>>40186376
Your company of troops, on foot and marching, were flanked by your men on horseback. Sabeen, who kept a stern eye out. She could have been a man in her armour and wrappings. All femininity cloaked by steel. Sir Etienne and his squire. Your brother Hugo. Sir Orlando, riding a horse loaned from his friend Sir Matthias and likewise wearing arms and armour petitioned for from Lord Gerard. Ill fitting stuff that gave him a ragged appearance. The Church novice Maggie, who rode beside your Arab physician Mohmed. Mohmed, for all he was called 'ASrab' seemed uncertain on horseback. And of course your own concubine Chihirizahd, who sat behind you on your own horse, arms wrapped about your torso and head resting upon your shoulder.

Others had joined your body of troops. Uncle Hermann, who had provided escort for your sister. Fat, squat, greying Hermann on a nag of a beast just as ugly as he was. When he saw your eyes pass him he gave a smile, looking to invite your attention. You had little love for your 'Uncle'. He was a famous coward. With him was some dour young man from Saxony. He claimed knighthood, and certainly bore the arms to mark it. Sir Hector, and he rode a racing courser that seemed eager to be at a gallop.

A high wind had kicked up, stirring the dust on the hills around you. It was no Arabian desert bare of life, but it was hard land with a hot sun, few trees to protect from that ugly blazing eye that leered down upon the earth. You had your head wrapped up like an Arab for some protection, as did most of your band. A new fashion for you, having rode bareheaded in your earliest days in the Holy Land. And while you weren't one to ape the ways of the Moslem it kept the sun from your head and the dust from your eyes. You saw the sense in it.

It would be near a week before your return to Jaffa, and from there to Ramla. Your liege-lord, Hugh, would no doubt provide a warm welcome upon your arrival at his gates.

File: IMG_1398.jpg (17 KB, 260x315)

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>>40186376
>crusader quest

>>40186387
It being a long journey you thought it could be good to keep some company and perhaps engage in some conversation with a companion or two. The night time would of course lead to the familiar chatter around the camp fire, but the day a-horse (save for those brief rest stops to water men and mount both) could be put to better use than staring into the horizon.

You turn in your saddle to call up one of your number to ride beside you.

> keep the company of a companion until Jaffa (nominate)

>>40186415
>> keep the company of a companion until Jaffa (nominate)

Etienne what's up with that emerald ring?

>>40186376
>You have also tasted failure.
And it was bitter indeed.

...captcha just made me ID cakes, and both were pictures of wedding cakes. Looks like captcha is a filthy Greek sociopath.

>>40186415

Ride with our dear sister. Have her tell us everything of her travels and in turn, tell her everything.

>>40186376
ride with our sister and ask about her journey, it will allow her an opportunity to ask us about our exploits in the holy land.

>>40186415
Our sister

>>40186415
>> keep the company of a companion until Jaffa (nominate)
ride with sister. also ask what she intends to do now that she knows we are free. does she intend to return home at some point? or make her fortune here.

>>40186516
>or make her fortune here

You mean get married off to some rich Knight/Lord right?

>>40186543
thats the medieval version of a lady making her fortune in this land. So yes.

>>40186543
>some rich Knight/Lord

that's a funny way to spell HRE anon

I would try cucking Komenos out of the running for emperor but I don't really want to touch that for obvious reasons

>>40186415
Sabeen, the hells she's been doing

>Hugo never spent time with the prospect fiance

>>40186582
I'm all for enacting a terrible and horrific vengeance on him if given the opportunity honestly.

>>40186582
I wish we had a company of German men at arms at our command, when is Williams father going to stop by the post office?

>>40186677
It is probably a pipe dream...but fuck it, I'm down.

>>40186671
>prospect fiance
>Implying implications

>>40186671
with who? The knight templar's sister? Isn't she back in Jerusalem?

>>40186677
that might be an after we become King of Alexandria goal guys.

>>40186677
>Implying we shouldn't just cuck his efforts to into Byzantine politics subtly wherever we can

>>40186677
>>40186703
Can we not? It's far far too much trouble at this point to even consider doing anything. If he wanted to, that ship he landed could easily devastate all our holdings, kill all our friends and enslave all our women.

>>40186741
Well yeah, we obviously can't do anything *now*.

Best girl Iovetta wishes Wilhelm to rid himself of concubine Chiri for the sake of love and a beautiful marriage. This does not mean killing her, as your future bride desires the girl find happiness, simply elsewhere.

Wat do?

>>40186786
make her Nanny for Gilgamesh 2.0

>>40186811
I'm still okay with this.

>>40186786
I'm fine with no fucking (I actually want a faithful Wilhelm). She's given us pointers so far, made herself useful, but casting her aside seems harsh.

Give her some duties, make her spymaster.

>>40186866
>that Insane intrigue bonus

oh god

>>40186866
If we keep her around Iovetta may suspect we're seeing her behind our beloved's back. We would have to move her somewhere.

>>40186896
Her suspicions would be correct 100%. Chiri is best girl

>>40186866
If Chi wants to be a caretaker I'm sure there will be chances for her to do so. Otherwise, we'll bring her with the bard we haven't gotten yet for maximum gossip.

>>40186896
If we just fuck Iovetta for hours on end every night that should quell her fears.

>>40186896
If we receive Ascalon, what are the chances that Ramla might serve as an the hub for an intelligence network? It is in the middle of fucking nowhere, firstly.

>>40186958
Intelligence hubs are best in cities, hence all of Byzantium. What you get here is loyalty.

>>40186945
>implying Wil won't fuck them both at the same time

>>40186958
Officially, everything is just hanging off Jaffa. It's a really deserted border, which is why it was filled with castles and supply lines, not trading and politics.

