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

[la coupe est pleine]

Karnage

maybe Phillipe should go on a crusade, make a name for himself, it should give him some protection

Done

You have serious forecaster skills... eh eh...
And you can see that the AI forced me to do that, I even didn't ask for that. It is funny how things happened in AAR. It forced me again to change my plans, for the best I hope...

[Karnage]

The being schemed is scheming the schemers...lol..Now THAT my friend is pure gold. Great update, make sure you survive the crusade, it is far and dangerous, but definitely, you will be the strongest voice in France when you return. Perhaps, with a little luck, the schemers will scheme against themselves and keep busy at that.

[merlinuscdxx]

Nice AAR, I really like the character development and intrigue. One can only hope that the Crusader States or the Sicilians succeed in taking the crusade target right around the time you arrive at the Vatican...

[la coupe est pleine]

Kanage

but definitely, you will be the strongest voice in France when you return.

I would say : maybe not. Imagine an illegitimate bastard in a royal family who declare the war to the Pope. Dificult to keep the little amount of authority after that. The other schemers could even use it in order to make Philippe as an insane heretic, who should be slain for the will of Christendom...

Anyway, thanks a lot for your comments, and let's see what happen next.



merlinuscdxx

Nice AAR, I really like the character development and intrigue. One can only hope that the Crusader States or the Sicilians succeed in taking the crusade target right around the time you arrive at the Vatican...

Thanks also for your nice comment. Any feedback is so welcome for me.
I'm not sure Philippe has the same feeling than you about the Vatican.
It seems he want to deal personally with the Pope with his Crusader Army. And don't worry. Even if the Crusade is not a sucess, you can be sure that Philippe will try to convince himself the Crusader to fight against their spiritual leader.


Here is the next update...

[la coupe est pleine]

Iberian Campaign (Part II)
Chapter XIII : Steel and blood

An de Grâce 1202 AC.
Iberian Peninsula.
Pamplona.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hello mates.
I’m Philippe.
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 22 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I still can’t believe it…
I’ve just decided to besiege Pamplona when Norbert taught me that the Pope want me to lead a Crusade to Medina. What a life !!!

Louis the Merciless.
KING of the Kingdom.
It is my elder “brother”, and the new 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 very low.

Michel.
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 de Bouillon.
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and is now the new governor of Zaragoza.
Charles is my only real “friend”. He likes me and I think I can trust him.
He is not a warrior, but he is a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management.
He has saved me from Louis’s sword.

Norbert.
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 is sending me Michel orders.
I hate him…

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous.
DEAD in battle.
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.

During the first days of September, my army was doubled by the amount of crusaders warriors. And they were ready to have a first training against those bastards Basques. The rumor has spread that they were more heretics than the Cathars themselves and the holy warriors were just waiting to wash the heresy with rivers of blood.

The second Thursday of September, I ordered soldiers to prepare for the assault. I could clearly see the happiness and the appetite for fight on my soldier’s faces. The sun was shining…
I prepared my armor, praying to sit in Pamplona castle before the end of the day.



Thanks to the Crusaders, I was sure to outnumber the Basques army. However, the problem was that the bulk of my army was compound of mounted knights, extremely powerful but quite useless in the siege of a citadel. I was betting on the crusaders spearmen to be the key point of the battle.

We had built some siege towers, during the months waiting for the attack.
I had sent my orders to the groups generals. We should protect the ram, by the diversion of the wood towers. Then the bulk of the army should enter by the gate, and not by the towers, like our enemies should expect.

I was placed behind my troops, with my bodyguards, and in front of the main gate. I was a little feared about what could happen. I prayed a last time my star to help me winning brilliantly this battle, and I launched the starting signal.

- “Aux armes chevaliers! It’s time to kill off this scum of our earth, or to go in heaven by the way.
Montjoie Saint Denis! Allez, à l’attaque.”

Durandal was sparkling under the Iberian Sun. The army roared and started to walk toward the city walls. No way to move back now.
Alea Jacta Est !!!

I could hardly see the enemy soldiers in the top of the walls, but we could hear some orders shouted from there. The bad thing was that we could clearly see the twinkles of an army of sharpened spears dancing there.
The game should be hard for our spearmen, ready to enter the wooden towers and assault the walls. However, I was glad to know that the enemy had sent a lot of warriors in the top of the walls.
It was exactly what I wanted.

The wooden towers were approaching the walls, under a rain of fired arrows, when I sent my second orders.
The spearmen who were pushing the towers suddenly stopped and moved back to join the rest of the army. My crossbowmen rushed behind the wooden towers, which were starting to be fired. At the same time, the ram was pushed by some mailed knights to reach the gates.
The enemy bowmen continued to target the towers, forgetting the ram.

