I, the Forgotten One Release Thread (1.2)

[roodcross]

@Sujan_Dhakal

Marrying Lada’s probably the only reason my Marshall would even consider the honoring thing

Mine wants it as one more way to spite Sobik and Mira, same reason for wanting the throne.

[jjc73]

I have no one to romance yet. So, dishonor thing is awesomesauce! Don’t have to worry about things. Might not need to worry even if a Lady is open in B2, as might be frowned upon if honorable again. Thus may stay dishonored. Depends on that worlds aspects. If able and fine, sure, if frowned upon, then nope.

I’m not sure how bacon will run that. Vedran and his lover, hid. But not sure if cause royalty requirements or not. Yes, i chose to make them lovers.

[Harry1987]

Hello this is my leadership Marshal playthrough I’ve been perfecting for awhile now. Spoilers included.

This is going to include an element of roleplay and my own way of managing the army and dealing with the Duke of Reicster, Rade Mozoroff. So, hopefully, it may be of some use for others.

Along the way, I will explain the reasons of my roleplay choices.

If you don’t care about the roleplay, I’ll bold the army management and tactics so it would be easier to find.

Leadership - Archer Heavy

‘The actual Austrian response: blundering, incompetent, but also brave, and doggedly resistant to the extent that nobody expected.’
-Old Britannia in the video ‘Austria against the Revolution’.

Our run isn’t going to be the most optimal, roleplay and gameplay wise.

The marshal in this run will be characterized by light seriousness (takes her duty with great importance but would open up with friends and soldiers), total loyalty to Queen Elya of Stiedry, merciful, noblewoman, and anti-war.

Character details: Medium-length hair (will be cut short in Krorid), light brown, determined hazel eyes, fair skin, scar on neck, and short height.

Wrido

…the crown princess of Kanton. (i love heroines)

…the ability to inspire and lead even the most callous.

..ornate, and in a morbid way, graceful. (Despite her bastardry, she misses her time as a princess. This is reflected in her sword style: beautiful and precise, and suited for tournaments and civil duel rather than war.)

Even you have to admit it’s a bit paranoid.

Scan the people in the immediate area. (As a leader you have a tendency to gauge the emotions of other people around you.)

You feel a pang of jealousy.

“Maria?”

“Your Highness.” No reason to anger her with improper forms of address. (Met Mira)

…gently, “I’m sorry, but King Sobik, your husband, has been assassinated.”

You try to persuade him. “I have an important message for the princess.”

Marriage was made for love, according to the Scripture. Forced love is no love. (While the Marshal in this run won’t be a church-lover, she still doesn’t like arranged marriages.)

You hate what The War took from you. (Your entire childhood and adolescence.)

With some reluctance, you dig around in your bag for a set of finer clothes.

You feel a small pang for a life you were never allowed to live.

You had once put a thought into finding a husband. Your position made it mandatory, after all. The War destroyed any notion of that.

You decide to mingle among the guests, getting a closer look.

But you’re the bigger fool for helping him.

…say casually, leaning on the southwestern slang, “Aye, that it is.”

Why not? “Sounds lovely.” (Met Milon)

With a strange, almost floaty feeling in your chest. (+1 Milon affection, we’re going to do Milon romance)

You let him touch your face.

With an almost half-smile, you respond, “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

You decide to keep it casual but not go overboard. “Hey, Ellie.” (Met Elya, our (future) Queen)

“My apologies, Your Highness,” you say, knowing appeasement is the best policy. (+1 Mira respect)

…you relax. Let them take you. It isn’t worth it.

You say in a low, deliberate voice, “The king has been assassinated.” (we’re doing Total Loyalty)

“I got my message across.” (Met Darin)

You tighten the towel and tell the person to come in.

“Like old times.” You need help. His help. Damn it, anybody’s help. (PTSD is hitting her hard and she wants to be noticed and cared for like before.)

“They deserved to know.” (Met Belos, Vedran, and Sir Obren)

You glance over to Darin. (We don’t have the heart to say aloud his gruesome nickname)

“I don’t like it either,” you admit, “but it’s our best - no, our only bet.”

You feel a strange, almost fluttery sensation that fades quickly. (Met Milon again and met Lada)

He’s … nice. (+1 Milon affection)

You long for such peace.

You’re glad to be far away.

