>>940510

PATRICIAN ELECT CONRAD DODONI

With the backing of the Holy Pope, you find it pretty smooth sailing getting money out of all sorts of churches and monasteries. How can they refuse the will of the Bishop of Rome himself? The gold pours in.

>Lose 1 Piety
>Gain 2 Wealth

Your procession of military glory is inspiring to say the least. Fortunately, you had a perfect day for it, with armour glinting in the sun and a light breeze to flutter the banners. Quite the sight. You manage to gather a healthy helping of new recruits, including some decent crossbowmen.

>Gain 41 crossbows
>Gain 60 levies


BISHOP ESTEBAN

You manage to make the acquaintance of a naval man from Barcelona. He insists he is not a pirate, as his career of raiding Muslim shipping travelling between Spain and North Africa isn't piracy at all, what with them being heathens. Whatever your view on the semantics of the situation, he's an experienced sailor and has a compliment of ships that he's willing to put in your service.

>Gain follower: Hernan de Barcelona (ally, 200 levies/4 warships, skill 5)

You sent your deacon to negotiate with the Byzantines. While doing your bidding, he seems to have struck up a friendship with the Patriarch of Constantinople, who has pulled strings within the Imperial bureaucracy to aid your cause.

>Gain 3 Favour
>You may travel by land within Byzantine lands without trouble.


ALEXANROS CALLIMACHOS OF PHILADELPHIA

Travelling to Hungary is not a simple matter, and your attempts to do other things while travelling bog you down. You make little progress in terms of movement, but a decent amount in terms of raising your prestige and status.

>Gain 1 Prestige

Your assurances and clear plans to mitigate any side effects caused by large bodies of armed men to Imperial lands greatly relieve the minds of many in Constantinople's administration. They look much more favourably upon you and your party.

>Gain 2 Favour


MICHAL BALDONI

You manage to secure significant quantities of provisions for your journey, as well as sources that can supply you later on as the campaign continues. The solid meals and promise of them continuing does wonders for the spirits of your men.

>Gain 2 Morale

There is no shortage of men willing to teach you about war. The harder choice is which to listen to. You could attempt to improve your management and leadership of your men, letting the same men fight as a more effective force, or you could take lessons on literal combat- how better to fight personally. After all, it'll be a dangerous place out there, and you don't want to go all that way to be cut down by some arab.

>Choose one of the following:
>Gain 1 skill
>Lose 79 levies, gain 79 infantry

>>940525

AUSTINU CAVALLO

You try to get as many archers and crossbows into your forces as you can. They're powerful weapons after all, and who needs knights when a crossbow can punch through their armour?

>Gain 56 crossbows
>Gain 78 archers

DUKE PIERRE OF ORLEANS

Your men do well for themselves. They've found both a horse merchant and a travelling doctor and his assistants. Your funds have been well spent, and the extra horses will let you field an extra unit of horsemen.

>Gain 48 horsemen
>Lose 48 infantry
>Gain Follower: Dr. Leo Dubois (companion, healer)
>Lose 1 Wealth

Your speeches rally the common men to your banner, but it takes the application of a little more of your subtle efforts to attract the higher classes. Fortunately, you're adept at that side of things too, and arrange some smaller meetings with local gentry who might be interested in fighting as knights for you.

>Gain 94 levies
>Gain 16 knights
>Lose 1 Prestige

(You're being a bit cheeky with your orders here, telling people to 'do this' and then 'also do that' as a single order. I've let it slide here seeing as you'd spent prestige and wealth, but actions should be a single thing, not two disguised as one.)


SIR STEPHEN SZUR

Your humble approach to a monastery impressed them with your piety and devotion to god. A monk experienced in working with the sick and injured joins your cause without you having to ask twice.

>Gain Follower: Brother Ladislaus (companion, healer)

You embark on a training regimen, and put some funding towards some better armour for your poorest equipped soldiers. It's amazing what a solid helmet can do for a man's confidence.

>Lose 60 levies
>Gain 60 infantry

>>940529

EZEKIEL, THE GLASSBREAKER

You buy supplies for your men. They are particularly happy you've made sure to get a decent supply of beer. Food, after all, is very important to such men as yours, many of whom have to skip meals whilst on the run, or been fed poorly while they rotted in jail cells.

>Gain 1 Morale
>Lose 1 Wealth

You spend some time training your men, getting them into as good a shape as possible. The progress towards having a military force rather than a mob continues.

>Lose 41 levies
>Gain 41 infantry

(The oath wasn't an action, you could do it whenever. Also, you can't burn Morale or Skill on actions (if I said you could at some point I've changed my mind and forgotten about it), skill represents your personal combat ability anyway.)
BARON ECKHARD VON GUELDERS

You manage to get yourself hired to help out some less financially minded individuals, and make a tidy profit out it, swelling your war chest.

>Gain 2 Wealth

(Using the oath isn't an action, just deduct the prestige and wealth and remember you did it for later, maybe whack it on the end of your profile or something. As you wasted an action, you can take three next turn, remind me in your turn post just in case I forget and accuse you of cheating.)


COUNT BIRINUS PERCY

You buy up all sorts of goods, from food to flints and ropes, that a travelling army may need. With the kit and supplies they need, your men will have a much easier time as they set out.

