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Old 12-10-2015, 07:45 AM   #149
Vanshilar
Abandonia nerd

 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Los Angeles, United States
Posts: 81
Default

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Cluster: 1115
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11150.
A bounty hunter has arrived.

{Majesty... you are a King, are you not... The Grey Knight has slain
three of my fellow bounty hunters, and people have suddenly
lost interest in trying to track him down. Perhaps if you raised the
bounty...}

Do you:
[a] raise the bounty to 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] dismiss the bounty hunter.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{I don't think you'll have much success.}
_NODE n11155.
_NODE 12.
The foppish Sir Percy of Annonay returns from a meeting with the
mysterious Grey Knight.

{It was a chance meeting. I must admit the man had a certain style.
He claims that you have been unjustly confiscating land in Annonay.
Something about a pool or two. Whatever it was, he was talking about
something wet. He doesn't expect you to do anything about it, except
the usual kingly methods, knights, swords, bloodshed, that sort of
thing. Nothing the common people would like, of course.}

Do you:
[a] offer to give back the lands you confiscated.
[b] scour Annonay with your knights until he is found.
{Hmm. If he's a man of his word, he might approve. When is
lunch being served? I'm positively starving.}
{That doesn't seem to be what he has in mind, but a king will
do what a king will do. Incidently, can you introduce me to
that serving wench I saw in the kitchen? She was most comely.}

-------------
Cluster: 1116
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11160.
The astrologer comes to you following the murder of Sir Jerome.

{Majesty, we have the letter from your secretary to the cutthroat that
ordered the murder of your friend Sir Jerome. Unless you pay us 3,000
marks, we will send the letter to the Pope, who will never recognize
your claim to the throne!}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! The Pope will
soon have some interesting information...}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11165.
A spy reports on Sir Jerome.

{Majesty, we have seen Sir Jerome meeting with strange people. He
actually says kind words to his page, and to his gardener, and to
other common folk. When he goes to Mass, he actually smiles when he
talks with the parson. 'Tis most odd, my liege. I would not trust
him!}

Do you:
[a] have Sir Jerome murdered.
[b] ignore the report.
[c] have the astrologer flogged.
{Yes, Majesty.}
{Never trust a man who smiles.}
{Dire consequences will result!}

-------------
Cluster: 1117
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11170.
An astrologer reports on a disturbing event.

{A tailed star has appeared in the morning sky, its sinister plume
shooting opposite from the sun, a clear signet of evil. You must
do something now, Majesty. Kill Sir Jerome before he betrays you!

Do you:
[a] have Sir Jerome murdered.
[b] ignore the report.
[c] have the astrologer flogged.
{Yes, Majesty.}
{I fear dire consequences from this decision.}
{B-but Majesty!}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11175.
An advisor brings good news on the magic pool.

{Majesty, when the pool was drained, we found a great deal of
gold. We might be able to get more gold from the pool, but we would need
men to guard it. A unit of Infantry, Archers, or Knights would do.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry.
[b] send a unit of Archers.
[c] send a unit of Knights.
[d] forget about the pool.
_NODE n11176.
{You do not have any Infantry to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Archers instead.
[b] send a unit of Knights instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11177.
{You do not have any Archers to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry instead.
[b] send a unit of Knights instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11178.
{You do not have any Knights to spare.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry instead.
[b] send a unit of Archers instead.
[c] forget about the pool.
{We should be able to get the gold before anyone
notices.}
_NODE n11179.
{Very good, Majesty. If you don't mind, I was planning on taking
a small vacation. Annonay sounds like a rich experience.}

-------------
Cluster: 1118
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n11180.
An advisor brings disturbing news.

{Majesty, the pool of evil has brought another sign of doom. A
tailed star has appeared in the morning sky.}

Do you:
[a] have the pool drained.
[b] have the local bishop cast out demons from the pool.
[c] ignore the sign of doom.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{I understand that the archbishop of Annonay is rather good
at that sort of thing.}
{I remember the last king who ignored a sign of doom. You
remember what happened to King Francis the Old, don't you?
He was ninety, but he never lived to be ninety-one after he
ignored that warning!}
_NODE 18.
_NODE n11185.
You depart to face the dreaded Grey Knight of Annonay -- alone.

After several days' ride, you are waylaid by a knight in armor
bearing a grey shield.

