Book I - Chapter 2 - Anno 767
The Franks, Lombards and others settled into the city of Rome, and the residents returned to their homes. The saracen army, though far reduced in number, regrouped and camped on the far side of the Tiber River. Prince Charlemagne and Duke Thierry, along with many other nobles, occupied the palaces in Rome and worked to reestablish the city. The false pope Constantin was captured during the battle and awaited his fate in the dungeon, while the College of Cardinals convened and within a day elected the new Pope Stephen III.
Gundric and Thibault found a large monastery inside the city of Rome, secluded by its high walls from the rest of the city. The quiet provided by this seclusion, broken only at regular intervals for prayer bells, allowed them each to rest while the monks applied the healing arts.
The second day, while Thibault remained in the monastery, Gundric went to the tailors. The fabrics were so exotic, including cotton from Egypt and silk from the orient. The peasant workers were so happy to be back in their homes, and knew that they could profit from the occupying army, that they worked long into the night to have the garment ready by the next morning.
Meanwhile, Gontran took in the sights of the city. The ancient temples with their Latin inscriptions made no more sense to him than Frankish writing, but he was told they were of ancient design. The sheer size of the city was astounding - walking block after block through the winding streets seemingly without end. There were the Vatican and its palaces, the numerous churches and monasteries, as well as secular buildings of government officials, theaters, and taverns. What caught Gontran by surprise was the great water-works, huge aqueducts which fed fountains on every corner, and huge bath complexes. Never had Gontran seen so much water controlled and put to use.
As he went about the city, Gontran found several markets. He debated what to spend money on, but found that the exotic spices were to his liking - it was something that he could sample himself to test the quality, and would be useful either as a gift or to sell at a profit in the north, where such things were unheard of. He used some of his spoils from the battle to buy a large sack of spices.
Both Gundric and Thibault lose £1, but each heal 3 points.
Thibault spends a further £1 and heals 4 more points.
Gundric then spends £1 for clothing (Rich quality)
Gontran gains +100 Glory for seeing the sites.
Gontran spends £1 on a bag of exotic spices.
Make sure you update your character sheets!
The appointed day and time had come for the whole group of squires to be knighted. The ceremony began with a mass celebrated by the new Pope Stephen III at the Vatican, though the pope retired after and was not seen again. The squires, now together with their mates Ogier, Roland and others, went through a ritual bath and cleaning. Many of the squires moved gingerly during this time, favoring their still-fresh injuries from the battle. The arms and armor of all the squires were to be placed on the altar, but because there were so many being knighted, the equipment was stacked according to each man in small piles which filled the dais. Then, according to tradition, the knights were to remain in the chapel all night without eating, drinking, speaking or sleeping. This was meant to focus them in prayer, and to strengthen their devotion. However, for some of the more wounded squires, quiet and sleep was their natural state, and they had to force themselves awake by standing and walking. By the end of the night it was a near constant stream of squires walking circles around the chapel to stay awake until daybreak.
When the Sun's light pierced the stained glass windows of the chapel, the doors were opened. The Frankish nobility, including Prince Charlemagne, entered and took their seats. The squires took their equipment from the alter and dressed themselves as warriors devoted to God. One by one the squires were called up to to front, where they were knighted by Prince Charlemagne, using his own sword Joyeuse. Gundric, Gontran and Thibault were rather early in the procession, as the position of honor was reserved for more illustrious figures of Ogier (wearing Sir Allory's arms), Roland and Oliver. All the new knights are applauded and cheered by the crowd.
Prince Charlemagne then announces, "By the grace of God, and if you agree to it, I would like to choose twelve worthy men to lead my palace guards in battle to confront the pagans with courage.” The crowd cheered again. "I will name as paladins first my kinsman Roland, then Oliver, thirdly Turpin. Let also be Ogier the Dane, Guy of Burgundy, Odo of Lengres, Berenger the Gascon, Warin of Vergy, Samson of Brittany, Anseïs the Proud, Ivory the Foundling, and Yvo the Black. I place them at the head of my army to fight the pagans, in memory of the order God gave his twelve apostles to spread His word all around the world; and likewise shall each one of you bring aid and strength when danger is highest, as if you were all blood-brothers.”
Though it is still morning, the celebration begins in earnest. Prince Charlemagne and his newly appointed Paladins retreat to the palace to continue the military, civic, and religious preparations. The newest knights of Bastogne, along with Duke Thierry and their brotherhood, all retired to a tavern. Though customarily a gift is given to a new knight by the lord who knighted him, no one was offended that it was Duke Thierry instead of the prince that gave out gifts. To Sir Gundric he gave a blessed spear to pierce the bodies of pagans. To Sir Gontran he gave a golden ring. To Sir Thibault, he gave a fine charger.
Sir Gundric gains +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne and +200 Glory for being knighted in such rich clothing.
Sir Gontran gets +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne
Sir Thibault gets +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne
Sir Gundric gets a spear which gives +1 to spear skill vs pagans.
Then, Sir Gontran gets a golden ring worth £2
Sir Thibault gets a charger.
Two more days passed, in the same way of rebuilding and reestablishing the city, before Prince Carloman arrived with reinforcements. Prince Charlemagne teased his brother for the late arrival. Though Carloman himself took this with a laugh, his man Count Gerard of Vienne took offense and immediately declared that he would march against the remaining pagans. At this, Roland and several other paladins, now dressed in their scarlet and gold, jumped up and volunteered to continue the fight against the pagans.
The newly knighted PCs are not strictly obligated to continue the fight, and may be excused due to their previous injuries anyway. Now you may choose from the previous list of options (staying in Rome), or go on and fight with the paladins.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:35, Wed 05 Dec 2018.