[en] The Tavern at the Inn

[Traveller]

Very good, Angry! Just, please, edit your post and replace these west flanks etc. As you could see on the map of another (later) battle of Adrianople (http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71/Nike_Raido/PlannabitkatapriOdrin.jpg), to the west of the city there's only the Maritsa (Hebros) river. You probably meant the east flank...
And I just can't stop looking at that little island just to the north of the city and thinking how could we use it. According to the map, the place where the original battle took place in 1205 was a woody and swampy area 8km to the north of the city. So the island should be at a distance of around 1km. Do you have any suggestions how to use it?


And thanks for the beer, Eric! :cheers:

[hawk_knight]

hawk_knights log,


My army is almost at the northern gate.
I can hear that the assault has already begun as i can hear the catapults shooting rocks. I told my men to ride harder its stil a hour or a half hour.
But ow we must ride like the wind. While riding to angryminer I talked to my officers that once in the castlel. We must form the men in to lines to counter any attack from the enemy.


later at noon

I can see the northern gate.
but some thing is weird the gates are wide open. And no guards are stationed out side. This is strange I ordered my men to take cover in the forest.
So that we can see waht is going on. As we approadced the forest we heard a noise ot off the forest. I said to my 3000 men be on your guard as it could be an roman ambush. THen some one shouted from the forest dont attack. Where bulgarians I shouted back come out where we can see you. when they came out i saw the bulgarian flag and there bulgarian armor. One of them I recognised as traveller. we went to sit o na fe rocks and talked about ouwer position and why the gate wide open.

[Traveller]

Traveller's Log - The month of Chrven (July), the 10th day of the month
After-battle report, part I

