[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1873
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18730.
After a council meeting, one of your younger advisors, Sir Estes
comes up to you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered an opportunity that demands
your attention. I met a fellow named Karl Mercurato...Spanish or
some such...who made an interesting discovery that
might be of use to us in our preparations for coming times.}
{He claims to have acquired a map to the kingdom of the great holy king,
Prester John.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you are not interested.
[b] order him to arrange to buy the map from Mercurato.
[c] command him to set up a meeting with this Mercurato.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18731.
{As you will, Your Majesty, but I believe that we are allowing a
priceless opportunity to pass us by.}
Sir Estes comes to speak with you again.

{Your Majesty, perhaps you should reconsider your decision. The man
Mercurato is wandering about these lands, attempting to finance an
expedition to the Kingdom of Prester John.
Building an alliance with such a great king surely would be to our benefit.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to stop bothering you.
[b] tell him to keep an eye on Mercurato and report back to you.
[c] order him to arrange a meeting between you and Mercurato.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n18732.
Sir Estes returns to speak with you.

{I have spoken again with Mercurato, Your Majesty. He will sell the map
to us for 2,000 marks. His original price was higher, but
I convinced him to be more reasonable. I do not believe that
he will negotiate further.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 2,000 marks (2 gold).
[b] tell Sir Estes you want to meet with Mercurato.
[c] tell the knight to forget it.
You do not have sufficient gold.

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes you want to meet with Mercurato.
[b] tell the knight to forget it.
{Very good, Majesty. I shall have it within
a fortnight.}
Sir Estes returns with the map. It appears to be old,
though done with a skilled hand, and shows the
kingdom of Prester John to be located in the fabled
land of Africa.

Do you:
[a] spend 3 Gold, 3 Timber, 3 Food and send two
Infantry units and one unit of Archers to investigate.
[b] spend 1 Gold, 1 Timber, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[c] wait until you have more resources available.
[d] forget about the map.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n18733.
Sir Estes returns with Karl Mercurato.

{Greetings, Your Majesty,} the man says, bowing. {I am Karl Mercurato,
explorer and man of science. As your good Sir Estes has no doubt told
you, I possess an antiquity of great value: a map to the kingdom
of the great king and priest Prester John.}
{Your Majesty doubtless knows that this holy king is said to rule a
kingdom greater than any in Christendom. It is supposed to be a place
of great wonders, some, no doubt, left from the days of ancient
Atlantis. My map reveals this land to be located amidst the lands of
Africa.}
{I propose to put together an expedition to travel to this land and
make contact with this great kingdom. Surely, Your Majesty can see the
advantages of making an alliance with such a great power.

{I would, of course, need proper funding to do this. I believe 5,000
marks would be sufficient.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] pay 3 Gold.
[c] pay 1 Gold.
[d] tell him you are not interested.
I see that you do not have enough gold.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18734.
One of your advisors comes to speak with you.

{Majesty, we have a problem. This Mercurato has been speaking to various
nobles and merchants, and has acquired funds to search for Prester John.
That would not be a problem, except that his preparations are causing
shortages in the wood and supplies that we need for our current
campaign. In addition, several nobles are being rather lax about
paying their taxes because of their investments, and we are having
great difficulties recruiting new soldiers.}

Do you:
[a] order Mercurato to cease and desist.
[b] summon Mercurato to speak with you.
[c] have Mercurato arrested.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18735.
Sir Estes visits you again.

{Karl Mercurato has been passing among the nobility and the richer
merchants, Your Majesty.} He looks uncomfortable. {I am
afraid that, if he continues, he may well divert vital materials
and cause trouble among the nobles.}

Do you:
[a] tell Mercurato to cease his efforts.
[b] exile him from your kingdom.
[c] offer to support his efforts yourself.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend for his expedition.
Your nobles are not happy at what
they perceive to be interference in their personal affairs.

-------------
Cluster: 1874
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n18740.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough infantry.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
You do not have enough Archers.

Do you:
[a] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[b] wait until you have more resources available.
[c] forget about the map.
Your expedition is organized. The worthy Sir Estes is placed in
charge, and he sails off to find Prester John.
A messenger comes, with a letter from Sir Estes, which reads,

{My liege:
'We have safely reached the coast of Africa. The locals, though
heathen savages, are friendly enough, and speak of a great
king who dwells in the heart of the land. When shown the map,
they agree that it is there where he lives. But we need more gold
to pay for guides and smaller boats to travel inland.'}

Do you:
[a] send Sir Estes another 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] tell him to proceed as best he can.
[c] tell him to abandon the quest and return.
You do not have any gold to send.

