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File: WotR Title Final.png (4.03 MB, 1876x2438)
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The countryside around Bridgwater is finally quiet, calmed after the great rush of activity during the campaigning to the west. Now, if you want activity you can take a brief trip down to the drill yard outside of town where the newest batch of conscripts are being taught the basics of marching or firing. Otherwise, you're free to enjoy the peace.

Your wife, Vivienne, has taken again to reading by the fire, Morris has been busy with securing the necessary foodstuffs for the Christmas banquet you will hold for your family. Outside, the mild weather that allowed your extended campaigning is worsening, snow falling sporadically and temperatures dropping.

Your soldiers in the field have settled in to winter quarters. Along the Cornish frontier, they are content to patrol their trenches and bastions, around Plymouth, a desultory bombardment of the outskirts of the city and ongoing efforts to prevent naval traffic from entering the city occupies your soldiers' time.

The first shipments of Tankettes from America have begun arriving by sea in Bridgwater port, being offloaded and deployed to recon units to the front, as well as to your Cavalry unit which you are in the process of remaking as a mechanized force.

To the North, Duke Harold's forces are likewise hunkering in for winter, resting on their gains, matching a pattern across the country as an uneasy, unofficial ceasefire settles into place.

Currently, it is late December, 1932 and you are hastily preparing your estate to receive not only your immediate family, but your cousin, Duke Harold, and his court. Most of your family lives a short drive away, but Duke Harold will be traveling by plane, and your sister Kate, her children, and her husband are arriving from America on board a private passenger ship, chartered by you at no small expense.

You make sure Kate receives a welcome befitting her station, you, your bodyguard Morris, your wife, and a dozen armed guards stand waiting in the port facilities of Bridgwater when Kate arrives.
>>
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Important Links:

>What's the deal with War of the Roses: 1932?
https://pastebin.com/ectbmcZq

>Europe Political Map 1932
https://imgur.com/xuayKEe

>Family Tree
https://i.imgur.com/iPZZuiZ.jpg

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=War%20of%20the%20Roses

I normally allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I may roll for the tie breaker.

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.
>>
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The door to the empty waiting area opens in a burst of cold air, prompting you and your entourage to rise to your free from the wooden benches placed around the room. The door is being held open by a Somerset armsman in a heavy pea coat to ward off the cold, admitting your youngest sister, Kate, dressed in furs given the weather, heels clicking on the marble floor. The two of you lock eyes and smile at one another just before a pair of older women in plain clothes enter in an explosion of activity. One is herding two young girls, no more than five years old, Kate's daughters Theresa, and Lenore. The other woman carries a small bundled form, Kate's youngest and her only son, Daniel, who had his first birthday back in October.

You check your uniform and walk to meet Kate, others following behind.

"Will, so good to see you, it's been far too long," Kate says, the two of you exchanging a light hug.

"I tried to make myself available when I was in America-" you say.

"But, boys will be boys and you couldn't pull away from your adventures, I understand. Vivienne, bonjour, comment allez-vous?"

Your wife and Kate trade kisses on the cheek. "Hello, Kate. Always a pleasure. And how are you children?"

Kate looks weary for a moment and looks back at the trio being marshaled by their nannies to a nearby wooden bench. "The children are well. Daniel is recovering from a little cold, but I believe we have it well in hand."

"I'm sure they're excited for Christmas," you say.

"I think they were more excited for the 'boat-ride' over here. Thank you again, Will. Most of what income I have goes to a few charitable causes, and money is tight."
>Does your husband not share?
>I understand, the war here has kept our expenses constrained as well
>I do apologize for having to reduce your allowances, Kate, but the situation here is very delicate.
>My pleasure, anything for my little sister.
>Write in
>>
>>2257841
>I understand, the war here has kept our expenses constrained as well
>>
>>2257841
>>I understand, the war here has kept our expenses constrained as well
>>
>I understand, the war here has kept our expenses constrained as well

>Writing
>>
"I understand," you say with a smile, "the war here has kept our expenses constrained as well."

"I can imagine," Kate replies, frowning. "It's in all the papers in America. How have you been? Both of you."

"I cannot complain," Vivienne says, turning to you. "But poor Will was wounded in the fighting."

"Wounded!?" Kate exclaims, seizing your hand. "My god, Will, are you okay?"

"Afraid not," you reply with a chuckle, "It was fatal."

Your sister slaps your hand, face stony. "That's not funny."

"Neither was being shot," you say, "But I'm on the mend. I made it here didn't I?" you hoist the ivory-tipped cane you have, "I'm not carrying this around to make a fashion statement." You neglect to add that the morphine helps. Your doctor had advised you ween yourself off of it, but you've found that it's marvelous to relax with a shot after a long day, or sometimes at the start of the day, other times throughout the day as you need it. "You can thank our friend Charles May for the bullet that nearly did me in."

Kate huffs, "Really, is such a trivial matter worth fighting and dying over?"

"We have to defend out honor, Kate," you reply, sternly. "If we let the Mays push us aside then those lovely allowance payments you used to receive may stop for good."

(1/2)
>>
The doors open a second time and admit a cluster of men in civilian dress, most loaded with trunks and bags, hustling into the waiting area so they can cross through and load them onto the waiting cars. Following along behind is a man who's arms are unburdened.

"The green trunk is packed with gifts for the children, make sure it's loaded carefully." His American accent identifiable to you as one from the North East, the New England region.

Kate looks back at her husband as he takes off first his gloves, then his hat, and hand then to a nearby servant.

"Darling, Will and Vivienne are here!" she gives a small wave.

Kate's husband, George Macmillan, an American investment banker, takes not and approaches, idly smoothing his long, waxed mustache until he reaches you, offering his hand and giving you a firm, 'American' handshake, the kind you'd adapted to during your trip aboard.

"Your Grace, good to see ya."

"The same, Mr. Macmillan," you reply. You'd met George briefly several times before, the last being at Daniel's christening. "How's the weather back home?"

"Quite a lot colder than this," he says with a chuckle, "And wetter too. Chicago is practically buried under snowfall right now, New York is tolerable, but I'd take this any day."

"We've been blessed so far with a mild winter," you say.

"Makes good weather for a war, I imagine," he says absently.

"I am terribly excited for you to see the estate," Vivienne says, steering the conversation. "It is not perhaps as well decorated as normal, given the circumstances, but the staff have done a magnificent job of getting it ready."

"Yeah, staying in a honest-to-God castle is going to be a real treat. A high rise only goes so far. I think parapets and a moat really seals the deal." He smiles.

You don't bother telling George that your house is not really a castle and certainly doesn't have a moat.
>How's business, George?
>What have you bought the kids?
>I hope we didn't inconvenience you tearing you away from work.
>Kate tells me money is tight. Financial issues, George?
>Write in
>>
>>2257974
>He uses every r and doesn't drag out his a's
Doesn't sound like a New England accent to me.

