> Bloody thing appears to be auto-autosaging. New attempt.

> Twitter channel for announcement of times here: https://twitter.com/#!/CirrusandN
> Game Wikia here: http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/NoblemanQuest_Wiki
> Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Nobleman%20Quest

The bath water is warm, and Orchid doesn't spare any effort in taking care of you this time, her hands running over your shoulders, kneading your neck, loosening your arms. It helps that her arms are themselves bared, her sleeves rolled up.

'Your lordship, it's half an hour past dawn now,' Peony's voice comes from the door. Seriously, you do wonder if any of your siblings or cousins have their servants talk to them like that. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? 'If we're to make the Lake Lodge by noon...'

> What do/say?

Stuff to do for today:

> Hold Lake Lodge meeting with the Immigrant merchants
> Hold hearings in Palace, today or tomorrow, with shopkeepers and normal city folk
> Convocation meeting is in 2 days; Dad comes back from hunting in 4 days; Great Summer Festival begins in 5 days.

We wanted to get news from the Blues, and see if the palace burned down under Imian's purview.

Also, I was thinking about the White's canal-building appointment. There was that canal-planning guy we met, Asdimar. Maybe he has some insight as to the nature of the project. Maybe we should invite him to stop by during the hearings. Even if he doesn't know anything, he sounds like a cool guy, and he'd be a fool to refuse our invitation.

>>19115611

Yep, let's get out of the bath and hear that news. We rolled like 85 or something, let's hope it's good.

>>19115588
Of course Peony. Pull ourself out of the bath with regret that we can't stay in all day. Give Orchid a kiss and get dressed.

We need our open air bath, we should put that on a reasonably high priority.

When are we likely to get back from the Lake Lodge meeting?

Depending on the news, we should consider meeting with the Blues.

Should go without saying, but we currently have some money-making irons in the fire, and updates on those would be good.

The ones I'm thinking of are
-Ula's shop
-Teashop on Sadereg's property
-Slave trader guy
-Summons to the Hill-people for mining dispute

>>19115617
>>19115611

'Yes, yes, Peony.' You get out of the bath and Orchid helps you get dressed, bumping you gently as she ties the back of your sash. You can't help but lean down and kiss her forehead.

Then it's back to work again. As you walk out into the room, Peony briefs you. Naimir has sent his guest list; besides him, there are also going to be four other Immigrant merchant representatives. They say they wish to put forward a new plan, and hope for your lordship's active support.

'So they want me to do something.'

'Yes, sir. And the bunch yesterday...'

'Wanted me to do nothing.' You know which is easier, of course. But you wonder which would be more profitable.

Walking out of the room dressed and ready to go, you run into Sadereg and Linden. Linden asks you who you'd like to take along on your excursion. 'Sana's going...'

'Use my flower name, Linden,' Peony sighs.

'Peony's going, so there's space for two more on the coach, sir. Mister Sadereg will ride, naturally.'

'Yes. Now, regarding the Blues, sir.' Sadereg opens a piece of paper with unintelligible scrawl written over it. A good calligrapher he is not. 'They've been talking about a particular temple in Margade. A big one, the Temple of the River King.'

'Oh. Oh that is a *big* one.' Given how many sailors who ply the River Fisewa end up at Margade, that place is full of offerings from successful voyages over the decades. 'What about it?'

'I'm not sure, sir. They just say that something will be happening to that Temple by the first harvest-' that's in a month and a half - 'and they'll have to take advantage. There was also something about the Greens. Something about forcing them to heel, once and for all.'

'I- what?' You pause and think through this. Now this could be serious.

> What do/say? Who bring along?

>>19115699
>>19115669

Do you want to get Baseg to move the slaves on the open-air bath? There's a pavilion out back which is partially built, and you suspect it could be turned into a nice pleasure garden/bathing pool thing.

You do wonder when you'll get back from the meeting. Depends when you get there, probably. It would probably be a lunch meeting, but the transit time means you'll get back by afternoon at the earliest.

As for the money-making fires, the teahouse is going on well, and the letter of approval for shipping slaves has been sent out. Peony has sent for payment to be given.

> Your money: 1,160 taels (after 10 taels' daily wage to Sadereg)

>>19115708

Take Linden and Orchid, get Rose to take care of the household in the meantime. She's a veteran, we can trust her.

If the Blues are going to be taking over the Greens somehow, that would unbalance the entire city. We'll really have to do something about it. Maybe ask if the other two cooperatives know as well?

>flower name
I'm not sure how to interpret that. I thought the flower names were their real names! But now it's like the world is closing in on me and revealing that it's been playing me for a fool all along! Existential crisis is the only logical solution. (Apparently, their real names are on the wiki. What's the story behind that, anyway?)

But seriously: I don't care much for the open-air bath thing now. Maybe later. Besides, I'm also getting the feeling that while we can fool around with servant girls all we want behind closed doors, if word gets out it will be another "gotcha" for being too sloppy in too public a place. Voting for a postponement.

Who to bring, who to bring... I'm thinking Rose and Orchid. Not partial to Rose coming along, but Linden would probably be better left here to be in charge. I'm wanting to put on a more regal atmosphere for the meeting.

>>19115837

I don't think the open air bath is actually public? Well if it's public I agree with this anon, but if it's in our back garden with walls and all then I'm fine with building it.

>>19115860
We got more important things to worry about the open air bath thing can wait

>>19115860
>>19115837

Oh, the pavilion out back is in your own garden, surrounded by your compound's walls. It was once meant to be a garden for you as a kid, but someone ran out of money or interest or something... well, there you are.

You walk down to the carriage while receiving everyone's salutes and greetings, and then pick Rose and Orchid to go with you. 'Linden, you're the important person today. Stay back, do more research on the Blues, and keep everyone in line.'

'Definitely, sir.' She sounds more serious now, though she has a little naughty smirk on her face. You see that the carriage is already waiting for you outside, and the attendants have all moved towards it. So you turn and give Linden a quick peck on her lips.

Sadereg leads your bodyguards, and then you realise that a few more have come. 'Sir, we're from the entourage of the Palace Guard's captain. He has heard about your trip and, according to protocol, you ought to have at least twelve guards. So he's sent us to reinforce your retinue, sir, if you wish for us to do so.'

Reinforcements... that's nice for looking regal. But they're not your men...

> What do/say?
> Also, you must say, you're a little bit disappointed at how the localist merchants haven't really given you much gifts. They've given enough to cover the cost of yesterday's food and entertainment, but still...

>>19115887

At the rate we're going (finish a thing, get three other things to do), it'll be just like that vacation we keep wanting to take: something we keep talking about but never get around to doing.

And I'm OK with that.

It doesn't actually need to be a big deal, just do it off-screen whenever we have resources open.

>>19115918

Oh, also, whatever your choice wrt the extra bodyguards, you may choose the route to the Lake Lodge.

> The long route: goes round the north gate of the Palace, via several small villages, doesn't go through Margade. Long and remote, roads are bad, but less traffic. Roll d100 for this choice.

> The shortcut: East Gate, Margade, pop out north of it and the Lodge is half an hour off from there. You might choose to do some stuff while you're in Margade, if you wish - you'll be passing through Red, Blue, *and* Green territory. But traffic can be rubbish. Roll 2d100 for this choice.

>>19115929

... the post's gone, I didn't see it. What was it talking about?

>>But now it's like the world is closing in on me and revealing that it's been playing me for a fool all along
i know that feel, it struck me too a minute ago

>>if word gets out it will be another "gotcha" for being too sloppy in too public a place
Second this. As mentioned earlier, being fucked by an handsome Earl is a privilege for most non-nobles here. We should be more cautious with such things.

