![[calradic empire banner 8.png|]] ![[drosios neretzes.png|150]] # Acknowledgements 1) I want to first thank reddit user: [JesusDHG](https://www.reddit.com/user/JesusDHG/) for compiling every lord's dialogue about the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] for the community. Link: [https://www.reddit.com/r/mountandblade/comments/fyku0s/full_story_of_[[Neretzes]]_folly_all_18_lords/](https://www.reddit.com/r/mountandblade/comments/fyku0s/full_story_of_[[[[neretzes]]]]_folly_all_18_lords/) A lot of my sources for this compendium project come from Bannerlord's .XML files but for some odd reason the storyline dialogue was hard to find initially. I did manage to find it: steamapps\common\Mount & Blade II Bannerlord\Modules\StoryMode\ModuleData\Languages. Then open the **std_StoryMode.XML** file in Notepad. But the problem is the text is all jumbled and not in any recognizable order. It's hard to determine who is saying what and when. Because of that this Reddit post is a god send so thank you again [JesusDHG](https://www.reddit.com/user/JesusDHG/). 2) Bannerlord topography and settlement locations have changed drastically overtime, I presume since the time this storyline of Bannerlord was written, or being written. For example, [[Mesui]]'s deceased husband is *Solun* not Gotug. The highest position in [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] is *Grand Prince*, not King. And the overall location of **Pendraic Castle** has been moved far from it's original 2018 and 2019 position: Attribution: [Vesper](https://www.reddit.com/r/mountandblade/comments/ckkqy8/bannerlord_calradia_map_with_towns_castles_and/) ![[2018 - 2019 MAP.jpg]] Attribution: [Zamzamazawarma](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bannerlord/comments/sph3st/this_is_a_map_there_are_many_like_it_but_this_one/) ![[2023 - 2024 MAP.jpg]] The positioning of Pendraic Castle in particular interests me because that changes how far the [[Imperial]] Coalition got, only being in front of [[Lageta]] in the 2018 - 2019 map before being destroyed, juxtapose to the modern release which places the army in the center of foreign territory which can better narratively explain the total annihilation of the Empire's army. That is, being more thoroughly surrounded by enemy forces on all sides (aka [[Principality-of-Sturgia]], [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], and [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]). With that in mind, my conclusions about the lead up to the battle and the battle itself, may vary from the writer's original narrative. Still, I have a lot of evidence that can piece together the story of the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]]. # A Quick Summary The [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] can be broken up into five sections: **The Lead Up** **The Ambush** **Open-Field** **The Camp Siege** and lastly, **The Aftermath** # Empire / Mercenary Account **The Lead Up** - **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]]**: [[Neretzes]] has an obligation to avenge the [[Battanian]] attacks on our land. He marched out with all the forces he could gather. | **Unqid**: We heard that the [[Calradian-Empire]] was making war on the Sturgians, or maybe it was the other way around. [...] I thought that we had no stake in this quarrel but Nimr, a fiery young hero from [[Banu-Sarran]], asked me for permission to take some young warriors, eager for glory. | **Adram**: The bravest and most valiant son of our clan, Nimr, led off a large group of [[Aserai-Sultanate]] warriors to fight for the [[Calradian-Empire]], for gold and glory. I went with them. | **[[Monchug]]**: Yes. Emperor [[Neretzes]] offered to hire our warriors as mercenaries. I saw nothing wrong with that. The [[Calradian-Empire]] was an old bear. Well fed, and slow-moving. It wanted to keep what it had. The Sturgians were, and are, hungry wolves. Like us. Sometimes wolves hunt in packs, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes one wolf wants the lion to kill his rival. Most of those who went were [[Khergit-clan]]. | **Mesui**: When word spread that the Emperor was offering silver for men to ride at his side, against the Sturgians and Battanians and others, of course our young brave boys leapt at the chance. My husband, the bravest and best of them all, led them. | **[[Hurunag]]**: I was there. Many Khuzaits went. Mostly the [[Khergit-clan]] clan, who were young and hungry for glory, but I was also young and hungry for glory so I went along as well. --- **The Ambush** - **[[Hurunag]]**: The Battanians had planned an ambush up in the wooded pass for the [[Imperial]] vanguard, then the Vlandians and Sturgians were to come sweeping down on their flanks in the battle. Our scouts found the [[Battanian]] ambush, but [[Neretzes]] did not listen, and blundered into it anyway. | **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Rhagaea]]**: He ([[Arenicos]]) could not stop [[Neretzes]] from marching his army to defeat, [...]| **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]]**: I was with the vanguard. [[Neretzes]] apparently knew that the Battanians planned an ambush - the [[Khuzait-Khanate]] scouts told him. But he never bothered to inform us. Up we went, along a lovely wooded stream, until the [[Battanian]] arrows started whooshing from all sides. So we started to drop, one by one, until the [[Battanian]] falxmen came screaming out of the trees. Ordinarily they'd be vulnerable to archers, but, well, old [[Neretzes]] hadn't thought to send any along with us. So they come upon us, chopping and slashing, and we fought until we broke. I ran too. And any man who tells you he wouldn't, in those circumstances, is a liar. | **Adram**: When we saw the [[Battanian]] archers come down from the hills, Nimr was ready. He gave word: we held our shields over our heads as arrows rained down, then threw our javelins and charged. We cut them down. --- **Open-Field** - **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]]**: The Vlandians betrayed us, but that's what you can expect from honorless barbarians. | **Adram**: Then the [[Vlandian]] knights came. We were attacked on two sides and the Emperor, who could have sent men to save us, took his time. | **[[Hurunag]]**: While [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]]' vanguard was getting slaughtered, we met the Vlandians. But the Vlandians brought lots of crossbowmen, and our horse archers took heavy losses. Eventually the armored [[Imperial]] cataphracts showed up, and rolled over the crossbows. But we were caught in the melee with the [[Vlandian]] knights, and that was when things got bloody. We won, barely, with the help of the imperials, but the [[Khergit-clan]] were mauled. | **Mesui**: We fought the Vlandians. We won, but there was a great slaughter. My husband's horse was slain and he was ridden down, though he died amid a pile of [[Vlandian]] dead. --- **The Camp Siege** - **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]]**: [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] was rash sending our infantry up into the hills to storm the [[Battanian]] fort (Pendraic Castle) - he thought he could grab the pass quickly, before the enemy had time to reinforce it. I stayed with [[Neretzes]] until we were forced back to our camp by [[Sturgian]] infantry, and then fought on the battlements.