The Rightful King [Book the First on the House of Wessex]
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I did like the reverse psychology Eadward used on Robert - sounding him out, finding he does not plan to go on Crusade, complimenting him and telling him the King wants him to stay in Normandy - and seeing Robert reverse himself and decide to go. Well played.
Sending him to the Church would work... except that he has a wife. Doesn't that disqualify him from the Church?
Sending him to the Church would work... except that he has a wife. Doesn't that disqualify him from the Church?
Good artists create. Great artists steal.
It would so long as she is alive I think. Thankfully (since we are using a particular kind of strategy here), they both live in the palace with Eadgar. Wait till she pops out an heir and then have her die 'due to complications'. Then you can stuff the grieving husband in the Church and ensure his child grows up loving you not him.
Or, if you don't want to be nefarious (and considering the track record of marriages with eadgar's sons and friends), that all might happen by accident/unaided. Btw, I've never seen so much childbirth death before. Is this a base game thing?
So much money. All gone. Hopefully the gift is well received and the treasury back in the black before unfortunate things happen.
Fb-fb:
To all - I've just had to spend $300 bucks on a new TV and today I am home without a ride as my car is in the shop to the tune of another $500. You might see why I work so much. However, it has allowed me to get some work in on this when I did not think I might. Thus, the next update follows after a typo pass. Excellent comments as always, to be sure. And I have another thing to say.
Yesterday I found out that a high school friend committed suicide. I was not close to her then or now in any great way, but I remember her because she was damn cute. I would just like to say to you lot...if you ever have those types of thoughts...please consider me an avenue to discuss. Send me a PM or email. I may not tell you what you wish to hear but I would do all in my might to convince you that suicide is not an option. I do not make an issue because it is personal, but my reasoning is this...we did not put ourselves in this world so it is not our place to take us out.
That said, the next update follows...
There is no doubt that this history is anglocentric. It has to be. I will not fault you for using the Pratchet offense but know that I am no great fan. Excellent idea for Eadward but the practicability is lacking, as you suggest below.
I must admit, I do not get the reference. That does not happen with me a lot. But I will not deny that Butterfly is a genius.
I am so pleased that the scene worked as intended. I wanted to show Eadward as having some savvy. It was a quandary as I began writing it and thank goodness it played well.
Poor Æthelmær is trying to do his duty. Harassed? Yes.
I hate to say it...but wait and see.
Sooo much money! That was really the big aim of the post. I did not make a big deal of it in the writing but I made sure it was included in the screenies. Mel Brooks suggested that it is good to be the King. It is also costly.
To all - I've just had to spend $300 bucks on a new TV and today I am home without a ride as my car is in the shop to the tune of another $500. You might see why I work so much.
However, it has allowed me to get some work in on this when I did not think I might. Thus, the next update follows after a typo pass. Excellent comments as always, to be sure. And I have another thing to say.Yesterday I found out that a high school friend committed suicide. I was not close to her then or now in any great way, but I remember her because she was damn cute. I would just like to say to you lot...if you ever have those types of thoughts...please consider me an avenue to discuss. Send me a PM or email. I may not tell you what you wish to hear but I would do all in my might to convince you that suicide is not an option. I do not make an issue because it is personal, but my reasoning is this...we did not put ourselves in this world so it is not our place to take us out.
That said, the next update follows...
The Rightful King
Gainsborough, England - March 1102
The chill in the air caused Eadgar to pull his fur around him as he waited for his son to attend him. The feast held as a homecoming had gone fine enough, but the high table was all pleasantries and some few bits of cooing from his wife, Hextilda as she doted upon her second born son. Eadward had taken it in and shown off his wife to all that would see. The King had remained silent but kept a smile on his face. Now it was time for seriousness. A knock on the door caused Eadgar to rise and move for a drink of ale as he yelled out to enter.
Prince Eadward moved into the room and offered a slight bow, “I had thought you to be abed, father. Do you find poor digestion?”
“The feast was well enough, my son,” Eadgar turned with an arched brow, “But as this is the first I have been able to see you in person these last many months, I wished us to have some larger conversation.”
Eadward looked to his father with a pleasing countenance, “I would have presumed a meet on the morrow, Your Grace.”
“I am up at the now,” Eadgar stated plainly as he moved to sit once more.
Eadward allowed a smile, “I am at your side whenever you require it, father.”
