Future Events in the Kingdom of Rethem
Chris Weaver KTRUL@worldnet.att.net

Introduction

The following is an outline I have prepared for an upcoming military campaign. Iím using the campaign to expose my group to the BattleLust rules for large combats (there will be plenty of them!).

When plotting the course of future events in Rethem, I wanted to ensure several things would happen. Most importantly, I wanted King Chafin III to emerge victorious, since I plan on a larger war between Rethem and Kanday, and the Earl of Tormau seems less inclined towards that end. I also wanted to leave plenty of unhappy nobles in Rethem, to ensure a continuation of the intrigue that makes it such a delightful place to visit.

My timeline is predicated on the following information. The situation in Rethem has reached a crisis point, as the King risks being perceived as a weak leader if he doesn't solve his domestic problems soon. Its been almost five years since he took the throne, and some of his supporters are eager to see the King address foreign policy issues. The King cannot afford to alienate the Earl of Techen, since his neutral stance is the only thing securing Rethem's borders. Likewise, the King cannot afford to alienate the loyal fighting orders, the most significant fighting force in the kingdom besides the Royal Guard. Lastly, the Earl of Tormau is becoming increasingly bold in his intrigues, and every delay strengthens him at the King's expense.

At the beginning of 720, King Chafin's mindset could be described as, I've got to do something, but what? The Earl of Techen and the Akarata of the Red Shadows provide a suggestion at just the right moment. I'm sure some would debate what follows, but I've tried to base it on what I've learned studying medieval history. Any suggestions, particularly those that address tactical or logistical issues, would be most appreciated.

Timeline Event Description

Nuzyael 720

The Earl of Techen and the Akarata of the Red Shadows of Herpa jointly propose an attack on the Cohorts of Gashang at Themeson, using troops culled from the ranks of the fighting order and the Earl's feudal levies from Techen and Senun. The Earl further proposes the return of Themeson and its surrounding lands to the Thardic Republic, and a royal proclamation declaring the eastern border of Rethem to be the Gomisen River. The Earl reasons that these actions will stabilize the eastern border of Rethem, and allow the King to concentrate on other matters. While the Earl has made these proposals before, this is the first time he has offered to shoulder the burden of raising a sufficient force personally. The King reflects on the matter for several days, and, seeing little risk and substantial reward, approves the plan, going so far as to supply a post-dated proclamation (and a deadline for the Earl and Akarata).

Peonu 720

The Earl of Techen musters his knights and yeomen, and attacks Themeson from the south, while the Order of the Red Shadows of Herpa sweeps down from the north. The unsuspecting garrison at the keep is overrun in only two days, and the survivors are massacred by order of the Akarata. The western half of the Gerdel Hundred is thoroughly pillaged by the victorious soldiers, adding to the Earl's and the Order's warchests.

Kelen 720

The King's proclamation is announced in both Rethem and Tharda. The Marshal of Gerium Province, inflamed by reports of Rethemi military activity, prepares a message for the Senate, asking permission to "defend the borders of the Republic from this heinous assault". While the Expansionist faction of the Senate eagerly supports the Marshal, most of the non-Expansionist members agree that the voluntary return of Themeson precludes any excuse for war, regardless of the condition of the keep or its surrounding lands. Shortly after dispatching his message, and before hearing the reply, the young Marshal is assassinated by agents of the Magistrate of Gerium Province. In Rethem, the Order of the Red Shadows of Herpa marches straight to Ithiko, convinced that the King will deal with the Earl of Tormau next. The Baron of Quiso makes no attempt to stop the Order as it passes through his lands, but immediately reports the situation to the Earl of Tormau.

Nolus 720

The King, unaware of the whereabouts of the Red Shadows of Herpa, orders the Companions of Roving Doom in Shostim to return to Arketh and reinforce the Earl of Ithiko. He then marches south to Chakta with the bulk of the Royal Guard and issues a call-to-arms for all of Rethem south of the River Thard. Even as the levies begin to arrive, the King demands the lawful submission of the Baron of Henwe and the constable of Weseda. The Baron surrenders almost immediately, while the constable and most of the knights around Weseda abandon the area and sail to Tormau. A freak storm drives their ships to the coast north of Golotha, and the constable and his retinue debark at Quste instead. The King secures the agreement of the Earl of Techen to a reorganization of the subinfeudation of the surrounding lands. The Barony of Omnis reverts to the Royal Domain, while the Earl is granted both Henwe and Weseda keeps, with the understanding that he must appoint (with the approval of the King) Barons to each. The King and the Earl agree that the personal interests of the various lords in southern Rethem will ensure that the peace with the Kingdom of Kanday is maintained. The Earl accepts an oath of fealty from the existing Baron of Henwe - he asks for time to consider his choice for the Baron of Weseda. The Earl of Tormau is still unaware of events in the south, but the arrival of over two hundred Agrikans strongly suggests what the future will hold. He calls the feudal levies of the surrounding (loyal) lands and prepares an attack on Ithiko.

