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/tg/ - Traditional Games


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You have always wanted to be an emperor. That ambition has burned dimly in the past, tempered by reality. Now the opportunity to realise your ambition has arrived and you are determined not to let it slip. Now is the time to build your empire and become an emperor.

Last Thread: You are the knight, Talon York, and you are the man who will be an emperor. Last thread you accepted the Taouran surrender, though hundreds of them still fled back to Taour. Afterwards, you planned the defence of Vale against the Vitrian invasion. They laid siege against Castle Gimbon and, after their first storm faltered due to your traps, you sortied with your knights to force them to flee. Under a hail of magic and arrows, many of your knights were falling due to the failure of this strategy until you felt a surge of raw astral power which healed many of the wounded. The remaining Vitrians have fled and now your familiar, Gnome, wants to talk to you about what just happened.

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Aspiring%20Emperor%20Quest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AspirationalQM
Master Pastebin (links to all pastebins for AEQ): http://pastebin.com/6Su7M3fh
>no updates

>some housekeeping
1. Next thread will be 5pm EST, Jan 24th. Only one thread that weekend.

NB: The lorebin is pretty large and I’m not expecting everybody to read it all. I’m still up for answering questions ITT so as not to alienate players and I’ll try to make things understandable contextually.

Rolls are d20 and the best of the first three posters. Please quote the post you are voting for or rolling against.

>Now, with further ado
>>
>>29608242
You stand in the abandoned Vitrian camp as your soldiers clean up the battlefield and take the Vitrians prisoner. The three thousand or so Vitrians fleeing left in a hurry after your display of power so the camp stands mostly intact.

Gnome speaks, “Now is probably the best time to speak a little more about what happened. Or more particularly, what we each think happened. That was very different to what occurred earlier – it was still astral power but it felt so different. Is there anything you can think to tell me?”

You think on your response. You speak, "Well, I could tell you what it felt like, and the epiphany that led to it. But I couldn't tell you how I did it, and I'm not sure that I could do it again if I tried."

“Tell me what it felt like then. This was very different to what you did in the Place of Power, Talon,” Gnome says, her face guarded.

You shrug. “Like power. Raw, unrefined power. Not running through me but… exuding from me. I can’t really explain it.”

Gnome shakes her head and speaks, “No, that’s good enough. Raw power is exactly what it felt like to me.”

“To you? Hmm, did it effect you like it did my soldiers?” you ask.

“It brushed away my exhaustion and minor wounds, yes. That wasn’t the power itself doing that, though – you’re not supposed to be able to let out raw astral power into the world like that, though I’ve seen it done before. Natural elements, such as myself and the soldiers, absorbed it with the expected effects – our bodies run on very small amounts of this energy, taking in a lot of it is naturally going to heal us.”

“You run on it? I thought astral power was special?”

“It’s also the stuff of souls, Talon. Only devils and demons exist without those. There was another thing. There was a weight to this power.”

>continued
>>
>>29608245
“A weight? It felt like it was crushing you?”

She chuckles. “No, I mean an emotional weight. Though even that’s not accurate. Astral power reflects its user – that’s why the archangels are the way they are, Life and Death.”

“And what did mine reflect, Gnome?”

She looks away, unable to meet your eyes. “There was a certain insanity to it. Not in the sense that you had lost your grip on reality, but rather that you had imprinted something that no rational being could. What were you thinking of when you used that power, Talon?”

You frown at Gnome’s insubstantial response. “Of life. And death. And the question of whether life and a future could come from the destruction that was the battlefield. Not my greatest state of mind, but no stranger to me.”

“And what was your answer to that question?”

You think…

>1. “That the seeds of this battlefield will create greater things. Just as my soldiers rose up after all that pain and exhaustion to still fight alongside me.”
>2. “That the battlefield itself and the destruction it brings was necessary. That is what these armies are about. That is what my soldiers are for – that is why they stood up once healed, for they knew that, too.”
>3. “That life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars.”
>4. Custom

Write-ins don’t have to reflect any of the themes of the three answers (though try to keep it in line with the sorts of things Talon was thinking). You can try to shape Talon however you wish.
>>
3
>>
3 looks good to me
>>
>>29608261
>1. “That the seeds of this battlefield will create greater things. Just as my soldiers rose up after all that pain and exhaustion to still fight alongside me.”
>>
Glad I caught this, missed last night.
but holy fuck guys I can't belive nobody even suggested using our earth elemental to make a rock slide in a fucking canyon. we could have crushed their rear and trapped them between the walls and a pile of rocks.
>>
>>29608330
sry, forgot to remove trip
>>
>>29608339
or just you know hit them with giant rocks from above
>>
>>29608261
I am gonna have to reread the last few posts in the last thread before I answer that

>>29608242
>Thousands escaped
how did that happen? were there just so many that we couldn't chase down all of them?
>>
>>29608261
1
>>
>>29608373
You had a couple hundred men at the chokepoint. There were about three thousand or so Vitrians ahead of you, whose morale was already broken. It's a little difficult to catch them all, especially when leading with HMKs who are slow as it is.
>>
>>29608261
>3. “That life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars.”
>>
>>29608339
>but holy fuck guys I can't belive nobody even suggested using our earth elemental to make a rock slide in a fucking canyon.
I suggested it, they didn't actually form up in the canyon but a few hundred feet ahead of it, using the walls that gnome constructed to funnel them in order to defend their flank
someone else suggested she demanifest them then, but she didn't actually manifest them at all, instead she shaped real earth into them. And she was too busy blocking the magic of attacking mages to tear them down manually
>>
>>29608261
>1. “That the seeds of this battlefield will create greater things. Just as my soldiers rose up after all that pain and exhaustion to still fight alongside me.”
>3. “That life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars.”
>4. Custom
A combo of these two.
>>
>Fire
>We didn't get the subtext
I posted about this being rage last time, and a source of power, however it then occured to me that what fire does is consume, grow, and spread.
So maybe fire would have been us draining the life out of enemies to empower ourselves/troops?
>>
>>29608261
>3
>>
>>29608460
Ever heard about the story of Prometheus?
>>
>>29608460
Or it could be the phoenix.
>>
>>29608421
but that's not an rock slide is it. no giant rocks falling down the cliffs crushing and demoralising enemy soldiers out of nowhere.
>>
>>29608261
>>3. “That life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars.”
>>
>>29608460
Well Power is buffing our men and ourselves.
The better question would be what would death(changed to ruin by QM), and Fire would have been.
>>
>>29608520
>but that's not an rock slide is it.
You are failing to read what I said.
I suggested "collapse the canyon side on them" and aspirational answered with "they didn't form up in the canyon, there is nothing to drop on them"
>>
>>29608434
I agree with combo of 1 and 3
>>
>>29608592
Not him, but i'm surprised no one suggested throwing flaming rocks at them from inside the castle.
>>
>>29608592
my bad then
>>
>>29608411
And this is why we either need more flying mage knights, or need to invent/innovate mage knight cavalry for pursuit. Spoilering b/c potential debate derail
>>
>>29608434
Seconded.
“That the seeds of this battlefield will create greater things. Just as my soldiers rose up after all that pain and exhaustion to still fight alongside me, but that also shows that life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars.”
>>
>>29608611
The only way to have a flaming rock is to douse a rock in oil and set that on fire before tossing it. which is a total waste of oil because anything the rock hits will be already dead, if any oil even stays on the rock through the toss.

Note that gnome can pelt people with rocks and we did have her do so at certain points in battle (magical bombardment is gnome pelting with rocks, undine with hailstones, sala with fire).

its worth noting that undine cannot control the weather to make it hail, she can manifest hailstones at her location and toss them at an enemy, effectively achieving the same result but in a small area (while true hail falls from the sky over a really large area)
>>
>>29608434
I like it.
>>
>>29608642
This seems like a good dialogue combo.
>>29608676
We don't make the rocks tightly packed together i was suggesting something akin to the rocks splitting up before impact or after.
>>
>>29608628
no problem. I make mistakes like this all the time :).
>>
>3.

“That life will thrive in spite of what happened on this field. There are many dead men here, but those who survived, some with my aid, will live on to become greater even with these scars. The battle may create greater things, and some men will be better for it, but not all.”

Gnome nods slowly at that answer, then speaks, “I see. So battle is a means to an end, but not one you’d choose given other options?”

You think on that for a moment before answering, “That’s right. I’ll admit that sometimes battle is the better option, but that’s not because of what it brings. War is a means to an end, but the death and destruction it brings is a poor result. Great men may be forged in fire, but it need not be a destructive blaze. Nor should lesser men need to give up their own lives to light and stoke that fire.”

“That might not be something truly possible, Talon,” she answers cautiously.

“I was told once that a commoner could never command an army. Or a nation. I was told that only mages could control magical power well enough to make a true difference on the battlefield. I’ve been told that humans can’t use astral power.

“Impossible things seem to be rather possible in my eyes.”

She gives you a small smile with a small shake of her head.

>Any questions for Gnome? Anything else you want to say to her now?
>>
>>29608723
Why not make water balloons (but not from rubber) full of oil with a lit fuse and toss those at the enemy.
And regular rocks and toss those at the enemy.
And throw a ratio of those two ammos instead of making one franken ammo that mixes the two. I think 2 shots of an ammo which is 50-50 of the above would be less effective than 2 individual shots of 100% each.

As for a rock that scatters into smaller rocks, that is called a grapeshot
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapeshot
I am positive whatever artilary we have has a grapeshot ammo as optional ammo (different ammo is useful vs different enemies)
>>
>>29608261
Music for genuflecting while we continue the debate and we accidentally ominous theology

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKKDxCuxRHU&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D

I *will* turn Aspiring Emp quest into Total War Quest! SECRET AGENDA, GO!
>>
>>29608797
Nah, lets get our after action report. Is Sarah nearby? This is supposed to be a character interaction thread and we haven't seen her in a while.
>>
>>29608797
"Your fighting style is quite impressive, Gnome, I noticed. Very efficient. Powerful, yet simple. Tell me, how do YOU see battle, Gnome?"

bonding!

"What do you think this all means, Gnome? I have my own suspicions of course as to why...as to how I can do these things I do. Do you think it is good that my men see this side of me?"

Want to hear what she thinks.

And then later I want to give her a 'whats the big idea' face about telling Undine and Sala they can 'go first'.
But I can wait for later for that
>>
>>29608797
>"So, did you feel the earth move too?"
>>
>>29608818
>Why not make water balloons (but not from rubber) full of oil with a lit fuse and toss those at the enemy.
Thats actually a good idea, we should make that.
>>
>>29608818
>Why not make water balloons (but not from rubber) full of oil
Repling to self here, after some thought i think the ideal way to do it is to make a grapeshot of small molotov cocktails. it would spread burning oil and shards of glass at the target quite effectively. And all the ingredients exist (glass bottles, oil, rugs)
>>
>>29608797
>>29608891
I like this bit about her fighting style, and her vision of battle.
>>
>>29608797
>you’re not supposed to be able to let out raw astral power into the world like that, though I’ve seen it done before

"You said you've seen powers like mine before, I'd like to know as much about this as possible, I like to know my assets.
>>
>>29609032
Gnome's met the Archangels.
We basically became the Angel of Life there, for a second.
Or at least, that's what I assume that ability was
>>
"Your fighting style is quite impressive, Gnome, I noticed. Very efficient. Powerful, yet simple. Tell me, how do you see battle, Gnome?"

She gives you a sidelong look, sizing you up. “How do I see battle? As something to win. Battle, to me, is necessary but also pointless. The knights value their honour in war. The mages their grace. The commanders their brilliance. They all miss the point, in my view. Lesser men, as you called them, and even some greater men value these things because they cannot shape things as true rulers do. Rulers war because they want something – their goals and ambitions are the true cause and end of wars.