“Good,” Eadgar exclaimed, “How go your efforts in Gwynedd?”
“Slowly, Your Grace,” Eadward too moved to sit as he watched his father’s face closely. “As I wrote to you some time ago, they remain at war with the Earl in Perfeddwlad and very few wish the time to speak with me.”
The King fidgeted with his cup, “Perhaps you should spend more time there.”
“I would spend as much time as required to fulfill your ends, father,” Eadward answered, slightly taken aback.
Eadgar drew him a sharp eye, “You speak to me at the now as my Chancellor…not my son. Should you wish some advice on your husbandly duties, I would be more than happy to give some words of wisdom from a son’s father. At this time, I have question and on many fronts. Part the first is to question why I am unable to press my claim in the Welsh country?”
The Prince shifted in his seat, “As I was the one to gain you such claim, father…Your Grace…I would hope that you may trust my word when I say that now is not the time for such action.”
“Pray speak on it again, Lord Chancellor,” Eadgar kept a steely gaze.
Eadward stifled a sigh before he answered, “It would not do Your Grace well to enter a warring country. It may be seen as unjust even with a valid claim. It would be best to see a victor and then make your choice, my liege. I believe I have been clear on this as has been our Lord Marshal.”
“Speak not to me of Lord Skuli at the now,” Eadgar waived a hand before taking a drink.
“Was there a part the second, Your Grace?” Eadward asked with some slight pertinence.
The King kept his eyes to his son as he finished his cup. He questioned over his shoulder as he stood for another, “There is indeed quite more, sir. I would know why you take it upon yourself to move my Duke of Normandy and master of spies from his position.”
“He remains both at the now, Your Grace,” Eadward looked to his father with some confusion.
Eadgar turned, “And yet, I am forced to repair a relation. Did you consider that when you made your ill thought move, my young Prince?”
“I thought it fine for him to be away…” Eadward replied with a stark gaze, “…as he is at the now. Lord Robert is now no threat to you as he has gone to fight the heathens. His faction is naught but himself and his numbers dwindle by the day. I would think such a thing pleasing to Your Grace.”
“It would please me if you would not be so quick to act without my counsel, my son,” Eadgar took a step forward.
Eadward stood with some irritation, “So now I am your son once more?”
Eadgar offered a grin, “Do not play the petulant child with me, sir. You have an older brother that has done it before and a younger that causes me no little amount of unrest. I would count upon you to be a rock…as you once suggested that you would be.”
“I remain steadfast,” Eadward suggested as he softened his gaze.
“Then hear my words and heed them now if you ever will…” Eadgar moved to put a hand on his son’s shoulder, “Do not think to act without my judgment. Your mind is surely sound but you are still young. You do not yet know of all the moving parts of this realm, even if you are a quick study.”
Eadward looked to his father with sorrowful eyes, “I did not mean to step too far, Your Grace.”
Eadgar smiled, “And yet, you cannot help yourself. I understand. We are not so different, you and I. After all, you are my son. We would have things at the now rather than wait. You see my thinking with the Welsh.”
“I do,” Eadward gave nod.
“And that is but one example,” Eadgar moved to seat his son as he too took a chair, “Your instincts are sound. Perhaps better than mine own. But what you may not understand is that moving one man to do something may cause another to act.”
“I know not what harm may come from your great concern in Normandy to be silenced,” Eadward gave question.
Eadgar sighed with a smile, “Because it will never be silenced and Lord Robert has great friends. It is well and good that he be gone for the now, but those with which he confides remain at home. Among them is our good and loyal Lord Skuli.”
“Do you fear that his mind is now poisoned?” Eadward asked with concern.
“Not as yet,” Eadgar shook his head, “But he has concerns that bring him in line with our Norman Duke. Did you know that your wife’s father has requested the excommunication of the new French Queen?”
Eadward gave a cautious nod, “I have heard Judith say that the Duke finds some disfavor with the lady.”
“Well, it was granted,” Eadgar looked to his son with a stern face, “One must ask the question…for what purpose? She remains a Christian lady as far as I am aware.”
“The Franks are in shambles,” Eadward tried to explain, “Her manner of taking the throne has them all in quite an uproar as I understand it.”
Eadgar kept his stern gaze, “Of that there can be no doubt. But who are we to find issue in French affairs? Does it not do us good to see them torn apart?”
