Foric gingerly sat upon his Father’s Throne and looked out upon the people working about him. He was young and felt a small bit of anxiousness within his heart. However that was quickly stomped out as he saw a Dwarf who was starting to get old walk up next to him.

“You know, I have served both your Father and Grandfather. Both of them were the exemplars of humanity if I may say so.” He said with a small laugh, “Here you have taken their place, Foric, I expect you will equal or maybe even surpass them.”

“You think so, Hev?”


“Aye, of course.” The Dwarf answered while getting out a few papers, “You have their blood running through your veins, as well as a wealth of land from both your Father and Maternal Grandfather. Now it's my job here to make sure you don’t get too cooshy!”

The man gave a small laugh, “Indeed it is. I guess I should ask then, what do we need to take care of today?”

The Dwarf gave a small nod, “After your Father’s Death, numerous messengers have been sent to us. Most of these contain requests that you start work on appointing a Council to advise you.”

“Sounded like you were about to sneer there for a moment.”

“Aye, this is just your Cousins and some of the old Chieftains trying to get power, though they are not as strong as the last time they asked this. Still I am not against the idea since neither of us can do everything.” The Dwarf said with a small chuckle.

“What else we have?”

“There are plenty of people who have been complaining about things as of late. Seems there are disputes popping up all over the place. Men not honoring their deals and Dwarfs forgetting they needed to work instead of drinking mead.”

“Sounds like a problem.”

“Indeed, since these things cannot be solved with a noose.” The Dwarf admitted with a small yawn, “Lastly I believe the Archbishop wishes to talk to you.”

“The fellow who got Dad to make them the superior religion in the realm?”

“Why of course, who else?”

>Forming the Council
>Began the rule of law
>Check in with the Bishops

>>4924777
>>Began the rule of law

Three Kings in, we need a Hammurabi to Alaric's Conan and Theoric's Clovis.

>>4924777
>>Began the rule of law

>>4924777
>>Began the rule of law

>>4924777
>Forming the Council

Rule of Law
>>4924877
>>4925011
>>4925077

Forming the Council
>>4925116

Foric thought to himself for a moment, “The rule of law is the first thing we must figure out. If there are people seeking my words then I shall welcome them.”

“Sounding like your Grandfather, it seems.” The Dwarf laughed a little as he looked over towards a series of guards, “These folk on this sheet are to come to the court immediately, the High King has invited them to stand judgement on their cases.”

The guards nodded and took the paper. Not even an hour went by as the first two came to the steps of Foric’s throne. They were a man and a woman, both of whom were giving eachother stares that would murder. Foric himself did not recognize them, however he was sure they were powerful folk to have gotten here so quickly.

“My Lord, give me my child from this basard!”

“They are of my blood you whore!”

Or they hated each other a lot.

“Be silent you two, I know you wish for judgement however the King has yet to be educated about your case.” Called out Hev as he shouted them down, “These two folk are from the Chiki and Josk Families. They have started the proceeding of Divorce, both committing adultery and both families have agreed to separate. However with a single child set to inherit both their properties, we need to determine who get him.”

“I… understand.” Foric cursed himself for a moment before making a jester with his hands, “To keep things civil we will start with the ex wife then move onto the ex husband.”

The man gave a huff as the woman stepped forward, “Thank you my liege! I ask you not to seperate my son from he own mother! He is only a few years old and still has trouble walking. If he goes with my ex, he shall be neglected by the man and simply given to the maids.”

“Liar!” Shot off the man as he gave her devilish eyes, “My Son can walk and speak fine. He is old enough that I will soon be sending him to the Academy! He needs a future that you yourself cannot provide!”

“Are you calling my family poor? If we wanted to send him to the academy we could easily do it! It is just that the family business is much more valuable than some Dwarfish foolery!”

“He might enjoy his time among you lot, but he won’t get much farther!” Shot the husband off again, “Please my lord, give my son a future!”

“Please do not take my child away from me!”

>To the Father
>To the Mother
>Neither, we need to punish that adultery
>Both, you two are going to get through this whether you like to or not.

>>4925418
>Neither, we need to punish that adultery

The kid can be a ward of the State for all I care, degeneracy must be procecuted.

>>4925418
>Neither, we need to punish that adultery

>>4925418
>Neither, we need to punish that adultery

>>4925418
>>Neither, we need to punish that adultery

>>4925418
>>Neither, we need to punish that adultery

Honestly did not expect this, things are going to get interesting.
>>4925434
>>4925477
>>4925579
>>4925637
>>4925650

Foric felt a small tinge building up on his head, “Hev, how have these folk come before me?”

“Through the wealth and power of their families, wanting to keep their holdings safe.” The Dwarf answered back, “I take it you have already made your decision?”

“It is simply the fact we have a problem here.” Foric announced as he leaned forward from his throne, “When I was young I heard murmurs of my Father’s attempts to curb corruption. That an entire city was turned into a monster because of it.”

To those words the two parents looked up in fear towards the King. They quickly tried to run but a series of guards lined up behind them.

“Indeed that is true, I was there. A monster the size of houses rose up and tried to kill us all. If I remember the tails of your Grandfather, such a creature once roosted in this very fortress before he killed it.”

“Maybe it was because my Father listened close to the old ways than he thought, or maybe his Theologians would not agree with me. I however think they need to be properly punished for their crimes.”

“Crime! You declare it a crime!” Shouted the man before he was snared by the guards.

“Of course I do. You come before me having broken a sacred contract between families.” The King Declared with a flick of his wrist, “If either one of you had not committed a sin you would be agreeing with me. As it is now I do not see why I should give an innocent child to either of you. Take them away.”

There were cries and curses, however they were both taken away from Foric’s view. Hev simply gave a nod as he looked up, “Such a ruling shall be known across the Empire, I can assure you of that.”

“Make sure they do, I will not abide with degeneracy in my Kingdom.” Foric announced, “So what do you have next?”


“Those fools were the fastest, but it seems we have a line now.” Hev said while showing Foric a sheet.

>Terms and Language, people not understanding one another.
>Murderer who is insane, is he liable for his murder?
>Negotiation of Feudal Contracts through force

>>4925701
>>Terms and Language, people not understanding one another.

>>4925701
>Negotiation of Feudal Contracts through force

>>4925701
>Terms and Language, people not understanding one another.

>>4925701
>Terms and Language, people not understanding one another.

>>4925701
>>Terms and Language, people not understanding one another.

Terms and Language, the basis of Law
>>4925915
>>4925917
>>4926090
>>4925711

Negotiation by force.
>>4925803

I wanted to see if the child could actually walk and talk.

>>4926186
I mean I do not blame ya, but everyone wanted to lock up the adulters.

Before Foric was a pair of men, both looking their best as they made their way forward. They looked pretty equal among one another. Though from Foric’s guess they might be near the same tier of person that the people before them came in. The two men were giving each other glares however not as deadly as before.

“I welcome both of you to the court of High King Foric.” Declared the Dwarf before coughing in his hand to get his voice right, “As I understand it, this is a dispute involving exclusivity of drink?”

“Yes, sir Dwarf!” Called out one of the men.

“That is not exact, Advisor Hev!” The other announced, “May I present my case?”