What a mistake!

My protected crossbowmen started to make a cloud of arrow raining on the enemy’s walls, and heads by the way.
Crossbow arrows were not lethal at all, launched like that, but it had the advantage to disorganize the enemy strategy and movement. They weren’t expecting my crossbowmen to aim them. And they stayed on the wall, trying to destroy entirely my wooden towers, forgetting the ram, and another tower in the other side of the citadel.

I suddenly heard some cries near the gate.
The gate was destroyed by our successful ram. What a success!
I was proud of myself. The first part of the plan was a success. Now, the fight could begin.

I raised my Durandal, and rushed to support my spearmen near the gate.

When I arrived, the spearmen were still trying to remove the ram in order to clean the way. I was really excited by starting the fight and I stupidly surged in the citadel, before any of my soldiers, taking the risk to be killed or wounded.
Maybe it was what saved me during this battle...

Indeed, those fuc-king Basques threw boiling oil on the soldiers rushing behind me. Surely they weren’t expected me to surge first and weren’t ready to throw the boiling oil on me. I still remember the cries and screams of my spearmen at my back.

No shield or armor could protect them against that plague. The butchery was beginning…

I reached the inside streets without great fight. The major part of the Basque’s army was still disorganized on the top of the city walls. They tried to rush back and surround me. I saw their cunning movement and I decided to make my way through the soldiers who were remaining in the street.
For the first time since hundreds years, my Durandal saw blood again. I was still in my war steed and I reaped with my bodyguards many foes, defenseless against us.

Despite my fury, I clearly succeeded to distinguish the last wood tower, ready to release a wave of experimented swordsmen in the city walls. The trap was closing around the major part of the enemy, trying to reach me, but chased by the swordsmen.
My plan was successful…

I was delighted, smiling under my headset.

Suddenly, a Basque bastard succeeded to inflict me a severe blow in my hip with his spear. I screamed.
The pain was spreading in my corpse, reaching my mind. Despite the blood in my eyes, I saw the responsible and killed him with Durandal, cutting his back in two separated pieces.
The blood was now flowing under my armor, and each of my movements reminded me my wound, rubbing against the sharp parts.

I ordered my bodyguards to make a circle around me and, gritting my teeth, I continued my bloody way in the middle of the Basque’s foot soldiers, defenseless but still dangerous.
Durandal couldn’t fall down again against those Basques…


It was that time when the crusader knights came on the city. Loads of foes were still defending the streets, foot by foot. I ordered one group of knights to go round the city and launch a back attack behind the enemy spearmen.

Then I saw the Basque’s general: Mendo.
He was fighting with the best of the spearmen, against some of my crusader spearmen. It was a harsh battle. No-one would like to let a single meter to the other. The dead were trampled by the fighters. And I couldn’t try a front attack. My horse would have been spat by the sharp spears.

I was trying to found a solution, because the result of the battle was played there, between 2 city blocks, when I heard a heavy sound. It was the sound of heavy war steed hammering the floor. It was the crusaders knights rushing behind Mendo and his men.
That moment, I knew that the battle was won.

The massacre could start. Mendo spearmen tried to protect their back in a desperate attempt, but the Crusaders were already pushing in their ranks. All was said. The fury of the crusaders crushed Mendo…

Even I, their general, was feared by their strength, fervor, and battle skills. A feeling of devil power seemed to emerge from those holy warriors, when they slaughtered the bodyguards of Mendo. I was wondering if God himself could stop them.
Hopefully, they weren’t my enemies this time.

Hopefully…

Mendo died, and the rest of the battle was just a matter of time. The crusaders, blood-thirsty, didn’t stopped the carnage at this point. They continued to slaughter each enemy fighter, each peasant, and each inhabitant trying to stand in their way.

Half an hour later, I was reaching the dungeon, victorious. Despite my pain, I was triumphant.



My soldiers were acclaiming me.
They saw my blood, they saw my wounds, and in their eyes, a feeling of gratitude and pride was standing. They started to be proud of me this day. Maybe that was the beginning of their loyalty to the heir of the Kingdom.

Pamplona was mine. The citadel was mine.
Michel and Louis could stay in the North, in Paris; the south was my new kingdom from now on. I earned it with Durandal’s edge, and with my blood.

The victory couldn’t be challenged.

Lots of my soldiers died this day, but I knew that twice their number will join me soon, because the Crusade was launched, and because people were starting to have confidence in my glory.

