[DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.

[Radzeer]

Very nice AAR! I like your writing and your creative picture editing.
DLV has a lot of potential and in game detail / roleplay which I like a lot, but it has crashed on me too often.

Keep it up!

[Ourk]

Great work man.
I've read it all in one go... that's saying how much I like it! Keep it up

[la coupe est pleine]

Draco
Yes, I hope to play with Philippe as a King. However, Louis is a tough warrior and we would need more than dutch militia to slay him. Maybe Philippe will have a little trip to Paris to wash the old affront...
About Olivier, he was really a nice guy and I can assure you that he is not off the story. Such a chivalric young noble can't be thrown over...


Sivilombudsmannen
I totally agree with you. It is a great fun to play with the DLV events. I never thought about including the economic events but why not. I have to think about it. Maybe it would be more easy when Philippe would become (if he suceed) the rightful King and would be able to deal with that.
For the moment, he is isolated in the Iberian Peninsula and have no clear news about the french economy, apart from the fact that there is a total revolution
I'm just sorry that Philippe doesn't have any "knight" traits, like banneret or whatever. Maybe because he is the heir...


Karnage
yes, France is not in a good shape. Even if I suceeded to conquer some lands in Iberica. The problem is that because of the revolution, I can't move my northern units without the fear they can rebel. I'm in an instable balance, but it is nice for the story line, because it helps a lot Philippe to have free hands in the south.


BamaToon
Ah ah
Are you really bringing up brutes children to slaughter the enemy?
It is a pure evil masterplan...
It sends me some ideas about the future career of Charles... In addition not being educated, the poor guy is a rebel against his father and had been thrown in the dungeon.


Radzeer
Thanks for your support. It's a shame that your computer crashed because it is such a nice mod.
Anyway, I'm pleased that you like the picture editing, even the sepia effect (I know that it can be hated by some good friends )
I would take the opportunity to say that when the pictures are in sepia, it means that Philippe didn't see the battle. There are reports battles. Like a book...


Ourk
Thanks a lot for your comment.
It really help to keep courage and to update as often as possible. If good people like you took the time to read the entire story, I have the duty to update new chapters and to increase my poor writing skills.
Thanks again...



I will update tonight.
Chapter XXXVII : How to win the soldiers confidence…

[Karnage]

Cant wait to see how it turns out. Keep us intrigued as you always do my friend.

[Draco092]

I'm pleased that you like the picture editing, even the sepia effect (I know that it can be hated by some good friends )

Jajajaja... I guess that's me XD

I'm wondering how is Philippe going to earn Olivier's trust again...and a more interesting question: If Olivier returns...Margit leaves?

[BamaToon]

A couple of things here:

I'm just sorry that Philippe doesn't have any "knight" traits, like banneret or whatever. Maybe because he is the heir...

That's exactly why he doesn't have any of the knight traits. Kings and heirs do not receive any knight traits or banners, once they become a king or heir. If they earned any knight banners before they became a king or heir, they can keep them once they become a king or heir.

BamaToon
Ah ah
Are you really bringing up brutes children to slaughter the enemy?
It is a pure evil masterplan...
It sends me some ideas about the future career of Charles... In addition not being educated, the poor guy is a rebel against his father and had been thrown in the dungeon.

I am playing a game right now as the Desert Tribes and I have 4 future generals who will come of age within the next 10-15 turns (including a future faction heir and leader). I am considering having one of them become a brute and be the "enforcer" of the family. The rest will become governors since I have a couple of settlements with no governors at the moment.

I will probably be at war with one of my neighbors soon, so I will need that enforcer to send a clear message to my enemies...

[la coupe est pleine]

Draco
Olivier will come back in the royal plot game. Let's wait a little to see what would happen...

BamaToon

I will probably be at war with one of my neighbors soon, so I will need that enforcer to send a clear message to my enemies...

When you say "clear message", you mean "brute message" so...
I enjoy your gaming view...
I should rename Charles as BamaToon, shouldn't I?

[la coupe est pleine]

2nd Iberian Campaign (Part III)
Chapter XXXVII : How to win the soldiers confidence...

An de Grâce 1205 AC.
Royaume de France.
Zaragoza.



Current world...



Aide memoire:

Philippe's trips

Heroes...

Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hope to become soon a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I’m a dreamer… I’m 25 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. I’m back in France after a while in Toledo, under the spanish protection, and I suceeded to be the new leader of Zaragoza, despite my state of outlaw... Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He is now back in Paris, but meet some difficulties with rebel nobles. His authority is extremely low. Michel. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel is the new unofficial leader of the Kingdom, because he had managed to use the lords as a tool to take the command of the Kingdom, against Louis. I’m the heir just because of his will. He is working in the shadows and is potentially more dangerous than Louis himself. Charles. "Nephew" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is the only child and son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He should be very angry… Maybe because of that, he decided to be a rebel in order to steal his father’s crown, and had been thrown by Louis in the Paris dungeon. He has been reconciled and is one more trap in my road. Clara. "Wife" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and I let her in Toledo. Margit. "Secret love" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. The big problem is that she was supposed to be the wife of Olivier, my old best general and friend. There are so many difficult choices in life. Norbert. "Michel spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him… Olivier de Beziers. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he seems very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. He was my “compagnon d’armes” but when he learned that I was the secret lover of his betroth Margit, he decided to leave me, just after saving my life. I am ashamed having lost his friendship. Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris. Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...

I was governing Zaragoza.
I spent the winter there. I only once visited Toledo to see my son. It was a strange baby. He was already fat as his mother.
However, he clearly wore the marks of my Arabic origins. I hoped that he could become fit and powerful as his father.
The only problem was that Clara was feeding him each time she was eating. It meant that the poor baby was fed permanently with disgusting Spanish food. I asked Clara to send the baby in my Court in Zaragoza, with experimented nurses. Clara refused. She was in love with this poor son.
I finally managed that when he would be 3 years old, he would move with Clara in my Court. I wasn’t really pleased to have Clara in the same place than me, but I couldn’t give up the baby in Toledo. He would have die of food suffocation otherwise.

When I came back in Zaragoza, I learned that some Spanish rebels were devastating the countryside around the city. I couldn’t tolerate that some pathetic nobles make such a laugh about my authority.
My problem was that I didn’t possess a lot of troops. I should let the main strengths in Zaragoza to keep order and be sure that no-one would try to take the opportunity to become the new local lord.

Despite that, I decided to attack. I knew that the rebel forces were compound of a lot of skirmishers. Therefore, I left the town with only my loyal friends and bodyguards and the more crossbowmen I had found in Zaragoza. The battle was fought near the Ebro, in the middle of March.

The Spanish lord was named Santiago. He was a Catalan rebel. He was said to be the son of a peasant, killed by Louis’s army ten years ago, when Louis came back from his missed crusade against Cordoba. Surely, he was there for revenge, and I knew what revenge meant.
Revenge meant fury.
My strengths were outnumbered and the fight would be hard.

Santiago was with some famous Jinetes, elite Spanish troops. There were also some foot skirmishers and spearmen. It would have been a pleasure to meet such a little rebel troops with my previous armies.

However, winds had turned since my Pope raid, and my troops were the ghosts of my glorious crusaders. I should manage to win this battle with crossbowmen.
I had to invent a new strategy.

I decided to use a defensive position. I was sure that Santiago had been warned that we were a quite easy prey. I expected him to attack first.
It would have been suicide to attack him, because of his fast and deadly Jinetes.
I ordered my troops to make a circle arc around a little village, located on a hill.

A windmill was on the top of the hill. It was an easy position to secure, with the strength and range of my crossbowmen.
I ordered them to hide themselves. With my mounted bodyguards and a unit of crossbowmen, we were the ideal prey.
We were good bait for Santiago.

My other crossbowmen stayed behind bushes, waiting the crucial moment.

Santiago didn’t waste time to bite the bait. He advanced with his Jinetes. They were suspicious, but a little too more excited about an easy victory.

We saw them in the valley. They were coming just in the good angle for my crossbowmen. The plain would soon become hell.






When Santiago entered the range zone of my crossbowmen, they all stood up and shot their first volley. It was a dramatic instant. Hundreds of arrows were piercing the air.





The Jinetes were surprised and were the first casualties. The fierce warriors hadn’t had the time to launch their javelins. The arrows had been faster.





However, Santiago rushed back and launched the attack. We heard the roar of his spearmen and skirmishers, surging on my defenseless crossbowmen. The skirmishers and Jinetes threw their mortal javelins.
The lines of my crossbowmen were pierced.