I will kill and slaughter for you, Talon, because you have that ambition. It is my duty to bring that about and I will do so as quickly and efficiently as possible so that I can continue to do it.”

You nod, not entirely sure what to say to that. You figure to change the topic, having received her words and meaning, “You said you've seen powers like mine before, I'd like to know as much about this as possible, I like to know my assets.”

She shrugs. “Archangels, Fae. Normally when you bring power into this world it all turns to natural sorcerous energy. But if you bring a lot of it into the world quickly it can take a little bit. The more powerful the being, the more astral power they can leak into the world. Your power… I don’t know. When you killed the dragon, you were like Samael. When you healed your men… well, I’d say it’s like Raphael but, uh,” she trails off with an amused look. “Theoretically, you were like Raphael. The means was more like a Fae though, with the way you saturated your surroundings with power. Honestly, that’s the end of my experience – if you want knowledge, find a Mystic Fox or a monk. Spiritualists know about this sort of thing.”

>continued
>>
>>29609124
I thought we were doing something more in the middle between them and more similar to the power of the 3 astral lords (self proclaimed gods, all born normal human... PS. if we do have the same power as them lets NOT call ourself that).
Regardless, I think its better to ask then to assume (and I am not the anon you replied to)
>>
>>29609216
>Lesser men
what does that actually mean?
>>
>>29609263
I imagine people like that brat fom a few threads ago
>>
>>29609226
>Astral Lord
We're totally an Astral Bastard. But yeah, we won't call ourselves the Fourth Astral Lord yet. That comes in time, when our power level is truly unlocked and we can take on the other Lords.

Our first target?
Lord of Embers
>>
>>29609216
>Mystic Fox
So at least we know what we are making Sarah summon.
>>
>>29609263
In this context, people who otherwise would not amount to much.

>>29609216
"What do you think this all means, Gnome? I have my own suspicions of course as to why...as to how I can do these things I do. Do you think it is good that my men see this side of me?"

She answers, “It means you have power others can only dream of. As to how you can use it… How well do you know your parents, Talon?”

You blink. “You think I’m not entirely human?”

“Quite probably. I can’t think of much else, though that doesn’t mean it’s the only possibility. The world is vast and strange. As for your men, they’ll have to know eventually. It’s probably for the best that you let them know you can’t heal them after every battle though. That might cause unexpected results, otherwise.

“In any case, I’d say it’s best that we head off to join your men. I’d say they want to celebrate a bit and you want to learn exactly how many are dead.”

>After-action report incoming
>>
>>29609216
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1iYvrioIHk&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29609316
You can't summon foxes as familiars. But you can bind them if you find one and they're willing. Generally, they hang around with monks.
>>
>>29609216
>if you want knowledge, find a Mystic Fox or a monk
oho... so had we chosen a mystic fox champion we would have a source of knowledge, eh? Well, they are still around to recruit.

>>29609306
The way it was used in the recent conversation suggests that gnome thinks that we meant it to say as "our soldiers who do not possess extraordinary power"

... actually I want to hear what gnome thought we meant specifically
>>
>>29609320
>Celebration
Aw yeah. Time for a little fortified Wine.
>>
>>29609345
What are the advantages for someone like a fox in being a familiar?
>>
>>29609379
Gnome responds, "I honestly don't know. I've only once met a corporeal being whose chosen to be a familair. Alyce's familiar, Mercenie, is an Aefir who could live a normal life otherwise. She always dodged the question whenever I asked her."

She laughs lightly, "Maybe they view it like marriage?"
>>
>>29609320
>It’s probably for the best that you let them know you can’t heal them after every battle though
probably a good idea. We could, later on, have our commanders pass pass it down the command chain that "General Talon is just now breaking into the next tier of sorcerous might and that it will probably take months to years of training until he can reliably do so at will. This wasn't a one time only deal, but do not rely on it happening every battle"
>>
>>29609426
>She laughs lightly, "Maybe they view it like marriage?"
is that how you view it?

Also invite her to lunch with you later
>>
Your officers meet you in a small room in the Castle, as many of your men begin to break out the wine and ale. You figure you should make this brief. Captains Glynn and Moss and Lieutenants Illon and Phrace join you, Gnome and Undine. Felix is on the sending device, as is Sarah. You finish explaining your victory to them.

“I’d figured it would all end quickly once they engaged at Castle Gimbon,” Sarah says, and you suspect she’s in a carriage from the noise coming through the device.

“Indeed, I’ll begin to muster the men to scour the province in case some wandered off from the main group. Or in case they regroup.”

MILITARY UPDATE

The casualties are not enormous, and there were very few wounded. Unfortunately, most of the dead were veterans at the front and numerous suits of magical plate were destroyed.

>XP increased
30 Heavy mage-Knights
>30 Regulars from Green

>You have gained
10 Heavy mage-knights
>10 Green
30 Medium Mage-knights
>30 Green

>You have lost
10 Heavy mage-knights
>10 Green
40 Men-at-arms
>40 Green
60 Medium mage-knights
>60 Veterans

FLEEING VITRIANS

“My men are hounding them with propaganda as we speak, Imperator,” Illon tells you. “At the very least, it will hopefully keep them from reforming.”

“Now, then,” Glynn says gruffly. “Let’s join in the celebrations. We can’t chase them into Vitria without pissing off the six thousand soldiers in Craol, so let’s enjoy the rest of the night.”

You agree and dismiss your officers. Who will you initially join in the celebrations?

>1. Go talk to Phrace and his men.
>2. Spend some private time with Gnome.
>3. Join Moss and his archers.
>4. Custom
>>
>>29609345
>Fox familiar
the whole point of a fox champion is that they died and championing is the only known way of resurrection.

Binding an elemental as familiar is necessary because the elemental cannot leave their cave otherwise.

Are foxes restricted to their cave (POP) unless bound as familiar? Because if they aren't then we do not need to have them as a familiar, we could just recruit them the same way we recruited mal.
>>
>>29609630
Someone tell Moss he did a damn good job.
Because really. He did a damn good job.
>>
>>29609356
>>29609630

1. and 3.

Also, PARTY HARD, emperor style!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF1grECA5qA&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29609630
>1. Go talk to Phrace and his men.
Manly handshake for Moss with a great job on the way.
>>
>>29609672
>Are foxes restricted to their cave (POP) unless bound as familiar?
Foxes are corporeal beings, unlike elementals (who are spiritual in that they can't exist under their own power). So yeah, they wander around and do their own thing like humans, dwarves, elves etc.
>>
>>29609630
>1. Go talk to Phrace and his men.
>3. Join Moss and his archers.
>>
>>29609630
Congratulate Moss, he was one of the ones that performed really well last session right?

Then Gnome private time, yay~
>>
>>29609712
This

>Captcha: vetiam settlers
I think captcha is trying to tell us something
>>
>>29609630
1+3
>>
>>29609630

>1. Go talk to Phrace and his men.
>3. Join Moss and his archers.
>>
>>29609630
3, then 1, then 2.

>>29609679
+1 to congrats to moss on his excellent job. Don't make it TOO brief, but don't make it too long either
>>
So the vibe I'm getting is to congratulate Moss on a job well done, then head on and spend some time with Phrace and his heavies?
>>
>>29609812
And after that have a little time of Gnome
>>
>>29609679
agreed. Maybe we should create a LT general position.
>>
>>29609812
yes, gnome can wait. bitches need to be kept waiting from time to time
>>
>>29609812
Spend some time with moss and his archers too, we don't want to snub either. Basically do the rounds amongst your various troops. And while with mosses troops, explicitly congratulate him on the excellent job he and his men did recently.

>>29609723
well than, that means we can recruit foxes the old fashioned way... with words instead of magical bonds
>>
>>29609812
And later on some time with Gnome.

Btw, if were part none human, does that mean we could potentialy have children (and therefore heirs) by the elementals?
>>
>>29609812
Yep.
>>
>>29609812
My vote is to do a somewhat quick round with all our good men (Moss, the heavies, the archers) let them all know we appreciate them (And maybe answer questions about how no, we actually aren't a Cleric, no matter how much it looked like it back there)

Then wind down the night warming up to Gnome.
>>
>>29609883
+1
>>
>>29609630
Did we capture any equipment from surrendered or killed opponents?
>>
>>29609965
My intention is to handle that next thread.

>3. & 1.

As you step out into the temperate night, you feel an inner glow as you see your men spread out across the castle grounds enjoying themselves. There’s cheer in the air, and in the barrels of wine and ale, and your men are merrily drinking and socialising. Most of your men are still in their armour, having removed only their helmets. Whilst many of them keep to groups, especially this early in the celebrations, you see a number of knights with archers and men-at-arms. With the way many of your regular soldiers are being given magical plate recently, there’s probably not much of a gap between the groups.

You spot Phrace in the centre of the courtyard, with his men in a wide circle, and several other men are coming by to join them as they move about. Before you join him though, you figure to spend a bit of time with Captain Moss, who is lounging atop the walls with a few of his elite archers.

“Evening, Moss. Enjoying the drink?” you say amiably as you approach him.

He stands up suddenly and tries to salute you but you wave him down, speaking, “Settle, Moss. We’re all just celebrating here. The battle’s over. No need for formalities.”

Moss rubs his head sheepishly as Lieutenant Mace chuckles next to him. Mace raises his stein of ale to you in greeting as he says, “Come to join us, General?”

“For a bit. It’s a good spot up here,” you say, leaning against the other side of the battlements. “I also wanted to congratulate you, Moss, and all your men. You did damn fine work. Not just tonight but also with the ambush, earlier. If they’d had more mages, things may have been different.”

Moss nods, a little flushed. “Thank you, sir. I have no doubt you would have pulled it off. Especially with the part at the end.”

“That’s not something I can always do, Moss. It’s the efforts of you and your men – and everybody else, that makes the real difference.”

>continued
>>
>>29609812
Yep. I'm hoping we can spend some time with Lynn during those though.
>>
Since this quest is running quite regularly...
What do you guys think about having an IRC channel to discuss things?
>>
“A miracle, then,” Mace says. “I can drink to that.”

You spend a few minutes making some idle chatter and drinking before heading off, but not before giving Moss a clap on the shoulder and another congrats.

“Wait, don’t I get a clap on the shoulder?” Mace says with a grin.

“When you remember to call me Imperator and not General, Mace,” you respond with a slight grin, walking off.

The rest of the men chuckle a bit as you head off to talk to Phrace. As you step up next to him and join his circle he turns to you from where he’s sitting on a box and salutes you with his stein.

“Damn crazy night, huh, sir?” he says. “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined up with you at Toulon, but this was still pretty amazing.”

>Response?
>>
>>29610132
its the toughest of choices... which romance subplot to advance.
Sarah arrived recently too, so at the moment we have gnome, lynn, sarah, and undine here at camp with us.
>>
>>29610158
Nah this threads are serve just fine.
>>
>>29610158
nah it would be dead.
>>29610174
I don't know about a response, but i feel like we should talk with lynn about our powers first before meeting gnome.
>>
>>29610212
I mean between threads.
>>
>>29610199
>Sarah arrived recently too,
nope she is still, gone and we go things at any pace since harem is confirmed.
>>
At some point we have to ask Gnome or the others why they appear as humans, rather than elves or dwarves or something.
Do they consciously pick a form identical to the species of the summoner?
>>
>>29610174
It has been a crazy night. That surge of power some was something fierce, something I don't fully understand or know how to use. But I would not have made it this far without you and your men. I would not have done nearly as well without your men.
>>
>>29610219
I don't think he is asking us for an explanation, I think he just figures its sorcery. Consider all the high level magics we are throwing around, not just by talon but also the elementals...
>>
>>29610174
>The source smiled upon us today, but she is a fickle mistress
>>
>>29610119
>>29610174

>"Wait till you see how it all ends."

