>>29133029
Bidding Undine farewell, you head out to the makeshift practice range your men set up near the noble area. You briefly wonder if that should be a permanent thing given the amount of space needed - or perhaps you could merely set one up out in the fields. Stepping outside into the shadows of the morning sun you seriously consider the other thing that has occurred to you with the arcane archer idea of yours – founding a noble order, like with the knightly orders, for the archers. They are still soldiers now, even with the enchanted weaponry, but there are bound to be those who stand out. The knightly orders have shown there is little more encouraging for a soldier than to have the opportunity to advance his status – even if the knights are nobles in name only, their status is very real and is the soldier’s children will be nobles born.

Of course, creating a new class of nobility would create frictions. Even as the Magi League tear down the royals, nobility still stands strong and indifferent. Unsurprising, given the nine out of ten mages are noble-born. Alyce of Lyss has been careful not to alienate the knightly orders who aid her, but frictions are building there as mages hold more status than knights. Any attempt to create a new noble order, especially one intended to rival knights in talent if not in means, would create similar problems for yourself. You have time on your side though, as you are hardly in a position to be granting noble titles right now. Something to deliberate on…

>continued

>>29133040
The lieutenant in charge of your archers gives you a sharp salute as you approach – Lieutenant Moss, if you recall. It looks like his men are all still marvelling over the new gear – perhaps those soldiers who didn’t get to use it in the battle.

“I have to thank you for these weapons, sir, and for your faith in us. Archmagister Reegan must have put in a lot of time to have so many bows and arrows ready for us today – time he could have spent on other things. We haven’t been as much aid to you in conquering Harrowmont as I would hope for myself and my men, but I truly think we were an aid to you today.”

>1. Talk to him about the new weaponry.
>2. Talk to him about a Ranger Order
>3. Talk to him about promotions and reorganisation of the troops
>4. Custom

>Also, it might not be a bad idea to continue deliberations on standards and faction names, as there’ll be a strategy meeting shortly to bring those up in, if you wish.

>>29133063
I have been thinking about our arcane archers... Would it be possible to enchant some goggles/helmets to enchance their vision. So they may see further, and in the dark.
Imagine volleys of arrows raining down from the dark nightsky. Should be pretty demoralizing

>2. Talk to him about a Ranger Order
>3. Talk to him about promotions and reorganisation of the troops

>>29133063
>3. Talk to him about promotions and reorganisation of the troops

Need to get them together. I'd rather have them organized under us first and give them really representation among our Captains, then work on founding the Order. We are already in the process of raising a Mage's Tower, and we need to found a Knight's Order as well. So... That's a lot to do.

Also still pulling for the Golden Griffon on deep blue background.

Is it possible that the men might be coming up with names for themselves or this faction? See if there is a majority among them and maybe roll with it if we like it?

File: 1388268909118.jpg-(Spoiler Image, 40 KB, 423x393)

40 KB JPG

YES, IT'S TIME

I love this quest

>>29133063
ask him his opinion on the enchanted bows then 2 and 3

>>29133063
>>3. Talk to him about promotions and reorganisation of the troops
side note: do we know any mercenaries who we fought with/against who were particularly skilled with the bow? Or for that matter anyone we could conceivably recruit?

>>29133063
>>29133109

i like the night-archery suggestion

1. Talk to him about the new weaponry.
&
2. Talk to him about a Ranger Order
&
3. Talk to him about promotions and reorganisation of the troops

Honestly it would make more sense turn the Ranger's into an prestigious elite unit and not a full blown military order.

>>29133215

I agree with this. We don't necessarily need to be creating the military order, or giving out Noble status. It might cause some early turmoil.

Maybe later?

>>29133193
Mercs tend to favour crossbows - thoguh you've heard of some that are excellent with bows to the south-west. Some RSK nobles used bows, but that was because they used some of their own magic to aid them.

>>29133245

That reminds me.

>100 Vitrian Mercenaries (Reg.)
>30 Vitrian Mage Knights (Reg.)

Is there a point where we can just integrate them into our faction? Allow those who want to leave to do so and the others to join the areas where they are comfortable.

>>29133350
Currently, I'm keeping them separate because they're of different experience levels. As you get more men, that will stop. The extent they integrate with your men is up to you and the actions you take.

>>29133229
One option would be to make the Ranger Order initially an affiliate order of the Knight Order we found. Essentially, they're two orders in one, with the Ranger Commandant Serving as the second in command to the Grandmaster. This of course would encourage the other knight orders to follow the same practice of founding affiliate orders, while keeping the knights in charge. Then we can formally separate the two once the knights learn do deal with the rangers and before the Ranger's resentment of the knight's superior status gets too bad.

>>29133412
Honestly that sound equally has bad since it will only create a bigger sense of superiority and seniority on the knights and resentment on the rangers

>>29133449
Hence the last sentence?

>>29133063

>>29133229

I agree with this anon, we do not need to make a decision right now. Let us think about it for a while, perfect the arcane archers and see who excels. Then we Create something.

Also, Nightvision archers... am I the only one wanting this?

>>29133412
>>29133449

Yeah I kind of agree with the second guy. I think regardless we should found a Knight Order soon, but the Ranger thing might have to wait until we figure out the proper way to do it.

>3. With 1 as secondary
>2 is on hold for now to be more carefully deliberated on

“You and your men were a core part of my strategy today, Lieutenant. We couldn’t have carried the day as we did without you. On that note, I want to talk about reorganisation. Currently you fall under Captain Glynn and his mage-knights, but if we start marching with this equipment regularly that doesn’t seem entirely sensible. You’re a veteran and Cormann’s spoken highly of you before so I would like to offer you a captainship of the Arcane Archer unit I plan to form using this equipment.”

Moss seems genuinely surprised and a number of the men around you have stopped and are quite obviously eavesdropping. Little matter, everybody will know shortly anyway. Moss grips his hat and removes it to place below his chest as he falls to one knee, as though you were knighting him. You blink, then realise that in Darlesia unlike the RSK, becoming a captain is equivalent to being brought into nobility. Drawing your sword, you go through what you remember of the motions undertaken in the RSK for knighting somebody. When it’s finished, Moss stands back up, tears in his eyes. The men around you are standing at attention.

You speak quietly, understanding the significance of the occasion, “Glynn’s likely holding a strategy meeting shortly. You’ll be there, Captain Moss.”

“Sirah!”

>continued

>>29133494
“Now, about these weapons,” you say, moving on. “There’s always more we can do with them, given this is only the beginning.”

Moss nods. “The main thing I can think of is that they seem like a lot of work, sire. Those arrows punch through plate but how difficult is it for Archmagister Reegan to enchant the arrows rather than the bows?”

You nod. Something to talk to Maloric about later. You spend some time with the men here, and practice using the new weapons yourself – you don’t use a bow often, but are happy to show you know how to shoot as well as any man here and understand what makes this so special.

It is after 10am now. A soldier gave you a message that Glynn wants to hold a meeting about the battle and the aftermath at noon. It might be a good idea to talk to Sarah about being at the meeting.

>1. Talk to Sarah about Vitria and what she can do to help you
>2. Talk to Lynn about her ancestry
>3. Practice your skills more
>4. Custom

>>29133514
>1. Talk to Sarah about Vitria and what she can do to help you

>>29133514
>>1. Talk to Sarah about Vitria and what she can do to help you

>>29133514
>2. Talk to Lynn about her ancestry
>4. Custom: Send word for Lady Hawkins to join us at the meeting

I feel like we've really been neglecting Lynn, last time we spoke she came out to us with a big thing and we haven't talked to her since. Might be a good idea to talk to her some more. I'm curious about who her mother was. And maybe get her opinion on standards and stuff.

>>29133514
>1. Talk to Sarah about Vitria and what she can do to help you
Rather than enchanting the bows you could always just make really high draw regular bows then enchant the person's armor for extra strength, given that enchanting armor for strength is a common practice for mage knights.

