Battle for the Driftwood Crown

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Battle for the Driftwood Crown, 1000 AI

Upon the day after the Kingsmoot, the grand fleets of the three contenders arrived at a location between Pyke, Orkmont and Harlaw islands. A massive open space of good seawaters, enough room for these numbers to meet in open battle. Below them, far below in the dark depths, the Drowned God would watch and see who among the three would succeed and rise to become the next Iron King. Gulls flew overhead and sea creatures lurked below as hundreds of ships sailed into the area. Warships, Galleys, Dromonds and support vessels alike, flying the black sails and the standards of those they supported. The grey and green standards of House Greyiron, the gold and black standards of House Greyjoy and the silver and black flags of House Harlaw. The battle would commence for the Driftwood Crown shortly as the fleets gather...

The Forces supporting Lucimore Greyiron, the Sea Dragon King
The Grey Fleet:
170 ships (1,750 points)
7 Grand Warships (175 points)
17 Ironborn Warships (340 points)
30 Heavy Galley (450 points)
33 Dromond (330 points)
91 Levy Ships (455 points)

The Black Fleet (House Blackswain):
162 ships (1,500 points)
6 Grand Warships (150 points)
18 Black Fleet War Galleys (AOR, 360 points)
30 Heavy Galleys (450 points)
108 Levy Ships (540 points)

The Forces supporting Harmund Greyjoy, the Grey Kraken King
Greyjoy Fleet:
100 ships (1,400 points)
15 Ironborn Warships (300 p)
50 Heavy Galleys (750 p)
35 Dromonds (350 p)

The Forces supporting Dagmer Harlaw (secretly supporting Lucimore Greyiron at present)
Fleet of Harlaw:
104 ships (1,355 points)
5 Grand Warships - 125 pts.
17 Ironborn Warships - 340 pts.
43 Heavy Warships - 600 pts.
39 Dromonds - 390 pts.


Add in your characters and their traits in your starter posts

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was indeed a sight to behold. From the Island of Orkmont, over three hundred ships sailed, waving the Greyiron standards and the flags of House Blackswain, who were an allied group from the Shield Islands. They may not be Ironborn, but they had held the same principles as the Ironborn. Lucimore stood upon the flagship of the Grey Fleet, a Ironborn Warship named Bane of Nagga, the pride of the Greyiron's fleet. Ynys and Yara stood nearby, watching their brother quietly as he strolled along the deck of his ship. To the left side of the formation, Victarion Greyiron stood upon his person vessel, Iron Scourge. Along with his personal command, the Blackswain's ships sailed with him. To the right, Rodrik 'Half-Iron' sailed upon the Leviathan and his detachment. Lucimore gazed at the approaching Greyjoy and Harlaw fleets, their standards flying menacingly against the winds of the sea. His armored boot clanks three times upon the wood, an Ironborn warrior rushes over with a bow in hand and a flaming arrow. The signal would be given soon and this conflict would be over today...

Lucimore Greyiron, The Sea Dragon King and Lord Admiral of the Grey Fleet
Traits (8 points): +2 duels, +2 Sea Captain, +1 survival, +1 escape, +1 Field Battle
3 Grand Warships
7 Ironborn Warships
10 Heavy Galley
13 Dromond
51 Levy Ships

Rodrik 'Half-Iron,' Lord Captain of the Right
Traits (8 points): +2 Sea Captain, Pillager Tier 2 (+5% earned), +2 duel, +1 survival
2 Grand Warships
6 Grand Warships
10 Heavy Galley
10 Dromond
20 Levy Ships

Victarion Greyiron, Lord Captain of the Left
Traits (6 points): +2 Sea Captain, Pillager Tier 1 (+2.5%), +2 duel, +1 survival, +1 escape
2 Grand Warships
4 Grand Warships
10 Heavy Galley
10 Dromond
20 Levy Ships

[Jokern]

Harmund Greyjoy stood at the bow of his longship, the Blood Spear, feeling the salty wind sweep through his short, black hair. His crew were in good spirits, even in the face of certain doom. He only had a hundred ships, facing two fleets of equal strength. This was madness for sure, but what did he have to fear? What is dead may never die. This would be his day, the dawn of the kraken kings for at least a thousand years. He would lead half his ships, while his brother Rodrik commanded the other half.

