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[Vanshilar]

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Cluster: 1754
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_NODE RANDOM N11.
A ferry crossing the river Seine burns down, but everyone uses the
bridge, so it's not a major loss.
_NODE RANDOM N12.
After all these years, you finally beat the bishop in a game of
chess!
_NODE RANDOM N13.
After all these years, you finally beat the bishop in a game of
chess!
_NODE RANDOM N14.
Brigands take your annoying cousin Hubert hostage. You feel sorry
for them.
_NODE RANDOM N15.
A representative of the troubadour's guild says the guild will make
fun of you unless you pay them 1,000 marks.

Do you:
[a] agree to pay.
[b] refuse.
You don't have the funds. You become the object of
satire and ridicule.
You are poorer, but no less unpopular, for the
experience.
You become the object of satire and ridicule.
_NODE RANDOM N16.
Your army is getting bored.
An argument breaks out between your archers and your infantry.
A unit of archers is killed!
_NODE RANDOM N17.
Rumors that you have no gold spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Your investments in Venetian blinds do not pay off. You
lose 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
_NODE RANDOM N18.
You receive word that one of your enemies found a treasure in an
abandoned cave.
_NODE RANDOM N19.
Rumors that you have no gold spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Annoying relatives visit you. You are forced to give them
1,000 marks to go away.
_NODE RANDOM N20.
Rumors that you have no infantry spread about Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
A unit of your infantry gets a better offer from one of your
enemies and defects!

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Cluster: 1756
-------------

_NODE RANDOM D1.
Rumors that you have no cavalry spread throughout Europe. Your
subjects are embarassed.
Some of your cavalry's horses are bitten to death by horseflies!
_NODE RANDOM D2.
One of your counsellors ridicules {the Pope's silly headdress.}
His Holiness is NOT amused.
_NODE RANDOM D3.
Your Lord Treasurer is an embezzler... hey, what happened to your
treasury?!
_NODE RANDOM D4.
Someone lit a campfire close to your timber stocks. Oops!
_NODE RANDOM D5.
Someone spread vicious rumors about you. And the people BELIEVED
them?
_NODE RANDOM D6.
More politicians enter your diplomatic service. Your political rating
suffers.
_NODE RANDOM D7.
Your iron stocks have suffered from rust!
_NODE RANDOM D8.
One of your top administrators dies in a carriage
accident. A good replacement is hard to find these days.
_NODE RANDOM D9.
Elvis the Troubadour plays for every contender for the Bretagnese
throne except you! Everyone else is happy.
_NODE RANDOM D10.
Your ship came in! Unfortunately, you were loading your grain
reserves onto it, and it sank!

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Cluster: 1757
-------------

_NODE RANDOM D11.
Your army tests confusing new manuevers. {But they work for the
Swiss!} Your military rating goes down.
_NODE RANDOM D12
Your last party was a complete disaster! Everyone is too embarassed
to be seen associating with you. Relations plummet!

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Cluster: 1830
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE n18300.
One of your councillors reports on the state of the kingdom.

{Majesty, the people are discontented. I have met with assorted leaders,
church, state, and the military, and have received council on how to
restore your lands to their usual state of bliss.

{First, the chapel of the great cathedral of St. Simone was damaged in
a recent siege. Repairing the cathedral will please the Church.

{Second, the peasants have had little cheer of late. One of the mayors
suggested that we hold a festival to bring them cheer.

{Finally, the army has been very busy of late. Perhaps if we gave
them a furlough, a chance to rest and enjoy themselves, morale would improve.}

Do you:
[a] renovate the cathedral.
[b] throw a festival.
[c] furlough troops.
[d] ignore the discontent.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE n18301.
{The Cathedral was badly damaged, Your Majesty. I shall get an estimate
of what funds will be necessary. It may take time.}
Your councillor returns with an estimate of the damage to the
Cathedral of St. Simone.

{Majesty, the Cathedral will require at least 1,000 marks (1 Gold)
to repair, perhaps more.
This repair also provides us with the opportunity to improve on the original
cathedral, if you are willing to authorize the expense.}

How much do you spend?
[a] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] 3000 marks (3 Gold).
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE n18302.
{Very good. I will meet with the stonemasons at once.}
{Unfortunately, my liege, our treasury cannot support
such an expense.}

Do you:
[a] furlough troops.
[b] dismiss the problem from your concerns.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE n18303.
{Very good. I will meet with the stonemasons at once.}
{Unfortunately, Majesty, our treasury is not so rich.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] furlough troops.
[c] stop worrying yourself over your subjects' happiness.
_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18304.
{I am certain that we will get excellent results, my liege!}
{A generous gesture, Majesty, but one that the treasury
cannot support.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] spend 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] furlough troops.
[d] abandon this plan.
_NODE 2.
_NODE n18305.
Your councillor returns from the stonemasons' guild with a sad look
on his face.

{Majesty, the stonemasons dispute our estimate of the cost of
repairing the cathedral of St. Simone. They claim it will cost at
least 2,000 marks more than we estimated.

