Men of Alba-Scotland AAR

[popgnner12]

It is the 1240th year of our lord,

Belenus was the young king of his fledgling state of Scotland, however all had not gone to hell. He had made good progress so far on the Britain mainland, as he had just finished consolidation of the Norman Kingdom of England. It had only took him three years, well actually two, because his father, who Belenus rather not speak up, had captured York. But it was Belenus who had actually completed his father's orginal dream, which was quite frank, destroy the English. This was to be Belenus' last tribute to his father, as when Belenus was young around the age of sixteen his father had beaten Belenus' mother, and raped her. He then, in his fit and rage, proceeded to kill young Belenus, but Belenus had dislodged his crafty dagger into his father's face on his right cheek. It was a humiliating blow to Belenus' father, but Belenus couldn't care in the slightest. Even his father's reign was pathetic and unenterprising. His only good policy was getting himself killed, so that Belenus could become king, and expand Scotland's imperial domain. Now back to the present time.

Belenus was on his royal balcony, overlooking London, it had only been days earlier when he led his force of some 3300 men onto the city, and captured it. However, Belenus was a devout adherent to the church and the pope, and by Catholic decree he never enslaved nor massacred fellow christians. This adherent kindness was showing in the apparent loyalty and happiness of the people. The warm English air breezed against his face, and the invigorating dream of having all of Ireland and Britain swept into his mind. He consorted with his trusted friend and advisor Maxe, who was rumored to have consorted with a man named Decimus. That makes one wonder? Anyway, Belenus spoke to Maxe, "What do you think of our current state of affairs?" Maxe replied, "Mi most beloved liege, thy current state of affairs is quite good, actually superb. The people are inmensly happy, and our revenues flow with florins." This pleased the young aspiring king. "Good then, we set out for the Welsh provinces tomorrow." "Of course my liege." Maxe replied in his icy professionalism.

The Kingdom of Scotland as it is circa 1240 link- http://img43.imageshack.us/i/rometw2...211343207.png/

[popgnner12]

It is winter of the 1240th year of our lord,

Belenus had led his large army through the Welsh lowlands, and marched forward to Brimingham. On his march there, ontop of his royal steed, Belenus felt the icy winds breeze against his face, he was hardened from his battles against the English, but still the cold icy wind always shivered his spine. Perhaps it was more than what he could comprehend, maybe supernatural elements had guided him from the beginning of his life. Belenus was a Catholic to the core, but his thoughts about Christianity may have been considered heretical. He was a non-trinitarian, as he never believed an almighty God, could be subject to encompass three bounded personalities and beings. Which to the young Belenus absolutely was a blasphemous attempt to limit's God's power, and his image. "Divine Right" was a phrase that Belenus had used often, he proclaimed himself the embodiment of God's love to the Scots. Belenus had promised the Scottish people that they would reign for 1000 years, Belenus was convinced to his very soul, that he would be the instrument for this task. Belenus, while on his march had a flashback 6 years ago, when he was still a young prince. His late father had given him the task of visiting a group of Chrisitian-Irish monks, for the purpose of obtaining "Divine Right," something which his father desired extremely. He wanted to prove that God had mandated him as his repersentative for the Scottish people. As the Scottish populace were becoming estranged from their monarch, even proposing outright revolt. Belenus while on his task to Ireland, had went with his two childhood friends, Calp and Vakl. They took a route through the western Scottish lowlands, where a light galley conveyed him to the eastern Irish shores.

There he was to travel to the south-western shores of Dublin, there a small abbey of learned monks lived. They were the so-called "Order of Irish Paladins," what made this visit interesting was that the order was banned by the Catholic church at their refusal to bow the will of the pope. Instead they listened only to the self-proclaimed "Irish Paladin", a fearless and devout warrior capable of slaughtering a 100 men in a single swipe of his sword, whether or not this was exaggeration surely peaked Belenus' father. When Belenus, who was 22 at this time traveled for day in and day out, along the coasts, to this abbey. On his way they stopped at a local inn to rest with his companions, as they had a ong day before them, and ahead of them. Traversing through the Irish wilderness isn't necessaily a cake walk, Belenus spent most of his time killing off pesky mudcrabs or wild rats, that would posess the nerve to attack them. The inn that Belenus was staying in was called, "The Irish Pub", not a very unique name if you ask me or Belenus, but the owner's had little creativity so I guess it all fits. Anyway, inside the tavern, a young beautiful woman, was being harassed by an oversized drunkard, this agitated Belenus in an instant, as it reminded him of his father. Belenus got up from the table, but Calp spoke, "Bel, (as that was the nickname that Calp called him.) what are you doing?" However, Belenus brushed Calp aside and proceeded to the damsel in distress. "Leave this beautiful dame alone, or else I would hath ta spite ye." The drunkard obviously didn't realize that he was in the prescence of the "Prince of Scotland", as the drunkard proceedd to attack young Belenus, but Belenus unsheathed his magnificent longsword, and in two swirls of his blade, he had slit the drunkard's throat and decapitated him. He turned to the young dame and spoke to her, "Are you alright, my good dame." She replied, "Yes, most bold and strong stranger, may I know your name?" Belenus in his young hubris spoke, "My name is Belenus, the 'Prince of Scotland'" He displayed his royal signet ring in order to prove his claims, everyone awed in magnificence. The young woman replied, "My name is Cartimandua." Belenus smiled and responded, "That's a beautiful name, would you come with me on my travels to the 'Order of the Irish Paladins"'? She said in regret, "But I am a peasant girl, of Irish blood, and not fit to be with a Scottish prince." Belenus smiled with mirth and spoke, "You are the most beautiful dame I have ever bear witness to, please I as a prince beg of you to come with me, and be my wife." Cartimandua was startled, "Yes oh my beloved lord, I will be your wife and lover." And so when Belenus and his companions, and his newly acquired one, set out for the Order of Irish Paladins.

