AAR: Me, Floris | Chapter 55 posted

[monnikje]

Chapter 7: Peace?
11 July 1257

Dear Diary,

On 26 June I swore my loyalty to king Harlaus of Swadia. As a reward, he bestowed me with the village of Emirin. After I had heard that, I went out to have a look at it. I rode through the entire Swadian kingdom, only to find it at the far edge of it, just beside Dhirim. Unfortunately that city was just recently conquered by the Rhodoks. Not the most ideal place to rule over. But well, I had to manage.


My small village of Emirin was lying almost next to Dhirim. Normally a fortunate location, but not now.

It wasn't too save for me to remain in my own village, so I returned to Praven, where I joined another tournament. This time I was knocked out in the second round. When I spoke to king Harlaus, he told me he needed more men: he wanted six man-at-arms. He would be very pleased if I would train them for him. That would of course be no problem for me: after the king gave me six recruits, I went to the training grounds. There I trained with them until they were all promoted to men at arms. When I returned to Praven, I encountered some bandits. I was only with eight men, while they were with twenty-two. With my axe ready I rode around them, and slew many men by just riding by and slicing them in two. The main trick was to avoid being stopped by someone standing in front of me then I would've been cornered by several men and slain.

When I returned to Praven, the guild master of that city was very fond of me. Those bandits had raided many caravans, and were a nuisance all along. He rewarded me accordingly, and pointed out to me that those bandits were not the biggest problem: the war between Swadia and Rhodoks is. They would give a lot to end it. Unfortunately two lords, one on each side, opposes a peace treaty. If I could only convince them to stop their warmongery attempts, the war would end and Praven would be saved from an imminent bankruptcy. In the meantime I sent the six man-at-arms to the king, to serve his needs. He said to me, I quote: 'I don't have enough troops, and I need to get some more. I must attend to this matter before I worry about the affairs of the realm.' I tell you, that king is unfit. I should replace him as soon as possible.


The war is hindering Praven, and they are prepared to do everything to end it.

I had heard from the king that count Devlian was in Haringoth castle, so I rode there as swiftly as I could and tried to persuade him. Unfortunately, he was deaf for reason, and I couldn't pull a favour: this was the first time we met. So there was no other option than to bribe him for 7160 denars. This was one count down, now I only had to track down count Tarchias of Rhodoks and force him into this peace settlement. That would be a big problem with only Jeremus at my disposal, so I walked around some villages, recruited 10 peasants and trained them on the training grounds until they were full-blown man at arms. It took me three days, but it was worth it.

After the training was completed, I passed the bridge near Haringoth and entered Rhodoks territory. I avoided the small passes with castles like Maras castle and Culmarr castle: instead I followed the river to the sea, and then followed the coastline. I passed the village of Istiniar, and avoided Glunmar. Then I saw Ilvia, but instead went to the city of Yalen. But count Tarchias wasn't there. So I moved on to Jelkala. He wasn't there, so instead I bought quite a lot of velvet, which I wanted to sell at Veluca. While I'm in hostile territory, I can make myself usefull by trading and earning a lot of money. but when I approached that city, half the Rhodoks army was residenting there, including the king. I bravely ran away away, and managed to outrun all those hostile counts following me. But I hadn't had a clue where count Tarchias could be.

After outrunning the enemy army, I noticed a battle raging between the Swadian count Despian and the Rhodoks count Falsevor. I joined in, and proved to be the tip that bounced the balance to Swadian victory. After this victory I proceeded to Uxkhal, where I bought a new horse: a heavy charger. Now my enemies would really tremble before me once I ride towards them. I trembled across the landscape. From castle till castle, I rode to search for count Tarchias, until I suddenly found him close to the village of Chelez: he had just fought with the Khergit noyan Urubay, and was severely weakened. I couldn't have wished for more: I thus approached him.


When I finally found count Tarchias, he was already weakend. 7 July 1257 must be my lucky day.

