I am not doing well with posting quality work in my opinion, but I tried my best. I posted! I'm ready for an update.
-delivers high quality post, showing signs of careful examination of others character sheets and actions -says this is not top notch -Reader feels inadequacy.
@Arthanus The rouge wasn't expecting the captain to give off the correct reaction, and panicked in his attempt to block the sword. A complete failure with grace, the orc felt his chest explode with blood. The rouge fell to the ground because of the pain.
Gunthar, Orc Captain
The force of god slammed into Gunthar, sending him staggering. The orc's fists hurt, and so did his chest. His left arm had a minor cut. The captain realized that this was no mere human. Hopping back up and backing up a moment for breath, he raised his sword in salute.
"What are you called?. I am glad to face one as mighty as you." The captain began his approach once again, this time more carefully than a rushed charge, slowly stepping towards his opponent with proper stance.
Count Salezenathor of Hesse
The Count was confused at what was going on. He was near certain that both of his arrows missed, and he took a moment of peace to calm down. The ranger didn't understand what was going on, and frowned in confusion. Everyone was engaged in such close quarters that shooting would put his allies at risk. So he just shrugged and pet Icon.
Waldemar was a honorable man and went off first to secure medicinal herbs. The nobleman had not lied when he said that they were low; a serious wound without them could lead to a crew member's death via infection. Death by infection was only suitable for devils and Johnathan, and not a single other person.
He didn't reply to the question about food; in all honesty Waldemar trusted both Char's and the normal cook's prowess in the kitchen. If one thing was good about the ship, it was the luxury cuisine with every meal.
House Ehren His Majesty, King Baldur the Good, 40, Sovereign, has maintained a good and stable reign. A warrior of renown and a good judge of men, although too passionate for his own good. Her Majesty, Queen Consort Marina, 32, Wife, in love with Baldur and a former beauty. His Royal Highness, Prince Wolfram the Third, 20, Son, wants to give Runvall economic and administrative reform His Highness, Prince Franz the Second, 18, Son, wants to be an adventurer and fix the world's problems. Her Highness, Princess Alicia, 18, Daughter, downright gorgeous and wants to get married. Twin of Alicia. Her Highness, Princess Renate, 13, Daughter, precious gem of Baldur and still innocent. His Highness, Prince Swen the Griffin, 35, Brother, wants to gain his own title and form an elite order even among the elite. Celibate.
People Almost completely humans.
Everyone loves me, but I am honorable to a fault. I have tons of elite heavy knights, a large amount of decent archers, but no infantry. My realm is well developed, but I am decentralized. Kingdom 6 Clean Streets Fair Law Beloved By the People Friends with the Nobles Honorable Folk Developed Infrastructure Military 8 Jousting lords Trained troops Heavy Armor Show of War Good Equipment Awe-inspiring fortifications Knights +1- The elite portion of Runvall's military is much larger than the elite portion of other nations without any loss to their quality. Rankorian Breed +1- the horses of Runvall are exceptionally intelligent, unnaturally fast, and incredibly strong. Economic 2 Caravans Agriculture Downfalls +8 Terrible Boats Infantry? +2 - Although Knights can fight reasonably on the ground, Runvall will not levy peasantry into infantry regiments. (They can be archers however) This can make holding ground after seizing it... rather a challenge. Decentralized +1 - Starting the game each city is controlled by a vassal (so I have 4) constituting about 60% of realm power. However there are good relations. Defender of the Weak +1 - Runvall is all about honor, and I will take a hit to stability if I don't help defend weaker nations against predatory larger ones. However, this doesn't require me to change sides mid-war. Small Army +1- My total army size is about 70% of a similarly sized nation. Siege? +1 - It could hurt innocents! Of course we won't!
History Runvall was originally a few independent farming towns out in the unclaimed wilderness. A thousand years ago, dragons and all sorts of mythical beasts started to show up out of no where and terrorize the villagers. Knights and adventurers came to the area, seeking to make a living by fixing the peasant's problems. Over time 5 major forts of operation were built to act as bases of operation in purging the lang of great beasts. Eventually merchants and other peasants started to build up cities around these areas and seek a profit by maintaining the forts. This built friendship and dependence on both sides of their relationship and the values that define Runvall to this day.
Generations passed and eventually the vast majority of the great beasts were driven out or slain, and there was much rejoicing. The question of "now what?" arose. The knights could go home, but after spending two hundred years purging the darkness of Runvall they realized Runvall was home. The knights could go conquer, but they were tired of fighting. So the knights stayed with their keeps and continued doing what they had always done - keeping the land clear of darkness, fighting bandits, or going off elsewhere and then coming back home with their paycheck. Eventually leaders for each of the forts were elected based on deeds, and the forts combined into Runvall.
Over time government developed, and due to the continuous state of peace the land developed into a healthy society where farmers could profit, knights could be just, and infrastructure could be developed. Recently however, a debt has hit the throne because of a drought that passed through the land. Taking out loans to support the peasant class and prevent mass starvation was worthwhile, but expensive. Traditions & Culture Defend those who cannot defend themselves! Triumph over those who wish to spread darkness! If we stay stalwart in our conviction, we will make this world good!
