STR2 The Throne's way
By rfortuna
First chapter of the Military campaign based on stronghold 2
Remake of Stronghold 2 with some changes in history
You will have to fight against the illegitimate Prince and choose your way, covet the throne or find the King!
UPDATE : Some change in story and characters and some readjustment on Mission 3 and 5
THE FOLLOWING (GOOD PATH/BAD PATH) COMING SOON
1 New Start
We had no news from the King. Ever since that banquet in honor of the royal champion, Sir William. A poisoned cup, the king convulsing at the feet of his courtiers. He was quickly taken away by his guard and since no news. Renegade barons hastened to share control of the country, the illegitimate Prince at their head, son of an imprudence between the king and a baroness. Among the King's last followers, Sir William took me to the grounds of Penbrooke Abbey to gather our forces. My life as a squire would quickly change and I found myself with my first command. Sir William went to scour the countryside in search of allies while I busied myself collecting arms and supplies for our cause. I had to set up camp and gather what I could before he returned. I was told that some bands of the Prince's looters were planning to loot the abbey. My first battle will start soon.
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2 Rescue Edwin
After the battle a messenger from Sir William arrived. He summons me immediately with all my troops. He will be able to explain to me why he hadn’t sent me reinforcements.
I crossed the valley at the head of my meager forces to arrive in front of a castle sporting the emblem of the Lamb. It was the castle of Lady Seren, a lady he had once courted. She held Sir Edwin Blackwater in hostage. Edwin promised title and lands to whoever freed him. According to Sir William this was a perfect opportunity for our cause. So I found myself at the head of my forces as well as a contingent of followers of Edwin. I had always liked Lady Seren and it saddened me to assault her castle, but if it was for the cause…
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3 The Boar of border
Sir Edwin thanked me by dubbing me and gave me a domain. Sir William meanwhile had found a new ally. I don't trust that snake Edwin, the castle he gave to me is on the edge of the realm, and an old adversary nation prowl, The Old Boar. Edwin told Sir William that he might have tracked down the King. Brave as Sir William was, he was not prudence incarnate. So I found myself alone at the head of a domain adjoining a wolf-infested forest and the lands of the Old Boar. While waiting for news from my master, I will rebuild on these ravaged lands. If I save the people of their land they will be eternally grateful to me. It will be worth much more than the miserable little camp of the abbey.
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4 Among the ruins
Edwin has betrayed us, not only has he allied himself with the adversaries of our nation but he has also led Sir William into a trap. This expedition to track down the King was just another trap and Sir William fell head first into it. His error in judgment in freeing Edwin will cost us expensive. While this Snake was attacking us The Old Boar crossed the border and ravaged Penbrooke Abbey before setting up camp there. So I decided to leave my new domain with my army to chase this infamous barbarian from our country. Here among the ruins of my old camp I exchange a few words with The Boar, assuring him that I would offer him a quick and painless death if he agreed to free Sir William. He refused… That's what I was hoping for!
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5 A rope for traitror
Sir William and the monks are saved! It's time to get revenge on Edwin. The coward fled to his domain. I have already defeated his main army so it will be easy for us to subdue him.
On the way we met Lady Seren and her escort. She holds no resentment for her castle, but my master has clearly made a mistake... Having no more trust in Sir William, she entrusted me with her guard of pikemen, they will be very useful in capturing this castle.
Seren also told us that the Prince had gathered these forces and those of these loyal barons to march on us. It will be a tough fight, one against three. I will therefore have to make sure to take this castle without too much damage and hold it at all costs
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6 The Choice
What butchery! This battle will remain in the memories. We have lost a lot, on both sides. The Prince asked for an meeting, at a safe distance. He urged me to join him in order to bring down the followers of this tired old king. On the other side Sir William and Lady Seren reminded me of my loyalty to my King. It required thinking. With both sides weakened, there was an opportunity to be seized. Join the Prince and covet the crown for myself or stay true to my oath and fight to find our King. I asked them to give me time to think...
The opportunity to make my choice presented itself, the last vassals of the Prince who had not perished were on the run, wounded and tired. I could either let them escape or capture them. On this choice will depend my new allegiance.