The other members of your household continued as they had. Your sister played at swords in the morning and spent the afternoon alternating between conversation with Chihirizahd and mooning over Sir Hector. Franz was composed only of grumbles and agitation. Made worse by the widowed woman's children occasionally drawing him into games. A nightly gambling session had developed between Sirs Etienne, Hermann and Orlando, and Maggie was speaking as much Arabic as Latin after lessons with Mohmed.

All this you oversaw from your court in the White Tower - once a mosque and now your keep in the town of Ramla.

> Devote time to Achilles
> Continue training your squire Alexius
> Continue training your squire Hugo
> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests
> Relax and do nothing, all will be well

>>40916078
Lost my trip.

>>40916069
>though as often you spied him carousing with his friends Jacques and Maggie.

Maggiexhugo OTP

> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests

HONEYMOONS OVER BROTHER BACK TO THE FIGHTAN!

>>40916078
I should say, choose two:

> Devote time to Achilles
> Continue training your squire Alexius
> Continue training your squire Hugo
> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests
> Relax and do nothing, all will be well

>>40916160
> Devote time to Achilles
> Direct Solomon back to his duties

>>40916160
> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests

We can only do two but i suggest:
>tell hugo to train alexius

Its good practice for when he has his spurs

>>40916078
>> Devote time to Achilles
Get those war machines also Fuck yeah crusader quest!!

>>40916078
>>40916160
> Continue training your squire Alexius
At least he needs to ride and be a passable page
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests
Have some trust in Achilles, put effort in reception

>>40916160
>> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Devote time to Achilles

>>40916160
>Devote time to Achilles
>Direct Solomon back to his duties

>>40916160
>>40916210
This

>>40916160
> Direct Solomon back to his duties
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests

Dammit Solobro get back to work you did your duty as husband

>>40916078
>Direct Solomon
> Assist Rosalie with preparing for your guests

>>40916239
I also like this, we need to look at upping Hugo's Leadership

>>40916078
Have Chiri assist Rosalie a bit with her work intill she can get a new assistance.

> Devote time to Achilles
> Direct Solomon back to his duties

Oh yeah. We should probably end Mathilde's sword fighting lessons before father and the bishop arrives.

>>40916344
Can we get Mathilde to assist Rosalie, get her some household training?

>>40916358
It could be good training for her when she get her own husband castle to look after yes.

>>40916358
>>40916358
if she has supervision for you know ''reasons''

>>40916370
Dont worry. Mathilde doesnt swing that way, but if Rosalie does try to make a move we will ofcourse step in

>>40916370
agreed, we should probably do something about that.
Also we should get a tutor for French, I think it's really going to come in handy and we seem to forget to do that.

>>40916358

That means we can get 4 things done

>get solobro back to work
>get hugo to train alexius
>get sister to work with rosalie

And one more. Maybe see our engineer.

>>40916390
In general get a tutor really. Also a bard.

>>40916385
better safe than sorry though

besides Wilhelm doesn't know this really

>>40916390
Mathilde knows french actually

>>40916390
And arabic

>>40916431
True, but I guess I feel we should start integrating learning French into our routine.

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>negro mercenaries
>open prince wars
>kill your assassin

>>40916451
Yeah. I am sure Chiri is doing her best but it is limited what her bedtime lessons can teach us.

>>40916160
HF, is something like this doable?>>40916401

>>40916401
>>40916517
I don't think Hugo is the best choice to train Alexius. He can fight good but is fairly spaghetti elsewhere

>>40916539
That is what he is training him in. Fighting and learning the ropes of being a squire. The rest we will do when we can

>>40916539
Exactly why I think its a good idea, he's training him to be a squire, something he already knows how to do. He, hopefully, will also get some leadership xp so he won't have to keep on being a wriggling noodle

>>40916559
> being a wriggling noodle

Well. He has begun practicing poetry in private, hanging out with friends so i think we no longer has to fear that.

First you had to get your best warrior back to the task at hand, training your men and preparing for the coming battle for Ascalon.

You found him with his wife, in his chambers, in his bed. They both lounged in half-dress. The girl lay in the crook of Solomon's arms, half asleep and face a-glow from lingering pleasure. Solomon himself seemed similarly contented, a wide cat smile upon his face as the sunlight streamed over the pair.

You did not think theirs was a union of love, but it was certainly one of pleasure.

They did not notice your entrance. They did not notice you pick up the chamber pot by the door.

They did notice when you drummed it long and loud upon the stone of the wall.

Solomon rolled over his wife, drawing his sword as he touched down upon the floor, curved blade raised before him and eyes rid of sleep. Etain seemed grasped by horror and recoiled into the bed, drawing up bedsheets around her.

Once they saw it was you, both sword and sheets dropped. Solomon scowled, depositing his sword back into its scabbard.

"Don't give me the sour looks," you said, lowering the chamber pot, "It is well past time you were out of bed. We've only a few seasons to prepare, and I'll have all I can get out of Ramla before that time runs out. You need to be out in the field drilling troops and scouring for more men. Not pleasuring your pleasurable wife." You nodded to Etain, to acknowledge her existence.

Solomon crossed his arms with a sigh, the grin of a husband replaced with the look of a marshall.

"I will do what I can," he said. He took his wife by the elbow and drew her up to a kiss. It was a soft thin, a press of lips, but Etain went back to the bed top shivering. Solomon followed you out, lacing up his doublet and drawing on his maile.

You looked over your shoulder at him. "I appreciate all you do," you said, "It is not fair that the burden should be on you alone, but I have few else to rely upon."

>>40916591
But gaining the confidence to lead is something we should start early so that he can lead effectively later on.

"I could use a helper," Solomon said, "Perhaps a squire of my own. What say you to lending me one of yours?"

You paused at that. Certainly whoever you loaned to him would be given quite an education. Solomon made the stones seem soft, and was both warrior and skilled leader of men.

