>>1232779
Oh shit you're back.
>I'm a pretty proficient rider at both long and short distance. I think some pointer with using weapons on horseback would be nice.

>>1232779
>I'm a pretty proficient rider at both long and short distance. I think some pointer with using weapons on horseback would be nice.

>Well, I am a proficient enough rider at both short and long distance. Wielding a weapon at the same time is the thing holding me back.
you answer, making the man nod.
>Sure. Doing two things at the same time can be a bit difficult, especially if you're not used to it. What kind of weapons are you proficient in?
You tell him about your ability to use most weapons decently, but excell at using a shortsword and bow. He nods.
>I see. The bow can be useful in a real battle, but not a joust. A shortsword is not too helpful in both. You might want to go for a lance or blunt weapon of some kind. Or a two handed sword. Your frame should let you use one without too much trouble.
He's right. You're grown quite a bit, making your shortsword look like a toothpick in your hands. Maybe you should try to look into a weapon you couldn't reasonably use before growing those extra inches?
You go over to the rack with training weapons. After a quick look, you decide to take...
>The lance. Classic jousting weapon, great range.
>The warhammer. Like a mace, but heavier and more destructive.
>The battleaxe. Good range, good power.
>The broadsword. Can't be too different from a smaller sword, right?
>The longsword. Easier to swing than the broadsword, longer range, but slightly less damaging.
>The greatsword. Big, bulky and destructive, it combines the good attributes of the broad- and longsword.
>The morning star. Range, power and flexibility combined with a good amount of experience you already have with it.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1232839
>The lance. Classic jousting weapon, great range.

Picking up a lance, you turn back to the group.
>I think keeping it simple is the best thing to start.
you tell them, making the older man nod.
>Absolutely. You don't have to swing a lance, but only aim it. This gives you room to focus on riding and defending yourself.
Both of you get on your horses and another man, seemingly a knight of your teacher's house holds up some rings.
>Now, the best way to improve your aim is by picking up these rings. Allow me to demonstrate.
His horse begins to charge forward and he picks up the ring on his lance without much effort. Then, he turns his horse and does the same thing a second time.
>I guess you've got the principle. Want to test it yourself?
You nod and let your horse charge.
>Roll me 1d20+2 for your learning success. Best of three.

Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1232911

Rolled 5, 2 + 2 = 9 (2d20 + 2)

Another two rolls, so we can continue.

Picking up the rings isn't troubling you too much. After all, you spend most of the time you were training on accuracy and effectivity, since you had to make up for your below average strength.
Next, you practice on hitting straw puppets in various regions.
>The head and chest are prime targets if you want to throw your opponent off his horse. Just like this.
your fellow lords tells you. Again, you execute this exercise pretty well.
[Horseback fighting: basics finished. Mastery obtainable]
[Lance fighting: basics finished. Mastery obtainable]
>Looks like you are a pretty decent horseback fighter now. You could even hope to get through the first rounds of the jousting tourney. Would you mind telling me who will be representing your house in the various disciplines?
he asks. You shrug. Actually, you didn't think about it much.
In the end you decide to...
>Ask about his setup first. It might give us some insights on the men we should register.
>You haven't even asked his name yet. Maybe you should begin with this?
>You're not sure yet. You will decide this more spontaneous.
>What are the disciplines, actually? You're not very knowledgeable about this.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1232992
>You haven't even asked his name yet. Maybe you should begin with this?

>Well, I'm not entirely sure yet. By the way... I just realized that I never properly introduced myself. I'm very sorry for my rudeness. My name is Jean de Labendai. May I ask your name?
you say, hinting a bow. The other man bows just the same way.
>Jaques Dupont, Lord of the Dupont lands. You might know some of my holdings already.
he says with a hint of sarcasm. Rightfully so, since these did belong to your province until the death of Lord Jandant. How couldn't you recognize his crest anyway? The sheep and goat of Dupont are displayed brightly on his chest.
>I guess so. I doubt you feel like giving them back in exchange for my friendship?
you joke back, making him chuckle.
>I fear that is an offer I'm unable to accept. You need every man and piece of land if you have neighbours as troublesome as mine.
You smile and nod. He's certainly talking about Lord Daymarque and his recent addition in troops.
What would you like to say about this?
>Propose an alliance. Standing against two lords at the same time should make Lord Daymarque think twice.
>Ask how this possible war could even arise. He should have an explanation for the recent aggression.
>Ask him how he could even come here with such a difficult situation at home.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1233204
>Ask him how he could even come here with such a difficult situation at home.

