File: provinceMap14.12.07.png (916 KB, 3024x1550)

916 KB PNG

>>40584339
Date: Late evening on March 22nd, 1961PC

You knew this day would come. When your playing of multiple factions would become known and transform into a hydra hell-bent on destroying all you had worked on. It was now that they turned on you, having seen your true machinations but not all was lost. This would be your finest hour.

“I don’t how it matters,” you say, trying to deflect the conversation topic.

“You knocked up two women at once,” Alyce says, face in some hellish blend of pouting and fury. “Even if you were to leave aside the diplomatic connections we have and the problems it may cause, it’d still matter a great deal. Your character is at stake.”

“I don’t exactly agree regarding character, given Talon’s well known reputation with women,” comes Old King Fenix’s voice from a mirror nearby, which reflected his aging visage. The old man had gifted it to you years ago, and it combined a sending device mixed with other magic.

“On the other hand,” he continues with a slightly admonishing tone, “you are right on the diplomatic front. Having multiple heirs from multiple mothers is troublesome at the best of times, Talon. Let alone when their mothers are of different races, both of very high status and born-“

“Not born, just conceived,” Ren corrects. “The foxes will be born six months before the humans.”

“Conceived then,” Fenix says, resuming his earlier diatribe with just a short glance at the eight-tailed fox in the room. “Conceived at the same time. It’s not merely should you find yourself… indisposed that this will be a problem. Others will jockey for their favour and put them against each other to secure their own futures.”

“That will scarcely matter, Fenix,” you say. “Taira’s twin foxes won’t mature for decades after Sarah’s child is fit to lead an army.”

You regret saying ‘twin' for a moment as Alyce’s eyes widen but Ren interrupts before you can react.

>cont

File: worldMap14.12.07.png (370 KB, 3024x945)

370 KB PNG

>>40584355
“Less than two decades should they mature at my pace. Given Sai already has a second tail, it’s highly likely they’ll be even faster,” Ren says with a grimace.

This situation was descending into farce, you felt. You sat at your desk in your study, with Fenix’s mirror on the wall between it and the lounge area. There, the others dwelt, giving you each their own inscrutable looks. For this to be your finest hour you would have to pull a man-eating rabbit out of your hat. Maybe if they were all women you could manage something, but you doubted (and hoped) that Ren and Fenix wouldn’t appreciate it. You also weren’t sure how Sylvian would react, given the odd look she’s been giving you since this meeting started.

“The heir issue is a problem even sooner, for that matter,” Queen Alenier of the elves says between a yawn, her nightgown looking rather dishevelled despite her perfect hair. “I know Esra said you appointed a council to stand in for you should you be unable to rule directly for any time but that’s not exactly going to command respect. How would any council control your empire when you have several heirs who could be used against it? Surely you still need a single individual to maintain your military ruler role?”

“I do wonder what you might be getting at there,” Alyce says sarcastically, giving Alenier a flat look.

Ah, and now the claws come out. This was rapidly turning into a huge mess. You wonder back and consider how things got this bad…

>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.
>2. Hindsight is for the weak. Real Imperators think in the now, and right now you probably need to keep Alyce and Alenier apart.
>3. Say, “Oh, would you look at the time. It’s time for my very important meeting with the Archangel. Goodbye, everybody.” Then teleport as fast and as far as Taira will let you.
>4. Custom

>>40584377
>>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.

>>40584377
>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.
also we should stop sleeping with Noah now

>>40584377
>2. Hindsight is for the weak. Real Imperators think in the now, and right now you probably need to keep Alyce and Alenier apart.

>>40584377
>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.

>>40584377
>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.

>>40584377
>3. Say, “Oh, would you look at the time. It’s time for my very important meeting with the Archangel. Goodbye, everybody.” Then teleport as fast and as far as Taira will let you.
THE FINEST HOUR

>>40584339
>Last thread you voted on tons of shit and now the QM still hasn’t done the prep necessary so now it’s SoL.
Do you need any help with the prep?

>>40584377
>>1. Jump back a week mentally to see exactly how.

>>40584377
>2. Hindsight is for the weak. Real Imperators think in the now, and right now you probably need to keep Alyce and Alenier apart.
Bitch please, if we want kids then we get kids and if they don't like it then tough luck. I wonder if Taira's kids will be nine tails?

File: StadiumStyle.png (188 KB, 2130x1346)

188 KB PNG

>>40584425
>Noah
As amusing as it would be to just go 'Too late, she's already pregnant', I imagine that even Talon would be smart enough to refuse her advances while he wasn't on the brew. Unless you just meant in general.

>>40584425
Nah, Anon. What we need to do is sleep with Tssuchi. Then get Noah and her pregnant at the same time.

I'm sure the foxes would love that.

>>40584562
Actually just to ask.

>>40584567
If this did happen how big would you rate the Clusterfuck Aspirational? At the same time as Taira at that.

>>40584562
I meant sleeping with her in general. At best it will be super awkward when Ren (and Vad) find out. At worst its a diplomatic incident.

>>40584669
Pretty sure Ren already knows even if it isn't stated and Vad would probably react interestingly.

"Vad I'm sorry to say. Your sister probably has slept with everyone."

>>40584355
>“I don’t [see] how it matters,”

I don't know why but this made me laugh really hard.

>>40584567
>This kills the empire

>>40584715
Can I ask how you came to that conclusion? Its been repeated that she never told Ren.

Also this may be a crackpot theory but I think I have an idea as to where Blackwater went. What Leader would be so obsessed with immortality that he would murder thousands to achieve it?

File: 002.jpg (494 KB, 980x572)

494 KB JPG

>1.

If you go back a week, the first thing that comes to mind was the meeting with the foxes about Sai getting her second tail a few years early. Noah had been trying to turn that meeting into something a little more special for her.

“Taira’s already showing enough to know she’s having twins,” Noah whines as she invades your personal space. “Surely it’s been long enough that you don’t have to say no anymore.”

“The brew can take a month to come back into effect after a break, particularly given I had to create it anew as this is a new recipe to ensure it still works,” you say, remembering Mal’s theory about the brew not working properly since you transformed your body in the siege six years ago. “And given you’ve been doing this since I said ‘no’ the first time, I’ll go by my clock rather than yours.”

“I’m too young to get reliably pregnant,” Noah says, rolling her eyes. “Mystic Foxes don’t work like humans – if we did then you’d have some mini-Finn’s rolling around. Now come on, there’s plenty of time.”

Your thoughts of ‘mini-Finn’s’ are interrupted by the sound of Karise coughing, before they say, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but Ren, Tsucchi and Vad and coming here now.”

Your spymaster gives you a bright look, having been aware of Noah’s advances for years now. Part of you had hoped she was the only one aware, but where one spying fox knows so do plenty of others. You…

>1. Try to tell Noah quickly that you probably won’t continue sleeping with her.
>2. Quieten down Noah for now and be ready for when the other foxes arrive.
>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.
>4. Custom

>>40585005
>>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.

>>40585005
>>1. Try to tell Noah quickly that you probably won’t continue sleeping with her.

>>40585005
>1. Try to tell Noah quickly that you probably won’t continue sleeping with her.

>>40585005
>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.

>>40585005
I feel like 1 is asking for viscous exgirlfriend backlash.
2

>>40585005
>1. Try to tell Noah quickly that you probably won’t continue sleeping with her.

>>40585005
>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.
Hah, shit, son. I bet everybody except Ren knows.

>>40585005
>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.

File: 003.jpg (247 KB, 1215x883)

247 KB JPG

>>40584567
>>40584622
Ren would be extremely unhappy but I can't imagine it causing too much trouble for the rest of the alliance (though Marin might take an interest for another reason). Taira didn't go around impregating women but her general promiscuity as the chief of the alliance certainly caused no end of diplomatic troubles that the foxes inured themselves to.

>>40585115
Given the shit that's gone down due to failures of the spies before, do you really think that Neir and Karise wouldn't be on top of Talon and Noah's trysts?

>>40584826
She never told him but Talon is about 80 percent sure he knows so far. Just from how he is acting.

>>40585005
>3. Talk to Karise about how many foxes likely know about you and Noah.

>>40585145
>Taira didn't go around impregating women
Uh, so her futa penis is sterile? How disappointing, I expected more of her.

>>40585145
>Taira didn't go around impregating women

I know my reading comprehension rises and falls but there is something else

>>40585005
>1. Try to tell Noah quickly that you probably won’t continue sleeping with her.
I don't remember ever agreeing to sleep with her, I thought it was just a one time shower deal. Kinda bugs me that it happened.

File: 004.jpg (931 KB, 1000x3750)

931 KB JPG

>3.

“It occurs to me that although I know that many of my spies would know, I don’t know exactly how many,” you say, keeping Noah’s hands away from your pants as you talk to Karise. “SO enlighten me, Karise. How many of your foxes do know?”

“All of those who have or do work in Harrowmont know – new foxes nominate to keep an eye on you mostly so they get their tails stroked but they tend to get the unexpected sight of you stroking a certain other thing in Noah,” Karise says, grinning. “Neir keeps things more under wraps but she tends to rely more on magic and diplomacy than manpower.”

