[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1221
-------------

_NODE 2 (1ac).
_NODE 12210.
A councillor hurries into the court, carrying a letter sealed with
wax.

{My liege, a young man gave me this message to be given only to
you. Before I could invite him to speak with you personally, he
departed, and, though I ran after him, I could not find him.

{Majesty, I do not recognize the imprint on the wax that
seals this letter. As you can see, the imprint is an eye, a sigil
unknown to me.}

Do you:
[a] read the letter.
[b] have your men hunt down the courier immediately.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE 12211.
The letter says, {Your man Etienne found us, and he lived long
enough to betray our secrets to you. While we of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light had wished to remain unknown, Etienne has
forced our hand. Since you know of us already, we wish to
parley with you. An emissary of our powerful and secret Order
shall come to your gardens on midnight thirty days hence,
there to meet with you privately and to invite you to accept
our aid in your attempt to become the king of all Bretagne.
We have much power, and have decided to support you, if you
are of a mind to cooperate with us.}

Do you:
[a] have your guards seek the courier who brought this message.
[b] carry on with other matters.
_NODE 2aa.
_NODE 12212.
After an hour, your Captain of the Guard comes to your court and
tells you that the courier cannot be found.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE 12213.
While waiting to hear whether the courier is
captured, you have time to read the letter that
he brought.

The letter says, {Your man Etienne found us,
and he lived long enough to betray our secrets to you.
While we of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light had wished
to remain unknown, Etienne has forced our hand.
Since you know of us already, we wish to parley with you.
An emissary of our powerful and secret Order
shall come to your gardens on midnight thirty days hence,
there to meet with you privately and to invite you to accept
our aid in your attempt to become the king of all Bretagne.
We have much secret power, and have decided to support
you, if you are of a mind to cooperate with us.}
The Captain of the Guard comes to your court.
Behind him are three guards escorting a young man
in manacles.

{My liege,} says the Captain, {this is that man who brought
you the letter. He says his name is Dominic.}

You observe as Dominic is questioned. He says that he
knows nothing of any secret society. He merely runs errands
for a mysterious man who he knows. He offers to lead you to
that man, if you spare his life and freedom.

Do you:
[a] imprison him.
[b] have him lead your men to his masters.
[c] execute him.
The Captain of the Guard comes into your court and
reports that all attempts to locate and capture the courier
have failed.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE 12214.
_NODE 2bb.
_NODE 12215.
Your best spy reports to you in your private chambers.

{My liege, the young man named Dominic had
promised to lead us to his master, but he tried to
lead my men into a trap. Luckily, my men were wary, and
they recaptured Dominic and escaped with their lives.}

Do you:
[a] execute Dominic.
[b] throw him in a dungeon.
Your best spy reports to you in your private chambers.

{My liege, the courier Dominic
has betrayed us. Some of my best men were led into
a devilish trap. Not only did Dominic escape, but several
of my best men shall never return.

{My liege, I know not who opposes us with such clever
trickery, but I am not ashamed to say that I respect
their cunning. I only wish that they were under my employ!}
_NODE 2bba.
_NODE 12216.
The execution is swift and secret.
_NODE 2bbb.
_NODE 12217.
{Very good, my liege. In the dungeon, his tricks shall avail him not.}
_NODE 2bc.
_NODE 12218.
The execution is quick and secret, causing not a ripple in your court.

-------------
Cluster: 1222
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 12220.
According to the letter you received some days ago,
tonight at midnight the emissary from the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light will be coming to your garden to
speak with you.

Do you:
[a] wait for him in the garden alone.
[b] wait for him in the garden with guards present.
[c] have your men capture him when he comes to the garden.
[d] ignore the meeting altogether.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE 12221.
Sometime near midnight, as the first quarter moon has just set,
someone slips into the garden. The dark, cloaked figure makes his
way among the shrubs and fountains to you.

{Greetings, One who would rule this realm.

{Call me Jerome, of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light. Since your
spy, Etienne, told you about us, we have decided to come forward,
so that your power and ours can combine to rule all of Bretagne.}

Do you say:
[a] {Bah! All you offer is impertinence!}
[b] {I suppose you are prepared to prove such a bold claim.}
[c] {What do you want of me?}
_NODE 3aa.
_NODE 12222.
{Scoff if you wish, Majesty. Our knowledge and power are not suitable
for common souls, and perhaps you are a common soul after all.}

He disappears into the garden and is gone into the night.
_NODE 3ab.
_NODE 12223.
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of Duke Henri of Anjou.

{Poor Henri does not know it yet, but he is wearing a worthless
replica of this ring on his finger. If we can steal a ring
from a duke's finger, imagine what else we can do.

{Now let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for the betterment of us both.}
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of Count Charles of Valois.

{Poor Charles does not know it yet, but he is wearing a
worthless replica of this ring on his finger. If we can
steal the ring of the great Lord of Valois, you can well
imagine what else we can do.

