THE PRINCE'S ARMY

[Radzig 747]

 

  

 

The standard of the Honourable Free Company of the Lowlands

 

THE PRINCE’S ARMY

THE HONOURABLE FREE COMPANY OF THE LOWLANDS

 

“We are a waning people on a waning continent; even so, the Lowlands shall endure.”

Words of August of Österland

 

 

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A militia is raised of necessity, oft born of growing discord; and so, one did arise in Alba, wrought by such dire circumstance. Its purpose was the defence of the Alstionite holdings within the Holy Pontifical States. What began as a ragtag band of sellswords, brigands, and commoners was, in time, joined by Österland retainers and moulded into a disciplined force. This missive, therefore, shall stand as law, laying forth the duties and the code of conduct by which this company—to henceforth be known as The Honourable Free Company of the Lowlands—shall be governed, that it may be steadfast in its purpose and ever faithful to its cause.   August of Österland Lord Commander of The Prince’s Army

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CONTRACT 

 

The foundation of this host is its contract, as penned by the hand of August von Preussens. It serves as the guiding law of The Prince’s Army, dictating the manner in which they must carry out their duties and fulfill every task set before them. Those who serve within this host are bound to follow this contract, placing it above all else, save the direct commands of the Lord Commander.

 

ARTICLE I — STRUCTURE AND HIERARCHY

When inducted, all company men must adhere to the recognized ranks within the charter. Any deviation from the ranks outlined in this document will be grounds for terminations.

 

ARTICLE II — DUTIES AND CONDUCT

The company’s foremost duty is to uphold its contractual agreements, be they for defense, assault, or garrison. Its honor lies in the faithful execution of its obligations.

 

ARTICLE III — RECRUITMENT AND ELIGIBILITY

Any man or woman of sound body and mind may petition to join the host. All recruits shall undergo a trial period, wherein their skill and loyalty shall be proven. Recruits who prove themselves worthy shall sign a binding contract with The Prince’s Army to ascend to the rank of Man-At-Arms. This contract may only be broken by appeal to the Commander, whose judgment is final.

 

ARTICLE IV — INDUCTION AND FEALTY

Upon completion of their trial period, individuals shall be provided with their contract, wherein they are formally inducted into The Prince’s Army. All contracted company men are bound to retain their contract at all times, as it serves as the sole signifier of their charge. Furthermore, upon induction to the rank of Man-At-Arms, company man shall bear the sigil of House Alstion, marking their overarching contractual obligation unto the house and the Prince’s cause.

 

ARTICLE V — DISCIPLINE AND JUSTICE

The contract shall serve as the arbiter of justice within the company. A tribunal led by the Commander, with two Captains as witnesses, shall preside over all trials. Punishments Penalties for infractions range from fines and lashes to expulsion or execution, as deemed appropriate by the tribunal. Appeals may be made to the council of Captains but shall rarely overturn a verdict.

 

ARTICLE VI — ENGAGEMENT AND WARFARE

The host is bound to carry out its contracts with precision and resolve, adhering to the terms agreed upon without question. While the company does not seek unnecessary cruelty, it shall not falter in the face of grim necessity. Stratagems and subterfuge, when employed, are tools of honor so long as they secure victory. All spoils are to be tallied and distributed fairly, with shares allocated according to rank and contribution. The host shall ensure its patrons receive their due, as stipulated in the terms of the contract.

 

ARTICLE VII — DISSOLUTION AND LEGACY

Should the company disband, its members are released from all oaths and contractual obligations, save for the bonds of camaraderie forged in service. The contract shall be preserved as a testament to the company’s discipline and unity, that it may inspire those who come after.

 

August of Österland

Lord Commander of The Prince’s Army

 

 

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THE BANNERMEN

 

The bulk of the Prince’s Army—the rank-and-file—are chiefly composed of mercenaries and sellswords, enlisted by the House of Preussens to serve as the standing military of the Duchy of Alba. In contrast, its upper ranks are made up of retainers from Österland, whose discipline and expertise have instilled a sense of order and cohesion among the unruly brigands who make up the milita’s core, shaping them into a formidable fighting force. 

 

These soldiers are readily identifiable by their padded leather—dyed in the Alban colors of red, white, and gold—and their daemonsteel armor. The company upholds a rigid hierarchy, one to which all in service are bound by an unwavering loyalty and duty. The ranks are as follows:

 

RANKS

 

