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>>32042572
Current Date and Time: Early morning on September 6th, 1952PC

>You have 0 FR points

The last few days have been hectic, to say the least. You collapsed for half a day after fighting Blackwater half to death and that was probably the only rest you’ve had since that battle. Luckily, you’ve felt on top of your game lately.

>Endurance increases to [5]. You are at the pinnacle of human endurance, but you feel you can surpass that somehow…
>Intelligence increases to [4].

Taour, on the other hand, has seen better days. The city feels like a pot just about ready to boil over. The populace, large and dirty, is furious and wants to enact their vengeance on their former rulers – as well as all their patsies, be they willing or unwilling. Combined with the fact that burning out the resistance also burnt out several thousand civilians their rage is quite immense. You’ve had to enact martial law as your troops continue to sweep the city for thralls and vampires to place under protection – and you quite literally mean that, as the peasants will kill them if they find them before you.

The conquest of the surrounding provinces went much more smoothly, with word spreading, abetted by your men and mages, and most of the Taouran soldiers surrendering. The remaining few will need to be flushed out over the coming weeks as you try to restore order to this corner of your growing empire. Arail seized the Wall of Lesia in Crece and has placed any thralls and vampires he found under guard but the remaining Taouran soldiers are aiding you under the watchful eye of your loyal soldiers. This means that all of the Darlesian region – Darlesia, Taour and Vitria, answer to you and you alone.

>Forfdain, Carrlouf, Taour and Crece now hold loyalty towards you
>Order and control is low in these provinces
>Most of the existing garrison/army now work for you
>The treasury of 100TBY has been seized

>continued

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>>32042593
With all the excitement you almost forget that you need to return to Vitria, and Harrowmont, in order to get everything in train. If Vitria had been a troublesome conquest on the administrative side, then bringing both Darlesia and Taour under your wing will be a nightmare. Sarah’s sendings make it clear you’re going to need to step in to make a lot of decisions as her authority doesn’t stretch past Vitria’s archduchy. You’ve already contacted Tsucchi to transport yourself and your companions back to Vitria, albeit over several days due to her limits. The Vitrian cohort is largely remaining in Taour in order to help keep order or to investigate the mage towers.

Before you can go, however, you have one last issue to decide with General Parras, whom you’ll leave behind to manage things with the Grandmasters and Archmagister. Just what do you do with all the Taouran merchants and pseudo-nobles who aided and abetted the vampires despite not being thralled? There’s surprisingly many of them and almost all of them are keen to assist you in transitioning the region to your rule. No doubt their motivations are entirely selfish, as helping you means there is a greater chance of them keeping their own wealth and positions, as well as their lives. On the other hand, as Gnome mentions as an aside, any local administrators may make things go more smoothly, assuming the old culture of Taour doesn’t seep through too much. They could also make good sacrificial lambs, if you’re more inclined to Maloric’s suggestion.

You…

>1. Let the non-thrall merchants and nobles assist you in governing Taour.
>2. Leave them alone, you won’t let them assist you but you won’t remove any wealth from them.
>3. Depose the merchants and nobles, seizing their wealth and assets, and moving to try them as criminals to quell public anger.
>4. Custom

>>32042610
3

>>32042610
>>3. Depose the merchants and nobles, seizing their wealth and assets, and moving to try them as criminals to quell public anger.

Redistribute 1/2 of their wealth and assets to the angry and 1/2 to public work projects to rebuild Taour.

It's going to be a nightmare to placate an angry , resistant populace and we have a very convenient and deserving patsy right here. We have absolutely no need to stick out neck out for these people. We owe them nothing.

I would also strongly urge against choice #2. It's clearly the worst option since we can't use their assets to placate the poor and both the poor and the noble/merchants will conspire against us for their own reasons.

>>32042572
THE TIME HAS COME

>>32042610
>>4. Custom
>Make an example of the upper echelon a la 3 seizing their assets and lives along with it. Those with the worst records. Reinvest in the lower tiers/newcomers with said assets.

>>32042610
>3. Depose the merchants and nobles, seizing their wealth and assets, and moving to try them as criminals to quell public anger.

>>32042610
>2. Leave them alone, you won’t let them assist you but you won’t remove any wealth from them.

This >>32042721 administrative help will be the last thing we need if the entire population riots

>>32042610
3
The population wants blood, and honestly they deserve it.
We need to have trials of many nobles, merchants, and mages.
But we don't want it to be a total mockery. there should be plenty of evidence. Heck, most nightwalkers can also get tried and executed.
We have seized their seat of government, we have tons of evidence. if we immediately removed the mages who surrendered from their towers and searched those as well, as well as searching mansions... tis a lot of work but doable.

>>32042610
>3. Depose the merchants and nobles, seizing their wealth and assets, and moving to try them as criminals to quell public anger.

>>32042800

I agree, but let's hold off on the mage for a little bit until we can determine their usefulness and relative guilt on our own.

>>32042610
The dialog suggests that #3 is only merchants and nobles whom we got evidence against. is it? or are we voting to depower ALL nobles and merchants regardless of their guilt?

>>32042800
I think we should hold off on the nightwalkers

>>32042610
>Been a few days
this time skip is messing with a few ideas we had from last time

for example, we suggested that we have the two daywalkers we captured send a sending to their master and tell him they managed to breach the vault he sent them to rob. and arrange to meet him (how they were going to meet him). then have talon and co. show up instead and kill him too.

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>>32042800
I'm keeping the vampire and mage things separate for now, as they're a little more complicated and worthy of a little more discussion. Right now you're just detaining all the vampires, thralls and mages you find in lieu of a decision later (possibly this thread, maybe next).

>>32042842
It's basically the non-thrall merchants and nobles (well, pseudo-nobles given the governance structure) that resided in the uppermost tier. It's trivial to connect a residence in the wealthiest part of the city with aiding and abetting the vampires.

>>32042881
Since we control Darlesia,Vitria and Taour ; does that mean we move into the continental phase, now that we own the region? (obviously after sorting out internal issues.)

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This next update will be a longish one. Pardon the delay as I didn't get as much prep/pre-writing done as I'd hoped.

>>32042879
If you did that then you would have received no response to the sending, so it's of little immediate consequence.

>>32042956
Pretty much. We're still using the regional map for troop movements etc due to popular demand but you're a continental power now, if a weak one.

>>32042977

>due to popular demand but you're a continental power now

Neat.

>if a weak one

Truth.

I still like the idea of playing arms dealer to the potential war of the independents to the north of us.

Also, just a thought to throw out there. We have a sizable coastal region. And the best water Elemental in existence. Why not construct a navy?

>>32043011

But where would we go with the navy?

>>32043011
Best not to waste resources on building a navy we don't need.
Yet.

Don't worry anon, I have plans for a navy one day, when we go to conquer Pharos.
But for now...for now, let's focus on the matter at hand

>>32042821
To clarify, we KNOW full well mages are excellent at hiding evidence, I expect to only get a few mages this way, the ones too dumb to cover their track. and the important thing is that we SEEM to be delivering justice. Heck, every mage who refused to surrender is another we can pin crimes on.

As far as the nightwalkers go. Its not that hard a case to make
>You know, I grew up as a potato farmer. I know how hard it can be to get the money you need to live. And when you are in that situation, if someone offered you money to for a little blood every other week? well, its harmless and the money really helps.
>But it was cheaper to make people into cattle than to pay them. This wasn't due to vampirism, it was due to overwhelming greed, cruelty, and disregard for the common decency/
>It was also cheaper for some mages to use people as sacrifices instead of buying expensive magic catalysts.
>It was more profitable to be a merchant lord under such a system instead of a middling merchant who only deals in non corrupt trades.
>And being a loyal vassal noble meant you might one day get vampiric immortality of your own.
>There is a lot of blame to go around and a lot of non vampires who participated in these atrocities. The atrocities didn't come from being a vampire, but from choosing to treat other people like cattle for personal profit.
>Some did try to do the right thing. Some actually helped us overthrow taour.
etc etc.

Rolled 3 + 5

>>32043038
We could bypass the defenses at Illin and take Farun in a direct capital strike.

>>32043074

You are asking the common people for empathy, thoughtfulness, and understanding.

Which is possible, but incredibly difficult given their circumstances. They are poor as fuck too but they aren't vampires and they got victimized by vampires.

They are not going to be sympathetic to these arguments.

>>32042977
I assume the rest of Taour collapsed due to
>Their leaders leaving
>Smashing the Capital
>Loss of greatest general

I don't expect all our conquests will go as well as 'take the capital and win' then?

