>>35029551
> head to church yourself, it is a Sunday after all

>>35029551
> head to church yourself, it is a Sunday after all
We can leave Malik safely with our prisoner, and Judith will be taken care of by her entourage.

Besides, people will find out we just REKT some raiders, earn that faith.

>>35029551
>> see to lodgings first and go to church later

Lets get our people settled in first

It has been too long since you had last received the sacrament, and after your trials you believe god must be shown proper respect for seeing you through.

You ask Malik if he and his men could guard your things and mind your prisoner, something he is happy to do, before gathering up your Christian brothers and heading to church.

It is not an ostentatious church, it was half open aired to accommodate the pilgrims and peasant folk, converted from an old Roman amphitheater. The priest who read out liturgies in Latin was a tall, robust man with a swollen nose and bulging throat.

You arrive in martial bearings, a sight that gives pause to the proceedings and earning some wary looks from the congregation. But the Holy Land was a martial place, and it was only a slight pause.

The sacrament is eventually handed out, and you and your men are in line to receive the body and blood of Christ. You wait behind Ioveta and watch her take a reverential sip before doing your own. taking a knee and crossing yourself, reciting the long drilled ritual.

You feel better for it, for truly it was only God's will that assured life and commanded death.

When the service was done and you made your way back to Malik and your possessions you saw trouble. A head of men, village folk with staves and billhooks, had gathered. They leered at the Syrian mercenaries, some clutched rotten fruit as if poised to throw. Malik and his warriors looked on hard, with spears in a tight grip.

This could be trouble.

> roll 1d100, average of three, to quell the hostilities

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>35030180

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>35030180

>>35030200
>>35030213
well fuck. God is not with us today it seems, we even went to his house!

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>35030180

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>35030180

>>35030180
Shouldn't this be a best-of? Considering it's a social action?

>>35030200
>>35030213
>>35030266
Get your dice together, Lord.

You step between the crowd of peasantry and the Syrian line. Your knightly trappings give some of the small folk pause, but others are still boldly hot headed.

"Saracen bastards!" one stout man said, waving a cudgel overhead, "We'll not have you heathen scum in our town. Abductors, rapers!"

His cry was taken up by other folks. A tomato is loosed but you catch it on your shield.

"Hold!" you bellow, but half the crowd was roaring in French and didn't understand your Latin commands. Your men come up beside you and form a line of shields, protecting the Syrians from the hail of rotten fruit and rocks.

"Calm theyself!" you roar, but your voice made little effort.

The stout young man came up with cudgel and struck your shield with a hard overhand blow, knocking you back a step.

> meet force with force (roll 1d100, average of three)
> try diplomacy again (roll 1d100, average of three)

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>35030367
> try diplomacy again (roll 1d100, average of three)
Why is it always averages? Averages a shit

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>35030367
>> try diplomacy again (roll 1d100, average of three)
Dont fail us silver-tongue!

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>35030367

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>35030465
>>35030418
>>35030416
And another good roll completely ruined by poor ones.

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>35030367
> try diplomacy again (roll 1d100, average of three)

The crowd was not settling at the sight of your men.

"Zealots," Franz drawled the word with great antipathy in your German tongue. It had not been so long ago when a similar band had rampaged through Europe, burning and looting the Jewish communities through out France and the Rhine.

The young man took another swing, but you saw a possible salvation.

"Father!" you call to the priest, "Calm this rabble."

The priest rung his hands in his sacred cloth but nodded, and took his booming voice in good clear French. The crowd began to settle down into a mere shimmer of hostility. You really should learn French.

The priest drew forth the young man.

"Please sir, forgive Etien," he said, kneeling before you, "He is at a rage because his sisters and wife were abducted while on pilgrimage in Galilee, his brothers all slain by the raiders. This is no excuse for striking you, merely an explanation. His reason is scattered, sir, lost with his womenfolk."

Etien stares past you at the Saracen lancers, eyes still hot with hate, but when your eye catches his, they turn downward and he falls to a knee.

Punishment is yours to met out.

> kill the man
> maim him for striking a noble (a nose will suffice)
> impress him into your service as a bondsman (your band could use a new squire/porter as it grows)
> forgive him and let him go (be as like Christ)

>>35030652
>> forgive him and let him go (be as like Christ)
All is forgiven

>>35030652
> forgive him and let him go (be as like Christ)
We have no need for zealots, and forgiveness is a virtue of Christ!

>>35030652
>> forgive him and let him go (be as like Christ)

Holy shit not 10 minutes in & dice god are already fucking us

You nod.

"Forgiveness, yes, that is right," you say. You cuff the young man on the shoulder. "Stand," you instruct. Hesitantly, and only half understanding your words, he climbs to his feet. You strike him once across the cheek. "Go with Christ, brother," you say, "And be glad. For Christ is with us this day."

He gives you a confused look, but before he can leave Malik has come forth.

"I heard his story," he said to you before looking to the young man. He drew from his belt a dagger, a long curved knife, and passed it to the young man and spoke something in French. Does everyone speak that dog tongue except you?

Etien tucked the knife into his belt and nodded, slinking away.

The crowd dispersed and the priest smiled, made the cross. "Bless you sir," he said, before leading his flock away.

Now you are left with your men, and the need for lodging of a night.

There is a tavern that can fit most of your men, but a number will need to sleep in the stables.

Once your men are settled the shatranj comes out. Solomon and Malik fall into a game, while Orlando brings drinks for Welf and Franz. Hugo is speaking with Sabeen by the fire place, while Iovetta and her companions keep their own company.

She smiles to you as you pass.

> nominate a group to sit in with

>>35030652
get the priest to explain that Malik and his men helped us capture a raider and also fights to bring law to the roads

>>35030962
> nominate a group to sit in with
Malek

why the hell did he give him that dagger?

>>35030962
hang out with Solomon and Malik

>>35030962
>> nominate a group to sit in with
Go sit with Malik and Sabeen, we should really hear how she is doing and how we can repay our debt

You fall in to watch Malik and Solomon play. You are still an initiate to the game, but your knowledge was growing. Both the Nubian and Syrian were old hands at it however, and you could not read who had the advantage.

"Aye, you show surprising mercy," Solomon said, "What was that business with the knife?"

Malik smiled. "I said 'if you wish to avenge your kinfolk you will need better arms than a piece of wood' and gave him the knife. It was just a knife, I have many."

"Speaking of mercy," Solomon looked over to you, "Is it not law that peasants should be mutilated for assaulting their betters?"

You shrug. "It did not take my fancy to spill blood so soon after taking the sacrament."

Solomon snorted. "A man who strikes out must be struck down, lest other people get ideas. You be careful with your mercy brother, it might come back to bite you."

You watched their game and thought you caught some subtle play in their movement.

> roll 1d100, average of three and nominate a stat to raise

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>35031246
Int!

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>35031246
War

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>35031246
>WAR

>>35031246
>> roll 1d100, average of three and nominate a stat to raise
Lead

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>35031278
Changing my vote to lead

>>35031246
>WAR
Let's take the freebie

>>35031278
>>35031297
war is our dumpstat why the hell do you want to Improve it?

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>35031301
>>35031246
fuck forgot my roll

>>35031246
LEAD

>>35031315
Because we're foolhardy enough to duel people despite War bring our dumpstat. If we're going to be getting in more fights, I'd rather we had a decent War rating.

