The Red Deer

A black stallion, slightly different from the usual type, was my steed. I sat astride it, surrounded by a gentle breeze that carried the scents of the forest. The landscape was breathtaking, and I held a wineskin filled with a light wine in my hand. What more could a courageous Cossack,1 or should I say, a knight, desire for happiness? Of course, a lady. However, alas, that was not to be.

Renly's mind was a treasure trove of images and knowledge; he was an inquisitive and well-educated individual. Yet Renly was one person, and I was another. Delving into my own memories was not particularly appealing to me, so I decided to blend business with pleasure. I set out to explore my lands and holdings, eager to see firsthand what I ruled and owned.

It would take more than a week to traverse the entire Stormy Lands; therefore, I confined myself to my direct dominions. Those lands that were under my direct rule, rather than through vassals, were my domain.

The Baratheon inheritance itself is vast, stretching along the shores of the Bay of Broken Ships. Its extent, if not surpassing that of the Moscow region, is nevertheless considerable. The landscape here is breathtaking, with its mixed forests, fertile soils, and diverse streams. This is also the eastern edge of the Red Mountains, marking the end (or perhaps the beginning) of an immense stone ridge — an ancient formation that is not as lofty as some other peaks in Dorne, but which nonetheless holds rich deposits of various ores and minerals.

The inhabitants of these lands are a hardy and fair-minded people. They are predominantly dark-haired and broad-shouldered, known for their diligence, which is not surprising given the nature of their lifestyle. The people live in communal settlements and engage primarily in handicraft activities. Although they also work on the land, their agricultural efforts are primarily for self-sufficiency.

Large-scale agricultural estates, such as latifundias, are relatively uncommon in the Stormy Lands. Selmy's House holds a prominent position in this regard. Despite the fertile soil and frequent rainfall, which would typically encourage larger-scale farming, the presence of nearby Space and the ease of trading worthless iron ore for worthless grain make it a less attractive option.

In terms of metalworking, woodworking, and leatherworking, the local craftsmen and artisans are at the forefront of innovation, if not outright superiority, compared to the rest of the planet.. It is worth noting that the locals in Westeros were among the pioneers in the art of properly tempering armor, a task that was particularly challenging in medieval times. As a result, the knights from the Stormy Lands often set the trends in military fashion. Additionally, local artisans are making tentative efforts in the field of alloying.

The local industries are known for producing iron tools, weapons, armors, bows and crossbows, along with metal, leather, and bone products. Serfdom, while present, is relatively mild compared to other regions at this time. The people, as mentioned, live in communal settings, typically consisting of several families concentrated around a particular craft.. There is no justification for the nobles to oppress such communities, especially since many of these groups, predominantly comprised of freemen, have long since purchased their freedom and that of their families from the «fortress», effectively rendering them free from obligations such as corvées and dues. In fact, these individuals are required to pay only a tally, a land tax, and, should they so desire, they may depart from an overbearing lord (this pertains solely to those who are free and bear no debts).

Remarkably, during his tenure as High Lord, Robert engaged in efforts to entice such communities away from neighboring lords who exhibited excessive fervor and loyalty towards the Targaryen line. While it is true that serfs exist, constituting a distinct category of semi-enslaved peasants, their number is relatively small, as local lords long ago recognized the financial advantages of having freemen (albeit relatively so) pay higher taxes. Thus, serfs are primarily employed as agricultural laborers on arable lands.. It is important to note in advance that in the realm of Westeros, the status of serfs and the treatment of the common folk vary greatly, with each grand lordship presenting a distinct picture, deviating significantly from any standardized approach.

In a matter of a fortnight, I managed to tour all the more notable locations. I visited sawmills with river-powered drives, adjacent to which were substantial warehouses where timber from ships had been drying for years. There were two hemp and rope manufactories. I also visited iron mines, coal-fired cartels with several small sections containing hard coal. There were also numerous horse breeding farms, some of which were the size of good-sized horse breeding plants. Cattle breeding was generally well-developed, which led to prosperous tanneries. There were a couple of shipyards that built primarily longboats and schooners in peacetime.

