thesmellypocket

"A merchant republic is a hive of scum and villainy." Francois declares.

Needs GLA music.

Ser Garahel reads the piece at Castle Saltstone, nodding in agreement to most of it. Though the code was written by my father, Ser Maric, not his scribe Ser Akal, he thinks to himself.

 

((Excellent post dude, code is somewhat changed though. Full/updated one is on the Knighthood edict unless you reworded it intentionally.))

((It is slightly different, this is the one Francois has learnt by heart, so I decided to use this version. Cheers anyway. Also the edict thread is very good!))

On the Appliance of These Principles in Warfare

In war, then, you must see that the prisoners of the enemy are given ransom; and released if they fight well and honourably. You should not torture or harm enemy gentlemen and nobles who have fought well. You must ensure your forces are well disciplined and does not attack the local populace as well as sack settlements should the enemy surrender to you. It is often said a true knight will vow not for ransom himself but offer it to his enemies, be they serf, squire or soldier. But ransom is often a necessary course. Surely, without knights giving themselves to ransom, then war would be a bloody business (at least more so than usual.) Therefore, you must consider your own situation. Does my liege require me? Do my holdings or my peasants require me? These questions and more you must have yourself ask.

If you are outmatched in numbers and in troop quality, there is no shame in retreating but one should not abstain from an even battle. That being said, one should still never sally forth from a fort to be met by heavily armed heavy cavalry. You will be badly formed and unprepared and anarchy will reign within your ranks. You must not “take or give offense over trivial things” and must therefore not be provoked. To cause good yeomen and burghers to die needlessly over the petty insults of the enemy is foolish.

Sieges are the bread and butter of war. If you wish to hold a keep and fight it out, how can they fault you? Those who do find fault with that are truly fools and curs with no understanding of warfare in this modern day.

You must punish harshly those who attack holy men, and those who loot churches. You must obey your superior’s orders even if they lead to your detriment or even death. You must see the enemy as an honourable foe to be defeated, not a cur who must be murdered and his troops butchered without thought.

You should be careful and protect the baggage train and camp followers, for they cannot defend themselves. You must not attack and butcher the enemy’s baggage train, but allow them safe ransom. The former is pure murder. As it is said in the good code: “Safeguard the helpless.”

If you outmatch the enemy, you should force your enemy into a position when he must surrender. You should try to abstain from a simple massacre.

You must choose your liege carefully. For if you join a liege that is traitorous and foolish, then you shall find yourself obligated to fight for him despite what you may feel about him.If you turn away from your liege, you will be vilified for being a traitor. However, if you stay with him, you shall suffer the same if you stay with an unworthy liege. To your direct liege you are bound first and foremost. Other allegiances, such as nation and house, are secondary. Therefore, you must join he who knows the word of Saint Edmond (chivalry) and who acts by it. Then you will be known as a man who is truly just.

To fight for glory and to achieve the welfare of not only your own troops but also the local populace are often contradictory ideas, for the latter can impede or even prevent you from the former. But the mathematics of defeat are grave, and it is in its own right a glory to achieve what you wish with few casualties. Therefore, we may see that to conquer an enemy entirely and with glorious victories and fast sieges is not the epitome of excellent, but to achieve such a goal with few deaths is the greatest a man can achieve. By that merit, we may see that the commander must have in his mind his own want of glory, but also the want to do it harmlessly. As it is said in the most sacred code“resolve not with arms that can be resolved with tongue” therefore you must not think you must obtain glory at any price. To work to obtain it is a necessary part, but to obtain with little damage is another vital component. But it is said in the Art of Strategy by Harald Von Manstein  that in order to achieve a mobile army we must make a point of sacking the enemy’s settlements who refuse to surrender. This is true, and it is many a time a military necessity. Before embarking on such a course, a commander must consider the following:

Is this sacking ordered or warranted by my liege?

Is it necessary for the prosperity of the kingdom?

Did they surrender the city without a fight?

Did they offer heavy resistance?

If an enemy offers heavy resistance you must surely sack; if the enemy surrenders you must never sack If your liege wishes it so it must happen, and if your own holdings are poor and impoverished it is sometimes understandable as to why you sack, you shall not be blamed.

Sacking is, despite the bloodiness of it, a common practice in war and your benevolent reputation will not be challenged over the sacking of a city, unless in exceptional circumstances such as the sack of a friendly city or even a surrendering city.

Whether a commander should always be in the fray of the fighting is also a difficult dilemma. On one hand, you must be willing to fight “For glory” and “Defend the honour of your fellow knight.” And to fight yourself inspires your troops for you are willing to do no less than they are doing. On the other hand, if you are a senior officer and you are killed, it will cause instability and chaos. And we must also remember we do not promote men who have not proven themselves worthy warriors before. Do men who already know of your prowess need to know you can still show it? But nay, those levymen you fought with when you were younger were likely different men. To truly earn the men’s respect you must fight but not fear death. Then your name and your bravery shall be sung to the very heights of the heavens. If you have the men’s respect, then they will follow you and protect you. If you do not have such, they will leave you deserted and dead.

