With diplomacy having seemingly failed the Knights of Grüner Bär and House Atane invade Ashada. The members of the True North will come to the aid of Margrave Phillip von Rossenfels. Sturgia has granted True North troops passage thru Arathril.
OoC Hansk army troop count is 421. Fleet based troop count is 92
u/Cookiejunkie
Between the siege of Lord Falcon and the possibilities of raiding along the coast throughout the entire land, Marquis von Falkenberg decided he needed to raise additional troops. He knew that he couldn't just raise all standard troops but needed some specialized troops able to handle difficult situations that standard troops could not. To this end the Marquis raised the following.
First a company of heavily armored spearmen. Veterans of previous battles, these men had been places and seen things. With their plate armor and extra long spears, they were ready to be the vanguard of the Marquis' Rutland army.
Second a company of men know for their shipborne fighting skills. They were also ready to make amphibious landings in hostle territory when necessary. Easily recognized by their red cloak and plume they are called Red Cloaks in the same vein as their Black Cloak brothers. To make room for these men the Marquis had acquired some additional small boats and transferred several troops from his fleet to Fortress Hafenbogen in Hansk.
Lastly a rear guard to protect the general in battle. A last line of defense in the event of a catastrophe. These men would protect whomever was incharge of the army while in battle.
To this point the Marquis needed someone to lead his troops in Rutland. His trusted advisors where elsewhere; General von Strasburg was leading the army in Hansk and his Sergeant at Arms Wulfred was investigating traitors to The True North. The Marquis found his man in Gustav von Colloredo. Gustav had served under General von Strasburg yet had his own ideas and ways of doing things. A much more exuberant and flamboyant man than von Strasburg, Gustav wore golden armor and had long flowing hair much to the ladies delight. He would lead the Knights of Grüner Bär army in Rutland.
OoC last pic is army under von Colloredo's command in Braccenfoot. Fleet is off the northern coast of Sereeda.
After Marquis von Falkenberg had received word from Governor Schwarzenberg that there was a possible traitor to the realm in his city he sent his Sergeant at Arms, Wulfred, to look into it. Wulfred, an astute man who had grown up without privilege knew one only has to follow the money to find out what is really happening. He sent a couple men he trusted to follow 'The White Widow' around town, observe her movements, and who she had dealings with.
After following her around for a few hours they realized she had rented rooms in several inns and taverns around town where she conducted her business. She was using her husband's money to fund something but they were unsure of what. One of the men returned to Wulfred to tell him what they had found out.
Wulfred asked "Where is she now?"
"The Blue Crab Tavern," said the spy.
"Let's catch her in the act!" Wulfred replied.
Taking with him several of the Bergkrieger Guard they rushed over to the tavern. Wulfred had the guards burst into the room where they found Anna counting money with multiple ledgers open.
"What is all this?" asked Wulfred.
"Oh this is just my spending money," Anna replied sheepishly.
Wulfred scanned several of the ledgers, realizing some of them were written in code.
"These entries here are not for a lady's day to day spending," he said sharply. "I believe you are attempting to hide what you are doing but I will find out!"
With that Anna crossed her arms and said "Good luck," in a condescending tone.
"Guards take her away, round up anyone she has seen today, and get me the tavern owner!" Wulfred barked out.
Looking to his two spies he said, "Turn this place upside down. I want every scrap of paper you can find. I will get to the bottom of this."
He then went outside where the tavern owner and her daughter where waiting to get back to work. He began to question the two of them for any information they might have on 'The White Widow'. He knew there was a larger conspiracy at play and that any information he could gather and decipher would be a great help to Governor Schwarzenberg.
u/betterincolor
With the Grüner Bär army and fleet returning to Hansk the Marquis had requested General von Strasburg to build a fortress that could defended incase of an invasion. Fortress Hafenbogen was built at the southern point of Hirsch Bay to complete the Marquis request.
Seeing the Horse Knights annexation of The Arrad complete the Knights of Grüner Bär send their army, Rangers of Schwarzwald, and fleet based troops back to Hansk.