{Now let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for our mutual betterment.}

Do you:
[a] ask what they wish of you.
[b] scoff at Jerome and his Order.
_NODE 3ac.
_NODE 12224.
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but to have a king who counts us as an
ally could well make our enlightened quests easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause as well. For now, all that you must do is oust a certain
councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order. He is trying to take
control of the Order and use us for his own ambitious ends.

{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates. If you oust
him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause. First, you must release
Jerome, our courier, who brought you our message. Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order, and he is trying to take control
for his own ambitious ends.

{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms.
[c] scoff.
_NODE 3aca.
_NODE 12225.
{Excellent, O wise king. You shall see that your actions are not
unrewarded.}

The emissary fades back into the shadows and is gone.
_NODE 3acb.
_NODE 12226.
{A most wise decision. I assure you that our cooperation shall be
greatly to your benefit.}

Jerome backs away into the shadows and leaves by unseen means.

Do you:
[a] confront Councillor Germaine about what he knows.
[b] ignore the issue.

-------------
Cluster: 1223
-------------

_NODE 3c.
_NODE 12230.
Though the emissary is very crafty, your guards manage
to capture him, and they bring him to you in chains.
The emissary proves too crafty for your guards,
and he escapes under cover of darkness.
_NODE 3d.
_NODE 12231.
Your guards report spotting someone skulking in the garden just
after midnight, but they were unable to apprehend him.

-------------
Cluster: 1224
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 12240.
You have captured Jerome, an emissary from the {Ancient Oriental
Order of Light.}

He refuses to talk, even under duress. He claims
that, unless he is released, the Order will wreak a terrible
vengeance upon your lands.

Do you:
[a] execute him.
[b] hold him in a secure dungeon.
[c] free him.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE 12241.
The execution is carried out swiftly and secretly.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE 12242.
Jerome's curses echo through the halls as your men drag
him to your deepest dungeon.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE 12243.
{King, since you have proved reasonable and prudent
in freeing me, I shall tell you why I sought you,
though these words are meant for a king's ears only.}

In you private chambers, he continues.

{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can help
our cause. First, you must release
Jerome, our courier, who brought you our message. Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the one named Germaine. He is
secretly an initiate of our Order, and is trying to take control
for his own ambitious ends.
{He has no chance to succeed, though his presence in your court
gives him dangerous sway among certain other initiates. If you
oust him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.

{Also, we ask that you release our courier, Dominic, the
one who originally brought my message to you.
He is harmless and knows nothing.

{So, Majesty, how do your respond to our offer?}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms
[c] scoff.
{You know my reason for seeking you, and what we wish of you.
My sincere advice is that you satisfy our request, for it
shall be in your best interest to do so.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms
[c] scoff at his nerve.
_NODE 4ca.
_NODE 12244.
{Excellent, O wise ruler. You shall soon see that your actions do not
go unrewarded.}

With that, Jerome leaves your castle.
_NODE 4cb.
_NODE 12245.
Jerome leaves with your assurance that you shall do as the Order
asks, and you chuckle to yourself about his gullibility.
_NODE 4cc.
_NODE 12246.
{Such a tragedy it is that your forces and mine cannot work
together.}

With that, Jerome leaves your castle.

-------------
Cluster: 1225
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 12250.
You release the courier, Dominic, and he leaves your castle
for parts unknown.

Do you:
[a] have Councillor Germaine dragged out of his bed in the middle
of the night and thrown into your deepest dungeon.
[b] bring him to trial on trumped up charges.
[c] simply dismiss him from your court.
_NODE 5a, 5ca.
_NODE 12251.
The other councillors grow nervous, and you find them
less eager to voice their own opinions. They are obviously
worried that they might be imprisoned with little cause or
warning.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE 12252.
You jail Councillor Germaine and prepare to try him
for treason.
In the past few days, your men have found some strange
items hidden carefully in Councillor Germaine's chambers.
These items, such as a robe, a bizarre candelabra, and
scrolls with indecipherable writings on them,
provide adequate evidence that Germaine was a heretic.
The bishop is glad to help you convict him.
The symbol of the eye, which you first saw on the seal
of the letter that Dominic brought you, is found repeatedly
on the items.

In court, Councillor Germaine makes some nasty accusations
against you (some of them true), but few pay his words
any heed.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE 12253.
Councillor Germaine accepts his dismissal stoically.

{My liege, I cannot disagree with you if you say that your court
would be better without my presence, but in regard for my years of
faithful service, I ask for pay of 3000 marks to help me as I seek
gainful employment elsewhere.}

Do you:
[a] imprison him outright.
[b] pay him in full (3 Gold).
[c] offer him 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[d] offer him 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[e] dismiss him without pay.
_NODE 5cb.
_NODE 12254.
{Thank you, gracious liege. I shall continue to serve you in spirit,
if not in body.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves amicably.
_NODE 5cc.
_NODE 12255.
{Thank you, gracious liege.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you with rumors
that Councillor Germaine has been speaking ill of you to the
bishop.