>>32043114
>You are asking the common people for empathy, thoughtfulness, and understanding.
no, i am justifying executing all the vampires, and the top merchants, nobles, and some mages as being for their crimes rather then on mere race stuff.
They are still getting the death penalty. We just take the moral high ground when doing that

>>32043145

Oh, well then you don't need to justify it. I'm sure everyone would praise the decision except for the people getting executed

>>32043114
>You are asking people to spare the vampires
no. >>32043074 is an argument for why it is justice, not genocide, to kill them all

>>32043038
>>32043068

I just see it as a way to construct pincer attacks within regions with bordering coastal locations. That and we can protect our coastal assets a bit better as well.

I'm not saying fuck huge navy, but maybe a few boats. Also I want to make Aspirational write a naval combat scene for us involving Undine because that sounds awesome as fuck.

>>32043074
You're really asking a lot of an angry populace, anon.
I just, honestly and truthfully, don't see how it could ever work.
I'm going to have to veto it at every turn.

>>32043157
But what about when we get into other lands, huh? When they hear that we executed them without a thought, they're going to be thinking, 'oh shit, I don't want to be under this guy. I'm gonna do everything to stop him from winning'. It's a precedent thing.

>>32043178
Sorry, meant that for the blood bank fellow

>>32043074
I agree.

>>32043181
Mans got a point.

>>32043181

I mean nightwalkers aren't exactly looked upon with approval in any part of the world.

The precedent would be "I kill vampires who fuck with me" rather than "I kill anyone who fucks with me". It should be pretty apparent with clarification.

Let me just clarify that I'm not against your idea, I support it. This is just a side discussion.

>>32043174
While I agree it would be awesome as hell, I think it's safe to say we do have a couple of boats out on the water (Vitria is a naval town, and all. How could it not have boats?)

I do hope once we have enough Magitech factories we can go about forging a boat template that is, essentially, boardable Hydras.

>thread XXX
>no lewds, just empire

Are you SURE, Aspirational?

>>32043181
which is exactly why I am positing these justification. Rather then unilateral executions. we have trials. that it just so happens that a fuckton of people are found guilty... well there was a lot of crime here.
SOME will be found innocent

>>32043234
I didn't even notice...
on the one hand, missing out on a great pun
on the other hand, empire stuff is more fun then lewd

Wait are we still forming our own secret intelligence/Inquisition?

>>32043232

I had assumed that Vitria fielded some sort of navy, but also thought that given their state of disarray it might not be the case. Something Aspirational would have to confirm. And at what volume, because hell that could be really useful if we end up dealing with the Independents up north.

Also
>magitech boats
Oh god yes I want it to be so.

>>32043234
If we don't get a Vad/Talon scene with Talon suggesting women for Vad I will be sorely disappointed.

>>32042977
What is our cabinet's opinions here? we need some in character advice on these decisions.

>>32043181
It is worth noting that
1. we aren't executing any of the surrendering soldiers
2. none of the people in the current vote actually surrendered, defected, or otherwise assisted us. they were captured AFTER we won the battle.

>>32043221
I'm not talking about the Vampires, though if we can avoid as many beefs with supernatural beings as we can, that'd be fantastic. I'm talking about the vanilla people, the merchants and nobles. If they hear we went on a murdering spree of them, they're going to throw their whole fortunes behind their current ruler rather than let us take over as their liegelord, because they think that it's bastille day up in this bitch. Let's not have them funding the shit out of our enemies if we can avoid it.

>>32043232
Nah, difficulty with magitech scales with complexity and size. You don't want a single boat template. You want an ironclad (steel is cheap and mass produced) with a magitech motor, with enchanted balista and catapults.

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>3.

“General, seize their assets and organise to have them publically tried and executed,” you order. “Regardless of the actions of the thralls and vampires, which may or may not be excusable, these people acted of their own accord. That makes their sacrifice convenient to keep the city under control given the attitude the populace will have towards them.”

“It’s an effective strategy, your majesty,” Parras says slowly. “You don’t sound convinced about the… justice of it, however.”

You shrug. “It’s not about justice. I’ve got a city about to explode with anger, if I have to burn some scapegoats then that’s how it works. Many of these merchants and nobles will have faced a choice between destitution and wealth in this city of vampires, a choice with an obvious answer for most people. That they will suffer for it isn’t justice, just life. The same could be said of being a criminal in a city of crime when the crackdown finally comes.”

Parras nods and you nut out some of the details with him before organising your departure. Due to the limits of Tsucchi’s travel it will take a week or more to transport everybody so the rest of the party will travel on Maloric’s summons while you are teleported. You’re greeted by Sarah shortly after entering her spire and she escorts you up to her common room to give you her news.

“News spreads fast, Talon,” she says, her face neutral. “You’ve received a lot of contact from neighbouring rulers in the past few days, congratulating you on taking the throne. I get the feeling many were waiting to see if you would defeat Taour before sending a message.

“You received two messages from the League. Archmage Alyce has personally congratulated you on your victory and wants to meet with you personally in Ahm in a few weeks to discuss matters. The League itself has separately noted that they are optimistic that ‘our futures will be bright together’, whatever that means.

>continued

>>32043305
Hm...
You make a good point, anon. If can't master Magitech work (or until we become rich enough to not give a fuck)I am totally game with that.

I seem to recall a World War II steel boat that was so tough, it literally couldn't be sunk by weapons when it was first created.
Forgot what it was tho

>>32043300

Okay, I agree with that. Sorry, my reading comprehension isn't fantastic today. I've reading too much outside crap

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>>32043329
“King Fenix of the RSK has congratulated you and I’ve organised with him a discussion via a sending device in a week’s time. I suggest you work out your approach to the RSK-League conflict before this.

“The Mage Guard have thanked you for removing the vampires from power and bringing order to the region. You also have a personal message I didn’t check from an Inquisitor Harold Tormann-“

You curse out loud. “Inquisitor! That bloody conman made inquisitor.”

Sarah looks confused. “Conman? I don’t follow, Talon.”

You shake your head, thoroughly nonplussed. “He’s an old acquaintance of mine. He’s been everything from a merchant to a ship’s captain to an adventurer. Good in a fight but you wouldn’t trust him to watch any back but his own. Hell if I know how he became an inquisitor – he must have a cushy deal up there.”

“I see,” Sarah says, clearly not. “Well, you have a personal message from him. You should review it shortly. Um, Farun appears to be cautious about you but congratulates you nonetheless. Termina sent a very perfunctory message acknowledging you as ruler. Compagnon is… effusive. They want to meet as soon as possible to discuss a trade alliance. I’m not really sure what’s happening up there, to be honest.”

As you try to note down everything, Sarah slips you a piece of paper with everything written down. You thank her and then shut yourself up in the study in order to contact Mercenie – you got no reply to your attempt to entrap the two fleeing ruler daywalkers so you figure to see if she’ll help you deal with them.

Will you tell Mercenie anything about Blackwater?

>1. Yes.
>2. No.
>3. Custom

A use for navy would be to fight a soon to emerge power.
see >>32042593
Guelburg and Horijssl are currently revolting under the leadership of RSK's former archmage, all signs point to him carving up his own domain instead of joining magi league
So with a navy we could invade guelburg and take it

Alternatively, we could convince the RSK to cede gespad to us, in exchange we crush that rebellion and give them horijssl while we take guelburg
...
although it might be better to just let the RSK fall apart and conquer gespad and worremburg for ourselves at that point (if they are fighting both the magi league to the north and that new archmage to the southeast

>>32043355

>1. Yes.
A sign of good faith. It also weakens Blackwater if the source of his immortality becomes commonplace knowledge.

>>32043355
>1. Yes.

I feel like it would bode well for our relations even if she might drop some respect for us.

>Compagnon is… effusive. They want to meet as soon as possible to discuss a trade alliance. I’m not really sure what’s happening up there, to be honest

Fucking awesome, thanks for taking that idea Aspirational.

>>32043355
>1. Yes.
>3. Custom
Let her know about his immortality, but also tell her that if they find any sign of him, they let us know before anybody else, because we've got a bone to pick with him.

>>32043355
>1 Yes
Clearly we should. If anyone can help us find and trap that asshole, it's her, and her master. Pride is a small price to pay

>>32043355
1
sign of good faith and if we spread around details of his power someone else might snuff him for us

I'm kind of surprised Parras was cool with that decision. I thought his idealistic nature might get in the way in regards to scapegoats.