Most importantly, I visited forges, which are numerous in the Stormlands. Of course, many of these forges are located directly in the Baratheon lands.. Here you will find a plethora of blacksmiths and workshops catering to every imaginable need, with a remarkable variety of offerings: sickle makers, poleaxe smiths, toolmakers, gunsmiths, armourers, shield craftsmen, archers, nailmakers, udniki specialists, pinmakers and ringmakers, bridlemakers, locksmiths, coppersmiths, and their respective subcategories.

I was delighted to observe a multitude of stone dwellings and septs, which vividly attests to the prosperous nature of these lands and, to some extent, the people who inhabit them. Some of these structures boast glazed windows, further emphasizing their affluence. The locals greeted me with warmth and hospitality, indicating that their ruler is well-loved and respected, much like Robert and Stannis, albeit to a lesser degree in the latter's case. However, this is not surprising, as the Baratheon dynasty is renowned for its benevolence, refraining from acts of brutality and oppression towards the peasantry, unlike many other lords of the time. We received numerous gifts, each master deeming it essential to create something unique and costly for my appreciation. I felt akin to Yakubovich1, surrounded by abundance and generosity.

During this expedition, I was escorted by a contingent of thirty mounted combatants: knights, sergeants, and squires, all riding Frisian steeds, which are not technically a breed but rather a category of horse that meets specific military requirements. Loras, with my consent, although he is not my vassal under feudal law, ventured to his home to display his gold-plated spurs before his family. I, for my part, inspected my belongings without his presence. Fortunately, our goal was always to return to Storm's End; otherwise, each knight and sergeant might have brought one or two pack horses, greatly augmenting our force.

The entourage was quite imposing. Despite the fact that so many people slowed down the proceedings, I was aware that this was the king's retinue, and I had no objections. I myself mounted a black stallion of the Friesian breed (named after the Friesians, who make wreaths from their long hair), named Vulcan. Vulcan, my four-legged companion, earned his name for a reason; he fully lived up to it, luckily, as Renly and I were well-suited to horses. Friesians are a robust breed, reaching a height of 170 centimeters at the withers.

The weight of these creatures ranges from six to seven hundred kilograms. As for the horses in my stable at Storm's End, I can say that there are approximately five hundred of them. Among them are not only Frisians but also several dozen Dornians — these are light and beautiful horses bred for speed. There are also many more ordinary horses.

And then there are the warhorses. A warhorse is a costly commodity, perhaps even more so than a fully armored knight, so not many can afford such luxury.

As I later came to understand, the garrison at Storm's End was quite formidable, comprising approximately four hundred knights accompanied by their squires and serjeants. These individuals constituted, so to speak, the local quick-response forces. These warriors were, with few exceptions, my direct vassals, having foolishly acquired the lands I had granted them.

Knights were granted fiefs, which typically consisted of several villages and a fortified manor that they claimed as their own castle. In turn, serjeants also held land, albeit in a more personal capacity, and, unlike the knights, received a monthly stipend ranging from three to four gold pieces. They were fully provided for and could undertake administrative or other duties.

Seniority itself was an intriguing concept — a social lift, of sorts, for those who had risen above their peasant status, albeit still lacking noble birth.. Sergeants are typically individuals of modest means, and many cannot afford warhorses or full armor. Consequently, they often gravitate towards roles such as archery or crossbowmanship, while those with greater financial resources may opt for mounted rifle positions where horses are more readily available.

Additionally, sergeants can serve as rangers, tax collectors, or guards. As the ultimate authority for all these individuals, I, as the sovereign, hold the final say. There is no higher authority in the feudal hierarchy than me. However, in relation to my own lords, I assume the role of suzerain. Their lands do not belong to me, meaning I cannot dispose of them. Should I make a serious mistake, they may turn to my brother for redress, theoretically, or even engage in conflict with neighboring territories. I occupy a position of primacy among equals, yet no more. This is a simpler way of explaining the situation.

It is evident that these four hundred individuals do not remain idle within the Storm Limit. Approximately half of them engage in patrolling my domains, some remain at home or engage in tax collection, while others accompany me on my travels.

