Masouri

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

THE CITY STATE OF OREN AND ITS SURROUNDING MANORS

Saint James Bleeds

THE BATTLE OF NEW PROVIDENCE BRIDGE

Twenty-thousand Tripartite.

Seven-thousand dead.

Forty-thousand Imperials.

Twenty-Thousand dead.

Those twenty thousand Tripartite surmounted the steps to New Providence, chins lifted to the skies and with grips of resolve to their weaponry. At the very front stood three - the commanders of the Tripartite. Captain Banjo, Diome Indoren and the Butcher of the East, Brick. Those three shared glances, for this is where their dawn had begun all those years ago - forty some. It was nearing the Saint’s year anniversary of the first bloodshed Orenia had received on Almaris. When they fought with five-thousand against sixteen-thousand, where all sixteen-thousand were slain and tasted their foremost major defeat. But a few of the old guard stood with them, yet the grumbles and chants of war still echoed from the side of the Tripartite. Against such unfavourable odds again, would they triumph once more?

Any who witnessed the slaughter on the steps of Providence would answer with a resounding yes. Outnumbered two-to-one, facing a force of forty thousand Orenians, the Tripartite force valiantly charged the front gates of the city, where they exchanged numerous volleys of arrows with its defenders. After being forced to abandon their positions atop the walls by relentless arrow fire, the Orenian force consolidated and sallied out to meet the Tripartite army in battle. The first two of their charges were unsuccessful, being swiftly outmaneuvered and beaten back behind the walls of Providence. It was in the midst of these failed attempts that Diomé Indoren personally led multiple infantry charges against the enemy, ultimately leaving eight-thousand Imperials slain.

To the dismay of the Tripartite commanders the third push of the Orenians found success, effectively splitting the already outnumbered force in two and crushing much of the Tripartite cavalry. Rather than capitalize on this, the Imperials saw fit to blindly chase a band of no more than four-thousand Tripartite soldiers all the way to the Urguani borderlands. These Orenians found themselves deftly evaded by the Tripartite men who managed to join the main force at (Providence Bridge) once again. Here, Auguste van Aert rallied his men and drove them against the scattered Imperials who remained, cutting down four-thousand before routing them toward Providence. As the other half of the Orenian army made their way back to the field of battle along the road from Southbridge they were harassed relentlessly by the cavalry of the Ferrymen. Seeing their weakened state the Butcher of the East led a lance charge into the Imperial cavalry, knocking most from atop their steeds and trampling them underfoot. 

Knowing their situation to be hopeless, the remainder of the Imperial army finally began their retreat. The Tripartite army, emboldened by their victory, gave chase as they ran for the safety of the walls of the capital. Hope was there for the assailants, seeing as the Orenians had turned charges and fought with some crumbs of honour. Yet, minutes turned into more – the Imperial State Army and those who took up arms with them had retreated into their fortifications a final time. At the climax of the battlefield, the last standing knight – Sir Mohammad Hassan – fought with Islamic fervor against Captain Banjo; he was last seen praying to Allah as a longsword impaled his midriff. (SIR MOHAMMAD HASSAN 4 LYFE)

THE FATE O’ LOBSTERS

“Emperor John’s Mom?” - Banjo

To the General of the Imperial State Army,

You would think that during times of war, external events would be well mulled over and prepared for. The people of Ephesius learned today that you are not prepared, and only willing to defend yourself internally. You are either insecure, incompetent or both. So how about you prove them all wrong? And all one-thousand of our prisoners, who were easily taken from this settlement? Meet us on the field once more, though if you are too craven, you will deliver two-thousand mina for the price of all of these captives. Just one Saint’s hour will be provided for you to bring this mina, or clash with us in battle for their lives - if not, they shall live their last minutes of life knowing that their own General cared nil for them. One victory might have urged you to thinking the tides were turned. But when tides turn, a tsunami may form. If only you could fight as well as you publish overstatements.

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. 

COMING TO A CROSSROAD

A depiction of the Destiny’s Crossroad tavern, circa 54 SA

To the Government of the Holy Orenian Empire and those whom it may concern,

It is a common occurrence that my men and I patrol the vast roads of Oren hoping to catch a straggler out in the open or perhaps one of your patrols. One landmark that I have become familiar with is the roadside tavern named ‘Destiny’s Crossroad’ which is considered a midway point in the journey to the Orenian Heartland. Instead of this tavern bustling with people, it has shamefully become a place of conflict as two belligerents fight for control over the surrounding territories. 

I cannot say that my men are innocent of responsibility, but it is neither fully our own. It is my belief that in times of war, where our judgement may be clouded, that we stick by the tenets of The Ferryman; to be just and fair. It is with this conviction in my heart that I declare Destiny's Crossroad Tavern to be a place of neutrality, so it shall not be degraded by insolent men.

