The Black Thane's armor is sundered by the flagpole you watched impale him on the ramparts of Zlatan castle, and he is wholly missing a rib, but he seems fine (at least structurally). Still, his posture sags, and his voice is weaker in your mind. You feel his waning power in your heart of hearts, and it saddens you.

>The Black Thane is Injured, and his chance of success in all actions is lowered.

"Our endeavor to stop Zlatan's hex from being set loose upon fair Tautila was a success, my liege. Our escorts and smugglers were, unfortunately, a part of the price we paid."

>The Black Thane may instruct you in the art of the sword.
>The Black Thane cannot be Jailed.
>The Black Thane can only lose Injuries with the aid of the Necromancer.

"My lord, I thank you again for your vigilance in battle," The Captain says, thanking you yet again. "Had you not been beside me during the skirmish, I ... I don't know."

>The Captain has become more loyal.

He gathers his composure before continuing. "As for our situation, circumstances have fallen in our favor. The arms we bought served us well in battle. We have given only few men in the meeting of swords, and we are bolstered to our initial numbers by the Gailavira. In addition, the troops from their land and the other Dukes secure our borders still out of good will."

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has two units of standing troops.
>Tautila has two units of elite troops.
>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

"As for the diplomatic end," the Dictator begins, "things are equally as favorable. Our evidence has been spread across the kingdom, and aside from the expected abstains from the duchies most removed from ours -- to be expected, and a course of action I would advise you to take if strangers warred as well -- the rest of the kingdom shows no opposition if we were to invade Zlatan for rightful recompense.

>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.
>Zlatan wants your land.

"Financially, Gailavira has withdrawn their financial offer. I would not take this as a slight, however. It is to be expected they would prepare their own troops, as it is know they are our allies."

>Gailavira is allied with you.

"As for Hildefons, I would not depend on them too much. They look favorably on us because of our time of plenty for the peopl, but ... who knows."

>Hildefons is friendly.

"Financially, we were unaffected -- so far -- by the battle upon our borders."

>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)

The Necromancer nods as you look to him. "The Steward and I did as you said, and ensured the people would not falter at the first glimpse of chaos from the Zlatan. There has been no uprising of any kind, and the people trust you."

>Tautila generated no Unrest from war.

"And, ah ..." He glances to the Steward, and you spy a dull flare in the energies of life that surround him. "No, ah, that's all, my lord."

>The Necromancer is smitten with the Steward.
>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of life.
>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of death.

You look to the Oracle, but as she had said in the last season, she is gone to another court out of worry over the preservation of her impartiality. "She has gone to Vesna, again," the Dictator mentions. "No threat, my lord."

>The Oracle is unavailable.

"Dear, where do I start," the Steward says, sighing. "The truth is, my lord, I have nothing to report. Your plan worked exceedingly; neither the Barons nor the peasantry fear for their lives,"

>Tautila generated no Unrest from war.

"... and the land is still bustling with trade and travel as opposed to the desolate expanse it was before your rule. Frankly, I ... I am speechless as you how I would dare improve it. Certainly, each one area could be improved, but no one issue over the others draws my attentions."

"See for yourself," she says, as she opens the charts for you.

>Tautila is extremely fertile.
>Tautila is well-fed, and has two seasons of reserves.
>Tautila has two units of standing lawmen.
>Tautila is often patrolled.
>Tautila is a small hub of travel.
>Tautila is a small hub of trade.

As you peruse, she thinks you do not notice a wink to the Necromancer, which causes the usually scowling young man to flinch.

>The Steward is smitten with the Necromancer.

Tied into a knot next to the weather talisman around the Wizard's neck is a braid of hair, hair as golden as the sun. You prefer not to imagine the events preceding its retreival from the Duchess of Zlatan. "Well, I'm back, aren't I?"

>The Wizard's chance of Boredom or Insanity is lowered for this season.
>There are roughly eleven magical users in the kingdom of equivalent power to your Wizard.

The members of your inner court look to you for leadership.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (At the court of Vesna.)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

>>14465233
I think we should get the necromancer healing the Black Thane. With the damage we've done to our neighbour, it might be a decent idea to try to get some kind of peace with them since the oracle said a long war would not be favourable and taking land in our current state would take awhile I imagine.

>>14465274
Actually, do we have any idea on how large their armies are? If they still outnumber us, than it's not likely we're going to get peace, even with the injury their queen got.

>>14465274
>You decide the Necromancer will focus on healing the Black Thane.

The Necromancer glances over to the skeletal warrior standing at your left. "Hrm. This will not be a simple task. Constructs of your guardian's nature are designed more for their obstinacy than for a predilection toward a fast recovery."

He puzzles over the blood-stained tome under his arm, idly flipping through several pages. The writing seems to undulate and resist your attempts to read it. Magical warding, perhaps. "Still, I will do as you say, my lord," the sullen youth adds with a sense of finality.

The Black Thane and the Necromancer leave the throne room for the latter's laboratory, though the former seems as reluctant to do so as it always does.

>The Black Thane is unavailable.
>The Necromancer is unavailable.

>>14465382
The Captain looks up, snapping out of a brief daze. He closes a day journal. A moment perusal reveals it to be a list of names. It seems he is greatly anticipating the birth of his child.

>The Captain's child will be born at the beginning of winter.

"Oh, ah, yes, my lord. The troops of the enemy. As our intrepid fellows were working to maximize their stealth, they were unable to survey the interior of Zlatan as they traveled. All we know is what enemies are at the border as told by our allies. Though we felled many in the last season, it seems they have recovered the number of their sentries, at least to some extent."

>Zlatan has three known units of standing troops.
>Zlatan has one known unit of elite troops.

>>14465455
Hmmm. Wonder where other people are.

4 units guarding their border and we in theory have 6 defending ours. Perhaps we should take the captain with us and push into their borders with some sorcery support from our wizard. Best chance to do it since he's less likely to go insane.

I hope someone else comments on this since I don't want to be the only one deciding things.

>>14465503
Oh right. We have money. Perhaps see if we can hire some mercenaries to assist?

Steward can work on increasing the trade network in our lands I suppose with money assistance while the dictator can work on getting us some spies using money or see if he can bribe any mercs working for Zlatan to work for us or leave their current employer.

I don't know. Someone else suggest better ideas.

>>14465503
[ You and me both, but /tg/'s fast tonight and it's been nearly a week since the last thread. Then again, I wasn't exactly expecting the friggin' avalanche that had me missing five posts an update like last time. ]

"It is important to note, my lord," adds the Dictator, "that Gailavira and Hildefons have only committed their troops in a purely defensive measure, and will not aid us on a push into Zlatan. Rightful though we may be, there are only so many lives they are willing to lay down."

Questions from prior thread:
- Size of Zlatan army that ran out from us from the battle
- Our true total of army (start with 4 standing, 2 elite, lose 2 standing, get 1 standing, save 1 standing = ???)


Suggestions:
- Train Captain in swordsmanship
- Captain to recruit troops (or Lawmen, depending on the tally of our current army and Zlatan's); Funding
- Getting an apprentice for Wizard for upkeep, and perhaps a permanent courtesan or two assigned to the Wizard; Wizard to do these on his own
- Thane to train a standing troop to be elite (and merciless)
- Necro to repair Thane
- Steward to boost market infrastructure or organization; Fund it
- Dictator to send demands to Zlatan, or to get trade relations with Hildefons and Gailavira; Fund it

- NAMES! I get a bit flustered when writing our Wizard, and then Zlatan Wizard...

We still have three large purchases to make right?

1. Siege Weaponry - both the purchase and development of them. They don't seem to be in use and hiring some smiths and engineers to get going on that would give us an edge in further conflicts

2. Wizards! - If there is Wizard tower within our lands then we could start buddying up to them. If not let's build one and attract some with a combination of bribes, better living conditions, bribes, a place at our court, and bribes. Make sure to tell the court Wizard that he gets to be Archmage of the tower (or whatever), build him the fanciest room right at the top to keep him happy.

3. How are our roads and infrastructure doing? Anybody in need of aqueducts or the like?

>>14465561
Your court steps closer to address the bountiful list of ideas you remunerated upon.

>Zlatan army size.
The Captain clears his throat. "They were less than our number, lord, deficient by a single unit in both qualities of troops, but they have dedicated much to mobility and were able to not only meet that discrepancy, but double it. In further detail ..."

>The initial Zlatan army had four units of standing troops.
>The initial Zlatan army had one unit of standing troops.

>The attacking Zlatan army had six units of standing troops.
>The attacking Zlatan army had two units of elite troops.

>We slew two units of standing troops.

>The retreating Zlatan army had four units of standing troops.
>The retreating Zlatan army had two units of elite troops.

>Zlatan's border now has three known units of standing troops.
>Zlatan's border now has one known unit of elite troops.

I don't think we need to push the war right now. We are well fed and well equipped. So let's start improving things. Can we start an academy of sciences or something?

We have the advantage, let's Tech up.

>>14465561
Was me.

Also, Dictator could also be sent to Zlatan to demand reparations:
- For sending in a unit of mercenary bandits
- For their espionage action
- For their Wizard's sorcerous attempt on Tautila's duchy
- For provocation attempt (untrained troop's sortie into our border)
- For the loss/injuries of our two standing troops when Zlatan invades our border

That tallies into the worth of 6 major purchases, OR 4 major purchases and one of the Duchess' child inducted into our court as an ambassador of goodwill (read: hostage).

Remind the Dictator he might still get jailed for this, but also tell him that such an action would send Hildefons and Gailavira into becoming full allies of invading Zlatan.

. . . At least I think so. Opinions?

We need a count of exactly how many units we were attacked with, and how many units the enemy retreated with.

Thane: Train one of the units of lawmen?
Captain: Recruit more units to replenish our ranks
Dictator: Negotiate more trade contracts with our friendly neighbors? Try to raise a unit of spies from scratch? Negotiate for peace with Zlatan?
Necro: Heal Thane
Steward: Repair/restore textile industry, increase production of trade goods
Wizard: Best use him while he's happy. Scrying mirror? Something boring?

>>14465641
Wizard - Build me a goddamn battle chariot

>>14465592
>>14465561
>Apprentice for Wizard
>Currying favor with the Wizard's tower

The Wizard scowls, crossing his arms as a chill settles over the room for a few moments. The corner of his mustache twitches. "Milord, if you have no respect for my talents, I will gladly relieve you of their burden. There are barely enough men alive with my power to fill a wagon, and if you'd rather take up with those most aptly describe as my -rivals- in the search for scholarly omnipotence, then seek -them out."

Static leaps along the metal trimmings of your throne, the iron of the chandeliers. "And if you'd feel more secure with a bastion of mewling sycophants and bumbling apprentices who can barely muster the force of will to manifest enough of the Grand Forces to boil water, let alone cast the stars from the sky and blacken a man's flesh with a wave, then you are clearly overindulged with the availability of my talents."

"Swaddle me in whores and praise all you like, but I did not come from the tower to your court to sell you a franchise, I came to be your Wizard."