“And they’ve told how many others?” you ask, dreading the answer.

“None, I would hope,” Karise says flatly, looking insulted. “What sort of foxes do you think I have working for you? What they see is the ruler of their nation having sex with the woman of the chief of their alliance. They wouldn’t be fit to report on the water level of a well if they blathered about it.”

That was a good point, you thought. “And Ren?”

“If he knows, it’s not from seeing it,” she says, watching Noah as she completely ignores the conversation and instead wanders over to make some tea for herself. “On the other hand, there’s no telling if a certain fox had made some proposals.”

Noah’s ears and tails go ramrod straight as she realises what Karise is implying. “I haven’t told Ren anything about this.”

“In spite of agreeing years ago to do exactly that,” you say dryly.

“Haven’t told me anything about what?” Ren asks, as he walks in with a bored expression.

Vad and Tsucchi trail in after him, Vad sporting a very nasty burn mark on his face. You…

>1. Ask Vad about the burn mark as a convenient distraction.
>2. Tell Ren exactly what it is about.
>3. Move onto business and just talk about Sai.
>4. Custom

>>40585528
>1. Ask Vad about the burn mark as a convenient distraction.

>>40585145
>(though Marin might take an interest for another reason).

I am deeply amused by this and I don't know why.

>>40585528
1

>>40585528
>>1. Ask Vad about the burn mark as a convenient distraction.

>>40585528
>3. Move onto business and just talk about Sai.

>>40585528
>3. Move onto business and just talk about Sai.

Keep Vad's injury as a contingency distraction

File: EmpfRg0.png (441 KB, 300x900)

441 KB PNG

>>40585528
Now why the hell did we start having sex with Noah again?

I don't even have a reaction image that can accurately express how I feel right now

>>40585528
>3. Move onto business and just talk about Sai.

>>40585621
She walked in on us in the shower and anons let it develop from there.

File: 016.jpg (454 KB, 1920x1200)

454 KB JPG

>>40585463
The scene itself heavily implied it would be an ongoing thing (which I think I decided because it was clear that almost nobody wanted to say no) and the few times it's come up afterwards there's never been any strong opposition to that.

File: 019.jpg (266 KB, 793x1200)

266 KB JPG

>>40585528
Tie-breaker roll

1 = Option 1
2 = Option 3

File: 021.jpg (265 KB, 1024x512)

265 KB JPG

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>40585801
Actual roll, with actual dice.

File: 1432242220070.jpg (23 KB, 640x480)

23 KB JPG

>>40585732
Oh

>1

>2. Tell Ren exactly what it is about.

File: 022.jpg (362 KB, 899x950)

362 KB JPG

>3.

“It’s nothing important,” you say dismissively, receiving a pouty look from Noah due to your tone. “If everybody settles in, possibly with some tea or coffee, then we can get down to business. I have to talk about elves over lunch, so I can’t spend all day here.”

Everybody grabs some of the green tea, except Tsucchi who appears to have gotten accustomed to the coffee you make. Noah settles herself in on a chair between yourself and Ren while Tsucchi sits on your other side. As you’re about to start, Taira finally enters.

“Oh, I don’t have a seat,” she says, her stomach showing much more than Nate had at the same point in her pregnancy, likely due to her much smaller size. “Well, I can make do.”

You saw this coming, given Ren’s angst lately and Taira’s great enjoyment in teasing him, but it’s clear that your counterpart in the Six-Star Alliance didn’t. So it was that Ren mostly just stared a hole in the wall when Taira settled into his lap instead of yours.

“Now that we’re all settled in, to business,” you say, not missing a beat. “Why is it such a big deal that Sai’s gotten her second tail earlier than most foxes?”

“Because she’ll become an adult sooner. Or, more accurately, she’ll receive the power and strength of an adult sooner. Imagine being in the middle of your teens with the body, magical ability and strength of an adult,” Tsucchi says, then frowns. “Or just imagine your own childhood and issues you faced.”

“Most of my issues related to not having magic, and I didn’t exactly outperform my peers except in my ambitions,” you say. “But I get the point, but why is it such a concern?”

>continued

File: 025.jpg (248 KB, 685x1024)

248 KB JPG

>>40586116
“Because Dain and Naite didn’t get their second tail. It’ll cause a rift if they don’t grow up at the same pace,” Ren says, trying to talk around the massive volume of golden fur in his face. “I’m not saying to separate them now-“

“Let’s not separate them at all. They’re siblings,” Vad says flatly.

“They will hurt each other, Vad. If not now, then later,” Ren says, giving his former friend a grimace that probably can’t be seen from that angle. “I know from personal experience how peers react to this. This is how I’ve handled this for more than a century.”

Vad grinds his teeth in response and it’s clear that yet another thing is causing a rift between the two of them. You should probably intervene, you think. Although Tsucchi looks like she’ll happily take the lead. You…

>1. Let Tsucchi take the lead here, as she should know the situation better.
>2. Try to diffuse the situation yourself. You don’t quite see why Sai would need to be isolated, as Ren seems to be suggesting.
>3. Try to change topics, at least while you’re here. The treatment of Sai is an alliance thing, but you’re curious as to why you have been invited along and suspect it relates to the twins you’ll have in under two months.
>4. Custom

>>40585528
>ramrod

I really do wonder what they use ramrods for here.

>>40586130
1

>>40586130
>>3. Try to change topics, at least while you’re here. The treatment of Sai is an alliance thing, but you’re curious as to why you have been invited along and suspect it relates to the twins you’ll have in under two months.

>>40586130
>1. Let Tsucchi take the lead here, as she should know the situation better.

>>40586130
>1. Let Tsucchi take the lead here, as she should know the situation better.

>>40586130
>1. Let Tsucchi take the lead here, as she should know the situation better.

>>40586130
>1. Let Tsucchi take the lead here, as she should know the situation better.

>>40586130
Honestly I can sort of agree with Ren here. But only far far in the future when Sai gets the forth tail.

>>40586130
>2. Try to diffuse the situation yourself. You don’t quite see why Sai would need to be isolated, as Ren seems to be suggesting.
>4.Can't the other two be trained to catch up with Sai?

>>40586206
Not really. Training can increase their skill such as "six tail Vad" but not their power.
Though I wonder how close six tail vad is to being called seven tail vad

Wait... I thought Vad's kids were clanless? Why does Ren get any say?

>>40586206
They're talking about tails and maturity. You can't exactly train someone to have a more mature mindset unless either the person is naturally that way or something goes down to force them.

Doesn't help that they grow at different rates wither so one will be strong enough to beat the shit out of the other if they get pissed off.

>>40586258
A friend of the family? It doesn't seem like an order or anything.

If they stayed together, wouldn't Sai's higher power encourage the other two to get creative and work on the strategic application of power over the brute force approach?
There are positives to keeping them together as well as the negatives. A bit of sibling rivalry and competitiveness is good for driving ones self to improve.

But IDK. just a thought.

File: 026.jpg (220 KB, 669x1024)

220 KB JPG

Writing 1 now.

>>40586258
>Why does Ren get any say?
He technically doesn't, which is why there's an argument rather than Ren telling them what to do. Vad's not about to ignore his former chief's advice completely just because he's clanless now.

>>40586251
Vad won't grow his sixth tail for a good seventy years or so and a seven-tail fox is far too powerful for a five-tail to take on, no matter what. He'd have difficulty against Tsucchi, despite the fact she has next to no combat training. Plus, it's not like he can beat all six-tails as is - Karise would give him a run for his money if she got up close.

>>40586367
>Vad's not about to ignore his former chief's advice completely just because he's clanless now.

Vad is pretty clever at least.

>>40586367
> a seven-tail fox is far too powerful for a five-tail to take on, no matter what.

Kind of makes me interested in that Taira tier fox the gold clan has. I just know this one will show up at some point.

File: 028.jpg (104 KB, 550x825)

104 KB JPG

>>40586501
The Gold Clan don't currently have any foxes with more than seven tails and the strongest fox serving the Imperial Court is Imira, a white seven-tailed fox. Mind you, Imira could probably slap Ren's shit nine ways to Sunday.

>1.

You’re not completely up to speed on the situation or a member of their race, so you leave this to Tsucchi, trusting that she’ll have a good idea of what to do and why. She smiles very slightly when you give her a nod to proceed.

“The difference between now and then, dear brother, is that there isn’t a group of foxes with the same development as Sai for her to join,” Tsucchi says. “Wakato’s and Karise’s foxes might have been… active over the past few years but there’s almost no foxes with two tails anywhere in the alliance. Separating Sai from her brother is isolation.”

Ren’s look darkens as his sister talks but he tries to support his side still. “Except there are some foxes with two tails in our clan. She wouldn’t be completely isolated.”

“Well, yes, but that’s problematic in and of itself,” Tsucchi says, looking troubled.

Ren senses weakness and pushes, “Sai needs to begin learning to use her powers now. She’s maturing fast, which means she’ll almost certainly get at least seven tails. When did you get your second tail, Karise?”

“Only a few months after Sai would have,” Karise mumbles, unhappy about being dragged into this.

“And Karise is only years away from her seventh tail,” Ren says, to your surprise. “The longer we wait for Dain and Naite to catch up, the more of Sai’s potential we waste. I don’t want to isolate her but we don’t have to.”

>continued

File: 031.jpg (488 KB, 1024x498)

488 KB JPG

>>40586804
Vad looks uncertain, as does Tsucchi. Part of you thinks that Ren’s using his position, even if unconsciously. It must be difficult for both of them to go against him like this, particularly with Taira sitting in his lap like this. There’s one thing in particular about this that worries you – is it really fine for Sai to be getting involved with the younger foxes in the Seven-Leaf Clan as young as she is? You worried a bit about them being outside of Harrowmont and your protection for any period of time, and Taira did too for that matter. You’d lost count of the number of times she’d reminded you of how important their safety was given their uniqueness.

>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.
>2. Keep Sai out of involvement with the Seven-Leaf clan’s minors. You don’t think it would be a good influence on her to potentially be more involved with children that might react as poorly to her progress as her siblings.
>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.
>4. Custom

>>40586828
>>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.

>>40586828
1

Uncle Talon isn't having any of that shit today.

>>40586828
>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.

>>40586828
>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.

>>40586828
>>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.


Ren has some good points here. I think the Talon think to do here is just let them work it out themselves here.

>>40586828
>>2. Keep Sai out of involvement with the Seven-Leaf clan’s minors. You don’t think it would be a good influence on her to potentially be more involved with children that might react as poorly to her progress as her siblings.

>>40586828
>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.

>>40586828
>>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.

>>40586828
>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.
though perhaps suggest that they stay here.

>>40586828
>3. Stay out of this and leave it to Vad and the other foxes to decide how they’ll deal with their own kind.

>>40586828
>>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.

>>40586828
>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.
We should build a daycare for fox kids on Harrowmont.

>>40586828
>>1. Put your foot down and make it clear that however this works out, Sai and her siblings stay in Harrowmont.

File: 033.jpg (513 KB, 1280x904)

513 KB JPG

Alright, 1 wins. I'm having some lunch now so the next post will be a little delayed (probably in 30 minutes). I did want to have a little discussion, however.

Firstly on whatever gender Sarah's child should be and secondly on what sort of character you want. There'll likely be a constant focus on Talon's children going forward, particularly as they grow older, and as such their capabilities will matter. There were some ideas thrown around last time of having a child who is effectively powerless but needs to shoulder the burden etc or one that is effectively a mini-Talon but I'm interested in what people actually would want.

>>40587025
>We should build a daycare for fox kids on Harrowmont.

Giant Imperial Daycare when?

>>40586828
I kind of think the ideal thing is to keep them kind of separated but in a way that Talon has control over.

Like a group in Harrowmont or one near it.

>>40587108
I don't like that idea. It forces the kid into a very specific role and makes him vulnerable.

As for gender, either the opposite sex from Taira's twins or roll in case of the twins being fraternal.

>>40587108
I'd prefer a male, someone that takes up the more Ranger side in a bid to impress his father by helping the Order's become a true force. More magical like his mother than like his father but able to pull some off the cooler tricks. Sees Finn as an older brother/mentor.

>>40587108
>Firstly on whatever gender Sarah's child should be and secondly on what sort of character you want.

Gender wise we have mostly had attention on Sai with Vad. So I"m looking for a male here.

Character wise Either someone who has very little power but is really intelligent and makes up for it by being political as hell and has high leadership.

Or a Combat centric mage who is kind of hot headed but really good at blowing shit up but hates the politics of mages as much as Mal does.

>>40587108
Personally, I think either a talented mage or a talented templar. Maybe one with a knack for Talon's exploding arrows.

>>40587151
> It forces the kid into a very specific role and makes him vulnerable.

It's part of what I like about it. It makes the kid a big departure from Talon given how strong he is and it also shows off Sarah's influence due to him being very clever and good with politics.

>>40587108
Hmm, Talon is big, so I like to imagine his human child to be small, but eager to please and impress.

>>40587296
This could be amazing. I kind of see his kid with Sarah being shorter then his mom now.

>>40587292
I also thinking on it just like the picture of Talon the warrior king having a son that spends most of his time reading Economic ledgers and working numbers.

File: 4a9ba8d3d5803f478f029bcfb(...).jpg (559 KB, 850x1100)

559 KB JPG

>>40587432
>>40587353
>>40587296
>I AM PROUD OF YOU, MY SMALL SON.

File: 035.jpg (267 KB, 720x1100)

267 KB JPG

Okay, so there does seem to be definite support for a son. Which works with Taira's kids being both girls (I probably would have had one be male otherwise).

I think I also like the idea of somebody very different in stature than Talon, too. Though it does run into the territory of Finn Mk.2.

In terms of power, we do seem to be breaking down into 'Godling', 'Relatively powerful and/or skilful' and 'Can maybe do paperwork with his magic'. These in turn would likely affect what role he'd fall into and potentially personality (though that will be primarily determined by decisions). Any final arguments or ideas for those differing degrees of strength/skill? I'll probably call a vote as I write up the last of the fox scene.

>>40587432
Is the plan to ignore the child as much as we ignore Marcus the Merchant then?

>>40587505
That sounds like an excellent point.

i like the idea of a regular guy who makes himself important when surrounded by godly beings through diplomacy and cunning.

>>40587267
>>40587267
>a talented templar.

Could be interesting if possible.

>>40587502

No matter what I personally feel he should have some of Talon's leadership rub off on the child. Even if it doesn't get the arrogance I kind of want the kid to be able to lead.

Power wise I don't really care.

>>40587505
Nah, I was thinking more he like up and pops up on Talons doorstep then starts talking economic gibberish causing confusion each time.

>>40587502
>Which works with Taira's kids being both girls

Oh god the hell that shall come. Try to date my daughters will you.

>>40587502
Personally, i'd like for him to be moderately competent, but still have to work hard to catch up with others. Definetly not godling material, but far from paperwork magic.

>>40587502
I'd prefer a fox Son, and a human daughter, so that the great fox war would be the one where our son leads armies of our Imperium against Pharos.

>>40587596
Marcus mostly has the issue that he really isn't powerful enough or close enough to Talon to really get personal. These kid though could easily show up in Talons parlor room.

Makes the disagreements much more personal.

>>40587631
To be fair, the templars got steamrolled by the God-Knights. Even if our son is a templar, he won't really be that overpowered. He'd probably max out slightly under where Talon is right now.

>>40587502
Power wise I kind of feel if he does go powerful he should be a mage. Give a decent connection to Mal and if he is a shorty a big difference with Finn since Finn really isn't a full mage type.

If his power is lower I feel a normal human works better. Just because it shows off how different he is from Talon at heart.

>>40587701
It was a battle of skill there. The Templars had at their best much more range then the god-knights in astral powers.

So it could go into a "Not very powerful but stupidly skilled." Build pretty well.

File: 036.jpg (182 KB, 1000x682)

182 KB JPG

CHILD VOTES
There's just two of these. They'll have a bit of an impact on things going forward. Note that the foxes will be tremendously powerful and talented (if not necessarily in the most straightforward of ways or immediately - it took Ren 3 centuries to get eight tails, after all).

GENDER
No customs allowed.
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.

POWER
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.
>3. Paperwork magic. Will still be a leader, but will firmly not be a warrior-king.

>>40587502
Yeah I'd definitely hope for a savvy minded son that is competent and gets his parents leadership skills. Probably uses one of Orders or Towers as a stepping stone. At the very least he'll be a Duke, needs to command some presence

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802

>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.

>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
1
2

>>40587802
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
>>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

Hopefully more the last.

Now that I think on it it might be a good idea to go this route then watch him and the foxes get into a friendly competition.

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587502
>I think I also like the idea of somebody very different in stature than Talon, too. Though it does run into the territory of Finn Mk.2.

Could always do tall, but lean and lanky as opposed to the tank of a man his father his.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.

>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

File: 1389797232748.jpg (37 KB, 752x375)

37 KB JPG

>>40587802
>1
>1

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

>>40587802
>>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.

>>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>1. Godling. Possesses extremely high sorcerous potential.
I think that our son specializing in using magic which animates objects, e.g. multiple documents being written simultaneously to dozens of swords fighting off opponents and bows firing themselves.

>>40587802
>>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>3. Paperwork magic. Will still be a leader, but will firmly not be a warrior-king.

>>40587802
I'm mildly surprised that being a Templar is rated higher than Mal.

>>40587802

>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.

>1. Godling. Possesses astral power or extremely high sorcerous potential.

I would like a Empress to come after Talon instead of a Emperor, with her brother and sister being ninetailed fox generals...

File: 1429360102536.png (241 KB, 356x705)

241 KB PNG

>>40587802
1, 2

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40587802
>1. Human son, twin fox daughters.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

File: 037.jpg (289 KB, 1200x502)

289 KB JPG

>All these posts
>No change in poster count
Eh, the gender result reflects what I expected (even if I think having a human daughter would be more amusing, if only for the interactions with the foxes) and I definitely got the feeling that more people preferred the 'highly skilled or powerful' line than 'godling'.

>>40587980
I was ignoring the Templar one, simply because he wouldn't be very powerful. Saareg only reached 'Godling' level because he was receiving power from angels.

Question, is the child going to take after their mother entirely or are we finally going to give Talon canon features? I always imagined him having black hair with green eyes and a slightly tan skin tone.

File: 1427163902582..jpg (10 KB, 259x194)

10 KB JPG

>>40588061
>Eh, the gender result reflects what I expected (even if I think having a human daughter would be more amusing, if only for the interactions with the foxes) and I definitely got the feeling that more people preferred the 'highly skilled or powerful' line than 'godling'.

To that I respond with

>>40588061
I agree, I think the male female foxes would be a lot better for the story. Got a lot of female bloat already.

>>40588061
>>All these posts

Childrens are serious business.

>>40588061
23 votes with 21 voter IPs. hue

>>40587802
>2. Human daughter, fox son and daughter.
>2. Very powerful, around the level of Maloric or so. Or very skilful, with the power of Sarah but extremely high skill.

>>40588061

I honestly don't see why we are voting then , since that ought to be up to the GM or the dice gods.


Really, why are we voting on this? It would have been easier to dice it out, or better for GM and story satisfaction to have it be up to the GM.

>>40588156
>male female foxes

What?

This is on the level of Aspie saying Taira impregnated foxes

>>40587829
>>40587835
>>40587844
>>40587847
>>40587849
>>40587851
>>40587862
>>40587868
>>40587874
>>40587881
>>40587895
>>40587900
>>40587901
>>40587907
>>40587947
>>40587949
>>40587955
>>40587970
>>40587986
>>40587989
>>40587996
>>40588017

Children are serious business indeed.

>>40588206
I meant male and female genders for the twins I.e one Male one Female.

>>40588200
22 votes, 22 posters

File: 039.jpg (194 KB, 1280x640)

194 KB JPG

>>40588063
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that Talon's hair is a dark brown at some point. Don't think I've done eyes. Skin colour wouldn't be very pale but also wouldn't be very dark given where he came from, so 'slightly tan' is probably around right.

>>40588129
Which part of the line are you responding like that to?

>>40588202
>I honestly don't see why we are voting then , since that ought to be up to the GM or the dice gods.
Because I was curious about people's views and this sort of thing isn't normally an issue. I'll probably treat this like the strawpoll I did over the empire name - use it as a guide and make up my own mind as where to go. It's like how I asked people whether they wanted a male or female squire.

>>40588206
>This is on the level of Aspie saying Taira impregnated foxes
I was wondering about this earlier - where did people get that? Can people not read a comparison - Taira didn't impregnate women because she's incapable of it, but she probably still slept with them.

Also, it was pretty clear what he meant.

>>40588200
Mine says 22 with 22 votes.

I've posted and I've yet to vote so can confirm someone has samefagged at lest once.

>>40588281
>I was wondering about this earlier - where did people get that?

Anons can not into reading Aspirational. This is a well known fact on the level of the fist law of thermodynamics.

>>40588281
>Which part of the line are you responding like that to?

Everything

Just voted with my gut honestly

File: 041.jpg (456 KB, 900x569)

456 KB JPG

>1. Put your foot down

“I’m not a fox and don’t have the personal background of either Tsucchi or Ren, but as I am heavily responsible for Sai’s welfare I will weigh in on one matter,” you say, leaning forward. “I don’t want Sai or her brothers to be leaving Harrowmont unless under personal protection by somebody truly capable of protecting them. I trust I don’t need to explain that further.”

Ren clicks his tongue as Taira nods enthusiastically at that and says, “Exactly right. They’re worth more than any of you.”

There’s a silence after those words, as the meaning of them sink in.

“Even me?” you ask lightly.

Taira places her head in her palm as she thinks on it. “Well, maybe. It depends on whether I need to go again at this. I do want one of each,” she says, patting her belly.

“Okay, so we begin lessons immediately, if only so Sai is ready for when the twin terrors catch up with her and need a highly talented playmate,” Vad says. “Plus, it’s not like we need to completely separate her from Dain or Naite yet, right?”

“Well, no, but depending on how they act…” Ren says.

“They’ll probably be firmly reminded of how you’re really supposed to act if you want to enjoy Uncle Talon’s hospitality,” Vad says dryly, giving you a sidelong look. “They get away with a lot now, but they are at least realising why everybody else calls Talon ‘Imperator’ or ‘sir’.”

“Nobody in this room ever calls me either of those,” you say.

“Do you want me to start?” Taira asks.

“You would never mean it,” you mutter, drawing the serious part of the meeting to a close with a snap. Afterwards, you…

>1. Keep your meeting with Esra and Finn. Not that you had a definite agreement.
>2. Go see how Sarah is coping, given she’s studying with Maloric currently.
>3. Try to make contact with Fenix as you need to talk more about Falwick’s recent behaviour.
>4. Custom

>>40588374
>>3. Try to make contact with Fenix as you need to talk more about Falwick’s recent behaviour.

Lets see what the old bastard is up to.

>>40588374
>>1. Keep your meeting with Esra and Finn. Not that you had a definite agreement.

>>40588374
>3. Try to make contact with Fenix as you need to talk more about Falwick’s recent behaviour.

>>40588063

>gets Sarah's silver hair, cunning, and drive
>Talon's frame and masculinity, leadership and skill

Welp, if Talon fails his son is set on the path for success by looks alone.

>>40588374
>1. Keep your meeting with Esra and Finn. Not that you had a definite agreement.

>>40588374
>2. Go see how Sarah is coping, given she’s studying with Maloric currently.

>>40588374
If you're looking for scene ideas and don't mind a semi serious one, we could always have fun dealing with the fallout of one of our internal security guys taking advantage of a certain daywalker ability to break open a rebel conspiracy.

>>40588374
>“Do you want me to start?” Taira asks.
>“You would never mean it,” you mutter
Fucking love Taira.

>>2. Go see how Sarah is coping, given she’s studying with Maloric currently.
>.4 At leas try to meant it in bed.

>>40588374
>>2. Go see how Sarah is coping, given she’s studying with Maloric currently.

>>40588374
>3. Try to make contact with Fenix as you need to talk more about Falwick’s recent behaviour.

Haven't heard about top dog in a while

>>40588374
>>1. Keep your meeting with Esra and Finn. Not that you had a definite agreement.

I really want to do all three of those though. And a Felix scene. ;_;

>>40588453
Speaking of Scene Ideas I've always wanted to see Lynn vs Talon 2.0. Sparing contest right in front of the order at that.

>>40588374
>1. Keep your meeting with Esra and Finn. Not that you had a definite agreement.

we can visit Sarah after business

>>40588487
Cmon wing manifestation round 2

I know we can get it this time

Just need the motivation

Like death

>>40588512
>Like death

Hey Mal teleport me into the stratosphere real quick.

Actually now that I think on it. Could be interesting to have a son that works constructs. Instead of summoning like Mal works.

File: 051.jpg (148 KB, 708x965)

148 KB JPG

1 wins. Writing.

>>40588453
You mean thralldom?

>>40588478
>.4 At leas try to meant it in bed.
That's precisely the time she'd mean it the least.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>40588616
>>40588512
>Talon looking over Harrowmounts cliffs
>Setting sun reflects beautifully over the ocean
>A Eagle takes flight
>Screeches magnificently
>Regally you could say
>"Yes I finally understand. I know what must be done. Thank you Eagle."
>Jumps off of cliff

>>40588667
I am amused by the idea of the Imperator RPing as the Imperator in bed.

>>40588453
This could be an interesting idea. Maybe not in that context but we should probably create where the limits are in thralldom.

>>40588667
>You mean thralldom?
Yeah, sooner or later someone's going to abuse that for prisoner interrogation, its just too effective.

>>40588719
Pretty sure the limits are "never" and "under any circumstances."
Anything else carries nasty enough diplomatic consequences that it would have had to be explicitly mentioned before.

>>40588723
Pretty much. Honestly I wouldn't mind having the option open but I don't think it should be the first thing done unless info was needed right there. Civilian use should just be banned except in rare cases.

>>40588616

This brings up a good question. With Talon's abilities right now I wonder what the maximum height he could fall before he would sustain some sort of damage/injury/death.

>>40588763
In that case though you lead to a "1000 people will die unless you get the info out." Then refusal is just as bad.

>>40588821
Pretty high I would say. As long as he was at max MP his healing factor would make it hard as hell to kill him on a fall unless it was just instant death. Then add in Iron body which makes that even harder.

>>40588642
This is actually interesting to me. Regardless of how he grows up, he'll fall into prodigal son status pretty quickly. He'll probably be further along in his understanding of magic by his tenth birthday than Talon will in his life. That might create a pretty significant disconnect between father and son since Talon won't be able to relate to his son at all from an age stand point, Mal would probably be better at it.

It might end up shaping what his son does with his magic. Does he buckle down and become a Knight or Ranger with a lot of magic tricks or just go full Mage more akin to "Uncle Mal" and his mother. Maybe he tries to build his relationship through his will to learn from his father regardless whether that be leadership or inherited drive.