Upon their final arrival, Belenus could see monks tending a small garden. So to prove his humility he hid all evidence of his royalty, and approached a monk, and spoke, "Thy most noble and powerful monk, would you please as be as kind as to teach a young peasant boy such as myself the keys to Divine Right?" The monk replied in his old waery voice, "Why would a peasant search for the keys to Divine Right?" Belenus fell to his knees and sobbed, "I have been denied proper acceptance in the world even though my heart is kind and generous, yet I am treated like filth and trash, I am all alone in this world, my family is all but none. Please Divine Right will be my only way to find true happiness in this world and maybe the next." The monk was still not convinced though, "Still a peasant would not need Divine Right to be happy, only a meal, clean clothes, an actual job, housing, and money." Belenus still on his knees pleaded, "Most wise monk, those things are only materialistic, they fade with time, and happiness or atleast true happiness is never acheived through materialistic items. Divine Right is what I dearly need, please most noble monk, please let me acquire Divine Right." The monk saw through Belenus' guise and said, "Rise, you are no peasant." Belenus was afraid that he would call him the Prince of Scotland, but instead the monk said, "You are no peasant, because only peasants think of themselves as peasants while happy people can think of themselves as happy people, you have swayed my disposition over to you. Come with me into the abbey." Belenus spoke, "Can I bring some companions inside." "Yes you may" Replied the monk. Inside the abbey Belenus could not believe his eyes, books upon books aligned the shelves, ranging from Greek to Irish literature, books about all aspects of life. The monk told him that he must speak to the Irish Paladin, in order to discover what Divine Right is. So Belenus was led to the Irish Paladin, and Belenus was amazed at what he saw, a sleek and beautiful woman. The finest dame he had ever laid eyes on, a pure testament to beauty. How, he thought could this woman be an excellent warrior? "Sit." The woman commanded. "Yes, good and powerful dame." "You come to seek the keys to Divine Right, have you not?" Belenus responded, "Yes, I have, most good dame." "Why do you want Divine Right?" The lady asked. Belenus said, "I want to have true happiness in this world." "What makes you think having Divine Right will make you happy?" The Irish Paladin had snagged Belenus, how would Divine Right make him happy, so Belenus would have to be purely honest of himself. "It would make me happy, becaue I am the Prince of Scotland" He displayed his signet ring. "My wish is to lead my people into a golden age, where the crops will grow, the children will play, commerce will flourish, and lawlessness will be a memory. I need Divine Right, as an approval from God, to allow my inner feeling and verification with the people be finalized." The Irish Paladin spoke to him, and said, "Only when you unite Britain with Ireland, can you come back to me for Divine Right." Belenus then left with those words still in his head, "Only when you unite Britain and Ireland, can you come back to me for Divine Right."

That was 6 years ago, and things have changed, Belenus was bent on returning to the Irish Paladin, to finally claim Divine Right.

Belenus' Incursions into the Welsh provinces link- http://img145.imageshack.us/i/rometw...211382398.png/

[popgnner12]

It is the 1242nd year of our lord,

The warm summer Welsh breeze brushed against Belenus' face, he had successfully besieged Brimingham, only earlier. Belenus was pretty confident in his motivations and goals, Bolton, which was the city he was laying siege to would united the Scottish lowlands, with the fertile Welsh highlands. As the Welsh provicnes would be vital, as Belenus could use the the Welsh provinces, as money generators, as they ideally lie on the British west coast, and trade with the Irish provinces would fluctuate beautifully. Maxe, Belenus' trusted advisor spoke to him, "King Belenus, the Welsh are formidable foes, ready to repel any invader. So we must be quick and strong to bring the Welsh to our heels. Massacreing the population or enslaving them would be ideal." Belenus, in his chivalrious mercy replied, "These are God-fearing men, I shall not harm these men in anyway other than in the context of war." Belenus had a firm personal morality, which lead to the annoyance of his subjects. However, this, as little did he know, was a key to Divine Right, which in reality which was the main goal of his conquests, and to be remembered as Scotland's greatest king. Belenus' forces were ready to assault Bolton. The Welsh were led by their fierce warlord, Bolgios, who posessed an army consisting of around 2543 men. This would be a bloody battle.

Siege of Bolton link- http://profile.imageshack.us/user/po...2212312587.png

Belenus had no trouble in defeating Bolgios, as was the custom, Bolgios was killed in battle. Belenus much to the irritation of Maxe, in his chivalrous mercy left the city unharmed. This act, along with his other acts began to spread around the British mainland, and even the northern provinces of Ireland heard about this "King Belenus the Kind". With Bolton consolidated, Belenus set his covetous eyes on Cork, to capture the remaining indipendent Irish province, and unite Ireland. So he set out in 1243, and in the winter of that year, Cork was captured, and was spared any harm, as was the custom of Belenus. Belenus on his fast-paced blitzkreig sailed back over the Irish channel, and landed in southern Wales, he would have subjugate the last two remaining provinces, Exeter and Portsmouth. First as Exeter was closer, Belenus marched for it, only to be intercepted by a rebel army, of which Belenus easily dispatched. Exeter was captured, and spared of harm. Belenus then marched his army torwards Portsmouth, which when Belenus captured it, it was riotous so in the first act against his inherent kindness he enslaved half of the population, and sent it elsewhere. However for the first time, he had united Ireland and Britain.