“Father…” Eadward cut in “…the woman’s husband caused the death of the last King on his orders. In this time of Holy Crusade, should we not care about such vile acts?”
The King offered a kind smile, “I have seen French Kings come and go. There has only been one that I had much care for in the first place and only because he found some respect for me. You will not find such with that lot often. This one? This French Queen is nothing more than a line traced back to the Devil’s benefactor.”
Eadward looked to his father with some confusion, “The Devil?”
“William of Normandy, my son,” Eadgar gave a kind smile as he explained, “The Conqueror…the Bastard. This Queen’s father was nothing more than a scion of that House in Flanders. That her husband…some Duke out of Austria…caused his death is of no concern to us. That family will die on their own vine before they become fruitful. Surely God wills it. But we have larger concerns. Your sister is already married to one French Count…”
“You speak of my twin,” Eadward nodded with some dissatisfaction.
Eadgar gave nod, “I do. And Count Sylvestor is son of Earl William of Vexin…no longer a Duke after his wife’s death and now freed from his brother’s prison. Our Earl is a vassal of Lord Skuli. The man holds vast lands in England and I would keep him as pleased as he may be.”
Eadward was caused to ask, “Why would sending Lord Robert to crusade disturb his brother?”
“Likely it would not,” Eadgar was quick to reply, “But our Lord Skuli may find some issue with Robert gone. You may know that a brother’s bond is stronger than most. Even with their problems…blood remains thick, my son.”
The Prince still found question, “Thick or no, what cause is France to us? If we should not care, then why do you worry about this so very much? As I see it, that land is ripe for the plucking.”
Eadgar sighed, “Ripe? Yes. Our concern? Most certainly.”
The King stood and pulled a map to place on the table for his son to see, “This is a current telling of the lands beyond our shores.”
He placed a finger where France stood and looked to his son with a firm gaze, “That is a realm in turmoil. Look to their north and you will find us. We are whole and I wish to keep it as such.”
Eadward began to nod his head slowly, “Our Norman possessions cause ripples throughout…I see it now.”
“We tread a fine line, my young Prince,” Eadgar offered his son wise eyes, “One in which it is necessary to keep all in firm agreement with the crown’s desire. Even in happy times, that is near to impossible but still…we must try. I have many things in mind and it is most needed that our Lords find no issue with my actions.”
“I would treat with Lord Skuli myself, Your Grace,” Eadward attempted to be helpful. “Surely words from me would assist in smoothing over any ill feelings.”
“You have work to do elsewhere, sir,” Eadgar moved to pick up his ale, “Return to Gwynedd and continue your efforts for the now. And soon, you will be required to travel to Poitou in order to see to the betrothal of your sister, Mildreth. I would see to it that our Lord Marshal finds no cause for concern for you have little time to play at peace maker.”
Eadward attempted to apologize, “Father…Your Grace…I did not mean to cause such trouble.”
Eadgar offered a gentle smile, “You have not at the now, Eadward. But that is my caution to you. Be careful in your acts to ensure that they be fully considered. I have had many teachers, but the most sound was the one that considered every outcome before he moved. That is what I ask of your position.”
“I would not fail you, Your Grace,” Eadward gave a serious nod.
“Good,” the King stood with a grin, “Now go and be with your wife. I expect a grandchild very soon.”
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That was a scene where I first expected the father and son to go separate ways with ill feelings towards eachother, but which ended in a great learning excersise and some good bonding I might say. Then again, if I were the king, I'd consider utilizing the French civil war to gain a few counties to counteract the ever present Norman threat.
Pfft. Any SJW can take that and run you into the ground. You think that just because the entire AAR is about the kingdom of England that it has to be so anglosentric?
I must admit, I do not get the reference. That does not happen with me a lot. But I will not deny that Butterfly is a genius.
Take a walk through classical Crusader King I forums sometime. There's some crackers on there's. Knud Knitling especially.
I hate to say it...but wait and see.
...
There are other ways of putting that thought you know. We are in the age of Google searches. 'All shall be revealed, in good time' is a good one.
That actually goes for me as well come to think. As a Scout Leader IRL I've had some experience with these kinds of things in people of all ages. If the person you want reach out to is on this forum, all power to you. Just reach.
I believe that's another one of my assertions affirmed. All accolades and adoration abound!
France is screwed. Nick something quick and then get ready to fend off a lot of interest from others.