My plan was well played, for the moment…

[Karnage]

Great battle and victory my friend. Got to love those crusaders, pretty strong unit to have. I wasnt entirely sure if you would be attacking the pope. If it is your intention, then I would agree that you will not be so popular. We will see as time goes along. Since your getting a strong hold in Iberia, perhaps you could split from France and rule your own little kingdom in the south while the Schemers keeps the north.

[Kjertesvein]

Excellent DLV ARR. I'm a longtime addict, and seeing all the swords, retinue, and diffrent training system included makes my heart warm.

If you decide to attack the Pope, then holding the Crown would simply be impossible for you, as other factions, your christian population and other nobles would hate you for it. Maybe taking Lousie with you to the holy land could give some twists, turns and alot of contrast?

~Vuillê

[la coupe est pleine]

Hey friends,

Thanks a lot for your support and ideas.

I'm so sorry not to update because I'm currently in a south of france youth hostel, having started a new internship, and searching for new flats and faltamates.
The funny thing is that twcenter is banned in my youth hostel , so i have to use prounblocker to see the news, and to comment.
But it is quite hard because some buttons are not allowed...

Anyway, I will update as soon as I will find a proper home. I've already written the next chapter.

I liked the ideas of Louis going to Rome with Philippe, and also to make the south of France Philippe Kingdom...
Nice forecasts.
For DLV users, you surely have noticed that the Kingdom had entered a rebellion phase. It's quite hard to manage, but I think it is a nice way to make an AAR more interesting. Add to that an excommunication, and "la coupe est pleine", , if I can say... eh eh eh...

Thanks again for your support, and comments...

[Karnage]

I'll be waiting for your next update my friend. Take your time.

[la coupe est pleine]

Iberian Campaign (Part II)
Chapter XIV : Plots, rebellions and masterplans

An de Grâce 1202 AC.
Iberian Peninsula.
Pamplona.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hello mates.
I’m Philippe.
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 22 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I still can’t believe it…
I’ve just victoriously conquered Pamplona.

Louis the Merciless.
KING of the Kingdom.
It is my elder “brother”, and the new 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 very low.

Michel.
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 de Bouillon.
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and is now the new governor of Zaragoza.
Charles is my only real “friend”. He likes me and I think I can trust him.
He is not a warrior, but he is a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management.
He has saved me from Louis’s sword.

Norbert.
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 is sending me Michel orders.
I hate him…

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous.
DEAD in battle.
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.

I stayed in the citadel during the winter, hiring some new warriors, and looking after the casualties. My wound wasn’t so bad and some good doctors helped me to be fit quickly. They said that I shouldn’t fight before the next summer.
It was perfect, my visit in Rome wasn’t planned before.





Some Kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula sent several personalities in my court in Pamplona, probably because they were impressed about the victories of the French heir. Therefore, some Spanish princesses and some Portuguese diplomats were living in Pamplona. I saw that like good news.

Indeed, the France wasn’t allied with those two kingdoms but they should be interesting friends to stabilize the Peninsula. I didn’t want to go in Crusade leaving my Spanish cities defenseless; the Moorish’s just waiting for a chance.

One of the Spanish princesses was called Clara. Princess was not more than a word because she behaved more like a peasant like a real princess. She was depressive and voracious. Anybody who crossed her in the corridors could see some meat or patisserie in her hands.

However, I quickly understood that she seemed fond of me. Maybe it was a master plan of her father, I firstly thought.
I was wondering if it could be a nice thing to let the things happen. She was a princess, and she could bring the stability of the area, thanks to the probable alliance with the Spanish Kingdom. More particularly, she would bring me the nobility rank that I was trying to achieve.
What could then attempt Louis against me, if I was married with the daughter of the Spanish king? It was like an ideal plan…

Nevertheless, I couldn’t imagine me to stay with that creature. She was so far away from Hélène, who stayed in my mind like the incarnation of beauty and kindness. I decided to keep some strong relation with her, but without advancing further.




Charles de Bouillon had stayed in Zaragoza, and we were frequently exchanging messages to stabilize the area. I was often asking him what was happening in the Kingdom, because Pamplona was located in a remote area. He always replied me the same answer: it seems to be quiet. Louis the King was staying in Paris, with Michel and a lot of nobles.

My Crusade’s army was growing and I was planning to leave the country in April, in order to sail during the good season.




In February, the ships arrived near Narbonne. With Charles de Bouillon, we had rented out them from Italian merchants. I was organizing the citadel defenses when I saw some knights in the countryside, heading to the city. They were four, and the first one was a black knight. Norbert!!!

What would be the news this time? Maybe I will be the son of the Pope this afternoon. Maybe I will be the new King of England. I was smiling with irony when he entered the gate. I walked toward him.
He was not smiling this time.

