Crusader1307

Goodman sat as requested. A Servant placed a metal dining plate in front of him. The boiled fowl (of some kind), steamed it's aroma up towards his nose. It smelled good (as did the potatoes). Goodman thought that he had not really eaten much of late. He began to eat. After several minutes in silence, Goodman broached the subject to The Commander. "Sire, You made mention of your preparing troops for the return of a "Duke". Who is this Duke? Where is he now?" Goodman looked every bit as curious as he could muster - still paying attention to every nuiance of The Commander's face. Goodman had a theory........a theory that depended on this Commander's ability to tell "the truth".

If what I am able to understand, (don't worry about the English), can't you just re-write the game file name? Or is it more complicated than that? Perhaps when Eagle Prince see's these Posts he can better assist you - hang in there.

Hi Lord Stronghold! From What I've been able to discern from your question, maybe some of the files Eagle Prince and I found on Stronghold Russian Story may help you (or not). Check them out under the Forum here under Stronghold Crusader. We researched them back in January.

"I wish to speak to The Commander", Goodman said in a low direct tone. He watched as the Guard turned and disappeared into the field tent. Goodman pondered a hunch. Perhaps "The Bandit King" and The Commander were one in the same. Goodman stood at the tent somewhat prepared this time. He wore the breastplate issued to him by The Commanders Quartermaster. The sword (given to him) was worn as a Back Sword, strapped and easy to get to. His beloved Novice Templar Sword, at his side. His dagger was concealed within the armor. He knew he would have to broach the subject of "loyalty" carefully to The Commander.

"Probably not wise", Goodman replied. " The confusing factor is that we just don't know who is an enemy or friend, at this point". Goodman looked towards The Commander's tent. "I think it is time for a "softer talk" with The Commander. Bear an eye, Lads. I don't feel like drinking moat water again!" Goodman walks casually towards the field tent.

"They are as slow as mules", Goodman quipped. "How The Duke was overthrown is a mystery to me. I really must find a way to pick The Commanders brain. If they are still loyal, then we must whip these soldiers into some shape and prepare are plans". Goodman paused a moment. "What do you ?think of the soldiers loyalty?"

Sorry for the late response Matthew, Good article! Found out some interesting facts.

"To the left flank.....LEFT!" Goodman yelled at the top of his lungs as the haphazard and motley Company of soldiers stumbled through a drill. He thought of the many "happy" Desert Lions that this Company would make in Syria. "If Saladin saw you he would laugh so hard, his beard would split!". This curse to his men made him think that Saladin did indeed already have a split beard! Still, this troop of men caused him to wonder. Just how did they take The Duke's Estates? No matter. Goodman glanced over at Sir Lloyd having a similar issue trying to "teach" The Bow. Quite a big step from their meeting in the woods. Goodman began to study the fortifications. Noting the placement of Guards and weapons types. Mentally he made a map. Still he thought, there was relative "ease" in securing their roles within The Commanders ranks. That disturbed him. Still it was good to have his blade from The Order back. It's worn grip and perfect balance gave him some comfort. Goodman sighed. "Halt......HALT! It means to simply STOP!" After a moment, Goodman said in a calmer voice, "Dismissed, go to the Tavern or elsewhere for pleasure. We will start again on the 'morrow". Goodman's eyes focused on a small Postern (a "hidden" Castle entranceway in the wall). "That's interesting", he thought to himself. Due to it's placement, it was shielded from view between the two defensive tower Guard Posts. "VERY interesting indeed!"

Hi, Narrikis! Hope to see you in this Adventure! It is starting to get very interesting.

"Well, Gentlemen as you can see..." Goodman motions to his uniform. "Tides have changed a bit." He proceeded in telling the group of the past 2 hours "games". "And further, we are all now highly trained Mercenaries who will help train The Commander's forces. Our Merchant guise is no longer needed. But the real news is that The Commander said he was building a force for The Duke!" The group went silent. "Mind you all, I do not trust this. This could all be an elaborate ruse. Be mindful of telling our real intentions to anyone." Goodman went further. "I am to be given a Company of soldiers to train. So we will. I will need to get some time alone with this Commander and further my curiosity as to his past and future. I will also need information about this Bandit Lord who took The Duke's Castle". Goodman went further. "I will arrange for the Quartermaster to bring you all suitable "clothing" and food for us. In the meantime look and take note of everything. We will all arrange a meeting later." Goodman walked to the door. He rounded his fist and beat against it. "Guard, open the door."

(OoC)? BAZINGA! Brick to the head........Sherlock Holmes would be proud, M'Lord. "Only to be be reunited with my friends and tell them their turn of fortune, Commander". With that, Goodman allowed the sword to fall forward - causing the group to jump a bit. Goodman thought to himself, "Be cautious". The words he told The Commander were still ringing in his head....."Men are born with truth, they choose to speak it or not".

"To be a Commander is to take risks and follow truth, as I have said. Had I willed it Commander, I could have killed you all - even at the risk of my own life. A good Muslim is prepared for death." This deception made Goodman ill. However, he was "reliving" a very similar episode he and other members of his Order experienced on more than one occasion. It was clear this Commander had seen no service in The Holy Wars - else he would know this trick. "I spared your life as you will spare mine, for a cost. Mine is continued life for me and my friends. Yours is my experience in combat and how to employ it. I am sure your Lord would greatly appreciate you bringing him such a skilled group of warriors. I imagine he would favor you even more - Commander."

