The inhabitants had fled to the lofts of their houses, trembling in fear and hushing babies as outside it grew louder. Spies in the city had passed word via a note attached to an arrow that the Menapii has many poor quality spears and peasant warriors. However, they also possessed many special troops, the Warlord’s Guard, who armed with spear, sword and shield were fearsome opponents - better than any Brigantian troop by far. Outnumbered, but never outfought, Caelus said to Sextus once. It summed up his (attitude to) the Brigantian army completely.

They also had a general, mounted bowmen and druids, to encourage them. Caelus joked to his marshals that these holy men could do nothing but splash the holy water on the Brigantian shields. The men formed up outside the city with the two rams put together overnight from wooden parts taken from the baggage train.

The spearmen waited eagerly behind their rams as the hollow sun shone and the enemy ran around like men possessed, trying to put off the Brigantian strategy. The Chosen Swordsmen remained as statues whilst the men started to pound the flimsy wooden walls. It screamed, the wood creaking and groaning in agony whilst the metal head split the grain, buckling and tearing it. The men waited, knowing their time in this battle would come. They waited.

A few of the Kerns were struck down by sporadic, occasional fire from the Menapii archers. Many yellow standards, all emblazoned with the black cross of the Menapii could still be seen hurrying to and fro amid the otherwise empty streets of Wexford. The cavalry and chariots waited in the centre, whilst berserkir, infantry and Kerns split in two, half going to each entry point from the ram. Both war hounds, however, were stationed at the exit nearest the gate, the one the enemy would concentrate on most.

Caelus nodded slowly to Souter as the great logs that made up the wall fell with an echoing finality. The priests were nearest the exit at this time, and they turned to see the entrance. They prepared to run or fight for their lives if necessary, but as the final logs were still tumbling down, the Kerns unleashed a savage volley that wiped out next to every priest. Only one remained and he ran to the rear of his lines, a dark stain spreading across his groin like a child.

Enemy spearmen were rushing to seal off the breach, but Caelus nodded once more to Souter, shouting out his orders and swiping his sword through the air. The nervous civilians let the well trained, rabid dogs off their leashes. The animals hurtled towards the surprised enemy whilst the handlers retreated to the baggage train - their part in this fight was done. The dogs jumped at the men’s faces, easily shattering shield and skull alike. The men busied themselves with killing the mad, rioting things as Caelus took advantage of it.

Lanner had already moved, and he sent his spearmen on the left into the breach behind the mêlée. They had just enough time to form up and prepare themselves mentally before the dogs were slaughtered cruelly and the enraged enemy leapt onto their spears. The impact was slight and the Brigantians quickly began to make short work of their hated foe.

Lanner continued to bellow out orders, running with his men as he led the Brigantian spearmen on the left through the second breach. To prevent flanking manoeuvres he had one unit cut off the street on either side. He then pushed the Kerns, berserkir and Chosen Swordsmen into the safe haven created between the two.

The Kerns sent off multiple volleys of unyielding javelin fire, all the time weakening and frightening the enemy forces. The actual damage done was negligible, but like the mounted archers of the Menapii, they had effects on both the morale of his army and that of the enemy.

The men from the second opening now pushed forward to meet the mass of spears and flesh that was piling up in front of the Brigantian spearmen like a wave about to break.

Everything was now starting to happen at once. As this happened, Nye’s cavalry were sent round the other way, to flank the enemy whilst the spears there were committed to the fight. Behind the main breach, whilst the spearmen fought like dervishes, the Chosen Swordsmen went round the enemy, along with the remaining Kerns. They finished the enclosure, trapping the enemy on 3 sides while Nye rode to make the encirclement total.

Nye’s cavalry saw a unit of peasants blocking their path. The shocked men turn and began to run. Nye laughed openly on his horse, and ordered his men to proceed slowly whilst his bodyguard took the kill. He cut up the enemy with ease as the cavalry looked on and laughed evilly as the Brigantians made expressions of mock terror, mercilessly cutting down the Menapii within seconds.

