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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 an emperor, but not the emperor… yet. Last thread you occupied Darlesia and are currently speaking with a seven-tailed fox about forming an alliance with her race.

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
>province info added, empire bin and general bin updated

>some housekeeping
1. I’ll be running the next two days as well. If I’m going to run extra long it will be this session or the next.
2. Sarah’s FTB is done. http://pastebin.com/ATa6Tjit
3. The map (to be posted shortly) has been significantly changed, including existing territory. The province info bin has been split from the general bin and contains tons of new stuff and detail.
4. I am now using the dice rules discussed last session with dramfails only happening on a 1 with no other successes. I’m trying to use just one system to avoid confusion so I decided against having one system for army battles and another for regular rolls. I may still revert to the old rules in particular situations. After all, who says you’re the only person who can have Nat20s.

Rolls are d20 and the best of the first three posters. Please quote the post you are voting for or rolling against. Note there are hard-to-replace points that can be used to offset failures in rolls. Please see the General Pastebin, linked through the Master Bin above, for more info and detailed dice rules.

>Now, with further ado
>>
>>31675797
>Deal vote

“Are you sure there’s not anything more you can offer? Your deal still seems lopsided,” you say, fishing for more.

She shrugs, and your eyes note her shoulder-blades as her robe slips over them. She really should wear something that fits better.

“I can’t offer you my own services, as the position of liaison prevents me from doing so,” she says. “My brother would be furious, too. As it is, he will grudgingly approve of the current deal, especially if you place me safe and sound in a city. The only other sweetener I can offer is a personal promise not to reveal your secrets to my brother without your permission – such as you being able to control astral power or having an undead pure water elemental at your side.”

Your heart damn near stops as Tsucchi looks right through you. When it starts again, you grit your teeth. The fact she’s openly telling you this is better than if she withheld it to hold over your head but it still comes across as a threat.

Sensing your anger, she raises her hands and her tails lay flat, signalling she doesn’t intend to fight you over this. “I’m surprised you didn’t consider it. The tale of Undine, Salamander, Gnome and Sylph is famous. Many wouldn’t recognise them but I know my legends, as do many others. You should be more careful if you want to keep her secret hidden.”

“Why are you being so open about this? Why not hold it over my head?” you ask, wary.

>continued
>>
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>>31675803
She raises and eyebrow and you’d swear she almost looked hurt. “Because that’s not who I am. And because you have more to offer my race. You formed an empire in months. I have no doubts that you’ll go far and my cousins may be able to find a homeland that isn’t part wasteland. If you’re really so worried about things, I’ll even promise not to reveal her secret even if you refuse the deal – as good faith. And I won't kill you so long as you keep our secrets.”

You frown, considering her words and deal. The moment of truth has come. Do you accept?

>1. Accept her deal.
>2. Refuse her deal.
>3. Custom
>>
>>31675860
1
>>
Rolled 1

>>31675860

>1
>>
>>31675860
1
>>
>>31675860
>1. Accept her deal.
Fine, deal for now until I can think of better stuff. Also I'm not afraid of you.
>>
>>31675860
>1. Accept her deal.

>Tale of Elementals
We never really asked how Undine died. Might be something of interest, we know our military history, not so much the other.

Also Aspirational I see through your thinly veiled sexual undertones. All the fluffytails want Talon, we get it.
>>
>>31675860
>1
>>
>>31675860
>1
>>
>>31675902 justification
aside from being decent deal, the deal is open to renegotiation in the future as long as we don't try to break the core tenent (aka kick them out).
what we give them cost us little (food, shelter, etc to any visiting fox), what we get back is really valuable to us (multiple fox enforcers AND spies AND knowledge about vampires, and astral magics, and so on, and their silence on all our secrets which foxes are uniquely able to identify)
>>
>>31675860
1
>>
>>31675921
IIRC we asked, she didn't want to talk about it

>>31675803
>You should be more careful if you want to keep her secret hidden.
calculated risk on our part. foxes alliance means they (supposedly) don't betray our secrets.
and while the secrets are important, winning battles is more important than keeping those secrets, which would be out eventually.
>>
>>31675921
>All the fluffytails want Talon
EVERYONE wants talon. they write smut novels about him.
>>
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>1.

“Very well then,” you say. “I accept.”

Tsucchi gives you a bright smile then hands you several pieces of paper. Your first instinct is that she doesn’t know how to finalise important alliances, as there is far too little paperwork here. Then you realise it’s a secret deal that is enforced by threat of violence on both sides. Good faith is everything here so layers of bureaucracy aren’t strictly necessary.

So you go through and quickly read and sign the deals. When you mention you may be renaming your empire, she shrugs and says that you can just sign another document noting that if it happens. It’s all very straightforward. Afterward, she pours you some more tea.

“How is it that you know that Undine’s dead?” you ask between sips.

“I’ve been spending time with the elves down south,” she explains. “They know a great deal about the elementals, particularly the four greats. They knew because her master was wandering around without her familiar for years. Mages don’t do that, especially with somebody as famous as Undine.”

“Her master is alive?” you ask, surprised.

“Not anymore. She and her husband died a couple of years ago,” she says. “You killed then, just so you know. The battle of Heydon field in southern Blacktaffe, I understand.”

“I only commanded at Blacktaffe,” you respond, frowning at the implication.

“Next you’re going to tell me it’s not really the Seraph king’s fault all the Farloun at dead. He’s only king of the nation that did that,” she retorts.

You sigh and run a hand through your hair and get some more details. Undine’s master was Magister Tricia North, a mage in the Tower of Stars and a personal friend of Alyce’s. Apparently she’d been married since shortly before the first Magi Rebellions. Strange…

>Anything else to ask Tsucchi? She doesn’t know too much about Undine’s master other than the basics.
>>
>>31676180

There's an entire bookstore somewhere dedicated to all the horrible to not bad smut and erotica dedicated to Talon.

I hope we go there some day.
>>
>>31676208
You know there is gonna be yaoi slash fics about him too
>>
>>31676192
Get vampire info
Also, see if she can try to drain some of your power again, only this time while you are resisting it.
>>
Rolled 10

>>31676192

When can we start expecting our FluffyGuard to start arriving?

(And when can we expect settlers looking for succor to arrive?)

Can we expect her assistance in helping cure the thrall right away? Does she need anything from us such as samples or assistants?

Her opinion on our resident fox and his character/reputation with the fox community?
>>
>>31676192
Is it likely that the vampires are planning to launch an attack on the full moon and are just building defences to buy time?
>>
>>31676229
How well known is Maloric's friendship with Talon?
>>
>>31676192
Was her husband that vampire we killed? Or am I getting my battles mixed up.

>>31676229

TalonXMal is my OTP.
>>
>>31676268
>Was her husband that vampire we killed? Or am I getting my battles mixed up.
you are, she is referring to a battle that happened before the quest started.
>>
>>31676288

Talon killed a daywalker within the RSK before the quest.

Supposedly he has also killed one more than he had originally thought as well.
>>
>>31676314
Talon killed the daywalker personally.
That mage was killed by talon's soldiers, not by talon personally.
>>
>>31676192
>>31676263
>>31676247
+1
Also any other secrets about us or ours that we should know about?
>>
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>>31676314
>Supposedly he has also killed one more than he had originally thought as well.

Darian accused you of killing Dalrec's whelp, whoever that may be.

>>31676268
Very mixed up. You killed Undine's master and her husband on the other side of the continent. You killed Dalrec a week's travel south of Harrowmont less than a year ago.

>>31676263
>When can we start expecting our FluffyGuard to start arriving?

"That depends. Ren and many enforcers have been busy with the Lord of Ember recently. I'll put these forms in and inform the alliance who will inform foxes in due time they have safe haven here. It's up to them to move here and any clans that do will offer some men and women in service. Maybe a few months at the earliest."

>Her opinion on our resident fox and his character/reputation with the fox community?
She smiles. "Vad's a character. He blew up on Ren when he found out that he was sleeping with his sister, Noah. Ren had to send him away mostly due to politics - your chief bodyguard can't openly berate you and expect to retain his position. It's a sad fact that Vad wear his emotions on his sleeve but is also very dedicated to anything he does."

>>31676341
"Such as?" she asks, uncertain of what you may be referring to.

>Vampire post next. It may take a little while as I collate my notes on them into dialogue.
>>
>>31676433
"That's part of why he suggested you, I think. He wants to get back at your brother by making him think I'm going to abscond with you into my harem."
>>
>>31676433

Ah alright good. Thoroughly less confused, Blacktaffe was a new name. Thanks for the clarification.
>>
>>31676192
things we could want from her (basically, asking her if she can do those things, and if willing to, but not giving her a todo list)
1. any training in astral power we can get
2. curing thralldom
3. any knowledge on vampires she has
4. if she has healing spells or other skills that can help stabilize and revitalize the city
5. help figuring out what we are. we know we channel astral power, do don't know how or why. she can confer with vad about how we have used it before.
6. does she know the locations of any places of power and who currently owns them?
7. since she is so knowledgeable... what is the deal with the monasteries? (share our little tale of the one we visited)
8. knowledge about pattern research?
9. anything she would like to volunteer for
>>
>>31676433
Ask if she knows anything about dragons and their kind, she mentioned the mage guard are ruled by an old dragon.
>>
>>31676433
>Ren had to send him away mostly due to politics - your chief bodyguard can't openly berate you and expect to retain his position. It's a sad fact that Vad wear his emotions on his sleeve but is also very dedicated to anything he does."
really now? interesting... vad didn't even realize that was why.
>>
>>31676469
hah. Talon goes balls-to-the-wall with this chick.
>>
>>31676541
hahahaha, I love this idea.
>>
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>>31676473
>Blacktaffe was a new name
Oh, right, one of the new places on the new map.

Which is attached and significantly updated. It might be good for people to give it a look (though I don't blame people for not memorising it).

>>31676506
"Not much, really," she says. "I specialise in undead races, not dead races. I doubt there's a thousand dragons left on the continent. All I know is that they're powerful. And Sylvian is old. As old as Taira, even, if not older."

>>31676469
VOTE
>1. Suggest Vad has a plan of wanting you to sleep with Tsucchi to get back at Ren.
>2. Suggest Vad has a plan of wanting you to trick Ren into thinking you're sleeping with Tsucchi to get back at him.
>3. Don't suggest that.
>>
>>31676541
Well, she's already deduced everything REALLY important. No reason to hold back something silly like this.
>>
>>31676584
3
its funny, but lets not. at most 2.
>>
>>31676584
2

Let's not scare her off that fast. we only just met today, after all.
>>
>>31676584
>2. Suggest Vad has a plan of wanting you to trick Ren into thinking you're sleeping with Tsucchi to get back at him.
This. She might want to get in on it, and she's more likely to be able to help protect us if Ren gets pissed.
>>
>>31676584
>3. Don't suggest that.

