proceed...

Talk to Gor about his engineering knowledge, specifically wheel related stuff. Continue our drive to the marble. Ask what's her face if she want to be our Steward, she's basically doing the job already. How old is the other count's daughter?

>>15722004
Also, open the castle library to the peasants who can read. Maybe one of them will find something useful so we don't have a repeat of the red rash outbreak.

The current season is Spring
The Current state of the realm:
Safety: Strong (The Raider threat is removed and no robbers dare enter your fief)
Morale: Excellent (The Peasants couldn't be happier with you right now. The warm fire during the winter kept many from dying. The no losses during the Raiders helped as well)
Farming: Sowing Season (Hops, Wheat and Barley about 1/3 of farmland unused by popular vote)
Housing: Moderate (Some peasants live in hovels, whilst others in decent housing. It's getting there.)
Gold: Moderate (With the loot from the Raiders as well as a small reward from the Duke you've managed to pay the militia you rounded up)
Wood-cutters: Moderate (Luckily few trees are on the road leading towards the quarry and the culling of those is easy)

Important People:
Leoric (Weapon-master, he is aging, 40-ish, but is still a brute on the battlefield and has been your tutor in weapon skills)
Magda & her Maids (The caretakers of the castle, only five remain)
Karl (Spokesman of the villagers)
Jehenna (Karl's wife and Priestess of Gaia (earth mother))
Farran (Your squire and Leoric's son)
Kestin (Leader of the Wardens, short stocky fellah)
Gor (Blacksmith)
Kalistra (Smart woman from Village, daughter to Karl and Jehenna)
Ulri (Priest of Gaia)

Layout of the Land:
The castle is situated atop a hill, to the east of your lands forests ride up to the mountains in the east, the forests are filled with game.

There is a road leading through your territory, it crosses two rivers, both of them are bridged and are tolled, (low toll), trade is starting to spring up again, stone is being traded for furs and wood to make better housing, a small temple to the earth goddess Gaia is the main sight in the village.

To the west are farms, which are currently being sown by the farmers, to the east the wood-mill is grinding along nicely with the same set-up as last year.

Quests this season:
Kalistra's education (Mandatory)
Farran wishes to see you (Mandatory)
Ulri wishes to see you (Optional)
- Secret Quest - (complete others to receive)

Now decide how to rule your realm....

(Also map of the places we know!)

Oh, interesting. What lands lie near to us? Do we owe allegiance to some king?

>>15722022
Allowing peasants, most of whom can barely make an X to their name, to lick fingers on illuminated manuscripts? you know how long each one of those books took to be written out?

madness.

On the other hand, the intelligent girl may well be a good candidate to educate a few of the more promising children into scribes. if we can send them off to the cities in a few years, they will raise the estimation of the region - perhaps there's even a university, and one will be good enough at reading to be a lawyer......

>>15722035

We have a Duke (who's vassal we are) and two counts. The Duke's fief lies to the west, whilst Count Jenniker's lies to the North and Count Urs' to the South.

Duke owes allegiance to the King.

>>15722004

Gor expresses that while he knows.. it's more practical knowledge and he might fail.. he's not entirely confident.

Drive to Marble still under-way.

Kalistra politely declines, the education edict will take up much of her spare time.

>>15722022

There were only two boys in the village 'wise' enough to be selected for education. One is the former 'Mediocre' Blacksmith's boy, he's young only seven but has a wise mind, the other is Hans a wood-cutter's son who came to your lands with his dad.

Knight, or city council clerk?

1: Pick some smart looking fella, he runs shit now. Call him the butler or something.
2: Any war going on? Feud? Tournament? Any suitable bridge around for the "None shall pass!" routine? Or if all else fails, round of what you have for squires, strongmen and so, send a letter to your neighbour about it, and have him meet you in a field somewhere with whatever he can scrape together. Bash heads in, have lunch, bah some more, and if still alive at the end of the day take your prisoners and wounded and go back home.

>>15722034
What does Ullri want?
>>15722045
That's kinda the plan, since most of the peasants will still be ignorant unwashed peasants. But, having a few literate commoners poking around the library might be useful.

>>15722072

You had a steward, he died, he has 0 heirs. So you need a new one. Especially if something calls you away form your lands.

So for now you take on those responsibilities. Currently no feuds, nor wars. Though a tournament is being held, but it's very far away.

Also:
You've managed to befriend Count Jenniker's son Jakin, the other one seems.. disinterested in you. Jakin is second born, a few minutes, to his brother though.

They have given you a few horses, enough to start to breed them in time. Though this will obviously take time and patience.

Count Urs remains.. unknown to you, he is a loyal vassal and he has a Warrior Maiden for his daughter, but most else remains unknown.

>>15722034
So, how large is the mountain range? Could we cross it for trade purposes with the inner part of the empire?

To the Gaian temple... to eat some fungus maybe

>>15722073

Ulri comes before you dressed in the drab green and brown clothing of the peasant diety known as Gaia. The Earth-mother, he has an earthy smell about him and his head is shaved clean.

"My lord..", he smiles softly, "I thank you for offering my a home in your lands", he glances out the window of the castle towards the forest. "The Wood-cutters have been bringing back reports of small creatures that manage to sting them creating welts. I know these creatures are known as bees, with a few of your men I might be able to... acquire them, they produce honey which is very good food. Though there is some risk, the beasts will viciously defend their home"

>>15722106

How old is the maiden?

See, I suggest we wait with her for a bit, then talk to her about a political marriage. Allow her the same right's as any male soldier, but make her ackowledge that she will probably not be able to bear many children (and probably wouldn't want to), allowing us to have as many bastard kids as we want.

Allow land grants to people in other parts of the kingdom, offer them reduced prices on land, but they must buy all there supplies from us (at a moderate tax.) This builds are economy at the same time it builds our treasury

>>15722127
Check the library first of anything about bees and smoke, but aside from that, we will do it for the mead.

>>15722110

No, plus the Inner Empire doesn't like.. 'independents' nor would the King (we broke free from the Empire City-States) like it if you traded with their enemies. (You went to war more then a year ago)

>>15722127

NOT THE BEES!

>>15722143
So the mountains are not traversable. Good to know.

>>15722127

Have all literate peasant's who are not working search the library for information about beekeeping

>>15722106
We've done all this without running into a suitable Steward replacement? Send for a lead miner then, I think e may have a sizeable deposit just upstream. And then tell Karl he's got a new job, if this gets in the way of farming or anything for him then tell him that doing that shit for him is part of everyone else's taxes.

Right, we should start working on that waterwheel and adding irrigation of some kind.

>>15722106
Is it possible to contact Count Urs? Perhaps establish some sort of trade? In any case, establishing relations with a neighbor would be wise.

Karl politely declines as did Kalistra, his services are needed in the village and he can't abandon his 'people'

Bottom-line you're gonna need to send somebody I don't care who to a city to look for a suitable replacement.. or y'know.. complete quests....

There's little information about bees, it seems that Ulri has practical knowledge but nothing written down. He is awaiting your decision and how many men you'll send with:

Current Army:
Yourself
Farran (Leader)
Leoric (Second in Command and trainer for Farran, also Farran's daddy)
Twenty Yeomen - Armored with leather and armed with spears/bows & arrows
Twenty Men at Arms (Armored in bearskin and wielding Nordic Style shields and axes (LOOT))
Twenty Five Wardens (Armored in Leather and wielding Axes and bows & arrows)

>>15722215
Send 10 wardens with Ullri for bee collection. Then we should talk to Farran.

The process of irrigation is already somewhat under-way, the Water-wheel project ties in with it.

Trading with Count Urs:
Possible, he has Wood, Stone and (most important) Iron for sale or trade. Whilst we have Wood, Stone (small bit), Iron (only a nearly exhausted vein) and Ale! for sale.

Also to start courting Count Urs' daughter you'll need to ask permission first.

> Priority number one : waterwheel.
But with the new piece of information, we might start gathering up some bees. With bees we might as well plant more appletrees. That way we gain more in products.

>>15722246
I'm thinking if we set up a distillery we could sell spirits for more than the ale. So just what is our forest made of? Any oak?

bumping for more responses (You guys will be heard, but I want a few more people in here)

Where mah Fa/tg/uy's at?!

Would there happen to be any possibility of fur trapping in the forrest?

>>15722312
Responses to what? The bee collection numbers?

>>15722215

Can we promote the head of the maids? It seems a lot of the duties required would fall under what she already does. I wouldn't come across well if we had to get a steward from outside the town

>>15722246

Doesn't the count want to get rid of her? Then it should be easy to convince him to let us court her

>>15722334

Sorry if you seem angry. But I had more people in here last night.

