Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>34376027
> search the cloister for any interesting news or events (roll 1d100, average of three)
Probably the best idea.

>>34376027
>Write in
Talk with Solomon, see if he's heard anything interesting and what he'd like with the next job aside from TWO women

>>34376027
>> spend your day playing shatranj (nominate an opponent and a stat to improve)

anyone who's intrested

>>34376163
Second.
Include Chess if it works.

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>34376027
> search the cloister for any interesting news or events (roll 1d100, average of three)

>>34376027
>>34376163
>>34376188

Combine the two. Yes

How to play crusader quest

>Step 1: be Cao cao
>Step 2: woo damsels
>Step 3: Remove kebab

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>34376027

> search the cloister for any interesting news or events (roll 1d100, average of three)

>>34376188
>>34376163
Second.

You draw Solomon aside with the intention of talking over your future endeavors, and decide to do so over a friendly game of shatranj. You'd never played the game before, though the old man who had sold you the set had been keen to run a quick demonstration. You think you understood most of the rules.

Solomon corrects a mistake in your placement.

"We have had this game for some time," he explained, "Brought by merchants from Hindustan."

He puts the table together and sits cross legged.

"So have you heard any interesting news?" you ask.

Solomon shakes his head. "This city is new to me, I know nothing of it. Pick a side my friend, black or white, and let us play."

"And what about what happens next, what do you want Solomon?" you ask, considering the pieces before you.

"I want? I want to destroy Egypt, and free my people from their overbearing demands. I want to end the tribute of cattle and slaves we must send them each year. I want to grow wings and fly. What will happen? Who can say. A good paying job, a battle, these are things the world can offer me, so these are the things I will take."

He smiles. "And a beautiful woman of course, maybe two, if God loves me."

> roll 1d100, average of three and pick a stat to improve (War, Lead or Int)

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>34376451

INT

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>34376451
>> roll 1d100, average of three and pick a stat to improve (War, Lead or Int)

INT

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>34376451
INT

High rolls

>>34376348
>Be Cao Cao
>Bang women before they get married

We already fucked up

>>34376552
We should go to the wedding and not try to fuck her, I think there would be a lot of rich important people there

>>34376598
I agree. We should fuck her on her wedding night.

File: 1407523156762.jpg (58 KB, 709x402)

58 KB JPG

>>34376598
>We should go to the wedding

Yeah

>and not try to fuck her

What

>>34376598
>and not try to fuck her
>not
>NOT

anon that isn't very bard of you

As Solomon runs you through the rules one last time you think you have a grasp of them. You think. Until Solomon moves one of the horse pieces in a strange direction over his pawn. You frown and recommit yourself to focusing on the game at hand.

Your first match goes badly, but you convince Solomon to give you a best two out of three. Your second game you also lost, though not as badly. Your third game however...you still lost, but only after a vicious match that ran on for near an hour.

Solomon claps your arm.

"You do well for a new initiate," he said, "Many struggle for years to learn the game, to become decent. This is good, we should always struggle a little in life. It creates focus, attention. Now see the sun has set, and dinner is waiting."

Had you really been playing that long? Your brain felt a little raw, but you had enjoyed yourself too. You felt better for it, and feel like you could do even better next time.

(+1 int)

You arrive for dinner. A number of pilgrims are already eating. A table has been set aside for you and your companions. The meal a thick pottage with very little meat.

> talk to one of your companions (nominate)
> scrounge for gossip (roll 1d100, worst of three)

I just think by dealing with the people at the wedding would get us further in life rather than wasting time fucking some slut who cheats on her betrothed

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>34376716
>> scrounge for gossip (roll 1d100, worst of three)

Hell, I like my chances

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>34376716
> scrounge for gossip (roll 1d100, worst of three)

>>34376727
are you saying we can't do both?

>>34376778

This man has the right idea.

Muh 98 wasted by the worst of three system

>>34376716
>worst of three
Why.
Why do you do this.
Stick to ONE fucking thing, average, best of, or worst of.
Fucking around like this is fucking bullshit

>>34376716
>> scrounge for gossip (roll 1d100, worst of three)

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>34376716

> scrounge for gossip (roll 1d100, worst of three)

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>34376821
forgot to roll

>>34376810
I sense butthurt

>>34376832
Oh fuck right off anon

>>34376853
>I sense butthurt
No, you sense "This is a fucking shit method of rolling which doesn't result in anything other than people being annoyed."
People being annoyed is not an objective of a quest

I was hoping that people would stop rolling after the 98

>>34376892
Worst of three means "You roll three times, and you have to take the worst result"
Not "Roll once and if it's good then you don't need to roll more"

>>34376934

Yeah, I'm just butthurt since that's likely the only good roll I'll have all week.

>>34376962
It's a terrible and unjustifiable rolling system which can only frustrate players, so it's not surprising.

You think about what Solomon had said, about this being a city unfamiliar to him, and you realise you know nothing about this city as well. You decide to catch what gossip you can from the other pilgrims, and find one upstanding young man in particular to talk to. He had a noble bearing, though his clothes were plain.

"Good morrow," you say, sitting with him, "Are you knew to this city?"

"Nay sir," he said, not touching his dish, "Tis well known to me in my travels. I've had call to preach here before."

A preacher? What good fortune.

"And what have you heard, that's interesting?" you ask.

The man drops his head low and taps his lips. "It is said that there is trouble afoot, and a war in the offing," he said, "Ah, would that it could be avoided."

"With the Saracens?"

The man shakes his head. "Nay," his tone grows severe, his eyes tight, "'Tis Rome we need fear."

The Church?

"Pontius Pilate means to kill him you know," and with that the man began weeping, "Oh sweet Jesus, my brother, he plans to kill my brother!" But soon he composed himself, and was smiling. "Oh but perhaps you have heard of me, my name is John, sometimes called the Baptist."

Oh, he's insane.

"You should come with me to the waters, where you can be reborn," he said, "Give up the Roman Gods and find truth, through the teachings of Jesus."

"I'll, uh, be over here," you say, picking up your plate and moving back to your own table.

An elderly woman plops down where you were sitting. "Has Jesus said anything interesting today John?" she asked.

"Oh yes," he nods enthusiastically, "I hear his friends in the mountains will be paying the city a visit soon."

"That's nice dear," she fed him a mouthful of pottage, which he ate happily, beaming with the lunatic's joy.

You finish your meal with your friends.

> rest for the night
> go out and see what you can discover (average of three)

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>34377093
>> go out and see what you can discover (average of three)

Fuck you dice gods

>>34376984
>It's a terrible and unjustifiable rolling system which can only frustrate players, so it's not surprising.

