Me, Floris

[Monnikje]

Chapter 17: Building support
1 March 1258​

Dear Diary,

The past month I've fought a lot. The beginning of my own Margraviate is signed with blood, and strangely enough, people are liking me even more for it. Maybe they realise that a border count, who has been elevated into magravate and controls a really large country, is bound to be plunged into war. Back home magraviates had endless possibilities to expand, and so have I. But this month my gains were in the goodwill and friendship of people and nobility.

After a large feast held in honour of my newly appointed title, I still had quite some wine left. While I rode back to my domain, I met count Montewar in the tavern of Uxkhal. I was resupplying their stock, when he called me to a quiet corner. The war with Rhodoks had been going on for a while, and he had some money problems. While my star and purse were rising above anything and anyone else, he was slowly crawling forward. To make a little contribution to the war effort, he asked me to capture a Rhodoks noble. Any noble would be sufficient, as long as he could ransom him. Trying to get him on my side, I agreed to do it for him. No wonder I heeded the call of count Klargus when he called for me again, even while his betrayal was still fresh in my memory.

The only way our marshall, count Klargus, could hold his army together, is by plundering innocent villages.

After I collected quite a few able men in Uhhun castle, I rode straight to Rhodoks territories, where I found the count while he raided another village. After he finished his looting, I followed him into battle: they encountered count Falsevor, whom I helped to defeat. Unfortunately he escaped, although I would encounter him with a much smaller army later last month. After our victory the entire army split up: the marshall wasn't able to hold everyone together, to form one coherent striking force against the Rhodoks. I also rode into a general direction, until I ran into count Laruqen: I fought this Rhodoks count and after his defeat, I managed to capture him and drag him to Montewar. The moment I beaten him, I freed the Sarranid emir Ghanawa from his grasp. He wouldn't forget this rescue: this might come in handy later on. To celebrate this victory, we both took the last of my wine.

The next morning I was woken up by Artimenner. We had to hurry back to my margraviate, to start constructing a lot of new buildings. At first I though him nuts, but he managed to convince me: in every town I should start building a new school, where the farmers are taught to love me: also we needed a large mill industry, to boost productivity and thus taxes. That sounded good, so I agreed to ride along all villages, and start constructions everywhere. Even at this moment you can hear the sawing and hammering all across the east.

The villages in my margraviate are all really different: some are on the steppe, others in the forest and some even in the snowy cold fields. But at night they all turn dark.

Building my margraviate up to the most industrious part of the empire, would take time, and especially money. The initial constructions costed me quite a lot, and I needed to replenish my treasury. The most effective trade route I knew, was between Tulga and Ahmerrad. But it would be even more effective if the people in these cities would like me. So I decided to talk with the guild masters in each one of them, and ask if I could do something for them. And indeed, they could use my help, since their lords were too busy waging war or doing business elsewhere.

While I rode hence and forth between the two cities, buying spice and salt in Tulga and buying iron on Ahmerrad and selling both in the other one, I killed many desert bandits for the poor merchants in Ahmerrad. Those bandits just kept on coming back. Now that I was armed with many fine Swadian knights, they didn't dared to attack me, and many fled before me. Some I even had to track down all the way across the country of Sarranid, but I managed to find them every time. In Tulga the requests were a little more complicated. Of course there were sometimes bandits to be taken care off, or a caravan to be guarded, but the most important job I got there, was to ensure there would be peace between the Vaegir and the Khergit. I had learned from my experience with the peace between Swadia and Rhodoks half a year ago, so I first rode to the far off Nords and bought peace with them, before I rode to the much closer Khergit lord, who could be persuaded with much less denars. The reward from the guild master of Tulga compensated me royally.

I spoke with the guild master of Tulga, and arranged a peace between the Vaegir and Khergit for him.

Now I'm back in Tulga, with once again a fat purse. The big difference is that my country is now in the progress of being build up, while the people along the best trade route are starting to like me very well. Maybe it's time to bring my focus back to my own country, and start to please the people of my own villages along with the guilds of my cities. They are, after all, the ones who'll have to pay my taxes. And I also need to secure the trade routes that lead to both Khudan and Halmar: if those are safe, the tariffs will be flooding my treasury. This will be a nice opportunity to train more men.

*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats:

As you can see on the current map, the Sarranids managed to drive the Rhodoks back from their desert. At the moment they are at peace. In the north the Khergit were defeating the Vaegir when I intervened and arranged a peace settlement: they effectively sliced the Vaegir in two with their new colony.

 

[Wyvern]

Nice update and love the map. How did you created that if I might ask? My own AAR would have benefited from something similar.

 

[Monnikje]

Thanks everyone for liking my maps .

MajorMayhem: Well, actually Swadia is coming back too. Several lords have switched sides to Swadia already. But who knows when Nord and Swadia come to test arms, something they haven't done in a while yet. For now I'll have to concentrate on actually building my margraviate into the predecessor of an independant kingdom.