>Gain 1 Morale

Your new idea proves a mediocre success. Devon is far too spineless to complain about it, but hunting bandits in the woods leads to a few of your men getting arrows in them as they go about the business of rounding up the ruffians.

>Gain 1 Wealth
>Lose 16 levies
>Lose 14 archers

>>940534

PETER D'ARGENCOURT

Your nephew William comes to join you with the compliments of your brother. Last time you saw the lad he was barely waist high, but now he's a young man looking to prove himself under your command. He brings some of his father's household soldiers with him.

>Gain Follower: William d'Argencourt (companion, lieutenant, skill 4)
>Gain 32 infantry
>Lose 1 Wealth

It turns out for many ship owners the promise for vengeance means little in comparison to the promise of cold hard coin. There are ships available to transport you... for a price.

>Choose one of the following:
>Lose 1 Wealth, gain ships transport to Constantinople
>No effect


SIR OTTO OF HOUSE BOURGOGNE

Your efforts to extract promises from your nephew the Duke continue to resemble drawing blood from a stone. Your fingers are worn to the bone from writing pleas for aid.

>Choose one of the following:
>Lose 1 Prestige, gain 1 Wealth
>Lose 1 Prestige, gain 100 infantry
>No effect

The King's obnoxious steward blocks your access to the king, and without bribing the man out of the way, you're unlikely to get what you want in time before you leave for crusade. You curse that miserly old goat of a man.

>Choose one of the following:
>Lose 1 Wealth, gain 1 Prestige
>No effect


DUKE KARL HERZOG II

Although it costs, you manage to secure significant quantities of provisions for your journey. Your men appreciate you looking out for their well-being, and will doubtless fight the harder for it.

>Gain 2 Morale
>Lose 1 Wealth

Your men round up several bands of bandits, ruffians and general detritus of society, to the relief of local villagers and tax collectors. Once the firmly non-robbed tax collectors get back to their masters, the nobility also realise you've helped them out on that one.

>Gain 1 Prestige


GIACOMO FERRARA

You work on building up your finances again, calling in a few old debts and digging out some old taxes and tariffs that hadn't been used for a generation. Some people take a bit more persuading to separate them from their wealth though.

>Gain 1 Wealth

>Also choose one of the following:
>Gain 1 Wealth, lose 1 Prestige
>No effect

(You were after money right? If not, my bad.)

>ACT 1
>Turn 5

>Announcements

The Crusade is scheduled to leave in 1 turn.

This is the final turn of Act I. After this turn, it will generally become much harder to recruit new men and companions.

If you haven't sorted travel for parts of your journey by the end of this turn, they will be more expensive and difficult in Act II, but you will still be able to travel by land or sea.

Act II will probably begin on Sunday, possibly later on Saturday if I have time.


>Players may post their orders.

Rolled 89, 66 = 155 (2d100)

>Name:
BISHOP ESTEBAN
>Country of Origin:
Castille
>Position:
Bishop
>Colours:
Blue and White
>Army:
>Levies: 377
>Infantry: 100
>Archers: 189
>Crossbows: 0
>Cavalry: 100
>Knights: 83
>Siege Equipment: 0
>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 4
>Favour: 3
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 3
>Oaths:
>Followers:
>Juan de Girona (ally, 100 infantry/50 levies, skill 5)
>Hernan de Barcelona (ally, 200 levies/4 warships, skill 5)
1)Equip our men with the best weapons and armor we can find
At a moderate price
2)Ask any of our family if they want to go with us
Being a hero in this Crusade might make our family more important and prominent.

Rolled 47, 86 = 133 (2d100)

>>940541

>Name:
PATRICIAN ELECT CONRAD DODONI
>Country of Origin:
Venice
>Position:
Heir to Patrician Family
>Colours:
Yellow and Black

>Army:
Levies: 260
Infantry: 200
Archers: 100
Crossbows: 191
Cavalry: 0
Knights: 0
Siege Equipment: 2
Warships:7

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 4
>Oaths:
>Followers: (Marco Tiolo, Ally, Skill 5, 100 Infantry), (Angelo Bianchi, Companion, siege engineer)

1. Flash some Cash around, secure enough ships for twice as many men as I have, in-case some crusaders have been unsuccessful in attaining it. float 1 wealth.
2. Now holding my papal blessing, and recent successes, hold a grand feast, as Angelo unveils a Carroco Standard (Huge wagon with a cross+Winged lion of Venice on the back) as a final recruitment drive, trying to put pressure on the higher ups of Venice to join. 1 wealth for this.

>>940605
Whoops wrong Name

I hope the warships are enough to carry my army. It will be a long time before I'll get to Constantinople on land. Maybe I should have bought ships. Oh, well. Let God help me in the near times.

>>940615
I have no issue with you traveling with me provided you aid in supplying the group. I have plenty of room, assuming that 46 is good enough for some transport.

>>940639

I think I will be meeting up with you too if that's cool. It seems to be the quickest way to Constantinople.

>>940651
One thing. once I've spoken with the Emperor, I planned to sail round to the Kingdom of Armenia and launch attacks from a proper Catholic state.

aaaaah shit, my bad. I forgot that part. Alright, I'll work it out tomorrow morning.