Nahhh. Maybe later.
>>
Huh, actually, I think we should help ren and vad bury the hatched. Vad seems to be misinformed about WHY ren sent him away. Thinking ren was being a dick and not realizing it was politics.
>>
>>31676634
PS. I didn't know they used to be buddies AND that vad was in ren's personal guard...
>>
>>31676634
>whynotboth.jpg

Just because we're playing a prank on Ren doesn't mean we can't also clearup misunderstandings between them.
>>
Rolled 7

>>31676584

>3

Let's not dick over our foxbro
>>
>>31676584
2

>>31676655
We wouldn't be dicking him over, we'd just be letting her in on the joke.
>>
>>31676655
How would that be dicking him over?
>>
>>31676584
3
>>31676634
I'd rather do this really.

How can we ask Vad to keep our secrets if we don't keep his? Plus pissing off some guy we don't know for a no reason is bad politics.
>>
>>31676584
2
>>
>>31676687
>How can we ask Vad to keep our secrets if we don't keep his?
that is a good point.
>>
>>31676702
>>31676687
But it'd be much easier to trick Ren if she knew this was how she was supposed to act. It's a prank that can ultimately be resolved once the two bury the hatchet, so I vote we let her in on it.
>>
>>31676584
3
>>
>>31676584
>3
>>
>>31676712
We should first clear with vad the idea of bringing her in on it.
We don't actually KNOW if this was his plan anyways, its a total guess
>>
>>31676584
I'm thinking there's some samefagging going on here. Contentious Voting time?
>>
Rolled 10

>>31676584
>3>

Be funny to do but then it would make the revenge harder to pull off.
>>
>>31676742
Yeah if we have to do the prank can we at least ask Vad first?
>>
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CONTENTIOUS VOTE

Option One

Suggest Vad has a plan of wanting you to trick Ren into thinking you're sleeping with Tsucchi to get back at him.

Option Two
Don't suggest that.


Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to this post and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.
>>
>>31676712
>>31676742
another issue is that ren might come running here and discover our secrets (which he then has to share with the mage guard). he might also try to get back at us which can really hurt us.

so, its one prank I would rather not pull.

oh, and it can definitely backfire on the bury the hatchet plan.... or it might be EXACTLY what is needed for such a plan. but it is something we should do AFTER we take out taour and have some breathing space
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
1
>>
>>31676792

2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
1
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
>>31676792
2
>>
Cutting off votes.
>>
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>>31676899
And, hey, I don't need to make these posts anymore as the exact second of the post is displayed. Isn't that cool?

>Vampires

“What can you tell me about thralls?” you ask her, getting to the heart of the matter.

“Servants to vampires. Supposedly incurable but I have my doubts. Vampire are many things but capable of mind control far more powerful beings cannot use? I doubt it,” Tsucchi says, absently combing one of her tails as you drink some tea.

There’s a knock at the door and you retrieve some snacks an aide brought. By the time you return to the table with the plate of cheese and bread Tsucchi has a pile of notes in front of her.

“There are six daywalkers still alive after the recent infighting in Taour,” she says.

“Five, actually,” you say.

“I know my numbers very well. Who’s the expert on vampires here?” she says, giving you an imperious look.

“You are,” you say and she grins broadly. “But you’re not all-knowing. I killed Darian a little over a fortnight ago.”

The fox stares at you, the persistent waving of her tails stopping for several moments. “Really? You killed Darian? Master of Shadows?”

“Yeah. He was a real pain in the arse with those summons of his,” you explain, eating a bit of blue cheese on some bread.

Tsucchi clears about half her notes to the side after you explain this, muttering. “You haven’t happened to kill anybody else have you? Assassinate Perin Blackwater while eating breakfast the other day?”

>continued
>>
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>>31676919
“You seem upset?” you say, sounding surprised.

“Vad implied that you would need my help, and nobody else’s, to have a chance against these vampires,” she says snippily.

“I do. Nobody else knows anything about thralls and vampires. Heck, the fact you think thralls are curable proves that,” you say soothingly, and Tsucchi recovers her pride. “Oh, I also killed Lord Dalrec, though I think you already knew he’s dead?”

“Why am I even here? You can clearly kill the vampires yourself and ruin all my time spent researching,” she says, gathering her notes.

“Perin Blackwater,” you say loudly and she freeze. “Supposedly he’s immortal. What do you know?”

She frowns and then picks out several notes, hiding a smile poorly. “He sired a vampire less than fifty years ago – one Lady Marianne. That woman does not appear in any records or notes on Blackwater. I think she’s important as no other vampire can say this.”

You explain the letter you received and she nods along. “Most likely ‘his lady’ and Lady Marianne are the same person. He must keep her close if she’s truly a weakness. If not in the city then nearby.”

She then explains what she knows of the other four vampires.

“Volante is a monster. Equally skilled in shadow and blood he has somehow fused with his armour. He thrives on direct battle but has no small number of tricks available. He can also rapidly regenerate his armour along with his flesh. I’d suggest luring him into a trap and obliterating him.

“Terce is weak but can create thralls with her voice. I suspect she’ll either try to lure you into a meeting or flee. She has no other skills of note.

“Noln is a fat vampire famous mostly because he’s still unalive. He runs Taour’s bureaucracy. He’ll likely flee at the first sign of trouble.”

>continued
>>
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>>31676935
“Farsool is a madman. He was responsible for Hiien and the bloodfarms there. He was supposedly a mage before becoming a vampire. He may have been responsible for other nasty tricks by Taour.

“Blackwater is the true threat in Taour. As you said earlier he’s supposedly immortal and is Volante’s superior in every way – a master of both shadow and blood.”

You sigh, a little confused by the terms shadow and blood. “What is being a master of shadow or a master of blood mean?”

“Blood is physical power and regeneration. Dalrec and the vampire he sired, Aladria, are masters of Blood. It lets vampires move and hit fast as well as makes them hard to slay. Shadow, on the other hand, is the vampiric form of combat evocation. It enables them to make summons, teleport or do other dangerous things – it is wildly varied but weaker than most magic.”

You nod. This is far more than you’d expected, to say the least. Tsucchi is unwilling to explain how she learnt it and why most mages might not know it.

>Last round of questions before we move on
>>
>>31676986
"I have some mages working on a cure to thralldom, but they're not making much headway last I heard. Would you be wiling to work with them?"
>>
Ask her about the gems the mage's were using in their blood ritual.

Might not be directly tied to her research but might inspire something.
>>
>>31676986

Who is Aladria Serat? (the independent vampire lord) Is she trustworthy? What powers does she have?
>>
>>31676935
>>31676986
My thoughts.
>Volante
Possibly going to meet on the battle field. He's going to be a damn tough one.
>Terce
Be wary of "We surrender! Let's discuss terms!" From Taour. Chances are, she's a bluff champion.
>Noln
We need to prepare assassins to chase him down. Can't risk a Daywalker escaping.
>Farsool
Disgusting. Must kill as soon as possible
>Blackwater
Supreme boss fight. Probably will be at the battle of Taour. Will need to bring all of our forces (elementals & friends) to bare.
>>
>>31677071

Just realized that you answered part of it already, but any additional information on Aladria would be useful particularly since we might negotiate with her
>>
>>31677021
>>31677046
>>31677071
+1
>>
>>31676986
>Talon trolling I love it.
Does she have any idea how a woman as a weakness for an immortal can be exploited?
She carry his heart or something, also on the subject how does a vampire sire anything aren't they dead?
>>
>>31676986

Not specifically a question, but we should alert all our commanders in the field about the daywalkers ASAP.

Terce is particularly worrisome. It wouldn't do to have a general turned against us through trickery
>>
>>31676986
Can vampires survive on animal blood?
What about non human sapients?
Do you know of any vampires who don't act like monsters?
How do vampires turn people into new vampires?
Can a daywalker intentionally create more daywalkers?
How fast can nightwalkers turn a population into vampires if they are desperate and on the ropes?
Are daywalkers capable of traditional reproduction or do references to children always refer to converts
>>
>>31677103
>Does she have any idea how a woman as a weakness for an immortal can be exploited?
off the top of my head, take her prisoner. have him turn on his brethren or she dies.
>>
>>31677166
Yeah but, that doesn't get rid of him unless we can seal him away for ever or something.
>>
>>31676986
does she know who the "whelp" we supposedly killed is? Darian stated that he heard we slew him, but we actually don't know what is. So either our soldiers killed him without even realizing he is a vampire, or Darian was misinformed... maybe he faked his own death

anyone cares to look up whose whelp it was?
>>
>>31677204
or we chop him up.. he can be immortal head in a can.
besides, magic seals ARE a thing, we could have a few hundred mages construct a solid cage for them.
plus I am sure he isn't truly immortal, just very hard to kill

it would be a hell of a lot easier to get rid of him if he conquers taour for us first.
>>
>>31677241
True, very valid ideas. I was just trying to figure out and plan in the event he is immortal for some reason.
>>
>>31677213
I think he was referring to the vampire we killed in the cellar. The one who could thrall through his blood?
>>
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>>31677103
>She carry his heart or something, also on the subject how does a vampire sire anything aren't they dead?
Sire just means to turn somebody into a vampire.
>>31677021
“Oh, so you want to cure thralls? I suppose I can help them though I’m uncertain how much they’ll help me,” she says, nibbling on some sharp cheddar. “My magic and theirs is so different.”

>>31677071
“I don’t know much about her, I’m afraid. She spends most of her time in Dalrec’s castle – my sources suggest that she’s young, if only by physical standards, and capable in both blood and shadow abilities.”

>>31677046
“I’m afraid I don’t know anything about that.”

>>31677103
“I’m relying on circumstantial evidence, I’m afraid, and I don’t have any more knowledge to back it up. There’s something special about Blackwater and that’s the only thing I’ve been able to find.”

>>31677145
“No. Yes. That depends on what you consider a monster. They drain them of blood to near death and then thrall them using their personal method. Of course. Not very fast – nightwalkers can only turn one person each lunar cycle, daywalkers one person each solar year. I have yet to find a vampire capable of normal reproduction.”

>>31677213
>It was Dalrec’s whelp
“The only vampire Dalrec sired, to my understanding, was Aladria. If there’s another, I’d be surprised. Most like Aladria laid low after you killed her master.”

>Any last things to say to or do with Tsucchi that aren't vampire related?
>>
>>31677298
I think we can move on now.
>>
>>31677298
>nightwalkers can only turn one person each lunar cycle, daywalkers one person each solar year.
well that is a huge relief.
>>Can a daywalker intentionally create more daywalkers?
>Of course.
interesting. I assumed this was a rare effect, but apparently not. so every solar year all the daywalkers could create more of their kind if they wished to
>>
>>31677298
"Is there some sort of societal thing that foxes have with their tails that I'm unaware of? I had to grab Vad's at one point to pull him out of an explosion and he's been acting rather odd about it."
>>
>>31677298

Yeah I'm good.