>I hope we didn't inconvenience you tearing you away from work.
>>
>>2257974
>>How's business, George?
>>
>>2258011
>Doesn't sound like a New England accent to me.
My momma taught me not to write accents phonetically.

>>2258011
>>2258031

>writing
>>
"Well, I hope we didn’t inconvenience you by tearing you away from work," you say.

"No, it's fine, a break will be good," George replies. "I was a little nervous about coming into a warzone, but Kate says all the fighting is happening far from here."

You give Kate a look she pretends not to notice.

"So how is business doing for you anyway, George?"

"Wonderful, it's a real boom time back home. They're running a lot of new rail track out west, building dams and stuff. Another war in Europe doesn't hurt things either."

"We've had some run ins with fraudsters though," Kate adds.

George's expression clouds, "Yeah, I lost a bunch of money to a couple of swindlers raising capital to build a rail line between Houston and New Orleans. It wasn't the end of the world but . . . " he shrugs.

"How awful," Vivienne says, "Is there any possibility of recollecting that money?"

George scratches his nose and shakes his head, looking distinctly uncomfortable talking about money problems. "Nah. They got some asshole lawyers-" he stops himself, "Oh, pardon my French-" he stops himself again, "Oh uh, I mean excuse me ma'am, they've got some lawyers who are saying the whole things is just a big misunderstanding."

"I know the type," you say, filling George's uncomfortable silence. "We have them here across the pond as well, just they're shooting at us."

George laughs uneasily, "Heh, yeah."


>Shall we? (Leave for the estate)
>Something else (write in)
>>
>>2258096
>Shall we? (Leave for the estate)
>>
>Shall we? (Leave for the estate)

>writing
>>
In the coming days, your brothers John and Stanley arrive by motorcar from the siege of Plymouth, shoes still caked with earth and shaking off a dusting of snow. Rooms have been prepared for them and the other guests within the Seymour estate, servants bustling in and out with luggage, clothes, and firewood.

You'd hoped for a calmer scene to greet the soon-to-be newest addition to your family, your sister Violet's fiancé, the Count of Flanders, Renaud de Ghent, but nothing could be done to change it now.

For the past week, Violet and a small staff under your employ had been visiting the count and his family in Bruges to draw up the final marriage contract between them. You had every faith in your sister to push for favorable terms and so left her to her own devices. Now, they were returning together in order for you to meet with the Count and sign off on this arrangement.

You decide to meet them alone in the entrance hall after being informed of the arrival of their car.

Count Renaud and Violet enter together, hand in hand as the doors are parted for them by your house servants.

"Count Renaud, dear Violet, welcome. I trust your travels were well?" you say.

"Splendid, dear bother," Violet replies. "The channel crossing went smoothly. We landed at Bournemouth and crossed through Dorsetshire without issue." She suddenly remembers her manners. "Will, this is Count Renaud of Flanders."

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Duke Somerset," Renaud says, giving a shallow bow. His accent speaks of France, but you detect a slightly American edge in his accent. He wears a suit and tie and sports a narrow goatee.

You return the bow, "I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, Lord Flanders. Please, make yourselves at home. After all, come New Years, you will be a part of our family."

"And you mine, Duke Somerset."

"Please, this way," you lead the way to your drawing room and, upon making sure your guests are seated comfortably, close the doors and poor a few glasses of brandy.
>Violet tells me that you occupy yourself with industry in your county.
>Pardon me, but have you spent any time in America?
>What do the people of Burgundy think of our little war?
>Write in
>>
>>2258189
>>Pardon me, but have you spent any time in America?
>>
>>2258189
>>Pardon me, but have you spent any time in America?
Find some common ground.
>>
>Pardon me, but have you spent any time in America?

>writing
>>
"Pardon me," you say "But have you spent any time in America?"

Renaud's eyes light up as he sips his brandy. "America? Oh yes. I have a wonderful time there. I did my schooling in America, you see. Harvard Business."

"I thought I detected a little in your speech pattern," you say, "I took a long trip in America very recently, toured the nation."

Renaud grins wider, "It is a beautiful country. Well-" he seems to consider this "Parts of it. New York is hideously gaudy I think. I would prefer Paris."

"I preferred the countryside myself," you agree. "Any chance to ride or to shoot."

"You are an outdoorsman?" he asks.

"I was when I was there," you say. "Though I must say I attended plenty of parties in New York that-" you stop yourself, "Well, I enjoyed my stay."

Violet rolls her eyes and lights a cigarette.

"I do not have the time for the outdoors anymore," Renaud says, "I'm too busy now. Especially with this war on, such things increase demand and drop the supply."

"What is it you produce?" you ask.

"Primarily? Steel." Renaud says, "A profitable industry, even in peacetime. I imagine you get most of your steel from the north."

You nod.

Renaud shakes his head, "War will probably limit such a supply. You should perhaps try to find an alternate supplier. Hard to run a war with no steel."

Even now it seems Renaud can't divorce himself from the interests of his company. It's true that your steel suppliers were cut off by war, but now you get most of your modest needs met by shipments from friends in America. Granted, it's a longer trip, but it helps you keep solid ties with them.

Steel from Flanders would shorten transit time and build a stronger relationship with Violet's husband to be, but it would also potentially alienate supporters of yours in America.
>I would love to make you our steel supplier
>Most of my needs are taken care of by contacts in America, my apologies
>I hate to haggle, but what makes your offer superior to what I'm getting now?
>Write in
>>
>>2258296
>>I hate to haggle, but what makes your offer superior to what I'm getting now?
>>
>>2258296
>I hate to haggle, but what makes your offer superior to what I'm getting now?
His name is two letters off from Renault, I trust his industrial ideas.
>>
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You take a seat for yourself on a couch opposite the one Renaud and Violet sit on. You note that Violet looks intensely bored, but seems to know better than to interrupt such dealings. Casually, you draw and light a cigarette.

"I hate to haggle," you say after exhaling, "But what makes your offer superior to what I'm getting now?"

Renaud's eyes seem to glitter. "You have other suppliers?"

You nod.

"Americans, yes?"

You nod again.

"These are long travel times. Perhaps an enterprising cruiser on orders from the Mays decides that this is the time to strike out at your Atlantic shipping?"

"Not much stopping them from doing that against my Channel shipping either, save the repercussion on their own trade. The Americans don't like their ships being sunk any more than you do."

"Hmmm," Renaud leans back in consideration, "Perhaps you are asking me to 'sweeten the pot', no?"

"I'm curious what you bring to the table," you put on your best innocent expression.

