Will the Huntsman aim true? Will the high tower crumble? Battle of Darkdell

[Oznerol]

BATTLE OF DARKDELL, MID 129 AC.

The Tarly and Rowan combined host covered the plain completely. Thousands of men ready for battle stood sternly under a hundred different banners. Infantrymen, a large force of polearms, skilled marksmen from Horn Hill, heavy knights from Goldengrove, valiant levied spearmen from Coldmoat and Standfast...
Their tabards, livery badges and heraldry are equally diverse. Some sport the huntsman, red on green, other a golden oak tree on a white field, some a red spider on a red web, a few a chequy lion, green and yellow, on argent, a score of them sported a silvery wyvern. Lord Cockshaw had three different colored plumes on his helmet and Ser Hunt an antlered one. Ser Osgrey wore an old mail but stood proud on his stirrups, with his helmet topped by a roaring lion. Lord Rowan rides an armored horse. His tabard is embroidered with golden oak leaves and his helmet is crowned by an oak crown, again with golden leaves; fluttering silken strips coming from the helmet's peak. But above them all stood a man, taller than anyone, riding a horse as large as he was: Lord Alan the “Quarreler” Tarly. Immense in his red armor, chased with gold. There was no tabard covering the scarlet surface, only plain, red-colored steel. His helmet was large, as its owner, and topped with a crown of sunrays, issuing from the top, surrounding a bundle of arrows. The armored horse snorts and paws the ground.
Before them, equally deployed and prepared for battle, stood the Hightower army. As magnificent as their foes they were; the cream, the very best of the Reach. Many would die that day: many widows, many orphans and many cripples will be made and even then, many heroes, villains and legends would arise. Singers would sing about this day until the memory of the battle was lost. For that day stood Tarly against Hightower, the most powerful Lords in a land of powerful Lords. The Reach turned against himself in a fratricidal war.
Leathern wings broke the silence in the sky. Vhagar: an immense beast and a flying furnace. Tessarion: with swift wings and blue scales. And finally Meleys, the Red Queen, mount of Rhaenys, the Queen-who-never-was, the fearless daughter of Prince Aemon Targaryen and wife to Lord Corlys the Sea-Snake.

We’ll all burn in dragonfire! Seven hells!

Tarly grabs firmly the reins and rides forward, where every may hear his voice, especially Hightower. But, he was still far away from both arrow and lance.

“Heard me, cousin! Heard these words, Hightower!”

His voice sounded like a thunder in the silent plain.

“I will seek you today, and Gods shall prove who is worth their steem and blessing! This day we fight, cousin! This day blood shall be spit, shields splintered, lances broken and swords, dented! This day we will face each other, cousin!”

And with a hiss and a single gesture he unsheathed Heartsbane, which glittered with malice under the sun. The sword, nearly as tall as a man was raised upwards, pointing to the sky. Five foots of Valyrian steel, razor sharp.

“I defy you, Hightower. This day a song shall be sung, a song of steel! Prove Vigilance’s worth against my own, Hightower! I dare you to face me in battle! Heartsbane demands blood, be yours or another! For the QUEEN!”

And the sword shone under the sun like a mirror and Tarly placed it against his chest. Then rode again to his men.

“Heard me men of the Reach! We fight today to fulfill and oath, to fulfill our destiny! Do not fear the dragons, for we have our own, do not fear flames, for the strongest flames lay inside our chest! Woe the Usurper at King’s Landing, for the valor and strength of our arms and swords surpasses everything he can throw at us! Be brave, be valiant men! Arise, arise! Fell deed awake; fire and slaughter, spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered. A sword-day, a red-day, ere the sun rises!! To battle, to death, for Glory!”

He rode before his men, the sword high above his head. And he finally roared:

“First in battle!”

And his men answered with a same voice, thunderous as a storm.

“FIRST IN BATTLE, FIRST IN BATTLE, FIRST IN BATTLE!!”

“FIIIREEEE AND BLOOOOD! GLORY AND DEATH!”

Roared Tarly, pointing at the enemy with his greatsword.

