wait, what.

clearly i've missed some things.

time to catch up!

Summary:

> The Convocation of Merchants has just concluded a closed meeting, which appears to be deliberately excluding you.
> Your dad and brother are coming back from hunting tomorrow.
> The Great Summer Festival begins in three days.
> The Fourth of Fifth is coming! Jewels are being set into jewellery right now. As a tinkerer, you may try and make interesting gifts if you wish.
> You have changed your plans for dealing with Beribo; you are now considering letting Geharo meet Niduseg, so as to pry the latter from his master's service.

>>19483005

Not sure what you might have missed, but last thread Adrian finally got around to building up a council of advisors! It's getting really tiring trying to do everything on his own/Peony's own.

Also, the Jade and Cloud Mansion is the one given to you as a gift, by the Immigrant party of the Convocation. You are steering rather close to them, really.

>>19482984

We should house them at the mansion.

Or maybe we should ask someone later on... where's Peony?

>>19483054

Peony's currently back in the Palace, running things. Only Linden is with you now, and of course Amaryllis, who is getting dressed to follow you back to the Palace.

You tell Linden instead to head for the Jade and Cloud Mansion, and she nods. Soon you are riding your horse, led by Daneg and followed by everyone else, until you reach the place.

.... it does not really inspire confidence. You hadn't seen it ever since accepting it as a gift; the row of trees planted before the enclosure wall, which were once trimmed to be ornamental, have now grown taller than the wall itself. Entering the place, you see that it's been swept clean at least; but the whole place looks a little... run down.

Well. It just stands to reason they'd give you a rather rusty house, those Immigrants. Your three advisors look slightly dismayed, and Linden sighs.

> What do/say to the advisors?
> Also, time check - it's in the early afternoon now.

>>19482984
We should probably put them in the palace, we haven't finalized our plans for the Jade and Moon Mansion so the Palace ought to work just fine.

Also we should probably take some actions soon to endear us to the Localists, even if they are dicks.

>gate-guests
Which gate ? Whose gate ?

>>19483113

'Gate-guest' is a technical term used to denote advisors and retainers to nobility. Because noble families are often known as 'great-gates' or 'high-gates', so a person who has been invited to dine within those gates as a guest, in exchange for the use of his talents, is known as a gate-guest.

(It's an actual Chinese term, 门客.)

>>19483104

Well... if the mansion is run down, we should maybe house the men in the palace for now. But I think the mansion would make a great base for our gate guests once it's refurbished. Let's get on that.

We should also ask the people what we should do with the convocation. Our first consulting session!

>>19483097
Rundown houses and overgrown vegetaion look better. Some things shouldn't be too neat.

We need to get a report on what the closed meeting was about. Who can get that for us ?

>>19483097
Well, this place is unacceptable as it is for our honored gate-guests. We should delegate fixing the place up to someone.

Inform our advisers that this is a place we recently acquired, we were considering housing them here once it was no longer run down and that we wondered if they had any other suggestions for what we used it for once we have renovated it. Ask specifically for Mormeregain opinion as this falls into his purview.

>>19483097
I don't particularly care where we house them.

Could you briefly explain what each adviser does?

>>19483097
Tell them this is where we hope to house them after we have it repaired and ask if they have any suggestions.

>>19483144
>>19483137
>>19483104

You look around, and then nudge Linden. 'This is not acceptable.'

'No, sir.'

'Sir, to be honest, we wouldn't mind-'

'No, I can't have my advisors live in a dump. At the very least we should have to clean up this place. Then...'

You ask the men what they think should be done with it. Mormeregain reckons that, since it is a mainly residential building, it would be good if its walls were made higher, and it was turned into a sort of base of operations outside the Palace.

Daneg and Ramogis aren't so sure about that; they wonder if that might incur the ire of your brothers and father. It's not like your family is the most trusting house in the world anyway... Daneg wonders if it could be put to use as a school, perhaps - the first school in the city in some two decades. Or maybe an orphanage, or some other public building, to show your public spirit.

> What reckon?

>>19483140

Mormeregain wonders if Niduseg was at that meeting too. You're slightly surprised he raised him. 'You know him?'

'He is much known among the businessmen and bean-counters,' Morm says. 'But he is also known to be tight-lipped...'

Ramogis thinks that some of the intellectuals might have attended the meeting as scribes, and it might be possible to glean something from them. It's worth a try anyhow.

> Roll d100 for this!

>>19483154

Well, so far, Morm is the only man who's got a specific skill, namely accountancy. The other two are general hitters.

What they do is up do you. Normally they would be given some titles; the wiki article is here:

> http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/Staffing,_Posts,_and_Ranks

So you can call someone 'Undersecretary for Recruitment', for instance, and put him in charge of finding other talented people. Things like that.

rolled 86 = 86

>>19483196

hmm. Housing the gate guests, then educating more, would be a great idea. We could visit in secret to get advice.

Also, rolling.

>>19483196
I'm somewhat iffy on an orphanage or something like that, we already are adored by the people.

I'm personally advocating as a base of operations with housing for our gate-guests, but also to serve as a place for intellectuals to talk and debate freely, perhaps with occasional lectures and the like.

Should we give Morm the title of 'chief accountant' or something now?

>>19483265
>>19483238
>>19483224

You could always give that title, yes. Everyone needs an accountant, anyway.

> Give Morm the post?

Also, you agree that the idea of a school, and a living place for your trusted gate-guests, would be a good place to start. That could happen once the place is refurbished, of course; you are about to give the orders when Ramogis suggests something.

'Sir, why not tell Kurigis about this? I'm sure that many of the intellectuals within the city would be very glad indeed to assist in the building of a school and a place for lectures, and they would pitch in to help. That would also spread your prestige throughout the city and beyond.'

You think about that. It sounds good, but then you wonder if having everyone know about your school is a good thing. That's up to your discretion, really...

> What reckon?

> 86: good roll!

You tell Ramogis and Daneg to get on the case, and they agree. They will send you a report by this evening when they return to the palace.

You agree to that, and then look a little surprised as they move to start and clean up the Mansion themselves. They do seem quite enthusiastic about this! But should you let them do such work...?

'Should we go back to the Palace, sir? His Highness is coming back tomorrow, and you probably need a little rest...' Linden doesn't sound like she wants you to rest, though. Hmm.

I think the entire point was that we were going to be using it for a base of operations. Gotta get it spiffed up, at least we have the coin though.

Until we have it all taken care of we can house our guests in the Palace. Who among our retinue is best suited to getting it cleaned up? Amaryllis, perhaps? She is noble born and has had an education, plus is very well attired and beautiful and all that jazz.

Then again, we were considering putting Linden and Rose in charge of this household while Peony was in charge of our person and main household. It might be better to assign Linden and Rose to do it. Sort of appropriate to have them decorate the place they will be ruling with an iron fis-- errr, managing in our name.

>>19483238
>we already are adored by the people.
Are we really ?
>a place for intellectuals to talk and debate freely, perhaps with occasional lectures and the like.
The tea house we're having built could be used for that, no ?
I'd say that this place has too many rooms.

>>19483318
Yes on giving Morm the post, it fits his abilities and frees Peony up some.

I think that spreading the message is good but have them ask Kurigis to try to only spread the message to scholars he knows and trusts, and that while it isn't a huge secret, that those outside these circles would be unlikely to know it as they wouldn't be told.

Remember to when we get back to ask Peony to contract the work out to renovators we trust, though given Linden's connections to the less savory side of things we should see if she knows anyone as well, we'll probably put Linden and Rose in charge of running this place as they work well together and we can't spread Peony too thin.

We should get back to the Palace soon and get our new advisers set up.

>>19483379
By the common folk, they do like us. Remember our interactions with the mob, the village outside that was getting raided and how we brought grain for the minor food riot. Also there are stories and songs about us, in a good way, floating around the city and surrounding area.

>>19483379

The tea house is a bit too far outside the city for that, though. If we keep our advisers here, we can look for their advice quickly.

I think the people think we're handsome, rather horny, but generally nice. Certainly the foreigners think more highly of us, as seen in the last thread.

Wasn't the whole reason for getting this to give us a place in the city of our own where we can stay and conduct our business that WE own rather than staying in the Palace living on subsidy 24/7? A place where we own all the guards and can manage discreet affairs without worrying about palace spies catching us at them?

As for heading back, let's do it. Guests can stay in the palace while we fix our mansion up and we can "rest" with Linden, Orchid, or Rose.

>>19483196
>The other two are general hitters.
>What they do is up do you. Normally they would be given some titles

What kind of specialists are we lacking?
Any suggestions? Could Peony or Linden suggest something?

>>19483414
>>19483400
>>19483379
>>19483347

Well, reputation wise, you are... known to them as 'the handsome third lord'. Handsome in this case also carries an implication that you are rather flirty, a bit of a dandy, with an eye for the ladies - well, there are worse reputations than that.

According to your advisors, by the more serious people in the city, you are seen as being quite supportive of talented people - which is an important plus.

You quickly stop the three men, and instead get Linden to stay here. 'Make a list of what needs doing. I'll get Rose to come down and help you, with some house slaves.'

She seems a bit disappointed at not going back with you, but agrees.

The horse ride back is quite uneventful. The three of them ride their horses, and you wonder if you could ask them questions. Wait, why are you wondering? They're your bloody advisors, of course you can ask them questions!

'Also, Mormeregain.'

'Yes, sir?'

'I'll make you my Chief Accountant. Once we get back, I'll have Peony go through the books with you, and you can take over from there.'

'Certainly, sir! It would be my honour to serve!'

> Do/say/ask anything on the way back? You can rely on these guys to have opinions on many things. That's what they're here to do.

>>19483429
>Wasn't the whole reason for getting this to give us a place in the city of our own where we can stay and conduct our business that WE own rather than staying in the Palace living on subsidy 24/7? A place where we own all the guards and can manage discreet affairs without worrying about palace spies catching us at them?

It wouldn't be hard to that and have the school. In fact, we could use the school as a cover for our more behind the curtain tasks.
We'll have to make the walls soundproof though

>>19483468
Have our accountant audit the businesses we now own thanks to our deals with the Immigrants. Since we've now seen the cruddy state of the mansion I want to make sure the other places we own are profitable and well managed.

