>>14397093
>When you were brought forth from your grave, also risen was the most honored warrior in the history of your duchy. While other thanes answer to heritage, duty, and propriety, the Black Thane answers to only one authority: You. He will go anywhere, do anything, and will never betray or conspire against you. Though available for counsel, he is little use except in matters concerning either your safety or your own personal training in the martial arts.

"You have given me no orders, my liege," comes the voice in your head as the equally skeletal warrior at your left hand, The Black Thane, kneels. "But you need only ask, and I will serve."

>>14397098
>The commander of your duchy's dwindling military, the High Captain of the land rose to his position after managing to defend against superior numbers with a simple peasant militia. He has displayed similar tactical insight again and again, and would be a fine general if only he had enough troops. He has recently married a lady of noble birth, and as such his sense of daring and bravado (as well as his counsel) has been tempered by the promise of children.

Already being equipped for battle by his servants, your Captain kisses his wife farewell. "You have instructed me to take my best men against the bandits, sparing the serfs in hopes they will cease their discontent after your decree from the steward, but to not to be so charitable with the mercenary bandits. You have also instructed me to leave our rank and file along the borders we feel most threatened."

>Tautila is poorly equipped.
>Tautila has three units of standing troops.
>Tautila has one unit of elite troops.
>The bandits have one unit of unskilled troops.
>The bandits have one unit of standing troops.

>>14397108
>While preparations were made for your rise, the Dictator simultaneously handled the responsibilities of duke, diplomat, ambassador, and envoy. With your revival, that list has only narrowed by one. He has faced down frothing lords and scheming envoys alike, and maintained his composure. He resents being led by a dead man, and makes no effort to hide his distrust. His counsel is an invaluable source of political information (as well as a cynic's opinion).

The Dictator browses a collections of papers, seeming to find them sastisfactory. "You have instructed me, my lord, to oversee the liquidation of the duchy's frivolties in order to replenish our coffers. You also desired to be appraised of our current diplomatic ties to the other dukes and duchesses, which led to a possibility that had not occured to me in the nature of our duchy's seemingly undirected bandit problem. If you will recall, Hildefons want to 'liberate' our people from their hardships, Zlatan crave our territory because of long-suffering rivalries, and we can count Gailavira among those willing to aid us in times of crisis."

>Hildefons desires your people.
>Zlatan desires your land.
>Gailavira is friendly.
>Zlatan has ties to mercenary companies.

>>14397117
>A desperate liason made by people fearing for their lives, he is responsible for your rise from the dead, but has consumed much of his power in completing such an unprecedented ritual. The sullen magician is aware of your true identity, but you are likewise aware of his mistake. If either of these secrets are revealed, you will both surely suffer. Counsel with the Necromancer is the only way to restore your personal autonomy and develop your capabilities.

The sullen youth in the shabby brown robe kneels. "I am ready to serve you, my lord. You inquired to me in private as to the possibility of performing certain works, and I was forced to admit to you that they are simply beyond my capabilities so soon after the ritual that awakened you. Returning you to a semblance of physical life will be a long journey."

>The Necromancer cannot build undead troops yet.
>You may take extended counsel with the Necromancer to restore your ability to leave your throne.

>When you take extended counsel, you will spend time in private with the court member to focus intently on an area. Magical practice with the Necromancer, strategizing on maps with the Captain, write decrees with the Steward, etc. Doing so will see great success in that area, but all other matters in your kingdom will see no development, and may even worsen.

>>14397128
>Sought by many duchys for her unique powers of precognition, the oracle is drawn to your court by the mysterious circumstances of your return. Prone to trances, conniptions, and other worrisome episodes, she is nonetheless an invaluable addition to your inner court. Counsel with the oracle provides a glimpse into her strange prophecies. However, her widely desired abilities make it so she has to divide her time. There is always a chance she will not be available.

With the Oracle currently recovering from her trance, she is not present to answer you. An attendant of hers recounts your exchange with her. "You asked my mistress the three questions she was able to bear, and she answered to the best of her ability. If possible, she will answer more of your queries in the next season."

>It is favorable for you to spare the peasant bandits.
>It is unfavorable for you to spare the mercenary bandits.
>It is favorable for you to liquidate your kingdom's luxury items.
>One of the members of your inner court is more loyal than you think.

>The Oracle will not be available for the rest of the season.

>>14397147
>Concerned first with the well-being of the duchy and the integrity of your rule, this gifted leader is the court member most beloved by your people. She has turned away all suitors, as she considers herself married to her duties. Her loyalty is surpassed only by the Black Thane, but she will quickly become your worst enemy if she believes you do not have the duchy's best interests in mind. Her counsel is the best way to manage or appraise matters of a domestic nature.

The young woman at your right side then speaks. "I helped you familiarize yourself with the state of your duchy, good Duke, and you instructed me to write a formal decree offering mercy to all those of the bandits who were once loyal serfs if they would only cast down their weapons and return to work their lords' land. It has already been sent to our messengers, and will no doubt spread to the bandits before the Captain meets them in battle this season."

>Tautila is impoverished.
>Tautila is without law.
>Tautila is starving.

>>14397158
>A thaumaturge from one of the most prestigious towers in the land, your wizard is a flawed, flawed man. Though far beyond capable in matters of the schools of magic, he is a reprehensible lech and an all-around slothful fellow to boot. He can conjure fire upon your foes, scry long distances, protect your envoys from sight, and call rainstorms with ease, but his baser needs demand much of your patience. He offers no counsel, but can perform great feats of sorcery.

The bearded boor in the black robe bends over to watch the Oracle's attendant leave. More specifically, to watch her backside sway. "You haven't given me any orders yet, milord. That suits me just fine."

>There are roughly 100 magical practitioners alive at any one time.
>There are roughly one dozen wizards of equivalent power to that of your court's wizard.

>>14397165
Your remaining assembled envoys and staff wait patiently for your will to be known, even as your commands work throughout the duchy. Most are far too concerned with carrying out your orders for the season, and humbly excuse themselves.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Wizard is available.

>>14397205

A Wizard you say?
Why aren't we a Wizard?

What is this bullshit?

There seems to be little left to do.
The General has the matter of the bandits sorted. The liquidation of the luxuries will be good. We have sent a formal decree for bandits who wishes to return..
Do we have much to barter?
How many people reside in our duchy and what trade do these people know?
Perhaps we can put some of them to use? The duchy is starving, so we need to import food, or focus on getting workers to make more food. We can only know which is more profitable once we know what our duchy can offer.

So what can we offer?

>>14397205
what is the status of the fields of the land? to become wealthy, first the people must eat

>>14397252
The Black Thane's voice echoes in your mind again. "The fields are wanting, my lord, because they have been razed by the bandits. You deemed it wise to deal with that issue firstmost."

>Tautila is starving.
>Harvest will begin in one season.

>>14397245
"You also inquired as to the manners of trade. Because of several disastrous twists of fate and mercantile shifts over the last few generations, we were burdened with an abundance of luxuries at an expense that was bested by land trade route as opposed to our routes by sea. Most had to be given to the populace to stave off revolt. The remainder is being sold by your Dictator."

>Tautila's primary export is textiles.
>Tautila's secondary export is clothing.

>>14397205
Bah, If the court is adjourned, then tell our wizard to go and enjoy himself, but make sure that if we require him we can contact him.
The black thane is loyal, so we leave him in front of our chambers. If anyone wishes to come in, then the black thane is to stop them. We need to talk to the necromancer. What can he do so we can start walking and having a little more freedom? Order the black thane to tell us of anyone who wishes to enter and if there is time, then we shall let them enter. if there is not, they are to leave a message.

And.. if we're not the real duke, who are we? or does that even matter?

Can the wizard craft a suit of armor that responds to the wearer's thoughts and is capable of autonomous motion? That might be a way around the necromancer's inability to produce results.

>>14397290
Excellent. We work on our food fields and then we begin our work in textiles and clothing industry. Perhaps we can make the duchy flourish again soon.

>>14397293
This seems like a good course of action for the immediate future.

>>14397293
The interminable black void that precedes your return to the mortal coil is a tumultuous recollection of pain, of cold, of loneliness and despair that you dare not fight to recall. You surmise it may be possible to learn your true identity, but at what cost to your already suspect sanity?

>You dedicate the Black Thane to your defense.
"Be comforted," offers your Black Thane, sensing your unease. "You live again, my liege, and you will not be parted so easily as the first time. Particularly if my blade has any say in the matter."

>The Black Thane is unavailable.

>You release the Wizard for the season.
The lech brightens. "Oh really? Well, I'll just be off then, my lord. Swell sort, you are." He leaves, striding like a pompous ass out of the throne room. You wonder why you allow him his bravado, but then you recall the electric sensation in the air, the sharp, crisp scent of rain, the tendrils of darkness hidden in the folds of his robe ...

>The Wizard is unavailable.
>The Wizard has become more loyal.

"And I, my lord?" Comes the voice of the brown-robed youth.

>The Necromancer is available.

Seems like we need food.
Feed the people and loyalty, wealth and the military can be improved.

Better food production means more food to sell and less hands toiling in the fields.

Thats money that can be spent on training and equipment and people to train and equip.

