Battle of the Fields (Outside King's Landing)

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tywin's army prepares to engage the forces under the command of Doran Martell. He offers the Dornishman an opportunity to parlay, sending his brother Lord Tygett Lannister.

Army Group East

Lord Tywin Lannister Skill(s): +3 Battles, +2 Scout, +2 Charisma, +3 Survival Squire: Tylan Payne Ser Tygett Lannister Skill(s): +3 Survival, +3 Battles, +2 Duels Gerold Lannister, Captain of the Guard (Casterly Rock) Traits (8 points): +3 Survival, +3 Charisma, +2 Duel Tybolt Lannister, Lord of Castamere Traits (6 points): +2 Battle, +2 Duel, +2 Survival Ser Raymar Lefford (+3 Charisma, +2 Duels, Survival, Battles) Ser Donnel Lefford (+2 Duels, Charisma, +1 Survival, Battles) Lord Damon Payne Skill(s): 12 points, +3 Battles, +3 survival, +3 Wealth, +2 Joust, +1 Read-Guard Chainmail Armour (+10 hp, +1 Scout, +2 Duels, +1 Survival) A greatsword (+7 Duels, +2 Survival) Ser Tyrion Crakehall +3 Charisma, +2 Battles, +1 Capture, +1 Logistician Ser Bronn Crakehall +3 Duels, +3 Survival, +2 Battles Troops: 900 Guardians of Casterly Rock (Elite AOR Heavy Infantry) 1,500 Westerlander Knights (Elite AOR Heavy Cavalry) 2000 Light Infantry 2000 Heavy Cavalry 3176 Light Cavalry 4501 Heavy Infantry 4425 Archers 4833 Polearms

[Iron Aquilifer]

Tygett is turned away, with a single word: Elia. Without a means of rescuing Elia, and surrounded by Crownlanders loyal to the King, Doran has little and less to offer the Lannister army.

Targaryen Army

Doran Martell - 2 battle Oberyn Martell - 3 battle, 2 duel Lewyn Martell - 4 battle, 5 duel, 3 joust, 8 survival, +26hp, +5 post-condition 425 E Inf

Targaryen Army

2367 H Inf 584 L Inf 6098 Polearms 7592 Archers 1530 E Cav 3365 H Cav 1615 L Cav

[Poach]

Orders to me, please.

[Pericles of Athens]

Ser Darry emerges through the King's Gate like Ser Selmy had done before him, clad in thick white plate with the cloak of his order fluttering behind him. His duty was to protect the King, of the army was felled before reinforcements could arrive, if the garrison fled.. there would be no city to save when Rhaegar arrived, no King to protect either. He made his way to the Dornish camp offering his blade and his knowledge to the loyalist host. A white cloak saved Kingslanding in the last battle, Ser Darry prayed to the seven he could make his brother's sacrifice count.

Ser Johnothar Darry

Traits: +3 Duel +3 Survival +3 Joust +3 Battle Full Plate: +20hp +6 Survival +5 Post Battle +1 Battle Greatsword: +7 Duel +2 Survival Total: +11 Survival +10 Duel +5 Post Battle +4 Battle +2 Joust 42hp If his aid is accepted Ser Darry will lead a flank, preferably with cavalry that he might lead against the enemy lines in a charge. In the midst of combat he will search for the enemy commander (or simply an important member of the enemy ranks) to engage.

[Dirty Chai]

Just in case

Jon Arryn leads his host to King's Landing from Rosby

1.8 hours

ETA: 7 PM Pacific Time, Friday January 20

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tywin sat astride his horse. His long red cape fluttered in the wind and his golden armor glimmered in the sunlight. A roaring Lion of Lannister adorned his breastplate, with red rubies for eyes. His silver-pomelled sword hung from his waist. His white stallion cantered, as Lord Tywin took in the full sight of his host and their lords, knights, and commanders. He spoke primarily to his commanders, but he also intended his words to reach his common men of the army. “Lords, knights, and men of the Westerlands.” He began, wearing his normal scowl but projecting his booming voice. “It is said among career soldiers that a special brotherhood is forged by combat. The man standing to your right and left become more than just another man-at-arms, he becomes your most trusted friend. He is the man who might raise his shield to block a killing blow, or the man that sends an arrow shaft flying to cut down an enemy poised to do the same to us. To you I say this: find the strength of this brotherhood and trust in it. Some of you fought alongside me to end the ambitions of my traitorous brother, and have already experienced this bond. My lords of Lefford, Crakehall, Payne, and the lords of mine own blood – I order, I emplore you – bring us all victory this day. We face an army of lickspittles and slaves, the thralls of a King who threatens death to any for slights real or imagined. We must overthrow such tyranny, beginning here. To arms and to horse, men of the Westerlands!” Tywin drew his sword. “Show these Dornishmen and their friends no mercy, onwards to victory!”