>>32043419
>Let her know about his immortality, but also tell her that if they find any sign of him, they let us know before anybody else, because we've got a bone to pick with him.
don't let him become our white whale, he is actually more useful for us alive as a scarecrow
>daywalker leaders fled taour, vowed to return when talon eventually falters, even if they have to wait until he dies of old age
its
1. true
2. great for inspiring loyalty in us

>>32043448
I mean, these people aren't exactly innocent either. They are collaborators after all

>>32043266
No that was just random discussion there's really no way to reliably do this

>>32043355
>Compagnon
That's the city on a lake right?

>>32043355

Which independent kingdom (Farun, Termina, Campagnon) had good relationships with the Mage Guards again?

>>32043467
I know he's not going to show up again for a long-ass time, but it's in-character for Talon to want to keep all eyes looking for an enemy that got away and may want revenge. And yes, I realize he's a great propaganda piece. Doesn't mean that we can't still kill him when the time comes.

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>>32043011
>navy
Vitria has a small navy. Technology is roughly Age of Discovery, less cannons but with mages in their place. I'll probably work out more detail about them in the near future.

>>32043144
It really depends on the opponent. Are there any heirs or rulers running around, where are the rest of the miltiary, how strong is your military etc. If it's just a matter of 'sned in the troops to mop up' I'll probably fast track things.

>>32043234
hah, I considered it but there's so many things I need to get through it feels wasteful to spend an entire thread on it. There may be some social scenes still, depending on how long the thread runs.

>>32043296
>What is our cabinet's opinions here? we need some in character advice on these decisions.
Largely summarised or indifferent. I usually only include specific character advice if it may impact their opinion of you or reveal part of their character, otherwise I'll summarise things. Your cabinet is large enoguh for it to be unwieldy.

>>32043448
Parras has little sympathy towards the merchants who willingly worked with the vampires.

>>32043266
If you propose a workable idea I can do a vote on it at some stage (it will be added to my enormous list of crap to get through). The same can be said of organisational structures for your empire now that it's grown. The plan is to cover that stuff next session.

>>32043483
Sadly, no. I forgot about that idea when creating all the provinces (though I may do so retroactively).

>>32043508
We know Farun gets along because of the presence of Vad, but I'd assume all the smaller nations are under their wing.

>>32043355
>>32043329
I saw we talk to all of them
talk to RSK, talk to magi league, talk to the small guys to the north, talk to inquisitor

why? because the more we know about them and their attitude, the easier it is to choose what to do next.
do we conquer our friends to the north or sell them weapons?
do we go on a pilgrimage for the POPs? Do we ally with RSK vs magi league? ally with league vs RSK? it all depends on what they have to say to us

one thing. I REALLY want to retain the moral high ground. let others be the agressors in the public eye

that way its not that talon is sacrificing the lives of his men for more power. Its talon saving lives fighting against agressors or wrongdoers.

>>32043529
So...
We gonna name our empire this thread?

There were a bunch of cool (and some not so cool) suggested the past few threads.

>>32043523
>but it's in-character for Talon to want to keep all eyes looking for an enemy that got away and may want revenge.
I don't think talon would have become a successful general if he was so obsessed with such things
also, the guy is a statesman not a fighter. and what has he ever personally done to talon? Nothing.

>>32043587
I'd argue that the terrible vastly outnumbered the palatable myself.

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>>32043587
It's my intention, though my list may be incomplete as it's been low on my list of priorities. If somebody wants to post any names they remember it would be useful.

>>32043529
>Vitria has a small navy.
>I'll probably work out more detail about them in the near future.

Oh awesome. Depending upon how things go we might end up using them sooner rather than later.

Have we ever met the Admiral of the fleet? Or is it not as organised as that?

>>32043619
United Archduchies of Harrowmont
Union of Archuchies
were two I recall.

So, for the vampires. here is my idea

a few of them (tsucchi's chooses a couple) will be disappeared into her research program.
Their jobs are
1. invent blood substitute based on animal blood (modified by some magitech device). Export the knowledge
2. cure thralls. Export the knowledge.
3. design thrall detector (daywalker, nightwalker, and powder type). Export the knowledge.

For now they can live on any seized blood stores (since the vampires did have a good amount of storage, as we did not have the time to properly starve them)

For the rest of them. trial and execution.

>>32043619
The Radiant Empire was one, as I recall, going off our penchant for glowing. There was a lot of finagling over word choice, though.

>>32043619
I think an old name was

The Harrowmount empire
or
The East Harrowmount empire.

>>32043652
Having harrowmont in name is bad as it reveals the location of our source. We are, for now, pretending that our capital is Vitria.

>Union of Archuchies
>Union of Sovereign Archduchies
>USA
haha

>>32043696
Everyone already knows we came from there, so its not a problem.

>>32043652
how about just
The Union
or
The Dominion

>>32043696
It's decided, voting is over, we are now the empire of 'Murica.

>>32043696
I'm kinda leery of implying that the archdukes are sovereigns in their own rights. Though that would make the union jokes even funnier. Now we just need a confederacy to fight...

>>32043723
I think The Dominion would be nice if we threw an adjective in there. something that sounds grand instead of 'empire of evil'.
>>32043682
How about we combine it with this? the Radiant Dominion?

>>32043723
Nah

>>32043722
>Everyone already knows we came from there, so its not a problem.
we didn't come from there. we were a darlesian general located there when darlesia fell. We then proceeded to conquer vitria from there and then relocated our cabinet to vitria.
Nobody knows there is anything special about it yet

>>32043742
>I'm kinda leery of implying that the archdukes are sovereigns in their own rights.
yea, it was a joke.
I agree

>Now we just need a confederacy to fight...
We could easily be a confederacy too
Also, we could annex parts. remember how ooln's plan was to become an archduke under the RSK, selling his people as conscripts for power in a greater nation?
We could make the leaders of the 3 small nations to our north archdukes of their own domain under us. all they have to do is swear fealty

Whatever happened to naming the empire after the York surname?

>>32043756

Radiant doesn't sound great with the word Dominion in my head.

Dominion has this cold, finality feeling to it whereas Radiant is bright and glowing for obvious reasons. It doesn't gell together for me

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>1.

You had contacted Merce using a sending to let her know you wanted to talk, so it’s no surprise she answers quickly when you try to contact her using the device in Sarah’s study.

“So how does it feel to be ruling a true world power, oh mighty Imperator?” comes Merce’s sing-song voice, slightly distorted, through the device.

“Word sure travels fast,” you say.

“The world waited with bated breath to see if you triumphed over the vampire menace,” she responds lightly before pausing. “Or at least that’s what you’d like to believe. I’m only monitoring the situation because I have to. Did I deflate your ego?”

“No,” you say gruffly. “You certainly seem happy today. Drunk again?”

“A little,” she says, laughing lightly. There’s a bit of a pause during which you get Tormann’s message ready for perusal for after this.

“You got Alyce’s message? Good,” she says, as you give her an affirmative. “That means I’m not responsible for dealing with you – or at least not chiefly responsible. I can only hope that Alyce’s positive impression of you wanes when she actually meets you.”

You sigh. “Moving on to more intelligent topics, three of the ruling daywalkers got away, probably into League territory. Could you-“

Merce cuts you off quickly. “We got two of them. A fat one and a weird one in a coat. Trying to escape to Shropham – thank you for telling me about that link, by the way. It made it easy to catch them out. I can even send you their corpses if you’d like. Who was the third?”

“Blackwater.”

“Ah, so the grand Imperator couldn’t slay the immortal vampire?” she teases, a slight edge in her voice.

“No, but I did give him a bloody nose and nearly ripped his arm off,” you respond glibly. “Given not even Gnome was able to even scratch him, I’d say that’s a nice feat.”

>continued

>>32043756
The Radiant Dominion sounds good.
TRD is also a good acronym
or we can go with Resplendent.

>>32043788
you raise a good point
The Radiant Domain?

>>32043780

"Talon York's Crib"

>>32043756
>>32043788

How about: The York Empire, or The York Dominion.

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>>32043802
You briefly explain how you were unable to harm Blackwater and the weird things you saw. You leave out the precise details of how you were unable to harm him beyond mentioning you used a lot of power. There’s a long pause.

Finally, Merce sighs. “Well, that certainly explains all the rumours about him. I can’t think of many ways to achieve something like that and if you don’t know how you hurt him that makes it more confusing. I’ll let Alyce know about this in case the bastard rears his ugly head in the future. And, Talon-“

There’s a pause before Merce finishes her sentence, clearly with much reluctance. “Thank you for telling me the details. It’s more detail than we’ve ever had on Blackwater before.”