United Britain and Ireland link- http://profile.imageshack.us/user/po...2304163090.png

It was now 1246, and late winter, at Portsmouth, The newly proclaimed "High King of Britain", gazed out over the immense English channel, and, when he squinted could see the lands of Normand, Flanders, and beyond, even France, now that he thought about it. Yes, these would all become provinces of his new Scottish kingdom, perhaps even an empire, but before any of this could be achieved he had to return to the Irish Paladin, and claim Divine Right, although this was quite odd, because he was the High King, and Maxe thought that he could claim whatever he wanted. This is what made Belenus different from other kings, he was humble and God-fearing, and more importantly devout and adherent. Arriving at the abbey, that he hadn't seen in around 12 years or so. He wondered what the beautiful Irish Paladin had look liked now, as he approached the inn he noticed that the entrance door was run down. This alerted Belenus as it meant that someone forced their entrance into the abbey, the curious Belenus explored more, he was horrified the whole place was ransacked and desacrated, but by who? More importantly where was the beautiful Irish Paladin? Belenus hurried into the Paladin's quarter where he was around 12 years ago, what he saw was most horrid and traumatizing. The Irish Paladin, was laying in a pool of blood. Belenus rushed in terror to her body, her body was cold, Belenus knew that she had been dead for atleast 7 hours or more, but why. Who would kill her, and Belenus never learned her name. Belenus searched for clues as to the gruesome slaying, what he found where a series of letters from the Pope himself, threating her if she did not submit to the will of the Pope. "DAMN INQUSITORS!!" Belenus screamed in rage, his whole perspective of the Roman Catholic Church altered, he had now hated them. They were his enemies, and now his desire for outward expansioned was supported with the vicious murder of the beautiful Irish Paladin. Belenus was going to march on Rome, the seat of the Pope, and massacre the whole God-damned city. Belenus swore to God that he or one of his heirs would burn Rome to the ground. As of that moment Belenus renounced his Catholic faith, and established a new version of Chrisitanity, It would be called the Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God, and its patron saint would be the Irish Paladin, a true believer in God, that was viley slain by the power-mad devil infested Pope. Still, Belenus had come to for Divine Right and he was intent on obtaining it. Searching through the desks and shelves, Belenus manages to find a book entitled, "Excerpts to Belenus," this was interesting, because Belenus never recalled mentioning his name. Inside the book, Belenus read, "A young man, obviously the Prince of Scotland, the Prince Belenus. He has requested Divine Right, and I fear that I may never see him again, and I know that he will unite Ireland and Britain. But by then, I will be dead and will not be able to convey that message to Belenus. I am being hunted by the agents of the Pope. So I write in hopes that Belenus will avenge me and discover Divine Right. If Belenus is reading this then Divine Right is, 'The will of the soul to accomplish what the body and mortal society cannot acheive even in the greatest circumstances. The act of humility in the face of hubris, the act of mercy instead of retribution, the decision of right over wrong, and most importantly the acceptance of one's self and liberty.' That is Divine Right, and whoever is reading this my name is Bella.

Belenus was amazed at the excerpts, and realized that Divine Right was not a mandate from God but a series of personal struggles of morality, and acceptance. Belenus hosted a grand funeral and cannonization of Bella the Irish Paladin. Scotland was freed from Catholic tyranny and the beginnings of a new era, a new faith, all was set for Belenus to have new conquest aswell...............................

[popgnner12]

It is winter in the 1246th year of our lord,

Belenus had awoken in Portsmouth, he had a most distressing situation, he would have to implement the new "Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God". He had dressed himself in his royal dress, instead of a cross, a sign of the Christian faith, and in respects, it represented Catholicism. Belenus was going to remove all elements of Catholicism in the British Isle. He would have to dwell on this task before outward expansion was possible. Belenus, said to himself daily, "In a thousand years the Scottish people will remember a time when one man brought them to unmatched greatness." This was a show to the people of his realm that they would acheive greatness in his lifetime, perhaps becoming a new empire. Belenus took the Irish Paladin's symbol for the symbol of his new church. It would be represented by a cresecent, such as a crescent moon. The Irish Paladin always associated some type of mysticism to this, and in honorary tribute to the Irish Paladin, Belenus would use this aswell. Maxe entered Belenus' quarters, and spoke to him, "Lord, I have arranged a public announcement, the mass of the population await to see you, they must know of your religious conversion, and your prophetic claim." Belenus straigtened his face, and replied, "Maxe, you are a kind and trusted friend, the people will know. They will realize." So Belenus and Maxe stood on an stage, amongst all the Scottish populace, (in fact they were mostly English and Welsh in heritage, as Scottish heritage was mostly densed in the Northern Bristish lowlands and highlands. But Belenus considered them all as Scottish, all of his subjects were apart of the same brotherhood the same nation. Belenus was logical and was never racist, and despised racism, that other contemporary nations would use." Belenus approached the mass, he was surprised in the amount of people he could see, thousands upon thousands were awaiting his addressment. Belenus gulped, and in his glory spoke, "People of the Kingdom of Scotland, we have been betrayed! The power-mad Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has blasphemied against fellow believers in God. He has killed the wise and beautiful Irish Paladin, a woman who possessed greater knowledge of the Divine than either the Pope or his pathetic hiearchy of liars and deceitful fools. The Irish Paladin has been slain in the name of the Pope by his agents of the Devil! My mentor and the woman I admired has been killed by the Pope and I will not rest until the Roman Catholic Church is destroyed at its heart. I will lead my people to glory, we will conquer all the way to Rome and burn the whole God-damned city to the ground and kill the Pope. Saint Peter will be redeemed once again! So I tell you people of you want us, the Kingdom of Scotland, and all of its people to be remembered for the rest of eternity, than I say to YOU follow me to glory and you will have it, follow me! A new faith will reign over our realm, a religion of understanding, peace, tolerance, and truth. The Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God! With the patron saint being the Irish Paladin, and her name is Bella, and from this instance she will be hailed as, Saint Bella the Irish Paladin. I will clearly say this, this faith is different from Chrisitanity, and is not Chrisitanity at all, but a true faith. Christianity has become corrupted even from its earlier times. People, we shall worship God, and God alone. I will not worship a man-god created in some false image. We are the true faith, we worship God, we acknowledge his prophets and saints, and we revere his angels. With God and the true faith, we shall conquer, so now I say to you the people, will you fight with me, and become the greatest peoples on this beloved world!?"

The crowd first looked in confusion, but one cheer and woot, led to tens, then hundreds, and then thousands of cheers and claps.

