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[Vanshilar]

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Cluster: 1089
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_NODE 15.
_NODE 10890.
A messenger comes from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{Majesty, we are being hard pressed by the Saracens all along the
Balkans. We need help. We and Venice are planning to launch our entire
fleet against them, and force openings where we can land
reinforcements, but our ports will be defenseless.

{We need timber. We will pay 10,000 marks for 7,000 boards of timber.
We require it in ninety days, and will return at that time to take
it from you, if you have it.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to gather seven units of Timber.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{Then we are doomed.}
_NODE 15a.
_NODE 10891.
A messenger comes from Genoa.

{We have reason to believe that you lied to us! You are plotting with
Venice and the Empire against us! We shall destroy you!}

Do you:
[a] dismiss the messenger.
[b] tell him that it is your Christian duty to aid the fight against the
Saracens.
{This will not be tolerated!}
_NODE 15aa.
_NODE 10892.
A messenger comes from Genoa.

{Our armies are coming. We demand your entire supply of timber, gold,
grain, and iron, or we will destroy you!}

Do you:
[a] kill the messenger.
[b] agree to his demands.
You will pay for... [thunk]
{Then we shall have peace.}
_NODE 15battle.
_NODE 10893.
Your forces engage those of Genoa...
You have triumphed! Genoa is forced to retreat.
Your fight is a valiant one, but you are overwhelmed.
The Empire sends a messenger to Genoa warning them not to
press their attack, but the result is a major humiliation.
_NODE 15aab.
_NODE 10894.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the wood that you
promised.

{You do not have the wood that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the wood. The Emperor has given me 11,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 11,000 marks (11 Gold).
[b] ask for 12,000 marks (12 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 12,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 11,000 marks.
{We shall find timber elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

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Cluster: 1090
-------------

_NODE 16.
_NODE 10900.
A messenger comes from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{Majesty, we are being hard pressed by the Saracens all along the
Balkans. We need help. We and Venice are planning to launch our entire
fleet against them, and force openings where we can land
reinforcements, but our ports will be defenseless.

{We need timber. We will pay 12,000 marks for 8,000 boards of timber.
We require it in ninety days, and will return at that time to take
it from you, if you have it.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to gather 8 units of Timber.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, Majesty.}
{Then we are doomed.}
_NODE 16a.
_NODE 10901.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the wood that you
promised.

{You do not have the wood that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the wood. The Emperor has given me 12,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 12,000 marks (12 Gold).
[b] ask for 13,000 marks (13 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 13,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 12,000 marks.
{We shall find timber elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

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Cluster: 1091
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE 10910.
You meet with representatives of Genoa and Venice.

It is clear that both sides have rivalries that date back for
generations, intensified by fierce trading competition. You have
a feeling that no force on Earth can permanently resolve the
dispute. Neither side trusts the other.

Do you:
[a] try to get them to agree to a five year truce.
[b] insist on a truce and threaten to attack the first one that
breaks it.
[c] give up on the peace process.
By the time the two sides finish arguing, the truce is
whittled down to two years, and each noble agrees to
offer one of their family members as hostages.

Do you:
[a] agree not to interfere in the process.
[b] urge them to extend the truce to four years.
For the first few months, the truce holds.
Reluctantly, the two sides agree.
You cannot get the two sides to extend their
truce.
Neither side will agree to negotiate under threats.
Without a determined mediator, the chances for peace
fade.

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Cluster: 1092
-------------

_NODE 18.
_NODE 10940.
Merchants come to meet with you.

{We have finished building our fleet, as you instructed.
We do require soldiers for our ships. We will pay 3,000 marks
for each unit of infantry you are willing to provide.}

Do you:
[a] offer one unit of Infantry.
[b] offer two units of Infantry.
[c] offer three units of Infantry.
[d] offer five units of Infantry.
[e] tell him that you cannot provide any men for his ships.
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
You do not have enough infantry.
{Very good, m'lord.}
{I am very disappointed, m'lord.}

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Cluster: 1093
-------------

_NODE 19.
_NODE 10930.
One of your knights brings you a disturbing report.

{Majesty, Venice has been attacked and overwhelmed by the Saracen
fleet. Its possessions on the Adriatic Coast are expected to be
lost, the city was sacked before the army that was attacking the
Genovese returned to expel the invaders.

{It will take a long time for Christendom to recover. Constantinople
has little hope of withstanding the Saracen attack; most of the
Balkan states must now pay tribute to the Saracens, and Hungary and
the Empire will be threatened.}

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Cluster: 1094
-------------

_NODE 20.
_NODE 10940.
In the early morning hours, a messenger arrives.