{Surrender to me,} he says, {and your death will be quick and
merciful. Otherwise, I shall deliver to you the same suffering that
you have brought to Annonay.}

Do you:
[a] surrender.
[b] challenge him to battle.
[c] ask him why he is so upset.
The Grey Knight places his sword through you, and leaves
you for dead. You are not dead, though, and are rescued by
knights sent by your friend, Sir Percy of Annonay. You
recover, but your scars will not go away.
You do your best, and wound him several times, but in the
end he defeats you, leaving you for dead. You are not dead,
however, and knights sent by Sir Percy of Annonay rescue
you. You will carry the scars from this combat for the rest
of your days.
The Grey Knight says, {Recently, you confiscated the land
which contained a pool into which a star fell. That land was
owned by a dear old widow, who was forced to leave her home
and live on the street like an animal. She died soon afterwards
of a fever that burned in her lungs. Her death is on your
hands!}

Do you:
[a] offer to make just compensation to her heirs.
[b] tell him that you thought the falling star would curse
anyone who lived on the land.
[c] challenge him to combat.
_NODE n11186.
{How generous you are with the dead!}

The Grey Knight draws his sword and attacks you.
Although you defend yourself ably, his swordsmanship is perhaps the
best you have ever seen. He leaves you for dead. You are rescued
by men who were sent by your friend Sir Percy, but you will bear
the scars for the remainder of your days.
_NODE n11187.
{It is said that falling stars reflect the deeds of fallen men!}

The Grey Knight draws his sword and attacks you.
Although you defend yourself ably, his swordsmanship is among the
best you have ever seen. He leaves you for dead. You are rescued
by men who were sent by your friend Sir Percy, but you will bear
the scars for the remainder of your days.
_NODE n11188.
{You offer me the most precious of pleasures, the taking of your
life!}
You do your best, and bloody him several times. It is not enough; in
the end, he defeats you and leaves you to die from your wounds.
You are fortunate that knights sent by Sir Percy of Annonay find you
and rescue you, but you will carry the scars from this combat for the
rest of your days.

-------------
Cluster: 1119
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n11190.
Sir Robert returns from Annonay.

{Majesty, I encountered the Grey Knight, but at a distance. He said
that his quarrel was with you alone, but if you were too cowardly to
come in person, he would be willing to kill me in your stead.}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight.
[b] send Sir Robert in your stead.
[c] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{The swine will not survive, Majesty!}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 20.
_NODE n11195.
A messenger brings bad news.

{Majesty, no bounty hunter will touch the Grey Knight. Too many
have died trying to kill him. Something else must be done.}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight yourself.
[b] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}

-------------
Cluster: 1120
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE n11200.
Sir Percy comes from Annonay.

{Your Majesty, that fellow, the Grey Knight, has issued a public
challenge. He says that he will reveal his identity if you deliver 8,000
marks of gold to the people of Annonay within ninety days,
and that, if you fail to deliver it, he will take your life.}
{This violence is most distressing, Majesty. If I weren't so terribly
busy helping damsels appreciate the value of fine poetry, I might
do something about it. Incidently, have you heard my latest verse?
It's quite good.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to deliver 8,000 marks (8 Gold).
[b] dare him to take your life.
{It will be interesting, Majesty.}
{If I can be excused for wondering, why would you do
that?}
_NODE 22.
_NODE n11205.
Sir Percy comes from Annonay.

{I'm afraid that your knights aren't doing very well against this
fellow with the grey shield, the Grey Knight. I suppose it makes
life interesting to have a worthy opponent around, but it is getting
tedious. By the way, the grey fellow is challenging you to single
combat; I assume that acceptance is out of the question. When do
people eat around here?}

Do you:
[a] accept the challenge.
[b] send a champion in his place.
{You are a stubborn one, aren't you?}
{Very good. We wouldn't want to get hurt when someone else
can get hurt in our place. Now when is dinner?}

-------------
Cluster: 1121
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE n11210.
Bad news comes to you, and you can barely restrain yourself from
killing the messenger.

The guard who murdered the astrologer at your behest was seen doing
the foul deed, and is going to trial. If he implicates you....

Do you:
[a] order your guards to help him escape and flee the country.
[b] pardon him.
[c] have him poisoned.
{It is done.}
{It is done.}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11215.
The astrologer returns:

{Majesty, we have the letter from your secretary to the cutthroat that
ordered the murder of your friend Sir Jerome. Unless you pay us 3,000
marks, we will send the letter to the Pope, who will never recognize
your claim to the throne!}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! You had best have
it the next time we appear!}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11216.
The astrologer returns again:

{Majesty, we are in need of funds. While blackmail is a horrendous
way to make a living, it's a lot better than poverty. 3,000 marks,
please.}

Do you:
[a] have the astrologer murdered.
[b] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[c] ignore the blackmail.
{Liar! You do not have the gold! You had best have
it the next time we appear!}
{We shall come to you soon with the letter.}
{Dire consequences will result!}

-------------
Cluster: 1122
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n11220.
You receive a visit from the bishop.

{Your lordship, we have received a copy of a letter in your secretary's
handwriting, ordering the murder of Sir Jerome. This is outrageous! The
Pope is being informed even as we speak! The situation is intolerable!

