9/16/2022
Welcome back, Adventurers!
I wanted to start a new thing on the blog. I call it: OSI (Old School Inspiration).
Since joining the military I’ve had a lot of time to read. Some of them are non-fictional historical epics, others are classic fantasy novels that have been really inspirational to my games recently.
I’ll be reviewing these books in this format: starting with a Spoiler-Free Summary, then Who I Recommend Reads It, and finally Describing What it Inspires.
The Siege of Dros Delnoch
“This was the only place in all the world for the last of the old heroes: Druss the Legend, standing with the last hopes of the Drenai on the battlements of the greatest fortress ever built, waiting for the largest army in the world. Where else would he be?”
David Gemmell, “Legend”
“Legend” takes place in a low-fantasy setting, during the siege of the greatest fortress in the world, Dros Delnoch, constructed by the legendary Earl of Bronze hundreds of years before. Since its initial construction, the garrison has become complacent, undermanned, and the fortress overpopulated.
The invading force (the Nadir) is the largest army ever assembled, led by the greatest general to ever live, the great Kahn Ulric, and bred in a martial society. Among its ranks are heroes of legend, villains in the eyes of the Drenai defenders.
Dros Delnoch doesn’t stand a chance.
There are two main plotlines that follow warriors who, for different reasons, end up fighting on the walls of Dros Delnoch.
The first follows Regnak the Wanderer, an ex-soldier suffering from battle fatigue and who is an expert swordsman. His relationship with his newfound love and ancient priesthood aspire him to conquer his fears and lead the way.
The second is about Druss the Legend, Deathwalker, Captain of the Ax, among other titles. He is a legendary hero, but he’s also about 60 years old at this point, with an arthritic knee and a death wish. Nonetheless, he is called on to build morale and give his wisdom to the wavering defenders.
For Anyone who loves Heroic Fantasy
“A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”
David Gemmell, “Legend”
I solidly recommend this book to anyone who loves Heroic Fantasy fiction.
The text is action packed, with a clear three act structure (getting to the fortress, preparing for the siege, the siege itself). It’s full of historical analogues to the decaying Roman Empire, the rising Mongol Empire, and modern Military Structures, as well as multiple unique ideas, mostly dealing with magic.
For those who like wizards slinging fireballs, you won’t find that here. The magic is heavily subdued, reserved mostly for warrior-priests and evil sorcerers. Personally, I really enjoy this but I know it might not be for everyone.
Dreaming of an Epic Siege
“And what is a man? He is someone who rises when life has knocked him down. He is someone who raises his fist to heaven when a storm has ruined his crop–and then plants again. And again. A man remains unbroken by the savage twists of fate.
David Gemmell, “Legend”
“That man may never win. But when he sees himself reflected, he can be proud of what he sees. For low he may be in the present scheme of things: peasant, serf, or dispossessed. But he is unconquerable”
“Legend” has so many fantastic ideas in it for creating sieges in fantasy.
The enemy has big name legendary characters just like the protagonists do, and they are called in from across the empire to fight for their warlord Ulric. The defending nation having weak leaders that struggle to provide aid for the defenders. The fortress having many lines of walls, each with their own benefits and deficits in defending. Haggling with mercenaries, subterfuge, politics back home, assassination attempts, sorcerous warfare, etc.
This book has proven that you can have an outrageously epic, prolonged fortress battle without the need for dragons, trolls, or monsters of any sort. Sometimes, you just need a few good men.
If you’re thinking of running a siege in your home game, read “Legend” by David Gemmell first.
Thank you so much, everyone!
Until we meet again,
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR ADVENTURES
Ward Against Evil 
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