I was watching the distant massacre. I thought it was the good time to charge Santiago and his Jinetes. Indeed, they were in the middle of their spearmen and couldn’t escape my charge.
Hearing the loud noise of my cavalry hooves hammering the floor, my crossbowmen bucked up their courage.





As expected, the Jinetes couldn’t flee our charge. They were obliged to face. They were valiant and courageous, but not skilled for a close combat. It was an easy fight and I took pleasure slaughtering some rebels.





During the same time, the bulk of the foes spearmen rushed into my crossbowmen. My defenseless troops found the courage to stand and face the enemies with their spikes.





Unfortunately for them, they forgot to charge one of my crossbowmen units, still hidden behind the bushes. They were soon unpleasantly surprised by some arrows volleys in their back. They weren’t protected by their heavy shield and dozens of men felt at each volley.
They routed…





Santiago, watching the disaster, also decided to retreat, with his remaining Jinetes.
The victory was ours.
I exulted of joy.

However, I didn’t lose my time and slaughtered some of the fleeing spearmen, teaching them not to be cowards.
Doing that, I thought about my youth, where I was still dreaming of chivalry and honor. It was like my youth was definitely over. I was not a butcher, but I had learnt what real-politic and real-war was.
There is no mercy in battles…





My crossbowmen stayed in the war field, proud and courageous. They were exhausted and wounded, but pleased of this victory.





It was not a huge battle, but loads of men remained on the floor. Peasants of the village we had defended helped us to bury the dead and cure our casualties.





It was time to come back in Zaragoza. I was now sure that my authority in the region was sufficiently strong. My soldiers would spread the new of the heroic victory and people will see me again like the new conqueror.

“Let’s build our Kingdom!” I smiled to my loyal friends.
They smiled me back…

[Draco092]

Wooow

Great battle...I wish I had the half of your hability...I mean..c'mon...win a battle with just heavy cavalry and crossbows..

By the way...poor Philippe Jr! Get him out of there...so much Paella is going to kill him! XD

[Radzeer]

Very nice! Crossbows are great when you know how to use it!

[Karnage]

Awesome battle my friend, i remember my good old Portugal campaign from which I had Jinetes, they are efficient units which can kill scores of troops. however, Javelins are not arrows and they run out of them quickly.

You had a very good defensive position there, somehow, I just knew you would be victorious.

As for the baby, I only have an image in mind. A fat sultan like king of France, wouldnt that be something

[BamaToon]

When you say "clear message", you mean "brute message" so...
I enjoy your gaming view...
I should rename Charles as BamaToon, shouldn't I?

Hehe.. now that would be something to see. Now I'm trying to picture myself as the butcher general with max dread and no chivalry at the head of a huge army.

Anyway, nice battle with the rebels. Well played with the "bait and switch" strategy. I love doing things like that to unsuspecting enemies...

[Kjertesvein]

Aha, nice to see some interaction in the Phillipe family Is he going to be a chivalveric warrior governor who takes political control of Paris? A tyrant general who will quickly rise in the ranks of knight hood, before it's his turn to become a heir of the French court?

Acouple of trivial things I noticed.

There is a spanish general very close to Pamplona, in the upper left corner of that picture. What is going on? Is there a war insight or just a friendly "hello" from the Spanish army? This looks scary

It seems to me as if Zaragozan citizens are pretty pist about not havng a decent general. Perhaps of the vast religious diversity is taking a overhand... I think it's more so of the lack of a well-to-do governor to lead them. How is the loyalty with the other generals? An can you recruite generals in Toulouse jet? That could eliviate some of the administration possibilitys.



Another thing, this map can be zoomed if you press [F3] Ergo, letting the spectators having a better view.



~Wille

[la coupe est pleine]

Draco
Radzeer
Yes, I tried for the first time to use only crossbow. It is really entertaining to play because you have not the right for a mistake. The crossbomen are powerful, but not in close fight. So the idea was to disperse my troops in order one is still ready to shoot.

About the paella, yes, poor Philippe JR. It is good one day, but not every day of the month.



BamaToon
Bait and switch strategy. It can work very well, and it is still pleasant to notice that you suceed to fool the AI when the AI is supposed to know each parmeter ...



Karnage
A fat sultan eating spanish food, and son of a beast...
Yes, original if not pretty picture... Eh eh...
For the moment, the probability Philippe JR could become the heir is still very low because he has to grow without Louis being killed...We will see, maybe...