| **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Rhagaea]]**: When the Sturgians came over our barricades, he ([[Arenicos]]) managed to lead a group of [[Neretzes]]' guardsmen out the back. My husband's small force held together, and were joined by stragglers and fugitives. | **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]]**: When I was sitting in the cold woods later that night, hiding with other fugitives, listening to those barbarians whoop and holler as they chopped off heads as trophies - I promise them that no Calradian soldier should again be led by an Emperor who knows so little of war. --- **The Aftermath** - **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Rhagaea]]**: He ([[Arenicos]]) described the march back - no food, little water, marching day and night to keep ahead of the enemy's outriders. But they survived - the only [[Imperial]] force to do so. The city was in a state of panic after hearing the rumors of what happened. [[Arenicos]] kept things from descending into chaos. When it came time for the [[Senate]] to choose the next Emperor, there was no question it should be him. | **[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]]**: I did not respect [[Arenicos]] before, but that day I saw he was worthy to be Emperor. - **Adram**: Nimr returned, in well-deserved glory. A daughter of [[Banu-Qild]] took interest in him, and they had a secret affair, as the youth sometimes do. As heroes do. But Nimr's acts wound the [[Banu-Qild]]'s pride. They kidnapped him, slew him and hung him in a cage at their market. | **Unqid**: So Nimr went, and fought, and won glory, but also got a number of his men killed, especially those of [[Banu-Qild]]. And he became boastful, and arrogant. And then... Well, that is the beginning of the great feud between [[Banu-Sarran]] and [[Banu-Qild]], but the rest of the story, perhaps I should leave to someone else. | **Tais**: Many Qildi youth went with him. They died by their hundreds. And there was no gain - except for Nimr, who for some reason people considered a hero. It was despicable how they fawned on him. Of course Nimr's arrogance doubled, and doubled again. And then he dealt us a great insult. I will not say what the insult was, because it no longer exists. We wiped it out. In the traditional way. You may ask someone else about that. - **[[Monchug]]**: Were it not for her husband's death, Lady [[Mesui]] would never have inherited the leadership of the [[Khergit-clan]]. Death creates opportunity. The survivors of a great battle make a great show of mourning, but inside they rejoice. | **Mesui**: I curse that name. It took my husband, two brothers, more cousins than I can count. [...] But what came afterwards... When word spread that of what happened to our menfolk, the other clans - the [[Arkit]] in particular - knew we were weak. Our herds were raided. Anyone who protested was killed. [[Monchug]] did little to stop it. It taught us that valor will get you killed, but treachery will make you rich. | **[[Hurunag]]**: Since then, the [[Khergit-clan]] have been rather weak - and you know what happens to the weak. Still, no one told them to put all their eggs in one basket like that. # [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]-[[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]-[[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] Account **The Lead Up** - **[[Caladog]]**: Our dear King [[Aeril]], a wonderful man but with his heart perhaps a might too tender, did not wish for us to go off to war. But then disappeared and I, his son-in-law, ascended to kingship. The clans cried out for war! They had a hundred years of crimes against them to avenge. I, father to my people, gave them what they wanted. | **Melidir**: King [[Aeril]] disappears while hunting, and [[Caladog]] becomes king. He leads the tribes to war. Oh, we were eager enough, even though [[Aeril]] had made a truce with the Emperor, sealed by oaths. When we were dazzled by the prospect of vengeance, who cares about our sacred word and honor. | **Ergeon**: Look, right before the battle, our High King, [[Aeril]], disappears. And his adopted son [[Caladog]] become king. That sets tongues wagging, you know? But let me tell you - old [[Aeril]], could never in his life won such a victory as did [[Caladog]], that day. | **Raganvad**: The day my father died, thanks to [[Battanian]] treachery. When they pledged to support us in battle, we believed they would stand with us in the shield wall, like men. But of course this is not the [[Battanian]] way. | **Derthert**: We had given an oath to the [[Calradian-Empire]], to join them if attacked. It seemed clear to me that we should have honored our oath, that Battanians and Sturgians were aggressors, but, there is always room to argue details. Ultimately our barons did not wish to fight with the Empire, so they resisted coming to its help. [[Neretzes]], when he heard we were hesitating, sent us a message calling us cowards and traitors. And you say that to a [[Vlandian]] noble at your peril. --- **The Ambush** - **[[Caladog]]**: Now the [[Calradian-Empire]] uses tricks and traps in war. No [[Battanian]] fears to meet an [[Imperial]] soldier man-to-man, but we thought it would be a good laugh to use their tricks against them. So we laid an ambush, on both sides of a wooded pass, and wouldn't you know? They marched right into it. They turned and twisted as our arrows rained down upon them, like fish going frantic in a pond as you draw the net tighter. Then, when they were greatly discomfited, we took up our falxes and swords and reaped our harvest. | **Melidir**: The ambush... Masterfully planned and executed, that none can deny. But I will also not deny that the Sturgians fought the main body of the [[Imperial]] forces, and Vlandians fought their famous cavalry, [...]| **Ergeon**: We waited for them, like wolves in the wood, as their vanguard came up from the winding road. They came without archers to protect them. [[Caladog]] blew his horn, and our bowmen fired on them from all sides. They turned their shields one way, and were hit from the other. A glorious thing to watch... When they were all good and addled like frightened sheep, running away this way and that, the rest of us warriors descended upon them with our falxes and swords. I cleaved this way and that. I took 12 heads, and mine were far from the greatest catch. | **Raganvad**: They sprung some woodland trickery up in the hills, killed off [[Neretzes]]' vanguard, [...] --- **Open-Field** - **Derthert**: We joined the Sturgians. I did not fight in the battle. I stood on a hill telling my commanders where to go and who to attack. And I think we did rather well, I think you've heard. | **Unthery**: I was tasked by [[Derthert]] with command of the crossbowmen. Our knights spotted a mass of [[Aserai-Sultanate]] infantry spread across the valley, and charged them. They weren't ready to meet the onslaught, and were routed. But then a bunch of [[Khuzait-Khanate]] showed up and kept their distance, giving the knights a hard time, shooting their horses out from under them. That's when we showed up. When it was just us fighting the horse archers, we were winning. A man on foot can shoot as well or better than a man on horseback, all things being equal, and there were a lot more of us. So they started to go down and galloped off. The knights pursued, and that's when the problems started. [[Imperial]] Cataphracts showed up, armored head to foot and their horses too, so they ignored our shooting and tore right through us. I was swept away in the retreat and saw no more of the battle. | **Ingalther**: I was there. I just a young squire then. I heard no sweeter music than the thunder of our hooves as we bore down on the [[Aserai-Sultanate]] rabble. We fell on them like falcons plunges upon a rabbit. They have overextended themselves, chasing the [[Imperial]] archers. Light foot before our knights - there was no contest. --- **The Camp Siege** - **Raganvad**: It was the Sturgians who met [[Neretzes]]' guard face-to-face. My father ordered me to stay back as he led them into battle, but he was at their head. He forced them back, then they broke and ran for the shelter of their camp. We went and attacked their ramparts, and broke them, but my father ([[Vadinslav]]) was hit by an [[Imperial]] mace at the moment of his triumph and died. | **Olek**: Old King [[Vadinslav]] was brave enough. He led us all into battle. I stood at my father's side as we faced the imperials eye-to-eye over the tops of our shields. It was like any battle where walls meet - thrust and push, struggling to stay on your feet, but you can't really describe it. Let's just say it's the kind of battle Sturgians usually win. When the imperials had had enough of us, they broke and ran for the ramparts. There, they threw darts and rocks and their cursed fire. We had to go up the ladders, one by one. [[Vadinslav]] was hit by a mace and went down; my father then went up, cleaving as he went, and rallied us and led us to victory. --- **The Aftermath** - **[[Caladog]]**: Oh, there were some unpleasantness later with the Sturgians, about the spoils of war, but what a grand old day it was! | **Melidir**: At the end of the day, what have we gained? The Sturgians hate us worse than ever. The Vlandians too. The [[Calradian-Empire]], I suppose, is shattered. What can I say... I believe that wars should have a goal. But I am a minority, it seems, among our people. - **Raganvad**: I rode down into the ruins of the [[Imperial]] camp to take my banner as trophy, my inheritance won by my father and passed down to me. Oh, some of the boyars were insubordinate. But I have since showed them that I am master. | **Godun**: Yes. It was madness, the greatest blow struck against the [[Calradian-Empire]] in a lifetime, and we squandered it squabbling among ourselves about a flag. They say Olek 'the Old' [[Kuloving]] had pried the dragon banner out of the Emperor's dead hands. But then Prince [[Raganvad]], who had not so much as drawn his sword in battle, claimed it as trophy. Olek, who was covered in his enemies' blood, laughed at [[Raganvad]] and told him to find his own toy to play with. [[Raganvad]] struck him, so Olek broke the banner staff over his knee and threw it in his Prince's face. Or perhaps it was just [[Raganvad]]. He was stewing in his anger when up comes the [[Battanian]] High King, [[Caladog]]. The Battanians had taken their time stripping the bodies of the [[Imperial]] vanguard and the Sturgians were angry at them, so [[Raganvad]] called him a coward. [[Caladog]] sneers at him and walks off. Insults his most powerful vassal and then his most valued ally. A fine day's work wouldn't you say? | **Olek**: My father took the [[Imperial]] dragon banner from dead [[Neretzes]]' hands - it's famous story - and but then the little prince [[Raganvad]] tried to claim it. My father broke it over his knee, and threw it at him, and told him to get his own toys to play with. - **Derthert**: Still, we took losses - heavy losses, and gained little. And for this the barons blamed me, even though it was their idea to fight. I learned this day that a king should always lead, never follow. But it was a bitter lesson. | **Unthery**: King [[Derthert]] had a good enough plan but the barons - [[Ingalther]], [[Aldric]], that lot - ignored him, as they always do. | **Ingalther**: We should have just gone and seized all of the western [[Calradian-Empire]]. If [[Derthert]] had any manhood, we'd have done so. But his heart was never in the war. He believed he'd broken his oath to the Empire by helping the Sturgians, and it gnawed at him. He'd have made a fine lackey. Instead he is our king." # Why did the Empire fight both [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] and [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] I believe initially the Empire was only going to war with [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], but then [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] got involved. *Why?* Wars often have two layers of explanation, **the justification** *or casus belli* and then **the actual reason**. The two are not mutually exclusive and they can overlap. For the Empire, specifically in Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] case, he **justified** declaring war on the Battanians for the attacks on [[Imperial]] lands, or so [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] [[Osticos]] says: > People say much about the battle that betrays a lack of understanding, of Emperor [[Neretzes]] and of the circumstances he faced. [[Neretzes]] has an obligation to avenge the [[Battanian]] attacks on our land. But the **actual reason** could be much simpler like resources, wealth, or power. The later; power, is what I think makes the most sense. [[Drosios]] was not a good emperor according to [[Istiana]] and therefore likely unpopular - either with the [[Senate]] or the people: > Let me tell you about myself... I was a confidant of the old emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]]. > Officially I was not his spymaster, as I am a woman, but that was the role that I played nonetheless. I liked [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]], and was very grateful for his trust, **but he was not a good emperor.** > **Too stubborn and principled. I probably should've poisoned him.** An event that could not only highlight [[Drosios]]' unpopularity but also explain his assumed interest in fighting [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] might be the time [[Tacteos]] or [[the-Surgeon]] companion was forced to torture a man for the [[Bureau-of-Barbarian-Affairs]]: > One time they came at midnight - they had a man who plotted against the Emperor, they said, and they needed a confession, and wished me to use my art to elicit that confession. **(It's possible this 'Emperor' could also be [[Arenicos]], but according to other sources [[Arenicos]] was beloved. So who would be most likely a target of assassination or dynastic toppling? I assume it would be [[Drosios]].).** After this possible attempt on his life or usurpation of his throne, Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] may have realized he needed to do something daring to boost his popularity and secure his position as Emperor quick. ``` (It's worth noting, in a medieval world where slavery, death by sword, starvation, sieges, and rape are common, having a scary leader who is strong and feared was probably much more valued over a diplomatic peaceful one.) ``` [[Drosios]] may have then lied about the attacks on [[Imperial]] lands or magnified the damage in order to justify a war with [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. Probably hoping to deliver them a spectacular and crushing defeat to show his leadership prowess. Re-affirming not only the supposed '[[Imperial]] superiority' over the 'honorless barbarians' but also his own. These attacks by [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] are not impossible and, even if mostly fabricated, they likely are not entirely untrue- the Battanians are described as mischievous via the **spcultures.XML**: > They idolize valor, but especially like it when mixed with a bit of mischief - the cattle thief who can whisk an entire herd into the fog [...] These attacks on [[Imperial]] lands, if indeed they even occurred, were likely *not* ordered by old High King, [[Aeril]] as at the time, [[Melidir]] [[fen-Uvain]], states, [[Aeril]] and the Emperor, [[Drosios]] had made a truce sealed by oaths: > King [[Aeril]] disappears while hunting, and [[Caladog]] becomes king. He leads the tribes to war. Oh, we were eager enough, **even though [[Aeril]] had made a truce with the Emperor, sealed by oaths**. When we were dazzled by the prospect of vengeance, who cares about our sacred word and honor. These raids were, instead likely being executed by disgruntled [[Battanian]] clans - unhappy with their current honor-bound tender-hearted High King. For narrative purposes though assuming [[Caladog]] specifically is behind orchestrating these raids in an effort to diminish [[Aeril]]'s reputation both in and out of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] whilst raising his own is not far-fetched. In fact, according to the companion, [[Ironbelly]], a [[Battanian]] but former [[Imperial]] legionary -- [[Caladog]] seems to deeply dislike the [[Calradian-Empire]]: > But there's no legions any more. And since [[Caladog]] became High King, well, he's gotten the young to think that to fight for the [[Calradian-Empire]] is treason. Treason to what? '[[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]'? There is no [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. Never has been. Just a bunch of quarreling warlords, who'll steal your cows as soon as you turn your back on them. More evidence I can levy for the case [[Caladog]] could be: 1) [[Caladog]] is described as a brilliant war captain via the **heroes.XML** which could means he's capable at the very least of planning something like this. Also he, when asked about the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]], [[Caladog]] had this to say: > Our dear King [[Aeril]], a wonderful man but with his heart perhaps a might too tender, did not wish for us to go off to war. But then disappeared and I, his son-in-law, ascended to kingship. The clans cried out for war! They had a hundred years of crimes against them to avenge. 