And they were the best men you’ve ever met. (Leaders appreciate the hard work of their men and women)

I need to … talk. I … don’t … oh God …

You embrace the crowds. With so many people, one can be anonymous. One can be normal.

You wish you could feel it all again. Grief. Something to break the numbness.

Once again, you feel a subconscious longing for the life you were never allowed to live.

You nod. “I do, but we should talk first. I want to know (if) you’re okay.”

You say, “Be strong in front of others, and be weak to yourself.” (Essence of command/leadership, appear strong and confident when actually you’re just as scared and confused as everyone else. +1 Elya leadership strength)

You hate him, but you will attend for Elya’s sake. (Our devotion to Elya transcends parental issues)

“No, I should thank you.”

You believe in a higher power. Maybe not the one from the Scriptures, but one nonetheless.

The Redeemer, while not God’s son, might have been given some divine inspiration. (Sorry to say this but this is more personal reason rather than roleplay. I won’t dive much into it.)

You wish you could feel this eternal happiness.

“Yeah?” you whisper back.

How dare he? He’s already ruined your life, now he ruins Vedran’s? (Pretty bad King but his death (and Belos’) will pave the way for Elya’s reign. (Maria Theresa style))

Belos's Sally

“Is Vedran in there?”

“I’m well aware.”

“Enough staring,” you snap, putting your arms to your sides.

Your sketchbook and stick of lead lies under the bed.

Pictures of birds. You have a strong passion for birdwatching. Nobody knows this, and you intend to keep it that way. (You may say that drawing dead soldiers might show care and remembrance of your fallen comrades but as Obren said, no good comes from looking at the dead, and also, we can share this passion to Milon)

“Evenin’,” you reply with a yawn.

You want … to tell him. You want his help. You need his help.

Spending time with Darin sounds like fun. “Aye, gov’nor, it’ll be good to just talk.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Somethin’ to make me forget.”

“Seems like it.”

(We’re going to skip all but one question)

“Whatever Sobik told me to,” you reply with a shake of your head, already regretting blindly following him.

“Well met, indeed. My name’s Maria,” you reply diplomatically. (Met Velinor, favorite character, but the Marshal is going to take some time getting used to his rough nature)

“It was good. Good to get out again,” you say almost wistfully.

But… there’s another reason you came here. You have the gift of the voice. Simply put, you like to sing.

So you embrace what feminity you have left. You’re not a man. You don’t wish to be one. If this is the only place you can act like a woman, so be it.

A soothing low soprano.

…Elya is listening from a distance. (Just like the old days…)

…think, I don’t want to do this alone. Your mind drifts to Darin.

…you say, “I want you to join me.”

“Sorry for leaving you, boy.”

“How’s Artur doin’?” (Met Artur, the Marshal’s horse)

You reply flatly, “To fight.”

…a sarcastic, playful wink.

(freebie achievement: Belos’s Sally)

You charge off to the side, rushing for the encircling archers. (Establish archer dominance and also saves our fellow knights)

You feel a pang of guilt.

You shout to the riders, “Fall back to the walls, boys! We’ve done our part!” (We won’t kill any more than we need to and also this saves our fellow knights)

So you take it off and try to comfort him.

And you scream a silent scream. You want to feel. You want to feel sorrow for the death of your brother. But you can’t.

“Tryin’ to think,” you reply, sighing.

You comment wistfully, “Bloody business, that was.”

You find your eyes unexpectedly drawn to his bare chest. (+1 Milon affection)

You shrug. “He’s a friendly horse. For… most people.”

“Thank you,” you say diplomatically.

“You’ve been cast from succession.”

“It’s not worth it, brother,” you say with a sigh. “Don’t break this family even more.”

“The prince is no longer in the line of succession,” you say, emotionless. (No other way to smooth over this tough news to Vedran)

…worried. You know death is hard to overcome, especially that of a loved one.

You can make up for this. You can use the horrors of your past to strengthen those who need it. (Morale is essential and a leader knows how to raise and sustain it.)

“Are you okay, Ellie?”

You comfort her in return, running your hands across her back, shushing like a parent.

“Men die. Such is the way of the world. Bury the dead, and cherish the living,” you say. (Elya will become a compassionate queen, +1 Elya leadership strength)

“I’m disinherited. Cast out. I can’t rule,” you say.