Source:The Code of Chivalry, By Ser Maric Varodyr

-Live by honour, for glory, and guard the honour of your fellow knight.

-Honour the Creator; maintain his church.

-Keep the Faith; act in righteousness.

-Serve your liege with valour, diligence and conviction.

-Persevere always; never turn your back to the foe.

-Do not give or take offense for trivial things.

-Give succour to widows and orphans and regard the honour of women.

-Offer to the needy; safeguard the helpless and weak.

-Respect those placed in authority; fight for the welfare of all people.

-Abstain from that which is unjust, cruel or dishonest.

-Show courage; be vigilant, even in the face of evil.

-Resolve not with arms that which can be resolved with words.

-But never fill your tongue with deceit, even on pain of death.

Oy vey!

"I have never understood the government of you people!" Justinian declares. "Despotism is the only cure!"

Ioustinianos (Justinian) Komnenos 
 

Basic Information
 

                               Alternate Names: Nicknames:Justinian, "The Bastard"

Age:19

Gender:Male

Race:Human

Status:Alive, well and still future Basileus.



Description

Height: A very tall man at 6 foot 5 inches.

Weight:  A large man, he weighs nearly 100 kilos. 

Body Type:  Bulky and tall.Ey

Hair: His hair is rarely seen beyond his armour, but when it is seen it is slightly unkempt and dark.

Skin: White (Mediterranean)

Markings/Tattoos:N/A.

Personality: A daring and ambitious man, he hates inactivity, despises slothfulness and admires diligence. A nonjudgmental person to fellow humans, he takes them at face value regardless of social class. However, he does not treat other races in the same way, frequently expecting only bad of them. 

He is rather optimistic, and is a generally jolly sort, provided he is kept busy. When not kept busy he falls into wroth, frustration and stress and not the other way around like most people, who are stressed by too much work. 

In terms of honour, he can compromise his honour for his own personal gain but the gain must be very large in order to do so. He cares about his reputation and would not lose his honour over trivial things. 

He is rather rational and in control of himself, not guided by emotion, unless on drink. 

Life Style

Alignment: Neutral.

Deity: The Creator.

Religion: The Church of the Cannon. (Patron Saint: Saint Theodosius the Raevir)

Alliance/Nation/Home:  House Fournier, the Kingdom of Oren

Job/Class: Varangian Guardsman.

Title(s):  Skoutatos-Guardsman.

Profession(s): He is a purely martial man.

Special Skill(s):

-Education: Being educated by his uncle, Basil Komnenos, he is skilled with many weapons including swords, polearms, axes and on horse. He also speaks eloquently, due to the education he received. 

Flaw(s):

-Komnenos: A man who was not only the bastard of a serf (Alexios Doukas), but also the adopted son of Basil Komnenos. Whenever a noble speaks with less eloquence/education then him he is angry since they had more opportunities yet wasted them away. This makes him come into conflict with powerful men...

-Intolerance of Different Races/Religions: This man respects the Church and the Church only, humanity and humanity only. Other races who brag of their superiority cannot match our greatness!

Weaponry

Fighting Style: Justinian can fight with a variety of styles, given his wide martial education. With spear/arming sword and shield he is rather defensive, but very offensive with two-handed weapons such as the greataxe, hacking away at the enemy. He will always style himself a lancer, whatever weapon he carries.

Trained Weapon: Arming sword, various shields, great axe, spear, bills, halberds etc., heavy lance.

Favoured Weapon:  Spear and shield on foot, lance and shield on horse.

Archery: Given his strength, he is able to draw bows of high poundage. This enables him to use high poundage warbows. The power of the bows available to him makes up for his lack of practice in archery.

We shall build Constantinople! Then the Komnenids will sack it and take power, obviously. 

edit:Never forget 1071 1081 1204 1453 

Also: Latin scum will not invade again!

This is unofficial lore...But there is evidence to suggest Heartlanders are the master race within humans. 

HEIL ADOLF VON MANSTEIN!

Phraates reads the manual, only to return it to the author with the following comment:

"Nowhere in the Seven Skies is there ever a Henri di Normandie nor a Tower of London"

((that is why it's in double brackets, clever clogs. It is ooc background.))

STRATEGY

By Harald Von Manstein

“In the excellent years of 1498-1502, it was my noble brother, Harald, who wrote a book on the use of strategy in warfare. Let this publication and completion after his demise be so devis’d as a tribute to his name, and so we may honour the late Harald whose lose still bears over over us the most terrible grief.”-Adolf Von Manstein.