Rolled 43, 64 = 107 (2d100)

>>940541
>Name:
SIR STEPHEN SZUR
>Country of Origin:
Hungary
>Position:
Knight
>Colours:
Vert and Tawny

>Army:
Levies: 90
Infantry: 110
Archers: 100
Crossbows: 0
Cavalry: 197
Knights: 67
Siege Equipment: 0

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 1
>Piety: 3
>Favour: 1
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 6
>Oaths:
>Followers: Geza Szur: (ally, 100 cavalry/100 infantry, skill 5) Miklos Szur (ally, 100 infantry/100 archers, skill 5) Brother Ladislaus (companion, healer)

1) Recruit any more righteous knights who may be interested in joining the Turul Knights of Christ.
Fear not brothers, and remember Our Father's promise: He shall never leave us nor forsake us until ALL our work for his house is over.
Come men, our work is only beginning, his promise will protect us for a long while yet.

2)Request the King of Hungary's blessing as we prepare to march onward for God and Country. We may be only a recently Christianized small eastern nation, but we will show the Pope the full depth of our devotion and the strength the Lord has given us.

>Gain 1 skill
I must not be a leader only in name, but an example worth following in practice.

>Name:
MICHAL BALDONI
>Country of Origin:
Papal States
>Position:
Merchant
>Colours:
Grey and Burgundy

>Army:
Levies: 200
Infantry: 150
Archers: 200
Crossbows: 150
Cavalry: 40
Knights: 0
Siege Equipment: 0
Warships: ?

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 4
>Piety: 2
>Favour: 1
>Morale: 8
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
>Followers: Aleksy (companion, lieutenant, skill 5, permanent)

This will be a little bit different. This won't be a speech like you are used to hearing. Instead, I'm going to deliver a detailed policy address on one of the greatest challenges facing our country today, Saracens.

I hope to gain a very important and special meeting with the Doge of Venice, a man I like and respect very much. And a man who truly loves his country, just like I am a man who loves my country.
(Cont.)

1) Michal goes to the streets of Venice to deliver his message of and vision of the crusades directly to the people of Venice. He keeps at it for days, to people of all stations, until he gets the attention of the government.
2) It's time to make his power play. he goes to meet Doge Vital Michele and request he change his mind on not commiting to the crusades. He requests that the Doge support him, and that if he cannot then, that he at least let those who would go join him.

Rolled 25, 43 = 68 (2d100)

>>941897
I have great need to discuss with him the dire threat Seljuk Turks pose to our country, my hate for the people of Seljuk, and the friendship between Seljuk merchants and the leadership of the Republic of Venice. It was a thoughtful and substantive conversation and it will go on for awhile. And, in the end we're all going to win. We're all going to win.

This is the first of what I expect will be many, many conversations. And, in a Crusade for Pope Urban we're going to go about creating a new relationship between our two countries, but it's going to be a fair relationship. We want fairness.

Today, on a very complicated and very difficult subject, you will get the truth. The fundamental problem with the government system in our country is that it serves the needs of wealthy patricians and the powerful, powerful Great Council. It's all you can do. Thank you. Thank you.

Let me tell you who it does not serve. It does not serve you the Venetian people. Doesn't serve you.

When politicians talk about trade reform, they usually mean the following, trading with Saracens, ignoring the crusade, lower wages. Trade reform should mean something else entirely. It should mean conquering Saracens and establishing trade enclaves to make life better for Venetian citizens.

Thank you. But if we're going to make our Crusades righteous, then we have to be prepared to talk honestly and without fear about these important and very sensitive issues. For instance, we have to listen to the concerns that Saracen people, heathens that they are, have have the means to resist a conversion to Catholic within their hearts.

>>941903
These are valid concerns expressed by decent and patriotic citizens from all backgrounds, all over. We also have to be honest about the fact that not every Saracen who seeks to join our religion will be able to successfully assimilate. Sometimes it's just not going to work out. It's our right, as a sovereign nation to chose converts that we think are the likeliest to thrive and flourish and love us.

Then there is the issue of security. Countless innocent Venetian lives have been stolen because our politicians have failed in their duty to secure our sea lanes and destroy piracy in all forms; they have to be destroyed. I have met with many of the great parents who lost their children to Seljuk pirates and bandits. So many people, so many, many people. So sad.

Countless Venetians who have died in recent years would be alive today if not for the open lax commitment of the Doge.

Not going to happen anymore, folks. Deus Vult. Not going to happen anymore.
To all the politicians, merchants, and military men, hear these words from me and all of you today. There is only one core issue in the crusade debate, and that issue is the well being of the Venetian people.

Nothing even comes a close second. Doge Vital Michele, for instance, talks constantly about his fears that families will be separated, but he's not talking about the Venetian families who have been permanently separated from their loved ones because of piracy, because of a preventable death, because of murder.

Thank you.

Rolled 97, 92 = 189 (2d100)

>>940541
>Training again, focus on anti-horse maneuvers.
"Alright lads, that's running and scouting covered. Now, we gotta work on stopping a calvary charge. Pits and spears and all of that. Put up a hard enough wall and they'll break like glass."
>Consult with my more piratical mobbers, help the priests an Dodoni plot the sea-routes.