Early morning came and I saw how close the Romeans were to finishing several of their stone-throwers, samostreli and tsigri. They have done probably more than their best. Soon rocks would start falling down on the besieged city. And Angryminer and his garrison are all alone there. I hope he has received the falcon messeges! Otherwise, without any hope, I can't imagine how would the soldiers fight at the sight of this great enemy army. With despair and then run for their lives? Or with despair and fight till the bitter end... Such thoughts worried me whole night and in the morning of this so dreadful day. But even I couldn't imagine the foul bloodshed of this day, the horrendous battle shouts from all sides, then the terrifying cries of the wounded and the last sighs of the dying! I've never been a real true believer, but all this horror makes me think hell actually exists and that we might be punished at the end for all this un-Godly violence. I must visit some of the survived city churches for repentance later...
But let me not get carried away! So, I was ascertaining the situation, trying to find a way how to reach the city and help its defenders as much as I can. I had heard during my short stay there of some small tunnel leading to the city. But, first, it would be too small for all my men to cross unnoticed and I couldn't risk the Roman or Arab scouts to see it. And, second, I didn't even know where exactly it is, I knew just the approximate location, which was of no use to me now. Then, was it from all this tension or because of the heat in this armour, but my mind gone blank! I couldn't think of anything reasonable, all I saw in my imagination were repeating scenes of glorious, but futile charges against the main enemy army and the death of me and all my men. I admit, fear took over of me! And this little forest we were in was so easy to discover! Or maybe we have already been discovered and the enemy is sneaking carefully next to us, waiting for the right momen to slaughter us? I was just thinking of such paranoid things, when it happened so that I was seemly right. A relatively big cavalry detachment appeared from the north. Enemies! They've discovered us! Attack my men! For honour and glory, let us die with no shame! Fortunately, my men weren't so stupid or frightened as me and they noticed the Mithdrill Royal banner among them. I was already on my horse by then, charging out of the forest and down at the "enemy", but my men shouted back at me "Wait! Don't attack! They are allies! The Northerners!", while others also informed Lord Hawk Knight that we're Bulgarians and friends, so that they don't make the same mistake as me. But when I heard the word "Allies" it all came back to me - all my previous adventures with Lord... uhm... King Xuca (I always tend to forget that), with Angryminer and Kuno, with Sire Dobber and all of the Commanders. I also remembered about my own tsar... And, yes, these aren't Roman or Arab banners! These are indeed the Northern banners of Mithdrill! The Royal Cavalry Guard of Lord Hawk Knight himself! Finally, the main army has arrived! But why are there only around 2000-3000 horsemen? Where are the others? Where are the sick Sire Dobber and Kuno, King Xuca, Sir Richard? Of course, Lord Hawk Knight would answer me himself. And so he did. We sat down at some nearby rocks, oblivious of all enemy eyes, watching upon us, and he explained me how he rode forward with his men, because he knew the situation of the city is dire. Strangely, he mentioned nothing about the condition of poor Kuno, but I had no time to ask too long about that, because we noticed that the northern gates of the city are opening. What?! Angryminer surrenders the city to the enemy?! It can't be! Not him! It is true that the Roman catapults were doing their job very well on the southern gate, but Angry is not such a coward to flee for his life so quickly! And the tsar's kavkhan was there too - he surely wouldn't have allowed this! In such and similar thoughts we were wondering what's going on. Obviously, the smaller Romeo-Arab contingent in the north of the city was doing the same, as they neither advanced, nor they withdrew. They were as surprised as we were! And they (and we) were even more surprised when after some short time large masses of the city garrison started pouring out of the gates and attacking the enemy! Brilliant, how didn't I thought of this?! Angryminer is breaking the siege through the weaker enemy spot and from where the reinforcements are expected to arrive. So logical and simple, but yet under the tension - so hard to guess! And Lord Hawk Knight had also told me that these falcons we noticed (and one we caught) were from him, informing Angryminer he's coming to his aid. I should've remembered that when the gates opened, but still...
Anyway, when we saw our friends and allies from the Adrianople garrison pouring out and engaging in a desperate and heroic fight, we had no time to lose - the choice was clear! We mounted our horses and charged at the back of the enemy Romans just as most of them had just engaged the battle near the gates. They had nowhere to flee now, as they were between the hammer and the anvil! They still outnumbered us, but we only had to fight those ones at the gates and make our way through them and into the city. After that we only had to see what the further battle plan is and act accordingly to it together with the rest of the Allied troops. And so we charged, like the hell, which was to come this very same day! But it was not here yet and we were eager to fight for our swords and lances had not tasted enemy blood for a long time. And our honour and pride was not yet avenged after the previous Roman and Norman incursions into our lands. It was time for payback and the enemy's Judgement Day was already here in us!
But I can't describe what happened after our first clash with the enemy. Anger and hatred were still too strong and motivating to constantly raise our sword-arms and strike them down at the enemy. For the enemy was no man, no human being, but just another piece of faceless body, for which we didn't even care to look at. The stabbing and slashing quickly became a mechanical routine, in which no thought was needed. And because of this I don't remember how long did it take me, was it an hour or a minute, to reach our garrison friends. But I remember what brough me out again from this mindless carnage - exactly the face of a friend! I couldn't really believe it when I saw it! My mind is probably playing tricks on me! Kuno?! But - yes, it was Kuno of Gersenau indeed. I asked him, still in great surprise, what is he doing here, but then I remembered we're not in the local tavern for a friendly chat, so I didn't wait for his answer and asked him what do we do. He replied that Angryminer is in the city, to the north, repulsing the invading Romans and Arabs, which already broke through the gates. But he had also sent some messengers to all eventual allies to gather at the north city gate. Lord Hawk Knight, however, decided he couldn't leave a friend alone in such a dire situation, so he took most of his men he could gather and rode into the city to aid as much as possible Angry and his men. I prefered to stay at the north with Kuno...

[to be continued in part II]



Part II, of course, will come after the other bard's stories, especially Dobber's (from the main army) and Xuca's (from the same place). I also want to remind all the bards that: Heretic and SOWHF are on the Romeo-Arab side and are most welcome to write something from that perspective. CL (aka SOWHF), afaik, is still alive and should be somewhere around the main Allied army. Richard, although he already wrote about the battle and his death, could also write about the march to Adrianople. FH is also at the Allied army and can also take part of the battle. NaVatar has his spy Travis at the Allied camp, so he could write about it as well. Ainvar already wrote a short "intro" of his view on the battle and we await also his story (which would probably come after the one of the bulk of the army). I hope I haven't missed someone and if I do - you have my sincere appologies!

[Dobber]

I will add something this evening(GMT -5 of course). But for now I must go earn a living! I am intersted in hearing Ainvar's next installment, this enrgy ritual or whatever it is.