Therefore we declare and shall uphold these terms,

I. The Ferrymen shall not ransack or loot the Destiny’s Crossroad tavern - ending all aggravations towards it directly.

II. The tavern shall become a beacon of light in such dark times of war; Ferrymen shall be allowed to use it willingly and freely.

III. People caught outside the tavern and its roads leading to and fro are counted as fair game and may not seek refuge inside the tavern from our steel, as such would go against its neutral state.

IV. So long as Orenians do not use the tavern to house their soldiers or use it as a fort in both defense and offense, The Ferrymen will uphold their declaration.

V. If in some way this declaration in good faith is abused or loop-holed, the declaration shall be annulled.

Signed humbly,

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

Ser Charles Alexander of the Ferrymen, Auctioneer and Head of Intelligence

━━┛ ✠ ┗━━

First Blood upon Saint James

━━┓ ✠ ┏━━

Years have passed since the renowned names of Utak and Durorn Ireheart were spoken of freely, and in glory. Legends come as soon as they may pass from the mountain, just as I and Utak have. Our purpose was fulfilled in the eyes of Yemekar. Now, the Orenian lobster bellies declare war against my kin, the kin who my axe has been sworn to since the day of my first breath. Battles since the declaration have been unforeseen and too close for us to rest easily. From deep within the mountains we return, axe and shield in hand, as we bear a proclamation of our own - the Orenian wig wearers shall bleed, and we shall not.

My kin and I thereby marched upon the new city of Orenia; Saint James. We knew our numbers to be short, but in this shortage, we are redeemed through centuries of prowess on the battlefield. Do they not remember the coalition on Arcas? Their skin saved by the Inferi. By standing at their gate, Orenia was fated to be at their own death’s door - turmoil sealed in this war. An Orenian man was halted on their bridge and soon the Imperial State Army came marching. Twelve thousand three hundred stood in the wake of the Dwed, quivering akin to lobsters fresh out of water and into a boiling pot.

They were foolish enough to not immediately begin in their charge, yet the recruits were far too occupied in strapping on their tin helmets and uttering prayers. As a consequence, Urguani reinforcements marched to Saint James, one thousand strong. This alongside the rest made up for a fight of twelve hundred Urguani forces strong, and twenty-three hundred shaky Orenian pot-bellies. Slaughter swiftly ensued as the first crack of hooves sounded outside of Saint James and to the latter end of the halted bridge. 

First blood was shed against Saint James on the eve, pikes clashing against their untrained, imbecile cavalrymen and axes effortlessly crumbling the bones of men. Their armour weak, but their minds twofold in delicacy. These soldiers were ailing drunkards in tin suits, conscripted to an already terminal cause, and they knew it. Orenian cavalry only continued to fall, as the clueless footman continued to skirmish the gifted Dwed in great contrast. As blood continued to spill outside of Saint James, the Orenians realized it to be their own - jaws dropped wide and shook, similarly to the local crack lover who slept on the streets of Urguan.

Fleeing into their city after the beholding of their own slaughter, only one brave Dwed man fell to the jaws of death. As the cravens of Saint James slammed one of their gates shut and spent a good half of the hour, chasing him within their own city. All knew for certain past this point, one Dwed had sacrificed him in the eyes of Dungrimm, while Saint James suffered their first defeat. Their casualties amassed to eleven-hundred, yet their spirit crumbled to naught but nil. Let this be known as the return of  the People’s King Durorn Ireheart - and let it also be known, this will be the first blood shed of many.

Signed,

Durorn Ireheart, Elder of Clan Ireheart, Grand Champion, People’s King of Urguan

Get off Our Lawn

5th of Malin’s Welcome, Year 48 of the Second Age

“‘Run trough dem’, but also turn back on dem.”

[!] The missive would be posted around Almaris, specific copies of the missive would be sent to Urguan, land of the Dwarves.

The reign of terror of the Ferrymen is now a mere memory of those who met our swords, but that does not mean we are vanquished. We lure in the dark, a retirement so call it, until we are brought back into the world to fight once more. A beast in slumber must not be poked, lest you wish to deal with a terminating conclusion. Once we are brought back into the world to serve our mission once more, it is not only Urguan who will suffer but the world. You have attempted to take advantage of our slumber Urguan, kicking us out of lands we were granted by Grand Kings before you. Your greed and stupidity will be your downfall.

My terms are simple:

You have but two options, the following which you may choose from: 

Get the **** off of our lawn. Leave our lands alone, our forts alone, and allow us to live peacefully in retirement. 