And the battle who would inspire bards begun…

-------------------------------------------------

TARLY HOST:

TOTAL NUMBERS:
Heavy Infantry 2,410 (4,820)
Light Infantry 3,500 (3,500)
Polearms 4,500 (6,750)
Archers 3,500 (3,500)
Light Cavalry 2,700 (2,700)
Heavy Cavalry 1,050 (3,150)
Men-at-arms 200 (700)
-----------------------------
TOTAL MEN: 17,860
TOTAL POINTS: 25,120
COMMANDERS:

-LORD ALAN TARLY:
+3 Duels (base=+3)(+8, wielder of Heartsbane. +1 from retainers. +full armor set)
+3 Survival
+2 Battles
+2 Jousting (base=+2))(+1 from retainers)
+1 Charisma

-LORD THADDEUS ROWAN

-SER GARLAN TARLY:
+2 Survival
+2 Wealth
+1 Duels
+1 Jousting
+1 Charisma

DRAGONRIDER:

Rhaenys, the Queen-who-never-was

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

OOC: I didn't realise there were two enemy dragons present. #

Also Rhaenys stats:

Scout +3
Survival +3
Duel +3
Charisma +3

Meanwhile, before the battle...

Rhaenys sought Lord Tarly in his command tent, "Lord Tarly, this is your host, your battle - I am at your disposal, where do you want me and Meleys to take flight?"

[Oznerol]

ooc: as we will discuss tactics this will be spoilered. Only for Shankbot's eyes, of BF's/prominent Blacks.

DISCUSSING TACTICS, NOT FOR YOU GREENS!

Tarly was with Rowan and several other Lords and knights. He rised his gaze from the table. "Princess!" Everyone bows with respect. "I think you may better be placed in one of the flanks. If they are overrun we might be able to hit the center. I plan to pin Hightower in place with a heavy force of polearms and men-at-arms, while the wings will be more flexible and mobile" Said Tarly.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

OOC: Same as above;

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Rhaenys nodded, she would have more room to manoeuvre on the flanks if it came to fighting on the back of Meleys whilst she was grounded. "I will be honest with you Sers, one opposing dragon I can handle, even if it is Vhagar, but two... my chances fall dramatically. It is all very well discussing tactics, but if you are left having too face two of their dragons all your preparation will be rather useless." Blunt words, she knew, but for many this would be their first dance with dragons. "So, will you be able to handle Tessarion and keep him busy if they both take too the field?"

[Oznerol]

OOC: Same as above;

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Rhaenys nodded, she would have more room to manoeuvre on the flanks if it came to fighting on the back of Meleys whilst she was grounded. "I will be honest with you Sers, one opposing dragon I can handle, even if it is Vhagar, but two... my chances fall dramatically. It is all very well discussing tactics, but if you are left having too face two of their dragons all your preparation will be rather useless." Blunt words, she knew, but for many this would be their first dance with dragons. "So, will you be able to handle Tessarion and keep him busy if they both take too the field?"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Two dragons, and one is Vhagar. I've heard that Meleys is a cunning and powerful beast. You may stand a chance against her alone. I didn't expect two dragons, Lady Rhaenys"

Tarly hits the table with his mailed fist.

"Cursed Aemond, Kinslayer!"

He looks at Rhaenys.

"I will order my archers to fire volleys against Tessarion if he intends to join Vhagar, a rain of arrows will separate them. While they won't kill Tessarion they may prevent him from helping Vhagar. I'll do my best, my Princess"

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Two dragons, and one is Vhagar. I've heard that Meleys is a cunning and powerful beast. You may stand a chance against her alone. I didn't expect two dragons, Lady Rhaenys"

Tarly hits the table with his mailed fist.

"Cursed Aemond, Kinslayer!"

He looks at Rhaenys.

"I will order my archers to fire volleys against Tessarion if he intends to join Vhagar, a rain of arrows will separate them. While they won't kill Tessarion they may prevent him from helping Vhagar. I'll do my best, my Princess"

Is it that difficult to miss two dragons, Rhaenys thought bemusedly, "No matter," she replied, "you are right about Meleys, and I think we have one great dance left in us." She nodded at his words, "That is all I can ask, Lord Tarly,"

Rhaenys extended her hand, "I'll look for you on the field."

