What if the Germannic Sweboz Confederacy (Suebi) had developed into a powerful, unified culture early enough in their history? Perhaps a militant group led by a formidable and charismatic leader sets about uniting the various autonomous groups within the region. Perhaps as early as the third or fourth century BCE. Next, they begin asserting their military dominance over the Cheruscans, the Vandals, Friesens, Jutes, Angles, Cimbri, Bergundians, Franks and Saxons? After years of nurturing and securing their control over most of the Germans, what would be the best course of action for them? Should they expand east and absorb the natve Finns and Baltic peoples? Should they edge westward, subjugate the Gauls and adapt their cultural and technological advancements for themselves? Perhaps they could eventually move on to the Italian peninsula?
Suebi Superpower
- Thread starter Lysandros Aikiedes
- Start date
Wait, weren't the Suebi the ones who went to Portugal?
...and Swabia.
A branch of the Suebi, under the leadership of Ariovistus, fought against Julius Caesar in 58 BCE. This group had occupied Aedui lands in Gaul, although both germannic Suebi and Celtic Aedui were allies of Rome at the time. Caesar chose to wage war against the Suebi.
They also did establish a short-lived kingdom in northen Spain in the early 400's CE.
They also did establish a short-lived kingdom in northen Spain in the early 400's CE.
Sweboz Lands, Northern Germany. 298 BCE.
Lord Hariwolafz, who just last year had commanded a small band of mercenaries, had this day seized power amongst the Marcommanoz*, killing the greedy and treacherous Theudanaz*, Lord Odda, and his subordinate Eorls*. The entire Chieftain's Hall was drenched in blood, littered with the corpses of dead retainers, the slaves were huddled at the far end of the hall, shaking with fear. Hariwolafz' warriors, drenched in their enemies blood and smiling, looked towards their captian, expecting him to know what next to do. "Go outside, and demand that the folk gather outside this hall. I would address them now." Several heriloz* obediently walked out the hall briskly and shouted at the nearest locals, who had heard of the commotion coming from inside, demanding that they tell their neighbours of the change in leadership.
Hariwolafz sat at the edge of the table and grabbed a jug of ale. His second-in-command, Yngvar, stood beside him.
"Looks like we've finally got our own village to reign over."
"Indeed. This was well worth pretending to side with that useless old bastard. After I address the people, I'll have a lot of messages to send to the late Lord Odda's enemies."
One of the warriors entered the hall. "My Lord Hariwolafz, the people wish to hear from you."
"So they shall," replied Hariwolafz. He took a last swig from the ale jug, set it down and walked outside.
"Good people of Four Hills. Hear me. Most of you know me as Hariwolafz, leader of the War Eagles Band. Your lord and master Odda is now dead. I slew him with my own hand. He was a weak, greedy and dishonest man. No one amongst you, I see, has flourished under his incompetent lordship. This man has taxed you all to the hilt. This man and his underlings feasted, while your families felt the hungar pains just within walking distance from his house. Whenever anyone in this valley was robbed by outsiders, this man gave you empty promises, then returned to stuffing his face."
"But I'm not prepared to do that. I intend to accept the lordship over this land. But unlike greedy, old Odda, I will not steal from you and call it tax. I will not be the one person in this land who has sole contact with foreign merchants. Trade will flow through this land again. I'm going to return everything that this fat beast has stolen from you."
The locals shouted the their approval. Lord Hariwolafz smiled.
*Marcommanoz: Known to history as the Marcomanni.
*Theudanaz: Chieftain or king, roughly translated as "Lord of the people."
*Heriloz: Plural word meaning "warriors."
Hoped you enjoyed it.
Lord Hariwolafz, who just last year had commanded a small band of mercenaries, had this day seized power amongst the Marcommanoz*, killing the greedy and treacherous Theudanaz*, Lord Odda, and his subordinate Eorls*. The entire Chieftain's Hall was drenched in blood, littered with the corpses of dead retainers, the slaves were huddled at the far end of the hall, shaking with fear. Hariwolafz' warriors, drenched in their enemies blood and smiling, looked towards their captian, expecting him to know what next to do. "Go outside, and demand that the folk gather outside this hall. I would address them now." Several heriloz* obediently walked out the hall briskly and shouted at the nearest locals, who had heard of the commotion coming from inside, demanding that they tell their neighbours of the change in leadership.
Hariwolafz sat at the edge of the table and grabbed a jug of ale. His second-in-command, Yngvar, stood beside him.
"Looks like we've finally got our own village to reign over."
"Indeed. This was well worth pretending to side with that useless old bastard. After I address the people, I'll have a lot of messages to send to the late Lord Odda's enemies."
One of the warriors entered the hall. "My Lord Hariwolafz, the people wish to hear from you."
"So they shall," replied Hariwolafz. He took a last swig from the ale jug, set it down and walked outside.
"Good people of Four Hills. Hear me. Most of you know me as Hariwolafz, leader of the War Eagles Band. Your lord and master Odda is now dead. I slew him with my own hand. He was a weak, greedy and dishonest man. No one amongst you, I see, has flourished under his incompetent lordship. This man has taxed you all to the hilt. This man and his underlings feasted, while your families felt the hungar pains just within walking distance from his house. Whenever anyone in this valley was robbed by outsiders, this man gave you empty promises, then returned to stuffing his face."
"But I'm not prepared to do that. I intend to accept the lordship over this land. But unlike greedy, old Odda, I will not steal from you and call it tax. I will not be the one person in this land who has sole contact with foreign merchants. Trade will flow through this land again. I'm going to return everything that this fat beast has stolen from you."
The locals shouted the their approval. Lord Hariwolafz smiled.
*Marcommanoz: Known to history as the Marcomanni.
*Theudanaz: Chieftain or king, roughly translated as "Lord of the people."
*Heriloz: Plural word meaning "warriors."
Hoped you enjoyed it.
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Odda's Village, Sweboz Lands. 298 BCE.
Hariwolafz, now the eorl of a large village in northern Marcommanoz territory, was sitting at the head of a large table in old Odda's feasting hall, chewing on a pork rib. On his left was a representative of another village from beyond the forest several miles south of Four Hills.