>You may hire magical assistance from the towers.
>This action may lower the Wizard's loyalty.
>This action may cause Insanity.

>You may have the Wizard focus on tutelage.
>This action may lower the Wizard's loyalty.
>This action may cause Insanity.

>>14465621
Uh? Clarify that?
Initial Zlatan border army: 4S 1E
Attacking Zlatan army: 6S 2E
Killed Zlatan army: 2S
Fleeing Zlatan army: 4S 2E
Current KNOWN Zlatan border army: 3S 1E

Are these what you meant?
How about our army's tally?

Also, in the prior thread, we had a discussion among us players that Zlatan might still be able to induct mercenary units when pressed. That had to be taken into account, even if we decide not to invade back, since Zlatan might decide to bring those mercs into our borders along with their own troops in a big push later on.

>Tautila has two units of standing troops.
>Tautila has two units of elite troops.
My impression was that we had 4/2, then lost 2 standing troops in the war, but healed one. Why are we not now at 3/2?

I think we need to aggressively pursue the war here. The Oracle told us that a lengthy war will go against us- so we should attempt to smash Zlatan as rapidly as possible, calling upon our allies for support, dedicating our wizard to blast enemy troops or slow down their troop movements with the weather, having our Steward dedicate her efforts to raising patriotism and thereby encouraging people to enlist, all that good stuff.

>>14465685
Bloody jealous Wizard.

Fine, no assistant and no wizard tower. I would think a guy like that would like to lord his mastery over some toadies but I guess not.

Well then he better get his ass started on building us some golems. Big ones made out of Stone, or maybe Steel. Yeah that would be cool.

Wizard! Construct for me a Robocop!

>>14465685
Oh, honestly! We wouldn't order the finest armorer in our kingdom to spend all his time making nails; we have common blacksmiths if not their apprentices for that. Our best armorer should spend his time forging works of art worthy of his talents. Likewise, there are a myriad of tasks which we might wish a wizard to undertake which would, frankly, be a total squandering of your considerable abilities. Why complain about the opportunity to foist off the boring jobs on someone else so that you can undertake more interesting and vital endeavors?

>>14465732
Like the Weather! Yes that was a boring job now wasn't it. Just think, you won't have to do that ever again once some two bit conjurer is around to do it for you. And then you can get back to the fun things like Scrying on the island of scantily clad nymphs and building doomsday devices!

>>14465685
Apologize to the Wizard, not for the suggestions, for making him think that we severely underestimates his capabilities. But the search for apprentices are not to aid US, but to free the Wizard of time spent doing menial tasks, such as keeping upkeep or controlling weather for crops, giving him more time to do greater works, that would lend might to fair but ailing Tautila.

(Unless we are mistaken in what you meant by upkeep for the magic items... Did you mean Wizard has to spend a season not doing anything but cooped with a magic item, or do you mean spending a major purchase to pay for the upkeep?)

>>14465561
>>14465639
>>14465641
>>You send the Dictator on a diplomatic mission to Zlatan.

The Dictator nods solemnly. "You are right in seeking a reprisal from Zlatan. It will be quite a tentative meeting, but there is little possibility they would be foolish enough to inflict any harm upon me. Such blatant disregard may provoke the wrath of the King himself." Calling for his horse and guard, the Dictator departs.

>The Dictator is unavailable.

>>14465690
[ Yes, that is what I meant, and what I said. Note both of the last two say 'known' already. ]

>>14465694
>>14465561
[ Also, I stand corrected. When doing the tallies I neglected to count the gifted troops from Gailavira as well as the recovered troops. Our current tally is; ]
>Tautila has four units of standing troops.
>Tautila has two units of elite troops.

Get the black thane to train some soldiers, we want to have as many elite troops as we can. A core elite force should be better than a lot of standard troops. Spend one purchase upgrading our equipment. Halberds and plate armour, anyone?

We need to hire more troops. Not too many, but just enough that we're positively stronger then those bastards who attacked us.

Oops, missed that the black thane was healing. Still, try and train our troops to be all elite. We shouldn't let any future battles be as close cut as the last.

Also, thanks for this quest Mors. It's playing out like a faster-paced, less crunch Lord's Quest. It's been consistenly better so far, but I suppose we're only 4 threads in.

>>14465765
>>14465744
>>14465732
>You flatter the Wizard.

There is a long pause. "As the utmost representative of great Tautila's standard in the venue of thaumaturgy, as well as its most revered practitioner, I ... I may ... I might see the logic to that," the Wizard says, stroking his beard.

"But!" the Wizard exclaims with a thrust of a sleeve, "I will not have layabouts or simple fools with more legerdemain than legend tarnishing your land's name. If there will be another magician here, I will require the ability to choose from my fellows with total discretion, as well as the funding to test their suitability!"

>Your flattery is successful.
>The Wizard may spend the season selecting an apprentice.
>This will require a major purchase.

>>14465732
>>14465765
What he said, but less flippant, and with more gravity.

I guess we need more Troops than Lawmen for now. Market might have to wait till the situation is a bit more settled.
- Captain to recruit Troops, with funds (and be trained by us in swordsmanship)
- Steward to oversee the equipping of our troops, give her funds
One major purchase left, if the Dictator cannot use it to push the demands.

>>14465821
Wonderful!

Give him money and time to get himself an Apprentice. Next season we will have two people to do magical stuff for us. With the apprentice doing all the menial stuff like the weather and watching for magical threats then we can have the Wizard do cool stuff.

>>14465821
do eet

>candidates ecileci
captcha wants to recruit from the land of Ecileci

>>14465821
That settles it, a purchase for the Wizard.

Agreed on >>14465765, >>14465744
and >>14465732. Try to convince him that shuffling off the mundane tasks to some lackeys will free up his time to create circles of destruction. He loves that kind of shit.

As for suggestions:
- Captain: Train some troops/lawmen. Also, next season, make sure to give him some time off so he can spend it with his wife. He's going to have to prepare for the baby, y'know.
- Steward: Either keep improving trade and infrastructure, or possibly ask her about our relatives? In the first thread, Mors mentioned her being a great-niece or someother of the old Duke's, maybe she knows a few family secrets?

Note to Self

For the purpose of maintaining the Wizards loyalty and Sanity don't ever give orders to the Apprentice directly. In fact he shouldn't even come to these meetings. If we want him to do something instead ask (ASK) the Wizard to set him the task instead. Let us firmly establish that he is the foremost magic user in our employ.

Going over his head might just piss him off.

>You decide the Captain will focus on recruiting.
>You spend a purchase on recruiting.

"I will comb the duchy for able-bodied folk, my lord," swears the Captain. "With this financial support, I shall be able to arm each without affecting the state of our army's overall preparedness, and may even be able to more readily spread word or filter our recruits for those most stout of heart. Our ranks will swell before the first leaf falls, my lord!" Calling for his armor, the Captain departs.

>The Captain is unavailable.

>You decide the Wizard will hire an apprentice.
>You spend a purchase on apprenticeship.

More so than you have even seen before, the Wizard seems lost in perusal. Though of a grave disposition before his strike on the Zlatan and of a peculiar calm after its conclusion -- you shudder inwardly to think of why -- he seems particularly weighted in this decision. For all his lechery and ego, his reputation and fellowship appears to be very important to him.

"I will depart once my plan is readied, my lord," he murmurs, on his way out.

>The Wizard is unavailable.

Have the Steward start building schools or something. It's not like she has anything else to do.

I still think the Steward should focus on repairing our textile mills, trade infrastructure, etc. Increase the quality and quantity of our trade goods.

We have a reputation for good cloth and good clothes. Let's not squander it.

>>14466001
good idea.

Total war games have told me that trade is the source of power! At least until everyone is your enemy and no one wants to trade with you.

But by then, it's too late for them.

>>14465903
We should assign the Steward to work with the Captain on recruiting people. Make sure that he doesn't overdraw from certain villages and work the public relations to make people more inclined to join and less unhappy about having their families be drafted, that sort of thing. It's important.

>>14465165
Oh how I waited for this.

The Steward steps forward. "And I, my lord? You seem to be of many ideas as to how I may best serve Tautila. Please, take you time -- It seems you have not one opinion over the others yet."

>The Steward may focus on trade.
>The Steward may focus on infrastructure.
>The Steward may focus on morale.

>>14466068
Trade!

>>14465942
Personally I would've have the Wizard make a Wrath Circle this turn, and wait until the threat of war is more distant to find an apprentice, but this works too.
>>14466001
>>14466019
Sounds good. What are we using for raw material? Wool?

>>14466068
What would infrastructure entail?

>>14466068
Morale. You can't half-ass a war and expect to win it.

>>14466092
I really don't think we should push the war any further right now. We bloodied them, let's solidify our position, they aren't in any position to attack us at the moment.

>>14466118
IIRC, the Wrath Circle would activate in case of an invasion -- a primarily defensive weapon.

>>14466088
>>14466019
>>14466001
>>14465999
>>14465890
>You decide the Steward will focus on trade.
>You spend a purchase on trade.

"Then commerce it is, my lord. I will be sure our coffers do not suffer as much as they may in coming seasons, if war should loom its head again." The Steward makes a few notes.

"If things go exceedingly well, Zlatan may even find its markets passed over by those who would do business with them, if ours are particularly tempting. The last bit of dispensable resources for the season will ensure that remains a high likelihood," the Steward concludes, as she departs.

>The Steward is unavailable.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes...

I agree on not pushing war further, we should consolidate our position.

Also, do we have any idea if the other countries are improving as fast as we?

Morale might boost all of our endeavors, or not at all. It might end up being just a safety net to maintain the populace's Unrest levels.

I had the idea of going for trade before, but right now I am also leaning to equipping or recruiting more troops. Too bad we haven't got anymore spies to tell the conditions of Zlatan's court, economic and political wise.

>It is the 302nd year After Unification.
>It is autumn.

Word comes in the from the border not long after the court is concluded that Gailavira has repelled a second incursion of Zlatan scouts that have little more skill than that of farmers. Zlatan has either succumbed to caution, or they are probing your line for weakness.

Despite the tension, your court assembles as usual, each ready to tell their part in the strengthening of your duchy.

I think we should build up infrastructure before trade. after all without infrastructure we won't have much to trade with.

>>14466213
I suspect that they are still plotting to invade, if the negotiations go poorly I sugest we launch a invasion of our own.

>>14466213
"I am ready to serve you to the utmost, my liege. I am made whole again by our mutual benefactor," says the Black Thane. A strange compliment, given his past standoffish nature toward the Necromancer.

>The Black Thane is no longer injured.

>The Black Thane may instruct you in the art of the sword.
>The Black Thane may instruct a court member in the art of the sword.
>The Black Thane cannot be Jailed.

i think we should use a major purchase and have the steward work on upgrading our farming equipment, reducing the work load and increasing yealds by not upending the soil with constant ploughing. afaik we already have the best plants seeded in our fields.
remember guys, food production is a strategic resource!

