Spring of Year 1
Dear Sire...
Welcome, milord, to your new estate. I, Scribe Morigan, welcome you to Chateau Guest. May your rule be long, glorious and fruitful.
I hope you will be pleased with my skills, as I will keep you informed of all of the happenings within your grand estate. My first duty as your attendant Scribe, a duty which I am most honoured to have, is to inform you of the country side, and other important features of your estate.
Firstly, the general surroundings of the estate. To the east lay the deep and dangerous Forest of Chalons, where the endless trees contain feral beasts and unnatrual creatures. A place best left alone.
To the south, the lands of Chateau Guest end upon the shores of the River Morceaux, a large and winding river which cuts through much of our beloved Bretonnia. To the north, the lands of Bastonne rest, and to the west is Bordeleaux. Both are lands of great chivalry and honour, as all Bretonnian lands are.
Secondly, I will describe to your most wise self, the lands within the estate. Although I am but a commoner most humble, I hope my descriptions provide you with some extra insight into the lay of your lands.
Gallone is the only village within our estate, and rests a short distance east of the Chateau. Gallone houses fifty-eight citizens, ten of which are armed and acting as Men-At-Arms. A small garrison, for sure, but they have sworn to protect you and your lands with their very lives. Hopefully, their skills are up to the task.
To the south of your Chateau is the Farmstead and Field in which the Farmers hope to sow enough crops to feed the population. Five Farmers work therein. The area of land has been named the South Pastures.
The only unfortunate news about South Pastures is that eerie, haunting howls have been heard during full moons. Most commoners of the estate dismiss them as just wolves in the distance, but a few (perhaps less sane) townspeople believe that a "Wolf Creature" of some kind is the cause of the sounds. The truth is as of yet, unknown.
To the north of the Chateau lay three areas of suitable land. First, and area known as Gallone Road, which we own a small, undeveloped parcel of land on. Above Gallone Road, a small area of land known as The Fells is situated. The Fells are usually covered by a thick mist, but otherwise prime condition for clearing and development. Finally, an area named the North Woods borders on the Forest of Chalons. This area, like the Fells, is in perfect condition for clearing.
The final section of land within your estate rests near the shores of the River Morceaux. Called the Morceaux Flats, this land has a dank, musty smell emanating from it. Many are of the opinon that Swamp Trolls are to blame, I, myself, agree.
With the lands of your great estate described, I now ask your attention to be turned towards to matters of state that are awaiting your decision:
Firstly, the Lord's Tax for this Season is 1 Revenue. Do you wish it paid?
The Season is Spring, and the Farmers ask for permission to plant crops in the Field. Do you wish this done, and if so, what quality to you wish the to be crop planted at?
The current Tax Rate is Average, do you wish to raise or lower this rate, or leave it as is?
Rationing, at the present time, is at Full Rations. Do you want to leave the Rationing at the current level, increase the Rationing to Double Rations, or perhaps you wish to lower to Rationing to Half Rations?
The free parcel of land at Gallone Road is ready for development, do you want to build it into a more useful form? Perhaps a Farmstead, or a new Shelter Square to house more people?
Smaller construction is also ready to be built. Do you wish to build any Upgrades on your existing lands? A Grain Silo, for instance, would give a higher yield during the Harvest.
Finally, before I end my first report to you, do you wish to train any more Men-At-Arms? In your wisdom I am sure you see that ten armed men would be unable to defend the estate from any determined attack from outside forces.
Of course, any other actions you wish to be performed I will do my best to see done.
I hope my writings have shed some light on the condition of your estate. I await your response.
Your most humble of servants,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 104
Food Stocks: 137
Townsfolk: 53 (grown by 3 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 48
Farmers: 5
Men-At-Arms: 10
Land Squares (Total): 5
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 62%
Faith: 48%
King's Favour: 40%
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Lord's Response
Scribe Morigan,
Thankyou Morigan for you introduction to the estate's make up. I accept you as my scribe and I trust that you will perform your best into seeing that my orders are carried out to completion in a timely matter. You are my eyes and ears Morigan and I would like for you to bring to my attention all that is happening in my rule. A good Lord knows how his Men at Arms and peasants are feeling, this knowledge is important in creating a successful rule.
I would like you deliver my warmest regards to the people of the estate. Now to business at hand.
I wish for the Lord Taxes to be paid immediately, send a messenger and pass on my blessings to the King.
I would like the the field at number 2, South Pastures to be sowed at normal quality without delay, and 1 grain solo to be built on the farmstead at number 1, South Pastures.
Also take the strongest idle villager and train him to become a Men at Arms. Let the commander know that next season revenue permitting there will be a influx of Men at Arms trainees, and in time a barracks will be built.
I would also like number 3, Gallone to be cleared and construction of a market take place immediately. Once construction has completed, start immediate construction of a Trade Guild in this market. Revenue permitting I also have intentions to build an inn next season. Midway through this construction send messengers to nearby villages and towns with information of our market, trade guild and inn. This should bring the required trades people to our estate and visitors.
At this stage there is no need to change the amount of rations. I trust you will keep an accurate eye on the food stock level and bring it to my attention is there won't be enough supplies to last until next harvest. For the time being there will be no tax rate change or a peasant levy collected.
To the matter of the wolf howls. To me this is an extremely disturbing event. Morigan keep an eye of this, I don't want the farmers to become with fear when attending to their fields, producing a good yield from a sown field is extremely important to this estate. Pre warn the Men at Arms commander that necessary action may be needed to eradicate this howling wolf creature from our estate if the situation worsens.
Thankyou again for you warm welcome. These are my orders please carry them out.
Lord Guest
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Summer of Year 1
Dear Sire...
It is now the Season of Summer, and the Market Square you ordered has been completed. As I write, the Inn and Trade Guild are being constructed, and both should be finished and fully established by the end of this Season.
Firstly, this year's Harvest yielded all the Food Stocks needed to feed the population until next Harvest, as long the population remains steady.
I am, however, sad to say that the Revenue stocks of the realm have been almost exhausted by the burst of construction over the Spring and Summer. With 60 Revenue spent in the clearing of the land and building of the Market, and another 40 Revenue going in the construction of the Inn, Trade Guild, Grain Silo and also the Upkeep of the realm.
Thankfully, due to your wisdom, the Market, Trade Guild, Inn and Taxes should bring in a large amount of Revenue during the upcoming Seasons.
The strongest man of the village, a man by the name of Lou, has been trained into a Man-At-Arms. Now eleven strong, the Men-At-Arms are still few in number, but great in spirit. For commoners, they are most brave.
The Men-At-Arms have been warned of attacks coming from the direction of the Wolf Creature's howls. I shall spend this Season looking into the matter of the creature's existence. It is my deepest hope that it is merely a group of far-off wolves.
The Messenger has been dispatched to tell the surrounding realms of your new Market. Hopefully, commerce should soon begin to boom.
Now, to turn your attention towards the current matters of state:
Being the Summer, and having just gained a mighty Harvest, it is time to commence the Harvest Day Festival. Though Revenue is low, so the celebrations will not be opulent or grand, Food Stocks could still be used as offers to the Lady, and as part of a great feast. How much Revenue and Food Stocks do you wish to spend on the Harvest Day Festival?
The Lord's Tax is 2 Revenue for this Season, milord.
With Revenue low, construction, training and land clearing will have to wait until more Revenue may be obtained. Unless, of course, you wish to raise a Peasant Levy or increase the Tax Rate.
Any actions that Revenue permits that have not been listed above may still be performed, milord. Give the order and, if my skills are up to the task, it shall be done.
Your humble servant,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 3
Food Stocks: 313
Townsfolk: 57 (grown by 5 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 12
Workers: 40
Farmers: 5
Men-At-Arms: 11
Land Squares (Total): 6
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 1
Market Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 64%
Faith: 46%
King's Favour: 41%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am very happy with the amount of construction you have achieved in the season just gone. Commerce will be strong in this estate very soon.
Keep me informed on our level of food stocks. If required we may need to buy more food stock in Autumn to ensure that we have enough food stock to sow the fields next spring.
I am happy that Lou has joined the Men at Arms, I have heard many great tales of this once lowly commoner. See to it that the 7 best villagers are trained as Men at Arms. Although there spirit is strong, their numbers are not and I fear we may not have heard the last of this foul wolfen creature. Ensure that you make a thorough investigation into this matter.
It is unfortunate that the downside to this construction is a lack of wealth, raise up to and no more that 40 revenue from a peasant levy. Tell the people of the estate that this peasant levy is required to protect the large amount of growth we made last season and to ensure future commerce. Also pass on that times ahead will be very good and I will endeavour not to collect any more peasant levy's in the near future.
Leave the tax rate as it is.
The Harvest Festival is an important time of our year. Although we have a lack of revenue, I feel that I need to reward the people of the estate. With that spend 5 revenue on entertainment and 20 Food stocks. Ensure that all have a good time!
Dispatch a messenger to the King hastily. Pay the Lord's Tax and pass my blessing on.
Thankyou Morigan, you have done well this season.
Lord Guest.
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Autumn of Year 1
Dear Sire...
The Season has changed, and Autumn is upon us. I my Autumn report brings news of much. I shall waste no more of your time, and begin my report immediately.
First, the good news.
The Harvest Day Festival was a good day indeed, and although the Revenue available to spend upon banners and such was small, the time had by all was still grand. Most of the Revenue was spent on costumes for a performance that is a particular favourite of mine.
Several peasants, dressed as the great Gilles the Uniter and his Grail Companions, made a splendid show re-telling their battles within the tunnels of the Goblyn (I am not sure if this is a sub-species of Goblin, or merely a different way of spelling the name) of the Severed Hand tribe. It must be said that the shorter townspeople also made a good show of playing the Goblyn and the Goblyn Kings.
After the (I must say, quite enjoyable) performance, the townsfolk sat down to enjoy a great feast. When all the bellies of the land were full with bread, meat and good drink, the townsfolk then proceeded southwards to the River Morceaux. There much food, and the remaining Revenue, was dropped into the river as a token of thanks to the Lady.
A grand day, indeed.
The remaining Food Stocks within the realm should be enough to keep the population fed. By my calculations, we should have 90-100 Food Stocks left at the end of the Spring, which may then be used to plant the Fields. Of course, if you see it fit, it may be wise to buy a small load of Food Stocks from the Royal Granary, just to be safe.
The final pieces of good news for the Season are that the Men-At-Arms you wanted were trained, and now bolster the ranks of your garrison. Now, almost twice their original number, they are quite confidant in their abilities. Lastly, the Inn and Trade Guild were finished just recently, and have already added large amounts of Revenue to the estate stockpiles.
I now have something of ill fortune to inform you of. I have seen the Wolf Creature.
Growing annoyed with the constant and ever-changing reports from the peasantry, I decided to travel into the areas of South Pastures in which it had been seen with a small guard of Men-At-Arms (a most ill-advised action on my part, indeed).
We arrived in the area at the time I intended, as the full moon was providing ample light to see. Almost immediately we heard the howls, and to our horror we knew no mere wolf could make the bestial howls that ripped the air that night.
Our terror increased ten-fold when we laid eyes upon the creature as it came within a hundred yards of us. Even from that distance we could make out its elongated maw, horse-sized body of mattered fur and deep red eyes that glowed like balefires. The creature then burst into a run, and for a single instant I thought it was coming for myself and my guard. Luckily for us, however the creature had another being to prey upon, and quickly went from view.
Foolishly, we gave chase and saw the horror of the creature's hunting abilities. A small group of travellers coming from the road to Bordeleaux were the target, and they did not last long. The Wolf Creature fell upon them with a lethal and quick charge, claws and teeth ripping men limb from limb within seconds. The bloodiness of the scene I saw that night will never leave me.
Our courage at an end and our sanity under attack by the gruesome attack, we ran as gibbering wrecks from the scene and returned with great speed to Gallone. It took two weeks before I could bare to think of the horror of that night, and even now it pains me to remember.
The creature must be dealt with as soon as we find it, but I fear its den is well hidden, and only when it turns its fell attention upon your loyal subjects, and not travellers, will we be able to do battle against it.
Clearing such terrible thoughts from my mind, I shall now bring the matters of state before you:
The Lord's Tax for this Autumn is 4 Revenue. It has increased due to the commerce provided by the Market, Inn and Trade Guild.
The population accepted your raising of a Peasant Levy of 40 Revenue and believe your promises of additional protection and construction that you gave when your Tax Collectors collected it.
The free land at Gallone Road is still unused, do you wish to build it into something more useful?
The Men-At-Arms are now strong in number, but training more would provide even greater protection from the evils of this land.
Lastly, do you wish to clear any further territory within your estate. Clearing more land in Gallone and building it into a new Shelter Square would encourage population growth by offering free housing.
I hope my report has been useful.
Your most loyal subject,
Scribe Morigan
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 54
Food Stocks: 239
Townsfolk: 56 (grown by 6 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 11
Workers: 40
Farmers: 5
Men-At-Arms: 18
Land Squares (Total): 6
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 1
Market Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Grain Silos: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 56%
Faith: 47%
King's Favour: 42%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am truly sorry for what you had to endure with the wolf creature. Have the Men At Arms patrol the area of the South Pastures during the full moons of every season and try to prevent another massacre happening again. We don't need this type of information to pass around for obvious reasons.
I am delighted that everyone had a good time at the Harvest Day Festival. Next year will be a bigger affair for sure.
This season I wish for you to do the following:
Pay the tax to the King immediately and pass on my best wishes to the King.
Leave the tax rate as it is, and full rations are here to stay. I trust that your calculations are correct and as such we don't need to buy more food stocks or change the rations.
Build an animal barn at the farmstead in South Pastures.
I wish for No 1 Gallone Road to be tested for mining purposes. If the land has minerals that can be mined, complete the mine construction and have all idle villagers trained to become miners. If the land does not have minerals then No 2 Gallone Road is to be purchased in preparation for the coming spring.
Finally if there is enough revenue left after this season upkeep, construction and the land purchase, pick 2 idle villagers to become Men at Arms.
Thankyou, continue the good job you are performing.
Lord Guest
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Winter of Year 1
Dear Sire...
The chilling winds of Winter hath befallen our realm, and the snows are heavy. Thankfully, due to your wisdom in preparing the realm, few animals or people have perished in the howling winds of Winter.
By your command, the Men-At-Arms now patrol the South Pastures area. No further travellers have been slain by the wolfen creature since my previous report. I believe the creature may be hiding for now, awaiting its chance to strike a blow upon the lands of Chateau Guest.
I fear this "beast" is more intelligent than we first had cause to believe, as it has not been seen since you gave the previously mentioned order to the Men-At-Arms.
Now, to the news my duties bid me to report to you:
Good news, milord! The townsfolk you commanded to test the grounds of Gallone Road No.1 for precious metals have done so. Surprisingly, after a short handful of days of testing, a trace amount, obviously a smaller part of a larger seam, of Silver was found!
Following your commands, the townsfolk set about constructing a Mining Square and have just this Season begun to dig up the valuable metals! The Miners are not sure how much Silver is to be found, but at present, the supply shows no signs of becoming exhausted any time soon.
The Animal Barn you ordered to be built has been finished, and is now serving the Farmer's herds well, protecting them from the cold.
The 2 Men-At-Arms you wanted to be trained have finished their training and now have joined the ranks of the Men-At-Arms garrison.
Next, as is my duty, I shall report this Season's matters of state:
As always, the Lord's Tax may be paid. This Winter, it is a somewhat hefty 5 Revenue. Do you wish it paid?
Unfortunately, the Winter's icy chill stops your great estate from building on or clearing any land. However, smaller Upgrades may be built, if, in your wisdom, you see it fit to do so.
All of the townspeople of the realm are gainfully employed. Twenty men are armed as Men-At-Arms and spend their days patrolling the borders of the estate and policing your townsfolk. Many of your population are employed as Workers and own shops of differing kinds, and sell their goods to travellers and other townsfolk. Finally, ten of your townspeople work the new Mine as Miners.
This could prove a boon, or a problem. Seeing as only 5 Farmers are currently available, only 1 Field will be able to be farmed next Spring. Unless, in your wisdom, you can see a way to fix this problem.
Finally, if it is your wish that any other actions be performed, merely give the command and I shall see it done.
Thus, I end my Winter report.
Your most loyal servant,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 49
Food Stocks: 174
Townsfolk: 55 (grown by 1 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Miners: 10
Workers: 40
Farmers: 5
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 6
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 1
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Grain Silos: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 61%
Faith: 45%
King's Favour: 43%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
Keep yourself warm by the blazing fire during this winter season, as there is not a great deal to be done this winter season.
Again send our Tax to the King and pass on my warmest best wishes.
Keep the Men at Arms patrolling the South Pastures each Full Moon, soon the creature will make a mistake and they will need to capture and dispose of it.