"Matty," you hail your sister, whose attention turns from the rugged landscape to you. She wore a smile that lit her face. Skin you remembered to be soft and pink had been tanned dark from days of travel, but the smile and the large blue eyes that were lit with curiosity were the same. She trotted her horse closer. Sidling up next to you, her horse kicking up little clouds of dust that were swept back onto the legs of your marching troops. Like all your family she as an experienced rider. The benefits of your station. And she rode a dependable little rouncey, a gelding.

She stroked its main, one she had knotted into a braid and threaded with ribbon. An animal she had clear affection for.

"Tell me of your journey little sister, leave nothing out," you said, offering her your full attention.

"Well, it began when father sent me to study with the Sisters in Worms," she said, "He has been in negotiation with Sir Humbert to arrange a marriage. And in the mean time thought to keep me safely tucked away. I learned much, we spent a great deal of time on the Lady of the Rhine and her works. In truth though it bored me to tears. It changed when Uncle Hermann returned from Italy with news of your arrest."

"Uncle Hermann was in Italy?" you asked.

Your sister shrugged. "Some business of the Emperor. He stopped at Worms to tell me before riding on to inform father. Well, he did not get far before my own plan was hatched. He had no choice but to accompany me, lest father give him hell for allowing his virgin daughter to ride off into the hold of some Saracen harem. Or so I said to draw him into my plot. We went through Italy, retracing his course more or less. There was some adventure. Gypsies, a tourney, a skirmish between Italian clans."

You chuckled. It sounded like more than a little bit of adventure.

>>40186996
It was worth a shot. Just trying to brainstorm ideas to keep one of the few characters in this quest with more utility than simply fighting.

Not to say that God's Sword Hugo or Nubian Badass Solobro aren't awesome, but still.

"We took ship in Ancona, stopped at Cyprus before counting to Sidon. Cyprus was certainly interesting. Sir Hector was all but assaulted by the womenfolk and had to fight himself free." You say Mathilde's cheeks redden at the name of the dour young Saxon. It made you purse your lips and your eyes dart to the man with suspicion. Still, there as no elaboration. "We entered the port of Sidon two days previous. It was there we bid farewell to other companions headed north to Tripoli, while Sir Hector looked to find us escort south. Uncle Hermann seemed happy to sit and wait at the bottom of a beer cup. It was luck that had us learn of you." She smiled, sitting high in the saddle.

You breathed a held breath. There was perhaps more to learn about her adventure, but you let her keep some secrets. You also saw clear as day the many dangers she had flirted with. For all her glib pronouncements of being abducted into a harem, it was a real danger even for a woman under arms. You remembered the tales of Ida of Austria, a beautiful woman counted as a ferocious warrior, who had been dragged from the battlefield and forced into the role of a pleasure girl. It was said the terrible Zengi was her child. Or so the camp fire stories claimed.

Your sister was no fighter, but she was lovely in appearance. Time threatened to make her gorgeous. She would be a prized addition to any of those gilded cages the heathens kept. You gripped your sword at the thought. Only after you were dead would such a fate be possible.

You dispelled the dark thoughts and gave her a smile. "We are a pair for unlikely adventure," you said, "And for lucky escapes. My own time in the Holy Land has been one accident after another, leaving me in better fortune. Even the arrest that had you so a-feared in time earned me a lordship. Truly, this land is one where anything is possible."

She grinned, and you felt between you a bond of kinship beyond just blood. Siblings of spirit as well.

>>40187035
>Well, it began when father sent me to study with the Sisters in Worms," she said, "He has been in negotiation with Sir Humbert to arrange a marriage. And in the mean time thought to keep me safely tucked away

Oh god introduce her to the Potato's STAT!

>>40187060
speaking of which, when we get back, we need solobro to teach us the ways of the bow.

>>40186945
>we bang so much we have trouble getting it up
> we both smoke some good shit to spice it up
> enlist Chiri's help in the bedroom
>Iovetta can no longer tell who's pleasuring her
> after a while, she doesn't care

The night was a bustling camp, a meal cooked upon a crackling fire, beneath the sky. It was like a cloth of black velvet set with precious jewels. Free for all to gander but for none to ever touch, the full white moon the largest and most prized in that collection.

Men sharpened blades and cleaned armour as they ate. Guards posted. Soldiers wrestled and jested and laughed. The usual business of camp. You had a tent erected, and within it Chihirizahd lounged. Your own beautiful prize.

> rest and be ready for the morrow
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)
> something else

>>40187099
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

Hugo and War

>>40187099
>> something else
Have a drink with Sir Etienne and Orlando. Bring our squires along too.

Lets help Orlando fit into our company abit better.

>>40187099
>>call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

our uncle, we need to think and talk about favors gold and men we can draw from home.

>>40187099
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)
We're playing either Hugo or Hector. For INT.

>>40187099
>> something else

Ask Etienne about the ring it may have implications for Foix and we should do it before its forgotten

>>40187099
>> call someone in for a match of shatranj
hugo
war

>>40187099
>call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

Uncle Hermann, War

>>40187157
what ring again?

>>40187099
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

Hermann with INT

>>40187144
I'm not sure I'd like to embrace Orlando so publicly. It'll do well that he saved our life, but he's still a disreputable character in the eyes of many.

>>40187184
the emerald ring we received from Foix via Etienne post-rape

>>40187099
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

Hermann, INT

>>40187202
Hes going to be with us for some time now, now that we've inducted him to join our troupe again. We must show that all things are water under the bridge.

>>40187218
>>40187195
>>40187181
Fucking why?

>>40187202
He's still got a while before we can trust him like we trusted welf/solomon

Oh god Solomon is going to crack the shits when we get back

>>40187243
because even if we don;t like him Hermann has connections with the Emperor and people in our homeland, we might need to draw from such sources in the future.