>>29133572
this

>>29133514
>1
Getting more intel seems wiser.Also if we get some time then 2 too since >>29133572
makes a good point

>>29133572
I always thought we spent a lot of time with her really.

>>29133639

Not much since the battle. We do spend a lot of time with Undine.

>>29133656
battle was what? last night. she must be sooo lonely

>>29133616

>enchanting the bows you could always just make really high draw regular bows then enchant the person's armor for extra strength

I guess it depends on who we want to go about it. The bows themselves make it an easy pick up item, so if a man falls another can take his place even with limited bow experience.

We do need to make some effort towards making them though. We have, what 100 Longbowmen right now? Creating 200 enchanted bows would seem to be much cheaper then 200 suits of armour. Something to be brought up at the meeting.

>>29133740
I was thinking maybe we could enchant the quiver to bestow the enchantments on the arrows, rather than individually enchanting each arrow.

>>29133740
>Creating 200 enchanted bows would seem to be much cheaper then 200 suits of armour.

Actually, given you need Maloric to enchant the bows right now and most magical plate is produced with magitech machines en-masse, the plate is cheaper (and more plentiful for loot). Maloric is your best enchanter and summoner, so his time is valuable.

>>29133029
Ah excellent!! Imperator York has returned, let us continue to wage war under the glorious golden griffon!

>1
Now that we've secured the alliance, there is little point in Sarah remaining here with us. She needs to return to her home and tell the other minor Houses what she saw here. While our armies advance, she will work the political scene from behind the curtain.

>>29133808

Oh. Well then that's something of interest. Would Mal know how to go about constructing a magitech machine for said purpose instead? I assume we have some other mages around(or coming) that could help.

>>29133848
Mal's an enchanter, not a machinist. Machinists are rare and are more about blending together the talents of many other mages in rituals to make magitech (kind of like magic engineers, really, but they need exceptional magical talents themselves). Whether one is coming from the RSK is unknown, but there is likely at least one in Taour and Vitria.

>1.

You head into the keep to find Sarah – she was next to you when you mentioned to the world your ambition and the fact that Darlesia was no more. She was unaware of these earlier, so you decide to clear those up with a talk and see whether she’ll open up to you more about Vitria.

One of your knights lets you know she’s in her room, and you take the time to have him send a message around to have the guard lowered for Sarah. Now that she has pledged allegiance, there’s no need to coop her up. You knock on her door when you arrive and after a few moments, it opens to an expectant looking Sarah. Seeing you, it appears she’s not disappointed and she gestures you inside with a small curtsy.

“I was hoping you would come, General Talon,” she starts as you step inside. She’s changed her dress again, and this one strikes you as the sort that ladies wear when they want to appear impressive without being pompous. “You said something very interesting earlier in your battle speech, and with everything you’ve said, I can’t believe I haven’t noticed earlier.

“For one, you’re not serving the queen of Darlesia are you? Or even Darlesia?”

>1. Answer honestly. Tell her of the queen’s death.
>2. Obfuscate. Tell her you do not serve but do not talk of the queen’s death.
>3. Lie. Say you still serve Darlesia.
>4. Custom

>>29133916
>1. Answer honestly. Tell her of the queen’s death.
She'll catch our lie eventually.

>>29133916
>1. Answer honestly. Tell her of the queen’s death.

Our men know, others are likely to hear soon, she's our "ally" now, might as well tell her.

>>29133916
>1
I don't see any harm in telling her that, and maybe this will earn us a bit more of trust on her part

>>29133916
>1
might as well be honest with our allies

>>29133916
>2. Obfuscate. Tell her you do not serve but do not talk of the queen’s death.

>>29133916
>1

>>29133916
>1
The news will come out eventually, it's better that our allies have all of the information when they enter negotiations with others. Better tell her to keep it on the downlow though.

So in the last thread it was mentioned that "York" was a commoners name and that we were born a commoner.

Do we want to change our name to something more noble? Or continue to use it to give inspiration that any man can raise above the station they were born to? I kind of like the idea of our men being called either Yorkish, Yorsian, or Yorsmen. But I assume this is something else we should bring up.

>>29133916

>1

"No, I do not serve the Queen of Darlesia. This is for but one simple reason. Darlesia no longer exists. The Assassin I mentioned when you first arrived killed the Queen. That much is certain, he even confessed to it during our fight. All the men are here solely because they have faith that I can lead them to success, to a future which the collapse of Darlesia has taken from them."
"Do not mistake my intentions as trying to rebuild or restore Darlesia. That nation had become too corrupt and corpulent to sustain itself, the death of it's queen showed this to be the case as the various holds have declared themselves independent. I intend of forging a new empire. Harromont is but the beginning."

>1.

“You are correct. I do not serve the queen or Darlesia. It is difficult to serve a dead woman or a country that has fallen so far even its loyal soldiers know it is beyond saving.”

Her lips tighten slightly as she stands opposite you in the room. She’s holding herself together well here, none of the usual fear or emotion showing on her face. You think you see a glimpse what allowed her to seize her family without a battle. You lean against the small table in her room, crossing her arms and continue.

“The night we took Harrowmont, the assassin intended for you slew the queen and her retinue. With the fall of the royal line, bar some insignificant cousins, the last hopes of Darlesia were dashed. The men looked to me and I seized an opportunity – am still seizing it. As you heard me say earlier, I do not have small ambitions and the men know that and follow me.”

“You want to be an emperor.”

“Or suitably powerful ruler. I have my ambitions, just as you have yours.”

She nods but says nothing, maintaining eye contact during all of this.

“Harrowmont is the beginning, and I am sure you can see what I want of Vitria. Do you still stand by your word to serve me?”

She smiles slightly, very slightly. “Of course, General Talon. It’s not quite what I pictured, but this is closer to my dreams than I expected.” She suddenly coughs, looking away and breaking the noble visage she’s been building. She walks over to take a seat at the table and you join her.

She continues, “I suppose it is time to tell you of Vitria…”

>continued

>>29134127
And she does. Oaln has grown bold, bringing in large amounts of weapons from the RSK, presumably supported by them in hopes of his conquering the region and fighting the Magi League. House Hawkins fought him desperately, but Sarah’s mother was ill and she passed, leaving the fight to Sarah. Her youth betrayed her and she was unable to properly stop House Oaln and made a desperate gambit to claim Harrowmont and where she believed a Source to be from her history readings.

In short, Vitria is in the midst of civil war. No wonder Argyle was desperate to aid you. With Taour at the peak of their strength and war between the RSK and Magi League, they can hardly afford this weakness. House Hawkins possesses strength, but are looking to evacuate the main city and building a bastion elsewhere.

>1. Ask Sarah to aid you at Harrowmont and bring her men here.
>2. Ask Sarah to return to Vitria and attempt to fight House Oaln there whilst you march on the city
>3. Ask Sarah to stay here and aid you but have her house fight Oaln in the meantime

>apologies for the slow writing, I'm a little tired right now. Hopefully I'll speed up over the session.

>>29134212
>>1. Ask Sarah to aid you at Harrowmont and bring her men here.

>>29134212
>2. Ask Sarah to return to Vitria and attempt to fight House Oaln there whilst you march on the city

We gather our strength here and then march on House Oaln while Sarah gathers us allies behind the scenes.

We may want to send a message to the RSK asking for some aid, as we will be fighting their proxy war against the Magi League for them.

>>29134212
>1. Ask Sarah to aid you at Harrowmont and bring her men here.

We could use the man power, and the sooner they leave the better, perhaps they could rebuild a new city when we conquer a new region nearby. And I fear sending Sarah back, they probably know she is aiding us now, and would really come down hard on her and we don't have a set time table for when we are marching on Vitria.

>>29134212
>1

>>29134212
>3. Ask Sarah to stay here and aid you but have her house fight Oaln in the meantime

I think this is the best, we shouldn't still fully trust her until she proves herself so bringing large contingents of troops loyal to her house to our doorstep doesn't seem wise. And with 3 we can keep her as an "unofficial" hostage to prevent her from causing shenanigans.

>>29134212
>1. Ask Sarah to aid you at Harrowmont and bring her men here.

