>>46276584
> Mathilde

Since we lost the support of Antioch i would like to talk to Prince Manuel about getting support from him instead.

>>46276584
> Mathilde

Things each character has to do

>Mathilde
-Remove Patriarch
-wrap Jerusalem around her pinkie
-plot to Inherit Galilee
-Woo Byzantine Princes

>Hugo
-Protect that Smile
-Pursue Sir Solomon
-Paladin as fuck

>Wilhelm
-Take Ascalon
-Kill Hugh during Ascalon (possibly using Walter of Caesara
-Write to Iovetta
-Be bard as fuck

>>46276584
>Mathilde
Lets finish up here so we can march upon ascalon

>>46276636
You forgot for Mathilde
>Fuck Elias on the side

>>46276700
only if we can Inherit Galilee without fucking our husband anon

>>46276726
We can fuck both

>>46276766
Silly Anon Mathilde doesn't want to fuck her betrothed

>>46276584
> Hugo

I wonder if the queen will let us hang out with Baldwin?

>>46277028
>implying he isnt too busy crushing on Mathilde

Jerusalem

http://pastebin.com/JEE8ZM7H

You are Mathilde, sister to Lord Wilhelm, and you have just freed your half-brother Hugo from the dungeons of Queen Melisende with the aid of Count Elias of Maine.

Your brother Hugo, with a body of Templars and Hospitallers, prepares to ride for Ramla to join your brother in his preparation for war. You stand in the gates watching him mount. He looked more relaxed now than he had in the trial. Armoured in maille with a surcoat of the Ramlan colours, with a helm shadowing his face, his eyes and hiding his shaggy blond hair. His horse was keen to move but he kept it steady beneath him, the snuff and whicker of the other horses vocalizing their own frustration for being kept at hand.

The grown men of the holy orders viewed your brother with a certain respect now, treating him more as a man than a boy of fourteen, and he carried himself as more an adult than he had in days past, straight backed and clear eyed.

"I don't know when I'll see you next," he said, looking down upon you from the perch of his saddle, "But until I do, stay safe. Be careful."

For a man preparing to ride to war he seemed rather unconcerned with his own safety. With the way he behaved you think he valued his own life very little. It left a knot in your gut, the blase attitude he had for his own health.

> take care of yourself
> I will
> write-in

>>46277069
>Implying he can into Psuedo incest when he's to busy with Irish dales & sweating over Saracen booty

>>46277098
> write-in

''dont do anything stupid''

>>46277098
>> take care of yourself

>>46277098
> take care of yourself

"Dont get yourself hurt or killed"

>>46277098
> write-in
''look after Wilhelm''

>>46277104
I was refering to Baldwin

>>46277243
oh hey I forgot she promised to help Fulk buy him a falcon

>>46277098
>take care of yourself

Think Elias has tried to bully Hugo about mathilde?

>>46277494
possibly if not soon

>yfw Hugo doesn't give a fuck

"I should say the same to you," you said, putting a hand to his stirrup, "Take care of yourself Hugo. Don't do anything foolish, just keep yourself alive."

He grinned down at you, the same devil's grin that Wilhelm had, that you had seen a shadow of on your father's face. He clucked for his horse, gave it a squeeze of his thigh, and the horse cantered forward.

You watched him ride away and felt a worried pang. Gripped your heart tight.

Others came to see off some of the men, or to head off themselves. Boys cheered for the holy knights as they rode forth, girls and boys both standing on the battlements of Jerusalem's gate, calling after them, throwing flowers at their wake. Others were climbing up into carts that would begin following the chevaliers soon, servants and followers to the knights who would swell up the camps of your brother as they were given the mundane tasks of fetch and carry, cook and clean. Some wore holy devices of their own, some where priests or initiates to holy orders.

A few women of St Anne, with their own troops for protection, were beginning the effort of travelling the roads to Ramla and would join the war procession. They carried with them holy relics, to bolster the moral of the soldiers and make sure Christ watched the exploits of the menfolk.

It was a daring moment that stirred the heart of many. You saw common men kiss sweethearts as they readied to leave, prepared to stake their life on your brothers adventure. People had given no thought at all to violent expedition being won over by the mood of the day, bartering for spear and helmet or indebting themselves to be fully armoured. More footmen for the army.

You watched them all leave with Bayard at your side and you sensed the man was just as keen to be on the road, to be in the number that would breach the walls of the Saracen fort. And beside him was Maggie, looking just as miserable for no doubt other reasons. She had said private goodbyes to Hugo, and you'd seen pass between them a lone kiss on the cheek.

When the dust began to fade from the road and the riders disappear, you went back to the narrow streets of the Holy City.

Portia waited beneath a low palm branch, her near white hair left uncovered. She stood up at the sight of you, popping up off the water barrel with a skip. The falconer was a cheerful girl, not the sort you would think to be a spy, her gay smile never seemed to slip whatever come across her path.

"The Queen sends for you," she said, "And Prince Manuel likewise would like to invite you to dinner in his quarters."

> first the Queen
> go straight to Manuel
> there's the matter of a bird

>>46277647
>> first the Queen
Then the bird.

>>46277647
> first the Queen

duty but make that reservation with PrinceManuel

>>46277622
>> first the Queen
We are not important enough to make her wait

>choosing mathilde
you guys suck

We could send Portia or Maggie to Manuel to ask him to meet us after our business with the queen

>>46277647
> first the Queen

>>46277028
>only one vote for Hugo
Hopes: Ruined

>slutanons in full force
Smile: Gone

>>46277705
They just want Elias smut. I'm too tired of mathilde pov to participate

>>46277705
HF is running extra long today we have time to spare

besides we need to wrap up things before we get off Namek

>>46277705
>>46277839
>>46277854
>realize we can discuss everything not in the degenerate Mathilde run
I'll take a shower, you guys begin

>>46277854
>smut over glorious military action
I'm platinum mad desu

>>46277839
Hugo is a little shit

>>46277972
There be little smut. I voted Matty mostly for negotiations, intrigue and mostly just joking around

>>46278058
>implying there will be any smut

>>46278084
Oh please. By the next two updates Matty will be pressed up against a wall and moaning like a whore

Reminder that Chiri is the purest maiden in this quest.

"I will attend the Queen forthwith," you said, "But let Manuel know that once I'm done there I shall accept his invitation."

Portia nodded, moving away to give your message. That left you with Bayard and Maggie. You moved from the filth of the streets to the corridors of the royal tower. At your room Bayard remained outdoors while you slipped in with Maggie. The clothes you wore would not be suitable for attending to her highness. Maggie helped you out of your dress, brought you a wash basin for a quick standing clean, wiping your body free of dust before slipping into a tight blue dress with a shawl. Your hair you wore under a white cloth and on your breast you set a silver broach, clasping your mantle closed around your shoulders.

You took a look at your self in a polished silver plate.

"Am I decent?" you asked Maggie, feeling your fine cheekbones.

"Ye look beautiful," Maggie said with a kiss on your cheek for luck.

You took a breath and gave your handmaid a grin, nervously patting down the folds of cloth at your hips.

"Let's not keep her waiting," you said, and strode out with all the poise you had at your disposal.

Bayard and Maggie escorted you to the royal chambers, giving you over to the care of an old soldier from Armenia. The old gentleman, Theodore, gave you a slight bow as he held the door open for you. You strode through, keeping a smile upon your lips.

