County of Edessa

[Mary The Quene]

The Coat of arms of Edessa.

The Countess, Annalisa Borsa.

Annalisa Borsa was born as daughter of Count Roger Borsa and his wife Adela in the old city of Salerno. Annalisa grew up in a a difficult area plagued by wars. During her youth she was considered by her father as troublesome due to her disinterest in school. On more than one occasion Annalisa and her father were found at odds with each other. While her father was busy waging military campaigns against neighboring lords she developed a passion for dancing, music, writing, horse riding, history, nature and interest in love. That last was strongly dissaproved by her father who wanted to marry her off to an old and ugly noble lord for political gains. The marriage never took place because the noble lord discovered Annalisa had a secret relationship with a young servant and therefore cancelled the upcoming marriage which made her father furious at her. The young servant was killed as a result of the discovery and this made the young girl heartbroken. This would severely hamper the relations between daughter and father. Meanwhile relations worsened due to Roger's disappointment with Annalisa's lack of faith in the church. A conservative figure, Roger Borsa, wanted her daughter to live a quiet life in dedication to her husband. Needless to say this is not what Annalisa ever wanted, Annalisa has a cheerful, stong and independent character increasing the inversion between the two. Relations between mother and daughter were better. Her mother declared her once a raw 'gem'. It is probably from her that Annalisa inherited her fierce character. Despite Annalisa's troublesome character she educated her the best way she could and tried to reconcile daughter and father which proved fruitless. The two were often found trying to debate intellectual matters and even enjoyed horse riding together. However she shared the disappointment in Annalisa's lack of faith in the church, though the mother always tried to protect her from any bad sayings about her lack of faith. When the crusade had been called by Pope Urban II the father immediately ordered Annalisa to take part in order to repent for her sins and to get rid of her, he hoped Annalisa would do better in the Holy lands and would become the daughter he wished, however Annalisa has different plans. With a broken heart she said farewell to her mother and friends and departed for Byzantium, travelling to unknown destinies.

Edessa information

Edessa, finally fell after the siege of Antioch had been completed, to Lady Annalisa Borsa. The Lady proclaimed herself countess of Edessa and its surrounding area's, many Italians and other Southerners decided to settle themselves in the County of Edessa under the watchful eye of the Lady. To the Arab people and perhaps to other crusader nobles it may have been a shock to have a female as ruler, but they nonetheless submitted and accepted her rule. Now Lady Annalisa made her dream come true to rule herself one day, now it is time to prove herself worth the title. The the West lay the lands of Antioch, to the east, south and north the Seljuks are the neighboring rulers who are the archenemies of the crusaders. Edessa has roughly a population of 50,000 civilians and had been built way before the Saracens arrived, some of the old architecture still survives up until today including roman art. Today the Italian and other Southern colonists have arrived at the city looking to expand and cultivate the city to unknown heights, all this under the reign of Annalisa Borsa.

Holdings

Holdings : Edessa : +2 Small Bazaar shop +1 small caravan shop +1 Tavern +1 Minor Knightly house +200 footmen Weaponsmith +1 to attack rolls Rumkale +1 Al-Birah +1 Total +7

Manpower

Manpower The royal army (deployed in Edessa) 11,313 soldiers : 2627 - Footmen 1891 - Spearmen 2317 - Knights 2278 - Men At Arms 2200 - Bowmen Garrison at Aintab 4,300 soldiers 860 Footmen 860 Spearmen 645 Bowmen 860 Men-at-Arms 1,075 Knights

[The Mad Skylord]

Maelcoilum of the Scotti, known as Malcolm Scott, Duke of Jaffa, arrives at Edessa to speak with the Countess. He is dressed like a true Gael, in baggy white trousers, a green tunic that reaches to half way to his knees and a dark blue cloak, fastened with a silver harp brooch. At his belt he carries a Gaelic style sword and a long dirk. He is accompanied by all of his trusted retinue save Angus, who remained behind to guard Ramla.