At the end of this winter season, I want 5 workers to be moved from the Market Square to the Farmstead Square in South Pastures in preparation for Spring sowing. We will be clearing and sowing a crop on No 3 South Pastures next season. Any new villagers shall be employed in the Market Square and the remaining villagers shall be employed in the mines from now on.
Speak to an entrepreneur and have him build a gambling den in the Market Square in Gallone for extra entertainment. There will be no other construction work this season.
Finally its unfortunate but there is a need to raise the taxes to the High Tax level. Let the peasants know this tax rate will only be in effect for a short time (2 - 4 seasons) and is required to complete more construction in the spring and summer seasons. Stress to them this is a necessary step in ensuring the continued success of this estate, and I regret to having to do it.
Thankyou Morigan and please see that my words are completed hastily
Lord Guest.
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Spring of Year 2
Dear Sire...
I rejoice to inform thee that the Spring has come, and heralds the start of the second year of your glorious and most wise rule. Hail to thee, milord Guest.
But the arrow of time allows me no time for idleness, as with each passing week more news comes. I shall do my utmost to inform thee of everything that is happening within your realm.
Having spoken with a most ill-mannered fellow who goes by many names, I did as you ordered and offered to allow him to build a Gambling Den within your realm. It took mere weeks for the building to be finished, and a portion of the Gambling Den's profits from each Season are given over to you as rent.
A noticeable increase in drunken behaviour has been seen since the completion of the establishment, but otherwise no harm has come from the somewhat low morale business.
The Wolf Creature has been sighted many times by the Men-At-Arms since Winter, but due to your wise orders to the Men-At-Arms, the Beast has failed to kill so much as a rabbit within your estate since last Summer. It's hunger must be growing by the day, and I fear the creature's taste for man-flesh will soon give it reason to launch an attack on your patrolling Men-At-Arms.
Let us hope that my fears never come to pass, and that the Wolf Creature starves or moves on to other (hopefully uninhabited) hunting grounds.
Following your orders, the Tax Rate was increased to High. Most of the peasantry, upon hearing your explanation, grudgingly accepted it. Some of the less intelligent townsfolk complained even after the explanation was given, but I paid those foolish commoners no heed.
Now, to the matters of state that need your attention:
Firstly, the Lord's Tax for this Season is 7 Revenue, a large sum indeed, but well within our ability to pay. Do you wish it paid?
The King of Bretonnia has sent out a request from all of his subjects. 40 Food Stocks shall be sent to Parravon to feed the Royal Army and help prepare them for some great crusade they are said to be going on soon.
We are not forced, by Bretonnian law, to pay this Food Stock request in full, or at all. Paying it in full would cause our Food Stock stockpile to become dangerously low. Perhaps 10-20 Food Stocks would be the best amount to pay?
The second Field is ready to be sown with the crops of this Harvest, and the extra 5 Farmers you took from the workforce will ensure that both Fields, if planted, will produce many food stuffs for your subjects to consume.
Speaking of the Fields, do you wish to sow crops, and if so, how many and at what quality, milord?
My final news of real interest is that the first real crime since the beginning of your rule, has occurred.
From reports, a Miner by the name of Gawain has extracted a lump of Silver from the Mines and was taking it back to the Head Miner (so it could be added to your stockpiles), when he was attacked by a fellow Miner.
The attacker goes by the name of Wilhelm (obviously he has distant Empire-folk blood in him) and stealthily followed Gawain into a section of the Mine where no other people were currently working. He then swung his Pick Ax into the back of Gawain's head and killed him instantly.
This Murder would have gone unpunished were it not for another Miner who, by chance, walked in on the gruesome scene as Wilhelm was claiming his prize, the lump of Silver. The loyal Miner alerted the Men-At-Arms who chased down the scum and now are holding him, awaiting your judgement.
What punishment do you wish given out for this most serious of crimes? Your word is law, and whatever you command shall be his fate.
Finally, as I always write in my reports, any other actions you wish done, merely give the command and it shall be so.
Your loyal servant,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 54
Food Stocks: 99
Townsfolk: 55 (grown by 1 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Miners: 10
Workers: 35
Farmers: 10
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 7
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 2
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Grain Silos: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 60%
Faith: 43%
King's Favour: 44%
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Lord's Response
Thankyou Morigan for your kind words.
Your reports have contributed to the success of this estate. To the business at hand.
I am extremely unhappy with the murder of Gawain. Pass on my condolences to Gawain's family. If anyone under my rule takes the life of another, who is defenceless and the time is that not of war, a severe punishment is to be had. Therefore I order Wilhelm to be sentenced to death by firing squad. This execution is not to be a public affair. Make it known that I have zero tolerance for major crimes.
Now to more enjoyable orders. I would like no 2 South Pastures to be sowed with agricultural quality and no 3 South Pastures to be sowed with normal quality. Build a second grain solo on the farmstead square in South Pastures.
Pay the King's taxes. After sowing has completed, send 40 (or the balance of) foodstocks to the King if there is sufficient quantities of foodstocks, Send my blessing to the King.
Continue having the Men at arms patrol the area near South Pastures during ful moon.
Thankyou.
Sir Guest
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Summer of Year 2
Dear Sire...
Long did the Farmers toil in the Fields, but their effort was not in vain. The crops you wisely commanded planted have now been harvested, and the bounty is rich indeed.
The Season is Summer, and the pleasant warmth of Spring has turned into the humid heat of this Season.
I received a letter of thanks from the King's Heralds, and I happily report that it speaks highly of you and your estate. Obviously, such a quick payment of the asked for Food Stocks has pleased the King.
The estate has been busy of late, with labourers building the Grain Silo, Farmers tilling the soil and the usual efforts from the Workers and Miners of your realm. All of your subjects are gainfully employed.
I am happy to report that the Wolf Creature has remained distant over the past Season, and no subjects or travellers in your realm have been harmed by the foul beast.
Finally, before I inform you of the matters of state currently in need of your attention, I tell thee that your sentence of the Murderer Wilhelm was swiftly given. As you ordered, the foul peasant was not executed publicly.
As a side note of the execution, Wilhelm's possessions were claimed by the Men-At-Arms and turned over to the treasury. After selling off the items to the other peasantry and surrounding realms, 3 Revenue was gained from the items.
Now, to inform thee of the matters of state:
Once more, the Lord's Tax for this Season is 7 Revenue.
I am sad to report that Wilhelm's death has not stopped crime within the realm. Another peasant, calling himself Matrud, has committed a Minor Crime.
Matrud, drunk from a visit to the Gambling Den (where he had reportedly just lost all of his month's wages) staggered through Gallone until his befuddled mind decided to rob the shops within the Market. Stupidly, he did this hours before the stalls had closed, and was only able to throw a handful of stones through a baker's shop window before being captured by the Men-At-Arms.
Matrud has been charged with Vandalism, and it is up to your wise intellect to decide what is to be done with the fool.
On a lighter note, it is now time for the Harvest Day Festival once more! As lord of the estate, it is your decision how much exactly of the estate's Food Stocks and Revenue are spent on the event. So, milord, how much of the estate's stockpiles is expendable enough to use in this most holy and joyous of events?
Finally, the Revenue stockpiles are quite healthy, and many options stand before you. Do you wish to build any Upgrades, or perhaps clear a parcel of land for future development? Training more Men-At-Arms is an option as well.
The hour grows late, and I grow tired. I thus end my second Summer report to thee, milord Chateau Guest.
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 58
Food Stocks: 494
Townsfolk: 56 (grown by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Miners: 10
Workers: 37
Farmers: 10
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 7
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 2
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Grain Silos: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 58%
Faith: 41%
King's Favour: 45%
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Lord's Response
Dear Morigan,
Pass on my thanks to the farmers for the long hours they put into the fields. This season will again be a busy one.
First off sell 90 Food Stocks to the Royal Granary. The excellent crop yield has produced enough for us to last the entire year, including next year's crop sowing.
Pay the Lord's Tax and pass on my warmest wishes to the King.
The years Harvest Day Festival spend 10 Revenue and use 50 Food Stocks. I look forward to the festival and I will make an appearance during it.
No 6 Gallone is to be purchased in preparation for future construction.
To the matter of this Matrud. Pay for the damage he has done. As he has lost his wages gambling his punishment shall be that of labour. Matrud will then work for me for the entire season where he will pay his debt to me. Any extra revenue earnt from his work shall be placed into the estate's revenue.
Finally, it is good news, that little has been heard from the wolf creature. Keep the Men at Arms patrolling the nights. This is good training and discipline for them.
That end my report for this season.
Lord Guest
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Autumn of Year 2
Dear Sire...
The Summer was all too short, and has passed into Autumn. The heat has cooled to a pleasant state, but all know that the chill of Winter will be upon us all too soon, and we must prepare.
The convoy of Food Stocks you ordered sold were sent off, and the profits have just recently arrived. The sold off goods came to a value of 30 Revenue, which has been added to our stockpiles.
Ah, the Harvest Day Festival was great indeed! Entertainers hired with the Revenue you supplied performed all sorts of amazing feats, whilst a great feast was held at dusk. I was glad to see you, in all your honour, spending a part of this feast day with the common-folk. I hope you enjoyed the food!
Since you supplied Revenue in such abundance, wines from Parravon and other Bretonnian realms were purchased, and of course a keg of Bordeleaux brewed ale as well. Many of the townspeople had splitting headaches upon the following morning, such is the price of drinking so much ale and wine.
The night ended, as is customary, with a portion of the Food Stocks and Revenue being dropped into the River Morceaux as offerings to the Lady of the Lake. After a short period of time of prayer to the Lady, the Harvest Day Festival ended, with all bellies full and many minds befuddled by drink.
Also, the land at No.6 Gallone has been cleared and purchased, and now stands ready for development. If I may ask, what plans do you have for this parcel of land, my most wise lord?
Matrud was put to work helping the community, and was able to repay all damages caused by his criminal actions. In addition, his work added 3 excess Revenue to the stockpiles. The misguided fellow has since been released, and has now re-joined the law abiding townsfolk of your estate.
It has now been more than a Season since the Wolf Creature has been sighted, but I agree with your most wise actions. Keep the Men-At-Arms vigilant, for this could be a cunning ploy by the creature to attack when we are off our guard.
Now, to the matters of state:
First of all, the estate has made quite a sum of Revenue this Season, and as is the law, the King requires a share of it. A somewhat hefty 11 Revenue is this Season's Lord's Tax, should it be paid?
A member of your peasantry has confessed to a crime! It was an accidental confession, however. During the Harvest Day Festival, the townspeople were trading stories about their lives, when a particularly drunk townsperson slurred out that he could supply the others with any illegal poisons or weapons they wished, because he had "contacts".
He only realised that he had just told about eight Men-At-Arms who were also present at the table when they attempted to arrest him. He fled the feasting table (how the Men-At-Arms were out-run by a drunk, I do not know) but was later found in the streets of Gallone, he had tripped and hit his head whilst running home, but was only knocked out.
Upon his identification (his name is Kaeleb), the Men-At-Arms searched his house, and found all manner of pain-inflicting weaponry and lethal poisons in a closet. All of which are illegal to own, buy or sell in Bretonnia.
Kaeleb has since been charged with Smuggling these illegal goods into Bretonnia, and only the Lady knows how many people of dark intent he has sold his "goods" to. What is to be his punishment for this dangerous, but still Minor, Crime?
Even with the land parcel cleared, we still have much Revenue to spend, milord. Building upon the cleared land, constructing smaller Upgrades and training more Men-At-Arms are all options open to us.
Perhaps a Palisade Wall is needed? It would cost 40 Revenue to build such a structure, and cost 8 Revenue per Season to keep in good condition. It would offer great protection from the Wolf Creature of South Pastures, as well as the Trolls of the Morceaux Flats.
I trust in your wisdom however, and any commands you give I shall carry out to the best of my abilities.
Thus ends my Autumn Report.
Your scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 88
Food Stocks: 275
Townsfolk: 59 (grown by 3 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Miners: 9
Workers: 40
Farmers: 10
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 8
Free Land Squares: 1
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 1
Field Squares: 2
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Free Land Squares: 1
Grain Silos: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 57%
Faith: 45%
King's Favour: 46%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
The Harvest Day Festival was a true spectacle, very enjoyable and I definitely ate too much, and woke with a sore head! To business at hand.
As the peasants are required to pat their Lord's taxes, so must I. Immediately send a messenger with the taxes to the King. As usual pass on my best regards to the King.
A palisade wall is not required at this stage, perhaps in the following year! This season I wish for No 8 Gallone to be purchased and cleared. No 6 Gallone is too be built as a farmstead. The strongest villagers will be chosen as farmers at the end of the winter season.
To the matter of Kaeleb. I wish to discourage any smuggling from happening, now or in the future. Kaeleb shall be sentenced to death. Again make it known to the public that this was Kaeleb fate, and to anyone who attempts to smuggle in my Estate. Perform his sentencing behind closed doors.
The Men at Arms are doing an excellent job in patrolling the fields. Continue this patrolling and do not let them relax, as you said the creature could be ready to strike at any time.
Thank you,
Sir Guest.
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Winter of Year 2
Dear Sire...
The Winter is now upon us, and though the Winter's freeze has reduced the population somewhat due to unfortunate accidents, most of the news I bear is good.
The Farmstead you ordered to be constructed has now been finished, and the land your ordered cleared now awaits development. Your lands have grown steadily since the start of your rule, and now you own quite a large set of lands.
I am most pleased to tell thee that the execution of the Smuggler Kaeleb has had an effect on the population. No further crimes have been committed since the beheading of the unworthy scum. His possessions were auctioned off to the population, and 4 Revenue was gained in all from the Smuggler's legal goods being sold off. The illegal goods have since been destroyed by fire and hammer.
The Wolf Creature has, once again, remained unseen in the past Season.
Truly, your skill as a ruler is unequalled. Soon, the start of the third year of your reign shall begin, and already the lands of Chateau Guest has almost doubled. Certainly, milord, your potential is great.
The only troubling news of the Season is that the portion of the population is slowly becoming restless. Some say that the presence of the Gambling Den encourages crime, whilst others say that the Tax Rate is too high. A group of the population are known to believe that Kaeleb's death was "unjust". Their opinion would surely change, if they knew the terrible effects of the Black Lotus poison he carried, or knew the grim purpose of the ghastly devices in his possession.
It is not the place of this small group of common-folk to speak against you, milord. Thankfully, the feelings of the group, and the rest of the population are nowhere near Revolt. However, the group does believe that the Tax Rate should be lowered.
My advice is that you take no heed to the mewlings of the peasant-folk, my liege. Although, if you wish to increase Loyalty, perhaps an increase in the number of Men-At-Arms in the realm would make them feel safer?
Your wisdom is far greater than mine and perhaps you see logic in the peasant-folk's words. Therefore, if you give the order to lower the Tax Rate, I shall see it done.
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 7 Revenue. Should it be paid, milord?
With the harsh weather of Winter blocking any attempts at construction or clearing land, we cannot perform those sorts of actions this Season. However, minor Upgrades may be built, and the Men-At-Arms number may be increased.
Do you wish to carry out any other actions besides those mentioned above? If so, just give the order.
Your faithful servant,
Scribe Morigan
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 72
Food Stocks: 209
Townsfolk: 56 (has fallen by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Workers: 47
Miners: 9
Farmers: 10
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 9
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Free Land Squares: 1
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 2
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 1
Inns: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Grain Silos: 2
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 53%
Faith: 44%
King's Favour: 47%
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Lord's Response
Thankyou Morigan for your kind words. My successful rule of these lands could not have been achieved without your accurate reports.
Hastily send a messenger to the King with the Lords Taxes for the season. Pass on my warmest wishes to the King.
This season will be quiet for the estate. Let the peasants know that the high tax rate is required to maintain the growth of Chateau Guest. I have plans to lower the tax rate next season.
Keep the Men at Arms patrolling the estate. The recent patrols have kept the wolf creature quiet and it will keep the men warm during this cold weather.
At the end of the season have 10 workers moved into the farmstead in Gallone in preparation for Spring sowing.
Have more villagers trained as Men at Arms. I want a total of 20 Men at Arms to be patrolling the estate.
As there will be no construction this season this ends my report.
Keep warm Morigan.
Lord Guest
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Spring of Year 3
Dear Sire...
It is a happy Season now, as it is now the dawn of the third year of your rule! I say to thee that these years of been happy ones indeed, and it is my utmost hope that your rule continues for many years to come.
About the Men-At-Arms, I went to inform the Sergeant-At-Arms of your plans, and he reported that the number of Men-At-Arms in the garrison is already 20 warriors strong! He seems to have led me astray, but I correct my old report by informing you that the number of Men-At-Arms is 20 strong, not 16 strong.
