- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
@kızıl sultan Exactly how much time do we have to decide on a vote, and how much time would our character have to act before the crowd forces their way in?
Lands of Sand and Magi (First Crusade Fantasy CK2 Quest)
- Thread starter kızıl sultan
- Start date
- Original
- Location
- New York
I forgot about the desecration of the church thing. If your diplomacy is good, the piety will boost it.
Ok so vote will close in a few hours, so you guys can hammer out a plan. Lets say two hours from now? 7-730 EST.
Your character has enough time to perform a diversion that isn't ridiculously complex (it'd be dickish for you to pull off a good one and then me just be like "lolol they broke in anyways") the cathedral is huge, so you have time, but you cannot stall for more time if you fuck this next move up. If you don't solve the issue with this action, the men will break in and the Jews will be slaughtered, leaving you with Emich outside. Depending on what you do, he might offer the same option to assist him or not, or he might attack you if you try to do something to him and fail, or he might laugh at you and go on his merry way.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
Taking account of this, one last fix should do.
[X] We can't convince the mad noble. Let's strip him of his impromptu army, instead. Gather up as many especially devout as we can (namely those who'd be most upset at the desecration of a church), and get through the press of bodies, avoiding Emich entirely by circling around the square while he's busy with one of the other brothers, to get to where the door is. You'll likely be escorting brother Jacob there with you, so try coaching him again. "The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!"
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
- Location
- France
[X] We can't convince the mad noble. Let's strip him of his impromptu army, instead. Gather up as many especially devout as we can (namely those who'd be most upset at the desecration of a church), and get through the press of bodies, avoiding Emich entirely by circling around the square while he's busy with one of the other brothers, to get to where the door is. You'll likely be escorting brother Jacob there with you, so try coaching him again. "The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!"
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
Look fine to me
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
Look fine to me
- Location
- Illinois
[X] We can't convince the mad noble. Let's strip him of his impromptu army, instead. Gather up as many especially devout as we can (namely those who'd be most upset at the desecration of a church), and get through the press of bodies, avoiding Emich entirely by circling around the square while he's busy with one of the other brothers, to get to where the door is. You'll likely be escorting brother Jacob there with you, so try coaching him again. "The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!"
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
I'm at work, so I don't have time to add much. Looks good, since these are crusaders, and even the nobility will be wary of offending the pious right now.
One thing is, our chances increase if we can make it safe for this bishop to come down, since a bishops word is strong even in normal times, but during a crusade, where the audience is very devout? His words would easily overrule any but a high noble, and even then it would still carry a weight.
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
I'm at work, so I don't have time to add much. Looks good, since these are crusaders, and even the nobility will be wary of offending the pious right now.
One thing is, our chances increase if we can make it safe for this bishop to come down, since a bishops word is strong even in normal times, but during a crusade, where the audience is very devout? His words would easily overrule any but a high noble, and even then it would still carry a weight.
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- Location
- New York
I'm going to give you guys some more lore when you get to Cologne, but I've been getting high after work and fleshing out the world a bit because magic. The HRE is actually called the Heiligenreich (Saint Empire), and all because of the power of the papacy and the actual power of Saints, the Investiture Controversy is completely avoided. The Church is the highest power in the land, and overrule temporal lords in disputes like this. It's just that, like I said before, Saints and "lesser Christian magi" (for lack of a better term) don't have your typical magical powers, like lobbing fireballs and shit. Their magic comes in the form of miracles, or religious magic. I don't want to go into more detail because I have some pretty cool shit planned, but while the Bishop's word may be strong, there might be more that he can offer you if you help him out with this issue (you're obviously going to be rewarded for all this shit you're going through, just to save some Jews that literally no one likes).
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
[X] We can't convince the mad noble. Let's strip him of his impromptu army, instead. First, attempt to intermix some of your own loyal pilgrims against the pogrom into the crowd. Next, gather up as many especially devout as we can (namely those who'd be most upset at the desecration of a church), and get through the press of bodies, avoiding Emich entirely by circling around the square while he's busy with one of the other brothers, to get to where the door is. Upon reaching the door, try to send in another pilgrim or brother with the instructions of creating an attention-getting sound, or something that could be interpreted as a divine message. Finally, use the attention or "divine" message to call attention to yourself and speak. The pilgrims you intermixed should cheer and attempt to get others to support/drown out Emich's support using the chaos that makes them not recognize stranger from neighbor. "The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!"