The assembled ladies of the court surrounded Queen Melisende likes moths about a candle flame, lit by her glow. She spoke with Count Hugh's Sicilian wife, her husband preparing to ride to war. The girl held her belly and you could take from that they were talking about childbearing. It put a slight warm knot in your own belly. You would be married soon, and expected to bear a child.

Standing at Melisende's side with hands clasped before her and listening intently was Princess Ioveta. A dutiful princess, her attention broke for your arrival and her eyes lit up, face turning to invite you into their company with a smile.

"Lady Mathilde," Ioveta said. You had yet to speak with her before now, but had spied her from afar. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

She took your hand like a sister and squeezed your palm.

"Your highness," you dropped her a short curtsy.

"No, please, nothing like that," Ioveta blushed, pulling back her hands to raise before her, "We are to be sisters. I'll not have rank come between us."

The talk of sisters drew Melisende's attention away from her conversation with the Lady of Jaffa, and she smiled. Rising from her seat she took you by the shoulders.

"You did well yesterday," she said, "Though I was surprised to see my step-son so passionately defend your brother. It was my understanding the two are enemies." There was a canny look in her eye at mention of Elias, and a sly smile for you as if she could guess what had transpired in secret.

You resisted a blush for the praise.

"He's certainly no friend of mine," Ioveta put in.

The other ladies of the court were not so disapproving of Count Elias, and you saw sly looks pass between some of them.

> he's not so awful your grace
> it took some effort
> write-in

>>46278306
> he's not so awful your grace

He can be be chivalrous when he needs to.

>>46278306
>> it took some effort
Mainly a promise to help is father in what little ways I could.

>>46278306
>switch to Hugo

>>46278306
> write-in
''his aid was negotiated in return for a favour that I must now recant to you your majesty on his behalf''

tell her of his requests but nothing further

>>46278306
> he's not so awful your grace

>>46278306
> it took some effort
sluts pls

>>46278488
Mathilde is pure maiden of virtue who merely has some side activities.

>>46278559
Murder and medieval BDSM?

>>46278588
Exactly.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

rolling 1d2

1 'he's not so awful'
2 'it took some effort

>>46278559
including strengthening someone else's position regardless of risk?

>>46278617
goddamit now everyone's going to think we're a slut

>>46278657
I think you may be overreacting a bit there anon.

>>46278657
everybody already thinks we fucked him to get his help

>>46278657
or start dealing with Elias and his political side instead of Ramla

>>46278695
Or just that Mathilde has a crush. That is really all.

>>46278617
Actually why not both.

>>46278707
A or B or C or etc
Manage risk, anon

can we please switch away from mathilde pov already

"Oh he's not so awful your grace," you said with a flush, taken back to the moment he had kissed you. Again some sly looks at that.

"Fulk's son has his charm," the queen replied, "Though that charm has been, let us say, misused in the past. Perhaps the young man has finally learned his lesson."

"A leopard remains a leopard," Ioveta said with firm distaste.

A girl whispered something to her neighbour and the other girl laughed. Ioveta gave the pair an angry look, but kept her mouth shut. Melisende ran a hand across your shoulder before returning to her seat, a clear sign of her favour. "Whatever the reason for his aid, we have you to thank. He has rescued my friend's son and your own brother from an awful fate. Though to save face I've had to end Raymond's betrothal to my sister. It would be too much of an insult to Alice to marry the two of them."

Ioveta looked troubled y that but another girl said 'wisely done my lady' and the crowd was in much agreement. You kept your views on such affairs to yourself.

Once back in her chair Melisende turned her eyes back to you, a goblet of light wine to her lips.

"Elias has come to me in private," Melisende said, "He asks for leave to join your brother's campaign with his men, and asks leave for his father to do the same. I've not let Fulk out of my sight since he tried to usurp my throne. Do you think it wise to let my husband ride to war with his son?"

> support Elias
> don't support Elias

>>46278868
> support Elias

Wilhelm and Hugh will be there to keep him in check.

>>46278868
> don't support Elias

>>46278868
>> support Elias
We kinda promised

>>46278868
Fulk can ride with one of the orders, if he is to find friends or redemption.

I don't see why both of them should be allowed to go.

>>46278868
> support Elias

Maybe if instead of letting him ride to war we could have him continue his constructions of the forts towards the east. Put him in charge of men loyal to the queen and he wont be able to do something. All we promised was that we would get Fulk out of his room. That way we keep our promise, he continue to make the realm better AND he will be at no risk to anyone.

>>46279006
We only promised Fulk, not Elias or his men. I'm fine with the minimum that allows this.

>>46279006
Not that bad of an idea

>>46278868
while the courageous king fulk rides to battle the saracen the cowardly Wilhelm skulks at the back plotting and planning

what could go wrong?

> don't support Elias

its is fucking stupid to think Wil can keep him in check it's just going to reignite the kings faction if he goes

>>46279133
>>46279006
Why i think this is a fair compromise.

>>46278868
>> support Elias

>>46279261
>>46279003
>>46278969
>>46278937
>>46278926
y'all just going to screw over Wilhelm you know that right?

>>46279006
I mean this could do it but still

>>46278868
>Wilhe Ioveta is busy trash talking Elias, Wilhelm is busy shagging Chiri over his wartable.

>>46279298
>implying they care about anything but fucking elias

"Perhaps sending your husband to war in the company of his son would be unwise," you said, "But there is a need for someone to see to the construction of forts in the east. If you sent him to oversee the construction of these forts with men loyal to you, it may be enough to placate Elias without giving him all that he wants."

Melisende crooked a brow and a smile at her sister, before giving you a nod. "That's a fair suggestion. I'll have it so. If Elias wishes to ride to war, its his freedom to do so. The man is a count and no direct vassal of mine. But his father will be given a more useful task, and spare old Pagan his concern for Arab raiders protecting an undefended frontier. Fulk will oversee our border until I recall him."

With that wine soon arrived, and chairs for the ladies of the court to sit. Melisende called for a harp to be played, and one of the ladies in her entourage took it in hand and began to play a soft, romantic tune. You sat beside Ioveta and Hodierna's dark skinned paramour, while Melisende continued to entertain Count Hugh's young wife.

As a cup filled your hand and Ioveta asked after Wilhelm's company, you remembered your engagement to Prince Manuel. You wondered if he would be expecting you forth with, or would not mind a later time.

> make your excuses to leave
> allow yourself to be drawn into conversation

>>46278868
>> don't support Elias

>>46279415
> allow yourself to be drawn into conversation

>>46279415
>> allow yourself to be drawn into conversation

>>46279415
>make your excuses to leave

Fucking Centurions son!

>>46279415
>> make your excuses to leave
No more late night meetings, thanks

>>46279415
> allow yourself to be drawn into conversation

>>46279415
> make your excuses to leave

goddammit proper etiquette people!

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Rolling again. 1d2

1 you stay
2 you leave

>>46279415
>> make your excuses to leave

Remembering your appointment with Prince Manuel, you finish your cup of watered wine and hand it to a servant.

"Forgive me, but I have been invited to dine with Prince Manuel," you said to Melisende and Ioveta both, "I am not in the habit of leaving a prince of the Roman empire waiting."