> lend him Hugo
> lend him Alexius
> deny the request

>>40916631
>> lend him Hugo

>>40916631
> lend him Hugo

We can focus on Alexius

>>40916631
> lend him Hugo

[sword saint Intensifies]

>>40916401
Yeah, I'm open to it.

>>40916631
>lend him Hugo

he's almost outpaced our combat teachings, and Solobro could help him with leadership

>>40916631
> deny the request
He can literally bully anyone in the levy to do stuff for him. Though Alexius maybe he can deal with good mule Alexius.

>>40916680
>He can literally bully anyone in the levy to do stuff for him. Though Alexius maybe he can deal with good mule Alexius.

Its more that it is good education for the squire and Hugo is my number one concern when it comes to that.

>>40916631

> lend him Hugo


"We will find a good Squire for you Alexius is unfortunately going to be more trouble than help at this point of his education."

>>40916696
Hugo is set up, though. At this moment he only needs some LEAD chess, earn his spurs and marry.

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>>40916696

Ey Sol. Why not just give up on being Coptic and convert to Catholicsm

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>>40916728
>marry
>Hugo

>>40916766
Its going to happen anon, at some point.

>>40916766
Be responsible, anon. His spaghetti ass needs the most stable environment to git gud. And french girls should raise CHA.

>>40916793
>>40916806
please he's going to be the Hearthrob of the levant!

>>40916793

But to whom?

I'm favourable towards that Templar's imouto.

>>40916869
Same. But mostly because i dont want to risk having a falling out with them.

>>40916869
>>40916881
Third. She at least was receptive and Hugo is already in Joyce's graces.

After all is said and meme'd, Hugo is still a bastard without spurs, so he's clearly marrying up.

>>40916881
But why Joyce isn't a templar of any real note from recollection

also he's friends with fucking Blaise remember

I've got a bad feeling about Ascalon, guys. We've just got so many muslim friends. It's gonna be bad. Shit's going to happen. I don't want it.

>>40916924
They are co-workers and Joyce is the leader of the Templar's in Jaffa and was put in charge of establishing a house in Sidon. So he is clearly a Templar of some note.

>>40916937

Probably gonna find our two friends and their company there.

Unless we manage to get word to them if they're leaving Lord Hugh's employ. I do hope they'll come down south to say goodbye before leaving.

>>40916937
>We've just got so many muslim friends
>Malik
>Sabeen
>Physicians
>????

>>40916937
>>40916960
RIP Malik & Co, they knew what they signed up for.

>>40916965
And Malik and Sabeen are Syrian and doesnt seem to give a crap about Eqyptians so long we dont do anything Chaotic Stupid.

"You can have Hugo, for a season," you said. That seemed to please the big man. "Alexius, god bless him, is lacking in much capability and can't be trusted to do more than fetch and carry."

Solomon slapped you on the back and began off to his duties. But you stopped him before he could go far. You had one more order. "These lessons you have been giving Mathilde are over," you said, "It's time she started behaving towards the nature of her sex. If she continues playing with swords she might form mannish habits."

It did not please Solomon, but he nodded. "You are right. Time to put such games to bed," he turned and marched out to assume his duties.

You found Hugo chatting with Maggie as she brought in bails of laundry. The rosy cheeked Irish lass seemed pleased with his attention, and he helped her with the burden. It was a playful little romance they had, full of slight blushes and stolen kisses.

It would not become more than that. As your current heir he didn't have that luxury.

You took Hugo by the shoulder while begging Maggie's forgiveness and told the boy he was in Solomon's care now. Hugo took it well. Too well. You think he might be unaware of how hard a master Solomon could be, and only thought back to their time as comrades on the road. He'd come to regret how flippantly he greeted the news, but it would be good for him.

Next you called upon your sister, who was at company with Chihirizahd. They were sharing girl's secrets. Nothing of importance. It was good that they were together.

"I need the two of you to work with Lady Rosalie," you said, "Get this house in order for father and the bishop. We must impress."

"And we must be impressive women?" Mathilde asked. You'd noticed she had undergone a growth spurt. She threatened to become tall.

You smiled. "In time you will be a most impressive woman. Until then you're an annoying brat. Now get on with you!" and you ruffled her hair, pushed her to the door.

>>40916937
Then don't post. It's hardly different from frank fighting frank. The Fatimids are sort of unstable and hateable enough for other muslims to push their shit in.

Just bury the dead properly and earn the reputation points

Chihirizahd tarried a little, cast you a smoky eye and little smile, hand trailing across your chest.

"I shall do my best to behave master," she said, "But please, be at hand if boredom overcomes me." And you knew what she meant by that, and shared her grin.

You left the tower to find Master Achilles' worshop.

The balding, black bearded man always seemed to have a sweat upon him, and dabbed at it with a cloth as he herded a gang of boys around his workshop. Designs hung from the wall that were beyond you. Diagrams, formula, all manner of nonsense. When he saw you he stopped barking in Greek and assumed a grin.

"Master Wilhelm," he said with a bow, "Good of you to visit."

"How goes it?" you asked.

Achilles snorted. "I do what I can with what we have. It's not much. And always difficulty. This and that becomes that and this, you understand. In a city that is one thing, out here it is another. But do not listen to me grumble."

You barely understood what he was saying.

He produced a sheet. "I could use some direction. We need towers, we need trebuchet. We do not have enough raw material for all. Which do you think?"

You would need to see about gathering more material if you wanted more war machines. Perhaps a trade deal can be arranged. You had horses in excess.

But for now you had to use what was available.

> build trebuchets
> build towers
> build one of each

>>40916978
>You had one more order. "These lessons you have been giving Mathilde are over," you said, "It's time she started behaving towards the nature of her sex. If she continues playing with swords she might form mannish habits."

Eh? Why stop it?

>>40917003
>> build towers
WITH FLAMETHROWERSSSS

>Get in close, spew death before disembarking.

