"Hurhg?" you mutter, still confused from your rather blurry dream. Yes, yes, you're awake now, you can certainly feel it. Your mind kicks into motion as you take in your surroundings. You lie in a rather sumptuous bed in the center of your rather wide bedroom, covered by a singular fur duvet. Your mother always chided you for using so little coverage in the winter, but you always feel far too hot when you add another.

You stare at the walls, a rather spartan wooden covering shielding the layer of stone behind it. It's shameful to say, but your family keep is rather outdated when compared to the artistic touches you always see in the sumptuous manors of the capital city.

"Well, enough of staring at the walls."

Wasting no time, you immediately move to throw the duvet off yourself, the cold air of the morning stinging you as you force your body to stand up before your will is lost to the comforts of the bed. Even in a region as warm as yours, the winter chill turns the warmth of a bed into a siren call.

Suddenly, a gentle knocking rasps upon your chamber door before it shortly opens, a middle aged man making himself known. Your valet de chambres one mister Thibaud.

"I see you are already awake, meu senyor. And just as I was about to wake you." he states, nonchalantly walking to one of the wardrobes in the room and opening it. Indeed, this man has dressed you each morning for as long as you have had a room of your own. Bothersome as it may be, you muse as you begin to get out of your nightwear, One of noble birth must be dressed well when walking by, even in the familiarty of one's home.

Finally out of your sleeping clothes, you begin by putting on your daily wear, a tight reddened trunk hose followed by an undershirt and a white doublet, ending with a cloak of fox's fur and calfskin dress shoes. This wear, though seemingly complex, is the very bare minimum one of your strata would wear in these cold winter days.

As you finish off wearing your clothing, you turn to your servant Thibauld, who has now gone off to open the window of your room, unlatching the iron locks before opening them in twain, the sun's dim morning light breaching into your room. In the other side of the ornate portal stands your realm, your fief, your land as they so may call it. You take a step closer to look upon the other side, and see...

>A small city surrounded by vast fields as far as the eye can see, countless villages dotting the vista where peasant farmers work and toil for the growth of tomorrow's food. (Agricultural hold, high manpower pool, third in wealth, but lack of industry for equipments)
>A sprawling city beneath a valley, already filled with the whistling of working men as they journey to their workshops, where the many goods of modern civilization are made. (Industrial hold, high access to equipment, second in wealth, but lack of free manpower)
>The beating of the sea upon your shores, ships sliding in and out of the docks as merchants set up their colorful tents in preparation for the day's market. (Commercial hold, high access to mercenary and merchant contacts, first in wealth, but lack of manpower)
>The beautiful vista of ornate manors and colorful houses, homes worthy of the throng of socialites and low aristocracy that grace your city streets, artists and poets currying their favor to earn their daily bread (Aristocratic hold, high influence and access to noble contacts, fourth in wealth, but lack of equipments)

Note:

Welcome to Fog of War, my first (technically second) quest about military strategy during the gunpowder era, where you'll play as a nobleman of the early modern period as he meets the challenges of war and politics during a period of war and chaos. Keep in mind that your choice of fief shall affect not only your current prospects, but the very origin of our hero and the manner in which he is seen by the world.

>>6153606
>The beating of the sea upon your shores, ships sliding in and out of the docks as merchants set up their colorful tents in preparation for the day's market. (Commercial hold, high access to mercenary and merchant contacts, first in wealth, but lack of manpower)
hiring some rowdy mercenaries sounds fun!

>>6153606
>Aristocratic
Just have to make our armor bullet-proof.

>>6153606
>The beating of the sea upon your shores, ships sliding in and out of the docks as merchants set up their colorful tents in preparation for the day's market. (Commercial hold, high access to mercenary and merchant contacts, first in wealth, but lack of manpower)
The sea, aye?

>A sprawling city beneath a valley, already filled with the whistling of working men as they journey to their workshops, where the many goods of modern civilization are made. (Industrial hold, high access to equipment, second in wealth, but lack of free manpower)
The iron city will rise, bringing progress, prosperity, equality and industrial might to the unenlightened. (Being an "enlightened absolutist" will be fun and interesting, funding/supporting reformist, enlightened groups, etc.)

Question QM: How prevalent is the Enlightenment idea in this era?

>>6153606
>A sprawling city beneath a valley, already filled with the whistling of working men as they journey to their workshops, where the many goods of modern civilization are made. (Industrial hold, high access to equipment, second in wealth, but lack of free manpower)

>>6153682
You'll just have to wait and see.

>>6153622
>>6153665
Merchant

>>6153663
Aristocrat

>>6153669
>>6153683
Industrial

I'll wait another hour for any last minute votes or tiebreaks. Normally i'd update once per day, but I want to make use of the text formatting while I can.

>>6153606
>The beating of the sea upon your shores, ships sliding in and out of the docks as merchants set up their colorful tents in preparation for the day's market. (Commercial hold, high access to mercenary and merchant contacts, first in wealth, but lack of manpower)

Merchant Hold locked in, writing...

Hell yeah, the real quest has begun! I dug the pike and shot test you ran. Lets do t his.

I'd like to vote for the option that fits the most your classical aristocratic/"knightly" lord who has been trained for battle and has read your era appropriate military classics like de re militare. Is that more the Aristocratic option or better fitting for agricultural (small land owning "feudal" lord who can call up levies?)

Also, damn these posting time requirements.

>>6153753
Ah, nevermind. Merchant hold it is. I'd rather see the quest start anyway.

>>6153753
Sorry, anon, but you're a bit too late. If it's any consolation, Aristocrat and Agricultural had no chance of winning anyway.

>I'd like to vote for the option that fits the most your classical aristocratic/"knightly" lord who has been trained for battle and has read your era appropriate military classics like de re militare
All the noblemen will have had military education, the aristocrat would have allowed you to gain more contacts and lower aristocracy that would have given you easier access to Mounted Knights as an unit.

>>6153755
No problem, like I wrote, just glad it starts. And thanks for explaining!

File: Portblanc.png (3.05 MB, 1304x1026)

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Even from your castle, standing atop a hill that overlooks your lively fief, you can see the stretch of the Meringian Sea, beating upon the sugar-white sands, large stretches of wood standing upon them and leading to the bay where dozens of ships float by, hungover sailors marching wearily to their ships as they prepare to continue their voyage. It is Portblanc, your Portblanc, named so for the white sands of the beaches that looked no different from fallen snow.

Yours is a blessed city, flanked on both sides by the rivers Lutan and Marjoisse whose origins stretch far inland and give you access to the very depths of the Imperial lands. Though your Viscounty stretches no further than the islet which you call home, whatever of it not filled by city dedicated to the rather insufficient farming villages and fishing docks that exist to help feed your urban goliath, this holding is enough to make you the very wealthiest of noblemen amidst the Appanáge of Segoma, short only to the Imperial Prince your liege himself.

"It is a beautiful city, no?"

"Of course, meu seynor." he answers, storing the nightwear you had all but left on the floor back into your wardrobe. Having had enough of staring through your window, you make your way out of your room and into the corridors of the castle, stepping at a brisk pace while your servant follows you. "The breakfast is ready to your likings as usual, of course." Already feeling a pinch of hunger, you waste no time in descending to the private diningroom, used when you wish for a private meal not requiring the excesses of the banquet table.

As you take your sit upon the chair, Thibaud goes off his own way, his duties done, as several more servants appear with your first meal of the day, a rather humble platter of goat's cheese, smoked venison and a variety of common breads, accompanied by a flagon of cow's milk, freshly taken from the palace pens. Cow's milk was valued most highly in this region, one of these extremely rare things that commoners and nobles enjoyed alike, and even more so during winter, when it could be easily chilled and took longer to sour.

You eat calmly and alone; your family must have already woken some time ago and gone off to their daily matters.

As you continue your meal, you suddenly feel a cold finger touching your shoulder, a rather noticeable claw poking int your skin. You already know who it is. "Good morning, Joana."

"My greetings aswell, sir." she says in a monotone voice as she steps into your view, her beige dress tightly hugging her figure. It is your personal aide, your servent personals, and your friend since childhood, Joan Sahakea. The daughter of your family's long-standing chamberlain, you have known her ever since you were but a boy. She continues to speak, encouraging you to finish your meal quickly to make up for the time lost and to get to your daily duties in the same calculated, monotone voice you have known her for. Already accustomed to this manner of speech, you look up, seeing her long ears twitch and turn as she continues to speak.

Ah yes, Joan was not human. Even if it were not for her lack of normal ears, replaced instead by the feathered things atop her head, the feathered fluff at the sides, the odd shape and her pitch-black eyes would have given it away. She is of the *Corunii*, one of the many 'tribes' of the Meios, the half-beast people that dot the southern continent. After the conquest of those lands by the Empire, the ownership of these halfmen as servants had arrived in a wave over your country, useful as many of the natural capabilities they possued were. It had, indeed, been for this very reason that Emperor Teodor XI had banned public slavery, restricting such purchases to only those who held the right of serfdom.

With your breakfast finished, you get out of your chair, being almost pulled along by Joan. "You should take more care of your sleeping habits, sir. You are almost late to morning court...again." she says, expressing a hint of annoyance only she could get away with. She hurries you along as you make your way down the halls and through the stairs as you finally reach the courtroom. Joan goes ahead, opening the door as you begin to stroll in, putting on your noble airs.

"Gracing us with his presence," a uniformed aide begins, "His lordship, Viscount of Portblanc of Segoma, Grandee of Mirevale, Viscount..!"

>Choose your name (If no option is chosen, it will be picked by me)

>>6153819
Anonne.
Yeah, I'll see myself out after that one.

>>6153819
>Anonne Esutace Mues
Known as Anon E. Mues.

>>6153819
>Alessandro Galliota

>>6153836
I'll support this. Over the Anon name in quests.

>>6153819
>Achille Umberto

But I'll back literally any serious suggestion if it's a deadlock.

>>6153819
Austen Carter Lamonia de Clare.
Austen de Clare for short.

>>6153819
Lucius de Carendour

>>6153836
After seeing myself out I have returned to support this as well.

>>6153819
Support >>6153836

>>6153862
I like this one

I think we should choose a serious one, but Annone E. Muse made me laugh

Testing
Testing

>>6154262
Oh hell yeah, it worked! Guess i'll get to use formatting after all. Great to know.

Anyway,

>6153831
>6153834
Anonne

>6153836
>6153841
>6153930
>6153937
Alessandro Galliota

>6153862
>6154190
Achille Umberto

>6153864
Austen de Clare

>6153878
Lucius de Carendour

"Alessandro Galliota" is locked in...

File: IMG_3323.gif (481 KB, 220x239)

481 KB GIF

>>6154264
As he should be.

File: Courtly Life.png (1.14 MB, 800x515)

1.14 MB PNG

"Alessandro Galliota!"

You walk to the back center of the large hall, taking your place upon the ornate wooden throne of the Galliota family. You see before you a line of men dressed in all manners of clothing, from cheap to sumptuous, from practical to ridiculous and even those blatantly foreign to that which your people wear. They are petitioners, men of all classes come to bring grievances for you to judge, problems that had been passed on as either too bothersome, too big, or too unclear to be solved by the masters of law of your city who usually handle such issues. Although long gone is the day of the feudal court, where all matters are solved by the whims of the liege lord, it remains your duty, As the Viscount of Portblanc, to solve these issues which are placed before you.

As you continue to muse upon your situation, you are approached by an old coruuni man, his fluff discoloured and graying compared to the lively colors of Joan. It is her father, the Chamberlain of your castle and trusted friend of your family, August Sahakea. He shortly bows before you, before joining you on the side of your throne. He leans towards you, talking low enough that only you might hear. "Good morning be to you, Lord Viscount." he says. "We have many an issue to solve today. The ports always get livelier during winter, when the price of goods rise to meet the challenge of acquiring them."

"I'll say. I'm still not sure how father was able to bear with these merchants his whole life with how bothersome they are!" you exclaim. He chuckles.