Wyvern: I made it in Gimp, using these steps:
1) First I made a lot of screenshots of the worldmap, and combined them into one large map. Note: the file became 3846 x 2738 px: that's the size I work with. All maps I post online are just scaled down versions. Here is the screenshotmap:

2) Then I used this tutorial to create the old parchment in different layers. Note: I used the forum colour for the background. The result of just the parchment:

After doing all the steps from that tutorial, I turned the visibility of this parchment layer down to 50%. So my layers are:
- On top: 'Old Edge', the layer from the tutorial to give that brownness at the edges.
- 'Old Layer', the parchment from that tutorial in which I turned the visibility down to 50% (this will enhance the 'old' feeling).
- 'Background', the blue colour from the forum, which will make it appear to be just the old parchment instead of a square picture.
- 'Screenshot', the map I created from the screenshots. You don't see it here, since it's behind the background.
Note: It might help you to copy your 'Old Layer' layer as a temporary parchment layer with visibility turned into 100%. It's always good to see something nice on the way .
3) Next I made the shadow, using Filter -> Light & Shadow -> Drop Shadow. This tutorial might help (it did for me). Note: I first copied the parchment layer into a new file. Then I applied the Drop Shadow. Then I copied the shadow layer back to the original file. I did this to prevent the Drop Shadow function to enlarge the picture to make space for the shadow. So I've got the following layers now:
- Old Edge
- Old Layer
- Temporary Parchment (visiblity 100%).
- Shadow
- Background
- Screenshot
And a picture:

4) Then I set the Screenshot layer above the Temporary Parchment layer, and created a new transparant one on top of that. Then I used a black pencil (not too small) to draw the entire coastline by hand, using the screenshot map as a guide. Here you see the work in progress (and the effect of that Old Layer):

And here's just the coastline:

5) Next I copied the Coast layer, extended the edges and turned all land black. I think you'll understand what I did when you see it:

The layers so far are:
- Old Edge
- Old Layer
- Coast, with just the coastline
- Black Land, the layer with just the land filled
- Temporary Parchment
- Shadow
- Background
- Screenshot (when I don't use it, I move this layer to the back)
6) Then I selected a very large brush with some kind of blue seacolour (I used the colour 4c8bff), and drew in a new layer along the coastline a very wide 'sealine'. Then I applied a gaussian blur (Filter -> Fade(or something like that, I use the dutch gimp) -> Gaussian Blur). Since the picture is fairly large, I had to use a very wide radius to have effect: something like 150 px. Then I selected in the Black Land layer an alpha selection (Layer -> Transparant -> Alpha To Selection), which selected only the black land. Then I selected the Water layer again and deleted all the unnecessary water. I did the same with the parchment to get rid of the water outside the parchment (although I did invert the selection in that case, since I wanted to delete outside the parchment). With just the water it looks like this:

7) Next I used this video tutorial to create in a new layer the mountains. I took the Screenshot layer and made the mountains on top of the ones visible over there. For the top of the mountains I used the colour c9b581 from the tutorial, for the foot of the mountains I used the colour bc8b46, which is the same as the parchment colour from the first tutorial. Here's the result:

8) Then I started the first parchment tutorial again, but this time I melted the mountains in the beginning with the parchment. That means the mountains will get the same treatment as the rest of the parchment, and will be an integral part of it. I still got the Old Layer, without the mountains, to give an old feeling to the entire map. Here's the result of the parchment making with the mountains:

9) Next I brought up the Background map again, and started to paint in new layers green dots for every tree I saw, red dots for every city, castle and town I could find and tan stripes for bridges. Here you see the result of that:

10) Then I used the font Ringbearer Medium to create all the names. I used for all the different types a new layer, with different visibility: City Names (75% visible), Castle Names (60%), Village Names (50%), Training Fields (40%) and Country names (15%). We're almost there:

11) The last step was to create a new layer for the colours of the kingdoms: I used a fuzzy brush, the largest one available, to paint the kingdoms. I used the Black Land layer to delete everything I painted outside the land. Also I set the visibility of this layer to 20%. I used the following colours:
Nord: 3acacb
Vaegir: c8c3a3
Swadia: fe7c4b
Khergit: d49bff
Rhodok: 46a547
Sarranid: eff65b
And this is the final result:

I hope this is a little usefull. It took me an evening to create this map. I'm no Gimp-guru, but I try to goof a little around in it .

 

[Wyvern]

Thanks for the very detailed reply! Sounds like a lot of work but the effect is stunning.

 

[Monnikje]

The initial work took me indeed a full evening, but now I've got the file with the different layers, and can easily make a new map with the new situation in a few minutes.I'm really fond of those mountains: just recently found that tutorial on how to do them.