Suggestion: Make a Q&A if you have the time involving all of this info dump, just to avoid having to go over it again and again.
>>
>>31677298

Invite her to meal with the our cabinet and advisers at a later time to celebrate and cement our alliance
>>
>>31677404
Oh god, this.
>>
>>31677298
>>31677404
Lol don't mention the Vad thing or do I can't decide but, do inquire about fox societal things etiquette and the like. Then a meal with our peeps
>>
>>31677404
Add to this, "You'd think he'd be grateful I saved his life."
>>
>>31677404
HAH! I'd love to see the reactions to this.
>>
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>>31677404
"Is there some sort of societal thing that foxes have with their tails that I'm unaware of?" you ask. "I had to grab Vad's at one point to pull him out of an explosion and he's been acting rather odd about it."

"Were you gentle about it?" she asks, voice frighteningly sweet.

"There was an explosion, so no, of course not,” you respond, confused.

Tsucchi shakes her head. “His first time with a man and he wasn’t even gentle. Are always so rough with your partners?”

You stare at the fox, her face plastered with a devilish smile. Then it clicks.

“No. God no. Not my interest,” you say, trying to control your voice.

“Maybe you should have thought of that before you grabbed his tail,” she responds, voice laced with amusement.

“If it’s so sexual, why does he let the girls do it?” you wonder openly.

“Probably because he has sex with women, Talon. Like you do, I’m betting,” she says, disbelievingly.

Giving her a look, you eat some more cheese, thinking back on the subject. Huh, no wonder he was so skittish when he wanted to know about you sleeping with Lynn – very afraid to step on your territory.

“He knows better,” you say.

The fox woman gives you a look, then smiles. “Maybe you should learn to share, then?”

“Changing topic now,” you say bluntly and do just that.

You invite Tsucchi to dinner and spent most of the afternoon and evening assisting Arail with Darlesia. There’s only one last decision to make – to bring Bartom and Gareth to Darlesia to help with reconstruction or leave them in Harrowmont.

>1. Bring Bartom. He’s better off building here than in Harrowmont.
>2. Leave Bartom. You want to reinforce Harrowmont as much as possible.
>>
>>31677619

>1. Bring Bartom. He’s better off building here than in Harrowmont.

Building up Harrowmont is a luxury at this point. It's also in no danger of imminent attack.
>>
>>31677619
she totally trolling us
>>
>>31677619
>1. Bring Bartom. He’s better off building here than in Harrowmont.

Bartom will get to see Gnome, Gareth is a Darlesian and might be able to lure out the other mages, and this place needs it right now. Badly.

Harrowmont is in good shape all things considered, when we get out of war time we can build it up some more.
>>
>>31677619
>Vad totally getting strokes and pats under our nose
Heh. Sneaky bastard. No wonder he's super nervous whenever we walk in on him. We should taunt him about this shit later.

>1
>>
>>31677619
lol. shes gonna be fun to have around.

>1.
Lets get this place up and running asap, then he can go back.
>>
>>31677619
Even Vad's in our harem now. WHERE WILL THE MADNESS END, TALON!?

We brought Gnome with us, right? Use gnome here and Bartom at Harrowmont. Since nobody's going to attack us right at our capital, we can afford to have a slow builder there.
>>
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>>31677671
>Bartom will get to see Gnome
Gnome is up in Raupe.
>>
>>31677671
>>31677686
Gnome and Vad stayed over in the other place.
>>
>>31677686

Pretty sure Gnome's up north, fortifying Hiien
>>
>>31677708
>>31677710
>>31677706

Alright, then. Get Bartom on the horn for Darlesia, we need to get this place running quickly.
>>
>>31677706
>>31677708

And that's what I get for reading over the rest of the thread quickly upon getting home. My bad.

Still. Kind of needed here.
>>
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Slight delay as I fiddle with some stuff to get dinner ready.

I'll be doing a timeskip during this next post.

Was there anything vital that people wanted me to take care of or that might deserve a scene?
>>
>>31677682
to be fair, he told them to stop, we "trolled" him by giving them a loophole to continue (buying brushes)
>>
>>31677820
Nothing comes to mind...
Super excited for all the stuff we need to get done, though.
>>
>>31677820
Aside from more butt-blasting FTB's? Not that I can think off.
>>
>>31677832
Greatest troll ever.
>>
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TIMESKIP ROLLS

Might as well get this out of the way while I'm delayed.

[DC14 Deodain Raid; DC15 Forfdain Raid; DC16 Carrlouf Raid]

[DC12 Hearts and Minds; DC11 Militia Recruitment]

Please roll 2d20 each. I'll take results from the first nine rolls for these.
>>
Rolled 3, 6 = 9

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 10, 5 = 15

>>31677904

Good lord.
>>
Rolled 1, 6 = 7

>>31677904
here comes the ones
>>
Rolled 4, 8 = 12

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 4

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 10, 1 = 11

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 12, 10 = 22

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 3, 8 = 11

>>31677904
rollin
>>
Rolled 7, 15 = 22

>>31677904
JESUS CHRIST EVERYBODY IS DYING ALL THESE 1's AND NO SUCCESSES EVERTHING AWFUL
>>
Rolled 3

>>31677904
>>
>>31677960
>>31677939
uhoh.
>>
Rolled 1, 15 = 16

>>31677904
>>
Rolled 2, 11 = 13

>>31677904
Oh god, it's so low.

How would a FR point work in this situation? Would it even work? Not that I'm asking for one yet.
>>
Rolled 5, 20 = 25

>>31677904
>>
>>31677976
>>31677971
It's not really surprising, anons. We're rolling a lot of d20s, we have like a 5% chance each roll.
>>
Welp I'm thoroughly confused.

I don't know if doing it this way was the best idea or not.
>>
>>31678002
If the dice were random we'd have a 5% chance. But they're /tg/ dice. They're not random, the chance is far greater than 5%.
>>
I don't.. even..
>>
Rolled 19, 6 = 25

>>31678002
>5% chance
first, all the rolls are very low to begin with
aside from that. we got 3 nat 1s and 0 nat 20s.
>>
Rolled 9, 12 = 21

Parras is apparently the worst fucking general
>>
Rolled 7, 18 = 25

>>31678015
it totally wasn't. multiple d20's, counted for many rolls? there's no way it wasn't going to end in disaster. we need to split up rolls so this shit doesn't happen.
>>
>>31678035
He's not trying hard enough. He doesn't have his heart into this. Dude needs to man up.
>>
>>31678042

Agreed. From what I can understand out of this mess as well we didn't succeed a single roll and critfailed a few as well.
>>
>>31678035
>Bad general
no, he just got nat 1s.
we know how it is, we get them often.
>>
Rolled 10, 12 = 22

>>31678035
clearly we're not allowed to let him do any action other than being a wall against the enemy, because he fucking sucks at it.
>>
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Did... did every single roll just fail? Wow.

>>31677987
FR points apply to single rolls but they can affect rolls later in the chain so I'd apply it at the point in the chain with the best effect. Mind you, there's times they can't be used (like helping Parras' raids).
>>
Rolled 14, 8 = 22

>>31677904
Guys you should have waited for me to roll. The dice gods love me.
>>
>>31678092
So how are you going to spin this ultra dramatic failure? Daywalker wrecking shop and Parras can't do anything about it?
>>
>>31678092
I call for a reroll, because your methods for this were bullshit. roll for the choices seperately.
>>
Rolled 13, 11 = 24

>>31678092

You win some, you lose some
>>
>>31678092
Can we salvage this with an FR point? If so I'd say we burn it on Hearts and Minds, it would also probably help our militia recruitment.
>>
>>31678092

We seriously lost half of our army doing that shit, we critfailed one too.

I refuse to accept that.
>>
>>31678111
perfect explanation actually.

>>31678092
this reminds me of the idea of doing engagements where we are not at with multiple rolls one after another rather then a single roll each

>>31678114
eh, method was fine. tg dice hate us
>>
>>31678114

I kind of agree.
>>
Rolled 6, 18 = 24

>>31678132

I doubt three failed raids will cost us half our army.

It wasn't supposed to be a major engagement anyway since we told him to keep it low-intensity.
>>
>>31678138
No, it really wasn't. Rolling that many d20's and counting past the first few was a recipe for disaster. I want a reroll where each choice is seperated out.
>>
>>31678092
Jesus that is amazing dude. FR point now. Like yes it would be immensely useful.

>>31678114
Considering the single rolls we got where lower then the doubles?
>>
>>31678111
Raiders get slaughtered Taour pushes to retake raupe, Darelsia revolts, we find no people and lose morale.

Or something, gonna hurt.
>>
>>31678114
>>31678151
his methods weren't bullshit. Also, remember that those are CHAINS. this means that to unlock the second target requires success on the first one.
This means that we failed the deodain raid and that aborted the forfdain and carrlouf raids (since they are in the way). meaning most of those rolls evaporated into the ether.

And failing to recruit in darlesia... well, won't kill us. We just recruited 3000 soldiers elsewhere and are moving them to darlesia.
>>
>>31678167

What point is the FR going to serve? 3 of those rolls we can't even affect, the ones where we get our shit pushed in on the other front?

Waste a FR on winning people over and recruiting? Why?
>>
>>31678179
He had us roll for 5 different decisions at once. There's no way that was going to at all work. I'm not even that guy and I can see the problems here.
>>
>>31678186
Good point. Barely awake so I misread that combined into something else.
>>
>>31678167
no FR point. we can't use FR points on battles our generals are making 10 days away from us.
And we shouldn't waste FR on recruiting from darlesia when we have successful recruitment from the entire rest of the empire
save the FR for when we fight the immortal daywalkers
>>
>>31678186

Agree, I don't see a reason to blow a FR here.

FR should be saved for make-or-break moments and this isn't it.
>>
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>>31678114
>I call for a reroll, because your methods for this were bullshit. roll for the choices seperately.
There are 15d20s involved for these five rolls. I don't really understand what you're getting at here.

>>31678111
Eh, it's pretty easy to spin.

RESULTS

Deodain Raid = Dramfail; 3, 10, 1

Forfdain Raid = Fail; 4, 10, 12 (Slightly worse results due to previous dramfail)

Carrlouf Raid = Aborted due to previous failures

Hearts and Minds = Fail; 6, 5, 6

Militia Recruitment = Dramfail; 8, 1, 10
>>
>>31678195
Honestly it wouldn't be too bad if it stays in a range of 7 or so. Giving us more range to get dice. Just /tg/ dice is pretty hilarious and just so happened to not roll anything above like 9.
>>
>>31678234

Somehow we didn't manage to get over 12 in that span and 3 of those were 1s.