>>19115960
It was about the open air bath thing. It was about us having no cash and having bigger things to worry about. That's all

Also, oh yes, about the flower names. They're partly aesthetic, of course. But they're also professional names used by attendants, since most of them won't be attendants all their lives.

So if/when they leave service and get married, it's often wise to put a little distance between the name they went by while serving a master, and the name they go by in their own lives. It gives them (and you) a bit more security, and in any case it's nice to have girls named after flowers in your household.

did we ever do anything for those guys that wanted protection for that list of names and political factions ?

>>19116009

I think last night we asked both the reds and the whites to help, and they've agreed. So that's settled.

Ula's shop is also settled, right?

>>19115918
Oh, brother, ever so blunt as always. I could get used to the bluntness, actually.

I wouldn't object to taking them, as long as we have them and Sadereg "wait outside," so to speak, so that we may have privacy. I want to have retroactively brought our sweet-ass sword, if that would be appropriate. If the individuals we're meeting with are all unarmed, that means we're more or less safe and there's no need for guards inside the building.

That said, try to barter it down to something like four guards: doesn't the palace need you more? Is the city in such a wretched state that I need a large retinue? Tis but a short janut, I'll only be out for a while; the Fourth Earl is ever so cautious and protective of me. I have Sadereg.

Basically, don't "breach protocol" for no reason at all.

Also, I vote for scenic (long) route. Give us a chance to look at the smaller villages as well.

>>19116009
>>19116033
The issue is that both of those guys that asked for protection belong to different factions, so neither the Reds nor Whites want to get involved in protection detail. It was also suggested that they wanted some other kind of protection.

Sadereg was to be the first one on security detail there, but obviously it'll have to wait for a day, I guess.

>>19116033
Oh snap, we asked Reds and they told us to ask Whites, but we forgot to ask Whites with all those talks about plots.

>>19116038

second scenic route.
is the guard captain under fourth brother, though? might be someone else.
does anyone want us dead in particular now?

>>19116069
We were covertly threatened by the localist merchants last night, and got a chipped dagger from what appeared to be an assassin-girl masquerading as a gift from the Whites, representing incoming violence.

We haven't done anything to warrant it yet, but those are clearly signs of "don't fuck up."

Those merchants are Reds, but there was something by someones son being hostage or something like that.

I'd vote to go trough city. Long rout is too suspicious.

>>19116009
>>19116033
>>19116038
>>19116064
>>19116067
>>19116069

Ula's shop is settled, yes, and Merigo/Utigo's business protection also appears to be settled. Since you doubt either of them will change their cooperative membership, you just ask for the cooperatives to guard their own men, or maybe get a few wandering swordsmen to do so.

Heck, you might even get to have some of those men recommended to you later on, like Sadereg.

Meanwhile, you talk to the guards and manage to get it down to four. You therefore have eight guards in all, not including Sadereg. You do also have your Sumaskete sword sitting on your lap; Orchid is fascinated by its bright red scabbard.

As for the plots, you did ask Saruseg, the White representative. He says it's normal for such rumours to fly around before big festivals, and you do have to admit he's got a point. Nonetheless, you've also thought of a few possibilities for bigger trouble round the festival (see the last bit of previous thread) and if any of those do worry you more, maybe you need to take action. Or get someone else, maybe Imian, to take action.

> Anything else to do/say before setting off? Also, roll d100 for the scenic route.

>>19116104

Is this about Merigo and Utigo? Well, it's more that the father is a Red and the son is a White, and they're facing serious competition - including armed presences - from other taverns.

Come think of it - something clicks about that. You've been wondering why the immigrant community's been doing so well at business. Well, if it's cleverness and hard work, that's all fine and good; but surely it's not by armed competition and organised crime backers...?

Now that would be a whole new level of trouble for the city if true...

rolled 39 = 39

>>19116136
Rolling Time to my heart into this dice roll

>>19116125
Is it? We just want to avoid traffic during a busy time in the city.

rolled 27 = 27

>>19116136

Roll for long route!

rolled 53 = 53

I don't know if I can abide organized crime. Unless we were the one in charge of it.

>>19116178
That's not crime. That is unregistered business ventures

>>19116178
>>I don't know if I can abide organized crime. Unless we were the one in charge of it.
How feudal noble of you.

>>19116166
>>19116171
>>19116199
>>19116194
>>19116178

> So, to confirm - all preparations done, ready to go out now?

>>19116227
Da, we are ready

Pretty sure we're ready, unless there was something we forgot to do.

The notice about hearings will be circulated? Starting tomorrow, probably. May not have time today.

oh shit, we forgot to bring gifts

>>19116285
You mean our mere presence is not gift enough?

What about our swag?

>>19116285
Those merchants better bring some gifts for us, not expect them from us.

All righty then. You set off out of the palace, and along the way you run into some of the guests from last night, being escorted out of the gates. There are several scores of them, and you bet there are even more still not awake or something, somewhere within the palace.

Seriously, security needs to be tightened round here, you think. Soon you are out the palace's north gate, and before you stretch the slopes of Raumar, the legendary hill. To your right run the grey and yellow walls of Margade.

You have decided not to make a big fuss of your travelling through the area, so you sneak through, but ten horsemen and a large carriage are still going to attract attention. At the first hamlet you pass, a gawping crowd receives you; the second one has another gawping crowd. At the third, though - a larger village, with a wall around it - they close their gates the moment they see you.

You could go around, of course - the road leads that way - but what the hell? Peony says this village fortified itself after some raids by bandits and Hillmen, and that they have a teahouse inside. Oh yeah. You haven't actually had breakfast, and while food's been brought along, it'd be nice to sit down and have it...

> What do?

>>19116199
>>19116194
>>19116178

Well, being an earl in a society like this, you are pretty much the law.

>>19116306
>>19116322
wasn't the whole reason we have a bunch of gems and stuff so that we could hand them out to people?

I'd rather not get in trouble for embezzling. Imian could get away with it, we probably can't.

>>19116285
>>19116306
>>19116322

The Prince of Mar owns that particular lake lodge, so as the host you have no need to bring gifts.

>>19116253

Linden and Lavender have done the circulation and selected some of the shopkeepers. They're ready, whether today or tomorrow, so no worries.

>>19116325
Ask what the holdup is, reveal ourselves if necessary.

also, grab a bite to eat

>>19116325
Have one of the guards we got from Imian present ourselves as the third Earl.

Have breakfast there if we have time.

Villages look like villages? Nothing too crazy about them? Dead people in the streets?

alright we cleared those two guys for that faction list.
what are we going to do about that guy that wants revenge? seems like we just keep pushing it off, we should take care of that so we can get our new gate guard guys from it.

>>19116346
Yes, to give them to people. But not to everyone only to those ho done us a favor or from hum we want a favor or to get on they good side.. Those merchants want favors from us so that's not the case to give them presents.

>>19116385

I thought we were waiting to get more info about the Convocation before we moved.
Also, we asked Ula to bring us a pretty girl we could pass off as noble and 'marry' to that man. Is she on that?

>>19116384
>>19116365

Given that the village closed its doors *after* seeing you, this sounds a little like a personal affront. You tell Sadereg to lead guards up and ask nicely for entry, but a few moments later he comes back, wiping something out of his eye.

'What happened to your eye?'

'Sweet potato skin, sir. They were lobbing them at us.'

> Seriously! What do? Confront them personally?

As for Katesas' plan, you've asked them to go gather more information on Beribo's dealings... but they haven't reported back after, what, three days now?

That might warrant some checking out, actually. You don't think Katesas is dumb enough to get caught, but after all Beribo is known to have a smart man on his side as well...

> Come think of it - would Adrian hire as a gate-guest someone who once fought against him? If he is truly talented?

>>19116460

Damnit. Get out, get on a guard's horse. Have Sadereg hail us, and that if they don't open their gates, there will be consequences.