{Great tidings, Majesty! A combined fleet from Venice and Hungary
defeated the Saracens near Zara. The Mediterranean is firmly under
Christian control!}

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Cluster: 1095
-------------

_NODE 21.
An emissary arrives from the Holy Teuton Empire.

{We have had a poor harvest this last year, and are in bad need of
grain. We anticipate problems later this year; and would like your
assistance. We are prepared to pay 15,000 marks for 10 tonnes of
grain; if you can supply this amount of grain in ninety days, we
will gladly pay you this handsome sum.}

Do you:
[a] agree to try to provide the (10 Units of) Grain.
[b] tell him you do not believe you can provide it.
{We will return in ninety days.}
{I appreciate your honesty in this matter. Farewell.}
_NODE 21a.
_NODE 10951.
A messenger comes from the Empire to receive the grain that you
promised.

{You do not have the grain that we asked for. That is most
unfortunate.}

The messenger turns, and without your permission, leaves.
{I see you have the grain. The Emperor has given me 15,000
marks to offer you for it.}

Do you:
[a] accept 15,000 marks (15 Gold).
[b] ask for 16,000 marks (16 Gold).
[c] refuse the offer.
{Excellent!}
{The Emperor does not have a high opinion of greed!}

Do you:
[a] insist on 16,000 marks.
[b] lower your price to 15,000 marks.
{We shall find grain elsewhere.}
{That is better.}
{As you wish. Do not ask the Emperor for favors in
the future.}

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Cluster: 1096
-------------

_NODE 21.
_NODE 10960.
An informant comes to you from Aachen, capital of the Holy
Teuton Empire.

_NODE 10961.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Duke of Burgundy as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10962.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
King of Aragon as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10963.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Count of Valois as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10964.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
Duke of Anjou as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10965.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize the
King of Albion as the rightful ruler of Bretagne,
and has sent him considerable resources.}
_NODE 10966.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to repay your
recent kindness, and is sending you considerable
resources.}
_NODE 10967.
{Majesty, the Emperor has decided to recognize you
as the rightful ruler of Bretagne, and has sent you
considerable resources.}
_NODE 21d.
_NODE 10968.
{Majesty, the Emperor Louis has decided that he will not support
any of the claimants to the throne. He had hoped to support you,
but you did not prove cooperative.}

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Cluster: 1100
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11004.
A messenger rides from the coast.

{Majesty, our last ship bearing goods from the Baltics has been sunk.
Several ships flying the colors of the King of Denmark were seen
in the area shortly after the attack. The ship was taking an
eastward route near Flanders, which, as you know, borders on the
routes favored by the Danes.}

Do you:
[a] send a messenger to Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] order your ships to stay clear of Danish territory.
{Our best diplomat will be sent.}
{This will take time, but I will see that this is done.}
{The order shall be given, your Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11005.
A messenger comes from the Danes.

{We deny any allegations of wrongdoing regarding our trading vessels
in the channel. Of course, it would be within our rights to defend
ourselves from an invasion from a foreign power. I repeat, we have
done nothing wrong.}

Do you:
[a] tell the Danes that any further sinkings will be regarded as an
act of war.
[b] tell him that any Danish ships spotted in the Channel will be sunk.
[c] dismiss him contemptuously.
_NODE 2a.
_NODE n11006.
{We regret that you have chosen such a severe response to our
legitimate actions. I am certain that, in time, you will come to
regret it too.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n11007.
{That will likely prove most difficult.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n11008.
{How rude!}

Do you:
[a] attempt to continue negotiating with Denmark.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.

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Cluster: 1101
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11010.
A messenger comes from the coast.

{My liege, we are having difficulty persuading the merchants to
willingly conscript their vessels to our service. We are either
going to have to pay them a good amount of money, or we will have
to take them by force, which will make many people quite angry.}

Do you:
[a] confiscate ships without compensation.
[b] authorize 2,000 marks (2 Gold) for compensation.
[c] authorize 4,000 marks (4 Gold) for compensation.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n11011.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 3b.
_NODE n11012.
{You cannot afford that, Majesty. The ships will have to be
confiscated.}
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 3c.
_NODE n11013.
{You cannot afford that, Majesty. The ships will have to be
confiscated.}
You cannot afford that. Do you:
[a] confiscate ships without compensation.
[b] authorize 2,000 marks for compensation.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11015.
Your advisors bear disturbing news.

