An hero

>>18527011

You fumble around for the dagger you keep by the bedside for these days, but it slips off the bedstand and embeds itself in the floor.

'Are you all right?' The voice behind you sounds more urgent now, and you now know she's in your bed shuffling to sit up.

> What do?

"What is so important that you rouse me so early."

OP, I hope you've read Lord Quest. Since Quest Lord is never coming back, if you make this Lord Quest Mk2 you will be lauded and loved for it.

>>18527038
Coffee first, talking later. And keep yer voice down, out head hurt.

"Bring me something to drink."

>>18527038
Just fine, just a headache. We need to summon up breakfast and something good for hangovers.

How much do we remember about last night and do we know the woman in our bed's name?

"Yes, I'm awake" I said, blinking away the sleep from my eyes.

Looking at the foot of my bed, I noticed the manservant who had rudely awakened me from my slumber. Somehow I would have to punish him for this intrusion.

"My Lord-" he repeated

"Silence" I replied, as I moved quickly to his side and took a hold of his shirt. "For this intrusion, you will pay dearly. Now. Bend over"

"My Lord?"

"Yeah, who's you Lord now bitch, yeah"

FIN

>>18527056

Last night? Oh. Yes. It was the Feast of the Plough, to celebrate the start of the year's agricultural work, and what better celebration than to get completely smashed? It seemed like a good idea then...

Also, you know exactly who's with you in bed - it's your personal attendant Linden. She's very attentive. And quite personal.

>>18527052
>>18527053

'Certainly.' She answers with a kiss on your shoulder, then hops out of bed. You turn and see her form silhouetted against the sunlight as she pours you a drink.

'Also, today is meeting day. The Prince wants everyone round at noon, as you know...'

Bleh. It's still morning. Well, can't blame servants for getting up early.

> What do?

> Okay, tripcode it is. I'm almost flattered, really.

>>18527092
Ah, an agricultural festival, those always are the most fun.

You're the best Lin, get some coffee in our system, what time is it? If we have any duties to attend to before noon start on them after breakfast, if not have breakfast with Linden and get some reading in.

>>18527048

I don't think I can handle the spreadsheeting, so I shall say that is caused by medieval-era limitations on gathering information.

But yes, Lord Quest was several hundred types of awesome.

>>18527092

Bath, and get dressed, if we are a lord we must always appear well groomed and properly clothed.

>>18527114

You crawl out of bed as Linden gets dressed and rings the bell for breakfast. One of the good things about living in the Palace is that there's always staff running about.

When Lin hears that you want a bath, she smiles. 'Would you like to be left alone... sir?'

>>18527112

Your aching head tells you there isn't anything in particular you need to do. Oh, there are swordsmanship lessons, but you have a hunch your tutor Kanjen is probably just as badly hungover as you are. Well, you can find out later.

(As a lord and noble, your schedule is not often filled in by others - unless it's your dad doing the filling, of course. Choose your own fun! Be decadent or hardworking, it's up to you.)

> What do?

>>18526993
Fuck Year Lord Quest!
We need to get our hands on some skilled retainers ASAP, let's look for a highly skilled warrior who's not suited for command and make him the bodyguard of our most noble self.

>>18527141
>'Would you like to be left alone... sir?'
'When have I ever asked you to leave?'

>>18527141
"And leave a creature as mischievous as you unattended? Never. We will need to cleanse you. As much as possible anyways."

>>18527141
Is our lord father residing in the palace?

After bathing and getting dressed, let's take a stroll to the battlements. Some fresh air will do wonders for our head.

>>18527146

That's the spirit! You are just about of age to start founding your own household. That is, if your father's allowance gives you enough money to found it...

>>18527157

Breakfast arrives, and you eat a little of everything, the bread and ham and cheese and jam. Then you follow Linden into the bathroom, where she draws and adjusts the water until it's just right. She stands by as you lower yourself into the warm water.

Ah. You feel better already. Your headache clears slightly, and you remember you are third of four sons, of a cadet line of the Kingdom. If you try hard enough you might even remember your name, and maybe some of your skills...

> Name, well, duh.
> Skills: name something, roll d20. Overly broad skills (music, weapons, scholarship) will not be accepted; choose an instrument, or a weapon, or something. First three within reason will go.

>>18527141
And leave me on my own and you on your own, no good could possibly come from that. Also you are probably as in need of a good bath as I am, come on.

Don't to anything to strenuous in the bath, our head is still killing us.

After a bath wander down to the kitchens with Linden and grab something hot, hearty, and filling straight from the ovens, it's best fresh and I doubt anyone will stand on ceremony today.

>>18527166

Ask her in?

>>18527209

Command! Not ask.

>>18527200
Hobby: toying with mechanical machines.

Let's see if we can be an engineer.

rolled 12 = 12

>>18527218
Deep rollan

>>18527200
Adrian Francis (Some noble last name)

Linguistics, speak a few languages fluently and is decent at a number of others, also a bit of a historian of languages.

>>18527209
Invite her in.

rolled 8 = 8

>>18527228
I thought I had the dice there, I'm not paying enough attention.

rolled 20 = 20

>>18527200
Foreign language... we are pretty good at it, actually... I'm pretty sure we also will recall which one it is once the hangover stops.

rolled 10, 8, 7 = 25

Rapier, Clockwork Engineering, Languages

rolled 10 = 10

Diplomacy.

>>18527216
>Command.
Now that's just mean. We need not to command the one who comes eagerly when simply asked.

rolled 18 = 18

Necromancy

You gesture to her, then into the tub. She does not hesitate. The sight of her body reminds you that you know five languages, not including your native tongue, and that you are a reasonably skilled tinkerer. Not to mention quite above average in the art of fast fencing, with a rapier.

An aching head is a wonderful weird thing.

Linden crawls into the tub, then sits down in front of you, pressing her back against you. Well, you can remember another skill, but you think that's something most men have so it doesn't really count.

> What do!

>>18527243
It's decided - our specialty is, well... cunning linguist.
No wonder Lin likes us so much.

>>18527274
Life is good for now, relax enjoy the bath, we're still getting over a hangover so no wild crazy sex but a bit of light groping while we're taking a bath sounds just fine.

Say something romantic in a oddball mix of 4 languages.

>>18527274

Relax and review what we know about the meeting at noon. We must also go over what we know of our brothers as a daily exercise to better compete with them.

>>18527274
Kill fuck body and then revive

>>18527274
"Lin, if I ever drink so much I forget my name again, stab me."
Absent-mindedly juggle her breasts

Speaking of our syblings - we should recall some more details about them by now...

>>18527271
>mfw

rolled 7, 20, 19 = 46

Management (More specifically managing people and using them to their fullest extent), Economics, Agriculture.

>>18527297
>>18527287

While reciting a racy little song in your native tongue and substituting funny-sounding words from Northspeak and Hillmen's tongue, you run your hands over Linden's body. At length you settle on her breasts and give her the instructions.

'I can't do that, who'd I bath with then?' She settles back into you, then giggles. 'Someone's feeling rather lordly today.'

>>18527313

Well, your first and second brothers have actually moved out into their own lands already, but you know too well your father's feelings about the two of them. Your first brother is mild-mannered and scholarly, but your father and him have always had a deep antipathy.

Your second brother, on the other hand, is a man more like the family - riding, hunting, killing slaves, rutting with girls all night with or without their permission. If your father could have his way he'd give his appanage to no. 2 in a jiffy, but since he's not the King, the choice isn't always up to him.

Your younger brother is a quiet, withdrawn sort in general, but can be prone to outbursts. He mostly keeps to himself, and is very interested in the cults of different gods and deities. Partly because of this he adores you for speaking so many tongues; but you can't say you share much of his interest.

>>18527352

Alright, our younger brother for zealot knight captain thingy. We get him to be a military guy while we deal with diplomacy and management.

Other two are assholes so... Yeah, we need to get them down.

