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Chapter 17
Arn had accepted the surrender of Teke and left its occupation and later annexation in the capable hands of Carmagnola, bestowing upon him the temporary title of occupation governor until the politics back in Constantinople could find out a suitable replacement as governor of this new province in the Empire.
If they will ever be able to find a capable replacement
Arn had little doubt that his father and his allies in the council would be quite happy with Carmagnola in control, not only then in control of the army, but also a man that owed his title to them only.
The young general, by now a seasoned veteran, left the beautiful coastline of Teke and trekked his army back across the Turkish hinterlands passing the siege of Smyrna along the way. Arn sent the army along towards Dobrudja while staying behind for a few weeks with his most senior staff to confer with the Imperial Marshal at his headquarters.
Arn was a tad wary when he neared the pavilion of the young Marshal, this man was both the Emperor’s brother, and heir, but he was also the man who had ousted his father form his position as Imperial Marshal, and thus potentially put Arn’s own position in danger as part of a political move.
His face showed none of these thoughts as a guard held back the flap to allow him to enter the pavilion along with Alexios and Angelo, his commanders of horse and infantry.
Konstantinos looked up as the guard allowed the trio to enter. He looked closely at Arn, he had never seen him before, but the reputation of both father and son had long preceded him. As the young general first saluted solemnly and then started the ritual of bowing before the Imperial prince he shot to his feet and grabbed Arn’s shoulders pulling him back up.
“Save it for the courts and palaces at home, here, out here we are comrades in arms and you owe me no more deference than a commander owes his general.”
And nodded in understanding and the Marshal gave Arn a quick bear hug,
“You have proven yourself beyond your reputation young Arn, far beyond my wildest dreams, the recount of your battle before the walls will go gloriously down in the history of our fair city.”
Arn smiled in appreciation and presented his officers. Konstantinos nodded in respect and in turn presented his own staff. Then he led them to the main table, offering them brief refreshments along the way. Arn accepted the food and briefly scanned the room and was surprised to find a young woman sitting in a corner, apparently oblivious to the ongoing meetings around her, her head bent over a book, a bible it seemed.
He dismissed her with a small shrug, he would learn soon enough if he was to take her into consideration and focussed his attention on the plans spread out on the table. He quickly realized that unless the Turk had managed to slip across the sea his forces was holed up in Anatolia, leaving Dobrudja where his army was heading and Bujak undefended save for what ever garrisons may be there.
He looked at the sketches for the ongoing siege and then quizzically at the Marshall.
“Another month, perhaps two, sturdy walls, and a good well prevents us from coming in and from completely starving them out for now.”
Arn nodded, well prepared defenders that were careful with their food stores could breed on their livestock and extend the siege a long time if they had water.
“And civilians? Christians?”
Konstantinos smiled in appreciation, the general knew his business.
“They ousted all Christians and Jews upon hearing of our approach, likely most of their woman and elderly, unproductive parts of the city, we met a good flock when we neared, but all possible hostages have long fled into Anatolia.”
He grinned to show he knew what Arn had been thinking of,
“And there are likely nobody inside who can open the gate, whoever the commander is he has been in a siege before. Crafty bastard.”
Arn smiled, he had wondered that, he knew that trick had gotten him into Bulgaria, and equally Carmagnola into Teke, and perhaps the Marshal had employed something like it in Macedonia?
“So, what then are your orders, have any news reached you from the Sultan regarding peace?”
The Marshal shook his head,
“None, we are sending your army north and east, we will take all the land up there, but I hope peace comes before we need to tackle Anatolia itself. That could bring the tribes of the inner part of his Empire back to his cause.”
He shook his head again,
“We would really not like that.”
Arn winced at the thought of a sudden influx of Turkish horsemen on the plains of Smyrna and Anatolia. He looked around, feeling a sudden uneasiness and managed to catch the girl looking intently at him. As she caught his eye she quickly delved back into her book and Arn wondered what that had been about.
He quickly returned his focus to the meeting and tried to shake the image of her burning look, but she seemed to nag at his subconscious. He shook his head and nodded to the Marshal,
“Yes, peace, a concept both delightful and alien to the likes of us.”
He poured over the maps again,
“You will need to talk to him soon, my army will be in Dobrudja by the time this city falls, or perhaps sooner, unless you want to move into the interior of the Ottoman Empire you will need to at least start communications.”
He looked up hastily; he had forgotten his place,
“At least, that is the way I see it.”
The Marshal smiled and nodded, Arn could not tell if he had seen the glance between the girl and him,
“Yes, general, I fully concur, that is our best option, and what should our demands be?”
Arn paused, not because he didn’t know, but because he was now moving into the for him uncharted waters of politics and Imperial will versus the will of the council, and the realistic goals.
“I would suggest that we couch a diplomatic and fittingly vague request both east and west to sound out what the expectations are.”
“East AND west?”
The Marshal arched an eyebrow. Arn nodded,
“To the east to open up talks and se if they are expecting peace or prolonged war, to the west to see what the Council may feel is appropriate.”