Goodman saw the bait nibbled at. "Truth is truth Commander. Each man has it from birth. He chooses to speak it or not. I have spoken to you fairly, out of fear at first - then out of survival." Goodman carefully and slowly turned the blade clockwise so it made a scratching sound. "Your men are ill trained and scatter as so much wild birds at the slightest creak in the woods. As I have said, I and my friends can offer resources for better weapons and perhaps better training. I served under Saladin The Great and Magnificent, under who The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) - had entrusted many mighty armies to defeat such as you, no offense. Surely this castle could be taken easily if these men of yours scatter at the first "noise from the forest". Look how easily I defeated one man - and chained at that!" Goodman chuckled. (OoC) I'm swimming fast here, folks! Be kind...........

Life is risk. Goodman knew this. Chances are even more so. Smiling, Goodman said to The Commander - "Tell only one of your men to remain. He can stand on that side of the wall with you. I will stay here." Goodman thrusts the sword downward (point first) into the stoney floor. A loud clank erupted as a spark flicked off the improperly cared for blade. This was also a symbol of surrender and acknowledgement that perhaps The Commander would know. Still Goodman played on The Commanders fear. "Do not worry Commander, I've spilt my fill today......."

Goodman continues to stare at The Commander. "Come, Commander...as you said, I have but one life. Shall you and I "dine in Paradise" tonight?" Goodman waited. Still, if he were to die, it would an honorable one.

(OoC) I seriously need a rest after that (Ha).

Goodman was "tunneled visioned" on The Commander. He was aware that he could possible kill two, but not all. "I detest your offer of water, Commander. I have drank far better in the jails of Syria. And I will not hang as a dog on your Gallows, either. Tell your men to stand down. Remove these irons and we will talk. I have no wish to kill anyone else, but my life and those of my friends are to be spared. Your "guard" was weak and not doing his duty. As I said, I and my friends can be of service to you and your Lord.. I have no idea as to who it was responsible for killing your men. If I and my friends were your so called "Assassins", why would be be so stupid as to allow you to capture us so easily?" Goodman hoped this little performance would show The Commander he was dealing with true battle tested Mercenaries (a rare commodity, even if not true). If Goodman could win this man over (in part), he and his group would be able to move freely through The Dukes Estates and develop a way to reclaim it. Assuming his friends were still alive.......

Goodman saw his moment. Hunched over the foul smelling bucket, he quickly picked it up and threw it at the somewhat disinterested Guard, while rolling to his right. This move caused the Guard to bowl over - his hands trying to catch his fall. Goodman grabbed the unsecured sword from his belt. Initiating a "Low Guard"" stance, Goodman thrusted the blade forward into the belly of the Guard (who fell over without so much as a whisper). Goodman rose slowly and spoke to The Commander. "This blade has not killed as many Arabs as mine has -? by the grace of God. It can easily kill you.....now My Lord, shall we "talk"?

Goodman spit out the foul fluid, splashing it against the foot of the Guard (who found no pleasure in the act).....Goodman smiled. "Afendi, I am but a deserter from The Arab Armies. The Merchant men found me and put me to work. They mean you no harm, as do I." Goodman noted the Guards rather sloppy way his sword hung from his belt.....with the right amount of speed, Goodman thought, he could knock him over and take it (and possibly the Commander) - if this last effort of deception did not work.

(OoC)? Thanks, Chris (Ha)....... Goodman sputters and spits out the foul smelling water. In his mind, although a "Soldier of God", he takes pleasure in the thought of splitting his Commander in two....someday. "Please Afendi......Please.... I only speak the truth, we can be of great assistance to you in some form." The thought of the foul water entering his lungs was horrid. Again and again The Commander's guard dowsed his head into the pot of filth.

(OoC) Seriously, check it out sometime. VERY long at 2.5 Hours, but our "story" is very close. English Lieutenant Lawrence has infiltrated the Turkish Army Headquarters and is pretending to be a Blue-eyed Moorish slave. They don't believe him and proceed to torture him (quite brutally in fact). Just curious.......Ball is in your court, Sire.

(OoC)? Did you just rent or watch "Lawrence of Arabia"? This is getting very familiar to me..........Afendi. "I only speak the truth, My Lord." Goodman spoke calmly. "I have no reason to lie. What would it benefit me, to willingly deceive you and risk obvious death. I am sure we can come to an agreement which will be mutually beneficial to us both." Goodman noted the Commander had other ideas, he was now speaking solely to The Commander's greed at this point. He also was picking around for intelligence. Either way, Goodman was sure his answer was "forthcoming".

Goodman thought fast. Taking a ""page" from the Muslim practice of "deception being permitted to deceive ones enemy", he spoke..."Afendi Commander, I am late of Saladin's Army which was fighting in the deserts of Syria. The blade I took from a Templar Crusader I killed in honorable combat - as is our custom. I grew tired of war and was released with my Company. I come from a Merchant Family and went out to make my trade. My friends I met along my journey. The blood is from several rabbits which ended up in out stomachs last night. Our only goal is to pay homage to The Lord of this Estate and to perhaps establish trade. I have many friends in the Land of My Fathers, who could provide fine Wootz and Damascas Steel to your warriors." Goodman thought that this "pretense" was better than most. " I have much training in the art of The Sword and have great skill, as do my friends in military matters, all of which are at your disposal, Afendi Commander". Goodman waited........and prayed silently!

For lack of better sense, Goodman spoke. "I can speak for our group". Pausing briefly he continued. "We are but Merchants sir. He heard from passing travelers of this place and we simply wished to pay homage to The Lord of this Castle." Goodman new that the Guard Commander would be strict. Only perhaps he would see that they were not hired Mercenaries or similar threat. "My young friend spoke true. With no privy bucket, well........you see, don't you Sir?" Goodman hoped the Commander would not see through the ruse.

"And just how did your beak become broken?" Goodman makes a pun of the man. "Indeed it appears that you are popping up around us quite often".