Nye saw what Caelus couldn’t see though. The Menapii warlord was standing on his own, unprotected other than by his bodyguard as the cavalry finished off the few men remaining in the fiery cauldron that the surrounding had created. Nye charged himself at the Warlord, closely followed by his bodyguard. However, the enemy horse almost managed to reorientate the spears, and Nye found himself in a perilous position fighting against superior cavalry. His men, seeing this, encircled the enemy general. Nobody saw him fall, but later his body was found crushed in the gutters.

The cavalry killed the last routers and galloped round the settlement to reach the other side of the centre - where the Menapii troops still held out. The infantry rallied as Souter, twitching on his feet as Caelus finally whirled Ironsides once more. Souter cackled manically, pulling down a face mask and raising his club. He bellowed as the berserkir rushed to the centre. Until now they had been forced to watch as the enemy were destroyed but now they were unleashed. They would have their 5 minutes of heaven.

Even though the enemy were largely numerically depleted, tired and afraid, Caelus was still cautious. Pride would not be his downfall, and the Menapii elites remained at the centre. He knew that the infantry, cavalry encirclement and the berserkers - whom he had deliberately maddened in front of the fight - would smash through. But he decided to ride forward.

The chariots made their ungainly but inspiring way to the centre, pushing through the men, hurling javelins and shouting to them as they went.

The berserkers smashed the circular formations of enemies wide open. They killed all the cowards inside, who didn’t stand a chance. Survivors were mopped up by the advancing infantry juggernaut as the Cavalry finally arrived at the opposite end of the square. The horses breathed heavily, matted with sweat as the berserkir went to the left exit of the square. The Menapii could only watch, helpless. The infantry gathered in a line, roared their hearts out, screaming loud enough to let the gods hear, and then ran for the centre with all their heart.

The confused enemy did not know where to turn. The elite men were chewed up quite quickly, like a dog tearing at a piece of tender meat that has to stop and chew the tough fibres a little more. The confused peasants remaining did not know where to look as chariot, berserkir, horse, spear and sword cut through them. Many simply watched as the line crushed inwards on them.

They imploded as the Brigantian victory was finally called total as the last enemy died.

Caelus sank Ironsides into a man lying near dead on the ground. The man finally shuddered and lay still as Caelus straightened up and shouted. “You have your VICTORY!” The men’s response was all he needed.

[Edward lV]

Is it me or are some of thepictures not showing? Anyway realy great AAR you got going there SoA.

[Sunbird Alkibijad]

The pics all are there, sometimes internet browser just decides not to work.
Sweet update SoA!

[SonOfAlexander]

Thx - I think it's one of the best for a while (Though I liked the one before it too) Some of the pics I am quite proud of

[ReD_OcToBeR]

Now this is what I'm talking about!....and those old hounds brought back memories of vanilla RTW lol.

[SonOfAlexander]

Yes - I thought the picture-orientated action would be more your thing than descriptive drama, Red.

The pictures of bererkers, the spearmen from behind and the dogs are some of my faves

[Feragorn]

Wow, amazing update! I finally get my two-handed head cleavers! All of the pictures are great, nice action scenes. The berserkers are my favorite. also, what does the title mean? (Ri inse Ghall)

[SonOfAlexander]

Ri Inse Ghall means 'Lord of the Islanders' in Gaelic - Caelus earns this title later in life

[Feragorn]

Oh, thanks. Check out my new AAR, the Thracian expedition. I am making it with only custom battles.

[Sunbird Alkibijad]

Can you give us an update, maybe a screenshot of territories under Caelus' control?

[SonOfAlexander]

Sure, sunbird. In fact, you've given me an idea...

[SonOfAlexander]

Chapter 16: The sound of drums
For Feragorn, who has been a constant friend

Caelus lay in the back of the chariot. The whole army was busy once more, preparing to leave Wexford. Caelus could hardly believe it, but some instinct had told him that even though he had just crushed the hated Menapii, sedating the wild fears of the Brigantians, he should push on and continue to conquer. For Caelus, it was the ghost of Alexander in his mind, showing him that even though he had conquered the Greeks and won at Granicus, he needed to attack the Persians. He needed his Tyre, his Issus and his Gaugamela.