"My Lord Ricemer, you understand, may be somewhat reluctant with pooling his resources with your's, Lord Hariwolafz. For your generosity, legendary as it is, could be used to encourage his warriors to betray him in favour of you."
Hariwolafz smiled, and raised his hand placatingly.
Your Lord Ricemer is a shrewd and clever man, Master Heidrek. Indeed I would much prefer his friendship, and his recognition of me as his equal. Not to mention a military pact between us. Better that than going to the expense of convincing his men into selling their loyalties to myself.
Would it not be more profitable and seemly to support each other against outside aggression?"
Heidrek nodded at that.
"My Lord would easily grasp the benefit of of an alliance with you, Lord Hariwolafz. A single warband of three hundred strong is a rare thing in these lands. There are tales of traders and folk in these lands that suffer daily from depradations of bandits and outlaw exiles. Not to mention the yearly raidings from the northern Cherusker-folk. We could all use this reciprocal protection from these savages."
Heidrek rose to his feet.
"I must take my leave. My Lord Ricemer expects me to report to him by nightfall. You are a man of high reason, Lord Hariwolafz, and I trust that my master will approve of your proposals of an alliance. I was honoured by your hospitality, my lord, and I shall return tomorrow with my master's replies."
"I look forward to hearing them, Master Heidrek," responded Hariwolafz, magnanimously.
Heidrek smiled and bowed. "I bid you good day, lord." He walked out of the hall where his companions and horses waited.
Hariwolafz peered inside and empty ale-jug. "You," he pointed to a pretty young slave girl that was crouched at the edge of the hall, eating a hunk of bread. "Send for more ale," he ordered. The slave bowed, and went to her task. She reached the entrance, when a thickset, middle-aged man entered, and gazed wolfishly at the young slave, and began to peer down her smock where her breasts were. But he was distracted from further inspection by Lord Hariwolafz voice.
"Tekil, my old friend. You can poke the slaves later. Please, take a seat and lets talk business."
Tekil sat down next to Hariwolafz, and picked up an uneaten pork rib.
Hariwolafz, now the eorl of a large village in northern Marcommanoz territory, was sitting at the head of a large table in old Odda's feasting hall, chewing on a pork rib. On his left was a representative of another village from beyond the forest several miles south of Four Hills.
"My Lord Ricemer, you understand, may be somewhat reluctant with pooling his resources with your's, Lord Hariwolafz. For your generosity, legendary as it is, could be used to encourage his warriors to betray him in favour of you."
Hariwolafz smiled, and raised his hand placatingly.
Your Lord Ricemer is a shrewd and clever man, Master Heidrek. Indeed I would much prefer his friendship, and his recognition of me as his equal. Not to mention a military pact between us. Better that than going to the expense of convincing his men into selling their loyalties to myself.
Would it not be more profitable and seemly to support each other against outside aggression?"
Heidrek nodded at that.
"My Lord would easily grasp the benefit of of an alliance with you, Lord Hariwolafz. A single warband of three hundred strong is a rare thing in these lands. There are tales of traders and folk in these lands that suffer daily from depradations of bandits and outlaw exiles. Not to mention the yearly raidings from the northern Cherusker-folk. We could all use this reciprocal protection from these savages."
Heidrek rose to his feet.
"I must take my leave. My Lord Ricemer expects me to report to him by nightfall. You are a man of high reason, Lord Hariwolafz, and I trust that my master will approve of your proposals of an alliance. I was honoured by your hospitality, my lord, and I shall return tomorrow with my master's replies."
"I look forward to hearing them, Master Heidrek," responded Hariwolafz, magnanimously.
Heidrek smiled and bowed. "I bid you good day, lord." He walked out of the hall where his companions and horses waited.
Hariwolafz peered inside and empty ale-jug. "You," he pointed to a pretty young slave girl that was crouched at the edge of the hall, eating a hunk of bread. "Send for more ale," he ordered. The slave bowed, and went to her task. She reached the entrance, when a thickset, middle-aged man entered, and gazed wolfishly at the young slave, and began to peer down her smock where her breasts were. But he was distracted from further inspection by Lord Hariwolafz voice.
"Tekil, my old friend. You can poke the slaves later. Please, take a seat and lets talk business."
Tekil sat down next to Hariwolafz, and picked up an uneaten pork rib.
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Four Hills, Sweboz Lands. 298 BCE.
Lord Hariwolafz had been the master of the Four Hills now for over a month. He had gained the trust of the local inhabitants by policing the tracks thoroughout the valley that connected their fledgling town with many other all over Marcommanoz country. His taxes on their produce was at least half that of what was levied under Lord Odda's rule, they remained unmolested by Hariwolafz' thanes. Hariwolafz had also, within days of taking over Four Hills, managed to relieve the tension from amongst the other Marcommanoz clan chiefs by assuring them that he had no wish to threaten their positions. He even offered to use his troops to assist them in hunting down any bandits that appeared on their turf. An offer they gladly accepted. The scourings of outlaws throughout Marcommanoz territory had encouraged foreign merchants to conduct their business there, bringing in much wealth that had not been seen in many generations. His newly won position secured, Hariwolafz had yet further ambitions. He just had his Hall swept and cleaned, for he was awaiting a special guest, an important women, of whom had recieved his summons just days before. Her name was Thusnelda, and she was a "Walwon", a seeress. And he was in need of her foresight and advice. When she finally arrived, accompanied by two young slave-girls, Hariwolafz invited her inside. He told everyone inside to give him privacy with the holy walwon. They all obediently filed outside. Thusnelda walked inside the hall, flanked by her slaves, and sat at the head of the table, as was her privelige. Her slaves sat on the floor close to her feet, like faithful dogs. Hariwolafz sat by her side.
"Venerable Thusnelda," he said respectfully, "its an immense honour to have you visit my house."
"Eorl Hariwolafz, you told me of these "dreams" you had. Please speak of them in detail."
"I saw myself in a hall of golden walls and tables. It was as far as one could see, and there was thousands of herliloz sitting all around me. Laughing and eating heartily. I was sitting on a throne on the central platform. and on another throne beside me, was an elderly man with one eye, but of such a robust appearance and with such power exuded from his face. He was forever telling me that all this could be mine.
