In year 836 when Bretonnia's King was slain by Duke Merovech and the Duchy of Mousillon's corruption brought to light, the Duchy of Lyonesse annexed a majority of Mousillon's lands. Most inhabitants were relieved to be free of their mad duke's reign, now under the protection of Lyonesse. However, Lyonesse did not make life easy in Old Mousillon. As time passed, the fiefs grew larger and the peoples of Old Mousillon found it increasingly difficult to pay them. Additionally, they were not to be allowed positions of power in Lyonesse's courts - Old Mousillese nobles were deprived of many privileges that would normally be associated with their titles. For years the Old Mousillese bore their troubles without complaint, at least free of the cursed lands of Mousillon's newer boundaries.
Flash back to year 1544, present day - 708 years since Lyonesse has claimed Old Mousillon. Now more than ever, the Old Mousillese strain under the burden of Lyonesse's rule. Lyonesse's outrageous demands begin to anger many nobles, in particular Charles D'Auvay, a baron with an estate close to the Artois-Old Mousillon border. His vassals struggle to meet the fiefs Lyonesse has demanded he subject them to. Both saddened and angered with watching his people suffer, Charles lifts all Lyonesse fiefs from his estate. Neighboring lords are encouraged by his actions and they, too, do away with Lyonesse taxes. The Baron holds a secret meeting in the town of Larett in Artois between other disgruntled Old Mousillese nobles and a handful from Artois and L'Anguille, duchies at odds with Lyonesse. Also present are a select few lords from Lyonesse sympathetic with Charles's cause and displeased with the current balance of power. There they plan a military alliance with the intention of liberating Old Mousillon and either capturing Lyonesse or shifting power to friendly nobles.
Soon enough, Charles D'Auvay builds an army to put his plans into motion. Many of his men-at-arms are recruited from the peasantry of Old Mousillon, eager to fight for their independence. His knights are a diverse force, the majority Mousillese in origin, but others hail from Artois and L'Anguille and a few men have been sent by friendly Lyonesse lords. Soon Charles will be ready to march his army across the border, but Lyonesse is not his only threat. In the south, Mousillon's cursed lands stir. Rumor has it that forces are building in Castle Rachard, but its purpose remains unclear. Charles must be prepared to deal with a supernatural threat at his rear. Beastmen in the forests to the east and Norse pirates raiding in the west could strike anywhere at any time. And perhaps most importantly, the alliance must be wary of King Louen. The King of Bretonnia has not yet made any statement concerning these matters and it's slightly possible he is unaware of the alliance at all. Charles must not encourage the king to intervene against him. If necessary, it will be of great importance to gain and keep King Louen's support should he become involved.
-So there's a bit of a back-story about the army I'm building. When I'm not painting or dawdling with other matters I'll be working on a short story of sorts about Charles D'Auvay's struggle against the Duchy of Lyonesse. I'd appreciate your thoughts and feedback!
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by quantumcollider