Military The Runvall military is well equiped, trained, and motivated. While smaller than most armies, they can pack a punch if used with an ally. Alone, Runvall faces several difficulties.
The only peasants that fight with the Runvall army are the archery corp. While well equipped and somewhat trained, they are by no means re-known. About two thirds of the army in wartime is filled with longbow levies trained to shoot in volleys and provide support for the knights.
Everyone else who fights is a knight. They have a strong military tradition focused around chivalry, loyalty, and honor. Incredibly motivated by the Task, their morale is intense. This is the major feature of the Runvall military and is what makes it a pain in the neck to fight.
First, the knights have Rankorian horses. These horses, possibly spawned by magic, are difficult to compare to normal horses. They can carry heavy armor without a problem, can be aggressive, and can go incredibly fast.
The knights usually charge first with lances, capable of shattering all but the most elite heavy infantry. Then they fight with heater shields and longswords, using the horses and their maneuverability to their advantage. Killing a knight on one of these horses is a difficult task - the knight and horse are both wearing full plate armor to help deflect arrows.
When fully armored, it is difficult but possible for opposing light horsemen to be able to catch up to these heavy knights. However, you still have to kill these elites. Seriously don't bother running away. If necessary a horn will be sounded and the knights will return to get new lances and once again do an incredible charge.
Runvall also runs excellent supply caravans in peacetime, and that practice helps with wartime as well. The ability to keep troops well fed and watered is something Runvall is known for - many armies have to pillage the land they are in to sustain themselves, but the caravans of Runvall make that unnecessary for the knights. Overall, the knights make the Runvall military maneuverable, devastating, and quick to get around.
One of the reasons that Runvall is able to maintain off of caravans though is that the army is small. Compared to a nation of it's size, Runvall only has about 70% of their numbers. This helps keep coffers full and peasants from dying, but makes maintaining a drawn out battle somewhat of a challenge.
Additionally, the job of the knights is to defend the weak. That means not sending the weak in front of you as infantry as cannon-fodder. The Runvall infantry consists of knights whose horses have died on the field of battle and are forcing a fair fight from the ground.
Finally, Runvall has no experiences with siege warfare - this kingdom was made in peace, not conquest. While the castles and forts of the old orders are incredibly strong, offensively Runvall has no idea about what to do.
These weaknesses force Runvall to work with an ally to be able to hold ground or take land. Luckily, Runvall has a good reputation as an ally and can be depended upon for cavalry support.
Economy
Reputation Known as honorable to a fault, a dependable ally in both peace and war, and a bit out of place in this world.
Nah it's cool. Honestly, I see where Milowan was going with this. Even if my captain did block the axe straight up the chance of it torquing his wrist was too high. By accepting the minor wound, the captain gets to close in where the great axe can't be swung but the longsword can be.
@Kojashi28 I understand what you are saying, and I think our next fight should favor melee a bit more. If makes practical sense that orcs wielding two handed weapons can't block arrows, so killing them by bow is easy. Additionally, these orcs have likely trained their entire lives to fight in close quarters bouts. Considering their strength, fighting them should not be an easy challenge.
Perhaps our next opponent should be a bigger enemy where enemies that are numerous and weak so killing one by bow won't really matter or big enough that arrows would be more of a nuisance than anything else?
@ArthanusThe halberd wielder was not expecting that quick of movement, and dropped to one leg as he grunted in pain. The roguish orc knew he had to draw the fight closer to his wounded ally in order to beat the opposing captain. "Get back here and fight you scumbag! The rouge made a motion to get around to the other side of Cross, trying to force one fighter on each side of the dragonslayer. The heavier orc dragged himself along the ground, understanding this tactic.
Gunthar, Orc Captain
@Milowan Wathcing his ally fall enraged Gunthar, but Gunthar managed to calm himself. Tyr's attack was strong, but it fell into Gunthar's plan despite the minor wound. Gunthar used his left arm to go beneath the bottom of the axe and hook onto the unsharpened section of blade, grabbing it with his body. He then pumped out a quick swing at Tyr's head before stepping into the inside of Tyr's elbow, preventing a good swing from his opponent. Then he threw a punch with his left arm, full swing of the body behind it.
Waldemar smiled at the confusion. This band of gents was in fact pretty damn interesting. Walking up behind the rest of the crew, Waldemar just managed to see Song volunteer Johnathan as the person to stay on guard. Waldemar decided to cut off his protest.
"Johnathan, I never foresaw you as reliable. I was certain as God that thou would visit upon the gentleladies of the port, but thou Grace sets an example of character that any decent men should follow."
Waldemar smiled at Johnathan, giving a slight bow. Then he turned to the captain and did the same. Waldemar hoped he had spoken properly - he was still unsure of his ability with this language. He relaxed a bit, hoping the captain would force his assholeness to remain in port for this leg of the journey.
"Me and her Dame Nobel both need to visit the Chemikalie and Werkzeug Geschäfte I assume. For I need medicine and she needs Sprengstoff." Now that he was relaxed, the nobleman forgot to stick with one tounge.