Okay:
Ulri thanks you for your time and leaves together with ten Wardens.

Meanwhile you give the craftsmen of the village the orders to construct the water-wheel, completing it by the time summer rolls around. The Inn is left alone for now, well Inn, a bunch of rocks so far really.

>>15722316

Already being done, add that to the list of trade-able items.

Also, apples-trees will need apple seeds first and we'll need to get those from a big city. Which will require we organize some sort of 'expedition', the roads are somewhat unsafe leading up to the Duke's city.

Any more Q's?

>>15722350

Magda has never learned how to read, nor write, two skills needed. Also retainers brought from out of town are not frowned upon, Gor, your Blacksmith (Mediocre Engineer) was actually brought from the city after a successful tourney by Leoric.

>>15722363

So writing Count Urs to allow us to court his daughter.

Also she's 26 now, two years older then us.

>>15722367
I'm not angry, I was just wondering if it was bee related. And I agree, it certainly seems that there were more people based on the archive.

Talk to Farran.

>>15722367

Can we bring in laborers to work on the Inn? It would speed up production, and possibly spread rumors of our wealth

>>15722384

Right, but steward seems like a position of trust, not necessarily of skill.

I suggest we hold a contest in the village to find his replacement

>>15722312
>Where mah Fa/tg/uy's at?!

This one is going to bed but will be back in 6 hours.

>>15722384
26, that's not to bad. Yes, lets ask for permission to court his 'unique' daughter.

Have we scouted the nearby hills for any metal deposits? Marble is fine and all but iron and such is something that everyone needs and usually brings in LOADS A MONEY.

>>15722406
1. Daughter of village leadership
2. The peasants love us
4. Good idea
5. Wolves, Bears

>>15722432

Bees and water wheel should be prioity. If we can get a stable bee operation going it will help our crops and give us another trading resource. These two combined will let us trade for a good amount of iron come fall which means we can upgrade our military over the winter.

>>15722432
Iron is crap, steel is better. Add a blast furnace to the waterwheel!

>>15722387

You could... though it would leave you kinda strapped for cash the next season, unless you managed to find something spectacularly $$$ worthy.

>>15722386

Nope not bee related, just wanted to draw a bigger 'crowd'

Also

Farran has grown a little taller now, able to look you straight in the eye you see he's wearing your House colors. He is still your squire for now and it does you good to see him, the brutal scar on his face will never pass and it does give him a harsher look.

He doesn't look happy though as he comes up to you, "My lord..", something in his voice sounds hesitant, ".. I have an.. another boon to ask you", he glances away from your face as he shakes his head. "I've been called", you curse beneath your breath at this.

To be called is to be seen by someone higher up in the chain of royalty then yourself. He gives you the letter, "Damned..", Duke Hamish, your uncle once removed has seen fit to call him to the capital. Apparently he was impressed by Farran during the tournament last Fall (he came third), the letter details that Farran is to renounce his oaths to you (being called allows this without negative consequences) and bind himself to your Uncle's house.

"It's a great honor.. but I won't betray our friendship", he rests his eyes on the ground, "Speak your mind my lord.. if you wish me to stay.. I will"

My post was all durr, so I have rephrased it:

1. Ask about Kalistra's family status. If we'll know more about her situation at home, we could try to somehow overcome the obstacle of her refusal.
2. Disregard maidens, aquire respect from commonfolk.
Also, we'll only say ubi tu Gaius, ibi ego Gaia for the lady we love!
;___;
3. Honey can be a good deal - we have vast forest that can bring much profit, it's in itself the source of whole range of different resources that can bring vast amounts of much needed coins.
4. Connected with previous one - we don't have many goods we can trade and beer isn't going to bring us fame & fortune in a long run. I propose the different specialization.

Pigments is were it's at. Colour was a big deal in medieval times and being blessed by presence of priest and priestess of Gaia, we should try to obtain/work on some formulas that would make good, permanent colours for clothing that we can sell in nearby cities.
5. Furs. What animals are most common on our grounds? Can we make a good business out of fur trade in the winter? (we'll send them by rivers)

>>15722442

>>15722437

Ok, thanks.

>>15722451
Do we have anyone that we can call to replace him immediately? Having a loyal friend in another nobles house could be a very valuable asset later on.

>>15722451

"Unless you managed to find something spectacularly $$$ worthy."

Steel and Ion sounds like a really good idea, we could even make out own armor and weapons.

>>15722450
>Iron is crap, steel is better. Add a blast furnace to the waterwheel!

you cant get steel without iron.
(and of course, the alchemists know the two are different materials. if it is refined well, then the iron will give up the purer steel...)

>>15722451
What would be the negative consequences for refusing our uncle?

>>15722466

>>15722451
Have Farran talk it over with Leoric, and respect their decision.
>>15722458
Answered in
>>15722437

>>15722432

No Iron, Count Urs has it but.. well you can't go invading his lands can you. Really you can't, not unless you want to get buttfucked by the Kingdom.

>>15722450

Technology.. no input.. GRRR... needs research. Nope not doing it mister.

>>15722448

Wait till end of season for rewards. Rolling as we speak.. cross fingers.

>>15722458
1. Daughter of Karl (Town 'speaker') and Jehenna (Priestess of Gaia) also, she's got work, educating the two smart peasants.
2. Sure message away. Will report end season.
4. Dyes aren't well known and making them isn't easy, though Ulri might have some ideas. The green cloth he wears is dyed, have to ask him when he returns.
5. Deer/Bears/Wolves. Bit of pheasant and such nothing spectacular

>>15722477
Yes Leoric his father.

>>15722451
Would Count Jenniker's son Jakin be able to replace Farran?

>>15722484
I was over-simplifying, but yes iron, limestone (or some other flux stone), and carbon are needed for steel production.

>>15722506

Isn't Leoric's decision, it's yours.

It's a great honor for Farran to be called at 16 years of age, most boys are called at 20. Only 'minor' nobles, those with fiefs, or able to trace inheritance are not callable.

Disregarding Uncle, he won't be happy with Farran, but unless Farran states that we refused to let him go, (disrespect), he'll just be pissed at Farran and give him the cold shoulder.

Also we don't have an alchemist, Steel is known to us, but we don't quite have the set-up yet to make it. Iron is all we got for now, sorry.

>>15722517
See above.

>>15722451

Tell him we will revisit the issue in a years time. Tell him "His father has not yet taught him all that he can teach, and it would be dishonorable to present the duke with a squire who is less than his potential."

Or some bullshit like that. We need to stall till we either A: Have a soldier able to replace him
Or B: Have standing/power/dirty pictures of the duke to hold our own if he gets pissed.

Also, this way makes us look better

>>15722478
>we could even make out own armor and weapons.

If only it were that easy......

pic related solely 'cos its sort of related, and I'm pleased as I finished making it about 10 mins ago....

>>15722541
I like the stalling idea.

>>15722541

This, also we really should get friendly with Count Urs.

Really.

>>15722561
And marry his daughter to have her as a replacement for Farran?

>>15722538
Well all in all it would seem that upsetting our uncle over one man would be a bit uncalled for, and to boot we would have a close ally in his court. Allowing Farran to go would seem to be the best choice. Is there any chance of recompense from the uncle?

What are the advantages of him being called? Could we use it as leverage? Gain favors? Perhaps even poison the Duke?

We are in line after him, right?

>>15722561
>>15722559
>>15722541

As you decide on this course of action Farran smiles. "You always know what to do", he claps his hand on your shoulder and walks away. The letter is made and sent by pigeon towards the city. Your Uncle won't be happy, but he'll be understanding.

SUCCESS!

Quests remaining:
Kalistra's Education (Mandatory)
Farran (Done)
Ulri (Pending)
- Secret Quest -

Also ideas on how to get buddy buddy with Urs, Jenniker likes us, shed blood, he's bro-tier.

>>15722581
Not as a squire mind you, but as the head of our militia.

>>15722581

Good plan. Although, why not have two squires?

>>15722590

We should court his daughter then, perhaps take her on a hunting trip in our spectacular forest?

>>15722589

Uncle once Removed.

He has sons of his own, daughters. Bastards (rumor), so no.

>>15722593
>>15722596
>>15722581

Idea is note-worthy, though the men will balk at being led by a Woman. They have equal rights but still... they are used to Farran and Leoric. Being drilled by a Woman is completely different.

Also, she's a good warrior, not a good leader of men. Side-note.

>>15722590
Kalistra's education, meaning her education or her teaching those 2 kids how to read? Well, lets talk to her anyway.