Do you:
[a] tell him to abandon the quest and return.
[b] tell him to proceed as best he can.
_NODE 2.1.
_NODE n18741.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
You do not have enough infantry.

Do you:
[a] wait until you have more resources available.
[b] forget about the map.
Your expedition is organized. The worthy Sir Estes is placed in
charge, and he sails off to find Prester John.
_NODE 2.2.
_NODE n18742.
You come across the map to the kingdom of Prester
John, and it occurs to you that you now have enough
men and materials to follow up on it, if you wish.

Do you:
[a] spend 3 Gold, 3 Wood, 3 Food and send two
Infantry units and one unit of Archers on a full
expedition.
[b] spend 1 Gold, 1 Wood, 1 Food and send one unit of
Infantry for a small expedition.
[c] wait until you have more resources available.
[d] forget about the map.
You still have insufficient resources to
mount the expedition to seek Prester John.
If you continue to gather
resources, you may soon be able to launch this profitable
venture.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n18743.
You dispatch another 1,000 marks with the messenger.
A messenger arrives with another letter from Sir Estes.

{My liege:

{I have good news, and bad news. The good news is that I have found the
great king of which the locals speak. The bad news is that he is not
Prester John. In fact, he seems to be of the paynim faith! I need your
guidance, Your Majesty.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to attempt diplomatic contact with the Islamic king.
[b] order him to abandon his mission and return.
[c] command him to attack the foreign king.
[d] suggest that he keep looking for Prester John.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18744.
Many months pass before you receive a messenger. He reveals the
fate of your expedition. Without guides or boats, your men were forced
to travel overland. They fought with savages, died of fever, and
lost men to wild animals. Finally, the dispirited remnants of the party turned back
when Sir Estes was lost in a battle with natives.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18745.
The expedition to Africa returns. It was costly, and produced no result,
but your people are still proud of such an effort that no other local lord
would make.
_NODE 2.1a.
_NODE n18746.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, I do not bring good tidings. Your expedition has ended
in disaster. The forces accompanying Sir Estes were too small. The
locals appear to have attacked and overrun them. If any escaped, they
likely are lost in that strange land.}

-------------
Cluster: 1875
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n18750.
You discover that your treasury is not up to your intentions.

Do you:
[a] pay 3 Gold.
[b] pay 1 Gold.
[c] tell him that you are not interested.
{You do not even have that much Gold, Sire.}

Do you:
[a] pay 1 Gold.
[b] tell him you are not interested.
{Surely you can afford more, Your
Majesty? No? Ah, well, I shall make do with
what you offer.}
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will begin preparations
immediately.}
_NODE 3.1
_NODE n18751.
Mercurato returns to speak with you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered a great deal of unrest
in the timber markets. It is impossible for me to purchase wood.
I will need you to supply me with this commodity.}

Do you:
[a] send him 5 Wood.
[b] send him 3 Wood.
[c] tell him he has received all the support you have to give.
{Since you lack sufficient resources, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
{Very good, Your Majesty, I will return to my work
immediately.}
{Since you lack sufficient resources, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
{Are you sure that you cannot afford a bit....
Oh, very well, I suppose that I can struggle onward.}
{If you lack sufficient resources, Your Majesty, I shall
obtain my supplies elsewhere.}
_NODE 3.2.
_NODE n18752.
{I am sorry, Your Majesty, but that simply will not do. I shall
seek funding elsewhere.}
_NODE 3.3.
_NODE n18753.
{As you will, Majesty. I have other means of obtaining
these resources.}
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18754.
Karl Mercurato returns to speak with you again.

{Your Majesty, my ships are completed and I have hired their crews.
I have another problem, however. With all the military
activity, it is proving impossible to find the mercenaries who I will need
to insure the safety of the expedition. I need at least three units of
infantry and two of archers.}

Do you:
[a] supply him with the 3 Infantry and 2 Archers.
[b] give him 2 Infantry and 1 of Archers.
[c] tell him to make do with 1 Infantry.
[d] tell him you have no forces to give him.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again after things have settled down.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. After a few more
preparations, we shall be ready to embark.}
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{As you do not have sufficient forces, Your Majesty,
I fear that this expedition is impossible. Perhaps we
can try again someday after things have settled.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your
court. His wide range of learning proves valuable,
and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
{Are you certain that you cannot spare a few more troops,
Your Majesty? We will be well out of reach for... Oh,
very well, perhaps these will be sufficient. Thank you, Your
Majesty. I should be ready to leave shortly.}
{Your Majesty, I am afraid that simply is not enough.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when your forces are free.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular at your court. His
knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches you much that proves
useful in the daily administration of your realm.
_NODE 3aa.
_NODE n18755.
Mercurato comes to see you yet again.