With it's armies gathered in Daggerstake and the Kraken Clan and Grüner Bär fleets blockading the coast the True North moves to take control of The Arrad. The True North does not recognize the change in ownership of The Arrad from Lionne to Ashada. We ask Ashada and the Tridentine Alliance to stand down. No more blood needs to be spilled. The Arrad will be turned over to Phillip von Rossenfels, Ruler of the Horse Knights. His refugees from Mordrun will settle in the land and bring it safety and stability.
If Ashada and the Tridentine Alliance feel compelled to fight we will meet them on the field of battle. If they decide to make a final stand in Orlan Fortress we will lay siege to it. We hope that it does not come to this but are prepared nonetheless.
Respectful
Marquis von Falkenberg
OoC troop counts:
Knights of Grüner Bär 598
Guardians of the Wildwood 129
Lord Falcon 88
Knights of the Hart 85
Horse Knights 36
House Atane 33
Total True North count 969
Pics of all troops and ships can be found here
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/ajZqyovmdt
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/FNdJkN3MXS
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/VMr0ceBRk3
Since Lionne and its allies will not recognize or try to put limitations on the peacekeepers the Knights of Grüner Bär have no other alternative but to remove Lionne and any forces that come to its aid from The Arrad. The Grüner Bär army and its True North allies will rendezvous in Daggerstake before moving into The Arrad.
Grüner Bär moves its main army from Hansk to Daggerstake, troop count is 413. The fleet will drop off its troops in Daggerstake, troop count 71. The fleet will then return to Sereeda along with ships from The Guardians of Wildwood to pick up the elvish brigade and bring them to Daggerstake, troop count 114.
OoC mods I will give breakdowns of troops and battle plans once all troops have arrived.
I am writing to you to try to better explain our current predicament. Yesterday, I attempted to rescue a noble from being sent to his death. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in my attempt. Things then escalated and after some talk amongst the entire world Estria acted as negotiator between myself and your alliance. As you can see from the screen shots I specifically asked for Marshal Daimbert to be turned over to me. It was agreed upon that he would be turned over to northern hands. Then this morning he was found dead in his cell of an apparent heart attack. These are the facts.
Should I merely chalk this up to coincidence? Or are other things at play here? The conclusion that I and surely yourselves can see is that General Vladek and Lionne can not be trusted. Therefore I had no other course then to move to stop such actions from continuing to take place.
If you think that my choice is one of ill contention then we will continue on our current path. However, if you can see what I see then you will realize that my intentions are for the better good of the land. Let me do what is right as a man of honor.
Respectful
Marquis von Falkenberg
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/busetS9q1n
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/P093Onnono
With an unsuccessful rescue attempt of Marshal Daimbert by the Rangers of Schwarzwald, his eventual death while in custody of General Vladek's troops, and the continued provocation of Vladek, I have no other option but to send the Grüner Bär army into The Arrad as a peace keeping force until the end of the tribunal. The army will patrol the land so as to deter any more civil unrest whether it be noble or common man that causes it.
To the rest of the Trident Alliance, this is not meant as an act of war but as a deterrent to the continued escalation of General Vladek and his troops. Until a time as his trial is over and a new ruler can accend the throne of Lionne the Grüner Bär army will remain. If you decide that you must stand up for your ally just remember all that he has said and done leading up to this moment. Do you really want to come to the aid of a man on trial that not once, not twice, but three times committed atrocities? While it might not have been you or your forces this time it could be you the next time. Also know that I do not stand alone and that if necessary force will be meet with force.
To the rest of the world, this is a southern Therican issue. General Vladek and his troops have committed their atrocities here. I ask you to let those of us that are here deal with it. Do not let a regional issue turn into a wider conflict.
Respectful
Marquis von Falkenberg
OoC troop count is 413. If a battle has to take place I will give mods a break down of troops
The Knights of Grüner Bär under the instruction of Sir Corwin of House Atane have moved their land army into Daggerstake to protect House Atane's claim. Grüner Bär has also moved their fleet into the bay between Daggerstake and Arathril.
OoC u/Cookiejunkie
Even with the Knights of Grüner Bär army now in Hansk there was still work to do.