[Oznerol]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Is it that difficult to miss two dragons, Rhaenys thought bemusedly, "No matter," she replied, "you are right about Meleys, and I think we have one great dance left in us." She nodded at his words, "That is all I can ask, Lord Tarly,"

Rhaenys extended her hand, "I'll look for you on the field."

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Look for me. I'll try to carve out a bloody path and claim Hightower's life or surrender. Heartsbane demands blood. He's my cousin but it won't refrain my sword from doing its work. Shall wind be under your wings, Princess. Fire and Blood!"

When Rhaenys left the tent Tarly started laying orders with his retainers and fellow Reachlords...

[Trot]

The wind whipped through Daeron's hair as the dragons powerful wings carried him through the sky. There was nothing like flying on a dragon to Daeron the beat of the wings and the rush of wind, the sheer thrill of watching the ground pass underneath. Tesserion the blue queen circled the hightower army keeping an eye on the approaching land scape when he saw the first glimpse of an army in the distance. So Tarly had come to do battle had he? Well he would be in to a surprise.. Two dragons and one of them Vhagar. Yes Tarly would be in for a real surprise, but was that? Yes a dragon was circling the approaching army, but it was only one. It seems the blacks had manged to deploy someone to the Crownlands after all. Daeron angles Tesserion downward he would have to tell Tristfer about these new developments.

[Gandalfus]

Aemond looked down at the assembled hosts, frowning. He had been in a fit of fury ever since he heard of the usurpers attack on the capital, and he desperately wanted to crush this force of Reachmen so he could meet Rhaenyra herself in the field. Grinning as he saw Rhaenys, Vhagar roared at the Red Queen. She would be a good match for one of the Conqueror's dragons, although all knew that Vhagar had the upper hand in terms of size and speed. Looking back to his brother Daeron who hovered just below him, he elected to face Rhaenys in battle, for Tessarion would not stand against the Red Queen. Over the last few weeks, he had allowed his beard to grow unhindered, and his entire jaw was now covered with a silvery bristle. He had not cut his hair either, allowing it to fall past his black plated shoulders. Gliding down towards Hightower, Aemond addressed him from atop his dragon.

The Red Queen has come to meet us, Kinsman. I will face her in battle.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Rhaenys slowly made her way to where Meleys was stabled, ignoring the sounds and preparations for battle that swirled around the camp. The dragon was lying flat, snoozing gently as she so often did these days, purposely ignoring the events around here without a care in the world. Why should she care? Rhaenys often thought, her dragon was the Red Queen, one of the largest, most powerful dragons left in Westeros. Now though, now she was about to go against the only other dragon that could truly threaten her. Size and strength were on Vhagar's side, as well as age and perhaps experience. However, Rhaenys and Meleys had the advantage of being dragon and rider for a lot longer than Aemond and his mount, and of course in Rhaenys humble opinion she was far more experienced in battle than Aemond.

Rhaenys warmly patted the dragon's neck, whispering softly too it. Yes, their aged bond would be their main advantage. Rhaenys couldn't imagine her life without Meleys, they had shared so much together and had always come through. They understood each other completely, and in the heat of a battle that would always count in their favour. Meleys opened her eyes, red scales shimmering in the light, and looked at Rhaenys as they communicated in a way only another dragonrider would understand. Rhaenys nodded, hugging herself around Meleys' neck. This would be a tough fight, their most difficult challenge yet - Vhagar himself, one of the conquerors dragon now ridden by a kinslayer. The very thought made Rhaenys blood boil, this had been her Laena's dragon, and just by riding it Aemond was corrupting her daughter's memory. She hoped perhaps Vhagar would remember her daughter when they duelled, he would have picked her as a rider for a reason.

She went to unpack her saddle, slowly and carefully checking it over, before tacking up her dragon. Rhaenys ordered a stableboy to get some food for Meleys, and he hurriedly went off, keeping a wary eye on the snoozing dragon. Don't let her current state fool you, Rhaenys thought with a chuckle, she is a cantankerous old thing when roused - but Rhaenys wouldn't have it any other way. When she had finished adjusting the saddle and grooming Meleys she went and dressed herself in her battle-armour. Light and supple, comfortably fitted after years of wear. Rhaenys was thrilled to be back in it, and felt that sense of satisfaction of plate boots crunching against the ground. It was not the strongest armour ever made, but she favoured it still after all this years. She would be able to move quickly and freely, engaging Aemond in a dance not soon to be forgotten...