Perhaps the wizard can perform some feat to help the crops grow?

Let's not lose our focus here - what's so bad about not being able to walk? While our captain deals with the bandits, we need to start doing something about the agricultural situation, and we need to get the land under overall control. Have the steward begin work on a basic code of laws for the peasants; have the dictator direct envoys to our friendly neighbor asking them for food aid, but also see if they have any useful crops or growing techniques that we lack. Meanwhile, get the wizard working on solutions to the food problem as well - but make it subtle. Those peasants are probably scared of wizard chow.

>>14397360
>>14397414
"I may have a solution along those lines, my lord," offers the Necromancer. "It is within my power to make soil more fertile. Truthfully, it is a charm meant to save space in taxed graveyards, by causing the earth to reclaim the dead more greedily. It is ... I have so far considered it a side effect that the soil grows darker, more moist and life-giving."

He tilts his head. "Unfortunately, the components of the spell are ... grim. I will not burden you with their nature."

>The Necromancer can depart to make soil more fertile in the duchy.
>This action has chance to further Unrest.

Nice one, necromancer! Collaborate with the steward, she knows which regions need help and how to cause minimal unrest in the process.

[Just to clear up if it hasn't been pretty obvious, decision-making is mostly based on consensus. Whatever the general sentiment seems to be, that's what happens.]

[Exception are made for iiiiinteresting ideas.]

>Tautila's primary export is textiles.
>Tautila's secondary export is clothing.

We're basically printing money then.

>>14397462
Greater good up in this bitch!

>>14397414
Not being able to walk means that we are 100% dependent on the reports of our advisors, whom we don't fully know the reliability of. If we can move around on our own, we can survey the state of our dominion for ourselves, and if necessary, take direct intervention in a crisis.

>regis weatin

Captcha is paying attention.

>>14397516

Ok, I back this quest because its got a cool premise, but you're gonna run into flak about that 'innnnteresting' call idea.

>>14397526
>>14397481
Lets see if this'll work?

>>14397462
>>14397526
Kneeling, the Necromancer departs to work his magic around the kingdom's fields and cattle pastures.

>The Necromancer is unavailable.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes...

>>14397299
We should ask the wizard about that after he comes back, but only if there are not more important matters that he can attend to.

Mobility will be useful and for any who are not so loyal to us, perhaps the thought of a walking skeleton in a thorny suit of armor seeking revenge on them will make them less likly to betray us.

Not to mention the phychological effects it would have on our enemies.

>It is the 301st year After Unification.
>It is spring.

Your inner court returns from their offices, their larders, their war rooms and high towers. It is time for you to be informed of the duchy's status.

The Black Thane speaks first. "No one dared strike against you my lord, but I encountered two Hildefons spies in the castle. I was unable to capture them alive. My shame at this failure knows no bounds." He wipes his sword clean of blood.

>Hildefons took an espionage action against you. Its nature is unknown.

The Captain smiles. "Our foray against the bandits went ideally. Had we only sent my men without command, or a lesser troop even with my leadership, we may have been forced to rout them. Instead, we commanded a surrender from the mercenary troops, and we have three options before us. We can take their superior weapons as compensation and set them free, we can conscript them, or we can ransom them from our jails. All three options will improve our armaments."

>The bandits have no troops.
>Tautila is poorly equipped.

We have 4 units already, so additional conscripts are probably no good. Best to execute the bandits, take the weapons, and save the corpses/skeletons for later animation.

Which members of the court are available this season?

>>14397633
Seeming displeased to be in the same room as a sentient skeleton -- perish the thought -- the Dictator recites from a prepared tome scrawled with a multitude of column upon column of numbers.

"With our luxuries liquidated, our lordly reputation has suffered somewhat among the nobility of the other duchies, but fortunately has not hurt our sway with our own nobles, or the dukes and duchesses themselves. We have some amount of money in the coffers now, though nowhere near a level I feel comfortable with calling sustainable."

>Tautila is poor.
>You may make one major purchase a season.

The Necromancer waits before speaking. "My charm worked, and with the steward's aid I was directed to gather my reagents near towns that had a soothsayer or other hedge magician in their midst, and I was able to get the ... morbid materials with little protest."

>Tautila is fertile.
>You have gained no Unrest.

If it's spring and our lands are fertile, I think we should plant! We should use our major purchase on seed, and distribute it to our serfs for planting. We're sure to prosper then.

>>14397686
The Oracle returns, but she seems pale and unwell. "I am prepared for augury, my lord, but my health suffers. The stars are simply aligned in such a way that the haze will be difficult to pierce. Choose your desire carefully."

>The Oracle can answer one query this season.
>When querying the oracle, exact meaning is not necessary. Simply choose the subject to ask -about-. "Query about bandits," or "query about finance," etc.

The Steward seems pleased with the letters she is reading. "It seems that the harvest was as fruitful as it could be after being replenished on such short notice, my lord. It is quite meager, but I believe it will improve further thanks to the Necromancer's effort." She flashes the Necromancer a warm smile, which only confuses the sullen youth.

>The harvest was meager.

>Tautila is poor.
>Tautila is without law.
>Tautila is fed, but has no reserves.

>>14397734
Finally, the Wizard gives a curt bow. He seems ... sweatier than usual. "And I'm ready to work whatever spells you deem necessary, milord. I very much appreciate that free time you gave me last season. Whetted the appetite, I think." He cackles upsettingly.

Your inner court stands ready to answer your questions and obey your decrees.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is available.
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

No point in burning the oracle out. She can go see a healer or whatever her HMO will cover.


The wizzard though, he needs to see about enchanting a suitably ducal suit of armor.

heh, dookie.

Link to the first thread?

>>14397831
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/14390923/

>>14397633
take arms, release them

>>14397837
Thanks, reading it now.

Also, take the Mercs weapons, but give them back free of charge. This will, hopefully, gain us favor with them.

Lets ask the oracle about what we should use our major purchase on.

No opinion on anything else.

>>14397734
I agree with earlier suggestions that we spend out major purchase on improving our planting.

Seeing as the bandits were mercenary forces I'd say we should punish them by hurting their pockets; either they can forfeit their arms and armor and have their debt be considered repaid or they may repay Tautila with coin or service of an equivalent amount.

As for the Oracle; ask how we might best serve to capitalize on our lands new found fertility.

We should likely have the wizard work to ensure our crops have ideal weather conditions throughout the season, and while he does this an adequate supply of entertainment will be sent his way each night, subtly.

Further we shall send the Steward afield to assess how best to distribute our resources so as to return a profitable bounty. If we can compose some excuse to send the necromancer along with her, and perhaps see if we can subtly encourage him to notice and reciprocate the stewardesses feelings all the better for us and our continued rule. Perhaps have him sent along officially to ensure his enchantments hold, but let him know it is meant to be a time for him to recuperate and gather his strength, a vacation as thanks for his remarkable service (as witnessed by the stewardess).

I think we should let the oracle rest. No point constantly taxing her and there are lots of things we can think of on our own to spend money on. We might want to get the necromancer researching about this dead Duke we're supposed to be imitating. Just on the off chance someone mentions something about him/he did in the past that we have no clue about.

>>14397800
Agreed on ensuring the Oracle is given time/resources to recover. She seems to be here of her own whims and we should seek to maintain her health and, more importantly, her favor.

>>14397870
No. Take weapons, kill/ransom the bandits who are not serfs. Showing mercy to them will have bad results, remember?

>>14397717
>>14397902
The Dictator nods solemnly. "Hrm. Very well. I will reach out to Gailavira and buy what seed and stalk I can, to capitalize on the foundation of plenty we have hopefully built." He jots down a few notes and passes it to a servant, who hurries off.

>You have spent your major purchase on agriculture.

>>14397943
Agreed. Orcale said mercy was a bad idea and we know they likely have links to that one country that wants our land. Screw them. If he has spare time, perhaps we should have the captain continue training our men. We can't expand the army too effectively at this point so let's make them as highly skilled as we can.

>>14397800
>>14397918
>>14397912
>You release the Oracle for the season.
The pale woman sighs with relief. "I thank you for your generosity, good Duke, and I shall endeavor to make up for this shortcoming in he future."

Her attendants help her out of the throne room, all of them putting aside their given roles. The first puts aside the pillow, the second dampens the lamp with which to light incense, and the third sheathes her knife.

>The Oracle will be able to answer more question than usual next season.
>The Oracle is unavailable.

>>14397974
Scratch that. We need to start getting law back in our lands. Assuming troops will be needed, we should make sure our kingdom is stable and have them do that. I imagine the captain and steward might be best for that if one of them alone won't suffice.

>>14397943
>>14397974
>>14397902
Your will is made known to the Captain, who nods. "By your order, I will seize the arms and armor of the mercenary bandits and add them to our stockpiles. Those who resist will be put to the sword. The others will be sent to our prisons, to be ransomed by their families or worked in the field until their debt is paid, as is the custom in the kingdom for rightfully defeated enemies."

>You claim the mercenary bandits as your rightful captives.
>Tautila is fairly equipped.

>>14397994
Agreed on the law front. Though establishing a stable food supply is essential if we wish for that to stick.