Shit son, this kid is going to be interesting.

On the flipside I see Taira's girls ending up being two hellion little minxes that play off each other to get their way and know how to bring power to the stage when they need to. This is going to be a riot.

>>40589006
>On the flipside I see Taira's girls ending up being two hellion little minxes that play off each other to get their way and know how to bring power to the stage when they need to. This is going to be a riot.

All I see is flames
All I hear is screams

>>40589006
Pretty much. I'm mostly just hoping we don't get a case where the foxes are so far ahead from Sarah's child that any conflict would basically be "And then the Taira's children wipes out every army in half the empire."

I say he goes Ranger. Those poor guys need something else the distinguish them. I mean you don't often hear other people bringing up the Rangers as a big part of our military.

File: 058.jpg (903 KB, 1024x766)

903 KB JPG

>>40588821
Terminal velocity is still too much for Talon, even if he is trying to stop himself. Otherwise, he could probably survive a fall from a couple hundred metres at the very most if he tried pretty hard to not die.

Of course, if you're just asking how far he could fall and still live, not very. Talon is still made of flesh and could only rely on Iron Body for a short time before dying, so any fall that would destroy enough internal organs in one go would probably kill him, if not instantly. Oh, and his head can't be too badly mangled.

>>40589075
It's going to take a while before the foxes get that strong. They're still mystic foxes and will age slowly. If I put Sarah's child on the 'godling' scale, it will be the reverse.

>>40589006
>On the flipside I see Taira's girls ending up being two hellion little minxes that play off each other to get their way and know how to bring power to the stage when they need to. This is going to be a riot.
I almost wish I'd said triplet just to have the twins and a fox son. But god knows there'll be plenty of characters anyway,

>>40589006
>build his relationship through his will to learn from his father regardless whether that be leadership or inherited drive.

If this one did go though I would kind of hope the bonding would be via history and military ideas. Talon doesn't seem the type who would really care what his kid does as long as it's something.

I can only imagine him calling Maloric uncle now and seeing all the reactions Talon gives.

>>40589098
The Order of the Red Hawk would have some reason to try to recruit him, since he's in the family and all. I'd like him to be a Ranger as well, with crazy magic trick shots.

>>40589098
Partially due to us just snatching Finn out of them and never having him interact with them again

File: 060.jpg (61 KB, 491x799)

61 KB JPG

>1.

You had mentioned offhandedly to Esra during sparring this morning that you’d be happy to do lunch with her, so you should probably turn up. Finn had been invited along as well, mostly because Rayza had overheard and thought it a good opportunity to get to know Esra a little better. The two had a competitiveness over their personal combat abilities that had made doing so difficult – mostly because Esraveel could put Rayza in the dirt without even trying.

Of course, when Esra had asked you along to lunch it had seemed like an informal catch-up. Now it had turned into a semi-formal event. Only semi-formal because the elven queen who had seemingly come out of the woodwork was dressed like she was a tourist and had no guards or escorts.

“Whilst I am greatly honoured by your presence here, Queen Alenier,” you say courteously to the lightly dress monarch, “I am also very confused. How did you get here without any escort?”

Alenier gives you an odd look. “I teleported, of course.”

“You can do that?”

“No, of course not. The League did so. I’ve been working with them on their portal technology for years now. They were packing up in Blacktaffe and wanted to do a final test on transporting non-humans, so I volunteered,” Alenier explains with a bright smile. “I wanted to see you anyway, and the Tower of Dawn is right nearby.”

You felt the world was spinning. Alyce’s mages were testing long distance teleportation technology? You’d wondered exactly what she’d meant by wanting to move sensitive research away from the splinter groups but this was… You needed to find out more about this, at least from the horse’s mouth.

>continued

>>40589129
http://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a5045/4344036/

Just an interesting thing. Knowing this, are you going to change your mind?

File: 066.jpg (111 KB, 970x547)

111 KB JPG

>>40589159
“In any case, this fortress is rather… terrifying. How can people live on those outcroppings so far above? I’ve even heard that the dwarves have begun mining into the cliffs – aren’t you afraid it’s going to fall in?” she asks you.

Before you can answer, a small voice comes from the doorway that belongs to Finn, “Oh, we’re interrupting. We’ll just go-“

“Finn, I’m pretty sure this is where we’re supposed to be,” Rayza says, placing a hand on the little elf’s head and keeping him from immediately walking out of the room.

You have two decisions to make here.

FINN
>1. Let Finn retreat for now.
>2. Ask Finn why he thinks he needs to leave and let him leave if it’s a good reason.
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>4. Custom

ALENIER
>1. Push Alenier over the teleportation
>2. Defend your fortress design and the dwarves. It’s all very safe, after all. For you.
>3. Focus more on why Alenier wanted to talk to you, as it must undoubtedly be important.
>4. Custom

>>40589129
>It's going to take a while before the foxes get that strong. They're still mystic foxes and will age slowly. If I put Sarah's child on the 'godling' scale, it will be the reverse.

Personally for me I mostly just want some kind of polarity there. Like very strong but with potential for godling as he gets older. Something like that.

I wouldn't want the opposite either though where he is like Kushan reborn early on leading to bitchslapping archangels happening.

>>40589098
Rangers really aren't supposed to be in the limelight much anyway. There mostly just knight orders for archers and when the hell did we hear about the golden bears or the black stones lately?

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
Poor Finn he doesn't think he belongs now.
>2. Defend your fortress design and the dwarves. It’s all very safe, after all. For you.
I think terrifying is what we were going for yes.

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>3. Focus more on why Alenier wanted to talk to you, as it must undoubtedly be important.

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>2. Defend your fortress design and the dwarves. It’s all very safe, after all. For you.

It's a big fort

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>>40589181
>3. Focus more on why Alenier wanted to talk to you, as it must undoubtedly be important.
Perhaps we could get someone to give her a 'tour' of Harrowmont afterwards.

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>2. Defend your fortress design and the dwarves. It’s all very safe, after all. For you.

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>3. Focus more on why Alenier wanted to talk to you, as it must undoubtedly be important.

>>40589181
3,2

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
>3. Focus more on why Alenier wanted to talk to you, as it must undoubtedly be important.

File: 067.jpg (239 KB, 1020x613)

239 KB JPG

>>40589172
Nothing about that suggests you could reliably survive a freefall - it all seems to mostly come down to the factors at play. I'm not saying there's no way Talon could, but I'm saying that his ability to survive a freefall better than an ordinary human is down to not taking catastrophic damage upon impact (i.e. starvation, blood loss etc won't kill him, it would have to be his heart or brain failing or his lungs) or using his power to prevent the fall from causing that damage.

>>40589203
>I wouldn't want the opposite either though where he is like Kushan reborn early on leading to bitchslapping archangels happening.
I don't think I'd ever go to that extent.

>>40588863
>>40588806
Yeah, its a complex moral equation with no real right answer. That's what makes it fun.

>>40589181
>3. Have Finn ‘face his fears’ and join the three of you.
STAND AND FIGHT!
>2. Defend your fortress design and the dwarves. It’s all very safe, after all. For you.
Nigga you did not just talk shit about out castle.

>>40589306
>I don't think I'd ever go to that extent.

Yeah that was mostly comedic exaggeration there.

>freefall better than an ordinary human is down to not taking catastrophic damage upon impact

You know given his barriers couldn't he activate one in front of his face before the fall really starts and then use it to progressively lower his speed? Course that is preventing the fall from causing it.

>>4058918
>It’s all very safe, after all. For you.
Aspire did you just...
I can't help but feel like you did

>>40589181
>3
>3
>>40589400
Talon's a big guy.

FOR YOU

File: 068.jpg (223 KB, 1023x976)

223 KB JPG

>>40589400
>>40589615
The 'you' there meant 'Talon'. As it always does unless it's in speech.

>3 & 2

You gesture to Finn to join the three of you, which he does, if very reluctantly. Rayza keeps her hand firmly on his head, her fingers shifting slightly in his bronze hair as if patting him. Giving him a bright look, Alenier stands and curtsies slightly.

“It is good to see you well, Lord Finn,” she says elegantly, before pausing and looking to Esra. “Or is it Sir Finn? What is the title for the second to the ruler of the empire?”

“Most people call him ‘Lord Finn’ for that reason,” Esra says dryly, giving you a sly look. “After all, nobody knows what his position is beside ‘whatever he wants it to be’.”

“His position is to be my squire,” you point out as you step over to the small table nearby and retrieve a plate of chicken kiev.

“Which basically means everybody that isn’t in Talon’s inner circle does whatever he says,” Rayza says, smirking as she removes her hand from her lover’s head. “And I imagine that most of them would probably do what he says anyway, or at least the gist of it, if Talon wasn’t there.”

Alenier’s face is inscrutable as she takes a seat and expectantly waits for somebody else to bring her food. Not appreciating the attention but unable to leave, Finn instead retrieves the remaining four plates and serves everybody.

“Which is why he’s getting us our food?” Alenier asks, giving you a quizzical look.