It strikes me that Eadwerd sometimes looks down upon his father as something of a rustic. For some reason it came to me in this update, rather more so that in some earlier ones, the sense of Eadwerd trying to explain patiently to a child how the world works. In a way this is quite reasonable - compared to Eadwerd's own education Eadger is rather rustic and rough around the edges. Eadwerd has grown into manhood in a realm more settled that Eadger did. Not that England during his childhood was necessarily stable - but nothing approached that total chaos of the Eadger's youth. It is a generational thing between them, I suppose.
I will certainly give proper fb-fb later but this may need to be addressed now.Pfft. Any SJW can take that and run you into the ground. You think that just because the entire AAR is about the kingdom of England that it has to be so anglosentric?
Take a walk through classical Crusader King I forums sometime. There's some crackers on there's. Knud Knitling especially.
Yes to the first and second, not only have I taken a walk through classic CK, but I lived there. You might notice that one of the completed works in my signature was written in that place. As I was a moderator on this forum back when that game was thriving, I am fairly well educated on those works as I had chance (and need) to peek at all of them. Especially phargle's grand opus. Still, the reference escapes me.
Yeah I know. Which is why I was surprised you didn't recall the catchphrase which is repeated almost every chapter including the first one.I will certainly give proper fb-fb later but this may need to be addressed now.
Yes to the first and second, not only have I taken a walk through classic CK, but I lived there. You might notice that one of the completed works in my signature was written in that place. As I was a moderator on this forum back when that game was thriving, I am fairly well educated on those works as I had chance (and need) to peek at all of them. Especially phargle's grand opus. Still, the reference escapes me.
Quoth the raven:
"I send all my problems to church. Because I hate God. And myself."
I have to say that I share Eadgar's concern at watching the Kingdom of France getting eaten out from under him. Now more than ever he needs a strong power base, and however tempting it might be to see Normandy get stomped flat by the Holy Roman tide for the sheer catharsis factor, they're far more useful as a bulwark or a beachhead.
I also rather enjoyed the exchange between Eadgar and Eadward It really seems to bring a lot of their similarities -- and a few key differences -- to the fore.
I also rather enjoyed the exchange between Eadgar and Eadward
It really seems to bring a lot of their similarities -- and a few key differences -- to the fore.
Sorry to hear about your friend.
Plenty to chew on in the previous updates. It's clear Eadgar now has a healthy suspicion of his son. This could be a good warning for Eadward though - if his father mistrusts him and can see his action, I can see how his brother may well do the same. And a conflict there may not go as nicely as a stern warning.
I can also see why Eadgar may not want to wait to press his claim. After all, if he's intent on expanding his holdings, those claims are only good while he lives and as an old man at that time, that may not be much longer. Patience is something his son can have plenty of, but Eadgar may not be able to afford.
I've said it before, but poor France! I would hope it will find a leader capable of restoring it (or leading it to) glory, but based on this update, that does not appear likely.
Plenty to chew on in the previous updates. It's clear Eadgar now has a healthy suspicion of his son. This could be a good warning for Eadward though - if his father mistrusts him and can see his action, I can see how his brother may well do the same. And a conflict there may not go as nicely as a stern warning.
I can also see why Eadgar may not want to wait to press his claim. After all, if he's intent on expanding his holdings, those claims are only good while he lives and as an old man at that time, that may not be much longer. Patience is something his son can have plenty of, but Eadgar may not be able to afford.
I've said it before, but poor France! I would hope it will find a leader capable of restoring it (or leading it to) glory, but based on this update, that does not appear likely.
I wasn't going to say anything - but on reflection I should say something. It won't be news to some people - but perhaps some people who read this won't know.
Ten years ago I was on the downslope of depression. I would walk to work imaging ways to injure myself. In the first week of July I found myself watching the traffic, judging the moment to step into the path of a vehicle so that it would not have time to stop. And yet, when asked, I would insist I was fine. The thing about depression is that the first person you fool is yourself. And because you are fooled, it becomes so very easy to put on a mask for others around you. But this is just one of depression's very many nasty tools - depression wants to isolate you.
So I will join with @coz1 's plea - if you are struggling through difficult times, even if you don't want to be a burden, or even if you think your problems are not very significant, or think you should be able to "man up" or "woman up" and deal with whatever it is yourself, or think you are undeserving of help, or any other reason you might think not to talk to other people: ignore that that. It doesn't have to be @coz1 (though he did sterling work trying to convince me there was a light at the end of a tunnel when all I could see was darkness), or me, or anyone here. But someone - a colleague at work, an offline friend, a priest, whoever really. Because no one has to walk alone.
