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Post by Gandalf on Jul 11, 2020 11:46:34 GMT -5
To the east of Sow’s Horn lay a ford that ran from the Blackwater bay into the Crownlands, an offshoot of the river that lay between Rosby and Stokeworth.
By the time one reached the western side of the river, the waters had thinned and dilapidated, rising only to one’s knees. There lay no bridge or proper crossing, but there were some sections where the water was shallower than the rest. Two armies had assembled on either side, one from the mountains to the north and one from the deserts to the south. Steel and iron glinted in the light of the burned out sun, the banners of the sun-spear and the falcon parading towards each other, separated only by a spit of water. Horns blared as the men of the Vale began their advance towards the foe, the knights pulling down their visors and couching their lances as they sounded the charge.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 11, 2020 17:31:34 GMT -5
(Going to try an interactive approach. Pink, LM, Ponti, reply as you will)
Vale Left:
Lord Templeton, under orders from Lord Arryn, led his men across the river and into the Dornish right. The Knights of the Vale led the advance into the shallow waters, crashing into the Dornish shieldwall as their infantry followed suit. The conflict soon descended into a bloody melee with little quarter taken or given, with the tide of Valesmen breaking on the wall of Dornish spears. If the Knight of Ninestars was to cross the river, he would perhaps have to try a different approach to the brute force favoured by Harrold Hardyng. Obama’s shieldwall held firm, the Sand Snake leading from the front on horseback in lamellar and boiled leather.
Vale Centre:
A similar situation unfolded under the Falcon banners of Arryn. Lord Harrold led his charge across the river into stern resistance, with the Dornish shield wall pushing them back into the ford. Here the Dornish lines seemed weaker, and if the Arryn forces were to break through it would perhaps be in the centre where they would manage to find purchase in the Dornish lines. Ser Manwoody held firm, though if enough concerted pressure was applied the Valesmen would eventually force a crossing.
Vale Right:
Ser Albar Royce led the charge into the Dornish lines in the shallower part of the stream, the knights cutting through their lines like an axe through cheese. Albar cut a man down in Uller colours with a lethal backhand, the burly Valesmen slashing to and fro from horseback as he and his men cut a path across. After an hour or so of fighting, they reached the right bank, the Dornish lines slowly caving as the burning heart standard of Ser Royce was carried ever forwards.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 11, 2020 18:16:23 GMT -5
We will not give them the chance to entrench themselves!Harrold stated at the war the night before. Gathered around him were the various knights and nobles of the Vale, with the inclusion of Northmen who were brought to bring up a rearguard of their formation. Lord Arryn had waited this moment his whole life and desired greatly to prove himself a leader to the Vale and to King Stannis. The young male paces at the front of the table. Tonight would be an anxious night for him. When we see their banners come forth, we will charge them with all of our strength! With all our mustered courage! We will banish these snakes from the field and bring glory to the Vale and our rightful King, Stannis of the House Baratheon! We will descend upon them with our sharp talons, ready to pierce flesh and tore armor from their bodies! Jon Arryn once led us to victory. I shall see to it that we do the same!Harrold turns to those gathered. May the Lord of Light be with us!Various persons joined in the call while others remained silent. War kept them united, but who knows what may come once the dust settled.