“Technically, you were supposed to get your own,” you say and she blushes in return. “Now, what was that about my fortress? I’ll have you know it’s very safe. At least for me.”

“For you?” she asks, looking confused.

>continued

>>40589615
If I remove the Fluffy Tails would you die?

File: 072.jpg (451 KB, 2000x1250)

451 KB JPG

>>40589653
“And anybody else I see fit to protect. The purpose of a fortress being to repel invaders,” you say. “As for the dwarves, given they can hang enormous structures upside down in caverns, I’m not too concerned about the structural integrity of the cliffs.”

Nodding doubtfully, Alenier neatly slices up her steak, pointedly ignoring the sauce accompanying it, and nods appreciatively as she observes the blood still dripping from it. “I’ll take your word for it. Elven history is far too full of all the defenders dying because they insisted on defending the one position instead of fighting a running battle.”

You can’t help but feel that was a dig at the Templars, given their last stand is infamously tied to protecting the elves rather than humans. Given that it was also there to enable the elves to erect defences they should always have had, it hardly seems fair. Still, you’re not sure if it’s a topic you should wade into. You…

>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.
>2. Let it slide and instead ask Alenier what her interest in you and your land is today.
>3. Just make small talk, trying to get Rayza and Esra to speak to each other and Finn not to look like a wooden doll at a table of actual living people.
>4. Custom

>>40589654
>“For you?” she asks, looking confused.

It would be extremely painful...

>>40589676
>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.

>>40589676
>2. Let it slide and instead ask Alenier what her interest in you and your land is today.

>>40589676
>2. Let it slide and instead ask Alenier what her interest in you and your land is today.
>3. Make some small talk, trying to get Rayza and Esra to speak to each other and Finn not to look like a wooden doll at a table of actual living people.

>>40589676
>3. Just make small talk, trying to get Rayza and Esra to speak to each other and Finn not to look like a wooden doll at a table of actual living people.

>>40589695
I wanted to resist I'm glad you did that

>>40589676
>>2. Let it slide and instead ask Alenier what her interest in you and your land is today.

>>40589676
>>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.

>>40589676
>2. Let it slide and instead ask Alenier what her interest in you and your land is today.

The way Finn is acting makes me sad.

>>40589676
>3. Just make small talk, trying to get Rayza and Esra to speak to each other and Finn not to look like a wooden doll at a table of actual living people.

>>40589676
>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.

>>40589676
>>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.

fuck that bitch

>>40589676
>>1. Correct the record, pointing out that there’s probably many more historical records about everybody dying because they don’t have any defences.

File: 073.jpg (160 KB, 800x1228)

160 KB JPG

>2.

“I’m not allowed to look into the welfare of my people and visit a ruler who is my dear ally?” Alenier asks you innocently, batting her eyelashes at you.

“You mean my people,” you correct her.

“Given you no doubt already picture Terrnaine as belonging to you, I scarcely think there’s a need to differentiate,” she says smartly. “I suppose that excuse won’t work, though.”

“It may have had you not appeared here with no escort and on what is clearly a very discreet visit,” you say.

Shrugging with a smile, Alenier chews on her steak for a little while. Rayza and Esra do make some small talk, though it’s probably more accurate to say that they both whisper about Finn’s wooden behaviour. Much to his chagrin, but it’s his own fault for acting as such.

“Really, I’m here for security reasons,” Alenier finally answers.

“Don’t tell me you lost all of my soldiers, already?” you ask her.

“Hardly and they’ve certainly solidified my hold, albeit with another hidden cost,” she says. “Malataine has ceased all raids since their first skirmish with your soldiers and the God-Knights have made no movements at all since Ember went mad. The problem is that Malataine is clearly building up for something and I worry it may be related to the rise and rise of Grand Magister Eberlin. Archmage Alyce certainly has her hands full with him and doesn’t seem to appreciate that I have one of your armies available to me.”

“You think they may attack Terrnaine?” you ask.

Finn and Esra both stiffen at the blunt question, the latter giving Alenier a searching gaze while the former merely looks down.

>continued

File: 074.jpg (112 KB, 610x900)

112 KB JPG

>>40590253
“I doubt it,” she says dryly. “The dwarves would cut off trade to the west should that happen and losing access to that much steel would ruin the economy of the splinter faction, should the League fall apart. Not to mention the fact that the League will have to fall apart and I have my doubts that the mages will move on that separation until they’ve confirmed your opinion on the matter.”

“My opinion is that I prefer it whole.”

“Exactly my point. They’ll wait until they can confirm the opposite,” Alenier answers dryly, this conversation reminding you that she is a very savvy politician. “No, I’m worried about my standing. While Levaine and many of his supporters have garnered me the air to crackdown on certain corrupt practices in Terrnaine, opposition is growing amongst the Lefir. Many fear civil war and the number of elves interested in moving to your empire is growing.”

That doesn’t sound right. You remember saying that you’d welcome all elves, but none had come since you had brought the Daerfir. You…

>1. Show faith in Alenier’s words. Point out that none have actually come here, but don’t question her.
>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.
>3. Be aggressive. Ask Alenier what is stopping them from relocating and why she hasn’t done anything about it.
>4. Custom

>>40590272
>>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.

>>40590272
>3. Be aggressive. Ask Alenier what is stopping them from relocating and why she hasn’t done anything about it.
But subtlety, rather than outright asking her.

>>40590272
>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.

>>40590272
>3. Be aggressive. Ask Alenier what is stopping them from relocating and why she hasn’t done anything about it.

Now why are they Mukking about?

>>40590340
that would be number 2 dude

>>40590272
>1. Show faith in Alenier’s words. Point out that none have actually come here, but don’t question her.
>4. Make a note in the future to invest more effort in our Terrnaine spy network.
No need to antagonize her, but no need for blind trust.

>>40590272
>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.

>>40590272

A bit of one, a bit of two.
Just make a passing reference that there hasn't been any movement of Elves into TYE beyond the Daefir.
Possibly ask about the conditions of the trade routes. Perhaps there is a bandit camp somewhere along the route?

>>40590272
>4. Custom, Veiled

"You know, I became a ruler because I thought I could do better than most of the world's rulers. Because I thought I could provide a better life to the people I care for. And I think that I care for most people in the world.
If I may ask, why did you choose to be a ruler, Queen Alenier?"

I figure if she tries to match us with 'welfare of the people', we can then lead that into "So why aren't there any new elves coming in then?" If she says something else, it'll give us some insight and we can press the question anyway.

>>40590272
>>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.
Something is off here, I can't put my finger on it.

>>40590253
>The problem is that Malataine is clearly building up for something and I worry it may be related to the rise and rise of Grand Magister Eberlin.

Oh, Balls. The kushan reborn guy has ties to Eberlin I bet.

>>40590272
>2. Require her to prove herself. Question that fact, given no elves have actually moved here or requested help from your soldiers in moving.

>>40590352
That isn't very subtle when you demand proof from someone when on the topic. Its more like briefly mentioning but not questioning her before switching to the relocations and issues the elves have.

File: 079.jpg (437 KB, 1280x720)

437 KB JPG

>2.

“That’s odd. If there’s so many elves interested in moving, then why have I heard nothing?” you ask her. “The report I receive from my officers every quarter has mentioned none of this.”

Alenier looks uncomfortable. “That’s because I requested the fact that so many elves were interested but unwilling to move be excluded from the reports. I didn’t want things to appear worse than they are.”

“They sound rather bad.”

“Well, they’re not,” she fires back hotly. “It’s just that there’s enough Lefir who are… disadvantaged compared to previously and they’re making plenty of noise. That in turn makes the Morfinn and Caelfinn worried. The fact is, things are running fine and the fact that won’t move is proof.”

“Is that why they’re not moving?” you ask softly.

“Yes. Every time a Caelfinn comes to me to talk about approaching the Imperator about moving it’s always ‘Which Lefir will you have lead us’ or ‘How much funds will we have to settle in the empire’. They’re not seeking to move because they’re afraid for their lives, which I wonder if they should be, but because they think they can be wealthier or more influential if they move and they’re using me to achieve that.”

When she finishes speaking, her words having all come out in a rush, Alenier takes a deep breath and digs back into her steak. You leave her be for a time, while Rayza simply watches in amazement.

“This is why I never wanted to be a queen,” Rayza mutters, garnering a sharp look from the elven monarch.

“On that note, why did you want to be queen, Alenier? Was it just because of your father’s wishes?” you ask her.

Alenier blinks, her mouth full of steak, and she gives you a surprised look. She seems to be thinking something over.

[DC15 Trust]

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>40590592
Dice gods pls.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>40590592
Damn it Aspirational. This won't be a fun roll to crit-fail. You lied to me! Like a liar!

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>40590612
>>40590620
AHahahah we fucked
>>40590592

>>40590624
SAVED

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>40590592
Fuck the dice gods and all they stand for!

>>40590624
good job on the clutch roll anon

File: Fabulous.gif (1.57 MB, 480x240)

1.57 MB GIF

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>40590592
Well thank Jebus. You saved us all anon.

>>40590624
Holy shit, I was certain I would roll low too. Good thing I remembered to link the post too.