{That these astrologers are now forging letters and trying to implicate
good Christians in crimes is intolerable! Something must be done about
this evil practice. We wish to try them in ecclesiastical court for
crimes against God!}

Do you:
[a] allow astrologers to be tried by the Church.
[b] try astrologers for forgery in a civil court.
[c] tell the bishop that their sins will be punished in due course.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{An ecclesiastical court would be better, your lordship.}
{Of course they will. I worry only about the corruption of
the living.}
_NODE 26.
_NODE n11225.
A knight enters.

{Majesty, we have found 5,000 marks of gold in the drained pool, which
is now in your treasury!}

-------------
Cluster: 1123
-------------

_NODE 27.
_NODE n11230.
A messenger comes from Annonay.

{Majesty, thousands of people have descended upon Annonay. Everyone
is searching for gold. While it has been hard to control some
of the thieves, for the most part the people are happy -- and we
have added about three thousand marks to the treasury in increased
taxes.}
_NODE 28.
_NODE n11235.
An advisor brings disturbing news.

{Majesty, the bishop failed to cast out demons from the pool of
evil. It has devoured a young man, who entered for a swim, and
never was seen again!}

Do you:
[a] have the pool drained.
[b] ignore this superstitious nonsense.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Perhaps there is more important business to take care of.}

-------------
Cluster: 1124
-------------

_NODE 29.
_NODE n11240.
You are awqkened from slumber by one of your advisors.

{Majesty, word of your battle against the Grey Knight has spread
to the townships. People like a rebel, Majesty, and the Grey Knight
has been taken to their hearts. Minstrels have written songs about
your battle, and they don't flatter you, my lord.}

Do you:
[a] issue another challenge.
[b] issue another challenge, and have the Grey Knight ambushed.
[c] send your champion, Sir Robert, to meet the Grey Knight in single
combat.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{A cunning strategem, my lord.}
{A cunning strategem, my lord.}
_NODE 30.
_NODE n11245.
Grave news from Annonay...

{Majesty, Sir Robert was gravely wounded in a battle against the
Grey Knight, but was victorious. The Grey Knight is dead. When his
helm was removed, he turned out to be your old friend, Sir Percy.}

-------------
Cluster: 1125
-------------

_NODE 31.
_NODE n11250.
An advisor comes to remind you of important matters.

{Majesty, ninety days have expired. Will you deliver the 8,000
marks (8 units) of gold to the people of Annonay as you promised?}

Do you:
[a] attempt to deliver the gold.
[b] renege on your promise.
_NODE 31a.
_NODE n11251.
Alas, you do not have the money to deliver to Annonay. A
few nights later, someone enters your treasury and steals
half your entire supply of gold!

A note is left behind, which reads:
{Your recompense is welcome. Should you lapse again into
the ways of tyranny, the Grey Knight shall return.}
When the money is delivered to Annonay, the Grey Knight
appears. {Keep your gold!} he says. {It is better that the
people know you have a generous heart.}

The Grey Knight then unmasks, revealing himself to be your
old friend Sir Percy!

{I place myself at your mercy. Do with me as you will.}

Do you:
[a] conscript Sir Percy into your council.
[b] hang him for high treason.
Sir Percy's skills prove to be invaluable.
Sir Percy's death angers the people of Annonay, and
elsewhere.
_NODE 31b.
_NODE n11252.
A few nights later, someone enters your treasury and steals
half your supply of gold!

A note is left behind, which reads:
{Your recompense is welcome. Should you lapse again into
the ways of tyranny, the Grey Knight shall return.}
_NODE 32.
_NODE n11255.
All is not well. All of your guards are asleep. Someone has drugged
them.

The Grey Knight appears. {Were you looking for assistance, your
lordship? Allow me to assist you to Hell, tyrant!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to bribe him.
[b] accept his challenge and die like a man.
_NODE 32a.
_NODE n11256.
The Grey Knight laughs.

{I suppose I should be insulted, but desperate men are honest.
If, when you become King, you agree to make me Duke of Annonay,
I will spare your life.}

Do you:
[a] accept his proposition.
[b] refuse, and meet him in single combat.
{A document will be sent to your seneschal, suitable for
signing. Given that I have succeeded in eliminating all of
your defenses, I would not consider betrayal, unless you
look forward to a painful death.}
_NODE 32b
_NODE n11257.
{Have at thee. And may God, maker of iron, bless the sword of the
righteous!}

You are no match for him. But he is bent on humiliating you, and
drops his guard for a moment. You take advantage of that lapse and
slay him, the Grey Knight -- your friend Sir Percy!

-------------
Cluster: 1126
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE n11260.
An aura of evil suddenly surrounds your castle... no, it's just the
astrologer.