{Your Majesty, I am sorry to say that we have run into yet one more
snag in our plans. The food supplies for which I arranged have disappeared
mysteriously, and the merchants involved have vanished. I will need
to replace them before we can start.}

Do you:
[a] give him the 3 units of Food he requests.
[b] give him 3 Gold and tell him to purchase food.
[c] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can afford.

-------------
Cluster: 1876
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE n18760.
A messenger arrives with another letter from Sir Estes. It reads,

{My liege:

{As you requested, I have made contact with the Muslim King of this
strange place. He is an odd man, this Addas Qalati. He is arrogant,
bombastic, sly, and espouses the most appalling anti-Christian
sentiments.

{He can also be jovial, generous and tolerant of those not of his own
faith. Rumor says that he is also brave on the field of battle.}

{I have made initial contact, but he is still somewhat reserved and
distant. My guide suggests that a gift from you would perhaps smooth
our path.}

Do you send him:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[e] nothing, except your best wishes.
_NODE 4.1.
_NODE n18761.
A weary messenger arrives at your keep.

{Majesty, your expeditionary force has been destroyed. While Sir
Estes did his best, and your forces were better equipped than
the foreign king's, the enemy were very well trained, brave, and knew
the land far better than did our troops.}
{There is quiet whispering about the foolishness of
attacking a king so far away with so little reason. Also, Sir Estes'
family cannot help but feel that he was used and thrown away.}
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18762.
There is not enough gold to purchase the necklace.

Do you send:
[a] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[b] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
A letter arrives from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati was unimpressed by your gift.
Apparently, he has much gold, and gemstones are not rare in
places with which he trades. He does not harm us, but he no
longer pays us any heed.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to make one more attempt to ally with the king.
[b] order him to continue searching for Prester John.
[c] command him to abandon the quest and return.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n18763.
There is not enough wood to produce the bows.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati is delighted with your gift. These
people do not use the bow, but he could see the value in it
once some of our bowmen demonstrated it for him. He now has our
archers teaching his elite guard the use of the bow.
{I think that his temper is now right for talk of alliances.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n18764.
There is not enough food to produce the delicacies.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, King Qalati enjoyed your gift. It seems
that the fellow has quite a taste for sweets, so
the confections that you sent were well received.

{I think that his temper is now right for talk of alliances.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.
_NODE 4d.
_NODE n18765.
There is not enough iron to produce the weapons.

Do you send:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] nothing, except your best wishes.
Another letter comes from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, I am afraid that King Qalati was rather lukewarm
about your gift of arms. He seemed to appreciate the craft
that went into them, but the weather here is too hot and
moist for iron to be very practical. We spend much of our
time scrubbing our armor and weapons to keep them free of rust.
This land is as bad as I have heard of the Holy Land when it
comes to wearing armor in this heat.}
{The King may still retain enough interest for talk of an
alliance to be possible. I seek your guidance.}

Do you:
[a] tell Estes to try forming a political alliance.
[b] have him form a trade pact.
[c] have him set up both an alliance and a trade pact.

-------------
Cluster: 1877
-------------

_NODE 5a.
_NODE n18770.
A messenger comes, sent back by the explorers.

The message he bears is from Sir Estes.

{Greetings, Your Majesty. We have reached the African lands,
with some small trouble, as our ships were blown slightly off
course. While we have reached the general area of the map,
it is large. We have heard three sets of rumors that may show
us the way to Prester John. The first is a story of a place
where great constructions have been seen from afar. The second
is of a place known as 'the place of the cross'. The people
say that it is a place of foreign gods. The last is a rumor of a
place where a great warrior dwells. Mercurato thinks that this is
merely a tribal chief, but I am not so sure.}

Do you tell Sir Estes to pursue:
[a] the place with the great construction.
[b] the place of the cross.
[c] the land of the great warrior.
The message he bears is from Mercurato.

{Greetings, Majesty. We have reached the African lands,
with some small trouble, as our ships were blown somewhat off
course. While we have reached the general area of the map,
it is large. We have found a pair of possible clues to the
land of Prester John. The first is a story of a place
where great constructions have been seen from afar. The second
is of a place known as 'the place of the cross'. The people
say that it is a place of foreign gods.}

Do you tell Mercurato to pursue:
[a] the place with the great construction.
[b] the place of the cross.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n18771.
Another messenger from your explorers returns.

The letter he bears is from Sir Estes.

{Your Majesty, we have made a great discovery. It is not the
kingdom of Prester John, but perhaps almost as important.