“Guarding our rear, and preparing our planning for the war dependent of the enemies intentions eh?”
Konstantinos smiled vaguely, but Arn merely shrugged,
“I would prefer being the one bringing the war to the Turk, but we need information to plan, and if that means reacting to his intentions on the war, and on the tribes in the east so be it.”
The Marshal nodded,
“I agree, and have already sent word to the council and the Emperor. Their response should be here by the time these walls fall, or sooner, within a month at least. We will decide then.”
This time Arn arched his eyebrows,
“We?”
“Yes, I want you and your officers to stay here as my guests at least until we hear from the council.”
“And my army?”
“They can manage the march east, your officers can leave for the army in a few weeks, they will not be far into the siege by the time we have finalised our plans and then you can rejoin them.”
Arn saluted, and felt oddly relieved to have to stay here, but hoped he would be able to go home soon, he had not seen his wife in a very long time, not to mention his newborn child.
The Marshal nodded with determination,
“It is settled then, I have arranged for your guards and your officers to set up camp in a small glade not far form here, that should buy you some privacy and still be within distance of the headquarters.
Arn nodded, and out of the way of the daily routines, as to not interfere. He turned on his heel and marched out followed by Angelo and Alexios. As he passed the girl he once again noticed a very intense look he could not decipher.
Konstantinos soon ended the staff meeting and sent his officers to their task then turned towards Ariana.
“So, have you enjoyed yourself?”
She smiled and put down the book,
“I find your meetings intriguing, but I fail to understand why I must read your bible, I know most of it already.”
Konstantinos sat down beside her, he had rued this question, but he could not lie, and at least with the siege he had time,
“You know I love you and want you by my side?”
She smiled delighted and nodded,
“You may also suspect that we can never be wed, not as long as I am heir to the throne.”
He was moving into dangerous ground and he could see a fire building in her eyes,
“Why is that? Am I not good enough? Did you not say you loved me?”
He nodded sadly,
“I do, I would love to, to marry you, but I am obligated to marry for politics and dynasty, not out of love. The Empire is on the verge of extinction.”
She snorted, and he climbed further out the limp he was sitting on and pointed at the book in her lap,
“That is why you are reading that.”
He paused, hoping fervently she would understand, but she just looked at him waiting,
“You see, as long as we are here,”
He made a vague motion encompassing the camp, or the landscape it wasn’t really clear,
“And are not in the city, then we are fine, even if rumours are started they can be dismissed offhandedly as relating to my past, and being in the field with the army.”
He smiled hesitantly, but he could see that while she was beginning to understand it did nothing to quell the fire in her eyes.
“Are you saying, that while we are here it is fine for you to have a mistress, a slavegirl for the fun of it, and this,”
She tossed the valuable book on the ground,
“And this, this should change that?”
She stood and looked down at him, and he could not help but marvel at her beauty as she stood there, fire in her eyes, lips slightly parted in anger, and her hair in disarray from the sudden movement,
“What should a book of letters and pretty pictures have to do with that? Am I merely to be your toy here, while you are away from the city to be discarded as you return?”
She glared at him while he tried to explain,
“No, yes the book, you see….”
He swallowed and fought an urge to take her in his arms and will away what had been said,
“You see, I may be able to…. I can have at least one……. Due to my history at court it is possible.. but only if…”
This was not going the way it should, he stood and picked up the book holding it out,
“I can have mistresses one or many if I am discreet, but as long as I am to be head of the Eastern Roman Empire and the oldest Christian Church according to our ways, then she cannot be infidel, not if she is to live under my roof and have a household she will have to be Christian.”
Ariana’s eyes exploded and she struck out at the book sending it flying,
“So you can lay with me here, but not at home, you can seduce any infidel, but not be honourable.”
Tears welled in her eyes, from anger or pain was hard to tell,
“What hypocrisy is that?”
Konstantinos watched book, pages loosened, and only heard her last word on honour and his temper snapped,
“I can seduce or conquer any girl I wish, now and forever, do you not forget it, I am the future Emperor, but if they are infidel they must not be seen holding any sway over me, for pleasure or will. Are they infidel they must be discarded when used.”
He saw how his words hit like whip and she seemed to shrink under them, all her anger bleeding out. She bowed her head and he lowered his voice,
“That is why you must convert, I do not wish to bestow anything upon you but love and gifts, but for that to happen you must be Christian.”
She slowly raised her head, he had been misled if he thought her anger assuaged,
“For our love I am to change, to be by your side I must either lie about my beliefs or change my very core. And you.”
She pointed at him,
“You what will you do? Will you give up your title or stay in the field, will you change the laws of your land for me? NO, all you do is trying to get your little slave girl, your hostage with you to your bed in Constantinople, to show how you tamed her and keep her as a toy without loosing your rights.”
She shivered with anger then fled out the tent. Moments later Konstantinos could hear the beat of a horse leaving quickly. He wearily sat down and picked up the book where it had fallen.
