>>48696265
> deal with Achilles

First then talk with Manuel.

>>48696265
>deal with Bures and Solomon
Them first.

>>48696265
> deal with Bures and Solomon

>>48696265
Glad to see you run HF.

>>48696265
> deal with Bures and Solomon
Let solomon deal with his fellow Nubians, after we can talk to the engineer and roman.

>>48696265
>> meet with Manuel
See the overarching strategy. If his forces can cement our assault, then everything else can fall into place.

You dress as if for court more so than a war camp, your finest tabard over a well stitched doublet, silken hose, leather boots. Over that you wore your Damascus sword, perhaps your most valuable possession, sheathed in a fine scabbard of wood overlain with black leather. An ivory comb ran through your hair, through your beard. The hairs around your fresh cheek scar were split in a messy fashion, leaving a streak of puckered blue skin that ran from near the underlid of your eye down to the corner of your jaw.

Some say it made you look dashing, you'd heard a whisper that it also gave you a villainous cast. Let others draw their own judgement, for you it was a badge of honour, taken in defense of the queen.

Outside you found Solomon seated, shotel across his lap, whetstone running along its edge. His hair has been braided back in strange tight knots, giving it the look of cord. It made it more comfortable under his padded cap and helm, or so he explained. The puff and frizz of his hair left unattended made his helm uncomfortable, and this style was common among the highland wrestlers of his home.

When he saw you his camp grown beard split to show teeth. "Brother," he said, setting aside the whetstone, "You want something from me?"

You took a seat across from him, warming your hand in the fire. It was growing colder by the day, the sun was doing less and less to kill the chill. "Bures is putting together a force marching west, he wants you to lead it," you said.

"An honour," but his tone didn't sound honoured.

"You've a problem with it?" you said.

He looked uncomfortable. "Not directly, more I'm worried about you," he tapped his shotel on your shoulder, "What will happen to you if I'm not here to guard your back."

"So you won't go?"

He shook his head. "I'm not saying that. The Caliph has sent his Nubians, right?" You nodded. "I'd like to kill some of those dogs, but the word is yours."

> go
> stay

>>48696664
> go

>>48696664
> go

We cant have the elite nubian guard at our back when we are infront of the walls of Ascalon.

But do tell him to use generic jerusalem banners and the like. If the leaders in Gaza see Ramlan colours they may take their time to help.

>>48696664
> stay
I can't help but feel like theirs going to be people very happy Soloman is separated from us.

>>48696664
> go

>>48696664
Shake your head. Let him make the decision.

"It's your decision, brother. If you wish to go, then go. If you wish to stay, then stay."

>>48696664
>> stay
He'll clash with Blaise the Butcher in the field over old grudges.

We need Hugo to stick with us if Solomon is going to be somewhere else.

>>48696728
He is the best equipped knowledge wise to defeat the Nubian Guard out of everyone else in the army. We should send him and make sure to keep our closest companions closer for personal protection.

The choice is between making the siege slightly harder for us or risk losing the whole siege. Go should be the natural choice.

>>48696664
> go

>>48696664
> Go

"I'm touched by your concern, but I'm a grown man, I can take care of myself," you said. Then you nodded to the men around you, the knights and mercenaries under your command. A Syrian lancer showed his blade to Ludegard of the Hellions, Ludegard marveling at its edge. Etienne ate porridge with his squire Jacques, while Sabeen overlooked them with arms crossed. "Besides, I have all of them. If a bodyguard like that cannot keep me safe, no power on earth can."

"Point," Solomon sheathed his sword, "I'll lead this army to Gaza."

You gave him your hand, and he took it by the wrist, a tight grip. "God be with you, brother," you said.

"And with you," he said, squeezing your wrist. And with that he was released to head south, and bring ruin to Egypt.

You stood. Other business required your attention. Your squires waited, Alexius and Hugo.

>meet with Achilles
>meet with Hugo
>meet with Raymond
>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
Cant choose between Manuel and Achilles.

>>48696973
>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
>>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
>meet with Achilles
then
>meet with Manuel

I'd like to know what our engineer has planned before it gets to late in the day.

>>48696973
>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
>meet with Achilles

>>48696973
>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
>>meet with Manuel

>>48696973
>>meet with Manuel

Anyone else considering that Gerard and Hugh may be conspiring to kill Will?

>>48697386
For what purpose ? It would only hurt their own faction.

"We have an Imperial Prince waiting for us," you told your squires, fussing with your collar. Your meeting with Greeks, or as they preferred, Romans, rarely went well. This proposed alliance between yourself and young Manuel was still tenuous, held together by nothing but promises until now, with his arrival, and with his troops.

You went through the camp. The arrival of the Roman prince had caused a stir, locals grumbled about arrogant Greeks, foreigners marveled at the living legacy of the Caesars. You were caught somewhere between, not quite local, no longer altogether foreign. This man could be your salvation, delivering you Ascalon, or your slaver, binding you in chains of debt.

Hugo grew tenser the closer you camp to the Roman camp, his grip tightening on his long axe. Purple banners fluttered in the wind. Lamellar like lizard scales coated hard faced brown men with neatly trimmed, slightly curled dark beards. Almond eyes considered you as you passed, hawkish from under iron shod brows.

There was a tent, large, voluminous, in purple and gold. Before it was set a table, and men around the table. Three men, all young, as young as you, though the prince was youngest himself. He had a cast like Alexander, his black hair coifed, beard lightly pointed, his harness compact on a wiry frame, eyes alive with intelligence as you talked casually with his men, hands sliding across the map as he chartered movements.

The man on his right shoulder looked a Turk by cast, a little older than Manuel but not by much. His hard face had a scar, a diagonal cut that crossed his whole face. His helm had a bite in it from where that near fatal scar had first bit, as well as a gouge across the nasal bar. A tough man, a natural soldier, his sword sheathed in a white scabbard.

The other was a chunkier figure, red bearded, something of the fairer north in his features yet with the same almond eyes, deep in a cratered face. His fingers drummed a hilt, those fingers ringed in gold and set with stones, his helm was in his other hand. Ginger hair ran in waves down to the back of his neck.

Manuel straightened at the sight of you, his smile growing.