"Well, we Burgundians are no friends of the Mays either. I would offer your soldiers, but I am afraid that this is not possible for political reasons. I would wish to have a strong business relationship with my brother-in-law. Perhaps I could get you in touch with an artillery manufacturer I know of in Germany. I cannot promise free, but I can, I think, get you reduced rates on some of the pieces they produce. Provided I can also get them to purchase some of my steel in bulk."

Field guns from the Germans at a discount in exchange for buying Renaud's steel. It would mean irritating some of your American suppliers, but maybe they could forgive you. Those guns could be useful, especially for reducing something like Plymouth.


>Sounds good (Field Guns for a steel contract)
>Perhaps a financial donation to my cause would do better
>I'm sorry, I have strong ties with my trade partners
>Write in
>>
>>2258357
>Put it off for the moment, later in the evening ask our sister what she thinks of her fiance and all

>If it seems like the marriage is definitely going to happen, then agree to his deal by the end of the holidays

Its a tough choice, but if this man is going to be our brother-in-law soon then forming such ties will be a good thing overall. If he can be a real ally to us, and a good husband to our sister, then by all means lets form this trade agreement.
>>
>>2258408

>writing
>>
You mull the idea over. While you'd like to have a strong relationship with your future brother-in-law, you also wouldn't want to alienate you friends abroad. It would take some thinking, and you'd have to get Violet's input as well.

"I will seriously consider the offer," you say. "I think it's a good one."

"You are a man of reason then" Renaud jokes, "If not-" he shrugs dramatically, "It will not trouble me. I simply want to see both of us prosper."

"A goal I share," you reply. "But let's not get too bogged down in business. Let's talk about the plans for the wedding."

***

You make sure to take Violet aside at the earliest opportunity which is shortly before dinner that night.

"So, what do you think about Renaud?" you ask.

"His accent is going to take some getting used to," she says, "But he'll do for a husband I think."

You smirk at her pragmatism, "'he'll do?'"

"Wealthy, charming," she pauses, "powerful in his own way, "I could do worse. I could have been tied to those yokels in Dorsetshire."

You chuckle, "So you want to go through with this then?"

"Yes," Violet says, surprised, "Of course." She pauses and softens a bit, "Good of you to ask though."

"As much as I want a powerful brother-in-law, it's also important to me that my sister find a good husband."

"That's sweet of you, Will. Yes, I'm happy with this."

"Then when you get a chance," you say, "Let Renaud know that I've agreed to his deal. I'll buy his steel for a discount on those German pieces he mentioned."

Violet shakes her head, "Boys and their war. Very well. Thank you, Will."

(1/2)
>>
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Now, with mere days until Christmas and the final plans made for Violet's wedding, you've received a secure wireless telegraph from York that Duke Harold and some of his closest courtiers are making final preparations to visit. It's intended to be a low-key affair, though you know that there will be some politicking involved. In fact, such a gathering is a perfect time for inter-factional intrigue. An opportunity so perfect, you can't pass it up.

What that exact intrigue is, you've yet to decide, but all paths will point to your advancement within the Yorkist faction and, ultimately, the government of England after the war. Among all the family members and guests here, you can likely find a willing partner for whatever course of action you decide, someone to confide in, plot with, and help you execute your plan.

An obvious path is to orchestrate events to eliminate Harold as the Yorkist claimant to the throne. After all, while he cuts a wonderful figure in uniform, he's perhaps won't be the most well-considered king that England has ever seen. Killing Harold, discretely of course, would leave a very short list of possible heirs to his legacy, you among them. At that point your only other direct competition for that position would be Harold's young son, Harry, who is still a child Or perhaps Harold's semi-legitimate grandson, Thomas Bennet, still an infant, though this would be problematic for many reasons, being a legitimatized bastard among them. Additionally, Harold's brother Henry Seymour could be considered for that position. Problematically for Henry, he is the Duke of Cornwall and a backer of the current king.

If Harold were to die, you would stand a strong chance of rallying support to be the next claimant, or at least advancing into a position of leadership among the Yorkists.

Less dramatically, you could also ingratiate yourself to Harold, earning his trust and demonstrating your intelligence and skill, working toward becoming Duke York's right hand man, a position currently held by your uncle, Harold's father Albert, Duke of Gloucester.

As his right hand you could secure yourself a position of power within the Yorkist government.

A more subtle option still could be to simply form a strong alliance with one of Harold's courtiers, someone who could be counted on and could have sway or influence over Harold. Such an ally wouldn't be a guarantee and may even be a dicey prospect. Not to mention ,the sort of power they may be able to offer you isn't guaranteed, but it would still keep you behind the scenes and leave the future open to you.

There may also be plots yet unspoken or undecided.
>Murder Harold to attempt to take control of the Yorkist Cause
>Get close to Harold to become his right hand man
>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'
>write in
>>
>>2258463
>>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'
>>
>>2258463
>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'
>>
>>2258463
>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'
So is Burgundy still a Duchy, even though it's a nation-state at this point? Could we try to get them fully behind us if we promise to try to get the Pope to crown the Duke as King of Lotharingia/Lorraine?
>>
>>2258484
>So is Burgundy still a Duchy, even though it's a nation-state at this point?

It has a king at this point, really just a minor-ish kingdom.

>Could we try to get them fully behind us if we promise to try to get the Pope to crown the Duke as King of Lotharingia/Lorraine?

You don't have the authority to make that sort of negotiation, you're just a duke, not to mention Burgundy likely wouldn't want to get involved in this civil war. If they did, France would likely retaliate and it would turn into a full blown war that they'd be ill-prepared for.
>>
>>2258490
>You don't have the authority to make that sort of negotiation
Well, if the Preferatus happened to receive a generous donation from the Bishop of Plymouth... Plymouth England is an us thing right? I don't memorize the geography of this quest because all the towns and cities share names with local towns and cities where I live.
>>
>>2258511

It'll (hopefully) be yours soon. It's being besieged at the moment by you.

Even so, outside parties are unlikely to get involved.


>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'

>writing
>>
>>2258522
>outside parties are unlikely to get involved
>Tfw Norway won't invade and make it easy for us like they did for William the Conqueror

Sort of a really nitpicky history note though, Burgundy as it was during the period of the War of the Roses, if it became a Kingdom, wouldn't remain as Burgundy. Which may seem odd, but the original Kingdom(s) of Burgundy/Arles were set up around Savoy, and Burgundy conforms more to the boundaries of Lotharingia after the breakup of Middle Francia.
>>
>>2258535
And to make it even more muddled, the Duchirs of Burgundy, which this Burgundy is just a more modernized and empowered form of, was not part of the Kingdom of Burgundy/Arles, but a vassal of Lotharingia.
>>
The safest approach for now will be to get one of Harold's courtiers into your good graces. If you had an insider more loyal to you than Harold himself, it would prove a most useful thing.

