>>2091585

If you would like to see a character's specific stats rather than their backstory, read this: https://pastebin.com/59HsZhyh

The agenda is optional -- it just gives you an idea of what the character values. Think of it this way: this is what you should come into the quest expecting when you select the character, but certain circumstances will almost certainly change your mind. Each of these characters will appear in the quest regardless of your choice.

Nobles:

>You are Shalein, Orator of House Nordna and wife to the liberal philosopher Fedor. Your house firmly believes that peace can be achieved with the surface world but only if the dwarven people are united under a single banner. House Nordna believes in the abolition of political factions and absolute rule, but they refuse to accept the rule of House Srevska. (Agenda: Unite the houses and political factions under a singular cause AND/OR achieve piece with the surface races OR obtain absolute power.)

>You are Schizhin (dwarvish: "Cave [zhin] Worm [shaz; 'schi-' when combined]"), the Prince's bastard half-dwarf, half-human son. You are a member of House Mongrel, an inglorious noble house established for the sole purpose of absolving highborn womanizers of spiritual guilt. Your existence would be a crime in and of itself if your father were not the second most powerful man in the realm. Legitimizing a bastard into House Mongrel -- especially a halfbreed -- is the only accepted punishment for miscegany besides executing the father, the mother, and their creation. (Agenda: Support House Srevska OR assist the surface races from behind the scenes as a spy or informant OR obtain absolute power.)

>You are Kokan Belikna of House Belikna, an industrialist trader from the faraway surface province of Shuzan. Crafty mercantilism and wise slow-burning investments have built up your capital to the point where you were able to buy your own noble house. You are its sole noble member and you do not own a single town or fortress, but you make up for that with your network of spies, significant pull with the local mercenary companies, and access to what few surface traders remain in Dundr. (Agenda: Obtain wealth AND/OR gain more legitimacy as a noble and expand your house OR obtain absolute power.)

(2/3)

>>2091585
>>2091586

Nobles, pt. 2:

>You are a nameless castellan. Traditionally, those born into the role of castellan are referred to only by their title and house to ensure utmost loyalty to their assigned barons, so they call you "Castellan of Horzas." You are a hulking giant of a dwarf (a whopping 5 feet, 5 inches tall!) who carries a steel warclub into battle. You are a warrior, and you wouldn't even be here if your lord hadn't drunk himself sick. (Agenda: Become a general or higher noble through distinction in battle OR negotiate House Horzas' control of the surface foothold OR obtain absolute power.)

>You are Bledan, heir to House Khono. You are a jaded young man, fond of drink and hallucinogenic residues, who has not been tutored a day in his life. Over the past year, your older brothers have been systematically murdered by unknown forces, leaving only you to take the throne from your dying father. House Khono was once the greatest house in Dundr until the current elder usurped it -- can its legacy really be entrusted to a failure like you? (Agenda: Restore House Khono as the greatest house in Dundr AND/OR sober up OR obtain absolute power.)

Wild Cards:

>You are the Cazn (dwarvish: "communal leader") Jasmin of the Serf's Circle. You were born into serfdom, as were the generations of crown serfs who preceded you. Through your work ethic, tenacity, and practical ability, you rose to a position of high regard within the crown serf community. You were elected unofficially to represent your people in the government. Eventually, after countless petitions for an audience, House Srevska has approved your requests. Soon, you'll wish they hadn't. (Agenda: Emancipate the crown serfs by rule of law OR legitimize yourself as a noble to escape serfdom OR obtain absolute power.)

>You are the duergar Slavemage Kravs of The Underdark. Your people were tainted by Forbidden Mana millennia ago. Ever since, your kind have been regarded as one of the most villainous sentient races in the world. You don't know why you're here, and neither does anyone else besides the Elder and your liege. (Agenda: Fulfill your liege's telepathic orders OR resist them and obtain absolute power.)

>You are Nataniel, a human ambassador from the burgeoning Republic of Liefland. An enthusiast of Dwarven culture and representative to the only Dundr-friendly political entity on the surface, you are the only human in centuries to be considered an honorary dwarf. (Agenda: Use your human influence to save dwarfkind from impending existential threats OR subjugate the dwarves OR obtain absolute power.)

(3/3)

>>2091589
>>You are Nataniel, a human ambassador from the burgeoning Republic of Liefland. An enthusiast of Dwarven culture and representative to the only Dundr-friendly political entity on the surface, you are the only human in centuries to be considered an honorary dwarf. (Agenda: Use your human influence to save dwarfkind from impending existential threats OR subjugate the dwarves OR obtain absolute power.)

>>2091589
>You are Bledan, heir to House Khono. You are a jaded young man, fond of drink and hallucinogenic residues, who has not been tutored a day in his life. Over the past year, your older brothers have been systematically murdered by unknown forces, leaving only you to take the throne from your dying father. House Khono was once the greatest house in Dundr until the current elder usurped it -- can its legacy really be entrusted to a failure like you? (Agenda: Restore House Khono as the greatest house in Dundr AND/OR sober up OR obtain absolute power.)

>>2091586
>You are Bledan, heir to House Khono. You are a jaded young man, fond of drink and hallucinogenic residues, who has not been tutored a day in his life. Over the past year, your older brothers have been systematically murdered by unknown forces, leaving only you to take the throne from your dying father. House Khono was once the greatest house in Dundr until the current elder usurped it -- can its legacy really be entrusted to a failure like you? (Agenda: Restore House Khono as the greatest house in Dundr AND/OR sober up OR obtain absolute power.)

>>2091589
>>You are the Cazn (dwarvish: "communal leader") Jasmin of the Serf's Circle. You were born into serfdom, as were the generations of crown serfs who preceded you. Through your work ethic, tenacity, and practical ability, you rose to a position of high regard within the crown serf community. You were elected unofficially to represent your people in the government. Eventually, after countless petitions for an audience, House Srevska has approved your requests. Soon, you'll wish they hadn't. (Agenda: Emancipate the crown serfs by rule of law OR legitimize yourself as a noble to escape serfdom OR obtain absolute power.)

In about half an hour, I will choose the character with the most backers.
Keep in mind that the character you choose is THE player character until he or she dies.

>>You are the Cazn (dwarvish: "communal leader") Jasmin of the Serf's Circle. You were born into serfdom, as were the generations of crown serfs who preceded you. Through your work ethic, tenacity, and practical ability, you rose to a position of high regard within the crown serf community. You were elected unofficially to represent your people in the government. Eventually, after countless petitions for an audience, House Srevska has approved your requests. Soon, you'll wish they hadn't. (Agenda: Emancipate the crown serfs by rule of law OR legitimize yourself as a noble to escape serfdom OR obtain absolute power.)

Pugachev is love, Pugachev is life

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>>2091585
>You are Bledan, heir to House Khono. You are a jaded young man, fond of drink and hallucinogenic residues, who has not been tutored a day in his life. Over the past year, your older brothers have been systematically murdered by unknown forces, leaving only you to take the throne from your dying father. House Khono was once the greatest house in Dundr until the current elder usurped it -- can its legacy really be entrusted to a failure like you? (Agenda: Restore House Khono as the greatest house in Dundr AND/OR sober up OR obtain absolute power.)

>mfw those people actually consider playing a pleb.

>>2091586
>You are Schizhin (dwarvish: "Cave [zhin] Worm [shaz; 'schi-' when combined]"), the Prince's bastard half-dwarf, half-human son. You are a member of House Mongrel, an inglorious noble house established for the sole purpose of absolving highborn womanizers of spiritual guilt. Your existence would be a crime in and of itself if your father were not the second most powerful man in the realm. Legitimizing a bastard into House Mongrel -- especially a halfbreed -- is the only accepted punishment for miscegany besides executing the father, the mother, and their creation. (Agenda: Support House Srevska OR assist the surface races from behind the scenes as a spy or informant OR obtain absolute power.)
Let's bring down the Dwarves and the Elves.

>>2091590
>You are the Cazn (dwarvish: "communal leader") Jasmin of the Serf's Circle. You were born into serfdom, as were the generations of crown serfs who preceded you. Through your work ethic, tenacity, and practical ability, you rose to a position of high regard within the crown serf community. You were elected unofficially to represent your people in the government. Eventually, after countless petitions for an audience, House Srevska has approved your requests. Soon, you'll wish they hadn't. (Agenda: Emancipate the crown serfs by rule of law OR legitimize yourself as a noble to escape serfdom OR obtain absolute power.)

Dwarven Socialist Party

In 5-10 minutes, the vote will be decided. If you would like to add your voice to the mix or change your vote, do so now.

File: bledanorjasmin.png (1.11 MB, 985x699)

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>>2091590
>>2091594
>>2091602
>>2091607
>>2091614
>>2091626
>>2091642
>>2091646

Bledan: 3
Jasmin: 3
Schizhin: 1
Nataniel: 1

I need a tiebreaker between Bledan Khono and Cazn Jasmin.

>>2091674
Bledan

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>>2091674
>>2091681

You are Bledan Khono. Writing.

>>2091684
I can't wait to see where this quest goes

>>2091586
>You are Schizhin (dwarvish: "Cave [zhin] Worm [shaz; 'schi-' when combined]"), the Prince's bastard half-dwarf, half-human son. You are a member of House Mongrel, an inglorious noble house established for the sole purpose of absolving highborn womanizers of spiritual guilt. Your existence would be a crime in and of itself if your father were not the second most powerful man in the realm. Legitimizing a bastard into House Mongrel -- especially a halfbreed -- is the only accepted punishment for miscegany besides executing the father, the mother, and their creation. (Agenda: Support House Srevska OR assist the surface races from behind the scenes as a spy or informant OR obtain absolute power.)

I want to be like Cacame Awemedinade.

>>2091687
2 late

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>>2091674

You are The Lad, Bledan. [Stats: https://pastebin.com/SGT5yXYy]

Twenty years into this life and you've already hit the bottom. What was shaping up to be a carefree existence is now wrought with worry and responsibility. Though a nihilist at heart, you cannot help but shed the occasional tear over your brothers' passing. Your father lies on his deathbed, and here you lie now, sprawled out half on a long table and half on the massive stone chair adjacent to it. Your head is pounding from last night's feast, but you would be remiss to not accept a mug or two from the serving lady. What a fine tavern this--

This isn't a tavern. To your left is a duergar cackling at your folly, and to your right is the Prince of Dundr standing at the Elder's side. They are scowling. It seems that you have interrupted something.

"As I was saying," says the Elder venomously, eyes firmly locked with yours, "you have been gathered for an emergency session. It is quite unfortunate that houses Mezgon, Trenk, and Hordun could not join us, but that means only greater rewards for those who have."

A moment of uneasy silence follows his words. The Prince gazes around the room, stopping to gaze at some of the more peculiar additions to the party -- the half-dwarf, the crown serf, the duergar, and the human.

"Since my dear father has not accounted for..." begins the Prince, glancing at the Elder for approval that is not granted, "...since we are left with few options to prevent the encroaching savage human hordes, it is necessary to include less-than-tasteful assemblans in our rank. It is no secret that House Srevska, greatest of all houses, cannot survive without your help. We must take a surface foothold -- the humans' intentions are clear."