I shall see that his mistake does not happen again, and shall personally perform a head-count of the Men-At-Arms each Season from henceforth.
However, to the more important news.
The 10 Workers have now joined the Farmers in the fields, and they now await your order to begin planting the Fields.
The people have rejoiced upon hearing the news of your plans to lower the Tax Rate. If you wish to carry your plans out, just give the command and it shall be done. The population's Loyalty should begin to increase from then on.
Disturbing news, the Wolf Creature has been seen a lot since my last report, and it appears to be larger and faster than ever. At full moons the garrison patrol the area as you ordered, but do so in large groups of 5 or 6, for there is safety in numbers.
Rumours have spread the creature is no longer afraid of the troops you use to patrol the South Pastures area. It is believed that the Wolf Creature may attack, and very soon!!! The Men-At-Arms have become fearful, with many fleeing when they catch sight of the Creature.
I shall now report to thee the matters of state of this fine and pleasant Spring:
The Lord's Tax is once more 7 Revenue.
Also, as a side note, the population is now 80 people in number. In the three years of your reign, the number of the Townsfolk (including the Men-At-Arms) in your realm has grown by a healthy 20 souls.
I am pleased to report that no crime has occured this Season. It seems that the people respect your rule, and the laws you have set.
My commoner mind guesses that you plan to plant crops in the land parcel at No.8 Gallone. Although I would not dream of second-guessing you, milord, I must remind you that it must first be turned into a Field before that may happen. Luckily for the realm, the land can be turned into a Field and planted in time to Harvest next Summer!
The Season is Spring, and the crops must be sown. How many crops to do you wish to be sown in the Fields of the Estate, and at what quality should these crops be planted? You are indeed a wise lord, and I know that thee will choose the best combination of quality and quantity possible for the crops at our disposal.
With the Winter chill gone, construction may now fully commence anew. Do you wish to buy any land or perhaps build an Upgrade in an already existing plot of land. For example, a pair of Grain Silos in the new Gallone Farmstead would increase the Food Stocks yielded in the Harvest.
Of course, if you wish any other actions done, just give the command.
Thus ends my Spring Report.
I thank thee for three years of grand and intelligent rulership, and hope for at least three more years under your wise reign.
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 115
Food Stocks: 129
Townsfolk: 60 (has grown by 4 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Workers: 31
Miners: 9
Farmers: 20
Men-At-Arms: 20
Land Squares (Total): 9
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Free Land Squares: 1
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 2
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 1
Inns: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Grain Silos: 2
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 52%
Faith: 42%
King's Favour: 48%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
A successful scribe is able to see into the future what his master wants. You have read my mind this season Morigan. The estate will be very busy this season.
Firstly see that the Lord's Tax is paid immediately to the King and pass on my warmest best wishes to him.
No 8 Gallone is to be prepared as a field. No 2 South Pastures is to be sowed as an agricultural field this season. No 3 South Pastures and No 8 Gallone are to be sowed as normal fields. If time permits this season No 7 Gallone is to be purchased, cleared and sowed as a normal field and have a Grain Solo built on the Farmstead at No 6 Gallone. If this field cannot be sowed this season then do not build the Grain Solo and have a Serf Housing built upon No 7 Gallone instead. I see no point in having a field not being able to be sown for 5 seasons.
As promised lower the tax rate to an average tax. Let the peasants know that this tax rate shall be in place for at least 4 seasons and longer if nothing unforeseen occurs.
Starting advertising the news that Chateau Guest will be hosting a number of games during the Harvest Festival and will be selecting a number of villagers to become trained as Men at Arms. Have the Sergeant at Arms continue the patrolling around the estate. If required increase the number of Men at Arms in the patrols. The Men at Arms are performing well and they are the reason the wolf creature has not attacked again.
Speak to the Sergeant at Arms and let him know how upset I am that he cannot keep count of his Men at Arms. He may soon be sowing the fields if there is not a vast improvement in his duties.
Make sure all this happens, as usual if there are problems I trust that you will have them resolved.
Lord Guest
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Summer of Year 3
Dear Sire...
The lands echoed with the sounds of work over the past Season, milord. Land was cleared, crops were sown, a Grain Silo was constructed and much more toil was done in the Fields and Farmsteads of the lands.
Once the work was done, and the Food Stocks had been harvested from the Fields, myself and my assistants went about counting this year's crop. With the added benefit of the Grain Silos, I am most pleased to tell you that the Harvest brought in such an amount of food that it is astonishing.
Even with my many years of education, it became difficult to count after the six or seven hundredth sack of wheat. I am quite sure we have enough food to feed the population for two years! Yes, two years!
Now, to the other news of this Season.
The Tax Rate has been lowered to Average level, and the population are most thankful. All feelings of unrest have ceased, and the population is slowly returning to a loyal state.
I have just received some horrifying news. The Wolf Creature has finally made its move and attacked!
It was the late hour of midnight on the previous full moon, and the Sergeant-At-Arms was leading a force of 8 Men-At-Arms to patrol the countryside that it is usually seen in. It come without warning, springing from a cluster of small trees at least two hundred paces from them.
Even so, only shouts of warning could be issued before its powerful legs carried it into the midst of the brave warriors. The following is a report from the Sergeant-At-Arms, who survived the attack:
"It came upon us like lightning, and we were only able to draw our weapons before it met us. Gunthar was the first to die, its jaws crushed him and tossed his body aside as if he weighed nothing.
I was proud to lead my comrades in the counter-charge, but it was hopeless. With our Halberds raised we charged, but the first two of us to reach it were cut down by brutal gashing wounds from its paws and vicious bites of its elongated maw.
Angered by the death of our brothers-at-arms, myself and my surviving men attacked the Creature. Huge chunks of flesh were chopped off with skilful blows of our Halberds, but it seemed to feel no pain, and feared us not. It lunged onto Leon, and pinned him under its great weight.
Before we could save him, the Creature's jaws bit deep into him, tearing entrails and flesh from the brave warrior's body. Leon's death fuelled our rage, and still the remaining 5 of us, myself and 4 others, chopped at its powerful body.
With a slash of its claws, it cut down two more of my brave comrades, spilling blood onto myself and the two others under my command who still lived.
I thank the Lady for what happened next, because the other patrol of Men-At-Arms had heard our calls, and they chased the already wounded creature away, sending arrows after it and causing it great, and hopefully painful, wounds."
The garrison now only numbers 14 men, as 6 Men-At-Arms were killed in the attack. As you can see by the Sergeant's report, the Wolf Creature escaped back to its lair, and was not killed. Hopefully, however, its wounds will deter any further such attacks in the future.
Finally in this Season's news, is a trivial matter compared to the Wolf Creature news.
Leonardo, one of the peasantry of Gallone, attempted to steal some food from one of the Granaries of the Estate, he obviously thought that no-one would miss it from the overwhelming Harvest of this year, and was going to store stolen food for harsher times. He burst open the doors of the Granary with a mallet, and was busy carrying away two bags of wheat when he was spotted.
Leonardo dropped the bags and fled, but he predictably returned home several hours later, where he was arrested by the Men-At-Arms. He did not actually steal any food, nor did he cause any harm to anybody during the crime.
According to the laws of Bretonnia, his only crimes were trespassing and Vandalism (for breaking the Granary doors). What shall be this petty thief-in-training's punishment be?
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 4 Revenue, less than last Season due to the decrease in the Peasant Tax. Should it be paid?
With such a massive Harvest, it is obvious that the upcoming Harvest Day Festival should be grand indeed. The population have heard of rumours of your plans for this great day, but I am quite sure they are made up. There is talk of great bards being hired, enchanted banners being purchased and wares from far-away lands being handed out as prizes in games.
In any case, whether these rumours are the daydreams of the townspeople, or are indeed your plans, the question still must be asked. How much Revenue and Food Stocks are to be spent on this years Harvest Day Festival?
Whilst on the topic of the Harvest Day Festival, you mentioned the training of new Men-At-Arms. With the developments of this Season, it seems that such a plan would be wise indeed. How many townsfolk do you wish to be trained into Men-At-Arms?
Finally, even if you, in your wisdom, choose to spend a great deal of Food Stocks on the Harvest Day Festival, the reserves of food will still be enough to feed the population, at current Rationing, for years to come. Do you wish the Rationing to be increased to Double Rations, to make use of the bounty of this Harvest?
Another option is to leave the Rationing as-is, and sell off much of the excess to the Royal Granary. This would give back a great deal of Revenue, which would fund growth.
Lastly, we could leave the Rationing as it is, and keep the excess to feed the population for many years to come.
With that happy note, and having delivered news of great fortune and great ill, I end my Summer report.
Farewell,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 31
Food Stocks: 1079
Townsfolk: 62 (has grown by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Workers: 33
Miners: 9
Farmers: 20
Men-At-Arms: 14
Land Squares (Total): 10
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 1
Inns: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: High Tax (1 Revenue per 2 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 58%
Faith: 40%
King's Favour: 49%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am overwhelmed with the amount of Food Stocks harvested from the fields, the farmers have worked extremely hard. I am also extremely upset and mourn with the townsfolk the loss of six of the best Men at Arms found in Bretonnia. Pass on my condolences to their families. Increase the patrols to 10 Men at Arms. Let the Sergeant at Arms know that this season the number of Men at Arms will almost double.
This Harvest Festival I want dedicated to the memories of the fallen Men at Arms. Ten of the best villagers will be trained as Men at Arms. These villagers will be selected from the tournament winners at this years Harvest Festival. To help celebrate spend 10 Revenue and 100 Food Stocks.
Pay the Lord Taxes hastily and pass on my best regards to the King.
Build an animal barn on No 6 Gallone.
Sell 405 food stocks to the Royal Granary. At this stage I will not increase the rationing, perhaps in a season or two.
To the matter of Leonardo, he shall pay for the damage caused to the Granary doors and he shall be sentenced to Labour for the season.
Thank you. Keep the good work up Morigan.
Lord Guest.
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Autumn of Year 3
Dear Sire...
The Season is now Autumn, and the heat of Summer has fled before the slight cold of Autumn. Winter is on the horizon now milord, but I believe we are prepared.
I bring much news, some of good tidings, some of ill tidings. I place them all here before you, for your examination, my grand liege.
First of all, the construction you ordered, the building of an Animal Barn, was completed. It shall now offer extra food over the cold months of Winter, as more cattle will survive for longer.
The peasantry were amazed by the line of carts, almost a hundred strong in number, shipping Food Stocks to the Royal Granary. With enough food to feed a small army, the goods were worth a massive sum of gold. One hundred and thirty five (135) Revenue was gained in total from the sale, and the stockpiles now swell with the gains.
This years Harvest Day Festival was a splendid affair, but not as lively as past occasions. Patches of black cloth were given out to all who came, and were worn on around the arm, to show respect for the six Men-At-Arms who died fighting the Wolf Creature.
It was not overly sombre however, and the longer the night carried on, the more joyous it became. Beer was supplied in great quantities with the feast, and the table which the feast rested was a finely crafted piece of workmanship bought from a master tradesman of Parravon.
Still, with 100 Food Stocks to be used, a massive portion of it was offered to the Lady as tribute. In my humble guess, I would say she will be well pleased with the offerings, milord.
Ah, but a detail has slipped my mind. Early in the evening competitions were held to find the 10 best new recruits for the Men-At-Arms. Although almost a full half of the townspeople (many too old or too young) competed, those who were victorious were large, healthy men who will protect your lands with their lives. Let us hope that shall not be necessary.
Leonardo performed his sentence and returned to his normal life. He is watched closely by the Men-At-Arms now, however.
Speaking of the law, one of your subjects has committed an act most foul! A Murderer was in our midst! Earlier in the Season, a woman named Belle went missing, and was not found.
However, just a week or so ago, another woman, this person named Claire, came rushing towards a Man-At-Arms in the middle of the night. She had many flesh wounds on her face and arms, and claimed that a man was attempting to kill her! The Man-At-Arms was unable to think out a course of action before the attacker approached them, acting as a worried citizen.
It was only the Man-At-Arm's training that allowed him to dodge the knife that was thrust at him from the folds of the Murderer's clothing. A quick battle followed, but the Man-At-Arms was better trained, armoured and armed than the Murderer, and quickly subdued him.
The man is now in custody (Claire has since recovered). The location of
Belle's body was forced out of him in interrogation, and he has been charged with Murder! His name is Charles, and it is up to you what punishment shall be dealt to him for his horrible crime.
It is sad the number of deaths that have wracked the Estate over past Seasons, and I am certain that it only your expert leadership which holds the Estate together.
Now, to the matters of state, which beckon your attention:
Increased to massive size by the sale of the Food Stocks this Season, the Lord's Tax for this Autumn is 18 Revenue!!! Should it be paid, even so?
It is a good idea to review the state of the Food Stock stockpiles during the Autumn Season. Do you see any need to increase the Rationing, for example, or perhaps you would like to sell more food?
With the Winter chill coming, it would be best to perform any construction you have planned now, as the Winter's harsh weather will block any such attempts in coming months. Do you wish to clear any land, build any Upgrades or perform any construction?
Twenty-four is the current number of Men-At-Arms manning the garrison. Do you wish to train any more, as the Wolf Creature is still regularly sighted during the Full Moon, although it has not attacked again.
Finally, if any other actions need to be done, just give the order and I shall see it done.
Your scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 162
Food Stocks: 491
Townsfolk: 56 (has grown by 5 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 27
Miners: 9
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 10
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 2
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 59%
Faith: 50%
King's Favour: 50%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am happy to hear that the Harvest Festival was another success and that our fallen Men at Arms were remembered the way that all deceased should be remembered.
Now that the temperature is starting to cool, this new season will lead to a mass of construction, and our busiest season yet.
Firstly, send the Lord's taxes immediately and pass on my respect to the King.
We will not be training more Men at Arms this season. However we will provide a more suitable training environment for them to train in. Build a Barracks in the Serf Housing at No 1 Gallone.
Have the following fields purchased and cleared: No 1 North Woods and No 4 Gallone. Serf Housing is then to be built upon both these land squares.
To the matter of Charles. This is the most serious crime we have had in this Estate. It is lucky that Claire was able to escape this mad man or we would have had another person murdered. Charles has taken the life of another person, therefore his penalty shall be death. I am annoyed with the amount of crime recently. His execution shall be a public affair. Maybe seeing Charles executed will remind others of the penalties I am willing to use on people who have committed act of crimes.
On a more happier note, I have reviewed the level of food stocks and by my calculations we have enough food stocks to increase the rationing to that of double. We shall review the food stock levels next season to see if double rationing continues.
Keep well,
Sir Guest
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Winter of Year 3
Dear Sire...
The snows of Winter have begun, and for the next three months the cold shall hold sway over the lands of the Estate. However, milord, the orders you gave last Season have caused much action in the Estate, and I have a large amount of news to report, my liege.
First of all, I shall report the news of not-so-happy nature. The Murderer Charles was beheaded in the centre of Gallone Market, for all to see, as you ordered. Thankfully, his death has put a complete stop to crime in the Estate for this Winter, milord.
Now, to happier news. The population worked hard last Season, and many Labourers from outside the Estate were hired to help finish the projects you set in motion. The living area of the village of Gallone has been expanded (into Gallone No.4, as was your order), and a new settlement slightly north of Gallone has been set up in North Woods No.1.
The settlement in North Woods has been dubbed "North Gallone" by the population. Obviously, this shows a lack of creativity on the part of the peasant population, but it also shows that the population are quite pleased with the growth of the Estate.
Another piece of good news is that the population are quite pleased by the increase to Double Rations. This action has also lowered the usual death toll for the Winter, as the population are stronger, and better able to handle the unpleasant conditions of this time.
I have spent many hours with my fellow Scribes looking over the Food Stocks for this Season. I am happy to report that we will have enough food to feed the population Double Rations until next Harvest, and still be able to plant crops! However, this is cutting it a bit close, as if the population increases by any more than 9 members in the coming Spring, we will be only able to plant 3 crops.
Additionally, the Barracks you ordered built now stands completed in Gallone. The Men-At-Arms are most thankful for the building, and the structure echoes night and day with the sounds of the different patrols of Men-At-Arms improving their weaponry and training.
Finally, the Wolf Creature has remained a menace, and has been seen every full moon this Winter, but does little more than howl menacingly. Still, it is enough the cause the population to be afraid during the days of the full moon.
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax has returned to its usual size, and is 6 Revenue this Winter. Do you wish to have this Tax paid, milord?
The rate of growth has exploded, milord! The happy life and Double Rations your realm offers has caused many new births to occur, and many people to move in. Additionally, the increased free housing has also added more new additions to the population.
