> Oh bollocks, wrong usename/tripcode. But yes it is in fact me.

'Why need you wonder? It's not like we're marrying any of them,' Linden says.

'Maybe if you tried that old trick you did last year, and spilled-'

'It was an *accident*! An *accident*!' Unlike humming out loud at the performance of the ritual music!'

'I was not humming. I was invoking the spirits via a murmured prayer.'

'Whatever you say.'

You hold the letter in your hand and wonder what this year's summer festival might be like. Oddly enough, since the masters are not involved in the heavy lifting and humdrum work that the organisation of festivals will necessarily involve, they are often far more surprised at the way a festival goes than their servants would be. You do hope you wouldn't have to give up any of your servants to help this year. Meanwhile, the letter from your old acquaintance is still in your hands.

> What do? Ask away if you have any questions about the Great Summer Festival - I'm writing the Wikia article now but it's not yet complete.

I thought this day couldn't get any better, and then I saw this. Reading now.

You open the letter from Sagota as your servants continue to needle each other.

> Dear Adrian,

Sir, I have just heard of your exploits down south - good work kicking the Ahun! I knew those people were ever up to no good. It would be great to see you one of these days, though it would be inconvenient for me to seek an official audience, and so I am resorting to inviting you this way.

Perhaps in three days, at the Yellow Flower Inn, if you would be thus disposed? If you have a better suggestion I will gladly take it. If you don't, please don't wear formal clothes into the Yellow Flower, or I'll have to spend all night prising the dancing girls off you. Seriously, though, it'd be best if we met incognito.

Yours,
Sagota

Possessions:

> Fine narrow sword
> 1,100 taels
> Jade ornament, carved in shape of a hawk
> Stone ornament, carved in shape of an antlered bird

Tasks:

> You have invited the Premier Earl, via his servant Cloudberry, for an audience
> The investigation into the magistrate Agiho's role in those kidnappings and bandits is still ongoing
> You feel like you should perhaps go on a holiday

> Oh blimey, forgot! I will announce future timings of Nobleman Quest (and Dark Lord Quest) via my twitter. Here it is: https://twitter.com/#!/CirrusandN

>>18666142
How many days away is the Great Summer Festival? What will we be expected to do?

>>18666196

This. I do hope we are quite free to do what we want.

>>18666170

You're ever so kind, I hope you enjoy it today as well.

>>18666214
>>18666196

The GSF is around half a month away, happening for five days from the first day of the fifth month.

Since you were not chosen for any particular duties, you are quite free to do what you want for this year's festival. If you are interested in finding a mate, a woman of marriageable age, the GSF is the start of the social season, when men may ask to court and speak to noble women.

If that's not what you are interested in for now, there are plenty of games and diversions nonetheless. Races, banquets, and also the opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of the city.

This is totally starting earlier than you told us, OP. You're making it hard for the longtime players to keep up.

>>18666252
Which movers and shakers might we be particularly interested in?

>>18666270

Actually I was debating the wisdom of starting today as well. But I thought I'd get the wikia and twitters announced, so people might see it. Also, rare burst of free time from work.

I'm aware it could make things difficult - am quite prepared in fact to make it a short thread today. Just on the off chance that some Nobleman Quest players might see it and take note of the twitter account.

> Does anyone have anything to say about this course of action? Strong objection to running a full session today, or strong objection to *not* running a full session today, do tell, I'm fine with running or stopping for now. Or pausing and keeping it till 3-4pm EST instead, that's also good.

>>18666276

That's up to you to decide, really, though there are some categories worth noting:

- Merchants
- Other nobles, of the sworn houses or the previous princely lines
- Famous wanderers and talented men for your retinue
- Religious figures, temple leaders and priests
- Foreigners and ambassadors
- [Fill in with other possibilities]

>>18666270

Wait, did you mean earlier as in, compared to weekends when I normally run, or compared to the time I said on twitter?

If it's the latter, I'm totally cool with holding the thread for now and taking a nap so I can run with it all night tonight. Do let me know!

>>18666349
How about engineers, watchmakers, or the like who might be able to teach us (or have subordinates who can teach us) better tinkering?

Maybe they're not movers and shakers...

>>18666362
When would you resume if you held it for now?

>>18666362
You had said weekends, and we didn't know about twitter till now.

Since you've started, continue by all means.

>>18666362
If you have players, then you should proceed.

>>18666403
>>18666417

Yeah, I know about that. Rare free time, though - and I thought I'd announce the twitter feed early.

If I hold it for now, it's up to you guys - later today, or on Saturday.

>>18666386

That is possible too. Well, you did use to have a teacher, that's how you got started with tinkering. But you think he might have passed away by now. His family must be still around, though; and you don't need a festival to go visit him.

Would you like to do that?

> Other action suggestions also welcome.

>>18666181
Under tasks, don't forget we told cousin Lesin we'd go hunting with him.

>>18666442
I think we should, but it doesn't have to be now if there are more pressing matters.

>>18666462

Oh yes. You've sent the invitation with a slave now, and are waiting for the reply.

>>18666468

Well, there isn't... anything in particular now. Oh shit I forgot more things. I'll update the task list again.

> The investigation into the magistrate Agiho's role in those kidnappings and bandits is still ongoing

I suggest we don't get distracted and continue on the investigation.

Tasks:

> You have invited the Premier Earl, via his servant Cloudberry, for an audience
> The investigation into the magistrate Agiho's role in those kidnappings and bandits is still ongoing
> You feel like you should perhaps go on a holiday
> You have been invited by Sagota, your friend, to have a drink at the Yellow Flower Inn three days from now
> You need to make a mechanical bird toy for Martha, your littlest sister
> You have invited Lesin to go hunting with you tomorrow

In fact, just as you were considering Lesin, a slave knocks on the doorframe and Peony goes off to get another letter. It's written on a piece of simple cloth, but the words, despite being smudged, are still neat and upright. Lesin accepts your offer to go on a hunt, and suggests going to the marshlands to the south of the palace. You know that place for its birds, excellent for falconry.

> What do for today then? Last thread there was mention of going to the city with Linden; do so?

>>18666581
> You need to make a mechanical bird toy for Martha, your littlest sister

Have we worked on this today?

>> What do for today then?
Investigation! We can't let the case get overlooked and forgotten!

>Well, you did use to have a teacher, that's how you got started with tinkering. But you think he might have passed away by now. His family must be still around, though; and you don't need a festival to go visit him.
Well, we could do this too.

>>18666581

Let's do that. And then ask Linden more about the Festival.

>>18666581
Work on the bird part of the day, go into the city with Linden the rest.

I assume her bruise is at least a good portion healed by now?

>>18666629
Shouldn't we take Rose along as well?

>>18666678

You can roll 1d100 then. Success is one point towards completion of the bird (9 points needed).

Linden's bruise is mostly healed, and she's eager to head to the city. 'Will we be going in the evening, sir? And are you going to go officially, or...' she looks around and leans in, 'are you going to sneak out?'

Going officially will mean escorts - your four guards going all around with you. You'll also need to wear your proper clothes, so everyone will know it's the Earl come shopping. On the plus side, your chances of getting shanked are much lower with guards clearing the way.

> How visit?

>>18666625

You can go and ask the investigating magistrate about the progress of the case, though it's only been a day. Be cautioned, though - you know that the Chief Magistrate of the Palace, whose name is Radase, is a scion of House Ahun. He has a reputation for being an honest judge, however.

Peony thinks that if you'd like to visit him or the machiner tomorrow, that's fine.

> Who visit first? Note that if you wish to be absorbed in a single task over a few days, requests for timeskip will be welcomed. Just say what you'd like to do, and for how long, and I'll figure if there's any sudden events occurring during the period.

rolled 66 = 66

>>18666790

Hmmm. I'm for devoting all our free time to finishing that bird first. And then maybe we can make other, more elaborate things.

Rolling for bird-making.

rolled 16 = 16

>>18666790

rolled 100 = 100

>>18666790
I want my burd

rolled 66 = 66

rollan!

we need to go and press the judge every day.

>>18666826
>100

Completed: Clockwork Bird Artificial Intelligence

>>18666826

You are the designated diceroller for today.

Also, so should we sneak out? I say we sneak out. Bodyguards are a pain.

>>18666878
I think we should decide where we're going first.

>>18666878
I don't see any reason to subject ourself to danger and not go out with guards.

>>18666826

> 2/9 progress complete!

Peony gets the slaves to fetch materials to your workshop, where you sit in the afternoon light, shaving, sawing and trimming.

You need to make all the parts first before you fit them together, and today - you don't know if it's the sun, the excitement from adventure, or something else - you are on a roll. The wood is yielding, and the metal seems just the right thickness - everything comes together properly. When Rose comes with tea and snacks, you don't hear her until she has called you four times.

> Eat snacks, or let her eat snacks?

By the time the light has faded too far for more work to be done, you have finished the wings and the main frame, as well as most of the parts in the movement. Best of all, they seem to fit together quite well. Things are going well.

Linden comes in the evening, as she said she would, and clears up the parts carefully while you look on. 'Where would you like to go this evening, then, sir?'

> Where go? Magistrate's, or go to town to see machiner, or just go to town and shop around?

>>18666963
Eat the snacks with her.

>>18666959

I think there is, though - going down as a formal occasion means we don't actually get any information-gathering done.

If we're aiming to be Littlefinger, we'd better be prepared to sneak around a lot...

>>18666963
Eat snacks.

I'd like to see a machiner today. Perhaps we should take the parts we have completed with us, as well as the designs, and acquire tips.

>>18666982
At least we should take one of our loyal men, just in case. We will all go in plain clothes then.

>>18666963
visit magistrate... if not that, then machiner

>>18667009

Maybe... Baseg?

Or, actually, let's bring one of the gate-guests! They might know people for our retinue.

>>18666963
Plain clothes, if we're feeling paranoid or going to hit a less reputable neighborhood bring a man with us also in plain clothes.

Visit the Magistrate, we don't want the details of this investigation to be lost and for this scumbag to walk free, or for the people above him to never get caught.

After that visit some machinists and if we have time left take Linden shopping.

You allow yourself to be interrupted, and drink some tea. That was a good call - the bitter fragrance is a good kick of motivation.

You also allow Rose to eat some of the steamed glutinous rice cakes, and she nibbles at them quietly, though she clearly relishes it.

> Waiting for more thoughts on evening, if any are forthcoming.

>>18667079
Would it be good form to bring a gift for the Premier Earl or Sagota or any of the other people we're going to eventually visit?

>>18667106

Oh yes, this.

Seriously, we also need some income. Let's spend some time thinking up income sources.

>>18667138
We do have a lot of land. Right now it's just occupied by farmers from which we collect a tax.

There might be a market for our mechanical creations.

We should really find out where are contemporaries get the majority of their cash.

>>18667009
>>18666982
>>18667054

'To the town,' you say, and Linden jumps. You are... not sure what she's so excited about.

'Wait, alone right, sir?'

'No, I don't want to get shanked. I'm bringing a guard. But we're all in plainclothes.' That drops her face somewhat. 'And before that, I'll have to go see the Magistrate. Make sure the case is going smoothly.'