I started to talk:
- “What is the news today?
Is the Kingdom still living in peace and harmony?”

He grumbled:
- “Let’s go in the castle, we will be in a better ease to talk.”

I nodded and he followed me.
When we arrived in my private apartments, I asked him:
- ”Are Michel and the sovereign of the Kingdom happy with the news from the south?
Are they proud of the heir of the kingdom?
Are they proud of the victorious siege of Pamplona?”.
I was voluntarily accentuating my words, in order to show him the power I could represent, in order not to be his puppet like all the time we have met before.

- “That’s not the matter.” He replied briefly.
“I’m not there to talk about your personal life. Even if Michel is proud of what you have done. I’m here to talk about the Kingdom. Things are not happening as Michel wants, and he has to be helped.”

- “Michel has to be helped?” I said with a honey voice. “And what could I do, dear Sir?” I asked.
It seemed that Michel was not as powerful as planned and I was clearly decided to get out while the going is good. I had to take my chance now.

- “Let me explain” Norbert said, glancing at me, with an apparent unease.
“Charles Capet, the son of the King Louis, who was stolen his heir title by you, was sent months ago in the citadel of Metz, by his father. Louis would like his son to learn how to be a warrior as him, and maybe how to be a good heir… if bad things happened to you”.
Norbert whispered with an evil smile.

- “Charles Capet is just 17 years old, but in reality, he is already dangerous.
After 5 months spent in the Metz’s castle, he decided to make a rebellion since the citadel. He succeeded to corrupt and bribe the garrison. Michel tried to make him an ally but this young fool thought he was strong enough to provoke his father.
He thought that his father had intentionally deprived him to be the heir of the kingdom. He thought Louis had decided on his own to make YOU the heir, instead of him.”

Norbert laughed saying that, but he quickly became serious and started again.

- “The problem is that he succeeded to convince some nobles to walk with him. Some important nobles…
Michel didn’t succeed to stabilize the situation, and from now on, the Kingdom has entered a rebellion phase.

Some Grand Compagnies of mercenaries have already started to ruin the fields, and peasants are rioting against the local authorities. The Kingdom has entered some difficult times.
You obviously can’t see it here because the news hadn’t spread in the Peninsula yet, but it is a matter of time.”

I started to smile.
- “Michel is trapped at his own game so, isn’t he?”.

Norbert sniggered.
- “Not really Philippe, not really. The thing is that Louis is still powerful and he succeeded to capture his son Charles, with the help of some loyal generals. Louis could have killed him, if he wasn’t his only son; the only remain of his royal blood.
Killing Charles would have meant to let you the way free to become the rightful heir, and everybody knows that you are not the best friend of the King.

After the capture of Charles, Louis brought him in Paris. Everybody in the capital was expecting Louis to reconcile his child. However, Louis started to build a dungeon near the Louvre’s castle, in front of the Seine.

When the dungeon was finished to be built, Louis sent some messengers in each corner of the Capital, but also in each wealthy city of the North of France. These messengers explained that the King has imprisoned in the tower his son.
The messengers also explained that only Charles could expect such a mercy, because he was the son of the King, but that everyone who dare to revolt or rebel against the Kingdom will be impaled, even the nobles. Louis was expecting to spread “La Terreur” in the kingdom.

But it wasn’t enough…

Mercenaries were still devastating the harvests, and peasants rioting against the authority. Some dukes and barons tried to ally themselves in order to menace the Kingdom.
It is there that Michel needs you”.
Norbert added.

“Here we are” I thought in my mind.

- “Michel wants you with your crusade’s army to come in the North of France for a while and stabilize the countryside, annihilating the Grand Compagnies, and showing people the strength of the French’s armies.
Then, you could return in Crusade.”
Norbert finished, staring at me with confidence in his eyes.

I thought quickly. Where was my advantage to come in the North?
Surely, I would lose time, and maybe also losing troops during fights and skirmishes against rebels. Most particularly, I would help Michel and Louis. There were only drawbacks doing that.

- “I will think about that” I replied, warily.

Norbert fixed me, suspiciously.
- “You have no other choices Philippe. Remember that Michel is your only shield against Louis and the hordes of assassins. Remember… and never forget that.”

- “I am going to take my decision before tomorrow”.
I said, with an assertive voice.
“It’s all for today”, I finished, fixing Norbert.

- “As you want,” he replied, angrily, “I will be there tomorrow morning” and he left the room without a gaze.