When we met, I asked him to stop sabotaging the peace negotiations. He was inspired by my words - and no doubt also by the man at arms standing behind me - but not convinced. So in the end I winded up paying him 1460 denars. I spend quite a lot of money on brides, but the reward was still greater, or so I thought. Before I reached Praven, Swadia and Rhodoks made peace, and the entire operation became null and void. In the end I got no reward! But well, I still got some good soldiers from it.



*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

[monnikje]

Chapter 8: Caravans and a maiden
1 August 1257

Dear Diary,

Today I don't write this entry from my usual tavern room in Praven, but instead from the Nord city of Dhirim, formerly Swadian. It's closer to my own village of Emerin, and the most recent stop of my journey the past month. A little while ago I realised something very important: if I want to take over control in these lands, I need people to support me. not only the nobles, but also the cities. If they side with me, allow me to enter whenever I like and provide me with all the support I need, who are the kings to oppose me? I'll take over Swadia, and if that seems impossible, I'll found a new kingdom.

At the beginning of July I had a big disappointment in Praven: I was asked to arrange a peace settlement, but when I finally came back, they didn't pay up. Nevertheless I tried to help the folks again. Call me naive, but my revenge will one day be sweet. I promised the guild master on my return to eliminate some looters. Although I fought off a few bands, I didn't find all of them. To be honest, I didn't search extensive for them. I found my relations with other cities more important, after the debacle with the peace settlement.


Along my loyal man-at-arms and even a few knights I ride into battle to kill some looters.

From Praven I rode to Suno, but they were still not that fond of me. No wonder, I still hadn't given their tax money to their lord, who was now missing in action: he probably spend these days in a prison far away from here. So I moved on, to Uxkhal. They seemed to be ok with me, and asked me if I could escort a caravan to the Vaegir city of Rivalech. Of course I agreed to do that: what could happen on a quiet trip? I only had to ride along and fight off some bandits, heal my wound and move on. Technically that was true. But still it was a more difficult mission than I had anticipated. The moment I entered Vaegir lands, bandits tried to attack the caravan. I fenced them all away, but there was no time for my men to heal their wounds. The moment I defeated the first group of bandits, the second almost immediately jumped on top of us. And the third, and so on. After eight waves of attack we finally reached the city of Rivalech. We made it, but it hadn't been easy.

When I rode back, I passed the city of Dhirim. Since it's neighbouring my own town, I decided to have a look and ask the local guild master what's up lately. He told me that the daughter of a local merchant had been kidnapped, and been brought to Azgad, a small town near Praven. I knew I couldn't trust those Pravens, and especially the king. It had been arranged that a ransom would be paid: they only needed someone to take it there. Who would I be to object to that? I took the money, and rode off, passing Uxkhal once again. There I asked if thy needed a hand too, and heard they needed another caravan protected: this time to Sargoth.


The guild master of Uxkhal asks me to escort a caravan to Sargoth.

The route to Sargoth was a little out of the way, but well, I accepted anyway. First things first, so I took the caravan and drove them all the way to Azgad. There was plenty of time, so why wouldn't I catch two flies in one stroke? The caravan master did question the route, but after I told him this one was safer than a direct road, he stopped bugging me. He had obviously heard of the trouble I had on my road to Rivalech, and didn't want to get involved in more battles than necessary.

Once we gotten to Azgad, I gave the kidnappers the money without a fuzz. It wasn't my money, and not even my girl, so why would I fight over it? I was just the delivery boy, upping my standing in Dhirim by doing this. The bandits obviously sensed this, since we concluded our deal without any problem. I gave them the money, they gave me the girl. Everyone's happy, especially since I took her on a little tour.


I had dragged the kidnapped girl along to Sargoth.

Even though I got the girl, I still had to deliver a caravan. I had dragged it along to Azgad, so it wasn't more than fair to take the girl with us to Sargoth. I could have sold her to a slave trader and made some good money for her, but that wouldn't do me much good back home. Dhirim is pretty close to my own village. So I took care of her, and after saying goodbye to the caravan, I rode back to Dhirim, where I am now. The girl is home safely, and a new month has begun I'll await what awaits me this time, since my standing with the cities is not yet perfect. They are still indifferent about me, while they should be hailing me like I'm the second coming. Which I am, obviously, but they need to know that too.