OR

The nation of Urguan, for as long as I am Captain, will never be able to hire out our services.

The nations of Almaris shall once again feel the fear of the Ferrymen.

I expect your decision to be swift, a meeting if necessary can be arranged.

Pick wisely Urguan, for the fate of the world rests in your hands. 

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. 

Clouded Vision

4th of the First Seed, Year 27 of the Second Age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_x6QmuJdms

Amidst war, we strive to prove ourselves, without putting ourselves to suicide by attending any ruse for a hearing, or defense.

These accusations by the clergy of Almaris had caught many of our men misplacing their typically green finery, in place of incandescent garbs of pink! What could have possibly caused such a stir up within the confines of our holding? Again and after yet another weedy accusation toward our band of men, the world is simply proving that they truly are in need of pointing their fingers to somebody else when their own leads land to naught. The Ferrymen? Psch. Call us the scapegoats instead. We have ilk of all sorts, this is a letter of a matter of religion, and one proving our innocence upon falsities. So with our chins held high, do we protest these accusations, if anything, we are ready to prove our innocence of this crime.

On the accusations of assassinating His Holiness High Pontiff Jude II. We do not claim the terrorist from this attack, and all Ferrymen must undergo trials to become one - training them to not go out and mercilessly kill religious heads. No order of killing was ever put forth to us. I demand that the so-called ferryman by the members of the Imperial State Army is checked for a missing finger. Why? It is in our codex and trials to become a ferryman, I cite from one of our published posts below: 

“Become credible, members of our roster shall not point to others for the problems of the world. They shall strive towards the solving of problems, acting upon their own accord. To humble oneself and to become integrated, they must remove one finger from their offhand so they can no longer point said blame and direct it onto others; also a sign of loyalty. This act is also to ensure the loyalty of the fledgling member.”

If the cut down man is to still have all ten of his fingers, it is proven that it is impossible for him to be a ferryman. So he must have been an imposter in a stolen outfit or a copy of our armour that was well-made enough to fool your people. If he is missing a finger, then I shall gladly come and stand trial. Though, a finger is quite easy to slice off after reading this, and with the dubiety of Orenian history, my trust has been misplaced before, so it might as well be misplaced here. Not to mention, we are between a vicious war, so it would be suicidal to make a showing to any hearing.

On the accusation of siding with Norland. We would like to point out that both the side of Norland and Oren were offered our services in this current war. Norland replied to our offer most promptly, while the Empire of Oren replied no such offer, but now years later they paint us as evil beings for following loyalty to contract? They had the opportunity to not face us at all, and they might not have directly refused us, but their ignorance and lack of reply was the only card at play here. Again, as a band of mercenaries, what did we see exactly? At one end was a profitable contract to join in arms with the folk up north, and at the other, no contract at all. Well, I suppose next time we will have to stay neutral, and claim no reward! Ignorance must be truly bliss, so I find myself beginning to envy those Orenians now. And that is already with a global acknowledgement that this current war was prior a war of malice and bad-blood, now turned into a copout war of religion; a false crusade. We signed the contract before this war was titled to be a religious one. 

In fact, I would argue the Ferrymen have done more in recent years to keep canonism in power, more so than Oren itself. Have you all forgotten that it was the Ferrymen who put Georg I, a canonist prince onto the throne of the Kingdom of Sutica? We did. But aye, that would just be ignorant to claim we have done more than Oren for canonism, but you cannot dispute the fact we are not against cannonism. This figure of Georg was proudly endorsed by the church, and he for one, could vouch for our band.

We hope to see these accusations wiped from our band of men, it sickens us to see such loose straws being grasped at. Even once this war is over, our men shall avert to searching for the body of the late Pontiff, instead of seeking contracts; going hungry themselves. We are entirely willing to help. We only ask that you stop using us as your scapegoat for a failed investigation into the matter.

Signed, The Ferryman

FRESH PRINCE OF ELVENESSE

18th of the First Seed, Year 26 of the Second Age

“Mi iz da new frezh Rex ob da Twiggiez” -Fresh Rex of Elvenesse, Smol’Ruk

Today marks another victory for the Ferrymen on the Elven front. A group of 70 Ferrymen marched on the capital of Elvenesse     to capture another key victory in the war against the Elves. The force of Ferrymen led by the infamous Captain Banjo, snuck their way into the inner city of Elvenesse and rushed their way into the heart of the capital. At the square, the Ferrymen grouped civilians and soldiers alike to handover their belongings and fought those few soldiers and civilians who had the courage to fight the renowned fighters known as the Ferrymen. Only one of the Elves stood valiantly against the Ferrymen and fought like a true champion (@GeneralPumpkinCZ). At the end of this skirmish, the commander of the Elves was found running cowardly away from the city and the rest of his small force of resistance laid dead in the streets, a fitting death for those who do not stand up for their kin. No losses resulted on the attacking party, as the original group of raiders marched to bandit the remaining civilians and cowardly soldiers. In the throne room the Ferrymen held a short ceremony, crowning Smol’Ruk the ‘Fresh Rex of Elvenesse’.

