Oaths of Valour & Speechcraft for Warlords; Paladin. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Oaths of Valour & Speechcraft for Warlords; Paladin. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Stormbrand
05-22-07, 08:01 PM Really two factors but both for the same character.

My current character is an aasimar paladin, based on the Rohirrim but away from his homeland due to a complicated family situation - his family is from a different culture, but he identifies more with the local Rohanesque ways, and has been sent away to distant relatives to 'grow out of such barbaric customs.' Said family is against his choice to become a paladin as well, but his instruction was not formal, instead combining his cavalry skill with his pure faith and moderate exposure to his religion of choice.

Instead of any god, follows the 'teachings of angels' and serves the celestial realms in general. Religion is not covered in the setting & I have been given permission to invent my own for this.

After meeting his relatives, the character has begun making a name for himself as a warrior, mostly by pacifying some unruly mercenaries who have been causing trouble in a nearby town. Most recently he was seen defeating eight mercenaries at once (he had two companions who killed five between them in the same encounter). Doing this has roused the interest of many of the mercenaries, who are now considering him as a potential warlord.

Cool.

With the nature of the game in question, the other players (and readers, PbP) will enjoy this new aspect and I definately will.

So things that I am looking for.

- Oaths to demand from the warriors, similar to the Old Code from Dragonheart but not plagerised the same way. With a mind to present the Oath to potential followers in game (and require them to swear it). The Oath would need to be powerful-sounding, and consistant with what a paladin would require, but also less than the full oath for a paladin himself.

Ideally an active oath ('to do X' rather than 'to not do Y').

- Speeches to make for a small band of warriors before battle, either preparing a charge or ready to receive one. Generally assume our foes are humans or trolls, mainly robber gangs and the like.

Again just some ideas what to work with that is distinct from LoTR or 300.

Thank you.
Stormbrand
05-24-07, 08:31 PM Bump. Any ideas? Help!
Terjon of the Blue Rose
05-25-07, 12:43 AM Haven't I already replied to this thread?:P
Stormbrand
05-25-07, 07:22 AM Haven't I already replied to this thread?:P

Different one to the same character. :P

It is a very active game, now the story has progressed slightly and the guy is going to start getting followers. Only these followers are attracted by his skill and power rather than his integrity. The oaths are designed to keep the new followers on the straight and narrow.

The speeches are designed to lead them into battle.

Yes, I am very ambitious, and like to do things right.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
05-26-07, 12:06 AM Nice.

I haven't got anything off the top of my head but I think I'll work on a speech or 2 for you.
Stormbrand
05-26-07, 09:13 AM Thanks.

Now for the Oath of Valour, the Oath of the Valiant.

Paladin - "Seek ever the the Path of Right."
Warrior - "I shall seek ever the Path of Right."

Paladin - "Care more than you think is wise."
Warrior - "I shall care more than I think is wise."

Paladin - "Bring swift end to the wicked, to the unrighteous, to those who prey on the weak."
Warrior - "I shall bring swift end to the wicked, to the unrighteous, to those who prey on the weak."

Paladin - "Speak ever truth, that your thy word alone be cause for hope."
Warrior - "I shall speak ever truth, that my word alone be cause for hope."

Paladin - "By your strength, dark lands be made safe."
Warrior - "By my strength, dark lands be made safe."

Paladin - "Be ever brave in word and in deed."
Warrior - "I shall be ever brave in word and in deed."

Paladin - "Take pride in your honour, and not your honour in pride."
Warrior - "I shall take pride in my honour, and not my honour in pride."

Paladin - "Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper."
Warrior - "Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper."

Paladin - "Do you swear?!"
Warrior - "This I swear."
Paladin - "Then I shall hear your Oath in full."

Warrior - "I shall seek ever the Path of Right. I shall care more than I think is wise. I shall bring swift end to the wicked, the unrighteous, and those who prey on the weak. I shall speak ever truth, that my word alone bring hope. By my strength, I shall make dark lands safe. I shall be ever brave in word and in deed. I shall take pride in my honour, and not my honour in pride. Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper. This is my Oath! And so do I swear!"

Paladin - "On this Oath do you pledge your might, your prowess, your strength of arm behind a blade?"
Warrior - "I do."
Paladin - "Then say it!"
Warrior - "On this Oath I pledge my might, my prowess, my strength to wield a blade."