 

[Monnikje]

Chapter 18: The sieges
3 April 1258​

Dear Diary,

I've been a whole year in Calradia, and look at the changes that happened in this time. I've become a margrave and helped the kingdom of Swadia to the top. The king listens to me and I made a few friends. But the past month has been harsh. The war with the Nords is asking its toll, even though Swadia is at the moment on the upper hand. But I have lost much, really much. It all started a month ago, when I had the splendid idea to start to please the people of my margraviate. I started in the city of Halmar and the nearby village of Peshmi by asking what they wanted. The merchants of the city needed protection so they asked me many times to escort caravans, or to drive some cattle. No big deal. But Peshmi was a total different story.

When I arrived at the place, the villagers were being hunted down by many troublesome bandits. They took the cattle, raped the women and sold the children into slavery. The moment I rode up to the place, the village elder came begging to me: 'Help us, lord, from those vile evildoers,' he said, and I couldn't refuse. I entered the village with my army and quickly swept them away. But having been so abused, the people were angry. Not at me, but at their own inability to fence those robbers off. So they asked me to train them, to be able to withstand any other attack. I agreed, and after a few hard days some of the peasants managed to show some basic combat skills. Just in time, because the bandits returned. Together we taught them a lesson they won't forget so easily.

I trained the peasants of Peshmi to withstand the attacks from bandits.

While I was training peasants, I heard on 8 March about a peace treaty between Swadia and Rhodoks. But knowing king Harlaus, I knew that this month wouldn't pass without a fight. Especially when I heard about a border incident three days later, I knew that the next war was already on the doorstep. The next day, on 12 March, king Harlaus declared war on the kingdom of Nords. Officially because of the trespassing at the border, but everyone knew it was because he wanted to regain the lost territories. The past year the Nords had been the most successful faction of entire Calradia, so this was bound to be a hard fight. but the king doesn't care. He cares for no-one except himself.

The first action marshal Klargus took, was to lay siege on the lost city of Dhirim. The whole war had started over this city, after all. But the entire Nord army, over 1800 men strong, came marching down the road and the marshal fled like a coward. No wonder Klargus lost this title later in March: fleeing the army and betraying me before won't do his reputation any good. After that enormous army had scared the Swadians away, they marched on, to the next Swadian city on their list: Halmar, where the people just had started to like me.

With my small band of warriors I quickly evaded that main army, and rode on to Uhhun castle, where I gathered my elite forces. Sarranid Mamlukes, Swadian Knights, Vaegir Knights and of course a lot of sharpshooters. Along with my friends like Jeremus and Ymira I rode to the rescue of Halmar, where I foolishly enough had left too few guards. Just a handfull of them were barely alive when I arrived. I was just in time, since the army was about to storm the city. In total I had to defend the place with 86 men, while the Nord enemies attacked with 1800. No Swadian armies came to the rescue: we were all by ourselves. No wonder we lost, although I can proudly say that we took many with us. We killed 457 Nords, and wounded 21 more of them. For every two of my men that fell, eleven of theirs went down. It was a brave battle, and I even took up a crossbow after many sharpshooters had fallen, and tried to hit the enormous crowd myself. That wasn't hard: they were so packed together, so eager to use the ladder, that it was hard to miss anyone. But in the end it was in feign, since all my men were killed, my friends were scattered across the land and I was put in a cell deep in the dungeons of Halmar.

I only had 86 men to defend the city of Halmar against 1800 Nord enemies.

I'm glad that I had invested in the goodwill of the people, since the next day a guard came to me. If I could share just a little of my wealth with him and his family, he would lead me out of there. OF course I grabbed that opportunity, and soon I was outside the city. All alone, without any friends or men. I noticed that marshal Klargus tried to take Dhirim again: he was laying siege to that city for the second time. But history repeated itself: when the main Nord army, although severely weakened, arrived, he and the rest of the Swadian army fled in every direction. Count Grainwad wasn't quick enough and was beaten, although he managed to escape.

I was angry for the loss of my city, and rode to Praven, to see the king and to gather support for an attack. The king was too busy with holding speeches about the greatness of this war and didn't wanted to be bothered. I also asked if I could be the next marshal, since Klargus wasn't doing such a good job, but he thought I had to prove myself more. Hah! Luckily I found more support in two counts: Ryis and Regas. Together we rode out, and on the way I also convinced Deglan to join our quest for Halmar. They arrived a little before me, and already started the siege. Knowing that the main Nord army was still around, I tried to find a distraction. When I heard that Haringoth had been made the new marshal and was gathering forces near Dhirim, I knew what to do.

Immediately I rode to the gathering, and convinced Rafarch, Rochabarth and Mirchaud to attack Dhirim immediately. Third time's a charm, they must have thought. I checked out the siege of Halmar, and knowing that one was still ongoing and secure, I returned to help in Dhirim. The marshal and his army had joined my diversion troops: even the king himself came around to have a look. Of course I joined the battle, and together with almost a thousand men we stormed the city of Dhirim. This time no Nord army arrived to aid their defenders, and we managed to capture it.

Together with the Swadian army, I storm the city of Dhirim.

