Crusader Quest: Deus Vult

>Would like to point out that i would prefer if we got Malik alive
>Implying he wont try to kill Sabeen for accepting christ
>Implying he wont deny her his kinship
>Implying Malik is not Wahabbi as fuck

we should also quietly point out to the lords that with the new threat to the east, we can ill afford to lose more men and materiale so easily to a sustained attack on a fortified position. Men that can be sent east to fight zengi.

> support storming the castle

let them have this

No point in having men die in a battle that is already won when they can be better spent elsewhere.

> ask to negotiate a surrender

more of a demand, those who surrender now will be given to ransom and treated hospitably till then, those who don't will suffer the consequences

Help is not coming their is only submission or death

Oi Malik! Our Nubian beat your Nubians!

"My queen, enough blood has been shed on these walls," you said, "If you would allow it, I could negotiate a surrender. The man above is known to me and others in our company as an honourable soldier. I'm sure we can reach terms."

"Terms be damned," Raymond snarled, "My father is dead, and someone must answer for it. We should purge this city of its infidel taint as our forefathers did when they captured Jerusalem. Let us cast their women and children into the sea." This seemed to get a low roar of agreement from many of the other lords, many of them your friends and allies, but by no means all of them. Prince Manuel only pursed his lips while Elias looked faintly disturbed by the suggestion, Hugh sat unhappy on his horse staring straight ahead to the citadel's stonework.

Few supported the idea of a surrender, and were keen to end this affair fast and violently.

You lean in close to Melisende. "Let me try," you mutter low, for her to hear alone, "Please. I know I can do this."

Melisende drew up in her saddle with a nod. "I shall let you try, Lord Wilhelm, but if a surrender is not forthcoming, I shall not restrain my men. Let whatever happens next be on the heads of the Saracens, be it an honourable surrender, or death and slavery."

You return her nod and trot your horse forward, alone. The assembled might of Christian nobility waited behind you with spears raised and banners fluttering in the early winter wind. You looked up to the terrac, to the two armoured old men, Malik and the fat master of the citadel.

"I am Wilhelm, son of Wilhelm, Lord of Ramla," you called, voice carrying easily across the yard, "I have come to negotiate a surrender. Throw down your arms and open your gates, and all those within will be taken honourably, left unmolested and provided comfort until their ransom can be paid. This I promise." The two confer in their infidel tongue. You point to them and speak more sternly. "This I also promise, if surrender is not given, we will take this citadel by storm. There will be no mercy or quarter given. There will be no negotiation. Do you understand?"

Malik leaned across the balcony, a tired look in his eyes. "I understand," he called back, "We know Wilhelm, son of Wilhelm, to be a man of his word. We ask only for an hour to talk among ourselves, for our answer to be delivered at the end of that hour. Do you accept?"

You look to Melisende and see her give a slight nod.

"We do," you said. The two old men retreated away from the balcony.

> roll 1d100, best of three

Rolled 91 (1d100)

Butchery awaits

Rolled 25 (1d100)

Rolled 70 (1d100)

Rolled 75 (1d100)

So close to also having the lord letting Wil impregnanting his daughters.

Pretty good I guess.

For zengi.

>tfw Malik will blame Will for his daughter turning to a false god
>tfw our differences will be inconsolable thanks to Hugo giving Sabeen the D

So. Now is a good time to think about names for children?

By the way, we should probably talk to the Queen about Barisan and Hugh's sister. Get them both as far away from Hugh as possible.

The queen know how good Wilhelm's tongue is first hand!

to be honest I'd let Hugh die if his wife is pregnant we lose absolutley nothing from it and basically gain a vassal we can groom to our needs.

but speaking of Huughs sister she may be a good substitute for Mathilde in regards to Elinard, and if she's married off Barisan's ambitions as far we know die with her

Still need to get the sister away from the wife and child.

Enough user.

which is why if another match comes up for Mathilde we suggest Hugh's sister for an Immediate marriage as part of the compensation for breaking the Bethrothal

Yeah, lose nothing except a friend and ally. Who even needs them?

>Friend
>Ally
for now, who knows how jealousy and ambition turn things out though

More like "Why would he turn against us now he entrusted us with keeping his wife and daughter safe if he died."