>How do you respond to Mercenie's show of gratitude as well as her other behaviour?

Sorry for all the wordswordswords. Kind of a lot to get through before major decisions.

>>32043823
>Sorry for all the wordswordswords
I read this quest for the wordswordswords.

>>32043788
Just like the guy said, finagling over word choice. Dominion has that feel of gravitas to it, but it also makes us sound like the bad guys. throwing something on there that is... not necessarily goody-two-shoes, but much more good-oriented can help diminish that 'evil' vibe without messing with the 'cold final gravitas' feel.

>>32043813
no
>>32043777
>Also, we could annex parts. remember how ooln's plan was to become an archduke under the RSK, selling his people as conscripts for power in a greater nation?
>We could make the leaders of the 3 small nations to our north archdukes of their own domain under us. all they have to do is swear fealty
That was kinda the original idea with the archduke structure.

>>32043823
"K thx bye"

>>32043849
How about 'Verum Imperium'? (True Empire in latin.)

>>32043823
"We'll say you owe me one. Or two, now that I think about it."
Say it in a somewhat joking tone

>>32043855
this also ties in to earlier idea of using the power of the source (once a pop is bound to it) to youthen people of our choice. immortality is a hell of a drug, worth becoming a vassal for, and a statesman with thousands of years of experience can be damn useful!

another thing we could do is absorb one of the two warring sides by siding with them.

>>32043823

Politely of course, no need to be snide to an elf who can reck our shit

>>32043855

Yeah, I mean we are essentially adopting a variant of federalism here. Nothing wrong with that, and it's particularly efficient for a large, diverse body of people.

>>32043855
Any reason why?

Frankly im not a fan of Dominion, Empire sits better with me.

>>32043823
Grin.
"And you're welcome for that honesty. That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Just a little tease of our own.

>Apologizing for meaty posts
>Ever
comon man, it's part of why I love you.

>>32043823
>response
"how's the political situation over there in the league" or something along the lines of that, we've gotta have at least earned some nuggets on info on that.

>>32043897
nice..
>Imperii vero de lumine
is "True Empire of Light" according to google translate
but it sounds a bit pretentious

>>32043823
>Sorry for all the wordswordswords.

I love the wordswordswords. It makes it feel like it's an actual story.

>how do you respond?

"You're welcome. I would have his head on a pike myself, but now that he is gone, the best I can do is let others know and hope they do it for me."

>>32043921
I'm in favor of emphasizing the Archduke structure for political reasons

>>32043823
Graciously tell her that she is most welcome.
And graciously accept the corpses of the other two. it will help placate the population to have more daywalker heads on pikes.

>>32043897
>>32043950

Not a big fan of Latin, doesn't really fit with Talon's background (self-made man from peasant background) and it seems rather out of place for this universe.

>>32043823
"No problem. The guy was jackass in addition to being a monster."

>>32043950
>but it sounds a bit pretentious

Sounds like something that would tickle Talon's fancy then.

I suggested The York Empire back when it back up and people seemed to get behind the idea. But who knows now.

>>32043823
Shit, they caught the other two Daywalkers?
Awesome, I feel way better now. With just Blackwater on the loose, then I'm not too worried anymore.

Actually...>>32043958 I like this, but also we SHOULD get the Daywalkers bodies, shouldn't we? Do the people in this town want like, to spit at their corpses or some shit Italy style?

I know they did it with Dictators before.

>>32043960
If we emphasize the Archduchies, it could give the impression down the line that it's more important than it really is. And the one thing that causes more political rebellions than any other is people with swelled egos and power getting knocked back down to earth by the actual rulers.

>>32043960
That is still comfortably sitting within Empire.
While we may not have to stick with a name, it would be a bitch to change it.

>>32043993
Im behind The Empire of York.

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RESPONSE VOTE
>1. Tease/joke with her a little in return to break the tension.
>2. Push for political information from the League.
>3. Be very polite and somewhat gracious in response.
>4. Custom

>>32044010

>3

with a hint of >2

If that's not possible, >3

>>32044010
>1. Tease/joke with her a little in return to break the tension.

>>32044010
>3. Be very polite and somewhat gracious in response.

Nothing infuriates someone who hates you more than being nice to them.

>>32043960
that is a good point.
Well, The United Duchies (TUD) works well
Or The United Cities
United Septs (a sept is a clan) of Arcania?

>>32043950
>Imperii vero de lumine

eeeeegh. That's a mouthful, and it has a bad sound to it as well. if we HAVE to go latin, which I don't think we do, Verum Imperium is better.

>>32044010
3

>>32044010
>>1. Tease/joke with her a little in return to break the tension.

>>32044010
>1. Tease/joke with her a little in return to break the tension.

>>32044033

No The

>>32044010
>>3. Be very polite and somewhat gracious in response.

>>32044004
Do we really want our empire to be named after peasant blood? We got pissed off when a noble referred to us as a peasant, and now we want to emphasize it to the world?

>>32044010
2. Push for political information from the League.

>>32044029
I am not sure she hates us so much as disrespects us

>>32044035
what about
Gratus Uiuendum
in english "Nice place to live"

>>32044010
3

>>32044004
You're suggestion doesn't emphasize the archduchy structure at all.

>>32044079
I don't even know how to pronounce Uiuendum. Again, Gratuitous Latin does not make a good empire name.

Rolled 45

>>32044010
>1. Tease/joke with her a little in return to break the tension.

>>32044010
QM can you please clarify
Did Alyce found the magi league, or is she just its current ruler? (didn't gnome's previous master, Alyce's prior master actually found the league?)

>>32044077
Yes, its a pride thing. We only got angry before because it was a targeted insult.

We came from common stock, and now we are the damn emperor here. Its half a boast as well as a statement.

>>32044079

Not a fan of Latin, not a fan of that in particular

>>32044118
Well, could go with english
>Nice Place to Live
NPL for short

oh hahahaa, this is a hilarious name

>>32044077

I think the idea behind it is not allowing ones blood to hold them back. Inspirational ideal that even the lowest born possess something to give back to the world. There may be some bastard York in the backwoods of the Empire claiming it was named after him but maybe he has a brother who serves our army, a sister that works in administration elsewhere, a son that looks up to the ideals of Talon York. We aren't building this Empire on our back alone, we have an army, and a people that are the true building blocks.

Also potentially Talon wasn't born from his assumed parents. Little hints and there suggest it might be something else at work here.

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Rolled 1

Tie-breaker roll

1 = Option 1
2 = Option 3

>>32044128
She founded the current Magi League. It existed several hundred years ago but was dismantled by the newly formed Mage Guard then. Taren Hand (Gnome's previous master) started the first rebellions more than twenty years ago but it wasn't until 7 years ago that Alyce founded the League as par tof the second rebellions.

How about Yorkshire.

>>32044181
Only if there are halflings in this setting

What kind of armor does Talon wear?

Talon York fits the Dark Souls 2 naming constraints so I'm thinking of doing a themed run

>>32044181
no. God, the names are getting worse

Rolled 80

>>32044181
only if we start breeding dogs

>>32044170
here comes the crit fail on charisma roll

>>32044163
Anything that could make people band together under us is a good idea. National identity is a powerful thing.

>>32044129
Talon doesn't take pride in his name... at least, not in the way that nobles do. He uses it as a 'oh shit, it's that guy' thing. He prefers that his actions speak louder. I don't think he's vain enough about his own name to name the empire after himself. As much as he is a self-styled emperor, he's also a simple man. Give him some bitches and some baddies to bash, and he's good. The name should reflect that.

>>32044170
1

>>32044200
Black Full Plate

>>32044200
Very heavy armor, full covering, I think is his new style. Greatsword and shield.

>>32044181

For the Empire no?

For the first town/city/whatever we eventually end up founding for reasons. Fucking. Yes.

>>32044205
Your missing the point.

York is a bastard name. It means someone who is worthless. Were painting it across the damn empire to prove that a name is not what makes you great. Talon considers Talon to be his name, york is just an addendum for him. But for the poor scrub kicked around by this regions people, its an inspiration.

>>32044240
There we go. If we scale it down, it's a great name, but not for a fucking empire.

>>32044202

I wonder if Talon has hobbies like that.

His hobbies of right now consist of killing, banging, and ruling nations.

Even the god damn Emperor himself needs some time to himself. Also the idea of giant Talon holding a litter of puppies is adorable.

