Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
A good question to ask here if she is really the object of this conflict of opinion.
Itinerant: A Pilgrim Quest
A good question to ask here if she is really the object of this conflict of opinion.
LucidProp
Pocky Eating MafiaDoka
Huh. So it's possible he's talking about us.
We never disobeyed anyone though. We talked to the Maid, and sparred with the Boys. They never talked to us about not doing any of those things.
If he's really talking about us, no one would blame us for defending our honor.
We never disobeyed anyone though. We talked to the Maid, and sparred with the Boys. They never talked to us about not doing any of those things.
If he's really talking about us, no one would blame us for defending our honor.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
What is this about, then? Inheritance?
She can't have children, so what does she do that irks the son so much?
Edit: or is she just a pretext to call Ulla's judgemnent into question? Neither the timing, nor the presence of an abbot are really in Ulbert's favor, then. A son publicly going after his father in such a way... that could end poorly.
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4.12 The Great Feast III
Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
So, let Ulla handle the mess! And handle it he will. Also, an update. With speeches! Also I have taken some liberties with how things operated, but there is some precedent for what I described, so I do not feel all that bad.
And it happened that emboldened by the silence of his father, which he perceived as a weakness, Ulbert spoke again, addressing all who were gathered, and to drive them recklessness, delivered unto them such words:
"Injustice now rules our home, for my father, whom I dearly love, is under sway of evil-doers! Look no farther than to who sits on our table! Did we not accept among us a woman that demands to fight like a man? Did we not accept her out of fear that she might be a swamp god, cunningly disguised? Is such belief not audacious idolatry, and does not it surely lead to decline of our kin? It is surely the working of a spell put on him, that we still bow to idols and make sacrifices to them, as if dumb stone could assist us!"
At those words, abbot Galen rose and spoke once again, in voice like thunder – for whenever he was faced with sin, he was granted by the Saints gave him great strength of spirit to combat it – and he warned all that those who bow to idols of stone and leave sacrifices for the swamp-spirits are in the clutches of the Malefactors, and if they do not avert their ways and embrace fully the light of saintly religion, they will be submitted to tortures everlasting to which even the most savage temporal cruelty is like a grain of sand to the desert.
A great commotion arose among the guests, and they called for Ulla to heed his son, and spare them all from damnation, to renounce the idols and wickedness whispered into his ear by women. Others meanwhile cursed Ulbert for being false to his father, and accusing him so, and soon enough, swords and axes were drawn and readied; for as it was a custom in the house of Ulla, who was a great warrior, each man carried his weapon with him to the feasting-hall, so that should enemies attack, they would not be caught unprepared.
Seeing that, Ulla rose from his chair and spoke, so that the slaughter could be averted; he turned to his son and admonished him harshly, saying:
"Oh, traitorous son, may you be thrice-cursed for speaking against your father! Do you not know that he who raises his arm against the one who gave him to the world is forlorn in the eyes of men and Saints alike? Are you so avaricious that you would betray your own father for the sake of land and wealth? And by what token do you dare to speak against the laws of hospitality, which say: none shall be turned away from your table? Is that not the Saintly word, that none of the wanting, neither man, nor woman, nor heathen, nor enemy, should be denied hospitality?"
Abbot Galen, who was well-read in gospels and scriptures agreed with that, and reminded all that as Saint Nebridius once hosted seven murderers, and to each of them he offered wine and bread, as if to closest companions, so are we bound to turn away no man.
Once again, there was much arguing among the guests, who were all upright; and as was the manner among the Liefs from the times of Otha, their first king, they said to each another: now that we are assembled in this hall, kin to each another, it is as if we are on a thing. And as it was always their custom, they demanded from abbot Galen to bless their gathering, and declare whomever dared to break peace of it cursed to the seventh generation, and he did so, and they called on Ulbert, so that he could defend himself.
Once more spoke Ulbert, of piety and righteousness, and not fearing reprisal, he explained how Ulla remained idolatrous at heart, and while he worshipped the Saints, he worshipped idols and taught his sons to worship them too. And then he also accused him of having the first of his wives, and mother of Ulbert, slain, for she tried to turn him away from his unsaintly ways, and then of also all manners of carnal sins which are too atrocious to repeat. And many gathered to his side as he spoke.