"Nor should you," Melisende said with clear mirth, enjoying her cup, "You have my leave to go, but come find me once you are done. I have something I wish to tell you."

You curtsy and murmur your thanks before departing, feeling the eyes of some of the court upon your back.

The door is opened by a servant girl, and you find Bayard waiting for you dutifully in the corridor. He had been drawn into talk with the other men-at-arms, the Armenian soldiers that were loyal to the queen, but he broke off as soon as he saw you, and waved farewell to his newly made companions.

Dropping in a step behind you, Bayard rubs at his stubbly jaw and yawns.

"Been a busy day," he said.

"The day is not yet over," you say as you stride towards the Greek quarter.

It was clear every where you went that the men of the court were preparing for war. You didn't see a single gentleman without his sword, and some strode around armoured as if they were already on the field. Porters were called up to ferry supplies to waiting carts that would soon make an armoured caravan, heading off to the western coast. William Bures himself, the Constable of Jerusalem, seemed ready himself to be on campaign, and you caught hi bawling out a pair of young men that had been fencing in the gardens with live blades.

"Save that pluck for the Saracen," he said, "Foolishness like that will leave the one or both of you bleeding, and left in Jerusalem with the women and children. Now I don't value either one of you as high as a boy of ten, but your fathers tell me you're ready for-"

But you did not stop to listen to his tirade. You were not taking a casual stroll through the chambers of the palace, you had a very serious political engagement to make.

Manuel had made some vague offer to replace the Antioch contingent with his own provisions. You were keen to discover just what he had meant by that.

On coming to the Greek quarter your man Bayard was stopped by a Roman soldier.

"The barbarian can wait here," the olive skinned but red haired soldier said.

"You would have a woman go unescorted into your lord's chamber?" you asked coolly. The soldier looked down at you. Slowly he removed himself from Bayard's path. You gave a firm nod. "Just so, soldier, just so." And once more you were walking over that little bump in the road.

At Manuel's door a man in robes, who bowed for you as you approached.

"Lady Mathilde," his accent was heavy with the empire, "The prince awaits you inside."

Bayard took the door for you.

Entering you found a small table, large enough for two, with a dish of meant, rice and vegetables set alongside a clay bottle. But the prince was not sitting. Manuel stood admiring a tapestry, fingers rubbing the material. Soon he turned, giving you that easy smile through his dark beard, and he offered you a chair."

"Thank you," you sat as Bayard took the corner. Manuel took a seat after you.

The table was set with knife, spoon and pronged fork. You watched Manuel take up the knife in one hand and fork in the other. You moved to imitate him.

"Thank you for coming," he said, "I've not entertained a beautiful woman in some time."

"I had thought this was a meeting of business rather than entertainment," you said as you slow cut some beef.

"The two are rarely separate, at least for me," he said. He motioned for a servant, a man of middle years but with fleshy, baby cheeks, to open the clay jug. He poured from it a sweat smelling, clear wine.

A lute strummed by another servant. Another man with those fleshy smooth cheeks. You wondered what Manuel's intentions were here. Certainly he was putting on a display.

As he ate he speared each chunk of meat or bit of vegetable with the skewers of his fork before biting them from those tines. You did as much to imitate his foreign customs, cutting your meat into small chunks to deliver them to your mouth by the forkful. It was certainly a different way to do things.

> get down to business
> discuss other things
> write-in

>>46280233
>> discuss other things

>>46280233
> discuss other things

mainly the Tapestry and his apparent fondness for Frankish things

>>46280233
>get down to business

>>46280233
> discuss other things


Lets try peg him and see what it is he exactly want

"You appreciate art," you said, referring to the tapestry.

Manuel looked up from his meal. "Should I not?" he said, then shrugged, "Anything that is imbued with labour and craft is worth admiring. A wagon, a tapestry, a sword. Skill should be praised where it is found. But yes, I do have a fondness for art. I come from the most beautiful city in the world, where art and riches are taken for granted. I try to remember that the world around me is not so naturally overflowing with riches as my own homeland, so I have taught myself to appreciate what I find, where I find it."

When he drank he did so with a slight slurp.

"And Frankish things, I thought the empire had a low opinion of us westerners," you said before plucking a cut of meat from your fork.

He grinned at that. "Some do, even in my family. My aunt wrote a long, long book about how low her opinion on Franks is. Though even she found admirable qualities in your people. Others think you are a bunch of superstitious brutes with no art or capability beyond strength of arms."

"Is that what you think?" you asked, "That we are just violent brutes."

He chewed his meat, eyes on you before answering. "In some measure, yes," he said, "You are like aurochs, smashing through a market with little concern about what damage you do. But you are building something from the pieces. A new world. And you are learning, slowly, how to be civilized." To that he motioned to your use of knife and fork, where as in Frankish company you would have used your fingers. It made you blush just a little.

perhaps we should have tasked portia to find the hawk herself, trust her judgement to find a good one.

Not like the hawk would turn into a hasshasin

"I think that," he took a bite of carrot, "That if we are to survive in this world it is together. The empire cannot look east for friends. True, my father has managed alliances for a time, but thy are built on mist and fog, lasting a handful of years. This is the way when we talk with Saracens. Allies of the day, enemies tomorrow. I think its the west, with your Church that a more real friendship can be built. Allies need more than just shared geography and manners. Blood and god, those are more sure ties. And the west is rising. Slowly, but I think inevitably. Already you catch up with the Caliphate, with my own people. Inventions, medicine, poetry and art. As if a wellspring has erupted in the hearts of your people. We call you barbarians, but I wonder for how much longer?"

You sipped your wine and appreciated its sweet flavour.

"Trul, I find you Franks to be an invegorating people, for good and ill," he said.

Some silence lasted between you as you ate your meal, before finally he broached the main subject of your dinner.

"Your brother's business interests me," he said, "This attack against Egypt. You've lost Antioch support, but mayhap I can help."

"For what price?" you asked.

"Friendship," he said, "Support in my own matters."

Could you grant your brother's support?

> agree
> inquire further
> refuse

>>46280750
>> inquire further
I would need details to further push my brother for it.

>>46280750
>> inquire further

Always. It might be useful but theres always a price.

Should we ask about that rapist of zoe?

>>46280750
>> inquire further
Stop being vague

>>46280750
> inquire further
We really can't make these decisions personally

>>46280750
> inquire further

There's a hidden cost even if it's down the road

HF you've pegged Manuel exactly as I Imagined

"And what does that mean?" you asked, "And what does that ensure?"

Manuel smiled over his wine before emptying the cup. He had finished eating.

"I have control of some ports, with ships to go with them," he said, "I can traffic supplies to your brother's camp quite easily, ensuring he does not starve or die of thirst. I also have a few contingents of marines and soldiers under my personal muster. No mighty army, but you could say its a number befitting my position. I could see these men, and myself, come to your brother's assistance as well. Let us put it at a number of five hundred men altogether. Say that I yearn to have some achievements of my own to list aside my brother and father."

You took a breath. Not an insulting offer.

"And in return?" you asked.

"That your brother be my friend in Jerusalem's court," he replied, "That he look out for my interests and keep me informed of the important decisions that happen. And that once, just once, I may call on him to aid me as I would do so today in a similar manner. To make his enemies, my enemies and send his soldiers to help me. It is no large thing to ask."