*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

[Rahn]

I'll be sure to follow this.
Keep it up!

[Anthropoid]

Great job on your AAR! We don't see too many AARs for MB, and you are setting a great example  Great for prospective newbies to see what the game is about too!

[monnikje]

Rahn: I shall certainly keep this up: there will be a lot more chapters to follow.

Anthropoid: Thanks! I noticed that there aren't many M&B AARs, but I surely hope more will follow. The game offers great possibilities for nice stories.

[monnikje]

Chapter 9: Relations with Dhirim
24 August 1257

Dear Diary,

Today I write once again from my usual room in Praven, sitting in a room next to one of Artimenner and Jeremus. They are debating once again Jeremus' medical skills. Why can't they stop? They know I'm writing in my journal, which is more important than any feud they might have. Anyway, the past month I've been riding hence and forth to improve my standing with the citizens of Dhirim. As the closest major city and a major provider of iron, it's worthwhile having them as friends. So I did the lowest peasantry jobs those citizens could imagine the past two weeks.

It started with driving cattle forward to the Sarranid city of Shariz. Can you imagine it? Me, count Floris IV of Holland, driving cattle like an ordinary peasant? But still I did it, only to get in favour with the local populace. In the beginning it was more difficult than I had imagined, since the cows didn't want to go where I wanted to drive them. But after some practice I knew what to do, and managed to deliver them in that desert town.


Driving cattle forward can be a tedious task.

After I had delivered the cattle, there were some merchants that required my services. I really felt like a hired blade, prostituting my noble services to the common people. But there is no other alternative, so I'll let it be. I escorted caravans to Ahmerrad, Shariz and Khudan, and killed quite a few bandits on the road. I only couldn't find those desert bandits that had been troubling the merchants of Dhirim. The good thing about these caravans is the possibilities it gives me for trade. And while I was conducting this business, I asked Artimenner to build a school in my village of Emirin. That will raise my status over there, and hopefully my name will be wider known.

After I had escorted all these merchants, I decided to go to Praven. On the road I picked up another caravan from Uxkhal, which I had to bring to Bariyye. When I rode to Suno, I finally met count Klargus again, and paid up the taxes I had inned from Suno. Of course I got my reward, but actually my reward had been the exploit of this tax money. No point in telling him that, so I just gave it to him. With the wars he was glad I paid up: he hadn't expected it anymore, not with him being imprisoned previously.


Finally, after such a long time, I was able to pay up count Klargus' taxes.

In Suno I was asked to deliver ale to Veluca, and in Praven they had no job for me. The were a little irritated by my misfortune during the previous errand, and didn't trust me enough to sent away on another mission. Aw well, then I'd prove myself to other cities instead. I rode immediately to Veluca to deliver some ale, which was much appreciated by both the local tavern as the people of Suno.

Then I rode on to buy some velvet in Jelkala, and moved deep into Sarranid territory, to go to their farthest city: Bariyye. When I was almost there, marshal Delinard sent a message that he wanted me to report to his army, station near Suno. So after I conducted my business in Bariyye, I rode like hell back to the Swadian city of Suno, to join the army. Joining the army can be a good way to show the nobles my strength. While I rode back, I finally found those desert bandits that had been troubling the merchants of Dhirim.


Those desert bandits couldn't appreciate my good standing with the Dhirim officials.

On my way to Suno, where the marshal was seen lastly, I walked by Dhirim, where they asked me to escort a caravan to Veluca. I took the merchants, and rode instead to Suno. But first I passed Uxkhal, where I joined a tournament. I managed to get to round four for the first time. I'm getting better, and back up to the strength I had in France. Maybe I'll win a tournament soon. Unfortunately count Delinard was long gone by the time I got to Suno, so I rode on until I got to Praven, where I'm now writing this entry. Tomorrow I'll move to Veluca, to deliver the merchants form that caravan that awaits me outside the gates. These tasks can be a burden sometimes.



