A Lesson To Brothers
A Lesson To Brothers

Your sons holding the little puppies in their arms was a moment you wished you could capture forever. It was adorable to see themstroking the fur of the cute little animals cradled in their arms.

Alexi had a small golden puppy, one that was lively and full of energy, trying its best to get out of Alexi's arms. That one he had begged to get when he saw it for the first time. Heeven tried to pull rank on Ash when he told him that he wanted the puppy without your permission.

Dimitry had a small black puppy which was quite the opposite of Alexi's pet, snoring soundly as Dimitry lightly pets his head lightly, as to try and not disturb the sleeping pup.

The brown puppy that Ivan had was actually resting on his head, with Ivan holding his pup above him to stay out of the snow.

"Alexi, Ivan, Dimitry!" You shouted your son's names and caused all three of them to freeze in place. "Come over here right now!"

The three boys did as they were told and hurried over to you with haste. All three of them look a tiny bit fraught by the tone that you used to call them over, the boys not used to you shouting.

"Are you enjoying your puppies?" You asked.

"Yes, papa!" The three boys said in excitement.

You smiled at their response, but only for a moment. You crouched down to their height and placed a hand on Ivan and Alexis shoulder. "Do you know why I allowed you each to have a puppy?"

There was silence for a moment before Dimitry answered. "Because you and mommy going to war and making us stay home alone?" His tone saddened you, and you closed your eyes, their worried faces almost too much for you to bare looking at. The boys were very intelligent, picking up things and understanding the gravity of the words that were being said around them. They were trying to be like you, learning and trying their best to help you. In their own childish, unknowing ways.

It was worrying. You wanted them to be children, if only for a little bit longer, not acting like the princes that they knew they would be in the future. Not because they needed it, but because you needed it. You had suffered greatly in your youth, wanting to be like your father. You didn't want them to suffer the same hell and loneliness that you did.

When you opened your eyes you hardened your face. "It's not just that boys. It's much more complicated than that." A half-truth… No, it was a lie, a blatant lie that you told yourself. They were your children, and smart as they were, they all were not ready for the responsibility that will be thrust onto them.

You needed them to stand together if the worst were to happen. "Raising and training a puppy is a big responsibility, are you three sure you can do it?" You asked.

"The kennel master is teaching us how to raise them, father," Alexi replied. "We can do it."

"Yeah! We can do it, father!" Ivan stated a smile on his face.

"We can do it." Dimitry said, quieter than his brothers.

Good. "Will you three help each other when you need help?" You asked.

The brothers looked confused. "Of course we will," Alexi said with confidence. "Isn't that what you would want us to do?"

You almost broke down into tears when Alexi said that, but composed yourself, before pulling the three boys into a light hug. "Yes. It's exactly what I want you to do. And no matter what happens to me and your mother out there when I am on campaign, protect each other."

"Why are you talking to use like you won't see us again father?" Ivan asked. "You will come back won't you?"

Damn their insightfulness. "Of course I'll come back. Just-" you sighed, taking a deep breath. "Take care of your puppies. I want to see them grow big and strong when I come back."

You let go of your hug and turned around to see Nicholas waiting for you.

You stood up and walked over to him. "Are they here?" You asked.

"Yes, they are." He replied. "They're waiting for you."

"Let's not keep them waiting." You replied, starting to walk towards the palace, but Nicholas stopped you. "What are you doing?"

"Are you sure you don't want to spend more time with them?" He asked. You knew exactly who he was talking about.

"They'll be fine." You stated.

Nicholas scoffed. "Is that what you'll keep telling yourself when you're gone, that they'll be fine without you?"

"Careful Nicholas." You said gritting your teeth.

Nicholas sighed. "Will going to war really help you bring you peace?"

"No." You replied. "But it will keep them safe."

Nicholas nodded, understanding your thinking, taking a look at the three boys. "Than we shall go to the war council?"

"Lead on Nicholas." You stated.

"Yes, sir."

Reward: Ivan, Dimitry, and Alexi gain the Traits Diligent: You are a hard worker. When you set your mind to something, you will complete it. (+1 to all stats except personal combat) And Dog: You have a canine companion that follows you around. (+ 4 to personal combat, +2 to diplomacy. -15 to assassination rolls.)

Ivan, Dmtry and Alexi gain brotherly bond, which grants a permanent 100/100 with each other for the remainder of their childhood.

AN: Enjoy.
 
Ivan, Dmtry and Alexi gain brotherly bond, which grants a permanent 100/100 with each other for the remainder of their childhood.
Oh, quite useful. Let's hope we'll be capable to prolong it even further.

Dog: You have a canine companion that follows you around. (+ 4 to personal combat, +2 to diplomacy. -15 to assassination rolls.)
I expected bonus to combat, but not to diplomacy. Diplodogs for the win!
 