[Poach]

For the second time, the Dornish-Crownlands army stood before the city of King's Landing, this time against the Westerlands. None had expected the Westerlands to side with the rebels, but here they stood.

The Westerlands had opted for a powerful left flank and a sturdy centre, aiming to have his left overpower the enemy right in a mighty hammer blow, while his centre would weather the enemy storm and allow for the victorious left to roll up the enemy flank. The right flank, weaker than the others, was to stage an orderly fighting retreat to buy time for the left flank to do their work and destroy the enemy battle line.

The Dornish-Crownlanders had opted to focus much of their strength in the centre, aiming to break the enemy centre and roll up the enemy left. Their own left was well-manned, ordered to simply hold the line and allow the centre to do the heavy lifting, while the right was left weak and gambled on staying in the fight long enough for the Westerlands centre to be broken and the enemy left then assaulted on their exposed flank.

Tactically, this gave favour to the Westerlands: the Dornish were gambling on breaking a strong Westerlands centre, and were aiming to do it fast enough to rescue a weak right flank that would be facing the main thrust of the Westerlands assault. The weak Westerlands right would face less pressure, as the Dornish left were not aiming for a bold offensive stroke.

Dorne's gambit failed early on, as their attempted cavalry breakthrough on the back of their infantry pinning the enemy failed: though they were able to smash the Westerlands' initial pike wall, the resulting melee against the main body of enemy infantry saw them repulsed.

Dorne's right flank, bereft of the support they were desperately expecting and facing the killing blow of Tywin's strategy, were swiftly overwhelmed. The Royalist troops here failed to even hold the Westerlands forces for any length of time, with their line almost instantly collapsing.

On the Dornish right, the conservative approach faced with the weakest of the Westerlands flank gave the Dornish a modest victory here, pushing the Westerlands troops back, though that was envisaged as part of the Westerlands plan initially. Unfortunately this could not be turned to any advantage, as the rest of the army had been put to flight and the strong Westerlands center and left flanks would wheel round and crush the Dornish troops.

The resulting rout was catastrophic: where the Westerlands had retained a portion of cavalry in reserve should the day go poorly, the Dornish had not. Swarms of Westerlands heavy cavalry would cut down dozens of fleeing Royalists each and inflict greivous casualties.

Westerlands

E Inf: 745
H Inf: 3793
L Inf: 1669
Archers: 4425
Polearms: 2856
E Cav: 1254
H Cav: 1671
L Cav: 3176
~19,500 men (~3,700 dead)

Tygett - 17 Free
Gerold - 16 Free
Tybolt - 10 Captured, but recovered
Raymar - 1 Dead
Donnel - 16 Free
Tyrion - 14 Free
Bronn - 14 Free

Dorne/Crownlands

E Inf: 217
H Inf: 1119
L Inf: 0
Polearms: 2890
Archers: 4225
E Cav: 570
H Cav: 1566
L Cav: 590
~11,500 men (~11,500 dead)

Doran - 11+2=13 Captured
Jonothor - 20 Free
Oberyn - 16 Free

[Lucius Malfoy]

Tybolt remembered the chaos of battle, when hands from the opposite side grabbed hold of him and began to drag him away. The Lord of Castamere felt the presence of the Stranger approaching him, surely he was destined to die. Surely the Seven were calling for him... but in the end, he opened his eyes and saw the banners of the Westerlands flying by him after being released. Tybolt slowly rose up, noticing that the battlefield was clean of the Royalists. Not a single man remained alive. Dornish and Crownlander laid all over the place. Then he heard a voice behind him as Gerold came rushing up.

Tybolt! Tybolt! Thank the Seven you are alright!

Tybolt still couldn't believe it for a moment. He had felt death just mere seconds ago, yet the field had been won in a resounding victory. He looks around quietly, a bit stunned still, as his gaze scanned the bloody field.

[Jokern]

After the second battle outside King's Landing, with the Dornish-Crownlander army beaten and shattered and the lions still prowling the field, a small party rides up the kingsroad. They were not more than a dozen men, but they carried the royal banner of House Targaryen, as well as a flag of parley. Those who saw them ride past immediately recognized the men - among them Ser Gerold Hightower of the Kingsguard, Ser Myles Mooton, Ser Richard Lonmouth and, at the very front clad in black armor and a red cloak, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. The small party made haste to the Westerlander camp, requesting a meeting with Lord Tywin Lannisster.

