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Hail! Fair and noble traveler, come join us as we continue the tale of Dietrich von Adlershorst and his friends, family and enemies. Now for a short recollection of the story thus far: After being installed as count of Grünwald by grace of granduncle our most gallant hero set out at once to fix and repair his land so that they may be prosperous once more.
Our watchful hero set out to retrieve deserting serfs only to stumble into his first real threat. A vile bastard son of the previous ruler of the land after arresting and executing the rapscallion with help of the local junker Laurenz von Hirschkirchen. While helping some elves along the way. Afterwards young Dietrich, ever willing to improve his lands took to improve infrastructure on both land and river to help facilitate trade.
Then to improve the efficiency of the administration the ever-diligent count divided his lands into castellanies. As well beginning to build his castle up to standard. Then our magnetic count attracted to his service a wizard who gave him a magic necklace.
But then my good friends our hero received a visit from his mother and elder brother. In the meantime the most-valiant count decided to create a new personal retinue for his safety. After gallantly stalling the issue of marriage with his mother and giving them a tour of his.
He received troubling news for the new grandmaster Rudolf von Eisenstall is an opponent of his patron, the archbishop Albrecht, who coincidentally is also his granduncle. Now after bolstering his retinue and creating new income to fund them. We now return towards Dietrich as he faces what might be a truly worthy foe.

For previous accounts of the story please refer to this link:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Settler%20Lord%20Quest
>>
>>5510993
Oh it appears something went wrong here is the corrected version

Hail! Fair and noble traveler, come join us as we continue the tale of Dietrich von Adlershorst and his friends, family and enemies. Now for a short recollection of the story thus far: After being installed as count of Grünwald by grace of granduncle our most gallant hero set out at once to fix and repair his land so that they may be prosperous once more.

Our watchful hero set out to retrieve deserting serfs only to stumble into his first real threat. A vile bastard son of the previous ruler of the land after arresting and executing the rapscallion with help of the local junker Laurenz von Hirschkirchen. While helping some elves along the way.

Afterwards young Dietrich, ever willing to improve his lands took to improve infrastructure on both land and river to help facilitate trade.
Then to improve the efficiency of the administration the ever-diligent count divided his lands into castellanies. As well beginning to build his castle up to standard.

Then our magnetic count attracted to his service a wizard who gave him a magic necklace.
But then my good friends our hero received a visit from his mother and elder brother. In the meantime the most-valiant count decided to create a new personal retinue for his safety.

After gallantly stalling the issue of marriage with his mother and giving them a tour of his.
He received troubling news for the new grandmaster Rudolf von Eisenstall is an opponent of his patron, the archbishop Albrecht, who coincidentally is also his granduncle. Now after bolstering his retinue and creating new income to fund them. We now return towards Dietrich as he faces what might be a truly worthy foe.

For previous accounts of the story please refer to this link:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Settler%20Lord%20Quest
>>
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>>5510994
The sun was shining brightly upon your castle as went to the courtyard to inspect the first batch of freshly trained poleaxe infantry who would serve as your foremost weapon against whatever this world would throw at you. Be that bandits, the knight, orcs or heaven knows what. These men would be able to handle it all. Everything about shone. Quite literally, their helmets and armour could hurt to look at if the sun stood the right angle thankfully some of it was covered up by their surcoat, embroidered with you heraldry of course. As you walked passed them you began think that you had forgotten something, something important but what was it?
Oh yes you needed to give them a name!
What name?
>The Eaglehost
>The Grünwald guards
>The band of the wolf
>Write-in
>>
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>>5510993
oh shit you came back.
>>
>>5510999
>The Eaglehost
It's back, nice
>>
>>5510999
>Write In
The Thronglers
>>
>>5510999
>The Grünwald guards
In my opinion the Eaglehost sounds more appropiate to a cavalry unit.
>>
>>5511024
Indeed I have, with drawings
>>
>>5511049
Some very high res drawings too, goddamn.
Good to see a custom op image too.
>>
>>5510999
Oh, nice, you're back.

>The Grünwald Guard
>>
>>5510999
>>The Grünwald guards

Perhaps there will come a day when they wear bright uniforms and very tall hats
>>
>>5510999
>The Eaglehost
>>
>>5510999
>>The Grünwald guards
Didn't expect this quest to return
Welcome back

.....
We need to build 3 bridges and a wood palisade around our own settlement. Would make our place very important for land transportation. And easier for us to move in the three parts of our land since the river cuts through them if I remember correctly.
>>
>>5511049
Also nice drawings. I appreciated already the map in the first thread, this is also good
>>
>>5511323
If we're going to go that far and be building that much we may as well start up our logging industry first.
>>
>>5511345
It wouldn't be a bad idea to do that.
The bridges being near our capital would help us greatly with attracting trade and our forces movement, we just need to make sure it will be fine for boats (I don't remember anything about our river being too deep so it shouldn't be an issue for us)
>>
In the last decision we did, i think some taverns were taken last thread.
>>
>5510999
>The Grünwald guards
>>
File: a look at Rittersbach.png (84 KB, 2302x1070)
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>>5511036
>>5511162
>>5511225
>>5511323
>>5511323
>>5511519
The name of Grünwald guards sprang to your mind. It seemed to describe them the most after all what with them being your bodyguard and all. And after proclaiming their unit name to them you quickly retreat away from the harsh summer sun into the cool halls of the castle. You do pity them the poor fellows, stuck in metal training and standing in the sun all day. But no matter, it was to focus on improving the county once more. You returned to your study and you desk to begin planning the next project but first you called for your steward to hand you some information about the current state of the county.

STATE OF THE COUNTY
Military: The military of the county has been formalized but is far from being a fully professional force in the hands of the state, aside from the personal escort of the ruler and some garrisons in wartime the bulk of the armies would be made up of local militias and levies.

Economy: The economy and trade have recovered from earlier downturns and misrule and coin has begun to flow once more. Thanks to recent improvements in infrastructure

Administration: Formal subdivisions have been created and headed by officers appointed by the ruler. However much power still rests by the local gentry who still act as the local rulers in your place

Population: As of right now Grünwald remain still a primary rural land with a mix of settlers and former natives living quietly in dispersed farms or in quiet hamlets. More prominent villages are starting to grow however.
Relations with the estates
Nobility and gentry (55%) As you have done nothing to antagonise them and have helped at least on of them the nobles and gentry are mostly content with you.

Peasants and burghers (65%) You fairly popular amongst the common men in the county for having given them at least one right and repairing the economy.

Clergy (50%)As there are no monasteries or abbeys as well as no bishopric within your lands, the clergy is mostly an outside force for you to deal with
>>
>>5511691
Still there was enough to do and plan and as such you grabbed a list with potential projects and reforms.

Projects(pick one)
>Expand the logging industry to support further expansion in other sector
>Build a bridge over the lesser estuary of the river Seldau
>Build a ferry for transport across the Seldau itself.
>Fund as mining expedition into that mountain you own
>Encourage immigration from Tautenland and elsewhere
Reforms(pick one)
>Formalise a law-book for reference with your self and local landowners
>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
>Finishing creating a council by establishing a chancellery
>Improve the levy system by reorganising the military districts
>>
>>5511697
>Expand Brick Production (100 VM takes 5 months)

This was an option in the last thread that got slept on. Now that we have the infrastructure to support it, we can actually sell additional bricks we make.

>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
>>
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>>5511697
Oh I forgot the map, as you can see denser farmland has begun forming
>>
>>5511697
>>Build a bridge over the lesser estuary of the river Seldau
>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
>>
>>5511697
>>Build a bridge over the lesser estuary of the river Seldau
>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
Bridge !!
>>
>>5511697
>Fund as mining expedition into that mountain you own
>Formalise a law-book for reference with your self and local landowners
>>
>>5511714
Support
>>
>>5511697
>Encourage immigration from Tautenland and elsewhere
>Formalise a law-book for reference with your self and local landowners
More men to tax and it would make more legal cases alot more simple of an ordeal. Especially when we start handing out authority to subdivisions.
>>
>>5511697
>Build a ferry for transport across the Seldau itself.
>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
>>
>>5511697
>>Encourage immigration from Tautenland and elsewhere

With more manpower we can get some industry really rolling.

>>Clean up and adjust the tariffs for trade
>>
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>>5511702
>>5511714
>>5511788
>>5511796
>>5511801
>>5511804
>>5511812
>>5511914
A brigde over the lesser river thar flows into the Seldau near Rittersbach would improve infrastructure even more and tie in to the road network. It would also not impede river trade to much as the river is too shallow for larger bulk ships. Rittersbach would also profit as it would bring new empty land expand upon.

In terms of reform you would update the series of tariffs and tolls that constituted much to you income standardising and informing the various officials that collected these things.

After an hour or two of hard work writing up the necessary documents you looked outside and saw that the sun was less harsh than earlier. And you would not want to waste a beautiful afternoon inside now would.

What would you like to with you free time?
>Go for a ride on a horse
>Take a walk round around the wood
>practice your archery
>Train your swordplay
>Write-in
>>
>>5511996
>Go on a hunt with some retainers
A proper noble past timesl.
>>
>>5511996
>>Train your swordplay
>>
>>5511996
>>Go on a hunt with some retainers
>>
>>5511996
>Go on a hunt with some retainers
>>
>>5512003
Support
>>
>>5512003
>>5512137
>>5512201
>>5512297
While still one of the foremost of noble pastimes a hunt required a lot of preparation to be enjoyable.

Firstly, the choice would need to be made whether to hunt on horseback or on foot. With hunting on horseback with the hunting hounds would be more effective on sparsely vegetated areas and foot being more helpful in heavily forested areas.
>Hunt on horseback
>Hunt on foot

The second choice would be whether to take normal bows or crossbows with as ranged weaponry. With normal bows quicker to reload and crossbows being less of a strain to draw.
>Take normal bows
>Take crossbows

Of course the terrain would need to be considered, where would you like to hunt, your lands have two primary types of terrains: plains and woodland. The game of the plains would most likely be smaller animals such as rabbits, foxes and pheasant. The woods would have bigger and potentially more dangerous game such as stags boars and maybe bears.
>Hunt in the plains
>Hunt in the woods
>>
>>5512558
>Hunt on horseback
>Take crossbows
>Hunt in the plains
>>
>>5512558
>Hunt on foot
>Hunt in the woods
>Take crossbows
>>
>>5512558
>>Hunt on horseback
>>Take crossbows
>>Hunt in the plains
>>
>>5512558
>>Hunt on horseback
>Take crossbows
>Hunt in the woods
>>
>>5512558
>Hunt on horseback
>Take crossbows
>Hunt in the plains
>>
>>5512558
>Hunt on horseback
>Take crossbows
>Hunt in the plains

Oh hey, this lives. Neat
>>
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>>5512596
>>5512604
>>5512619
>>5512649
>>5512676
You decided it would be fun to hunt on one off the empty plains in the county, full of foxes,hare and the occasional bird and other animals. For the occasion you informed the kennel master, stable master and gamekeepers of your specifications for the hunt.

A short while later you and your entourage consisting of yourself,some bodyguards,gamekeepers, hunting dogs and some boys from a nearby village to drive the animals towards you. From the armoury you had taken some crossbows for shooting and hunting spears for finishing any unfortunate animal off.

What would you like to do first?
>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
>Take a crossbow and see if you can snipe a hare or two
>Look for any lone trees and try spot some fowl to shoot
>>
>>5512684
>Take a crossbow and see if you can snipe a hare or two
>>
>>5512684
>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt

Maybe a with enough furs it'd make a nice coat or something to gift to someone we eventually court.
>>
>>5512684
>>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
>>
>>5512684
>>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
Sounds like a good time.
>>
>>5512684
>>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
>>
>>5512684
>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
>>
>>5512692
>>5512698
>>5512702
>>5512710
>>5512731
The horn is blown, the dog started to bark and growl and you checked your saddle. Then the hounds where let loose and given the scent of a fox to smell. One of them howled after sniffing it at it and the group of hound scurried off from the encampment, eagerly tracking any smell or foot print left by any fox. Soon you rode just behind them over the fields, but there where no foxes to be found.

Then one of the smaller hounds growled and broke off from the pack. Packing up great speed and barking at the others to follow. And then you why for just as soon as you laid your eyes upon it. A red dot bolted from the ground and ran as fast as it could away from the dog. This what you had came for and you yelled at the pack to follow soon enough they where in hot pursuit across the verdant green field. And so where you, it was a great feeling, the hot summer sun in your back and the wind blowing in your face thus balancing each other out. You began to notice that there was a distance developing between you and the perusing pack.

Perhaps you would need to bridge the distance the gap by going faster. But that would mean that both you and your steed could pay less attention to obstacles meaning your horse or could stumble which if you where very unfortunate could be lethal for both rider and steed.

For stat rolls I shall be using a 1d100 with a flat DC of 50 to succeed in the check you need to roll a number above the DC with all potential modifiers that may or may be involved

Horsemanship test time!
Due to being a experienced equestrian you receive a -15 to all difficulty classes in the category of horsemanship.

What will you do?
>remain at a walking pace potentially loosing sight of the hound and their prey but remaining safe.(No check required)
>Go into a trot faster than a walk while still being easy to handle (35 DC)
>Spur your horse to go into a canter more difficult but faster(45 DC)
>Pull out the stops, spur the steed into a full gallop, very fast but difficult to maintain control over, the horse would also be exhausted if extended too long.(55 DC)
>>
>>5512745
I forgot roll a 1d100 for results
>>
>>5512745
>>Spur your horse to go into a canter more difficult but faster(45 DC)
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>5512753
>>Let slip the hounds,and go on a foxhunt
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>5512745
>Spur your horse to go into a canter more difficult but faster(45 DC)
>>
>>5512745
>>Go into a trot faster than a walk while still being easy to handle (35 DC)
>>
Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>5512753
>>5513094
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>5512745
>>Spur your horse to go into a canter more difficult but faster(45 DC)
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>5512745
>Spur your horse to go into a canter more difficult but faster(45 DC)
>>
>>5512794
>>5512851
>>5513095
>>5513148
>>5513485

82+6+72+30+57=247 divided by 5 is 49. congratulations

You give the horse a firm kick with your spurs and manage to close the distance between you and the hunting pack.

The pack has, by now manage to exhaust the fox to a slower pace and soon the jaw of one the hounds snaps its neck. Killing the creature relatively clean and keeping the body intact. Acting quickly, you have the hound bring you the corpse before the others can tear it apart. You lay it on the back of the horse and return to camp with it. It is already late in the afternoon when you return with the pack and one of your men greets you

''Your lordship, I trust your pursuit has been successful?''

''Indeed it has, I have managed to bag the fox.''

As you reached to more closely examined the fox you made notice of it red fur and pointed snout and head. Although the fur would not be enough for a coat. It could still work as the collar for your winter cloak or as warm winter hat if you so wished. As for the head you could always send for taxidermy of simply have it boiled for its skull.

What would you like to with the pelt?
>Keep it in storage for when you have more fur
>Have them make a collar for you.
>Convert it into a hat

What would you like to do with the head?
>Send away for taxidermy
>Have it boiled for it's skull
>>
>>5513513
>Keep it in storage for when you have more fur
>Send away for taxidermy
>>
>>5513513
>>Convert it into a hat
>Send away for taxidermy
>>
>>5513513
>Keep it in storage for when you have more fur
>Send away for taxidermy
>>
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>>5513513
>convert it into a hat.
>send away for taxidermy
We need cool hats guys.
>>
>>5513513
>Have them make a collar for you.
>Send away for taxidermy
>>
>>5513513
>>Keep it in storage for when you have more fur
>>Send away for taxidermy
>>
>>5513513
>Keep it in storage for when you have more fur
>Send away for taxidermy
Happy New Year !
>>
>>5513521
>>5513662
>>5513812
>>5513821

Alas, the amount of fur on the pelt was not enough for you to have something that you wished for. It would remain somewhere safe in the castle while you hunted or bought more fox pelts. As for the head, it would be send to the taxidermist to be stuffed and would be the first trophy to hang on your wall. With your specifications made clear one of your men asked you something.

''Sire, the hour is getting letting late and most of the other hunters have returned by now if you so wish we could move the camp somewhere else, or remain put here for the night, we have enough fowl and hares to eat for the night. Lastly we could simply return the castle and deliver the spoils there.''

What is to be done?
>Remain put here, I want hunt some more here.
>Move the camp into the forest, a change of terrain would be nice.
>Return home and end the hunt.
>>
>>5513908
>Move the camp into the forest, a change of terrain would be nice.
>>
>>5513910
Actually, I'll change to
>Return home and end the hunt.
>>
>>5513908
>>Remain put here, I want hunt some more here.
>>
>>5513908
>Remain put here, I want hunt some more here.
>>
>>5513908
>>Move the camp into the forest, a change of terrain would be nice.
>>
>>5513908
>Return home and end the hunt.
Back to work lads.
>>
Happy new years
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5513912
>>5513948
>>5513970
>>5514026
There appears to be a tie. I am going to roll a 1d2 for results

1 return home

2 stay here for day longer
>>
>>5514847

This was fun and all, and quite relaxing but it was time to let this adventure behind and return to your duties.

''Master huntsman, I wish to return to the castle for now. I yet have many responsibilities that must be attended to.''

''Aye milord, I will inform me men about yer decision. By my guesses we would back int Rittersbach by around 8 o'clock in the evening.''

And so after a mildly uneventful journey back home you had the cooks make a fine meal out of the captured prey. Both hare and fowl the fox was flayed of it pelt and the remaining meat and bones where given to the hounds for food and chewing.

It was a minor feast, there where no musicians of minstrels save for the horn blower of the hunting party who preformed different blows and calls both as practice and for entertainment. It was still a fine ending to the day. And soon you where in bed with a stomach full of meat, some vegetables and alcohol.

The following morning after getting up, eating your breakfast and intending to begin the day somewhat quietly. You where suddenly approached two guards holding a strongbox.

''Sire, we have come to inform you that something the maybe of great importance to you has been found. Earlier this morning one of the peasants was busy clearing one the new field when his plough broke upon something.''

''It was well something that we had not expected to find here. The peasant called to a nearby patrol help him with his plough and when they did they saw the obstacle and decided it would be best to turn over to you for safekeeping.''

They then opened the strongbox and you saw something you did not expect to find in these land. To call it a crown would be an overstatement, it was more like a coronet or circlet. Or put bluntly a piece of metal with gems for on your head. One thing was for certain however the craftsmanship was exquisite. The gold was detailed and worked to the utmost, the gems where cut flawlessly and the headband was decorated with various floral and leaf designs. There also a lot of woodland creatures present most prominently the stag and griffins?