{Majesty, the stonemasons have become lazy and greedy of late. 'Tis
no wonder that the stonework is so much better now on Teutonic castles,
even though Bretagnese castles were once the envy of Europe!

{Still, the stonemasons' guild is powerful. In these delicate
times, a confrontation may not be prudent.}

Do you:
[a] pay the sum (2 Gold).
[b] offer half the sum (1 Gold).
[c] threaten the Guild with force.
[d] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
_NODE2a.
_NODE n18306.
{The work will begin at once. I promise.}
{Majesty, remember that promise to reduce taxes on the
barons? I fear that they have come back to haunt us. Our
treasury is not very full.}

Do you:
[a] offer half the sum (1 Gold).
[b] threaten the Guild with force.
[c] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE n18307.
Your councillor returns from the stonemasons' guild.

{Majesty, I have done my best to persuade the Guild.

{They have decided that our offer is fair, and they have
already begun the repairs on St. Simone.}
{They scoffed at our offer, and refuse to work for us
on this project.}

Do you:
[a] pay the requested sum (2 Gold).
[b] threaten the Guild with force.
[c] use force.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE n18308.
_Masons think the king's a wimp.
After a brief discussion with the masons' guildmaster, your
councillor returns.

{Majesty, the stonemasons have agreed to finish the work, as
promised. They did seem a trifle insolent.}
{We cannot afford this sum, my liege!}

Do you:
[a] threaten the Guild with force.
[b] imprison Guild leaders, and force them to complete work.
I shall tell them at once.
I shall tell them at once.
_NODE 2baa or 2bb.
_NODE n18309.
The air is thick with tension. You and the stonemasons wait to see
who will be the first to back down.

{Good news, my liege! The Guild has agreed to finish the
cathedral for the original price!}
{Bad news, Majesty. The Guild members continue to defy us.}

Do you:
[a] imprison the Guild leaders.
[b] let the cathedral remain unfinished.

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Cluster: 1831
-------------

_NODE 2baaa.
_NODE n18310.
You await the messenger nervously.
Will the stonemasons relent under
the threat of imprisonment? Your messenger arrives...

{Majesty, your threat has worked! The masons' guild will
complete the cathedral without further cost!}
{Majesty, I regret to say the masons will risk imprisonment
rather than bend to you in this matter.}

Do you:
[a] pay the full original amount requested.
[b] let the cathedral fall apart, and forget about it.
_node 2baba.
_NODE n18311.
Your councillor returns from the Guild.

{They promise to finish the repairs soon, Majesty.}
{Majesty, we cannot afford this!}

The cathedral remains unfinished.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE n18312.
The Guild considers its options.
A messenger comes from the masons' guild.

{Majesty, the masons did not understand the urgency or
importance of this project. Naturally, we are happy to lend
our services, especially to one who will remember us well.}
{Majesty, we will not bow to threats.
The masons' guild is not accustomed to being treated
in this manner, not even from a king, and will not accept
it.}

Do you:
[a] pay the full amount (2 Gold).
[b] imprison the Guild's leaders.
[c] abandon the restoration.
_NODE 2cb.
_NODE n18313.
A messenger is sent from the masons' guild.

{Majesty, the masons did not understand the urgency or
importance of this project. Naturally, we are happy to lend
our services, especially to one who will remember us well.}
{Majesty, we will not do this work for you unless you pay
us the two thousand marks that were requested.}

Do you:
[a] pay 2,000 marks (2 Gold).
[b] forget about repairing the cathedral.
_NODE 3.
_NODE n18315.
A messenger arrives at your castle. He is wearing the red and gold
livery of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your
service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he dares not attend the unveiling ceremony of the Cathedral
of St. Simone.}
{He further bids me to say that, were he to be provided with a large
contingent of men, he would be able to attend the unveiling
without fear for the safety of his people.}

This news disturbs you, for Sir Renau is held in high regard
by your people, and his presence at the unveiling would improve
the morale of your subjects.

Do you:
[a] provide the soldiers (1 Military).
[b] do without Sir Renau's presence.
_NODE 3a.
_NODE n18316.
{I thank you, and Sir Renau thanks you, for your
generosity, a virtue for which rightful rulers are known.}
A councillor whispers in your ear, {My liege, we have not the
the soldiers to spare.

{I fear we must do without Sir Renau's presence.}

The messenger bows and says, {I shall carry this sad news
back to Sir Renau. I am certain that he wishes the best for your
celebration.}

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Cluster: 1832
-------------

_NODE 4
_NODE n18320.
A councillor comes to you and says:

{Excellent news, my liege. The Cathedral of St. Simone is fully
repaired and is indeed beauteous to behold. The clergy and many
knights and nobles have come for the unveiling.}

You attend the unveiling, and the cathedral is indeed magnificent.
Priests and nobles speak about your generosity and your concern for
the church.

Sir Renau, in brilliant red and gold livery, attends the
ceremony, and the crowd greets him with cheers.

He takes the opportunity to deliver a moving speech about
the great things you have done for your people, and about
the need for all to support you in the struggle to claim what
is rightfully yours.