I'll explain the rolling methods in the QnA. There's always a reason why I switch it up. It isn't arbitrary.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>34377114
> go out and see what you can discover (average of three)

>>34377093
>> go out and see what you can discover (average of three)

>>34377119
I never fucking said it's arbitrary, I said it's shit and only ends up promoting frustration in players.
And if you're a good QM, that's not what you should be inspiring in players.

>>34377137
well fuck me with a rusty razor

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>34377093
>>34377152
Forgot muh dice

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>34377093
>"I hear his friends in the mountains will be paying the city a visit soon."
Are the Assassins a thing out here?

> go out and see what you can discover (average of three)

>>34377221

I think so, the timeframe looks right. But the man was also batshit crazy so.

>>34377176
>>34377137
>>34377114
You decide to get some night air, but the others decide to turn in for the night. Only Hugo accompanies you out, whistling merrily. You take a path down the side of the cloister, enjoying the night air. It's much cooler than the day time, and you enjoy the smell of the sea carried on it.

You make your way down an alley, trees stretching out into the night, swaying lazily in the breeze. The stars are bright in the sky. You pick out some constellations you recognize, telling Hugo where they are and what they mean.

But you attention is broken by the fog horn cry of a man in distress. Two rough men are putting the boot in a downed man up the end of the alley.

> leave them be
> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)
> fight them

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>34377347
> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>34377347
>> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)

Hell yeah

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>34377347
> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>34377347
>> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)

WHAT UNGODLY BEHAVIOUR IS THIS?!

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>34377347
> intervene on the man's behalf (roll 1d100 best of three)

File: awwyeeeah.jpg (7 KB, 259x195)

7 KB JPG

>>34377402
HAH! YES! THE GODS RIDE WITH US, TODAY!

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>34377437

No, they taunt us.

>>34377437
It's best of 3

>>34377459
>>34377454
oh, anon... why is fate such torment...

>>34377478
Needing answers rather than knowing that god wills it

You stiffen your spine and march up to the brutes, putting on your best battlefield voice. Your time leading men in battle, however brief, and more importantly your training as a troubadour came in handy.

"What in God's name is this!" you bear down on them, arm outstretched, using your frame and the darkness to loom before them. The two men pause in their assault and back up at the sight of you, leaving their victim a groaning mess.

"Are you Christian men, to behave in such a way?"

One of them ventured to protest. "H-he's a Saracen, sir, a Muslim."

You glare at him and he wilts. "What matters that? The scripture is clear, 'love thy neighbour and treat others as you would be treated'" you might have muddled that quote, but they'll never know. "Would you like to be kicked to death in the street, is that what you as a Christian are saying?" you put a hand to your sword.

"N-no milord, no!" but as one protested the other ran.

"Join your friend in cowardice," you say, dismissing the man with a flick of your wrist.

"Y-es milord!"

You looked down at the Saracen, his face was swollen, his eyes like bug's eyes from the bruising, his lips cut up and puckered. He was not in a good way, but he might live.

> take him back with you to the cloister
> leave him to rot, Saracen scum

>>34377590
> take him back with you to the cloister

Lets be a mate and show him our moral superiority!

>>34377590
> leave him to rot, Saracen scum

>>34377590
>Squat
"What is your name?"

>>34377590
>> take him back with you to the cloister

Take responsibility! We can kill heretic scums later

>>34377590
>> take him back with you to the cloister

>>34377590
>> take him back with you to the cloister
>Inb4 it's Saladin

>>34377590
There is honor in facing the enemy in battle, but no glory in bearing a grudge against an innocent man.

> take him back with you to the cloister

>>34377590
To the cloister we go

>>34377803
He's not born yet

>>34377880
o-oh

>>34377893
We need to go find his mother to kill her

You motion to Hugo to take up his other arm as you haul him to his feet. The man mutters something in an alien tongue.

"You have a name sir?" you ask as you walk him back to the cloister. He doesn't answer, you try again in Greek. He mumbles something.

"Musra," he says, his voice a soft whimper, "My name be Musra."

When you get back to the cloister you settle him down and call for a priest. Solomon glowers at the man on the bed, a hand on his sword.

"He is a Muslim," he said, "you should leave him, or better, slit his throat."

The priest came with knives, boils and tinctures. He cut the bruises and drained them, applied his tonics and felt the skull for fractures.

"He may be well," the priest said, "It's all worse than it looks. The man knows how to take a kicking." The priest listens to his muttered prayers. "I'd say we have a Bedouin in our midst. Protected by the king, or meant to be at least. Probably down from the horse trading for a night of drinking. Young idiot. His chief should be told where he is. Do not fear, the Order keeps contact with the nomads." The priest grasps you by the arm. "You have done a good thing this night sir, a very good thing." And with that he, and you retire.

You awake the next morning to find the Bedouin gone and a pouch of coins in his place. Ten pfennings, or the equivalent there of in local mintage. You pocket them, a good deed well rewarded.

The day is bright, and a call goes out that the Lord of Sidon has returned, his ship had made it in the docks in the early twilight.

> call on the Lord of Sidon
> do something else (write in)

>>34377943
>wanting to stop honorable-rivalfu from being born

>>34377964
>> call on the Lord of Sidon
Time to get ourself introduced

>>34377964
Let's get down to brass tacks.

> call on the Lord of Sidon

>>34377964
> call on the Lord of Sidon

Hell yeah pfennings

>>34377964
> call on the Lord of Sidon

>>34377966
>Not wanting to go full terminator on him

>>34378157

How can we get rich and powerful if we don't have a powerful rival to play off of?

We ain't going to be a no-name crusader forever.

>>34378157
>>34377966
>a rival

we're twenty years older than him at this rate

>>34378157
>going full terminator

fuck your meta shit

>>34378261
We are gonna find his mother take care of her then when he is born raise him as a good christian.

You decide it is well within your best interests to call up on Lord Gerard of Sidon. You'd heard a little about him over the last week. That he is something of a brigand, and is quarreling with a minor nobleman called Conrad. And that outlaws stalk the high road from Tyre speaks much of his lack of attention to the security of his realm.

You dress in your best clothes, ready your sword in the most dashing of ways, and call up your comrades to do the same.

"This is not some old sir we're looking to impress," you explain, "This is a proper lord, with real power. If we can secure a place in his court, we will be much advantaged. Be on your best behavior or stay here."

You get no complaints from your men, who do their best to be both presentable while also dangerous.

Aye, you were a motley crew when you came upon the gates of the Sea Castle later that day.