Unfortunately, the Winter causes construction to be fruitless. No sooner does construction begin than a snowstorm occurs and blows down all of the work that had been done. Therefore, no land clearing or major building may occur this turn. However, do you wish any smaller Upgrades to be built? These structures may be constructed quickly enough that building Upgrades in Winter is a possibility.
Do you wish to keep Double Rations in place, or return to Full Rations? Double Rations will increase growth, but too much growth at Double Rations will eat up too much of our Food Stocks, and only allow 3 Fields to be planted. Full Rations, on the other hand, will ensure our ability to plant all 4 Fields, but slow the growth rate.
If you see the need for any other actions to be done, please give the order and I shall put your words into action.
A grand era is on the horizon, milord.
Farewell until next Season,
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
|
STATISTICS:
Revenue: 30
Food Stocks: 315
Townsfolk: 64 (has grown by 9 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 35
Miners: 9
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 12
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 4
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 61%
Faith: 48%
King's Favour: 51%
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Lord's Response
Thank you Morigan for your kind words.
This season will seem very slow, compared to last. I am pleased that no crime has occurred this season and I am also pleased with the construction being completed on time. It is similarly good to see the Men at Arms are fully utilising the barracks, the increased training will serve them well to defend the estate.
Firstly send a messenger immediately to the King and pay the Lord's Tax. Pass on my respect as well.
As sewing 4 fields is important to the continued growth of the estate, the rations will need to be reduced back to full rations this season.
There is little else to be done this season. Let the villagers rest, for the spring season will be a hive of activity.
Sir Guest
|
Spring of Year 4
Dear Sire...
The snows are melting before the might of the Spring sun, the temperature has risen from a deep chill to a pleasant, but not overwhelming, warmth.
The population accepted your order of returning the Full Rations. They thank you for the months of such good food, and hope for that level of rationing to return after the Harvest.
I have much news to report, the foremost of which is that you have a visitor who requests and audience with you, milord.
The man is Klaus Karloff, a Exotic Merchant from far away Kislev. He has many fine goods for sale, and most of them cost so much that the entire monthly wages of the peasant population of the Estate could not pay for them!
In any case, he is offering to sell you one of his most valuable goods. He claims it to be the "Irontalon Scimitar". He says it is crafted from the finest steel and wrought with runes of the Dwarves and imbued with powerful enchanter's magic.
He claims it increases the strength of he who wields it by almost double. "A normal man could cleave an Orc in two with one swing of this weapon, but in the hands of your lord Guest, he could rend apart Ogres and Trolls with a single blow!" claims the Exotic Merchant Klaus Karloff.
He says he will offer it but once, and will yield to no bartering. His price for the "Irontalon Scimitar" is a massive 35 Revenue! However, he says that items of power such as this are so rare, that it is actually worth at least 50 Revenue, but he is practically "giving it away" for such a price.
Do you wish to purchase the "Irontalon Scimitar" for 35 Revenue from Klaus Karloff, milord?
Now, to other news.
The Wolf Creature has not been sighted since the last full moon of Winter, however, people grow afraid at the prospect of the return of the Creature. They know that even if it is not seen for many months, it will return.
Despite your best efforts at protecting them from their fears, milord, they are still nervous about the presence of the Creature.
Otherwise, all is well in the realm this Season. No unfortunate events have befallen the realm, and the weather has been very pleasant, good conditions for the coming Harvest!
I shall now put before you the matters of state that require your attention, my great lord:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is a fair 6 Revenue, do you wish it to be paid, milord?
The Spring is, of course, the time to plant this year's crops. We possess 4 Fields in all, and that is indeed a lot of ground to sow our crops. Out of these 4 Fields, how many should be sown with crops, and at what quality, my wise lord?
With the Winter weather gone, construction is once more a viable option. Do you wish to clear any land or build any structures?
A Minor Crime has been committed within your Estate milord. A man named Alberic has unintentionally committed a crime.
He is one of the family members of one of the Men-At-Arms lost in the Wolf Creature attack of months past. Since the attack, he has gathered a group of about twenty other peasants and convinced them of his way of thinking.
He demands that the labourers begin clearing land in South Pastures area. The areas he wants cleared are No.9 and No.12, he says that such clearing would drive the Wolf Creature out o hiding and force it to fight to the death.
Such clearing would, of course, cost the Estate much Revenue in time and resources, and only your orders could actually put a plan such as his into action.
However, Alberic has the audacity to take on your authority and give orders. Such actions by a peasant are a crime, and are similar to Decrying the Estate's Lord in seriousness.
So, what punishment shall you give out for this Minor Crime? He needs to be taught that it is not his place to give orders in the Estate, and that you shall not allow anybody to act so foolishly in your Estate.
However, his plan may (and I stress the word "may") have merit, and probably would succeed in driving the Wolf Creature from its lair. Do you wish to take notice of his plan, and clear any land in that area, milord?
Finally, as I always state at the end of my report, if you wish any other actions to be done this Season, merely give the order and I shall see it done to the best of my abilities.
As the fourth year of your reign dawns, a new age of greatness for the Estate of Chateau Guest is sure to begin...
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
|
STATISTICS:
Revenue: 44
Food Stocks: 229
Townsfolk: 62 (has fallen by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 33
Miners: 9
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 12
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 4
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 61%
Faith: 46%
King's Favour: 52%
|
Lord's Response
Morigan,
Firstly, pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes.
Let Klaus Karloff know that Chateau Guest's coffers are extremely low and I could not afford to pay such a price for Irontalon Scimitar. Thank him for visiting and he is welcome to visit again, may our coffers be fuller then.
Let Alberic know I am unhappy with his acts. He shall be fined. Let the estate know that if this sought of behaviour occurs again, the offending person will be exiled from these lands. Morigan I shall leave the amount to be fined in your capable hands.
On the matter of the South Pastures, now is not the time to populate the South Pastures.
As we do not have enough revenue at this stage to sow all four fields a peasant levy may be required to be collected. It hurts me to do this, but unfortunately it is required to sow all four fields and maintain the growth of the estate. Morigan, I want all four fields sowed at a normal standard. Use the revenue that is left after paying the Lord's Taxes, including the fine received from Alberic to fund the sowing of the fields, if this does not cover all four fields, then collect a peasant levy. Collect no more than what is required to complete the sowing.
There shall be no construction due to the lack of revenue. Hopefully next spring there will be revenue to perform construction.
Sir Guest.
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Summer of Year 4
Dear Sire...
After many long days of labour and work, the crops have been Harvested and added to the food stockpiles of the Estate. I am very pleased to report that hundreds upon hundreds of bags of grain were gained, and the population will be extremely well fed for the year to come.
Luckily, no Peasant Levy was required, although sowing the Fields did expend every single coin within the coffers. However, the returns have been good indeed.
Even Alberic's 2 Revenue fine was used up by the costs of sowing the crops!
The good news is that, as I said earlier, enough Food Stocks were gained from the Harvest to feed our Estate for the entire coming year, and sow next year's crops as well. Rejoice! The Lady has been kind indeed!
Now, to other news.
Klaus Karloff has accepted your decline of purchasing the Irontalon Scimitar. He merely shook his head and replied that you were missing out on a chance of a lifetime. However, he was still civil, and thanked you for the hospitality of your realm, and set off for realms elsewhere.
However, on the matter of traders, we have uncovered a dealer in forbidden goods recently. As you may remember, a certain Smuggler by the name of Kaeleb was executed about two years ago. Well, since that day most of his goods were destroyed and the rest were locked up in a strongbox and kept in a safe place.
The strongbox was recently moved to the Barracks, and stored in that building's basement. Unfortunately, the illegal, and highly dangerous goods within soon went missing.
After a few days of investigation, the Men-At-Arms took the last-ditch effort of discovering who stole the goods by performing random searches of people in the streets.
By pure chance, a traveller was discovered to have in his possession a particularly deadly poison. He was let off without punishment, minus his poison, in exchange for the name of the man he bought it off.
Lenardo was the dealer, and, with the aid of the information from the "helpful" traveller, was quickly found hiding within a log cabin in the Forest of Chalons. He was arrested, after a short scuffle, and charged with Smuggling.
As a side note, the illegal goods have been locked up once again, but are now checked every day.
Milord, what do you, in your wisdom, wish Lenardo's punishment to be for the Major Crime?
Now that that unfortunate news has been reported, I move on to the matters of state for this Season:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 5 Revenue, do you wish it to be paid, milord?
The expenditures of sowing the crops has caused our options to become very limited this Season, unfortunately. However, we still do have 20 Revenue available to us. Do you wish to use this in any way, such as training troops or construction?
Speaking of the Harvest, we must now decide how to use the Food Stocks gained. We have four main choices, although I am quite certain that you, in your wisdom, already have a masterful plan for the rations gained.
Our first option is to increase Rationing to Double Rations. This should give a much-needed boost to the population. The extra people would give a healthy increase in the Revenue gained by both the Miners and the Workers.
Our second option is to sell off a portion of our gained Food Stocks. For example, we could easily sell off something like 200-300 Food Stocks and still be able to feed the population at Full Rations for the entire year, and plant crops next Harvest. Such a sale would return 60-100 Revenue, and fund a large amount of growth in the future.
Our third option is to combine the other two options. For example, both increasing Rationing to Double Rations and selling off a small amount of Food Stocks would give a boost to both Revenue and the population.
Our fourth option is to do none of the above, and store the excess Food Stocks for coming times.
Of course, it is your decision, and a fifth option may exist that I, with my common mind, have not taken into account.
Finally, and what I consider to be the happiest part of the year, you must now consider the amount of Revenue and Food Stocks to be spent on the celebrated Harvest Day Festival.
How much should be spent on the festivities?
As always, if you wish anything else to be done, merely give the order and I shall see it done.
Your loyal and trustworthy scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 20
Food Stocks: 1026
Townsfolk: 66 (has fallen by 4 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 37
Miners: 9
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 12
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 4
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 64%
Faith: 44%
King's Favour: 53%
|
Lord's Response
Morigan,
Thankyou for your wise words.
Do some peasants take me to be a fool? I think so! My patience has completely worn out. Lenardo shall be sentenced to death by hanging for his acts, make his execution a public affair and set a date before the Harvest Day Festival.
Now onto happier tasks. Spend 5 Revenue and 50 Food Stocks on the Harvest Day Festival. The food stocks have been decreased to enable the sale of food stocks and the increase of food rationing. Increase the food rations to double. I have calculated that we can maintain double food rations until the end of the Winter season.
Sell 201 food stocks to the royal granary. Also have a messenger sent immediately to the King with the Lord's Taxes for the season. Pass on my best wishes to him.
There will be no construction this season and I see no need to train further Men at Arms.
Enjoy the Harvest Day Festival.
Sir Guest
|
Autumn of Year 4
Dear Sire...
The time is now Autumn, the temperature has dropped slightly and all can feel the first signs of the coming Winter in the air. I shall now give to thee my fourth Autumn Scribe's Report of your reign.
First, the most grim news. The Smuggler was executed b hanging, and his corpse has been buried after a day or two of rot. Although it required such drastic action, I believe the peasantry finally have come to their senses, as no further criminal acts have occurred in the Estate since.
The increase to Double Rations has increased the spirits of all in the realm, and you are a truly loved lord in the land. Due to the good health such food brings, and the number of people moving in from other realms, the Estate now has almost one hundred subjects!
The Harvest Day Festival was, once again, enjoyed by all. Bards and musicians played music and sung songs as your loyal subjects enjoyed a great feast in the centre of the Market. As always, at the end of the festivities a portion of the Food Stocks was given as tribute to the Lady. A fine day indeed, as it always is in the Estate of Chateau Guest.
A line of fifty carts carried the Food Stocks you ordered sold to the Royal Granary. Under guard, the transports arrived safely at their destination and the food was sold to the Granary. The profits of the sale have since returned, and now are stored in the Estate treasury, awaiting use.
A final piece of good news is that the Market now has a full workforce! Almost half of the population of the Estate now work at that hive of commerce, and the rest are either employed as Men-At-Arms, Miners or Farmers. No-one is without a job in your realm, milord.
No unfortunate events have occurred this Season, so I shall move directly on to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 13 Revenue, should we pay it, milord?
With Winter on the horizon, now is the time which we must use our Revenue for construction, if that is your wish. The harsh Winter weather will allow for no construction in those frost-bitten months, so if you wish anything to be built, please give the order.
We still have a large amount of Food Stocks stored in the stockpile. Do you wish to sell any more of them?
Another choice open to us is training more Men-At-Arms. If this is your wish, please give the order and I shall see it done.
Finally, if you wish any other actions to be done within the Estate, please give the order and I shall see it done.
I have nothing else to report this Season, wise Lord Guest.
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 114
Food Stocks: 581
Townsfolk: 73 (has increased by 8 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Miners: 13
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 12
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 4
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 3
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 65%
Faith: 50%
King's Favour: 54%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
This is good news, I am most please that the estate has almost reached 100 fold, and no crimes were committed this season. I am also glad that everyone had such a good time at the harvest day festival.
Now to the matters at hand.
Double rations shall be in effect again this season. By my calculations we should still be able to have double rations next season and still be able to sow in Spring.
Pay the Lord's taxes immediately and pay my due respect to the King.
Build a grain solo at No 6 Gallone.
Clear the land at No 2 North Woods and begin construction of Serf Housing.
That is all for this season. I look forward to your next report.
Lord Guest
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Winter of Year 4
Dear Sire...
The claws of Winter hath wrapped around our grand Estate, and all the realm is covered in a thick, oppressive blanket of snow. The temperature has dropped sharply, and none stray too far from hearth and home these days.
To make matters worse, the howling Wolf Creature has returned, its foul cries echoing into the air almost every night. It seems it is no longer contained to the nights of the Full Moon. This worries me greatly, milord.
I had hoped we were free of the wretched beast, it seems that we were not that fortunate.
Despite such matters, many good things have occurred this Season, and I shall now present both the news of good and ill to you now:
The only way to describe the population growth is that it is exploding! Thirteen, new Townsfolk have joined the ranks of the townspeople already living in the estate. In total, one hundred and ten subjects now live under your rule!
The health brought by Double Rations, and the excess of free housing has spurred growth to a record speed. I believe more people shall continue to join the population in the coming year. Very good, indeed, milord Guest.
Yet more housing, in the form of a Serf-level Shelter Square, has been built in North Woods, and although the peasantry insist on calling it "Gallone North" or "North Gallone", the small town's official name is still North Woods.
A Grain Silo has also been built in Gallone, and well serve to aid in the feeding of the numerous new members of the population who will no doubt soon arrive.
The new townspeople are already finding employment, although some are unemployed at this time.
Twenty men now work as Miners, extracting valuable metals for the aid of the realm. Forty men are employed as Workers in the Market, selling their goods to travellers and locals alike. Another twenty people are Farmers, and twenty-four more serve as Men-At-Arms of the realm! Truly, the workforce of Chateau Guest is grand indeed.
Finally, no crimes or unfortunate events have befallen the realm so far this Season. No news is good news, as they say.
I now bring before you the matters of state of this most inhospitable of Seasons:
The Lord's Tax is 7 Revenue this Season. Do you wish it to be paid?
Unfortunately, our options are limited in the harsh Winter. Although construction on a large scale is impossible, and the sale or purchasing of goods unwise at this time, we do still have a small number of options available to us.
First of all, more smaller Upgrades like the Grain Silo that was just completed may be built, if you wish.
Training is also an option, and many young, strong Idle Villagers are ready to take up arms in defence of the realm. However, perhaps it would be wiser to wait until the Harvest Day Festival of next year to perform such an action.
Finally, do you wish to change the Rationing back to Full Rations? At the current rate, over 210 Food Stocks are being consumed each Season, and it will continue to grow as more people are born in, and move into, your Estate.
Finally, if you wish anything not mentioned in the above report to be done, please give the order and I shall see it done to the best of my abilities.
I salute you, milord, you are wise indeed.
Your trustworthy scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 69
Food Stocks: 381
Townsfolk: 86 (has increased by 13 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 6
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 13
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 67%
Faith: 48%
King's Favour: 55%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
It is very satisfying to see the amount of population growth that the estate is achieving at the moment. I am pleased that the villagers have finally come to their senses and have not committed any crimes this season.
Winter is a time to keep warm in front of fires, as such winter will be another quiet season for the estate.
Pay the lord's taxes immediately, and as usual send my best regards to the King.
Keep the double rationing for the rest of the winter season. I fear that we will not be able to continue double rations next season as the food stocks will be required to sow the fields.
There will be no minor construction this season.
Thankyou Morigan for your continues efforts and informative reports.
Lord Guest
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Spring of Year 5
Dear Sire...
The brilliant dawn of a new year has begun, and it is once more Spring. Five years have you ruled the lands of Chateau Guest, and in that short time the holdings of the Estate have almost tripled in size. The population has already doubled since the start of your reign, and happiness is at an all-time high in the realm.