>>19116460
Ask them the meaning of this, but don't get stabbed or shot. That would be unfortunate.

Hiring someone we fought against... maybe, only if that individual was always sent on the worst possible missions, and did not switch masters frequently. A spy network has no place for moles or people who can be easily bought.

>>19116496

They don't have to be spies, though. I think if it's an advisor or consultant, it would be good to recruit them. Provided we can judge their loyalty, that is.

Also, go and confront the damned rural folk.

>>would Adrian hire as a gate-guest someone who once fought against him?
That depends on why he fought against us and why he decided to switch sides.

>>19116517
>>19116496
>>19116490

You get a guard over and ask him what's happened.

'Sir, it appears they are suspicious of us and think we just want to enter the village and take it by storm. I've heard them yelling things like 'you won't fool us this time!' from behind the wall.'

You sigh and get the guard to lend you his horse, and then get Sadereg to announce your presence again. As you ride up, you narrowly dodge an egg, but then your demeanour soon gets them to quieten down.

'Villagers! I am the Third Earl of Mar! I am here seeking rest for a short while! I would appreciate it if you let us in, but if you dare pelt your lord and master, you will face the consequences!'

There is a moment of hesitation before the gate opens. Soon after that, all of you are in the teahouse, and you munch away at the stuffed meat and vegetable buns that you've brought along for breakfast. Good stuff as always.

Naturally, you are the talk of the village now, and everyone is gathering outside in gawping crowd mode. The guards keep watch, but don't keep them at bay. You listen to some of their complaints, one of which included that raid.

'The bandits came in a carriage! Riding horses, wearing armour! And we thought they were from the Palace, and opened the door...' a man explains, while several men and women sob behind. 'Those sobbing ones, some had their children or their livestock taken away...'

At the same time, a herald from the lake lodge has arrived. 'Your lordship! The merchants have arrived at the lodge, and have been housed, pending your arrival.'

'Excellent.'

> What do/say?
> Also, roll d100.

>>19116530

True that. Also, be careful with the pheasants. We're now in caring master mode, it appears.

rolled 85 = 85

>>19116612
We should look into this after we deal with the matter at hand

Caring master mode indeed.

Ask them if they have reported the matter to the palace. If not, why not.

Try to get across that we don't particularly like bandits. Make no promises, but sound concerned.

That's some shit going on right beside the city walls, armed men riding in carriages, better investigate that after the meeting. What they are going to loot next, our palace?

>>19116612
obviously we should solve this problem like we did with those girl kidnapping bandits we took out.

umm, can we take care of the merchants first, quickly then return with a small retinue of soldiers or something, maybe the mercenaries we fought with before?

>>19116634
>>19116657
>>19116690

You're damn right it's happening close to the city walls. When asked why there was no report, the man shrugged.

'Sir, we could report it to the Margade Guard, but they have enough to do in Margade as it is. So we have no recourse, sir.'

Damn, he's right. You tell him you don't like bandits, and he laughs and claps his hands.

'We know that, sir! That's why we let you in straightaway! We know about your adventure down south, sir, and how you took out a bandit nest all by yourself!'

Meanwhile, you are fully aware of the person sneaking up behind you with an intention of taking one of your meat buns. As the hand sneaks on the table, you grab it and twist it, to a yelp of surprise and pain. It's a small girl, dirt smeared all over her face, and on her knees.

'The idiot! That's the village idiot's daughter, sir, don't mind her, she's crazy!'

'PLEASE BIG YELLOW MAN PLEASE NO HURT ME! PLEASE!' She does a pretty good job of blubbering and drooling over herself, but someone who can sneak up on a plate of meat buns instead of just going for them isn't crazy.

> What do/say?

>>19116756

Let her go. Observe closely.

Then we should go, quickly. This girl sounds odd, and the case of the bandits needs pursuing.

Maybe, if we want privacy, get Sadereg to stay here with those other guards and investigate more?

>>PLEASE BIG YELLOW MAN
are you carring me yerrow, baka gajin girr? shamefur dispray!

i am sorry, couldn't hold myself.

File: 1337124183945.jpg-(63 KB, 800x600, 60512121930400..jpg)

>>19116818

She does have a mud-smeared face, and she smells funny. Like stable straw. But nice sneaking skills, though.

You get Peony to make a record of this, and then tell Sadereg to remain here with two guards, and take down as much information about the bandits as possible. 'We can't have this sort of thing happening on the Palace's doorstep. It's ridiculous.'

'Yes, sir.'

And with that, you set off, to the fond farewells of the villagers - some of whom ply you with food and drink, as if in compensation for chucking eggs at your men. It isn't too long before you pass the last hamlet uneventfully and reach the Lake Lodge. A series of buildings with blue-tiled roofs are clustered around a small cove, and in turn surrounded by a wall. The gate is a modest affair, near the water's edge, and the merchants are already waiting when you get out.

'Your lordship! It is an honour to have your ear!'

You wave the pleasantries off, and then go and sit down in the main hall. You haven't been here in months - no, make that years. That surprises you. How'd you not have a proper vacation when you are young?

> What do/say? You're the host, you ought to make some opening remarks. But you can choose not to if you wish.

Let her go, look her up and down knowingly "village idiot, eh?" Give her some token amount of food.

Did everyone so suddenly forget about plans to make spies out of beggars?

>>19116756

Another case for talking to beggars and vagrants. We could recruit that girl for free and train her as a thief!

>>19116756
Let her go, make sure we keep an eye on her.

Child spies can be useful. We might want to recruit her on our way back.

>>19116756
Tempted to tell her to try to sneak into our room and test palace security

But that would probably get her killed

>>19116958
Well, we should definitely check up on her on our way back.
Girl's got talent.

>>19116958
>>19116955
>>19116944
>>19116938

Noted. Peony's made a note of the girl. The villagers are slightly surprised at your interest, but shrug; nobles have their noble thinking anyway.

You also gave her half a meat bun, and she flashes a grin as she tears into it hungrily. 'Mmmm mmm meat mmmm. I like! I like you!'

>>19116926
opening remarks, opening remarks...

tell them that we're here to work for the benefit of Margade and its people.

meet in a casual setting (meaning something like the equivalent of a nice dining room instead of an office boardroom) to hear them out, no guards within earshot, get the girls to serve us (no alcohol for us) unless we need one to keep the guards away.

note any armaments on them, and keep ours out.

>>19116926
Well we left third of our guard behind, let's hope those bandits would not decide to loot that royal lounge. They are certainly in a "fuck the police" mode right now.

>>19117059
>>19117017

Remarks are kept simple. 'I believe that, despite your foreign birth, you are willing to work for this new land that has adopted you. We have given you refuge, and a place of prosperity and peace. In return, you will also shoulder the work of defending Margade's interests.'

They approve of the remarks heartily. The meeting is indeed in a relaxing, informal atmosphere; the lodge hasn't really got a formal place other than the main hall anyway. The room you retire to has a retracting wall which, once opened, gives an excellent view of the lake; and you sit there, discussing the lake and talking about the boats plying its shores, before the merchants finally come to their proposals.

'Your lordship, it has come to our knowledge that the localist merchants have spoken to you already. We have, I am afraid, a harder proposition for you than they do. They simply want the preservation of the status quo, while we wish to... advance it, shall we say.' Naimir takes the lead, speaking.

After that, they move on to their plan. A list is passed to you, with six names. The immigrants, who currently have 2 Purveyor seats (of 15) and 7 normal seats (out of 25), would like to nominate all six of these merchants. From their names they are indeed all foreigners; if they got in, the immigrants would have a majority of normal seats.

'This is our main request, sir, that you should support this initiative.'