The other man shook his head at that. However with a gesture of the hand from Foric the Dwarf called out, “Yes, if that is not an accurate statement then please present your case.”

“Thank you, sir.” The man called out, “I am the owner of two Inns, the Skivling Orc and Cowardly Orc. I had an agreement with Mr. Farmstead here that I would buy my Alcohol from him. He claims that when I bought apple juice, I violated our contract!”

“Of course you did, our contract says all drinks!” The disheveled man answered back.

“But you do not even sell drinks not drowned in Alcohol! I was getting the Apple Juice because some of my patrons enjoy it! Hell, you do not even make ” The man answered back, “If I was to take you by those words, it would include the damn water we drink!”

“You voided our contract, you could have atleast asked and now here we are!”

“That's because you made a scene at one of my bars! I want out of the contract if you are going to be this heavy handed!”

Theoric watched the two bicker for a moment. He noted down what was the actual state of affairs here. Seems the definition of what drink meant was something of hot contest. One man took it as the general slang used by both man and dwarf, while the other took it far more liberally.

It would probably be best to just shatter their contract and have them seperate. However things like this were only going to get worse if Foric did not stomp them out now.

>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.
>The people simply need to figure it out while making the contract. It would take too much man power to codify every single little thing.
>Just shatter the contact for now.

>>4926197
>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.

I will say this vote might be scewed, since I think the Europeans are going to be voting on this one.

>>4926197
>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.
Standardization of language and juristical/legislative procedures. let's go!

>>4926197
>>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.

LAW is king

>>4926197
>>The people simply need to figure it out while making the contract. It would take too much man power to codify every single little thing.

>>4926197
>>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.

>>4926197
>Foric, the High King, shall make the definition himself. From here onwards, these things will have hard definitions formed by his government.

Foric is the Law
>>4926200
>>4926224
>>4926230
>>4926383
>>4926466

People must figure it out themselves
>>4926338

Foric nodded to himself as he thought about what he was to say, “The simple matter of fact is that I, as High King, should have helped you earlier in the situation. Because of that I shall order you both to break the contract and no longer work between one another.”

The two men looked at Foric with neutral looks, probably because they were expecting some kind of recompense for the other’s actions. However Foric did not see this situation as requiring that.

“From here onwards, if the people shall use the same terms that I and my fellow Nobles use. Deviations will not be accepted when there are clear hard guidelines. If for whatever reason my scribes have yet to define that word than we simply must be asked to define it. LIke in this situation, drink will refer to all beverages. However Alcoholic Drinks refer to those containing as such.”

The men gave the King nods, more or less accepting the ruling as they went out of the door. As they did so Hev came to his side, “Quite the task you have set for ourselves.”

“It is something that needs to be done. So we should have the scribes get started now.”

“Of course.” The Dwarf answered before giving a soft nod, “For the rest of these we can let other care for them. I believe you should do something else here for your off time.”

“Yes yes, I see what you mean.” Foric answered while rising from his chair, “Now what to do…”

>Go visit the Deep-King, to solidify a multi-generation alliance
>Start visiting those who are calling themselves Dukes.
>Visit the Patriarch of the Church.

>>4926188
I still wanted to do that too. Although perhaps a more detailed punishment like public lashings.

>>4926604
>Start visiting those who are calling themselves Dukes.

>Start visiting those who are calling themselves Dukes.

>>4926604
>Go visit the Deep-King, to solidify a multi-generation alliance.

>>4926604
>>Visit the Patriarch of the Church.

>>4926604
>Start visiting those who are calling themselves Dukes.
Our relationship with the dwarfs is presumably well established. we gotta acertain our rule to man.

>>4926604
>Start visiting those who are calling themselves Dukes.

>>4926604
>>Visit the Patriarch of the Church.

Meeting the Dukes
>>4926738
>>4926758
>>4926806
>>4926817

The Deep King
>>4926767

Patriarch of the Church
>>4926770
>>4927109

It was not long until Foric was on the road, looking out into the Kingdom of his Father and Grandfather. It looked prosperous, with people trading large amounts of food between one another. The sizes of family was larger than anything he had seen over in the Dwarfish Kingdoms. Five to Eight head per house with all of them looking quite healthy to boot.

That was an accomplishment that Foric knew belonged to his Grandfather. The man worked tirelessly to create a prime foundation that all food was made upon. With such a large amount of people humanity was quickly expanding their way northwards towards the Northern Sea.

“Four Dukes, that is how many have formed?” Foric asked Hev as they closed in on their first location.

“Yes, there are four of them. All of them in some way share your blood but two of them gained it maternally.” Hev said with a small chuckle, “We will be visiting those of the paternal side. They go by the name of Clorics.”

“Clorics, know that I think about it my father never had a last name.”

“There was no reason to.” Hev admitted with a shaking of the head, “The man was High King, and shall forever be referred to as such. Same goes for you, Foric, unless people find a good name for your line.”

Soon the wagon stopped, the two of them looking towards a nice size castle. Nothing too crazy of course but it was enough to get a smile upon Foric’s face. There has yet to be a Castle that did not shine.

Walking in Foric noticed an older man approaching him, “High King Foric, it is an honor to welcome you here.” Said the man as he came over and gave Foric a bow.

“Same to you, Duke Helor Clorics.” Foric responded by giving a courteous gester, “I thought I would come over and talk to you. You have made a name for yourself these days.”

“Of course, the blood of Alaric runs thick in my veins.” He answered back with a small laugh, “Now would you enjoy a drink?”

“Of course I would, what else would I accept as a guest.” Foric said while walking into the place.

>Learn of the conditions of his lands
>How did he come into so much power?
>Bullshit, for what else would you do?

>>4927231
>>Learn of the conditions of his lands

>>4927231
>Learn of the conditions of his lands

>>4927231
>How did he come into so much power?

>>4927231
>With such a large amount of people humanity was quickly expanding their way northwards towards the Northern Sea.
do we have a map yet or is this your basic Europe?
also
>Learn of the conditions of his lands

Conditions of One's Land
>>4927234
>>4927255
>>4927264

How did he become a 'Duke'
>>4927258

“So how are your lands fairing these days?” Foric asked as he took a mug, “Being the Lord of so many I am sure you have a few problems.”

“Most of my problems have been managing those underneath me.” He answered with a small sigh, “Almost all are old Chieftains who I have gained the homage of. They don’t like me that much at all.”

“I heard of the Rebellion they orchestrated earlier in my Father’s Reign. I take it those tales were not wrong?”

“Indeed, your Father torched the entire forest and marched their way to the Northern Seas. Actually I was able to find myself here after consolidating the abandoned territory.” He laughed for a moment, “Still there are other things of worry these days.”

“Well talk, you have the floor.” Foric told the man while taking a swig.

“We have found a few Graveyards have started to…” The man seemed to search for words, “Move around a good bit.”

“Moving graveyards?”

“Indeed, I have invited a few of the Priests from the Church over to see what they can do and they threw a bunch of warriors my way. Fellows tore open a few of the graves and destroyed the corpses within.”

“Was that out of line, or did something happen?”

“Something did.” The man shakily answered while producing a small piece of paper, “This is what they sent me after the deeds were done.”

Foric read it, then read it again, “Some of them fought back?”

“Those people were not quite dead it seems.” The man clarified, “However that problem has been taken care of thanks to the Church. I just wish they were a little bit more proactive.”