>>18527290

Princely meetings used to have a tight agenda, but your father's general indolence has led to them being mostly social events and sometimes awkward silences. You do know you'll have to choose your appanage soon, and also whether you will continue to reside in the Palace, or move out into (much less luxurious) lodgings.

You have heard news that there's been some... strange presence in the vales of Bagak, to the south of the Palace, recently, killing livestock and even kidnapping people apparently. Someone might address this at the meeting, or you can raise it.

After a while the two of you get out of the bath and get dressed, then Linden offers a kiss which you accept. She then skips off to do her work, but you can call for her anytime in your room by ringing the bell.

> What do?

>>18527352
"Ugh, please don't remind me... I have all morning to be the buffoon I so love and adore before the meeting with the prince."

What manner of holding does our family keep and what position (if any) does our father fill in the court?

>>18527382

how much time do we have before noon?

>>18527382

Alright, what resources we have? Who do we have under our command? Spies, troops, servants and such...

>>18527352
Do we have any sisters? About where is our families position? How much magic is there, are there just old legends of great heroes and tales or do orcs and trolls wander about willy nilly while wizards set shit on fire? Also what tech level abouts are we?

Our first brother seems ok, our second brother is an asshole, and our younger brother is a bit of a wierdo. So we're the only son of the family who the people of the kingdom like.

>>18527382
What time is it? We don't have much to do and I don't particularly relish getting serious work done after last night. Find a nice balcony, and get some fresh air while reading barbaric literature that almost no one else understands.

>>18527411
>>18527398

You've got about two hours before noon.

As for sisters, you have two - one's married, to a lordly family up northeast, and one is just a lil girl, dear sweet Martha. She's adorable, and about the only one in the family all four brothers can agree on liking.

Magic, well - you've seen too many charlatans to place great store by it yourself, but there are plenty of people who claim that the deities give them powers to do this and that. You do know that in dark and remote places some of these claims appear to ring more true than the ones you 'witness' in court or in the city. Also, there are other races of beings as well, rarely seen in proper human society, and often malevolent.

>>18527411
>Find a nice balcony, and get some fresh air while reading barbaric literature that almost no one else understands.
I'll second this. Waste time until we need to go see the Prince.

Servants: you currently have four in your retinue.

- Baseg: a veteran warrior and squire who is your valet. Used to be a hell of a fighter, but now his arm is knackered.
- Peony: Baseg's daughter and your assistant valet. Servants fear her.
- Linden: You were all over her just minutes ago, so yeah you know her.
- Rose: Another personal attendant, a reserved and hardworking sort.

You don't have the right to levy troops without an appanage. Nonetheless, you do have four bodyguards, since you are the son of a Prince.

Spies: None, you're of age now though so go nuts!

Political position: your father is himself the third son (of 5) of his father, and as such is one of the kingdom's important princes. Note that once he dies, no one inherits his princely title according to the kingdom's laws; in order to prevent a situation with hundreds of princes running around, you will all be given the title of Counts. And your sons will then be Viscounts, then Barons, then just Sirs.

>>18527442
There was a feast yesterday. Any guests of note whose hangover we could make worse by disturbing them before noon?

Have a servant call for Kanjen. We will whip our lordly ass into a steely body of manliness. Well not really, but maybe we can score a few hits if he's still suffering from yesterday.

> Reading in a balcony: 1
> Swordtraining with Kanjen: 1

Any more suggestions?

>>18527562

I suggest sword training. Or at least talking to Kanjen.

>>18527562
It's said you are a tinkerer. What have you been working on lately?
Surely, there's a room in the palace where we are allowed to enjoy our hobby (whatever our lord father might think of this). Let's take a look at our gears.

>>18527585

There is, in fact, a room like that. You haven't been working on anything recently though, spring is celebration season mostly. But feel free to start a project.

>>18527570

Bearing your rapier, you ask around until you find Kanjen. As you might expect, he is lying face-up on a bench, one hand rubbing his forehead. But as you approach the other hand appears, holding a sword in your direction.

'I'm hungover, my lord. I'm not muddled. But are you here for lessons? I've seen you had quite a few yourself...'

> What do?

>>18527613
Wild party last night, but that's no excuse to slack on my practice.

Jokingly say "Also this might be my only chance to beat you, or are you too scared?"

>>18527613

Ask him for a lesson and during it ask him what he thinks about what you should do for your appanage.

>>18527483
Mental note - next time we see Baseg, ask him what he thinks of the situation down south. He's seen some this, so his insight would be appreciated.

Also - if we are about to leave soon, it could be good idea to get some parting gifts for our dad and little sis - one of the girls should see into it. Doesn't have to be a big things, just a gesture.

>>18527506

Sorry, forgot to answer you: most of the guests are local worthies, or dignitaries and merchants from the town, and they've mostly stumbled back home after the party. It's the sign of a good host to show his guests home, after all.

>>18527613
"An enemy would not care how you feel. Prepare yourself!"

>>18527634
I support this. Get Rose or Linden to work on it, within limits of money. Which raises the question: what's our financial situation?

This quest has a lot of potential.

"To arms, knave! I shall smite to where you stand, the resurrect you, and smite you again!" Said jokingly of course.

rolled 26 = 26

>>18527663
>>18527630

'Feeling cocky today, Earl Adrian?' He stands up off the chair in a single, slightly overbalanced move, and the two of you assume stance.

Tension hangs in the air a moment, then you advance, ready to strike.


> Roll 1d100! Since you're both drunk but he's the master, your skill at rapier is still outmatched, and you suffer -10.

>>18527663

The standard currency is the silver tael, and your father gives the pay for your servants and an extra 150 taels for you. Admittedly it's not much, but with Baseg sitting on the purse strings, you've managed to get quite a bit saved up.

> Saved money: 2,100 taels

>>18527703

> You're rolling against my rolls for such competitive things by the way. Beginner's luck!

rolled 52 = 52

>>18527703
Haha old man, you are the cocky one, I have already woken up and you drank much more than me.

>>18527703
Alas! If only I could roll from my phone.

rolled 3 = 3

>>18527703
Let's do this.

What could you buy with 1 tael (just to get a feel for it)?

rolled 31 = 31

>>18527703
How much is a tael?
Say, how much is the day's wage for a skilled craftsman?

An artisan's daily wage is around 5 taels; 3 taels could feed a family for a day, if they're really poor and sad, the sods. But precious goods can have wildly fluctuating prices, owing to fads. Certainly 300 taels can get you a nice set of jewellery.

>>18527721

Ha! Your first advance was a feint! Were he sober Kanjen would not have reacted at all, but this time he deigns to sidestep, and that is enough to keep him on the defensive until you manage to land a glancing blow.

'Son of a bitch!' Now Kanjen looks fired up. 'Right, one more strike, my lord!'

> You can do things to influence rolls, or point out spots for attack etc. while rolling. What do!

rolled 86 = 86

>>18527778
Let's do what it takes to win. Kick up some dirt and try to stab him.

rolled 38 = 38

>>18527778
Hey (whatever a woman who Kanjen likes name is), how are you doing, when he is distracted get a thrust in.

rolled 18 = 18

>>18527778
He's slower than usual, and albeit prepared, now a bit angry. Stay offensive. Try another feint and use quick blows instead of strong ones, because reaction time is our current advantage.

>>18527796
>>18527796

> .... Blimey!

You back and sidle and back a bit more while working your heels around in the dirt, then kick it straight at Kanjen.

As he stumbles, swearing, you bat his sword aside and end with the tip right at his breastbone. He looks down, smiles at you, then sweeps your sword aside.

'Nicely done, sir. Nicely done.'

> What do? You see it's about time to go for the meeting now...

Also, so what sorts of gifts are we considering? For dad, and for little daughter?