Reccommend a politely worded metter be delivered to Uncle Bastard McBastard, explaining that farran is still a boy at 16, and has yet to complete his training to an acceptable standard. to send him now would be a disservice to you (the uncle).

If he insists, then he shall be sent, but as he is still much younger than any expect to be called, little will be lost, and more gained by his complete training...

Which, conveniently gives us another few months at least, for letters to run back and forth.

Meanwhile, despatch Farran to that distant tournament. if he does well, he may rake us in some cash before he goes... if he fails, his first success might have been a fluke, and they'll change their mind.

best we can hope for, without causing an incident.

Presumably asking for some sort of recompense for his loss is not part of the custom?

>>15722608

How difficult would it be to clear a path? Not necessarily murder, but pulling strings to get people sent to war, get them put in a high church position (and out of the line of succession) and hiring whores to seduce them and get them to run off into foreign lands.

Also, how hard would it be to murder them?

>>15722590
Perhaps we should invite Count Urs to accompany us on a hunt, or perhaps a feast?

Can't those two boys be tutored by Jehenna,Kalistra's mother? They can serve within temple as a pay of their education. Kalistra can still see them.

>>15722608

How is she as a tactician?

>>15722629

Oh noes, that idea is un-knightly! Bad, bad advice!

>>15722644

Your right, it's not knighty
It's dukely.

Think about it. If we have raised the standard of living so much in our own realm, isn't it our morale obligation to increase the size of our realm and raise the standard of living for even more people?

>>15722620

You got that right.

The higher up you are in the food chain the more shit you get to pull.

>>15722611

As you enter the library you see Kalistra teaching, as she sees you standing there she smiles softly. There's a quiet warmth to her, not like she was at the beginning of her time spent with you.

The two boys are left to their devices, one is reading, awkwardly trying to form the words while the youngest is writing. You can see he's actually doing a good job. "They are good boys my Lord", she says softly, taking the time to step outside the library, "But the older boy is constantly taking time away from his studies. I have spoken with his father as well as him multiple times. But I am at a loss. Perhaps.. you could help me", she seems almost embarrassed as she has to ask for your aid.

>>15722629
Assassin's exist, are expensive and well *dice roll rattle* might fail BADLY.

>>15722636

Jehenna is currently working in the Temple, serving the people, helping those in child-birth etc. she doesn't have time.

>>15722632

A feast would be possible, but you'll need some spare $.

The laborers you hired to build the Inn (next season finish) do cost money. You could go into debt for now, Jenniker would surely lend you the crowns to buy the stuff for the feast.

>>15722656
But we're a count, so it's Countly.

>>15722656
As a lord, to ignore any options on the table would be a tad foolish. And might shorten our own life expectancy.

rolled 84 = 84

how about this ; make deal with urs that if he mines iron from his mountains then we will make lods of armor and weapons out of them and give half to him (ofc that means we need to have that waterwheel forge)

>>15722675
So time to talk to the parents.

>>15722675

Give the lad a stern talking to, and offer a prize to whoever progresses the most. Start competition between the two.

>>15722707
Better idea!!

>>15722675

Ok, well, lets start making money before we hire assassins. The forest should continue to be harvested, some soldiers should be let out as mercenaries (we get a cut, and they have to be back in 6 months) and we should talk to the older boy's father and explain the situation

>>15722694

Weapons & Armor require talented Blacksmiths who knows how to make these things.

We have two, they know how to make spear-heads, axe-heads but crafting swords is a whole other thing. Not to mention plate armor or crazy stuff like that.

Things we know we can make in terms of weapons & armor:
Weapons:
Axes, 1 - 2 handed
Spears
Arrows
Bows
Crude swords (think 'cleavers')

Armor:
Mail
Leather Armor
Wooden shields (Nordic type, reverse engineering!)

Ps. He knows the above as well, save for Wooden shields, his men will probably have V shaped shields, not Nordic type.

Man, that girl isnt the same ice princess as she was in the beginning... *sigh*
... lets just try to help the older boy to see the importance of literacy

>>15722734

The winner gets to accompany us on a hunting trip, the loser has to stay in and study.

Votes on What to do:
Talk to Father
Start Competition with Reward at end.

Competition seems likely to be the way to reach this kid

>>15722749
You keep making that idea better.
>>15722755
Rivalry.

Competition

competition.

and a little headology.
"what shall we try today? reading latin? Or shall we try ploughing the common land? its pretty wet out there today, is'nt it..."

You enter the library with Kalistra following you, the two boys stare at you as you come before them.

The young one is bright-faced and bright-eyed. There's a quiet intelligence behind his eyes, the older boy is smart as well. Though he's 'hiding' it, probably to long amongst the other boys.

As you propose your the older boy chuckles, "Beat him.. easy at what?", you smile, "Writing", the older boy grunts. "What my lord?", he stares at you.

"This", you grab a nearby parchment, it's the contract that men sign when they inhabit a lord's land. Placing it down on the table you stare at them, giving both a sheet of parchment. "You can start", you say with a soft smile. Sitting down.

The older boy seems to be glancing at the younger boy a lot as he's scribbling, his writing is a little sloppy, but he's definitely good. That at age 7 is something to be greatly admired and cultivated.

Also, this isn't Medieval Times.

This is Low-Fantasy, Medieval Times.

Just for everyone's info.

>>15722833
Is this low-fantasy with active gods, or low-fantasy with inactive gods?

I sure hope those bees were just bees and not giant bees.

>>15722812

As you wait, the younger boy smiles as he finishes. "Done!", he says, the older boy growls. "You cheated.. look!", he points at the page. Calmly picking it up you read it, a few smudges, but it's good enough.

The older boy's however isn't, "A pheasant shall be given to your family boy", you say to the younger who smiles brightly. His clear blue eyes staring at you, you turn towards the older. "And you, how could you let this youngling beat you. You will have to provide for your family once, learn your trade and I might.. give you the benefit of the doubt and not take you from this school", he bows, "I thank you my lord.. I will strive to... work harder and listen to Mistress Kalistra", you nod and tell him to rise as you walk off. The woman mouths a quiet thank you towards you before continuing her lessons.

-Still up:
Secret Quest *Crackles...*

An Injured rider arrives in town bearing the mark of Duke Hamish (Uncle)

>>15722879

Tend to his wounds and ask him what happened.

Ask him what happened to him. And also bring him to a doctor/priest etc.

>>15722879
Is it another Norse band of raiders that got through the empire?

>>15722858

LOW-fantasy, no gigantic fuckhuge bees in this setting.

Also sometimes the gods give some boon so far established gods:
Gaia (Farming goddess)
Coin Father (Traders, Innkeeps, Administrators etc.)
Iron Prince (Warrior Diety)

Boons come in forms of:
Iron Prince takes away your fatigue during battle, heals your wounds. No avatar of the God showing up though.
Gaia worship, perhaps a brand new seed develops from cross-breeding making hardier wheat or something
Coin Father, a lucrative trade-deal.

>>15722879
Call for a healer promptly! Learn what we can from him in the mean time.

>>15722879

Also, give him a glass of wine or ale to clear his head.

As you tend to the man's woods, it's clear he won't live long.

He tells you a tale of Duke Hamish's daughter who was traveling to visit Count Jenniker's son, Jakin when the caravan was attacked by a lone knight bearing no heraldry.

The man paints a pretty gruesome picture, apparently the heraldic-less knight captured the daughter and is holding her for ransom. From the man's scattered talk he has perhaps ten veteran warriors with him as well as assorted trash gathered from the peasantry press-ganged into service.

Options:
A. Contact Duke Hamish, organize a rescue party with him.
B. Send Wardens and rescue the girl yourself.
C. Contact Count Jenniker and organize a rescue party.
D. Fuck that shit, Bitches and Ho's!

>Send Wardens and rescue the girl yourself.

Take along our squire as well. He can use the experience.

B. Send Wardens and rescue the girl yourself.

Let's go and talk with this rogue, he could be a valuable ally. And if he has any chivalry left in him he won't kill the girl outright.

>>15722952
Make sure the Duke knows, then lets charge blindly into battle after making sure that we will get some help.

>>15722952
C, Count Jennikar is closer to us than Count Hamish, and time could be working against us.

>>15722952

I will lol if this lonely knight is actually that brute maiden we didn't court yet.

>>15722998
thats so disturbing... but it makes so much sense...
I vote for C

>>15722976
I switch my vote, this man makes a good point

>>15722997
here

>>15722952

Do we know the location?

If so, I suggest we head out on our own. The glory is ours alone if we don't get help. Also, doing so will force both the count and the duke into our favor.