{We found a place of great pyramids, columns and structures,
almost covered by mud and vines. Mercurato thinks it may be a
far southern branch of ancient Aegyptos, almost untouched
for centuries. We cannot be sure why there are no people,
though some ancient change of waterway seems to have flooded
the area. Mercurato thinks there may be great things to find
inside these buildings, but we will need wood and tools to
break into them.}

Do you:
[a] send 1 Timber and 1 Iron to the explorers.
[b] order them to go to the place of the cross.
[c] order them to seek the great warrior.
[d] recall them.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] order them to seek the great
warrior.
[c] recall them.
You do not have enough iron.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] order them to seek the great
warrior.
[c] recall them.
The letter he bears is from Mercurato.

{My lord, we have made an amazing discovery. It is not the
kingdom of Prester John, but perhaps almost as important.

{We found a place of great pyramids, columns and structures,
almost covered by mud and vines. It can be nothing but a
far southern branch of ancient Aegyptos, almost untouched
for some time. We cannot be sure why there are no people,
though some ancient change of waterway seems to have flooded
the area. I am certain that there are great things to find
inside these buildings, but we will need wood and tools to
break into them.}

Do you:
[a] send 1 Wood and 1 Iron to the explorers.
[b] order them to seek the great warrior.
[c] recall them.
You do not have enough wood.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] recall them.
You do not have enough iron.

Do you:
[a] tell them to go to the place of the
cross.
[b] recall them.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n18772.
Sir Estes himself rides in to meet you, with a battered
unit of your soldiers!

{It was terrible, Your Majesty! The 'place of the cross' was
a land of hideous heathens who slew any who entered and put
captives up on the cross as in ancient Rome. We were lucky
that any of us fought free. Poor Mercurato was captured, and
I shudder to think of his fate.}
Your folk are not happy about the loss of your soldiers, but
the heroic tale of the last fight of your surviving
soldiers inspires them.
A messenger rides to meet you.

{A terrible tale comes to us, Your Majesty! The 'place of the
cross' was a land of hideous heathens who slew any who entered
and put captives up on the cross in the manner of ancient
Rome. We would know none of their fates had not a single
archer escaped.}
Your people are not happy about the loss of your soldiers.

-------------
Cluster: 1878
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE n18780.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I am afraid that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in an alliance with your royal person. I and
most of my men will be returning soon with a treaty for you
to sign, while the remainder set up a small enclave here for
your representative when you choose one.}
It is a great moment for you.

Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. While the Church is not completely
pleased by this alliance with an Islamic king, Qalati has
subtle and far-reaching contacts, and he helps you greatly.
In return, you provide contacts throughout
Europe and assistance with his military needs.
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE n18781.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I fear that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I somehow seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in a trade pact with your royal person. I and
most of my men will be returning soon with a treaty for you
to sign, while the remainder set up a small enclave here for
your representative when you choose one.}
Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. Great trade opportunities are now open
to you.
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE n18782.
A messenger brings another letter from Sir Estes.

{I am afraid that I have failed you, my liege. I attempted to
convince King Qalati that we would be good, if distant, allies
for him, but I somehow seem to have angered him instead. He has
ordered us out of his land, never to return.}

Do you:
[a] tell Sir Estes to return home.
[b] tell him to teach King Qalati respect with force of arms.
[c] tell him to return to the search for Prester John.
{My liege, King Qalati seems to be of two minds about our
proposal. Perhaps another gift would sway him?}
{I send glad tidings, my liege! King Qalati sees great
possibilities in an alliance and trade pact with your royal
self. I and most of my men will be returning soon with a
treaty for you to sign, while the remainder set up a small
enclave here for your representative when you choose one.}
Sir Estes returns with the treaty. After signing it, you send
a copy back with that worthy knight, who you have chosen to be
your representative. While the Church is not as happy as it
could be about this alliance with an Islamic king, Qalati has
subtle and far-reaching contacts, and he helps you in many
ways. In return, you supply him with a line of contact
in Europe, and with some assistance with his military needs.

In addition to the political advantages, Qalati offers many
trade opportunities. The following are the rates of
exchange he will give for each of them:
_NODE 6.retry.
_NODE n18783.

Do you send him:
[a] a golden necklace set with a large ruby (1 Gold).
[b] a collection of well-made composite bows (1 Wood).
[c] a variety of local foodstuffs and delicacies (1 Food).
[d] a set of fine swords, helms and bucklers (1 Iron).
[e] nothing, except your best wishes.
_NODE 6.trade.

For 4 Gold he will give 2 Iron, 2 Food or 1 Wood.

For 2 Iron he will give 4 Gold, 1 Food or 1 Wood.

