Masouri

THE SKIPPER WENT SKIPPING

“A Captain who charts a course to victory in all seas is revered as a master of voyage, but a crew that reaches every destination without guidance is simply carried by the tides of fortune” - Captain Banjo4

To the Losers, 

It is the Captain’s job to lead his crew to victory, but where were your leaders now? Since I have been on the opposite side of the battlefield the Ferrymen have lost every single battle. Our compustats division have calculated that the all-time Ferrymen win record is under 0.5 (50% loss rate). Where are those who thought they could so easily fill in my shoes when I left? Did the Skipper go skipping? 

In an attempt to bolster your strength, you let every wimp join your merry band of losers instead of being an elite fighting corps. When I look across the field of battle, I see former fans donning our teal bandana with only a few of our founding members present. Has it not dawned on you that perhaps you are fighting for the wrong side?

Just as I offered many of my former companions forgiveness, I too will extend my arms graciously to any Ferrymen who wish refuge within my little jolly band. For those interested, reach out to Wrangler Jerry with the code name ‘SAVING PRIVATE JERRY’ to redeem your free coupon to join the winning side.

For those who continuously cling onto the name ‘Ferrymen.’ The real Ferrymen do not stand with you. Banjo, Andronikos, Jerry, Vydrek, Andronikos, Leonidas, and Jesus (in spirit) are all fighting on the Covenant’s side. Quit now.

Resign with some dignity and hang up the mask.

Signed,

INTO THE JUNGLE - A LION - OUT A MOUSE

Beneath the southern sun, the armies stood. 

Across the expanse of Hippo’s Gorge, broken only sporadically by freshly-sawed palisades and earthen bulwarks, the forces of the Grand Covenant stared northward at the Veletzian-Krugmar host. The Orcs and reavers cheered and heckled as their cavalry formed lines between the brush. Though outnumbered, they showed no fear; they were, after all, the great victors of the Battle of Westmark, where they had brought the advance of the Covenant infantry to a screeching halt, and it was they who had left no land unscathed by raids and pillaging over the long Saint’s winter. 

The mounted legions of the Covenant stared down their foes amassing on their horizon, and they raised no cheers of their own. And yet, as the banners of Norland, Petra, Balian, Numendil, Aaun, Urguan, Hyspia, and Haense streamed in the wind, and thousands upon thousands of steel-tipped lances gleamed in the sunlight, it was not despair that gripped them.

Instead, it was defiance. 

That defiance smouldered in Viktor Daemonsteel. The Duke of Vidaus gripped his poleaxe, from which tassels in the colours of House Ruthern flew, as he glared across the gorge. He had earned his moniker in the heat of Valdev’s forges, where he had hammered countless iron and daemonsteel day and night to replenish the Covenant armoury. 

That defiance burned in Patriarch Josef. The Patriarch of Jorenus sipped his canteen of vodka as he squinted through the sunlight, and his mare struggled to hold his weight. Throughout the long winter, he had lived in the barns and stables of the north to procure fresh hides to sate the endless demand for leather. He had become the bovine reaper, feared by all cows, and he had defended those barns with every fibre of his being. 

That defiance blazed in Queen Amaya, the White Flame of Haense. As she sat atop her horse, enwreathed by her gold-worked satin cloak, she no longer trembled as she held her weapon. She had learned the nature of war in that winter, for she had been taken captive when she took up arms to fight in a raid. But she did not fear; not anymore, and her radiance instilled the same bravery in the Haeseni horsemen at her side.

When the battle began, that defiance blazed through the Covenant army like an inferno. 

Like a bolt of lightning, Captain Banjo led his fabled warriors of the Yachtsmen as skirmishers on the rear of the battlefield, biting devastating holes into the Veletzian flank with each pass. Under a hail of arrowfire, the main cavalry under King Aleksandr held their ground as they waited for their opportunity to charge. Beneath their visors and faceguards, their jaws were set grimly, and their eyes burned with the heat of that inferno. 