That's ridiculous.
>>
>>31678234

We should probably sacrifice Parras to the dice gods to sate their anger
>>
Rolled 10, 3, 11, 6, 13, 6, 18, 8, 14, 13, 12, 6, 20, 3, 4 = 147

>>31678262
More like fucking amazing and hilarious. Hell I could roll better then that myself.
>>
>>31678234
Wow.
That is utter shit. Just damn.
>>
>>31678234
>We failed every single roll
Seriously? What the fuck.
>>
>>31678292
Not a single 1...
>>
Rolled 15, 1, 18, 11, 17, 3, 4, 14, 5, 16, 6, 19, 8, 13, 17 = 167

>>31678318
Magic happened my dear anon. Magic. Someone used the dice gods name in vain and worshiped a idol before them.
>>
Well that's a sure fire way to take all the wind out of a thread.
>>
>>31678234
people are upset we rolled low. this is pretty much it. There was nothing actually unfair about it.
Except MAYBE that tg dice have a shitty algorithm (possibly).

although it would be nicer of major engagement were subdivided into multiple rolls. and could be at least somewhat directed.

eg
>Deodain raid = dramfail
do you push? retreat? something else
(then roll for next action).

this would make it take longer though to resolve far away conflicts.
>>
Rolled 18, 17, 20, 1, 9 = 65

>>31678367
I'd honestly suggest something like 5D20X3 for somethings like this. It splits it down a nice even tone and it makes it so it doesn't burn as much space.
>>
>>31678367

The problem with that is that we weren't in control of the Raupe Army. I'm fine with Parras having a shitty plan that went FUBAR.

Recovering from this should be interesting in any case
>>
>>31678400
>The problem with that is that we weren't in control of the Raupe Army
why is this a problem? it isn't talon making that decision, we are playing the local general at that point.
>>
>>31678419

My personal preference is to not play the local general.

I like that we have to depend on having capable subordinates to not fuck things up. After all, emperors do have to delegate most of their tasks
>>
>>31678392
>I'd honestly suggest something like 5D20X3 for somethings like this. It splits it down a nice even tone and it makes it so it doesn't burn as much space.
might as well just do 15d20
it has no effect on the outcome.
or rather, it shouldn't it is possible that the algorithm works better when making multiple dice rolls in a single post (I think it does from prior experience)
>>
>>31678449
it doesn't have to be the same level of detail as talon's battles though. something streamlined and simplified.
So we can basically get "better AI" so to speak on our NPCs.

that being said, can't help it now. i am upset, but at the dice not the QM
>>
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I think the joint system is a bit of a failure mostly because it just confuses the hell out of everybody. I’ll probably jettison accepting more than the first three rolls and just have each post have as many d20s as necessary.

Note that I’m not doing perspective shifts in this quest. Further, this new system is purely for the purpose of major engagements – a bunch of raids aren’t really major and rolling more dice just spreads the probabilities out. A larger engagement may have rolls for the ranged contingent, the infantry and the mages etc to provide more fidelity in the results.

>1.

You ask Gareth to come to Darlesia with Bartom to help construction. In the meantime you help Arail in Darlesia. Parras launches his raids.

To say the next fortnight went poorly was an understatement. Probably the only good news was that your shipment of weaponry arrived from Worremburg and you successfully recruited 3000 more soldiers. Everything else, well…

>Deodain Raid = Dramfail; 3, 10, 1
>Forfdain Raid = Fail; 4, 10, 12 (Slightly worse results due to previous dramfail)
>Carrlouf Raid = Aborted due to previous failures

Parras’ raids went poorly and you inwardly thank Undine for pushing you into getting Mercenie to block the shipment of mage-knight plate. It seems that General Volante responded rapidly to the raids into Deodain and later Forfdain – losses were limited to the hundreds but Gnome took a heavy injury that has prevented her from building new fortifications in Raupe. In response, the Taouran forces on the border appear to be massing for a counter-offensive though your spies report that Volante has retreated back within the capital.

>You have lost
20 Flying Mage Knights
100 Medium Mage Knights
300 Men-at-arms
200 Archers

>continued
>>
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>>31678506
>Hearts and Minds = Fail; 6, 5, 6
>Militia Recruitment = Dramfail; 8, 1, 10

The situation in Darlesia isn’t much better. Somebody is actively moving against you within the city and you have a suspicion that it may be RSK spies provoking the citizens. The real issue is that if you flush them out Falwick may use that as an excuse to attack. You don’t want to rely on League help at this juncture but if he was to assault you then either Mercenie bails you out or you retreat. The citizens haven’t turned on you but you’ve had to temporarily cease recruitment after one of your captains flew into a rage after being attacked by a gang of toughs. Not a problem, except when the local news reports your soldiers assaulting innocent civilians.

You stand in the war room as your aide grimly informs you that a Taouran raiding party of two thousand has moved into Raupe. Not an invasion force, but an attempt to probe your reaction and do some damage to your new province.

The question is, do you leave it to Parras, with Gnome out of action, or stay in Darlesia in an attempt to salvage the city?

>Discussion time

Not sure if I’ll continue the thread here. Need to clear my head a bit. I might fall back onto social stuff if anybody sticks around.
>>
>>31678535

Can we just open up next thread with discussion?

This whole dice thing really took it out of me and I'd rather discuss it with a clearer mind.

I wouldn't mind some light hearted social stuff(preferably some that happened in the past like that Gnome one).
>>
>>31678535
I think we should trust Parras to protect himself. We need to fix this fucking mess in town before something gets out of hand again.

Gnome should head back to recover, too.

>Clear your head
Something wrong man?
>>
>>31678535

Social scenes with some of our forgotten subordinates like Arail would be interesting and nice change of pace.

Not sure whether anyone else would be interested though
>>
>>31678535
Social stuff would be pretty welcome right about now I think.
>>
>>31678535
I'm tired but I'll stick around for a bit for some social stuff. I think its a good, change of pace and its been a while.

For the record: I respect you sticking to your guns, and your experimentation.
>>
>>31678535
I'll be around, I'm just really bummed out is all. I thought we'd get something out of this, but anything we rolled a 10 on is a nat 1.
>>
Well, it is 3:40am for me... 4:40am for QM.
I stayed up as long as I can but I am going to tuck in.
Would also appreciate if this decision was made on next thread
>>
>>31678691
Isn't Aspirational Australian? It's only 6 PM here.
>>
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>>31678691
>4:40am for QM.
i use EDT for you folks. It's only 6:40PM Down Under.

>>31678580
>Something wrong man?
Things wound up somewhere I didn't plan for and I'm smack bang in my creative low. Trying to put myself back into the mood to write more.

SOCIAL STUFF

Recommend something to do or some characters to spend time with. I'll see if I can roll with it. It can be a flashback event going back to when you got back to Vitria after Farun so can pretty much involve any character at this stage.

NEXT THREAD

I'll be doing the next thread on the 24th at 6pm EDT for those not tuning in for more. That's today, technically (but tomorrow for me).
>>
>>31678721
Sarah. Lynn. Crazy as fuck bodyguard.
>>
>>31678721
>Where I didn't intend
The colossal fail, I take it?
Knocked the wind out of me too. But I'l stick around for Social stuff.

>Event
Probably... Vad, Undine, and Sala.
As for something to do- Brotalk about tail business, Meditation, and flying practice would be cool respectively.
>>
>>31678535

Just writing down personal notes for next thread.

We still have over 5,000 men in a highly defensible position against a raiding party of 2,000. Parras is still in a better position than we are.

We should speak with Neir as soon as possible to try to push back against RSK spies in a discrete, diplomatic fashion. Going to League should be a last-minute desperate measure.

We should probably allocate most, if not all, of the 3000 men-at-arms to Darlesia to restore order.

We may also want to think about negotiating with Aladria in earnest. Her master, Dalrec, was independent and no friend of the Daywalkers that rule now. (Of course, we also killed him so hoping she doesn't hold a grudge about her sudden promotion)

Aladria may be receptive to helping us against Daywalkers if she is guaranteed her autonomy around her castle. It would be nice to have a Daywalker helping our northern army, especially with Gnome recuperating.

We would obviously need to vet her for trustworthiness, but our interests may align and we could definitely use another heavy hitter on our side.
>>
>>31678721

Um...

Felix, discussing his thoughts on creating a new Knightly Order. The war. Etc.

Undine, really anything. Something silly would be fun with her. Since she's still "young" I doubt she's done much so taking her around Vitria, dancing maybe? Hell if I know.
>>
>>31678721

Felix, Sarah, Undine
>>
>>31678721
I toss my hat in for some Lyn, or undine, or vad or sala. Sala and the new armor scene was forgotten.
>>
>>31678773
Pretty good response.
>Make sure Parras sets up defenses with Bartom's help since Gnome is hurt (ugh that one hurt the most)
>Move the men-at-arms to Darlesia for order purposes, in the mean time getting Nier to help us root out the fucking spies
>Meet with Aladria after that is handled, before moving back to meet Taour with our new Mage Knights
>>
We kinda placed talon in the wrong spot actually.
we are leaving the fighting to our generals while talon is trying to win over the people of a town. and basically that's all he has been doing.

well. ok not true, we are also worried about an invasion of darlesia.

how long would it take gnome to heal? because undine can actually heal her (at least, faster then she heals on her own... and AFAIK no-one else can heal her that we know of)

undine can go invisible, might be useful for investigating who is undermining us in darlesia. Tsuchi exceptional detection and varied skills might help too.
>>
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>>31678773
Wow. I just realised that I screwed up and forgot to the scene with Aladria's messenger. Probably a good thing given how much extra stuff took up time. Especially given the scene would have been "Aladria does not negotiate. Visiting her castle would be a bad idea, too."

SCENE VOTE

A few scene possibilities have popped into my head.

>1. Vad over the tail business. May have Tsucchi or Sala pop into the scene. He can teleport so it would take place during the disaster fortnight.
>2. Sarah, Lynn and Felix. Lynn and Felix are sparring in Vitria and Sarah wants some self-defense lessons.
>3. Undine. Exploring Vitria.
>4. Sala and armor scene.
>>
>>31678773
Yeah. Honestly we could use some men at arms here. On the other hand I don't really trust us not to be there at the 2000 strong army to rout them due to not having FR points in case we have to use them. I think we should send our recruits to Darlesia. Or at least 2000 of them. Send a message to Neir to look into this Darlesia problem we have right now. Then head back with a decent number of forces Parras. Rout the fuck our of their armies. Right now their just inciting issues. There isn't much threat from the common people other then some brawls. While if we don't show a strong front Taour is going to react badly for us. Honestly this is kind of an advantage in that we finally have them moving.
>>
>>31678858
>>1. Vad over the tail business. May have Tsucchi or Sala pop into the scene. He can teleport so it would take place during the disaster fortnight.
>>
>>31678858
1
>>
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>>31678858
>He can teleport so it would take place during the disaster fortnight.
Derp. Tsucchi can teleport him to Darlesia. Forgot I removed Vad's teleport ability.
>>
>>31678858
>1. Vad over the tail business. May have Tsucchi or Sala pop into the scene. He can teleport so it would take place during the disaster fortnight.