>"And where in the blazes are you getting all your steins? Give me one!"

>proceed to chug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odChutYrFeI&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29610174
Joyfully say 'Prepare yourself, this is just a little sample of things come'
>>
>>29610270
>"Wait till you see how it all ends."
how about
"This is only the beginning"
>>
>>29610174
"Don't let it go to you're head, I can't pull miracles out of my ass every time things start going sideways."
>>
>>29610242
>Sarah is still gone
no she isn't, see >>29609630
>>
>>29610322
Her carriage hasn't arrived yet.
>>
>>29610322
>Felix is on the sending device, as is Sarah. You finish explaining your victory to them.
>Sarah says, and you suspect she’s in a carriage from the noise coming through the device.
>>
>>29610174
Indeed these are crazy times, although this is only the beginning and I look forward to having you and your men at my side through the thick of it.
>>
>>29610349
I don't think she is coming to us.
>>
>>29610270
This.

Damn, captcha is on the shit version again, god knows when this reply gets posted...
>>
I like the idea of our personal guard being made up of HMKs, it suites our fighting style very well.

Strong charges into the center of the enemy mass to break their cohesion, cripple morale and likely, kill their most dangerous soldiers.
>>
“Prepare yourself, Phrace, as this is just a little sample of things come,” you say with a small grin.

“That sounds a bit ominous, sir,” he replies lightly. “But if you’re planning to go as far as the other officers say, we’ll all be with you no matter how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

“This is just the entrance to that hole. And it will never reach the end without you and your men. I may not be able to do what I did earlier tonight again, but having you and your men at my side in the thick of it is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

“We know what we’re fighting for, sir. But it’s good to hear that, anyway,” he says before raising his stein. “Let’s drink to that, men! The future we’re fighting for, and those who get to see it from up above.”

You raise your own stein along with the rest of his knights, all of whom are still kitted out in their bulky armour, and drink. You spend some more time with them. These men are Darlesian veterans, and damned good at their work. They seem to like the armour, too, though they admit it takes a bit of getting used to. The armour they’re trained for doesn’t restrict their movement as much.

Afterwards, giving Phrace a few words of congratulation, you decide to step up to talk to some others.

>1. Private time with Gnome, who appears to be lurking on one of the keep balconies.
>2. Find Lynn.
>3. Make some rounds to the rest of your men, such as Captain Glynn and Lt Illon.
>4. Custom
>>
Speaking of strategy.
1. Do we finish off vitria or leave felix to guard the vale while we march on darlessia. I say finish off vitria now.
assuming we do go after vitria now:
2. If finish off vitria, I think we should go to Craol first with sarah next to do the diplomancing to ensure they stay neutral in our fight with Oaln the pretender. And that way they also protect our vale border with taour. (something that we wont have if we slaughter them).
3. do we recall mal for the attack on vitria (presumably he trained a few local mages to detect thralls by now).
4. do we send felix to reinforce olmm or have him march with us on vitria.
5. How many troops do we send to reinforce olmm and how many do we keep in our core territories.

personally I think:
1. vitria
2. yes to craol
3. recall mal
4. send felix
5. no idea
>>
>>29610559
>2. Find Lynn.
>>
>>29610559
3 > 2

Finish speaking with our commanders and our men, then see what our bodyguard's been up to.
>>
>>29610559
>1
I want to play with Gnome a bit.
But...
Let's at least say hi to Lynn. Tell her she did a good job
>>
>>29610559
>>2. Find Lynn.
>>
>>29610559
>3. Make some rounds to the rest of your men, such as Captain Glynn and Lt Illon.
>2. Find Lynn.
>>
>>29610559
>3
>>
>>29610559
>3. Make some rounds to the rest of your men, such as Captain Glynn and Lt Illon.
>>
>>29610559
3+2
>>
>>29610561
>Finish off Vitria
Careful now. Sarah made it clear, if we attack them back, the whole of Vitria's might will come down like a hammer. The group that attacked us was just a muster. A fraction of their power.
>>
>>29610559
>3. Make some rounds to the rest of your men, such as Captain Glynn and Lt Illon.

Bro time. the hoes come later.
>>
>>29610559
>1 Time to ask her why she and her sisters turned up as humans rather than elves, fae or dwarves when lesser elementals look more like they are literally made of their stated element.
>>
>>29610559
3
>>
>>29610559
>2. Find lynn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1O05A1nfm8&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29610559
>3
Let's take care of our soldiers first before we speak with the ladies.
>>
>>29610604
>>29610559
Seconded
>>29610561
Finishing them off now is suicide.
>>
>>29610668
It probably has to do with who summoned them or whom they are bound to. So if Mal was an elf then Sala would be too.
>>
>>29610559
>2. Find Lynn.
>3. Make some rounds to the rest of your men, such as Captain Glynn and Lt Illon.
Both - this is a night for our men to revile in their victory.
>>
>3.

You figure to do the rest of your rounds with the men before spending some time with Lynn or Gnome. You might even bump into Lynn. First you figure to go speak to Illon. He was formerly Arail’s head scout, but he got bumped to being the 2IC of the flying knights when Nate took the captaincy.

“Enjoying being in the thick of it, Illon?” you ask him as you join him and a few female archers.

“Uh,” he responds uncertainly before grinning stupidly. “You mean here or in the battle, sir?”

>1. “Both.”
>2. “The battle.”
>3. “Here.”
>>
>>29610652
>Careful now. Sarah made it clear, if we attack them back, the whole of Vitria's might will come down like a hammer.
I meant Vitria the nation not vitria the city.
I explicitly addressed this in point #2.

To clarify, its not the whole of vitria that will come down on us, its the 6000 troops and knights guarding the border in Craol against the vampire. According to sarah's current agreement with them
1. They attack us if we invade vitria's capitral
2. They defend us from a rear attack from vamps across border
3. They stay neutral as long as we stick to the vale.
4. We promise to come talk to them in person to press our claim of it being an internal affair, if we present it correctly and negotiate well they will then step aside as we invade vitria's capital.

There are also the 4000 troops guarding vitria's capital, and some small amount of troops in port temby which MIGHT be recalled in time for our attack, or might miss it entirely.
>>
>>29610782
>1
>>
>>29610782
1
>>
>>29610782
>1. “Both.”
With a playful wink
>>
>>29610782
>Both
Oh you sly dog.
>>
>>29610782
>1. “Both.”
>>
>>29610782
3. At the beginning of something new.
>>
>>29610696
>Finishing them off now is suicide.
Not finishing them off is suicide. We turtle and we die. we are in a two front war with both other nations raising troops faster than us.

To clarify, I did NOT mean we invade the capital for a decisive battle, I meant vitria the nation should be our next target, as in, "do we guard the border against tuar the nation while advancing our agenda in vitria the nation, or do we guard the border against vitria the nation while advancing our agenda vs taour the nation"
>>
>>29610784
no she recently said that if we attack them now and they make it seem like an invasion they could get around 15 thousand troops on our asses.
>>
>>29610782
>1. “Both.”
>>
>>29610842
I prefer guarding the border since Darlasion still has strong resistance and a factory.
>>
>>29610870
darlassia has a BROKEN factory and is currently conquered by taour.
Guarding the border gives them time to crush the resistance and repair the factory.
Also taour has a working factory in their capital.
>>
>>29610870
>>29610842
Meant to say go after our fallen bretherin first since there is a factory and it is easier to get, while we try to get Croal on our side.
>>
Guys, this is a social thread. Can't we debate it later when we have our generals and advisers to do their jobs and give us informed opinions?
>>
>1.

“Both. Not letting it get to your head, are you?”

“Not the battle, that’s for certain. I’m trained for this but I don’t know how Nate handles the sheer chaos of it all. As for here,” he says, putting an arm around one of the girls near him, who gives him a slightly annoyed look, “it depends how it goes.”

“You play a dangerous game, Illon,” you respond, pointedly looking over the three girls who give him slightly reproachful looks at that.

“Not as dangerous as you, sir,” he responds. “I don’t plan to try that sort of thing.”

The women seem relieved at that, then give you slightly sheepish looks.

>1. Amused. “What do you mean by that?”
>2. Move on. Congratulate him on his efforts tonight.
>3. Teasing. Playfully hit on the girls before moving on and leaving them to their fun.
>4. Custom.
>>
>>29610849
Which is explicitly why I said that the method of finishing off vitria would be to FIRST enter craol and diplomance. If the Craol knights recognize this as a legitimate infighting between house oaln and hawkings then it off the bat shaves 6000 troops from that 15k, and many if not most of the remaining 9k will also not join them.
>>
>>29610961
>Dat counter joke
Oh man, you're a cool guy lllon. I like you.

>1

I would say playfully hit on the girls, because I like waving the Emperor dick around, but that...seems a bit mean, if it worked too well
>>
>>29610961
>21
>>
>>29610961
>3. Teasing. Playfully hit on the girls before moving on and leaving them to their fun.
>>
>>29610961
1+3
Man i have been choosing this option alot in this thread.
>>
>>29610964
the 15k was from the populace, not from the ruling houses, it can be much larger if diplomacy fails.
>>
>>29610961
1. Not sure if I can think of a better quip, but I'd rather not put Illon on the spot.
>>
>>29610961
>1
>>
>>29610961
>1. Amused. “What do you mean by that?”
>>
>>29611018
Welp, I meant just

>1
>>
>>29611011
>but that...seems a bit mean, if it worked too well
agreed, especially consider we don't actually plan on pursuing any of them,
we have our hands QUITE full already with women.

>4. Custom.
High risk, high reward
>>
>>29610961
>1.
See how comfortable our subordinates are with us. then maybe 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaWXF55FwiA&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29611036
Ok, but basically our only options are:
1. Advance our taour agenda
2. Advance our vitria agenda
3. Timeskip until the next time one of them attacks us.

I think 3 is an awful choice, 1 is acceptable, 2 is best.
And that for 2, the _method_ of advancing our agenda right now is to perform diplomacy in Craol.
>>
>>29611087

Biggest issue is the possibility that Taour will invade while we deal withV itria.
>>
>>29611087
>Attack Taour.
Nah, not yet. We need a Magitech factory. At least one, before we can fight someone that big. Hell, they have Heavy Mage Knights. Plus, attacking Vitria means our mages have time to study the thralls and find a cure!
>>
>>29611126

Hmm I wonder. Could thralldom be replicated to strip the will out of a living being only without a vampire on the other end?
>>
>>29610961
1. Perhaps "My life has never been for the faint of heart" or something to that effect would be more appropriate?
>>
>>29611126
Or some other gamechanger, like a substantial number of arcane archers and primitive cannons/catapults/ballistas with grapeshot.
>>
>>29611126
Did we snag one of those older magical plate sets to show the RSK king that one of his houses is interfering in the Vitrian conflict?
>>
>>29611169
Even if it could, we're not playing Evil Overlord Quest.
It feels more paladin style then anything.

I look forward to our first fight with a Demon
>>
>>29611036
>the 15k was from the populace, not from the ruling houses
@Aspirational, is this true?
I distinctly got the feeling that the 15k were trained and equipped soldiers from the various neutral houses.
If it is 15k peasants then they are going to be worthless in battle.

>>29611126
I agree, which is why in the post you are replying to I stated as such :).
We should focus on cracking vitria first. And that means diplomacy followed by warfare.
>>
>>29611197
They were crappy, no need to take them, I don't think.
Unless it's better then nothing. Then maybe.
>>
>>29611169
>Replicate thralldome
step 1: hire a vampire
step 2: order him to enthrall someone
step 3: be killed by glorious leader talon who does not tolerate this kind of crap.