I stayed alone, lost in my thoughts.
My purpose was to slain this bastard Pope Alexander. If I do that, will Michel still protect me? For sure not, I would be far too dangerous for him at this point.
Thereby, he will probably declare me as the main target for his assassins, and will by the way also try to raise the people mind against me.
Quickly, I could expect him to declare me “the bastard Sarasin, murderer of the Papacy”. I could even expect the entire Christendom seeing me as the devil in Earth.

Therefore, why to help Michel, if I’m sure he was going to do that?
No way, I prefer to keep all my chances to slaughter Alexander, even if I have to lie.
The honor can’t remain when my enemies are moving in darkness and shadow.

Moreover, these personal thoughts advised me to find a protection if I wanted to stay alive after the “crime” I was ready to commit.
Here was Clara, the bulimic Spanish princess. The creature!
I have to force me marrying her to save my back, as long as I can. No way would I have children with her, I will just let her in the Peninsula, when I will board on the ships to sail toward Rome.

Ah ah!!!! What a MasterPlan…

[Karnage]

What I love about this plot is "who is really evil?" As all the plotting in France is deviding its people. There better be some stability soon or the whole Kingdom will burn no matter who rules.

[Kjertesvein]

Nice turn of event! This thead is now subscribed and tagged

~Wille

[la coupe est pleine]

Karnage

What I love about this plot is "who is really evil?" As all the plotting in France is deviding its people. There better be some stability soon or the whole Kingdom will burn no matter who rules.

Thanks for your comments. Who is really evil? Good question. I think Louis is quite the first (rape + butchery + racism + cruelty) but Michel is not bad too (plotter + dark ruler + assasin master). Philippe is just forced to use some plans to stay alive, but now, it seems that he is using them to make his own will reality (like killing the pope).
Maybe philippe is becoming evil also. The story will teach us that.

For the moment, the Kingdom stbility is very low and it is quite dificult (but interesting) to play in that way.


Sivilombudsmannen

This thead is now subscribed and tagged

Ah ah .
It took me some times before understanding what is a tag...
It is funny.


Anyway, I will update tonight, with maybe the last chapter of the Iberian campaign.

[la coupe est pleine]

Iberian Campaign (Part II)
Chapter XV : Marriage

An de Grâce 1203 AC.
Iberian Peninsula.
Zaragoza.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hello mates.
I’m Philippe.
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 23 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I still can’t believe it…

Louis the Merciless.
KING of the Kingdom.
It is my elder “brother”, and the new 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.
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
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 finally been thrown by Louis in the Paris dungeon. He is just 17th and begun the life in a sad way.

Charles de Bouillon.
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and is now the new governor of Zaragoza.
Charles is my only real “friend”. He likes me and I think I can trust him.
He is not a warrior, but he is a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management.
He has saved me from Louis’s sword.

Norbert.
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 is sending me Michel orders.
I hate him…

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous.
DEAD in battle.
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.

The day after, I met Norbert in the same room. I kindly said I accepted to move my army to the North of France. I will do that in April, waiting for the snow in the Pyrenees to disappear (What a good excuse isn’t it?).
He replied that it was fine, and that he would stay beside me.
I was very disappointed when he said that because I wouldn’t let him to prevent me for doing my “Alexander crime”. I succeeded to stay fine and he seemed to believe me.
Anyway, I would find a way to get rid of him the sooner the better.

Norbert stayed in the castle, and my walks with Clara were more regular than never before. I should be quick. I had just one month free to court her and marry her. It was so hard for me to stay listening to the creature, to stay watching the disgusting patisseries she was gulping down.

She seemed to like me a lot. I didn’t know why?
Maybe she was fond of chivalry and knights tales. It was the only things I was talking with her, the only things which can help my mind escape the view of her.

After two weeks of “court”, I sent her a wonderful poem, written by some of my best troubadours. It was question of love, passion, chivalry, and patisseries. She should like it. And she did.

I was leaving my apartments when I saw her, running in the corridor toward me, the poem in her right hand. She was crying like a hysterical animal. I failed to flee looking at that dreadful scene, but I succeeded to stay, waiting for the impact.
Blam!
She hugged me and I missed to fall on the floor. Then, she suddenly tried to kiss me. I couldn’t afford her to do that, thinking of all the nightmares I was expected to do then. I kept her one meter away from me and said, proudly:
- “Mon amour, never before the marriage! You know as me that our love should enlighten our two Kingdoms, so that people would see us like the Saint couple. Let’s be as chivalric as we could do, and God will bless us with joy, children, and surely the best bakers.”

She nodded, and said:
- “Philippe, suenaba en tu todas las noches, eres mi amor, para siempre!”