That or a Imperator+Felix getting drunk scene would be nice.
>>
>>31678858

2
>>
>>31678773
>We have 5000 people in province. 2000 person raiding party, their hero unit retreated
this sounds like an ideal time for some fast travel to the battlefront with our hero units and lead out troops to annihilate those 2000 troops. aside from sending an excellent message it is also an opportunity to reduce their forces significantly (divide and conquer)
>>
>>31678858
1
Gonna have to go with this for the lulz.
>>
>>31678858
1

Also Tsucchi can teleport, eh? That is handy. Perhaps we can do that dumb general exchange thing we were gonna do feasibly now.

We really need to salvage this mess, though. I have a feeling our general is going to blame us since he didn't want to do the raids in the first place. Am I right?
>>
>>31678883
any chance she can teleport us?

or. can she teleport to Hiien, heal gnome, and then teleport back?
>>
>>31678858
>3
Then
>1

Would be my preference.
>>
>>31678908

The problem is that this could be a diversionary attack.

As soon as Talon is out of the country, the vamps might launch a full-blown attack on Darlesia and overwhelm our garrison of 2k.

I would be open to sending one of our hero units to lead Parras's army, but sending Talon out seems like recipe for a disaster.
>>
>>31678908
The biggest issue is the problem of Darlesia having a rebellion or being attacked before we return. But we can rely a bit on the elf here to hold the RSK back a bit. She did say a fortnight of playing chicken and I trust Neir pretty good on things like this.
>>
>>31678721
>i use EDT for you folks. It's only 6:40PM Down no, i am quite certain that EDT is currently 5am
http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/edt-to-cst-converter

are you sure you aren't confusing your timezone's 3 digit code?
>>
>>31678858

So, is negotiating with Aladria a pipe dream or could that be retconned into a "Who knows"?
>>
>>31678953
That's why we should transfer 2000 of the new recruits here. If they launch a diversionary attack we charge them from the sides and risk their provenance there. We should move Mal pretty soon just because we need a lot of skilled units for this one.
>>
>>31678962
Thing is, I don't think the RSK will actually invade us.
if they do... well, we officially ally with magi guild, crush taour together, and then turn on RSK together.
>>
>>31678858

>Talon "I'm the god damn Emperor" York taking no for an answer

We'll see how long that lasts.
>>
>>31679004
diversionary attack against what? the super fortresses of crece? not a good idea
>>
>>31679018
Taour itself. Use Mal to minimize mages. + the extra 1000 troops we would send to our 5000. If they start marching men towards Darlesia we scare the shit out of them and make them have to look there.
>>
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>>31678983
Yes it is 5AM in EDT. I don't live in EDT, I just use it to schedule the quest because it is 4chan server time. I live on the east coast of Australia, where it is 7pm.

>1.

“So, uh, Tsucchi said you wanted to talk to me about something,” comes Vad’s voice from the entrance.

You turn to face the fox, swinging your bardiche over your shoulder. The fox flinches slightly and you give him an appraising look, your expression hidden behind the full helm of your new armour. You had been practicing with your new armour to get a good feel for how it moved with a variety of weapons before you had been interrupted.

You walk slowly towards Vad and, to his credit, he holds his ground. You stare down at him, making good use of your additional height. Then you toss the bardiche to the ground and remove your helm.

“That’s right,” you say, providing a suitable anticlimax.

Vad almost visibly deflates, giving you a nasty look as you give him a smirk. It never hurts to play with the fox, especially with the upcoming conversation.

“So,” he says when you don’t say anything more, “what did you want me for?”

>1. Go in hard. Ask him bluntly about the tail stuff.
>2. Start soft. Talk a bit about Tsucchi and your talk with her.
>3. Be roundabout. Ask him about his thoughts towards Lynn and Sala.
>4. Custom
>>
>>31679004

I don't think 2000 new recruits could stand against a veteran vamp army. The Darlessia army doesn't have any heavy MKs and is built to harrass rather than defend against strong opposition at this point.

Darlessia is also not the most defensible place with internal unrest and RSK machinations.

To me, the risk/reward of sending Talon north is pretty simple.

The reward is that we might destroy 2,000 enemies (with relatively high chance that the enemies would simply fall back since it takes 5 days for Talon to reach North)

The risk is that they attack in force and we lose Darlessia.

I just don't see the rewards outweighing the risks here. Losing Darlessia and its army would be crippling to both our credibility and war efforts.
>>
>>31679074
>3. Be roundabout. Ask him about his thoughts towards Lynn and Sala.
>>
>>31679074
oh, i misread what you typed, rereading it it makes sense now. i really AM tired. damn.
>>
>>31679074

>2
>>
>>31679074
>1. Go in hard. Ask him bluntly about the tail stuff.

I mean he dry dicked him once why not twice.
>>
>>31679074
>2
"So I had the most interesting conversation about Tsucchi the other day..."
>>
Should we mention the politics thing with ren?
>>
>>31679074
>Talon with a bardiche

Jesus christ how horrifying.
>>
We kinda owe him an apology too about the whole "if you tell anyone i will hurt you" thing

seriously though, I can't believe we didn't press tsucchi on whether or not she is pulling our tail on this one. I am pretty sure she is.
>>
>>31679080
Be 4000 men lead by one of our best generals vs what they send out. They also are lacking mage plate. The 2000 vs parras? Worst case they send a day walker and pretty much kill everyone. We have to have some powerful people there. Without Gnome most of the specialized power is gone from that army.
>>
>31679127
>"if you tell anyone i will hurt you" thing

Not really. It's kind of completely true. You want to warn someone as much as possible when something could go wrong.
>>
>>31679074
>2. Start soft. Talk a bit about Tsucchi and your talk with her.

"Vad. Tsucchi told me what grabbing a tail means, and I'm going to take responsibility
>>
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>>31679158
Okay.

Seriously.

Does anybody object to me doing this?
>>
>>31679170

Not even remotely.
>>
>>31679170
God damn it. Do it. Do it now.
>>
>>31679158

And thus another slashfic was born.
>>
>>31679133

Perhaps, there's no need to send Talon. The Northern Army also has Vad and Felix, who are no slouches. Reinforce them with 1 of our non-Talon champions and they should be fine.

The Northern Army also has stronger army composition and terrain advantage.
>>
>>31679170
DO IT!
>>
>31679158
>31679170

If you do make sure Talon puffs out his chest in a manly way. Before gently caressing his own breast in slow motions.
>>
>>31679170
I can't find a picture to show my glee at this getting used.
>>
>>31679214
Yeah now this I can go with. They need more fire power but they don't need all our fire power.
>>
Well at least we got new fluffytail inhabitants soon in these threads.

I am happy about that. Makes it feel like more of an empire when multiple races work together to me.

Also the little thing about the Darlesians being confused because of the mix of Vitrian and Darlesian plate really solidifies the idea we should get our own specific look. I mean we do have MMK factory now, tiny tweak for aesthetics shouldn't be hard.
>>
>>31679258
Been thinking about this. Honestly I've been thinking of a pure silvery white Griffin like look. Angled edges to bounce things off.
>>
>>31679258
I agree on both accounts.
>>
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I'm not sure I did the suggestion justice, but I tried.

>2.

“Vad,” you say, voice completely level as you grip Vad’s shoulders tightly. “I want you to listen to me. This is very serious.”

Vad stares back at you, more confused than anything else, but nods slowly. You nod back at him as grimly as possible and pause for several moments, as though you were struggling to put your thoughts into words.

“Vad,” you say again, noting the way the fox’s ears twitch slightly when you say his name. “Tsucchi told me what grabbing a tail means.”

You withdraw one of your hands to hold on your chest as solemnly as possible as you say, “I’m going to take responsibility.”

To say Vad is dumbstruck would be too kind. Instead he appears to have fallen into a stupor. You shake him, pounding your fist on your chest to emphasise how serious you are.

“I mean it, Vad – I mean, Vadoric. I need to use your proper name going forward. It’s only right,” you say, nodding enthusiastically. “I didn’t mean for this to happen but now that it has I will make everything right.”

Vad somehow gathers up the ability to open his mouth but no words come out of his mouth. You place a finger over his lips, continuing with your absurd charade.

“Hush, Vadoric,” you say in a whisper. “Let Papa Talon take care of everything now.”

That does it. Vad snaps.

“What the fuck!” he shouts, leaping back and banging his head against the doorjamb and falling to the ground. He rubs his head, watching you warily, wild-eyed. “Who the hell are you? You can’t be Talon!”

>How do you proceed?
>>
>>31679258
>multiple races
You just reminded me we need to get some dorfs up in Harrowmont.
>>
>>31679170
>FTB announced
>when it's finally finished (after several nights of pure, nonstop, breathy typing), it's 10 gigabytes of raw text describing Talon passionately stroking Vad's tails with his hands and sometimes using interesting implements

Incredible.
>>
>>31679315
And this is the point where we bust up laughing hysterically.
>>
>>31679315

I can't even come up with anything.

I'm laughing too damn hard, literally crying.
>>
>>31679315
>“Hush, Vadoric,” you say in a whisper. “Let Papa Talon take care of everything now.”

Losing my shit over here.
Literally can't breath.
>>
>>31679315
>You place a finger over his lips, continuing with your absurd charade. “Hush, Vadoric,” you say in a whisper. “Let Papa Talon take care of everything now.”
I lost it. My sides are ruined
>>
>>31679320
>10 gigabytes of raw tex
That'd be something in the ballpark of like ten trillion characters. Without exaggeration.
>>
>>31679315
"You..You don't love me anymore Vad? Is this all our relastionship meant for you?"
>>
>>31679284

I dig that idea. Get some gold inlay on the breast plate with the griffon.

No expense spared for maximum swag.
>>
>>31679315
Well Aspirational, the anons have spoken.

Talon shall laugh his heartiest laugh he has ever uttered. Think Satan and Joker combined.
>>
>>31679348
Actually come to think of it we maybe should go with. "Is this all our relationship meant to you Vad? I know it wasn't a long time but I thought you enjoyed every moment of it....I know I did."
>>
>>31679354

I imagined Talon laughing so hard he accidentally activated his empowerment and it literally shakes the room.
>>
>>31679315
"I know this is happening so fast but, we can take it slow. Or maybe we need to just go all out..." *Spread arms out and summon some astral power*

If only we weren't in our armor but regular clothes, coulda ripped outa our shirt.
>>
>>31679354
Feels too soon for me. The amount of Vad pain this could be milked for is amazing.
>>
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Hilariously, I'm listening to Bon Jovi's 'Always' right now.

>>31679354
Well, Talon's made of pretty stern stuff to be able to openly tease a cute foxboy like that so I'll offer a choice of unleashing the Laughter of the Imperator and continuing to taunt Vad with >>31679371 or >>31679366.