((I will every now and then also provide a historical basis for what is being said, with examples. These examples will mostly be English, since I live in England. All of this book is rooted in medieval history, as well as having some inspiration from generals such as Sun Tzu, though the book’s tactics differ wildly with Sun Tzu’s.))

I.Raising An Army

I.In the art of war, the matter of, to say with no exageration of any kind, the most import is levying a force large enough to carry out your campaigns.

II.And so the forces of the realm may be divided into these categories: Sergeants, Knights and Squires, Levied Peasantry, Bugher Watches or Militias; Specialised Mercenaries.

III.Knights and squires are usually the most elite of these forces, for they act as heavy infantry and cavalry. Therefore their levying is of vast import, and the highest priority.

IV.When levying knights to your cause, it is not uncommon for a sovereign king to offer financial incentives to gentry to take up arms. These may come under movable property of any sort, be it minas, cattle, or otherwise. It must be said this may be financially straining, so it is good for a sovereign, be he in a time where his knights and squires are needed badly, to offer riches in the form of the possessions in his house. In the practical art of war, where the profit of the sovereign is of importance, we must see this as a last resort.

V.For it is well known it can be not very prestigious. If a king gives his household personal goods such as gold objects, jewelry and weapons, riding horses and destriers, rival princes, dukes, kings and caliphs will see your realm as poor, and you as weak, for you are giving the honoured goods of your family.

VI.The use of giving enemy riches, which would usually go the sovereign, to knights and squires as a financial reward and incentive is much less of a poor course, however. For you have taken it from the enemy, at no cost to the prestige of your own house.

VII.There, it may be summarised as this: Financial incentives (and punishments) must be observed to get the best service, and these are preferably done from minas and loot, rather than your own possessions. For though the knights have an obligation to fight for you, they will do so best with incentive.

VIII.A final note is that horses are the most expensive part of a knight’s equipment, and they are prone to disease, death on the battlefield and other losses. Therefore, to the men who have more horses, there must be more pay. It must be said that those who are use riding horses such as  palfreys on the march, and then ride destriers and coursers into battle. To these people it must be said, that they have gone out of their way to have more horses, and must be given more wealth. It is also frequent to repay or replace lost horses. ((This happened in medieval times, in England as early as 1101 (Henry I de Normandie) We know this was a common practice by 1193, where he have concrete examples. For example, the Tower of London gave a payment of £2 3s 4d for the loss of a destrier and two rouncies.))

IX.Sergeants are another important force on the battlefield. It is these spearmen and light horsemen who have ensured Oren’s victories for the last few decades. Any who comes under this category is a man who is not gentry or noble, a mere common man, but one who is a professional soldier, always at the call in the manner of a retinue. For example, most of the Order of Saint Amyas’ footmen count as sergeants.

X.The sustenance of sergeants is of some, but not of great cost. They only expect low wages, and in some cases can afford their own equipment. Many of them are craftsmen themselves, able to repair and maintain their own spears, kettle helms, shields and arming swords without interruption.

XI.Their training is well too, but can they match the wealth and training of a knight? Nay, but they may be relied upon well to hold the line well. Is it little wonder their use is so common in the realm?

XII.It may be necessary for the nobility of the realm to pay for the arming and training of these troops, as it has become something of a convention. That is what is expected, and the expectancy to pay for one’s own equipment will be greeted with hostility. The wise commander and lord sees his own sergeants equipped with his own wealth, which will be greeted with elation.

XIII.It is rare to get good sergeants out of a feudal obligation, as is common with levies and knights. Instead, one must ensure the critical task of sending out recruiting parties often and gaining the affection of the people so that they may volunteer.

XIV.These two aforementioned groups form most of the best men besides from mercenaries, and throughout the course of our history the proportion of knights to sergeants has changed. In modern times, it is often 1 knight for every 24 sergeants.

XV.It is much quicker and easier to raise sergeants, for they are ready and may be called upon. It does well to have a large force of these fellows in case a desperate situation ensues, or to dispute a man of his land without expecting actual fighting.

XVI.The city militias and watches are to be rarely called onto the field, mostly used to garrison the various cities of the realm. However, if they are levied, it may be customary to offer rudimentary pay, even of a low sort.

XVII.These men are the quickest to call upon in a levy, for they already have basic training and arms, and merely require calling into arms. It may be said that they can be used to merely boost the number of soldiers on the field, used in a siege, or to act as auxiliaries of sorts to their more well-equipped and trained counterparts. Many are equipped with crossbows, which are quite simple to use, and used to attack the enemy with missiles.

XVIII.It must be said that though the Codes of Saint Edmond (Chivalry) prohibit a mean sacking of cities, the militiamen and sergeants must have their regards. You must forage from the enemy, and loot from civilians. These men are not knights, and are not bound by this code. This will be ample payment, and there is little need for additional incentive, should you use them in the field.