Also, if we tried that our cabinet will revolt
>>
>1.

“And what do you mean by that?” you say with an amused tone.

“Don’t you have five women right now?” one of the archers asks before suddenly adding, “Imperator.”

“I wouldn’t put it quite like that. It’s more accurate that five women have me,” you answer. “They move at their own pace.”

Illon snorts. “What on Gauron drove you to make that choice, sir? Seems pretty crazy, even if that does seem the way you work and win.”

“High risk, high reward, Illon,” you answer, playfully smug. “If you’re faint of heart, perhaps my life is not for you.”

He shakes his head with a grin, then one of the other archers speaks up a little shyly, “Um, how do you keep going with that many?”

The other girls laugh a bit as the archer suddenly becomes very embarrassed, but you fire off a response with ease before taking a drink, “Magic.”

You then congratulate Illon on his efforts tonight and the archers before heading off to find Glynn. You find him with a few knights and other soldiers, drinking some wine. He salutes you as you approach.

“I see you’re doing the rounds, Imperator,” he greets you. “Good to see it. This was a harsh battle, but I wonder how we’ll handle the veterans that are in Vitria itself.”

>1. Confident response.
>2. Reassuring response.
>3. Cautious response.
>>
>>29611200
We need to turn one of the other ruling houses (or at least get them to stay neutral). After that we can crush the remaining two under the combined Hawkins/Griffon banner!
>>
>>29611219
it is way better than our men at arms. they are only crappy compared to our top of the line mage knights.

>>29611197
I doubt that is enough proof
>>
>>29611234
>2. Reassuring response.
>>
>>29611234
>2
>>
>>29611234
>How do you keep up with those girls?"
>Take a drink
>"Magic!"
Oh god my sides. I love you Aspirational.
>>
>>29611234
>2
>>
>>29611200
>I distinctly got the feeling that the 15k were trained and equipped soldiers from the various neutral houses.
General populace.

As Felix said when it came up:
>many peasants will take up arms and you would find thousands of additional soldiers opposing you, if poorly equipped ones.

Also, I don't recall saying 15k. It would probably be more if Vitria entered full mobilisation to defend themselves.
>>
>>29611234
>2. Reassuring response.
We will smash them very carefully.
>>
>>29611234
I want to be cautious in actual battle and diplomacy...but since we're talking to our men...

>2
>>
>>29611234
>3. Cautious response.
we are gearing up to be a douch it seems, might be good to tone it down a notch
>>
We'll just have to convince the Vitrians that we're coming to liberate them, not invade them. Really emphasize how the infighting of the houses has been so awful for their people, and how we're putting an end to that.
>>
>>29611198

Honestly paladins are boring people here go there way to fast. I kind of want to play Talon off as a Aragornish type. Someone who just by pure presence strengthens his army to insane levels and scares his foes with pure might. Right before become death incarnate.

That and I was mainly thinking of that for say a really powerful mortal being. Something to keep if you one day just need to take a bastard out. Unlikely to be possible however anyway.
>>
>>29611234
With strategy, we will use diplomacy to remove their allies and gain some of our own, we will cut off their supplies and watch as they starve, if they divide their force and sortie we will lay traps and ambushes against a weakened force, if they sortie in strength we will avoid the army and take Oaln personally.

>>29611249
Alright, good plan. Are you ok with this being the next action talon should understake personally?
>>
>>29611360
Same anon.
Paladins don't have to be as black and white as people like to play them sometimes. Besides, I meant mainly power wise, with the healing stuff. Talon's powers feel paladiny, but his actual attitude is more Lawful Neutral.

Argonish style is cool too.
>>
>>29611295
Is there anyway to make it look like we're helping sarah from stopping house oaln from selling out vitria to the RSK to stop the populace from rising up against us/ get them to help us kick out the 'traitor' oaln?
>>
>>29611198
>>29611360
I think we are playing Talon as Neutral with good tendencies
he wants to be king, He wants a harem, he wants power and riches and fame... He wants to be a good and just king too while he is at it.
But he also slays vampires and demons and other evils, and doesn't commit atrocities.
>>
>2.

“It will likely be just as harsh, but if everybody fights like they have recently, I think we can manage it. We’ll have to be careful and make good decisions but success is there. We just need to play the civil war angle more and avoid turning this into all-out devastation.”

He nods. “Fair enough. Perhaps I’m just worrying overmuch after Darlesia. Things have been relatively tame – I know you’re used to more disaster, so you can expect to see some of that when Taour moves in strength.”

“We’ll handle Taour as they come, Glynn. There won’t be a repeat of Darlesia.”

You spend some more time chatting with him, talking about times before the fall of Darlesia, before congratulating him for his efforts and heading off.

>1. Private time with Gnome.
>2. Find Lynn
>3. Custom
>>
>>29611427
Well the main reason I said Lawful was because of the whole organized forces thing. And that he has the time to do paper work as shown in a previous thread.

But yeah, Neutral leaning good is appropriate too
>>
>>29611427
>and doesn't commit atrocities.
yet
>>
>>29611407
>>29611427
I think we should just NOT give Talon a D&D alignment...
pls
>>
>>29611451
>2. Find Lynn
>>
>>29611451
>2
>>
>>29611451
>2
We'll end off the night with Gnome, I suspect
>>
>>29611451
2
>>
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>>29611451
>1
It's Sexy time
>>
>>29611475
It's just a term to represent abstract ideals.
Not like it changes anything man
>>
>>29611451
>>2. Find Lynn
>>
>>29611501
Actually, I think we'll probably give Gnome an ultimatum, she's welcome in our bed but only if she wants to be there and not because she views it as a duty to be served, as she views fighting at our side. And then we'll end up spending the night with Undine and giving Gnome a few days to sort herself out.

But that's my expectation, who knows what will actually happen.
>>
>>29611475
agreed.

The d&d alignments are poor at good v evil, they are absolutely atrocious at lawful vs chaotic.
For one thing, the opposite of law is anarchy and the opposite of chaos is order.
Authors can't decide if Lawful means personal code above all else or obeying external law above all else. And if it is a personal code, then its the same as chaotic because chaotic is about putting personal code above the laws of society. (when its not described as being lazy and insane; for example, "wizards are usually lawful because the art requires dedicated study", monks are forbidden from being nonlawful becuse anyone but lawful is too lazy to train as a monk).
Its a mess.
>>
>>29611519
>Not like it changes anything
then why label us with it.. man..
>>
>>29611512
Why does that rabbit have at least four ears?
>>
>>29611451
>1. Private time with Gnome.
Let's end the night with gnome and questions about the species of her form, why our lesser earth elemental didn't take a human form, and how much these forms are designed by the elementals themselves. Why do they bother with guts and blood that get in the way if they're injured, why not just the bare necessities? (You can still keep the fun parts without including things like guts and kidneys, after all)

>>29611475
He used the forbidden word! Destroy him!
>>
>>29611558
Actually that seems reasonable I guess, we don't want them just to sleep with Talon because they feel it's their duty as elementals
>>
>>29611558
>Offer her ultimatum
>She fidgets, can't use that as excuse anymore
>"Can't a 800 year old woman blow off some steam without being called out on it!?"
>Roll in the hay

Ah, my sides are alite
>>
>2.

You find Lynn at the far end of the castle, sitting on the battlements, her legs dangling over the long drop. She's looking out over the battlefield. Moonlight peeks out from between the clouds over the pass, illuminating the devastation below. She still has most of her armour on, but her helmet sits at her side. Unlike most of the other soldiers, she hasn’t yet cleaned off the blood or battle marks.

>1. Interrupt her silence with <write-in>
>2. Stand nearby and watch her silently
>3. Take a seat next to her.
>4. Custom
>>
>>29611581
To avoid writing out the longer description of his ideals?
Basically being lazy.
>>
>>29611451
>2. Find Lynn
>>
>>29611558
>Give ultimatum
you don't give ultimatums in a relationship

The core idea of it not being just a duty is sound. but consider who she is, she isn't gonna sleep with us if she dislikes us. She nearly broke our wrist when we had the boob misunderstanding.

Any clarification on relationship status should be presented in a natural and romantic manner not via ultimatums. We will seduce her not merely state "if you want to you are welcome to".
>>
>>29611627
>3
Let's not say anything until she breaks the silence.
>>
>>29611627
>3. Let her speak when she's ready.
>>
>>29611585
Because it's not a rabbit.

He belongs to race of fantasy squirrels that secretly rule the world and that turn into the Hulf if they don't drink tea regularly in an alternate earth steampunk comic book.
>>
>>29611627
>1 Pick up helmet
> "You really should look after you're equipment better"
>>
>>29611627
>>3. Take a seat next to her.
>>
>>29611627
>4. Custom
Slap her so hard on the back that she tumbles off the ledge.
Get her blood rising, fight then make sexytiem.
>>
>>29611671
Title?
>>
>>29611686
troll pls go
>>
>>29611427

You have no idea how much I hate Dnd alignments. Though when I think of Talon I think more he is in it for himself and the people that side with him.

He most likely likes things in a pretty very organized hierarchy due to his military career. He isn't really a self sacrificing type and he understands that happy population that has faith in him means less problems in the future and over all more stability. But this is just my general impressions so far.

>>29611407

Yeah honestly Paladin kind of feels weird. Healing and the likes feels strange. He seems more the type who would boost his attack and rip your soul out or scream to the heavens and empower the army around like he did last thread only to a higher degree.
>>
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>>29611627
>2

>>29611671
>Hulf
I mean Hulk goddamnit
>>29611691
Ekho
>>
>>29611627
>Has a history of berserking
>Has emotional baggage
>Staring at the destruction silently
>Still covered in blood

I am glad we are talking to her.
>>
>>29611686
You realize that being a feldragon she would survive but be put out towards us. Neither sexy times nor murder sprees would result (not even much drama) so why bother?
>>
>>29611692
wat? she can fly. would be a great practical joke.
>>
>>29611729
>Soul ripper
Er...I dunno. I don't think he hates his foe THAT much.
I mean, unless it's a vampire. Or devil or something. But devils don't have souls so...

But hey, we all have different images of the guy.
>>
>>29611729
>You have no idea how much I hate Dnd alignments.
To clarify, I am >>29611427 and I loathe D&D alignments, I hate them with a burning passion.
Notice how I didn't saw lawful and chaotic? I was discussing good and evil in the terms of "commiting atrocities" and "wants to be a good king". Aka I was clearly NOT using D&D alignment.
D&D did not invent the words good and evil and does not hold a monopoly on them.
>>
>>29611772
They didn't invent Lawful or Chaotic either.
>>
>>29611772
So would you say you are lawful neutral ?
>>
>>29611627
>3. Take a seat next to her.
>>
>3.

You take a seat next to her, but say nothing. You catch her turning to you but then she turns back and maintains her silence for a while. You sit there with her for a bit, staring out at the bodies lining the pass. At the barriers that create a tunnel of death. At the sundered terrain that marks where you and your knights bravely held the line.

“Talon,” she suddenly says, “why exactly did you have us hold our ground down there rather than charge them or retreat?”

You glance at her and see that she’s not looking at you, but at that same sundered area.

>Response?
>>
>>29611740
of course she would survive, she has wings. she is also a soldier, and might even enjoy the prank.
not everyone is born with a silvercock in their mouth.
>>
>>29611824
because I crack under pressure
>>
>>29611824
I voted for charging them so I'd kind of like an answer to this as well.
>>
>>29611824
"I could not risk the lives of my men with a poor charge. The enemy stopped my initiate charge, and pushing forward afterwards would've lost me more men.
Retreating under heavy fire? Would have lost me even more. I had faith in my range support. I had faith in myself, and my men.
And you as well."
>>
>>29611792
Which is irrelevant because I never used those words.
I used the words good and evil, I was accused of using D&D alignment, I countered that I wasn't using the D&D definitions of those words.