>>40187243
Why not play with someone we have not interacted with at all so far? I wonder.

>>40187273
but our coward uncle really? why not our apparent Doppleganger Sir hector or Potato or Etienne or even Sabeen?

>>40187243
Welf ;_;

>>40187321
because HRE connections.

>>40187099
fuck It Hugo war

>>40187354
he's a lowly knight he likely has no connections of serious note

>>40187243
I miss Welf.

>>40187321
We really need to check on both potatoes. One has been in close proximity to parties, the other must be bored out of her mind.

Seriously, how are we getting rid of two noble potatoes? I'm pretty sure it's just kidnapping at this point.

>>40187099
> call someone in for a match of shatranj (nominate a companion and a stat to raise)

Hugo War.

Maybe ask Etienne about the ring?

>>40187099
>shatranj
Hermann, int

>>40187099
>Ask about the damn ring so we can focus on other shit without it being brought up constantly.

Then play Hugo or Etienne and raise War.

>>40187353
>>40187382
We all miss our glorious Karling who could actually have into'd HRE connections

>>40187402
It's not kidnapping if they came along willingly!

also that may be a good Idea

Potato's for the Hugobowl

>>40187477
Everyone's in the running for the Hugob owl, anon. He's the harem protaginist, while Wilhelm's got a silly Romcom going on with the cute and loving future wife and the browngirl seductress whom he saved.

>>40187477
Nah, he was kinda a dumb stuttering sodomite. Pretty sure his being here was kind of a half-exile

but he was OUR dumb stuttering sodomite

>>40187538
wait so who the Protag forYahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy: Crusader edition

my bet's on Jacques

You decide to have a game with Hugo, focusing on War, with Sir Etienne for company.

Writing up.

>>40187638
>You decide to have a game with Hugo, focusing on War, with Sir Etienne for company.


wut

>>40187661
we play with hugo while etienne sits around and watches.
>>40187638
HF, does playing like this increase our opposite numbers stats? Like we play hugo, he chooses a stat too to increase?

>>40187638
That's good!

>>40187583
It's actually a reborn Welf.

You take out your set and place each piece carefully. You had learned this game from a Saracen, Malik, and it had been too long since your last match. As he had told you, it had many lessons to teach. You sent for your brother and Sir Etienne. The stuffy knight took a seat beside the board, peering over it curiously. You had yet to engage in a game with the Frank. Perhaps another time.

Your brother sat across from you. The young man looked tired. A common look on his face as late, but he mustered a smile for you.

Chihirizahd served water, hanging each a plain wooden cup and filling from a skin. Sir Etienne, ever French, was more used to wine in his evenings but he made no complaint for the fresh water offered. Hugo drank happily. He had been much on the drink lately. Some water would do him good. You worried it would become a habit.

"So what is the game?" he asked, thumbing the knight piece.

You rolled the queen under the palm of your hand.

"It has been a while since either of us played, I thought why not tonight?" you said. Hugo nodded, and settled in to consider the board, legs crossed and back bent forward. The boy gave it all of his intention, blond brow lowering.

To Etienne you produced the emerald ring. "Tell me sir, what did the Count mean by gifting me this?" you asked.

Etienne raised a brow. "Your pardon?" he asked.

"Is there some message wrapped up in this gift, or just a gift plainly given?" you asked, "What intrigue does he play?"

Etienne gave a toothful grin. "You rate the subtlety of that man too highly. Count Foix is the sort to allow his intention to be known. Pleasure, displeasure, apathy. It is a gift of friendship only. Not some riddle to be deciphered. You should be sure, when next you meet, to have a gift for him in return."

"I offer him the chance to redeem his reputation in the eyes of God and Church, what better gift is there?" you said, shifting a pawn forward.

> roll 1d100, average of three

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>40187836

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>40187836

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>40187836

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>40187836
rolling~

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>40187836

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>40187836

File: Low rolls have arrived.gif (489 KB, 497x373)

489 KB GIF

>>40187859
>>40187864
>>40187869
fucking sterling

Christ.

>>40187859
>>40187864
>>40187869
fffffffffffff

>>40187886
I was positive my roll would have been lowest. Yet I was wrong. Ugh.

>>40187859
>>40187864
>>40187869
When did Hugo get so good?

>>40187864
>rolling the queen
>not even once

>>40187927
God gave him a sword.

You move your pawn, Hugo moves his knight, and it soon becomes a silly game more for amusement then for strategy. The two of you make a game of seeing who can capture the most pieces each with outrageous moves. Soon enough you find yourself lacking any pieces but your king, set against Hugo's remaining phalanx. You concede defeat with a laugh.

"It's better to suffer defeat behind a board rather than in the field," you said, taking a drink. Etienne nods in agreement, but you can see in his eyes disappointment at your efforts. No major loss however, it was good to see Hugo sit back with a look of accomplishment on his face. Chihirizahd murmurs a word of praise as she refills his cup and you see Hugo blush around his grin.

The three of you eat a meal brought in by one of the soldiers. A bit of pork each. Chihirizahd declines her portion, rubbing her stomach. She wasn't one to eat at every meal, near but once a day. How she ate so little yet found so much energy you would never know. It didn't seem to slow her an inch.

You talked a little with Etienne about what further provisions you would need for the campaign. He made some mention of engineers and warmachines. The building of towers and catapults. Ascalon was a fortress of great size and well garrisoned. Soldiers alone would not take it.

"To be sure some of your allies will provide such machines and material to build them," he said, "But its always best to have numbers of your own. I'd send out for an engineer when first you can, spare no expense. You do not want some other lord to say he earned the victory and deserves the prize."