	LORD COMMANDER Above all ranks within the Prince’s Army stands the Lord Commander, who bears sole responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the company. Tasked with the highest duty, the Lord Commander directs the army writ large, ensuring that its men are well-trained, well-supplied, and ever-ready for battle. The Lord Commander’s authority is absolute within the ranks, and none serving within the company may question his command.
	CAPTAIN The Captain serves as the senior most officer within the Prince’s Army, aiding the Lord Commander in the overall management of the military and providing counsel on matters of strategy and discipline. When the Lord Commander is absent or otherwise engaged, the Captain acts in his stead as well, holding full authority to make decisions and issue orders on the Lord Commander’s behalf.
	OFFICER Within the Prince’s Army, the Officers serve as intermediaries between the upper command and the rank-and-file soldiers. Either trusted mercenaries of proven loyalties or retainers of Österland, the Officers of the Prince’s Army oversee the daily operations of the army. Tasked with organizing drills, managing supply lines, and ensuring the smooth functioning of all matters, the Officers ensure that every part of the company operates without fail, maintaining order and discipline throughout.
	MAN-AT-ARMS The Men-at-Arms comprise the bulk of the Prince’s Army, serving as the rank-and-file soldiers of the company. Often mercenaries and sellswords formally contracted in service to the Prince’s Army, these men form the backbone of the company’s strength. As the primary fighting force of the company, the Men-at-Arms are often skilled with a range of weapons and are regularly employed in raids, skirmishes, and defensive actions—driven primarily by coin and loyalty to their commanders. Writ most simply, the Men-at-Arms are the hardened core that ensures the Prince’s Army remains a force to be reckoned with.
	RECRUIT The Recruits of the Prince’s Army often come from those brigands, sellswords, and mercenaries who have been hired by the company but have yet to fully be inducted into its proper ranks. These men often hail from harsher backgrounds, seeking either coin or cause to fight, but have not yet proven their worth in the eyes of the company. As such, they are relegated to menial roles, assigned to tasks of lesser importance as they prove their loyalty and skill. Only once they have proven disciplined, competent, and loyal will they be fully inducted, and offered a formal contract.

 

 

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COMMON PRACTICES

 

The men who serve in the Prince's Army are drawn from all paths of life; nevertheless, a number of common practices and customs permeate their ranks, owed to the retainers of Österland, whose influence has wrought them into the awesome host which they now stand. These practices are not enforced but rather, stem from a sense of pride and obligation to the tenets of the company.    Wherefore, those of lowborn station who serve within the Prince's Army, ranking as Man-At-Arms or above, are known to take upon themselves the name "of Österland" in place of a surname, or for a lack thereof. Often as a show of loyalty, many a recruit undergo this quasi-rite of passage. In this, senior members of the company often anoint them with their new surname, should the recruit desire such an honor. Thus, these men are bound not only by their contract, but by their shared name as well.    Furthermore, within the Prince's Army, the painting of helmets is a common practice. It is often performed in private, and is a personal act of individuality. The highborn soldiers or retainers who serve within the Prince's Army are known to paint their helmets in accordance with their charge, that their station may be known. In contrast, the lowborn soldiers often adorn their helmets with symbols, colours, or designs, that they may express their own experiences and beliefs. Some, moreover, are even known to paint upon their helms scriptures from the scrolls, that they might guard themselves against evil.   It’s common for one to sew a checkered pattern into their pant leg after contributing to a victory. Soldiers keep track of dispatched enemies during battle, dictating their standing.

 

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TRADITIONS

 

For there are a number of common practices amongst the soldiers of the company, the Honourable Free Company similarly maintains a number of formalized traditions, practiced primarily throughout wartime.

 

	THE RAISING OF THE BANNER When war is called, be it by contract or by company directive, banners of the Prince’s Army are raised both in fortification and Man-At-Arms. While a clear call to arms and morale, these banners also signify a directive to pool resources and weaponry in preparation for battle.
	THE CAPTIVE'S YIELD  The capturing of enemy combatants, particularly nobles, is a pivotal tradition in the Prince’s Army. Company men are urged to capture in war, be it for imprisonment or ransom, and are rewarded a sum based on the scale of ongoing, involved, contracts. This sum fluctuates based on the tanding of prisoners, payout being equitable regardless of the company man's rank.
	HONOR DUELS Feuds between company men, be it legal or illicit, are often resolved through an honor duel between the two parties, as permitted by the Lord Commander. These duels often escalate into a spectacle for the Prince’s Army, soldiers placing bets on either member’s loss or victory.
	THE PUNISHMENT OF COWARDS Simply put, the punishment of cowards is death. Deserters are hunted and killed by company men, as the only lawful voluntary discharge is arranged through an appeal to the Lord Command.
	THE LAST FEAST The last feast is a traditional practice within the Prince’s Army. Presented before a steeping or consequential battle, company men gather and partake in a “Last Feast”, viewed as a final meal with the certain possibility of upcoming passing. Rousing speeches and parallel spectacles often take place at the feast.
	THE SPOILS OF WAR After a successful raid or battle, all participants are to gather, so that the spoils of war might be shared. Each man, based upon rank and contribution, will be allowed the chance to survey the war chest, and take something which they desire. Spoils personally acquired on the battlefield are rendered null, as the man who earns his takings has full agency to do with it as he wishes.

 

 

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ENLISTMENT

 

Those who seek contract within the company are encouraged to send word by bird to August von Preussens, having duly filled out the following, that they might begin their training as recruits, and, if of proven merit, be formally inducted into the company’s ranks.