Also, while D&D didn't invent those words, it invented the idea of a lawful vs chaotic alignment.
Nobody else has ever before or after has been so retarded as to think the two are actually opposites (lawful is opposed by anarchy/freedom; chaos is opposed by order and neither chaos nor order are actual human "alignments").
>>
>>29611865
This.
>>
>>29611832
The wings are useless to her while encased in armor. She'd survive because she can tank the fall.
>>
>>29611868
Listen guys, I don't give a shit about alignments in DnD, would you stop shitting up the thread with it, though?
We get it some of you hate dnd for whatever reason and some don't
>>
>>29611881
her wings have broken out of her armor in earlier thread
>>
>>29611824
>"There are times to crush the strong with your own strength, and times to cut one's losses in the face of power."

"That time was neither. Then, it was a face to face struggle, a battle of wills."
>>
>>29611824
"In that moment, I was thinking that both of those options would result in too many casualties for our side. That sort of engagement is exactly what the heavy mage-knights were made for, and I told myself I just had to place my trust in my men to win through.
I certainly didn't plan for the miracle."
>>
>>29611824
>Not enough force to charge forward and retreat wasn't an option. What's bothering you?
>>
>>29611865
>"I could not risk the lives of my men with a poor charge. The enemy stopped my initiate charge, and pushing forward afterwards would've lost me more men.
>Retreating under heavy fire? Would have lost me even more.
Definitely this
>I had faith in my range support. I had faith in myself, and my men.
I think a better part here is
"this seemed to be the best move to preserve the lives of my men"

>And you as well."
this is just corny and will not help
>>
>>29611932
This, I felt t he last line was too corny as well.
>>
So, I had an idea. Could we have our enchanters examine the captured heavy plate and see exactly what enchantments it has on it?
It is heavily fortified against attack, perhaps we can find a weapon it isn't fortified against. Lightening? Poison gas? Fire? Cold?
Aside from it being more effective in killing them, if we choose the right weapon we could salvage more plate after battle.
>>
"I could not risk the lives of my men with a poor charge. The enemy stopped my initial charge, and pushing forward afterwards would have lost me more men. Retreating under heavy fire? Would have lost me even more. That sort of engagement is exactly what the heavy mage-knights were made for, and I told myself I just had to place my trust in my men to win through.”

Her face becomes frustrated and her voice when she speaks is more irritated now, “So you had us stand there and do nothing?”

You keep your voice level as you respond, “Not nothing. We took on a defensive formation and waited for ranged support to enable us to push the Vitrians out.”

“And in the meantime, we hurt,” she responds bitterly. “We sit there and take the hits while we wait for somebody else to do the work that we should be doing. It’s not right that we should get hurt or killed without any chance of fighting back.

“What’s the point to such a death? To such pain?”

Caitlyn is looking clearly at her, and you can tell she’s angry.

>Response?
>>
>>29611762

Less hate more raw power rips you apart. Kinda extreme boost to his raw murdering ability. Refuse to surrender and he will just wipe you out hard. If you do though he won't and will treat you good until you betray him. Kind of my thoughts on how he works on that type of attack and manner.

>>29611772

It's pretty hard to define those words really. But I get the idea I just kind of rarely think in the good and evil as terms.
>>
>>29612016
yeh..
I feel 90% of all player interaction with the female npc's are to corny
>>
>>29612033
Make a close combat analogy
Like a stance where you parry an enemy's blows while trying to get an opening.
Yes it hurts when some of those blows gets by... but a wild assault will get you tripped and beheaded
>>
>>29612033
Look back at her, a little angry as well, but more frustrated instead and a little hurt. "What is more important to you? Attacking the foe and losing lives pointlessly? Or dealing with pain while our allies help keep us alive? I made a decision I felt was right. Would you have truly preferred that we grind our men against them for no return but more death for our troubles?"
>>
>>29612033
"That's exactly what I was asking myself down there. Is there any point to all of that? Can anything good be brought forth from it?"
put a hand on her shoulder at that point and say,
"So I forced myself to find something good. That's when men I thought might be crippled for the rest of their days started standing and locking shields."
>>
>>29612056
It was worse then corny, it was corny in a negative way in a serious discussion, this would probably not ruin our relationship but it will be bad

>>29612072
I don't think we should angerly lash out at her.
Especially because she was clearly upset at standing there taking hits and casualties.
>>
>>29612033
"And what if you could fight back, but it would be at the cost of not just your life, but the lives of those you hold dear?"

"In the past, such a thing would never cross my mind, because I did not have such people. But now?"
>>
>>29612072
Adding.
"Heavy Mage Knights were built to withstand assault like that. They were built to hold the line. They were not built for a sloppy charge into an enemy with heavy fire support. And they definitely weren't build for a flailing retreat from heavy fire support. Or do you know my men better then I do now, Catilyn?"
>>
>>29612033

"The point is for the future. Everyone has there role they must fulfill in the moment and by doing so they make the world a better place in the long run."
>>
>>29612033
If we had engaged but without the ability to push on through we would have risked a prolonged melee under the caress of the mage contingent.

I feel the same way about having to take blows, but it was the option with least loss of life to my men. An army will not follow a commander who gets them butchered.
>>
>>29612124
I like this with out the last sentence.
>>
>>29612033
remember our previous discussion with her guys.
Remember how she felt she was being punished in the fight with that invisible monster?
How she normally fights because she enjoys it because she is GOOD at it?
I get the feeling she was feeling this way again.

>>29612125
She isn't asking about philosophical justification for WAR. She is ok with war.

She is asking about our justification for that tactic, because she felt helpless and hurting during it. perhaps afraid too. You ordered her to stand there and take hits, instead of hitting back the opponent.
>>
“Just as in a fight, sometimes in a battle you must take a defensive stance and wait for an opening,” you say, trying to keep your voice calm. “That makes you sometimes take blows, but the alternative can be worse.”

She scowls. “But even when you take a defensive stance you still have to strike back. You don’t just stand there and block them forever.”

You frown a bit as the analogy goes over her head. “In a fight, you are just one person. In a battle, there is an army. We weren’t going to stand there and take the Vitrian assault until we were all dead – we were screening for our archers and mages to get into position. The heavy mage-knights were intended for this sort of role and you are strong enough to stand with them alongside me.”

“Well maybe I don’t want to do that,” she answers petulantly, looking back over the battlefield. “The point of being your personal guard was that I get to enjoy hard fights with strong enemies, like those Golden Bear knights. Not stand there and pretend I’m a shield for others.”

>Response?
>>
>>29612291
Annoyed 'The point of being my bodyguard is to protect me, and my objective was to win the battle with minimal losses in our side. Yes I may fight but it's not for fun or challenge, it's because it's needed at that moment, you must learn to control your desires for we are not doing this for fun'
>>
>>29612291
Calm tone.
"Would you prefer others to die so you can fight the enemy? To use others as shields, those weaker then you, so you can enjoy fighting the foe? Engaging that fight meant I had to choose. Either I throw my men's lives away to try and kill the foe in a sloppy charge, or I protect their lives as best as I can, and rely on my allies. My men that I know are capable of handling the situation. If you can not see that, then I am sorry. But I felt my decision was in the best interest of my men."
>>
>>29612291
You don't always get to do what you want in life. You had the opportunity to fight several of the golden bear knights, which you took. However, to get this opportunity, you also had to hold the line later with the rest of my men.
>>
>>29612291
The point of you being my personal guard is for you to be my shield. Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones we don't fight.
>>
>>29612291
Wow, she's just a kid.
>>
>>29612368
>>29612363

Combination of both.

"I know you were frustrated, but there will be more times yet for you to face a strong foe. And if all else fails you can batter me in a sparring exercise a few times"
>>
>>29612361
>>29612363
>>29612368
>>29612386
Fusion, Ha!
>>
>>29612291
"Don't be so petulant, when I brought you along I didn't know they were going to set off a magical trap and hold our charge back. I had expected that we were about to win then and there.

And once we were stopped, I can assure you it never once crossed my mind to sacrifice lives so that my personal guard could go have fun."
>>
If she continues to act like this we may have to dismiss her as our bodyguard and from the harem since she may be skilled but we don't want someone unreliable.
>>
out of curiosity, OP, what would've happened if we hadn't gone all miracle mode in that Hold the Line option?

I mean, er, was it a bad move? It felt conservative to me, which is how you want to play when you're at risk of losing a lot of forces.
>>
>>29612213

>She isn't asking about philosophical justification for WAR

Hurp derp. I kind of meant that in general though. We can't always rush rush.

>>29612291

I'd just tell her we need her to guard us in battle. Defense or offense.
>>
VOTE

>1. Forceful. Remind her of her duty.
Like >>29612368 and >>29612386
>2. Calm. Continue to try to reason with her.
Like >>29612363
>3. Put her in her place.
Like >>29612361 and >>29612445
>4. Custom
>>
>>29612452

Nah she is pretty reliable. She didn't charge off after all just need to get her to channel her urge to kill things better.
>>
>>29612363
I think this is best, it appeals to her personal honor here.

also add in "if just the two of us fought alone we would have died, we have to fight alongside others in order to stand a chance at victory and survival. But it goes both ways, when we fought the golden bears, the mage knights engaged the enemy mage knights and men at arms, screening for us.
When our charge failed we screened for the archers to get into position so that they could give us room to breath. We would have charged them as soon as the archers poked a hole in their defenses. We ended up charging them a bit earlier, and again the knights stood by us."

>>29612386
>>29612368
remember that she can quit any time she wants, we want to convince her to stay
>>
>>29612291
sometimes the best offense is a great defense.
>>
>>29612521
>3
>>
>>29612521
2+3
>>
>>29612521
2.

Getting angry resolves nothing here. Being threatening when we aspire for our guard to be open to us is counter intuitive.
>>
>>29612521
btw in >>29612526 I am voting for
>2. Calm. Continue to try to reason with her.
>>
>>29612521

>2.

For now. I think one works better if she proves unreasonable at all. Currently she is listening.
>>
>>29612521
>1
>>
>>29612521
>3
>>
>>29612526
>>29612521
I didn't mean it to be so forceful more teasing with some guidance.
>>
>>29612522
Yes for know, but I worry with her dragon blood in the future she might start loosing control
>>
>>29612462
It was the costliest option to be sure. The whole point was to trade the lives of your men for the chance to win outright. The retreat options would have limited your salvage and prisoners but saved lives.

As it is, you probably kept around 50 or so veteran knights alive by getting the 20 and choosing Power (assuming you had gotten the 19 instead - failing the second Hold the Line would ahve been devastating).
>>
>>29612521
>1. Forceful. Remind her of her duty.
we cannot use kiddygloves all the time
>>
>>29612521
>2
>>
>>29612582
>It was the costliest option to be sure. The whole point was to trade the lives of your men for the chance to win outright. The retreat options would have limited your salvage and prisoners but saved lives.
Then we made a mistake. Because I get the feeling this isn't how WE viewed it. I and clearly others too thought the retreat will cost us MORE lives because we will get hit from behind by them while fleeing.
Also, it would mean the death of all the wounded we have to leave behind.
>>
>>29612582
Which is why we didn't want to trade lives. Seems like we're mostly conservative when it comes to our war efforts, and I like that. The only risks we don't mind taking is putting ourself at risk because godliness and all that.
>>
>>29612630
in retrospect, they retreated then held the line, I bet if we retreated and they DID try to hit us from behind we could form up just like they did and break their charge in a better location.
>>
>>29612630
Interesting. I voted for it because it looked like the highest risk/reward option and I thought we could probably pull it off. I actually expected to lose about 30 or so heavies in the trade.
>>
>>29612581

Maybe. I think we help with that pretty good though after the last time that and it seems to trigger mainly in a real hard fight. Though when we get a chance we really should get more high quality bodyguards.