>>40917003
> build trebuchets

Assasulting the walls of Ascalon with towers would be suicide. We should ideally have sappers for that.

>>40917003
Wilhelm is literally No Fun Allowed

> build one of each

Time to mortgage the damn place for siege equipment

>>40917003
> build trebuchets

Knocking down a wall or a gate from range seems to always be better than taking a superior position head-on.

>>40917003
> build trebuchets
I want to check their front and pelt their backs at the same time. If we have burning pots, all the better.

>>40917031
>Eh? Why stop it?

Mostly due to the fact she has learned what is nescarry also the fear that the bishop and father might get the wrong impression from us.

>>40917034
>>40917045

Guys, i dont think you know what kind of death fortress Ascalon is.

>>40917003
> build trebuchets
Easier to transport, capable of destroying battlements and defenses, can breach a wall. A tower is nice, but other things, ladders and rams, etc, can be made at the siege. Also getting it there. Man that would be annoying.

>>40917003
>> build trebuchets

>>40917055
Ups qoated the wrong guys, i meant
>>40917043
>>40917031

>>40917003
>>40917034
I like the idea, though we should definitely work on getting more raw materials, but trebuchets are more important imo.

>>40917031
>Eh? Why stop it?

because she has graduated to ''competent'' & her concentration is needed elsewhere.

also father & Archbishop are coming so we can't have unchristian behavior in our household

> build one of each

would be nice to know when that horse trading money will come in

>>40917070
Yeah. But remember. The Queen has promised us her own war machines, so these wont be the only one we have. So i think we should focus on trebuchets

>>40917055
>Guys, i dont think you know what kind of death fortress Ascalon is.
Unless it is the kind that raises from the sands and summons Shai Hulud, siege towers vs fortified towers seems like a bad trade.

>>40917087
actually change to
> build trebuchets

Ascalon's a hard nut to crack so we'll need a hammer or three

>>40917003
>> build towers
with flamethrowers, agreed

>>40917103
Yeah, i meant to quote the guys who wanted siege towers. My bad.

>>40917125
why not just use naphtha as ammo for the trebs?

>>40917125
That is not going to happen. And would be useless against the walls of Ascalon anon.

>>40917142
>fireball!
im so easily impressionable, im changing my vote to
>trebuchets

>>40917149
not against its defenders

>>40917185
Ascalon's towers are very tall and our siege towers will be blown to tiny bits by the time they get within range.

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Reminder the frontier is more Hospitaller than Templar, don't discount them yet.

>>40917339
Dont think anyone of us has.

"Trebuchets," you said, "I've heard tales of Ascalon's walls, I wouldn't want to try an assault by tower."

Achilles shrugged. "My towers are not Frank towers. They are not so easily crushed," he said, "But if that is your mind then so be it. I shall build for you a pair of monsters. Sisters. Real bitches. Have you ever seen a wall come down?"

You shook your head.

Achilles drew you close. "It is like nothing else. The stones pound and pound. To the lazy eye they seem to do nothing. But they batter and soften. Turn stone to butter that melts under the sun. Soon it is soft it begins to slide, slide down and crumble into a shower. Not a great explosion, not all ways, but a collapse. A falling apart that leaves a gap and rocky ground to fight over. And in that gap the worst fighting happens. A murdering. You do not want to be the first into that gap. But through it flows victory."

He closed his hand and chuckled. "Yes, we will break the walls of Ascalon, and then I will rebuild them anew. Yes. See the first and marvel at the second. If you think Ascalon is hell now, wait until my hand has shaped it." He nodded his head, lost in dreams of destruction and creation as he wandered back to his drawing table.

Achilles was not a warrior. Not a general. Not a leader of men. But he was something far more terrible. He was a mind bent on dreaming up wonders of death and birthing them into the world, setting them on mortal flesh. It near made your skin crawl to think what that man might build if he could.

But it was a mind currently bent to your purpose, and for that reason you could only appreciate the man.

You returned to your tower.

A month would pass before your father's arrival, a figure that left you more nervous than the arch-bishop he escorted.

You had time for one laborious task:

> gather material for war machines
> muster more troops
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem

>>40917365
>> gather material for war machines

What little troops we can personally muster is insignificant compared to another warmachine.

>>40917365
>> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem
Time to bard it up

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>>40917339
see the river here would make a great barrier against Fatamid raiders.

if we can take Gaza & Darum I'd suggest getting Hospitallers to build castles here

>>40917365
>> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem

We shall gather forces under one banner. For the glory of our Queen.

>>40917365
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem
Some former Kingsmen must be dying to earn points with the Queen.

>>40917398
Agreed. Is also much easier to protect and even better the closes thing Eqypt has to Jerusalem is Al-Arish which is in the middle of Sinai.

>>40917365
> gather material for war machines
Delegate to Orlando or Etienne
> muster more troops
Delegate to Solomon & Hugo obviously
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem
Personally

>>40917365
>>40917395
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem
Agreed, we need to continue to grow our pool of allies, our own levies are at near capacity. We need men-at-arms from the rest of the kingdom.
Bard knight away!

>>40917365
"WARWOLF!"

>>40917365
>>40917422
If we can do this.

>>40917365
> gather material for war machines

Even if Ascalon falls, we need to be sure we are in position to take credit. Our war machines are going to be best in class.

>>40917422

If possible this..

Otherwise
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem

>>40917432
The Queen has already promised us all the help of her own loyal supporters. So i guess we should begin swaying the Fulk Supports and the neutrals.

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>>40917365
Achilles was not a warrior. Not a general. Not a leader of men. But he was something far more terrible. He was a mind bent on dreaming up wonders of death and birthing them into the world, setting them on mortal flesh. It near made your skin crawl to think what that man might build if he could.

Greek fire when?

>>40917365
> muster more troops
> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem
Gather to us who we can. Also it pays to set things up for after we possibly win or lose. Either securing favor for the turnover of Ascalon to a greater lord who has the resources and political base to posses such a city (Us getting lesser lands and considerations elsewhere), Or currying that favor for our own ascension to the city's helm. Or if the siege goes sour covering our ass.