…a pang of sympathy. You know from experience what she’s been raised for.

“I offer my apologies, for whatever they’re worth,” you reply diplomatically, not wishing to start a fight.

Wrido Wall Defense

The commander turns her head around to speak to the nervous troops. (Achievement: Inspiration, thanks to our leadership)

…what the purpose of it all is. (Why must we fight over such a petty thing?)

“Men of Kanton!”

You let him say his drunken ramblings, showing off your restraint and bravery before the troops. (I prefer respect over feared, the dialogue’s much more jovial, and also because we’re maximizing Vedran respect for hopefully eventual redemption?)

You need to de-escalate the situation. You maintain a calm voice, saying, “Easy, Vedran. You’re drunk. Go back to your room. Sleep it off.” (+2 Vedran respect)

You know they’ll come to respect you, given enough time. (You’ve done this before.)

I… don’t know what I’m doing to myself…

In his presence, you find yourself weirdly self-conscious. Twitchy. Almost instinctively, your voice raises in pitch as you say, “Afternoon.” (+1 Milon affection)

“You wanted to see me?” you ask, your mask slipping for a split second as your eyes widen in disbelief. Nobody besides Darin ever seeks you out. (Bastardry makes a loner of a noble)

“I’m really, really busy,” you say, hoping he’ll take the hint.

…say, calmly but sternly, “Don’t go shootin’ people randomly.”

You chuckle grimly. “I’ve been puttin’ myself in danger for the past few months, old man.”

“They’re just lousy shots,” you deadpan. (Increase that respect)

“And you’ve some nerve, rebel, daring to insult those who outnumber you twelve to one,” you say, tone deceptively calm.

“Darin told me to tell you to go fuck yourself,” you reply, taking his hand. (Met Rade, pass on Darin’s greeting)

“It is.”

You feel physically sick. Just the image of Rade and Elya together makes you want to vomit. (Forced love is no love)

“The answer to a problem, birthed by death, is not to cause more of it.”

“I wipe my hands clean of the blood of those who will die. It is on your hands now.” (pretty cool lines, our marshal is forced to continue the fight)

“This wine tastes like piss.”

“Yes,” you reply without hesitation. (+1 Mira respect, while Sobik did most of the damage, Mira did hurt you alot in her rage)

“I don’t recall you ever drinking,” you say neutrally.

“Quite the unconventional strategy,” you snark. “You gotta teach it to me sometime.” (foreshadowing)

You offer the best smile you can. “Cherish the memories. But keep pushing. Don’t let the loss consume you.” (Elya will be a strong queen, +1 Elya leadership strength)

Winter March

…tried to come off as a down-to-earth, fair person. (Increase respect)

“Darin’s response make the most sense.” (Saves abit of everyone)

You deflect, asking him, “Are you okay, Obren?” (Leaders take care of their fellow men)

You say simply, “Aye. It was.” (No point hiding it. She wants to talk about it anyway soon.)

Because you’re not okay. And you know you’re not. And you… don’t want to weigh them down. You don’t want to be seen as a liability. (Not now however)

It was a book on the warfare of olden times. Inside its pages was an account of strategies you found most intriguing. Specifically, the ancient armies’ focus on regimentation and drill. (+Regimentation, this is going to be our main retinue skill)

You allow yourself to chuckle alongside them. (Met Sokol, Increase respect)

Your lips quirk into a genuine half-smile. “Thanks.”

“If I wouldn’t get arrested,” you deadpan. It’s just some banter. You don’t actually want to kill him.

“If you promise to be less of a dipshit.” (+1 Vedran respect, somehow. Marshal still a little bit annoyed Vedran tried to undermine her at Wrido)

“I loved you, Obren.” (Gay tragedy, also achievement: Broken Hearts)

If only there was any other way.

You honestly don’t care. She’s mostly stayed away from you. You’ve stayed away from her.

…but then you can’t turn away. You narrow your eyes and stare at the nobleman, trying to pin down your feelings.

You decide to say a quip of your own.

You need to relieve the tension. And you have just the joke. (Increase respect and avoided further undermining of your authority)

You’re glad it keeps Elya comfortable, at least.

“Just makin’ sure you’re okay, gov’ness.” You know that you’d best keep this light.