Her losing it won't be as bad in that case and gives her a chance to go more aggressive like she is built for while staying close enough to guard.
>>
>>29612630
The first option outright stated "Heavy losses expected." The second one let you take your wounded, but had the possibility of getting charged as you retreated. The third option meant you'd lose many wounded but wouldn't be vulnerable to a charge (no rolls needed to do it successfully).

>2.

You keep your cool and respond calmly, "Would you prefer others to die so you can fight the enemy? To use others as shields, those weaker then you, so you can enjoy fighting the foe? Engaging in that battle meant I had to choose. Either I throw my men's lives away to try and kill the foe in a sloppy charge, or I protect their lives as best as I can and rely on my allies. My men that I know are capable of handling the situation. If you cannot see that, then I am sorry. But I felt my decision was in the best interest of my men."

She looks a little chastised at that, but you can tell she’s still upset at your decision. “I see. I suppose that’s why I’m not the general, then.”

You hide your frustration at that as she stands up and gives you a slight nod, ready to head off.

>1. Let her go. It is best to talk to her more about this once she’s thought on it more.
>2. Catch her and <write-in>
>3. Custom
>>
>>29612698
Well we have to wait for our veterans to survive and level up than, before lynn considers them strong enough to guard us.
>>
>>29612714
>1
It's better to let her reflect in peace
>>
>>29612714
>2. Catch her and <write-in>
Do you wish to fight me here and get your frustrations out?
>>
>>29612714
>2. Catch her and slap her ass
>>
>>29612714
>The first option outright stated "Heavy losses expected."
yes but
>but had the possibility of getting charged as you retreated.
I figured this means "you might get charged with even worse casualties than option 1, or you wont"
> The third option meant you'd lose many wounded but wouldn't be vulnerable to a charge
I read that as taking heavy casualties too, maybe less than 1 but still severe and unlike #1 we actually abandon them dying by enemy hands.
>>
>>29612714
>2. Catch her and ask her if there is anything we can do to help her.
>>
>>29612714
I feel we handled this poorly, especially since the reasoning we provided (protect the men) appears heavily flawed. Oh well.

>1

We'll see if we have to get a new bodyguard soon.
>>
>>29612714
>1
>>
>>29612714
>2. Catch her and <write-in>
"You're not the general. You're the best damn fighter in this army, and when I put you somewhere, it's because I know I'll have to worry about it less than any other."
>>
>>29612714
>>29612747
she has been an insolent child. punish her.
>>
>>29612714
>2 Catch her
"Lynn. You still trust me, don't you?"

Honest question
>>
>>29612714
1.
Though next time we see her a small admittance that it may not have been the best thing to do. Just what you felt was the best thing at the time.
>>
>>29612714

>1

But get in the last word, "no you're not Sir Lynn."
That general comment was meant to cut, give her notice that it was received.
>>
>>29612787
Well if we are going with 2 then at least go with this one. Keep your pants on Talon, this is not the time.
>>
>>29612747
No.

>>29612785
>Heavily Flawed
How? We Held the line because a retreat meant we got charged and lost guys, and if we charged them, we'd have lost even more.

It's perfectly reasonable. She's just being childishly naiive
>>
>>29612714
>1. Let her go. It is best to talk to her more about this once she’s thought on it more.
>>
>>29612714
>1 but, mention; "You can fight your best when you have someone watching your back if you toss all your allies away then you won't have any left, that is why I have a personal guard." as she leaves. or something.
>>
>>29612787
>>29612811
I like these
>>
>>29612714
>2
>>
>>29612839
Hold the line always the "crush them at a high cost of be obliterated by them" option. The various retreat options were there if we wanted to wuss out and preserve lives.
>>
>>29612811
I wonder, she was talking earlier about getting hurt while holding the line...
I wonder if she got injured before we did our healing thing. Maybe that is what brought this about
>>
>>29612839

Am I like the only one who voted to stay because I wanted to get the fight over fast as possible even if a few more losses where enacted?
>>
>>29612714
>2. Catch her and <write-in>
"Caitlynn, I'm glad you chose to question me, and in hindsight I could have done things differently to achieve better results. However, there is nothing that can be changed now, I will think on these conversation for the future, and remember, I want you to feel encouraged to bring your concerns to me."
>>
>>29612714
>2.
Do a firm shoulder grab and hug. Kinda like a bro hug.

Talking optional. Just a physical affirmation that she's still important to you.
>>
>>29612839
No.
>>
>>29612886
But that's what I'm saying. Retreating under heavy fire is a bad idea. It would've left them open as all hell. Not to mention losing men. Defensive position saved tons of lives there.
>>
>>29612714
>1
>>
>>29612905
this
>>
>>29612905
Not the time and place to get physical

>>29612893
pretty decent.

>>29612929
That is exactly what I thought too, but apparently this is NOT what aspirational meant. as per >>29612714
>>
>>29612714
>2
Hug her and tell her one of these.
>>29612893
>>29612905
>>
2 appears to have won, I'll do a vote on which write-in to choose.

CATCH HER VOTE
>1. Somewhat apologetic response.
Like >>29612893
>2. Remind her that she's a strong fighter.
Like >>29612787
>3. Ask her if she still trusts you.
Like >>29612811
>4. Get a little physical (but not romantic)
Like >>29612905
>>
>>29612929

It was the protracted brawl option. Main reason it went so well is Talons magical fairy powers activated at the perfect moment. Really should learn more out that.
>>
>>29612905
When someones angry, I imagine the last thing to do is get physical.
>>
>>29613002
>2 & 3
>>
>>29613002
4.
>>
>>29613002
>2
>3
>4

I don't feel we should apologize, it was the right move I think. She's being childish if she thinks she can just go beat up the bad guys anytime she wants. That's not how war works and we should not facilitate that
>>
>>29613002
>2
>>
>>29613002
2+3+4
>>
>>29613002
4
>>
>>29613002
1 & 2
>>
>>29613002
2>4>3
In that order.
>>
>>29613016
that belief is why you are still a virgin
>>
It seems to me that when aspirational uses the word retreat he means something different than "get routed", getting routed is when morale breaks and the unit runs away. retreating is apparently repositioning our troops away from the enemy in a controlled manner.
>>
>>29613002
>2+3+4
>>
>>29613002
>2
>>
>>29613002
2+3+4
"You're not the general. You're the best damn fighter in this army, and when I put you somewhere, it's because I know I'll have to worry about it less than any other, but that is only if you still trust me Lynn like i trust you" then hug
>>
>>29613002
You know, I think what she really needs right now is another good fight to cheer her up.
Lacking a proper fight, the next best thing we can offer her is a spar with us. It would blow off some steam.
>>
>>29613002
2+3+4
>>
>>29613063
That is different then what I pictured. But that doesn't change the fact that the enemy had heavy fire support and telling a heavy Knight unit to run away is a bad idea, with no support to cover them. Because they're slow, and would easily
A. Get torn to bits by the heavy fire, due to the lack of defense position
B. Easily chased down, due to slow speed
C. Encourage the enemy and raise their morale, due to them 'breaking' the enemy heavy unit.

There was a whole slew of reasons to hold the line. I picked it for two of the above reasons.
>>
>>29613030
>>29613033
>>29613054
>>29613081
>>29613091
>>29613108

>pick a choice
>I chose to take everything
>niggers
>>
>>29613102
This is what i suggested, but people ignored it, even though the reason she is bitching is because she didn't get into a real good fight.
>>
>2+3+4

"You're not the general. You're the best damn fighter in this army, and when I put you somewhere, it's because I know I'll have to worry about it less than any other."

She turns back to you, face uncertain. “Then why didn’t you let me do what I’m good at?”

“Because I trust you to be my guard, Lynn. To help me win the battles, not just have a good fight. I trust you Lynn,” you say, pulling her into a loose platonic hug. “Do you trust me?”

[DC18 Charm]
>>
>>29613151
Eh, she probably has lots of pent up energy.
There are a number of ways to work that off.
Fighting, exercise...
other stuff.
>>
Rolled 64

>>29613178
Inb4 1
>>
>>29613111
That was my reasoning as well, as well as a few others.

>>29613151
well, maybe after we have this last tidbit of conversation we could spend the night sparring her
>>
Rolled 8

>>29613178
>>
Rolled 18

>>29613178
COMON
>>
Rolled 15

>>29613178
>>
Rolled 7

>>29613178

Welp why the hell I rolled 1d100

>>29613210
GODDAMNIT
>>
>>29613210
How
How do you do it anon.
Everytime
Every time

God damn it I hate crits.
>>
>>29613210
my fucking god.

well, maybe this would work. we could go from all this words words words to a good sparring match
>>
>>29613210
>>29613212
>>29613215

Oh Talon, it was nice knowing you.
>>
>>29613210
Ahahahha.
>>
Rolled 15

>>29613178
thats a mad high dc
good thing I got a 20 comin up
>>
>>29613210
And he deletes the roll!
>>
>>29613210
Yep. We need a new bodyguard.
>>
Really, the anon actually deleted his roll?

I don't know about you guys but I find rolling 1s incredibly entertaining
>>
Rolled 1

>>29613178
>>
>>29613210
So uhh, looks like we might end up sparring anyway I guess?
>>
>>29613210
... goddammit why did you delete it?
1. its dishonest
2. there is no fucking way the author missed it thanks to how auto update works
3. there is usually no punishment for crit failing these just for fun social rolls
4. authors almost universally punish for deleting rolls.

Deleting it is way worse then fucking rolling a 1.
>>
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121 KB
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I've only been questing for the last month or two, but even the noob I am knows deleting posts is just gonna get the playas and QM mad.
>>
>dramatic failure

Caitlyn pushes back against you and you let her go. Her face is one of hurt.

“Why would you-,” she says, sounding troubled and uncertain. “I don’t- Of course I trust you, I’m just-“

And then, lost for words, she jumps off the wall to the courtyard below, landing in a neat roll with some minor sorcery.

>1. Chase her, in full view of your soldiers as she heads into the courtyard.
>2. Leave her, and instead go talk to Gnome. Maybe she’ll have some advice.
>>
>>29613298
>2
As I said, let her calm down and reflect on her actions
>>
>>29613298
2. We have fucked up enough as it is
>>
>>29613284
He wants to maximize the fail. It's pretty normal.
>>
>>29613298
>1
I kinda want to see if we get a dual outta this.
That failure was way better then I expected. Yay.
>>
>>29613298
1
>>
>>29613298
>2
Women, Gnome. Am I right?
>>
>>29613284
I have seen people who delete 1s just for the attention and the hate.
>>29613298
1
>>
>>29613298
2. Except Undine instead of Gnome. We haven't paid much attention to our champion for awhile.
>>
>>29613298
>1.
Anon who tried to delete post, you dun goofed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9lWLEMv9FI
>>
>>29613298
>2. Leave her, and instead go talk to Gnome. Maybe she’ll have some advice.
>>
>>29613298
>1. Chase her, in full view of your soldiers as she heads into the courtyard.
We might as well clear this up.
>>
>>29613298
2
please not 1 guys
just anyone who is gonna vote 1, just reread his post and think about your choice for a bit
>>
>>29613298
>1. Chase her, in full view of your soldiers as she heads into the courtyard.
>>
>>29613298
>2. Leave her, and instead go talk to Gnome. Maybe she’ll have some advice.

All these virgins voting for 1... running like a bitch in front of our entire army to see. crying for her forgiveness
grow a pair you faggots
>>
>>29613298
2
>>
>>29613298
>1
Getting to the bottom of this is more important than keeping up appearances.
>>
>>29613298
1
>>
>>29613298
>2.
>>
>>29613298
>2
>>
>>29613420
yes, but that assumes we will make things better instead of worse.
>>
>>29613298
>2
>>
Rolled 2

Gonna close votes here.

Tie-breaker roll in case it's needed.
>>
>>29613298
I smell a lot of samefags, Aspirational.
Just sayin'
>>
>>29613420
that is why you will never be an emperor
that opinion right there
>>
>>29613498
>Caring about subordinates is bad emperoring
Okay.png
>>
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95 KB JPG
>>29613498
I dunno. Would you rather have a perfect, alien emperor or a slightly flawed, down to earth one?
>>
>>29613470
The vote's not important enough to call another one, tbh. Though I find it interesting that Lynn votes have had this problem before, but it might just be I don't notice it as much with other votes.

>2.

You growl lightly in frustration at the way that went. Thinking on it as you slowly make your way to where Gnome is, taking a roundabout path to obfuscate the fact you were with Lynn, you suspect she may have taken the hug the wrong way. Her youth was shining through all tonight, so it’s no surprise in hindsight.

You take a seat on the balcony where Gnome is and she turns to you, raising an eyebrow.

“You look unhappy,” she says simply.

>1. Explain to her about Caitlyn and get her advice.
>2. Talk to her about another topic.
>3. Custom
>>
>>29613420
>>29613498
guys, everyone already thinks we are banging 5 chicks and that she is one of them.
it won't do our reputation any harm.

the question is whether it would make things better with her or not.
>>
>>29613556
slightly flawed, down to earth != goofy one who chases after subordinates in front of everyone

>>29613527
>not recognizing when a subordinate needs space
>both bothering them and making yourself look foolish in front of your own men

yes, your suggestion is very bad emperoring
>>
>>29613564
>2. So why do you look so human instead of taking the form of another race?
>>
>>29613564
People like Lynn. she's a cool gal.

But really, she's being childish.
Glad to see she's off to sulk.
>>
>>29613564
1 mention you're kind of an idiot as well
>>
>>29613564
>1
>>
>>29613622
>But really, she's being childish.
she was, but we also fucked up in so many different ways.
>>
>>29613564
Maybe it's because Lynn decided to approach us about a previous controversial decision, so our resulting conversation would be just as heated.

>1.
The best way to increase one's relationships with other people is to ask them for help with your current relationships.
>>
>>29613647
Meh, not really. We tried to appeal to the warrior in her, tried to be a bro, but failed due to the 1.

Not our fault, dice are fickle bitches
>>
>>29613663
dice have an effect but its not absolute. there are many non dice ways this issue could have been averted.
>>
>>29613564
1
>>
>>29613675
What, by not going to see her at all?
Yeah, I guess that's one way.
>>
>>29613628
>picking 1 on the last choice
>downplaying yourself here

Are you trolling intentionally? If so, please leave.
>>
>>29613663
Not really, the main problem was questioning her loyalty. That's why the dc was so damn high and the resulting failure is so potentially catastrophic.
>>
>>29613706
...what?
We didn't question her loyalty. We asked if she trusted us, not if we trusted her.

The DC was high because she was SUPER butthurt, and she's a teenage girl, which basically mean reason means jackshit to her.
>>
>>29613686
several different spots in battle,
we could have also not gone to see her
we could have let her leave the first time around instead of chasing her.
We could have said something better when we did catch her (the roll was because of what we said, notice there were no rolls for previous dialog)
we could have instead sparred with her to cheer her up
We could have changed the subject and discussed how much fun the fight with the bears was

Tons of things we could have done different
>>
>>29613740
The roll was high because we were appealing to reason to a teenage girl, dude. Talon's a reasonable guy, but doesn't into young girls. That's why I voted for it: IC decision.

Sparring doesn't seem like it would've done much but made us the target of her rage. Which is pretty bad idea, I think.
Also I doubt changing the subject would've worked. She was very intent on talking about why we didn't fight forever and ever.
>>
>>29613735
We questioned whether she trusts us, how is that not questioning her loyalty?
>>
>>29613798
Because we didn't say if she still believed in our cause, and fought with us because of it? We asked if she trusted us, just the guy Talon.

Trusting us to have made the right decision /= Supreme Loyalty to the cause.

Now, if you're saying she saw it as questioning loyalty, that's possible. But again, she's being a big child right now, and that thought is wrong of her.
>>
>1.

You explain to her about Caitlyn and what happened. At the end of it, Gnome holds her stein in front of her chest as she laughs a little bit.

“Well, I’m surprised it took that long for her to blow up like that,” she says.

You frown at that. “You don’t like her?”

She waves her free hand dismissively. “I wouldn’t say that. She doesn’t like me, but that’s because I treat her like the child she is. Tell me, Talon, how often have you found yourself in hopeless situations where it feels like all options are equally bad? Before you were ever an Imperator.”

“Well,” you begin, thinking on it. “A lot of times. Especially if we go back to when I was Caitlyn’s age. I’m guessing that’s where you’re going?”

She nods. “You’ve always struck me as the sort that rose up through adversity. From what others say, and you’ve said, you also took a lot of time to come into your prime. In fact, it seems you’re still not there. Caitlyn on the other hand, has always found things easy. She’s strong, fast, skilled and attractive simply because of what she is. Undine had the same problems, which is why I’m familiar with this. She’s a prodigy, the difference is she’s never had a stern guiding influence. No offense to Maloric, but he’s not the fatherly type.”

You nod a bit. This more or less makes sense, though you suspect Gnome may be projecting slightly.

>continued
>>
>>29613856
“As for how you handled it, well, the hug might not have been the best idea. She’s confused about you and what you mean to her. Personally, I’d advise you to be sterner with her. She’s young and stupid and you’re in the perfect position to put her into her place. Of course, if you’re interested in sleeping with her, you might want to be more subtle. I’m not sure she’s as in the clouds as Sarah seems to be.”

You cross your arms at that and give her a look. She gives you a sly smile in return.

>1. Talk to her about her form and why it’s human.
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
>3. Talk to her about how your empowerment feels like your astral power recently.
>4. Custom
>>
>>29613879
Man you're awesome Gnome, you understand EXACTLY what's going on.

>3
Lets start with serious, wind down slowly to other things.
>>
>>29613879
>1. Talk to her about her form and why it’s human.
>3. Talk to her about how your empowerment feels like your astral power recently.
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
>4 custom
See if she can teach us how to fight like her.
>>
>>29613879
>3
>>
>>29613879
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
>>
>>29613879
>3

>>29613922
I think you're supposed to pick one, not just copy them all there guy.
>>
>>29613922
changing vote to this.
3
>>29613968
eh i'm used to QM accepting multy choice picks.
Though i do admit in hoping she teaches us her fighting style.
>>
>>29613879
>3.
>>
>>29613879
>3.

If we're good, we get a FTB

and even if we're not, we get a sparring lesson. I say that's a fair deal.
>>
>>29613879
>the hug might not have been the best idea.
Huh, would you look at that.
>3
>>
>>29613999
Doesn't her fighting style rely on her control of the earth to shoot spikes at her enemies etc?
>>
>>29614055
I thought 4 was gonna be the arm touch thing.

But oh well
>>
>>29614074
Nope, hers isn't reliant on her element like sala and udine, from what we have seen of it.
>>
>>29613879
>your empowerment feels like your astral power recently.
it does? since when?
>>
>>29613999
I accept multiple picks where I can easily wind them into a single post. In situations like this, I'll likely finish a topic then move onto another choice of topics (unless something comes up).

>>29614126
Check the first post of last thread, where I had a brief blurb about your Empower Self skill improving.
>>
>3.

“I was hoping to ask you a bit about my astral power,” you say and get a nod and serious look in return. “Recently, I’ve been able to use my empowerment better, but it feels oddly like when I’m using my astral power.”

She frowns. “You empowered in the last battle, right? That’s… Can you use your empowerment, right now?”

You shrug and focus momentarily. A flood power sears your muscles and you stretch yourself out a bit to ease the tension that naturally builds in your body. Gnome looks at you with crossed arms and one hand on her chin, her face troubled.

“Talon, that doesn’t feel at all like when you killed the dragon or even earlier tonight. Are you certain?”

“It’s not like those times. Rather like when I used the power at Harrowmont, or when I fired that arrow against the dragon. The same feeling, but more muted.”

Gnome freezes, staring at you. “Talon… that’s your normal sorcery. More powerful, maybe, but it’s the same.”

You raise an eyebrow, confused, before responding, “No, it’s not. Initially, when I’ve done those things, the power has come unbidden. I think I can draw on it normally with some practice though.”

She stares at you, then suddenly curses. “Dammit, I should have this. The late appearance of magic, the amount of power. Talon, have you ever tried to use formal sorcery? To learn to use magic that you don’t learn instinctively.”

“Of course. Mal told me that because I’d learnt to draw on my power in a strange way, it simply made it too hard for me to do so properly.”

She laughs bitterly. “Ah, how like a mage. No, Talon, you reason you can’t do it is because you’ve never been able to use sorcery. Ever.”

>Response?
>>
>>29614188
ohohoho
we have been using astral power all along!
>>
>>29614188
well i wish a whistle could be heard on image boards.
>>
>>29614188
But that would mean I've only ever been using astral power?
>>
>>29614188
So...
All our magic is Astral power? Just not as strong?
...does...does that make it naturally stronger?
>>
/tg/ dice is the most amazing fucking thing in existence goddamn. It's like the manifestation of the gods will sent down from heaven to make bring glory or utter hell.
>>
>>29614261
With this quest, mostly hell.

And they give us 20s at key plot moments just to tease us.
>>
>>29614282
for all the 1s, on average i think we more often roll good then bad
>>
>>29614282
It better than last thread where we kept getting 20s right after the cut off point.
>>
>>29614188
"...Ok?" Calm and inquisitive.
>>
>>29614282
>>29614261
It's human tendency to remember the negative stuff more than the positive stuff.

Kudos to Aspirational deliberately making our crits trigger plot events to counterbalance this tendency.

>>29614188
"Talk to me, Gnome. I'm not a mage either, so what implications does that have that I don't understand yet?"
>>
>>29614338
check the pastebin.
>>
>>29614188

"Hmm I see. I suppose such a thing is possible. What are you thinking I am using then?"
>>
>>29614363
Was trying to say >>29614338
in character, but maybe it came off wrong.

It'd be nice to have a quick-reference character sheet in real life to refer to yourself. Resumes & cover letters just don't tell the whole story.
>>
>>29614338
Eh, I guess so.

But really I just hate d20s. Crits happen too much.
But uh, I agreed to stop complaining so I shall
>>
>>29614188
"So I'm half fae, half archangel, haf demon, all human? No? Good. Please explain."

My money's on changing.
>>
>>29614403
Give me a moment and i will find the answer.
>>
>>29614426
>My money's on changing.
oooh... she did say we did things like both angel of life and angel of death was a fae-like...
Being a changeling makes a lot of sense here.
>>
You don’t know what to make of this at all. “So, that would mean that I’ve only ever been using astral power? How could nobody have noticed this? What implications does that have that I don't understand yet?”

“I’m betting you’ve never encountered another astral being. Or a spiritualist. As for implications, well, it means that there’s something very different about you. I think it’s safe to say you’re not completely human, Talon.”

‘Not completely human’ – Maloric had used the same terms to describe Caitlyn. “Is that a scientific term?”

“What? Well, kind of. It means you’re not really human whilst still being one. They sometimes describe pure elementals like that because of our humanoid appearance. Or it might mean something more. I’ve never cared for labels.”