It is not unusual for sergeants to be elevated to the status of knights, which entails the granting of additional land or financial remuneration. However, the establishment of a noble lineage through knighthood is a highly exceptional process, as no one would simply bestow land upon a patrimony. Within my group, there are a few dozen landless knights who are partially supported by my efforts and are actively pursuing the prospect of securing a fief for their faithful and prolonged service.

***

At long last, the forest gave way, and the imposing fortress of Storm Limit loomed before our squad. From without, this massive structure exudes an aura of intimidation. I cannot imagine that anyone would venture to lay siege to it, much less attempt to storm it. A towering edifice of gray-white stone stands thirty meters high, encircled by a deep moat. Rising above the walls is the sole edifice within — the keep.

The keep is an impenetrable bastion integrated into the fortress wall. It is a massive block punctuated by numerous loopholes, surmounted by multiple turrets, one of which happens to be my chambers. From afar, these turrets resemble spires, hence the nickname "spiked fist," or simply "fist," given to the keep of Storm Limit. My account does not include the innumerable secret passageways or the small pier tucked away in a cave at the foot of the cliff. Most intriguingly, the keep also houses utility spaces such as stables, storage sheds, granaries, and barracks. However, as time progresses and more inhabitants swell the castle, many of these functions have been relocated to the outer courtyard..

They perceived our presence from afar, thus sparing themselves the need to await for long the lowering of the suspension bridge. Immediately beyond the gate lay a cobbled parade ground. The outbuildings, the stables, and the castle forges all pressed against the interior of the walls.

In the left corner, when viewed from the direction of the gate where the dungeon and the wall converged, there lay a godswood, shrouded in shadow, beyond a fence. The godswood was a subject of particular interest. A massive, white tree with scarlet leaves, upon which a face was carved, oozing blood-red sap, was a sight to behold, yet incredibly captivating. It was an ideal location for meditation.

Godswoods were prevalent in the Stormy Lands compared to their neighboring regions, often clustering in remote locations or ancient castles. Despite the pervasive influence of faith in the Seven, there were those in the Stormy Lands who professed the Old Gods, living in segregated communities and discreetly maintaining their beliefs.

After waiting for the squire to take Vulcan by the bridle, I dismounted with a flourish and hastened towards the dungeon. Two other squires were waiting for me in the armoury, who promptly began to remove my armour. Although I could have managed it myself, I chose not to demonstrate my prowess — they wouldn't appreciate it. Medieval society... It is like that. One must constantly assert one's authority, otherwise one will not hold sway for long, and some upstart or even a whole succession of them will come to claim one's familiar, still-warm seat.

As for the armor, oh, it is, by gad, a piece of art that one could even go to battle in, or to a parade. The armor is exorbitantly expensive, and, of course, it features deer engravings. But if one were to look beyond the deer engravings and that slight sense of awe familiar to every lad (and man, too), and examine the technical aspects of the matter... it becomes quite interesting.A full convex hardened armor, comprising a multitude of components and an arming cap (a type of helmet), weighs between twenty-five and thirty kilograms in its entirety. The process of hardening has enhanced the durability of the armor without compromising its flexibility. The bulge increases the likelihood of deflection and glancing blows from arrowheads, bolts, spears, and cutting weapons, as well as reducing the severity of damage to the armor if it is still penetrated. Such armor emerged in Europe around the mid-fifteenth century, representing the pinnacle of armored design. Simultaneously, the armor still provides maximum coverage while maintaining reasonable mobility.. Well, this is quite understandable, there is no question of full mobility, but it is unnecessary, as in such armour one fights mainly on horseback, with the exception of rare and exceptional cases, on the front lines of infantry.

The knight's saddle is a rather cumbersome piece of equipment... do you suppose it is designed for you? No, it is a bulky structure, a fully-fledged wooden and iron chair, which will limit anyone who tries to use it. To engage in full-scale foot combat in such armour, contrary to initial impressions, may be akin to suicide. It is akin to facing a tank — while you are aiming at the enemy through the visor, they can come up behind you, immobilize you for a moment, and do whatever they want to you.