When the horns blared across the field, and the advances began, Harrold lowers his visor. Around him were the cream of the Vale's knights, trusted men with good swords and shields, ready to defend their lord. Lyn Corbray, Hugh Arryn, Humphrey Hardying, Lester Lipps, and more formed the guard around Lord Arryn as the advance was given. Suddenly, the advance quickened as a second series of horns were blown. The infantry starting to surge forward with the horses trotting to keep up. Lastly, a third series of horns bellowed as the advance turned into a momentous charge. The horses thundered down the field with the footmen readied themselves for the impact of their charge. The fiery banner of House Arryn fluttered in the wind as mounted knights and infantry charged headlong. War cries bellowed from their mouths as the Vale soldiers rushed forward.  For the Vale!For House Arryn!May the Lord of Light be with us!!The line then crashed into the center of the Dornish formation. Harrold, with sword drawn, cut down Dornish on either side of his steed. He looks at the Dornish formation and bellows at his men, pointing his sword forward. Forward, Men of the Vale! Forward! Let us be the hammer of the Baratheon fury and the falcon's feriocity! Forward!!Lord Arryn barks as the infantry pushed forward with the knights following. Knights of the Vale, show them our steel! Show them our determination! Charge! Charge! CHARGE!!Harrold turned his horse and rejoined the fray, sword meeting flesh and armor as it swung left and right.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 11, 2020 22:09:54 GMT -5
(Going to try an interactive approach. Pink, LM, Ponti, reply as you will) Vale Left:Lord Templeton, under orders from Lord Arryn, led his men across the river and into the Dornish right. The Knights of the Vale led the advance into the shallow waters, crashing into the Dornish shieldwall as their infantry followed suit. The conflict soon descended into a bloody melee with little quarter taken or given, with the tide of Valesmen breaking on the wall of Dornish spears. If the Knight of Ninestars was to cross the river, he would perhaps have to try a different approach to the brute force favoured by Harrold Hardyng. Obama’s shieldwall held firm, the Sand Snake leading from the front on horseback in lamellar and boiled leather.
Charging into a spearwall was not a smart move. Not smart at all, Templeton thought. But he had no time to waste nitpicking Lord Baggo Rocks strategy. He had to act, he had to smash those sandy bastards into a pulp. In the midst of combat, he finds his second in command and orders him to gather half the horses and try to maneuver them into charging the Dornish in the back. After giving that order, the Knight of the Ninestars himself joins the bloody melee, and recognizes the Sand Snake leading the enemy. He decides to go after her "Come over here, you cunt!" He goads her into personal combat. "TIME TO SHOW IF YOU HAVE THE METHAPORICAL BALLS TO DANCE WITH THE STARLIT KNIGHT!"
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 12, 2020 10:54:07 GMT -5
Obara grinned beneath her helmet, turning her nimble steed towards the Knight of Ninestars. She couched her spear and charged, smashing it into Templeton’s shoulder, the blade getting caught in the plate and throwing her off balance. She drew her sword in time to block Templeton’s savage reprisal, and the two were soon crossing blades on horseback in the midst of their two armies. The Sand Snake tasted blood in her mouth as Templeton hammered her in the face with the pommel of his sword, and she blinked through anger and searing pain to hack at Templeton’s wrist. His sword dropped to the ground, lost in the water. But the Knight of Ninestars was not so easily defeated, seizing the reins of her horse to push her from the saddle before she could deliver the final blow. As she toppled into the stream, she looked up to see a dozen new men had taken Templeton’s place in the lines. The Knight of Ninestars had escaped to find a new sword, no doubt. She cursed her ill-luck as the big hands of one of Yronwood’s men helped haul her out of the stream.
Vale Left:
Despite Templeton’s defeat in the melee, his survival ensured the cohesion of his soldiers and the continuation of his attack. Obara suddenly found Knights of the Vale crossing over further down the stream, with the Dornish knights and riders hard pressed to keep them from crossing. A detachment of foot was sent to detain them, but the lines of the Dornish were now weakening as the men of the Vale were attacking across a wider front. Templeton’s knights pushed ever forwards, and the Dornish would soon be pushed from the river.
Vale Right:
Royce’s men had established a beachhead on the other side of the riverbank, the strongest and largest of his knights hacking through the Dornish lines to steadily force them back. With the river forded, Albar raised his sword aloft, bellowing for his men to follow as he led the Boar’s Head into the reforming enemy lines. He spurred his destrier onwards, slicing open the throat of a horseman in Fowler colours before crossing swords with a Spottswood. He too ate the dirt, the powerful son of Nestor Royce barrelling forwards like a human wrecking ball.