{Majesty, the Danes are blockading the channel. From St. Pol de
Leon in the west, to Utrecht in the East, the Channel is being
closed to our ships. The Danish fleet is not large, and
the blockade is not likely to be successful in the long term, but
we need a dependable flow of supplies if we are to
claim the throne of Bretagne.}

Do you:
_NODE n11015.
[a] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] attempt to negotiate with Denmark.
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n11016.
{It shall be done.}
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n11017.
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 4c.
_NODE n11018.
{Perhaps we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed.}

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Cluster: 1102
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11020.
As more of your ships sink, the emissary from the court of the King
Denmark arrives to discuss the crisis in the Channel.

{Majesty, there is a grave misunderstanding here. We seek only to
limit those supplies that might be used to harm the territories and
vassals of the King of Denmark. If you would give us permission to
search your ships for weapons and soldiers, this unpleasantness can
be avoided.}

Do you:
[a] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[b] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
[c] allow the Danes to search your ships.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n11021.
{Involving foreign powers in these affairs will only make things
worse. You know as well as I that the Emperor of the Teutons would
dearly love to stake a claim on the Bretagnese throne!}
_NODE 5b.
_NODE n11022.
{So, you reject the course of reason!}
_NODE 5c.
_NODE n11023.
{Excellent. The King will be most pleased.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11025.
One of your spies comes to you, offering information.

{Majesty, your master of ships is too cowardly to tell you this, so
I felt that I should bear the bad tidings.

{The vast majority of ships that you confiscated are not battle
ready. They need repair. If I were you, I would send at least
20,000 boards of lumber to your shipyard, or you will have a sinking
disaster on your hands.}

Do you:
[a] send 20,000 boards (2 units of Timber) to the shipyard.
[b] ignore the warning.
Alas, you do not have enough wood in stock. You must
make do without it.
{When your victory is a glorious one, remember me,
Majesty.}
{Do not say that you were not warned!}
_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11026.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of Denmark has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. Denmark has razed our fleet
and won the day, though their losses were also heavy. Majesty,
what shall we now do?}

[a] conscript more ships and stage a counter-attack.
[b] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11027.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-fifth
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-third of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by two to one. The fight began in earnest near
the Flanders town of Sluis; God graced us with few casualties, but we
estimate that at least two-thirds of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the Channel.}
_NODE 6aa.
_NODE n11028.
{They have not seen the last of us!}
_NODE 6ab.
_NODE n11029.
{This is most disheartening, my liege.}

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Cluster: 1103
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11030.
_NODE 7a.
_NODE n11031.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of the Danes has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. The Danes have razed our fleet
and won the day, though their losses were also heavy. Majesty,
what shall we now do?}

[a] conscript more ships and stage a counter-attack.
[b] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
_NODE 7b.
_NODE n11032.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-third
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-half of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by three to one.
{The fight began in earnest near
the Flanders town of Sluis; God graced us with few casualties, but we
estimate that at least four-fifths of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the channel.}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11035.
You receive a messenger from his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Louis IV
of the Teutons, Franks, and Saxons. He bears a message, which reads
as follows:

{It is good to hear from you again. While your struggle interests
me, my affairs render me incapable of offering the assistance you
ask. As you know, my eastern provinces have fallen under attack from
infidels, and my resources are strained.

{I am deeply disturbed that the Danes have chosen to disrupt the
flow of trade between you and our western province of Flanders.
I have dispatched a messenger to the Danes, expressing my
displeasure. Should this message benefit you, I pray that you would
remember my needs should darker days befall the Empire. Cordially,
Louis, Defender of Rome, Emperor of the West.}

Apparently the Emperor's messenger was effective; Denmark soon ends
the blockade. You hope that the price will not be too high...

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Cluster: 1104
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11040.
One of your counsellors brings a complaint.

{Majesty, the Danes are nothing more than pirates. They have boarded
our ships frequently of late, and are stealing our supplies. This
practice must be stopped!}

Do you:
[a] surrender control of the Channel to the Danes.
[b] make an alliance with Flanders and the Empire to keep trade
open.
[c] conscript merchant ships and launch a counter-attack on the
Danish fleet.
_NODE 9.
_NODE n11041.
A monk brings an interesting proposition.

{Majesty, I have read references to the work of Archimedes in the
defense of Syracuse. It is said that he focused the rays of the
sun with a giant mirror and used the sun's rays to ignite enemy
ships.

{I might be able to build a copy of this device, though the costs
would be horribly expensive: at least 2,000 marks.}

Do you:
[a] provide money (2 Gold) for his experiment.
[b] continue the rebuilding of your fleet.
You do not have the money to finance the experiment.
{It should not be difficult, with the proper funds.}
{I am sorry that I cannot help you, my liege.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11042.
One of your commanders brings a report on the rebuilding of your
fleet.