They do not confer long. When they do return its with other men of the citadel, mostly older men with greying beards and eyes filled with sorrow. They all sported some form of injury, hastily bandaged. All of them carry weapons bundled in their arms. Swords, spears, maces, axes. They take them to the edge of the balcony and let them fall, slipping from their arms and crashing to the courtyard below in a clatter. The spears and swords roll out to make a carpet of weapons before the entrance to the citadel. The soldiers retreat from the balcony back within as the Christian lords begin to mutter.

The citadel doors grind open. Frightened servants fall to their knees on either side of the gate's frame.

Malik and the Citadel's master stand in the entryway. They both fall to their knees, heads bowed down. Behind them stand in rank and file the surviving soldiers of the city, and behind them were the noble women and children of the keep.

Melisende rides forth, with you at one side and William Bures at the other. The other lords follow you. The two men keep their heads down.

"We put our lives in your hands, entrusted to your honour," Malik said, "I ask only that you extend that sheltering hand to the remaining common folk of this city, to its Muslims and Jews alike. Let this slaughter come to an end." Behind them the women and children stirred, the women wore frightened eyes through the masks of their veils. The children stirred in frightened confusion.

"It is no bad thing to show mercy," Hugh said.

Raymond snarled. "The rules of war are clear, the men have earned their right to punish the defenders." He was correct, but such laws were unwritten.

> support Hugh
> support Raymond
> do nothing
> write-in

> do nothing

we negotiated the surrender let Melisande rule the rest of this

>> support Hugh

The soldiers have had their fun already. It's not like they've been restraining themselves once the city fell.

Time to reign them in.

> support Hugh

> support Hugh

We made a promise. If we were to go back on it, no one will ever surrender to us ever again, nor trust us. Be it christian or heathen. They will be kept as befitting of their station intill the ransom is paid.

> support Hugh

Technically, our promise is only for the gentlefolk and not the smallfolk.

True. Misread that, still i do think it is a good idea. Would make it easier to rule the city if we are known as the guy who reined in the looting and slaughter/rape-

>support Hugh
We kinda have to live here. Might make it more beneficial in the long run

Agreed. Just wanted to point out your slight misunderstanding. Also we'll be living here so its for the best.

>Estranging the count of Tripoli

Yeah GREAT Idea guy's especially since the north is SO loyal to Jerusalem at the moment what with Antioch and everything

Ok.

Fuck this nigga and his murderboner

>murderboner

nigga we can't just spare everyone because muh humanitarian POV we need to keep those we need happy to maintain the kingdom

>humanitarian POV

What ? All the reasons stated was due to self interest. Pretty much a "Dont shit where you eat" kind of deal.

ideally we want to chase a good number of them away so good christian folk can settle in the city.

Offer a bit of extra pay for any european who wish to stay from our army ?

"Mercy is the gift of Christ," you said, and saw Hugh's nod of approval, "We must show ourselves not just to be superior in arms, but in character as well. My lady, it's a fair suggestion."

"Very well," Melisende turned in her horse to call forth Raymond du Puy. "Master Du Puy, send your men to bring peace to the city. Give all looters the grace of an hour, beyond that they shall be punished as common criminals. This is a Christian city now, and Christian law shall be observed."

"Aye my lady," the master of the Hospitallers said with a gentleman's salute. He turned his steed and rode out with his men around him, surcoats flapping as he roared Melisende's orders to his knights and serjeants. Many of the nobles seemed unhappy with this decision, but for the moment they kept their mouths shut.

Melisende dismounted, with you beside her. Others soon followed your example, and you crowded the archway of Ascalon's citadel. The queen gave Malik and his unhappy friend permission to rise.

"You fought valiantly," she said, with a slight bow to the Muslim warriors. They gave slow response, bows of their own. She looked past them to the surviving soldiers, unarmed but still armoured, and past them to the frightened huddle of women and children. To them she said, "You all will remain in Ascalon, under guard and in apartments, and under the care of Ascalon's new lord, until word can be sent to your master in Fastut to pay your ransom. You will be given all good care."