The human ambassador, whose name you remember to be Nadan or something, shakes his head regretfully at the mention of his race. Who invites a human to a dwarf conference? Who invites a duergar? Times must be dire indeed. You need a drink.

"Our first order of business is to seek support for this plan. What say you?"

The finery-draped woman from Nordna is bringing her fists down onto the table. Will you interrupt her?

>Slam your fists on the table to signify that you are ready to speak. (Express support/discontent OR ask a question.)
>Remain silent and sip from your mug. Listen to the tits... the lady.
>Down your mug. You can't be assed to respond. That's your father's job, and he's not here right now. [Audacity]
>Abstain from the proceedings. Get up and leave. [Audacity]
>Observe the other assemblans as they speak. Learn what you're dealing with here. [Intrigue]
>Write-in.
Congress Standings: https://pastebin.com/2JM5DTz8

>>2091715
>Observe the other assemblans as they speak. Learn what you're dealing with here. [Intrigue]

>Remain silent and sip from your mug. Listen to the tits... the lady.

>>2091715
>Observe the other assemblans as they speak. Learn what you're dealing with here. [Intrigue]

I should explain how quest votes work. There are two ways for them to pass:

1. I choose the vote with the most supporters after a set period of time.
2. I automatically choose any vote once it reaches three supporters before the others.

>>2091715
>Observe the other assemblans as they speak. Learn what you're dealing with here. [Intrigue]

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>>2091718
>>2091724
>>2091733

Roll 1d20+4, +4 for your Intrigue skill.

Rolled 10 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>2091738

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>2091738

>>2091743
Go home Bledan, your drunk.

>>2091740
>>2091743

>1

Crit fails/successes override other responses.
Good thing you're not in combat.

Writing.

>>2091746
>Not even a proper roll
>It counts

Whelp, Good luck mate on this quest.

>>2091751
What, because he didn't add +4?
Take your nat 1 like a man you pussy.

>>2091751
All right, all right. I'll be more forgiving if it has a modifier.

I'm accepting one more roll.

Well, shit. Should modifiers count for crits or what? In my previous quests this was never the case, and people seemed to be fine with that.

>>2091759
You decide OP. But I wouldn't be lenient.

Writing with the crit failure.

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>>2091740
>>2091743
>>2091746
>>2091751
>>2091766

1, Crit Failure!

Your eyes dart around the chamber offensively. You only manage to draw attention to yourself as your wide eyes jump from one person to the next. Eventually, the entire room is turned toward you. Even the Nordna lady ceases her oration to shake her head in your direction.

"Must you be removed from these proceedings as you have so many others, Bledan?" mocks an assemblan whose sniveling, beardless rat-face you don't even recognize.

You crack your knuckles then sink back in your chair -- a little too quickly, it seems, as the sudden movement causes some unrest in your stomach. By the gods, if you couldn't just be home right now.

The Nordna noblewoman sighs heavily and continues.

"As we all know, Srevska is the only house with any immediate stock in the surface world given its close proximity. With all due respect, Srevska -- the 'greatest of all houses,' as you say -- has long been known to retroactively take ownership of the yield of every cooperative effort that involves other houses," she says.

The Prince slams his hands on the table, but the woman continues. Most special representatives nod in unison, which causes tensions to rise within the Srevska camp.

"So I propose that we set some ground rules. Starting with a piece from each house." The woman glances over the Prince and Elder, and turns her head to you instead. With a phony smile, she asks, "What is your piece?"

You don't feel so well. Shouldn't have gazed around so quickly, you reckon.

What is your piece, after all?


>Ignore her; call for more cave wine. [Audacity]
>"Khono supplies the majority of the troops and attains full ownership." [Toughness]
>"Khono gets joint ownership with the rest of the houses who take the foothold." [Diplomacy]
>"Oh, we're talking negotiations? My house should take all the liquor stores once we take the foothold." [Diplomacy]
>"Why is the foothold so important? What is it, anyway?"
>Try to remember your father's advice. He told you something, but it seems the drink washed it away. [Knowledge]
>Write-in.

>>2091809
>Try to remember your father's advice. He told you something, but it seems the drink washed it away. [Knowledge]

>>2091809
By the way, you can choose more than one option at once if the two options make sense alongside one another.

>>2091809
>Try to remember your father's advice. He told you something, but it seems the drink washed it away.

>>2091809
>>2091816

>Try to remember your father's advice. He told you something, but it seems the drink washed it away. [Knowledge]

>>2091816
>>2091847
>>2091854

I need 1d20+3 rolls. I add the modifier automatically if you don't, and if you roll a 1 or 20 it's a crit failure or crit success regardless of modifiers.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2091868
Can't possibly roll a 1 again, right?

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2091868

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>>2091876
>>2091891
20 overrides. Writing.

(good lord those picture captchas can be obnoxious)

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>>2091876
>>2091891

20, Crit Success!

I'm going to start asking for rolls mid-post to speed things up a little.

Thankfully, you only have to ponder on your father's advice for a few seconds. It comes back to you pretty quickly -- he told you, specifically, not to trust House Nordna. They're "worse than duergar," he said, "duergar stab you in the back with daggers, not words."

Furthermore, he told you that House Nordna use women to their advantage diplomatically. You don't know what that means, but damn do you love women.

Your father isn't in the best mental state, sure, but who are you to say he's wrong? You've never been at the Privy Council, and your father has.

Knowing your father's piece, how do you proceed with your own?

>"What gives you the authority to ask that? Srevska are our hosts, so let's vote on their plan before contributing our own."
>"Tell me what *your* piece is first."
>"Khono supplies the majority of the troops and attains full ownership." [1d20+2 for Toughness]
>"Khono gets joint ownership with the rest of the houses who take the foothold." [1d20+1 for Diplomacy]
>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter." [1d40+6 for Audacity & Diplomacy]
>Seek liquid inspiration. And courage.
>Write-in.

Current Issues:
Taking the foothold [Undecided, leaning Yea]
Planning [Undecided]
Incentives [Undecided]

A little note about rolls: a 1 during combat accompanied with an awful plan is much worse for your health than a 1 during a casual conversation with an awful plan. If I think your idea is good enough to stand on its own without the roll, I won't punish you an awful lot. I don't want the system to be too luck-based.

https://pastebin.com/ymB9TqRJ

Rolled 34 + 6 (1d40 + 6)

>>2091921
>>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter." [1d40+6 for Audacity & Diplomacy]

Rolled 14 + 6 (1d40 + 6)

>>2091921
>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter."

>>2091921
>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter." [1d40+6 for Audacity & Diplomacy]

Rolled 10 + 6 (1d40 + 6)

>>2091921
Feels a bit early and strong handed option, but we gotta restore our house.

>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter."

>>2091921
>"I move that House Khono -- that would be me -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter." [1d40+6 for Audacity & Diplomacy]

>>2091924
>>2091940
>>2091942
>>2091944
>>2091945

Writing. Nice roll, first guy.

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>>2091924
>>2091940
>>2091942
>>2091944
>>2091945
>>2091949

I calculated the stats wrong, it was actually 40+8. +2 for Diplomacy skill and +6 for Audacity skill. If this roll were out of 20, Diplomacy would have contributed 1 and Audacity would have contributed 3. Regardless, you made it.

34 + 8 = 42, Success!

You decide it's time to man up. You stand up and attempt to kick back your chair as you would in a bar fight, only coming to the stunning realization that it's built into the floor. No matter, you think. This'll do.

All eyes are on you. They were before, but now you can truly feel the weight of their gaze. You tremble a little as you stand, but nerves alone are not enough to stop you. If there's anything you've learned from your 20 years of drug-addled life, it's that nobody gets to short you on a deal.

Surely expecting an embarrassment, Lady Nordna crosses her arms and smirks. You provide no such entertainment.

"I move that House Khono -- with me as its delegate -- devises the plan. Neither Nordna nor Srevska can be trusted with this matter," you state clearly and decisively, with minimal slurring.

Suddenly, a few faces light up. The most pleased reactions come from the peasant woman, the half-dwarf mongrel, and the brutish Castellan of Horzas. The duergar is also quite pleased, it seems, as you notice quietly cackling to himself; you're unsure whether you've greatly pleased him or reminded him of his latest rapes and plunders.

"Hm," scoffs the noblewoman, displeased. "And who would like to support this gentle--"

Five hands shoot up instantly. The duergar, the half-dwarf, the peasant woman, the Castellan, and the mysterious foreign merchant all raise their hands in unison. Joining them shortly after is the hand of an old Srevska assemblan, who the Prince demands to be escorted from the assembly by a trio of armed guards. Neither the Srevska nobles nor the Nordna woman seem pleased about this turn of events.

The Elder clears his throat loudly and points you to your seat with his shaking, wrinkly old hand. What a curmudgeon.

"It seems that we are at an impasse, then," claims the human ambassador out of turn.

"Nay," says the Castellan after a moment of awkward silence. "We support the lad. Call a vote."

Once the anonymous ballot box has made the rounds, you open it and read the following cards:

Six (including yourself) vote Yea.
Seven vote Nay.
Two abstain.

(1/2)

>>2092016


>Demand a recount.
>Challenge the Nay voters to an honor duel. You need only beat two, and you may select an ally to even the odds.
>Concede thee point to Srevska and Nordna and allow the assembly to proceed for a while before making another move.
>Offer assets to your supporters. [1d20+4 for Intrigue -- you decide whether this is bluffing or not.] If you want a list of assets you can award, just ask. Powerful people don't take kindly to being lied to, but it's always useful in the moment.
>Make a passionate and convincing argument. [1d40+8 for Diplomacy and Charm]
>Make a logical argument. [1d20+3 for Knowledge]
>Write-in.

Don't just choose an option just because it has a roll associated. Play into your strengths, but don't be afraid to switch up your tactics here and there. A good roll with a bad plan doesn't mean that you have a good plan, it just means that you'll be better at pushing that bad plan. Also, write-ins will always be favored.

>>2092025
>Make a passionate and convincing argument. [1d40+8 for Diplomacy and Charm]

Rolled 15 + 8 (1d40 + 8)

>>2092032

>>2092025
>Challenge the Nay voters to an honor duel. You need only beat two, and you may select an ally to even the odds.

They might just back off out of fear.

>>2092076
Also our personality and former proposal kind of supports a bluff.
And yeah I intended this as a bluff do I have to roll?

>>2092079
Yep, 1d40+12 for Intrigue and Toughness to bluff/intimidate. A genuine honor duel challenge doesn't require a roll.

Rolled 17 + 12 (1d40 + 12)

>>2092025
Rolling for bluff

In ~20 minutes I will roll 1d2 to break the tie between >>2092032 and >>2092076 unless someone supports one of their choices in that timeframe.

>>2092025
>>2092025
>>Challenge the Nay voters to an honor duel. You need only beat two, and you may select an ally to even the odds.

Rolled 4 + 12 (1d40 + 12)

>>2092132

Rolled 39 + 12 (1d40 + 12)

>>2092079
Supporting

I will be posting with
>>2092144
>>2092141
>>2092098

but for now, I'm taking a break.

Should I start a Discord for this quest? I want to maximize player discussion and the number of consistent readers.

>>2092025
Duel

>>2092151
You shouldnt just take the rolls from the people that voted for the option that won. Then people will just vote for the guy who rolled the highest.