Unfortunately the king didn't recognise my loss. I had hoped to get this city or Halmar, but in the end I got nothing. The main Nord army had gone to Halmar and broken the siege, while I heard today that king Harlaus gave the city of Dhirim and the surrounding villages to count Regas. I'm angry, since my margraviate has shrunken, but I now know what I must do the coming month: gather as much peasants as possible to build up an enormous defence in my remaining city and castles, and try to find my friends back. I don't want to have a second Halmar happen to me.

*****
Gameplay notes
I have installed the Warband Battle Size Changer, and raised the maximum number of soldiers in the field to 1000. Expect more large battles.
Even though Floris hasn't gone up a level, it's worth looking at his current stats. Before the siege of Halmar he had crossbow 33, now he has 87. So he received 54 points from one battle!

The war with the Nords have brought quite a few changes to their luck. Swadia has managed to capture large portions of land back, although I have lost a whole city: the one I was pleasing. Also the Vaegirs strike back: using the clash between Nord and Swadia, they managed to recapture Curaw.

 

[Enewald]

How does your computer manage that amount of soldiers?

 

[Monnikje]

A little bit shocky, but overall surprisingly well, even though my computer is four years old. No crashes and it's actually doable (although of course not as fluent as normal battles), even with quite a lot of settings on high.

 

[Kayapo]

I've been following your AAR for a few days now.

Very nice story so far and really makes me feel like I should upgrade my M&B to Warband. Even if I still feel that doing it just for single player is too much.

That map you made is really incredible. Great job, fits in perfectly and really gives your AAR a lot of charm.

Question: Floris looks good, I mean I have all kinds of trouble trying to come up with at least pleasant faces in M&B and I usually fail and just keep my face covered at all times.

Is the face editor better in Warband or were you just very carefull with all those sliders to come up with Floris?

Also, if I may, I'd like to know a bit more about all the trading you are doing. Do towns in Warband always produce and buy the same trade goods like in vanilla? Are you keeping notes to help you with trade?

I've always found trade to be a bit tedious because the game has no easy way for you to make notes of who buys what and even more it doesn't tell me how much I paid for something so I can acess if it is a good deal or not.

A nice touch to that map would be to include your favorite trade routes on it.

Great AAR!

 

[Monnikje]

I'm sorry for the late update, but the past few days have been very busy.

Kayapo: Thanks! It's really great to hear you like the story, and the maps .

I'm fairly new to the M&B series: I haven't played the original, so I can't compare it to Warband. And I haven't played the multiplayer yet, so I can't share that experience with you too. But I hope you get a good idea from the story and the screenshots.

Let me show you the face editor of Warband with the slider settings I have for Floris:

All the slider settings of Floris in the M&B Warband editor.

I began with randomizing the face until I had a general shape that was ok, and then started to adjust some minor features until I was satisfied. Since Floris is of middle age when he enters Calradia, I raised his age on the slider. I tried to find a picture of him on wikipedia, but the only one I saw, was pretty useless:

Count Floris IV of Holland, picture from Wikipedia.

Therefor I looked at his father, count Willem I, whose face was visible: I based Floris' looks on him.

Count Willem I of Holland, picture from Wikipedia.

I just looked at the picture of Willem I and modelled Floris after him, since as a son he should have some simularities.

About the trade: there still isn't a function to see the price you paid for it, or the best trading options or such. So I've got some pen and paper where I wrote down some prices and places where I buy and sell goods. Your idea to incorporate my favourite trade routs in the map is really good: I'll do that in chapter 20 (since I've already finished chapter 19), in which I'll try to focus more on the trade .

 

[Monnikje]

Chapter 19: Looking for my companions
26 April 1258​

Dear Diary,

After I was defeated in Halmar, my companions were scattered along the landscape. They fled the battlefield, or were dragged away in captivity. Once I was released, I had to track them down and find them again. It wasn't an easy task, since they had literally gone to every kingdom they could find, but after almost a month of searching, asking and riding from city to city, I managed to get them all back in line, and even gathered some new ones, although I wonder how this will turn out: some people don't seem to like each other.

The past month I hired four new companions, all in different cities. I asked around in the tavern of Dhirim, where I set off a month ago, and found out that Nizar had taken his residence in Veluca, so I headed that way. On my way I passed through Uxkhal, and met Ymira again. Once I got to Veluca, I learned that Nizar had befriended a female archer, named Deshavi. He asked if she could join the group. Even though he gave some very good reasons, I suspected he had a healthy interest in her. As I continued my journey, I met a rough guy in Yalen. Having set a precedence with Deshavi, I also hired this Baheshtur. In the meantime Deshavi learned about my intentions for domination over the country, and she would gladly spread the word that I'd make the roads a lot safer. Of course I let her, while I continued my journey to Suno. Later this month I also met another noble, called Alayen - robbed of his wealth, but not of his high attitude, and with an eye on Ymira - and a rough woman called Katrin, who is really superstitious and seems to bother Firentis a lot. It wasn't later this month I learned about conflicting opinions and quarrels between members of my party.