“I will talk to them about it.” Foric answered back.

“Thank you, though I want to ask something else of you.” The Duke said as he looked off to the side, “The Church had be pay handsomely for that job, and I am starting to feel the strain of funds as I build my realm. I was wondering if I could get a cut in my taxes for a few years.”

>We can cut them, temporarily.
>Yes we will, but I expect more troops
>No, the Kingdom needs more taxes. You shall pledge less troops instead.
>Nope, we are increasing them because you asked.

>>4927564
>Yes we will, but I expect more troops

If families have eight damn kids it's a perfect time to grow the army.

>>4927564
>Yes we will, but I expect more troops

Just how much did they charge?

>>4927564
>Yes we will, but I expect more troops

>>4927564
>>Yes we will, but I expect more troops

>>4927564
>>>Yes we will, but I expect more troops

Got it
>>4927641
>>4927649
>>4927659
>>4927740
>>4928093

“I will grant you that request, but you are to pledge to me more men to send into battle.” Foric answered him back with a narrowing of the eyes, “You know I cannot give you everything you wanted for free.”

“Aye, it seems you are right.” The man answered back with a small chuckle, “Very well, shall we put it in writting?”

“Only if we have the original with us.” Foric told him.

“I have my copy in the back. If it's different from the original just come on back and we can talk about it more.”

“If I have your word then it will be good enough.” Foric answered as they started the more finer details of diplomacy.

The rest of the night quickly went by. Foric soon found himself once more on the carriage traveling away from the Duke’s estate as he looked over the list of the others.

“That went pretty well, if I must say so myself.” Hev said with a small grin, “Well you have some other Dukes we should probably meet. Best to learn the heavy hitter within your Empire than ignore them.”

“Yes, there is Hestle, I remember him from my days in tutelage.” Foric laughed a little as he looked at the sheet.

“He would be Roderic’s son, now House Head of the Bastiorics.” Hev said before looking over the papers, “There are also the Mocs and Bales, both of whom rose up from the the old tribes that remained in your Father’s lands.”

“Do either of them share some amount of my blood?”

“Both of them do, one a Grandmother and the other a mother.” Hev answered back.

>To the Bastiorics
>The Mocs
>Bales

>>4928171
>To the Bastiorics

>>4928171
>To the Bastiorics

>>4928171
>>To the Bastiorics

>>4928171
>To the Bastiorics

The Bastiorics
>>4928201
>>4928230
>>4928239
>>4928258

“We will head to the Bastriorics.” Foric answered as he leaned back, “It will be a long travel won’t it?”


“You are correct, my Lord. Might as well start getting sleep while you can.” Hev gave back.

Time did indeed go by, Foric getting to see the Empire more and more. Many of the places he was crossing now were basically borderlands. Luckily, for both Foric and those who might have tried, there were no bandits on their way over. No one seemed stupid enough to fight a carriage that was guarded by eight men.

They arrived though, the carriage going past a large city and nearing the bastion itself. Foric looked over, seeing that the Gap had finally been shut with a massive wall. He had heard from his friend that it was in the works. However, Foric did not expect to see it finished!

Driving into the fortress gates Foric walked out to see another man walking towards him. With a smirk Foric walked out and extended his hand towards the other, “Arnold, it's been a little while.”

“A little while? Its been stinking five years man!” The other called out while shaking it, “Why I already have two daughters and a son!”

“Did you marry Vinesse?” Foric asked as they began to make their way forward.

“Yes I did, father gave his blessings and everything right away.” He laughed, “How long have you been on the road for?”

“A damning five days.”

“By the Gods that must have been tiresome.” Arnold answered while making his way forward, “Instead of sitting down for a drink, want to check out my mighty walls?”

>Fuck yeah
>No, a drink would be awesome right now
>Maybe a little horseback riding in the Western lands instead?

>>4928478
>>Fuck yeah

Big, beautiful walls.

>>4928478
>>Fuck yeah

>>4928478
>Fuck yeah

>>4928478
>Fuck yeah

>>4928478
>>Fuck yeah

Big, Beautiful Walls!!
>>4928491
>>4928507
>>4928556
>>4928589
>>4928616

“Fuck yeah.” Foric answered back while getting himself up, “I always wanted to look at the Western Steppes.”

“Glad I can oblodge that.” Arnold told the King, “If you will follow me, we can get there quicker.”

The trip was for a few minutes, however it was well worth it as Theoric walked among the massive walls that his friend has built. He took a few moments to look over it and absorb the scene. On the other side of these walls was low fields of grass and barren mountains. However it was also known as how mankind came into their new realm.

“Our Grandfather walked from that land, right?”

“Aye, he did.” Arnold answered as he got next to the King, “Now, time to throw the King over!”

The two quickly got into a wrestle, however both knew it was good fun. The tussle took a few minutes to be completed, with Foric and Arnold in a deadlock. Those precious seconds were gone though as Foric was able to pin his cousin to the ground.

“Maybe I should throw the Duke over. What do you think?”

“I ask for Mercy, oh High King.” Arnold told him with a smirk.

With that the two men got themselves up and stretched out their bruises. A golden sun beamed down as they looked out into the other lands one more time.

A small laugh broke out as the Duke rubbed his neck, “You always win, man.”

“I know I do, that is why I am King.”

“Still, I wanted to do that for who knows how long.” He laughed, “If I had gotten you at a better angle I would have placed you on the edge.”

“Maybe, maybe.” Foric shook his head, “Though that kinda makes me think, there are people out there who probably want to kill me right?”

“That I can confirm, as some of our own cousins and uncles talk.” Arnold admitted while shaking his head, “Of course I think most of it is speculation, considering what happened in the last rebellion.”

“Still I it is something both of us should take seriously. You got a few spawn, but I got none.”

“Then just make me your… Spymaster. Yeah that has a nice ring to it.”

>A friend as a Spymaster is the best you can get
>It might be better to find someone with perfect skills
>Nah, just become my martial since you are already pretty good.

>>4928866
>A friend as a Spymaster is the best you can get
he lost the brawl so he doesn't get to be Marshal.

>>4928866
>>A friend as a Spymaster is the best you can get

>>4928866
>A friend as a Spymaster is the best you can get

>>4928866
>A friend as a Spymaster is the best you can get
I want to build nice wide road network connecting the far corners of the empire.

Spymaster
>>4928974
>>4929015
>>4929018
>>4929184

“That sounds like a fine addition to my court, Arnold.” Foric declared as he patted his friend of the shoulder, “Just make sure you don’t stab me in the back too.”

“Stab stab stab.” The man did a joking motion with his hands, “Yeah I got ya, don’t you worry.”

With that time quickly went by, Foric being drunk as hell by the end of it. The morning after the carriage ride away was something he was not really wanting to experience. Still, he needed to finish his meeting with all of the Dukes in his realm.

Letting his head rest on a pillow of feathers they were once more on the dirt road. It was as bumpy as you would expect a dirt road to be.

“Gah, damn it.” Foric felt his very organs shift wrongly as they moved, “We need better roads.”

“Sadly we Dwarfs never really bothered with roads.” Hev admitted as they traveled, “We can get the stonework done, but you are on your own for the road itself.”