"You again," a guard said, blowing out his moustach, "Welcome to the castle sir, the lord is taking guests. Right now he is with a dignitary of the Count of Jaffa, likely to be some time, but his chancellor is taking on any and all sir knights for a venture."

He admits you under the portculis and you walk the length into the castle. It was true, other knights and would be warriors were milling about in the courtyard. Something was going on.

You see a man in clerical garb standing before the doorway to the fortress itself, assisted by young men in page outfits. They were assembling a line, one for men interested in this 'venture', another for people looking for an audience with Lord Gerard himself.

> stand in line for the venture
> stand in line for an audience

>>34378351
>write-in: Ask a man in line what the venture was about before making a decision

>>34378351
>write in
Ask someone for what this venture is about

>>34378351
might be a good idea to learn what's going on. hopefully a contest of sorts, something to meet a friend or hone a skill?

> stand in line for the venture

we've got time before jaffa finishes, so we're told.

>>34378351
> stand in line for the venture
>ask about the venture

>>34378351
>>34378389
>>34378393

Seconding

The venture, as near as you can tell, is some action against a nest of bandits in the hinterlands. A local cavalryman thinks it would take a month to clear the reaches of any outlaws, and the Lord of Sidon is determined to head it off as quickly as possibly, with only two days for preparation.

The cavalryman seems skeptical of its long term success under such circumstances.

>>34378521
Might be a good way to get noticed. Action speaks louder than words after all

>>34378521
> stand in line for an audience

Eh, venture sounds alright, but let's go for the big prize here

>>34378521
Well, if we're going to make ourselves known, we might as well do it right here. We earn some favor or coin, we put ourselves out there, and we meet our brother christian warriors.

>>34378570
>Action speaks louder than words after all
>WAR: 58
>CHA: 80

Not for young Wilhem apparently

>>34378587
>>34378587
to be clear this is a vote for
> stand in line for the venture

>>34378617
True. I just remembered our stupidly high CHA score compared to our other stats after i pressed post

So to clear it up, revote and link to this post.

> join the venture
> wait for an audience

>>34378758
>> wait for an audience

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>34378758
> wait for an audience

>>34378758
>> join the venture

>>34378521
> stand in line for the venture
We have Cha and Lead. We don't need to clean them out, we just need to raid them hard, burn/take their nest, grab the loot and execute prisoners as an example.

>>34378758
>> join the venture

>>34378758
> wait for an audience

>>34378351
> stand in line for an audience

>>34378758
> join the venture

>>34378758
> wait for an audience

>>34378817
precisely. we'll be on more of a ride-along, than a battle.

>>34378869
shit wrong choice
> join the venture

>>34378758
>> wait for an audience

>>34378758
>> join the venture

Okay looks like a tie. Roll off, 1d100. First roll is for venture, second for audience.

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>34378970
Venture HO!

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>34378970

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>34378970

I got this.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>34378995
Faggot.

>>34379080
fuck me.

>>34379080
Dice gods have a funny sense of humor.

>>34378985
DEUS VULT!

You think about what the cavalryman said and decide it's just the opportunity you need to prove yourself. A month in the wilderness hunting down bandits would do good for your reputation, and no doubt provide ample opportunity to make some riches.

You take that line and when you came before the chancellor he provides you with a parchment.

"Do you swear to serve the Lord Gerard in this trial, take up arms in his name and put to death any outlaws plaguing his lands? If so, sign here," he marks the dotted line.

You scrawl your mark and receive the Lord's badge, which you affix to your chest. Your men are not required to sign, they fall under your direct command, and having brought three other warriors with you receive a small sum of five pfennings.

The chancellor explains to you all that you would be paid when the trial was done, or in a months time when the contract of service ended, which ever came first.

The Lord's cousin Orlando would be leading the expedition. He was a short, fair haired man with a scar splitting his lip. Not handsome, not ugly, all together uninspiring in his presence.

"Meet for the muster at the north gate tomorrow morning. You ride out against a nest of Muslim radicals, disloyal scum who refuse good Christian governance and make a pest of themselves in the land. You do god's work sirs and good men, and you will be much rewarded."

A small cheer goes up. Many in the crowd are eager for some kind of combat.

"I will kill ten heathens," one proclaimed, "And make their women my slaves!"

The assembled brigade of warriors is sent out and the gates closed for the evening.

Solomon is bopping his head excitedly. "It will be good to fight," he said.

Hugo looked tight faced and nervous while Franz seemed unconcerned.

You have the rest of the day.

> search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100, average of three)
> take one last stop at the markets
> write-in

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>34379305
>> search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100, average of three)

Gotta roll

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>34379305
>> search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100, average of three)

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>34379305

> search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100, average of three)

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>34379305
>search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100 average of three)

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>34379305
> search the city for something interesting (roll 1d100, average of three)
We're getting Hugo a woman while we search, then training him during the march

>>34379305
>"I will kill ten heathens," one proclaimed, "And make their women my slaves!"

>write in
MEET UP WITH THIS GUY, LOL. He's gonna be our saracen-hunting buddy.

>>34379530
And use him as a shield. That guy tripped up too many death flags, better make him useful before he bites it.

You comb over the city for some last excitement and come across a procession bearing a corpse. It had come from the docks, the corpse was dressed in finery and in the colours of a royal house.

"Some dead Angevin who wouldn't make it here in life," a local man said, "Fucking Angevines, the Holy Land is lousy with them, dead and alive."

With the procession was a group of knights, some weeping openly and calling out loud prayers.

"Fresh of the boat Franks," the local man snorted, "Always making a scene when they first step off. I was born here, lived here all my life, never made a big deal over a bit of dirt."

He eyed you up and down. "Say stranger, you looking for a bit of coin? I run a cock fight back away's. You could make some good coin if you had an interest." He extended his hand. "The name's Humbert," he said.

> take the man up on his offer and indulge in a bit of gambling for the afternoon
> ask if he knows of any other distractions
> decide you are better off sitting a vigil for the night
> write in

I'm sure our Saracen buddy we saved is gonna be the one to kill him.

>>34379616
> decide you are better off sitting a vigil for the night

>>34379616

> ask if he knows of any other distractions

Better not to lose our money that we just earned.

>>34379616
> ask if he knows of any other distractions

>>34379616
>> ask if he knows of any other distractions

We ain't chumps

>>34379616
> ask if he knows of any other distractions
Hugo, woman, drinks first.

>>34379616
>> decide you are better off sitting a vigil for the night
we are still a christian knight on crusade, and we do not engage in the sin of gambling.