While I rode from city till city, I found four new companions along my old ones.

When I arrived in Suno, on the 9th of April, I went to the great hall of the castle and walked through the crowd of nobles, searching for information about my missing companions, support for my cause and a good talk. As always I kept a watchfull eye for the beauty of the the ladies, who surprisingly were all around twenty. Now I'm thinking of it, I realise I haven't seen a girl of any other age: quite strange, although I haven't had any time to think about it before. I should watch more closely into this. Anyway, when I skimmed through the crowd of ladies, I noticed one girl trying to get my attention, instead of the other way around. Curious I walked towards her, and introduced myself. Her name was Nelda, daughter of count Klargus. She had heard many good things about me from her father, and very much liked to see me more. Later I spoken to Klargus himself, and he approved of me seeing his daughter. Quite exceptional, knowing the secrecy I had to endure with the other maidens, on whom I haven't given up yet, even though one day I'll have to choose. But the most stunning was the fact that it was count Klargus who had spoken well about me to his daughter: he, who had betrayed me, who fled sieges and whom the marshalship was taken away? Maybe I should revise my opinion of him.

Count Klargus had told his daughter much about me: she therefore wanted to meet me and see more of me.

After I left Suno, I rode on to the Vaegir cities of Reyvadin and Curaw, to find Jeremus and Firentis. I dropped some men in Khudas, where I'm gathering a lot of forces, and moved on. While passing through the Khergit khanate I did some shopping in Tulga, only to sell it in Ahmerrad: the well-known trade route. But I passed through a lot of cities, and managed to gather almost all of my companions. By the time I got to Bariyye, I was only missing Rolf and Klethi.

In the city of Bariyye I heard that both my missing companions were in the Sarranid city of Shariz, so I headed that way: I guessed they were eager to join my side once again. But when I entered the city, there was a large tournament going on, and I wasn't able to find them in the crowd. So I decided to join the spectacle. Maybe I could fetch their attention. The fights were not in my speciality, since I had to use both the bow and javelin on the back of a horse. But despite that, I managed to drive many opponents in corners, and stabbed them unconscious. I managed to survive the first round, the second, and event he third. Then the excitement started to crawl in, along wonder about how far I had came. I defeated round four and entered five: before I knew it, I stood in the sixth round, the final one: even there I managed to defeat my opponent, and win the tournament. The first one since my arrival in Calradia I managed to bring to a successful conclusion. Filled with joy I let myself being carried throughout the streets. Unfortunately both Rolf and Klethi weren't in the city to share my luck.

After a year of stranding in the first or second round, I finally won a tournament: in Shariz.

Rolf was to be found in Suno, where I learned that Klethi had went a separate way from him: she could be found in Sargoth, a Nord city deep within their territory. I also learned about a new campaign against Halmar, this time organised by count Haringoth. Once again I joined the fight, and we managed to conquer the city. Immediately I entered the place, and had a good look around. In my private chambers I met lady Bergit, the Nord lady trying to flee for the Swadian knights. As honourable as I am, I let her go, allowing her to return to her family. She spread the word of my good deed among her people, and a few days later a peace was signed between the two nations. Of course king Harlaus wouldn't rest: he declared the next day war on his southern neighbours, Rhodoks. But I was now able to go unhindered to Sargoth, where I indeed found my last companion, Klethi. I won't get the city of Halmar back form the king: instead I received the village of Amere. But the luck that had happened to me the past few days - finding all my companions back and winning a tournament - let me forget to get angry with this. I let it be. I had also more important things to worry about: the defense of my remaining city and castles.

*****
Gameplay notes
Since Floris' stats haven't changed, I thought I'd show some reports:

Swadia has won the war against the Nords, that much is obviously. They grabbed Halmar back and even got Kelredan castle. I received the village of Amere as compensation for my loss of a city.

 

[Enewald]

How mane women do you have outside courts?

 

[Monnikje]

Besides the seven woman I court, I have only three women in my party: Ymira, Deshavi and Katrin. I'm currently not seeing any tavern ladies, although that might change once I run out of available court ladies .

 

[unmerged(149861)]

Nice right to rule. Something tells me that it will be King Floris soon!

 

[Monnikje]

Chapter 20: Swadia burning
9 July 1258​

Dear Diary,

Swadia is burning, and it has been for two months already. The enormous growth earlier this year was enough reason for the bordering kingdoms to make an alliance to stop this growing beast. If I had only foreseen the misfortune that would befall on me, I could have prepared more, could have rallied more support. But no, the first half of May I was too busy with the squabling of my companions. I had gathered many men around me, and it appeared some people didn't like each other after all. In April I had hired four new companions, but they all didn't fit in to the group. Before things escalated, I had asked them to go out to the people and spread the joyfull word of my upcoming ascention to the throne. Baheshtur told the steppe people he came from that I would guarantee them free passage to the markets, instead of a toll they now have to pay each time they pass through. Bunduk went out to tell every common peasant he would meet that I would have audiences with common folks once I'll be the supreme one. I don't know if I can forfill every promise I've made the past few months, but at least the people are starting to believe in me, which basically gives me enough right to rule.