>Name:
EZEKIEL, THE GLASSBREAKER
>Country of Origin:
Unknown (Papal States?)
>Position:
Penitent Cursader
>Colours:
Black and White

>Army:
Levies: 366
Infantry: 242
Archers: 335
Crossbows: 0
Cavalry: 0
Knights: 0
Siege Equipment: 0

>Prestige: 1
>Wealth: 0
>Piety: 0
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 6
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
Penitent Crusader- Succeed in the crusade or be executed.
3 Piety in return for passage to Constantinople -Activated-
>Followers:

Rolled 25, 23 = 48 (2d100)

>>940541
>Name:
ALEXANROS CALLIMACHOS OF PHILADELPHIA
>Country of Origin:
Anatolia, Byzantine Empire
>Position:
Noble and Brigand Leader
>Colours:
Navy and White

>Army:
Levies: 420
Infantry: 100
Archers: 264
Crossbows: 0
Cavalry: 200
Knights: 25
Siege Equipment: 0
Warships: 5

>Prestige: 4
>Wealth: 3
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 1
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
>Followers: Pregarius of Caesarea (companion, siege engineer) Georgios Maniadakis (ally, 200 levies/100 archers/5 warships, skill 6)

>Actions
(use 1 prestige)
Find a Vlach master of horse, in the lands of the Magyar, to supplement your fearsome Knights/Cavalry hordes

Whip up those levies into a true fighting force! I will not have with me soldiers that do not know how to hold a blade in their hands, or how to handle a paramerion with their bows, the more professional our army, the less casualties we'll be having.

>>941797
Sir Stephen, now that I am in Hungary, I wish for us to train our troops in a mock battle, I believe that not only will our troops get significant experience from fighting eachother, but a form of companionship will be created amongst both of our companies, making it easier to fight together in the future.

>>942080
The Lord giveth.

>>942148
The lord kinda taketh but not in an important roll anyway

>>940674

Got some bad news for you mate. They aren't catholics. They're coptics (with a significant orthodox minority).

>>942184
Coptics are Oriental Orthodox

Rolled 98, 84 = 182 (2d100)

>>940541
>Name:
PETER D'ARGENCOURT
>Country of Origin:
Normandy
>Position:
Noble Mercenary Captain
>Colours:
White and Burgundy

>Army:
Levies: 192
Infantry: 270
Archers: 100
Crossbows: 250
Cavalry: 50
Knights:55
Siege Equipment: 0

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 1
>Piety: 0
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 6
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
>Followers: Brother Stephen (companion, healer), Baron William of Bari (ally, 40 knights/60 cavalry, skill 5), William d'Argencourt (companion, lieutenant, skill 4)
Transport to Constantinople

Ships to Constaninople are sorely needed and so they are hired even with a heavy price.

Actions:
1) Write letters to all Noble Lords around who have not intended to join the crusade. Exhort them to do their heavenly duty to drive out the Saracen out off the Holy Land.

2. Sell off surplus assets of me and my company that are not needed in the crusade. Maybe the church would be willing to take it for premium prices to fund our journey

>>942194
DEUS VULT
>>942184
I invited the Noble Lords to join me BTW

>>942195
Which noble lords?

>>942201
Ones that got the letter

Rolled 71, 99 = 170 (2d100)

>>940541

>Name: COUNT BIRINUS PERCY
>Country of Origin: England
>Position: Count of Dorset
>Colours: Red and Green
>Army:
Levies: 56
Infantry: 190
Archers: 186
Crossbows: 200 (longbows)
Cavalry: 50
Knights: 45
Siege Equipment: 0
>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 2
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 6
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
>Followers: Bishop Guy Percy (companion, clergy, skill 4, permanent)
Bishop Guillaume of Caen (ally, 200 levies/100 infantry, skill 3)( providing boat ride across the channel)
Hugh de Toulouse (companion, engineer)
(You may march as far as Northern Italy without any (or at least far less) trouble in Act II)

Birinus rides back to his castle. The next day, he sits down on his study, staring at numerous parchment and the ink and quill he is about to fill it out with as he considers his words.
Birinus first sends a letter North to the Duke of York, he presents him with a similar proposal to the one he gave to the Baron of Oxford, asking for him to join Birinus in his quest against the heathen hordes, asking for some men instead, if the Duke is unable to join. He also asks the Duke to pass the message higher to the lords of Scotland and offers some of his recently acquired wealth for the journey and the trust he asks of, if the Duke would need it. The Duke of York and the lords of Scotland, not any men with particular pedigree or noble qualities but decent men and fellow Christians that Birinus would rather have at his side.