Truly, milord, you are a grand lord.
However, even our realm of justice and honour has many events, both good and ill occurring this Season. Therefore, I shall report to you now the happenings of the Spring Season.
First of all, some bad news.
The final days of Winter, after my Scribe's Report, were harrowing indeed. The heavens roared with fury and the sun was blocked by layer upon layer of thick, brooding cloud cover.
These Heavy Storms boomed for four days and five nights as lightning, winds and rain hailed upon the lands of our glorious Estate. Seven townspeople died from various unfortunate events, and several houses were destroyed, and 5 Revenue was spent repairing them afterwards.
The realm survived, however, and most came away from the Storms without too much injury or damage to property.
Unfortunately the town fool, Rambert, happened to have had one of his "visions" (most likely a bad dream) again. He claims to have been contacted by the Lady of the Lake!
Still shaken by the nights of terrible weather, the population have foolishly believed him in his claims. Almost a third of the population fully believe and support him, whilst the rest either don't believe his outlandish claims, or believe him and have enough good sense to await your thoughts on the matter before acting themselves.
To stop the townspeople from becoming angry, I decided to ask Rambert what his dream was about and write down what he said. Here it is:
"It was a week before the storms when the Lady, blessed She as is, first appeared to me. 'Twas a dream and not a dream, for it seemed to be as real as the nose on your face, and I have no doubt that what I saw was real, and not false."
"She spoke long to me of the need for a Grail Chapel within this realm. The blessed Lady of the Lake told me that she was displeased at the lack of respect shown to Her by the people of Chateau Guest."
"It was then that my dream ended, and I was certain that my Lady-blessed goal was to have a Grail Chapel built within our realm."
"My attempts to gain audience with Lord Guest were blocked (I knew of no such attempts, milord), first by the common-folk and then by the Men-At-Arms guarding the Chateau itself."
"Seeing my failure to complete the mission She gave me, the Lady's anger brought down a terrible storm upon our heads. She has given us a second chance to prove ourselves faithful and build a Grail Chapel."
"If we do not, we are all doomed..."
From there, the conversation fell into tears and shouts from Rambert, and eventually became too distressed to talk any further, and was escorted back to his home by the Men-At-Arms.
In any case, what are your orders. Are this claims the foolish thoughts of a madman, or do you so the need to act on them and build a Grail Chapel?
In the other news, although much more minor, one of the townspeople has committed a Minor Crime!
Although simple, his crime was an act of Theft. The man's name is Gaston, and he has, until now, had a clean record. He has not even been in any disputes, or anything else.
In any case, he did steal from you milord, and that is indeed a foul crime. He was caught taking silver from the carts coming out of the Mines at Gallone Road. The Men-At-Arms later questioned him, and, after a short time, he told of how he had stolen much more over time!
The carts are supposed to be guarded at all times, I know not how this crime could occur. I shall speak to the Captain of the Men-At-Arms about this, and ensure that it does not happen again.
3 Revenue is the total of the silver he had taken, but we shall not recover it due to Gaston selling it to less-than-virtuous travellers coming into our realm.
Nevertheless, the guilty party is within our custody, even if a good deal of the stolen goods are not. What shall be his punishment, milord?
In some good news, despite crime, the weather and the claims of Rambert, your popularity continues to rise. Additionally, the population is still growing at a rapid rate, even with the unfortunate casualties of the storms.
Now that I have reported the news to you, I turn your attention to the matters of state that require your attention and wisdom:
The Lord's Tax is 7 Revenue this fine Spring, milord. Should we have it paid?
We have a large amount of Revenue which we may spend this Season. Enough, in fact, to plant all crops at normal level and also clear a plot of land, ready to build a Grail Chapel or something else on next Season, when Revenue should once more be ready.
What do you wish to spend this Revenue on? Or perhaps saving it up would be a better idea?
Of course, the Season is Spring, and it is now that you, as Lord of the Estate, much decide how many of our crops should be sown, and at what quality. What is your decision, milord? How many of our 4 Fields shall be sown, and at what level of quality shall we sow them?
Finally, if you have any plans for actions other than those mentioned above to be done within the Estate, please give me the command and I shall see hose plans carried out.
Five years have you reigned, hopefully your glorious, honourable rule shall continue for another five years at least.
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 91
Food Stocks: 149
Townsfolk: 92 (has increased by 13 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 12
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 13
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 69%
Faith: 46%
King's Favour: 56%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
Again thankyou for your kind words, the success of Chateau Guest is also a direct reflection on your accurate seasonal reports. Keep the good work going.
To the business at hand. Pay the Lord's Taxes immediately and pass on my best wishes to the King.
The town fool Rampart, as you have named him shall be fined for his outburst. I will have no villager second guessing my decisions. If anyone has serious concerns with my ruling then they shall first meet with you, and then if you decide it is warrant for them to have a session with me then so be it. Make it known to all.
At this stage there is not enough revenue to build a Grail Chapel. I have not forgotten about the Chapel and one shall be built soon enough.
To the matter of Gaston, I do not condone the act of theft, and as this is Gaston's first offence, he shall be sentenced to Labour for the season. Spring is a busy time and the farmers, miners and repairmen may need the help. This is Gaston's first and last warning. Next time I will not be lenient in the punishment.
This spring both field squares in Gallone shall be sown as an agricultural quality field, the field squares in South Pastures shall be sown as a normal quality field.
Rations shall return to full rations this season.
That is all for this season.
Lord Guest
|
Summer of Year 5
Dear Sire...
The Summer has begun, and the time since my last report has been a busy time indeed. The Farmers spent long days sowing, and later harvesting the crops you ordered planted.
Their work was not in vein, however, as the crops harvested this year are the highest amount ever in Chateau Guest's history! Aided by the Grain Silos, a huge amount of Food Stocks has been added to the stockpiles, well over one thousand bags of food. Your wisdom, and the endurance of your subjects, is quite a sight to behold, milord.
Rambert (the town fool) has continued to grumble about his visions, but since you have fined him the population no longer pay any attention to his claims. Rambert is quite angry at the moment, and claims the twin moons of our world, Morrslieb and Mannslieb will soon come crashing to earth.
Gaston repaid everything he stole with Labour, aiding the Farmers plant the crops, and later he aided the Miners at Gallone Road. He has since returned to a normal life, and it looks as if he has learned his lesson. No crimes have been commited by him, or anybody else, this Season.
However, I am sad to report that two of our fine Men-At-Arms lost their lives this Season. As is customary since the Wolf Creature first attacked, the travellers coming into town are always under guard by at least four Men-At-Arms.
A wealthy merchant was visiting our grand realm, coming from Bordelaux and going towards Bastonne. He had three boxes of Kislevite objects, and was selling them off to the wealthier people of the realms.
Under guard by a group of six Men-At-Arms, the merchant felt quite safe. However, he was not as invincible as he thought.
The crack of blackpowder weapons boomed through the air when the merchant and his protectors were passing by South Pasture. Black cloaked bandits leapt from the trees, and they opened fire at the merchant and his guards with small, Empire-made pistols. Four Men-At-Arms were hit, one was only grazed, one was badly wounded but will recover. Unfortunately, two Men-At-Arms died, may the Lady give their souls eternal rest.
Perhaps worst of all, the merchant was hit by three of the "bullets" fired by the cowardly weapons. The merchant was killed instantly.
The three Men-At-Arms who were still in good health attempted to chase after the fleeing killers, but their quarry were cloaked in black, and the Men-At-Arms were unable to find them. It looks as if the crime will go unpunished, milord.
I do not know who the attackers were, or what their motives were. Robbery was not their intention, as they did not attempt to steal anything, despite outnumbering the surviving Men-At-Arms at least three to one.
I suspect, however, that they targeted the merchant for a reason, and that their intentions were to kill him. If so, they succeeded.
Now, with that unfortunate news reported, I bring the matters of state for this fine Summer to you:
The Lord's Tax for this Summer is 8 Revenue. Should it be paid?
We have a good deal of Revenue within our treasury, and construction or land clearing is an option which we may follow if you choose to do so. If you do wish to construct anything, or clear any land, please give the command.
We also have a huge amount of Food Stocks in our stockpiles. As before, we have many choices. We may sell off some of the Food Stocks for a healthy Revenue return or perhaps you would like to return to Double Rations? What are your orders, milord?
Training is also an option, as the garrison has recently lost two of its number. Being Summer, the Harvest Day Festival is a perfect time to train Men-At-Arms, if you wish it.
Speaking of the Harvest Day Festival, it is up to you, as Lord, how much of the realm's Food Stocks and Revenue are spent on the celebrations.
Finally, as I always say at the end of my reports, if you wish any actions other than those mentioned above to be done, please give the order and I shall see your words put into actions.
Your loyal and trustworthy scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
|
STATISTICS:
Revenue: 61
Food Stocks: 1113
Townsfolk: 99 (has increased by 7 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 19
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 22
Land Squares (Total): 13
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 75%
Faith: 44%
King's Favour: 57%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
Again the hard work of the farmers have paid off and given us a strong foundation for the rest of the year. I am upset with the loss of two Men at Arms. With your report on the incident, I agree that the black coated bandits were only after the death of the merchant. Send my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen Men at Arms, may the Lady give their souls eternal rest.
To the matters of the estate. Send the Lord's Taxes to the King and pass on my continual support to him.
For the Harvest Day Festival spend 5 revenue and use 50 food stocks. I want a tournament to be held in memories of the fallen Men at Arms. From this tournament select the two best commoners. These two will be trained as Men at Arms.
Sell 390 food stocks to the Royal Granary. The rations will stay at full for this season, I will review the level of food stocks next season.
Clear the land at No 5 Gallone, in preparation for construction next season.
This season will be another busy one for the estate.
Take care Morigan,
Lord Guest
|
Autumn of Year 5
Dear Sire...
Milord Guest, I welcome thee to the fifth Autumn of your awesome rule. Much has occurred, and much is to be reported, but first shall inform you of some very good news. Your popularity amongst the townsfolk is very high. Everybody thinks highly of you, and the almost one hundred and thirty people under your rule are all very happy indeed.
A huge convoy of dozens of carts was sent to the Royal Granary, as per your orders. Loaded with enough food to feed eighty people for a year, the Royal Granary was quite impressed with the sheer mass of the shipment.
The huge profits have since returned, in the form of 130 Revenue! Such wealth is not often seen in Estates of less than five hundred people! Indeed, it proves your good judgement that such Revenue is able to come from the hard work of you and your peasantry.
In other good news, the Harvest Day Festival was a fine spectacle indeed. Once more a great table (and many smaller ones) was placed in the middle of the Marketplace, and the entire village gathered around to enjoy good food, fine drink and entertainment. The sing-along songs of Edmund the Bard, and the breath-taking tales of heroes gone by from old Artois were both popular.
As always, once the songs have ended and the meals finished, the celebrations turned from enjoying the fruits of the Harvest, to thanking the Lady for them. A large quantity of foodstuffs, and a few valuable items, were dropped into the River Morceaux. Hopefully, the offerings will please the Lady enough so that coming years are just as bountiful.
Two new Men-At-Arms, taken from the victors of the Festival's games, have been added to the garrison. These fine men will fight for the honour and safety of our realm.
After the celebrations, work commenced once more. After much hard work, the final land parcel at Gallone was cleared. The immediate area surrounding Gallone is too hilly and uneven to clear any further land in that part of the Estate. Any further land clearing will need to be done elsewhere.
Finally, a piece of bad news to report. Sadly, my thoughts on the black-cloaked bandits were wrong. They were not solely after the death of the merchant!
The black clad bandits have struck once again! This time it was one of their number working alone.
A young man from "Gallone North" (North Woods) was on his way to work at the Market, and was only a few houses away from his own abode when a single black cloaked man jumped from behind cover, between two houses, and opened fire with a Handgun! The cowardly Empire-made weapon's aim was true, and the man was struck in the mid-section, a lethal wound.
Tossing the weapon aside, the bandit pulled out a small note, and pinned it to a nearby house with a small dagger. Turning to flee from the scene, the bandit was almost successful in his escape, but was caught by an exceptionally fast Man-At-Arms, who ran him down!
The black cloaked bandit was arrested, and his features uncovered. He is a young Bretonnian man, but we do not know his name, as he appears to be mute, or at least a very stubborn man.
The note was recovered, and read thus:
"Fear us men of Bretonnia, for we are the Bordelaux Bandits! Know this, oh false Lord Guest. We shall continue to plague your realm until you meet our... requests. Fail to do so, and more of your subjects will die. Leave 25 Revenue under the largest Oak in The Fells, and leave it unguarded."
"Do this, and we shall leave you to your own fate."
"Remember, we are watching you."
A chilling note, indeed.
What shall be the now un-cloaked bandit's punishment for the townsperson's Murder? Shall we give in to the Bordelaux Bandit's demands, milord?
With that very unfortunate news reported, I now must turn your thoughts onto the matters of state that require your wisdom:
The Lord's Tax is a hefty 21 Revenue. Should it be paid?
With the Food Stocks are they are, do you have any plans to change Rationing, or sell any further Food Stocks, milord?
A huge amount of Revenue is stored in the treasury, and many, many options are available to us. Do you wish to spend any many on construction or land clearing?
Training is also an option open to us. Do you wish to expend any Revenue on such matters?
Finally, if you wish any actions other than those mentioned above to be performed, please give the command and I shall see it done.
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
P.S. I hear you are going to the Tournament of Thierulf's Gauntlet. Good luck, milord, and may the Lady's Blessing be with you.
|
Revenue: 187
Food Stocks: 594
Townsfolk: 105 (has increased by 6 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 25
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 24
Land Squares (Total): 14
Free Land Squares: 1
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 77%
Faith: 48%
King's Favour: 58%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am glad that everyone had such a grand time at the Harvest Day festival.
I am unsettled by your report and have thought long and hard about these bandits. I will not be held to ransom by these Empire scum. Nothing good will come from meeting their demands. For one you can not trust Empire scum and they would be back when their revenue is gone and secondly word would get around and then every scum would be attacking and demanding revenue every season.
I have a cunning plan to eradicate these bandits from our countryside. For this plan to work it has to be made believable. Firstly this plan will only be known by you, the Men at Arms Sergeant and the best tracker the Men at Arms have. They say that they are watching all the time, this could mean that we have traitors among the Estate and as such for the plan to work secrecy is a must. Trust no-one except the Sergeant and the tracker..
Firstly, the prisoner needs to escape from the jail, he needs to believe that he escaped on his own accord for the plan to work. Once he has escaped, the tracker will track him back to the bandits hideout, he must not give any warning to the scum that he was followed. Once the hideout is found this brave and trustworthy man will let the Men at Arms Sergeant know the whereabouts of the hideout. The Men at Arms will attack at first light. Several scouts will be sent forward to subdue any sentries the Empire scum have. The main force will then hit hard when the Empire scum least expect it.
To the matters of the estate.
Pay the Lord's taxes immediately and pass on my best wishes to the King.
Have 5 villagers trained as Men at Arms. These new Men at Arms may be needed to help in the pending battle.
I have good news, a Brewery is to be built on the last free land square in Gallone. See that the construction is completed by the season end. 40 new jobs have been created, take up to 10 workers from the mines and the rest from the market. If possible use 40 food stocks to start the fermentation process.
Increase the rations to double. I will review the food stock levels with your next seasons report.
Clear the land square at No 4 North Woods.
A busy season Morigan, secrecy is utmost in eradicating the Empire scum. Do not let me down Morigan.
Lord Guest
|
Winter of Year 5
Dear Sire...
As the Winter's freezing winds continue to sweep across the lands, I thank the Lady for the warmth offered by the cozy fire that burns within my fireplace. I have much to report to you this Season, milord.
First, to the matter of the bandits.
As you ordered, we presented the captive with a chance to escape that he could not refuse. It, unfortunately, did require lacing the food of the Man-At-Arms in charge of his safekeeping with a potent mixture of herbs, sending the guard to sleep in moments. He was not informed of this, but awoke quite unharmed a few hours later nevertheless.
We also provided the captive Bandit with the tools to escape from his prison, a lockpick in the form of a butter knife that was given to him as part of his meal for the day. Being a thief, he could easily undo the lock with even such an unwieldy lockpick, and he made good the escape (thankfully he did not harm the sleeping guard).
As your orders stated, he was closely, but covertly, followed by our most able tracker. To my great surprise, the captive led the tracker not to the outskirts of your fair Estate, but to the Mines at Gallone Road! An abandoned section of the mines was being used as a hideout for the Bandits.
The tracker quickly returned to the barracks, and the Sergeant at Arms organised an attack. All 29 (well, minus the sleeping guard) of the garrison marched on the enemy position, and readied themselves for combat.
Twenty of our men made a direct attack, charging down the entrance of the mine towards the enemy hideout. As predicted, however, they broke apart and fled into the rabbit warren of side tunnels and such of the mines, towards other exits. They were met by the other Men-At-Arms, however, who were waiting for them.
Throughout the mines, battle raged. Thankfully the foul Empire men were ill-armed, and having no time to load their cowardly blackpowder weapons, they were mostly cut to pieces by the stalwart Men-At-Arms.
They, in total, numbered fourteen men. Five died in the fighting, six were captured and now await your adjudication, whilst three escaped. Among the escapees was the Leader of the Bandits, I assume, as there was no trace of such an individual amongst the dead or captured.
Sadly, we mourn the death of two of our number. They died bravely, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
What are we to do with the six captives, milord Jaison Guest? They are all charged with five counts of Murder (four Men-At-Arms in total died during the attack on the Merchant and the battle in the mines, plus the death of the Merchant) and unnumbered counts of Assaulting a Man-At-Arms. I advise you put at least some of them to Death, but you are the Lord, and it is your wisdom which I trust in.
In other, somewhat more mundane news, the Brewery now stands in Gallone. It is now fully stocked with Food Stocks, and employs 40 townsfolk as Workers. Unfortunately, the first batch of beverages will need to wait until Spring, as the structure was not finished in time to ferment the first batch before the Winter came.
I must say, I cannot wait to taste the beer that is fermented in the Brewery. I predict it to be the finest beverage in all the lands.
In further good news of development, North Woods No.4 now stands cleared, and it ready to be built upon when the new year dawns. I must say, milord, that I am quite impressed in how much you have improved the lands in the few years you have ruled this Estate. Good work, milord.
Finally, the Estate is quite jovial indeed. With Double Rations filling their bellies and news of our victorious battle filling them with pride, they are amongst the happiest people of our realm. Again, milord, you achieve greatness in every field.
Before I continue to the matters of state, I must also congratulate you on your performance in the Tournament of Thierulf's Gauntlet. Not only are you a Lord of great merit, but a warrior of such battle prowess that all evil cowers before you.
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this most chilly of Seasons is 7 Revenue. Shall we pay it, milord?
It appears that we are running low on Food Stocks at this time milord. The Estate population continues to increase, and if Double Rations continue for another Season we may not have enough to plant the crops in Spring. Changing back to Full Rations should solve this problem, however. What shall we do?
With the Winter's cold barring us from most actions, one of the few other options open to us is training new Men-At-Arms. However, I see that our garrison is quite large, despite recent losses. It is your decision, however, milord.
Finally, if you wish any other actions to be done, like changing the Tax Rate, please give the order and I shall see it done.
With respect,
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
|
STATISTICS:
Revenue: 63
Food Stocks: 318
Townsfolk: 111 (has increased by 6 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 11
Men-At-Arms: 27
Land Squares (Total): 15
Free Land Squares: 2 (1 taken up by a Brewery)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 86%
Faith: 46%
King's Favour: 59%
|
Lord's Response
Morigan,
Thankyou for your kind words, you are too kind. The tournament had many great knights, surely the Lady was looking favourably over myself. I see that you have kept the Estate running smoothly.
It is good news that the Empire scum have been disbanded, I am a little annoyed that 3 of them escaped. Send my condolences to the families of the fallen. I understand that they were both great soldiers. Now, to the captured enemies, I agree with you Morigan, there punishment shall be that of death. Let their punishment occur behind closed doors. The folk of the estate should not have to see the Empire scum die.
I happy to hear that the Brewery has been built. It shall be a grand affair, when the first kegs are rolled out. The upcoming harvest day festival shall be one to remember!
As usual pay the Lord's Tax immediately and pass on my best wishes to the King in these darkened days of Chaos.
Decrease the rations back to Full rations. Let the peasants know this is only temporary to ensure that there is enough food stocks to sow the fields in spring.
That is all for this cold season, keep warm Morigan for next season will be busy.
Lord Guest
|
Spring of Year 6
Dear Sire...
The Spring has come, heralding with it the start of another glorious year! The Brewery finally has begun to work, and even now the fermentation process has begun. I know very little about the process, but know well the result. I cannot wait to sample the coming beverage!
Now, to my report:
The Empire-born captives were put to Death, as you specified. Justice has been served, and a warning sent out to all neighbouring Estates of the dangers of the three escapees. It worries me that the leader was among those not brought to justice, but I am happy, at least, most of his underlings were shown the price for breaking the noble laws of Bretonnia.
In other news, the Head Miner, a man known as Gideon, has reported a somewhat troubling event. The Silver has become rare and difficult to locate. This problem began almost a year ago, but has become steadily worse as time passes.
Although I understand very little of Mining, Gideon explained to me that the Mine will be able to produce Revenue at a steady rate for a another year, maybe a few Seasons longer than that if we are lucky, before the Silver runs out completely.
This is troubling indeed. There is nothing we can do about it, however, and I advise that we make the best of what is left of the valuable metals in the Mine.
Finally, before I move on to the matters of state, I report that the population continues to climb despite the Rationing returning to normal. The population now numbers almost one hundred and fifty people. You are a grand Lord indeed!
Now, to report the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 8 Revenue. Shall we pay it, milord?
Being Spring, it is not the joyous time to plant our crops. How many of our 4 Fields do you wish to sow, and at what quality? I look forward to the great bounty that is sure to come, and pray to the Lady that it is as large as I hope.
In addition, with the passing of the Winter chill, we may now return to land clearing and major construction. Do you wish to clear any land or build any major structures, milord?
Training is once more an option, do you wish to add more Men-At-Arms to the garrison?
I am happy to report that no laws were broken this Season, milord, and thus I finish my Scribe's Report to you.
Your loyal, humble and joyful scribe.
Scribe Morigan.
|
STATISTICS:
Revenue: 87
Food Stocks: 171
Townsfolk: 120 (has increased by 9 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 27
Land Squares (Total): 15
Free Land Squares: 2 (1 taken up by a Brewery)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 87%
Faith: 44%
King's Favour: 60%
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Lord's Response
Scribe Morigan,
The start of yet another year. I can see that this upcoming year will be busy for the estate.
Pay the Lord Taxes and pass on my best wishes to the King.
This spring No 8 and No 7 Gallone shall be sown as agricultural quality fields, the remaining 2 fields shall be sown as normal quality fields. This should produce enough food stocks to feed the estate, allow for fermentation and sowing next spring. The rationing shall remain at full rations for the time being.
We shall exhaust the mines of its value, and begin searching for new minerals soon.
There shall be no construction this season, nor any Men at Arms training. Let the estate people rest, next season will be busy.
Lord Guest
|
Summer of Year 6
Dear Sire...
I greet you once again as the Summer begins. The peasantry were very busy all last Season, and the crops were planted in record time. In addition, the first batch of beer was beginning the fermentation process.
Then, time passed uneventfully. The Townsfolk went about their business and all was well. Peaceful periods of time are such a rarity in these parts that it was well enjoyed by all. However, the peace was broken in the final days of Spring.
A traveller entered the Estate, and immediately asked for an audience with you. I took the liberty of denying him this honour, as he could have easily been an assassin or murderer, and I could not allow him to have a chance of robbing Bretonnia of its greatest lord.
However, he did not leave. Instead he delivered to me a parchment, upon which a message was written in Reikspeil (I think the traveller is Empire-born, although I cannot be sure). Here is the message:
"By the decree of the noble Lord Heinrich Von Talonhof, the Bretonnian Lord Sir Jaison du Chateau Guest is hereby found guilty of the crime of Murder."
"The victim was an innocent traveller by the name of Milo, who was noble Lord Heinrich's own nephew. During his travels, Milo unwisely inspected the Silver mines of the horrid Lord Guest without asking first, but was caught doing so."
"The un-cultured brutes of Bretonnia did not listen to his pleas of innocence, however, and he was quickly despatched by the direct order of the Bretonnian Lord."
"Milo's murder was then covered up by a so-called "Bandit Camp" stationed in the Mines. A host of his own peasantry were then executed along with the young Milo as part of a so-called "Bandit Gang"."
"For these most unwholesome crimes, Lord Heinrich has decreed that Lord Jaison must pay 100 Revenue in compensation, or give himself up to the righteous justice of the Empire, or face the wrath of Lord Heinrich's warriors."
"By the noble decree of Lord Heinrich Von Talonhof."
The messenger was collected from the Estate, and taken into custody. He is charged with Decrying the Estate's Lord for bringing such a note to you.
However, the matter of the note stands. What shall we do, milord? As we know, the Bandits were indeed real, so this must be lies spread by this "Lord Heinrich" to earn money. I am very sceptical of his ability to send warriors into Bretonnia as well, for such a thing would be an act of war.
Now, moving on to other matters, some good news!
The first barrels have, just a few days ago, rolled out of the Brewery and are quite good. I have taken the liberty of storing four of the barrels in the Chateau cellar, but the rest have already been sold off to other estates. The profits are quite good, milord.
In addition, the crops have been Harvested! I had one of my attendants count the amount of food gained, and the number was so high that he gave up after five attempts! Truly, this is a huge amount of Food Stocks gained.
The people of the Estate are overjoyed by this Harvest, they believe that they shall have full bellies from Double Rations all year round. Of course, their assumption of Double Rations may not be a wise course of action to take.
To the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax is 16 Revenue this Season. The King is growing most pleased with your rulership, and the amount of Revenue you pay to him outstrips that of most other Estates. Good work, milord.
Now, there is the matter of the Harvest Day Festival. How much of our Revenue and Food Stocks shall be spent on the celebrations?
There is also many options open to us now. Construction, training and land clearing may all be performed, if it is your wish.
Finally, if you wish any actions not mentioned above to be performed, please give the order and I shall see it done.
Until next Season.
Your scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 137
Food Stocks: 1064
Townsfolk: 125 (has increased by 5 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 5
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 27
Land Squares (Total): 15
Free Land Squares: 2 (1 taken up by a Brewery)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 90%
Faith: 42%
King's Favour: 61%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am glad the beer is of a grand splendour. I shall enjoy the barrels you have acquired for me. Maybe you can join me one night.
This season of summer shall be great, one to remember. The shall be plenty of food and beer to be consumed. With that, use 40 food stocks and 10 Revenue for the harvest day festival. Host a tournament and select the 5 best villagers and have them trained as Men at Arms. There is a need to protect the villagers from any further unexpectant attacks.
Send a messenger immediately to the King and pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes.
Have 40 food stocks used to produce beer for the next season. Rations shall remain at Full Rations for the time being.
Have No 5 and No 7 North Woods cleared in preparation for construction in the following seasons to come.
As promised to the Estate have a monument built on the shelter square at No 1 Gallone. This monument shall be built in memory of the great King that rules over our land.
Finally to the unpleasant business of the messenger and his foul message. I am a hard but fair leader and have not taken any lives without just cause, and I would not kill my peasants to cover up the necessary death of some Empire scum. I do not believe in shooting the messenger, warn the messenger and let him know that if we ever see his face again on our lands, he shall be severely punished. Have him tell this Heinrich Von Talonhof that I do not bow down to his black mail, and as such I will not pay his 100 revenue demand. Leave him with this message....The great country of Bretonnia will unite and deal with any intruders that mean harm to its people.
Keep on working hard.
Lord Guest.
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Autumn of Year 6
Dear Sire...
The Autumn has begun. Your people have worked very hard for you over the past Season, milord, and their endurance guided by your wisdom has resulted in a huge amount of progress in the realm.
Two new Land Squares have been cleared. We now have three parcels of land open for development, and will be able to heavily improve our holdings with these new lands.
In the form of a pillar of stone, a Monument has been constructed in Gallone. This pillar of stone has three sides, each perfectly flat and inscribed with a different tale of the exploits of the grand King of Bretonnia. The three tales have inspired faith and loyalty in the populace, and I am quite sure the King appreciates it too. Named the "Spear of Chivalry", this three-sided pillar of stone is quite a sight to behold, and stands an imposing ten feet tall.
After the stone masons had crafted it from imported stone, three bards were hired to tell the stories, which were carved into the flat stone of the "Spear". I have already read over the three tales, and they inspire me greatly.
More beer has been produced by the hard working Brewers. I have saved one or two of the barrels to be used in the Inn, but the rest have been sold off for a tidy profit.
Now, to the most important matter. The messenger seemed quite pleased to be able to leave with his life, and has not since returned. I imagine this foolish beggar, this "Count" Heinrich Von Talonhof shall relent before the might of Bretonnia. His lies shall fall on deaf ears.
I laugh at the thought of some lowly noble of the Empire challenging your mighty rule milord. 'Tis a horridly comic thought, my grand Lord Guest.
Now, to the matters of state:
First of all, the Lord's Tax is 16 Revenue. A large amount to be sure, but it does show that you are indeed a successful Lord.
With three plots of land ready for construction, many are our options. If it is your wish, we could be a Farmstead and two Fields in the land available in North Woods, which would increase the yearly Harvest. Another option is to slowly build up two Shelters and a Market, to increase the population and Revenue at once.
We could also train new Men-At-Arms if you desire, but I see no need for that now. However, you are wiser than I, so the choice is yours.
Thankfully, there has been no crime this Season, which must have something to do with how happy the people are under your leadership. The people couldn't be happier under your rule, milord, and the construction of the "Spear" only increases this feeling of well being amongst the populace.
If you wish to perform any actions not mentioned above (such as building a small Upgrade), please give the order.
Your hard working scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 120
Food Stocks: 790
Townsfolk: 122 (has increased by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 2
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 17
Free Land Squares: 4 (1 taken up by a Brewery)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 2
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 2
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 98%
Faith: 58%
King's Favour: 71%
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Lord's Response
Scribe Morigan,
A truly hard worked season by all, pass on my appreciation to all. This season will be no different, with the extra revenue being brought in by the brewery there is now a lot more work to be done. The beer being brewed is of the best quality I have tasted, the brewers should keep the recipe a secret.
I also assumed as much with the 'beggar'. We will not see him again in this part of Bretonnia... or any part of Bretonnia. If the fool does venture back then I am confident the Men at Arms can deal with anything he can throw at us.
I am very pleased with the design of the 'Spear of Chilvary'. It is an excellant choice and is a sight to behold. I look forward to reading the three tales.
Now to the matters of the estate.
Pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes to the King.
According to my calculations there shall be enough food stocks to increase the rations to double for one season only, and also be able to feed everyone and sow crops in spring. Increase the rations to double.
Build a farmstead at No 7 North Woods, and construct an animal barn on this same land. Take the needed farmers from the mines.
Clear the land at No 3 North Woods and complete the construction of a Grail Chapel by the end of the seaon.
You truly are one of the best scribes in Bretonnia, continue your good work.
Lord Guest
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Winter of Year 6
Dear Sire...
Your words fill me with pride, milord. It pleases me greatly that one as noble and honourable as you finds such value in my humble abilities.
I now bring thee my Winter Report:
No news has come of the messenger or his, in my opinion, false Lord. Last I heard he was headed through Axebite Pass into the Empire, may he never return.
The "Spear" has proven to be quite popular among them people, and it is not an uncommon sight to see at least a handful of people gathered around the Monument. Of course, very few of the people can read the stories, but the ones that can read aloud for the benefit of the others.
The hard working people of the Estate have cleared land and constructed buildings where you ordered. Much Revenue was spent on these projects but in the end all of the buildings have been completed.
The Grail Chapel now stands, and although it is by no means an imposing structure, it has brought a new sense of Faith to the people. I imagine that the Lady will be most pleased.
The Brewery has temporarily shut down for the Winter, and no new barrels of beer will be produced this Season. However, the Brewers are busy perfecting their skills and have taken your suggestion of keeping the recipe secret to heart.
They have even began work on a new recipe that they will be testing next year. I look forward to tasting this new brew.
People have rejoiced at the new Rations, and it could not have come at a better time. What better way to survive the chilly Winter months than to have a belly full of warm food?
Now, only two pieces of news remain for me to report.
The Estate has had little crime this Season milord, the only instance was a minor case of Vandalism. This occurred when two of your subjects got into a bar fight, and a few pieces of furniture were broken in the fight.
The Innkeep eventually got them under control, but he wants them both to Repay him for the broken goods. What is your judgement on these two foolish lads, milord?
Finally, the most distressing news of the Season. A particularly Heavy Storm hit the Estate three weeks ago. Winds howled and the heavens rumbled, as hail pelted the houses of your loyal subjects.
Overall, we lost 5 Revenue to storm damage, as one of the Farmer's roofs collapsed when the weigh of the hailstones become too much. More depressingly, six Townsfolk were lost in the storm. I know not why these fellows were out of doors during the storm, but none of them have returned. We fear they are dead.
With all the news, both happy and sad, reported, I move on to the Matters of State for this Season:
The Lord's Tax for this Winter is 19 Revenue.