But even though they had set out to spread the word, there wasn't any harmony left in the party, so the new ones had to go eventually. It's sad because I had hired them, but it seems I had made a mistake by doing so. Some of my most trusted companions started to rebel against this new generation of followers: especially Artimenner wanted to leave me by the end of April. I'm glad I managed to convince him to stay a little longer. On the eight of May Alayen decided it was enough: he left the group, to be followed by Katrin. Even Baheshtur saw we couldn't continue like this. In the end I sent Deshavi and also Bunduk away, keeping only the core of my old companions around me.

Me and the seven companions that are left in my party: Marnid the horse archer, who will learn to fire a crossbow while riding into battle; Nizar and Firentis, who will be jousting knights charging the enemy; Artimenner and Rolf, who will think out the tactics and build constructions; Jeremus and Ymira, the medics of the team.

The war with Rhodoks, which had started by the end of April, was going steady. Swadia had conquered Almerra castle and the nearby village of Saren, but otherwise it wasn't that spectacular. Until the Khergit Khanate saw its chance and declared war too. A war on two fronts would be a real challenge: the forces had to be divided. But on the other hand: king Harlaus trusted me to protect the border. Pretty quick after the declaration of war, the Khergit forces were standing at the gates of Khudan. But I had been building up forces for the past month in that city, so when I arrived on the scene, the defence was a lot better this time. I decided to go out again and get more men to defend, but unfortunately I was overwhelmed by sea raiders. The first three groups I managed to fence off, but the fourth overcame me and took me prisoner. Rolf, Jeremus and I managed to escape the next day, but once again I had lost companions. I rode to Curaw, where I felt miserable. I had once again to look for many companions, although not all this time, and I had to rebuild my treasury. So I started to ride along the trade routes.

The first route I thought of, was the Khergit-Sarranid Spice route. I have ridden many times along there, and made a lot of money out of it. The route is short, but effective. I start in Tulga, where I buy spice for less than 700 denars. Most of the time I pay between 500 and 600 denars a piece. I also buy salt, for which I pay no more than 200 denars a piece. Then I ride through the eastern valley to Ahmerrad, where I sell the spice for at least 800 denars (I start most of the time at 880 denars) and the salt for at least 250 denars a piece. In Ahmerrad I buy iron for not more than 150 each, and ride back to sell in in Tulga for at least 250. There is one structural problem with this route: there is more money flowing from Ahmerrad to Tulga than the other way around, so after a few times the merchants of Ahmerrad aren't able to buy my spice anymore: then it's time to sell the last pieces in Bariyye and go somewhere else. But this time I couldn't go for this trade route, since Swadia was at war with Khergit.

Another possibility I thought of, were the Velvet sales of Jelkala. The city of Jelkala is the one place in the world where they sell really cheap velvet. Most of the time I can buy it there for 600 to 700 a piece, although I never pay more than 800. I haven't found a favourable selling city, since every one seems to want Jelkala velvet equally: they all pay more than 900. Unfortunately Swadia was also at war with Rhodoks, so no velvet for me.

The trade route I was closest too, was the Vaegir-Swadian Iron route. In both Curaw and Dhirim I could buy iron very cheap, paying of course not more than 150 each. Reyvadin is really waiting for this iron, and takes it all for at least 250. I hadn't found any other profitable resources on this route yet: therefor I had to look at a more extended route.

From that trade route, I came to a very large one, which takes five days to make just one round: the Nord-Swadian route. It all centers around the oil sale in Suno: if the selling price there is lower than 300, I can make monstrous profits: else I make only 2500 to 3000 per run. The cities I attend in this route, in order, are: Suno (where I buy oil for less than 300: I sell it for at least 450; I also buy wine, which I buy for maximal 150 and sell for at least 250), Wercheg (I buy salt for less than 200 and sell it for at least 250), Sargoth (I buy Flax for less than 100, which I sell for at least 100; Linen I buy for less than 250 and sell for at least 300; Wool for less than 100, I sell for at least 100), Tihr (Salt for less than 200 and sell for at least 250; Wool for less than 100, I sell for at least 100) and lastly Praven (Ale and Wool both for less than 100, sell for at least 100). The goods I can't buy in a certain city, I can sell over there. For example, I can buy ale and wool in Praven, and thus can sell flax, linen, oil, salt and wine over there.

A map with the original kingdoms as I arrived, and the trade routes I ride.

As I rode the trade routes, I searched for my companions. In the meantime I hired Lezalit, an experienced sword instructor, and Borchit, another warrior. I hoped they would fare better in the group than my last round of hiring people, and apparently I was right this time. Marnid and Borcha seemed to get along pretty well, just like Lezalit and Artimenner.