"And that is all?" you asked.

"And that is all," he said.

You finished your own cup as you considered his offer.

> refuse
> accept

>>46281152
> accept

Most likely want us to counter his asshole brother. We can accept so long it would never endanger Jerusalem itself.

>>46281152
>> accept
But he provides the same manner of information to our brother about his court.

>>46281152
> accept

let us build a new world then friend

It's not fornus to guarantee. But he doesn't know that.

And just because we promise it now doesn't mean we need to deliver in the future.

>>46281152
>> accept

>>46281152
> accept

my brother will gladly listen however it is not for me to say, however my brother is always happy to meet new people who he may call friend

"Very well," you said, "I think my brother will find your terms agreeable."

He offers you his hand and you shake it.

"I'm looking forward to working with him," he said, and rose from his chair.

With your meal finished and business done he showed you to the door.

Bayard came out with you and together you left the Greek quarter.

"Tidy bit of business in there," he said.

"Yes," you replied, and remembered your business was not yet done.

You walked back to the royal chambers to find all the hnger-ons had been sent away. Melisende remained in royal company, having the royal armourer hold up for her a shirt of maile. He had a rack set with smiller shirts, alongside fine leather belts, helms, maille gloves and tall boots.

"See how it has been modified better for a womanly figure?" he said, fingers brushing the links, "The belt around the middle should relieve some of the weight from your shoulders making it easier to bear and I think, flatter your figure."

"So long as it stops an arrow that's all that matters," she said, and turned to you with a grin. She held a sword in hand, a fine blade a generation old. "Mathilde, come," she said, calling you over.

You paused, back foot dragging. "And what's all this my lady?" you asked, looking to the armourer.

"I do not mean to hide behind Jerusalem's walls," she said, "I am a sovereign lord of the Holy Land."

She held out her father's sword, showing you its deadly edge. "I will not let men bleed and die for me while I remain safe in my palace. I will ride out to Ascalon, and command my armies in the field."
-
> switch to Hugo
> switch to Wilhelm

(taking a short break)

>>46281571
>> switch to Hugo

Well then, time for shieldmaiden.

Is there time for mattie to get the hawk beforevthey depart?

Or will there be time for the present after the campaign?

I'd hate for mattie to forget the shopping for the king. Hes not all too bad and mending fences is a goodvthing.

>>46281571
> switch to Hugo
eliasfags btfo

>>46281571
> switch to Wilhelm

>I will ride out to Ascalon, and command my armies in the field.

You will stay in the rear away from danger, that is what you will.

>>46281660
Command doesnt mean lead the charge.

The head of the army but takes counsel from her lords and strategists. Thats probsbly what she means.

>>46281571
>> switch to Wilhelm

>>46281689
Aye. I believe she is mostly there to make sure there is a political unity so all these high lords wont get into a dick-wavering competition

>>46281571
>> switch to Wilhelm

>>46281724
And to keep the first man to take the city from claiming it.

File: [Fire Attack Intensifies].jpg (66 KB, 597x600)

66 KB JPG

>>46281571
> switch to Wilhelm

So it BEGINS!

>>46281571
> switch to Hugo

>>46281656
But i got exactly what i wanted.

>>46281936
Damnit Wu! Stop burning everything!

File: laughing Cow cow.gif (1.9 MB, 320x200)

1.9 MB GIF

>>46281571
> switch to Wilhelm

When we march we should go under the guise of setting up an elborate ruse in which we negotiate for plunder while our based brother flanks the enemy and upon his signal we reveal our true intentions

>Wilhelms face when

>>46281571
>> switch to Wilhelm
it's been too long

>Wihelm dies during the war
>Chiri has given birth to a son and has positioned him to take over Ramla
>Rule through her son in everything but name

laughingchiri.gif

>>46282194
Mathilde stop writing fanfiction

>>46282238
Viyan will get what is hers!

>>46282012
no

should we use the Flamethrower before we breach the walls?

I'll be a little while longer.

>>46282811
Weaken the stone for the catapults? Good idea!! But please don't burn everything inside. Again. I mean really Lu Xun how much of a boner does fire give ya?

>>46282855
well a breach really makes the perfect killzone for it all those tightly packed men.. but on the other hand if we used it in say the orchids or forest outside Ascalon it could potentially decimate their army

It gives him all the boner

I think you all overestimate the flamethrower

>>46282937
I think you underestimate the demoralising and primal fear fire provokes in people anon

>>46282991
No I mean its range, usability and the fact that it is being used by an old engineer

>>46281571
>> switch to Hugo

>>46282194
>>Chiri has given birth
Anon, I don't know how to say this...

>>46283014
nothing has been stated to say that achilles is the one using it and yes it range and usability is limited but when used sparingly as a hole punch or say to start a large fire in a flammable area it more than makes up for its weaknesses

>>46283083
Might as well use torches then
and you really can't just walk up to a wall and start flaming it and not expected to get filled with arrows

>>46283144
we would have shields and structures to protect it of course

Okay, we should use Woodpecker tactics to crush their sallying forces.

>>46283035
She will birth many children spend the rest of her life happy. Wearing expensive silk and jewelry!

>>46283248
What does that entail?

>>46283235
You don't know how firesetting stone works. A small flamethrower won't cut it

>>46283298
To get a worm out into the open air, the woodpecker pecks the surface of the wood where the worm is hiding in. The worm tries to escape, and then the woodpecker crushes the worm.

>>46283361
nigga I'm not saying burn stone I'm saying burn shit that's much more flammable like human skin and wood

>>46281571
>> switch to Wilhelm

>>46283395
Medieval flamethrower is just not practical for that. If we need to burn shit we can just use torches ir throw Greek fire with catapults

>>46283475
we dont have greek fire we have a ripoff

>>46283510
Actually Achilles got his hands on some

Switching to Wilhelm. Give me a bit.

>>46283664
Branford wills it, Commander

>>46283365
So the walls are the tree and their troops the worm? But thanks for explaining anon.

>>46283782
We just have to punch the walls and they will come out from their safe place!

>>46283782
It's actually to assault the fortress, "lose," then when they're pursuing our fleeing forces we flank them with a hidden force. Though, we did that with Sabeen's dad, so it probably won't work.

>>46283865
we merely have to make the act as genuine as possible without actually losing

>>46283971
Elias can lead them then! Fuck he screwed up the flank charge when Hugo fought under Fulk with Solobro, it'd be in his expertise top fuck up the attack. Just don't tell him he's a diversion.

character sheet: http://pastebin.com/rZQ8vVBd
army sheet: http://pastebin.com/VzbLdkUr
holdings: http://pastebin.com/m33m5nZ5

You are Wilhelm, Lord of Ramla.

And you lead an army.

It begins with an assembly. The lords to their banners, calling up their men, disassembling their camps, emptying the guest chambers you had provided the most high stationed amongst them.

Soldiers on foot with spear and shield, helms secured, tent rolls over their backs, padded gambeson and tight linked maille shirts. When they had arrived they had been a disorganized, fratatios rabble split along tribal lines. Germans kept away from Frenchmen and Normans minded only their own fires. Now as they fell into file and column beneath individual lordly banners, they did so with companionable lockstep. Shouting jokes toward one another that was answered with laughs or pained groans - depending on the quality of the joke. Some said farewell to sweethearts made in the town and the noble tower, while others just grit their teeth and focused on the task ahead.