Despite the construction of the Grail Chapel this Season, we still have much free land to build upon. Unfortunately, it is Winter and the weather does not allow for any construction. However, we can still build some smaller Upgrades, if that is your wish, milord.
Do you wish to return the Rationing to normal now, milord? The Tax Rate could also be changed, if it is your wish.
Training is an option as well, milord, but I doubt we need any more warriors in our garrison, as our thirty-two strong force of warriors seem more than able to defend the realm.
Lastly, the people are as happy as can be with your wonderful rulership milord. They are willing to carry out an orders you give, as they are sure your wisdom is as great as your honour.
Your loyal and proud scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 136
Food Stocks: 436
Townsfolk: 125 (has increased by 9 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 5
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 18
Free Land Squares: 4 (1 taken up by a Brewery, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 4
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 57%
King's Favour: 72%
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Lord's Response
Scribe Morigan,
Another busy season has finished. Let the people rest this winter, as next season will be a very busy season. I am glad that everyone is enjoying the monument. I too look forward to the new season of brewing.
I am sad that several of the estate hard working villagers have perished in those violent storms. Send my regards to the families of the perished.
Pay the Lord's Taxes, and send my best wishes to the King.
Rations shall return to that of full rations. Foodstocks will be needed to sow the fields next season.
To the matter of the foolish lads, they shall repay the inn keeper for their damages. If they can not afford to pay him back, then shall work for him in the evenings until their debt has been repayed.
Have 2 grain silo's built on the newly constructed farmstead at No 7 North Woods. No other minor construction will occur this season.
Enjoy the quiet season Morigan,
Lord Guest
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Spring of Year 7
Dear Sire...
The seventh year of our awesome rule begins, and the people greet it with a great cheer. Nowhere are the people happier than under your rule, milord. You have proven yourself a grand Lord indeed. May your rule continue for many years to come.
The people have mourned the death of those in the Heavy Storms. Most of the bodies have been found, although two of your subjects are still missing. Although after a full Season, I doubt any have survived.
The foolish lads have repaid the Innkeeper, who is most happy with the result. He has replaced or repaired all damaged goods, and has even lifted the ban on the foolish youths, and allowed them to return to his Inn. He has said he will not offer them another chance after this, however, and he will not serve them again if they ruin this second chance.
Spring has been mostly quite, with only a few events really worthy of troubling you with.
First of all, some good news. The two Grain Silos now stand ready for the Harvest in the new Farmstead. Indeed, with six of these useful structures on the Estate we will yield the grandest Harvest in the Estate's history.
In addition, the Brewery has begun to ferment beer once again. Soon, barrels of the fine brew will be ready once more.
Lastly, another crime has occurred in the Estate. This time it was one of your subjects Assaulting a travelling merchant.
As far as I can tell, the merchant sells little trinkets to townspeople. One of which was a small music box, a wondrous contraption indeed, as it is supposed to play music without instruments!
One of the townspeople, one of the wealthier shop owners, decided to buy the "Music Box" for his daughter, and paid a portion of his saved up money to the traveller. All went well, until he found the music box to be broken, and it did not work! The travelling merchant insisted that "all sales were final", and this made the townsperson very angry.
He then proceeded to Assault the merchant in a fit of anger. He was restrained before much harm was done, but the merchant is demanding that the man be punished for his actions.
What shall be done with these two, milord? The townsperson is charged with Assault, whilst the merchant is not charged with any crime, as he claims he made it clear that all sales were final.
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 8 Revenue. The reason it is so much less than previous Seasons is due to the absence of the Brewery's earnings. Should we pay it, milord?
Spring is the growing Season, milord, and now is the time to plant the fields. How many of our fields do you wish to be sown, and at what quality.
With the chill winds of Winter gone, full-blown construction is once more open to us. Do you wish to clear any land or build anything? We could also build some more Upgrades, if you wish.
If you wish any other actions to be done, please give the order.
Until next Season, my most honourable Lord Guest.
Your faithful scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 122
Food Stocks: 234
Townsfolk: 127 (has increased by 2 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 7
Farmers: 20
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 18
Free Land Squares: 4 (1 taken up by a Brewery, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 4
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 56%
King's Favour: 73%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am glad to see you are well and rested. The best is yet to come Morigan. With the Brewery performing well, there is enough revenue to continue the growth of the Estate. I am happy to see that the two young lads have repayed their debt. I believe they will not do any further wrong in the future. I will be harder on them than the inn keeper if they do.
To this season report. This season we shall sow 6 fields.The fields at No 4 and 5 North Woods, and No 8 Gallone shall be sown at an agricultural level. The remaining fields shall all be sown at the normal level. Employ the 7 idle villagers as farmers and take the three remaining workers from the mines.
Pay the Lord's Tax to the King, and send my best regards to him.
To the matter of the villager and the merchant. I am not pleased that the villager attempted to cause serious harm against the merchant, I do not condone this behaviour and therefore the villager shall be sentenced to labour. I also do not agree with the merchant selling inferior products to my villagers. The merchant is ordered to replace the music box with a working music box, if he does not have any working music boxes he shall repay the villager his hard earned revenue. If he refuses then the merchant shall be retained for 1 week and then exiled from the Estate and he shall not be welcomed back.
That is all for this season.
Lord Guest
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Summer of Year 7
Dear Sire...
I bring thee my Summer Scribe's Report for this year. Long have the farmers toiled in the many grand fields of the Estate, but they do so with joy in their hearts. They serve you with pride milord, and hold you in high esteem.
Your wise planning has insured that this Harvest brings in more than enough to feed the people throughout the coming year. The Grain Silos added to this great tally, and the people look on with joy as the amount of Food Stocks within the storehouses increases by the day.
The profits from the Brewery have begun to roll in once more, and your most grand realm is once again well funded.
It has come to the King's attention that your holdings are now large enough to warrant the construction of a Keep over the existing Chateau. As of this moment, we do not have enough resources to do this, and have no current need to do so. However, I received a letter from one of his Heralds that included plans for a Keep when we do decide to construct one.
This move need not come this year, nor even the next, however. When we do have the resources (550 Revenue) to do it, however, I am certain the great King of Bretonnia will be most pleased indeed with your progress.
Now, before I move on to the matters of state, I have a disturbing crime to report. Jean, a local Farmer, was found Murdered earlier this month, his body was found amongst the day's Harvest. His son has since replaced him at work, but no evidence of the murderer was found.
I have put two of the smartest Men-At-Arms on the investigations, and am quite disturbed. It appears a murderer is on the loose, milord! All the information I can give you is that the man was killed by a brutal hit with some form of large blunt object. A shovel, for example.
These are troubling times, milord, that such evil could lurk amongst the happy faces of your subjects. In any case, I must continue in my duties, and therefore bring you this Season's Matters of State:
First things first, the Lord Tax's is 16 Revenue. The return of the profits from the Brewery is the reason for this sharp increase.
Now that the Harvest is done, it is time to plan the Harvest Day Festival. There is talk amongst the townspeople of holding the ceremony at the Grail Chapel. How much do you wish to spend, both in Revenue or Food Stocks, on the Festival, milord?
With fine weather such as this, do you wish to build any buildings or clear any land?
With the Harvest as grand as it is, we have many options available to us. We could, if it is your wish, increase Rationing or even sell off some of the excess Food Stocks.
I await your reply.
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 136
Food Stocks: 1804
Townsfolk: 132 (has increased by 6 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 2
Farmers: 30
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 18
Free Land Squares: 2 (1 taken up by a Brewery, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 5
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 55%
King's Favour: 74%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am very satisfied with the return on the Harvest. The estate has done extremely well and there is much to celebrate. The Harvest Festival must be a grand event to reward the hard work done by yourself and the villagers. Consume 100 food stocks and 15 revenue on the festival. Use the Grail Chapel to host the festival.
Pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes to the King.
As the Lady has been smiling on us this season, increase the rations to double.
Clear the land at No 6 North Woods and build Serf Housing on this land square.
Clear the land at No 8 North Woods.
Continue the investigation of the murder, the person who committed this violence will make a mistake and he will be punished severely. Perhaps offer a suitable reward for any information that leads to the capture of the guilty person. Pass on my condolences to the family of Jean and let them know that we are continuing the search.
I have plans to build a Keep in the next couple of years. The population needs to be increased to support a Keep.
Enjoy the festival Morigan.
Lord Guest
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Autumn of Year 7
Dear Sire...
The first days of Autumn have reached our lands, and even now the weather of Winter seems close. By the Lady, these years seem to pass so quickly! I can recall the first days of your glorious rule as if it was but yesterday, and yet it seems as if this Estate has always known your honourable reign.
The Harvest Day Festival was a most enjoyable event indeed milord. As you commanded, it was held in and around the Grail Chapel. The Revenue was spent on making some improvements on the blessed building, including the addition of a small pool of holy water at the foot of the Chapel. In addition to these improvements, the remaining Revenue was spent on hiring a small troupe of entertainers.
Most of the Food Stocks were consumed in a grand feast, but a large portion of them were also offered as tribute to the Lady. It is our greatest wish that Her most wise blessing will be granted to us in years to come.
Unfortunately, one fellow has damaged our chances of that happening. Edwin is the peasant's name, and he was caught in a most dishonourable act. As the Festival drew to a close, he was seen by the Men-At-Arms sneaking away from the tribute (which was placed in the Grail Chapel) with two bags full of food! He had stolen the offerings from the Lady's altar!
Woe upon him, for he is a disturbing little man. Luckily, he was caught and the tribute returned before the Lady's anger was provoked. To think, stealing from the blessed Lady of the Lake when Double Rations are in place! He stands accused of Besmirching the Lady of the Lake, milord. What shall be his punishment?
In other, happier news, the new lands you ordered have been cleared and the new housing has been constructed. The townsfolk worked long and hard to build the houses, and their efforts are paying off as more people are attracted to your realm. Trade is at an all-time high, and everybody is prospering.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Mines. Reports have come in that the final traces of Silver are being mined now. We fear the resources will be exhausted as early as next Season!
As for the Murder investigation, it appears that the criminal has escaped justice, for now. No more people have perished, and the Men-At-Arms are stumped, as am I. I shall continue to look into the crime, but the Jean's son has expressed his wish for the trauma to end, and for the investigations to come to a stop. He wants to return to some form of normality.
No other events of interest have occurred, so I move on to the matters of state:
As usual, the Lord's Taxes are quite high this Season, 17 Revenue in all, in fact.
The people of the Estate prosper under Double Rations, milord, and the population is increasing at a incredible rate. However, the grand stocks of food we currently have are quickly diminishing under this pressure. Should we continue with this level of Rationing?
Construction will soon become difficult in the Winter, so I advise that if you wish to clear and more land or construct anything, that you do so now. The Winter is a time of much discomfort, and any such actions will have to wait during that time.
If you wish to perform any other actions, then please give the order and I will do my utmost to see your words put into actions.
Your loyal scribe of these past years,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 125
Food Stocks: 1290
Townsfolk: 145 (has increased by 13 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 17
Farmers: 30
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 20
Free Land Squares: 3 (1 taken up by a Brewery, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 6
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 67%
King's Favour: 75%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
Another busy season has been completed. I am happy to see that the Festival was enjoyed by all.
To the matters of the estate,
As usual pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes.
Maintain the rationing at double. There is enough foodstocks to last until sowing time in Spring. We will review the situation next season to see if we can continue the double rations.
Edwin for his betrayal of our blessed Lady of the Lake shall be sentenced to labour. I agree, with any luck the quickness of his arrest and the return of the foodstocks has not angered the Lady..... too much!
Thank the miners for all their hard work. Next year we will begin the search for new minerals. For now they will be retrained until a new mine site can be found.
Start construction of a second brewery at No 8 North Woods. With the success of the first brewery and numerous idle villagers a second brewery can be well justified. The new brewery workers shall come from the idle villagers and the miners, if this is not enough use some workers from the Market.
Quietly continue the investigation, perhaps focus on Jean's son as I find it confusing as to why he would not want the murderer to be found.
This is all Morigan,
Lord Guest
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Winter of Year 7
Dear Sire...
Winter is once again upon us, although this time it seems the skies have been kind. The cold is by no means as harsh as in previous years, and for that I thank the Lady.
The Food Stocks stored in the granary are being consumed at an alarming rate, milord, but with good results. The population of the Estate continues to soar, and I imagine that it could reach the mark of two hundred souls by the end of next year! Just seven short years ago we were a tiny hamlet, and now after a short time under your glorious rule we have quadrupled in population and are a wealthy land indeed. May the Lady Bless you, milord.
Edwin, the sorry beggar that he is, served out his sentence with maximum grumbling. He appears to have learned nothing from his punishment, but the watchful eyes of the Men-At-Arms have curbed any attempts at thieving he may try.
Now, to more pressing news.
The Winter appears to have brought a curse down upon us. The people whisper that the Curse of Undeath has befallen our humble lands, for grave sites have been disturbed and the bodies remain missing. More troubling still, one of the Men-At-Arms, a personal friend of mine by the name of Joxer has gone missing during the night guard shift. I fear for his safety.
The people, and the garrison, are on edge at this point. They fear the dead now and no body ventures near grave sites during the night, and only in groups during the day. We all fear that a Necromancer has turned his gaze upon us, for that is the only reason that the eternal rest of the dead would be so cruelly disturbed.
In addition, Jean's (the man who was murdered many months ago) body has
gone missing from its grave site. More mysterious still, Jean's son is attempting to avoid my questions on the investigation. The townsfolk, usually quite happy to give out rumour and gossip at the drop of a hat, do not want to talk about it. They fear that the Necromancer's appearance and Jean's death are connected events.
Some claim in hushed whispers that Jean's son is the Necromancer, but I have trouble believing that. He is a Farmer's son, and cannot even read, let alone weather the soul-draining effects of learning the Dark Arts. I have heard many stories of those who have sought dark power and found utter damnation instead, and do not believe a peasant boy could handle such magic. I fear the enemy we face now is more powerful than some Farmer's boy.
Anyway, enough of my rambling prattle, time to move on to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Season is 17 Revenue. Should it be paid?
The second Brewery now stands complete, a glorious structure indeed. It will not start to brew the first batch of its beer yet, however, as it is Winter and we must wait until Spring to begin.
However, construction is open to us. We cannot clear lands or build anything major this cold Season, but smaller upgrades are indeed open to us. Do you wish to build any such smaller upgrades?
Do you wish to change the level of Rationing, milord? Or perhaps the time has come to increase, or perhaps decrease, the Tax Rate?
If you have any other orders, please send them to me and I shall see them put into action.
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 162
Food Stocks: 926
Townsfolk: 151 (has increased by 6 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 23
Farmers: 30
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 40
Miners: 20
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 20
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 6
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 66%
King's Favour: 76%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
I am deeply concerned by your report. Don't let appearances deceive you, he may appear to be a Farmer's son, but he could quite easily be a necromancer who is adept as disguising who he really is. As our hands are tied due to the lack of proof, we will need to closely monitor the movements of Jean's son, we need to do this without his knowing, doing this is really important. Drop the investigation of his Father's murder. He may make a mistake if he believes he is no longer a suspect into the murder.
To the matters of the estate.
Pay the Lord's Taxes and send my warmest regards to the King.
Keep the tax rate at its current level and also keep the rations at double. According to my calculations there is still enough food stocks to last until sowing is completed.
That is all for this season. Let the estate rest as next season will be a busy one.
Lord Guest
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Spring of Year 8
Dear Sire...
A new year has once again begun, and the eight year of your glorious reign is here. I have much to report to you, milord, on this fine Spring. Good news and bad, I shall do my utmost to bring it all before you.
First of all, the most important news.
I assigned two Men-At-Arms to keep a watch on the Farmer's son, but in a way that he would not find out. At the same time, I dropped the investigation of the Farmer's death publicly.
As time passed, the Men-At-Arms reported much coming and going in the Farmer's son's house at all hours. He left by himself, and often returned carrying a bundle of unidentified objects.
I took this as obvious evidence that you, milord, in your great wisdom, were correct. The Farmer's son IS the Necromancer! At the same time, bodies in the graveyard have been disturbed, and limbs often removed. Even I, the foolish commoner that I am, can put two and two together as to what the bundle he was often seen carrying, contained. I fear he has been robbing graves to further his studies of the Dark Arts.
Ordering an immediate attack on the Farmer's son, I sent fifteen Men-At-Arms to apprehend him - dead or alive. I know it is your duty to Adjudicate, but I saw this as an immediate threat and used my own initiative - I hope I did not displease you, milord.
Unfortunately, the Necromancer had already fled his abode, and left behind a group of horrifically stitched together Zombies! A huge battle erupted, with the forces of the garrison overcoming the Undead, but at the cost of two Men-At-Arms lives.