Discord can be nice but I prefer having discussions in thread, makes for better reading. Also we really don't have enough players to warrant a discord.

>>2092164
I'd be only taking rolls on request if we had more people participating, but I figure that expediting the process is necessary since we don't have many players yet.

>>2092171
thats fine, but then take all the rolls, even the ones that didnt vote for the winning options.
Assuming you are doing best of 3, that would keep things fair.
And yes I'm aware I'm not making things very easy for the players here, but I do like a fair challenge.

>>2092175
How about this:

I will take only the first three rolls regardless of the option chosen, but I will only apply the modifier of the winning option (in this case, +12)

How's that sound?

I'll be back later tonight, maybe in 1-2 hours.

>>2092180
Yep, sounds good to me.

>>2092032
>>2092076
>>2092098
>>2092132
>>2092144
>>2092153

Since it was the best of the first 3 rolls, I am now writing now with the roll 17+12. Don't worry, it passes.

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>>2092032
>>2092076
>>2092091
>>2092132
>>2092144
>>2092153

17 + 12 = 29, Success.

Before anyone has a chance to react to the results, you make another grandstanding gesture by planting your feet on top of your chair with your rapier drawn, slowly hovering across the Srevskas, the human ambassador, and the Nordna woman. You assume that they are the guilty parties.

"I challenge the lot of you to an honor duel -- to exhaustion!" you roar. The human slinks into his chair like an obedient pup, but the others remain steadfast with their chins held high. They are, if nothing else, worthy of dwarven steel.

Finally, the beardless fool from earlier makes his stand against you.

"Enough of this, you damn drunk. I won't have you insult my liege any longer," he growls, approaching you slowly with his hand over the flintlock pistol on his belt. "We'll take this to the death. I don't want to see another honorless bastard in this hall for the rest of my years." No fair, you don't have a flintlock! Oh, and you're not a bastard.

The "bastard" comment seems to have struck a nerve with the half-dwarf, who now stands in opposition to the hideous shaver before you.

"You must be a surfacelover with a face like that." says your ally, drawing his shortbow.

You wince as your opponent draws near. He turns to see the half-dwarf's bow, arrow nocked in place, trained at his head. He stops in place.

The Elder finally speaks up, albeit reluctantly: "I suppose that means you'll be dismissed as well, Kreven. This matter is far too serious for us to risk bloodshed so soon."

"But he is the belligerent--"

The Prince approaches Kreven and whispers something in his ear. He wraps his arm around Kreven's back and walks him out of the chamber.

"My son is gone. I suppose you've won us over, then," says the Elder, his ages-old visage lined with exasperation. "Now then, briefer, since you're so skilled with politicking, why don't you fill us in on your plan?"

The duergar cackles, this time louder than before. You wonder what's so funny. Is it you?

Arse. You really didn't think you'd get this far.

(1/2)

>>2092484

To the Duergar:
>"What under earth is so funny?"
>Observe the duergar closely. He's not trustworthy.
>Ignore the dark dwarf; he'll just distract you. His kind are infamous for delighting in the suffering of others, and your aggravation would be little more than a reward to his devilish sensibilities.

To the Council:
>"We are meant to unite under a single cause, right? I can't lead this damn meeting; someone else will have to speak up eventually. I defer to the others for advice on how we'll go about taking this foothold, or whatever we're here for." (if chosen, I will provide a list of the other characters' suggestions)
>"That's right -- *I* will fill you in on *MY* plan." (if chosen, I will provide a list of in-character suggestions)
>"House Khono will claim this victory, but I want someone else to organize the effort." (choose another assemblan)
>"Now that *I'm* heading this mission, I order a recess to think over the options. This resumes tomorrow."
>Write-in.

At any time, you may roll for Knowledge to divine the outcome of an action or a story occurrence. The higher the roll, the more detailed and accurate the prediction. However, I will only provide common-sense answers that your character would know -- no meta-knowledge.

>>2092488
>Observe the duergar closely. He's not trustworthy.
>"That's right -- *I* will fill you in on *MY* plan." (if chosen, I will provide a list of in-character suggestions)

>>2092488
I'd say check knowledge on the Duegar as I have the feeling that he's just having fun at all these council antics.

To Council
>"That's right -- *I* will fill you in on *MY* plan." (if chosen, I will provide a list of in-character suggestions)

>>2092498
1d20+3 to roll for Knowledge on the duergar. This action won't need to be one-upped; I'll just include the response as a short note in the next story post.

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2092515
Cmon you wine beaddled dwarf use your brain!

Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2092515

I still need two votes on the council option, otherwise I'm locking in >>2092498's vote in 20 minutes.

>>2092488
>"That's right -- *I* will fill you in on *MY* plan." (if chosen, I will provide a list of in-character suggestions)

>>2092488
>>"That's right -- *I* will fill you in on *MY* plan." (if chosen, I will provide a list of in-character suggestions)

I am afraid there is two things we are forgetting about ourselves. We are DWARVES nobody and I mean NOBODY is as good at defense as Dwarves! We know how to build defenses, entrench, and create traps better then anyone else. So much so that WARS among dwarves literally became Taboo because WE WERE TOO EFFICIENT AT KILLING EACH OTHER DURING SIEGES!

This should of been obvious the less obvious is this. The humans are forgeting something very important about us. They assume we are weak and will lose to numbers. They assume they can overwhelm our defenses. They forget we know better defending better than anyone else. We know EXACTLY how to sap their defenses and how to break them.

They forget we know how to create such horrifying level of defenses that it becomes a killing field from hell itself.

They forget we spent ages trying to figure out how to circumvent each other's defenses. They think they can break us through numbers. They think we have no choice but to be on the defense.

So what I endorse is this. We show the humans that their 'castles' and 'walls' won't be able to save them from us. We sap their defenses in their homeland. We use our ancient roads in the underdark to deploy ourselves from beneath them and destroy their defenses.

Doing just this alone will ensure the human's many enemies are given a HUGE opportunity to attack the humans!

All we must do is provide them this chance by doing the thing we are best at. Creating defenses and most importantly destroying those defenses. We need not risk so many dwarfs lives by using the human's own enemies against them. All we must do is give them a opportuntity and the humans will be far to busy defending their own lands.

Making it very easy for our own warriors to reclaim what is ours easily. As the majority of their forces will be forced to retreat to defend their own lands and rebuild their destroyed defenses.

>TLDR we need to fight like dwarfs and think of the bigger picture. Why waste dwarf lives when all we gotta do is sap some defenses and let others handle the rest?

>>2092495
>>2092498
>>2092520
>>2092531
>>2092547
>>2092570

Writing with these options and rolls.

>>2092570, I will include your suggestion and concerns in the list of options I provide in the next post if you want me to.

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Dwarven standards of honor can be safely thrown out the window without offending ancient tradition when attacking a non-dwarf entity, but it will still affect you morally.

Personal Suggestions:

Intel Gathering -
>Hire spies to learn of defensive flaws. (pay will come from either from your house or another one at the meeting -- none are likely to volunteer)
>Hire spies to learn about other nations which may be opposed to whichever one holds the foothold.
>Use members of a dwarven house to gather intel on "the foothold" at their own discretion. (name one from this list: https://pastebin.com/2JM5DTz8)
>Send the human ambassador to study their defenses and garrison under the guise of a siege engineer inspecting their defenses for flaws.
>Research the foothold and its significance at the Library of Legends. It once belonged to Dundr -- you may learn of an undercroft, secret entrance, or somesuch trump card that will make capturing it effortless.
>No need for intel.

Takeover -
>Assault. (a battle map will be provided at a later point for you to place units on; other lords can provide suggestions on your placement if you wish)
>Siege. (ditto)
>Build a rapport with the owners of the fortress and eventually integrate them into Dundr -- this will take an extremely long time and is not a guaranteed victory, but it minimizes loss of life.
>Commit infrequent acts of terrorism to cause an evacuation, then seize the fortress once it has been weakened.
>Send a team of sappers from one of the houses (again, check the Congress Pastebin) to weaken its defenses. If beset by bandits or monsters, its population will be lowered by attrition. If beset by a rival nation, however, there is a good chance it will successfully defend itself at great loss, making it easy to seize.
>Ask the other assemblans for assistance.

Remember: under no circumstances will all of your peers be happy. You will have to accept that.

>>2092655
Oh, and as always, "write-in" is an option.

I will not have you plan out every little assault in the future, but this particular assault is of vital importance. This is where the quest begins, but this is certainly not where the internal tensions and politicking end.

The tone and feel I'm shooting for with this quest is akin to that of Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis.

>>2092655
>Hire spies to learn of defensive flaws. (pay will come from either from your house or another one at the meeting -- none are likely to volunteer)
>Research the foothold and its significance at the Library of Legends. It once belonged to Dundr -- you may learn of an undercroft, secret entrance, or somesuch trump card that will make capturing it effortless.

>Commit infrequent acts of terrorism while we gather intel
>Then perform an assault / siege depending on whether a secret entrance is found or not

I'm good for about two more posts today. They'll come later tonight. During off-time I strongly encourage feedback and story discussion.

>>2092655
>Use members of a dwarven house to gather intel on "the foothold" at their own discretion.
Approach the Duergar they will have a great surface spy system simply due to the sheer necessity of it for planning their raids.

>Hire spies to learn about other nations which may be opposed to whichever one holds the foothold.

Request that the Human performs a show of good faith and tell us who it's gonna be. They will probably know the most about it.

Our House no doubt has its own spy network but well I doubt they'll listen to us much until Father grants us access.

>Send a team of sappers from one of the houses (again, check the Congress Pastebin) to weaken its defenses. If beset by bandits or monsters, its population will be lowered by attrition. If beset by a rival nation, however, there is a good chance it will successfully defend itself at a great loss, making it easy to seize.

Fortunately, the humans won't know how to properly maintain dwarvish defenses. So the sappers shouldn't have too hard a time. Most importantly we ALSO need to order sappers to strike deeper inland and weaken their other defenses. We must assure they won't have the manpower to spare to reinforce the fortress.

Meanwhile, move a war host to an underground point nearby to wait and allow them time to dispatch its properly scouts waiting for the opportune time to attack. We should leave this up to the Commanders who no doubt will want to handle it themselves instead of politicians getting in their way.

Naturally our main forces are going to be targeting the fortress but the sappers must ALSO sap as many defenses as possible besides the fortress itself if we wanna weaken the enemy as much as possible and most importantly prevent the possibility of reinforcements.

>>2092655
What >>2092676 said.

>>2092764
Oh right we should also approach the merchant about his own spy network. He no doubt is in desperate need of proving himself more than an upstart merchant. This will be a great opportunity for him and it should be us to present it to him to first. We need to win him to our side which shouldn't be hard so long as we give him what he craves most of all.

Recognition and legitimacy.

This should also be true of House Mongrel half breed. They should make for the easiest allies to make and given our own...lack of status. Comraderie and lack of bigotry for us should make it so it doesn't attract too much attention.

After all, we are also in a matter of speaking an outcast.

Later invite the human to go drinking with us since he's such a 'dwarven enthsiast'. The guy won't be able to turn it down and lets us do what we are best at but make friends at the same time.