It could be mine, he said if I was willing to grasp it."
The walwon nodded. "This is a particularly powerful image. You claim that your family are descendents of the Allfather, the Lord of Battles?"
Hariwolafz nodded. "We are that."
"Then it may appear that the High One has grand plans for the time to come. And you are willing to act as his instrument?"
If he wills it, I would gladly commit my life.
"Then if you agree to his wishes, then you should perhaps need patience. The world isn't ready to accept you as their overlord. The Allfather and the Gods expect you to achieve this all on your own ability. But you must support another man's claim to kingship before others can think of accepting you in that place. You must convince the people and the other lords that you are worthy to lead them, Hariwolafz. Son of Marbod. Descendant of the great Wodanaz."
Hariwolafz poured her some beer from a jug, and enquired more from the venerable walwon.
Lord Hariwolafz had been the master of the Four Hills now for over a month. He had gained the trust of the local inhabitants by policing the tracks thoroughout the valley that connected their fledgling town with many other all over Marcommanoz country. His taxes on their produce was at least half that of what was levied under Lord Odda's rule, they remained unmolested by Hariwolafz' thanes. Hariwolafz had also, within days of taking over Four Hills, managed to relieve the tension from amongst the other Marcommanoz clan chiefs by assuring them that he had no wish to threaten their positions. He even offered to use his troops to assist them in hunting down any bandits that appeared on their turf. An offer they gladly accepted. The scourings of outlaws throughout Marcommanoz territory had encouraged foreign merchants to conduct their business there, bringing in much wealth that had not been seen in many generations. His newly won position secured, Hariwolafz had yet further ambitions. He just had his Hall swept and cleaned, for he was awaiting a special guest, an important women, of whom had recieved his summons just days before. Her name was Thusnelda, and she was a "Walwon", a seeress. And he was in need of her foresight and advice. When she finally arrived, accompanied by two young slave-girls, Hariwolafz invited her inside. He told everyone inside to give him privacy with the holy walwon. They all obediently filed outside. Thusnelda walked inside the hall, flanked by her slaves, and sat at the head of the table, as was her privelige. Her slaves sat on the floor close to her feet, like faithful dogs. Hariwolafz sat by her side.
"Venerable Thusnelda," he said respectfully, "its an immense honour to have you visit my house."
"Eorl Hariwolafz, you told me of these "dreams" you had. Please speak of them in detail."
"I saw myself in a hall of golden walls and tables. It was as far as one could see, and there was thousands of herliloz sitting all around me. Laughing and eating heartily. I was sitting on a throne on the central platform. and on another throne beside me, was an elderly man with one eye, but of such a robust appearance and with such power exuded from his face. He was forever telling me that all this could be mine.
It could be mine, he said if I was willing to grasp it."
The walwon nodded. "This is a particularly powerful image. You claim that your family are descendents of the Allfather, the Lord of Battles?"
Hariwolafz nodded. "We are that."
"Then it may appear that the High One has grand plans for the time to come. And you are willing to act as his instrument?"
If he wills it, I would gladly commit my life.
"Then if you agree to his wishes, then you should perhaps need patience. The world isn't ready to accept you as their overlord. The Allfather and the Gods expect you to achieve this all on your own ability. But you must support another man's claim to kingship before others can think of accepting you in that place. You must convince the people and the other lords that you are worthy to lead them, Hariwolafz. Son of Marbod. Descendant of the great Wodanaz."
Hariwolafz poured her some beer from a jug, and enquired more from the venerable walwon.
Ricemer's Steadings, Marcommanoz Territory. 298 BCE.
It was the feast after the anointment of Eorl Ricemer as the new Theudanaz (king) of the Marcomannoz that Ricemer announced the engagement of his fifteen year old daughter, Malla, to his friend, the Eorl Hariwolafz. All those present loudly cheered the engagement. Everyone was happy that order and leadership had been restored among the Marcommanoz. Since the death of Odda, many had feared that the confusion would cause a civil war. But Hariwolafz had promised to only use his powerful army to secure the roads between the various hamlets and farmsteads from brigands. This encouraged traders from neighbouring lands to return to Marcommanoz country for the first time in years, and the newfound prosperity was a welcome change. Whats more, Eorl Hariwolafz, while commanding more warriors than anyone else, he refused kingship for himself, and pledged himself to the most respected of the Marcommanoz chieftains. Lord Hariwolafz rose from his seat and demanded the crowds attention.
"If I may speak. My only wish to serve my new Lord and friend, Ricemer, to the best of my ability. And to work to the continuing success of my people, the Marcommanoz. But despite our new prosperity, we have many bored, poor and hungry young men in our country. Too bored, and too many."
"Not only that, but amongst our neighbours, the Ermundeurjoz, the Wenjoniloz, and the Samanonz, there those capricious and savage thieves and killers that strike at our folk without warning,. Looting and burning farms and villages. It is my wish, with the consent and approval of my lord, King Ricemer, that I lead my men and those that wish to volunteer for the task, to march into the lands of our neighbours. Punish the vile criminals that exist within their communities, and give them the benefit of living under a more stable and benevolent government. That being the government of our beloved King. The reward for all those that volunteer to assist me with this undertaking, will be granted new plots of land in the liberated territories."
The crowd cheered their approval. It was then that King Ricemer rose to address his subjects.
"I endorse this expedition to liberate the lands beyond our borders. It is my order that tommorrow, every third man of fighting age will travel to the centre of their home villages and take an oath to serve their king and tribe."
The people cheered even louder.
It was the feast after the anointment of Eorl Ricemer as the new Theudanaz (king) of the Marcomannoz that Ricemer announced the engagement of his fifteen year old daughter, Malla, to his friend, the Eorl Hariwolafz. All those present loudly cheered the engagement. Everyone was happy that order and leadership had been restored among the Marcommanoz. Since the death of Odda, many had feared that the confusion would cause a civil war. But Hariwolafz had promised to only use his powerful army to secure the roads between the various hamlets and farmsteads from brigands. This encouraged traders from neighbouring lands to return to Marcommanoz country for the first time in years, and the newfound prosperity was a welcome change. Whats more, Eorl Hariwolafz, while commanding more warriors than anyone else, he refused kingship for himself, and pledged himself to the most respected of the Marcommanoz chieftains. Lord Hariwolafz rose from his seat and demanded the crowds attention.