>>14466236
lets not. right now we have the moral high ground. losing it could put a strain on our alliances

>>14466249
"I have much success to report in my search," boasts the Captain. "While petitioning the Barons for aid and searching the common folk for the able-bodied, we attracted several volunteers due to the meteoric rise of our duchy's quality of life and the maintenance of morale in the face of possible war. I am loathe to put them on the front lines just yet, but ... Numbers, in the end, count for much of battle."

>Tautila has gained two units of unskilled troops.
>Tautila has gained one units of standing troops.

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has two units of unskilled troops.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has two units of elite troops.
>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

>>14466265
Agreed. We currently only have the tenuous support of Hildefons. If we appear overly bloodthirsty, we may lose it.

>>14466265
we would not lose it by invading
>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.

>>14466313
+ a long war is to our disadvantage

>>14466313
That only means we have a defensible casus belli, not that we are exempt from the usual dynamics of an alliance, or the strain a war places upon them.

i think the steward should focus on building aquaducts and canals, motherfucking transport, irrigation, and public hygene in this bitch.

>>14466292
Though many of the lesser nobles in your court feared the worst, the Dictator returns will little stress in his eyes. "The Zlatan are willing to listen to what terms we have to offer, my lord. Mind you, this is no offer of surrender or acceptance of defeat. Requesting terms is a popular method of determining the strength of one's adversary. It is a thin line between the amount that would be rejected for being too demanded, and the amount that would only reveal a greatness of weakness."

He goes on, motioning with his hand. "Of course, if we ask for too little, they may leap at the chance for a easy period to regroup or rearm. On the other hand, they may use popular sentiment to paint us as usurpers or extortionists. This is a delicate matter," the Dictator concludes.

>Zlatan is willing to hear terms of surrender for peace between the duchies.
>A formal surrender on Zlatan's part would mean the end of our right to invade without further affront.

"As far as our coffers go, we remain within our budget, and our friendships have not been strained. In fact, if we continue to pursue peace, Hildefons may be convinced of our benevolence."

>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)
>Gailavira is allied with Tautila.
>Hildefons is friendly with Tautila.

Have the captain and the thane train the troops

>>14466389
Being undead sucks in the sense we can't try to seal any alliances or peace talks with royal marriages. And I doubt demanding a hostage would work.

>>14466357
the longer we wait the harder fighting them off a second time will be. They still hunger for our land and the Oracle fortold that we must strike quick and hard. so far all we have done is withstand a assult.

>>14466389
[ Just another quick thanks for everyone's patience toward my slow typing. ]

The Necromancer nods curtly, tapping with one finger on the lower area of the Black Thane's breastplate. "As you can see -- or perhaps feel -- my lord, I was able to make the Black Thane whole once again. He stands ready to serve you, as do I."

>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of life.
>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of death.

>>14466389
"I trust your insight on these matters. What do you think would most likely lead to and end to hostilities?

>>14466381
That does raise an interesting question: how advanced is medical and architectural knowledge?
>>14466389
What would be acceptable terms, in the Dictator's opinion? Bear in mind we want the Hildefons to look favorably upon us.

>>14466433
I'd say we improve our life magic

>>14466487
Yeah, improve life magic. The more we heal, the more we look like a messiah that returned from the dead to lead his people to greatness.

>>14466433
Moar life magic. As fun as death magic may be we are trying to be a benevolent and friendly skeletal liege. Let's not fuck it up by putting on a performance of "101 ways to Murder Someone Horribly with Magic".

>>14466433
You look to where the Oracle would stand, but she is missing, for the second season in a row. As you glance to your court members, the Dictator steps forward. "Ah ... My lord, the Oracle's impartiality that she so carefully maintains is ... Is a double-edged sword. It appears that while Vesna's Duke carried no threat to us, that was not the concern that should have been foremost. In fact, it seems that the Oracle's forewarning that the Zlatan would seek to act in subtle and insidious ways was ... more broad in its meaning than I had thought."

>The Oracle has been Jailed by Zlatan.

"Zlatan holds the Oracle, my lord, their spies having infiltrated Vesna. And as only a guest to our court, we cannot ransom her from Zlatan's prisons. I am not certain how this can be resolved, and hesitated to tell you." The Dictator frowns with consternation.

>The Oracle is unavailable.

>>14466431
They are almost certainly militarily superior to us. The Oracle told us to act swiftly and decisively, which is what we just did. She also told us a protracted conflict is unfavorable. If we invade, invade alone. We risk losing the support of support of our allies, meaning that if/when our army is defeated, we will be completely defenseless to Zlatan.

Thane to train a standing troop into an elite Merciless troop
Dictator or Steward can do trade agreements with Hildefons and Gailavira
Recruit more lawmen, increased trade=more tempting to bandits
Learn tactics from Captin while teaching swardsmanship
A new unit of spys
a organised message system
a school
aqeducts+water treatment areas(use sand gravel and dirt to filter the water)
a series of inns along the trade routes to ease travel for merchants
Do our lands have access to the sea/ocean?

i duno, i mean the only way to remove their threat is to either subjugate them, or impress the understanding that invasion is not beneficial for either of us. i dont think a truce or surrender of any sort will solve the issue with finality.

>>14466519
Interesting. Would the disappearance of the oracle from Vesna's lands look terrible? Might be worth trying to open up diplomatic relations with them if so. Furthermore, this is troubling since now the enemy might just continually use her to get an advantage over us. We need to free her so they can't use her and so the enemy doesn't run her into the ground by making her go overtime in asking questions.

>>14466507
>As fun as death magic may be...

Not as fun as life magic can be. Death by exploding tumor is far more spectacular.

>>14466519
Oh HELL no. We're rescuing her. I don't care how. I hope the Thane is up to this.

Silly question, but potentially important in the long run: The Black Thane is supposed to be immensely loyal, totally beyond betrayal, etc., but is he loyal to US, or the person everyone THINKS we are? Kind of an important distinction.

>>14466519

this may actualy work in our favor, considering how often she travels to different courts, its likely many will view this action with displeasure. somthing we can enflame.

>>14466534
we need to resolve this while their troops still watch our borders, if we wait too long they will eventually be recalled and we will lose the defencive bonus when we need it most. if we strike soon we will not lose the respect of our allies.

>>14466519
>jailed the oracle
RIP AND TEAR

She is one of the only people who seems to like us, and we need those predictions! Wizard! Black Thane! It's time to raze Zlatan!

Can the Wizard and his new apprentice rush order us up a portal? Then we, the Wizard, the Black Thane, and our most elite squad can portal in and rescue the Oracle. Also while we are there we could see about slaughtering the Zlatan court.

If portals are a no go then have the Wizard see about arming our most elite troops with magical weapons and armor, the Dictator seeing about smuggling us into Zlatan, and the Black Thane train us to be an even deadlier force.

Then we'll see about kicking some ass personally.

>>14466519
I say we use the dictator to start a smear campaign against Zlatan for monopolizing a common resource of the realm.

>>14466519
Now, now...

That is an act of aggression against a neutral party. Indeed, the Oracle had been helping us out, but as per her claim, she is a neutral faction. Putting her in protracted custody, not of her own volition...

What is the reaction of the neighbouring duchies, and indeed, the reaction of the duchy of Vesna?

>>14466519
The Steward is worried by the Dictator's news, but reports with conviction regardless. "Our trade is blossoming my lord, and we have now reached such burgeoning influence as to be a respectable influence on the wealth of the realm, and more particularly, the direction in which it flows."

>Tautila is a respectable hub of trade. (You may now spend a maximum of one major purchase to deny another duchy an equal number of major purchases in the next season.)

She opens a large tome, pointing out the balance of several columns within it. "The merchants to which we lease and from whom we gather tax are capricious, and easily swayed by price and production. Though I hesitate to boldly offer such a course, I would be remiss not to notice it."

>Tautila is extremely fertile.
>Tautila is well-fed, and has two seasons of reserves.
>Tautila has two units of standing lawmen.
>Tautila is often patrolled.
>Tautila is a small hub of travel.
>Tautila is a respectable hub of trade.

>>14466582
I second this notion. Spread it far and wide, give two coffers of our current fund to the task.

We might not have the military might to do an invasion, but the King might take offense at this act of hostility to the whole land and take personal action against Zlatan.

Awaiting Wizard.

>>14466562
The Wizard is his typically taciturn self when it comes to his methods. "I've settled upon a suitable understudy. You'll meet her when I feel she is ready, milord, and I'll pass any drudgery to her for now. Until I consider her capable, though, I suggest you leave the real work to me."

>The Wizard may perform one additional sorcerous action a season, as long as it would carry a chance of Boredom.

>>14466618
>>14466582
Agreeing as well. Although perhaps we could send the Dictator to Vesna to gauge their reaction, as per >>14466594

>>14466637
The members of your inner court look to you for leadership.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

[ And now to respond to all the stuff I missed while plinking away. ]

Does anyone remember what the boring sorcerous actions were? Weather was one of them right?

If it is currently harvest time could we have the Wizard see about destroying the Zlatan harvest with some hail or maybe a drought combined with lightning? Or even just softening up by covering the entire area with a chill gray drizzle for the entire season.

The Wizard himself should probably get started on the Wrath Circle. He was enthusiastic about that I think.

Guys, if big Z wants some terms of surrender, why not start by naming the release of the Oracle among them? They may not accept, but it sends the message that we're loyal to our friends and we'll still be able to get her out by other means.

>>14466637
Time to rescue the oracle, mr wizard. Send him + thane to rescue the oracle.

Also, we need to make sure that everyone knows what a dick those Zlatan are.

Jailing a neutral party is a dick move.

>>14466542

these are some good suggestions.

if i may add somthing: i believe we should institute a more formal financial sector, a banking system would allow transfer of funds much easier (coded script redeamable at a branch for the indicated ammount), expediting commerce.
additionaly, a loaning and credit system not only generates revenue, but can serve as a catalyst for expantion and development, for both the dutchy, and also for private enterprise, which will set us on the road to cultural and economic dominance.
far more insidious then any spy, branches of Tristar holdings will be your one stop shop for all things finance in all counties!

>>14466670
Ah, good thinking. Let's get the Dictator's thoughts on that.

>The Black Thane is available.
Train one of our standing troops into elite merciless types.

>The Captain is available.
Train our unskilled troops into standing troops.

>The Dictator is available.
Train spies.

>The Necromancer is available.
Instruct us in Life magic.

>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
Well, shit. See if we can get the other nations to condemn Zlatan with us for this one- we don't need to free her ourselves when we have access to plentiful international diplomatic pressure.

>The Steward is available.
Improve infrastructure.

>The Wizard is available.
Maintain his artifacts (presume boredom here) and

>>14466637
For now, tell the Wizard to give the Apprentice the job to maintain the upkeep of the Weather Talisman, and maintain good weather over Tautila's crops.

I am unsure whether to tell himself to scry for the Oracle, for the Zlatan's circumstances (economic, politic, social, etc.), or to jump in feet first and rescue the Oracle. He wouldn't have any obstacles in his way, considering the Zlatan Wizard was wasted last season.