Sivilombudsmannen
Ah, you noticed that spanish army. Let's say that for the moment, it is just a friendly hello.
Philippe hadn't been informed of those movement, but the spanish are supposed to be his private allies. At least for the moment.

Zaragoza is difficult to maintain, because of the religious problems, and also because Philippe is not supposed to be a governor. I really need other characters to stabilize the south. However, for the moment, there are just Louis, mIchel and Charles in the North, and Philippe holding the south. Quite a dificult position.
It forces me to hire a lot of soldiers in Narbonne and Zaragoza. ...

I have no more general alive, and I can't hire some in Toulouse. I need to improve it as a citadel, but for the moment I can't...

Thanks a lot for the F3 option. I will test it as soon as possible.




Thanks all for your constructive comments. I'm honored of that.
I will try to update soon.

[Karnage]

Yes and obviously, Louis being killed within the next few turns is a strong possibility considering how unstable France is at this time

[Kjertesvein]

To all those who enjoy the Medieval Atosphere, try turning on one of these songs each time you read the guys AAR Alternativly shuffle all of them in the play list, and play DLV with it in the backroud Everything from medieval gregorian chant, to flute songs from the shire, and onwards:

http://www.deezer.com/fr/music/playl...ieval-35693808

If you do, then say a warm thanks to Brips, Addict-at-Arms over at DLV Rehab Center.

la coupe est pleine

A-Ha, I can't whait for what's next! A New Begining!

I have no more general alive, and I can't hire some in Toulouse. I need to improve it as a citadel, but for the moment I can't...

I see. I thought it required a Fortress Stable, but I guess they have changed it since last I played.

The other option is as followed: You got 9 Characters (incl. 5 children) divided on 7(?) settlements. This means you have to conquer atlest 3 more to get another adoption, ergo a possible governor. Or... play the whaiting game til those kids are ready for school and beyond...

Thanks a lot for the F3 option. I will test it as soon as possible.

Let me correct that, F2 it was. Forgot.

~Wille

[BamaToon]

BamaToon
Bait and switch strategy. It can work very well, and it is still pleasant to notice that you suceed to fool the AI when the AI is supposed to know each parmeter ...

Oh yes, I definitely agree with you. Take that, you cheating AI bastard!

[la coupe est pleine]

2nd Iberian Campaign (Part IV)
Chapter XXXVIII : Rebirth of a King.

An de Grâce 1206 AC.
Royaume de France.
Zaragoza.



Current world...



Aide memoire:

Philippe's trips

Heroes...

Hello mates. I’m Philippe. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hope to become soon a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I’m a dreamer… I’m 26 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. I’m back in France after a while in Toledo, under the spanish protection, and I suceeded to be the new leader of Zaragoza, despite my state of outlaw... Louis the Merciless. KING of the Kingdom. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”. He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He is now back in Paris, but meet some difficulties with rebel nobles. His authority is extremely low. Michel. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over. Michel is the new unofficial leader of the Kingdom, because he had managed to use the lords as a tool to take the command of the Kingdom, against Louis. I’m the heir just because of his will. He is working in the shadows and is potentially more dangerous than Louis himself. Charles. "Nephew" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is the only child and son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He should be very angry… Maybe because of that, he decided to be a rebel in order to steal his father’s crown, and had been thrown by Louis in the Paris dungeon. He has been reconciled and is one more trap in my road. Clara. "Wife" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I’m now considered as a real noble and I’m a little more protected against the anger of Louis. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely don’t want to sleep with her. The problem is that she deeply loves me. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and I let her in Toledo. Margit. "Secret love" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  She is my deep love. Nobody knows that, even my close friends. She is beautiful and clever. She is a Hungarian princess. The big problem is that she was supposed to be the wife of Olivier, my old best general and friend. There are so many difficult choices in life. Norbert. "Michel spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He was sending me Michel orders. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and try to slay me. I hate him… Olivier de Beziers. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he seems very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. He was my “compagnon d’armes” but when he learned that I was the secret lover of his betroth Margit, he decided to leave me, just after saving my life. I am ashamed having lost his friendship. Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris. Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy...

In Zaragoza, we celebrated my victory and also my 26th birthday.
I ordered a week of free days, where we offered free supplies to the people. As I had expected, the news of my “heroic” victory spread in the city and people were proud of me. They had lived 3 years of hard times, with the rebels multiplying, parasiting the countryside.

Now, these times were over and a new era of abundance seemed to be established.
Not for long in fact.