Perhaps have the Captain practice training drills across our countryside in a manner that both trains our troops and shows that the military of is ready to protect its territory with tempered steel and swift vengeance (playing up the defeat of bandits, and the mercy of the serfs as propaganda?)

I think the wizard should scry on Hildefons. They sent spies after us and they got away so there's a chance they might try something else. Further, I think what was posted in >>14397912 on getting the necromancer to research the past duke is worth looking into if we want to deal with our friendly neighbour. If the old duke did anything specific to help those relations, it might be useful to know.

>>14398040
>>14397994
>>14397974
The Captain and the Steward discuss together for a few moments before turning back to you.

"It is possible, my lord," the Captain begins, "for us to dissolved one or more of our troops to act as lawgivers among the peasantry. It is also possible for them to be withdrawn to areas of unrest for training. Training in the field will be less likely to be effective, but as you say, it may have the effect of making the peasantry rightfully fear your might."

"OR," the Steward interjects, "it may simply make them feel safer to know you have their safety in mind. Either is desirable."

>Tautila has three units of standing troops.
>Tautila has one unit of elite troops.
>Tautila is without law.

>You may dissolve one or more units of troops to devote to law.
>OR
>You may pull one or more units of troops from the border to train in the field. This may or may not increase their skill, and may or may not increase your law.

Have we liquidated our luxury assets yet? That was what the Oracle told us to do in the last thread

>>14398096
Yes, we have. Thanks to that we were able to make a Major Purchase.

I think we should dissolve a troop to enforce law. Later, we can reorganize the troop and have them train, after people are used to a relatively normal life once more.

>>14397902
You feel that your idea for encouraging a relationship between the Steward and the Necromancer, two of your three most loyal (if only by necessity) subjects, is one better revisited when other members of the court are busy preparing their duties.

>When all other court members are unavailable, you may two remaining court members work in tandem in order to improve their relationship, working or otherwise.

>The Necromancer is neutral toward the Steward.
>The Steward is fond of the Necromancer.

>>14398113
Agreed. Perhaps next time we have money we can expand the army but we need to get law back in our nation. Who knows what negative effects it's having and people might start to volunteer for the army if we improve things enough.

>>14398092
Dissolve

>>14398134
>>14398113
As has been said before, we are in need of law now; so I'd ratify the motion to dissolve a unit of troops to increase the law.

>>14398076
Not a bad idea, lets get some augury up in this

>>14398113
>>14398134
>>14398146
The Captain bows. "I will begin going through the men for those most suited to the enforcement of law, and those least able to succumb to corruption. Once I am satisfied, I will begin spreading them among the duchy. I will tell you the results next season, my lord."

Turning away from the throne, the Captain departs.
>The Captain is unavailable.

Is there any form of post or transportation of mail and packages?

Ask the wizard if it would be possible to create a mobile suit of armor for us to control. Only ask.

Right now send him to look into the spy matter.

>>14398159
>>14398076
Cracking his knuckles, the Wizard's eyes flash with mischief. "Ah, a bit of the old peek and pry, eh? And here I thought you resented my voyeurism, milord!" He laughs again, his black cloak and equally black robe billowing behind him as he hurries off toward his chambers.

>You will scry on Hildefons.
>The Wizard is unavailable.

>>14398198
Also, roads. Are there any?

We lack quality troops and we dont have enough soldiers to best quality with quality. So while it would make us uncomfortably vulnrable, we should set the Black Thegn to help train the troops. It sounds like he is very qualified in that area.

>>14398200
The Black Thane's voice echoes within you. As always, his missives to you are private. "It is the function of the Necromancer to improve all things relating to your autonomy, my liege. Once you have learned to move on your own, then we can discuss how best to protect you. Which, meaning no boast, is my area of expertise."

>>14398198
You search the rush of information imparted to you by the Black Thane after your awakening. As you recall, post and parcel is a private matter, messengers and couriers being businesses all their own.

>>14398260
best quality with quantity i meant

also, like >>14398227
said check the roads, quality roads that can be travled safely are the next best thing to a well placed river or port when it comes to trade

>>14398268
If we can get enough horses we could set up a sort of national post service through a pony express

>>14398227
>>14398292
The Steward steps forward. "Stone roads are only kept within the domains of your Barons and Counts, good Duke, but the unification has established a rough network of dirt roads and byways between the many duchies."

"If it is your wish, I will dedicate myself for the season to improving the infrastructure of our fair land of Tautila."

While we wait, we should take it upon ourselves to think up and install a series of laws and philosophies to instill once again a sense of direction to this impoverished land.

I would suggest something simple, at first:
"For a nation to survive, its people must eat."
When considering matters of the land, will such an act help the people survive, and even prosper? If yes, it is a good act, and should be done, if not, then it is a poor one, and should be disdained.

This should appeal to the peasantry, and rally them forwards. While it would not be too pleasant with the nobles, at first, we will be able to add to our philosophies in time, all coming back to "it helps us feed our citizens". (i.e. taxes to the nobles help fight banditry which steals food etc).

Can we assume we thought of that last year?

>>14398337
If we cant use rivers then roads are essencial, food is no good to anyone if we cant get it to the people in need.

>>14398337
I would say no, we should not improve our roads yet.

While roads bring many benefits, they are costly and we have nothing to trade as yet. First we must grow our crops to get a reserve of food before anything else, and roads will only aid the enemy in an invasion - our troops already are at the border, so will be able to strike at our heart if they strike through them.

>>14398361
People should be growing their own food as of now, though. Do we even have any major towns and cities that need such large foodstocks?

What are the god(s) or our realm?

>>14398382
different places different situations, one village could have a great harvest and the four near by it could have shity ones.

>>14398373
We need to look into alternative trade goods or resources. Find out if our land has any untapped resources for whatever reason. Perhaps we have things we can use but previous rulers just haven't been able to develop or maintain them.

>>14398437
And what would happen if that would occur?

Would the village with the bounteous harvest part with it willingly? What would the desolate villages sell to trade with?

No, a situation like that where villages have no stores to rely on cannot end well, even if there is free trade and instant travel. Instead, getting them self-sufficient for even one harvest is better, as then they can keep rations for the next bad harvest, while we work on the roads.

>>14398442
And who will be our diggers, when our peasants starve?

First things first on Maslow's pyramid: Food, shelter, water, safety.

Get those first. We can worry about trade later.

The status of your inner court as it stands;

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Steward is available.

Suggested courses of action;

>You may send the Black Thane to train troops or keepers of the law in single combat.
>You may counsel with the Necromancer to restore your autonomy.
>You may send the Steward on a mission of goodwill to the people.
>You may send the Steward to improve your infrastructure.
>You may send the Dictator to appraise Tautila's trade resources.
>If you have two court members work together, their relationship will improve.

>>14398382
Entrusted with the service of several Counts and Barons, each of those noble houses having uncountable serfs working beneath them. You are a major player in the political landscape, however weakened you are by Tautila's failing position. Demand is high for all resources, not just food, and your duchy spans many provinces.

>>14398419
The religion of the kingdom of Heva is largely a form of ancestor worship, 'god' being an interchangeable term with great figures of esteem from centuries past. You yourself are (supposedly) one of those historical figures, the Holy Duke Liuva III. When one speaks in Heva of angering the gods, they speak of offending their family spirits.

>>14398476
>Tautila is starving.
>No, a situation like that where villages have no stores to rely on cannot end well

I think were already there dude, the road thing is intended to act as damege control. Hopefully letting us disperse the next harvest to ensure the least amount of starvation.

We just need to tech up fast.

>>14398528
HAVE THE NECROMANCER AND THE ORACLE WORK TOGETHER
...
I think they'd make a cute couple

>>14398518
I meant more just about finding out if we have access to anything out rather than acting on it right away. I'm well aware feeding our people is the first thing to take care of.

>>14398528
I think we should send our steward out on a goodwill mission, have the Black Thane watch for more spies since more might be sent and have our dictator sent out to appraise possible trade resources while we counsel with the necromancer. If we can move from the throne, we might be able to do some things on our own.

>>14398528
Possibility of starting a new philosophy-religion using our decrees as bywords to live by?

>>14398544
>I think were already there dude, the road thing is intended to act as damege control. Hopefully letting us disperse the next harvest to ensure the least amount of starvation.
Pulling people off subsistence farming and onto building roads is just going to fuck them over more.

alright lets get down to business


i think we can solve our starving people and failing economy in one swoop.

foodstuffs, food will always be in demand, and is also a strategic resource. with a surplus of food we can support more specialists, be it military, science, art, or capitalism.

now, to get this ball rolling. i duno what state our agriculture is in right now, but probably not good since our main export is textiles, anyways. first sustainable farming practicies need to be introduced, were talking crop rotation to maintain soil nutrients and discourage fubgus and disease, and planting fruiting trees or shrubs around plots to prevent wind erosion.
main cash crop is hemp, because it grows quickly and out competes weeds, it can be planted and harvested throughout spring and summer, it detoxifies the soil and enriches it, its stem shell has long tough fibres, the woody core is a bulk materiel for building or insulation, the seeds provide complete protein and essential oils, making an excelent food staple, the high oil content makes it useful for industrial applications, such as fuel, soap, lubricant, or in cuisine. the leaves are also edible but have little nutritive value, it might be more useful as animal feed, and to leave it as ground cover while the next crop grows...

cont

>>14398633
who said anything about having the farmers build roads?

Did we start selling our royal trinkets yet? To let us buy food to help keeping our guys from starving. If not, I propose we do our best to sell our shit and buy foods for our people.

Crowns jewels tapestries everything. We're a fucking skeleton. We're not going to look presentable even if you slap a mountain of gold on us.

>>14398646

buckwheat can be planted in autumn, as it has quick growing times and is also a source of complete protein, its unusualy high nectar production encourages beneficial insect populations, and can result in higher honey production if bees move in. like cereal grains the seeds are the most useful parts, but the rest of the plant can be used as ground cover or animal feed.

as autumn draws to a close, winter rye and a nixtrogen fixing legume, such as peas or lentils, should be planted together (i suggest lentils due to their high nutritive iron content). it keeps the soil covered and will stay alive throughout winter, replenishing soil nitrogen and providing food staples in the spring harvest, once the seeds are harvested the leftover plant materiel is good fertilizer and ground cover once hemp growing starts back up again.

all these plants are hardy and competitive, providing a greater bounty with less work compared to more common crops in use in our dutchy.

>>14398590
>>14398518
>>14398476
>>14398646
"I will oversee the crops, good Duke," says the Steward, who calls over a few servants to begin making notes of what she will require. "It will be no simple thing to coordinate with the Barons in order to make sure no land goes without being plowed, or that the freshly fertile soil is not quickly deprived of its life, but I will do my best."

She smiles at the Necromancer again before leaving. "I will do my best not to squander the outcome of the risks you have taken in making the land fertile."

>The Steward will focus on agriculture.
>The Steward is unavailable.

>>14398651
>who said anything about having the farmers build roads?
Who else are there? We're starving, everyone is literally going to be grubbing in the dirt for food.

Unless we do a Rome and set our swords into roadmaking tools... I don't think we've even got enough for one legion, though.

>>14398700
I support the black thegn training our troops

>>14398737
What and kill them?

>>14398656
The Dictator seems worried. "If you wish it so, I will begin removing the artwork of your castle and the precious works that adorn both your body and estate. However, I caution you. While the selling of our simple luxuries was carried only some risk, if you are to divulge yourself of the very things that claim your right to rule, it will surely draw the ire of your noble subjects. No man wishes to kneel before a pauper."

>You may inflate Tautila's coffers further by selling your noble adornments.
>This action will surely result in Unrest.

>>14398748
I vote against this. For now.

>>14398748
Nope. Keep the adornments, for now.
Selling them WOULD be a sign of weakness, and weakness breeds attacks by our esteemed neighbours.

We will hold on our own, for now.

>>14398797
Agreed. With two potentially hostile neighbours, we cannot afford to give them reason to attack or show weakness. And it would just go against all our plans to increase the law in our lands.

>>14398777
>>14398748

Agreed.

Could we have the Dictator try to get the Barons to pull together and work together to feed the country? Maybe work with the Steward?

>>14398732
as you said we have soldiers, at the moment thery have nothing better to do than train and look tough.

we have convict labour, when that unit we dispersed to act as police needs to punish someone they can be set to road work.

idle city folk and the homeless lack land to farm and somthing productive to do. and due to the poverty there will likly be many homeless.

there are also the farmers, who end up with a few weeks with little to do due to waiting for plants to grow. we could organize them into shifts, farmers from XY and Z work on the roads for 3-6 days while farmers from AB and C pick up whare they left off.

>>14398797
>>14398777
Agreed.
Could we have the Dictator examine the new trade routes, and attempt to find new markets in which to sell our textiles?

>>14398744
he mentioned training us, meaning he has a non lethal setting.

The status of your inner court as it stands;

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is unavailable, dissolving one unit of standing troops and training them for law.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable, resting herself.
>The Steward is unavailable, away focusing on agriculture and the harvest.
>The Wizard is unavailable, preparing to scry on Hildefons.

Suggested courses of action;

>You may send the Black Thane to train troops or keepers of the law in single combat.
>You may counsel with the Necromancer to restore your autonomy.
>You may send the Dictator to appraise Tautila's trade resources.
>You may have the Dictator sell your adornments, at great risk to your rule.
>If you have two court members work together, their relationship will improve.

>>14398748
>>14398777
>>14398797
All right, I was wrong. Actually, I just didn't know if we sold anything yet.

>>14398809
>Could we have the Dictator try to get the Barons to pull together and work together to feed the country? Maybe work with the Steward?
The guy knows what he's doing, but remind them of the three basic desires of dealing with nobles: Love, power, and fear.
He knows which wish to be loved by the peasants, and which will do our bidding to curry our own love/favour.
Those who are headstrong, we can offer much wealth and power in the future if their actions now will help their serfs.

And those who feel they need not love nor power and still do not heed us, well, they can be informed their stubbornness will be noted, and that when the rest of the country rises to greatness they will reap their reward, too.

>>14398857
Send the Necromancer to assist the Steward in agriculture.

Do not sell our adornments, and have the Dictator appraise our trade resources and look for new markets in which to sell our wares.

I'd like to send the Black Thane to train our law-men, but since there were 2 espionage attempts against us that he stopped, it might be better to have him continue defending us until our internal security is tighter.

>>14398857
>The Captain is unavailable, dissolving one unit of standing troops and training them for law.
>You may send the Black Thane to train
keepers of the law in single combat.

It would be wise to have them work together. Perhaps indoctrinate the newly formed police unit into loyalty to us above the Captain or the Barons?

>>14398857
As per >>14398890
and >>14398809
I would suggest using the Dictator to lean on the barons and nobility to boost production so that we may all prosper.
Thane to train lawkeepers.
Necromancer! How about getting our legs up and running?

The Dictator kneels. "As you will, my lord. I shall survey your duchy for resources that may have been overlooked or omitted by your subjects. At the same time, I will discreetly test the loyalty of the Barons." The idea of such disingenuous work seems to please him, and he departs with a tome under his arm.

>The Dictator will focus on trade.
>The Dictator will carry out an espionage action against your own duchy.

>>14398748


thats a negative ghost rider.

>>14398700

>plowed

about that, you'll notice my mention of 'ground cover' in alot of plant sections. this is because we should introduce no till farming practices, it requires alot time and energy, and is much better for the soil, preventing oxidation and disruption of native soil fauna.

the basic impliments must be constructed though, the simplest form is a spiked wheel with a seed hopper, punching holes in the soil as its pulled along and depositing seeds in them. it may take time to produce them wide spreadly, but it is well work the investment.

anyways, to really capitalise on our hemp growing we need to be able to process it properly, bast fibre for cloth and rope (likely not a problem due to our existing textile industry), woody stems for paper (not only a lucritive commodity for export, but wide spread and affordable literature will definitly give us a developmental advantage over other nations), cracking the seeds, seperating the oil from the flour, all these are importaint concerns.

>>14398950
Have the Necromancer assigned to work with the Steward. I suspect that, as the Steward's loyalty is to our nation above all else, improving his relationship with her will allow them to come up with creative ways to use his powers to benefit our lands in the future. She'll be more than willing to put up with a little nastiness for the good of the nation, and the Necromancer could use someone who actually appreciates his skills. We can work on our autonomy later.

>>14398926
>>14398200
The Necromancer bows. "As you will, my lord. I will begin researching the methods and reagents needed to allow you to leave your throne."

>The Necromancer will focus on you autonomy.
>The Necromancer is unavailable

>>14398915
>>14398897
>>14398854
>>14398737
The Black Thane seems disappointed that you would send him from you. "As you wish, my liege. I shall do as you will quickly and without error, so that I may return to your side all the more quickly."

>The Black Thane will focus on law.
>The Black Thane is unavailable.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes...

>>14399003

should read, *alot less

>>14398897
>I'd like to send the Black Thane to train our law-men, but since there were 2 espionage attempts against us that he stopped, it might be better to have him continue defending us until our internal security is tighter.
Potential solution: Have the Black Thane begin training us up a small elite personal guard? We could use a secret service.

[Alright, by my count, there is a solid divide between sending the Necromancer with the Steward, or having him restore your ability to move.]

[Let's have that decided, actually, before we move on.]

>>14399052
I'm still for having the Necromancer go with the Steward.
Do we plan on taking active part in battles? Is that why people want to be able to walk again?

I'm perfectly fine with sitting upon our Golden Throne until our duchy is prosperous again, and we can turn out attention to ourselves.

>>14399052
I say restore ability to move. Then we can actually potentially do stuff on our own.

>>14399077

agreed

>>14399052
Send him with her. Might as well foster the relationship while the opportunity is still available. We have all the time in the world to get our legs back. And who knows what other ways his presence might improve our Duchy's immediate situation.

>>14399077
I want waks just so we have the possibility of interacting with the world. And running away if need be.

>>14399077
I say send him with the Steward. Need to feed our people, and the Necromancer needs time to recover.

>>14399052
I personally am still in the "let's get moving up and about"category. That and too much necromancy in the soil is bad in the long term.