>>19483459

Well, these two seem to be mostly political advisors. If you want to have specialists in economics, or military affairs, those would be good niches to look out for, you reckon.

You've asked Peony before, when you were looking for a blacksmith some time back; she was a little disapproving. 'It seems, sir, you would be much better served by advisors to bring news and plan strategies, rather than have men making swords for you...'

> The effect of advisors is that they will give advice when situations crop up. Alternatively, you can always ask them about plans, and they will offer ways to carry out your goals for you. Don't hesitate to use them. The more you are seen to trust their advice, the more they will trust you as well!

>>19483489

'Definitely, sir.' Wait, what businesses do you own? You currently have a ship that isn't finished building yet, and an inn you might take over in the future. Morm will get on those cases and make sure the deals are driven through.

>>19483468
Ask what they think about the conflict between immigrants and the rest, how people feel about it and how it'll progress in the future.

>>19483468

Actually, I'm rather interested in asking about diplomatic things. How are things with the east? Should we get closer to them?

>>19483516
>You've asked Peony before, when you were looking for a blacksmith some time back; she was a little disapproving. 'It seems, sir, you would be much better served by advisors to bring news and plan strategies, rather than have men making swords for you...'

I agree with this. I don't understand why people wanted a blacksmith. Unless you want to open a smithy as a business venture, we have no need of a blacksmith.

Did we ever buy Peony that signet she can use to speak in our name? That will really help with the workload, I imagine, and will allow us more flexibility when dealing with complex situations -- or if we can't be reached at a critical time.

It's also a demonstration of our complete trust in her, too.

>>19483519
>>19483558

The two questions are interlinked, of course.

Daneg thinks that the conflict between immigrants and locals within the city is an unavoidable thing. The locals often think of immigrants as being barbarians, even though they clearly aren't (well, some of them aren't). In return, the immigrants naturally feel marginalised, and ready to fight back.

The biggest threat, as both Daneg and Ramogis see it, is that this situation leads eventually to violence. 'Rats packed in a warehouse will eat each other. The city is currently badly maintained, and very overcrowded. The authorities are generally negligent, since being merchants their interests and those of the city are at odds.'

Ramogis thinks the government will need to take an active role in reconciliating the factions, soothing feelings, and rebuilding the city. But that would definitely mean offending all the entrenched interests within the city. 'Since they are hard to destroy, they will have to be bought off somehow.'

You ask what should be the first urban reform priority; Ramogis and Morm think it's the tax and toll system, which is nightmarishly complicated; while Daneg thinks it should be the housing system, which is nightmarishly poorly maintained. 'It's honestly surprising a civil riot hasn't yet occurred... or a great fire, or a deadly plague. There are literally children bathing in the sewage of other families...'

> Diplomacy incoming.

>>19483622
We can do that on the way back to the palace. Commission something from a goldsmith/jewler maybe? A seal or signet ring?

'In turns of diplomacy, sir...'

You ride into the gates, and stop them from talking first. Only when you're within the courtyard, and you've introduced them to Peony, do you then let them speak again. Ramogis seems rather taken by Peony. Well, you're not surprised.

'Well, sir. In the diplomatic realm, Iru is at a great disadvantage. In the centre and west of the Realm, eleven great kingdoms clash and grow; in the south, five other kingdoms dominate the scene. Even Kaso and the kingdoms of the northeast have some fame. But Iru has so far remained quiescent, and its prestige is at a low.'

They agree on this, but they disagree on what should be done. For Daneg, the answer lies in rebuilding prestige by following the rituals, and gaining a name for propriety. 'Laws should be enacted to entrench the good name of the kingdom. Diplomats should be sent to broker peace, and establish links, with the other civilised states.'

Ramogis and Morm, however, think that the east is a good answer. 'The east is an open and rich land. While there are strong states, like Theniron and Subaran and other major cities, there are also villages and weak tribes, which can be conquered or brought to heel. They can then form the base on which a stronger kingdom is built. A weak kingdom makes overtures to the strong on a basis of inferiority; but with the easterners, we will often have the upper hand.'

'Sir, that might lead to a military situation however,' Daneg says, slightly alarmed. 'Besides, if I may be blunt, His Highness is still only a prince; there are matters to deal with within the kingdom that may well be more serious.' He sounds like he is thinking of something specifically already.

> Hmm, hmm. What do/say?

>>19483622

Oh yes, sorry I forgot to answer this.

A small seal has been procured from the Palace stores (they have those things ready-made). It's with you now, you can present it to Peony personally, or have it brought to her.

Also, Rose has brought 15 slaves down to the mansion to help Linden with cleaning things up.

>>19483725
Daneg, it sounds like you have some matter in specific in mind, please go ahead.

After that ask them what more they know of Theniron and Subaran, their relations with each other and Iru and Mar, strengths, weaknesses, trade goods and sources of income, culture and anything else important they can think of.

>>19483725
What matters, then ?

By the way, we'll have to get information on how people, and particularily our brother, saw this morning's affair.

The factions will resist change because they think that their piece of the pie will be threatened. They only care about making their own piece bigger at the expense of the others. We need to convince them that the trick isn't enlarging your own piece, but making the pie itself bigger...

>>19483752
Excellent. I say we present it to Peony personally, in private. Tell her that we trust her not to misuse our name, we appreciate her efforts as of late, and that as we will be having multiple households soon we'll have her as the chief of staff over all of them.

When do we think the mansion might be ready to move people into it? I'm personally against a school -- learning is good, but it's also politically not a great avenue. Also, a school is not exactly the best cover for a spy operation. I mean, places where the free exchange of information is supposed to be the rule tend not to lend themselves quite so much to cloak and dagger. I think it's a bad idea and should just be a normal mansion, albiet one where spymasters report and reports are stored and reviewed.

>>19483725
yeah, I agree with Daneg. We have a lot of shit to deal right now

>>19483757
>>19483777

Daneg thinks for a moment, then says:

'Sir, if I may make a prediction - the exchange of gifts between states, on the Second of Fifth, might well be a fraught affair.'

... wait, you weren't expecting that. The second of fifth is normally when people come round from other states, bearing gifts and congratulations and opening the social season together. Though you are not an independent state, you do receive emissaries from the Royal Court, and also from some eastern tribes. 'Why so? And for whom?'

'For both us and the Royal Court, and for some reasons. Firstly. The Kingdom of Kaso is far stronger than us, and they have always tried to wriggle out of recognising His Majesty as a king. Yet, since we have always taken the initiative to show them due respect, they have not dared to back away from recognition.

'This year, however, both the harvest in Iru and Kaso have been badly hit by the mistimed summer rains. While it seems that His Majesty still intends to send gifts appropriate to a king for Kaso, it is unclear if Kaso will reciprocate. They could always use the excuse of an inadequate harvest to give the royal court a gift befitting a mere duke; but that would be a clear breach of recognition, and other states will catch on.

'Secondly, since the Royal Court has always had some doubts about the Appanage of Mar, they may well come with smaller gifts, and even with demands for extracting tribute from the Appanage. As an appanage, we must by right obey; but it could well lead to tensions. It seems that, within Shuganak, the Four Earls' houses have been instigating just such a move against us...'

That sounds serious, you think. Wars have been fought over inadequate gifts before...

> What do/say/react?

Also, in terms of reaction - your brother seemed quite angry, once again, at you getting in the way. Peony has warned that he might be doing something about it, since father is coming back tomorrow...

Within the city, too, there appear to be tensions. The immigrant community is naturally very glad that you've shown them leniency, but merchants are grumbling at you bending the rules, and the locals seem tense. They kinda wonder if you'll be even-handed in the future.

The guard, for one, appreciates that you managed to solve the situation without bloodshed. Indeed, the captain on the scene has personally sent a note of thanks to you.

>>19483863

Whatever you said to the men in reply, you go later to Peony and give her the seal. Her eyes widen.

'Sir... this is not appropriate...'

'I think it is. So I override you.' You press the seal into her warm hand. 'I trust you won't abuse it, so I'll give it to you.'

She looks at you, then drops to her knees. 'Sir! I will die for your trust, sir.' You rarely see her say something this emotional!

> What do/say?

>>19483912
Such a world where a word unsaid or a gift not given can cause more death and damage than any number of swords...

Damn, it's late and I'm tired.
Good luck, OP, I'll read this later in the archives!

>Excellent. I say we present it to Peony personally, in private.

No. This is a retard idea. You can't install somebody into such an important position without telling as many people as possible. They're SUPPOSED TO KNOW that she is going to speak in your name in certain matters in the future and in order for them to know that, they have to hear it from your mouth.

That is how it works.

That in-secret-private crap is going to come back to bite us and cause a whole load of work for us. It's okay to inform her first and in private, but actually passing the seal on to her has to take place in an official ceremony. Otherwise we might as well not do it at all.

>>19483949
Well. Such a reaction shows that we are right to give her this seal.

>>19483912
There's really very little we can do about this. The second of fifth is coming up very soon and the gifts have already been decided upon and dispatched at this point. I'm not entirely sure what preparations we could make to capitalize on the inadequate gifting situation either, save what we already are doing -- getting men as tribute from our new barbarian friends.

Speaking of which, we need to extract all the ones that we don't want executed from prison at this point and send them on their way. We don't want Dad spoiling our shit by executing the key elements or figuring out our plan.

>>19483970

I think we could always tell people after we give her the seal?

>>19483912
Well this is going to be troublesome. We can ourselves do little about much of this but weather this storm and try to keep people from drawing steel and raising armies. I will certainly need your expertise in the coming days.

>>19483949
Don't die Peony, you already have my complete trust and if you were gone I couldn't manage this household without you with me. This is mainly so everyone else knows that you speak with my voice in certain matters.

We should probably have a public seal giving event of some kind when we get a chance, to be sure that everyone hears of this and knows of my trust in you.

>>19483949
While the sentiment is clearly heartfelt and I am glad of it, I think it would be best for us both, if you remain among the living. Otherwise I've wasted a perfectly good seal! *wink*

>>19483984

I only hope that our DM is as leninent about ceremony as the players are... because jesus christ...