[Pontifex Maximus]

ooc: lost a big post...

Tywin looked on as the battle began. It quikly became clear to him that his plan would be effective against the enemy given their deployment. As the arrow volleys were exchanged, Tywin looked to the left flank, to see the cavalry spurred into action. Soon the fight had begun in earnest. He coolly scanned the battlefield and as his plan began to succeed, he turned to Crakehall. "Prepare to charge, my lord." The enemy would soon break in the center, as their right was already being swept from the field. Soon his reserve would begin its bloody work. "Engage the enemy." he commanded.

-----

Tygett raised his sword in the center of the line. "Forward, men! Give them a taste of cold steel!" He felt confident in victory, the Dornish infantry looked poor in comparison to his own men. Soon battle was upon them, with many Dornishmen throwing themselves bravely into the fray, but soon dying in great numbers. Initially he feared that the line would falter, but as the slaughter continued the tension on the line eased. " Press them!" he bellowed, as he cut aside another foe and moved forward. Soon the momentum was irreversibly shifted, and a cheer went up from his own men.

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

Following the battle Tywin made his way to the left flank, where the Leffords had led a charge of horse. He had received news that one of them had been killed, but as of yet he did not know which. He called out to Donnel. "Has Ser Raymar been slain?"

-----------

Rhaegars contingent was led before Tywin Lannister in his command tent. He still wore his splendid gold armor, his ruby-eyed silver lion roaring on his chest. He was surrounded by guards, not wanting to take a risk with so many renowned knights around him. "Prince Rhaegar." Tywin began "I'm afraid you arrived late to the battle. As you can see little remains of this army in the field, and I can promise further defeats for you and yours should any harm come to my son in the capital." He had expected to find Jaime among them. If Rhaegar had any intelligence he would have brought Jaime. But clearly he was still being held as an honored hostage in a white cloak.

[Jokern]

Rhaegars contingent was led before Tywin Lannister in his command tent. He still wore his splendid gold armor, his ruby-eyed silver lion roaring on his chest. He was surrounded by guards, not wanting to take a risk with so many renowned knights around him. "Prince Rhaegar." Tywin began "I'm afraid you arrived late to the battle. As you can see little remains of this army in the field, and I can promise further defeats for you and yours should any harm come to my son in the capital." He had expected to find Jaime among them. If Rhaegar had any intelligence he would have brought Jaime. But clearly he was still being held as an honored hostage in a white cloak.

"Lord Tywin, I guess I should congratulate you for your victory, as much as it pains me to see those loyal to the Iron Throne slain and scattered."

Thousands lay dead, all because of his own actions. It was hard to take in, but Rhaegar knew it to be so. The thing that struck the most was the fact that the Westerlands had rebelled as well. That left only the Crownlands, Dorne and the Reach in loyal hands, if the rumors were to be trusted. They could not win against these odds, not even a dragon could.

"So you have sided with the rebels against my father? A sad turn of events, considering how close you two were before his madness broke out in earnest. But none can deny that he deliberately slighted you when he put the white cloak on Ser Jaime's shoulders, depriving you of your son and heir. Lord Tywin, my father is a mad and cruel man, you and I know this better than anyone. He cannot be allowed to remain on the Iron Throne."

"I have been away for too long, and the realm has suffered greatly for it. I have decided to put an end to this rebellion, and then to my father with a great council with the lords of the realm to decide his fate. I ask of you to join me in this quest, so that the Seven Kingdoms can return to peace. Be my Hand, as you once served my father ably and faithfully, and I will return your son to you, without the white cloak on his shoulders. I cannot guarantee his safety within the capital, nor the safety of those within my father's grasp, but I will do all within my power to stop it."

[Pericles of Athens]

TBE

[Iron Aquilifer]

OOC: Where do the Dornish retreat sorry? Kingslanding/fleet/generic loyalist castle? cheers

The aid Johnothor had offered was denied, all that was left for him to do was watch from a distance as the army of Crownlanders and Dornishmen were swept from the field. The Prince would save the city, the Prince would set all these wrongs to right.

OOC: He had the center

[Pericles of Athens]

OOC: lol, read Poach's post wrong. I knew you had three commanders and seeing three post-battle rolls made me think Darry had been excluded. Editing RP shortly, I'm driving up to Foxbrough for the game so it'll be changed when my dad takes the wheel for a bit.