[Trot]

Aemond looked down at the assembled hosts, frowning. He had been in a fit of fury ever since he heard of the usurpers attack on the capital, and he desperately wanted to crush this force of Reachmen so he could meet Rhaenyra herself in the field. Grinning as he saw Rhaenys, Vhagar roared at the Red Queen. She would be a good match for one of the Conqueror's dragons, although all knew that Vhagar had the upper hand in terms of size and speed. Looking back to his brother Daeron who hovered just below him, he elected to face Rhaenys in battle, for Tessarion would not stand against the Red Queen. Over the last few weeks, he had allowed his beard to grow unhindered, and his entire jaw was now covered with a silvery bristle. He had not cut his hair either, allowing it to fall past his black plated shoulders. Gliding down towards Hightower, Aemond addressed him from atop his dragon.

The Red Queen has come to meet us, Kinsman. I will face her in battle.

'
Daeron turns to his brother, "You should not face her alone." Vager may be bigger, but that did not mean Aemond was going to win and his brother was to valuble to lose.
"We fight together brother." Tessrion may be small but he was quick. He could dart in and easilly slash the flanks of the largerer dragon.

[Gandalfus]

Aemond narrowed his eyes, and let out a small sigh.

I fear for you and your dragon, brother. Meleys is a cunning, powerful foe. Your dragon is not matured as of yet.

He ran his hand across Vhagar's back, and looked across the battlefield.

But, if you wish it, then we shall both face her. We can only pray that Hightower's forces are victorious in the field.

[Honors Bastion]

Hightower Army

Hightower Personal Levies: 5,600 Men, 8,100 Points 1,000 Heavy Infantry 1,100 Light Infantry 1,000 Polearm Infantry 1,000 Archers 1,000 Light Cavalry 500 Heavy Cavalry Hightower Vassal Forces: 603 Heavy infantry 1,500 Light Infantry 786 Polearm Infantry 900 Archers 630 Light Cavalry 195 Heavy Cavalry Ashford Allies: 703 Heavy Infantry 1,750 Light Infantry 916 Polearm Infantry 1,050 Archers 730 Light Cavalry 230 Heavy Cavalry Total Vassal Forces: 703 Heavy Infantry 1,750 Light Infantry 916 Polearm Infantry 1,050 Archers 730 Light Cavalry 230 Heavy Cavalry Total Forces: 15,593 Men, 21,100 Points 2,306 Heavy Infantry 4,350 Light Infantry 2,702 Polearm Infantry 2,950 Archers 2,360 Light Cavalry 925 Heavy Cavalry

My characters:

Ser Tristifer Hightower: +3 Survival, +3 Battles, +2 Charisma (1 from Regional Bonus), +2 Duels, +1 Joust
Ser Steffon Hightower: +3 Survival, +3 Battles, +1 Charisma (Regional Bonus), +1 Duels, +1 Joust, +1 Scout
Ser Baelor Hightower: +2 Survival, +1 Battles, +1 Charisma (1 from Regional Bonus), +1 Duels, +2 Wealth

[Zeus Almighty]

OOC- wait, ya boy wants in. It's a slightly confusing situation wherein I may or may not be present
Edit- After conversation with Poach as moderation the following has been recognized.
Due to the conversation establishing my presence having occurred over 72 hrs ago and would have been completed at that time, it is reasonable to say that Grimm forces would be at this battle arriving from the Mander. Forces to follow

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Forces

Greenshield 150 Heavy Infantry 375 Light Infantry 200 Polearm Infantry 225 Archers 150 Light Cavalry 50 Heavy Cavalry Total: 1,150 men Greyshield 750 Light Infantry 500 Archers 750 pts 333 men: polearms 750 pts 250 men: Elite infantry Bonus 600 pts due to Fruit trade: 300 men: Light Cavalry Total: 2,133 men

Left Flank

Left Flank- Belial Grimm +2 Duel +2 Naval Battle +2 Battle +1 Survival 375 LI 242 A 178 PI 133 HI 117 LC