Also, remind the Thane our kingdom IS our body. Keep it safe and in good health, and we shall be all the better.

>>14399052
Send him with the Steward. We can walk later; it's not so bad to rule unmoving, really. When the nation is stable we can worry about luxuries like personal mobility.

[Right, then.]

>You decide to send the Necromancer with the Steward.

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes...

>It is the 301st year After Unification.
>It is summer.

Your inner court is ready to report on the results of their efforts, and most look very pleased, or at least as pleased as they can look.

>>14399052
Voting Steward.

There's something palpable about a corpse ruling dispassionately from a throne that maintains it. Can't possibly imagine why...
>corpse emperor

>>14399080


thats a good point aswell, becoming motile will allow us to get more done, but our immediate concern is getting our economy and food production running again,

>>14399143
>most look pleased
Alright, let's get a status report.

>>14399143
The Black Thane takes his place at your left side, and informs you of his progress. "I have trained those you bid me to show the ways of the sword, my liege. The soldiers put to task as the lawkeepers of your land are now much improved in single combat, and have even cast off some of their frailties under my tutelage. I am impressed."

>Tautila has one unit of elite lawmen.
>Tautila's lawmen are without mercy.

I sense that this quest will become another one of the legendary great ones.

>>14399187
>Tautila's lawmen are without mercy.
>"Stop right there, criminal scum!"

>>14399187
The Captain speaks next. "I dissolved the unit of soldiers as you asked, my lord, and showed them how to keep your laws. I was hesitant to turn them over to your ..." He eyes the Black Thane. "To your guardian, but I cannot fault that they have much improved. The armaments from the mercenaries have helped as well."

>Tautila is fairly equipped.
>Tautila has two units of standing troops.
>Tautila has one unit of elite troops.
>Tautila has one unit of elite lawmen.

>>14399224
Yes. Yeeeesssssssss!

>>14399230
The Dictator clears his throat. "I have discovered in my survey that many of the Barons to which we entrusted the luxuries that were to be handed out to the people to quell the unrest were ... Well, frankly, were not given out at all." He sneers. "I seized these embezzled materials and sold them with the rest of the luxuries you had me sell two seasons ago. Our coffers swell with the combined funds of those sales and the ransoms of our captured mercenaries. It seems that Zlatan was very keen on freeing them."

>Hildefons desires your people.
>Zlatan desires your land.
>Gailavira is friendly.
>Zlatan has ties to mercenary companies.
>Zlatan has ties to mercenary bandits.

>Tautila is struggling. (You may make two major purchases a season.)

>>14399224
>>14399224
WE MUST GET OUR WIZARD TO FASHION RINGS FOR EVERY GUARD THAT GIVES THEM SCUM SENSE!

>>14399278
"I did your bidding and accompanied the Steward on her travels through the fields of Tautila, my lord," says the Necromancer, occasionally glancing to the Steward with a strange look in his eye. "When it was prudent to do so, I worked my magics to ensure the soil remains fertile. I feel it may arouse suspicions if I do so again, however, and may draw ire from those of the peasantry unused to magic."

>Tautila is fertile.
>The Necromancer's risk of generating Unrest has increased.

>The Necromancer's relationship with the Steward has improved.
>The Necromancer is fond of the Steward.

>>14399187
>>14399224
Not... quite what I had in mind, but ah, well, every nation needs its blackened daggers as well as its shining swords.

The lawmen can be set loose on the criminals and those of ill-will, and oir thane can be restored at our side. After a season of bandit-hunting and upholding THE LAW we call in the best to form an elite guard/black ops crew. They can get further training from our Dictator, at that point. Well grounded lawmakers without mercy and spying/combat skills. What else could we ask for?

>>14399280


thats.... not actualy a bad idea, in the general sense i mean.

what better way to ensure your magical influence remain viable then through enchanted objects?

>>14399316
The Oracle returns, and the pallor to her complexion has subsided. Her attendants look relieved as she speaks. "I thank you for your sparing the use of my portent, my lord. I feel much more able to pierce the veil having had such rest."

>The Oracle can answer three queries this season.

>>14399316
DAWWWW.
How does she feel about him?

>>14399335
indeed.

Also, an Elder Scrolls style of lawkeeping "pay the court a fine or serve your sentence" would be nice.

It would bolster our coffers and prevent crime, while making the nobles happier about the prospect of not having to spend a month in prison because they broke the law, and instead just pay a ransom.

>>14399348
I wonder why they have an attendant with a knife there to kill her exactly. I figure something can go wrong but the details might be worth looking into. And I still wonder why she's so interested in us.

>>14399348
I find the eagerness to ransom the bandits suspicious. Lets spend at least one question to learn what other nations are plotting.

Return the Black Thane to protecting us for now.

Have the Captain continue training the standing troops in the field; we only need to appear strong to dissuade our enemies from attacking.

Now that the Necromancer cannot be used to increase soil fertility, now would be a good time to have him work on getting us mobility.

>>14399348
The Steward takes her place at your right side. "The outlook for the next harvest is favorable, my lord, and many new crops have been sown thanks to your bounteous purchase of seed and stalk last season. Not meaning to count chickens before they are hatched, the sustainable nature of various trades may blossom next spring."

She looks to the Necromancer and offers another warm smile. "As before, it is in no small part thanks to the efforts of the one who brought you forth."

>Tautila is struggling. (You may make two major purchases a season.)
>Tautila is sparingly patrolled by law.
>Tautila is fed, but has no reserves.

>The Steward's relationship with the Necromancer has -not- improved.
>The Steward is fond of the Necromancer.

Total war games have taught me that the path to a financial prosperity involves making farms and roads.

So let's do that! Since we worked on farms last seasons, let's send that dude to work on improving the road infrastructure!

Will the next harvest be enough to feed our people?

What is our greatest threat we may face in the next few years?

whare is the greatest possibilty for our countrys growth?

>>14399394
"Who amongst our enemies plan to strike first?"
"What threatens our country the most as of now, be it internal, external, attack or infiltration or rebellion?"
"What is the average speed of an unladen swallow?"

>>14399406
[Sorry, I'm a bit of a slow typist here, guys. Last report here.]

The Wizard struts, his chest puffed out with pride. "My magic informs me that Hildefons is planning several acts of intrigue against Tautila, milord. I have seen notes passed between gloved hands, and I have seen grips tighten around knives. I have even spied the flashed eyes of a soul much less skilled than I in the ways of magic, but no less eager to serve his lord."

He motions for caution. "It is strange, but their motives seem foolishly noble. They seem to be of the opinion that our people would be better off out from under your rule and under theirs instead."

>Hildefons may take espionage actions against you.
>Hildefons may take sorcerous actions against you.
>Hildefons desires your people.

>>14399230
Plans for the military this season: Train up standing troops into elite troops, if possible. Having a highly skilled military is an invaluable thing.

>>14399278
Plans for purchases this season:
-Our only standing industry is textiles and clothing. Invest one of our purchases into improving related systems and infrastructure, so that it can prosper.
-Our army is still relatively small; an invasion could devastate us. As our second purchase, recruit and arm an additional military unit.

>>14399316
What else can the necromancer do to aid us? If he can't raise up undead armies, could he... I don't know... see through the eyes of (maybe slightly dead) ravens to spy on our foes, that sort of thing? Mobility upgrade is an obvious choice but I'd hate to underutilize him.

>>14399406
>The Steward's relationship with the Necromancer has -not- improved.
Wait, what? Please explain the dynamic here, OP. If she likes him, he likes her, and his relationship with her has improved, how has her relationship with him -not- improved? I need clarification.

>>14399187
>>14399230
>>14399278
>>14399316
>>14399348
>>14399406
>>14399453

Gathered before you, your inner court awaits your command.

>>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is available.
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

>>14399348
1. What will be the greatest threat to our duchy for the next two seasons?
2. Will our harvest be assured?
3. What endeavor will give us the greatest return?

>>14399453
>"It is strange, but their motives seem foolishly noble. They seem to be of the opinion that our people would be better off out from under your rule and under theirs instead."
If that's really what they're doing, we need to send the Dictator their way to convince them that we're recovering on our own and they don't need to take charge for our own good. It'll probably be a bitch, but it's better than a war.

I think that the Wizard's action for this season should be to manipulate the weather so that we have a good harvest this year. After sinking our money into seed and still being very close to nil on food, we desperately need a bountiful harvest- there's no sense taking chances.

>>14399453
Spend a question on how to best counter anything they are planning.
Spend a question on how to improve trade and infrastructure.
Spend a question on how to get them to stop trying to take our people.

>>14399458
Steward was fond of Necromancer, Necromancer was neutral towards Steward. After working together, Necromancer became fond of Steward. Steward's relationship towards Necromancer remained the same (fond). Further improvement of Steward's relationship towards Necromancer will possibly require further using Necromancer's abilities to improve the duchy.

>>14399484
Let's get the Oracle's answers first, before making any determinations.

>>14399497
I don't like spending 2 questions on a single enemy, but if it could get them off of our back, then I think it's worth it.
Seconding your 3 questions.