"Such are the humours required to flourish in the markets, my lord, but worry not. I will see to it that the courts put more effort into dealing with these disputes on their lonesome. For now, though, you'll just have to bear with it."

And so, you do. The men come to you in the same order; they approach your throne, bowing before it, and airing out their issues, which you then judge and solve, August giving you advice and information on the situation as you do. Most of the issues are simple; merchants demanding restitution for damaged goods, representatives of fishing villages complaining about accidents caused by careless travelling merchant boats, foreign traders complaining about tariffs...all problems faced every day in an busy port city such as yours.

The courts really have let up on their jobs.. you muse, as your latest petitioner bows before taking his leave. Already have the clocks struck twice, signaling there is but one hour until morning court is dismissed for the day. Nonetheless, there are a few more grievers left to hear. As you look up to see the next supplicants, however, your attention is grabbed. Staring besides you, at the left, is none other than Gonzalo Viscaras, current leader of the Viscaras family, one of the biggest, wealthiest trading houses not only in Portblanc but in the region of Segoma at large. If he is here, then something serious must be happening. At his side is a portly man you do not know, dressed in what appears to be an odd mix of Mirevalian and Straccian clothing. Gonzalo is the first to approach you, taking off the feathered roundlet upon his head as he bows.

"Your lordship, I come to you that you may set right a blatant violation of your very laws! As you very well know, the Viscaras family has been graciously granted a monopoly upon the sale of all wine upon the docks of Segoma! All those who trade in wine upon these docks and beaches must go through us, that we may ensure their quality for sale and extract a tariff, part of which is given to the crown. This is a legal right given to us decades ago by the former prince and our current blessed emperor Teodor. "

He stops for a moment to regain his breath.

"Yet now, this man, who comes upon your docks selling vinegar of questionable source refuses to pay the tariffs we are owed! He claims that his sale of vinegar, which is made from wine, falls not within the charter of our monopoly! Such acts not only disgrace us, they are a direct contest of royal authority!"

"Now hold on just a minute - " the portly man interrupts, making his presence known. " What you tell are nothing short of lies and exaggerations! I ask thee, lordship, that you do not hear th-" you stop him with a raise of your hand, sending the two men quiet. Staring at the two men, you speak with some manner of disdain. "You'll wait your turn to talk, merchant. And you, Viscaras, shall finish your statements quickly."

"Of course, my lord;" barks back Gonzalo. "As i said, this merchant questions your very power with his acts! I ask only that you judge this for what it is; a blatant violation of the rights conferred upon my family." he says, before adding with a smile. "And of course, such a violation of a monopoly grants you every right to seize the vile profits gained from his goods as punishment for breaking the law." He's offering you a bribe, that is to say.

Finally, his point made, he backs off, before the other man moves forward to speak his part. Compared to what he wears, the ornate clothing of Gonzalo is like a peasant's dirty rucksack. The man before you must be as rich as he is fat; golden rings adorn his every finger, and his cloak is of a scarlet stronger than anything you had seen. This man is no doubt a Straccian, a fact most deviously concealed by the wide brimmed hat covering the long, droplet-ended ears that all those of his kind hold. His total lack of accent is nevertheless rather impressive.

"Your lordship, I am known by my name as Ferran di Malga, and I am but a mere humble merchant. And what this man has told you is nothing but lies!" he begins to say with a passion that you only saw in priests and actors. "It is true indeed that i have sold vinegar in this city of Portblanc, but to call it a product of questionable source insults me! I sell naught but the finest vinegar sourced from the vineyards of Avonna!" he exclaims, waving his hands.

"And to his claims that I violate his monopoly, I tell you this; how can i have breached his monopoly when i have sold not a single casket of wine?! His attempts to claim vinager, a wholly different product made in wholly different ways, to be wine merely for its part as a material, is nothing short of abuse on the rights given to him by the crown! The truth, your lordship, is far much simpler. The Vicaras, who deal not only in wine but in grapes, vinegars and tinctures, hold envy of the superior product i have now begun to sell. They seek only to take me out of the market, that they may continue to dominate it!" he finishes, already visibly sweating from the effort.

"Deny this abuse, your lordship, and proclaim vinegars to be a different product not included by such a charter, and I myself shall happily pay whatever same percentage of tariff is levied upon the Viscara's gains out of my products hereafter more!"

As you begin to consider what choice to make, your Chamberlain approaches you, whispering in your ears.

"Whatever your choice, meu seynor, let it be reminded that the Viscaras could very well take this matter with the Prince himeslf, should you exclude the sale of vinegars from their monopoly."

"That is true, but the Prince could very well agree to my ruling, and the taxes on the vinegars would benefit him too..."

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ACTION
>Declare that Ferran has breached the Vicaras Charter and order his profits to be seized as punishment
>Proclaim that Vinegar is a different product from wine, and is therefore not included in their monopoly charter (you will begin gathering taxes from their sale)
>Write-in

>>6154346
>Proclaim that Vinegar is a different product from wine, and is therefore not included in their monopoly charter

>>6154346
>Write-in
Declare that the difference between vinegar and wine is a question of degrees. You will form a committee to test the specific vinegar to determine if it be wine or not. In the meantime, di Malga may sell his vinegar but the profits will be forfeit should the expert committee determine his product to be wine.
(Also, write to the prince and get his take so that the 'expert committee' can conveniently make a decision in line with that of the prince)

>>6154346
>Proclaim that Vinegar is a different product from wine, and is therefore not included in their monopoly charter (you will begin gathering taxes from their sale)

>>6154346
>If vinegar truly is wine, surely Viscaras won't refuse to drink a goblet or two in our honor?
Whatever he does, it'll be funny, and more importantly the Prince will likely find it funny too and support our ruling

>>6154468
Anon, I don't really like interefering with people's write-ins, but...you do know that people *did* drink Vinegar historically, right? A goblet or two might be excessive, but it wouldn't exactly be impossible or even really hard.

>>6154472
I know they drank water with vinegar, but pure vinegar?

>>6154371
supporting this

>>6154371
+1

>>6154371
+1

>>6154346
>>Proclaim that Vinegar is a different product from wine, and is therefore not included in their monopoly charter (you will begin gathering taxes from their sale)

>>6154353
>>6154386
>>6154661
>Proclaim that Vinegar is a different product

>>6154371
>>6154480
>>6154483
>>6154653
>Form a committee

>>6154468
>Ask him to drink it

Committee wins, locked in.

You think for a moment, considering what choice to take; until you have an idea.

"In light of your arguments; I believe that this matter is a question of degrees!" you proclaim, gaining the surprise of the two merchants.

"Although this seat most certainly recognizes the charter of monopoly rightfully given to the Viscaras family, and attempts at circumventing this right through pedantry will not be tolerated, it must be said that at a certain point, vinegar can no longer be considered a subproduct of wine. To that end, I will form a committee to find the cutting point wherein the two are separated. Until that happens, di Malga may continue to sell his products, but should his products be in breach of the monopoly, his profits shall be forfeit."

Your sudden proclamation was not expected, neither by the traders nor by your own servants. Their eyes seem to shift between surprise, before they quickly compose themselves. The word of a noble within his fief is final, short of an order from a higher rank. They have no choice but to comply.

"Thank you for your time, my lord" says Gonzalo
"I will, of course, accept whatever your ruling may be." the other says, and the two retreat.

It would seem that your ruling did not particularly please anyone, but at the very least, you've no risk of insulting The Prince now. As you ponder your ruling however, that the bell rings once again. Without wasting time, the leader of your household guard slams his halberd against the floor.

"It is now the eleventh hour! The court of claims now closes; all those with cases not yet solved may return tomorrow to hear the Viscount's judgement!"

With the message given, the few petitioners left who still remained turn around, and soon enough, the gates of the court are closed behind you, leaving you once again to your thoughts. August, who had been dutifully writing down your rulings, approaches you.

"Shall I call for a commitee for vintners, vigneros and doctors of science to be gathered, meu seynor?"
"It would be wiser to hold on for a while; send forth a message to Prince Carles and ask his opinion on the matter. I would not wish to anger him."
"Very well, my lord. That'll be it for today. I would advise you to hurry along to the sermon now; it would not reflect well on you to be late yet again."

Knowing his words to be true, you lift yourself from your throne and yet again begin to move through the winding corridors of your castle. At your side, Joan joins you yet again, having seemingly stood and watched your court proceedings all throughout morning. From her expressiobs, you can already tell she intends to tell you something she would not wish for others to hear.

"If i may ask, sir." she says, breaking the silence
"Yes, Joan?"
"What brought you to take that choice? Choosing either of the merchants side would have brought you some manner of wealth and curried their favour."
"That may be true, but the charter was granted by the crown of Segoma. Prince Charles could have taken offense to it."
"You should have picked the Vicaras side, then" she says, throwing you off for a moment.

"By not picking either side, you displeased them both...the Vicaras are now unsure of their monopoly, but the Straccian is also at risk of losing all his profits, should he continue selling...there's no way he'll continue to do so. It's too great a risk for a merchant. In these sorts of scenarios, you should consider picking a side and sticking with it. Trying to avoid hard decisions may just displease everyone involved..." she states with certainty in her voice.

Before you can reply to her comment, however, you finally reach the chapel. You can see the sermon is about to start, so you waste no time hurrying to the seats reserved for your family. Seeing your mother, you join her side, taking your seat as you wati for the chaplain to begin.

"Good morning be to you, mother. Where is Jonatan?" you ask, noticing the lack of your older brother.
"Good morning, Alessandro. Your brother is...not so well, this morning. You know his infirmity gets stronger when the weather changes."

In truth, despite your position, you were not the eldest brother of your family. That was the position of your elder sibling, Jonatan, and he would have most certainlty been the one to take the mantle of Portblanc after the death of your father had it not been for his disease. Disease was a funny thing amidst the upper classes of Mirevalia; thanks to efforts of the Brotherhood of the Santo Cos, the most influential of all monastic orders of the church, most ailments had been all but wiped out amidst the upper classes. It was fully expected that one with the wealth to afford their services would live well over a hundred years.

The only exception to these were the Infermitats malèvoles, the Malevolent diseases that cursed one's body from their very birth. To be born with such an ailment was like a message from the Esplendor himself that creation itself had decided for said person to be cursed; in cases like Jonatan's, they were immediately removed from the line of succession. Jonatan himself was amidst the luckier ones; though pale and of white hair despite his young age, his disease only afflicted him with weakness in his body. In the better days, during summer, he could even walk by his lonesome, granted he was accompanied. Though he is rather upbeat about his condition, you thank creation every day for being born without such issues...

....

After the sermon is at last finished, you wave off your mother, knowing she'll most certainly be off to her social events, bickering with the other noblewomen of your realm and teaching the young ladies of the cloth in Portblanc of the intricacies of court etiquette. As for you; with your morning court procedures done, you shall have the entire rest of the day for yourself, should nothing of particular note occur.

Your mind wonders to one of your favorite daytime hobbies...

CHOOSE ONE OPTION
>The Gimnàs, a temple dedicated to the strenghtening of the body operated by the Santo Cor! Beyond training of the body, they also offer teachings in swordsmanship, archery, and horseriding.
>The Theater, where operas and plays entertain not only the nobility, but the growing burgher classes of the city as well. To be experienced in culture is all but required in the courts of Mirevale.
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.
>Write-in (Suggestions for hobbies will be allowed, as long as they fit the time period)

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.

>>6154852
>Write-in
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, various prominent enlightenment philosophers books and learning as well.

>>6154852
>The Gimnàs, a temple dedicated to the strenghtening of the body operated by the Santo Cor! Beyond training of the body, they also offer teachings in swordsmanship, archery, and horseriding.

We probably should be /fit/, for the shot and pike part

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.

>>6154879
Anon, I'm pretty sure Enlightenment isn't until like a hundred years in the future. Pike and shot is 16th, early 17th century, enlightenment is 18th.

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.

>>6154852
>The Gimnàs, a temple dedicated to the strenghtening of the body operated by the Santo Cor! Beyond training of the body, they also offer teachings in swordsmanship, archery, and horseriding.