Belenus was confident, he had swayed the people to his cause, he called this the "Congregation of Portsmouth." Portsmouth was raised under the crescent of the Irish Paladin, similiar to the crescent of Islam. Belenus directed Maxe to send messangers and scholars to every city and town in the British Isles to tell them of the true faith, and the matyrdom of Saint Bella of Irish Paladin. With a legitimate confirmation of his motives and faith, he could now proceed to conquer on the mainland of western Europe. Belenus, conversed with Maxe, Maxe was quite important in Belenus' life, as he was Belenus former mentor, when Belenus was only but a young prince. Belenus, was still young in respects, but not as young. Belenus proclaimed himself the "High King of Britain," still he never referred to himself as an emperor, which he could since he was no longer Catholic, and did not need Papal approval to become emperor of his realm. "Maxe I need you to gather the army, alert the captains, and begin the retraining of the army, we set out for the mainland, in the early spring, Belenus could already see himself in Caen, the current captital of Normandy and Bruges, the capital of Flanders. Still that would be in several months, and Belenus had still not seen his wife in quite sometime, he dispatched a messanger to tell his wife and two newborn sons, that they would most likely never see him again. Belenus was an admirerer of great generals and leaders such as, Megas Alexandros, Gaius Julius Caesar, Pompey, Ptolemy, and others. In academies, copied works of their exploits and adventures peaked his interest greatly. In particular, Megas Alexandros-Alexander III of Macedon-Alexander the Great. Belenus wanted to emulate Alexander the Great by conquer as much as he could in his lifetime, and expanding his imperial domain, and the realm of Scotland all the way to Rome. Maybe even try and recreate the Western Empire of Romans, that would be a grand feat, just by uniting all of the British Isle under one rule was a feat in itself. Once Belenus set foot on the mainland, he knew he would never return to his homeland, he would die in his conquest. Still, Belenus always preferred to outdo himself and finally travel back to Edinburgh the capital of his kingdom, where his wife lives in the Scottish homeland, the original Scotland. In his sparetime, Belenus would compile a book entitled, "Megas Belenus". Belenus believed he would be in the same caste of Megas Alexandros, this dream would require alot of effort from Belenus.


Belenus organized the book, in the respects of his campaigns, and so on the first page he wrote.

"The great and magnificent, aswell as humbly pious and devout, Belenus, the High King of Britain."

On the next line Belenus wrote,

"It was a momentous time, my father, who I rather not name, and wish would be forgotten in history, decided to finally work on removing the English from Britain. I was rather excited in those years, as my father, who which again, I rather not name, has been allowing Scotland to fall in disrepair by not expanding its power, and keeping it week. Truly my father was a spineless coward, when he dies I will restore and expand Scottish glory, as for years he has allowed the pesky English bastards to raid our borders without paying them retribution. Until I urged him to besiege and capture York. My father listened and this began the War of British Unification. This war would last nearly 10 years. It was a war against the Welsh and English of Britain. From which we obviously won, and became masters of Britain."

Belenus put down his quill, and rubbed his hand, and walked back to his balcony, to overlook the English, which he now renamed the Scottish Channel, and saw the lands he desired. "Damn." Belenus muttered, "Why is time slow........ Oh so slow."

[popgnner12]

It is early spring of the 1247th year of our lord,

Belenus had been documenting much of the great "War of British Unification," the war which ended in Scotland's supremacy over the British Isles, and becoming the High King of Britain. A messanger arrived in Belenus' quarter and addressed him, "High King of the Britain My Lord Belenus, I have been tasked with delievering a message to your majesty. A letter from your beloved dame and wife High Queen My Lady Cartimandua, and the Pope." Belenus was interested by the letter from the Pope, although Belenus already knew that it would probably be a threat to renounce his new faith. "Thank you, most loyal and beloved messanger." Belenus gently grasped the letters and smiled at the messanger. Belenus was always like that, he was to polite, to proper, and to merciful. These traits were an annoyance to such realistic and logical men such as Maxe, however Maxe had his own instances of deep compasion, and Maxe refuted these acts. It could also be linked to the fact that, in his youth Maxe was teased and bullied for his scrawny size, but now Maxe has one of the most powerful positions in all of Britain. Belenus sat at his desk, and opened and read the letter from the Pope, it stated:


"Heretic King Belenus, I have recently been informed by loyal supporters to The Church, that you have renounced Catholicism, for your profane apostasy. You have cannonized a blasphemer and patronized her, such transgressions against our Lord Jesus Christ must go punished. If you to submit to the will of The Church and reestablish Catholicism than you will not be roasted on a stake, if you refuse than you will end up like your precious Saint Bella the Irish Paladin."

Belenus crumpled the paper up, and threw it in his fireplace. Belenus was going to be the master of the world one day, and would not need the damn Pope to bow to. No, Belenus was not going to bow to Jesus Christ or his followers, Belenus would only bow to God, and God alone. Then Belenus opened the letter from his wife, and it stated:

"My lover and my lord, I miss you. It has been long years since I hath seen you, thy grow dissident and weary of the loneliness. Your daughter misses you, and I miss you aswell. In the cold winter nights I sleep without your warmth and touch, my sexual desires have been ignored for to long, my love please come back and stay with us one more time in Edinburgh before you leave, never to return again."

Belenus now had to make a choice, Maxe and his captains had been training and readying the army for months now, and Belenus would irritate the hell out of them if he had them march to Edinburgh for one night, and then march back to Portsmouth and sail over the channel. Still Belenus still had not seen his wife nor his daughter since he left Edinburgh some four or six years ago. Belenus couldn't remember, Belenus had made his decision, he would go to Edinburgh one last time to see his wife. Belenus approached and said, "Maxe, we have a slight mishap. My wife, the High Queen request me one last time, as I will never see her again. I will miss her warmth and beauty, so we will march the army to Edinburgh and rest there for a night, and then march back here, and then sail for Bruges and Caen." Belenus clearly saw the frustration in Maxe's face. It was pure and written over his face, Maxe wanted war and action, but more importantly, Maxe's father was born in Caen, and is in Caen at this very moment. Maxe longed to see his father's expression, when he and Belenus would ride their ride their royal steeds through the city triumphantly. Maxe gritted his teeth, and replied reluctantly said, "Alright my liege, we head for Edinburgh, as soon you give the imperial command." Belenus smiled his famous smile, and replied, "Then we march for Edinburgh now, alert the captains, have them...... Wait a minute, instead I will go by myself with you, and the army will stay here, and when we return than we may sail for Flanders and Normandy." Maxe was obviously not satisfied, but he was loyal beyond reason, a reason which Maxe hid from Belenus, and would only be revealed later in Belenus' life.