REACTION VOTE
>1. Laughter of the Imperator
>2. "Is this all our relationship meant to you Vad? I know it wasn't a long time but I thought you enjoyed every moment of it....I know I did."
>3. "I know this is happening so fast but, we can take it slow. Or maybe we need to just go all out..." Then you spread your arms out wide and summon your astral power as visibly as possible.
>4. Custom
>>
>>31679315
1d20 chain to not laugh and have a straight face.
>>
>>31679395
>3

>that fucking spoiler
I didn't know I had any laughter left in me.
>>
>>31679395
3
>>
>>31679395
>>3. "I know this is happening so fast but, we can take it slow. Or maybe we need to just go all out..." Then you spread your arms out wide and summon your astral power as visibly as possible.
>>
>>31679395
>1
>>
>>31679395

Why not all three?

2, 3, and 1
>>
>>31679439
That could work too...
>>
>>31679395
>3
followed immediately by
>1
>>
>>31679395
Actually come to think of it. Lets got with

>2.
>3.
>1.

In that order. To really fuck with him.
>>
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>>31679457
I might roll with this idea with a twist. There'll be some comedy rolls, naturally - trolling somebody this badly doesn't come easy.
>>
>>31679474
but t should
>>
>>31679487

Anon you're drunk go home.
>>
>>31679474
We are bad bad people, but dammit if it isn't hilarious.

>captcha 89 6528666
666 indeed captcha
>>
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>2. Followed by 3. Followed by 1.

After Vad shouts at you, you put on the most hurt look you can muster.

Staring at the fox sprawled on the stone floor, you whisper loud enough for him to hear, "Is this all our relationship meant to you Vad?”

“Huh?” Vad responds, ever the figure of eloquence, and you shake your head wildly.

“I know it wasn't a long time but I thought you enjoyed every moment of it...,” you say, hurt oozing from your voice as you gesture wildly to the fox. Then you collapse to your knees and whisper, “I know I did.”

“W-what? Wait, this – this is really you, Talon?” Vad utters ,ears flat against his head as he stares at you with wide eyes.

You decide to delivery the coup de grace with some fake tears.

[DC12 Fake Tears]
>>
Rolled 16

>>31679537

Please don't fail me now
>>
Rolled 14

dice I will give you my fucking first born child for a 20 here!!
>>
Rolled 46

>>31679537
>>
Rolled 9

>>31679537
It's time to critsuccess.

Also would like to point out we're sweaty from the training we were doing.
>>
Rolled 15

>>31679537
>>
>>31679558
wat
>>
>>31679558
SHIT! I had my dice on from another thread!
>>
Rolled 10

>>31679551
>>31679554

The dice god takes and the dice god gives
>>
Rolled 12

>>31679537
>Dat picture

I bet that's what's going on in Vad's head right now.
>>
Oh man this is gonna be so good. Gonna be even better if the girls have been spying, emotions running wild
>>
>>31679597

I'm just waiting for Lynn to walk in.
>>
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>Target met

You muster your will and summon tears to your eyes. Damn, if you weren’t already an emperor you’d seriously be rethinking your life plans right now. You could probably earn a fair living as a stage actor in Spitzeilig.

You let out a sob, tears dripping down your face. You hold your face in your hands, turning away from Vad. There’s several long moments punctuated only by your fake sobs.

“Oh jeez, don’t cry. Don’t cry,” Vad mutters as he rushes over to you and awkwardly swings his arms around your armoured frame. “Please don’t cry?”

“I know this is happening so fast, Vad, but,” you start to say, punctuating your sentence with a loud sob as you look deep into the fox’s eyes and lean into him. “But we can take it slow.”

“Slow,” Vad repeats, sounding stupefied. “Yeah, slow. Glacial, even. So slow it’s like we never started.”

You shake your head wildly, trying to ignore the weird sensation of Vad’s tails enclosing over you as he continues to try to awkwardly comfort you. “No, no. Maybe we need to just go all out…”

Then with that you spring to your feet and thrust your arms as wide as possible, pulling Vad upwards with you. Then, you summon your power and show Vad what an Imperator is made of.

[DC12 FABULOUS]
>>
Rolled 2

>>31679643
>>
Rolled 16

>>31679643

Dice Gods please
>>
Rolled 1

>>31679643
I CAST FABULOUS
>>
Rolled 19

>>31679651
Fuck you dice gods!!
>>
Rolled 13

>>31679651

You are the Worst
>>
>>31679651

I've never been so happy to see a 1 in my life.

Fuck that 16 let this be a critfail.
>>
>>31679651
UM
Well we may have blasted him into the wall with Fab
>>
Rolled 1

>>31679651
BURN AN FR POINT, DO IT
>>
>>31679651
DAMNIT
>>
>>31679667
Or we made him fabulous instead of us
>>
>>31679670
SECONDING! THIS IS WORTH IT!
>>
Rolled 8

>>31679670

If a moment ever called for FR, it's this right here
>>
Rolled 6

>>31679643
Can just see Talon break down crying from laughing so hard right now. Then just face planting in Vads shoulder blades and just going "V..ad..vad vad vad" While trying and failing not to die laughing.
>>
This shit is bananas! My sides
>>
>we flex
>at first we don't look so fabulous
>burn FR point
>suddenly there's holy light as our armor explodes off of us, astral power completely exaggerating our muscles
>every man in a 50 mile radius spontaneously turns gay for Talon, unending erotica is written en masse and our economy is greatly bolstered
>universe itself feels a little gay too and gives the FR point back just because
>>
>>31679670
Do it.
>>
>>31679717
Glorious.
>>
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>>31679670
You're not burning an FR point on a comedy roll. Plus, this should be fun anyway.
>>
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>Dramatic failure

Your body glows with a golden light so bright you become a second sun for a moment. Your power floods the room and your aura expands. Vad stares at you, struck dumb by your grandeur, and after your little moment you slap a gauntleted hand on his shoulder. His tails seem to wave with the impact but Vad doesn’t break eye contact with you.

“So, Vad, what do you think?’ you say, your voice a deep boom.

“I think I want to know where the closest bed is? There’s one nearby, right?” he says, still staring at you.

“Err, not sure,” you say, your voice still booming despite your uncertainty. Vad’s eyes are unnerving you a little now – you’re not certain he’s struck dumb so much as struck… something else.

“Well, what about the training mats? Those are soft enough for us, right?” he says.

“I- what?” you boom, beginning to lose the plot. “No, Vad, this is where you question my sanity.”

“You just gave me the greatest revelation of my life – why would I question you, Talon?” Vad says.

Those eyes are beginning to really freak you out. You don’t seem to be able to drop the astral aura either. His tails begin to wave around in a hypnotic fashion and Vad takes a step closer to you. As he was already right in front of you, that puts him almost literally on top of you. He leans upward towards you and suddenly realise just what the hell is happening.

“See, I told you they were doing it,” comes Lynn voice from outside the door. “Talon even told me in Vitria.”

“Huh, and here I thought you were crazy,” Tsucchi replies.

Vad freezes and his face turns to pure horror. You’re pretty sure your face looks the same right now. At least on the inside.

Only one way to salvage this.

Laugh. Laugh like you’ve never laughed before.

>continued
>>
Rolled 7

>>31679799
>We cracked Vad.

Oh, God in heaven.
>>
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>>31679799
Later, as you sit in one of the break rooms you explain the actual situation with Vad.

“I should have known you were screwing with me from the start,” he mutters, rubbing at his ears. “And did you need to laugh so loudly? I’ll be hearing echoes for weeks, now.”

“Well, if you hadn’t actually tried to kiss me that would never have happened,” you respond, getting some mutters in return. “Now, why don’t you explain to me what you and Lynn do when you’re alone?”

You’d intended to intimidate the fox but he appears to be getting a handle on your behaviour patterns and just gives you an annoyed look.

“She brushes me completely non-sexually and I try to pretend I’m not in Heaven,” he says flatly. “Because I’m not. Heaven would be getting brushed by the hands of a beautiful maiden who I can actually sleep with.”

“Then find one. There’s plenty around,” you say.

“I sincerely doubt my chances of finding a woman who isn’t sleeping with you in a hundred mile radius of you,” he responds.

You shrug. Guy’s got a point.

>One last scene for the night. Fire off a suggestion. Nothing heavy.
>>
>>31679799
Oh man, so close to gay chicken things woulda got weird.
>>
>>31679821
I think Vad successfully turned it around and started messing with us instead.
>>
>>31679799
>All that Catastrophic failure
Oh good god I can't handle it. I CAN'T
>>
>>31679826

Resuggesting Undine scene in Vitria. We'll get plenty of Sala next thread.
>>
>>31679826
That was great, well done sir. I need to get some water.

I'll toss in with Undine, she gets left out a lot.
>>
>>31679826
Undine
>>
Rolled 11

>>31679826
Drunk Sarah and Talon discussing how things are going with being the leader of a nation. That or Salamander+Mal talking about Neir.
>>
Rolled 6

>>31679826

Sarah and Undine and their friendship
>>
>>31679864
>Salamander+Mal talking about Neir.

God good that would be hysterical. For being Mal's familiar they interact very little, it would be a nice change.
>>
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>>31679861
>>31679864
Hmm, I might possibly combine these.

SCENE VOTE
>1. Undine in Vitria.
>2. Eavesdropping on Undine, Salamander and Maloric talking about Neir
>3. Talking with Salamander and Maloric about Neir.
>>
>>31679826

We should set Vad up with that one Flyer girl whose name escapes me.
>>
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>>31679905
Or 2 can be Talon talking with all three. it will probably work better now that I think on it.
>>
>>31679905
1
What can I say, I like challenging my QM.
You'll get Undine one day, Aspir, I know you will.
>>
>>31679905
>1. Undine in Vitria.
>>
>>31679905
1
>>
>>31679905
3
>>
Rolled 19

>>31679905
>3. Talking with Salamander and Maloric about Neir.
>>
Rolled 13

>>31679905

>1
>>
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You lean against the balcony and look out over Vitria. It’s calm and restful at this time of night and you close your eyes and let the wind brush against your face. The longer you sit out here, the longer you can pretend you’re not at asinine noble’s party. Sarah had assigned a couple of these to you while you were going to be in Vitria to ‘meet and greet’ the nobles. You’d done many of these in the RSK and this managed to outperform all of them in standards of dull.

“You know, Talon, meet and greet actually requires you to be near people,” Undine says, leaning against the balcony next to you.

“Meet and greet requires me to be near people who actually matter,” you respond. “Not these pissants.”

“That’s a little vulgar,” she says, slightly reproachfully.

“Really? I think I’m being polite. ‘How do you plan on responding to the fact that your warmongering reputation puts Vitria’s security at risk,’ indeed. The bastard should be lucky he’s not in the RSK – Old Fenix would have slapped him in irons on the spot,” you say.

“Can you at least try to enjoy yourself? Sarah figured you might enjoy doing something other than military planning for once and I’d like not to completely disappoint her when I tell her what happened tonight,” Undine says, placing her hand over yours.