>>6154852
>The Gimnàs, a temple dedicated to the strenghtening of the body operated by the Santo Cor! Beyond training of the body, they also offer teachings in swordsmanship, archery, and horseriding.

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.
Nerd.

>>6154852
>>The Theater, where operas and plays entertain not only the nobility, but the growing burgher classes of the city as well. To be experienced in culture is all but required in the courts of Mirevale

>>6154852
>The Galliota Library, your own family's personal hoard of books and scrolls, where you may spend hours delving amidst the letters, and learning as well.

>>6154852
>The greenhouse, through which wise men further their understanding of the world around them, and in doing grow their humility and understanding of the common serf.

>>6154852
>The Theater, where operas and plays entertain not only the nobility, but the growing burgher classes of the city as well. To be experienced in culture is all but required in the courts of Mirevale.

Galliotta Library wins, writing...

File: Continent of Mauva.png (5.71 MB, 4593x2063)

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The Library!

You've always been a bit of a bookworm. Whereas other noblemen of your age would spend their free time gallavanting about, going on hunting trips, throwing parties and whatnot, you always felt more comfortable when buried in books, learning about lands far away or reading stories and legends of a time long past. Many were the afternoons you would spend in the library, Joan by your side, the two of you buried deep in a dusty old tome. Your remember your grandfather, when he was alive, telling you how much more expensive books were during his time, back when the printing press had not yet been invented. It is your luck, then, that the Galliota family had always possessed wealth. The records present in your library date back centuries.

Nevertheless, all this time spent has given an upside; you are considerably more well-informed and educated than most of your peers. Education is paramount for the noble class of the modern world, but you have made a hobby out of it, having graduated in your education with flying colors from the Imperial University of Mascaloma a few years ago.

Finishing your thoughts, you arrive at last in the Library. Though owned personally by your family, it is free for the usage of most noblemen in Portblanc; to keep them closed deep beneath lock and key would not allow you to use it for bragging rights amongst the elite, after all. There were many types of books in your library; history, fables, travelogues, even books of science of varied subjects. So known was your interest in books that many of your vassals, when seeking your favor, would bring you rare and exotic books alongside the usual gifts.

"Ah, enough reminiscing. I should choose a book already."

You remember a specific book you had begun to read; a rather large one, you remember. You saunter over to the desk you use for reading, and there it is, already open, exactly where you had left it. It was the Liber Regionum Mundi, Twenty-Fourth Edition, dating from 1541 AS. You take your seat, and quickly flip the quite large book back to the beginning. There, expertly drawn, is a map of the very continent of Mauva, where most of the lands of Mirevale reside. It would seem that this book is traditionally updated every twenty years; this edition being amidst the latest, with but one year of age, containing information of the many states of the land of Mauva.

You wonder which one you should read about today...

CHOOSE YOUR OPTION
>The Mirevalian Empire
>The Princely Sates
>The Sbravani Tsardom
>The Straccian Peninsula
>The Lily Coast
>The League of Bach
>The Straitland Earldoms

>>6155359
oooh, lore!
>The Mirevalian Empire
better learn about our own neighbourhood first

>>6155359
>>The Mirevalian Empire

>>6155359
>The Mirevalian Empire

>>6155359
>The Mirevalian Empire

>>6155359
>The League of Bach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYcP9jZMmTQ

>>6155359
>>The Straccian Peninsula

So uh, we fuckin the bird? I just gotta ask. Gotta see how terminal the first-girl-itis is.

>>6155359
>>The Mirevalian Empire

>>6155359
>The Mirevalian Empire

>>6155359
>The Mirevalian Empire
B i g.

Mirevalian Empire wins, writing...

File: Mirevalian Territories.png (3.05 MB, 2331x2396)

3.05 MB PNG

"Well, I suppose it's no harm to see what they've said of it here..."

Chapter II: L'Imperi Mirevalenc
Capital: Mascaloma
Form of Rule: Hereditary Imperial Election
Faith: The Church of Splendour

Amidst the states and crowns of all the land, few shine as bright as the crown of Mirevale; from their seat of power in Mascaloma, they are the largest nation in the entirety of the continent of Mauva, with territories spanning as far as the Meio lands of Samica in the south and the deserts of Fasia in the west.

Their origins lay in the tribes of western Mauva; safe from the reaches of the Himmerian Giants and their rule over the eastern continent by way of the Ascarpian Mountains, the kingdoms born from these tribes fought over the dominance, and from one of these kingdoms, came Mirevale; born from the conquests of the Kings of Mascaloma, the then-converted warriors spread throughout the entire region and beyond, estabilishing the empire as it is today...

You start flipping through the pages, skipping all the parts you already know by heart.

Amidst the most powerful forces of Mirevale are the Holy Orders, most notably of which is the Brotherhood of the Santor Cor...

The conquest of Samica opened the gates for a flood of serfdom, with the most exotic of half-men becoming a symbol of status in the courts...

The creation of a pool of capable heirs required the estabilishment of princely states they could rule to prove their worth...

Upon the death or abdication of the Emperor, the Prince are recalled to Mascalona to make their case before the Electorate and gain their votes to attain the crown...

Alas, you are hit with disappointment. It would seem that most of the information about Mirevale seems to be no different from that of the last edition, save for mentions of new territories recently gained in the west by Emperor Teodor's crusades. "It may be true that these things did not change, but could they not at least bother to rewrite it...?" Maybe you'll have more luck with finding interesting excerpts from the more distant lands...

Before you are able to consider what to choose next, however, you suddenly hear a voice; it is Joan.

"Sir, I am here to notice you of the arrival of a messenger..."
"Send the letter to my quarters and I'll read it during the night." you answer, not feeling like browsing through what is most likely just another social correspondence.
"I would advise against it, sir. The messenger bears the golden seal."

You have already gotten up.

Without another word, you two walk out of the library and into the halls of the castle yard, picking up your pace as you go. The Golden Seal, or the Princely Golden Seal, is a seal reserved for the usage of none other than the Prince-Heirs of the Empire, and only for the most important matter; short of the Imperial Seal, there are none more important throughout the whole lands of Mirevale. If one has reached your doorstep, it is not for any petty cause.

This thought is all but confirmed when, as you march yet again into your throne room, you see the presence of a courier and several armed guards, dressed in the colors of the Prince of Segoma. They bow to you in tradition as you make your way to the throne, Joan standing at your right, and her father, who had seemingly been waiting for you, in the other. You are the first to speak.

"Greetings be to you all; what message brings you to Portblanc?"

With an air of seriousness, the courier steps forth, opening a large missive he had been carrying on a scroll. He begins the announcement.

"To Don Alessandro Galliota, Viscount of Portblanc, Patriarch of House Galliota, and Vassal to the Crowns of Segoma and Mirevale at large; your service is called upon. I, Prince-Heir Carles IV Brascarams, Prince of Segoma, Son of Emperor Teodor XI Brascarams, do hereby send this missive as your rightful liege."

The man continues the message, stopping not once, as though he had no need of breath.

"Know that action is needed; in the eastern territories of Straccia, in the Republic of Nera, foes of the Empire converge to conspire against us, threatening not only the interests of the Imperial Crown but the lands of the Empire at large. As our allies so rightfully call for our aid against these malicious actors, so have I, your Prince and Liege, resolved to take upon arms for this just cause and defend not only our allies, but the integrity of Mirevale as well."

"Therefore, by the bond of vassalage and the oaths you have sworn to me, knowing your capabilities as a just, wealthy, and capable man, I invest upon you the right of a military colonelship; you are entrusted with the contract and duty to raise a full regiment, comprising no fewer than 2000 men, posessing drilling and equipment befitting of the professional standard and no less, that they may be ready for combat by winter's end. It is expected that you will use your influence to gather the necessary soldiers from your estates, retainers, or even mercenaries, both individual and massed, to achieve this duty."

"May it be known that you are to gather this army, at a state both ready and capable, and report alongside with it to the City of Honderias, where I will be present to assemble the host for this undertaking and provide you with new orders. Although provisions for the length of this campaign shall be afforded by my own treasury, it is expected that you provide your forces with capable equipment and provisions to reach Honderias. You must achieve this by no less than the 1st of October of the Year of 1542. Should any questions of your role and duty remain, they should be addressed to my Faithful Servant, Odonás, who has brought you so this letter."

"This duty is given in accordance to the bonds of vassal and liege and the laws of this Imperial realm, and in the spirit of duty to the most splendorous creation and our father who all creates. May the Esplendor's will be in accordance with our own"

The courier at last takes a breath, before finishing the final line.

"So it has been decreed by Prince Carles IV in the 28th of June, in the Year of our Splendour, 1542."

You sink into your throne ever so slightly. This is most certainly not what you had expected.

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU WANT TO ASK? (NO LIMIT, ASK AS MANY AS YOU WANT)
>What is the goal of this campaign?
>Why was I chosen for this?
>What exactly is the professional standard?
>What manner of soldiers must I bring?
>[Write-in]

>>6155981
>What exactly is the professional standard?

>>6155981
>What is the goal of this campaign?
>Why was I chosen for this?
>What exactly is the professional standard?
>What manner of soldiers must I bring?

>>6155981
>What is the goal of this campaign?

>>6155981
I think it doesn't make sense not to ask all these questions, so:
>What is the goal of this campaign?
>Why was I chosen for this?
>What exactly is the professional standard?
>What manner of soldiers must I bring?

Additional questions:
>Surely, His Imperial Highness does not intend for me and my troops to march all the way to Straccia by horse or foot. Will a fleet be borrowed or bought? Who will pay for its expenses?
>His Imperial Highness' letter speaks of 'allies' of Mirevale calling for aid. Who are these allies? Are they willing to support our endeavors by sword or coin?
>What interests of the Empire are being threatened exactly?
>Does Mirevale or Segoma hold claims to any Straccian fiefs or dominions?
>What shall be the legal status of conquered territories?

imo, questions don't need to be asked ipsis litteris, not to make them feel like a slog. feel free to modify them a little so that dialogue flows more naturally. your call, QM

if an additional action is available:
>use our encyclopedic knowledge to recall what we can about the republic of Nera: its history, geography, etc. Including its place on the world map

>>6155606
for fucking, we probably have enough money to afford the most expensive prostitute of Mirevale. for marriage, we will probably be forced into an arranged one because of political circumstances, besides, interspecific marriage is probably forbidden by law. as for love? who knows... friend or not, I wouldn't forget bird gal is ultimately a domestic slave

ngl I'm curious if our protag is a virgin or not. he doesn't seem like the womanizer type so far

>>6156017
Supporting this
Also I would like to know about the timeline. It's winter now, isn't it? So we have to have the troops ready by the end of winter and arrive to Honderias in September; what the hell are we to do the whole spring and summer?

>>6156017
>interspecific marriage is probably forbidden by law
Actually...I won't say everything, but let it be in the record that Mirevale is heavily inspired by Spain and France, so take that as you will.

>spoiler
I'm gonna say Alessandro is. But he didn't need to be. Since you picked both a trader holding and a library nerd, our noble protagonist is a bit of a "nerd", shall we say. However, if you had, for example, picked an aristocratic holding and subsequently a social hobby like the theater, he could - and probably would - have had some experience.


>>6156039
Ah, yes, I should probably have explained that one; the continent we are on is following the southern hemisphere seasons. This means that we are currently in the end of June, and Spring starts around the tail end of September. It also means that it actually gets colder the further south you go.

I intend to have a biome map one of these days, whanever I finish it. It's a bit hard to make.

>>6156044
a library hobby*

>>6156017
Changing my vote to this.

>>6156044
>southern hemisphere
This tracks!
Are we following roughly Mediterranian agricultural cycle, btw?

>>6156044
wooow an upside down urop, even the seasons are backwards
Don't pretend you didn't Straccia isn't just Italy

>>6156071
>Are we following roughly Mediterranian agricultural cycle, btw?
If by that you mean in the sense that crops would be harvested during fall, planted during winter and grow through spring and summer, then i suppose sure, yeah. I'm not exactly a farmer guy, sadly to say.