Curious, last you heard most great flying beasts like griffins,pegasi,wyverns and hippogriffs only remained in the most mountainous regions of the world with dragons having disappeared altogether.

You held the headpiece upside down a saw something engraved upon the inside of the circlet. You where not familiar with this script but perhaps your court mage would know a thing or two about it. Alternatively you could skip researching it and make directly part of your personal jewellery. However you cloud always just sell to a merchant peddling in artifices or just out for the metals and gems.

What would you like to do with the circlet
>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>Take it to the treasury, it would be fine addition
>The money would be nice, sell it
>>
>>5514879
>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
First you had my attention
>>
>>5514879
>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>>
>>5514879
>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity

Be cautious, wouldn't want to just put it on and end up mind controlled or awaken the ire of some ancient fae royalty who dropped their crown for some dumb reason.
>>
>>5514879
>>Take it to the court mage, it has awoken my curiosity
>Reimburse the peasant for his broken plow. Fair's fair.
>>
>>5514894
>>5515010
>>5515039
>>5515076
>>5515106
>>5515106
>>5515137
>>5515194
>>5515244
>>5515635
You ordered your guards to give the peasant for found the strongbox with the crown in it to be rewarded a finders reward of about 5 silver pennies about the equivalent of 4 years of work for the average farmer in these parts. As they left you immediately went to the quarters of the court mage in one of the towers. The sorcerer would be the most learned man in these lands and would be knowledgeable about such things.

You walked in on him as he was lecturing his new apprentices: One of the miller's sons and the daughter of your court scribe

''And that is why it is important that you learn this craft, magic is not something that you can just learn or take. It is in your blood and every so now and them it becomes more active in certain people, it therefore important that you learn this, not only for your own safety and study but also for everyone around you.''

''Now you see this staff I hold it focuses my magic and- ah my count I had not spotted you there. Children if you will, you have a moment off.''

The two quickly walked out of the room while the wizard turned to you.

''Now then, you have my full attention. What is it you would like to see me about?''

''This crown, or circlet or well I do not know exactly what it is. As you are the best educated men here I figured that you would know.'' And you handed him the crown for examination.

''Hmm, yes this is most interesting from the floral patterns and the way the animals are portrayed. As well as the engraving upon inside the band of the crown I would guess that this object is of elf design. And that is also where my knowledge on the subject ends, I not an chronicler nor an historian. If you wish to know more about it I could send a copy of the engraving to a colleague of mine who is for more the expert on such matters. As for its magical properties. it seems the gems where enchanted to glow in the dark and the crown was magically lighted to ease the burden upon one's head''

''Very well.''

''There is also another matter concerning the finding of this object, with you permission sire. I would like to start searching for more of these things. I currently believe that either the field in which it was found or the woodland which once stood upon would be a good place to start.''

What would you like to do?
>Begin searching and digging the field, something else must be there
>Go into the woods, that place most likely has the more answers
>No, I would like to await the reply of the experts.
>>
>>5515667
>Begin searching and digging the field, something else must be there
>>
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>>5515667
Here is a drawing of the thing
>>
>>5515667
>Begin searching and digging the field, something else must be there
>Go into the woods, that place most likely has the more answers
Both, but the fields still need to be plowed and the food stores still need to be filled. We can't go overboard with the search.
>>
>>5515667
Wait, weren't there some elf travellers passing by to bosit their family a while back? Maybe they would know something about it.
>>
>>5515667
Anyway
>Go into the woods, that place most likely has the more answers
We can dig up the field after harvest.
>>
>>5515667
>>5515881
Support.
>>
>>5515876
They went home after the visit.
>>
>>5515989
I was thinking of asking the great-uncle and aunt they were visiting, since elves that old should know something about this place, but we probably don't remember the location of the map from just seeing it upside down once.
>>
>>5515995
There is more to this than elves, and the answer might be suprising
>>
>>5515667
>Begin searching and digging the field, something else must be there
>Go into the woods, that place most likely has the more answers

Both, pay some peasants to dig up the field as well as the peasant who works that field for disturbing it, meanwhile we'll take a trip into the woods.
>>
>>5515705
>>5515717
>>5515881
>>5516305
''Very well, you have my permission to start digging in the field. I will go into the forest with my men.''

''If you are going sire, take this.''

A book, titled ''The magical properties and inhabitants of the forests.''

''What is this book about?''

''It is a short encyclopaedia about various magical thing that can appear in the forest, I thought that you might need it if you came across something you don't understand.''

''Oh thanks, I will be on my way then, good day.''

And so you rode off with some of your men into the forest, the namesake of your county. It was a most pleasant journey the various shades of green and the many colours of the wood and the beautiful flowers. As you rode by you where getting most bored and you decided to read the book the wizard had given for information.

''Let's see something about the spread of the Norddalr great bear, something to do with the habitat of various alchemical ingredients and hmm...'' You thought most of this stuff did not really apply to your search but then you came to the section about ''Spirits and fairies.'' Where you read something interesting: If a forest grows old and thick enough, at the centre the most ancient and greatest of the trees may be able to manifest themselves to speak to the creatures of the flesh, whereas normally trees only communicate with each other. For further information refer to the commentaries of ...''

Well if such a spirit could be found it could be a fountain of information. But matter would be to find it. And how on earth would you explain it to the men.

You pondered these thought as your party moved along.

When out of the blue just as you past massive oak, you heard someone a most whimsical and catchy tune was played on a lute. Your thoughts raced to that passage and you urged your men to remain clam.

You saw it, or rather him playing the lute. A slightly greenish well built man whore a toga made out of oak leaves. As well as a circlet made of oak leaves with acorns in place of gems. His was made him look middle aged and handsome with a strong jay and twinkling, playful dark eyes.

He spoke ''Your lordship found me at most opportune time. Had you found in the spring I would have been to busy celebrating and preparing, had you found in fall I would be balding and withering and let's not talk how I look in the winter, my pride would not survive.''

''Now then, I believe you have questions. Ask them would you? I have honestly forgotten how nice it is to speak with the fleshling world''

What is the first thing you would to ask?
>Who are you?
>What are you?
>How did you I was coming?
>What do you know about the previous inhabitants of this land?
>Write-in
>>
>>5516380
>Who are you?
First things first: introductions, it's the polite thing
Then
>What do you know about the previous inhabitants of this land?
What we came here for
He probably is the spirit of a great tree, some sort of male dryad, and he knew we were coming because the rest of the forest told him.
>>
>>5516383
Support
>>
>>5516383
>>5516398
''Who are you? Woodland man?''

''Me? I am the physical manifestation of the spirit of the oak tree behind me. I have grown old and big enough to develop a soul and spirit of my own. It allows me to do things normally only reserved for your kind such as talking and seeing. I sit and I grow for that is the purpose of trees.''

''As for my actual personal name, you may call me Ercus or at least the is what the earliest flesh-creatures called I might have forgotten if it's correct.''

''I have another question.'' you said

''Of course you do, they always come with questions.'' He mumbled, laying back upon the foot of the tree trunk.

''What do you know about any pervious inhabitants of this land.''

''Oh let's before you there was that fat,grey haired drunk. Very funny to look at, he once got drunk and lost and spend the entire night here giggling and fumbling. When they found him the cart broke of his weight! Oh I was truly entertained that week. Before that there was some dour-looking chap in metal. Some tribes of men and orcs and...''

''I do not have all day, and you are not going to lay out the entire history of this place to me backward, do you understand? I found a crown in the field in these parts and would like to know more about.'' you interrupted.

''such a bore, very well that crown was made about 2700 years ago, made by those long eared fellows but not meant for one of them. Quite the contrary. It was a gift for someone else. I was but young oak in those days only 19 meters high and used for many a thing. It was a time of heroes and warriors, a good age, an era from which your time of rulers and knights has taken many a inspiration from. I shall answer no further.''

''Why not?''

''Because you boring me, and because a human such as you once told that to gain any satisfaction in your life, you should work and labour for it. For it is the only thing that can be both suffering and pleasure. If you manage to investigate enough I shall in answer in full. Oh and ehh don't bother with that field the only thing you will find there is the cart in which they transported the crown. Now then if there is nothing else, I will go and the birds some new songs.''

And he disappearance before you eyes, Damnation! That bloody spirit did not answer the question, he only gave hints. This was only partially successful. Not wishing to remain here any further. You decided to return home.
(Continued)
>>
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>>5516895
Returning home you decided to stop by the field first and foremost to announce the end of the digging. Thankfully it was not all for nothing as the field question was now cleared for further use with the plough afterwards you continued to castle Ritterbach to quietly retire for evening. The next morning you decided it was about time to focus a tad bit more on the growth of the capital rather than spending all of the treasury solely on the countryside.

The sleepy village had been slowly transforming and rapidly growing into a small but respectable town growing from about 160 souls to 720 souls since you took the reigns of the county. The former shacks and other such housing had been replaced with a row of low rise but well built wooden houses all tough cheaper housing remained available near the harbour. As of now the only building made of stone where your castle, the church and the foundations of the harbour. You had the small forest to the east of the place cut down for timber for the new houses and a new palisade as a measure of defence.

The demographics of Rittersbach where also chancing from a population primarily consisting of peasants and the craftsmen such as the miller,blacksmith, carpenter and other such profession that supported them. Slowly more specialised professions such as woodcarvers,Textile weavers and others. What could not be locally made was imported by a growing group of merchants that stopped by here to resupply on their way to or form Libau. The new bridge also helped in that matter.

Rittersbach was slowly growing both in population and wealth. And if this trend continued soon it would grow in influence as well. The first guilds might start to be formed and together with the merchants would start bothering you about granting them charters for the formation of a city and giving them a council and thing such as fairs and markets. If you wished to be ahead of the curve. it would wise to grant them a something to facilitate growth and keep them content.

Is there something you would like to bestow upon Rittersbach
>Grant a city charter,formally separating Ritterbach from the castellany system and allow them to form a city council
>Proclaim that the square in may be used for a weekly market.(choose a working day to hold it on)
>Declare that all those who are born and currently live in Rittersbach are hereby freed from servitude to their lord.

Is there anything would you like to build
>Build a barracks in the castle
>Build a new stable in the castle
>Build a monument in the town square
>Expand the church
>Have the square paved
>Write-in
>>
>>5516933
>>Grant a city charter,formally separating Ritterbach from the castellany system and allow them to form a city council
>Build a barracks in the castle
>Have the square paved
>>
>>5516933
>Grant a city charter,formally separating Ritterbach from the castellany system and allow them to form a city council
>Expand the church
Gotta start satisfying the clergy before they also become a pressence too.
>>
>>5516933
>Grant a city charter,formally separating Ritterbach from the castellany system and allow them to form a city council
>Expand the church
>Have the square paved
>>
>>5516933
>>Proclaim that the square in may be used for a weekly market.(choose a working day to hold it on)

City charter? We don't need to empower those pesky burghers too much.

>>Have the square paved
>>
>>5516987
>>5517091
>>5517118
Paving over the now still dirt square in front of the square would be beneficial for both commerce and transportation. It would also look much better and would not make people walk in the mud when the fall rains would come. It would also most likely become a more attractive potential home for the affluent residents.

The creation and bestowing of a city charter with various rights is no light matter and would be something to peer more closely

The town was beginning to expand rapidly and as such it's religious needs would need to be looked after. Currently the small church was already bursting from the people visiting. While this was not of personal effect to you (You had your private chapel for yourself and the court, which currently just consisted of you and the heads of the servants, as well as the court chaplain of course.)

So you went to discuss the matter with the priest, father Gerhard who by all accounts, is a nice and pious enough man but also one who is easily spooked. As you came into the currently empty church you noticed there was nobody there neither the priest nor his deacon. So one of you bodyguards slammed his poleaxe on the wooden floor announcing your presence. The answer came into the form of girlish scream and a another voice hushing it then one of the side doors opens and the priest trembled out followed by the very tired looking deacon.

''Oh oh oh no ehm ehm it's the count, the count is here Markwald!''

''Yes, father Gerhard, a most astute observation. The count is indeed in the building.''

''Oh you snide little.. erhm, forgive me s-sire it is just that I erhm well you see I was not here because the dining table was broken a-and well we where repairing it and w-well. I eh c-could you please tell the reason for your visit?''

(Cont)
>>
>>5517278
''I have noticed that the church is currently unable to support the population of the town as such I would like to expand the church to better accommodate the pious.'' You replied

''O-oh that most but er well you see erm...'' He then looked as if he sallowed and entire apple down this throat.'' The archbishopric is looking to create new bishoprics in the region and ehm well it would be a great boon if you could persuade the sitting archbishop to come here and choose this sit as the seat of a new bishop.''

''Yes I understand I shall write his eminence the archbishop who also is my much beloved granduncle. Now then if there nothing else father I have to write a city charter.'' And you left the church once more.

''D-did he just say c-city.'' the Father whispered to the deacon.

Back at the castle you where already thinking about what should be in the charter aside from the obvious right to elect a council and one of their own to burgermeister of the city.
>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle.
>The right for the council to appoint it's own judiciary.

How would you define the qualification for burghership?
>One would need to live a year and a day within city boundaries. and pay a modest sum
>One must life and work within the city for at least two years
>A special sum is required to allow for burghership
>>
>>5517280
>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle.
>One must life and work within the city for at least two years
>>
>>5517284
Meant to vote only for the militia.
Althoug I suppose the taxes could help the concil afford to pay better guards.
>>
Damn, missed a vote. Was hoping to avoid giving the burghers more autonomy, well not too much more anyways. Allowing those who make it to this city to be free from serfdom is all well in good, from what I understand it attracted immigration to cities from fleeing serfs who wanted freedom, but I'd still want them to owe us like a months worth of labour for defence or dedicating construction projects. Too late now I guess.

>>5517280
>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle.

This is potentially quite dangerous, but I'd like to think that any corruption might be evened out by the increase in tax revenue being encouraged by the council actually being incentivised to increase the city's productivity. While giving potentially rebellious underlings their own military force also carries a risk, it gives us additional military power that we technically aren't paying for out of our own pocket and that they are obligated to provide us.

>One must life and work within the city for at least two years

No paying for the privilege, and it is important that they must both live and work in the city. The city has to mean something to them, they can't be some lazy noble on vacation in our city just living there off our dime or something, we want people are actually have skills and care about the city they are in.
>>
>>5517280
>>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.

>>One must life and work within the city for at least two years
>>
>>5517280
>>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>>One must life and work within the city for at least two years

The city watch can be payed, recruited and trained by us. Just deliver all the money, always.
Military power in your own core territory is paramount (In this case our capital, and our own direct lands). It must remain under us.
>>
>>5517280
>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle

>One must life and work within the city for at least two years
>>
>>5517280
>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle.
>One would need to live a year and a day within city boundaries. and pay a modest sum
>>
test
>>
>>5517280
>>The right to collect taxes on your behalf to raise money for both yourself and the city council.
>>The right to their own city watch to act as an auxiliary to your own garrison in the castle.

>One must life and work within the city for at least two years
>>
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>>5518038
We, the count Dietrich von Adlershorst, count of Grünwald. To all those may read or hear of this accountant salutations. We do hereby bestow upon the loyal and productive people of the village of Rittersbach. It has become clear to us that the contributions and continued loyalty must rewarded in a manner most appropriate. Therefore in our capacity as the count and lord of the land we do hereby bestow upon the village of Rittersbach the following rights and privileges. Firstly it has been proven that Ritterbach has been loyal and useful enough to our continued prosperity and good humours that we hereby bestow Rittersbach the right to call itself a city as well as allowing it to from a council to govern the city in our place. Secondly we hereby grant the council the authority to collect taxes within the city boundaries on our behalf, both for our own and the councils expenses. Thirdly we bestow the council to recruit amongst their own city watch or guard to defend the city in times of war or to keep public order in times of times. Now we shall define the definitions and qualifications of citizenship for the city, all those who work and live within the borders of the city for at least two years shall be named burgher. Furthermore this burghership shall remain hereditary for as long as the family maintains their household within the city. Burghers are forbidden from becoming serf of any lord and are to pay their taxes to council. Lastly we do hereby bestow upon Rittersbach a final boon, it own coat of arms as a final show of gratitude.

Was signed, Dietrich von Adlershorst, count of Grünwald by grace of the gods.

You then poured wax over the charter and sealed it with your signet ring. You then hung a bit back in your chair. Was this even such a good idea? would thet not simply gain more in influence? You heard stories that lords and bishop and even the emperor of Tautenland sometimes gave cities more privileges in exchange for monetary compensation. Further south still some cities were completely free of liege lords and governed themselves! Although the patrician families amongst them practically dominated their politics. Oh no matter you where always closely nearby to keep an eye on the city in any case and if you plans succeeded a new bishop within the city would hamper the influence considering who controlled the church in these parts yes a prominent spiritual power to balance out the temporal power would prove most prudent.

Time to ask a favour of your political mentor, patron and granduncle then.
>Send a letter to him asking him to come to Rittersbach, away from the intrigue of Libau
>Send a letter announcing your visit
>Go to Libau unannounced, time is of the essence
>>
>>5518069
>>Send a letter to him asking him to come to Rittersbach, away from the intrigue of Libau
>>
>>5518069
>Go to Libau unannounced, time is of the essence
>>
>>5518069
>Send a letter announcing your visit
>>
>>5518069
>>Go to Libau unannounced, time is of the essence
>>
>>5518069
>>Send a letter to him asking him to come to Rittersbach, away from the intrigue of Libau
>>
>>5518069
>>Go to Libau unannounced, time is of the essence
>>
>>5518069
>>Go to Libau unannounced, time is of the essence
>>
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>>5518122
>>5518206
>>5518246
>>5518283
This was no light matter. The establishment of a bishop would in your city would be a massive impulse for the city and land. The bishop would bring an virtual army of priests,deacons,monks and other members of the clergy. So off to Libau it was. You rode quickly, taking only a small escort of two horsemen with you. Because you left early in the morning you arrived at Libau at about 10 o'clock in the morning. The city was as bustling with activity as ever for it was the biggest city in the region counting at least 10.000 inhabits in it self. You noticed that some men where busy plastering the walls of the city turning it from a city with a brick red wall into a vague beige-whitish colour that hid both brick and mortar.

You continued on through the dirt and the paved streets to the building right across the cathedral. Trough it's gate into the courtyard of the episcopal palace. The chamberlain whose was walking under the internal arcade of the palace when he spotted you and walked towards you.

''Forgive me my lord but we not made privy to your arrival, still the archbishop in attendance in the great hall if you wish to meet follow me.''

And after a walk trough some corridors and empty rooms the chamberlain had the doors of the great hall and slammed his staff upon the flour.

''Count Dietrich von Adlershorst of Grünwald.''

''So my good count, I must say that this visit is a most pleasant surprise. What bring thee to mine palace?''