Eteienne and many others believed that prize was lordship of Ascalon. Perhaps it was, but you fought for something else as well. You packed away your set, queen, and pawn and rook, before returning it to your saddlebags. You thank Etienne for his council and give Hugo a rub of the head before sending him off.

Chihirizahd at last draws you to the saddle bags you called a pillow, laying you down upon your back, taking you away from your tburdens. Your failures, your victories, your future.

You really didn't know where she found the energy, but she had enough for three.

The rest of the week passes in a similar manner. Conversation kept on the road with Mathilde. You told her about your own adventures. The friends you had made, and your enemies too. Every wrong taken turn and where it had led you. Your first meeting with Count Hugh. She listened with awe you talked about Solomon's prowess, shooting down a charging Turk. You talked on the death of your companion Welf in action to protect a princess. Elias and Raymond. Blaise the Templar.

You left some details out. You did not go into great detail about the night you had 'rescued' Chihirizahd. You did not relish in the raw details of battle. What need had she to hear about a man's death screams? And you did not mention your flirtations with the Queen, or the hour of stolen pleasure with Iovetta in the prison cell. Let her keep some innocent thoughts.

You spoke with others but not at great length. Sabeen made trips as an outrider, scouting forward. Sometimes joined by Hugo and Jacques. Eteienne kept the soldiers focused and disciplined. It was a well working machine that you had under your command. Even your 'uncle' and the young Saxon knight seemed to fall into routine quickly.

And when you arrived at Jaffa it was to be greeted by Syrian lancers. A line of them upon the road, armoured with lances in hand. Pinions trailling in the salt-tinged breeze.

"God's breath!" Hermann said, drawing his sword. You were not sure if he meant to flee or fight. Sir Hector hefted his spear as if he meant to make a charge of it.

"Peace," Sabeen came trotting down from her outriding. She gestured with spear point. "My father's men."

"Look closer uncle," you suggested, "And note the Franks in their number."

>>40186376
argh damn i got in so late. Damn sleep, who needs it anyway ?

Good to see you running again HF

There were indeed a number of Frankish men in their number, their checkered tabards the colours of Jaffa. Bronze and blondes and red beards were the only other sign they were of different character than the Saracens they accompanied. It was much like Hugh. He had a fondness for the Moslem ways thatmade him peculiar even to you.

Malik rode out after his daughter, lance high in greeting, the grey streaked beard a little longer than it had been last. You raised a hand in response. You were happy to see the old mercenary. He was as good as a Christian in your eyes.

"You come as we leave!" he said, drawing his horse before you, "Out to deal with Egyptian raiders on the road to Jerusalem. What say you join us? A week or more and returned to feasting."

> unfortunate I have other business
> gladly my friend

>>40188282
> but she had enough for three.

Chiri confirmed for semen demon

>>40188326
> unfortunate I have other business

Really should get our sister back to Ramla

>>40188326
>gladly my friend
Something to get the ol blood rushing eh?

>>40188326
> gladly my friend

leave the potato's & Mathilde with someone we trust (not uncle) to Jaffa & go and deal with raiders

>>40188326
> gladly my friend

>>40188326
I'm honestly torn. I want to help keep the roads clear and drive back the Egyptian raiders, but it would be better to get our sister to somewhere safe instead of gallivanting off on another adventure.

>>40188326
>Holdings, sister, Solomon and new crew
>New events, prisoners, loot and glory for Jerusalem

Sheeeeeeit

> gladly my friend
Send Etienne back, Hector can come with if he must. Mathilde can gossip with the potatoes.

>>40188326
>> gladly my friend

>Send our sister and her riders along with an escort back to our holdings. Some in our number are not suited for the coming battles.

Should probably also send Chiri away with sister

>feasting on Jerusalem again
HA HA TIME FOR FFFFFFFF-

>>40188326
> gladly my friend

TELL ME, WHY WAS CHIRI RUBBING HER BELLY

>>40188635
time of the month. Have to watch what they eat.

>>40188549
Hey at least we can do a few things in Jerusalem

>do German betrothal with lovetta
>Petition queen for leadership of our coalition so Hugh can't contest it if he wants to.
>get more Money/Nobles on side

>>40188635
If she was pregnant, and that is a big IF since what happened to her has made it almost impossible for her to become pregnant. She should really eat more. Probably just to show she was full

>>40188651
I thought she doesn't ovulate anymore?

>>40188686
Its impossible for her to get pregnant. Her bodily functions will still continue as per normal, though.

>>40188698
All of the downsides and none of the plusses

>>40188698
All of the sudden HF Is like "CHIRI SUPRISE MOTHERFUCKERS! Genius trait half.heathen babies!"

"Battle calls, and Jerusalem is in peril, you have my answer thus," you raised your own spear. Ever since your humiliation with the Romans you had thought to kill something, and improve your martial standing.

Malik laughed, reading your intent. You clasped hands.

"It's good to see you Lord Wilhelm," he said, kissing your cheek.

"And you Sir Malik," you replied, squeezing his forearm. "But before else passes between us, give me a moment. A little time to organize my men and affairs. You see my sister rides beside me and must be cared for."

"I can ride with you," she said, eyes lit with excitement. Her horse near danced underneath her it read her excitement so well.

"No," you reply flatly, "You will stay in Jaffa under guard and then be escorted to my holdings in Ramla."

Her face puffed up. Her eyes hot daggers. "You are not father to order me around," she said, "I can ride as good as any. As good as you."

"No," you said again, more forcefully.

"Is it because I am a woman?" she said, "You would not be so demanding with Lady Sabeen."

"Sabeen has had training in arms, and experience in battle," you said.

"I've had some training," she said, "With sword and riding."

"A girl's exercise is not the same as training for war."

She had that look upon her face that spoke of a battle. She was not one to give ground when her mind was made up.