Your dad you know to be pretty much like your second brother. Except more violent. You've seen him kick a slave to death before, after deliberately putting on iron-shod boots. But in these years he has become quite lax, which is both a good and bad thing - while he is no longer inclined to horrific violence, neither is he really inclined to run things.

>>18527853

Knock the dust off our cloths and head to the meeting.

Also tell Kanjen that you will take from this lesson not to drink so much, as it has a clear affect on fighting.

>>18527853
Well, let's go there. Bring up the matter of people disappearing.

>>18527881
Well, what do they like? The girl might like a pet, not sure about father.

rolled 6, 3 = 9

>>18527853
Thank you, but if you weren't sporting a headache that would make a hillman proud I'd wouldn't have had a chance.

Sadly duty calls and I need to entertain the prince, wish me luck, patience and the wisdom to at least insult him in a language he can't speak.

>>18527881
Dad, no fucking clue, new slave kicking boots?

Little Sister, a clockwork bird or dancer or something along those lines.

>>18527881

Find and possibly translate a tale of a king who was brutal and the kingdom flourished under. Fudge the facts if needed.

>>18527881
For Daddy... well, what does a violant man like? I guess not much we can buy for money, if we want to leave an impression.

We should go hunting and present him the pelt or skull of a worthy animal. We should ask Kanjen about that right now and then go to the meeting.

For our little sister: A bit of jewelry. Noble girls usually like glittery things, and it's practical, since she can add it to her dowry.

>>18527893
>>18527890
>>18527887

You are appropriately polite to Kanjen for 'allowing' you the 'advantage', but he'll have none of it. Well he's having none of anything, he's flopped back onto the bench and is snoring in two breaths. Amazing.

You dust your clothes off, and then you spot Rose coming over to you. 'My lord! Coat!'

Oh gods, on a day as warm as this... you slip on the ritual coat, and then go on with Rose following, passing through two compounds to get to the central courtyard where you see a prayer ritual - to the Gods of the Eight Rivers - all set up. No one told you about this, and Rose blinks and shrugs.

You slip into the appropriate spot, beside your younger brother whose head is already bowed in prayer. Then the music blares from several horns and fifes, and then the priests start chanting, and ah for the love of the Eight Rivers...

> What do? You can't run around, of course, but...

>>18527913

That is a good idea, Skulls for the violent dad.

For sister, clockwork jewelry. Something that moves. Like a clockwork necklace that is like a powered kaleidoscope.

>>18527881
Sis would certainly appreciate some nice toy rather than jewelery or clothes. If we had more time we could even make one ourselves (a music-box perhaps?) but right now shopping will have to do.
As for dad, well, he likes hunting, so riding crop might be a good idea - we are aware that he might put it into another use as .... well, but it's certainly gift he would appreciate.

>>18527938
Bow our head, look like we're praying. If it's going to go longer than five minutes pull out a well thumbed small book of of southern poetry and refresh our memory on a romantic sonnets or two, make sure we still have them memorized.

> As for the gifts...

You think about what little Martha would like. You do remember once when you tried to make a gear-work walking man, but every ten steps he would keel over, and Martha would laugh and laugh and count the steps and laugh some more.

As for dad, you remember once when No. 2 got him a 'crown' made entirely of wrist-bones from the hands that your people customarily sever as proof of a kill. He doesn't wear it in public, of course, but he did look quite pleased. Not that anything you could do would please him much, anyway...

>>18527941
A clockwork toy for lil sis! If we actually find the time..

Bow your head in "prayer". If this lasts, whisper to your brother why you were not informed. Is the ritual due to a special occasion?

>>18527938
Once we are done with prayers, have a word with our younger brother - how's he doing and such. (But not before the ceremony is over, it's pretty sure he takes this thing more seriously than we do and doesn't want to be disrupted.)

>>18527977

This, sucks be we should wait.

>>18527966
Fuck dad, he's a complete dick and we probably dislike each other. We'll get him something out of obligation, new helm, cool pelt, woodcut of a man getting his head chopped off, I doubt he's one for literature, class or taste so we really don't have much in common.

rolled 6 = 6

Skulls for the skull throne!

>>18527966

Clockwork bones for father, a hunter finishing off his kill with a final strike. Only a couple of movements required Course we would need to make the kills for the bones ourselves.

rolled 48 = 48

>>18527991
Clockwork Man-getting-beheaded?

>>18527951

It lasts for a *lot* longer than five minutes. Well at least you're not on your knees like the servants.

You move your coat a little and take out a copy of the legendary Geugen's 'Nine Laments': a stirring tale of alienation, loss and unfulfilled political and social ambitions. It takes two and a half whole laments before the final gongs are sounded and you turn to your brother.

'Hey. Why.... why this?'

'Haven't you heard, brother? There's been a terrible sign. Thousands of fish floated dead on the East Lake, just this morning.' He shook his head, then repeats a verse from a foreign divination book you've read before, something about how water breeds life, and fish are the most lively of creatures. So this is naturally quite a disaster.

Then you turn and see your dad take his seat at the head of the hall, while clapping and yelling for the slaves to move the fucking altar away faster. His two chamberlains, and several others of his retinue, are all standing around him. Rose comes up to you. Guess this means the meeting's started.

> What do?

>>18528031
Take you place, look regal, listen what's up.

>>18527966
Just to connect some dots - there is trouble down south that could quite possibly be bandits or wild animals pack. If we managed to deal with it, we would:
1) score some points with locals
2) get bandits treasure or good share of pelts (extending our tight allowance)
3) leaders head (be it man or animal) would certainly impress our dad... (because no matter how much of an asshole he is, he's still the one in charge here, for a while at least...)

Maybe we _should_ mention the case on the next meeting and volunteer for looking into it.

>>18528031
Sit down and try to look attentive?
I suppose we should consider whether we want to stay in the castle or move to the country holdings...

perfect gift for pops, clockwork flamethrower cane. he can beat slaves, burn them and chase them quicker all in one item.

Wait and listen a bit then bring up the disappearances when possible. Say that it should be investigated, it is the only odd thing happening along with the river.

>>18528055

Fuel is booze, so he can also get drunk while at it.

>>18528031
Get to the meeting, take our customary seat.

There seems to be weird stuff going on so listen first, get a complete grasp of the situation. When the trouble to the South comes up volunteer to lead an expedition to investigate the root cause and deal with it.

Steer the fuck clear of the thousand fish dying, that seems like worse mojo than this, or just bad pollution from an unknown source.

I vote for staying in the castle for now, if we move to country holdings we'll be expected to get married and live a less interesting life. Also our library won't be as big as the one we have access to here and the best place for us, the only son of our family who is liked by the people, to win their favor and do stuff with that or get a spy network going or a thousand other plans. It's just cooler in the city.

>>18528040

Well, you can mention it right this meeting if you wish - you're not an ordinary official but the Prince's son, it's almost always in turn for you to speak.

>>18528043
>>18528039

You sit up straight as the chief chamberlain, Hunagan, takes out a scroll. 'We do not have many affairs to discuss today, officials and loved courtiers. Let's get this over with quick, so His Highness may have some rest.'

Mind, ever since he got to be in charge, the number of affairs to be discussed have been getting fewer and fewer. Hunagan mentions the fish floating problem, and then declares that with the propitiation they've just held, the Eight Rivers will return their favour in due course, and all is well.

At the same time, it has come to the attention of the Court that several men - small-time itinerant merchants - have been arrested for refusing to pay the tolls to enter the town's gates, and use the town's roads, and set up in the town's market, and sell stuff in the town, and this and that. 'If I may dare to suggest, Your Highness, I should think it ideal if we made an example of these scoundrels.'

> Right, what say? Respond to the stated points, raise new points, whatever. Just don't draw your weapons, please; you can't fight in here, this is the War Room.

>>18528040
I support this.
>>18528072
If we get a wifu which is not just a political or financial "boon", but our devoted ally however... let the plotting begin.

Also, we can raise levies and troops on our estates.