“I got you I got you.” Foric said while holding his head up right, “Who we got left?”


“The Mocs and Bales.” Hev announced, “The Mocs, if I am remembering correctly, came to us about how to have contracts written. Your father was a little indecisive on the issue but gave a good ruling regardless.”

“And the other?”

“Bales are those holding the Northern Bastion. They seemed to have centralized their authority over those lands to better secure and call troops up there.”

>Bales
>Mocs
>Nah, neither!

>>4929228
>>Bales

>>4929228
>Bales

>>4929228
>Bales

>>4929228
>>>Bales

>>4929228
>Whichever is closer.

>>4929228
>Bales

Bales
>>4929234
>>4929238
>>4929336
>>4929345
>>4929448
>>4929739

The trip was not too long. Nothing like the trip over towards the Mountain Gap Bastion. This time Foric watched as remnants of human civilization were replaced with fields and fields of grass. Such a place was something Foric would never have expected to be a forest in the past.

That was the legacy of his Father though. Theoric the Arsonist gained his name by committing such a burning.

Still even with the open fields there were small patches of forest remaining. Those too were taken over by man though. Using the nearby wood people created small villages that would take care of those on the road. Foric’s company was no exception in that.

With the grass the way it was, nothing could ambush them. With that in mind they made haste towards the Northern Bastion.

Their arrival was welcomed with a grand city upon the horizon.

This place was the beating heart of the north. Everything that was done in the duchy was done to support the Northern Fortress. It was all thanks to the Duke that ruled these lands.

Near the waters of the city, Foric arrived at the Bastion. A fortress meant to withstand attacks from both land and sea. It was not long for him to walk through the place and arrive in what was the throne room of the one who ran this place.

The man sported a modest mustache and looked at Foric with a pair of narrow eyes. With his arrival the man stood up from his throne and gave Foric a bow, “My Liege, I had heard you were visiting Family, but are you visiting the dukes instead?”

“You are correct, Cleave. I am not on a vacation at the very start of my rule but visiting those who have grown immensely during my Father’s era.” Foric announced as he looked the man down.

“Well I welcome it.” The man admitted as he sat back down into his throne, “And while I don’t want to seem rude there is something I wanted to talk to you about immediately.”

“Speak your mind, that is why I am here.”

“Thank you, sire.” He honored Foric before giving his intentions, “I seek to send some men north. A clan has started to unit the others and I fear what might happen if they are left unimpeded.”

“Do you know who they are?”

“I do not, for it is hard to get people back once they make the trip upwards.”

>Give the blessing
>Foric will join after his journey is complete
>Foric will, if nothing else than to settle an old grudge that his father never killed.
>Give no blessing, but it is ultimately the Bales’ decision.

>>4930276
>Give the blessing

>>4930276
>Foric will, if nothing else than to settle an old grudge that his father never killed.

>>4930276
>Give the blessing

>>4930276
>>Foric will, if nothing else than to settle an old grudge that his father never killed.

>>4930276
>>Give the blessing

>>4930276
>>Foric will, if nothing else than to settle an old grudge that his father never killed
"We will punish those traitors."

Grudge
>>4930387
>>4930422
>>4930517

Blessing
>>4930342
>>4930413
>>4930500

“Duke Bales.” Foric announced as he looked the man dead in the eyes, “My Father once told me of a betrayal done by the Chieftains of the North. When his own grandfather lured him into the caves to be slaughtered.”

“So you seek to settle that?”

“Aye, I seek to settle it.” Foric declared as he tested his limbs, “My Father was too preoccupied by horrors and nightmares, I however am young in both mind and flesh. I shall settle the grudge made against my family.”

“Then I look forward to that, fighting alongside you.” Duke Cleave Bales announced.

“Of course. Now the old man is probably dead but I am looking for the one named Kretenu. If you hear word of where he is just point him for me.”

“Kretenu, I believe him to be the High Chieftain.” The Duke answered Foric.

“He is the High Chieftain? Then I guess our goals align.” Foric said while shaking his head, “Though his title, he is mocking me is he not?”

“No, that is how the previous Chieftains were called. Just a title that mankind likes to have.” He admitted while giving a nice chuckle, “Though you can probably shatter your fellow ‘High’ and make all other folk know you are the leader of mankind.”

“Well thank you for this information, Cleaves. Till we see eachother again.”

“Leaving already?”

“Indeed, I have lots to do now.”

>Start raising the army
>Go visit the last Duke, Duke Moc
>Maybe its time to visit the Uncle, King Ananthric of the West

>>4930858
>>Start raising the army

>>4930858
>Go visit the last Duke, Duke Moc
Let's secure our base first

>>4930858
>Go visit the last Duke, Duke Moc

Da Duke
>>4930994
>>4931078

Raising the army
>>4930939

First things first of Foric’s list of things to do was take care of the damned dukes. There was only one more of them left that he needed to take care of. To take care of him was going to be his aim. He was just lucky that the Duke held lands on the way back.

They hugged the Dragon Scale Mountains, branching off from where Foric’s direct holdings were. It was a nice place where the risk of barbarians or orcs coming in upon them was rather laxed. Filled with a large amount of people it was probably the most populous area if not for the Bastion of Man.

Rubbed up against the mountains was a largely ceremonial keep. While two of the other dukes were holding down great bastions against invasion Foric guessed these men were just building it all in a vain attempt to be seen as defenders.

Foric walked into the keep itself without much issue. The guards here acknowledged his authority above this man. Foric wondered of course if the loyalty they were showing him would wane in time. Maybe not with him but maybe his descendants would need to deal with it.

Once more Foric walked into a Throne room, the middle aged man on the other side giving a slow descending nod of acknowledgement. He seemed to give a small smile as he looked up, “Welcome, Foric, to my Court. Should I feel insulted that I was last?”

“I would not think much of it, Tellic.” Foric told the older man with a salesman smile, “I had gone around the Kingdom and you are simply at the end of our path.”

“Very well.” The man nodded with a shaking of the head, “Well I have plenty of Ale and Meat prepared for your arrival. We can drink and talk to our hearts content tonight.”

“Ale? I see you have been studying.”

“My Father made sure I had an education, part of that was going to the Dwarfs to learn how to read and write in their tongue.”

“He was quite a smart man then.”

“Indeed he was.” The Duke admitted while rising off his throne, “If you would follow me.”

>Talk about Loyalty and the Kingdom
>Laws, and their enforcement of
>Whatever he wants to talk
>The Coming War

>>4931405
>>Laws, and their enforcement of

>>4931405
>Laws, and their enforcement of

Law and Enforcement
>>4931445
>>4931513

A few hours passed and they were all in a dining room. Proper as it was, they were both seated with meat and drink in front of them. Foric was finishing up his fill as he took a moment to breath in and out.

“Well you had a good amount there.” The Duke said to Foric as he finished his own piece of the meal.

“The road is never kind to the stomach.” The High King answered with a small chuckle, “So has your territories been managed well enough?”

“Just a few stragglers here and there that would not listen to the word of law.” The older man answered back, “However I have finished my rulings for at least a week.”

“Yeah I can understand the sentiment.” Foric took a swig of his drink with a smile, “However I have learned to deal with it and settle down some rules going forward.”

“Yes, I have heard what you did to those Adulterers. Quite a swift punishment for something so trivial.”

