The Tower of David

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Tower of David is an ancient citadel that has endured the ravages of time for hundreds of years before the coming of the Latin Crusaders. This fortified tower now stands as the meeting area for the Haute Cour, the Royal Court of Jerusalem. Here daily duties are performed by appointed members of this court to serve the King and advise him. Among those present are ambassadors of foreign courts and even the neighboring Latin States of Antioch, Tripoli and distant Edessa.

Chancellor of Jerusalem: Robert de Caen, Prince of Galilee
Constable of Jerusalem (Commander of the Soldiery): Guy de Villehardouin, Lord of Acre
Marshal of Jerusalem (Commander of the Cavalry): Malcolm de Scotti, Duke of Jaffa
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: William Leitch, Archbishop of Nablus and Jerusalem
Ambassador of the County of Tripoli: Vacant
Ambassador of the Principality of Antioch: Vacant
Ambassador of the County of Edessa: Vacant

[The Mad Skylord]

VOID

[Lucius Malfoy]

After the coronation was completed, Julien had servants call forth the members of the Haute Cour for the first session of council. The topic would be that of war.

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm of Jaffa arrives first, he bows to his king and then takes his seat.

[Gandalfus]

A rather tall, lean figure with weathered eyes and greying hair enters the Tower of David. Bowing to King Julien, he promptly introduces himself;

"Your Grace. Hugh de la Roche, ambassador from the Prince of Antioch."

​Before taking his seat at the table.

[Lord William]

William entered the chamber, he had just finished the lengthy coronation and just wanted to relax. He kindly greeted the council members and than took his seat.

[Lucius Malfoy]

With some of the council members present, Julien felt he could begin. Quietly, the King rubs his temple, thinking back a few days before starting to speak.

There are a few matters on the table that must be done to secure the future of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

From there, Julien began to lay they these matters out, starting with the present, and fabricated, situation with his wife, Constance de Evreux.

My brother, King Philippe of France, has given me disturbing reports of my wife's...unfaithful conduct in my absence. Rumors are abound that she has been loose and evidence points to numerous persons among the French Court. My other brother, the Count de Vermandois, swears on the word of the Lord, that Constance attempted to seduce him one evening. A King cannot be without a Queen and I cannot have such a woman be my wife.

Cardinal William, I would like to procure the necessary documents to have myself be divorced from Lady Constance. I shall not have an unfaithful woman be my Queen and be around my children.

Julien said those words with seriousness and a stern look, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. Those of the feeling betrayed by the mother of his children and a wife who had been with him for many years now. After a moment of silence, the train of thought returns to the King, allowing him to continue speaking. He calmly gestures to the Duc de Jaffa.

It is time for Jerusalem to fulfill some obligations. One of them is sending troops to capture and hold the territories of Arsuf and Jaffa which are rightfully held by the Duc de Jaffa. I have also promised support to the Count of Tripoli, by expanding northward towards Tyre and Sidon while the Count moves south to take Beirut. We need a border between ourselves and that of Tripoli in order to better our relations and ensure that the Count is not isolated in a sea of hostile Emirs.

[The Mad Skylord]

With some of the council members present, Julien felt he could begin. Quietly, the King rubs his temple, thinking back a few days before starting to speak.

There are a few matters on the table that must be done to secure the future of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

From there, Julien began to lay they these matters out, starting with the present, and fabricated, situation with his wife, Constance de Evreux.

My brother, King Philippe of France, has given me disturbing reports of my wife's...unfaithful conduct in my absence. Rumors are abound that she has been loose and evidence points to numerous persons among the French Court. My other brother, the Count de Vermandois, swears on the word of the Lord, that Constance attempted to seduce him one evening. A King cannot be without a Queen and I cannot have such a woman be my wife.

Cardinal William, I would like to procure the necessary documents to have myself be divorced from Lady Constance. I shall not have an unfaithful woman be my Queen and be around my children.

Julien said those words with seriousness and a stern look, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. Those of the feeling betrayed by the mother of his children and a wife who had been with him for many years now. After a moment of silence, the train of thought returns to the King, allowing him to continue speaking. He calmly gestures to the Duc de Jaffa.

It is time for Jerusalem to fulfill some obligations. One of them is sending troops to capture and hold the territories of Arsuf and Jaffa which are rightfully held by the Duc de Jaffa. I have also promised support to the Count of Tripoli, by expanding northward towards Tyre and Sidon while the Count moves south to take Beirut. We need a border between ourselves and that of Tripoli in order to better our relations and ensure that the Count is not isolated in a sea of hostile Emirs.

Malcolm listens quietly, he doesn't comment on Julien's marital affairs, believing such matter to be private. He does however, speak up about campaign.

"I have 1'700 men that are ready to commit to battle. Lady Lucille has 2'500. While she owes no fealty to Jerusalem, she is unlanded and I believe she will accept lands in return for her warriors."

Malcolm looked at the map on the table.

"The question is:
How will we divide our forces? Arsuf and Jaffa appear to be well defended. I have already scouted the locations our. Ascalon is not so well defended. While it is very far to the south, it is the gateway into Jerusalem from the south. We should attempt to push that far south, to protect ourselves from Fatimid invasion.

Tyre has around 2'000 defenders - if I remember correctly - it will take at least 6'000 men to capture the city."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Malcolm listens quietly, he doesn't comment on Julien's marital affairs, believing such matter to be private. He does however, speak up about campaign.

"I have 1'700 men that are ready to commit to battle. Lady Lucille has 2'500. While she owes no fealty to Jerusalem, she is unlanded and I believe she will accept lands in return for her warriors."

Malcolm looked at the map on the table.

"The question is:
How will we divide our forces? Arsuf and Jaffa appear to be well defended. I have already scouted the locations our. Ascalon is not so well defended. While it is very far to the south, it is the gateway into Jerusalem from the south. We should attempt to push that far south, to protect ourselves from Fatimid invasion.

Tyre has around 2'000 defenders - if I remember correctly - it will take at least 6'000 men to capture the city."

From now, we shall attempt the southern campaign against Arsuf and Jaffa with the consideration of Ascalon. I do not want to pursue too far south in case it may raise the Fatimids from their bickering to unite and march against us. For now, the main objectives will be Arsuf and Jaffa with Ascalon being an optional goal. Once the lands are secured south, we shall gather more forces and strengthen our position before marching North towards Tyre and Sidon.

William was faced with a dilemma does he blindly follow his kings command or does he investigate the matter himself setting his mind at ease. France is a great distance away proving innocence or guilt will be a difficult task indeed, William has no choice he must go to France.

As you command your majesty, I shall leave for France immediately and then to Rome to see the holy father. It is only through his authority that annulments can be granted and if I am going to bring your plea before his holiness I must ensure its validity and strength otherwise he may reject the annulment.

My brother, the King of France, is a very busy man, Cardinal. He is still contending with his own excommunication by the late Pope Urban II. Most of this work has been performed by Hugh, Count of Vermandois and a selection of French officials. I shall write to Philippe and Hugh, urging them to send all reports to Jerusalem for you to oversee them in full detail. I have been told that it includes accounts from my servants in Soissons, testimonies by my royal brothers and accusations made by members of the French Court. From there, send word to Rome and, if necessary, go there yourself to present this case.

The ambassador of Tripoli (who had arrived earlier lol) pondered over his instructions from the Count before speaking for the first time.

"The Count wishes it be known, that he feels Jerusalem should look to her own security before worry about the states to the north... Thus I suggest that this council plans an extended campaign in the south, to consolidate long enemy strongholds, and deal a decisive blow to the Fatimid's before their full power can be brought to bear from Egypt. This campaign should aim to at least take Ascalon and even further if possible" He paused slightly.

"The states to the north can look to their own security for the time being as my Lord and the Prince of Antioch have already been doing" He said with a nod in the direction of the ambassador of Antioch.

With Tripoli's forces dedicated to operations with the Prince of Antioch, then we shall concern ourselves with the southern campaign first before aiming northward. Giving the Count time to strength his hold over new conquests and build up new forces to be readied for war. It will ensure that the Emirs around us are not too alarmed and ensure they do not unite as one to form a dreaded host.

[Lord William]

William was faced with a dilemma does he blindly follow his kings command or does he investigate the matter himself setting his mind at ease. France is a great distance away proving innocence or guilt will be a difficult task indeed, William has no choice he must go to France.

As you command your majesty, I shall leave for France immediately and then to Rome to see the holy father. It is only through his authority that annulments can be granted and if I am going to bring your plea before his holiness I must ensure its validity and strength otherwise he may reject the annulment.

[Stildawn]

The ambassador of Tripoli (who had arrived earlier lol) pondered over his instructions from the Count before speaking for the first time.

"The Count wishes it be known, that he feels Jerusalem should look to her own security before worry about the states to the north... Thus I suggest that this council plans an extended campaign in the south, to consolidate long enemy strongholds, and deal a decisive blow to the Fatimid's before their full power can be brought to bear from Egypt. This campaign should aim to at least take Ascalon and even further if possible" He paused slightly.