{Surely, my liege, these are wicked lies, but the bishop
is not unswayed by them.}
_NODE 5cd.
_NODE 12256.
{Thank you, gracious liege.}

With that, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you, reporting rumors that
Councillor Germaine has been speaking to the bishop at great
length of your faults.

{Surely, my liege, these are wicked lies, but the bishop
is not unswayed by them.}
_NODE 5ce.
_NODE 12257.
{Very well, my liege.}

Holding fury within him, Councillor Germaine leaves your court.
A councillor comes to you with bad news.

{My liege, word has come that Councillor Germaine
went straight to the court of
Count Charles of Valois.
Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
No doubt he is filling the count's ear with
words of our weaknesses.

{In addition, he has proven to have some sway over the clergy,
even the bishop. He is using this power to spread vile lies
about your rule, and about you personally.

{I fear that this bodes ill for you, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1226
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 12260.
Councillor Germaine asks to speak with you privately. Once in your
private chambers, he begins.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE 12261.
{My liege, the time has come to tell you of
those who may help you gain the crown
of Bretagne.

{I am an initiate in a strange and secret brotherhood
known as the Ancient Oriental Order of Light. They have esoteric,
vague, and sometimes even ludicrous metaphysical goals, but they
also have some measure of covert political power.

{My liege, I have joined their number, and now know how to turn
them to our side in the contest for Bretagne.

{You have spurned their early attempts to contact you. Jerome,
their emissary, has been a major opponent of mine in intrigues within
the Order.

{All you need do now is oust a certain knight, Sir Montsegur, from
his lands. For reasons I do not fully understand, Sir Montsegur is
an enemy of the Order. I have seen to it that the Order will fall
behind you in your claim to the throne of Bretagne once you make
this show of good faith.}

Do you:
[a] imprison Councillor Germaine for treason.
[b] dismiss him from your service.
[c] bring him to trial for treason.
[d] simply refuse the request.
[e] oust Sir Montsegur from his lands.
_NODE 6ad.
_NODE 12262.
{As you wish, my liege.}

Do you:
[a] report these goings on to the bishop.
[b] keep them to yourself.
The Order never bothers you again.

-------------
Cluster: 1227
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE 12270.
How do you justify or carry out the eviction of Sir Montsegur?

Do you:
[a] compensate him with gold.
[b] rely on your royal authority.
[c] frame him for some convenient crime.
{My liege, we cannot afford any expense.}

Do you:
[a] rely on your royal authority.
[b] frame him for some convenient crime.
_NODE 7a.
_NODE 12271.
You judge that 5000 marks would be fair, but, as a king, you
can probably get away with less.

How much do you offer him?
[a] 1000 marks.
[b] 2000 marks.
[c] 3000 marks.
[d] 4000 marks.
[e] 5000 marks.
You cannot afford that much.
Sir Montsegur accepts the loss of his lands,
though he is obviously unhappy.
Sir Montsegur concedes his lands, but he curses your
name and spreads discontent among your other military
leaders. The loyalty of your commanders is compromised.
_NODE 7b.
_NODE 12272.
Sir Montsegur is outraged, but unable to keep his lands from you.
He does, however, curse your name and spread the story of this
injustice among his friends, who are military leaders in your lands.
The loyalty of your commanders is compromised, and the people
express distress at your unjust treatment of Sir Montsegur.
_NODE 7c.
_NODE 12273.
You begin preparations for the trial.
Your men find heretical writings and paraphernalia in Sir
Montsegur's private quarters (and Councillor Germaine lets you
know that the Order helped arrange this find). With this
evidence, Sir Montsegur is easily convicted of treason and
narrowly escapes execution as a heretic.

The people praise you for bringing this {criminal}
to justice.
You successfully prosecute your case against Sir Montsegur,
but the clergy and the common people suspect that
Montsegur is actually innocent, and support for your reign
declines among them.

-------------
Cluster: 1228
-------------

_NODE 8.
_NODE 12280.

-------------
Cluster: 1229
-------------

_NODE 10.
_NODE 12290.
A councillor brings a letter to you.

{My liege, this letter was found in a council room today.
It bears instructions, saying that it is to be opened
and read only by you.}

When you take the letter, you see that the seal is imprinted
with the {eye} symbol of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.
The letter says that the Order is prepared to offer you one of three
boons, with more aid to follow in the future. You are simply told
to leave a message at the base of a statue in your garden to tell
the Order what you want.

They offer to give your spies secret information about your enemies,
to damage the political position of one of your enemies,
or to influence the guilds in your lands to support you.

Do you want:
[a] information for your spies.
[b] to damage an enemy's political position.
[c] extra support from the guilds.
_NODE 10a.
_NODE 12291.
The head of your spy network comes to you.