"If she came, she could be guarded," Malik offered. He had a soft look for your sister. He was a soft man when it came to the wishes of young girls. And when he said such her eyes lit and turned from Malik to you.

"See. There'll be no danger. Or do you not trust the words of as distinguished and noble a warrior as Sir Malik?" You scowled. Ever one to twist things in such a way, calling your trust for Malik into question.

> no, you stay in Jaffa
> fine, fine!

>>40188753
>> fine, fine!
"BUT NO FIGHTING"

>>40188753
> no, you stay in Jaffa

You are not Sabeen young lady!

>>40188753
> fine, fine!

>>40188753
> fine, fine!

NO FIGHTING.

>>40188753
> no, you stay in Jaffa
Nooope, she's better away from Jerusalem and its court. She will go and lord over the potatoes, as the only Koblenz left in Ramla.

Its like you people want her to end up in some Emirs harem

>>40188753
>> fine, fine!

''I entrust her to you as if she were my own daughter malik''

>>40188753
> no, you stay in Jaffa

It is not that I don't trust Malik. I want there to be a Koblenz in Ramla case Hugo and I fall in battle.

>>40188889
I'm more afraid of Mathilde in the Queen's court. I bet shit ain't roses yet over there. Even if we were just told today that girls shouldn't risk it so much.

>>40188969
Anon. She is going to spend her time in Jaffa. Not Jerusalem.

>>40188753
> no, you stay in Jaffa

Quick break, be back in a minute.

>>40188753
> fine, fine!

>>40188981
I think the party stops at Jerusalem to celebrate, and Mathilde better be kept away.

>dat vote being added to keep the yes on top

>>40188753
>> no, you stay in Jaffa

Honestly the recent musings of Wilhelm have made me uneasy also if we end up in jerusalem its going to be like >>40188969 says since we'll have enemies there

>>40189035
No. Malik is a muslim and not allowed inside. He said deal with the raiders on the road to Jerusalem then return to feasting. Which means Jaffa and not Jerusalem

>>40189071
And we'll rally with Jerusalem's troops, I bet. Malik could well return, our lordly ass may be invited over.

>>40189071
Just so you know, this anon is correct. The feast is upon return to Jaffa. There are no plans to continue on to Jerusalem.

I'll give you another couple minutes in case that information changes anyone's opinion.

>>40189142
>>40188753
> no, you stay in Jaffa

>>40189138
You base that on what ?

He said road "to" Jerusalem. Not near Jerusalem

>>40188753
>> fine, fine!

Rolled 1 (1d2)

I think its a tie, or maybe my head is just fucked. Either way rolling 1d2.

1. stay
2. go

>>40189448
Atleast the dice has some common sense. Send Maggie and Chiri with her to Jaffa.

"You stay in Jaffa," you said, rounding fully on Mathilde, "The road is dangerous enough. Worse with raiders upon it. I'll not risk your life for the sake of a story to share with your knitting circle back home."

She looked at you as if she hated you, tears hot in her eyes. She was very good at that when she didn't get her way. You called up your footmen. One took her reins in hand.

"This is for your own good," you said. It wasn't just Mathilde you would be leaving in Hugh's care. Maggie and Chihirizahd likewise followed Mathilde's horse as it was led toward the gates.

Hugo came beside you. "Thank God," he said, "At least we'll have peace for a few days."

"We ride to battle," Malik said.

Hugo looked like he might spit. "Better battle than another hour in her company."

This was a task for horsemen. You left your soldiers behind with Count Hugh and his men, to better guard your sister and to give you the speed of horse unburdened. All your companions were keen to join you save Uncle Hermann, who insisted he must stay to protect his blood-brother's daughter. 'Would you risk a Saracen creeping through her window and taking her in the night?' he had argued.

You did not press him. He was a bore of a man, and his presence would not be missed.

With you at the head you mustered a force of knights on horseback. Sir Etienne and his squire. Sir Hector the Saxon. Sir Orlando Grenier. Even Mohmed, with surgery kit in hand.

And of course Hugo was by your side, keen to be at the Saracen.

Sabeen, happy that you have chosen to accompany her father, falls in with his lancers. They are well pleased to see their captain's daughter back with them, and they take the time to chatter in their alien tongue.

Malik led a force of fifteen lancers, with five other Frankish horsemen besides. Mounted soldiers, not nobility, they chose to fall in under your command though they all knew and respected Malik ibn Mujir. You were a force of twenty five, with Malik command of the majority.

It was before high noon that you set out. Malik's scouts reported the raiding force was two days past on the road harassing pilgrims. They seem to be set to killing all travelers upon the road, with no concern for the taking of slaves or anything like that. A force sent to bloody the road and humiliate Christianity.

It was on the first day out that you saw sign of their work.

Corpses strewn in mock crucifixion, man and women and children both. Nailed into the road. They had been pilgrims, you could not say from where. Sir Hector muttered that it was the devil's work and you did not disagree.

It was the children that seemed to bother Malik the most. "Hate builds along the frontier," he said, looking greyer, "It is heading in one direction I think. Open warfare." He organized men to bury the dead, and allowed a Frankish soldier to read a prayer before you moved on.

Better that Christian blows be struck first and fastest, you thought. For in the dead of the road you saw the thousands that would be butchered in Jerusalem itself if the Saracen were to have their way. You carried anger with you onward, as did every Christian man in your company.

There was little communication between the Christian and Muslim divide in the camp that night. Though you ate with Sabeen and Malik that was the exception. Most kept to their own fires, and when you roused that black mood still lingered.

A scout came back with reports of the marauding band as the sun broke the horizon. Thirty odd raiders made camp on the road in full mockery of the law, feasting for the world to see. Headed by some bold knight the scout recognized as 'Abu Bakr'. They had surviving Christian girls with them, and were enjoying their pillage.