"The man of the hour," he said, gesturing to you for his companions, "Wilhelm of Koblenz, now of Ramla, soon no doubt of Ascalon."

"Your highness," you said.

Manuel gestured to his companions. "Alexius Axouch, he of scarred face, and Basil Vatatzes, of slow bulging belly, my dear friends and capable soldiers."

"Well met," Basil Vatatzes said. Alexius Axouch remained silent.

"You wanted to meet with me?" you asked.

"I did, yes," Manuel leaned back upon the table, legs crossed before him, "I wanted to know your plan, to take the city, and afterwards."

"A bit early for afterwards, isn't it?" you said.

"You think so?" a pretty boy brought Manuel a gold plate laden with dates. He plucked one and nibbled it, his smile had not slipped but his eyes grew a little cold.

> espouse a little on your future plans
> keep your talk to the siege
> it is far too early to speak on anything
> write-in

>>48697474
>> it is far too early to speak on anything
As if we discuss what may be and are distracted in battle we may never live to see it.

>>48697474
> keep your talk to the siege

Manuel could be a very good ally to have for later. But i rather not talk too loudly about aftward just yet in a camp in which we know no one.

>>48697474
> keep your talk to the siege

>>48697422
Gold and securing of the Ascalon/Jaffa duchy under Hugh? considering Hugh knows that Barrisan and his sister are up to something it wouldn't take much to false flag an attack on himself to lure us into a trap.

>>48697474
> espouse a little on your future plans
> write-in

keep it to the frivolous details however, our marriage to Iovetta, political consolidation as well as military around Ascalon the possibility of the Jaffa/Ascalon dukedom etc.

>>48697474
Right now our alliance is on based on promises. Maybe offer a marriage between our second sister and Manuel when she comes of age ?

>>48697579
he's not going to wait 7/10 years to marry our youngest sister

I suggest Mathilde

>>48697611
Already promised away and i do not think it wise to break the deal with Bures.

>>48697629
kinda already doing that with the whole Elias thing

I'll just say that it would be far beneath Manuel's station to marry either of your sisters at present.

>>48697611
Let's not.

"I'd rather keep the conversation on the matter at hand," you said, "The future is a foreign country."

"All the more reason to chart it, but I get your point," he replied.

You looked to his companions, still they were quiet, they made no council, at least not in your presence, and you looked back to Manuel and his cool smile.

"We've tried assaulting the walls with some success," you said, "The holy orders had the main attack, and did well. The others not so much."

"You've not made a breach," Manuel said.

"Not yet, but our engineers are working on it," you replied.

"'Our engineers'?" Manuel had a funny smile, he looked to his friends who gave light chuckles, "You mean Achilles Angelus, a little vagabond of my country. Yes, we heard he was helping you."

"Yes, of course," you said, "Achilles has been working the walls, we expect a breach soon."

"Perhaps sappers should be used to hasten it, miners to break the wall's foundation," Manuel suggested it in a friendly manner. You saw a shift in Axouch and think the idea originally came from him. "The commander of this fortress is unlikely to fall for simple tricks, this place will only be taken by brutal action."

"We're agreed on that," you said.

"And is there a plan for prisoners, or will Ascalon reap the fate of Jerusalem?" Manuel conjured the memory of Jerusalem's capture, the bloody river made of its streets, the slaughter of its small folk and citizens that lived on in infamy, a bloody mark on the holy undertaking. You were not sure if there was condemnation in Manuel's phrasing, or simple probing of your character.

> those that resist a siege are offered no quarter
> nobles will be treated with all respect
> write-in

>>48697925
> nobles will be treated with all respect

We need prisoners to bargin with,

Also Malik

>>48697925
>> nobles will be treated with all respect
As well as those who surrender before we take over the city.

>>48697925
> nobles will be treated with all respect

>>48697925
>I'd rather not kill every man woman and child in the city.

>>48697925
> nobles will be treated with all respect

>>48697925
> nobles will be treated with all respect

Hasshin excluded of course

"I'll make sure the nobility of the city is protected, held in secure quarters for ransom, and left unmolested," you said, "We cannot resort to barbarism, to fling noble children from the walls as the Greeks did to the Trojans."

"Of course," Manuel replied, "Of course there will always be those early hours of madness however, things may slip beyond your control."

"Mayhap," you said, "But we shall do our best to maintain discipline."

"As good an answer as possible, because it is an honest answer," Manuel said, "Too many think they are the master of all fate. Only God can dictate the future, we can only act within the present with an eye on tomorrow."

He looked to his troops, kept in soldiers tents, armoured, armed, keeping soldier discipline, waiting with patience for the fray.

"And where will my men be in this fight to come?" he asked, and at this the scar faced soldier leaned forward with ears pricked in interest.

> that is the queen's decision
> that is your decision
> on the left
> on the right
> in the centre
> in reserve
> write-in

>>48698284
> on the left

The left is where our european troops are right ?

>>48698284
Which flank are we going on next attack?

>>48698284
Can we get an update on the current lane setup?

>>48698303
>>48698308
Left is the Levantine forces, which you will join.

>>48698303
>>48698333
>>48698284
> on the right

Changing the right.

>>48698284
> on the right

on the right to counter balance our assault?

Set up is as follows:

Left flank: Jaffa, Sidon, Tripoli, Ramla
Right flank: Foix, Maine
Centre: The Holy Orders
Reserve: Jerusalem

>>48698284
> on the right

>>48698356
Was my idea.

Europeans reinforced by the greek on the right.

Locals reinforced by us on the left.

The holy orders should be able to handle themselves.

>>48698377
With us, the local troops AND the greeks the left will get very, very cluttered. You dont want that in a siege.

>>48698368
Right flank for the Greeks.

>>48698284
>> on the right
Sorry misread that as were WE would be.

>>48698384
as a counterpoint if we stack one flank it will allow us to punch through their defenses before they can consolidate in time to respond

>>48698422
Its a siege mate. We will get bottlenecked.

>>48698284
> on the right

"The right flank is undermanned," you said, tapping a spot on his map of Ascalon, "Myself I will be joining my fellow liege-men on the left. If your troops could join with the Counts of Foix and Maine, no doubt that wall would be captured."