Larane 720

The (former) constable of Weseda and the Baron of Quste attack Shostim, hoping to take members of the Royal Family hostage, for the benefit of the Earl of Tormau. The garrison is unprepared for an attack, and the invading force charges through the open gates virtually unopposed. The Queen and Crown Prince are imprisoned in the cellar - the Queen suffers a broken arm from the rough handling she receives at the constable's hands. The Earl of Tormau gathers his strength, and pressures the Sheriff of Hohnamshire and the Baron of Zaza to side with him. The Sheriff (reluctantly) begins to summon his levies - the Baron declines, his outlook improved by the Red Shadows' slaughter of the brigands north of Zaza. The King and the Earl of Techen stabilize the domains in the south, and the King releases his levies just before leaving for Shostim at the end of the month.

Agrazhar 720

The King is greeted at Norienar with the news of his family's capture. The feudal levies from Bekar and Norienar are already assembled, and the march to Shostim begins at once. Quste is all but destroyed in passing. The new defenders of Shostim are expecting a counter-attack, and the castle is well stocked for a siege. The King's own ship is dispatched to the Earl of Tormau by the constable of Weseda, but the prisoners stay behind. Shostim withstands the initial assault, and the King fumes at the prospect of a lengthy siege. The Earl of Tormau "attacks" Winen, and then marches south with two-thirds of his force to Zaza, where it is met by the combined might of the Red Shadows, the Roving Doom, and the Baron. The remaining third of the Earl's soldiers march to Ithiko by way of Ithius. The forces north of Zaza engage and disengage repeatedly as the month passes, neither able to overcome the other. The defenders of Ithiko are routed, but the castle gates hold, and another siege is begun. The King's ship arrives in Tormau, but the Earl is in the field.

Azura 720

The Warriors of Mameka march in full force through Dasen and Quiso, eventually attacking the rear guard and supply lines of the Earl of Tormau. The Earl, "caught between a rock and a hard place", flees to Tormau. The besieged defenders of Ithiko are relieved and Ithius, Winen. and Quiso are seized by the forces loyal to the King. Dasen is besieged and Tormau's island is cut off from all landward access. The siege at Shostim continues.

Halane 720

The King personally leads a furious assault on the walls of Shostim, and the demoralized defenders, believing that no aid will come from Tormau, capitulate. The (former) constable of Weseda and the Baron of Quste are both tortured and killed. The King releases most of his remaining levies and charters ships to transport the Royal Guard and himself to Arketh. Dasen is reduced to a burnt-out hulk after a successful mining operation, and Tormau itself is brought under siege. The King's last act before leaving is to relocate the moot of Parachshire to Norienar, entrusting the defense of Shostim to Sir Dorin of Metsellan, the new constable and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sir Erych of Kasta maintains his position as Sheriff and Chancellor of Rethem.

Savor 720

The King arrives in Arketh and marches to Tormau. He offers to parley with the Earl of Tormau, and the Earl accepts. The King offers to allow the Earl to retain his seat and the fealty of the Baron of Quste (the King approves the inheritance of Subla of Uldseth's son). In exchange, the Earl must swear fealty to the King and provide hostages to ensure his good behavior. The Earl is enraged, as this offer confirms his belief that the King has plotted from the start to seize some of the Earl's lands. The Earl makes to leave, and the King signals to hidden archers. The Earl of Tormau is shot through the back and dies at the gates of the castle. The King makes the same offer to the Earl's brother, who, seeing no other choice, accepts. The King grants Quiso and Ithius to the Earl of Ithiko, with the understanding that one or the other must become a barony. Dasen reverts to the Royal Domain. The Warriors of Mameka and the Red Shadows of Herpa are promised financial support for their conquestof Peran in the form of mining rights near Bedenes and Menekai. Saval Lynnaeus begins his squirehood under the King and accompanies him back to Shostim.

Savor 720 - ALTTERNATE POSSIBLE TIMELINE - UPDATED 10/04/99

The King arrives in Arketh and marches to Tormau. He offers to parley with the Earl of Tormau, and the Earl accepts. The King offers to allow the Earl to retain his seat and the fealty of the Baron of Quste (the King approves the inheritance of Subla of Uldseth's son). In exchange, the Earl must swear fealty to the King and provide hostages to ensure his good behavior. The Earl is enraged, as this offer confirms his belief that the King has plotted from the start to seize some of the Earl's lands. However, he sees no choice but to accept the offer. The King grants Quiso and Ithius to the Earl of Ithiko, with the understanding that one or the other must become a barony. Dasen reverts to the Royal Domain. The Warriors of Mameka and the Red Shadows of Herpa are promised financial support for their conquest of Peran in the form of mining right near Bedenes and Menekai. Saval Lynnaeus begins his squirehood underthe King and accompanies him back to Shostim. Meanwhile, at Tormau the Earl stews in his frustration, and pressures his chamberlain to speed up the negotiations with Kanday.