Neat but a little worried about the kids.
Eh. Alexi is getting hitched to the Emperors first born, and possibly favourite, child. If she's anything like we heard about the other Imperial woman being offered before she's going to be hot, and if she inherits her fathers Intrigue she's going to be very useful.

Overall, he seems like he's got a decent life ahead of him, especially as the Emperor considers his father his only friend.

His brother Dimitry is heir to Poland, with Poland largely behind Zima and scared of the Emperor and Russia. So he's pretty secure.

Overall our sons are pretty safe.
 
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To War Minturn
To War Minturn

Your lords were waiting for you in the great hall. The air was still as they looked to you. Zima was sitting next to your chair, drinking a cup of wine.

Unfortunately, your lords were not very enthusiastic of your sudden entrance, judging from the annoyed glares coming from them. Well, all but Rodrick, he was intently studying the map.

"About damn time you showed up!" Pietro complained. "We've been here for hours."

"Pietro, you're not one to talk," Rodrik replied, not looking up from the map. "You were in your quarters until an hour ago, warming your feet by a fire while myself and Viktor were discussing strategy. And I seem to remember dragging you out here by your hair."

There was a harsh glare from the cyclops, but Pietro shook his head as if he had seen that glare before and was used to it. But he did grab some of his long hair defensively.

"Apologies for my delay, there was business that I needed to attend to." You replied. You needed to say goodbye to your children. Let them have a happy memory before you left them.

"My lords." You took your place at the head of the table. The map was littered with wooden pieces, each representing forces. Your guesses on where the Mongol troops were littered in various positions across the east, while your troops were clustered around Novgorod. Fulk's troops were at the Vanguard, sitting at the border of the Frontier. Further west was Zima's troops, still mustering in Warsaw. It would take time for them gather and head east to assist you. To the south, you knew Vlad was marching his troops north post-haste. "I believe it is time for this war to begin in earnest."

"About fucking time you coward!" Viktor shouted.

"Excuse me, Lord Viktor?" You said, gritting your teeth as the other two great lord's faces morphed into indifference to shock. "I did not catch that. Would you care to repeat yourself?"

"Two years, I have waited for you to give the order! I have lost thousands of golden ducats paying for my troops to sit around and do nothing! All while you delay, and coddle your children, instead of teaching them how this world works!" Viktor continued. "And now Artyom is gone, and you do nothing, you coward!"

You stood up, and panic gripped the room. "That's enough Viktor!" Pietro shouted, trying to stop Viktor from saying anything else. "You've made your point clear!" He looked at you. "Vasily, please!"

"Viktor." Your voice was quiet and your voice silenced the room. You walked over closer, to make sure all three men could hear you. "I will admit that I have delayed. You may not agree with my decision. And to be fair, I'm sure you would not even care because you are so minuscule and blind, that you do not even see that almost 50,000 men are joining us to fight the Mongols, meaning we're only outnumbered 2 to 1 at least." Viktor started to shake. In rage or in fear you did not know, but you clearly had his attention. "Of course, that's not even counting the cannon and artillery we have that will give us an edge against the Mongols bows."

"Vasily," Rodrick said your name in fear. "You've made your point."

"But you dare insult my children Lord Viktor." Your statement caused Viktor's angry facade to break and he stepped away from you. "I should kill you right now for that insolence."

"I'm-" Viktor stammered, trying to defend himself.

"You're what? Scared?" You mocked, but still kept a gaze of anger in his eyes. "You should be. But I'm not going to stain my floors with coward's blood, even if you threatened my children. What I want you to do, is put that anger against the real enemy. The one that has taken everything from us."

Viktor's squeezed his hand into a fist before he exhaled. "Yes, my prince."

You looked at Rodrick. "Are our troops ready to march?"

"Yes my prince!" Rodrik replied eagerly. "But there is the reinforcements from Poland and Wallachia that I'm worried about. They will be here in the winter, but we might not be able to march them once the winter snows start to fall. And Novgorod does not have the supplies to handle such a large force without getting into the siege granaries."

"And we need those." You whispered quietly. Novgorod was prepared and had strong defenses, yes, but that would not be enough to withstand a full Mongol horde.

"What are our options?" You asked. You already knew your options, as did Rodrik, but Pietro and Viktor were kept in the dark.

"We can start our march now and begin our campaign against the Mongols while spring is still upon us with General Fulk. But the rest of our reinforcements will have to catch up to us, leaving them vulnerable to attack in case the Mongols slip past us." Rodrik replied.

"You're underestimating the speed of my Hussars Rodrik," Zima stated. "They'll be here before winter."

"That decision is up to you Vasily," Pietro replied. "And we will do as you command."