You ask if he knows of any other distractions.

"Well now that's a question. I can point you in the direction of a house run by a widow that admits gentlemen for a certain price with all manner of delights, or I could point you towards a common house that has the best drinking this side of Antioch and willing serving girls for a bit extra. There's also a church, well they call it a church. The priest runs a side business out the back with the sisters, aye its a sinful trade but worth hell's trespass, or so I blaspheme. It's all up to you."

> the discreet house
> the tavern
> the sinful church

>>34379855
> the sinful church
Lets not go for sinning, but I want to see what it's like anyway.

>>34379855
>the tavern

We aint paying for ladies. We are good proper christian... or atleast try to be

>>34379855
>> the sinful church

We are pious as hell

>>34379855
>> the sinful church

we may as well go & ''pray''

>>34379855
oh come on, let's live like society folk for once, it's our time to put ourselves out there.

> the discreet house

>>34379855
> the tavern
Why blaspheme, be worldly

>>34379855
the sinful church

A church that deals in carnal delights. You'd heard rumours of such wickedness, and the chance to see it for yourself was too tempting an offer. Umbert laid out the directions. There was a password for entry, a call and response. He gave that to you too.

You found the place near the harbour in a quiet cul-de-sac. It was not an impressive church, but not humble either. A statue of Mary stood in front of it, a simple figure with flowers laid at her feet.

You enter and are approached by a priest.

"Do you seek relief from your earthly burdens?" he asked.

"I seek relief, but not from earth, rather in it."

The priest smiles and beckons you on.

"Are you sure about this place brother?" Hugo asked nervously.

He leads you into a backroom where nuns are waiting. Ten in all, range from painfully young to quite old, all dressed in modest habits. You wouldn't think there was anything off colour about them. They knelt before bowls in prayer.

The priest poured out the sacramental wine and passed you each a cup before drinking himself, straight from the bottle.

"Simply put a pfenning in the bowl, and let the sister take you away for a while," the priest said with a wet grin, teeth red from the blood of christ.

You look to your companions, who look to you nervously.

"I'll wait outside," Solomon said, giving you a disapproving glance before retreating.

You look to your little brother who is squirming anxiously. This was partly for him, to make him a man before your journey.

> ask Hugo which he'd like
> pick for him
> change your mind, this is too wicked for you

>>34380363
> ask Hugo which he'd like

If we die Hugo converts to Islam

>>34380363
>> ask Hugo which he'd like

>>34380363
> change your mind, this is too wicked for you
I just wanted to talk to the guy

>>34380437
Second, Hugo earns his own bitch

>>34380437
This
Come on guys, we're a bard not a barbarian

>>34380363
>> change your mind, this is too wicked for you

Let's go to the discreet house instead.

>>34380363
> change your mind, this is too wicked for you
cmon guys, we ain't about this. We a knight.

>>34380437
Second

>>34380477
We are all about banging bitches and getting filthy rich. We aren't a very good knight anyway.

I want to go somewhere more high class though.

>>34380363
Could we ask to have Hugo able to touch and see one of them, but not to fuck them or have them give anything back?
I think it'd be a learning experience for the kid, might encourage him to try on moves instead of peeping

The whole set up is starting to send a shiver down your spine. The temptation was sweet, but the reality sickly. Truly it was the sweet scent of a rotting thing. You take your brother by the shoulder.

"I have rethought sir, forgive me, we depart," you say, backing out from the false-priest's glare. Well you would be if you did not step foot in this place again, even as another patron enters after you.

Solomon has a relieved grin on his face to see you emerge so quickly. "You did the honourable thing," he said.

"Mayhap we have time to find that madame," you say.

"Or just retire for a drink," Franz says with a hrumph.

Humbert did not instruct you on where to find this woman's lodging, and you fail to find Humbert as well. The sun has since set, and you find you have no time for one last succor, but perhaps a night cap was in the offing.

> head to a tavern for one last drink
> head back to the cloister
> write in

>>34380630
>> head to a tavern for one last drink

Fuck it, let's get wasted

>>34380630
a Pfenning Franz is gay

> head to a tavern for one last drink

lets woo some poor tavern wench

>>34380630
>head to the tavern for one last drink

lets get drunk!

>>34380659
lets tell them about that one time Hugo totally saved us by killing three... nay four saracens!

>>34380659

A gay Jewish man-at-arms, a Nubian knight, and a bastard walk into a tavern etc etc

>>34380735
all we need now is a bloodthirsty man from beyond Hindustan & a Byzantine and we have our party set up.

"A tavern, a drink, nay a toast," you take your friends around the shoulder, "One last night of frivolity before a season's hard campaign. Soldiers such as we need such respite."

"Aye!" Franz said, "A drink, a dance, a dangled girl on the knee. What better things, eh?"

"To the tavern, where ale flows and women wait!" Solomon proclaims.

You are a rowdy crew when you find such common house as serves ale cheap. The Lord's badge keeps any from impeding your progress, and you soon find yourself downing horn after horn of ale.

Girls come and go laughing, as do other men join your party, soon quick friends and even quicker departed. You take aside a young, fresh serving wench and have her sit by your brother.

"He has saved my hide more times than a finger has hands, a knight in the making," you say with slurred speech. The girl does seem impressed. Hugo has a muzzy grin, barely keeping his seat from all the ale he has had.

You sing a part of a song to great applause, half standing on your table.

You look down at your empty horn and order another after a powerful burp.

> roll 1d100, average of three

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>34380891

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>34380891
roll

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>34380891

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>34380891

>>34380929
>>34380949
>>34380950
oh fuck me

>>34380949
>>34380950
incoming bar fight in 3...2...1...

>>34380929
>>34380949
>>34380950
God didn't like us visiting the church did he?

>>34380979
worse, we black out and wake up in a hashashin temple in our own initiation.

>>34381005

And he responds by cockblocking Hugo.

Nietzsche was right

>>34380929
>>34380949
>>34380950
>WASTED.gif

You awake, groaning. You awake with a throat like the scourging of Hell. Your head is pounding with Gabriel's trumpet. Your lips are covered with a thick layer of dried skin.

And you are lying naked, in the street, with grinning children standing over you.

And a grinning someone else, just a red mane of hair, face for a moment blotted out by the sun.

When your eyes focus her face comes into view. Jehanne, with a dirty smile.

"Ho, Lord of Woman's Pleasure," she said, bopping you on the forehead with a spoon.

"Christ almighty," you mutter.

She bops you again. "Mind your blasphemy," she says. Finally she offers you a cool cup of water as you sit up, your meat tracking through the dirt.