First, Captain Ludwig dispersed his Rangers of Schwarzwald out to patrol Hansk. One squad built a watchtower in the mountains where Hansk, Daggerstake, and Draggenland all come together to watch the borders. On a clear day with a looking glass you could see all the way to The Arrad.
Second, General von Strasburg and Dorvin Hillhorn linked the army up with the Black Cloaks. After that they moved to the border with Daggerstake as Marquis von Falkenberg had pledged to come to the aid of Sir Corwin. The general did not like that Sturgia and the Trident Alliance were fighting it out so close to True North lands.
Third, the fleet sailed back to Sereeda to meet up with two newest ships, The Serpent's Horn II and The Matty. The latter being named after the Marquis son for his great achievement against the elves. Then the fleet set sail for Ourga, home of the Krackenclan. The Marquis had made an arrangement with Halvar Ironfist to hire mercenaries to sail aboard the fleet to protect the waters around the new colonies. Once the vikings were all aboard the fleet set sail for the southern point of Daggerstake.
OoC only rangers on gray plate are in Hansk, count is 49. Grüner Bär army count is 364. Fleet count is 94. Also thanks to u/kettenfett1 for use of Krackenclan name for lore purposes.
Marquis von Falkenberg was surrounded by his generals, ranger captain and lieutenant, and advisors. "Now that the Sereeda is secured we need to do the same with the colonies in Therican," he said to all of them. "Therefore I have made some decisions, first the rangers will be split in half, with half staying here and half going to Hansk. Those going to Hansk will be known as the Rangers of Schwarzwald." Turning to Ludwig he continued, "Lieutenant you have done a fine job helping Captain Otto train these men and I can't think of someone better to lead them, therefore you are promoted to Captain."
"Thank you my Lord," Captain Ludwig replied.
"You'll do a fine job, Captain," Captian Otto said as he put his hand on Ludwig's shoulder.
"I won't let either of you down," said Ludwig looking at both of them.
Turning back to the group the Marquis said, "Secondly the Knights of Grüner Bär army will be going to Hansk as well where they will meet up with the Black Cloaks. The army will be stationed there but will be ready to help any of the True North colonies in Therican." Then turning to General von Strasburg the Marquis said, "Bernhart, my oldest friend, I am sorry that we can not enjoy the celebration of naming this fort in you honor any longer."
"My Lord," the general said cutting the Marquis off. "I am ready to do whatever job you require of me."
"Thank you my friend," replied the Marquis
"Dorvin if you like you may continue to accompany the general," the Marquis said as he turned his head to look at him. "Your father and I have already talked and it is your decision to make."
"Then I choose to go!" Roared the dwarf as he cocked back his head. Many of the other men chuckled at his enthusiasm.
"Very well," replied the Marquis. "Third the hedge knights and elves will be stationed at Castle Falkenberg. Zauber, his dragon, and skeletons as well as my personal guard will also be there," the Marquis told the group. "Wulfred you will continue to lead the hedge knights."
"Yes my lord," Wulfred replied.
"General Lithoaric any questions?" asked the Marquis.
"None my lord, we are ready to server," he replied.
"Good," said the Marquis. "Bernhart, Dorvin, Ludwig, the ships are waiting. Have a safe journey. Send a raven should you need anything."
"Yes my Lord," replied all three.
"Now I need to get Matty back to Castle Falkenberg before his mother finds out what he's done," said the Marquis as he headed back inside Fort Strasburg.
Part 1
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/8gxS2icMAg
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Part 2
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/a1PKcVfyhX
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Part 3
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/sOB15mad3W
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Marquis von Falkenberg, his son Matty, the Dwarf Dorvin Hillhorn, and their party arrived at the outpost under the cover of darkness. The paladin knights had made it earlier in the evening. Captain Otto and his Nordschleife rangers were waiting for them.
​
The Marquis and Dorvin had spent the journey talking about elves. Dorvin had explained how after pleasantries and exchanging of gifts the elves would would try to get the Marquis to accept some sort of challenge that would seem possible to win but would be tipped in the elves favor. The Marquis would have to decide whether to accept the challenge or not accept and have the high likelihood of fighting a guerrilla war.