Paladin - "And my Oath to you. I shall be the first to go hungry. I shall join you in blade on the field. I shall direct your swords and spears as is right and just. I shall build you hearth, hall and home. On these I shall strive, in pledge, I return your service, that I be forsaken if my vow is failed. Do you accept?"
Warrior - "I accept."

Paladin - (returns the main weapon of the warrior) "Now you stand amongst the righteous. Now you stand as a Lightsword."
Stormbrand
05-26-07, 12:54 PM Now for one basic speech when outnumbered. Each paragraph could be made into a short speech by itself, or they can be added together into a full speech on the battlefield before taking or launching a charge.

"Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! Here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent. Here we stand, ready to vanquish that evil. Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!"

"Let each brave man here know that he does not stand alone. Hold fast to your comrades, as you hold fast to your Oaths. Remember that by your side is a fellow bright flame, a fellow warrior who will support you, who will strike at your foes as you strike at his, who will guard you well in this battle. There will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!"

"Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found on the other side of war. So through that war, we shall carve a path! A path carved through the flesh of the wicked! A path to victory! A path to justice!"

"To death!"
Terjon of the Blue Rose
05-27-07, 12:22 AM Very nice. Love the Oath. Still I'd make a point for your speech. Remember your audience. If they are warriors drawn by your skill and strength then you need to praise theirs. I offer you therefore a few minor adjustments.

"Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! Here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent. Here we stand, ready to vanquish that evil. Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!"

"Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! We stand knowing there are none stronger or more worthy to stand here. We stand, a mighty shield, between the wicked and the innocent. We stand, ready and able to vanquish that evil. We stand remembering those who have fought and died beside us. Remembering those who have fought and won! Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!"

"Let each brave man here know that he does not stand alone. Hold fast to your comrades, as you hold fast to your Oaths. Remember that by your side is a fellow bright flame, a fellow warrior who will support you, who will strike at your foes as you strike at his, who will guard you well in this battle. There will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!"

Try also not to seperate yourself from the men.

"Let each brave and worthy man here know that he does not stand alone. We will hold fast to our comrades, as we hold fast to our Oaths. Know, as I know, that by our sides stand brothers, bright flames against the darkness, great and noble warriors who support us, striking at our foes as we strike at theirs, who guard us well in battle. We will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!"

"Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found on the other side of war. So through that war, we shall carve a path! A path carved through the flesh of the wicked! A path to victory! A path to justice!"

A few changes I think I like this one best of all and the alternate version may not be any better than your original.

"Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found with the protection of strong and righteous souls. Through war, against all who should stand against such peace, we shall carve a path! A path through the foul, the depraved, and the wicked! A path to justice! This path shall lead us to victory!"
Stormbrand
05-31-07, 07:31 PM Bumping because I intend to write more speeches. Any suggested speeches welcome.
Sang-Drax
06-02-07, 01:29 AM I have no suggestions whatsoever, but I really like what I've read so far :)

Specially "here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent". Wow. I'll borrow some of those and twist it to fit my lawful mezzoo-neutral-mezzo-evil warrior-cleric.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
06-04-07, 05:08 AM Men! Today we go into battle before a foe stronger than ourselves. They possess a greater strength and abilities which we cannot hope to match. We go against a foe we can defeat though. A foe who cannot match our skill or bravery. Their arms are strong but our will is stronger. Today we will win because we must. Today is a day of VICTORY!
Stormbrand
06-08-07, 09:20 PM "Soldiers of Valour! Be just and strong. Fight well and bravely. Fight like no others can. We, each of us, look to our side, and find a comrade in arms. Here we are, standing against the many. And we do not stand alone!

We stand as one, lock shields as one, and strike as one. And we shall strike hard! All of us standing together know to keep faith in our brethren, and know they will not let us fall!"

While I like that, now I am looking for an attack speech - such as before a charge.
Stormbrand
06-08-07, 09:23 PM Men! Today we go into battle before a foe stronger than ourselves. They possess a greater strength and abilities which we cannot hope to match. We go against a foe we can defeat though. A foe who cannot match our skill or bravery. Their arms are strong but our will is stronger. Today we will win because we must. Today is a day of VICTORY!