"Christ on the cross, what did I do last night?" you asked.

"Oh you tried to do me," she said, rolling her eyes, "Then you tried calling out to Neomi. Luckily my lord betrothed is out at the horse markets or there might have been a quarrel."

"Oh sweet Mother Mary," you shade your eyes.

Neomi arrives lightly on her feet and delivers you your clothing.

"Change sir, before the lady of the house gets ideas," she motions to the matron in the window, who watched cat-eyed.

You dress numbly and bid the girls a fair well, but not before Hugo comes slinking out of the house. You frown at him and his grin.

"We best hurry sir," he aid, "Or we will be late for the muster."

"Judas Priest!" you cry, beginning to sprint off.

> roll 1d100, average of three.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>34381131

Rock and Roll

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>34381131

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>34381131
roll

>>34381152
oh thank christ

>>34381220
Thou shall not use the name of the lord in vain.

Finally caught up, am amazed with how retarded some of the decisions made were.

You stumble a little as you run for the north gate. Luckily Franz had kept his head, and was waiting with your arms and horse both.

"Quickly Hugo, help your master," Franz said, prodding the boy. You switched from fine garment to battlefield dress as swiftly as possible, He affixed your shield, helped you mount and passed you your spear.

Solomon was on foot, likewise dressed for war.

"Would have been bad to be late," he had a nasty bruise on his cheek. In fact, Franz likewise had a cut above his eyes and Hugo walked with a slight limp.

"What happened last night?" you asked.

Solomon laughed. "You fought three Normans for a whore's favour. You might have been beaten to death had we not stepped in on your behalf. After that, even I am struggling to recall. There was a horse, and some talk of Damascus?" he shrugged, "It was a good night, though my bed was cold. Better than a night on the street though."

"Feh to you false-friend," you jokingly insult, trotting your horse out the gate.

It was a force of some twenty knights and twice as many men-at-arms. A force of sixty in all, the knights mustered at the front around their leader.

Sir Orlando sees you arrive with a smile. Next to him is a bruised man who is glowering at you however.

"And you must be Sir Wilhelm, last of our number. Yes, we've heard some of you already. Surely you must save some of your fighting energy for the Saracens, rather than your brothers in arms?"

> I'll fight any man that challenges me
> you are correct sir, my apologies
> write in

>>34381324

Oh boy, here we go

>>34381356
> you are correct sir, my apologies

Gotta put the CHA to good use

>>34381356
I'll fight any man that challenges me.

>>34381378
No turn the other cheek bullshit.

>>34381356
>> you are correct sir, my apologies

>>34381356
>> you are correct sir, my apologies

>>34381356
Apologize.

>>34381356
> you are correct sir, my apologies
Now that I am aware, I should not have taken more than two at once.

>>34381356
you are correct sir, my apologies
> write in
turn to the bruised man
''and you must be one of the Normans me & my brothers tussled with last night my deepest apologies brother keeping my wine is not a virtue I possess''

>>34381356
Mock the normans to the effect of: "if it takes three normans, imagine how many men the saracens will need"

>>34381589

One or two should do it. Wilhelm isn't the greatest fighter in the world.

You bow your head in submission. "You are correct of course sir, the drink got to my head which some say lacks sense even when sober. My mistake, and of the past, eh?" you look to the presumably Norman knight. Orlando raises a brow at the knight, who lowers his glare in turn.

"Aye, we ride together. Of the past," his words are not entirely convincing, and his Latin is rough.

"This is Sir Blaise, he commands some five other knights and twenty of the men-at-arms, a good man to have with us," Sir Orlando said. Unspoken was the other side of the coin, a bad man to have as an enemy.

You file in with the others as a baggage train comes to join you.

It's a lively bunch, and you inspect each of the other knights. It might be good to make the company of some of them. You think it might be unwise to approach Sir Blaise or his Normans directly, they still have a dark air about them.

> A tall man who looks vaguely German
> a small, darker man of Syrian appearance
> keep to your friends for now

>>34381589
Let us not mock our Christian brother. For does the Bible not say:

>'Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! ~Psalms 133:1'

>>34381633
>approach either the German or Syrian, whomever has more men with him

We will need allies after all

>>34381633
>> a small, darker man of Syrian appearance

We already filled out German quota

>>34381633
>> keep to your friends for now

let us get the lay of the land as it is for now internal divides, who is who, etc etc.

>>34381633
> a small, darker man of Syrian appearance
Is he a local? He could have some valuable intel about the area. I don't actually know where this city is.

>>34381633
German. Germans were known to be willing to fight on foot and be GOOD at it-we'll need that in the mountains.

>>34381633
German. We're German, he's German, we should get along famously. Through Reich, unity.

>>34381814
Prussian plz

>>34381796

I think we disproved that stereotype.

>>34381830
>Implying the concept of the Reich didn't go all the way back to the HRE

>>34381839
Group skills. The average poulain or norman knights is going to fight as an individual with no sense of teamwork on foot. Germans were known to be less shit at it. Sometimes.

You are heading into parts unknown, and working on little knowledge you decide it is best to cozy up to the Syrian looking man.

He is of swarthy complexion, his skin a ruddy brown, and he had a black beard peppered with grey. A hawk like nose and hard little black eyes, like shark eyes. His armour was of many little scales, as was his horse. He looked much like a glistening fish. His helmet had a high dome that ended with a point, and a fish-scale viel of metal hung loose. Whoever he was, he seemed a serious opponent. His spear was long and well made, and he had javelins hanging from his saddle.

"Good day," he set in a polite, formal Greek.

"We'll be riding together a stretch," you offer him a hand, "I'm Wilhelm, knight of Koblenz."

He takes it carefully. "Malik ibn Mujir," he said, bowing slightly in his saddle.

> Try to befriend Malik (roll 1d100, best of three)
> ask Malik's opinion on the campaign.
> talk to the German instead
> write in

>>34381929
True, if there's one thing Germans have consistently been good at, it's being organised.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>34381939
>> Try to befriend Malik (roll 1d100, best of three)

Befriending is our Secret Weapon

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>34381939
>> Try to befriend Malik (roll 1d100, best of three)

Here it goes!

>>34381939
> ask Malik's opinion on the campaign.

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>34381939
>> Try to befriend Malik (roll 1d100, best of three)

>>34381962
>>34381964
>>34381972

God wills it

>>34381961
uh.....
No. At this point in history they're actually disorganized as shit. The concept of "germany" isn't a thing yet.

PRUSSIA is organized, and modern germany is what happens when Prussians make a baby with central europe.