>>19483970
I'm pretty sure we can let everyone in the household know that we've given her the seal in public afterward. Presenting it in private is to give it a more personal touch and give it meaning. And as soon as our household knows everyone in the palace will know.

Outside the palace, the mere fact that she has the seal should be enough.

>>19483994
>>19483969

> See you, friend! Thanks for playing.
> Actually, thanks everyone else for playing too! It's your ideas make this worthwhile.

>>19483980
>>19483984

Peony wipes her eyes a little as you raise her to her feet again. 'Well, try not to die. Or I'd die trying to run the household, eh?'

'Don't jest about your life, master!' She smiles. Both of you agree there should be a little ceremony later just to inform everyone, so she hands the seal back to you for now.

As for the Red Pines guys, they've already been let out actually - this afternoon. You've confirmed the orders earlier today, and there are six men awaiting execution within the cells for banditry. The rest are gone.

Baseg's land-buying project is going on as well. He should be back tomorrow.

As for the Second of Fifth, the gifts have indeed been compiled and might be dispatched soon... but you're not sure. Daneg's words do make you feel rather uneasy, even after they've been dismissed. It's almost evening now, dinnertime, and you get a message from Linden in the city that clean-up is going okay, should be done by the Festival. Which is nice.

> What do/say? Eat dinner with anyone in particular? Who shall attend you this evening, and would you like to do any leisure activities? It's your last night before dad comes back and bleaaaagh.

>>19484023
Meh, let's just have a formal presentation of the seal to her later. I support telling her about it in private first, considering she should be the first one to know about this particular event after us.

But yeah, I imagine we should hold a formal ceremony this evening or tomorrow before Dad gets back.

>>19484048
Have dinner with our new gate-guests as a welcoming gesture to our household.

Have Linden attend to us this evening, and I'm sure we can think of good leisure activities, like quoting bawdy poetry. Savor the fact that we have a free night to play around, as once our Dad gets back and everything gets extremely busy.

>>19484067
>>19484092

Linden's in the city directing the renovation work, though. As is Rose. (Linden, for one, is quite disappointed.)

You could call her back if you want and send someone down to help Rose. Or Rose can probably handle things by herself...

Meanwhile, though, you're too hungry to wait, so dinner it is! You get your new advisors, and treat them to some very good food indeed. The kitchen's done well this time round, and your advisors are both impressed and heartened.

You talk about things like the eastern duchies, and you do learn quite a bit. Theniron and Subaran have emerged at the forefront of a patchwork of cities, but they've got different advantages. Subaran is better positioned for trade, and also older and more prestigious. But Theniron has had two vigorous dukes in the last three decades, and they are actively courting the border civilised states, including Iru, and also the smaller duchies.

You ask if a war is likely among them, and Morm thinks. 'It's possible, sir. If the balance is too hastily tipped one way or another it might well happen. But there is still plenty of scope for eastward expansion; there are two hundred miles between the East Lake and Subaran, after all!'

Speaking of which - that's about ten days' travel, so the ladies from there must have set off for here by now. They're probably halfway here already. You should be receiving messages from them soon... ah, summer, when fancy turns to love!

> Do/say anything more?

>>19484048
>> See you, friend! Thanks for playing.
>> Actually, thanks everyone else for playing too! It's your ideas make this worthwhile.
No, thank you for running these awesome quests. I really like the stories you tell.

>>19484092

i'd rather orchid attend to us really, she's cute.

also we should play some drinking games with the advisers, make this more informal.

>>19484207
We already ought to know much of the Easterner culture from our studies of their language, but we should still ask our advisers to fill in any gaps that we may have.

Make it not that formal a dinner, have some drinking, maybe some singing and poetry, perhaps foreign poetry, as well.

>>19484207
Those who aren't putting their heart into the work don't do the best job. Go ahead and call Linden back. I'm sure we can find something for her to do. Ahem.

Call Linden back, no point in having her down there when Rose can handle it alone.

Been a while since Orchid has attended us hasn't it? Let's have a wonderful night.. also we can find out how her stealthy combat training is going with the other girls and if she's contacted that other girl who might make a good spy/assassin.

>>19484327
>>19484269
>>19484227

> Roll d100 for your self control. You're not known to be a particularly restrained man, so there's no bonus here.

You ask Lavender to call Linden back while replacing her at the Mansion. She nods, and runs off.

Meanwhile you are reciting poetry, and you get the other attendants in to pour wine and contribute some poetry. Pea turns out to have a nice reciting voice, while Amaryllis naturally knows quite a bit of poetry. It's a good night, and after quite a few drinks you see Linden come back and pour for you.

And in the distance, Peony is organising the dinner, making sure food and drink is flowing. Ah, Peony.

Linden leans close, and you can smell that she's all sweaty. 'It's pretty tough work down there, boss...'

You wonder if Daneg would disapprove of this intimacy, being a Menegist; but he's also drinking rather hard and listening to Orchid and Pea reading a praise poem from an ancient anthology. The drinking game for reciting poetry is gradually losing coherence, as the poems run out and the liquor sinks in...

> Do/say anything before ending dinner?

>>19484364
Though make sure that Rose can handle it ok, and if not send someone else to help her and ensure that it goes smoothly.

rolled 65 = 65

>>19484375

Oh dear. Rolling.

Also, since last night of freedom for now, why not both Orchid and Linden?

rolled 68 = 68

>>19484375
Rolling over here

rolled 27 = 27

>>19484375
Self Control? What's that?

Say something welcoming to our new advisers and that we hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship.

Then go off with Linden, and perhaps Orchid as well, take a bath with her/them and enjoy the little bit of free time we have before our father returns and the Festival gets into full swing.

rolled 82 = 82

>>19484414
Wow that was just terrible

>>19484444
Here we go a respectable 82 with quads at the end of my post

>>19484405
Well, I'm under the impression that while Linden would be game (if jealous) that Orchid is all starry eyed and in love.

Depending on her personality that might mean that she has no problem with this course and even forms a friendship with Linden. Or it could mean that she's somewhat insulted and/or unhappy with the situation not living up to her romantic expectations.

I mean, it's one thing to understand you're never going to be anything more than a noble's on-the-side sharing with other girls, it's another thing to actively participate with those other girls. I'm personally for avoiding orgies and threesomes myself, and devoting our attentions to one lady per night.

>>19484414
>>19484405

> Pretty close, pretty close... but success!

You put your hand on Linden's to stop her, and then give a final toast to end the evening. 'My gate-guests! It is great fortune for men of matching temperament to meet, and today I am a man of immense fortune. I hope you will think the same too.

'Though I am young and inexperienced, but I have ambitions and wish to bring peace and light to the world. I have great works to be completed, and I will rely on you in the coming days to fulfill those great ambitions. Long may we work together!'

'Long may we serve your lordship!'

And with that final toast, you get hoisted to your feet by Linden and Orchid, and the guests are dismissed. That you seem very glad to have these two with you doesn't escape them. Well, they should know your weaknesses too as advisors...

Heading upstairs, you tell the two of them to draw a bath and sit down, thinking of what is to come for the night ahead. Then you fumble your way into the bathroom, and see Orchid trying to cover Linden up - she's done the usual thing and tucked her tunic into her sash. Ah, those lovely...

'Orchid, don't worry about it.' You take your clothes off and clamber into the bath, and Orchid seems embarrassed as Linden massages you. She doesn't resist when you hold her lovely, rather thin hands though.

> What do/say?
> Also, quad 4's. You do know what 4 sounds like in Chinese languages?

>>19484482

You get the impression Linden knows she's not going to get anywhere with you. She's been with you long enough to be aware of that.

She likes the sex itself, of course, and she also figures that if you like her, in every sense of the word, you will treat her future properly as well. Like with a good marriage or something. (Which you surely would, wouldn't you?)

Orchid, however, seems a little tougher. She is rather starry eyed, and you wonder if she's aware of her fate. But then maybe... well, as an earl, you could always... hmm.

>>19484496
Shit, four 4s, we're going to die, at least we'll die happy.

Talk to Linden and Orchid, try to get Orchid to open up to Linden, find points of common interest, get them talking to each other while we enjoy the bath and massage.

>>19484534
Well, obviously we're going to take good care of Linden, make sure she gets a nice marriage when she wants one to a fine fellow.

Sadly we'll have to end up disabusing Orchid of that notion some time in the future, we like her, we'll make sure she's well taken care of, but we're not going to end up marrying her.

>>19484534
>Which you surely would, wouldn't you?
Well, yes. We like Linden. She is loyal, reasonably competent, an honest voice in a world where people kowtow to us, and fun in more ways than one. She's not Peony, who is on the fact track to Concubine, but she *is* one of our inner circle.

>Orchid
Enjoy it for now, we can worry about putting out fires with her if they ever come up.

>>19484207
I don't know.

Don't say anything.

>>19484556
>>19484623

You have the two of them talk, though Linden's sharp tongue does make it slightly uncomfortable sometimes. She even challenges Orchid to strip down like her, and Orchid gasps when she says it.

Well, not that you're about to complain. But you do begin to scold Linden and say that she doesn't need to, before Orchid starts shrugging off her robe and tunic as well. She's much slenderer, her ribs more clearly visible, than Linden.

'Man, you're thin,' Linden says.

'Linden! No bullying.'

'It's a compliment, sir!' She leans close to you. 'May I join you in the bath, sir? I'm all sweaty...'

She smells like it. And her skin feels like it, too. And mmmm... yeah she tastes like it too. This is very important research. You look over at Orchid, who seems to be entertaining similar thoughts and questions.

> Right. So. What do?

>>19484725

Let them both in. Then let's go to bed all together.

Be nice and gentle to Orchid, Linden knows our style already.

>>19484725
Invite Orchid in, make room for her, it'll be cramped but it'll be a good cramped.

Continue to let them pay attention to us and talk to each other, step in to moderate to make sure they get along well. Then take them to bed.

>>19484725
Sure, why not. It's a pretty big tub, I imagine it can hold three people who don't mind being rather close together. And the bed is even bigger.

I wonder how Lavender is going to do with the construction. It should be a good way to see her skills at managing servants and carrying out our orders when given some leeway, and since Rose is there we can get a good unbiased view of how she did. Plus, we'll get to talk to Rose and Lavender, both of whom we should probably speak with before long. We can interview Rose over a game of chess and Lavender in the workshop some evening when we are tinkering. These need not be done immediately of course, just on-and-along.