>>29134364

While I agree with the sentiment, I think she is WAY too scared of us still to try to pull that.

Perhaps do a half and half? Bring her main forces of Hawkins and leave their allied houses there to fight the good fight and help keep the civil war come.

>>29134448
> think she is WAY too scared of us still to try to pull that
That's one I am cautious of, she is scared of us and now she fully knows the scope of our ambition so she may try to pull something stupid if she gets the chance.

>1. Ask Sarah to aid you at Harrowmont and bring her men here.
Anytging else will leave us on too tight a schedule.

>1. Without bringing her men just yet…

“With Vitria in civil war and your house evacuating, it is clearly unsafe for you to return there. I would ask you to stay here and aid me in my work.”

Her small smile returns and she nods.

“As for your house… before I let them come here, I would know how many you could bring?”

Her smile vanishes as quickly as it came and she bites her lip, looking away. “I know I spoke of my House’s strength, but now… Although the House is leaving, many of my vassals are remaining or are fleeing to their own abodes. House Hawkins used much of its own strength fighting House Oaln. Only five hundred soldiers at most, with less than one hundred mage-knights. They know how to fight, if not in open-field battles, but the only real veterans are several knights of the Order of the Diamond Fox who have pledged service to me.”

>1. Ask her to bring all of her forces
>2. Ask her to bring some of her forces (which parts?)
>3. Ask her to leave her men behind
>4. Custom

>>29134537
>1. Ask her to bring all of her forces

>>29134537
>2. Ask her to bring some of her forces (which parts?)

Bring her main forces. And ONE Knight of the OotDF, her best the one she can trust.

Tell the other six to hold together the vassals and fight the civil war in her stead.

>>29134537
Also, FYI, you don't recognise the name of the Order of the Diamond Fox. It's likely a small order. You can ask her if you like.

>>29134624
I guess we could do that

>>29134537
1

>>29134537
>>2. Ask her to bring some of her forces (which parts?)
The mage knights

>>29134537
>

>>29134624
>>29134719
"Ah, it's a small multinational order. I asked them for aid in keeping Vitria together and they agreed."

"So they're not locals?"

"That's right. They seem to be from all around. I think the leader of the four with me is from the land of the Lords. They don't seem to mind war, so I'm not too sure why they're supporting me.."

>>29134537
>3
We don't NEED to take all her people.

>>29134758
Hmmm we are onto something interesting here. I think it's best to bring all her forces except this guys, I am suspicious of anything coming form the land of the lords.

>>29134537
>1. Ask her to bring all of her forces
Leaving some behind would be a death sentence for them. Also recommend she recruit from the prisoners we captured. Some that would refuse service with us might be willing to side with the head of a noble house like herself.

>>29134537
>>1. Ask her to bring all of her forces

>>29134758
>I think the leader of the four with me is from the land of the Lords.

Wait they have been with us this whole time? Shit son, she could have tried to kill us at any point.

Let's talk to them at some point, that might be interesting.

>1. With a compromise around the OotDF knights

“I see. In that case, it would be best if you bring all of your men here. It is important they realise that we are fighting to unite Vitria right now, not rebuild Darlesia.”

“Do not worry, General Talon. I am the head of House Hawkins and these are the most loyal soldiers. I won’t bring those that cannot be trusted. Those that come will serve you as I do.”

You nod, not entirely convinced but your reputation will hopefully keep things in line. “I’m worried about the knights – perhaps have just one of them accompany the men. I would meet him and see if they are willing to serve me – if you do not know their reasons, how can I trust them?”

She cocks her head at that, seeming surprised, but agrees.

“You say that I am to aid you, but what exactly does that mean, General? Am I to be a vassal to help take Vitria, or like what you said earlier, am I to stand with you in your cabinet?”

>Response? Or do you merely ask her to come to the war meeting and bid her farewell?

>>29134887
>ask her to come to the war meeting and bid her farewell

>>29134883
No, no, no. The four knights in Vitria - by with her I might in service. Sorry for the confusion.

>>29134887
Ask her to come to the war, regarding the question, maybe we could answer something along of the lines of it depends how well she performs in all this Vitrian ordeal, that will give her a goal and a reward to strive for and allow us to truly access her competence.

>>29134887

>"You are to be among my cabinet, but do not misunderstand your station. This is a recent alliance, I must use my own caution when appropriate Lady Hawkins.

>>29133029
Well shit here is hoping nothing drastic happened.

>>29134887
"If you are asking if I intend to... renegotiate our initial agreement now that I have a more accurate understanding of your strength the answer is no. I am a man of my word."

>bring her to the war meeting, but you are still evaluating her

"You are to be among my cabinet, but do not misunderstand your station. This is a recent alliance, I must use my own caution when appropriate Lady Hawkins. If you perform as well as you think you can, then we can explore the opportunities further. You will still have Vitria as I promised, but if you seek more then you will have to earn it.”

She nods, that serious face from earlier on her face but with some fire in her eyes. You invite her to the war meeting which will take place shortly before heading there yourself. Glynn and Cormann are likely already in the war room, and you can get an update on how the cleanup went before everybody else troops in.

>short break whilst I bring together my notes for an update
>if you have anything you want to bring up in the strategy meeting, do so now (e.g. banner, names, reorganisation etc)

>>29135026

>banner

Brought up last thread was the Golden Griffin(bust or full it was never mentioned, and the Griffin being from our name Talon, other ideas were hawks and dragons) on a field of deep dark Blue(because water, you know, for Undine). Anyone else have any ideas for that?

>names

I refer to, >>29134076 and I don't know if we want to name our Empire yet. But yeah there is that.

>>29135026
I will try again with my night-archer suggestion.
Is it possible to enchant goggles/helms with nightvision?
It would be devastating for any enemy to receive a rain of arrows amidst their ranks at night

>>29135026
So if I remeber correctly we were going to use a griffon or a hawk for our standard

>>29135110

I like the idea personally. But I think we should figure out how we want to go about the archers themselves first. Either enchanted armour or bows. Then adding to them. I think the night-archer stuff would be a good idea for a different unit. Like a Sniper type thing.

>>29135026
1. Recruitment. We failed to reach an arrangement with its leader before, but the allegiance of House Hawkins and the Shattering of the Olan force should make things easier. In addition we need to explore Mier, Olmm and any other Darlecean holdouts for aggressive recruitment. Also, any patriots among the prisoners are to be referred to Lady Hawkins.
2. Arcane archers. How do we make more gear quickly, and recruit skilled archers? Does anyone know any way particular candidates we should look into? Perhaps a third son of some RSK noble who's particularly skilled? If Lady Hawkins knows a machinist she should bring them along. She didn't mention any mages in her service, oddly enough.
3. Lyn is promoted to Captain effective immediately and is authorized to recruit 4 more people. Try to find some fellows who can keep up.

>>29135101
>>names
>I refer to, >>29134076 and I don't know if we want to name our Empire yet. But yeah there is that.
Nah changing our names is stupid, and i prefer to make our own name noble, but i think its too soon for an empire name.

>>29135101
What about a phoenix? Reborn from ashes and all that.

>>29135205
i agree

>>29135191
>1. Recruitment. We failed to reach an arrangement with its leader before, but the allegiance of House Hawkins and the Shattering of the Olan force should make things easier. In addition we need to explore Mier, Olmm and any other Darlecean holdouts for aggressive recruitment. Also, any patriots among the prisoners are to be referred to Lady Hawkins.
Being too aggressive with recruitment will weaken the army, but i'm good with talking to the guys from before.
>2. Arcane archers. How do we make more gear quickly, and recruit skilled archers? Does anyone know any way particular candidates we should look into? Perhaps a third son of some RSK noble who's particularly skilled? If Lady Hawkins knows a machinist she should bring them along. She didn't mention any mages in her service, oddly enough.
I think they should also have some people in their ranks come up with ideas.
>3. Lyn is promoted to Captain effective immediately and is authorized to recruit 4 more people. Try to find some fellows who can keep up.
Hell no since she is our personal body guard.