You look through the list again. Oh wait. There's one bloke who isn't foreign born, and you rub your nose once you read it, in frustration. It's Beribo. The immigrants are pushing for Beribo to sign up.

> What do/say?

>>19117182

Ah, shit, knew it.
Consider it. See if they bring up their gifts.

oh shit, can we get them to drop him and turn on him for the rest of the guys on their list?

i'm worried if we'd be looked at suspiciously if he turned up dead after this though

>>19117242

But if we supported him up, and then forced him into suicide, maybe that'd relieve us of guilt?

We should ask if they have another candidate though.

> So, ask for Beribo to be dropped?
> Anything else?

Ask them to tell us more about the nominees. It's all fine and good to know their names, but what do they do? The key thing to get out of this is information on Beribo. Don't be obvious about wanting to know more about him.

See if we can steer the conversation as to why the foreigners are beating out their competition. Tell them that we represent the royal house and that certain members feel that the foreigners are swindlers. Not us, obviously, but there must be some reason for the locals to feel threatened, and it probably isn't just business.

>>19117260
oh snap, we'd be on a deadline though and have to make sure we'd kill him before he officially gets the position instead of taking our time with this.
hmm, manageable though, nice idea

>>19117284
We're not Imian, don't be so blunt about it.

>>19117284
Don't ask for Beribo to be dropped.

Rather, imply that with Beribo being held in regard among the merchants, and well regarded as one of their number... well, we just couldn't support any initiative backed by people who have Beribo as a member.

THAT should get him royally humiliated. Kicked out of the merchants guild and stripped of all his shit, most likely. To get power of the nature they are wanting I imagine they would sell him out in a second.

>>19117334
>imply that with Beribo being held in regard among the merchants, and well regarded as one of their number... well, we just couldn't support any initiative backed by people who have Beribo as a member.

we need a reason for this, we cannot simply up and say "BERIBO BAD MAN YOU BAD MAN" although this plan is certainly a good one.

>>19117334

Sorry, could you clarify that? As in, do you intend to tell them about Beribo, or do you just tell them 'no support for Beribo's friends, ever'?

>>19117297

You study the list, and the moment you frown - it's actually because Orchid accidentally spilled a bit of the tea - you see the merchants shift in their seats. They clearly are... quite nervous about this.

Incidentally, you know their names, but I'm not going to flood you guys with names, so one at a time. Next to Naimir, a burly man named Kosatarun, who apparently runs a large chain of restaurants and also invests in fishing and fish farms, sits up. 'Your lordship, within our meagre capabilities, we can make this worthwhile...'

Naimir then shuts him up as you look up. 'Oh, that can come later. I'd just like more information about these people.'

They visibly relax, and you spend time chatting about the business scene, the way things are run, and the new candidates. It seems many of these candidates run either commodity, or manufacturing, businesses; two are weavers and dyers, another two are basically impex traders. The final one runs a huge pottery-making business.

So only Beribo runs in the service industry. 'He has been of great service and value to us, sir. In fact, I dare venture to say, he is about the only person whom both us and the localists agree on!' There is some laughter around the room. 'That should make it easy for you, sir.'

'Easy, perhaps...' you don't hide your reluctance.

'Do you have misgivings about him, sir? Should we perhaps arrange an audience, if you wish so, to talk to him?' It's Vahafarun, a silk merchant, speaking.

> What do/say? You can determine how you want to object to Beribo's listing now.

>>19117361

Second this... we'll have to imply that the man has issues.
Maybe imply that we're popular in the city, we have a reputation to take care of, and supporting him might tarnish us. Refuse to give away too much, leave the merchants puzzled.
Either they find out his bad things, or they just go 'meh we'll dump him then'.

>>19117378
to clarify, we intend to
>imply
that we've heard some things, talked to some people, and have some misgivings about supporting beribo

something like
"service and value... to you perhaps, but not his employees"

>>19117467
We don't need to explain why we want him dropped. We just imply that we don't feel inclined to support a group that has Beribo as a member. They will draw all kinds of speculation from that, and that's good. The less our true motives are known, the better. Keep it mysterious, after all -- when something is concealed it can give rise to all manner of legends and mysteries. We want to keep an air of the unknown about us, to cultivate it even. Part of our reputation should be that we are a man of many secrets and connections. Someone you can never predict the full reach, and therefore someone you should never cross.

In other words, by keeping it vague we plant seeds of rumor at our dealings while still getting what we want. Double win.

>>19117508

The problem is, they're all businessmen, I really doubt they care about workers that much. Telling them someone mistreats workers is like telling them someone owns slaves, everyone does it. So they won't really think it a legitimate reason.

Additionally, when I asked "what do they do?" I meant that in a "for what reasons should I support their nomination, excluding your recommendation?"

>>19117526
oh yes this, disregard >>19117508 please

>>19117542

> Ohh right. Didn't really catch that, implication sensor is at 22% capacity now.

Well, technically, they don't actually need any particular qualification, other than recommendation, to be nominated for the Convocation. They're businessmen; they own considerable-sized businesses and are quite wealthy; ergo they can join.

Or do you mean what do they do for you, which is a rather different question you can ask, and I'll get to that.

> Also, just imply you will not support Beribo then?

>>19117467
>>19117526
>>19117531
>>19117548

You nod as they go through the case for Beribo, and let the conversation fade to silence. They can't talk until you've had your say, after all, and you're not having your say before a long drink of tea to make them sweat.

'Hmm. You raise valid points.' You sip again. 'I hope you will not take me to be unreasonable, then, when I say I can consider supporting all those mentioned on the list, or at least I see no reason to block them actively. Except for Beribo.'

'Wh... what, sir?' But the question quickly shrinks away. They're not going to question if you've got your wits about you, though that seems to be what they're asking. You shake your head.

'A lord does not rule except by virtue. He obeys his superiors, consults his peers, and is kind to subordinates. With these he gains a name, but with a single mistake he loses it.'

'I... see, sir...' Vahafarun says, softly. The other merchants begin to nod. 'Um... sir, if we replaced him... with another candidate?'

The others seem strangely hesitant to back him on this. This is a little weird, and both you and Peony catch that; I mean, he's not even that massive a shopowner, so why are they worried about dumping him?

> What do/say?

We do need to ask about conditions, too. Emphasise that it's not easy pushing forth this change. It would rock the whole system, there could be trouble.

And why would we want trouble?

>>19117573
No, not what they can do for us, but why them and not some locals. I guess it just comes down to party support and not "this guy has more business and is more important."

Don't say anything about beribo, aside from implying we have misgivings about him, but say that we will be holding hearings in the palace for people to come visit.

I really do want to get from the merchants a sense of why they are doing better than the locals, even though it's not as relevant as discussing nominations etc.

>>19117573
Imply that we are... disappointed to see Beribo on this list. We are not interested in supporting him, and are somewhat put off to see he is held in such esteem. Indeed, we know many people about the city... and what we have heard is not to our liking, for reasons of our own. Then imply that we have some nebulous reason for disliking Beribo or wanting him destroyed. Let them guess. Does he compete with us in the shadows? A slight to our honor in the past? What has the Earl's shadow spy network turned up?

They will both kick out Beribo immediately, increase our perceived power and network within the city, and probably have the merchants investigate him more closely as well. Kinslaying is never something looked fondly upon, and if they eventually discover that then the thought that we have a far-reaching spy network who knows people's innermost secrets will be confirmed in their eyes.

In short, with just a few words we can cast ourselves as someone with puppet strings all over the city... and it will be the imaginations of the merchants doing the work. Then they will spread it around the city, because merchants talk.

Hell, it will probably even net us a lot of REAL connections once the rumor that we are a master of the shadows gets around. Power draws power.