>>32044256
But we're not fighting for the scrub, at least not directly. We're fighting to feed our ambition to have his face on every coin. Having people like us just makes management easier, it's not a required goal.

>>32044163
it is worth noting that the most important opinions are
1. the army
2. the commoners

>>32044240
most empires are named after their capital city

>>32042572
I just wanted to stop by and tell you, since I can't stick around, you're the coolest fucking dude, and you make the entire board a better place by being here.

That is all.

>>32044289
>Talon breeding dogs

I want this to happen. We breed ourselves the biggest fucking warhound in existence and sic the litter on our enemies. We could even make money on selling the puppies within our domain.

>>32044289
Talon's hobbies seem to be "seducing women"
>>32044316
Not really

>>32044300
And? its a rally call. It makes our life easier. It has meaning. It fits with how we intend to govern, and its a massive slap in the face to pretentious nobles who judge only on name.

>>32044256
Talon isn't a bastard that he knowns of
he was raised by a family of potato farmers. his parents might still be alive if lord ember didn't slay them

Rolled 16

>>32044289
baby griffins !
Griffin breeding would be an awesome hobbie

>>32044316
Yeah, but...Harrowmont is a terrible name for an empire.
At least, I think so.

>>32044202
>only if we start breeding dogs
>>32044331
>Talon's hobbies seem to be "seducing women"
Breeding Bitches?

>>32044333
But we have no problems with the nobles in the abstract. The only ones we take issue on are usually the ones who act like they have power but really don't, like that kid who didn't have any actual titles to his name.

>>32044347
Agreed. Its marginally better than York though

>>32044347
compounded by us pretending to be centered in vitria now to downplay harrowmont's worth

>>32044346
>Griffin
Hey, now that is a good idea for an empire name. Something with Griffin in the name. we already have it on our flag.

>>32044365
Breeding Season quest written by Aspie when?

>>32044379
This. Our problem is with incompetents and always has been.

>>32044346
We'd have to find the very few that live now first

Also whatever happened to the dragon banner thing?

>>32044387
Wasn't it a thing that Talon's nickname (or one of them) is 'Griffon of the East'?

>>32044379
I personally prefer the "Noblesse oblige" approach to nobles
With great power comes great responsibility. nobles are necessary, but due to lack of oversight many are abusing their power and not performing their duties. we can be that oversight

For the empire name I'll just toss out the Eternal empire. Or the Millennium empire.

>>32044445
>Millenium Empire

Whatever you say, Adolf.

>>32044409
I don't know but that sounds awesome.
Oh, hey I know where it sounds familiar from
http://mightandmagic.wikia.com/wiki/Holy_Griffin_Empire

>>32044445
That seems like taunting fate.

>>32044409

I know the suggests were thrown out there. "The Griffon of/in the East" sounds like something his army, bards, and poets might start calling him. I really liked the nickname myself.

>>32044445

That's begging for cosmic sense of irony to strike you down

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“We’ll just say you owe me one. Or two, now that I think about it,” you respond jokingly.

“I already repaid one by dealing with those two vampires,” she says, voice teasingly sweet. “Should I wrap myself up in a little pink bow and deliver myself to your doorstep to repay the other.”

“Assuming that’s all you’ll be wearing, yes,” you say, not even stopping to think.

There’s a brief pause before Merce coughs a bit. “Um, moving on. Do try to come to Ahm soon. There’s some matters that need discussing. We can… talk about that favour another time.”

The device suddenly stops sending, indicating that she hung up, and you quirk an eyebrow at her response. It was… very like Gnome, actually. Huh. You secret that little tidbit away and turn to the message from your old conman-turned-inquisitor friend.

Tormann’s message is an odd one, starting with several lines from him and what look to be a second message below it:

‘Sorry about this, Talon. Seems somebody high-up worked out our connection. I’ll be in your neck of the woods with some weird investigation thing so you can let me in on your scheme there.

- Harry

Dear Imperator Talon York,

You can consider the contents of this message to be the formal attitude of the Mage Guard, sent this way for reasons that will be obvious when you read the rest of it.

Firstly, let me personally congratulate you on your new position as well as your recent conquests. It’s hardly a surprise to see you so easily quash your foes given your history but it is still a worthy feat for you to accomplish. Secondly, the Mage Guard will not intervene in any of your activities in the Terminan region to your north despite our erstwhile ties to it. You can consider yourself to have free reign in the region.

>continued

>>32042593
Aspir, what is the name of the current continent?

>>32044463
>Renamed the Holy Unicorn Empire
See, now that's just silly

>>32044432
I honestly prefer using them as admin while taking all their powers away and giving it to us. Not like we can be anywhere and we need nobles to rely on us for power.

I still support the Golden Empire idea, or however we argued it into being a few threads ago.

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>>32044485
Of course, we will expect you to conduct yourself in an upstanding matter. Taour may have been willing to take unsavoury actions but I expect better of you. So long as you cooperate with our actions regarding cleansing monsters and dealing with dangerous and unethical magicks we will have a happy relationship.

Sincerely,

Witchhunter General Sylvian

P.S. Why does your friend seem to think you rising to power is some sort of get-rich-quick scheme?’

You put the message down, feeling a little weak and confused. You’ve been snookered before you even knew you were playing the game. The Guard will let you take the Terminan region to the north, whom they likely have mutual protection treaties with, in exchange for your cooperation with matters they consider important. The message seemed to concentrate on the more palatable matters the Guard handles but you don’t trust them to stick to just that. Unfortunately, refusing them will mean they will likely violently oppose any plans you have for Termina and their military might will leave you at a gross disadvantage.

You look up to find Tsucchi lingering in front of you, having slipped in at some point while you were thinking. Which brings another matter to mind – Harrowmont, or more specifically the Source. Tsucchi already knows about Undine so she’s halfway to knowing about the Source as is, and she did promise not to reveal it. Vad… well, he seems on the level but it might still be easier to avoid giving him secrets you don’t want spread even if he is a bit better at keeping them than Mal thought.

>1. Bring the foxes with you when you relocate to Harrowmont to continue ruling
>2. Leave the foxes behind when you relocate to Harrowmont
>3. Don’t relocate to Harrowmont. Try to rule your empire away from it. This may leave it open to assault if you attempt a charade about it not being important or be pointless if you heavily guard it anyway.
>4. Custom

>>32044475
It's also saying Talon will smack that fate down with his bare hands. Which takes balls.

>>32044485
>She actually faltered
Pfff, hahaha
Aw man, you are asking for it now, lady.

Alright, I kinda like that cold bitch a bit more now.

>>I personally prefer the "Noblesse oblige" approach to nobles
>>nobles are necessary
>>we provide oversight to ensure they don't abuse their position
>>32044499
>I honestly prefer using them as admin while taking all their powers away and giving it to us.
Where did I suggest that we depose them entirely and take all their power? I am saying that nobles are necessary and we only need to make sure they are doing their damn job propery

>>32044508

>Secondly, the Mage Guard will not intervene in any of your activities in the Terminan region to your north despite our erstwhile ties to it. You can consider yourself to have free reign in the region.

itshappening.gif

2. Tsucchi is better off researching vampires for now. Vad can do.. something

>>32044326

>How can I make money out of this?
Hahaha I like it Anon.

I always wondered now that Talon has somewhat settled down what he would do with his amassed wealth. Before he never spent it on much more than replacement arms and armor and the necessities if his personal fund is any indication.

The RSK Nobles breed Horses for fun. Why not have Talon pick up breeding dogs for fun.

>>32044508
>Mage Guard contact, we have a buddy in there
>They say we can have free reign of the Independant territory.
Huh. Well that went WAY better then I expected. I thought they were gonna try to cleanse our lands, or something. Interesting.

Mage Guard might not be so bad...yet, anyway.

>>32044508
>1

>>32044508
1. They're going to find it out eventually, but when we tell them, We should make it absolutely clear that this is a secret worth breaking the pact with the foxes over should it be leaked.

Rolled 7

>>32044508
>4. Custom
Take Tsucchi with us and send Vad to get us some griffins to breed

>>32044508
1

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>>32044489
Gauron.

List of Empire Names:
The Eternal Empire
The Golden Empire
The York Empire/Dominion
The Radiant Empire/Dominion
United Archduchies of Harrowmont
Verum Imperium

>>32044562
>2. Tsucchi is better off researching vampires for now. Vad can do.. something
Moving to Harrowmont would actually be better for Tsucchi as the mages researching them are in Harrowmont whereas she isn't.