"From the Ascalon garrison," Malik said, "He is good with a blade and cunning. Be wary, this is an obvious trap."

> damn him, avenge Christian blood and charge
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

>>40189797
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

Need to be smart. No point in rushing into a trap

>>40189797
>> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command
>Ascalon

HAHA TIME FOR INTEL!

>>40189797
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

>>40189797
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

Good. We should take some alive and question them about everything on Ascalon before we kill him

>>40189797
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

>>40189797
>> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command

>>40189797
> listen to Malik's counsel and proceed under his command
There are Christian prisoners, no need to avenge what could be negotiated and BTFO

>He is good with a blade and cunning
So big clouds of dust with Hugo near

>>40189895
>negotiated
you can't be serious

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>>40189895
>negotiating with Heathens

>>40189942
>negotiating with Heathens

We should always be open for negotiating. But this is not the time nor the people. Common bandits prying on poor pilgrims even the children

>>40189919
>>40189942
>not using cunning before steel
Templar pls

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>>40189976
>Implying you can't use cunning in battle

>>40189976
>cunning negotiation
>stop raping those women and give them to us please. also stop killing people and accept jesus into your heart
another problem solved by negotiation

>>40189797
>"From the Ascalon garrison," Malik said

Excellent, this fucker will be useful for intel.

We should try to lop off his hands and keep him alive for intel.

>>40190013
>anno domini 2015
>still thinking torture is an effective means of gathering intel

>>40190044
Cutting off his hands is not for torture. Its just so he cant harm anyone with them again.

"Do you trust me Christian?" Malik asked.

You nodded. The two of you had shed blood together.

"You must trust me. I would have you do thus. Lead your Christian men forward, but at a pace to let them see your approach. Make as if to charge them, then break off so that they follow. We will wait in counter ambush, and cut down those that approach. Then, we reunite and form together, and sweep the camp."

"The prisoners?" you asked.

Malik shrugged. "If they live, they live. But no matter what they do, do not be baited into a charge, understand me? You break off in a false retreat."

You nodded. It seemed risky, but all plans bore an element of risk. You went back to your men and relayed the plan. A few didn't like it, but none spoke out. Malik was the leader of this band and all knew it.

You strapped your shield tight against your forearm, and checked your spear. Hugo stood beside you, checking through his own arms. Making sure his armour was fitted, his shield ready. He gave it an experimental bash with his spear haft. You exchanged nervous looks. No battle was free from danger. And your concern was not for yourself but for your brother, your men. His was the same.

You mounted. Lord Ramla must be seen to lead. You were no country knight. You were a nobleman of Jerusalem. This was your home. You would defend it.

Motioning with your spear knight and man-at-arms alike formed a line across the broad dusty road to the Holy City. Spur to flank set the horse in a trot. As you did so you saw the Syrians take off on foot, with horses in hand, onto the hard packed dirt of the wilderness. You trusted Malik. At least, you thought you did. He was a Muslim even if for now he fought for Jaffa. Before you were gone and before they disappeared into the landscape, you saw one of the Syrians raise a hand.

You knew it was Sabeen. And soon she too was gone from view.

>>40190052
>Capture raiders
>Keep them in dungeons till Ascalon
>Take them out
>Deliver justice in front of the entire garrison

Christian horsemen trotted down the road. You made sure to kick up dust. You wanted them to know you were coming. Everyone seemed nervous in their saddles. Either gritting their teeth in outrage or worried the plan would not go smoothly.

You heard them before you saw them. The shrill cries of women. You saw a man with bow on guard, and he made a signal. He did not draw an arrow or try to stop you.

You rode closer. You saw that they were not 'enjoying' their pillage. At least not all. Most were on foot but with bows ready and horses nearby. Except for a select few, who enjoyed their Christian prizes. They had a woman stripped naked and tied to a post, limbs out stretched, her belly to the ground. Beneath her were scorpions. Above her was an animal with hots coals in a thick gloved hand.

Another one of those animals sat with a heavy bladed sword that he tapped against the tip of his boot, chewing an apple. He had a shade propped up. Other women were behind him, stripped bare and left in the sun.

Your men let out collective gasps and roars of outrage. Such was the purpose of the display To bait any would be heroes into a headlong attack, and damn the risk. Franks were led by their emotions first, or so the Saracen believed. This was cruelty carefully aimed.

> roll 1d100 best of three

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>40190130

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>40190130

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>40190130

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>40190130

FOR JERUSELEM

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>40190130

>>40190149
JERUSALEM!!!!!

>>40190148
God damn it

>>40190148
...fuck you.

just... fuck you.

Cock blocking my 98...

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>>40190139
>>40190141
>>40190148

>>40190148
>>40190149
Nooooo

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>>40190148

>>40190148
Welp quest over better luck next time

>>40190160

The 98 shows which spelling is correct.

Well we got baited.

Lets just hope that 50 with our Leadership is enough...

>>40190190
Does HF not use critfails?

>>40190195
Not on best of 3

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>>40190195
he does

>>40190200
If I recall crits trump everything

>>40190208
Nope. Not on best of three. only average

>>40190149
3 seconds too late...

I don't think anyone has rolled a 1 on a best of three roll before, so I'm not sure if I ever said they don't count.

To crit fail or not to crit fail, that is the question.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>40190250
1 yes 2 no

>>40190250
Please oh mighty and glorious QM take pity on your unworthy followers and not let it count. I humbly beseech your magnificent personage to let it slide.

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>>40190250
pls

>>40190250
Nah. It's too mean. Particularly after last thread. Consider crit fails to only be on average rolls.

>>40190250
HF a princess got raped last thread... People rioted. Just sayin maybe you should be gentle

>>40190260
hahaha I rolled the 1 AND 2 this thread

I AM A REDEEMED!!!!