Yawning as he looks over the letter he drafted, Birinus grabs more parchment, writing to many of the churches and likewise holdings around Southern England. He writes on behalf of his brother, requesting any garrison and temple trained troops that could be spared alongside a few representatives to join him at his castle and hold a service for the fighting men that are setting out in the crusade, blessing them and their journey. (using 1 piety for this one)

>>942243
looks like its going to be one hell of a service

Birinus, returning to his study, glances downward at his map, in particular the area of France. He drafts a few more letters and sends them to potential allies:

Duke Pierre of Orleans, >>940651
I have heard of your hardworking-preparation to the cause of the crusades and your calls to arms through France. I have been working in similar regard, awaiting the journey and the battles against the heathens with much anticipation. There is quite a lot of difference between our people, but we have cooperated, are cooperating and will continue to cooperate plentifully, for if you strip away our nations, our titles, our dialects and our colours, we are all Christians underneath. I will land on Normandy and continue through Northern Italy, onto Constantinople when the times comes. If our paths will cross, then I suggest we travel in close proximity of eachother for we might need help from one another in the journey to come. If not, I hope we can work together in the Holy Land and smite the heathens together. - Count Birinus Percy, Norman Ruler of Dorset

Peter D'Argencourt, >>942194
My fellow Norman, our people are strong, we have settled the lands of Normandy against all odds, finding balance with the Franks that we once warred against. Then we conquered England, an extensive land of much bounty from where I justly rule over my little county with pride. I don't think our paths will cross in the journey to come but I wish to fight side by side in the battles that will come.
Count Birinus Percy, fellow Norman and lord of Dorset.

Sir Otto of House of Bourgogne, >>939646
Salutations and kind words, fellow warrior of God. We have not fought alongside one another,yet. But you have fought along with my kind in their Mediterranean Conquests and I applaud you for that. I am looking forward to the crusade and the heathen blood that I will spill, mayhaps we could meet and travel together to Constantinople ? There are quite a few benefits if we could arrange this... I suppose some might consider what I am proposing an alliance of sorts, but are we not all allied below God ? - Count Birinus Percy, just ruler and faithful warrior of Dorset.

Rolled 25, 25 = 50 (2d100)

>>940541
>Name:
>AUSTINU CAVALLO
>Country of Origin:
>Sardinia
>Position:
>Nobleman and General
>Colours:
>Dark Green and Gray
>Army:
>Levies: 177
>Infantry: 111
>Archers: 478
>Crossbows: 156
>Cavalry: 0
>Knights: 0
>Siege Equipment:
>Prestige: 1
>Wealth: 1
>Piety: 0
>Favour: 1
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 5
>Oaths: 2 wealth to help out Capello/Aid the Byzantine Empire in 3 battles or sieges 0/3
>Followers: Mercui (ally, 20 infantry/150 levies. Skill 4)

+56crossbows/+78archers

1)With much experience in combat situations away from home, Austinu knows that the most important thing on the battle field isn't only skill, its morale. Austinu plans to host a gathering for himself and his brothers at arms to celebrate the upcoming victory.
2) While morale is important, food and water are pretty good too. Austinu will first go looking for any charitable donors, either private or perhaps the Sardinian government. If that fails, he may have to spend his own money to make sure his brothers stay satisfied and healthy.

>>942247

Greetings Count Birinus,
I am most pleased to hear that you would like to join forces on the march to Constantinople. I believe this is an excellent idea, I would most welcome your companionship as tales from your exploits have reached across the channel. Let us put all our other differences aside in focus on our common goal of bringing glory to our Lord and driving the heathens from the Holy Lands!

I will soon be leaving for northern Italy myself, I can wait for you to cross the channel or meet you there, whichever you prefer. Do you plan to take ships from northern Italy or do you plan to march across the Alps?

File: 1464491867811.jpg (145 KB, 960x640)

145 KB JPG

>>942317
Dubs = double right?

Rolled 99, 17 = 116 (2d100)

>>940537
Name:
DUKE KARL HERZOG II
>Country of Origin:
Brunswick, HRE
>Position:
Duke of Brunswick
>Colours:
Blue and Yellow

>Army:
Levies: 250
Infantry: 100
Archers: 168
Crossbows: 100
Cavalry: 50
Knights: 62
Siege Equipment:

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 7
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
1 Wealth for land transport to Venice or Hungary (may be completed any time up to the start of Act II)
>Followers:
Otto von Saxony (companion, lieutenant, skill 6)
Franz Kahler (companion, lieutenant, skill 5)
Baron Rudolph Von Eger (ally, 50 infantry/100 levies, skill 6)

>I spend 1 Wealth to ensure my travels to Hungary are safe. (Oath)

>1) Last minute preparations
The Duke uses this new respect he has gained within the nobility to gain further allies for his cause!
(I use 1 prestige for this action)

>2) Stainless Steel
Maybe a tad too late, The Duke attemps to find better equipment for his men. Sharp blades, sturdy shields and pointy arrows, everything a man of war would ever wish.

>>941797
Greetings, Sir Szur.
I have heard that you, and other honorable men of God wish to embark in this glorious crusade and travel to the Holy Land.
I find that your objectives and mine are quite alike, and i would have a proposition, if you are willing to listen.
It would be my pleasure to accompany you in such a journey, and fight by your side when the time to do so comes.
In encourage you to write back, if you accept my offering.
Warmest regards,
Duke Karl Herzog II

Rolled 81, 65 = 146 (2d100)

>Name:
DUKE PIERRE OF ORLEANS
>Country of Origin:
France
>Position:
Duke of Orleans
>Colours:
Purple and Orange

>Army:
Levies: 249
Infantry: 97
Archers: 200
Crossbows: 0
Cavalry: 148
Knights: 116
Siege Equipment:

>Prestige: 0
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 5
>Oaths:
>Followers:
Guy of Dijon (Ally, 10 knights/20 cavalry, 4 skill)
Count Guy of Foix (ally, 50 knights/150 infantry, skill 5)
Jehan de Poitou (ally, 50 infantry/200 levies, skill 4)
Geoffroi de Angers (ally 150 levies/100 archers, skill 4)
Dr. Leo Dubois (companion, healer)


The time to leave is nearing and Pierre has his men pack up and prepare for the road. The final preparations are made and the wagon train loaded as the men form up rank and prepare for the march across southern France to Northern Italy. With the little remaining time Pierre makes the final arrangements before his departure. He will need some way to get his troops across the seas and to Constantinople. Even though he has heard of the Conrad Dodoni's massive fleet he can't rely on hoping he has room for all of his troops. Pierre decides to send a envoy ahead of his forces to Venice with money to procure enough ships to carry his men to Constantinople.