'Good ol' lord Radase will have it in hand, sir, don't worry too much,' Linden chuckles.

>>18667009
>>18667054

With that, you head off with her in tow, going for the magistracy. The guards let you in without question. By now it is late afternoon, so you are sure Radase is back here - you've timed it properly, hitting the hour of quiet sobriety between his day's work and his nighttime tipples.

> Roll d100 for perception.

>>18667193

Well... conventionally it's mostly land taxes. Your land taxes pay for your guards and servants, but there's hardly any left over.

Alternatively, they can develop their land and hope it turns into a settlement. With trade and an increased population, your revenue flows naturally go up.

Or, you can sponsor caravans and long-range trading endeavours. Margade sits astride trade routes, and the merchants wouldn't mind a noble backing their ship or caravan - it does lend them that much more weight.

There could be other ways... rent-grabbing via securing privileges from the prince's purse, or even buying and owning businesses within Margade city, establishing yourself as a businessman. Basically, if it works in the modern day, and there's an analogue, it's possible. (So no derivatives trading, sadly.)

>>18667241

Spot!

rolled 9 = 9

>>18667313

Damnit. Spot!

>>18667274
>So no derivatives trading, sadly

I think we should avoid anything that might turn this into Spreadsheet Quest. Lord Quest suffered from much the same thing, and it didn't help matters.

My first instinct is to go for the caravans, and lead into developing the land.

rolled 86 = 86

>>18667336

Covering for this guy!

>>18667353

Caravans is a high-risk, high-reward thing. There's a hundred bad things can happen to traders out in the wild lands, or in another kingdom. But the amount of precious goods they bring back - I mean, have you ever seen six packmules weighed down with amber? Amazing times.

>>18667380

You cross the courtyard on your way to the office when suddenly you notice something - no, someone, moving from one building to another, visible through a side gate. It is limping quite visibly, and then you realise who you're looking at - it's one of the virgins you brought back.

Wait, why on earth is she limping?

You enter the office, and Radase is there with his flask of liquor beside him already. A little bit early today, but... he salutes you. 'Sir. I assume you have come to visit owing to the progress of the investigation?'

> What do/say?

>>18667454
The virgins are witnesses - Why would one be out and about? Wasn't someone assigned to protect them?

>>18667470

Ask this, and ask about the limping. Have they been beaten or something? We said no beating of the girls!

>>18667520
>>18667470

'Yes. But first of all, I saw someone walking around outside just now, and I am quite sure it was one of the virgin girls.'

'One of the- wait, the what, sir?'

'The witnesses.'

'Oh, the virgin girls, sir. Yes, they asked to be allowed some time to walk around every day, and I've granted it to them.'

'Yes? And have they been mistreated otherwise? That girl I saw was limping.'

'Limping, sir? No, that's not it... I have given instructions to treat them well! Perhaps she sprained her ankle or something?'

> What do/say?

>>18667637
'I should hope it is something so innocuous. I would like to examine the witnesses myself. Instructions given are not always followed, as I am sure a man of the law would know well.'

>>18667637

'I warn you, Magistrate, that if they have suffered injury they are to receive proper attention. I will hold you responsible otherwise.'

>>18667637
Virginity inspection!

>>18667749

.... no.

Injury inspection, though. Guard scolding time too, maybe.

>>18667728
>>18667671

'Sir, the witnesses are under the authority of the Chief Constable, and he has leave to bar visits... please be assured that if any of them are unfortunately injured, we will attend to them.'

He sounds a bit dishonest in his submissiveness - and also a bit puzzled, perhaps at how you are showing such care for a bunch of commoner girls. They are just commoners after all...

'In any case, sir, if we leave that aside for a moment, is there anything else you'd like to ask, or perhaps information to provide?'

> Press the point? Or ask about something else?

>>18667637
lets not freak out, there rural girls theres a decent chance there unfamiliar with the city and she simply steped on somthing or twisted her ancle. she was walking away alone , if there was trouble she would have likly shouted or at least been more unsteady

>>18667809
I don't see any legitimate reason for the Chief Constable to prevent us from visiting.

There's nothing specific I want to ask, I just want to get a general feel for what the Magistrate thinks of the case and the probable result. I'm particularly interested in how this will effect the Ahun and what they'll say about it.

>>18667809
We shouldn't continue pressing the point until we have spoken with the girl in question.

>>18667845
still we should have a quick check, we dragged them all the way here away from their homes and familys. were also dealing with people who have special boots for kicking slaves to death

> So, course of action: ask to speak with the girl?
> Also, general direction of investigation: how far do you want to seem interested in whether it reaches to higher levels?

>>18667878
1. Yes.
2. Medium level of concern. We're not nonchalant, and we're not prying.

>>18667878
not sure, how are such things usually handled?

>>18667918

i think we can safely ignore precedent. but lets not show our attitude too early.

>>18667878
Did he besmirch our honour by not properly looking after the girls we brought here?

>>18667933

Let's use that to threaten him. If he and the chief constabel don't let us talk, that is infringing on our honour.

>>18668026
Let's save the threats until we're actually prevented from seeing the witnesses.

>>18667900
>>18667933
>>18668026

'Magistrate, let me talk to the Chief Constable then.'

'Sir, I'm sure he is busy with his duties...'

'He will have time. I intend to see him.'

The magistrate quickly sends someone to fetch the Chief Constable, while you sit down and get him to talk about the case. 'Sir, you have indeed gathered a great lot of evidence. I am quite certain that, should these be measured properly and the truth of the case known, we can have the corrupt magistrate executed.'

'Good. But what if he is not the only one?'

'Well... sir, how do you mean?' You catch a flicker of concern in his face. Honest a judge as he is, the man is a scion of Ahun after all.

> What do/say, before Constable comes in?

Soon the Chief Constable comes in, and quickly leads you in to the apartment where the girls are kept. They get to their feet and greet you, and you soon find the one who was limping.

'What happened to you, girl? Tell me.'

'I... I...' she glances at the Constable. You have him leave the room, then squat down.

'You are safe. I will not allow you to come to harm. What happened to you?'

'I...' she looks like she's about to cry, then does. 'Sorry, sir, I am not used to a bed that sits about the ground, and I walked off it and twisted my ankle...'

> What do?

>>18668109

'I mean, do you think there are higher authorities commanding the magistrate to do what he did? It does not seem like a lone criminal did this.'

>>18668109

comfort the silly girl, ask if everyone else is being properly treated.

then let's go out to the town!

>>18668109
'I mean, what if the trail does not end at this particular breadcrumb? He could well have accomplices, perhaps of greater authority than himself.'

Ask if the girl's injury has been seen to.

>>18668109
She more or less our guest while she's here, so we should probably get some specialist to look at her ankle.

>>18668109
Separate her from the other girls and have Rose or Linden ask her gently.

I still don't think she's telling the truth.

>>18668207
>>18668193
>>18668215
>>18668210

> Magistrate:

'This trail...' the magistrate's brows furrow in thought for some moments. 'Pardon me, your lordship, but I do not think it goes that far. The magistrate is ruthless and unscrupulous, and with his actions has damaged the honour of House Ahun as well. I do not think the house would acquiesce in the crimes as were described...'

Meanwhile, the girl, choking back sobs, nods. 'Physician came, sir. Says it's fine now. I should just take it easy.' Then, clasping her hands, she blurts out, 'sir, when do we get to go home, sir?'

> What do/say?

>>18668262
The girls can go home once the case is over, right? Isn't that how it works?

>>18668249

Would you like to do this? You can get her to your apartments and to Rose if you'd like.

>>18668296
I agree with >>18668249

>>18668249
>>18668302
>>18668280

'I need your help to get the magistrate punished. Once the case is closed, I will send you home. But meanwhile I'd like to have my own people tend to you.'

Saying that, you hand her over to Linden to take back to the residence and to Rose. The Chief Constable looks at the two of you, but you only need to glance at him to preclude any protest. Soon Linden returns again, this time with a bodyguard dressed in merchant clothes - a clear hint.

> What do/say? After this you are probably going to town - it's almost evening now...

>>18668296
Just as easy to have Linden ask her, as she's with us already. Just need to make sure there's nothing dodgy going on.

>>18668357
>>a clear hint.

Eh?

If we go to town later, can we perhaps go pay visits to some of the merchants? Maybe over dinner we can talk business.

Also, what are the major guilds in the city?

>>18668362

Better to take her away, though. Maybe she does not feel safe where the constable is around, but our apartments are more secure.

Anyway, we need a show of strength to the magistrate - no fucking around is going to be tolerated.

>>18668262

Is the magistrate deliberately denying that the Ahun are linked?

Should we force the point on this?

>>18668368

That could be possible, though if you are going in plainclothes, you might want to bring something around certifying that you are indeed the earl.

As for guilds, the major guilds in the city are of the Carpenters, Masons, Longshoremen, Shipwrights and Silk-Weavers. These five guilds command a large portion of the labour force, especially the Longshoremen's Guild, whose members are all strong, hardy - and therefore dangerous - men.

>>18668366

Linden wants to go to town with you.

> Go now? Or anything else to do in the Palace?

> Also, is this the quiet time or something? Just wondering...

>>18668465
Let's head into town, we've tarried here long enough.

Just scope out the merchants' operations and see who is running a tight ship.

>>18668495

Second this. Maybe ask about at an inn.

>>18668474
Been busy, back now.

>>18668465
head to town

>>18668532
>>18668495

> Yay! The more the merrier.

You make to go to the main exit, but Linden quickly stops you. 'What're you doing, sir?'

'What? Going to town, like you've been nagging about all day.'

'Nono, we need to sneak out, sir. Over here.' She leads you on a circuitous route, stopping by your apartments so you can grab your badge of office, which leads to a small side gate behind your younger brother's apartments. You slip out, then take another walk, so that night has fallen by the time you reach the town gates, and you barely make it in before curfew.

The city is not unfamiliar to you, since you've spent your entire life in Raumar Palace, but tracing the route in your mind, you suddenly realise where you are. You must be in the northern half of the city, north of the Meridian Canal - in other words, the dodgy part of town.

'Do you know where we are, Linden?'

'I can walk these streets blind,' she smiles impishly. 'I was born here, remember?'

You then turn back and look at your bodyguard, who shrugs.

> What do/say?

>>18668613

'Where on earth do you intend to go?'

>>18668665
Yeah, this. We'll let it be her party tonight.

>>18668613

'Girl, you need to take us back to a safe part of the city now.'

We want to meet merchants, not get stabbed by ruffians.

>>18668710
it seems fairly clear that lindin wants to go out privately

>>18668613
Let Linden have her fun. She can decide where to go for now.

>>18668761
>>18668753
>>18668675
>>18668665

> You indulge your maid too much! Then again, she indulges you a fair bit too, every other evening...

'So, where on earth are we going?'

Linden, hand holding yours, takes you on a spinning tour through a series of malodorous, cramped streets and alleys. Some are lit with two or three torches, others are hardly lit at all - you can hear the squeaking of rats, the tapping sound of lizards, and it is only your desire to remain regally calm that keeps you from starting.