{Majesty, we have seen the Danish fleet converging towards the
shipyards of Caen. I fear they plan to burn our ships before they
can be built.}

Do you:
[a] order as many ships as possible to be moved.
[b] send three units of archers to guard the harbor.
Some of your ships are pulled away. The local militia does
their best to protect the shipyards, and you are fortunate
that your losses are not heavy.
The archers are not available. You manage to
pull some of your ships out of the shipyard without
damaging them too badly.
Strategically stationed, the archers perform
magnificently. The Danish fleet turns aside, rather
than risk heavy losses.
_NODE 10a.
_NODE n11043.
You receive a message from your master of ships.

{Majesty, due to the great losses at the last battle, your
fleet badly needs commanders. It may weaken your army, but
we need them.}

Do you:
[a] supply your generals.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, my liege.}
{I fear for our chances, Majesty.}
_NODE 10b.
_NODE n11044.
You receive a message from your master of ships.

{Majesty, due to the great losses at the last battle, your
fleet badly needs commanders. It may weaken your army, but
we need them.}

Do you:
[a] supply your generals.
[b] refuse.
{Thank you, my liege.}
{I fear for our chances, Majesty.}
_NODE 11a.
_NODE n11045.
Word comes from the Channel, where a great battle between your
navy and that of Denmark has taken place.

{Majesty, we have been beaten. Denmark has razed our fleet
and won the day. It seems likely that their fleet will control
the Channel for years to come.}
_NODE 11b.
_NODE n11046.
_sound, bells.
A messenger comes from the Channel, where a great victory has
been won.

{Majesty, the Channel is ours! The Danes had their ships spread
thinly, to enforce the blockade, and we attacked in force, a ship
at a time. By the time they realized what was happening, one-fifth
of their fleet had been sunk, and by the time they could gather
their ships into a potent force, one-third of them had been sunk and
we outnumbered them by two to one. God graced us with few casualties,
but we estimate that at least two-thirds of the Danish fleet has been
destroyed. It will be quite some time before they can threaten
our control of the Channel.}
_NODE 12.
_NODE n11047.
One of your spies offers information.

{Majesty, we have reason to believe Lord Giles de Valois
stirred up the Danes to attack you, in order to destroy
our relations with the Count, his cousin.}

Do you:
[a] inform the Count of his treachery.
[b] ignore the report.
{The Count does not believe you.}
Life continues as usual...
{Majesty, we have reason to believe Lord Roger of
Westhampton stirred up the Danes to attack you, in order
to destroy our relations.}

Do you:
[a] inform the King of Albion of his treachery.
[b] ignore the report.
{The King does not believe you.}
Life continues as usual...
_NODE 13.
_NODE n11048.
A messenger comes from the Empire.

{Now that these Danes have been dealt with, the Emperor wishes
you to know that we need resources. Either wood, gold, food or
iron will do. At least two of either of these commodities will be
needed.}
_NODE n11049(0)

Do you:
[a] offer two Timber.
[b] offer two Food.
[c] offer two Iron.
[d] offer two Gold.
[e] tell him that you cannot aid him at this time.
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{Don't make promises you can't keep.}
{We are grateful, your lordship.}
{I suppose we must accept this, but it does not bode well
for your future as King of Bretagne if you cannot display
gratitude toward your friends.}

-------------
Cluster: 1105
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11050.
{Majesty, these men insisted on...}

A delegation of peasants has gotten past the guards and insists on
seeing you.

{We don't mean to be rude, Majesty, but we have grievances and we
want answers.

{First, we are having terrible problems with bandits. They have been
brazen enough to attack our villages; two have been razed to the
ground in the last three years. We need some of your fine soldiers
moved into the Alencon forest to have the scoundrels hunted down
and hanged.

{Second, there is a horrible problem with corruption. Judges are
being paid by the nobles to escape punishment, not that any of them
will ever believe a peasant over a noble.

{Third, farmers from Aragon have been selling their produce
at reduced prices. We can't sell many of our goods. We need
to find a way to make Aragon trade fairly.

{Which problem are you going to solve first, Majesty?}
[a] bandits in the forest.
[b] corrupt judges.
[c] unfair Aragon trade practices.
{Third, farmers from Albion have been selling their produce at
reduced prices. We can't sell many of our goods. We need to
find a way to make Albion trade fairly.

{Which problem are you going to solve first, Majesty?}
[a] bandits in the forest.
[b] corrupt judges.
[c] unfair Albion trade practices.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n11051.
{So you think peace and security are most important? I cannot say
it is a poor choice.}
_NODE 1b.
_NODE n11052.
{Any man with an army can fight bandits, but it takes a brave man
indeed to fight corruption.}
_NODE 1c.
_NODE n11053.
{Bless you, Majesty. Those folk have been trying to push us around
for far too long.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11055.
One of your commanders arrives with a group of peasants.

