User blog:El Alamein/Count Roland vs. Harold Godwinson



It's a battle between two early medieval warriors who became legendary for their tragically heroic last stands! Count Roland, the Frankish military leader who, at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, fought against desperately overwhelming odds and gave his life as a model example of a chivalrous and honorable warrior, crosses swords with King Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon leader of England, who was hard-pressed to defend his land against Viking and Norman invaders and ultimately fell at the Battle of Hastings, changing the nation's history forever! It will be a duel between two highly-trained and extremely dedicated warriors, but when the last arrow has found its mark and the dying echoes of the oliphant fade into silence, only one will be the deadliest warrior!

Count Roland


 Possibly the nephew of the Frankish King Charlemagne, Count Roland would soon earn his own legacy for his last stand against Basque and Saracen forces at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. The first of Charlemagne's Paladins, Roland had already established himself as a powerful and chivalrous warrior as lord of the Breton Marches.

 At the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, Roland's forces were ambushed and attacked, outnumbered almost 20 to 1. Although encouraged by some to signal the Frankish main force, Roland's force held their ground against several waves of Saracen soldiers. As the last wave of Saracens struck the now weakened army, Roland finally signaled Charlemagne - moreso that his men could be treated to a good Christian burial then left dishonored. Leading his remaining men in one final battle, Roland avenged his fallen paladin allies and personally killed the Saracen king's son in battle. As Roland was faced with death, he attempted to destroy his sword Durandal before hiding it underneath his body and propping himself southward, towards the enemy. The ultimate model of chivalry and valor, Roland then died on the field of battle.

Weapons
|-| Close Range= Durendal


 * About 3.5 feet in length
 * Double-edged
 * Straight metal crossbar
 * Alleged to have divine properties
 * -| Mid Range=

Angon


 * Barbed iron head
 * 7-foot wooden shaft
 * Thrown; effective range 12-15 m
 * Based on pilum; shaft bends on impact
 * -| Long Range=

Francisca


 * 6-inch iron axe head
 * 18-inch shaft
 * Thrown; effective range 12-15 m
 * 1.3 lbs.
 * -| Armor=

Hauberk


 * Mail shirt
 * Includes sleeves, reaches mid-thigh length
 * Worn with leather gloves

Harold Godwinson


"A strong ruler and a skilled general, he held the crown for nine months in 1066 before he was killed at the Battle of Hastings by Norman invaders under William the Conqueror."

- Encyclopædia Britannica

Harold Godwinson became a respected and powerful noble within the kingdom. Godwinson was known for his skillful ability to lead men in battle and govern land well, shown when he was appointed as earl of East Anglia in 1044. Godwinson later proved his ability as a commander against the Welsh, orchestrating a brilliant campaign alongside his brother Tostig. This excellent ability to subdue the Welsh armies solidified his reputation as a commander, and made Edward the Confessor appoint him as an emissary to his trusted ally  William the Conqueror.

Harold would be later forced to fight for his throne when the Viking king Harald Hardrada joined in an alliance with Harold's exiled brother Tostig, as well as the upset Norman king William. Harold once again proved his abilities as a commander, effortlessly defeating Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. However, Harold's luck had finally run out; William's ships had arrived on the south of England, and Harold was forced to rush impatiently to face him at Hastings. Harold's forces, while initially succeeding against the Normans, were defeated as William manipulated them by feigning retreats. Harold was then killed in battle, when a Norman's arrow pierced his eye and killed him.

Weapons
|-| Close Range=

Longsword


 * About 3.5 feet in length
 * Double-edged
 * Curved crossbar
 * Primarily used for slashing/hacking rather than thrusting/stabbing
 * -| Mid Range=

Dane Axe


 * 8-inch iron axe head
 * 5-foot wooden shaft
 * 2-4 lbs.
 * Two-handed
 * -| Long Range=

Hunting Bow


 * Bodkin arrows
 * Based on longbow
 * Effective range about 120 meters
 * -| Armor=

Byrnie

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