>Tell me... how could you even come here with the current situation around your lands? Isn't that slightly dangerous to say the least?
you ask Lord Dupont, who shrugs.
>Not attending this wedding wouldn't have helped in any way. I am in a position of disadvantage anyway. And coming over as rude by not coming here would have hurt my position even further.
This sounds about reasonable. Social events and connecting with others is a pretty big deal to nobles. Most likely, he is hoping to strike a deal with another lord for an alliance, thereby strenghtening his position.
>I see. Those are troublesome times, indeed.
you say. Lord Dupont just nods, allowing a silence to begin.
Now, what do you want to do with this?
>Keep silent. Have him say what is on his mind.
>Propose an alliance. Standing against two lords at the same time should make Lord Daymarque think twice.
>Ask how this possible war could even arise. He should have an explanation for the recent aggression.
>Thank him for the lessons and leave. You can't do much about his problems anyway.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1233435
>Ask how this possible war could even arise. He should have an explanation for the recent aggression.

>>1233435
>>Ask how this possible war could even arise. He should have an explanation for the recent aggression.

>Tell me... why is the situation between the two of you so difficult? Lord Daymarque won't just attack because he doesn't like your face, right?
you ask Lord Dupont, who answers with a disgruntled snort.
>He's a power-hungry maniac, that's what's wrong! Always wanted my lands to plant more of his damn wine. And since I didn't want to sell, he stuck to other methods once he had the coin from your mines.
Well, this sounds about right. Ambition can lead to lots of destruction, if not handled properly. Now, how could you end this problem?
>Honestly, without this damn mine, he wouldn't pose much of a problem. The mines give him a good amount of coin, but all of it is used to feed those damn Dutchmen. Without these, our armies would be about the same size, an endeavour he would want to avoid. He never fought a fight he wasn't absolutely sure to win.
Power-hungry and cowardly... a perfect combination for trouble. Still, you don't feel like he told you everything yet.
What do you want to say?
>Let him continue with this monologue. It's gotten you a good amount of helpful insights.
>Propose an alliance. Standing against two lords at the same time should make Lord Daymarque think twice.
>Thank him for the lessons and leave. You can't do much about his problems anyway.
>Tell him about the king's inspector. This might lift his spirits.
>Ask him for possible additional reasons for this war. Your lands would be just as good, and most likely less heavily guarded. So why attack Lord Dupont?
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1233937
>>Let him continue with this monologue. It's gotten you a good amount of helpful insights.
Stroke his ego some. Getting him to spill while ending in his good graces would be lovely.

>>1236279
Agreed
If we are to get into bed, with him we need all the facts.