Malik translated her words for the Egyptian nobility, and they stirred uncomfortably at it. One, a golden skinned young woman with dark hair that escaped the hem of her scarf, asked Malik a question in their humming language. He looked back to Melisende.

"Who is to be the new lord of Ascalon?" he asked.

Melisende smiled, and turned to you. "Let it be known, that Ascalon shall be under the command of Wilhelm, Lord of Ramla." Some eyes widened among the Christians but others just nodded. Applause was given, but no great hearty cheer. Many did come up to congratulate you personally. Hugh grinned, squeezing your shoulder. Lord Gerard gave a simple nod. The Count of Foix gave you you a slap on the back. Prince Manuel gave you a generous smile and a half-bow.

None directly grumbled, but you saw some jealous glances shared around.

> Attained: Ascalon
Your men and those in the queen's livery began to file through the archway. Sir Etienne and his one-time squire, Sir Jacques, directed the arrest of the remaining soldiers, men-at-arms escorting them to quarters that could be secured. Beside you soon stood your brother, Sir Hugo. For all his knightly title, he wore the same arms and armour of this morning's combat, his axe and maille still bloody. His eyes flicked nervously to Malik.

Behind him, waiting with your other men, was Sabeen. She seemed a nervous girl looking into the deep corridor of Ascalon.

Before Malik was taken away, he came up to you.

"Well done my boy," he said, a grin despite the sorrow in his eyes, "You've come far since I first met you."

"You were never my enemy," you said, "We just warred for a time."

"A nice thought," he said, and he looked past you to his daughter, and his face went pale. "Come and visit me when you can," he said, before marching away with Templar escorts.

Melisende touched your arm, turning your attention back to her. "What is your first order, Lord Ascalon?" she asked. Though she did not smile she seemed well pleased, a softening of her face you recognised from late nights spent together.

> secure the treasury
> secure the Jewish quarter
> secure the mosques
> write-in

> secure the treasury

There is still some left of that hour we gave them. Then we can secure the mosques.

Or should we secure them first ? They are bound to have some riches in them AND we will look good for the common people?

>> secure the treasury

>> write-in
Stop malik quickly.

Ask him about the assassin of zengi. and where the fuck he ended up. That one must be quartered.

> secure the treasury
> secure the mosques

if its anything like a proper christian city these should be the richest places

I'd recommend awarding some additional treasure to the Jerusalem nobles for their patience and cooperation in taking the city with only as much bloodshed as necessary

FUCK YEAH WE"RE MARRYING OUR WAIFU!

Fuck yeah. Nabil needs to fucking die.

> secure the treasury

> secure the treasury

> secure the mosques
> secure the treasury

this

THIS!!!!!!

> secure the treasury

Pretty much this.

we need to secure both so we can doll out rewards as we please, please change your votes to

Changing to

Hey HF can we pay Maliks ransom to keep him hostage?

I'd hate to fight him again

No.

They are going to get a portion of it.

Remember the sections about the dividing of the treasury. Each noble will be getting a share.

If we secure the Mosques it will allow us to give a more generous portion to those who grumbled about a lack of blood or suffered the worst of the losses during the siege

>> secure the treasury
>> secure the mosques

Faith and Coin, that's the only thing worth a damn right now.

Why not send Malik to secure the Mosques as a gesture of good faith with Sirs Hugo and Jacques?

The treasury of Ascalon was a subterranean vault, dug into the earth in the time of Alexander. Wide and deep, it's walls were marked with ancient, even pagan, friezes of galloping centaurs and capering satyrs, both chasing after half-dressed women-folk across fields and waters. Others showed soldiers in arms marching in step, perhaps the armies of Alexander himself, or one of his many successors. The roof above was domed, a stone shelter.

Beneath it, and before the eyes of all, were the treasures of Ascalon. Jewels and gemstones set into figures of gold and silver. Chalices, plates, small idols. Precious furs from exotic beasts, heaps of amber, jade, bolts of silk. Coinage taken as tribute or as plunder, showing the markings of dozens of nations. And set upon a bookcase, leather bound tomes and ancient scrolls.

Your men gaped at the treasures before them, and yourself, you felt a hot prickling across your skin. Even with the divided take you were a rich man. Franz went and held up a golden bowl, holding it close to his eyes, fingers measuring the length of it. He looked back to you with an impressed nod.