[Angryminer]

Well done Hawk Knights and Traveller!
I deliberately gave Kuno the west flank. I imagin that there are some fords or bridges to cross the river in such an area (big city, roman architects, lots of trading in this direction). Also it's obvious that the byzantine are going to slaughter us in the open field the map indicates to the east, so I thought I should keep us prepared for every strategy we might come up with.

Angryminer

[Traveller]

Hmm, might be...
Do you have any idea how could we use that island over there? I just want to implement it somehow! :wink:

[Xuca]

I just have a question, from which direction is our main army comming? It's been long, I forgot. :blush:

[Traveller]

It should be from north, but the "main army" part of the story wasn't developed for some long time (thankfully Dobber got healed later), so I'm not quite sure... At least I've sent messages to you to come from the northern side, because the "Axis" has already blocked and trapped the southern bridges...

Btw, as my tsar is also in that army, I might also "issue" a hrisovul (golden-sealed official letter) or something like that from his name, for the comemoration of our victory or for submission after our defeat...

[Xuca]

Well we're not that behind since events are happening in a small time frame. I'll write something soon, I just need to review our position. We rescued CL, though he's left with almost no men, hawk_knight continued to Adrianople after helping us, so the main army is even more behind than me and Richard. So, if Richard would show up and take more reinforcements and head out, and Dobber and me would come with the most soldiers, probably when everything would seem lost. :wink:
EDIT: I just went and read Dobber's last entry, so we're almost there already, so I think we should wait for Ainvar to give us strenght to continue our march. :scratch:

[Angryminer]

I have no clue how you could use the island. Though... No one can flank us there. But on the other hand we can't maneuver either, which means that we'll be slaughtered slowly but steadily.

Let's write a small bit of the story:
It was well over an hour ago that the Romans entered the town. Angryminer was riding through the town all the while, even fighting himself, commanding troops to fall back, shift location or engage. But now the romans were close to the northern gate. The remaining defenders would be killed within 15 minutes, but withdrawing them was still possible.

As Hawk Knight approached the wide open northern gate soldiers were pouring out of it. Exhausted men who have been fighting and running for over an hour. Just when Hawk Knight wanted to enter the town Angryminer appeared on the other side of the gate, shouting at some soldiers "Close the gate, quickly, destroy the chains!"
When Angryminer noticed Hawk Knight he opened the visor of his helmet and smiled for a moment. "Halt, stay outside of the town, the Romans will be at the gate within minutes!"
Angryminer left the town together with the last men. Just as the gate was closing Roman detachments of armored infantry appeared in sight of the gate, but they were too late. The bulgarian soldiers placed a tree trunk in mountings that were put into the outside of the gate. Further obstacles were put behind the gate to stop it from opening. The romans were locked inside the town.
Angryminer put off his helmet when he came close to Hawk Knight. "Greetings my friend!" he said when they began riding towards the forming army north of the gate.

End of this part.
I decided not to fight the Romans at the gate. If we would put up a fight now we would be outflanked within half an hour and would be trapped between the river in the north and west, the city-walls in the south and the enemy in east and south. We would only be able to flee over the bridges, where we would be slaughtered.

Angryminer

[Traveller]

Then maybe we (or at least some part) could flee to that island? If we reach it first, it would be much easier to defend it - you know what a great disadvantage it is for the armies, which have to cross a river or bridge and fight the enemy ahead! And it's better than staying in the open field... :wink: Maybe we should send part of the army to take control of the island, while another part holds off the remaining Romeo-Arab forces, which were to the north out of the city before. When the first army takes control, the defending one withdraws to it, while the first one covers their backs. I believe we have enough men to guard even the whole coast-line and it would be a really tough job for the enemies to break through (if they even make it to the island and don't drown under a shower of arrows). Eventually we could hold it off until the Rohirims... uhm, the Ally 1st Army arrives... Or maybe we should think of something else? Note, however, that we have to hurry with the decision, because the Roman-Arab forces are already marching from the south to the north!

[hawk_knight]

we could do that. I will be on the defending army then with my 3000 men.
Who wanna have a battle against those romans. :biggrin:

[Angryminer]

Well, why discuss something in the thread when we could discuss it in the story?

