The fortress of Starkeep controls one of the two mountain passes that leads into the Kingdom and long ensured safety for the Kingdom. Recent times saw it fall to undead hands, and when the necromancer Phineus was finally defeated the realm of Kerrat seized it and has since used it as a staging point for invasions against the Kingdom. Therefore reclaiming control over this fortress has been the Kingdom's highest priority: it is commonly believed among commanders on both sides that it would prove decisive if the Kingdom were to regain control over their passes.
The smith Haldon, a man of great repute and skill has lived right outside the fortress for as long as anyone can remember. He has seen many rulers come and go throughout the years and has worked for all of them indiscriminately, without choosing a side in conflicts. Due to his famed ability at using the magical ores found in the surrounding caves and magically enhancing weaponry, most have excused him for this, and those who've tried to interfere with his work have soon found his hammer to their face. Right now Haldon seems troubled, however...
Within the courtyard, the garrison's commanders are gathered...
Marshal Cassandra: "I tire of waiting. After that disaster at the fords of Gelron, you'd think the Kingdom would have moved faster."
Lord Skarr Von Adlersflügel: "They have their own problems. Perhaps they required the time to muster enough strength. Last I heard the Bulls were fortifying the pass of Lion's Maw once more. It could be they've waited to attack until the Bulls have finished their work so Lion's Maw wouldn't be lost while they were fighting here, or have allowed us the time to fortify our position here to avoid being surprised by reinforcements."
Cassandra: "Pah. Don't think I need tactical advice from someone of your House. If it hadn't been for your feeble nephew Fabian, we'd still be out in the field instead of staring at rocks!"
Skarr: "..."
Lord Sychon: "I agree with Cassandra! Let them come! My axe wants a taste of the blood of those impostors!"
Dark mage: "My lords! A rider approaches!"
Cassandra: "Alone? Who could that be?"
Brockram: "Ahh, Starkeep at last. My men all perished, but at least the First Marshal made it. I still don't know how I survived falling off that cliff. I'm sure my subordinates will prepare a warm welcome for their First Marshal."
Brockram: "Well met, warriors. Why do you block my path? Don't you know who I am? I am Brockram, First Marshal of Kerrat, and I demand passage!"
Syrchon: "So I've heard. I've also heard Lord Junatan wasn't too happy you almost allowed him to be killed, and considers you dead. So no one will really care if me and my boys cut you up. Lady Cassandra wouldn't mind taking that title you are so pompous about from you either."
Brockram: "Cassandra...? But... Who are you to speak in the name of Lord Junatan? Dragon knight impostors?"
Syrchon: "We are the Drakhirri, from the Isle of Draklon right outside your twisted Kingdom. Apparently we have spent so much time there everyone has forgotten about us, or you would know we are the legitimate rulers of this realm, before you drove us out! The sigils you wear are derived from our own by our treacherous brethren who sided with the impostors, so watch who you are calling an impostor!"
Brockram: "Oh, I remember now. You speak of ancient history, my friend. If what I remember is correct, you bastards sided with demons."
Syrchon: "So you know... The people who remember their history so well aren't so many. All the more reason to do away with you. Men, attack!"
Brockram: "A man would face me in a duel!"
Syrchon: "A man wouldn't run!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the keep...
"I, Cales, Knight-Marshal of the Empire, request an audience with the illegitimate occupants of Starkeep, bastion of the Empire!"
Cassandra: "More visitors. Some action at last. You seem to be missing something, Cales: the Empire no longer exists save perhaps in the minds of that paltry force you have with you. Apparently the reports you had gone insane were right, though I was actually expecting a weakling like you who couldn't even hold off the Bulls to have died by now."
"I must thank you for taking care of my future seat of power so well Cassandra. I hadn't expected to find it in such a good shape after the undead occupation, but I advise you to leave it before I'm forced to kick you out."
Cassandra: "That's it. I'm going to rip his throat out."
Skarr: "Cassandra, stay. I suspect some kind of trap."
Cassandra: "Doesn't matter, I'll still rip his throat out."
Moments later a company of armed knights stormed out from the front gate, pursuing Cales' company.
Cassandra: "Apparently your mouth is bigger than your courage knave!"
Cales: "Now!"
Cales' men turned to face Cassandra's unit as one, which stopped when they heard the sound of many marching feet.
A company of soldiers under Cales' command rushed into the valley, bearing siege equipment.
To their side, a Bull ranger captain led a small group of Bull special forces onto the field. The Bulls had suffered a lot, and their numbers had decreased greatly. Cales had protested against their presence, but the Bulls had ignored his protests because they, as the most forward of the Kingdom's factions, had a large stake in the matter. The specialists, able to scale walls, would certainly prove a useful asset to the Kingdom forces.
Zahru Trollarm the Slayer was also among them, seeing Starkeep as a worthwhile stop on his way to the North.
"So, Cales, you joined up with the Kingdom and even the Bulls that destroyed your beloved Empire. Who would've thought. You're truly a man of many colours, or should I say a turncoat."
"It's funny to hear that coming from someone like you."
"Apparently you know more than you're supposed to. It doesn't matter. I'll kill you with my bare hands if I have to."
On the other side, a host of Golden Lions marched into the valley.
Frederick Von B: "It seems like Cales' plan is working... Let's hope the light siege weapons I engineered will be enough to break their defences."
Skarr: "So I was right... Everyone, to your positions!"
One side of the keep was taken by Hitlerr and the Crimson Glory forces Cassandra had left behind. The garrison consisted of Dark mages, Iron Grannies and Knights and cannons stood ready to fire on the walls.
Some of the mages had taken cover behind the walls.
The other side was protected by the Adlersflügel forces of Lord Skarr. Footmen and knights, as well as two apprentice mages, stood ready to defend.
"A siege? Now of all times? Argh, don't let that dandy escape, men!"
"Hah, this should give me the opportunity to get through!"
Overviews:
Teams, factions and objectives:
Team 1 Kerrat Main objective: hold the keep, drive off the attackers.
Factions / side objectives
Cassandra: kill Cales
Drakhirri: kill Brockram (mgb519)
Hitlerr (Ham701)
Skarr (lawmaster)
Team 2 The Kingdom Main objective: conquer Starkeep, drive off the defenders.
Factions / side objectives
Cales (Ross_Varn)
Frederick Von B (General_Of_Death)
Zahru (Zahru II)
Bulls (Zupponn)
Other:
Brockram. Objective: escape across the fortress. Bonus: kill the Drakhirri. (FISH!!!)
Secret faction 1 (Killer_Karetsu)
Secret faction 2: ??? (locked for now, will be made available if necessary)
Side objective for all: The smith Haldon has a quest. Whoever succeeds in it will receive his help. The quest will become apparent once someone approaches him. He is a powerful hero capable of enchanting weapons and armour as well as creating it.
Faction information will be sent after you sign up, you can send orders after all spots are filled. Turn order is decided by the order of PM's.