For 1 Food he will give 3 Gold, 1 Iron, or 1 Wood.

For 1 Wood he will give 4 Gold, 2 Iron, or 1 Food.

Do you wish to trade:
[a] 4 Gold.
[b] 2 Iron.
[c] 1 Food.
[d] 1 Wood.
[e] Nothing.
Are you certain that you wish to trade nothing?

[a] yes.
[b] no.
_NODE 6.gold.
_NODE n18785.
You do not have enough gold.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Food.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE 6.iron.
_NODE n18786.
You do not have enough iron.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Gold.
[b] Food.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.

-------------
Cluster: 1879
-------------

_NODE 1aaa.
_NODE n18790.
{Your Majesty, I am afraid that a few of your nobles are ignoring your
order to Mercurato, and are going ahead with construction on his ships.
He seems to be taking this as encouragement to ignore you.}

Do you:
[a] order Mercurato arrested.
[b] have the explorer exiled from your kingdom.
[c] take over his patronage yourself.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend on his expedition,
but not all. Your nobles are not happy with what
they perceive as interference in their personal affairs.
_NODE 1aab.
_NODE n18791.
Karl Mercurato comes to speak with you again.

{I am not trying to cause you difficulties, my lord. But I must
assemble this expedition soon; otherwise, surely you great lords
shall make it impossible for me. This is the chance of a lifetime!}

Do you:
[a] throw Mercurato in jail.
[b] exile him from your lands.
[c] offer him a position in your court, and promise that when you are
King of Bretagne he shall have his expedition.
You throw Mercurato into your dungeons. While he disobeyed
you, this punishment is felt to be excessive by those who know the
man, and you are seen as something of a tyrant.
Karl Mercurato, and his mysterious map, ride out of your
kingdom, never to be seen again. You manage to reclaim most
of the monies he had begun to spend to put his expedition
together, but not all. Your nobles are not happy at what
they see as interference in their personal affairs.
Mercurato is honored by your offer, and accepts it. He
becomes a loyal advisor, teaching you much that is useful in the
day-to-day management of your kingdom.
_NODE 1aac.
_NODE n18792.
Karl Mercurato is brought before you.

{Have mercy, Your Majesty! I meant no harm! I am driven by my curiosity
over all things, and it drove me past sense in this pursuit of Prester
John.}

Do you:
[a] have him thrown in the dungeon for disobeying you.
[b] free him with his promise to forget about the map.
[c] exile him from your lands.
You throw Mercurato into your dungeons. While he disobeyed
you, this punishment is felt to be excessive by those who know the
man, and you are seen as something of a tyrant.
You free Mercurato, and he is grateful. He stays in the
kingdom and becomes a loyal advisor, teaching you much that is useful
in the proper governance of your kingdom.
Mercurato and his map leave your kingdom, never to return.
Before he leaves, he repays his lenders as best he can.
While a few merchants are unhappy, he is soon forgotten.
_NODE 1abc.
_NODE n18793.
Mercurato claims he will need 3,000 marks.

Do you:
[a] pay the 3,000 marks (3 Gold).
[b] pay 2 Gold.
[c] pay 1 Gold.
[d] tell him that you are not interested.

-------------
Cluster: 1880
-------------

_NODE 2.1ad.
_NODE n18800.
A messenger arrives at your castle.

{I bring greetings from Sir Estes, Your Majesty. As you have
requested, he has continued the search for Prester John. So
far, he has had little success. His supplies and funds for
guides and material grow low. He asks to know your
wishes.}

Do you:
[a] send him another 1 Gold and 1 Food.
[b] command him to return to you.
{You do not possess enough supplies, Your
Majesty. I will tell Sir Estes to return.}
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will arrange for
the shipment.}
{Very well, Your Majesty. I will tell Sir Estes to
return.}
{I bring good news, Your Majesty! Sir Estes has found a place
where much ivory lays about. He is having his men gather such
as they can, and they shall return with the bounty.}
As promised, Sir Estes returns triumphantly with much ivory.
The realm's coffers are filled and the people are thrilled with
the stories of the man's travels.
_NODE 2.1ada.
_NODE n18801.
{Your Majesty, I have good news! Sir Estes and his men have found a
source of diamonds! They are trading with some of the natives for
help in collecting them, and will soon return.}
Sir Estes arrives, haggard, and with only a fragment of his force.