[Poach]

The Leffords had been given the task of seeing through Tywin's hammer blow, taking control of the mighty left flank and being commanded to smash their opposite number and then wheel to their right and roll up the enemy line. Raymar took overall command, while Donnel took the considerable number of heavy horse and lead them against the Dornish foe.

The battle was fast and the wheeling came about quickly, as the Dornish right was thin and brittle: the infantry barely even stopped charging, ploughing straight through the thin Dornish line. The enemy centre was considerably stronger, and was held tight against Tywin's own powerful centre. Here the battle became bloodier, as the men of the enemy centre were numerous and well-armed, capable of holding their ground and giving as good as they got. Donnel lead the cavalry in a series of charges, driving off the enemy horse while also looking to break up blocks of enemy troops, to give his own infantry the edge.

Raymar, meanwhile, had dismounted after the enemy right was destroyed and lead the infantry in wheeling into the Dornish centre. During the fighting an enemy sword caught him in the shoulder, forcing him to his knees, where a Dornish spear was thrust into his chest. Donnel would discover his father had died only after the battle had finished and he'd returned to the encampment, where Tywin came along shortly thereafter.

"He is, my Lord." said Donnel in a downcast tone, "Felled by a sword and a spear, I'm told, while leading our infantry's charge into the enemy centre."

[Pontifex Maximus]

"I am saddened to hear it, Donnel." Tywin replied. "He was a brave and loyal man, our victory would not have been possible without him I should think."

[General Brewster]

Lord Payne sat upon his horse waiting impatiently with the reserves to hope and see some battle. His men impatient after seeing the spectacular success made by Lord Tywin on the field. Alas the gods had other plans than to grant Damon a fight it would seem. Strolling the battlefield after the battle reveled the carnage. At least 10.000 deaths Damon thought to himself. The night before he was not so certain of victory on the field. His mind shifted quickly however. Seeing a delegation in the background riding for the Westerland Camp. Initially he couldn't see which banner they flew but quickly it became clear it was the Targaryan banner. It must be the prince Damon thought to himself. He quickly road back to camp and reported to the command tent. Where he overheard that Lord Raymar had died during the fighting. He greeted Lord Tywin as he came in and simply said "Congratulations on the victory M'Lord."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tywin considered the proposal. He could end the rebellion here himself by capturing Rhaegar and his entourage and returning to the Westerlands, allowing Jon Arryn and the nothmen to sort out Aerys. He could betray his allies and side with Rhaegar. He could take Rhaegar hostage an exchange him for Jaime. There would be dishonor in Jaime being dismissed from the Kingsguard, but what did that matter if he would be Lord of Casterly Rock? "Prince Rhaegar." Tywin replied. "Would that you had made this proposal before my men in the west had burned half the Reach and carried off its wealth, or before I set this sorry rabble to rout. I tried to treat with the Martells, but my brother Lord Tygett was not granted an audience. I served as Hand for your father it is true, but he betrayed me long before I betrayed him." Tywin paused, his gold flecked eyes staring far off. He considered his pact with Jon Arryn. "One of your ancestors, Jehaerys the Conciliator, once mended a broken realm. You must do the same, and it must be without my swords behind you. A Targaryen victory through force of arms will not come about aided by my strength. I have already lost a great Lord, Lord Lefford, in this fight and I will not allow for his death to be in vain." On these paltry terms at least. "You must convince the Starks, Jon Arryn, and the Baratheons to agree to this council. Lord Jon is a reasonable man, were the Crown to grant this great council the ability to negotiate an end to hostilities, I would serve as your Hand in turn. In short, it is not me you need to convince, my Prince, but the lords of the east. I have made my own terms with the rebel leadership and I am loathe to break my word." A marriage into the new royal house and into the house of the future Hand outweighed this promise of title, and it would be borne at too high a cost and risk.

Tywin called for Doran Martell, his hostage, to come forward.

[Jokern]