Problem is, whether there would be a NEW Zlatan wizard so soon. Or a mercenary one...

Should we change the term of the demands from asking a Hostage to the release of the Oracle?
Ask the Dictator, and also ask about his idea of a balanced demand.

i dont think we personaly should be the ones to rescue the oracle, she is a neutral party, we should petition the kingdom at large to sanction zlatan for their capriciousness

>>14466594
>>14466582
>>14466546
>>14466644
>>14466618
>You inquire as to the circumstances of the Oracle's Jailing.

"An interesting query, my lord," the Dictator states. "Though for now our abilities of espionage are woefully lacking, with sufficient funding I could prepare an underhand with which to investigate how the Oracle was lifted from Vesna. It may tax me greatly, however."

>You may have a court member attempt two actions or focuses in a season.
>This carries two independent risks of each action failing.
>This carries the risk of lowering loyalty.
>The expenditure of a purchase lowers these risks.

"I was only aware of her capture because of my diplomatic mission to Zlatan. Had I not been sent, I may have still been under the misconception that she was simply away. If Zlatan was able to successfully slander her, we may only look foolish in an attempt at rescue."

>>14466697
Regarding infrastructures (academic, economic, sanitation, utilities, etc.), I'd say those fall under the Steward's care. Some of the other Councilors might give aid unexpectedly (Necro's grave-clearing-fertility rituals come to mind), but I doubt all those can be done in a single season.

Choose what seems suitable for a duchy just finding its feet back into the game and start implementing it, keep the rest as a good idea to spring on the following seasons. We still have Zlatan to worry about.

>>14466697
>>14466438
>>14466714
>You inquire about acceptable terms.

He strokes his short beard. "Hrm. Well, they have felled two of our units ... encroached ... they were the aggressors ... Allow me a moment to draw up some papers," the Dictator mutters, writing a quick estimate.

>Two purchases at one for every unit slain.
>One purchase for encroachment.
>One purchase for deception.
>Two purchases for the role of aggressor.
>Six total purchases.

>Three purchases may be converted into an annual harvest.
>Two purchases may be converted into one instant recruitment of a friendly unit of troops.

"I have no value for the release of a neutral party from their prison."

>>14466742
Damn. There is that too.

. . .
Put her name on the list of our demands, anyway. Whether or not she had been slandered all over Vesna or the whole Kingdom, she had been an valuable asset and a member of our Court.

-Wizard to spy over the Zlatan (focus on Tautila-Zlatan politics), Apprentice to maintain upkeep
-Dictator to raise Spies and send them to on Vesna, Double Fund it to lower chance of double-action failure and increased results.
-Captain to train up the Untrained Troops, and receive sword-tutoring from us.
-Thane to train a Standing Troop into an Elite Merciless Troop (or an Elite into an Elite Merciless, I am unsure).
- Pity the Oracle, and send up some thoughts for her, she might catch it out of the aether or something
- Necromancer... Can he Scry too? Else he to train us in experimenting with Life Magic.
- Steward... Should we embargo the Zlatan? Or we could increase one of Tautila's infrastructure. Potential Fund.

[ As a quick aside, there's been mention in past threads of the mechanical implementation of cavalry, archery, pikemen, charioteers, irrigation, systems of generational fealty, lineages, the anachronistic shoehorning of modern technology, and (as mentioned again this thread) banking, credit, and differing systems of currency minting.

I'm sorry, but this game will never reach that level of micromanagement. I don't have the patience nor inclination. If that ruins the experience, I apologize.

The main reason for that decision?

Because -- SPOILER! -- ideally, this game is only going to get more macro than micro. ]

>Silly question, but potentially important in the long run: The Black Thane is supposed to be immensely loyal, totally beyond betrayal, etc., but is he loyal to US, or the person everyone THINKS we are? Kind of an important distinction.

I am not the guy who asked this originally, but I think this needs to be answered. OP?

>we may only look foolish in an attempt at rescue."

Doesn't matter. If we let her remain in their hands we could face much worse.

Hell, they may be divining our course of action RIGHT NOW.

The only thing I'm unsure off is if we should send someone else besided the Thane to rescue her.

>>14466929
I still say we go ourselves and take Thane and Wizard with us. We're at least worth a standard troop of units, Thane is like an Elite Troop, and the Wizard is a force of nature. With our life magic and a small group of elite spies we are a force of goddamn nature.

>You decide the Wizard will maintain his artifact upkeep.
>This carries a risk of Boredom.

The Wizard closes his eyes, a vibration running through his brow. "Done, she's on it. Now what's my -real- duty, milord?"

>All the Wizard's artifacts will function for another year.

>The Wizard is available.

>>14466926
The Thane is loyal to us and us alone.

We need more people in the thread, I already voice my opinion on what the wizard should do earlier, and I don't want to samefag.

>>14466926
[ A good question. ]

>The Black Thane is bound to your will. All of his meaning, ego, and sense of duty is entwined with your every desire. If you asked him to burn Tautila to the ground, he would do so. If you were to be destroyed at the start of your reign, it was as likely then as it is now that he would face certain annihilation in your defense.

>>14466929
Probably. Subtlety isn't exactly his strong point.

>>14466882
>>14466951
>>14466708
>>14466549
>>14466504
>You decide the Necromancer will instruct you in the magic of life.

"Your decisiveness and zeal impresses me, my lord," says the Necromancer. "I will research what I can so that you may continue your, frankly, quite impressive mastery of the craft. You have attained in one year what has taken many decades for others." He hurries out of the throne room, filled with purpose.

>The Necromancer is unavailable.

Question: we aren't really grand duke Luvas or whatever, so who are we really? Do we even remember who we were in life?

>>14467026
Isn't it obvious? We are a bizarre amalgam of dozens of different intelligences from some other place. At war with our self within our shared head we argue and wrangle over what to do.

>>14467026
We don't. Our first coherent memory was awakening in our current form, in front of the Necromancer. He -might- know who we are, but we haven't pursued that yet.

>>14467026
thinking aboyt that brings up bad memories of theVoid or whatever its called

>>14466953
He should spy on our enemies. Find out what they're plotting- no way are they negotiating without a hidden knife, and I mislike the way that they hold the Oracle; they doubtless have plans to exploit her. Root out what they are doing, that next season we may send our agents to crush their plans.

>>14467026
It's like back when we had Shoggoth quest or Terminator quest. We are us. Each of us is a small part of the quest character's psyche. In Shoggoth we were literally small parts of the overall mass, in Terminator we were all subroutines.

>>14467026
>You have no memory of anything before your emergence from a deep oblivion. You know only that you were once a mortal of the kingdom Heva, as you recognized both its name and customs, but all other knowledge was gifted to you by the Black Thane, who carries with him all the memory of his past life in service to Tautila.

>>14467063
[ This is also the best way to explain it. There's no true "I" with the Duke. ]

>>14466953
Circle of Wrath

We can now begin construction

If we rescue the Oracle, or demand her release in our terms, it would ruin her image of impartiality, and she might end up pissed off at us.

International diplomatic pressure might work better.

>>14467088
What if we rescue her and then immediately send her on to the next destination on her route, no questions asked. That would probably win us some goodwill from the next place on the rotation as well.

>>14466953
>You decide that the Wizard will create a wrath circle to safeguard your duchy from attack. This will require an upkeep of one season a year.
>This action carries a risk of Insanity.

"Now that's a task befitting someone of my talents, milord. For a few moments last season I was beginning to think you had forgotten what I was capable of." He cackles. "How naive I was back then, eh?"

With a whirl of his black robe, the Wizard leaves for his quarters at the top of the castle.

>The Wizard is unavailable.

Have the Wizard scry Zlatan, thier plans, any replacement wizard, etc. Also have him ensure the Oracle is okay. If he risks boredom, bill it to him as Caged Heat 3.

Have the Dictator draft surrender conditions for Zlatan, being sure to include the release of the Oracle prominently. She's far too useful to let rot, and helping her makes us look good to the other nations.

Have the Captain take troops to the Zlatan border, and engage in training exercises there. The meaning of that will be pretty damn clear.

Wizard to spy again on zlataan. In particular, on the Oracle

Oracles don't get captured by accident, we need to find out why, and if she has a reason for it. As the oracle is a diviner of sorts, she will know she's scried and can contact/inform the wizard.

We also in particular need to sever Zlaatan's merc contacts: once we get more merciless spies we can use info from Wizard to remove/acquire them ourselves.

>>14467110
Well nuts, curse this phone keyboard slowness

The longer we let the oracle rot the less loyal she'll become. Is therr anyone who will be aggrieved by her capture apart from us?

The Dictator steps forward. "Allow me, my lord, to more thoroughly clarify the methods which lay before me for dealing with Zlatan. They are many, but I believe I can ease the burden of your lordly responsibilities. Here," he says, placing items upon a nearby long table.

First, he lays a stack of coins. "We may go to Zlatan with terms of surrender and reparation. This may be done in my absence, but I advise against that. No other envoy here has my experience."
>The Dictator may present terms to Zlatan.
>This may be done without the Dictator, but at an increased risk of failure.

He then places down a small black book. You wonder at its contents, and at the sharp edge of a small knife sticking from its pages. "I may create a unit of less scrupulous agents of your will in order to bolster our chances of keeping abreast of the changing landscape. For now, we are blind in other courts."
>The Dictator may focus on recruitment.

A scroll used for your decrees is laid down. "Thirdly, I may attempt to spread word of Zlatan's capture of the Oracle. This will be invaluable if they acted rashly, but will only hurt our appearance if they managed to obfuscate or deceive in their actions or intent."
>The Dictator may focus on evidence.

"Finally, my lord," says the Dictator, tracing his hand over Vesna's section of the map of Heva, "I may investigate Zlatan's methods of seizing her personally, in hopes of finding such evidence that we would need."
>The Dictator may carry out a espionage action against Vesna.

"And, of course, I may try any of these two at the same time, but unless allowed access to the coffers, I may be quite taxed by the effort."
>You may have a court member attempt two actions or focuses in a season.
>This carries two independent risks of each action failing.
>This carries the risk of lowering loyalty.
>The expenditure of a purchase lowers these risks.

Who's left? We need more spies from lawmen, even if they're cost-intensive. Steward to work on bolstering lawmen?
Thane to train one standing troop to excel? Captain needs to learn to fight better, can he learn with Thane?

i say get our central intelligence up and running again

Need to recruit more spies after the Zlatan wizard roflstomped our last group.

>>14467203
As the Dictators finishes speaking, the Black Thane steps to the table and adds, "Though my zeal to carry out your will is supreme, my liege, if you wish me to stay my hand until notice is given, I will. Only note that I will have to dedicate myself to the task, regardless of whether it is carried out or not, and that is time that cannot be recovered."

>The Black Thane may rescue the Oracle.
>Espionage, sorcery, or diplomacy actions can be canceled on given conditions, but the units or court members carrying them out will still devote the season to that action.