>>19484767
>>19484778

It's a bit hard to moderate when you're all cramped in a tub, and after a while the words fade into kisses. Then you take the both of them to bed, thankful to have sobered up some.

They both squeal and laugh as you jump in among them, and pull the sheets and curtains around you.

When you wake up again, many of the joints in your body ache, as do your male bits. Linden is lying on you, drooling over your face; Orchid is curled up against you. You could do worse than this... far, far worse.

... oh, actually, fuck, you could. Dad's coming back today! But if Peony hasn't come in giving instructions, he's probably not here yet. Dawn peeks through the windows, and Linden starts murmuring in your ear, incoherently.

> Well. What do then? There's a big event today - well, at least one...

>>19484833

Also, since Lavender is good at tinkering, she might turn out to be skilled at construction too.

We've been neglecting Rose a little, I think. Maybe we should either give her more responsibility, or take her closer... but I'm personally for the responsibility. She seems to like work.

>>19484854
Prepare I guess. Wake the girls up with a few well-placed kisses, and go do things that aren't them.

I don't really know. Is he supposed to arrive in the morning ? Maybe peony knows what's to be done. Go check on her.

>>19484854
Gently rouse the two of them, maybe a few kiss thrown in there, get up, get clean, get dressed, prepare for the incoming clusterfuck with Peony.

>>19484898

'Buh?'

'Hmmmrhgguh? Oh!' Orchid starts, then rolls off the bed. Then Peony knocks the door, and she squeaks and rolls back on.

You scramble to get dressed and shove the girls into the bathroom before letting Peony in. 'Sir. I've got a message; His Highness should be arriving in the palace by noon. Either you or the fourth earl will receive at the palace gate, while the other should probably be at the city gate... so which would you like?'

Well. The city gate is a longer commute, on what appears to be a hot day, with ritual clothing. Also, you have to decide whether to bring your little retinue with you or just go alone. Peony glances past you at the now-dressed Linden and Orchid, coming out of the bathroom. Then she nods at Linden.

'Your sash is inside out.'

'Damn!' She runs back in again.

> Well. How receive, then? Also, your second brother will now be staying in the Palace throughout the festival. Would you like to do anything with him today?

>>19484940

Also, what did you *do* last night? You're walking slightly funny, though Peony doesn't notice or doesn't let on.

Well, again, no complaints there. But ow. Oof, oww. Maybe staying at the palace gate would be nice...

>>19484940
We should take the Palace gate, it sounds more interesting and we don't have to go out into the hot city.

As for our second brother, maybe we should have breakfast with him, we haven't talked to him much and as difficult as he is to deal with, family is family.

>>19484990
>>19484940
I think we should go through the effort of welcoming him at the city gates. He might appreciate the attention, and I'd rather be the first to talk to him.

>>19484940

A little caught here. City gate seems more appropriate, but it's not like father would appreciate it.

But then palace gate would be even cheaper.

I think we should take our retinue, and go to the palace gate. And then maybe invite the second brother over for something... we don't relaly have common interests do we?

>>19484940
Leave the retinue. I don't think being followed by women is the best way to appear to our father.

>>19484990
>>19484940
I think we should avoid exposing our retinue to dear Dad. Or Second Brother. Either one of them might like some of our attendants rather too much. If that happens it's a lose/lose situation, since we would either give them away to be used (bad for morale, reputation, and they're *ours* damn it) or fight to keep them (getting in a fight with either would be a bad thing, we should keep flying under the radar if possible)

Peony and Rose should be fine. We can chat with Rose about how Lavender did and how she has personally been while we are at the palace gates waiting.

I would PREFER the city gate from the standpoint of maybe getting to talk with dad during the ride but, well, ugh. What a pain.

>>19485020
>>19485026
>>19485028
>>19485070

You get dressed and move out, while summoning your retinue. Soon all four of them are out, and properly dressed already. You don't take attendants, other than Peony, who is quite compulsory.

'We'll be heading for the palace gate,' you say, and head off, but Daneg asks if you should not go to the city gate instead. Just then you see Imian riding by, at the head of several armoured guards.

'I'm going to escort father in, and I take it you'll be here then, brother?'

> What do/say? You could technically *both* go to the city gate, if you wanted to. Daneg seems to want the city gate as well.

As for the construction thing, Lavender sent a morning note saying things are going fine. The houses aren't damaged, just terribly dusty and dirty - you can in fact see smudges of dust around the note paper. But that means that, with some intense scrubbing, it could be ready by tomorrow morning.

Just in time for the Great Festival, and whatever purposes you might have!

Oh, also, I nearly forgot - the Convocation meeting results. You just got a short brief from Morm, who's been asking around.

... things seem a little ominous. Apparently you weren't the only one excluded from the meeting; there were only two immigrants allowed in there, on the pretext of the others being 'late'.

The meeting seems to have revolved around two points - firstly, renewing some of the Purveyor contracts, including the two held by Immigrants; and secondly, reviewing your status as Prince's Monitor, with a proposal to put Imian in your place instead.

There was apparently also a motion raised to resist the reform of taxes and tolls, and to concentrate on widening roads in Margade instead.

>>19485083

Not to mention it'd be terrible for the girl, given what our second brother does. If he asks for anyone, we should tell him to fuck off. That would raise morale for our attendants.

I mean, I don't see the point of being non-confrontational with him now, he will just see us as being beta.

>>19485104
Well, it's obviously more prudent to go to the city gate from a power-play standpoint, but it will still be a pain and we had a long night last night. Ask our adviser why he advises we go to the city gate. Discreetly of course.

>>19485125
Well, isn't that absolutely lovely, I am starting to really dislike these guys.

>>19485104
We have to weigh the advantages of walking father in with the disadvantage of having to butt heads with Imian, he's a stubborn little snot so if we decide to go it'll be the both of us going which while technically allowed is probably not good form for either of us, he'll happily risk taking us both down if it means getting his way.

It might be best to take the palace gate for this.

>>19485104
I still think it'd be better to go to the city gates... but the two of us will appear undisciplined. Would our father mind ? If not, go. If he would, stay.

>>19485169
Always be polite, specially when telling someone to fuck off.

>>19485125
Probably time to cut a bitch or two. Or at least threaten cutting of bitches. Would it be legal for us to just go in there with some city guard (who now owe us a favor) and say they are in violation of law blah blah and arrest whoever is proposing the motion to remove us? After we investigate and know who to target, of course.

I mean, technically they would be directly countermanding the authority of the Prince and the nobility by trying to remove us....

>>19485176
>>19485180
>>19485196

Daneg leans closer. 'Well, the city gate would show your lordship's sincerity, naturally.'

That... is a good point. You don't think your father would mind, either - he's not into minding about these things. Imian's face darkens a little as you say you're going along, as well.

The two of you ride, mostly in silence, with the guards and your advisors behind. Rounding the walls so you don't go through the jam-packed city, you soon arrive at the northern gate, where a herald meets you.

'His Highness has decreed, to give the prized white deerskin to he who receives- oh.' He looks at the two lordships, both standing there. 'I... I beg your pardon, sirs.'

Upon a little asking, it turns out the white deerskin is for the city gate person. The one who takes the palace gate will get five mink pelts instead. How pleasant.

Just then, another herald comes, and this time you look up and see wagons rolling off the roads as a figure rides in. He is on horseback, and surrounded by several horses, flying red pennants from their lances. It's your second brother.

'Hello, the two of you,' he says, as the whole entourage - ten mounted guards! - kick dust all around you. 'And hello, Peony.'

'Your Lordship.'

'The day you don't use her anymore, Adrian, I will ask father to have her. My household needs plenty of organisation!' He then laughs, loudly, and you see as people all around you push wagons over the rough ground, giving your gathering wide berth. The red pennants are notorious all around the Appanage, and no one is suicidal enough to cross their master.

> What do/say?

>>19485224
Oh, better yet, now that we have some scholars now who presumably know some law... well, can we hunt for legal technicalities? I mean, if we can invalidate their closed session with legal reasons rather than just busting in with swords and clapping them in irons that would be preferable.

But in the end the power of the Nobility stems from the sword, in every culture. If we can't convince them through subtle means we will just have to remind them exactly who we are.

....Hmmm, rather than busting in I have an even better idea. How about we find out who they are from the immigrants who were allowed into the session... then have our friends the Reds jump a few of the key conspirators at night and beat them bloody. The Reds will NOT want Imian as convocation master. He is a Blue man. They would have no problem doing this for us and keeping it quiet since it serves their own interests directly.

>>19485244
Hello Brother, I can not imagine the day in that I would not be in want of Peony's services, so I'm afraid I shall be holding on to her.

Well, look as royal as possible, our father is coming so we ought to be at our best to receive him.

>>19485267
>>19485224

Well, the problem is that legally, the administration of the city is the remit of the Convocation. As for the Prince's order to have you as Monitor, that's exactly what they're trying to do - appeal to your dad to repeal that order.

Marching in with guards and armed men into a meeting is a massive social infraction in this culture - you simply do not break deliberation with the threat of armed force, it's against all propriety and correctness. You are of course free to do it still, but the consequences will be there.

Your advisors will think of a way to make legal arguments. The Red option, you hold that for a minute. You'll talk to the panel later.

> Meanwhile, how react to second brother?

>>19485244

'Ah, brother, but I will be getting a fief soon. And Peony will run that fief. Apologies.'

Also, should we fight for the deer skin? I am personally against that. We don't neeed the skins after all.

>>19485244
Laugh with him, then divert the topic without a response to that statement by asking about the white buck. A majestic trophy, was he the one who slew it or Father?

He's not the brightest bulb, after all. Ideally he won't even notice and will be diverted by bragging about the hunt.

>Have Reds jump key Localists who were trying to get us removed
Yes! Do it. And then visit them immediately the next morning, before word gets out. Say we heard through our connections that they were injured in a fall and came to pay our respects, and hope they pay more attention to where they place themselves in the future.

>>19485337
>place themselves in the future.
Errr, I meant that as more subtle. Like, "Perhaps you should pay more attention to where you stand in the future so you don't fall and get hurt again. The city roads are crowded and rather treacherous."