But then Ulla the Hammer spoke again, and declared:
"Oh, traitorous son, cursed be your wickedness, cursed be your serpent's tongue! For you preach justice and saintliness, but in your heart, you are more vile than any, and plot against your own father! And I reveal this to the thing: that he sent a slave carrying a missive to the home of the Armalings, that tonight a great feast would be held in my fine hall, and that drunk on wine and gorged on meat, we would be easy for them to defeat, for they hold a grudge against us! But the slave was caught as he returned, and confessed all of it to me: that my own son betrayed me, and set our enemies against our clan! And I say it now: before the thing, I declare him no longer the son of mine. May I never hear the name of Ulbert again."
And as he said that, a great furor came over the gathered, and it seemed that if not for the sanctity of the gathering, they would had slain Ulbert where he stood; but some claimed that the saintless father lied and slandered against his son, and they stood around Ulbert, his companions. They had also grabbed the red-headed maid and kept her, almost as if a hostage. Others still called for peace, and vigilance, for the Armalings could be coming, if Ulla had been truthful.
You considered that it could be that soon, the peace of the thing could be broken, or something else could happen, bringing disaster to the home of Ulla, and his guests. And you thought you could leave or sneak away, and that later, you could no longer have the opportunity to. But you also considered that the eyes of some were on you, and your leaving would not go unnoticed; and particularly the supporters of Ulbert seemed to watch you carefully.
Therefore, you decided to…
[ ] Stay.
[ ] Attempt to leave.
4.12 The Great Feast III
And it happened that emboldened by the silence of his father, which he perceived as a weakness, Ulbert spoke again, addressing all who were gathered, and to drive them recklessness, delivered unto them such words:
"Injustice now rules our home, for my father, whom I dearly love, is under sway of evil-doers! Look no farther than to who sits on our table! Did we not accept among us a woman that demands to fight like a man? Did we not accept her out of fear that she might be a swamp god, cunningly disguised? Is such belief not audacious idolatry, and does not it surely lead to decline of our kin? It is surely the working of a spell put on him, that we still bow to idols and make sacrifices to them, as if dumb stone could assist us!"
At those words, abbot Galen rose and spoke once again, in voice like thunder – for whenever he was faced with sin, he was granted by the Saints gave him great strength of spirit to combat it – and he warned all that those who bow to idols of stone and leave sacrifices for the swamp-spirits are in the clutches of the Malefactors, and if they do not avert their ways and embrace fully the light of saintly religion, they will be submitted to tortures everlasting to which even the most savage temporal cruelty is like a grain of sand to the desert.
A great commotion arose among the guests, and they called for Ulla to heed his son, and spare them all from damnation, to renounce the idols and wickedness whispered into his ear by women. Others meanwhile cursed Ulbert for being false to his father, and accusing him so, and soon enough, swords and axes were drawn and readied; for as it was a custom in the house of Ulla, who was a great warrior, each man carried his weapon with him to the feasting-hall, so that should enemies attack, they would not be caught unprepared.
Seeing that, Ulla rose from his chair and spoke, so that the slaughter could be averted; he turned to his son and admonished him harshly, saying:
"Oh, traitorous son, may you be thrice-cursed for speaking against your father! Do you not know that he who raises his arm against the one who gave him to the world is forlorn in the eyes of men and Saints alike? Are you so avaricious that you would betray your own father for the sake of land and wealth? And by what token do you dare to speak against the laws of hospitality, which say: none shall be turned away from your table? Is that not the Saintly word, that none of the wanting, neither man, nor woman, nor heathen, nor enemy, should be denied hospitality?"
Abbot Galen, who was well-read in gospels and scriptures agreed with that, and reminded all that as Saint Nebridius once hosted seven murderers, and to each of them he offered wine and bread, as if to closest companions, so are we bound to turn away no man.
Once again, there was much arguing among the guests, who were all upright; and as was the manner among the Liefs from the times of Otha, their first king, they said to each another: now that we are assembled in this hall, kin to each another, it is as if we are on a thing. And as it was always their custom, they demanded from abbot Galen to bless their gathering, and declare whomever dared to break peace of it cursed to the seventh generation, and he did so, and they called on Ulbert, so that he could defend himself.