And if you are that person someone opens to, even if you are a complete stranger, I beg of way take time to listen. You won't be able to solve the problem in that instant - it is just not possible. But it may serve as a beginning.
As a practising counselling psychologist I would certainly echo @coz1 and @stnylan's words. Do reach out if you are struggling as 1 of the 1st bulwarks against suicidal thoughts and depression is opening up-the very thing you don't want to do.
Sorry I've been a bit absent but, well, life and all that. I also live close to Manchester Arena so this last 10 days have been somewhat traumatic and very busy for those in my profession and others (luckily no one I'm close to died but like many I know people caught up in it, have provided counselling and sadly know of one of the victims).
Really have enjoyed these last 2 posts: it's always nice to see something written about money matters and I thought the exchange between king and steward was well done. The one between Eadgar and his son similarly though I'm struggling to understand in game terms why you can't press the Welsh claim? Is it lack of funds? I'm thinking you can't borrow from Jewish moneyLenders as you have none of the DLCs...
I'm not sure I agree with @TheButterflyComposer's suggestion of an expansion into France. Things are yet too shakey at home and better to secure your own borders surely? Not only that but I'm presuming you have no de Jure claims there either.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes next
Sorry I've been a bit absent but, well, life and all that. I also live close to Manchester Arena so this last 10 days have been somewhat traumatic and very busy for those in my profession and others (luckily no one I'm close to died but like many I know people caught up in it, have provided counselling and sadly know of one of the victims).
Really have enjoyed these last 2 posts: it's always nice to see something written about money matters and I thought the exchange between king and steward was well done. The one between Eadgar and his son similarly though I'm struggling to understand in game terms why you can't press the Welsh claim? Is it lack of funds? I'm thinking you can't borrow from Jewish moneyLenders as you have none of the DLCs...
I'm not sure I agree with @TheButterflyComposer's suggestion of an expansion into France. Things are yet too shakey at home and better to secure your own borders surely? Not only that but I'm presuming you have no de Jure claims there either.
Looking forward to seeing where this goes next
Yeah tell me about it. Makes you really sympathise with people who are in areas where their homes get blown up every day (sometimes by us).
Secure what borders? Wales and and Ireland don't exist and are no threat, and from the way Scotland has been set up so far it seems to be a weak and chaotic realm that has no desire to screw with England. I agree we should probably conquer Wales first but we've been wailing on that front for months now and the only character that did anything about it is now dead. There is something to be said about a bunch of Anglo-Saxon feudal lords who are capable of fighting quite bloody civil wars with each other but are apparently so peacefully that they never attack anyone else. Someone needs to kick them into action (and towards lands they can actually hold, not the holy land).
Oh I don't know. Seems quite in keeping if you take the view that England is the best place on Earth. Why would you want to conquer some chilly Welsh hillside when civil war means you can campaign in the comfort of familiar surroundings
Oh I don't know. Seems quite in keeping if you take the view that England is the best place on Earth. Why would you want to conquer some chilly Welsh hillside when civil war means you can campaign in the comfort of familiar surroundings
Yeah but at least in this period, it's good only in comparison to Scandinavia. And yes perhaps the rest of the British isles. But in that case, why the heck would you not want to invade France? Even the northern coast?
Actually I think I disagree - except in cases of expanding realms by bashing heathens lords mostly competed within realms during this period throughout Latin Christendom. The exceptions that proves the rule is really the Normans, both in England and in Sicily, and yet even both of those can be seen to be justified on religious grounds. Note I am talking about the lords of the realm - not the ambitions of the Kings. And yet even there, most inter-kingdom disputes were dynastic rather than territorial.
Not as well, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of England basically had no interest in northern France. We get fixated on that in our timeline because of the influence of the Norman and Angevin Kings, and the dynastic dreams of Edward III. But Eadger may honestly not care that much about Normandy - I wonder if it does not remain to him and to the other great lords of England (most of whom are still Anglo-Saxon unless I am very much mistaken) as foreign. It might be viewed much the same way Gascony was in the century between the early 13th to early 14th century - a nice place to have but still in some sense foreign.