Ariana felt like she had ridden for miles when she finally turned the exhausted horse towards the camp, no matter how little she liked it she had nowhere else to go. She crossed a small creek and rode inattentively into a little glade, not so different from a certain other glade she had ridden into not long ago.
She came upon a small camp, seemingly deserted and absentmindedly pulled the reins. The tired horse obliged her easily and began gracing as she slipped from its back. She could see another large camp outside the trees and a few guards, but nothing seemed to stir in the small clearing.
Suddenly she caught movement on the far side of wide creek. She stood rooted by the tree as the young officer she had seen in the tent not long ago burst through the surface after a dive. He had stirred something in her then, and now as he waded naked from the water, the sun glinted of the droplets on his chest as was he made of gold and diamonds, she felt a strange warmth in her body.
She stood for a while as he walked from the water and began dressing not sure waht to do, finally as he entered his tent she began walking slowly towards the clearing.
Arn had accepted the surrender of Teke and left its occupation and later annexation in the capable hands of Carmagnola, bestowing upon him the temporary title of occupation governor until the politics back in Constantinople could find out a suitable replacement as governor of this new province in the Empire.
If they will ever be able to find a capable replacement
Arn had little doubt that his father and his allies in the council would be quite happy with Carmagnola in control, not only then in control of the army, but also a man that owed his title to them only.
The young general, by now a seasoned veteran, left the beautiful coastline of Teke and trekked his army back across the Turkish hinterlands passing the siege of Smyrna along the way. Arn sent the army along towards Dobrudja while staying behind for a few weeks with his most senior staff to confer with the Imperial Marshal at his headquarters.
Arn was a tad wary when he neared the pavilion of the young Marshal, this man was both the Emperor’s brother, and heir, but he was also the man who had ousted his father form his position as Imperial Marshal, and thus potentially put Arn’s own position in danger as part of a political move.
His face showed none of these thoughts as a guard held back the flap to allow him to enter the pavilion along with Alexios and Angelo, his commanders of horse and infantry.
Konstantinos looked up as the guard allowed the trio to enter. He looked closely at Arn, he had never seen him before, but the reputation of both father and son had long preceded him. As the young general first saluted solemnly and then started the ritual of bowing before the Imperial prince he shot to his feet and grabbed Arn’s shoulders pulling him back up.
“Save it for the courts and palaces at home, here, out here we are comrades in arms and you owe me no more deference than a commander owes his general.”
And nodded in understanding and the Marshal gave Arn a quick bear hug,
“You have proven yourself beyond your reputation young Arn, far beyond my wildest dreams, the recount of your battle before the walls will go gloriously down in the history of our fair city.”
Arn smiled in appreciation and presented his officers. Konstantinos nodded in respect and in turn presented his own staff. Then he led them to the main table, offering them brief refreshments along the way. Arn accepted the food and briefly scanned the room and was surprised to find a young woman sitting in a corner, apparently oblivious to the ongoing meetings around her, her head bent over a book, a bible it seemed.
He dismissed her with a small shrug, he would learn soon enough if he was to take her into consideration and focussed his attention on the plans spread out on the table. He quickly realized that unless the Turk had managed to slip across the sea his forces was holed up in Anatolia, leaving Dobrudja where his army was heading and Bujak undefended save for what ever garrisons may be there.
He looked at the sketches for the ongoing siege and then quizzically at the Marshall.
“Another month, perhaps two, sturdy walls, and a good well prevents us from coming in and from completely starving them out for now.”
Arn nodded, well prepared defenders that were careful with their food stores could breed on their livestock and extend the siege a long time if they had water.
“And civilians? Christians?”
Konstantinos smiled in appreciation, the general knew his business.
“They ousted all Christians and Jews upon hearing of our approach, likely most of their woman and elderly, unproductive parts of the city, we met a good flock when we neared, but all possible hostages have long fled into Anatolia.”
He grinned to show he knew what Arn had been thinking of,
“And there are likely nobody inside who can open the gate, whoever the commander is he has been in a siege before. Crafty bastard.”
Arn smiled, he had wondered that, he knew that trick had gotten him into Bulgaria, and equally Carmagnola into Teke, and perhaps the Marshal had employed something like it in Macedonia?
“So, what then are your orders, have any news reached you from the Sultan regarding peace?”
The Marshal shook his head,
“None, we are sending your army north and east, we will take all the land up there, but I hope peace comes before we need to tackle Anatolia itself. That could bring the tribes of the inner part of his Empire back to his cause.”
He shook his head again,
“We would really not like that.”
Arn winced at the thought of a sudden influx of Turkish horsemen on the plains of Smyrna and Anatolia. He looked around, feeling a sudden uneasiness and managed to catch the girl looking intently at him. As she caught his eye she quickly delved back into her book and Arn wondered what that had been about.