Dictator to lay out terms and recruit. Double funds.
Include terms of freeing Oracle and no hiring a wizard for a few years, to prevent any other wizardous action on their part.

>>14467203
I say have him go to Vesna and find out how the oracle was seized. If it works out that it was done illegally, it'll open up our options. The longer they have the oracle, the worse off she'll be and the more they'll know about us/how to fight us.

>>14467256
Do you think Black Thane would succeed at rescuing the Oracle? God I wish we could ask the oracle about this right now. Damn you Zlatan! I don't think we can afford for him to get captured or injured and be down for another season.

Let's just have him train the Captain in swordplay for right now. He really needs to stop taking wounds during battle.

>>14467203
Recruit spies; find info re: Vesna. Double-fund it.

>>14467303
Yeah, Thane to train Captain. ONLY in swordsmanship, we need him unbrutalised for our purposes.

>You decide the Dictator will present terms.
>You decide the Dictator will focus on recruitment.
>You spend a purchase to negate a double action's risks.

"At once, my lord," the Dictator answers promptly. "With your financial backing, I will select the most promising of our lawmen with me and school them in the arts of subtlety and diplomacy along the way, as well as give them a powerful lesson in the importance of discretion in other courts. Next season, if we wish it, or they deny us the Oracle, we will be equally prepared to both seek out and discover our evidence."

His assurance finished, the Dictator leaves, calling for his horse.

>The Dictator is unavailable.

>>14467303
Can we ourselves train the captain while the Black Thane trains us?

>>14467340
Well, Black Thane usually can train an entire troop can't he? Why not have Black Thane train us and the Captain at the same time?

>>14467338
>You spend another purchase on the Dictator's double action.

As the Dictator departs, you decide to ensure his success. Not only will his recruits travel with him, your funds will pay for travel befitting the entourage of a court member, so as to encourage their focus and so not to arouse suspicion in Zlatan. You are sure the Dictator would be pleased, and the decree is signed.

>>14467357
>>14467340
>>14467331
We need the Captain to be training up our unskilled troops. It would be a damned waste to let them die due to lack of skill. I would prefer for the Thane to train our military, as well; our skills with Life can prevent injuries from killing our officers, but the skill of our troops will win us wars.

>>14467405
Okay, I can get behind that
Than to train standard troop into Elite
Captain to train Unskilled troop into standards

What do we do then? Use our life magic to help people around the country?

[ Huh. Idea of a triangle never occured to me. Don't see why it wouldn't be a mutual learning experience. ]

>You decide to focus on the art of the sword.
>The Black Thane will focus on the art of the sword.
>The Captain will focus on the art of the sword.

The idea of engaging in the practice of deadly combat with two fellows who do not bleed clearly unsettles him for a moment, but your words about the safekeeping of his life wipe away all his doubts, and you recall the expressionless visage he showed as he was nearly skewered on horseback. "Of course, my lord. I have a mind for tactics and the leadership of warriors, but I would be a liar to boast of my skill with the blade. I am sure you both have lessons to impart to me."

The Black Thane only nods. "You will forgive me if I react instinctively, should you strike a blow against my liege."

You meet eye(socket)s with the Black Thane and both praise his loyalty and caution him against undue harm to the commander of your armies.

>The Black Thane is unavailable.
>The Captain is unavailable.

>>14467405
>>14467434
[ A couple minutes too late, fellas. Deference goes to the earlier consensus. ]

The Steward steps forth. "And I, my lord?"

>>14467447
Hmm. Well. >>14467405 next season, I suppose.

>>14467447
Well is that everyone? Or is the Steward still free?

Have her spend some time improving infrastructure this season.

>>14467447
I guess we could use our healing magic to heal the people, perhaps soldiers coming back from the front?

Soldiers may be more willing to fight and take risks, if they know that their liege can heal them of injury.

Lets have the Steward work on infrastructure. Larger cities = larger populations and less homeless, that sort of thing. Larger population = more everything.

When we get proficient enough at life magic, we should look into crafting servants for ourselves.

(and considering our apparent skill at this, we must be the soul of some long dead emperor).

>>14467472
Perhaps have the Steward attempt to raise another unit of Lawmen, with a Major Purchase to help her along.

We lost our elite lawmen, and will need more recruited so that we can raise another such unit.

>>14467472
I say have the Steward work on infastructure.

>>14467508
I back this. Since we train our lawmen into spies, we need to recruit lawmen whenever we want lawmen OR spies. We'll be losing lawmen this season if we don't train more.

[ Giving the Steward another minute or two just to avoid any last-minute sways. ]

>>14467510
We can work on the Lawmen later. I think I'd prefer infrastructure.

Lawmen.

Really, we need more delegation. There should be general recruiting for all groups at all times to upkeep numbers.

i vote infrastructure

Steward to improve roads.

Necromancer to go on good-will tour? If we are trying to get the Steward and the Necro to marry, he will need to be a lot more popular among the people. Healing a few barons ought to make him popular rather quickly!

>>14467616
Maybe we could have our captains build academies or training centers or something, to recruit a unit automatically every season or two?

>>14467655
necromancer is teaching us life magic.

And while I think it's cute that we're playing matchmaker, It would just be creepy to start ordering things to facilitate their relationship. Let them handle it themselves.

[ It was still way too close to call, so... ]

>You decide the Steward will focus on recruitment.
>You decide the Steward will focus on infrastructure.
>You spend your last purchase to negate a double action's risks.

"Hrm. It will be a difficult task, my lord," says the Steward, thinking aloud, "but perhaps the travel of the latter will allow me to spread my effort with the former. I can see why you are so divided, my lord. This is a tumultuous time for Tautila, and you shoulder it well, if I may say so."

Turning away, she adds, "If the people are happy, I am happy, my lord."

>The Steward is unavailable.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes ...

>It is the 303rd year After Unification.
>It is winter.

It is a time of great danger, and a time of great celebration. As the Oracle sits in her cell, your court attempts to celebrate the birth of the Captain's child, now revealed to be a son. Toasts are made and a feast is had, but tension spoils the atmosphere of hope.

Despite the cloud of doom, the child is gathered in the Captain's arms as he stands by his fussing wife in your court. The two of you decided to spare her the knowledge of the new scars he received from the joint tutelage of a pair of immortals, by it is undeniable that he has become a better swordsman for it.

You call for silence in the throne room, long since left by the other nobles and well-wishers, now a grand feast-hall seating for less than ten souls.

You call for reports.

>>14467110
Ouch. Wouldn't have decided to go for that, but what's done is done. It'll do well if we ever get a massive influx of openly hostile invaders, or as a deterrent. I just think that at this time, it'd would be more valuable to put in effort to garner intelligence.

Nevertheless...
> Time passes...

>>14467812
"The Captain has improved by leaps and bounds, my liege," states the Black Thane. "Even forgoing his tactical prowess, a talent I fail to possess, he is deserving of leadership by strength alone."

>The risk of Injury has now decreased for the Captain.

"You have grown more formidable as well, my liege," the Black Thane adds, "and in battle you show a particular aptitude for protecting your lessers. How humble of you, if I may say so."

>The risk of Injury is now decreased for all court members joining you in battle or carrying out an action with you.

>>14467873
+laughs+
We put the extra effort of keeping the Captain away from injury from the Thane, and thus we get feat: Bodyguard?

Carry on.

>>14467873
"My heir is born!" The Captain exults with with joy, grinning broadly. "My lord, I ask of you a favor. After two prosperous years with this family of eight, I ask you -- which shall name my child?" He smiles at the assembled. "I can think of no souls better suited to bestowing on my child the moniker for this long life in great Tautila's second chance."

He passes the child to his wife, before turning back to you with a more serious air. "Ahem. Yes. My duties, first. The drills of the men have reach fruition even outside my involvement; it seems in their idle defense of the border they have rather than turned to indiscipline, focused on ensuring they do slacken. I am proud of our warriors, my lord. Two companies of men bettered themselves."

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has one unit of unskilled troops.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has three units of elite troops.

"Our friends remains, as well."

>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

>>14467944
You consider his offer.

>Pick one court member to name the Captain's son.

>>14467954
The Steward would be best, I think. She has a connection with the people, and would know the kinds of names they like, as well as knowing good historically connected names.

>>14467944
His wife.

>>14467954
Give it to the Necromancer and/or the Steward.

>>14467944
"I congratulate you again, Captain," says the Necromancer. "As for you, my lord, frankly, your breadth of knowledge escapes me, which may be largely due to your condition. Though my instruction at first seemed to not take hold, a simple spell to heighten the body, to sharpen the mind -- instead, it seems to be everpresent!"

>You reduce the risk of failure for all actions you join in carrying out.

"There are innate qualities to your presence that have been harnessed in ways I cannot ... Cannot fathom. I may be able to instruct you further, but it will be entirely speculative -- less tenuous than theory, even."

>Further tutelage in the magic of life will carry a gradually increasing risk of failure.

Steward, naturally.
>>14467954

Why don't we name the child? I can think of no greater honor for the Captain.
>dedgett Davis
Captcha suggests Davis.

>>14467996
Okay so our mastery of Life Magic is probably as high as it is going to get. Can we get the Necromancer to start actually using his Necromancy now? I'm sure there are plenty of corpses about from all the war. Can't he see about raising us a unit of Skeletal troops?

>>14467996
Did we ever grow a rose bush inside of our rib cage?

>>14467996
[ Whoops, missed an important one! ]

The Dictator coughs loudly, "Necromancer, I believe it is customary that I follow the Captain's reports."

"Oh. Of course. My apologies," says the Necromancer bowing lightly.

The Dictator clears his throat. "Zlatan has returned their counter-offer for peace, my lord. As you'll remember, our terms were, at my recommendation and with an addition from yourself;"

>Six total purchases.
>Release of the Oracle.
>Abstinence from sorcery for two seasons.

"Their counter-offer is;"

>Release of the Oracle.
>Abstinence from sorcery for two seasons.

"It seems they wish to escape the financial ramifications to appealing to our own sense of personal affront. However, I would not answer so soon, as your underhand is ready to serve your will in the courts of others, including Zlatan and Vesna."

>Tautila has one unit of standing spies.

"And, of course, our diplomatic and financial states persist."

>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.
>Gailavira is allied with you.
>Hildefons is friendly.
>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)

>>14468066
You stare at the empty spot where you would expect the Oracle to join the assembled. You would sigh, but the knowledge of how escapes you.

You think only of Zlatan, and allow the cold indignation to soothe your sorrow.

>>14468100
We will drown them in the blood of their children.

>>14468056
Not quite. I would say we have one or two more seasons of study in it. Gradually increasing chance of failure. If all else fails. we can Study magic of Death, focusing on how Death can be made to serve and assist Life.