Also.. we need good names for our Trebuchets

any ideas?

>>40917422
this

DELEGATION OP PLS NERF!

>>40917365
>> gather material for war machines
we lucked out and got this genius, i think itd be best if used him

>>40917444
>>40917442
>>40917422

It's not really stuff that can be delegated out. This is inter-kingdom stuff and requires a lordly position. Sorry.

>>40917422
That's powergaming, anon
Stop trying to push every button

>>40917422
ill back this

>>40917453
Yeah, Fulk Supports first, the neutrals sway with the wind I'm willing to bet, so if we can gain the support of the loyalists, then the rest will shift as well. Unless his supporters are militarily or economically less important than the neutrals.

>>40917481
Ah.

Then > send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem

>>40917365
>> gather material for war machines

>>40917481
fuck

> send letters to strengthen ties through out Jerusalem

>>40917471
Ill Tidings
Back breaker
Ascaloff
Stone Bane

>>40917527

Fulk and Melisende

>>40917527
David and Joshua (Joshua took down Jericho, David was Israels greatest warrior king)
>>40917527
>Ascaloff
lmaoooo

>>40917471
There must be some holy women from back in Trier to name them after. Jusy a small thing for the Bishop.

>>40917471
What was the French name for Bad Neighbor?

>>40917527
Germanic Wrath and Holy Rage

>>40917471
Megaera ("grudging") and Tilphousia ("vengeful destruction")

After the Furies from ancient Greece.

>>40917527
The Bitch of Ramla

I think hugo would like that one

>>40917568
(The) Jericho March, that's pretty snazzy. For the Joshua name that's not latin (Aka catholic) enough.

Can Mathilde still practice in secret with Hugo?

>>40917688
You can do anything if you are discreet enough anon.

>>40917647
this is the holy land! i think its not a bad idea to throw back to the Old Testament

>>40917688
Hugo is Solomoning, and Mathilde will be housekeeping

>>40917688
can she not instead?

>>40917700
Hahahahaha, gross!

But seriously, she showed some real promise there, it'd be a waste to stop right then. In character, it makes sense for Wilhelm to forbid her as it's not really needed, Dad's coming, and he needs Solomon working towards Ascalon, but she almost won against Hugo. I really think she could be worthy of carrying that shield.

>>40917688
>>40917700
Shit guys its only one, or more, months, and wilhelm's father is scary. Don't make a mountain out of an anthill. She will be busy with the prep too.

>>40917775
She's good enough to stab infantryman #2 if they are rude

>>40917719
Maybe going hunting with Viyan?

>>40917775
It doesn't have to be forever, just at least until daddy's gone and terrorizes someone else.

>>40917809
nah im fully prepared to tony montana our sister

tony montana wanted to fuck his sister and fucked up every guy she got with

>>40917806
She still needs practice, I said she showed promise.

So. Any betting on if father is bringing Hugo's mother with him aswell ?

>>40917775
no if she's going to war more than now it will end in rape

>>40917874
>Bringing whores to the Holy Land

>>40917874
Its happening the dude probably can't help himself moreso than Wilhelm can

>>40917890
Archery?

You spent the month at your writing desk, sending letters across the realm. You wrote to the Prince of Galilee and the Lords of Oultrejordan. On them you heaped praise, and wrote of your allegiance to Jerusalem and her Queen. You wrote to the lords of cities, Caesarea and Beirut. You wrote to Tripoli, and Sidon. To friends and enemies alike. You put your name forward so that they might keep you in mind, and made pleasant with them, you wrote to them of their troubles and offered emotive support.

You talked about Turks and Saracens, the troubles with the local people. You grumbled and shared greviences. You let them know that you were not a foreign adventurer. That you were a man of the Levant just as they were.

Letters returned with thanks from the lords for your message.

Some more appreciative than others.

Pagan seemed most receptive to you, though he had been close to Fulk. He ruled Outlrejordan had was long troubled by raiders from Sinai. None rebuked you except in what they didn't say. Coldest was Walter of Caesarea, who disliked your liege and the queen both, but he spoke no outright insult.

You had little time for else but correspondence when the letter fluttered across your table.

Your father had landed in Jaffa.

It set you down to inspect Rosalie. Chihirizahd and Mathilde both had been aiding her. And when you came upon Rosalie caressing Chihirizahd's neck you knew she had been helping Rosalie in more ways than one. The seneschal certainly appeared less stressed.

"All is ready," Rosalie said, "And there has been nothing but a boon from the aid you lent me." She had her hand on the small of Chihirizahd's back, thought she was not being obvious.

Mathilde was not so happy with playing house keeper, and only raised her chin at you when you tried to draw her into conversation. Your order to end her swordsmanship had put you outside of her good grace.

>>40917909
generally none marshal subjects more like

>>40917909
Nah. We should focus her on to become more like Melisende and less like Sabeen.

>>40917775
I don't see why we would want to use her that way. It's historically inaccurate, and the court intrigue we could use her for, not to mention a political alliance, dictates her Cha and Int should be higher. Not to mention the constant threat of rape for a young girl on campaign.

Hey, we should ask for Orlando's advice, he's smart!

"Lady Chihirizahd, please tell my lord brother that I am happy to have assisted in my womanly duties," she said, "But that if he has any wish to speak with me he will have to petition my time. I'm ever so busy." She said as she plucked a hair from her shoulder. You gritted your teeth. Childish brat. Chihirizahd did not go through the labour of indulging Mathilde's mood.

"You best keep that tongue pleasant when father arrives," you warned, "Or I might just let him drag you back to that convent." That had her blue eyes wide and manner more civil.

You had a lunch of an apple and glared at everyone that crossed your path. Your father had a way of putting you in a foul mood.

But there was nothing for it but to wait for his arrival. Until then...