>>6156076
In some ways yes, In some ways not. Straccia is definitely Italy, though, but that's just because I'm taking inspiration from the Italian Wars for a few things.

Anyway, I probably shouldn't spoil more.

>>6156079
Nope, it's actually winter wheat, sown in the fall then harvested in the late spring - early summer. But then grapes and olives are harvested in the fall. Anyway, it's not that important, I was just curious. Though the timing of the harvest will affect our foraging opportunities in the field.

>>6155606
Man, on the off chance we aren't fucking the stewart's daughter, we jacking it to her all the time. Felt strong vibes from the writing

>>6156017
+1

>>6156217
Those may have been friendship vibes, you gooner

>>6156370
I dunno he might be onto something. I don't think of my friends by noting how well they fill out their outfits, you know?

>>6156375
>Not appreciating your homies' rizz
You probably don't compliment them either

File: Straccia.png (715 KB, 1055x1018)

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You ask this 'Odonás' what exactly the purpose of this war is. This man, of graying hairs yet clearly healthy in his age

"You see, Lord Viscount" he begin, speaking with confidence.

"As you no doubt know, the lands of Straccia are, despite their divided nature, amidst the wealthiest of Mauva. Thanks to their warm, humid climate, they are ideal for the growth of many valuable products such as grapes and olives. Their position in the middle of the Meringian sea has also allowed them to engage in trade with both us, here in Mauva, as well as those in the eastern lands and even north, well into Valschen in the north."

He speaks the truth; although Portblanc's position as an island has made it one amidst the most important trade cities in Mirevale, the volume of commerce it sees pales in comparison to the trade ocurring in the trade republics of that peninsula. Although not the wealthiest, the Nera are the largest of these republics, and one amongst the most powerful too.

"Because of this, it follows that the powers of this world would fight amidst themselves to ensure their influence would grow. Thankfully, our foes in the League of Bach have yet to be so daring as to attempt a direct invasion."

If there is one state able to contest the might of the Mirevalian Empire in this world, it is the League of Bach. That association of burghers masquerading itself as a state, despite their nature, still own a military force capable of fighting head on the imperial armies of your home nation.

"This of course, did not stop them from using their wealth to attempt to charm the trade republics into their midst. Through their mercantile power, they have all but fully controlled the governments of Chiantia, Monto and Genatta. What had stopped them from spreading further, however, was the presence of the Republic of Nera."

"The Nera have always, historically, had warm relations with the Mirevalian Empire. It was thanks to Mirevalian funding that they were able to expand from their capital of Montellegaria. The Spisa Family, who have dominated their politics for well over a century already, were at the forefront of this."

"I will guess, then, that something has changed?"

The man nods. "Indeed. According to the Spisa, several poorly timed scandals have allowed their rivals, the Fortelli, to turn their electorate in Montellegaria against them. They were ousted from their position, and one Iuliano Fortelli was elected as Doge in their place. Following that, the Spisa have arrived to claim refuge here, and ask us to retake the Republic in their name. And though the Prince cares little for the minutiae of the processes of trader republics, we have it on our knowledge that the Fortelli are far more amicable to the League than their predecessors."

"And thus, cannot be allowed to remain in power." i finish, already forming a picture of the scenario at hand.

"Most accurate, my lord. There are more details to the matter, but those, I have been told, will be explained to you when you arrive in Honderias by the Prince himself."

This seems like a good way to lead into your next question; why were you chosen for this task? The old man's expression seems to grow into a smirk.

"Rest assured, Don Alessandro, that you are not the only Colonel in this mission; alongside you, the Count of Zaroza, whom I have already called, and the Marquess of Castalla, whom I will seek out next, will join you."

"But why rely upon our forces? I have no doubt but a single group of the Imperial Army could occupy Nera." you ask

"This matter has been left in the hands of Prince Carles alone by his Imperial Majesty" is all he replies.

"Ah" you conclude. It is a political matter then. To achieve victory in war with one's own forces would grant a Prince-Heir considerable renown amidst the Electorate. This choice must be Carles' attempt at surpassing the popularity of his brothers for the throne.

"I understand. In that case, I must ask of my duties. What manner of soldiers must I bring? What exactly can be considered 'the professional standard'? As you know, I am not experienced in the art of warfare."

The man thinks for a moment, as if pondering the question. "As the missive has decreed, Portblanc is to provide the prince with at least 2000 men. Although it would not be held against you, were you to arrive with two thousand pikemen armed with naught but a spear, a helmet, and a cuirass, it should be said that the greater the number of soldiers you are able to provide, and the greater their abilities and equipment, the greater the amount of favour that shall fall upon you. The rest, of course, is up to your capabilities and willingess to invest in his call."

Odonás, finish his explanation, coughs into his hand. "If those are all your questions, Don Alessandro, I must take my leave. Should anything else remain, I shall try my best to answer any letters sent to my office, in Honderias, as soon as I return." he says, his party bowing in respect as they prepare to leave

"Of course. I wish you good travels."

And so, the messengers leave, leaving you with this newfound situation you have found yourself in. Joan and August seem to be shocked into silence. This...is not an normal ocurrence. Indeed, thanks to the formation of the Imperial Army under Teodor's predecessor, Emperor Fernand II, over a century ago, the days of the vassal host had all but ended. Although still lead by noblemen, most armies were raised under the banner of professional soldiers, noblemen who had left their duties to dedicate themselves to a life of military leadership. The Galliota, in specific, have not been called to war like this since the fourteenth century!

"Chamberlain" you declare, turning to your old advisor. "See to it that a council is called posthaste. If Portblanc is to raise an army in a single season, we must not waste any time!"

The old man nods, bowing to you before walking off as you think of the challenges that lay ahead. You'll need good advice to get through this. Your mind wanders to one of your vassals in particular who might help you in such regard...

CHOOSE ONE OPTION (The positions that are not chosen will be filled by people of average skill)
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.
>Juan Barbero de Parva, a Hidalgo of the Viscounty of Portblanc and a respected dignitary. Although of the lower nobility, his experience in matters of diplomacy will serve you well in these matters.
>Jonatan Galliota, your older brother. Although sickly, Jonatan is a bigger bookworm than even you, and will, despite being unable to inherit the title, serve most skillfully in your place while you are away.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156478
Of course I don't compliment them. They're scum just like me. Don't want to reinforce bad behavior, you know?

>>6156519
>>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.
Perhaps not the oldest profession in the world, but truly the most honest. Killing. Soldiering. WARRING! When it comes to problem solving there can be no more absolute a method.

>>6156519
>Jonatan Galliota, your older brother. Although sickly, Jonatan is a bigger bookworm than even you, and will, despite being unable to inherit the title, serve most skillfully in your place while you are away.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard
So, basically, we're invading and depositing a legitimate government so we can install a puppet. Well, I guess that's not much when we're already fine with owning slaves.

And speaking of slaves, there's no way there isn't something going on between those two.
>Birdgirl speaks and even criticizes us to our face
>The whole "filling out her outfit" part
>The part in the library about how they spend basically every day together reading books
I would be more surprised if there wasn't something. It sure as hell wouldn't be the first time a rich guy wanted to bang a slave woman, anyway.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

We should definitely talk to the other two eventually, but this seems like *the guy* for raising an army

>>6156516
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156519
>Jonatan Galliota, your older brother. Although sickly, Jonatan is a bigger bookworm than even you, and will, despite being unable to inherit the title, serve most skillfully in your place while you are away.

>>6156519
>>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

>>6156519
>Hugues Regnard, Captain of the Guard of Portblanc. Hugues is an exceptionally skilled former mercenary who came under your family's service. His knowledge will be vital if you want to raise and train an army.

File: Council of War - attempt 2.png (1.56 MB, 900x662)

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For the following hours, things after calm; it would be a few hour until your council could gather for a meeting on this upcoming war.

You however, do not rest, not when there is so much to do. You already remain in the council room, going over papers and ledgers, maps and records, attempting to locate yourself in this sudden hailstorm you have been thrown into. Your only stop is when, during the afternoon, Joan arrived with a plate of garlic and shrimp soup,chiding you for skipping lunch and threatening to tell your mother you had done so if you did not eat. You reluctantly complied.

By the time the council had at last gathered, it was already well into the afternoon, the sky taking on a yellow tint through the rainy clouds of your alabaster beaches. There were four people present: you, the Viscount, August, the Chamberlain, Hugues Renard, the Captain of the Guard and Garaçia de Planta, your Minister of Diplomacy. You were the first to speak.

"My loyal vassals; as you know well by now, we are in a most unique situation. His highness, Don Prince Carles, has called me forth to raise an army in his name and accompany him in a campaign to Straccia."

They nod.

"This is not a call i can refuse, as you might expect; yet you also know me to not have experience in such arts. My military education consists only of the bare minimum. And so...I must ask for your advice."

"If i may, meu seynor." says Hugues as he steps forth. Hugues was first hired by your father, when he was still alive, a few years ago. Although a citizen of Mirevale, it is clear, by his look and accent, that his cultural ties lay with the Montcher people of the Lily Coast.

"Although not a leader of an army myself; in my career as the leader of a mercenary company I often dealt with the raising and training of soldiers. I will share with you whatever I can of this experience in these following months; but first and foremost, there is one first decision we must do."

"And what is that, Hugues?"

"To choose your regimental staff, your lordship. It is only after a regimental staff is chosen that we may move on to ascertaining our situation, our resources, and what we must do to raise an army."

"I see." you say, carefully listening to his words. "And what positions must be chosen, then?"

"To raise a regiment, one requires several things. First amongst them is a Coronel,a Camp Master. That would be the position you hold, seynor. After that, it is necessary that you have a Sargento mayor,a chief of staff; a Furriel mayor, a Quartermaster, and finally, several capable Capitáns, to lead your companies. There are other positions, such as Chaplain or leaders of the drum and fife; but they are easy enough to acquire."

"And how do you advise me to fill these positions."

"Well, meu seynor, given my experience and loyalty to your family, I believe i would be more than capable to act as your Sargento mayor; otherwise, you would have to hire another yourself, or request one from Prince Carles, which would cost you in time. I also possess several comrades of mine, both in your own Household Guard and elsewhere, that I am certain would serve you well as Captains for your companies."

"What about the Quartermaster, then?"
"Sadly, that is more complicated. You'll have to hire one. I would reccomend hiring from those with experience in the Imperial Army. They are a modern fighting force, but above all, are much more loyal to the nation than a mere mercenary..."

You consider what to do...

CHOOSE YOUR CHIEF OF STAFF
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Ask Don Carles for help
>Find mercenaries capable of filling the position (this will cost you more)

CHOOSE YOUR QUARTERMASTER
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but they are amidst the best in the entire continent
>Find an quartermaster from independent mercenary companies, it'll be far cheaper and easier
>Find a local recruit from amidst the trade houses, though not experienced in military matters, they'll have far more experience in procuring supply deals.


One day, I'll manage to finish a full update without having to delete a post.

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but they are amidst the best in the entire continent
We have a merchant hold, money is the thing we have

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but they are amidst the best in the entire continent

>>6157120
Supportan
>Spoiler
I know this pain all to well, QM

>>6157120
Support

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
this probably decreases our chances of being stabbed in the back considerably
>Find a local recruit from amidst the trade houses, though not experienced in military matters, they'll have far more experience in procuring supply deals.
I feel like a merchant would bring a fresh perspective from all the soldiery we'll be surrounding ourselves with

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but they are amidst the best in the entire continent

A good quartermaster is important

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but they are amidst the best in the entire continent

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a retired veteran from the Imperial Army, they may be costly, but

>>6157110
>Accept Hugues to the position; hire his friends as captains
>Find a local recruit from amidst the trade houses, though not experienced in military matters, they'll have far more experience in procuring supply deals.

I'll let this open in case anyone still wants to vote, but sadly, there'll no update today, as i'm a bit busy. Also, the next update is gonna be a really complicated one to figure out since I have to introduce how the army recruitment system works.

In the meanwhile,i'll ask: what have you guys thought of the quest so far? This is my first actual story with characters, so i'm not too experienced.