[Gandalfus]

Banners of the Prince of Antioch are spotted, held aloft by Norman knights, clad in chainmail; albeit wearing cloth about their mouths to avert the copious amount of dust and sand. The retinue approach the gates of Edessa, and one among them shouts; "La Princeps de Antioche, Stephen de Aumale, requests an audience with the Countess of Edessa!"

[Mary The Quene]

Banners of the Prince of Antioch are spotted, held aloft by Norman knights, clad in chainmail; albeit wearing cloth about their mouths to avert the copious amount of dust and sand. The retinue approach the gates of Edessa, and one among them shouts; "La Princeps de Antioche, Stephen de Aumale, requests an audience with the Countess of Edessa!"

The guards opened the gates of the city and were escorted by some knights to the royal palace after being granted permission. The streets were small and crowded and most of the muslim civilians avoided the knights, although the christian civilians of Edessa lined up to celebrate their arrival. When the Normans arrived they were welcomed by the Lady dressed in expensive but truly beautiful clothes and jewelry. Among the countess were several musicians, artists and poets praising the crusaders for their liberation of the Levant. She wanted to show she was a well educated lady appreciating the arts in life. Food was prepared as well as wine was offered. After she ordered the musicians to start their music she approached the prince.

My lord, how was your journey? What brings a lord to the distant lands of Edessa?

OOC : i assumed you would meet Malcolm when i gave you permission to enter my palace, i didn't gave you permission beforr i posted this lol

edit screw it, just assume that Malcolm and and the prince did meet in the palace p:

[Gandalfus]

The guards opened the gates of the city and were escorted by some knights to the royal palace after being granted permission. The streets were small and crowded and most of the muslim civilians avoided the knights, although the christian civilians of Edessa lined up to celebrate their arrival. When the Normans arrived they were welcomed by the Lady dressed in expensive but truly beautiful clothes and jewelry. Among the countess were several musicians, artists and poets praising the crusaders for their liberation of the Levant. She wanted to show she was a well educated lady appreciating the arts in life. Food was prepared as well as wine was offered. After she ordered the musicians to start their music she approached the prince.

My lord, how was your journey? What brings a lord to the distant lands of Edessa?

OOC : i assumed you would meet Malcolm when i gave you permission to enter my palace, i didn't gave you permission beforr i posted this lol

OOC: My apologies, I misunderstood your initial post. Scratch that.

IC: Stephen dismounts, and bows regally to the Countess. He grins sheepishly as he responds.

"I apologise for my garb, my Lady, I have had no time to change from my dusty riding clothes. The ride was hard, and long. But I have reached you, thank God."
Aumale paused for a moment, looking around.
"Quite a regal holding you've carved out for yourself. I thought I would visit, seeing as we are now neighbours."

[Mary The Quene]

OOC: My apologies, I misunderstood your initial post. Scratch that.

IC: Stephen dismounts, and bows regally to the Countess. He grins sheepishly as he responds.

"I apologise for my garb, my Lady, I have had no time to change from my dusty riding clothes. The ride was hard, and long. But I have reached you, thank God."
Aumale paused for a moment, looking around.
"Quite a regal holding you've carved out for yourself. I thought I would visit, seeing as we are now neighbours."

Annalisa looked to the dirty garb and sighted, can't men really take care of their clothes?, she thought. Nevermind she offered Stephen a glass of wine.

I'm glad you made during your trip, you know, there are still towns and roads that are still under control of the heathens making trips dangerous.
She nodded in agreement.
Yes, your visit makes sense. Edessa and its surrounding domains are not bad to start with but there are still cities that stand need to be dealt with , don't you agree?

Malcolm shrugged grimly.

"I am the Duke of a city I have never before laid eyes upon. I hold only Ramla in truth, but this will not be the case for long."

He stopped to look around the fine room, and to admire the art and detail.

"I have come here to seek an alliance between our houses. Tell me, Lady Annalisa, have you yet found a husband?"

She stood up and approached the Scot closely
Only Ramla? she whispered silently
Indeed the royal room was decorated with fine art, although most of it was still Arabic art, but soon major restorations are about to happen that will make the city famous.
An alliance? I doubt that would be useful since our realms are so far away, however those who support me are always welcome so i so no reason to decline. And i haven't found a husband yet, do you have found your love sir?