You ride a time with Malik in a companionable silence before you broach it with conversation.

"Tell me sir, how did you end up in Frankish company?" you ask.

"How did a young knight of Germany wind up on the other side of the world?" he replied. Then he shrugged. "There is no special telling of it. I am a mercenary by trade. I have fought for Muslim and Christian both, my lance going to the highest bidder. I once commanded a company of lancers in Aleppo for Atabeg Zengi, but I found him a poor master who asked for that I would not give, and crossed the borders. King Baldwin, Sultan Sanjar of Khorasan, I have even worked for Italians and would not speak further on those adventures. In that time I have found all lords are mostly the same. Greedy men with violent minds."

"You are Muslim?" you asked.

Malik nodded. "Yes, does that offend you?"

> yes
> no
> write in

>>34382177
>> write in
"No one is perfect" with a huge grin on our face

>>34382177
>"Greedy men with violent minds."
This, coming from a mercenary?

>>34382177
>>34382192

This is fine.

>>34382177
> write in
"Injustice does. I've found myself befriending Nubians, fighting Normans and helping Bedouins lately"

>>34382177
>>34382192
>>34382262
These two combined

>>34382192
>>34382262
mix em

"No one is perfect," you say, to which Malik nods, "And the only thing I detest is injustice. A man beaten half to death not for his actions but for his mistake of being born a Saracen sickens me. It is my belief that all men are brothers divided only by artifice. Already I have made friends with a Nubian of Unorthodox Christian faith, and my oldest friend is a Jew just recently baptised. How lonely the world would be if kin only kept to kin, and like to like."

He nodded again. "Yes, this is well said. I have ten men in my troop, and though most are local lads, many are of far flung stock. Kurds and Christians. God is Great, but a warrior must see the strength of a sword arm and a willingness to hold a breach before he sees the ties of religion or race. Many of my countrymen and brothers in faith are faithless in action if not in word. Neither zeal nor honour motivates them, just wealth and idleness to spend that wealth on."

He has a light in his eye.

"I ask you this question, and answer truthfully, you will not offend me with your response. What is more important to you, glory or love?"

> glory
> love

>>34382487
>glory

>>34382487
>write in
"different sides of the same coin"

>>34382516
this

>>34382487
> glory
Were not wanting for love if we bother to call for it.

>>34382516
this but add

''can there not be glory in love?''

"Are they not the same thing just viewed in another way, is there no glory in love?" you ask.

He smiles but shakes his head. "You speak as a young man who has not been forced to choose. There will come a time when you will have to decide. Love asks much of you, as does glory, and when they coincide it is not happily. Ah, but mayhap you will never have to make that choice. I hope so, it is a hard one."

He gestured toward a rider not far away. "I could have had a place in the halls of power, a generalship. It was a deserved position it is not boasting to say so, but also it would set me against kin. And a man who fights his kin is especially accursed. My lord was aggrieved of course, but would forgive me if I would make a sacrifice for my perceived betrayal. Aye, what he asked of me made my blood run cold, then very hot. Rather had I taken up sword against my cousins than be forced to do that. I chose love over glory, and am now a vagrant for it. But I think I chose wisely."

When camp is made that night he invited you over to his fire.

"I want you to meet someone my friend," he said, gesturing to a short figure armoured as he was. "Sabeen, come meet a friend of your father's!"

The figure came a helmed, and when it was removed and in the firelight you saw a woman's features. She had a different darkness of skin to her father, a blend of his near red complexion and Solomon's black, and had hair cut short and curly. Her form was hidden under bulky mail but her face was lovely if pouting.

"This is my daughter Sabeen, who I sacrificed all glory for," he said.

> a woman warrior? madness
> my lady (kiss her hand)
> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)
> write in

>>34382816
> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)
Don't diss future crazy matrons.

>>34382816
>> my lady (kiss her hand)
We are a knight afterall

She will probably hate it

>>34382816
> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)

>>34382816
> my lady (kiss her hand)

>>34382816
> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)

>>34382816
>> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)

>>34382816
>> a woman warrior? madness
>implying I'm going to project my 21st century values into this quest
>>34382951
>>34382872
*tips fedora

>>34382816
> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)

>>34382994
>implying i arent going to keep my manners no matter how foolish said lady is for playing war

>>34382994
>Tips kettlehelm

>>34382816
> my lady (kiss her hand)
>She hates it
>begins to loath us
>save her heathen booty
>Hate sex ensues

Good to be bard

>>34382816
>> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)

If she's trying to be a Mulan archetype, I sure as hell don't mind.

You rise and grasp her forearm in a warrior's grip.

"Well met," you say. There is strength in her fingers, and she matches your eyes. She frowns a little, but bows her head.

"Well met," she said, before slipping out of your grip. She sat beside the fire. She said something to her father in their private tongue, poking the fire so it blazed higher. She then looked back up at you and spoke in clear if accented Greek. "Tell me fair Frank, are you enjoying our sun? It is ancient, and burns hotter than the wet lands you are used to. It bakes men dark and makes them hard, hard of skin and heart." There was some challenge in her words, but she past up a water skin to drink, a friendly enough gesture, and offered you space to sit. "And what of our land. Is it to your liking, would you kill for it as your countrymen are so fond of doing?"

> I like this land well enough
> My homeland is far more preferable
> write in

>>34382816
>> good to meet you (a warrior's hand shake)
*laugh* "But sir, I AM a young man! I will hold onto the joy of life so long as there is breath in this body."

*salute and offer to handshake* "A pleasure to see a fellow warrior."

>>34383153
>> write in
"Er... I'm actually German, not a Frank. The land here is a little hot, but fairly tolerable. If the people here can weather the land, I'm sure I can grow to understand and enjoy it as well as you and your sire have."

>>34383193
"maybe i should carve out my own land for my own. Heard Alexandria is nice" and then smirk

>>34383153
>> I like this land well enough

>>34383153
I like this land well enough

>>34383221
Seconding

Your answer comes quickly, it takes little consideration.

"I like it out here," you say, taking a seat at the fire, "It's hotter, but more open. You can see the world around you, and enjoy the night sky. The cities are large and boisterous, the people are very open with their words. It suits me this place." One of Malik's men paces you a stick with cooked meat on it. You eat gratefully. "But I'm no Frank. I am German. And we are a romantic, wandering breed."

You pass the night in friendly conversation before your own camp calls you to bed.

You settle down for the night and sleep well.