{Majesty, I wish to report that our men have had unusual success
over the past two fortnights. We have made great progress in
identifying our enemies' weaknesses and have even discovered a
traitor within our number. You should be happy to hear that my
men are in a much better position to serve you than they were
just two weeks ago.}
_NODE 10b.
_NODE 12292.
Which enemy do you ask the Order to damage?

Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] King Edward of Albion.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Edward of Albion.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] King Edward of Albion.
[d] Duke Henri of Anjou.
Do you indicate:
[a] Count Charles of Valois.
[b] King Ramiro of Aragon.
[c] Duke Phillip of Burgundy.
[d] King Edward of Albion.
_NODE 10ba.
_NODE 12293.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Count Charles of Valois is suffering from
political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne.

{This disfavor with Valois reduces the competition you face
in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10bb.
_NODE 12294.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. King Ramiro of Aragon is suffering
from political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne. This disfavor reduces the competition you
face in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10bc.
_NODE 12295.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Duke Phillip of Burgundy is suffering from
political problems on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to
cooperate with him, neutral rulers have spoken out against him,
and even the clergy have been heard to question his suitability
as a king of Bretagne. Burgundy's disfavor reduces the competition
for the throne.}
_NODE 10bd.
_NODE 12296.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. Duke Henri of Anjou is suffering from problems
on many fronts. The guilds are refusing to cooperate with him,
neutral rulers have spoken out against him, and even the clergy have
been heard to question his suitability as a king of Bretagne.
It is said that his dear mother is having quite a fit.}
_NODE 10be.
_NODE 12297.
A councillor brings news to the court.

{My liege, good news. King Edward of Albion is sorely
troubled. The guilds are refusing to cooperate with him, neutral
rulers have spoken out against him, and even the clergy have been
heard to question his suitability as a king of Bretagne. Albion's
disgrace reduces the competition you face in your claim to the throne.}
_NODE 10c.
_NODE 12298.
One of your councillors brings good news: the stonemasons' guild
has offered more generous terms for work that you may need.
More good news: a councillor reports that the armorers' guild
has reduced the interest it will charge on loans to you,
as a means of helping you in your goal to become king of Bretagne.
A councillor reports that the miners' guild has voluntarily
increased its standard work-day for projects under your
orders, as a goodwill gesture.
The merchants' guild has offered to make special arrangements
to help you transport goods and people throughout your lands.
They hope that this gesture will be remembered when you become
king of Bretagne.

-------------
Cluster: 1230
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE 12300.
You send word to the bishop that you wish a private
conference with him.
The bishop arrives at your court and, after some political
niceties, comes to your private council chamber.
There you tell him what you know of this {Ancient Oriental
Order of Light}.

{There are only two actions that a good Christian ruler who
would be king of all Bretagne can undertake,} says the
bishop.

{If your resolve is strong and your spirit daring, you may attempt
to infiltrate this Order and report all that you find to me.
If you are worried for the safety of body and soul in the
company of these evil conspirators, then swear that you shall have
nothing more to do with anyone in this order.}

Do you:
[a] swear never to have anything to do with the Order.
[b] vow to infiltrate the Order.
_NODE 11a.
_NODE 12301.
The bishop blesses you, then asks you to kneel and swear upon the
sliver of the True Cross that he carries that you will
have nothing more to do with the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.

When that is done, he says, {Your first step, naturally, must be
to imprison this Councillor Germaine. Agreed?}

Do you:
[a] back off your pledge.
[b] imprison your councillor.
_NODE 11aa.
_NODE 12302.
{Majesty,} says the bishop, surprised, {breaking a holy vow
is not an action befitting a just ruler.}

Do you:
[a] imprison Councillor Germaine.
[b] refuse the bishop's command.
_NODE 11aab.
_NODE 12303.
With hardly another word, the bishop leaves your chamber and
your castle.

Word soon spreads through the clergy that you have broken an oath
made on a sliver of the True Cross, and naturally they are
outspoken against you.
Time has passed since the Pope publicly denounced you as a holy
oathbreaker. The clergy have done everything they can to convince the
people of your deceptive nature, and the people have begun to believe
them.

The clergy say that if you cannot be trusted to fulfill a holy vow,
you cannot be trusted to fulfill your just duties as king.

Do you:
[a] call for the bishop and promise to fulfill your vow.
[b] carry on with other concerns.
The bishop returns, has you swear once more, and
demands that you imprison Councillor Germaine.
Two more fortnights have passed.

Discontent continues to grow among your people.
_NODE 11ab.
_NODE 12304.
You imprison Councillor Germaine, and the bishop sees to it
that no one questions the decision.

The Order apparently learns of the bishop's
visit, and they do not contact you again.
_NODE 11b.
_NODE 12305.
{A daring and virtuous decision, Majesty.

{Have Councillor Germaine arrange for you to learn more
of this Order.}

With that, the bishop blesses you and draws the meeting to a close.
He spends the rest of his visit consulting with the local clergy.