 

RP:

Name:

Age:

Race:

Reason for Enlisting:
Past Experience (if any): 

 

OOC:

MC Name:

Discord Tag:

 

 

Spoiler

huge thank you to @mojanghunterfor working on + formatting this 

 

[Emery 958]

Robert lingered at the camp’s edge, where the wind carried the murmur of men and the distant hush of the land beyond. The Lowlands lay waiting, uncertain in their fate, as banners stirred in the dim light. He signs a two-barred cross upon his chest, making for the Lord Commander.

Spoiler

RP:
Name: Robert of Ulmsbottom
Age: -
Race: Human
Reason for Enlisting: Money
Past Experience (if any): Sellsword and Mercenary in distant lands

OOC:
MC Name: EmeryOP
Discord Tag: e.mery 

 

[FireAGN 1207]

Malcolm d'Arkent, a former ward of Alba, grinned, seeing the military poster come to fruition after many long years.

[Xtessisold222 484]

Galladon feels a surge of pride in his fellow battle brothers. 


 

Spoiler

RP:

Name: Galladon Gallerux

Age: 58

Race: Human

Reason for Enlisting: To defend alba
Past Experience (if any):  Aaunic Private

 

OOC:

MC Name: Xtessisold222

Discord Tag: Xtessisold2222

 

[_NotChris 278]

After the Battle of St. Daniel's Crossing, Raynard contemplated his place within Braevos as the heard news of the Prince's Army mustering at the city of Elizabeth. The Man-at-Arms hurried himself to the mustering grounds. 

Spoiler

RP:

Name: Raynard of Alba

Age: Twenty-Winters

Race: Lowlander

Reason for Enlisting: To serve the Duchy
Past Experience (if any): n/a

 

OOC:

MC Name: _notchris

Discord Tag: _cowles5840

 

[mojanghunter 566]

A satisfied smile danced on Joseph's lips as he surveyed the missive’s contents, proud of himself and his brother. At long last, their toils turnt to triumph.

 

Spoiler

RP:

Name: Joseph of Österland

Age: 30

Race: Lowlander

Reason for Enlisting: Service to the Duchy of Alba
Past Experience (if any): N/A

 

OOC:

MC Name: mojanghunter

Discord Tag: mojang

 

[MrMojoMordor 2413]

Bon'Ox admires the craftsmanship of the missive.
He'd even sign up if he didn't have other priorities

Spoiler

That's a sick ass post & format - seriously insane.

Edited February 17, 2025 by MrMojoMordor

[FlemishSupremacy 6115]

Spoiler

very peak post, damn

 

[Kabaffahp 566]

Kaba smiled to herself, her soul alight with pride, happy to be part of the prince's army even though it has only been a short period of time.

 

Spoiler

RP:

Name: Kaba Monspire

Age: 23

Race: Human

Reason for Enlisting: Looking to make a name for myself, to prove myself 

Past Experience (if any): N/A

 

 

 

OOC:

MC Name: Kabaffahp

Discord Tag: Kabaffahp

 

[Olox_ 4318]

Friedrich of Corwinsburg smiled as he finished reading the document "An excellent piece of Österlandic work. Hopefully not the last we will have a chance to read." The Alstreim said with a nod before putting the paper on the desk 

[subatomic 1497]

Mufred, a lowly peasant dwelling upon the mud-strewn paths of Aevos, goes to cast off the chains of his wretched existence and seek a brighter fate. With eyes clouded by visions of minae and a life unburdened by toil, he pens his name upon the enlistment scroll, lured by the call of spoils and glory proclaimed in the missive.
 

Spoiler

RP:

Name: Mufred

Age: 16

Race: Human

Reason for Enlisting: spoils and a better life
Past Experience (if any):  none

 

OOC:

MC Name: subprofits

Discord Tag: suub._.

 

[ErosTea 1084]

Prince Edward Caius looked to the Prince's Army who stood side by side, readied and growing by the day. "You have outdone yourself, Lord Commander, Lord Captain." He'd purse his lips, shying away a smile. "Though there still be much to be done, I entrust you shall carry the work out from here." @Radzig@mojanghunter

Spoiler

Amazing post, well written, well formatted 

 

[Haseroth 1740]

Spoiler

I like the aesthetic of the post.

 

Edited February 18, 2025 by Haseroth

[Sir_Senti 41]

RP:

Name: Baltazar Boldwalker

Age:21

Race:Halfling

Reason for Enlisting: in need of a home, and pay
Past Experience (if any): n/a

 

OOC:

MC Name: Sentinel_232

Discord Tag: rat__trap (two underscores)

[Orphvius 482]

RP

Name: Godfrey

Age: 30

Race: Lowlander

Reason for Enlisting: Loot & glory
Past Experience (if any): Alchemics, N/A

 

OOC

MC Name: Orphvius

Discord Tag: Monarch