Sir Renau makes an especially strong impression on the
unmarried women in attendance.
At the end of the day, when you have returned to your court,
a councillor comes to you, looking downcast.

{My liege, the clergy are impressed by your willingness to
repair the cathedral, but the people remain discontented.
We must allow them time to see what a great and
noble ruler you are.}
At the end of the day, when you have returned to your court,
a councillor comes to you.

{My liege, the clergy are impressed by your willingness to
spend your time and wealth on repairing the cathedral.
In addition, the people are happy to have such a generous king.
The spirits of the people have been lifted by your wise actions,
though I must say that many of your councillors were hoping
for a stronger response.}
As the unveiling ceremony concludes, the mighty cheers that
rise up from the assembled crowd assure you that they are
indeed impressed by the ceremony and by your show of
generosity.

As you prepare to leave the ceremony, the bishop approaches
you, smiles, and says, {Do not think that the Pope has not heard
of your generosity toward the Church.}
As you conclude your address to the assembled crowd,
you must pause often to let the wild cheers of your audience
die down.

As you look about you, you see the smiling faces of loyal
subjects: monks, priests, merchants, peasants, artisans,
and soldiers.

Obviously, you have won their hearts.

As you prepare to leave the ceremony, the bishop approaches
you, smiles, and says, {Do not think that the Pope has not heard
of your generosity toward the Church.}
Your soldiers have returned from Sir Renau's lands,
along with a messenger who brings thanks from Sir Renau
for seeing to his needs and allowing him to attend the
the unveiling of the cathedral.
_NODE 5.
_NODE n18325.
The councillor who advised you to repair the cathedral of St.
Simone has finally worked up enough nerve to talk with you.

{Majesty, the unrest in the kingdom is still a problem. Perhaps
we should try something else...}

Do you:
[a] throw a festival.
[b] furlough troops.
[c] throw the councillor into your deepest dungeon.

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Cluster: 1833
-------------

_NODE 11 (1b).
_NODE n18330.
{An excellent decision, my liege. How much do you intend to spend
on the festival?}

Do you spend:
[a] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] 3000 marks (3 Gold).
_NODE 11a.
{A prudent decision, Majesty.}
{A prudent decision. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns in a few minutes and
says, {My liege, bad news brings me back.
The treasury cannot support even that expenditure at
this time.}

Do you:
[a] furlough troops.
[b] give up and let the people grumble.
_NODE 11b.
_NODE n18332.
{Very good, my liege.}
{A noble gesture, my liege, but we do not have enough }
enough gold to make it so.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] furlough troops.
[c] throw the councillor into your darkest dungeon.
_NODE 11c.
_NODE n18333.
{A most generous decision.
Surely the festival will be one to remember.}
{A generous gesture, my liege, but we do not have enough }
enough gold to make it so.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[b] spend 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[c] furlough troops.
[d] let your people suffer.
_NODE 12.
_NODE n18335.
A messenger arrives at your castle. He is wearing the red and gold
livery of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your
service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he dares not attend the festival you are planning. He bade me
further to say that, were he to be provided with a large contingent
of men, he would be happy to attend the festival, as he would not
then fear for the safety of his people.}

This news disturbs you, because Sir Renau is held in high regard
by your people, and his presence at the festival would improve
the morale of your subjects.

Do you:
[a] provide the men (1 Military).
[b] do without Sir Renau's presence at the festival.
_NODE 12a.
_NODE n18336.
{I thank you, and Sir Renau thanks you, for your
generosity, a virtue for which rightful rulers are known.}
A councillor whispers in your ear, {My liege, we have not the
the soldiers to spare.

{I fear we must do without Sir Renau's presence.}

The messenger bows and says, {I shall carry this sad news
back to Sir Renau. I am certain that he wishes the best for
your festival.}

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Cluster: 1834
-------------

_NODE 13.
_NODE n18340.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
the preparations for the festival are progressing admirably.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
I am happy to report that preparations for the festival
are proceeding according to plan.
A councillor comes to you and says, {My liege,
I am delighted to report that the preparations for the
festival are proceeding perfectly, and all those
involved believe that it shall be a glorious spectacle.
{And allow me to remind your Majesty that
the festival will go on as scheduled in but twenty days.}
_NODE 14.
_NODE n18345.
The day of the festival has arrived. With your loyal guard in
their finest dress, you ride to the festivities. Vendors and
troubadours from across the land have come to entertain the
people and to sell them elegant clothes, flashy scarves,
delicious wines, and all manners of enjoyments.

-------------
Cluster: 1835
-------------

_NODE 15.
_NODE n18350.
While you are sampling some fine food and drink in a pavilion
that has been erected for you near the festival grounds,
an agent from your {intelligence} services comes to you.

{My liege,} he says breathlessly, {we have caught three ruffians
who had intended to sabotage your festival. They were caught with a
poison that they intended to introduce into the ale, and they had lamp
oil with which they planned to start a conflagration.