We should grab a pragmatic priest for our ragtag band. One who knows that sometimes, Christ needs to look the other way.

It'll give us a strong air of piety and righteousness as well!

>>35031374
Oh sure, let's also coerce a Byzantine inventor into making us an airship fleet.

>>35031372
we duelled once & decided it was a baaaaad Idea anon.

besides we have Solomon & Welf for that equivalent of peach tree oath when?

>>35031429
We dueled again and we got a valuable hostage, so clearly duels are good to do.

>>35031315
Why would you want to never improve something that might prove crippling later on if left as is? That's sloth, anon.

>>35031446
Anon if you want to be Duelist go play TKQ.

> leadership +2

Through careful observation you note the way Malik and Solomon deploy their pieces, each carefully testing the other. It ends with Solomon conceding defeat long before his king is in mortal peril.

"It is common for games to end in such a way, between two experts," Malik explained, giving Solomon a nod of respect. "There is a lesson in it as well, if you are wise enough to see it."

Solomon and Malik draw away from the board and over to a bench to eat together.

Your companions are deep in their cups, Welf red faced and near spilling out of his seat, held aloft by Franz and Orlando who suppressed drunken giggles.

Sabeen had a knife out and was facing against Hugo, who had a knife of his own. She was demonstrating some technique that came into a grapple, pulling poor Hugo across her hip and onto the dirt. Her knee on his shoulder, knife arm twisted behind his back and her knife pressed against his neck.

Adelheid was lecturing her charge with a furious scowl while Theodore dozed behind her. Ioveta looked to you for rescue.

Chihirizahd flounced out from the wash rooms carrying your clothing, forehead sweat stained and a bright smile on her face. She flashed you a grin as she ducked into the stables with your clothes.

> nominate a lat group to spend time with before retiring for the night.

>>35031504
I CAN'T. Besides, we get in a lot of fights despite our diplomatic approach. In fact, if we hear that there's a battle, we rush into battle. I want our WAR rating higher if we're going to keep doing that.

>>35031531
>Adelheid was lecturing her charge with a furious scowl while Theodore dozed behind her. Ioveta looked to you for rescue.


HAHA TIME TO WHITE KNIGHT!

>>35031531
>> nominate a lat group to spend time with before retiring for the night.

Go see Hugo and Sabeen. Then spend the night with Chiri and finally get to ask her if she wants her freedom. If she chooses so we can leave her in the city with a pouch full of coin as a free woman

>>35031560
we usually aren't given a choice in regard to rushing into battle that or really terrible roles

>>35031531
Oy vey, this nun is a biiiiiitch.
>Spend time with the Princess

>>35031531
> nominate a lat group to spend time with before retiring for the night.

Ioveta

>>35031564
Bullshit, she's ours.

>>35031564
What the hell would she even do? Whore some more?

>>35031655
I think it is fair we atleast give her the offer.

>>35031531
> nominate a lat group to spend time with before retiring for the night.
Ioveta

>>35031564
this but with Ioveta instead of Sabeen & Hugo

>>35031655
It's a faux question she really has no choice but to stay with us regardless of her freedom or not, I guess ultimately it's just to earn brownie points with her.

>>35031702
Hey Anon, do you like computers?

>>35031766
wat

>>35031796
Now that I've asked you that question, our relationship has improved.

Seeing some distress on the princess' face you wander over to listen in on the good Sister's lecture.

"A good woman should never be alone in male company," Adelheid chided, "Your need to drift off and talk to all these human flotsam will be bad for you soon enough. Bad enough you keep the company of a blood thirsty foreign knight, urchins are not to be trusted. Think of the risk, not just of abduction but of sickness."

"And what's this?" you ask.

Adelheid gives you a wide eyed look that put you in mind of a hunting falcon. "Ah sir," she curtsied, "My charge has been acting most improper. I caught her sneaking food off to beggar children behind the stables."

"They were half starved," Ioveta shot in hotly.

"They were Muslim, and boys," Adelheid said, ignoring the girl, "While charity is a most laudable virtue, it is not safe for a girl going off alone to engage in such activity."

Ioveta gave a scowl that was far from intimidating. "You would have me be cloistered forever."

"A cloistered life is a good life," Adelheid replied, "It keeps us close to God and away from sin." You note her eyes drift to Solomon when she spoke that last word.

> laugh Adelheid's concerns away
> tell her you agree, and nominate a guard to accompany Ioveta from now on (nominate a party member)

>>35031936
> laugh Adelheid's concerns away

>>35031936
>> laugh Adelheid's concerns away
Silly nun. But if she is so worried Judith can stay by us all the time

>>35031936
> Laugh Adelheid's concerns away
Like this:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

But if we're nominating anybody, I vote Hugo.

>>35031936
>> tell her you agree, and nominate a guard to accompany Ioveta from now on (nominate a party member)

Hugo

the bastards going to be an exemplary white knight by the time we're done with him, plus since they are the same age it's less obvious that he is her guard

>>35031936
> laugh Adelheid's concerns away
>tell her you agree, and nominate a guard to accompany Ioveta from now on (nominate a party member)

''a great deal of good the cloister did you sister, nonetheless I shall prescribe my brother Hugo as her guard''

>>35031978
>>35031990
>>35032011
>>35032027
>>35032121
Soooo both?

>>35032232
Sure, whatever.

You shake your head and laugh.

"You worry too much," you said to the nun, "Judith has a good head on her shoulders. She'll not risk herself needlessly." Ioveta's scowl turned into a bright smile and she dipped a curtsy toward you.

Adelheid eyed you suspiciously. "Think you know best for my charge? You are an arrogant young man. You think you can just flash a handsome smile and have your way. If you will not take her safety seriously, I will."

Adelheid shouldered her cudgel and struck out her jaw.

You are not the greatest knight in the land, but it would take no effort for even you to disarm the woman and lay her across your knee, so little was her martial skill. You did not of course, but her constant nettling was wearing at your good nature.

"If I need a guard, I shall find my own," Ioveta said, "And I have." She put a hand on your forearm and smiled up at you.

This made Adelheid's scowl grow worse. "Intolerable girl," she snarled, stalking away to her private chamber.

Ioveta gave you a playful poke in the ribs before departing herself, her tongue half stuck out merry at the mischief she had caused for her guardian.

With the night grown late you retire to your chambers to find Chihirizahd waiting by the bedside on her knees.

> Chiri, I want to know your thoughts
> sleep well Chihirizahd (go to bed)

>>35032232
I'd rather not. Hugo has not the tongue to handle the nun, and he's also counting his kill tally.

>>35032290
> Chiri, I want to know your thoughts

about freedom, ourselves & our prisoner

>>35032290
>> Chiri, I want to know your thoughts
Sister got burnt

>>35032301
he's there to protect her, not handle a hypocrite or hack n slash with out nary a thought

>>35032290
> Chiri, I want to know your thoughts
And if she enjoys the wandering life enough.

You draw the slave girl off her feet.

"Are you troubled master?" she asked, rubbing your shoulder.

"In some way, perhaps," you say, motioning for the girl to sit on the bedside. You had never owned a slave before her, and when you thought of slaves you did not think of a woman like her. You pictured some poor wretch hedging in rough weather or shackled in the hold of a ship. Not a girl of curves and large eyes.