>>40590624
>>40590630

Today's dice are brought to you by the letter 'F'

>>40590644
Well even if you didn't the roll afterwards would have got it at least.

>>40590624

Yeah I'd trust Talon too. He seems pretty trustworthy. Unless it's with my sister, then probably not.

>>40590660
But anon Talon only goes for the highest quality of girls.

>>40590660
I wouldn't trust Talon with a spoon

Archangel knows what he'd do with that

>>40590697
You can't tell me in the 50-60 odd women Talon has slept with every last one was a 10. At least one of them was 9.

>>40590794
>At least one of them was 9.

Sometimes even an imperator gets desperate anon. I would guess he had them wear a helm over their head.

Though good personality can move one up a rank.

File: 081.jpg (105 KB, 950x547)

105 KB JPG

Sorry for the infodump, but this plays into the Mages plot line I discussed in the big discussion thread some time ago.

>Target met

“Well, that was my initial drive,” she says after swallowing the food in her mouth. “A good part of what pushed me to even be one of the Lefir who might take on the position was merely that my father dearly wanted it, even though I didn’t understand his reasoning. Eventually, as I wined, dined and flirted my way to the top, so to speak, I saw the undermining of our race that my father railed against even though I wasn’t sure how I could stop it.”

There’s a long pause and it’s here that you know her decision has been made as to whether to be completely honest with you. Finally, she says, “Tell me, Talon, what do you think the networks between the mage towers were about? Long ago, before Taren Hand and Alyce of Lyss manipulated them to create a political force.”

You drum your fingers on the table, thinking on what she’s actually referring to. Everybody else at the table, even Esra, looks confused as to the change in topic.

“You mean the networks formed for banking? Or the research networks?” you ask.

“More the latter, though the former seems to be a good cover for powerful mages meeting regularly,” she says.

You suddenly feel you’re in conspiracy corner back in Carrthrus, with Maloric about to tell you about how the grand magisters of the greatest towers all get together every year to decide who is really going to become magisters and receive noble standing. Ignoring the feeling, you gesture for her to continue.

>continued

File: 083.jpg (734 KB, 1600x1600)

734 KB JPG

>>40590963
Licking her lips and seeming to ignore the urge to look around her in paranoia, Alenier continues, “They’re essentially talent-finding. When the kings and queens all began to fund the towers to go out and establish themselves in the rural areas, the mages realised there was plenty of potential mages, great mages, in these little villages. The problem was that getting such prime apprentices to realise their potential in the midst of all the politicking that surrounded the towers was hard. Not every great mage tower had the immunity from politics that the Tower of Stars did, so they needed a way to be able to have mages cross-train across towers. Hence the research and banking networks became ways for great mages, regardless of background, to learn and train alongside each other.”

“This is interesting, if unsurprising, but what does to have to do with your motivation?” you ask Alenier.

“Have you heard from Alyce about the way that Grand Magister Darvui used to maintain a network? That he had ‘pupils’ who weren’t really pupils?” she asks you.

“That’s,” you begin to say, casting your mind back. “I do, yes, if not put like that. Judging from what you’re saying, Alyce wouldn’t be part of one of these networks, correct?”

“Of course not. She was the heir to Forstadt family. They literally bankrolled the royal family of Carrthrus and the campaign to put down the rebellion in the area – and that was merely a side venture for them. She apprenticed to Taren Hand and made regular visits to Terrnaine Forest with no worries. There was no need for her to be supported in such a way,” Alenier says, her words rather dry despite the topic. “But she was aware of them, given that these people were to be her competitors. The network that Darvui set up was a smaller part of the greater network I was invited to.”

>continued

File: 086.jpg (271 KB, 1024x576)

271 KB JPG

>>40590989
Ah, now you feel you’re getting somewhere. You accept the coffee from Finn, who appears very interested in the topic now, particularly as it’s strayed from politics. Or possibly he’s simply realised that Alenier isn’t so inhuman (or should that be inelven) as she likely seemed from his past experiences. Still, you’re not sure if you want to stop her while she’s in train even if she did say some interesting things. Some of the things she’s saying aren’t diplomatically palatable and this is no doubt a momentary lapse. You…

>1. Let Alenier continue talking about the mage network.
>2. Pull back to the Forstadt family. If they were against the rebellion, why was Alyce like she is now?
>3. Talk more about Carrthrus. You hadn’t known that there was any external supporter there while you fought for them years ago, particularly given the kingdom split in two during the conflict, with half being claimed by the Guard.
>4. Custom

In case it wasn't clear, Alenier is probably going to clam up about the finer details over time unless you succeed at pushing her again. So choose wisely.

>>40591016
>>1. Let Alenier continue talking about the mage network.

>>40591016
>3. Talk more about Carrthrus. You hadn’t known that there was any external supporter there while you fought for them years ago, particularly given the kingdom split in two during the conflict, with half being claimed by the Guard.

>>40591016
>2. Pull back to the Forstadt family. If they were against the rebellion, why was Alyce like she is now?
Damn, now idea what to pick.
Also, getting way too late for me,so I will be dropping out. Thanks for the thread!

Bizarre. Might need to look into these networks. Seems it would only take someone with enough sway to really alter the landscape.

>>40591016
>1. Let Alenier continue talking about the mage network.

Huh I wonder how we can finagle ourselves with this network

>>40591016
>>3. Talk more about Carrthrus. You hadn’t known that there was any external supporter there while you fought for them years ago, particularly given the kingdom split in two during the conflict, with half being claimed by the Guard.

Oh damn sudden plot important stuff.

>>40591016
>1. Let Alenier continue talking about the mage network.

File: 088.jpg (1022 KB, 1197x904)

1022 KB JPG

Writing 1.

>>40591191
Who are Taren Hand and Alyce of Lyss?

The old networks don't really exist, as Alenier alluded to. They transformed into the tower networks and then the Magi League, as networks of convenience and mutual benefit (e.g. large, central towers start banking and research compacts with weaker rural towers in exchange for access to potentially powerful mages in rural areas) became self-sustaining and grew. Somebody beat you to the punch, anon.

>>40591359
>Somebody beat you to the punch, anon.

;_;

>>40591359
But there are new networks I bet with different and sometimes conflicting goals or focuses

>>40591359
>Who are Taren Hand and Alyce of Lyss?
>Alyce of Lyss

Who? I could of sworn I heard about some old fossil with a name like that. Didn't she used to have some political position in the league before being irrelevant? I forget.

File: 094.jpg (833 KB, 2560x1600)

833 KB JPG

>1.

You gesture to Alenier to continue as you sip at your coffee and she does she after making a face at hers.

“How do you drink this filth?” she asks you, before doing exactly that. “I suppose it’s not as terrible as some of the coffee I’ve drunk. Where was I…

“The networks had begun to expand and some mages realised this could have political benefits. My father had no small number of contacts throughout Gauron due to his involvement in the defence of the Magi Line Mountains against the shadowbeasts and had maintained them through family and business lines. He convinced Grand Magister Eberlin to allow me to participate in the network, spending time at towers and meeting the ‘future grand magisters of the world’ as they thought of themselves.”

“It sounds like you met the nobles who fill out the apprentice lists of almost any mage tower,” you say dryly.

“True,” she admits with a smile, “but the difference is that these mages didn’t feel they’d be great because their father’s father’s father was a great man but because they were talented, powerful and being personally groomed by the current grand magisters of the world. Eberlin, Darvui, Smith and even Hand were present. I believe even Sylvian had some involvement, though I think that may have been a one-off thing because she was supporting one of the mages involved.”

You stare at her and she shrugs, saying, “I’ve never spoken with the great helldragon that commands the Guard, only seen her and she was present at one of the meet and greets in Shropham. But it was these meetings, where I saw men and, sometimes, women who could destroy armies and commanded the ears of kings and queens try to shape the future. Even now they’re still exceptionally powerful, and the networks of old may have been ruined by politics, but these mages all still move in synchronicity.

>continued

Once again, sorry for the infodump.

File: 095.jpg (1.91 MB, 2560x1600)

1.91 MB JPG

>>40591678
“Tell me, do you think that it’s mere coincidence that so many events with mages at their core are happening at once? That Darvui would break from the RSK with no warning? That Farlou mages would seize land from the RSK? That the League would fracture and almost break? That Malataine would redevelop it’s military and equipment so rapidly? All of these at once… I know that all of them except perhaps Malataine are connected. There was a group of them, four in number, that worked largely under Eberlin and Darvui. One was of the Farloun – this was before the genocide, after all. Another was Sylvian’s protégé.”

“And, what did they do? Did they have some joint ambition?” you ask.

She shakes her head. “I don’t know. When the genocide occurred I retreated to Terrnaine due to the dangers of being in human lands during the rebellions. It’s just that the actors today seem to be the same from then. To the original question – it’s seeing this communal drive that makes me want to be queen. Not merely because I want to help my people, but because I don’t want others who may be prey to those schemes to hold the position. I wasn’t the only elf involved, after all.”