He quickly returned his focus to the meeting and tried to shake the image of her burning look, but she seemed to nag at his subconscious. He shook his head and nodded to the Marshal,
“Yes, peace, a concept both delightful and alien to the likes of us.”
He poured over the maps again,
“You will need to talk to him soon, my army will be in Dobrudja by the time this city falls, or perhaps sooner, unless you want to move into the interior of the Ottoman Empire you will need to at least start communications.”
He looked up hastily; he had forgotten his place,
“At least, that is the way I see it.”
The Marshal smiled and nodded, Arn could not tell if he had seen the glance between the girl and him,
“Yes, general, I fully concur, that is our best option, and what should our demands be?”
Arn paused, not because he didn’t know, but because he was now moving into the for him uncharted waters of politics and Imperial will versus the will of the council, and the realistic goals.
“I would suggest that we couch a diplomatic and fittingly vague request both east and west to sound out what the expectations are.”
“East AND west?”
The Marshal arched an eyebrow. Arn nodded,
“To the east to open up talks and se if they are expecting peace or prolonged war, to the west to see what the Council may feel is appropriate.”
“Guarding our rear, and preparing our planning for the war dependent of the enemies intentions eh?”
Konstantinos smiled vaguely, but Arn merely shrugged,
“I would prefer being the one bringing the war to the Turk, but we need information to plan, and if that means reacting to his intentions on the war, and on the tribes in the east so be it.”
The Marshal nodded,
“I agree, and have already sent word to the council and the Emperor. Their response should be here by the time these walls fall, or sooner, within a month at least. We will decide then.”
This time Arn arched his eyebrows,
“We?”
“Yes, I want you and your officers to stay here as my guests at least until we hear from the council.”
“And my army?”
“They can manage the march east, your officers can leave for the army in a few weeks, they will not be far into the siege by the time we have finalised our plans and then you can rejoin them.”
Arn saluted, and felt oddly relieved to have to stay here, but hoped he would be able to go home soon, he had not seen his wife in a very long time, not to mention his newborn child.
The Marshal nodded with determination,
“It is settled then, I have arranged for your guards and your officers to set up camp in a small glade not far form here, that should buy you some privacy and still be within distance of the headquarters.
Arn nodded, and out of the way of the daily routines, as to not interfere. He turned on his heel and marched out followed by Angelo and Alexios. As he passed the girl he once again noticed a very intense look he could not decipher.
Konstantinos soon ended the staff meeting and sent his officers to their task then turned towards Ariana.
“So, have you enjoyed yourself?”
She smiled and put down the book,
“I find your meetings intriguing, but I fail to understand why I must read your bible, I know most of it already.”
Konstantinos sat down beside her, he had rued this question, but he could not lie, and at least with the siege he had time,
“You know I love you and want you by my side?”
She smiled delighted and nodded,
“You may also suspect that we can never be wed, not as long as I am heir to the throne.”
He was moving into dangerous ground and he could see a fire building in her eyes,
“Why is that? Am I not good enough? Did you not say you loved me?”
He nodded sadly,
“I do, I would love to, to marry you, but I am obligated to marry for politics and dynasty, not out of love. The Empire is on the verge of extinction.”
She snorted, and he climbed further out the limp he was sitting on and pointed at the book in her lap,
“That is why you are reading that.”
He paused, hoping fervently she would understand, but she just looked at him waiting,
“You see, as long as we are here,”
He made a vague motion encompassing the camp, or the landscape it wasn’t really clear,
“And are not in the city, then we are fine, even if rumours are started they can be dismissed offhandedly as relating to my past, and being in the field with the army.”
He smiled hesitantly, but he could see that while she was beginning to understand it did nothing to quell the fire in her eyes.
“Are you saying, that while we are here it is fine for you to have a mistress, a slavegirl for the fun of it, and this,”
She tossed the valuable book on the ground,
“And this, this should change that?”
She stood and looked down at him, and he could not help but marvel at her beauty as she stood there, fire in her eyes, lips slightly parted in anger, and her hair in disarray from the sudden movement,
“What should a book of letters and pretty pictures have to do with that? Am I merely to be your toy here, while you are away from the city to be discarded as you return?”
She glared at him while he tried to explain,
“No, yes the book, you see….”
He swallowed and fought an urge to take her in his arms and will away what had been said,
“You see, I may be able to…. I can have at least one……. Due to my history at court it is possible.. but only if…”
This was not going the way it should, he stood and picked up the book holding it out,
“I can have mistresses one or many if I am discreet, but as long as I am to be head of the Eastern Roman Empire and the oldest Christian Church according to our ways, then she cannot be infidel, not if she is to live under my roof and have a household she will have to be Christian.”
Ariana’s eyes exploded and she struck out at the book sending it flying,
“So you can lay with me here, but not at home, you can seduce any infidel, but not be honourable.”
Tears welled in her eyes, from anger or pain was hard to tell,
“What hypocrisy is that?”