Belenus and Maxe mounted their steeds, accompanied with Belenus' royal guard, his mounted chivalric knights. However, these men were the elite of the elite, trained from birth to serve the nobility without question, and be subserviant, and other sorts. Belenus and Maxe traveled for nearly a month, as traversing the lands of Britain in itself was an adventure. Finally, after a month of travel, Belenus laid eyes on Edinburgh, Belenus had studied Roman and Greek architecture in his youth, and had his cities designed in the same manner. Maybe, as the thought breezed into his mine, Belenus would be able to create his own version of the Roman Empire, a western Scottish based one. That thought left Belenus' mind, no, he was to create an empire that would rival Megas Alexandros, no, one that would outdo his empire. Belenus was going to be remembered as the greastest of the great. Inside the city, Belenus and Maxe, and the royal guard had entered the royal palace, and were greeted as proper. Cartimandua and Belenus' daughter Verisca ran to embrace the young king. "My love I have missed you." Cartimandua whispered in Belenus' ear. "Your beauty amounts with the passing days." Belenus replied. Cartimandua blushed and kissed her lover, Verisca said in her young voice, "Daddy!" Belenus picked up his little princess, and kissed her on her forehead, and hugged her. It was all a beautiful moment, Maxe hadn't a wife nor a family, but he always wanted to start one, it would be a nice addition to him. Maxe and Belenus stayed that night at the palace. Belenus and Cartimandua were laying in the king sized bed.

Belenus looked at her majesty, and replied, "You said, you longed in your sexual desires, well I have returned, and you will be satisfied." Belenus grasped Cartimandua, and lets just put it like this, Belenus was neither merciful, but very compassionate, that is if you get my drift...........................

Well the next morning Belenus and Maxe set out back for Portsmouth, another month gone by the man destined to conquer the world..........................

[popgnner12]

Mid spring in the 1247th year of our lord,

Belenus and Maxe had arrived at Portsmouth, they were gloriously welcomed back. Belenus and Maxe quickly proceeded to prepare the army. After conversing with the army captains, then the ships in the harbor could transport them. Belenus and Maxe had the most lavish of the ships, with the most pleasures included with the ship. The boat ride would only last about a week, two at the most, and that's if one of the boats break down, or a mutiny. Even though that would be rather unidealistic, and the long wait time would have been for nothing.

Belenus and his army had finally arrived on the mainland, after about a few days at sea. When Belenus stepped onto the soil of Flanders he cried aloud, "I, the High King of Britain My Lord Belenus, will become the master of all the known lands." Such a bold statement coming from a aspiring man. Maxe himself was as equally delighted, his father would know of his glory and power. "Alright, we march for Bruges." This was very simplistic, as Bruges was close by the landing area at which Belenus landed at. Belenus put Bruges under siege.

Bruges siege link- http://img371.imageshack.us/i/rometw...304304848.png/

[gaius_caesar]

nice, real nice! I like how you make AARs

[popgnner12]

Thanks Caesar, I have a habit of writing so it comes naturally although my AAR style is rather unorthodoxed, as I haven't seen other people use this type of style. Rather interesting, in truth the reason i played as Scotland was because I haven't heard crashes with that faction on the forum so i thought it was safe to play and it is my campaign right now is in the year 1278, which is way ahead of the AAR, but that allows me to create interesting plots

[popgnner12]

Late summer in the 1247th year of our lord,

Belenus had successfully besieged Bruges, it was now a possession of the Scottish crown. Inside the city, Belenus could see all the confused faces. Belenus assumed that most were either of Frankish, Germanic, or even possibly, Saxon origin. Belenus had Maxe amass them at the town center where he would announce to them his "Divine Misison." Belenus had a podium arranged for him, and in his glory spoke to his newly conquered subjects, "People I speak to you, I have freed you from your idependent tyranny, I am High King of Britain My Lord Belenus. The city in which you reside is Bruges, and the province-region of Flanders, is now an imperial province of the crown. However, you are all equal citizens, and will be attributed equal benefits and rights. I also have a message to speak to you from the mouth of God himself." Belenus straightened his expression, and continued, "The Pope has murdered a fellow believer in God. He has committed blashpemy against God's image, and has desacrated his sacred bondage. The Irish Paladin was a devout followe in God, and believed in him, she was my mentor, and possessed greater knowledge than even the wisest of men. She explained to me what Divine Right is, and explained to me the mysteries of the world. However, the Pope in his God-forsaken madness has sent his inquisitiors, and had her murdered. I saw the Irish Paladin laying in a pool of her own blood, and for GOD's sake, I will not rest until the Roman Catholic Church is destroyed. I will lead you, my people to all the glory in the world, we will become masters of the world. I say to you, will you join the Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God, a faith with no inquisition, a faith of peace, tolerance, love, compassion, and understanding. A faith dedicated to God, His prophets, His saints, His angels, and His messangers. I come to spread this faith, the true faith, and will lead war to Catholicism, and its falsitites! Now I say my beloved people who is with me?"

Belenus' fiery speech touched the hearts of the massess, it was marvelous, some were even crying with the matyrdom of the Irish Paladin.

The crowds and massess began applauding and cheering in joy and acceptance, this was a glorious moment for Belenus.

Later those days, near the end of the warm seasons, and into the hell of the cold seasons, Belenus formed a council of religious scholars and monks. They were to be the first organized "Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God" session. Maxe sat amongst them aswell, even though he wanted to be with the army, and lead them onto the walls of Caen in glory and victory. Still, matters in Bruges had to get settled, and Belenus was still relatively young so he had time for conquering. Belenus was at the head of this council, called the "Council of Bruges," it was to be the first council to discuss and arrange Belenus' new chuch and its beliefs and doctrines. Belenus spoke aloud, "I have assembled you learned religious scholars and monks, for the purpose of forming the doctrines and practices of the Free Church of the Irish Paladin of God. However, I have as of principle formed the core doctrines and beliefs of our faith."