"What thoughts have you of freedom?" you asked.

"No thoughts," she replied, "Just some distant memories."

You considered the way she propped her chin on her knees, the cat-like look she gave you. "I could free you," you said.

She smiled. "Freedom is not meant for pretty girls of the wrong faith. Muslim or Christian, you free me and I'll be slave again before the day is out." She rocked back. "Would I risk an unpleasant new master for a chance to return to the mountains?"

"But surely someone could offer you protection," you said, "Keep you safe."

"If I were Muslim or Christian, perhaps," she said. She stroked your chin, brought her lips up to yours. "But I have protector enough already."

> kiss the girl
> wait...what was that about religion?

>>35032743
>> kiss the girl
Thinking with the wrong head!

>>35032743
Push her away.
"So, what religion do you follow then?"

>>35032743
>> wait...what was that about religion?

>>35032743
I am willing to bet she is a follower of Zoroastrianism

>>35032743
> wait...what was that about religion?
We're open door policy, already. And if her religion has no trouble with her being at our beck and call, it couldn't be more perfect.

>>35032799
almost certainly the case but Willhelm doesn't know that

You push her back and cross a brow. What was she talking about. "What faith are you, if not Christian or Moslem?" you ask, a hot feeling in your gut.

She gaped a little at your sudden separation. "I am Yazdani, master. I thought you must have known."

A devil-worshiper? You had heard stories of devil worship in the desert tribes of Asia.

"A Muslim cannot keep another Muslim as a slave, as a Christian cannot enslave another Christian," she said, "It is the lot of my people to suffer for our faith."

You feel a sick feeling in your gut, even as you felt a hot lust for the parting of the cloth at her neck and the tight fit of the cloth on her thigh.

"Would you not convert, and spare yourself?" you asked.

She drew back from you. "Would you?" she asked with a stir of anger in her voice. She put a hand to her chest. "They can do as they want with me." Her voice grew thick. "They can rape me. Beat me. Rob me. They can do every evil they want to me. But they cannot take my god from me. You cannot take that from me." Her chest was heaving and cheeks flushed, tears of anger building in her eyes.

A devil worshiper.

"What will you do with me now, oh powerful Christian knight?" she said, "Am I no longer fit for your bed now that you know? Do I sully your honour?" She pushed at you, rose up on her knees to level your gaze to her own, a tight angry scowl on her face. "Am I an unclean thing now, fit for dogs and pigs? Will you kill me, or force my head under Christian water? What will you do with me now 'master'!?"

> get away from me pagan
> take her
> I don't know, I need to think

>>35032743
>Kiss the girl

>>35033138
"Honestly, I don't really care, I just wish you told me earlier."

>>35033138
>> take her
Damn that woman!

>>35033194
>>35033190
This.

>>35033138
>take her
Born under the wrong star, if anything. She was taken young and most of her sins are not her fault.

>>35033236
This, let's not make her sad.

>>35033138
take her like a wild animal in heat full of lust

>>35033194
This, honestly we should rethink ourselves

>>35033194
This.

I know we all want to get our dick wet, but a Christian knight fucking a pagan girl does not gain an army to make a Christian kingdom in the Levant...

>>35033415
I prefer the tender approach.

"I've only one thing for you," you say, grabbing her by the side of the face and drawing her mouth up to yours. Her outrage lowered to a little whimper as she shook in your grip, her arms looping around your neck and drawing you down on top of her.

It was not the made mix of lust and craziness of your first night. She did not grin and tease as you spread her legs, though she met you with a quiet urgency as you spread your way into her. She kept her arms around your neck and her eyes locked on yours, even as her pleasure mounted and spilled forth, and her back arched she kept that gaze.

It was a fear that died and was reborn into something else.

And she said a word softly in her native tongue, that you could not understand. And then you pried it out of her in Greek.

"I love you," she said it with anguish, and cried openly. "God damn you." She kissed you hard and bit your lip. "I hate you," she said as she rolled on top, your hands cupping her backside, her hands in your hair.

"I love you," she said it again as you empty into her, as she rolls her hips against you. "I love you, master."

You lie together in silence and its some time before she next speaks.

"Do not send me away," she said it as she stared at the wall while lying on her belly, face veiled by her crossed arms, "Do not speak of freeing me. If all I am is your whore, I will be that whore. I am free as your slave. You gave me the sky again."

You stroked her back, her rump.

"Do not say you love me," she said, "Do not do that either. Beat me, give me to other men, but do not taunt me like that. I love you Wilhelm, like I have not loved, but do not lie and say you love me too."

She kissed you then, rolled over and was asleep.

>>35033711
welp concubine acquired

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>35033711
shiiieeeet

>>35033711
Hot damn. That was fucking perfect holy shit

>>35033711
You arose the next day to find Chihirizahd assembling your bags for travel. She did not look happy, but there was something else about her face, a very different carriage to her frame. Not so much the silken girl of the pleasure chamber, but something that made you think of a hard but beautiful mountain, of flowers mixed with thorns.

She bowed to you as she always did. "Master," she said, before turning away.

Your men are up and ready. Welf and Orlando look greatly hung over while Franz wore a pleasant, bright smile. Hugo and Sabeen spoke animatedly, he flourished his spear and she chided him, correcting his posture on his hobby.

Malik and Solomon waited with arms crossed.

"It's another few days onto Jaffa," Malik said, "And from there a safe road to Jerusalem, or as safe as the kingdom can be."

"Let's not waste the daylight," Solomon suggested.

> nominate a scout
> nominate a companion to spend time with

>>35033847
> nominate a scout
Solomon, I think we'll need it.
> nominate a companion to spend time with
Lovetta

>>35033847
>Hugo and Sabeen spoke animatedly, he flourished his spear and she chided him, correcting his posture on his hobby.

D'awwww
> nominate a scout
Theodore
> nominate a companion to spend time with
Orlando or Judith

>>35033847
> nominate a scout
Theodore
> nominate a companion to spend time with
Loveta

dammit Cheri is going to get us hung by the neck.

>>35033910
>dammit Cheri is going to get us hung by the neck.

And our last words are going to be "Totally worth it"

>>35033873
This.

It's Io, not Lo, and it forms a 'y' sound. 'Yvetta' or 'Yvette' are alternate spellings.

>>35033957

Thirded.

>>35033998
Oh it's Iovetta, my font makes it hard to see.

>>35033929
Charizard's the greatest.

>>35034065
We clearly had enough medals all along.

>>35033711
>You gave me the sky again
Is it weird that I've heard this more from loljapan than everywhere else.

"Solomon, you up for some scouting?" you ask.

The man nodded, pulling on his helm. "I'll clear out any threat myself, don't fret," he said, patting his horse.

He mounted up and was away.

You weren't sure who found whom but you were soon riding with Iovetta. The girl smiled brightly.

"You thought I was joking?" she said, "You and I will be peas in a pod until we get to Jaffa at least."

You can think of worse company.

"I'll guard you with my life," you say, heeling your horse into a trot.

The days roll by smoothly with much animated discussion. It's Iovetta that asks most of the questions. About Germany, the Rhine, your family. Her whole life had been spent in Jerusalem, she knew nothing of Europe, though you'd not look twice at her in a German market. Well, maybe twice for other reasons.