{Majesty, the delegation from the town of Alencon wishes to
know how many units of infantry you intend to remove from their
duties to search the forest.}

The peasant leader speaks. {I do not wish to seem demanding, but
we've had raids in Alencon in the last month, and we are in
desperate straits. The bandits are getting very bold indeed.
If we don't stop them now, I don't know what will happen.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that you cannot afford to send anything more than a
few knights to lead local militia.
[b] send one unit of Infantry.
[c] send two units of Infantry.
{Perhaps that will be enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You send a few
knights to lead a local militia against them.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You send a few
knights to lead a local militia against them.
{Thank you, your Majesty.}

-------------
Cluster: 1106
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE n11060.
A delegation of peasants comes to you:

{Majesty, there is a lamentable trial that will be occuring soon.
Alain the potter has been accused of murdering the son of his
liegelord, Baron Gerard.

{Gerard's brother Roland will be the magistrate in this case, and has
a reputation for siding with nobles. We believe that Alain is
innocent, and will not get a fair trial. We ask you to
remove Roland from this case and appoint an impartial judge.}

Such a move, will, of course, be offensive to the nobility, whose
support you need in your conquest of Bretagne.

Do you:
[a] allow Roland to try the case.
[b] appoint a new judge.
[c] try the case yourself.
{I see.}
{Thank you, Majesty.}
No one dares object, but one of the peasants issues a
cautionary note.

{This may work in this case, but you cannot judge every
dispute in Bretagne. More is needed for justice to be restored
to this land. The system must be as incorrupt as the
individuals within it.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11065.
A delegation of peasants comes to you, bearing alarming news:

{Majesty, the flood of goods from Aragon is increasing. We
cannot compete against their prices. We need to place stiff
tariffs on them now.}

Do you:
[a] place severe restrictions and duties on Aragonian goods.
[b] refuse to start a trade war with Aragon.
[c] send a messenger to the King of Aragon.
{Very good, Majesty.}

Some people are not happy with this situation, however.
{I suppose one cannot argue with one's king.}

At least to his face...
{Very good, Majesty.}
{Majesty, the flood of goods from Albion is increasing. We
cannot compete against their prices. We need to place stiff
tariffs on them now.}

Do you:
[a] place severe restrictions and duties on Albionian goods.
[b] refuse to start a trade war with Albion.
[c] send a messenger to the King of Albion.
{Very good, Majesty.}

Some people are not happy with this situation, however.
{I suppose one cannot argue with one's king.}

At least to his face...
{Very good, Majesty.}
_NODE 4a.
_NODE n11066.
One of your knights comes to you with news, and some advice.

{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking wagons
from Aragonian merchants. Even with the duties you have
placed on their goods, they are not satisfied.

{At present we have good relations with Aragon, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Aragon, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Aragon's merchants.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}
{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking wagons
from Albion merchants. Even with the duties you have
placed on their goods, they are not satisfied.

{At present we have good relations with Albion, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Albion, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Albion's merchants.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1107
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11070.
Despite your efforts, the attempt to destroy the bandit enclaves
in the Alencon forest has failed. Many good soldiers have been
killed.

The leader of the peasant delegation informs you, {In reprisal for
your efforts against them, the bandits are putting villages to the
torch. If this continues, the province of Alencon will soon become
a wasteland.}

Do you:
[a] abandon hope of destroying the Alencon bandits.
[b] dispatch an Infantry unit to destroy them.
[c] dispatch two Infantry units to destroy them.
{I see. This is most disheartening.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
_NODE 5a.
_NODE n11071.
Despite your efforts, you have not destroyed the bandit enclaves
in the Alencon forest. You have prevented them from causing major
damage.

The leader of the peasant delegation informs you, {Majesty, the
the bandits are again threatening to put villages to the torch.
Something needs to be done to prevent this!}

Do you:
[a] abandon hope of destroying the Alencon bandits.
[b] dispatch an Infantry unit to destroy them.
[c] dispatch two Infantry units to destroy them.
{I see. This is most disheartening.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
You do not have enough infantry. You are forced to
abandon the fight.
{I pray that is enough, Majesty.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11075.
You receive word from the Alencon forest.

{Majesty, we have cleared out the outlaws, but their leaders have
escaped to the depths of the forest. Do you wish us to continue to
pursue them, or would you rather have your soldiers back? A full
unit of Infantry is ready to rejoin you.}

Do you:
[a] pursue the leaders.
[b] return your infantry to the army.
{Very good, your Majesty.}
{As you wish, Majesty.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11076.
A messenger comes riding into your stronghold with alarming news.