"No doubt," Manuel said, eyes flicking to his companions. They seemed to be pleased by the suggestion. "So we will captured the walls, encircling all of Ascalon, and then advance on the citadel?" His finger struck the central castle of the city.

"That's the plan," you replied.

"I like it," Manuel said, "Clear communication will be needed, runners, flag bearers and the like, but it can be done. This is good, let us hope no secrets lurk behind the walls."

"Do you know something?" you said.

Manuel shrugged. "Only that the commander is no fool, he did well in wars against my father, and my father is no fool himself."

Something to think about. With that it was clear Manuel was finished with you, though his dismissal was polite and followed all sense of good manner. None the less as soon as it was done he took his companions, Basil and the Turk Axouch, by the shoulders and talked low to them as they retreated into his tent.

Hugo coughed at your side, looked up at you with a question burning in his eyes. Your brother wanted to talk.

> visit Achilles
> visit Bures
> visir Raymond
> speak with Hugo

>>48698586
> visit Achilles

>>48698586
> visit Achilles
> speak with Hugo

>>48698586
>> visit Achilles

>>48698586
>> visit Achilles

talk with Hugo as we walk

>>48698586
>> visit Achilles
>> speak with Hugo

walk and talk

>>48698586
>visit Achilles
>speak with Hugo

walk and talk

so folks, what we do with Hugo?

>>48698752
Tell him to shut up and marry the cute french girl. He can take Sabeen as his lover.

>>48698778
literally no reason to and he won't be happy with such a decision

why are you such an autist for Elaine anon?

>>48698586
Walk to Achilles while talking to Hugo.

We can multitask.

>>48698863
Im not. Hugo will have to do his duty for the betterment of the family.

"Can you talk on the way to the siege engines?" you asked your brother.

The boy clenched his jaw. "I'd rather not do this in public," he replied, but you were already walking to your destination, Alexius at your heel. Hugo ran to keep up. "It's about your plans for me, marriage and the like," he said.

"Oh?" you concerned him with a glimpse from the corner of your eye. The boy was serious. "I've got plans for all of us," you said, "Money, land, prestige. I plan to build something here, grow something out of this hard rock." Your boot stamped the ground in demonstration.

"All well and good for you, brother," Hugo said, "But what about me?"

You laughed. "Don't sound so childish, Hugo, plans are in motion."

"I've got plans of my own," he said. He chased up to walk a step in front of you. "I have a lover."

"Don't we all," you said, well, perhaps not Alexius.

"I will not shame her," he said, "I'll marry her, father children with her. I can do it now, she's Christian, it's legal."

You tried not to scowl. "Put away your romantic daydreams," you were nearing Achilles' quarters. And before you could take another step Hugo's hands came to your chest, and he stopped you with a hard shove. It sent you back a step. Some eyes from the camp turned to watch you and your brother, while Alexius stepped away in shock.

"They are not daydreams," Hugo had a look for you that you had never seen before. Fury. His fingers wrapped your tabard, you thought he might rip it from your shoulders. "You'll listen to me brother, I'm not asking permission. I'm going to claim my knighthood, and from there I will have all the rights of a knight. I will go with you or I will go my own way, but either way my path is joined with hers."

Romantic idiot. "If you've made up your mind, what do you want from me?" you asked.

The fury gave way to a look of exhaustion. "Just your blessing," he said, "So I won't be forced to leave you."

> no
> yes
> write-in

>>48698940
"Do what you will... but note the consequences fall on my head"

>>48698940
> yes

>>48698940
> no

Hugo becomes Jerusalem's red viper when?

I just want Hugo to never marry dammit

>>48698940
You dont see Mathilde complain about her future marriage.

>>48699009
Dude. He is gonna marry Sabeen one way or another.

>>48699017
>Next thing we see is Mathilde sporting a big fuck off bruise

Not with Wil's blessing he won't

>>48698940
> write-in

"Fine. Do as you please you ungrateful child."

He had a chance to rise from his bastard station with a bit of land in France with a pretty wife. All he had to do was marry her and he could still keep Sabeen that fool

>>48698940
And what of calling the betrothal off just so you could follow your heart? What about your duty as a Christian? Whisper You deflowered her and left her behind.

>>48698940
>> write-in

"... You surprise me every day. Then, pray tell, how will you have me dissolve your betrothal to Elaine? Hm? If you have a plan then do tell."

>>48698940
>> yes

>>48699131
>betrothal

He's not betrothed to her, we never agreed to one we said we'd talk terms with her brother and never dude because of the zoe shitstorm

>>48698940
> no

she is a common mercenary not your waifu!

>>48699131
>>48699101
>>48699097
If we say any of these can we pull Hugo aside to make a little less of a scene.

>>48698940
>> write-in
Alright out with it. What is your plan? Do you plan on living and dying by the sword? How are you to sustain yourself and her in old age? Become a farmer of the sands? Or a peddler of water?

God damn let them marry. Jesus take the wheel

>>48698940
> yes
> write-in
But in exchange with not marrying her until after he's knighted. We may be able to try and convince him out of it somehow before it's too late. I like the union... But if we could get him married to the princess.. We should try for it.

>>48698940
>> no

she does not benifit the Habsb- I mean Koblenz dynasty one bit, she's a common mercenary

>>48699342
Think we are going by the name of Ramla now. Even if we get a higher station i think the name is stuck.

>>48698979
We should Probably mention that if hugo does not marry her a certain Knight templar will be Pissed

>>48699407
yeah point being she's below his station

>>48699457
He cold very well die in this siege, bro

>>48699475
Ofcourse.

>>48699457
HF stated he's not out for blood, a slight we can probably both afford

"You ungrateful child," you grab him by the arm and haul him off the main passage. You are a little surprised how hard that is, how thick his arm is in your hand and how heavy his frame has become. It was not the casual way you'd pull him around as you'd done in yeas past. If he had resisted you, you doubt you would have moved him at all, not without it turning into a real fight. But he followed with a face marked by resentment.

"Let us start with what you did," your finger struck his chest, "You deflowered that girl, all that I'm doing is trying to make your mistake right, and get us out ahead in that bargain."

"Because you've never deflowered a girl," Hugo spat back. You resisted the urge to slap him.

