The long night of feud has given way to the radiant dawn of victory for Burgundy (DarkRedNekros). The laws of the conqueror now govern the entire continent, replacing the chaos of endless war. 'A bold charge at morning hath given us lordship until winter,' remarked a master of horse. In the bustling towns of Burgundy, roasted oxen and casks of ale were set forth in the market for all comers.
With an overwhelming tally of 9 strongholds under its sway, Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) standeth merely 0 keeps away from the 9 strongholds required for complete hegemony over the known world. Rival courts are paralyzed with apprehension as the hour of ultimate decision draweth near. Tavern-keepers across Burgundy broached their finest mead and refused coin from passing men-at-arms. 'The crown that is won by the lance must now be held by the keep,' observed a venerable abbot.
A magnificent campaigning season hath propelled Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) into renown, expanding its holdings by 3 strongholds across the realm. Marshals report that every objective was attained with exemplary valor. Monks in the monastic scriptoriums of Burgundy dipped their quills in gold ink to record the glorious deed. 'The foe broke like dry reeds before our horsemen,' recounted a knight of Burgundy, wiping his blade.
The undisturbed solitude of Castile is no more, enrolled henceforth into the feudal rent-roll of England (Glesha). Neighboring courts exchanged formal laments, but the sword upon the hearth brooks little argument. Court astrologers in distant realms cast charts of the celestial spheres, seeking portents in the conjunction of Mars. The lineage genealogists labor through the night to discover ancestral claims as intricate as they are thoroughly fabricated.
In a dignified display of feudal authority, England (Glesha) incorporated the open lands of Scotland into its domain. Envoys confirmed that the local lords swore oaths of homage upon the church relics. 'The lines upon our sheepskin charts must be scraped clean yet again,' sighed a court cartographer. Bishops across England celebrated high mass, chanting the Te Deum before crowded naves.
Mule-drivers arriving from the salt-pans swear that the court of Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) hath committed an infamous breach of homage, turning its warriors upon unsuspecting detachments of France (Рулин Крутин) in Dauphine. Churchmen and heralds openly denounce the perfidy across Christendom. 'He who trusteth to the loyalty of neighboring courts leaneth upon a bruised reed,' warned an old diplomat. Weeping and lamentation filled the chapels of France as the magnitude of the disaster became known.
The mutual animosity of Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) and England (Glesha) hath continued for 2 full years of warfare, marked by ceaseless castle sieges and skirmishes. Chroniclers struggle to recall the original dispute that provoked this ruinous clash of lineages. 'A treaty written in water lasteth longer than one sworn on the field of arms,' remarked a cynical chancery clerk. At border river crossings, toll-collectors doubled their guard and inspected every cart with keen eyes.
Royal charters of Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) confirm the acquisition of 3 domains, mounting to 9 domains. Hard seasons beset England (Glesha), whose realm shrinketh by 1 walled town to a tally of 3 towns.
It is rumored among castle grooms that England hath stabled a dozen fine destriers presented by the envoys of France.
Persistent autumn drizzle dampens the spirits of men-at-arms upon the march; dry kindling for fires fetcheth a lordly price.
ILLUMINATED PSALTERS: Written in fine monastic minuscule, with gilded capitals and azure borders. Scriptorium of St. Jude.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy (DarkRedNekros) | 9 | +3 |
| France (Рулин Крутин) | 5 | 0 |
| England (Glesha) | 3 | -1 |