“Elya. Enough,” you say sternly. She can’t keep doing this. (+1 Elya leadership strength, a little bit tough but its the boost Elya needs to become a formidable monarch)

…you call over your shoulder, “I’m sorry, Elya.” (Lighten up your sudden outburst)

War is hell. (Achievement: Harsh Reality)

You get down from Artur and check on the monk.

You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, Farther," you say sympathetically. (Met Father Miljenko, Marshal may not be a church-lover but any man willing to take the extra mile to help the dying is a friend to her.)

No. Nobody’s goin’ anywhere. It’s suicide. Fall back in line. (We’re gonna need to preserve all the levies as best we can)

You sigh. “Well… fuck.”

You reply without hesitation, “Because I love you… as my sister…” You’re confused as to why she’d ask in the first place.

You glance at Elya. She needs to take the lead here. (+1 Elya leadership strength if already at 4 leadership strength, we’ve built up her morale and a little bit of her character so now she has to express it on the field.)

Salutis

The memory of butchered peasants in Alverton haunts your mind. (Marshal still regrets who she couldn’t save)

“Truly a pleasure,” you say flatly. (Keep up appearance for Elya. Met Baron Ciril)

“It is,” you reply, tone polite and even.

You dare not admit it, but being complimented does feel… (slowly filling the gap)

You’ve been woken up by worse. You force your body out of the blissful warmth of the tub.

Before you even realize what you’re doing, you begin to tidy yourself up.

You feel a pang of longing for that old life.

(We’re gonna skip Baron Ciril and Elya’s discussion)

“Aye,” you say, sitting back up straight.

It’s refreshing. Incredibly so.

You stand up. You want to go over to them. Just to investigate, you tell yourself. Of course. Only to investigate. Why else?

“That doesn’t exactly explain your crowd,” you remark.

“Maybe,” you admit. “But I’ve got more to worry about than the whims of the nobility.”

Your heart skips a beat. “O-of course.” (+1 Milon affection)

“G’evenin’ gov’nors.”

“Just Darin. 'ave you seen him? I was told he was in here,” you say.

You chuckle. “You look like a mess, gov’nor.”

“You’re gonna kill a lot more than your soul if you keep drinkin’ that much, gov’nor.”

You sigh and say, “You guys 'ave been through hell, haven’t you?” (Hell is cold.)

You glance up at Darin, face blank.

“Don’t worry, old man, I’m alright,” you lie with a weak smile.

“Once more. Once more we go south, and once more we condemn men to death.”

“Your call.” (+1 Elya leadership strength, Elya’s negotiating skills will be used for the first time. Gives us 9 recruitment points.)

You chuckle. “I certainly hope so, gov’nor. You’re damn young.”

“Fate’s a fickle mistress, gov’nor.”

“Thanks.”

You nod approvingly. It’s best to win the support of the people.

You remain silent.

You chuckle. “I dunno. Cadarn always said that. I just picked up on it.”

“If I want to talk about The War, I’ll talk about it. Don’t try and… goad answers from me.” (There’s a time and place for everything.)

You sigh. “It’s a morbid business, Ellie.” (War is hell.)

8 points on archers. 1 point on levy infantry.

“Yeah. Just… thinking.”

Because you’re a fucked, broken soul with no reason to live and reason to care. And there’s even less of a reason for others to care about you. Even if you want them to.

Atiming skirmish

You say, as gently as possible, “Hang in there. Just a little while longer.”

“I am,” you say flatly.

“Dismount! Form ranks and prepare to receive calvary.” (We will face this with great bravery.)

You shake your head in disappointment. (Marshal won’t condone senseless killing.)

“G’evenin’,” you say.

…your sister. Not your poor excuse for a father, but someone you want to follow.

“We wait until the enemy commits before we attempt any flanking maneuver.”

“Fortify our bank to prevent them from crossing.”

You could place your infantry in the earthworks, hold them for a while, then withdraw into an archer trap.

“Disperse 'em among the infantry evenly.”

“Dismount our riders,and put 'em with the infantry.”

“Aye.” (Disperse them evenly)

“War is human nature. It’s our damn blood. There ain’t any straying away from it. Especially as a monarch.” you reply. (Remind Elya the importance of her role once again.)

“Just 'cause you don’t fight alongside them doesn’t mean you’re abandoning them.”