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>>40190279
DIE FOUL HERETIC

>>40190287
b-but redemption!

>>40190290
only God may judge you
I can definitely tell you to stop rolling though

>>40190297
I definitly going to stop rolling today

dice gods ain't liking me

>>40190290
You shall be redeemed with your death. Face him at the feet of his throne and be judge in thine afterlife with no crimes.

>>40190270
inb4 we still lose half our forces with that shitty roll

>>40190386
we got 93 lead. That should counter it somewhat

Three of your men broke into a charge, and you knew it wasn't part of the plan. Hugo, roaring, led them.

Your heart leaped into your throat and you froze in your saddle.

Bowstrings tensed and then snapped forward as arrows took flight. Hugo took it on the shield, but another of his men fell with arrows plucking his eye and shattering his jaw. The third man was saved by his gambeson, arrows caught in the cloth, but his horse was not so lucky. It's head became a hedgehog of arrow shafts and it fell onto its front knees, throwing the rider forward.

He crashed onto his shoulders, sprawled out on the dirt, and groaned. Hugo brought around his hobby and over to his fallen comrade, his charge broken off to aid him. He tossed aside his spear and pulled him up by the cloth of the gambeson, using his awkward strength to haul the fallen soldier across his saddle horn.

As he did that another flight of arrows snapped out.

You galloped forward and raised your shield. Arrows thumped against the leather covered wood, and clattered to the ground. Your horse gave a painful shriek as its hide was punctured in the flank. You herded your brother with spear haft, keeping your shield raised to cover, and sent him back to the line.

You galloped after him, back exposed. An arrow hit you high but pin wheeled off, your armour the grace of god. Another skittered around the rim of your helm, the arrow head cutting into the lion pelt.

"Back!" you called, spear up, "Fall back!"

Your men turned and broke, galloping away. You caught dust in your eyes as you chased after them, and heard the high whoop of the Egyptian raiders as they took to their own horses. There had been a hiccup, but the plan was working.

You glanced back to get a head count. An arrow flicked past. You felt the brush of feathers upon your cheek. You set your eyes forward, leaned low on your horse, and put your trust in Jesus that Malik would hold true.

> roll 1d100 best of three

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>40190411
FOR JERUSELEM!!

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>40190411

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>40190411

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>40190411

>>40190426
JERUSALEM!!!!!

>>40190426
Luck.

>>40190426
love ye.

>>40190411
Ok, after this, we need to give Hugo a good kick or slap.

Hes been in a good fight. He should know better than to lose his cool like that. A warrior must know how to leash his anger and unleash it only at the right time.

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>>40190426
HAHAA TIME FOR UNLIMITED CRIT WORKS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7SJ8nCbPSk

>>40190454
Yes yes it is. Or is it the fact I tried to butter you up before oh magnanimous QM.

>>40190481
whatever it is that you're sucking, its working.

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>40190411
LIMIT BREAKER

>>40190454
Well yeah, that's what dice are. Luck and little else. At least our stats modify our roles in this quest. Raw roles with no adjustments is crap for representing anything but raw chance, I wish more quests took that into account.

>>40190497
Then there's this motherfucker.

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>>40190497
NEVER ROLL AGAIN. FUCK.

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>>40190497
...the dice gods are planning something awful for us, they're angry that we avoided suffering for that critfail earlier
THEY DEMAND BLOOD

Your men are at first in disarray, but when your horse comes upon them they find their sense. Gather into formation. You keep them together with motions of your spear. 'Form left' you say with one sweep. 'Form right' you say with another. It becomes an arrow tip, with you the point. And the Saracen follows in a heedless rush, believing you to be senseless.

You see a glint of steel from beyond the road. A helm with turban wrappings. And then you see a dust cloud form.

The Syrians are not put off by the broken landscape. They pick their way carefully but quickly. Experienced with horses, and experienced at guiding horses, they were on the road.

Behind the Saracens.

You bring your spear down. Your men rear up to a halt, and turn. Egyptians look with confusion, back and forth along the road. Some had arrows half notched, others had spears. They had twenty men a horse, more than half their numbers.

You bring your spear down. Charge.

Spear and shield ready, you sit high in the saddle, spear couched in your arm. You draw upon a horse archer, a line drawn from spear tip to chest. It hit the weak joint that covered the arm pit. You feel the steel mesh resisted for a fraction of a moment, and then you feel the tip sink. All in a click of a finger. He drops his arrow and grabs at the wound. As you pull your spear tip out he collapses upon the front of his horse.

You rode on, horse carrying you past the dying man.

Much the same was being done by your companions. Marks were found, made, and left behind. A classic manouvre as if made in the practice yard. The Syrians were having similar luck. You saluted Malik as he flew by, his bloody lance tip a banner. The Egyptians had been chewed between you, gnashed up and left into a bleeding mess in the dirt of the road. One sweeping pass, and all the strength Egypt had left was to whimper into the dirt.

Franks stopped to put spear to the wounded living. No mercy for these butchers.

Malik drew up before you. His old face was a-gleam with sweat, running through his cracked and wrinkled features. He did not look joyful, but he did seem pleased that his plan had worked,

"Abu Bakr means to flee. He had the sense to keep back a body of his men, and now he would escape back to Ascalon," he said, pointing down the road, "If we are swift as djinn, he'll not get far."

"What's say we see him on his way?" you suggest with a clip of your spurs to horseflesh.

Sabeen galloped up beside you, eyes forward, a long sly grin on her face and cat like eyes narrowed. Sir Hector came up the other, cheek bloodied. The Saxon nodded to you. All your companions were about you, eager to the fray.