Basically telling them that we have connections and they best watch themselves and cancel the vote.

>>19485327
>>19485244
Offer to our little brother his pick among the pelts. Preferably in front of our older brother.

>>19485337
>and hope they pay more attention to where they place themselves in the future.
They're not dumb, no need to be obvious.

>>19485327
>We don't neeed the skins after all.
It's a badge of prestige mostly, is what I imagine.

>>19485367
>>19485337
>>19485327
>>19485303

'Ah, brother... but I will have use for her, I believe. Anyway, what news about that white buck?'

'Oh yes, that white buck! Ah, you should have been there! Not that you'd go, but it was a majestic animal. And a damn good fight, too - took a day to wash the blood off its coat...'

He continues yakking on a little, until more trumpets sound. This time it's a carriage surrounded with riders, and all of you dismount and get on your knees as the man is helped from the carriage.

'Father, your Highness!'

'Hmm. Get up.' He does seem more invigorated than before he left, though you notice a little quivering in his right arm and hand. Supported by attendants, he walks up to you. 'I hope the two of you haven't come to receive me together because of that white deerskin.'

> What do/say?

Also, at a later point, you raise the idea of the Reds to your advisors and Peony. They say it'd be a good idea... except the Reds do business with the Localists, too, and they are very very unlikely to agree to beating up their treasured clients.

'If they are inclined to do it, it must be for quite a price,' Ramogis muses. 'I'm not sure that price is even there, sir...'

Damn. They've got a point, actually. But still, maybe the Reds could do something else to stop a review?

Guys. Imian is hotheaded and prideful. If we imply that, well, he's the one who really NEEDS this pelt and we'll generously give it to him while flashing a condescending smile he'll probably get all flustered and tell us that he doesn't need it. Just to be contrary and salvage his pride.

Then we can act all gracious and take it anyway.

Reverse psychology, bitch.

>>19485427
The thought never even crossed my mind Father, I just wanted to see you back to the city.

>>19485427
We learned of the skin as we got here, father.

>>19485427
Feh. Surely there is someone in this bloody town who's a thug and not aligned with a gang.

And we could probably get in contact with those someones through Lily or Linden. If they're just regular street toughs and neither girl says where she got the money or reveals who she works for, then we could do the same thing without the reds.

At the same time we could have the Reds put pressure on the Localists to keep us in power. Since they have strong enough connections they won't break with the merchants for us, then those connections can be used to pressure the merchants into keeping us. And the Reds WILL want to keep us since we are their ally and Imian is for the Blues.

I dont see why we shouldn't let Imian have the deerskin. We were planning on meeting father at the second gate anyway, and we can't step on Imians toes ALL the time.

>>19485442
>>19485435

> One more message and I'm off to bed. This thread started pretty late, but really glad for the increased participation - thanks guys!

'Not at all, father,' Imian says.

'Not at all, father,' you say, 'and in fact it would certainly be best for Imian to have the deerskin.'

Imian looks at you, a little surprised, and then your father looks at him. 'Would you like to have it then, son?'

'Well, father... certainly it should go to Third Brother. He is my senior, after all.'

... well, that's actually cleverer than it sounded. You're not the oldest among these three; there's no rule against your second brother taking the pelt. You smile. 'Then, by that logic, Second Brother should have it.'

'And it will be well deserved,' the Prince says. You end up getting three mink pelts each. Well, it could be worse...

Saddling up, you follow the carriage as it moves. You are on the left, while the other two brothers have moved to the right, and occasionally you hear your father addressing them. Then, after a while, the flap on your side opens and he pokes his head out.

'Well then, Number Three. What have you been doing? Negotiating and being the statesman?'

> What do/say?

>>19485474

Violent incidents could lead to uproar though, what are the chances of that?
Maybe it's better if the reds pressure the Localists, or if there's some legal way for them to petition Father?

>>19485427
Are we certain to have a majority against us ?
There's got to be some downside for them to replace us, or every monitor would be replaced at the first disagreement.

>>19485505
Performing my duty as Monitor, negotiating, being a statesman, trying to improve the city, preventing a riot, stopping some raiding on the Appanage's villages.

Nothing of note, I was simply performing my duties in your absence.

There's no reason not to tell him, though we should be slightly humble, he'll hear about everything soon enough anyways.

>>19485505
There is no shortage of negociators in this town, and I suspect that to be the statesman, instead of just adding my voice to the concert I should try to renovate the concert hall.

>>19485566

Say this, and be humble.
Also, yes, we should not move unless we are sure there will be a majority vote against us.

>>19485505
"Oh, attending meetings and making sure the peasantry doesn't step out of line. The merchants are trying to fleece the crown like they always do, of course. And as I was listening to all that I noticed... well, if you gave me the authority to go through with it I could likely show them how a real man runs things by pushing through some law reforms. I know the palace hardly needs money, but I even think it would bring us more income to boot! Speaking of which, how much do we have in the treasury anyway?"

Plan, guys. Dad's treasury is running low, broke even. He probably knows, and if he doesn't then asking him about it might get him to check. Then he will give us carte-blanche to do our legal reforms and bring in more money for the treasury. We'll get both the reforms, a shit-ton of power, prestige, make money off of it, and there will be a direct order from him to keep us in power over the Convocation.

>>19485591
>>19485566
What the fuck guys? He doesn't care if we're humble or not. For fuck's sake, look at him and Second Brother!

He would be more impressed with us boasting than being little children. I say we especially talk up how we captured a bunch of bandits who outnumbered us and threw them in jail. He'll love that.

>>19485596
Do we have precise ideas about that law reform ?
We can't write up something on a piece of paper one night and tell the guard to enforce it.
I think we'd need to create a commission to write it.

>>19485693
Thankfully we have some scholars and an accountant now. And if they don't know, then they most assuredly will know people who do.

>>19485596
>>19485526
>>19485534
>>19485591

Hearteningly, you are aware that the motion to replace you did lead to some pretty fierce debate. It's certainly much more controversial than the Purveyor review. So you might not have to do anything.

Still, no harm getting the advisors on the case. They will look for a precedent and try to argue a case from there. They seem confident of it.

>>19485566
>>19485584

'I have been doing my duties, Father.' You then go on to list those things proudly, and then mention that the merchants are fleecing the Palace, and maybe if you could carry out more legal reforms, and ensure that-

'You will do nothing of the sort, Adrian. This is the problem with you! Every time I think you might have become calmer, you show that hot head of yours,' he says. 'I appointed you to monitor the selection process, not to be the king of Margade. You understand?'

You nod. It's best not to ask about your father's treasury. I mean, when was the last time you asked someone how much money he had in his purse? You do mention that increasing income from the city would be a good thing, and this time your father nods.

'Well. That's one thing, of course. Wealth. But the other thing is prestige. We need a name...'

'Father?'

'Hmm. Of the four of you, there are two who can talk. There's him... and then you.' He doesn't even want to mention your oldest brother's name. 'Now. As you know, there is tribute to be paid to the Royal Court. But this year Theniron and Subaran are both sending tribute our way too - we haven't had this in years. It's an opportunity we cannot miss.

'So. I was about to offer you a choice, Adrian. You can either go to Shuganak and talk to your uncle the King... or you'll head east to the border, and pick up those two entourages. And stop them from killing each other before they get to Raumar...'

Huh! Now... now that's a choice!

> What do/say? Take either? Take neither? (Can't take both, sadly.)
> I'm sleeping now, but your responses will definitely be counted!
> Also, roll d100 with a bonus, for legal research.

>>19485741

I say we go fetch the ladies! Royal court is boring.

rolled 73 = 73

>>19485741
Head east to the border, I want to stay out of the hellishly sticky situation Shuganak will be. Also court politics like that are a combination of dull and dangerous.

Also we're the one best suited to deal with the Easterners by far and it'll let us get our plans for getting in good with those families who are vitally important for many plans of expansion and trade. Especially the one who we choose to pursue in the social season, I'm advocating Saragites of Theniron for this.

Be honored by this opportunity he is given us, tell him that it shall be done to the best of our abilities.

guys guys but if we go to the capital we can see about giving the whites that thing they wanted!

Nah, we should probably go East and improve relations there.

>>19485741
Shiiiiiit.

I really would like to go to the royal court. We can make powerful connections there and it might even be possible to check out the Royal Princesses. And we'll be meeting our Uncle, and if we do an appropriate amount of information gathering beforehand we might be able to solve some problems for him and gain a large amount of favor. Favor from the king of the realm is so very powerful. And then there's just so much power to be had in the tasks themselves if he begins trusting us with important things...

But then again, Theniron and Subaran... Theniron especially is a powerful Duchy, and they are sending the Countess herself for the lock-cutting ceremony. A Countess rumored to be both beautiful and intelligent, and who will bring with her a powerful claim to lands and titles. Not to mention the possibility of foreign aid if we ever decide to push for a position higher than Earl within Iru itself.

Ugh. That's rough. I honestly don't know, they're both amazing opportunities.

thread archived!

> http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/19482984/

Damn, I've missed another one of these threads.

Random thought: If the guard captain sent us his personal thanks, then this might be our in to start getting to know the guard/getting them on our side. That could be exceptionally valuable... particularly if the situation in the city is as dangerous as it seems. Whoever has the most cred with the guard could very well end up being the one who determines not only whether there are riots, but also who suffers from them the most.

Perhaps we could exploit this connection and use it to meet with this and other guard captains, explain that we're concerned about the volatility of the situation in the city and would like to take steps to keep things from breaking out into violence if possible, and generally convince them that the third earl is the guy to come to/work with if they're interested in preventing violence.

Of course, if we're leaving the city then this will have to wait for later- unless we can assign one of our advisers to it. If that would be possible/appropriate, then I think we should.

I agree with going east. We need to meet the two ladies.

As for the guard idea, what exactly is wrong with rebuilding the streets of the city? I think we could agree with the convocation on that.

>>19485693
>>19485714

You can now use your advisors to draft possible reforms, if you'd like. Do note that their ideological stances will naturally affect what they think is the utmost priority for the city (well, you've already seen how Daneg and Ramogis differ).