Belenus unfolded a piece of parchment that he had within his pocket, and displayed it. On it was a list of the beliefs of Belenus and the Irish Paladin, of which the faith was based off of, Belenus was still reluctant to claim any divine authority. This was good, as it showed that Belenus was honest and true, and some may have called him "Prim and Proper." Belenus let the council look at the parchment and it stated.

"The faith of the Irish Paladin and Belenus respectively." It then went onto list the beliefs.

Set Beliefs of the Irish Paladin and Belenus
1. That there is no God but God, and that Saint Bella was His Messanger.
2. That Christianity has been corrupted and is no longer a suitable religion.
3. That God's mortal enemy and the enemy of all of humanity is Lucifer the Son of Evil.
4. That God loves humanity, and has given them Earth as a sign of his bounty and power.
5. That Adam and Eve were the first two humans in existence.
6. That Adam and Eve were deceived by Lucifer and condemned to Earth.
7. That God ordains His saints with clear signs of matyrdom.
8. That God ordains His prophets with clear signs of divine inspiration.
9. That God ordains His messangers with one message, worship one God, and God alone.
10. That humans are not gods, and to think so is blasphemous.
11. That God is not a trinity since that compromises God's unity.
12. That Jesus of Nazareth was great prophet but not God, nor any God, for God is one.
13. That humans that committ sin, and do not try to gain redemption from God will perish in Hell.
14. Humans that repent within Hell, will go to Heaven but only if they truly repent their sins.
15. On the Last Day, all souls will be sent either to Heaven or Hell, depending on their deeds.
16. Humans that do not believe in God, nor ever heard his message will be sent to Purgatory.

Belenus had laid out the founding rules for his new faith, the council was amazed at the depthness of the list. It was remarkable, and one monk asked, "Who comprised this list?" Belenus replied rather abruptly, "God has comprised this list." Whether or not God had any involvement was out the window, the council was amazed, they wondered or not if Belenus was God Incarnate, but that was impossible, because Belenus' beliefs contradicted it. So they assumed that Belenus was a messanger from God, or some other form of God's wisdom. "Lord Belenus, this is amazing and well thought out, we would surely be able to institute this, but would be its symbol and its practices?" A scholar asked. Belenus responded, "A crescent, and the practices would be similiar to the faith of Muhammad." The faith of Muhammad, that was quite interesting, as this faith of Muhammad, could only relate to one thing. "Are you mad?" One monk cried out, "A faith of monsters and demons?" Belenus gave a spiteful glare at the monk, "Maybe, foolish monk you are mad, the faith of Muhammad, which in proper Islam, is a rather respectable faith and religion. The Pope spread lies and falsities about this faith, Islam worships the same God as we do, they do not worship Muhammad, Apollo, or any other falseness that the foolish Catholics said. Muhammad was a prophet, he did worship God, he was true and pure, and he spread God's word. Islam has been attacked, and even though if they don't know of the my message, they are still brothers in faith, aswell as the jews, and the other Chrisitians. (other Christians mean all non-Catholic denominations.)" The council was silenced, Belenus had shut them all up, Maxe spoke, "So it is final,this faith will combine practices of Judaism, Islam, and non-Catholic Christian beliefs, in particular the Eastern Orthodoxed Church." Belenus had concluded the council, that was finished and all done.

That was the warm seasons, and it's all now over, the cold seasons were to pass, and Belenus decided he should stay in Bruges until the warm seasons, to carry out his capture Caen, and finally claim the lands of Maxe's father. The lands of the descendants of Rollo, the land of Normandy.................

[popgnner12]

Early spring in the 1248th year of our lord,

Belenus, the young king, had an interesting experience at Bruges, the provincial capital of the province of Flanders, although it was considered a region, in the respect that official administrative work had yet been completed for seamless integration. However, it was time for Belenus to complete his consolidation over Normandy, the land of the descendants of Rollo. Belenus himself had other motives for securing Caen, the capital of Normandy, mainly because, Belenus wanted control ovet the channel, as controlling the channel would bring in considerable revenue, which could be used to further his own conquest and sustain his mercenarie armies. As at this time, the Scottish state had no original standing army, and the army that Belenus commanded consisted of levy soldiers and professional mercenaries.

Belenus had awakened to his aching back pain, for a king, who was relatively young in age; to have back pain, that was quite something. Belenus rolled himself over, and thrusted himself up, to be greeted by the bountiful rays of the sun. The initial thoughts that pierced Belenus' mind was the general content of the populace in Bruges, as Belenus was a merciful king, and quite understanding. Belenus was quite pleased with his anti-Catholic efforts. It had been at first a sketchy idea, but now his religion, his faith had become dominant in Flanders. Belenus assumed that it was the matyrdom of Saint Bella that captivated people, along with its warm reception torwards Islam, Judaism, and non-Catholic Christianity, which proved to its adherents, that it was a religion to be contemplated, and considered carefully. Belenus knew that this was the day that Maxe had been waiting for. Belenus dressed himself in his royal battle attire, and proceeded to Maxe. "Aye my trusted friend and advisor, you will be joyed in the fact that we set out for Normandy today." Maxe's mouth smiled and widened, he was truly happy. His father was going to know of his power and glory soon, indeed very soon. "Thank you, my liege." Maxe replied in his earnest. "Okay, alert the army captains, prepare the army, we march from the west gate."


So later that day, the army was formed and ready. Belenus and Maxe both rode at the front of the army, it was an interesting case. Belenus and Maxe that was, they are an interesting case if anyone has noted. As they share a somewhat strange bondage. Belenus marched his force on a trip that would last atleast 4 to 8 days, it could take longer of course, but if all things went according than on average it shouldn't be long. After a few hours on march, Belenus decided to set for camp. This was another act that distingushed Belenus from traditional commanders, Belenus was laid back and free going. True, that he was always on the move, never stationary, but that was his nature. He hated stasis, change, as he said it, was the force of the world. His assumption of that was quite logical in the fact that things in reality were never stasis, things wax and wane, rise and decay. It was this principle that Belenus recognized in his early years, with this, Belenus also knew that life could end at any moment, and he believed in never taking life to seriously as it was practically meaningless in the long run of cosmic events.