> nominate a companion to spend time with

>>40917928
I hate Melisende. Why would we ever want to become like that? She is an awful person.

>>40917959
Mathilde

>>40917959
Tancred see how he's doing and the land as well.

>>40917959
Franz, help

>>40917971
anon pls no self-insert

>>40917971
She is a great politician and excellent in the skills of intrigue and statemanship. A great monarch.

>>40917959
Franz
>For fucks sake man help me!!!!!

>>40917959

Mathilde

>>40917959
Franz might help us to prepare dealing with father. They were very close.

>>40917959
>Orlando

>>40917959
Franz

>>40918032
why?

>>40917989
>>40917991
In character, why would Wilhelm want his sister to be like Melisende?

>>40918047
>>40917991

For those reasons. Melisende is a great ruler.

>>40918047
Cause shes a classy woman, and the fucking Queen, beautiful and beloved by all

>>40918044
Because we never spend any time with him even though he saved us, and he's supposedly smart, and could help is formulate a campaign and set up some logistics.

>>40918047
the better question is why the fuck would Mathilde not want to be like Melisande?

>>40918047
So far, Wilhelm doesn't like women in convents, and respects women with authority and independence. Lucca, Melisende, Iovetta is in the works.

>>40918047
Because, being a self-centered individual, having a sister who is courtly would have less potential to impact his reputation than a brute of a woman for a sister hacking and slashing in a most unladylike manner.

>>40917959
Mathilde

>>40917938
That's boring. That's so boring! I can't believe how boring that is!

>>40918079
>So far, Wilhelm doesn't like women in convents,

there's an obvious reason for that anon
he can't fuck them

>>40918069
he's not that smart, I wanted to send him off to procure matireals for our siege engines as a show of good faith in him but that fell through

>>40917959
>Franz

Jew uncle is going to be our last best hope for things going smoothly

>>40918113
>Wanting another rape shitstorm

>>40917959
>Franz

>>40918127
>spoiler
Pls, we know that doesn't stop anyone

>>40917471
Mathilde and Ioveta

>>40918148
Hey, that's what the sword is for. Or a dagger in the sleeve.

>>40918183
Then the rapist's friends are gonna slit her throat and rape her corpse. Really. We should make sure she stays faaaar away from all of that kind of things.

>>40918183
>Hey, that's what the sword is for.
great she already has one she can use when she's NOT on campaign & is at court like a good woman

>Or a dagger in the sleeve
HF addressed that on twitter & said it was ''Impractical''

>>40918209
>>40918183
not to mention if she being raped she's going to obviously be pinned down

>>40917471
Siegfried and Orpheus
A warrior and a bard who did the impossible for their loves. Also, a 50-50 chance of how this will go seeing how they both fared.

>>40918222
love it

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>40918222
tempting but does it tempt the dice gods?

>>40918113
Yep it's not anime, it's historical fiction. Mundane real world complications and limitations will apply. Working against many things, including social taboos will result in unpleasant results.

>>40918261
We're gonna be a spring, a bloo bloo bloo bloo...

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>40918222

>>40918267
>Yep it's not anime, it's historical fiction

should be the slogan for the quest

>>40918267
And Wilhelm is already balancing on the edge on what is socially acceptable.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>40918182

>>40918303
>>40918280
>>40918261
fuck it's last thread all over again

>>40918222

I like it

>>40918267
I still think having a reputation as a shieldmaiden and archer and some bodyguards would be good for courtly intrigues.

Now that I think about what I've said, I guess I just think it'd be cool to have Sun Shangxiang as a sister.

>>40918326
That it would.

Perhaps we could allow dear sister to indulge in some more practice after papa leaves.

>>40918326
>I just think it'd be cool to have Sun Shangxiang as a sister.

I'd rather Sima yi/Zhuge liang because you know......less rape

>>40918296
>>40918296
I might actually argue he's past that point, but I agree, we've used our modern lens to move in directions that may complicate all our efforts.

I really enjoy that HF will point blank tell us at times that our stand on a choice will be fruitless because the time period will not allow for it, while giving us the maneuverability to alter what does happen in radically different directions.

>>40918326
>I still think having a reputation as a shieldmaiden and archer and some bodyguards would be good for courtly intrigues.

No. No, it would most certainly not. Atleast not having it public like that.

>>40918326
weve only got one sister man lets not waste her like that

>>40918326
Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm totally just projecting Wu onto our MCs.

An archery Mathilde would be pretty cool though!

>>40918364
No we dont. We have Giselle. But yeah. It would be foolish to waste her like that.

>>40918364
We have another sister.

>>40918326
You only get that if you have both walls and coins.

It's not a good build for intrigue either, it is more "this Abbess is erasing crime with mercenaries"

>>40918390
Giselle is all the way in Deuchsland who knows if well ever see her again

>>40918364
>>40918390
Mathilde is the exact age that's perfect seduce Louis the VII and became the pants of the french family

>>40918326
I can understand that it's a fun idea to have a badass shield maiden sister, but I think it's not only impractical in the setting, but can have dangerous implications in too many areas to allow her training to continue. We've given her self-defense which, with our CHA, we can play off as commendable, that should be enough.

>>40918421
I dont think she is important enough, not even if we take Ascalon. A Duke maybe ? But that is as high i think she will get.

But then again. She might get lucky.

>>40918421
She needs Lead and Cha, not so much War

You go to see your oldest friend, with your lunk head squire for company.

Franz had taken up with a widowed mother in the town. You knocked on her door, and it opened to a pretty young woman of tan skin and curling black hair. She had a bit of wear around the eyes, and a plump mouth that seemed to turn from pout to smile with ease.

Must be the daughter. Or so you thought until a skin need brat pulled on her skirt and was hefted up in her arms for a kiss on the cheek, and Franz came behind her to put his hands upon her wide hips. He was smiling, which morphed his face into strange and terrible dimensions.

The smile died when he saw you.