4) Also, according to [[Asaios]], 'the Holy Men' of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], who hold great power and respect and frequently berate chieftains who break with tradition, seem to like [[Caladog]] which could imply a sort of conspiracy. (see page [[7]]) > But, although [[Caladog]] has more to rebuke about him than any High King in memory, **they do not trouble him**. He goes down to the water and speaks at length with them, convincing them of his great mission to reclaim [[Calradia-Conti.]] for the Battanians, as though he were the second coming of [[Mon]] himself. 3) Finally, [[Asaios]] recounts [[Taseil]]'s opinion of High King [[Caladog]] - concluding that [[Caladog]]'s actions are secretly calculated: (See page [[7]].) > [[Istiana]]'s agent in [[Seonon]], [[Taseil]], is one of the few Battanians not under [[Caladog]]'s spell. She was a niece of old High King [[Aeril]], who gave [[Caladog]] his daughter in marriage when the latter was just a young warrior, an orphan of no account, and for his generosity *'was murdered'* - according to [[Taseil]], anyway. Her parents had opposed [[Caladog]]'s rise and were executed, and those family members who survived were driven into exile. But the usurper, who bestows punishment and mercy according to his whim, chose to spare her. By all accounts, [[Caladog]] is a clever and calculating man. **He chooses deliberately to act arbitrarily and impulsively, as though he were born to kingship and never doubts his own authority, as far as possible from the man he truly is, someone who needed to plot his every move to the top**. # Conclusion The [[Calradian-Empire]] - or rather Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] - **justified** going to war with [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], by avenging raids on [[Imperial]] lands (and possibly also to take revenge on the 'barbarians', primarily High King [[Aeril]] [[fen-Uthelhain]], for breaking his oath to the Empire. (Or it was to kill the usurper ([[Caladog]]) who, presumably, took over and replaced the original ally of the Empire ([[Aeril]]) by conquering [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] and restoring [[Aeril]]'s High Kingship.)) But, in any case, the **actual reason** may have been to secure [[Drosios]]' throne through a show of strength and tactics to enforce his legitimacy. And [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] - or rather war captain, soon to be High King [[Caladog]] [[fen-Gruffendoc]] - **justified** going to war with the Empire by avenging 100 years of mistreatment, stoking the pre-existing flames of hatred for the Empire, and promising to reclaim their lost lands through a [[Battanian]] reconquest of [[Calradia-Conti.]], but the **actual reason**, presumably concocted by the Holy Men of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] as well as some other clans (possibly even including [[Ergeon]] [[fen-Derngil]], the brother of [[Aeril]]), may have been to remove [[Aeril]] and place [[Caladog]] into High Kingship. This is possibly how and why the conflict *started*. # How [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] got Involved Before the [[Calradian-Empire]] announced their *casus belli* and ignited their declaration of war with the High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] the Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] and his council of commanders, officers, and generals including: - [[Arenicos]] as a Commander - [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]] as a General - [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] as a Jr. Officer And also the [[Senate]] made up of: - [[Olypos]] [[Chonis]] - [[Manteos]] [[Argoros]] - and possibly [[Apys]] [[Varros]] is he hadn't already been expelled by this time. All must've been strategizing on how to beat [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] as quickly as possible and as devastatingly too to put an exclamation point on Emperor [[Drosios]]' rule. Hitting [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] from different angles at the same time could split [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]'s armies and resources thin which could therefore end the war far more quickly. Hence, gaining the support foreign factions, namely [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] and [[Principality-of-Sturgia]], would have become essential. ![[the plan 1.jpg]] So Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] must've reached out to [[Principality-of-Sturgia]], specifically to old King [[Vadinslav]], [[Raganvad]]'s father who was ruling at the time, to pay for passage through their lands, promising silver and the insurance to the [[Sturgian]] King that the armies passing through would not harm any village or castle and were only focused on [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. [[Vadinslav]] must've accepted this deal only with ulterior motives. Lastly, If not done before this moment, this could have been the time that the [[Calradian-Empire]] struck that diplomatic deal with or oath with [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]], stipulating if the Empire should be attacked they should come to their aid. King [[Derthert]] confirms the existence of this oath: > It was a victory, of the kind almost as bad as a defeat. **We had given an oath to the [[Calradian-Empire]], to join them if attacked.** It seemed clear to me that we should have honored our oath, that Battanians and Sturgians were aggressors, but, there is always room to argue details. # King [[Vadinslav]]'s Ambush At one point in time [[Penton]] [[Neretzes]], the son of the Emperor [[Drosios]], was leading an army through the woods of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] and got ambushed and his army wiped out. (He was possibly doing some reconnaissance or maybe aiming to take any one of these three [[Battanian]] castles: **Uthelaim Castle**, **Flintolg Castle**, or even **Pendraic Castle**, which could explain how it later became the camp of the Empire). When asked about the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]], Sultan [[Unqid]] had this to say: > We heard that the [[Calradian-Empire]] was making war on the Sturgians, or maybe it was the other way around. So it's possible that [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] attacked first. [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]] [[Comnos]] on [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]'s ambush and [[Penton]] [[Neretzes]]: > "Ha! [[Neretzes]]. He took an army into the [[Sturgian]] woods and got himself **ambushed** and his army wiped out. I had to scratch together a new army and managed to surprise them when they were laying waste to the lands around [[Lageta]]. [[Neretzes]] will no doubt try to blame the defeat on someone else and take credit for my victory, but ask any soldier who served under him what he thinks of [[Neretzes]]' leadership." [[Penton]]'s response to [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]]' claims: > "Ah, yes. He's a scoundrel, that one. Years ago, I led an army against the Sturgians, to subdue them and return them to [[Imperial]] tutelage. Well, to make a long story short, I wasn't given the support I was needed and ultimately our army came to grief, although we inflicted many casualties upon the enemy. Well, [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]] mops up their depleted force and then claims he rescued [[Calradian-Empire]] from my incompetence. Can you believe that?" Now that [[Principality-of-Sturgia]], or rather King [[Vadinslav]], had entered the war, the dynamics of it evolved. [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] could attack from behind the Empire. I think, for [[Drosios]] to really make a statement on his legitimacy as a strong ruler he likely allocated a lot of the [[Calradian-Empire]]'s total forces to the far left of the map, closest to [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. Thinning out those