I spent the following year increasing the city defenses and hiring some militia. I also succeeded to join Pamplona. The local lord of the city heard about my late success and accepted to admit my title of Dauphin. He let me take control of the town, despite the orders of Louis and Michel. I was pleased and thanked him by appointing him the new governor of Pamplona.
He was named Bertrand du Guesclin.
He had spent his youth in Brittany and was in the middle of his 30’s. He was very well educated and knew how to rule a city. He was also quite aware of the revolution state of the Kingdom and saw in me the hope of a better future.
I spent some weeks in Pamplona, talking with him, and it appeared that he could be another loyal friend, as those who were fighting with me on the battlefield.

I really needed some loyal governors. The countryside was full of rebels and the Muslims heretics saw there the opportunity to spread their evil religion. The French priests failed to eradicate that threatening heresy.

Worst, one of the best bishops of the South of the Kingdom, Godefroy de Bouillon, fell to heresy. One moment, I feared that the country I won with the weapons could be lost because of a lack of crosses.

I decided to speed the learning of priest and to ask for more missionaries. What an irony!!
I was just doing what I hated during my youth: encouraging the religion wars…
It was the only way to save the power I succeeded to acquire. I thought that I would use my future time to repair those essential mistakes.

It was clear that it wasn’t possible to be a leader and keep his youth ideals in the same time.
Sad world…
Sad destiny…




One of my spies succeeded to infiltrate Louis the Merciless friends circle. It was Arnoul de Penthièvre. He was with me in Italy and seemed to be a loyal agent.

He was an adept spy. He was 46 years old and had spent 20 years of his life spying and plotting for Philippe Auguste, my dead father. Philippe had ordered him to serve me before his death. Even Louis didn’t know that Arnoul was one of the spies of his father.

Arnoul sent me some important messages.




It was said that the French Kingdom had entered an era of total war with the Flanders’s County. Each day brought its news of ambushes, massacres and heroes. The Dutch were experienced and cunning warriors. They could count on their wealth.
The French could just count on their bravery and courage.

Sometimes, it was useless…

The Dutch were hiring some strong cavalry and elite pikemen. No real battle strategy was found to counter them. The schemes of the battle were often the same. The French nobles were charging for the honor, before to meet the mortal pikes, and rush back. The crossbowmen then were trying to slaughter the elite foot warriors, but the Dutch cavalry was there to counter them.

The only solution for the French strengths was finally to protect themselves behind the city walls. The French people were waiting for a hero to save them.
Unfortunately, the dreadful King Louis was blocked in Paris, because of the rebel nobles.

The fate of the Kingdom seemed quite dark these times…




Then it happened.
Charles the Brute, son of the King Louis the Merciless, stopped being so idiot as he behaved the last few years. He chose a wife. She was an Italian one. She was named Clare de Rocafolio.

Louis was so happy by that new, because Charles was his only offspring. Louis decided to spend the last money he possessed in wonderful celebrations. The marriage lasted 3 days. Paris people were pleased about that.

And then the miracle occurred.
Louis the Merciless was without authority since years. He was still on the throne but couldn’t take any important decisions.
Suddenly, he seemed confident in himself and people around him felt this powerful aura, which seemed emerging around him. Even some rebel nobles agreed to stop the rebellion and sent him their submission. A sort of shared enthusiasm was fueled around the King. He stopped to be the unconsidered man he was before.

To conclude, my spy Arnoul wrote that the King was thinking about me and about a way to get rid of the annoying heir I was. The King was also planning some new campaigns and would like to use the sudden synergy around him to hire the more troops he could.

When I read this news, I was extremely disappointed.
I was just regaining my lost power in the South of France when that bastard of Louis was beginning to recover his past strength and authority. This Louis was a real leech, a sort of plague I couldn’t get rid of.

However, I wasn’t forgetting Hélène, despite the wonderful times spent with Margit. I remembered when I crossed the Pyrenees 7 years ago. I had made a promise.
The promise of killing a murderer.
The promise of killing a King…

[Karnage]

Interesting indeed, now that Louis seems to be back in control, this should cause serious problems to our Phillip, at the very least, Phillip has a spy in his inner circle so he should be able to predict his "half-brother" every moves.

[Radzeer]

"The end of days are over"... It rather looks like the beginning! Now Louis and Charles are a difficult pair to take on. I hope Phillip will come up with something.