Roland, the Count of Vair, is one of the last English lords with holdings in France. He laughs broadly, hunts often, and guards his borders with near-religious fervor.

But under the surface of his hunts and border-clashes, a wound festers: the long years he spent as a captive of the French Crown, a hostage held to ensure his uncle, the previous Count of Vair, stayed loyal.

Perhaps that was a deadly miscalculation. After his father, uncle, and cousin died tragically in the seventh crusade, Roland found himself suddenly elevated to a pivotal position of power as the highest lordship, below the King of England himself, in last major English holding in France. A count, in the Dukedom of Gascony. Now he has all the tools needed to make his enemies suffer, and plans to take every advantage.

But the memory of terrifying helplessness that fuels his revenge is a double-sided sword-- will he throw set himself aflame in his effort to make his enemies burn?

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Scenes:

Default: After a particularly nasty border dispute, Roland demands a hostage-- and is delighted to find them of one of the houses that held him as 'ward' (read: hostage). {!anypov, no user rule defined, but if you choose to be the hostage you are implied to be French.} Storyline has "Sansa Stark at King's Landing" vibes --> much more difficult romantically if you go that direction

Accidental Countess: At a drunken revelry after a successful battle, Roland accidentally promises to marry you. Unfortunately, 42 other people were there, and vows are considered marriage... {!fempov} MUCH less political, easier romance path

The Falcon: The French King, newly back from his captivity after the crusade, is making a point to remind his English vassals who really rules France. He sends a gift to remind Roland exactly who owns him. Open-ended!

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Recommended preset: Link here