On 30 May I heard that the siege of Khudan was over: the attackers hadn't been able to capture the place, easing my nerves and giving me more time to gather an army and find my friends back. This was also noticeable in my current group: Lezalit had heard of me before, and offered to ride to all corners of Calradia proclaiming that I would not only be the one to unite the kingdoms, but also to conquer all other realms outside. I don't know, that seems like an impossible task. But who knows: if I can unite these lands, I can do everything. A little later Borcha spread the word that I would pardon all but the worst prisoners once I'd become emperor. Both tales let my fame grow, and are good pavements for the emperorship.

During my travels I met lady Sihavan in Praven: lady number nine on my courting list. I really should focus my attention soon, and see whom I could marry best: not for love, but for political reasons. When I just arrived in Praven, I heard about the siege of my Dramug castle: unfortunately, I wasn't able to prevent its fall: most of my men had been stationed in Khudan. Now I had not only lost the city of Halmar, but also the castle of Drumar. I needed to gather more men to station in my remaining castles if I want to become independent one day. But on the good side: I was able to gather support on the feast to elect me marshal. Unfortunately the king didn't listen to his peers and choose count Klargus again. Maybe next time. I rode out and found my companions one by one back in the taverns of several different cities. Only Ymira and Firentis were at Yalen, deep in hostile territory: I wouldn't be able to reach them until there would be peace between Rhodok and Swadia.

I found Marnid in the tavern of Dhirim, as I found my other companions in other taverns.

On 7 June the worst thing that could happen to Swadia, actually happened: the kingdom of Nords also declared war. Now Swadia had to face three enemies from three different sides: Rhodok, Khergit and now also Nord. While Swadia was raided from all sides and even all of the villages in the entire country were burning, I rode to the Sarranids and Vaegir to trade. The war seemed pretty far, until I saved a caravan from jarl Dirigun. Even though I defeated him and captured the lord, I let him go: he had fought well, and it was the honourable thing to do. Unfortunately pretty soon after that Rindyar castle fell to the Khergit too, robbing me of my second castle. I wouldn't see a chance to take them back, since on 21 June there was finally peace between Swadia and Khergit: they had obviously won the war. Thee days later the Rhodoks followed, claiming their spoils of the war. I finally was able to go to Yalen and get the rest of my companions back, but once I got there, they were gone already! Luckily I was able to retrace their tracks, and find them.

I've got over 500 men, although many still need to be trained. Their wages are already killing my treasury...

Now I'm in my new capital, the city of Khudan. I've gathered more than 500 men. I'll keep on training them, to have an army soon that can plough through any resistance. I'll arm my companions till they are the deadliest group of the entire empire. With Lezalit and borcha they now count nine whose wrath will fall upon my enemies. I think we'll seal our companionship by creating a ring for us all: nine rings for the mortal men, and one to rule them all. I have lost much the past two months. Beware, everyone, because soon it will begin. Soon I'll thunder across the landscape.

*****
Gameplay notes
Here is a picture of Floris' current stats, including his renown, honour rating and right to rule:

Three countries waged war at the same time against Swadia: no wonder that they've been pushed back hard. As margravate of the border provinces, I've been bit hardest. The Khergit have expanded much, and came back. The Nord have reclaimed Dhirim and some surrounding towns. Even the Rhodoks took a castle and town from Swadia.

 

[Enewald]

Conquer back what has been lost!

You need also more rings.
3 to immortal NPCs and 7 to craft merchants.

 

[the_hdk]

uhh turn for a bad

good luck!

 

[Monnikje]

Chapter 21: Floris' harem
21 July 1258​

Dear Diary,

I had lost two castles, a city and four villages: my land is shrinking. But I was determined to turn the tide, so I had gathered many men in Khudan. I had also sent my close companions out to the world, to proclaim my ascention, and prepare the people for the arrival of the new emperor. It's hard to believe I'm starting to believe myself that I'll becoming emperor one day: it's too fantastic to be true. But still, it's a dream worth working for. Before it can become a reality, I'll need to take care of a few more things: my popularity in my current fiefs, and finding a wife. Finding one will not be a problem: choosing will be. Ladies Afrid and Ruha have made it easy for me: they have married in the meantime and thus are not available anymore. Let me introduce all the seven possible candidates:

Lady Atjahan. The bards say she's a most conventional maiden, and quite devoted to her family, which is currently only count Charuka. He was once a Khergit noyan, but switched sides to the Rhodoks a little while ago. The count currently has no fiefs and is suspicious towards me (relation -12). Even though she is an exotic beauty only 21 summers young, marrying her wouldn't give me much influence on the Rhodoks court.

Lady Baotheia. This lady seems to be quite a romantic dreamer: gentle, but quite unpredictable. No wonder there has been some controversy about her. She and her family have always been part of the Rhodoks court, and marrying her would ensure me of some influence in that kingdom. Unfortunately I had once hunted down her father, count Laruqen, who is quite suspicious towards me (relation -7). He's the lord of two castles: Maras and Vyincourd. Matheas and Reichsin haven't got an opinion about me (both relation 0) and Gerluchs doesn't seem that fond of me (relation -3), but her uncle Talbar is more cooperative (relation 8). I haven't met her cousin Tellrog. If I marry Baotheia, the Rhodoks court would be the way for me to go.

