The Tents of the Count of Maine, Elias I

**Poach** · October 08, 2015, 10:01 AM

Indistinguishable among the thousands upon thousands of Crusader tents that make up the army camp save for the banners flying the Arms of the Count of Maine, the troops loyal to Elias hold their own segment of the tent city roughly co-located among the many other French encampments that form other sub-units within the vast host. Some 2,300 men, including 684 Knights, call this small section of the Crusader host home.

**Lord William** · October 08, 2015, 10:08 AM

Richard made it a goal to befriend some of the crusaders on this venture, and thought it was best to start off by befriending those in the same realm. Richard walked to the tent and asked for an audience.

**Poach** · October 08, 2015, 10:32 AM

[OOC: I'm not 100% sure how the realms are divided up. Am I Frankish or Norman? I'm assuming you're Norman.]

He is met by Elias and provided some wine.

"de Baluun, general of the army and captain of the Frankish contingent both," said Elias as Richard took a seat, "I wonder if the Duke of Normandy will captain the Normans."

**Lord William** · October 08, 2015, 11:18 AM

Richard is an avivid drinker, he despises water unless it has been cleaned. So when offered a beverage in the hot Greek climate he accepted with great pleasure.

It would seem not Lord Elias, the army will be divided into 2, Lord de Baluun will lead one half and the other half will be commanded by me.

**Poach** · October 08, 2015, 11:50 AM

"I see," said Elias, this being news to him, "Does the rest of the army know? How will the troops be divided?"

**Lord William** · October 08, 2015, 12:13 PM

Richard was a bit dumbfounded by the question
Of course, it was spoken of at the gathering of nobles and knights. As for troop division I shall meet with Lord de Baluun later this evening to discuss this very matter. doth thou have a preference to whom you wish to serve?

**Poach** · October 09, 2015, 01:43 PM

[OOC: Now that it's been clarified...]

"Ah, you misunderstand me," said Elias, "I was referring to the captains appointed to each nationality. de Baluun has appointed himself to the command of the Franks, but has not declared a command for the Germans or the Normans as yet."

**Lord William** · October 09, 2015, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Poach

[OOC: Now that it's been clarified...]

"Ah, you misunderstand me," said Elias, "I was referring to the captains appointed to each nationality. de Baluun has appointed himself to the command of the Franks, but has not declared a command for the Germans or the Normans as yet."

Robert's nose has turned brown from having his face in De Baluun arse for so long, it is unlikely I will gain the norman command despite being the best candidate. Though I have plans to create my own force, a force lead by noble blood and not by the product of sin. I've come to ask you if you will join me brother, let us fight together against these Saracen dogs and let our purity of blood lead us to victory. Deus Vult

**Oznerol** · October 09, 2015, 02:12 PM

Curthose arrives with the company of the count of Arques, Orderic (a clergymen) and few other retainers.

**Poach** · October 11, 2015, 03:27 PM

LW:

"I would fall under the personal command of de Baluun, I believe," said Elias, "He has claimed for himself personal command of the Franks, has he not?"

Oz:

The party is welcomed with some wary glances. Within the tent where Robert is sent to meet Elias it cannot escape notice that two other Maine knights are seated just inside the flap, as the regions of Normandy and Maine have not enjoyed cordial relations of late...

**Lord William** · October 11, 2015, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Poach

LW:

"I would fall under the personal command of de Baluun, I believe," said Elias, "He has claimed for himself personal command of the Franks, has he not?"

Oz:

The party is welcomed with some wary glances. Within the tent where Robert is sent to meet Elias it cannot escape notice that two other Maine knights are seated just inside the flap, as the regions of Normandy and Maine have not enjoyed cordial relations of late...

What does it matter which one you serve my friend, both de Baluun and Curthouse are bastards and therefore products of sin and vice. They will doom this campaign the sins of the father will taint this holy quest and leave us to the mercy of the heathens and the wrath of God, all because we allowed the host of christ be lead by Sin. hence why I've planned to lead my own army and who ever is willing to join me. you are always welcome with my army, a righteous army untainted by the sins of our fathers and born of noble birth.