-[X] Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him if they are still violent.
@kızıl sultan
@Powerofmind
What do you think? I am trying to utilize intrigue and general underhanded tactics by placing our supporters in the crowd.
-[X] Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him if they are still violent.
@kızıl sultan
@Powerofmind
What do you think? I am trying to utilize intrigue and general underhanded tactics by placing our supporters in the crowd.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
Mostly I'm just curious about the differences between Christian God and Hebrew Yahweh being intense enough to form two completely different figures. I suppose it probably has something to do with changes to the Jesus deal, but unless things are very different, Christianity was still born from Judaism.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
Might be too difficult to set up a plant like that, and part of the issue is that even if we get a Brother to make this speech, we'll probably still have to fight some of them. Even with divine magical right on our side, people are, unfortunately, suicidally stupid sometimes.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
To the first part, I thought we were the ones speaking?
To the second part, I know. That is why I left the fighting part in
Well, there is general chaos right now. It should be simple to slip people in
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
Nonono, us speaking won't hold quite as much weight as the actual brother, I think. We had the brother speak to Emich but that roll used our stats, so hopefully things will just be done the most effective way regardless?
As to the second part, plants in the audience will probably get mobbed, or afraid, or join the mob. We only have a little time, and it's going to be tough enough to find enough bodies to make a daisy-chain at the doors and push our way to it before the mob breaks it down.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
True enough
Meh, mine just relies on the fact that it is so chaotic that they wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I can imagine them joining would be a problem, though, considering we don't have the time to sort out those most loyal. Sure, my plan involves sending in some of our loyal followers, but they could easily switch because we don't have a screening process now do we? Either way, though, I am trying to play to our strengths by using intrigue. This would qualify as intrigue wouldn't it?
I'm gonna need to have knizil clarify on this because he said earlier when I asked how much time our character has that we had enough time for a plan.
What do you think about the part where we send someone in to make some loud noise to grab attention, like ringing a bell or something?
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Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
Yeah, just not enough time for something big or elaborate. We can probably whip up the little speech for Jacob on the fly, but we'll need five or six trustworthy guys including ourselves and Jacob to effectively block the door while Jacob tries speeching at them.
Though... Yo, kizil. Do the brothers have any obvious marks signifying their status? Would hate to have this flop because our priestly fellows look no different from peasants.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
@Powerofmind I don't think you saw the edited question
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
I dunno if making noise will be enough to get their attentions, considering the bishop hasn't had any luck, and neither have we. We'd probably have to set a fire or threaten Emich with death to get him to force him to turn his peoples' attentions off of the church.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
Did you think I meant shouting when I said make noise? No, I meant ring one of those gigantic church bells or explode something to gain attention. Perhaps even fake some divine event. Not sure how well that faking would go, though, considering this world has 100% confirmed real magic and miracles. The point of the noise would be to quiet them, and to focus their attention in one way so that when we or the brother speaks, they will all hear.
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[X] We can't convince the mad noble. Let's strip him of his impromptu army, instead. Gather up as many especially devout as we can (namely those who'd be most upset at the desecration of a church), and get through the press of bodies, avoiding Emich entirely by circling around the square while he's busy with one of the other brothers, to get to where the door is. You'll likely be escorting brother Jacob there with you, so try coaching him again. "The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!"
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
-[X] Then Fight Emich, and whoever still stands with him.
Powerofmind
In Madness Fallen
- Location
- United States
We probably don't have any saints of any level in our party. The Bishop probably does and didn't manage to stop them. We almost definitely don't have explosives handy. We can't get in the church, the door is blocked by a mob trying to break it down.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
True, but I envisioned there was some other alternate entrance someone we get in could use. Probably not, but I honestly don't think the current winning plan is good.
Well yeah, but that relies on getting inside and finding something loud like a bell or something that could explode. I am not saying we're ACME here and can pull dynamite out of nowhere.