(Also, since I'm being totally unoriginal, if anyone wants to think up a nice motto for the Prince and his house, you are welcome to do so.

My personal suggestion would be 'The Realm does not Wait', but I trust you guys to come up with better.)

>>18528083
keep the silence.
Roll eyes slightly at the notion of the propitiation having any effect.
Merchants trying to dodge tolls are of no interest.

>>18528083
Our father's character prevents a lot of options. We could propose to investigate WHY the merchants started to be unruly, but our father will just have them whipped or thrown to the dungeons and will consider us weird in the head for giving too much attention to unruly citizens.

Let's keep quiet and then bring up the situation in the south. Suggest we'll deal with it.

>>18528112
Let's put a spin on it that our Father would like, though.
If it continues, taxes from the region might suffer and there would be less men to levy should the need arise.

>>18528112
>but our father will just have them whipped or thrown to the dungeons and will consider us weird in the head for giving too much attention to unruly citizens.
Suggesting whipping them might actually be an act of mercy right now, dad would have them beheaded outright.

>>18528083
Punishment like that won't get the tolls paid. As the southern poet Volstoc said "Do not punish the merchant with the sword, it is a futile path. Instead make it worth their while to do what you wish of them."

If we want the tolls paid we must first find why merchants are risking the punishment by not paying tolls, are the guards overstepping their authority or requiring extensive bribes or is there some other reason.

>>18528122
Suggest a giving them a public flogging and possessing their goods?
That would certainly set an example to merchants.

I have it, bring up the south and the disappearances. Suggest there might be some great beast behind it that you wish to take down. And ask for the merchants as slaves for your trip, possibly to lure out whatever is causing the disappearances.

>>18528148
>And ask for the merchants as slaves for your trip, possibly to lure out whatever is causing the disappearances.
A small retinue of huntsmen would be much better.

>>18528122
>Suggesting whipping them might actually be an act of mercy right now, dad would have them beheaded outright.
Not sure how much "fantasy" this story is. Feudal lords in europe were violent men compared to today's standards, but death penalty for not paying taxes was a bit much even for a crazy tyrant.

Suggesting an interesting punishment would raise in eyes of our father though...

> Seems like the people who want a say have a majority. Well then.

You break in after Hunagan suggests the example. You can guess what the example will be - between Hunagan and your father they'd probably be crucified or beheaded.

Instead you suggest flogging them for the offence, and then investigating the offence - looking into the guards if need be. Your father says nothing but fixes a stare at you. Hunagan speaks instead.

'With all due respect, Your Lordship, the laws punish the thief, not the man whose goods were stolen. Are you saying that we have done something to *deserve* this theft, Your Lordship?'

> What do? (We'll go on to the South after this)

>>18528167

There is a significant difference in law between stealing from another commoner, and stealing from a lord. This is the latter, and the penalties are heavier by far - though as you've mentioned, execution is *not* the norm.

>>18528172
They ought to be punished, but men such as this do not risk penalties or punishment without reason. If we don't find the root of this than it shall continue and we will make less profit off of their business.

No, of course not. I am saying that I would not put it above the city guard to take more than their share of the tolls that they collect.
Doing so hurts our ability to properly bring in our taxes and tolls.

These rogues could simply be scoundrels but it would take very little effort on our part to investigate the situation, and if the guard is taking far more than they are meant to, we could raise the tolls and still be considered 'good' in the eyes of the trade guilds.
Meaning they might stop moaning about taxation every chance they get

>>18528228
>>18528220

You raise these arguments, but unfortunately your father does not agree with your reasoning. 'The Guard is there to protect the city. If I breath down their necks all the time, they will only be less inclined.'

He does, however, agree that a lashing and requisition order is a sufficient example as opposed to an execution, so you reckon you've saved some lives today.

You then mention the business in the south, and your willingness to go and explore it. Your father sounds highly interested, but he stays quiet, and Hunagan looks sceptical. 'This could well be a large expense on the household's part, Your Lordship. What do you propose? We cannot have an army marching about at every report of dead cows or sheep...'

>>18528172
"No, I am saying if we find the men behind this, we will not miss out on the taels rightly belonging to my Lord Father, as we would when we follow your plan. Do think these men would dare to disobey my father's laws if they had not a false sense of security?"

Trying to bait Daddy with money while speaking against his trusted chamberlain... I hope this goes well.

>>18528172
while merchants are usually reluctant to part with coin few would risk the consequences of avoiding the fees we normaly chage for traficing on our lands, I have heard it is not uncommon that those who collect our taxes may at times collect more than they are entitled. a thing sush as this could easly change our not unreasonable fee into something to drive merchants to crime such as this, with time it could well cripple our trade as a whole. unless I am mistaken its been quite some time since much attention has been payed to such matters and that would make it quite easy for such a situation to arise

>>18528172
"If shepard always slew the sheep for getting lost, his herd would soon be gone. We have to guide them back. And find the hole in fence that was the cause of them getting stray. Of course they deserve punishment, but not the one, that would cut our future yield."

Look at our younger brother how does he feel about the whole thing, getting the lost sheep back could be something he'd support.

>>18528266
It's not the livestock I'm worried about, the rumored missing people is what concerns me. That points to bandits or something worse, and we have a responsibility to deal with this.

I don't need an army, a small group of woodsmen and a few hardened soldiers, should the threat be reasonable it shall be wiped out, should it be a large threat to the kingdom it shall be reconnaissance.

>>18528286
>>18528276
>>18528275

Oh man I'm sorry I wrote the result before I saw your posts.

>>18528266
Say that you will not rely on your father's coin. Rather you will see to the sucess and organisation of the expedition yourselve.

Say it in a sly tone, to show the chamberlain how unfitting his reasoning is. You are a lordling and he's not your advisor. You are born to lead. Solving the matters of the realm is in your blood.

>>18528309
This

Say you will handle the entire southern problem, ask only for an advanced payment of your allowance of the next few months, and that you will use the money you have, and the advanced payment to cover everything else.

>>18528266
I doubt there would be reason for more than a dozen men, possibly with the temporary right to levy should it prove to be more than that. I could finance the expedition with my own saved coin which could perhaps be recompensed should the matter be more serious than expected.

>>18528338

that you will use it to cover everything. I rewrote that and forgot to edit it after.

>>18528338
>>18528309
>>18528296

Spirited like an Earl should be!

Your brave statement that you will not seek to move the Prince's soldiers, nor his money, catches Hunagan off guard. He makes to speak again, but the Prince waves him off.

'I always thought of you as a bit of a ninny, Adrian,' he says, still fixedly staring at you. 'Well. You're sixteen...seventeen? About time you proved otherwise. I will give you three days to prepare and leave the Palace on your expedition. You can have three months' allowances. Hunagan, put that down.'

'Yes, Your Highness.'

'So. Is there anything else, then? What do you need? Or are you regretting your words now, young Adrian?'

> What do? it seems the meeting's about to be dismissed; the Prince looks a bit bored...

Incidentally, you can get mercenaries from the city, but it would be advisable to plan the operation properly. Your father is violent, but he's not mad - or he wouldn't still be alive. He will want results, and good ones...

>>18528372
Positive results! Let's not get cocky. Also, Daddy is bored.

"My thanks, father. I will begin the preparations immediatly."

Off to our household! Assemble the servants and our bodyguard.

>>18528372

Ask for the mission in writing, and nothing more.

>>18528372
I regret none of my words. If you excuse me I have preparations to make and an expedition to plan. As a poet once said, say this in foreign "He who walks in the darkest woods will return with either scars or triumph."

>>18528423
>>18528412
>>18528404

'Mission in writing, fine. Hunagan, draft it. Go south, find bastards, kill bastards, come back quick. Try not to die.'

'Brilliant draft, Your Highness.'

He doesn't care much for your poetry, sadly, and dismisses the meeting. As you walk back to your household, Rose gestures to ask a question.

'Will... will the rest of us be going with you then, sir?'