When Captain Banjo signalled the first charge, King Aleksandr led the cavalry in sweeping tide of deadly lances into the disorganised right flank of the Veletzian army, and it was with a fury for the capture of Queen Amaya that the Haeseni riders sliced the flank into ribbons. When the second charge came and the Covenant cavalry thundered across the Gorge once more, it was with a vengeance of the Red Coronation that the Balian defenders with a malice never before attributed to them. With the third charge, the Petrine Knights exacted their blood-price for their burnt and murdered clergy.

Finally, the Covenant horses turned and fell back to their palisades in a feinted retreat. When the remnants of the Veletzian invaders pursued, it was then that Captain Banjo charged his Yachtsmen through the brush, and slammed into the midriff of the Veletz column; Balor Ireheart, Sigrun Ireheart (stonehammer), Otto Ludovar,  Ser Garen, Sigmar, Emilio Jr, Ser Rickard (and his herd), and other valiant Yachtsmen. With the final trap sprung, the Covenant banners were hoisted high as the main cavalry veered around, and galloped into the Veletzians as they were caught in the Yachtsmen lances. The Veletzians, who entered the battle as lions, scurried in defeat like mice from the battlefield.

As fifteen-thousand horses bore down on their foe, the Covenant roared with that defiance. 

As fifteen-thousand warriors charged into the frey, any question of their unity was silenced. 

As fifteen-thousand lances struck in unison, the Battle of Hippo’s Gorge was won.

ONE LAST SWIM TEST

“Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.” - Captain Banjo

As Captain Banjo looked out from his war camp - his gaze met his former students on horseback repping their green bandanas. Hidden from his soldiers, a smile enlightened Banjo’s face as he recognized many of the faces of those fighting against him. He thought to himself:

“Perhaps, this is the day my students surpass their Captain.”

He chuckled at the thought of it and as the bombardment of the siege equipment commenced, he charged out with a small detachment of the Covenant’s finest - Garen and Sigmar Baruch, Vasili Vanrov, and others. His men engaged the horsemen with their bows, but seeing the war camp pummeled with fire - he decided to charge upon the enemy’s cannons.

“Charge!”

He yelled, commanding the entire Covenant force to charge at the enemy’s entrenched positions. Fear must have struck into the poor Van Aerts & Ferrymen’s hearts who were manning the cannons as they saw the legendary Captain Banjo at the forefront of the charge and the first on their battlements. As the skilled captain and his personal guard quickly slayed the enemy’s fear-struck soldiers, the remaining Covenant forces poured into the enemy’s position quickly slaughtering the enemy and destroying their cannons. Satisfied from their push, the Covenant forces pulled back to their camp to continue their bombardment of Brasca. 

Not shortly after, the enemy returned to their positions on the lower cannons. Captain Banjo pondered:

“Why? Did Vyllaenen, Istvan, and Gustaf Van Aert not learn?”

Upon seeing this, the mighty Captain and his companion, King Aleksandr III, ordered another charge upon the enemy lines. The enemy died just as quickly as they did returning to their beloved cannons. 

As Covenant artillery battered the enemy fort with their fire, Captain Banjo took his special force - Yacht Team 6 - to the western tower of the fort where many of the Ferrymen were. His small band clashed with the Ferrymen and their allies before the Ferrymen retreated back into their tower behind their gate. It was there he laid his eyes on his pupils - Django and Vyllaenen - and right next to them the gate controls! He raved as his former apprentices attempted to leverage one of his own strategies - gate trapping - to beat the Captain!

“Ah - the classic gate trap strategy. It has a 100% success rate against Orenians”

As soon as the gate opened once again, the Captain stormed the tower, but when they closed the gate thinking they trapped him, the Captain outwitted his students and used the gate controls to let in his remaining soldiers. It was in fact here where Vyllaenen met his blunder, as he was slayed, along with his Van Aert companion.

“Perhaps the student still needs to learn a bit more - at least Django was smart enough to live!” 