A second finger thumped his chest. "Consider this also, this betrothal is made, do you think it can be casually dissolved? I will make enemies, Hugo."

"You never asked me to begin with," Hugo replied, "You made these plans without me."

"Must I consult you on everything? It is my right to marry you off," you tapped his chest again, and this time he shoved you back.

"It's my life," he said. You bounced back.

"Your life isn't your own," you snapped, "Besides which, she's a common mercenary, you'd be a landless knight. What plans do you have for old age, for when your fighting days are over, or when you have children to rear? Have you thought about this beyond the afterglow of a morning fuck?" you grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and he grabbed your wrist. He flashed a snarl and you felt your own teeth grind.

"There's nothing common about her," Hugo said, "Nor me. I have friends as well, brother, who would be happy to have my sword. Our swords, and the swords our children will wear."

Curious faces had stopped to watch, even if your conversation had been carried to the side, the heat of your words had drawn onlookers, onlookers Alexius was vainly trying to shield you from. Some of them wore noble devices, others camp follower gossips. Right then your world was your little brother, glaring up at you from beneath a blond fringe.

Your finger went close to his face. "You're becoming an arrogant pup," you said, "God's sake, Mathilde does not complain about what I expect from her."

"Mathilde does not know love," Hugo pried your hand from his tunic, "Nor, do I think, do you."

> forbid the marriage
> relent
> write-in

>>48699560
Relent

>>48699560
> write-in

"Go back to the camp and we will discuss this later tonight."

>>48699560
>> relent

>>48699560
>Relent

He's gonna leave otherwise.

>>48699560
And you would make us enemies instead. But think of this Hugo, who would take care of either if you both were maimed in a fight?

>>48699560
>"Mathilde does not know love," Hugo pried your hand from his tunic, "Nor, do I think, do you."

> forbid the marriage
>punch him in the face

Nigga did not just say that

>>48699560
>"Mathilde does not know love," Hugo pried your hand from his tunic, "Nor, do I think, do you."

What the fuck, hugo

>>48699560
Oh god I can see this happening

Hugo fights us to claim his path in life.
This is going distressingly similar to Guts and Griffith's duel

>>48699598
>>48699605
He has a point

>>48699560
>"Mathilde does not know love," Hugo pried your hand from his tunic, "Nor, do I think, do you."

What ever we do. This require a slap or a punch.

>>48699568
>>48699569
>>48699573

are you seriously that fucking worried about him leaving? just send him with Solomon

>>48699616
He still doesn't get to say that and get what he wants

>>48699560
> forbid the marriage

Just for that last comment.

>>48699560
>> write-in
"We'll discuss this later. Earn your spurs first."

Oh shit, we're turning into Daddy Wilhelm. Fucking apples not falling far from the tree, shiiiiiiiit.

>>48699560
>> relent
He's set in this course of action. I hope they have a happy marriage and a happy life, because there's a lot we're missing out on.

>>48699560
>> forbid the marriage

That last comment, fuck you, you little shit

>>48699560

>slap him for that last comment

>>48699608
So who's Casca here? Sabeen?

Oh gods, I don't want Sabeen to become a catatonic rape victim.

>forbid the marriage

Nigga you do not claim we don't love a woman we go to war for, nor one we killed for

>>48699670
>>48699678
Is he wrong? Iovetta would definitely not like our dalliances since our betrothal.

>>48699560
> forbid the marriage

I like to think Wil was going to relent up until that last comment

>>48699685
storming the castle hype! ;.;

>>48699703
Political maneuvers anon

>>48699560
>> relent

>>48699560
> forbid the marriage

>>48699560
> forbid the marriage

sweet christ, Hugo you Idiot you shouldn't have trashed the waifus

>>48699703
Not the point

It all makes sense, Wilhelm trying to carve out his own empire but at the most crucual moment one of his greatest allies leaves him. He snaps and the Ascalon siege fails, Wilhelm is made prisoner in the dungeons, the Crusade fails, what will be the equivalent of the Eclipse? Griffith!Wilhelm joining the Moslem forces instead, chasing out the remaining Christendom, and it's up to Guts!Hugo to stop him?

File: 1360671113482.jpg (411 KB, 600x777)

411 KB JPG

>>48699685
>>48699608
oh god I just realized the unrequited love for Griffith is mirrored in Sabeens crush on Will

>>48699560
>> relent

>>48699560
> relent

>>48699560
>> forbid the marriage

litreally up till the last comment I could see Wil relenting and giving him what he wants

>>48699560
>> write-in
Deck him in the face.

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT."

Hugo will probably seek out the Queen and work for her. Melisende did talk about giving him a position so he would stop kidnapping princess' and generally make a fool of himself.

Your fist caught his nose, and his head jerked downward. The image of Ioveta was in your mind, but not just her. The words had struck close, brought with it the memory of your indiscretions. When he brought his face back up, at first his eyes were covered with hurt, but then they settled back to anger. A different anger, this anger was cold. Blood trickled from his nostril, he wiped it off on the back of his hand.

"Is that your answer?" he asked.

"I suppose it is," you said.

He pushed your hand off his collar and turned his back to you.

"And this is where we are now," he said.

"Will you obey me?" you asked, voice cold while inside you were dreading the answer.

Hugo looked back to you with an empty expression, then turned and spat the blood that was in his mouth.

"I'll wait for you back in the camp," he said, walking away. You watched him leave.

You had some where to be. With just Alexius at your heel you went to Achilles' camp, the site of the war machines. The Greek was waiting with his cap in hand, a nervous look upon his face. When he saw you he gave a strained grin.

"My lord," he said.

"You wanted to see me?" you said.

Achilles looked over your shoulder, a flutter in his manner like a bird that wanted to take flight. "A prince of the empire is here," he said.

"Yes he is," you replied, wanting the man to get to his point. You were cold inside, and had no tolerance for stupid games. "I thought we were to discuss the siege," you said.

"We will, we will," he bobbed his head, licked his lips. He had something to say.

"The fire I gave you, it must be hidden from him, destroyed if possible. My life is on the line in this," Achilles was seating despite the chilly air, as if his fire roared even now beside you, "It is a secret of the empire, its use forbidden to be shared. Giving it to you to use, even without the formula, it could be called treason."