:thinks: One problem I see is describing the foe as 'stronger than ourselves' - that already hints that the battle is lost.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
06-08-07, 11:17 PM This is the sort of speech you save for when the men already think that. When they believe the should be running but you can't allow it.
mettyc
06-10-07, 09:12 AM We stand before the jaws of death and although some of us may not survive, we know that for each of us that is cut down, five more of them shall bleed into the earth beneath their feet. And when we emerge victorious, our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee, we will honour those that have given their lives to the cause. But for now, we attack. For honour, for glory, and for the ever-shining dawn, Charge!
EpicEvokerElf
06-10-07, 10:22 PM Dang, you guys are awesome speech writers. Despite what my acquaintances call eloquence, I have nothing to offer that would not pale beside your masterpieces of inspirational prose. I bow to your superior prowess.

Now sig that.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
06-10-07, 10:49 PM Dang, you guys are awesome speech writers. Despite what my acquaintances call eloquence, I have nothing to offer that would not pale beside your masterpieces of inspirational prose. I bow to your superior prowess.

Now sig that.

First you gotta say "all you guys" or name individuals.
Stormbrand
06-11-07, 11:57 PM For a last stand speech, think facing certain death.

"Lightswords! Prepare for glory!"

"Each warrior among us seeks to do great things, and great things we do this day. This (town), those people, live, because on this day we stand and fight! That, is the true power of a warrior."

"So what choice do we have? We choose our monument, that is our choice. We build our monument, our legend, from a heap of the (enemy) dead! Any who pass will see but a handful of the fallen on our side, in our colours, and see a devestation in the enemy that could be made by us and no other. All will know that the Lightswords fought here, and we fought well! Now, we stand atop a heap of (enemy) corpses and howl for more."

"Our foes will claim that I ask you to die. Oh no. I ask far greater than that from my best. I ask you to kill and kill and kill again! These villains seek to take your treasures, your lives, your homelands. We shall leave none alive to claim them!"

(follows with a wordless roar while raising spear).
warwinner
06-12-07, 04:20 AM Pre-war situation, soldiers are afraid:

Today the angels watch over Each and every one of you
If you live, Together we will bring the sacred light to these lands and purge the taint from them
If not the angels shall take you in their arms and take you to heaven, where you will live joyously forevermore
Whatever happens know deep in your heart - that we, your comrades, your brothers, will remember you for all eternity
Then to BATTLE my brothers, for we shall triumph this day !
EpicEvokerElf
06-12-07, 09:05 PM Terjon and Stormbrand. Both of you. SIG THAT! (EDIT: Stormbrand allready did, I see.)
Stormbrand
06-12-07, 09:35 PM Pre-war situation, soldiers are afraid:

Today the angels watch over Each and every one of you
If you live, Together we will bring the sacred light to these lands and purge the taint from them
If not the angels shall take you in their arms and take you to heaven, where you will live joyously forevermore
Whatever happens know deep in your heart - that we, your comrades, your brothers, will remember you for all eternity
Then to BATTLE my brothers, for we shall triumph this day !

Has merit, although is best reserved for a different audiance. I could easly use that for a mass-inspiration if rallying a town or something, although I should probably add a bit praising the courage of the townsfolk and showing how their courage earns them a place in the Heavens.

Though 'if you live' is generally a bad motivational phrase. ;)

Terjon and Stormbrand. Both of you. SIG THAT! (EDIT: Stormbrand allready did, I see.)

Thank you.
Stormbrand
06-12-07, 09:39 PM We stand before the jaws of death and although some of us may not survive, we know that for each of us that is cut down, five more of them shall bleed into the earth beneath their feet. And when we emerge victorious, our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee, we will honour those that have given their lives to the cause. But for now, we attack. For honour, for glory, and for the ever-shining dawn, Charge!

"Ever shining dawn." Love that phrase. Will certainly use it.

"When" - presumes we will - also excellent.

"Our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee," - nice and graphic and violent.

Some very nice tools in there. Will work with them, though probably best to avoid drawing so much attention to casualties.
warwinner
06-12-07, 10:16 PM if you live' is generally a bad motivational phrase. ;)

Come on now, anybody going into battle is afraid of death, atleast these npc classes
Besides we tell them that it doesn't matter if they live or die, they have it good :)
Stormbrand
06-14-07, 10:23 PM Attack speech.

"Now we bring vengeance, for the wronged and the suffering. Now we join battle, and we shall strike them down! We shall crush this evil. And they will rot beneath us. We strike for those who lack sword and spear!"

"Come that first glorious clash of blade and shield, our strike shall be as thunder! Make ready a reinforced charge. Gather ranks thickly. Have warriors behind the impact to strike at a sundered line. Then what was sundered, we will shatter. What was wicked, shall be dead."