He rejoiced knowing at least one of his students had learned something. As he reunited with the main force, the Covenant men committed to one last final push to break the remaining Adrian & Ferrymen forces. It was here where most of the enemy ultimately met their fate. As he reflected on his victory, he could only be disappointed by his former men’s performance. 

He wrote to his former ferryfriends, 

“Today’s lesson of the day: the swim test. Those who cannot swim should follow the Captain on his ship - not drown following those who cannot lead.”

Signed,

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Grand Admiral of Haense, Emancipator of the Scallywags & Sailors, Steward of Breakwater Ruins

ADRIFT; A NEW HARBOR

“If you’re going to be onboard - be onboard. If not, just sail away because you’re just a scallywag” - Captain Banjo

“Django… Vydrek… Jesus… Brick… Andronikos… Leonidas… Valentin… Adzy… Lyulen… Father…” He murmured as he looked upon his depiction of the original founders of the Ferrymen in his galleon. 

As he sat on the helm of his newly acquired galleon (financed by his victory over the Van Aert family), a dream in his sleep - a message from Godan himself.

[Chat GPT write a message from God calling Banjo to fight for Haense/God]

As Banjo awoke abruptly from his slumber, he reached over to his night stand and grabbed his green bandana once more - one last final time. He made his way to the helm of his galleon, making way to the shores of Aevos. Invigorated, he put up his sails and walked to the hull of ship where the previous name of the ship read:

“King Phillip’s Folly”
 

And put an X through the name of the ship, before writing next to it:

“Vyllaenen’s Blunder.”

As he docked in the harbor of Haense, his oldtime ally, with his newly revised and upgraded flag, he strutted off his ship and made way to the royal palace.

THE FOLLOWING TERMS HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON BY BANJO AND ALEKSANDR II:

I. Captain Banjo and his yachtsmen will rally their banners to fight with the Covenant.

II. Captain Banjo will be titled ‘Grand Admiral of Haense’ and given supreme authority over (naval) wartime decisions.

III. Captain Banjo will be given stewardship of Breakwater Keep ruins for the rehabilitation for any Post Siege Stress Disorder (PSSD).

IV. Captain Banjo will emancipate all sailors and scallywags from the influence of Van Aerts.

V. The agreement between Banjo and Aleksander II will be voided at the conclusion of the war.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Grand Admiral of Haense, Emancipator of the Scallywags & Sailors,  Steward of Breakwater Ruins

TO CUT THE HEAD OFF A SNAKE

19th of the Grand Harvest, 221 SA

A plague of heresy has infested the halls of Urguan since the absence of the Legion and their policing presence in Urguan. The Rhun Cultists have assimilated themselves into Urguan, secretly undermining our very religion and Grand Kingdom at every turn. I have taken upon myself to cleanse the Kingdom of these extremists causing chaos in our beloved Kingdom with the proper backing by the Kirkja Dverga. Their crimes are listed below for all to see and those who help, associate, or participate in the Rhun cult will be put under investigation and tried.

THEIR CRIMES AGAINST THE PEOPLE OF URGUAN

To be a part of the High Courts, one must follow the Brathmordakin as according to da Kirkja Dverga.

I. The Rhun Cult teaches falsehood, in that the Rhun Prophet is the only Dwed capable of speaking for the Rhun. This violates articles 1.1, 1.2.

FOR, No other office or institution may punish anyone for a crime against the Brathmordakin unless a clergy writing explicitly says otherwise. The Rhun Cult imprisoned Ursus Grandaxe without permission or authority of da Kirkja Dverga.
 

II. Treason

FOR, The attempted assassination of Bakir Ireheart & Dravil Ireheart.
 

III. Vandalism 

FOR, The vandalism of Hefrumm, by destroying statues and placing crude signs around it.

FOR, The sacrilege of Paragon Bjor.
 