Maxe, well he was a different case, but he has never been explained upon significantly, his character is a rather mysterious one. Aswell, as in the fact that Maxe was originally a boy from the German countryside. This was a truth, that Maxe fully knew, but kept secret. Infact, the reason why Maxe made it all the way to Scotland, which still in the areas he grew up, it was still referred to as the "Kingdom of Alba", was because Belenus' father was infact the distant half-brother to Maxe's father. Which in turn made Maxe, Belenus' cousin, even if not technically blood related. As the German lands became unsuitable for Maxe's parents they made a long travel up northwest onto the shores north of the "Kingdom of the Franks", as I said, Maxe's knowledge about the political system was far outdated. Anyway, on that move, they settled in Caen, but Maxe's father, whose name was Rul, decided that Maxe should grow up with his uncle. So Maxe was sent off to the distant lands of Alba, as Rul called it, he also told Maxe, that Alba was on the very edge of the world. This could have been true, since beyond the northern shores of Alba is mostly just small land specks, and endless ocean. These distant lands would get Maxe away from all the political turmoil. However, Maxe was raised by Belenus' father, and Maxe was not afraid to name that man, his name was Barrivendos, that was the name of the father of Belenus. Maxe was instructed to be Belenus' advisor, although the two young lads constantly quarlled with eachother. Even when a girl called them both cute, and the two young lads fought over who was cuter. Back in those days it was much more simple. Maxe was taught the trade of diplomacy, military theory, and speechcraft, and most importantly how to make reasonable decisions. Maxe was true and devout to his cousin, liege, and importantly his friend.

But that was the past days, and Belenus had amassed his army over Caen, and look torwards the city and cried aloud, "Rollo your descendants now meet their successors, true men. The MEN OF ALBA!"

[popgnner12]

Winter in the 1248th year of our lord,

Belenus had finally finished constructing the siege equipment needed for his siege, all had been going to plan, the residents of Caen were terrified. Mostly, probably of the fact that Caen, and the Kingdom of Scotland had been on peaceful terms since Barrivendos' "good" foreign policy torwards them. Rather odd though, that is if you think about it carefully. Scotland was so far away from the troubles of Caen that why should one bother? However, it is this same motivation that drives Belenus to do what he does, Scotland before was looked upon a minor kingdom within the confined British Isle, also referred to as Albion, if you want a more romantic feeling of the area. Belenus wanted to change Scotland's mere petty kingdom status, sure if they remained in that state they would have not known the pressures of competing with other nations. The struggles of war and conflict, acts of self preservation. Still, Belenus read about great kingdoms and empires, and he knew that none of those were formed with peace or cowardice. No, they were formed with the blood of people. Blood, now that was a word that was all to familiar to Belenus, he had seen much of it, and had spilled much of it. His life, you could say was somewhat warrior based, although you would never have expected that. As in his youth, Belenus was a peaceful boy who was rarely violent, he preferred his times in the pleasant meadows in the fertile Scottish lowlands. He would even make daily trips into the highlands and lay in the valleys and meadows, by the creeks and rivers, and merely gaze at the sky. His father always scolded him on that, "You are to be a great warrior, like tales of Spartan men, not a spineless coward, like a book-loving Athenian." That was a line that Belenus would hear to often, but this may have caused Belenus' current attitude to the world.

Belenus never really fought battles in his youth, he was to kind and well liked for that sort of behavior. People had a sort of connection with Belenus from the instant, he was a perculiar man, peculiar in the aspect that he was to polite, to good. Yes that was it he was to good, not in arrogance, but in being respectful of everything. Life, love, virtue, peace, honor, these were all traits and elements that Belenus studied very carefully. Infact, some people would say that Belenus had a "perfect childhood," even so, not all was what it seemed. Belenus had problems of his own, aswell as any other human. He had to face temptation, and his most notable conflicts would occur within his own family, notably him and his father. They were polar opposites, Belenus' father, who out of the respect for Belenus, I will not name him with the context of Belenus. Well his father was somewhat a man of average intelligence, not necessarily well mannered, violent, arrogant, and static. Stasis, another word that was an enemy of Belenus, Belenus was ever-changing always different, never constant. This could be seen in his random sequence of events in his childhood, in his childhood I mean his daily schedules. Normally you would expect a prince to mostly spend his time in the affairs of state and whatnot. However, Belenus would do as he pleased, and although he was educated well, and debated well, he mostly spent his time doing leisurely things. Such as playing, exploring, hunting, meeting new people. It was all a rather pleasant life, especially since they were on an island, so Belenus knew little of the world outside of him. At one point in his life he believed that only the British Isle existed, which was called Albion by the scholars of the land. Of course, Belenus knew about Ireland, Wales, and England, Belenus was even given a map of the lands collectively. For the time period it was pretty accurate, but other than those lands, he knew little else of the world.

Belenus, now back in his present time proceeded swarm into Caen.
Caen siege link- http://img406.imageshack.us/i/rometw...305013143.png/

[popgnner12]

This aar wont be resumed until late august

[popgnner12]

The 1249th year of our lord,

It was a rather momentous time in these past days, for Belenus was praised as a celebrated hero and war leader. It was rather odd now that the thought passes through my mind, for you would believe that the conquered would resent their new master, instead they greeted their new "High King", with lavish gifts and adornments, all rather magnanimous in some respects. Belenus stood atop from the balcony of the council building, as at the time previous to Belenus' capture, it was governed by a council of noblemen, who were tasked with the responsibilities of state. You would think that such a government would be graciously welcomed, however the so-called free people, were merely pawns in pointless political struggles. The region of Normandy itself had seen much turmoil since its independence from the English Crown, with the monarch deposed the citizens hoped for a republic, but instead they ended up with an oglicarchy. It was all rather horrible, as in the brief lapse of time between Caen's liberation, and occupation by Belenus much blood had been shed, peasants formed militias formed with rabble, so-called citizen soldiers that knew not how to fight, and so they tried vainly to withstand the profesional might of the elite caste of Caen and Normandy, hundreds died in that brief time. Even the resisting army was somewhat ineffective, partly, no, the majority of the army was ineffective. Many of the men were forced into the force and defected to Belenus.