"I've often wondered what would happen if the Emperor ever responded in force to a crusade," she said, "As I've heard he has a muster that dwarfs the rest of Europe."

"It does not work quite like that," you say. Describing the arrangement between the Emperor and the elector counts was a complicated affair. No king was assured the loyalty of all his men, but the Emperor was twice plagued by rebellious vassals and warring factions. "Lothair is an old man and not strong, he couldn't summon all of the Empire together under one banner even if he wished to."

"But why would they not come anyway if a crusade was called?" Iovetta asked, "There's no glory greater than defending Christ's birthplace from the Muslim."

"Crops don't harvest themselves," you say.

> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church
> continue to discuss the complicated network of vassal and services in the Empire (and put yourself to sleep in the process)
> write-in

>>35034431
>elector counts
prince electors

I got Warhammer seeping into my quest.

>>35034431
> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church
And convince her not to finish it

>>35034431
>> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church

>>35034431
> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church
Or rather, what was her life before that. Can't hurt to know about Jerusalem a bit more.

>>35034431
>> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church
>write in
Ask her if sister Adelheid knows we know about her true identity

>>35034431
>> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church

And indeed, convince her there are perhaps other routes she may take.

>>35034431
>> write-in
''remember our talk after a certain night of gambling? Greed works in much the same way as the topic of that knight''


> turn the conversation to her coming entrance into the church

"So you're to be a nun?" you say before she can ask the next question you couldn't adequately answer. Her mouth closed and she nodded.

"It was my choice," she said, "And some of my sisters liked the idea. They never dictated to me what I could or could not do, though I think my mother would not approve if she still lived. When I first entered the cloister it wasn't what I thought though. I thought there would be more reading, and learning, but a lot of it was scrubbing floors and prayer." She quickly threw up her hands. "N-not that there is anything wrong with such!"

"You were bored?" you asked.

She shrugged, but then nodded. "Yes, I suppose I was. Being called back home for Easter was the first time I've been outside that place in a while. It's been very exciting." She swept her eyes across the pasture lands, to the mountains, and sighed with a smile. "Life on the road, with something new to see every day."

"But your vows are soon, and when they're taken that's it," you say.

She gave a shaky breath and gave you a nervous look. "I-I suppose so. But what else is there? Marriage to a man twice my age, with large eyebrows or a hairy back?" she giggled.

"Are you ready to give it up though, all of the world?" you ask.

"For God," she says, though she does not sound convinced. She squirms in the saddle. "I don't know what that means, 'giving up' what? I've never had anything but love of God in my heart." She rocks a little against the saddle horn, steadying herself over a rough bit of ground. "I suppose I do not like the idea of cutting off all my hair," she confessed. She seemed a little embarrassed, red in the face.

One of the lancers cries, pointing.

An Oasis, shaded by trees and of a decent size. The Syrians seem keen to get to the water and even your own men give excited cries after days under the hot sun.

> make a detour for the oasis
> continue on your path

>>35034840
> make a detour for the oasis

>>35034840
>> make a detour for the oasis

But be on your guard

>>35034840
> make a detour for the oasis
Send out someone else to scout it properly though.

>>35034840
Oh cool, a poisoned waterhole!
>Continue onwards.

>>35034840

> make a detour for the oasis

"Perhaps it's time to look at other options as well Milady, the world is a wonderful place and even should you not wish a marriage immediately, surely your intelligence can do good things for Jerusalem"

"To cloister you would be a crime against humanity and I'm sure that God can spare you for several years still"

>>35034840
> make a detour for the oasis
Spread out and keep watch. We haven't received word of Solomon, and that could take time.

>>35034914
this

>>35034936
This.

Also make sure that the oasis hasn't been poisoned with like a dead cow.

It's an inviting opportunity, and hard to curtail your men, but you approach with caution. The lancers scout ahead and call back no danger, and your men ride in to water the horses.

"Wahoo!" was the cry, and next thing you knew a half-naked Orlando had flung himself into the water.

"Settle down, settle down!" Franz yelled, even as he was pulling his boots off. Orlando drank mouthfuls of water as he splashed out toward the party.

"Nice and cool," he called, wetting his hair dark.

Franz strode in naked, his cut cock dangling in the wind, laughing as he kicked up the water. Others were stripping off and joining him. Malik kept his guard, along with two other men and his daughter, but sent the more excited young lancers to play.

Naked and brawling in the waters, laughing like children. Hugo gasped on a mouthful of water as a Syrian dunked his head, laughing up water through his nostrils.

The only one not in the waters was Welf, who blushed and turned away.

> join your men in the water and blow off some steam
> keep yourself separate

>>35035104
Stay seperate, keep an eye out for Solomon

>>35035104
> keep yourself separate
Full leadership
Send Chiri to bring fresh water for both of us

>>35035104
> keep yourself separate

>>35035147
>>35035146

These two.

>>35035104
We full Liu bei now

>>35035146
>>35035147
seconding these

>>35035104
>> keep yourself separate
Gotta be on guard

>>35035182
>> keep yourself separate
Forgot option

You decide not to join in the revelry, and earn a large round 'boo!' from your men, who splash water in your direction. You wave it off with a chuckle, turning your attention back to the world ahead. Solomon was still out there.

Chihirizahd seems unconcerned by the naked men as she fetches you a drink, but one of the Syrians grabs her boldly and drags her into the water, trying for a kiss. She gives an outraged scream that is met with laughter, and the water turns her clothes shear.

As Adelheid and Ioveta come up they see the display, Chihirizahd being handled by a naked man, and your other men all unclothed, their arms scattered.

Ioveta stands frozen, pale while Adelheid gives an indignant cry of 'degenerates!' as one of the Syrians strides out naked, winking in her direction. Her eyes were wide and roving over the men.

"Best keep your eyes forward, Sister," Sabeen suggested, consciously looking outward rather than inward.

Chihirizahd wrestles herself free and delivers a hard slap across the offending man's face before slinking up to you with the water. Ioveta's expression become very small at the sight of the woman, wet so as to be practically naked.

"Clear your men out so that we might bath, and keep a screen of men with eyes divert," Adelheid demanded, half an eye still on the carousing.

> jump in with them sister, they won't mind
> of course, as is your right

>>35035369
> jump in with them sister, they won't mind

>>35035369
> of course, as is your right
That's Ioveta and our Chiri.

Time to make a Syrian crap his pants

>>35035369
"Are you sure? I think it would be easier to wait until they are finished."
Is Solomon still not back yet? Damn, we should have sent someone else...

>>35035427
seconding

>>35035369
Wait a second, will Solomon even know we diverted course?
Oh god, did we leave him behind?

>>35035369
>of course, as is your right

>>35035433
He's right outside the oasis.

>>35035369
> of course, as is your right

>>35035369
>write in
let them atleast finish first

You nod. "Of course, Sister." You put fingers to lips and give a sharp whistle. "You've had your fun, get up, get out, get armed." The men pull themselves from the water but their resentment is in good spirits. Hugo laughs, exhausted.

"Why didn't you jump in?" he asked you.

"A knight must keep a cool head, while others lose theirs," you explain, "Now get dressed, and keep your eyes outward. I'm relying on you and some other picked men to guard the women's virtue. Remember our talk?"

He nodded, pulling up his britches and taking up his spear.