>>6157694
>In the meanwhile,i'll ask: what have you guys thought of the quest so far?
I like it. It is pretty immersive. Being able to get into it makes it more fun to actually get into. Even the little dressing like appropriate titling goes a really long way.

>>6157694
maybe it's a little early to judge, but so far I think you're doing a good job! I like the preliminary worldbuilding, including the map. you're clearly putting effort and care into it

I have little doubt the more wargamey part of the quest (which is the main treat ofc) will be handled well, as it's probably your hyperfixation

as the quest progresses, I think side characters ought to be fleshed out more. some stuff I'd like to see would include army captains with unique and flavorful personalities (e.g. think of napoleon's marshals), romanceable npcs from distinct social backgrounds, complex factions made up of npcs with conflicting goals, also an army that doesn't feel like a bunch of automatons but troublesome soldiers with their own agency

idk if thats the sort of feedback youre looking for tho

>>6157782
>idk if thats the sort of feedback youre looking for tho
I'll take any feedback, really. The more the better. Even if it's good or bad, it lets me have an outside viewpoint of my work.

Testing
Testing
Testing

File: Warchest Report - July 1542.png (699 KB, 624x881)

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Agreeing to his proposal, you arrange for your new chief of staff to receive whatever he needs and send him on his way to gather the men who will carry out your will through this campaign. It is but a few days when he returns, a posse of captains with shiny new armor at one side and an impeccably clean, rather imposing man on his other; you are told his name is Provençal de Marguina, and he is to be your new Quartermaster.

"May the Esplendor bless you on this day, Don Alessandro." he says, introducing himself.

You quickly learn he is from the western provinces of Mirevale; and this is readily shown in his religious favor. In those lands, where the church originated, their word is law stronger even than that of the Emperor; was Mirevale not a staunch soldier of the faith, there is no doubt they would have little difficulty breaking away. As befitting of a westerner, he is meticulous to an obsessive degree, eating only what is healthy, exercising every day, and attending sermon thrice a day. It is perhaps this meticulous behaviour that had won him a discharge from the Imperial Army despite his talent. He did not come cheap however, negotiatng his way to two hundred imperii as an advanced payment of his services throughout this entire campaign.

As your council reconvenes at last, you are briefed of your situation by the man.

"As you may see in this report, meu seynor, you possess a rather large warchest; i was assured by your chamberlain this was all he could muster from the coffers of your family without risking the reserves maintained for any important expenditures this city could necessitate in your time away. The same would go for your income..."

"Will this be enough, however?"

"I believe so, should you remain frugal with your expenditures. Of course, should you require more, you can always request more funding from your coffers. Although I would not reccomend it so..."

"Very well. So if these are my funds, it begs the question; what must be done now to raise an army?"

"I can answer that, Don Alessandro." says Hugues, stepping in.

"There are three steps in raising an army; finding recruits, acquiring equipment, and training your men. Though I have seen some acquiring weapons before they find their numbers, our extensive access to the market of trade allows us to buy only whatever equipment is necessary after we finish recruitment."

"How shall we recruit these soldiers, then?"

"In your situation, my liege, four main sources of soldiers you must pay attention to."

"The first amongst them are Citizens; they are civil men of active age well situated within society and fully enjoying of its rights. According to the law of Mirevale and Segoma, all male citizens of age must own and train with a minimum quantity of weapons and armor; this is so they may serve the militia in case of war. Sadly, because you are not a sovereign lord but a vassal in an foreign expedition, you cannot call upon the duty of conscription. Nonetheless, there are always men either seeking adventure or thirsting for the ambitions of plunder who will happily take service. Not only are these men trained, they already possess their own equipment; the wealthier ones, seeking better pay and personal protection, will even go so far as to better arm themselves."

"Ah, so they are not all pikemen"

"Not at all. It is within these men, in fact, that we even find a subgroup; the lower nobility. Baróns, Señores, Caballeros and Hidalgos. It is from these men that you will find your heavy cavalry, your knights so to say. It would not be impossible to turn light horsemen into knights, but the costs would be extreme even for you."

"I see. Tell me of the next ones."

"Those would be the Dregs; the unwwanted masses of society. Whether they are poor sailors abandoned in distant ports, penniless men seeking a way out of the gutter, or even petty criminals whose crimes were too light for corporal punishment, these men are far more fitting of the common image of the soldiery. They are not trained and will require you to equip them fully, but if you've a lack of manpower, they may be the only options left."

"Equipping them would be rather costly, no?"

"Considerably so; of course, there is always the option to loan these men the costs of their equipment and deduct it from their wages, though you'll gain no favors with them if you do so."

"I'll keep that in mind. Move on."

"The third group are Independent Mercenaries; these men are wandering sellswords not connected to any great company, willing to sign in to any army they may find. They are undeniably veterans in experience, and always bring their own equipment, but they've served enough to know their value; they'll usually require double the usual signing bonus of the commons.

"How much is that; the signing bonus?"

"It can depend on how well our recruitment efforts go...i'll be sure to warn you when we reach that point."

"And what is the final group, then?"

"Those would be the Free Companies; these are proper corporations of war, wholly independent, who sell out their services to lords such as yourself. Differently from the usual soldier, these companies will sell out the services of their entire force for a fixed, pre-determined sum. Their value is undeniable, but as one who had served in these companies myself; I can tell you they care not from where the gold flows..."

"There are certainly a lot of options, aren't there...?"

"Indeed so, seynor. I will tell you this, however; you are better off choosing to approach one group at a time. Your captains can only do so much at once."

You ponder what group you should target first...

CHOOSE ONE
>Target the Citizens
>Target the Dregs
>Target the Independent Mercenaries
>Target the Free Companies

Note
To those who may be worried about the money system, do not worry. No actual accounting is necessary on your part; you will be warned by characters well beforehand of the effects of your decisions. This does not, however, mean you should be completely careless.

>>6158604
>>Target the Free Companies
War as a business.

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens

>>6158604
free companies sounds fun, but since we have agreed to promote Hugues' friends as captains, I don't see that not conflicting with the companies' own internal chain of command, so...
>Target the Independent Mercenaries

>>6158604
>Target the Dregs
Tap into this first

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens

Citizens first I reckon then Free companies

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens

>>6158604
>>Target the Dregs
Recruit from the poorest ala the Romans in the time of the Marian reforms (when the legions started to become truly professional.) Plus it's cheaper in the long-term, and they will owe us their livelihood.

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens

War, especially foreign war and triply so in not-Italy, involves politics, so having our soldiers be actually truly loyal is a huge plus. The last thing we want is our army walking away because someone else paid them more, which is a risk for all the other sources of recruits

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens
The more of them we get, the less we have to spend on training and equipment, and we can get some knights too

>>6158600
Do the Quartermaster and the Captains also need a daily wage?

>>6158604
>Target the Citizens

>>6158604
>>Target the Citizens

>6158619
Free Companies

>6158737
>6158737
>6158747
>6158885
>6158902
>6158954
>6158969
Citizens

>6158714
>6158875
Dregs

>6158676
Independent Mercenaries

Citizens wins; writing.

>>6158902
>Do the Quartermaster and the Captains also need a daily wage?
Captains, yes; however, the reason why your contract with the Quartermaster was so expensive was that you pretty much paid for an entire campaign's worth of services upfront. You don't need to pay for Hugues either, since he's already on your family's payroll.

>>6157783
I quite like the quest so far. Still early days, but it has good pacing and character interactions. And the added details of the world like the titles adds to the authenticity.

File: Armorsmiths.png (574 KB, 900x613)

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"Joan, will this take much longer?"

You stand in the middle of your room, dressed only in a thin shirt and pants. At your side is your loyal maid, Joan, prodding and poking at you with a roll of measuring tape.

"It will if you continue to squirm, Sir."

For the past half an hour already she has been taking measurings of just about every inch of your body. With the captains on their way to recruit men for your army, you are left with having to prepare yourself for the campaign as well. Not only has Hugues seem that the palace tutors start teaching you in the basics and classics of the study of warfare, you have also begun shopping for equipment, and the most important of them is your armor. In this modern age, plate armor is not only cheaper than ever, but also far tougher and easier to produce. The armor makers of Mascaloma are amidst the most famous in the world, surpassed only by the smiths of Strahlendorf, in Bach, and Antinia, in Straccia. Sadly, you do not have the time to order from either, so third place will do.

You suddenly feel your maid's hands on your chest. She stretches the tape across it, her hands holding it tighly against you. Now, you're by no means fit, given your tendency to spend your days buried in a book, but amidst the nobility of Mirevale, it is all but expected for a noble of the grandée - that is, the land-owning high nobility, to be at least of healthy form - such is the extent of the Santo Cor, who maintain that the fat and the weak insult the 'perfection' of the body as it was made. Nevertheless, you can still feel the closeness between you and Joan, and for a moment she seems to hesitate to move...before quickly recomposing herself and moving on to your arm.

"Should you not be noting the measurements down, Joan?" you say, trying to break the awkwardness

"You know it not to be necessary, sir. I'll write them when i am making the letter of order to the armorer." You know that to be true. Amidst the Meios, the Corunii are known for having almost perfect memory and sublime sight. It is for those abilities that they are valued extremely highly as servants amidst the nobility of Mirevale.

"There is one thing you must decide, however, sir..." your maid continues in her usual monotone voice. "Do you wish to order a custom-made armor set or a pre-made piece?

"Personal orders are usually of much higher quality, are they not...?"

"True, sir, but they are also a lot more expensive, as you know, and given our time constraint, we'll have to pay a lot more extra to have the smiths take it as a first priority. Even then, there is a chance that they may not be able to deliver it before the time for your departure..."

You think for a moment, before telling her your decision
>Pay extra, go for custom-made (this will cost about 150 Imperii, and there is a chance they may not make it in time)
>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set

"Very well, sir. I'll keep that in mind when writing the order. This is the last measurement."

"Finally..." you say, content to finally put your arms down and move. Yet before you do so, Joan holds you back.

"I finished the measurements for your under-armor, sir. You'll have to put on a gambeson and doublet so i can take your measures for the plate amror itself."

This is going to take a long while...

==== CAPITÁN ENRIQUE =====

You are Enrique de Arburete, and you are a captain in the new army of the Viscount. More accurately, you are a captain in what will become the army of the Viscount. It is your current duty to gather up recruits from the citizenry. It is for that reason that you now stand at one of the main city squares of Portblanc, flanked by members of the city guard dressed in lively colors, drums beating and fifes playing, the white-gold standard of House Galliota fluttering in the breeze from the sea that seems to always fill the city. Already a rather large crowd gathers around you.

Large enough, you decide.

Clearing your throat, you suddenly march to the center of the square, and signal for the music to stop. Your 'audience' watches with extreme interest. You slowly unveil a scroll, mostly for show, and begin to read the words in a booming voice honed by years of military work.

"ATTENTION! ATTENTION TO ALL HEAR! ATTENTION TO THE PEOPLE OF PORTBLANC!"

"OUR LORD LIEGE, PROTECTOR AND STEWARD OF THIS CITY, DON ALESSANDRO GALLIOTA, CALLS FORTH THE LOYAL AND THE BRAVE TO SERVE UNDER HIS SWORD! OUR VALOROUS PRINCE, HIS HIGHNESS, PRINCE DON CARLES IV BRASCARAMS, SON OF OUR BLESSED EMPEROR TEODOR XI BRASCARAMS, HAS SUMMONED THE MEN OF SEGOMA FOR AN EXPEDITION TO PROTECT MIREVALE ITSELF!"

You pause for a moment, catching your breath.

"FOR THE SAKE OF THIS NOBLE GOAL, WE CALL UPON THE BRAVE CITIZENS OF PORTBLANC TO SERVE IN THIS ARMY! THOSE WHO HEED THIS CALL WILL BE WELL PAID AND TRAINED; ALL RECRUITS SHALL RECEIVE A MONTH'S WAGES UPON THE CONFIRMATION OF THEIR CONTRACT! THE BETTER THE EQUIPMENT YOU PRESENT, THE BETTER SHALL YOUR WAGES BE! AND MUCH, MUCH MORE SHALL BE GAINED UPON THE CAMPAIGN; OUR GOAL IS NONE THAN STRACCIA, THE EXOTIC AND RICH LAND OF MERCHANTS, WITH GOOD WEATHER, WHERE PLENTIFUL SPOILS OF WAR AWAIT YOU!"

