Introducing the Bosonids
Last time we talked a bit
about the macro political situation around us, including a look at
the kingdoms and the religions in the area. Having concluded that
things are currently quite stable in our region we ended things by
admitting that we are too small for other things to affect us right
now. For completeness sake I would like to add that the Norse menace
probably won't be an issue for us because of the considerable
distance between Scandinavia and the Mediterranean and that the rest
of Italy shields us from any other pagan raiders coming in from the
steppes to the east.
Enough about the grand
politics for now though; This time we'll be looking at first
introducing the good count Boson and his family and in the next post take a look
at the micro political situation. Unfortunately this means that we
won't get to see any actual game play just yet, but knowing what's
going on from the beginning will surely make things more fun once we
get going, so stick around!
Family first
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| François Engelert |
The name Boson has been thrown around a lot in the build up for this game so it's about time
we were made acquainted with the main man himself. As is shown in his
portrait, the man bears an uncanny likeness with one of the two
gentlemen mentioned earlier who have been awarded the Nobel price. To
start with, the luxurious beard is, although quite a bit longer, very
similar to that of Englert. The two gentlemen also share the same
piercing gaze (although Boson has green eyes) and striking nose.
Finally I feel like they share some features in the cheekbone
department, however, Boson has been more lucky when it comes to keeping
his hair. Clearly this indicates that the head of the Bosonid
family shares features with the Nobel Laureate such as being
scholarly, hard working and having a grasp for numbers.
 |
| Count Boson |
Well, what do you know: It's spot on. As can be seen on the right the good count fulfils all our expectations
being both diligent, patient and zealous. The Just-trait is entirely his own. When it comes to stats the strong fortes
of our bearded one is acumen and diplomacy. He's not quite modern-day Nobel prize
material, but for the Middle Ages he's a pretty sharp character with no glaring
weaknesses. Our head of the family is currently unmarried, this is
not because he's an eternal bachelor but rather because he's a
widower, his lovely but unknown wife having died many years earlier.
Their marriage yielded only one child, a daughter named Richildis.
She was married off to the count of Luxembourg, matrilinearly of
course, so that the line could continue. However, disaster struck and
the poor girl died at the age of 32, but not before producing five
kids, of which 17 year old Boson Bosonid stands in line to become
head of the family. Sadly her husband did not in fact leave his lands
to her since their inheritance laws were strictly agnatic at the
time.
 |
| Boson the Younger |
The young man Boson
Bosonid takes after his grandfather to a great extent, being both
diligent, patient and zealous. However, rather than being just our
heir carries deceit in his heart. Boson the Younger is a man of
considerable diplomatic skill but has not neglected the other areas
important to a nobleman, as you can see on the left.
However, when it comes to learning or friend is sadly ignorant.
Hopefully he will be a worthy heir who will carry on the fine
traditions of the Bosonid etc. etc. His siblings, though all very
fine I'm sure, we will introduce as and when they become of interest;
Right now it is time to introduce the members of the counts council.
The Council
The five man strong
council is, as usual, a mixed lot. The skills of Bosons' two grown
grandsons have recommended them both to seats on the council as
Chancellor and Spymaster respectively. While the others are hardly
remarkable for their skill they are all fiercely loyal and will serve
their lord wholeheartedly. This may be important in the future if and when the count becomes a duke and needs faithful vassals to entrust with ruling his lands. At this early part of the game they will surely be put to work improving the living standards of the realm by encouraging invention while the Spymaster is tasked with studying foreign technology, perhaps in the great empire of Byzantium. It will be a priority to improve the council throughout the game since they all add their skill to the State Attributes which affects many aspects such as technology acquisition speed, plot power and various events.
Next time
That's all for this now, but join us next time when we'll introduce the king of Italy and our neighbours as well as start plotting how to propel the Bosonids into the history books. See you then!
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