Angryminer's tale
Shortly after the meeting with Hawk Knight:

During their short ride to the army Angryminer told Hawk Knight of the happenings in the town and that a good part of the roman close combat forces are bound in the city and will not be able to go into an effective open field formation before well over half an hour has passed. Hawk Knight on the other hand told Angryminer about Traveller who was somewhere in the army.
Angryminer was again delighted when he met with Traveller. The joy of the moment seemed somewhat absurd in this situation and was quickly absorbed by the striking earnest of the battle to come.
"We have to stay on the move." Angryminer began talking. "The Byzantine are surely already heading towards our position with the remaining available troops that aren't in the city, right?" Traveller nodded and said that he has reports of light cavalry and infantry, supported by an amount of archers, would reach this position in roughly half an hour. They would propably be aimed to keep us bound until the heavily armed troops from within the city are ready. Traveller proposed to set up formation on the island in the river to the north to keep defensive formation until the main army arrives. Hawk Knight offered to defend the withdrawing army until formation has been established.
"I believe we have to stay on the move. Even when the main army arrives we're fighting against superior equipment and numbers if the armed troops have rejoined the byzantine army by then. We may not allow the Romans to set up secured battle formations along the river. Once the main army has arrived we need to be able to launch offensive maneuvers. We can't do that while we are besieged on an island or behind a bridge. I propose to carry the battle westwards behind the river. The Romans have propably set up camps there, but the dispatchment that is coming here from the east leaves the southern remainders of the army vulnerable. They didn't expect to have to dispatch these eastern troops at all. They surely won't have an effective second reserve in the south. With that move we can force the byzantine to scatter around in all directions and hinder them from reaching a battle formation. Also, I believe we will be able to secure a southern bridge before the armored dispatchments in the town can fight effectively. That would allow us to go into a defensive formation behind one of the southern bridges if we encounter more resistance that awaited, but I expect that we will be able to keep the upper hand. Hopefully the main army will be able to attack in the open field west of the town by then and force the Byzantines to fight on two sides, without an established formation."
Angryminer looked to the two commanders and awaited their proposals. He was obviously unhappy to not be moving right now and his escape from the dreadful situation in the city that could have been his grave seemed to give him more energy and willpower than he expected himself.

Angryminer

[Kuno of Gersenau]

Wow, the story takes up speed again! Great! :go:

I will present "my" impressions of the starting battle later on or tomorrow!

But first drink a round to celebrate the new tension. Eriv, next round is on me! :cheers:

[Prince Eric of the Lorah Clan]

...drink a round to celebrate the new tension...next round is on me! :cheers:

A round of drinks is served! It's on Kuno! Enjoy! :cheers:

[Dobber]

Well we're not that behind since events are happening in a small time frame. I'll write something soon, I just need to review our position. We rescued CL, though he's left with almost no men, hawk_knight continued to Adrianople after helping us, so the main army is even more behind than me and Richard. So, if Richard would show up and take more reinforcements and head out, and Dobber and me would come with the most soldiers, probably when everything would seem lost. :wink:
EDIT: I just went and read Dobber's last entry, so we're almost there already, so I think we should wait for Ainvar to give us strenght to continue our march. :scratch:

Xuca, you are even more behind than anyone! Richard has already written his account of the battle of Adrianople! He was killed in his account of the battle!
I am not sure if it was you or hawk_knight, that he mentioned was at his side when he died. I will have to look back and see.

[hawk_knight]

Xuca, you are even more behind than anyone! Richard has already written his account of the battle of Adrianople! He was killed in his account of the battle!
I am not sure if it was you or hawk_knight, that he mentioned was at his side when he died. I will have to look back and see.

It was me dobber ;) which he mentioned to be at his side when he died :wink:

[Angryminer]

Today it's a cool clear and rainy night in germany. You don't happen to have a glass of white wine for me? Pinot Grigio or Gray Burgundy?
(In english White Burgundy is Pinot Blanc, so do you say Pinot Grey or something like that?)

Angryminer

[hawk_knight]

eric a XXL Beer plz need a good drink before going to bed :cheers: :cheers:

[Prince Eric of the Lorah Clan]

Angryminer, here is your white wine! Enjoy! :cheers:

And hawk_knight, here is your xxL beer! Enjoy! :cheers: