Encampment of Theodoric von Lothringen

[Iron Aquilifer]

A modest tent, set against one of the many storehouses brought from his domain, was Theodoric's home for the next few months. Within could be found a long reclining chair which doubled up as a bed, unadorned with the usual trappings of power. A few candles illuminated the tent from a small table which strained beneath the number of maps and scrolls laid upon it.

[Lord William]

Richard approached the tent of the German Duke hoping to meet and befriend him, it is always better to fight alongside a friend than an enemy Richard always thought. He awaited outside the tent for an audience with the Duke

[Iron Aquilifer]

Richard approached the tent of the German Duke hoping to meet and befriend him, it is always better to fight alongside a friend than an enemy Richard always thought. He awaited outside the tent for an audience with the Duke

Neville was permitted in without any undue waiting, a small crowd of petitioners dismissed as their desires were met with adequate responses by the Duke of Lorraine.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure? I can offer all the niceties of my station: wine, meats and fruit if you have need of it."

[Lord William]

Richards eyes opened at the word wine, he has developed a liking to it these past few months on the crusades.
thank you your Grace, I would gladly accept a glass of wine.
Upon recieving his glass he raised it in a toast
to your health your grace

[Iron Aquilifer]

Richards eyes opened at the word wine, he has developed a liking to it these past few months on the crusades.
thank you your Grace, I would gladly accept a glass of wine.
Upon recieving his glass he raised it in a toast
to your health your grace

Raising his own glass, Theodoric drained the liquid in a single careless gulp. Have you graced my humble home to partake simply in the generous hospitality of a "German princeling" or does my lord Neville require something of me? The Duke permitted himself a half-glass more of the fine vintage. ​I am as generous with honours as I am with my hospitality.

[Lord William]

I require many things my German Prince, though I do not wish to burden you with the problems of an Earl.
Richard said while gazing into his cup
perhaps we should discuss a lighter topic my prince, your ambitions of this crusade?

[Iron Aquilifer]

I require many things my German Prince, though I do not wish to burden you with the problems of an Earl.
Richard said while gazing into his cup
perhaps we should discuss a lighter topic my prince, your ambitions of this crusade?

The Frank acknowledged that with a slight wave of his hand, as if to cast aside the line of conversation away in to darkness.

Ah, ambitions of this crusade. Serve Christ, slay the heathens who have defiled His holy places and begin a new life with my family in the land of our God. What about our lord of Neville? What brings him from beyond Normandy to join us in this most holy march?

[Lord William]

The Frank acknowledged that with a slight wave of his hand, as if to cast aside the line of conversation away in to darkness.

Ah, ambitions of this crusade. Serve Christ, slay the heathens who have defiled His holy places and begin a new life with my family in the land of our God. What about our lord of Neville? What brings him from beyond Normandy to join us in this most holy march?

Richard doesn't doubt that they're some lords with enough religious fervor to leave everything behind solely based on God's will but surely not everyone could be robbed of their wits. Richard is a practical man, he sees the crusades as an opportunity to expand lands, establish trade and wealth and the ability gain prestige among the latin courts of europe. Any noble on this crusade purely for religious reasons was clearly a clot in Richard's opinion.

A noble cause your highness, though my thoughts are more of a practical in nature. Of course I wish to ensure the safety of all the holy places, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in making a profit from this adventure and perhaps expand my holdings

[Iron Aquilifer]

Richard doesn't doubt that they're some lords with enough religious fervor to leave everything behind solely based on God's will but surely not everyone could be robbed of their wits. Richard is a practical man, he sees the crusades as an opportunity to expand lands, establish trade and wealth and the ability gain prestige among the latin courts of europe. Any noble on this crusade purely for religious reasons was clearly a clot in Richard's opinion.

A noble cause your highness, though my thoughts are more of a practical in nature. Of course I wish to ensure the safety of all the holy places, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in making a profit from this adventure and perhaps expand my holdings

Ah yes, holdings. You will need to take them from the Saracens, as I doubt that Baluum would be willing to divide Jerusalem between us. For that you will need men, more men than what followed you from England. Filling his mouth full of wine, the Lothringen nobleman allowed a pause. Already received the support of some of our fellow crusaders, lord Neville, for this ambition?

[Lord William]

Ah yes, holdings. You will need to take them from the Saracens, as I doubt that Baluum would be willing to divide Jerusalem between us. For that you will need men, more men than what followed you from England. Filling his mouth full of wine, the Lothringen nobleman allowed a pause. Already received the support of some of our fellow crusaders, lord Neville, for this ambition?

I am certain he would want Jerusalem for himself and with the army behind him it will be difficult to stop him? If I may be so bold your Grace, I've gathered quite a bit of supporters these past few months here in Constantinople. After the conquest of Nicaea I will be taking my knights and will be riding to Antioch where I hope to successfully siege the city. If I can count on your support in Antioch, I would gladly support your claim to other lands.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A messenger arrives from Julien de Baalun, bringing word of Lord Baalun's desire to speak with the Duke of Lorraine

[The Mad Skylord]

Sir Malcolm arrived to speak with the Duke. He carried a cask of Scotch whiskey.

[Iron Aquilifer]

Sir Malcolm arrived to speak with the Duke. He carried a cask of Scotch whiskey.

Completing a letter for his eldest son, destined to succeed him in his old seat of Lorraine, Theodoric welcomed the Alban representative in with an easy smile.

My lord Malcolm, I am honoured that you have presented yourself. And what is this? the man asked, noticing the dried wood barrel. Has the King of Alba provisioned you thusly? Come, come and take a seat.