"My lord," she said with a nervous fidget, "You grace us."

"The fuck do you want?" he asked. The woman slapped him on the arm and he gave her a wounded look.

The old bastard was in love. It started in your belly until it shook out your mouth, a long laugh.

You pulled the old Jew forward into a hug.

"Please, come and eat with us," the woman offered you her home. You came in giggling, arm wrapped around Franz. A table had been set with pottage to eat. They offered you a humble bowl.

She had four children. One near ten and the others growing smaller beneath her. Her husband had been killed by raiders only a few years ago. Widowhood was common in the holy land.

But it was Franz who had your attention. "Your father?" he said, rubbing his stubbly chin, "Well it'll be good to see Old Wil again."

"I've never got on with him," you said, "You know him better than anyone else. How must I be to keep it from being a disaster?"

Franz considered the question. "Your father is a mean old prick," he concluded, "If he is in a shit mood there's not much you can do except survive him."

"Why is he so hard to please?" you asked, "I've never shamed him."

Franz scratched his nose.

>>40918444
it all depends on how Ascalon goes

by then Wilhelm would hypothetically be close to a Duke in theory holding multiple cities.

>>40918450
I meant psychological pants not WAR pants

>>40918444
we will have marital ties to the royal family of jerusalem

"Do you know the battle that saw us made brothers?" he asked. You shook your head. "It was a mean fight. Before it Wilhelm had been as smiling a man as you'd ever met. A bit of a romantic. 'Til he went off to war. It hardened him some. He had a brother, one he doesn't speak of any more. Klaus. Good man. Better than we were. The best of us. Their father's favourite. He's dead now. Dead the same as Eloise and Marco, and half a dozen other friends."

You'd never heard of any of this.

"Your grandfather had no charm. He hated your old man because he had it in surplus. A pretty girl, friends. Things his father had never known outside the course of duty. When he returned from war both hardened and his heir, your grandfather did much to make sure the changes stuck. An efficient man. He broke what joy of life the war had not taken. Left him mean."

Franz's eyes were glassy. "He loves still, even if he has no joy. Never doubt that. He loves you and your sisters, the little bastard Hugo. All in his own fashion. Even your mother."

The old man sighed, and his woman rubbed his back. Franz got up, and saw you to the door.

"Just be yourself Wil," he said, "The man loves you more than you think."

Before you left you looked the old man over. His woman stood behind him, wrapped arms around his chest. The man looked happy.

"Thinking about marriage?" you asked.

He scowled. "Not in your life time," and closed the door curtly. You walked home with a smile.
-

>>40918479
Wil.....Wil had a hard life

I wonder what Maggie's up to? Is Mathilde delegating some work onto her?

>>40918421
He's a stupid frenchman tho

>>40918479

Ah Franz. Good to see you've found someone.

Also, A child of ten.

Perhaps we should see if hes suitable at being a squire soon.

The day arrived. You took horse to greet them. You took your household and horsemen. Your knights and soldiers beside you on the road that led to the Jerusalem high way. Beside you was your sister, who sat nervously on a docile little mare. On the other was Hugo, who looked especially grim. Both had groomed themselves carefully, assembled their best. Mathilde was a radiant young woman, inching ever onward to womanhood. Hugo a stern boy soon to be a stern man.

You were proud of them both.

You saw the banner of Trier, a cross, and spear points, light on helms. And dust kicked up by marching feet.

And then you saw the bishop a-horse, and with him knights. Your father, head of his household, rode at his right hand. Other men rode beside them and behind. A military procession.

Archbishop Albero was a man of folded fat that creased his chin and neck. He was not a venerable ancient but he was old. He wore his vestments, which had become stained brown in places from the Levant dust. Albero was not lovely to look upon, but his fish bulging eyes possessed a wisdom.

Your father had a fine coat of maile, the tabard of his lord, and a sour look. Wilhelm the Elder was a handsome man of mid-forties, black hair streaked with grey, and wrinkles that only distinguished his features. With him were two women. Golden haired and riding side saddle was his paramour. She was a merry woman that laughed easily and had a bearing of self-sufficiency. Brown haired and plain was your mother, and gloom hung over her like a cloud.

"Where is Giselle?" Mathilde wondered aloud. Perhaps she remained home.

The Archbishop's party stopped before you. He raised a hand.

"Lord Ramla," he said, voice carrying well. He had a good voice for oratory.

"Archbishop Albero," you bowed.

He offered you his hand. It was set with rings. Your father watched.

> kiss his ring
> don't

>>40918637

Since we have already pledged ourselves to our queen, does old protocol allow us to still kiss the ring, showing deference to a former master? Or should a good subject not kiss the ring?

>>40918637

> kiss his ring

>>40918589
it's not like the current bar is very high anon

>>40918637
>Golden haired and riding side saddle was his paramour

DAMMIT FATHER

> kiss his ring
he's a papal authority right?

>>40918637
> kiss his ring

>>40918637
> kiss his ring

It would be a faux paus if we didnt. He is a religious elder.

>>40918637
>> kiss his ring
lets not make waves

>>40918637
>> kiss his ring

>>40918637
> kiss his ring

>>40918637
>Kiss his ring
We kiss everyone's ring, and fuck their wives

>>40918667
If i remember correctly it is quite common to kiss the ring of a bishop in catholicsm as a sign of respect.

I am just worried about father's and mother's reaction to Chiri

>>40918716
Ah. Well then, thanks for the info.

>>40918637
>> kiss his ring

>>40918732
why? pops got the same type of set up too

>>40918732
I'm worried about how we'll treat Chiri in front of them.

>>40918732
>Goddamit son you just had to be like ol'dad

>>40918732
She's playing the maid right now. But we do have a lot of girls around.

>>40918740
Yeah but he seems like the kind of guy who thinks "it is only okay when i do it" and mother probably end up seeing her son turn out just like her husband which cant be a good thing for her.

>>40918750
>Chiri

you mean the new maid that is thoroughly christian right?