You nod. “Stay safe, Ellie.” (foreshadowing)

“Need help?”

(Marshal visits everyone in this order)

Vedran (we’re on our way to repent and Vedran was heading back from the confessional)
“Just makin’ sure you’re okay,” you say genuinely. (+1 Vedran respect)
“Stay safe.”

Father Miljenko
(You don’t know any other way to repent for your sins, might as well try it, Achievement: Cleanse the soul)

Milon
“O-oh,” you say, caught off-guard. Your heart skips a beat in your chest. (+1 Milon affection)
“That I have.”
“I ain’t a typical soldier. I don’t… enjoy it.”
A sudden burst of emotion flashes through you. “Milon… please stay safe, okay? I don’t want you to die.”
“Too many have died. I don’t want you to die, too.”

Lada
“Aye,” you say understandingly.
“As long as it works on my men, I don’t care.” (Whatever it takes (Whiskey Four reference) to get men home)
“You do the best you can,” you say. “It ain’t your fault.”

Sir Obren
You frown. “Sorry, gov’nor.”
You nod. “Anyone who says otherwise is a liar or a fool.”
You nod. “Aye, I’ll repay this debt.”

Velinor
“In a way.”
“Somethin’ wrong?”
“No. No. It’s my fault,” you say, sheathing your blade. “You didn’t know.”
“My condolences, for whatever they’re worth.”
“Suit yerself, gov’nor,” you reply evenly.

You shake it. (Met Dismas)

You shrug. “I don’t think you should be stealing from churches.”

You shrug. “It was nothing major. No need for legends.”

“Good to see you, gov’ness,” you say evenly.

“Just an inspection.”

You will not let Dismas die. He’s wounded, and you don’t know to what extent. (I know leadership has a use in this scene, but it doesn’t fit the character: the soldier infront of her just got shot and is bleeding hard, she has to save him.)

You keep hold of the shield. Without it, you might get killed. (We miss out on A Real War achievement here, but you can get it if you give Lada the shield)

You say grimly, “He doesn’t look good, doctor.”

“He’s gonna live, then?”

“No. We should signal for truce and haul our wounded back. I ain’t gonna risk our archers.” (No need to injure more men)

“Shite,” you mutter and ride your horse closer. “Get her on. I need to get 'er out of here.”

“Need somethin’?”

“Ah, fuck it.” You sigh and stand up. “Let’s see what our boys are doing, shall we?” (Christmas truce, I say)

You reply, “Relax. We’re not here to fight.”

You wonder why you even need to fight at all.

Curious, you silently follow behind the man.

“It ain’t good to drink on duty, soldier.”

You could… check the troops first.

You shrug. “I’ll go check on him.” (Met Vjeran)

“You tried your best.”

…intimate

Battle of the Atiming River

“Quick,” you say

You ride out to join your men in order to inspire them.

(Achievement: The Warrior Queen, +1 Elya leadership strength, at this point we have reached the maximized strength which is 7.)

You offer a nod of thanks and rush past Darin.

“Can we call our infantry back? Keep 'em from pursuing?”

(Achievement: Total Victory)

“Happy birthday,” you say flatly.

You feel disgusted with yourself. You deserve no cheers for what you have done. For what you made these men do.

You echo her statement. “What carnage.” (+1 Mira respect)

You nod. “Thanks.” Maybe it’s a start.

“Milon… I…”

“I’m here, ain’t I?”

“Love you too, Ellie.”

Vedran's betrayal

“Vedran… put the knife down.”

“Leave Darin out of this.”

You throw your blade down. “Just let Darin go.” (+1 Vedran respect)

…you say, “Water.”

“Use your damn brain, Vedran! Do you honestly believe Rade’s just gonna let you have the throne once this is over?”

“Your tent?”

You chuckle. “Aye… I guess you could say that.”

“You gotta be really fuckin’ desperate, gov’nor.”

“Redeemer… you just fuckin’ killed him.”

Let Velinor finish him off.

You rub your aching head. “Probably not. But I ain’t leavin’ em behind.”

“You look like shite, gov’nor.”

“We ain’t sacrificin’ people, Velinor!”

“Come on!” you cry defiantly, pushing as hard as you can.

You nod. “Let’s move.”

You try to brush the comment off with a chuckle.

You turn to him and say, “Damn fine work, soldier.” (Met Gideon)

“How bad is it, Doctor?” you ask.