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That evening the Marquis, Dorvin, Otto, and his lieutenant Ludwig went over different scenarios. The rangers were taking care of the final preparations, including the escape boat for Matty. In fact the only person in the whole outpost who got any sleep that night was Matty.
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As expected the elves arrived early the next day before the sun burned off the morning dew. The Marquis, Dorvin, Otto, and Ludwig went thru the gate to parley with the elves. Matty was standing on the ramparts watching the elves. A ranger was right next to him, ready to drag him, if needed, to the boat and safety.
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The elves looked magnificent with their golden armor, shields, and weapons. When they got close enough the elf in the middle said, "Greetings, I am Lord Elmer ruler of the woodland elves. This is Lady Lyrei, Elder Arden, and General Lithoaric." The Marquis responded, "Greetings, I am Marquis Mathias von Falkenberg, Warden of Sereeda. This is Dorvin Hillhorn, Captain Otto, and Lieutenant Ludwig."
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The elvish general sneered, "A dwarf." As the Marquis gave his introductions. Lord Elmer raised his hand ever so slightly without even looking at the general to show his displeasure.
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The Marquis continued, "I have been told that it is your custom to exchange gifts. Therefore I have brought you a sword which is only given to a select few knights after they have gone thru years of training."
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"What a magnificent sword," replied Lord Elmer. "I too have brought a sword." He continued, "It is given to great generals who show tremendous courage in battle."
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"What an honor to receive one" replied the Marquis.
After some more pleasantries Lord Elmer said, "We have seen you men practicing their skills," as he motioned to the archery targets off in the distance. "Would you care for a friendly game?"
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This was it thought the Marquis. Everything Dorvin had told him had happened and now he had to decide how much of an advantage the elves had. "What do you have in mind?" Asked the Marquis.
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Lord Elmer responded, "Three archers each, one arrow each, closest to the center wins. We will let you decide if you want to go first or last. Each one of us will have a representative down by the target to determine who is the winner."
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The Marquis thought for a moment then answered, "I accept your terms."
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"Good," said Lord Elmer with a smug smile on his face. "Now for the wager, if we win you will leave the forest never to return."
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"And if we win?" Asked the Marquis.
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"The forest will be yours and I will pledge fealty to you," said Lord Elmer.
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"Very well," said the Marquis. "We shall go second and Dorvin Hillhorn shall be our representative."
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"Good," said Lord Elmer with an even smugger smile on his face. "Our representative will be Lady Lyeri."
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The Marquis nodded, turned around, looked at Otto and said, "you and Ludwig will shoot but who is the third?"
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Otto responded, "we won't need a third my Lord!"
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The first pair lined up, Lieutenant Ludwig and General Lithoaric, they nocked their arrows, pulled back, and fired. Lithoaric had put his solidly in the 8 circle but Ludwig was just inside the 9 ring.
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The next pair lined up, Captain Otto and the first elf that had shown up a fortnight ago. They both nocked their arrows, pulled back, and fired. Captain Otto had put his right on the 10 line while the elf was just outside the 10 ring.
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Knowing that unless the elves could best Captain Otto the contest was over, the Marquis was feeling pretty good. Maybe Dorvin was wrong about them having an advantage. Just then Lord Elmer stepped up and took the previous shooters bow. He nocked his arrow, pulled back, and fired. Even from a distance you could see Dorvin's shock as he went to look at the target. Lord Elmer had put it dead center!
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The Marquis turned to Otto and said, "We need another shooter. Who do you suggest?"
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"I'm not sure my Lord. There are many fine shooters among the men."
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"Then ask for a volunteer," replied the Marquis.
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Captaion Otto walked over to the outpost wall and hollered to his men, "The Marquis has asked for a volunteer. Who wishes to take on this task?"
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A few seconds later the gates opened but instead of a ranger coming thru it was the Marquis' son Matty.
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"Matty what are you doing?" Asked the Marquis.
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"Don't worry father, I won't let you down," Matty replied as he walked past.
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"Matty, Matty, Matty!" The Maquis said trying to get his son to return, "I never agreed to this. You were suppose to stay in the outpost!"
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"Let's the boy shoot," Lord Elmer said. He could hardly hide his delight as the boy walked by him.