Most would be cared for in time by the women in the camps, the seamstresses and the sword sharpeners. Many were wives, betrothed, sisters to brothers or daughters to fathers, some were even mothers following their boys. Others were whores who saw a fertile ground to grow their trade. An army is only so many soldiers, you had learned, and many more parts the people that followed the soldiers. Who in time would drive carts, dig latrines, sew shirts and mend bodies.

You saw a few boys of your town that had not been part of your army slip into the ranks. But they met the minimum standard. A helm and a spear, and you needed the troops. So you said nothing as they shared excited grins for the adventure they were about to embark on. No doubt many similar boys would be doing the same in other lands, in Jaffa, in Jerusalem, in Tripoli and Sidon.

I hope they will meet us in the field

Your squire Alexus finished saddling your horse. Most of your company was ready to leave, gathered in that courtyard. Tancred and his footmen, him a tall pillar of steel glittering like fish scales and topped with a high blued helm. A walking obelisk with a steady hand for the boys and men that followed him. Solomon, as black as the horse he rode, first kissed his wife and then his two gurgling boys before straightening up. He loosened the sword at his hip, then took the spear offered to him.

Sabeen rode up beside him, dark face split with a grin, a shadow of the big man but no less deadly. You had asked if they were kinsmen once but Solomon had snorted. 'She is Zanj, a far different people from mine'. You had left it at that, though you were glad to have the two of them riding under your banner. Heathen or not. And the other two heathens in your company, the surgeons Ibrahim and Mohmed, stayed close to her as if for protection from all the armed Franks that surrounded them.

Etienne's spurs clacked against the dirt as he walked to the horse Jacques held. The boy offered his knight a boost up into the saddle, by lowering his shoulder. The knight came up and sat high.

Franz sat a horse with your banner in his weathered hands, looking around with narrow eyes, trying to hide his nervousness. His buxom Syrian woman waited with him but did not talk, and watched him with large eyes both fearful and indignant.

They were waiting for you.

When last you vaulted up into the saddle, you found yourself face to face with Desmond on his. The priest gripped your shoulder. He had taken your confession many times by now, and you trusted the Irishman.

"Give the word, and we ride with Christ," the priest said. You touched a relic at your neck, a finger bone beside the crucifix you wore - said to be from a long dead saint.

Then you looked up to a window slit and saw her watching. Chihirizahd, your woman, your concubine. You hesitated to call the order with her standing there, staring down at you. In that second your saddle felt empty. It lacked her familiar warmth, her hands on your hips and body pressed to your back or nestled in your lap.

It felt wrong riding out without her.

> head out
> bring Chihirizahd with you

>>46284028
>head out
Need her to look after things and inform us what happens back in ramla

do we need spymistress in the field? she does work in non-violence

>>46284028
> head out

>>46284028
>bring Chihirizahd with you
We are selfish

>>46284005
> bring Chihirizahd with you
>>46284069
She could prove useful. I can imagine she is quite good at hearing whispers in the tents of the camp

>>46284028
> head out

>>46284028
> bring Chihirizahd with you

not near us but with us closer to the caravans

>>46284069
yes we need to commit a murder and there is politics a foot

as they say war is only the continuation of diplomacy

>>46284028
A full scale battlefield is no place for her. Here's to hoping this isn't flooded with "Durr bring her she's cool! XD!"

>>46284028
> bring Chihirizahd with you


She can come but she should not be in our saddle.

>>46284084
Oh my god! That would be OUR OWN CAMP. Not many secrets to be learned from our own army.

>>46284094
There will be a lot of riding and camping inbetween. And i can imagine a lot of secret alliances and deals among the lords of the army. She can prove useful

>>46284028
>> head out
Changed me mind

Don't fucking bring her.

>>46284084
you mean the camp where the ethnic muslims are visibly endangered?

>>46284143
Quite a lot of dark skinned girls around. She would just be another camp follower to most

>>46284028
> bring Chihirizahd with you

>>46284130
lol you seem buttmad anon

>>46284094
>>46284114
>>46284130
we need to kill Hugh she can help with that besides we can stick her with Sabeen when not in battle

>>46284169
She's probably well known as our concubine actually

There's no need for her.

>>46284028
> bring Chihirizahd with you

>>46284028
> head out
>"Later, 'Gator!"

>votexplosion

>>46284093
fuck it as much as an assert ourselves as to bel pious and chivilrious as fuck a heathen concubine wont help and we can get Hugh killed ourselves changing to

>>46284028
> head out

>>46284028
> bring Chihirizahd with you

>all this samefaggotry

Hahahahaha the waifuvote rigging is in

>>46284304
>11 votes
>18 unique IP's

sure, as much as I dont want to bring chiri this isnt same fagged

You have Alexius bring her to you. The others waited as the boy dashed off, to return later leading her by hand.

"My lady," you offered her your own.

"My lord," she took it, and you pulled her up behind you. Chihirizahd slipped in neatly at your back, arms encircling your waist, a pleasant press of her body against yours. It felt right, your heart settled a little. Perhaps she was your good luck charm.

With a raised hand the came the sound of metal on metal and the shuffle of feet. Everyone became ordered, ready.

And when you lowered it Tancred nodded and bellowed through his moustache 'March!'

The stamp of feet, the snuff of horses, you were away.

A marching song started up amongst the men. One you were soon singing as well, trotting ahead to have them hear your voice and have them think for a time at least that you were as much a fellow soldier as their lord. Chirizahd gripped you tight.

Out of the grounds and through the street, with your knights and horsemen behind you in a double column, riding beside the footmen, the creak of the wagons up the back as they followed all. You passed Achilles on his donkey and gave the man a friendly nod, his surly boy loading up the tube in the canvas carry sack that hanged from the donkey's back. Achilles just waved you on.

Old German friends, the Hellions, fell in with your knights swelling the ranks. Karl, Ludegard and Gerhard, your old friends from childhood days. All waved to the townsfolk assembled to bid your army farewell.

"We'll have ourselves a grand triumph, like the Romans of old," Karl said.

"And even the Kaiser will know our names," added Gerhard.

Boys, you couldn't help but grin.

Up came Valeran and Arnold, your two subcommanders. Arnold raised a brow at your woman but did not speak.

"We've riders approaching on the road," Valeran said, "Looks like the holy orders sent some men to travel with us."

Good news.

> greet them personally
> ride on, let them fall in

>>46284332
> greet them personally

>>46284332
> ride on, let them fall in

>>46284332
>> greet them personally

>>46284332
> ride on, let them fall in

>>46284332
> greet them personally
So does wil have any idea that Elias might be joining the army?

>>46284332
>> greet them personally

>>46284332
> greet them personally

dump Chiri with the baggage

>>46284332
> ride on, let them fall in
Probably not meet them with chiri hanging around our back right now

>>46284363
He does not.

>>46284363
I hope so, he seems like he has a lot to prove, meaning he'll do a lot of the work for us.

>>46284332
> greet them personally

>>46284332
> ride on, let them fall in

>>46284363
I'm just imagining how pissed wil will be when the false rumors of elias and mathilde fucking reach him

>>46284414
I think he's pissed more about the other rumour

>>46284420
That Hugo and Mathilde are fucking?