{This may come as no surprise to you, but we
have strong reason
to believe that they were sent by your sworn enemy, King
Edward of Albion.}
have strong reason
to believe that they were sent by your sworn enemy, Count
Charles of Valois.}
are sure that they were
sent by that vicious schemer, Duke Phillip of Burgundy.}
{My liege, though we have apprehended these men, rumors are still
being spread throughout the festival that cutthroats or saboteurs
are about. These rumors threaten to mar this glorious festival.
The people need to know that you can keep them safe.}

Do you:
[a] execute the ruffians, publicly and immediately.
[b] brand them and send them back to their lord
as a show of confidence.
[c] imprison and question them.
_NODE 15a.
_NODE n18351.
You bring swift justice to the saboteurs, and the crowd
cheers. Their fears are now allayed.
_NODE 15b.
_NODE n18352.
Before the jeering and cheering crowd, you have the
saboteurs branded. Then, bound securely, they are set on a
wagon and carried off toward their homeland.
The crowd is overjoyed to see that their king is graced with
mercy, confidence, and a sense of humor.
Before the jeering and cheering crowd, you have the
saboteurs branded. Then, bound securely, they are set on a
wagon and carried off toward their homeland.
The cheers of the crowd, however, turn into mumbles of
bewilderment, as the saboteurs are allowed to live.
The short speech you give explaining your actions
does little to impress the crowd.
Obviously your royal motives are beyond the understanding
of your people.
_NODE 15c.
_NODE n18353.
The crowd cheers when you present the villains,
but when you take them off to the dungeons, you hear
murmurs of disapproval. Obviously, the people expected an execution,
and they do not understand how much damage you can do to your enemy by
questioning his agents.
_NODE 16.
_NODE n18355.
While sitting in your pavilion near the festival, you hear a commotion.

Stepping outside to investigate, you see smoke rising from the
festival and hear the confused cries of a crowd. One of your
guards is running toward you.
{My liege,} he says, gasping for breath, {saboteurs have struck
the festival. They set fire to a vendor's tent, and
poisoned another vendor's ale with herbs that have made several people
ill.}

You assure the people that there is no more danger. Your men
put out the fire and tend to the ill, but your festival
has been marred.

-------------
Cluster: 1836
-------------

_NODE 17.
_NODE n18360.
Night falls, and the festival-goers begin to leave. The
people are quiet, and some are frustrated.

A councillor accompanying you says:

{While I thought that this festival was one of the best in
my memory, your Majesty should know that some have been
heard to say that the people were disappointed.
There is talk that the festival raised hopes that were not satisfied,
and perhaps it would have been better if you had never had
the festival.}
Night falls, and many festival-goers begin to leave.
The people are smiling, laughing, and talking happily
among themselves.

A councillor accompanying you says, {While I thought that
this festival was one of the best in my memory, your Majesty
should know that some have been heard to say that they had
hoped for more. Still, there is no denying that the people's
spirits have been lifted.}
A guildmaster of the clothiers guild comes to your pavilion
and compliments you on the incredible success of the festival.
As you are enjoying the compliments, however, you hear yelling
and riotous laughter coming from the festival.

A councillor enters the pavilion and says, {My liege, the
revelers are becoming rowdy. They have enjoyed the festival so
much, they may get carried away.

{The clergy express dismay at the prospect of this celebration
turning bawdy and excessive, but a high-spirited revel may be
exactly what the people need.}

Do you:
[a] allow the festival to run its rowdy course.
[b] have your men cool the situation down.
_NODE 17a.
_NODE n18361.
Soon enough, the revelers have become drunk, boisterous,
and even belligerent.

Fights break out, and the revelers damage
the booths of many vendors.
Your men manage to quell the riot, but not before
many people are hurt and several booths
are damaged. The priests say that a good king would not
have allowed such raucous behavior, and that these excesses have
ruined what would otherwise have been a joyous festival.
The revelers are loud and boisterous, a few fights break out,
and a few businesses suffer some damage at the hands of
drunks, but overall the problems are few and isolated.
Most of the people consider this to be the best festival
in their memory.

The priests, however, make known their disappointment
at seeing a healthy festival turn carnal and profane.
The men you sent to protect Sir Renau's lands return,
along with a messenger who thanks you on Sir Renau's
behalf for your generosity.
_NODE 17b.
_NODE n18362.
The crowd refuses to be quieted, perhaps in part because
your men themselves partook of the wine and revelry.
The revelers are drunk, boisterous, and
belligerent.

Fights break out, and the revelers damage
the booths of several vendors.
Your men eventually put down the riot, but not before
many people are hurt and businesses
damaged. The priests say that a good king would not have allowed
such a raucous celebration, and that these excesses have ruined
what would otherwise have been a joyous festival.
Your men move among the celebrants, quieting the rowdiest,
while allowing others to have their fun. They manage to keep
the peace and prevent the celebration from getting out of
hand.