You decide to keep silent for now and let him talk. This way, getting informations might be easier.
>Never had any trouble until this damn shift of balance. Damn mines. Why couldn't they have been wheat fields?
He looks at the surrounding landscape emptily.
>Why couldn't it have stayed like when we were children? Everything would have been so much easier...
Looks like they have been friends many years ago. What might have been the reason for their division?
>Why couldn't she have stayed at her father's court? Or any other court in the world...
Interesting. Sounds like they had some trouble over a woman. Coin, women and honor. The things most harmful to a friendship.
You clear your throat and begin to speak once the silence settles again.
>So all of your troubles began over a woman, right? If you feel like my support would be valuable to your position, you owe me the full story, don't you think so?
Lord Dupont looks like you just caught him during something highly inappropriate. Then, he nods.
>I suppose... But may I ask you to keep this between the two of us?
Once you nod, he begins his story.
>It was decades ago. Both me and Lord Daymarque were still squires at the court of Julius de Labendai, your grandfather.
You're not actually related to the Labendai line by blood, but knowing that people don't seem to mind just feels too good. So you just keep quiet and let him continue.
>His daughter, Claire, was a girl of great beauty. Both of us immediately felt highly attracted to her. And like young boys are, our friendship soon turned into rivalry. One day....
he takes a deep breath and sighs before he takes up the word again.
>One day, we decided to settle this with a duel, even though none of us was allowed to touch a real weapon yet. Therefore, we broke into the armory, taking a sword and some ill-fitting armor pieces each. Whatever we could grab in a hurry.
You can't help but be impressed by their stealth. The armory is located closely to the lord's quarters, so getting caught would be highly likely.
>Next thing, we were standing on the training grounds, fighting each other with the little bit of knowledge we had. His blade bit my shoulder, almost making me lose my arm. Until today, I still can't use any two-handed weapon like warhammers or battleaxes.
A duel? This was a risky game to play over some childish rivalry. Fighting with real weapons against another guest of the house was a harsh break of the law of hospitality.
>I hit him pretty badly, too. He barely kept both eyes, but his face stayed decorated with a scar from the forehead to the chin. But the worst thing was yet to come. Lord Julius had noticed us breaking into the armory and followed us to the training grounds. He ended the fight at this point, but the injuries we had already suffered stayed permanent.
Now, this is an interesting story. Seems like not every grudge lessens with time.
[cont.]

>He sent both of us back home due to our break of hospitality. But do you know what the worst thing was?
You shake your head and he continues.
>'And to think I had really considered you to be a good possible match for Claire... I have never been so wrong in my life'... These were the words he told us. Both of us were devastated.
He sighs again.
>We tried to ask for her hand in marriage many times after. Before and after we became knights and later lords. All the times, he turned us down. I gave up at one point and found a nice lady with a more... agreeable father. Hugo never did. After Lord Julius died of old age, he tried it for a last time. Claire dismissed him due to the scar on his face. This was the final straw. We never got back to being friends before, but after this, his hatred for me, the man who had brought this scar on him, grew beyond measure.
Now you're getting the information you wanted. You nod and let him continue.
>In every tourney we competed in, he went at me way harder than necessary. Without others intervening, he would have killed me a dozen times. Once I stopped fighting in tourneys, mostly due to my arm's condition worsening, he needed a new way to get revenge on me. The fact that our provinces were equal in size and peasants was the only thing to discourage him from going to war. But now... you know the situation, right?
Now, this was quite a reveal. How do you want to react?
>Thank him for his honesty and ask Lord Daymarque for his version of the story. This might be difficult to do, but you want to see all sides to this.
>Revenge is no emotion that should drive a person and especially not a lord. Propose an alliance to keep Lord Daymarque at bay. With your current amount of information, you could strike a deal heavily in your favour.
>Tell him about the king's inspector. They should manage to keep the peace, right? Intervening in two men's love lives just doesn't seem appropriate.
>Ask for additional information (on what?)
>Propose an alternative solution. (Write in, surprise me with your creativity)
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1238051
>Thank him for his honesty and ask Lord Daymarque for his version of the story. This might be difficult to do, but you want to see all sides to this.
I don't think an alliance would dissuade Lord Daymarque from war seeing how our house is somewhat involved in the reason of his anger and our military power (not counting the vikings he doesn't know about) is pretty poor.

>>1238051
>>Thank him for his honesty and ask Lord Daymarque for his version of the story. This might be difficult to do, but you want to see all sides to this.

There are always 3 sides to a story. The two rivals and the truth some where between.

>>1238251
This.