>>46284420
Which is?

>tfw hugo pov never

>>46284456
Cause Hugo is shit.

>>46284424
>>46284431
>Forgetting the great Iovetta cuck shitstorm

Tldr: he claimed he took Iovettas maidenhead and Wil is pretty made about it because he damn well knows its a lie

You ride to the very head of your column, ready to greet the holy knights. They come in both the colours of the Temple knights and the hospitallers, horses creating a dramatic tail of dust behind them. Drummers keep a beat that tell you footmen are present. But the face that is at their head is no sworn knight.

Hugo kicks his horse into a gallop, spear raised for you, and he streaks ahead of his companions. You hear Chihirizahd give a joyful gasp on recognizing your brother, and when he stops beside you you could not help but laugh for joy as well, reach out to grab him, hugging him across the horses' necks.

"Glad you could make it," you said, though you had been sure Mathilde would succeed in freeing your brother you had still felt the quiet fear of uncertainty in your breast.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, and the two of you separated. Hugo was back where he should be, by your side, riding in pleasant silence.

You wished you could say the face that greeted you next filled you with joy.

His eye patch was crossed with the red crucifix of the Templars. Blaise of Normandy, who had for you an ugly smile.

"Finally getting around to killing some heathens," he said, and his good eye found Chihrizahd and lingered on her form. "About time we found ourselves fighting the right people instead of each other."

"Blaise leads these delegation," Hugo said, "By the word of Raymond du Puy."

"The Grand Master will join us in time," Blaise said, "But he rides in the Queen's entourage. That she-wolf wants to watch you take this city personally. Heh. It'd make the bitch wet no doubt, seeing all these men die for her. I'd kill to fuck her the night of the sack, if my vows didn't prevent it." His words made your hackles rise. You doubt he valued his holy vows so highly.

> bastard!
> stay calm
> write-in

>>46284487
> bastard!

>>46284487
> bastard!

Show some goddamn respect for the Queen

>>46284487
>> stay calm
As if she would deign look at one of us before the great lords Ser Blaise. If she did we'd be the luckiest man alive no?

https://youtu.be/HIs5B2U7US0
https://youtu.be/aAodRUPN7lE
https://youtu.be/pI5_idvxm18
https://youtu.be/UdzsMEHUBrQ
https://youtu.be/ZvUibFUJFKM
https://youtu.be/oyYGLoo3bj0

>>46284527
Yeah that serie is mostly full of shit.

>>46284487
> write-in

''Sir Blaise you WILL hold a civil tongue when regarding her grace do I make myself clear!''

and order not a question

BLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

btw we heading to Jaffa or ascalon?

>>46284487
> cut out his tongue.

>>46284487
mind your tongue

>>46284536
Jaffa first where we will meet up with the rest of the army

>>46284536
supporting because reasons

Who here is willing to believe that Blaise is one of those who think Morphia is Wilhelms ?

People he is most likely doing this to intentionally piss us off don't rise to his weak bait scold him to remain civil when talking about our queen.

>>46284519
>>46284487
changing it to
> write-in
"Ahh Sir Blaise, so good to see you. Hope you remember Sir Solomon."

Or something like tat

>>46284487
>>46284606
supporting

It reminds me. We still got his axe

kek

"Mind your words Sir Blaise, and when you speak of the queen do so with respect," you said, unable to mask your anger but keeping it in check, "Am I understood?"

"Clear as a crystal," Blaise replied with a toothy smile. You brushed your eye as you ordered him away, putting a noxious curl in that grin and a petty satisfaction in your own heart.

Melisende riding out was news to you, and you weren't quite sure what to make of it, but you would not tolerate anyone - least of all a dog like Blaise - speak of her with such naked disrespect. With Sir Blaise obediently, almost frustratingly, silent (how he could glat with his eyes was beyond you) still you arranged for the holy knights to make up part of your caravan, stretching it out and thickening it further.

It would be a week to Jaffa. An army marches at the pace of its slowest members, and when night fell and camps were being assembled you found yourself issuing orders for the establishment of sentries and look outs, as well as giving clear order that all waste was to be made beyond the perimeter of the camp.

Alexius and Hugo worked in tandem to put up your tent, which as ever you shared with Chihirizahd.

And with that done you took the night, looking out over the forest of tents sprung up like mushrooms after a hard rain across the Jerusalem rode. There'd be no keeping this approach secret.

> call on a companion (nominate)
> go into the camp and eavesdrop on the soldiers
> write-in

>>46284680
> call on a companion (nominate)
Hugo

>>46284680
> call on a companion (HUGO)
time for an ass whoopin'

>>46284680
>> go into the camp and eavesdrop on the soldiers
Let's hear what they say about the war and us

>>46284680
> call on a companion (nominate)
Hugo and Chiri

Have her bring us something to drink

>>46284680
Speak with Hugo

>>46284710
I don't think that's really necessary

>>46284680
> call on a companion (nominate)

Hugo, rip him a new one for destroying relations with Antioch

keep our distance from chiri, have her more as Secretary than concubine right now

also I want to float the Idea of using Blaise as our vanguard, we have him charge ahead and take care of any would Inform Ascalon of our approach once we leave Jaffa

>>46284769
I do think a WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!

And a I LOST THE SUPPORT OF ANTIOCH!

Is in good order.

>>46284769
I see why you might think that, but he still acted a fool.

>>46284778
>keep our distance from chiri, have her more as Secretary than concubine right now

Her official title is pretty much just "Servant" and if everything we do with her in our own tent and not outside we should be fine.

Hahahaha, we got to cum between Alice's tits. Everything we've done has been worth it.

>>46284789
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer, keep your friends closest when your enemies are closer.

>>46284803
we can't do that for the explicit reason that she makes us vulnerable not only on a personal level but a PR one as well

>>46284680
>how he could glat with his eyes was beyond you
"glat"
"eyes"

>>46284778
lol everyone already knows we fuck her

You look to your woman. "Fetch a pair of cups from the saddlebag, and some good wine," you said. She slid over, fussed with the buckle, but did as you said. Then you looked to your squire, gangly no-brained Alexius. "Fetch my brother," you sent him on to drag the boy away from the reunion party Jacques was throwing for him.

You settled back against the saddle of your horse, before a fire with wine in hand and the stars overhead, the sound of the camp like that of a small town on market day all around you.

Spirits seemed high as Hugo walked up, helm beneath his arm and grinning. The boy seemed older than when you'd last seen him. More matured. You knew better than anyone the sobering effect of a prison cell, but you thought this something more. As if Hugo had come to decision about the kind of man he would be.

You gestured for him to sit, and had Chihirizahd came sit beside you. Lounge half upon you like a housecat upon a warm rock.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked, taking the offered wine and squatting before you.

That chestnut. You'd had it all in a brief stop over from Orlando on his way to Jerusalem. How Antioch had withdrawn all support from your cause, and how the new regent of that land, some French lord, had named you in particular as a dishonourable cur. It had been awful, awful news. And you were angry, but you had to admit you were more relieved to see your brother alive and free.

You took a swallow of wine.

He didn't have to know that.

"I'm furious," you said, "You came within a hair's breadth of unraveling everything I've ever worked for. You didn't just endanger yourself, you put Orlando's life at risk. All your comrades...what were you thinking? What was running through your skull when you grabbed that girl?"