If we don't know where they are, we should set out search parties of warden scouts, and send messages to the count and the duke. Hopefully, we can take care of this before they show up, but if not, we still need to help.

Battle plans.

Accompany Farran to the knight, alongside the men at arms. Have half of the warden's harass the enemy, then charge in. Challenge the knight to a duel, and give Farran command of the troops to disperse of the knight's soldiers.

Leave the yoemen at home, and have wardens on guard for any invaders. This could be a trick

Also, we need to send word to the duke that we will bury the rider ourselves. Can't have another outbreak of some disease start

So.. votes are in:
We go ourselves! And Farran.

As you follow the rider's instructions you quickly reach the place you've seen before. The same abandoned homestead that you faced the raiders in last season.

You can see a few fires burning in the distance, sending a few wardens they come back with information. The Daughter seems alive, if shaken up. She's currently tied up to a post in the camp, she's not raped (nor will she be) or bleeding. Though bruises show she at leas struggled at little.

They've failed to spot the 'black' knight though.

If you were to sneak into the homestead, there are a few walls easy enough to jump over, you could potentially strike at the heart of the enemy group. However should they catch you, it might be painful to explain what you're doing there.

You could also approach camp to parley with the Knight:
A. Assault
B. Parley.

>>15722952

When we approach him, we need to look as lordly as possible, banners and all.

He needs to see that we present an opportunity, as well as a threat.

>>15723052

B. Parley.

>>15723052

Sent 2/3 of my wardens to position themselves if we need to fight later.

Pick up the 1/3 that's left and all the rest of my soldiers and request parley. If shit hits the fan, we will already have well-positioned archers.

>>15723052
B, but have the men ready to strike in a moments notice should talks go wrong.

>>15723057

We can't hire him. The duke would be pissed. Plus, I doubt he'd work for us

Let's do the same thing we did with the bandit's. Challenge the knight to a duel, then take his troops

If we start losing to the knight, make sure that Farran is given orders to fight to defend us. His actions can be explained later as youth, and could also lower his esteem in the duke's eyes.

Also, do we want to kill his daughter? Can she inherit?

>>15721967

Vehk back, what'd I miss?

>>15723105

Something right up your alley. Mutterings of wiping out the duke's line and taking his throne.

Also the usual "Improve, get money, get people, talk to people" stuff

>>15723105

Nothing important, just that Duke's daughter is being ramsomed by a misterious knight. We are going to save her.

Save the girl, ask for her hand in marriage as payment, kill the duke by assassination.

Who else is up for this?

>>15723093

Trace inheritance.

Basically works like this:

Father has three children
1. Eldest Daughter
2. Son
3. Son

Father dies:
Daughter could inherit, but most choose not to or are, married 'out', if they can inherit, a.k.a. still in house-hold, the will most likely give inheritance to the Second Son.

Also:
Parley

As you approach the camp, your Wardens in the woods and fields nearby they spot you. There is some commotion but ultimately the knight exists the camp.

Backed by his ten veterans he makes an impressive sight. His armor is of an older style then yours, but still well crafted, he is old, nearing 30 now you would say. Some gray creeping into the sides of his hair.

"You call Parley little noble", his words are strange and twisted, your language and not. As he's near to you, your eyes glance to the grip of his blade. The pommel has something stamped on it, a double-headed eagle. A mark of the Empire.

-
A. Continue Parley for freedom of Maiden.
B. Offer him a place amongst your men.
C. Challenge him for leadership
D. Maim and Burn!

Guys, remember, we have to look good here. There are witness's with a lot of influence. If we impress the lady, then we impress the duke, the count's son, and the count.

Look busy, Jesus is watching

>>15723152

One of the things you missed is the fact the Duke has other sons. So, I'm against this.

C. SWORD BATTLE.

B. Offer him a place amongst your men.

Offer him two things, a place amongst your men and future glory.

Or an honorable surrender of his captive, refusal of both will result in the death of him and his men.

>>15723157
Continue parlay attempt.

>>15722952

B, who knows how long it would take to organize a rescue party.

But do send a messenger to inform both nobles.

Also OP could we domesticate some wolves from our forest?

I change to B.

Offer him land, and tell him your craftsmen will build him a tower-keep to rule his fief from. But in return he must release the girl and swear to you.

>>15723157

B+C: Challenge him for the freedom of the Maiden

We can offer him a place amongst us later on.

>>15723185
I second this

Remind him of your great victory over the norsemen, and how future glory awaits.


We're giving him a better offer than any wandering hedge-knight could hope for.

>>15723152

Not a bad plan, we need to take out the other two sons, but that shouldn't be hard. What is going to be hard is that

A: She's claimed by the count's son
B: We want the warrior chick
>>15723157

Challenge him for leadership. During the fight, have the warden's train shots on his men. If we lose, or if he tries something funny, the wardens shoot, the men at arms engage, and Farran helps out.

If the lady asks, we claim that the knight was possessed by demons, and therefore was of superhuman strength. If she asks for proof, find a tattoo, odd scar, or failing that, show her his penis. Odds are, a medieval woman would not see one until she was married. We can claim his genitals are proof he was possessed. Also, has the advantage of making her believe that every man she sleeps with is possessed.

>>15723222

Or we win without cheating, which is cool

C.

God damn you guys, the dukes daughter will see what happens.

>>15723184
>>15723185
>>15723187
>>15723176

There is an amused look to his face before he starts laughing outright, "You would take me in", he chuckles, "Unfortunately for you dog.. I already have a master", he grips the blade at his side. "..The Empire does not forgive...", as he pulls the blade free from it's scabbard you see the wicked edge to the weapon.

Your own is out as well, a dance of weapons begins now as the veterans go past their leader. You see your men are hard-pressed but the new arrivals of Wardens and Yeomen as well as Farran are making quick work of them.

As blades clash and parries are exchanged you are constantly reminded that this made is a paragon with a blade, he's smiling all the while, "I will kill you little noble", he says again, you yourself dodging and grunting as he draws first blood. A wicked gash across your left cheek.

Options:
A. Let anger fuel your strikes
B. Dart into the melee and hope to take him out by missile weapons
C. Wait for reinforcements (your men seem to be winning, though more peasant rabble are coming from the ruined homestead)

3 for C
4 for B

B wins, I think.

>>15723235
And the man who would rush head on into a fight might not be around afterwards to care what the Duke thinks.

>>15723235

Exaclty. Why would we want to fight for "leadership", btw? It's not like every single enemy will have woldiers willing to turn to your side if you beat their leader, we were lucky our warderns didn't backstab us ¬¬

We need to fight, and to save the maiden. That's all for now, we think of further plans after she's safe and sound.

Nearly fell of from my chair when I read "We can claim his genitals are proof he was possessed" ... where did this great idea even come from? .. im amazed

A

Try to best him, but not kill him, so we can prove we are better than his current master, and win his loyalty.

>>15723270

Wut? Wut?

He's not going to join us. Kill him, capture him possibly.

>>15723249

C. But make sure to insult him as well, we want HIM to lose his cool.

>>15723249
C, we stay calm and keep at it.

>>15723270

he could be a disgraced lord, or worse a veteran crusader or something. Regardless i'm certain he knows more about combat than we do.

The biggest advantage we have is A: We're nobility and B: we have more men.

>>15723249

Also, rain some arrows on the rabble peasants. Arrows pwn anything not/badly armored.

>>15723249
A, but if possible he should be incapacitated so we may interrogate him to learn who his master is.

>>15723249

Continue fighting in combat. We don't want him killing any troops if we can keep him locked in with us. Also it looks better.

Is the lady in the building the rabble are coming from?

If not, burn it down. It will panic them, and maybe even kill some.

If she is, get her out, then burn it down

also, the more light, the better our archers can shoot

You snort, "You may have drawn first blood but I will see you dead!", you growl at him as you step back into combat, his strength is better then yours, but his finesse isn't. His strategy is battering you down, yours is far more complex, going back to hours spent on your ass. Screaming at Leoric come back, flooding into your muscles as you dodge his one blow, your leg kicks out, the hardened tip of your boot driving into his knee joint.

Falling to his knees he holds himself up with the sword, but it's too little too late as your blade slides against his throat, "Tell your men to lay down their arms, NOW!", you bark at him. The man chuckles and wrenches his neck to the side, he gurgles as he slumps down. Blood drips across the ground, "Your kingdom.. will BURN", he groans and expires.

The enemy's morale wavers..

A. Lead your charge into their ranks
B. Tell them to drop arms and be taken
C. Tell Farran to clean up the rest while you go look for the Maiden.

>>15723331

No.

They might be peasants but he still views them as his "men". So long as we are not attacking each other we should respect him.