The next couple of days pass easily. You spend much of your time with Malik and his men, whose company is most agreeable, but then you catch the glance of a Frank that doesn't sit well with you. Perhaps you should socialise with someone else for the next couple of days.

> find the tall German you spied the first day
> make time to meet Sir Blaise and his knights
> seek out Sir Orlando, your commander

>>34383459
>seek out Sir Orlando, your commander
Failing this
> make time to meet Sir Blaise and his knights

>>34383483
seconding.

>>34383459
>> seek out Sir Orlando, your commander

>>34383459
>>34383483

Fine with this

>>34383459
>> find the tall German you spied the first day
Might be someone familiar with our kinsmen back home. Always good to have a fellow national in a foreign land.

>>34383459
The German.

But apologize to the one guy again for fighting them.

You think its best to cozy up to command, and spur your horse to the head of the company.

Sir Orlando rides easily, some might even say lazily, keeping a weather eye out on the surroundings.

"We'll come into the hinterland soon," he said to the knight riding beside him, "When we get there we will make no trouble. We are not here to burn down every village that crosses our path. We are hunting bandits. So keep your men in check. I don't care if they are Muslim, Christian or Jew. They could be a coven of devil-worshipers or worse, Cathars, you stay your sword arm."

"Aye sir," the knight said, spurring away to give the order.

Orlando notes you riding up.

"And what do you want sir Wilhelm?"

> Just to say hello
> I thought we might discuss strategy
> write in

>>34383671
> I thought we might discuss strategy

"the Rocks are treacherous here horses will be stumbled or lamed if we wish to use them here''

>>34383671
>write in
"I hope you have a plan"

>>34383671
>> write in
"Milord, please be blunt with me. Are we truly men of God if we are here to slay those who follow Him?"

>>34383671
>> I thought we might discuss strategy

>>34383671
> I thought we might discuss strategy

>>34383744

I don't think Wilhelm is pious enough to have that kind of inner conflict. Plus he's our commander and fellow knight, not our spiritual guide.

"I thought we might discuss our plan of action, about what lies ahead," you say, drifting closer to him, "These hinterlands are rocky, that's bad for horses. We could risk losing them to injury before a battle is even met."

Orlando considers your words, but brushes them off. "Do not worry about the horses, they will be fine. I'm not asking you to scale the very mountains. We are not trying to find the temple of the Assassins. Our information suggests the bandits nest in the forests of the low lands."

He looks you over. "Do you have anything else you'd like to suggest?"

> lay out a plan of action (roll 1d100, average of three)
> ask about the cohesion of the force
> leave off and return to the company

>>34383869
> lay out a plan of action (roll 1d100, average of three)
Don't worry about laying out specific plans, that will be determined by how well you roll
> ask about the cohesion of the force
I should have said the cohesion of your company, just a clarification.

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>34383869
> lay out a plan of action (roll 1d100, average of three)

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>34383869
>> lay out a plan of action (roll 1d100, average of three)

Oh thank god, I won't have to think hard about this.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>34383869
>> lay out a plan of action (roll 1d100, average of three)

Our war score is terrible. But here goes nothing

>>34383904

Lu Bu? Lu Bu

>>34383935
I literally heard him asking for a decent challenge when I read this post.

>>34383909

I think it was a combination of our INT (for our plan not being shit) and our CHA (convincing our superior that our plan is not Lu Bu tier)

>>34383977
But as our rolls have just shown. It is very much Lu Bu tier

"I have some experience hunting bandits back in my homeland," you begin, "And I think we should start by sending outriders forward to scout for their forces. It would be a dangerous job, but more dangerous to just sit and be attacked by unknown numbers. And we need to know if these bandits are soldiers turned brigand or just peasants taken to robbery. We're marching blind here."

Orlando scowls out you. "Do not lecture me on basic tactics, sir," he said, "And do not presume to know better than I the lay of this land. I've hunted these forests since I was a boy."

He trotted his horse forward to create distance between you.

"Return to your men and spare me your council, this conversation is done."

A few watching knights laugh as you retreat, hot in the face. Your commander pays you no mind for the rest of the day, though Sir Blaise sees fit to send you a present that night with a note attached.

It is a dress, 'for the fair maiden who required the help of real men to save her'.

> answer this insult with a challenge
> ignore it and keep your head down

>>34384024
> ignore it and keep your head down

It worked for Sima Yi

>>34384024
> ignore it and keep your head down

take note of the Insult & carry on

>>34384024
>> ignore it and keep your head down

In hindsight, it was rather silly of us to lecture a veteran. Oh well. At least we haven't turned into He Who Manifests Spaghetti yet.

>>34383977
Int and War actually.

I might be specific about what stats you are using in future rolls just so you guys know. Combined stats are the unmodified average between the two.

>>34384024
If we challenge Blaise, we'll be facing off against a presumably experienced knight. If we lose, at best we'll lose face, at worst we'll die.

If we win, Blaise might seek revenge against us with his large contingent later on.

Better to keep our head low and plot our revenge against him.

> ignore it and keep your head down

>>34384024
> write in
wear the dress over our mail as a surcoat or fly it from our lance to show him his insults mean nothing to us

>>34384024
> ignore it and keep your head down
Bid our time

>>34384024
this is some first 10 episodes Cao cao shit right here

> ignore it and keep your head down

File: sima_yi_is_a_woman.jpg (37 KB, 892x492)

37 KB JPG

>>34384041
Sima Yi didn't ignore it. He wore it in front of the messenger that brought it.

We can't do it because we're a Christian though.

File: 4d0d9bc9-b5f7-4af2-a3ec-0(...).jpg (132 KB, 381x611)

132 KB JPG

>>34384144
this
>>34384103
make that dress a banner

>>34384181
>>make that dress a banner
THIIIIIIIS.

I was about to post those same exact words.

>>34384181
We are gonna fly that dress

>>34384181
>>34384103

Fuck >>34384059 here lets do it

>>34384024
>>34384041
>>34384181

Let's do this, changing my vote to reflect it.

>>34384181
>>34384181
Fuck yeah let's do this

You scrunch up the note and feed it to the camp fire.

"A wolf might snarl at a huntsman, but that doesn't mean he must snarl back," you say to your companions, "Let this dog have his day, for the mean time we will continue on." Your friends nod, thinking it a sound judgement.

The dress you decide to keep though, and place it in your saddle bags.

Another few days pass uneventfully when you find yourself in the hinterlands. It is actually less rough than the lands you passed through, with pastureland further ahead and woods running up the hillside, disappearing into the mountains. A village stands nearby, with peasants about their business.

"We're to go slowly," you tell your men, "take up no arms until we are attacked first."