closest to the steppe and therefore leaving the far right side of the Empire open to attack from the Sturgians from the north. And even worse, the [[Khuzait-Khanate]] to the east who if they smelled weakness might invade. ![[two front war 2.jpg]] A good emperor listens to their council, but [[Drosios]], in [[Istiana]]'s words, was not a good emperor and now that was two rulers who had broken an agreement with the Empire, first [[Aeril]] and now [[Vadinslav]], and [[Drosios]]' reputation was and maybe even his own son's life was on the line. Within Bannerlord's game files, specially the **world_lore_strings.XML** this can be found: the mentor character (either [[Istiana]] or [[Arzagos]]) at one point in development had this to say about [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] [[Osticos]], who's likely closest, in terms of personality (aside from [[Penton]] [[Neretzes]]), to Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]]: > "[[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] [[Osticos]] sees us weak, when we were once strong, and the outer kingdoms strong, when they were once weak. He believes, as a man who cares nothing of events outside [[Calradian-Empire]], that the cause is entirely within ourselves - we have abandoned our old traditions, and grown weaker. **It does not occur for him for an instant that barbarians have learned our tricks, and grown stronger.**" [[Drosios]], being too stubborn and principled along with a possible personal grudge (for any harm done to his son [[Penton]]) as well as having something to prove which might secure his throne and therefore his life, likely ignored any advice from his council about diplomacy or making peace, Emperor [[Drosios]] instead put out a call for mercenaries. # Why would [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] help [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]? The High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] seems to me, a buffer between the [[Calradian-Empire]] and the Principality of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]. Maybe it was cultural affinity or some intermarrying with the Battanians, led [[Vadinslav]] to act. After all, if [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] fell - the second least powerful faction would be [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]. It's likely then, upon realizing this, [[Vadinslav]] contacted [[Aeril]] and or [[Caladog]] and not only told them of the Empire's plot, that is if they had not already known, but [[Vadinslav]] asked for a pledge. And after [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]'s ambush - the Battle of Pendraic put that pledge to the test. When asked about the battle, [[Raganvad]] had this to say: > Yes. The day my father died, thanks to [[Battanian]] treachery. **When they pledged to support us in battle**, we believed they would stand with us in the shield wall, like men. # Why did [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] help [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]? At this point in the story, things get a little bit muddy. Somehow, Pendraic Castle became a fortified camp, I believe, for the Empire. And Pendraic Castle is at a deep intersection between [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] / [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] / [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] territory! I suppose the phrase: *divide and conquer* - comes to mind. I guess the Empire executed took that maxim literally by blocking communications between the two factions using Pendraic, which they somehow grabbed, as a fortified camp. Now because the [[Calradian-Empire]] ended up fighting a war with all three factions, it's hard to find a worse place for an emperor to be than at that intersection. So [[Drosios]] must've placed a lot of trust in [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]], or rather King [[Derthert]] [[dey-Meroc]], to not betray the Empire. In any event, Emperor, [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] had called for and acquired mercenaries from both the [[Khuzait-Khanate]] Khanate and the [[Aserai-Sultanate]] Sultanate, but not the Kingdom of [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]. This may be around the time [[Drosios]] insulted [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]. Calling them *cowards and traitors* for hesitating and not immediately heeding his call for mercenaries. No doubt [[Drosios]]' advisors likely warned him against that - maybe [[Drosios]] expected Derthert to go above and beyond to disprove that sleight on his character. Again, to quote the mentor character: (either [[Istiana]] or [[Arzagos]]) > **It does not occur for him for an instant that barbarians have learned our tricks, and grown stronger.** [[Drosios]] must've thought [[Derthert]] was incapable of saying 'no', just like he though [[Vadinslav]] was an incapable of thinking 'long-term'. [[Drosios]], much like his Byzantine counter-parts, used his diplomacy like a weapon to weaken these factions by using them against each other. To either help out get out of the way and watch while the Empire pumbles [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. King [[Derthert]] [[dey-Meroc]] had this to say: > Ultimately our barons did not wish to fight with the Empire, so they resisted coming to its help. [[[Neretzes]]](app://obsidian.md/[[Neretzes]]), when he heard we were hesitating, sent us a message calling us cowards and traitors. And you say that to a [[Vlandian]] noble at your peril. [[[Neretzes]]](app://obsidian.md/[[Neretzes]]) should have known what he was doing. We joined the Sturgians. [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] siding with [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] must've done so in secret. Maybe they responded predictably or favorably to the Empire. Assuring them that they'd be there to help. (Just not the Empire's side.) # Why did [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] join [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]? Sure, at this point [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] may very well have been out of the Empire's crosshairs and therefore away from the danger, and the Emperor may even have paid for safe passage through [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]'s to make war on [[Principality-of-Sturgia]], but that didn't mean their hatred- built up over the years for the Empire - went away with it. For instance: > [[Lageta]] was infamously acquired by the [[Calradian-Empire]] by an act of treachery. A rogue [[Imperial]] mercenary murdered the [[Palaic]] chieftain who employed him, took the citadel, invited in [[Imperial]] colonists, then bequeathed the town to the Empire. The [[Senate]] disavowed his action but accepted the bequest. The district is now thoroughly Calradicized, but the Battanians to the north remember, and **whenever an [[Imperial]] envoy speaks of the sanctity of treaties and pacts, they just nod to each other and say, '[[Lageta]].'** Additionally, the **spcultures.XML** describes Battanians as: > [...] masters of the longbow, the night raid, **the sudden wild charge out of the woods.** Finally, [[Caladog]] had this to say about laying an ambush: > Now the [Calradian Empire](app://obsidian.md/Calradian%20Empire) uses tricks and traps in war. No [[Battanian]] fears to meet an [[Imperial]] soldier man-to-man, but we thought it would be a good laugh to use their tricks against them. **So we laid an ambush, on both sides of a wooded pass, and wouldn't you know? They marched right into it.** [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] has a reason to and history of -- ambushing and surprise attacks. Not to mention it could be viewed as, not a weakness, but as pay-back for [[Lageta]]. Pretending to stay out of the war - taking the Empire's silver to let the them walk through [[Battanian]] territory only to ensnare them and let off a surprise attack with the Sturgians and Vlandians. That sounds pretty mischievous to me, and very much par for the course of [[Battanian]] tradition. # the Battle of Pendraic This ambush, though, that [[Caladog]] so carefully organized was actually spotted in advance [[Khuzait-Khanate]] scouts. When asked about the Battle of Pendraic [[Hurunag]] [[Tigrit]] has this to say: > The Battanians had planned an ambush up in the wooded pass for the [[Imperial]] vanguard, then the Vlandians and Sturgians were to come sweeping down on their flanks in the battle. **Our scouts found the [[Battanian]] ambush, but [[Neretzes]] did not listen, and blundered into it anyway.