"And so we drive them to ruin, and shed their blood to bring a red dawn. A red dawn to show that the wicked are vanquished and shall never harm another. This day we bring an end to their evil!"
Sang-Drax
06-28-07, 07:30 AM :bump:
Stormbrand
06-28-07, 10:37 AM :bump:

I have a fan? :)

Actually, for most of the speeches, I need a context.

Good foundations to work with:

- Target audience, (just my warband or for others).
- Objective of the battle (claim position, protect X, destroy enemy).
- Nature of the enemy (their objective, how this battle started).

Good elements of speeches I find are to;

- Include all of the men,
- A show of faith in the men, and reassure them of victory.
- A tactical element, so that they fight together rather than in a frenzy.
- Relate the violence to success, so that the troops do not shy away from the conflict, and encourages them to stay strong in the face of difficulty.
- Loyalty and security, a sense of belonging.
- The suggestion that the battle is worthwhile, and the men are not having their lives thrown away needlessly.

Most of the reasons for warrior rites of passage is that believing oneself to be special (although not invincible) is a helpful attitude in a fight. The Oath written before is to convince the recruit that a Lightsword is somehow more than a 'mere' warrior (which they are, being carefully trained and equipped).

Give me more context to work with and I an easily have more speeches.
warwinner
06-28-07, 12:13 PM Climactic battle with evil enemies

Brothers, today will go down in history
As we clash blade to blade and will to will with our wretched enemies
There can only be one winner, US
They will not stand before our might, for we are the scions of light
ONWARDS
Stormbrand
07-05-07, 12:42 PM "Stand fast! Fear no darkness! For we are what the darkness fears. We are how the darkness dies! Remember, that any darkness which sweeps over us is a darkness we pierce deep."

"Through might and valour, we shall prevail! Through our comrades, our kin in arms beside us, we shall have victory. Through the cause we hold dear, we shall break the shadows and leave them scattered and bleeding."

"Hold ranks and fight together, aid each other and fight in a way that the wicked and selfish never can. Break the shadows, ruin the wicked and destroy this evil. By all that is good, we fight!"