''I have many things to discuss with thou such as the location of the seat of a new bishop, your eminence.''

''As I have with you, come let us discuss this in private.''

And the two of you left for a small side chamber to speak in detail.

''So you decided to pester your poor old granduncle about a placing of a new bishop hmm. I have only one thing to say against such blatant abuse of ones ties to his family and church. And that is I am proud, for a moment I had thought that you content to play merely count in Grünwald and that you had no interest in the world beyond it. Not to worry I am as much guilty of nepotism as you are, and form what I remember the ground there is hard enough to actually support the weight of a cathedral, so it all works out. But now that you are here you might as well come take a look at something I have had made for you. Something that is perhaps crucial for the rest of your life. Come.''

And he opened another door
>>
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>>5518452
''If you would just follow me.'' he said '' to this room.''

It was an empty room painted red. There was not much of not in the room save for the painting covered with a heavy cloth to protect it from the sun.

''You know Dietrich, there is something, you see, You already have secured the reign of your fiefdom almost all matters save for one matter, succession.'' You began looking around a bit uncomfortably, you knew where this was going. And you could nearly guess what was behind the cloth.

''I have discussed this matter at length with your father and mother trough correspondence and they have asked me to select some appropriate young ladies whom would be suitable to court and marry. Let's not dance around the contents of the painting any longer shall we? please, pull it off.''

A bit nervously you took the cloth, and with your hand, pulled.

You took a short look at the four women portrayed.Albrecht decided to describe the four. ''The girl in the red dress with black hair is Konstanze von Blaubaum, an erudite young lady with a preference for scholarship,quilting and playing chess. She is a however a tad bit shy and in general. And as such does not talk much in the presence of others.''

''The lady in the green cloak and with blond hair. is Sophie von der gernwallen. She could perhaps be best described as the opposite of Frau von Blaublaum, as she prefers horse-riding,strolling through forests and perhaps a bit unorthodoxly archery. As you might have guessed she is into interests most unbecoming of a noble lady.''

''The maiden in the purple cloak and with brown hair is Helmine von Possenhofen. A social one if there ever was one. At her home there are many an exotic good and luxury available to her family. Her hobbies include dancing, gossiping and quilting. She would however bring over her lifestyle to your court which would most likely be very exquisite and expensive.''

''The dame in the blue dress and red hair is Eleonora von Fuchsbau, also bit of an unusual specimen, she actually served a short while as regent for her younger brother until his coming of age. If you whish for certain that you whish for a spouse who knows how to run a fief she is your choice, do no however think the that she will simply obey as much of the others. She already tasted of power and would be very eager for some the responsibilities

''Now I recommend you to return to Rittersbach and host an event to lure the ladies and their families to you..''

''Yes a ah good idea.'' you said slightly flabbergasted.

Still as you saddled up once more ideas began forming.
What would you like to host?
>A tournament
>A ball
>A feast
>write-in
>>
>>5518492
>A feast
I like how Konstanze looks
>>
>>5518492
>>A feast
>>5518497
Agreed.
>>5518452
This image looks like a proper medieval manuscript image. Just their goofy poses makes it charming, good job QM.
>>
>>5518492
>A tournament
>>
>>5518492
>>A tournament

We might even have the added benefit of attracting a few skilled fighting men to our banner
>>
>>5518492
>>A tournament
I love Granduncle's face btw, very bishop like + I can see the family resemblence.
>>
>>5518492
>A tournament

Huh, they could all compliment us well, but we'll have to meet them and figure out the details to be sure.
>>
>>5518521
>>5518586
>>5518605
>>5518679
A tournament would be a perfect opportunity to know the fair young ladies better, it would also be the perfect cover for it. As most would just see it as a great sport event. Still once you got back from Libau into Rittersbach. You realised that aside from the invitations and pamphlets to attract knights-errant and hedge knights. (And also entertainers, as troubadour, minstrels and other such people. It would take up a lot time to do and prepare. First you would need to choose some competitions for them to participate in.

Pick three competitions to host.
>The joust, recently having unhorsed the melee as the prime attraction in the tournament ground. The joust which originally was developed to train knights in cavalry combat. Has since become a much more sporting and less deadly event with specially made lances and more tightly enforced rules. Knighted individuals only.
>The melee-team form, the classic. The former king of the tournament ground and still much beloved by those who prefer their feet on the ground. Two teams form on opposite ends of the ground like armies(And with non-deadly weaponry) and then fight it out. The prize money is then divided under the winners. Nobles only.
>The melee-free for all. Invented by recent innovations in armour design all participants fight each other until the last man standing. Nobles only.
>Archery. the main ranged competition and one of the few open to commoners. The participants shoot at targets one by one and accumulate points. The winner is the one with most points. No crossbows allowed, open to all.
>Horse racing, a simpler sport but still entertaining. The riders run or more rounds across the tournament ground with the winner being the first to finish. Open to all.

Aside from the competition you could also hire some special entertainers for the occasion, aside from the ones that will come them self (choose two)
>Goz-Ulgar the orc with the dancing bear:Bulgo
>Unareal's acrobatics company
>Felding Leftfoot and the halfling pipers
>The Wolfgang Eisenhauer acting troupe
>None I will rely upon the entertaineres that will come themselves
>>
>>5519236
>>The joust, recently having unhorsed the melee as the prime attraction in the tournament ground. The joust which originally was developed to train knights in cavalry combat. Has since become a much more sporting and less deadly event with specially made lances and more tightly enforced rules. Knighted individuals only.
>>The melee-team form, the classic. The former king of the tournament ground and still much beloved by those who prefer their feet on the ground. Two teams form on opposite ends of the ground like armies(And with non-deadly weaponry) and then fight it out. The prize money is then divided under the winners. Nobles only.
>>The melee-free for all. Invented by recent innovations in armour design all participants fight each other until the last man standing. Nobles only.

A classic, but for a good reason : ).

>>Felding Leftfoot and the halfling pipers
>>The Wolfgang Eisenhauer acting troupe

Not big on dancing bears desu, I always feel bad for them
>>
>>5519236
>The joust, recently having unhorsed the melee as the prime attraction in the tournament ground. The joust which originally was developed to train knights in cavalry combat. Has since become a much more sporting and less deadly event with specially made lances and more tightly enforced rules. Knighted individuals only.
>The melee-team form, the classic. The former king of the tournament ground and still much beloved by those who prefer their feet on the ground. Two teams form on opposite ends of the ground like armies(And with non-deadly weaponry) and then fight it out. The prize money is then divided under the winners. Nobles only.
>Archery. the main ranged competition and one of the few open to commoners. The participants shoot at targets one by one and accumulate points. The winner is the one with most points. No crossbows allowed, open to all.
A mix of new, traditional and even something for everyone.

>Unareal's acrobatics company
>The Wolfgang Eisenhauer acting troupe
Acrobats can be quite fun
>>
>>5519236
>>The joust, recently having unhorsed the melee as the prime attraction in the tournament ground. The joust which originally was developed to train knights in cavalry combat. Has since become a much more sporting and less deadly event with specially made lances and more tightly enforced rules. Knighted individuals only.
>The melee-team form, the classic. The former king of the tournament ground and still much beloved by those who prefer their feet on the ground. Two teams form on opposite ends of the ground like armies(And with non-deadly weaponry) and then fight it out. The prize money is then divided under the winners. Nobles only.
>Horse racing, a simpler sport but still entertaining. The riders run or more rounds across the tournament ground with the winner being the first to finish. Open to all.

>Goz-Ulgar the orc with the dancing bear:Bulgo
>The Wolfgang Eisenhauer acting troupe
>>
>>5518492
I am begging you to use spellchecker.
>>
>>5519362
Support
>>
>>5519236
>Archery. the main ranged competition and one of the few open to commoners. The participants shoot at targets one by one and accumulate points. The winner is the one with most points. No crossbows allowed, open to all.
>The melee-team form, the classic. The former king of the tournament ground and still much beloved by those who prefer their feet on the ground. Two teams form on opposite ends of the ground like armies(And with non-deadly weaponry) and then fight it out. The prize money is then divided under the winners. Nobles only.
>The joust, recently having unhorsed the melee as the prime attraction in the tournament ground. The joust which originally was developed to train knights in cavalry combat. Has since become a much more sporting and less deadly event with specially made lances and more tightly enforced rules. Knighted individuals only.
It gives the chances to find out exceptional individuals of all kinds.
>Felding Leftfoot and the halfling pipers
>Unareal's acrobatics company
>>
>>5519362
>>5519383
>>5519443
>>5519316
>>5519419
A most wondrous idea came into your mind as you thought of events to host. There would be three main events: The joust for knights form all corners of the land and beyond, the melee for knights, un-knighted nobles and squires and lastly a open competition for archery in which anyone may participate as too give the commoners something to compete in. For interludes and pauses you had hired the Wolfgang Eisenhauer acting troupe, (a famous acting group renowned for their comedies) and Unareal's acrobatics company (an group of professional elven acrobats, capable of things humans would break their bones doing.)

There would also be entertainers of lesser fame and peddlers and (probably) a few pickpockets. But your guards would provide security, both around the tents,tourney grounds and, if the combatants could not be trusted to keep to the rules, escort them of the grounds.

Still there was a small thing missing was there not? Something to truly attract knights from far and near. Obviously the joust would be the finale of the tournament and the winner should receive the grand prize so what would it be?

What would be the grand prize to win?
>A hefty monetary sum
>A favour from the count (must be called upon within a year)
>A free enchantment service given by the court mage
>A specially crafted weapon
>>
>>5519684
>A free enchantment service given by the court mage
>>
>>5519684
>>A specially crafted weapon
>>
>>5519684
>>A specially crafted weapon
>>
>>5519684
>>A hefty monetary sum
>>
>>5519684
>A specially crafted weapon
>>
>>5519684
>A free enchantment service given by the court mage
>>
>>5519684
>>A hefty monetary sum
>>
>>5519862
>>5519703
>>5519904
A grand weapon for the worthy knight would be a fine prize and something you cloud get your hands on. And doing so you went to the ''most worshipfull and productive smihts's guild'' To commision a special weapon for the winner of the tourney. Still, you still had to specify to the master smiths what kind of weapon you wished made.

Should it be ceremonial or practical?
>A knight needs a weapon that works, something practical
>An engraved and richly decorated weapon would make a grand prize, make it ceremonial

What type of weapon should be?
>A sword
>A axe
>A mace
>A poleaxe
>A spear
>A lance
>>
>>5520642
>>A knight needs a weapon that works, something practical
>A axe
>>
>>5520642
>An engraved and richly decorated weapon would make a grand prize, make it ceremonial
>A sword
>>
>>5520642
>>A knight needs a weapon that works, something practical
>>An axe
>>
>>5520731
>An engraved and richly decorated weapon would make a grand prize, make it ceremonial
>A sword
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5520706
>>5520731
>>5520737
>>5520816
1: Ceremonial sword
2: War-axe
>>
>>5520964
You made up your mind and decided upon a war-axe for the winner. To get such a prize you went the ''Most worshipful and productive brotherhood of st.Gentar'' or put in more plain language the smith's guild of the city. At the guildhall you commissioned the master smiths to create a weapon worthy of the knight who would win it . After you had been assured that it would be ready to before the tourney; you went and ironed out the last details for the tourney by ensuring enough food and drink was available to the visitors.

About a week before the official start of the tournament the first visitors begun to trickle in. They where mostly merchant,troubadours and other such wandering figures hoping to make a profit out of the gathering of many people from across the land. The richer among them choose to stay in the inns and taverns of Rittersbach.

Three days before the start of the tournament the first men one could call knights started to appear and began to set up the colour rich tents around the tournament grounds. In the following days more and more knights,foreign and domestic,hedge-knights and knights-errant came. The result of so many different heraldic devices was one of the most colourful sights you had ever seen. Around the tourney grounds had arisen a city mode of cloth net your city of wood and stone. Soon the people you had hoped for showed up; the families of the ladies you where shown, but also their chaperones so you could not make it too wild.

A suprise for you was that the day before the tournament started your granduncle Albrecht showed up. Although he had chosen to forsake his mitre and robes for the clothing of a rich city patrician; with only his jewellery betraying his status as member of the clergy. You yourself however had to wear your very best for the occasion: your blue herigaut with ermine fur at the collar and cuffs, white breeches and for jewellery the silver livery collar your court mage gave you and you signet ring. You also wore a new hat, a gift from the tailor's guild to show your willingness to cooperate with the city's guilds. (It also complimented the rest of your outfit)

As you waited for the first event to start you stroke up a conversation with your granduncle.
''I had not expected to see you here, granduncle. I thought that the clergy normally eschewed these violent events.''

''Listen now young man I have seen enough violence in my lifetime already that I am not going to pretend it does not exist now. I was not always the archbishop; I was there when the crusade tamed this seventy years ago was in full swing. I have seen enough violence in it for me to not ignore it.''
>>
>>5521020
Before you could answer your herald announced the start of the archery contest.

And you saw the archers draw the bows. And then they fired, the arrows sang their song of death trough the skies before they plunged deep into the straw targets. This would go on for a while with each round eliminating at least one contestant before moving one; if it became rather boring you could unfortunately not leave your chair but you cloud do something else.

Did you do something else?
>No, I watched the archery competition until the end
>Yes, I continued my conversation with Albrecht
>Yes I decided if I could take a look at how the ladies where doing from my chair
>>
>>5521022
>No, I watched the archery competition until the end
>>
>>5521022
>>Yes, I continued my conversation with Albrecht
>>
>>5521022
>>Yes, I continued my conversation with Albrecht
The crusade sounds like a cool topic.
>>
>>5521022
>>No, I watched the archery competition until the end

Perhaps we might be able to poach a few skilled archers from the better contestants.

I'm game for putting a few hedge knights on retainer as well if possible
>>
>>5521022
>Yes, I continued my conversation with Albrecht

We can ask the ladies in person whether they enjoyed it or not. Or whether they enjoyed it for the spectacle, out of genuine interest in the nuances of the martial arts, or out a penchant for fantasizing about muscular men hitting each other and shooting stuff.

If our ranger dude is here then he'd be better suited to determine whether or not there are archers worthy of recruiting among this lot. We can talk with him later. Don't ignore our honoured guest.
>>
>>5521546
>If our ranger dude is here then he'd be better suited to determine whether or not there are archers worthy of recruiting among this lot.
That's a fair point
>>5521022
I'm changing my vote to
>Yes, I continued my conversation with Albrecht
Let's talk about these crusade
>>
>>5521546
I forgot we had a ranger I suppose, I'll swap to talking to our granduncle as well then.

>>5521438
>>
>>5521175
>>5521324
>>5521546
>>5521563
>>5521622
Getting rather bored; rather than insulting both crowd and contestants why going somewhere else you instead decided to continue the conversation you had with your granduncle.

''So, as you where saying granduncle. You where part of the crusade?.'' you asked.

''Yes, I was. About seventy years ago the holy conclave of the twelve declared that the order of the argent star; which had previously already conquered and converted Vollingen, was to initiate the second phase of the great northern crusade together with the Nordthal kings and the king of Mozolavia against the pagan and orc tribes to put an end towards the raids form these parts. In the begging the knights used both the lands to the south and Libau; donated as an outpost by one of the Nordthal kings to assist with supplying the crusade.''

'I do not wish to interrupt, but where were you during all this?''

Me? I was wasting my youth away in some forgotten abbey for about three years at that point; when the order came recruiting for priests and monks with experience or training in combat. Naturally I jumped at chance to leave that dusty old abbey behind me and go there where glory,honour,gold and women where to be won.''

He smiled at the outing of these most un-priestly ambitions.

''I was quite the young rascal in those days. Anyways, after arriving here I was made part of an army that was to do battle with an pagan host upon an open field. It was my first taste of war and it was one of those things that was exciting and horrifying at the same time: The screams,the horns, the drums and the metal smell of blood. Our armoured footmen and horsemen crushed them when we were upon an open field. But in the forest where we would have to form long narrow lines to go through them; they struck with cunning at brutality. And before the rest us had gathered to retaliate they vanished into the forest. It was the begging of a long and bloody game, they would grow confident enough to face us upon an open field, we trampled them, we cashed them into the woods and there we slowly bled until we retreated.''

''Some of the knight-wizards amongst the order decided to break the stalemate by burning down the forest. To this end the alchemists created an concoction of extremely flammable liquid for those without any wizards nearby we called it ''Teubelsfeuer'' (devil's fire). The results were both effective and gruesome. The forest here used to be connected you know, that ended when we set it ablaze. It broke the human and half-orc pagans into compliance and many an orc and half-orc tribe fled east. Into the lands of Vat. The ''Teubelsfeuer was used one more time after that. At the great orc stronghold of Zelkre, Most forts where easy for us to take. But this one was different, made out of stone rather than wood. But it roofs and floor where still made out of wood so we decided to smoke them out.

(cont)
>>
>>5521971
''The stronghold and the fields surrounding it where scorched to such an extant that we decided to rename the site to Graufeld for it's grey fields. After that most remaining resistance slowly crumbled when word spread of our deeds. I was glad it was al over after that. It took us four years to conquer these lands and it took us another ten years to thoroughly pacify the place. It was not pretty and we all did things we were and were not proud of. War is not pretty Dietrich nor is it as glorious as the tales sometimes tell, but there were other more pleasant things, camaraderie,unity and a scene of destiny.''

He had paused for a bit if you where to ask any questions, now would be the time.
>What happened to the Teubelsfeuer?
>Are you the only veteran left?
>Who were the great heroes of the war?
>Write-in
>>
>>5521981
>The tribes that fled east, do we know if they thrived in their new home? Will we have to crusade again, further east, finish what was started? What of the pagans still in the hinterland that felled the grandmaster and the previous baron from whom I inherited my current position, should we worry about them?
>What happened to the Teubelsfeuer?
>Are any great heroes or veterans of the crusade among our opposition in the Argent Stars?
>>
>>5521991
+1
>>
>>5521991
Support
Also uncle looked like a chad in his younger years
>>
>>5521991
Sound good support
We might learn something
>>
>>5521991
>>5522026
>>5522088
>>5522110
''The tribes that fled east, do we know if they thrived in their new home? Will we have to crusade again, further east, finish what was started? What of the pagans still in the hinterland that felled the grandmaster and the previous baron from whom I inherited my current position, should we worry about them?'' you asked

'' I would not any more concerned than normal about the tribes that fled east; the lands of Vat are harsh,unforgiving and it is already filled with orcs,humans and other beings who do not take kindly to outsiders. Perhaps if they where to unite they could pose a threat to us. As for crusading? no I do not think that will be necessary anymore. The last of the great pagan realms, the kingdom of viskara converted about 48 years ago. And they have done a most excellent job subjugating the tribes to our east; I suppose it is because both are used to fighting in the woods. No, it is the future of the order itself I am concerned about, there no more land to crusade into. And the younger generations of knights concern themselves more with playing politics with our neighbours more than their religious duty; instead of supporting other holy causes such as the sanguinary crusade, they sit in their castle scheming with themselves and others. No the age of the crusader is coming to an end. Especially after the disaster at Macilar.