{A small mountain has grown in a farmer's field, belching smoke and
fire from the depths of Hell! It's an omen of evil, I tell you....}

Do you:
[a] strangle the astrologer.
[b] send him to an expert executioner.
_NODE 33.
_NODE n11265.
You journey to Annonay, alone, to meet the Grey Knight in combat.

{Thou art persistent, if not wise. I will gladly kill you, but
I do not understand why you are so eager to face me when you know
in your heart that I am better with the blade than thou.}

Your reply:
[a] {time for epitaphs later, have at thee!}
[b] {I have tried to reason with thee, and failed. I cannot stand a
man who will not listen!}
[c] {I wish to hear the songs they'll sing of thee when thou art dead.}
{And so shall tyrants die!}
{Then you shall speak with the maggots, forevermore!}
{I did not know there was music in Hell!}
_NODE n11266.
You are no match for him. But he is bent on humiliating you, and
drops his guard for a moment. You take advantage of that lapse and
slay him, the Grey Knight -- your friend Sir Percy!

-------------
Cluster: 1127
-------------

_NODE n11270.
You receive word from Annonay.

{Majesty, the Grey Knight is dead. When his helm was removed, he
turned out to be...your friend Sir Percy!}

-------------
Cluster: 1128
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11280.
One of your knights brings news:

{Majesty, our barracks in Laval have been destroyed. I do not
know how; those who saw it, described the building as shattered
into pieces with the sound of thunder.

{Majesty, an entire unit of infantry has been destroyed.
Many men are dead.}
{Fortunately, no one was in the barracks, but many people
might have been killed.}

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold) for anyone who brings you information
on this disaster.
[b] send your administrators to investigate.
[c] call on the Church to determine if the accident was supernatural.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{They shall be sent for.}
{I am thoroughly penitent, Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11285.
At long last, you receive word on the exploding barracks in Laval.
A peasant comes to report:

{Majesty, my son reported hearing men in a tavern boasting about
the foul deed. It was the Poisson Rouge tavern on the Laval road. He
was rather vague on the details, except that the killer used some
sort of magick powder that they had gotten from sorcerers in the
far east; when exposed to fire, this devil magick causes great
destruction.}

Do you:
[a] give him 2,000 (2 Gold) marks.
[b] give him 2,000 (2 Gold) marks when the villains are captured.
[c] refuse to reward him for a boy's tale.
You cannot afford this. The peasant seems puzzled.

{How can you not afford to pay this with all the tax
we're paying?}
{You are very generous, m'lord.}
{That is fair, m'lord.}
{I was afraid you'd say something like that.}

-------------
Cluster: 1129
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11290.
The administrators return from the devastated barracks in Laval.

{Majesty, we have never seen anything like this. Total devastation.
Total destruction. Godless and immoral carnage. If only we had a
weapon like this...

{I know not what caused this. But think of it, a force exists that
can kill our enemies, destroy their fortresses, more surely than
anything else that exists. That would be a weapon to be cherished. A
lowly clerk who controlled such a weapon could make himself a king!}

Do you:
[a] chastise them for not uncovering more information.
[b] order them to return to Laval and find out who's responsible.
[c] tell them their services are no longer required.
{But Majesty, this weapon is clearly more important than
a destroyed building or lost lives!}
{We shall leave at once, your lordship.}
{But this is so fascinating...}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11295.
_should not occur if player is excommunicated. In that case, trigger
_the following.
_{The church refuses to speak with you until you are no longer
_excommunicated.}
_trigger n11305(0).
You receive a visit from Hubert Belanger, a monk from St. Jude's
monastery.

{Majesty, I believe what we are seeing is the use of a substance
from the east known as gunpowder. Roger Bacon, an English monk,
included references to this in his writings; although I have obviously
never read them, as they were banned by the Franciscans for heresy. I
know of a German monk named Berthold Schwarz who is doing fascinating
things with this substance...}

Do you:
[a] order Hubert to produce gunpowder for you.
[b] order Hubert to discover the murderer's identity.
[c] ignore this long-winded fool.
{But Majesty, as the only source for the chemical formula
is in a banned book, I cannot in good conscience give you
the formula.}

Do you:
[a] ask him to look for the formula in books that meet with
the approval of the Franciscans.
[b] order him to discover the murderer's identity.
[c] send a messenger to the Pope asking that the ban on Bacon
be rescinded.
{That may take years, Majesty, but I shall try.}
{I shall try to uncover it, your lordship.}
{Even as you send your messenger, you know that the
Pope will not set himself against the wishes of the
Franciscans.}
{I shall try to uncover it, your lordship.}
{I never stay where I am not welcome.}

-------------
Cluster: 1130
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11300.
Bad news is whispered into your ear...

{Majesty, the man who reported the people in the tavern talking
about the disaster in Laval has been found dead. He was murdered.
His son, who reported the alleged conversation, is missing.}

Do you:
[a] send a spy to the tavern in Laval.
[b] try to find the whereabouts of the son.
[c] ignore this foul deed.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{I shall try to find him, my liege.}
{As you wish.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11305.
There is panic in Laval.