He looked up to see Sextus running towards him, cape swaying and armour jingling. Caelus sat up as Sextus pointed at him with a dirt-stained, sweaty finger. “Just what do you think you’re doing? Are you taking us off on some private conquest of your own? Are we just slaves to you? We are your army - I am your army. But what are you requesting of me?” Caelus put a hand on Sextus’ shoulder and began to walk.

“You see those oak trees? Do you feel that sunshine, that wind? Can you hear the children laughing?” Caelus said. Sextus nodded. “This is your homeland and I can see why you are proud of it. I know that you are a man of war. I’m giving you the chance to control this - to own everything you can see.” Caelus pointed out over the hills and valleys and as the effects of Caelus’ words hit Sextus, he heard from his general “And more.”

There was a subdued silence throughout the march. No-one asked why they were marching because no-one knew. Caelus just wanted to get the march over with. He was confident that what he was about to do would succeed , that he would win and triumph. The men of Dingle, the Luceni have always been non-committal as far as the Brigantians are concerned - they don’t trade, but they don’t fight either. Caelus was about to make history.

He rode beside Nye. “Tell me, Nye, for I am curious … The Brigantians obviously occupy this part of southern Hibernia. But why do people speak of the moors in Britannia so commonly? Your religion is the same, your names are the same … what do you so have in common with the tribes there?”

Nye turned to his leader and tried not to frown in distaste. “There are two sets of Brigantians, sire. Those from the North Briton moors, and those of us here in Hibernia. Those northern idiots refused to send us reinforcements against the Menapii …” He hawked and spat “… and our only common interests are our dialect and our trade. Don’t ever presume that there’s more to unite us… sire.” He was shocked at himself for this angry outburst, but Nye ignored his feelings and rode on ahead.

Caelus sat there, thinking of the consequences when he discovered how he would phrase his conquest, so to speak - how he would define it. He rode ahead of his marshals and mounted his chariot, speaking to them from it whilst it was moving. “Marshals, I plan to stun Hibernia. I plan to paralyze it’s people and take advantage of this intoxication. This will let us conquer faster than anyone else and easier too. But first, we must shock them… . Men, I shall now take the armed Luceni fortress of Dingle without a single drop of blood being spilt.”

There was a few moments of silence, with the chariot wheels and the horses’ hooves creating the only sound. “Reports estimate that there will be a number of troops ready to repel us equal to our own. There is work to be done!” He turned and nodded to his rider, who whipped the horses, accelerating away. None of the marshals said a word.

It was a beautiful day and Caelus’ army was now marching down the spine of the narrow peninsula known as Dingle. Caelus was riding with his marshals, and they sent up dust clouds behind their hammering hooves as the now dry ground was pounded on this sunny but still very cold day. Caelus saw a building to the left, and instead of ignoring it wheeled his men over in that direction whilst the army kept marching. The men dismounted and followed Caelus as he stood and surveyed what was before him.

There was a ring of standing stones, a holy place indeed. A small farmhouse and patch of vegetables stood nearby, and a few druidh could clearly be seen managing the household. One man saw Caelus and ran in terror. Caelus approached, quizzical of their actions - as well armed as Caelus was, no man, southerner or not would ever harm a druidh, so clearly a man of the gods.

Caelus pushed the door open and looked in. 3 druidh looked up, their work dimly lit by the light filtering through the open door. The wooden building had few windows, and Caelus knew that these men were up to something. The sickles that they were polishing were clearly blunt and rusted.
Caelus ordered one to his feet. The man stared at him angrily but obeyed. “I saw your standing stones. A fine piece of work. Are you here all year, or just for the solstices?” Caelus was superficially amiable, trying to coax information from them. The druidh replied “I do not answer to the likes of you. Brigantians and a heathen southerner at that!” He spat on Caelus’ shield. Caelus drew his sword and smashed the hilt into the man’s cheekbone. He fell with a cry and squirmed on the floor. “I do not make exceptions, even for druidh - I will not be spoken to as an inferior!” Caelus shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber.

Caelus pointed his sword at the other two, who even in the dim light could be seen sweating profusely. “Please move.” One was too hesitant and Caelus laid open his forearm with a mere flick of Ironsides’ tip. His artery opened, the man was instantly soaked in blood as he fell over the table. “So be it.” said Caelus. He saw just what he had expected … the men were sitting on a trapdoor.