How long do you wait before talking with Councillor Germaine about
joining the Order?
[a] 15 days.
[b] 30 days.
[c] 45 days.
[d] 60 days.
Apparently, Councillor Germaine suspected that something
was amiss, because he took his valuables and fled in the
night.

Protective of their secrecy, the Order makes no further attempts
to contact you.

-------------
Cluster: 1231
-------------

_NODE 12.
_NODE 12310.
You arrange to speak with Councillor Germaine in private. You tell
him that you wish to learn more about the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light.

{My liege, I have already spoken with others in the Order, and
have convinced them that you should be allowed to learn more before
choosing whether to accept their support. As you can see, my
membership in the Order is much to your advantage.

{Thinking that I am on their side, and not realizing how loyal I am to you,
they have agreed that I can reveal certain secrets about their
dealings and beliefs. Once you know these things, you will be
invited to a small and secret meeting.

{Is this to your liking?}

Do you:
[a] agree to Germaine's terms.
[b] insist on meeting the initiates immediately.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE 12311.
That night, Germaine reveals the names of many people who he knows
to be members of the Order, some of whom are members of your enemies'
families or officials in their courts.

He also reveals some of the strange, mystical teachings of the Order.

Do you:
[a] have Germaine imprisoned and take this news to the bishop.
[b] wait until you are admitted to an actual meeting.
_NODE 12aa.
_NODE 12312.
{But, my liege, all this I have done for your benefit,} screams
Germaine as he is dragged off to the dungeon.

You arrange to for the bishop to come and learn what you know.
At last, the bishop arrives. He shows great interest in the list of
members that Germaine gave you.

{My men shall investigate these matters. It shall please the Pope
that a man of your virtue wishes to be king of Bretagne.}
A message arrives from the bishop, saying that his men could find no
evidence about the people who Germaine named that would link them to the Order.
It would seem that you have been tricked. No one in the Order
attempts to contact you in the future.
_NODE 12ab.
_NODE 12313.
Councillor Germaine meets with you privately, and says,

{My liege, I have told other initiates in the Order that you are
making great progress in understanding their metaphysical
doctrines, and that you are eager to join. I have arranged to bring
you to a meeting twenty-five days hence.}
During the day, Councillor Germaine reminds you that you are
to attend a meeting of the Order later that night. He tells you that the
meeting will take place in a certain abandoned mill some five miles from
your keep. He adds that he has sworn to the others not to tell you
the precise location of the meeting.

{My liege, I believe I have them fully convinced that I am more
loyal to them than I am to you.}

Do you:
[a] have guards arrest those found in the mill.
[b] attend the meeting.
_NODE 12aba.
_NODE 12314.
Your men capture almost a dozen members of the Order, as well
as Councillor Germaine. Only time will tell the true value
of these prisoners.
Under duress, only one of your captives from the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light will give details of the Order, but his
words are enough to convict many initiates in various lands,
including a few in your service. Unfortunately, he also says
that there are many more initiates who he does not know, and that
they wield enough power to make life difficult for you.
Somehow, someone must have gotten wind of your order,
because Councillor Germaine disappears without a trace, and no
one shows up at the mill that night.

Careful about their secrecy, the initiates of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light never contact you again.
_NODE 12abb.
_NODE 12315.
That night, you and Councillor Germaine slip out of the castle
and ride to the mill.

The evening starts with a strange ritual during which the
participants wear masks of cloth. When that is over, however, they
remove their masks and show you great honor. They are obviously
excited about having a man of your power and prestige among them,
and they are rather free about naming people from other lands who
are also initiates.

In time, the meeting is called off, and the initiates scatter into
the night. You and Councillor Germaine head back to your castle.

Do you:
[a] report what you now know to the bishop.
[b] wait until you learn more.
_NODE 12abba.
_NODE 12316.
You send a message with what you know about the Order to the bishop.
A councillor brings a message from the bishop into into your court.
It directs you to arrest several people on suspicion of heresy,
Councillor Germaine among them.

Your men capture some of these suspects, including Councillor
Germaine, but others escape. The bishop shall see to it that
canonical trials are arranged as soon as possible.
The trials of the initiates in the Ancient Oriental Order
of Light are swift and sure. Unfortunately, many of the initiates
were unknown, or escaped your men. You hope the damage that these
men can do to your reign is limited.

-------------
Cluster: 1232
-------------

_NODE 12b.
_NODE 12320.
{Very well, my liege. It shall be arranged.}
A councillor enters your court, looking concerned.

{Majesty, I bring news that I do not understand. Councillor
Germaine was not found in his chambers this morning, and his
valuables are missing. We suspected kidnaping or other foul play,
but there is no sign of a struggle. We found nothing unusual,
except for this sealed letter, bearing your name and a strange
'eye' sigil in the wax.}

You take and read the letter, which says,

{Majesty, I have come to doubt your motives for meeting with the
Ancient Oriental Order of Light. I am afraid that all of the work
that I had done to unite your power and ours to a common end has
come to naught. You shall not hear from us again.}

-------------
Cluster: 1233
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE 12330.
A confused councillor brings an anonymous letter to you.
It bears the now familiar sigil of the eye on its seal.