With the plot decided, you'll need a partner to execute your plan. You know of others who've conducted plots involving dozens of conspirators, but you believe the strength of a chain is determined by its weakest link, and try to limit your plans as much as possible. Really, one major partner is best.

Your servant Morris can always be counted on to support you. Although he lacks the sort of diabolical mind needed for intrigue, he is obedient and without morale scruples. You'd once seen Morris put a bayonet up through the jaw of a teenage conscript in France during the war and not bat an eye. He was reliable for your dirty work though less so for anything more intricate than slitting a throat or carrying a note.

While you're in the the planning stage, your scheme may benefit from help, or if you needed a "third party" to push your agenda unseen.

Another obvious choice, your wife Vivienne is likewise unsuited. Though she is brave and capable, she isn't much for cloak-and-dagger work of any kind. It would be best to leave those with morals on the side lines.

Among those you trust, there are really two who could potentially aid you in a meaningful way. Your sister Violet, or your brother Stanley.

Your brother John was too headstrong and too competitive with you to be trusted with such finesse, but Stanley has a mind for diplomacy and socializing. Soft-spoken and on the shy side, few expect the calculating mind beneath the surface. Stanley trusts you and is currently in your debt for granting him a noble title.

Violet would also be a good choice. Cunning and devious, she would sooner stab someone in the back than speak honestly. She could be counted on to work with you though, she'd never betray a co-conspirator, not unless her life or reputation were at stake. Like Stanley, few who knew her suspected her as being a keen manipulator of men.

You may also decide to gamble and attempt to sway one of Harold's men, either a servant or perhaps a lower-level courtier, to back you through a small bribe. Whether money or a promise of power, there was always someone willing to sell their loyalty, provided you found the right person and offered the right price.


>Morris alone will suffice
>Invite Violet
>Invite Stanley
>Find one of Harold's men to bribe
>Write in
>>
>>2258552
>Invite Violet
>Invite Stanley
I don't want to put all of our eggs in one basket, Violet is outwardly more devious but if she's caught then she's done, even if she gets off scot free. Stanley, however, though less suited for it, could far more easily feign ignorance.
>>
>>2258552
>>Invite Stanley
>>
>>2258463
Plotting against Harold now when the war has only just begun is Shakespearian madness.

>Ally with a courtier of Harold's so that you have a 'man on the inside'

I like to think that one of our end-game goals is to get England back on the path to reconquering lost territory in France. We don't necessarily need to be King or the King's right hand man for that, so working behind the scenes is fine by me
>>
>>2258578
whoops, I'm a little late
>>2258552
>Invite Stanley
>>
>>2258578
>Shakespearean madness
Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous.

>whoops, I'm a little late
It happens man, no sweat!

>Invite Stanley
>>
>>2258603

Forgot to add:

>writing
>>
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Violet, skilled though she may be, is too volatile for this work. Your Brother, Lord Stanley will make a better partner. Before dinner you send Morris to summon Stanley to your private office and tell him your plan.

"An insider in Harold's court?" he asks, voice flat. "that's quite ambitious, Will." He pauses to adjust his glasses and consider the situation, "Might I ask-"

"It's not to kill him," you reply. "Division among us now would be madness of the highest order. No, I just like to have a spoon in every pot, so to speak."

Stanley purses his lips and nods, "So what do you wish of me?"

"When Harold and his court arrive, I'd like you to make their acquaintances, find who can sway Harold, and who can in turn be swayed."

"The centers of influence and points of weakness," Stanley says.

"Precisely. I'd like to know who I can approach so I'm not wasting my time. Trying to bend too many ears at once may demonstrate a patter I can't afford to show."

"But what you're doing is hardly treasonous," Stanley counters.

"No, but I doubt very much Duke Harold will appreciate being undermined so. Beside, I'd just as soon he not know about my machinations."

"Fair enough. Alright, I'll help you of course. Just call upon me when Harold arrives, I'll find your candidates."

You feel a great sense of relief, "Thank you Stanley."

"Anything for my brother," he replies, giving a short bow before leaving your office, door clicking closed behind him.

After a count of ten, you pull open your desk drawer and start preparing a morphine injection. You took stock of your remaining supply and made a mental note to have Morris secure some more. Truly wonderful stuff, like sinking into a warm, fur throw by a fire on a cold winter.

The sharp sting of the needle is soon replaced by flooding warmth and comfortable numbness. You drop the syringe on your desk and lean back in your chair with a blissful grin. It's good to be the Duke.

***

Thanks for playing guys, that's all the time I have tonight but we'll continue with Harold's arrival next Thursday. (7 EST, 11 UTC)

Be sure to follow on Twitter if you haven't already.

https://twitter.com/TimeKillerQM

I'm also free for any questions/comments/complaints you may have.

Till next time!
>>
>>2258622
Thanks for running.

Any thoughts on the name of Burgundy? If you keep it as-is I'm fine with that, don't let my historical autism get in your way.

>That morphine addiction
It's nothing compared to the high of UNLIMITED POWAAAAAH desu.
>>
>>2258622
Thanks for running mate, catch you next time.

We should probably get this addiction under control at some point, before it gets ugly.
>>
>>2258631
And then we can sell our leftover opium to the Chinese!

What could possibly go wrong?
>>
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>>2258622
Thanks for running man, it was fun!

The morphine addiction is worrying, it has happened to the best of us...
>>
>>2258628
>historical autism
You're singing my song, brother.

>Burgunday name
I'm not super attached to it. Easy enough to retcon as a colloquialism. What's your proposal, Kingdom of Lotharingia?

>addiction
What are you guys talking about? There's no problem here. It feels good and no one is getting hurt. Plus you can quit any time you want. Why does everyone have to be such a square!? Quit hassling me, man!

>>2258628
>>2258631
>>2258636
>Thanks

Always, I had a good time! Thanks for playing/reading my little semi-historical, interaction fan fiction.
>>
>>2258639
Lotharingia would work, but it's honestly a bit antiquated.

It's more French than Dutch or German, right? I would probably go with the Kingdom of Lorraine, but there are a few options that could work.

It could be something like the Kingdom of Lorraine & Frisia even.

Another problem with using Burgundy for the Kingdom is that it /could/ be seen as an insult to the Holy Roman Emperor, even though at this point the Kingdom of Arles/Provence had dropped out of usage in favor of the Emperor's personal title (Archduke of Austria, Margrave of Saxony, etc.)
>>
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>>2258639
>Why does everyone have to be such a square!? Quit hassling me, man!

That's the devil's juice your injecting! At this rate, you'll be excommunicated!
>>
>>2258644
>Burgundy

Kingdom of Lorraine/Kingdom of Lorrain & Frisia sounds nice. I'll give it some consideration. Thanks!