{Majesty! It's terrible! The bandit leaders of Alencon have waylaid and
captured your nephew Justin, and are demanding 3,000 marks for his
return.}

Do you:
[a] pay the ransom (3 Gold).
[b] send 2 units of Infantry into the forest to save your nephew.
You do not have enough gold to pay the ransom. The
bandits return your nephew's corpse for burial.
The ransom is paid. Surprisingly, the bandits are
true to their word. Your nephew is returned unharmed.
You do not have enough infantry to attack them. The
bandits return your nephew's corpse for burial.
Your soldiers are merciless. Your nephew is rescued, and the
bandit leaders are captured.

-------------
Cluster: 1108
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11080.
One of your peasants asks for an audience with you.

{Majesty, the judge in Aniber has been accepting bribes. I can
provide witnesses if you wish; I've heard you wish to reduce
corruption among judges and tax collectors, so I thought I would
speak my mind to you.}

The judge of Aniber is the cousin of your close friend and
supporter, the lord-mayor of Aniber.

Do you:
[a] ask the judge to retire from his position.
[b] have someone attempt to bribe the judge to determine his guilt.
[c] ignore the report.
The judge refuses your request. You are forced to remove him.
It causes a scandal that you would rather have avoided.
The judge falls victim to the trap. He is forced to resign. The
judge's friends are unable to defend him; his enemies rejoice in
his downfall and praise your fight against corruption.
The peasants are not happy with your decision.
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11085.
A messenger comes from the King of Aragon.

Do you:
[a] refuse to see him.
[b] allow him to enter your presence.
A messenger comes from the King of Albion.

Do you:
[a] refuse to see him.
[b] allow him to enter your presence.
_NODE 8a.
_NODE n11086.
You hear shouting from outside your throne room, but soon your
uninvited guest is returned home.
_NODE 8b.
_NODE n11087.
The messenger enters:

{Of course we were flooding your markets with cheap goods. How
else do you expect us to survive? You have cut all access to your
port cities, and the other cities that would give us access to the
Empire or Flanders have even higher duties than ours. If you give us
access to your ports and give our trade a chance to survive, we will
raise our prices.}

Do you:
[a] allow them free access to your ports.
[b] give them access to ports if they agree only to ship goods
that are not produced by Poitou.
[c] tell him to trade with Castile instead.
The messenger smiles. Soon, the peasants and local merchants
are complaining about increased competition for their goods in
Flanders and the Empire.
The messenger frowns.

{I suppose some sort of compromise might be worked out. After
all, diplomacy IS the art of compromise.}
The messenger frowns. He knows quite well that Castile is in
a state of turmoil and quite hostile to outside traders.

{This answer is not acceptable,} he says, and turns and leaves.

-------------
Cluster: 1109
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11090.
{Majesty, we are getting increased bandit activity in Poitou. The
recent destruction of villages in that province have forced many
to turn to a life of outlawry.}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11095.
One of the bandit leaders is brought before you.

{I suppose I'm supposed to tell you how sorry I am. Well, if it
hadn't been for the King of Aragon flooding the market and putting
me out of business, I wouldn't have become a bandit in the first
place. The only difference between you and me is that I don't have
a tax collector doing my robbery for me.
{You tax the peasants, and
send them to their deaths in useless wars, and they call you a king.
I steal from the peasants and kill them if they give me trouble, and
they call me a bandit. There's little difference: we both make the
peasants poorer, and we both kill them whenever it's convenient.}
{I suppose I'm supposed to tell you how sorry I am. Well, if it
hadn't been for the King of Albion flooding the market and putting
me out of business, I wouldn't have become a bandit in the first
place. The only difference between you and me is that I don't have
a tax collector doing my robbery for me.
{You tax the peasants, and
send them to their deaths in wars, and they call you a king.
I steal from them and kill them if they give me trouble, and I'm a
bandit. We both make them poorer and kill them when it's convenient.}

Do you:
[a] execute the bandit.
[b] pardon the bandit and make him a tax collector.
{At least I'll die an honest man!}
{Majesty! You've found my true calling!}
_NODE 11.
_NODE n11096.
An angry mob gathers outside. One of your advisors hurries over to
you:

{Majesty, we have a problem. There was a murder in a village last
week, and the townsfolk are blaming a local idiot, Morris the Fool,
for the foul deed. Morris was indeed near the murder scene, but was
too confused to answer questions in a manner that anyone could
understand.}

Do you:
[a] release Morris the Fool for lack of evidence.
[b] have the fool executed, knowing it will make the people happy.
{As you command.}

The people begin to mutter about your {injustice}.
{As you command.}

The people rejoice at the death of a fool. It sometimes
surprises you that the masses are just as capable of cruelty
as a king.
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n11097.
One of your knights comes to you with news, and some advice.