The letter reads, {Majesty, the High Council of the Ancient
Oriental Order of Light has determined that we are to consider
giving you our full and total support in your attempt to gain
the throne of all Bretagne. No more will our services be limited
to petty displays. Come to the abandoned mill five miles northwest
of your castle at midnight thirty nights hence. There we shall
determine whether you are indeed to gain our support.

{If you are not deemed worthy, fear not, for no harm shall come to
you, and you shall still be counted as an ally among us.}

Do you:
[a] plan to attend the meeting.
[b] turn against the Order and have your men capture those who
attend the meeting.
[c] ignore the invitation.
_NODE 13a.
_NODE 12331.
Tonight you are to meet with the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.
Late at night, you slip out of the castle and ride to an abandoned
mill five miles away.

At the mill, you find a strange gathering of masked men. You are
given a mask, then led through a strange ritual with a mystical,
Arabic feel to it. When the ceremony is over, the participants
unmask themselves, and an old man with a long white beard strides up
to you.

{You who would be king of Bretagne, and would enjoy the support of
our enlightened Order, we have judged your strengths, your weaknesses,
and your actions. Now we ask but one more thing of you.

{Why was Man created?}

Do you answer:
[a] to worship God and bring Him pleasure.
[b] humanity created itself as worms create
themselves from old cheese.
[c] so Man could be happy.
[d] the Devil created Man to have something to torment.
[e] why not?
_NODE 13aa.
_NODE 12332.
_NODE 13ab.
_NODE 12333.
_NODE 13ac.
_NODE 12334.
_NODE 13ad.
_NODE 12335.
_NODE 13ae.
_NODE 12336.
The old man stares into your eyes for a moment and then
screams, {Cheat! Swindler! Charlatan! Your spy, Etienne the
Swift, bore those words to you! How dare you pretend to have
wisdom that is not yours!}

The old man raises one arm and makes a gesture, and the other
initiates close in on you, overwhelm you, and hurl you out the
door of the mill. As you flee on your horse, you see behind you
that the others are scattering into the night.

Upon your return to the castle, you hear that Councillor
Germaine has disappeared, apparently of his own accord,
as there are no signs of struggle in his empty room.

Do you:
[a] report what you know to the bishop.
[b] leave well enough alone.
_NODE 13b.
_NODE 12337.
Your men capture several of the initiates, but many others
escape.

Your men also apprehend Councillor Germaine before
he can escape with damaging information about you.

The bishop will be happy to hear of these events.
Under questioning, you have learned much about the Order and
its initiates. The bishop visits you personally to congratulate
you on this blow against heresy. With many of the initiates
still at large, however, you hope that they do not have the
power to do serious harm to you.
The initiates must have heard word of your betrayal,
for no one comes to the mill that night.

Furthermore, Councillor Germaine managed to escape
under cover of darkness.

You report what you know to the bishop, though it is not much.
The bishop thanks you for coming forward about the Order,
though he seems suspicious about your former cooperation with
them.
_NODE 13c.
_NODE 12338.
That night, Councillor Germaine escapes under cover
of darkness.

You never hear from the Order again.
_NODE 13aea.
_NODE 12339.
That night, Councillor Germaine escapes under cover
of darkness.

Your men capture Councillor Germaine before he
can escape justice.

You send word to the bishop of what you have found.
In the last few days, your soldiers have sought the men whose faces you
recognized at the meeting, but they have had no luck in apprehending
them.

The bishop comes to visit you personally. He takes great interest
in your news of this Order, though he is suspicious of your
involvement in it. Nevertheless, he thanks you for the information.

You hope that the Order is not powerful enough to wreak vengeance
against you.

-------------
Cluster: 1234
-------------

_NODE 14.
_NODE 12340.
_NODE 14a.
_NODE 12341.
The old man looks deep into your eyes, and then a smile comes to his
face.

{My fellow initiates,} he proclaims, {we have in our midst the King
of all Bretagne!}

The initiates all fall to one knee and, in unison, they say, {All
Hail the King of Bretagne!}

The old man produces a strange crown that bears the {eye} symbol from a
large bag, and crowns you in a simple ceremony. He explains that the
entire Order now considers you the rightful King of Bretagne, and
shall strive to make it so in the minds of all.

{For your Majesty's safety, we shall not meet in person again,
but rest assured that we shall be supporting you secretly.}

Back in your castle, you wonder how much these people can
truly help you.
Word comes that the guilds are proving to be more supportive of your
reign, and more willing to negotiate generously with you. They bring
you gifts of gold, iron, grain, and timber as proof of their
good intentions.
Your head spy reports:

{Majesty, we have received a great deal of information of late. We
have discovered military and diplomatic weaknesses of your enemies
that we can certainly exploit.