You nod then something twigs. “But I’ve met a Mystic Fox before. Shouldn’t she have noticed?”

She gives you a sharp look. “She should have… She didn’t say anything? Talon, are you sure you’re remembering right? You haven’t met a proper astral being either?”

“No, I hav-“ you start to say before-

[DC?? ????????????]
>>
Rolled 18

>>29614460
Inb4 1
>>
>>29614188
>Dammit, I should have this.
>She laughs bitterly.
these seem to imply that this is somehow a bad thing. is it?
>>
Rolled 3

>>29614460
>>
Rolled 6

>>29614460
>>
>>29614481
She's unhappy with the fact she never noticed until now.
>>
>>29614478
>>29614490
>>29614497
huh, I somehow totally expected to roll a 20 here.
>>
Rolled 19

>>29614460
>>
>>29614520
I was really hoping for a 1 myself.
>>
>Target ???????

“-en’t,” you finish saying, without missing a beat. Gnome blinks, tilting her head slightly at something. She then resumes her furious pacing.

“Then you musn’t have used much power around the fox, I guess. Or maybe she was just thick,” she says. “Either way, this is big, Talon. You need to start practicing this more – there is no way you’re going to improve any other way. Nobody else around here can teach you, and those that could may just kill you outright. I don’t know what you are or will become, but they might and that might be enough reason for them to kill you.”

“Them?”

“The archangels. The devils. The fae. The Lords. They have vested interests. My advice from earlier still stands – find a fox or spiritualist, one who can those ridiculously bushy tails they flaunt.”

You nod. The closest monastery that would have a fox or powerful monk is near Farun.

Gnome’s calming down a bit now, nodding to herself.

>Any final questions about this? Otherwise I’ll repeat the earlier choices of convo.
>>
>>29614596
So if I'm not entirely human the what else am I partially?
>>
>>29614596
no final questions
>>
>>29614596
Nah I'm good. And now really curious as to what that mystery roll was about.
...
I bet it was for an angel to pop in.

Or something.

Anyway, let's mark Farun on our list of "Shit to do" Someone has a shit to do list, right?
>>
>>29614596
>"Does this have anything to do with the Lord of Ember going mad?"

Talon was born just NW of the Great Lord's lands. You hiding something, Aspirational?
>>
>>29614684
Actually, I'd second getting her opinion on Ember's madness, though I wouldn't necessarily relate it to us.
>>
>>29614665
Gnome doesn't have the slightest clue. In fact, other than you being able to use astral power, you appear totally human to her sense unlike Caitlyn.

>>29614684
Gnome looks confused. "What would that have to do with anything? Do you think he sired you or something? It's... possible. But I also don't know if the Lords can even create offspring. I've never heard of that before - the god-knights are sterile, apparently but I'm not sure about the rest of them."

>>29614733
"Why did he go mad? Well, he was always said to be an odd one. If there was something wrong with the method they used to gain their power, it makes sense he would be the first to crack. Of course, he was also the one responsible for the uplifting process, according to tales. I wonder if that means there'll be no more 'Gods'," she says the last word with a tinge of sarcasm.
>>
>>29614596
>>29614774

The mystery deepens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNiAX-6ZOdw&list=PL66CE33E605130A1D
>>
>>29614774
I wonder if him being the first to ascend, the author of the method all three used, and the first to crack means that the other two are going to crack too.
>>
>>29614774
"What about you and your sisters? Are pure elementals sterile?"
>>
>>29614774
...whats the "uplift" process again?
>>
>>29614774
See if she can teach us how to fight.
>>
>>29614774
Ask her why she tilted her head slightly before.
>>
So, it seems like to me we got a big hint just now.

Our skills get stronger the more we use them. That's why running back on foot from our RPG adventure got us the improved duration, I suppose. Let's see if we can't practice more like that in the future.
>>
>>29614836
Do not ask about her sterility. That's just insulting.
>>
>>29614842
i am pretty sure its the most closely guarded secret of the 3 lords

>>29614836
and for that matter, are angels, fae, or daemons. and if not, can they reproduce with humans.
And regardless of that, are changlings a thing
>>
>>29614774
How can we improve this power better? Just like we have been or is there some training we can do?
>>
>>29614878
She just told us how we can improve.
Do you even read what he post?
>>
>>29614872
>So, it seems like to me we got a big hint just now.
>Our skills get stronger the more we use them.
This has been explicitly stated in thread 1 and in the lorebin.
In fact it is explicitly stated to work on an XP system with certain actions giving us between 0.5 to 3 XP to a skill (rarely to more than one skill at once)

Aspirational also has been dropping hints like crazy that we should try practicing using astral power intentionally.
>>
>>29614842
Astral Adepts are regular humans uplifted to be antediluvian-style supermen.

>>29614869
She blinks. "I did? I don't remember. It musn't have been important if I did."

>>29614878
"Practice it. Keep fighting like you do. That seems to have been working so far."

VOTE
>1. Ask Gnome about the sterility of elementals.
>2. Don't ask.
>>
>>29614774
>offhand comment to Gnome
>"For people who call themselves God, not being able to bear children kinda takes away from the perceived omnipotence. But that's just speculation."
>>
>>29614920
1
we did sleep with her sisters
>>
>>29614920
>1. Ask Gnome about the sterility of elementals.
>>
>>29614920
2
>>
>>29614920
2
>>
>>29614941
We used protection and that's a terrible pick up line.
>>
>>29614920
>2.
Gnome isn't the one to ask about it, she's the oldest and might have a THING. We can ask Undine later and maybe get a cute reaction if we word it correctly.
>>
>>29614941
its a bad pickup line, we can always ask later if it becomes pertinent.
also, we kinda asked undine already.
>>
>>29614993
>>29615009
Uh I didn't intend for it to be a pick up line when I originally suggested that. I'm just genuinely curious.
>>
>>29614920
2
>>
>>29614993
it wasn't a pick up line
I was interested because i forgot we used protection
>>
>>29614920
Familiars draw sorcerous power from their master...
If we don't use sorcery... what does that mean for our familiar bond?
>>
>>29615009
>also, we kinda asked undine already.
I can't find this in my catalog of posts. When did this happen?

>2.

VOTE
>1. Talk to her about her form and why it’s human.
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
>3. Custom

No sparring option this session. I want to get a Sarah scene out of the way, and if possible, finish off the Lynn stuff. I have to finish by 1:30am tonight. I may tuck some sparring stuff into some downtime.
>>
>>29615066
>1
Then
>2
>>
>>29615066
1+2.
>>
>>29615066
>1. Talk to her about her form and why it’s human.

Maybe throw in a flirty compliment like, "Not that I don't appreciate your bodies."
>>
>>29615066
1

lets not do 2 at all because its a surprise for her for when her sisters bring it up :P
>>
>>29615066
>1
>>
>>29615065
She shrugs. "Once you draw the astral power, the world will automatically convert it to local sorcerous energy so the source doesn't matter."
>>
>>29615109
>Not that I don't appreciate your bodies.
she is alone with us, make it singular (if you even say it), we don't have to compliment her sisters in absentia
>>
>>29615066
>2.
Also I just wanna say that this quest is awesome, I'm disillusioned with pretty much every other quest at the moment, but this one is always quality, even if I have to bite my nails waiting for the weekend. Keep being cool, Aspirational and players.
>>
>>29615066
1+3
Just take an interest in her for awhile.
>>
>>29615066
feed her sliced apples. its dawww.
>>
>>29615141
Well I kinda wanted that to segue into teasing her about having already appreciated her sisters. But it's not a big deal.
>>
Rolled 6

>>29614999

Yeah lets ask Undine. Grome is more the type to not really react to that question.
>>
>>29615066
>also, we kinda asked undine already.
>I can't find this in my catalog of posts. When did this happen?
I will look for it for next time.

For now though I think I am going to sleep

Try not to do horrible badstuff anons.
>>
I wonder. If we booted ourselves into the source with the Place of power. Could Talon make himself totally unaging inside the fortress?
>>
>1.

“I’ve been wondering – why is it that pure elementals like you and your sisters have human forms. Why not elves or dwarves? Not that I don’t appreciate it.”

“Ah, that’s an old question. Mages in the Golden Age said it was because humans were the only race capable of binding familiars,” she says, giving you a sly look at your last comment. “Of course, they were believers in human exceptionalism, and completely wrong for that matter. Elves can bind us as well. If I were to guess, I’d say it’s because humans are the most populous race. But then, I don’t know if that was true millennia ago. I was one of only a handful of elementals after Kushan.”

>Anything to add or say in response? You can fetch an apple if you want to…
>>
>>29615186
where IS undine?
>>
>>29615238
What is "Kushan"?
>>
>>29615238
Tease her by fetching an apple, splitting it in half, and eating one ourselves.
Feed her the other.
And also ask who is Kushan
Curiosity
>>
>>29615238
>Feed Gnome
We brought her all our problems, time to relax the mood.
>>
>>29615238
I do want an apple, but i am the one who suggestged it
>>
>>29615248
Lurking about, drinking a bit and chatting. The reason I didn't offer a choice with her much earlier is because you had business with Gnome and nobody brought her up like they did Lynn. The number of characters can make it hard to dedicate social scenes to everybody.

>>29615272
Ancient evil mage. Nearly conquered the world 1000 years ago. Invented modern evocation (how sorcery is used nowadays).
>>
>>29615272
Evil mage king guy. Liked to genocide non-humans.
>>
>>29615289
Thanks.
>>
You decide to fetch an apple, as you remember Gnome liking them. You tell her to wait here whilst you find the kitchen and pantry. Returning after a little while, you find Gnome’s refilled both your steins. You nod a thanks, and begin peeling the apple with a paring knife you grabbed. She stares at you.

“An apple?” she asks.

“You liked it so much last time,” you say innocently.

Her eyes narrow. “Are you planning something you’ll need my forgiveness for, Talon?”

You wave her off and go back to peeling and slicing the apple.

>1. Talk to her about letting Undine and Sala ‘go first’.
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
>3. Custom
>>
>>29615238
>grab apple
>cut slice
>offer it to her
>then cut one for ourself

I assume Talon has an appropriate knife on his person.
>>
>>29615381
>1
I found this amusing, and wish to see why she did that.
>>
>>29615381
Oh, damn. There should be anotehr choice which is 'Don't tease her, just feed her the apple and make small talk.'
>>
>>29615381
>1. Talk to her about letting Undine and Sala ‘go first’.
>2. Talk to her about your supposed ‘lack of experience’.
Also, is Sarah around? I like her and its been a while since we talked to her.
>>
>>29615400
You know no one wants that Aspirational
No one
>>
>>29615381
>1&2
"You know Salamander and Undine approached me the other night. More than a little drunk, and bold as you like. Or maybe overconfident. Seems someone put this idea in their head that I was a virgin, and that they could 'handle' me. I think they're dissuaded of the notion now."
>>
>>29615412
Scene right after this. Also, as there's about 3 hours left, this thread is on page 9 and I wouldn't mind getting the next thread to autosage, I'm going to post the response in a new thread.
>>
>>29615381
2. and then 3.
Don't go for the knockout blow, ease into the teasing!
>>
>>29615381
>3.
"Well, not unless you have any good ideas for how I could get in trouble?"
>>
>>29615381
>1. Talk to her about letting Undine and Sala ‘go first’.
>>
>>29615400
I want this option then
>>
>>29615446
>sorry, meant 2. and then 1.
>>
>>29615381
play it innocent, be completely chaste tonight...
give her a chance to talk to undine first :)
>>
>>29615400
This one!
>>
>>29615400
this one
>>
>>29615400
>antediluvian
yes this please
>>
New thread:
>>29615603


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