He feared the noose, or whatever strange executions the Greeks favoured.

> destroy the fire
> refuse

>>48699907

same. why did you have to run your damn mouth hugo.

Now sister dearest has to salvage this situation.

>>48699864
Well shit.

I guess that Puck is Alexius, given how useful/useless he is.

>>48699943
FUck, fuck, fuck.

Isnt there anything we can do ? The Greeks will be placed in the whole opossit side of the siege.

>>48699943

Very well, we shall put it away for now.

However if the even ask around the camp, they'll know that we've been trebucheting fire into ascalon for a couple of days. Can you prepare alternate fire munitions then.

>>48699925
We kingsguard now?

>>48699943
> destroy the fire

after we take the walls?

Matty is the only one who might be able to fix the rift and get Wil to relent.

>>48699943
Well shit. Everything's going to shit.

And not even a single fucking rapist from Byzantium in sight.

> refuse
We spent too much time and money to get this far. Unless you have an alternative plan for this siege, I don't want this to go to waste.

You know what we could do.

We could ask the prince for some greek fire.

Then we can fling our own stock as well.

>>48699943
> refuse

We and the Queen will protect him. But try to keep it as hush hush as possible.

>>48700024
Might be a good idea. It may just work.

>>48699943
> destroy the fire
What's important is the man isn't killed, so he may continue to serve us. Plus this puts him in debt to us, it's not like we can't win without it

>>48699975
Word spreads, plus all it takes is to see one guy shooting napalm and the secret's out

>>48700007
>>48699986
>>48699975
>>48700024
Publicly destroy it once we take the city?

>>48700004
>Matty
>getting Will to relent

their is no way this will be easily fixed, besides she's going to be stuck in a loveless marriage soon anyway

>>48700050
>their is no way this will be easily fixed, besides she's going to be stuck in a loveless marriage soon anyway

Seems to me elias has the advantage in that betrothal now. Especially if wil goes to see matty and she tells him of what the boy did.

>>48700079
She wont tell him. The queen pretty much told her not to.

>>48700079
not really, he's only a count with little more than a golden tongue but apart from that not a whole lot.

besides no way Matty will tell Will of what happened, especially since Senpai told her not to

>>48700093
>>48700105

He damn sure well will ask once he sees the brusing on her face.

>>48700050
You don't get it, the point is that Manuel and his men can't even know we /have/ napalm, as it's a national secret. We either never use it (and preferably destroy it to prevent theft or leaks) or Achilles will get the cross.

Remember that Achilles is still a subject of Manuel, I doubt we can do anything to refuse the crown prince one of his own subjects (especially a traitor if they find out)

>>48700123
>I fell

>>48700123
doesn't mean she'd tell, hell she could lie for all it matters

>>48700125
fair point better destroy it

>>48699943
> destroy the fire

Dick niggers.

>>48699943
the Fire served its purpose besides we still have the smoke bombs to use the next time we're on the walls

>>48699943
Guess we should get rid of it.

>>48700188
fuck

>>48699943
> destroy the fire

"Destroy it, bury it, do what you must," you said, "Whatever else, I will protect you. Your mind is far more valuable to me than a few buckets of liquid fire." Achilles gave a sigh of relief.

"We'll get that done as quick as possible," he said. It was as if a spell had broken, and at once he was the more familiarly cheerful, confident little fat man you knew. "In the mean time I wanted to offer you some advice on the siege. I think we can potentially hasten the fall of the walls with underminers, sappers. I can have the boys dig a mine under the walls of the city, set it with lumber and pig fat, and burn it. That will disrupt the foundation, and after a few knocks from my darlings," he gave the trebuchet beside him a friendly pat, "The wall will fall. What say you?"

You had planned to make a breach if possible, whatever damage that would be done would be fixed by Genoan coin.

"How long will that take?" you asked.

"A week at most," Achilles replied. Pushing back the time line of Ascalon's capture.

> see it done
> no, that would take too long

>>48700263
> see it done

all we can hope for now is that Solomon can delay the Nubian guard for that long

>>48700263
>> no, that would take too long
Give me an alternative. We have these siege engines, give me something that doesn't require Greek fire.

>>48700263
> see it done

Nothing stops us from trying to take the walls through regular means inbetween.

>>48700263
>> see it done

"Not just your boys, as many men as you might need, in shifts throughout the night and days to quicken the mines."

>>48700352
We got 20 saracen prisoners to help if needed.

>>48700352
this the sooner it's done the sooner we can look to securing Gaza

>>48700386

Are you insane.

>>48700404
Give them a shovel and make them start digging is hardly a crazy plan.

>>48700421

And giving them the chance to knock down the supports and alluha ackbar our tunneling forces.

"Make it so," you clapped his shoulder, "I'll provide men to help you dig, let me know when those fires are ready."

Achilles nodded, wandering off to execute his idea by your order. You rubbed your brow. Only a morning and already you felt taxed to the edge of your ability. And your morning was not yet done, still others called on you.

"My lord," Alexius said. Soldiers were beginning to gather from their camps, fists of men moving to the far outskirts, the assembled force Bures was sending to Gaza.

You did not think they'd be moving so soon, but you supposed time was not for wasting.

> go see Bures
> go see Raymond
> write-in

>>48700621
> go see Bures

>>48700621
>> go see Raymond

Is this Pons or Templar/Hospitallier?

>>48700621
> go see Bures

>>48700643
Pons' son.

>>48700621
>> go see Bures

>>48700621
>> go see Raymond

Bures was waiting with the assembling soldiers. By his side was his nephew, Elinard. The quiet boy's face was marred with heavy bruises, no doubt from youthful brawling. Boys were like to go each other even when they had a common enemy at hand, the restless energy of youth was a powerful driver. The boy blanched at the sight of you, turning away his bruised face, no doubt ashamed of the thrashing he took.

The Prince of Galilee came to take your hand.

"My thanks for the Nubian," he said.

"No worries," you replied, "We all have to do our part."

"And with the Romans here I am less feared for what comes tomorrow," he said, "I feel like Ascalon is ours for the taking."

"Did you just wish to thank me, my lord, or was there something else?" you asked.

The big man looked uncertain, eye flicking to his boy. "I only wish to reaffirm our pledge, that my boy here will marry your sister," he said. With witnesses present, it would seal the contract more conclusively.