{If this continues, our victory is certain!}
One of your councillors speaks with you:

{Majesty, like a great sea breeze, the winds of our fortune have
changed. People now speak with certainty of the day when we rule
Bretagne and transform it into the greatest power Europe has seen
since the days of Charlemagne. It is wonderful.}
_NODE 14b.
_NODE 12342.
The old man looks deeply into your eyes, then smiles.

{Very good, your Majesty.}

{In the name of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light, I hereby pledge
our service to you. May our aid help your rule extend through all
of Bretagne.}

He and the other initiates fall to one knee and the old man says,

{You must go now, for being found with us may damage your
reputation in the eyes of the closed-minded. Even though we cannot
risk meeting with you again in person, know that we are working for
your benefit, secretly.}

Back at your castle, you wonder just how much these strange people
may be able to help you.
Word comes that the guilds are proving to be more supportive of your
reign, and more willing to negotiate generously with you.
Your chief spy reports:

{Majesty, we have received a great deal of information of late. We
have discovered military and diplomatic weaknesses of your enemies
that we can certainly exploit.

{If this continues, our victory is certain!}
_NODE 14c.
_NODE 12343.
The old man looks into your eyes, then smiles a conspiratorial smile.

{Excellent, my liege.

{In the name of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light, I pledge our
support to you. While we cannot risk meeting with you in person
again, know that we will be helping you in our own secret ways.}

The initiates rejoice as they lead you out of the mill and watch
you ride off. Back at your castle, you wonder what these strange
people may be able to do for you.
A councillor comes to report that Councillor Germaine has
apparently fled in the middle of the night, leaving only a
sealed letter addressed to you.

The letter reads, {I am sorry, my liege, but the Order
has seen fit to look elsewhere for a more enlightened
and cooperative ruler.

{I wish you well in your endeavors, but we shall not be
in contact with you again.}
It has been forty days since your meeting with the
Ancient Oriental Order of Light, and nothing has come
of it.

You are beginning to suspect that you have been tricked.

-------------
Cluster: 1235
-------------

_NODE 3b.
_NODE 12350.
Sometime near midnight, as the first quarter moon has just set,
someone slips into the garden. The dark, cloaked figure makes its
way among the shrubs and fountains to you.

{Greetings, king. By the presence of your guards, I see you do
not trust me. I hope that you trust your guards, for they shall hear
what few men know.

{Your spy, Etienne, survived long enough to tell you
about our secret Order, so I may as well tell you more
and explain how we can work together.}

Do you:
[a] scoff at his impertinence.
[b] ask for proof of the Order's power.
[c] ask what the Order wants from you.
[d] order your guards to capture him.
_NODE 3bb.
_NODE 12351.
{Proof, you wish? Very well, you shall have it.
Fortunately, I come prepared for such skepticism.
Come closer and look at the bauble I carry in my pocket.}

Jerome reaches into a pocket and pulls out a ring that you
recognize to be that of
Duke Henri of Anjou.

{Poor Henri does not know it yet,
but he is wearing a worthless replica of this ring on his finger.
If we can steal a ring from a duke's finger,
Count Charles of Valois.

{Poor Charles does not know it yet,
but he is wearing a worthless replica of this ring on his finger.
If we can steal a ring from a count's finger,
you can well imagine what else we could do.

{Let me tell you how your forces and mine can
cooperate for the betterment of us both.}

Do you:
[a] ask what the Order wants from you.
[b] scoff at Jerome's impertinence.
[c] order your guards to capture him.
_NODE 3bc.
_NODE 12352.
{We of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light seek greater
things than mere power, but if we were to have a king who
counted on us as an ally, it would make our enlightened quests
easier to conduct.
We want you to be king of all Bretagne, provided that you can
help our cause.

{For now, all you need do is
oust a certain councillor from your court, the
one named Germaine.
He is secretly an initiate of our Order. He is attempting to gain
control of the Order, to use it for his own ambitious ends. He has no
chance to succeed, though his presence in your court gives him
dangerous sway among certain other initiates.

{If you oust him, our Order will be unified and fully behind you.
{First, you must release unharmed the courier, Jerome, who
brought you my message.

{Then you must
oust a certain councillor from your court, the
one named Germaine. He is secretly an initiate of our Order.
He is trying to take control of it and use us to further
his own ambitious ends. He has no chance to succeed, though his
presence in your court gives him dangerous sway among certain
other initiates.
Then we shall be in a position to aid you in your goals.}

Do you:
[a] agree to his terms.
[b] pretend to agree to his terms.
[c] scoff at him.
[d] have your guards capture him.
_NODE 12abbb.
_NODE 12353.
A councillor comes to your court with strange news.

{My liege, Councillor Germaine left in the middle of the night
with no word to anyone. We would suspect foul play, but there were
no signs of a struggle. Apparently, he left this letter, sealed
and addressed to you.}

The letter reads, {My liege, please excuse my rudeness in not
bidding you farewell, but I believe it may be safer for me
away from your court.}

You shall never hear from the Order again.