William had been travelling from county to county speaking with the lords of the land and discussing matters of the church. His last stop on his journey was the county of Eddessa where he was try to gain an audience with the recently appointed countess

The gates of Edessa opened for the lord. He is escorted by some soldiers on its way to the royal palace. He is granted permission to enter the Countess' room and found her dressing her clothes while other servants helped her with the hair jewelry.

Ah, a noble from the clergy in my realm. What makes you , oh honorable lord, bring to the distant lands of Edessa? Maybe looking for the countess' beauty? she jokingly asked

[Lord William]

Annalisa looked to the dirty garb and sighted, can't men really take care of their clothes?, she thought. Nevermind she offered Stephen a glass of wine.

I'm glad you made during your trip, you know, there are still towns and roads that are still under control of the heathens making trips dangerous.
She nodded in agreement.
Yes, your visit makes sense. Edessa and its surrounding domains are not bad to start with but there are still cities that stand need to be dealt with , don't you agree?



She stood up and approached the Scot closely
Only Ramla? she whispered silently
Indeed the royal room was decorated with fine art, although most of it was still Arabic art, but soon major restorations are about to happen that will make the city famous.
An alliance? I doubt that would be useful since our realms are so far away, however those who support me are always welcome so i so no reason to decline. And i haven't found a husband yet, do you have found your love sir?



The gates of Edessa opened for the lord. He is escorted by some soldiers on its way to the royal palace. He is granted permission to enter the Countess' room and found her dressing her clothes while other servants helped her with the hair jewelry.

Ah, a noble from the clergy in my realm. What makes you , oh honorable lord, bring to the distant lands of Edessa? Maybe looking for the countess' beauty? she jokingly asked

The Cardinal tilted his head in humility as he was greeted by the beautiful countess

Such a beauty is worth looking for my dear countess, I am Cardinal William Leitch Patriarch of Jerusalem.

bowing ever so slightly

I've travelled a great distance to speak with thee and there is much to discuss. the church wishes to establish holdings within all christian states to assist the church in it's mission of serving christ. I have come to you open handed my Lady in the hopes you would be willing to offer the church holdings in the county of Edessa and to provide men at arms to maintain order and stability within those holdings.

[Mary The Quene]

The Scot is the first one to visit the county of Edessa. He is welcomed by the countess herself and her entourage. Her clothes evenly matching her beauty, wearing expensive clothes along with jewelry tied in her hairs; she ordered the Italian Guards to let their visitors enter the royal palace.The countess walked outside in the gardens and welcomed the visitors.

Welcome to the realm of Edessa, i hope your journey wasn't too hard. I have ordered the cooks to prepare food and wine is available inside.

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm performed a half bow, before following the Countess inside.

"HOw are you, my Lady? I see you have made yourself at home in Edessa."

[Mary The Quene]

Malcolm performed a half bow, before following the Countess inside.

"HOw are you, my Lady? I see you have made yourself at home in Edessa."

Sitting on the royal throne she would slowly speak, while the poets, musicans and artists amused the others in the royal room.

I'm fine, thank you lord, in fact i did not except to sit on a royal throne one day, it surprised me that a female ruler is being tolerated among the crusder noble's. Edessa is a good start but it is just the beginning, it is not enough. And what about you lord, have you made youseld at home in your lands?

[The Mad Skylord]

Sitting on the royal throne she would slowly speak, while the poets, musicans and artists amused the others in the royal room.

I'm fine, thank you lord, in fact i did not except to sit on a royal throne one day, it surprised me that a female ruler is being tolerated among the crusder noble's. Edessa is a good start but it is just the beginning, it is not enough. And what about you lord, have you made youseld at home in your lands?

Malcolm shrugged grimly.

"I am the Duke of a city I have never before laid eyes upon. I hold only Ramla in truth, but this will not be the case for long."

He stopped to look around the fine room, and to admire the art and detail.

"I have come here to seek an alliance between our houses. Tell me, Lady Annalisa, have you yet found a husband?"