XIV.Levymen form the bulk of your missile troops and garrisons. Levies must buy their own equipment, and usually are unarmoured and untrained. This is why they are only useful for missile troops. Again, these men need no additional incentive but that which they forage during war, if you put them in the field.

XV.Mercenaries allow a sovereign or a marshal to gain troops that are specialised, such as horse archers, light cavalry, missile troops such as crossbowmen, as well as high quality infantry. These men require payment to such a degree that they will be a heavy financial burden on the realm. They will be covered in greater detail in the next part.

“O, wealth of burghers! Your money of Petrus is most needed in times of war, and you are surely richer than those of the country, yet you feel you pay enough? Nay, damndest burghers, you mock poor fellows thus!”-Harald Von Manstein, 1499.

II.Mercenaries and Their Uses

I.There are two times when the use of mercenaries may be considered good or necessary.

One:-When your own subjects are disloyal or unwilling to fight, or dislike the marshal. You must ensure that your men will not defect or run, for they care not for loyalty when the man who they are loyal to is unpopular.

Two:-When your realm is approaching a war that is critical or important. Mercenaries are a true financial burden on the realm, for they expect pay at a specific time, and a specific amount and their sustenance is very costly. If you do not pay them, they will desert. They also require huge financial incentives, so do not use mercenaries in wars which are small and minor, or which your standard army can win without.

II.The general who makes but few calculations on whether his troops are of good enough quality and quantity to defeat the enemy will waste his wealth away, or watch his troops die. It is well to form a council before a war with all the great men of the realm, to discover if mercenaries are necessary.

III.Therefore we can see mercenaries can be used badly or well. Sometimes, if the marshal is inexperienced, the mercenaries must be left to their own commands. For he is not versed in their speciality, merely in standard warfare. Saint Theodosius’ blessings, horsemen of Adria! For he is the man of heralds and messengers and horses and all good and honest horsemen, and you will fight with valour. But be damned to your pay, for you cost your realm too much!

((Medieval nobles had mixed views on mercenaries. Vegetius, the Western Roman author who was relied on for tactical advice, advised against their use, but they were certainly common. They were frequently viewed with disdain by the knights, like during the hundred years’ war (1337-1453) at the Battle of Crecy, when the Genoese mercenaries crossbowmen retreated, the French knights killed their own crossbowmen for being a “rabble.”

During the Early Modern and Late Middle Ages, they became increasingly hated due to their atrocities in the Holy Roman Empire. By 1647, at the Putney debates, you have the levellers telling Oliver Cromwell’s son in law that the New Model Army were “mere mercenary soldiers.”

On the other hand, the Genoese mercenaries and other groups gained a reputation for skill and were highly sought after, a very valuable force on the battlefield.))

III.The Acquisition of Ships

I.The cheapest and quickest way of acquiring ships is requisitioning merchant vessels. If you do not wish for the merchant class to hate you, you may buy them, but then it will be cheaper to build your own war galleys. Therefore, if you are using merchant ships, take them by force. Then they are are cheap, can be modified and are excellent for transporting troops.

II.The second cheapest way of acquiring ships is to take them from the enemy or cause them to defect. This may be done by seizing enemy ports,or in naval engagements. This can be done from previous wars, and you should never attempt to sink the enemy for their ships will prove later. Rather, board them and kill them, or compel them to surrender using heavy missile fire. Then, you can use the conquered foe to augment one’s own strength.

III.Of course, the third cheapest way is to build your own ships. This takes time and wealth, but you may use the latest naval technology and have specialised galleys and other vessels.

IV.And the final course which is completely inadvisable in any way is to hire mercenary fleets. Because ships are of such high sustenance, you will find yourself not only paying for the expensive cost of mercenaries but for their ships. They will expect monstrous pay, to the point where your fleet will cost hundreds of ounces of silver each month, until, after a few years, one third of your income will be dissipated. And sometimes, they will be less effective than your own ships too.

((Monarchs varied in their efforts to build fleets, depending on their objectives and location. For example, the unpopular King John of England spent much of his income building a fleet, whereas Henry III, his son, spent only enough to sustain the sailors. Some rulers, such as the Eastern Roman Emperors, usually made a universal effort to sustain and develop their fleet, though it sometimes fell under neglect, under dynasties such as the unbelievably bad Angelids.))

IV.Siege Warfare and Its Importance

I.Sieges are what win wars, not battles. To meet the enemy of the field you win nothing but the enemy’s shame and reduction of troops, whereas during a siege you may slowly depart him from his kingdom. If done well, this can be done with minimal loses. If done badly, sieges are the most costly part of warfare.

II.Therefore, the value of siege engineers is immense. An army without them is no army at all, but a useless rabble, of no use at all. Therefore, a commander must make an effort to get a numerous amount of the best siege engineers, or he will fall into inability.