“What, you think Adultery should be allowed?”

“It's not really my place to decide now, is it.”

“I have my reasons for choosing it. Though why are you declaring it trivial?”

“I declared it as such because it is not that bad.” The man answered while taking his own drink, “I guess I had a tribal father at the end of the day. We of course punished it by severing the ties of marriage and maybe banishment. I just find it curious that you hanged them.”

“That is the state of corruption, Duke.” Foric told him, “I have heard tales from my father of the hedonistic elves. An entire city of folk turned into piles meant to be turned into monsters. Because we have settled down things that would have once been minor have grown too great. If they were to both be banished there is always the chance they focus that taint and create something horrific.”

“You are speaking of something that has yet to happen.” The Duke pointed out, “Are you sure that you did not just do it because you had the power to?”

“What do you mean?” Foric asked the fellow

“You speak as if these are the new laws, laws of course that I will not argue against.” The man told Foric, “However, speak as if they are natural courses. Is it not your vision and power that made it happened, and not the natural state of things?”

>Power does make right, both of us know that.
>Corruption, at one point or another, will come. Foric simply took the natural course faster because he knew what will happen.
>We do not speak these things, Duke. Even if we invited it you speak something dangerous.

>>4931661
>Corruption, at one point or another, will come. Foric simply took the natural course faster because he knew what will happen.

>>4931661
>I just find it curious that you hanged them.”
WHAT?!
Dude not cool. I doubt any of us would have agreed to put them to death, didn't they have a kid? Well an Orphan now.

>Corruption, at one point or another, will come. Foric simply took the natural course faster because he knew what will happen.

Perhaps When we understand corruption better, we can treat and remedy it without harsher measures.

>>4931661
>>Corruption, at one point or another, will come. Foric simply took the natural course faster because he knew what will happen.

>>4931661
ah come on, the vote didn't say they would have died

>>4931661
>>Corruption, at one point or another, will come. Foric simply took the natural course faster because he knew what will happen.

Corruption will come
>>4931692
>>4931767
>>4931819
>>4931696

Why are they dead?????
>>4931696
>>4931696

Eh, tried to figure out how they would be punished. If we go to biblical/middle ages Adultery was to be stoned to death. Considering most players are fearing the corruption, giving the child to the church and executing the parents was probably the best move.

“I did what I did because corruption will be upon us at some point.” Foric answered the man as he spoke his mind, “While my actions might seem harsh and nonsensical, when the time comes they will be proven right and logical.”

“So you think people, even after your rule, will follow in your example?”

“I do, and not because they fear me, but because they know it is the right thing to do.”

“Quite the declaration for someone so young.” The Duke told Foric as he took a drink, “What are you, 20 years?”

“I am 25 years old.” Foric told the man before his eyes narrowed, “Remember that I am one in a line of High Kings, each of us giving the other stories about their exploits. Because I hold this knowledge I am not a mere 25 year old man.”

“To be so grandiose, though you are correct.” The man relented as he gave a slight chuckle, “Myself and my children will be following the same path.”

“Well if they give honor and loyalty, it will be a grand arrangement won’t it be?”


“Indeed it will be my liege.” The man laughed before getting up, “Well it is time I retire, you are welcome to spend a night here if you want.”

“I will take you up on that offer.” Foric answered as he himself rose, “It will be quite the time ahead of myself, for there is a grudge that I need to have settled.”

With that he rested. In only an hour after Foric rose did they once again go on the road. This time they were preparing for something Foric thought was long coming.

His Father, betrayed by their family, was going to get his revenge.

>Call upon the Dukes and Counts to raise levies
>Only raise Foric’s personal arms-men.
>Take men from fellow family members, they will understand Foric’s duty.

>>4932080
>Take men from fellow family members, they will understand Foric’s duty.

>>4932080
>>Take men from fellow family members, they will understand Foric’s duty

>>4932080
>Take men from fellow family members, they will understand Foric’s duty.

>>4932080
>>Take men from fellow family members, they will understand Foric’s duty.

Family Members
>>4932104
>>4932123
>>4932139
>>4932486

Time went by, Spring coming by as Foric looked out into the field of men before him.

Currently they were all stationed near the Northern Bastion, building a series of camps that housed all of Foric’s men. These men were all from his family who honored their contracts and blood ties. They knew something like this could not be easily let go of.

They had to honor the grudge, and were much more lenient for that.

“You have gathered a good amount of men, my liege.” Duke Cleave Bales said as he walked up to Foric’s tent, “To think half the Kingdom would be joining me in this.”

“Well if we do not kill the bastard now they might even make a dynasty. If that were to happen I fear we would be dealing with yearly incursions from the North.” Foric answered back to the man.

“So did you pack your men up with plenty of furs and wears?”

“I had enough funds to do so.” Foric answered back.

“Well that is good, I plan to set sail here in a week's time.” The man settled himself in front of a map for the province, “So we got three places to launch from. Directly onto their little island, the eastern side, and the western side.”

“Yup, the south means we get the most amount of food for our troops.” Foric pointed out as he looked over it, “East was where they were located, correct?”

“Yup, the Eastern Shores tend to have plenty of fish, so that is where they are gathering. It would be a quick war there, though I cannot say we have the advantage.” He admitted before pointing west, “If we land there, we might be able to mask our presences and take them all by suprise.”

“Then we will need a smaller force there.”

“Yup, maybe mine can fight there.”

>South for food.
>East for a quick war
>West for sneaky sneak.

>>4932584
>>South for food.

>>4932584
>South for food.

>>4932584
>South for food.

>>4932584
>>South for food.

>>4932584
>>South for food.

South it is!!
>>4932625
>>4932679
>>4932796
>>4932946
>>4932961

A week had passed, and Foric was upon one of the first boats towards the island. Just being near the place Foric could feel the coldness crawl itself into his flesh and make him wonder if they were going to be able to even keep control of lands up here.

The moment he saw the icy shores that scored this place, he knew they would not conquer, only crush.

Thanks to his decision to only go across the sea the amount of foodstuff came raining into their quickly growing camp. These supply lines were more important than anything because of this dreadful cold. Honestly though, it was Spring, why was it so cold!

“A dreadful place to be.” Hev said as he gave a small laugh, “You look like you’re about to freeze over.”

“I am about to.” Foric told the dwarf, “Why the hell are you not that cold?”

“Oh I am freezing here my boy, just my blood is just that little bit warmer than yours.” The Dwarf laughed again as he made his way forward, “So what is the plan here?”

“March my way forward and crush them.” Foric answered the Dwarf, “Duke Bales is coming in from the West, hopefully he won’t be noticed on the way over.”

“Hopefully he does not.” The Dwarf answered as he made his way forward.

“That does make me wonder,” Foric started as he thought to himself, “Should we give them a chance to surrender?”

“What do you mean boy? You are here to settle a grudge!”

“Indeed, a grudge against one man. There is always the chance his own people throw him to us for fun.” Foric realized with a smile, “And they might be more willing to surrender if we give them such courtesy.”

“Its… not a bad idea.” The dwarf admitted, “However do you want to give these people who betrayed your father that kind of honor?”

>You know what, no we shall not.
>Send it, who knows what might happen
>Set it up to fail, to justify this incursion.