1. Send envoy to Venice to buy ships or find a captain with a large enough fleet to get my troops to Constantinople. Spend a wealth to ensure the best.


Pierre returns to the officers tent as he begins discussing plans with his lieutenants. He begins to notice how well it seems his cousins have taken to their new duties and begins to ponder why they were the only ones to respond when he sent letters to his family. Deciding to take another chance to gain support from his family Pierre sends another letter out just before his departure informing his relatives of his growing army and his expected exploits in the Holy Lands hoping to entice them to join him on the adventure. Looking to sweeten the pot further Pierre offers to pay for their expenses and even weighten their pockets in a final attempt to get more of his family to join him on his expedition.

2. Send another letter out to my family members requesting they join me for this glorious conquest. Float a wealth to entice a better reply.

>Name:
GIACOMO FERRARA
>Country of Origin:
Papal States
>Position:
Bishop
>Colours:
Gold and Red

>Army:
Levies: 252
Infantry: 362
Archers: 100
Crossbows: 180
Cavalry: 50
Knights: 0
Siege Equipment: 0

>Prestige: 0
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 4
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 3
>Oaths:
>Followers:
Kasparvon Silenen (companion, lieutenant, skill 6)

Stat post

about to post.

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>>942829
aw shit f@m!

Rolled 63, 56 = 119 (2d100)

>>942543
"Render unto Caesar."

The Emperor in Constantinople. As a bishop, he would have to take care in the approach. The great divide between the Christian church's was oft not far from claims of heresy aganist the Byzantines in times past, and there was little love between them. Yet Christians they were still, even though they are as peculiar a people to us even perhaps as much as the Saracen.

Two chests of wealth he would withold from spending, to give a. . .gift to the Emperor on behalf of the Church. This would have to suffice. For now, he traveled to Venice.

1. Giacomo departs, and heads for the great Baldoni fleet with his army.

He leaves behind however, 20 Crossbowmen and 30 Infantry. Mainly whatever officers and a few key experienced soldiers from his various groups.

They were to remain behind and continue to train the influx of men being migrated from various parts of italy to Milan, especially those men who wish to serve their penance as a soldier rather than a farmer.

>Would like to "spend" these amount of troops to set up/improve my training camp or prisoners in Milan. They would continue to train troops until a sizable group would be ready to board a ship to the new world

2. To accomplish the task of transporting new recruits, he would need a personal ship to ferry these men. He decided to go about this in a somewhat roundabout way.

Giacomo lends a letter to Rome asking for the usage of the traditional Papal ambassador's flotilla. It was a small group of ships meant for convenience of higher ecclesiarchal figures, sometimes even the Pope himself, though these days he rarely traveled by sea. What better use than having it gather dust and barnacle, than to send it this holy crusade.

He was a Bishop going to see the Emperor himself, on behalf of the Church, it would do well for the Church to display itself in regalia and authority by flying the banners of Rome upon the very ships meant for their ambassadors and the Papal guard. What's more, once he reached the holy land, it could be sent back to bring up further reinforcements.

>Spend some Piety to request Papal support for transport,

>>942841
heh,I'm trying to make sure I get in a post on time since I know OP wants to keep to an update a day schedule and I'd hate to keep the others waiting, or miss a turn myself.

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>>942886
I SMASHED DAT MUFFUGIN LIKE BUTTON HOMIE
>>942894
I still can't understand why you don't post your stats + actions

>>942897
Force of habit. I've been playing games like these for a while, and I found that if I tried to both account and recalculate my stats as well as try to formulate new actions my attention was divided between both and I'd make mistakes. By separating them, I square away stats first, then my mind is clearer for making actions.

It also is a bother when the whole post is too long.

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Rolled 75, 76 = 151 (2d100)

>>940537
>Name:
Sir Otto of House Bourgogne
>Country of Origin:
Duchy of Burgundy, France
>Position:
Nobleman
>Colours:
Blue and Yellow

>Army:
Levies: 100
Infantry: 258
Archers: 0
Crossbows: 0
Cavalry: 150
Knights: 86
Siege Equipment: 0

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 1
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 6
>Oaths:
>Followers:

>No effect
>No effect

1; Nephew, this is not just for me, this is for your eternal soul. To not provide support would be like to deny God. Surely, if you cannot see that, then you can see what prestige this would bring to the family and to yourself.
2; I will personally head to Paris and petition to see the King. This is bigger than myself, and having the King's support would surely boost morale and help the King's position and the realm itself. Having a chronicler to record events will be a boon for christendom, the King, and future generations.