** Why would [[Drosios]] blunder into an ambush? As [[Istiana]] had pointed out [[Drosios]] is **stubborn** and **principled**. **Principled** in terms of [[Imperial]] superiority over the outer-kingdom's barbarians, so an ambush - in his mind - wouldn't do much to change that. And **stubborn** because pulling back and retreating might be seen as a sign of weakness and maybe he feels he's already shown too much of that. [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Rhagaea]] [[Pethros]] highlights this: > Of course. I did not witness the battle, but my husband [[Arenicos]] spoke frequently about it. **He was one of the emperor's trusted commanders. He could not stop [[Neretzes]] from marching his army to defeat,** but he managed to salvage something from the disaster. [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] [[Osticos]] lays the kind of dilemmas that [[Drosios]] had to deal with and maybe gives us some insight into why [[Drosios]] marched on despite warnings: > Perhaps [[[Drosios]]](app://obsidian.md/[[Drosios]]) [[[Neretzes]]](app://obsidian.md/[[Neretzes]]) was rash sending our infantry up into the hills to storm the [[Battanian]] fort. But he thought he thought he could grab the pass quickly, before the enemy had time to reinforce it. **If he had made the other wager and that turned out to be wrong, people would say he was hesitant.** So after being ambushed it seems Emperor [[Drosios]] ordered his men to storm Pendraic Castle to create a fortified position for themselves. # the Whole Story When asking any lord about [[Neretzes]] Folly they say:  > "We'll that's what some people call the Great [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] in the Year 1077. Emperor [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] led an Army accompanied by [[Khuzait-Khanate]] and [[Aserai-Sultanate]] to fight a coalition of Sturgians ([[Principality-of-Sturgia]]), Battanians ([[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]) and Vlandians ([[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]). It was a disaster for him - he died in it - but the victors didn't fare much better." ## the [[Imperial]] Coalition ### [[Calradian-Empire]] [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Lucon]] [[Osticos]] ([[Northern-Empire]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. I was a junior officer on [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]]' staff. People say much about the battle that betrays a lack of understanding, of Emperor [[Neretzes]] and of the circumstances he faced. [[Neretzes]] has an obligation to avenge the [[Battanian]] attacks on our land. He marched out with all the forces he could gather. The Vlandians betrayed us, but that's what you can expect from honorless barbarians. Fortune favored the enemy. What matters is that we did what honor required. Perhaps [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]] was rash sending our infantry up into the hills to storm the [[Battanian]] fort. But he thought he thought he could grab the pass quickly, before the enemy had time to reinforce it. If he had made the other wager and that turned out to be wrong, people would say he was hesitant. I stayed with [[Neretzes]] until we were forced back to our camp by [[Sturgian]] infantry, and then fought on the battlements. Eventually we could hold them no longer. I did not see what happened to [[Neretzes]] or our banner. [[Arenicos]] got us out of there, and got us home. I did not respect [[Arenicos]] before, but that day I saw he was worthy to be Emperor." [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Rhagaea]] [[Pethros]] ([[Southern-Empire]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Of course. I did not witness the battle, but my husband [[Arenicos]] spoke frequently about it. He was one of the emperor's trusted commanders. He could not stop [[Neretzes]] from marching his army to defeat, but he managed to salvage something from the disaster. When the Sturgians came over our barricades, he managed to lead a group of [[Neretzes]]' guardsmen out the back. My husband's small force held together, and were joined by stragglers and fugitives. He described the march back - no food, little water, marching day and night to keep ahead of the enemy's outriders. But they survived - the only [[Imperial]] force to do so. The city was in a state of panic after hearing the rumors of what happened. [[Arenicos]] kept things from descending into chaos. When it came time for the [[Senate]] to choose the next Emperor, there was no question it should be him. I loved him before as a man, but that day I learned to love him as something more: what a gift he was to the people of [[Calradia-Conti.]]!" [[Characters/Bannerlord/Imperials/Garios]] [[Comnos]] ([[Western-Empire]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. We will never forget that day... The day we learned that the old men who claimed they had the right to rule us were doddering incompetents. I was with the vanguard. [[Neretzes]] apparently knew that the Battanians planned an ambush - the [[Khuzait-Khanate]] scouts told him. But he never bothered to inform us. So up we went, along a lovely wooded stream, until the [[Battanian]] arrows started whooshing from all sides. We had our shields but you can only point them in one direction at once. So we started to drop, one by one, until the [[Battanian]] falxmen came screaming out of the trees. Ordinarily they'd be vulnerable to archers, but, well, old [[Neretzes]] hadn't thought to send any along with us. So they come upon us, chopping and slashing, and we fought until we broke. I ran too. And any man who tells you he wouldn't, in those circumstances, is a liar. When I was sitting in the cold woods later that night, hiding with other fugitives, listening to those barbarians whoop and holler as they chopped off heads as trophies - I promise them that no Calradian soldier should again be led by an Emperor who knows so little of war." ### the [[Aserai-Sultanate]] Sultanate [[Unqid]] [[Banu-Hulyan]] ([[Aserai-Sultanate]] Sultanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "It was a tragedy that gnawed at the roots of the great families of [[Calradia-Conti.]], even ours, so far away from the battle. We heard that the [[Calradian-Empire]] was making war on the Sturgians, or maybe it was the other way around. I thought that we had no stake in this quarrel but Nimr, a fiery young hero from [[Banu-Sarran]], asked me for permission to take some young warriors, eager for glory. The Empire had left us alone for awhile, and [[Neretzes]] was offering silver for men, so I thought 'Why not? Let them help the Empire.' Ah I should have known. The best course for wars it to have as little to do with them as you can. So Nimr went, and fought, and won glory, but also got a number of his men killed, especially those of [[Banu-Qild]]. And he became boastful, and arrogant. And then... Well, that is the beginning of the great feud between [[Banu-Sarran]] and [[Banu-Qild]], but the rest of the story, perhaps I should leave to someone else." [[Adram]] [[Banu-Sarran]] ([[Aserai-Sultanate]] Sultanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "There was never a prouder moment for the [[Banu-Sarran]]. The bravest and most valiant son of our clan, Nimr, led off a large group of [[Aserai-Sultanate]] warriors to fight for the [[Calradian-Empire]], for gold and glory. I went with them. When we saw the [[Battanian]] archers come down from the hills, Nimr was ready. He gave word: we held our shields over our heads as arrows rained down, then threw our javelins and charged. We cut them down. Then the [[Vlandian]] knights came. We were attacked on two sides and the Emperor, who could have sent men to save us, took his time. Perhaps he wanted the best