Siege of Storm's End

[Pericles of Athens]

Committed Forces

Besieging Forces
Dornish
Lord Uller
Areo
The Minotaur
31,412 Man Siege
No Idea on the Composition

Reachmen
Lord Rowan
Ser Florent
20,000-ish men
No Idea on the Composition

Storm's End Defenders
Stormlanders
Stannis Baratheon
7,687 Man Garrison
2,150 Archers
1,100 Heavy Infantry
3,003 Light Infantry
1,134 Polearmed Infantry
100 Light Cavalry
200 Heavy Cavalry

Siege Statistics

- Siege Started on the 18th
- Under Normal Conditions would Surrender on the 25th
- With Stockpiles will Surrender on the 29th

The seige has currently lasted 8 Days real time or 14 Months in game.

PS

Stockpiles will not be RPed as such, instead should the siege last to the 25th I'll RP it as the Onion Knight brining in food to the defenders.

[Pericles of Athens]

The siege of Storm's End had started off poorly for the defenders, for their part Robert and Renly had emptied a large amount of food stuffs from the larders when they went off toward war, leaving Stannis short on needed supplies for his defence, and for their part the Dornish had brought forces far beyond the entirety of those defending the Stormlands, let alone defending Storm's End itself. The scions of House Martell gave no demands or terms of surrender as they surrounded the cliffside Storm's End was perched upon, they simply set up camp and waited.

At the very onset of the siege Stannis took control of the food and true to form began rationing it immediately. He personally portioned out the meals for every one of Storm's End's 7,000 odd defenders, a portion of equal measure was given three times a day to every soul in the keep, from the noblest of knights to the lowliest of levied smallfolk. Stannis himself took a portion no larger or smaller than that which he gave to his men and he took his only after every other person under his protection had been fed.

They started off eating the perishables, the none salted meats, the vegetables, and the like. Within a month they were gone and the Stormlanders began to eat the nonperishables, the breads and starches, the potatoes and pickled foods, and of course the salted meats. Unfortunately with the size of the garrison and aforementioned emptiness of the larders those within three months.

Stannis himself killed the first horse, a mare Renly had gifted him two name day's passed. Renly had said her name was Sunshine, another one of his japes to be sure, but she had been a strong and able horse and deserved to die better than this. He thought of that as he drew the blade across her throat, only the first of many to come. Next were his two other horses, Greyscale and Fury, followed by all the beasts Renly and Robert had left behind in the stables. After the Baratheon horses met their grisly end came the work horses a few lucky peasants had come mounted upon and after them the numerous beasts the knights brought with them. Sufficed to say they'd never eaten so much horse in all their lives. The cats were the next targets of necessity. Small creatures with tough meat, and said meat was neither plentiful nor particularly savory. Stannis hadn't minded that, he'd never liked cats wiry beasts, treacherous and spiteful, though the taste wasn't the best. Stannis had always loved his hounds, he'd been raised around some of the older ones in the kennels at Storm's End since he was a little boy. That's why it pained him so to kill them and cook their meat into a stew. He'd almost teared up when he killed the first one..almost.

[Pericles of Athens]

A guardsmen busted into his chambers, Stannis was tired - you could see it in his face. Unless the Dornish are attacking or surrendering I don't wish to hear it.

But m'lord.. It's Ser Musgood..

What has he done know? Stannis looked almost as if he were about to rise, hands splayed across the dark wooden table.

It's Lord Grandison.. he's freed him and attempted to open the gates to the Dornish host..

Take me to them..now! He rose at that moment and made his way toward the door, thinner he might have been, a consequence of the siege, but his eyes were all fury.

The day was cold Stannis noted and fog had descended upon Storm's End, across the bay he could see storm clouds twisting in anger, it would soon be upon them. The men were young, the lot of them around ten and seven, besides old Lord Grandison and one younger boy no older than five and ten.
Robert ordered me to hold Storm's End..you were all sworn to help me defend it..and this is what I get? He massaged his temple, Treason can be met with only one punishment..death. He motioned, String them up.

His men began grabbing the young knights and tying them to the catapults.
Him too. Stannis' voice came, as he pointed toward the stout Lord Grandison.