'' Oh, but what about those pagans that killed the grandmaster and Pflugfeld?''

''Those two where always causing trouble with the neighbouring kingdoms, and honestly speaking. The idea that they where killed by leftover pagans is simply the most conventional theory. The only facts we have is that they where killed somewhere near the eastern borders. And that there were no witnesses or survivors. Simply put it could have been anyone but nobody really knows.''

''And what happened to the teubelsfeuer? Is it still around?''

''No, all of the teubelsfeuer was ordered destroyed by grandmaster Konrad von Vogelwald. Most of us began to feel doubts at the use of this weapon and if it was a good thing to use. Vogelwald decided to destroy all of it because he felt disgusted by the use of it. Later on the conclave decided to unanimously ban any further production or research into the subject. And burned any and all recipes mentioning it. All the alchemist involved in the process were forced to swear to never teach or produce it ever again. Only the Mithradics still have their own less advanced version.''

''Where there many an great war hero in the order during crusade?'' you asked once more

''Plenty, you had Heinrich with the horn, Ehrenfried the red-stained and plenty more. The only one who is currently alive is 98. But his father was an elf so he will be fine for the next 60 years or so. His name is Augustin Ulme.''

''Wait if his father was an elf how come he has a human name?.''

(Cont)
>>
>>5522265
''He never talked about it honestly,and I found un-polite to ask. Anyways he is practically retired now. Decided to leave the order and start an orchard if you believe it or not; I suppose he has earned his retirement''

In the background the arrows still flew and the public cheered

''Then what did they do earn their fame?''

''Heinrich with the horn was an prolific hunter and knew everything about the terrain of the forest. He was one of the few crusaders able to beat the pagans in their home woods. Ehrenfried the red-stained was called that because he single-handedly cleared an entire corridor of enemies trough his wit and strength. When the others found him his black surcoat so thorough bloodstained that he earned that nick name. And Augustin managed to rout the last great orc host by leading a brilliant charge of horseman and knights into their flank. Forcing the orcs to fall back into Zelkre''

Did you have any more questions?
>Why is the order's future concerning?
>The Mithradics? what about them?.
>Is the teubelfeuer truly lost?
>The sanguinary crusade? What was that?
>Write-in
>>
File: The orderstate.png (75 KB, 600x700)
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I also hereby reveal the national map of the order
>>
>>5522281
>The sanguinary crusade? What was that?
My bet is that the mithradics are byzantines, viskara is poland, teubelfeuer is greek fire and that the order is becoming too temporal, kinda like the teutonic order just turing into prussian nobility.
I only really want to know ether the sanguinary is a crusade to jerulasem or the reconquista.
>>
>>5522282
Oh nevermind, Mozolabia is probably Poland, and Viskara should be Lithuania
I know this is all fantasy, but I like trying to deduce things
>>
>>5522281
>Why is the order's future concerning?
>The Mithradics? what about them?
>The sanguinary crusade? What was that?
>What can you tell me of the disaster of Macilar ?
>Perhaps for this very reason Vat should be invaded, if our knights are starting to care less and less about the faith those tribes will be left to remain pagan. If not that, what else could be done for rekindle their faith ?
>>
>>5522282
Were is our position in the greater map ? I know is south of Libau (the city under our Granduncle) on the river correct ?
>>
>>5522434
To the southeast by the river bent. I will point at in another map
>>
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>>5522434
>>
>>5522438
>>5522439
Cool thk
>>
>>5522281
Support >>5522430
>>
>>5522430
I'll support a lore dump as well if qm is up to it
>>
>>5522430
>>5522593
>>5522859
''Why is the future of the order concerning?''

''Allow me to explain, here, in the north. The old values of chivalry still hold true within the knights hearts. Down south, where the most developed estates and cities are has slowly made the order more and more indulgent over the years. Noble and patrician boys buy their way into comfortable position. Both here and in the chapter-houses in Tautenland. It is a crusader order that can no longer crusade. A split has begun to appear between the poorer, rural knights in the north and the rich,urban knights in the south. The new grandmaster is also a impatient hothead who has already antagonised multiple rich cities in the south, and I fear that he would use us as a source of funds to put them back in place. In short, it is my belief that the order is going trough a identity crisis. And that something is brewing underneath the noses of the knights.'

''You also talked about the Mithradics? What about them?''

The living proof one needs not to be an elf to full of yourself. The greatest bunch of haughty jackasses to ever have been in this continent. Or at least so I have heard. I have never been there myself, according to the Mithradic history; it was the last of the Isadorian provinces still standing after the purge of the bloodline. The provincial legate-general Ioannes Kiposmelies proclaimed himself emperor of the a exiled Isadorian government. From the city of Mithras, hence leading to it's name of the Mithradic empire. According to the records it is said to be a magnificent city, with canals,domes and great palaces the island upon which it is located is surrounded by two bigger islands. Both connected by great sluices which keep out foreigners and pirates both. It has remained in self imposed isolation for the last 200 years and no foreigner is allowed to enter on pain of death. The only thing to come out of it are letters demanding the emperor of Tautenland to stop using the title; which has been going on for the last 270 years.''

''What was the sanguinary crusade?''

''About five teen years before your birth a horrible secret of the nobility of Corbilia was revealed.'' Corbilia you thought, that land was even poorer in soil than Fluddenmark and even more heavily forested than Vollingen. The only product of note was it's hard, fireproof wood. ''When a band of adventures testified in front of the conclave that the rulers of Corbilia were vampires who engaged in necromancy and impaled the living for amusement. In response the conclave ordered the creation of the fifth great knightly order: the order of the crimson sun. From what I have heard the fighting was even more brutal than here. Hundreds of crusaders,priests,adventures and mercenaries against the undaed. But eventually they were victorious over the lords of blood and night; but not before the humiliation at Macilar''
>>
>>5523381
'' At macilar, the order of the crimson sun was ambushed and nearly killed to a man by the undead. Apparently the vampires had bribed one of the crusading knights who was there on his own. Afterwards the conclave doubled down on the crusade and had the order disbanded due to lack of manpower. They later avenged Macilar by forcing the commanding vampire to drink from a diseased and bloated corpse, painfully killing him. Still,nobody knows where the traitor went or who he actually was.''

''Perhaps for this very reason Vat should be invaded, if our knights are starting to care less and less about the faith those tribes will be left to remain pagan. If not that, what else could be done for rekindle their faith?''

A short chuckle came as the reply.

''Do you not think that if the knights wished to invade Vat if the could or wanted to? No, Vat is a bitter,empty and vast land and to get there you would have to go through Viskara and republic of Trogograd. Both of which refuse entry to knights because of grievances in the past. Even if the way was clear, only the conclave may order a crusade and they have not agreed upon anything for the last few years not since the last pontiff died at least.''

Did you have any more questions
>Why is the conclave so divided?
>Trogograd? Tell me more.
>The Isadorians? who where they?.
>What was the purge of the bloodline
>Why does the emperor of Mithras demand the emperor of Tautenland to stop using the title.
>Write-in
>>
>>5523396
>>Why is the conclave so divided?
>>Trogograd? Tell me more.
>>
>>5523396
I could listen to lore dumps for hours.

>Why is the conclave so divided?
>Trogograd? Tell me more.
>The Isadorians? who where they?.
>What was the purge of the bloodline
>Why does the emperor of Mithras demand the emperor of Tautenland to stop using the title.

>Phew, I've asked a lot of questions and no doubt parched your throat by letting you talk overlong without good conversation in return or drink to slake your thirst. Wine, grand-uncle?

Suffer QM, write me my lore!
>>
File: The continent of Argalis.png (1.13 MB, 3633x3404)
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>>5523427
Sure,but you suffer my mapmaking skills
>>
>>5523478
It's beautiful.
>>
>>5523427
+1 for lore dump to make QM suffer
>>
>>5523427
''But why then? Why is the holy conclave divided?

''Politics as per usual. It is custom for the Cardinal-prelates (The formal title of each of leaders of an individual sect) to rotate the position of pontiff amongst themselves to keep balance within the conclave of the twelve. For this to happen a candite most be elected with a two-thirds majority. More and more the conclave has become the playing board whereupon the patricians of the holy city of Portemosa play against each other. The Cardinal-prelates are played out against each other for their own games; rumours are emperor Friedrich II of Tauten,king Francois IV of Aurilie and queen Alienór I of Venautra are planning a expedition into Castana to force the issue to be resolved or else.''

''What is this Trogograd you speak of?'

''Trogograd is the living proof even an orc can be civilised. It is the trading post into the land of Vat and home to about 12000 souls. It's orcs primarily work in the metal and lumber industry for a profit and the tribes surrounding the city are more passive than most others.''

''The Isadorians? who where they again?''

''According to many the Isadorian empire was the greatest realm to have ever existed upon this continent and even the world. Founded by Isador I after conquering most of the area between Mithras and Aurilie as his everlasting legacy. Isador I was the first of the great Sorcerer-emperors and reigned for about 120 years. I will abbreviate a bit so we can get to good stuff. Around 300 years before the start of our modern calendar; during the reign of emperor Celestinius III word came south to his court that massive hordes of Tauten tribes where fleeing to the borders of the realm due to an unexplained threat. When his son Isador was sent north to investigate what happened he met the so called maiden of the pale moonlight. The elven princess Miraneal of the snowglades. Considered the greatest beauty of her era; she was sent south to appeal to the one whom the elfs called ''The lord of the high men.'' I hope you can guess who that was; most this stuff comes from a romanticised history so take it with a bit of salt. Anyways, she was taken to the imperial court and explained what had happened: An extremely brutal and cunning warlord had emerged from the far north, who in imperial records was recorded as Scilirion the Blackwind. His rise coincided with the failure of nearly all prayers to the old gods. Which left Celestinius confused, after 200 years of piously and peacefully doing his duty the gods would surly not abandon him? He then discovered a horrid truth. The old gods had warred amongst themselves and had damaged themselves so much that they could no longer keep the planes in balance which had lead to more powerful magic; thanks to which each emperor after the last reigned longer and longer. Celestinius now understood why and mobilised his legions across the empire to stop this warlord. (cont)
>>
>>5523499
''In the meantime Isador(the prince,not the first emperor) reigned in his fathers stead at court and listened most eagerly to Miraneal's songs of sorrow and grief for her homeland under siege and the blockaded dwarven strongholds. Can you guess what happened next?''

''Of course a good story has both love and tragedy so when Celestinius met Scilirion in battle poor Celestinius was defeated and killed in the battle of the frozen fields for Scilirion used his skill with magic to freeze over the seas the cross his armies and crushed the Isadorian armies at the coast. When he learned of this Isador naturraly swore vengeance upon Scilirion and began too build a new army. Isador, now emperor Isador VI was a lot calmer and patient than his father; and spent time meeting with nearly everybody who would ally with him to stop Scilirion.''

And so came the pact of the twelve with many a great hero featured: emperor Isador,princess Miraneal,king Ungberto of the southern dwarfs.knight-paladin Urius, king Feänir of the Gilded wood, the last of the dragonic monarchs Guld-terya, the orc adventurer and chieftain Urik, Aerenir ''The last of the angels, Fulbo quickwit a brilliant halfing strategist, Khan erzkur of the verdant steps, Nikephoros of mithras,one the most learned men of the time and Siegfried of the Tauten Fleissinger tribe.''

''Together they formed the pact of twelve to banish the shadow. The ascension war, as it became known lasted for about 120 years and it's interludes; enough for Isador to father a family with Miraneal. It is for this reason that the elves still call Isador '' Isea-dorean, the lord of men and father of the manelfs. All twelve of our heroes died at the great battle of the morning dawn after two weeks of apocalyptic fighting. According to myth Isador flew on the back of Guld-terya to the sun and struck scilirion down with a sunbeam before both emperor and dragon died of the wounds. At the collective funerary procession Isador and the rest revealed themselves once more for the last time. According to the holy books the twelve had to push their souls to such an extant that when they ascended to godhood after they effectively destroyed their mortal bodies. Isador also ordered abolishment of the emperorship and declared that his children would rule collectively in council with each other.''

''Afterwards with things returning to normal Isador's children took up governing and rebuilding the empire now that the threat was gone. Only the thing was you see that all these brothers and sisters were still mortal as per their father's decree. Sowly shorter-lived and shorter sighted men took their parents places until the council tore itself apart with disastrous results for the empire; it's outer provinces collapsed save for Mithras of course.''{/i]

''Only one of the original children of had survived up until this point: Carolus the hermit, or Carolus the wise depending upon you asked.''
cont
>>
>>5523528
''Carolus upon seeing the destruction which which many grand nephews had brought. pleaded with his father to make an exception to his rule not to directly intervene and end the senseless wars that the sorcerer-senators were waging. His father answered that he would also pay the price if he went trough with what he wished. Carolus answered that any price would be worth it. And thus it came to be that Isador manifested himself for the second and last time and spoke: Ye of mine blood and kin have wasted thou gifts trough endless wars. This ends now! now more shall my blood flow trough your veins, no more shall you be of my line. Rather than blood quicksilver shall now flow trough your veins!''

''And so within half an hour all of his line was extinguished and the empire ceased to exist, save for in Mithras and if some Myths are to be believed Tautenland.

''Does this have anything to do with the dispute between the two emperor?''

Indeed, according to Tauten myth the soul of Carolus was reborn as a normal Tauten man out of Isador's gratitude and pity.''

''But why a Tauten?''

''According to the the myth it was because Isador remembered the Tautens from the war and decided, after seeing their semi-tribal nature to send them someone to help build a new empire after the old one failed. Carolus, now known as Karl II in the kingdom he inherited managed to unify all the Tauten tribes into one realm and introduced a combination of Aurilie feudalism and Castanan urbanism to support it. His grandson, Ludwig I died without heirs and the Dukes of the Stem-duchies elected duke Konrad to be the new king. He further developed culture,built new churches, introduced a new code of laws and conquered further east than even the Isadorians. Thus he proclaimed at the Reichstag(Diet of the realm) of 654 that in merit and grandeur the Tauten where now truly the equals of the Isadorians and proclaimed himself emperor.''

''In Mithras the news was received with uproar when the news came. But alas they could do nothing but seethe at Tautenland to for away for them to force into anything and they had their own wars to fight. In summary: Mithras claims to be the successor to the Isadorian empire trough legal claim, while Tautenland claims to be a successor trough merit and a mythic connection. And this continues to this day. The mithradics look at the Tautens and see would-be usurpers and up-jumped barbarians. While the Tautens see the decadent remains of somethings that something that should have collapsed centuries ago.''

''Phew, I've asked a lot of questions and no doubt parched your throat by letting you talk overlong without good conversation in return or drink to slake your thirst. Wine, grand-uncle?''

Indeed, you reminded me almost to much of those annoying children at the universities who asked too much and knew too little''

(cont)
>>
>>5523561
Do you consider you thirst for knowledge slated
>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>No, I whish for more

P.S I thoroughly suffered and enjoyed creating,improvising a continents backstory and I also enjoyed ripping off history and other fantasy works for it. Also you will be able to buy more chronicles and books later on to learn more.
>>
>>5523566
>>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>>
>>5523566
>>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>>
>>5523566
>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>>
>>5523499
The orcs are the Russians in your setting. I see what you did there.
>>
>>5523650
They are also from a place called Vat(niks)
>>
>>5523650
>>5523666
The orc are not really Russian in culture but I did take the social structure and applied it; Trogograd is the republic of novgorod and the princes are pre-Mongol invasion east slavs
>>
>>5523669
Are the Kurburi the Golden Horde or the Tartars?
>>
>>5523566
>>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin

Very nice
>>
>>5523674
Pechenegs/Khazars and Tatars, the not!Mongols got stopped in the Urals by the residing dwarfs.
>>
>>5523566
>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>"Ha, how would they learn more if they didn't ask more? Ahaha..."
>>
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Alright anons, you tired me out with your demand for backstory and lore so I am going to bed. But before I go I will give you somthing to think about. In the loredump are the names of the 12 gods were revealed so I give you all something: A calendar!, because there are twelf months should also be twelve gods. It is up to you to connect the poorly drawn symbols to the names that where noted. I will be back around 9 or 10 o'clock CET.
>>
>>5523853
Sleep well, suffering QM. You've earned it.
>>
>>5523566
>>Yes, more wine and a snack please the finale is about to begin
>>
>>5523853
Sleep
Pretty cool
>>
>>5523574
>>5523591
>>5523623
>>5523692
>>5523832
>>5523919
You waved with your hand to one of the servants to come closer.

''Some more wine and a snack please. I believe the finale is about to begin.''

''Of course sire,would you prefer some pastry,meat or something else?''

''A bit of everything please.''

''Most excellent sire.

You then returned to the last unfinished conversation topic with Albrecht

''Ha, how would they learn more if they didn't ask more? Ahaha..."

''Because most of them prefer drinking and brawling over studying.'' came the reply

You then focused back upon the finale of the tournament. Only two people were remaining, Janis Baldodis, a native-descendant Woodsman and forester. And Ulrich Rabefrass, a Tauten hunter and gamekeeper. Both were locals from the forest and had agreed to put the targets at 350 paces from them. Rather than the customary 150 paces. They took turns shooting the five arrows in their quivers and while, for a moment it would look as if Rabefrass would win. In the last round Baldodis hit bullseye. Gaining him the first prize. A polite sound of applause and the blow of a kiss from a common woman later. Baldodis and Rabefrass shook hands and walked out to meet you receive the first and second prize.

You came down from your podium to meet the winner of the competition together with the captain of the rangers and a representative of the city council(The mayor had not yet been elected.)

''Ulrich Rabefrass for your competence and skill with the bow. I am happy to award you the second prize of 120 silver pfennigs.''

''Thank you my lord, I needed the money to buy a tannery.''

You then turned to ward Baldodis, he was younger than Rabefrass. Barely a lad of you guessed 17 years old

''Janis Baldodis for your competance and skill with the bow I am happy to award you the first prize of 40 Golden Vollinger Marks.''

''T-thank you my l-lord, my father needed a new saw after the old one broke.

And after another round of applause and another round of shaking hands. You considered this first day of the tournament to be a success. Still even the competition was over the stalls and tents remained open for the rest of day and evening. You also saw that the ladies were given leave by their fathers to roam the camp site. If you wanted to meet them you would most likely have to wait either for dinner or encounter them in the camp site.