>>29135213

I think someone brought up once that we don't want to appear like we are piggy backing off the old line and instead forging our own. So I assume we wouldn't want to use that imagery, that's just me though.

>>29135205
Acceptable. But we still need to at least name our faction.

You find Cormann and Glynn in there as you expect. The cleanup went quite well, but the fleeing troops had gotten too far by the time you started pursing to do much other than mop up the closest.

MILITARY STATUS
>You have gained the following:
50 Arcane Archers (new equipment)

>You have lost the following:
50 Longbowmen (exchange for arcane archers)
10 Darlesian Mage-knights (casualties)
5 Vitrian Mage-knights (casualties)
30 Men-at-arms (casualties)
10 Mercenaries (casualties)

>Support corps was less efficient this battle as they were unable to retrieve wounded during the courtyard melee

CURRENT ARMY

45 Darlesian Flying Mage Knights (Vet.)
55 Darlesian Mage Knights (Vet.)
50 Darlesian Longbowmen (Vet.)
50 Arcane Archers (Vet.)
420 Darlesian Men-At-Arms (Vet.)
15 Darlesian Battlemages (Reg.)
90 Vitrian Mercenaries (Reg.)
25 Vitrian Mage Knights (Reg.)

PRISONERS OF WAR

100 Vitrian Mage Knights (Grn.)
200 Vitrian House Soldiers (Grn.)
10 battlemages (Grn.)

>The fortress sustained very minor damage, although the land leading up the fortress could do with some care

The rest of your officers, along with Sarah, troop in. You congratulate Captain Moss on his promotion and explain about the Arcane Archers. Your military officers take a short time to also congratulate him and speak a bit about how well they did in the battle. Cormann gives you a nod, a grin on his face. You then explain about Sarah’s pledging allegiance to you, and she introduces herself formally and pledges her support. You notice she’s changed her outfit again, and this is the first time you’ve seen her not in a dress (excluding her nightdress) – wearing a blouse and skirt, with some boots. You wonder how many clothes she brought with her…

After a quick explanation of Vitria and Count Argyle and some congratulations on a battle well won, you move onto other matters.

>continued

>>29135213
Better not, we are trying to dissociate ourselves from Darlesia after all

>>29135261
>I’ll handle each matter that has a vote one-by-one for simplicity

RECRUITMENT

With the battle won, Arail’s knights are again heading into former Darlesian territory to see if they can round up some men who will fight for you. You also have Sarah’s soldiers coming.

Do you wish to try to recruit the prisoners of war? Sarah says she will help you do so.

>1. Yes. Recruit all who are willing to pledge allegiance and you think trustworthy.
>2. Yes, but limit the numbers to half the current PoWs
>3. No. You cannot dilute your trusted forces any further.
>4. Custom

>>29135242
Emperors have legions of bodyguards. She'll still be in charge of our bodyguards but having her be the only one is silly.

>>29135276
>>2. Yes, but limit the numbers to half the current PoWs
We have to make sure to pick the most trusted men we can find.

>>29135276

>2. Yes, but limit the numbers to half the current PoWs

This should be half the willing PoWs, as it is pretty stupid otherwise. Apologies.

>>29135276
>2. Yes, but limit the numbers to half the current PoWs

I'd say even go the step further and recruit mostly commoners and lower birth nobles from those ranks. Also integrate them in with our own soldiers, we need them to understand they are of one people now. Might involve a speech.

>>29135285
She is our personal body guard which is the highest position possible, plus she isn't the leading type since she is in this for the fight.

>>29135276
>2
but limit to a third instead of a half

>>29135276
2
>>29135326
This guy! Keep the higher ranked nobles locked up, integrate the ones we accept

>>29135276
>2. Yes, but limit the numbers to half the current PoWs
>>29135332
She'll be leading four other people. Our "bodyguards" might more accurately be described as "An elite unit that follows us around and breaks things."

>>29135366

I guess we are sort of former a Kingsguard type of ordeal. I think it would be wise, but we should recruit one man from each major unit we have. We have Lynn as our personal, then a Knight, Mage-Knight, Archer, and pure Mage.

>>29135332
We're going to found some sort of imperial guard formation eventually man. Plus, giving her control of four people is a chance to see how well she handles command.

>>29135395
This works.

>>29135395
We don't have any knights but us and Lynn. Still, having an arcane archer, Mage and two mage knights would be good.

>2.

You need more men but are aware that the Darlesians are much more loyal to you than the Vitrians – who largely follow you due to your reputation and now Sarah’s position.

As such, you figure to take half those willing, with a focus on commoners. You figure the lower born will respect you less and be less ambitious about rebelling. Sarah, surprisingly enough, is in agreement along with most of your cabinet.

Maloric speaks up, “I would take all the mages, Talon. I can weed out the untrustworthy with little difficulty and I think you’ll find them to be a little more… ambivalent to the whole ‘traitor to their country’ thing.”

You somewhat agree, but figure you’ll apply a trustworthiness test to them regardless. No recruiting nervous pyromaniacs who spout Vitrian slogans.

>continued

>>29135395

Oh thought from last thread, someone mentioned using a dragon as a part of their personal standard. I like that idea, as long as Lynn is fine with it, but I'd say if we went with Griffin for our own, do a dragon and griffin "dancing" as the standard for them. Just to integrate the two. Just a thought.

>>29135498
ARCANE ARCHERS

You invite Moss to tell Maloric his concerns about the new equipment, though it is also filled with praise for his work. Sometimes you forget that Maloric is rather well-known as a talented enchanter and can be a bit intimidating to most men.

Maloric, for his part, nods along seriously and responds at the end. “He’s right, enchanting the arrows is a pain. It makes them very effective, but it’s inefficient. If we had magitech to do it, maybe, as the enchantment doesn’t need to last or be of high quality, but I’m probably the only enchanter we have that can do more than one arrow at a time.”

You frown, but figure that leaves openings to bring up other ideas. Maloric appreciates the night-vision idea, as it’s a common enchantment on most mage-knight helmets, and he figures stretching it to hats and the like to avoid limiting movement or peripheral vision should be easily possible.

That leaves the enchantment…

>1. Continue as currently. The arrows are necessary to fight mage-knights.
>2. Swap to enchanting bows and armor only – good defensive enchantment will stop the arrows, but enchantments on the bows should work on most foes and plate.
>3. Custom (mix-and-match etc)

>>29135514

>3. Custom

Someone said enchanting the quivers? Would that impart the magic to the arrows by proxy, but make them weaker as a whole? Even possible?

If not I'd say go with 2, for now. We might be able to get some Magitech at some point.

>>29135514

2 for general purpose, but when entering battle against forces known to have large number of mage-knights produce a number of enchanted arrows.

>>29135552
>>29135514
This works for me.

>>29135514
>>2. Swap to enchanting bows and armor only – good defensive enchantment will stop the arrows, but enchantments on the bows should work on most foes and plate.
Add:
Every soldier gets some enchanted arrows for prioritized targets

>>29135514
Could he enchant the quivers somehow to help with the arrows? Otherwise:
>2. Swap to enchanting bows and armor only – good defensive enchantment will stop the arrows, but enchantments on the bows should work on most foes and plate.

>>29135573
>>29135552
Seconded.

>>29135552
>quivers
Maloric shakes his head. "I could, but only for minor enchantments. Nothing like what we currently have. It would be a ton of work, too. Enchantments that create other enchantments are difficult, even for me."

>>29135618
definitely 2 then

>2. But with some enchanted arrows for emergencies

Nods all around. Maloric says, “I’ll see if I can’t rope a couple of the support enchanters into helping. Hopefully I get at least one real enchanter from the RSK. This way I am free to work on some other things.”

NAME

You bring up the idea of a name, if only a temporary one. Your officers aren’t exactly a wealth of ideas, though they agree they don’t want anything linked to Darlesia. Maloric and Undine figure that simply using Harrowmont, and being known as the Lord of Harrowmont, should do for the time being until we’re more established.