For the record: Nobilityi s primarily french speaking, the peasants are majority Dutch and there is a German minority

>>2258647
Somebody call the Archbishop
>>
>>2258699
I think Lorraine & Frisia works better, just because shortening it to Burgundy would make sense, and like you said the nobles are French while I'm guessing the Burghers are Dutch.
>>
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he news of Duke Harold's imminent arrival has your courtiers and staff understandable nervous. While previously, Harold had been a peer of yours, Dukes and cousins alike, now he had graduated to a higher position, that of heir to the throne, or at least a man with a strong claim. He was the next best thing to a king currently.

While your servants had their own issues to worry about, it seems the desire to impress had spread to your command staff.

You sit at your desk in your study, coming out of a morphine-induced haze to study a report that had been sent by your field commander, Lord Park who is currently overseeing the investment of Plymouth, the siege there continuing without an obvious end in sight.

The report, despite using mundane military terminology, is strikingly bold. Park sees a way to break the Plymouth stalemate and end the siege quickly with minimal loss of life, should has plan go according to plan. You suspect that this desire is in no small part caused by the Duke's impending visit.

Park's play lays out a carefully coordinated plan involving a preliminary bombardment of Plymouth's dock facilities by some artillery emplaced around the bay, followed up by an amphibious attack with elements of the Norman Exile brigade utilizing a number of commandeered cargo barges, rowboats, and a few ad-hoc gunships, mostly being up-armored civilian ships carrying howitzers and machine guns.

If this attack lands successfully, it would press forward into the city itself the old fashioned way, via rifles, grenades, and bayonets, to seize the Royalists main supply depot as well as denying them access to the harbor which supplies may be smuggled into under the cover of night. If all goes according to plan, the shock of this operation, coupled with a number of frontal attacks on Plymouth's defenses, should inspire the defenders to surrender en masse.

A bold plan, it does have some risk of failure, though Park's report glosses over this. The troops assigned to the landing will be terribly vulnerable during their crossing, and after they make landfall as well. If they are cut off, they are at great risk of being wiped out completely.

Your air force, such as it is, is slated to provide over watch for them, but you know it hardly amounts to more than a few squadrons of fighter craft.

Still, a victory here would be very impressive to Duke Harold, and likely seal your reputation as a bold leader who gets things done.


>Authorize Lord Park's plan as is
>We will proceed with the attack, but limit the scope to minimize potential losses in the event of failure.
>This plan is too risky, we'll simply starve them out the usual way.
>Write in
>>
>>2273998
>Authorize Lord Park's plan as is

Who dares, wins
>>
>>2273998
>>Authorize Lord Park's plan as is
>>
>>2273998
>Authorize Lord Park's plan as is
Failure is for the French!
>>
>>2274045
>Failure is for the French!
>English lost to the French in the Ten Years War
>Got kicked off the Continent
>???

What did he mean by this?
>>
>Authorize Lord Park's plan as is

>Writing
>>
>>2274054
The English are French too, Hastings was an inside job, William the Conqueror's real name was Guillaume 'le Bâtard' de Normandie!
>>
You put your signature on the orders to proceed with the attack and return it to your courier. Lord Park was welcome to snatch for glory on the battlefield. If she Siege of Plymouth could be shortened, or even ended, it would liberate your army for field maneuvers against the Cornwall Line and on to Land's End. With luck, you'll be hearing about the victory at Plymouth just before Harold's arrival.

In more domestic news, it falls to you to decide the proper way to welcome the Duke of York. Ordinarily, in peace time, such an invitation would be met with pomp and celebration. Maybe a minor parade would be in order, a showing of arms, sporting events, the like. In this case, in war time, things were different. Not only were you and Harold high priority targets, but Harold is also the head of the Yorkist faction, and as such is a prime prize for enemy operatives.

Still, it doesn't mean that you can't welcome Harold in lavish fashion. A ceremonial welcome with full pageantry is definitely possible. Harold could walk confidently along a row of armsmen in full dress uniform and be treated to a welcome committee of local people of note. It would be a wonderful taste of life before the war, and might go a ways toward impressing Harold.

On the other hand, such a display of wealth and power would cost real money, and would make the Duke more impressed with your rule.

You could also opt for a more austere welcome. A simple handshake at the door sort of situation, maybe a small handful of trusted courtiers alongside you. Not nearly as impressive, but perhaps a bit more practical. Neither hiding anything, nor flaunting anything.

Lastly, you could choose a clandestine welcome. Have the Duke and his people brought in secretly or in disguise. It would certainly throw off any attempts at assassination or sabotage of this meeting. Though bringing the Duke in in such conditions will likely not build and favors with him.


>Lavish Welcome
>Austere welcome
>Clandestine welcome
>Write in
>>
>>2274093
>Austere welcome
Save the real ostentation for the party itself.
>>
>>2274093
>>Austere welcome

I feel that it would further stress our dedication to the war effort.
>>
>>2274093
>>Austere welcome
>>
>>2274109
Or we could serve an entire rhinoceros for dinner.
>>
>>2274093
>>Austere welcome

Ah balls, missed the first vote because was super late writing my own quest's OP for the day. That amphib operation sounds like it's ripe for being an utter disaster, we don't have the tech or knowhow for it I don't think but we'll see.
>>
>Austere welcome

>writing
>>
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You'll save the real ostentation for the party itself. No sense further straining your dedication to the war effort. The austerity measures you imposed on noble and commoner alike will be observed here as well. At least for watching eyes. In private it would be a different story. You couldn't very well expect Duke Harold to enjoy potatoes and water for dinner.

The next morning you awake to news from Plymouth. A steward with an expression of apprehensive nervousness brings you the telegrams and dispatches. Never a good sign. You read the first telegram.

PLYMOUTH DEFENSES COLLAPSING. MY FORCES ADVANCING INTO THE CITY.

LORD PARK.

You frown, not at the telegram, but at the steward's reaction upon handing it to you. Surely this is good news? You turn to the longer dispatch and skim through it and soon see the reason for his unease. Some of Plymouth's defensive naval batteries weren't entirely silenced during the preliminary bombardment and opened up on the amphibious force as it crossed.

A full page of noteworthy casualties follows.

You close your eyes after skimming it. Imagining wooden rowboats full of Norman troops being shot apart and blown up by machine gun fire and field guns. Sir Theroulde, colonel of the second regiment was killed in the crossing, and Sir Faucon, the brigadier, was grievously wounded by counter-battery fire from the Western King Battery. Your first thought is that you'll have to find a replacement until he heals up, until you read on to realize that virtually the entire Exile brigade was wiped out.

Despite the hail of shot and shell, they somehow managed to cross the bay and storm the gun emplacements there, driving off or killing their crews. They had just begun to push in for the supply depots when a counter attack from the city struck their position and drove them back on the docks themselves. Some survivors managed to row back, but many more were shot, captured, or froze trying to swim to safety.