But I..no..you can't! You wouldn't! The stout Lord stumbled. I am The Lord of Grandview..

Stannis cut him off, I can and I will.

But I didn't plan this rescue, these traitors took me from my cell and.. And..

And you fought to remain within it when they forced you out?

The stout Lord couldn't find his tongue as they strapped him to the catapult. Another voice came this one a young knight, But my lord, I was only a look out, a watcher.

Did you hear that, headsmen?, he questioned the man readying the catapult's mechanism, This one was only the watcher. Let him watch his friends die, then send him off last.

The garrison came out in mass to watch the execution, Maester Cressen among all the second son's of lords deemed unimportant enough to be sent to Storm's End's defense instead of gallivanting off with Renly or Robert for glory. One by one the five perpetrators were sent along their way, then Lord Grandison, followed by the traitor watchmen. They all screamed and begged for mercy, and they found it crushed against the dirt amongst the Dornishmen they'd attempted to defect to. By the end their mangled bodies littered the outlining pickets of the Dornish lines.

[Hengest]

Areo Blacksand twirled the staff of his axe as it stood in the dirt of the Stormlands. He sniffed an amused and cynical snigger. "Tell the lads to cheer." He said in calm command.
The subaltern stood with open mouth and seem confused.
"Tell them to applaud the Stormlanders killing their own."
The subaltern nodded, still confused. He began to walk off and then returned. "Sorry. Do you want them to chant something along those lines?"
Areo snapped he pushed the subaltern aside and with his axe hung over his shoulder marched to the siege lines.
"You think we care that you fling your traitors and prisoners to us? Go on kill your own. Catapult them or sit and stew in your own shite, you will die all the same. Stannis Baratheon is killing you all the same." He shouted and the Dornishmen laughed and cheered and threw their turbans and helmets and gauntlets into the air.

[Pericles of Athens]

Stannis heard the gearing of the Dornishmen - mocking - but he would not be goaded into action. The Baratheon words are Ours is the Fury.. Soon he would show them all that FURY burns.

***

Stannis had all but given up hope when the men came to tell him a smuggler had slipped through the enemy lines with foodstuffs, men had been eating leather armor to survive and they were just about ready to eat their own dead. He wanted to believe, but couldn't, not until he saw with his own eyes. The courtyard was filled with crates of onions and potatoes and bags of stale bread. And a rough looking man stood there speaking with one of Stannis' watchmen. I'll hear the meaning of this now.

I heard your men were in need of assistance, so I put it upon myself to help.. m'lord.

Stannis reached down removing an onion from a crate, he carefully sniffed it then licked the exterior - he had little idea what poison smelt or tasted like but he couldn't just trust this man, it was all too good to be true. The garrison was waking up now, most found themselves in tears writhing on the floor mur thanks to the gods, but not Stannis. He simply extended his hand toward the stranger, it trembled a bit at first but his grip was pure iron. Thank you.

He turned back to the crates and motioned his men to organize the supplies, then he rationed it out. First giving rations to the women and children, then to his own men, and finally taking an equal portion for himself. He never liked onions, but nothing ever tasted sweeter to his lips than the one he bite into that day.

[Iron Aquilifer]

OOC: Didn't Renly march his host here a few days ago? Shouldn't there have been a battle?

IC
It was a strangely beautiful sight before him. Thousands of soldiers milled around beneath the shadow of the great castle, feasting as if they had won some great triumph.

Riding at the head of the host, surrounded by Florent and Yronwood knights, Garlan tried to spot the siege towers which would swarm the battlements.

"It seems the Minotaur is not one for assaulting castles," he remarked to Lord Yronwood.

"It would seem he has the right idea though," the Dornishman replied quietly.