{Even in success, we find failure, Your Majesty. We collected many of
the diamonds to be found upon a certain beach, and began to
travel back. It was not until reaching our ships that we discovered
that our men had caught a fever from the natives. Soon, all of us grew
deathly ill. Only a remnant recovered.}
The diamonds help to fill your coffers, but the terrible story of the
fever makes many question whether the expedition was worth the cost.
_NODE 2.1adb.
_NODE n18802.
{Dreadful news, Your Majesty. The explorers encountered a tribe of man-eating
savages, and only a few escaped. I am sorry to report that Sir Estes was not
among them.}

-------------
Cluster: 1881
-------------

_NODE 3aaa.
_NODE n18810.
You do not have enough food.

Do you:
[a] give him 3 Gold and tell him to purchase food.
[b] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can
afford.
You do not have enough gold.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when
you are more able to spend on exploration.}

Mercurato stays about and becomes a regular
at your court. His knowledge proves
valuable, and he teaches you much that
proves useful in the daily administration
of your realm.
{Very well, Your Majesty; if I cannot find
it all here, perhaps I can buy enough to survive
until a trading opportunity arises.}
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps
we can try this again some day, when you are more
able to fund such nonessentials.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your
court. His knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches
you much that proves useful in the daily
administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I hope that this will be the last
problem in setting up this matter. I should be ready to leave
at some time within the next two weeks.}
_NODE 3aab.
_NODE n18811.
You do not have enough gold.

Do you:
[a] give him 3 Food.
[b] tell him that you have given him all the supplies you can
afford.
You do not have enough food.

{Your Majesty, I understand your situation.
Perhaps we can try this again some day, when
you are able to focus on such exploration.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular
at your court. His knowledge proves
valuable, and he teaches you much that
proves useful in the daily administration
of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I hope that this
will be the last problem with setting up
my expedition. I should be ready to depart
within two weeks.}
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps
we can try this again some day, when you are more
willing to invest in nonessentials.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your
court. His knowledge proves valuable, and he teaches
you much that proves useful in the daily
administration of your realm.
{Very good, Your Majesty. Even if I cannot buy all that I need
here, surely this will allow me to purchase the food we
will need along the way.}
_NODE 3aac.
_NODE n18812.
{Your Majesty, I understand your situation. Perhaps we can try this
again some day, when you are more free to use your resources on exploration.}

Mercurato stays and becomes a regular at your court. His knowledge
proves valuable, and he teaches you much that proves useful in the
daily administration of your realm.
_NODE 3fin.
_NODE n18813.
Mercurato comes to you, smiling triumphantly.

{Your Majesty, we are finally ready! We can sail within days, to seek
Prester John!}

Do you:
[a] wish him Godspeed and tell him to keep you informed.
[b] send Sir Estes to accompany him.

-------------
Cluster: 1882
-------------

_NODE 4e.
_NODE n18820.
A rider comes in to see you.

{Terrible news, Your Majesty! This paynim king took your lack of a gift
as a great insult! Your men fought bravely, but only a scattering of them
escaped!}

As might be expected, the people are very dispirited by this event.
_NODE 4aa.
_NODE n18821.
A rider comes in to see you.

{Terrible news, Your Majesty! This paynim king became annoyed at the
persistence of Sir Estes! Your men fought bravely, but only a
scattering of them escaped!}

As might be expected, the people are very dispirited by this event.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n18822.
A messenger comes from your explorers, bearing word from Sir Estes.

{Greetings, my liege. It seems that both I and Mercurato were right in
a way. The 'great warrior' is indeed a tribal chieftain, named Tulak.
But, while no Prester John, he is an unusual man. Although his men are only
equipped with short spears and hide shields, they show discipline and
bravery that I wish I could see in our own men. They also show a sense of
tactics that the Romans would have respected.}

{He is very interested in our archers and their bows, and wants me to
leave them to train his men in how to make and use a bow.}

Do you:
[a] tell him to leave the men with Tulak.
[b] order him to look into the {place of the cross}.
[c] order him to find the place with great buildings.
[d] tell him to return to you.
_NODE 5a-fin.
_NODE n18823.
A great mob of excited people comes out to greet the approaching folk.
It is the expedition. They return...leading wagons full of gold and
books!

The pyramids and edifices of the lost land contained jewelry and
many of the books of the ancient Aegyptians, showing their engineering
arts. Mercurato says that, with study, he is certain that many of the ideas
may be applied to your works. Your nobles are pleased, and the
people are excited.
_NODE 5c-fin.
_NODE n18824.
You come out on your balcony to investigate a great commotion below.
You discover a long line of fighting men coming up the road. Most you
recognize as your own men...the explorers! But who are the
dark-skinned warriors with them?