>>14399472
I would like to have the Black Thane spend the season training us up a loyal elite personal guard, specifically to patrol our palace and protect our person and highest officers against spies. Hopefully in the seasons to come they'll be able to accomplish that task far better than he could on his own, and with him training them they should be extremely loyal and skilled in combat, although they might need someone else's influence to keep their methods of protection and investigation from leaning towards brutality.

>>14399458
>>14399480
>>14399425
>>14399434
[No need to be so specific with these questions.]

With a burst of color and smoke, the urn's lid is released beneath the oracle's nose. The girl inhales deeply, eyes blooming a milky haze before convulsions begin to assault her body. Conniptions rob her of balance, and she falls backward into the waiting cushion held by the second attendant. All the while, the third stands ready with a sharp, thirsty blade of mercy.

She arches her form, and the force issuing from her lips is one you remember from the interminable black void that precedes your return to the mortal realm. The cacophony of myriad tones and wails causes your will to recoil.

>You query about the harvest.
"Gold sweeps across the fields of your land, a rolling sea of grain with which to sail for brighter shores. But do not forsake your course!"

>It is favorable for you to focus on agriculture.

>You query about threats.
"Oh, good Duke, how many lives would have been spared, if only two men had exchanged words, shared sorrows, raised a toast!"

>It is favorable for you to seek diplomatic solutions.

>You query about courses of action.
"You are dead, my good Duke, dead beyond your years, and yet you speak. You think. You command! Pity those who fear you. Think of their terror, and comfort them, if only with your grasping bones."

>It is favorable for you to be benevolent.

Her vision expended, her attendants carry the oracle from the room. Exhaustion and delirium wash over her.

>The Oracle will not be available for the rest of the season.

>>14399472
Thane to guard us, as is proper.
Captain to train troops in field.
Dictator to anti-espionage.
Necromancer to ready our body.
Oracle see earlier questions.
Stewardess to oversee harvest and plan roads/textiles.
Wizard.. dunno. See if he can't outfit our lawgivers.

Lets focus on roadbuilding (First Expenditure/Steward) and telling Hildefons that while their concern is cool and all, its entirely unwarranted given how awesome we are(Dictator).

Ask THE COMMANDER what we could purchase/fund that would improve our troops since we have a spare purchase.

Ask the Oracle about the economic future of our nation and/or internal stability. Definitely ask if/when Zlatan intends to act in a hostile manner.

Dunno what to do with Wizzard/Necromancer.

Necromancer should heal us up some more
Dictator should engage in diplomacy.

>>14399375

were a group of pcs reincarnated into a fantastic land, chances are theres gona be some big changes on the horizon

>>14399364

you know about law, my thinking is, prisions are expensive, and the people in them contribute nothing. thus a sort of penal system/corps of engineers hybrid would be ideal, prisioners assigned to supervised groups doing whatever needs to be doing, construction, canal work, craft and industry, it gets them working for their keep, and they learn useful skills and are on the way to rehabillitation in working society.

the carrot is the work they do also results in proportional pay once there term is up, giving a concrete motivation to not sandbag or cause trouble.
the stick is that it is a precipitous ledge if there is refusal to preform, persons either wholley non-cooperative, or actively disruptive (doing more harm then their worth) get on the fast track to termination (why preserve a thing that causes harm?)

i see it as closely tied to the military aswell, with options of enlisting once a term is up. perhaps they can also volenteer to become an overseer aswell (who better to work with troublesome bucks then one who was in the same position?)

a potential problem i anticipate could be someone desperate enough to cause trouble simply so they can get into the system, because of that id advocate for volentary entrace in the civil service aswell, to be sent to groups with other volenteers and well behaved convicts.

in a sense all this could be considered wage slavery, but i think it is a more elegant system, with the benefit of not troubling functional members of society.

thoughts?

>>14399526
>I would like to have the Black Thane spend the season training us up a loyal elite personal guard, specifically to patrol our palace and protect our person and highest officers against spies. Hopefully in the seasons to come they'll be able to accomplish that task far better than he could on his own, and with him training them they should be extremely loyal and skilled in combat, although they might need someone else's influence to keep their methods of protection and investigation from leaning towards brutality.
Good idea, but not yet. Lets get the lawmakers properly seasoned for at least one time period, then we can get both the Thane AND the Dictator work them over to get them wholly terrors of the night.

That'll give us a core cadre of loyal trustworthy men who revere the law yet will work under/over it.

As of now, Thane to back us up personally. Don't want to neglect him too much. And the dictator needs to keep an eye out for antiespionage stuff, though bribes at this point would be good. Alongside that diplomacy with the Gailavirans would be good.

>>14399484
This post has my support, also lets have the necromancer work on getting us mobile again. I would love to at least be able to see our land.
Either keep our steward on organizing the peasnts and future harvest or have her organise that postal service/pony express. At the very least it would give us plenty of warning incase of invasion. See if we can get all out troops trained up to elite be for we recruit anymore.

>>14399585
>>14399542
>>14399484
The Dictator concurs immediately after listening to the Oracle's prophecies. "I will leave at once to extend an assurance of our good will to Hildefons. I will stay there and attend their court. If they can be convinced that we hope only to end the suffering of Tautila's people, we may even find an ally in our endeavors."

>The Dictator will seek a diplomatic solution with Hildefons.

>>14399541
>It is favorable for you to focus on agriculture.
All right, I'm thinking that we set the wizard to make the weather favor our crops, and perhaps spend one of our purchases on improving our farming infrastructure- improved tools, granaries, that sort of thing. If the oracle says that we can do well here as long as we push, let's push.

>It is favorable for you to seek diplomatic solutions.
Definitely send the Dictator to chat it up with these guys and talk them out of their hostility.

>It is favorable for you to be benevolent.
How can we be more benevolent? Tax breaks? Stop our nobles from being oppressive, as they're likely tempted to be in these harsh times? More infrastructure upgrades? Give our lawmen sensitivity training just after we taught them to be brutal and awesome?

I vote for diplomacy and roads.

What the Oracle said.

Keep some attention on agriculture.
Seek diplomatic solutions with rivals.
Show benevolence to the people. Use this to make better relations with Hildefons.

>>14399616
>>14399542
>>14399401
The Black Thane seems pleased that you wish for him to remain in your presence. "No harm shall befall you while I yet persist, my liege," he says, and not one trace of your mind disbelieves him.

Have the Thane patrol the palace.

As for the Wizard... dunno. Give him the season off, I guess?

>>14399659
Orcale said stay the course. I think the idea to have him improve the weather for the crops might be a good idea.

>>14399453
Alright. If the Hidlefons really want to help our people- meet with them, and tell them they don't need go into a stupid war that will inevitably cost both sides unnescesssary lives to help
they can do that through loans, work aid problems, lowering tarifs, etc. etc.

>>14399541
Given those answers:

Black Thane: guard us, possibly by training a small but elite personal guard in the castle.

Dictator: Attempt to negotiate with Hildefons, that their concern about our people is appreciated but is no longer necessary. Also, make sure to maintain good relations with Gailavira. As for Zlatan, try to come up with a trade agreement that will give them the wealth they want without embroiling us into a war.

Captain: Tell us of what our army requires; expend a Major Purchase to raise another standing military unit.

Steward: Oversee our infrastructure and its upgrade.

Necromancer: Get us moving.

Wizard: Ask about creaking enchanted items to assist our law-men.

Changing my vote for wizard from ???random enchantments to work on the weather.

Sounds good.

Captain can continue with standing orders to train. No push for recruitment yet.

Can the Wizzard ward/counterspy to prevent other Wizards from screwing with us?

If we get the chance we should give our bro ally a big thank you.

>>14399626
>>14399617
>>14399585
>>14399415
The Steward bows as you express your desires. "At once, my lord. I will leave to oversee a construction of roads between all the Barons of Tautila, as well as between the harvesting plain and the markets so as to assure nothing goes to waste."

"And, as an aside, my lord," she says, before she hurries off, "I ... I thank you for ... for being every bit as able as we had hoped."

>The Steward will focus on infrastructure.
>The Steward is unavailable.

>>14399585
Seconding this.

Could pair Nec and Wizzawrd up to rig us up some movin parts?

>>14399680
Sounds good, I guess.

Since the Oracle said that agriculture should be a focus, we should probably have our Wizard ensure that the weather is favorable throughout the season.

Maybe even make a big purchase of tools and supplies, and to upgrade our agricultural infrastructure.

A summary of your court's actions;

>The Black Thane is unavailable. (Focusing on your defense.)
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is unavailable. (Focusing on diplomacy with Hildefons.)
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Recovering.)
>The Steward is unavailable. (Focusing on infrastructure.)
>The Wizard is available.

Suggested courses of action.

>The Captain may train your troops.
>The Necromancer may restore your autonomy.
>The Wizard may bring favorable weather.
>The Wizard may gift your lawmen with enchantments.

i think having the wizzard fashion rings that *sense: importaince of self vs others, or *sense: level of misanthropy/sadism, would be useful in their investigations. not admissible in court, but definitly helpful.
not foolproof since the most harmful people throught history genuinely believe themselves to be right, but a good watermark for getting the common criminal either out for himself, or simply because he enjoys it.

>>14399764
Do these:

>The Captain may train your troops.
>The Necromancer may restore your autonomy.
>The Wizard may bring favorable weather.

>>14399585
The Captain responds to your curiosity. "As we have some budget left after your allocation of money to the roads, we could better outfit our troops by finally paying some of our debts to the duchy's smiths, my lord."

>You may spend your second purchase on armaments.
>This will improve Tautila's equipment.

>>14399764
>The Captain may train your troops.
>The Necromancer may restore your autonomy.
>The Wizard may bring favorable weather.
this has my support

>>14399764
>The Captain may train your troops.
Do this, plus also expend a purchase to recruit and equip another unit of troops. Our army is too small.

>The Necromancer may restore your autonomy.
Sure, if he's got nothing better to offer. I suspect that we don't fully grasp the range of his capabilities yet.

>The Wizard may bring favorable weather.
This. Oracle says harvest, we focus on the damn harvest.

>The Wizard may gift your lawmen with enchantments.
Later. This winter, maybe, when the harvest is past.

definitely have the wizard create favorable weather conditions as per the oracles advice

>>14399793

yup

I vote for one expenditure on roads, one on farming/textiles equipment.

Our equipment is decent for now, cap. We've still got most of the merc stuff.

I feel like we should give the necromancer a season off to research, perhaps even get a lab or something built for him. He is the key to both good troops and our autonomy. it would also increase his loyalty.

>>14399776
I LIKE IT

>>14399841
Can't he research that AND how to get our legs moving again? Tell him to take his time, immerse himself into his work.

>>14399789
Spend the money for armaments and paying off our debts. We must try to not have a large deficit.

Otherwise, seconding >>14399776

i also advocate the investment in new farming equipment, as i mentioned before, enacting no-till farming in our lands will increase yealds and reduce expendature of time and energy.

Ah, can the necromancer also heal?

I mean, is he just focused on the dead, or can he also do living stuff too?

"At once, my lord. I will begin to scour the land of able-bodied volunteers and hirelings, and report on their progress in the next season. Servants, my armor," The Captain gruffly yells, and several squires run off ahead of him to fetch his things as he leaves the throne room.

>The Captain will focus on troops.
>The Captain is unavailable.

The Wizard sighs as you instruct him to work on the weather. He looks terribly bored. "Ah, well. I knew you'd entrust me with such a bleak duty sooner or later. I shall be in my chambers, milord, occupying my weary thoughts with the youngest daughter of Duchess Hildefons. She is just blossoming into womanhood, you know," he cackles, as he sweeps his black robe with his arm and runs off toward his chambers.

>The Wizard will focus on the weather.
>The Wizard is unavailable.

"Your ability to leave the throne?" The Necromancer raises his eyebrows. "Of course, my lord. Once you are of sufficient power to move of your own accord, we can then discuss the possibilities that lie before you in harnessing the powers of life and death. I have studied for many long years, but I think your condition and circumstance may lead you to develop your power far quicker than I have."

>The Necromancer will focus on your autonomy.
>The Necromancer is unavailable.

>>14399916

>Your court has been set to their tasks.
>Time passes...

[This will likely be the last season of the night, and the thread will end after the reports are given.]

Weapons are not a source of income!
Buying them does not help unless we get invaded, which will screw us over anyway. By NOT buying weapons we won't worry the hildegaarans about us looking after the people.

wait, what were our two major purchases?

>>14399935
Excellent, I needed to sleep again too.

>>14399968
Infrastructure upgrades and paying off our military debts and improving our army's weapons.

>>14399947
Yes, buying weapons won't help with the Hildefons, but they're not our only enemy! There's still Zlatan to worry about, and they have a tendency to use mercenary troops. If we make it look like it'll be too expensive to invade, then they'll stay out of our business too.

>>14399947
Merely being well equipped can deter would-be invaders. Certainly, I agree that we shouldn't put everything into military, but neither should we neglect it entirely. And while the Hildegarans are an interesting case, they aren't the only ones we need to worry about.

>>14399935
>It is the 301st year After Unification.
>It is autumn.

The Black Thane stand beside you in the center of the throne, walking around you. He seems amazed that you are able to stand, and your rich silken robe of black hangs off of your bones with austere dignity. The silver crown of Tautila sits on your head, and you grasp its matching scepter in your bony right hand.

"Amazing, my liege, that now you are able to walk! The Necromancer does good work, and in coming seasons I can begin to train you in the ways of the sword."

"As for the task you set me to, I discovered two more Hildefons spies in your castle. Given the nature of the Dictator's task, I did my best to spare them. They live, though one has lost a limb and the other has relinquished an eye. I give you my sincerest apologies for the mistake."

>The Black Thane interrupted two espionage actions this season.

>>14400009
The Captain approaches you, almost a full head taller, and reads from a letter. "I have assurances from my subordinates in the field that the funding of a new unit of troops has gone quite well, and they stand ready to defend the land of Tautila. What was left over from the funds were spent to pay off our debts with the smiths, and we may begin purchasing weapons from them in the future with ease."

>Tautila is fairly equipped.
>Tautila has three units of standing troops.
>Tautila has one unit of elite troops.

we should have the wizzard construct some sort of weather affecting globe or somthing, so he can be free to do otherthings.

main point being all the new crops selected were chosen partly because they can grow in cold and dry enviorments, so even just a little more rain is useful.

>>14400009
Maybe we *shouldn't* have the Thane on co-intel anymore.

>>14400006
>>14400002
We've got the merc equipment, unless we sold ALL of it. That's enough to equip our troops, and unless we levy more men we simply won't have enough boots on the ground to fight off a full-scale invasion.

As such, economy first, then we can afford strength. At the moment looking cornered and being barely able to defend ourselves might gain us more allies than enemies at the moment.

>>14400039


where are our criminal scum defenstrators?

>>14400061
No, no, he's making darn good progress! He's learned nonlethal options!

I want him working with the Dictator on training the best of our lawmakers in the castle next season.

>>14400039
Carrying a small token of amiable generosity from the Hildefons, the Dictator sets it at your feet. Unfortunately, most of it seems to be rum and fruit, and you cannot enjoy its bounty. "The Hildefons were relieved to hear you are making your best efforts to improve the lot of our people, and had decided to move from our borders. I was unable to secure them as allies, but perhaps no longer considering them enemies is enough. I instructed the Hildefons spies to be released in the last few days. Zlatan, however, refused to meet with me. It may be too far gone to find peace with them."

>Zlatan desires your land.
>Gailavira is friendly.
>Zlatan has ties to mercenary companies.
>Zlatan has ties to mercenary bandits.

>Tautila is struggling. (You may make two major purchases a season.)

>>14400061
Well, they're spies. It's a hazard of the job.

Besides, it's not like a legitimate government to go "Oh yes, those are our spies. Please give them back; sorry about trying to steal secrets, sabotage your economy, and trying to assassinate your inner council."

>>14400083
The Necromancer's usual taciturn nature is gone, and he is beaming with pride. "As you can see for yourself, my lord, our work together has vastly improved your capabilities, and you may walk and move as freely as any man may, and all without the need to sleep or eat. As you are currently unable to defend yourself, however, I strongly urge you not to leave the castle without the escort of the Black Thane, at least."

>You may now leave your throne room during a season, but all reports and orders will take place there.
>The Necromancer may now instruct you in the magic of life.
>The Necromancer may now instruct you in the magic of death.

>>14400094
>Besides, it's not like a legitimate government to go "Oh yes, those are our spies. Please give them back; sorry about trying to steal secrets, sabotage your economy, and trying to assassinate your inner council."
But that's what we just DID!
Ah well, they meant well. Perhaps we might want them to have a permanent petty diplomat on retainer? While we can't afford one right now, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having a better way to contact us than have Thane cut off an ear or two.

>>14400062
The Zlatans have already sent in mercenaries, and odds are they'll do it again. I suspect the only reason they don't attempt an invasion is because we don't have anything worth risking a fight with Gailavria over, a condition which will change if we improve our economy without likewise increasing our ability to defend ourselves.

the hildefons seemed to have good intentions, is it possible that someone in the hildefon court desiring our land hired the mercenaries to create even more turmoil and thusly just cause for an invasion, unbeknownst to the duke of hildefon. Also we should question these spies and then kill them, however the next time we find spies in the building it should be in our best interest to send out some counter intelligence. perhaps we question these spies and if there motives involve the suffering of tautilas people we could have the wizard conjure a grand illusion to show them and then send them right back to hildefon to report on the splendor of tautila and its friendly nature

>>14400127
Might be wise to improve our ties with the neighbour that is friendly then. Perhaps we can at least get their assistance in some way if we are actually attacked.

>>14400125
You turn to look where the Oracle usually stands, but she is gone, as are her attendants.

The Black Thane speaks into your mind. "The Oracle is away, my liege, and will not be available for the season. Her powers are in great demand, as you know, and she is currently at the court of the Vesna, at the center of the kingdom."

The Dictator speaks up at that, as apparently the Black Thane had been speaking to all those assembled. "They are distant, my lord, and we need not fear her powers being used against us buy the Vesna.

>The Oracle is unavailable.

>>14400094
That's true, but it's not exactly the most efficient way of doing things, when we could feed them misinformation instead. Not to mention its somewhat bad form.