>Well, this is truly a difficult situation. As you know, my military situation isn't too great. Therefore, I have to doubt that I might be too much help with your problem. Especially if you consider how Lord Julius was involved in this.
you say, making Lord Dupont nod, although he's looking disappointed.
>I will see if I know any way to be of help to you. Until these festivities end, you will have an answer.
you add, slightly raising his mood.
>I see. Thank you for your consideration, Lord de Labendai. It felt good to talk about all this after all the time.
You say your goodbyes, then you leave the training grounds. So far, you only have one point of view. Lord Daymarque's would be great to have. But is he here?
Maybe you should look and ask around? You know the Daymarque crest, sporting a grape vine. Also, the scar might be a thing to look for.
What do you want to do?
>Go to the dining hall. Everybody goes there eventually. You will see him upon arrival.
>Ask around. Somebody has to know, right?
>A militaristic person like Lord Daymarque should be spending his time somplace military. Like the training grounds. Or the weapon forges. Why don't you look there?
>Wait until the reception after the wedding ceremony. Everyone important will be called forward there.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1238453
>A militaristic person like Lord Daymarque should be spending his time somplace military. Like the training grounds. Or the weapon forges. Why don't you look there?

You decide to try looking somewhere around the forges. Lord Daymarque might be interested in the various weapons and armors that are produced there, considering his interest in military things.
Heading down into the lower part of the castle, you take a turn to the left this time and enter the smiths' workshops.
There are a lot of rooms here, small, medium sized and huge. Now, you need to find Lord Daymarque. If he's here at all...

Roll me 1d20 for your searching efforts. Best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1238731
Dice!

Alright, guys... It's almost 3 am over here, so I should be going to bed. I'll be back tomorrow around noon. Until then, feel free to roll. Good night and thanks for playing.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>1238731

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1238731
And a last roll, so we can continue.

Finding Lord Daymarque proves easier than you thought. Most smiths tend to work in silence, so they can truly focus on their work. Hearing a pair of voices between the clanking of hammers and various other smithing-related sounds leads you to one of the bigger chambers, where the head smith, your aquaintance and cousin to Lord Armand, Victor de Pierre is talking to another man, who is roughly Lord Dupont's age, you guess.
The scar on his face and the crest sporting a grape vine give you final clarity about his identity. It is indeed Hugo Daymarque, your neighbouring lord and currently greatest threat to your province.
He seems to be discussing various ways of making weapons with Victor. What do you want to do?
>Join the discussion with your own opinion. You've got a bit of knowledge about metalworking, after all.
>Stay back and wait until the have finished their discussion. Maybe he will begin to talk to you on his own.
>'Coincidentally' stumble in and make a remark about how impressively big this workshop is.
>He seem occupied. Find a better occassion to talk to him.
>Approach him and talk about the informations you need directly. Why make the whole thing complicated?
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1240894
>Join the discussion with your own opinion. You've got a bit of knowledge about metalworking, after all.

>>1240894
>Coincidentally stumble in...

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1240926
>>1240934
Alright, here's the tie-breaker.

>If I may offer my opinion, no weapon should be made purely from one metal. Iron breaks easily, copper is too soft... I think you get my point.
you say upon walking in. Victor nods, seemingly impressed that you managed to remember his lessons in metalurgy. Lord Daymarque turns around in surprise. Seems like he didn't expect to meet anyone here.
>I'm sorry for intruding on your discussion, but I happened to overhear it and wanted to offer my point of view on this. The greeks didn't become the greatest military power of their days without the discovery of bronze.
Victor nods again, followed by a more hesitant Lord Daymarque. You've gone completely against his point, but the way it looks, you might have told him something he didn't think about properly.
>Well, that sounds reasonable. Thank you for your point, Lord... Sir... May I ask your name?
Lord Daymarque adds. Looks like it is too dark in here to identify the crest on your tabard.
What do you want to say?
>Lord de Labendai. Why should we be dishonest about who we are?
>Sir Sang-Valois. Lord David has a few cousins and nephews and the horse head on his crest looks similiar enough to your elk skull to be mistaken for it.
>Make up a completely original name. He won't know about every last knight in the kingdom and their names, right?
>It would be proper etiquette to introduce yourself when asking for a name. Correct him in this.
>Keep your name to yourself. If he knows who you are, he might speak less freely.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1241207
>Lord de Labendai. Why should we be dishonest about who we are?