“Is Mira - I mean Mom - okay?”

You mutter under your breath, “God… why can’t it be me?”

“Get it done fast, please.”

…you sigh. “I’ll do my best.”

You sigh. Well, that’s just great.

Holy shit… I really need help, don’t I?

March to Krorid

…ask genuinely, “Fuck… you okay, Darin?”

You grip his wrist and pull him in for… some kind of hug.

“Got nothin’ to change into. Prince took it while betraying us.”

“Gov’nor, I insist.”

“Is she okay?”

You chuckle awkwardly. “That’s one helluva question, gov’ness.”

“War is hell, Elya. Ain’t any other way to put it.”

“They haven’t existed for a thousand years, gov’nor. If they even existed at all.”

“I ain’t a Kroridian,” you say with a shrug.

…replying, “It’s been… a march.”

You glance away in embarassment.

I’d pick the longer one. (We have no light calvary, so we’re gonna go the long way round)

You look out into the clouds. “Feels like it was yesterday.”

“Elya ain’t a stranger.”

You sigh. “Goddamn it.”

“I could ask the same of you, gov’nor!” (Met Count Jasenko)

“We are also in the midst of our own succession crisis. And we need reinforcements,” you say, hoping the implication is clear.

“Are you available for hire?” (Met Marzio del Drago)

You say flatly, “I certainly don’t enjoy it.”

“One war at a time, gov’noss.”

“Purchase what we can. It’s not worth pissing off the populace - our own damn people.”

“A bridge to hell.”

You’ll trim it down. But not as short as it was during The War. Never again. (Mia Wallace bobcut time)

“Rara aesy,” you reply. We’re friendly. You slip into the Kroridian tongue for the first time in years.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Hang in there,” you say sympathetically.

Krorid

It warms your heart to see your men again.

And immensely uncomfortable. I don’t deserve this. I don’t want this.

“Too much of a stir,” you say with a shudder. (Met Lord Moren, +1 Moren respect)

“I would have liked to see my old comrade one last time,” you say evenly.

“Don’t patronize me.” (+1 Moren respect)

Still, you hesitate.

“I’d appreciate that.”

“Hey, Ellie.”

“Good to hear she’s getting better,” you say genuinely.

You sigh. “Clever bastard. He let Sobik die so that his successor could be in his debt. It’s a better bet than supporting Rade, who might’ve just stabbed him in the back.”

“I’ll take the brigandine.”

“I’ll take the battleaxe.”

You reply, “For the record, I never asked for any of it.”

“I’ve seen stranger.”

In regimenting their command structure even further. (Regimentation II)

“You alright?”

You nod. “I appreciate all of the help, gov’nor.”

3 professionals (High Veteran Presence) and 1 ranger.

6.660 soldiers in total, 1600 levy infantry, 460 heavy calvaryman, 1000 levy archers, 600 rangers, 3000 (retinue) soldiers.

“Poison?”

“The idea isn’t exactly… unappealing.” (Possible that Marshal can be Lord of Krorid??)

You chuckle. “I owe you, boys. You’re the ones fightin’ for me.”

You shrug. “Nor am I.”

“What’s goin’ on up there?”

You say, “We need to save as many townspeople as we can.”

You shrug. “I’ll feel even better with some more sleep.”

Chasing the dragon

You reply flatly, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Sounds wonderful,” you say genuinely.

“A strange place, ain’t it?” you say genuinely.

You giggle. “Did you really seek out this spot in advance.”

…someone. Anyone. Someone to help the pain go away.

“Please… just… hold me.”

“I’ll repay you.” You look up at him. “How much did it cost?”

“Maybe he’ll defect back to us,” you say. “I’d rather not kill my own brother.”

You say grimly, “The two of you are still barely more than kids.”

“They’ll be ready.”

“For Kanton! For Krorid!”

You bark to your men, “Steady! Steady! We hold this position at all costs.”

“Are you all right?” (Met crazy ranger)

“He’s going to be sorely disappointed, then,” you reply grimly.

(Short height)
You duck the blow and quickly counter-attack.
You step back and strike for the skull with your battleaxe.
You discard your battleaxe and draw your dagger.

(Achievement: Undefeated)

“Glad to see you two still kickin’.”