{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking foreign
merchant wagons. Homes of local merchants who trade with
Aragon are being burned down!}

_if (Relations(Aragon) > 5) then
_{At present we have good relations with Aragon, and
_this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
_you put a stop to it?}
_else
_{I know that we are hardly friends with Aragon, but
_we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
_sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}
_endif

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Aragon's merchants and guard
homes.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}
{Majesty, I have heard reports of peasants attacking foreign
merchant wagons. Homes of local merchants who trade with
Albion are being burned down!}

{At present we have good relations with Albion, and
this unseemly violence will not do them any good. Can
you put a stop to it?}
{I know that we are hardly friends with Albion, but
we may wish to improve our relationship, and this
sort of behavior will not foster any friendships.}

Do you:
[a] execute any mob leaders.
[b] have your infantry escort Albion's merchants and guard
homes.
[c] ignore the problem.
{Very good, Majesty.}

The violence soon stops, but the people are not
happy.
{Actually, local militia might be more useful.}
{As you wish.}

-------------
Cluster: 1110
-------------

_NODE 4c.
_NODE n11100.
Your messenger returns, with news on the trade dispute.

{Majesty, the King of Aragon regrets the recent
dispute between two nations that are normally
friends. He claims that the recent revolt in
Castile, the Moorish uprisings, and the hostility
of Genoa and Venice to their goods have forced them to
try to expand their trade routes northward. If you
can be patient, he hopes that more markets will open
to him, and the tension will diminish.}
{Majesty, the King of Aragon says that, as usual, you
"show a lack of patience. Recent unrest in the south has "
forced him to expand his markets northward, and he will
gladly reduce his goods once things settle down. He
also says the workers in Poitou would rather complain
than work, and if they were more productive, the
problem would be greatly diminished.}

Do you:
[a] agree to wait for the trade pressures to ease.
[b] place duties on Aragon's goods.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{This does not bode well.}
{Majesty, the King of Albion regrets the recent
dispute between two nations that are normally
friends. He claims that the recent uprisings in the
Celtish lands, and sinkings by the Danish fleet,
have forced them to expand their trade routes
southward. If you can be patient, he hopes that more
markets will open to him, and the tension will
diminish.}
{Majesty, the King of Albion says that, as usual, you
"show a lack of patience. Recent unrest in the west has "
forced him to expand his markets southward, and he will
gladly reduce his goods once things settle down. He
also says the workers in Poitou would rather complain
than work, and if they were more productive, the
problem would be greatly diminished.}

Do you:
[a] agree to wait for the trade pressures to ease.
[b] place duties on Albion's goods.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{This does not bode well.}
_NODE 4d.
_NODE n11101.
An execution is interrupted by a messenger bearing news.

{Majesty, Aragon has placed severe duties on goods from
Poitou. We will not be able to compete in their markets.}

Do you:
[a] increase duties on Aragon's goods.
[b] agree to lift your duties if they lift their duties.
[c] wait and see how the situation develops.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{Majesty, Albion has placed severe duties on goods from
Poitou. We will not be able to compete in their markets.}

Do you:
[a] increase duties on Albion's goods.
[b] agree to lift your duties if they lift their duties.
[c] wait and see how the situation develops.
{Very good, Majesty.}
{As you command, my liege.}
{As you command, my liege.}

-------------
Cluster: 1111
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n11110.
One of your knights brings news:

{Majesty, we have received word of a miracle. There is a pool in
Annonay, into which one of the stars of heaven fell. It is
considered an omen of great portent by the astrologers, my
liege.}

Do you:
[a] confiscate the land on which the pool is situated.
[b] consult the astrologers to determine the nature of the omen.
[c] chastise the knight for bringing you such an idle rumor.
{It shall be done, my liege.}
{They shall be sent for.}
{I am thoroughly penitent, Majesty.}
_NODE 2.
_NODE n11111.
One of your knights brings strange news:

{Majesty, a knight in grey armor has attacked your guards in
Annonay. He claims to be a knight of the Holy Pool, come to avenge
its confiscation, and that the pool has granted him powers of
invulnerability.

{Shall we send some men to show him how invulnerable he truly is,
Majesty?}

Do you:
[a] send some knights to thrash the Grey Knight.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
{I shall see that some fine knights are sent, my liege.}
{Perhaps we will have time to thrash him later.}
_NODE 3.
_NODE n11112.
Panic reigns in the streets of Annonay as the astrologers come to
discuss grave portents.