"If I may speak. My only wish to serve my new Lord and friend, Ricemer, to the best of my ability. And to work to the continuing success of my people, the Marcommanoz. But despite our new prosperity, we have many bored, poor and hungry young men in our country. Too bored, and too many."
"Not only that, but amongst our neighbours, the Ermundeurjoz, the Wenjoniloz, and the Samanonz, there those capricious and savage thieves and killers that strike at our folk without warning,. Looting and burning farms and villages. It is my wish, with the consent and approval of my lord, King Ricemer, that I lead my men and those that wish to volunteer for the task, to march into the lands of our neighbours. Punish the vile criminals that exist within their communities, and give them the benefit of living under a more stable and benevolent government. That being the government of our beloved King. The reward for all those that volunteer to assist me with this undertaking, will be granted new plots of land in the liberated territories."
The crowd cheered their approval. It was then that King Ricemer rose to address his subjects.
"I endorse this expedition to liberate the lands beyond our borders. It is my order that tommorrow, every third man of fighting age will travel to the centre of their home villages and take an oath to serve their king and tribe."
The people cheered even louder.
Northern Marcommanoz Border, Harti-Manod (January), 297 BCE
Lord Hariwoafz, the Harjanaz (General) of the Marcommanoz war-host commands a horde of 4,600. Seven hundred thanes and mecenaries, and 3,900 fyrdsmen. He has gathered this army prior to the Yule festival, telling them all that after the new year, he planned on attacking the Wenjoniloz, at a time that they would be huddled around their fires and not expecting an invasion of their lands. The families of the fyrdsmen protested to Hariwolafz about him raising an army of their husbands an sons during the winter. Hariwolafz promised to compensate those families with land or war spoils should the campaign prove successful, of which he had little doubt of. The soldiers celebrated this past years Yule in camp.
Lord Hariwolafz planned on attacking the individual settlements in Wenjoniloz territory one by one without giving them the chance to combine their might to resist him. If his forces manage to subdue the Wenjoniloz folk before the spring, then he will have the rest of the year to conquer the Ermundeurjoz tribe. And then next year, the Samanoz would be next.
The Harjanaz ordered the host to march across the border. Destiny awaited them.
Lord Hariwoafz, the Harjanaz (General) of the Marcommanoz war-host commands a horde of 4,600. Seven hundred thanes and mecenaries, and 3,900 fyrdsmen. He has gathered this army prior to the Yule festival, telling them all that after the new year, he planned on attacking the Wenjoniloz, at a time that they would be huddled around their fires and not expecting an invasion of their lands. The families of the fyrdsmen protested to Hariwolafz about him raising an army of their husbands an sons during the winter. Hariwolafz promised to compensate those families with land or war spoils should the campaign prove successful, of which he had little doubt of. The soldiers celebrated this past years Yule in camp.
Lord Hariwolafz planned on attacking the individual settlements in Wenjoniloz territory one by one without giving them the chance to combine their might to resist him. If his forces manage to subdue the Wenjoniloz folk before the spring, then he will have the rest of the year to conquer the Ermundeurjoz tribe. And then next year, the Samanoz would be next.
The Harjanaz ordered the host to march across the border. Destiny awaited them.
Thanks. The thing about the ancient Germannics is that there aren't any records of names and personalities from that time. So I'm taking certain liberties by injecting this Hariwolafz (Battle-Wolf) character in to the mix. He's basically an individual who never had a chance to be born. Perhaps maybe guys like him did exist, but were cut down in their prime. His ambitions of rulership of the Suebi/Sweboz go hand-in-hand with his visions of controlling a larger realm. I plan for him to unify the different Suebic sub-groups and reduce their neighbours like the Cherusci/Herusker, the Rugii/Rugoz and Chattii to nominal vassalage. Later his successors will perhaps move west into Gaul, where the "Wahloz" will suffer conquest or submit to an unequal alliance. Its during that time when certain changes in the civic and religious administration take place in both Germannic and Celtic societies.
. The thing about the ancient Germannics is that there aren't any records of names and personalities from that time. So I'm taking certain liberties by injecting this Hariwolafz (Battle-Wolf) character in to the mix. He's basically an individual who never had a chance to be born. Perhaps maybe guys like him did exist, but were cut down in their prime. His ambitions of rulership of the Suebi/Sweboz go hand-in-hand with his visions of controlling a larger realm. I plan for him to unify the different Suebic sub-groups and reduce their neighbours like the Cherusci/Herusker, the Rugii/Rugoz and Chattii to nominal vassalage. Later his successors will perhaps move west into Gaul, where the "Wahloz" will suffer conquest or submit to an unequal alliance. Its during that time when certain changes in the civic and religious administration take place in both Germannic and Celtic societies.Wenjoniloz Territory, Harti-Manod (January), 297 BCE.
A contingent of two-hundred and thirty warriors from the Marcommanoz Army entered a village called "Steopa's Heights" during the dark hours of the night. Steopa, the chief of these dirty huts, was a notorious bandit that preyed on the weak from any tribe. The inhabitants of this village were mostly brigands and outcasts, so no one present had any qualms against targeting this place.
The contingent was led by Yngvar, one of the lieutenants of Hariwolafz. He ordered a couple of his men to light some torches. The first squad, torches in hand, hurriedly weaved between the huts, before tossing them on to the thatched roofs, then they all crouched beneath carts or behind some of the shelters before they the locals could see them. The rest of the force was hidden amongst the trees on the outskirts waiting when enough men, woken up by the sound of crackling, vacated their huts and started shouting for water.
It was when they began dispersing to find whatever tools they could use to fight the fire, when the advance squad leap out of their hiding places, and began tripping or using the shafts of their spears to to beat down the panicking enemies before killing them.
As more men awoke to the commotion, they saw dozens more of the attack force filing into the village. Some immediatley began searching for their weapons before they were either cut down from behind or seized from either side, beat down, and hurled towards the flames, that were now roaring.
Many of the hopeless victims cried out for their leader, Steopa, to rally them. Unfortunately, Steopa, having earlier consumed a skin full, was fast asleep during the attack. Just when his abode was hit by one of the torches. He died as his house burned down around him.