Rather than dive into your new treasure like a duck into a pond, you posted men upon the entryway and with a nervous flutter, left to see to other business. The corridors of Ascalon were wide, the roof high. You felt you had been transported back to the days of pagan gods and ancient armies, of the hundred thousand strong legions of Rome and Persia. Every where you looked you could see this place had not been made by Christian hands, you do not think such a thing could be made in this day and age. You were grateful for Malik's surrender, he could have punished you hard if you had tried to storm it.

The entry chamber of the citadel was a waiting ground for the nobility. Chairs had been produced, and Melisende sat with her vassals.

"Portions of the spoils shall be divided as such..." she said as you passed.

You gave out orders for your men to go into the city and take charge of the mosques, to make sure the common folk were left unmolested and their treasures secured for your own good. In time these mosques would be reconsecrated into churches, it would not be practical to have them burned.
With that last order given, you asked after the chamber of Malik. A soldier in the colours of Tripoli gave you directions.

It was above a stairwell, and Sabeen guarded it, looking unhappy as she leaned against the door. She stood up for you. "Wil," she said.

"Is your father well?" you asked. She shrugged.

"He won't speak with me," she said, "Because I am..." Christian, you thought. None of your followers had sacrificed as much as Sabeen had, you realized. She had broken ways with her father and her faith in service to you.

> offer her a reward of her choosing
> never mind her, you had business with her father

(sorry, lost my trip)

>> offer her a reward of her choosing

She deserves it. She's also probably going to choose to marry Hugo and then Wilhelm is going to get really mad.

> offer her a reward of her choosing

gods.

Hug her. Comfort her. He is her father, he will come around. We will talk to him.

> offer her a reward of her choosing

> offer her a reward of her choosing

>> offer her a reward of her choosing

>Precious furs from exotic beasts

DIBS ON A NICE WOLF PELT FOR HUGO

> offer her a reward of her choosing

good service is due a reward so long as it's not to do with releasing her father from our custody we will forfill it to our best ability

>new treasure like a duck into a pond

UNCLE SCROOOOOOOOOGE

I think by now both Hugo and Sabeen have more than proven themselves.

Honestly I can see Wil getting mad before giving a sigh of defeat and saying "Fuck it, I can't stay mad forever."

same.

I just beg hugo doesn't mouth off again.

Guess we could make it up to Joyce by allowing him to build a chapter house in the city instead.

Oh and we should probably write back home to Ramla and a certain someone in Jerusalem.

Definitely yes and his choice of house in the city, free.

yes but they can't get married still because dammit all Hugo has value beyond being our bastard brother

Yes and YES!

You place a hand to her armoured shoulder and squeeze.

"Tell me what you want, and if its within my power I'll give it to you," you said.

She smiled. "What's there to give? The open road, a horse beneath me, a spear in hand..." but her expression went tender, "But I suppose there is one thing." She took your hand and placed it to her belly. "I think...I think a child is growing inside me," she said that with a nervous hitch in her voice, which put a fearful squirm in your chest. "I would like that child to have its father wed to its mother. If you would allow it." Her eyes were soft with gentle pleading.

> yes
> no

> yes

Fine. Christ HF how much and for how long did they do it ?

>> yes

Goddammit, I hate it when I sense this shit.

"Hugo's a bastard-born. I won't let his children be bastard-borns."

Bruh.

They fucked like rabbits ever since the siege started.

OH GODDAMIT

> yes

on the day the child is born though

> yes

> yes
I apologize for my selfishness

Goddammit HF, now I'm visualizing Casca begging Griffith to let her marry Guts.

You bastard, and if we find a stupid egg-shaped amulet in the vault, I'm-a quit you.

>> yes

Give her a hug. But ask her not to tell hugo yet. At least let us be the one to tell him. So that we might mend that gulf between us.

>yes

I'll not make a bastard of him

>Implying you can quit HF's wild ride

I've tried.

It took HF's 3 month absence for me to feel free for once.

Then he came back like the goddamn Pied Piper of Hamelin and ensnared me with his enthralling words.

He's a fucking Apostle, I fucking swear.