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Stormbrand 05-22-07, 08:01 PM	Really two factors but both for the same character. My current character is an aasimar paladin, based on the Rohirrim but away from his homeland due to a complicated family situation - his family is from a different culture, but he identifies more with the local Rohanesque ways, and has been sent away to distant relatives to 'grow out of such barbaric customs.' Said family is against his choice to become a paladin as well, but his instruction was not formal, instead combining his cavalry skill with his pure faith and moderate exposure to his religion of choice. Instead of any god, follows the 'teachings of angels' and serves the celestial realms in general. Religion is not covered in the setting & I have been given permission to invent my own for this. After meeting his relatives, the character has begun making a name for himself as a warrior, mostly by pacifying some unruly mercenaries who have been causing trouble in a nearby town. Most recently he was seen defeating eight mercenaries at once (he had two companions who killed five between them in the same encounter). Doing this has roused the interest of many of the mercenaries, who are now considering him as a potential warlord. Cool. With the nature of the game in question, the other players (and readers, PbP) will enjoy this new aspect and I definately will. So things that I am looking for. - Oaths to demand from the warriors, similar to the Old Code from Dragonheart but not plagerised the same way. With a mind to present the Oath to potential followers in game (and require them to swear it). The Oath would need to be powerful-sounding, and consistant with what a paladin would require, but also less than the full oath for a paladin himself. Ideally an active oath ('to do X' rather than 'to not do Y'). - Speeches to make for a small band of warriors before battle, either preparing a charge or ready to receive one. Generally assume our foes are humans or trolls, mainly robber gangs and the like. Again just some ideas what to work with that is distinct from LoTR or 300. Thank you.
Stormbrand 05-24-07, 08:31 PM	Bump. Any ideas? Help!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 05-25-07, 12:43 AM	Haven't I already replied to this thread?:P
Stormbrand 05-25-07, 07:22 AM	Haven't I already replied to this thread?:P Different one to the same character. :P It is a very active game, now the story has progressed slightly and the guy is going to start getting followers. Only these followers are attracted by his skill and power rather than his integrity. The oaths are designed to keep the new followers on the straight and narrow. The speeches are designed to lead them into battle. Yes, I am very ambitious, and like to do things right.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 05-26-07, 12:06 AM	Nice. I haven't got anything off the top of my head but I think I'll work on a speech or 2 for you.
Stormbrand 05-26-07, 09:13 AM	Thanks. Now for the Oath of Valour, the Oath of the Valiant. Paladin - "Seek ever the the Path of Right." Warrior - "I shall seek ever the Path of Right." Paladin - "Care more than you think is wise." Warrior - "I shall care more than I think is wise." Paladin - "Bring swift end to the wicked, to the unrighteous, to those who prey on the weak." Warrior - "I shall bring swift end to the wicked, to the unrighteous, to those who prey on the weak." Paladin - "Speak ever truth, that your thy word alone be cause for hope." Warrior - "I shall speak ever truth, that my word alone be cause for hope." Paladin - "By your strength, dark lands be made safe." Warrior - "By my strength, dark lands be made safe." Paladin - "Be ever brave in word and in deed." Warrior - "I shall be ever brave in word and in deed." Paladin - "Take pride in your honour, and not your honour in pride." Warrior - "I shall take pride in my honour, and not my honour in pride." Paladin - "Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper." Warrior - "Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper." Paladin - "Do you swear?!" Warrior - "This I swear." Paladin - "Then I shall hear your Oath in full." Warrior - "I shall seek ever the Path of Right. I shall care more than I think is wise. I shall bring swift end to the wicked, the unrighteous, and those who prey on the weak. I shall speak ever truth, that my word alone bring hope. By my strength, I shall make dark lands safe. I shall be ever brave in word and in deed. I shall take pride in my honour, and not my honour in pride. Better to do right and die than to do wrong and prosper. This is my Oath! And so do I swear!" Paladin - "On this Oath do you pledge your might, your prowess, your strength of arm behind a blade?" Warrior - "I do." Paladin - "Then say it!" Warrior - "On this Oath I pledge my might, my prowess, my strength to wield a blade." Paladin - "And my Oath to you. I shall be the first to go hungry. I shall join you in blade on the field. I shall direct your swords and spears as is right and just. I shall build you hearth, hall and home. On these I shall strive, in pledge, I return your service, that I be forsaken if my vow is failed. Do you accept?" Warrior - "I accept." Paladin - (returns the main weapon of the warrior) "Now you stand amongst the righteous. Now you stand as a Lightsword."
Stormbrand 05-26-07, 12:54 PM	Now for one basic speech when outnumbered. Each paragraph could be made into a short speech by itself, or they can be added together into a full speech on the battlefield before taking or launching a charge. "Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! Here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent. Here we stand, ready to vanquish that evil. Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!" "Let each brave man here know that he does not stand alone. Hold fast to your comrades, as you hold fast to your Oaths. Remember that by your side is a fellow bright flame, a fellow warrior who will support you, who will strike at your foes as you strike at his, who will guard you well in this battle. There will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!" "Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found on the other side of war. So through that war, we shall carve a path! A path carved through the flesh of the wicked! A path to victory! A path to justice!" "To death!"