>Labendai. Lord Jean de Labendai. May I ask your name in return?
you say. Lord Daymarque flinches slightly upon hearing your name.
>Lord Hugo Daymarque. Thank you for the pleasant talk, but I have to... attend some of my... men's training sessions for the tourney. Yes, that's it! The training sessions. Have a pleasant day.
He bows slightly, then leaves in quite a hurry. Well, so much about that. Seems like he might be uncomfortable around anyone wearing the Elk and Evergreen. But after what you heard from Lord Dupont, you're not too surprised to see that he gets nervous around you.
>Weird guy, that. Is there anything you did to him, my friend?
Victor asks. You shrug and decide to...
>Stay here and learn about metalworking from Victor. You rarely get to learn from the best.
>Follow Lord Daymarque. You want answers.
>Maybe Lord Daymarque just needs some space to sort out his thoughts? Wait for him to return. In the meantime, you can (do what?)
>Ask Victor what they spoke about, that you didn't hear. You can't have him get a military edge over you.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1241633
>Stay here and learn about metalworking...
Give Lord Daymark some space. We can press for a conversation later.

>>1241633
>Stay here and learn about metalworking from Victor. You rarely get to learn from the best.

>Well, since I'm already here... would you mind giving me another lesson on metalworking, Victor?
you ask. He smiles brightly.
>Nice to see you're still this eager to learn. Adn you just happen to have found the best place possible to learn about anything related to my trade. Now, what topic do you want to learn about?
he asks. You think for a second, then you decide to learn about...
>Just the basics of metalworking. Holding a hammer, heating metal, such things.
>Metallurgy. Steel, Iron, Copper, Bronze, Brass... You know the theory behind all of this already. But you should have actually done it at least once before calling yourself an expert.
>Crafting tools. We live of our farming and woodwork, after all.
>Weapon smithing. A lord should have a weapon worthy of his rank.
>Plate smithing. It's considered the most noble branch of metalwork for a reason, right?
>Mining ores, refining them, estimating qualities... You know all the theory about this, but never got a chance to get any practical experience. Why not now?
>Something else? (Write in)

[Choose two and roll me 1d20+2 for your learning success. Best of three.]

Rolled 8, 1 + 2 = 11 (2d20 + 2)

>>1241867
>Metallurgy...
>Weapon smithing...

Rolled 6, 12 + 2 = 20 (2d20 + 2)

>>1241930
this

Well, guys... It's late again and I should probably go to bed. Since I'll be busy tomorrow, I should be back on Thursday around noon. I'll let you know.
Until then, feel free to roll and vote.
Good night and thanks for playing.

Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>1241930

>I think I would like some practical experience with the metallurgy lessons we already had. Maybe we can incorporate this into a weapon-making lesson?
you ask Victor. He nods and hands you a leather apron.
>Sure. Let's see what we can do.
First, you go to the furnace and gather some already prepared steel.
>Now, what kind of weapon would be great to be made from this kind of steel?
Victor asks you after listing the various steps and minor ingredients. You don't have to think for too long.
>It's strong, but more flexible than most kinds of steel. It wouldn't make too great for a mace, but for a sword it would be good. A rapier maybe?
Victor nods.
>Right. Something like this would be fitting. Now, let me show you how to work the metal.
Getting the hang of it is acceptably difficult and you manage to hammer the steel into a general form.
>Not bad, my boy. Now, we have to let it cool so we can sharpen it. In the meantime, we could create something else. Is there any kind of weapon you would like to own?
Well, this is a great offer. Forging yourself a completely new weapon is a great offer. What is your response?
>Sure, thank you. I have thought about (what kind of weapon?)
>Is giving me something this expensive really acceptable?
>Honestly, I'm still not feeling completely competent with smithing. If you made this weapon for me, I would get more out of it. (What kind of weapon?)
>This sounds great. What would you like in exchange? I could offer (what?)
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1246832
>Sure, thank you. I have thought about (what kind of weapon?)
Something that can turn out well considering the little practice we have.