What would you like to do?
>discuss recruiting archers with your ranger captain
>Go and see a performance of a reciter of the sagas and legends
>See if you find anything good among the bauble of the merchant stalls
>Write-in
>>
>>5524491
>discuss recruiting archers with your ranger captain

We've gotten our lore dump for a while, turn to practical matters, both of those lads would be of great use to us.
>>
>>5524491
>discuss recruiting archers with your ranger captain
>>
>>5524491
>>discuss recruiting archers with your ranger captain
>>
>>5524501
>>5524579
>>5524616
Deciding to put business before pleasure you decided to speak to the captain of the rangers, the primary archer force of your retinue.

''Captain Weinburg? There is something I wish to discuss.''

''But of course my count, what is it you wish to discuss.''

''I think it would be a good idea for you to start recruiting from these archers that partook in the competition to improve the condition of the troops.''

''My lord, while this has of course crossed my thoughts as well. There is another matter concerning archers and rangers I wish to discuss. You see, I have an idea.''

''Oh,let's hear it.''

The idea is to create normal archers alongside the rangers to replace them as the standard ranged footmen. While turning the rangers into a special woodland skirmishing unit for harassing enemy trespasser. I thought about it and with the heavily forested terrain around us such an unit could both harass invaders on the defensive and on the offensive they could cross enemy lines to damage supplies. I hope you can see the benifites in such an unit.''

Your response?
>You may implement the reform. It sounds like an good idea.
>I am sorry, but do not see any merit in the idea at moment.
>>
>>5524646
>You may implement the reform. It sounds like an good idea.
>>
>>5524646
>>You may implement the reform. It sounds like an good idea.

An excellent idea really
>>
File: The ladies.png (19 KB, 332x334)
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I re did the portraits of the ladies by removing the black drawing lines
>>
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>>5524674
>>5524703
''Very well you have my permission to create this unit.''

Thank you my lord, I will get to work immediately.''{/i}

Well that went quicker than expected!
What would like to do next?
>Meet some of the attending knights
>Go see a performance
>Go to the merchants
>>
>>5525006
>Go see a performance
>>
File: The continent of Argalis.png (1.34 MB, 3633x3972)
1.34 MB
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I finished adding not!north-Africa to map
>>
>>5524646
>You may implement the reform. It sounds like an good idea.
>>
>>5525006
Oh, whoops, missed this. Also lmao that ranger has gigashoulders.

>Go see a performance
>>
>>5525006
>>Meet some of the attending knights
>>
>>5525006
>>Meet some of the attending knights
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5525020
>>5525096
>>5525110
>>5525161

1: Go see a performance
2: Go meet the knights
>>
>>5525640
In between seeing the performers or the knight you choose to go to the performers; you could always meet the knights tomorrow

As you walked into the performers section of the camp you could see that there were four main event going on.

First in the pavilion containing troubadours and minstrels. You saw a purple cloak shifting up and down the dance floor. A closer look revealed it to be Frau Helmine who seemed to move with grace and elegance; she also seemed to enjoy herself quite much.

You then looked over to the tent housing the reciters of the legends and myths. Within which two figures in crimson red stood out. The first was younger lad of about 10 summers old who was listening attentively to what was being said.and the other. A woman you who guessed would be Frau Konstanze who seemed to on occasion, provide commentations to her younger brother about what was being said.

Then you peered into purple a tent called ''the tent of games'' within which various people were either playing card or board games with each other. You eyes fell on the most strategic of all games, one which dates back hundreds of all games:''Fulbo's game!'' or chess as it was commonly known. Surprisingly among the nobles who where playing a single woman was holding her own. Frau Eleanora appeared to be busy outflanking a squire with her whit pieces.

Lastly you saw that the acrobats had decided to give one last show before going to bed. With one of them balancing on a cord without any safety measures. You also saw Frau Sophie amongst the crowd that was watching;and she appeared to be studying their techniques

where would you like to go?
>The troubadours and minstrels
>The reciters
>The ''Game-tent''
>The acrobats
>>
>>5525666
>>The acrobats
>>
>>5525666
>The ''Game-tent''

Interesting, Eleanora is interested in chess like Konstanze, huh?
>>
>>5525676
Konstanze likes the ''logic'' part; Elaenora likes the ''strategic'' part.
>>
>>5525678
Egg-cellent!
>>
>>5525666
>The ''Game-tent
Satan trips
>>
>>5525666
>The reciters
>>
File: Heraldic manuel.png (5.02 MB, 5321x3622)
5.02 MB
5.02 MB PNG
Here are the coat of arms of all major powers that use the heraldic tradition
>>
>>5525932
>>5525062

very nice qm

>>5525006
i wonder why the archer is looking at the ranger like that, thats some stronger shoulders
>>
>>5525978
Thanks

I was experimenting with the drawings and sometimes does not work out.
>>
>>5525666
>>The ''Game-tent''
>>
>>5525692
>>5525676
>>5526159
You entered the ''game-tent'' as it was called and immediately the smell of old paper and alcohol came into your nose. The establishment seemed to be a merry place full of people; in one half of the tent stood tables with cards which seemed to be popular among the merchants and peasants the either played for money or fun or alternatively who would buy the next round. In the other half stood the board games it also had a lot more children playing.

With checkers being the most popular among them. Some where also playing nine men's morris but the most adults played chess; with one in particular standing out. Standing out against most men(and seemingly defeating them all) fraue Eleanora had just uttered the word ''Checkmate'' against her opponent. All the while being watched over by what you could only assume was her chaperone, a short somewhat elder woman whose wrinkled face hid two sharp and piercing eyes.

Before you could do anything more a halfling with sideburns one could make socks out of approached you

''My count, it is truly an honour to have you here in this establishment. I am Gert Grootbuik the owner of this tent, would you care for a game perhaps? I do believe chess is rather popular amongst those of your stature.''

''Yes, I could do with a game of chess.''

''Most wonderful! Come I will show you your table.''

A short walk trough the tent later, Grootbuik had led you to your table. Your seat was opposite to none other than Fraue Eleanora who seemed to take your arrival with slight amusement.

''I have to warn you, good count.'' The halfling said ''This one is good at the game, she has nearly defeated everyone in this tent and-'' He was suddenly interrupted''That is no exaggeration.'' Eleanora said, you had not hear her speak before and she had low(for a woman anyways) alto which sounded most dignified and ladylike.

''I do hope I can trust upon your lordship to provide a better opposition than the previous types.''

''I hope I can live up to your ladyships expectations.''

And so the pieces where beginnig to be set and you need a strategy to win the match but what would it be?
>Play aggressively and rush your pieces to the king.
>Play defensibly and wear her out.
>Go after her pieces first,to bleed her army dry and only then attack the king.
>Play with deceitfully and attempt to trick her into overextending her army.
>Write-in.
>>
>>5527004
>Play with deceitfully and attempt to trick her into overextending her army.
>>
>>5527004
>Play with deceitfully and attempt to trick her into overextending her army.
>>
>>5527004
>>Play defensibly and wear her out.
>>
>>5527004
>Go after her pieces first,to bleed her army dry and only then attack the king.
>>
>>5527045
>>5527009
Roll a 1d100 (DC50) to see if you can beat her at chess
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>5527174
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>5527174
Best out of 3 right????
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>5527174
>>
Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5527174
best out of 4?
>>
>>5527406
I do it a bit differently, I count all of the number up and then divide them by the amount of replies.
>>
>>5527408
In any system you can make up, we are doomed with these rolls
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>5527174
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>5527174
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>
>>5527948
this event was cursed indeed
>>
>Not eve one roll above 50
Dietrich sucks at chess
>>
>>5527184
>>5527231
>>5527249
>>5527406
>>5527574
>>5527644
>>5527948
Whatever your plan was, it became clear after a few turns that i fell flat on its face. Eleanora had quickly adapted and countered your strategy and now you where losing more pieces than you where taking. Two options now remained. The first was to forfeit the match and appear the gracious loser. The second was to double down on winning which would be much more difficult to do and less pieces

What is your next move?
>Forfeit the game
>Gamble on a all-or-nothing attack (Roll a 1d100,DC 55 due to losing a significant part of your army.)
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5528241
>Gamble on a all-or-nothing attack (Roll a 1d100,DC 55 due to losing a significant part of your army.)

Never give up.
>>
>>5528247
Ok since he is averaging the scores, no more rolls.
if someone rolls under 31 on the next roll, the check fails under average unless someone rolls higher after that. Looking at our luck we shouldn't try that.
>>
>>5528267
Losing is fun anon, and besides you are only losing a board game; you are not going to be humiliated or laughed out of the tent.
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>5528277
>Losing is fun
>>
>>5528241
>>Gamble on a all-or-nothing attack (Roll a 1d100,DC 55 due to losing a significant part of your army.)
I'm not rolling.
>>
>>5528247
>>5528305
37+79=116 divided by 2 is 58

In desperation you decided to change tactic to see if you could alter the results. With you remaining non-pawn pieces you decided to do a aggressive sally directly at her king. It seemed to work however as Eleanora began to display a different emotions the further you advanced. From a confident smugness when you started, to surprise,confusion and eventually frustration. As your rook slew her queen and one of your knights checked her king.

After a while you were getting close to a checkmate. The only real thing preventing you was that it was her turn. She spend a lot of staring and peering at the board; grey eyes shifting constantly to find a way out or to capture your own king. But eventually she looked up at you and said

''I forfeit this game,my lord. I know when my position becomes untenable. You proven yourself more than capable of not winning but also snatching victory from defeat.''

A furore of cheer and applause came from the losers of the previous games and many a man shook your hand.

Now then how you like to respond to the defeated?
>I thank you my lady, you have been a most worthy opponent.
>You have been both a good opponent and a gracious loser, a rare virtue.
>Write-in
>>
>>5528475
>You have been both a good opponent and a gracious loser, a rare virtue.
>>
>>5528475
>>You have been both a good opponent and a gracious loser, a rare virtue.
>>
>>5528475
>>You have been both a good opponent and a gracious loser, a rare virtue.
>>
>>5528497
>>5528650
>>5528698
''My lady,you have been both a good opponent and gracious loser, a rare virtue.''

''I thank you for kind and graceful words,my lord.''

If she had been touched by your victory or words she hid it well. No twitching eyes,no frown,no blush. Only a smile with which one might greet a somewhat distant friend. There were many who now wished to play against you and wished you well; yet you had other things to do. Soon you where outside again.

What would you like to do next?
>Go to the reciters
>Go to the troubadours
>Go to the acrobats
>>
>>5528793
>Go to the troubadours
>>
>>5528793
>Go to the reciters
>>
>>5528793
>>Go to the reciters
>>
>>5528967
Changing my first vote to reciters
>>
>>5528793
>Go to the reciters
>>
>>5528802
>>5528830
>>5528967
>>5529203
Next you decided to go to the reciters of myths and legends. Most famous for knowing every folk-tale,fairytale,myth and legend between here and Entremar(See map for reference) As you entered the tent it seemed the reciters were busy preparing for another performance; the public mostly seemed to consist of young children,scholars and the more learned noble. As you were walking towards a free seat you felt like you were being watched, as you turned around to see who exactly was watching you found that the person had already averted their gaze. However, her pale skin betrayed her as the blushes on her face had become a most bright shade of red.

That had to be Frau Konstanze you thougt. And although she made effort to avoid any further eye-contact her younger brother seemed to have stopped you as well. Pointing at you and seemingly asking Konstanze some questions.

How would you like to approach this?
>Approach her directly
>Take an indirect approach and attempt to get to her via her brother
>Drop in and take the seat next to her.
>Write-in
>>
>>5529776
>>Approach her directly
>>
>>5529776
>Drop in and take the seat next to her.

Was gonna go with the direct approach, but after a moment of thinking I think it would be best to comment on the tales being recited to draw her into conversation. I think the difference between sitting next to her and approaching her straight up is between just going up to her and talking to her versus just sitting next to her so that we would be a natural conversation partner.

She's shy, we have to draw her out of her shell. While I don't necessarily agree that opposites attract, sometimes a introverted or shy person needs to be engaged first or they'll never initiate conversation.
>>
>>5529776
>>Drop in and take the seat next to her.
>>
>>5529776
>>Drop in and take the seat next to her.
>>
>>5529776
>Drop in and take the seat next to her.
>>
>>5529859
>>5529902
>>5529904
>>5529913
With as much grace as you could carry yourself. You strode over towards the row where the two were sitting. Temporarily ignoring her while you took the seat to her left. Which caused her to briefly glace at you and then turn away as to avoid meeting your gaze. You could see that the reciters were still busy drinking some wine and beer before one of them gave the others a sign at your presence; they quickly drank the last in their glasses and returned to the podium. The head of the group then gave the introductions.

''Greetings friends from far and near. We are happy to once more provide to you all, young and old. Rich and poor the wondrous recreation of the legends,tales and myths of yore. Now then, I do believe we have most special guest here with us at the moment. I am talking of course about the lord of this land who has chosen visit upon this afternoon. As a show of our gratitude we would like to give the honour of the first request to you.''

What story would like to hear?
>The swanknight
>Floris and Blanche
>The sorcerer of the white tower
>The banner of magnus
>The twins and the dragon
>The Glowing horse
>>
>>5529978
>The sorcerer of the white tower
>>
>>5529978
>>The banner of magnus
>>
>>5529978
>Floris and Blanche
>>
>>5529978
>>Floris and Blanche
>>
>>5530022
>>5530323
''I would request Floris and Blanche if you would know the story.''

''Most certainly, Hark! one and all for we shall now hear a story of love and determination. A many a great years ago in a far-off land at the royal court a forbidden love blossomed. Between the crown prince Floris and the common girl Blanche. Alas for our young couple. Floris' father and mother found out and wished for the girl to be killed. But they could not bring themselves to do such a dark deed. So they decided upon a ruse; Floris would be send away to another land for his studies and Blanche was sold into slavery. When Floris returned his parents told him Blanche was dead and to convince him they showed Floris a beautiful, but empty grave. ''

''Overcome by grief and sadness at his love's apparent death. Floris declared to his parents that without Blanche in his live he might as well take his own live. At this most severe reaction his parents came clean and told the truth of Blanche's fate. Distraught but determined Floris set out to find Blanche.''

''When he came to emirate where Blanche was being kept. Floris learned three from the innkeeper that the local emir had purchased Blanche for his harem, and kept her together with his other secondary wives in a the tower overlooking the city. He also learned that every year the emir kills his primary spouse and selects a new one, and rumour has it that Blanche was chosen to be next. Lastly Floris learned that the tower-guard loved two things: money and chess.''

''Working most deceitfully, Floris invited the guard in for a game and wager of chess every night and every time he won. But he also gave the money back to guard after he won each time after a week of chess. The guard thus swore his undying loyalty towards Floris as sign of gratitude. Floris then ordered the guard to smuggle him into the tower in a basket of flowers. There Floris was at last reunited with Blanche. But alas, the sounds of excitement and joy the emir found out and wished to slay them both. But even he was impressed by the love and loyalty of the couple and allowed them to return home. There they got married and lived happily ever after.

A round of applause rang trough the tent and the reciters bowed before the public. Now would be an excellent opportunity to strike up a conversation with Konstantze.
How would you like to start the conservation?
>Did you enjoy it? the story I mean.
>Did you enjoy it? the first day of tournament I mean.
>Do you like it here? My lady?
>Write-in
>>
>>5530504
>Have you been enjoy the festivities, my lady? I hope I have been a good host
>>
>>5530504
Support >>5530514
>>
>>5530514
+1
>>
>>5530514
>>5530977
>>5531220
''Have you been enjoy the festivities, my lady? I hope I have been a good host''

At this attempt at making contact she immediately turned her head to towards yours and spoke.

''Ehm well I suppose that I em, what i would like to say is that while do I eh do not normally enjoy this type of event I suppose I have enjoyed myself. Now, if you will excuse me I have to bring my brother to bed.''

''But father said I could stay up until after the dinner!'' The younger sibling spoke up

''Yes well I changed it now come along.''

You hered the younger one mumble something about it not being fair and you wondered if he was really tired or if Konstanze simply wanted an excuse to not continue a conversation with a stranger. Anyway you still had two more woman too meet and be introduced to.

Where would you like to go next?
>The troubadours and minstrels
>The acrobats
>>
>>5531297
>>The acrobats
>>
>>5531297
>The troubadours and minstrels
>>
>>5531297
>The troubadours and minstrels
>>
>>5531297
>>The troubadours and minstrels
>>
>>5531317
>>5531526
>>5531723
moving into the dance tent of the troubadours you were quickly spotted by the roaming band of young noble maidens with at the centre Helmine who had decorated her hair with various purple ribbons. When they saw you they quickly began whispering and gossiping amongst themselves; most likely they were competing for who would have your hand in the first round of the dance.

Moving to the edge of the dance-floor you were offered a drink to prevent thirst and dehydration during the dance. For a truly intensive dance would be taxing on one's body.

The main singer then spoke: ''Alright everyone in a few minutes we shall begin the dance with a new tune from the court of roses of Venautra; it is quite the fast tune so if you have two left feet I would recommend waiting for the slower paced tunes.''

While the musicians were busy preparing their instruments. The group of woman came your way. In a way they reminded you of the cliques of maidens you had seen at the court of the margrave of Fluddenmark. Always giggling, highly opposed to other cliques and mostly led by the richest and domineering one amongst them. They all kept whispering and bickering about something until Helmine shut them up with a single glace and reached for your hand.

''My count,would you do me the honour of accompanying you for the dance?''

Your answer please
>Most certainly.
>I am afraid I am not that much of a dancer, perhaps when something slower is played.
>>
>>5531968
>I am afraid I am not that much of a dancer, perhaps when something slower is played.
>>
>>5531968
>>Most certainly.
>>
>>5531968
>>Most certainly.
It would be rude to reject such a request.
>>
>>5531968
>Most certainly.

Eh, fighting is kinda like dancing. We'll be fine.
>>
>>5531976
>>5531989
>>5532056
''Most certainly, if you would be so kind as to accomangny me''

The two of you thus went to the centre of the floor and soon the music began.
.
Roll a 1d100 for your dancing (dc 50)
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>5532238
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>5532238
I can't help myself. Rolling is fun.
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>5532238
The average is currently 47.
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>5532238
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>5532238
Averaging dice is Pain
>>
>>5532531
At least a lot of people get to participate in rolling this way...but it definitely encourages excessive rolling when we don't beat the DC with the first roll or so.
>>
>>5532539
It also encourages not rolling if the first roll is good, or salt if someone does rolls anyway and it lowers it below the DC.
Atleast this was a harmless roll. Except for maybe Helmine's feet and Dietrich's pride, of course
>>
>>5532241
>>5532246
>>5532261
>5532261
>>5532514
>>5532531

Shit, how did the pacing go again? was it three-four time or double-time. Either way as the song continued it became clear that you were not much of a dancer. Perhaps your father should have hired better instructors or perhaps you should have paid better attention. Still, at the very least you managed to avoid stamping her feet with yours.