Actually, if you'd like to create such a team as a private initiative, you could also ask Kurigis or your men if there are other intellectuals in town to recruit.

>>19485881
>>19485869
>>19485841
>>19485826
>>19488776

You think about this decision for a long while. It's not a particularly easy one, and you can think of reasons to go one way or another. Nonetheless, after a while, you turn to your father's expectant face.

'Father, if I may, I would like to go east and escort the two countesses.'

'Two countesses and an earl,' he corrects you, and your heart sinks. Oh yes - Theniron's second earl is coming along too. 'Well. I always thought you were going to take the eastern job, seeing as how you love barbarians. Suit yourself, then! I want you to set off tomorrow; we cannot have them wait at the guard post for too long.'

'Yes, father!' Well, well, another excursion! Now you will have to organise and see who you would like to bring with you.

> What do/organise? You are on the way back to the palace; your father is mostly talking to your brothers now.

Getting on the good side of the king could be huge for us. I'll vote for that. More relations with foreigners is cool, but it turns us more for all-in on immigrants and easterners side.

>>19488987
Weren't we at one point supposed to prepare a gift to our father for his return ? Did we ?
There's got to be something in our vault we can pick as a last minute thing.

>>19488987
We should probably leave Peony here as she pretty much runs our household. Also leave Mormeregain to deal with accounts.

People to bring, a few of the attendants, not sure which ones, maybe Rose, Linden and Orchid.

Also Sadereg would be good to have around and I'm not sure whether to bring Daneg and/or Ramogis.

>>19489251

You do have 10 vats of good liquor prepared for your dad. It's already being prepared, so you should be able to present it to him once you're in the Palace.

>>19489309

As you re-enter Raumar Palace, your father informs you that there will be a reception in the late afternoon, which gives you some hours. You tell him you will bring liquor to the party, and he nods.

'You'd better prepare if you are leaving tomorrow,' he says, before leaving with your other brothers in tow. Is this a sign of favour, or disfavour...?

> Righto. So:
> Morm and Peony will stay in, to run the household and go through the accounts
> When you ask your advisors, Ramogis thinks Daneg is better suited. 'He is a good Menegist, and knows much about rituals.'
> Who else would you like to bring with you? If you have requirements, you can list them too.

>>19490031
What?
The thread is still going on?
You're a beast, OP.

>>19490031
I think that before we leave, we should try to meet the leaders of the faction against us in the Convocation. Listening to their complaints might calm them down, and we don't want to appear to leave the city to avoid problems while we get a proxy to try legal obstruction.
Send someone to see if we can set an impromptu meeting today or tomorrow morning if we have any time on our hands.

>>19490031
>>19488987
Tell Kurigis and Ramogis to contact a number of intelligent, independent men in interested and uninterested parties during our absence, to consult on the existing laws about taxes and tolls, their detailed effects and the potential reforms they'd wish to see.
Have them do it discretly, we don't want to rouse a public debate.

Nah, went to sleep, got up, and since it's nowhere near autosage let's do a little more, eh?

>>19490031
>> Who else would you like to bring with you? If you have requirements, you can list them too.

Man, I keep forgetting who we have under our employ. What named characters could we take with us who are not busy with some other task?
And of course we will need some guards with us.

>>19490173
>>19490127

Arranging a meeting could be tricky... you might be able to invite some of the Convocation leaders to the Prince's reception, though, to congratulate his arrival. Your dad would be amenable if they bring gifts, which they will.

Meanwhile Ramogis says he will inform Kurigis, and try to get some people. 'You must keep it discreet,' you say, and Ramogis agrees.

Well, that leaves you the rest of the afternoon to relax a little. You still feel rather achey all over, to be honest. Daneg, who is following you, asks if you have any preferences towards either Theniron or Subaran.

'I would say, sir, that we have to be careful around the two parties. Given that they are at risk of war, what we do and say will definitely have an effect on how they deal with each other...'

That makes sense.

> What do/say/plan?
> Also, what do for the rest of the afternoon?

>>19490253
We need someone who knoows how to deal with nobles.

>>19490031
Tomorrow ? So we'll miss the festival ?

>>19490253

That's what the wiki's for:

> http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/Adrian,_Earl_of_Mar

Guards, definitely. Attendants are all in there as well.

>>19490263

For the afternoon, maybe we should try and make two rings for both the ladies we're meeting.
I'm personally preferring saragrites (?), but we should be fair while being diplomatic.

>>19490263
>you might be able to invite some of the Convocation leaders to the Prince's reception
Yeah, that works too. But then we'll have to pick some among every important faction. The leaders, of course, but if we can, one or two ambitious people that would be thankful to us for the occasion to shine. Do we have someone who knows who fits the bill ?

>>19490263
>Well, that leaves you the rest of the afternoon to relax a little. You still feel rather achey all over, to be honest.
We should get a quick massage or something.

>Arranging a meeting could be tricky... you might be able to invite some of the Convocation leaders to the Prince's reception, though, to congratulate his arrival. Your dad would be amenable if they bring gifts, which they will.
Why not? Then we can talk to them privately and hear out their complaints. We shouldn't promise anything but as long as we show that we are concerned about their problems it is good enough.

>>19490287
I seem to remember that Baseg (I think it was him) had recommended us some person to hire back when we dealt with bandit problem. When we came back we even talked to that person in a restaurant (I think it was) and... I don't remember what else.
Who was that guy?

Anyway, I don't see anyone in particular that we should take with us.

>>19490287
Sadereg, Orchid, Daneg, and some guards.

>>19490309
>>19490311

Katesas? Oh yeah, you could ask him along as well, if he wants.

As for the leaders of the Convocation, you can get Oromeg and Camuneg, whom you have met at the convocation meeting. Peony says that you should probably just let them decide who to bring - so people don't get angry at you not choosing them. Well, that makes sense.

Meanwhile, you ask if anyone in particular knows how to massage, and Lilac steps up. As you lie down, she gently kneads your shoulders, your back, your arms... come think of it you haven't been attended like this by her before.

She's wearing a very subtle perfume which wafts around you as she works. Lilac really is a quiet girl; Peony's noted this to you as well. But her hands are very pleasant.

When she finally speaks, it's just to ask if you'd like tea.

> Do/say anything?

How many people is it appropriate to bring with us? I wouldn't want to be insulting or overbearing by bringing too large or small a party. My guess is that we'll want guards+at least four people, at least one of whom is of sufficient rank to talk to one side while we talk with the other. If we can keep them both occupied then at least they won't be snarling at one another.

Also, can we get some background on the nations involved? They... don't seem to have wiki entries.

>>19490368

Let's get tea. Share it with her.

Also, bring Daneg, Sadereg, Lilac and Rose.

>>19490368
"Mmmmm"
"No, keep massaging."

We can get tea at any time and don't really require it right now but we want to relieve our body aches right now

>>19490368
Why not ?
Maybe she could drink with us.
Try to make her talk about herself.

>>19490383
>>19490408
>>19490349

You agree, and Lilac goes out before coming back with a tray of tea and some nice, pickled plum rice cakes. To her surprise, you have her sit down and tell her to have some tea herself.

Throughout the teatime, she remains mostly quiet; you can tell, however, that she seems to be a bit shy. What's with Martha's attendants?

> Do/say anything?

Later on, you consult Daneg on the intricacies of sending a party, with some of your ideas. 'I think that's a goodly number, sir,' he agrees.

With Orchid, Lavender, Lilac and Rose, you will have enough attendants to look proper; meanwhile, Sadereg can command your four guards. Daneg says he knows Katesas as well, and you should invite him - he would make a good follower.

'If you ask me, sir, one problem I can foresee is the Earl of Theniron. It is said that he is an arrogant and high-spirited man, and given this, he might have brought along a large entourage. Either way, humility might be key...'

> Adopt recommendations? It will be dinner time soon after this; Rose reports to say that the merchants have been invited.

>>19490453
A couple more guards because I'm paranoid.

> Do/say anything?
Ask Liliac about herself.

>>19490468
No need to take too many. Six in all maybe. I agree that humility is good.

>>19490488
I'm telling you, I'm paranoid, take as much as acceptable to take for such an excursion.

>>19490453
Yeah, adopt.

>>19490468
>>19490488
>>19490428

You ask Lilac about herself, and she speaks, a little haltingly. And then you realise why she is so quiet - it's because she's got a short tongue, and her enunciation is quite unclear.

She also seems terribly nervous when she speaks, so you calm her down and try to listen. She was born to a family in the southwest of the Appanage, near the Vales and the lands of House Ahun; but both her parents passed away before she was 7, and her grandmother sold her to a Margade servants' agent.

Via sheer luck, she managed to get a job in the Palace cleaning out the toilets, and then Martha met her and thought she was fun, so she demanded to have the janitor girl as a playmate and attendant. She's been there ever since, until now.

Well... that's a nice little story at least!

Meanwhile, you assign six guards instead of four, and that's probably it then. Lilac is sent off to get the liquor sorted, and after consulting with Daneg you go to the great hall with slaves wheeling vats of liquor in tow.

The dinner is already on its way; you spot Oromeg, Camuneg, and of course Gesadag, who is sitting in the Premier Earl's seat. Your father gets up and dedicates a toast to your second brother, and you join in the cheering.

'Hail the Second Earl! Hail his martial prowess!'

Hmm. It's a relatively small party, with some nobles and those merchants. Orchid and Amaryllis pour drinks for you.

> What do/say?

>>19490547
Keep quiet for a time. Join the conversation when you can, don't make efforts to sound smart.

>>19490547

cut to the chase, go talk to the merchants.
then maybe talk to the nobles. see if any of them are actually worthy talking to at all.

>>19490547
You should advertise on twitter that you started again.

>>19490581
>>19490588

> So, active effort now?

You sit quietly and listen to the conversation; it seems that your other two brothers are at the centre of much of the socialising, including from Oromeg and Camuneg.

The two of them brought just one merchant along, and he's a young man who doesn't look like a Convocation member. He's talking to several of the nobles now, and again you are seeing the usual behaviour - except even more debauched than normal. Bloody hell, it must be summer.

As you approach, you hear them talking about the Cove Market, and how things are changing there. 'It's so expensive to drink in there these days! The place is getting too famous.'

