Chronicle of Year 1425 · Scroll 1 — Hundred Years War
France (Harri) Strikes at the Ancestral Seat: Dijon Taken from Burgundy (goldplasma)
The ancient keep at Dijon could not withstand the resolute investment directed by France (Harri). Crucial support was provided by England (Mitch Cackers), whose retainers reinforced the assault. With the outer palisades overthrown, defenders laid down their halberds. The sovereign court of France erupted into celebration, with barons and knights pledging joyful toasts. 'The bells of victory ring sweet, but the blacksmiths must now labor on new ironwork,' laughed a camp armorer.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Royal Harvest: France (Harri) Expands Domain by 2 Holdings
Few predicted the dramatic leap of France (Harri), which added 2 fiefs in a single campaigning season. Captive battle-standards were displayed in the town square to the cheers of thousands. Across the ancestral seat of France, the populace gathered in market squares singing hymns of thanksgiving. 'In war, the princes gamble with kingdoms while the husbandman prayeth only for his harvest,' noted a village priest.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Tithe Rolls Extended: England (Mitch Cackers) Annexes Brittany
Sovereigns in neighboring realms could only watch as England (Mitch Cackers) 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 local cooper remarked that new lords always bring grand proclamations, but their men still drink the same sour small beer.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
The Shield Extends: France (Harri) Absorbs Neutral Cantons
The undisturbed solitude of Cantons is no more, enrolled henceforth into the feudal rent-roll of France (Harri). Neighboring courts exchanged formal laments, but the sword upon the hearth brooks little argument. Bishops in neutral bishoprics crossed themselves in solemn contemplation of God's inscrutable judgment. Village bailiffs report that retreating knights and advancing men-at-arms displayed a remarkably equal appetite for stolen geese.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Stalemate on the Border: Burgundy (goldplasma) and England (Mitch Cackers) Held at Strait of Dover
A bailiff riding in haste from the river crossing testifieth that Burgundy (goldplasma) and England (Mitch Cackers) encountered each other in the defiles of Strait of Dover, where equal momentum resulted in a reciprocal bounce. After hours of archery without advantage, both castellans sounded a prudent retreat. Monks in the cellarer's office noted that the cost of altar wax hath risen faster than any prince's border. 'Parchment is cheap, but the iron that enforceth it costeth dear,' observed a guild merchant.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Warriors Sworn: England (Mitch Cackers) Mustering Fresh Units
Enriched with feudal revenues, England (Mitch Cackers) hath brought 1 new fighting company into active service. This formidable reinforcement sendeth a stern warning to rival courts across the realm. Banners fluttered proudly from the battlements of England as heralds proclaimed the glorious tidings. The tavern-keeper took down one coat of arms and hung another, remarking that nails are cheaper than taking sides.
Oaths of Homage & Chancery Pacts
Brothers in Arms: England (Mitch Cackers) and France (Harri) Act with One Will
Outriders scouting the forested hills affirm that England (Mitch Cackers) and France (Harri) have set a high standard of feudal alliance, carrying out 2 combined maneuvers with unwavering loyalty. Their unified front dominates the regional balance. 'No fortress is so strong that an ass laden with gold cannot enter,' quoted a foreign scholar from the classics. Village maidens observed that a retreating knight rideth every bit as swiftly as an advancing one, and looks far less proud.
The Guild Ledger & Toll Roll
The dominion of Burgundy (goldplasma) waneth upon the frontier, stripped of 1 castle and holding now but 3 castles.
Granaries and cellars fill across the holdings of England (Mitch Cackers), which gaineth 1 province and standeth at 6 strongholds.
Homage and rent wax bright for France (Harri): up by 2 manors to a proud measure of 6 strongholds.
Parchments Found in the Dark
A rogue scribe claimeth to have seen a map in the scriptorium of Burgundy wherein the ancestral lands of France were already quartered in red ink.
It is rumored among castle grooms that Burgundy hath stabled a dozen fine destriers presented by the envoys of England.
The Town Crier's Sundry Roll
Torrents of autumn rain turn the king's highway into a quagmire of mud; ox-carts and supply wains sink to their hubs.
The Town Crier's Sundry Roll
FOUND: One gilded hunting horn with silver inlay near the western woodland. Owner may claim it upon reimbursing the crier's fee.