Tywin considered the proposal. He could end the rebellion here himself by capturing Rhaegar and his entourage and returning to the Westerlands, allowing Jon Arryn and the nothmen to sort out Aerys. He could betray his allies and side with Rhaegar. He could take Rhaegar hostage an exchange him for Jaime. There would be dishonor in Jaime being dismissed from the Kingsguard, but what did that matter if he would be Lord of Casterly Rock? "Prince Rhaegar." Tywin replied. "Would that you had made this proposal before my men in the west had burned half the Reach and carried off its wealth, or before I set this sorry rabble to rout. I tried to treat with the Martells, but my brother Lord Tygett was not granted an audience. I served as Hand for your father it is true, but he betrayed me long before I betrayed him." Tywin paused, his gold flecked eyes staring far off. He considered his pact with Jon Arryn. "One of your ancestors, Jehaerys the Conciliator, once mended a broken realm. You must do the same, and it must be without my swords behind you. A Targaryen victory through force of arms will not come about aided by my strength. I have already lost a great Lord, Lord Lefford, in this fight and I will not allow for his death to be in vain." On these paltry terms at least. "You must convince the Starks, Jon Arryn, and the Baratheons to agree to this council. Lord Jon is a reasonable man, were the Crown to grant this great council the ability to negotiate an end to hostilities, I would serve as your Hand in turn. In short, it is not me you need to convince, my Prince, but the lords of the east. I have made my own terms with the rebel leadership and I am loathe to break my word." A marriage into the new royal house and into the house of the future Hand outweighed this promise of title, and it would be borne at too high a cost and risk.

Tywin called for Doran Martell, his hostage, to come forward.

Rhaegar was distraught by Tywin's words, by how much misery his actions had brought. The Reach burning, thousands dead, and the odds of winning this war seemed bleaker for every passing moment. He had tried the diplomatic route with the West, and they would were as immovable as their mountains. Arryn, Stark and Baratheon were undoubtedly the same. The prince saw the truth. He would have to become Aegon the Conqueror, Maekar I... perhaps even Maegor the Cruel. It was all for his family, for his people. It was a road he had hoped to avoid at all costs, but the Gods had different plans for him.

"If we must part ways as enemies, Lord Tywin, then know that I bear no ill will towards you. I would gladly work together with you once this war is over and the Seven Kingdoms must be brought back together again, but my mercy will be short on the battlefield to win the war. I am sure you understand."

Not long after the Dragon banners had arrived, the Stag would appear on the horizon. The army of over 20,000 strong crept closer to the capital, but held at quite some distance.

"What I'm wondering," Robert said to his commanders Swann and Dondarrion, "is why I see Lions and Dragons, not murdering eachother. I knew Tywin couldn't be trusted, I bloody told Jon. Lord Dondarrion, you and I ride to parlay. Lord Swann, you are now in command of the host. If we do not return by nightfall, march on the capital." Robert gathered his ten best and let Dondarrion do the same, before riding out.

"I demand a parlay with Lannister and whatever Targaryen Aerys sent to lead his curs," he spoke to the first Lannister guard the group encountered. "Have them meet me here."

"Yes, my lord. Please do not be too rash. Lord Tywin Lannister is not to be trifled with."

Lord Leyton Swann immediately set to preparing the host for battle once Robert and his guard left. Finally they may actually bring the Mad King and his kidnapping prince to justice.

"Not up for discussion," Robert immediately replied. "Rhaegar," he said, his voice full of hatred, a finger pointed at him. "You abducted Lyanna, my love. You are the reason that two Starks lie dead. Not all of the realm may yet see you for what you truly are, but I do. You're an animal, Rhaegar. As twisted as your father. And you will die for it."

The Prince of Dragonstone gave the Lord of Storm's End a cold stare.

"I abducted no one, Robert, we ran away together from a life she never wanted. She never loved you. My heart weeps for the horrible deaths of Lord Rickard and Ser Brandon, and there is blood on my hands for that. However, the man who held the sword was not me, but the man I call my father inside the Red Keep. I am no animal, and don't you dare compare me to him, Robert."

Tywin interjected. "Aerys is responsible for the death of the Starks. Although, the same cannot be said of Lyanna." He turned his glare to Rhaegar. "What will you do to right this wrong?"

"This all started because of my actions, then it is up to me to right these wrongs. Robert, I challenge you to a duel, so let us end this without the need for more bloodshed. Let the Seven Kingdoms witness the fight between the dragon and the stag, and let the Gods decide who is right."

[Adamat]

Not long after the Dragon banners had arrived, the Stag would appear on the horizon. The army of over 20,000 strong crept closer to the capital, but held at quite some distance.

"What I'm wondering," Robert said to his commanders Swann and Dondarrion, "is why I see Lions and Dragons, not murdering eachother. I knew Tywin couldn't be trusted, I bloody told Jon. Lord Dondarrion, you and I ride to parlay. Lord Swann, you are now in command of the host. If we do not return by nightfall, march on the capital." Robert gathered his ten best and let Dondarrion do the same, before riding out.

"I demand a parlay with Lannister and whatever Targaryen Aerys sent to lead his curs," he spoke to the first Lannister guard the group encountered. "Have them meet me here."