The decision is basically 'reveal the Source to the foxes' or not.

>>32044508
>1. Bring the foxes with you when you relocate to Harrowmont to continue ruling

>>32044508
>1

>>32044627
Where the hell is he gonna find Griffons?

>>32044508
question, if someone takes harrowmont, what can they do to us?

>>32044508

1. Bring the foxes with you when you relocate to Harrowmont to continue ruling

The first time we do anything big with the source everyone is going to know anyway. I would not want to risk alienating allies to protect a secret that wont stay secret very long anyway.

>>32044508
2. Don't let the foxes in on the sweet gig we've got going until Tsucchi performs the Act Of Trustworthy Ally with us!

>>32044643

Then I'll switch votes to 1

>>32044643
I like
>The Golden Empire
>The York Empire
>The Radiant Empire

But those are the only three I shall support

>>32044508
>1. Bring the foxes with you when you relocate to Harrowmont to continue ruling

Might as well at this point. It is a higher level secret and the wouldn't dare to break it.

Also. Any word of Foxes migrating to our territory yet?

Second aside. FUCK YEAH BACK TO HARROWMONT. I have missed that FortressCity so much.

>>32044508
>1. Bring the foxes with you when you relocate to Harrowmont to continue ruling

>>32044572
>breeding dogs for fun
>not breeding griffons for fun
>not breeding dragons
git gud scrub

>>32044643
I support:
The Golden Empire
The Radiant Empire/Dominion

and all variations therein.

>>32044643
>United Archduchies of Harrowmont
>Verum Imperium

I am rather fond of these two

>>32044703
>Not breeding all three for the different branches of the army

Fucking casuals.

>>32044703
But we do breed with dragons lol

>>32044703

But we already do one of those with Lynn on the regular.

Also only reason I haven't thrown any support behind Griffon breeding is their entirely unknown to us location, and if they even breed, let along how long it would take. They could possibly be intelligent as well.

Baby steps with dogs.

>>32044508
>1
Trust is a two way street. They've given us some trust, we need to give some back. Yes, it is a huge deal. So was agreeing to the alliance in the first place.

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That's a pretty overwhelming option 1. Is there anything people want to bring up before I timeskip a week to get to Harrowmont? Strategising about the Termina region will ensue then with some initial thoughts from Talon and your cabinet.

>>32044657
Presumably they could claim the Source. If that happened, Undine would end up serving them rather than you. There may be other negative effects.

>>32044667
I see what you're angling for there.

>>32044674
The fox thing will be something that occurs probably next session (it's only been a few weeks since the deal, it'll take another month or so before you get more news).

>>32044643

Hey Aspirational, why don't you set up an EasyPoll and just do it that way with the Empire names.

You can throw out obvious ballot stuffing, and just leave it up for the duration of the thread or however long.

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>>32044727
>>32044703
You guys need to calm down

>>32044551
That's you. While I want to make them revolve around Talon. Just because having a stray noble is just asking for a rebellion. If their power depends only on our administration then they will think twice in the risk vs rewards.

>>32044643
>The decision is basically 'reveal the Source to the foxes' or not.
might as well. they know we HAVE a source and could easily figure out where it is.
in fact, its location is public knowledge, all that happened is that everyone assumes it is sealed. So tsucchi knows there is a sealed source in harrowmont and that we have a source bound to us. not hard to put 1 and 1 together

>>32044703
>>not breeding dragons
Already came up with a plan to save dragonkind.

Rolled 20

>>32044650
he is a few hundred year old fox-boy, am sure he has some leads and we also have gnome, she is like the Library of Alexandria, am sure we will get some info

>>32044760
>Presumably they could claim the Source. If that happened, Undine would end up serving them rather than you. There may be other negative effects.
didn't undine refuse to serve the mages who summoned her the first time around?
Also, she would be with us when it happened so she could easily "surrender" to us and then we go and reclaim it

what about our bond with gnome? does gnome know? (she did invent it after all)

>>32044705
Verum Imperium Is one of the better one that has been suggested I think.

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>>32044760

Oh oh! Mentioned that the Dwarves have ties with Vitria, since trading. In chance we could meet with them?

Also because we're in Vitria and we might as well get it done. It was mentioned we can make cosmetic changes to MMK template. I know it's fluff, but it has been lobbied for awhile. Pic related for me, only with a griffon embossed on the chest.

>>32044643
>Verum Imperium
Heh, translate thinks it means "but government"
Although just verum it gives multiple possible interpretations for. but being one of them, truth being another

>>32044842
>only with a griffon embossed on the chest.
speaking of smybols
How about a griffyin (empire flag) on the left shoulder, and the local flag on the right? this works on the union thing.

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>>32044778
On the one hand, I'm reluctant to do votes outside the thread proper. On the other, it may be more convenient. Thoughts?

>>32044842
I'm probably going to shuffle both of those to next session as they'll slot in well with some other things. There's a long list of stuff that I need to get through, and that's before you guys start doing your own thing.

>writing up the Harrowmont arrival

>>32044897
>On the one hand, I'm reluctant to do votes outside the thread proper. On the other, it may be more convenient. Thoughts?
I'm cool with it. I know how to stuff it, but I won't.

>>32044643
I like United Archduchies better without the "of harrowmont" part.
another two ideas
>United Archduchies of the Griffin
>Griffin Archduchies

>>32044897
>On the one hand, I'm reluctant to do votes outside the thread proper. On the other, it may be more convenient. Thoughts?

Think it might be easier. And really cut down on bogging down the threads. Besides you have a general feel for how many people play. If the votes get out of hand high then you can assume someone is stuffing.

>the rest

Ah alright, that works for me then.

>>32044953
God, that's terrible. both of them.

>>32044897
>Back in harrowmont
I am wondering if we could tap into the source every so often to restore a FR point
oh, did we talk to tsucchi about our astral powers yet?

>>32044973
Half of them are terrible and the other half are decent.

>>32044985
or tap into the source for training purposes

>>32044985
>oh, did we talk to tsucchi about our astral powers yet?

I can't wait for this conversation.
"So basically something happened and I just said... No. How do?"

>>32045039
not to mention the very strong sense of wrongness about interacting directly with that fae's essence

So, anyone up for encouraging lynn to go all out with her magic without revealing her wings or outright explaining its source?
Some will still figure it out but she wouldn't be holding back as much.

>>32045077
It's gotta be her decision, Anon. I don't like the idea of pushing her one way or the other.

>>32045077

Between that and figuring out a way to help Felix get up to par we do need to get some of the lag in our party fixed.

>>32045077
PS. the reason that is important is that going all out will be good for her. she will probably feel better and she will get better at it with more serious practice.
I am worried that she keeps holding back, she will fall behind on the power curve and get seriously hurt

>>32044643
>That feeling when two of the names are ones I thought up.


I'm thinking we should go up to Sylphs POW and the other POW. Then right afterwards eventually head to the Dwarves nation and see if we can find the Source there.

>>32045090
anon, she asked us before, and we can do convincing without coercing. also, I am not saying to reveal her identity. I am saying to take fewer injuries trying to hide it.

>>32044760
>If that happened, Undine would end up serving them rather than you. There may be other negative effects.

I wonder. What happens if the champion dies at a source then someone else uses it? Do we just revive the same person again?

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Two polls. One on name, one of Empire v Dominion for the applicable names.

http://strawpoll.me/1671866
http://strawpoll.me/1671868

I’ll see how this goes as to whether I use it in the future. I'll take results at 6pm EDT tomorrow.

>1.

You place the small crystal containing the message on the table before moving towards the windowsill.

“How well do you know Witchhunter General Sylvian, Tsucchi?” you ask, leaning against the windowsill.

Tsucchi raises an eyebrow. “The dragon, you mean? I’ve only met her once. She was kind of terrifying, despite how gentle and polite she was. A lot of power in that small frame of hers – though I doubt she’s so small as a dragon. Apparently she doesn’t rule the Guard but the way the other generals acted towards her she may as well.”

You stare at the fox, feeling a little stupid not having caught the name. The hell was the founder of the Mage Guard taking a personal interest in you? Especially as she seemed to imply that she’d been following your activities for some time. Perhaps you should ask Gnome about her at some point, as the two appear to have been acquainted.

Tsucchi’s topic is quite ordinary, just an update regarding the deal with the foxes. Apparently the clans are considering the deal in-depth and you’ll have an update within a few weeks. You consider talking to Tsucchi about your astral powers but hold off for now – you’re bringing her to Harrowmont so you can do it then, along with Vad where you can talk about Blackwater’s immortality.