>>19117698

I thought it's pretty obvious why they're supporting immigrants. They're immigrants, and the locals are against them. They wouldn't be recommending their enemies.

>>19117665
Golly gee, looks like old Beribo there has some sort of hook. It's likely his dealings are not all on the up-and-up if he is only a "small" merchant but is not only getting a place on the council, but is in the favor of both sides and this side is hesitant to drop him.

Give them a predatory smile and assure them that we have plans for Beribo, and they do not include him being on the Convocation.

Ideally when we make our move to marry him to the whore we can pass of that comment as "I had BIGGER plans for you, Beribo my friend!" ... just before we humiliate him and leave him dead in an alley.

>>19117698

You do ask about that, and the merchants smile awkwardly. 'Is that so, sir? I'm sure you think too highly of us. We hardly get by, sir!'

'Yes, you hardly get by with your lovely mansions over by the Mapleshade Road,' you reply, mentioning one of the truly expensive estates within the city.

They say something about how the immigrants are a tightly bound community, and they help and support each other in times of need so they have a big network. But then the locals do, too. You have the sense that merchants are not really going to talk about why they're so successful. That's like a king bragging about why his kingdom is so great; he's just asking for others to invade and undermine him.

>>19117665
they're worried about dumping him because he will rock their shit, and they know that. Hence their reluctance to drop him. Their support of him in the first place is obviously questionable, just due to the fact that the foreigners are supporting a local when it has been established that they don't play nice together.

So, now they know that we know, and hopefully that was enough of a bluff to get them to double-think some things and get some rumors going around.

Say, perhaps, that we would be willing to hear another candidate suggestion, but get them to realize what was pointed out here: >>19117695

> Incidentally, I love how the thread has few replies, but they're so long and well thought out. Quality over quantity, guys, you're awesome. Just saying.

Let's shove our penises into things!

>Sorry, Xing, couldn't help but ruin the trend.

If the merchants don't want to drop Beribo we can just shrug, put the paper down, and look somewhat sad and disappointed. Then say something like, "I see. Well, I will certainly take your position into consideration... but I had hoped for more cooperation. Perhaps the other merchants were correct, and you truly don't wish to work toward the greater good of the city...."

Subtle, but still basically saying "If you don't drop Beribo and kick him down several notches I will support the other side."

We should also add that they should probably not mention any of this to Beribo. Let him think that everything is going exactly according to plan. Then give them a deadly smile and assure them that they won't have anything to worry about regarding him.

>>19117783
>>19117761

> Muddy the waters.

'Another candidate, perhaps, yes.' You give a sharp smile. 'In any case, people, I can tell you are afraid of Beribo, are you not? A group of immigrants, propping up a localist.'

'But he is not a localist, sir,' Naimir says. And then Naimir looks at you, and blinks. You nod noncommittally.

'It's not wrong for a merchant to look beyond immediate interest, and the same holds true for me. Don't worry about Beribo, people. I have other plans for him, and you will benefit from him not being in the Convocation.'

With that, it's settled; they'll come back to you with another merchant soon. 'We hope he will be more to your liking, sir.'

'I hope so. I should think so. I can't think of anyone... but enough of that. I hope you people understand that, whether it's Beribo or someone else, you are asking me to push for the replacement of a quarter of the Convocation's seats - with immigrants.' You emphasise the last word. 'I... almost wonder if, regardless of my inclinations, such a thing is possible.'

'Your lordship, rest assured - we will... well, for want of a less crude term, sir, we will make it worthwhile.' It's Kosatarun again, but this time he goes on. 'For one, sir, we would be glad to make a donation to you.'

'There are some business opportunities we have been eyeing in the city, too, which would be to your lordship's benefit,' Gumunir, a dock owner, chips in. 'And if you would like, sir, there are always other... gifts.'

You look around at the dancing girls they've brought. Well, you've been looking at them all morning, but now you do it with a cold, appraising eye.

> What do/say?

>>19117981

Short term things are appreciated... but then we play the long game, and it'd be best if we have some sign of... enduring support.

See if they get it. I'm more for getting businesses than silver, though silver's also nice.

>>19117956
That's really quite blunt, better to ignore it for now and undermine him in other ways, for the moment we've left them with the idea that we disapprove of Beribo, and that should be a good start.

Nod and ask them if they have any concerns other than that of those merchants being nominated for the convocation.

>>19117981
Oh these guys, we already have more women then we know what to do with, our problem isn't getting women, the problem is finding the time to sleep with them.

While pleasure and gifts of the moment are truly appreciated, something permanent and lasting is of much greater value.

We want these business opportunities, we need a stable revenue stream as well as all the other opportunities to branch from getting in on them and use them to expand our network.

If we need short term cash we can raid a bit from the treasury and face the consequences later, getting into business ventures is much more difficult and valuable in the long run.

That might have been a little bit too strong.

As to their gifts, a fish feeds a man for day, but only for a day. (That shouldn't even be a thing we say, these guys are merchants and they wouldn't be successful if they didn't know that). Don't say anything more about gifts, and instead steer the conversation towards them. Surely there is more to the city aside the convocation.

>>19118138
>>19118091
>>19118041
>>19118040
>>19117981

Also, with a little probing, they're willing to cough up 1,500 taels for you.

As for the business plan, they have a tavern and inn along the Meridian Canal whose owner has fallen deeply into debt and is ill. They reckon it can easily be taken over.

Another business they're thinking of taking over is a wandering merchants' inn and supermarket, in the north of the city. Run by a father and son - Merigo and Utigo? They thought of buying them out, and then your agents can run that business too.

There are also other incentives they can be pushed into giving, it seems. Naimir hints at that, though he doesn't seem to want to talk about it now.

> What do/say?

I think we resolved several threads back to only stick our p0n0s into vag00s we know and can at least somewhat trust, hence the boinking of attendants and search for concubines and a wife. No need for dancing girls.

Also, I agree that we shouldn't take the raw bribes. No, we look at the long game. Business opportunities and, perhaps, a pledge from the merchants to see about new, improved docks... and some expansions to the city in the form of roads and a new wall that encompasses a much larger area.

This will benefit:
Docks -> Reds and Merchants who trade by sea
City Expansion -> Whites and Reds (build the roads) and Immigrants, who are currently forced to live outside the walls or in less savory areas
Walls -> Whites (masons), Immigrants (protection, currently they live outside the walls), and Merchants (a safe city is a stable, profitable city)

In essence, all these projects would be in the interests ALL our backers... and us. Because with such massive projects, kickbacks are assured. Some of the best contracts will, no doubt, go through us.

So we will be throwing huge amounts of money and power to ALL our supporters and getting rich and powerful ourselves at the same time, while cementing loyalty to us. AND people will see how we do well for the people who back us and it will make more people want to serve us.

Win / Win / Win / Win / Win

>>19118160
Take interest in the first tavern along the Meridian Canal, inns and taverns are great places for spy networks, make good money and given it's place on the Canal it ought to be one of the best places to collect rumors.

Express interest in those other incentives but don't push too hard, we can talk to him in private if he doesn't want to talk about it with these others around. We want long term investments that bring a steady cash flow and hopefully also serve purposes other than just that.

And I concur on working towards city improvement, it's difficult to argue against, it gets us in good with everyone, by controlling where contracts go we can make serious dosh and get the favor of important people.

What the fuck is going on in this city? It's split up into factions, but clearly those factions are not as hard-lined as I thought before.

My vote is to not take any gifts now, say we will consider their nominations and proposals, and inform them about the upcoming hearings.

Also, if they want to buy Merigo and Utigo out, it means these guys are running Merigo and Utigo into the ground, or they are giving us poisoned apples, so to speak. Damaged goods.

>>19118218

Kind of agree with you here, if we're talking theoretically, but isn't that a massively expensive project? Should we be advocating such a thing now?