You pause yet again; this time for suspense.

"SO COME FORTH, BRAVE MEN OF PORTBLANC, JOIN THE ARMY! SERVE YOUR LORDS AND GAIN MONEY! WE SHALL REMAIN HERE ALL DAY, OFFERING DRINKS AND FOOD, FREE OF CHARGE!"

You finish, the hired cooks planting down large platters of meat and pork on the open tables you had placed here for this occasion. The crowd already erupts in talking, young men rushing forward to partake in this opportunity for such a meal. It is all part of the process, you've come to learn; grandiose words, promises of riches, a lively atmosphere and free drink are a call whose allure few men can resist. By tomorrow's time, you'll have plenty of new recruits, both knowingly and not. You can only hope the other captains succeed as well.

>ROLL 2d500, RESULT WILL BE AVERAGE OF 3 FIRST POSTS

Rolled 66, 119 = 185 (2d500)

>>6159143

Good stuff
Now give me high rolls dice

>>6159164
Thanks for the rolls, anons, but you also need to choose the earlier vote for the armor.

Rolled 327, 441 = 768 (2d500)

>>6159141
>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set
You don't need a gambeson though, just an arming doublet
>>6159143
Rollan

Rolled 213, 458 = 671 (2d500)

>>6159141
>>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set
There will be time for finery and such later. When our boy has acquired his taste for war.

>>6159143
Check this nat 1.

>>6159164
>>6159176
>>6159187
>185
>768
>671

This, in average, gives us a grand total of 541, which, for the sake of making things easier to calculate, will be rounded down to 540. Now, to determine how many of the lower nobility have answeered this first wave of calls;

>ROLL 3D100, RESULT WILL BE AVERAGE OF 3 FIRST POSTS

Rolled 38, 59, 25 = 122 (3d100)

>>6159188
I SAID, check this nat 1.

File: graham turner - greenwich(...).jpg (103 KB, 611x850)

103 KB JPG

Rolled 81, 79, 53 = 213 (3d100)

>>6159141
>Pay extra, go for custom-made (this will cost about 150 Imperii, and there is a chance they may not make it in time)
WE SHALL NOT BE OUTDRIPPED BY THE ENEMY (pic related)
>>6159188
let's see...

Rolled 10, 37, 95 = 142 (3d100)

>>6159188
>>6159143
>Pay extra, go for custom-made (this will cost about 150 Imperii, and there is a chance they may not make it in time)

Ill also add my armour vote

>>6159190
>>6159192
>>6159194
>122, 213, 142
That leads us to an average of about 159, which we'll round up to 160 (once again, for ease of bookkeeping)

That'll be all the necessary rolls; continue voting for armor as you want and update will be out tomorrow as usual.

>>6159141
>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set
When we are afforded more time we can pimp our armor out.

>>6159141
>Pay extra, go for custom-made (this will cost about 150 Imperii, and there is a chance they may not make it in time)

>>6159141
>>6159195
yo, if you dont mind me changing my vote
>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set
ironically, I feel this would make the protag stand out more, especially since a (somewhat) reclusive bookworm probably doesn't care quite as much about their self-image (more of a thing for cocky nobles and proud warrior prince types imo), makes for a more interesting character from my pov. also, not standing out in the battlefield would be pretty beneficial if/when we're personally attacked

>>6159143
>Settle for an lower quality, mass produced set

Rolled 83 (1d100)

.

File: The Viscount's Army.png (358 KB, 740x495)

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You stare down from the balcony at the space that was previously known as the courtyard of the barracks wing of your dear castle. What is there can only be described as a town of tents, raised in expectation of the army that you have begun to house. With the order for your armor set, and the captains on their way to recruit soldiers, the first weeks of July have been most fruitful indeed. A cold breeze blows, and you tighten up your coat a little.

"It is rather windy today, is it not, Don Alessandro?" a voice suddenly says from behind. It is your new Sargento Mayor, Hugues. He seems to carry a piece of paper with him.

"We have reports from our first wave of recruitments. It would seem we have done...not so well, and yet at the same time greatly."

"And why is that, Hugues?" you ask, puzzled.

"Well, see here. According to my reports, we have managed to hire a total of 700 soldiers, with 540 being common soldiery and 160 being men of noble birth. This is...not so great. Although the number of noblemen is certainly impressive, we have but a little over a sixth of a proper regiment."

"I should have expected it. Because my city holds such wealth and prosperity, the number of free men willing to risk it all for an dangerous career in the army is rather small. After all, a Footsoldier seems to be paid even less than a skilled artisan. That does not bode well... although Don Carles hath only required two thousand men of me; to fight with less than a single full regiment would hurt my capabilities in the campaign itself, would it not?"

"Indeed, my lord. Although, there is a positive effect to this wealth; it would seem that an impressive eight out of every ten men who have signed up brought guns with them. That is well above average, in my experience. That should allow us to keep costs down if we are forced to equip a force from the dregs of society. Which does bring me to my next question, sire."

"Whichever group we shall focus on next?"

"Correct, sire."

Choose one group to target
>Dregs
>Independent Mercenaries
>Free Companies

"There is one more thing, actually, Don Alessandro."

"Ah? Do tell."

"You see; this very morning I was approached by a group of noblemen from Portblanc; around several families or so, though none of stature bigger than a Barón. It would seem that a few of their sons have, well, registered themselves with us. Without their input, and most likely drunk. They wish to barter for their release from these contracts."

Your eye rolls at the mention of this; you certainly know such behavior first-hand from your time in Mascaloma. Your fellow noblemen of the university would spend most of their time drinking and partying, getting into 'bothersome' situations their families would, unvariably, have to dig them out of. You, of course, just studied.

"Is this a common ocurrence during recruitment drives?"

"It is all but expected during one, sire. There are plenty of men who'll drink themselves into a stupor and then sign their lives away to the army, only to complain and protest when they finally awake. Many try to escape it. The sons of the elite, however, however, are the only ones with the means to do so."

"Well, it's their bad fortune, then. I need men more than i need some pittance of a bribe."

"I believe they know that, seynor, and it is why i decided to bring this situation to you."

You turn to him, curious. You motion for him to continue.

"I was told by this group that they, knowing you to be in need of men, gathered up a pool of 'replacements' to take the place of their sons. There are plenty of men under the thumb of these houses; servants, lowly guards, men indebted to them...they say they'll pay for their equipment themselves, and send them your way, should you release their sons. This trade would give us 70 common soldiers in place of their ten nobles."

"That is interesting Hugues; but I've seen how much a knight's equipment costs. We would still be at a loss..."

"Mayhaps, sir. But I could see to it that the men they send to us are the kinds we need; that would allow us to round up to a hundred pikemen and 600 arquebusiers. The latter would be enough for two whole companies of shot; that's the entire shot component for a single regiment in the imperial army's standard."

You ponder what to do.

>Accept their deal
>Reject their deal
>[Write-in]

>>6159713
>Dregs
We'll train them into pikemen
>Accept their deal
150 knights is already not bad, and the ways of keeping nobles in line are limited so we don't need unmotivated ones

>>6159713
>Dregs
>Accept their deal

>>6159715
>>Dregs
Fine, we will deal with the people to talentless for art, too stupid for accounting, and too proud to beg (much).
>Accept their deal
But I would like to make it clear down the grapevine that we are doing this as a FAVOR for the minor nobility, taking a loss such as this. They should know we are being generous. Never let an opportunity to align people go to waste.

>>6159715
>Free Companies
>Accept their deal

>>6159713
>Dregs
let's try making our pike to shot ratio less abysmal

also, it would be nice to have a description of the troop types later, some of them sound kind of vague. what do corporals do, what kinds of artillery are there, how does cavalry differ from knights, etc.

>>6159715
>Accept their deal

>>6159713
>Dregs
>>6159715
>Accept their deal

>>6159713
>Dregs
>Accept the deal

>>6159715
>>6159720
+1

>>6159720
Support

>>6159720
+1

File: Prisoners.png (862 KB, 800x517)

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==== CAPITÁN ENRIQUE =====

Before you stands the unwanted of the earth; men sentenced to penal labour for the crimes, dragged out of their workhouses and prison cells to stand before you. In a large trade city like Portblanc, they were by no means an uncommon sight. Under the reforms of Emperor Teodor, the Mirevalian Empire and it's colonies had begun to prefer forced labor as an alternative to corporal punishment for petty lawbreakers; though of course, one could pay their way out of such sentences with relative ease.

These men clearly could not.

"LISTEN UP, REPROBATES!" you shout, getting their attention. The mass of prisoners in the yard you stand are surrounded by guards, maces gleaming in the sun ready to bludgeon any attempts at rowdiness.

"You stand here today because you have violated the laws of this crown! Only by his majesty's mercy do you live to pay off your debt. Luck has yet again graced you, however; for the Lord viscount Don Alessandro has deigned to give you an opportunity to leave your sordid position!"

Most of the prisoners most likely already know what you mean; although much more common in the navy, where losses are significantly higher, the recruitment of prisoners in the army is not a novel concept. Such is your duty this day, and with the disappointing numbers of the recruitment drive, you knew it was an inevitability. You still wished you had been assigned to deal with the recruitment of the poor instead. The poor and desperate were always easy to deal with, eager as they were to get a job.

"To those amongst you with a shred of valor, we extend the opportunity to join his lordship's army in a military campaign! Those who enlist will be not only freed of their sentences; they shall be paid like soldiers, fed like soldiers, and treated like soldiers! And should you serve out your contract to it's end; you shall be free men once more!"

Already, some chatter can be heard. It's a risky offer; but nonetheless not a bad one for those in their position.

"Do not take this offer lightly, however. Know that, as you are treated like soldiers, you will, too, be punished like soldiers should you betray the trust placed upon you by his lordship. Now...step forward, those willing!"

>ROLL 2D1000, RESULT WILL BE AVERAGE OF FIRST 3 POSTS

==== ALESSANDRO GALLIOTA =====

You stand in the palace armory as Hugues continues to lay out a series of weapons in a table; as part of your education, you have been told you will now learn the roles and capabilities of each type of soldier in the army, as well as what weapons they use. After the last weapon is placed, your captain turns to you.

"I shan't waste your time with many introductions, seynor, so allow me to jump right into the middle of things; the roles of each soldier in the army! I am certain you already know plenty of these from your books; but the art of warfare rapidly changes these days, so classical education is often outdated."

"Alright, Hugues; start from the beginning"

"The basis of warfare is, of course, the humble Pikeman. Wielding a long spear lance, they are the bane of horsemen everywhere. To assault a formation of pike without the proper weapons is suicide; though it should be said that a formation of pikemen will fall apart rather quickly when caught unprepared, or attacked in their flanks. These men will be your source of foot combat."

"What of Halberds and Glaives? Even recent books I had read would praise them as a mighty threat on the field." you ask

"Indeed they were, sire; were. In these recent decades, however, their worse performance against cavalry was deemed a bigger problem than their capabilities were a boon. The Imperial Army has all but phased out pikemen, so you'll have no luck in attempting to wield a regiment of them. Though I've no doubt there are plenty of other states who still wield them en masse...

"Moving on, we have Corporals and Captains. They serve the same role, though in different scales; to maintain the organization of your army. Without them, orders could not be carried out. There's little of difference between them and the common soldiery beyond that, however...and their pay, of course."

"There is also shot, of course." he exclaims, holding a large firearm.

"Although there are still those who prefer the crossbow or even the longbow, like the Sbravani Giants, the arquebus has come to be the main source of shot for most armies. They're no good in close quarters...but an arquebusier's volley can bring down even a charging knight."

"Are those all the weapons used by footsoldiers?"