*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

[Urgnot]

I really enjoyed reading through this, very well done!

[Big Mac]

Great idea man, and very well executed! I was actually thinking of doing something like this myself, however, I really doubt it would be this quality  . Anyway, keep up the good work! 

[COGlory]

Great idea man, and very well executed! I was actually thinking of doing something like this myself, however, I really doubt it would be this quality  . Anyway, keep up the good work! 

It only gets better. 

[monnikje]

Thanks everyone!

Big_Mac: Don't worry about the quality: as long as you're having fun writing it, it's going to be great. So don't hesitate, and just start one too .

[monnikje]

Chapter 10: Cattle and Caravan
10 September 1257

Dear Diary,

Today I write from my own castle. It's so good to have my own room waiting for me. Last month I was still in Praven, where they didn't like me very much. That changed after I hired Nizar. Not because of him, but after I left the tavern and got his service, I did something about my standing in the Swadian capital. I had encountered this Sarranid man lost in the tavern, looking for a job, which I was glad to provide him. With his help, I managed to drive some Praven cattle to Reyvadin, but not directly: via a detour along Veluca, where I dropped off the caravan that had been following me to Praven. It must have been a strange sight: almost a hundred cows running through the fields, the woods and even the mountains, followed by a small military company with people form all over the six kingdoms, to be concluded by a group of a dozen merchants riding with a lot of valuables. The peasants from the villages we passed all walked out to see us pass by. After I had dropped of the merchants in Veluca, I rode with the cattle to Vaegir lands.


Cows, soldiers and merchants: a strange combination.

While I drove the cattle from the kingdom of Rhodok through Swadia, a messenger from king Harlaus reached me: he had decided to give the freshly conquered Uhhun Castle, and the village of Uhhun, to me. I knew it would pay off to have a good relationship with the king. It's the most Nordic territory from Swadia, but given the fact that Emirin is quite north too, that's not a big deal. I now know that my rebellion will have to focus around the area of Dhirim. I'll need to get lords from other kingdoms also behind me, if I want to establish a good base of operations there.

Anyway, I drove the cattle onward, and decided to visit to the lands of Uhhun after I'd went to Reyvadin. Reyvadin lay on the route to Uhhun. While I rode onwards, I realised that it might be a mistake to rely too much on the Swadian king. He has already proven to be weak and egocentric, but the land I would claim as my own his influence was sparse. I would need to track down all the lords from the lands around Dhirim, and appease them.

On the route I had hired a young girl, Klethi. That might have been a mistake, since she was sniffing around in Artimenner his stuff, trying to steal some of his blueprints. So I sent her off to Khudan: she seemed to have some connections there. Keeping her and Artimenner separated might be the best course of action. Also, Swadia and Rhodok went to war again. I guess I won't be visiting Jelkala anytime soon. When I arrived in Uhhun, I immediately ordered Artimenner to build a school there too. In the long run, that will be the best course of action. And in the castle I ordered him to build a prison tower. If I want to become the supreme ruler of Calradia, I'll need to be able to imprison everyone who opposes me until they see the wisdom in worshipping me, Floris. Also I garrisoned some of my best troops in the castle, to take some more inexperienced ones with me: I'll need to train them, to shape them into a battle hardy force to oppose any thread that might endanger my claimant on the throne.


My newest additions: Uhhun castle and village.

After I had delivered the caravan to Shariz, I returned to Praven. On the road I hired recruits from all kingdoms, except Rhodoks: since Swadia was at war with them, it wouldn't seem wise to intrude there at the moment. My goal with the recruits was to train them all in three different disciplines: archery, cavalry and infantry. I'd find out who would be best in each, best suited for castle defence and for riding along my side. When I'll have found that out, I'll hire more specialized men from all around Calradia, to build an army no kingdom can oppose. But first I had to find out who the lords ruling in my claimed area were.