Center Flank

Center Flank- Commander Uthor Grimm +3 duel +3 Naval Battle +1 Logistician +1 Scout +1 Wealth 375 LI 242 A 178 PI 133 HI 117 LC 50 HC

Right Flank

Right Flank- Uriel Grimm +1 Battle +1 Naval Battle +2 Duel +2 Survival +1 Charisma Under Uriel's Command: Azazel Grimm +2 Duel +2 Naval Battle +2 Capture +1 Assassin 375 LI 242 A 178 PI 133 HI 117 LC

Surprise attack from behind the Black forces, push deliberately meant to crush one flank of enemy forces and push them inward, leading to rendezvous with Hightower forces on that flank. I have separate flanks written but that is in case moderation needs it. The goal is for the entirety of my forces to crash into one of the enemy flanks.

[Gandalfus]

aemond has +2 survival, I believe that's the only one that counts in dragon duels right?

[Honors Bastion]

snip

Sure Zeus.

aemond has +2 survival, I believe that's the only one that counts in dragon duels right?

Correct. Survival will improve your own chances of surviving the duel.

Tarly grabs firmly the reins and rides forward, where every may hear his voice, especially Hightower. But, he was still far away from both arrow and lance.

“Heard me, cousin! Heard these words, Hightower!”

His voice sounded like a thunder in the silent plain.

“I will seek you today, and Gods shall prove who is worth their steem and blessing! This day we fight, cousin! This day blood shall be spit, shields splintered, lances broken and swords, dented! This day we will face each other, cousin!”

And with a hiss and a single gesture he unsheathed Heartsbane, which glittered with malice under the sun. The sword, nearly as tall as a man was raised upwards, pointing to the sky. Five foots of Valyrian steel, razor sharp.

“I defy you, Hightower. This day a song shall be sung, a song of steel! Prove Vigilance’s worth against my own, Hightower! I dare you to face me in battle! Heartsbane demands blood, be yours or another! For the QUEEN!”

And the sword shone under the sun like a mirror and Tarly placed it against his chest. Then rode again to his men.

“Heard me men of the Reach! We fight today to fulfill and oath, to fulfill our destiny! Do not fear the dragons, for we have our own, do not fear flames, for the strongest flames lay inside our chest! Woe the Usurper at King’s Landing, for the valor and strength of our arms and swords surpasses everything he can throw at us! Be brave, be valiant men! Arise, arise! Fell deed awake; fire and slaughter, spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered. A sword-day, a red-day, ere the sun rises!! To battle, to death, for Glory!”

He rode before his men, the sword high above his head. And he finally roared:

“First in battle!”

And his men answered with a same voice, thunderous as a storm.

“FIRST IN BATTLE, FIRST IN BATTLE, FIRST IN BATTLE!!”

“FIIIREEEE AND BLOOOOD! GLORY AND DEATH!”

Roared Tarly, pointing at the enemy with his greatsword.

And the battle who would inspire bards begun…

"Soldiers and sons of the Honeywine, my brothers. We stand today on this field of battle about to face an enemy that have succumb to trickery and deceit of a bastard producing whore, a whore who dares to make herself the Queen of Westeros. I beseech to you my brethen to fight with me to stand against her wickedness and fight for the rightful King who shares the same blood that runs through our veins. He too is a scion of the Honeywise and it is our duty to defend his name. Stand strong and remember your brothers around you. Fight for them, fight for honor, and fight for the Seven Faiths." shouted Ser Tristifer Hightower with great passion in his voice.

Afterwards, he turned to his nephew and said "Ready your sword Baelor. Vigilance will spill blood today and it is your duty to face Tarly's challenge. Prepare yourselves and remember our Houses' words. We Light the Way!"