>1. Use Harrowmont for now
>2. Write-in name

>>29135618

Go with 2 then. But I like the idea of having some arrows on tap for when we need them. Have the archers that use them always have a reserve quiver for specific targets. When Mal gets his new Mages I would suggest him taking on some as apprentices for enchanting specifically, so they can help him, maybe even one will learn to do something more efficient.

>>29135664
>1. Use Harrowmont for now
agreed

>>29135664
>1. Use Harrowmont for now

>>29135664
1

>>29135664
>1. Use Harrowmont for now

Simple and easy. Though what would the men refer to themselves as? Harrowsmen?

>>29135664
I like the sound of Lord of Harrowmont, but do remind me, is there any room in Harrowmont for further expansion and make it a more permanent seat of power or it's just like an Helm's Deep

>>29135726

I remember it being said the fortress itself is like Helms Deep. But there is a large expanse in front of the fortress that can be developed. So we can use this as a seat of power I believe.

>>29135726
I figure with time and elbow grease we can turn it from Helm's Deep to Minas Tirith.

>>29135726
Population-wise, you could support several thousand in homes plus four small noble manors and a sizeable economy. The keep could be built deeper and you could layer extra walls. With magic it's a lot easier to expand, really.

>>29135764
>four small noble manors

Can we allow Sarah to take one of those? Give them a place to feel more at "home" within our walls, hell it could be considered an embassy if they build a new city/establish rule over Vitria. Plus it'll give her something else to do.

>>29135764
I say we focus on pooling all our resources to Harrowmont. We should maximize the place as quickly as we can, defense and economy wise. Make it a factory to help us 'pump units' so to speak.

Everyone knows you always solidify your home colony first.

>1.

Harrowmont works for now.

Glynn gives a small grin. “So we are the knights of Harrowmont, then? And the warriors of Harrowmont?”

You frown a bit, realising the name doesn’t really make for a good term of reference for the people. Still, it shouldn’t matter for now as you’re just an army. Others can think harder on that.

“So that makes you Lord Talon, then?” Sarah speaks up, smiling brightly at you.

This is your first time being referred to with a noble title, having always been a ‘Sir’ or ‘General’ and something about being called Lord Talon scratches at you. You’re not sure if it’s a good scratch or not but it irritates you nonetheless. Obviously it shows on your face and Sarah looks away abashed. You wave an apology and move onto the next matter.

CONSTRUCTION

Maloric and Gareth have already spoken about summoning an earth elemental for Gareth, and the old magister appears thrilled.

“I haven’t had a familiar for two decades now. A powerful elemental should make for a very interesting partner and a chance to work with the Archmagister on it is most welcome.”

The other issue is where to start next…

>1. Rebuild the keep. The inside is okay, but the outside needs a lot of work.
>2. The walls. They are your protection, so what if there’s some temporary discomfort or lack of composure.
>3. The residential areas. Your men could do with homes.
>4. Noble manors. This would give Sarah, and possibly yourself, a good place to stay.

>>29135885
3 > 2 > 1 > 4

>>29135885
3
2
4
1

>>29135885
In order of importance.
>2, 3, 1, 4

Our men's safety and comfort come first, make morale as high as possible, then move on to other things. If possible split efforts between the first two.

>>29135764
>>29135885

I concur with >>29135916

Also, speaking of expansion, we should begin looking for the next logical step of becoming a great leader:

Establishing an heir (or, virility willing, *many* heirs).

We should start drawing up a short list of potential marriageable women, who would also be good mothers to the man or women who will inheirate our throne.

It won't be right away, obviously, but at least keeping tabs on the available profiles will allow us to make an informed choice when it's time.

>>29135885
>>29135916
Seconding
3>2>1>4
nobles manors last, they can stay with us in the castle for now

>>29135885
2>1>3>4

>>29135943
>We should start drawing up a short list of potential marriageable women, who would also be good mothers to the man or women who will inheirate our throne.
we already have 3 women.

>>29135943

A good point, though being we are considered a "magical human" at this point and aging has slowed we have some extra time on that, assuming we don't get ourselves killed.

Personal vote goes towards Lynn, she's a god damn Feldragon, that is the way to establish a dynasty damn it.

>>29135943
forgot pic

>>29135963
>>29135981

Do we have a good opinion of them as mothers, though, rather than just as women? Also, that whole mess with immortality might mean succession problems if we aren't careful or take the wrong mistresses and get them pregnant.

>>29135885
>“So we are the knights of Harrowmont, then? And the warriors of Harrowmont?”
WE ARE THE LEGION OF HARROWMONT

2>3>1>4

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>>29135999
dammit

>>29135943
>Establishing an heir
Still to early imo, we are still just a ragtag of soldiers who old a fortress, we don't even have civilians under our rule

>>29135999
why not all of them?
pastebin said something of polygamy, don't remember the details, but i think it wasn't frowned upon

>>29135885

I still like Harrowsmen, personally. And The Legion of Harrowmont from, >>29136011 sounds kind of cool.

>>29135999
>>29136032
It was confirmed that being an emperor gives you certain benefits one of which being able to fuck as many bitches as we want.

>>29136032
It varies by culture but isn't a religious issue. Nobility taking mistresses is considered common.

>>29136032
Basically, you set the tone of whether polygamy is acceptable in your kingdom/empire. The mages won't give a damn, really, but the royals might get a bit uppity that you've taken multiple wives rather than mere mistresses.

>>29136032
Simple reason why we should not.

Sibling rivalry leading to nepotism, and corruption of the rule. Infighting between harem members, and resulting sons and daughters who rival and hate each other.

Just take a quick gander through Pre-republic Turkish history. Or browse the Bible and look at David and Solomon's family. Or any other place where the royalty endorsed polygamy and then encountered the headache of choosing the right person to replace the current King.

>>29136054

>inb4 this turns into fuck bitches, get money the quest

>>29136083
Do you really want wiafu war bullshit in this quest?

>>29136083

I'm in agreement with this generally. But... Mistresses are not out of the question just now I'd say. I don't know how Undine feels about all that but I know Mage's keep familiars as mistresses from time to time. So maybe she'd be into it?

>>29136083
Imperial China had polygamy, and we all know how unstable and short lived that culture was.

>>29136113
Well they weren't short of backstabbings and internal strife during all that time.

>>29136083
those things probably happened because they were surrounded by patronizing faggots

>3 then 2 for now

You explain that you think having the residential areas rebuilt ASAP is the most important assignment. You get some nods and a bit of argument.

Glynn says, “Are you sure we shouldn’t rebuild the walls, sir? It is very important that we have the keep as defensible as possible.”

Cormann interrupts, “We shattered those Vitrians, Terrence. I doubt there’ll be much of an army marching on us that can oppose them just yet. And that magic should get it done well and fast – we can do that walls right after.”

You interrupt any continuing argument and let them know the walls come right after, but your men’s comfort comes first. If this will be your staging area, you’ll have it be a home to your men at the least. That settles the debate.

>continued

>>29136083
>>29136103
>>29136105
>>29136113
>>29136139

This is just me personally, but I think we should sit on this. It isn't important now. And it might causes issues now. So yeah.

>>29136159
CONQUEST

“We need to expand. Not for food or wealth, but for resources. We lack stone and good metal – if our earth elemental is busy rebuilding, it’s best if we start moving onto mundane manufactures,” you start.

Sarah adds her own piece, “We could move on Vitria, though. Trade could stand in place of manufacturing for a short while.”

Undine snorts. “Of course you want to seize Vitria first.”

Luckily, Arail intervenes before another catfight starts. It seems Sarah’s allegiance to you hasn’t truly healed old wounds. “We could simply aim to maximise our control of this province – our forces are stretched thin right now. The locals will obey us, but we don’t truly rule them.”

Cormann’s not convinced. “Food and taxation isn’t a worry yet, Malaine. We’re in a position to move fast – it’s mid-Autumn, so there’s plenty of food to go around. Minerals, though… I saw we move on Mier. That mine network is the best in the region.”