"No peeking," Sabeen said as she walked past. A bright blush ripped across Hugo's face.

"No peeking," Malik growled, "I'll be taking my own men a little further to set up camp. Be sure to keep my daughter's virtue."

"Aye!" Hugo said with crackling voice.

Ioveta nervously walked by, eyes darting between the half naked men, bundled through the line by Adelheid. Chihirizahd was soon walking with them, beginning to peel off her already wet clothes.

It was just you and your men kept on guard duty as Malik took his lancers back toward the road.

You set yourself a little behind your men, to make sure their eyes were set forward.

> keep eyes set forward
> listen in, just a little
> take a small peak...

>>35035687
> listen in, just a little
No peeking, but we should listen in.

>>35035687
>> listen in, just a little

>>35035687
> listen in, just a little

>>35035687
> listen in, just a little

It's not a sin to listen..

>>35035687
> listen in, just a little
>>35035753
>its not a sin to listen in.
Fixed it for you

>>35035687
> listen in, just a little
> keep eyes set forward

>35034065
You know, I half expected Chiri to reveal her God was Death itself, then pull a dagger out of somewhere and bury it in our spine to the hilt.

This outcome is pretty great too. Why is she still so best?

File: 1363973188452.jpg (10 KB, 241x297)

10 KB JPG

>>35035927
that comes later anon

You inched back a bit and heard clothes slip and water splash. You heard a young girl give a tight gasp. 'So cold!' Iovetta.

"Good to get the dust of the road off," Sabeen replied, splashing the water. "Slave girl, rub my shoulders. I've a bitch of a knot." Sabeen's hard flinty voice soon turned to a soft sigh. "You've talent for this."

"As it please you," Chihirizahd replied.

There was some splashing. "To think such barbarity would be so openly displayed," Adelheid said, "Naked men with no shame."

(cont, long one)

>>35036206
"You do not enjoy naked men?" Sabeen asked with some amusement, "Or was the man you'd hoped to see not present?"

Adelheid gave an outraged little gasp. "How dare you?"

"A jest, a jest. Though your eyes seemed to enjoy the display," Sabeen remarked, "Ah! Yes there. That's the spot." Sabeen gave a murmur of pleasure that trailed into bubbles.

It was Iovetta that next spoke. "I'd never seen a naked man before," she said, voice very small.

"You haven't," Chihirizahd replied, "Not 'til you've seen my lord."

Your ears pricked up at that and you couldn't help but grin.

"Oh?" Sabeen asked.

"It is interesting to hear such inexperienced girls talk about 'men'," she continued, and there was a sound of a wet slap and a gasp from Sabeen. "You play the experienced harlot for the Christians, but you've only had one man, maybe two and not often. And they were not impressive."

"A slave would know, who has had a barracks!" Sabeen retorted, her voice hot.

"One or a hundred, its quality not quantity, and I have had a great man but once and good men only a handful besides," she replied, "Here, come let me wash your hair child."

Iovetta replied, "A-alright." her voice was a shiver.

"Such beautiful golden hair," Chihirizahd remarked as water splashed. "You are a virgin, and it is not good to hear us talk so brazenly."

"Am I not a virgin!?" Adelheid cried in indignity.

"Not when you moan 'Solomon' so loudly at night," Sabeen said with a laugh.

"You are a virgin," Chihirizahd ignored the two bickering, "And it is important to guard that, for the right man."

"For Christ?" Iovetta asked.

"Whoever it might be," she replied. "Take it from one who knows, it is not something to throw away on a whim."

"My mother was a slave you know," Sabeen said, "A Zanj woman from past Aksum. Very wise. Slave women should always be listened to. They have seen how the world really is."

(cont.)

>>35036233
Boner.
But also, boner.

>>35036233
>"Not when you moan 'Solomon' so loudly at night," Sabeen said with a laugh.
Burn!
Also boner.

>>35036233
"I-I'll think on your words," Ioveta replied.

"The world is not kind. To beautiful women least of all. And you are a beautiful girl, and will be more beautiful still I think," Chihirizahd said.

"Thank you."

"Aye, that's the truth," Sabeen said, "Every man who thinks he's Achilles seeks to test me, boast about how they will 'break me' as oft as not. It's well enough to find a body of men that don't gog at a woman in arms."

"You've found rare company, Lady Sabeen," Chihirizahd said, "Both my master and his brother. You should treasure their friendship."

"I do, I might," Sabeen's voiced turned strange, "He is....they are very interesting. They accept me as only my father has accepted me before."

"Well enough of this high praise, they are men still and their eyes will turn eventually," Adelheid spoke with better humour than before, "Let us be out and dressed before they think to look."

A slip and a splash as the women pulled themselves out.

"You can peek now," Sabeen said to your brother, who turned red faced.

Their hair still gleamed wetly but they were dressed in dry clothing, and Adelheid began to reattach her head covering as Sabeen pulled on her maile. Your men had kept their word and kept their eyes straight.

Ioveta walked with her long hair uncovered, combing it out and letting the wind dry it.

You came into the camp to the enthusiastic greetings of the Syrians. Still no sign of Solomon.

> nominate a companion to spend the afternoon with

>>35036380
Solomon.
We SEARCH

>>35036380
> nominate a companion to spend the afternoon with
Take Franz with us and search for Solomon

>>35036380
Hugo and Sabeen, Let's hook them up

>>35036422
Think they are doing that already on their own

>>35036380
Send out Franz and Welf to track down Solomon.

>>35036380
> nominate a companion to spend the afternoon with
Orlando, we're going to plead some cases in court, and let's see how's the deset treating him.

> nominate a companion to spend the afternoon with
Solobro!

>>35036422
>Glorious /ss/
>On my /tg/ no less

DEUS VAULT!

There's no point searching for Solomon, he's doing what a scout is meant to do. He'll report back if/when he finds something to report.

Trust him. If there is a reason to worry about his safety, I'll make it more obvious.

>>35036514
Okay. Solobro is best bro, he can't die yet okay?
Iovetta

>>35036380

Let's hang out with Theo. Maybe we'll learn something new about our silent fellow.

>>35036380
>>35036514
Sabeen or Orlando

>>35036514
Don't know if it's because it's 6AM, or because I'm feeling really emotional but I almost started tearing up imagining Solomon dying.
I guess we should check in with Iovetta or our molested servant

>>35036569
Glad to hear i wasnt the only one who was getting worried.

>>35036514
okay then >>35036464 change to Orlando

>>35036569
h-he can't die yet we steal have great ambitions to fulfill toghether!

>>35036514
Change >>35036395
To iovetta, we've got girls to corrupt

>>35036514
>"You've heard rumors that here be dragons."

Anyways, I wonder what Orlando's up to?

Roll off for Orlando or Ioveta. 1d100, highest wins.

First is Orlando
Second is Ioveta

Rolled 22, 81 = 103 (2d100)

>>35036668
IOVETTA IS OLEV

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>35036668
DEUS VAULT

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>35036668
>Orlando
Best to let Ioveta simmer a bit.

>>35036698
Meh, atleast there is still a fair bit of way till Jerusalem, still time to talk.

>>35036697
>>35036698
Either way it's iovetta, god must will it

>>35036729
No, Orlando got a 41 and Iovetta got a 23.