III.Merely throwing your heavy infantry at a castle with little prior preparation is most unadvisable, for in your impatience, you will cause the enemy troops to reduce your forces, with no progress made. In sieges, you must be patient.

IV.Stone-throwing artillery is most valuable during a siege. Some siege engineers will require some prior preparation before the campaign for this, but the true masters can construct artillery in the field.  Sometimes, you need not storm a breach. Merely create one, to make the enemy seem more vulnerable, and inch him closer to surrendering. Remember, in a siege, you must be patient.

V.In addition, it is advisable to set up barracades and pavises and fortifacations in your own siege camp, so that your crossbowmen may wittle down the enemy’s numbers, and so that you may fight the enemy with ease should he decide to sally forth.

VI.Siege towers are also very worrying to the enemy,but take time and skill to construct. If you are a good, patient commander, you may burn them.

VII.In no artilery can be constructed, mines are the next best option. If your mines are discovered, dig more. You must have patience. The enemy will set up countermines, and you must retreat from your current mines and block them to prevent any trouble stirring.

VIII.Or alternatively, you may not do this so the enemy will think you are coming from there, and then dig somewhere else. They will deploy troops in case you attack from the other mines. If the enemy sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

IX.Remember this above all: The worst possible course of action is an unprepared attack. You will lose many of your men, you MUST be patient.

X.And so you need not even take the castle, merely compel him to surrender. This is the best possible course, for you will lose little men. The captured soldiers should be treated with kindness and kept, and then rulers will respect your benevolence and justice, as well as your own men and the enemy.  

XI.If the enemy surrenders, do not sack the castle or city. If he does not, and you have to take it by force, you are at liberty to plunder. Preferably, the citizens will be spared of death, but there will always be many deaths regardless. You can not stop soldiers, for many are blackguards and curs.

XII.However, plundering will make your men adore you, for you have given them wealth. You must not do it if the enemy surrenders because you will get a reputation for cruelty and being dishonourable. Rival princes and nobles will dislike you, and then your realm is nothing. The same goes for ordering a deliberate massacre of enemies. You must not do this, but if the enemy refuses to surrender, you must sack. There will be deaths then, but you will not be held responsible. If your troops are truly disciplined and do not kill anyone during a sacking, you are a truly brilliant commander and you are favoured by Saint Thomas. Your troops will then be commended and their praises sung, and you will be famed and your troops morale will be high.

XIII.If you fail to take the castle, return to your own realm. The skillful soldier need not raise a second levy. Instead, you must merely hold your own castles, and wait for your troops to recover. Then, you may try again. If your losses are terrible, then do raise a second levy, but this will be regretful.

((Certainly during the High Middle Ages (1066-1337) sieges were much more common than battles. Richard I fought three battles with Saladin, but fought scores of sieges. Sieges, with the occasional battle, were how wars were fought. Not the other way around. Of course, some battles were truly decisive. Hastings, Manzikert, Bannockburn, Crecy, Hattin, Agincourt, etc.))

V.Logistics and Maneuvering

I.An army is said to march on its stomach. While the men who fight in an army are often hardy men, they are carnivores. They must have ample food. It is said in one day, the soldier will consume 1 flagon of wine or 2 of ale, 2 pounds of bread, 1 pound of cheese and a pound of meat.

II.Knights will consume noticeably more, and in addition the cavalry of the army will need to feed their horses, of which they can have many.

III.Therefore, a wise general does not merely forage, nor takes pre-prepared supplies. He does both. To forage from the enemy will damage his people’s morale, for they will see their sovereign as weak.

IV.But in case the enemy takes a policy of scorched earth, it is always advisable for your troops to be well-supplied, regardless of foraging.

V.In a brief manner, bring supplies with you, but make a point of replenishing your supplies with ones foraged from the enemy.

VI.For the quick moving of your army in the field you must ensure that the cavalry have both riding and fighting horses, and have spare ones to replace fallen horses. You cannot dither, especially with a cavalry force, with the replacement of horses. You must acquire them, and do well by them.

VII.To the infantry, the baggage train of wagons which is often imagined is of complete falsehood. Nay, what is carried must be done so on their backs or in donkeys. This will ensure a fast-moving army. For though having a baggage train of heavy goods may be advantageous to your supplies, it will be very slow.

VIII.And for the entertainment of expensive guests, this will increase prices. You must only entertain guests if they will improve morale, or are willing to travel in the manner of a common soldier, or at the best, a knight. They will simply slow you down if otherwise with special requirements and niceties.   

VI.In Battle!

I.In battle, commanders divide their fources into four acies. It is preferable to dismount some knights, in order to form 3 acies of foot and 1 of horse. The acie of horse must be kept in reserve and used only when the enemy is near breaking; cavalry is useless in sustained warfare, and are useful only at the tipping point of battle, defeating the enemy in a single charge or retreating. Not stopping to fight, but to charge, and retreat, charge again, retreat, at the critical moment.