>>4933110
>You know what, no we shall not.
If they were divided I'd give it a try, but since he united most it feels fruitless. Let's keep the sneak advantage, at least for our duke.

>>4933110
>>You know what, no we shall not.

>>4933110
>You know what, no we shall not.
We can give them a chance after battle. Most of his army is probably high hon morale after unification and unlikely to surrender, but throw a big crisis and invasion there way and people will start reconsidering.

>>4933110
>>You know what, no we shall not.

>>4933110
>Send it, who knows what might happen

>>4933110
>>Send it, who knows what might happen

If we always slaughter everyone all of our foes will just fight to the death. Besides, theres sure to be people so far removed from the conflict that they likely want no part of this war.

>>4933110
>>>Send it, who knows what might happen
changing vote

Send it
>>4933308
>>4933482
>>4933499

Dont
>>4933253
>>4933218
>>4933130

Good arguments on both sides, but I feel this is something cool to do.

“I still wish for it to be sent.” Foric declared as he gave a hardness to his voice, “They will likely abandon him faster if they know I was kind, and I wish to set this as a precedent in my own lands.”

“Aye, I guess I can see that. Make it more of a play on their people’s minds than anything else.” He admitted.

“That does not mean we are going to stay here though, far from it!” Foric looked over the last of his forces arriving, “The message shall only be a day in front of us. I will be there personally to receive the answer.”

“I will get you a messenger immediately then.” Hev answered as he got his things together.

With that a messenger was sent. Said man was followed up with the armed forces that Foric had prepared to go through the wastelands. Whatever water they had froze and the same could for the food. However there was plenty of wood about them and the day’s sun seemed to wash away any freezing cold the soldiers themselves had.

Foric himself was warm, the feeling of strength coursing through him. He was no fool in that the Blade of Fortage upon his belt was slowly giving him this power. He was settling a grudge, thus the blade of dwarfs fed him enough strength to finish the deed.

Within a little bit of time they arrived at a narrow valley, likely carved out by a now frozen river. It was between mountains that prevented any form of ambush from above, so they started traveling through it.

Foric did not expect to see the enemy army waiting within this ridge.

Within moments the messenger that Foric had sent quickly ran back to Foric’s forces. Being at the front the messenger quickly came to him, “Sir, I have brought a message from the other side!”

“Speak it, I will hear it.” Foric told the fellow.

“The High Chief wants to meet you in the middle to negotiate.” The man chittered shakingly, “He was very adamant about it, wishing to gain pardon from you!”

Foric looked the messenger up and down, and something was not right about his mannerisms.

>Deny it and move forward, Foric wanted his head!
>Entertain this fool
>Foric is not an idiot, send some men out to flush out those in the snow.

>>4933594
>>Foric is not an idiot, send some men out to flush out those in the snow.

>>4933594
>Foric is not an idiot, send some men out to flush out those in the snow.

>>4933594
>Foric is not an idiot, send some men out to flush out those in the snow.

>>4933594
>Foric is not an idiot, send some men out to flush out those in the snow.

Send men to screen for ambushes
>>4933600
>>4933739
>>4933837
>>4933859

“Helisk, Mortar!” Foric called out to the captains as he looked over the area, “Screen things out. There is likely an ambush.”

The men nodded just as the messenger next to Foric collapsed into the snow. He could only click his tongue as he ripped off the clothing to see a series of lashes all across the man’s back.

Those fuckers tortured the poor man.

As those moments went by, Foric noticed that the army in front of him were quickly preparing themselves for a fight. Moments after several men jumped out of the snow and started to flee their way towards the forces. Some however were too slow and got caught by the screeners.

“Men, forward!” Foric announced as he unsheathed his blade and walked forward.

Their scheme had failed, however they did not flee. If Foric had to guess they might be buying time for something. The reason he would not know until he got a couple of them stung up and through the torture wheel.

Foric’s forces moved with their liege. Every step they made caused the snow to spur up onto them. They were now just a sprint away from the enemy and could see the occasional fearful eye.

These people, against their own eyes however, were ready to fight them to protect their liege and people.

“Men of the Kingdom!” Shouted Foric as he raised his blade, “Today we cull these traitors and gain the head of the Arch Traitor! To settle a grudge made against my Father we will kill these men!”

Everyone around him were getting their hearts ignited by those words. All knew the reason they were here and accepted it long ago.

“We shall protect your friends and families by attacking them. Those who die, shall have their names etched upon the walls of my Bastion of Man! Those who are with me, ATTACK!”

And like that the army charged.

>Cull the rank and file
>Hold back incase of skulldickery
>Try and find the commander, or maybe even the arch traitor.

>>4934100
>>Hold back incase of skulldickery

>>4934100
>>Hold back incase of skulldickery

>>4934100
>Cull the rank and file
Can't wait for our west forces

>>4934100
>Try and find the commander, or maybe even the arch traitor.
Seems they are ruled by a tyrant.

>>4934100
>>Hold back incase of skulldickery

Caution
>>4934122
>>4934251
>>4934388

FIND HIM!!
>>4934341

Cull the Rank and File
>>4934282

The men ran by Foric, the high King watching as sets of his men threw themselves at the foe. Maybe it was a difference in Moral, but the men of his Kingdom were much more productive in the slaughter of the enemy.

As for the King himself he stood back. He knew this person to be a sneaky and annoying creature. Already he had tried to lay an ambush on Foric. That only meant he would try anything to get the upper hand on Foric.

It was at this moment Foric looked towards the mountains that guarded both sides of the valley. Upon their snow cover tips he saw small specks of black all running across the nearly non-existent paths that laid up there.

In the next moment Foric looked towards the forces on the ground. Most of them were levies of men probably gathered from nearby tribes. There were plenty of them here along with a nice choke point to keep Foric’s men from pressing forward.

Its a damned trap, they were trying to commit something like the fabled Avalanches that occur in Dragon Scale Mountains.

Now Foric could run up there and attempt to slay these fools. He felt the flow of power going through his veins and wondered if he could possibly cover that distance. He actually might be able to.

The next was just declare a retreat. With any luck the avalanche would still happen and trap the peasant army that was trying to hold Foric’s forces back.

Lastly, he could push through. Through sheer might Foric might be able to destroy the forces of peasents and cause a mass route.

>Go up and kill those bastard!
>Lure them into their own trap
>PUSH MEN, PUSH!!!!

>>4934536
>Lure them into their own trap

>>4934536
>PUSH MEN, PUSH!!!!
They must have some sort of sign so 2nd option isn't good

>>4934536
>>PUSH MEN, PUSH!!!!

>Lure them into their own trap

PUSH MEN PUSH!!
>>4934597
>>4934816

Lure them
>>4934592
>>4934845

Foric had a moment to think, and that moment he had his answer. Raising his sword into the air he called out to his forces, “PUSH MY MEN, PUSH! Run them down with your feet!”

The people responded in kind, bringing about a series of sword and spears that almost pierced the front lines. They were for the precious moments however, so Foric quickly ran down the lines and arrived at the front.

With a single slash of his sword, five men were dead. Two more slices left several more men dead.

Like paper, Foric slaughtered the men from the front lines. Those in front of him witnessed such a large brutality of power and felt their hearts sink. Fear of death quickly went through the ranks and people started to wonder if they should have taken their chances with the Warrior.