Meanwhile you've reached the courtyard of your own household, and shake off your coat with relish. You see Linden and Peony discussing something off in one corner, and your guards are, well, standing guard.

> What do? What plan?

>>18528459
As prone as I am to lose my head, either in a fight or from not securing it properly, without you, I would appreciate it if you came.
I would not hold it against you if you would rather to stay, however.

>>18528459
first get detail about where were going exactly, anything we cant get there like mercs, weapons, hunters, mechanical trap making supplies?

it will be easier to just buy them there instead of taking them with you if you can

>>18528459
Right folks, we've got a mission, you know the missing livestock and people to the south, we're dealing with it.

I don't really feel right dragging all of our staff out, Baseg for his invaluable tactical expertise and Linden to keep our head on straight. I'd rather not expose Peony and Rose to danger.

How long a trip is it to where the disappearances are?

We'll want to bring our personal guard and hire some mercs, a small group of experienced soldiers and a few veteran woodsmen would be best, we don't want to be a huge noticeable group and we want to move fast.

Send Rose to talk to servants and see if the rumor mill has more details or rumors concerning this. Have Peony and Baseg help you find and sift through recruits. Paperwork and financial duties for Linden.

>>18528459

None of them have to come its optional. First maps, a book of the reports, next we need to see about mercenaries.

I also think that maybe Peony and Rose should stay behind, but again they don't have to stay if they don't want to.

>>18528459
As a nobleman we could travel with servants. But we have to keep money in mind!

Renting horses and paying mercenaries will be costly and we don't want to blow all our 2100 taels off.

How far is the "south" actually? Can we go by ship? Travel with a caravan?
If it's a trip by ship we could afford to have more of our hosehold or even women along.

Is Kranjen a independent man and can we ask him to come along?

>>18528494

You ask Baseg and Peony to gather the accounts they've been telling you about.

So far there appear to have been several incidents, all in the last month or so, in Kuira Vale - one of the major valleys, and about two and a half days' ride south. All the incidents took place at night, and were concentrated around three small villages near the middle of the Vale.

On four or five occasions, livestock were lost - first two cows, then an entire coop of chickens, and then several sheep. It was on the last occasion that two young maids disappeared from the village, which was when shit got really serious and the news spread.

It is completely your choice on who to bring and who not to bring. Kanjen is a gate-guest, ie. a wandering man of talent who has been accepted as a retainer in the Prince's service, so as a lordling you could ask him. You could even ask him to ask his fellow gate-guests, if you like.

As for mercs, the best place to get mercs is in the City. Woodsmen, however, maybe you can ask the locals to provide guides.

> Questions, plans, keep them coming!

Also, Peony on her own initiative did a little more digging, and came to you with some information in the evening, about the local lords.

Turns out there's two lords that dominate the Vale, and since the villages are right about in the middle, they could be on the 'border' of a nasty little feud. 'That's my intuition, in any case, my lord. But a coop of chickens is a funny thing to grab on a raid, I must say...'

>>18528519

Do we have our own horses?

Yes let us ask Kanjen and his fellow gate guests.

Also how much would it cost roughly per person for travel?

>>18528519
Getting Kanjen would be very useful, and no matter if he comes or not, see if he can ask any of his friends, war-buddies, fellow gate-guests if they want to come. We can leverage the fact that we're probably one of the few if not the only of his students from a noble lineage who he actually likes.

In addition we'll want some people who aren't Kanjen level given the expense, but we don't want green recruits, we want hardened and competent but we don't want to pay out the nose for a dozen masters.

We'll probably want woodsmen from the area that we're investigating in our service, but still check if there are any that know the place here in the city or who are just damn good.

About how much money is a good solid soldier going to cost for a week or so, including travel, food and all that.

>>18528519
>>18528519
Definatly ask Kanjen then. I have a positive oppinion of him. Let's ask him whether he knows other suitable guests.
And since he seems to be a man of the sword: Does he know mercenaries which will not put daggers in our back while we sleep and take our money?

[OP, would it be possible to show a map?]
Can we go to the palace library to see a map or buy one in the city?

How's the climate in the south? Do we have to worry about warm clothing or provisions or can we buy at local markets?

To which lord does the area in question belong to? Depending on how many men we'll bring, we'll need his permission to enter his domain and assure him we'll neither plunder nor rape the locals.

>>18528534
>>18528557
Didn't see your second post.

If we form an all-rider party (even if our men fight on foot, it's not unusal to travel via horse), we'll leave as much behind as possible to stay mobile and reduce the number of mouths to feed. How much support can we exepct from the local lordlings?
Even if they are about to get on each other's toes, they still need to show loyalty to the son of their liege, right? How much influence does the realm have in the area? If our father's arm reaches so far, how tight is his grip?

>>18528540
>>18528551

You do have your own horses.

As for travelling, it rather depends how much you want to pay. Since you are a high-ranking noble, you can expect the 'hospitality' and 'kindness' of many of the minor lords and commoners along the way, but just don't be surprised if they turn out less than pleased about you later.

Baseg reckons it'd cost, probably, about 8 to 10 taels per person to travel the three days. This doesn't include pay; mercenaries would probably take another 7 or 8 taels a day, at the very least.

Kanjen likes you enough that he might go for less than his stipend if he stays in the Palace, but even then 12 or 15 taels is as low as he might go. Same for his mates.

You have 2,550 taels now, since the extra 450 has been granted you. So work out your staffing needs, and you're about ready.

>>18528601
We need 5 men acquainted with wilderness and forests, seeeking . And hardy men for the bloody work regardless of weapon.

Let's give Kanjen and his friends a little bonus, at least 1 or 2 tael more than they would require.

If we take 20 mercs, it's ca.200 for travel and ca.420 for wages (only for the three days).

Maybe 5 of Kanjen's friends -> 60 + 120 = 180.

So we are at 800 tael for a 25 men party.

>>18528557
>>18528584

> Haven't got a scanner with me, curses! But in later chapters it will be done.

Clothing will not be a major problem; it is spring, and relatively warm by now.

As for the minor lords, again - they would probably feel obliged to show you plenty of face, as the son of their liege lord; but your father has not been spending too much time putting his foot on his subordinates in the last few years. Beyond one or two days' staying, though, you really cannot be sure.

Kanjen raises an eyebrow when you raise the question. 'I can ask two of my fellow wanderers to come with me. Swordsmen as well - and one of them has several servants who are also trained. What on earth are you doing, sir?'

(I've been rolling on my comp, and the odds have been quite consistently in your favour, tg. The dice gods are clearly pleased.)

>>18528650

Not that many mercs, we should also figure mercs after we have our core group figured.

>>18528655

Tell him we intend to head south and clean up whatever is happening, ask his advice in forming a party for this task.

>>18528655
Expedition, you've heard of the people and livestock disappearing in the south, I'm dealing with it.

Get Kanjen and his two friends and ten normal mercenaries. Are we going to have to pay mercenary wages for the way back?

It's going to be about 145 per day for wages, we might have to the travel fee back so could that about 16-20 per person so counting us and two servants so 270 for the trip. We can pick up 3 to 5 woodsmen at the local area. This is going to kill our finances if we don't get compensation after the fact.

Assuming four days to get there and take care of the problem and we don't need to pay merc wages on the way back, 850 taels. Up to 1285 if we have to pay full mercenary rates the whole time.

Ask Kanken his advice for group composition and so on.

>>18528650
Also take into account 3 days back there goes half out wealth. I would suggest a 12 person party then pick up 4 trackers/woodsmen in the local area. We can split into 4 groups of 4 to cover a wide area in our search.

>>18528703

The mercs go by days hired... and you're not likely to be able to get rid of them out in the Vale. At worst, you might create a crisis far worse than the one you set out to deal with, by dropping 10 armed men into it.