"The states to the north can look to their own security for the time being as my Lord and the Prince of Antioch have already been doing" He said with a nod in the direction of the ambassador of Antioch.

[Lord William]

His holiness will be reluctant to accept testimony from excommunicated members of the church nor his vassals, I must travel to Rome anyways I believe it would be best if I went to Paris as well.

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm nodded quietly;
he saw the sense of that.

"We should organise an army, my King. I will muster my own 1'700 men. Most of the are footmen. We cannot leave the holy city undefended. I feel we should leave at least 4-5 thousand men here."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Malcolm nodded quietly;
he saw the sense of that.

"We should organise an army, my King. I will muster my own 1'700 men. Most of the are footmen. We cannot leave the holy city undefended. I feel we should leave at least 4-5 thousand men here."

If we are to leave any troops behind, I will ensure that half of the Royal Army is attached for the Arsuf and Jaffa campaign while the other half remains to protect Jerusalem and act as a reserve.

A rather small young man arrived at the court of of Julien, he quickly introduced himself.

I'm Giovanni Della Corte, i'm send here to serve as ambassador of Edessa, appointed by the countess herself.

He took a seat and listened to the conversation

His eyes then turned to the three ambassadors from Antioch, Edessa and Tripoli.

What are the current actions of your masters, ambassadors? Do more troops need to be drummed up in Jerusalem in order to provide assistance to our northern brethren or are they within comfortable positions?

[The Mad Skylord]

If we are to leave any troops behind, I will ensure that half of the Royal Army is attached for the Arsuf and Jaffa campaign while the other half remains to protect Jerusalem and act as a reserve.



His eyes then turned to the three ambassadors from Antioch, Edessa and Tripoli.

What are the current actions of your masters, ambassadors? Do more troops need to be drummed up in Jerusalem in order to provide assistance to our northern brethren or are they within comfortable positions?

Malcolm nodded quietly, it was a good proposal.

"How shall hosts and their commands be delegated, Your Grace?"

[Mary The Quene]

His eyes then turned to the three ambassadors from Antioch, Edessa and Tripoli.

What are the current actions of your masters, ambassadors? Do more troops need to be drummed up in Jerusalem in order to provide assistance to our northern brethren or are they within comfortable positions?

The Royal Army of Edessa has just captured a small town called Manbij, and according to the latest news they have sent out scouts to a small town named Aintab in preparation to seize it. So far everything goes as planned thus no aid is needed so far. Maybe our countess may need extra troops when she will assault Aleppo, but she will inform me when it is needed.

[Gandalfus]

Hugh remained silent, merely taking a mental note of all that transpired.

[Mary The Quene]

A rather small young man arrived at the court of of Julien, he quickly introduced himself.

I'm Giovanni Della Corte, i'm send here to serve as ambassador of Edessa, appointed by the countess herself.

He took a seat and listened to the conversation

[Gandalfus]

Hugh cleared his throat, indicating his intention to speak first.

"Your Grace, my liege the Prince is currently on campaign against the Saracens of Jableh. It should be an easy victory, your grace, and with his southern border secured his attention will be turned towards the eastern border."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Malcolm nodded quietly, it was a good proposal.

"How shall hosts and their commands be delegated, Your Grace?"

With the new troops from the failed Crusade having arrived at Jerusalem, we can dedicate 5,000 soldiers to the campaign against Arsuf and Jaffa. I will march another force of 5,000 northward to aim for Tyre and Sidon or to act as a reserve at Acre. The remaining 5,000 shall stay within Jerusalem to protect the capital and the surrounding areas.

Hugh cleared his throat, indicating his intention to speak first.

"Your Grace, my liege the Prince is currently on campaign against the Saracens of Jableh. It should be an easy victory, your grace, and with his southern border secured his attention will be turned towards the eastern border."

​Please keep me informed of the Prince's progress, Ambassador.

The Royal Army of Edessa has just captured a small town called Manbij, and according to the latest news they have sent out scouts to a small town named Aintab in preparation to seize it. So far everything goes as planned thus no aid is needed so far. Maybe our countess may need extra troops when she will assault Aleppo, but she will inform me when it is needed.

Jerusalem may be too far south to give aid to such a campaign for Aleppo, but I know that Antioch and Tripoli may gladly give support. We must all seek to support one another in our endeavors.

"Tripoli is engaged along side Antioch in a campaign to bring our realms closer, at present no extra assistance is required, and we predict no issues that Tripoli and Antioch can't deal with together."

Has Tripoli dedicated any troops to the southern front, Ambassador? I must know in order to make my decision on whether or not to advance upon Tyre and Sidon.