Balwin of Le Bourg,
Count of Edessa

The citizens of Edessa welcomed the crusaders as deliverers. Menaced by
the Turks on all sides, they held out as a loose appendage of the Byzantine empire under
their Armenian, but Greek-Orthodox, rulers. Jacobite in religion, they had hoped that the Franks
would be as tolerant of their faith as they were militarily strong. It was not an easy relationship.
With little room or ability for expansion, Edessa remained on the defensive until conquered by
Zengi in 1144. The end would have come sooner but for the ingenuity of its leaders. Baldwin of
Boulogne, the first ruler, left to become King of Jerusalem after Godfrey de Bouillion'd death.
He was replaced by Baldwin of Le Bourg, who was one of the first crusaders to penetrate the
Armenian territories in 1097. A man of ability, he attempted a rapproachment with his Armenian
subjects, and lead numerous successful campaigns against encroaching enemies.

Strategy- The Edessans are in a difficult, but not impossible position. The
Danishmenids and Aleppans look to your territories as natural areas of expansion. If Antioch
(with whom an alliance should be formed immediately) should be drawn into western wars,
Edessa will doubtless face invasion. Concentrating on Aleppo for the purposes of forcing peace
out of them may be best, although it may prove impossible to reduce them to vassaldom
alone. Expansion would be easier to the north, but facing the Danishmenids with a hostile Aleppo
behind you could prove difficult.

Territory at start, Trade Items, and Special Rules
Towns at Start
Edessa (Capitol)
Samosata
Saruj
Birijik
Turbessel
Ain-Tab
Trade Items
Salt: 5/2 - Saruj
Grain: 5/2 -Samosata
 Special Rules
Populace Level=7
Treasury at Start=22 besants
"Ferocity & Reputation":
First turn of siege, mod. roll by +2, unless
enemy ruler present in town
"Appropriations:"
+2 Besants income/turn when at
war with Muslims
Forces at start- (from Force Pool)
Kn (2), Cv (2), Sp (2), Ax (2), Ps (4)
Generals and Advisors [Note- No advisors if Non-player Nation]
Generals at Start
Baldwin of Le Bourg- Ruler;
Initiative: 5, Loyalty: N/A
Jocelin de Courtenay
Initiative: 4, Loyalty: -1
Select (2) other Generals randomly 		Advisors at Start
Select all (4) Advisors randomly
Victory Conditions:
Control a total of 32 Town Tax Value Points in the winter turn of any year