We will follow the story of Lethwin and his mentor Myrddin in the struggle to become
King of the Nords."A retired captain stays retired, or he becomes permanently 'retired'." That is the policy of Swadian King Harlaus. Too many historical precedents to risk a highly experienced commander going rogue and conquering half a kingdom.
I now risk that capital punishment, by my offering of aid to the rightful heir to the Nord throne. Truthfully, this was in part the Kings plan, to divide the North into two warring factions, each with half the might of the full northern kingdom. Then, Swadian Cavalry can fall like a hammer blow, and the North will become part of Swadia.
I wonder how his face will look when he learns that I do not plan to leave the castle gates open for his treacherous soldiers?
Such things will come in time. For now, my pupil needs me.
The Nordic Kingdom is comprised of three major cities: Wercheg to the East, Tihr to the West, and the Nord Capital Sargoth in the middle.
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The Nords in the west are peaceful, as much as a Nord can be peaceful. Tihr is a wealthy town whose primary export is fish. It is this city that feeds the Nord armies. The Lord Aedin controls Tihr, I know him to be a kind and charismatic man. He was often sent as a diplomat under Lethwin's Father. Aedin is descended from a line of Calradian nobility who betrayed Tihr to the Nords in order to become the ruling family.
Wercheg is the most militant of the Nordic cities. Their soldiers have raided many Swadian and Vaegir villages, their love for war is the main back bone of the army. Wercheg is controlled by Lord Irya, I know him to be a fierce and cunning soldier. The Black Sword banner was the one that drew the first blood against the old Calradian Empire, while it was the banner of Irya's great grandfather, Asger the Mighty.
Sargoth is the heavily defended capital. It was once the home of King Eric the Red, Lethwin's Father. Now a pretender sits on the throne. His name is King Ragnar, and his Black Raven Banner flies over Sargoth's walls. He has betrayed all treaties his predecessor honoured, and is once more laying waste to Swadian villages.
Taking stock of our current resources, I have sold all my previous possessions, except for my 5 body guards. We also still have Lethwin's Guards. A full listing of resources will come later.
There are several actions we may take, all will will help us, but we can only do one at a time.
Our first option is to go to each Lord of the Nords, and ask them to either side with us or fall with Ragnar. We can quickly build up the rebellion and have some real soldiers at our disposal.
The second option is to build up our cavalry. Although Allies are nice, if we cannot support them adequately in battle, we may lose them. With my lessons still burning in his mind, Lethwin should agree that our main advantage will be cavalry when we face Ragnar on the field of battle.
The third option is to find more captains. Although I am a capable tactitian and soldier, we lack a tracker or even tradesmen to help us manage the armies. We could look in taverns for trackers, tradesmen and physicians, who will ease the burden of managing and caring for the army.
Time to choose wisely.Our current resources:Treasury: 22,980 gold.
Food: Approximately 2 weeks worth.
Soldiers: 36 men
--1 Swadian Captain(ret.)
--1 Rightful Nord King
--10 Mercenary Cavalry
--14 Nord Huscarls
--5 Nord Archers
--5 Swadian Sharpshooters (Crossbows)
Poll