Maybe we should get started with the docks first. Are there any docks in the south of the city, actually? Why not expand there?

>>19118274

No informing them about the hearings. They're meant to gauge the city's mood towards the convocation meeting, so no one else who's involved in the convocation should know.

>>19118319
Alright, fine.

Honestly, I want to somehow imply that we see through their meager offerings, but I don't want to say anything that would piss them off. Just look unimpressed?

My reasoning is that 1,500 taels is a fucking pittance compared to what they should be making as businessmen, and they want to foist two failing or troubled businesses on us? Please.

>>19118262
>>19118218

You decline the 1,500 taels, and ask about the tavern and inn. They assure you it's already up in condition, and you can go and see it if you wish - right after the meeting, actually, if you wish. Naimir will guide you.

As for Merigo and Utigo's business, you are quite wary of it. Running a Red/White affiliated merchant into the ground, and then taking their businesses, does not sound like a wise move if you intend to have dealings with them.

Finally, no dancing girls. But really? You sure? I mean look at that one over there with the cute pout and lovely, toned body- okay, fine.

'There is one thing I'm wondering about, actually. You're offering me money, shops... other things... to get a majority in the Convocation. And naturally I understand you want that. But you have to want it for a reason. You haven't wanted it ever since you entered the city, or became rich... only now.'

The merchants look at each other, and then smile awkwardly. 'Your lordship is indeed wise beyond your years. Our... we do have some plans for this year, which would be hard to contemplate without such a majority.'

'Of course.'

'Of course, sir. Our plan to launch a trade mission eastwards, and the plan for a New Quarter of the city... as well as the plans to utilise the resources of this entire appanage, your appanage, sir, more... thoroughly.' That sounds... intriguing.

> What do/say?

>>19118365

1,500 is indeed low. You made sure to mention it only in passing when rejecting it - too low to even dwell on. They probably got the message.

As for failing or troubled, to be sure, neither of the businesses are failing or troubled. Their *owners* are failing or troubled, but the businesses are raking it in just fine. Peony knows that for Merigo's shop, and you know there hasn't been a troubled inn along the Meridian Canal for a long time...

> Also, you just take Naimir aside and listen to his gift.

Naimir says he bought over a large residence in the south of the city. He had been considering turning it into a second home, but has since thought better of the idea - too costly, and too extravagant.

'If you do not mind it, sir, it could be transferred to you subtly,' he says. 'You would be free to do with it as you wish, then.'

A base in the city! Or... maybe a gate-guest headquarters? You wonder. At the same time, he says there are also two or three people he might recommend to your service.

'Your gifts are of a very different nature to the others',' you observe.

'Your lordship is of a rather different nature to many other lordships,' he smiles.

> What do/say?

>>19118409
"Why would the other members oppose you?

What could they possibly stand to lose from Margade growing larger and more wealthy?

Even if they were to eat the crumbs that fell off your table, they should still support you."

Maybe that's too blunt, but we passed that phase a bit ago anyway.

There's got to be more to this than that. It can't be just expanding the city or sending more trade out. The other side of the convocation should have suggested that in the first place anyway, unless they really really suck at business.

I don't fucking buy it.

>>19118409
This trade mission you speak of sounds intriguing, please tell me more. it may be something I can back even if you fail to achieve a majority in the convocation.

as for expanding the city, I too have plans for this, repair and upgrading the docks, extending the walls, building a new quarter, canals to increase the cleanliness, I am sure that merchants such as yourselves could find ways to profit from such things.

>>19118409
Interesting, quite interesting. We're going to want to respond positively, their plans for a new quarter fits in quite well with our desire to renovate the city. We can probably offer our support for that and tie it in to the other projects we want.

The problem is the price, we can't really let 6 foreigners in while trying to remain on good terms with the locals. We should accept some of them and get some more open minded locals as well so as to get the same number of votes towards stuff but not so overtly rock the boat.

Also express interest in the trade mission, say that we may very well be able to put our support behind that, foreign trade is profitable for both locals and foreigners.

So I guess we're expressing interest in their proposed projects, asking to know more, and in that "asking to know more" also ask "wait, why would anyone possibly oppose you?"

>>19118550
>>19118531
>>19118496

You say that the trade mission sounds intriguing, but that you can't imagine why the Convocation - anyone in the Convocation - wouldn't support it.

They explain that a trade mission is massively expensive, is often a long-term investment that also brings political repercussions, and that the Convocation would rather send a caravan westward to Kaso - a less profitable, but far less risky proposition - than to send boats down the Fisewa en masse.

Come think of it, if the convocation immigrants are into risk like this, that might explain their success.

As for city renovation, they seem very pleased that you are also of the same mind. But they also explain that there are many, many barriers to building a new quarter. The Palace is, as per longstanding policy, against the increase of fortifications within the city (for good reason, given the civil war in the city just two decades back). The building of a New Quarter would lead to the localists having to renegotiate tolls, entry fees, tariffs, surcharges and the like, possibly to their disadvantage. And the Cooperatives are very cautious about building docks where docks didn't use to be - who would run them then? And why should the cooperatives send dockworkers where they don't control the business?

Your head is swimming, a little, by the end of the explanation. Daaaaamn. Reform is harder than you think.

> What do/say? Sign up in principle to this project? It's a big and interesting project, mind.

>>19118661

Oh, also, roll d100.

Because we really need some levity in here from the rolling of dice!

>>19118661
Sign up in principle, there are some good ideas here and quite a bit of money to be made. There is a lot of work as well but it would be well worth it.

Tell them that we are interested in supporting the project, but there may have to be compromises made in order to get it through and it will take time.

As for the trade mission we are interested in it, and will lend our support towards it.

We're planning on getting on good terms with Saragites, Countess of Theniron during the lock cutting ceremony and we might be able use that connection to help protect and help the boats, it's a good option and we can cut Rusaman in on it if necessary.

Tell them that we agree in principle: that languishing in the old ways will result in marginalization, and we would rather Margade get bigger and more important, not smaller.

rolled 54 = 54

>>19118765
Ok, rolling a d100.

rolled 88 = 88

H-here I go!

>>19118661
I am in favor of these goals, Margade must grow, must flourish, or it will stagnate into obscurity.

I cannot promise you the seats you seek, I am after all a non-voting member of the convocation, I can and will look over the seats and offer my support to those who would best serve the city as a whole, foreigner or local. I will however throw my weight behind these plans you have however to convocation itself goes.

rolled 61 = 61

>>19118797

N-n-nice roll!

>>19118767
Oh yeah, question about Saragites, how old is her brother Komuvan and if we did marry her how much official control would we get over Theniron in the mean time and how much would we get when her father Rusaman died?

>>19118819
>>19118784
>>19118767

88: Brilliant Success! (It's in a Chinese culture, so there you are)

You think about everything for a while, and just then lunch is delivered. Turns out the merchants brought some of their excellent chefs here, to make exquisite food; and damn if the food doesn't look exquisite.

You have quail, stuffed with quail eggs and mincemeat, roasted and then fried; there are fresh mountain greens mashed with spring onion, ginger and herbs; there is the famous dish - gold-bearing carp, carp with salted egg yolks stuffed in their bellies, steamed, and then fried.

'We hope this food is to your liking, sir.' You don't reply them with words; you're trying to negotiate the carp's little bones. But yes, this is indeed excellent. Then you finally find a moment to make your decision.

'I've heard your plans. And I've heard the justification behind these plans, and what you are willing to give me to support them. I must say, the former impress me rather more than the latter.' You pause to spit out a quail wing. 'I am always concerned about Margade. We are fish swimming against a current. Every moment of laxity, we fall ever farther backwards. Only strong efforts, and active efforts, will secure the city as a whole.'