When do you start the campaign?
[]Now while you can move quickly: Your troops and that under General Fulk is ready, and you shall begin immediately. (Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to Spring)
[]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[]Wait for Vlad And Zima's Forces: Vlad's Forces still need time to gather supplies and men for the journey north. They said they would arrive just as Winter is upon the Rus. Zima's forces will be ready at Novgorod. (Vlad and Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Winter. Note taking this option may lead to attrition among your forces due to lack of supplies.)
[]Delay the campaign: You need more time to prepare for this campaign. (Campaign turns delayed, Regular turns shall continue.


(A few hours later)

Zima was rightfully afraid when she told you the news. Not because of the happiness that would bring you, but from the terror you now felt.

"No, I can't let you go on the campaign." You stated firmly.

"That is not your decision to make Vasily. It is mine." Zima replied.

"You're pregnant! With our children!" You shouted. "Of course it is my decision! More lives than your own are on the line!"

"I am not going to let you go to the east to fight the Mongols alone," Zima replied. "And me being pregnant will not affect my ability to command."

"What happens if you go into labor in the middle of a battle? Or you miscarry? And if you don't die when the children are born, how will you care for them on the march? Have you thought about that?!" You shouted.

"I have," Zima replied. "And I have already made the proper plans for those events since I learned about it. My mind is made up. I am going to help you win this war."

You shook your head. "Why? What madness is driving you to do this?"

"You." Zima replied.

"Me?" you stammered. "How?"

"You know why." Zima stated.

"Enlighten me?" You replied.

Zima sighed. "You think I don't know about the oath you made to your father? You will tear yourself apart. You will be completely driven by killing as many Mongols as you can that you will forget the bigger picture. You will succumb to your bloodlust and that will leave you open."

"I won't." You replied. "I'll never let my revenge cloud my judgment."

"Do you really believe that?" Zima asked.

You close your eyes and took a deep breath. "Yes. And you will be safer here than anywhere else in the empire. And I will feel safer knowing that the boys have you to protect them."

"Then convince me," Zima said. "Give me a reason to stay behind with our sons when I would be more useful to you with my men."

What do you say?:
[]Relent: You had no argument for her. (Zima will command her troops, this may have negative effects on her own and her babies health when they are born. Your sons will not be accepting of this news and will lash out in anger and fear.)
[]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
[]Ask her to stay behind: You need someone you can trust to lead the defense of Novgorod and take care of the boys. There was no reason to abandon them like this. DC: 30% (Zima will stay behind and not command her troops. Your sons will be okay.)

AN: Enjoy.

Edit: A word was missing.
 
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[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[X]Wait for Vlad And Zima's Forces: Vlad's Forces still need time to gather supplies and men for the journey north. They said they would arrive just as Winter is upon the Rus. Zima's forces will be ready at Novgorod. (Vlad and Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Winter. Note taking this option may lead to attrition among your forces due to lack of supplies.)
[x]Relent: You had no argument for her. (Zima will command her troops, this may have negative effects on her own and her babies health when they are born. Your sons will not be accepting of this news and will lash out in anger and fear.)
I think it'd be better to wait until we have more soldiers and can fight in the winter. We may suffer from attrition but the mongols should suffer more.
 
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[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[x]Relent: You had no argument for her. (Zima will command her troops, this may have negative effects on her own and her babies health when they are born. Your sons will not be accepting of this news and will lash out in anger and fear.)


[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)

Let's save our breath We're not Zima's lord and master she is a Princess in her own right and can do as she pleases and knowing her ironclad will she will be going even if we pitch a fit about it.
 
[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)

Well, we need her safe until her pregnancy is over, then we can smash the Mongal hord.
 
[X]Wait for Vlad And Zima's Forces: Vlad's Forces still need time to gather supplies and men for the journey north. They said they would arrive just as Winter is upon the Rus. Zima's forces will be ready at Novgorod. (Vlad and Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Winter. Note taking this option may lead to attrition among your forces due to lack of supplies.)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)

I think it'd be better to wait until we have more soldiers and can fight in the winter. We may suffer from attrition but the mongols should suffer more.
Eh. Actually, the Mongols were pretty okay invading Russia in the Winter in our world. It was Spring when everything turned to mud that screwed them. But they mostly raided, so it wasn't a big deal either.

[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
Eh. Actually, the Mongols were pretty okay invading Russia in the Winter in our world. It was Spring when everything turned to mud that screwed them. But they mostly raided, so it wasn't a big deal either.

[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)

Vasily has that perk for fighting in the winter though. It worked quite well last time.
 
If we wait for Zima's forces we'll still probably have to fight in the winter.

[X]Wait for Zima's forces: You will choose to wait for Zima's forces. You are lacking in calvary, which is something you sorely need. (Zima's forces will be linked up with yours. Starts Campaign Turns. Campaign season will be set to: Summer)
[X]Ask her to stay until her Pregnancy is over: Try to convince her to stay until she is no longer pregnant. DC: 50%. (Zima will not command her troops until she is no longer pregnant. Her newborn babies will not suffer any negative effects. Your sons will be less angry at you and won't lash out.)
 
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