[Gandalfus]

Stephen glanced at Malcolm as he entered, slightly amused;
"Well well Malcolm, I seem to encounter you everywhere I go."

Stephen turns his gaze to the countess, and offers a formal bow to her.
"I apologise for my garb, my Lady, I have had no time to change from my dusty riding clothes." With a pause and a smile, Aumale continued. "When we last spoke, it was in a lesser environment than this. I see Edessa is to your liking, my Lady."

[The Mad Skylord]

Malcolm glanced up in surprise.

"Well Stephan, we must just have the same social tastes?"

He said in a dry humorous tone, surprised, but glad to see his friend.

[Lord William]

William had been travelling from county to county speaking with the lords of the land and discussing matters of the church. His last stop on his journey was the county of Eddessa where he was try to gain an audience with the recently appointed countess

[Gandalfus]

Annalisa looked to the dirty garb and sighted, can't men really take care of their clothes?, she thought. Nevermind she offered Stephen a glass of wine.

I'm glad you made during your trip, you know, there are still towns and roads that are still under control of the heathens making trips dangerous.
She nodded in agreement.
Yes, your visit makes sense. Edessa and its surrounding domains are not bad to start with but there are still cities that stand need to be dealt with , don't you agree?

Stephen gently took the goblet into his grasp, and sipped from its contents.

"It was indeed a treacherous journey. We had to avoid the roads, in case a party of Saracens would set upon us."

He said between sips, before handing the goblet back to a servant.

"Agreed, my Lady. As Prince of Antioch, the state of my eastern border fills me with little confidence. The only Christian state east of Aleppo is separated by a horde of Moslems."

[Mary The Quene]

Stephen gently took the goblet into his grasp, and sipped from its contents.

"It was indeed a treacherous journey. We had to avoid the roads, in case a party of Saracens would set upon us."

He said between sips, before handing the goblet back to a servant.

"Agreed, my Lady. As Prince of Antioch, the state of my eastern border fills me with little confidence. The only Christian state east of Aleppo is separated by a horde of Moslems."

Annalisa took a glass of wine and slowly drank from it. She invited Stephen to make a private walking in the garden, to discuss matter more privately. The gardens are well decorated with flowers and statues dedicated to God. The two slowly walked and continued their conversation

Yes, i know of the situation. I can't allow guests risk their lives during their journey to Edessa. I have made plans and i may need help with it, Prince stephen. Those Eastern towns you speak of are a danger to us all and i may need to seize them, hopefully they submit without force to avoid bloodshed.

The Cardinal tilted his head in humility as he was greeted by the beautiful countess

Such a beauty is worth looking for my dear countess, I am Cardinal William Leitch Patriarch of Jerusalem.

bowing ever so slightly

I've travelled a great distance to speak with thee and there is much to discuss. the church wishes to establish holdings within all christian states to assist the church in it's mission of serving christ. I have come to you open handed my Lady in the hopes you would be willing to offer the church holdings in the county of Edessa and to provide men at arms to maintain order and stability within those holdings.

She looked with surprise, she expected Cardinals to reside in the old lands of Europe but not in the Levant. Privately, she didn't cared too much about the church but in public she would respect its traditions for otherwise her reputation would be tarnished.

Ah, you're a cardinal? I didn't know of cardinals in the Levant but its a welcome addition.
Annalisa ordered the servants to bring wine and leave the two alone. She asked for news from Italy, assuming the cardinal voted for the new pope in the Vatican he would be updated on the latest situation, maybe she could hear news from her birthplace Salerno from the Cardinal. Then she paused briefly and looked intriguing to the Cardinal :
Your eminence, how many soldiers does the church requires? I can only judge your question if you provide exact numbers needed.

He nodded calmly.

"Only Ramla, although King Julien has set his sights on Jaffa, and I have betrothed my daughter to the Prince of Galilee, who has pledged his troops to my cause, in return for help with Tyre."

Malcolm scratched his face idly for a moment, irritated and itchy due to sweat from the ever present heat.

"If we had an alliance, I would certainly march to your aid if the Moslems invaded. A defensive pact would be a better term.

Yes, my lady wife has arrived from Scotland, but I do have a son if you wanted to meet him?"