In a few minutes, you are speaking to an excited Sir Estes.
{...I thought at best they would send us home with some ivory, Your
Majesty, but Tulak felt that, if the great chief was to
leave his warriors with Tulak, it was only fair that Tulak send some of
his warriors to the great chief. I know that there are those who will not
like having these savages among us, but they are actually quite well
disciplined...I heard Tulak tell them to obey you 'unto death and
beyond' before we left...and look at the size of them! Once we teach
them about armor and how to use a sword properly, they will make infantry
like no one has ever seen...}

-------------
Cluster: 1883
-------------

_NODE 6.food.
_NODE n18830.
You do not have enough food.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Gold.
[c] Wood.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE 6.wood.
_NODE n18831.
You do not have enough wood.
Do you want to trade for:
[a] Iron.
[b] Food.
[c] Gold.
Do you wish to trade more?
[a] Yes.
[b] No.
_NODE THE END.
_NODE n18832.
_NODE THE END2.
_NODE n18833.
One of your advisors comes up to you.

{Majesty, I have heard many people saying that you are spending too
much time with foreign affairs and this so-called Prester John
person. You should devote more time to things that are closer to
home.}

Reluctantly, you put the African matter behind you, and await new
challenges.

-------------
Cluster: 1884
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18840.
After a council meeting, a small, officious-looking fellow in
church regalia comes up to you.

{Your Majesty, could you spare a few moments of your time? I wonder,
do you recall which of my brethren handled the paperwork for the
demolition of the old chapel to build the new wing of your castle.}
With furrowed brow, you give him a puzzled stare. Frowning, he
squints with a faintly suspicious air.

{Surely you spoke with a Church representative before demolishing the
chapel. Without official approval, the new wing technically
would be on a piece of
land owned by the Church...and the consequences of that
could be grave!}

Do you:
[a] tell the clerk to leave and stop bothering you with this trivial
business.
[b] tell him you will look into the matter, but actually dismiss it.
[c] ask him to find out what you need to do and report his findings.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18841.
{As you will, Your Majesty!}
A courier arrives with a rather blunt message from the local bishop.
He demands that you come to the cathedral at once to
answer the serious charge of stealing church land!

Do you:
[a] tell the bishop that he must come to you.
[b] visit the bishop to unravel this mess.
[c] write the bishop a letter explaining the situation.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n18842.
{Very well, Your Majesty. But you must attend to this matter;
if not, your relations with the Church could suffer severely!}
You receive a visitor...Cardinal Victor, a friend from childhood.
The pleasant visit lasts for some time, since you have not seen
the old gentleman in years.
Finally, he slowly arises from his chair, saying,
{...or so I told him, at least. By the way, dear boy, one of my nephews
is a bookkeeper for the Bishop. He mentioned that there had been some
irregularity about that fine new tower of yours being built on Church
land. You have dealt with the problem, no doubt?}

Do you:
[a] admit that you have been negligent.
[b] say that you have taken care of the situation.
[c] tell him you have investigated, but have not been able to uncover
anything.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n18843.
{I shall be more than happy to investigate, Your Majesty.}
The Church clerk returns, and requests an audience with you.

Do you:
[a] grant him an audience.
[b] tell him you have no time to speak with him.
[c] have your seneschal tell him that you are unavailable.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18844.
Your bishop comes to visit you, scowling.

{What is this business about building on Church property? Do you not
realize that you threaten your stature with the
the Church? Perhaps you feel that a great lord such as yourself
has no need for the Church! Well, God shall make you see otherwise!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to pacify the bishop, and explain the situation.
[b] tell him he cannot speak to you in that manner,
and have him thrown out.
[c] coldly explain the situation with no apologies.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18845.
You find you must dispense with several tasks before you have time
to visit the bishop.
You gather a small party one misty morning, and ride over
the nearby hills to the cathedral. Upon arrival, you stride
confidently into the bishop's chambers.

{Ah, Majesty, I assume you are here to explain why you have decided
to construct your new tower on Church property.}

Do you:
[a] patiently explain how the situation has become overblown.
[b] ask when the Church's permission became a requirement to build
on your own land.
[c] explain that you had no indication that such a problem existed.
_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18846.
You send the messenger on his way with your letter to the bishop in
hand.
The bishop's courier returns with further communication.

{Your Majesty:}
{Profound apologies for my previous note; my clerk had implied that you
were being willful on this matter. I will speak to him about
exaggeration.

{However, this matter does require your attention. Some
within the Church would consider this a deliberate slight on
your part.}

Do you:
[a] draft a letter to the Pope.
[b] entreat the bishop to write to the Pope on your behalf.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 1ba.
_NODE n18847.
The cardinal shakes his head sadly.