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Matty unfazed by all of this stepped up to the line, nocked his arrow, pulled back, and fired.
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After what seemed like an eternity they could see Lady Lyrei hang her head and Dorvin leap in the air.
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Dorvin came running down picked up the boy and slung him on his shoulders. "Matty my boy! How did you do it?" He yelled.
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The Marquis and Lord Elmer came over wanting an explanation. Dorvin said, "Not only did Matty hit a bullseye but he shattered Lord Elmer's arrow in the process!"
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Just then Lady Lyrei arrived. "The dwarf speaks the truth my Lord. Your arrow is no more."
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Lord Elmer turned to Matty and the Marquis and said, "Congratulations Marquis von Falkenberg, your son is a fine shot." Getting down on one knee he continued, "I pledge my fealty to you my Lord. My men will be here by this time tomorrow."
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"Rise Lord Elmer," the Marquis said, "and thank you for standing by our wager."
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"Should you ever need me send one of my men into the forest and I will be here the next day," Lord Elmer said. "Now if you have nothing further I ask to take my leave."
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"Yes Lord Elmer you may take your leave," said the Marquis. "Have a safe journey home"
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With that the elves turned and retreated back into the forest.
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The next day as promised a company of elves in full armor arrived at the outpost. General Lithoaric on a horse giving orders. "Greetings Marquis," he said "I am here to fulfill Lord Elmer's wager. What is your command for us?"
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Just then on the horizon the Marquis could see General von Strasburg and the Knights of Grüner Bär. "Come general we will discuss and make plans with General von Strasburg."
Part 1
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/8gxS2icMAg
Part 2
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/a1PKcVfyhX
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With the festivities in Jorronplain over Marquis von Falkenberg was preparing to depart for Castle Falkenberg. The last of their house were saddling up their animals. He had just seen his wife and brother in law off a couple hours earlier. They were heading to the wedding of King Elangar. While the Marquis wished he was attending he had duties in Sereeda to see to first. He hadn't told his friend and general, Bernhart von Strasburg, yet but he was naming the new outpost after him for his leadership of the army in the battle with the Blood Dragons. It would be forever known as Fort Strasburg.
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Just then a soldier rushed over, "My Lord! We just received a raven from Captain Otto!" shouted the soldier as he handed over a scrap of paper. The Marquis opened it and began to read, the blood draining from his face as he did so.
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"My Lord?" Dorvin Hillhorn exclaimed, looking at the Marquis.
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"The ghosts," the Marquis stammered out, "are elves."
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"ELVES!" Shouted the elder dwarf Burmir Hillhorn. "Nothing but sneaky bastards," he continued.
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General von Strasburg had walked over to the Marquis by this point. "Elves," the Marquis repeated as he handed the paper to him. After reading the paper himself the general asked "What is you plan, my Lord?"
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"Destroy them!" Burmir replied loudly.
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With this the Marquis snapped back to himself. "I must go to the outpost at once. General you will take my son to Castle Falkenberg as planned and prepare the army. The knights who went to Rydonius should have returned by now. Unless you hear differently I expect the armies arrival in a weeks time."
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"Of course my Lord" replied von Strasburg. "We will be there."
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"I shall return to the mountain and prepare our troops as well," Burmir said. "If the elves want a fight we shall crush them!"
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"My Lord I would like to ride with you," said Dorvin
"We have had dealings with elves before," he continued. "We can come discuss them on the journey. If they are planning to negotiate we need to be prepared to give them a gift."
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"A gift?" asked the Marquis.
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"Aye!" Burmir replied.
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The Marquis thought for a second. He turned to the soldier and said "Send a raven to Castle Falkenberg. Have a small detachment of paladin knights meet me at the outpost in Sereeda. Have them bring an extra sword."
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"Yes my Lord," the soldier replied as he ran off.
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As the Marquis turned to Dorvin he replied "Perfect my Lord."
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"Good," said the Marquis, "then we are off?"
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Just then a young voice spoke up "Father, I would like to see an elf." It was the Marquis oldest son Mathias or Matty as he was called at court.