The attack was swift, and Yngvar did not lose a single man during the attack. Their victims, having been drinking heavily earlier that night, did not stand a chance.
Once they were certain that everyone in the village hd been slain, Yngvar and his group went back to the main army to await further orders.
A contingent of two-hundred and thirty warriors from the Marcommanoz Army entered a village called "Steopa's Heights" during the dark hours of the night. Steopa, the chief of these dirty huts, was a notorious bandit that preyed on the weak from any tribe. The inhabitants of this village were mostly brigands and outcasts, so no one present had any qualms against targeting this place.
The contingent was led by Yngvar, one of the lieutenants of Hariwolafz. He ordered a couple of his men to light some torches. The first squad, torches in hand, hurriedly weaved between the huts, before tossing them on to the thatched roofs, then they all crouched beneath carts or behind some of the shelters before they the locals could see them. The rest of the force was hidden amongst the trees on the outskirts waiting when enough men, woken up by the sound of crackling, vacated their huts and started shouting for water.
It was when they began dispersing to find whatever tools they could use to fight the fire, when the advance squad leap out of their hiding places, and began tripping or using the shafts of their spears to to beat down the panicking enemies before killing them.
As more men awoke to the commotion, they saw dozens more of the attack force filing into the village. Some immediatley began searching for their weapons before they were either cut down from behind or seized from either side, beat down, and hurled towards the flames, that were now roaring.
Many of the hopeless victims cried out for their leader, Steopa, to rally them. Unfortunately, Steopa, having earlier consumed a skin full, was fast asleep during the attack. Just when his abode was hit by one of the torches. He died as his house burned down around him.
The attack was swift, and Yngvar did not lose a single man during the attack. Their victims, having been drinking heavily earlier that night, did not stand a chance.
Once they were certain that everyone in the village hd been slain, Yngvar and his group went back to the main army to await further orders.
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Wenjoniloz Territory, Hornung (Febuary), 297 BCE.
Hariwolafz, the Harjanaz of the Marcomannoz Army, was riding through the forest, leading his force of 300 horsemen to position behind the enemy battle line.
The remaining Wenjoniloz resistance, consisting of the menfolk of five villages, decided to unite and give open battle to the Marcomannoz invaders.
The Marcomannoz bulk infantry, the leadership being entrusted to the chieftains, Argantyr and Leofric, were advancing toward the Wenjoniloz horde.
Hariwolafz had trained his soldiers in the months prior to the campaign to fight in closed ranks, and to avoid charging at the enemy when there was too much ground between them.
Much of the Wenjoniloz had been subdued in the previous weeks of the campaign. This was the last obstacle to complete conquest. And Hariwolafz wanted as many of his troops as possible to survive the battle, so that their newfound confidence and experience would serve them well once he began his next campaign into the Ermundeurjoz lands.
He was getting his mounted veteran warriors in position behind the Wenjoniloz, so once battle was joined, his horsemen would charge from out of the trees, the impetus would would send a ripple of fear amongst the Wenjoniloz, as they were mostly just poor farmers who new little of war.
Hariwolafz sent a man to trot ahead to check if their foes had begun combat yet. Once the Marcommanoz began casually marching up to the Wenjoniloz, the enemy, in their excitement and anger began to rush at the Marcommanoz infantry.
When the opposing armies were within twenty feet of each other, the chieftians Argantyr and Leofric suddenly screamed at their soldiers to charge, which they duly did.
Once the cavalry scout in the forest saw the better trained Marcommanoz tribal militia begin tearing gaps into the Wenjoniloz, he shouted to his liege-lord that the enemy were engaged.
Hariwolafz ordered his horsemen to gallop. They rushed through the forest before they were out in the open, and began pounding towards the Wenjoniloz rear. They struck with a fury.
The majority of the Wenjoniloz panicked and began to route. The Chiefs and thanes tried to force the fyrd to stand their ground, but they were either trampled by their own side or were cut down by the Marcommanoz onslaught.
Hariwolafz was victorious, and his army was dancing to the tune of death.
Hariwolafz, the Harjanaz of the Marcomannoz Army, was riding through the forest, leading his force of 300 horsemen to position behind the enemy battle line.
The remaining Wenjoniloz resistance, consisting of the menfolk of five villages, decided to unite and give open battle to the Marcomannoz invaders.
The Marcomannoz bulk infantry, the leadership being entrusted to the chieftains, Argantyr and Leofric, were advancing toward the Wenjoniloz horde.
Hariwolafz had trained his soldiers in the months prior to the campaign to fight in closed ranks, and to avoid charging at the enemy when there was too much ground between them.
Much of the Wenjoniloz had been subdued in the previous weeks of the campaign. This was the last obstacle to complete conquest. And Hariwolafz wanted as many of his troops as possible to survive the battle, so that their newfound confidence and experience would serve them well once he began his next campaign into the Ermundeurjoz lands.
He was getting his mounted veteran warriors in position behind the Wenjoniloz, so once battle was joined, his horsemen would charge from out of the trees, the impetus would would send a ripple of fear amongst the Wenjoniloz, as they were mostly just poor farmers who new little of war.
Hariwolafz sent a man to trot ahead to check if their foes had begun combat yet. Once the Marcommanoz began casually marching up to the Wenjoniloz, the enemy, in their excitement and anger began to rush at the Marcommanoz infantry.
When the opposing armies were within twenty feet of each other, the chieftians Argantyr and Leofric suddenly screamed at their soldiers to charge, which they duly did.
Once the cavalry scout in the forest saw the better trained Marcommanoz tribal militia begin tearing gaps into the Wenjoniloz, he shouted to his liege-lord that the enemy were engaged.
Hariwolafz ordered his horsemen to gallop. They rushed through the forest before they were out in the open, and began pounding towards the Wenjoniloz rear. They struck with a fury.
The majority of the Wenjoniloz panicked and began to route. The Chiefs and thanes tried to force the fyrd to stand their ground, but they were either trampled by their own side or were cut down by the Marcommanoz onslaught.
Hariwolafz was victorious, and his army was dancing to the tune of death.