of the [[Aserai-Sultanate]] to die, lest we become too powerful later. But that betrayal was nothing compared to what we received from our fellow [[Aserai-Sultanate]] of the [[Banu-Qild]]. Nimr returned, in well-deserved glory. A daughter of [[Banu-Qild]] took interest in him, and they had a secret affair, as the youth sometimes do. As heroes do. But Nimr's acts wound the [[Banu-Qild]]'s pride. They kidnapped him, slew him and hung him in a cage at their market. We will forgive the [[Calradian-Empire]] and the Vlandians. The Qildis... Better not ask me that." [[Tais]] [[Banu-Qild]] ([[Aserai-Sultanate]] Sultanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "A sad day for the [[Banu-Qild]]. But we had our vengeance. There was a warrior named Nimr, of the [[Banu-Sarran]]. He was brave, but arrogant. Of course the young people loved him. He wanted to lead men to fight with the [[Calradian-Empire]], and though there was no gain for us, [[Unqid]] let him. [[Unqid]] can be weak sometimes. Many Qildi youth went with him. They died by their hundreds. And there was no gain - except for Nimr, who for some reason people considered a hero. It was despicable how they fawned on him. Of course Nimr's arrogance doubled, and doubled again. And then he dealt us a great insult. I will not say what the insult was, because it no longer exists. We wiped it out. In the traditional way. You may ask someone else about that." ### the [[Khuzait-Khanate]] Khanate [[Monchug]] [[Urkhunait]] ([[Khuzait-Khanate]] Khanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. Emperor [[Neretzes]] offered to hire our warriors as mercenaries. I saw nothing wrong with that. The [[Calradian-Empire]] was an old bear. Well fed, and slow-moving. It wanted to keep what it had. The Sturgians were, and are, hungry wolves. Like us. Sometimes wolves hunt in packs, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes one wolf wants the lion to kill his rival. Most of those who went were [[Khergit-clan]]. They are a young clan, their lineage is not like ours. They were always looking to prove themselves. Anyway, at the battle, their noyan, Gotug (Solun), was slain alongside most of the males of his house. What can I say? A thirst for glory is dangerous, both to the thirsty one and those around him. Clans rise, clans fall. My duty is to all the [[Khuzait-Khanate]]. Look at it this way. Were it not for her husband's death, Lady [[Mesui]] would never have inherited the leadership of the [[Khergit-clan]]. Death creates opportunity. The survivors of a great battle make a great show of mourning, but inside they rejoice." [[Mesui]] [[Khergit-clan]] ([[Khuzait-Khanate]] Khanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "I curse that name. It took my husband, two brothers, more cousins than I can count. The [[Khergit-clan]] were never the richest of the clans, but we made up for it with our valor. When word spread that the Emperor was offering silver for men to ride at his side, against the Sturgians and Battanians and others, of course our young brave boys leapt at the chance. My husband, the bravest and best of them all, led them. We fought the Vlandians. We won, but there was a great slaughter. My husband's horse was slain and he was ridden down, though he died amid a pile of [[Vlandian]] dead. Elsewhere on the field, the Emperor was having his head hewn off with a [[Sturgian]] axe, and thus was in no position to pay us. Such are the fortunes of war. But what came afterwards... When word spread that of what happened to our menfolk, the other clans - the [[Arkit]] in particular - knew we were weak. Our herds were raided. Anyone who protested was killed. [[Monchug]] did little to stop it. It taught us that valor will get you killed, but treachery will make you rich." [[Hurunag]] [[Tigrit]] ([[Khuzait-Khanate]] Khanate) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "I was there. Many Khuzaits went. Mostly the [[Khergit-clan]] clan, who were young and hungry for glory, but I was also young and hungry for glory so I went along as well. The Battanians had planned an ambush up in the wooded pass for the [[Imperial]] vanguard, then the Vlandians and Sturgians were to come sweeping down on their flanks in the battle. Our scouts found the [[Battanian]] ambush, but [[Neretzes]] did not listen, and blundered into it anyway. While [[Drosios]] [[Neretzes]]' vanguard was getting slaughtered, we met the Vlandians. But the Vlandians brought lots of crossbowmen, and our horse archers took heavy losses. Eventually the armored [[Imperial]] cataphracts showed up, and rolled over the crossbows. But we were caught in the melee with the [[Vlandian]] knights, and that was when things got bloody. We won, barely, with the help of the imperials, but the [[Khergit-clan]] were mauled. Since then, the [[Khergit-clan]] have been rather weak - and you know what happens to the weak. Still, no one told them to put all their eggs in one basket like that." ## the Secret [[Sturgian]]-[[Battanian]]-[[Vlandian]] Coalition ### the High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]] [[Caladog]] [[fen-Gruffendoc]] (High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "I am a busy man, but there is always time to talk about the blessed [[Battle-of-Pendraic]]. Our dear King [[Aeril]], a wonderful man but with his heart perhaps a might too tender, did not wish for us to go off to war. But then disappeared and I, his son-in-law, ascended to kingship. The clans cried out for war! They had a hundred years of crimes against them to avenge. I, father to my people, gave them what they wanted. Now the [[Calradian-Empire]] uses tricks and traps in war. No [[Battanian]] fears to meet an [[Imperial]] soldier man-to-man, but we thought it would be a good laugh to use their tricks against them. So we laid an ambush, on both sides of a wooded pass, and wouldn't you know? They marched right into it. They turned and twisted as our arrows rained down upon them, like fish going frantic in a pond as you draw the net tighter. Then, when they were greatly discomfited, we took up our falxes and swords and reaped our harvest. Oh, there were some unpleasantness later with the Sturgians, about the spoils of war, but what a grand old day it was!" [[Melidir]] [[fen-Uvain]] (High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Well... King [[Caladog]]'s great victory... Who would dare say anything to tarnish its shine? King [[Aeril]] disappears while hunting, and [[Caladog]] becomes king. He leads the tribes to war. Oh, we were eager enough, even though [[Aeril]] had made a truce with the Emperor, sealed by oaths. When we were dazzled by the prospect of vengeance, who cares about our sacred word and honor. The ambush... Masterfully planned and executed, that none can deny. But I will also not deny that the Sturgians fought the main body of the [[Imperial]] forces, and Vlandians fought their famous cavalry, so I don't think the greatest glory went to the sons of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]. At the end of the day, what have we gained? The Sturgians hate us worse than ever. The Vlandians too. The [[Calradian-Empire]], I suppose, is shattered. What can I say... I believe that wars should have a goal. But I am a minority, it seems, among our people." [[Ergeon]] [[fen-Derngil]] (High Kingdom of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Ah.. For any son of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], there will be no prouder moment in his life than that day. Any true son of [[High-Kingdom-of-Battania]], anyway. Look, right before the battle, our High King, [[Aeril]], disappears. And his adopted son [[Caladog]] become king. That sets tongues wagging, you know? But let me tell you - old [[Aeril]], could never in his life won such a victory as did [[Caladog]], that day. We waited for them, like wolves in the wood, as their vanguard came up from the winding road. They came without archers to protect them. [[Caladog]] blew his horn, and our bowmen fired on them from all sides. They turned their shields one way, and were hit from the other. A glorious thing to watch... When they were all good and addled like frightened sheep, running away this way and that, the rest of us warriors