Caelus opened it but almost retched, the smell slapping him in the face. He saw by the light of a candle stub, 2 female faces. Caelus new then what was going on. He snarled at the druidh in anger, and heaved the two women, weak and frail as dry leaves out of the pitiful hole. He turned to the one living druidh and dragged him outside by the edge of his collar. He did not need to ask as the marshals stood aside, letting Caelus pass outside. Caelus took the man and pushed him against the pillar. All the while the man grovelled and snivelled pathetically, asking for forgiveness as Caelus thrust him forwards. The man turned and cried out as Caelus hit him in the face with a roundhouse kick. “Quiet, fool!” He shouted and tied the moaning man to one of his precious standing stones. He gagged his mouth with a piece of rag. He turned to the one bleeding man and showed him the road. “Anyone caught committing your crime will end up like this - understand?” The now pale and gaunt man nodded feebly and began to walk off.

“Leave him for the crows.” said Caelus. The marshals understood, but whilst Caelus fed and watered the two women - one only 11 years old, one clearly her mother … disgraceful - they cut the man with their daggers, not letting his blood flow in earnest, but knowing that the cuts would fester and become infected in the open air. They rubbed dirt into the wounds and spat on him as Caelus left the building. And simply because he had made it so, these honest men had changed, turning their backs on generations of traditions in an instant.

At the Dingle pass, Caelus halted Ostia, his magnificent steed. She reared her forelegs in the air, feeling the anticipation of her master. From here, Caelus could see the whole peninsula stretching out before him, as if it was trying to run away. To his left, the south, half way down the strip of land, was the fortress that protected Dingle. It contained many citizens, a small temple, market and the entire Luceni army. To his right, the north, and further away, he could see the city itself. There was a large fleet of fishing boats, still clearly bringing in the days catches. Caelus knew right now that his spies were infiltrating these places, weaving themselves into it’s fabric, manipulating the stitches of this place.

It was now near nightfall, at an early hour even for this time of deep winter. The year was almost over, and Caelus knew that the weather would help conceal his movements. Here, it had been bitterly dry and cold, with no clouds to coat the land like a blanket. The land was unusually dry, and with the cold, it was hard as the rocks on the cliffs. This made marching easy, as rivers and bogs now presented little or no obstacle. Also, by campaigning at this time of year, Caelus would catch the seasonal campaigners of Hibernia off guard. In fact, he planned to have dominated his goals completely before the next spring. The horses drank from a muddy puddle, a rut filled with water by the army’s horsemen. Their riders polished ceremonial armour, prepared to make the horses look as regal and awe-inspiring as possible. They would have their part to play tomorrow.

The stage was set. His army had surrounded the fortress of Dingle, unbeknownst to the warriors and large civilian population inside. Meanwhile, leaving the baggage train and the Chosen swordsmen to protect the gate of the land (and to be out of there and moving up the island faster once this was done), he rode with his bodyguard to the city. Surprisingly, he let Sextus ride in his chariot, taking Ostia with him. The relics of his battles adorned his blank saddle sack as his men approached the sleeping city. All arrangements were made, and the men gently marched at the trot through the crisp, clear air as the sun lay on it’s side, teasing the city with it’s pale light before it rose.

[Feragorn]

Great update! Thanks for dedicating the chapter to me. I'd do one for you, but you're a main character...

[ReD_OcToBeR]

haha, nice way of letting the man die...
bloody

[Sunbird Alkibijad]

Lovely writing man, now that's what you call good storytelling!

[SonOfAlexander]

Thx Sunbird. I know I dedicated the previous chapter to 'the TWC forums crew' , and that does include evryone, right from AustenBin down to PadrePio. But I mean it especially to you few - Feragorn, my closest follower, Sunbird, my best encourager, and Red, a person who I saw go from nothing to a superstar in the form of Ishtar Gate. Thank You again

Anyway in terms of the story, I liked the way that Caelus trested them in a sort of 'justice was done' way. I noticed that Caelus and his marshals are becoming a bit of a 'Jesus and his disciples' group - I will extend this symbolically. The next update will be a nice big battle along with a special twist - the biggest of the whole thing! Im not just trying to build up your hopes, but the story is about to enter it's 3rd phase!