**Oznerol** · October 11, 2015, 04:24 PM

Robert's rather large and robust figure appear on the tent. The graying hair and beard framing a ruddy face, red veins on his nose. He wears the opulent attire of a Norman nobleman.

"Comte Elias de Maine, mon seigneur, thanks for receiving me. I know our relationship has been tense in the past to say the least"

**Poach** · October 12, 2015, 09:54 AM

Oz:

"That they have, Duke Robert," said Elias, offering the man a seat, as enemies need not be rude to one another, "What brings you here, now? Our goals align in this instance, our feud should not endanger this Crusade."

Battling over titles in Europe is one thing, dragging such conflicts into a common endeavour to the benefit of all Christendom would be another. Elias hoped Robert came to speak similar words.

LW:

"An army to where?" asked Elias with some interest, "Our pact with the Emperor is not one I feel we should merely abandon: Nicaea should be returned to his rule as de Baluun intends before we explore any independent venture."

**Lord William** · October 12, 2015, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Poach

Oz:

"That they have, Duke Robert," said Elias, offering the man a seat, as enemies need not be rude to one another, "What brings you here, now? Our goals align in this instance, our feud should not endanger this Crusade."

Battling over titles in Europe is one thing, dragging such conflicts into a common endeavour to the benefit of all Christendom would be another. Elias hoped Robert came to speak similar words.

LW:

"An army to where?" asked Elias with some interest, "Our pact with the Emperor is not one I feel we should merely abandon: Nicaea should be returned to his rule as de Baluun intends before we explore any independent venture."

I agree, we shall assist in the siege of Nicaea and give the emperor his city back. Then we march for Cilicia the Armenians are going to be our Christian neighbors it would be wise to form amicable bonds with them, perhaps they may even support our cause.

**Oznerol** · October 13, 2015, 02:42 AM

Originally Posted by Poach

Oz:

"That they have, Duke Robert," said Elias, offering the man a seat, as enemies need not be rude to one another, "What brings you here, now? Our goals align in this instance, our feud should not endanger this Crusade."

Battling over titles in Europe is one thing, dragging such conflicts into a common endeavour to the benefit of all Christendom would be another. Elias hoped Robert came to speak similar words.

"I joined this crusade to atone for my sins, Maine"

He took seat.

"We have for long quarreled for land in the West, but across the waters the Patrimonium Christi laid defenseless, controlled by the infidels, desecrated. That shall be no more, God's willing"

Said Curthose.

"I came to amend the rift between ourselves, repair the damage done and forge a new relationship between Maine and Normandy. I am willing to renounce every right I hold over Maine and its overlordship"

**Poach** · October 12, 2015, 01:04 PM

"It is en route to Jerusalem," said Elias with a nod, "and they are fellow Christians. I suspect you won't be alone in your march there, however, as it lies along the most direct route to our ultimate target: de Baluun will likely seek the aid of the Armenians as well."

**Lord William** · October 13, 2015, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by Poach

"It is en route to Jerusalem," said Elias with a nod, "and they are fellow Christians. I suspect you won't be alone in your march there, however, as it lies along the most direct route to our ultimate target: de Baluun will likely seek the aid of the Armenians as well."

Well I have an advantage, some years ago an Armenian princeling arrived on the shores of England. He settled down raised a family, actually we raised near each other. I was able to learn Armenian, it was forced upon the kids and well I just learned too. I'm sure they will honour the friendship of their own kin.

**Poach** · October 13, 2015, 10:01 AM

LW: I feel given that things have moved on I can't reasonably continue the conversation. Elias wouldn't have joined the rebellion you've instigated.

Oz:

To say Elias was surprised was an understatement.

"I... welcome the sentiment," said Elias after a short period of silence "This will give my lands peace. Thank you."

**Oznerol** · October 13, 2015, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Poach

LW: I feel given that things have moved on I can't reasonably continue the conversation. Elias wouldn't have joined the rebellion you've instigated.

Oz:

To say Elias was surprised was an understatement.

"I... welcome the sentiment," said Elias after a short period of silence "This will give my lands peace. Thank you."

"This is my grace for you, count Elias, to prove that my wish of friendship and understanding is sincere and true, and not a simple mockery"

Said Curthose.

"I only want the truest friendship to exist bewteen Normandie and Maine"