>>14468066
Not the best possible outcome on the diplomacy, but if we could spin the release of the Oracle as benefiting the entire realm, it might buy us some credit with the whole area. That being said, this is a bad deal. Abstinence from sorcery would include our spells to improve our crops and the Wrath Circle. We can't have that. This whole thing has us over a barrel - it might be more useful just to try to attack or rescue her. But if we failed, we'd be lost. Even if we won, if we lost too many troops, we'd be lost anyway. This is a horrible situation to be in. It might be better just to consider the Oracle lost, and begin spinning it as the Zlatans unjustly holding a neutral personage from not only us but from all the world - maybe cause some more pressure from others towards them.

Okay so right off the bat, can we get the Captain and the Thane going on training our troops? Continue recruitment if possible as well.

>>14468066
That is wholly inadequate.
We know that they no longer have the service of a Wizard, thus a no-sorcery penalty is nothing to them. And just two seasons at that!

Regarding name, Steward can try. But first, ask her quietly if Davis carry any historically correct reputations.

>>14468122
No, the abstinence from Sorcery is one of our conditions to them. We are saying they don't get to have a Wizard for two seasons. They agreed to that part. They are just trying to weasel out of paying us any money.

I say counter with 2 total purchases in reparations and tax exemption on Tautilan merchants who wish to sell their wares in Zlatan. Why conquer these snakes with force when we can undercut their prices and conquer them financially.

(I would assume there is some system of tariffs in place that by avoiding would give our goods an advantage in Zlatan markets)

>>>>14468066

I think we should see if we can get better terms than this. we killd there wizard so they probably won't be able to do sorcery
for a good long while anyways, and I would not be surprised if they captured the oracle for exactly this reason.

>>14468122
Wait... Abstinence from both sides?

>>14468100
The Steward seems beleaguered for the first time in over a year, but her weary smile remains. You idly wonder if her emotional state is somehow tied to the land and its people.

"I have carried out your duties, my lord, to the letter. The lawmen have been replenished, and the states of our duchy's peasantry and nobility alike have been bolstered by works you have helped fund. Hamlets grow into villages, and our towns swell into cities."

She glances at the Captain's wife as the noble lady holds their son. A quiet, dull expression of longing crosses her face for the briefest instant. "Again, I stand ready to help your people flourish, my lord. However, the magics of the Necromancer and Wizard alike fade from prominence in the field."

>Tautila is fertile.
>Tautila is well-fed, and has two seasons of reserves.
>Tautila has two units of standing lawmen.
>Tautila is often patrolled.
>Tautila is a small hub of travel.
>Tautila is a respectable hub of trade.

>>14468160
No just them. It's one of our conditions.

>>14468156
We could also spend an expenditure's worth on lowering their seasonal income. I'm sure we're in a better position than they are financially. Thoughts from the crowd?

We can have the Necromancer and the Wizard work on improving the fertility of the land in Spring. Right now, we need to come up with other uses for them.


As for the Dictator, I think we should attempt to find out how the Oracle was spirited away from Vesna.

>>14468194
Well the Wizard has double sorcery now that we got him an apprentice. So have the apprentice work the weather and Wizard can do some scrying recon.

if we want to put pressure on Zlatan but don't want to risk an invasion we could see if theres anything nasty our wizard can do to them

>>14468156
Okay... For now, let us pressure Zlatan in myriad of subtle ways. Wizard can send in the bad weather, Dictator can use spies to find news/evidence in Vesna while keeping the demands to and fro, Steward can embargo them out of one major purchase, Captain to train his troops right in the border...

We also silently request the Necromancer to send a hex on the Zlatan court, with our own aid.

>>14468165
"The apprentice is working out fine, my lord. If you'll allow me a bit of honesty, I had expected to kick her out of the kingdom -- and out of my bedchamber -- by now, so you wouldn't think about squeezing another thaumaturge by me, but ... she, ah ... She legitimately possesses some skill in magic, beyond what the towers hammered into her brain. And, ah." He cackles. "And she has skill in other things."

"So, she stays. For now, at least. The Circle's up, too. Ah. An invisible circle of silent, rippling fire, poised to scorch intruders on our borders."

>Tautila is now guarded by a Wrath Circle.
>Units encroaching on Tautila with hostile intent have a chance of being injured, routed, or slain.

>>14468066
Well fuck them with an iron stick then! They want to play it that way, here's what we do. Spread word to the other kingdoms of the oracle (a neutral party no less) being held prisoner for no discernable reason, and spin it like fuck so that Zlatan is seen as the massive dicks they are. SMEAR CAMPAIGNS EVERYWHERE!

Also, seconding Davis for the name of the captain's son. Sounds...befitting.

>>14468221
>Units encroaching on Tautila with hostile intent have a chance of being injured, routed, or slain.
Fuck yeah

>>14468221
Slutty wizard apprentice get.

Ah, shame we don't have the right equipment to take her "counsel" so to speak.

Well, scrying this time round, and perhaps bad weather.

>>14468229
We were planning on this, the problem is that we have no idea whether she's been tricked into remaining there, of her own volition, or if she's being held against her will.

Thats why we trained new spies, to figure it out before we make asses of ourselves.

Also, +1 for rose ribs. Sounds like a very striking personalization.

>>14468221
The members of your inner court look to you for leadership.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

We could have the Wizard scry on Zlatan and the Oracle, see how she's holding up.

>>14468165
Awwww... Our (supposed) bastard-grand-something-niece is looking down. She is rather envious of the child, clearly.
We should let her rest next season, or send her to brainstorm with Necromancer about things that can be done with Necromancy to help Tautila. No rush, of course. ;)

>You decide the Dictator will carry out an espionage action in Vesna.

"I will investigate to the utmost of my ability, my lord. If secrets lay hidden in Vesna, they will out!" The Dictator exclaims, as if his reputation depended on it. "It is my recommendation that you allow me to do this without my spies -- They will better serve you gathering information in their usual 'passive' method, without direction."

The Dictator leaves to his quarters, presumably to prepare for the journey.

>The Dictator is unavailable.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
Have these two train and round up more troops.
>The Dictator is available.
Send spies to Zlatan to discern the whereabouts and condition of the oracle.
>The Necromancer is available.
Have him do a bit of upkeep on the fields like he did way back when. See if he can keep our perpetually fertile fields going and keeping our population well fed
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
HEADS WILL FUCKING ROLL!
>The Steward is available.
More focus on infrastructure and trade!
>The Wizard is available.
Have him scry on Zlatan along with the spies to discern any whereabouts of the oracle. Perhaps have him work in tandem with the dictator to achieve this.

>>14468267
>The Black Thane is available.
Train one of the regular units into an elite unit of troops.
>The Captain is available.
Continue training troops. I don't want to lose men simply because they were unskilled.
>The Dictator is available.
Use spies, and gather evidence about how the Oracle was kidnapped from Vesna.
>The Necromancer is available.
Teach us Death Magic.
>The Steward is available.
Lay the groundwork for trade schools.
>The Wizard is available.
Scry on Zlatan to see what they're doing.

Gather intel from Vesna first. See if Zlatan had slandered the Oracle. Then smear/propaganda campaign against Zlatan in the next season.

>>14468324
Seconding this, except that our spies should be on counter-espionage duty inside Tautila.

>You decide the Wizard will scry on Zlatan.
>You decide the Wizard will send bad weather to Zlatan.

"At your order, milord. I'd never turn down a chance to see how the Duchess is doing. I'm sure I can find something out about Oracle's circumstances while I'm at it." He sneers.

"Oh, right, and I'll have the apprentice do what she can with the weather talisman. I haven't the fainting idea why I thought that thing'd be worth my time. I suppose I have to lay in the bed I made for myself, though." The Wizard stretches, turning back toward his quarters.

>The Wizard is unavailable.

For this season, what do we want to do?

We can put a whole lot of pressure upon Zlatan,
OR,
we can improve Tautila, to insure more major purchases the following seasons.

My vote would be:
- Full pressure on Zlatan: >>14468220
- Reiterate our demands, with a caveat, no magic for two seasons starting the time of surrender
- Rose on ribs
- Davis, pending approval of Steward

Guys. They're using tge oracle to find out our true identity.

We may need to go in... personally.

>You decide the Black Thane will focus on training.
>You decide the Captain will focus on training.

"They will learn to fear failure more than enemy steel," the Black Thane declares, hand resting on the pommel of his sword. His boots make heavy thuds as he leaves the room, before waiting for the Captain.

"You go ahead to the main camp, my friend," The Captain says, remaining. "I'll wait here until the Duke has given me the favor of his judgment in the matter of my son's name, then join you."

They exchange nods, and the Black Thane departs.

>The Black Thane is unavailable.
>The Captain in unavailable.

>The Captain wishes for you to decide which of the court members will name his son.

>>14468421
If the captain is wanting us to have another person give him a name, I recommend we ask the steward. She seems like she'd have a good idea.
Is it in bad taste to give the recommendation of Davis because we're king or something?

I really wish we could have the Oracle name the Captain's son, as she would choose the most appropriate name of all, but of course she is unavailable.

I recommend the steward for son naming duty.

>>14468442
On the one hand, the Steward would be a good choice for naming the boy.
But on the other, having the Duke himself name him would give him more prestige.

Let's go with naming the boy ourselves. Name him...Davis, if such a name is still acceptable in this time period.

>>14468442
>You decide the Steward will name the Captain's son.

The Steward blushes intensely. "I thank you, my lord, for the esteem. Let's ... Let's see," she says, stepping over the Captain and his wife. "What would be a good name for you, little one?"

There is a long period of silence, where the word "Davis" forms in your mind, repeating over and over. It churns through your consciousness as you stare without eyes toward the Steward.

>Davis
"Hrm, well ...
>Davis
You're a strong sort.
>Davis.
That's a little grip you've got there.
>Davis.
You need a good, sturdy name.
>Davis.
D...
>Davis.
Davis, perhaps. Yes, Davis is lovely."

"Davis it is, then," says the Captain, and he departs for the camp, kissing his wife and son farewell.

>>14468490
Daaaaaaavis

>>14468490
Congratulate the Captain and his wife on their son, Davis.

>>14468512

Aaaaawwwwww....

If we had a heart, it would be warmed by this scene.

With the child gone, the atmosphere grows quite serious. The Necromancer and Steward step closer to you, standing nearly shoulder-to-shoulder before your throne. Each of them look to you for guidance.

>The Necromancer is available.
>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of life.
>The Necromancer may instruct you in the magic of death.
>The Necromancer may make the land more fertile.
>This actions carries a risk of Unrest.

>The Steward is available.
>The Steward may focus on morale.
>The Steward may focus on trade.
>The Steward may focus on infrastructure.
>The Steward may focus on recruitment.

>>14468549
[ Only that last action of the Necromancer's carries the Unrest risk. ]

>>14468490
. . . Heh.
Suggestion spell.

>>14468549
Have the Steward continue working on infrastructure.
Have the Necromancer teach us Death Magic.
I want our Duke to become an elite unit all by himself if we ride to war again.

>>14468549
Can we get more info on just what the effect of learning life or death magic would be for this season? What gains can be expected from each course of instruction?

Let's see...
Let's put them together.