There is one exception, namely, the formation of foot knights, but this is rare. On the other hand, a mounted knight in similar armour could only be brought down by another knight with a well-placed lance. That is the only guaranteed way to defeat them.. Neither a bow nor a crossbow could inflict such a wound, unless they struck the eye slit. Have you ever seen such an eye slit? At a distance? That is what I am referring to. Swords or any kind of bludgeoning weapon? It depends on the skill of the user (and the knight, trained from an early age, had the best chance).

With a one-handed sword, or even a one-and-a-half sword, it is theoretically possible to pierce armor, but it is not a swift process, and if the person in that armor lies motionless on a stump and does not interfere in any way, it is ironic to look at such a sensible citizen.

The primary weapon (if cavalry pikes were ineffective) of a heavily armored man-at-arms against another heavily armored opponent is either a two-handed sword or a pollaxe, which is also a two-handed ax combined with a hammer — Robert's preferred toy.. However, such types of weapons are not widely used, as they are rather expensive and require specialized skills, and they are rarely employed on horseback. There is, of course, a wide variety of other types of cold and composite shaft weapons, but their efficacy is contingent upon individual circumstances, particularly when it comes to fully armored opponents.

Only gunpowder had the power to send the knights back to the darkness of history, but gunpowder did not arrive in Westeros. Full armor is an expensive proposition, and not all lords can afford it, so craftsmen and their clients find ways out, devising combinations of partial armor, lamellar armor, mail shells, and so forth.

The infantry is a versatile force, with mobility as its primary weapon. Unlike a mounted warrior, who is limited by the capabilities of his steed, the infantryman possesses unparalleled mobility. Their equipment, consisting of a brigantine or cuirass, light spear, helmet (either salad or barbute), knives, crushing weapons, and shield, forms the bare minimum.

What sets infantry apart is the modular nature of their equipment. Knightly armor, on the other hand, is bespoke and tailored to the individual, while brigantines and salads are mass-produced. However, the infantry's greatest weakness lies in its lack of organization. Without a capable commander, rigorous training, or in the face of adversity, they can scatter like startled fish at the mere sound of a knight's approach. Against the might of knightly chivalry, they stand no chance, crushed beneath the weight of their opponent's superiority.

Yet, there are exceptions to this rule. Mercenaries, sergeants, and Tywin Lannister defy this generalization, showcasing the diversity within the infantry ranks.. Mercenaries and sergeants, for the most part, can lay claim to the laurels of professional soldiers and are likely to be more effective than a peasant or city militia. They are also capable of much when it comes to fighting on foot.

Tywin Lannister, it would seem, was the only one to take into account the lessons of past wars — specifically, the War of the Ninepenny Kings, in which the army of the Seven Kingdoms faced off against a ragtag group of Free Cities. It was during this conflict that Tywin likely first observed the use of well-trained, impeccable battle slaves.

This likely inspired Tywin to experiment with his infantry. His approach appears to have been quite successful. He standardized weapons and armor, introduced drill, and organized his troops into formations, enlisting sergeants from the towns and free farmers as well. While such an army may not have yet seen combat, its swift march to King's Landing during Robert's Rebellion suggests a formidable adversary.. However, the most significant development is that numerous individuals in Westeros have begun to appreciate the formidable nature of organized infantry as a formidable adversary even for heavily armored cavalry. While there is a growing awareness and some progress in this direction, these efforts are often hindered by financial constraints. Maintaining a highly trained and capable infantry force in a state of constant readiness when it is not actively required is both challenging and costly, and there is often a lack of necessity for such a force. Indeed, the situation is rather complex.

***

The castellan of Storm's End, Ser Courtney Penrose, a balding man in his middle age with a red beard, was already awaiting me in the small hall. He was a stubborn and loyal individual, responsible not only for managing the castle and its environs but also for overseeing the upbringing of Edric Storm, the seven-year-old bastard of Robert, whom he had fathered with a Florentine maiden at Stannis's wedding.

— My lord, the knight addressed me in a matter-of-fact tone, "how was your journey?"

— Fortunately, I arrived bearing five horses, an entire arsenal of armour and weapons, and a couple of casks of excellent ale. The first cask should suffice for a band of brave men, many battles, and years of renown, or at the very least, amusing tales. The second, I fear, will not last long."

A faint smile appeared on Penrose's face.

—"Would you care to join me for dinner?

—Yes, I think so.