>>40918753
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OqwKfgLaeA

>>40918359
So rather than thinking modern, would you suggest we should start thinking ancient?

If so, we should totally see if we can find a guy with the biggest dick possible to get the Queen off our front.

>>40918771
>Implying that Wilhelm's marriage won't be the Joy of the levant

>>40918773
No, she's not Christian. She's our slave and bed companion.

>>40918801
do you even sarcasm

>>40918779
Smuggle a eunuch in Ryo fui style?

>>40918801
NO SHIT SHERLOCK

>>40918637
But which one do we kiss?

>>40918775
saddest song ive ever heard

>>40918811
Hiding that would piss her off. Did you even watch Seasons 2-4 of Game of Thrones?

File: 1371368010960.jpg (20 KB, 283x283)

20 KB JPG

>>40918830
>implying Chiri is not in fact smart enough to figure that we are doing it for a good fucking reason
>Implying you can even begin to compare Chiri to fucking Shae

>>40918830
she knows whats what

Guys. Lets just try to keep her out of sight as much as possible and just act indifferent to her as if she is just another maid.

>>40918865
How 'bout no, and let's grow some?

Lets not worry too much about it people. Lets take it as it comes.

>>40918849
>>40918865
You know what she would gather from this? That she's an embarrassment to us.

>>40918884
This

The Bard Knight's way

You kissed the signet ring. Albero smiled. His authority was assured.

"We were most pleased to receive your invitation," he said, "To hear that a son of ours has risen so high in defense of Christendom. You have been awake while the rest of us slept." Then he offered you a sign of respect, and kissed your cheek.

You motioned for his entourage to continue onward. Your father glanced your way as he passed, attention more upon Mathilde than upon you. Next rode his lover, and then your mother. She paused to consider you and your sister, and looked for a moment as if she might weep. It was not unusual for your mother.

You fell in behind the bishop's retinue. He had brought a good body of troops for his safety, some where in the region of forty in all.

The rest of your household, servants, rushed to aid the bishop's party in unloading their burdens.

When you dismounted your father approached.

"We should speak," he said.

The archbishop was helped from his saddle by one of his knights, grunting all the way. The ride could not have been comfortable.

> speak with your father
> the archbishop comes first

>>40918906
> speak with your father

>>40918906
> speak with your father
Albero can find our altar and priest inside

>>40918906
> the archbishop comes first

Priorities people

>>40918906
>> speak with your father

Guys, can we send someone to jaffa to buy the hunting bird and delicer a letter to Malik offering him a job if /when his contract with Hugh is up

>>40918906
>> the archbishop comes first
Sorry father I must attend the Bishop. After he has been accomadated I will see to you and we shall speak then.

>>40918946
Nah, if we miss out on a moment with our father now, HF will never give us the chance again. Of course, if we don't go help the Archbishop, we miss out on a political boon.

>>40918906
> the archbishop comes first

He is our guest of honour and we need to see to his needs first as much as i would love to talk to family first we have to stay focused.

>>40918946
why is he a priority?

guys can we ask our dad if we can invite our mother to stay, she would be happier here

>>40918906

> speak with your father

>>40918977
Away from her 8-year-old daughter?

>>40918977
>guys can we ask our dad if we can invite our mother to stay, she would be happier here
Nope. Being exiled from your house doesn't look good from any angle

>>40918906
Speak to father

>>40918977
Oh gee I dunno maybe its because he's a FUCKING ARCHBISHOP OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE THAT WE COULD GET ON SIDE FOR ASCALON

>>40918906
use CHA to make sure Bishop is given due respect, then
> speak with your father

Guys. This is the Prince-Bishop of Trier, Arch Bishop of the Holy Roman Empire and a Elector. He is probably the most important person who we have ever met.

>>40919033
Fuck the Germans and their armies, they're gonna drown on the way to the Holy Land anyway. To be honest, I'm surprised the Koblenzes even got here.

>>40919033
blood is blood guy id never show another man respect over my own father

>>40919033
I understand that he is important and all but I very much doubt that this visit will result in troops. I think it`s more a personal thing

>>40919033
It's bad enough that we have the Genoans helping us, the foreigners need to leave.

>>40919094
I believe it is because you dont understand just how important this man is.

>>40919077
Dunno, Roger seemed pretty baller

>>40919107
>>40919100
We invited him on the suggestion of Hugh to help us take Ascalon. Seriously guys ?

>>40918906
>> the archbishop comes first

>>40918906
> the archbishop comes first

>>40918906
Changing >>40918929 to
> the archbishop comes first

>>40918906
> speak with your father

>>40919100
then you're being a fool, if the man has come from Trier to visit us there is obviosuly more at play than personal tribute

>>40919107
we invited him here chucklefuck

>>40919169
Maybe you did, but I didn't.

>>40918906
> the archbishop comes first

>>40919189

Dude, what.

just a reminder friends samefagging is rude and selfish

>>40919218
Well, deleting posts is a hassle, so I just vote twice for the other when I change my mind.

You rebuffed him and a look came across his face. Not anger but pain. The man nodded though.

You went to help the knight see the archbishop settled. With him was Father Desmond.

"Oh this land is lovely, just lovely," the archbishop said, "The sun is warm, the air is dry. It's a fine land." He was speaking with your priest, who could only offer agreement.

You offered the archbishop the aid of your hand, and he took it. You walked him in.

"Rooms have been prepared," you said, "Our last guest to stay in them was the royal household, Queen Melisende herself."

"They should be adequate," your father said, coming to walk with his liege. "I will inspect them personally, make certain that they are adequate."

"We've heard much of this Queen Melisende," the archbishop said, "She has earned the ire of half of France. Tell me, what is your judgement of her?"

You stopped at the foot of the staircase. The archbishop maintained a fatherly smile. Your father continued to frown. What did they hope to hear from you?