>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
>2. Start mobilising to move on Vale and Vitria
>3. Establish roots in Harrowmont
>4. Custom

>>29136139
compared to who? Medieval Europe? Rome?

>>29136181
>>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
Resources are everything in war.

>>29136181
>1. Start mobilizing troops to move on Mier.
Sarah is in charge of working on the head of House Argyle.

>>29136181
>3. Establish roots in Harrowmont
then, >1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
We need the support of our countrymen. We can't do much with minerals and stone without industry first and the earth elemental serves the purpose of providing stone to be used for now.

>>29136181
anyone got tha maplink handy?

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>>29136181
>mid Autumn
>starting a military campaign during
>really?

We should go with 3. UNLESS somehow winters are really really mild, or our logistics train can handle winter resupplying and conditions.

THEN, and only THEN, another choice.

>>29136181
>1
with a dash of >3

>>29136253
http://i.imgur.com/phVe9F6.png

>>29136181
>3
Consolidate our position. We can hit Vitria once we get Sarah's forces here

>>29136253
>http://pastebin.com/M1nGhm4T

>>29136264
Absolutely agreed. We don't need to be stretching our already small forces any further as well. Make a foothold, then post winter fucking blast the other provinces. Or forge alliances during.

>>29136181
>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
>>29136264
We are dangerously low on resources and i believe the source for getting gnome is there.

>>29136264
You're in a mild area for winter (no snow unless you're in the Marnn range), magic makes it easy to keep the cold and frost at bay and Mier is like 2-3 days march.

>>29136181
>>3. Establish roots in Harrowmont
It would be foolish to start a campaign this late in the year

>>29136181

>1
If we take Mier, then we can not only use the materials it provides ourselves, but also to arm and equip Sarah's allied houses in Vitria...

>>29136181
>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.

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>>29136301
>>29136264
Its right next to us so the journey won't be hard on our men.

>>29136301
I assume that Sarah Hawkins' attitude towards hawkins is out of date?

>>29136334

But we are working with at most 3/4s the army, we'd be sieging without siege equipment, and stretching ourselves dangerously thin. We don't even know if they'd be down to just ally with us or start trade.

>>29136352
I haven't updated the NPC list yet. Expect a new pastebin next thread with updates.

>>29136181
>>4. Custom
How about PORT TEMBLY?
we have water elemental, port is located by the water.
coincidence?

>>29136181

We need more information on the defences of our possible targets.

>ask about the defensive forces of Mier, Vale, and Vitria

>>29136181
>3
Increasing our control of the region is best, unless we really are resource starved

>>29136356
How would we get this new equipment with our resources?
>>29136379
Red borders: Impassable border except for flyers

>>29136181
>>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
We need the material badly, it was also stated we don't need an iron grip on the place yet.

>>29136181
>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.

I am just worried if we wait too much the other house will grain full control of Vitria

>>29136429
women worry, emerors act.

>3

>>29136419

We need the metal badly is all I can figure, stone we can work around. But here's the thing, we have absolutely ZERO industry, what are we going to do with raw material with no industry to support it?

>>29136390
>see pastebin regional info
http://pastebin.com/M1nGhm4T
Ctrl+f for '5.4.' (no quotes) and find regions. To simplify matters, you generally only need to seize notable locations and defeat any enemy forces present. You haven't scouted much, so your current info is incomplete.

>>29136181
>1. Start mobilising troops to move on Mier.
I can't understand why people are still voting for 3 when their rational has been shot down.

>>29136429
That's why we can spend this time undermining Hous Olan.

Look for people in his "alliance" who are actually dubious of any benefit they might get from helping him.

Play to sow discord among his advisors and fighting men, while we absorb our own allies and new recruits and stabilize in strength.

>>29136448
>Toulon - a large trading town on the main road to Vitria, Toulon has some high quality smiths and other manufactures.
Maen has that as well man.

I'm gonna close voting here and write up the decision. It's been fifteen minutes - good to see a lot of discussion here.

Name: Mier
Owner: Independents
Control: Very Low
Order: Very Low
Population: 500,000
Military Presence: Very Low; Moderate
Resources: Extensive mine network; high quality quarries
Notable Locations:
>Curton - an odd fortress-town that lines the area bordering the Marnn mountains and much of the mine network there. Despite the seeming size of the fortress, the walls are not stone and the populace is relatively small - it is simply long to protect the mines.
>Toulon - a large trading town on the main road to Vitria, Toulon has some high quality smiths and other manufactures.
Name: Vale
Owner: Vitria
Control: Moderate
Order: Moderate
Population: 500,000
Military Presence: Low; Weak
Resources: Small mine network; quarries
Notable Locations:
>Argyle Estate - House Argyle is the largest non-ruling house in Vitria. They maintain a sprawling estate with a large castle - one of the few remaining areas in Gauron with serfdom.
>Castle Gimbon - a castle built by Vitria at the same time as Harrowmont - it was much less ambitious and is better maintained. Even so, its age and quality shows and it will not the hold the pass through to Vitria very well. Gimbon Valley is the only way to Vitria that doesn't involve travelling through much of Vale itself.
Name: Vitria
Owner: Vitria
Control: High
Order: Low
Population: 700,000 (220,000 in city)
Military Presence: Very high; Strong
Resources: N/A
Notable Locations:
>Vitria - an enormous port city. After Vitria was freed, the extravagant nobles had much of the city rebuilt in western fashion - tall, winding spires and bridges between towers hundreds of metres in the air. The city itself is not walled but the design makes it highly defensible nonetheless.
Gimbon Falls - Gimbon Castle's sister fort, Falls is smaller but was built recently. It is positioned so that it can be bypassed on a march to Vitria but it enables easy mustering and protects arable land in the hills. As such, bypassing it could make for supply chain difficulties.

>1.

“I still hold that we should move on Mier. With that said, whether we do so immediately is another matter. Winter should be no trouble with the skill of the mages in our logistics corps, and the general closeness, but I am worried about what we might walk into.”

Glynn and Moss support decisiveness. “We should march on Curton immediately and seize it – our mages should be capable enough to breach their defences if they do not surrender. That show of power should be enough to cow any former Darlesians into supporting Harrowmont.”

Undine, Maloric and Arail are more conservative. “Scouting will ensure that we don’t walk up against a complete knightly order lying in Curton. It also gives us time to recruit Darlesian soldiers and avoid pointless battle.”

Sarah, Gareth and Cormann are in the middle. “Wait for my soldiers, Lord Talon, and then march on Mier. They should be here within five days, including preparations to leave. That also leaves some time to scout with your flying knights and determine where allegiances of former Darlesians lie.”

>1. Aggressive approach. March on Curton.
>2. Conservative approach. Extensive scouting before making a move.
>3. Middle of the road. Wait for reinforcements, then march on Mier.
>4. Custom

>>29136517
In the future, I'll post the map and relevant province details so that people not using the pastebins aren't left out. Apologies to anybody put offside by that this time.

>>29136607
>3. Middle of the road. Wait for reinforcements, then march on Mier.

>>29136607
>>2. Conservative approach. Extensive scouting before making a move.
no need to rush blindly ahead.
We scout, and reinforcements gets closer

>>29136607
middle of the road

>>29136607
>>3. Middle of the road. Wait for reinforcements, then march on Mier.

>>29136607

>3

We can engage in diplomacy once our army has arrived at their doorstep. Even if they choose to submit to us, we will need a number of soldiers to assist in securing the region...

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>>29136635
That's great!

>also makes you great QM

>>29136607
>3
and
>4
Send a diplomat or representative requesting Mier join with us.

Conquering Mier will be good.

Getting Mier to side with us without any fighting is even better, because it allows us to use our troops elsewhere and even makes us look like the good guys.

>>29136743
This seems the best, let's try a bit of diplomacy

>>29136607
>3. Middle of the road. Wait for reinforcements, then march on Mier.

Though do not discount Diplomacy, they may very well submit to us when they see our forces.