As soon as the dance ended you saw the group of girls surround Helmine to bicker and boast about who got the best partner.

''And,Helmine? How was he?''

''Oh, terrible you know how it is Ilse. His type is far too bulky to dance gracefully. Still, it was not too bad.''

''Why?'

''Why? oh come now Hilde, I got to dance with the most handsome man in the room at the every least.''

Exiting the tent before any of them found out about your eavesdropping you still had one more lady to meet. Going to the acrobats who had just begun the next part of their show, one of the performers had started the routine apparently known as the corde lisse; which looked both extremely impressive and extremely painful. Moving into the crowd a bit more you found the woman who you guessed would be Frau Shopie sitting on the front row looking at the performance with a studious glance

How would you like to approach her?
>Take the seat next to her
>Walk up to her and ask if the seat next to her is taken
>Write-in

Also I think I will change the way the dice are rolled from a 1d100 to 3d100 with a best of three system
>>
>>5533185
>>Walk up to her and ask if the seat next to her is taken
>>
>>5533185
>>Take the seat next to her
>>
>>5533185
>Take the seat next to her
>>
>>5533217
+1
Mannerisms are important
>>
>>5532556
Yes...I basically already said that first part, just in a different way.

>>5533185
>Walk up to her and ask if the seat next to her is taken

I'm fine with whatever system you go with. The current one has its problems, but at least it allows us to fail to a more realistic degree. Best of three biases us towards success, except for when it arbitrarily doesn't, then the salt rolls in.
>>
>>5533217
>>5533296
>>5533309
As confidently as you could you walked up to the lady and asked: ''I beg your pardon my lady but is the empty seat next you taken?''.

One of the acrobats was now walking on a robe tied between two treetops.

''It was my fathers seat. But he has since left to join in the food-eating competition if I do believe. So I suppose that the seat is empty.

''Thank you, so did you enjoy yourself this first day of the tournament?''

''Why yes, thank you. Archery has always been a matter of interest of mine. And I found your elven acrobats to be so fascinating that I decided to watch them again.''

What would you like to ask next?
>Your father joined an eating contest?
>You have an interest in archery? Why if I may ask?
>Is there a reason that you like acrobatics?
>Write-in
>>
>>5533325
>You have an interest in archery? Why if I may ask?
>Is there a reason that you like acrobatics?
>>
>>5533325
>>You have an interest in archery? Why if I may ask?
>>Is there a reason that you like acrobatics?
>>
>>5533325
>You have an interest in archery? Why if I may ask?
>Is there a reason that you like acrobatics?
>>
>>5533343
>>5533727
>>5533734

''You have an interest in archery? Why if I may ask?''

''My father used to be an adventurer and the captain of an adventuring company. He got is his title due to successfully settling and disbanding the company. Among these adventurers was an archer named Aerneal; she was the most skilled archer I had ever seen. She taught me how to ride a horse,shoot a bow and how to hold a sword.''

This all sounded a bit ''unorthodox'' to you. Teaching noble ladies how to handle weapons? Why that goes against all conventions. Although that father of hers might explain it. Anyway you moved on to your next question.

''Is there a reason that you like acrobatics?''

''I like it because it teaches you agility and grace. It makes you more dexterous which helps with my hobbies.''

What would you like to ask next?
>Weapons? can you fight then?
>Is this all not inappropriate for a noble lady?
>Write-in
>>
>>5534163
>Weapons? can you fight then?
>Do you hunt? I find it a good pastime
>>
>>5534163
>>Is this all not inappropriate for a noble lady?
>>
>>5534163
Support >>5534311
>>
>>5534311
sure
>>
>>5534311
>>5534581
>>5534618

''Weapons? can you fight then?''

''I suppose I could in theory, I primarily do it for the art. The Castanan my father hired for my fencing called it the ''danza d'acciaio e di morte'' or the dance of steel and death. The Castanan nobleman prefer to win their duels with speed and grace, rather than strength and force.''

Hmm, those Castanans seemed like a bunch of effeminate poofs. No wonder their fighting style adapted so well to the form of the noble lady

''Say, do you hunt? I personally find a good pastime.''

''Oh goodness no,when I was nine I saw my father's hounds tear apart a mother-deer. My father afterwards gave me the it's child as a pet to me. Father has understandably not taken me hunting after that.''

(Cont)
>>
>>5534311
+1 to this.
>>
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>>5534683
You then saw the acrobats signal the last of the routines for today and soon both you were making preparations to leave. But not before saying each other goodbye.

''A good day to my lady. With the ending of the performance it is time for us to part. you said

''Indeed it has and as such I too must take my leave. A good day to you my count. Let us meet under these good circumstances again.''

And with that you suppose that the first part of the grand courting has come to an end. It almost feels like you are in one of those shitty courtly love poems that are all the craze at the courts. Still one of these woman must become your bride to be.

And although your kind cannot afford to marry for love the very least you could do is make certain that the two of you cloud get along if love was not possible.

Still choices had to be made and branches had to be cut off.
To whom goes your preference?
>Konstanze von Blaubaum
>Helmine von Possenhofen
>Eleonora von Fuchsbau
>Sophie von der Gernwallen
>Well, you see I am not certain yet
>>
>>5534683
The acrobats soon gave the signal that they were finishing for the day and so the both of you preparations to depart. But not before saying your goodbyes

''A good day to you my lady, I suppose it is time to depart.''

''Indeed it has, I too shall whish you a good day my count and my farewells.''

And with that the first act in this courting story came to an end. You would have to choose one of these woman to be your bride one day. Whether for alliances, wealth or prestige. Love in the marriage was not something that would be natural to your estate.

Still choices would have to be made and branches would need to be cut off.

Do you have any preferences?
>Yes, for Konstanze von Blaubaum
>Yes, for Eleanora von Fuchsbau
>Yes, for Sophie von der Gernwallen
>Yes, for Helmine von Possenhofen
>No, I am still uncertain
>>
>>5534693
>>5534709
I am sorry for this but my computer would not update the thread for a few minutes so I overreacted
>>
>>5534709
Either Eleanora or Konstanze
>>
>>5534709
Sophie or konstanze
Either one
>>
>>5534709
>>Yes, for Eleanora von Fuchsbau
>>
>>5534709
>Yes, for Eleanora von Fuchsbau
>>
>>5534725
>>5534838
>>5535525

Indeed. The fair Fraue von Fuchsbau would be your first choice amongst the four. You would need to send a letter conveying your intentions to both her and the head of her family, in her case her brother. To require the blessings necessary for the marriage. This all had to wait for later, for the tournament was still ongoing.

The next morning after your morning rituals and breakfast you headed towards the podium in front of the tourney grounds to watch the next item on the program: The team melee. The participants were to be divided into two groups marked by their colours. Red and blue to make it clear who was who.

The two teams were quickly forming and you noticed some unfairness between the two teams the reds seemed to be compromised complete out of the rich well-equipped nobles and knight while the blues mostly consisted out of poorer hedge-knight and knights-errant.

Your granduncle decided to weigh in on the important people was participating.

''See that man with the auburn hair in the red team? That is baron von Possenhofen, the father of Helmine von Possenhofen. Over there you have Burgrave von der Gernwallen in the blues, he might have joined out of the chance to beat heavily armoured rivals. And the young man with the red hair is count von Fuchsbau, who has just joined the blues.'' He said.

''And what of Blaubaum?'' You asked.

''Please,that man could not hold a sword if his live depended on it. He is watching from the podium.''

You turned your attention back towards the two teams. It appeared that the reds were mostly busy with talking and drinking rather than preparing. Meanwhile the blues, who only had two prominent nobles among them seemed to be planning for the upcoming battle, an effort which seemed to be lead by the young von Fuchsbau.

Albrecht took this moment to ask something

''And? Which one of the teams do you think will win?'

>The reds, they have the better weapons and armour.
>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535756
>>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535756
>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535756
>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535756
>>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535756
>>The blues, preparation is key
>>
>>5535760
>>5535771
>>5535784
>>5535907
>>5536148

'' I do belief that the blues will win. They appear to be better organised and prepared.'' you said

'' Indeed, but if the reds armour and individual skill is enough they can probably overwhelm them.'' came the reply

The horn was blown for the first time and the teams were ordered into their starting positions. Your guards were also on the sidelines to prevent anyone from truly injuring or even killing one another. You looked towards the red teams and saw that they had not bothered to even form into a formation with them standing loosely and disorderly. Either they were very confident or they did not take the melee very seriously.

The blues meanwhile had decided to form into a closey packed formation with polearms in the front. Heavy armour on the side and with reserves in the back.

When the mock battle started the reds charged into the formation of the blues and the battle began.

What happened next?
>The blues held back the reds
>The reds broke trough the blue line
>The blue line broke down into one-on-one fighting
>Some of the blues were left un-fought and flanked the reds
>>
>>5536584
>>Some of the blues were left un-fought and flanked the reds
>>
>>5536584
>Some of the blues were left un-fought and flanked the reds
Didnt think we would vote on the result.
>>
>>5536709
I wanted to something different and experiment a bit
>>
>>5536584
>Some of the blues were left un-fought and flanked the reds
>>
>>5536758
And maybe
>The reds broke trough the blue line
As well.
The reds manage to push through because of their good equipment and skill, but end encircled because of their lack of organization
>>
>>5536584
>>The reds broke trough the blue line
>>
>>5536758
>>5536766
Support
>>
>>5536618
>>5536709
>>5536758
>>5536766
The two forces met with a ferocious clash into each other and soon the fight properly began. For the first phase the blues seemed to hold the reds at a distance, yet this began to change as the reds regrouped and began piercing trough the first blue line. Leaving the reservists to deal with them. Yet it was also a mistake on the reds part as the blues flanks were now unopposed and quickly sprang into action. A quick pincer maneuver and envelopment later. The reds were soon with their backs against each other while the blues closing in. It became clear that the reds position had become untenable after 4 hours of fighting and they soon surrendered.

Afterwards you gave the winning party your congratulations and the prize money and send them on their way.

What would like to do next?
>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>See the various baubles and wares of the merchants
>Simply go for a walk.
>Write-in
>>
>>5536853
>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>>
>>5536853
>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>>
>>5536853
>>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>>
>>5536853
>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>>
>>5536853
>Meet some of the nobles and knight
>>
>>5536900
>>5536916
>>5537062
>>5537171
>>5537369
Walking into the camp of pavilions you were practically surrounded by the well-bred. The various members of the second estate were conversing,drinking and resting from the fight. As you walked on you spotted several people who it would be interesting to talk to.

First was a somewhat long-haired man who did not appear to have fought in the melee. He had the complexion of someone from the south and you geused that he was a forgeiner. Yet there also was something off about him as if is he was constantly being watched.

Second you a man cloaked in a dark red mantle with a hood. Obscuring his identity. The only thing you could see was the lower part of his jaw. He must have his reasons to hide his face for it was quite hot this day.

Lastly you saw a red-haired young-man shaking hands with various people. From what you could put together is would be the count von Fuchbau. He had about the same haircut as you, although it was slightly longer. He seemed to have the same analytic glint as his sister.

Who would you like to talk to?
>The longhair
>The cloaked man
>The count
>>
>>5537751
>>The longhair
>>
>>5537751
>The count
>>
>>5537751
>>The longhair
>>
>>5537751
>The count

Maybe not the most interesting choice, but we have to talk to him at some point.
>>
>>5537751
>>The count
Best to make a good impression
>>
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>>5537850
>>5537917
>>5537973
You decided that, if you were to marry the lady von Fuchsbau you might as well get friendly with her brother. The Graf von Fuchsbau. As you turned towards him you began to notice the similarities towards him and his sister. Which primarily showed itself in the pigment of their skin and the colour of their hair.

When you came closer it became clearer that he had just washed himself and was now wearing a simple white shirt to accommodate for the summer sun.

He noticed you and looked towards you as he stood outside his tent eating an apple.

He began the conversation. ''My count and peer, to what do I owe the pleasure for your visit?''

''I do not believe the two of us have ever been properly introduced. And I do think it was time. You replied

A blink and a smirk later he said ''Indeed we have not. But I know someone who did. She seemed speak highly of you. If you are here to elope with her I am afraid she currently playing chess with the Blaubaum girl and my sister does not like to be interrupted.''

After he saw your face contort a bit after the comment he quickly added ''I joke of course, but those affairs must not be spoken of in the open. When I am certain of secrecy I will be willing to hear any proposals whether they be of commercial,military of other affairs.'' He smirked again and his eyes gave away that he knew something by looking at you. That seemed to also be an family trait.

Now, the ball is in your field. A reply if you would be so kind
>Tell me more about yourself and your family?
>How do your lands stand for it?
>That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?
>Write-in
>>
>>5538132
>That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?
>Tell me more about yourself and your family?
>>
>>5538132
>That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?
>Tell me more about yourself and your family?
>>
>>5538132
>>That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?
>>Tell me more about yourself and your family?
>>
>>5538132
>Tell me more about yourself and your family?
>That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?
>>
>>5538154
>>5538181
>>5538192
>>5538601

''That action in the melee was pretty impressive,how did you do it?'' You asked

''Oh, it was quite. due to fact that the enemy team seemed to rely on their individual prowess and brute strength instead of organising themselves I made it difficult for them to exploit their better armour and weapons by forcing them to face an formation instead of fighting one on one. They regrouped of course and attempted to force a breakthrough by forcing themselves trough the line. This however left them open on their flank and using this opportunity I enveloped them. Which, without any outside relief. Eventually forced their surrender'' He recited out. As if questioned by a schoolmaster.

'''Well then, can you tell me more about yourself and your family?'' You asked again.

''My full name is Reinhard Nikolaus Wilhelm von Fuchsbau-Malepartus. I am nineteen years of age and the count of Fuchshügel. My residence is the castle of Malepartus, which according to legend my great-grandfather conned the old pagan chief out of by gambling while giving the chief more and more to drink. Since then we still rule the place. In more recent history my mother died when I was eleven and my father fell off his horse when I was fourteen. My sister governed in my stead while I was made ready to properly rule. Which brings us to the present day. Besides my elder sister I also have an young brother,sister and another sister.''

Any more questions?
>What is Fuchshügel like?
>How does Malepartus look like
>Write-in
>>
>>5538831
>>What is Fuchshügel like?
>>
>>5538831
>>What is Fuchshügel like?
>>
>>5538831
>What is Fuchshügel like?
>>
>>5538897
>>5538911
>>5538914

''Oh? and what is Fuchshügel like?

''Hilly and vast between the sparse woodlands the heath takes over. The land is unsuitable for more intensive farming and as such hunting and shepherding are the primary trades of the land. The small villages are connected by dirt trails left behind by the sheep that are brought between the communities by the peasant. Militarily speaking thanks to the flat terrain my foremost waffenknechten (Men-at-arms) are the gräfliche lanzierers. A cavalry unit I use to keep the fief clean of any unwanted intruders. It is not like Grünwald it does not have a great central city as it's hart. My subjects are also more destitute than your I noticed when travelling here. I suppose such is live. The only thing standing there beside the ruins of the old robber barons my grandfather crushed are the huts of the shepherds and the fortified farms of the freeholders.''

Well this all sounds very interesting perhaps you could offer him a trade deal to sweeten any further proposals?
>Discuss politics
>Offer a trade deal
>Discuss military strategy
>Talk about new from around the known world.
>>
>>5539096
>Talk about new from around the known world.
>Offer a trade deal
>>
>>5539096
>Talk about new from around the known world.
>Discuss military strategy
>>
>>5539096
>Talk about new from around the known world.
>>Offer a trade deal
>>
>>5539097
>>5539862
Striking the iron while it's hot you decided to offer him a trade deal

''Í have an proposal for you. In my cities the cloth-makers are looking for materials for their fabrics and I am willing to set up a deal which would be beneficial to us both. I will buy up the wool of your sheep and sell it here to the cloth-makers.'' You said

''Anteresrting proposal, but one that should be discussed in further detail at later date.'' He replied

After about have an hour of trade discussion the conversation turned to a more general exchange of news form around the world

''They say that in the holy city of Cirdadium authority has collapsed. The conclaves holy orders are apparently fighting each other.''

''Are thing really that bad then? I heard that the three monarchs are still marching upon Cirdadium.''

''Yes that I heard as well. Not only the Church is fighting. The noble families have seized control of the countryside and the other cities have declared independence. Apparently the captain-general of pontifical guard has ordered all of the guard to defend the fortresses leaving the streets to be fought over by the private militia of the city patricians.''

''There are also rumours off hooded men and woman on the rooftops who assassinate important figures for the right prize.''

This went on for about an hour or two during which you discussed at lot things. The anarchy in Cirdadium, the invasion of the league of the homesteads by the vassals of the Aurilien king and more.

By the time you departed the other two figures had already left and with nothing better to do you decided to head towards the merchant stalls to look for something interesting
Where would you like to look?
>The exotic wares merchant
>The book merchant
>The silverware and gold-ware merchant
>The bauble merchant.
>>
>>5540046
>>The book merchant
>>
>>5540046
>>The silverware and gold-ware merchant
>>
>>5540046
>The book merchant
>>
>>5540046
>>The silverware and gold-ware merchant
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5540093
>>5540099
>>5540116
>>5540155

1: books
2: Silverware and goldware
>>
>>5540160
You did not have much in the form of books in your home. Most books were either magical treatises of the court wizard or the ledgers you used for bookkeeping. Even if you were not going to buy a librariers worth of books knowledge was still valuable enough to you that it was worth investing in.