> heap praise upon her
> diminish her
> be fair in your judgement

>>40919278
> heap praise upon her

Truely a worthy guardian of this kingdom of heaven

>>40919278
> heap praise upon her
We have a high CHA, they'll buy it.

>>40919278

> heap praise upon her

but offer some praise to Fulk as well, he's held the Saracens at bay too.

>>40919278
> be fair in your judgment
"A wise, just, and merciful ruler, also we shagged there, and there, and there, and alllll over there"

>>40919278
>> heap praise upon her
as true a disciple of the Lord as befits the earthly ruler of this land

>>40919278
> heap praise upon her
She took control of a kingdom by pure statemanship, she's one to watch

>>40918952
We can do it after the greetings are done, I think.

>>40919278
>> heap praise upon her

>>40919331
We did it for her, and she got it because her daddy kicked it without any sons.

>>40919278
> be fair in your judgement
Proclaim your approval, but moderately

>>40919278
>> be fair in your judgement

>>40919361
Why? Don't you want Germany to have good relations with Jerusalem?

>>40919344
Fulk did a faux pas by making enemies of half the kingdom, she was ready to counter on her own

>>40919391
Hahaha, no she was not.

>>40919278
What the hell is fair judgment? Confessing our and her adultery? We have nothing but good to say about her besides that.

>>40919438
Think the word fair is being used as "moderate" in this case.

>>40919278
>be fair in your judgement

1. we don't know what they've heard
2. we don't know what Hugh's said to them
3. we don't want to inflame the rumours of an affair

>>40919458
>"Oh, the queen? She's good I suppose. Send some troops her way to help keep the Holy Land from falling to muslims, why don't you."

>>40919460
Hugh has been under house arrest
If Hugh has been talking shit we need to act totally oblivious, acting shady will make them more suspicious its totally realistic to be supportive of our Queen after we fucking gave a grand speech that deposed her husband and put her on the throne, wouldnt it be suspicious and weird to backpedal now?

>>40919278
I wonder if our old knight we used to squire for is here.

>>40919503
Our butt still kinda hurts, now that I think about it.

>>40919500
>Hugh has been under house arrest
you mean Fulk right?

>>40919500
Fulk anon. Fulk is the one who has been under house arrest. Hugh is our liege lord.

>>40919522
i do im stupid

>>40919460
>2. we don't know what Hugh's said to them
Well, if we know Hugh, he's probably spoken to them about how she's his waifu.

>>40919535
The Queen really wish she wasnt. I can just imagine her mailbox being full of crappy poetry and love letters from him

>>40919535
speaking of do you think we could inflame that Waifuism to the point where he thinks she'll marry him if he deposes her?

secondly we could get Caesara onside by promising him a chance at revenge on Hugh because we don't like how obsessive Hugh has become with Melisande?

>>40919584
drama will find us, anon. No need to plot ploys

>>40919584
Easy there anon. That is a far away future and a lot can happen. Lets just focus on the task at hand cause that path lies only Shadowrunning.

>>40919584
So you're saying that we could get Hugh to rid us our royal pain if we can convince him to Man Up?

>>40919610
What royal pain ?

>>40919604
Drama will find us regardless, but I think we should move against hugh subtly so that he may misstep before he can move against us.

>>40919610
yes

>>40919637
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq0SvQRxt3Y

>>40919610
>>40919637
Are you guys shadowrunning now?

>>40919628
Adultery is really, really bad.

>>40919654
not really we just need to do this one plot

>>40919664
Only if it gets found out in public. We are fine so long it is a secret and even a public secret. Only a problem if Wil or Melisende are being idiots.

"Queen Melisende is Jerusalem," you said, "Never has the realm been overseen by a more just or pious woman. Nor has it seen one more beautiful. She has charm to add to her beauty, and no man is proof against it. She speaks with the learning of a scholar and commands with the authority of a Roman general. She is beloved by all her subjects, and she guards them like a mother."

You stop, and smile as you often did when Melisende came into your thoughts.

"What is she? She is my queen, and I am happy to serve her."

Your father's brow lowers but Albero seems delighted by your words, clapping his ring strewn hands together. He remarks as you guide him to the chambers set for his party that he will be sure to visit Jerusalem after visiting you. He simply had to meet such a remarkable individual for himself.

Your father stands before the archbishop's door, his eyes filled with some suspicion.

"Well it seems you've been putting that tongue of yours to good use," he said, "Do you sharpen it on a whet stone, or the cunt of Queen Melisende?"

It was bait, of course. Even if your father suspected within a certainty that you had become the queen's lover.

> rebuke him
> trade insult for insult
> depart without speaking

>>40919670
>we just need to do this one plot
that's one step beyond shadowruns

>>40919677
> trade insult for insult

Only fools and kitchen girls listen to idle gossip Which one are you father ?

>>40919677
>> rebuke him

>>40919610
I don`t know man, marring the queen is way better than marring a girl 245 miles away in the line to the throne

>>40919677
>Which glistens brighter, her sweat or her tears?

>>40919677
> rebuke him
In a court of law
He should meet Burres, they plot alike

>>40919712
oh snap this 100 times

>>40919695
Supporting this.

>>40919677
>> rebuke him
Father calm yourself. Insults such as that are beneath both of us. As the Lord of Ramla do not speak of my Queen in such a manner.

>>40919677
Insult for inault

Man up guys!

"And good to see you too father"

File: IMG_0495.gif (1.34 MB, 500x227)

1.34 MB GIF

>>40919712
oh shit snap yes this

>trash talking your father
Gentlemen, contain your edges

>>40919785
>contain your edges
in the whore queen's cunt?

>>40919785
But we cant allow him to insult us like that by spreading baseless rumors in our own castle.

>>40919712
Okay I'm pretty sure 'she' is Wil's mum, but I've been wrong about anon intentions before. 'She' is his mum right?

>>40919785
Our father is just showing his love by testing us. If we were man enough to support our beliefs he wouldn't question our decision to back the queen.