However, that was the capture of Caen, and now Caen was a city belonging to the majestic "Kingdom of Scotland". Belenus stood amongst his fellow countrymen and spoke the revolutionary message of the Irish Paladin, which he knew would prove effective, since the region of Normandy had long had problems with the Catholic Church. Amazingly, Belenus did not speak out this message, for he had the affairs of state to attend to, so he let his newly formed council and teachers to inform and "enlighten" the populace. Inside the the council building, Belenus was conversing with his fellow advisors and military officers. This council consisted of Belenus, Maxe, Captain Isa, General Asphar, and Deputy Kalur.

Belenus sat upon them and spoke, "We have an alliance with France, however our army is within striking distance of their capital Paris. If we storm and take Paris, then we would be easily able to consolidate France into out kingdm before they become a thorn in my future plans for our people." What Belenus spoke was sensible but shaming. For Scotland and France had been allies for many years, and that would damage Scotland's political image. Maxe firmly agreed with his liege, however the others weren't so enthusiastic about the whole matter. General Asphar spoke, "My lord, what you propose is indeed true and we could crush France within a few months, but maybe we should let them attack us instead. Think about it, if we conquer independent lands, the other nations will view us as a small threat, but if we betray allies and begin conquering whole countries, then they might take notice. If that occurs than our political situation might be dire in the future." Belenus sat back and considered his options.

The life of a king, decisions abound, life of a king, decisions abound.

[TOLAROscipii]

Great reading
I am really getting into this so keep them coming

[gaius_caesar]

This is becoming an epic! Keep it coming!

[Lord Of The Knights]

Good Work popgnner12

[popgnner12]

It is the 1250th year of our lord,

Belenus had made the official decision on the foreign policy towards France, they were not going to focus their attention on the French Kingdom, that is yet. There was another region close by Normandy, and its capital was Rennes. Belenus, as you may already know was intent on naval trade, since his original domain is located on an island, in which naval trade and open sea routes meant everything to his country's economy.

Belenus and Maxe were alone in his private quarters, as Maxe was summoned upon Belenus' lordly request. "Yes, my liege?", Maxe asked in his innocence. "So far, do you think my reign has been beneficial so far?", Belenus questioned. Maxe's eyes sharpened, "My lord-..." Maxe repostured himself, "Belenus", this was odd, for Maxe always addressed Belenus by a proper title, usually his infamous, "My liege". "Belenus, your reign so far has been the greatest of any Scottish monarch. You have acheived dominance of the British Isle, and the Northern Frankish coast. You have bested the descendants of Rollo, you deserve merit." Belenus replied, "You are correct, but that is the problem. I'm the greatest of the Scottish monarchs, but I want to be THE greatest monarch of all the monarchs before, and after me." Maxe looked at him, smiled, and said, "My lord you cant have the whole world, even for you, it's to big."

Belenus broke a smile, gulped, and proclaimed heroicly, "I'll take the whole damn world, and wield it like a fly in my palm."

[TOLAROscipii]

oh great Belenus
could we see an update pic of the empire?

[popgnner12]

It is the 1259th year of our lord,

Belenus, in his magnificence had readied the imperial army for the conquest of Rennes. Belenus, knew that he had to obtain Rennes, before the French conquered it, otherwise war with France would be inevitable. And, Belenus' advisors and officers were yet, unwilling to fight another "real" war. They still preferred the idead of being seen as heroic saviors, and bringers of peace to independent, rebellious lands. "My liege, the army is ready, General Asphar has seen to the recruitment of mercenaries to support the main army. We now posess a force, that comprises of levies, men-at-arms, and elite knights. At this rate we should be able to best any rebel rabble." Belenus turned, and smiled at Maxe, and said, "My gracious friend, regardless of what our forces are, it still counts on the competence of the commander to win a battle, not the quality of his men."

These were Belenus' so-called, "Speeches of Wisdom", true, some people said he was blessed by God himself, others believed him to be the incarnation of some long old dead monarch. Stories such as those of Romano-Greek culture and literature still surfaced in some parts of the world, and folklore was common. People always felt the need to associate the unknown with the clearly obvious, such a tendency of mortal men. Still, there was always the chance that Belenus was more than mortal, a thought that Maxe pondered heavily about, and Maxe dilligently poured through Scottish mythology and lore to find anything of reference to Belenus. There was an interesting thing that he found, but he kept this information to himself, for fear it might corrupt Belenus, and alter their fate in the world.

Belenus, and the army headed for Rennes, this was to be an easy, and quick conquest. After several weeks of march, they arrived upon Rennes, the siege had began. Belenus rode in front of his men, in the traditional fashion, and proclaimed, "God has ordained this battle, God has ordained me, God has ordained Scotland, and GOD HAS ORDAINED OUR VICTORY!" The army gave a large glorious warcry, and the siege officially began. Belenus sat ontop of his royal mount, and had the siege towers lined onto the walls, and his soldiers swarmed onto the city's walls. Upon capturing the walls, the attackers opened the gates, and Belenus was amongst the first to rush into battle. His magnanimous royal paladins charged into the rebel rabble, and they fought into the day. The result was the same, Belenus emerged the victor, as he proclaimed.

By the afternoon, Rennes had fallen to the forces of Belenus, another conquest by "Belenus Victor".

Update on the Scottish Kingdom, and conquest of Rennes link- http://img187.imageshack.us/i/rometw...305240557.png/

[TOLAROscipii]

oh mighty Belenus
the french are at your very gates , you must attack before they do
if they were to attack first and lost they would still seem the braver
and the people of the highlands might deem you a coward

I hear that the french laugh and mock you
something must be done about this, show them that they are fools
Unleash the full might of your army on France
STRIKE FEAR IN THE KINGS OF THE WORLD