They are very glad for this, and assume this means you'll also accept the gifts? They assure you they will make it worthwhile for you in terms of owning businesses, whether within Margade or elsewhere. And as a sign of their sincerity, they have upped their gift from 1,500 to 5,000 taels. Will you honour them by taking it now?

> What do about the offered gifts? Two businesses, one small mansion...

>>19118822
We should also consider who might be up for presentation next year too. We don't NEED to marry this year, after all.

>>19118822

Kormuvan is known to be about twenty years of age. As such, you sadly will not be in a position to directly succeed even if Rusaman dies - unless Kormuvan dies as well.

Nonetheless, it is known that Rusaman likes his daughter very much, and you will definitely have influence if you manage to court her and have her hand. And her father's blessing.

>>19118952

Also we must consider we're not the only man in the area. There's two (three?) unmarried brothers, many cousins, and the sworn houses people. Maybe even foreign boys trying to snatch our girls!

>>19118926
Honestly, I am still wary. My vote is "not yet."

Reason is that we still don't know the entire picture (have not really considered the other side (or heard what they have to give us)).

I've got a good mind to support them, though. All the other side has done is threaten us. Well, they can threaten us bodily, but the worse threat is marginalization and obscurity.

Still, I hold with "not yet, but I hope you will be satisfied with the convocation's proceedings."

>>19119012

We heard the other side yesterday. They were arrogant pricks.
Besides I think it's better to back people with no backers, than just be another backer of a popular guy. If the immigrants have only one friend, they will be loyal to that friend. We can be that one friend.

>>19118926
Metigo and Utigo are already under our influence are they not? We would gain very little by buying them out. Let's find a different one. but along the same route?

I like the posh estate idea though, and the contacts too.

>>19118926
Damn that food sounds really really good.

5000 is no longer a pittance and we've agreed to help them at least to a degree. I say accept the gifts, the question is what to do with them.

We're not going to fuck over Merigo/Utigo after what they've done with us, we'll arrange for more protection if what we have already done isn't sufficient and perhaps grant them our favor which puts them more in our control. The one along the canal we'll take over, put someone we trust in charge and turn it into a nice place to collect rumors, make dosh and perhaps house spies.

The Mansion I'm not sure what to do with yet, gate guest head quarters would work, as well as a place for us to stay should we not wish to return to the palace and want to be in the city.

>>19118952
True but we have a good opportunity here. If we wait we might lose her and that'd suck, we don't have to get married right away, but getting started on courtship and getting her father's blessing would be a good idea. She's quite a catch being a Countess of a successful Duchy. In addition we're better able to go after her than most given that we're charming and speak her language which ought to endear us to her. Also the tales of our courage ought to get us on her father's good side.

I say take the gifts. Its time to throw the dice, as it were.

>>19119048
She is also a foreigner barbarian, though. We're already throwing in with immigrants here, I think we should go with a more traditional wife.

>>19118926
I say we accept it, it's not the pittance it was previously, and it would not look good if we were to press for more, greediness is a vice that can be exploited and we should avoid showing such.

Interest in business is one thing, as is being insulted by being offered a pittance as a gift, but showing greed is both harmful to our image, and our future plans.

Take the gifts but have them choose another high quality inn rather than Metigo and Utigo.

>>19119102
As the son of the prince strengthening the peace between our kingdom and theirs is a good thing, and a chance for quite a bit of political power even if we don't have any actual control, and who knows, there may be an accident (and I mean that literally not plotting to cause anything) which would lead to quite a bit of land people and money coming into the kingdom of Iru.

>>19119048
>>19119041
>>19119031

You close your eyes for a moment, as if mulling over something philosophical. In truth you're wondering how they make that quail so tender. Oh, and also 5,000 taels is a lot of money.

When you open your eyes, you do so with a smile. 'If it does you honour, I will accept the gift.'

The merchants smile and bow to you.

'I have other conditions as for the other... incentives. I must beseech that you leave the father and son along. Merigo and Utigo are good men, and I have no intention of hounding them from their business.'

The fact that you already know who Merigo and Utigo are seems to surprise them slightly, but they quickly recover. 'I would like to see the inn, however, and also consider another business acquisition. If you could kindly look for one, that would be good.'

What sort of investment do you want, in general?
> Trade-based (warehouse, pier, canal berth, even some trading boats)
> Secondary industry (manufacturing stuff)
> Services (anything really, from taverns and inns to entertainment, accountancy, law, etc.)

>>19119164
Bullshit. Marrying a foreign princess could just as easily be seen as throwing in with outlanders and a reason for being deposed. Especially with other evidence to support that assumption like supporting immigrant merchants.

I guess we're taking those gifts then, and stirring up the convocation as a consequence.

Sure hop it doesn't come back to bite us in the ass, like being unable to repay the debt (turns out we don't have enough say or something), or having Metigo/Utigo hate us, or getting a knife in our gut or father on our case.

Oh, also, whatever your choice, roll d100.

And of course, naturally, what do!

>>19119180
Pier or canal birth, sailors gossip worse than housewives so we're sure to get plenty of information from such a business.

>>19119180
trade based sounds good, river boats in particular. Gotta get that dosh flowing into our personal coffers.

>>19119180
secondary. giving them a majority for a trade mission seems to me extremely improper and a conflict of interests if we go for something trade based, and it's a good idea to have a diverse investment portfolio.

rolled 88 = 88

>>19119225
typed before I saw your addition.

Just to ask one question, OP: how independent is the Prince, actually? I mean, it looks like we do so many rituals ourselves, and we're pratically ruling ourselves.

rolled 37 = 37

>>19119235
Do we know Orchid's real name? We should learn it. Rolling for boats.

rolled 72 = 72

>>19119180
Trade based, we're already getting in with Merigo/Utigo's inn, we're getting this other inn and we have the tea shop.

Something on the piers or canals, there is a lot of business there and sailors gossip like old wives, especially when drunk.

>>19119236
Majority seems a bit much, it'd rock the boat to a unhealthy degree, we should support some of them and perhaps get some open minded locals as well. We want these goals to go through so we'll support people who are likely to aid it.

>>19119214
It's hardly bullshit, marrying a "prince" to a foreign "princess" was the traditional way of cementing peace for centuries over the entire world.

Also, we aren't actively supporting the foreign merchants either, just taking advantage of opportunities they offer.

>>19119236

Seconding this, actually, more for the diversity than for the conflict of interest.
Besides, owning a pier or boat might entangle us even more in cooperative politics...

>>19119180
I would like to say a discreet purchase of a high-class whorehouse, but I'm not entirely sure if we should let these guys know we own it. Actually, the more I consider it the more I think we should buy that on our own and leave no paper trail. Female assassins and spies will be quartered and recruited from there after all.

Perhaps a smithy? The lands we own border mountains, correct? That means mining is probably going to be easy to start or is already started there. We could set it up so the ore is mined and shipped in then fabricated into things that then are sold... and since we own everything from the mining to refining to forging to selling we would be making an absolute killing on it.

>>19119295
It doesn't matter what we are doing, it matters what it can be seen as. That's the whole point.

Blimey, I think we have a draw: 3 for trade-based, 3 for secondary industry.

Smithing is indeed lucrative, though many hill mines are under Hillman control, and the whole metals industry is quite tightly regulated by the government. After all, that stuff is used to make weapons and armour, the backbone of armies. Can't let it flow into anyone's hands.

You could abuse your position and free your smithy from interference, but it might endanger yourself while making a killing.

>>19119313
I think these are really things that can be set up seperate to the merchant affair. Once we have a large, independent income we can start funding our solo projects, such as smithies and whorehouses.

Let's go with merchants, we want gossip from elsewhere as well so sailors from the river can come and talk.