>1. Invite Undine to dance.
>2. Leave and explore the nightlife of Vitria with Undine.
>3. Just talk with Undine for a while
>4. Custom
>>
Rolled 9

>>31680030

>1
>>
>>31680030
>2. Leave and explore the nightlife of Vitria with Undine.

TALON YORK LIVING ON THE EDGE
>>
>>31680030
>1. Invite Undine to dance.
>>
>>31680030
1
That'll help us relax alright.
>>
4chan running slow for you guys?
>>
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>1.

“I suppose I can. Why don’t we try the dance floor, then?” you say, slipping your hand around Undine’s and tugging her inside.

“I never took you for a dancer, Talon,” she says.

“You learn these sorts of things in life,” you say, taking up a position for a standard slow waltz with the music. You wonder if you could convince the musicians to play something that’s not too slow for old women.

You dance with Undine for a while, keeping a closer eye on her and her dress. She had slipped into a simple light blue piece for the night rather than her usual black outfit and you’re going to enjoy this while you have the chance.

“Talon, when I said to enjoy yourself I meant to do so in a way that isn’t through me,” she says dryly, after your hand ‘slips’ for the nth time.

“Suggest something, then,” you say as you step back and put Undine through a neat twirl.

“How about we change the music to something you might enjoy then?” she asks and you give her a slight nod.

Undine gets the attention of the band and they shift to a much faster paced piece. Oddly enough, there’s more cello in this one. Odd. Then Undine returns and you find yourself pulled into a very fast Waltz. You might know how to dance but not quite so fast. Maybe you shouldn’t have complained…

[DC11 Dancing]
>>
Rolled 17

>>31680119
>>
Rolled 10

>>31680119
>>
Rolled 11

>>31680119

Waiting for a Knight's Tale reference.
>>
Rolled 2

>>31680119
Mad dance ski-*nat1*
>>
>>31680135
That was a warning anon. Dice gods are listening.
>>
>>31680126
>>31680133
>>31680134

Talon York, Master of Dance

It will never cease to amuse me that Talon nails these random rolls, like when he calmed that crying child in Harrowmont.
>>
>>31680146
Indeed. And yet when we roll for our NPC generals "Nah man, nah, he had a mild brain hemorrhage. But hey, you can sure as hell cut a rug right?"

I swear it's because the server time is so early, it's being generous
>>
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>Target met

As Undine moves swiftly, you move swifter. Losing yourself in the physical act of the dance, you hardly notice the time passing. It’s not until Undine pulls away that you realise it’s late enough you can leave without insulting your host – and causing more issues than necessary. You give Undine a bow and kiss her hand, to which she gives you an odd smile.

A short while later, as you walk back to Sarah’s spire, Undine strikes up a conversation.

“So, you enjoyed yourself?” she asks.

“The part where I said goodbye to that smug ass? Yes,” you say.

Sighing, Undine breaks away from you and steps up to a nearby fountain, taking a seat and crossing her arms at you. You raise your arms helplessly, wondering what’s brought this on.

“Tell me, Talon, why do you want to be a great emperor?” Undine asks suddenly, frowning at you.

You stand before here, looking at the jet of water flying up in the middle of the fountain. The constant sound of water striking water is all you can hear as you consider your response.

“Didn’t you already ask this Undine?” you answer, deciding a non-answer is best right now. You don’t know what she’s after.

“Yes, but it still doesn’t make sense. You seem to actively dislike many of the things people of status actually want to do,” Undine says.

You give her an odd look. “Tell me, Undine, why do you think I want to become a great emperor?”

“I literally just asked you that.”

“And I want you to tell me what you think my answer would be.”

>continued
>>
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>>31680224
She stares at you for several moments then begins to play with the water. You wait patiently as she deliberates. There’s few people about at this time, particularly along this particular causeway between spires. Looking over the edge, you see the many bright lights signalling an active Commercia flitting to and fro.

“I think you want to carve your own fate, Talon. To get out from under the thumb of others,” your Champion answers, joining you at the edge of the causeway.

“And what makes you think that?”

“Observation. You don’t seem to think much of the current rulers or the things they do. Which is strange – most people seek a higher status so they can indulge of things of a higher status. Tell me, Talon, if you do carve your fate and become the Emperor of Gauron what will you do?”

>How do you answer?

Next post will be the last of the thread.
>>
>>31680228
>"Indulge in the few things I allow."
Of course referencing her.
>"But give everyone else that freedom to carve their own fates."
>>
>>31680228
Make the world a better place for when i leave it than when i found it.
>>
Rolled 15

>>31680228
to tell the truth I've never serioucly thought about it. it used to be some far of goal that i might never get the chance to even try to realise. Now when it might actually be feasible i don't have the time for that kind of if's and what's. so i guess for now all i can say is fix things and do the best that i can.
>>
>>31680228
"I will do what others have failed to do. What others could not. These petty wars that lose the lives of countless for nothing will be put to rest. Petty feuds put to rest, uniting this continent, perhaps even the world some day, under one banner, to advance the world as a collective whole. That is why I want to be a great emperor. To achieve what men of such status never aspire to do. To not stop once I have 'what I want', the higher status, the riches, the women. That is all secondary. And then, once I have united this world under my banner, and people sing songs in my name, and my greatest foes respect me, perhaps then I will be worthy of the title so many men squander in their decidance. The title of Emperor."
>>
>>31680228
"I want to see a world not run by the corrupt, greedy, or selfish."
>>31680277
Pretty much this. Without the status,riches, or women part heh
>>
>>31680286
That part was meant to be said in a sarcastic manner, actually, as in 'that's what most aspiring emperors want, and while it's nice, I want something far better for the world' tone
>>
>>31680295
Yeah, I figured. I toyed around with the idea of it being a joke. Eh, leave it in then but make it joke.
>>
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“I’ll do what others have failed. I’ll end the petty wars that cost countless lives for nothing. See if I can’t put things in place that won’t be so easily undone. The status, the riches, the women,” you give her a self-deprecating smile as you speak, “are secondary to the power to achieve my goal. Ultimately, I want others to be able to carve their own fates without actively fighting the world.”

Undine stares at you sullenly. “Yes, but what will you do, Talon, once you become this fantastic emperor and bring world peace? When all the conquering and nation-building is done?”

You scratch the back of your head, uncertain of how much clearer you can make this. Thinking on it, you look out over the glowing lights of the city.

“Your tone says everything, Undine,” you say slowly. “World peace is an impossible goal so there never will be an after for me to do things in. I’ll strive for my goal endlessly if necessary. That’s what it means to have dreams, Undine – you reach for the stars knowing they’re always out of reach.”

The causeway falls quiet, the trickle of water breaking an otherwise companionable silence.

“I think I see now,” Undine says quietly and you look over to her to see a bright and genuine smile. “I guess that means it will be my duty to give you all the things you’ll miss otherwise. There’s no point to you giving others things you don’t experience yourself.”

“You make me sound like a martyr, Undine,” you say as she tugs you away.

She laughs lightly as she drags you down into the lights and sounds of Vitria.

>That’s the thread

Thanks for participating, folks. I’ll be resuming in about 10-11 hours.

For the record, this did help me work out Undine’s dynamic though I’ll still need to actively work it in where possible.
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>>31680361
Awesome thread man.
>It's 7:30am for me
You know, I don't stay up this late for just anyone. Just saying.
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>>31680375
I am genuinely surprised at the number of players that stuck around for this long. Especially after what happened earlier with the crazy dice.
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>>31680361
Great job bro fucked my sleeping but, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time thanks. Fun thread.

4:30am Here.
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>>31680361

Undine is the best. Glad we got that scene with her. I kind of see the dynamic building, her stuff is a bit more complex than the others. Makes sense.

For the record. I worked, got home at midnight and stayed up for this. Glad I don't work today. Great thread man.
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>>31680361
Woo, my speech sorta helped solidify Talon's ambition~
I was wondering if you had an idea why Talon was doing all this yourself, or if it was all up to us, but this feels pretty appropriate.

Sad the serious stuff had to come to a grinding halt because of the mass failure. I hoped for more getting done, but social is nice too.

Personally, I don't think the multi- roll system is bad, Aspie, it's just that dealing with that much failure really hurts, ya know. Especially since it was just bad luck, not even our fault.
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>>31680361
>This helped me with Undine
Awesome! I am glad to hear. I told you you just needed some practice!
The end there was pretty sweet. Undine is oddly serious for the youngest sister, but she's sweet and kinda earnest too.

I look forward to making you do more scenes with her.
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>>31680393
>Crazy dice
Man, I just accept that your thread is a magnet for nat 1s. You spin the 'failure' really well most of the time, so I get over it.

All that compound failure hurt, sure, but it didn't mean we lost something extremely important. That's why it was multiple rolls, anyway, right? Because it was just a bunch of smaller stuff.

Doesn't hurt that you're my fav QM, yo.
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>>31680393
I wanted to ask you actually.

About the 'target DC'. We've missed it before, but still 'succeeded'. So I have to ask what type of rolls usually have a hidden 'meh success' and the target is just the 'notable success' option. Just speech rolls?

I was half hoping for some of those raid rolls to be 'meh' successes. Sadly no luck.
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>>31680435
Only if the DC is under 10 are they auto success.

Stuff that can be boosted with astral power get two dc one for a regular success and one to trigger the astral boost.

Like shooting an arrow gets two dc since Talon can boost it with astral energy.
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>>31680398
>>31680406
I'd say it's Undine's youth that makes her more complex.

Gnome is old and unchanging - mountains have literally changed more than she has in the centuries she's been alive.

Sala's seen so much death and destruction and burnt through more masters than any other sister despite being the second youngest so she lives an ephemeral life.

But Undine's young and still finding her place in the world. She's basically been on the merry-go-round once before and knows the ropes. Earth is unchanging and fire is ephemeral but water shapes everything it touches - Undine is the young river that is still finding its way out to sea.

Now I just need to find a dynamic for Sylph that fits with her element, I guess.

>>31680418
>That's why it was multiple rolls, anyway, right? Because it was just a bunch of smaller stuff.
Yeah, basically. In the past I would probably have done this as one big roll like I did with conquering Vale way back when. What I'm trying to do is add more fidelity to battles you're not in - I found the double or triple DC method not to be good enough, particularly for separate events.

>>31680435
It depends on what you're doing. If the calculation for the DC (which is basically Difficulty - (Attribute + Skill + Modifiers) where difficulty is either set or determined by your opponent) comes to 10 or lower, I usually just give you a pass unless you dram fail. This rarely happens in contested rolls against armies and individuals as the system is set up to give an underdog a fighting chance.
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>>31680361
>Undine being the serious yet unrelentingly sweet girl

You know that kind of works. Talon does seem focused on his goals so much that he ignores other parts just to succeed, he misses a lot by doing that. And Undine has barely seen the world and has missed so much just by how fate has turned. Them being together to experience things and make sure the other doesn't miss it is a pretty good set up.
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>>31680473
>Gnome is old and unchanging
Heh. I honestly wonder what young Gnome was like.