Tell Steward that we are... Irked by the Zlatans. We wish to pursue this vendetta, on less bloody battlefield, although no less costly.
Embargo their trade (one major purchase), and instruct her to point out to the Necromancer where to put his hexes in order to make more economic ruinations on Zlatan's commerce.

>>14468583
Hmm, I like this. Or have the Necromancer use his Death Magic to ruin the soil fertility of the perfidious Zlatans. Whatever it is exactly we do, we should have the Necromancer and the Steward collaborating on the entire thing..

>>14468575
>You inquire about the effects of tutelage in the magic of death.

The Necromancer looks at a loss. "I cannot be certain, my lord. I would begin with he fundamentals, but that may beneath you. I began your instruction in life with simple charms, hatching eggs, prompting warmth in others, but by the end of the season you were blooming dead flowers and closing wounds. I ... I simply do not know."

Okay then, that is too vague, and we have no need for it.

Steward and Necro to ruin Zlatan economy, through embargo (purchase) and hexes, and also we to aid their endeavor in any ways possible (Enhancement Life magic and also put out Steward's weariness).

We hadn't used two purchases yet.

Perhaps a purchase should be used to somehow entice our neighbors into abstaining from trade with Zlatan as well.

>>14468658
Can we fund the Necromancer to learn some new tricks? I mean teaching us magic and making nice dirt is nice and all, but I want some skeletal warriors.

[ Actually, I think you fellas have three purchases left. Don't forget you can spend after making a decision. ]

>>14468677
We want to use one to block one purchase by Zlatan. Using the whole trade hub ability thing.

I say we still go through with the DEATH MAGIC LEARNAN.

>>14468677
Major purchase for farm equipment, gonna need that at the beginning of the next season.

Well, can we spend purchases without any Councilors to oversee?
Like for instance, purchasing agricultural aids, giving incentives to merchants, or equipping our expanding army?

My vote for agriculture and merchants, though. But greasing Dictator's mission is also possible.

Regarding Necro to expand his magic, that might require an Extended Counsel, taking a whole season to work with that specific Councilor and letting the other Councilors to do as they please or deem right.

. . . I would have wanted to do it with the Oracle first...

Also! ROSES! RIBS!
Make it happen, Mors. :D

>>14468682
[ Ah. Read it wrong. ]

>You decide the Necromancer will carry out an espionage action on Zlatan.
>You decide the Steward will carry out an espionage action on Zlatan.
>You spend a major purchase on the espionage action.

The Necromancer rubs his chin. "Hrm. An interesting task, my lord. It is one I can perform, but it's a peculiar errand to be sent on. It will be no small thing to covertly spoil the resources of a duchy."

"You'll do fine," says the Steward, smiling at him. "Zlatan has greater things to worry about than two travelers visiting their villages. I hate to do such a thing, especially if people in Zlatan are truly in need, but it seems like a wise course of action, and perhaps a peaceful one, compared to what else is at our disposal. Work swiftly, and the time will fly, Necromancer," she says, touching his shoulder.

"Hm. Perhaps you're right." The Necromancer turns to you. "We'll be certain to pass along your compensation to the merchants who we will request to lower their prices in order to divert funds from Zlatan, my lord. Before we leave, that is."

>You spend a major purchase on diverting profits from Zlatan.

"Which is now," the Steward says, calling for her horse. The Necromancer follows afterward, leaving you alone in the throne room.

>The Steward is unavailable.
>The Necromancer is unavailable.

>One purchase remains to be spent.

What I want to. Know is do our various counsellors have seconds in case they're incapacitated etc. Wizard has his, Thane and Necromancer does not, steward? Captain? Dictator?

>>14468751
Can we expend the Major Purchase to ensure that the Dictator is able to gather the evidence?

>>14468751
Add to treasury for emergency funds.

>>14468751
>One purchase remains to be spent.
Give it to the captain in the form of a trust fund for his son

We personally should go out and visit the people, and the barons. See if anyone (sons/daughters) shows promise for duty, and recruit a trainee court.

>>14468764
This is a sound idea, but note, it could not be spent mid-season or immediately.
But for now, I think it can go to the improvement of agricultural facilities/tools.

On a similar note, the two food reserves we have (taking into account cycling to prevent spoilage), is that for each harvest season, or is that a static stockpile?

>>14468754
>The Captain, Dictator, and Steward are all representatives of a large group of innumerable lessers, the head of an entire pillar of Tautila.

>While the Steward may meet with many agents both agrarian and socialite, none of her immediate contributors have the sum of her experience. This is the same for the Dictator and Captain.

>When these three court members are Jailed, you rely on their seconds for success, but the chance of that success decreases as several men and women with separate motivations and values conflict in their execution, even though you have ultimate authority, just as if the inner court members were Injured.

>The other four, the Black Thane, Necromancer, Wizard, and Oracle, are all unique individuals within your kingdom, and their Jailing means you are deprived completely of what they can offer you.

>>14468786
>Your reserves are consumed on a season-by-season basis only in the event that your populace is not fed. Enough stocks are set aside every harvest season to last the year, if possible. Otherwise, they are spread as evenly as possible.

>>14468754
Hmmm, should we do this? That would be sound practice, just that it might invite ambition in the midst of their seconds.

If we are not doing anything, we can do the rounds of our own nobles' courts, do Benevolence PR among the poor, or even go with Captain and Thane to support the Troop training (Enhancement, and Healing, just in case).

>You spend a major purchase on the Dictator's espionage mission.

Dictating quickly, you recite a decree for the Dictator to be given what amenities and funds he needs to open the doors behind which any secret may hide.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes ...

[ Last update of the night. Thread will end once reports are given. ]

>>14468809

So, about them roses ornamentations.

>>14468802
Its that or grow a rosebush.

Which is just as good.

>It is the 303rd year After Unification.
>It is spring.

Life returns to the kingdom once again, and flowers bloom. On trees, in the gardens of your castle, and in the hollow of your breasts. Inspired by the flight of fancy from the servant girl last year, you cultivate a small bushel of soft white roses within you, the pride of your garden, with a single red rose where your heart once beat its drum.

As your black cloak trails on the ground, you leave petals in your wake. Many of the servants are enamored, and the local populace to the castle greet you with a "good morning, my lord" rather than a deep and silent bow. You find yourself wishing you could inhale their perfume, but the desire passes when you remember you know of an essence deeper than the five mortal senses, as the bounteous energies cling to you like no mere aroma could.

The Captain's wife visits often, in an attempt to have the baby used to the place where his father will be spending so much time.

Occasionally the Black Thane will ride up in the night while the army sleeps, to see that you are well. Upon confirming such, he turns around and head right back to be ready before the sun rises. His dedication knows no bounds.

But the group is assembled, and they are ready for your orders. However, the gathering is slightly different today ...

>>14468866
The Black Thane has been in the castle since the last nightfall, but waited until now to give his report, perhaps out of respect for the Captain's presence.

"The men are promising, my lord. Though I was not as useful in training the men in combat, I was able to rid the best of them of some of their weakness. I tell you without error that fear has no name to our most true soldiers."

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

>>14468787
Good things to know.

>>14468866
. . . This, this brought tears to my eyes. Thorned Duke, almost ready to go.

>>14468888
>dem quads

>>14468888
"He is quite right, my lord," the Captain adds, nodding. "While I trained the army in tactical drills, to better the lot of them, the Black Thane seemed to hand-pick some of our best, gathering them together. Even without informing him, he seemed to know the most veteran soldiers we have, and ... well, after they walked off with him into the night, they are changed."

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

He clears his throat. "For the most part, though, the drills went quite well. The peasantry take well to command, and seem to trust us with their well-being. Such trust leads to fine students, and skilled fighters."

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has four units of elite troops.

"Our allies on the border seemed duly impressed, and some have even begun to envy us. Only in jest, of course, my lord. There are still petty toasts and small games of chance enjoyed among the patrols in their off time, which shows a good relation among the men if fighting should break out."

>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

>>14468888
>8888
>mfw

>>14468913
Behind the wall of wrath, beyond the form of friend and foe alike, Tautila grows. Tautila builds. Tautila rises, to claim what is rightfully hers.

>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.


Yessssssssssssssssss

Fuck with us and we will make everyone hate you

Unrelated, but every time I hear the Black Thane cannot be jailed I get tremors of Jon Irenicus and am highly pleased with it.
>HE CANNOT BE CAGED, HE CANNOT BE CONTAINED, UNDERSTAND THIS AS YOU DIE, EVER COWARDS, EVER FOOLS

>>14468925
Having a big military wang isn't a great thing. Call back when we're conquerers or being a land of technological/artistic/commercial progress.

>your rtswii
This is a TBS not an RBS captcha.

>>14468954
it is when your at war.

>>14468913
I will be straight to the point, my lord," starts the Dictator. "Vesna in not in cooperation with the Zlatan, not in the least. In fact, my investigation has learned that the Vesna simply believed that the Oracle had moved on without telling them. It is not unusual for her to do so, so no alarm was raised."

>Vesna is not involved in the Oracle's Jailing.

"Of course, the folly there is that with no reason to suspect foul play," he goes on, "they did not look into the possibility of it. I gained access to her quarters by means of bribery and exchanged favors of a reconnaissance nature I will not bother you with -- the formalities are largely unchanged between the underhands of the many duchys -- and learned she was indeed abducted by force, and I have found a Zlatan brooch of loyalty on the rocks beneath her window. It is doubtless she cast it there upon resisting."

>Tautila has evidence of Zlatan's abduction of the Oracle.

"Unfortunately, I also found the logical conclusion of that struggle in dried blood between the floodboards. Zlatan spies make for poor custodians. It appears her attendants were slain. This is ... This will be a great loss for her."

>The Oracle has sustained sufficient trauma to be Injured for all intents and purposes.

He throws the financial and diplomatic reports onto a nearby table, finding them unimportant for the moment.

"What shall we do, my lord?"

>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.
>Hildefons is friendly.
>Gailavira is allied with you.
>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)

>>14468969
I know there'll be no update after this, but we need to take this new evidence to our two friends and Vesna.

ideas for next time

Have the thane train us some more

Have the captain institute a policy, whichever troop is judged to have the highest camp discipline gets to have a training match against us using tarred wooden weapons, should they manage to black us they'll get a small boost in pay and an extra booze ration for the season. those who win will not be eligible to win again for one years time.

necromancer to teach us death magic

>>14468969
The Necromancer, nearly all of the court members, seems incensed by this horrid abduction and its bloody price. "The bastards. I regret not one word spoken in the incantations to blacken their crops. Let their nobility feast on husks and sod!"

>The Necromancer has ruined Zlatan's harvest.

so Zlatan has now kidnapped, imprisoned and traumatized a very valuable neural person. I think we are going to have help putting the ruling nobles heads on pikes.

>>14468969
Maybe we should invade, after all we should put our huge army to use.

>>14468969
Zlatan is

F-U-C-K-E-D.