>Thank you, Victor. I would love to create a weapon for myself. Tell me, what would you deem decently doable with my level of skill? I don't like the thought of having to deal with subpar quality because I set my standards too high.
Victor nods and scratches his beard.
>Let's see... the material itself shouldn't be the problem. You could possibly produce every alloy in good quality. Also, we've got most of them in stock anyways. Therefore, we should use an alloy that is easy to work with and then decide the type of weapon based on its characteristics.
This sounds reasonable and so you agree. After some thought, you decide to settle for a simple bronze dagger.
>It's nothing fancy, I know. Also, don't expect to pierce a good piece of armor with it. But to get a feeling for smithing, it's doing good work.
You get the necessary materials from a nearby storage room and begin to work the bronze into a small, dagger-like form.

>Roll me 1d20+1 for the quality of your new weapon. Best of three.

Rolled 16 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1247132

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1247132

Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

And a last roll, so we can continue.

The forging goes well and you feel a lot more proficient afterwards. Victor gives you a fatherly smile.
>Looks great, my boy. Now, we just have to sharpen it. I think it will serve you well.
Sharpening the dagger isn't too different from caring for your sword to have it keep its edge, so you don't have too much trouble about this, too.
>And we're done. You did better than I expected you to. You would make a fine apprentice, my boy.
Victor says. You thank him and take the dagger which you decide to put...
>into your boot. You never know when you might need it.
>On your belt. There has to be somebody around that can make you a matching sheath, right?
>Into your pocket. No need to openly carry weapons in a peaceful environment like this, right?
>Somewhere else? (Write in)

After some more chatting about smithing and related topics, you say goodnight and leave towards your quarters. While the time is hard to judge below the ground, you did fairly well. It is some time into the night now.
The cold air on the courtyard comes as a pleasant surprise after spending hours in the heat of the forges. You let out a small yawn and head towards your sleeping quarters.
The morning comes eventually and you decide to begin it with some breakfast. Just as you get up from the table, you can her fanfares announcing another visitor.
>Lord Colbert! Welcome to Mont-de-Paix!
you hear the steward announcing. Looks like the last lords are here. This evening, you will have to attend the first gathering.
After the lord and his escort have left the courtyard to settle into their quarters, you find yourself with half a day to spend. What would you like to do?
>You didn't get the time to properly talk with (Lord Sang-Valois/Lord de l'Etoile/somebody else). Maybe you should catch up on this now?
>There are a lot of other lords around you don't know yet. See if you can build some connections with them.
>Maybe Lord Daymarque has collected himself a bit. You should try to talk to him again.
>The conversation with (King Gabriel/Lord de Pierre/someone else) was nice, but you just though about something you would like to tell them. Why not now?
>Meet up with one of your companions. You're interested to see how they have spend the days so far.
>Get more lessons on metalwork. You rarely have teachers of this quality around.
>See if there is something to do around the castle. (Anything special in mind? If so, tell me.)
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1247529
>into your boot. You never know when you might need it.

>Maybe Lord Daymarque has collected himself a bit. You should try to talk to him again.

You smile slightly as you take your new dagger and let it sink down into your boot. Who knows when you might need the element of surprise on your side.

You didn't get much of a chance to talk to Lord Daymarque about the possible war and the reasons that led to it in the first place. Maybe today is different? Still, you have not much of a clue where he might be. He didn't even attend breakfast.
Now, where would you like to search for him?
>You last saw him at the forges. It's worth a shot, right?
>Try the training grounds. He's a militaristic type, right?
>He didn't attend breakfast, so he might be sick or something. So he should be at his quarters most likely.
>Just leave him alone. He will approach you should he see the need to talk.
>Something else? (Write in)

Well, guys... it's past 2 am already, so I should be going to bed. Gonna be back tomorrow around noon. Until then, feel free to vote and such.
Good night and thanks for playing.
By the way... do you have any questions, opinions or something else about this quest? Tell me. I want to make this as good as I can.