>>29136607
>3
and as some one suggested send an diplomat to try and get them to join

>>29136607
This
>>29136743
Try turning Mier into a satrapy or protectorate. Or something similar.

>3. Plus the parley custom

“Being too aggressive could be our downfall, but not moving at the right moment even more so. We shall wait for reinforcements then move out. That will give us time to make preparations and scout. Make sure the men know to start making ready – we might not march for five or more days, but we will be ready when the time comes.

“Further, if we can do this peacefully – bringing onside those who would think they control Mier, then all the better. There is no need to waste the blood of our soldiers if it is not necessary.”

VITRIA

“What of Count Argyle and Vitria?” Cormann asks. “If they’re in civil war, there could be an opportunity. It could also make the travels of Lady Hawkins’ men difficult.”

Sarah shakes her head. “Robin Argyle is a family friend, although his house is a vassal of House Oaln. He has promised me safe passage through Gimbon Castle – I communicated with him by sending right before coming here.”

You stare at her, realising that the little minx has been directing her house this whole time… and also realise you shouldn’t be so surprised that a mage and head of a large noble house is doing so. Still, you can use this to your advantage…

>1. Have Sarah engage in negotiations with Count Argyle alone.
>2. Aid Sarah in negotiations, though this may be delayed by the Mier campaign.
>3. No negotiations. Argyle and Vitria cannot be trusted.
>4. Custom

>>29136607

Well at least when our troops return home the residential areas should be looking much nicer, so they can come home and relax in something better then tents. I suppose it works.

>>29136834
>1. Have Sarah engage in negotiations with Count Argyle alone.

>>29136834
>1

>>29136811
Nah, lets take it outright for ourselves. Remember the amount of territory We've promised House Hawkins. I trust Sarah, but we really should have more territory than she does for fairly obvious reasons.
>>29136834
>1. Have Sarah engage in negotiations with Count Argyle alone.

>>29136834
>2. Aid Sarah in negotiations, though this may be delayed by the Mier campaign.

Alternatively, have Mal help while we are away, he could possibly do three way sendings well we are in the field as well. I'd like for our hand to be in this regardless.

>>29136834
>1

>>29136834
>2

As I said before I still don't fully trust her and I don't want to see her doing dealing behind our back

>>29136834
>1
We're going to have to give this as a show of trust between us and Sarah.

>>29136834

>1

Let her show us how competent she is in these matters.

>>29136879
>territory
This just occured to me but, for future reference, and I'll add it to the pastebin later, the area of the continent you have access to is about 33x the size of the current region (as pictured in the hexmap).

>>29136834
>>1. Have Sarah engage in negotiations with Count Argyle alone.
No need to micromanage.

>>29136912
It would be neat if we got some drawfag to draw a nice world map besides the hexed strategical one

>>29136912
I was more referring to the need for us as the emperor to have more territory than any of our "Subject Monarchs", especially when we only have one currently.

>>29136912

Wow that really puts some of this in perspective. We are incredibly small time right now. To anyone higher up just some upstart in a town.

>1.

You start, “From my discussion with Count Argyle, he appeared to be hostile to Viktor Oaln’s ambitions for Vitria. That doesn’t mean he’ll be supportive of mine, but, Sarah, he may listen to you. You share a common cause so we may be able to get something from him, even if it is only a temporary advantage. I would like you to engage in negotiations with him while I move on Mier.”

Sarah looks at you, her eyes wide, before restoring her composure and giving a small curtsy. “Of course, Lord Talon, I’ll see to it immediately. If Robin will not lend his aid, then at the very least I will see that we can take Vale with as little difficulty as possible.”

Although Sarah seems overjoyed at your decision, it’s clear that Undine is anything but and gives you an unhappy look. Trust gained and trust lost… you’ll need to be careful in managing your subordinates, and judging from Sarah’s attitude to you, perhaps the female ones in particular. It is probably for the best that you dealt with Sarah’s allegiance in private.

Your cabinet has a few minor matters to go over, but the meeting is otherwise wrapping up.

>Any other matters to bring up?
>I’ve left the banner alone as some players want to talk to Lynn about the dragon thng

>>29137061

Nothing of importance really. Also Undine has been getting her way for the most part the rest of the time, she'll have to live with this small show of support.

Let's go talk to Lynn. Would like to get the standard set up and just talk to her a bit.

>>29137061
The expanding our bodyguards thing?

>>29137113
>>29137061
This also lets learn something from someone before the timeskip.

>>29137061
Maybe we could talk with Undine in private regarding the full extent of her powers right now, because in the end she is really our most powerful asset barring Lynn so we should make full use of her abilities

>>29137115

Oh this! Have our Captains look for the best of the best and present them to ourselves and Lynn, so we can build that personal guard.

>>29137115
BODYGUARDS

You recruited Caitlyn to your personal guard a short while ago and now with your greater military might, it could be useful to enlarge your guard to have a small unit with which to fight in the battlefield with. Anybody recruited would need to be the best, but the larger the unit the larger the pool would need to be.

>1. Expand to full size – 20-30 men.
>2. Small unit. 5 men.
>3. No larger. You and Caitlyn are strong and others might slow you down.
>4. Custom

>>29137177
>>2. Small unit. 5 men.

>>29137177
>2. Small unit. 5 men.

>>29137177
>2 + 4
delegate Caitlyn to selecting recruits

>>29137177
>2. Small unit. 5 men.

>Lynn as the head
>Knight
>Mage-Knight
>Arcane Archer
>Battlemage

They'll need a fancy little pin or something.

>>29137177
>2
We are still small so it makes no sense making a full guard, also It allows us to have more fleshed out characters and the not slow down thing of 3 also applies here

>>29137207
Again, Lynn is the only knight besides us of any skill.
>>29137206
this. Its a test and a show of trust.

>>29137236

Then we'll have an open spot for a little bit. No need to fill everything all at once and in a rush.

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>>29137177
2.
BUT
make it a position based on merit on the field of battle. Pose it as a reward for courage under fire.

>>29137207
>having an arcane archer in a close quarters bodyguard unti
child plz

I guess we could just fill the guard as we go on and find suitable skilled warriors, and be just the 2 of us from hereby one

>>29137207
Let Lynn handle the recruitment.

>>29137206
>>29137207
These two are a bit contradictory, as Caitlyn will likely choose all close-quarters fighters (read: mage-knights).

>>29137259
>>29137267
These two are functionally the same, as your best fighters are Lynn, Arail and one of his lieutenants, so you would end up with nobody extra just yet (but could over time).

>>29137259
Well obviously. We're not going to be recruiting rookies.

>>29137264
>not posting him in longer ranged situations

He can keep an eye from above, ready with a bow to snipe an enemy before he even gets a chance. Equip with enchants for night vision and enhanced hearing and he'll be a fantastic watcher in the dark.

>>29137207
Please non of that themeing shit, just have lynn choose the guards.

>>29137290
Let her chose.

>>29137290
>These two are functionally the same, as your best fighters are Lynn, Arail and one of his lieutenants, so you would end up with nobody extra just yet (but could over time).
This works, then there is no need to bring some one up who isn't worthy.

>>29137290
Then lets wait, since they are expected to be near our level.

>>29137290
Voting on the let us wait

>>29137290

I suppose waiting like the others would be fine. If they rise up in the ranks and show some merit like Lynn did then we take them into consideration.

>>29137290
I voted for two. Lets keep two dammit. Let her choose and train.

>>29137290
Let her choose

>>29137290
>>29137311

Not exactly. A certain knight or mercenary might be the best at his or her preferred method of death, but if they don't demonstrate "courage under fire" (like forethought for their comrades, loyalty to higher command, and selfless risktaking, etc.), we should still retain the right to veto them from our guard.

Can't have a psychopath or butcher be our champion. Might undo the whole loyalty of our soldiers, seeing as how they primarily fight for us thanks to our charismatic personality and combat history.

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>>29137290

>>29137290
Well, that was a bad post to make. I'd hoped to make the sub-par quality of any recruits clear in the 3rd choice.