>Options:
>A. Let anger fuel your strikes
>B. Dart into the melee and hope to take him out by missile weapons
>C. Wait for reinforcements (your men seem to be winning, though more peasant rabble are coming from the ruined homestead)

D. allow him to take an appropriate swing, step into the stroke, and close the range, bind him, and grapple, take him down so the sword is out of play, and put a dagger through his testicles. or armpit. or eyesocket.
or all three.

I say keep things cool and collected. Feint him, use dirty tricks etc.

Plus we should kill him and take his sword and armor.

>>15723294

B

B. Tell them to drop arms and be taken

This, also go look for the maiden.

>>15723359
Take his sword, then charge.

>Tell them to drop arms and be taken

This. Will sound good, we can ramsom them later/add them to our ranks is possible.

>>15723361

...What? I'd kill them BECAUSE they are his men. You know, since we are trying to kill each other and all.

But whatever, it isn't needed anymore.

>>15723359
B, perhaps we can get some answers, new recruits... what is our kingdoms position on slavery?

First tell them to to throw their weapons down, if they don't, CHARGE!

>>15723359
I vote A

Our episode with the bandits showed we have talent for command and respect for the lives of our soldiers.
Now we have to show our men that we are fearless, and without peer. We have to set the example that we expect them to follow, for now and for all future battles. Better to set that example now than waiting until we're outnumbered and being cut down.

Lead the charge, show our men what a warrior is, and drive the scum from our lands with our fury.

I doubt they will be loyal to us. Charge and kill them all.

>>15723440

Seconded

Yell out to the enemy while they waver:
"those who cast down arms shall be shown mercy, The fight is lost.
To those who flee or fight, No Quarter!"

I'm a retard!

A

>>15723466

Nice lack of a trip there, bro.

>>15723421

Outlawed. The Empire does this, we DO NOT.

Option B.

Behind you Farran steps up, his blade is coated in blood as is his tabard. He glances at the dead Knight, "He killed himself?", he asks, a simple nod comes from you as you shout to his men. You motion for the arrows to stop as well.

With his veteran soldiers dead, your own dead are five of the Wardens as well as three Yeomen, you are facing each-other more fighting could lie ahead but you suppress a smile as one axe hits the ground, soon many more follow. "Bind them!", you call out to the surviving men who quickly follow orders.

As you enter the homestead you find the Maiden, she's still unharmed, before her is a man with a dagger in his throat. The Maiden herself is covered in matted blood, she's crying heavily.

A. Clean her up and take her to your keep.
B. Ignore her 'sentiment' and take her to Jenniker's keep.

>>15723466
What?

>>15723466
>>15723472

>>15723478
A

>>15723424

Guys, if they lay down their weapon's, we can ransom them back to they're empire, earning us money, plus we get to keep their shit.

If we kill them, we can't loot the bodies, as that is dishonorable.

Although, when we send them back, who say's we can't infect them with the red rash?

A

Take her to your keep, pump yourself up as her saviour. Wait for Jenniker to come to you.

A. Clean her up and take her to your keep.


Also, congratulate her on her "victory." She did as she should.

>>15723478
A

>>15723478
B. We make sure she gets where she was going.

Also, how many guys have we captured, and can you describe them?

>A. Clean her up and take her to your keep.

Finally, we are giving the maidens some work to do. Reassure her that everything will be alright, give her some furs to use while travelling back.

Round up the weapons and such and herd the men into a prison line. If any try to escape, kill him and the man next to him.

>>15723478

To our keep. She would not want to be presented to the count's son covered in blood. We need to impress everybody here

Maybe not clean her up. We want to show the count how close to death she was when we saved her, so as to make ourselves seem more heroin. But, then again, she'll want to wash herself, and we want to keep her sweet and calm.

>>15723529

This is a good way to ensure they won't try to run; the guy next to the person will hold him in place.

>>15723478
>First the norse raiders
>Now this

Is there a reason why we shouldn't render this homestead permanently inaccessible?

If we ransom the capture soldiers back to the empire, can we also charge them for the soldiers they killed?

>>15723339
It's pretty obvious his master is the Emperor. Did you miss the Imperial Seal on the pommel of his sword?

>>15723561

Cause every time we fight, we come out better off

>>15723562

I think we should offer them a chance to become men-at-arms or servants. If they refuse, ransom them back to the Empire.

We need more servants so we can start holding feasts.

>>15723562
You're assuming that the Empire will admit that these are their people and not just some outlaws.

>>15723561

Our enemies have a tendency of settling here. And we have know the best places to place our archers in ambush. If we are going to be attacked anyway, it's best for it to be on known ground, don't you think?

>>15723546
keep her bloodstained clothes.
those will do to show.

keeping her in a state will show us to be barbaric.

>>15723570
We actually lost men this time.

>>15723562
Might be a good idea.

This was the Warrior Chick we rescued right?

>>15723568
Things are not always as they seem. Could be classic misdirection.

A.
Make a suggestion to her father to send her far away to become a nun.

To our keep it is!

The peasant rabble, mostly men who lost their homes during the Winter and turned to banditry to survive, is tied up, ropes around waists and ropes leading to the first and the back ones. The Wardens and Yeomen walk besides them, a oxen cart was found in the homestead and is carrying the weapons as well as the young Maiden back.

She would not be perceived as very beautiful but she's still a Noble daughter, she doesn't say much, spending most of the way to the keep sobbing quietly.

It takes a few hours before she enters your audience chambers, "My lord", her voice sounds strained, "Thank you for saving me.. as well as your kind words..", she's dressed in one of your sister's dresses and has a deer-skin 'cloak' hung over her shoulders.

"I will tell my father of your bravery..", she smiles softly, "he will be most grateful".

Options:
A. Send her to Jenniker now with an escort
B. Keep her here for now

>>15723595
No it's the other one. Warrior chick wouldn't be taken alive. But lets clean her up and get her to her destination.

>>15723595
Nope, its the other one.

B.

Send for her father. In the mean time, dine with her and make sure she is comfortable and happy.

>>15723607
Let's send her along. No reason to keep her here right now? Unless we are "planning" anything else...

>>15723607
A, she's already running a little bit late as it is.

A, and the reward is that we keep Farran.

>>15723607

B. Keep her here for now, keep her comfortable and well fed. Send messengers to the Count telling him where she is and you require him to send his own men to accompany her back to his castle.

>>15723607
Option B

>A. Send her to Jenniker now with an escort

This. Also, only the peasant rabble survived? Then offer them the chance to live in your lands, but only if they swear loyalty to you. Promise them that food and shelter won't be at fault here.

Also, pick the best weapons/armor we looted and equip our best men with them. Keep all the leader's stuff to ourselves.

>>15723648
She's not the duke's daughter.

>>15723562
Why not ask to claim the land as your own?
Set up a palisade or short stonewall, expand it, and use it to raise a great deal of cattle, after we give it a sizeable ammount of archers to defend it.

Bring her to your keep for the time being and send for the Count, as well as a message to the duke that her daught was rescued unharmed.
And now we have some nice full plate armor.

>>15723607
A. We shouldn't keep her from her destination any longer than necessary.

3 for 3

Need a tie-breaker

>>15723607
Ask if she wants to spend a day or two at our keep, recuperating from the events.

Otherwise, A.

>>15723666

I suggest we offer them the chance to become cooks and servants so that we can start throwing fancy balls and feasts.

I say option B

with an addendum, lets invite Jenniker to our hall for a small feast as our guest, and inform him that the daughter is with us, and for safety concerns we don't want to release to anyone other than himself (jenniker) personally.

>>15723668
>He tells you a tale of Duke Hamish's daughter
Yes she is.

A

>>15723683
>Capture criminal peasants.
>Advice_vehk.jpg
>Invite them to your home.

Who are we, Jesus?

>>15723683

Might work.

And now I'm afraid she might be captured again... ¬¬

We might as well keep the peasants. They only joined up because they were hungry and homeless.

If we're gonna send her off lets at least have Farran accompany her as official escort with some men and whatnot.

It would be kind of rude for us to not assign someone of rank as her bodyguard for the trip. Maybe the two will fall in love and unite the two kingdoms for GOOD END

>>15723711
Are you suggesting we start a religion? Brilliant!

Don't we technically own a FIEF not a KINGDOM?

Also, do mages exist in this world?

>>15723735
No falling in love between Farran and the Duke's daughter. The escort was implied, or at least I though it was.

Whoa.. okay.. counting votes...

A it is:

Creating a small escort for the lady you accompany them yourselves, riding two horses that you received from Count Jenniker you ride into his keep. Stories are exchanged and Jenniker thanks you deeply, he says that he'll put in a good word for you with the Duke as well. Jakin is also overjoyed at her safe return and he proposes to give you his own stud-horse for services rendered.