>>19119363
> but it might endanger yourself while making a killing.

Every man of means faces risk. Do we want to be the boot heel of our father and brothers, or be the boot itself?

>>19119363
A good way to break a tie is to look at the rolls and add them up, or call for a roll off.

>>19119225
>>19119235
>>19119261
>>19119276
>>19119443

The river boats in question were going to be small boats sailing around the lake just ferrying stuff over short distances. But since:

> 88: More Prosperity!

Your request immediately sparks some debate, and then Vahafarun stands to speak. 'Sir. We know of a small sailing junk, which was laid down but never launched because its buyer couldn't make the payments. We have been considering buying the hull and building it up, and if you would like to take that as a gift...'

... well. Now that's an entirely different thing from a river boat, a small trading junk.

> What do/say? Also, the meeting is coming to an end now, so if you'd like to do/say anything else in particular, now's the time. If not, the merchants will leave.

>>19119507
Take the boat.

>>19119507

Let's take that ship.

> Captcha: Schooners, priowee! Wheee we have a schooner!

>>19119507
Take the boat, we can do a lot of stuff with that, independent trade, moving stuff/people from point A to point B without people knowing, there's some good opportunities here. Given our clout as Earl it could become the go to vessel to get something somewhere without being harassed.

I'll vote for docks, seems like a better place to get information from.

These are some pretty fancy fucking gifts, you guys. I want to take it so bad, but that's just greed talking. We're putting ourselves in these guys' debt hardcore. Besides, what would we do with a whole trading junk? Rent it out, I guess... but still... why can't i hold all these gifts?

>many hill mines are under Hillman control
I guess now we know what the White cooperative is mining.

>>19119507
Thank them for their time and act generally pleased at the accord we've worked out and how we've come to a nice understanding. This meeting was rather successful and profitable for the both of us. I think we pretty much covered it, though we should ogle the dancing girls a bit more before they leave, we're not going to sleep with them given where their loyalties lies but no harm in looking.

>>19119601
>>19119583
>>19119520

Nicely done. The merchants estimate it will be done by the end of the fifth month, since it's mostly built.

Meanwhile, anything else to do or say before you dismiss the merchants?

>>19119662

Mostly this, be nice and friendly, glad to have them here, hope they've enjoyed it.
Do we have the lodge to ourselves now, then?

> Okay, I'll be sleeping soon, so another two or three posts and I'll be done.

You thank the merchants, and they thank you effusively as well. As they take their leave, you look at the dancing girls. Naimir catches you looking.

'Sir, they're all hired,' he chuckles. 'I think if one gave them permanent employment, what a dream that would be.'

Huh.

And yes, now you do have the lodge to yourself. It's afternoon now, and you sit back in the hall seat, looking at the shimmering, rippling waters of the East Lake, the barely visible silhouettes of fishing boats, the outline of hills in the distance. How small all men are, compared to nature!

Orchid touches a slice of pear to your lips, and you kiss her hand as well. She blushes. Rose and Peony are off.... somewhere, now. 'It's beautiful, isn't it, sir?' Orchid murmurs.

> What do/say? If you're holding hearings tomorrow, then you haven't... got much on today. Should probably sleep in the palace rather than here, though.

>>19119846
"Tell me your true name Orchid."

So that I might claim your soul, bwahahahaha!

No, seriously, I'm curious about her 'real' name.

>>19119846
We're already at the lake house and we've had a busy day full of politicking, no need to ruin having a good evening off at this place with hearings.

Spend some time with Orchid, let her feed us and flirt with her. Enjoy the view of the lake. Maybe get her real name.

We'll get back to the Palace in the evening and think of something to do there.

We should give Martha her gift soon, maybe even tonight, and see if we can keep Orchid on a permanent basis.

>>19119882
I like your style

Sure hope we can repay all these gifts!

>>19119882

'What's your real name, Orchid?'

'Eh?'

'Just like to know.' You kiss her fingertips again as she feeds you more pear, and then she strokes your face cautiously. There's comfort, then there's excitement, and Orchid definitely belongs to the former.

'My real name is Musira, sir,' she says softly. 'Don't... don't tell anyone, please?'

'Why?'

'I...' it's clear she doesn't have a reason other than shyness. You don't ask, simply enjoy her hands caressing your face before leaving and returning with more pear.

> What do for the evening, then? The lake lodge is mostly quiet, and you can hear plenty of insects around. It's not often used these days, really. The living quarters are probably rather bleh now.

>>19120005
We should probably head on back. I can't think of anything pressing to do, but given what we've been doing with Orchid we should try to keep her full time, she's good at what she does, she likes us and I'd like to see how far we can take her archery lessons. So for that we'll have to see Martha and we can use the gift to butter her up and make sure we get to keep her in our service. If the living quarters are bleh we should stay at the palace.

can we go back to that village and kill some bandits or something?

She is skilled in archery and has a name she doesn't want shared. Our little Orchid has a secret.

>>19120108
Bandit hunting is always fun. Let us remind the city how we made our name.

>>19120048

> Righto. Last post for today, then. Next session is probably on Friday. Thanks for playing!

You sit there with Orchid, flirting and passing the time; your pecks on her fingertips eventually turn into kisses along her neck, on her cheeks, as she hugs you. 'Master...' she sighs.

It's enjoyable, and so you keep at it for a bit, until eventually Peony and Rose return. You sit up. 'We're going back, then.'

'Definitely, sir.'

The trip back is uneventful, tracing the same route as the sun lights the sky and everything else a bright, golden yellow. You return to the palace to find that Sadereg has not returned, but has posted a letter. The scribble is almost unintelligible; it takes you some time.

'Sir, Found a friend during investigations, will be staying outside tonight. Will return with information tomorrow.'

Huh. Oh well.

You enter your workshop to find Lavender cleaning it - or pretending to clean it while examining the stuff you built. Then the box with the bird is handed to you, and you make your way to Martha's, a certain relaxed lightness in your pace.

2 days more to the meeting... you won't have much relaxation for some time, it seems. But for now you just want to see Martha. And you'd like to have Orchid kept around for longer...

> Suggestions for the next few days' actions are welcome. Proactive plotting and scheming gets Adrian places!

>>19120222
>>19120108

That will probably be done, yes. With much glee, I presume.

>>19120228
Should we send a note to our blue mercenary? The foreign river boat merc. See if he has any information to trade.

Consider the hill-men situation, and wonder if it is in your best interests now after banking so much on the foreigners.

Don't forget to archive!

>>19120228
We need the courtesan/prostitute Ula is getting and to introduce her to Beribo through an intermediary. We want to have her be a young widow or from a noble house down on it's luck, they have assets but not in a form they can readily liquidate and she's looking for a powerful husband, like him, or something like that. We don't want it traceable back to us, but we can use our place in the palace and our agents to make the story ring true. Once we have him sucked with that we'll aim for a quick marriage then completely tear him apart.

Our biggest problem with him is his steward Niduseg who is a bit of an unknown. Devote serious resources to gauging his loyalty, we know he's competent but he could be swayed through favor or money. I think he's out of the running in the convocation, but if we want to swing the prostitute move having Niduseg say he looked into her background for us could make our lives easier.

Also have special attention given to researching Saragites, she's the if not one of the highest ranking available women, getting in good with her family could lead to a lot of opportunities and we have a leg up on the competition through our rank and speaking her language.

What are some possible choices for doing something with that mansion? We ought to go see the mansion ASAP.

>>19120296
No, we told him we will not ask favors from him, but he should prove his worth to us himself. So it's his move and we should just check with the OP on his status.

Also we should ask Martha on more details on Orchid as she seems very suspicious. Of all our flowers Orchid have the most femme fatal connotations, watch out Adrian!