Nonetheless, this counter attack from the Royalists was composed of line troops holding the perimeter which was struck just after they were drawn off the line. Your tank squads crushing through dugouts and wire entanglements, send a stream of panicked militia fleeing into the city. Now, the mop up begins, your soldiers fighting door to door, room to room, until the commander of whatever remains in Plymouth surrenders.

Still, the loss of the Exile brigade is painful, and with no homeland to draw troops from, their numbers are destined, for the foreseeable future, to remain depleted. Perhaps a regiment can be scraped together from what remains.

You can only imagine how this news will break your wife's heart. Still, Park seems pleased with himself otherwise, Plymouth has all but fallen and only mop up action remains.

"Your reply to Lord Park, your grace?" The Steward asks anxiously.
>Congratulate Park
>Berate Park
>Send no reply
>Write in
>>
>>2274201
>Return to me as soon as the fighting has died down.
>>
>>2274201
>Congratulate Park
But a tempered congratulation, and our condolences.

Does America still have slavery? Could we offer negros fleeing into Canada/the North citizenship for service somehow?
>>
>>2274201
>>Write in
We should mourn the loss of the exiles, but we can't deny Park some glory.

We should organize a solemn ceremony in remembrance of their sacrifice, perhaps elevate the survivors to being members of our personal retinue, or even better organize them into a specialist marine regiment for our eventual return to Normandy.
>>
>>2274221
>Does America still have slavery?
It does not.

Though you could potentially open your duchy to immigrants for military service. I'll have a coming vote about the fate of the Exile brigade
>>
>>2274221
>Could we offer negros fleeing into Canada/the North citizenship for service somehow?

no
>>
>>2274227
I could be open to a foreign legion, particularly for former English subjects or those fleeing socialists and the like. I think Normans should be kept separate though.
>>
>>2274226
This
>>
>Write in

>writing
>>
"Yes, take this down," you say.

The steward dutifully produces pen and paper.

"My congratulations on your victory, Lord Park, though I am sad to hear of the heavy losses in my beloved Exiles. Take comfort in your victory, but never forget the cost."

The steward nods. "I'll have it sent right away, your Grace."

As for the Exile brigade, they had been one of your most elite units and certainly gave their all to accomplish their mission. Certainly when you finished clearing Plymotuh you would rescue those who had been captured, provided they were treated fairly by their captors. It falls to you to decide how best ot rehabilitate this unit, if you do so at all.

With no access to the young men of Normandy, recruiting from their homeland is impossible, but there are other methods. For starters, the easy and obvious choice is to forgo their Norman backgrounds and simply fill the unit with other Englishmen. It would become a brigade of exiles in name only and would likely lose its elite status, but the tradition of the brigade would live on.

You might also use the unit as a sort of foreign legion, welcoming the "exiles of the world" into its ranks. Service for citizenship. You wouldn't likely get any upstanding citizens from it, but you might get capable and willing soldiers, though they could be just a band of armed thugs. Even so, thugs have their uses on the battlefield.

Another possibility is merging them with your own personal retinue and simply incorporating them into your bodyguard unit as honored veterans.

Additionally, given their close association with your wife and her past in Normandy, you might reorganize them with fresh English troops into a new unit, one as a sort of gift for your wife. "Duchess Vivienne's Rifles". It was a something of a gimmick, but it might ingratiate Vivienne to you a bit more, especially after the losses among her countrymen. Though it would also be surrendering the legacy of that old unit.


>Exiles in name only
>Exiles of the world
>Merge with your personal retinue
>Use them as the core of a new unit, "Duchess Vivienne's Rifles"
>Write in
>>
>>2274297
>>Merge with your personal retinue
>>
>>2274297
>Merge with your personal retinue but create a new unit that is a foreign legion
>>
>>2274297
>Exiles of the world
So probably mostly Germans and maybe also Greeks.
>>
>>2274297
>Write-in
Talk to Renaud, perhaps we can supplement them with foreign volunteers from Flanders, or through Flanders (and the far more permeable land borders there than the channel) recruit those from Normandy that chafe under French rule.
>>
>>2274351
That's not a bad idea, setting up an organization to draw in Norman/Gascon recruits from France into Flanders and then to us.
>>
>>2274360
Is this a vote for

>>2274351

That instead?
>>
>>2274351
>>2274360
This could work, French are better than negros Greeks and Protestants.
>>
>>2274424
is that a vote change also?
>>
>>2274427
Yes, I should have quoted you, sorry.
>>
>>2274351
>>2274297
This
>>
>>2274405
I think so
>>
Pulling ahead in crunch time:

>>2274351
>This Write in

>writing

>>2274430
No sweat!
>>
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Perhaps there is a better way. Thinking back on your meeting with Renaud, Count of Flanders, it occurs to you he may have contacts back home within the Kingdom of Lorrain and Frisia, and while you didn't expect many Burgundians would be keen on joining your war, there were likely other French who felt marginalized under the current rule. Normans and Gascons who would relish a chance to strike back at their French oppressors.

It would require some diplomatic juggling, but if you were to bend Violet's ear, and she bends Renaud's, then you might get somewhere. Using the much more permeable land borders on the continent to smuggle recruits into Flanders would be much simpler than trying to cross the channel directly with them. All you would really need is a few hundred, maybe a thousand to replenish your losses.

A hand-written note passed to a servant will be delivered to Violet to put the idea in Renaud's head. Easy enough.

***

A long chain of cars pulls to a stop in front of your estate where you wait, the weather having improved somewhat. The sun is shining at any rate and the cold is tolerable. You take note of the armored car leading and trailing the procession as well as the soldiers in a slightly different cut of uniform, each with a white rose emblem on the side of their helmets. Duke Harold's own personal bodyguard.

The car doors open to admit servants and soldiers who open the doors for the rest of the group. Among the first out is Harold, a striking figure in his trench coat and officer's cap. He doesn't wait for his wife to exit and, instead makes his way over to you at once.

Behind him, his wife and a number of his courtiers are likewise exiting the cars.

It was a silly thing, but the way you greet Harold will likely have a great impact on the way the rest of your interactions together. Small social cues and actions can have great affects. This is further complicated by Harold's somewhat unclear standing in relation to you.

The both of you are Dukes, and theoretically equals, though Harold also claims the crown and might be considered to be a king right now in all but position. As a close cousin of yours, you also have informal, familial ties, though he may also be thought of as a close friend. Of course, it may be simplest to just address him as a fellow duke, but this can also feel dreadfully formal and might be seen as insultingly distant treatment for a close relation.