- “Well, I’m so pleased about that”.
I replied, totally worried about her deep love.
“However, do you know the feelings of your father about the diplomatic part of our union? Could he be ready for an alliance with the Kingdom of France?”

- “Estoy seguro. It was his plan. He was counting on my charm to establish the alliance.”
She laughed, stupidly.

- “Magnifique,“ I exclaimed, “What do you think about organizing the marriage the next week, in the cathedral of Zaragoza?”

- “Vamos a Zaragoza!” she replied, tears of joy flowing in her cheeks.

- “I will prepare each detail, my dear love. You can go back to your apartments and I will advise you what to do.”
I finished.

I rushed in my apartments. Time was counted now. I sent a messenger to see the King of Spain and ask him the hand of the princess Clara, and invited him to come to Zaragoza.
I also asked Charles de Bouillon, my old friend, to prepare the marriage.




Two days later, just before to move to Zaragoza, Norbert surged in front of me. He behaved like a furious man.
- “What are you expecting to do Philippe? You are going to marry the princess? We have had no talk about it. Don’t do that.” He menaced me.

- “And what after?”I replied, increasing my voice.
“I’m in love, and this alliance is just what France needs: to stabilize the area. It is what Michel wants, isn’t it? To stabilize the Kingdom.
Moreover, I’m going to the North to help him with my army, so the south will be defenseless, and this is the only way to preserve Zaragoza, Pamplona and even Narbonne from the Moorish. I’m right. And no messenger, even a black one from Michel, could stop me from doing that.”

His head was red of furor.
- “You have won this battle Philippe, but be careful, the war has just started.”
He replied, before to turn back and disappear.

- “Which war?” I laughed at him.
“Who are you to provoke the heir of the kingdom and the son of the King of Spain? Who are you Norbert?”

But he didn’t reply. He had already left in the darkness.




In Zaragoza, the marriage was brilliant, I succeeded to keep away from my “wife” as long as I could, and the King of Spain was there to assess our union. People were happy because they knew that the alliance would implement an era of peace, of developed and wealthy trade.
Even the Pope sent a cardinal to bless the marriage.
Ah ah, thanks Alexander, my sword will thank you soon, in return.

The evening after the marriage, Clara would like me to sleep with her but I managed to avoid that pain, pretending that it wasn’t possible before Easter. She agreed but I could feel she doubted of something.
The king of Spain didn’t care at all about that. The alliance was all which matter for him. Indeed, the Moorish were trying to unify their Caliphate and siege Cordoba.

A thing I haven’t planned was that the Kingdom of Spain was allied with the Danes. The Danes were at war with the French, even if they hadn’t tried anything against us. Therefore, the Danes decided to stop the war and it was a double victory.
My marriage was finally a little breakthrough in the Christendom alliance scheme.

Clara, my “wife”, could look like a creature, but was however not less than one of the descendant of the legendary king Alphonso VI, one of the founders of the Spanish Kingdom and dynasty.
I was a real noble now. My power was at its height, and I was ready to cross the iron with the Pope…

I was 23. I was the heir of the Kingdom. I felt like the king of the world. Everything seemed possible. My fate was in my hands, but I should work with my head, and I knew that.

The preparation of the army was working well. A lot of soldiers were already near Narbonne, and Norbert couldn’t know that I planned to use the ships rented. He was thinking I would have no use of them because of the long walk toward the North of the Kingdom.
Just before the end of Easter (fortunately because Clara was waiting forward the end of the Holy period, to share more than a hand with me…), I decided to leave Zaragoza…

[Karnage]

Although it did stabilize France situation, it is however a short term solution, being married to the "reincarnated Gorgon" is a rather long term personal problems. But it is true it gave him much needed nobility and power. But having foreigners power can be turned against Phillipe as well. He is young, he will learn with time. Until then, he will have to find quite a mountain of reasons to avoid his awful wife.

Great update again my friend and although we both ended last in the AAR competition, I still think of you as a great writer and editor.

[la coupe est pleine]

Hey,
I've just finished the next update.
I think I will post it tomorrow, the time to upload and edit the pictures.

I have just a question about the scenario of the story for people following it (if they are some, as I strongly hope )
What do you think about the idea to marry Philippe with a "gorgone" (to steal Karnage expression)?

I think it could permit me to develop some "love" story (I mean to add some feelings in this AAR, which is quite unusual...)

Do you think it could be a good idea, or do you prefer AAR without too much internal feelings, more focused on war events?

PS: Your answer won't change the way I will write my story. I'm just curious about your feelings.


Karnage

Great update again my friend and although we both ended last in the AAR competition, I still think of you as a great writer and editor.