>>35036790
I voted for Orlando but read >>35036668

>>35036790
>>35036812
It's first roll and second roll, not "vote for companion"

>>35036812
Yes, 1d100, not 2d100. Orlando wins.

>>35036697
Anon, just pick a single d100 and roll for one instead of both. You're like an asshat sibling who refuses to let another brother play co-op.

>>35036856
Don't worry, it doesn't count, he rolled 2d100 instead of 1d100 like HF asked for.

>>35036887
You don't know that until he posts, and usually they accept the first result of it if they disregard it, still making it Iovetta

>>35036914
If HF does not disregard that 2d100 roll, then it sets a bad precedent of allowing people to not roll correctly and still expect their input to matter.

Sorry for the delay, was suddenly commandeered to help my sister with her cat and caught a nasty scratch.

Will recommence the quest now.

>>35036991
Pfft, hardly, it happens in a lot of quests and it hardly matters. Let him do as he wishes

Ioveta wins, just so you know. Writing it up now.

>>35037016
Yeah, cats can be the worst sometimes. One time I was petting one's tummy, and then it bit my palm. It took two weeks for the gash to heal!

We should hang with Sabeen soon, she did us a solid and we have never had 1 on 1 time with her.

Talking, not dicking, if only becaues our bro deserves it.

>>35037041
Why?

>>35036991
I never disregard the entire roll. I just take the first result, so the roll counts as a 22. If you check you'll see that's been pretty consistent.

>>35037072
But I rolled correctly, and got a 23 for Iovetta. Are you really going to ignore my roll?

>>35037098
Yes.

As you unpack for the night Ioveta comes and settles by your tent, carefully braiding up her hair.

"How are you this evening?" you ask as the stars begin to unfurl across the sky.

"Hmm," her eyes were caught on the star field as she twined her hair. She raised a hand and sketched out an invisible pattern with a finger.

You sit with her and try to see what she was sketching.

"Do they have the same stars in Germany?" she asked, "Do you have the Giant?"

You see what she is marking and nod. "We call him Orion though," you said, "The Hunter in some places. Some times the Reaper."

"And they are the same stars," she said, "Just a different name."

"I suppose they must be," you replied.

She pulled her knees under her chin and rocked back and forth, chewing her lip. It was a quiet moment, only interrupted by Hugo bringing you dinner.

"Did you peek at all?" she asked it very shyly, head half buried in her arms, "While I was bathing."

> no, of course not
> what if I did?

>>35037226
>> no, of course not
>> but what if I had?

>>35037243
Yep.

>>35037226
> no, of course not
> what if I did?
Lets tease her a bit.

>>35036697
22 For Orlando
>>35036698
41 for Ioveta

This is how I've always done it. I take the first D100 result if someone accidentally rolls (or deliberately rolls) 2d100.

I'm sorry if that annoys you but that's how I do it.

>>35037226
> no, of course not
We're lucky enough it tends to happen the other way.

>>35037226
> no, of course not
Why would we do that, we are a good honest christian

>>35037226
Laugh a little
"If I were to have joined you in any way, I'd have walked in buck naked myself too."
"I am sure you have a body worth seeing, but that is a sight that should be given, not taken."

>>35037320
Ooh, I like the second part of this!

>>35037226
Seconding:
>"I am sure you have a body worth seeing, but that is a sight that should be given, not taken."

>>35037320
>"I am sure you have a body worth seeing, but that is a sight that should be given, not taken."
Dat BardKnight.

>>35037226
Combine
>>35037258
and
>>35037384

and ye have my vote

You give her a considered look.

"No," you say, "I kept my eyes straight ahead the whole time." You thought you might mention that there was a strong temptation, or that you'd enjoy such a sight, but then you thought that might embarrass or repel her. She certainly didn't seem to be in much of a mood for teasing.

She wrapped the finished braid around her neck, like a scarf of hair.

"And I didn't see you," she said, "So I-I suppose that's fair." She blushed brightly and you frowned. "Today. I'd never seen a naked man before. I'm not used to men like that. Loud and um, looking..." she fidgeted, "And the way that one grabbed your slave and manhandled her. Something like that."

> that was inappropriate of him and he will be disciplined
> men have appetites, and when they get excited sometimes their virtue slips
> write in

>>35037450
>> that was inappropriate of him and he will be disciplined
But
> men have appetites, and when they get excited sometimes their virtue slips

>>35037450
> write in
Chirihizad trusts in our protection, so we couldn't let that stand for long.

>>35037450
>that was inappropriate of him and he will be disciplined
> men have appetites, and when they get excited sometimes their virtue slips

Emphasis the second point for the love of god

>>35037450
We did talk to her about the nature of sin. She should learn to live knowing of it.

>>35037497
True.

>>35037450
>> men have appetites, and when they get excited sometimes their virtue slips

You raise a hand. "That man is going to be disciplined when I get a chance to speak with Malik. It was inappropriate, and a personal insult to me," you say, "But you must keep this in mind. Men run hot most times, and its through discipline and duty that we keep our more base instincts in check. When the blood is up that discipline can crumble, and we lose ourselves to the natural sinfulness that runs through all mankind. Even the most pious men stray from the path, and in combat in particular the rush can make it hard to find yourself for a time afterward."

She nodded. She rose to leave but stopped.

"I'd like to thank you," she said, "For being honest with me. For teaching me a bit of the world outside the convent."

"Are you in a rush to get back to the convent?" you asked.

She placed a hand to her heart and looked back up at the stars. "That is a question I've been asking myself."

> you should go back to the convent
> you shouldn't go back to the convent
> just bid her a good night

>>35037646
>> just bid her a good night


Let's not influence her this is a decision she must make on her own

>>35037646
> you shouldn't go back to the convent

The girl has yet to realize just how powerful & learned she could possibly be

also Political capital HO!

>>35037646
>> just bid her a good night
Its her choice. It is something she has to decied for herself.

But i totally want her to leave

>>35037646
> you shouldn't go back to the convent

>>35037646
>you shouldn't go back to the convent

But dont be too strong about it

>>35037646
> "You know many things. Surely you also know that your time would be wasted mopping floors and dusting pews. You have a good head on your shoulders, let your heart go to god, but never give your head away to someone who won't make use of it."

>>35037750
This holy shit

Hey, what were people's views on Polygamy at this time?

>>35037812
>Hey, what were people's views on Polygamy at this time?
Good for Muslims
Bad for Christians.

>>35037673
changing to >>35037750 please

>>35037812
Muslims=Good
Christians=Bad
Hindustan=Laughing Cao cao

>>35037646
>> you shouldn't go back to the convent
Tell her there is no rush. She should experience more of the world.

>>35037812
Muslims, basically is max 4 wives and you have to treat them all equally well.
Christians, only monogamy

"You shouldn't," you say, "The Church is impressive, and a good place for women, but you haven't seen a fraction of the world and already you are thinking of closing yourself off to it. There's so much to see out here, that you should not get lost in here." You hold a hand to your head.

She drew away from you a little. "I wonder if its for my sake you ask me to spurn chastity and service to god," she said, voice rung with suspicion.

"I have always been honest with you, that is how I see it. You have more to offer the world as a woman of secular authority than as some dusty barren Abbess tucked away in some forgotten corner of Jerusalem." You considered her. "I think you could be something very different, and much more precious."