II.For this you must ensure the cavalry are firmly grouped together when they do charge. Therefore, give always your most trusted commander command of the cavalry, or you should take it.

III.The infantry are usually deployed in a defensive formation, but advance into an offensive formation as the battle progresses. With an army strong in heavy infantry you must ensure the flanks are strong so that you may surround the enemy, relying on the cavalry to do the finishing blow.

IV.With an army of missile troops, you must deploy stakes and wait. If you are trapped, they will fight to the death and show great valour. You must stand your ground, and incite your enemy’s anger to cause him to charge. This is a tactic that works even outnumbered, especially with terrain that prevents enemy flanking. You must group the few men-at-arms you have on the flanks. You must have a large reserve.  

V.A force of mostly cavalry must break the enemy with the initial charge, and if they cannot, they must retreat. If they cannot retreat, they should not charge in the first place, but dismount and fight as infantry.

VI.The same goes if the enemy's’ cavalry greatly outnumbers your own. Your own cavalry must dismount and aid your infantry. Otherwise they will be made useless.

VII.In the case of a rout, if you wish to rally your men, do it on high ground. If the enemy routs, do not use mounted knights to pursue them, but light cavalry.

VIII.If you fight horse archers, if they advance, as if they mean to attack, do not advance. They are merely baiting you and will destroy your infantry with missiles. Withdraw, and wait for another battle where you may take them by surprise.

IX.If the enemy is of infantry and you cavalry, you must feign disorder or rouse him to anger to cause him to want to attack you. Then the enemy will scatter his formation, prey to your cavalry in loose formation.

X.And remember this above all: the mark of a good commander is to know when to withdraw, and dare to do it. If you think battle may be offered under better conditions, or you do not wish to fight at all, withdraw!

XI.Remember the biggest enemy of a cavalry man is missiles at close range in unfavourable weather, for the horses will be made slow by mud and vulnerable. If there are many missile troops in such conditions, do not charge headlong. If he is in such a position where outmaneuvering is impossible, then do not charge at all, but withdraw and take him another day.

VII. Horses:Dangers, Types and Sustenance

I.Horses may be divided into three categories: War horses, riding horses and saddle horses.

II.Under war horses fall horses such as destriers, who are bred for us in battle.

III.Under riding horses fall horses bred to be used to travel or hunt with great speed. These include rouncies, cobs  

IV.Saddle horses are poorer horses which yeomen can afford.

V.A good knight will have at least 1 warhorse and a riding horse, and will see to their sustenance. Many will have more, and those that do would require such a baggage train for feed that the army would be slowed massively. It would be wise to sustain an army of largely cavalry with foraging.

VI.Now your light cavalry are poorer, and often you must buy their horses, or they can only afford one. it is good for them to buy rouncies or cobs. These horses are for general purposes and are essentially the compromise of riding and warhorses.

VII.With saddle horses a commander should not trouble himself with, but allow the yeomen and other classes of people of your army to buy for themselves.

VIII.Therefore, it is so advis’d that those armies who wish to travel merely on their baggage train and not commit to foraging of any sort, to take as few horses as possible. This may be done by having dismounted knights and sergeants, and if you require cavalry taking a small amount.

IX.And it shall be noted that those who do are in territories where the enemy is implementing a scorched earth policy or you are in an infertile or destitute region, the same aforementioned rule applies. Take but few horses and cavalry as possible without severely crippling your forces.

"Most Elves are lazy and cowards. They steal all our money and plot behind our backs. They run all the banks, especially the Dark Elves." Justinian remarks.

HB the spearman! Swords are toys, spears are real weapons!

Well...I think one day I will have create a character profile that is this detailed. 

Pffttt swords. Polearms! POLEARMS! Shields! Swords are for fools!

Adolf Von Manstein declares "They will NOT give it some Relourian name, or I will have his hide!"

Adolf vents frustration! "I see the only thing these stupid fools will have is the martial way! Too many of them are in our own realm, get rid of them first!"

August nods in appreciation of the new laws, but frowns at the mention of a common gentry class. He pens a short missive to Baron Von Der Ruhr and sends it forth by messenger boy,

Baron Von Der Ruhr,

I am most pleased to see the creation of a book of laws so comprehensive and clear, and applaud your writing of it. I have but one complaint that I felt it necessary to voice.

The class of "Gentry" has always been defined as those landed vassals which retain a knighthood but no noble rank. In your writings, you refer to a gentry which excludes all those which it previously encompassed and includes only the bourgeoisie land owner of common blood. I assume this was written in error, in which case I hope to save the reader and justicar any confusion. If it was intentional, I only seek confirmation of the new definition.

Respectfully,

August de Montfort

Ducal Scribe of Adria

Patriarch of the House de Montfort"

To August de Montfort, may you live in harmony and contentment.