Vale Centre:
In the centre, the conflict continued, Manwoody’s shieldwall steadying itself and pushing back against the inexorable tide of Valesmen. The footmen joined the fray, men of Belmore, Hunter and Waynwood charging between the horsemen and into the carnage. It had degenerated into two masses of men throwing themselves at each other, and eventually the exhaustion of battle will take hold on both sides. Despite holding fewer numbers, the Dornish here were putting up a stiff resistance.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 12, 2020 11:32:31 GMT -5
Harrold gritted his teeth at how steeled the resolve of the Dornish were. He motions to his standard bearer who blows a horn causing the horsemen to draw back.
Reform the line! Reform the line!!
Lord Arryn bellows as he pulls his steed back. The armored knights rearranged to prepare for another charge. Bloodied, and armored dirtied, they prepared for a second charge. Lord Arryn breathes heavily through his visor before pointing his sword forward. The horn blared once more across the battlefield as the horses galloped forward, spurred by their knights. Lances were lowered, shields raised, and swords were at the ready as the Knights of Vale sought to break the center. Harrold, with sword in hand, and his banner at his side, led the charge toward the Dornish line.
BREAK THEM!!
He called to his knights.
IN THE NAME OF STANNIS, OF THE HOUSE BARATHEON, BREAK THEM AND SEIZE VICTORY FOR THE VALE AND FOR HIS GRACE!!
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 12, 2020 12:52:51 GMT -5
Obara grinned beneath her helmet, turning her nimble steed towards the Knight of Ninestars. She couched her spear and charged, smashing it into Templeton’s shoulder, the blade getting caught in the plate and throwing her off balance. She drew her sword in time to block Templeton’s savage reprisal, and the two were soon crossing blades on horseback in the midst of their two armies. The Sand Snake tasted blood in her mouth as Templeton hammered her in the face with the pommel of his sword, and she blinked through anger and searing pain to hack at Templeton’s wrist. His sword dropped to the ground, lost in the water. But the Knight of Ninestars was not so easily defeated, seizing the reins of her horse to push her from the saddle before she could deliver the final blow. As she toppled into the stream, she looked up to see a dozen new men had taken Templeton’s place in the lines. The Knight of Ninestars had escaped to find a new sword, no doubt. She cursed her ill-luck as the big hands of one of Yronwood’s men helped haul her out of the stream. Vale Left:Despite Templeton’s defeat in the melee, his survival ensured the cohesion of his soldiers and the continuation of his attack. Obara suddenly found Knights of the Vale crossing over further down the stream, with the Dornish knights and riders hard pressed to keep them from crossing. A detachment of foot was sent to detain them, but the lines of the Dornish were now weakening as the men of the Vale were attacking across a wider front. Templeton’s knights pushed ever forwards, and the Dornish would soon be pushed from the river.
"HA HA, YOU FIGHT GOOD, YOU DORNISH CUNT!" Templeton said as he retreated back into the Vale's infantry line The Knight of Ninestars surveyed the situation. Time was of the essence, they had to break the Dornish line before the foot caught the horsemen. He decided against a sword: he ordered his squires to bring him a morningstar. He unmounted and decided to lead a new infantry charge. The Dornish formation had to be broken.
"PLOUGH'EM ALL!" was Templeton's warcry as he charged.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 12, 2020 17:29:43 GMT -5
Vale Left:
Templeton’s charge into the melee finally broke the Dornish lines, the wall of spears shattered as the Knight of Ninestars led his men across the river. Obara Sand sounded the retreat, and the Dornish right began to withdraw from the field as the Valesmen pushed their way over to the other side of the embankment.
Vale Centre:
Manwoody’s men held firm even as the pressure increased to monumental levels, even with Templeton’s men bearing down on them from their right flank they were able to hold their own, stretching and bending their lines to deal with their new enemies. The Arryn banner was driven back across the stream, with Harrold’s men forcing their Lord to pull back after they had once more been repulsed.