Her face went red and she stepped away, then spun out into the night, back toward her guardians.

"You are playing a dangerous game with that girl," Chihirizahd said from within your tent, "Come and play a simpler game for the night." You grin and climb into your tent, and waste the rest of the night within.
-
The sun rose and the party began away.

Malik had the Syrian lancer who had molested Chihirizahd brought before you.

"He will face the punishment you proscribe," he said. The man was a handsome young sort, curly haired and strong jawed the type maidens might swoon over. A black eyed cat that was a bit like you in some regards. He eyed you nervously.

> have him flogged
> cut off his nose
> the insult was most dire, challenge him to a duel.

>>35038030
> have him flogged
No need to over do it.

>>35038030
> have him flogged
He's one of Malik's, don't maim the guy.

>>35038030
> have him flogged

>>35038030
>have him flogged

>>35038030
> have him flogged

a light flogging nothing severe the man didn't do anything of real harm

>>35038030
>have him flogged

>>35038030
> have him flogged
We'll do it ourselves if we have to.

>>35038030
[X] Custom

Demand that he fulfils Chihirizahd's duties for a full day as atonement to her.

Then take him to our tent and rape him.

>>35038092
Sodomite pls

>>35038092

Romans pls

You call for him to be flogged ten times with a corded rope. Malik produces such an article shortly, and has two of his men hold their companion between them.

He is Malik's man, and Malik delivers the punishment. He doesn't hold back in his flagellation. The soldier lets out a tough grunt after the first beat, and the second, but on the third he starts to bark with pain, and on the final strike almost loses his feet. Three bloody cuts stand high on his back, but he is able to keep his horse.

"He bore it well," you remark.

"My men are not soft," Malik replied.

You day continues and you are greeted with Solomon's return. He comes with something in hand. A severed head.

"We've a problem up ahead," he said, "A small band waiting in ambush. I took their scout unawares, so we've time to get an ambush of our own going. There is a place ahead that would be perfect."

Orlando came up. "Ambush, what are we Turks? I say we meet them on open field and let our superior arms carry the day."

Hugo looked from one to the other. "Perhaps there is a way for blood shed to be avoided."

> follow Solomon's plan for a counter ambush
> Listen to Orlando
> find another path and avoid conflict altogether

>>35038163
>follow Solomon's plan

I would usually go with Hugo but we have martial supremacy and we need to capture one of Ioveta's would be captor alive.

>>35038163
> follow Solomon's plan for a counter ambush
"for once i want to be the one who catches others by suprise"

>>35038163
Dammit Orlando, stop overcompensating. Unwillingness to fight smart doesn't make you less of a bitch.

Hugo, diplomacy is good, but these men are clearly here to fight.

>follow Solomon's plan for a counter ambush

>>35038163
>> find another path and avoid conflict altogether

>>35038163
>> follow Solomon's plan for a counter ambush

meanwhile we sit where we are and when they come upon us we'll ask them to lay down their arms which of course they'll laugh at....... then they get a million arrows to the face

>>35038163
> follow Solomon's plan for a counter ambush
Then we are ready for another clean surrender.

Secure our prisoner (always forget the name), don our helm, and let Hugo show us what he's learned with his spear.

>>35038163

Make sure Ioveta and Chiri are well protected though if we go Solobro route

>>35038163
A and C.

Prepare for counter-ambush. Set it up by acting blithe and oblivious. When they spring their trap, try to negotiate. If it fails, counter-ambush force savage assaults them in the rear.

>>35038163
>Saladin: The results of battles ARE determined by God, but also by preparation, numbers, the absence of disease, and the availability of water. One cannot maintain a siege with the enemy behind. How many battles did God win for the Muslims before I came... that is, before God determined that I should come?

Orlando should not underestimate the Muslims, or their wise words

>>35038183
We're very much a person who loves to rush into the fray despite our average WAR rating, eh?

>>35038189

I dont think we have any bows in our entire group.

>>35038207
we have a shit load of Cavalry

>>35038207
Maliks lot have bows

>>35038202

I dont know if carefully planning an ambush with superior numbers is rushing into fray.

Might agree with you if Orlando's dumb plan was chosen.

>>35038207
Bait with a few horsemen, then counter-charge their flanks. Ambush complete

>>35038214
>>35038259

My main point was that we could use some ranged weapons in the future, not that our ambush wouldn't succeed.

"An ambush, that would be a nice change," you say to Solomon, "Lead on sir."

He leads your band to a rocky pile of what once might have been a Roman fortification. Directing the troops, it formed a screen for the cavalry that hide them well.

You make directions for the womenfolk, that is except Sabeen, to remain in the shade of the old ruin and with them you leave your prisoner tightly bound. Adelheid stood over him boldly with cudgel in hand, prepared to dash his head apart should he try anything foolish.

"They are high up and well hidden, but they are hungry for battle," he explained, showing you hiding places in high parts of the rocky valley. "I put their number around twenty, possibly less. I do not know if they are part of that Egyptian expedition or some other scum, but they are mounted and meant for war."

"This trap needs bait," Solomon said as he pointed out the valley with his spear, "We'll need to send out four men at least to draw them into an attack. Risky, but necessary. I'll go myself, just name three others."

> nominate three to accompany Solomon
> let Solomon pick his men

>>35038272
Probably a good call.

>>35038301
>let Solomon pick his men

>>35038301
> let Solomon pick his men
However Veto Hugo

>>35038301

Theo, Sabeen, and two lancers.

Theo is a competent rider since he's a scout right? Welf and Malik will spring the trap

>>35038339

Change that to one lancer instead of teo.

>>35038301
> let Solomon pick his men

>>35038353

*two

>>35038320
>>35038361
These

>>35038320
>>35038325
The risk with this is that we might be seen as a weaker leader by some because we are willing to delegate important tasks like this.

Solomon is probably going to make good picks but we could do the same if we think for a bit.

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>>35038389
Oh puhleeze, ambushes are a black people kind of thing, we wouldn't sully our magnificent selves by partaking directly in such shenanigans, would we?

>>35038412

Orlando pls go

"Take what men you need," you say.

Solomon grins, and points, one, two, three.

Welf, Sabeen and you.

"Come brother, let's wash our spears in blood together," he said, cuffing you hard on the back, "And you make such pretty bait with that lion helm of yours."

You relay to your men what the signal is. A high raised spear, circled twice.

Malik is given command of the ambushers.

You ride down with silent Welf and Sabeen, only her eyes visible through her helm and maile coif. Those eyes flash to you and a nod is exchanged.

Solomon is high in his saddle, ignoring the dust drifting across the plain. The hot sun has sweat crawling down the back of your neck. You wish you'd had a taste of that oasis now.

Solomon did not point directly, but jutted his chin. A figure on the high rise, on a white horse, raised a curved blade high.

A stream of twenty horsemen came bounding out from skillful hiding places, high pitched cries letting out. Spears held a loft matched the echoing battle cry, making their force seem larger as it bounced back upon the valley. Bells and whistles added to the din, creating a great sense of peril in you that you found hard to overcome.

You followed the plan and drew back a pace, but the horsemen were fast approaching on their little hard stallions. You drew back down the valley path, and waved your spear high.