Actually, I'll just go for one more hefty update later tonight. Thanks to everyone who's helping me get this off the ground! I've got big plans for it.

>Hire spies to learn of defensive flaws. (pay will come from either from your house or another one at the meeting -- none are likely to volunteer)
>Hire spies to learn about other nations which may be opposed to whichever one holds the foothold.

>>2092655
Meh, spies are for flies. Lets save our money.
>Invite the dorfaboo to a traditional drinking party and get him to tell us about the opposed nations.
>Get the Duergar to utilize his spy system for us like >>2092764

Meanwhile we can tap into father's wisdom once again and:
>Research the foothold and its significance at the Library of Legends. It once belonged to Dundr -- you may learn of an undercroft, secret entrance, or somesuch trump card that will make capturing it effortless.

For the attack we can combine
>provoke a war with a rival nation
>Send a team of sappers from one of the houses (again, check the Congress Pastebin) to weaken its defenses. If beset by bandits or monsters, its population will be lowered by attrition. If beset by a rival nation, however, there is a good chance it will successfully defend itself at great loss, making it easy to seize.
That way they're attacked from above and below without getting too militarily involved ourselves.

>>2092676
>>2092764
>>2092926
>>2093076

I am in the process of writing right now. Here's what we'll do to compromise between decisions:

>Carouse with human ambassador -- beware, humans have around half the natural alcohol tolerance dwarves have.
>Use duergar spies -- risky due to the despicable nature of duergars, but they are nothing if not sneaky.
>Sappers to weaken defenses, but minimal direct involvement for the most part.

Overall, kill them softly and slowly, then pick up the pieces, so that the dwarves don't have to risk too many assets establishing a surface presence?

>>2093102
Oh, and we'll learn about rival nations and how we can manipulate those as well.

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>>2092676
>>2092764
>>2092788
>>2092840
>>2092926
>>2093076
>>2093102
>>2093126

Combining these responses.

Knowledge Check: 10 + 3 = 13, Moderate Success

You recall that duergar are creatures of malice. They despise all life except for their own, and hold loyalty to none other than their slavemaster, the Underdark Emperor Fruzt. Conniving creatures who delight in destruction, manipulation, and terror, you find it confounding that one would ever find himself at council with the dwarven elite. How far the throne must have fallen to invite such treachery into its midst. Perhaps your father was right when he said House Khono deserves the sweat on every serf's back and the promises on every noble's tongue -- you certainly deserve it more than the Elder, who would sooner risk the lives of his esteemed guests than bring in a shackled duergar. On the other hand, duergar prisoners aren't known for being forthcoming about their crimes, and duergar disloyalty and chicanery can be useful in the right hands.

You tap your chin, silently concocting a solution in your head. To your credit, what eventually exits your mouth doesn't sound nearly as drug-and-drink-addled as you expected it would.

It seems that this meeting has gone on far longer than you realized; you're beginning to feel sober. You are met with understanding nods and looks of lucid interest when you say, "We will gather information through less-than-conventional means. The humans developed in a world utterly separated from our own. They do not know of our structure, our -- ugh, dammit, forgot what I was going to say."

"Our -- ahem, *your* -- ways do not apply to my kind. I follow," the human chimes in, raising one eyebrow quizzically.

"Indeed," you continue, granting the man an appreciative nod. "What I mean is that we must employ the assistance of non-dwarves to fight non-dwarves. It has been... some hundreds of years since we were last present on the surface, correct?"

The Elder nods in response. "The number you are looking for is three hundred. I still remember those days," he utters with an air of uncharacteristic nostalgia present in his voice.

You lay out most of your plan in writing. In an hour-long session, wrought with the many coming-and-going aches and pains catching up from your prior exploits today, yesterday, yesterweek, and yestermonth, you trudge through an indelicate explanation of your plans. Miraculously, you manage to impress the assembly, and even the Elder is left silent for the remainder of the night's proceedings.

(1/2)

>>2093238

You have made plans with the ambassador. He will be meeting you at a merchant's inn for steam beer. Although vocally unsupportive of any action that would paint him as a traitor to his own kind, he pledges to keep the night's clandestine proceedings to himself. He hasn't visited his home republic in six years, so you can give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Also, he said he'd help you find the relevant books in the library. It's "his favorite place in the whole underground," he says.

As for the rest of the proceedings, Kravs denies access to spies from the Underdark. His reasoning? "Here only for Elder." That's something you'll need to work on the next time the council convenes.

The Elder calls for two objectives to be addressed in the next meeting, which takes place the day after tomorrow. The first objective is for you to demonstrate your sapper plan with proof of concept -- you'll need an experienced sapper or a convincing argument for that, and the library visit could prove useful in that regard. The second objective is to determine the outcomes for each house involved. You may want to cut off a few houses from your plan to minimize expenses, there's no sense in awarding a house simply for listening to you talk.

This night of politicking has concluded, and it has left you with the following options:

>Retire to the merchant inn that Nataniel described. You won't be meeting with him until later the next day, but you'll at least be in the Capital. (safe, but costs 50 of the 600 semiprecious gems you have on your person)
>Take residence in the Assemblan's Rest, a free housing block provided for dwarven parliamentarians and diplomats. (generally safe, but you may encounter the beardless dwarf kreven, who may or may not want to beat you to a bloody pulp)
>No sleep. Only research. (won't be well-rested, but will have plenty of time to study)
>Check your pouch for undrake egg residue. It's time to party. (tempting, isn't it?) [Roll 1d20+20 for Substance Abuse]
>Get drunk and wander around town. You've earned it. (TEMPTING, isn't it?) [Roll 1d20+20 for Alcoholism]
>Write-in.

I won't be on much tomorrow or Friday, but I expect to run this fairly consistently on Saturday and Sunday. Also, I have a Twitter which I'll link shortly.

I will be drafting a map of the Capital and a detailed description of your character's personal belongings tomorrow. House assets will come at some later point.

https://pastebin.com/2JM5DTz8
https://pastebin.com/ymB9TqRJ

Twat: https://twitter.com/Scoundrel_OP

>>2093249
>Retire to the merchant inn that Nataniel described. You won't be meeting with him until later the next day, but you'll at least be in the Capital. (safe, but costs 50 of the 600 semiprecious gems you have on your person)

>>2093249
>Get drunk and wander around town. You've earned it. (TEMPTING, isn't it?) [Roll 1d20+20 for Alcoholism]
We did well today, think we earned this.

>>2093249

>>Get drunk and wander around town. You've earned it. (TEMPTING, isn't it?) [Roll 1d20+20 for Alcoholism]

Let´s get acquitted with the best establishments of fine beer around. It will be very useful research when we throw parties of our own.

Holy shit, if we get very lucky we might as well find a master sapper in need of a friend to help him puke.

>>2093249
>Take residence in the Assemblan's Rest, a free housing block provided for dwarven parliamentarians and diplomats. (generally safe, but you may encounter the beardless dwarf kreven, who may or may not want to beat you to a bloody pulp)
Hire bodyguards who stay in your room to ambush him. After he calmed the fuck down, invite him to some drinks and talk it out.

>>2093249
>Take residence in the Assemblan's Rest, a free housing block provided for dwarven parliamentarians and diplomats.

>>2093249
>Get drunk and wander around town. You've earned it. (TEMPTING, isn't it?) [Roll 1d20+20 for Alcoholism]

I will be probably be posting later today. Check my Twitter (https://twitter.com/Scoundrel_OP) for updates. I will also update on the /qtg/ Discord and occasionally on the /qtg/ thread.

Also, the city map is nearly done. I made it in Dwarf Fortress since I felt it was an appropriate medium for the subject matter of the quest. I just need to figure out how to export it as an image now, possibly in Stonesense.

File: capitalblueprint.png (1.03 MB, 3403x3278)

1.03 MB PNG

I've got a gnarly headache, probably from the intense stress caused by scrapbooking this city map. I made this in a third-party Dwarf Fortress designer tool and imported it, screenshot-by-screenshot, into Paint. I'm also pretty worn out from Thanksgiving, so expect updates either tomorrow or the day after. If you would like any explanations for the contents of this map, don't hesitate to ask.

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>>2094743
https://pastebin.com/axAfdZ9E

And here's the updated character sheet. It has a more detailed description of the PC, his abilities, and his inventory.

You may want to avoid drinking from the liquor bottle with wireweed in it.

Also, I have decided:

I will do one long update tomorrow and a constant stream of updates through Saturday and Sunday.

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>>2093344
>>2093541
>>2093613
>>2093730
>>2093759
>>2093838

On your way out of the Privy Council's meeting hall and into the Assembly's lobby, you spy Kreven and the Prince walking alongside one another. They appear to be humbled by your presence; you can see the worry in their eyes as they discuss the meeting. On your way out the silver-lined archway of the Assembly, the two stifle their voices -- you can only hear the phrase "family dregs," which you assume to be either an affront to your character or a critique of House Srevska. Anyhow, it's none of your concern -- you're ready to drink yourself drunk!

The night begins with the usual tavern crawl. As you slip into the seedier parts of the capital, you come to the realization that it is quite small. Gossip on the street and in the town's dilapidated pubs tells you that House Srevska has employed the Anvodin -- the Anvildwarves of the Construction and Renovation Bureau -- to gradually deconstruct this city and draft a new one that lies closer to the Underdark. It seems that House Srevska are downplaying the seriousness of surface incursions, as only a mad-dwarf would scrap his ancestral home to live closer to the dwarves' ancient subterranean enemies: the duergar, the drows, and the troglodrakes. Perhaps the duergar slavemage's presence has something to do with these radical changes.

Moving the capital is not an outlandish idea in and of itself, as it was established in a time when humans and dwarves allied against the uncaring monsters that once plundered the lands; times have changed in the last few hundreds of years, and they've destroyed the dwarves' close alliance with mankind. But why the Underdark?

(1/3)

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>>2095389

Two pubs in and fifteen gems down, and you've got four mugs of steam beer drained. Now's the time when you start rubbing your stocky legs together for that familiar tingly sensation. You become unfocused, so the gossip fades into the background until it no longer bothers you. You're too busy taking in the sights and sounds to care, and damn, are they nice. The merchants' mounted lizards are chirping, the ladies are giggling, and the world is changing its scenery each time you open your eyes. The best part of any drinking session is awakening the profound appreciation for life that lies deep within the recesses of your brain. Your feet, no longer guided by the burdens of sense and reason, lead you to the Artisan Corner. Rather than laughing at the commonfolk, you find yourself laughing with them for once when you involve yourself in a game of drakeshoes.

Two hours pass, and you're thirty gems and... some amount of alcohol down. You find yourself playing a drinking game with some banker's wife while sitting on a bench in the town's trade center. Truth be told, you forgot the rules a long time ago; now, you're just drinking every time you spy a rock or pebble. There's one, there's one, there's one, there's one...

There's one...

You awaken the next morning with fog in your eyes and brain. You find yourself on the weed-covered floor of a drafty one-room burrow. Surrounding you is a mass of various skins and hides, and from behind you comes the smell of an oven -- is that pie? This house surely "belongs" to a serf of House Srevska.

After thoroughly scanning the packed abode, you rest your eyes on your chest and notice a poem. How strange, it's in your handwriting!