Harmund Greyjoy
Duels +3
Field Battle Rolls +2
Survival Rolls +1
Assassinations +2
Pillager Tier 2 (+5%)
Sea Captain +3

9 Ironborn Warships
25 Heavy Galleys
20 Dromonds

Rodrik Greyjoy
Duels +2
Field Battle Rolls +2
Survival Rolls +2
Escape Rolls +2
Pillager Tier I (+2.5%)
Sea Captain +3

6 Ironborn Warships
25 Heavy Galleys
15 Dromonds

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer peered ahead toward the mess of ships that marked Lucimore's position. There were far more vessels there than could ever have been in Lucimore's Greyiron fleet. Clearly he had chosen correctly when he commited to Lucimore's side. Still, he could not help feeling regret for the sake of Harmund Greyjoy. The man was a respected commander, and a good fighter. It left a bitter taste in Dagmer's mouth to consider the killing of fellow ironborn, whether or not they stood against the king. Ironblood dipped down off a high wave, sending a wave of spray past Dagmer's head. He laughed joyously, loving the feel of a deck beneath his feet. Every ironborn man loved the sea above all else, the only thing that defined him and made him different from the rest of the ironborn was his head for land strategy.

To his left, he saw Rodrik standing proud at the bow of Ironskull. No one knew whether he had taken the ship's name, or if he had named the vessel after himself. He commanded a little over a third of the fleet, as the greatest commander of ships on the island of Harlaw. On the right, Qhored stood atop the bow of Sea Viper, which he had certainly named after himself. Yes, today was a good day to be sworn to Lucimore, King of the Iron Islands.

Dagmer Harlaw:
traits:
+3 field battle
+3 sea battle
+4 duels
Pillager tier 1
+3 survival
+2 escape

Rodrik Harlaw
traits
+4 sea battles
+2 field battles
+4 duels
pillager tier 2

Qhored Harlaw
traits
+2 Sea battles
+2 duels
Pillager tier 1
+2 survival
+1 escape

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucimore looked in the direction of Lord Harlaw and his fleet. The time was now. He raises his hand, the Ironborn Archer beside him draws the bow string and aims high into the air. Lucimore waits a moment, then gestures forward.

Fire the signal!

Yes, Your Grace!

A twang was heard as the flaming arrow soars high into the air. Rodrik and Victarion upon their respective flagships gaze into the sky. They both go about to barking their orders and preparing for battle. Lucimore's flagship came to life as orders were made by his twin sisters and the First Mate, the black sails of the Ironborn ships lowering and being tied into place. The wind caught them and pushed the ships forward. The blood of the Ironborn starting to run hot as the fleet began to move towards the Greyjoys. The same reaction came from the Blackswains as their sails dropped and their ships began to move forward.

Lucimore kept a tight grip upon one of the edges upon his flagship, looking at the Harlaw fleet, it was now or never. The signal had been given, now to see the plan go into action. Today he would become the Iron King, one way or another.

[Poach]

Aboard the Widdower, Ramsay Blackswain watched from the aftcastle as the fleets moved to engage. The Black Fleet was spread throughout the Greyiron fleet, the Lion and Anchor equally represented among the head sigil of the Greyirons.

Horas stared with a blank expression from the forecastle of the Scythe, itself positioned near the middle of the line and one of the larger warships in the section. Ramsay had not demanded the Black Fleet sail as one, but with the ships of Blackswain comprising near half the Greyiron force it would've left most of the line weak in comparison.

As the fleets closed for battle a lone flaming arrow shot through the air. Who lights a fire aboard a wooden vessel? It meant nothing to Horas or Ramsay, none had told them of the planned treachery, but both were clever enough to knew it meant something. While Ramsay shouted and barked orders to his men to keep watch, Horas simply stood in silence. His first mate asked him what it meant, Horas responded, "It matters little. We answered the summons as requested. We strike the Greyjoy ships as requested. Forward, first mate."

The man nodded and moved off, well used to Horas' laconic tendencies.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer Harlaw watched the arrow as it soared gracefully through the air. For a moment, he considered ignoring the signal and attacking the Greyiron fleet, then the mass of ships moved, and he knew for a sure that Lucimore had outside aid as he caught a glimpse of a rampant lion dancing in the wind. He raised one gloved fist, and a great banner bearing the device of the sea-king swept up the mast, snapping in the wind beside the silver scythe of Harlaw. And then, suddenly, all around him, Greyiron banners rose, so that it seemed to those who watched from the other fleets that the Harlaw fleet was spewing the banners from their midst. Soon, every ship from Harlaw bore a greyiron banner beside their own, whether it was a blacktyde vessel, or Volmark, or Kenning, or Harlaw ship.