Your words are good for your men, but Blaise and his knights have other thoughts.

"God's will!" the Norman roars, drawing his sword. His footmen give a hearty cheer and charge toward the village, their knights flying before them. Orlando is left ignored, yelling after the fools. Other knights look ready to join Blaise in his charge, and their footmen looked confused.

> rally them to you, keep them from charging (roll 1d100, average of three. Lead test)
> join in the havoc and add your men to Blaise's charge
> do nothing but watch

>>34384356
> do nothing but watch
>we get fools killed
>Rally the situation
>Kill bandits
>PROFIT!

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>34384356
>> rally them to you, keep them from charging (roll 1d100, average of three. Lead test)

Fuck Blaise

>>34384356
>>34384387
> do nothing but watch
> fools killed
>maybe even the commander
>Rally the situation
>Make a plan
>Kill bandits
>PROFIT!

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>34384356
>> rally them to you, keep them from charging (roll 1d100, average of three. Lead test)

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>34384356
> rally them to you, keep them from charging (roll 1d100, average of three. Lead test)

>>34384394
>>34384401
>>34384407

God is Dead.

>>34384356
>> do nothing but watch


Fools get killed

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>34384356
>> rally them to you, keep them from charging (roll 1d100, average of three. Lead test)

Be disgusted at the Normans.

"Men of God! To draw steel against innocents is to be no better than a heretic!"

>do nothing but watch
Guys, it's not like you always have to take the "roll" option, you know.

We can rescue the village after they've got killed/tired.

>>34384413
Surely they will know to rally to the prettiest dress in Christendom!

>>34384356
> do nothing but watch

>>34384429

If we fail to rally them, we'll be basically doing nothing but watch though

>>34384413
Leadership of 70, might be able to get the majority to listen to us.

Captcha: British edemtif

Goddammit, we're German, not some prissy tea-drinking Englishman!

>>34384463

I hope we can get the Syrian bros to stop at least.

>>34384457
Wrong. One option attempts to stop them, the other doesn't.

They're not gonna be pleased with our attempt, failed or not.

>>34384482
I think Syrian bros and fellow Germans will fall back on rationality rather than a frontal charge.

>>34384488

Well, I guess it doesn't matter for me. I rolled and I am not going to change my vote because I rolled unfortunately.

File: 027_Rycerze_Zakonu_Krzyża(...).jpg (252 KB, 968x649)

252 KB JPG

>>34384504
>fellow Germans will fall back on rationality rather than a frontal charge

>>34384535
>Teutonic Order
>Rationality
>MySides.gif

>>34384563
thatisthejoke.png

You keep you men in check but do nothing to keep the rest of the knights from coming to Blaise's aid. Fifteen knights and all the men-at-arms save those under yours and Malik's command raced into the village.

Torches were being set and flung onto hatch roofs. Dagger drawn and men gutted in the street. The peasants hadn't even time to flee. Blaise came in with a long axe in hand, laying into any passing figure from horse back. Even from a distance you could hear his blood drunk laugh.

You saw one knight and two men-at-arms grab a young girl and drag her into an unlit building. A boy tried to race after her but was stopped dead by a spear. It was carnage, the fire was spreading from roof to roof and the men reveled in it like they were drunk at a feast day.

Blaise took a brand and lobbed it over hand into a central building. When a young boy tried to flee the smoking building he brought his horse around to kick the child, and proceeded to trample him into pieces, all the while laughing.
"God no!" Orlando was off his horse and bawling, "Stop this, stop! I order you to stop. We are here to help them!" He fell to his knees and dug at the dirt.

"A weak leader cannot contain a mad dog," Malik said, coming beside you. Two other horsemen were with him, his daughter and the German.

"What would you do?" you ask him.

Malik brushed his hands. "What is there to do?"

The carnage was soon running its course, and you watched Blaise's men divvy up looted foodstuffs and the meager goods of the village. It seemed he now held command over the men down there.

Few survivors were left in the ruins of their home. Gaunt eyed girls and weeping old men. The rest, dead.

> ride down to defy Blaise
> ride down to join him
> write in

>>34384629
>> ride down to defy Blaise

"Men of God need not suffer rabid hounds such as he. Even a heretic understands this. We should put this mad-dog to the sword just as we shall to the heretics."

>>34384629
> ride down to defy Blaise
>write in.
Tell Orlando to send a message back to the city to inform his father about this

>>34384629
>> ride down to defy Blaise

>>34384629
> ride down to defy Blaise
FLY THE BANNER HIGH!

>>34384675
this is a good idea

>>34384675
Orlando is Lord Gerard's cousin, not son.

>>34384675
seconding the message

>>34384675
This

>>34384713
To his cousin then. Misremembered

>>34384670
>>34384675
These.

>>34384713
Cousin it is, then.

"What a fine tactician we have here, striking the opponent when he's the least prepared: untrained, unarmed and unarmoured. Such insight!"

>>34384629
>Two other horsemen were with him, his daughter and the German.

Welp, I guess we should have befriended the German instead of talking to Orlando.

Ah well, next on our agenda list.

>>34384629
If we were smart we'd attack him now.

His men are divided and fighting over spoils and we have the advantage that he isn't expecting an attack...

But we won't do that, ah well. Hopefully he doesn't kill us.

You decide that enough is enough. You cannot stomach to watch the Norman gloat over the burned out husk of the village. You assemble those who are left standing on the hill side.

"Sir Orlando, perhaps you had best turn back and inform your Lord Cousin of this transgression," you say.

Orlando shakes his head numbly. "I am still in command here Sir Wilhelm, I must confront this brute with you."

Malik sighs and gives the order for his men to approach with caution, bows ready. If things turned sour you were grossly outnumbered. You do the same, and lift your spear.

You thought for a mad second of using the dress as a banner, but that would only earn further scorn from the men below. You ride to defy Blaise, but not necessarily set yourself against all his men.

Your horse descends and you are reassured that your companions are close.

"Ho, Blaise you dog!" you call, "False-knight and hound of women, I call you out!"

Blaise laughs, shouldering his axe and patting his sword. "The maid-knight calls me false, but you'll not think so of my axe's blade. Come little maid and fight me. I'll break your sword and make you a maid in truth!"

His knights and footmen laugh, but the others in his company look wary.

> accept his challenge (fight)
> accept his challenge, but nominate a champion (pick one of your companions to duel Blaise)
> submit to his authority

Challenge blaise to personal combat.

>>34384837
Addendum:
Lance the cunt. IF he wants to play around with a longaxe, he can deal with the consequences.