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The Marquis turned and knelt down to him. "My son it is far too dangerous for you to go. We don't know what these elves might do. You're mother would be devastated if I were to put you in harms way." Matty had not gone to King Elangar's wedding with his mother for this same reason.
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"But I can stay in the outpost," the boy replied. "And since its on the river a boat can be placed on the dock. That way if something should happen I can go up the river to our home."
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The Marquis smiled at his son. "You think this plan up by yourself?" he asked him.
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"Yes father, I have went over the site and building plans many times," the boy replied.
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"Good lad," Burmir replied slapping the boy on the back.
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"I have seen him look over them my Lord," replied von Strasburg.
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"It is a pretty good plan," Dorvin said as he winked at the boy.
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The Marquis looked at his three advisors and left out a sigh, knowing this was a losing battle. "Well my son let this be a leason for you. Not only does a ruler need to make decisions but he also needs to listen to his advisors and take their opinions into account."
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"Does this mean I can see an elf?!" the boy asked excitedly.
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"Yes," replied the Marquis. "Let's just hope your mother never finds out."
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With that the boy ran to his horse and leaped into the saddle. "What are we waiting for?" he asked.
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The men and dwarves looked at one another and began to laugh.
The elite Black Cloaks have begun creating a beach head on Hansk. Veterans of foreign wars, these are the fiercest knights in the Grüner Bär army. Known for wearing a black cloak and plume, they are easy to identify. While some look down on them because of not having the horsemanship skills of their paladin knight brothers, that just gives them a chip on their shoulder.
The larger ships stay in the bay between Hansk and the Isle of Everautumn. They are ready to come to the aid of their lord's troops, the Knights of the Hart, or their fellow bannermen's troops, the Gaurdians of the Wildward.
Part 1
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lego\_Minifigure\_Realm/s/8gxS2icMAg
With the wedding celebration of Ser Rhodri and Lady Miranda winding down in Jorronplain Marquis von Falkenberg sent Captain Otto on his way back to Sereeda. Captain Otto hadn't preformed well during the archery portion of the celebration but his mind was back in Sereeda. He'd been too preoccupied with the construction of the outpost on the southern edge of the forest, training the newest recruits, and most importantly finding the supposed "ghosts" The Marquis had received word that the outpost had finally been finished while they were all at the wedding.
As Captain Otto approached the outpost he could see the Grüner Bär flag flying atop the newly finished outpost. Several Rangers of the Nordschleife could been seen on the walls keeping watch. As he got closer he could hear the cheers of his men, they were all happy to see their captain return. As the gate opened he could see his top lieutenant at the top of the staircase.
"The outpost looks good," said Captain Otto.
"It is completed and fully supplied," replied the lieutenant.
"Where are the new recuits?" asked Captain Otto.
"Already on their first patrols sir. I have five squads of nine Rangers out looking for the ghosts," said the lieutenant.
"The ghosts" murmured Captain Otto under his breath. Gathering himself he replied "Good work lieutenant, let me know when we hear from them."
As Captain Otto turned to head inside the ranger on top of the tower began ringing the warning bell. Captain Otto rushed to the ramparts to see two strangers on the edge of the forest. He realized they were just out of range of his archers. Just then one of them called out...
"We hear you are looking for us. We have been waiting for your return."
Captain Otto realized then that they had been watching the outpost for some time. Before he could respond they called out again...
"Our lord would like to talk. He'll be here in a fortnight."
"Talk about what?" yelled Captain Otto.
The strangers never replied. They retreated back into the forest and dissappeared.
The ranger standing next to Captain Otto said, "I think those were elves sir. Never thought I'd ever see one though."
Captain Otto thought for a minute. "Send a raven to the Marquis immediately! He needs to be informed! Recall all of the squads!" He barked.
"Sir?" asked the lieutenant meekly.
"Now!" Captain Otto exclaimed. "There is no need to find them. They are coming to us and we need to be prepared," he continued.
"Right away sir!" replied the lieutenant.
"Elves," Captain Otto whispered to himself. His mind racing with questions. Where had they come from? How long had they been here? How long had they been watching him and his men? "We have work to do!" he shouted to the men.
Since it's my birthday I picked up my first viking minifig tonight from my local independent Lego store. Really digging the shield!