I appreciate your criticism and shall edit the law accordingly. 

Respectfully, 

Adolf Von Manstein, Baron Von Der Ruhr, Scholar to his Majesty of Oren.

((Pin please!))

This law extends to all lands of the Kingdom of Oren, not just directly owned duchies of the crown.

Proclaim’d by his majesty, through his host, in the pen of the Baron Von Der Ruhr.

I.These laws are of a separate nature to the Lexicon of Ashford, which deals only with the criminals of the realm among the common within direct crown holdings.

II.This law instead entails the privileges of the crown, nobles, and clergy and their respective authority, and this is not to be broken by any King, and therefore is a permanent establishment of the title of the Kingdom of Oren.

III.This being the case, it is important that all from crown to yeoman of this realm work to the sustenance of this law. It will be said again no man of royal, noble or common blood shall revoke this document, for secular or religious purposes.

I.Definitions

I.A feudal or secular vassal is a nobleman who holds a title, titular or otherwise, that is of a secular nature. These include men indirectly and directly loyal to the crown, whether it be through direct ducal vassalage or whose count is loyal through direct ducal vassalage, or any other case. Minor nobles are those who own baronies and smaller counties, senior nobles are nobles who own larger counties and duchies.

II.A senior clergyman, or Canon vassal, is one who holds a title, titular or otherwise, that is of a religious nature that is a bishopric or higher. These clergy are loyal to the High Pontiff, not any secular title. 

III.Those under this rank yet who hold the same conditions fall under the category of lesser clergy.

IV.Gentry are those landed vassals who retain a knighthood but hold no rank. 

V.Those commoners who are not bound to any land and own no property, have no loyalty and are craftsmen or servants are known as Free Subjects.

VI.Those peasants who are bound to the land of a baron or gentlemen are known as serfs.

VII.Those who own small businesses such as taverns or blacksmiths are known as senior yeomen.

II. Vassalage And Obligations

I.The peerage of the realm lies under these titles:

King

Duke

Count

Viscount

Baron

Baronet

Knight

II.The king may only bestow upon men new titles if they have not committed a crime according to their ducal or crown law.

III.The king may not revoke a vassal’s title unless he has a hereditary claim to it, or if the noble holdings the aforementioned title should commit a crime according to their respective law, to which they fall under.

IV.The senior nobles, such as dukes or counts, can only create and bestow upon men titles if approved by a majority of their vassals, and may do so only with the permission of the crown.

V.The king can bestow upon men any existing titles at will, with exception to: The Kingdom of Oren, The Duchy of Petrus, The County of Aldersburg.

VI.Those who are of a noble rank must answer a call to their liege in war, be he a direct vassal of the king or otherwise. If such an obligation is betrayed, than the king is at will to revoke his title and imprison him. If he is not a direct vassal, the revoked title is passed to their liege.

VII.The secular and religious vassals must try to keep a levy equal to their own protection.

VIII.It is therefore proclaim’d that each feudal vassal sustains to himself a destrier or courser, as well as any palfreys or riding horses they do possess. He is also to keep sufficient arms and armour in order to fulfill his feudal obligation.

IX.The Yeomen, senior and otherwise, are to sustain a spear and shield, a bill, a messer and kettle helm at least. Yeomen are under the obligation of fighting in the wars if required of the Count they fall under, should his count wish. However, it is known that independent men who fall under no county are not under this law.

X.The senior and junior clergymen of all sorts fall under no obligation to answer calls of war to their liege, and are prohibited from joining any sort of military unit.

XI.If the King requires a secular vassal or any other man of his realm besides the clergy to join him at court, then it is to be so. For there is an obligation to join the Court in Petrus, if asked. This can be anything from a temporary favour, to a permanent position at court such as Lord Marshal.

XII.Those vassals who hold a city, and a title such as Mayor or Lord-Mayor are to be styled as city vassals, or burgher vassals.

III.In Respect of the Law of Ashford and the Ducal Law.

I.It is said that no king shall prevent a duke from setting a ducal law, and this is to be permanent, and no king shall revoke this privilege.

II.The Law of Ashford takes effect only in The Duchy of Petrus, and any other Duchy that lacks her own law.

III.Counties may not make their own laws, but follow the Ducal or Crown laws.

IV.With exception to this is the County of Norfolk, which follows the Liber Ex Justitia, a law which has been there for years.

V.This law comes under greater detail than the others and is specific to the Liber Ex Justitia, and shall not be enforced in any titles besides The County of Norfolk.

IV.In Respect of the Right To Council

I.It shall be said the minor nobles and gentry of the realm have the right to form their own councils, where they may look upon their own interests.

II.No king shall revoke this right, nor any senior noble.

III.Therefore, it is said the minor nobles must form a council, of landed minor nobles and their relatives, who may decide upon their courses of action.