Konstantinos watched book, pages loosened, and only heard her last word on honour and his temper snapped,
“I can seduce or conquer any girl I wish, now and forever, do you not forget it, I am the future Emperor, but if they are infidel they must not be seen holding any sway over me, for pleasure or will. Are they infidel they must be discarded when used.”
He saw how his words hit like whip and she seemed to shrink under them, all her anger bleeding out. She bowed her head and he lowered his voice,
“That is why you must convert, I do not wish to bestow anything upon you but love and gifts, but for that to happen you must be Christian.”
She slowly raised her head, he had been misled if he thought her anger assuaged,
“For our love I am to change, to be by your side I must either lie about my beliefs or change my very core. And you.”
She pointed at him,
“You what will you do? Will you give up your title or stay in the field, will you change the laws of your land for me? NO, all you do is trying to get your little slave girl, your hostage with you to your bed in Constantinople, to show how you tamed her and keep her as a toy without loosing your rights.”
She shivered with anger then fled out the tent. Moments later Konstantinos could hear the beat of a horse leaving quickly. He wearily sat down and picked up the book where it had fallen.
Ariana felt like she had ridden for miles when she finally turned the exhausted horse towards the camp, no matter how little she liked it she had nowhere else to go. She crossed a small creek and rode inattentively into a little glade, not so different from a certain other glade she had ridden into not long ago.
She came upon a small camp, seemingly deserted and absentmindedly pulled the reins. The tired horse obliged her easily and began gracing as she slipped from its back. She could see another large camp outside the trees and a few guards, but nothing seemed to stir in the small clearing.
Suddenly she caught movement on the far side of wide creek. She stood rooted by the tree as the young officer she had seen in the tent not long ago burst through the surface after a dive. He had stirred something in her then, and now as he waded naked from the water, the sun glinted of the droplets on his chest as was he made of gold and diamonds, she felt a strange warmth in her body.
She stood for a while as he walked from the water and began dressing not sure waht to do, finally as he entered his tent she began walking slowly towards the clearing.
Uh-oh, I think Arn is going to find himself in serious trouble with that girl, the Emperor and his wife back home.
Konstantinos didn't do a very good job trying to explain himself to Ariana, now did he?
I hope his domestic muddle won't affect his ability to lead the army.
I liked the discussion of the ongoing siege, some detail to bring that long period of time spent waiting in the game to life.
Last but not least: thanks for updating again! It's been a while, but it's always worth it.
Konstantinos didn't do a very good job trying to explain himself to Ariana, now did he?
I hope his domestic muddle won't affect his ability to lead the army.I liked the discussion of the ongoing siege, some detail to bring that long period of time spent waiting in the game to life.
Last but not least: thanks for updating again! It's been a while, but it's always worth it.
I foresee a love triangle and an unhappy ending for Ariana, but I am nearly blind so we'll have to wait a little and see. Good Work
Well lets see
If nothing else they all live in interesting times
And what Sif doesn't know she will not get hurt by
V
If nothing else they all live in interesting times
And what Sif doesn't know she will not get hurt by
V
Its about time you updated! Sadly Ariana is starting to look like someone who it not going to find happiness in this story.
Joe
Sadly Ariana is starting to look like someone who it not going to find happiness in this story. Joe
Valdemar said:Well first I simply got bored
Then I thought Phalanx would start a new colaborative..
and now I'm the most glorious majesty King Felipe II of Spain in th 1558 RPG
I could always use a few cowriters.. I had Craig Ashley and MrT... though only T is still around
V
So much of the above is still true, and while I have found my notes they are not nearly complete enough to make for a true AAR based on game facts... further, the game was on 1.05 and I must admit, I do not really care to finish the actual game
However, rereading i can see this is undoubtly far better writing form me than my current style in the RPG :d
SO, if I can catch up mentally and get back in the groove, and if the readers think they can pick up as if it was only yesterday, then I will be seriously considering restarting this as of first of september.. give and take a few days at work
V
I tell you what, V - if you get back to writing this, I promise to catch up and read it. How's that?
How's that?
be careful what you wish for
The main issue is the sideplots.. those are the best fun to write, but for those I kept no notes.. so lets hope I can keep all the strings untangled.... or perhaps tangled in the proper manner
V
The main issue is the sideplots.. those are the best fun to write, but for those I kept no notes.. so lets hope I can keep all the strings untangled.... or perhaps tangled in the proper manner
V
That would be most excellent! You could compete with Director for the title of Oldest AAR Still Running.
If you do end up continuing, I'll try to keep up with it. Hopefully, things will slow down a bit soon and I'll be able to accomodate all the AARs I'm trying to keep up on.
Re-reading some of the last posts, it sounds like Arn is heading for a big, messy confrontation with the future Emperor. That is, if Ariana the slave girl makes a move on him...
If you do end up continuing, I'll try to keep up with it. Hopefully, things will slow down a bit soon and I'll be able to accomodate all the AARs I'm trying to keep up on.
Re-reading some of the last posts, it sounds like Arn is heading for a big, messy confrontation with the future Emperor. That is, if Ariana the slave girl makes a move on him...