"This dumb wench ere thinks me a scholar
Write a poem like the great bard Jodn Trenk
I will just turn me fecking collar
Take a nap and take a drenk
Good thing she can't even read
She's watching me now
Writing
Writing
I think she fell four it"

Interesting.


>Search for your armor.
>Call out to your... partner. Or captor?
>Investigate the smell of cooking.
>Check your inventory to ensure that nothing was stolen.
>Try to figure out what time it is. Tap into that dwarven instinct. [1d20+3 for Knowledge]
>Remember the events of last night. [1d20+3 for Knowledge]
>Write-in.

(2/2, not 3. Oops)

>Investigate the smell of cooking.

>>2095391
>Check your inventory to ensure that nothing was stolen.

Rolled 3, 5 = 8 (2d20)

>>2095391
Alright, time for operation "typical bender recovery"
>Remember the events of last night.
>Try to figure out what time it is. Tap into that deserves instinct.

Rolled 16, 9 = 25 (2d20)

>>2095509
this

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2095509
Supporting

This is very well structured. I will endeavor to figure out how to make solid votes and my head sort of hurts lol.

Should be fun :)

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2095391
>>Remember the events of last night. [1d20+3 for Knowledge]
>>Call out to your... partner. Or captor?

>>2095391
>Search for your armor.
>Check inventory
Might wanna have a helmet on in case we’re a homewrecker.

>>2095397
>>2095436
>>2095509
>>2095521
>>2096205
>>2096899
>>2097800


Writing with "remember the events" and "try to figure out what the time is."

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>>2095397
>>2095436
>>2095509
>>2095521
>>2096205
>>2096232
>>2096899
>>2097800
>>2098391

16, 10; Success, Slight Success

You think long and hard about last night and come up with the following details.

Ransacking a cart while the owner was away...
A discussion about the Pragmatist Lodge, whatever that is. Did you agree to join?
Professing your attraction to a lesser woman...
Seidzha. A woman's name...
Your name was Etrenzo. You were the bookkeeper of House Mallork, an esteemed writer and intellectual. There's no such thing as "House Mallork!"

You attune yourself to the Outersense, an innate dwarven cantrip, to determine the time of day. Your brain is still a bit foggy. You predict that the current time is anywhere from 8 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon. Even if the worst-case-scenario is true, you don't have any immediate obligations to tie you down.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the presence of a woman with ruby-red cheeks and a pleasant smile. Her hair is quite short, possibly to protect from the decipedes which typically inhabit serfs' abodes. She has a quaint charm to her -- no makeup, no finery, no jewelry, not even a religious icon around her neck! Despite all the positive points, you also note that the young woman is dirty, her hands are calloused, and her lips are chapped and crusty. But look at those curves, damn.

"Etrenzo! You stayed!" exclaims the woman, who rushes to your side with something in her hands which you did not notice moments earlier. It has the aroma of a freshly-baked edible. That explains the oven smell from earlier.

"My father will be so happy to learn that I have found a kind, sensitive nobledwarf, with the most angelic and cherubic face."

"Where am I?" you ask without a hint of amusement. The serf lady laughs off the question and kisses you on the forehead.

Your clothes are eventually returned to you. You leave without correcting the woman on any of her presumptions -- the powdered bread was simply too good to pass up, and you feel like it may have absorbed some of the irritability from your hangover. You still feel awkward about the fact that you managed to devise a story and romance a peasant while blackout drunk. You don't recall losing your virginity last night, but you have the strangest feeling that you may have been treated in some other way.

You are back in the streets now. You feel overheated, stupid, and sick -- life has once again lost its color. You are on a gravel plot littered with the burrows of local House Srevska serfs who likely belong to the plantation at the town's outskirts.

(1/2)

>>2098432

It's time to work. Dammit.

On the agenda for today are the following tasks --
Speak to Kravs for access to the duergar spy network or find some alternative.
Devise a proof of concept for your plan. An actual sapper would be able to explain it much more effectively than you would.
Research the foothold. You don't even know what it is!
Meet up with Nataniel at 10 pm. Hope you've got s'more drink in ya.

>Visit the Library of Legends. (and do what?)
>Visit the Assembly. Maybe Congress is in session?
>Visit the honor duel arena as a spectator. Some wholesome entertainment ought to wake you up.
>Find Kreven to settle your differences. Man up and do something dwarfish for once -- it's better to ambush him before he ambushes you.
>Go to the Damnables. You might find a professional sapper or a mercenary with sapping experience.
>Write-in.


There may be some unforeseen consequences that emerge from last night's bender. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

(2/2)

>>2098436
Why don´t we try to check up that Pragmatist Lodge we joined yesterday. With that name, it is sure we will be able to find some dwarf whose intellect can surpass even our own.

>>2098436
I'm looking forward to seeing anons' reaction to the consequence of their "lets get drunk lol" vote.

>>2098436
>Find Kreven to settle your differences. Man up and do something dwarfish for once -- make a show of it, that if he ambushes you later everyone will know he's a coward, so go on and fight us now!
>Go to the Damnables. You might find a professional sapper or a mercenary with sapping experience.
that should get us some infamy for attracting a sapper or two. You know, assuming we survive.

>Creative when using drugs, at the cost of physical health.
>Allergic to lizards. Undrake hallucinogens cause you to sneeze for hours; you think that just adds to the excitement of using them.
just want to point this out incase we do drugs

One vote for Pragmatist's Lodge.

One vote for fighting Kreven.

I'll call it when I'm back from lunch.

>>2098439
>>2098436
Supporting this

>>2098445
>>2098439
Combine both please.

>>2098521
I´d rather look for a spy or/and a sapper than to duel someone who might as well be more powerful than us.

In the next post, Bledan will attempt to find the Pragmatist's Lodge. After that, I will call another vote to see if anyone still wants to fight Kreven. Writing now.

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You roped yourself into this whole "actually trying" thing, so you might as well see it through. Half of you wants to give up, but there's still another half of you that's glad to be given purpose in life. At this rate, you might actually live past your twenties.

You scour the streets for leads on the enigmatic Pragmatist's Lodge you apparently joined last night and eventually find that the answer was right in front of you the whole time. An invitation was sitting right there in your pouch, and you didn't even notice it!

The invitation reads:

"Etrenzo.
You will meet me by the cave gate. I will be wearing a striped beret.
Come alone."

Etrenzo. How did anyone fall for that name? It's not even dwarvish.

Stamped on the back are the letters "P.L." If you're the brilliant detective you think you are, then you can safely assume those initials stand for "Pragmatist's Lodge." Or it was signed by someone with those letters in his or her name.

You sluggishly make your way to the Mercantile District. Along the way, you spy several independent contractors and construction workers forming rope perimeters around local businesses. Srevska must be serious about relocating the capital, you think.

Once in the bustling market district, you struggle to find anyone who stands out. There's the odd non-dwarf who clears the masses with their presence, but there is not a beret to be found. You take a seat on an unoccupied bench by the front gate and wait. You plug your nose when the early-morning arrivals tramp their way in on lizard mounts and drake-drawn carriages. Still no sign of the --

Someone sits next to you -- a hideous, bestubbled woman in a striped beret. Unlike a good chunk of male dwarfkind, you don't find masculine features attractive.

"E?" she asks, deliberately looking away from you.

"Yeah," you reply.

"Good. My associate already discussed membership with you, yes? That you'll be our treasurer and primary investor should you take on the financial liability, you know, for the mine?"

You pause for a moment. Did you offer to buy them representation in Congress?

"I think so."

"Excellent! We sent a missive to the Prince already. Expect to see our friend at tomorrow's meeting to discuss our end of the bargain, as well as some advice for upholding your end. We're excited to work with you."

Before you have a moment to question the goings-on of the previous night, the woman is gone.

Damn. You must not have paced yourself very well.

(1/2)

>>2098635

The time is now somewhere between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.

Would you like to challenge Kreven?

>Of course. It's best that you establish the terms of the fight before he gets the drop on you. (To the death? It's legal, but that doesn't mean House Srevska will like you killing one of their councilors.)

According to Dundr law, he will be forced to support you if you succeed. Or you could kill him, which is equally acceptable if you agree to fight to the death. Assassinations are generally frowned upon, but that doesn't prevent ~28 percent of nobles from dying to internal bleeding from wireweed poison.

>No. Kreven is a distraction. Do something else (Draw from last post's list or write-in.)

(2/2)

>No. Kreven is a distraction. Do something else (Draw from last post's list or write-in.)

This whole pragmatist Lodge was a dud. Let´s try getting an actual sapper from the Damnables.

Also, we have to ask around for the identity of this woman. She is using difficult words, such as "liability" so when we got the time it might be wise to look into who is who in the local business sphere.

>>2098640
>Of course. It's best that you establish the terms of the fight before he gets the drop on you. (To first blood)

>>2098640
>Of course. It's best that you establish the terms of the fight before he gets the drop on you.

>>2098640
>Of course. It's best that you establish the terms of the fight before he gets the drop on you. (To first blood)

>>2098799
>>2098763
>>2098756
>>2098668

Will be taking a brief break. I'll be back to writing after about half an hour or so. Next post will be you challenging Kreven to a duel.

That could take a few in-quest hours, so make sure you plan your next step wisely.

In the meantime, I suggest you consider some terms of victory in case you do succeed. Valid terms would be forcing Yea votes, forcing to abstain from further Privy Council meetings when you are present, a sum of gems, etc.

Combat writing will be shorter to allow for more player input. Your character is NOT a warrior, so expect some difficulties with combat.

>>2098799
>>2098763
>>2098756

Guys, you remember that we lose face if we don´t bring a sapper to back our plan?

Writing now.

>>2099045
>>2098926
>>2098828
>>2098799
>>2098763
>>2098756
>>2098668

Well, that was awkward. It seems that you pledged your support to an upstart professional house under the name Etrenzo. There's no guarantee that they will or won't be useful to you, and one of their representatives will be present at the next meeting regardless of your input. In any case, you can't help but feel that you were taken advantage of while drunk. If the enraptured serf woman is in any indication, however, you were also guilty of taking advantage of your fellow dwarf. No honor among fools, eh?

You decide that taking the fight to Kreven is the best course of action. He clearly had a violent distaste for you last night for some reason or another. Dwarves are typically considered cowards if they don't channel their anger into an outward challenge, so it's unlikely he would simply let your actions slide by. After all, he seemed quite willing to shoot you.

You track Kreven down to a temporary abode in the Assemblan's Rest. His name is engraved on a plaque alongside two other temporary residents. You rap on his door until he finally meets you face-to-face. Upfront, you notice that the bald rodent is a lot more muscular than you expected. He is also quite tall; he stands at least four inches taller than you. No matter, you can take him.

"Oh, there you are. I was wondering when the Khono traitor would meet me face-to-fist," he says with a sneer.

You close your eyes and grit your teeth for a moment. You'd be lying if you said you didn't want to put this arsehole in his place. "I just wanted to get the first shot in, that's all. First blood in the arena. Deal?"

"First blood?" he scoffs. "I was hoping we would fight to the death, little boy."

Unable to muster a more clever phrase in your hungover state, you just utter "I fucked your mum." That seems to get him riled up.