{Majesty, there have been several explosions in important buildings
in Laval villages. The Lord High Sheriff is dead, and dozens of
cutthroats and robbers have escaped from gaol. There is a great
deal of panic. They say the world is ending.}

Do you:
[a] summon local administrators for a meeting.
[b] send investigators to the scene of the crime.
[c] send a proclamation claiming the murderer has been found.
Do you:
[a] summon local administrators for a meeting.
[b] send investigators to the scene of the crime.
[c] send a proclamation claiming the murderer has been found.
[d] summon Hubert Belanger to investigate.
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11306.
{They shall be sent for at once.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11307.
{They shall be dispatched... I mean sent... at once.}
_NODE 6c.
_NODE n11308.
{The proclamation shall be dispatched... I mean sent... at once.}
_NODE 6d.
_NODE n11309.
{He shall be summoned, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1131
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11310.
Another disaster has occured.

{Majesty, the fires of Hell have consumed the inn where your
adminstrators were staying. Their investigation of the Laval
disasters have come to an abrupt end.}

Do you:
[a] ask for information on their deaths.
[b] ignore the incident.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Ignore it, my liege? Ignore?!}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11315.
Hubert Belanger returns.

{Majesty, I have found the ingredients for gunpowder, although
I do not know the proper mix, nor under what constellation, nor at
what hour they must be blended for the proper potency.

{The ingredients are brimstone, saltpeter, and woodsoot.}

Do you:
[a] order him to discover the proper mix.
[b] order him to find a way to neutralize this powder.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Majesty, as far as I can tell, this powder explodes because
of demonic forces. Perhaps these demons might be cast out by
a bishop, or the saints might intervene to protect a Prince of
pure Christian spirit, but aside from that, I know of no way
your request can be answered.}

-------------
Cluster: 1132
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11320.
Hubert Belanger returns from his investigation, bringing with him
a young boy.

{Majesty, I believe you should listen to what young Phillip has to
say.}

{Hello Sire. Uh... um...}

{Perhaps I should speak for him. He overheard some men talking about
the destruction of the barracks, brigands who were clearly responsible
for the foul deed. When his father tried to inform you, he was
murdered.}

Do you:
[a] order Hubert to uncover the murderer.
[b] send a spy to the tavern where the boy overheard the men.
[c] send a spy to watch the boy.
{I shall do my best, Majesty.}
Your spy is sent.
Your spy is sent.
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11325.
Your spy passes on information...

{Majesty, I have heard many rumors. If I am correct, there is a group
of men, either very wealthy or very powerful, who wish to drive you from
Laval.}

{They have been secretly purchasing devil's powder from
the Saracens, and are using it to destroy your troops and
kill your allies.

{I fear that I have made myself too prominent, and may be in danger.
Perhaps it would be best if you replaced me with another person.}

Do you:
[a] replace him.
[b] ask him to continue spying.
Your spy is sent.
{I shall do my best, Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1133
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11330.
A search of Laval has found the missing boy.

{Majesty, the boy has told a wild tale about being held prisoner
in a mysterious castle in the middle of the forest. I doubt its
veracity, but do you wish us to investigate his claim?}

You answer:
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11335.
A bell summons the administrators from Laval to a royal audience.

{Majesty, gracious Majesty. It is not our fault. These blackguards
want to overthrow us all!}

WHAT BLACKGUARDS!

Seeing a look of barely contained rage in your royal eye, the Lord
Mayor and the others reveal that they have been receiving letters
from {The Brotherhood of Vulcan}, claiming responsibility for the
destruction, and vowing not to rest until Laval is free of foreign
influence (i.e. anyone who is not from Laval). The administrators
didn't want to bother you about this, believing they could handle
the matter personally.

Do you:
[a] send a spy to Laval to infiltrate this Brotherhood.
[b] send scouts to Laval to look for a hidden stronghold.
[c] order the administrators to end this menace in sixty days, or
face execution.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
{We will not fail, my liege!}

-------------
Cluster: 1134
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11340.
A messenger comes from a nearby province.

{Majesty, Holy Rose Abbey has been destroyed. Its destruction was
identical to the ones we have seen recently. A group calling itself
'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deed. We
have no idea who these people are.}

Do you:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] summon local administrators to explain what is happening.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11345.
A messenger comes from Laval.

{Majesty, we have information on the recent disasters. A group calling
itself 'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deeds. We
have no idea who these people are.}

Your answer:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] summon local administrators to explain what is happening.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1135
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11350.
There is panic in Laval.

