So, i've been playing this game Mount and Blade a lot recently. That's because it's badass, plays a lot like Rune just with some RPG elements and set in around 1300's Europe.
And as the name suggests, the game has mounted combat. So yeah as a basic over view, M&B is like Action/Hack'nSlash style Rune + Rpg shit + RTS shit.
So there is no turn based faggotry as well. Also as a side note, this game plays a lot like how Final Legend might play if it ever gets made, which is another reason why this game amazes me.
Here's some screenies
As far as story goes for this game, it's pretty non linear. It's basicaly your life as a medieval operator/mercenary. You go from town to town recruiting peasants and training them into hardened warriors, and run your own mercenary company.
You can also get involed with in game politics, become a vassal and be granted a fiefs, and eventually work your up to king, and even emperor.
Also, this game has multiplayer, and it's pretty fucking cool. There's open field team death matches, jousting tournaments, sieges and shit.