The stubbornly defended redoubt of England (Azimut Azimutovic) in Normandy was carried by storm by France (Kowalski). The beaten garrison abandoned its wagons to escape the press. 'Our bowstrings were dry and our hearts were steadfast,' boasted an archer captain of France. In the bustling towns of France, roasted oxen and casks of ale were set forth in the market for all comers.
Sovereigns in neighboring realms could only watch as France (Kowalski) peacefully occupied Brittany, strengthening its defensive perimeter along the marches. The expedition was executed with flawless order. Emissaries from neighboring principalities watched the frontier closely, taking measure of the shifting balance. The court jester observed that kingdoms are traded for glory, but a hot bowl of pottage still fetcheth the greater gratitude.
The long seclusion of Cantons dissolved as columns of men-at-arms under Burgundy (MonsterSerg) established camp outside the market square. Royal bailiffs were already counting the grain wains before dusk. Moneylenders in the great trading cities quietly tightened their terms and demanded gold in hand. 'A masterstroke of arms hath redrawn the feudal map of the realm,' declared a veteran castellan.
A sharp collision of arms occurred upon the marches when hosts of Burgundy (MonsterSerg) and England (Azimut Azimutovic) converged upon Strait of Dover at the same hour, producing a mutual bounce. Neither force could gain purchase upon the disputed ground, and both columns fell back to their own frontiers. Bishops in neutral bishoprics crossed themselves in solemn contemplation of God's inscrutable judgment. 'A treaty written in water lasteth longer than one sworn on the field of arms,' remarked a cynical chancery clerk.
Columns belonging to Burgundy (MonsterSerg) and France (Kowalski) crashed together in the mountain pass of Dijon, bouncing apart with equal violence. The contested ground remains as empty of garrisons as it was at dawn. At border river crossings, toll-collectors doubled their guard and inspected every cart with keen eyes. The toll-collector noted that whichever lord held the bridge, the tax on pack-horses curiously never went down.
Enriched with feudal revenues, Burgundy (MonsterSerg) hath brought 1 new fighting company into active service. This formidable reinforcement sendeth a stern warning to rival courts across the realm. Troubadours in the court of Burgundy composed fresh chansons in praise of the victorious knights. Monks in the cellarer's office noted that the cost of altar wax hath risen faster than any prince's border.
A solemn compact uniteth Burgundy (MonsterSerg) and England (Azimut Azimutovic), whose allied hosts recorded 1 act of mutual assistance during the year's campaigning. Joint war-councils have assembled in pavilion tents to chart future marches. In the port towns, mariners and ship-captains exchanged cautious gossip over watered cider. Court poets are already discovering that the conqueror's grandfather was, by astonishing fortune, a paragon of chivalry.
The feudal ledger of Burgundy (MonsterSerg) swells with newly pledged homages, advancing by 1 castle to stand at 5 castles. France (Kowalski) flourishes across the realm, widening its sway by 1 stronghold to command 5 strongholds in all.
Merchants at the frontier fair note that moneylenders tied to England are extending substantial credit to barons loyal to Burgundy. It is whispered at the sheep-fair that England hath offered to mortgage a rich coastal manor to France to settle private dice debts.
Dense marsh fog riseth over the fens in 1425, confounding outriders and muffling the chapel bells.
GRAND TOURNAMENT: By proclamation of the High Constable, jousts and melees to be held at Pentecost. Knights of noble blood are bid to display their shields.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| France (Kowalski) | 5 | +1 |
| Burgundy (MonsterSerg) | 5 | +1 |
| England (Azimut Azimutovic) | 5 | 0 |