>>1248042
>Try the training grounds. He's a militaristic type, right?

>>1250608
Alright. Roll me 1d20 for your searching success. Best of three.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1250757

Rolled 11 (1d20)

And a second roll, so we can eventually continue.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>1250757

>>1250799
>>1263778
Alright, writing. Sorry for the delay, life was wild.

It takes you a while to find Lord Daymarque on the training grounds, but in the end, you manage. He is carrying a massive broadsword, which he swings at the training puppets with an emotion in his eyes which is worryingly close to hatred. Looks like this guy takes fighting dead serious.
Around him, there are a few knights which seem to belong to his house, training alongside him. All of them seem highly proficient, but not one of them can match the fury of their lord.
What would you like to do?
>Join in on the training. Let's get close to him.
>Approach him and open the topic again. You want answers.
>Wait until he is done with his training before approaching him. Getting close right now doesn't feel too safe.
>Train somewhere close to him. If he wants to talk, he will do so.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1263840

>Join in on the training. Let's get close to him.

>>1263855
Alright. Roll me 1d20+1 for your appearance. Best of three. You're allowed to make multiple rolls, by the way. We're like two people at best, so we need to do this anyway.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1263948

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1263948

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1263948

>>1263982
>>1263996
>>1264016
Well, this didn't go just as good as it could have gone. Do you want to use a free reroll? You've got thirty, I think...

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1264029

Sure

You decide to join in on the training. With some effort, you get the attention of a Daymarque soldier and ask him what they are training in special.
>Using our weapon as good as possible. Finding weak points and such. Just take the training puppet over there and see what you can do.
he says, panting heavily while swinging a massive battleaxe.
Grabbing a training sword, you settle for a dummy reasonably close to Lord Daymarque, but not suspiciously close.
You know the weak points of armor in regard to a shortsword, so this is not too difficult to you.
Going for the shoulders, elbows, throat... Still, you are lacking in your ability to make combinations just as easy as the Daymarque soldiers make it seem. Looks like this is some kind of special ability in their training.
After some time, you hear someone approaching.
>Not too bad, actually. Especially for your age. How old are you, eighteen, twenty?
It's Lord Daymarque. You let your weapon sink and turn around to him.
>Actually, I'm sixteen. In June, I will be seventeen years old.
you answer. He nods approvingly.
>Well, that's even better. With a good teacher, you might be able to become an above average fighter.
This stings a bit, since you already had come to see yourself as one, but you didn't put on your best display here, so you just nod and thank him.
>I must say, I'm impressed by your soldiers and their abilities. Combining blow after blow without anything like a break... I've rarely seen something like this before. They would make fearsome enemies.
He smiles at the compliment and nods.
>They sure would. Especially if they fight in combinations and in close quarters. Under these circumstances, I dare to say they might be the kingdom's best.
You let him boast about his soldiers for some more time, then you get to the topic that is actually interesting to you.
>I heard rumors that they might get a chance to prove that soon. Mind telling me a bit about that?
He shakes his head vehemently. Looks like he isn't too fond about being found out.
>Court gossip, nothing more. I would never dare to disrupt this kingdom's inner peace. Especially considering how frail the peace on the outer borders is. Never. Not for such little nonsense!
Now look at this... A little slip-up. What would you like to say now?
>Little nonsense? May I ask what kind of nonsense you are talking about? Do you have a reason to feud with someone, no matter how small?
>Some time ago, a mercenary company crossed my lands to reach yours. I know about your plans, so you should better tell me about it, else I'll get pretty angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
>Look, I heard troubling things. Due to my lands' location next to yours, I might be troubled by this, which is a thing I can't afford. Can't we find a way to solve this?
>I spoke to Lord Dupont already. He told me a lot of interesting things. And I really would like your side of the story, so I can make out the truth.
>Something else? (Write in)

>>1264162

>Look, I heard troubling things. Due to my lands' location next to yours, I might be troubled by this, which is a thing I can't afford. Can't we find a way to solve this?