Every now and then you see flashes of people walking by that do make you start, but Linden pays them absolutely no heed. They, too, pay you very little attention. Once you run into what appears to be a street patrol, except they are not city guards - most likely private guards hired by the guilds, who could if they chose be quite violent towards trespassers. But they take a look at your nice clothes, shake their heads in slight puzzlement, and move on.

Finally you stop and tap Linden on the shoulder, and you stop under a torch. 'Oi. Where *are* we going?'

She fixes you with an innocent look. 'Going? I was going in circles. Just wanted to lose your bodyguard.' You look around you and he is indeed gone. 'I won't call you sir now, eh? Now, what would you like to do? Buy stuff, see some entertainment, or meet intriguing people? Or none of the above, in which case we find an inn?'

Mind, you can't tell if she's joking.

> What would you like to do?

>>18668839

I say... buy stuff. Then maybe see people. What people are those?

>>18668839
"I doubt I'll need additional entertainment, the evening is quite exciting as it is. How about we look around for something to buy? Meeting new people sounds good as well."

Looks like it's time for a shopping trip

>>18668839
>>I won't call you sir now, eh?

Overindulgence like this ought to be avoided in the future.

>>18668839
Losing our guard?
There was a reason why took a guard with us, what the hell?

>>18668936
yes

>>18668936
She kinda earned it for one night

>>18668936
>>18668915
>>18668896
>>18668889

'You will call me sir, still. I'm not an earl, but I'm your master.'

'If you say so, sir. Yes, sir. Of course, sir.' Grinning happily, Linden guides you down one straight route this time, until you reach a larger street. Then you turn a corner and blink; flanking the street on both sides is a whole sea of lights, small lamps and candles.

'What...'

'It's the night market, sir,' Linden says, already dragging you in. You sidestep some beggars and destitutes. 'See, every time the ships or caravans bring in some precious things, the good and very good things go south to the Southern Market. Then the average stuff goes to the Northern Market. And the very worst and very best? They come here.'

'Why the very best?'

'Some things are too good to be sold to big merchants! They'd hold down your prices. Or something like that.' She then points to a stall, selling what appears to be jewellery. 'Look, sir!'

> roll d100 for perception (with a deficit due to low light). If you'd like to look at other types of wares, there's practically everything on sale here it seems; just suggest and you will be brought there.

rolled 48 = 48

>>18668994
No, she didn't. She's our maid, dammit.

>>18669008
what do our lovely eyes see?

> It's not mechanically good or bad to impose discipline or overindulge your staff, by the way. But of course you will gain reputation as an indulgent master, or a strict one. So do keep that in mind.

It also occurs to you that the mechanical bird you are making could do with some ornamentation, for starters. And maybe storing up gifts in advance for the Great Summer Festival is a good idea too...

rolled 83 = 83

>>18669008
Perception!

>>18669025
She has proven loyal to us, intelligent, resourceful and got hurt while in our service.

I think rewarding her, so she'll continue doing that might be smart.

rolled 29 = 29

>>18668839

.... We must make sure the bodyguard is back in the palace when we are. Though he is armed, isn't he?

Also rollan! Perceive!

rolled 50 = 50

Actually, now that we're here, should we look into building a collection of something? That's good for reputation and artistic patronage and all that...

rolled 89 = 89

>>18669008
>> roll d100 for perception (with a deficit due to low light). If you'd like to look at other types of wares, there's practically everything on sale here it seems; just suggest and you will be brought there.

Perhaps an exceptional rapier?

>>18669026

You go over to the jewellery store, and Linden quickly goes to look at the earrings laid out on what looks like a washboard. You glance at that, and then turn your attention to the left.

'Wait.'

'Yes, sir?' A face emerges from the darkness. 'And lady?'

'Is this a sea pearl?' You hold up the small pendant, about the size of your thumb, and Linden's eyes widen. 'This is a pearl, isn't it?'

'Sea pearl, sir! Brought up the river, sir! 200 taels and you can have it!'

Mind, that is a steal compared to how things go at the Southern Market. But...

> What do/say?

>>18669129
Sweet. Can we determine it legibility? If we can, lets try to haggle the price down.

Also
>no awesome rapier ;_;

>>18669155

> The rapier roll was noted! Pearl first! Unless you want to abandon?

>>18669129
>But...
there's a good chance we'll be robbed at the next corner because we bought something so expensive, right?

>>18669064

this sounds like a good idea actually, just need specifics now. maybe paintings? calligraphy?

>>18669170
Investigate the pearl closely.

rolled 87 = 87

>>18669155

rollan for hagglan

>>18669179

This, then haggle.

>>18669172
Not unlikely

Maybe go look for a sword to buy first eh?

>>18669179
>>18669220

You pick up the pearl and look at it in the candlelight, as hard as you can. Yeah... you've seen plenty of pearls before and this one looks about legit.

>>18669189

> 87 vs. 14: Great Success!

'Two *hundred*? Really?'

'Sir, please, you have no idea how much trouble I went to to get that...'

You and Linden form a double team, though, and between your arguments and her cajoling the man is overwhelmed, and the price is driven down to 80.

> Roll d100 for perception.

rolled 14 = 14

>>18669253
Rolling to catch pickpocket

rolled 92 = 92

>>18669268
Rolling for Linden to catch pickpocket

rolled 10 = 10

Catching for pickpocket to roll

>>18669268

You feel what seems like fingers brushing across your sash, and quickly turn around, grabbing your purse as you do so. Purse is still here. Strings not cut. There is a soft increase in the shuffling around the area, as people dodge out of the way of your sudden movement.

'What's wrong, sir?' Linden turns to glance behind you...

>>18669278

... then glances back on a hunch. 'OI! That's not what we bought!'

'What? What do you mean that's not what you bought, lady? Don't malign me!'

Linden turns to you. 'I saw him swap it under the table, sir! He's fobbing a fake one off on us!'

> What do?

>>18669344
check, give meaningful<I will have you savagely beaten to death> look. with any luck we learnt a good one from our father

>>18669344
Inspect the pearl he's trying to cheat us with, point out flaws, point out how stupid trying to cheat a noble is

>>18669344

Check it. If it turns out to be fake, take the real one for free.

>>18669344
Walk away. Unless we already gave him money, in which case take our money back, then walk away.

>>18669401
>How to get kidnapped and ransomed for dummies:
>Go to market at night
>Find criminals
>Reveal noble status

>>18669411
Yeah, let's not mention that.

Where is the exceptional rapier we spotted previously, OP? Is it within reach?

>>18669405
This one.

Just leave. Don't keep dealing with scammers after getting scammed, we are liable to get shanked.

> 2 for check, 2 for go, calling vote time
> Also, yes, rapier is within reach, but it's not advisable really... go ahead though if you want

rolled 2 = 2

>>18669458
1= Check
2= Go

>>18669405
>>18669446
>>18669478

'Meh. I can't be bothered with you.' You don't know what people lurk in the night, and you don't know how you stand. You do know you are unarmed, with an unarmed maid. 'Let's go, Linden.'

'What? But sir, he's a fraud, and-'

'Shhhh.' You pull her away, sidestepping random trash and potholes until the commotion has died down. You can still hear the jeweller hurling insults at you guys, saying you're blaming innocent people, you horrible bastards.

> What do? Continue shopping? There's still the rapier, or if you'd like more jewellery...

>>18669522
Let's look at dat sword

>>18669522
>'What? But sir, he's a fraud, and-'

"And he's not worth getting a knive in your back for."

rolled 90 = 90

Rollan for jewellery.

We need to stock up, people, it's almost mating season.

>>18669538
>>18669546

Linden is still thinking to complain, but you look at her. 'So you want to get stabbed in the back for complaining about fraud?'

'What? No, sir...'

'Good. Because if you do, I'd have no one to put my tunic on for me.'

She giggles at the joke, and just then you spot yet another shop with several swords on a rack. You decide not to go back to where you saw that first sword, it being right next to the scammers.

And then you spot something that stops you in your tracks and makes you reach out for one of the swords, with a red leather scabbard. 'Sir? You interested in- woah!'

Going on your hunch, you draw the sword, then hurriedly point it downwards away from everyone. Then you look at the mark near the blade's base and blink. Is this really a Sumaskete sword?

> What do/say?

> Seem to be writing a lot slower tonight. Hope you guys don't mind.

>>18669660
Inspect the sword more closely. Act as if you aren't really interested or impressed and ask for a price.

>>18669660

Background information:

The Sumaskete are a family of blade-makers who are known for being itinerant smiths, travelling around your kingdom and others making fine swords. All their swords have a distinguishing mark, which is an orchid mark near the base of the blade.

These blades are hard to find, because they are hard to commission - few people can track these smiths down - and so they are accordingly precious. You know one of the Prince's gate-guests has one, and once he tested it by swinging at three slabs of wood - it went through two, and sank itself into the third.

>>18669723

Second this. Ask where he got this thing.

>>18669522
What?

Jeez, I get distracted for a while and you guys do this...
We could have used our position as earl to really, really great advantage here. Not saying to get him thrown into the dungeon, but that guy would have been forever under our leash.
Come on guys...

Also
>unarmed?
What he hell? First we lose the guard (seriously linden, what the fuck?) and now we aren't even armed?

>>18669660
>>18669731
Again. Verify if it's the real deal.
if it is, then lets try it out. Compare to our old weapon.

We are interested in buying it, let's hope that the merchant doesn't know what he really has in stock

>>18669756
>Jeez, I get distracted for a while and you guys do this...

I'm inclined to say "what, stop being idiots?" but that would be incredibly impolite, so I won't.

>>18669756
Alright goofus, what happens when the lone unarmed guy you tried to rip off at night tells you that his dad is rich and you'll be sorry?
If you said anything other than murder or kidnapping, you are wrong.

>>18669756
>>18669754
>>18669723

Of course, from the moment you took the sword from its rack, the patter had been going on. 'You got a good eye for things, sir, in the middle of the night, just look at that scabbard, sir, beautiful beautiful red leather, and that blade, it would cut water I tell you, sir-'

'Yes, yes. Where'd you get this thing?' You're saying this to buy time to remember something else you knew about Sumaskete swords and their authentication, as you stroke the narrow sword's tassels.

'This sword? Oh it's a long story, sir, long long story, I'm not sure-'

'I'll stop you when I'm bored. Start.'

'Well.' He swallowed. 'Well, it was a young man - almost a boy, really, sold it to me for cheap. He says his father made this sword, but then he says his mother's died, and his father's gone missing, and the city isn't safe anymore so he's going but they'll catch him with this sword and he's finished, and he sells it to me.' Then he realises what he's saying, and laughs awkwardly. 'Well, well, it sounds a bit cursed I guess, but it's a weapon, eh? Bit of curse on a weapon, makes it better for killing!'

> What do? Also, roll d100 for memory.

rolled 93 = 93

>>18669829
Ask somewhat unimpressed at the story, while we're giddy and excited as all fuck at the possibility of a Sumaskete.