>continued

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>>32045248
It’s a week later when you step foot in your fortress. You’ve been absent for no small amount of time, to say the least, and the place looks a little different. The exterior of the keep and the courtyard is pristine, having been restored in your absence. Bartom is currently in Darlesia aiding reconstruction but it seems he got a fair bit of work done after finishing the underground. You can’t wait to investigate that section.

The second the foxes step foot in the courtyard, both freeze, a visible shiver running up their many tails. You and Gnome stifle smirks, having been watching for just such a reaction.

Tsucchi gives you a sharp look. “You could have warned me.”

“What the hell was that?” Vad asks, on-guard and concerned.

You pull them inside, with Tsucchi calming down Vad, and explain the Source to them.

“I feel stupid,” Vad says, his ears drooping a bit when he finds out Tsucchi worked it out before him –well, except she wasn’t certain of the Source.

“There, there,” you say. “There’s a hot springs down below to cheer you up.”

His ears and tails perk up and he nearly bolts, but Lynn keeps him in his seat.

“So we keep this very secret, Vad,” Tsucchi explains, catching on fast without your urging. “Even from Ren.”

“Well, that’s obvious,” he says. “I’m not stupid.”

“You just said you were,” you say.

>Strategy stuff next, followed by discussion time.

>>32045097
There is power in unity.
Felix should really rebuild his order. As for personal power... well, there is the monk methods of controlling astral power, or he could just seek to rediscover the advanced magical techniques used by the knights of besette back in the day. more magic research and all that.
And there is always being a general.

>Bartom still hasn't gotten his reunion with Gnome
Soon Elemental soon, I bet he's sitting in Darlesia hoping to hear praise from her about how well he did.

>Vad being hyped for hotsprings

10/10 idea all around.

>United Archduchies winning

I don't think I saw a single person express support for that idea. I call shenanigans.

>>32045349
Bartom a bro.

>>32045407
Then you haven't read the thread.

>>32045407

When I voted for it, there was one other vote.

I wasn't the person who suggested it either

>>32045407
Meh its a strawpoll. The idea one of those isn't going to be messed with by samefagging and counter-samefagging is laughable.

>>32045407

I'm fine with it for a mid-game name. But by the end of this we need to have a name with the word Empire in it.

>>32045451
Yeah as long as it isn't something stupid or lolrandom I really don't care all that much.

>>32045407
see
>>32043960
>>32044033
>>32043777
>>32043696
>>32043723
I'm not claiming that the poll is totally honest, but you're blind

>>32045407
one thing to note is that its not a ... i forgot what its called, where you vote on things from best to worst. giving X votes for best, X-1 to second, and so on.
I don't know about others, but I looked at the current results before casting my vote for the best of the choices that seemed to be winning

>>32045551
found it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant-runoff_voting

>>32045248
Sad I am late, I wanted to throw my name in for the nation as the Union of the Marnn since all of our peoples live in the shadow of the Marrn Mountain range.

>>32045407
I agree, a straw poll is easy to samefag.

>>32045447
In my experience they have a half life of around 30 minutes. That is, in half an hour half the strawpolls will degenerate into samefagging. In another half hour half of those remaining will lose all meaning. And so on

>>32045603
See, that's actually a good use of the 'Union' idea. Better than this archduchies shit.

>>32045603
Marnn is a tiny mountain range in our center. and we are going to expand a LOT.

Our continent name is Gaurron

>>32045648
I am also sad I am late because making more Archduchies seems like a bad move to me.

We had to make Sarah an Archduchess because of the circumstances surrounding getting Vitria. We needed her and thus we had to throw her a bone and give her power.

If we make more Archdukes we either,

1. Have to give them that same amount of autonomy but gain nothing like we did with Sarah

2. Or give them the title but not the same amount of power as Sarah.

>>32045691
I always considered it a developmental name. Same as how we have been Harrowmont before and General before we became Imperator and eventually become Emperor.

>>32045693
We're also giving them more ego than is safe. By saying that it's a Union, you're giving them the idea that it's voluntary, and they can leave if they don't like things. That's how you get Civil Wars.

>>32045693
Who is to say we aren't going to get a few more archduchies under us via similar deals?

That being said. I voted for the archduchies but now I want to change my vote to the York Empire.
But I can't, it won't let me change my vote.

>>32045693
>1. Have to give them that same amount of autonomy but gain nothing like we did with Sarah
We gain all the benefits of a federal structure. Whatever you might say about the USA, its done an incredible job of absorbing more territory an a short period of time and keeping it.

>>32045693
>2. Or give them the title but not the same amount of power as Sarah.

This most likely. Talon does not share his power that easily.

>>32045731
I guess we could rename ourselves again after growing some. it can become a running gag in our empire

>>32045754
we have been sharing power just fine
remember that an archduke is under us.
and we can't micro manage an empire

Only two other people want the Radiant Empire, casting it's light across both land and sea to burn the heretics.
;-;

>>32045777
You do realize talon isn't religious at all right?

>>32045750
You can have a federal structure without naming everybody archdukes which is problematic for the reasons I outlined.

>>32045754
I would suggest not calling them Archdukes in that case. Just calling them Archdukes gives them the possibility to always claim "I should have as much power as that lass in Vitria"

I think we need middle-managers but Archduke should be reserved for semi-autonomous vassals that we absolutely need to cut deals with.

>>32045777
I'd actually change my vote from Radiant to York just so United doesn't get it. I don't like how the name implys we are anything other then an empire ruled by one man.

>>32045805
>You can have a federal structure without naming everybody archdukes which is problematic for the reasons I outlined.
not really. I want them to have that autonomy.

>>32045798
I just like the sound of it anon.

>>32045827
Then I guess its a difference of opinion on centralization vs decentralization. I have always been more central minded myself, especially in the context of an empire. Autonomy creates too many problems when it comes to nobility for my mind.

Out of curiosity, I created an instant runoff poll for the name
http://www.demochoice.org/dcballot.php?poll=empirename

lets see how the results compare

>>32045771
>an archduke is under us.

Sarah is trustworthy. I don't really trust any other person with that much power. We really need to get that Magistrate idea going on. So we can get a pool of talent we can be sure is loyal.

Last thing we need is to put a archduke up and then him start causing trouble while we are off fighting. The other problem is the unification of laws. We will probably want Imperial laws and then Archduke laws. One empire wide and one local.

>>32045827
While I want some true centralization. We need the larger loyalty of the empire to be on Talon. Archdukes can work but we need to make it pretty easy for us to get rid of them anytime we need to. Without the personal loyalty to them causing the populace to get pissy.

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I’ll consider doing a run-off vote next session once the actual structure of the empire is decided. If you decide on something other than archduchies it’s kind of silly to name the empire after it.

>Strategy stuff

You lead everybody to the new warroom that’s been set-up in your absence. Gone are the largely empty, musty rooms. The walls and rooms are decorated with banners, and numerous other knick-knacks. The warroom has been set-up in a much larger room with two entrances. More than a dozen plush seats line the walls, as do two large tapestries depicting the golden griffon that is your symbol. In the centre stands a large table with some odd controls at one end. On it lay a map of the continent, less the area north of the Barrier of Marie. The nations are colour-coded and broken up into smaller provinces just like your standard war-maps. The difference is that there are glowing figures dotting the entire map, symbolising cities and known armies. You gesture to Mal to take the controls while you take up a position at the side you know Termina will appear at.

As Mal brings the local regions into focus, many more glowing figures appearing to symbolise the troop strengths, cities and towns of the provinces, your companions focus closely on the table. Lynn runs her hand through one of the figures and it distorts as it goes through it. Undine looks at the table oddly.

“I picked this up as a spoil of war years ago when campaigning in Blacktaffe,” you say, then clamming up as you remember which battle you got it from. “In any case, it’s been in shipping ever since Mal closed his accounts with his old tower. Looks like it finally arrived and was set up. I wonder how much time the adepts around here have spent playing with it.”

“Not enough,” Mal says as he finishes adjusting it using his magic. “The fact it didn’t have a glowing naked woman hovering over it is proof enough.”