As for Kanjen's friends, he brings them right the next morning. Their names are Munen and Zatin, and Zatin's brought his servants. He's not in fact a gate-guest, it turns out; he will pay his own servants adequately, and provide for them.

So right now, your entourage without mercenaries:

- You
- Kanjen, Munen and Zatin
- Zatin's 6 servants
- Linden and Rose
- Baseg

That's 13 men in all.

>>18528751
Figured as much with the pay, is Zatin charging extra for the servants and how skilled are they. Get 5 mercenaries to round out the party. We'll pick up 4-5 woodsmen when we get there, as trackers, archers and the like.

Assuming 15 for Kunjen and co. and free servants. That puts us at 95 a day, probably no more than 7-8 days and somewhere around 324 for travel costs. Plus however much a pile of local woodsmen will cost. Whole trip will probably cost somewhere around 1,200-1300 taels. Expensive but if we're right and successful we'll recoup that, at least in part.

Only bring Rose with if she wants to come, we're not going to force her.

(Also, the wages for your retinue are not included in calculations, because they aren't paid out from your allowance anyway.)

After a bit of preparation, you think you can go to the city soon if you want to go as quickly as possible. The weather looks ideal.

>>18528791
As much as I'd like to go now one thing that might be helpful is talking a bit to family and close friends of the lords whose territory we're going through and of the Vale. We can get a feel for who were staying with, say that X supports our mission and for the Vale we might learn a bit more about the feud.

>>18528806

That is a good idea, except that those family and close friends naturally reside in or near the families' estates, over in the Vale.

You could, however, ask itinerant merchants in the city to see if any of them know what might be going on.

>>18528834
Wasn't sure, it wouldn't be that surprising if rural lords kept a cousin or two in the main city to keep an eye on things and voice their opinions, or if they're sending one of their kids to get an education/mingle with other nobles.

Talk to the merchants, diving into a problem like this unprepared could fuck us over something fierce, and I don't let getting fucked over.

(Does it get quiet even on weekend afternoons?)

>>18528856
It can get quiet without warning at any time.

>>18528751
I am somewhat concerned that this party is heavy on combat types and light on investigative/tracker sorts, but I suppose we can rely upon us to do the talking and hire a local guide or three on-site.

If we wanted to do investigative preparations, we had three days to do it- opportunity's lost by now, I'd say. We'll only look the fool if we delay, and can investigate further once we reach the location. Let's get going.

>>18528852

Working on that hunch, you send Peony to listen round the city looking for the nobles; but she comes back empty on that front.

She does bring reports from the merchants who've been round the Vale recently, though, which suggest that something serious - and more than a bit strange - is going on. Apparently, in the time since the last report of kidnappings, there have been even more kidnappings - always young unmarried girls, too. And livestock are also being taken. Worse still, there have been fights among villagers over accusations of forced marriage and other things.

Both the houses deny they've got anything to do with it, but neither are they doing anything against it. For a lordling to move in like that might arouse suspicion against the Prince's intentions. There are some who think it might not be either lord, but some other faction behind all this.

>>18528893

You have one more day to prepare, though, which you can spend in the city. By the end of this day, you will have to set off.

Meanwhile you've been sending out feelers for mercenaries, and some have responded. There are some who advertise their heavy armour and equipment, and others who talk about being fast, silent and deadly, so what sort of men do you want in your force?

>>18528902
Are there legends of dragons or other beings that take young unmarried women?

>>18528919
Fast silent and deadly. For killyness we've got the masters and their servants. We don't want loud trompy fellows giving away our location, and if it's bandits slitting throats in their sleep seems preferable to a straight up fight.

>>18528919
The stealthy type who are never caught unaware.

>>18528919
We need woodsmen, trackers, stealthy types- two or three. We have our gate-guests for straight combat.

>>18528922

Dragons, no. But winged serpents... winged tigers... and some of the far more malevolent beasts of the forests are known - well, reputed - to have such proclivities. The Vale is quite forested.

>>18528942

After some thought, you see a group of 4 men demanding 10 taels each. They do look the part, though - scars, cloaks, and impressive looking short bows. 'Longbows would be a drag out in the Vale, sir,' their leader says.

'You've been there?'

'Plenty of bandits. And the bloody Stone-folk, just wandering up and down stealing stuff. Wouldn't be surprised if it was them done it, sir.'

Right! So!

- You
- Kanjen, Munen and Zatin
- Zatin's 6 servants
- Linden and Rose
- Baseg
- 4 Mercenary Woodmen Archers

17 men in all. Get more? Stay in city a while and investigate? Or set off? The weather is still holding and clear; it wouldn't be a bad time to travel.

>>18529004
We've got a fair bit of info and probably about what we can get here, we'll collect a lot more at the Vale. We've got a good mix of raw killy and sneaky killy. If the band was much larger it'd be cumbersome. Lets go. Tell Peony to keep an eye on things back home and make sure Rose wants to come with.

Do we speak Stone Folk language or can at least manage a decent pidgin using Hillmen and Northspeak?

>>18529004
We're already pushing our finances with this many men- what we have is enough. And I doubt we'll gather more meaningful rumors than we have already; we might as well get going.

The last thing I'd like to be sure we have before we go is a solid idea of who the nobles in the Vale are, but presumably we've been schooled in that already and could probably recite every member of each of their lines along with any particularly notable characteristics in our sleep.

>>18529030

Rose is actually quite glad to come. In a private moment she even hugs you. 'I'm glad you thought I was brave enough, sir.'

As for Stone Folk, you are guessing that the merchants are talking about the people who live in the Vale and the southern lands. You know their language reasonably well.

>>18529042

Unfortunately, you don't - but you do know who's living in either of the houses. House Ahun is in the north, House Iatar in the south.

Would you like to visit either house first on this journey? You are now setting off from the western gate of the city.

>>18529066
Don't really know enough about either house to make an educated decision about which to visit first. Is our family on friendlier terms with one of them or anything like that?

>>18529066
Yay, back from cloudflare, head out, do we know anything about either family that might influence us.

>>18529066
>>18529066
Well, House Ahun first (we go south, they are in the north of the southern vale, so...).

Let's begin the journey and hope for safe roads.

[OP, if you plan to continue this in another thread please tell a approx. time (not relevant now, but man, this has potential)]

Oh dear bloody hell it's finally back.

Your little entourage moves out from the western gate of the city, and takes the main road which gradually bends towards the south.

How hard do you want to push the journey? Baseg thinks you could probably make it to Ahun's manorial estate in about 2 days, and round afternoon on day 1 you are beginning to see storm clouds gathering to the east.

(... Has 4chan been back for an hour already!? Where I am I only just regained access...)

Also, another decision to make - whether to rest early where lodging is available, or sleep rough. Most people here should be fine with sleeping rough, but it's up to you.

>>18529679
Don't push it, rest early, wait out the storm, leave before dawn. We won't lose that much time and I'd rather not start out by killing morale by sleeping on muddy ground in a storm.

>>18529679

Cloudflare error?

I got that earlier, I reseted my router and things went back to normal

>>18529707

Could be that. Thanks, will take note this time.

>>18529695

You decide there is no point in saving half a day for the journey, so you stay over at inns in the evening.

Of course, as you get farther away from the city, the inns get smaller, so on the second night you find yourself having to share a room with two others.

If it makes you feel any better about your decision not to camp out in the open, the sky is an angry shade of purple by the time you stagger into the inn and get your horses into the stables. As you ponder your room and unpacking is done, a loud crash of thunder makes everyone jump, and then the skies empty out on the earth.

Thank heavens for roofs!

> What do? Who share with?

>>18529755
Spend some time with Rose, make sure she's holding up alright.

After that check in with Kanjen and Baseg and see how our men are doing.

Spend the nighttime with Linden.

>>18529781

Second, maybe talk to the others as well.

>>18529816
>>18529781

You go to Rose, who is sitting in a slightly weird pose on a bench; she gets up, but then winces, when she sees you.