IV. Disrespect of Holy Relics 

FOR, The pouring of a tanglefoot potion upon the Paragon Bjor
 

V. Impersonation of a Public Official

FOR, The Rhun Cult falsely acts with authority, such as in the case of illegally imprisoning Ursus Grandaxe
 

VI. Vigilantism & Kidnapping 

FOR, Putting Ursus Grandaxe under House Arrest
 

VII. Insubordination

FOR, Describing the High Prophet as a heretic and kin-slayer when proven false by the High Courts.
 

VIII. Conspiracy 

FOR, Conspiracy to dismantle the Clergy and the Workforce to reduce the Grand Kingdom of Urguan’s rightful rule over Dwarfdom. This was done when both institutions were dissolved before the exodus to Khron’Hundmar.

FOR, Upon their return to the Kingdom, their desire to usurp the clergy.
 

IX. Tax Evasion 

FOR, Failing to continually pay the full amount of your tax liability on time.

THEREFORE, THE FOLLOWING ARE UNDER ARREST BY ORDER OF THE GRAND MARSHAL:

Norli Starbreaker

Durin Hammerforge

Thromdrick Irongut

Thalgrim Goldhand

Rylanor Goldhand

Damona Goldhand

Dor’Nal Hammerfist

…AND ANY OTHERS RHUN CULTISTS.

SIGNED,

Durorn Ireheart, Grand Marshal of the Legion, 

Grand Champion of Urguan, Elder of Clan Ireheart

Agnar Grandaxe, Grand King of Urguan,

Clan Father of Grandaxe, Defender of Kal’Ordholm,

Master of Punji-Sticks, Protector of the Dwarves

Garedyn The Green, 

Grand Steward of Urguan, High Chief of Hefrumm, 

Chief of the Mossborn, High Prophet of da Kirkja Dverga.

BEATING A DEAD HORSE

PACT OF SAILS AND STEEL

Agreed upon by:

THE KINGDOM OF HAENSE AND THE FERRYMAN BAND

On this 17th of Wzuvar and Byvca, 433 ES | 9th of the Sun's Smile, 12 BA

“When the Orcs kiss Frederick’s behind, where do the tusks go?” - The Ferryman

I.  The Ferrymen shall receive a payment of 10,000 mina for partaking in the ongoing war between Haense and Krugmar, and any adversaries who wish to intervene.

II.  The Ferrymen shall receive an additional payment of 5,000 mina that is owed to them for the previous Sinners War or otherwise known as the War of the Wigs upon the successful conclusion of hostilities. 

III.  The Ferrymen Quartermasters shall be given authorization to command and lead skirmishes, battles or any other conflict.

Signed, The Ferryman 

IV JOVEO MAAN,

His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

The Providence Tea Party

“It’s borin’ like Oren” - Sir Django 

In the year of 1867, the Ferrymen found themselves quite aggrieved. A Tea-Party had been organized - And the Ferrymen had not been invited. 2,000 Ferrymen set out at a pace to set right the wrong, for it is well known that some Ferrymen are quite prone to a spot of tea! Upon arriving at the red walls of Providence, the group did look about. They found nobody to open the gate to let them in! What a travesty they found themselves in. The wrong must be set right, they must find a way inside the city. An unnamed fellow, of the highest respectability within the Empire of Oren, saw their plight and allowed them in. “Put that tea into the river, dear fellows!”

The Ferrymen brought up their way to the palace, banging along the iron bars. “Let us in! Let us in!” The young human, Adzy, clamored. He was prone to a small spot of tea, on occasion. He was stuck outside; and he would see the issue set right. Ser Banjo who finds himself no need of introduction, The Dark Elf Iscesi, and the Young Haeseni Grigoryi Vyronov, climbed to find their way through into the Palace. The group thereafter descended into the bowels of the palace. They looked left, they looked right. “Crouch you ******* idiots.” Barked the Captain Banjo, and thereafter echoed by Lukas Vyronov who subsequently added “Are your minds rotting?” 