Ask his price and haggle him down some, assuming it's authentic.

rolled 84 = 84

>>18669829
I like weapons that have a story. But this one's a bit too sad. I'm not sure if I should really buy this sword.

>>18669829
Sounds like stolen goods.

And while it would be fly as hell to have one of those swords, a lot of the status symbol value is lost if we didn't actually commission it for ourselves.

Let's get the price.

>>18669925
Left your trip on, I think?

>>18669925
ಠ_ಠ

>>18669817
I dunno. Bunch of stuff that doesn't involve a lowly peasant cussing us and we running away like dogs. Yeah, confronting him without guards or weapons would not be smart (I was not aware we went out without a weapon).
We could, of course, go get the nearest guards and come back.

I still find it stupid we went out in the night to the shady part of town without any kind of protection. You guys should stop playing a submissive doormat to Linden, she is our maid, not the queen of England.

>>18669950
>He wants to run to the guards because we almost fell for one of the oldest gypsy tricks in the book and we are the doormats

>>18669950
Have you ever spent a significant amount of time in a major city?

>>18669945
>>18669940

No, was discussing the thread with friends who contribute. (was asking them about possible quest hooks, since we've been wandering a bit). Copied the wrong bit of the convo in.

>>18669847

'Huh. That so.'

The change of your tone makes the man pause for a moment, looking at you. 'Is... anything the matter, sir?'

'No, not really. How much is this?'

'350 taels, sir.'

Bloody hell. And this time you can't rely on Linden either to help you with the haggling. At the same time, though, you recall the correct way to identify a Sumaskete by its tassels; pushing your fingers into two of the holes in the knots, you pull them hard - and the knot replicates itself, except twisted the other way. How swordsmiths came up with this, you have no clue.

> What do?

>>18670012
Pull dem knots.

Offer 275 if real.

Otherwise not interested.

>>18670012
How much is 350 taels, for a sword?

>>18670012
test sword, attempt to haggle down the price

>>18670012
Try to haggle him down, offer 250 taels, it's the best you can do for a sword of unknown origin that may or may be what it's markings say it is.

We'll hopefully be able to drag him down to 300 or less.

> Oh yeah, roll d100 for haggling if haggle. You will fight at a disadvantage since Linden doesn't know enough about swords and you're not that good at haggling.

rolled 2 = 2

>>18670065
Swords!

rolled 57 = 57

>>18670045
Rollan

rolled 98 = 98

>>18670040
Rolling then.

rolled 56 = 56

Haggle!

rolled 4 = 4

>>18670065
Trying my luck.

>>18669979
>>18670007

I live in fucking Moscow.
There's a difference between being a regular citizen and a fucking high-noble. If I was Vladimir Putin's son, going out incognito without protection for shit and giggles (something I would never do unless I was a clinically retarded imbecile), and some lowly gypsies tried to fleece me at a local bazaar and then insulted me, I would not let it stand.
Stop playing the character as if it is you transported there and start playing as a high-born noble with huge clout and power with attitude appropriate to the setting and time.

>He wants to run to the guards because we almost fell for one of the oldest gypsy tricks
You're the ones telling that we shat our pants because they might kidnap and rape us. Calling the guards in this situation is not retarded.

>>18670097

> I... no I shan't mention it.

98 - 20 vs. 36 = Success!

You test the knots once or twice more, while the man looks on, slightly confused. You then turn to him. 'I know this sword-maker. Their knots come undone if you pull them like this. But it's not a bad replica.'

'What? I'm not cheating you!'

'You're not cheating me!' Well, you know he doesn't know about the sword at all then. 'I'm just saying it's a pity it's not that swordmaker.'

Going from there, you proceed to talk him down to about 220, before you finally shrug and say that's acceptable. Then you take the sword, thank him, and get the hell out of there as fast as possible, grabbing Linden along.

> What do now?

>>18670143
>I live in fucking Moscow.
See, there's the problem. Whatever country our noble is living in, I'm pretty sure it can actually be called civilised.

>>18670151
Linden wanted us to meet... interesting people. Let's do that. Unless she wants to look at stuff.

>>18670143
>Implying guards

If there even were any around, we'd have to explain our whole 'sneak out of the castle with the maid and run into trouble in the bad part of town' deal eventually, and the amount of shit we'd get ourselves and Linden into would not be worth petty revenge on some common swindler.

>>18670143

Well... the day when we get a cellphone with our father the Prince's number in it, I'll tell you.

>>18670143
>Cannot into low key

You'd end up stabbed or under constant supervision for being an obnoxious cunt of a son. We are trying to maintain our reputation and we plan on creating and maintaining a network of secretive contacts. Making scenes in public and getting a reputation for sneaking around and being whiny is incredibly counter intuitive to our long term goals. Blowing our cover over nothing is stupid.

>>18670151
Get to a better part of town.

Guys, guys, relax.

What next? Linden sees you coming to her with your sword, and then she holds up what looks like a pendant.

'Eh?'

'Was three weeks' pay,' she says, 'got it down to one!'

> What do, then? Suggest or let Linden lead?

>>18670237
Let her lead, she did bring us to a place where we got a Sumaskate for pretty cheap.

However if she's getting a bit too crazy rein her in and hit up the nicer part of town.

>>18670237
Suggest better part of town, maybe some entertainment.

>>18670237
What is her pay anyway? What is the salary for our servants/retainers and so on. Also what is the salary for a standard maid, cook, scullery maid and so on?

I think we can relax a little now that we're armed. Lets let Linden lead.

>>18670237
Leave for better part of town, lets see what she bought on the way.

Also, any chance we can look for our bodyguard while heading to good part of town?

>Brought body guard on date.

Come on, really now?

>>18670177
>Whatever country our noble is living in, I'm pretty sure it can actually be called civilised.

What do you mean? Our father is/was a barbaric scum who reveled in unnecessary cruel violence and torture. One of our elder brothers is going in his footsteps. Couple of days ago we hunted people for sport. Etc, etc.
Please stop projecting. I never said this was a perfect place, but we don't have ministers openly riding on their limos and shooting pedestrians with live ammunition for fun.

>>18670179
Is he a common swindler or a kingpin who can easily kidnap and murder prince's son? Please make up your mind.

>>18670190
This is just stupid.

>>18670215
I don't think you people even understand what the fuck I'm complaining about. Where did I say about throwing a hissy fit and making a scene? I said we missed a chance to get this criminal (whoever he is) under our leash.
>we plan on creating and maintaining a network of secretive contacts
Yeah, exactly. And which kind of people work best underground? Criminals. This merchant might have had at least some interesting contacts.
>being whiny
People have murdered and tortured for far lesser reasons. I'm pretty damn sure not a single soul would call us whiny if we dealt with a lowly commoner who insulted us. Not saying that we should do that but please, be reasonable.

>>18670237
Weren't we planning on visiting machiner? Can we do that at this time of the day?

>>18670290
she's one of our maids, i think that, since we are nobility, we aren't supposed to be doing anything with her. that doesn't mean we won't be doing anything with her though...

>>18670305
Pretty easy to kidnap and murder anyone when you have even a single friend and a knife and they don't, prince's son or not.

What, specifically, is your proposed alternate course of action, what certain or likely benefit does it net us, and how does this benefit outweigh the detriment to our freedom and reputation that would result from it becoming public knowledge that we sneaked out at night with only a maid and managed to get into shit in the bad part of town?

>>18670280
>>18670259
>>18670225

'So how was it, sir?'

'Not bad. I got... this is a really good sword. But I was thinking if we could go back past the Meridian Canal.'

'Awww... why, sir? Are you all right, actually?' Her disappointment quickly gives way to concern.

'Well, I can actually see things while I'm there. What's good for entertainment in the south?'

'Expensive places... stage taverns, chess clubs, restaurants...' Then both your stomachs growl together. Oh. Oh yeah.

Unfortunately, you don't have any luck looking for your bodyguard; you hope he hasn't been made into mince and served in a broth or something, but Linden shrugs. 'He's in a safe part of town, sir. The guilds patrol that area. You can get away with fraud, but not robbery.'

Soon you reach the Meridian Canal - a great expanse of moonlit water, traversed by wooden arch bridges high enough to allow barges and lighters into the canal. On the south side of the city, lights are all ablaze, and as you cross you can hear the nightlife in action. Music from strings, horns and drums; chatter and cajoling and laughter; and the smell of food, which does not help anything.

> What do? Eat expensively, frugally, have a drink, play chess, listen to music, watch a cockfight or dogfight, other suggestions?

>>18670327
As stated in one of the previous threads, the servants are not usually of low birth, just lower birth than us.

Not to say I advocate marrying her or anything, I don't think he expects that and I don't think it would be wise politically. Just saying I doubt most people would cringe at a noble and a servant getting busy.

>>18670327

It's Linden. We started the quest getting out of bed with her. Not sure about dating though.

Maybe concubine material?

>>18670350
We eat expensively all the damn time.

Let's get something relatively cheap, a drink or two, and listen to some music.

>>18670350
>Nobles son can't stomach the low district.

Let's give Linden a treat and dine expensively. Let's also have a few drinks and listen to music.

>>18670350
Any chance we can go somewhere we can play chess (Or something) while eating?

Have some fun with our servant and relax for a bit

Get something to eat, buy a pet rabbit

>>18670350
Find a good, but not expensive restaurant, preferably on the waterfront or something like that. Have a nice dinner with Lin then go out and listen and dance to the music.

>>18670327
From what I can tell so far it's not out of the ordinary to have a physical relationship with your personal attendant, she isn't a commoner, sure she's a number of rungs below us but sex with your attendant isn't strange.

We're probably a lot closer and more romantic towards her than most are to their attendants, but I don't think anyone was planning on marrying her. It's completely politically unfeasible, but having her at attendant/mistress is unlikely to be looked at twice.

>>18670397

Second this. Then again, are we any good at chess?

>>18670347
Well, first of all. This is not going public. Why do you think so?
Because of the guards? Really? They are just guards, tell them to shut up and they will. We would only use them as a show of force. The merchant will not make a scene as soon as he realizes who he is dealing with.

Why would it hit our reputation that we went out in the night (if it comes out someway)? If we spin it right, it can be even used for our advantage. Like, we went out to check the city ourself, to see how the things REALLY are without the screen of our ministers and underlings who like to sugarcoat things. Or we could say that we are out on our own business and it required that we stay low-level. Or something else.

Plan of action? Simple, just go up to the man (with some force as back up) and tell him he fucked up. He fucked up good.... but we can make it better as long as he does something for us.
I mean, jeez, you guys keep saying how you want to be super manipulator with an extensive spy-network but you only keep thinking in brute, unsubtle thoughts. I thought it was already given that I never meant to go in guns blazing and that I meant using skullduggery, deceit and manipulation like... like an incompetent Lord Vetinari of sorts.
The fact that you immediately thought calling the guards meant burning down the market shows that you haven't yet gotten into manipulator mind-set. Guards can be used in variety of ways and not always as dumb brute force.

Anyway, lets drop this. No one seems to agree with me and I don't want to derail anymore. This has gone long enough already.

>>18670350
Eat moderately. Play chess.