[jacb547]

Lord Andrew Estermont, Storm's End



The better sighted Dornish scouts could only spot a great could of smoke coming from the forest as the great host of Lord, now King, Robert Baratheon approached. Although the men were led by Lord Andrew Estermont the Baratheon banner was still the most prominent, although the Green Turtle of Estermont was not far off in counting. The sun shone all the brightest reflected on the armour of Lord Andrew, recently polished, as he galloped ahead of his men with a small entourage as they approached the enemy siege camp they came to a halt a half mile from it. Two score of men on a low hill watched the great siege and yet the even bigger fortress, Storm's End has never been take before, and it did not fall this time either it seemed. Lord Andrew knew starving men only manned the walls and thus his army was filled with great provisions secured in Galemont along the way, he signaled and out of the company came a single rider bearing a peace banner who approached the Dornish camp. Ser Jacaerys Estermont, cousin to Lord Andrew spoke with a booming voice to the foreign soldiers:
"Lord Andrew Estermont, in the name of King Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of the Realm, has come to accept the surrender of all and any loyalist present in the camp!"

[Pinkerton]

Lord Andrew Estermont, Storm's End



The better sighted Dornish scouts could only spot a great could of smoke coming from the forest as the great host of Lord, now King, Robert Baratheon approached. Although the men were led by Lord Andrew Estermont the Baratheon banner was still the most prominent, although the Green Turtle of Estermont was not far off in counting. The sun shone all the brightest reflected on the armour of Lord Andrew, recently polished, as he galloped ahead of his men with a small entourage as they approached the enemy siege camp they came to a halt a half mile from it. Two score of men on a low hill watched the great siege and yet the even bigger fortress, Storm's End has never been take before, and it did not fall this time either it seemed. Lord Andrew knew starving men only manned the walls and thus his army was filled with great provisions secured in Galemont along the way, he signaled and out of the company came a single rider bearing a peace banner who approached the Dornish camp. Ser Jacaerys Estermont, cousin to Lord Andrew spoke with a booming voice to the foreign soldiers:
"Lord Andrew Estermont, in the name of King Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of the Realm, has come to accept the surrender of all and any loyalist present in the camp!"

Lord Uller was in his tent when he was told of the presence of men wearing the colors of House Baratheon and Estermont. He dressed as fast as he could and then rode out to meet them

I am Lord Harmen Uller and I am in charge of this army! Before we speak of any kind of surrender I would like to know some things.

He remained calm and looked confident

First of all; What is the name of the person I am speaking to?

[jacb547]

Lord Uller was in his tent when he was told of the presence of men wearing the colors of House Baratheon and Estermont. He dressed as fast as he could and then rode out to meet them

I am Lord Harmen Uller and I am in charge of this army! Before we speak of any kind of surrender I would like to know some things.

He remained calm and looked confident

First of all; What is the name of the person I am speaking to?

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Jace was pretty nervous, he was good at killing and fighting but he botched most of the talking parts that's where his brother Joffrey came in but alas Joff was recovering from his wounds still If I fail cousin Andrew will be mad. Mustering all the confidence he could and hoping the enemies would not notice him blushing, they wouldn't since he wore armour, he spoke:
"I am Ser Jacaerys Estermont, cousin to Lord Andrew Estermont." The Knights pointed at the retinue in the hill "And I have come to accept your surrender in the name of my cousin and King Robert Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of the realm." Did I get the order right?

[Pinkerton]

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Jace was pretty nervous, he was good at killing and fighting but he botched most of the talking parts that's where his brother Joffrey came in but alas Joff was recovering from his wounds still If I fail cousin Andrew will be mad. Mustering all the confidence he could and hoping the enemies would not notice him blushing, they wouldn't since he wore armour, he spoke:
"I am Ser Jacaerys Estermont, cousin to Lord Andrew Estermont." The Knights pointed at the retinue in the hill "And I have come to accept your surrender in the name of my cousin and King Robert Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of the realm." Did I get the order right?

Like I said before, Ser Jacaerys, I have a few questions first.

The Estermonts were cousins to Baratheon, weren't they? Harmen wasn't sure

Has King's Landing fallen?

[Iron Aquilifer]

Garlan looked up from his half-finished meal, barely seeing the rider, let alone hear his words.

"Well, it seems the war is over," lord Rowan told the commanders around him.

"We are still fifty thousand strong!" Urged the young knight, Ser Uthor of Goldrise. "Let this usurper pay for our surrender!"