Terjon of the Blue Rose 05-27-07, 12:22 AM	Very nice. Love the Oath. Still I'd make a point for your speech. Remember your audience. If they are warriors drawn by your skill and strength then you need to praise theirs. I offer you therefore a few minor adjustments. "Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! Here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent. Here we stand, ready to vanquish that evil. Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!" "Warriors! Lightswords! Righteous Men! Evil approaches. Here we stand before it. Here we stand, knowing that here is the most worthy place we may be! We stand knowing there are none stronger or more worthy to stand here. We stand, a mighty shield, between the wicked and the innocent. We stand, ready and able to vanquish that evil. We stand remembering those who have fought and died beside us. Remembering those who have fought and won! Raise swords! Raise spears! To arms!" "Let each brave man here know that he does not stand alone. Hold fast to your comrades, as you hold fast to your Oaths. Remember that by your side is a fellow bright flame, a fellow warrior who will support you, who will strike at your foes as you strike at his, who will guard you well in this battle. There will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!" Try also not to seperate yourself from the men. "Let each brave and worthy man here know that he does not stand alone. We will hold fast to our comrades, as we hold fast to our Oaths. Know, as I know, that by our sides stand brothers, bright flames against the darkness, great and noble warriors who support us, striking at our foes as we strike at theirs, who guard us well in battle. We will always be the fire burning to drive the shadows back!" "Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found on the other side of war. So through that war, we shall carve a path! A path carved through the flesh of the wicked! A path to victory! A path to justice!" A few changes I think I like this one best of all and the alternate version may not be any better than your original. "Good folk seek peace for their homes. That peace can only be found with the protection of strong and righteous souls. Through war, against all who should stand against such peace, we shall carve a path! A path through the foul, the depraved, and the wicked! A path to justice! This path shall lead us to victory!"
Stormbrand 05-31-07, 07:31 PM	Bumping because I intend to write more speeches. Any suggested speeches welcome.
Sang-Drax 06-02-07, 01:29 AM	I have no suggestions whatsoever, but I really like what I've read so far :) Specially "here we stand, between the wicked and the innocent". Wow. I'll borrow some of those and twist it to fit my lawful mezzoo-neutral-mezzo-evil warrior-cleric.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 06-04-07, 05:08 AM	Men! Today we go into battle before a foe stronger than ourselves. They possess a greater strength and abilities which we cannot hope to match. We go against a foe we can defeat though. A foe who cannot match our skill or bravery. Their arms are strong but our will is stronger. Today we will win because we must. Today is a day of VICTORY!
Stormbrand 06-08-07, 09:20 PM	"Soldiers of Valour! Be just and strong. Fight well and bravely. Fight like no others can. We, each of us, look to our side, and find a comrade in arms. Here we are, standing against the many. And we do not stand alone! We stand as one, lock shields as one, and strike as one. And we shall strike hard! All of us standing together know to keep faith in our brethren, and know they will not let us fall!" While I like that, now I am looking for an attack speech - such as before a charge.
Stormbrand 06-08-07, 09:23 PM	Men! Today we go into battle before a foe stronger than ourselves. They possess a greater strength and abilities which we cannot hope to match. We go against a foe we can defeat though. A foe who cannot match our skill or bravery. Their arms are strong but our will is stronger. Today we will win because we must. Today is a day of VICTORY! :thinks: One problem I see is describing the foe as 'stronger than ourselves' - that already hints that the battle is lost.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 06-08-07, 11:17 PM	This is the sort of speech you save for when the men already think that. When they believe the should be running but you can't allow it.
mettyc 06-10-07, 09:12 AM	We stand before the jaws of death and although some of us may not survive, we know that for each of us that is cut down, five more of them shall bleed into the earth beneath their feet. And when we emerge victorious, our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee, we will honour those that have given their lives to the cause. But for now, we attack. For honour, for glory, and for the ever-shining dawn, Charge!
EpicEvokerElf 06-10-07, 10:22 PM	Dang, you guys are awesome speech writers. Despite what my acquaintances call eloquence, I have nothing to offer that would not pale beside your masterpieces of inspirational prose. I bow to your superior prowess. Now sig that.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 06-10-07, 10:49 PM	Dang, you guys are awesome speech writers. Despite what my acquaintances call eloquence, I have nothing to offer that would not pale beside your masterpieces of inspirational prose. I bow to your superior prowess. Now sig that. First you gotta say "all you guys" or name individuals.