>Greet him as King
>Greet him as Cousin
>Greet him as friend
>Great him as a fellow duke
>Write in
>>
>>2274460
>>Greet him as friend
>>
>>2274460
>>Greet him as Cousin

Blood is thicker than water, the strongest bond that can be shared. The very bond that has us in arms together looking out for our interests of our family.
>>
>>2274460
>Greet him as King
>Greet him as Cousin
>Greet him as friend
Greet him in a friendly and familiar manner as our cousin, the King.

I know you get a lot of questions about the world and I remember your comments on the Commonwealth previously, but I don't think you've gone into what's up with Canada. What's up with Canada?
>>
>>2274460
>>Greet him as friend
The fact he's here instead of another Duke's place or his own already indicates he holds a higher degree of respect for us than normal. Soon enough, if not already there will be plenty ready to treat him as king, more valuable will be those he can count not just as vassals, but as friends.

That said, we should also at least once make it clear we recognise him as our King. A your grace here or there, stuff like that.
>>
>Greet him as friend
>>2274471
>>2274516
>>2274524

>Greet him as Cousin
>>2274490
>>2274516

>Greet him as King
>>2274516


>Greet him as friend
>Writing

>>2274516
Happy to talk about my world! Just don't expect a flawlessly thought out alt history.

>Canada
Canada? Oh, do you mean the northern American provinces? Or do you mean Quebec? Most of northern America is a lot like the southern parts, barren agriculture, but Toronto is a major industrial area like Chicago.

Quebec is lot more isolated. They have some trad ties to their French motherland, but most keep to themselves like America does.
>>
>>2274542
So is Quebec all of the Saint Lawrence as well as Labrador? Does it include Newfoundland? Is Newfoundland just uninhabited?

Is Alaska American or Russian, did a Mexican-American War happen? Or was it Spanish-American and Mexico is part of Spain?

I don't remember if you've said so in the past, but is Russia unified or is it the Grand Principality of Muscovy and the Novgorod Republic then Mongols to the Pacific?
>>
>>2274591
>Quebec
It's Saint Lawrence, Labrador and Newfoundland. Though a lot of that land is uninhabited, it's under their flag.

>Alaska
American

>Mexican American War
Yes. About a hundred years previous. That's where the Americans got all their western territories from, though a lot of that is very sparsely inhabited.

>Russia
Definitely not unified, it's a mess. Your description is pretty accurate.
>>
"Harold!" you call, offering a hand that he shakes, cracking a smile.

"Duke Somerset- Will. A pleasure." he looks visibly relaxed after you address him so informally.

"The pleasure is mine," you said. "A close friend, a cousin, and now, King. I'm not sure anyone has addressed you as such yet."

Harold holds up a steadying hand, "Nothing is official until I'm kneeling before the Archbishop of Canterbury. Which, by the way, is wonderful to have on our own side. Makes matters very convenient."

"How was your trip?" You ask.

"Easy enough," Harold says. "It's good to be out of York, I'll say that much. It has a lot to offer, but it's so dreary in the winter time." he puts his hand on your back and the two of you proceed toward the Seymour Estate.

"I'm afraid Bridgwater doesn't much compare, but Bath or Bristol are only a short drive away," you reply.

"I don't expect I'll stay long enough to have use of either," Harold says, "Besides which, it's wonderful to be out in the countryside and not on some damned maneuver." he gestures to the light welcoming party. "I'd heard you'd cut costs across Somerset," Harold says, "For the war effort I mean. Well done, Will." The two of you reach the grand entrance, the doors of which are pulled open by waiting servants.

"I approve of such levelheadedness. We can save beautiful things until after the war. Right now, we must weather through the winter of our discontent I feel."

"I quite agree, we've-" You're interrupted by a fresh voice.

"Your Grace? Duke Harold?"

You look aghast to see Kate's husband George has come into the entry hall and is approaching.

Harold stares, likewise befuddled at being interrupted so. "Yes?"

George extends a hand, "George Macmillan, your Grace. A real honor to meet you."

Harold shakes the outstretched hand, bewildered. "Yes. A pleasure."

George looks between the two of you, "I'm sure you two have a lot of war planning to get to, so I won't hold you up." He turns to leave, stopping only to reach into his breast pocket, eliciting a Yorkist guard to step forward with a rifle at the ready, bayonet affixed.

Thinking clearly, Harold waves a hand for the man to stop and watches as George draws out a business card.

"Investment banking," George explains, passing over the card. "If you're ever looking for capital or a loan."


>Let Harold respond
>Mr. Macmillan, I don't believe you were invited to speak.
>You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law, he's an American.
>Write in
>>
>>2274608
>You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law, he's an American.
>>
>>2274608
My Brother-in-law is an investment banker, good with numbers, but their politics and etiquette are very different from our own. George, You very nearly got bayoneted just now. Please be more careful.
>>
>>2274608
>>You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law, he's an American.
>>
>>2274626

an American Investment*
>>
>>2274608
> You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law, he's an American.
>>
> You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law, he's an American.

>Writing
>>
You speak up quickly, "You'll have to forgive my brother-in-law. He's an American"

Harold looks at the card and a servant appears to take the card from George. The Duke looks back at you, "I see."

"He's an investment banker. Good with numbers, but their politics and etiquette are very different from our own."

Harold chuckles, "That much is evident."

"Please be more careful George, you were just very nearly bayoneted," you say.

You see George's face darken, cheeks reddening with either indignation or embarrassment. "My apologies, Gentlemen," he says past gritted teeth, "Your Grace. If you'll excuse me."

"Thank you. Good day, sir." Harold nods appreciatively and watches George retreat upstairs.

"He means well," you say.

"You'd have more experience with them than I," Harold says. "And that was . . . ?"

"Kate's husband. My youngest sister."

"I see." He barely says two words, but from his tone you infer that he's not approving of your youngest sister's marriage to a commoner, no matter his social status at home. It had been a controversial thing, even more controversial when she'd opted to migrate there. She'd been, relatively speaking, so insignificant in the social standing of the family that it had been allowed. Still, there were those that disapproved.

"I also heard word that your forces have stormed Plymouth's defenses as well. Wonderful work, Will."

"Thank you," you say. "Though I have to attribute our success primarily to the grace of God, I've also been investing a lot into my army, the sort of clumsy, massive attacks we used in France aren't going to suffice here I think. Not to mention I shudder to imagine what England would look like if we put it through ten years of what we went through in France."

Harold shakes his head, "No, a quick and decisive victory is called for. I won't see England cut up by trenches. York is buzzing with talk about your victories, Devonshire and Wiltshire. Cornwall next? They say you're a bolt from the blue, Will. Lighting in a bottle."

You chuckle, "We need a little lightning for hire if we're going to win this war in a timely fashion I think."

Harold nods absently, taking in the décor of your entrance hall.