Once more spoke Ulbert, of piety and righteousness, and not fearing reprisal, he explained how Ulla remained idolatrous at heart, and while he worshipped the Saints, he worshipped idols and taught his sons to worship them too. And then he also accused him of having the first of his wives, and mother of Ulbert, slain, for she tried to turn him away from his unsaintly ways, and then of also all manners of carnal sins which are too atrocious to repeat. And many gathered to his side as he spoke.
But then Ulla the Hammer spoke again, and declared:
"Oh, traitorous son, cursed be your wickedness, cursed be your serpent's tongue! For you preach justice and saintliness, but in your heart, you are more vile than any, and plot against your own father! And I reveal this to the thing: that he sent a slave carrying a missive to the home of the Armalings, that tonight a great feast would be held in my fine hall, and that drunk on wine and gorged on meat, we would be easy for them to defeat, for they hold a grudge against us! But the slave was caught as he returned, and confessed all of it to me: that my own son betrayed me, and set our enemies against our clan! And I say it now: before the thing, I declare him no longer the son of mine. May I never hear the name of Ulbert again."
And as he said that, a great furor came over the gathered, and it seemed that if not for the sanctity of the gathering, they would had slain Ulbert where he stood; but some claimed that the saintless father lied and slandered against his son, and they stood around Ulbert, his companions. They had also grabbed the red-headed maid and kept her, almost as if a hostage. Others still called for peace, and vigilance, for the Armalings could be coming, if Ulla had been truthful.
You considered that it could be that soon, the peace of the thing could be broken, or something else could happen, bringing disaster to the home of Ulla, and his guests. And you thought you could leave or sneak away, and that later, you could no longer have the opportunity to. But you also considered that the eyes of some were on you, and your leaving would not go unnoticed; and particularly the supporters of Ulbert seemed to watch you carefully.
Therefore, you decided to…
[ ] Stay.
[ ] Attempt to leave.
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- Location
- Denmark
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
Oh come on, it only happened once!
- Location
- ?
That's a pattern.
- Location
- St. Petersburg
Ulbert is highly suspect in his behavior. It does look like he tried to usurp his place from his father... but the attack by the foes of his clan would undermine his own powerbase. Why would they stop with only killing Ulla? Unless they had some far-reaching agreements in mind... they do want Ulla's wife back, and she isn't Ulbert's mother, so it is possible for him to trade her in exchange for the seat of power. Or perhaps he wants to double-cross them, come out as a hero, and use his prowess as a defender and a warrior as a leverage to unseat his 'useless drunkard' of a father.
Something smells here. But I tend to trust Ulla more. Besides, only his belief in hospitality is what protects us now. Should we try to leave, we won't go very far if Ulbert does not want it.
Were things a bit calmer, I would apologize to Ulla for trouble we unwittingly brought to his home, and left without delay. Unfortunately, the situation became very tricky.
The redheaded maid who was taken hostage is really telling. They are trying to use her against the lord who treasures her. Would they hesitate to use a guest in a similar manner? To harm a guest is a great dishonor, but that flew out of the window the moment Ulbert raised a hand against his father. It's all or nothing now.
[X] Stay.
Business as usual for us, then.
Something smells here. But I tend to trust Ulla more. Besides, only his belief in hospitality is what protects us now. Should we try to leave, we won't go very far if Ulbert does not want it.
Were things a bit calmer, I would apologize to Ulla for trouble we unwittingly brought to his home, and left without delay. Unfortunately, the situation became very tricky.
The redheaded maid who was taken hostage is really telling. They are trying to use her against the lord who treasures her. Would they hesitate to use a guest in a similar manner? To harm a guest is a great dishonor, but that flew out of the window the moment Ulbert raised a hand against his father. It's all or nothing now.
[X] Stay.
Business as usual for us, then.
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Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
Bede the Venerable said:
Gregory of Tours said:
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- Location
- Who Knows
[X] Stay.
Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
You know, there is actually one more quote I think appropriate here - it is not from a relevant time period (it is taken from one of the probably forever best books about medieval culture ever written, but also one that is concerned with the very late Middle Ages, which are an entirely distinct animal from what we are dealing here), but it says a few things about the setting and the world which I hope will explain why there is blood about to be shed on the finest of feasts.