The quiet playings of a party in full-swing could be heard within the palace’s gardens. The quiet whisperings and gossipings of debutantes nattering about lesser men than Prince Lucien of Savoy, another of the party's fellows reverbreated against the walls. The group assailed them quickly, with a ferocious spirit - Warhammers in hand. Klaus, a man of great repute in battle, swung his warhammer down heartily upon those assembled. None would be spared, for the tea was to be ransacked and spilled. 

It was at this moment, tied into a corner, the brave adventurers found themselves surrounded. The retinue of the Emperor had arrived, led by His Imperial Majesty, Philip III. The King of the Dwarves brought himself forward to assail the new combatants. He shook his weapon heartily, that angry little dwarf spitting curses under his breath. The battle had been set. 2,400 of the Emperor’s finest against 2,000 Ferrymen. It was now in the hands of fate.

The battle came fast and thick, both sides collided into each other with a great force. Ser Flemius set a man flying upwards into the air as he hammered his shoulder into the enemy. The courtyard was awash with blood, and the swordsmanship of both sides rang true. Yet a most mischievous plan had been concocted. Prince Lucien had moved towards the gate controls in the courtyard. The battlefield now belonged to the Ferrymen, it could only go one way. 

As the battle raged, Ferrymen were able to relax and enjoy the tea they had acquired inside whilst retaining the gate. Each man was able to take a rest and retire, whilst the soldiers of Oren grew tired and weary. Perhaps one too many cakes had been stuffed into bellies in haste? It was clear that their stomachs had turned, for the fight had also. The courtyard had been conquered, but the Emperor had retreated inside.

He had thought himself safe, they fired out of the windows in an attempt to beat off the attackers; yet the Ferrymen were not quite out of tricks yet. They assailed in from a sneaky entrance, and caused the Orenians to be flushed out of their safe haven like rats from a sewer. They went to the greedy clutches of Ferrymen waiting below like hungry sharks. It was simply over.

In the last charge of the retinue, the Emperor was surrounded alongside his loyal lieutenants of Andrezj Barrow, ran down by Prince Lucien, and John Aurelian. 

The Ferryman brought all their spoils of the battle, The Emperor Philip, his son the Count of Mardon, John Aurelian of Huntshill, and Andrezj Barrow of the Ruthern Household back to the keep of Ferrymen to receive justice.

Signed,

The Ferryman

FINISHING THE JOB

“But your Majesty, think of the children!” A courtier to Philip II.

Each wave that laps against the tides of Almaris have been distorted since the departure of our judicious Ferrymen. The balance of the world has become corrupt – Orenians who first sought defense, now seek to deal the shattering blow to our continent. In every corner do the serpents sliver, preying on the multiple, 

rightful sovereigns that rule the lands. A hasteful return has been made by the green-wrapped warriors to rebalance the scales that have been tainted. The oldest of Ferrymen soldiers resharpen their time-tested blades, to reprise their duties in ensuring that the backwards Empire of Oren do not spread their ill Imperial ambitions. This time shall the steel boot finish the stomping of the wrongdoers, until they fall to weakened knees. Let there not be a foul power for a second longer. Let the balance be restored in the lands we share, lest we allow the vile Imperials to have their way.

YOURS TRULY

The Ferrymen

Memento Meminisse

“Let me remember to remember before I forget to forget.”

[!] An old painting of one of the founding members of the Ferrymen, pondering on their time in the mud.

“Justice and fairness tattooed on my chest, freedom flowing through my veins. An honorable cause that formed the foundation for the most just yet most vicious warriors since lettering was invented. Where did the times go? Where did our traditions go?”

The Ferrymen used to scramble for every coin we could get our filthy palms on, just to hand it to some poor farmer. That’s what life was for us, what it was meant to be. What we were meant to do. We’ve grown out of our own skin. So much gold has been acquired from the rich and entitled that we don’t worry about the poor anymore. We worry about our fashion and walletology, the science that explains how big our pockets can get before bursting.