{Majesty, there have been several explosions in important buildings
in Laval villages. The Lord High Sheriff is dead, and dozens of
cutthroats and robbers have escaped from gaol. There is a great
deal of panic. They say the world is ending.}

Do you:
[a] offer a large reward for information.
[b] send your army through Laval to quiet the place down.
[c] ignore the report.
{The people are too frightened to offer any information,
my liege.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
It does have a calming effect on the people. Armies have that
sort of effect on people.
{As you wish.}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11355.
Hubert Belanger returns from Laval.

{Majesty, we have information on the recent disasters. A group calling
itself 'the Brotherhood of Vulcan' has claimed credit for the deeds. I
have no idea who these people are. Furthermore, the local council,
fearing your wrath, has willfully withheld this information from
you.}

Your answer:
[a] send a spy to infiltrate the Brotherhood.
[b] order the arrest of the local administrators.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1136
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n11360.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, as we expected, a man tried to kill the boy. Unfortunately,
he escaped capture. He fled into a forest near Laval, then we lost
the trail.}

Do you:
[a] continue guarding the boy.
[b] send a unit of Infantry to scour the forest.
{As you command. Next time, he shall not escape,
my liege.}
{We do not have the men. I suppose we'll have to
keep watching the boy.}
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 18.
_NODE n11365.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, I don't know what that other person was talking about.
Clearly there is nothing wrong in Laval. I've talked with everyone,
and there's nothing suspicious. Only a couple of destroyed buildings,
that's all, nothing to worry about.}

Do you:
[a] ask the old spy to resume his job.
[b] have this spy flogged.
{But why?}
{But why?}

-------------
Cluster: 1137
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE n11370.
A message comes from your spy in Laval.

{Majesty, before he died, your spy said that there was a hidden
fortress in the forest near Laval. He gave us a rough location
of where it might be.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}
_NODE 20.
_NODE n11375.
A message comes from Laval.

{Majesty, the boy has found the fortress of our enemies in the
forest near Laval. He gave us a rough location of where it might
be, and we found it.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength.
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}

-------------
Cluster: 1138
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE n11380.
A message comes from Laval.

{Majesty, the wells for several villages in the province were
destroyed three nights ago by explosions identical to the ones we
have seen all too often there. There is a great deal of unrest, and
people are blaming you for not having done anything about this.}

Do you:
[a] spend 2,000 marks to cart water and wine to Laval while they
dig new wells.
[b] march your army through Laval to calm them down.
[c] sit back and sulk about nobody liking you.
You do not have the funds. You'll have to march
through Laval instead.
{You're too kind, Majesty.}
{I'm sure they'll be impressed.}
{Oh, stop sulking and do something about this!}
_NODE 22.
_NODE n11385.
The people smell the administrators' fear as they skulk toward
their audience with you.

{We tried to find the Brotherhood of Vulcan. Honest we did! Please
don't kill us! Please! We have families to feed, and children who
need their parents alive.}

Do you:
[a] execute them.
[b] agree not to kill them, and merely imprison them for the rest of
their ill-begotten lives.
[c] give them one more chance...
{No!!!}
{Thank you... I think...}
{May we kiss your feet, my liege?}

-------------
Cluster: 1139
-------------

_NODE 23.
_NODE n11390.
A bell summons the administrators from Laval to a royal audience.

{Majesty, gracious Majesty. It is not our fault. These blackguards
want to overthrow us all!}

After a good deal of harsh questioning and many threats, the Lord
Mayor and the others reveal that they have been receiving letters
from {The Brotherhood of Vulcan,} claiming responsibility for the
destruction, and vowing not to rest until Laval is free of foreign
influence (i.e. anyone who is not from Laval). The administrators
didn't want to bother you about this, believing they could handle
the matter personally.

Do you:
[a] send a spy to Laval to infiltrate this Brotherhood.
[b] send scouts to Laval to look for a hidden stronghold.
[c] order the administrators to end this menace in sixty days, or
face execution.
{Very well, Majesty.}
{Of course, my liege.}
{We will not fail, my liege!}
_NODE 24.
_NODE n11395.
Word comes of a disaster.

{Majesty, there has been an accident in the monastery of Hubert
Belanger. The experiments with gunpowder have resulted in a massive
explosion. Hubert has been badly injured, and many of his order were
killed. He vows that he will never conduct another experiment again.}

Do you:
[a] beg Hubert to continue his research.
[b] search for someone else knowledgeable in the ways of gunpowder.
Several days later, you receive word from Hubert. He has
retired to a monastery in Austria, to give penance for the
remainder of his days.
{Of course, my liege.}

A thorough search turns up no one.

-------------
Cluster: 1140
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n11400.
Word is sent from your spy in Laval, who has been guarding the boy
who overheard the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{Majesty, no one has bothered the boy for quite some time. I believe
he is safe.