Garlan merely shook his head. "We will follow the Dornishmen's lead. If the Minatour decides to fight, then we will stand with him."

The lord's thoughts turned to his son, who was still away, claiming much wealth for House Rowan at the expense of the Stormlanders.

"We could make them pay, but I have already bloodied them enough. If the usurper ends up being a worse king than Aerys, then we will fight the war of vengeance."

[Jokern]

A raven arrives at Lord Rowan's camp, carrying a message from Lord Tyrell.

To Lord Garlan Rowan of Goldengrove, High Lord of Northmarch,

I, Lord Alesander Tyrell of Highgarden, High Lord of the Mander, Warden of the South, Defender of the Marches and High Marshal of the Reach, hereby order you to immediately cease hostilities with the forces sworn to Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven Kingdoms, and either return to the Reach with your host or honorably surrender to the king's forces. The war is lost and Highgarden with all its sworn houses have dipped their banners to King Robert of House Baratheon. Refusal to follow the orders of your liege lord will be met justly.

Signed,
Lord Alesander Tyrell of Highgarden

[Hengest]

The Minotaur had remained hidden in his pavilion much of the time, Lyseni servants washed him down of his stink and then he would enter the stockade and brawl and train with the soldiers or occasionally butcher prisoners. Areo looked down at the camp nervously, without orders from Prince Rors or Prince Rhaegar and with an absent Captain Tristayne.... there was little to hold the army together. He had the acumen but he was only a servant. The Minotaur was the champion and the figurehead, but he was no leader.

Areo drank deep from one of the last flagons of water. The siege was taking its toll on the besiegers as much as the besieged, and the gods only knew how the defenders had gotten supplies through the lines. He suspected conspirators among the Dornish ranks, bribes or just poor commitment to the cause. And what was that now anyway? A mad king?

Rumours had been seething through the camp the last few weeks, about Rhaegar and King's Landing. Some had said that Rhaegar was near, with his host, come to join the siege at Storm's End hot on the heels of a fleeing stag. Others said that the capital had already fallen and all Rhaegar's kin thrown from the walls to a maddened crowd. It didn't matter right now if any of that was true or false. What mattered was that rumour, like dysentery could undo an army. Apart from keeping the men busy and a watchful eye, separating the cells of discontent, there was little that could be done to cure it. Only a good war. Alas, that was in Stannis' hands now. When would he give in?

The Reachmen were key. "Lord Garlan." He said, entering the highborn's tent as a military peer. "I assume you have heard the latest rumours? May I enquire what Lord Tyrell's commands are? My master has given nothing other than to stand my ground here," he added as if it was unrealistic "....and to take Storm's End." He opened the flap and looked into the warming morning sunlight that set summery mists to rise from the wet ground. "Or rather, the question is- will you fight on with us?" He turned back to the Reachman and smoothed his vast Norvosi beard, and recalled he had a duty to see his master's will done above all things. He smiled. "Prince Rors will indeed value your friendship hereafter if it be so."

[Iron Aquilifer]

OOC: For the OP (depending on what happens next) there is actually 51k-ish men besieging Storms End, with Lords Uller, Rowan and the Minatour and Ser Arslan Florent as commanders... of course, that is only if there is an attempt to not repeat the lore ending.

The Minotaur had remained hidden in his pavilion much of the time, Lyseni servants washed him down of his stink and then he would enter the stockade and brawl and train with the soldiers or occasionally butcher prisoners. Areo looked down at the camp nervously, without orders from Prince Rors or Prince Rhaegar and with an absent Captain Tristayne.... there was little to hold the army together. He had the acumen but he was only a servant. The Minotaur was the champion and the figurehead, but he was no leader.

Areo drank deep from one of the last flagons of water. The siege was taking its toll on the besiegers as much as the besieged, and the gods only knew how the defenders had gotten supplies through the lines. He suspected conspirators among the Dornish ranks, bribes or just poor commitment to the cause. And what was that now anyway? A mad king?