Dagmer placed a hand on his axe as he waited for the next sign from the man who would certainly no be King of the Iron Isles.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The many Greyiron banners rose from among the Harlaw fleet. This made Lucimore grin and the crews of the Grey Fleet raise cries of battle and approval. He turns around, grabbing his sword from his sister, Yara, who held it for him. He draws the sword and raises it high.

Hear me, my fellow Ironborn! Raises your arms to my call! Today, I, Lucimore Greyiron, will reclaim what is rightfully mine! The Seastone Chair that was stolen by my bastard uncle from the dead body that was my father. Today, I right the wrongs of Urras II and bring back the glory days of our home! Once more, gold will fill our coffers, the prize of slaves upon our ships and the warmth of saltwives upon our beds!

A roar of approval came from his crew and nearby ships as they sailed towards the Greyjoy host. They smashed their swords, spears and axes upon their shields, making a great clammer that echoed across the fleet. Lucimore points his sword forward.

Hear my orders, burn the Greyjoy fleet! Make them fear the name Greyiron once more! Sink their ships as an offering to the Drowned God...and bring me that Grey Kraken alive!!

Lucimore nods to another Ironborn who has a pair of flags. He signals a communication which is carried to a ship of the Grey Fleet that was closest to the Harlaw Fleet. A man raises two flags, signalling the Harlaw Fleet. The flag communication gave Lucimore's orders to Lord Harlaw.

We sail together, move your ships to join the Grey Fleet in making these Greyjoys pay for their betrayal. Smash the fleet of Rodrik Greyjoy. Capture him and any other Greyjoy alive.

Another communication is sent by flag to the lead ships of the Black Fleet.

The Harlaws have answered the call and are with us. Do not attack any ship that flies their colors. Make best speed for the Greyjoy fleet, smash them. Any Greyjoys are to be captured alive.

(I guess battle order time?
Edit: No wait, lets see what Jokern does)

[Poach]

Horas chuckled as he saw the flags rising among the Harlaw fleet: Lucimore had well and truly ensured his forces would be the greater this day. His chuckle was drowned out by the cheers erupting from Greyiron and Blackswain vessel alike, the roar of men cheering, steel clanging, horns blaring and feet stamping. Horas wondered what the response was on the flags bearing the Kraken.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer relays the Iron King's signal to the rest of his fleet, but to his dismay, Rodrik either does not hear, or does not listen. Instead he maneuvers his fleet towards the right flank of the Greyjoy fleet, with his men already preparing their arrows for the attack. Qhored and Dagmer's divisions moved to join the grey fleet and the black fleet.

"Double Time!" He called out, and the call was echoed by his captains down the line of ships, and the oarsmen laid into the water with their oars, increasing the ships speeds so that they could draw even with the Grey and Black fleets.

OOC:
Dagmer+Qhored
3 Grand Warships
10 ironborn Warships
25 Heavy warships
26 dromonds

Rodrik's flanking force:
2 grand warships
7 ironborn warships
18 heavy warships
13 dromonds.

[Jokern]

The bright arrow that flew from the Greyiron line made Harmund shiver. A signal of some sort, though its meaning he did not know. Treachery or betrayal? Whatever it was, he did not like it one bit. He drew his two swords, both with a grey kraken on their pommels.

Then he saw the size of the Greyiron fleet. Not only were there the sea-king's head atop their masts, but the sigil of the lion and anchor as well, the fleet double of what Harmund had expected. He knew the sigil well; the Blackswains of Crakehall. The thought of Lucimore Greyiron acquiring outside help for ironborn matters made his blood boil, these bloody green landers had no right to be here!

Lorren, his first-mate, suddenly shouted and pointed towards the Harlaw fleet. Harmund and his crew turned, stunned by what they saw. No longer could the white scythe be seen; now only the Greyiron's banner soared in the rough wind. They had been played for fools! Lucimore Greyiron had no respect for the ironborn ways and Dagmer Harlaw was a craven who didn't stand for his own claim. Yet they had outwitted the Grey Kraken. As he realized what was happening, Harmund laughed loudly and swung up on the bow as easily as a monkey, turned towards his men.