(Achievement: Untouchable)

You say solemnly, “Too much death.”

“Good to see you’re not dead.”

We shadow him and wait…

You ask neutrally, “Somethin’ wrong, Darin?”

“Darin.. I just feel so utterly alone. I can’t feel anyone, anything.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That’s all I can give you. I’m… I’m sorry.”

You sigh. “Okay.”

The Battle

You sigh. “Let’s get it done.”

(Those cannons are gonna rip us to shreds for abit so we need a strong formation.)
You’ve spread your retinue among the infantry evenly, improving cohesion.

And so you placed them with your archers in back. Such an inclusion could help compensate for an army lacking in missile units. (We’re gonna make full use of our ranged units)

“Brace the infantry. Order the bowmen and rangers to shoot. Let them ride through a hail of arrows and bolts; I have confidence in our ranged units.”

(Achievement: Avenge Belos’s Sally)

“Keep up the pressure. We’re softenin’ them up pretty well.” You trust your own calvary are large enough in number to deal with their rebel counterparts when the time comes.

“Signal our archers to drive them off.” It’s damn risky, but you have faith in your ranged units.

You order your archers to shift their aim to a more distant target - Rade and his archers.

Send in the right group of cavalry to flank the enemy line and strike them from the side.

Refocus your archers onto the enemy riders across from your right flank.

You feel intense guilt. You should be fighting with them.

You’ll lead your reserve cavalry, still in position on the left, forward against the enemy.

(Achievement: The Marshal’s Sally)

(Achievement: Victory)

You don’t have it in you to give the order. (No need for more violence. You have beaten Rade. That’s enough of a message for every noble in all Kanton.)

Back Home

Poor boy. You pet his flank. He doesn’t deserve this. (We lose Artur)

“You don’t need to start the census yet,” you say, pointing to the documents on his desk.

“It’s probably best not to follow in your mother’s footsteps.”

Even if you are to die one day, you will have this moment with him. (cool line)

You look at him with panic in your eyes, knowing he was so close to death.

You giggle. “It’s only been a day.”

“I kinda like the way they look…” you admit.

You part your lips in an unspoken invitation.

You want him, too.

We now have roughly 4k+ men, Rade lost 8k out of 12k men

You hope that you can convince him to see reason.

You nod. “Fair.”

“I bring orders from the queen. Let us pass!”

You order, “Watch our horses. We’ll be back for them soon.”

“We’re just here for the prince. Nobody should oppose us, but stay on guard,” you say.

…a sense of melancholy. Wrido has never looked this terrible in your lifetime.

“Here I am, brother!”

You laugh. “Not content with just betraying us, ay?”

You say, “Then surrender. You can still fix this.”

You say gently, “Remove your weapon. Nobody else needs to get hurt.”

(Achievement: Mercy for traitors, mercymaxxing)

“Locked away.”

“Is this a social call?”

“The lords hold their land because the crown lets them,” you say. “They have obligations to fight for the crown in return.”

“Because she’s your queen,” you say flatly. (Met corrupt Bishop)

You glare at him. “Shame on you.”

You say softly, “You and I are cut out of the same cloth. I lost my horse, and you lost your rider.” (maybe in the sequel, we’ll lose both)

You glance down in guilt. “Artur didn’t make it.”

“Tomos,” Velinor says, “I’d say it fits 'im.” (Honor our old friend, Lord Tomos of Krorid.)

A genuine smile spreads over your face. “Have a good time.” (Marshal has appreciated Velinor’s loyalty)

“Mira,” you reply flatly.

You groan. “Fine. I don’t care. Go.” (+1 Mira respect, maximized Mira respect)

You nod. “Aye. But give him time with his wife. He’s earned it.”

“I’m just glad we made it back safe.”

You shake your head. “Don’t.”

“Frankly, I just don’t care enough.” (It happened. You may be given a paper saying it did not, but the fingers are still gone. It happened.)

“War’s not a game of pride, Father.”

“Damn shame people as corrupt as he is are serving as God’s spokesmen.”

You flush and glance down uncertainly. “Sorry… it’s just that I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

You smile in return. “All’s well that ends well, and all that.”

You flush. “I… don’t know what you mean.”

You ask uncertainly, “Milon, are you asking me… on a date?”

You grip his hind tighter. “No. Keep holding me.”