I'll recap what is happening in the AAR, and in the game then:
Svend the old Stratego is still in command of citty defences, he has grown increasingly politically savvy over the years, but nevertheless lost his Marshall staff to the Emperor's younger brother upon his return to the city of men's desires.
Konstantinos, the younger brother got the army under his control, but it is an army trained by Svend and his cohort of military advisors inspired by the Italian Condotieri introduced by Svend after his son Arn made a trip to Venice.
Arn, a young general himself has control of a smaller part of the army along with two friends, the Byzantine commander of cavalry Alexandro, and the Italian professional Angelo in command of the infantry. This army is in the very essence Arn's army, the inheritance of his father's old regiments.
Arn is married to Sif and have several children, Sif and Arn are both descendants of the orginal Norse bodygards, the Varangians, and Svend once commanded that regiment.
To further complicate matters there is a string of sub chas, a spy master, Benedict, a chancellor and a patriarch, and an Italian renegade mercenary, Carmagnola.
The main plot right now is the vye for control of the power of the Imperial Council, in the anticipation of the Emperor's emminent death. A main side plot is the introduction of a slave girl, the daughter of the greek administrator of the Ottoman controlled Macedonia.
In game terms Athens was taken out early, and for a good while nothing happend, then the OE DoW'ed, followed by Teke. The main army moved from Athens under Konstaninos and fought a number of battels to take Macedonia while the smaller army left Constantinople to try and take the smaller provinces in the North before the main Turkish army arrived.
The Turks laid siege for a long time, but when Macedonia finally fell they were ousted from Europe and the siege lifted. The small army having taken Bulgaria had crossed into Asia before the Turk and with the aid of a minor Venetian army taken out Teke who was annexed... the only true contribution from Venice otherwise have been to take out the OE navy
By the end of the game as far as I have played it the OE is down to one or two provinces, all of the European holdings controlled... problem is that upon restart it goes all crazy half the times, and the rest of the times OE is reduced to a 1-2 province minor, which is hard for the future of the AAR...
Where does that leave us?
Well, for starters I will contiue the story lines, the side plots and the death of the Emperor including the first peace I made with OE
THEN, well then we will see... I am in three minds about the actual underlying game
V
Svend the old Stratego is still in command of citty defences, he has grown increasingly politically savvy over the years, but nevertheless lost his Marshall staff to the Emperor's younger brother upon his return to the city of men's desires.
Konstantinos, the younger brother got the army under his control, but it is an army trained by Svend and his cohort of military advisors inspired by the Italian Condotieri introduced by Svend after his son Arn made a trip to Venice.
Arn, a young general himself has control of a smaller part of the army along with two friends, the Byzantine commander of cavalry Alexandro, and the Italian professional Angelo in command of the infantry. This army is in the very essence Arn's army, the inheritance of his father's old regiments.
Arn is married to Sif and have several children, Sif and Arn are both descendants of the orginal Norse bodygards, the Varangians, and Svend once commanded that regiment.
To further complicate matters there is a string of sub chas, a spy master, Benedict, a chancellor and a patriarch, and an Italian renegade mercenary, Carmagnola.
The main plot right now is the vye for control of the power of the Imperial Council, in the anticipation of the Emperor's emminent death. A main side plot is the introduction of a slave girl, the daughter of the greek administrator of the Ottoman controlled Macedonia.
In game terms Athens was taken out early, and for a good while nothing happend, then the OE DoW'ed, followed by Teke. The main army moved from Athens under Konstaninos and fought a number of battels to take Macedonia while the smaller army left Constantinople to try and take the smaller provinces in the North before the main Turkish army arrived.
The Turks laid siege for a long time, but when Macedonia finally fell they were ousted from Europe and the siege lifted. The small army having taken Bulgaria had crossed into Asia before the Turk and with the aid of a minor Venetian army taken out Teke who was annexed... the only true contribution from Venice otherwise have been to take out the OE navy
By the end of the game as far as I have played it the OE is down to one or two provinces, all of the European holdings controlled... problem is that upon restart it goes all crazy half the times, and the rest of the times OE is reduced to a 1-2 province minor, which is hard for the future of the AAR...
Where does that leave us?
Well, for starters I will contiue the story lines, the side plots and the death of the Emperor including the first peace I made with OE
THEN, well then we will see... I am in three minds about the actual underlying game
V
Well i just read it all again.
If I can find the "mood" of the story and shed some of the RPG styling that has crept into my writing lately I will be starting again this week
V
If I can find the "mood" of the story and shed some of the RPG styling that has crept into my writing lately I will be starting again this week
V
Interlude
Svend stretched slowly as he stood, and winced. It had not been like this a few years ago. He shook his head ruefully; perhaps Sofia was right, he was getting older.
The old general and councillor moved carefully across the darkened room. Evening had come and with it a need for light. He shook his head again, he couldn’t say when, but his eyes seemed to demand more light now than they had in his youth. Either that or he simply spent more time reading than he had when he was a young soldier on duty in the Varangian Guard.