V.To Be Said of the Rights of Inheritance of Titles and Lands

I.The inheritance of any secular title or land (save for the crown) is to be in the manner of the Agnatic-Cognatic Primogeniture system for all titles, so that the eldest child inherits, with male preference. But if no children of either gender are valid, then the title passes to the closest male relative remaining.

II.If no valid relatives are found, the title is to pass to whomever was wished to such a right by the holder of the title. If no wish was clear during the landowner’s lifetime, then the title passes to the crown.

III.To kings come no privilege or advantage in inheritance, and so will this law never be revoked.

IV.Viscount is merely an honourary title, and cannot be inherited.

VI.In Respect of the Incarceration of Nobles and Clergy

I.The king shall try no man, or have him imprisoned or punished unless he fails to abide by their respective ducal, crown or Norfolkian law. (with only the following crimes:Blasphemy, Treason, Assault, Murder, the refusal to give another right of reply after an insult or injury)

II.Clergy are only to be imprisoned if the High Pontiff also agrees with the king that such an imprisonment is warranted.

III.The king reserves the right to blind or castrate any who he sees imprisoned, but only if they fail to uphold the law.

IV.The only exception to these laws is if the king has a legitimate claim to a title, yet the feudal vassal refuses to revoke his title. In such a case, the king may imprison the feudal vassal at his own will.

VII.To Be Said of the Rights and Obligations of the City Vassals

I.City vassals have the same military obligations as the feudal vassals. This means they must answer a call to war, whether they are directly or indirectly loyal to the crown.

II.They are also not fully required to attend court at the request of the king, instead sending a representative so they may fulfill their duties in their city.

III.It shall be said that the city vassal is also required to give an extra grant of wealth in the form of 300 extra minai per Saint’s week in addition to normal taxes in times of war.

IV.No city vassal shall create any titles, unless with the permission of the king and the Lord Steward and Treasurer.  

V.He shall create no laws, and use the crown law, or use the law of his liege.

VI.The burghers, or inhabitants of the city, may not be required to enter their liege’s court without permission from their corresponding city vassal.

VIII.On The Subject of the Addressing of Different Classes

I.The following rules apply if referring to one who is above your class or rank:

II.The king is to be addressed to as “your majesty” and referred to as “his majesty.” No indecent language is to be said to the king. If he is your direct liege, you may refer to him as “sire” alternatively.

III.The queen is to be referred to in a similar manner, and you are to act in a similar manner around her.

IV.Those who are of the same dynasty of the King are to be addressed as “your highness” and referred to as “his highness.”

V.Those who fall under the title of “Duke” or “Duchess” are to be addressed as as “Your Grace” or “My Lord”, or “sire” should they be your direct liege. They can be referred to “his/her grace of [primary title].” (e.g “His Grace of Akovia.”)

VI.Those who fall under “Count”, “Viscount”, “Baron” And “Baronet” are to be addressed as “my lord” and “my lady” for female equivalents. If they are your direct liege “Sire” is also appropriate. They can be referred to as “his/her lordship/ladyship of [primary title].” (e.g “His Lordship of Norfolk.”)

VII.Knights can be addressed by simply “sir”, “ser” or “sirrah”, or “sire” if you one you are squired to him. They can be referred to as “Ser [Name] of [Homeland]” (e.g Ser Robin of Aldersburg) This applies for those both above and below your rank.

VIII.Gentry who are not knights can be addressed as “sir” and referred to by their name and surname. This applies for those both above and below your rank.

IX.To those nobles, senior or minor,  who are of equal or lower rank you should adress them either 1.By their house name or 2.the location of their primary title. (e.g 1. “Good day, Manstein” or 2. “Good day, Ruhr.”) Or 3.”Lord [surname]” (e.g Lord Manstein) or 4. Lord [Location of Primary Title] (e.g Lord Von Der Ruhr)

Being Sean Bean and not playing Richard Sharpe.

tbh I hate the idea of "villains" who need "apps." Characters are not black and white. They do good and bad...very few people are entirely villainous or good, and some characters can act in a villainous manner with good intention/or are turned to villainy in the moment due to desperation etc. 

It just creates another ooc barrier.

edit:Just realized how late I was to this thread lol.

Adolf Von Manstein smirks, pleased with the change.

Johan frowns. "No clerical positions in the council? I wonder who shall lead them to God...I'll pray for their souls, may God have mercy on them."

"They are indeed impious blackguards. I hope this state is crushed soon. As if peasants can vote!" Adolf Von Manstein replies, laughing.

Adolf Von Manstein laughs "Sounds like a bunch of radical nonsense to me. We should teach the blackguards something about feudalism and monarchy...."

Adolf Von Manstein smirks "These are good works. My work mainly lay in balancing the humours in order to solve issues, but even so, this work may have been useful...."