"That I wouldn't see her raped," he said. The young man swirled the wine in his cup before looking back to you. "I'll not have that. I'll not sit back and let that happen. Not for anything. Would you?"

> I would
> I wouldn't
> write-in

>>46284836
>glat
I don't know how gloat got misspelled that badly, but misspellings have been pretty bad all through this quest.

>>46284846
> I would

Yeah. Wilhelm is pretty much the last person to judge others for doing stupid things for pretty girls.

>>46284846
> write-in

''I'm not sure....''

>>46284846
> I wouldn't
I just want you to understand that even good deeds can have terrible consequences.

>>46284846
> write-in

I'm not sure how many rapes is Iovetta worth?

>>46284861
Your vote contradicts what you're saying

>>46284846
> I have seen it, and I just might see it again if I fail here

>>46284846
> I wouldn't

>>46284888
>>46284858
>>46284846
Ah shit. Misread it.

> I wouldn't

>>46284846
>> I wouldn't
>> write-in
but there must have been some other way.

>>46284888
Blame HF for making his YES/NO prompt confusingly phrased.

>>46284896
he's going to see it if he succeeds

>>46284915
Not in our castle-city we're not.

>>46284846
Do ask him how it is going with Mathilde, how things were in Jerusalem.

>>46284846
> I would if it meant I could ensure my friends' safety

>>46284925
where going to see it on the blood soaked streets when we take it you fool, not to her admittedly but still

>>46284846
> slap him
> "A girl's chastity is worth your life? It is worth the lives of your comrades? Do you really place them on the same level?"

>>46284956
said girls chastity is worth a whole lot more than 2 of our retainers even if one of them is a dear friend its still worth much more

for the good of the realm at least

>>46284846
"only a sith deals in absolutes"

File: zOUILM4.gif (4.91 MB, 321x212)

4.91 MB GIF

>>46284956

>>46284956
Actually it would be worth it since the prize was Antioch. Wil should know that

Just realised.

>"Whatever the reason for his aid, we have you to thank. He has rescued my friend's son and your own brother from an awful fate. Though to save face I've had to end Raymond's betrothal to my sister. It would be too much of an insult to Alice to marry the two of them."

>Ioveta looked troubled

YOu think she might have the betrothal canceled ?

>>46284846
> Never again

File: [screams internally].gif (994 KB, 500x279)

994 KB GIF

>>46285049

>>46285049

I doubt that. We still have a city to deliver. She has something on the line with that betrothal.

File: 1448682157739.jpg (20 KB, 640x424)

20 KB JPG

>>46285021
We need to find somebody who can invent the gallon straw-hat.

It was not an easy question to answer, not with that sting of accusation in it.

"I wouldn't, not readily, not without very good cause," you said, "But you cannot act continually in the moment. There are consequences to this, for the good and bad we do. Every choice comes back to us in some way. You have to remember that. We are responsible for more than just ourselves. Lives are at stake, in everything we do."

Hugo didn't like your answer. He looked away, no longer drinking his wine. You took another sip of yours, to put him more at ease. "Tell me about Matty, tell me about Jerusalem," you said, inviting the boy to talk.

A light came on in Hugo's eyes and he smiled. "She's well," he said, "Setting herself very nicely in the Queen's court. By the time we get back she'll be running half the kingdom. And that one eyed soldier who guards her has his hands full keeping the boys away. She has a lot of dogs sniffing after her."

"Matty can take care of herself," you said, you hoped, but you smiled for the news. You could picture her bossing around the servants and making herself a second queen of that place.

"You should know," Hugo said, "That Elias of Maine is going to be joining us soon, with a body of men. I think he means to have Matty. Seduce her. Or...I don't know. He helped me win my freedom."

"There's some game there, no doubt," you said, "I trust Mathilde has the sense to keep him far from her bed. The man beds any woman he can, and makes notches in his bedpost."

"Like someone else I know," Chihirizad murmured from your lap, and you looked down into a devilish grin.

You couldn't call her a liar.

"Anyroad," you said, "We'll see what happens at the gates of Ascalon. There's still much that could happen before we have to worry about any of his schemes."

"Mayhap," your brother said, and emptied his cup, "For my part I'm going to get some sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Hugo," you said, sending him off with a hug.

And then Chiririzahd drew you to your bed, to slumber and her soft arms around you.
-
The week went slow. A wagon near tipped over and required a body of men to haul back onto the road, and a horse broke its leg soon after requiring it to be killed, butchered and its owner put on a remount. Soon enough though the scouts gave a cry for the sight of Jaffa, and you looked over at the seaside walls, the whole place like a touch little stone. Beyond it you could make out sails, ships in harbour, and you were keen to get within.

"Count Hugh rides with the Queen," Sir Etienne said, "Jaffa is under the command of Lady Aines and Sir Barisan."

> ride ahead
> enter with your army

>>46285140
> enter with your army

>>46285140
> enter with your army

>>46285140
> enter with your army

With Lion helmet and everything

>>46285140
> enter with your army

Lion helmet and everything!

how do we go about disposing of Hugh?

>>46285186
>implying his sister and sir barisan isnt already planning on that.

>>46285140
No last minute Shatranj for gains?

>>46285140
> ride ahead
Never let your rival obtain your measure.

>>46285140
> ride ahead

>>46285207
how exactly does riding ahead not allow our rivals get a measure of us?

You call up Alexius to pass you your helm and secure it upon your head, giving you the aspect of a snarling lion, the pelt falling down your back as a lion skin cape, the man covering the back of your head and shoulders like a ruff. You sit tall in the saddle and approach at the head of your army.

The drummers and the pipers sound each step, underscored by the tramp of marching feet.

On the battlements of Jaffa you see local soldiers and foreign, surrounding the marshal of Jaffa himself, Sir Barisan. Too distant to read his expression, he had a hand upon the stone as if he were leaning out to peer. Beside him was the Count's noble sister, Aines, her hair covered modestly and dressed in her brother's colours.

Around the city a camp had grown, much like at Ramla but far larger. Banners stood as markers and you recognized cities and lords both great and minor. The banner of Foix most clearly, with lesser lords ringing it like minnows, creating a small vortex of noble pageantry.

Men stood from camps to watch you approach and pass. Scouring armour, sharpening swords, checking the feathers on arrows, even just taking their ease for the time they could. All paused in their activity to recognise your arrival.

The other nobles in your body moved up to ride with you. Arnold and Valeran, the knights behind them, the holy knights as well. A screen of riders for the thicket of footmen that brought up their wake.

Franz carried your banner ahead.

"Ho Jaffa!" he waved his banner, "Lord Wilhelm arrives with his forces. Who greets him?"

A strong voice called back. "Sir Barisan, sworn man to Count Hugh. I bid Lord Wilhelm and all his host welcome. Jaffa is his."

The gates groaned open. You rode in with all the noble company, leaving the common soldiery and the camp followers behind.

Sir Barisan came down the stairs of the walls to greet you. He walked more like a lord than his own master, and had that master's sister on his arm, though you knew Barisan already wed with children. There was something haughty about him you disliked. A man with eyes above his station.

"Welcome," he said as if he were your liege, inviting you to dismount, "We wait now only for the Queen and Tripoli."