Sorry guys, didn't get around to updating last night. Also can't today. I'll put in some extra effort to do the next update tomorrow evening, GMT.

Stay strong and keep deus vulting.

>>944292
Yes, Most Holy One

>>944292
*Deus Vulting reaches critical levels*

>>942148
Greetings, Alexanros. It is good to hear that you share my interest in training. I would be quite happy to participate in joint training with your men. However, I'm not entirely sure if you are where you think you are. This message from the Pope seems to indicate that you may still on the wrong side of the Alps.
>>940525
>You make little progress in terms of movement
I would certainly consult with him on this matter upon his return.

>>942417
Hail, Good Duke of Brunswick. It would be a pleasure to fight alongside such an esteemed noble. I intend to depart in two turns, although I have no doubt that you should be able to arrive in Hungary by then. However, I am concerned for your lack of favour with the Byzantine government. To avoid any complications with gaining safe passage through their lands, I would suggest taking action to send word to them so that they may expect your coming and have your passport ready.

I also wish it known that I will have no part in raping and pillaging the countryside, regardless of the local's religious affiliation. Christian crusaders should treat the innocent bystanders of this war with respect. I will see to it that my men understand this, and hope you will do the same for yours.

>>947317
Aye, i shall be arriving in Hungary shortly. I thank you for your suggestion, Knight Szur, and will be acting accordingly. I want to assure you, though, that i do have a plan for passing through Byzantine lands. I shall take up Oaths to ensure that my passage is seen as a supportive and peaceful movement.
For your second point, i ensure that, for now, i am not interested in bringing any harm to the countryside. Our most holy Pope Urban II has declared this glorious crusade simply to ensure we help our eastern brothers in the time of need, after all.

Sorry about the long wait folks. IRL shenanigans got in the way.


>End of Act I, Turn 5.

No posting until I say so.
BISHOP ESTEBAN

Armour can make the difference between a painful bruise and an impaled lung or crushed skull. You hunt around for decent armour to equip your soldiers. Once equipped, they're a far more fearsome sight.

>Lose 135 levies
>Gain 135 infantry

Amongst your family, you find one willing to join you, and gain a helpful ally. Fortunately, he's from a branch of the family that doesn't have an impossibly long name.

>Gain Follower: Enrique Martinez (ally, 50 cavalry/120 infantry, skill 5)


PATRICIAN ELECT CONRAD DODONI

Money always creates opportunitities, and your willingness to spend has secured the ships you wanted. You have enough to transport your own and your allies forces for now. Unfortunately, a large surplus of transport space wasn't possible.

>Lose 1 Wealth
>May travel by ship to Constantinople

Your Carroco is indeed impressive, to both the church and common man. The wealth you spent has had the cross and lion plated with silver, so in the sunlight it practically glows. Two other members of the venetian high families come to you, obviously inspired, vowing to defend this holy symbol with you as it makes its journey to Jurusalem.

>Lose 1 Wealth
>Gain follower: Ludovico Gritti (ally, 100 infantry/100 crossbows, skill 4)
>Gain follower: Leonardo Manin (ally, 100 infantry/100 levies, skill 4)

SIR STEPHEN SZUR

Your search for knights only draws a few men to your cause. Perhaps all the knights aiming to go on crusade have already joined one party or another?

>Gain 21 knights

The King gives you his seal and a note of commendation, asking all friends of Hungary and Christendom to provide you aid. This will be useful in any negotiation you have to make.

>Gain 1 Prestige

>>951983

MICHAL BALDONI

Your speech, while definitely impressive in length and delivery, doesn't seem to quite hit the note you were after with the crowds. Still, it raised your standing with the people, even if only as 'that guy who did the really fancy speech the other day'. However, a few churchmen are somewhat upset that you seem to view the crusade as an opportunity to protect shipping lanes and venetian lives. What meaning do these have in comparison to the true aim of the crusade; to safeguards gods will upon earth and the souls of countless people going into the next life? You can continue your message or seek to make some amends.

>Choose 1 of the following:
>Gain 1 Prestige, lose 1 Piety
>No effect

The Doge, after all your efforts, and after a lengthy discussion in purpose, agrees to your plea to publicly endorse the campaign, even if he isn't going to personally take any great involvement in it.

>Gain 1 Prestige


EZEKIEL, THE GLASSBREAKER

You start getting some of your boys on horseback. Many of them have worked with horses before, on farms, in stables, or stealing cattle, and they pick it up again quickly. If you can supply the horses to ride, they'll happily mow people down in a (perhaps somewhat ill disciplined) charge.

>Lose 97 levies
>Gain 97 cavalry

After a few days with those of your men and papal sponsors who best know about these things, you put together a firm plan of how to best get to the crusade. A solid plan does wonders, and takes some pressure off the churchmen who had been arranging your travel for you, which they appreciate. Your men, too, are heartened that you seem to have such a good handle on their future.

>Gain 1 Piety
>Gain 1 Morale

(didn't give you bonuses to getting there because you've already arranged travel via your oath)


ALEXANROS CALLIMACHOS OF PHILADELPHIA

You find a vlach, stereotypically called Vlad, who is an experienced cavalryman. It took the limits of your influence and negotiation to get him on board, but he's willing to work under you as a commander of your cavalry.