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Marcommanoz Territory, Hornung (Febuary) 297
The surviving Wenjon Chieftains, those that capitulated to the Marcommanoz Tribe, one at a time, knelt before the seated figure of King Ricemer, within his Hall, and swore fealty to him.
They were ordered to swear on the lives of their own children, whom were ordered to be taken with them to the Marcommanoz, to act as hostages in order to ensure the loyalty and compliance of the remaining Wenjoniloz nobility.
The noble-born child hostages would remain in the care of King Ricemer and his followers. Lord Hariwolafz's reward to his men was two weeks to return to their families. By the beginning of Spring, he expected them to return to duty, so he can start his expedition to subjugate the Ermundeurjoz.
Before the army returned to Marcommanoz country, Hariwolafz and his lieutenants went amongst the villages of the defeated Wenjons and personally selected a third of the young menfolk, and marched them back home under guard.
Not only did Hariwolafz need extra men for the Ermundeujoz campaign, but it was a measure to prevent uprisings from within their knew conquests. Just in case the Wenjon nobles didn't value their childrens lives.
Plus, if the new campaign was successful, then it might breed a new sense of loyalty and respect from the Wenjon conscripts.
Later that night, there was a banquet in Lord Ricemer's hall to celebrate the recent victories.
The surviving Wenjon Chieftains, those that capitulated to the Marcommanoz Tribe, one at a time, knelt before the seated figure of King Ricemer, within his Hall, and swore fealty to him.
They were ordered to swear on the lives of their own children, whom were ordered to be taken with them to the Marcommanoz, to act as hostages in order to ensure the loyalty and compliance of the remaining Wenjoniloz nobility.
The noble-born child hostages would remain in the care of King Ricemer and his followers. Lord Hariwolafz's reward to his men was two weeks to return to their families. By the beginning of Spring, he expected them to return to duty, so he can start his expedition to subjugate the Ermundeurjoz.
Before the army returned to Marcommanoz country, Hariwolafz and his lieutenants went amongst the villages of the defeated Wenjons and personally selected a third of the young menfolk, and marched them back home under guard.
Not only did Hariwolafz need extra men for the Ermundeujoz campaign, but it was a measure to prevent uprisings from within their knew conquests. Just in case the Wenjon nobles didn't value their childrens lives.
Plus, if the new campaign was successful, then it might breed a new sense of loyalty and respect from the Wenjon conscripts.
Later that night, there was a banquet in Lord Ricemer's hall to celebrate the recent victories.
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Ermundeurjoz Tribal Territory, Lenz-Mond (March) to Ernte-Mond (August) 297 BCE.
For six months, the Marcommanoz waged a merciless war on the Ermundeurjoz.
It began with a series of night time raids on the smaller villages.
The resistors would be cut down, and their kinfolk reduced to slavery and sent to be sold to the nobles and farmers at home.
By Oster-Mond, several chieftains raised aforce of five-thousand to meet the Marcommanoz. When the Ermundeur Host assembled in force in the field, word got to the chieftains that Marcommanoz troops were sacking their villages.
They parted ways. One group of of eight-hundred were ambushed in the forest on the way back to their holdings in the East.
Another twelve-hundred strong clan-militia, from the southern moors, were walking down hill when they were shot with arrows from huntsmen hiding in the trees nearby.
By the time they reached the treeline, Marcomannoz warriors, armed with spears and axes came screaming from out of the woodlands. While engaged in the fighting, the elite horsemen of Hariwolafz came charging from behind the Ermundeurs and begun hurling javelins. The panicked Ermundeurs fled down hill, where the archers continued to pick them off.
Another group of one thousand was sleeping in the forest on the way home to their steadings in the north when the forest around them was set on fire. Those few that escaped the inferno in the night were being hunted like rabbits during the day.
The largest group of around two-thousand were heading to their homesteads in the west when they found themselves being attacked after a long days march by javelin-armed horsemen. The cavalry allowed themselves to be chased into the woods so the compatriots on foot would leap from their cover behind trees or in the undergrowth. It was an unequal bloodbath.
While those men of the Ermundeurjoz were unwary enough to venture in the forests, their friends and brothers suffered attacked every step of the way home until they decided to yield. Every Ermundeurjoz village and farmsteadings that refused to capitulate, were subjected to lightening raids by the Marcommanoz Army until the month of harvests when the last spirit of defiance within the Ermundeurjoz was crushed.
Garrisons were established in the sacked and depopulated villages. And the remaining warriors, led by Hariwolafz the Harjanaz, returned to the Marcommanoz heartlands with many captured animals and slaves in tow.
It had beena good year.
For six months, the Marcommanoz waged a merciless war on the Ermundeurjoz.
It began with a series of night time raids on the smaller villages.
The resistors would be cut down, and their kinfolk reduced to slavery and sent to be sold to the nobles and farmers at home.
By Oster-Mond, several chieftains raised aforce of five-thousand to meet the Marcommanoz. When the Ermundeur Host assembled in force in the field, word got to the chieftains that Marcommanoz troops were sacking their villages.
They parted ways. One group of of eight-hundred were ambushed in the forest on the way back to their holdings in the East.
Another twelve-hundred strong clan-militia, from the southern moors, were walking down hill when they were shot with arrows from huntsmen hiding in the trees nearby.
By the time they reached the treeline, Marcomannoz warriors, armed with spears and axes came screaming from out of the woodlands. While engaged in the fighting, the elite horsemen of Hariwolafz came charging from behind the Ermundeurs and begun hurling javelins. The panicked Ermundeurs fled down hill, where the archers continued to pick them off.
Another group of one thousand was sleeping in the forest on the way home to their steadings in the north when the forest around them was set on fire. Those few that escaped the inferno in the night were being hunted like rabbits during the day.
The largest group of around two-thousand were heading to their homesteads in the west when they found themselves being attacked after a long days march by javelin-armed horsemen. The cavalry allowed themselves to be chased into the woods so the compatriots on foot would leap from their cover behind trees or in the undergrowth. It was an unequal bloodbath.
While those men of the Ermundeurjoz were unwary enough to venture in the forests, their friends and brothers suffered attacked every step of the way home until they decided to yield. Every Ermundeurjoz village and farmsteadings that refused to capitulate, were subjected to lightening raids by the Marcommanoz Army until the month of harvests when the last spirit of defiance within the Ermundeurjoz was crushed.