Accepting you return home, nothing more happens though you come home to the peasants being guarded away from the village. They are a sorry looking bunch, malnourished and filthy they seem a far cry from the other peasantry.

"What do we do?", Farran asks, his eyes scanning the men of the group.

A. Offer them 'contracts'
B. Kick them off your land
C. Kill them.
D. Ransom them.

>>15723752

Yup we own a small bit of land. Well small.. relatively.

No Kings we are. Nor do we have dealings with the King, he doesn't concern himself with a vassals vassal.

>>15723755

A. Ask them if they will serve, if not it's death or servitude in a mine.

>>15723755
Did I hear serfdom? A is the way.

>>15723755
A, we need more people for farming and such.

And by sparing them we might earn their undying loyalty.

I would also suggest that Leoric start training all of the peasants on our land in at least a little combat in case we are ever attacked.

I need to point out that a yeoman is a skilled archer. Not really a soldier.

>A. Offer them 'contracts'

As said already, they only became thieves for necessity. Ensure them that food and shelter won't be missing in your fief if they swear loyalty to you.

Also check if there isn't anyone "special" among them. Someone too smart, strong or charismatic to be a "common peasant".

>>15723711

A. Offer them contracts. Try and see if any of them will become servants.

>>15723755
>A. Offer them 'contracts'
They'd also have to be come "second class" peasants, if such thing is possible, for a fixed amount of time.

A.

Offer them the homestead and protection in exchange for a tithe of whatever they make/produce.

>>15723792

Then call them spearmen. But since they trained to be good with bows last thread, doesn't make much of a difference.

>>15723755
A, but keep them under watch for some time.

Also, with our loot are there any items that our blacksmiths will be able to replicate?

Can someone please tell me if mages exist?

Spend 5 dollars on expensive DLC horse armour for your new stud.

>>15723832

No Magic, or magic-using clerics. Low-fantasy setting.

>>15723837
or go torrent it.

>>15723832
It's low-fantasy, so not in any amount to matter.

>>15723847

Internet hasn't been invented yet, and it's really hard to get torrented DLC working.

>>15723755

Put them to work in the Marble mines, let them earn their place here.

Or they could be run off with no food.

>>15723837
The plus side is now we have one of those money making hobbies, horse breeding.

Farran calls up the 'voice' of these new peasants, the only one who's truly anything special.

He's a tall and lanky fellow, dressed in simple cloth he smiles, "Thank you for your kindness my lord", he says, kneeling before you as he lay down the rules. They will work the lesser jobs as second class citizens, should they get out of line they will be banished. He accepts graciously and thanks you, as he rises you see a small bit of paper tucked away.

He gulps as you ask about it, drawing it out you see it's a prayer book of the Iron Prince, a book not often found. As he explains he was the Knight's steward before his lands were taken away and he was sent on this quest for penance.

A. Do you take him as your steward.
B. Do you allow him to go with the rest of the group.

>>15723858
Then where would you get the normal DLC?

Still Spring right? Let's go find some pet wolves.

>>15723870
B, but keep an eye on him. If he's actually good then we could use him.

>>15723870

A

Take him as a steward. Add the text to the library and look into setting up a shrine to the iron lord.

How is work going on the road to the marble mines?

Marble Mines not accessible yet.

Needs two full seasons before the marble mine can be founded, Forest isn't kind to that sorta shit y'know.

Also the rabble just had the same stuff we did.

>Take him as your steward.

See? Checking the peasants was a really good idea. Also assure him that the followers of the Iron Prince are welcomed in our fief.

>>15723870

Keep an eye on him for a while, take him into your advisers and see if he is competent enough.

>>15723896
But the nice Empire sword is hanging on our wall right?

Gaius, can we set up a shrine to the iron prince? Considering we're doing so much fighting, it might be useful. Maybe sacrifice some of our new weapons to him?

>>15723870
B

if someone is going to run our house they should be a local with a vested interest in bettering their home community and our house. Not an outsider that doesn't have roots and is considered a "second class citizen"

I would offer to allow him to build a small shrine to the Iron Prince if he wishes to worship. A shrine, not a temple.

Also, I would suggest this new lot be earmarked for quarry duty once we establish the marble mine and road. They could be put immediately towards building the mine road and getting that operation going. The former steward could be our mining operations manager or something, who reports directly to us.

>>15723880
Agreed!

>>15723870
>B. Do you allow him to go with the rest of the group.

Let's see how they do first before we trust them with anything.

Question him about stuff first. Take him as an advisor. If he's good, make him your Steward.

>>15723870

I vote for A. We need a new steward and I am pretty sure he is loyal since we spared his life. Plus he has nothing to gain by betraying us.

The most accurate term for our land is county. Baron barony, Duke duchy, Count county.

Loot from quest:
Axes, Spears, Arrows & Bows
Empire Sword (EVIDENCE!!!!)
Iron breast-plate, greaves and Arm-guards.

Iron Priest temple possible.. same as Coin Father. Still $ need for building or building materials.

Also sacrifice weapons doesn't work as well seeing as he isn't really looking, virtue on the battlefield is more the Iron Prince's thing.

>>15723955
Don't you mean
>
Empire Sword (Trophy!!!!)

I didn't say to build a temple. I said a shrine.

Also, can we bring the sword to the duke and show it to him?

Okay finishing up this season.

Option B.

You send him off with the rest of the men, they are given lodging at the outskirts of the village, the 'cooler' side of the castle, and are directed to start clearing the sides of the road leading to the quarry. They seem to be doing a reasonable job.

The wolf pups are found and taken in, the Maids seem to have found something else to do with their time as they are raising them. As an added bonus, the wolf pups' mother was a large animal, quite big enough to make a decent cloak from.

Perhaps a gift for someone, or to hang around your own shoulders?

>>15723955
Oh shit! Shouldn't we send a messege to our king about this incident? While it might be nothing, but knights don't usually go to hostile lands without a reason.

>>15723955
see
>>15723888
>>15723920
>>15723922
>>15723974
as much as it pains me I agree with Vehk. This town ain't big enough for two gods . . . . yet

we should get to know about our new steward. Make sure he's got a good meal at the castle.

Talk to him.

talk to him about his previous lord, ask who he was, how he treated him. Ask where he was from. Ask what that place was like. what the people are like... show interest.

Then send transcripts of the information to the palace, noted to be the information gathered on the state of the foreign nation, from the point of view of a captured individual.

that should curry some favour with the palace, particularly to know the death of the one we killed, and the attitudes of the people there.

>>15723990

*King sees message from Count* "Bwahaha", tosses it into flames. Seriously he doesn't care about us.

If I might propose something:

Ending this season in 10 minutes, as a hint, perhaps many birds can be crushed with one gigantic feasting stone.. before the new season rolls around.

Also.. BEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!

>>15723988
obviously for us. Having trained war wolves associate us with their mother can't be bad for us. Also, dat stylin' cloak. We are the wolf lord of . . . . . what's our castle called again?

>>15723988

Make a cloak out of it. Teeth made into a necklace of sorts.

Do we have heraldry? If not can it have a wolf on it? Wolves are badass.

Invite Duke, Hamish, Ues and Jenniker to a grand feast?

We have the money and the resources for it now.

>>15724022

You are the noble count of Castle Jalek, held by the House of Tarkin, currently no heirs. In death, county will go to Uncle.

>>15724022

>>15724019
A spring feast might be a good idea.
Celebrate our military victories, our food and construction gains, our plans for the future, and allow the new influx of peasants to mingle and integrate with the townies.
Let's get that tavern and water wheel built, irrigation and sanitation for all!!
Seriously though, how is the water wheel not built in an entire season?

>>15723988
Nice to know the maids aren't getting bored. Sending notice to the Duke would be proper, he is our immediate superior after all. Before the season ends I think we should ask permission to court the nice lady from Urs, though we might have to actually meet Count Urs first.

>>15723988

No one to use them... yet. Don't want to give it to Farren, we can't spoil him too much.

Talking about him, from now on we'll be training with him as our sparring partner as well(on top of his father's training). The last incident made me realize we are too dependant on him and should train more ourselves.

End the season with a modest sprong festival, to honor our fallen soldiers, train more our(as in, "our people's") Ale-brewing skills, and general happiness.

Bees? ... BEES! Send someone with high intellect collect bees (or just the queen) .. make a box and start making honey !