--

You are in a large circular chamber with thick stone walls and inward-facing one-way windows for spectators. Unlike most blood sports, honor duels have no obstacles; in fact, there is nothing in the chamber that could possibly distract you from the fight except for a few pebbles in the sand. You are wearing a silk shirt, tight leggings, and an iron face mask. Your opponent is wearing the same attire to make things even.

>>2099214

You are equipped with an unremarkable rapier. Your opponent is sizing you up and trying to determine the best place to stick his bronze saber. You are about five meters away from one another.

What do you do?

>Nothing at all. Dodge and observe until you notice a weakness. [1d20+4 for Intrigue]
>Stay on the defensive; focus on parrying your opponent's attacks until he's exhausted. [1d20+2 for Toughness]
>Taunt! Get him worked up. He might do something stupid. [1d40+10 for Audacity and Toughness]
>You don't even know how to fence. Just sprint at him and start wailing on him with the rapier until he's bleeding. [1d40+7 for Tenacity and Strength]
>Screw fencing -- all those barfights have made you better at roughhousing. Wrestle your opponent to the ground. [1d20+3 for Strength]
>Write-in.

Don't just choose an option because you're more likely to get a good roll with it. Choose whichever one you think is the most sensible. Sometimes good plans will mitigate bad rolls, and vice versa.

>>2099218
Let´s be tricky. First we taunt him, then we kick some pebbles at him and THEN we throw our sword. A simple hit this way should end the match.

>>2099218
It's hard to say what plan is better without having all the info. Wrestling might be a good unexpected trick, but if Kreven knows how to wrestle too we're screwed, since he's stronger and presumably heavier.
So I'm inclined to assume that the rapier and saber are of similar lengths to their RL incarnations and recommend:
>Maintain distance, using the longer reach of our weapon
>All the while taunting Kreven to entice him to attack
>While presenting a false opening.

>>2099249
Is our rapier's pommel unscrewable?

>>2099328
The pommel can be removed.

>>2099352
Then we can, in addition to my previous vote, covertly unscrew it and throw it at Kreven to distract him right before the real attack to end him rightly

>>2098440
Gotta play the character anon - whatever the consequences

>>2099218
>Taunt!
Slur our speech, pretend to be more inebriated than we are, tell him the mask doesn’t cover up enough of his ugly mug. His quick temper will make him over eager to strike us, hit him when there’s an opening

>>2099249
But what if we miss the throw? Better to hang onto our weapon.

>>2099439
Supporting this - taunt + counter attack sounds good

>>2099249
>>2099328
>>2099352
>>2099367
>>2099427
>>2099439
>>2099445

You will be a wily competitor.

I need some 1d40+14s for the taunt and counter attack. Include a Y or N with your roll for throwing the pommel.of the rapier.

>>2099487
No - don't throw it

Rolled 19 + 14 (1d40 + 14)

>>2099487
No, don’t throw the pommel

Rolled 23 + 14 (1d100 + 14)

>>2099487
Yes

Rolled 28 + 14 (1d40 + 14)

>>2099507
>>2099487
Erh sorry

Rolled 12 + 14 (1d40 + 14)

>>2099487

>>2099487
I didnt mean to end him that rightly. I meant this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTC_1HRgbuo

However, this thread has quite gentlemanly tastes.

>>2099557
It seems possible if not entirely practical.

By the way, I'll continue questing in about an hour. Sorry about my sporadic schedule; I like to start early and make intermittent posts throughout the day.

>>2099648
Writing now. Close-quarters combat updates will be shorter to, as I said before, maximize player input.

>>2099249
>>2099328
>>2099352
>>2099367
>>2099427
>>2099439
>>2099445
>>2099487
>>2099493
>>2099497

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfFbuT3I6A

b]28 + 14 = Overwhelming Success![/b]

Kreven draws near with a measured stance. Shit, you think. This one actually knows what he's doing.

In what you assume is an attempt to measure your reaction, Kreven makes several weak thrusts in your direction. They are easily sidestepped, but he is very persistent with the attacks. Before you know it, he has backed you approximately ten steps from your starting point. You're nearing the back wall at this point -- no time to waste.

With a rush of adrenaline, your brain finally kicks on. You're awake right now. You're in a fight, and losing this fight means losing respect, health, and dignity. You immediately devise a plan that attunes perfectly with your oafish nature.

"You're an ugly shet. I've taken shets less uglier than ye," you slur expertly.

"By the lords, is this the best your dear father could send? I thought even you were smart enough not to drink yourself dumb before a fight," he retorts.

"I don't care what your face says, shetty rat. Feck your stupid face and go rot. Get a bigger mask to cover that mug, feckin' rodent ass."

"Shut up --" he yells, his blade clanging against yours. "-- and fight. Do something, you worthless booze fiend."

"Not even a dwarf, y'ere. Won't even wore you a beard. Are ye impotent from all that lack of balls? Do those have hair, at least?"

"I can't grow one! And I'm still twice the dwarf you are!" he screams, his thrusts showing routed patience and resolve. You seem to have struck a nerve!

"I'd stroke my beard if I wasn't wasting my time dodging these lady swipes. Ye fight like a human -- no, an elf. Feminine like an elf. Gots you a little head hair but no beard. Like an elf!"

That's it. He's done playing games with you now, but you've just started. Assuming you to be the drunk bastard you're pretending to be, he unleashes a wild flurry of blows that are easily parried, leaving him exhausted only a minute later. In that next minute, you unleash your own flurry. You smack your blade against his thigh, shoulder check forward into his chest, and elbow him in the throat as you tumble down on top.

Your blade is still in your hand. It'd be easier to draw blood that way, but connecting might be difficult in your current position. You are on top of Kreven -- his blade appears to be slipping slowly from his grasp as you push your assault.

How do you proceed?

No rolls needed -- this one will be judged based on the soundness of your plan. Just do what you think is most sensible.

>Roll him onto his front and shove his face into the sand.
>Tear his mask off and headbutt. You could draw a little blood once he's incapacitated for a technical victory.
>Continue your fisticuffs. Go for a liver shot!
>Disarm him.
>Maintain your grip on the rapier and stab him in the unarmed palm.
>Write-in.

>>2100052
Try for a strong blow to his sword to make it slip his grip and in that instant close in and punch him in the gut with your off-hand

>>2100052
Smash him in the face with our pommel and bring the blade to his throat, give him a nick if he doesn’t yield.

>>2100052
What >>2100110 said.

>>2100052
Bait him into a wild slash by giving him just a little bit of space and taunting him again. In this instance we can disarm him and draw first blood.

>>2100110
>>2100119
>>2100183
>>2100191
>>2100194

>Blow to sword, gut punch: 2
>Baiting: 1

I need one more vote. Otherwise, I'll go for the top response in 5 minutes.

>>2100261
seconding >>2100110

>>2100110
>>2100119
>>2100183
>>2100191
>>2100194
>>2100261
>>2100284

Sorry, I forgot to include >>2100119's vote in the equation. >>2100110 still got the vote.

I'm writing, but the next update might be come out a little slowly.

I'm watching To Catch A Predator with a friend.

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>>2100110
>>2100119
>>2100183
>>2100191
>>2100194
>>2100261
>>2100284
>>2100343


You have the edge in the fight. Kreven spits and curses incomprehensibly as you hold him down. You smash the hilt of his sword with your own and knock it out. With your other hand, you land a few heavy-handed body shots to neutralize him. Totally winded, Kreven yells out for mercy -- seems like he's not as tough as he wanted you to believe.

>Accept your victory as it is and propose terms. (What are your terms?)
>Deny mercy and dishonor him. Slice one of his hands and draw blood. (What are your terms?)

You may ask for one of the following conditions as a result of your victory. Denying any is a capital offense:

>Kreven must abstain from all future Privy Council meetings with which you are involved.
>Krven must vote Yea on all future decisions proposed by you personally.
>Kreven must pay a sum of gems. (How much? To put gems into terms Bledan would understand, one decent steam beer typically costs about 3 to 5 gems.)
>Kreven must step down from Congress and give his seat to you. (You are not a parliamentarian.)

>>2100476
Of course, you may also write in a condition if you wish.

>>2100476
>Accept your victory as it is and propose terms. (What are your terms?)
>Kreven must step down from Congress and give his seat to you. (You are not a parliamentarian.)

>>2100505
>>2100476

Are you sure that you want to be a Parlamentarian?

Is a fucking tiring job. All those sessions and pointless arguing with the grybeards will only make us grow old and tired.

What about we ask him to pay a huge party in the honor of our house, while making sure that all the people who meant someone of the city attend? That way we gain influence AND can get drunk.

>>2100476
>Accept your victory as it is and propose terms. (What are your terms?)
as per >>2100543
>Kreven must hold and pay for a party here, in honor of our house. Let all who respect Kreven's house attend.

>>2100476
>>2100543
>>2100567
That sounds insane.
I am in.

I will give a few more minutes for votes since this is a pretty major decision. If there aren't any votes in another direction, I'll take the party option.

I appreciate you folks thinking in-character. It's amusing.

>>2100582
well, we saw the prince talk Kreven down, so this DOES tie back into the council. If he attends, we can have a chat with him. If he doesn't, then we can accuse him of being a backstabbing wretch who doesn't take care of his friends.

Writing now.

>>2100594
>>2100582
>>2100573
>>2100567
>>2100543
>>2100505

"Give me your conditions, you blithering, babbling, buffoonish drunkard!" exclaims the loser.

"I'm not drunk. Though I'm glad you thought I was," you respond with a smug smile. Rubbing other people's failures in their faces makes you feel better about yourself.

Judging by the clench of his eye muscles, Kreven is wincing at his own stupidity now. Good.

"Your terms. Give them to me so I don't have to look at you," Kreven snaps.

"I want... a party. With beer, mushroom wine, and the strongest imported potato brews you can afford."

"I don't have time for jokes, you unprofessional by-blow of--"

"Hold that thought. I want you to invite your friends. All of 'em. I want you to invite my friends. Just invite everyone you know, dammit, and make sure you propose a great big toast telling everyone how much of a gods-damned winner I am for proposing the party."

You stand up and help Kreven to his feet. He looks you in the eyes for some time before realizing you're serious.

"And you want this... tonight?"

>"Yes -- as soon as possible, in fact. Make sure the human's there too. If you happen to know any mercenaries with siege experience, bring them along." [1d100-20 to see how well-prepared the party turns out. -20 for minimal prep time.]
>"No. Some time in the future when I need to curry favor with the others."

Elements of in-universe randomness will generally be determined 1d100s. Rolls that affect an action taken directly by your character will usually be 1d20s or 1d40s.

Rolled 75 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>2100718
>"Yes -- as soon as possible, in fact. Make sure the human's there too. If you happen to know any mercenaries with siege experience, bring them along." [1d100-20 to see how well-prepared the party turns out. -20 for minimal prep time.]

>>2100739
Oh shit sorry I did not remember we made rolls after the fact..

>>2100718
Can we offer to help if organize the party by spreading the word around and so?

Rolled 28 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>2100718
>"Yes -- as soon as possible, in fact. Make sure the human's there too. If you happen to know any mercenaries with siege experience, bring them along." [1d100-20 to see how well-prepared the party turns out. -20 for minimal prep time.]
>>2100749
And this

>>2100746
This roll is appropriate except for the incorrect modifier. To clear up confusion, I am asking for 1d100-20s IF you choose to hold the party tonight.