>continued

>>32045875
>Don't trust any one person
don't give it to a person. an arch duchy doesn't need an archduke to rule it. it can be ruled directly by us or it can be ruled by a council.
Also, how will you convince people to join us if you take all their powers away for joining? if, for example, one of the small city states to the north joins us, their current rulers can remain in power as dukes under us.
do i trust them? no. but they need to be rewarded for non violently joining us.
Also, remember that over the generations their family might fall from power while talon is immortal.
I also expect that eventually the various dukes of the various cities under us will be talon's descendents

>>32045865
To be honest, to me it sounds like you're trying to discredit the results of the poll because you don't like the result. Which I why I'll be boycotting.

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>>32045933
“Maybe they’re just smart enough to hide the evidence of using it for that, Mal,” you say, smirking, as your friend crosses his arms in response.

“In any case, the focus is on Termina,” you say, gesturing to the three nations to the north of your empire. "Farun, Termina and Compagnon are here. They’re easy pickings but there may not be a need to simply just take them with our military given the political situation there.”

“Um,” says Sarah, clearly reluctant to interrupt you. You gesture to her to continue. “The Mage Guard likely won’t just let us take them. Do we really want to anger them?”

You shrug. “Not a problem. Apparently Witchhunter General Sylvian herself has an interest in me and has offered not to prevent me from conquering the region if I cooperate with her.”

Gnome snorts. “That sounds about right. She always did like to monitor up-and-coming warriors and generals. It also shows her usual devious approach to politics – be careful about becoming in-debt to her, Talon. She’s shrewd and very dangerous, especially given your situation.”

You note the underlying warning there about Lynn but deflect it with some humour, “Monitoring up-and-coming warriors and generals? What is she, some sort of cougar?”

“Technically, yes, but then so am I given our ages,” Gnome says, smiling slightly. “If her interest is sexual I suspect it takes second-place to the potential for you to be a way to push her own agenda. I suspect the Guard doesn’t align with her views anymore so you she may try to ride your ship if you set sail.”

>continued

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>>32045963
You nod, putting the information away for later use, before continuing with your rundown of the situation. “Reviewing the messages from the three nations and what I know of them: Farun is cautiously optimistic about us. Supposedly the king is a good man, but I may be able to work with him if I leave his family with their wealth and power. Depending on how patriotic they really are, they may be stauncher about giving up their rule and letting us change how things work.”

You swing your hand over to Avinou and the other territories belonging to the merchant alliance of Compagnon. “Compagnon is simple but smart. The merchants are used to give-and-take. They’ll happily sell sovereignty over their nation in exchange for power and influence in our larger one. Using their trade connections with our military might will make conquest quick at the cost of allowing the merchants more reign – which may not be to our detriment. Termina will likely still need to be conquered by force, though.”

>continued

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>>32045989
Finally, you hold your fist above the city of Termina, in the nation of the same name. “Termina’s new king is ambitious. He wants to restore his family’s pride and his nation’s glory. He seems the most intractable at first, but I’ll bet if I offer him autonomy over the region he’ll use his resources to help us take the region. Depending on his competence, he may even make a useful ruler of the region.”

You come to a rest afterwards, waiting for some response from the others. Largely they just stare at you, dumbfounded.

“Did somebody write some briefing notes we didn’t get?” Gnome asks, smiling in a bemused fashion.

“No,” you say, drawing out the last syllable. “These were just my thoughts on the matter, having reviewed what Mal, Cormann and I had come up with about the regional situation. That was weeks ago, by the way.”

“I guess I forgot that you made general in the RSK military through competence,” Gnome says, scratching her head a bit. “I’ll think we’ll need a bit of time to think this through.”

>Discussion over the Termina region, as well as how to proceed. I likely won’t call a deciding vote as you’ll want to get more info about the various nations and rulers before that.

Faction info incoming. Please look at the map in: >>32042593 Province info will be cut down slightly and posted, too.

>>32045948
>Also, how will you convince people to join us if you take all their powers away for joining? if, for example, one of the small city states to the north joins us, their current rulers can remain in power as dukes under us.
do i trust them? no. but they need to be rewarded for non violently joining us.

I agree with this in situations where we can convince people to peacefully join us we can entertain them as semi-autonomous vassals and the title for that could become Archduke in our nation, I am more concerned with creating Archduchies in the cases of regions like Taour or Darlesia.

There is no one to appease in these regions, we can have a representative to look over and manage things for us but they should have enough power to do just that and it should be publicly known they are just a representative not a semi-independent power of any kind like Sarah and thus by extension the title of Archduke implies.

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On second thought, no province info (4 posts long). See this bin for detailed info under '4. Termina': http://pastebin.com/UknanL49

>>32046020
FACTION INFO
FARUN

A small royalist nation north of Vitria, Farun is calm and boring. At Darlesia's peak more than 30 years ago it was a bloody battleground between Termina and Darlesia but since Termina relinquished its control over it Farun has embraced peace. It maintains a small military and has close ties to the Mage Guard to the north. Ruled by King Henry II, an obese but gentle ruler.

TERMINA

Currently a small royalist nation to the north of Farun, Termina was once a kingdom that rivalled Darlesia 30 years ago. After a series of bloody battles, culminating in the bloody disaster at Gravecral, Termina retreated and relinquished its control over the provinces to the south and east. It has been in a state of decline since. It is ruled by King Lyyph, a young upstart who thinks he can restore his kingdom's glory. They have been destabilising Compagnon to the east but lack the military to do much more.

COMPAGNON

A country run by a merchant council. When Termina relinquished control over its provinces a group of wealthy merchants took over. They run the country reasonably well and certainly benefit from the natural wealth near them. Currently being destabilised by Termina but the lack of available mercenaries due to the war between the League and RSK prevents them from fighting back.

>>32045961
The straw poll has 25 people voting in it. I don't think our biggest decision in this entire thread had 24 people voting. There is some blatant samefagging going on, and given the UAH's stark numbers, I'd say it's going to that guy.

>>32046052
Yet if we make them lesser, we might make things harder for us. Also, less autonomy means more decisions we personally have to make.

>>32046020
1. I want to talk to them a bit and get to know them a bit better.
2. We don't HAVE to absorb them all, especially not right away. We could do other things like solidify our current holdings, go on a pop pilgrimage, or build up, and prepare. the RSK is on the cusp of breaking apart, as it he magi league. Once one or both break apart then we could claim their prior territory.

I am thinking that the good king and merchant kingdom can just be annexed via wheeling and dealing. then the last one we just ignore and spy on until he makes some sort of slipup the gives us cause. Currently our reputation is absolutely pristine, keeping that one nation as a friendly neighbor we don't conquer just because we can is worth that repuation.

>>32045948
Oh yeah I agree they should have power. Just it should be the type the Chinese magistrates had. High where they are needed but the moment the emperor shows up they start getting nervous because it's nothing compared to him.

I'm more worried about people bending things around and trying to excel too much. Or trying to create a situation where we can't just toss them if needed.

>>32046052
ah, i misunderstood you. that is sensible enough

>>32046020
Termina looks like the most promising to me.
>>32046087
It started in front and stayed in front. Personally, I think the last accurate count was when it was up 5-3.

>>32046020

In alphabetical order:

Compagnon: We have a lot to offer them if they merge peacefully with us.

We are not beholden to any particular nobility outside of Vitria. Taour's in particular had their mercentile and noble class decimated.

We simply offer Compagnon opportunities to be the lead in the reconstruction of Darlesia and Taour and lasting influence after that. We can also ease up on any mercentile restrictions but we would need more information on that.

Farun:

We would need to meet with the King first, but we can certainly assure him that his family will remain in charge, and we can push the federation idea to him.

That his nation would be part of something greater while retaining a large degree of internal autonomy, Sarah should be valuable here.

Termina: Fuck it, if they don't fold after we get Compagnon and Farun, they can watch their territory be distributed to Farun and Compagnon.

Which could be another thing to offer to those other two countries.

I'm fine with leaving Farun to their own devices as of right now.

The other two are both in dire need of military supplies as it stands. We need to figure out what kind of deal Compagnon wants to set up first with us. That is the easiest way to keep out of the general fight. If we lend troops to Termina then it is back to war again.

>>32046179
Agreed. The others don't seem to have compitent leadership honestly. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit for that.

>>32046185
>Termina: Fuck it, if they don't fold after we get Compagnon and Farun, they can watch their territory be distributed to Farun and Compagnon.
note that they are a major city. their territory is 2 feeder provinces providing food and one major city. All 3 are city states and their surrounding farmland.
So really, we could just assassinate their king and then create a council. the advantage is again, less power.

I would really like more info though, we should get nair to send some agents to gauge the opinion of the people in each nation. Are they strongly patriotic? do they hate the current rulership? questions needs answering