>Ask Harold about war progress in the north
>Ask him about his family
>Tell Harold about your wife
>Write in
>>
>>2274689
>Ask Harold about war progress in the north
>Ask him about his family
At what point in their history are the Habsburgs at?
>>
>>2274691
>Habsburgs
They're the (supposed) royal family of Germany, but are near constantly embroiled in civil war so their power isn't nearly what it appears to be on paper.
>>
>>2274689
>Ask Harold about war progress in the north
>Ask him about his family
>Tell Harold about your wife
>>
>>2274689
>>Ask Harold about war progress in the north
>>Ask him about his family
>>Tell Harold about your wife
>>Write in

Give me ten more options to pick as well
>>
>Ask him about his family
>>
>>2274710
I mean how many thrones do they sit on. Is it just Austria? Or is it Hungary as well? What about Bohemia?

Is there a Habsburg in Spain (a different one than the Austria-Hungary one) or a Trastamara?
>>
>>2274733
They sit on the German throne, which includes Austria, and that's all.

>>2274722
>>2274718
>>2274691

>Basically all the things

>Writing
>>
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>>2274738
>>Basically all the things
>>
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"How is the war progressing in the north?" you ask.

Harold groans, "A constant struggle. We haven't had the rapid success you've had I'm afraid, though the terrain prevents a lot of fixed fortifications like you've run into. The Lancastrians have been a dogged bunch. And of course, the damn Scots aren't helping."

You blink, "The Scots?"

Harold nods. "They launch cross-border raids from time to time. Plunder what they can, burn the rest. It's hard enough to conduct a war when you don't have to keep turning around to drive them off."

The Scots had of course been an enemy during the Ten Years War, though given the poor terrain and narrow front, had remained relatively static, though some major attacks were conducted by both sides. It seemed the Scots were taking the opportunity to take a stab at England again.

"When we're done with all this damned business about the crown, then perhaps we'll deal with them next," Harold says. "Not like we have the continental possessions to worry about anymore."

You nod appreciatively. "And what about your family? How are they dealing with all this?"

"Harry's taking it all in stride. I've got him touring the front whenever I can and learning to shoot and ride. Going to make a prince of him yet! Elanor though . . . " his grin fades, "She's all mixed up in this child business. Really put us in a bind."

"I'm very sorry to hear it, but I've heard she and the baby's father are to marry?"

"It's the only sensible thing," Harold says.

"And what about your wife, how's Bethany?"

Harold shrugs, stopping to study a mounted stag head on the wall. "She's coping well enough I suppose. Doesn't approve of this war business and doesn't like me involving Harry. But she'll learn."

"I'm lucky that Vivienne takes a sensible view of war," You say.

"It's what she's known most her life, I imagine," Harold replies.

"It's how we met. She's feeling a bit under at the moment, her two Norman regiments were just cut up rather baly at Plymouth."

Genuine remorse sweeps Harold's expression and he looks back at you. "How dreadful. Those boys were true soldiers. It's not easy to find that kind of loyalty."

"I just hope we'll be able to give them back their home someday. The ones that lived."

"We'll do it, Will. As soon as I'm on the throne and end this silly war, I'll make sure we put the French back in their place. Somehow."

You know how poorly that worked out last war, but also know you have to try.

The doors to the entrance hall open again and admit more of Harold's party, now intermingled with some of your own courtiers who greeted them. Among their number is Harold's wife, Bethany Seymour who comes straight over.

"Harold. And hello again, Duke Somerset," she says.


>Bethany, good to see you again. You're looking stunning as always
>Hello Bethany, Harold was telling me Harry is growing up so fast
>Duchess. A pleasure.
>Write in
>>
>>2274766
>Hello Bethany, Harold was telling me Harry is growing up so fast
I've got something for you TK.
>>
>>2274771
>I've got something for you TK.
???
Without context, that's ominous.
>>
>>2274766
>>Hello Bethany, Harold was telling me Harry is growing up so fast
>>
>>2274766
>>Bethany, good to see you again. You're looking stunning as always
>>
>Hello Bethany, Harold was telling me Harry is growing up so fast

>writing

>>2274771
I still want to know what it is
>>
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>>2274772
>>2274794
Rate my Europe, sorry for the lines everywhere but it's the base map I use and if it's not accurate I want to be able to edit it.
>>
"Hello Bethany, Harold was just telling me that Harry is growing up so fast."

Bethany looks at her husband anxiously, and then back at you. "Yes, well. He's turning into the spitting image of his father."

Harold beams. "He's already a better shot than me, though I never was any good."

"I'm hoping the Lord will bless Vivienne and I with a child of our own before too long," you say. "Every time I see how proud you and Harold are of Harry, makes me want to experience it myself."

"It's a wonderful experience," Bethany says, starting to look more herself. "I'll pray for you two."

You smile, "Thank you. Now, there's no sense in us standing around the hall. Let's get comfortable and catch up."

***

And that's my time. Thanks for playing guys and I hope you enjoyed it.

Next week is an "off" week for me, so the next session will be Thursday the 16th at 7 EST (11 UTC)

In that session we'll do Christmas eve and Christmas Day.

As always, be sure to follow on Twitter for updates, and feel free to leave comments, questions, complains, suggestions, etc.

https://twitter.com/timekillerqm

Thanks!
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>>2274822
Thanks for running.

Damn that's a long wait.
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>>2274822
>>2274826
That should be Thursday the 15th. 2 weeks from today

I can't time.
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>>2274821
10/10

Would skullfuck history again.

It's great! Certainly better than anything I have. Thanks!
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>>2274837
It's good and accurate? Awesome, I'll clean it up a bit and /maybe/ delineate between the Yorkish and Lancastrians though I have to check the map.
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>>2274842
Yeah, it's accurate as far as what I envisioned! I think it'd be great to use. If you clean it up I will definitely employ it.
>>
See Byzantium is still a thing. Thinks about the Walls of the Golden Horn...this version's fortifications must be fucking terrifying.

*Then imagines the guns needed to bust it down*

Gleep.
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>>2274853
I thought Byzantium might be a little anachronistic, since it fell in 1453 but some people like seeing it.

>The Turks punch through the Theodosian Walls with railway guns
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>>2274862
It is a little anachronistic, but it's fun. Let people question it. Let the imagine what it must be like with 1930s tech.
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Maybe the first use of a Nuke in this world was to take down Byzantium....Either that or it becomes Stalingrad/Leningrad
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>>2274918
I can't see the Turks developing the atomic bomb, they'll probably just punch through the lines with swarm tactics and heavy artillery.

>>2274904
Speaking of anachronism, Sicily as part of Spain, or Naples and Sicily as part of Spain, or none of Italy Spanish?
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>>2274926
>Spanish Italy
I'd say Naples and Sicily as part of Spain.
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>>2275253
Spain seems like she would be a good counterweight to France. Not as an ally though.




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