The area I claim, encircled with a red line.

While I rode from village to village, from city to city, from castle to castle, I learned who ruled where. Now I'll be able to search for those specific lords, and gain favour with them. And maybe I'll be able to point king Harlaus into conquering some of these places, and giving them directly under my control. While inquiring I fought off some bandits raiding a few villages: the people around here will like me, no matter what. Now I have a day off in my own castle, before I'll start the quest to appease all those different lords.



*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

[monnikje]

Chapter 11: The Rhodoks War
26 September 1257

Dear Diary,

It's war, and I'm deeply involved. Last month the kingdom of Rhodoks and Swadia collided, and even though I originally wanted to seek out the lords and ladies of my marked territory, I got dragged into this fight more and more. The past two weeks have been very exciting: I really feel alive. And the king now actually listens to my advise, which is also a good sign. I'm gaining influence pretty fast. It's hard to believe it's only six months since I arrived in these lands as a beggar: now I'm a trusted count of the king of Swadia.

When I left my castle two weeks ago, I rode to the Nord city of Dhirim, only to find it under siege by the main Vaegir army. I asked all the lords if they had something to do for me, in the hope I could improve my relation with some of them, but unfortunately no-one had something to do for me. Understandable, since they were busy conquering a city, which they managed to do. Nowadays it's a Vaegir city, although I'm still much liked over there.


Dhirim was besieged by the main Vaegir army, who couldn't think of something to do for me.

From Dhirim, I rode to Uxkhal, where I heard the plea of a merchant: his daughter was kidnapped, and he was searching for a brave warrior to take the ransom to the bandits. I had experience with this: it even were the same bandits, although it was a different girl. This time we had a nice cup of tea before we concluded the deal. It was nice doing business with them: they were professionals. I also promised to take some ale to Narra, but rode firstly in the opposite direction. I rode to Suno, where I promised to guide a caravan to Tihr, although I planned to take a detour via Praven. My girl was awaiting there. Underway I encountered near the village of Iyindah the Swadian main army. From this moment on I was sucked into the war, becoming the decorated hero I'm now.

I had noticed before that Rhodoks and Swadia look very similar: the war showed me they were each others equals. Maybe I could tilt the balance in favour of Swadia, and let my star rise more in the eyes of the Swadia court. These thoughts flashed through my mind a dozen of times while I rode from the army towards Praven, until I saw a battle take place. Count Plais of Swadia was fighting against count Fudreim. Leading my men into battle, I managed to tilt the balance and save the day, and also free count Montewar from captivity. The taste of victory is sweet, and I rode along the border many times the past two weeks, and helped several counts with their battles.


Wherever I go, I see fighting nobles: I aided the Swadian counts a dozen of times, leading armies to thunder against our Rhodoks neighbours.

My actions made such an impression on the nobles, that count Delinard, the appointed marshal of the Swadian army, send word for me last week: he wanted me to join the big boys in the fight against Rhodok. This was good news, and after delivering the ale to Narra, I rode on to Uxkhal, to meet the count just outside town. When I approached the city, I saw a fierce fight going on between the armies of the Swadian count Rochabarth and the Rhodek count Fudreim, and intervened. After winning the battle, count Rochabarth asked me to free his father, count Tredian, from Ergellon Castle, which I pledged to do. Then I continued to meet the marshal himself.

Seeing me arriving guarding the remnants of count Rochabarths army, the marshal was impressed. He asked me to stay close, and follow him around. The main army moved forward to inspect a large column of smoke spiraling up from behind the forest: it appeared to be the village of Ruluns. Seeing the destruction of this peacefull town, the marshall wanted to make an expedition into hostile territory, to make a retribution, but he needed good intel before he could proceed. That's where he turned to me, and asked me to go to Ergellon Castle and the two surrounding villages, and bring back reports of the whereabouts.

