Rufus tells Helius to hand over Le Mans or face a crusade right here, sparking immediate conflict.
In 1098, Duke Robert leases Normandy to his brother King Rufus to fund his crusade, triggering a fire sale of noble properties across Europe. Rufus exploits this chaos to consolidate power, bribe the church, and launch failed campaigns in Wales, while his brother Henry quietly rises as a formidable ally.