{How can one in your position be so casual? You must
be more heedful in such matters. The property technically
belongs to the Church, just as the new chapel does. You may
feel that, since you have effectively given the Church the new area,
that all scores have been settled. I warn you, some in the Church
would disagree.}

Do you:
[a] write a letter to the Pope explaining the situation.
[b] ask your bishop to write a letter to be delivered by the Cardinal.
[c] forget about the matter.
_NODE 1bb.
_NODE n18848.
The Cardinal gazes upon you with a hint of sadness,
indicating that he is well aware of your lies.
Yet he breaches the subject no further.

-------------
Cluster: 1885
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE n18850.
{Thank you for your time, Your Majesty. I have determined that the
bishop normally handles land dealings of this magnitude.
However, since you did not make arrangements with the Church before
"beginning construction, several members of the Church must be "
appeased.

Do you:
[a] ask the clerk to go to the Pope on your behalf.
[b] ask your local priest to handle the matter.
[c] tell one of your more pious knights to handle it.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n18851.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will need a document with your signature,
assigning me the right to act and make decisions in your name.}

Do you:
[a] generate the paperwork and dismiss him.
[b] tell him that you will not give him such authorization.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will attend to the matter at
once.}
{I simply CANNOT proceed further without that document, Your
Majesty!}

Do you:
[a] give him the document.
[b] send your priest instead.
[c] send one of your more pious knights instead.
{Very good, Your Majesty. I will attend to the
matter at once.}
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18852.
Father Jenre, your personal priest, enters your chambers.

{Majesty, I understand the situation and am more than willing to
help. The trip will keep me away for some time; thus, I have made
arrangements with
Father Klein to take care of the spiritual needs of your court.
He is a good man, if a trifle overzealous.}

He turns to leave, hesitates, and faces you once again.
{Ah, I had almost forgotten. Sire, I believe a document authorizing
me to act on your behalf may prove useful.}

Do you:
[a] give him such a document.
[b] tell him such papers are unnecessary and send him on his way.
_This is a marker letting me know if the priest has the document
_later.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18853.
Sir Ranchone arrives.

{I have ever wanted to include the Papal See on my pilgrimages,
my liege. Thank you for this opportunity. Is there naught else
to attend to, ere I depart?}

Do you:
[a] give him a document authorizing him to act in your name.
[b] simply send him on his way.
_This is a marker letting me know if the priest has the document
_later.
_NODE 2aa.
_NODE n18854.
The church clerk returns to you from the Pope.

{Your Majesty, after lengthy discussion, the authorities and I were
able agree on terms for settlement of this issue.
If you send the Church 5,000 marks
to indicate your contrition, your reputation with the Church will
be redeemed.}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] refuse to pay anything.
[c] imprison the clerk for exceeding his authority.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE n18855.
As you explain the matter...
One of your advisors comes to you.

{Your Highness, the new priest, Father Klein,
has been annoying the nobles to no end, criticizing
their ways, and telling them they are certain to go to
Hell. One baron came within a hair's breadth
of throttling him.}

Do you:
[a] summon Father Klein and insist that he be less
emphatic.
[b] tell the nobles not to be so sensitive.
[c] ignore the situation.
_NODE 2ca.
_NODE n18856.
{I am proud and honored to serve Your Majesty in this.}
{Your Majesty! A small army is approaching your lands,
and they do not appear to be on a mission of friendship!}

When you ride out to investigate, a
herald of the force rides up to you.

{I speak for Earl Malvin of Kasinon. Earl Malvin has been
insulted and attacked by a knight bearing the name
Ranchone, who claims that he acts in your name. You will
pay for this indignity, either in blood or gold!}

Do you:
[a] pay the 5 Gold Malvin is asking.
[b] tell him that Ranchone was acting on his own,
and Malvin may exact any punishment on him that he sees
fit.
[c] battle Malvin's army.
_NODE 2aaa.
_NODE n18857.
You lack sufficient gold to pay the fee the Church
requests. The bishop is sympathetic, but you are
still in bad graces with the Church.
The Pope is reportedly very pleased with this sign of
piety on your part. Further, word of your adept handling
of this delicate situation travels
among your nobles and the people.
_NODE 2aab.
_NODE n18858.
{You realize that the Church will not be pleased.}

{However, if that is your will, Sire.}

While there are no obvious repercussions from your unwillingness to
pay the fee, you get the distinct impression that you are not in
favorable standing with the Pope.
_NODE 2aac.
_NODE n18859.
{What! But, Your Majesty, I did as you bid!
You gave me leave to make such decisions! No! Please...}

You have your guards grab the clerk firmly on each arm and escort him
to your dungeon for exceeding his authority.
The Church is not happy with this action, and even
some of your nobles consider it unjust.