descended upon them with our falxes and swords. I cleaved this way and that. I took 12 heads, and mine were far from the greatest catch. Ah, the grandchildren tire of me telling this story..." According to [[Taseil]], written by [[Asaios]]: (See page [[7]].) > Each skull had a story, she said, and she proceeded to tell me many of them - this one, a cataphract, slain by an uncle at the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] (Could be [[Ergeon]] [[fen-Derngil]]); [...] ### the Principality of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]] [[Raganvad]] [[Gundaroving]] (Principality of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. The day my father died, thanks to [[Battanian]] treachery. When they pledged to support us in battle, we believed they would stand with us in the shield wall, like men. But of course this is not the [[Battanian]] way. They sprung some woodland trickery up in the hills, killed off [[Neretzes]]' vanguard, and no doubt spent the rest of the battle whooping and boasting and chopping the heads off the men who were already dead. It was the Sturgians who met [[Neretzes]]' guard face-to-face. My father ordered me to stay back as he led them into battle, but he was at their head. He forced them back, then they broke and ran for the shelter of their camp. We went and attacked their ramparts, and broke them, but my father ([[Vadinslav]]) was hit by an [[Imperial]] mace at the moment of his triumph and died. I will never forget when a messenger ran to tell me that my father was dead. But I knew I must swallow my grief, because now I was king (Grand Prince). I rode down into the ruins of the [[Imperial]] camp to take my banner as trophy, my inheritance won by my father and passed down to me. Oh, some of the boyars were insubordinate. But I have since showed them that I am master." [[Godun]] [[Vagiroving]] (Principality of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. It was madness, the greatest blow struck against the [[Calradian-Empire]] in a lifetime, and we squandered it squabbling among ourselves about a flag. They say Olek 'the Old' [[Kuloving]] had pried the dragon banner out of the Emperor's dead hands. But then Prince [[Raganvad]], who had not so much as drawn his sword in battle, claimed it as trophy. Olek, who was covered in his enemies' blood, laughed at [[Raganvad]] and told him to find his own toy to play with. [[Raganvad]] struck him, so Olek broke the banner staff over his knee and threw it in his Prince's face. Or perhaps it was just [[Raganvad]]. He was stewing in his anger when up comes the [[Battanian]] High King, [[Caladog]]. The Battanians had taken their time stripping the bodies of the [[Imperial]] vanguard and the Sturgians were angry at them, so [[Raganvad]] called him a coward. [[Caladog]] sneers at him and walks off. Insults his most powerful vassal and then his most valued ally. A fine day's work wouldn't you say? But he has grown wiser since, though no more pleasant to spend time with." [[Olek]] [[Kuloving]] (Principality of [[Principality-of-Sturgia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "A victory, won by my father, claimed by [[Raganvad]]. Old King [[Vadinslav]] was brave enough. He led us all into battle. I stood at my father's side as we faced the imperials eye-to-eye over the tops of our shields. It was like any battle where walls meet - thrust and push, struggling to stay on your feet, but you can't really describe it. Let's just say it's the kind of battle Sturgians usually win. When the imperials had had enough of us, they broke and ran for the ramparts. There, they threw darts and rocks and their cursed fire. We had to go up the ladders, one by one. [[Vadinslav]] was hit by a mace and went down; my father then went up, cleaving as he went, and rallied us and led us to victory. My father took the [[Imperial]] dragon banner from dead [[Neretzes]]' hands - it's famous story - and but then the little prince [[Raganvad]] tried to claim it. My father broke it over his knee, and threw it at him, and told him to get his own toys to play with. Hah! It was a good, good day." ### the Kingdom of [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]] [[Derthert]] [[dey-Meroc]] (Kingdom of [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "It was a victory, of the kind almost as bad as a defeat. We had given an oath to the [[Calradian-Empire]], to join them if attacked. It seemed clear to me that we should have honored our oath, that Battanians and Sturgians were aggressors, but, there is always room to argue details. Ultimately our barons did not wish to fight with the Empire, so they resisted coming to its help. [[Neretzes]], when he heard we were hesitating, sent us a message calling us cowards and traitors. And you say that to a [[Vlandian]] noble at your peril. [[Neretzes]] should have known what he was doing. We joined the Sturgians. I did not fight in the battle. I stood on a hill telling my commanders where to go and who to attack. And I think we did rather well, I think you've heard. Still, we took losses - heavy losses, and gained little. And for this the barons blamed me, even though it was their idea to fight. I learned this day that a king should always lead, never follow. But it was a bitter lesson." [[the-Loud]] on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > My lineage is as ancient as it is noble, so of course when King [[Derthert]] called the muster of the vassals, I took my father's horse and mail and rode off to join it. This was in our war against the [[Calradian-Empire]], you see. > > There was a great deal of marching to and fro, in the mud, and I shan't bore you with that. But you must have heard of what happened when we caught them. We were forming our ranks to charge when another knight - if indeed he is worthy of the name - told me that I had no place in the front and I must join the second rank of horses. > > Well, you know what a man of honor does when he is insulted like that -- I struck him down, and then his friends came against me, and I struck them down too! I laid a full dozen of them down before they finally overbore me. Have you ever heard of a more glorious stand against such odds in the name of honor? [[Unthery]] [[dey-Arromanc]] (Kingdom of [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "Yes. I was tasked by [[Derthert]] with command of the crossbowmen. Our knights spotted a mass of [[Aserai-Sultanate]] infantry spread across the valley, and charged them. They weren't ready to meet the onslaught, and were routed. But then a bunch of [[Khuzait-Khanate]] showed up and kept their distance, giving the knights a hard time, shooting their horses out from under them. That's when we showed up. When it was just us fighting the horse archers, we were winning. A man on foot can shoot as well or better than a man on horseback, all things being equal, and there were a lot more of us. So they started to go down and galloped off. The knights pursued, and that's when the problems started. [[Imperial]] Cataphracts showed up, armored head to foot and their horses too, so they ignored our shooting and tore right through us. I was swept away in the retreat and saw no more of the battle. King [[Derthert]] had a good enough plan but the barons - [[Ingalther]], [[Aldric]], that lot - ignored him, as they always do." [[Ingalther]] [[dey-Cortain]] (Kingdom of [[Kingdom-of-Vlandia]]) on the [[Battle-of-Pendraic]] > "I was there. I just a young squire then. I heard no sweeter music than the thunder of our hooves as we bore down on the [[Aserai-Sultanate]] rabble. We fell on them like falcons plunges upon a rabbit. They have overextended themselves, chasing the [[Imperial]] archers. Light foot before our knights - there was no contest. Let me tell you something - nine-tenths of victory is recognizing when your enemy has made a mistake. Rash perish as swiftly as the weak, and deserve it just as much. We should have just gone and seized all of the western [[Calradian-Empire]]. If [[Derthert]] had any manhood, we'd have done so. But his heart was never in the war. He believed he'd broken his oath to the Empire by helping the Sturgians, and it gnawed at him. He'd have made a fine lackey. Instead he is our king."