Do you:
[a] send word of what you know to the bishop.
[b] tell the bishop you know nothing of value.
_NODE 12abbba.
_NODE 12354.
The bishop reports that he is able to use the information you
provided about the Ancient Oriental Order of Light to capture a
handful of heretics, and he thanks you for your service.

You hope that any revenge the Order can exact will be small.
_NODE 12abbbb.
_NODE n12355.
You hear nothing more of the Ancient Oriental Order of Light.

-------------
Cluster: 1750
-------------

_NODE RANDOM P1.
Your last harvest yields a surplus! More grain is added to your
stock.
_NODE RANDOM P2.
Elvis the Troubadour is not really dead. People rejoice!
_NODE RANDOM P3.
The Pope discovers that you're a long lost descendant of St.
Timothy. Your prestige increases with the Pope.
_NODE RANDOM P4.
A treasure is found in the Sierra Padre mountains. Your treasury
is the chief beneficiary.
_NODE RANDOM P5.
Your jester finally learns some new jokes. People celebrate!
_NODE RANDOM P6.
Your cook's pet goose lays golden eggs!
_NODE RANDOM P7.
Some iron that was sent to the bottom of a lake by a saboteur has
been recovered. Your stocks increase!
_NODE RANDOM P8.
A beaver dam breaks, sending extra logs to your foresters. Timber
stocks increase!
_NODE RANDOM P9.
Your new royal fashion statement is a success. Everyone wants to be
your friend. Relations with other factions improve!
_NODE RANDOM P10.
The kingdom's bakers realize that a dozen is {twelve}, not {thirteen}.
You pick up surplus foodstuffs!

-------------
Cluster: 1751
-------------

_NODE RANDOM P11.
Hideous statuary toppled and shattered in a wind storm. You salvage
it and add to your iron stocks!
_NODE RANDOM P12.
A forest mysteriously grows in a remote vale. You add to your timber
stocks.
_NODE RANDOM P13.
You give a speech on the economy: {Read my lips, someone's gotta
pay taxes.}

You collect 2,000 marks (2 Gold) in extra taxes.
_NODE RANDOM P14.
Bureaucrats learn how to use abacuses imported from the Orient.
Productivity doubles!
_NODE RANDOM P15.
The legislative assembly is flooded. Politicians are exposed to
the real world for the first time! Efficiency improves!
_NODE RANDOM P16.
You discover ways to make more comfortable army boots. Your army's
effectiveness improves!
_NODE RANDOM P17.
Your knights win a tournament at Wimbledon. You win a small cash
prize.
_NODE RANDOM P18.
Your army finally gets a decent cook. Archers and infantry sign up
enthusiastically!
_NODE RANDOM P19.
The Fifth Estate publishes an expose on your misdeeds. People never
believe the press anymore. Your popularity increases!
_NODE RANDOM P20.
An eccentric merchant leaves his fortune to his cats.
Your newly passed surtax on cats brings an extra 2,000 marks.

-------------
Cluster: 1753
-------------

_NODE RANDOM N1.
A wandering merchant is willing to trade you two Grain for one
Gold.

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your food supply is increased.
You pass over an opportunity to make a profit.
_NODE RANDOM N2.
A dying count is willing to give you the right to fell timber in
his forest, if you'll donate 2,000 marks (2 Gold) to his favorite
nunnery.

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your timber supply is increased.
You pass over an opportunity to make a profit.
_NODE RANDOM N3.
Two units of mercenary archers offer their services to you, if you
pay them 1,000 marks (1 Gold).

Do you:
[a] hire them.
[b] refuse.
{Sorry, you can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
You hire two units of archers.
You pass over an opportunity to add reinforcements.
_NODE RANDOM N4.
A professor from the Academy offers his services to you for 5,000
marks (5 Gold).

Do you:
[a] hire him to improve your administration.
[b] hire him to lecture your politicians.
[c] hire him for military advice.
[d] ignore his offer.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your administration improves.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
Your diplomats actually improve.
{Sorry, can't afford it. And you call yourself a
king!}
His advice is quite useful.
The professor nods, and leaves.
_NODE RANDOM N5.
Some rowdy infantry return to duty. The people are not glad to see
them return.
_NODE RANDOM N6.
Old carpenters retire. New carpenters work for less. More gold stays
in your treasury!
_NODE RANDOM N7.
The royal nutritionist says that he knows a way to feed
your troops wood.

Unfortunately, you have no timber!
He is found dead shortly after the troops are fed, but
at least you save yourself some of your grain.
_NODE RANDOM N8.
A local monastery names you {Ruler of the Year}. No one else cares.
_NODE RANDOM N9.
A peasant bitten by a mad dog sues you, but dies before the case
can come to court. You discover the dog wasn't mad, just upset.
_NODE RANDOM N10.
A very talkative bishop gets laryngitis. You are not disappointed.