Despite Slyth's best efforts, Aridha fails to thaw to his charm and wit.
They realize they have little to go on. From the stories and chronicles of previous crusades, there will be a sharp rise of religious hysteria, with all its bloody results. One of the problems is that it has been almost a hundred years since the last crusade.
It are indeed the temples of the Emperor that proclaim that a Crusade will be called, usually a few days before the red star can be seen in the skies.
The various noble houses will gather their armies and march forth, a process that will take a few months. However, a good portion of the population, whipped into a screaming frenzy by the clergy, will often form militias and will try to reach the holiest of the holy by themselves, trusting that the Emperor will provide their meals.
The armies of the lords will try to coordinate, much depending on the current alliances and vendettas, and will march together, occasionally warring with another faction if tempers rise.
The city of Ersapil is under control of Lord Engwin of House Tallistar, which owes fealty to House Erendis.
House Tallistar is known for its trading, being one of the few Houses that openly acknowledges trade with the tribals and the lands beyond. The Lord is rumored to be tremendously rich, and a lot of hiring opportunities will arise if he joins the crusade. Other options are feasible as well, as each army encampment is a traveling city by itself. There will be others hiring retainers in smaller groups, for sickness and war will undoubtedly thin down the ranks of able bodied personnel.
Meanwhile, in the Cloister.
The nights vigilance is undisturbed after the strange happenings of the night.
The morning mass at dawn is a funeral service, with the burial of Gabriels acolyte robes and a lock of his hair. Should he fall on the field of battle, so is reasoned, he will at least have had a fitting burial.
After the mass, the Abbot summons Gabriel to his private rooms for his last breakfast in the monistary. The room is stern and sober. A small library fills one wall, and the remainder is taken by weapons and armor.
They realize they have little to go on. From the stories and chronicles of previous crusades, there will be a sharp rise of religious hysteria, with all its bloody results. One of the problems is that it has been almost a hundred years since the last crusade.
It are indeed the temples of the Emperor that proclaim that a Crusade will be called, usually a few days before the red star can be seen in the skies.
The various noble houses will gather their armies and march forth, a process that will take a few months. However, a good portion of the population, whipped into a screaming frenzy by the clergy, will often form militias and will try to reach the holiest of the holy by themselves, trusting that the Emperor will provide their meals.
The armies of the lords will try to coordinate, much depending on the current alliances and vendettas, and will march together, occasionally warring with another faction if tempers rise.
The city of Ersapil is under control of Lord Engwin of House Tallistar, which owes fealty to House Erendis.
House Tallistar is known for its trading, being one of the few Houses that openly acknowledges trade with the tribals and the lands beyond. The Lord is rumored to be tremendously rich, and a lot of hiring opportunities will arise if he joins the crusade. Other options are feasible as well, as each army encampment is a traveling city by itself. There will be others hiring retainers in smaller groups, for sickness and war will undoubtedly thin down the ranks of able bodied personnel.
Meanwhile, in the Cloister.
The nights vigilance is undisturbed after the strange happenings of the night.
The morning mass at dawn is a funeral service, with the burial of Gabriels acolyte robes and a lock of his hair. Should he fall on the field of battle, so is reasoned, he will at least have had a fitting burial.
After the mass, the Abbot summons Gabriel to his private rooms for his last breakfast in the monistary. The room is stern and sober. A small library fills one wall, and the remainder is taken by weapons and armor.
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