"Ironborn! As we sail into battle today, know that fate lies in our own hands, yet our future is already certain! We face four times our numbers, from treacherous cravens to weak green landers, but also brave men who will fight for who they trust! This is not a battle, this is slaughter! So I say, let's go kill them, so that more men can join us in the Drowned God's halls! For what is dead may never die, and we will never surrender!"

The men cheered and beat their weapons together. Their sails went down and the Greyjoy fleet sallied forth, going straight for the bulk of the Greyiron line, where Harmund knew Lucimore was waiting. He led his ships in a spearhead formation and Rodrik did the same, planning to break the enemy line into three.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Alright I guess its battle order time!

Lucimore Greyiron, The Sea Dragon King and Lord Admiral of the Grey Fleet
Traits (8 points): +2 duels, +2 Sea Captain, +1 survival, +1 escape, +1 Field Battle
3 Grand Warships
7 Ironborn Warships
10 Heavy Galley
13 Dromond
51 Levy Ships

Battle Orders:

The fleet of Lucimore will move with Rodrik's forces to strike at the main fleet of Harmund Greyjoy. Lanes will be formed to allow the Greyjoy ships to enter the formation of the Greyiron and Blackswain fleets. Archers will be ordered to launch arrows at the surrounded Greyjoy ships as the opening skirmish and to weaken the crews of the ships for boarding. The marines will advance upon the ships by means of boarding; these boarding parties will attempt to capture ships or destroy their crews. The main objective of Rodrik and Lucimore's fleets are the capture of Harmund Greyjoy and the destruction of any ships that stand in the way.

Rodrik 'Half-Iron,' Lord Captain of the Right
Traits (8 points): +2 Sea Captain, Pillager Tier 2 (+5% earned), +2 duel, +1 survival
2 Grand Warships
6 Grand Warships
10 Heavy Galley
10 Dromond
20 Levy Ships

Battle Orders:
(Read Lucimore's orders)

Victarion Greyiron, Lord Captain of the Left
Traits (6 points): +2 Sea Captain, Pillager Tier 1 (+2.5%), +2 duel, +1 survival, +1 escape
2 Grand Warships
4 Grand Warships
10 Heavy Galley
10 Dromond
20 Levy Ships

Battle Orders:
Victarion's fleet will move to join the Harlaw fleet in smashing the forces of Rodrik Greyjoy. Their goal is the capture of any Greyjoy on the field, whether it be Harmund or Rodrik. Archers will preform the same orders as Lucimore's; launch arrows to wear down the crews of the ships so that they may be boarded by Ironborn marines. They will attack in cooperation with Harlaw tactics.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer stared at the oncoming Greyjoy fleet, startled into silence as he realized that Harmund Greyjoy was absolutely mad. He faced a fleet thrice his own size and yet he was to first to charge. Dagmer watched as the Kraken's fleet formed into spearheads, a greenlander cavalry tactic he thought, with a laugh and unless I'm mistaken, there is very little we can do to counter it besides accept the charge and then surround them.

Orders

Dagmer's main force will form lanes to allow the Greyjoy fleet through, then attack the sides- Roman's vs. elephant's style. They will ram then board the support vessels, and attempt to isolate and capture flagships and ships with leaders on them Rodrik will bring his portion in after the two lines are engaged and deliberately seek out Harmund and his family to capture them both forces will fire arrows to reduce the numbers of crew on enemy ships before engaging in boarding.

[Jokern]

Battle orders:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

As the two spearheads close in on the Greyiron fleet, the ships will disperse and spread out over the enemy line, ramming and boarding the vessels and kill as many as possible. Rodrik will lead his men into the left wing, while Harmund lead his into the right wing. The two brother's own ships sails towards the enemy flagships, hoping to meeet their enemies in single combat. Neither high- or lowborn will be spared by the Greyjoys.

[Lucius Malfoy]

OOC: Poach says that since his fleet is spread out among my formation, his ships will just be following my orders.

His characters and traits are...
Horas Blackswain
Battles +2
Sea Battles +5
Survival +5
Duels +5
Pillager +3 (5%)

Ramsay Blackswain, Lord Captain of the Black Fleet
Sea Captain +4
Battles +2
Survival +4
Pillage +3 (5%)
Duel +3

[Honors Bastion]

Roll Explanation:

Alright, there is slight problem in doing the rolls for this battle because only LM has divided his forces into three flanks. It sort of makes any tactics that you have written moot because I can't figure which of your ships are going to fight where.