[!] A picture depicting the Ferrymen and Smol’Ruk sitting on the Throne of Elvenesse.

 As all the elves were either robbed or killed - the Ferrymen left the capital of Elvenesse bare and looted. Their bags filled with loot they had not seen since the days of looting the Imperial city of Providence. Truly a win for the acclaimed  Ferrymen.

[!] Pictures containing the loot of the Raid on Elvenesse.

The Ferryman will come for you all in due time.

Signed,

Banjo, 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

The Ferryman

Smol’Ruk, Fresh Rex of Elvenesse, Personal friend of the Golden Rex

STORMING OF THE BASTILLE

14th of the First Seed, Year 28 of the Second Age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IahvCIqeOc

“Okay, I pull up, hop out at the Orenian after party

You and all your friends,  being tossed like bodies.” - Banjo during his after concert.

“See that right triangle? a^2+b^2=c^2” - Sigma the Mathematician 

The Ferrymen are proud to announce the first major victory of the war, with the Siege of Luciensburg followed with the Capture of the Bastion. The Ferrymen along with the joint forces of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, Kingdom of Norland, and the Silver State of Haelunor marched upon the gates of Luciensburg where the Imperial Army was currently stationed. The Imperial Army, made up of 8,700 soldiers, hide cowardly behind their gates as a Coalition Army of 10,000 led by the infamous Banjo, Donovan Freysson, and Officer Grudgebeard. Although the Imperial Army cowered behind their gates, the mighty Ferrymen Special Ops group led by Henry Parente and Django committed Operation Poor Plumbing, in which they infiltrated the sewers and slayed an impressive 1,200 Imperials at their hands. With this victory in hand, the Coalition forces moved to Urguan to commit the traditional Ferrymen Slide with a record 5,000 soldiers neatly cha-chaing to the rhythmic beat of Banjo’s banjo.

This was only a mere cover up for Imperial Intelligence, as a Second Operation branded “Oren After Party '' was commenced shortly after. 600 Ferrymen and 600 Norlanders led by Banjo and Donovan Freysson went on an incognito mission in the heart of the Kingdom of Oren. This operation was not hard though - the Imperial gate keepers were fast asleep as the 1,200 soldiers easily walked through the gates. These Coalition soldiers were met by 1,400 Orenians who at the sight of combat fled to the safety of their Bastion. They made a grave mistake, for Grand Strategian Sigma from Norland calculated the fastest route to cut the sluggish Orenians off and beat them to the inside of the Bastion where their forces were quickly slain, with no Coalition casualties. These Coalition soldiers captured the Bastion on this day, bringing the first major victory of the War. Let this be known - hiding behind your gates and murdering innocents will lead you onto a path of defeat. The Ferryman will come for you all in time.

Signed,

Banjo, Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, 

Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism

The Ferryman

A Deal of Flame and Rivers

"In the midst of Chaos, there is always opportunity." -  The man with the two mustaches.

https://youtu.be/YVkUvmDQ3HY

Preface:

         This contract stands as the officiation of the deal between the Kingdom of Norland and The Ferrymen. This deal will expire at a time where deemed fit by both signatories or conditions detailed later within this contract.

Arrangements:

• The Ferrymen shall aid Norland in the next major global conflict they engage in.

  • Norland shall pay The Ferrymen 3000 mina prior to the conflict and 4000 if victory is achieved.

  • For the duration of said conflict the Ferrymen will not attack the Kingdom of Norland or their other allies in said conflict.

  • The Ferrymen will be supplied by the Kingdom of Norland for the duration of the conflict when needed.

• The Ferrymen will be given a keep on Norlandic territory to operate out of in the future. 

• The Kingdom of Norland acknowledges the Ferrymen as their own entity whose actions are not representative of The Kingdom of Norland. 

• The Kingdom of Norland is not obligated to defend the Ferrymen from external troubles after the expiration of this deal. 

  • Any attempts to claim the land the Ferrymen reside on will still be considered an invasion of Norlandic territory.

Penned and arranged by,

Donovan Freysson II, Marshall of the Kingdom of Norland

Signed,

Sven Edvardsson, King of Norland, Duke of Varhelm, Protector of Highlanders

Signed,

Banjo, Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, 

Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Defeater of Racism

The Ferryman