We are nested in every city, and their civilian’s minds. The Ferrymen have grown to such a size that we are not anymore a collection of commonmen, but an underground collective of organized crime. Puppeteers on a grander stage. Conductors of the orchestra playing in this realm. Blood is spilt for gold, and gold used to fuel greed. 

Let it come to an end. 

To all donning our teal, you are free. You may live your life as just a man, bathing in the glory you’ve acquired on the fields of war, alongside the many women  you’ve gained. The gathering of freedom fighters known as the Ferrymen will continue through the actions of their Captain, on a ship without deckhands or sailors. We leave a ravaged path of endless ruin behind us, ruin that could not be stopped by anyone. Unmatched by any villains of the past.

I leave you with one final order. Whenever our ferry reaches distant shores, I ask all devotees to remember where we started, where we’ve been and where we are now. 

Signed, The Ferryman

The Weighing Scales Pact

Agreed between

THE KONGZEM OF HANSETI-RUSKA and THE FERRYMAN BAND

on this 3rd day of Gronna and Droba of 413 E.S.

I. The Ferryman Band pledges military support to the Kongzem in future defensive conflicts, and may choose to join future offensive campaigns should the Kongzem declare such.
 

II. As remuneration for their services, the Ferryman Band shall receive a signing payment of 7,000 mina, and an additional 10,000 for each war they participate in under this Pact.

III. This Pact shall be signed and stand impartial to the ongoing conflict between the Tripartite Accord and the Orenian Empire regardless of the outcome of that conflict, or any consequent conflicts so long as they do not involve a direct attack on the Kongzem.
 

IV. Joint training's between the two groups militaries shall be held every two years.
 

V. Mikail Mareno, born of Imperial blood, shall have the opportunity to court a woman of the House of Barbanov-Bihar upon coming of age.
 

VI. The Mareno Trading Company shall not pay taxes on their properties within Karosgrad.
 

VII. The Captain of the Ferryman Band shall sit on the Kongzem’s councils of war should one arise.
 

VIII. This Pact shall stand for eight years, subject to renewal.
 

A FERRY DECISIVE VICTORY

11th of the Grand Harvest, Year 62 SA

Two times the Ferrymen fought over the lands of Lower Petra, both resulting in huge victories. First with Urguan and now reclaiming it back with Oren in a fight of the ages. Although outnumbered, fourteen thousand two hundred imperials soldiers triumphed against seventeen thousand one hundred coalition fighters. 

Is it a coincidence that the Ferrymen simply win? 

It is said that their secret battle strategy is to pick up the soldiers and carry them on their shoulders to victory!

The Second Ferry Agreement, 1856

13th of Malin’s Welcome, 1856

I. The Ferrymen will receive 3,000 minas in payment.

II. The Ferrymen will be given land in the Holy Orenian Empire at the conclusion of the war.

III. The Ferrymen Quartermasters will be granted command authorization for raids, skirmishes, battles, etc, given pay equivalent to the General of the ISA, and be allowed a place in the Imperial Crown’s council of war.

IV. The Ferrymen will agree to provide mercenaries and to assist the Holy Orenian Empire in the next Imperial offensive or defensive operation. 

AD DEI GLORIAM,

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera.

His Imperial Excellency, Duke of Azor, Lord Joseph d’Azor

His Excellency, Lord Ivan var Ruthern

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Protector of the Farfolk

PROTECTORS OF THE FARFOLKS

I have yet to meet such welcoming and honorable people as the Farfolk who live in the Fakhr Oasis. It warms my heart that such people bring light to the world of Almaris in times of turmoil and darkness. Therefore I declare the following:

I. The Fakhr Oasis is under the protection of the Ferrymen

II. The Ferrymen will aid the Fakhr Oasis in any conflict they engage in, defensive or offensive.

Signed,

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Protector of the Farfolk 

A TAVERN’S PROTECTION

10th of Sun’s Smile, Year 58 SA

Victory has indeed been claimed today, as forces of the Tripartite Alliance sieged Southbridge and came out victorious. As the Grand Kingdom of Urguan comes to reign over its new lands, a lonely tavern run by a devoted Imperial is left to take his hard work elsewhere at the threats of eviction and the demolition of his life’s savings.