A huge search is now sweeping the surrounding countryside in a search for the Necromancer. He is still here, milord, I can feel it.
Other news is somewhat minor. The population is booming at an all-time high, and the citizens are enjoying the Double Rations most gratefully. It is only your kindness and strength that allows us to remain happy in times of such darkness, milord.
Finally, the Mine is utterly exhausted. No more Revenue can be mined, and the Miners are ready for re-training.
Now, to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this Spring is 8 Revenue. Should we pay it, milord?
Being Spring, it is now time for the Harvest crops to be sown. How many of six Fields should be sown, milord? At what quality should these Fields be sown?
Do you wish to change the Rationing now, milord.
With three lost lives over the past months, do you see a need to train new Men-At-Arms to replace the brave men lost to the garrison?
If you wish any other actions to be performed, please give the order and I shall see your words put into actions.
Your humble scribe over these past eight years,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 181
Food Stocks: 538
Townsfolk: 165 (has increased by 14 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 15
Farmers: 30
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 80
Men-At-Arms: 29
Land Squares (Total): 20
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 6
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 65%
King's Favour: 77%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
Good work in keeping a watch on this necromancer. You were wise in attempting to catch him, waiting for my permission may have led to more deaths.
Keep the Estate alert this season, I believe he will attempt to strike again. It will only be a matter of time until he gets caught!
Pass on my condolences to the families of the Men at Arms who lost their lives. They were great men and will be missed. May the Lady bless them.
To the matters of the Estate.
Pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my warmest wishes to the King.
Sow the fields at No 4 and 5 North Woods and No 7 and 8 Gallone at an agricultural level, sow the remaining fields at the normal level.
Purchase and clear the land at No 1 Fells.
Keep the rations at double. There shall be no training of Men at Arms this season, next season I will review the number of Men at Arms. Revenue permitting we will begin the search for new minerals and resources next season.
Thankyou Morigan for your continued effort.
Lord Guest
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Summer of Year 8
Dear Sire...
Greetings milord, the Summer brings much news for me to report. I have much to tell, so I shall move straight to the point.
The Necromancer was caught during a moonless night last month, when he and a group of his shambling Zombies attempted to rob a fresh grave. The Sergeant-At-Arms expected such an attempt, and so placed a small patrol of Men-At-Arms to hide and watch for any such evil deeds.
As expected, the Necromancer stealthily uncovered the grave, whilst his minions watched on, their soulless eyes watching their master steal the corpse of a good, honest man. At this point, the Men-At-Arms leapt from their hiding places, and attacked the unprepared spellcaster.
Eight men in all, the Men-At-Arms quickly closed in on the evil Necromancer, whilst one of their number loudly sounded a horn he carried. This alerted another group nearby, who rushed to aid their comrades.
A skirmish broke out, in which the Zombified minions and the Necromancer himself did battle with your loyal warriors. Outnumbered by your Men-At-Arms, more of whom arrived by the second, the Zombies were destroyed. May the poor souls of the unholy constructs rest in peace.
However, the Necromancer was not as easily dispatched. Speaking dark, ancient words, the man once thought to be a simple Farmer's son unleashed terrible magics upon the Men-At-Arms. In a bloody display of his dark power, the Necromancer murdered four of your loyal Men-At-Arms.
Thankfully, one of your intelligent warriors had snuck behind the traitorous scum and delivered a crushing halberd strike to his back. The vile man dropped to his knees, bloodied but not finished, he invoked more dark powers to aid him.
However, before the eyes of your brave Men-At-Arms, the cost of such dark power was shown. His injuries were too much for the vile Necromancer and he lost control of his magics, which were unleashed in an explosion of violent energy. Many of your men were injured, but none died, from the spectacular blast.
The Necromancer was not so lucky, ripped asunder by the blast, he was unable to protect himself as the toll for his power was collected. His soul was drained into the Warp, to be devoured by the hungry maws of the Daemonic creatures he made bargains with for his power.
Such is the fate of those who turn their backs on the Lady and turn to the Ruinous Powers...
Now that the evil Necromancer will bother us no more, I shall turn your attention on to other matters.
Firstly, the Harvest this year was a grand bounty indeed! The high-quality crops you ordered sown gave such a yield that the population is sure to be well fed in the coming year.
Lastly, the Mine at Gallone Road has closed down for good now. It is now classed as a Ruin, and may be cleared (at a cost of 40 Revenue) for use in other ways.
On to the matters of state:
With the first barrels of beer produced by the second Brewery being sold off, the Estate is making a huge amount of Revenue. This, however, means we must pay incredibly high Lord's Taxes. 24 Revenue in all for this Season. Shall we pay it?
We must now give thanks to the Lady for Her divine generosity. How much Revenue and Food Stocks should we expend in the Harvest Day Festival?
Do you wish to change the Tax Rate or Rationing, now that the Harvest is over?
Finally, if you wish any other actions performed, please give the order and I shall see it done.
Your humble scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 205
Food Stocks: 1690
Townsfolk: 180 (has increased by 15 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 30
Farmers: 30
Workers: 40
Brewery Workers: 80
Men-At-Arms: 25
Land Squares (Total): 20
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 6
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 1
Mining Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 1
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 1
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 64%
King's Favour: 78%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
This is extremely good news. Personally thank all the Men at Arms for me. Once again they have protected the Estate with their lives, and our lifestyle continues without harm. Visit the families of the fallen and pass on my condolences, they shall be remembered for their bravery and courage. You also need to be thanked for your wisdom and the dedication you show to the Estate.
To the matters of the estate.
Pay the Lord's taxes, and pass on my best wishes to the King.
Have Serf Housing built upon No 1 The Fells. Clear the land at No 3 The Fells and begin construction of a Market Place and an Inn on the cleared land.
I have exciting news, a monument shall be constructed at No 4 Gallone. This monument shall be dedicated to our fallen Men at Arms in the latest battle and all other battles in the last eight years of my rule. Have each fallen Men at Arm name inscribed into the monument. The Holy Festival shall be held around this new monument. Spend 20 revenue and use 50 Food Stocks on the Holy Festival , may the Lady bless us.
Return to normal rations for this season. I will look at the food stock level next season, I fear that with the amount of growth we are experiencing we may not have enough food stocks to sow fields in Spring if we continue double rations.
Finally train 7 new villagers, they shall become Men at Arms.
Keep well,
Lord Guest
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Autumn of Year 8
Dear Sire...
As the Autumn begins, I have much to report to thee, milord. The realm has been abuzz with activity these past weeks. I therefore move directly onto my report without any further ado.
I personally thanked each and every Man-At-Arms for you, including the families of those who fell in battle. It seems that the warriors themselves are quite proud to be under your service, and are utterly loyal to thee, milord. I am honoured that you would thank me, milord.
The Fells have been a site of much activity these past months, milord, as new housing and shops are constructed in a flurry of development. Already the new Inn has been completed, and most of the other shops are ready for business. Combined with the other Marketplace, this ensures your Estate is a centre of commerce for the people of the surrounding countryside.
The Monument you ordered constructed now stands as a memorial to the sacrifice of all the commonfolk who have bravely perished defending the realm. The Monument depicts a Man-At-Arms armed with a halberd standing defiant, ready for battle. On the stone slab he stands upon is etched the names of those who have died valiantly defending the Estate.
As you commanded, the Harvest Day Festival was held around the new Monument. As is customary, feasting and drinking was abundant. However, there were also many offerings of tribute to the Lady of the Lake, both of valuable objects and food. Under your rule the people have grown very devout in their worship of the Lady. It is my utmost hope that the Lady of the Lake, in Her generosity and Her mercy, gives us Her Blessing.
There was no fuss made about the return to Full Rations. The population are already well fed and extremely happy under your kind rule.
Seven new Men-At-Arms have joined the Men-At-Arms, returning their number to its original level before the Necromancer's dark deeds began. The new recruits hope they can serve the Estate as well as those who came before did.
Now that the events of the past few months have been reported, I now bring you the Matters of State:
First of all, the ever-growing Lord's Tax for this humble Season. 'Tis a credit to the prosperity you have brought to the realm that your Lord's Tax is 29 Revenue this Season! This is due to the profits gained from the Breweries, Inns and Marketplaces of the realm. Along with, of course, the Peasant Taxes.
With Winter once more approaching, it is now time to finish any construction plans you may have for this fine year. Do you wish to clear any land or any begin major constructions?
I know I brought this up earlier, however, as the Estate grows it becomes more of an option. If we save Revenue for a Season or two more, you will have enough resources to construct a Keep. This would make you quite respected in the eyes of your peers (although you are already highly respected by any of good heart). Just a thought from a humble scribe.
If you have any other wishes, please make them know, for your wisdom is great and has guided us into this Golden Age we now live in.
Your thankful scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 267
Food Stocks: 1347
Townsfolk: 181 (has increased by 8 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 30
Workers: 71
Brewery Workers: 80
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 22
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 7
Farmstead Squares: 3
Field Squares: 6
Market Squares: 2
Ruined Squares: 1
Animal Barns: 3
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 2
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 2
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Full Rations (1 Food Stock eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 80%
King's Favour: 89%
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Lord's Response
Scribe Morigan,
You have performed your duties as my Scribe to their fullest, as such you are deserving to the praise given to you by myself.
Yet another busy season has passed, and another busy season will begin.
Pay the Lord's taxes and pass on my best wishes.
I have reviewed the food stock levels and I am very pleased to announce that the rations will again be raised to that of double. I will review the level of rations again next season.
Shortly we will begin the construction of a keep, of higher importance is the ability to feed the Estate at the levels that have become common place in the past few years. For this to happen the following needs to take place.
Clear the old mining site at No 1 Gallone Road and begin construction of a Farmstead and an animal barn. Take the required farmers from the Market Squares.
At No 2 Gallone Road, clear the land and test the field for minable resources. If a resource is found begin the construction of a mine, if no resources can be found leave the land cleared in preparation for sowing next Spring.
At No 5 Gallone, clear the land. If No 2 Gallone Road found no resources then search this landsquare for resources, and if found build a mine, and again, if no resources found then leave the land cleared and ready to sow for Spring.
This is all Morigan, keep warm.
Lord Guest
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Winter of Year 8
Dear Sire...
A new Winter begins, but in preparation for this most harsh of Seasons, the Estate has been one of much hustle and bustle. Spurred on by the increase to Double Rations, the peasantry have done much hard work to improve the Estate, milord.
As you commanded, No.1 (which contained the ruined mine), No.2 and No.5 Gallone Road have been cleared. The results of the new tests for minerals was not impressive, it seems that Gallone Road has been exhausted of any valuables.
However, as you also decreed, a Farmstead with two Fields was set up in those fertile lands. This new set of farmland shall surely aid us in the coming years.
I also have a most interesting request to bring to you. A Damsel of the Lady, who claims to be following visions given to her by the Lady of the Lake, has asked for your assistance. She claims that a relic (what this relic is she is not sure) is buried within the Estate, somewhere in the Morceaux Flats area.
This Damsel asks for a workforce of Townspeople to aid her in the search, as well as a small patrol of Men-At-Arms to guard her during the digs. Since she would not be leaving the Estate, the supplied townsfolk and Men-At-Arms would return to their normal occupations immediately after their work was done.
However, if you grant the Damsel her wishes, the loss of workforce of the month or so it would take to complete the search would cost you 18 Revenue. I trust your wisdom milord, shall the Damsel be allowed to complete her search?
If you choose not to, she says that she will move on to elsewhere in her search.
If you choose to allow her to search, the success of the venture is not assured. We may loose a good deal of Revenue for no return. Then again, if this relic is found, your Estate shall become renown in all the lands of Bretonnia as a place blessed by the Lady!
I leave you to make your decision on such matters, and move on to the matters of state:
The Lord's Tax for this cold Season is 27 Revenue. Should it be paid?
Since the Winter has set in, our construction options are somewhat limited. However, we could still improve the Estate by adding some Upgrades. After all, the Animal Barns have protected the animals from the cold this Season, aiding us keep the level of Food Stocks high.
Should we continue with Double Rations?
Training, as always, is an option as well. However, we have a large enough garrison at this time by my own estimation. However, you are far wiser than I, and your decision is final.
Awaiting your response.
Your loyal scribe,
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 297
Food Stocks: 935
Townsfolk: 194 (has increased by 13 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 40
Workers: 74
Brewery Workers: 80
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 24
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 7
Farmstead Squares: 4
Field Squares: 8
Market Squares: 2
Animal Barns: 4
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 2
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 2
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 79%
King's Favour: 90%
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Lord's Response
Morigan,
The estate has done extremely well last season in completing all that I had asked. Nothing substantial will occur in the Estate this season, let the peasants rest as next season will be busy.
As usual pay the Lord's Taxes and pass on my best wishes to the King.
I am excited that the Damsel has decided to search our Estate for relics. Provide the revenue and Men at Arms that the Damsel has asked for. May the Lady bless her on her search and continue blessing our Estate.
Continue the double rations, according to my calculation we have enough food stocks this season and next including food stocks for sowing of the lands.
That is all for this season, keep warm Morigan.
Lord Guest.
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Spring of Year 9
Dear Sire...
Once more a new year begins in the fair realm of Chateau Guest. I have much to report this Spring, for events of great fortune and great misfortune have befallen your fair realm.
First of all, this fair Spring, I bring you the good news.
The Damsel of the Lady has spent the past months searching through the southern lands of the Estate. With the workforce and resources you so kindly provided, she has succeeded! Within a deep cave, hidden under a mound of soil, the Damsel was led to a pedestal. Upon that pedestal was displayed a brilliant Grail Shield, blessed by the Lady to offer divine protection to its wielder, if he is of noble heart.
News quickly spread throughout the kingdom of this find, milord, for such artefacts are rare indeed. The sight of the relic, which the townspeople rushed to see, has caused a massive surge in Faith. The people are some of the most devout of the Lady's servants milord, that is a created to you.
Word has also spread to the noble King of Bretonnia's ears. He is apparently very pleased indeed with the way in which you conduct yourself as ruler of the Estate. He has said that should you need aid at any time, feel free to ask, for a valiant Knight such as yourself will always be granted help from the Crown.
The Damsel herself has formally thanked you for the resources and men. The people have returned to their usual occupations, but the resources were all spent. She will now take the relic back to the King, for it to be awarded to a Paladin of who has supped from the Grail.
With such good news, one cannot think of an event that would tarnish the joy of this time. Unfortunately, such an event has occurred.
A fast-acting malady has swept the Estate, it is believed the disease originated from a well within The Fells Marketplace. That particular well has been sealed off, and none dare drink from its waters now.
Unfortunately, many did drink of the waters before the contagion was discovered. A full half of your Estate (more than one hundred loyal subjects) fell deadly ill from the Bad Water. Thankfully, by the grace of the Lady and the hardiness of your townspeople (thanks, in no small part, to Double Rations), many made a full recovery.
Sadly, forty-two of the ill did not recover. The disease murdered these hapless men and women as if it was a Daemon, wracking their bodies and taking their lives. A sad day indeed. May their souls rest in peace.
Such a number of loses is a grievous blow to the Estate, but we will go on. The burials will last well into next month, and none shall forget the cursed disease that has been coined "The Taint".
No crime has occurred this Season, thankfully.
Now, with a mixture of great joy at the Damsel's find, and great sorrow at the death of many, I turn to the Matters of State:
The Lord's Tax this turbulent Season is 7 Revenue, so much less because of the lack of Brewery funds (the Breweries were not producing beer during the Winter) and the loss of townspeople.
We must now sow the crops for the coming Harvest. How many of our fields should be sown, and at what quality? Life must go on.
Did you have any plans for construction?
As always, the Tax Rate and Rationing can be changed at any time.
That is all for this Season, milord. May the Spring months be kind to us.
Blessed be the Lady.
Scribe Morigan.
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STATISTICS:
Revenue: 252
Food Stocks: 457
Townsfolk: 167 (has increased by 17 since the start of the Season)
Idle Villagers: 0
Farmers: 40
Workers: 47
Brewery Workers: 80
Men-At-Arms: 32
Land Squares (Total): 24
Free Land Squares: 3 (2 taken up by Breweries, 1 taken up by Grail Chapel)
Shelter Squares (Serf Level): 7
Farmstead Squares: 4
Field Squares: 8
Market Squares: 2
Animal Barns: 4
Grail Chapels: 1
Inns: 2
Trade Guilds: 1
Gambling Dens: 1
Grain Silos: 6
Monuments: 2
Tax Rate: Average Tax (1 Revenue per 4 Townsfolk or Men-At-Arms)
Rationing: Double Rations (2 Food Stocks eaten for each Townsfolk or Man-At-Arms)
Subject's Loyalty: 100%
Faith: 98%
King's Favour: 100%
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