>>18670420
>>18670430
>>18670397

This time you lead, from the experience of going out at daytime with some of your father's gate-guests. Turning along the waterfront road, you reach a restaurant advertising chess games in the open air.

'This?'

'Do I get to watch people playing, sir?' Linden plays chess like a blind man with no hands, but she loves watching - and actually has some insights while watching. 'May we?'

You enter the place and get ushered to the backyard, where you order some simple dishes. It's rather past the time to be playing chess at night, instead of going to dance and watch dogfights, and so the place has fallen rather quiet. You glance around the lit tables and see just a few people playing, mostly with the restaurant's chess girls.

> What do? Roll d100 for perception; or you can choose to play with a chess guy or girl.

Our GM should toss a throwaway email this way so I can discuss GMing with him in a non-public manner.

rolled 90 = 90

>>18670499
Always perception.

rolled 9 = 9

>>18670499
Ask her if she would like to have a friendly match with us or whether she would prefer to watch us vs on of their staff.

inb4 we get our asses kicked in chess

>>18670497
>Implying no witnesses
>Implying guards don't talk
>Implying random gypsy is worth our time

Anything we do involving guards at all will get back to Dad. They are his guards and not ours. This is not the type of thing Dad approves of. Random gypsy shopkeeper has already proven himself untrustworthy and has nothing to offer us. High risk, no reward, bad course of action. There will be better opportunities in the future.

>>18670430
We're an intellectual, educated noble, we probably are at least decent, a talented amateur at best. Against the old guy who lives in the chess place we'd get out asses handed to us, we might have a shot against the employees given that they aren't supposed to completely hand the customers their ass, but if playing seriously we would not do quite at well. Against other amateurs we'd probably have a decent shot.

>>18670523

> Well, granted, it's not really perception - don't really know the word for it. Recognition, I guess.

Sitting down, you look across the room and then spot someone at a distant table. He is sitting, flanked by two other men, all wearing pretty simple clothes; and facing them is a chess girl. Linden and you gaze on until, three or four moves later, the girl stands up and bows, and a round of drinks goes to them.

The person in the centre - isn't that Katesas, the balding bearded guy Zatin had recommended to you at the inn? You don't know who the other two are, though.

> What do? Approach, or just leave it?

>>18670597

> NB: If you approach him, a game with him or one of his mates is probably in the offing. It would be rather impolite to just talk in a chess restaurant.

rolled 22 = 22

>>18670597
Observe a bit more, then approach if there seems a good opportunity.

>>18670597
Approach if there is a good opportunity, greet them, talk some, prepare to have our ass handed to us on a silver platter.

>>18670597

Approach, and probably tell Linden a good game is in order.

>>18670673
>>18670629
>>18670620

You decide to go immediately, taking your cup of rather rough rice liquor along before they finish their round. 'A toast to Zatin's strategist friend?'

Katesas looks up. 'Why, if it isn't-' then, quickly, he notices your civilian clothes and the lack of guards around, and figures it out. 'My good acquaintance! You seem pretty well rested from your trip already, sir.'

'Sir? You're calling him sir? But you're a sir yourself.' The wavy-haired man sitting next to him looks up at you. 'So you're a sir's sir, sir. What sort of sir are you?'

'Cut the bullshit. This man's Geharo, and this here is Koisa.' Koisa is short, with unusually long arms, and makes no effort to hide his long, curved barbarian sword. Come think of it, did someone just call Katesas sir as if he was a noble? 'Would you... like to play, sir?'

Linden is already next to you. Then the trays of food are brought to your new table. You see a strange look of apprehension on the server's face.

> What do?

rolled 94 = 94

>>18670795
lets go for it!

Again, probably gonna get our ass kicked, but still nice to talk.

Remind Kateses that our previous offer is still up for conciderment, and that we would love to play either him or one of his friends.

We should probably warn him we aren't that good at this as we perhaps should be.

>>18670795
Play some chess. Remain aware of the world around us.

>>18670795
sure lets play a match. while setting up the game pieces, ask about the barbarian sword.

>>18670795
Take a seat, many sirs call each other sir, sir.

I would love a game, the sound thrashing you are going to give me will serve as a boon to my skills.

Can we recognize the country of origin of Koisa from his sword or other cues, if so politely greet him in a tongue he ought to recognize.

>>18670795

Wait. wait, wait. Geharo calls him sir, but he doesn't reply in kind. There's a rank difference here I think.

Is Katasa a noble?

> Or am I just paranoid?

>>18670795
Gonna need a quick rundown on who is supposed to call who sir in this setting.

>>18670841
>>18670839
>>18670837
>>18670831

'You know, Katesas, when Zatin introduced you to me, I did mean my offer seriously. If you'd consider it, I would be very pleased indeed.'

You say this as the board and the pieces are set up for a game of field-chess - your troops being on either side of the board. Your pleasure is increased by the fact that, earlier today, Baseg had gone through the accounts and figures you could actually get maybe 2 or 3 gate-guests - a good start for a proper retinue.

Katesas bows. 'Please be assured that I am considering it, sir.' Ignoring the fact that his two mates are now glancing between the two of you in confusion, he leans forward. 'When I said I had business in this city, actually, I was referring to here. And something else too, but... here.'

You ask Koisa about his curved sword, and he replies it is from the northeastern barbarians. They have excellent iron weapons, he says; he got this while wandering in the states farther up north.

And then, with a toast, the game begins. Linden is already staring at the board, almost hypnotised.

> What is your playing style? Play offensively? Defensively? Flexibly?

rolled 46 = 46

>>18670991
defensible, force mistakes when he tries to attack our iron wall!

>>18670991
Flexibly, try to lure him into overextending himself and then shifting into aggression.

>>18670991
Flexible and opportunistic. Don't be too afraid to trade pieces for position when the need arises.

>>18670916

> Sure thing.

The rules are quite simple. All non-nobles will call all nobles 'sir'. In this case the exact definition of non-noble also depends, since it's more a sliding scale of who is more removed from the last noble ancestor. But beyond three or four generations, you don't expect to be called sir anymore.

As for nobles, anyone above, or equal to, their rank is called sir. Therefore, as an Earl, you didn't need to call the Viscount of Ahun 'sir' - though, out of respect for his greater age, you might do so anyway.

Therefore, in this case, it appears that Katesas is a noble, whereas his friend Geharo isn't. Geharo probably isn't a lower ranked noble than Katesas; if Katesas was a Viscount, you'd damn well know about it.

>>18670991

Hmmm. Let's go with flexible. Lay some traps and see if he takes them.

>>18670991
Let's start with a defensive opening then shift into a flexible style to exploit any holes he leaves when he extends.

Make sure to keep Linden interested. In fact, I'd suggest later this evening paying her the balance on that trinket she bought, saying she should consider it a gift. We got a wonderful sword on a steal, possibly are going to make connections, and had a good time... plus whatever else lies ahead of us.

Or, hell, maybe buy her something else entirely. But one thing is for sure, going to the market with a lady -- especially when she shows you the way and saves you from fraud -- means you buy her a bauble.

>>18671014
>>18671034
>>18671050
>>18671079
>>18671091

> Flexible, leaning defensive: the Southern School Openings

You muster your strength and push it forward on the battlefield carefully - infantry and archers supporting each other, while the chariots and elephants bring up the rear. Twice you think you spot traps from Katesas meant to tear your position, but you desist; you are aiming to grab the centre, from which you can attack and defend with ease.

Pieces are exchanged, positions attacked and defended, and then about twenty moves in you blink. It appears that, with a stroke of your chariot, you can threaten one of his elephants *and* one of his chariots, while opening a path for advance down the right flank. He is concentrating his forces on your left, so this does not look like a trap.

> Go on the offensive? Or drag the game? Either way, roll d100. You have a considerable disadvantage against Katesas.

rolled 54 = 54

>>18671148
Take the opportunity

rolled 77 = 77

>>18671148
Go on the offensive, we might not get a chance like this later.

If we finish to early we can observe a game involving one or both of his friends and continue our conversation, unimpeded by us both focusing very intently on the game.

rolled 74 = 74

>>18671148
Go for it.

>>18671175

77 - 30 vs. 58 = Close failure

You move your chariot into position, and as you might have expected Katesas sacrifices his elephant, allowing your riders to move into the gap. Within six or seven moves, though, it becomes rather clear that you've made the mistake of overextending; Katesas was not laying a trap for your chariot, but for the solidity of your position. Soon his pieces overwhelm your centre piecemeal, and your general is forced to flee around the board.

'There is occasion yet for reverses,' Katesas says, as you look at the board with a bit of despair. He says it like he's already seen some way. Meanwhile you hear Koisa chatting with Linden; Linden, wild as she often seems, is very cautious around the man, skirting any talk of the palace or its politics. They do share a fascination for boat-spotting, it appears.

You look at the board again. Well, you'll be damned if you see a way out of this. You are two riders and an elephant down, not to mention your infantry formation having been devastated.

> Is it the wisdom to give up, or the spirit to fight on? Roll either way

rolled 21 = 21

>>18671271
Never give up, we may lose but if we just throw in the towel half way we'll never improve, learning to make the best of a bad situation is necessary both in chess and life.

We might just find the break we're looking for.

rolled 43 = 43

>>18671271
Rolling to take his general with a chariot when he opens the opportunity while chasing our king.

rolled 55 = 55

>>18671271
There's nothing to win by giving up. Continue the fight.

rolled 57 = 57

>>18671271
Give up. We're merely drawing out the inevitable.

rolled 94 = 94

>>18671271
Fight on!

rolled 37 = 37

Accepting you have lost but trying to make the best of the situation anyway is an excellent skill for a general. Fight on, attempting to turn it around since it's not like we can save the pieces to fight another day or anything.

rolled 2 = 2

>>18671365
This roll plox.

>>18671365

> What the...
> 94 - 40 vs. 43 = Close success!

You look up with a forced smile, then turn to look at Linden. She's not looking at her food, and so she raises a piece of ginger to her mouth only to spit it out when she bites on it.

They do say 'the greatest strategem is sometimes retreat', but you don't think this is one of those times. At first you don't actually see the path of reverse, but from your very first move after the pause Katesas has been looking rather surprised. Then, five moves later, you spot an opening; and three moves later you have taken one of his riders and pinned his chariot with your catapults. It's a hard slog from there, but - slowly and carefully - you spend twenty moves and end up cornering his general in a clearly untenable position, having clawed your way back to materiel superiority.

'Fantastic,' Katesas says, 'fantastic, sir, this is brilliant! I saw just two ways out of this, and you picked the second route - slower, but perhaps more exciting. As your maid can attest.' He resigns the game and salutes you. 'You are... perhaps you are so, yes,' he then says, audibly but softly.

You turn around and see Linden wiping soup off her chin; she must have spilled it somehow.

> What do/say?

rolled 95 = 95

>>18671470
I do believe we've secured ourselves a gate guest....

Ask about his noble origins. We need to know.

Also, be nice about the victory. It was actually hard-fought, after all.

>>18671470
Your praise does me honor, it was hard fought and my victory balanced on a razors edge for quite a while.