As you look over the various books you made a selection of valuable books to would be worth buying

What books did you buy(choose 3)
>An introduction to theology by brother Anastatius
>The dwarf-holds of Argalis by Umberto Minatore
>The basic principles of magic by doctor Louis Lepenseur
>An account of the lands of Vat by hetman Andrei Vsadnik
>The marvels of the far orient by Marcello Velaio
>The world before the Isidorians by Alexandros Lefkikastro
>The elven peoples by Sven Skrivare
>Reflections on travels to the near east by Rodrigo de Vinedo
>>
>>5540164
>>The elven peoples by Sven Skrivare
>Reflections on travels to the near east by Rodrigo de Vinedo
>The basic principles of magic by doctor Louis Lepenseur
>>
>>5540164
>The elven peoples by Sven Skrivare
>The dwarf-holds of Argalis by Umberto Minatore
>The world before the Isidorians by Alexandros Lefkikastro
Two books to know how two races act, and one to help with the crown thing
>>
>>5540184
Sounds good, supporting
>>
>>5540164
>>5540164
>>An account of the lands of Vat by hetman Andrei Vsadnik
They aren't too far away from us. And something the order should consider to fight.
>The world before the Isidorians by Alexandros Lefkikastro
>The elven peoples by Sven Skrivare
>>
>>5540164
>The basic principles of magic by doctor Louis Lepenseur
>An account of the lands of Vat by hetman Andrei Vsadnik
>The elven peoples by Sven Skrivare
>>
Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>5540178
>>5540184
>>5540245
>>5540278
>>5540504

The elven peoples came in first with five votes
The basic principles of magic came in second with three votes

There is currently a tie between three books
1The world before the Isidorians by Alexandros Lefkikastro
2An account of the lands of Vat by hetman Andrei Vsadnik
3 Reflections on travels to the near east by Rodrigo de Vinedo
>>
Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>5541356
Wrong dice
>>
>>5541356
>>5541357
You had bougtht the three books. Gave the merchant some pieces from your coin pouch, gave the books to some servant to carry back to the castle. And walked off.

As you were walking trough the camp you heard something coming from behind some shrubbery.

It sounded like tree-branches. As you got closer you began hearing some other things. Some of them were quite colourful

''Son of a whore!''

''Bastard!

As you got closer it appeared that three teenage boys where beating someone. With sticks. They appeared to be of high birth judging from their clothes and haircuts. If you could guess one of them was probaly the half-brother of whoever laid there on the floor.

Maybe you should do something?
>Intervene, bastard or not. This is wrong
>Who cares about some bastard? Walk away.
>>
>>5541367
>Intervene, bastard or not. This is wrong

"NOT. ON. MY. LAND. DURING. MY. TOURNAMENT."
>>
>>5541377
+1 with that shout
>>
>>5541367
>>Intervene, bastard or not. This is wrong
>>
>>5541367
>>Intervene, bastard or not. This is wrong
>>
>>5541367
>Intervene, bastard or not. This is wrong
>>
>>5541377
>>5541425
>>5541460
>>5541492
>>5541504
Even if bastards were generally considered to be acceptable target to bully amongst the noble youth, beating were something that went to far.

As you walked towards them one of them spotted you and stopped his trashing of what was now clearly a boy of about fourteen years old. As he stopped so the others stopped,at first out confusion as why he had stopped and then when they saw you they quietly dropped the sticks.

Their eyes darted towards each other while you approached.

''Scheisse,Bernhard what do we tell him?''

''How the fuck would I know Hans, let's hope our names will keep out of trouble.

''Verdammt, I told you that we should have lured him into the forest.'' The third and last one said

You were now standing in front of them, they looked all about fourteen to fifteen years old and looked quite nervous.

What are you going to say to them?
>What do you think you are doing?
>Enough of this. Go fight someone who can fight back
>Do your fathers know about this?
>Write-in
>>
>>5541539
>What do you think you are doing?
>Do your fathers know about this?
>Spare me your excuses. You come to my lands, during my tournament, and start beating a man like a common bandit? The only thing that your family name is keeping you from is not be hanged like one.
>Come with me, and accept your dishonor, before trying to dig yourselves even deeper
>>
>>5541559
+1
While adding
>"Lured him into the forest you say?"
>>
>>5541559
>>5541591

Support
>>
>>5541559
>>5541591
>>5541632
They seem completely frozen. They look at you with a combination of both annoyance and fear. Annoyance because you interrupted them and fear for they knew that you were only one beside their fathers that could punish them.

''What do you think you are doing?'' You asked them

''Well, you see we uhm...'' The one called Hans said

The boy called Bernhard remained completely silent and was about as red as sealing wax

''We were giving that good-for-nothing half-brother of mine a good beating that he deserved!'' The unidentified one snarled

''Spare me your excuses. You come to my lands, during my tournament, and start beating a man like a common bandit? The only thing that your family name is keeping you from is not be hanged like one.''

They seemed to be taken aback at this. Bernhard went from a bright red to an unhealthy pale

''And what was that about luring him into a forest?''

They did not answer that question.

''Come with me, and accept your dishonour, before trying to dig yourselves even deeper''

Just before you were to march of with them. You heard something stand up, most likely the victim. Huh, you had almost forgotten he was also there.

He looked bloodied and bruised. With cuts in his clothes and even deeper. His face was by comparison unharmed save for the bruised left eye. He limped a bit towards you and made a short bow and uttered the words ''Mein Herr.

Well you intervene on his behalf. Is there anything you would to say
>You, come with me. You are to testify against them
>What is your name, kid?
>Are you quite alright?
>Write-in
>>
>>5541769
>What is your name, kid?
>You, come with me. You are to testify against them
>"Let's take you to a healer. You are one of my guests, after all."
>>
>>5541769
>>You, come with me. You are to testify against them
>>What is your name, kid?
>>
>>5541833
+1
>>
>>5541784
>>5541833
>>5541997

''What is your name, Bursche?'' You asked the boy

''Georg, I do not have an last name I think'' he said

''Georg, you will come with me to testify against these three rascals.''

He seemed a bit scared at the thought but did not protest. You also noticed that he seemed well-built for his age. Which was probably how he withstood the beatings without losing consciousness.

''But first we shall take you to see a healer. You are one of my guests after all''

And so you, your guest and your three ''prisoners'' walked off to find an healer for Georg. While walking you could about various ways to punish the boys.Truly arresting or executing them would infuriate their parents, so that was off the table. Which forced you to be creative. How where you going to punish them without angering their families?
>Take the matter directly to their parents.
>Ban them from watching or participating in any activity
>Remove them from the premises
>Write-in
>>
>>5542355
>Take the matter directly to their parents.
>Screw their anger, we'll extract concessions out of them that will empower us. They'll turn their anger on their children, thus ensuring this behaviour does not continue in the future. Otherwise they risk the consequences to their family's reputation or their children's lives.
>>
>>5542361
+1
well said
>>
>>5542355
>>Take the matter directly to their parents.
>>
>>5542355
>Take the matter directly to their parents.
>Be sure to make it a public affair. Their family is dishonored unless they set their children in the right path
>>
>>5542355
My god I completely missed this thread. 50 lashes.
>>5542637
+1
>>
>>5542355
>>Take the matter directly to their parents.
>>
>>5542361
>>5542438
>>5542594
>>5542637
>>5542668

The only thing more shameful for boys of this age than being caught by the law was being exposed to their families. Thankfully you knew exactly were all the nobles and junkers congregated and you called upon the parents to meet you in public view to discuss the matter. One by one.

Bernhard's father and mother were most displeased with the boy. And inquired as to why he would do such a thing. Apparently he was desperate for friends. Not that mattered because his father forbade him from ever speaking these two ever again.

The parents of Hans refused to belief it at first but after the testimony of Georg and an increase of pressure Hans confessed to doing it. He had apparently joined in on the beating because the third boy told him to. And he could not refuse a friend. His father told to not further dishonour the house and gave him an ear wipe and told him that he would return home a day earlier.

As for the last boy who's name was not known to you only his father was there. He seemed very displeased at his trueborn son and very distraught at the sight of his bastard son.

''So taking you away from your mother's influence was not enough? Was it Herbert?''

''Of course it is not! that stupid bastard of yours has been a thorn in my sight since day I was born! Instead of leaving him where he belongs in the gutter you raise as one of your own and.... A soft smack made an end the tirade.

''I shall explain it you one last time. Georg was a product of my own faults not his; you cannot hate him for simply existing. He will not inherent anything but the very least I can do is make sure he would be able to stand on his two feet! I will hear no more of this. Either you stop this behaviour or I will legitimise Georg. Have I made myself clear''

Herbert now spoke with a smaller voice ''Yes sir, I am sorry sir.'' and he ran off.

Now was the time to enter the conversation
>Care to explain?
>Please tell me why he hates him
>Write-in
>>
>>5542717
>Care to explain?
>Please tell me why he hates him
>>
>>5542726
>Please tell me why he hates him
>>
>>5542717
>Care to explain?
>>
>>5542717
>Care to explain?
>>
>>5542717
>>Please tell me why he hates him

Perhaps we could offer to take him on as a page? At the very least the boy is stout, and it may relieve some of the tension in his fathers household.
>>
>>5542717
>Please tell me why he hates him
>>
>>5542726
>>5542754
>>5542790
>>5542891
>>5543083
>>5543200

''Would you care to explain why he hates him?'' Asked the father of the two boys. A baron by the name von Lilienthal.

''Georg was the product of my own vices. I am afraid. My father had me engaged to a woman I did not love while I had an affair with the daughter of the stonemason.''

''The problem stems from the fact that Georg was born a week before Herbert was; from the day that the two could talk my wife has been filling Herbert's mind with hatred and disdain for him. I attempted to at the very least give the boy a decent upbringing as a sort of apology for making him be born out of wedlock. You have probaly seen how robust he is; Georg is form what I have seen very strong. But he could not fight back against Herbert because of social standing.''

''The truth of the matter is that Georg must be send away somewhere else, either the church or to a noble's court as a page. Hopefully that would calm things a bit.''

What do you say?
>Encourage sending him to the church.
>Offer to take him on as a squire.
>Keep quiet.
>Write-in.
>>
>>5543499
>Offer to take him on as a squire.

The more the merrier.

Hypothetically I could see some shenanigans going on with Georg being a spy for his father or us pressing his basically non-existent super weak claim or something, but in all likelihood I think this is just a normal interaction that we can benefit from.
>>
>>5543499
>Offer to take him on as a squire.
Not like he is very eligible to inherit to begin with so I don't see the point of sending him to a Church.
>>
>>5543499
>Offer to take him on as a squire.
>>
>>5543499
>>Offer to take him on as a squire.
We do this nobleman a favor and we get a likely loyal attendant. He seems like he can be capable too, he can take a beating at least.
>>
>>5543499
>>Offer to take him on as a squire.
>>
>>5543499
>>Offer to take him on as a squire.
>>
>>5543499
>>Offer to take him on as a squire.

Traditionally knights had several pages and squires, perhaps we could add a few more from promising families in our demesne, or neighboring nobility.
>>
>>5543508
>>5543513
>>5543556
>>5543594
>>5543605
>>5543633
>>5543727

''I could take him if you wanted.'' You stated

''You would? Well that would be great actually, I will inform him right away.''

And so young Georg was transferd from the Lilienthal tent to your castle. He was still two years too young to actually become a squire so for now he would be retained as a page. Although it would take a few weeks before he has recovered enough for him to partake in all training activities.

And now the third and last day of the tournament dawned. Good thing too if you saw the dark clouds from the west coming this way. Already the merchants who had nothing left to sell were packing up and leaving for elsewhere. As you took your seat the herald announced the various knights making an introductory round.

''Casimir Czarnykon!'' A dark haired knight from Mololavia wearing red and gold.

''Reinhard von Fuchsbau!'' The familiar sight of the red-haired count wore his house colours of white and red.

''Ludwig von Possenhofen The brown-haired brother of Helmine wore the distinctive purple of his house.

This went on for a while until the last two knights were introduced

''Gabriel de Thrahifrere!'' Interesting,so that was the longhair you saw yesterday. An Aurilien huh, they don't normally come this far east.

''And lastly we have an knight who would rather not reveal his identity and as such will be introduced as a mystery knight!' And in came someone dressed in the livery of the order of the crimson sun! Something that send confusion into both you and Albrecht who told you that the order was abolished. Still the herald had probably verified his knighthood beforehand and there no rules against doing this.

''So, who do think will win this time around?'' Albrecht asked you

>Casimir Czarnykon
>Reinhard von Fuchsbau
>Ludwig von Possenhofen
>Gabriel de Thrahifrere
>The mystery knight
>>
>>5543810
>Gabriel de Thrahifrere

The birthplace of chivalry. Probably some obsessive sword and lance autist.
>>
>>5543810
>>Gabriel de Thrahifrere

Surely he is an accomplished tourney knight
>>
>>5543810
>>Gabriel de Thrahifrere
>>
>>5543810
>>The mystery knight
Mystery box
>>
The mystery knight is gonna turn out to be an orc or a woman or something, isn't it? That's the twist, I'm suddenly sure of it for no reason.
>>
>>5543810
>>Casimir Czarnykon
I think Casimir
>>
>>5543816
>>5543824
>>5543849
''I think that de Thahifrere will win.''

''Don't be to sure of that. He seemed a bit uneasy when that mystery knight came. He also does not strike me as the youngest anymore.''

This was true he seemed to somewhere in his forties; the horns blew, the spurs were jabbed into the horseflesh, lances were broken and knight fell of their horses. Hour after hour; Czarnykon unhorsed four knights before being unhorsed by von Fuchsbau; who in turn was unhorsed by de Thrahifrere. Who seemed the favourite among both crowd and woman. The only one who could really compete in popularity was the mystery knight. And something seemed off about him. He seemed to have an accent but due to his helmet you cloud not discern. He had successfully unhorsed von Possenhofen and another three knights. And yet, de Thrahifrere seemed to be uneasy whenever he looked at the masked stranger. He stared constantly at him and his face went form bright red to pale white and back again. These two probably had a history together.

Late in the afternoon, the finale were about to begin. The two finalists were obviously de Thrahifrere and the mystery knight and the tension was palpable.

Before the start you gave a short presentation of the grant prize ''To gallant knight who shall win this tournament we would now present the grand prize.'' And you took the blanket of a cushion to reveal the axe. ''This axe, crafted by the master smiths of Rittersbach. Shall be bestowed upon whoever shall win. I whish the both of you the best.''

The horns blew once more. One round,two rounds,three rounds, how many rounds more? These two seemed to be evenly matched. And they were already going at it for an hour with no sight of stopping. They had even switched horses because their previous ones had been exhausted. Now then on the ninth round something finally happened, the lances were lowered, lower, lower, now wait they not aiming for each others shield or chest their aiming for each others eyes! By the gods! these two want kill each other. Yet before you could act a mighty clash of wood and metal followed by a dust cloud turned up. For the first seconds only the horses ran out and you could only hear what the two where shouting at each other.

You did not speak their languae but you thought you did hear their names.

''Gabriel!''

"Phillipe!''

You heard more shouting, clashing of metal. and screams. By the time the dust cleared up the body of Gabriel de Thrahifrere lay upon the ground. The knight now known as Phillipe sat beside him on his knees, his head low.

This obviously requires action and quickly!
>Arrest that man!
>Drag him before me, I want to know why.
>Execute him upon the spot.
>Write-in
>>
>>5544013
>Execute him upon the spot.
Use the axe
>>
>>5544013
>Arrest that man!
>Drag him before me, I want to know why.
>>
>>5544013
>Drag him before me, I want to know why.
>>
>>5544013
>>Drag him before me, I want to know why.
>>
>>5544026
>>5544037
>>5544175

''Guards. Disarm that man and take him to me!'' You shouted at your men who had sprang into action. The knight did not do any attempt to resist nor to flee. He was dragged to you and made to stand upon his feet.

His helmet was then removemed from his head. He looked a lot like the dead knight only older, wearier and with a glassy look in his eyes

''Tell me, stranger what had motivated you to kill that man?''

''Revenge, a desire to avenge my brothers-in-arms by slaying by brother of blood. I am Phillipe de Thrahifrere and I have been chasing my brother for the last five-teen years. From Macilar to Aurilie and anywhere he would go I would chase him to. My brother always had one weakness: his obsession with wealth. The night before Macilar I spotted him taking a large pouch of gold from a black-cloaked figure who disappeared into thin air afterwards. I did not know what was going on until after the battle when it became clear to me that my own brother had betrayed me and my order. I swore that day that I would find and kill him to avenge the lost. I found is track on the way out of Corbilia into Lolegel but I was unable to close the gap until he returned to my family home where he ad told my father that I had died. My appearance the next morning was enough to make him flee the castle. And my father petitioned the king to brand him an outlaw. But I knew he would not be in Aurilie for long. So I chased across Argalis, Tautenland,Angenland, Toldmark, Mozolavia and eventually here in Grünwald.''

''I done that which I have set out to do. My purpose has been completed. You may do with me whatever you wish. Kill me,imprison me, pardon me it does not matter anymore.''

What is your response?
>Imprison him
>Have him executed
>Banish him
>Pardon him
>Write-in
>>
>>5544013
>>Drag him before me, I want to know why.
>>
Huh, what do you guys think? Hold him prisoner and send out envoys to try and confirm his story? Ransom him? Go for justice and hold a trial? Just kill him?

Surely we wouldn't outright let him go by pardoning him or banishing him. He doesn't necessarily desire to stay here or anything, so banishing him isn't really a suitable punishment for this bald faced murder. I could see us pardoning or ransoming him if his story is true, but not in front of so many people as that may make a mockery of people's perception of our justice.

>Imprison him
>Send envoys to this man's father to verify if his story is true

I'll go with this for now, may change my mind later.
>>
>>5544522
>Write-in
"What proof you have of your claims, sir Phillipe ? And if so, why you didn't present it to me the ruler of this land and to my granduncle a bishop of the order of the argent star ? Would you swear on your honor that you had said nothing but the truth ?"
"Guards bring me the body of the deceased, i wish to see if there is any resemblances between the faces of the two. And send a few men to requisition both of their belongings and bring them in front of me."
>>
>>5544522
>Imprison him
>"If your story is true, then you would have comitted no murder as you avenged your families honor's and hunted an escaped outlaw. "
>"However, you still sullied this tournament, and went over my authority as the count of this land by not bringing it to my knowledge beforehand. As such, I'm disqualifying you from the joust."
>"Guards, bring both Philiphe and Gabriel closer to me, I must see if there's a family resemblance."
>"I'll send envoys to Aurilie to confirm your claims. In the meanwhile, I'll keep you imprisoned."
>>
>>5544595
No wait, we already know there's family resemblance
>He looked a lot like the dead knight only older
So ignore that part
>>
>>5544522
Switching to support >>5544595
>>
>>5544595
>>5544612
Until you could verify the truth form someone you decided to keep him in custody for now.

''If your story is true, then you would have committed no murder as you avenged your families honour and hunted an escaped outlaw.'' You began.

''"However, you still sullied this tournament, and went over my authority as the count of this land by not bringing it to my knowledge beforehand. As such, I'm disqualifying you from the joust."You also said

I'll send envoys to Aurilie to confirm your claims. In the meanwhile, I'll keep you imprisoned."