> roll 1d100, average of three

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Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>35038485

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>35038485

Goddamn it Solobro

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>35038485

>>35038497
>>35038498
>>35038503

Note to self: Choose our own men next time and make sure it doesn't include our incompetent ass

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>>35038497
>>35038498
>>35038503

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>>35038498
>>35038503

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>>35038498
>>35038503

I could be worse

We could be rolling on Wat instead of Lead.

HF is gonna love this

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>>35038497
>>35038498
>>35038503

The signal is given and the men begin to come around in a solid formation, but your horse bucks suddenly and rears up screaming. Your palfrey was no proper warhorse, trained to ignore the sights and sounds of battle, and the confusion of the blasting whistles and loud bells had the thing in a high fit that you struggled to muster. Seeing you struggle your men formed around you, Sabeen grabbing your reins to try and help.

The horsemen are among you then, fast as a flash flood, and you with your back turned. Your shirt catches a blow meant to open you, and Welf's axe chops a man that tried to thrust your arm pit. Welf puts himself between you and the storm, cutting quick with axe and shield.

For a second he holds four men at bay but a forth comes in and Welf suddenly drops, a lance thrust through his skull, a dumb look of twisted agony writ on his face as he drops across the front of his saddle, axe lost from hands struck suddenly dead.

Sabeen checks a blow meant to kill your horse, a spear point knocked aside and a blow returned killing the horseman. You bring your horse under control and your spear to bear, your horse and Sabeen's locked together, circling one another as you drove back the horsemen.

But a flash of a spear point catches you hard in the arm and your spear is dropped, parted chain and welling blood dripping through the links. You raise your shield to cover you as you draw your sword and cut out, knocking spear points aside.

Solomon is a rampage at this time, trying to cut through the thicket of horse mounted spears.

And all this in a span of two minutes

> roll 1d100, best of three

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>35038574
D-DUES VAULT!

>>35038574
>forth
Fifth, fuck.

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>35038574
>> roll 1d100, best of three

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Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>35038574

>>35038574
FUCK NO WELF ;.;

>>35038584
You saved us! Anon you are our hero.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>35038574
We need to get a decent horse.
RIP Welf.

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>>35038588
>>35038589
Meanwhile, in the dice gods' Olympus/Asgard equivalent...

>>35038574

I guess we are in the market for a new knight

This why I wanted the war horse and yet everyone voted for the normal horses.

>>35038608
I'm sure this is being watched from Dunmanifestin

>>35038598
>>35038604
>>35038640

Welf was a good one, but at least Solobro is alive for now

>>35038650

We'd probably have tripped and fell from our horse if we had a warhorse. The shit rolls and sending ourselves personally were the real killer.

You see Welf's corpse slip from the saddle, and you see the hooves of the enemy beat over him, kicking him into a twisted unnatural form. You feel a rage open in your chest, and you lose all sense of self.

It would be relayed to you later what you did. You found yourself with sword arm to the elbow drenched in gore and the rim of your shield messy with bits of man.

A creature possessed, with martial ability you had never displayed in all your life. You slew five in with sword and shield, both a weapon with no mind for self-preservation. And it took its toll. Your shield arm was fractured, and your sword a saw down its edge.

But you would have been slain had Sabeen and Solomon not been there, and had Malik been slower on the charge. For your horse had been cut out from under you.

You sat now in a daze atop your dead horse. Your hands shacking and helm at your feet. The lion seemed to be laughing rather than snarling.

It had been a near instant route when the Lancers had come in, spears had broken and many had been unhorsed by their charge. A panicked flight had failed, none had escaped Solomon's ambush.

Your men murdered the wounded where they lay, you saw Orlando weeping over Welf's mangled body, Hugo struggling against tears as he stood straight backed. Solomon was gathering up the horses of the dead marauders with the help of some Syrians.

"Please, please," a man said in broken Greek. One of the raiders on his knees. Malik had a lance leveled at him and Franz had his skinning knife in hand. "Please, I surrender."

> intervene and take him prisoner
> let him be killed
> kill him yourself

>>35038650
This is why War is a useful stat yet people still ignore it and try to go bard knight without being able to understand we will fight and because of them making War a dump stat others will die like Welf

>>35038693

Do we know if hes part of the band that was hired to act against Iorveth?

If so, take him prisoner.

>>35038693
>How good are you at skininng live animals Franz?

>>35038693
>> intervene and take him prisoner
We want answers and if we dont like them, we will make him wish we had just killed him right here and now

>>35038693
Beat him within an Inch of his life the tie him up in the most painful way possible.

>>35038693
>intervene and take him prisoner

We need answers first

>>35038718
this

R.I.P Welf ;.;

>>35038693
we will lie and tell him we will spare his life if he tells us what we want to know, then we let Franz have his ways with him

>>35038693
> intervene and take him prisoner
Interrogate
I swear if this ambush party is from lovetta, i will cut his arms and brand him as a message, then send him to his lord

>>35038773
>From

For lovetta, Gooodness

>>35038778

From Ioveta would be one hell of a TWEEST

>>35038778
>>35038792
She prayed for a sign, and then this happened.

Iovetta a confus

You pick yourself up on shaky feet.

"Enough," you say, pushing aside Malik's spear and Franz's knife. "This man is a prisoner."

"Thank you," he tried to kiss the hem of your maile shirt, but his mouth got your boot instead.

"You will answer my questions, all of them," you say, "Or my man here will skin you alive."

The prisoner nodded, scurrying back from Franz.

You squat next to him.

"Who sent you?" you ask.

"We are from the north," the man said, "We are mercenaries, Seljuks."

"I said who sent you, not where are you from," you cuff him around the ear, "Do not try my patience. Little knives take a long time to peel you, and I'm in bloody enough mood to enjoy it." As a demonstration you take your own knife and cut his cheek.

"The Atabeg, the Atabeg sent us," he whimpered, "To find the girl."

"Zengi?" Malik asks, "What is that dog up to?"

"Please sir, that is all I know. We are to find the girl, kill those with her, and take her to the mountains. To a lord in the mountains!"

"Which lord?" Malik demanded.

"Answer him," you say.

"The lord of the mountains, Lord Kiya Ummid of the Assassins."

Coward, shivering little coward.

> keep him as your prisoner
> kill the wretch

>>35038881
>> kill the wretch

If he begs "you promised" reply with "I lied"

>>35038881
>> kill the wretch
He has no further use to us.

>>35038881
>kill the wretch

A clean, merciful death. No skinning since he answered questions.

>>35038899
>A clean, merciful death. No skinning since he answered questions.

Just stab him in the lung and let him bleed/suffocate to death

>>35038881
> kill the wretch
Desert death, give him a knife to do it himself when he's ready

>>35038881
kill him

We havent told Malik or rest of the company about Ioveth, right?

We will have to approach the topic carefully since they are going to want to know why the Assassins are after a nun novice.

"Thank you," you said.

"You let me live?" he asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

"I never said you'd live," you replied, driving your knife into his chest. The man gasped, tears falling from his face, grasping at the bloody wound as your knife slipped out. The keening sound he made as he bled out set your teeth on edge, and he collapsed forward into a heap, a final rattle, arse raised indignantly.

You stood and staggered into Franz.

"You're tired and bloody, need caring for," he said. Then he looked you in the eye. "What was that about a girl, though?" he asked, "Do you know anything about that?"

> lie (roll 1d100, best of three)
> confess the truth about 'Judith'