The King's Response to the Archbishop...Once more, three messengers are sent with a copy of the letter. A simple act of courtesy to ensure that it will arrive.
To his Grace Archbishop Thring,
It is true that, following Elbreth's alliance with Miring, war was declared on Preston. However, the land has since been thrown into chaos following the rebellious actions of a number of pagan nobles. As such, Elbrethian forces had occupied the land in an attempt to restore order and protect the peasantry therein from the wild predations of the rebellious and heretic Mirish Pagan nobility.
Following the actions of Percy von Trubaldsome in inciting the populace to riot and subsequently converting them to his false beliefs, however, Elbreth has been forced to withdraw its troops. We are in the midst of negotiations that should, hopefully, bring this madman to justice.
As for the knight Sir Taric, I do believe that he is a fervent member of the Suulian Orthodox. His distaste for Cyclicism is well known, and it has been reported in my court that he flew into a rage upon realizing that a temple to Cyclicism had been built so near the land he had been given to govern. In any case, I can confirm that he is not a Cyclist and has, in the past, professed a love for your church.
Sincerely,
King Erik Sigurdson
(Elbrethian Seal)
(Terenos) Erik gave several nods as Terenos spoke, contemplating the advice. When all was said, he murmured a simple
"I see..." before lapsing into a moment's silence. Then, setting his mug aside he continued,
"As for my request, I feel that I should give you a choice..."The King began to slowly pace before the window, hands clasped behind his back.
"First, it would appear that you have gained an understanding of Preston's nobility and courts. The people have not been given reason to hate you, either, as you took no part in the battle that won the land. While the Grand Master has been working to win the people over, I feel that you may well be more suited to the job."
"However, Brighthall stands a significant threat. And it is important that we strengthen our relations with them, and assure them that, while we have annexed Preston and seek now to take Miring under our banner, we have no designs on their land. While you were gone we received word from allies to the north that Suul has been working to turn the Weylanders against us, and we have recently received a missive warning us that they may take action against us should the pagans of Miring continue to revolt. As Brighthall is an ally of Suul, such ties are important now more than ever."The King paused, glancing to Terenos a moment before continuing:
"I've other diplomats in my service, though I am uncertain of how skilled they may be. So I present you with a choice: Replace the Grand Master as regent of Preston and win the people's hearts, as you are suited to the task and I would have Knavston travel to Miring with me if possible, or embark on a diplomatic mission to Brighthall. The choice is yours, and I will provide with you any necessary funding for each as well as recompense for your service thus far in the form of land...something else I feel we should discuss."Later...(Kain) Erik steepled his fingers, and gave a short nod.
"Very well then. As for the task..." he paused a moment, contemplating, and then continued:
"As you know, for you were present, a band of raiders from the Ztah Steppes have over-stepped their bounds. I do believe the messenger we sent back was released in the Eelspine range which, with the recent loss of Sir Taric, is fully in your control. I would have you return to the mountain range and rally your forces, as well as the people of Lonemine and Stonewood, if you've the funds, and hunt these mongrels down."
"Further, I would have you hunt down the Suulian Mercenaries which attacked Stonewood. I understand that you have suspicions that Sir Taric hired them for some nefarious purpose, and so you are to get to the bottom of that as well. Under no circumstances are you to begin open aggression against Suul, however, or any of their forces. Elbrethian troops should not pass through their land unless absolutely necessary, and then only secretly."
"Should you capture either of these group's leaders, I would have them publicly executed with as large a crowd as you can muster. The people must learn that such banditry will not be tolerated."Mahtan's Quarters...(Mahtan 5+1) You easily craft the black powder. In fact, you have some surplus with which to use as you wish.
Elsewhere in the World...The Weyland Highlands, Late Spring...(Sir Jormund) The urban potential of East Weyland is such that you cannot upgrade the town further, there simply are not enough resources to sustain the level of business necessary.
(Jarl Corv 3) On the day before the duel you eat only bread. By the time the duel rolls around, you've a slight pang in your stomach but otherwise all seems well. (2+1) You cut your forearm with your axe before the crowd, and then openly challenge Keith McKinley's honor. At first, he scoffs, but the crowd jeers and his own men seem aghast. The man eventually caves, and draws his (4-1) short sword across his own forearm, wincing slightly as he does. Then the duel begins.
Jarl Corv Manskinner: +1 Weapon, +1 Armor. 3/3HP
Chieftain Keith McKinley: +1 Weapon, +1 Armor. 3/3HP
(6+2 vs 1+2) You open with a clever feint, appearing to charge forward wildly before dropping back and stepping around to the side of the Chieftain. His short sword flicks through the air where you were standing long after you've already moved, and your axe cuts deep into the back of his leg, forcing him to the ground. (McKinley: 1/3HP)
(1+2 vs 2+2) From his position on the ground, Keith stabs up violently and his short sword (?-1) cuts a bloody gash along your hip. (Manskinner: 2/3)
(5+2 vs 3+2) You ignore the injury, swinging your axe around with a quick, clean motion. You notice that McKinley's face has grown uncommonly pale, even for the people of his clan, moments before you take off his head. It sails into the crowd, landing with a sickening thud. (McKinley: 0/3HP) Your people let up a cheer, their cries of victory a dull roar in your ears as they surge forward to surround you. Donald McMurray claps you on the shoulder, grinning a gap-toothed grin.
(Sverre) You witness Keith McKinley's beheading from your vantage point atop a hill. (4) You even catch sight of a small group of McKinley's slowly trickling away from the main group one by one after the fight is over. You ride down to meet the victor as he is walking back to his tent beside a massive, scar-covered man. The Jarl seems uncommonly pale, and as you approach he collapses.
(Sir Joseph) You begin to make your way over to the Jarl as the battle ends. As you approach, you spot a rider with a standard bearing a Black Eagle approaching. And then the Jarl suddenly tumbles forward, and collapses onto the ground.
(Jarl Corv Manskinner) Donald mentions something about drinks and dealing with the newly acquired lands and people later, but you can't seem to follow his words over the incessant
buzzing of the crowd. Surrounded by Donald and his eldest sons, you begin to make your way back to your tent for some much needed rest when you spot a rider coming towards you with a standard bearing a black eagle. As he approaches, the eagle gets abnormally large until darkness swallows you.
You wake up in your tent some time later, feverish and ill. Donald sits nearby, eyes dark as he watches over you. Two of his sons stand guard at the opening of the tent.
(Sverre) The large man literally scoops the Jarl up, and several people who bear an uncanny resemblance to him form up around him with weapons drawn as they rush off. Someone else runs off, shouting for a doctor.
Author
Topic: You are King! (Spring 315a) (Read 188585 times)