Bures had been disrespectful the other day, but his manner had changed now. He treated you civilly, spoke respectfully. It was a good change, and you hoped it meant for an amicable future between the two of you.

> very well
> I won't

>>48700857
>> very well

>>48700857
> very well

"Ofcourse. I see no reason not to"

>>48700857
> very well

>>48700857
> I won't

>>48700857
> very well

NO reason NOT to Mathilde's going to become a Cersei tier wife isn't she?

>>48700894
Do Wilhelm have a reason not to?

>>48700924
Mathilde isn't stupid enough to be like Cersei

>>48700934
Yes, he's stated that he accepts Elias as a suitor. There's no reason to disregard that either.

>>48700934

Not yet, he does not.

It will make the rage and fury all the worse when he does find out.

>>48700857
>> I won't

>>48700938
I meant being an Elder god cunt cuckold to her Husband

>>48700946
He gave Elias "I think about it" it is worth nothing

>>48700857
> very well

>voting yes, because ic-wise, wil has no idea, yet

>gonna be voting to tear up the betrothal when he learns of the incident.

>>48700857
> I won't

>>48700857
>> I won't

Because far too short a period after he said yes to Prince Elias. It would be a very clear snub as well.

>>48700857
>> very well

>>48701040
And this would not be a massive snub?

Do you think we can afford making this kind of enemy?

>>48701064

Of course we can.

We're gonna make an enemy out of either one. Better to make one out of the queen's own men rather then one who might potentially split the realm.

>>48701091
You mean the guy who will go back to Maine ?

Also having the Queens faction fight among themselves wont split the kingdom ?

What are you on ?

>>48700857
>> very well

Fuck this meta shit

>>48700857
>> I won't
She can do better, Elias seems to be upcoming.

>>48701144
>A count is better than a prince

Seriously ?

>>48700857
>> I won't

>>48701144
>>48701162
Elias is not upcoming and he's a fucking count, give it up anon

Why do i suspect a extreme amount of samefagging ?

Elinard had proven himself on the wall of Ascalon as a dependable fighter. He might stutter and suffer from shyness, but by your measure he was a good lad. And as you'd just lectured Hugo, you meant to build something in Jerusalem, while Elias' land and wealth was all the way back in France. You looked the boy up and down.

"Very well," you said, giving Bures your hand, "Elinard will marry my sister, Mathilde is his."

Bures' face opened with a smile. "Hear that lad, the girl is yours," he said with a nudge of his elbow. The boy nodded, no doubt shyness had stolen his tongue.

"It is not good for countrymen to fight among each other," you said, "And I am your countryman, William."

"Aye, that you are," Bures turned back to the troops, the livery of all the lords of Jerusalem mixed together in a single body of soldiers, Solomon at their head on his black charger. "Long may Jerusalem stand," he said.

"Christ willing," you replied. And with the set of a drum beat the soldiery of the Holy Land began to march.
-
> switch to Hugo
> switch to Mathilde

>>48701182
> switch to Hugo

Time to take out fustrations by killing Saracens and fucking Sabeen.

>>48701182
> switch to Hugo
Lets hit something with an ax.

>>48701182
Shit or Eliasfags, that's hard choice.

I guess we truly are as hugo said we were.

>>48701182
>> switch to Mathilde

>>48701209
You are a bit late on the uptake when it comes to Wilhelm

File: This is fine.jpg (57 KB, 240x240)

57 KB JPG

>>48701182
>> switch to Hugo

holy shit Hugo contain your anger

>>48701209
what isn't know isn't intent to cause harm

>>48701209
Mathilde can always retorte by sneaking to France with Elias when he leaves.

>>48701239

We spoke with elias since mattie liked him and it was a clear opportunity to value sibling over mere political power. Heck, at the start of this thread, we almost relented to allow Hugo to marry sabeen.

We are truely turning into wil's father.

>>48701285
That is the fate of all men who Ambition.

>>48701247
Hugo and Sabeen will tag along to escape Wilhelm's growing power. As a plus there is always work in France for capable knights.

> switch to Mathilde

>>48701247
>Mathilde gives up and marries Elinard
>second crusade swings round
>she murders him
>seduces King Phillip
>marries and Dominates him
>has affair with Elias

>rules as regent in gailee
>queen in France
>basically countess of Maine

You are Hugo of Ramla

And right now you really wanted to hit something, either with your fist or your axe, you didn't really mind. You paced the camp grounds of the Ramlan camp, an itch across your back and a cold fury burning in your chest. A fury you'd never known before, the target the last you'd ever had expected. Your beloved brother, Wilhelm.

'Why can't he just see reason?' you thought as you marched yourself back and forth. You felt as if your brother had changed in his heart, become an alien being, you barely recognized to look at him. Something had twisted his soul that he no longer saw people, just pieces to be played in some game of power. Had it been in his captivity, had it been when you'd first come to Ramla, or had it started far earlier? Maybe he hadn't changed, maybe you had just seen past your love to the face of the real man beneath.

"After all he says he has done for love," you mutter, "Is it just to trample the love of others?" You punched your own hand.

A cough and you turned, and your anger died for a moment as something else took hold. She wore maille and it looked finer than tight silk, a helm under her arm, her tight curled hair messy as she pulled off her arming cap. Sabeen, her face even frowning turned your blood to warm honey.

"What's this I hear about you fighting with Wil?" she said, loosening the maille at her throat.

Your heart gave a thump as it turned cold, your skin prickling with fear. You hadn't mentioned it to her yet, no mention of marriage had passed between you. You had been too caught up in other things. She saw you hesitate and stepped closer, her gloved hand finding your chest, feeling the scar there beneath the fabric.

"What's wrong, Hugo?" her voice was soft as it was for no one else, and her tough eyes gone tender.

> it's nothing
> tell her
> write-in

>>48701443
> tell her

Gotta plan. Get married, Go to Jerusalem and work for the Queen instead of Wilhelm.

>>48701443
Power does not corrupt Hugo. Power reveals character.

>>48701443
>> it's nothing

>>48701443
> it's nothing

>>48701443
> tell her

>>48701443
> it's nothing
Gotta bottle up them feelings like a man.