>>15723880
>>15723955

Ok, let's do a hunt now.
Invite Count Ur's Daughter maybe, along with our proven squire Farren and a handful of Wardens. Look for some pups, and whatever else would make a good catch

If we hold a feast can we get the Lords or some guys to duel/tourney. Winner gets a nice wolf cloak.

Are we still courting Kalistra?

If so, we should try to impregnate her before the Urs lady arrives.

Seriously we need to start thinking of marriage, and some heirs.

Take the wolf pups as our own, keep the wolf cloak, and get a wolf teeth necklace.

>>15724041

Craftsmen needed training, wood needed culling. Winter needed Chillan and so it comes to be that the W.W. took two seasons.

Inn because stone & wood.

>>15724032

The call is put out and all of them agree to come.

Decide what you want to get done.

I will allow 3 things! (within reason)

Make your arguments, I will enjoy watching the flames..

1. Impregnate Kalistra, then try and marry Urs's daughter.

2. Step up the cutting to the marble deposit.

3. Finish the inn.

>>15724075
Find out how the bee beegaide is doing.

>>15724052

That's what I meant by BEEEESSS!

We got Bees now, Ulri (priest of Gaia) is the bee-keeper.

Yes he's based off Friar Tuck from the Robin Hood movie, shuttup!

>>15724075
complete buildings, get that peasant as your steward and start a more rigorous training program for you and your men

>>15724088
We are not banging Kalistra. We haven't reached the marble yet.

>>15724108

That's why I said "Step up cutting.",

>>15724075
We should build more housing to our peasants, especially now that we suddenly got 100 more. Talk to steward guy, try to get grasp of his character. We also promised some boy a hunting trip, didn't we? We could take the boy before or after the feast to hunting trip.

>>15724097
So Friar Ullri will use his BEEEEES to make MEEEEEAD!

>>15724088
1. No
rest i dont care

1- Speed up the process of cutting trees. Bees were the problem, send Ulri and some Wardens to acquire the bees and make honey out of them for the festival.

2- Finish Inn, then make some more houses(we have more peasants, remember guys?). Also, keep building the water wheel.... why isn't the blacksmith doing anythin yet?

3- Have the Warders to bring extra good food. We need A LOT for the feast. Also inform Magda & the Maids about the feast... WE NEED MORE MAIDS ASAP.

>>15724117

He's 7, he got a pheasant, peasants like pheasants. I like hunting peasants.. shit meant pheasants. *shifty eyes*

>>15724117
We promised, and gave, a pheasant. Increasing the amount of housing isn't a bad idea.

>>15724125

okay, we don't have stone, so we can't finish the inn

we don't have a steward, so stop talking about ordering our steward around
(see >>15723988)

We need to:
1) finish road to marble quarry
>Needs two full seasons before the marble mine can be founded
I'm not talking about the whole thing, just the road, we can build the mining complex next season.
2) honey production upped, mead production upped
3) water wheel installed, bath house construction began

>>15724135
Well fuck my sleepy eyes, it seems that I fail at reading comprehemsion. Anyway Shouldn't someone archieve this? I don't know how to archieve...

End of Season post!

The castle is bustling with people, a few temporary maids and Magda, thankfully is still as she always was, is directing them all. The kitchens smell of food and as you stand on the wall you see three parties of men ride towards your castle. "They're here".

The first to enter is Duke Hamish, he dismounts his mighty destrier, the war-horse snorts as it's lead away. He claps your shoulder, "Doing a fine job I see!", Urs is second, the man is very tall and has an almost hawkish appearance, he's not smiling and seems nearly lipless. Besides him stands his daughter, Lady Isandra. She smiles at you as she sees your battle scar, a positive thing obviously.

Jenniker is the last to arrive, his two sons are not present and he excuses for them. Later on, the feast begins, the Duke's eating for ten it would seem. His barrel chest growing with every drink of mead, he's developed a hearty taste. "MORE!", he yells and gropes one of the maids who blushes hard.

Lady Isandra and yourself steal a quiet moment, she tells you that she is interested and will ask her father to finalize a union between houses next season.

Meanwhile outside the castle the Inn is finished, the laborers returning home, there is still the question of an Innkeep as well as tavern girls, but that'll work itself out.

The water-wheel is flowing as well, fresh water now pouring towards the fields. Irrigating them, meanwhile in the forest the going is fast. The pace hard and a few, twenty, of the new peasants have died because of being too weak. They were buried in the woods.

Their leader seems to be unhappy with this development.

>>15724206
>Their leader seems to be unhappy with this development.

They're supposed to be doing harsh work, not being worked to death. Lessen their workload.

>>15724218

This. Were they properly fed and given houses to live?

Keep the pace in the forest going. Do not ease their workload. These are second-hand citizens, work every last one of them to the death if need be. They might not slaves in law, but damn it, they'll be slaves in fact.

>>15724225

Housing yes, but they were malnourished as is and seeing as everybody wanted the damned road built.

Well accidents happen, have you ever worked tired, hungry and weak. Accidents are far more easy to happen, personal experience with that shit in breaking my arm.

OP is native on umbubu, was worked to near death in the slum-mines by apartheid government.

>>15724206
Why weren't they buried with everyone else? Though it is nice to see that Isandra seems to like us.

Oh, and show the duke the empire sword.

>>15724236

Big NO to slavery.


>>15724241

Your broken arm just killed twenty people.

Ease their workloads. By the way, or people should be working on the road as well, not only them.

We want to ASSIMILATE, not ASSASSINATE them.

>>15724206

Lessen the workload and by the gods, ask why the hell they were worked to deat!? Why we weren't informed about possible death by overworking? We canät be everywhere to look after our subjects, that's why we appoint leaders who inform us of this shit.

>>15724241
... are you saying we weren't feeding them?

>>15724260

Too late.

Nobody mentioned this.

Also one more season or Archive & continue tomorrow?

>>15724267

OUR people**

>>15724267
+1

Efficiency is our number one concern, punishment is a close second.

>>15724278

One more season. We should now make sure that our new peasants are properly fed, housed, cleaned and free of disease.

>>15724278
We can do both

>>15724267
>>15724272
>>15724273

True my broken arm did just cause that.

When they arrived I told you they were malnourished. Now you had them build the road, freeing up the wood-cutters to help get to the marble. This caused an extra workload on them the woodcutters seeing them as second class peasants and not giving a shit about them having a hard time.

That and the 'leader' was busy getting interviewed by us about the state of the Empire etc etc.

I'm thinking of starting a wizard's quest after this. Anyone interested?

>>15724315
Poor thoughts on all accounts.

>>15724315
Have our temple hold a ceremony for their dead, then. Should appease 'em. And adequate food and shelter from now on. We can't afford to lose workers.

>15724315

I said I'd promise them they'd have homes and food. Twice. And wasn't on the group that started this crap about second-class citizens, either.

But whatever. follow this >>15724334

>>15724278
I would like to finish out the year, we've only done Spring so far. We ran a full year cycle yesterday.

1) We need to elect a steward to prevent things like overworking our peasants from happening again.
2) We should present the empire sword to Isandra's father as part of her dowry to save us some dosh
3) we should have the leader of the new peasants sent to the library to educate himself on mining operations. Since he is a former steward he should know how to read, and we're going to need a mine foreman at some point.
3) leave the inn alone and let the peasants run it as they want
4) we should train some of our militia as a police force. The influx of new peasants and a functioning inn with alcohol is going to cause minor incidents and we don't want our soldiers/citizens committing vigilante justice
5) we need to start work on expanding our library
6) we need to have our blacksmith educate himself with any relevant books in our library
7) we need to have every single craftsman take on an apprentice. Every single one.
8) we should find another tournament to send Farran to

Alright 1 more season!

The current season is Summah Time Summah Time
The Current state of the realm:
Safety: Moderate (Some grumblings amongst your second class peasantry)
Morale: Strong (The 1st class are happy 2nd aren't)
Farming: Strong (More Farmers, more water= better crops)
Housing: Good (Housing for everyone, also a new Inn for travelers to stay. No more littering!)
Gold: Low (Laborers cost a lot of money to build the Inn, the Water-Wheel construction also cut into this. Luckily a bit of gold was scavenged from the battle with the outlaws)
Wood-cutters: Good (Road has arrived at Marble!)
Marble: None (Marble found, nothing set up yet)

Important People:
Leoric (Weapon-master, he is aging, 40-ish, but is still a brute on the battlefield and has been your tutor in weapon skills)
Magda & her Maids (The caretakers of the castle, only five remain)
Karl (Spokesman of the villagers)
Jehenna (Karl's wife and Priestess of Gaia (earth mother))
Farran (Your squire and Leoric's son)
Kestin (Leader of the Wardens, short stocky fellah)
Gor (Blacksmith)
Kalistra (Smart woman from Village, daughter to Karl and Jehenna)
Ulri (Priest of Gaia) (And beekeeper!)