J. Huizinga said:
4.13 Violence Breaks At Midnight
Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
Stay! Unanimously so! Also called: acclamation. I think? Shake your spears! Or something. This is a weird reference. Speaking of weird references: this update contains one that is perhaps the most self-indulgent I have ever written. Also, I am not entirely satisfied with the update, but then again, am I ever? Anyway! The update:
In the end, you decided to stay, and commit once more you fate to the hands of the Saints watching over you. Also of a reassurance was that the Rye-stalk spear was with you, for you had no one you could trust to keep it safe, so you carried it into the feast, still concealed. And even if it was to be revealed, you needed not to worry, for it seemed a custom in the house of Ulla that the weapons were not set aside at threshold. For the men of his family, and men beholden to him, were all inclined to observe the old laws and customs of the Liefs, thinking the time of Otha more noble and just. But although they took those words with them, they did not abide by them, and their hearts were as prone to sin and strife as others in this woeful age, and as evidenced by actions of Ulbert, they spoke of righteousness, but knew more of wickedness.
All around you, swords were drawn and readied, and some men reached for the shields that adorned the walls; and Ulla asked if no one respects the peace of the thing anymore, to which Ulbert replied that it is a heathen custom, and not a saintly one, and to believe that the gods and spirits should smite those who shed blood during a thing is a belief of those not free from the errors of idolatry. Then pious Galen warned him that to raise his arm against his kin is a sin no less grave, and that from the idolaters those are more deplorable in the eyes of the Saints who, having learned of the truth of their gospels, act knowingly against them. But his voice was not heard, and no one observed his cautions. For such is the wickedness of men that they respond to calls for war and shed blood gladly, but turn a deaf ear to the bright words that flow from the font of wisdom.
Then Ulla also drew his sword, gold-glinting, silver-shining, and commanded Ulbert to leave; for if he was not to observe the customs of the thing, then they would not protect him, and his supporters were fewer than those who stood with Ulla: Carolus the Karling, Dagome Golden-beard, both young and very fine warriors, but also of dark spirit, and also Boso who loathed that he had become beholden to Ulla, and Offa, brother to Otha, from the line of Mumolus, who had been a companion to Ulla during the times of war, but was also consumed by greed and envy, and thus eager to break ties of camaraderie and fellowship of the free. Some others joined them, youths and servants, and they all called for Ulla to yield his place. But Ulla merely repeated his command, and said to them that they were to leave and take with them nothing, for they deserved nothing.
But they, being of stubborn spirit, refused, and said: we will not leave the house that is ours, and we will not accept such judgment, for it is unfair. And they said: change it, or else we will kill the maid you favour so much; but to that, he replied:
"I still have the sword and arm with which to win still more and better wives!"
Then, seeing their threats to be hollow, and that they had failed to win the support of abbot Galen, retreated towards the hall-gate, so to scatter into the night. But before this could happen to them, a great call was raised outside the gate, and shouts and cries and ringing of horns. For the Armalings, confident they could claim an easy victory against the house of Ulla, sneaked in during the night, and commenced a raid, to avenge the death of their kinsmen. And some of them pushed open the gates of the feasting-hall, and raised a terrible war-cry, rushed in, bared swords in their hands.
But bitter was their surprise: the house of Ulla was not unprepared, and they would not be taken unaware, and they had raised their battle-should against them, and fought; had it not been for Ulbert and his treachery, the foe would be easily defeated, but now was it as if three armies fought against each another on the same field, not knowing which enemy to strike first.
Around you, women and servants, who were unarmed, hid themselves away, overturning benches and tables, and cowering beneath them, so that they could weather the battle-storm; for the war-cries and clashing of iron terrified them.
You too felt terror at that time, for you had never before been in such fighting, and although you had learned of fear, your heart was ungirded for time of battle. Thus, you too considered to hide beneath a bench, and pray to the Saints that they would deliver you from bloodshed, or else await the killing blow. Yet, the spear was within your reach, and the fight even; and you thought that it would be perhaps preferable to raise it, and join the bout, instead of trembling in wait for the fate which was assigned to you.
You decided to…
[ ] Fight.
[ ] Hide.