"Not so, sire. There are of course, Special types, as they could be called. These are more...exotic formations, not often seen. Rodeleros, who wield the sword and buckler, as well as the greatsword-wielding Doppelsoldner are both examples of Special troops."

Rolled 237, 130 = 367 (2d1000)

>>6160456

"We are left with the horse, then."

"Yes; of which there are three main types. The Skirmisher, or Pistoleers, who wield small firearms on horseback to harass the enemy. Cavalry, or Lancers, light horsemen who wear little armor. And of course, the Knight, donning a suit of full plate and capable of breaking even the toughest of formations. As i had mentioned before; these are but the most common types of soldiery, and the ones you will most make use of."

"I see...what about artillery, then?"

"That is a more complicated matter. Artillery Men are not part of the army, per sa. The secrets of gunnery are held closely by the Artillery Guilds. Although there are some who have signed permanent contracts with the Imperial Army, most artillery is recruited through mercenary contracts - they are also without a doubt, the most expensive part of one's army. Perhaps it may be wise to leave their recruitment to Don Carles...

"I understand. I must thank you for your tutelage yet again, Hugues."

"I am at your service always, Don Alessandro. Is there any matter that you still wish to know about?"

>Yes (If so, what?)
>No, It's fine.

Rolled 434, 622 = 1056 (2d1000)

>>6160456

Rolled 901, 321 = 1222 (2d1000)

>>6160456
Oh, these are big boy numbers.

>>6160464
>>No, It's fine.
I can't actually think about anything to ask.

>>6160485
>>6160492
Good, one more roll left.

>>6160464
>Yes (If so, what?)
What opposition are we likely to meet?
What are the rules of engagement? If we're nominally supporting a legitimate ruler, I guess looting and pillaging is out?

Rolled 785, 869 = 1654 (2d1000)

>>6160464
>>6160510
+1
>>6160456
rollin'

>>6160510
+1

>>6160510
Supporting this especially the type of force composition common in our enemies.

Also, what is the standard force composition of the Imperial forces we will be fighting alongside?
We want our forces to be complementary

>>6160485
>>6160492
>>6160523
>1056
>1222
>1654
And with this, we have an average of...1310!

With the previous 600 soldiers and 150 nobles you already had, this means you have succesfully gone over 2000 men! Congratulations! Now all that's left is actually turning them into soldiers.

Update is tomorrow, as usual.

>>6160510
+1

File: Army Templates.png (692 KB, 1110x743)

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"What manner of opposition should we expect in Straccia?"

"That much is not something i'd be able to answer with precision, milorde...much like the League of Bach, the Straccian Trade Republics make considerable usage of mercenary free companies, or Condottieri as they call them, to make up their heavy infantry. These numbers are then aided by a body of citizen skirmishers, be they on horse or on foot. In the case of Nera, there is the noticeable case of their Famiglia, the 2000-strong regiment of horsemen that answers directly to the office of Doge. If the Fortelli have truly gained control of the office and Montellegaria, they should be within their command."

"I'll keep that in mind. What of the rules of conduct during the campaign?"

"That much, my liege, I advise you ask Don Carles when you meet him."

The following weeks leading to the final days of July were much the same; your captains were busy seeing to the recruitment of soldiers, Hugues would tutor you in the arts of warfare, and August would help you with settling whatever matters there were to settle before you left. With only two months left to turn your new recruits into a proper regiment, there was no time at all to waste.

It was in one of these days that you were approached by Provençal and Hugues yet again. The coldest days of winter were upon you, a thin sheen of snow ever so rarely falling upon the land. They had come to you with a new matter involving the equipping of men; a rather costly and important matter, as it would seem. Provençal was the first one to talk.

"Thanks to the success in the recruiting drive of the Dregs, sire, we have over a thousand men more at our disposal. However, they are utterly unequipped and untrained. We must begin drilling them posthaste; but first, we must choose how they shall be equipped."

"There are a few things to keep in mind when doing so, however." interjects Hugues. "For one, although it is a shame, sire, the urban nature of your domain means there are indeed very few people outside of the noble classes with knowledge of horsemanship. Since our time for training is so little, as well, this means we are unable to turn our untrained men into cavalry or skirmishers. There is also the issue of division. Following the Imperial system, a regiment should be divided in companies of three hundred. With our numbers, we are 90 men short of fully dividing our men into companies. Although it would be possible to fill this gap with independent mercenaries, it may be wise to decide what manner of company they'll be so we may already begin training them. Thanks to the extensive mercantile connections in Portblanc, procuring weapons for your soldiers can be done extremely quickly."

CHOOSE ONE OPTION
>Option A
>Option B
>Option C (Write-in)

Note:
If you wish to know the price and wage of a custom division idea, just ask; I'll try to answer them as best as I can

>>6161089
>Option B
If this is the one for using our connections to procure weapons.

>>6161089
>Option B
If we're going to be facing skirmishers, more shot seems useful

>>6161089
>Option A
I'd rather have a greater ratio of pike so our shot will be less likely to be overrun by cavalry

>>6161089
>>6161104
besides that...
>train the 210 remaining men as rodeleros, hire an additional 90 rodeleros sellswords to fullfil the requirements for a company
also...
>If you wish to know the price and wage of a custom division idea, just ask; I'll try to answer them as best as I can
I'd ask on how feasible would be hiring an independent sellsword company of skirmishers. We're short of scouts and our knights seem notoriously unsupported

>>6161107
>I'd ask on how feasible would be hiring an independent sellsword company of skirmishers.
If you choose to check out 'Free Companies', you will be given a list of all the free companies available to you, which may include skirmishers. However, since they're an independent company, they don't have specific prices for equipment or wages, just a flat rate of payment for the services of the entire band.

>>6161109
sorry, I misworded that.
I meant seeking independent mercenary skirmishers instead of a full mercenary company

>>6161110
In that case you'd have to get lucky during the mercenary roll when you focus on recruiting independent mercenaries. Although being a trade hold means your mercenary roll is higher than average, the roll for exactly what types of mercenaries will be lining up remains to luck (like how you got lucky and rolled an 83 for the ratio of arquebusier to pikeman during the citizen recruitment drive)

>>6161112
I see... so if I'm understanding things right, it's still an available option?
In this case I'll put it here and wait to see if other anons are also inclined towards it
>seek out available independent mercenaries
I guess this could tie in with choosing what to do with the remaining 210 men too?

>>6161114
You can choose to do it after you finish deciding how to equip the soldiers; right now, your captains are busy with that. As stated before, you can only pursue a single 'group' at a time.

>>6161089
>Option A

>>6161089
>Option B

Also

Train our spare personnel as gunners and buy some field artillery pieces it’ll be expensive I’m sure but bringing a good artillery train to the campaign will be appreciated by our lord. If needs be we can hire independent mercenaries to serve as trainers and gun commanders

>>6161089
>Option A
Bit conservative, but the test run shows that good tactics have a greater impact than army composition.

>6161096
>6161100
>6161202
A

>6161104
>6161200
>6161264
B

We've got a tie for Option A and B, so i'll wait for a breaker; but remember you also still need to actually decide what to do with the remaining soldiers. None of the ideas gained support.

>>6161711
>Option B

And we should hire 90 mercenaries to fill out that last company

Okay, I guess we're going with option b...and since nobody else offered any ideas of what exactly to do with the remaining men, i'll have to go with the Rodeleros idea.

File: Warchest Report - August 1542.png (708 KB, 624x881)

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Having decided on what manner of equipment to provide your new recruits with, you send out the order for the weapons and armors to be bought. Thanks to the easy access to merchant goods in Portblanc, it doesn't take much time for the price tag to arrive in your desk. When you look at it, you are rather surprised; the entire thing costs but 800 Imperii, including the Rodelero equipment, no small part of which is due to the arquebuses you buy. In these latest decades, the price for arms has rather considerably decreased when compared to historical prices. It is cheaper than ever to outfit an army, such that even the simplest of pikemen is afforded a piece of partial breastplate.

With the monthly alloted income released to you as well, your warchest is all but intact, and though the first wage you'll soon be paying your soldiers during the official showing of arms will put a dent in it, it won't be much. Despite this, however, there remains a thought in your head; equipment loaning. It is a rather common practice in the Imperial Army for regimental colonels like you to 'loan' the amount necessary to 'buy' the equipment to your soldiers, and to then take it from their wages until they are able to pay it back. You figure you could do this without loosing any of your new recruits, given they must already be in desperate straits to enlist. That would clear you of having to pay for most of your soldiers for a rather decent amount of time. Of course, they definitely won't like you for it, and may indeed attempt to make up for the losses during the field of war...

>Loan the equipment to your soldiers
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself

Regardless of what you choose, you'll still need to pay their first salary in full, as a manner of signing bonus so to say.

When the day of the first mustering; the showing of arms arrives, it is already into the days of august. You stand in a large courtyard, upon a wooden platform, hundreds of men in front of you in several columns - companies of three hundred men. At the end of each column, close to where you stand, there is a 'tunnel' of pikes laid against each other. Upon passing the column, the men would approach the table after it, where the captain of their company would note down their equipment, name, and hand them their first month of wages. Afterwards, they would be hurried to another area, where your guards would watch them closely to ensure no man would give his equipment to a fellow soldier in an attempt to gain higher wages.

All in all, by the end of the day, you would pay about 3,010 Imperii, a far more painful amount to let go of. If even an incomplete regiment costs this much each month, you are rather thankful that Don Carles intends to supply you with their wages for the length of the camapaign. Although you can enjoy the income of Portblanc to refill your coffers right now, you won't have such a luxury while in the field. And given that mercenaries tend to be even more expensive than normal soldiers...oh yes! You need to talk about mercenaries.

"Hugues?" you ask the man as he helps you in yet another tutoring lesson.

"Yes, meu seynor?"

"We ought to find some men to fill our last company already, don't we? I'd much rather fill them with citizens, but I doubt we'll find any more, as you've told me. We need mercenaries."

"Correct, my lord. Since news of the Prince's intent to raise an army have spread across the region, mercenaries everywhere have begun to make their way to Segoma. It would be no challenge to make it known that you are seeking men as well. But that, of course, depends on how extensive your lordship want these efforts to be..."

"What do you mean, Hugues?"

"Allow me to put it this way, sire. Mercenaries are attracted to two things: generals of renown and wealth. Portblanc is already well known for the latter. Your capability to pay is under no doubt. It'll be no challenge to find a mere 90 Rodeleros. Consider it done. However, we could find more. Although the forces you have gathered already satisfy his highnesses' demands, more soldiers would more easily ensure success in your efforts, Don Alessandro."

"What of free companies?"

"They're making their way here as well, no doubt. If it is your will, we could merely fill this last company, and then rely on free mercenary bands for the rest of the regiment; or even to leave it at seven companies alone. It is your choice, of course."

CHOOSE ONE
>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region
>No, I'll fill the rest of the regiment with free companies
>No, seven companies is enough
>[Write-in]

>>6162351
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
Most of them are dregs, we need to keep them loyal

>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region
Less collective bargaining power than free companies

>>6162354
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
I would be particularly worried about looting, considering the political nature of our military campaign

>No, seven companies is enough

We're going to not-Italy, am I sure of we need mercenaries there will be aplenty there to bribe to change sides

>>6162351
>>6162354
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

>>6162354
also, unrelated but I think it'd be cool if we could distinguish the companies by their social background, whether dregs, civilians, mercenaries, etc. so they'd have some flair

>>6162387
Don't worry, i'm keeping track; things like company identity will come when your army is finally finished. As of now, you're just training, you haven't even assigned Corporals yet.

>>6162351
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
>>6162354
>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

>>6162351
>>6162354
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself

>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

>>6162351
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

>>6162354
>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

>>6162354
>>No need, just bear the full price by yourself
>>Yes, put out a call for any independent mercenaries in the region

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It is now the midst of august; the cold winds from the south beat down mercilessly on Portblanc, your soldiers taking to heating up their daily rations of rum and mixing them with milk and butter to create a warm beverage with which to tolerate the merciless drilling Hugues inflicts upon them. You are in your room, staring at your mirror, as you swing a sword around, your sword that is. It is a straight cavalry sword, embroidered with gold and a white tassel. It is still odd to think you shall finally put this sword to use, even if you will most likely spend your time well away from the frontline as a noble officer. Will you ever have to take a li-there are hands on your shoulders.