Strength is an issue, as will the cost of getting it
Hm. Wizard will probably be worn out by the weather and bored of it.. let's let him do something fun this time round.

EITHER he can go flaunt his magics where spies will be watching and scare off attacks,
OR he can go demonstrate his pimpin' blingmaking powers and help arm our army with magics. Oh, not to mention make a few lewd magical items for himself, of course!

When the quest starts up again, I'm sure he'll find one of those two options better than just weather drudgery.

Really, this is like the heat curve for battletech weapons. One turn fire, one turn fire at half heat, one turn fire, one turn let them have a break.

i think we need to start a sort of trading guild to get our exports going, i mean, industrial hemp has alot of uses, but we need to be able to effectively market and distribute the product for it to be any use.

>>14400158
The Steward then looks through her records. "Banditry has ceased in the countryside, my lord, and field once razed are being resown and being made fertile. Rain is plentiful and timely, and when the next harvest arrives we may be well into a state of plenty, or at least be able to swell our reserves. As an aside, though incidents of lawmen quelling the banditry have increased -- a good thing -- the prison, have, ah ... The prisons are almost empty. This worries me."

>Tautila has one unit of elite lawmen.
>Tautila's lawmen are without mercy.

"The foundation for the roads have been placed, but it will be at least another season before they are fully realized. Though you may wish me to oversee their construction in order to speed the process, I do not feel it is strictly necessary for me to do so."

>Tautila's roads are under construction.
>Tautila is somewhat well-traveled.

>>14400228
>As an aside, though incidents of lawmen quelling the banditry have increased -- a good thing -- the prison, have, ah ... The prisons are almost empty. This worries me."

Task for next quest:
Call back the lawmakers - one season after that terror should be enough for bandits to keep their heads down. Have em train with the dictator, let them have a bit more subtley and mercy/expedience.

Have the most zealous become your core elite guard and train with the Dictator and Thane more in your castle as bodyguards/spies/other.

>>14400228
Standing with his arms crossed, it takes a few moments for the Wizard to realize you are look at him. "Oh! Oh, right. I did all that dreadfully dull weather-working. Plentiful and timely rain, sunny skies, and so on. With all that sort of thing the Necromancer worked AND all of this, you'll be swimmin' in ... what do we grow again? Grain? Hemp? Whatever it is, we'll be swimming in it."

>Tautila is extremely fertile.
>The Wizard is bored.

>>14400270

Your subjects are gathering in your throne room before you, each of those present willing and able to guide the duchy of Tautila toward a brighter star. The crown is heavy on your skull, and the scepter sits uneasily in your skeletal grasp, but your work has only just begun.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (At the court of Vesna.)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

[That's all for tonight, folks.]

>>14400313
Thanks, Mors!OP!

Will you be back tomorrow, or at a later date? And if possible to say now, when will the quest be starting up again?

>>14400326
It will most likely be around this time tomorrow when I post the next thread. The latter half of my week is busy, though, so it probably won't show up again until the next weekend.

yay, that was fun

>>14400354
Hurrah!

Will wait warmly.

>>14400263

do not give the elite lawmen without mercy to the dictator, he may not be fully trustworthy, i recall he detested being ruled by a skeleton and he may try and overthrow us. keep the dictator close so that he may not conspire with our enemies, this season seek extended counsel with him to increase his loyalty and to gain extensive knowledge of the kingdom. the captain can go and see his wife, if we keep him from her for too long we may lose him, the wizard can have his women this season too.

>>14400384
except we were warned by the oracle that one of our counsels who we suspected of betrayal was more trust worthy then they appeared.

Wizard: Dick, but certainly not activly against us
Steward: Neither in favor, but we've impressed her
Commander: For us
Necromancer: Completely loyal, as if we go he goes
Black Thane: Best skelly-bro
Dictator: Snaky fellow who we thought we couldn't trust

There's a clear point that the Dictator is actually more trustworthy

>>14400384
This is why we ALSO have Thane train them at the same time.

And hey, we can stand now, we can lounge around looking decadent during the training.

>>14400384


the dictator is trustworthy, he has the best interest of the nation at heart, whatever his personal feelings are.

>>14400384
Also, if there's one thing I know about wizards, they love to show off their flashy booms and bling. He'll be almost as happy blowing up random mountains with PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWER to awe peasants and scare enemy mercenary commanders or making phat loot bling rings and awesome mighty swords compared to simply boozing and schmoozing.

Wizards want their power to be shown off, not JUST patted on the head and said "there there, take some time for yourself" all the time.

>>14400384
Good point on the captain, though.

If the wizard makes a nice looking sword of awesome, we can grant it to him after the holiday and give him "Protector of the Realm" status. That should cement loyalty hopefully.

>>14400478
I agree. Fortunately with not much going on right now, the Captain can take a break.

Also, yes, we should have the Wizard make a sword to give to the Captain, as well as enchanted rings for the lawmen. Maybe have them with two seals; one of our Duchy, and the other his own, to reinforce that HE was the one to make these items.

>Tautila has one unit of elite lawmen.
>Tautila's lawmen are without mercy.
These guys are awesome and I don't want to be rid of them, but they are clearly causing at least a few problems. We should recruit some standard lawmen (completely with mercy) to largely subsume their duties, and split up our elites- the smarter ones should train under the Dictator to become more politically savvy, and we'll declare them inquisitors or special investigators or something. We use them as detectives and send them after bad problems, or have them go after nobles who commit crimes, that sort of thing. The less intelligent ones can be subsumed into the Inquisitors' guards and our own personal cadre of palace guards, as highly trained enforcers not as suited to combat in the field.

This way, we'll end up with a two-tiered enforcement scheme, a basic one which should keep crime down and civilians happy and an elite one which can go up against serious problems and also function as counterintelligence.

>>14400461
>>14400478
>>14400522
Good idea with the Captain, let's remember that for next thread.

As for the Wizard, perhaps we should ask him to create 'a powerful and unique weapon' instead of just ordering something from him. This way he gets to show off a bit.

>>14400629
Sounds good. The Dictator seems to have a taste for this cloak-and-dagger stuff, so it's only logical to put him in charge of counter intelligence.

So, overall plans for everyone next thread...

>The Black Thane is available.
Have him start training up some of our lawmen to serve as elite guard types, as per >>14400629, with the expectation that they'll assist the inquisitors once they're ready to deploy and serve as personal guards for us.

>The Captain is available.
Have him set up a training regimen as we discussed in a previous season, to bolster the skill of our troops and raise the morale of the people by seeing our readiness to protect them. Having better-trained troops is always good. Letting him see his wife is a nice idea, but honestly- if he's at a training camp, can't he just bring his wife with him? It's not like she'd be in danger as though he were in the field.

>The Dictator is available.
Have him start training some of our elite lawmen in politics and such, so that they can be turned into investigators/counterintelligence as discussed in >>14400629.

>The Necromancer is available.
Let's start learning the magics of life. Those of death are cool, but what our country needs right now is growth, not undead legions. Those can come later- when we're prosperous enough to support training having more than one necromancer on staff, for one thing.

>>14400870
>The Steward is available.
I think the Oracle's advice here still applies; we should continue to focus on farming until the harvest rolls in. We've got an awesome crop incoming this year; the Steward should focus on granaries, markets, and etc. so that we make the absolute most of what we've got. Hopefully it will bring our people health and prosperity.

>The Wizard is available.
I like the idea of giving him something he'd find entertaining to do. Rather than a weapon, perhaps a scrying pool or other easy-to-use scrying device, so that he would have an easy time of using it? He seems quite fond of gazing at foreigners. Particularly their ladies. When they can't stop him. And it would probably prove more useful in the future than mere armaments, particularly if we recruit a lesser mage or three at some point so that he has minions to boss about. If he doesn't like that idea, something equally fun for him can probably be in the cards somewhere. Don't give him time off- he'll start to take it as his due.

I say that at harvest we announce our return to the realm of the living in line with the harvest festivals. We have the wizard create a grand illusion covering the walls of the castle with tapestries and the outer castle draped with silk and gilded towers and even to have a sort of procession of performers and guards (all illusions) and then at the final moment we ourselves step out made to look like a mortal man by the wizards illusion. this makes sure hildefon is off our back, faith in the populace is restored, the wizard has fun, everything is in high spirits, etc. etc. Of course the black thane should remain in the castle and perhaps as this goes on the elite law men should be performing some covert duty, like a spy mission to zlatan, while the duke of zlatan and his emissaries are attending the festival and seeing the new duke and his fleshy illusion.

>>14400884
I like the idea of a scrying pool or mirror. Set it into a private room that only us and the Wizard access.
Us, because we'll be using it to spy on people, and the Wizard, so he can sate his desire to look at the ladies, and thus actually desire to create this enchanted item to the absolute best of his ability (of course, don't tell the others why only the wizard is allowed inside. Chalk it up to 'magical maintenance' if they ask). Hell, even build in the ability for it to magically produce portraits or 3-D images of the object/person under scrying. It will make creating Wanted Posters for enemy agents and such easier.

Have our Wizard and dictator focus on making sure the douchebags can't screw us over.