The lady immediately noticed the bad small from the Scot due to the heath. After all he's a northerner from far cold lands while she's a Southerner used to the heath. She wanted to bathe him in one of the baths in the royal palace but maybe this could be somewhat insulting.
You smell like horse , i can't believe a king can appoint a beast smelling knight any lands. This she said without thinking about her words, undoubtedly because of the young age. She really hated men with physical discomforts.
However she soon realized her mistake but her pride made her not apologize. she talked now more cautiously after realizing her mistake.
Ah yes if you feel that deal is good then who am i to complain?
You say that you will aid me when the muslims invade, yet when your troops will arrive i fear that by that time the battle's are already fought, i do not see short term benefits unless you can convince me otherwise, knight.
Annalisa was clearly in a bad mood, probably Malcolm already realized this. The lady complained in Italian to the servants before addressing the next subject
​Maybe later, i have to consolidate my realm first before thinking of a marriage.

[The Mad Skylord]

Annalisa took a glass of wine and slowly drank from it. She invited Stephen to make a private walking in the garden, to discuss matter more privately. The gardens are well decorated with flowers and statues dedicated to God. The two slowly walked and continued their conversation

Yes, i know of the situation. I can't allow guests risk their lives during their journey to Edessa. I have made plans and i may need help with it, Prince stephen. Those Eastern towns you speak of are a danger to us all and i may need to seize them, hopefully they submit without force to avoid bloodshed.



She looked with surprise, she expected Cardinals to reside in the old lands of Europe but not in the Levant. Privately, she didn't cared too much about the church but in public she would respect its traditions for otherwise her reputation would be tarnished.

Ah, you're a cardinal? I didn't know of cardinals in the Levant but its a welcome addition.
Annalisa ordered the servants to bring wine and leave the two alone. She asked for news from Italy, assuming the cardinal voted for the new pope in the Vatican he would be updated on the latest situation, maybe she could hear news from her birthplace Salerno from the Cardinal. Then she paused briefly and looked intriguing to the Cardinal :
Your eminence, how many soldiers does the church requires? I can only judge your question if you provide exact numbers needed.



The lady immediately noticed the bad small from the Scot due to the heath. After all he's a northerner from far cold lands while she's a Southerner used to the heath. She wanted to bathe him in one of the baths in the royal palace but maybe this could be somewhat insulting.
You smell like horse , i can't believe a king can appoint a beast smelling knight any lands. This she said without thinking about her words, undoubtedly because of the young age. She really hated men with physical discomforts.
However she soon realized her mistake but her pride made her not apologize. she talked now more cautiously after realizing her mistake.
Ah yes if you feel that deal is good then who am i to complain?
You say that you will aid me when the muslims invade, yet when your troops will arrive i fear that by that time the battle's are already fought, i do not see short term benefits unless you can convince me otherwise, knight.
Annalisa was clearly in a bad mood, probably Malcolm already realized this. The lady complained in Italian to the servants before addressing the next subject
​Maybe later, i have to consolidate my realm first before thinking of a marriage.

"Knight?" Malcolm pondered silently, smiling jovially from her comments about what he smelled like. Meanwhile, his entire retinue were beside themselves with laughter. They were whispering to each other and sniggering at the expense of Malcolm, not that he minded.

"I fear I can do little about the smell."

He said in a dry tone, causing his retainers to erupt into another fit of childish giggling. When they were finished, he continued.

"Even if our lands are far apart, you would still have my troops to call upon if you were defeated and you needed to help retake Edessa. Likewise, if you needed help on a campaign you would also have my aid. Besides, a column of horse can cover the distance between our lands in good speed. I would not be quick to dismiss the speed with which Goidelic riders can cover ground."

[The Mad Skylord]

LP

Annalisa looked to the dirty garb and sighted, can't men really take care of their clothes?, she thought. Nevermind she offered Stephen a glass of wine.

I'm glad you made during your trip, you know, there are still towns and roads that are still under control of the heathens making trips dangerous.
She nodded in agreement.
Yes, your visit makes sense. Edessa and its surrounding domains are not bad to start with but there are still cities that stand need to be dealt with , don't you agree?