Politely turn the conversation to his rank as we never learned it.

Ask of his companions as we have never met them.

'If I may ask... what might I be, Katesas? That you were murmuring about?'

>>18671470
"It was a close game, and could easily have gone either way. I hope to play you again in the future... perhaps even at my residence, next time. Do consider it, I will bide for your reply but may only wait so long."

That way he will know we want him to join up but also understand that for a man of our rank and power there are ALWAYS other options and people trying for our favor so he should not consider too long.

Then let's go see some entertainment with Linden. We're near the waterfront, right? Are there any fireworks over the river or lake tonight? There was a banquet last night, after all.

Maybe we should ask him if we could maybe help him with his business here, before we go?

>>18671600
>>18671540
>>18671506

You beg off the praises that the three of them heap on you, with justification - the battle actually was hard fought, though you are quite sure Katesas did not yield an inch willingly to you. That says something, too, about his own backbone and spirit before a social superior.

How superior exactly, though... 'It has not escaped me that Koisa and Geharo repeatedly call you 'sir', Katesas, but you do not return the address. I was not told by Zatin that I was speaking to a nobleman.'

Katesas laughs, with a bitter edge to it, and then looks down. 'Yes... yes, sir, I am indeed a nobleman. Or at least I am the son of a nobleman. My father is the Baron of Sokori, Kamegra.'

You cannot help but sit up a little at that name. Kamegra was a barbarian chief's heir, from the eastern lands, who had fled to the kingdom when his family was slaughtered, and gained a Barony for his high birth and martial accomplishments. Under him, Sokori - a dirt-poor village with 25 households when he took over - had now become a northern trading town of 350 households, often visited by Hillmen for trade. You had thought the red tinge in Katesas' beard to be some odd dye, but this...

> What do/say?

>>18671540
We shouldn't bring up rank again at all. In time we will find out, but asking his will make other people curious about ours. And we don't want that right now.

>>18671699

Second this. Does his work have anything to do with his two mates? And who are those mates?

>>18671701
Tell him our offer stands and then be on our way. Find some music to listen to.

>>18671701
Interesting, I'm guessing that being of barbarian heritage is a bit of a social black mark.

Tell him that the offer stands regardless, we befriend men based on honor and skill not heritage.

Given that it's us, with our pretty obnoxious family and our love of foreign things, I don't think we care all that much about heritage, but the fact that his father turned a dirt poor village into a proper town speaks well of him.

Usually I'd advocate saying something in eastern to him but given that he seems a bit bitter about his lineage I'd steer clear of that for now.

Ask of his companions and his business here.

Actually, scratch that. I reconsidered. We're out for a night of pleasure. Ask him about his work and offer to lend some aid... later. Right now we're out on the town with our head attendant and river fireworks sound nice. And someone mentioned getting her a small present or something, or maybe paying for the one she bought. Couldn't hurt, considering she's proven her loyalty and wits already and we really really want our personal attendants to like us/not be spies.

>>18671841
>Tell him that the offer stands regardless, we befriend men based on honor and skill not heritage.
I really don't think we should say that.

Heritage is a big deal. We're not going to be raising up a bunch of commoner scum. Fortunately this man is nobility so we have a good chance to work with him here.

>>18671732
>>18671699
>>18671619

You don't ask him what he says you perhaps might be - it sounds almost condescending, coming from him. 'It has been a great pleasure playing with you. I hope I can play chess with you one day, soon - in my residence in the Palace.' Then you stand up. 'If I may say so, Katesas - the realm does not wait; opportunity may leave without return.'

Your words seem to stun Katesas, who looks up at you blankly, still held in salute. Then, before you can react, he shifts from his previous sitting position into a kneeling position, and falls upon the table. The other two men, seeing this, quickly follow.

'Sir!'

'Nono, don't...' You try to get them to recover, so as not to give you away.

'Sir. Our business lies, in fact, within this very city. It is indeed devious and unseemly for an inferior to ask the assistance of a superior, but...' Katesas bows again. 'If you would aid us, sir, in our plan, we will serve you forever, as hounds and hunting hawks if need be.'

Now it's your turn to be surprised. They're asking you a favour, before they join you? That's not... common. Then again, the reputation you could gain from this...

> What do/say?

>>18671884
Being somewhat unconventional has done us alright so far.

Let's see what they need.

>>18671884
Very well. Don't ask to hear it first, that's unseemly.

>>18671884
Sit back down.

Given your actions this is obviously of great import, I will aid you in any way I can.

What do you need my help for, what are you doing, what is the goal, what you need and what are the risks?

>head attendant
Is she? I mean, I like Linden the most so far don't get me wrong, but it seems like Peony might have a better personality for that. Maybe not, though. Linden is pretty smart and loyal, she could probably do a good job too.

Really, we need to see what Peony is like first before we appoint a household head. Especially since they're going to have to work well with any wife/wives we have in the future.

> Clarification, since as an Earl you would know this: the bitter edge in Katesas' voice is only partly due to his barbarian heritage, though the other part might well be also due to his barbarian roots. The reason his family is not a sworn house to your father is because Kamegra's barony is non-hereditary: once he passes away, he won't be able to make any of his children Baron.

> This is probably why Katesas is wandering, rather than staying in Sokori and being his very clever noble self.

> So consensus is: accept, and then leave? Maybe hear the plan another day?

>>18671946
Probably, we should keep Linden as our personal attendant, but for running a household we should probably have someone else and keep Linden with us.

>>18672047
Accept, see what the plan is and make our decision about leaving or not based on how time critical it is, but probably leave and get some music listening/dancing time in with Linden.

>>18672047
Say that we will hear their story on the morrow before we go hunting. I don't like writing blank checks.

Then again, we are an Earl. High nobility. I suppose it would be in character to just wave our hands and nod graciously.

Could go either way.

>>18672128
How about we smile and wave our hand graciously and tell them that we accept... provided it is a sound plan with worthy goals.

This of course forces them to come and tell us their plan later, and probably rethink it for any errors in the meantime. After all, we want to hear a sound plan with worthy goals. And they will of course tell us, because otherwise they would be admitting they had an unsound plan or unworthy goals.

Catch-22, and if we don't like what we're asked to do we can just say the plan isn't good enough. No loss of honor!

>>18672061

> All right.

You think about it for a while, looking at the three men trying to wipe their tears. Then you sit down again and nod.

'Tell me your business. And tell me your plan. I will assist you.'

The three of them salute you so deeply their heads hit the chess table. You turn around and see that the chess girls - a line of them, resting and chilling after a day and night of hard brainwork - have noticed you.

'Sir. We cannot speak of it here.' Katesas whispers. Then, in a loud voice, 'shall we go listen to some music?'

You agree, and are led out and along the Meridian Canal again, into the deafening din. You had no idea so many people were still up and about now when the moon is already high in the sky. At length you are led into a large, spacious tavern, where six men are playing lutes and horse-fiddles - a jaunty, high-spirited tune - while several young girls dance.

The waiter sits you down in a corner table, as per your request. Linden sidles up to you, then you realise it's to close the circle of conversation. Katesas begins.

> More incoming.

>>18672128
>>18672156

'Wait,' you hold up your hand. 'I will say this first. If your plan is in any way immoral, or improper, I will have nothing to do with it. If your goal is in any way immoral or unjust, I will have nothing to do with it either.'

'Yes, sir. We dare not ask you to bind yourself to agreement, sir.'

>'Wait,' you hold up your hand. 'I will say this first. If your plan is in any way immoral, or improper, I will have nothing to do with it. If your goal is in any way immoral or unjust, I will have nothing to do with it either.'
Just for the record, I don't think we really mind if it's immoral or unjust. I just threw that out there so that we had a way to weasel out of it if the plan was something like assassinating another Earl or anything equally retarded.

'Geharo here is from a family of farmers, living on the northeast edge of the East Lake. When he was a child, his father died, and his uncle married his mother, in order to provide for and protect the family. Yet, by his mother, the uncle bore two sons, and soon Geharo was seen as a nuisance, a bastard child.

'As a result his uncle drove him out of the household, and he wandered around for several years before returning home. He found out that in the meantime, his uncle had been enamoured of another woman, a dancing girl from the city. To free himself of obligation, he killed his own sons by Geharo's mother, and poisoned his wife before abandoning her; while she did not die, she became mute. Yet she managed to communicate to Geharo of what had happened.

'Geharo came to the city in order to track this uncle down, only to find out that he had also poisoned his former lover and, absconding with all the money from his lover's patrons, bought several businesses and shops around the city. He mistreats his workers and pays them miserably, and yet enriches himself ruthlessly. And he swore-'

'I swore,' Geharo cut in, 'I swore that if I had to die, my last breath should be drowning in my uncle's blood. That I would murder the beast myself.'

>>18672281
Ditto we cant be a good spymaster if we always play by the rules

>>18672304
we must first confirm that what they are saying is true.
If true, the guy dies

>>18672281

Well, we'll be our own judge of morality and propriety I guess. Not like they can say anything about it.

>>18672304

... Well, well. Revenge. That's glorious. But we are not killing anyone directly.

hmmm, we will have to poison him.

>>18672304
Hmmm. This sounds like it could be a very profitable venture. Since all the man's sons are dead, well, his property would then pass on to his wife... and since she's a woman it would go to the head of the household, namely Geharo. Who would no doubt be more than willing to let us claim dominion over the businesses as the noble patron.

Muhahah. Money!

>>18672373
Err, by dominion I mean of course we would provide the protection of our name and take a share of the profits of course. It would be bad form to steal all the businesses. Also managing them would be a lot of work, we would need someone to run them anyway. Geharo, assuming he can run them well, would be our man running them.

'There is... one complication with this plan, however,' Kasetes' voice returned to its usual calm tenor. 'That beast has everything he wants, except for two things. One, a proper wife, that would legitimise his standing within the city. Two, a post or position within the Convocation of Merchants, which would place him under Princely protection.

'We have to find ways to prevent him from doing this, and to weaken his hold on his estates, before we kill him. It would not do if his death would lead to the destitution of those people we are trying to help, or to disorder in the city.'

>>18672304
Horrible shaming might be a better alternative, we might offer. The worst kind, that you don't come back to town from.

Wait, um, so what exactly are we being asked to do here again? I mean, terrible story and the man needs arsenic in his belly, but where do we come in?

>>18672406
Yeah, this fucker deserves to die, assuming all you say is true, and for good or ill I trust you. I'd love to help in any way I can though I'd prefer to keep blood off my hands directly. This goes south and everything blows up in our face I will sadly have to never have met you.

Tell me what you know of his operations, daily schedule, restaurants he frequently frequents, where he lives and so on, who his businesses would fall to when he dies?

Poison is the preferable method of death though a "mugging" gone awry is also a possibility. Collect all the information you can on this should you not have it already?

We're going to have to ruin his standing first, maybe find a few bards, beggars, storytellers and get them to spread the rumor around to hurt his standing, frame or reveal some unlikable business dealings/practices to take out his position in the Convocation. Then we can kill him.

After we get details, plot a bit and promise to meet again tomorrow to put a complete plan together go out dancing with Linden, no reason some murder plotting should ruin a perfectly good evening.