"How long?" you asked.

Barisan shrugged. "Perhaps a month," he said, "Tripoli still has troops to muster. I except the Queen in a number of days."

You looked to the harbour, thick with ships. Sidon was already here and many of the foreigners.

> too long, we march in a week
> grit your teeth and accept it

>>46285329
> grit your teeth and accept it

I have read enough about the second crusade to know it is bad to get your forces split.

>>46285329
> grit your teeth and accept it

Jerusalem marchs as one or not at all

Ingretiate ourselves with Barisan and Aines while we wait.

>>46285329
> too long, we march in a week
We're here to bring in Ascalon for the Queen, she can sit on her ass and wait politely.

>>46285329
> too long, we march in a week
This is our campaign, and we must start making moves to keep ahead of both our enemies and our allies.

>>46285329
>> grit your teeth and accept it

>>46285329
so we either let ascalon know we're coming or gain plot power against hugh?

well fuck

It would be a good idea to inform us about aines and barisan hugo

>>46285329
> too long, we march in a week
Strike fast, strike hard, show no mercy.

>>46285407
Strike hard?

We have not even Hal of our forces, supplies or siege engines

>>46285433
We still have a lot.

>>46285438
Not enough

>>46285433
I think anon means a slash & burn strategy regardless over confidence could destroy us without a gurantee over of a worthwhile reward

regardless we could send Blaise ahead under the guise of Christian raiders

>>46285476
We can still fight the forces outside the walls.

We have a tie. Do you guys want to talk it out some more or have me roll for it?

>>46285509
Guys. Don't split our forces. We march as one under Christ and her grace

>>46285478
Can you rephrase that more clearly?

>>46285524
We can march as one after we finish clearing the way.

>>46285329
>> grit your teeth and accept it

>>46285509
Okay so if we march we get the chance to catch Ascalon with its pants down but in exchange we lose the chance to plot Hugh's death right?

Im torn here because both of these are Important to our future powerbase as well as our overall ambition

>>46285524
While it is true that Christian armies are not as uniform as the Saracen armies, that is also their strength.

>>46285533
Holy shit, we are not getting Jaffa. We are aiming solely for Ascalon right now, just take these things one at a time.

>>46285550
your're right we're not but Hugh is both our de jure lord and ruler, it just gives Melisande the option to go ''lol nope'' and let him form a singular title with him ruling Ascalon AND Jaffa

killing him removes this possibility

>>46285509
Just roll with it.

>>46285570
I dont see how the queen would happily screw us over like that.

>>46285570
At the risk of not being able to fuck Jesus' Mom in our dreams anymore? I think not.

>>46285570
Melisende could appoint someone as friendly towards us as Blaise is to be the new Count of Jaffa. Will that Count be as cool with us taking Ascalon under our reign as Hugh would be?

>>46285533
I would rather snatch at an opportunity now than prepare to snatch at one.

Technically if Hugh died without issue his sister would inherit. As yet unwed sister. If he has a child the regency would be assumed by one of his vassals.

>>46285577
because we are certainly no longer in her circle of most trusted advisers after fucking her sisters and not telling her before hand, she could just decide she doesn't like us having a whole city to ourselves what with our reputation as an ambitious man and what not

>>46285597
I'd expect Barisan to pull a Burgundy on Jaffa and marry Aines as soon as Hugh is dead which would allow him to claim it through the Maternal claim Aines has

>>46285622
you say Issue as in child right?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

I'm just going to roll for it

1d2

1 you ride out
2 you wait

>>46285647
Yes.

>>46285622
...We need to protect his child.

>>46285649
God wills it!

>>46285658
he has no heir

>Hugh dies
>Aines Inherits
>Barisan marries Aines
>Barisan Inherits but in a position thats damaged (due to rumours of being the murderer)
>Wil secures his position as lord of Jaffa in return for his Allegiance
>Wil effectivly becomes overlord of South Jerusalem

>>46285682
So a smear campaign on Barisan would be favorable for us.

You grit your teeth and nod. It would be imprudent to ride out so under strength. Though you were confident in the capabilities of your men, you could not know what the Moslem had waiting for you. Sir Barisan, though you disliked the man, was talking good sense. You would remain at Jaffa until all of Jerusalem and her allies were assembled.

Then, and only then, would you move out.

And in the mean time you had time to work. To shore up alliances. To entertain the most valuable of the soldiers called to fight. To make sure your position was secure.

Because you were not just thinking about Ascalon and the fighting it would take to capture that city. Your eyes were on what lay beyond the fighting. You meant to receive a just reward, and would not be robbed of it by favour or petty machinations.

So you gave the order for your men to make camp and prepare for a long stay.

It was written in the books that warfare was as much long periods of waiting as it was intense moments of action. Your time would come soon enough. You could afford to wait.
-
end of thread
Matilde +2 lead
Wil +1 int

I'll be running again tomorrow around 10 AM.

>>46285689
only if Wil was not the in any outright sense the one doing it and it was after Hugh died then yes I suppose it would be

>>46285627
We can still work our way back in, we are 'well-liked' after all.

And we still gave her her kingdom back.

>>46285695
thanks for running HF hope you're enjoying yourself

>rumors of Mathilde fucking Elias are a thing right?
>Will we get a chance to play as Mathilde again?
>any commentary?
>How does chiri coming with us affect things
>anything to say on the assassination shenanigans?
>Happy easter!

>>46285718
yes but we have proven ourselves to be ambitious and not a 100% trustworthy or loyal to her

not to mention how Hugo's actions may have affected things

>>46285695
Thanks for running historicalfiction did you enjoy writing the last great Emperor of the Byzantine empire?

>>46285695
Thanks for running hf!

What would matty and ioveta\Queen talk about if she had stayed?

>>46285745
Listening from matty's pov, the queen still generally seems approving of the koblenz family members.

Matty one of her handmaidens/confident
Hugo, she mentioned needing to give him a position or authority to keep him out of trouble

I believe the family is still in a good position and she'd not just screw wil over like that.

File: kingdom of jerusalem.jpg (963 KB, 1943x2400)

963 KB JPG

>>46285807
screw us over no, temper naked ambition more likely.

>>46285820
And engaging in machinations to kill hugh is not such naked ambition?

>>46285838
seeing as they are not nakedly displayed like our Inviting of the Archbishop no no they are not

besides it's not like we're going to have ourselves or one of our known retainers march up to him and stab him in broad daylight while wearing our colours, something like how he dies in our timeline or a stray arrow is more what I'm thinking

>>46285859
I feel its too risky, such a plot. Also the timing will be bloody suspect.

Hell, our piety has fallen thanks to shit like this.

>>46285859
We're not killing Hugh, he's nice to us.

>>46285880
no risk means no reward it's really the only option I can see currently that advances our overarching ambition right now and secures both Ascalon and Iovetta's hand for us, besides Hugh has enemies

>Caesara hates his guts for the divorce
>Barisan marrying his sister and becoming lord will look suspect as fuck
>Conspires with muslims
>related to an ambitious pirate king

we don't even have to have a direct part in the plot maybe just some coaxing or planting the idea in someones head would be enough

>>46285891
the fact he has been nice to us doesn't mean they will continue to be so when we want things above our station and have displayed the ambition and ability to get such things