'I know, right? We'll have to set up a new market for these things one day!'

Guffaws from the crowd.

> What do/say?

>>19490641
Didn't we want to talk to the merchants?
We should get on with that soon.

>>19490662
We did, but privately.

>>19490678
will it be possible to talk privately to them here?

>>19490662
>>19490678

Well, you sit by and listen to them talk about sexual conquests and how they are running out of money and how life is so hard boo hoo, while watching for Oromeg and Camuneg.

Finally, they leave the company of the two brothers, and you send Amaryllis to go out and ask them to see you. Then, soon, the two of them come over to you, almost furtively, passing by the guest charioteers who toast them.

They sit down in front of you.

'Your lordship. Is anything the matter?'

> What say?

>>19490717
Well, that's what I wanted to ask you.
Are there any complaints you would like to share with me, I promise I will hear them out.

[argh, not good with this type of thing. Hopefully Adrian knows to phrase it better than I do]

>>19490717
I must leave the city for a few days, and I wanted to see that my duties as a Monitor were not abandonned. As I could not attend the closed meeting, I wished to hear your concerns concerning the convocation's affairs.

>>19490731

You smile. 'Well, that's what I was about to ask you.'

'What do you mean, sir?' But they already know, of course, and after a few more moments they nod. 'Well, sir... if it pleases you, sir, it was but a few firebrands who proposed that incendiary move. And we think it to be incendiary.'

'There is no fire without a spark. Tell me what the spark is.'

'Sir, well, if we have to be blunt, it is probably the... less than legal behaviour your lordship has imposed upon us with the previous meeting. It seems to us very difficult to work if the law, and the rules that govern such decisions, are not undertaken with proper procedures.'

'Also, sir, please be assured that we do have great respect for you as the monitor. We just think it would be better that we both understand the importance of what is proper.'

> What do/say to that?

>>19490776
You know...

By telling the Localist leaders that we're leaving the city without telling the Immigrants about it in advance when they might be depending upon us to back them, we're effectively telling the Localists "You have at least until I get back to kick the shit out of the Immigrants."

It's actually a fairly devious maneuver- it lets us look like we're backing the Immigrants to the Immigrants, because of course if the Prince orders us out of the city we can't do shit about that; at the same time, the Localist leaders are given an ample opportunity to maintain the status quo and we're able to claim partial credit for giving it to them, so it's made clear that we're not hostile/are someone they can work with.

I'm not sure that it's the best plan, but it's a decent way to save face here.

>>19490804
> less than legal behaviour your lordship has imposed upon us with the previous meeting
[what did we do again?]

>>19490804
Have them explain themselves further.

>>19490817
God, this is all so confusing.
Why did we ever want to get involved with these convoluted politics instead of fooling around with our attendants all day, every day, reading poetry, making mechanical birds and generally being a useless piece of shit?

> Eating lunch, guys, give me about 15 minutes!

>>19490817
But disreegarding the problems of our face, do we want the localists to kick the shit out of the immigrants ? That'll only create more problems in a city we wish to improve.
Well, maybe if they're obvious enough about it we can take legal action against their most aggressive members, and solve the conflict that way. Maybe not.

>>19490891
I like immigrants more because they aren't fat, bloated, stagnated pieces of shits.

>>19490819
>>19490825
>>19490835

You do wonder why, too. Maybe you will do that after summer... sigh.

Meanwhile, they explain how exactly you have broken the law. Their main complaint is that you allowed for the Immigrants' plan to succeed, placing their people at the forefront of the Consideration List.

'That is an unlawful procedure, and one without good precedent, sir. It is not a good thing to create cases like that...'

They also have other worries, about whether you may have sympathies that get in the way of impartiality, and whether for the rest of the meetings you will also stay to preside over procedures you technically don't have jurisdiction over. Wait, what? Listening to the bastards talking about the price of cabbages was against the law?

You should really have gone back and banged Linden's brains out again or something...

> Say anything? Ask anything more?

>>19490835
Ambition, mostly.

It would have been nice to be a useless piece of shit, though.

>>19490804
>less than legal behaviour your lordship has imposed upon us with the previous meeting
This is them overdramatizing things, right? They're claiming that the Immigrants' plan to swarm their people to the top of the consideration list was an illegal maneuver and we backed it, rather than an unexpected use of the existing law that we stopped them from quashing. If they mean something else I've misunderstood something here and would appreciate an explanation.

Anyway, we can play into >>19490817 with this. "I assure you, I have a great deal of appreciation for propriety. My father feels so as well, I am certain, or he would not have requested that I ride east tomorrow to provide an escort for the parties from Theniron and Subaran.

"I trust that by the time I have returned, matters will be slightly less... incendiary?"

>>19490891
We can't stop them either way; we won't be in the city and don't have a sufficient power base to carry out our will in our absence. We might as well try to put a good spin on things.

>>19490933
We might not have jurisdiction over but that doesn't mean we weren't interested in knowing what they were about. There is no law that states we cannot sit and listed, is there?

>>19490933
Good precedent? You mewling sheep. How do you think precendents are made? By bold men, who care more for the progress of their city than over such trifles as tradition and law. All things must be swept away in time, for something new to rise. To do nothing is to court apathy, and apathy is death.

>>19490933
>Wait, what? Listening to the bastards talking about the price of cabbages was against the law?
Yeah, right. This seems more like them showing off their ability to be a pain in our ass if we don't establish a positive working relationship. Throwing up a smokescreen of bullshit legal technicalities to dog our every step would indeed be extremely annoying, and they're threatening us with it. They don't really care if we listen to them talk about cabbages or not.

>>19490960
Whoa! Don't say this. Firstly it's insulting; secondly, we are in the presence of our father, who JUST told us:
>This is the problem with you! Every time I think you might have become calmer, you show that hot head of yours,' he says. 'I appointed you to monitor the selection process, not to be the king of Margade. You understand?'

We cannot and must not act like a political hothead in our father's presence. Such sentiments are for when we are amongst friends and allies, not a situation like this.

Plus it's a terrible plan to insult powerful people anyway.

>>19490984
Our father is a fucking pussy.

>>19490956
We were appointed to monitor and we were monitoring...

>>19490992
Whether or not that is true, which I'm not saying it is, it's not the sort of sentiment that we ever express. Our father is in charge, a great deal of our authority derives from him, and we WILL show him respect and obedience until such time as either he is dead or we are personally powerful and influential enough to get away with doing otherwise without committing social suicide.

>>19490941
>>19490956
>>19490960

You listen to the two men talk, and a little bit of rage wells up within you. By the heavens, these obstinate, old fogeys! If only you could rail at them now.

But Amaryllis pours more liquor for all of you, and you smile and simmer down. 'With all respect, good merchants, what is a good precedent? A good precedent now is simply what was an expedient move in the past.'

'But those moves in the past are made sacred by tradition, and have weight due to their longevity. A man is not disposed of for age alone, your lordship.' Camuneg seems determined to press the point. Amaryllis looks at you, slightly worried.

You simply nod. 'Well. In any case, if propriety is your only ground for impeaching me, it would be grounds for my father to deny me the mission to receive Eastern ambassadors as well. But if the Prince saw fit to approve my mission, it might be best for you to see fit and accommodate. There is no trade where one man gives the price and the other takes it, is there?'

That seems to silence them for a little, and they nod. They also agree that, while you are away, there will not be open conflict if they can help it. 'The city's peace is our peace, naturally, sir.'

> What else do/say? That seems to be the end of this for now. But you are sensing that 'filibustering' might become a tactic the bastards will use...

>>19490992
He's right. We don't haave the power to squash all obstacles in our way. We shouldn't go too fast.

>>19490998

Thank you for that sentiment! We really need to be restrained.

Also, let's ask the merchants what plans they have that we can look at. We've seen the Immigrants' plans and think they're worth attention. If the localists want the same attention, they have to live up to the same standards.

>>19490999
>But you are sensing that 'filibustering' might become a tactic the bastards will use...

Is there any way to counter this? Legally, I mean?
We should have our advisers look at this too while we're away.

>>19491023
>>19491028

You don't really know of many laws binding the Convocation meetings, to be honest. This is a problem. Best to consult your men about this.

Meanwhile you ask them about their own plans for the city, and they smile. 'It's good that you asked now, sir.'

'As I should. And as you should have told me, even without asking.'

They nod and smile. They talk mainly about three things - building a new dock area in the south of Margade, free of the Cooperatives' control; expanding the south of the city and rebuilding the interior walls, allowing the city to be better controlled by the Guard; and clearing the roads and expanding markets.

Their main incentive for all this is that, in control for stakes, they are willing to fund this. Given they have more than double the number of merchants, they do have far heavier resources.

> What respond?

>>19490999
> What else do/say?
We need to spend at least a bit of time talking with our father and brothers, doing the obligatory bit of socialization and trying to ensure that everything goes smooth. It wouldn't hurt to hear what they're talking about, either; getting so wrapped up in our own plans that we ignore others would be a foolish misstep.

>>19491023
We've seen at least some of the Localist's plans as well; they were rather uncompromising on what they consist of, but they do have some schemes to improve the city that they'd like to put into motion.

>>19491028
>We should have our advisers look at this too while we're away.
I also want them to see if they can do a bit of investigation into the city guard and try to start implementing >>19487998.

>>19491071
Wouldn't rebuilding old walls hinder the physical expansion of the city even more? I mean, we're overpopulated already, aren't we?
By setting up physical boundaries like this, we will force people to pack inside the city like a can of sardines.
I don't have problems with other plans to be honest.

>>19491071
Double of what ?

That deserves reflection. Are the docks of the northern part overloaded ? If they're building new docks to abandon old docks, we can't support such a waste of ressources.
If the old docks aren't enough, then it's possible.
If the old docks fail because they're old, I'd rather see the merchants and coops reach an agreement to renovate them than build them anew.

>>19491071
>expanding the south of the city and rebuilding the interior walls, allowing the city to be better controlled by the Guard; and clearing the roads and expanding markets.
These are important, and they're the parts of their plans that I think we can express definite support for. With them bankrolling this we could actually get some real reform done- and even if the Immigrants do gain some power, they can still implement these reforms and get stakes in the profits that result.