They choose to do so.

Within moments the everyone who was fighting in the front lines routed. Then everyone else around them started to route as they realised just how proficient in killing men Foric was.

“CHASE THEM DOWN MEN! THEY WILL TAKE US TO OUR QUARRY!” Shouted Foric as he started the on foot run. A call like that caused many of his fellow man to follow with fire in their bellies.

And like that they all got outside of the avalanche zone, Foric watching from behind as a serious fall of snow collapsed right into the valley.

>Chase them down all the way to their village
>Wait a moment to regain cohesion
>Track down those bastards who attempted to kill Foric’s army.

>>4935019
>Wait a moment to regain cohesion

>>4935019
>Wait a moment to regain cohesion

>>4935019
>>Wait a moment to regain cohesion

>>4935019
>Wait a moment to regain cohesion

The wind rushed and swept passed Foric, carrying onto the opened fields of snow. He took a moment to get some breath as he looked back to see his army had luckily cleared the dangerous location.

Most of his men were stunned at what they just dodged. They lost those precious seconds to catch up to the enemy as they did so.

Maybe that was for the best Foric realized as he raised his sword, “Form up, all of you. The enemy is gone, and we need to recover!”

There was a resounding sense of agreement among the soldiers.

As they formed up Foric saw as a dwarf made his way over looking disheveled, “Maybe I should stop adventuring, damn it.”

“You outran snow, good job.” Foric joked as he looked over the horizon, “Where the hell were you during the fight?”

“Fighting those barbarians, that's what.” The Dwarf answered while leaning on his hammer, “I would have thought they’d grow tougher.”

“I think you’re right.” Foric answered as he watched their backs across the horizon, “I got the feeling they were just peasants.”

“Aye, no one would make an empire just on their backs. Especially with how swiftly we shattered them.” Hev blew into his hands as he thought to himself, “Pretty sure we are close to their village. We can see about seizing the place or getting ready to starve them all to death.”

>Prepare a Siege!
>go in for the kill
>Prepare for what might be the real army.

>Wait a moment to regain cohesion

>>4935545
>Prepare for what might be the real army.

>>4935545
>go in for the kill

Prepare
>>4935580

Go in for the kill
>>4935637

I kinda don't want to break this tie myself, so I will let it go over night.

>>4935872
>>Prepare for what might be the real army.

>>4935873
NEVERMIND!!

“Hev, tell the captains to wait.” Foric ordered as he looked towards the Horizon, “I have a feeling something is going to be coming towards us.”

“You really think there is another army?” Hev half asked before nodding his head, “There probably is, I will tell the men.”

“Thank you.” Foric told the fellow as he sighed, “Time to get ready for the real fight.”

The Moon was high in the sky that night. Many would have sworn it was day time with so much light. The snow of course did not really help as you could see everything.

It was during this time that someone appeared at the Horizon. Following him were several other forms that seemed to slowly ink themselves towards the camp. Long dangerous shadows shined covered the camp as a sound went off.

Foric was one of the first to emerge from the tents, giving an icy stare at the warriors that were assembling themselves. They seemed monsterous picking not only this time of day but simply their beast fur covered attire. However Foric knew they were humans.

Slowly his enemy started to advance, not foolish enough to wear themselves out with a sprint through the desert snow. Foric allowed his lungs to fill up with as much air as he possibly could hold. With the Authority of the High King he called out to his men.

“To battlestations men! The Enemy comes tonight prepared with a dagger, but we shall give them the sword!!”

With those words the entire force was awakened and assembled. As they had taken the previous evening to sleep and rest many of them were ready to respond to the threat as it loomed over them like a monster.

Once the time had passed, Foric faced off against an army of man and a few beasts. Even a single generation in this frozen hellhole had turn these men from barbarians to feral monsters. Foric would not blame them, but he knew he needed to rectify this problem.

>Brace for their attack, absorbing them with numbers
>Charge at them, try and slaughter them!
>Try and give them a feign retreat, see if Foric can wear them out.

>>4935888
>>Brace for their attack, absorbing them with numbers

>>4935888
>Brace for their attack, absorbing them with numbers
Let them come.

>>4935888
>>Brace for their attack, absorbing them with numbers

>>4935888
>Brace for their attack, absorbing them with numbers

Brace!
>>4935993
>>4936038
>>4936069
>>4936076

“BRACE MY MEN BRACE FOR THEIR ATTACK!” Shouted Foric as he watched as they soon broke from a modest walk into a charge.

HIs men did what their sovereign ordered them to do. Spears were pointed out as those with shields placed them in front of themselves. A heartbeat skipped as every man within the forces was awaiting the enemies arrival.

In two minutes they arrived.

With a slam the barbarians crashed themselves into the wall of man. Many were dead upon the moment of impact with a spear jetting through hearts and brains. Others who were stuck upon the lances reached forward to try and strangle the men infront of them. The men of the Kingdom had to stab through their brains to make sure they were dead.

That was only the initial attack however. Blades and clubs all built in this arctic desert were slamming and bashing against the forces of Foric. Skulls started to shatter open as the occasional barbarian got through their ranks.

Foric was near one of them of course, seeing the blood crazy man quickly advancing towards him and trying to slice his skull open. With a strike of Fortage the head however was lopped off his head.

With that Foric’s men quickly started their retaliation. Several spears were thrown forward impaling several barbarians. Other men were able to take out their swords and start engaging in melee with these bastards. Many of them sadly were not as strong as the barbarians and fell to their makeshift clubs.

Foric watched in the corner of his eyes as one fellow was doing his best. Hev, his Advisor, with a single swing of his hammer was able to shatter the bones of two barbarians. Others who foolishly made their way towards him.

As for Foric, he was on the look out for that bastard. Surely he was leading this force personally.

>Go find the fucking arch traitor
>Support the line of melee
>Stay back and watch incase something odd started to happen

>>4936295
>Go find the fucking arch traitor

>>4936295
>>Go find the fucking arch traitor

>>4936295
>>>Go find the fucking arch traitor

>>4936295
>Go find the fucking arch traitor

Find the Traitor
>>4936311
>>4936361
>>4936412
>>4936460

Foric took a few minutes to look out into the variety to men all charging his lines. The men who attacked each had a sort of distinct but babarish look about themselves. Different combinations of beast and animal probably from different experiences that they had.

Foric did not know the face of who he was looking for. He did somehow knew how they would be fighting. If they were someone with enough gaul to betray Foric’s father they were probably strong as he himself was. Able to kill several men with a single slice of a club.

And he was correct, his eye being caught by one of the Barbarians destroying Foric’s front lines. With a purpose in his step Foric crossed the gap between the two of them and tightened his grip upon Fortage.

In the next moment, as the man brought down a cub upon one of Foric’s men the High King stepped in front of it and deflected the strike. Weapons in hand the two of them looked at one another with narrowed eyes.

“Finally you have come, King of the Southern Men.” The bulging fellow said to Foric with a smile, “I take it ol’ Theoric died?”

“Yes he had, and I was his heir.” Foric said to the person as he gave a glare, “Were you expecting me to come?”

“I thought at some point there would have been retaliation.” Answered the High Chief, “Though it seems your Father lacked the fiery belly your Grandfather had.”