I never said we did. I said to fake a divine event to try to add power to our words. You need to keep up with everything I already have mentioned or acknowledged.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
Sorry for the double-post but I have a new idea.
@kızıl sultan If we prayed for help before doing the speech and the fight, would the "Blessed by God" trait help us?
@kızıl sultan If we prayed for help before doing the speech and the fight, would the "Blessed by God" trait help us?
- Location
- New York
Blessed by God doesn't work like that. I have some specific instances where it shows its usefulness.
Voting is closed. Convincing the people and then fighting Emich won. I'll have a response posted in a tick.
- Location
- Illinois
Just got back, and wow, the church in this world is uber powerful. Hopefully, the bishop might be able to help us, at least once he notices that we aren't with the mob. And this crusade is definitely going to be awesome if we follow the traditional view of Christain miracles. They might not be the 'smite them with all the fire' thing that people think of when it comes to mages, but I imagine that we'll see things like being able to flood a river during the dry season, or turn nature against them, or even shield the faithful from their enemies.
Chapter 2.5 (ending)
- Location
- New York
Chapter 2.5: We Are All Worms (ending: Crisis Averted)
While Brother Thomas tries to talk to Emich, you sneak back into your group of peasants and Brother Jacob follows shortly after. Emrich doesn't notice what you're doing, because you're a peasant and he doesn't care about you. You gather your group of men and begin to shuffle towards the other group of pilgrims. Emich notices, and responds. "
"You see, dear Brother of the Order of Saint John, even the pilgrims who follow you know that our actions are ordained by God himself!"
Unbeknownst to him, you push through and reach a platform ejecting from the steps, which puts you and Brother Jacob about a heads level above the crowd, while your loyal, pious pilgrims follow. You tell Jacob now is the time, although he is reluctant.
[Piety Check: 13 + 25/2 = 26. Moderate Success]
He knows that you are right, that these men are blinded by violence from the true directives of our lord.
"In the name of the Order of Saint John I order you all to cease this senseless violence!", Jacob bellowed. You have no idea where that came from, but it certainly got their attention.
[Diplomacy Check: 47 (literally fuck you guys, lol) 5/2 = 50. Critical Success
"The bishop himself calls from the towers to end this violence! Do you serve the nobility, whose right over you is given by the church, over the church itself, over God Himself? Over I and other brothers of the faith who, even now, call for him to cease? Would you spill blood in a cathedral or upon it's very steps? The man you follow would damn you to hell! Lay down your arms and your souls may yet be spared, but if you fight here, even if you live, even if you win, there will be no heavenly gates for you in the hereafter!", you shot. A tirade of ferverous words launched towards the enemy with Piety made manifest. You could almost feel the surge of justice flow through you as the men listened to you and beckoned to you every word. They stopped, for now.
+1 to Diplomacy
"You listen to this peasant?! I am your Lord, and I command you to tear down those---"
The massive iron weapon dropped through Emich like a piece of stone from the cathedral. The Armored Man finally presented himself from the fray, felling the Count of Flonheim with one fell swoop. Now you see why he had marched into the town. He knew he needed to kill this man, and he finally did it. You had given him the opening he needed, by separating him from his assembled mob, and then by distracting them. Surely he would appreciate the assistance.
Relationship with The Armoured Man set to 1/10.
All of the Pilgrims had reluctantly moved away from the Cathedral, and shifted to the back of your group, while Brother Friedrich scolded them for diverging from the Path that His Holiness had set for them. The man didn't agree with anyone, and he clearly didn't like wasting his time, especially for Jews, but you have to give credit where credit is due: he was a follower of the will of the lord. Some men even got whaps to the back of their heads with his rosary beads. You smirked a little, but didn't laugh for fear of getting some yourself. Brothers Jacob and Thomas were very happy with the peaceful result you achieved.
Relationship with Brother Thomas set to 7/10
Relationship with Brother Jacob set to 7/10
150 Pilgrims join your group. Moral reduced to Moderate
The massive doors of the Cathedral creaked open, to reveal battered men, women, and children hiding inside, cowering in fear. Dirty and bruised, they rose a few at a time from the front to the very end of the massive building, all thanking you for what you had done. Scurrying through them was a hunched over old man with a large, wooden staff, topped with a strange looking knot of wood.