Once again, the Ferrymen stand for the common people. With this in mind, I proclaim that Destiny's Tavern is under the Ferrymen’s protection. The Ferrymen will stand guard and remove any who put disrespect on the tavern owner's hard work. If Urguan attempts to forcefully evict the tavern owner from his hard-earned lands, they will have to fight us for it.

Signed,

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads. 

TO CATCH A CRAWFISH

14th of the First Seed, Year 58 of SA

“Too focused on the cheese, they fell for the gate!” - Django

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q

The story behind this raid is quite simple, a tale to be told for ages. A small, but strong, force of 1,100 Ferrymen sneaked their way into the heart of New Providence. At the back of the city there was a little separated neighborhood by gate, and this is where the infamous baiter Django sat patiently, waiting for hours until he could finally trap the Imperials. The rest of the Ferrymen forces, led by Captain Banjo, scaled the walls and located the enemy rally. At the mere sight of the Ferrymen, General Erik var Ruthern blindly ordered his soldiers to charge! As though they were rats focused on cheese within a trap, they fell for the gates as they chased the Ferrymen back to the small town where Django closed the gates on a sizable portion of their army. Among these fallen men who drunkenly charged into the trap was their General, Erik.

Powerless before the gates, the Orenians were in horror at the sight of their brothers-in-arms being slain at the device of their very own main strategy - gate trapping. As they fled, the Ferrymen pursued and struck down the entirety of the Imperial army stationed within the capital. The Ferrymen baited and killed the entirety of the Imperial army. They fought with wits and in their natural prowess and once again proved, small wins against big.

2,300 of the 2,400 Imperials were killed.

1,100 of the 1,100 Ferrymen survived.

Signed,

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads. 

RECAPTURE OF THE BASTION

15th of Snow Maiden, Year 57 SA

“Jesus Pablo is ballin’ out on Ferrymas” - Banjo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CduA0TULnow

1,200 Tripartite forces composed of Ferrymen and Irehearts marched on the roads towards the heart of the Imperial Capital, New Providence, to deal a devastating blow to Imperial forces. Under the command of Captain Banjo and Commander Bakir Ireheart, the small band bandited the roads of Oren until they approached the bridge, all that stood in their way of entering the city was a 1,500 force o’ wig-wearing lobsters. One could say you could hear the rattle of their metal-bucket hats as they quivered in fear at the sight of the notorious Ferrymen.

The battle first started at the foot of the bridge, where both sides exchanged arrowfire. Seeing as this exchange of volleys led to a stalemate, the Ferrymen tactically led a maneuver around the bridge, flanking the Orenian forces as they were caught in utter dumbfounded surprise. Their little lasting bravery was soon replaced by cowardice as they routed back to the security of their gates- or so they thought. They stubbornly attempted to push out of their gates, but they were met with dwarven steel and Ferrymen prowess as their men were slaughtered like dogs.

 The Imperials were very wrong to think they were safe behind their walls and gates. A small detachment of Ferrymen consisting of Jesus Pablo, Diome Indoren, Banjo, and Mika managed to breach past their iron doors and began to take the entire force on their own. There within the gates, Jesus Pablo showed his ferociousness and prowess on the battlefield as he single handedly charged in a moment of bloodlust into a group of Orenians. His savage charge proved useful as it opened the opportunity for the rest of the Ferrymen to push through the gates and into the hearth of the city.

1,100 Imperials dead.

Once more the bastion and city fell to the hands of the Ferrymen.

Signed,

Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse,

Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Heir to Shipman Keep. 

Bakir Ireheart, Clan Father of the Irehearts, Legion Commander, King’s Hand