>>48701443
>> tell her

Tell her everything that was said, including what he said at the end.

Sabeen needs to counsel him to speak to him again properly and not be so angry.

>>48701443
> tell her

>>48701443
>> it's nothing

once the siege finishes he's leaving right?

We should tell her. We don't need Hugo to be distracted when the fight start

>>48701555
and have them both distracted?

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah sure

>>48701565
Talking things out and trying to figure out a plan is a good way to deal with it

i hate the way you guys have been playing since HF returned

>>48701599
YES AND?

>>48701639
Don't do suffering just for the sake of suffering

>>48701628
Its 2am Tuesday here in the States, blame the Australians.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Coin flip

1 you tell her
2 you don't

>>48701628

It sort of fits his character direction...

Still i just want the family to be happy and safe.

>>48701671
It won't be a permanent thing I few years maybe but Hugo will forgive (I think)

>>48701628
>>48701699
Family is the ultimate political tool of this era but also their greatest weakness, a family united is hard to put down just have the von Habsburg's

They will be together again oh god we're going to get starkked

>>48701681
Fair point
>>48701699
It fits the character direction dictated by the stupid decisions people have been making, its utterly inorganic with the quest before the hiatus.
>>48701729
stop voting for stupid shit that divides the family

>>48701778
I'll stop voting for divisive shit when its not OOC or Metagaming

>>48701778
Wilhelm was perfectly fine. But this one with Hugo I believe Is not

"It's nothing," you said.

She smiled. "Liar," she replied, ruffling your hair. Her thumb went down to the bridge of your noes, her fingers over your cheek. She was still smiling when she bent forward, her lips finding yours. "I love you," she said, and then she drew her hand back to cover her own face, both of them, to mask her smile and her eyes, "Inshallah, it makes me blush just to say it."

"Oh Christ," you almost laughed, instead you pulled the hands away from her face, held them in your own. She smiled from the corridor of her hands. "Christ," you said as you leaned in to return her kiss. Her kiss, her touch, it pulled you out of your anger, for now at least.

"Keep it in the tent," Jacques called from the fireside. Others boo'ed him, and it was only then you noticed your audience, the other Ramlan troops grinning like fools at the sight of the two of you.

Etienne shrugged at his squire's remark as he cooked flat cakes on a pan, not smiling but not disapproving either. "It seems good for morale," he said.

"Should we take it to a tent?" Sabeen murmured in your ear, her hands massaging your shoulders, "I'm not needed for anything today. I'm all yours." What a great idea, you thought as a grin split your face. Then you heard the drum beat of soldiers marching off to fight. You had not bid Solomon farewell, and the thought of your friend leaving brought a flood of other sudden emotions. A sadness, and a peculiar feeling of loss that had yet to come.

It was as if something were ending, and you were not sure how to feel about it other than unhappy.

> take it to a tent
> go see off Solomon
> write-in

>>48701830
>> go see off Solomon

>>48701830
> go see off Solomon

>>48701830
> go see off Solomon
Lets see off our other brother.

>>48701830
> go see off Solomon

That better not be foreshadowing HF!

File: Mathilde realises that It(...).jpg (99 KB, 626x466)

99 KB JPG

>>48701830
> go see off Solomon

>I love you," she said, and then she drew her hand back to cover her own face, both of them, to mask her smile and her eyes, "Inshallah, it makes me blush just to say it."

SABEEN A CUTE! a cute!

Im not even a Sabeen fag

"I, uh, I have to go," you said, squirming before Sabeen.

"Go," she said, giving your back a gentle push, "Say goodbye to that ox for both of us." You kissed her cheek before darting off. The snake of the soldiery was already moving down the Gaza road. Running, you'd not catch up in time. You fetched your horse, your fast little hobby, rushed to saddle it, and to mount.

Beneath you it galloped through the camp, its hooves knowing where to go. On this horse you had scouted the rocky landscape of Jerusalem, spying for bandits and trouble for your brother. When Welf still lived, atop it you had seen the band that had Judith, the nun that was a princess, Ioveta.

Now on it you raced past startled cleaning women, looking from their beddings and shirts in surprise, soap dropping from their fingers as your hoorse left them behind.

A Ramlan man shouted at you as you galloped by, and beyond him the open country stretched. You turned your horse with the squeeze of your thighs, turned him to run alongside that train of Christian warriors. Some of the men hailed you with raised helms or waved hands, but you ignored them for the man at their head.

Under Jerusalem banners Solomon lead, looking like a warlord, easy in the saddle. He saw you come and sat up.

"You think I'd not say goodbye?" you said, your horse dropping into a trot beside him.

He flashed you his grin. "I won't be gone long," he took a snort, "These slaves are no match for me, a free man." There was that surety in his voice, that casual bravado, you half thought Solomon meant to fight them all single handed.

"They're your countrymen, aren't they?" you said.

He nodded. "Given by the Bakt, as I was, to ensure Egypt would leave us a free people. What man trades his countrymen into slavery for his own freedom? I spit on the bakt, and any that abide it." You knew nothing about all that. "Better to die free than live on your knees," he said with a resolute nod.

You agreed with that.

He looked to you. "I don't suppose you'd want to come with me?" he said. That was a surprise, and you sat up tall. "I could use someone trustworthy. It would be like old days again."

"Except with a thousand people alongside us," you replied.

He dismissed the soldiers behind him with a wave.

"My brother needs me," you said, though you wondered if that was still true. Solomon was, in his own way, also your brother.

> go with Solomon to Gaza
> remain in Ascalon

>>48702038
> remain in Ascalon

>>48702038
> go with Solomon to Gaza

c-can Sabeen come?

> remain in Ascalon

>>48702038
> remain in Ascalon
Someone is going to have to stay and keep Wilhelm out of trouble... and do his fighting for him.

>>48702038
>remain in Ascalon

>>48702038
>go with Solomon to Gaza

>>48702038
>> go with Solomon to Gaza

"I can't," you said, "I can't leave Wil. Who else will fight his battles for him?" You could not mask the bitterness in your voice. It stood out even in your own ears, it brought a frown to Solomon's face.

"You live too much for others, brother," he said, and reached over to touch you, "Start living more for yourself. Take what you want from this life, and do it with both hands."