Foric ignored the insult and looked the man over, “How are you so young. You should be close to the end of your life yet you stand before me at full health.”

“I have received the blessings of those above.” Kretenu chirped, “I was given a chance to unite the tribes under a single banner and take back the lands your Father banished us from.”

“You act as if they are ancestral lands, but you know it was my grandfather Alaric that gave us those lands.” Foric shot back while readying his blade, “And you all fled those lands after trying to take them over yourselves.”

“You do not know your place, child.” He announced before preparing his club, “AND I SHALL PUT YOU THERE!”

>Though the authority of High King, destroy this usurper
>Kill him in honor of Foric!
>Destroy him because he is corrupted

>>4936771
>>Kill him in honor of Foric!
"No i know it, and i know yours too, it s the grave old bones !"
"MEET TRUE WRATH TRAITOR !"

>>4936771
>Kill him in honor of Foric!
Damn, the dark lord helped them

>>4936771
>Though the authority of High King, destroy this usurper
For the line of Alaric!

>>4936771
>Kill him in honor of Foric!

I said Foric, meant Theoric, you guys understand though.
>>4936812
>>4936847
>>4936923

High King
>>4936865

“In the name of my Father, who you betrayed.” Foric began as his blade began to glow with a hot red sting, “MEET TRUE WRATH TRAITOR!!”

With that warcry of power Foric engaged in melee with the bastard. HIs blade white hot with power he began chipping at the fury unlike any he had experienced in his life. His flesh tightening and strengthening, he felt much bigger and stronger that he had before the fight.

As for the traitor he gave a nasty smile while deflecting the strike that was made at his head. He seemed enthused by the fact he was going to fight his fellow man to the death.

With his first strike deflected, Foric was forced to dodge as a club was aimed at his head. He managed to do it by a hair’s width. Now that was not because he was struggling, it was because he had the perfect chance to try and strike at his opponent's neck. His enemy dodged the strike at the last moment.

Thus the two began trading blows, narrowly getting at one another. When Foric thought he had a chance he went right for a killshot while his enemy dodged and did his own in return.

Foric was slowly realizing that it was skill dividing the two. Even with the strength of Alaric and Theoric within his veins he was but a novice compared to a person who fought for nearly fifty years of his life.

Still that did not mean he was getting more and more on him. Foric was the one who got first blood as his blade scratched a cheek.

That blood however seemed to make his enemy only fight more and more as the two were engaged in a nearly bloodless melee.

As for the battle behind them, most of those around them made their distance and stopped fighting. Those who did not were locked in a stalemate just like their overlords.

>Try and put more pressure, taking wounds to give wounds
>Keep this stalemate, Foric had an ally nearby.
>Go on the defensive and see if wearing him out is an option.

>>4937249
>Try and put more pressure, taking wounds to give wounds

>>4937249
>Try and put more pressure, taking wounds to give wounds

>>4937249
>>Go on the defensive and see if wearing him out is an option.

>>4937249
Gotta toughen ourselves up.

Risk wounds for damage
>>4937405
>>4937441

Defend ourselves
>>4937460

More and more the melee started to exceed what was reasonable for the normal man. Both warriors did not bother talking as they were devoted to trying to kill one another.

Foric was the one who went in, knowing that he was risking his own flesh as he leaped forward and struck a blade into the shoulder of his opponent. The man, only slightly surprised, gave Foric a smack in the back with his blub.

The strike was definitely felt through the bones of Foric. The strike was just slightly off center in his back which meant it only shattered several pieces of bone.

“HYA!” Foric's shoulder charged him with that moment and threw the High Chief across the field. Pain across his back he took his blade and almost stabbed into the fellow’s skull but he rolled out of the way and swung into Foric’s leg.

Pain was there, but Foric pushed through it as he made a massive strike through the fellow’s chest. Even with the furs there it did not matter as the blade carved through it all like blades of grass.

His enemy gave a scream of pain as Foric finally went upon him and started to smashing overhead strike. That one was deflected but Foric noticed that the club he was using so liberally was starting to shattered under the immense attacks.

There was a bet there, a bet Foric took up by charging the man with his sword prepared. The chief brought his weapon down upon Foric only for the club to shatter against his magically enhanced muscles.

In a flash Foric dug his blade deep into the chest of his enemy. The man only had a moment more of life as his heart was shattered into several pieces.

Taking out the blade Foric raised it into the air.

>Demand all the enemies flee
>Tell the armies to slaughter them all
>Collapse from having one’s back and femur broken.

>>4937653
>>Tell the armies to slaughter them all

>>4937653
>Tell the armies to slaughter them all
Why even put a bitch option in there?

>>4937653
>Tell the armies to slaughter them all
>>4937746
I think it was like a heroic fall

>>4937653
>Tell the armies to slaughter them all
>Collapse from having one’s back and femur broken.
Is probably also going to happen.

Slaughter them all
>>4937658
>>4937746 - People choose that, for some reason. As you can see below your own post.
>>4937866
>>4938118

“MEN!” A divine voice of power crashed through the air, “SLAUGHTER ALL OF THEM!”

Blades raised his men started to slaughter the armies before them. With their Warlord dead those who remained no longer had a reason to stick around. Hundreds of Barbarous men began to make their way towards the Devilishly cold lands.

Men of the Kingdom who looked towards their King saw what they would later describe as the avatar of Alaric. He seemed like a larger than life person who deserved the prestige and honors of being the grandson of the unifier of humanity.

With that sight they ran towards the fleeing foe and slaughtered them by the dozen. Those too slow were met with sword while those too far were chased until they fell to exhaustion and died.

“Bravo Foric.” Hev said as he walked up to the King and looked him over, “How are you still standing?”

“Hehe, I don’t know.” Foric answered as Hev realized he was using Fortage as a cain, “But I won didn’t I?”

“You did. We can probably pillage their camp but besides that what else is there to do?”

“Go back home and start working.” Foric answered as he settled himself on the ground, “Heal my bones and muscles. By my Grandfather, I do not know what I was doing there.”

“Whatever you did was enough to kill him. Though he looks so young still, just how I met him.” Hev answered as he looked the corpse up and down, “You people do not usually live this long.”

“He said he was given life by some Gods. Probably the ones my Father was warned of.”

“You’re probably right.” Hev said before putting his shoulders under Foric, “Now come on, we need to get you to a tent before you pass out.”

With that Foric’s men pillaged the old camp and took whatever valuables there was. The Westerns forces under the Northern Duke Bales moped up whatever was left of Kretenu’s army. Such a fate was damning to the people who were foolish enough to become part of that army.

As for Foric, he traveled back to the Bastion of Man to recover along with his army. The Pillaging was only enough to repay the army and such expenses, and with everything covered in snow there was no chance of building civilization up there again.

The people however did not forget his actions, and the actions of Alaric’s Bloodline. Now known to never forget what has happened even after a generation the name of the Dynasty was known.

Grudgebearers.

While it is early for this thread I will leave it here at a good stopping place. Next Thread will be on Monday so look forward to it.

Also, if anyone wants to make a family crest now would be the time to design and publish to for all to vote on.

>>4938392
cool thread

Next thread!
>>4943402
>>4943402
>>4943402

As normal, can someone archive this one...

>>4943405
Done, now you guys can vote there