>Sala has seen so much death and burned through more masters then the others
Heh...you know, I honestly wonder how sane she is sometimes. I mean, fire is a really nasty element and she's really...excited to burn enemies.

>Undine's the river
Which might be why she is toughest, I believe. I still hope she grows closer with Talon as time goes on. Well, more like today anyway.
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>>31680473

I glad you managed to find that dynamic for her.

I feel like the sudden addition of Sala and Gnome really pushed her development to the side. Her lamenting that she missed when it was just her and Talon and she got to be a snappy bitch a Sarah made me feel a bit bad about all that.

But now it seems to be working out. Honestly I think her dynamic with Talon will be the best.
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>>31680473
>Add fidelity to battles
Heh, funny how we still managed to fail each and every one all the same. Like I said man, nat 1 magnet. No clue why.

Anyway, I was gonna say that: Yes, it sucked we managed to fail that much (and failing so many rolls is probably why it killed everyone's spirit, since it felt like more of a failure instead of one roll just labeled 'raids').

I think the multi-DC thing is a good idea, but the problem is all it takes is a nat 1 to ruin a set of good rolls. The less rolls, the better the end result, usually (or less chance of criticals).
In the end though, it's up to you what you wanna do with it. Single DCs 'feel' less like a lot of failure, but it also puts a lot of weight on a single dice roll. Multi-dice rolls increase chances of doing at least decent (makes rolls more average usually) but when they fail, they hurt a lot.

But really, I don't think there is much DMs can do to stop the "GOD FUCKING DAMN IT' response of failure by dice. It's just a thing you take in stride. Knowing you're appalled by it as well does make some feel better though, I think.
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>>31680473
>System is suppose to give the underdog a chance.
Ah. Well then, you have your answer for why the raids went badly. Giving three opportunities for said underdog to succeed (via our failure)

I mean, sure it was unlikely, but that doesn't really mean shit with dice.
The only thing about the raids that confused me was Gnome getting hurt. She didn't seem like the type to participate in things like raids. More of a command position. But that's just me.
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>>31680542
>I feel like the sudden addition of Sala and Gnome really pushed her development to the side.

That's true. On the plus side, there's plenty of development waiting for her as you dive into any form of involvement with the League and her past. Alyce and Mercenie basically helped to raise her alongside Gnome, so you bet your arse they'll take a keen interest if they find out about her.

>>31680566
>I think the multi-DC thing is a good idea, but the problem is all it takes is a nat 1 to ruin a set of good rolls. The less rolls, the better the end result, usually (or less chance of criticals).
Hence why I reduced the probability of critfails. Not to mention the fact things aren't really better when two nat 1s can lose you half your army - that's literally what happened at Raupe with Moss and Parras' rolls without an FR point. If I redid that under the current system (and was more timely with rolls) you would have needed more than two dramfails to lose that much.

>>31680591
Well, it wasn't that underdoglike with the raids. Taour has a large veteran army lying around. Underdog is DC19 or DC20 (or DC11 for your opponents).

>Gnome
She can run as fast as you can. Plus, Parras wanted a back-up plan in case a daywalker hit his raiding force.
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>>31680566
Just an idea to toss out there:
When dealing with masses of rolls, why not remove criticals? It seems more like something that should make 'RPG style' fights more exciting, not something that should be used for a ton of smaller mundane tasks, or multiple skirmishes.

I'm probably missing the point or something, just a thought.
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>>31680620
>Two nat 1s can lose you half your army
See, that's why it's good that change came in. And REALLY good you added FR points. Still, it's really easy to feel cheated by the dice. Especially on tg. I know FR points aren't meant to be used often, but honest, it felt like we needed them for that fight, or we died.

Alternatively, I'm surprised you said FR points would still only affect one roll, when dealing with a 'cluster' of DCs. Was it because they were far away, or did you not like that it let us change more then one roll result?

I figured it'd be okay since they were less important rolls, but its your game and all.

Oh also
>New badass armor
No I didn't forget. Exactly how much more percentage of ass can we kick now? Give me details man.
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>>31680653
I considered it but I use criticals as degrees of success and failure so I would probably just end up making more rolls to compensate. For instance, the raid could have gone exceptionally well (critsucc), well (success), poorly(fail) or very poorly(dramfail). If I take them away all it just requires me to roll more dice.

>>31680693
>Alternatively, I'm surprised you said FR points would still only affect one roll, when dealing with a 'cluster' of DCs.
You have a fair point. I'll give it some thought. More rolls kind of throws out the balance of FR points as envisaged, in hindsight. As for distance, as FR points are narrative they can't fix all ills - I felt I was stretching things with the way you used an FR point to save Parras arse (which also helped mitigate the casualties from Moss' Nat1, too).

>new armor
It ups your HP significantly and gives you a few useful tricks. Plus it ups your RES against magic attacks. And yes, this was basically a Macguffin I wanted you to have before invading Taour - you'll likely need that HP boost. If you failed the safe cracking you would have been forced to bring Gnome or Mal in to breach the vault but it would have been strongly recommended.
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>>31680620
I am super hype for the Blackwater fight man.
I am just...just waiting for it.
Going full DBZ up in here.
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>>31680752
>More rolls throws off the balance
I don't think it's the rolls themselves that are what is balancing, right? I mean, it's the affect the roll has that determines how much a roll is worth. Of course, not all rolls are created equal, but some are obviously inferior to others in this manner. So, multiple cluster DC would add up to be as effective as one 'normal' DC we would face. The balance is all up to how effective the effect is, you know? Which is all up to you. Even if spending one just meant we lost nothing (due to all the dram fails) that might have been just fine, while doing only minor damage because of how they reacted (Basically turn the 'raid' into a retreat roll, I guess?)
That might be fluffed as, instead of being able to flex your astral abs and change one event to succeed wonderfully, you just make tweak reality so your allies succeed at not being hurt. I think this, on top of the fact that it's multiple, lesser dice, would balance out nicely, as opposed to spending it to succeed at all the rolls.
>FR points are narrative, they can't fix all ills
Oh, I figured. I would've been fine if you said we're too far away to do it. I just thought it would be useful for cluster DCs, since they allow for so many chances to fail hard.
>Parras' fuckup
Really? That seemed perfectly fine to me. Not only were we there, we had healed people before, so doing so there fit nicely.


But hey, that's just be spitballing now.

>New armor
Heh. So a 'please take this you need it' upgrade. I can deal with that. A shame we don't have a fancy new sword to go with it, but hey, beggers can't be choosers. I feel kinda bad now, like if we had let Darlessia get taken by the RSK, we would've been fucked against the vampires.
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>>31680819
You make a fair point on the balance issue.

>I feel kinda bad now, like if we had let Darlessia get taken by the RSK, we would've been fucked against the vampires.
Well, I probably would have given you an upgrade that wasn't as good. I would have been surprised if people had voted to outright leave Darlesia, though, given the circumstances.

Probably the most interesting thing I got out of the decision about Darlesia was that there are people interested in waifuing Mercenie despite how much of a bitch she was last time.
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Rolled 6

>>31680875
Mainly me and only me. ;_;
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>>31680875
Cool man. I don't mean to butheads with you, or anything. Just saying my piece. It's up to you what you do with it.

>Surprised people wanted Mercenie
Heh. What, you don't like Tsundere, Aspirational? That's probably what they're banking on. That, or they like the idea of waving around the astral D until she respects it.
Neither of which I see happening.

Still, it will be nice to show her up some day, which I assume we'll get the chance to sometime.

Incidentally, I went over the providence info, and I gotta say-holy shit that's a lot of cities. World feels so fucking rich I can't handle it. Even with how often you run for us, I feel like we're flying past so much cool shit at light speed.
That might just be the fanboy in me talking, but still, I could play on this scale of the quest for hundreds of threads (even if it's not realistic).
I wish this was turned into it's own game somehow. It's pretty much got everything someone could want.
/gushing.
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>>31680927
Don't worry. I love Mercenie, too.

>>31680932
>Cool man. I don't mean to butheads with you, or anything. Just saying my piece. It's up to you what you do with it.
I appreciate feedback. I'm not infallible or all-knowing and make mistakes like everybody else. The only way I can improve if people point them out.

>Even with how often you run for us
I don't think I run that often. Plus, my pacing is way screwed. I figured you would have conquered Taour by thread 20. Now I'm hoping you'll crush them by thread 30. Part of the issue is that I underestimated how much a string of bad luck can slow things down.

>Incidentally, I went over the providence info, and I gotta say-holy shit that's a lot of cities. World feels so fucking rich I can't handle it.
The real issue with thinking up the provinces, beyond the fact there were tons of them (4.5 new regions, 59 provinces, 91 new locations), is that I don't know which ones you'll actually visit. Many areas will be captured by your commanders or through events but whenever you venture out to one to conquer or defend it (or just do diplomacy) I want there to be some interesting places. Plus, it was a way I could add some extra detail about the world without loading up the lorebin - like the stories about Falwick and Mercenie.

Anyway, I'm off to bed. See you in the next thread.
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Rolled 1

>>31680875
Shit just realised that that i picture the god knights exactly like the black knights from dark souls, and the fire lord as the lord of embers. there are even similarities in their story arcs.
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>>31681050
>Don't think I run that much
Considering you have yet to take breaks, or hiatus, it's a lot by my book.

>Pacing screwed up
Hey now, that's more our/dice fault then yours. And honestly, I'm the type of 4x player who prefers steamroll victories if I can do it. I have a feeling some others feel that way too, but we will see what happens I suppose.
I think one of my favorite old sayings is "Never bet on success, plan for failure". It applies really nicely to a lot of situations, QMing if you squint hard enough.

>Wanting something interesting in many Providences
Oh god I know. I want to visit them all so badly
>Allies will conquer them for you
It saddens me, but that is a part of increasing scale too. I am really going to miss this small scale stuff.

I'll just leave this here, on the chance that you see it when you wake. See you in a few hours, mate.
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>>31681050
All I need to say about Mercenie is.

Elf girl wut do?
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>>31681230
I've just realised.
Alyce literally had an 'Elf familiar wat do?' moment, and basically responded with "C-can you be my big sister?".
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>>31680473
>Now I just need to find a dynamic for Sylph that fits with her element, I guess.
hurricane?
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>>31680693
>See, that's why it's good that change came in. And REALLY good you added FR points. Still, it's really easy to feel cheated by the dice. Especially on tg. I know FR points aren't meant to be used often, but honest, it felt like we needed them for that fight, or we died.
we picked a really tough fight there.
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>Tsucchi can teleport with vad
can she teleport with non foxes? because if so this is huge
>Teleport undine to raupe to heal gnome
>Teleport Neir to darlesia to help with the spy stuff, maybe sarah too
>Teleport the hero units to Raupe to personally lead the strike against those 2000 soldiers and then teleport them back to darlesia.




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