>>2100749
Yes, you can help spread the word, but your name doesn't carry much weight in the capital.

What manner of person would you like to focus on inviting? Parliamentarians, artisans, faction members, warriors?

>>2100718
>>"Yes -- as soon as possible, in fact. Make sure the human's there too. If you happen to know any mercenaries with siege experience, bring them along." [1d100-20 to see how well-prepared the party turns out. -20 for minimal prep time.]
you gotta put +- in options to subtract something.

>>2100766
An invite to the core council members, but mostly artisans and warriors. Let's focus on proving we can actually lead a fight.

>>2100766
Let´s just kick the door in the Damnables and announce free drinks for everyone worth his beard.

Will write the next post in about 5-10 minutes with the following decisions:

>Host the party tonight.
>Personally invite the original council members, some artisans, and some warriors. To gain favor among the commons, you will also host free drinks for lowlives in the Damnables.
>Kreven will invite parliamentarians (most will be Srevska since that's who he's best acquainted with) and HOPEFULLY an experienced sapper who has been in war.

>>2100818
Pro-Tip: Commoners do not have direct influence on most noble affairs, but they are a fickle sort who will not stand for blatant corruption. Only stupid politicians publicly oppose the commons.

Writing now.

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>>2100739
>>2100746
>>2100749
>>2100755
>>2100766
>>2100777
>>2100786
>>2100818

75 - 20 = 55. Success.

You spend hours distributing hastily-scrawled fliers to all sorts of citizens. You meet with the social refuse of the Damnables, honorable militiamen and career soldiers, mercenaries who are content to be paid in beer, and even some busybodies from the artisan community. You have no trouble bringing in your share of the guests -- you get along quite well with lower dwarves. Kreven manages to bring in a crowd of parliamentarians although a few are unhappy to share their space with commoners. Nevertheless, those who remain are soon captivated by the equalizing power of liquor. Once the 60-or-so attendees are drunk, or even buzzed, they seem to warm up to each other.

You hear some gossip from all walks of life. The militiamen complain about having to relocate their posts, the construction workers complain about having to relocate the entire damn city, and the citizens complain about having to relocate themselves hundreds of miles into the cavern. All right, it's not really unique gossip, but it sure drives the point home that this relocation thing is a big deal.

Once the party has picked up -- ladies are kicking off their shoes and dancing on the tables, men are trying (and failing) to impress said ladies, and the bartender is having a crisis of personality -- you see someone familiar coming into to take advantage of the free drinks. The serf lady from before.

Nataniel arrives at about an hour into the lively carousing and catches you at your third drink of the night. You get a good (well, slightly hazy) look at his face and see that he's a bit worse for wear. It looks as though he's been up since the last time you spoke to him. His anxious green eyes now from yesterday now appear to be sunken and enervated.

(1/2)

>>2101077

He makes a token congenial effort by ordering the weakest alcohol. Watered-down beer -- who'd have thunk that such a thing is even possible? Humans, huh.

"I arrived. I apologize for being so late -- of course, I am thankful for your largesse. I am just not much of a drinker, you see, and I was under the impression that we wouldn't meet under such..." Nataniel begins.

"Excellent?" you propose.

"...Yes." Nataniel says with a sigh. "I did not think we would meet under such 'excellent' circumstances."

The bartender serves Nataniel his beer. "Go easy now," he jeers.

Nataniel gives the old man a heartless chuckle and continues speaking. "About your plan. I thought it through and decided that I will get myself involved, but only because your proposal minimizes the threat to both sides when compared to the less rational ones proposed by the Congress. I only worry about the greater implications of dwarves fighting humans, you see."

"I don't, really. You're on our side, right?"

"I am on the Republic of Liefland's side. And we are pledged to defend Dundr from threats as of this day, but that may change if Dundr becomes the threat. You see, there is an image to be upheld. Liefland is already growing more unpopular by the day for supporting your -- ahem -- your kind. Would we not be stoking the flame by supporting a warmongering power, if you were to become as such?"

>Ethos: "Listen, it's not right to talk gloom without a drink. You know our culture, right? Get something harder, it'll bring you to your senses."
>Logos: "We won't become a warmongering power. We are surrounded by races that despise us on the surface and underground. We are merely defending ourselves by evening the odds."
>Pathos: "The 'Buried Nation of Dundr.' That name says it all, does it not? We will die if we don't puff out our chests!"
>Change the subject. You need to get to logistics. It doesn't matter what Liefland wants, it matters what you want and what your people need.

>>2101080
>Logos: "We won't become a warmongering power. We are surrounded by races that despise us on the surface and underground. We are merely defending ourselves by evening the odds."

>>2101080
>Ethos+Pathos: "Yes, yes I understand your concerns. But do you really think that we could stand the shit that is happening right now. We dwarves, as you know, are a proud and passionate race. We cannot allow what was once great to vanish. Pointless romanticism, if you want to see it that way, but every dwarf, no matter how cynic, knows in his heart that letting Dundr fall would be an stain that they will have to carry all their lives. And falling it is.

We settle, we build our cities and fortresses and see them attacked by duergar, drow, human or even worse. We pack up and leave, only to rinse and repeat. Until we run out of land to abandon.

We are told to keep our heads down, but our pride cannot suffer for much longer. Either we are victorious in this campaign or the nation of Durnd will dissapear. I don´t know if it will be consumed by a civil war that will make red rivers run through the Underwordl or if fade slowly into a ghost of what it once were, its spirit broken and sundered. The fact remains. We will be no more.

But we cannot allow ourselves to think like that. This is a party, after all. It is time for drink, light and dance. Our problems belong to tomorrow, but we live in the present, and I am not in any hurry to meet what will come for me down the road. Here, let me get you something that will make you grow a real beard and not those puny things you humans have.

>>2101080
>Logos
Who’s to say we won’t bring coin for our friends and the sword to our enemies.

>>2101210
Okay I meant the whole thing as a monologue. Not just the Greentext.

>>2101080
What >>2101210 said.

>>2101080
>We've got surface-dwellers above, and the Underdark below, we need a strong face on both sides. If our lands, our sovereignty is being threatened, then the face aimed at the surface will be pointy.

>>2101080
>Ethos+Pathos: "HELP I'M BEING CONTROLLED BY ANIME IMAGEBOARD NERDS!"

>>2101080
>>2101210
Supportan'

>>2101080
>It was Dundr's holding in the first place. We're just taking back what was taken from us. Surely it doesn't make us a threat to everyone.

I will be writing with >>2101210 's response when the session resumes later today.

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Actually, I don't think I'll be posting tonight. I'm going to catch up on some IRL obligations instead, but more questing can be expected in the coming days.

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You take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to formulate your words. Nataniel respectfully interlaces his hands and waits patiently while granting you with full attention. You think this gesture is a little excessive, perhaps to the point of being sycophantic, but you understand that being part of the enemy race among a nationalistic society comes with extremely high standards of decorum. You recall that Nataniel is an honorary dwarf, yet he is still believed by most to be a spy, a slaver, or a subversive element. You also consider that he may be reluctant to stay in Dundr during wartime, as rising anti-human sentiments could get him lynched or tortured in a heartbeat.

Pacing yourself is allowing for some unprecedented rational thought, which slightly unnerves you. Is there a decently intelligent dwarf tucked in that self-loathing mind? No, don't talk nonsense!

You tap your chin, shuffle your feet, and find the words to best explain your point. It only took five minutes for you to come up with your half-sober oration:

"I understand your concerns. But do you really think that we could just stand by idly with all the shit that is happening right now? We dwarves, as you know, are a proud and passionate race. We cannot allow what was once great to vanish. Pointless romanticism, if you want to see it that way, but every dwarf, no matter how cynic, knows in his heart that letting Dundr fall would be a stain that they will have to carry all their lives. And falling it is."

You clench your fists and press on, killing your buzz. "We settle, we build our cities and fortresses and see them attacked by duergar, drow, human, or even worse. We pack up and leave, only to repeat the same process. Until we run out of land to abandon.

We are told to keep our heads down, but our pride cannot suffer for much longer. Either we are victorious in this upcoming campaign or the nation of Dundr will disappear. I don´t know if it will be consumed by civil war or if it will fade slowly into a ghost of what it once was, but the fact remains -- we will be no more.

But we can't talk like that for long. This is a party, after all. It is time for drink and dance. Our problems belong to tomorrow, but we live in the present, and I am not in any hurry to meet what will come for me down the road."

Your words are met with cheers from eavesdropping commoners. Even a few parliamentarians remark on the impromptu speech, although you're not sure how positive those remarks were.

In hindsight, you may have gotten a tad pretentious there -- you don't care that much about the future of dwarfkind, but you at least feel that any long-term plan that doesn't get your country eradicated from the face of the earth is the best option, and the human probably has similar feelings about his own safety.

(1/3)

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>>2107588

Nataniel, pursing his lips and nodding slowly as if in a trance, seems to be affected by your words. "I will support you, but you must promise to me that Dundr will act only in the interest of survival. You will grow in power only to protect yourselves -- hatred must not be bred. Yours is an upright race, but the dwarves must learn to accept that the surface world is nothing like their own. Adaptation is necessary, and the surface races will not hesitate to eradicate a threat," he says.

"I get that. I swear we will do only what is necessary," you respond. You have little more to add.

You tap on the counter and turn to Nataniel as the bartender approaches. You say, "Here, let me get you something that will make you grow some real hair, unlike those puny excuses for beards you humans have," and request honeyed gintshroom mead.

Nataniel sits up straight and takes a meek sip of the mead, recoiling when its oppressively strong stench hits his nostrils. "Hm, now -- what is it we are to discuss? What is my place in your grand plan?"

You inform him that you are in dire need of support and information. He agrees to vote Yea on further proposals so long as they keep within the framework of your original plan, and offers the following information:

The foothold, known now as Kazkush Druzban (literally: "Containment of Dwarves"), is officially owned by the Nazag Suzerainty, a tributary composed of Roshen and Nuzdashi citizens which is dependent on the imposing Nuzdash Khanate. It is connected to a mountain across the mile-long bridge to Capital Srevska's front gate, which you know as Sunlight's Barrier. Long before your time, the Rosh Empire seized the land from its dwarf owners, and at some point between then and now it was conquered in the Nuzdash's failed conquest of the continent. The Nuzdash are, thankfully, immensely unpopular with their western neighbors, the aforementioned Rosh Empire; and their eastern neighbors, the Elven Chiefdom of Teone. Rosh is a shadow of its former self, while Teone is constantly expanding for reasons unknown to even Nataniel.

Where does Liefland fit into all of this? It's on horrible terms with all of the aforementioned countries, and it's in the process of unsuccessfully patching up its relations with them. Everyone knows that Liefland is an ally to the dwarves, so your presence on the surface could easily strain those relations further.

Finally, something to take into consideration: the foothold is not in great shape, but it is apparently occupied by a staggering garrison of at least a thousand soldiers. They've been preparing for Dundr's inevitable comeback, it seems.