New vote:
1. Have Lynn recruit 5 men, regardless of quality and train them up.
2. Have Lynn only recruit people she feels worthy (this means you'll get nobody right now).

>>29137371
I'll probably roll this one into any choice.

>>29137177
>2. Small unit. 5 men.

>>29137389
>2. Have Lynn only recruit people she feels worthy (this means you'll get nobody right now).

>>29137389
>1

>>29137389
>2. Have Lynn only recruit people she feels worthy (this means you'll get nobody right now).

>>29137389
>1. Have Lynn recruit 5 men, regardless of quality and train them up.

>>29137389
>2

>>29137389

>2

It'll mean we'll get a broader reach and we too can look for people we find worthy. We're still small time, no need to over bulk, plus Talon is a juggernaut, he takes care of himself just fine.

>>29137389
>1. Have Lynn recruit 5 men, regardless of quality and train them up.
We're going to have people fighting beside us anyway. Might as well find some promising ones and start training them.

>>29137389
>2. Have Lynn only recruit people she feels worthy (this means you'll get nobody right now).
They have to earn her recognition.

>>29137428
This.

>>29137389
>2

Lotta votes. Going to cut them off here to keep things moving.

>>29137389
>1

>Lynn recruits only the best

You let your cabinet know that you want several of the best to fight alongside you in the battle but that you don’t want to remove capable soldiers from their posts just to gloryhound with you. Instead, you’ll allow Caitlyn to choose the best soldiers as she sees fit, even if that means your guard remains small.

You call the meeting to an end and your cabinet moves off to do their assigned work. Maloric and Gareth tell you the summoning will be completed tonight and they can show you the results. You have enough time to fit in a small evening session with somebody, though you suspect between your troops and casters you’ll be busy the rest of it.

>1. Talk with Lynn about her ancestry
>2. Talk with Undine about her power
>3. Visit the Source
>4. Custom

>Note, you’ll have a chance to take care of any lingering matters after tonight during the timeskip and before Mier
>That will be the vote after the elemental scene

>>29137491
>3

>>29137491
>1. Talk with Lynn about her ancestry

I am kind of wondering if she can shapeshift if needed, also ask about her mother

>>29137491
>2. Talk with Undine about her power

>>29137514
to expand upon my choice, I think it prudent we meditate near the source

>>29137491
>1. Talk with Lynn about her ancestry

We haven't spoken to her about her mother. And we could build some trust by telling her about ourselves. And of course the banner thing.

Plus if we could finally learn that shield repulsion thing she does.

>>29137491
>2.
Also, ask Undine about her opinion of Sarah. Even if we don't build rapport, getting her to vent will help us be more discreet in the future between the two.

And hey, maybe we might actually solve the antagonism between them.

>>29137491
>>3. Visit the Source
>2. Talk with Undine about her power
at the soource

>>29137557
>waifu manager 2013

Anon pls we are a warrior not a psychiatrist

>>29137557
We can at least tell her "I know no better way to ensure a vassal is untrustworthy than to indicate that you don't trust them."

>>29137581
Having our champion and principal vassal hating each other is a bad idea.

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>>29137581
Wrong. We are Imperator, Emperor-Aspirant.

Waifu management and psychology comes with the field.

>>29137602
Our vassal doesn't seem to hate the champion, it's all one sided and if the vassal is going to spend most of her time running a fucking country what do we care if Undine's panties are in a twist about it?

>>29137491
>2. Talk with Undine about her power
And about Sarah. That antagonism has to settle down.

>>29137491
>1

>>29137491
>>2. Talk with Undine about her power

>>29137627
Because Sarah will also be a member of our cabinet.

>>29137491
>1
I want to talk to her about who she wants to recuit for the bodyguard

>>29137491
>2. Talk with Undine about her power
>>29137739
I think that settling down Undine is more important.

>>29137721
The funniest thing is, the two are actually more similar than you would expect.

Here's Sarah, her mom is dead, her country is in chaos, and she has just agreed to entrust her future to us.

And here's Undine, who is the youngest of the four pure elementals, who has been out of contact with her elemental sisters, and who has chosen us to champion upon being summoned by the Source.

They're both powerful (in different ways) relative to the common man, they're both insecure about themselves relative to their peers, and I would bet that Undine would gush just as much as Sarah did if we chose to put our trust in her explicitly.

>2. Talk to Undine about her power
We don't want to lose her trust and respect, we should find something for her to do that is a high responsibility and of importance.

>2. Plus some talk about Sarah

You decide to talk with Undine about the degree of her power right now – she had talked about not being at the peak of her power, but need to know exactly what that means. It might also be a good opportunity to talk about her open antagonism towards Sarah – it was amusing when Sarah was an opposing authority figure, but is just going to cause problems now.

With some directions, you find her walking amongst the land outside the castle, the sun having set on the other side of the Marrn mountains now. She appears to simply be wandering amongst the blood-strewn bog, but the constant hum of sorcery in your senses makes you wonder what exactly she is up to.

“Undine, do you have a moment?”

She turns and smiles to you, but you can tell her concentration is elsewhere.

“I was hoping to talk to you about the limits of your current power.”

She nods and beckons you to wait. After a few minutes, her sorcery dies down and she speaks. “My apologies, Talon, I didn’t think you would come all the way out here to see me. I was simply trying to restore some life to the land out here. I may be of water, but my connection to the land is still there.”

You nod and beckon here to stand next to her. “You did some amazing sorcery today. The enemy would have been much more dangerous with it.”

She shrugs. “You said as much to Captain Moss, too. I merely did what I was asked to do.”

The atmosphere is odd, you run a hand through your hair, a mannerism you thought you dropped years ago. “That is because a battle is not one by one individual, or one aspect of a plan. A victory is built on a chain of successes, and those who hold each link are as important as each other.”

She winces at the mild rebuke and looks down. “I’m sorry, Talon, I-“

>continued

>>29137888
You cut her off. “Don’t apologise for something that doesn’t need it – especially because your temper is flaring for a different reason. Sarah has sworn allegiance to me and is acting nothing like she has previously. Why are you still biting her head off, Undine?”

She remains silent for a while, before looking up at the sky. The wind howls around you, a reminder of the approach of winter and symbolic of the gap Undine seems to be trying to create. You hope that she is willing to close it rather than keep widening it.

Finally, she seems to gather herself. “Sarah… she came in her so pompous, acting like a petty bitch. She insulted me. She insulted you. Now she turns around and acts so openly obsequious it’s almost noxious and expects everything from before to vanish under the rug. Why do you let her do it, Talon?”

Well, that was more bile-ridden than before… but you don’t sense any real hatred for Sarah in her spiel, despite the words she chose. Perhaps… she is merely reflecting on a difference between the two.

>1. Remind Undine that she is your Champion, not Sarah or any other.
>2. Tell Undine that Sarah has sworn allegiance to you – her behaviour will be forgiven so long as she acts to rectify it and you will have that approach respected.
>3. Pull Undine into line – you cannot have your cabinet squabbling over mere hurt feelings.
>4. Custom

>>29137905
>1. Remind Undine that she is your Champion, not Sarah or any other.

>"And I allowed you your turn at her. I was even amused by it. But I need people to help me Undine, you know this, you can see the wisdom in it I know you do. But I can't do anything without you, you are the key to this, not a tool, not an ally, but... Everything, my Champion. There is no other that I would place higher faith or trust in." Give her your smile, "And besides, if she steps out of line I know you will be the first to see to it she is swiftly put back into it."

>>29137905
>2

>>29137905
>4. Custom
"You would not believe what a brat I was at her age. All of the ambition I had now, but none of the drive, charisma or power to achieve it. Then, well something happened and I had to either grow up real fast or die. I have sympathy for her position, and as long as she is both loyal and competent I'm willing to forgive her for the way we met."

>>29137905
>1. Remind Undine that she is your Champion, not Sarah or any other.

>>29138004
well, the intro does say
>You have always wanted to be an emperor
I imagine we probably weren't as impressive a figure at the beginning of our career. So why not this.

>>29137905
>>29137983
seconding
>1