'It's nothing, sir... just... being on the horse all day. Aches.'

She seems fine. Kanjen and his friends are spending Zatin's purse, buying half the inn's store of fine liquor and distributing it to the men, including the mercenaries. Needless to say morale is high, and the mercs seem to respect you. 'Good call on the rain, sir. Good that we're under shelter.'

Baseg is also drinking, though slower; he has a large purse of his own to take care of. But he assures you things are going well. 'I've sent a carrier pigeon to the Vale, sir, and to Ahun. They should already know we're on our way, but this is just to confirm everything.'

Finally, you get Lin into your room; she looks around, closes the door, and gives you a tight embrace.

> What do?

>>18529861
Hug her back tightly, give her a nice kiss. Ask how she's been liking our adventure so far, a day of hard riding and nasty rain.

On the upside she currently has the company of a man who can enrapture her with poetry from six different languages.

If she doesn't already we should probably get an obscure language in common with her so we can communicate in public without revealing what we're talking about.

>>18529861
Spend some quality time with Lin, then leave early in the morning.
Of course everyone needs proper sleep, but that doesn't mean we have to leave after noon; we don't have time to waste either.

>>18529908

You kiss her; she smells of sweat and exertion. Somehow you manage to get in some questions, and she manages to answer. It's fine, though her back aches as well and she'd really like to get in bed.

Dropping her onto the mattress, you sit down beside her. You've tried for a few years to teach Lin Northspeak, and though she's still not a fluent speaker, she understands what you are saying most of the time. Now she's just stretching and yawning, glad to be off a horse.

Outside, the rain is still deafeningly loud, and only getting louder.

> What do?

>>18529978
Rape

>>18530009

Please be above that, OP.

That said, if she's willing... do we have to wake up early tomorrow, though, we do right?

>>18529978
Give her a massage, after she's relaxed get a massage from her. Go to sleep cuddling her, we have an early as hell morning so we can't spend that much time sexing her up.

>>18530009
>>18530018

Let us just rest in bed with her, if we have trouble sleeping. I suggest the mighty power of fading to black.

>>18530049
>>18530035

Your own back is rather sore from the riding, though you do ride every now and then and are more used to it. Poor Linden.

You flip her on her stomach and pull up her blouse, and she yelps in pain at first as you work on her lower back, but soon she relaxes and giggles as you loosen her up properly.

'Right. Your turn to...' you glance at her and she is already asleep, mouth open, drooling on the sheets. Whatever happened to hierarchy, authority and all the rest of it? You pull her into your arms and pull the sheets over the both of you.

When your eyes next open, the rain has stopped, though the sky is still grey. Linden has been drooling all over your shirt sleeve, but you sense another presence; turning around you spot Rose, seated against the bed and also asleep.

> What do? You should reach Ahun's estate in the afternoon.

>>18530129
Get up, stretch, get dressed. Wake Rose up and ask how she ended up slumped sitting by the bed. Wake up Linden and tell there that another marvelous day of riding, possibly in the pouring rain is started.

Get a light breakfast we can eat on the move and get started early. Prepare for sucky weather.

>>18530184

Rose awakes with a violent jump. 'Sir! How did-' she looks around. Just then Linden wakes up.

'Did she wander again? She's done it before, rolled from her mattress to mine...' you think about this and smile, patting Rose's head.

You get dressed, and go down; Baseg shows you a reply letter from the Ahun estate.

'Sir, it is our honour to receive your presence in our humble hovel, though we do not know why your lordship would deign to favour us thus. We will hold a hunting party tomorrow, and hope you would further honour us with your attendance.'

Well! That sounds friendly enough.

>>18530248
As sarcastic as possible, I adore hunting, my favorite activity, I resemble my father sooo much in this regard.

At least they're trying to be friendly. Shall we be on our way.

> cont'd

Your entourage continues to ride under a threatening sky and a gentle but chilly breeze. By late morning a drizzle starts up, just as you enter the Vale.

You pass great slopes, covered with dark green forests, while the road is quite poorly maintained and the villages are tiny rings of hovels. Fog rolls down the hills and sometimes obscures everything within sight for a while, before clearing away.

After what seems like an eternity, though, you spot two men on horses standing astride the road. When you approach, they salute you. 'Your lordship! We are here to receive you, sir, on the command of our lord. Please follow us.'

It isn't long before you're in one of the ante-halls of the Ahun estate, warming yourself in front of a roaring fire. Again you have dodged the worst of the rain, which comes down in the darkening sky, hammering against the roofs.

> What do?

>>18530283
Thank them for their hospitality (I almost wrote hostility .. I shouldn't drink so much), investigate whether they know anything about those maidens gone missing.

By the way, it's not that the Ahun family hasn't come up to meet you in hours; you've been delayed by the rain and arrived only in the evening.

>>18530283
Find the lord of the house, thank him for his hospitality. Ask them about the disappearance of animals and unmarried women.

Have our staff, Rose especially she has a trustable face and is young, ask the kitchen staff and other commoners about the rumors, they might tell us things that the nobles won't.

Do we know if the villages are under Ahun control these days? Or what?

Also check for lore of strange forest beasts who like virgins.

Well, I didn't have high hopes when this started but it looks like quite the nice little quest so far.

>>18530330
Forest beasts that like virgins? Sounds like bandits.

>>18530333

What were you fearing it would turn into? Just so I know. Thanks though.

>>18530308
>>18530330
>>18530327

It isn't long before the Ahun family sends people to receive you, and soon you and your entourage are taken into the main hall. The Ahun family has two middle aged men, Garon and Duson, and two younger men, their sons respectively - Meke and Ambes.

They invite you to a pleasant repast, which you notice is quite full of mountain products as might be expected - crunchy mountain ferns, tough but flavourful pheasant, and even mousedeer and pigeons.

Over the dinner you ask them about the incidents, only to be surprised by their apparent ignorance. They aren't so concerned about the livestock - 'the Stone Folk come and grab things all the time' - but the kidnapping of women, that's serious. They offer to recall the local sheriff to the estate so you can ask him personally tomorrow.

> What do/say? Any suggestions and plans?

>>18530392
If we can reach that local sheriff in less time, or his residence is on our way anyway, we'll go find him ourselves. If not, then we'll wait and question him. Make sure we send our servants around the castle (?) and have them ask the people, too.

>>18530392
Have our servants ask around the commoners, they might give us more information, and they'll have the rumors of what supernatural creature it could possibly be. Thank them for bringing the Sheriff to the estate, it's evening so we'll wait for him here tonight.

Ask about the other family, Iatar, see what they think about them and if they believe them to be involved.

>>18530392
The initial prose didn't give me high expectations of a good quest. It looks to be one, though.

>>18530392

Rather than recall the sheriff, why not ride out and meet him ourselves. I'm sure he'd take much more kindly to us seeing him rather than an arrogant nobleman calling him from duties.

Also, why don't we keep an eye out for a souvenier for little Martha?

>>18530759
It's in the evening, it's dark, it's raining and we've been traveling all day. It might not be the most polite to him but a soaking wet royal knocking at his door in the middle of the night doesn't seem like the best plan. Also it'd be rude to refuse our host's hospitality.

>>18530392
Bring forth the holy hand grenade.

>>18530784
Point, OP if it is past dinner time then lets wait till tomorrow. However if it's still early in the after noon lets go down ourselves.

>>18530392
>Plans
Well first we would talk to the locals here about what happened and see if we cant get some trackers to help. Then we go see the places (starting at the most recent), once at the places we have a tracker track with instructions to return to us once hes found something. We will move on to the next place of disappearance and repeat the process.

>>18531729
Once we get word of something interesting we gather our folks and check it our.

Please tell me this bloody thing's back.

>>18533056
Your back? Hurra!

> Only insofar as cloudflare doesn't screw me over completely. If I disappear again, you know why, and I will be around on weekends.