{Majesty, stars falling from heaven into the Earth can only mean that
someone close to you will attempt to kill you. It speaks of
unseen treachery and evil. It speaks of blood in the streets, and
daggers pointed at one's back.}

Do you:
[a] ignore the message.
[b] ask them to divine who will try to kill you.
{Perhaps the next liege-lord will take my advice more
seriously!}
{I shall divine the answer from the entrails and report back to you.}
_NODE 4.
_NODE n11115.
Some knights return from battling bandits in Annonay.

{Majesty, there are strange things happening in Annonay. An entire
village has vanished; every man, woman, and child has simply
disappeared. Rumors of the cursed pool of evil have spread throughout
the province, and people are greatly afraid.}

Do you:
[a] journey to the pool to demonstrate that everything is fine.
[b] send knights to locate the missing villagers.
{You are indeed brave, my liege!}
{Must we, my liege? It's not like it's important. They
were only peasants.}

-------------
Cluster: 1112
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE n11120.
Your knights return from battling the Grey Knight in Annonay.

{Majesty, we encountered the Grey Knight. He slew two of our
company and wounded a third, but was himself wounded and withdrew.
We attempted to follow him, but found only his horse; he dismounted
in a forest and we were unable to find him.

{From the skill he displayed, this man is no peasant, but a knight
of exceptional ability.}

Do you:
[a] send more knights to hunt him down.
[b] set a price of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
{As you command.}
{I hope it will get results, my liege.}
_NODE 6.
_NODE n11125.
More news comes from Annonay.

_NODE 6a.
_NODE n11126.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has burned a wagon carting some of your
timber. He vows that all tyrants shall be destroyed by the Grey
Knight, and he is visiting this upon you to answer your injustice.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6b.
_NODE n11127.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has robbed tax collectors and our treasury
of a sum of 1,000 marks. He vows he will not rest until all tyranny
in Annonay is ended.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6c.
_NODE n11128.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has burned a wagon carrying some of our
grain. He claims that we are tyrants who shall be driven from
Annonay.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}
_NODE 6d.
_NODE n11129.
{Majesty, the Grey Knight has slain one of your best diplomats. He says
that any man who follows you is a tyrant who deserves death.}

Do you:
[a] place a bounty of 1,000 marks (1 Gold) on his head.
[b] ignore the blackguard.
[c] try to arrange a meeting with him to see if he can be satisfied.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{If you think it's best, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}

-------------
Cluster: 1113
-------------

_NODE 7.
_NODE n11130.
You cannot believe the information that the astrologer has brought
you...

{Majesty, we have determined who is going to betray you. The entrails
clearly point towards Sir Jerome of St. Marie.}

Jerome has been one of your closest friends since childhood.

Do you:
[a] have Jerome murdered.
[b] have your spies spy on him.
[c] ignore the report.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{I would have him killed, if I were you.}
{You'll be sorry!}
_NODE 8.
_NODE n11135.
You make a brave journey to the magic pool of Annonay (bringing an
army with you for protection). Miraculously, the village that was
deserted is no longer deserted...

{When the stars started falling from the heavens, one of the villagers
said it was the end of the world and we all fled to the caves to
take refuge until the end of the world was over. Then we realized
that staying in a cave and waiting for the end of the world was
a stupid idea, and we were hungry, so we returned to the village.}

Do you:
[a] issue a proclamation forbidding people from living in caves.
[b] have the magic pool drained.
[c] ignore the pool.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{A good idea!}
{I hope this doesn't mean the world will end soon!}

-------------
Cluster: 1114
-------------

_NODE 9.
_NODE n11140.
A man returns from the magic pool. Miraculously, the village that was
deserted is no longer deserted...

{When the stars started falling from the heavens, one of the villagers
said it was the end of the world and we all fled to the caves to
take refuge until the end of the world was over. Then we realized
that staying in a cave and waiting for the end of the world was
a stupid idea, and we were hungry, so we returned to the village.}

Do you:
[a] issue a proclamation forbidding people from living in caves.
[b] have the magic pool drained.
[c] ignore the pool.
{Very wise, Majesty.}
{A good idea!}
{I hope this doesn't mean the world will end soon!}
_NODE 10.
_NODE n11145.
{Majesty, once again we have fought the Grey Knight. Once again,
he has escaped. However, he said that if you had the bravery to come
to Annonay, he would face you in single combat, to the death.

{He's one of the fiercest and ablest knights I've ever seen. Don't
go, Majesty!}

Do you:
[a] travel to Annonay and face the Grey Knight.
[b] send a champion in your place.
[c] send a messenger to determine why he hates you.
{A fine idea, Majesty.}
{Sir Robert would be an excellent choice, Majesty.}
{That may be difficult, but we will try.}