(2/3)

>>2107594

Forgot to link your posts --
>>2101186
>>2101210
>>2101246
>>2101254
>>2101455
>>2101513
>>2101576
>>2101615
>>2101854

--
You shake hands with Nataniel and bid him farewell.

"Until next time. We shall surely become friends, dear Bledan," says Nataniel as he walks off with his mug, still mostly full.

You realize that you're hardly drunk now.

What do you do? Choose one from both categories.

Drinking:
>Imagine what you could accomplish while sober! Don't drink anymore. [1d20+1 for Tenacity to resist drinking -- anything below 15 will cause you to give up and drink yourself to a buzz.]
>That speech was exhausting. Drink something moderately alcoholic; work up a good buzz before you make another move.
>By the gods, you would make for an awful parliamentarian. Your throat is dry and your voice is hoarse from all that talking -- wash it down with the strongest alcohol available.

Action:
>Remind Kreven that he is supposed to toast in your honor. Where is he, anyway?
>Look for a sapper.
>Stand on a table and demand attention from the crowd. Demand that all present parliamentarians remember your kindness should they ever vote on one of your proposals in Congress.
>You've never been high on undrake egg residue in a crowd of people before. It sounds exciting -- go for it! (tempting, isn't it?)
>Write-in.

I'll draw up a map of the surface continent if you ever make it up there. I'll also draw one for the Buried Nation of Dundr. Remind me to do that some time.

(3/3)

>>2107596
>>Imagine what you could accomplish while sober! Don't drink anymore. [1d20+1 for Tenacity to resist drinking -- anything below 15 will cause you to give up and drink yourself to a buzz.]
>Remind Kreven that he is supposed to toast in your honor. Where is he, anyway?

Rolled 16 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2107604
Also forgot to roll

>>2107596
>That speech was exhausting. Drink something moderately alcoholic; work up a good buzz before you make another move.
>Look for a sapper.

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2107596


>>2107604
Seconding post

>>2107646
Way too close to a critfail. I'm not rolling again.

I need one more vote; otherwise, I'm going for this in 10 minutes.

>>2107604
>>2107646

Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2107688

Woops, I didn't mean I'd be going with >>2107646's roll. I meant I needed one more vote for the update.

Writing now for resisting alcohol and confronting Kreven.

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2107596
>Imagine what you could accomplish while sober! Don't drink anymore.
>Remind Kreven that he is supposed to toast in your honor. Where is he, anyway?

We should call on Belikna to help us find an experienced sapper.

>>2107604
>>2107608
>>2107639
>>2107646
>>2107651
>>2107688
>>2107701
>>2107703
>>2107745


16 + 1 = 17, Success!

You reach for a mug of unknown contents and -- no, you can go one night without drowning yourself in drink. You're still "on the job," after all, and you hosted this party for practical purposes. That is why you hosted it, right?

You find Kreven sitting on the tavern steps outsid after a few minutes of searching. While walking around you find that you are a little more tipsy than you thought, so you may have just dodged a shot by holding off on the booze.

"What are you doing out here? You're not done yet," you scold.

"I won't hear another word'v it," Kreven asserts with a heavy slur. You can even smell something strong on his breath.

You didn't peg him for much of a drinker; in fact, you thought he was a milk-drinking surface lover with all that lack of beard on his face.

"This is part of the deal. You are honor-bound to thank me for my part in assembling the party."

"Wasn't shure party. I made it, actually. Actually, I set up the party and spent my own gem on it. What did you do? Cheat'd in a fight."

"Cheated?"

"Aye! Cheat'd! An' you're a snot, an' I won't hear you speak none more," he shouts, and walks off in a huff. Somebody's in a sour mood.

Just when you turn your back, you feel something cold and metallic on the back of your head. Is that --

"That's what you think it is: a flintlock. I have one for you too. We're going to go out into the streets, you and I, and I'm going to kill you for making me look like a fool."

Now you're just wondering why his breath smells so awful. Maybe he gargled alcohol or put garbage in his mouth.

>Accept to duel him to the death.
>Accept his terms, but demand that a House Srevska witness be present to confirm that no one is being killed in cold blood. [1d20+1 for Diplomacy]
>Call out for help! [roll 1d100+30 to determine whether or not anyone hears; +30 for close proximity to others, 70 needed to pass]
>You don't have time for this nonsense. Call him on his bluff by walking back into the tavern casually. [1d40+12 for Knowledge and Audacity]
>Write-in.

You've shot a gun, what, three times in your life?

>>2107763
>You don't have time for this nonsense. Call him on his bluff by walking back into the tavern casually. [1d40+12 for Knowledge and Audacity]
fuck it, we could raise a stink, but he's buried himself neck deep already.

Rolled 20 + 12 (1d40 + 12)

>>2107763
>You don't have time for this nonsense. Call him on his bluff by walking back into the tavern casually. [1d40+12 for Knowledge and Audacity]

>>2107763
>>Accept his terms, but demand that a House Srevska witness be present to confirm that no one is being killed in cold blood. [1d20+1 for Diplomacy]

Someone else roll?

>>2107763
>Bluff
“If I’m gonna kill a dwarf in the street in front of his home, I’ll need another drink.
House Srevska will appoint a witness to ensure honorable conduct.”

Walk inside and have the bartender pour you both a pint of your bottle o’ Pranks.

Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>2107795

>>2107763
Do we roll before or after an action has been chosen?

>>2107816
You roll for whichever option you choose. If it's a write-in that involves a difficult action (like picking a lock or bluffing) that directly involves your character's skill, rolling 1d20 is a safe bet. It's not an ideal system, but I implemented it so that the story can progress faster.

Votes will close in 20 minutes. You are always allowed to change your vote or roll preemptively.

>>2107763

>You don't have time for this nonsense. Call him on his bluff by walking back into the tavern casually. [1d40+12 for Knowledge and Audacity]

Rolled 24 (1d40)

>>2107834
>>2107763

Rolled 8 + 12 (1d40 + 12)

>>2107791
>>2107763

Writing with >>2107791

>>2107791
>>2107794
>>2107795
>>2107812
>>2107816
>>2107821
>>2107834
>>2107838
>>2107841
>>2107874

24 + 12 = 36, Success!

Yeah, right, he'll shoot you mere feet away from a tavern full of government officials. Either he's trying to provoke you into attacking him so that he can call the guards or he really wants to duel, but threatening to kill someone illegally if they refuse to let you kill them legally doesn't quite add up. Kreven probably didn't consider the possibility of you simply walking away and denying him the satisfaction.

You chuckle and walk back into the bar. Just as you suspected, Kreven doesn't follow you. Crisis averted, you think to yourself with smug satisfaction. If you were drunker, you probably would have fallen for the trick. Still, it's too early to rule out the possibility of Kreven trying to kill you in the future.

Time to move on. Partygoers are looking noticeably less amused than they were an hour ago.

>Screw the coward. Propose a toast to yourself, and brag about outsmarting craven Kreven twice in one day. There are still parliamentarians here worth impressing.
>Tell an off-duty guard (most houses brand their guards and militia members with their insignia in case crimes are committed in close proximity while they are off-duty) about the events that transpired outside. Kreven, being a member of the Privy Council, surely has enough clout to resist arrest, but there isn't any harm in getting a guard to back up your claims in case you're assaulted or threatened by him in the future.
>Find a sapper.
>Find someone else. (Who? Schizhin, The Castellan of Horzas, and Kokan Belikna are all here, but you don't know if any other special guests from last night are present.)
>Write-in.

I know I didn't make it clear earlier, but you're not at Kreven's home. You're actually at a merchant's inn.

I will do one long update (at least 3,000 characters) later tonight, after I take care of some obligations.

>>2107930
>>Screw the coward. Propose a toast to yourself, and brag about outsmarting craven Kreven twice in one day. There are still parliamentarians here worth impressing.

>>Find a sapper.

>>2107930
Find Kokan Belikna, it’ll be harder to locate an experience sapper at the party than to tap into Kokan’s mercenary connections. Plus we need to gather more support amongst the privy council.

>>2107930
>>Tell an off-duty guard (most houses brand their guards and militia members with their insignia in case crimes are committed in close proximity while they are off-duty) about the events that transpired outside. Kreven, being a member of the Privy Council, surely has enough clout to resist arrest, but there isn't any harm in getting a guard to back up your claims in case you're assaulted or threatened by him in the future.
>>Find a sapper.

>>2107930
>Find a sapper.

>>2107930
>Find a sapper.

>>2107939
>>2108100
>>2108126
>>2108339

Wading through the crowd, you find yourself back at the bar without a leg to walk on. You have no idea what a sapper looks like, and you hardly have an idea of what they do. You see a few people in the crowd who look like they might know a thing or two about field engineering and sieges. They're all soldiers in uniform -- they may be here as backup for a parliamentarian -- with rusty iron crossbows strapped to their backs. You notice, furthermore, that each supposed crossbowman has a hammer, a pickaxe, a small utility ax with a steel head, several pouches strapped around their bodies, and a thick cloth bag with the phrase "EXPLOSIVE" embroidered onto the outside. From what you know of the phrase "sapper," these sturdy dwarves seem to fit the bill.

You approach one and attempt a cordial salute. The soldier doesn't notice, unfortunately, and he simply continues his conversation with other soldiers from his house.

"You there," you call to the dwarf with the heaviest kit. "This is a party, you know. You could leave your gear anywhere, at any time."

"Captain says we don't get to drop the gear. Captain says it'll prepare us for marching on the surface. He says there are fields for miles on the surface that humans get lost and starve in. Captain says dropping the gear in a big field means you lose it, and he says that if we get weak from plainclothes --"

"At ease, you brown-noser. I just wanted to strike up conversation to ask if you're available."

"Captain says -- well, okay. I'll have to make it quick."

"Are you a sapper?"

He looks giddy. Choosing the overeager greenhorn may have been a mistake. "I'm a sapper, yeah, and Captain says I'm actually really good at it. I studied it in the Mechanist's Tower, and I learned all about engineering, and -- well, damn, sir. I was just too good at it, and my instructor recommended me to House Horzas. They put me in the military and said I'd get to prove myself there."

Horzas, huh. He must be associated with the castellan you met -- well, looked at -- last night at the meeting.

"And you're actually as good as you say, right?" you query incredulously.

"I'm a savant, Captain says. He'll vouch."

"How would you like to put your skills to good use, Mister...?"

"Mister? No, sir, my name is Dustum Olskrom."

>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.
>Find someone else; you don't trust this guy to explain or execute the plan competently.
>Request that Dustum be released from service so that he can help you draft a proof of concept.
>Ask Dustum about something.
>Write-in.

I'm pretty tired, so I'll just call it here for tonight. I may or may not update some tomorrow, but I will try to fit in another day or two of updates later in the week.

Check my Twitter (https://twitter.com/Scoundrel_OP), the /qtg/ Discord, or OCCASIONALLY /qtg/ to see if I've announced a session.

>>2108479
>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.

>>2108479
>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.

>>2108479
>>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.

>>2108479
>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.

Sorry for the lack of consistent updates, folks. I've got a lot going on these days. I think the thread will end here, but the quest will DEFINITELY resume next week. Sorry about that!

>>2108479>Dustum said his captain would vouch for him. Find the captain and see if that's true.

if he does:
>Request that Dustum be released from service so that he can help you draft a proof of concept.