The bishop lets you know that he is pleased with your handling
of the problem.
The men you sent to protect Sir Renau's lands return,
along with a messenger who thanks you on Sir Renau's
behalf for your generosity.
_NODE 21.
_NODE n18365.
{Very good, my liege. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns within an hour,
saying, {My liege, after consulting with the other councillors
and your generals, we have concluded that you cannot
spare the soldiers at this time.}

Do you:
[a] throw a festival.
[b] have your guards throw the councillor out of your court.
{Very good, my liege. I shall see to it immediately.}

The councillor leaves, but returns within an hour,
saying, {My liege, the furloughed may appreciate some extra
pay to bring home to their homes and families.}

How much do you spend on their {furlough pay}?
[a] nothing.
[b] 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] 2000 marks (2 Gold).
_NODE 21a.
_NODE n18366.
{Very prudent, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

-------------
Cluster: 1837
-------------

_NODE 22.
_NODE n18370.
A councillor comes to report on the progress of the
furlough program.

{My liege, I am happy to report that your wise decision to
furlough troops has met with great results.
The troops are glad for the rest,
and their families are delighted to see them back from the
wars.

{The troops are impressed with your generosity,
and have been heard to sing your praises in
the taverns.}
{The troops are grateful to you for their bonus pay, and
their families are glad to see their men so well-treated.}
{Surely this show of generosity will show your people
how fortunate they are to have you as their ruler.}
_NODE 23.
_NODE n18375.
A councillor comes to report on the progress of the furlough
program.

{My liege, I have grave news. It seems that the commoners you employ
in your army are not worthy of your generosity. Many troops are
deserting or staying too long on furlough.
Those still in the field resent the good fortune of those who have
gone home.

{The money given to furloughed troops
may even be exacerbating the problem,
as it compounds the envy of those still serving you
in the field.

{Morale among the troops has fallen to a new low, and the
changes in personnel make it difficult for your captains to
maintain proper discipline and order.}
Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] accelerate the furlough program to appease
disgruntled troops.
[c] use politics to bring order to the furloughs.
[d] hope the problem will solve itself.
Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] use politics to bring order to the furloughs.
[c] hope the problem will solve itself.
_NODE 23a.
_NODE n18376.
{Very good, my liege. The troops shall be returned to the
field.
It is disheartening that the men were not worthy of your generosity.}

You wait for things to return to normal.
A councillor reports that the troops have returned from
furlough and the army is back at full strength.

Your treasurer reports that only half the gold
allotted to the furlough program can be recovered.

Your treasurer reports that the gold allotted to the furlough
program cannot be recovered.

Do you:
[a] hold a festival.
[b] imprison those responsible for this fiasco and turn your attention
to other affairs.
_NODE 23b.
_NODE n18377.
A councillor comes to report on the results of accelerating
the furlough program.

{My liege, I bring happy news, as your wisdom has once again
brought success to our endeavors. More troops are being furloughed,
and the morale and order in the remaining troops has improved
greatly.}
_NODE 23c.
_NODE n18378.
A councillor enters your court to bring news of the furlough
program. You can see by his lively step that he brings good
news.

{My liege, once again your firm hand has brought order
to a difficult problem.

{Your men have seen to it that the furloughs are orderly
and proper, and the morale of the troops has improved.}
A councillor enters your court to bring news of the furlough
program. His pace is somber and slow.

{My liege, your men have had little success in restoring order
to the troops.

(In fact, in many cases, they have proven so incompetent as
to intrude on the authority of the captains, to irritate
the soldiers, and to make the problem even worse.}

Do you:
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] accelerate the furlough program to appease
the disgruntled troops.
[c] let the problem solve itself.
[a] cancel the furlough program.
[b] let the problem solve itself.

-------------
Cluster: 1838
-------------

_NODE 24.
_NODE n18380.
A messenger arrives at your castle, wearing the red and gold livery
of Sir Renau, a noble and well-respected knight in your service.

{Your Majesty,} he begins, {my lord, Sir Renau, bids me to bring
you bad tidings.

{Brigands are terrorizing the peasants and merchants in his lands,
and he cannot afford to furlough troops as the other commanders
are doing.

{He humbly requests that you issue a proclamation exempting men
under his command from the furlough, until such time as the
bandits have been captured.}

Do you:
[a] issue the proclamation that Sir Renau requests.
[b] insist that he furlough troops as the other commanders have.
_NODE 24a.
_NODE n18381.
A councillor comes into the court bearing several letters and
looking a bit frantic.

{My liege,} he begins, {I carry here letters from nearly ten
commanders who have heard that Sir Renau is not furloughing his
troops.

{They all request that you exempt their men as well.}

Do you:
[a] grant their requests.
[b] grant the requests only of those with the best reasons.
[c] deny their requests.
[d] deny their requests, and insist that Sir Renau likewise comply.
_NODE 24aa.
_NODE n18382.
A councillor enters your court with bad news.

{Majesty, discontent has grown in the ranks of your commanders.
Some accuse you of playing favorites; the commanders who
avoided sending their soldiers on furlough have more privileges
than they.