{I have heard rumors of a fortress in the woods, and I believe I know
its location. I am certain that this is the headquarters of the
Brotherhood of Vulcan.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}
_NODE 25.
_NODE n11405.
A messenger is sent by your infantry in Laval, who have been
searching for the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{We have found the fortress in the woods. We are certain that this is
the headquarters of the Brotherhood of Vulcan.}

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their operations.}

-------------
Cluster: 1141
-------------

_NODE 26.
_NODE n11410.
A messenger is sent by your army in Laval, which has attacked
the stronghold of the Brotherhood of Vulcan.

{Majesty, we have destroyed the fortress of the Brotherhood of
Vulcan, however at a heavy price. Rather than face capture, the
Brotherhood exploded their supply of gunpowder. Many men were
slain.}
_NODE 27.
_NODE n11415.
A messenger is sent by your army in Laval.

{Majesty, we have destroyed the fortress of the Brotherhood of
Vulcan. Our scout infiltrated the stronghold and must have ignited
their supply of devil powder. The explosion killed them utterly, but
alas, our scout was also slain.}

-------------
Cluster: 1142
-------------

_NODE 28.
_NODE n11420.
A rather shady individual approaches you:

{Majesty, I am associated with certain disreputable fellows, you may
have heard of them, the Brotherhood of Vulcan. I am prepared, for a
small price, say, 1,000 marks, to reveal their location to you.}

Do you:
[a] agree to pay his price.
[b] have him questioned until he tells you the location.
You do not have the funds. You submit him for
questioning until he tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
He tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
He tells you the location.

Do you:
[a] attack it immediately.
[b] scout the fortress to learn its strength
{I pray we are not being too rash.}
{Let us hope they do not choose to move their
operations.}
_NODE 28.
_NODE n11425.
You receive word from Laval.

{Majesty, good news! We discovered a shipment of devil's powder
being secretly delivered to a small fortress in the woods near
Laval. We waylaid this shipment, and then, disguised as merchants,
infiltrated the stronghold and destroyed it. The people who inhabited
the fortress are either dead or slain. The gunpowder threat is at
an end.}

-------------
Cluster: 1143
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11430.
A messenger comes from the Duke of Compagne.

{From His Grace, Francis Duke of Compagne, to
Edward, King of Albion,
Henri, Duke of Anjou,
Ramiro, King of Aragon,
Charles, Count of Valois,
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy,
welcome:

{We are aware of your struggle to obtain the crown of Bretagne. In
doing so, you have moved your armies onto the soil of Compagne. Perhaps
you believe this means you are in control of this territory. His
Grace wishes you to understand that this is not the case. You merely
occupy this land; you do not rule it. Understand this, and we will
have no problems.}

Do you:
[a] threaten to attack him if he sends another arrogant message.
[b] cut off supplies into his castle.
[c] ignore him.
{We shall see. The Duke shall not be pleased.}
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{Well!}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11435.
A messenger comes from the Duke of Compagne.

{From His Grace, Francis Duke of Compagne, to
Edward, King of Albion,
Henri, Duke of Anjou,
Ramiro, King of Aragon,
Charles, Count of Valois,
Phillip, Duke of Burgundy,
welcome:

{The recent actions of your armies have been intolerable. Either
restrain their misdeeds, or the army of the Duke will restrain them
for you.}

Do you:
[a] attack him.
[b] cut off supplies into his castle.
[c] ask him to specify the misdeeds.
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{I do not believe you have thought out this action.}
{You shall hear a full accounting.}

-------------
Cluster: 1144
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11440.
A messenger comes from the besieged castle of the Duke of Compagne.

{Majesty, the Duke easily broke the siege. He has several large
forces hidden in the countryside; combined, they make one
of the most formidable armies in Bretagne. Our siege has no hope
of success.}

Do you:
[a] try to maintain the siege.
[b] abandon the siege.
[c] apologize to the Duke.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11445.
A delegation of peasants comes to you.

{Majesty, the taxes being levied by the Duke of Compagne are beyond
belief. We can no longer afford to feed our children. He says that
as long as foreign invaders remain in Compagne, he must have those
taxes to prepare our defense.}

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] imprison the Duke's tax-collectors.
[c] try to negotiate a suitable settlement.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege. We will try to arrange a meeting.}

-------------
Cluster: 1145
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11450.
One of your commanders returns with good news -- and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Aienfort, but he has retreated and combined his
forces with fresh troops. We may not be able to win the
next battle.}

Do you:
[a] press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Aienfort. I have nothing else to say.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11455.
Your messenger departs from your castle to get a full account of
grievances from the Duke of Compagne.

He never returns.