Is there a reason that they want to expand the south specifically?

We should request an introduction to the merchant that they chose to bring by. If they only brought one, they probably brought him for a reason.

We should be sure to drop by and speak with the Premier Earl at least a bit before the knight is over.

>>19491122
Their other plans look good though.

>>19491122
It's not just about waste of resources- if the merchants start building a new docks area that the Cooperatives don't have a stake in, the Cooperatives will rightly see it as a threat to their power base. When power bases are threatened, things can get violent- and the Cooperatives have the capacity for a LOT of violence. I'd like to focus on renovations that won't cause rioting.

>>19491088
>>19491096
>>19491122

You muse your objections aloud, and the merchants shake their head. 'It is more important to have security and peace, sir. We can't have everything...'

As for the docks, you know that the northern docks are falling apart. But surely the merchants' plan would enrage the co-ops. Is that really their plan, you wonder...

The other plans, however... you do wonder if you should consult with your advisors afterwards. Maybe they have other insights worth listening to as well.

After this rather rousing conversation, your father and brothers' talk seems positively apolitical. Your father and second brother are boasting about their hunting exploits, while Imian is talking about his drilling exploits, surrounded by the captains and sergeants of the palace guard.

Amid the laughter, as you sit and listen, you notice that there's actually someone lying in your second brother's lap now, one of your fathers' maidservants (not an attendant, but of even lower rank). She looks rather distressed, and your second brother's arm is all the way into her skirt. You're quite glad, really, your advisors aren't here; what could this possibly do but demoralise anyone who wants to bring order to a court?

> What do/say?

>>19491168
Poor girl. Not our place to bail her out, although we'd never put up with our attendants being toyed with like that. Ignore the impropriety and spend a short while engaging in the sort of conversation that our father would appreciate and enjoy, that his impression of us might be improved. Important to be a good son even if it's not really our thing.

After that, let's talk to the Premier Earl a bit. Given that he was the one who supported us as Prince's Monitor, it's fairly certain that he has opinions on the political goings-on around here.

>>19491197

> Roll d100 for talking to dad and brothers.

Meanwhile, Gesadag smiles when you ask to talk, and Cloudberry whispers in your ear to come after the dinner.

'Unless you have some business later at night, sir?'

You swear she winked at you, a little.

rolled 78 = 78

>>19491243
Heh, still trying to use her as a honeypot? We have many lovely attendants for that kind of thing, thank you very much.
Don't actually say this of course

rolled 17 = 17

>>19491243
Let's talk.

rolled 53 = 53

>>19491243

rolling.
also, yes, let's go to see gesadag. ask him about the convocation.

rolled 36 = 36

>>19491243
Oh, Cloudberry, if only you were one of ours we could respond with the sex joke you're obviously fishing for. As things stand a serious comment that we have no concerns this evening more important than speaking with the Premier Earl would be more appropriate.

rolled 50 = 50

We're not good at talking to our family it seems

>>19491275
78 is a good roll. The joke about honey not so much, but hey.

>>19491260

You make sure to praise your father's martial prowess, and your brother's too, and they are quite pleased at this. Father even goes so far as to praise the liquor you brought.

'Well, well. I've entrusted you with a task, haven't I, Adrian?'

'So you have, father.'

'Best sleep well and dispense it properly tomorrow.' With that, he dismisses you, and has someone bring you a gift. You look at it; it's a sash ornament, of gold and jade, a carved tiger in a jade circle.

Heading out of the hall, you wait a while before heading for Gesadag's residence, where he is already there. Blimey, he has a knack for the pretty girls at least as sharp as yours. Gesadag makes some comments about how pretty Orchid is, and how graceful Amaryllis' movements are, and you acknowledge them.

Cloudberry is attending to him, while his older son sitting to one side is being attended to by someone just as pretty, with a round face, large eyes and small, pouting lips.

'So. What did you have in mind to ask me? I'm guessing you're going to talk about the Convocation and their people...'

> What do/say?

>>19491318
[I'm not the guy who asked to talk with him but it seems that anon doesn't want to sugegst anything]

Well, first we should thank him for his suggestion to make us the monitor if we haven't done already, he's put a lot of faith in us it seems. Then ask how he is doing and whatnot. Then move on to business and ask about convocation and the matter of the city itself.

[again, this is just general blabber, I don't know what actually to talk to him about]

>>19491318

Ask if the merchants have talked to him before, and what they are saying. How deep are his links to them?
Also, any advice for dealing with them?

>>19491371
>>19491386

He accepts your thanks, and then laughs as you cut to the chase and ask about the merchants.

'Well. Whether or not they've been talking to me, you sure have been talking to them, haven't you? I figured you'd be the sort to do things properly.'

'Thank you. I was just wondering if you knew more, sir, about the way the partisanship of the Convocation functions. And also, if you have any advice for brokering such things, since you have adjudicated yourself, sir.'

'Well. If I were to give you advice... I would say to drift with the wind. Be as light as possible. See, no tree can withstand the wind. But no one blames the leaf for a bad wind, is that not so?'

You wonder what he means, then you get an inkling. So... if you could somehow seem to absolve responsibility for the Immigrants, and then just sit back and let the Convocation do its work? But... but is there not a price in that? Is that a price you'd want to pay?

> What do/say?

>>19491404
Thank him for the advise, it is a good advise if we don't want to be lamed for anything.
I wonder if he knows that we truly want the city to prosper and resolve the problems which came to be because of the stagnation. We can't drift with the wind if we want to accomplish those things and I think he would also like to see the city prosper since he is not a merchant nor of the family that governs the city (meaning that unlike our own father who seems to want to get as much possible profit at the expense of the city, he wont be like that... probably)

>>19491444

> Would you like to voice those concerns out loud? Or just keep quiet, in which case you can either ask something else, or go back and prepare for your mission?

> Also, I'll end this with one more message.

>>19491371
>it seems that anon doesn't want to sugegst anything
The curse of these games: If the one guy who made the plan doesn't happen to be around during the 20-minute window, things start to crumble.

>>19491404
Thank him for the advice, because there is certainly something to be said for it- the way we're currently doing things we draw a fair bit of fire. The Premier Earl didn't get where he is today by making loads of enemies.

I don't think we've met his son yet, so a proper introduction and exchange of at least a few words would be nice- we need to get a sense of the man, and his relationship with his father, if possible.

>>19491454
Sure, why not?
We haven't made those plans exactly secret, have we?

>>19491465
>The curse of these games: If the one guy who made the plan doesn't happen to be around during the 20-minute window, things start to crumble.
This seems to happen a lot. Especially with Nobleman quest.

>>19491454
>> Would you like to voice those concerns out loud? Or just keep quiet
I would be willing to voice the concerns, but spin it as "how does one get things done as the wind" or similar rather than "that's dumb, you'd never get anything done that way". Seeking further advice rather than raising an objection, that is.

>>19491493
>This seems to happen a lot. Especially with Nobleman quest.
It happens more in quests that require forethought and planning, because it's harder for random people to spontaneously fill in when issues are more complex than fight/item/run. The sense of tension and intrigue that makes this quest good also makes people reluctant to participate or take control of others' plans for fear of screwing things up or not understanding what's going on.

That's my theory, anyway.

>>19491516
>That's my theory, anyway.

And I agree with that.

>>19491516
Or maybe something like "how does one control the wind?"
Nah, that doesn't sound good... "perhaps, how does one control which way the wind blows?"

>>19491493
>>19491472
>>19491465

You smile and thank Gesadag for his advice. 'And yet...'

'Yes, Adrian?'

'Yet... I am not satisfied with that, I fear. I don't want to drift with the wind like a leaf, while the city deteriorates and people suffer.'

Gesadag nods grimly. 'Then, sir, you must be prepared to fight and be very patient, I think. See, there is no reform of the city that would not offend someone. At every step of the route, there will be struggles... what were some of the plans you were informed of?'

You mention them, and one by one Gesadag shoots them down. Clearing the roads? Those shacks that block up the roads and make them filthy are also the only housing for thousands of labourers and workers in the city. What happens to them when you raze the houses?

Building new docks? Where will the workers live, will there be a new slum for them as well? Will the cooperatives agree?

New internal walls? So new tolls and taxes, new ways of controlling trade? How are the small people going to resist the rich then?

Bit by bit you feel yourself getting demoralised as well...

> What do/say? Okay, stopping here for real now. But do give suggestions.
> Thanks for playing the second session!

>>19491465

You may not have met Naseg, the Viscount, but you do know quite well what he's like. An intense man, who is often quiet and reticent, it's hard to get a handle of him; but you know he likes plots and scheming and politics.

At the same time, though, he shuns attention, and does not seem very bothered with publicity. There is even a little fatalism there, you suppose - he is of a branch of the family doomed to fall off the tree, barring some miraculous action...

Is he planning that action, or simply moping? You can't tell.

>>19491547
Taxes and tolls do seem to the thing that people complain the most about.

>>19491596
>he is of a branch of the family doomed to fall off the tree, barring some miraculous action...
Aren't we as well? We're farther from it, but our children will be lower in rank, as will theirs, until they're no longer noble at all.

Naseg seems a useful man to get to know, if only because we're trying to scheme so it would be good to ally with or acquire schemers.

>>19491547
> What do/say?
Don't get depressed. If this was easy, someone would have already done it; that'll make it that much more impressive when we do manage any given success. Praise Gesadag's clear-sighted grasp of the situation, and quietly resolve to get some people working for us who can take a thorough look at all aspects of any given sort of reform so that we have a better appreciation for the side effects of what we're doing.

In fact, he probably knows some excellent potential gate-guests and I find myself relatively unconcerned about him planting a man in our camp. Perhaps we should comment that we are seeking men who can help us fully understand and plan for such difficulties as he brings up, and ask if he would have any recommendations as to where we might find them.

>>19491659
>n fact, he probably knows some excellent potential gate-guests and I find myself relatively unconcerned about him planting a man in our camp.
He has hundreds of gate-guests. Perhaps he could lend some?

>>19491672
If he actually lends some instead of just recommending hires, then that's a rather blatant political statement on both our parts. Of course, given that he backed us for Monitor, it's arguably a reinforcement of statements already made.