Lady Elys. I've heard she's a lady of the highest moral standards, and I've noticed that the past year on many occasions. But I haven't spoken yet to her about me openly dating her niece Nelda. Maybe she forgives me because she's quite favorable towards me. Her father, count Ryis, is actually quite positive towards me (relation 10). He is the lord of Kelredan castle, along with the villages of Amaskhe and Elberl. Her brother, count Montewar, is a good friend (relation 27), just as her uncle Klargus likes me (relation 14). Her second uncle, count Haringoth, is wary of me (relation -1), and her third, Clais, has been switching sides really often: I almost can't keep track of whom he sides this month, so even though he's not that fond of me (relation -2), I shouldn't weight to much to his opinion. Her cousins: Beranz thinks I'm ok (relation 2), as does Regas (relation 1), but Devlian almost hates me (relation -14). Marrying into this family will ensure me of much influence in the Swadian court, and Elys really likes me even from before I was so successful. But is she the right choice?

Lady Gaeta. The woman I've been seeing the longest of all is Gaeta, with equal moral standards as Elys. She's really supportive and helps me all around when I'm in Praven, but unfortunately her brother, count Meltor, is my worst enemy (relation -20). He hasn't got that much influence with only the villages of Nomar and Iyindah. Maybe he would be more friendly if we're bonded through his sister?

Lady Katia. She's a normal, conventional girl with a small family. Her father, Vuldrat, had fled the declining Vaegir kingdom, to join the winning side. This hasn't brought him any fiefs left, but at least he can raise his daughter in a more secure environment. He hasn't got an opinion about me (relation 0). I haven't met her brother Druli, who still fights the Vaegir side, and protects his village of Ayyike. Marrying her wouldn't mean any influence on any court, but it wouldn't make any enemies either.

Lady Nelda. She's just a normal, conventional girl who's determined to steal me from her niece Elys. Her father has told her many good things about me, and so she arranged that I can see her without any fuzz. She's from the same family as lady Elys. Her father would support a marriage, and since he's lord of the important city of Suno, that would mean quite some influence. I wonder if there won't be a rupture in the family if I proceed with her, or Elys? We're working hard on our relationship, but it's not yet as far as with her niece Elys.

Lady Sihavan. I only just met this girl, and don't know much about her. Her father, count Mleza, is just like Vuldrat a Vaegir fugitive without any land. I haven't met him yet. In contrary to Katia, Sihavan hasn't have any other family. All ties with her declining homeland have been broken. She's the biggest mystery of all seven girls, but ain't mysteries there to be solved?

As you can see, the choice is quite diverse. Some girls are from influential families, others are more on the background. But whom should I favour? Maybe I'll ask all of my companions, who I know read this diary when they think I'm not looking. I'll leave some blank spaces for them to write their thoughts. Whatever I decide, I think I should give all seven of them a ring too, to remember the good times. How did my Sarranid friend emir Ghanawa call it? A harem? Yes, getting all seven of them into an harem would be perfect, although I think that won't work in the end.

*****
Gameplay notes
I have installed the Arena Overhaul mod to make the arena's more interesting. I hope to show you some fancy pictures the next time I join a tournament.

Which lady shall be Floris' wife? You can all try to influence my decision. Just say over here who I should choose, or who I at least should invest more in. I'll be away from Thursday till Saturday, so there will be plenty of time to make your decision. I'd appreciate it if you said why you'd choose for a certain woman ('cause she's hot is a good reason).

Since Floris' stats haven't changed since the previous chapter (although his right to rule has been raised to 81!), and his gear hasn't changed much (only got a nice helmet now which gives +57 defence for the head), the reports won't show any new things and the map hasn't changed during these two weeks in July, I decided to show you just a few pretty pictures of Floris' new helmet and lance in action. Nothing wrong with that, isn't it?

 

[Enewald]

Are there no women with fiefs?

No daughters of kings?
Lonely Empresses?

Marry some girl that gives you lot of political influence, many allies and gives you possibly more land and cash.

 

[Monnikje]

Enewald: I'm not sure: maybe I should look into conquering the declining Vaegir kingdom before someone else does that: they border my capital and got some nice castles and cities.
I'm not sure who should get the three rings, but I thought the seven should go to the women .

the_hdk: Thanks! But this time I've got a great army, so no more losing castles this time. Although I should bring some of them to Uhhun Castle...

[edit]
Enewald: I haven't found them yet . Maybe I'll give Ymira a fief once I'm independant, just to have a woman with one!
King Harlaus says that he has other plans for his kids, but I haven't seen them yet. So I guess he has them locked up in some dark tower or something...
I've got a few ideas for marriage .
[/edit]