4.13 Violence Breaks At Midnight
In the end, you decided to stay, and commit once more you fate to the hands of the Saints watching over you. Also of a reassurance was that the Rye-stalk spear was with you, for you had no one you could trust to keep it safe, so you carried it into the feast, still concealed. And even if it was to be revealed, you needed not to worry, for it seemed a custom in the house of Ulla that the weapons were not set aside at threshold. For the men of his family, and men beholden to him, were all inclined to observe the old laws and customs of the Liefs, thinking the time of Otha more noble and just. But although they took those words with them, they did not abide by them, and their hearts were as prone to sin and strife as others in this woeful age, and as evidenced by actions of Ulbert, they spoke of righteousness, but knew more of wickedness.
All around you, swords were drawn and readied, and some men reached for the shields that adorned the walls; and Ulla asked if no one respects the peace of the thing anymore, to which Ulbert replied that it is a heathen custom, and not a saintly one, and to believe that the gods and spirits should smite those who shed blood during a thing is a belief of those not free from the errors of idolatry. Then pious Galen warned him that to raise his arm against his kin is a sin no less grave, and that from the idolaters those are more deplorable in the eyes of the Saints who, having learned of the truth of their gospels, act knowingly against them. But his voice was not heard, and no one observed his cautions. For such is the wickedness of men that they respond to calls for war and shed blood gladly, but turn a deaf ear to the bright words that flow from the font of wisdom.
Then Ulla also drew his sword, gold-glinting, silver-shining, and commanded Ulbert to leave; for if he was not to observe the customs of the thing, then they would not protect him, and his supporters were fewer than those who stood with Ulla: Carolus the Karling, Dagome Golden-beard, both young and very fine warriors, but also of dark spirit, and also Boso who loathed that he had become beholden to Ulla, and Offa, brother to Otha, from the line of Mumolus, who had been a companion to Ulla during the times of war, but was also consumed by greed and envy, and thus eager to break ties of camaraderie and fellowship of the free. Some others joined them, youths and servants, and they all called for Ulla to yield his place. But Ulla merely repeated his command, and said to them that they were to leave and take with them nothing, for they deserved nothing.
But they, being of stubborn spirit, refused, and said: we will not leave the house that is ours, and we will not accept such judgment, for it is unfair. And they said: change it, or else we will kill the maid you favour so much; but to that, he replied:
"I still have the sword and arm with which to win still more and better wives!"
Then, seeing their threats to be hollow, and that they had failed to win the support of abbot Galen, retreated towards the hall-gate, so to scatter into the night. But before this could happen to them, a great call was raised outside the gate, and shouts and cries and ringing of horns. For the Armalings, confident they could claim an easy victory against the house of Ulla, sneaked in during the night, and commenced a raid, to avenge the death of their kinsmen. And some of them pushed open the gates of the feasting-hall, and raised a terrible war-cry, rushed in, bared swords in their hands.
But bitter was their surprise: the house of Ulla was not unprepared, and they would not be taken unaware, and they had raised their battle-should against them, and fought; had it not been for Ulbert and his treachery, the foe would be easily defeated, but now was it as if three armies fought against each another on the same field, not knowing which enemy to strike first.
Around you, women and servants, who were unarmed, hid themselves away, overturning benches and tables, and cowering beneath them, so that they could weather the battle-storm; for the war-cries and clashing of iron terrified them.
You too felt terror at that time, for you had never before been in such fighting, and although you had learned of fear, your heart was ungirded for time of battle. Thus, you too considered to hide beneath a bench, and pray to the Saints that they would deliver you from bloodshed, or else await the killing blow. Yet, the spear was within your reach, and the fight even; and you thought that it would be perhaps preferable to raise it, and join the bout, instead of trembling in wait for the fate which was assigned to you.
You decided to…
[ ] Fight.
[ ] Hide.
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- Location
- St. Petersburg
Probably 'prepared' was meant.
*sigh* Jesus Christ. This is getting more cluster-fucky by the minute. So did Ulbert make a deal with the Armalings or not? This is the thing that does not make sense...
We can not stand against armed people. Or can we? We are not alone. Or are we?
Dammit, if we don't fight now, we are going to hide forever, aren't we? Why else would we try to train with the men if we hide with the women in the moment of danger?
[X] Fight.
Let the Rye-stalk do what it knows. We may even kill someone and remain unharmed if we are lucky.
Gargulec
impact!
- Location
- a garden
Ulbert had a plan; it was however not a very smart plan.
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