{I am glad that the furlough program will end soon.}
_NODE 24ab.
_NODE n18383.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the commanders
are complying with your orders in regards
to the furlough of their troops.
While those whose requests you refused were at first
disappointed, they generally now agree that your choices were
wise and just, as befits a rightful king.}
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the commanders
are complying with your orders in regards
to the furlough of their troops.
Those whose requests you refused, however, feel that you have
treated them unjustly.
Even some of the lords who made no requests are saying
that the land might fare better under a king with
a better eye for justice.}
_NODE 24ac.
_NODE n18384.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the lords whose requests you have denied have
accepted your ruling as loyal lords should.
If you could be among your troops, you would see
that they have all heard of your ruling.
"Exaggerated in the retelling, the story of your standing up for "
the lowly foot soldier has spread through your lands, and the
people are happy to have a king who supports them.}

The lords grumble at your unfairness, but nothing comes
of it.
Your people learn of your defense of the soldiers, and
you learn that they greatly appreciate the gesture.
_NODE 24ad.
_NODE n18385.
A councillor enters your court with news of the furloughs that
your troops have been enjoying.

{My liege, the lords accept your hard stance, but the troops
are happy that you have turned down the lords' request.
Exaggerated in the retelling, the story of your standing up for
the lowly foot soldier has spread through your lands, and the
people are happy to have a king who supports them.}

The lords are heard to grumble at what they call your
stubborn stance, but at least the soldiers are
happy that you sided with them.
_NODE 24ab.
_NODE n18386.
Sir Renau's messenger returns to your castle.

{Sir Renau acknowledges your authority to call for a furlough of
his troops, and he says he shall deal with the brigands
as best he can.}
A councillor returns from visiting Sir Renau.

{Majesty, although Sir Renau is complying with your orders, he
believes that you have been unreasonable. He would not say
so in public, of course.

{Sir Renau is held in high regard by his fellow lords,
and many of them are unhappy about the way Sir Renau has been
treated.

{At least the problem seems to have settled itself.}

-------------
Cluster: 1839
-------------

_NODE 25.
_NODE n18390.
A councillor comes to you with the last word on the furloughs
that you have provided to your troops.

{The furlough program is over, Majesty, and the last of the
troops have returned to their stations.
Your forces are back once again to full strength.

{While back home, many soldiers told such tales of glory
and honor that more young men have decided
to join the ranks of your army.
The morale of your troops has improved noticeably}.
{The furlough program is over, Majesty, and the last of the
troops have returned to their stations.
Your forces are back once again to full strength.}
_NODE 31.
_NODE n18395.
A councillor hurries into your court, agitation plainly written on
his face.

{My liege, I came as soon as I heard. Terrible times have come.
The discontent that the people have expressed has worsened,
and some lowly commoners have even said that these
lands might be happier with a different ruler on your throne.

{As of yet, these traitorous malcontents have not yet taken action
nor publically opposed you,
but I worry that, unless you take some action,
these troublemakers will be emboldened to cause grief
to your lands and loyal subjects.}

Do you:
[a] locate and speak with the leaders of this insurrection.
[b] send spies to discredit them.
[c] send spies to locate and imprison them.
[d] use military force to crush them quickly.
[e] take no action.
_NODE 31a.
_NODE n18396.
A councillor comes into your court and says,
{My liege, your men have identified some of the men who
have been outspoken about your rule's supposed failings.}

Three men are brought in under guard; they wear the dress of
artisans, common townsfolk.
Though they are slow to speak and afraid of your wrath,
they eventually relate that the struggles with other kingdoms
have hurt their lands.
Gold that could have been spent to repair roads and bridges
has been used to wage wars,
and many able-bodied men have returned from the wars maimed,
or not returned at all.

Do you:
[a] imprison them.
[b] intimidate them into ceasing their opposition.
[c] offer them 1000 marks (1 Gold).
[d] offer them 2000 marks (2 Gold).
[e] promise them that their future will improve.
_NODE 31ab.
_NODE n18397.
The malcontents vow loyalty, thank you for
sparing them, and promise to cease speaking out against you.
Since your men have already found them once, they can find
these men again, and your threats prevent further problems
among your subjects.
The malcontents vow loyalty, thank you for
sparing them, and promise to cease speaking out
against you.
_NODE 31ac.
_NODE n18398.
Your treasurer whispers to you, {Majesty, you cannot
afford this gesture.}

Do you:
[a] imprison the malcontents.
[b] threaten them.
[c] promise them that their future will improve.
Relief and surprise show plainly on the faces of the
men. They thank you profusely for your generosity, and
assure you that they will never more speak out against
your just and generous rule.
_NODE 31ad.
_NODE n18399.
Your treasurer whispers to you, {Majesty, you cannot
afford this gesture.}

Do you:
[a] spend 1000 marks (1 Gold) to see to their needs.
[b] imprison the malcontents.
[c] threaten them.
[d] promise them that their future will improve.
Relief and surprise show plainly on the faces of the
men. They thank you profusely for your generosity, and
assure you that they will never more speak out against
your just and generous rule.