To simplify things, I will simply just combine the points for both sides of this fight and do a single set of rolls. It's the fairest way to do this. I will take the highest sea captain skill for either side as the modifier.

Battle Rolls:

Sides: Greyiron v. Greyjoy
Points: 4,605 points v. 1,400 points
Rolls + Modifier: (9 + 5) = 14 v. (15 + 3) = 18
Score v. Score: 64,470 v. 25,200

Greyiron and his allies win the Battle for the Driftwood Crown.

Greyiron Losses: 25,200/64,470 = 39% losses, based upon Lesser Force. Greyiron loses 39 ships. In addition, Greyjoy manages to damage 50 of Greyiron's ships which will need to return to port for the remainder of the year.
Greyjoy Losses: 64,470/25,200 = 50% of Lesser Force, Greyjoy loses 50 ships.

Greyiron Captures: D*50 x 0.25 = 23 x 0.25 = 6 ships captured

Harmund Roll to Intercept Greyiron Flagship:

A 5/20 roll was given due to the confusion of battle. Rolled a 8, so Greyjoy is unable to get to the Greyiron Flagship because of intervention due to the intervention of other Greyiron warships.

Battle Survival Rolls and Capture Rolls:

Horras Blackswain: 13, free
Ramsay Blackswain: 20, free
Victarion Greyiron: 15, free
Rodrik "Half-Iron": 8, captured but free due to victory
Lucimore Greyiron: 16, free
Dagmer Harlaw: 11, captured but free due tot he victory
Rodrick Harlaw: 19, free
Qhored Harlaw: 13, free
Rodrik Greyjoy: 14, free
Harmund Greyjoy: 4, wounded, 11, leg room

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was nothing short of a complete victory. Lucimore's eyes witnessed the Greyjoy fleet charge at his formation, the lanes being made as a bulk of the ships were channeled it. After that, it was a massacre. Out of the hundred or so ships that were among the Greyjoy forces, only fifty remained after the battle, while the Greyiron fleet lost a mere 39 vessels, no losses to his allies. During the battle, Lucimore had gotten word of his half-brother's capture as well as that of Dagmer Harlaw. But as victory was achieved, both were released and free to return to his vessel. As the battle raged, the entirety of the Greyjoy fleet, or what remained at this point, was slowly surrounded by the sheer numbers of Lucimore's combined fleets. He grinned at the sight of sinking Greyjoy vessels and the forest of standards that belonged to his cause.

Once the sounds of battle died off and the remainders of the Greyjoy fleet were surrounded, Lucimore's flag officer began to relay a message to the forward ship at the edge of the encirclement. The message was relayed to Harmund Greyjoy. It was a simple message.

Surrender now, your forces have been halved and your strength spent. I will treat you with manner suited for a fellow Ironborn, and one of such great reputation, if you surrender. You have ten minutes to decide.

[Axis Sunsoar]

Dagmer Harlaw had made his way across the decks of the ships to reach Lucimore's flagship. Before he boarded, he looked to the sailors aboard. "May I join the Iron King on his ship?" He asked the Greyiron guards.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Dagmer Harlaw had made his way across the decks of the ships to reach Lucimore's flagship. Before he boarded, he looked to the sailors aboard. "May I join the Iron King on his ship?" He asked the Greyiron guards.

The Ironborn that were addressed by Dagmer nod and permit Harlaw to board. One escort him to where Lucimore was standing with good view of the Greyjoy fleet through the thicket that was his own vessels and that of his allies. He hears the pair of feet coming, glancing to see Dagmer approach. He nods his head, turning back to view the surrounded Greyjoy fleet.

You did what was right, Lord Harlaw...for the sake of the Ironborn's unity. It is sad we list almost a hundred ships and their crew. May the Drowned God accept and reward them in the afterlife...if there is one.

[Axis Sunsoar]

"Aye the Drowned God has claimed enough oarsmen to amass a Grand Fleet today, my King."

Dagmer looked at the Greyjoy vessels.

"Do you think Harmund will surrendur, or does he cling to a death wish as he did when he charged his ships into ours?"