Crusader1307

Eating their "humble fare", Goodman ponders Sir Nigel's question. "We shall still have to be careful. We need to gauge the Peasant reaction to their new Overlords". Further, see how the Bandits react to us. Remembering how they were "watched" as they pasted the Castle walls. "The Duke knows his Castle's weakness, we do not. Still, " he ponders more.... "Every nut can be cracked with the right amount of force. Eat and drink my friends, we shall need our strength."

We REALLY NEED these in California! This is one "Cool" idea! Although a prototype, I can see these things working out great. Good one, Matthew! :)

(OoC) Yes. You have been left behind, awaiting our "flaming arrow" signal to attack. However, you could always arrange "meetings" via spies and messengers. I realize this this quickly becoming "Where Eagles Dare".....but I'm working without a net here! :D Maybe in a suitable disguise, you could met us anywhere ala "The List of Adrian Messenger". What do you think?

"Food and Drink are first I think." Brother Goodman said, still pondering the accent of the Innkeeper. Goodman also notice the man who "corrected" the man. He watched him closely. "I think we may have an ally. Let us see. If not our plan will be three fold." Quieting down, as The Innkeeper bring their meal - Goodman prepares for prayer.

That was interesting! I had no idea. The "joke" would be we in The US are "slow"".......... :lol: :lol: :lol: Thanks for the article, Matthew! ;)

I STILL own a c**p load of VHS! Never got around to converting some of them (which I really to need to convert). VHS will come back, pretty much the way phonographs are (which they said never would....just wait). AND there is still one or two stores in my part of the US which STILL rent VHS (if you can believe it!). As for internet speeds.....they are still mostly c**p! Especially in California -where every type of device is "streaming". :') :')

No hurry, Matthew. Good stuff takes time. We'll wait! :/

Interesting article. I was more impressed with the fact that "Batteries WERE included"! (Does anybody still remember batteries?) :lol: :lol:

Brother Goodman stared at The Innkeeper. "Ye Gods!" he said to himself. "I have heard uneducated Berbers speak better English". Raising his eyes (more out of astonishment than anything else, he says "We are honorable and trustworthy Merchants. We sell no "magics", only good wares at fair prices." Pausing, Brother Goodman continues, "Perhaps it was that Shanty being bellowed so loudly, but we need Mead and some good bread." Brother Goodman's finger inched the silver piece on the table closer to the edge - and the Innkeeper.

(OoC) THAT was a HARD read Charles :lol: :lol: :lol: Being an "American", I'd swear 'e is frm Alablarmy! REALLY wild Guess......Liverpool, Cockney....Eliza Dolittle?

Sorry, force of habit! :D You can come over to my Thread anytime for a Siege! :lol: :lol:

Great article, Matthew...and just to show you I pay attention, (if you don't already know), the longest burning lightbulb (at 114 years!) is located at The Livermore Fire Department (in Livermore, California). It was installed in 1901. It has only been turned off a few times since. It is speculated that it's survival is geared to the fact that most wear and tear on the filaments is born through the constant turning off and on of a bulb. When it cools and is reheated again - tiny filaments (and tears in such), will eventually cause the bulb to burn out. An amazing light indeed! :)

"Heavy is The Head That Wears The Crown!" :lol: :lol: :lol: I wish to personally thank his Lord Chris (and everyone else who had a hand in my "enthronement" :lol: :lol: ). I am very honored and will try to uphold our Site's standards. I wish to also thank the whole Community for their kind readership, as I "muddle" through trying to bring quality reading material for your enjoyment. Gramercy All! :)

VERY Good saying, Lord Paul! :lol: :lol:

Goodman stares at the Innkeeper. "Squalid little man", he thinks to himself. "Still, he appears no threat to us". Noticing Sir Lloyd's gaze - Goodman speaks low and steady (so as not to betray any hint of accent). "Mead all around, Fellow....and a loaf of bread. Mind you, CLEAN tankards and NO mold on our fare". Goodman takes out one of the few Silver pieces he has left and places it on the table. The Innkeeper looks long at the Silver piece (no doubt not having seen one in some time). Goodman senses the "next question" and fires an explanation readily. "We are Merchants, late of the Middle East and thereabouts. We seek rest after our long journey and perhaps.......some information?"