> nominate a character to lead the charge against Abu Bakr

>>40190655
> nominate a character to lead the charge against Abu Bakr

Let Sabeen out of her pokeball. She has been itching to prove herself for a long time now

>>40190655
Sabeen

>>40190655
nominate Sabeen

>>40190655
Hugo.

Redeem yourself. And avenge that fallen man you led.

>>40190668
Sure she deserves a chance at glory and Hugo's temper got a comrade killed.

>>40190655
Sabeen.

>>40190655
Sabeen I choose you!

>>40190668
this

>>40190655
Wilhelm
Let's just do it ourselves guys

> Sabeen

Okay, roll 1d100 best of three

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>40190709

>>40190655
Wilhelm

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>40190709

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>40190709

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>40190709

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>40190709
for the Caliph!

>>40190712
thank you

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>40190709

>>40190712
Nice.

Capture that faggot ass and string him up after we chop off his dick.

"Sabeen!" you wave the girl forward.

"Finally," you heard her say as she raced past you.

She rose high in the saddle, bent forward and low against her horse.

"Follow me! Forward!" she thrust her spear forward.

"With an arse like that, how could I refuse?" the squire Jacques said with a laugh, flying past on his tough little horse.

"Mind your tongue!" Hugo was fast behind him, red in the face.

You laughed as you followed the eager boys. Jacques had made a very convincing argument. All were keen to match the Syrian girl, or try to overtake her, but once she was ahead none could save the squires in their fast light horses. They broke into the Egyptian camp. A few still stood waiting to mount their horses. They raised panicked cries, and caught steel in response.

The man with the heavy blade had waited to the last, the naked womn kneeling before him. He had the sword poised to strike a prisoner's head from her shoulders. You threw your spear and caught him in the chest, the force of your throw sending him stumbling back. He fell into the dirt, legs kicking limply.

Abu Bakr had kept ten men in reserve, his best men. Those men died before they could make five steps.

Abu Bakr himself, a thick muscled man, leapt from his saddle with dagger in hand. Tried to pull Sabeen from her saddle and wrestle her to the dirt, spitting obscenities at her. The shaft of her lance cracked his head and knocked him off, and her spear point kept him there. He eyed it like it was a viper, scrabbling in the dirt for his lost knife. Hugo dismounted, and stamped that hand beneath his boot.

The man was caught. A prisoner.

"We have him!" Sabeen said, face flushed with joy as she looked up at you.

Other horsemen had dismounted. To finish off the wounded Egyptians or to take the battered women into custody.

Malik rode up beside you, beaming with pride at his daughter's performance.

> execute Abu Bakr
> take him prisoner

>>40190889
> take him prisoner

He will tell us everything about Ascalon

>>40190889
> execute Abu Bakr

>>40190889
> take him prisoner

>>40190889
> take him prisoner

"A simple death is far too good for him!"

>>40190889
> take him prisoner

No quick death for him. By the time we parade him infront of the garrison at Ascalon he'll bare only the barest hint of having once been a person.

>>40190889
> take him prisoner

''I think we may have words with thee''

>>40190889
> take him prisoner
If not us, Jaffa or Jerusalem have dungeons for him.

>>40190889
> execute Abu Bakr
"As much as it would be right to see such a man brought before lords and courts he has the fire in his eyes that tells me not to take chances. Would you care for the final blow?"

>>40190889
> take him prisoner
We can kill him any time. No point in executing him now that we've gone to the effort.

>>40190889
>> take him prisoner

He must know things about Ascalon. Garrison, how thick and tall its walls are. etc etc.

"A fine hostage to parade before the walls of Ascalon," you say, clapping Sabeen on the shoulder. To your men you instruct. "Bind him. We return to Jaffa with a trophy for Count Hugh."

The men raise a cheer. A savage one, and they are not gentle with him as they work him into restraints. Fists find ribs, and feet stamp toes.

While Malik's men see to burying the Muslim dead.

-
End of thread.

Sorry to cut it short, something came up.

+1 lead, +1 War to Wil

>>40191019
>"A fine hostage to parade before the walls of Ascalon,"

Wait. did we just reveal our plan to Sabeen and everyone within earshot ?

>>40191019
Thanks for running. Glad I could finally participate in one.

>>40191019
Thanks for running HF

What loot did the Egyptians drop?

>>40191039
Yeah, uh. I hope Malik and Sabeen didn't hear that.

>>40191039
No, just that we're vindictive

>>40191019
Thanks for running HF it was a damn close session.

damn you for running so inconsistently though this thread is so damn good but to fucking sparse

Next thread when ?

>>40191019
Did we miss out on anything you can reveal?

>>40191019
Thx HF

>>40191107
Maybe, if the stars align correctly, tomorrow.

>>40191434
I love it when you talk dirty to us HF

>>40191434

Considering that we dont really have riders, the franks that died this day, they were of Jaffa, were they not? None of the men directly under us died, right?

>>40191468
I am pretty sure they were Jaffa men since we had no riders with us.

>>40191485
Thats what i thought but i just wanted confirmation. Our men are a precious resource.

>"We have him!" Sabeen said, face flushed with joy as she looked up at you.

Wilhelm-senpai notice me!!

>>40191468
Speaking of I wonder how Solomon is doing? Best sworn brother has been absent for far too long.

>>40191547
Most likely drilling the men then drilling Rosalie

>>40191547

Running around as sister Adelheid chases him around Ramla

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>>40191570
uh anon I think Rosalie is into the more Heretical love

>>40191795
I am 99% sure that Rosalie is Princess Hod's lover Rose sent to spy on Wilhelm

>>40191839
Anon I think you're a bit Paranoid

>>40192013
That sounds like Saracen talk to me!

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>>40192050
You're a Saracen!

Did anybody archive?

>>40192372
doesnt seem like it

>>40192372
Nope