Vale Right:
Ser Albar’s men faced stiff resistance as the Dornish launched a swift counterattack at those who had crossed the river, knights in steel plate and mail suddenly bearing down upon them from all sides as they held their own. Once again the conflict had descended into a chaotic brawl on the embankment, with the knights of the Vale desperately trying to fend off a renewed assault from the Dornish.
With the Valesmen across the river and Obara’s men driven from the field, the Dornish sounded the retreat. The rearguard attempted to keep a semblance of order, and though it covered the retreating army it was badly mauled by the Valesmen in the process.
Dornish casualties: 3800 (proportionally spread)
Valesmen casualties: 2200 (proportionally spread)
Post battle rolls:
Obara: Free
Mors Manwoody: Free
Dagos Manwoody: Captured
Harry Arryn: Free
Templeton: Free
Royce: Free
Trait Rewards:
Obara Sand: +1 resilience
Ser Templeton: +1 authority
Mors Manwoody: +1 authority
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 12, 2020 17:41:34 GMT -5
It was no use, the Dornish in the center refused to budge. All it did was frustrate and irritate the young Harrold Arryn to no end. His men forced him to pull back, despite his ardent desire to keep fighting. In the end, Lord Arryn listened and retreated to a safe distance. Still, there would be no defeat under his banner today. The Dornish right was rolled up and Templeton's men charged against the center, held down by Mandwoody. When the horns sounded the retreat, Harrold ordered his knights forward and so they charge, mauling the rearguard of the Dornish as the enemies retreated from the field. From where he sat upon his horse, the young Valeman watched as the Dornish banners slowly vanished over the horizon. His first victory, his first time commanding... this was what he had always wanted.
Harrold turns and calls for an outrider. When the cavalryman pulls up, Lord Arryn raises his visor to speak.
Send word to His Grace. The Dornish have been repulsed and the Vale stands victorious. We will hold our position and await further orders. Tell him we do have a prisoner.
The outrider repeats the message before riding off to the East. As Harrold turned back, he noticed his soldiers bringing up the notable among the prisoners, Ser Dagos Manwoody.
Take him to a tent and feed him. Ensure a guard is put around him.
With that, Harrold gazed out at the field of battle. His pride wounded by how he could not break through the center, but a victory still swelled within his chest. His first victory as Lord of the Vale and as Lord Arryn.
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Post by Pinkerton on Jul 12, 2020 17:56:10 GMT -5
"HAHA, THAT'S IT! TONIGHT WE FEAST ON DORNISH RED, LADDIES!" Templeton's boisterous voice rang across his men, who cheered alongside the brutish knight
The victory had been hard-won. The Knight of Ninestars himself had almost perished in the fight against Obara Sand. He was impressed by the martial prowess of the Sand Snake and made a mental note to seek the warrior after all this mess was done for a rematch.
While his men looted and buried the corpses, Templeton retreated to his tent to have his wounds examined and promptly treated.
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Post by Gandalf on Jul 12, 2020 21:58:41 GMT -5
Albar cleaned his blade from the gore and blood of the day as his squire unbuckled his bloodied plate. The armour was dirtied and dented from a few arrows and sword blows and would have to be hammered back into shape by the quartermaster, and his best destrier had fallen to a battleax. As a result, Ser Royce was in a dour mood as he drowned the post-battles melancholy in whatever piss-water they’d looter from the baggage train. At least he had collected a few ransoms - some Santagar bastard and his cousin were bound up next to his tent. At least they would pay for a new horse.
”Put the corpses on the fire. And my low-born prisoners. Let the Lord have his due.”
Grunted Ser Albar, as he meandered over to Arryn’s tent. One of Stannis’ men was there, some piss face in dark colours delivering news. Apparently they were to pursue Aegon down the kingsroad, or some such foolishness. Sieges were frightfully dull, but Albar supposed that The King would want a quick end. They would have to storm the walls, break the gates. Smash some skulls.
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