Rose and Linden report that the servants mention a serpent-headed hound beast which requires virgin women to reproduce, and lives in the forest. None of them have seen it before, though.

As for the Stone Folk, the general attitude is one of contempt - damn hunter-gatherers, never do an honest day's work, would steal anything if it weren't nailed to the wall.

The message to summon the constable has been sent after dinner. Now you have retired to your chamber, but when you open it you hear someone start. It's a maidservant who's cleaning your room.

> What do? Plans for tomorrow?

>>18533317
Be a gentalman to the maid.

Tomorrow we go into town and look for a few good trackers.
If we find them we then we should visit each of the places there was a disappearance.

>>18533317
It's 4chan's issue, not cloudflare's. Cloudflare is only a backup.

>>18533362

Is that so, I understand then. Well now I somewhat know how to get around it so it should be fine.

>>18533353

By gentleman you mean...? She's standing stiffly, awaiting your orders. She's even younger than Linden and Rose, or maybe it's just the people here are naturally smaller-sized - you've noticed that, a little.

> Tomorrow's fixed events:
- Hunting! Oh joy.
- Go round villages looking for scouts! (Or maybe recruit scouts from the hunting parties?)

> What else do?

>>18533317
How many virgins can we spare? Maybe it can just pass and go.

>>18533427

Well, to you it's no skin off your teeth - except you've promised to solve this problem... if bad rumours keep coming out after you go home, you'll never hear the end of it from Hunaga.

>>18533390

Ask after the maid. Be kind.

Also, in the morning let's ride around the estate, yes. Look for scouts, ask for information. How far are the problematic villages from the estate?

>>18533390
Be professional with her (and polite). If there is something you need tell her of not dismiss her and go to sleep (and maybe call Linden to join us).

>>18533509

You sit on the bed and ask after the maid, and she seems surprised that you're being nice. 'Oh, um, I'm fine, sir. Thank you very much. I'll be on my way now, then.'

With that she scuttles off. You notice something on her left arm, a large birthmark or something like that, as she leaves. Then you lie down in your bed, and before you can gather your thoughts sleep takes you.

> That ends this for now. I'll be back in, say, about 8 hours, once I'm awake again. Thanks for playing, and really sorry for the long interruption.

Life-preserving bump

Blimey, it's still here? Anyone wants to talk about the earl's character, then?

>>18534988
The earl? I thought we were a count. Or do you mean someone else?

>>18535082
I think we WILL be a count when dear Father kicks the bucket. So far, we're just an Earl, I think.

>>18535082
>>18534988
We are the 3rd son of a prince. OP explained the laws in this princedom are different than we might expect and sons get a lower title the further down they are on the list of heirs.
We were called "Earl" on occasion.

>Blimey, it's still here?
Also, OP, I love you and want your babies. No homo.

Counts and Earls are the same rank in different countries, so they could be interchangeable. But let's stick with Earl.

And to clarify laws of succession:

It follows ancient Chinese clan law. A prince gives birth to earls, earls give birth to viscounts, and viscounts give birth to barons. Only the direct royal line retains its princehood.

Unfortunately, since you're a cadet branch, you're fated to suffer that. Unless you are not the cadet branch any more. But that would be an interesting tale, that.

>>18535100

Thank you very much!

>>18535272
>Unless you are not the cadet branch any more. But that would be an interesting tale, that.
That DOES sound interesting...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkU23m6yX041

>>18535272
Is this set in "fantasy-china"? Do I have to imagine chinese architecture from the feudal era and a asian landscape?
Are Rose, Linden, Kanjen etc. wearing ancient chinese fashion, armor and weapons?

Because I defaulted to european medieval / landsknecht-ish look and now I feel guilty for that.

>>18535272
PART 2
GIB

>>18535336

It's.... kinda Asian, yeah. Chinese, but in the pre-imperial era.

Gate-guests, for example, are a Chinese institution, as are the scheduled conferences (though I'm sure Europeans have that too...)

>>18535336
I totally did too. Despite living in South Korea.

>>18535388
>>18535388
>Hunang
>Kanjen
>yep, totally europe
My stupid knows no bounds. But in my defense I pronounced the names norse... Also, OP's pic is a bit deceiving

So, we have a multi-lingual, clockwork-tinkering guy called *Adrian*, armed with a rapier, who is the member of a pre-imperial chinese noble house, running around in asia...

Guys, we did a good job.

Not that it matters much, but the atmosphere is now very different in my head (not better, not worse, but different).

>>18535480
Peony and Rose are both European names, though.

Shoot, even our name could be a foreign one /for a reason/. I mean, we get a name meant for people of another land, but we're one of the ruling elite? Sounds like something interesting might be behind that.

>>18535502
I don't want to make it seem like I image the quest now filled with stereotypes I have from watching eastern-movies.

The setting doesn't matter for "character"-driven decisions. The quest "plays out" the same way for me.
But I love world-building and background fluff and all that, so the setting matters to me in terms of atmosphere, how I imagine the clothings, the weapons etc.
So that's why I was suprised. It shook the image I had.

But for me, the hero doesn't need to be 48576th caucasian-hetero-male. Actually I think it's a nice change.

>>18535546
>But for me, the hero doesn't need to be 48576th caucasian-hetero-male. Actually I think it's a nice change.
The hero is now for me, 48576th Korean-herero-male. I don't mind, but after enough cinema over here it actually feels more generic than an eastern European.

>>18535570
>>18535546
I'd suggest that we make him gay if you guys find him too generic, but that option was lost early on. Nothing for it but to try and establish some kind of actual personality to differentiate him, it seems.

>>18535615
I don't find him too generic, and I think it's a fun character so far.

That was more a comment on how it's not generic for a hero to be caucasian unless you're mind is totally European-centric. It's nigh-impossible to find a caucasian hero in an Asian-made film, for instance (which nobody minds because Chinese and Korean cinema is fucking WIN and American Hollywood has gone full money-grabbing).

>>18535615
I wouldn't mind. But non-generic does not mean "the opposite of ALL the cliches".
Also, it's not only the protagonist, but the setting.

A non-generic PC or setting does not automatically generate quality. A generic PC or setting does not automatically translate to terribleness.
I follow the lead of the GM (or the OP in this case) and if I like the quest enough, independant of the ethnicity or sexuality of the protagonist,or his environment, I'll stay for the ride.

>European-centric
I'm guilty as hell. That's why the ancient-asian theme is interesting to me.
It's not like the suggestion will become "lol greetings stranger, let's start a tea ceremony". It's that we can identify with the protagonist despite him being in a strange and foreign situation (whatever the inspiration).

Think how the thread would look like, if OP posted a japanese castle, or samurai armor and told us the father aspired to be the shogun.
I'm almost sure there would be posts ala "The NPC acted against the bushido. Draw your katana." or "Your brother has to commit suicide for dishonoring the family".

Maybe I'm just talking about me, but I think it's easy to fall into a kind of "story-bias". Instead of "what would I do, what is sensible", suggestors would think of "what would a feudal japanese lord do?" "what would make sense to a pre-imperial chinese noble?".

But I think quests become more interesting if the sugestions are more "heartfealt".

As it is, I will continue to "help" Adrian, who happens to wear the outfit of a pre-imperial chinsese noble ...with a rapier as a sidearm... and go along with the story OP is allowing us to participate in.

tl;dr OP will hopefully continue soon despite the ramblings of a random anon in his thread.

>>18527048
Actually, in a couple of months I get internet at home. If I can get the time to finish my numbercruncher or simplify the system then I'll be back.

>>18527113
Yeah, that's one reason why I haven't been running it from uni. It's kind of the dorf fort of quests, I can't just simply port it about, I need my mods man!

>>18535845
Seriously?

I want to believe, but it /is/ April 1.

If it is you (besides posting with trip), just pick up where you left off. We'll be ready.

If anyone is still reading this, new thread is starting over.... here:

>>18536314