Garrisons were established in the sacked and depopulated villages. And the remaining warriors, led by Hariwolafz the Harjanaz, returned to the Marcommanoz heartlands with many captured animals and slaves in tow.
It had beena good year.
King Ricemer's Hall, Ernte-Manod (August) 297 BCE.
The surviving leaders of the Ermundeurjoz lined up before King Ricemer, each having their children with them, and one at a time, bowing before the Marcommanoz Overlord, swearing fealty, and handing over their children as hostages.
The Harjanaz stood at the right hand of King Ricemer's throne, informing each Ermundeur noble, after making their enforced oath of loyalty, just how much of their agricultural produce of the year that was expected of them to send as tribute, and just how many young men from their district he wanted to be sent to serve in the forces of King Ricemer.
Very few warriors of the Marcommanoz were killed in combat during the conquests of the neighbouring tribes, and those that survived were rewarded, as promised, new homes in the newly won territories. He would need the services of those warriors again, as well as those boys that had just entered manhood this year, and now where being drilled into discipline by Hariwolafz own personal retinue.
Thankfully, a lot of mercenary thanes from abroad, hearing of the exploits of the Marcommanoz premier warlord, have arrived to offer their sword-arms to his cause.
The Samanonz tribe in the north was the largest group north of the Marcommanoz, so Hariwolafz would need at least twice the number of troops that he used to subjugate the Ermundeurs and Wenjons. The Samanoz would indeed be his toughest foes yet.
The surviving leaders of the Ermundeurjoz lined up before King Ricemer, each having their children with them, and one at a time, bowing before the Marcommanoz Overlord, swearing fealty, and handing over their children as hostages.
The Harjanaz stood at the right hand of King Ricemer's throne, informing each Ermundeur noble, after making their enforced oath of loyalty, just how much of their agricultural produce of the year that was expected of them to send as tribute, and just how many young men from their district he wanted to be sent to serve in the forces of King Ricemer.
Very few warriors of the Marcommanoz were killed in combat during the conquests of the neighbouring tribes, and those that survived were rewarded, as promised, new homes in the newly won territories. He would need the services of those warriors again, as well as those boys that had just entered manhood this year, and now where being drilled into discipline by Hariwolafz own personal retinue.
Thankfully, a lot of mercenary thanes from abroad, hearing of the exploits of the Marcommanoz premier warlord, have arrived to offer their sword-arms to his cause.
The Samanonz tribe in the north was the largest group north of the Marcommanoz, so Hariwolafz would need at least twice the number of troops that he used to subjugate the Ermundeurs and Wenjons. The Samanoz would indeed be his toughest foes yet.
Samanoz Wars. 296-294 BCE.
The conflict with the Samanoz began in the winter after the Yule Festival. The soldiers of the Marcommanoz, numbering almost nine-thousand, and under the leadership of Lord Hariwolafz, targeted the outlying settlements, burning them to the ground and sending them into slavery.
It wasn't long before the chieftains of the larger settlements in the interior, under the leadership of the Samanoz King Hengest, gathered a host of seven-thousand to meet the Marcommanoz incursion.
One evening, when the Samanoz Army was encamped, a contingent of Marcommanoz infantry and bowmen carried some hay-bundles up hill above the the enemy camp. The bowmen rained down fire-lit arrows all over the camp, and some at the foot of the hill. Then, the haystacks were rolled down the hill, and catching fire from the arrows, and crashed among the Samanoz tents, spreading the flames even further, which caused the Samanoz defenders to scatter further themselves. The bowmen at the hill-top sent down more arrows to thin off the numbers. A large swarm of Samanoz fled into the forests, which inevitably waht the Marcommanoz expected of them, for the was hundred of them, in line inside the forest where they easily cut down the panicked Samanoz militia. The rest of the army fled toward the Elbe.
The following day, the survivors from the attack were walking along the river bank, when some several hundred horsemen stormed out of the treeline and begun hurling javelins toward the the Samanoz host. As the Samanoz began chasing them into the woods, a group of Marcommanoz archers started filing from the other side of the river where the water was shallow. The bowmen began firing the arrows, tearing gaps into the Samanoz ranks. The beleagured army began getting desperate, and begun to run into the water and waded toward the archers. Then a horde of Marcommanoz infantry started spilling out of the treeline, and began viciously stabbing and slashing at the Samanoz ranks, forcing many into the river. Some tried to swim away, but they had archers on one bank, and the cavalry reappearing on the other, and each hurling their missiles at them. It was a complete slaughter. The Samanoz were either killed in the melee, or were drowned.
Their were still other settlements in the Samanoz lands, and it would take a while to completely subdue them all. Hariwolafz would spend much of the year raiding, burning and killing until the autumn months.
Before this years campaign was even started, Hariwolafz ordered that many twelve-foot spears were to be manufactured for the use of the veterans in the Marcommanoz Fyrd. The part-time warriors would be drilled and instructed in their use. And soon enough would come to be a deciding factor in the future battles.
After two years of hit and run battles, Lord Hariwolafz would soon be fighting pitched battles against the enemies of the Marcommanoz.
The conflict with the Samanoz began in the winter after the Yule Festival. The soldiers of the Marcommanoz, numbering almost nine-thousand, and under the leadership of Lord Hariwolafz, targeted the outlying settlements, burning them to the ground and sending them into slavery.
It wasn't long before the chieftains of the larger settlements in the interior, under the leadership of the Samanoz King Hengest, gathered a host of seven-thousand to meet the Marcommanoz incursion.
One evening, when the Samanoz Army was encamped, a contingent of Marcommanoz infantry and bowmen carried some hay-bundles up hill above the the enemy camp. The bowmen rained down fire-lit arrows all over the camp, and some at the foot of the hill. Then, the haystacks were rolled down the hill, and catching fire from the arrows, and crashed among the Samanoz tents, spreading the flames even further, which caused the Samanoz defenders to scatter further themselves. The bowmen at the hill-top sent down more arrows to thin off the numbers. A large swarm of Samanoz fled into the forests, which inevitably waht the Marcommanoz expected of them, for the was hundred of them, in line inside the forest where they easily cut down the panicked Samanoz militia. The rest of the army fled toward the Elbe.