[Zeus Almighty]

The paltry forces of the Shield Islands arrive in time to observe the initiation of the battle. Uthor Grimm stood with one hand in his belt and another on the hilt of his sword. He spit at the ground and turned around to face the audience behind him. Among those men were all of his brothers, save for Luthor who was at Kings Landing. Azazel's disheveled hair and constant lip licking would be distracting in other situations but not this one. They were out numbered clearly so they would have to fight furiously and Azazel was good at that. Belial was a leader in his own right and loved war more than most anything. He stood with is longsword gripped and a flat affect as if the coming fight meant nothing to him. Like the possibility of death never occurred to him. Then there was Uriel. He was always different than his brothers but when it came down to tacks, he was always there. He wanted them to support Corlys Velaryon but lost to Luthors argument. He stood there now, hawk-eyed, muttering to himself with his short swords ready.

Uthor took a deep breath and exhaled with a smile, We live for this boys. This isn't the first time nor will it be the last for us. They out man us and we knew that, so lets use the surprise to our favor, stick to the plan, and kill every Tarly and Rowan man that dare come toe to toe with us. Azazel, you find any man that bares the Tarly or Rowan name you kill him or see to his capture. That goes for the rest of you too, I just know he's the best. Just remember brothers, we might not be at sea or on the coast any longer, but we will Stem the Tide of Tarly's rebellion. Get to the head of your men, we go now!

[Gandalfus]

Aemond growled along with his dragon, and pulled his helmet down over his face, concealing everything but his two eyes, albeit one was covered with an eyepatch. Drawing his long, wicked greatsword, he dug his heels into Vhagar producing a powerful roar that echoed over the battlefield. The ancient dragon extended the long, emerald wings, soaring into the air and circling high above the battlefield. Aemomd and Vhagar watched carefully, silently waiting for Meleys to make an appearance.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Rhaenys heard the roar of Vhagar fill the air before she saw him ascend into the skies. It was a challenge, she knew - but she was not going to be foolish. Not until she knew where the second dragon would she take flight.

She mounted Meleys, patting her once more on her neck, before drawing her sword. Then she sat, waiting.

[Oznerol]

BATTLE ORDERS. MOD'S EYES OR BLACKS' EYES ONLY

Heavy Infantry 2,410 (4,820) Light Infantry 3,500 (3,500) Polearms 4,500 (6,750) Archers 3,500 (3,500) Light Cavalry 2,700 (2,700) Heavy Cavalry 1,050 (3,150) Men-at-arms 200 (700) ----------------------------- TOTAL MEN: 17,860 TOTAL POINTS: 25,120 COMMANDERS: CENTER -LORD ALAN TARLY: +3 Duels (base=+3)(+8, wielder of Heartsbane. +1 from retainers. +full armor set) +3 Survival +2 Battles +2 Jousting (base=+2))(+1 from retainers) +1 Charisma ORDERS: Charge towards the enemy center, heavy cavalry first (+3 jouting, from Tarly), then infantrymen, supported by archers. Tarly will seek Vigilance's wielder in battle. THERE MUST BE A DUEL, MOD IN CHARGE! Because it will be epic. Stats for duel (as seen above) listed: -Full armor set. -Heartsbane. -+3 to Duels. -+2 Jousting. -+1 to duels (retainer), +1 to jousting (retainer) TROOPS: 5,560 men (9320) 100 Men-at-arms (350) 1,050 Heavy Cavalry (3,150) 1,410 Heavy Infantry (2,820) 2,000 Light Infantry (2,000) 1,000 Archers (1,000) RIGHT -SER GARLAN TARLY: +2 Survival +2 Wealth +1 Duels +1 Jousting +1 Charisma TROOPS: 6,100 men (7,800) 100 Men-at-arms (350) 2,700 Light Cavalry (2,700) 1,500 Light Infantry (1,500) 1,500 Polearms (2,250) 1,000 Archers (1,000) ORDERS: Right do as the center. Cavalry first (+1 Jousting) and then infantrymen. In case cavalry fails or is attacked by enemy cavalry polearms will help repulse and defeat enemy's horse. LEFT -LORD THADDEUS ROWAN TROOPS: 5,500 (8,000) 1,000 Heavy Infantry (2,000) 3,000 Polearms (4,500) 1,500 Archers (1,500) ORDERS: Pin the enemy in place. Polearms forming phalanx on front, with heavy infantrymen preventing flanking. Archers as support. SPECIAL ORDERS: Meleys in on the RIGHT. Tarly's archers will try preventing Tessarion from joining Vhagar in a dragon duel.