Ah ah Thanks a lot for your support. I found it funny to finish last one.
Anyway, I enjoy to write this story and I'm convinced I'm not alone.
If I really am, i'm sorry for all of you I bothered with that sh-it

To conclude, don't worry for Philippe. I'm sure he will suceed to avoid his "creature wife" for a while.
You will see that tomorrow with
Chapter XVI : A new adventure

[Karnage]

Hey,
I've just finished the next update.
I think I will post it tomorrow, the time to upload and edit the pictures.

I have just a question about the scenario of the story for people following it (if they are some, as I strongly hope )
What do you think about the idea to marry Philippe with a "gorgone" (to steal Karnage expression)?

I think it could permit me to develop some "love" story (I mean to add some feelings in this AAR, which is quite unusual...)

Do you think it could be a good idea, or do you prefer AAR without too much internal feelings, more focused on war events?

PS: Your answer won't change the way I will write my story. I'm just curious about your feelings.


Karnage

Ah ah Thanks a lot for your support. I found it funny to finish last one.
Anyway, I enjoy to write this story and I'm convinced I'm not alone.
If I really am, i'm sorry for all of you I bothered with that sh-it

To conclude, don't worry for Philippe. I'm sure he will suceed to avoid his "creature wife" for a while.
You will see that tomorrow with
Chapter XVI : A new adventure

As you just said it..."For a while..."

I believe AAR's should be made the way the author want it to be made. Does it mean it will attract everyone? Not really, but it will attract some nonetheless. Thats what I believe.

See. I'm still here

[la coupe est pleine]

Italian Campaign (Part I)
Chapter XVI : A new adventure

An de Grâce 1203 AC.
Iberian Peninsula.
Zaragoza.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Hello mates.
I’m Philippe.
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 23 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father.
I am just leaving Zaragoza to meet my fate in Rome.

Louis the Merciless.
KING of the Kingdom.
It is my elder “brother”, and the new 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.
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
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 finally been thrown by Louis in the Paris dungeon. He is just 17th and begun the life in a sad way.

Clara
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 love me.

Charles de Bouillon.
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and is now the new governor of Zaragoza.
Charles is my only real “friend”. He likes me and I think I can trust him.
He is not a warrior, but he is a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management.
He has saved me from Louis’s sword.

Norbert.
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 is sending me Michel orders.
I hate him…

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous.
DEAD in battle.
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.

I saw a last time Charles de Bouillon, the man who saved me several years ago. I let him the title of Iberian Peninsula Ruler. I sent him some heavy units of warriors, because some Basque rebels remained near Pamplona, and because the Moorish could try to attack. I smiled at him and could see in his old eyes the heavy weight of the past. He was old, and knew that it was the last time we surely met together.

Clara arrived at that moment, and cut the conversation.
- “Que pasa, philippe? Why are you leaving the city so soon? I’m going with you.”

Charles glanced at me, smiling, and left wishing me all the best, and all the worst for my enemies.

I replied.
- “But, my love, I’ve no choice, even the Pope has ordered me this Crusade. I’ve no time to waste. The Kingdom is in rebellion and I have to clean that, before to walk toward Medina. I will write you poems each day, be assured of my loyalty and deep love to you.”

- “Pero Philippe”, she started to weep.
“When could I see you again? I’ve no baby to carry… What are my hopes to melt your blood with mine?”

I glazed at her, trying to feel sad, even if I was totally delighted.
- “Maybe in ten years mon amour. I know that it is a long time, but I’m confident in your loyalty. I know that you will wait for me in this castle until my come back.
I will think about you in all my dreams. When I will come back, I will be stronger and more prestigious than never before. You will be proud for having waited all those years, because you will be the wife of the rightful defender of the Christendom. You will be the wife of the holy and chivalric knight. You will be the queen of the Kingdom of France.”
I finished, succeeding to make my eyes wet.

She was definitely convinced of my love.
- “Oh mi amor!” she sobbed “I could be so old when you will return than we would have no hope for a child, for an heir to the Kingdom.
Isn’t it a loss?
I’m ready to breed children. I want one of your children deep in my belly. I want to see your look in his eyes. Let’s try to have a child before your departure. Please Philippe, te quiero…!”
She was lying below my knees, waiting for love.

I was disgusted. I could understand she wanted to make love, but I wasn’t fitted for that. I couldn’t do that, it was too difficult.
However, her speech about my son, about the new heir of the Kingdom made me hesitating. Why not to try? Nobody will die…
I glanced at her, weighting the advantages and the drawbacks.