He went to the door and left the room, enough was enough for one day, and he was as prepared for the morning as he could be.
As he went through the quiet house he could not help but return to the train of thoughts he had had when standing up. He was indeed getting older, he still remembered when the house never had a quiet moment, but now, now there could be days between any shouting or sounds of children playing.
His oldest had long ago moved out, and now, with both his son and his son in law abroad he got to see his grandchildren often, but they didn’t live here. His younger children were all too old to make noise or at least not that kind of constant ruckus on a daily basis. He smiled again; yes they could still make noise, but not like the noise of children. Especially the twins could make noise when he didn’t bend to their will.
He found his wife in the small dining room next to the grand hall, bent over some task on the table. Her dark hair spilled forward covering her face. It had acquired silvery streaks here and there, but was still full, and there mere though of touching and smelling it made the blood flow to his cheeks.
He stepped forward silently, My father was right, if you love then you love for ever. He didn’t get three steps forward before she looked up, “I was just about to go and make sure you had proper light. Are you done for today?”
Svend moved forward and embraced his wife, “I couldn’t read anymore, and yes I think I am ready, I cannot see what the topics could be, besides the war.”
He gave her a slow kiss, “are we having guests tonight?”
Their daughter and daughter in law, Freja and Sif had taken to coming by for a late evening meal since their husbands had joined the war efforts. Both families lived close by, and with the siege lifted they could easily leave their children in care of their nannies and come visit.
Sofia shook her head, “Not tonight, they were by earlier and I told them you had a meeting with the council tomorrow, they understood perfectly and Sif took the twins with her, and David went home with Freja.”
Svend nodded, “And Ask?” His second son was close to nineteen now, and while his twin sisters at seventeen caused quite a stir it was the quiet Ask that had him worried recently. The young man had been too young for army duty when the war had started, and now while he could start any regiment of his choosing he still had been reluctant to do so.
Sofia shrugged, while she knew of her husband’s worries regarding their son she didn’t share them, he had chosen learning over sword play ever since his childhood, and once Arn had left he had increasingly focused on the great libraries of the city, and most importantly the Imperial ones that Svend’s position had given him access to.
“He will be home soon enough, my wager is that he is with the librarians, or perchance.” She paused, Svend despite all his worldliness wasn’t too pleased about this, “or per chance he is with Isaak.”
Svend frowned but didn’t comment, Isaak was a nice enough boy, but the ramifications of that liaison, both to his own, and to his brother’s political careers could be troublesome. Shaking his head he brushed the thought aside, he was a good kid, not a bad thought in his mind, so it would likely pass like so much else had.
He let it pass, and followed his wife to a quiet dinner, the council meeting in the morning still on his mind.
***
The old marshal, now commander of the city defences arrived early, as was his wont. As he entered the still empty council chamber he couldn’t help but to let a small cross his face at the recollection of the memorable meeting where he had first assumed his political power, and began the long trek that had led him, his family and his allies to their current pinnacle.
It had been some day, appointing a new delegate to Venice they had set things in motion that had shifted his whole world from loyal officer of the Varangian Guard, but politically anonymous and neutral to a voting position on the council, commander of the great army, his son a general in command and his friends all controlling large swaths of the Empire’s administration.
Now, as the Emperor had returned his ousted brother in a bit for the family to keep the throne within their grasp the tables had begun to turn again. This new star was an unknown quantity, rumoured to be exiled in his youth for unspeakable immoralities, a weak and pleasure seeking man.
However, his actions as marshal, a title claimed from Svend by bloodlines, not merit, had shown him to an able commander, so whatever sins he had committed as a youngster had been assuaged by his relief of the Turkish siege of the city.
Svend absentmindedly stroke his chin as he found his seat, the young brother is going to put a new twist on our games Coming to a conclusion he decided he would have to ask Stefanos, the Foreign Affairs advisor, and an ally of his on the council for more details on this young man. The war would be over soon, and with that the heir apparent to the throne would return and claim a seat on the council.
Hearing voices approach Svend pushed the train of thoughts aside and sat up straight. Whatever the young marshal was, and held of political ambitions beyond the throne itself would have to wait. The topic at hand would be a peace with the Turk.
Svend stretched slowly as he stood, and winced. It had not been like this a few years ago. He shook his head ruefully; perhaps Sofia was right, he was getting older.
The old general and councillor moved carefully across the darkened room. Evening had come and with it a need for light. He shook his head again, he couldn’t say when, but his eyes seemed to demand more light now than they had in his youth. Either that or he simply spent more time reading than he had when he was a young soldier on duty in the Varangian Guard.
He went to the door and left the room, enough was enough for one day, and he was as prepared for the morning as he could be.
As he went through the quiet house he could not help but return to the train of thoughts he had had when standing up. He was indeed getting older, he still remembered when the house never had a quiet moment, but now, now there could be days between any shouting or sounds of children playing.