"Sir?"

You stumble forward from the sudden touch, dropping your sword in reflex as you let out a confused noise. You are quickly calmed down when you see it's just your maid, Joan.

"Do not sneak upon me like that, Joan! Especially when i am handling a sword!"

"I apologize deeply, sir." she says, bowing, though you know well it's just to hide her ever-so-slightly upwardly curved mouth. She's always enjoyed surprising you like this. You simply stare at her, waiting to see what it is she's come to say, signaling her to go on.

"Well, sir. It's your brother. He is in the garden."

"Again? I've already reminded him plenty that he should not go out in the damp cold with his condition."

"He says he wants to talk to you, sir."

"Very well, I'll go. And store my sword, if you will, Joan." you say, throwing on your fur coat as you leave the room. Your maid merely bows in agreement.

The garden of your family's castle is by no means extensive. Compared to the flowers you could see in Mascaloma or even Honderias, it paled. Yet even so, it was still a sight to behold during winter time, the barren trees and timid grass covered by a light sheen of snow. You didn't know why, but you always enjoyed these dreary, gray days. As you walked, you finally found your brother close by the fountain, leaning on his cane as he watches the water gently falling.

"It's ingenious, is it not?" he says, his gray-ish skin and long white hair rippling in the wind. Despite the sickly coloring, Jonatan himself has a fair visage; utterly unblemished by life beyond even the standards of the nobility.

"Jonatan, you should not be out in the cold. The physicians warned you time and time..."

"Bah! If it were for the physicians, i'd spend my entire life in my bed. Talk with me for a while, and then i'll go." he says. Despite his sickliness, Jonatan never quite lost his spirit.

"Very well. What do you want to talk about, brother?" you acquiesce.

"Don't look so glum. I know not for how long it'll be the next time we meet, after you depart in...what is it, two months?"

"Only one. I'd rather be early than late to the mustering."

"Sensible as you usally are, brother. It's funny to think i'll be left to sit on Portblanc's throne, even if I cannot inherit."

It is true; although his condition bars him from inheriting the throne, there must nonetheless be someone to take decisions in the name of the Galliota family, and even a disinherited son like him goes first, in order, before your mother does. Of course, the truth is that it'll most likely be August making the decisions. Although Jonatan received an education, he was never tutored in the ways to rule. He was never expected to. He seemed to far prefer the art of painting, anyway. A few of his works even decorate the halls of your castle. He continues to speak.

"Still, I'm not much fit to do this, brother. And you know that mother isn't either. So i'll tell you this..." he says more seriously turning to you.

"Be sure to come back for the throne, alright? It's yours. You've no business dying before a sickly man like me."

Without another word, he begins to walk back. You hope he's right.

In the following day, the results from the mercenary search finally come back.

>ROLL 2D500, RESULT WILL BE AVERAGE OF 3 FIRST POSTS

Rolled 188, 211 = 399 (2d500)

>>6163235

Rolled 115, 158 = 273 (2d500)

>>6163235
surely 1000

Rolled 292, 447 = 739 (2d500)

>>6163235

File: Wha.png (436 KB, 1110x500)

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Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>6163245
>>6163247
>>6163248
>399
>272
>739
That leaves us...with 470! Not very good, sadly.

Now here's where things change a little. In order to decide what exactly these mercenaries will be off, I will not roll the sum total of the prospective hires. When i do this, I would like for one of you anons to roll me a 1d100 to determine what type of soldier this quantity of men will be.

Rolled 193 (1d470)

>>6163254
Oops. I meant to roll *this*

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>6163254
I call, 67.

Rolled 296 (1d469)

>>6163266
>first roll
>anon gets an artillery master
Welp, congratulations anon; that's [1] artillery master for you. Alright, let's do it again.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>6163269
We need to roll anything?

>>6163277
You're rolling so we can determine what the troops are. Speaking of which,tthat means we've got [296] Glaiviers. That's four short of a full company!

For the sake of not splitting everything up, I'll go and say that the last 173 are from the same type, so i'd like one last roll.

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>6163279

>>6163284
And with that, we have it; [173] Skirmishers to top it off.

Update coming, as usual, tomorrow.

>>6163269
What are we even gonna use him for? Loan him out to a group that has artillery?

>>6163295
You'll see.

I wanted to get an update today, but sadly, things have gotten a bit complicated. There probably won't be any updates on the 24th or 25th either, for obvious reason.

Sorry, anons. Happy Holidays.

>>6163725
Murry Crimaugh

>>6163725
It's all good, merry christmas. Don't think people were expecting updates around these days anyway!

Well, christmas is over, and that means we are back! Writing update...

Okay, uh, I should probably say beforehand...i made a few accounting mistakes previously, some stuff was a bit fucky. It's not a *big* difference, but I suppose i should probably warn you all that some stuff will be diffferent.

My apologies for the mistake; tracking non-decimal currencies is hard.

File: Mercenaries.png (364 KB, 548x373)

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"Well, that is a bit disappointing, isn't it?"

"I am sorry, Don Alessandro; but these are all the mercenaries we have found available. Although there were...others, they were far too few in number and varied in equipment to form a coherent company. It would be a logistical and strategical hindrance if we were to form a company out of their numbers."

You understood very well what Hugues meant, but it did not please you either. It would seem that in the end, only 470 independent mercenaries were available for you to hire. With a city such as yours, you would have expected more. Nonetheless, it was what you had.

"Very well, tell me what companies you have."

"Very well, seynor. There were two major groups we were able to find. The first one amidst them were Glaiviers. Glaiviers, or Glaive-men as you know, are special soldiers wielding polearms. In the battlefield, their main purpose is not unlike that of a halberd, being greatly proficient at anti-infantry and anti-cavalry maneuvers. However, the necessity of having a grip to swing with means they are far shorter than pikes. They would not do well against pikemen, and would perform far worse when being charged by horsemen. There are 296 of them."

"Argh, Just short of a full company..."

"If you'll forgive me, seynor, such small numbers of men matter little to a company's capabilities. Fighting capacity only sees meaningful drop-off for every quarter of the company that is lost." he explains.

"Alright. What's the second one then?" you ask.

"They would be the Skirmishers, or in this case, Pistoliers. They are light horsemen who, rather than a lance, wield a pistol as a sidearm. Theirs is the role of harassing the enemy from a distance, and attacking light troops. In the latter case, they prefer to fire their pistols in a volley before charging the enemy with their swords. There are 173 of them. Since horsemen are usually divided into troops of 60, that would leave us with three troops, the last of which would only be missing seven men." he finishes, before handing you a paper; it contains the costs that hiring each of these mercenary groups would take.

"So, my lord, what'll it be?"

>Hire only the Glaiviers
>Hire only the Skirmishers
>Hire both of them
>[Write-in]

"With that out of the way...there is also one last matter; a man which I believe you should meet." he says, before signalling to a guard to open the doors.

From the corridor comes a man you can only describe as 'eye-catching'. Dressed in vibrant red and blue, a small cerulean bonnet adorns his head as a wide yet thin moustache covers his head. Yet most noticeable of all are the long lower endings of his ears native to the Straccian people. Taking off his diminutive hat, the man bows before you in greeting.

File: Artillery Master.png (721 KB, 426x606)

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"Greetings, Lord Viscount! I am Vettorio de Camento, certified master of the Honourable Silenian Artillery Guild and a wandering merchant of my trade. Upon learning of your call for mercenaries; I thought to make my services available."

"An artillery master, you say? What services do you offer" you ask, prodding the lively man.

"The service of artillery, of course, your lordship! I bring with me my own cannon, handcrafted by yours truly, as well as the aides necessary to operate it. You have my assurance that any wall made of stone or any company made of men would fall when targetted by it; anything short of an earthen rampart can be easily destroyed! I will handle all maintenace and the supply of munitions as well, of course. All that is necessary is your payment."

Your interest grows. "And what payment do you request, artillery master?"

"For a month's of service, milord? Sixty Imperii."

You almost spit when you hear those numbers.

"Sixty Imperii?! Hugues, does this man speak reasonably?!" you turn to your major, wondering if this Vettorio is attempting to swindle you. The tired expression that your captain returns you, however, does not give you hope.

"I am afraid so, sire. The Artillery Guilds are quite secretive of their craft, and charge plentifully for it. I have seen Bachman Siege Masters be paid double or even triple what this man asks for. It is...a very rich profession."

"My apologies if my words seemed avaricious, lord viscount" Vettorio says. "The guild is quite clear on the minimum to their services however; were i to charge even a single copper coin less, they would most certainly have me used as ammunition for my gun."

That much you know he is truthful about, however. You've read plenty of books to know such a gruesome tradition is more than reality. The Artillery Guilds are as cut-throat as they are wealthy. It is said that, in the League of Bach, where merchant rule is law, competing guilds will wage wholesale 'gang wars', stopping only to brutally stomp out any who dare break the guild secrets. Attempts at breaking this monopoly on the part of statesmen usually end with the assassination of the craftsmen and the offer of rather favourable rates for the rivals of the nation. Not even the Emperor of Mirevalia itself has been able to avoid their grasp.

Still, there is a reason for it; and that is the sheer power of artillery in the field of battle. Even a single gun is capable of breaking entire companies by itself, if positioned well enough. Don Carles would most certainly be thankful, if you were to bring him an artillery piece. Yet there is no denying it will also slow your army down. What should you do?

CHOOSE YOUR OPTION
>Hire Vettorio
>Do Not

>>6165229
>Hire only the Skirmishers
It sounds like the Glaiviers are good only against shot or other specialist infantry, which doesn't sound like a good niche
>Hire Vettorio
It sounds like we'll be transported by sea most of the way, so carrying a cannon won't be too bad

>>6165229
I don't think we ought to be hiring mercenaries companies, so I'd say we go all out with these options
>[Write-in]
>hire the skirmishers and convert the glaiviers into pikemen
skirmishers are an obvious choice, more mounted support for our knights
the glaiviers would probably serve better as pikemen, especially considering we've not got that many pike companies to begin with and how the glaivier niche overlaps with the rodeleros. if the glaiviers have superior armor in comparison to normal pikemen they could keep it and become our crack team of foot
>Hire Vettorio
we're bound to need to besiege a city eventually. also, having artillery superiority means we can force the enemy to engage in disadvantageous ground, where our shot and rodeleros can shine

>>6165259
Sorry to say anon, but you cannot convert a mercenary into another troop type. All their equipment and training is self-provided. Only regular troops can be retrained.

>>6165261
I see... in this case I'll keep my vote only to the skirmishers and the artillery guy

>>6165229
>Hire only the Skirmishers

>Hire Vettorio

Cant pass up on Artillery even if only one gun.

>>6165229
>Hire both of them
>>6165232
>Hire Vettorio
I still assume we have more than enough money to spend.

>>6165232
>Hire both of them

While skirmishes are undoubtedly more useful, we could always use more soldiers and I could see glaiviers as being useful in an assault and other niche circumstances.

>Hire Vettorio

No reason not to bring our own artillery train even if it’s a small and expensive one, could be useful in field battles and will certainly be useful in sieges.

>Write In, contract with ship masters

As I feel like we’re in the ending phases of our set up I don’t know if I’ll get another chance to mention this. But seeing as the nation we are marching to war against has a substantial coast line we should contract with merchant shipping to provide transport and logistical support for the whole campaign not only our regiment. Hopefully the merchant ships would already be armed but dividing a company of our ranged infantry amongst the vessels could provide added security. This is really just what I view as a sensible precaution for a long campaign it would be better to have these ships on our payroll in advance then to be panicking trying to recruit some ship masters last minute when we really need them.

Beyond that if we could contract with some more piratical types to act as a impromptu navy that couldn’t hurt either and we’ll likely be able to negotiate part of their contract to be paid in potential loot.