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] send a second messenger to determine what happened.
[c] ignore the Duke and his grievances.
{As you command, my liege.}
{We will be cautious. I smell a rat.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1146
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11460.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, the siege has been broken. As we feared, the Duke's forces
are too large and too well maintained. Our losses were substantial.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{It shall be done, Majesty.}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11465.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{The Duke hopes that your little military exercise has shown you
the meaning of folly. He hopes that you will now be prepared to
treat him with the respect he deserves. Your adventure has caused
the Duke time and trouble, and he demands 2,000 marks in
reparations.}

Do you:
[a] refuse to give him a single mark.
[b] offer 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] give him the 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
{This insult shall not be borne!}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose this is not too grievous an insult. The
Duke may be prepared to overlook it.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose this is not too grievous an insult. The
Duke may be prepared to overlook it.}

-------------
Cluster: 1147
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11470.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{How dare you interfere in the Duke's handling of his own affairs!
If you do not apologize immediately and release the Duke's servants,
a state of war will exist between us!}

Do you:
[a] release them if the Duke agrees to stop trying to turn the
people against him.
[b] ask for a negotiated settlement of differences.
[c] release them and apologize.
{I shall deliver your terms to the Duke. I would not expect
a favorable settlement.}
{Your request shall be given to the Duke. Your reluctance
to see reason is not encouraging.}
{That is better.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11475.
You receive a messenger from the Duke of Compagne.

{I take it that you wish your relations with the Duke of Compagne
to be improved. What do you offer us in return for better relations?}

Do you:
[a] promise autonomy for Compagne.
[b] promise increased lands for the Duke.
[c] offer him increased prestige when you become king.
{I thought we had autonomy already.}
{Interesting. He will reply soon, I'm sure.}
{A kingly promise. I'll see if he's interested.}

-------------
Cluster: 1148
-------------

_NODE 11.
_NODE n11480.
You receive a delegation of peasants.

{Majesty, something must be done to protect us from the Duke of
Compagne. He is hanging dozens of peasants who are unable to pay
their taxes.}

Do you:
[a] attack the Duke.
[b] imprison the Duke's tax-collectors.
[c] try to negotiate a suitable settlement.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege. We will try to arrange a meeting.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11485.
One of your commanders returns with good news -- and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Verdun, but he has again retreated and combined his
troops with an army even greater than his last. This will be
a formidable battle indeed.}

Do you:
[a] continue to press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Verdun. I have nothing else to say.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1149
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n11490.
One of your commanders returns with good news, and a
warning.

{Majesty, we have defeated the Duke of Compagne near the
town of Verdun, but he has again retreated and combined his
troops with an army even greater than his last. This will be
a formidable battle indeed.}

Do you:
[a] continue to press the attack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{Majesty, we have been defeated by the army of the Duke
of Compagne near Verdun. His forces are clearly better than
ours. We should sue for peace immediately.}

Do you:
[a] regroup and stage a counterattack.
[b] try to negotiate a truce with Compagne.
{As you command.}
{Very good, your Majesty.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n11495.
A messenger returns from the Duke of Compagne.

{Majesty, our last messenger appears to have been slain by bandits.
His body was found in the woods of Compagne. The Duke expresses
his regrets over the death of one of your servants in his territory.}

Do you:
[a] continue the negotiations with the Duke of Compagne.
[b] ignore him.
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1150
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n11500.
_NODE 15a.
_NODE n11501.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, our attempts to lay siege to the Duke of Compagne are
futile. He makes sorties at will; his archers seem to have limitless
supplies of arrows. We are sending men to a mass grave with no hope
of success!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15b.
_NODE n11502.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, this siege is madness! Good men -- our men -- are dying,
while the strength of the Duke's fortress mocks our efforts to
destroy him.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15c.
_NODE n11503.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, we will not break this siege. We should end it at once.
Compagne breaks through our battlelines at will.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 15d.
_NODE n11504.
A messenger returns from the siege of the Duke of Compagne's castle.

{Majesty, this siege is costing us the lives of many good men. I fear
the place will never fall, but we will fight to the death to see
those walls crumble.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to resume the siege.
[b] ask for a truce.
{As you command, my liege.}
{Very good, my lord.}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11505.
A messenger reports on a disturbing incident.

{Majesty, soldiers wearing the emblem of the Duke of Compagne have
waylaid and captured our ally, Baron Cerconse. They are asking a
ransom of three thousand marks for his release.}

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] give him 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] demand his immediate and unconditional release.
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose the Duke is prepared to be merciful.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{Let us hope these little power games of yours will
soon come to an end.}
{You are in no position to make demands, fool!}
_NODE 16.
_NODE n11506.
A messenger from the Duke of Compagne again demands 3,000 marks
ransom for the release of your ally, Baron Cerconse.

Do you:
[a] offer 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] give him 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[c] demand his immediate and unconditional release.
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{I suppose the Duke is prepared to be merciful.}
You do not have the gold in stock. The messenger is
not pleased.
{Let us hope these little power games of yours will
soon come to an end.}
{You are in no position to make demands, fool!}
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