You do not mess with a neutral, respected party that is, for all intents and purposes, in the good graces of every neighboring duchy. They've not just kidnapped her, but used deadly force against her companions and illegally jailed her.

Bring this evidence to you allies, IN SECRET. Hildefons, Gailavera, and Vesna.

We're Crusading.

What if we had the Wizard scry Zlatan individuals and the Necromancer inflict them with necrotic magics? Is that possible? We could strike down the infiltrators who took the Oracle (using the locket as a focus), and it would serve as a great warning to Zlatan that keeping the Oracle is a bad idea.

>>14469007
We just ruined their crops and we put a blow against their trade.

We wait a season or two. Let their armies go hungry and desert.

Then we march in. We. Take. Shit. Over. We remove the duchess and declare the lands split between us and our two neighboring allies, with us getting the biggest chunk. We feed the people and do well by them.

And thus we become Badass, Destroyer of Fools.

>>14469029
What we need to do, is break the oracle out through subtle means, and THEN organize a crusade. As it is, if we immediately aggress them, she could be used as a hostage.

>>14468997
With the Oracle missing, the Steward steps in next, placing a hand on the Necromancer's shoulder. "Please. Do not let their bloodlust infect you, ser. Their people will suffer enough with the spoiled harvest, and morale will soon suffer on the front lines; it is likely we can press for piece again within a season, if that is what the good Duke wishes."

She looks to you. "Our harvest has been plentiful, my lord, and we are stocked and readied for the worst of war's tolls."

>Tautila is fertile.
>Tautila is well-fed, and has four seasons of reserves.

"The land is full of plenty, and we are poised to equal Zlatan, if not best them in the areas of our domestic wealth, especially if they have been preparing for war since before we have. The populace remain content, and the weariness of war has yet to take hold, if it even will anytime soon at all."

>Tautila has two units of standing lawmen.
>Tautila is often patrolled.
>Tautila is a small hub of travel.
>Tautila is a respectable hub of trade.

After a pause, she lightly kisses the Necromancer on one stubble-licked cheek. "Calm yourself. The Duke will ensure that the price for such abuse is reckoned against them."

>The Steward's relationship with the Necromancer has improved.
>The Steward is in love with the Necromancer.

The Necromancer attempts to scowl through his blushing face. It is a poor attempt.

>The Necromancer's relationship with the Steward has improved.
>The Necromancer is in love with the Steward.

>>14468987
Sounds like a purchase to train with the Troops. While it was mentioned that there is no particular use for Micro-management, I think roleplay-wise it is okay to spout off these kind of ideas.

Just make sure to add what kind of Macro action it is.

>>14468969
With that kind of report, we can put definite pressure upon the Zlatan. Put it forward on the negotiation table, and that now we demand 6 major purchases, 2 seasons of no sorcery (and no looking for Wizard), the release of Oracle, AND reparations to HER in form of the Duchess' children to act as the Oracle's attendants until she could manage to find her own.

Or else, we destroy Zlatan inside out, rout its army, ruin its economy, stain black its reputation, and swallow it lands whole...

>>14469042

To know if it is possible is still important, for future reference.

>>14469035
Wouldn't that distract us from achieving a timely rescue of the Oracle since at the moment there is nothing they have which we need since our economic strength is trade of cloth and clothes.

dawww

Diplomatic campaign to show evidence and gather support.

If we can pressure Zlatan into releasing the Oracle, then we can have the Dictator go back and ask for reparations.

If not, see if other duchies are willing to invade Zlatan with us.

>>14469035
You DO realise thid is a retaliative strike because of what the Wizard did?

They're doing the same.

For two seasons if you choose to wait.

Mors, before you go to bed for the night, I just want you to know that this is the most awesome quest I've been a part of since Ironquest. You have a wonderful way with words and scenarios, brother!

>>14469049
The next person in the small gathering is a stranger to you. Where the Wizard would stand is a tall woman with tones tinging her skin that are usually found among those born on the southern coasts. Perhaps a bastard child of a noble, or the daughter of an elder line, as she carries herself with the same experience of authority that the other courtiers do. Long, dark hair and rather sparing robes of red clothe her.

"The Wizard slumbers still, good Duke," the woman says, a white mask of porcelain hovering over her face. "I am his apprentice, his lesser in the studies of the tower. He offered me the opportunity to expand my talents through service to a lord, and I am pleasantly surprised to see they will be tested indeed. I will very likely not be at your court in coming seasons, but I wished to thank you for this opportunity while I had the chance."

She bows. "I am your Witch."

>>14469069
Depends on the timing, we could ask Dictator about that.

If it was indeed retaliatory action, we pay our own reparations TO the Oracle, since indeed our own action was to prevent damage to our fair Tautila.
If it was not, and it had been planned along the espionage and the deception attempt to provoke a war, then we fall down hard upon the Zlatan court.

>>14469090
Ooooh, I like her.

>>14469085
Yeah, Iron quest was the only othrt quest that had me waking up at 4:00 in the morning to take part.

Good Job so far!

>>14469090
>delicious brown girl
>lens flare cleavage
"I can see why the wizard has taken an interest in you, my dear..."
>lament the fact that we can't make this face

>>14469090
The Wizard arrives moments after he introduction. "Tch. Back to the tower with you, apprentice," he barks, rubbing sleep from his eyes and still pulling on his robe of black. "There's reagents to be sorted and charms to be appointed before the day is through."

The Witch hurries off, and he turns back to you with a wet cough and a yawn. "Apologies, milord. I've not found much sleep in recent nights. Being a mentor is hard work, after all." He cackles.

"As for the Zlatan, they've no Wizard or Witch on hand as far as I can tell. No sorcery at their disposal at all. The Oracle, though ... She's in a bad way. Mostly curled up in the dungeons. I may not be a very gallant fellow, but it does pain me to see a woman of substance cry."

>Zlatan is unable to take sorcerous actions.
>Zlatan is not benefiting from the Oracle.

>>14469090
Receive her gratitude as is, and tell her that while indeed certain tasks that fall upon her shoulders might not sound very glamorous or pride-worthy, she should know that those actions still serve Tautila.

Serve her well, and be certain, this Duke remembers.

>>14469069
Except they have no grounds on which to do it. THe Oracle is not an official member of our court, but a neutral party who offers services to various duchy's.

We should still offer her something when we break her out, though, as it was an attempt to needle us that caused her predicament. But Zlatan is still DRASTICALLY in the wrong here.

>>14469090
Calling it now, she's going to backstab us or die.

Either way, awesome.

>>14469115
>The Oracle, though ... She's in a bad way. Mostly curled up in the dungeons. I may not be a very gallant fellow, but it does pain me to see a woman of substance cry."

ZLATAN
WILL
FUCKING
BURN!

>>14469116
The Witch nods short and cordially at your words before returning to the high tower of the castle.

Your court stands assembled. Which hand shall reach out to the Zlatan in coming seasons, that of the open palm, or that which bears the sword? Only time -- and your will -- will tell.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

[ That's all, folks. Thanks for another great one. ]

>>14469115
Since actions would be prepared on the next thread...

Say to the Wizard, that his apprentice looked to be of fair promise, and that he has done well in both choosing his aids and his endeavors on magic. Compliment subtly in his taste of women too.

Send the Thane to lightly thwack the Captain, the Necro, and the Dictator to keep them from drooling on to the floor too much.

>We should still offer her something when we break her out, though

Our apologies and sympathies, firstly.

Secondly, perhaps extend and offer that she may choose new assistants from among our people.

>>14469069
So if I may ask, whens the next thread expected? this is some pretty kickass shit right here.

>>14469140
The best gift you can grant a girl is offerring to invade her former captor's kingdom.

First, rescue her. Then,
Give her the choice ehat punishment they should bear.

>>14469162
Unfortunately, (Dead) King's Quest is going to stay pretty weekly. Once a week, usually between Sunday and Tuesday. Occasionally I might manage two days in a row, but that depends on when I get my days off from work.

>>14469173
Fair enough, it's worth the wait.

Oh, and send out this proclamation:

The Oracle is indeed a neutral third party in all things. And in all things that she had done these past seasons, she chose to do it to the betterment of the Kingdom. That she offered a hand to aid the Duchy of Tautila when it had almost be lain upon a shallow grave, would not be forgotten by Tautila.

And in gratitude, despite knowing full well that her position required her to keep a neutral stance, the whole Kingdom should know that Tautila would always remain her staunch ally, till her dying day (and perhaps even then). She would always be received in favor in our court, and find allies among the populace.

And if harm should befall her...

Beware Tautila's anger.

Black Thane, Wizard, Spies, and whatever aid from Gailavera and Hildefons can be garnered for the effort:

These guys will be breaking the Oracle out. Zlatan has no sorcery to meet our troops like last time. Gailavera is our close ally, they'll probably be willing to offer help. Hildefons is an incredibly altruistic nation, it seems, so the treatment of the Oracle will hopefully be enough to spurr them into giving aid.

We break out the Oracle, and then use her support to either strongarm Zlatan into whatever the fuck we want from them, or we lay siege to their duchy with whatever allies we can convince to join us.

I will have to make a point to come back and participate in the next part of the quest. This was a lot of fun, and I hope I helped.

I wanna drawfag for these quests so much, but they always end right as I'm waking up for the day

>>14467067

>You have no memory of anything before your emergence from a deep oblivion. You know only that you were once a mortal of the kingdom Heva, as you recognized both its name and customs, but all other knowledge was gifted to you by the Black Thane, who carries with him all the memory of his past life in service to Tautila.

Great quest and all, but you shouldn't have outright said that. Firstly, you've made guessing about our past much less interesting, and secondly, you've closed off a whole load of future twists that could have brought a whole new dimension to the game. The best way to run a quest is to never outright solve any mysteries without bringing up new questions, look at Ruby Quest.

The otherwise excellent Blood Quest suffered massively from this.

>>14469924
>You were alive once.
>You know about the kingdom.

Neither of these are particularly ruinous spoilers.

>>14470189
Really? We could have been anything. We could have been an otherworldly entity. We could have been some sort of supernatural power. We could be a deity (although to these people we are, I guess). It just closes off avenues, and I wanted to mention it before he starts explaining everything that goes on rather than leving it to the participants, as StonerDM ended up doing.

So just a thought I had when reading this on the archive (thank god this thread is still alive!) that I'd like to share. Mind you I haven't read this thread yet.

I want us to ask the Oracle about the past and the future that didn't come to pass. Mind you, I haven't read this thread yet so I don't know how much history of the world we know at this point. But it would be really good to learn about the country, former enemies and allies, forgotten grudges we could bring back to the surface to get some political advantage etc.
Even if we're not the king we are posing as it's very important that we know as much as possible about him. We are already using his status to play KING for crying out loud, there must be more ways we can take advantage of this guy.
On the future that didn't come to pass... I'm mainly interested in knowing if we've avoided disasters or made a bad call that hasn't been very obvious.

Food for thought. If you like it, suggest it in the next thread. Stupid timezones will probably not permit me to post when we are live.