>>18672417
Shaming then murder would be my vote. If he gets shamed that badly then nobody will care when he's murdered and Geharo would be double-happy.

>>18672444
>Yeah, this fucker deserves to die, assuming all you say is true, and for good or ill I trust you. I'd love to help in any way I can though I'd prefer to keep blood off my hands directly. This goes south and everything blows up in our face I will sadly have to never have met you.
My god anon, learn some subtlety.

>We're going to have to ruin his standing first, maybe find a few bards, beggars, storytellers and get them to spread the rumor around to hurt his standing, frame or reveal some unlikable business dealings/practices to take out his position in the Convocation. Then we can kill him.
That will hardly shame him. We're going to have to think up a real plan. I'm thinking, perhaps, have a servant go down and find a dockside whore, dress and pretty her up, get him in bed with her then do a big reveal. Perhaps using our status as Earl to introduce them at a party he is hosting and have the whore maneuver him into an extremely compromising position.

>After we get details, plot a bit and promise to meet again tomorrow
We're going hunting tomorrow, we have other connections to build. We're a busy guy.

>go out dancing with Linden, no reason some murder plotting should ruin a perfectly good evening.
I agree. Let's work out the exact details later.

> Seems like most people are for the plan, then?
> Also, his name is KATESAS. Sorry. I shall headwall in penance.

>>18672332
>>18672361
>>18672417
>>18672444
>>18672447

'I... will aid you. But what is the assistance you require of me?'

'Our plan is not quite ready yet, sir. But with your intelligence I'm sure you will have much to add to it.' Katesas nods. 'It would be good if we could seek another audience with you, sir, one of these days, to further discuss our plans.'

Meanwhile you can already think of many methods to foil someone's reputation in the city. But later. You nod. 'I will tell you a suitable time.'

The three men stand up and, hidden by the shadows, salute you again. 'I have borne this grudge for three years, helplessly,' Geharo says. 'I have tried the refuge of drink, of decadence - but now I must do this. And if you deign to assist us, sir, it will be done.'

'Farewell, sir,' Katesas and Koisa say. And with that the three of them leave the music house. Now there's just the two of you.

> What do?

>>18672577

> Also, apropos of nothing in particular, you now have 870 taels - 10 taels for the meal, and 220 taels for the sword. ARGH FINANCES

>>18672497
>whore plan
He's looking for a noble wife, so we could privately introduce him to said whore and tell him she's a noble lady of high birth. We don't want to be seen introducing them so this whole thing isn't associated with us. That means an excuse. We can say that we're looking to marry her off because we bedded her but don't want to marry her... however her family is too powerful for us to just dump her.

Now, he will bite that hook hard, I think. A noble family powerful enough to force an Earl to do things? Oh yeah, he'll want that, and he clearly doesn't care about chastity or anything.

Then once they're married all we will need to do is do a public reveal. Oh the shame, marrying a two cent whore that hundreds of sailors have had.

>>18672577
we are young, it is night time, and we have a beautiful woman at our side.

Spend some time with her

>>18672577
Well, not the turn I expected our evening to take, I'm sorry for interrupting our evening together, plotting justified murder always crops up at the most inconvenient times.

Shall we listen to the music and dance until we are exhausted, then return home and repeat the experience?

>>18672625
Well said. Buy her something pretty like jeweled hairpin or comb and then go dancing.

>>18672577
Can you talk for a bit about inheritance laws in the setting and how they might apply to this situation? I have to say, my initial plan for this would be to get a bottom-rung noblewoman working for us to marry the guy, then have him poisoned/murdered so that she inherits all his businesses, becoming a wealthy woman in her own right and owing it all to us, who thus controls all this man's ill-gotten wealth by proxy. But I have no idea if that could work.

>>18672644
Don't buy her gifts; we're already taking her out on our dime.

>>18672644
I don't know about the jeweled part. She's still our attendant rather than our wife or concubine, for which a gift set with jewels would be appropriate. Otherwise agreed.

>10 taels for the meal
My god, what were they serving?! Nectar and ambrosia?! You can buy a chunk of land for that, in an era when very few people were landowners!

> Dear god I love it when /tg/ starts putting plans together. This weekend is going to be bleddy fantastic.

>>18672625
>>18672636

You turn to Linden, who looks back at you dreamily, as if she's drunk. 'Hmmm, master?' She purrs.

'What say you we go get some nice jewellery for you, Linden, and then we do a bit of dancing?' Your train of speech and thought are interrupted by her lips for a few moments. 'Where was I? Oh, then we go back to the palace and dance a little more?'

'Hmmm, that sounds... oh wait.' She sits bolt upright. 'What's the time now? The servant gates get sealed at midnight. If we go through the main gate, then it's clear that you've sneaked out. Oh. Oh shit. Oh shit...' her hands grip yours as she starts to panic.

You can't say the panic is without justification; if there is any suspicion that she has led you astray, into unworthy pursuits, it's definitely the caning frame for her. At least.

> What do?

better hurry back to the palace if there is still time

if there isn't... well, who is guarding the servant entrance?

>>18672673
>Don't buy her gifts; we're already taking her out on our dime.
Actually, she's been spending her own money. All we've done is buy her a meal.

I think a gift is appropriate and warranted, myself. Also, girls are funny and use gifts as memory-storage items. A gift given after a fun evening is an investment that will pay for itself many times over during coming years in other ways. Also, she'll probably wear it around if it's something wearable like a dress or hairpin, which will make us seem more prestigious by proxy because our servants are well dressed.

>>18672695
Balls, see if anyone around us knows the time.

In the future make good friends with whoever keeps the servant gate, for when we want to come and go without having to use the main one.

Assuming we have plenty of time get a bit of dancing in, if we have very little time rush back, if we're already late spend some time dancing because it can't get worse, go back home and find an alternative entrance or fast talk the person who keeps the servant's gate.

>>18672715
We can spend the night in an Inn if we need to. A luxurious one, mind. It's not like we're constantly monitored.

>>18672715
>>18672738

The time at night is told by the Bell and Drum towers within the city. And... you are quite sure they've sounded the midnight roll.

At the same time, you prise Linden's fingers from your arm and look out along the Meridian Canal, and sure enough you see a group of guards patrolling. Since it can't be the evening or early night patrols, it would have to be the midnight patrol.

You're late.

Linden is trembling. 'Nonono. Wait. What do we do now?'

You pause to think. Well. You could either attempt to sneak past the gate, or simply give up and settle in the city. Either way you've got Linden, so your night is pretty much made...

> What do?

>>18672788
What time do the servant gates open in the morning?

I assume Rose knows what we are up to considering we saw her before we left. Hopefully she can cover for us if anyone comes calling early.

>>18672695
It's already probably fairly late. If we won't make it then don't try, no use crying over spilled milk.

You know, it could be that we can visit Lesin. Not actually visit him, of course, but we could send a runner to him with a note mentioning that we enjoyed his hospitality this evening, especially as it had gotten so late and we stayed over.

This would read 100% of a test to a cunning man like him, so he would back it fully if anything came up.

Then again, I am also a bit wary of asking someone we just met last night to vouch for us. An inn would be perfectly fine and then we could just shrug and say we went for an early morning walk tomorrow when we go back to the palace. Of course, Linden would need to sneak in.

But yeah, I hardly think us missing for one night is going to set off any alarms... as long as our guard doesn't act like an ass when he makes it back.

>>18672788
we could spend the night in an inn, but it would be better to stay someplace less public, ask linden if she knows any reliable we can stay with tonight.

Otherwise, look for an inn where we won't get noticed while remaining comforable

>>18672788
Well, we're already late so there is no point in rushing back.

Get some dancing and music listening in first.

After we're sweaty and exhausted find somewhere to stay in the city for the night. A decent inn that doesn't ask questions or somewhere that Linden knows.

We'll make up a story in the morning and sneak Linden in as well.

>>18672852

Second this. The Lesin plan could also work, but let's find somewhere and bed down first.

As long as Linden sneaks back in tomorrow before us then it will just be a case of Bored Nobleman Syndrome. We went out drinking with friends, or something, the guards won't care and will have seen it a million times.

The problem here is the thought that we were entranced by the wiles of a woman and led astray. As long as said woman is back inside when we get back then it can't have been her.

Reassure Linden that Rose and Peony will cover for us. Buy pretty bauble, make with enjoyable dancing, then find an inn we've never been to before (but not trashy, we have standards thanks) and make with the horizontal dancing.

> Also, when the autosage comes, if anyone doesn't yet use catalog, here's the link: http://catalog.neet.tv/tg/

Excellent, a bit of a thrill makes this night all the better.

On future outings we need to actually keep our guard with us. Ditching him and wandering around like this was pretty reckless. And if we can't trust our own guards to back us and protect us as we wander around breaking minor rules, then that shows an appalling deficiency in personnel that we need to have corrected as soon as possible.

>>18672852
>>18672886
>>18672898
>>18672902

'Oh dear, oh dear, look, sir, if I-'

You can't think of any other way to break her speeding chariot of thought either, so you kiss her, glad that your table is hidden in a corner. She quickly wraps her arms around your neck, and this goes on for quite a long while. By the time you pull away, she's a bit more composed already.

'Don't panic. We relax for tonight. Listen to music, stay in an inn. Then we get up before the pre-dawn hour, and sneak back in. It's the pre-dawn hour when the servant gate opens, right?'

'I... yes, that's it sir...'

'Are there any jewellers still open at this time, Linden?'

'I... don't think so, actually.'

'Then we listen to music and dance.'

So you do, Linden nestled in your arm as they play jaunty tunes, slow tunes, sad tunes. Then the dancing music starts up again, and you take Linden's hand and lead her out to the floor. They will never suspect a nobleman of doing this, dallying with a woman outside the social season; but since it is in public, you can only keep your urges within as the two of you circle, bow, and press against each other, moving closer then away, swirling round the clearing of the tavern.

> More to come.

>>18673048

By the time you finally come out of the tavern, sweaty and shivering in the sudden chill of the night, the midnight patrol is on its way back to barracks from the city's north.

'Don't... don't go near the canal... we'll fall inside and drown...' Linden is still skittish, and in the moonlight and torchlight her sweat glistens and glimmers. The two of you eventually stumble down the main street and find an inn with a double bed.

You slap down the money, then go upstairs. Turns out it's a great room, too; there's even a little balcony. After your customary room entrance embrace, Linden walks over there and looks up. 'The stars! Look at them!'

> What do?

>>18673106
Look at dem stars

... do I have to make a new thread? I'd rather not since I have to sleep soon, but...

>>18673106
Give her a tight embrace from behind and stare at the stars. Try to remember an appropriate bit of poetry for the situation. Something southern about how the beauty of the stars is incomparable to the warmth of the woman in your arms.

>>18673106
Pretty sure the stars should be looked at and pretty girls should be hugged and flirted with.

Too bad about the lack of gift. Maybe next time we take a trip into the city.

>>18673124
A new thread? Why? We're nowhere near hitting page 15.

>>18673106
Look at the stars. Then have sex, possibly while looking at the stars more.