She stood up and approached the Scot closely
Only Ramla? she whispered silently
Indeed the royal room was decorated with fine art, although most of it was still Arabic art, but soon major restorations are about to happen that will make the city famous.
An alliance? I doubt that would be useful since our realms are so far away, however those who support me are always welcome so i so no reason to decline. And i haven't found a husband yet, do you have found your love sir?



The gates of Edessa opened for the lord. He is escorted by some soldiers on its way to the royal palace. He is granted permission to enter the Countess' room and found her dressing her clothes while other servants helped her with the hair jewelry.

Ah, a noble from the clergy in my realm. What makes you , oh honorable lord, bring to the distant lands of Edessa? Maybe looking for the countess' beauty? she jokingly asked

He nodded calmly.

"Only Ramla, although King Julien has set his sights on Jaffa, and I have betrothed my daughter to the Prince of Galilee, who has pledged his troops to my cause, in return for help with Tyre."

Malcolm scratched his face idly for a moment, irritated and itchy due to sweat from the ever present heat.

"If we had an alliance, I would certainly march to your aid if the Moslems invaded. A defensive pact would be a better term.

Yes, my lady wife has arrived from Scotland, but I do have a son if you wanted to meet him?"

[Gandalfus]

Annalisa took a glass of wine and slowly drank from it. She invited Stephen to make a private walking in the garden, to discuss matter more privately. The gardens are well decorated with flowers and statues dedicated to God. The two slowly walked and continued their conversation

Yes, i know of the situation. I can't allow guests risk their lives during their journey to Edessa. I have made plans and i may need help with it, Prince stephen. Those Eastern towns you speak of are a danger to us all and i may need to seize them, hopefully they submit without force to avoid bloodshed.

"I could aid you with this, My Lady. I wish for my borders to be stable and secure, even if that means campaigning against the local Emirs." He said, with a smile, as he walked beside Annalisa and admired the old architecture.

[Mary The Quene]

"I could aid you with this, My Lady. I wish for my borders to be stable and secure, even if that means campaigning against the local Emirs." He said, with a smile, as he walked beside Annalisa and admired the old architecture.

I have studied some geographic maps of the Levant and it seems that the cities of Ravendel, Azaz, Manbij, Atarib and Aleppo are the key to share borders. Now all these cities are small and probably not really difficult to seize except for Aleppo, it's a pretty big city that i desire for its luxury and its excellent trade position. Maybe if you can send some troops with my army, a simple show of force might make them submit peacefully instead of open war. I truly hope that i can prevent bloodshed, i have seen the blood at Nicaea and i don't want to repeat that kind of bloodshed if i am able to.
Only the most close to her knew about her feelings about what happened in Nicaea, it made her sick, she was horrified by the slain people and do not wish to repeat that scenario.

"Knight?" Malcolm pondered silently, smiling jovially from her comments about what he smelled like. Meanwhile, his entire retinue were beside themselves with laughter. They were whispering to each other and sniggering at the expense of Malcolm, not that he minded.

"I fear I can do little about the smell."

He said in a dry tone, causing his retainers to erupt into another fit of childish giggling. When they were finished, he continued.

"Even if our lands are far apart, you would still have my troops to call upon if you were defeated and you needed to help retake Edessa. Likewise, if you needed help on a campaign you would also have my aid. Besides, a column of horse can cover the distance between our lands in good speed. I would not be quick to dismiss the speed with which Goidelic riders can cover ground."

The lady ignored the laughter and sniggering of the Scot's retinue. She's above those who laughed, let them laugh, she thought. There are after all more important matters to ponder about then some sniggering and laughing of foreign servants.

Maybe you're right, maybe your Goidelic riders truly will reach my realm in time, and maybe our Italian crossbows will aid you in time. I will accept this deal when only when the barbarian muslims invade christian lands, i don't want to send my troops into a civil war in something like that, i hope you don't mind that? i don't want to be involved to much in war after all, sending troops for defending lands of the christians against muslim invaders makes sense but i'm not going to sacrifice my men for a bloody civil war between men.