>Lose 1 prestige
>Gain follower: Vladimir Albescu (companion, lieutenant, skill 5)

Some last minute training gets the men a little closer to professional soldiers, but it'd take longer than you have to get the peasant out of all these men.

>Lose 34 levies
>Gain 34 infantry

>>951985

PETER D'ARGENCOURT

You send out your letters. You get a message back from someone you have fought alongside in the past. Count Charles of Dauphine comes across to Italy from Provence to join you. He is a powerful nobleman in his own right, and brings many soldiers with him. In the past, you have been his employee, but now you stand together as equals on crusade.

>Gain follower: Count Charles of Dauphine (ally, 50knights/250 infantry, skill 6)

You sell off anything and everything that won't be useful for the journey. You manage to gather some decent funder to continue your divine work.

>Gain 2 Wealth


COUNT BIRINUS PERCY

The Duke of York is not coming to his aid personally, but his second son is taking his place, and comes down to meet you with a force of northerners, hardened by years of fighting on and off against the Scots.

>Gain Follower: Edward Yangley (ally, 150 infantry/150 crossbows, skill 5)


Your men appreciate the effort towards their souls. Many crusaders are, after all, pious men, or they wouldn't have volunteer to go off and die for the Holy Lands. The service raises morale, as do the new additions donated to your forces by several different bishops.

>Gain 1 Morale
>Gain 50 crossbows
>Gain 50 infantry


AUSTINU CAVALLO

Your celebration turns out a little more expensive than you expected, as does providing the supplies you wanted. You can only afford one of them using the funds you currently have available. Perhaps if you leant upon some connections you could get a few donations to pay for both? Then again, perhaps you should keep some money set aside for later troubles? Difficult choices.

>Choose 1 of the following:
>Lose 1 wealth, gain 1 morale
>Lose 1 wealth, lose 1 prestige, gain 2 morale
>No effect

>>951988

DUKE KARL HERZOG II

Your reputation is solid, your status as a Duke making you one of the highest ranked crusaders by anyone's reckoning. By throwing around your political weight you manage to convince many that you're the best option as a commander. In particular, the Count of Hessen brings a significant body of knights to your aid.

>Lose 1 Prestige
>Gain Follower: Count Gustav von Hessen (ally, 75 knights/ 200 infantry, skill 5)
>Gain Follower: Bishop Ralph von Bremen (ally, 150 levies/100 archers, skill 3)

You're right, it is a little late. Quality weapons and armour are in short supply this close to the end of the crusade, and only a select few of your men are sporting improved equipment.

>Lose 28 levies
>Gain 28 infantry


DUKE PIERRE OF ORLEANS

You manage to secure some transport for yourself and your forces. The journey will be much easier with ships awaiting your arrival.

>Lose 1 Wealth
>You have arranged transport from Venice to Constantinople by sea.

A cousin of yours from a different branch of the family responds. He is a cousin of some sort, but widely removed, and his branch of the family lives up to the north in Picardy. Whatever the case, he's willing and able to join you, and brings his forces.

>Lose 1 Wealth
>Count Herbert of Vermandois (ally, 100 cavalry/200 infantry, skill 5)

GIACOMO FERRARA

Your training camp starts up, and the men you left behind send a trickle of reinforcements to your forces.

>Gain 55 levies
>Gain 72 archers

The Pope grants usage of some of his ships, but only to take you to crusade, after that they are to return to Rome.

>Lose 1 Piety
>Gain sea travel from Rome to Constantinople or Armenia.

(for your training thing, lets assume these men you leave behind, and those they train, will join you before the crusade departs from Constantinople, that way I can count it as a recruitment action and it'll give less headaches. I really want to avoid people splitting their forces as it'll make things messy. Was a cool idea though. Feel free to fluff actions in the future about it, but the actual effects will be to train or recruit men as normal, I'm afraid.)

>>951991

SIR OTTO OF HOUSE BOURGOGNE

Your nephew finally relents to your endless requests for aid, and allows you access to significant amounts of money and men to aid the cause of Christendom.

>Gain 1 Wealth
>Gain 50 levies

The King is also supportive of you, and sends a representative of himself with you, along with his full endorsement.

>Gain 1 Prestige

Thread archived here:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/940510/

Upvotes can be done here (I'm a whore for upvotes):

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=crusades%20game

New thread will be posted shortly with start of Act II.

>>951997
>Name:
PATRICIAN ELECT CONRAD DODONI
>Country of Origin:
Venice
>Position:
Heir to Patrician Family
>Colours:
Yellow and Black

>Army:
Levies: 260
Infantry: 200
Archers: 100
Crossbows: 191
Cavalry: 0
Knights: 0
Siege Equipment: 2
Warships:7

>Prestige: 2
>Wealth: 2
>Piety: 1
>Favour: 0
>Morale: 5
>Skill: 4
>Oaths:
>Followers: (Marco Tiolo, Ally, Skill 5, 100 Infantry), (Angelo Bianchi, Companion, siege engineer), (Ludovico Gritti ally, 100 infantry/100 crossbows, skill 4), (Leonardo Manin ally, 100 infantry/100 levies, skill 4)
Just posting so I've got something to copypaste for new thread