Layout of the Land:
The castle is situated atop a hill, to the east of your lands forests ride up to the mountains in the east, the forests are filled with game.

There is a road leading through your territory, it crosses two rivers, both of them are bridged and are tolled, (low toll), trade is going strong, a small temple to the earth goddess Gaia is the main sight in the village. Along with the newly made Inn (need name)

To the west are farms, which are currently being tilled by the farmers, to the east the wood-mill is grinding along nicely with the same set-up as last year.

Quests this season:
Dealing with Rebels (Mandatory)
Duke Hamish wants something (Mandatory)
Lady Isandra calls you (Optional)
- Secret Quest -

Now decide how to rule your realm....

>>15724402
Talk to the Duke pronto.

>>15724315
have whoever was pushing those people hard enough to see 20 of them killed flogged.
and have him replaced with someone who will report to you if they start dropping.

the fact we personally did'nt notice that they were weak and unwell does not excuse the people on the ground there not noticing.

Ensure that those men are given supplies of food and fuel for the winter.

A dog will bite back if kicked, and a man will fight back too. if they are treated like that, they will rise up.
At the midwinter feast, I would suggest it be known that they have paid their pennance, and are pardoned. they are to be considered villeins of the county, and will be free to make their own wage by a fair means....

and be taxed, like all other men, and free to marry, farm or work trades.

>>15724388
see
>>15724366
specifically 1, 2, and 4

>Dealing with Rebels (Mandatory)

Nice, see what you people did with that "second rate citizens" crap...

Ok, let's fix this one first. Also, do all of this >>15724366

>>15724388
The Young Pup Tavern
The Talrik Inn
The Count's Mug

>>15724366

This was a long ass season though. Won't be here all night, been here since 17.30 now nearing 22.00

>>15724388

My idea behind second class citizenry was, that the former outlaws have to repay us and our county for the crime they commited before we release or accept them into our community. Nothing permanent.

>>15724413
>have whoever was pushing those people hard enough to see 20 of them killed flogged.

Ermn, no. That was entirely our fault.
We gave the order to treat them as second class, and so our subjects did.
We only have to blame ourselves and I'd rather not see us flogged.

>>15724413
for the winter -
edit, for some reason, thought it was autumn, not spring.

announce at midsummer festival/feast. Extra supplies till summertime.

>>15724448

FFFFUUuu..

*Deletes post* Shit my one fetish (self-flagellation) and you ruin it for me. Selflish fuckers..

Just kiddin.

>>15724414
1. You have only one real candidate.. and he's peeved. That or sent someone to Highhall and look for one.
2. That can be arranged in time.
4. The Militia already double as police force, Leoric is 'judge'

>>15724484

Have we been training the Wolf Pups properly.

>>15724502

Puppies have grown up somewhat, they are being house-broken by the Maids. They aren't vicious and seem to enjoy your company, one in particular is always following you around the keep's great hall.

>>15724427
just a few suggestions

while introducing specific quests per season adds an interesting aspect, it also increases your workload in managing the quest and slows the progress of the quest down (1 season in 3 hours, for example). I would suggest giving two optional quests per season and allowing us to choose one, but that is just a suggestion. It's your quest.

Help to remind us what issues are important. The 20 dead villagers was something you only vaguely hinted at maybe being a remote possibility kinda. The posts are evidence that nobody even thought it was within the realm possibility. This will keep us, your loyal questgoers, happy.

At the beginning of the season, give options that are viable to complete within one season, rather than letting us all spout off 1,000 ideas and pull your quest in a bunch of different directions. This will help your sanity.

just a few thoughts, I thank you for the work so far and this has been fun. Thanks.

Let's name the tavern after our dead steward.

>>15724402

Lady Isandra calls you (Optional)

Well, what does she want?

Do all the quests, all chivalry this up
see what you can do to make that upset peasant guy happy

>>15724525

I like that idea surprisingly

Let's meet up with the lady first. .

>>15724520

True, I think I might do this tomorrow it will definitely help.

Also I want to keep 'some' full year things, building roads, buildings etc takes time.

Also thank you for your kind words. And I'll definitely deal with the more 'icky' parts, I thought malnourished seemed enough. Will specify!

So:
Duke
Isandra
Rebels

Votes please.

>>15724554

Gaius' rest?

>>15724574
I vote we should visit Isandra last. If we get some more fighting done, it will only help us to further our relationship with her.

>>15724581

Done!

Tavern's now "Gaius' Rest"

Story about how the name came to be spread to every trader who doesn't know it yet!

>>15724574
do it in that order.
Duke
Isa
Rebels

>>15724574
Rebels, need to deal with issues in our back yard before we deal with the ones across the street.

>>15724594
actually second this one

>>15724574
let the votes fall where they may, but I'm actually for Isandra first

>>15724574
Allow Farren to deal with the rebels, use as many Yeomen needed but try to come to a peaceful outcome.
He can bring his father as well if he feels he needs the help, and know that the leader of the 'immigrants' will want a peaceful outcome as well. (suggest, his people can pay Half price at the tavern for the rest of the season.)

Then to the duke!

>>15724588

We have rebels? Take care of them asap.

I think we're auto-saging btw.

Also!

Rebels:

The first and foremost is their leader, the tall lanky man you've come to known over the last month is called Leonius, he was a house servant to the knight that you killed, or rather killed himself. You call him into your chambers to ask why there has been troubles from some of the new men.

(They are well fed and housed now, but they remember what happened when they first came here)

He expresses himself again that he doesn't know what you mean, as he's talking to you, something catches your eyes. The fact that his aren't catching yours.

A. Pressure Him Harder
B. Remind him of his Oath
C. Beat it from him.

>>15724644
b then a

>>15724644
A

>>15724644

A. Pressure Him Harder

LOOK AT ME.

>B. Remind him of his Oath

>>15724644
>B. Remind him of his Oath

If that does not work, have him watched covertlz by our wardens. They should be adept at such things.
No actions on their part if possible, have them report back to us.

>>15724644
can we do A . . . . . and B?
If I have to pick, I would remind him of his oath, and remind him that we rectified the wrongdoings done to his men as soon as we found out about them.

As you pressure Leonius for information he starts to buckle, he shakes his head as he stands before you. "You promised us safety, instead, some of my men died in the forest. Men that trusted me to protect them, we heard good things. The Wardens said that you rescued them from banditry", he eyes you up. "Perhaps your noble intentions have fallen flat now.."

A. Make him believe that you are going to do what's right now.
B. Ask him what he wants.

>>15724644
Take B. Then before he answers tell him that you are deeply sorry the lives lost that were hardpressed to work on the road.

In a way, you are touched that they worked so hard, pushed themselves that far, trying to show that they were of use to the county. Of course you cannot put a price on their lives, but, you hope to help that by, when the Inn is up and running, that him and his people can dine there and drink there for half the cost the whole season.

But truely, the lives lost then would be a fraction that if there was discord in your realm.

>>15724737
A.

>>15724737
such insolence!

okay, okay . . . . play it cool. Ask him what we can do to make it right.
Don't agree to it, just ask him so we know where to start bargaining from. If we just give in we're going to look weak.

So, ask him what he wants, barter/haggle him down and demand something in return.

Once an agreement is made, I suggest we promote him (like to mining foreman for example) and give him a nicer house.
This both helps our village economy and will shift the anger of his band towards him and away from us, so that he now has to deal with their problems while they view him as a bit of a sellout. Which is fine for us, turn the dogs on themselves now before it gets bloody.

>>15724780
>edit
technically that's option B I guess, for voting purposes

>>15724741
Seconded.

"I want safety for my men, I want us to be given more rights", as you listen to him you propose something else. "I will grant you the Inn, your people may go there and eat and drink for half the normal pay this season", you see him thinking for a moment, then he smiles, "And?", you step down from your seat. Your hand laying on the pommel of the blade now. "Or I could collect your head", his smile disappears. "I'll.. take it then", you hold him as he tries to leave. "And you'll make no money from the Inn, every bit of it goes too my coffers. Now spread the word amongst your people, stop this", he nods and walks away.

You're not entirely sure that the problem's fixed, but at least they are eying their 'leader' now.

>>15724842
That seems... suboptimal.

Alright, this has been archived, will continue tomorrow. Sleepy time now.

Tomorrow.. round 18.00 GMT+1

>>15724842
Pick out one of your plumpest pigs or two and send them to the new peoples homes.
As a little, 'yes, there was an 'and' to the offer'

To The Duke!