''Send word to my youngest brother Jean if you can. He can verify it all.'' Phillipe replied

It would probalby take a few months for the envoys to arrive and return. So you would probalbly need to keep him somewhere safe.
>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>The dungeon. You do not trust him at all
Another matter would be declaring a winner of the joust
>Declare no one the winner..
>Make Gabriel posthumously the winner.
>Have the losers of the half-finale joust.
>>
>>5544630
>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>Have the losers of the half-finale joust.
>>
>>5544630
>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>Have the losers of the half-finale joust.
>>
>>5544630
>>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>Have the losers of the half-finale joust.
>>
>>5544630
>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>Have the losers of the half-finale joust.
>>
>>5544630
>>House arrest, he is after all still nobility
>>Have the losers of the half-finale joust
>>
>>5544638
>>5544651
>>5544675
>>5544706
>>5544734

''You will be put in house arrest pending the verification of your tale. Take him and his belongings to to his quarters.'' He was then made to guide the guards to his tent and horse and was thus carried off to your castle.

Afterwards you ordered that the losers of the half-finales were to joust against each other to declare an true winner. The mood had still been thoroughly soured by the death of Gabriel. And the normal celebratory cheers were softer than usual. After the winner had won you gave a short speech and gave him the prize. Wanting nothing to with the tourney anymore you retired an hour after the end of the joust.

The next day

After your usual breakfast you were up and about ready to fill you morning time
What would you do?
>Check up on Georg
>Visit Phillipe
>Take a stroll around the castle
>Write-in
>>
>>5544868
>Check up on Georg
>>
>>5544868
>Check up on Georg
>>
>>5544868
>>Check up on Georg
>>
>>5544868
>>Check up on Georg
>>
>>5544868
>Check up on Georg
>>
>>5544872
>>5544964
>>5545135
>>5545296
>>5545549
when you opened the door to Georg's room you say that he had at very least moved from his bed to the desk in front of the window. He would probably not be ready for any physical exercises for the rest of the month but there was other things you could teach him about that any true chivalrous knight would need to know. There was more to knighthood than fighting after all.

What would you like to focus on?
>Court etiquette
>Arithmetic and accounting
>military tactics
>Poems and history
>>
>>5545961
>military tactics
>>
>>5545961
>>Court etiquette
>>
>>5545961
>Court etiquette

We can consult historians and do some reading ourselves, we are already a soldier by trade, the woman we are most interested in is already skilled in managing a realm and presumably its finances, so I think we ought to get ourselves a named character who we can send as a diplomat and envoy. It'd be good to even have multiple characters like this, those who can fight and handle themselves appropriately in a social setting, since we may want to entreat with multiple parties at once in a time limited scenario.
>>
>>5545961
>Court etiquette
He has to know how to behave.
>>
>>5545961
>>military tactics

Making a diplomat of a bastard may not be the best choice, not terrible I guess though.
>>
>>5546232
He is not turning into a diplomat, bastard is just learning how to behave in court.
>>
>>5546033
>>5546082
>>5546084
You decide to take a few hours to begin to teach Georg the basics of court etiquette. You begin simple: the various forms of address that the ranks of the nobility and clergy have. As well various civic and academic titles. There also more subtle thing to learn him like how read people by their body language and how best ingratiate yourself with various courtiers. There is also other stuff like how calligraphically write a letter and memorising the heraldry of various places.

There are still more advanced things to teach but that would have to be done by other teacher as you had other things to do as well.

What would you like to do?
>Read one of your new books
>Go to the furniture to commission new furniture
>Take a stroll trough your castle
>Write-in
>>
>>5546792
>Take a stroll trough your castle
>>
>>5546792
>>Take a stroll trough your castle
>>
>>5546792
>>Read one of your new books
Knowledge
>>
>>5546792
>>Take a stroll trough your castle
>>
>>5546792
>>Read one of your new books
>>
>>5546792
>Read one of your new books
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5546796
>>5546802
>>5546907
>>5546934
>>5546982
>>5547091
Right a tie let's roll
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>5547199
Shit, I forgot the option let's roll again
1:Stroll
2:Books
>>
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>>5547201
Your castle was relativly new and you had not really explored it at all. It was also barley decorated with only the most basic of amendtiies. As you walked into your audience hall and throne room this became even clearer. Perhaps you should do something About it?.

>No everrything is perfectly fine
>Hire a painter to decorate the walls
>Buy some accent tables
>Write-in
>>
>>5547204
>>No everrything is perfectly fine
>>
>>5547204
>Buy some accent tables
And maybe some chairs too
>>
>>5547204
>Hire a painter to decorate the walls
>Buy some accent tables

Why not both?
>>
>>5547204
>>Buy some accent tables
>>
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>>5547224
>>5547235
>>5547310

You send out a man of your court with some money to buy some new furniture for your throne room from the joiners.

The good thing was that with the creation of a city in Rittersbach the attraction for immigrants became much greater. Already the workforce was being reenforced by new immigrants comming from Tautenland,Libau and elsewhere. The new city council had already orderd the square in front of your castle to be paved over for more effectiveness as well as easy access to the site of the cathedral which was to be build. The new council did not however represent all people in the city. Only citizens where allowed to vote on officals and to be elected. In reality the guilds and patrican families had begun to take over the apparatus of the city goverment.

There were five prominent patrician families:
Welmoed, a holtrisian merchant family with many overseas connections.

Tischler, a family from Tautenland that made it's fortune in wood trade.

Stålberg, a family of ironmongers originally from Suddalr.

Ziegelbrenner, the family that owned most brick ovens that were not yours.

And Szklarz, a Mozolavian family that owned the only glassmaker in the region.

Still, their influence was miniscule compared to that of yours and you could be certain that their reach was only as far as the city.
Is there anything you would like to build in Rittersbach?
>Build another watermill
>Begin construction on a city wall
>Build a monument on the square
>Expand the dockyards
>>
>>5547980
>Begin construction on a city wall
A proper stone wall would give a proper defense to our capital
>>
>>5547980
>Build another watermill

I vaguely recall us holding off on some part of our military reforms or spending on something or over until we had the economic power to afford it. War is coming and we have to be prepared, but we need a strong economy to go with it if we want to sustain our military. Plus walls are expensive.
>>
>>5548017
You already paid for that with the profits of various inns and taverns you own. But if you want more money to expand the army or to hire mercenaries I won't stop you
>>
>>5547980
>Begin construction on a city wall
>>
>>5547980
>Begin construction on a city wall
>>
>>5547980
>>Build another watermill
>>
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>>5547996
>>5548112
>>5548284
It was prudent to begin construction on a city wall. Beside the obvious security benefits it would also help with keep out vagrants, beggars and other such riff-raff. It was also good for the image of the city as any self-respecting city would need a wall. For this exact reason the city council and the new and first bürgermeister of the city: a man by the name of Karl Kaufmann. Had agreed to pay for half of the cost in exchange for being able to also put the city watch on the walls. Construction had already begun with the goal being to finish the foundation before the autumn rains would set in.

(Cont)
>>
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>>5549373
With city constructions on the way it was now time to once more focus on county-level.
STATE OF THE COUNTY

Military: The military of the county has been formalised but is far from being a fully professional force in the hands of the state, aside from the personal escort of the ruler and some
garrisons in wartime the bulk of the armies would be made up of local militias and levies. Also of note are the Rangers, who's primary task consits of keeping the forests free of bandits, dangerous animals and other such animals.

Economy: The economy has been revitalised thanks to shrewd investments and the revival of the trade networks. The primary export of the county constist of lumber,grain and bricks

Administration: Formal subdivisions have been created and headed by officers appointed by the ruler. However much power still rests by the local gentry who still act as the local rulers in your place

Population: As of right now Grünwald remain still a primary rural land with a mix of settlers and former natives living quietly in dispersed farms or in quiet hamlets. With the founding of a formal city one could now say that the urbanisation project is now underway.

Is there anything you would like to do?
>Order the construction of charcoal burners
>Begin the creation of formal legal courts
>Have the rangers carve out new trails trough the forest
>Expand the farmlands
>>
>>5549390
How could charcoal burners be of benefit to us.
>>
>>5549390
>>Expand the farmlands
Food yummy
>>
>>5549400
You cloud sell it. It can also be used as fuel
>>
>>5549390
>Order the construction of charcoal burners

Fuel for winter and metalworking. Will go well with investing in that mining expedition to that lone mountain of ours later. The precursors to what passes for more advanced industry.
>>
>>5549390
>>Begin the creation of formal legal courts
We should invest in our administration to handle our booming population.
>>
>>5549390
>Order the construction of charcoal burners
>>
>>5549390
>>Order the construction of charcoal burners
>>
>>5549390
>>Order the construction of charcoal burners
>>
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>>5549458
>>5549503
>>5549539
>>5549572
>>5549785
Indeed the benefit of charcoal would be immense. It would provide a source of fuel for your growing population and for any further industry the rest of the year. Indeed within a week or so the first burners were there and although it was a dirty business and trade it would be necessary for the further development of the county.

A month or so later when lush summer had departed. And melancholic autumn had taken it's place.

Your green forest had already begun adopting the various shades of yellow,orange and red that was fashion in this season.

When the court wizard came into your study with a letter to present to you.

''Sire the reply to the letter I send has come. I have already read so I thought it would be good idea give you the letter to read.''

You took the letter and started to read it.

''Hello again, Wolfgerus. I was most surprised at your letter and description of the artefact that your new liege found. Me and some of my students have studied the drawing and inscriptions you send with the letter and we believe that the inscription on the crown says something along the line of:''To the griffon king,greatest ally of our kind. From the stag-prince of Tor-Silviri.'' We unfortunately do not have any records of any such persons in the archives and we would recommend you to pursue further research.

Singed, Doctor Luigi Cartadilegno. the university of Marolonga.

Interesting. So the crown belonged to an ancient king? There was more to this you were sure.

What to do next?
>Search for that tree-man, he might know something
>Send some men out to search for more clues
>Write-in
>>
>>5550624
>Search for that tree-man, he might know something
>Send some men out to search for more clues
>You just purchased some new books. Maybe try looking in them for clues? Find a reference to dynasties that use the iconography of the griffon or the stag, or that have similar names or language to whatever "Tor-Silviri" is.

Why not both, and more?
>>
>>5550624
>Send some men out to search for more clues
Search the forest
>>
>>5550624
>>Send some men out to search for more clues
>>
>>5550624
>>Send some men out to search for more clues
>>
>>5550624
>>Search for that tree-man, he might know something
>>
>>5550624
>start a library of history and pay someone to find and copy history books (keeping an eye out for mentions of the stag king)
>>Search for that tree-man, he might know something
>>
>>5550650
>>5550683
>>5550721
You ordered some of your rangers to begin combing over the woods and fields for any trace or hint at the existence of the mentioned civilisations. You in the meantime opened your copy of the ''The elven peoples'' to search for any hints of the makers of the crown.

The elves are an race encountered mostly on the continent of Argalis and nearby. They can live up to two-hundred-and-fifty years and are typically between 190 centimetres and 210 centimetres tall.

Due to low reproduction rates most elven states only consist of a city and the surrounding fields. There are however a few larger states

The foremost amongst the elven nation are the kingdoms of the Gilded woods and the Snowglades.

The elves of the gilded wood typically are blonde of hair and fair of skin. They are generally considered to be excellent archers and hunters in the golden leaved forest that the kingdom is named after. The gilded woods is famous for it's various alcoholic products and resin

The snowglades is the largest of the northern elven states and the most populated. The elves there are generally considered to be pale of skin and dark of hair with their architecture mainly consisting of white marble, which is abundant there. History tells us that long ago the snowglades were much larger and that they were the greatest naval power in the region. During this time they had colonised much of the coast line of the Albunic sea; ruins of which you can still find today.

There are lesser elven cities and kingdoms most of which have been absorbed into the various human realms as fiefdoms or free cities. There are elven citadel-cities scattered all over the continent. Some independent, some swearing fealty to a liege lord

This book took up most of the afternoon and by the time the sun was setting your men had still not returned. Retiring to your bed early you hoped that you hear form them tomorrow. About an hour after the rooster's third call of the day you came out of bed. Some of the rangers had apparently found something of interest.

(Cont)
>>
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>>5551764
They told you that they had found something completely unexpected and strange. And they asked you to come along to see it; after about an hour and a half riding trough barley used ancient forest trails you saw it too.

An completely intact,marble elven tower straight out of the fairy tales. How strange, you did not see it form elsewhere in the forest. Perhaps it was simply forgotten. Or the owner wanted it to be hidden.

As you arrived at the foot of the tower you spoke with the commanding sergeant who told you that they had not yet entered the tower out of fear of potential traps. They wanted to wait until you arrived to give orders on what to.

What would you do?
>Lead them into the tower.
>Send the sergeant ahead.
>Return later and send some adventures in.
>>
>>5551766
>Lead them into the tower.
>>
>>5551766
>>Lead them into the tower.
>>
>>5551766
>>Lead them into the tower.
>>
>>5551766
>>Lead them into the tower.
>>
>>5551766
>>Lead them into the tower.
>>
>>5551766
>Lead them into the tower.
>>
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>>5551817
>>5551877
>>5551887
>>5551993
>>5552036
>>5552045
Deciding that you would lead you men bravely into any battle. You ordered your men to fall in behind you as you walked into the ground floor.

The place felt familiar and yet ''otherworldly'' it seemed to be using many elements you found in the cathedrals and town-halls across the continent, the pointed arches,the vaulted ceilings and much more. Yet it seemed more graceful.... with higher points more rounded pilasters and plenty of other aspects.

You are currently in the entrance hall Where would you like to go?
>Upstairs
>Downstairs
>Go into the currently unknown room(s)
>>
>>5552137
>>Go into the currently unknown room(s)
>>
>>5552137
>>Go into the currently unknown room(s)
>>
>>5552137
>>Go into the currently unknown room(s)

I say that we should leave a detachment watching the stairs
>>
>>5552137
>>Go into the currently unknown room(s)
>>
>>5552137
>>Go into the currently unknown room(s)
>>
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>>5552151
>>5552171
>>5552196
>>5552249
>>5552785
You had your men open the door leading deeper into the tower floor. It was high vaulted room. Dimly lit and white of colour. Your men attempted to find a torch-holders to light up the place and after a while you walked towards the centre of the tower where a raised platform stood. One of your man stroke his finger across it and smelled it.

''Ash and coal, I think this was some kind fireplace and that we are in some kind of eating room my lord.''

That did make sense actually, the various tables and chairs seemed to be arranged in a formation you might see in a barracks or a garrison. But that did not explain why there wasn't any cutlery or dishes

Where would you like to go next
>Go upstairs
>Go downstairs
>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
>>5552847
>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
>>5552847
>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
>>5552847
>>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
>>5552847
>>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
>>5552847
>>Go into what you presume is the kitchen
>>
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>>5552871
>>5552925
>>5552991
>>5552999
>5552999
>>5553194
Moving into the kitchen you ordered someone to light up the place again. It appeared to be a spacious room full of counters stoves,ovens and skewers. These thing where of no interest to you of course. You already got plenty of kitchen equipment. The pantry was also worthless;all the food in there had rotted away and only old sacks,crates and other means of storage. But there was at least something you could take home with you. In fact it was technically two things.

The first was an chest which at first glance, did not appear to be that special. Yet after one of your men successfully cracked the lock on it. The treasure in it was at least worth coming here fore. Elven cutlery, encased in silver and at various points encrusted with precious stones. This must have been a part of the owners private dinner set while the common elves got iron.

The other thing you found in a row of closets nearby the chest. When opened you found a set of tableware. It appeared fragile,pale white and was painted over in the finest craftsmanship. A very fine type of ceramic you tought. It would have to be brought back to Rittersbach with great care.

Congratulations, you got a set of elven silverware and a set of elven tableware

What would like to do next?
>Go upstairs
>Go downstairs
>>
>>5554031
>>Go downstairs
mmmmm
>>
>>5554031
>Go upstairs
Oh hell yeah, dinnerparties are going to be luxurious as hell.
>>
>>5554031
>Go upstairs
>>
>>5554031
>Go downstairs

Would prefer to secure the presumably shallow basement near the entrance before venturing a greater distance upwards. Wouldn't want to be cut off.
>>
>>5554031
>>Go downstairs

Very nice
>>
>>5554031
>>Go upstairs
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5554038
>>5554078
>>5554112
>>5554480
>>5554543
>>5555490

1: Go upstairs
2: Go downstairs
>>
>>5555576
Taking the stairs down you find yourself in a room with a much lower ceiling and with a different design. There are no doorways leading anywhere or a window. It was a single room divided only by some archways and a massive central pillar which most likely supported the weight of the tower.

There was not much in terms of loot or salvage. Some silver coins, ragged clothing and some trinkets. There was however a an entrance to an tunnel which had unfortunately collapsed so you could not explore any further.

What would you like to do
>Go upstairs
>attempt to remove the rocks in the tunnel
>>
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>>5555592
Forgot picture
>>
>>5555592
>Go upstairs
>>
>>5555592
>>Go upstairs
>>
>>5555592
>>Go upstairs
>>
>>5555592
>>Go upstairs

We should come back better prepared to explore the tunnel
>>
File: Firstfloor.png (70 KB, 800x800)
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>>5555665
>>5555740
>>5555862
>>5555982
You decided against attempting to clear the tunnel deciding it was an waste of time and effort. Rather than doing that you would go up in the tower.

Going upstairs trough the ground floor up the other stair that was there you came into another room and level. Which when lighted up revealed various forms of seats,tables and other decorations. Judging form the central heartfire, the empty bottles and scattered board games and other amusements that must have been where the garrison would have spend their free time.

Where would you like to go?
>The room to your left
>The room to your right
>Go upstairs
>>
>>5556566
>The room to your left
>>
>>5556566
>The room to your left
>>
>>5556566
>>The room to your left
>>
>>5556566
>>The room to your right
>>
File: Firstfloor.png (74 KB, 846x800)
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>>5556620
>>5556673
>>5556867
Moving into the room to your left you find something quite boring. The bedroom of the garrison. Most of the beds and pyjamas have already been eaten at by moths and whatnot. There is not much of interest here, only a silver girandole and some bronze coinage.

Quickly getting out you must now decide where to go next.
>Go upstairs
>Go to the room to you right.
>>
>>5557870
>Go to the room to you right
Let's be thorough
>>
>>5557870
>>Go to the room to you right.
>>
>>5557870
>Go to the room to you right.
>>
>>5557870
>>Go to the room to you right.
>>
>>5557870
>Go to the room to you right.

If this procedural searching of each room and the sequence in which we enter them is important to the narrative or something then by all means continue with how this is going, but if not I recommend you just narrate what we find in each room and floor until we encounter an obstacle, trap, or something important to the narrative QM. Just some advice. Would save us some time, otherwise anons may get bored.
>>
>>5558251
Well, to be entirely honest I am also getting bored so I think will speed it up next post



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