-------------
Cluster: 1840
-------------

_NODE 31ae.
_NODE n18400.
The leaders of the malcontents take your speech to heart
and are visibly relieved not to be threatened or imprisoned.
They vow loyalty, and assure you that they shall bring
the spirit of your words back to those who have opposed you.
Though they are too frightened to speak out, you can tell
that these men are not impressed by your words.

Do you:
[a] imprison them.
[b] threaten them.
[c] offer 1000 marks (1 Gold) to see to their needs.
[d] offer 2000 marks (2 Gold).
_NODE 31b.
_NODE n18401.
One of the spies who was seeking out malcontents visits your
court.

{My liege, I bring good news. My men have located those
who have spoken out against your just rule.
With judicious use of threats, lies, and silver, we have
thwarted the budding insurrection with no one becoming
the wiser.

You can once again rely on the loyalty of your subjects.}
One of the spies who was seeking out malcontents visits your
court.

{My liege, I bring news both good and bad. My men have located
those who speak out most loudly against your rightful rule,
but we have found them to be far too determined
to be thwarted without using more force than we have been
authorized to apply.}

Do you:
[a] offer to speak with the leaders of this insurrection.
[b] send spies to locate and imprison the leaders.
[c] use military force to crush them.
[d] hope that the problem goes away.
_NODE 31d.
_NODE n18402.
A councillor comes into your court.

{My liege, I bring news about those who have, of late,
criticized your rightful rule. Your men have made quick work
of the poorly armed trouble-makers.

{As is to be expected in such maneuvers, some loyal civilians
were unfortunately injured and slain. And, of course, many of
the trouble-makers leave widows and children who now face
poverty and peril. But we sure showed them, my liege!}

Do you:
[a] make a public proclamation to explain this act to your
people.
[b] let the issue pass.
A distressed councillor comes into your court.

{My liege, terrible news. Your soldiers have killed many
malcontents, but the assault caused a riot, and your men were
forced to retreat.

{Word of this attack will no doubt spread and make the
people even more unhappy with your rule.}
_NODE 31da.
_NODE n18403.
Your proclamation calms the people and assures them that the
violence was necessary, and that it is over. Though you have
not won their love, you have at least prevented the
dissatisfaction from growing.

Perhaps only time can improve your image in the eyes of your
people.
The people cheer at your proclamation, but later your
councillors let you know that dissension is still spreading
through your people.
_NODE 32.
_NODE n18405.
The head of your {intelligence} services comes into
your court,
followed by several guards who are escorting a rag-tag
band of men.

{My liege, these are the men responsible for spreading
dissatisfaction with your rule, darkening the good hearts
of your loyal subjects.

{As you have ordered, they will now be taken to the
dungeon, and we shall see what becomes of their petty
opposition to your just a rightful rule.}
Your incompetent spies haul some peasants and
townsfolk before you, but they are not leaders
of a rebellion by any stretch of the imagination.
You will need a different approach to deal with those
who speak out against you, one that does not rely on your
spies.

Do you:
[a] let it be known that you would speak with the leaders of
this insurrection.
[b] use military force to crush the malcontents before they
gain more support.
[c] hope the problem goes away.
_NODE 32a.
_NODE n18406.
A councillor enters the court, smiling broadly.

{Excellent news, my lord.

{It seems that the malcontents who, just three weeks
ago, were spreading ill words about your rule have lost
their spirit. Deprived of their leaders and afraid of more
violent reprisals, the dissenters have quieted their
talk, and while a small group still harbors resentment
toward you, their opposition no longer spreads through the
populace.}
A councillor enters the court, frowning.

{My liege, it seems that imprisoning the malcontents has not
had its intended effect. While opposition to you is quieter,
it is spreading through the populace.}

-------------
Cluster: 1841
-------------

_NODE 33.
_NODE n18410.
A councillor enters the court, wringing his hands in worry.

{M-my liege,} he begins, {opposition to you has spread through
your lands, and it shows little sign of abating on its
own.

{We councillors are of the opinion that something must be done
about this rising tide of unjust opposition to you rule.}

Do you:
[a] attempt to regain support of your populace through
military and political force.
[b] ride out the storm and try not to make it worse.
_NODE 33a.
_NODE n18411.
A councillor reports that your men have identified
many of the insurrectionists' leaders and imprisoned
or intimidated them.
A councillor reports that an armed mob of people
opposed to your rule has been routed by your soldiers.
A councillor reports that many civilians loyal to you
have taken to burning the businesses of those who
oppose you.
A councillor comes into your court, wearing a weary
but happy expression on his face.

{Majesty, the insurrection has been put down.
No one is heard to speak out against you,
and all organized resistance to you has been crushed.
While you may not have earned the love of the people,
you have at least regained control over them.}
A councillor reports that your men have identified
a fair number of the insurrectionists' leaders and imprisoned
or intimidated them.
A councillor reports that an armed mob of people
opposed to your rule has been routed by your soldiers,
but many loyal subjects were injured in the fighting.
A councillor reports that civilians are fighting in the
streets over the issue of your rule. They will let you
know if anything else occurs.
A councillor enters your court, a weary expression on
his face.