It’s a fair answer, you suppose. And one that leaves many questions. For now, you don’t really have the time and Alenier is staying her for some time to talk about further support for her position in Terrnaine – she needs to be ready should somebody try to oust her. Especially if that somebody is potentially connected to the mages driving the other problems, if her conspiracy theory is to be believed.

>1. Try to push Alenier on one of the earlier topics she brought up.
>2. Go speak with Sylvian about her 'protege'.
>3. Speak with Fenix about what's happening with Falwick recently.
>4. Custom

>>40591696
>3. Speak with Fenix about what's happening with Falwick recently.

>except perhaps Malataine are connected.

Meta wise I find this pretty likely. The mage PC was supposed to be a loner.

>>40591696
>>3. Speak with Fenix about what's happening with Falwick recently.

That is some serious crazy shit. It sucks that we didn't get a chance to question Bob about what the fuck was going on. Apparently Shropham was a bit deeper than we thought.

>>40591696
>3. Speak with Fenix about what's happening with Falwick recently.


Aw, crap. Another A-team to watch out for. And they're mages, again. Illuminati super mages. Perfect.

>>40591696
>2. Go speak with Sylvian about her 'protege'.

>>40591696
3
Good old Fenix

File: 114.jpg (215 KB, 1680x1050)

215 KB JPG

>>40591795
Well, the greater network itself wasn't anything special beyond a way for powerful mages to locate and groom apprentices that they couldn't publically take on (Hand could take on Alyce because of her family, but not some commoner who was shooting fireballs from his eyes when he was five). It also worked as a way for said mages to maintain and build connections (Council of Foreign Relations style). The smaller networks that got created within these are the dangerous part and Smith wasn't involved in the one the Alenier is worried about.

>>40591810
>Illuminati super mages. Perfect.
It could be perfect. Who's to say you don't fit into their vision?

>>40591810
>Illuminati super mages

Well we did ask for more threatening factions. Guess we got it. Though it makes me wonder what would have happened had we made good with Darvui.

Honestly I"m more worried how that guy in Malataine being in on this.

>>40591921
I think the idea that he possibly isn't is more frightening. Instead this mother fucker is just shitting out magical advancement like it's nothing and is sending death threats to Talon.

Speaking of we need to start talking trash back.

File: 116.jpg (319 KB, 1920x1200)

319 KB JPG

Okay, so I might have to head off early (as in, in ten minutes) but I wanted to check with you guys what the best way to finish this off is.

Do you want me to resume after I get back (not for 4 hours or so) or by doing a short session tomorrow (starting around 7-8pm EDT). I don't have work tomorrow, to compensate for flying out on a public holiday last week, so I'm good for either.

>>40591855

One Knight to rule them all, One Monk to find them, One Mage to bring them all together and in the fortress Bind them

>>40591959
>like it's nothing and is sending death threats to Talon.

Honestly I"m kind of nervius there. I don't know why but somehow when Talon said it didn't read like a threat I was reminded of how Kushan did soul research.

This guy is on the same level so maybe kushan figured something out vital about souls? Something that gave him a reason to try and genocide non-humans. Kind of makes me paranoid that was a warning and not a threat.

>>40591970
It's cool with me if you go do your thing, take a break, and come back.

>>40591970
Either one is fine with me.

>>40591970

Well I need to go to bed for work tomorrow since it's 2am EST. So I'd rather we did a session tomorrow. But either or.

>>40591970
I'd have work monday so be best to resume for me. Would rather not pass out.

File: 122.jpg (1.72 MB, 1900x1150)

1.72 MB JPG

Okay, guess I'll try to resume in 4 hours or so. I'll tweet when I return and post here (if the thread is still up). See you then (hopefully).

>>40592115
bumping

Boompin'.

File: 123.jpg (315 KB, 758x1000)

315 KB JPG

So, who is here and ready to resume in about 30 minutes?

>>40594480
present and accounted for

>>40594480
Here.

>>40594480
red leader standing by.

>>40594480
also here.

>>40594480
Here

>>40594480
Here

File: 128.jpg (109 KB, 1000x700)

109 KB JPG

>Contining with Fenix

Seeing Fenix’s face in the magitech sending mirror is a stark reminder of the old king’s age. He’d been old when you were a boy, old when you were a foolish soldier, old when you were one of his general and old when you were a newly minted Imperator. He was ‘Old King Fenix’ for a reason and in spite of the magical youth that most of his peers maintained. Yet he’d always seemed spry. He wore armour and carried weapons, suspecting assassins and traitors with every step yet always appearing jovial and open.

Now he mostly looked old and haggard, as though stress had melted his features in the last eight years since you’d last seen him. Intellectually, you knew this was just because it wasn’t a public appearance – he’d always been that much older the few times he’d trusted to meet you in his palace without other intruders. Just… not this old.

“Haha, I know that look,” Fenix says with a smile that seems to wipe away a decade worth of wrinkles and yet reveal decades more. “Age is getting to me, but that is merely man’s fate and I am not the man to withstand it. Still, I’ve got a decade in me yet and I can still go a day about the court without rest. When I’m too old to do my work as king that will be the day I will pass.”

You manage a small smile, partly in relief that he is still very fit for his extreme age and partly because you’ve heard this before, told to people too foolish to hide their opinion of the king’s age. Or trusted enough to show it. You hoped it was the latter alone, and not a combination of the two. Still, you weren’t sure how to respond. You spoke with Fenix a couple of times a year at most and he’d never been able to use this mirror himself despite gifting it to you. You…

>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.
>2. Ask Fenix what he plans for when that day comes.
>3. Ask Fenix whether he will regret anything when that day comes.
>4. Custom

>>40594754
>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.

>>40594754
>>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.

>>40594754
>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.

>>40594754
>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.

>>40594754
>1. Dive into business with a small remark about his age.

File: 129.jpg (251 KB, 1100x710)

251 KB JPG

>1.

“Well, it’s good to see you’re still in charge,” you say, holding that smile from earlier. “I’d hate to see what the south would look like if you weren’t.”

“Mostly terrible, I imagine,” he replies, not reacting at all otherwise. “With that we talk about Falwick – I assume you’ve seen the same things I have?”

“And the same things Alyce has, yes. I’m meeting with her in a week to discuss our options should Falwick advance,” you admit. “Falwick is gearing up to take Gespad and Darlesia at the same time, as foolish as it seems.”

“I imagine it would only be one and the other must be a feint,” Fenix says, shaking his head. “For all his fearsome military might and his enormous foundry in his keep, he can’t hope to fight a war on four fronts.”

“Four?”

“I will attack from the south, the League will attack from the north-east, you will hold him from Darlesia and Bern will hold him outside Worremburg,” Fenix sums up. “Norin believes he’s almost certainly try to take Gespad but I think he wants to press his luck and will move on Darlesia. He’s a mad dog who will go for the largest bone he can see.”

You frown at Fenix’s dismissive attitude towards one of his own Magister Generals, but you’re inclined to agree. In fact, that’s your reasoning behind Falwick trying for both objectives. With three hundred thousand soldiers, there wasn’t much that Falwick couldn’t try for. It’s not like casualties would stop him – that would just mean less to pay out in wages and he must be hurting now. The slowing tide of RSK nobles flowing into the south of the empire clearly meant he’d begun to run dry in terms of pillaging their wealth.

>continued

File: 130.jpg (225 KB, 1280x657)

225 KB JPG

>>40595035
“If he goes for either, he’ll have some form of trump card. Or something he thinks might be a trump,” you say, letting the topic lie for now. “He could scarcely match Mercenie with half gain the numbers. There must be something he thinks will give him an edge that goes beyond my army being split between him and the Guard.”

“The Guard?”

“They’re on the verge of outright civil war. I haven’t been in a situation to seize their land with all the distractions at home but I can’t not remove them from the picture if that happens,” you say, hesitating momentarily over whether to continue. “I have also been told in no uncertain terms that I need to ensure that disruptions to the Guard’s activities of guarding certain artifacts and protecting the Barrier are as brief as possible.”

“Told? Ah, by your pet dragon,” Fenix says, nodding approvingly at the thought of you controlling Sylvian.

“Half-right. Archangel Raphael was more emphatic,” you say dryly. “There’s an ancient temple that the Guard protect that concerns him, though I scarcely understand why given it’s supposedly empty. Still, if an archangel thinks it’s dangerous then who am I to argue.”

“Hmm, too right,” Fenix says half-heartedly. “Careful of taking orders from such beings, however. They might try to have you take on their burdens and in doing so cause greater failure.

“In any case, what do you think Falwick might have? It’s unlikely he’d have much but if you have an idea then I can spare the resources to try to determine what it might be.”

>1. Powerful or forbidden magicks might work – Falwick’s friend, Grand Magister Poiurl, might have something up his sleeve.
>2. An external ally. If he was to move on Gespad and Darlesia, then a naval assault could easily distract both TYE and RSK forces.
>3. New magitech. Falwick’s foundry is enormous and he’s been transforming his personal fortress significantly.
>4. Custom

>>40591855
> but not some commoner who was shooting fireballs from his eyes when he was five

cyclops?

>>40595045
>>1. Powerful or forbidden magicks might work – Falwick’s friend, Grand Magister Poiurl, might have something up his sleeve.