Stormbrand 06-11-07, 11:57 PM	For a last stand speech, think facing certain death. "Lightswords! Prepare for glory!" "Each warrior among us seeks to do great things, and great things we do this day. This (town), those people, live, because on this day we stand and fight! That, is the true power of a warrior." "So what choice do we have? We choose our monument, that is our choice. We build our monument, our legend, from a heap of the (enemy) dead! Any who pass will see but a handful of the fallen on our side, in our colours, and see a devestation in the enemy that could be made by us and no other. All will know that the Lightswords fought here, and we fought well! Now, we stand atop a heap of (enemy) corpses and howl for more." "Our foes will claim that I ask you to die. Oh no. I ask far greater than that from my best. I ask you to kill and kill and kill again! These villains seek to take your treasures, your lives, your homelands. We shall leave none alive to claim them!" (follows with a wordless roar while raising spear).
warwinner 06-12-07, 04:20 AM	Pre-war situation, soldiers are afraid: Today the angels watch over Each and every one of you If you live, Together we will bring the sacred light to these lands and purge the taint from them If not the angels shall take you in their arms and take you to heaven, where you will live joyously forevermore Whatever happens know deep in your heart - that we, your comrades, your brothers, will remember you for all eternity Then to BATTLE my brothers, for we shall triumph this day !
EpicEvokerElf 06-12-07, 09:05 PM	Terjon and Stormbrand. Both of you. SIG THAT! (EDIT: Stormbrand allready did, I see.)
Stormbrand 06-12-07, 09:35 PM	Pre-war situation, soldiers are afraid: Today the angels watch over Each and every one of you If you live, Together we will bring the sacred light to these lands and purge the taint from them If not the angels shall take you in their arms and take you to heaven, where you will live joyously forevermore Whatever happens know deep in your heart - that we, your comrades, your brothers, will remember you for all eternity Then to BATTLE my brothers, for we shall triumph this day ! Has merit, although is best reserved for a different audiance. I could easly use that for a mass-inspiration if rallying a town or something, although I should probably add a bit praising the courage of the townsfolk and showing how their courage earns them a place in the Heavens. Though 'if you live' is generally a bad motivational phrase. ;) Terjon and Stormbrand. Both of you. SIG THAT! (EDIT: Stormbrand allready did, I see.) Thank you.
Stormbrand 06-12-07, 09:39 PM	We stand before the jaws of death and although some of us may not survive, we know that for each of us that is cut down, five more of them shall bleed into the earth beneath their feet. And when we emerge victorious, our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee, we will honour those that have given their lives to the cause. But for now, we attack. For honour, for glory, and for the ever-shining dawn, Charge! "Ever shining dawn." Love that phrase. Will certainly use it. "When" - presumes we will - also excellent. "Our enemies in the nine hells, out of this vicious melee," - nice and graphic and violent. Some very nice tools in there. Will work with them, though probably best to avoid drawing so much attention to casualties.
warwinner 06-12-07, 10:16 PM	if you live' is generally a bad motivational phrase. ;) Come on now, anybody going into battle is afraid of death, atleast these npc classes Besides we tell them that it doesn't matter if they live or die, they have it good :)
Stormbrand 06-14-07, 10:23 PM	Attack speech. "Now we bring vengeance, for the wronged and the suffering. Now we join battle, and we shall strike them down! We shall crush this evil. And they will rot beneath us. We strike for those who lack sword and spear!" "Come that first glorious clash of blade and shield, our strike shall be as thunder! Make ready a reinforced charge. Gather ranks thickly. Have warriors behind the impact to strike at a sundered line. Then what was sundered, we will shatter. What was wicked, shall be dead." "And so we drive them to ruin, and shed their blood to bring a red dawn. A red dawn to show that the wicked are vanquished and shall never harm another. This day we bring an end to their evil!"
Sang-Drax 06-28-07, 07:30 AM	:bump:
Stormbrand 06-28-07, 10:37 AM	:bump: I have a fan? :) Actually, for most of the speeches, I need a context. Good foundations to work with: - Target audience, (just my warband or for others). - Objective of the battle (claim position, protect X, destroy enemy). - Nature of the enemy (their objective, how this battle started). Good elements of speeches I find are to; - Include all of the men, - A show of faith in the men, and reassure them of victory. - A tactical element, so that they fight together rather than in a frenzy. - Relate the violence to success, so that the troops do not shy away from the conflict, and encourages them to stay strong in the face of difficulty. - Loyalty and security, a sense of belonging. - The suggestion that the battle is worthwhile, and the men are not having their lives thrown away needlessly. Most of the reasons for warrior rites of passage is that believing oneself to be special (although not invincible) is a helpful attitude in a fight. The Oath written before is to convince the recruit that a Lightsword is somehow more than a 'mere' warrior (which they are, being carefully trained and equipped). Give me more context to work with and I an easily have more speeches.
warwinner 06-28-07, 12:13 PM	Climactic battle with evil enemies Brothers, today will go down in history As we clash blade to blade and will to will with our wretched enemies There can only be one winner, US They will not stand before our might, for we are the scions of light ONWARDS
Stormbrand 07-05-07, 12:42 PM	"Stand fast! Fear no darkness! For we are what the darkness fears. We are how the darkness dies! Remember, that any darkness which sweeps over us is a darkness we pierce deep." "Through might and valour, we shall prevail! Through our comrades, our kin in arms beside us, we shall have victory. Through the cause we hold dear, we shall break the shadows and leave them scattered and bleeding." "Hold ranks and fight together, aid each other and fight in a way that the wicked and selfish never can. Break the shadows, ruin the wicked and destroy this evil. By all that is good, we fight!"