His oldest had long ago moved out, and now, with both his son and his son in law abroad he got to see his grandchildren often, but they didn’t live here. His younger children were all too old to make noise or at least not that kind of constant ruckus on a daily basis. He smiled again; yes they could still make noise, but not like the noise of children. Especially the twins could make noise when he didn’t bend to their will.
He found his wife in the small dining room next to the grand hall, bent over some task on the table. Her dark hair spilled forward covering her face. It had acquired silvery streaks here and there, but was still full, and there mere though of touching and smelling it made the blood flow to his cheeks.
He stepped forward silently, My father was right, if you love then you love for ever. He didn’t get three steps forward before she looked up, “I was just about to go and make sure you had proper light. Are you done for today?”
Svend moved forward and embraced his wife, “I couldn’t read anymore, and yes I think I am ready, I cannot see what the topics could be, besides the war.”
He gave her a slow kiss, “are we having guests tonight?”
Their daughter and daughter in law, Freja and Sif had taken to coming by for a late evening meal since their husbands had joined the war efforts. Both families lived close by, and with the siege lifted they could easily leave their children in care of their nannies and come visit.
Sofia shook her head, “Not tonight, they were by earlier and I told them you had a meeting with the council tomorrow, they understood perfectly and Sif took the twins with her, and David went home with Freja.”
Svend nodded, “And Ask?” His second son was close to nineteen now, and while his twin sisters at seventeen caused quite a stir it was the quiet Ask that had him worried recently. The young man had been too young for army duty when the war had started, and now while he could start any regiment of his choosing he still had been reluctant to do so.
Sofia shrugged, while she knew of her husband’s worries regarding their son she didn’t share them, he had chosen learning over sword play ever since his childhood, and once Arn had left he had increasingly focused on the great libraries of the city, and most importantly the Imperial ones that Svend’s position had given him access to.
“He will be home soon enough, my wager is that he is with the librarians, or perchance.” She paused, Svend despite all his worldliness wasn’t too pleased about this, “or per chance he is with Isaak.”
Svend frowned but didn’t comment, Isaak was a nice enough boy, but the ramifications of that liaison, both to his own, and to his brother’s political careers could be troublesome. Shaking his head he brushed the thought aside, he was a good kid, not a bad thought in his mind, so it would likely pass like so much else had.
He let it pass, and followed his wife to a quiet dinner, the council meeting in the morning still on his mind.
***
The old marshal, now commander of the city defences arrived early, as was his wont. As he entered the still empty council chamber he couldn’t help but to let a small cross his face at the recollection of the memorable meeting where he had first assumed his political power, and began the long trek that had led him, his family and his allies to their current pinnacle.
It had been some day, appointing a new delegate to Venice they had set things in motion that had shifted his whole world from loyal officer of the Varangian Guard, but politically anonymous and neutral to a voting position on the council, commander of the great army, his son a general in command and his friends all controlling large swaths of the Empire’s administration.
Now, as the Emperor had returned his ousted brother in a bit for the family to keep the throne within their grasp the tables had begun to turn again. This new star was an unknown quantity, rumoured to be exiled in his youth for unspeakable immoralities, a weak and pleasure seeking man.
However, his actions as marshal, a title claimed from Svend by bloodlines, not merit, had shown him to an able commander, so whatever sins he had committed as a youngster had been assuaged by his relief of the Turkish siege of the city.
Svend absentmindedly stroke his chin as he found his seat, the young brother is going to put a new twist on our games Coming to a conclusion he decided he would have to ask Stefanos, the Foreign Affairs advisor, and an ally of his on the council for more details on this young man. The war would be over soon, and with that the heir apparent to the throne would return and claim a seat on the council.
Hearing voices approach Svend pushed the train of thoughts aside and sat up straight. Whatever the young marshal was, and held of political ambitions beyond the throne itself would have to wait. The topic at hand would be a peace with the Turk.
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First of two interludes.. it is meant as a refresher, both for me and you
A second will conclude the peace of the Turksih wars for now, and then i will return ot the plotlines.. even if they get severed like this I need to do some slow easing in to get the mood right.. and the ones I left hanging REALLY deserves more than a quick recap
V
A second will conclude the peace of the Turksih wars for now, and then i will return ot the plotlines.. even if they get severed like this I need to do some slow easing in to get the mood right.. and the ones I left hanging REALLY deserves more than a quick recap
V
I've updated the old character list for newer members and age, it may not be fully consistent, but it will work I hope
V
Very reflective. Distant bells are ringing, but clearly I will need to read through from the beginning again. Fortunately a bank holiday weekend beckons!
Ah yes, memories are slowly wafting back... Nice touches about Svend growing old. What year are we in the game? It has to be post-1424, which is when Konstantinos shows up, but how much after that? Related question: how old do I have to picture Svend, roughly. Late fourties? Younger? Older?
Good to see you writing again, Val.
Good to see you writing again, Val.