The following day, the survivors from the attack were walking along the river bank, when some several hundred horsemen stormed out of the treeline and begun hurling javelins toward the the Samanoz host. As the Samanoz began chasing them into the woods, a group of Marcommanoz archers started filing from the other side of the river where the water was shallow. The bowmen began firing the arrows, tearing gaps into the Samanoz ranks. The beleagured army began getting desperate, and begun to run into the water and waded toward the archers. Then a horde of Marcommanoz infantry started spilling out of the treeline, and began viciously stabbing and slashing at the Samanoz ranks, forcing many into the river. Some tried to swim away, but they had archers on one bank, and the cavalry reappearing on the other, and each hurling their missiles at them. It was a complete slaughter. The Samanoz were either killed in the melee, or were drowned.
Their were still other settlements in the Samanoz lands, and it would take a while to completely subdue them all. Hariwolafz would spend much of the year raiding, burning and killing until the autumn months.
Before this years campaign was even started, Hariwolafz ordered that many twelve-foot spears were to be manufactured for the use of the veterans in the Marcommanoz Fyrd. The part-time warriors would be drilled and instructed in their use. And soon enough would come to be a deciding factor in the future battles.
After two years of hit and run battles, Lord Hariwolafz would soon be fighting pitched battles against the enemies of the Marcommanoz.
The second year of the Samanoz War would feature the debut of the Pike as the dominant weapon of the Marcomannoz infantry. Lord Hariwolafz years as a mercenary in the kingdoms far to the south taught him that such weapons used in large numbers, and in unison could turn the tide of any battle, if utilized correctly.
Also, having a trained force of horsemen and archers wouldn't hurt either. There were plenty of men that hunted deer and boar in the forest, and such men wouldn't refuse an opportunity to stay constantly well fed, so archers were pretty easy to find.
Horsemen, though were quite expensive to maintain. The past two years saw some mercenary thanes enter Hariwolafz' service. While he possessed what was in effect a small private army, he needed them to remain in his Eorldom to keep order and to ward away any thiefs and bandits that might crop up in his absence. Plus, he was also expected to provide feeding for the horses, and even to replace them if the horses became lame or were slain.
So he requested that the lesser Marcomannoz thanes or their sons, if they were of fighting age, to enlist in the Tribal Army. Promising to reward them land in conquered territory if they agreed to volunteer.
As the Marcommanoz Host entered Samanoz Country for the second time, the Samanoz had at the ready atwelve-thousand strong army, some of them being Herusker mercenaries from the west and Rugoz allies from the north. This would be the hardest fought campaign yet.
Also, having a trained force of horsemen and archers wouldn't hurt either. There were plenty of men that hunted deer and boar in the forest, and such men wouldn't refuse an opportunity to stay constantly well fed, so archers were pretty easy to find.
Horsemen, though were quite expensive to maintain. The past two years saw some mercenary thanes enter Hariwolafz' service. While he possessed what was in effect a small private army, he needed them to remain in his Eorldom to keep order and to ward away any thiefs and bandits that might crop up in his absence. Plus, he was also expected to provide feeding for the horses, and even to replace them if the horses became lame or were slain.
So he requested that the lesser Marcomannoz thanes or their sons, if they were of fighting age, to enlist in the Tribal Army. Promising to reward them land in conquered territory if they agreed to volunteer.
As the Marcommanoz Host entered Samanoz Country for the second time, the Samanoz had at the ready atwelve-thousand strong army, some of them being Herusker mercenaries from the west and Rugoz allies from the north. This would be the hardest fought campaign yet.
Samanoz Tribal Territory, 295-294 BCE.
The mighty warlord Hariwolafz, once more, led his highly trained army back to into Samanoz country to give them another thrashing.
His spies amongst the enemy made known to him the existance of a young charismatic noble named Ingeofer, was mustering the Samanoz militias and hiring Herusker mercenaries from the west. These men would fight hard for their country, so Hariwolafz had to remember that a cornered beast should be treated with upmost caution.
Hariwolafz sent scouts to locate the enemy Samanoz and guage their numbers. The reconaissance troops warned him that the opposing force numbered near nine thousand versus his six thousand five hundred strong.
On the morning of battle, Hariwolafz sent all his two thousand pike-armed infantry in the open field, alongside a horde two thousand four hundred youngbloods, handling smaller spears, and mercenaries with their swords, axes and clubs.
Six hundred of the eight-hundred strong cavalry force was sent a half-mile into the forest to move into position behind the Samanoz Army.
One thousand mercenaries would lay silently in the treeline on the left side of the field. Lying in wait to spring a surprise on the enemy.
Another two hundred archers sat at the far back of the main Marcommanoz battleline.
And two hundred of Lord Hariwolafz mounted thanes, along with the man himself, kept at the back of the battleline. Maintaining their presence before the fight can begin.
The mighty warlord Hariwolafz, once more, led his highly trained army back to into Samanoz country to give them another thrashing.
His spies amongst the enemy made known to him the existance of a young charismatic noble named Ingeofer, was mustering the Samanoz militias and hiring Herusker mercenaries from the west. These men would fight hard for their country, so Hariwolafz had to remember that a cornered beast should be treated with upmost caution.
Hariwolafz sent scouts to locate the enemy Samanoz and guage their numbers. The reconaissance troops warned him that the opposing force numbered near nine thousand versus his six thousand five hundred strong.
On the morning of battle, Hariwolafz sent all his two thousand pike-armed infantry in the open field, alongside a horde two thousand four hundred youngbloods, handling smaller spears, and mercenaries with their swords, axes and clubs.
Six hundred of the eight-hundred strong cavalry force was sent a half-mile into the forest to move into position behind the Samanoz Army.
One thousand mercenaries would lay silently in the treeline on the left side of the field. Lying in wait to spring a surprise on the enemy.
Another two hundred archers sat at the far back of the main Marcommanoz battleline.
And two hundred of Lord Hariwolafz mounted thanes, along with the man himself, kept at the back of the battleline. Maintaining their presence before the fight can begin.