You nodded. "Goodbye Solomon, I hope to see you again."

"And to you, little brother," he waved you farewell as you galloped away, back to camp, back along the column of men marching off to fight and die in battle against an alien force some of them could scarce imagine. You rode away from them, their path behind you, yours ahead, on the camp of the army of Queen Melisende.

You slowed your horse to a walk, your mad dash done with, your tough little horse needing an easier ride. You breathed in the sea scented air as you took your time returning. It was not long before you were back in the Jerusalem camp.

What did you want from life? Surely not to be a pawn in someone else's game. You had thought your life set in service to your brother until now. What did you truly want?

Maybe you should talk to someone. You had friends in the camp that could give good advice.

> visit Mathilde
> visit the Queen
> visit Raymond of Tripoli
> confide in Sabeen
> keep it to yourself.

>>48702195
> confide in Sabeen

>>48702195
>visit Mathilde
keep it in the family

>>48702195
> visit the Queen

Time to take Solomons advice. Become royal guard and live for ourselves with sabeen

>>48702195
> confide in Sabeen

>>48702195
> visit the Queen

She may have some advice and give Hugo a chance to stand on his own.

>>48702195
> visit Raymond of Tripoli

visit the absolute madman

>>48702195
> keep it to yourself.

>>48702195
> visit the Queen
If anyone person could convince Wilhelm to give his blessing it is her.

>>48702261
I think Hugo has had enough of Raymond for two life times.

>>48702195
I was>>48702244
but i'm going to change my vote to > visit the queen but if we could tell her on the way that would be great

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64 KB JPG

>>48702277
c'mon anon didn't you enjoy the ADVENTURE!

>>48702195
mathilde

Sorry, I got pulled away. Back in a sec.

Okay, something came up and I have to go. I'll pick this up next session which will be Monday or Tuesday next week.

We'll open with Hugo visiting the Queen for advice.

>>48702389
Thanks for running HF.

>>48702389
motherfuck thanks for running HF

q&a later?

Will Wil survive the shitstorm?

>>48702389
Thanks for running. Was a long haul there. I am ready to drop.

>>48702403
If I'm back in time, yeah, sure.

>>48702389
thanks for Running Hf

were you foreshadowing Failure at Gaza or the end of the Quest?
[spoiler[What did Raymond want to speak about?

Will Hugo ever return to his brothers House again?

The Greeks were ''concerned'' about the greek fire right?

did we screw up? anything you want to tell us?

I thought Wilhelm was more a family guy than a "muh rank" and "muh ambitions" one. All these forced marriages will lead to infighting in the family. They both know enough dirt on Wilhelm to ruin him, he really shouldn't antagonise some of his most reliable allies.

>>48702486
wilhelm just have to assassinate sabeen, break hugo's heart and make him come crawling home

>>48702486
he is but so much has changed that giving everyone what they want is kind of Impossible now

so whats Mathilde going to do to fuck shit up even more?

>>48702468
I can't really answer any of these questions.

>>48702403
There's always room for catastrophic failure.

>>48702990
Back in Antioch the Greek women were wearing veils why was that?

also can you say Elinard will act in the future towards Mathilde?

>>48703060
>Back in Antioch the Greek women were wearing veils why was that?
I thought I answered this already.

>>48703097
not to my Knowledge

>>48703115
I answered it on twitter, sorry:

> most women when in public were veiled to one degree or another. in this I was showing how 'eastern' the Greeks are

If anything I've fucked up in not having Western Christian women cover their hair.

>>48703164
anything to say in regards to >>48702486 and >>48701778 criticism's regarding Wil's development?

>>48702525
Hugo could have married Sabeen without much consequence because he's a bastard.

Mathilde can sill marry Elias if Wilhelm finds out how the fat shithead treated her. Letting your sister marry a violent man purely for personal gain is among the most despicable acts.

Justifying either as "in character" just reeks of socially crippled players unable to see Hugo and Mathilde as people. Saying that "it was common in that age" is a hollow lie to cover up the greed of getting what you want regardless of the cost. Wilhelm is digging his own grave by alienating the people closest to him.

>>48703164
ever considered running a GOT quest?

>>48703203
>Hugo could have married Sabeen without much consequence because he's a bastard.

not if your the brother of an up and coming lord/count/Duke like Wilhelm

>Mathilde can sill marry Elias if Wilhelm finds out how the fat shithead treated her.

why? Elinard offers a much better alliance and comfort for Mathilde than Elias likely could considering he's a Prince of Jerusalem

>Letting your sister marry a violent man purely for personal gain is among the most despicable acts.

utterly Subjective and their was context to his actions however deplorable they were

>Justifying either as "in character" just reeks of socially crippled players unable to see Hugo and Mathilde as people. Saying that "it was common in that age" is a hollow lie to cover up the greed of getting what you want regardless of the cost. Wilhelm is digging his own grave by alienating the people closest to him.

yes because acting on meta Info totally doesn't allow for characters to make mistakes

>>48703262
>utterly Subjective and their was context to his actions however deplorable they were
>their was context to him trying to rape her
Fuck, I didn't realise the context, my bad.

>>48703277
s'allright anon if it's any consolation Elinard may or may not become an abusive fuck later in regards to Mathilde

>>48703205
Not really.

Maybe a little.

>>48703188
I just play it on both prior characterization combined with the general tone of popular write-ins and decisions. Wil's an evolving character and a lot of his evolution comes down to player choices.

Personally I do see Wil as a fairly selfish guy with a number of hypocrisies, who also genuinely loves his friends and family.

>>48703203

Personally, if hugo tries to speak carefully and properly with wil, i'll be voting to allow him to marry. And cancelling the betrothal if he finds out about the abuse.

>>48703314
this was basically how I was treating the intial vote but then Hugo and to go and basically say Wil didn't love Chiri or Iovetta, half the reason Wil is even at Ascalon. Now I'm not sure if this will be healed before the end of the quest although I doubt it would last post quest

>>48703351

Mortal danger helps tremendously with helping mend ties. Like orlando when he saved us from an assassin.

Right now our male anger and self-righteousness is foremost in both brothers. It'll need a trusted female to counsel either to try again.

>>48703410
yes but how?