She was sobbing again. I felt her wet tears on my legs. It seemed viscous…
No way!
I turned my head, helped her to stand up, and whispered.
- “I can’t do that my dear. Easter is not done and it would be a crime. I don’t want to go to evil for a try. I don’t want to make you eternally burnt by the fire of the devil because of a hypothetic heir.
And what about if it was a girl, eh?”

She screamed.

- “Wait for me Clara, I will come back as soon as possible”. I added, leaving the castle to join the head of my army.

Then, like a fury, she pointed at me and cried:
- “You will repent it Philippe. Believe me, you will repent it. You have made me falling in love with a bastard, with a dirty swine…”

I suddenly came back and slapped her with my leather glove. She fell in the floor because of the strength of the slap.
- “Who are you Clara. I love you and you insult me in front of my soldiers. You make me sad. It is the last time I see you before a long crusade and you behave like a whore. I hope you will learn before my return how to be a nice wife. Be careful Clara. I’m forgiving this time, but it is the last one.
Be careful Clara.”
And I came back to my troops, abandoning her in the floor.

I jumped in my war steed, and launched the order for the walk toward Narbonne. The noise of the horses’ hoofs was loud but I clearly heard Clara:
- “Be damned dirty swine. Be sure that the King of Spain will know how you consider his daughter, be sure bastard…”

Anyway, I was on my way to Narbonne. I was on my way to Rome…

It took us two weeks to join Narbonne. I asked Norbert to go to Toulouse and try to have some news in order to know where to go first in France. He clearly refused at the beginning. But I tried to convince him doing that, because I was resupplying my troops in Narbonne, and because it was because of him I delayed my crusade.
He was extremely suspicious but he was also waiting to know the news and the new orders of Michel. He left one morning, ordering me to stay in Narbonne until his return.
I could hardly hide my smile of pleasure when I wished him “bon voyage”.
The last stick in my wheel was leaving the town, heading to Toulouse.

Be careful Alexander, nobody could divert me from you now…

I ordered to load the ships with the troops. After two days, it was nearly completed. I was exhausted when I went to bed. Exhausted but delighted.



The next morning, the sky was blue, without any clouds, and the wind was blowing toward the East, toward Rome. It was perfect.
But everybody knows that perfect times can’t last long. It was right…

A messenger surged from Zaragoza. I knew him. It was Charles de Bouillon’s messenger. He rode toward me and cried:
- “the Italians have betrayed us and are besieging some of our harbors in the South”.

- “What?” I shouted, “Those bastards Lombard are near there…”
It was a very bad news. They could become a problem if we meet them in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Our ships weren’t war ones. We couldn’t match them and it will be the end of a dream.
Anyway, they couldn’t know that we are planning to reach Rome. I should take my chance and with a little of luck, we could pass throw the mesh. We should pass throw…

- “And it isn’t all” the messenger continued. “The army that you let near Pamplona has betrayed us in the same time. They are now fighting for the germans.”

- “Foucaud?” I asked, stunned by the news.

- “Yes, this bastard general has turned his coat and could try to capture Pamplona, left defenseless now.” The messenger replied.

- “Non !!” I shouted.
I had my entire confidence in Foucaud, one of the best general I’ve met during the battles I’ve fought. And this rat was now fighting for the Germans. They should have paid him a lot of money for that. Maybe they are trying to implement a sneaky plan in my back.



I ordered the messenger to go back to Zaragoza and ask Charles de Bouillon to organize the defense of the town and citadel as soon as it is possible. I couldn’t walk back now. It was too late.

I ordered the fleet to start sailing. The coin was thrown, my fate waiting behind the quiet waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
I remember seeing the French coast disappearing.
Who knows what would happen there during my absence? Would it stay French? Would it become German or Spanish?
I had let lots of enemies in the mainland. The sea seemed to remain the only part of the Earth were I was still safe.
I prayed the Italians snakes to stay away from us.

The wind became my master, and I let all my strength in his hands. Durandal was my only friend now, and my fist tightened the hilt, uselessly…

[Karnage]

Great update, although I still have my reservation on Phillipe, he is turning more evil then originally perceived. "marrying the gorgon to gain nobility, I can live with that, hitting the gorgon in front of troops, cant say that I consider this move virtuous." I hope you dont encounter any "problems" at sea, would be sad to lose your character in such a way. Either way, good work and I hope you reach your destination safely. "Bon Voyage"

[Kjertesvein]

What, are you going to let the Lombards walk right into your southern France, just like that? What about a de-tour into Genoa/Milan? Just to teach them a french lesson. Then, use their attack as a reason to your loyal troops to invade tthe Papal State! Mwhaha, then retire in Levant, your birth place and kick the evil Crusader State's ass out of there.


~Wille