Knowing I had to go to the castle anyway to free the count, I gladly accepted the honour, and proceeded as planned. First I rode to Serindar, and sent a messenger to the marshal reporting the status of this quiet village. Next I went to Pagundur, the town closest to the castle. There I asked the village elder to create that night an enormous fire: it would be the perfect distraction for the guards in the castle, which would enable me to sneak in and free the captured lord. Unfortunately, all hell broke loose that evening.


As I rode through the night to reach Ergellon Castle, the main Swadian army started to raid the village that would create the distraction. This would end very badly if I proceeded with the plan.

The moment I left Pagundur, the entire Swadian army came raging through the forest, and started to burn the village down. Even though this created a large fire, it was the wrong kind: from the castle walls every guard could see the pillaging, and every guard in his right mind would stay behind the thick walls. The villagers weren't able to create the distraction I had needed to sneak in the castle, so I just rode up to the gate and asked to speak with someone in command. Both count Rimusk and Gerluchs were present, but neither wanted to negotiate about a release of the prisoner. Disillusioned I rode back to the poor village, to report to the marshall: instead I encountered the king himself. Using my friendship with him I managed to convince him that Ergellon was an easy catch: he only had to lay siege to the castle in order to gain more territory. Too bad the king ignored his marshall and rode alone with his private guards towards the prison.

I rode ahead, and started the siege. For quiet a while I waited for the king to arrive with his reinforcements, but none arrived. Scouting around learned me he was under attack by the main Rhodoks army. Knowing I couldn't win the siege alone, I pulled back and helped the king. Seeing the main army raging forward, I feared for my life. This was something completely different than the little skirmishes I had before: we were outnumbered eight to one. I was relieved when the thundering army came to a sudden stop, and count Reland, an important guy from Rhodoks, walked towards me. He asked me if I could lend him my best surgeon, to help a dear friend of his. Of course I would do that, as a caring noble.


Count Reland of Rhodoks asked me to lend him my best surgeon.

The moment I rode back to my ranks, to instruct Jeremus to ride to the other side, king Harlaus attacked the count. Of course I couldn't do less than help the king, and together we smashed count Reland's army into oblivion. It hurt my feelings a little, since we did have a good talk, and I had said I would lend my surgeon. But now I would need him myself for my own men. After this fight, I finally rode back to Ergellon castle, in the hope I could lay siege with the king, but once I arrived, I notice the king had fled back to his own land. The coward.

As I was standing alone before the walls of Ergellon, the Rhodoks sent count Rimusk forward to flank me and destroy my army. They had underestimated me: I wiped that army out, but paid a price: my army was severely weakened, and I was finally forced to break the siege totally and return to Swadia. I decided to ride to Praven too, where I would meet my sweet maiden Gaeda again, The past few months I started to appreciate her company more and more, and I believe she starts to think the same way about me. While I rode away, count Tredian, held prisoner at the castle I had tried to lay siege and to negotiate with, was released from captivity. All my trouble, my fighting and scouting, had been for nothing. Well, nothing... My standing in the kingdom has improved much, and it wouldn't surprise me if a big reward would come my way soon.



*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

[Slayton]

Wooooo. Rhodoks is my facourite faction! DON'T KILL THEM IN THE FUTURE IF YOU CAN. they will keeel you.

[monnikje]

I can't promise that: who knows what the future will bring. But for now they're safe .

[monnikje]

Chapter 12: People come and go
1 November 1257

Dear Diary,

I have just visited lady Elys, in the city of Suno. She and Gaeta are closer than I would have had liked, but well, as long as they stay where they are, nothing can go wrong. I'm also here with fewer men than normally: the morale of my men was pretty low in such great numbers, so I had decided to leave some in my castle behind. And I'm still not sure whom I should be focussing on. A month ago I had a totally different opinion about my army strength: after I rested in Praven, I decided to go back home to my own Uhhun Castle, to get reinforcements for my lost men. Underway I got news that king Harlaus was holding a large feast in Unuzdaq Castle, the outermost outpost of Swadia: I decided to go there first, and rode as fast as I could. When I got there, there weren't that many guests yet. Or had they already left? I couldn't tell, especially after a few glasses of strong wine. I do know I met lady Elys over there, daughter of count Ryis: I said I was her uttermost admirer, which flattered her much. At that time I was glad that Unuzdaq Castle is at the other end of Swadia, since Gaeta might get jealous if she knew I was now seeing another girl too, but now she moved to Suno...