Rumours had been seething through the camp the last few weeks, about Rhaegar and King's Landing. Some had said that Rhaegar was near, with his host, come to join the siege at Storm's End hot on the heels of a fleeing stag. Others said that the capital had already fallen and all Rhaegar's kin thrown from the walls to a maddened crowd. It didn't matter right now if any of that was true or false. What mattered was that rumour, like dysentery could undo an army. Apart from keeping the men busy and a watchful eye, separating the cells of discontent, there was little that could be done to cure it. Only a good war. Alas, that was in Stannis' hands now. When would he give in?

The Reachmen were key. "Lord Garlan." He said, entering the highborn's tent as a military peer. "I assume you have heard the latest rumours? May I enquire what Lord Tyrell's commands are? My master has given nothing other than to stand my ground here," he added as if it was unrealistic "....and to take Storm's End." He opened the flap and looked into the warming morning sunlight that set summery mists to rise from the wet ground. "Or rather, the question is- will you fight on with us?" He turned back to the Reachman and smoothed his vast Norvosi beard, and recalled he had a duty to see his master's will done above all things. He smiled. "Prince Rors will indeed value your friendship hereafter if it be so."

Garlan gave the beast of a man a pained expression.

"The Reach has forsaken the Targaryens. One defeat because of the Hightowers and the Rose sheds its thorns. Florent and Rowan men have done more than the rest of the Reach put together, and yet Lord Tyrell declares our war over."

He gestured towards one of the knights who accompanied him. There were a score of them, minor lordlings and landless knights who had bled for the High Lord and his son. Some of them had been Florent men. Now they were his.

"My orders are to disband my host and return to my lands. However, to comply with that command, I might need to betray my Dornish commanders, and that is something I would not want to do. Ser Uthor here is going to find my son. Thaddeus will be returning back to Goldengrove, to fortify it until my return."

Garlan spread his arms out as an offer of sympathy.

"Honestly, I am considering meekly dipping my banners. I have fought and my men have died. The time is nigh to go back and see my son. Yet, if there is to be one last fight, I would want to be there. If Lord Uller decides that fifty thousand men should not fight for the dynasty which has shaped our realm, then I will have an obligation to name Robert 'King'."

[Hengest]

OOC: For the OP (depending on what happens next) there is actually 51k-ish men besieging Storms End, with Lords Uller, Rowan and the Minatour and Ser Arslan Florent as commanders... of course, that is only if there is an attempt to not repeat the lore ending.

Garlan gave the beast of a man a pained expression.

"The Reach has forsaken the Targaryens. One defeat because of the Hightowers and the Rose sheds its thorns. Florent and Rowan men have done more than the rest of the Reach put together, and yet Lord Tyrell declares our war over."

He gestured towards one of the knights who accompanied him. There were a score of them, minor lordlings and landless knights who had bled for the High Lord and his son. Some of them had been Florent men. Now they were his.

"My orders are to disband my host and return to my lands. However, to comply with that command, I might need to betray my Dornish commanders, and that is something I would not want to do. Ser Uthor here is going to find my son. Thaddeus will be returning back to Goldengrove, to fortify it until my return."

Garlan spread his arms out as an offer of sympathy.

"Honestly, I am considering meekly dipping my banners. I have fought and my men have died. The time is nigh to go back and see my son. Yet, if there is to be one last fight, I would want to be there. If Lord Uller decides that fifty thousand men should not fight for the dynasty which has shaped our realm, then I will have an obligation to name Robert 'King'."

Ooc Areo and the minotaur are different guys, Areo is Areo Hotah from the books.

Ic
"Meekness my lord? Will that protect the Reach or it's honour?" Areo shookhis head.
"If you leave us we are doomed to fail. Together we can strike a victory that will level the new era in favour of the conquered. If the Reach and Dorne, overwhelmed by these usurpers and kingslayers will have any place in the new anarchy we must show them our strength to deter them from us."

[jacb547]

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Relieved his negotiations were going well Jace started to feel more confident, they had heard about the fall of King's Landing at Bronzegate and Robert had ridden North to claim his throne. Jacaerys answered to the strange looking Dornish foreigner. "The Lords of the West fell upon the capital a fortnight ago, they laid the city to the torch and raised the Stag on it's gate. The Mad King, may the father judge harshly, was killed by his own Kingsguard Ormond Lannister, the Royal Princes were killed by Westermen and Elia Martell, Princess of Dorne, died at the hand of Ser Gregor Clegane. Thus ended the Targaryen dynasty and this war."

[Pinkerton]

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Relieved his negotiations were going well Jace started to feel more confident, they had heard about the fall of King's Landing at Bronzegate and Robert had ridden North to claim his throne. Jacaerys answered to the strange looking Dornish foreigner. "The Lords of the West fell upon the capital a fortnight ago, they laid the city to the torch and raised the Stag on it's gate. The Mad King, may the father judge harshly, was killed by his own Kingsguard Ormond Lannister, the Royal Princes were killed by Westermen and Elia Martell, Princess of Dorne, died at the hand of Ser Gregor Clegane. Thus ended the Targaryen dynasty and this war."

The Princess, dead? The capital sacked by Lannister? The King killed by the Kingsguard?
Harmen was shocked. He was fond of Elia, she was a smart woman, a loved princess. Her death meant the armies moral was going to shatter any time

I see then

He turned to see the army. Thousands of tents covered the horizon. It was a lovely sight

Well Ser Jacaerys, I ask of you one more thing; take me to see Robert Baratheon. My second in command will be in charge of leading the men back to their homes, do not concern yourself about that. Dorne will bend the knee

[jacb547]

The Princess, dead? The capital sacked by Lannister? The King killed by the Kingsguard?
Harmen was shocked. He was fond of Elia, she was a smart woman, a loved princess. Her death meant the armies moral was going to shatter any time

I see then

He turned to see the army. Thousands of tents covered the horizon. It was a lovely sight

Well Ser Jacaerys, I ask of you one more thing; take me to see Robert Baratheon. My second in command will be in charge of leading the men back to their homes, do not concern yourself about that. Dorne will bend the knee

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Jace was mighty pleased of how well things were going, he was certain to be honored after even though he lusted for battle he knew they were in smaller numbers. "His Grace, King Robert, is currently at the capital attending to matters of state. I am sure you will be able to see h....." Jace was cut abruptly by the laughing voice of his cousin Andrew, who approached on his stallion, dark hair flowing in the wind.
"Well done cos but I think I can assume things from here." Jacaerys bowed slightly and let his cousin speak "My Lord Uller am I correct? My cousin, King Robert has empowered me to accept your surrender here and now. No need for you to make such a long journey to the capital." The Lord's piercing green eyes looked to Lord Uller, bright as gemstones.

[Pinkerton]

Ser Jacaerys Estermont, Storm's End



Jace was mighty pleased of how well things were going, he was certain to be honored after even though he lusted for battle he knew they were in smaller numbers. "His Grace, King Robert, is currently at the capital attending to matters of state. I am sure you will be able to see h....." Jace was cut abruptly by the laughing voice of his cousin Andrew, who approached on his stallion, dark hair flowing in the wind.
"Well done cos but I think I can assume things from here." Jacaerys bowed slightly and let his cousin speak "My Lord Uller am I correct? My cousin, King Robert has empowered me to accept your surrender here and now. No need for you to make such a long journey to the capital." The Lord's piercing green eyes looked to Lord Uller, bright as gemstones.

I am Lord Uller indeed, milord. Who am I having the pleasure to speak with?
I will have to travel to the Capital anyway when the coronation takes place. I just wish to speak with, ehrm, King Robert, before that. I am sure he has a few questions I can answer.

And he has a few answers I'd like to know too

And I do not wish to travel alone, not at these times when most roads are unsafe. So I am politely asking you to escort me to Robert, as a hostage, if you want to call it that

[jacb547]

Lord Andrew Estermont, Storm's End



Well rather slow aren't we? "I am Lord Andrew Estermont, Lord of Greenstone and High Lord of Cape Wrath." The youth said proudly, he seemed a bit annoyed Lord Uller did not want to kneel before him and surrender Doesn't he think I have other things to do besides escorting him? "You will see the King soon enough Lord Uller, at the coronation. Until then return your army to Dorne and set your lands to rights, I am doing the same."