{My liege, vocal opposition to your rule has ceased, and
to that extent we have won this contest,
but many people harbor resentments in their hearts
for the violence that the last three weeks have seen.
I fear that your workers and soldiers may be less
enthusiastic about their duties than you have known
them to be in the past.
You have not won the people's love, but you have regained
your rightful control over them.}
_NODE 33b
_NODE n18412.
A weary councillor comes into your court.

{Majesty, our worst fears have gone unrealized.
While many people remain unjustly dissatisfied with your wise reign,
no organized opposition has presented itself.
I worry that your people are less enthusiastic about fulfilling
their lawful duties to you, but your rule is in no danger.
We can only hope that, with time, the people will come to
see that their discontent is unfounded, and you shall be loved as
greatly as you deserve.}
_NODE 21b.
_NODE n18413.
Your treasurer speaks up and says, {Majesty,
while I applaud your generosity, you should know
that the treasury would be drained by such expense.
The troops will have to be furloughed without extra pay.}
{Very good, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

In addition, they are being given small bonuses as they leave.
_NODE 21c.
_NODE n18414.
Your treasurer speaks up and says, {Majesty,
while I applaud your generosity, you should know
that the treasury would be drained by such pay.}

You must furlough the troops without pay.

Would you like to:
[a] furlough troops without pay.
[b] distribute 1000 marks (1 Gold) among the troops.
[c] let the people be unhappy.
{Very good, my liege.}
As per your order, troops are now being furloughed,
only a few at a time, so as not to reduce your fighting force
unduly.

In addition, they are being given generous bonuses
as they leave.

-------------
Cluster: 1857
-------------

_NODE 1.
_NODE 18570.
At the last council meeting, you notice Lord Chassaine, one of
your late father's best friends and supporters, shifting uneasily.
When you get a chance to corner him, you raise an eyebrow.
{It is rather minor, Your Majesty. I have been receiving reports of
mysterious movements in the forests near my keep. Some of the people
believe that they are wild men: poachers, bandits or their like. Since I
have few soldiers, I have been reluctant to waste them digging about
in the woods, but now some of the woodcutters are becoming leery of
working there, and the merchants are hesitating to use my trails.}
Do you:
[a] offer Lord Chassaine a troop of Infantry to patrol the woods.
[b] send a few trusted scouts to investigate the matter.
[c] tell Lord Chassaine to keep you notified, but ignore it.
_NODE 1a,
_NODE 18571.
{Ah, you do not have the men to spare. I understand, my lord;
I shall struggle onward without your assistance.}
One of your advisors brings you a problem.

{Your Majesty, the forces that you have sent to Lord Chassaine report that
they are having great difficulties. They are managing to keep work and
trade going in the area, but only under constant harassment. Sir
Marvain, their commander, requests that you send him a unit of archers.
Otherwise, he says, they may soon have great trouble on their hands.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of archers to Sir Marvain.
[b] send trusted men to investigate.
[c] ignore the matter.
_NODE 1b.
_NODE 18572.
One day, one of your agents quietly returns to you.

{Sire, I believe that this matter in Lord Chassaine's lands is more
serious than he suspects. The men lurking in the forest near his castle
do not appear to be simple bandits.
Perhaps you should send soldiers into
the area to control the situation.}

Do you:
[a] send a unit of Infantry.
[b] send a unit of Infantry and a unit of Archers.
[c] tell your agent to keep you informed, but take no action.
_NODE 1c.
_NODE 18573.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, the shadow of banditry casts its evil pall over the
lands of Lord Chassaine.

{A shipment of lumber being
brought from Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the wood stolen or burned!}
{A shipment of gold being
transported across Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the gold stolen!}

Do you:
[a] send for Lord Chassaine.
[b] send a unit of Infantry to pursue the bandits.
[c] set out yourself with a sizable body of troops.
{Majesty, we do not have the infantry. We must send for
Lord Chassaine.}
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 18574.
You receive a visitor. He is Sir Marvain, the knight commanding
your forces near Lord Chassaine's lands.

{Your Majesty, thank you for the archers. Without them, all would be lost.}
{Unfortunately, we can do little better than hold our ground. We are plagued
by intermittent ambushes, sabotage, and missing men. We have also
detected signs that the problem is spreading. I do not know what to
suggest, my lord, but I fear that we cannot solve this problem
alone.}

Do you:
[a] demand that Sir Marvain solve this problem at all cost.
[b] send more spies to investigate.
[c] lead a force yourself.
_NODE 1ab.
_NODE 18575.
One of your trusted agents returns from his mission.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered one cause of the
difficulties on Lord Chassaine's lands.

{A band of rebels is lurking in the forest there,
slowly building strength. They appear to be led by
one named Corinn, a man of whom I have been able to discover little else.
{I know not from whence he draws his strength.
Although the struggle for Bretagne has caused some grumbling, the locals have no
grievance with you.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have your agent arrange a meeting with Corinn.
[c] send Sir Marvain a unit of Archers.
[d] take forces and look into the matter yourself.