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm grins mischievously. He begins to speak in passable German, believing it to be good manners to talk to a man in his language in his home.

"He did not personally provision us with his private whiskey, but he did leave it near our camp, and so my Highlanders and I assumed it was for us..."

Stepping forwards, he took a seat and poured some of the harsh liquor for the German Duke.

"I am here to ask your opinion, Duke. Lord de Baalun's decision to create divisions is a sound idea, and I hope for your appointment to lead the Germans, however, I believe we need a fourth division. Rather than divide Scots, Poles, Italians and Spaniards between the 3 divisions, it would be better to create a mixed division for them. I intend to present this plan to Lord Julien later, and I wondered your opinion on it."

[Iron Aquilifer]

Malcolm grins mischievously. He begins to speak in passable German, believing it to be good manners to talk to a man in his language in his home.

"He did not personally provision us with his private whiskey, but he did leave it near our camp, and so my Highlanders and I assumed it was for us..."

Stepping forwards, he took a seat and poured some of the harsh liquor for the German Duke.

"I am here to ask your opinion, Duke. Lord de Baalun's decision to create divisions is a sound idea, and I hope for your appointment to lead the Germans, however, I believe we need a fourth division. Rather than divide Scots, Poles, Italians and Spaniards between the 3 divisions, it would be better to create a mixed division for them. I intend to present this plan to Lord Julien later, and I wondered your opinion on it."

As was his tradition, the duke decided to try the drink before answering, allowing mind and mouth to unite in order to create the best reply. A tentative sip later and Theodoric found himself completely focused on the strange sensation within the confines of his mouth. Yes, I, I think that, he managed to cough, before deciding that to clear his throat the cup needed to be emptied. They say you live on the edge of the christian world, the Frankish nobleman managed after a heaving cough. And if this is the type of drink you have. He left the rest unsaid as he entered a tame form of hysteria, half coughing, half laughing.

That is the sort of thing I needed to have brought in my baggage train, the Duke declared, having his cup half-filled once more. But yes, the divisions. They are for the ease of communication, so that the mother tongue was passed between every member. But to have poles and Spaniards together? I speak no ill of either but I do not see the ease of them being able to unite through communication. The man offered the fellow Catholic a sad smile. And I do not believe being named to lead any of these divisions will replace the influence of our personal retinues. If you wish for my word in support of this plan then you have it freely, but I fear Lord Julien will not see any real advantage to it.

[The Mad Skylord]

As was his tradition, the duke decided to try the drink before answering, allowing mind and mouth to unite in order to create the best reply. A tentative sip later and Theodoric found himself completely focused on the strange sensation within the confines of his mouth. Yes, I, I think that, he managed to cough, before deciding that to clear his throat the cup needed to be emptied. They say you live on the edge of the christian world, the Frankish nobleman managed after a heaving cough. And if this is the type of drink you have. He left the rest unsaid as he entered a tame form of hysteria, half coughing, half laughing.

That is the sort of thing I needed to have brought in my baggage train, the Duke declared, having his cup half-filled once more. But yes, the divisions. They are for the ease of communication, so that the mother tongue was passed between every member. But to have poles and Spaniards together? I speak no ill of either but I do not see the ease of them being able to unite through communication. The man offered the fellow Catholic a sad smile. And I do not believe being named to lead any of these divisions will replace the influence of our personal retinues. If you wish for my word in support of this plan then you have it freely, but I fear Lord Julien will not see any real advantage to it.

Malcolm nodded, it was a fair point.

"We can speak Latin, I just do not see the point in letting Italians be seconded to Normans. Or Iberians to Germans. Or Polacks to Frenchmen. With the best will in the world, the 3 main divisions will be insular. The Germans will be self contained, no matter what it's division leader may do. The same goes for the French and the Normans.

As for leaders, they would have to be chosen from the 4th division. It would be difficult. Stepan does not seem the type to be trusted to lead a large host. There are 2 women. That would leave Don Santana, or myself, although I am but a knight. Leaving me unsuitable to command such a unit."

[Iron Aquilifer]

I believe you have shown the error of such a cause even as you try and justify it, my lord Malcolm. It is better, easier, to place the outcasts as you understand them to be with a selected leader, than to risk such a force under an ill-suited leader. He offered an apologetic wave of his hands. The merits by which you argue are sound, but three divisions allow for enough unification between our holy warriors to allow this crusade to succeed.

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm nodded calmly and quietly.

"It is a fair point, my lord. I thank you for your opinions on the subject.

On another note, what do you think of the conduct of Lord Neville?"

[Iron Aquilifer]

Lord Neville is a dangerous man, not for any devotion to Christ but for his openness about his own personal ambitions. But if he is willing to kill Saracens, then God is with him. Unfortunately. He at least will not be the reason your wine is poisoned. Why the interest, my lord Scott? Do you see the man as being a valuable asset? He is that, Theodoric admitted to himself. But also very powerful.

[The Mad Skylord]

Lord Neville is a dangerous man, not for any devotion to Christ but for his openness about his own personal ambitions. But if he is willing to kill Saracens, then God is with him. Unfortunately. He at least will not be the reason your wine is poisoned. Why the interest, my lord Scott? Do you see the man as being a valuable asset? He is that, Theodoric admitted to himself. But also very powerful.

Malcolm paused for a good minute, thinking of how to phrase his next comment.

"I see him as the type of man who would defect and convert to the Turk if he was given enough wealth and power. A terrible thing to say, but I believe he would, from what I have seen of him. I fear he is the type to betray us.

He could be useful, but he is as stubborn and stupid as a bull and he would need to be used as such. Do you have any designs for him, Duke Theodoric?"