You turn to Milon. “If you’re here… then I don’t care about how the garden looks.”

“I draw them sometimes,” you admit without thinking.

You smile sadly, “It consumes all, doesn’t it?” (Back into the meatgrinder.)

You shake your head. “I just figured I’d keep you updated on current events.”

You smirk. “Chin up. This is a whole lot better than being dead.”

“I’m not letting you out of this cell just because of that,” you say dryly. (+1 Vedran respect, maximized)

Coronation

These soldiers are veterans from the jungle, fiercely loyal to you - and therefore to Elya, as well.

You’ll wear a dress. Not for them. But because you want to.

You’ve longed to wear a fine dress like this one for months now.

You shrug. “Don’t mention it.”

He’d better not try anything stupid, you think.

(Achievement: Total Loyalty)

The Marshal swallows hard. “Kiss me,” she gasps, her voice barely above a whisper.

[Bryce_Kaldwin]

I want to warn you that the Church can excommunicate you and your sister and then free your vassals of their oaths of fealty to you.

[SilverChross]

I love how you can just threaten to murder the bishop and he will do everything you say

[roodcross]

“Actually, not fighting against Elya and the Marshal is mortal sin now”

[Bryce_Kaldwin]

Shows how weak the Papacy became after the Western Schism.

[roodcross]

It’s really wild seeing how much power Innocent III had over secular rulers.

“Actually King John of England, your land is under the Interdict until you swear fealty to me as my vassal”

“No English barons, King John is actually my vassal and I’m going to say Magna Carta is null and void and following is now a sin”

[fsix]

I mean, not really wild when you consider having the military equivalent of Mersdon at your beck and call.

“How would you enjoy getting pariah-of-nationed, secular ruler.”

[Harry1987]

mira respect in this run isnt maximized, i forgot you can make Mira comfort Elya for +1 more (but that tanks your leadership strength)

[jjc73]

Im definitely not interested in more runs to try that until Book 2. Not interested in reading through creepy Duke again. I ignore him otherwise and skip interacting with him.

[Ultra_In_Something]

I know we sort of talked about this but I’d like to bring up that the death of Vedran’s mother (if you convince her to do so) will almost definitely get you this route if Vedran’s alive.

[Sujan_Dhakal]

very interesting edge case, that one. Elya has to be dead for that, and the marshal has to verbally demolish her. He’d have to know about that incident, though, it is, after all, a suicide, and unless you were there, knowing exactly how culpable the Marshall is in the build up is basically impossible to tell

[Ultra_In_Something]

Yeah but my point is that Vedran would be really sad (and likely angry) over the death of his mother (and possibly his sister) and I think Vedran would blame the death of his mother on the marshall and maybe his sister too.

After all, perhaps it is in this very specific case that he’ll try to knock down the marshall for plans that we currently don’t know of.

[Ultra_In_Something]

Even if he thought that the marshall had little involvement with her suicide, Vedran would have nothing to lose by killing/knocking down the marshall so it wouldn’t matter.

[SchLoZo]

How it feels knowing that Rade wants to marry Elya and not me

IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME

[SchLoZo]

Hippity hoppity your throne is now my property

[jjc73]

Oh right, thought you of today.

The whole Father passing off a Bastard as an heir thing failure stuff.

Maybe if your a son expected to be King. All that hate can be a thing.

As a daughter, throne technically was never mine anyway. Elya will be Queen but once married, throne will be to her husband.

[Grimoire03]

Well, we don’t know exactly how common the practice of jure uxoris is in that world, so perhaps a FMarshall could have ruled the kingdom with sufficient influence (if Sobik has no male heirs, of course). In Elya’s case, I think she, and especially the Marshall, have enough power to prevent the kingdom from being taken over by a nobleman or a foreigner. But it all depends on how decisive her future victory against Rade will be. It also depends on who Elya ends up marrying and under what conditions, as it is not the same to marry an influential local noble with ambitions as it is to marry one who prefers not to get involved. Although, in an ideal world, Elya could marry whomever she wanted.
I just think there are enough grounds to justify Elya being able to rule without having to fall under jure uxoris. The same goes for FMarshall if she decides to usurp the throne, but I think that will be the least of her problems on that path

[Kid_Fury]

Can I just ask when will the author start with book 2 (this story is sooo damn good and immersive)