"You." The Bishop said, wagging his finger towards you as he continued to scurry forward. As he approached, you realized how much shorter he was than you, at least a head and a half, and you weren't even that tall to begin with.
"You did this. You saved these people, when the odds were against you, when everyone else succumbed to their baser, savage instincts. You, my boy, have fulfilled the will of the Lord.", he continued. You felt a small swell of pride, but it ended as soon as he knocked you on the head with his staff.
"Pride is a sin, boy." he scoffed, and then motioned for you to kneel down. "Get down here." You obliged, and knelt before the Bishop.
"Cælestia benedicet tibi paria verba patris vestri." He whispered. You had no idea what he said, and the people around you didn't either. You wouldn't remember the words either by the time he finished, Latin sounded like gibberish to you. He knocked you on your elbow with his staff again for you to rise. "Go now, and take those men with you to Cologne. They know that their penance is to continue on the path of righteousness." And just as he had appeared, the Bishop shuffled away.
Gained trait: Blessing of the Bishop of Worms: +5 to Diplomacy on Speech Rolls if you beat your opponent on a Piety Roll
The Jewish People of Worms were saved, well 800 of them. This couldn't be said for those whose bodies littered the streets, but you saved them. And you've prevented a heinous series of acts committed by a madman.
On your way out of the Cathedral, you are approached by one of the Jewish flock. "My name is Abraham. I saw what you did, and I am indebted to you for saving my family." You nod and tell him it was merely the work of God, but he insists. "I want to join you. I want to help you. Maybe we could even convince some of my people to join us."
This was unusual. You didn't know what to say. If he joined you, you'd gain at least half of the people you saved, if not all of them (why would they stay in Worms when the people there just tried to kill them?). But...no one else is going to like this, especially the pilgrims that just joined you who just tried to kill these people.
[X] Tell him no. This is a bad idea, and you can't guarantee his safety or that of his people on the pilgrimage. This will also sour relations with the others at best, and cause a split in the group at worst.
[X] Tell him yes, but only him. He seems smart, can be a useful advisor (he is the leader of the Jews in Worms), and speaks Latin, Hebrew, French, German AND can read.
[X] Tell him yes, and that he can bring his flock. The heavens only know the repercussions of this action. But perhaps they will find a better life in the Holy Land...
While you pondered your choice, Gaucher approached you. "Lookie what these sticky fingers found." He grinned, displaying the sword that Emich wielded. The ornate jewels on the hilt, it was a longsword of very good quality. And in his other hand, a coinpurse filled to the brim. "What should we do with the take, Ans?"
[X] You're a pilgrim now, donate the funds.
-[X] To the church. They need it to rebuild the damage done by the mob. It's the Christian thing to do.
-[X] To the Jews. The lost people they need the money. (If this action is taken, and you have chosen to bring them with you, they keep the money)
[X] You're a Pilgrim now, donate the funds. To the Pilgrimage. (You're essentially taking the money for yourself, and not sharing it with Gaucher.)
[X] Split the take with Gaucher. This keeps you both happy, and your pockets full.
[X] Take the sword for yourself
[X] Give the sword to Gaucher
[X] Write-in.
(You can combine any of the options as long as they obvious don't contradict. The results of these actions will be posted in the beginning of the next chapter, which will have you arrive in Cologne. I will post it tomorrow afternoon after I get back from work.)
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- Location
- New York
There's this really sick example of one. At the Seige of Edessa (or was it Antioch) where crusaders spoke of an army of Angels riding with them into battle, granting them victory over their heathen enemies.
That is what got me the idea for this Quest.
Night_stalker
Slava Ukraini!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Tell him no. This is a bad idea, and you can't guarantee his safety or that of his people on the pilgrimage. This will also sour relations with the others at best, and cause a split in the group at worst.
[X] You're a pilgrim now, donate the funds.
-[X] To the church. They need it to rebuild the damage done by the mob. It's the Christian thing to do.
[X] Give the sword to Gaucher
[X] You're a pilgrim now, donate the funds.
-[X] To the church. They need it to rebuild the damage done by the mob. It's the Christian thing to do.
[X] Give the sword to Gaucher