>>18673158
>Too bad about the lack of gift. Maybe next time we take a trip into the city.
We're going hunting tomorrow, so we have to pass through the city. Grab her one of those long asian hair-needles made of jade or something while we're out and about.

>Look at the stars. Then have sex, possibly while looking at the stars more.
+1, sounds like a plan.

>>18673144
>>18673123

You approach her and wrap your arms around her frame. You think sturdy sounds like a very disparaging word to use, but you can't think of any better for Linden. She's a sturdy, strong woman. But now she hums and softens and leans back into you.

You recite to her the easterner poem, about the man who forsakes his lover to find the stars, but regrets it and goes back to her in the end. She plants kisses everywhere she can reach, and it's rather hard for you to remember the poem fully.

'That's a beautiful poem,' she murmurs when you're done. She leans back and starts working her robe, loosening it and opening it just a little. You can smell sweat and warmth drifting from her, and you know it's an invitation. Not that you needed one...

'I'll get you a gift next time,' you murmur.

'Save it for the noble ladies,' she replies.

> Looking at stars? Or on the bed? Or against the ceiling or something?

>>18673242
> Looking at stars?
Why not?

>>18673242
As interested as I am in the logistics of ceiling sex, I'm going to have to go with foreplay looking at the stars, it's romantic, and moving on to the bed for comfort and superior logistics.

rolled 75 = 75

>>18673278
I think pulleys would be involved, and leather straps.

>>18673293
We're a tinkerer, I think we might be able to pull this off with a bit of hard work and the right materials.

>>18673293

We're a tinkerer, I'm sure we can rig something up. Also, seconding for stars.

rolled 71 = 71

Can we add that to the task list? Invent a device to make ceiling sex possible...

>>18673175
>>18673237
>>18673263
>>18673278

> Stars.

You turn Linden around, and the two of you undress each other in what is by now a familiar drill. How long have the two of you been 'at it'? It couldn't have been more than a year. Actually less - about seven months. Linden embraces you and, looking upwards at the stars and the trails of the great sky rivers, you begin.

You would go on, if not for Linden suddenly gasping for you to stop. The two of you push at the railing, and the creaking is rather alarming indeed. 'Let's not... it's a three storey drop.'

'Point.' Congratulations, you are still capable of coherent thought. 'Bed, then?'

And you go on as you meant to. Linden's cries leave your right ear ringing, before you slump onto her. 'How are we going to... wake up... on time tomorrow? I don't want to get... caned.'

Well. You aren't sure either.

> Any last actions? Quest will end here otherwise. One plot hook, one new sword and a transgression of palace regulations - we're not doing too badly...

>>18673333

> You may. Might want to experiment with materials though.
> How promiscuous does Adrian intend to go anyway! I mean, I'm actually a bit surprised at our restraint (which is GOOD). Keep that up, with occasional exceptions.

>>18673242
>Looking at stars?
Sure, go for it. Something we can't normally do back at the palace.

And she does have a point about the gifts for noble ladies thing. We shouldn't splurge. Jade hairpin? Oh lawd, no. It would be sweet to get her a little something anyway, though, just because. I imagine we'll eventually give all of our attendants gifts at some point after an especially memorable event like saving our life or tonight. Gifts keep people loyal and keep people happy.

Also, I has question:
Where do our attendants and such rank on the beauty scale? From what I've seen so far it's Cloudberry >>> Peony > Linden = Rose?

Since we're on the subject anyway, I've seen anons mentioning concubines. Wouldn't a concubine need to be, you know, Cloudberry level or something? I think Linden, Rose, and Peony as attendants is probably fine and /tg/ is just jumping the gun like always.

Then again, I guess it all depends. But I'd like to see the noble ladies who come of age at the festival this year at least before we go making our attendants into anything else.

>>18673359
Inn doesn't do wakeup calls?

We need to get up pre-dawn, which we have usually been doing on our own anyway.

Does the balcony face East?

>>18673383
Probably not all that promiscuous, we are already gettin plenty and angling for a strategic marriage. Seems like anything more would be excessive.

>>18673359
>Well. You aren't sure either.
Maybe we should just keep having sex until dawn.

>>18673383
> How promiscuous does Adrian intend to go anyway!
I'm willing to have sex with any willing, reasonably attractive woman that we can rely upon not to betray us. That rules out anyone not working for or allied to us, which is the vast majority of the female population, but all servants, concubines, close political allies, anyone living on our lands, and I suppose if we get into business then anyone we financially control are all fair game.

>>18673359
I have no idea, try to sleep lightly and wake up first chance we get, keep the window open so the first sounds of wagons and the like on cobblestone wake us up.

>>18673383
I wasn't planning on going particularly out of my wake to acquire women, we're busy enough as it is between staying in peoples good graces, acquiring a retinue of extremely competent people, setting up a espionage empire, getting cash flow sources and doing more with our household and the land we have we're busy as all hell.

We'll have sex with our willing attendants and our future wife, when we find her, but I don't really have any plans other than that.

We get plenty from Lin and we've got priorities way above acquiring a harem.

>>18673383
I think he'll be a moderate playboy, but let's be honest here: if we're aiming to be a master of spies we can't just go around accepting hot gift girls from potential rivals. I mean, if she had been anything but a blatant test then sure... but it would have been the wrong move under the situation. And honestly, all those villager girls were commoners and none of them were particularly eye-catching.

In other words, a collector. A man of discerning taste, but nonetheless a healthy appetite. I'm anticipating two or three targets from the 4th of 5th, at least.

>>18673383
>How promiscuous does Adrian intend to go anyway
Fairly. I'm thinking a couple wives, a half dozen concubines, and plinking all his attendants too.

The problem is finding girls beautiful enough to be concubines and finding appropriate girls for marriages. Also avoiding razorblades when working with Peony.

>>18673410

Well... on the beauty scale, if there's such a thing, I'd say Cloudberry and Peony are on roughly one tier, and Linden and Rose sliiightly lower tier.

As for concubines, see the thing is that since concubine children tend not to be eligible for succession, the line is much less strict for concubines. You can take Linden as a concubine, for instance, that's probably not ideal but it is not by any means very transgressive.

In fact, someone of Cloudberry's level - If she was from a branch that's 'fallen off the tree', that could still mean her parents used to hold Baron rank - that's pretty much wife material. You wouldn't, since you're an earl; but a baron would gladly, and it would fit his station. This is why her being a servant girl is so surprising.

>>18673447
>I'm willing to have sex with any willing, reasonably attractive woman that we can rely upon not to betray us.
I'm with this anon, but I would also try to prefer noble blood if possible. We seem to be at least moderately elitist so far and I think that's a good way of staying in character.

Maybe actually kick it up to "quite attractive" woman rather than reasonably. We're an Earl after all, girls will be tripping over themselves for us.

rolled 47 = 47

>>18673383
I don't intend to vote very man-whorish.

Probably keep Linden on even after we get married as a consort. Marry someone nice. Keep Rose on for occasional banging. Peony is off limits unless she becomes interested. When we do marry some noble woman though she needs to be exceptionally beautiful, as I figure that's who we'll be banging daily, nightly, and ever so rightly.

>>18673476
Agreed, healthy paranoia concerning any woman who comes on to us, whose origins and motives we aren't sure of. If I was them I'd try to entice the young Earl with a pretty young thing.

Our harem plans are rather long term in scope and fall below setting up a solid power base, they also need to be pretty, educated, intelligent and competent and probably of decent social standing, this kinda limits our options.

Finding a wife is going to be even harder, similar lineage, intelligent, fine with us having a harem, competent, willing and able to help us with espionage and the like, and absurdly attractive, it's not going to be easy. Maybe Gesadag has an unmarried daughter that fulfills this criteria, he seems like a good sort to form an alliance with. A foreign princess also is a possibility.

Whatever happens in marital arrangements, gents and OP, please don't turn this into a harem quest. There's power needs grabbing, wealth needs earning and people needs bumping off.

Please remember to do those things as well.

>>18673608
You've got a different subset of /tg/ in this quest than in most.

Notice the complete lack of image replies in the last however many threads.

Shouldn't be an issue.

>>18673596
>they also need to be pretty, educated, intelligent and competent and probably of decent social standing, this kinda limits our options.
Exactly, that's why I am looking forward to the 4th of 5th. It will be a showcase of educated noble ladies who are coming of age. We could look for wife targets there. There might or might not be any, but there are almost assuredly some concubine targets. Like I said, three or four potentials would probably be about average. Then that will be one or two actual concubines per year, starting this one.

Speaking of which, we do need to pick up a jade/jeweled hairpin or trinket or something. Several actually, if we're going to be concubine hunting soon.

>>18673608
Because of the setting a Harem will happen, but it will be more of a "Well, yeah, of course you have one." deal rather than the focus of the quest. I mean, just look at this thread: Deviousness is afoot already!

> gents and OP
... not quite sure what to make of this.

Anyway, though, I'm off to bed now. We have a revenge - REVENGE - to plan. Feel free to put down any plans and thoughts you might have here, as well as anything needs saying or doing for Lesin for the next day.

Goodnight, you guys have been awesome, and remember the twitter channel: https://twitter.com/#!/CirrusandN

Wouldn't want to miss out on having the oldtimers!

rolled 30 = 30

Mind if I ask where the wiki is?

>>18673596
>similar lineage
Yeah, but mind you she will probably just be a token to seal a political alliance with her father
>intelligent
Yes, that's priority one behind good breeding
>fine with us having a harem
Any high-noble wife would be in ancient china, I imagine >competent
I sure hope so... but once again, other things take precedence
>willing and able to help us with espionage and the like
That's stretching
>and absurdly attractive
I admit, this is probably going to be a priority right after breeding, and just before intelligence. If she's stupid and incompetent we can always just not include her in planning. If she's ugly, well, it will be hard to stomach making heirs when we have a harem of beautiful concubines.

>>18673759

http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/NoblemanQuest_Wiki

I'll try to fill gaps in as best as I can. You can read some background info on people you haven't met yet, though as the earl you would know them.

This is becoming quite a bit of fun.

>>18673782
I admit I was aiming high, this is a best case scenario. Looking at the wiki, Gesadag has a 15 year old daughter who is going to be presented at the great summer festival.

We're going to want to look into that rather seriously and spend some time getting on good terms with Gesadag, which shouldn't be too hard as from the message he sent through Cloudberry he seems to like us.

>>18673808
I have a question about our uncles. Since they are probably the most currently powerful nobles (or at least among them) do they have any daughters that meet our criterion? Cousins were very much in-bounds for marriage, setting-wise, and there is likely a lot of power to be had there if they do.

rolled 62 = 62

>>18673808
What happens if we marry up? Like if we married a Princess, unlikely though that may be.

>>18673961
Oh, also how common is marriage between princedoms? As in, finding another prince's daughter (therefore equal to our station) to marry?

>>18673447
>how will we wake up
We need sleep because we are going hunting tomorrow. Tell Linden that she will stay up until morning then, after we sneak back in, we'll give her the day off to catch her zzz's. We need to be rested for the hunt, though.