(OoC) Well, it's worth a shot (or two). Worst case scenario, we end up like General Custer at The Little Big Horn! :D The Group of intrepid warriors (looking all the part as scraggly Merchant men on a long and hard journey), open the rude wooden door. Entering, they take in the scene. Smoke hovers in the air thick as what smelled like pork sausages could be detected. The smell of tobacco smoke is just as thick. A few haggard looking men sit at one of the several small wooden tables, strewn around the modest (but sparse Inn). The "Merchants" amble over to a table and sit. A few of the local men stare (not uncommon) at the "strangers". "I've been in worse", said Brother Goodman as he adjusts his robes. "Perhaps a little bread and drinks, my friends".......

Brother Goodman looks around. On their approach, many of the Villagers stared at them (partly out of curiosity, partly concern). No one approached them. That was fine...for now. "Let us enter this place as travelers and seek refreshments".

EXCELLENT idea Matthew! Hope this thread brings in many interesting facts (I know I will read it). :)

(OoC) Just some thoughts, my fellow warriors......Without altering Charles of Tours storyline, I have some suggestions (always open for debate). 1. The "Pros" of a Peasant Army is numbers. We can only assume that "they" are not happy with The Bandit Lord having usurped The Duke. 2. We can train them in very basic tactics (ala Special Forces). They only need their Scythes and Pitchforks (maybe a Quarterstaff or two), anyway. 3. The Peasants (their faces at least), are known to The Bandits. Some of them may even be "slaving" for them. 4. Our disguises would not cause too much disturbance at an Inn or even Marketplace (even for a couple of weeks in Story Time). 5. We can still attempt out initial plan. The fallback is our Peasant Army (broken down into a 4 to 5 way command), for assault if need be. 6. REMEMBER....we have no idea of the Bandit strength - suffice to say it must have been larger enough to overtake The Duke. 7. As much as we are "bad Mammer Jammers", there is still only 4 or 5 of us (just saying...) What say you all?............ :D

"Good then,.....lets us get our background the same. First, I feel that we should be "Far Eastern" merchants. Selling good and trinkets and whatnot. We have a suitable amount of Ale to aid in our deception. That will be our bride for entrance into Our Lord's castle. Upon securing a meeting with the Bandit "King", we will earn his trust. " Goodman pauses....."The rest of our plan depends on what we find at The local Inn." Goodman notes the position of the Moon. "If we are all agreed and ready, let us away and begin and head there."

Pondering The Duke's question Brother Goodman remarks, "It depends on the "truth" of our disguises and the Bandits thurst for Ale, My Lord". Goodman elaborated. "Hopefully, our ruse of free Ale as a way to gain entry may help us. I must get a feel of your Subjects. No doubt they are not pleased with their new Masters. At best, if the "Ale Ruse" fails, perhaps enough of them will serve us still - a Peasant Army is better than no army, My Liege."

(OoC) Stupid question, is the conversation directed to me (Brother Goodman) or The Duke?

Excellent job with the attachment restructuring, M'Lord!

(OoC) ?? ???????? ??? ????? ??????? ("My Greek is Terrible" translated for those of you) so Brother Goodman will mutter through (his Latin is much better- Bene!) Glad your character is back! :)

"So long as he keeps his wits about him..." Brother Goodman interrupts "He will survive. King Richard is a good and valiant commander, as well I know. His band of men are noble and brotherly and will fight to the death to defend one another...so much as cowardice or betrayal does not rear it's head." Goodman motions to the scar on his face. "Again, I should know a thing of betrayal......." Goodman adjusts his robes and ties them off with a bit of rope. Looking every part of a "Bedouin", he chuckles to himself - "I never thought I would have to do this again!"