>>1264184
Alright, choice locked in. Now, use your legendary Labendai people skills and charm, combine them in a roll of 1d20+1 and let me take the best result out of three rolls.

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1264329

>>1264340

Truly legendary

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1264329
I think it's best if we wait for other players rather than let me make all the decisions.
But if you want to move the story along I don't mind staying a bit longer.

Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>1264329

>>1264380
I would like to, but most of the time, I don't get more than one or two players, even if I'm on the frontpage. I usually wait for half an hour, sometimes a full one for people to vote, since anything else would just result in days of waiting without much success.
I'm not sure if I should continue running this. I fear I'm not good enough at this and driving away players quickly. But I have a good amount of story in my head, which I would like to see played.

>Look, Lord Daymarque... my lands are situated right next to yours. It's not even been a year since some of my provinces changed into your possession.
you say, taking a deep breath.
>If anything happened that only resembled war in the slightest way, it would definitely hurt my provinces, which I can't afford to happen. Please tell me, is there any way to solve this peacefully?
Lord Daymarque still is shaking his head, but you can see some kind of grin appear on his face. A bitter one, though.
>Look, kid... I'm not sure you are old enough to understand this, but I'll tell you anyway. My honor was hurt badly, which is already disgrace enough. Then, my chance to get satisfaction for this was taken from me. I'm an old man that needs to get this last satisfaction somehow, otherwise, I see no way I could rest in peace.
So this is what all of his aggression is about? He's still holding a grudge on Lord Dupont due to the things that happened in their youth? And now that he is old, he wants to see it finished? And starting a war because your rival is neither willing nor really able to duel you? Either he is completely mad, or driven by something highly dangerous. Or possibly both.
>When my father became Lord Daymarque, he was the first one to carry this title. Before this, we were a small, insignificant knight house. With the things that happened back at castle Saint-Michel nearly a life ago, we were doomed to fall back into insignificance. It took my whole life to keep my house from falling into disarray.
He sighs.
>All the ambition, the talent and everything else I had was needed to maintain my place. I could have grown in might and significance by so much more otherwise. How can I look my father in the eye when I meet him in the afterlife, if I can't even get my revanche for all of this?
Again, he sighs.
>Have you ever heard of the law of unconditional satisfaction? I know that it is rarely taught these days, but it was the most important thing my father taught me. Jaques hurt my honor and I have to make him pay. Since he won't take any duels, all I can do is this military offensive. Worldly, I will most likely regret it. Spiritually, I need it so I can leave this world in peace.
An awkward silence ensues, while he seems lost in memories and you ponder the thought of unconditional satisfaction. It is mostly a thing knights are taught, but only a few of them truly live by. The lords, they do so at an even lesser amount. Any attack on your honor would have to be paid for. Most of the time, in blood.
Now, what would you like to say?
>I know your father was a knight. But you are a lord. And a lord can't live by the law of satisfaction, else the whole realm suffers. Act like a lord and forget this childish grudge. It has done enough damage already. (very hard difficulty)
[cont.]

>You can solve this in some other way. Talk with Lord Dupont about this. Both of you are adults, so you should find a way to settle this. One that doesn't cost the lives of innocents. (medium hard difficulty)
>Lord Dupont has taken a long lasting injury from your fight decades ago. He never was able to fight duels. If you have to fight someone, fight me in his stead. You're also not too fond of Lord Julius, making me the perfect opponent, right? (medium difficulty)
>The king's investigator will settle this somehow. Excuse yourself as unsuspiciously as you possibly can and hope on them doing their job well. (easy difficulty)
>Get angry. How can someone his age act this childish? Shout at him, tell him not to act like a spoiled brat, pull his head out of his backside and stop following such idiotic ideals. (Mystery box option, secret difficulty)
>Something else? (Write in)

Alright, guys... It's early morning here and I should really go to bed. I will be back around noon tomorrow. Until then, feel free to vote. Since this is an important decision, I will wait until we have three votes for once choice at least.
Good night and thanks for playing.