The ascendancy of France (VoLend) has reached an alarming climax, having brought 6 castles into allegiance, with only 3 castles left to conquer of the 9 castles total. Foreign kings meet in hushed panic to stave off the inevitable. 'God defendeth the rightful cause, as our lances have proven,' asserted a herald of France. Children ran through the streets of France scattering rose-petals before the returning outriders.
An aggressive military doctrine hath yielded rich rewards for France (VoLend), which augmented its domain by 2 strongholds in a single year. Chroniclers attribute the success to daring chivalry and plentiful supply. Letters delivered under ribbon and green wax announce that new castellans are being dispatched to garrison the keeps. It is whispered among the commons that while lords dispute great titles, the only sure profit fell to the armorers and grave-diggers.
A resolute defense by Burgundy (Space Monk) in Dijon has frustrated the ambitious plans of France (VoLend), whose supported assault broke against stubborn resistance. The field before the gatehouse remains littered with broken mantlets and shields. Consternation gripped the great hall of France, where lords grasped their swords in bitter apprehension. 'The bells of victory ring sweet, but the blacksmiths must now labor on new ironwork,' laughed a camp armorer.
Despite gathering formidable support for the enterprise, Burgundy (Space Monk) failed to dislodge the defenders of England (Juxtapositions) from Calais. The garrison held its ground through a day of bitter melee, maintaining sovereign control over the fortress. 'Such deeds of chivalry will be chanted at tournaments for forty years,' vowed a traveling troubadour. Troubadours in the court of England composed fresh chansons in praise of the victorious knights.
In a dignified display of feudal authority, France (VoLend) incorporated the open lands of Cantons into its domain. Envoys confirmed that the local lords swore oaths of homage upon the church relics. 'When great lords fall out, it is the hedge and the cottage that burn,' murmured an aged woodsman. The chancery of France hastened to dispatch couriers bearing gilded parchment rolls of triumph.
In a bloodless display of feudal authority, the vanguard of France (VoLend) entered Castile and unfurled its banners from the town gate. Neutrality, once cherished by local merchants, bowed swiftly before the presence of disciplined men-at-arms. 'Let the scribes make room in the chronicle; France hath won a great name,' declared a visiting scholar. Castellans peering from frontier watchtowers swear that storehouses are already being stocked.
Homage and rent wax bright for France (VoLend): up by 2 manors to a proud measure of 6 strongholds.
Tidings spread that England hath pledged relic-crosses to uphold the maritime claims of Burgundy in return for river toll concessions. It is rumored among castle grooms that Burgundy hath stabled a dozen fine destriers presented by the envoys of France.
Thick mist shrouds the estuaries; watchmen upon the harbor towers blow mournful horns into the gray damp.
FOR SALE: Sound timber wain with iron-shod wheels, fit for carrying grain or siege baggage. Inquire of Giles the wheelwright.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| France (VoLend) | 6 | +2 |
| England (Juxtapositions) | 5 | 0 |
| Burgundy (Space Monk) | 4 | 0 |