Many of my recruits had died, so I made another round through the designated area to recruit more peasants from all the different factions. After I had done this, I decided to exploit the trade route between Tulga and Ahmerrad once again: the increased weekly wages asked for such exploits. While I rode between these Nordic cities, Klethi had another fight with other party members: she took her own conclusion, and decided to leave. Maybe it's for the best: she was after all only a lot of trouble.


Klethi decides to leave the party. It might be for the best.

During my visit to both the Khergit Khanate and the Sarranid Sultanate, I heard that king Harlaus had indicted count Plais for treason, stripped him from his lands and expelled him from Swadia. The count had followed my trace and ended up as a boyan of the Khergit. I should be carefull when planning my coupe. I continued my journey to Vaegir lands, where I sold some Khergit salt. Then I received word about a feast by the king in Praven, so I rode as fast as I could to that city. There was even a tournament, where I was knocked out flat in the first round. To heal my bruises, I visited lady Gaeta and went thereafter to the party. There I asked king Harlaus if I could be marshal. He wasn't negative about it, but thought {I should prove myself a little more. So I rode to the border again, and started to search for a fight.

First I rode to Haringoth Castle, where I met some unexpected opposition: count Devlian wasn't charmed by my avances towards lady Gaeta: he warned me to stay away from her. Tough luck for him, since she likes me too. Then I entered the kingdom of Rhodoks, and rode alongside the coast, until I heard the news of 14 October: there was finally peace between Swadia and Rhodeks. I was now able to visit each city again, and did so. In Jelkala I met a man, Marnid, who could be usefull in the party: he knew not much yet, so I could shape him into the person I wanted him to be. I hope he is a better companion than Klethi. Firentis also joined my group.


Marnid is like a virgin: fragile and shapeable.

I was given the mission by the Rhodek count Gurlas to destroy a mountain bandit lair. So I rode along the mountains, in search for this hideout. On the road I encountered count Devlian, one of the counts I had a good standing with. He asked me if I could denounce count Meltor in his face: that would bring his reputation down, and enable the growth of Devlian and me. I liked the plan, and rode to Uxkhal, where he was seen last. There I spoke to him about two things: his sister Gaeta, and my denouncement of him. He didn't like that I had already spoken with his sister, and warned me not to see her again. Also, he didn't like my insult: we duelled about it, but I managed to knock him out in the end.

Another duel I fought over a lady, lady Mechet, the wife of a Khergit noble. I had spoken to her in Tulga, and was heartbroken by her story of jealous lordships, so I promised her to search Charuka noyan and tell him to leave her alone. She was married after all! I found him close to Reyvadin, and challenged him to fight over this. I won the duel, and got a smile from the lady. Then I quickly rode away from the scene, since king Harlaus decided to declare war to the kingdom of Vaegirs.


I challenged Chaurka noyan to a duel, the second one in a few days. I'm getting good at it.

I didn't want to get involved in the war yet: there were some businesses I had to attend first. Like reporting back to count Devlian, telling him how I denounced count Meltor. When I found him between Suno and PRaven, he was very pleased, and asked me to train some knights for him. I'd gladly do that for him, to improve our relationship. I also tracked down count Reland, to lend him my surgeon Jeremus, to convince his friend to get surgery. And now I'm in Suno. Maybe I'll ride back to my castle and join with full force the offensive against Vaegir. Also some men uttered their concern about all the bloodshed: maybe it's time to let them stroll the lands and proclaim I'm the next Calradian king. But for now I'll have to get some sleep: tomorrow will be a busy day.



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Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats: