>>14817054
The Black Thane has been in the castle since the last nightfall, but waited until now to give his report, perhaps out of respect for the Captain's presence.

"The men are promising, my lord. Though I was not as useful in training the men in combat, I was able to rid the best of them of some of their weakness. I tell you without error that fear has no name to our most true soldiers."

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

DEAD THANE

IT HAS RISEN!

mors!!! your alive!

>>14817072
"He is quite right, my lord," the Captain adds, nodding. "While I trained the army in tactical drills, to better the lot of them, the Black Thane seemed to hand-pick some of our best, gathering them together. Even without informing him, he seemed to know the most veteran soldiers we have, and ... well, after they walked off with him into the night, they are changed."

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

He clears his throat. "For the most part, though, the drills went quite well. The peasantry take well to command, and seem to trust us with their well-being. Such trust leads to fine students, and skilled fighters."

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has four units of elite troops.

"Our allies on the border seemed duly impressed, and some have even begun to envy us. Only in jest, of course, my lord. There are still petty toasts and small games of chance enjoyed among the patrols in their off time, which shows a good relation among the men if fighting should break out."

>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

Holy shit, Dead King is back!

ALL HAIL THE TRUE KING!

YES

>>14817090
I will be straight to the point, my lord," starts the Dictator. "Vesna in not in cooperation with the Zlatan, not in the least. In fact, my investigation has learned that the Vesna simply believed that the Oracle had moved on without telling them. It is not unusual for her to do so, so no alarm was raised."

>Vesna is not involved in the Oracle's Jailing.

"Of course, the folly there is that with no reason to suspect foul play," he goes on, "they did not look into the possibility of it. I gained access to her quarters by means of bribery and exchanged favors of a reconnaissance nature I will not bother you with -- the formalities are largely unchanged between the underhands of the many duchys -- and learned she was indeed abducted by force, and I have found a Zlatan brooch of loyalty on the rocks beneath her window. It is doubtless she cast it there upon resisting."

>Tautila has evidence of Zlatan's abduction of the Oracle.

"Unfortunately, I also found the logical conclusion of that struggle in dried blood between the floodboards. Zlatan spies make for poor custodians. It appears her attendants were slain. This is ... This will be a great loss for her."

>The Oracle has sustained sufficient trauma to be Injured for all intents and purposes.

He throws the financial and diplomatic reports onto a nearby table, finding them unimportant for the moment.

"What shall we do, my lord?"

>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.
>Hildefons is friendly.
>Gailavira is allied with you.
>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)

I feel that the next step in this saga is to get some undead minions. Maybe get the necromancer to construct a combination of a crypt/lab with a major purchase?

>>14817100
The Necromancer, nearly all of the court members, seems incensed by this horrid abduction and its bloody price. "The bastards. I regret not one word spoken in the incantations to blacken their crops. Let their nobility feast on husks and sod!"

>The Necromancer has ruined Zlatan's harvest.

We still couldn't figure out whether we should go all out and attack now, or wait 1 season to have our forces prepared and this evidence of such willful breaking of the laws of neutrality spread throughout the kingdom so that we can have clear multilateral support in stomping the every-living shit out of Zlatan.

>>14817110
With the Oracle missing, the Steward steps in next, placing a hand on the Necromancer's shoulder. "Please. Do not let their bloodlust infect you, ser. Their people will suffer enough with the spoiled harvest, and morale will soon suffer on the front lines; it is likely we can press for piece again within a season, if that is what the good Duke wishes."

She looks to you. "Our harvest has been plentiful, my lord, and we are stocked and readied for the worst of war's tolls."

>Tautila is fertile.
>Tautila is well-fed, and has four seasons of reserves.

"The land is full of plenty, and we are poised to equal Zlatan, if not best them in the areas of our domestic wealth, especially if they have been preparing for war since before we have. The populace remain content, and the weariness of war has yet to take hold, if it even will anytime soon at all."

>Tautila has two units of standing lawmen.
>Tautila is often patrolled.
>Tautila is a small hub of travel.
>Tautila is a respectable hub of trade.

After a pause, she lightly kisses the Necromancer on one stubble-licked cheek. "Calm yourself. The Duke will ensure that the price for such abuse is reckoned against them."

>The Steward's relationship with the Necromancer has improved.
>The Steward is in love with the Necromancer.

The Necromancer attempts to scowl through his blushing face. It is a poor attempt.

>The Necromancer's relationship with the Steward has improved.
>The Necromancer is in love with the Steward.

It's back!

>>14817129
The next person in the small gathering is a stranger to you. Where the Wizard would stand is a tall woman with tones tinging her skin that are usually found among those born on the southern coasts. Perhaps a bastard child of a noble, or the daughter of an elder line, as she carries herself with the same experience of authority that the other courtiers do. Long, dark hair and rather sparing robes of red clothe her.

"The Wizard slumbers still, good Duke," the woman says, a white mask of porcelain hovering over her face. "I am his apprentice, his lesser in the studies of the tower. He offered me the opportunity to expand my talents through service to a lord, and I am pleasantly surprised to see they will be tested indeed. I will very likely not be at your court in coming seasons, but I wished to thank you for this opportunity while I had the chance."

She bows. "I am your Witch."

>>14817142
The Wizard arrives moments after the introduction. "Tch. Back to the tower with you, apprentice," he barks, rubbing sleep from his eyes and still pulling on his robe of black. "There's reagents to be sorted and charms to be appointed before the day is through."

The Witch hurries off, and he turns back to you with a wet cough and a yawn. "Apologies, milord. I've not found much sleep in recent nights. Being a mentor is hard work, after all." He cackles.

"As for the Zlatan, they've no Wizard or Witch on hand as far as I can tell. No sorcery at their disposal at all. The Oracle, though ... She's in a bad way. Mostly curled up in the dungeons. I may not be a very gallant fellow, but it does pain me to see a woman of substance cry."

>Zlatan is unable to take sorcerous actions.
>Zlatan is not benefiting from the Oracle.

OP, I've been meaning to ask; where do you get these pictures?

>>14817153
I was just about to ask the same thing. Did you do them yourself? They're amazing.

>>14817142

So the wizard slept in and sent his apprentice?

That either speaks very well of his respect for her talents and intelligence, or very poorly of his opinion on the importance of these council meetings.

>>14817109
Perhaps a unit of fearless troops mounted on undead horses- don't tire and strike fear all at the same time. That way its not dead people, just dead animals. Perhaps we could extend this out to other undead- like undead cattle to pull plows, and operate machinery- so that we can use the undead as a mechanization for our economy and our military?

>>14817160
>>14817152

Herp that's what I get for posting before Mors finishes.

Your court stands assembled. Which hand shall reach out to the Zlatan in coming seasons, that of the open palm, or that which bears the sword? Only time -- and your will -- will tell.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Jailed by Zlatan!)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

If my knowledge of magic serves me right, it's that increasing difficulty in acquiring new magic leads to increasing rewards. Therefore, I propose that we continue focusing on the magic of life, possibly spending a Major Purchase in the process to help ensure success.

Think about it. We can already make everyone around us more skilled just by existing without even expending any conscious effort. Think how much more amazing MORE life magic would be?

Do not attack now. Let our curses on their fields hit them. Once the people start to feel hunger, then they'll be weakened. We must wait at least one, if not two or three seasons before attacking, if it comes to that.

SO, if we are going to wait to attack, purchasing more for the war effort isn't immediately needed. The purchases could instead be used this season for bettering our duchy.

Keep the front line on the border well guarded, but have a reserve unit or two in other strategic lines of our land to prevent unhindered surprise attacks.

Also, for the war effort, some siege equipment could be a good purchase.

Or a group of horses for the creation of some good cavalry. Or other misc war gear.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go make spaghetti and meatballs.

>>14817153
>>14817157
[ The pictures are all Google Image Search spawn, some from the same site, which deals in paintings and portraiture. The duchy flags are all me, frankensteined from a embroidery website. The frame is something shopped and cobbled-together. ]

We're going to have to get the Oracle eventually. I'm pretty tempted to send the Thane in to rescue her. Right now, our lands and people are pretty well off, and Zlatan isn't really in a good position. We might be able to afford a season without the Thane.

I also propose that we send a message out to every single duchy in the Kingdom, letting the whole world know that Zlatan unjustly imprisoned a neutral power and murdered members of a neutral faction. This will galvanize support behind us in the event of a war. Zlatan, in the meanwhile, will be forced to either defend from military attacks from other nations, will try to combat the slander directly and ineffectually because we have all the damning evidence necessary, or attempt an invasion.

We let them have a season to stew in the broad light of day, and then invade after their economy is faring poorly from the scandal, the world has turned against them, and their people are starving.

Continue cursing their lands with magic. Let their people starve and grow restless. It's cruel, but the world is cruel, and they are not our people. Our people are protected.

And begin spreading the word of their actions in the kidnapping among the other courts. Gain more just cause for our war. Get everyone on our side.

After a while, with them beginning to struggle so, and us having good solid rights to invade, offer them peace. The cost being total annexation. Their ruler(s) have failed them. They let the people starve. They break imperial law by kidnapping the oracle. They stand ready to be invaded, their armies starving. Their lands must come under our control and protection. Their people under our care. If they refuse, then send in the soldiers. The war wagons. The siege machines. The assassins and spies.

And once no one stands to oppose us, we take what's ours and begin to rebuild.

Lets take a season to get Vesna on our side. Dictator should go to Vesna and tell them that Zlatan abducted the Oracle from under their noses. Also messages should be sent to Hildefons and Gailavira that we plan to attack next season so they know what we plan to do. This is the deep breath before the plunge into war guys. Lets not waste it

Also, the Black Thane? He can keep training us. Swordsmanship last season, swordsmanship next season, swordsmanship for all following seasons.

>>14817227
War over one woman, even one as skilled as the Oracle, is not a smart option.

i agree let them suffer a while then attack

Oh, and use the Wizard's Apprentice to send some nasty storms over Zlatan with that weather doohicky.

I don't know what the Wizard should be doing this turn. Maybe just let him loose on Zlatan and try not to inquire too deeply. Let him device whatever curse he wants without knowing about it. Probably better that way.

I'm siding with the people that want to make sure that we get the rest of the kingdom on our side.
Inform Hildefons and Gailavira that we plan to free the Oracle, and have the Dictator go to Vesna to inform them of what happened.
I think we should spend a Major Purchase to help the Dictator spread the news and gather support.
We then spend the other Major Purchase to raise more soldiers.

secconding waiting untill the curses have run their course (barring an unusual shift in circumstances)

one, so they will feel its full effect, and two, we wont have to deal with blighted land upon our conquest and can work our magic so things will be hunky dory with us in charge

>>14817221
>>14817227
>>14817226

This.

In the meantime, we should continue learning life magic to see how far we can go, if it fails, then next season we star with death.

We still have to remember the Oracle's prophecy about the folly of a drawn-out war. If we're doing this, it needs to be hard and fast. That will also demonstrate to our neighbors that our built-up army was for a reason, not just militarism. If we dawdle, they'll get nervous about our intentions.

Let's not attack this season, though. Give their failing crops time to hurt. Next season.

For now, send the Dictator and Steward to our allies, explaining our reasons for war, detailing Zlatan's crimes (especially kidnapping a kingdom-wide resource like the Oracle), and seeking support.

Have the Captain keep training troops, and have Black Thane train you.

Let the Necromancer keep training you on Life Magic, using a major purchase if need be.

No real ideas for the Magician yet. Maybe have him and the witch work up a teleport spell to keep them from killing the Oracle when we go in.

>>14817298

i agree we need death magic at some point

>>14817239
The Oracle is not some mere woman; she is able to predict the future, and that kind of advantage is something that is worth a war over.
Not only that, but Zlatan has blatantly broken the laws of neutrality within the kingdom, and deprived all of the duchies the services of the Oracle.
They need to be disciplined.

>>14817298

Remember that our Life magic also makes any efforts we're involved in more likely to succeed. I don't know if it applies to learning more Life magic, though. Regardless, I do want to spend a Major Purchase on upgrading Life even further.

>>14817298

Start*

>>14817239
I see what you're saying, but this is an opportunity not to be missed. We can, in one fell swoop, indebt a resource as good as the Oracle to us, rid ourselves of a troublesome neighbor and be justified in doing it, and make our other neighbors think well of us for the trouble.

>>14817276
>The Wizard will send poor weather to Zlatan.
>The Wizard delegates the task.

The Wizard sighs at your mention of using the weather talisman. "Sure. Right, well, what exactly am I doing, then, now that the CHORES are out the way, milord?"

>Once per season, the Wizard may delegate a task that carries a risk of Boredom to the Witch, allowing him to perform two tasks a season, but only if at least one carries a risk of Boredom.
>The Wizard does not yet trust the Witch with tasks that do not carry a risk of Boredom.

>>14817347
We could have the Wizard enchant weapons of fel power for our soldiers to help them in the fast-approaching war.
Only problem is that it will require a Major Purchase.
What else could we have him do that won't be boring?

we could ask him to make a weapon for us or the black thane to use.

>>14817347

Inquire as to what further artifacts of doom he can construct. We're about to go to war, after all, and the guy with the most magic has a distinct advantage. Can he fashion golems, or a Golem singular? Can he bind beings from other planes of existence? I do think that making more magical items is a good idea, if only because the Apprentice can use them as well.

>>14817298
>>14817226
>>14817221
>>14817227
>You decide the Dictator will focus on diplomacy.
>You spend a Major Purchase on evidence.

"At once, my lord," the stern nobleman says, calling for his servants. You hear hurried mutterings of requests for strong horses and fine wine, and coin fall into hands as he whispers sidelong to the silent, cloaked escorts who see to his less scrupulous orders.

"I head for Vesna at once, my lord," he says, on his way out of the room.

>The Dictator is unavailable.

It occurs to me that we can also assist the Wizard now, if we so choose to do so. We make all actions more likely to succeed, after all. This is an ability I will never, ever get tired of.

so basically we make the wizard build golems or another doomsday weapon?

>>14817428

I suppose he could also perform another daring, high-stakes raid of Zlatan castle with his good pal the Black Thane to rescue the Oracle and pay a courtesy visit to the Duchess.

>>14817347
Have the Wizard give the Witch the weather talisman to bring the scourge of bad weather to our enemies? He seems to be bored with the task.

The Steward was looking haggard last time, from what I remember. If we don't have anything specific for her or the Necromancer to do, we might allow them to take some time off, so to speak. It's a thought, anyway. Not sure what the benefits might be of that.

>>14817487
Not a bad notion. I was thinking to send her with the dictator, lend a gentler tone, but you're right, we should keep her around, and let the necromancer spend his non-training time with her.

Have The Necromancer, Ourself, and the Wizard work together this season to fashion a unit of Constructs. Surely we cannot fail with so much sorcerous might put to the task. I want great big bloody golems that shoot lightning from their eyes. You are the Necromancer can focus on the base Construct and wizard can work on tricking them out with weaponry.

>>14817414
>>14817392
>>14817390
>>14817373

"A ... construct?" The Wizard strokes his beard, brow knitted. "Yes, that could be interesting. But complex. I would require a few things for you to decide, however. The methods of creation for such a thing is ... varied, and each has its own methods and madness." There is a pause. "And, to some who are less familiar with magic, there are other qualities some find unsettling in each."

"I would ask you to choose a pillar of the seasons to which this golem shall be forever chained, a primal essence of which its very being shall be composed."

>The Wizard may create a golem of Winter.
>The Wizard may create a golem of Spring.
>The Wizard may create a golem of Summer.
>The Wizard may create a golem of Autumn.

"And, furthermore, I would need you to instruct me on its ... composition."

>The Wizard may animate a golem with the energies of life.
>The Wizard may animate a golem with the energies of death.

winter and life

please

>>14817526
Oh shit yeah, time to get all Thorned Duke up in here.

Spring Golem
Life Magic

Go go gadget Rosebush Robot.

>>14817526
LIFE SPRING
FLOWER GOLEM

FLOWERS FOR THE FLOWER THRONE

>>14817522

That's an interesting idea. The three finest magical minds in the kingdom, working together to fashion a servitor of great power. A servitor with laser beams. And great crushing stone fists.

A golem is a piece of art, you see, not something to be mass-produced. It must be beautiful. It must be awe-inspiring. It must cause our enemies to tremble before its wrath. It shall serve as a banner of our armies, rallying all behind it.

Or it can be a trumped-up security guard for when the Black Thane has better things to do than play spy-catcher. Either way, really.

>>14817526
I don't know what any of that means. What implications are there to each "season", and what's meant by "composition"? Which composition will involve neither corpses nor living beings?

>>14817558
Rosebot, Thorned Duke and Black Thane teaming up would be an unstoppable strike force.

what would the seasons on this golem do?

>>14817526
We're gonna be fighting in summer, so summer golem with life energy. Necromancer helps out. Black thane will guard this project and us. I don't want anything to happen to our golem.
Truly this will be the summer of Zlatan's discontent.

"A golem made from the first-fallen leaf of Autumn, Wizard. For our people, it will be a symbol of beauty: its form reflecting the red and orange hues of the season, its movements lithe, free, graceful.

For Zlatan, it will be a reminder that winter's chill fast approaches, and with it, the chill of death."

>>14817541

I rather like Winter and Life for the symbolism. A sort of "Out of Winter, even there Life flourishes."

It should probably be made of stone. Perhaps a statue of fair Tautila's first Duke?

>>14817563
I think it might mean that we can only use the Golem during that season. Which means we might want to consider when we most need offensive capabilities. Or it might just be flavor. who knows.

Well, we now have a vote for every season. Glad /tg/'s as decisive as ever.

>>14817596

If that's the case, it should definitely be winter. It's difficult to carry out any warfare in the winter, which is why it'll be all the more surprising.

Ask the Wizard what he means by it being "chained to a season."

>>14817541
>>14817543
>>14817551
If we're building a golem, what purpose would life be? We're not going to give the enemy troops back or their crops. Why not send in a Winter/Death golem to freeze their troops to point of breaking? Also bankrupt their nation so that we can take over when the time comes.

we need to strike hard and decisivly beat the enemy into submision or they will keep harrasing us. consensus seems to be wait a season, make final preperation then smakc the shit out of them.

remember, we still have justification to invade. the only PR problems that could be caused by invasion is if we forget to share our loot with our allies.

also, incase we arnt already make sure were repayin our old and very patient ally who did so much to help our fine country.

keep the thegn training the troops and hang out with the wizard while he makes a few nifty magical weapons to be wielded by some elite troops or champions chosen from the mid level units

Spring / Life

>>14817631
we will just give them cancer then

>>14817631

Symbolism, man. Symbolism.

Plus, if it can do what we can do, that is improve all chances of things happening or healing wounds, it'll be great to keep with the army when we're busy with other things. Our guys are already killy enough; we just need to make sure they don't get killed themselves.

>>14817563
>>14817577
The Wizard smiles knowingly. "Milord, you are great and just ruler, and as knowledgeable in the ways of war as you are in diplomacy. However, were I to regale you with the Three Eyes of Galiph, or Hjolf Half-a-man and his journey into the Precipice of Oblivion and his sundering of the Faceless King from the wheel ... Well, meaning no offense, you lack the background to grasp my artistry's purpose."

"Besides, giving it away would spoil the fun."

>The Wizard refuses to elaborate.

>>14817631
Because we are a benevolent skeletal liege who has a goddamn rosebush in his rib cage and uses Life Magic to heal people. Think Propoganda bro. How does Zlatan look when the goddamn Jesus Duke and his bastion of life energy flower covered golem come a knocking to right some wrongs?

>>14817631
Life=regeneration powers!

>>14817645
Cancer is slow. We need the plague.

>>14817656

make it winter and life

life magic powers it and then snow snow everywhere.

>>14817656

God, I love this lecherous old bastard. When all's said and done with Zlatan I vote we spend a major purchase on improving his Wizard's Tower.

I missed a few of these I think.

Good to see its ongoing, I have found it to be quite an excellent quest OP.

>>14817685

i second this

>>14817652
>>14817659
Who cares about symbolism in time of war? We're already an undead king, our people are happy but that could change if we were to have a drawn out war. We need to strike with Winter/Death as it would hamper their supply lines, and bring sickness and death to the enemy.

This way we can waltz in after it's all said and done take back the Oracle take the riches and divide them with our allies. Instead of walking around acting like Skeleton Jesus which has a risk of angering our people.

[Just an aside but Mors, I wanted to tell you that I am currently using Tautila as the campaign setting in my campaign and my players love the shit out of the Thorned Duke. They were kind of iffy about it at first seeing as he is a Skeleton but his benevolence has grown on them. Just wanted to thank you, and /tg/, for making such an awesome NPC and setting.]

>The Wizard will animate a golem with the energies of life.
>You decide you will aid the Wizard.
>You spend a Major Purchase on animating a golem.

The Wizard crosses his arms. "Alright, then, the bounteous energies it is. But, the season? You seem indecisive."

i think we should know what the implications of each season actualy mean before deciding

at the onest however, im partial to autumn/life, or winter/life, simply for the symbolism

>>14817656
I'd just like to note, for the record, that the golem is starting to sound like a really bad idea. I was nervous to begin with, and that response only made things worse. This thing is NOT going to help us look like a benevolent ruler.

"We did not have the parts."

>>14817732
[ I am terribly flattered to hear that.

Good work, fellas. ]

>>14817745
I think I prefer Autumn over Winter. I'd like the Golem to be at least a little bit friendlier. Unless of course the Winter/Life golem ends up being Frosty the Snowman or something.

>>14817741
Summer

spring!

I vote Spring/Life. It fits our dukedom's image best.

>>14817725

You're right. Symbolism isn't very important in war. However, after the war's all said and done and the historians start scribbling, well, that's when the symbolism comes in handy. Winter, because that's the season we were resurrected in, and Life because that's what we're best at and that's where we can provide the most aid.

>>14817746
Well we all thought the Wrath circle was going to be a bad idea too when the Wizard got all surprised and enthusiastic over it but that turned out to be pretty simple.

Seconding choosing Winter as the season.

>>14817765
spring, for the flowers.

>>14817732

You should tell us about your adventures after the vote finishes.

>>14817754

though autumn clings to life is a time of decline and inevitable onset of winter, a somwhat dreary tone, whereas even in the bitterest depths of blasted snow, there is still hope for the spring to come, which i think meshes well with our choice of cosmic energy.

>>14817791

Same here. It's fitting.

>>14817776
The scribes will describe it as how ever they wish, but the important notion will be that if we chosen Death and Winter we could've strengthen our tide over other lands by destroying their economy and troops to defend themselves. Then the pomp and ceremonies could be when we parade their leaders through OUR streets.

"Ex Mors, Vitae"

That should totally be our new motto.

as for the captain, i suggest he proposition joint exercises with our allied units, it gives the command structure experience in organizing and executing operations, gives allied troops somthing to do, gives both sides combat practice, and can help engender closer camradery between our peoples.

>You decide the wizard will create a golem of Spring, and animate it with the energies of life.

"It's decided, then. -- My thanks for the ingots, milord. I might be able to use some ideal materials rather than simply what is available, now." With that, the Wizard departs, rubbing his hands together. "Oh, this will be ever so interesting. Not a mannekin, but a full-fledged golem of the ages ... Ah, the history I continue to make in Tautila," he says, trailing off.

>The Wizard is unavailable.

(I like the idea of the spring/life golem) Just a side note, I remember that Black Thane could rescue any member of our duchy from jailing, and could not be jailed. Does this apply to the Oracle? (Yeah, I'm probably reaching a bit far since she is temporary.)

Would everyone agree to just roll for the result? 2d20, the higher result wins. First die is for Spring, Second die is for Winter? Would anyone object to this?

>>14817820

one must also consider the fact that we are 10x better at life magic then death

>>14817849

Yes. We've already put it to a vote, no point in rolling now.

Also have the Steward focus on crops.

>>14817878

this or time off

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

>>14817843

>You decide the wizard will create a golem of Spring

spring? oh well, i do supose it fits the tone better.

we are collaborating personaly with the wizard and necromancer on this yes?

>>14817900
What can the Necromancer do?

Tell the Necromancer to work on his own magic for a bit. He really doesn't seem to be able to cast much on his own and I wouldn't mind a troop of Dreadknights for the Black Thane to command.

Their heraldry could be black roses. It's so deliciously thematic.

Black Thane training you.

Captain training troops.

Give Steward and Necromancer time off. Not much for Necro to do right now, Steward seemed tired, and they could both do with some private time.

OK, since the golem matter is done, let's get the captain to strategize on invasion routes into Zlatan. Let's have a military plan before we go in.

>>14817900
The Thane and the Captain should continue training the troops in preparation for the invasion next season.

As for how haggard the Steward is looking, I think she deserves some time off.

we still need to have death magic taught to us

im thinking have the steward focus on instituting sewage and canal systems, health, hydration, irrigation, and transport, for an overall improvement in efficiency and quality of life.

>>14817935
Oh, yeah, that's better than training already-good troops. Forget what I said, I'm seconding this.

>>14817900

Could the Necromancer help with the construction of the Golem in any way?

If not, send him with the Steward to help with the crops.

Also, I suspect that the Zlatans might try to kill the Oracle if they think the jig is up. While the Dictator is spreading word of her capture, send the Black Thane to rescue the Oracle. It's a double-pronged assault, you see. If the Thane fails, we'll still have the support of the other nations. If the Dictator fails, we'll have rescued the Oracle anyways. The chances of both failing are much lower than just one failing, so the Black Thane should definitely attempt rescuing the Oracle, especially since Zlatan no longer has any sorcerous might to stop him.

>>14817924

well, hes the one that taught us life magic in the first place, with our efforts combined it will certainly be a golem for the ages

It was mentioned earlier that we would have Thane guard the golem project, is that something we should go ahead with?

Also how heavily do we want to invest in the project, since we may want to have the Steward to do some propaganda but that required more info on the golem.

if the golem looks like this pic i will be very happy

I think having the captain plan an invasion is more important than having him train troops

Woo! Missed this a lot! now, if only I wasn't so tired so I could join.

>>14817979
I think you're going to be a little let down.

>>14817982

Second on having the Captain begin drawing up invasion plans.

>>14817516
We might have them work together instead on something within the kingdom - looking to improve our status as a travel hub, perhaps? Do we have docks or stables to improve?

>>14817925
>>14817924
The Necromancer seems surprised by the question. "What can I do? Well, my powers are finally beginning to return, in these eventful years since your rise, my lord. Whatever you ask of me, I shall do my best."

>You inquire about aiding the Wizard.
The youth sighs. "Even if you were to choose to animate this construct by means of taming the void, my lord, I would be of no use to you. The Wizard benefits from an education I was not afforded, and what tutelage we may have once had in common has been atrophied by the passage of time, and the devotion to my craft."

>The Necromancer may not aid the Wizard in most sorcerous tasks.

>You inquire about death knights.
The Necromancer hesitates before answering. "This, I can do for you, but the devotion to serve beyond death is not easily found, and can only be found in the hearts of men who have dealt as much. Furthermore, it is a dark magic, and ... well, not all gifts cast into darkness are returned in kind."

>The Necromancer may promote an elite unit of any kind into an undying unit of the same variety.
>This action may kill the unit of troops.

>>14817998
Dictator's being sent to gain allies for the upcoming attack.

>>14817900
>The Black Thane is available.
attempt to free the oracle, if we invade while shes still imprisoned they may try to use her as a hostage
>The Captain is available.
make preperations with the help of the Steward to invade and begin plans for asorbing the enemy borderland into our dutchy
>The Necromancer is available.
work with him to try to teach a few promicing healers a bit of life magic, with luck we will get some compatnet medics for our army
>The Steward is available.
already spoken for, but if we get a chance quietly/privatly mention that as we are unable to provide an heir and she is one of our only decendants...(make a vauge gesture)

wait do we have cavalry?

>>14818017
2nd

There's just not much the Necromancer can do this season. Either work with the steward on crops now in case the war drags on, or take a sabbatical to recover his strength more quickly.

Now that I think about it, having the Necromancer take a break to focus on regaining his powers will probably be way more helpful in the long run. Have him take a break unless he wants to work with the Steward.

Give the Steward and the Necromancer the season 'off'.

:)

>>14817979
I'd like them to be like Shadow of The Colossus.

>>14817935
>>14817941
>>14817982
>>14817995
>>14818017
>You decide the Captain will focus on strategy.

"Of course, my lord. As you wish. No matter how strong our armies may be, without a plan of action, all their numbers will count for nothing." He calls for his armor. "I will ride the border and meet with the troops there, to prepare them for what is to come."

He kisses his wife and son before departing.

>The Captain may spend a season strategizing.
>This action will increase the likelihood of success for the next battle joined by the Captain.

>The Captain is unavailable.

>>14818012
Oh goodness no, we don't want to KILL any of our troops for this. Didn't we lose a troop of elite spies that were formerly merciless lawmen a while back? Surely the Black Thane inspired a bit of duty in those guys. Go find where we buried those and let's see about turning them into Death knights.

If that's a no-go then we will just have to wait until we lose a unit through natural wartime attrition and then raise them.

>wake up
>check /tg/
>dead kings quest is finally back

FUCK YES! I had begun to worry that you'd abandoned us, mors!

Time to read the thread and catch myself up...

>>14818012
Would the risks go down if he practices his magic? And next season create the undead troops?

>>14817900
Captain and Steward should talk directly with the Hildefons and Gailavira units at the boarder to cultivate close relationships with the nations. Maybe even start a tourney.
The Necromancer is to train us in life magic.
The Thane is to train is in war.

>>14818079
>>14818012
Let's hold off on Death Knights. It sounds like they would be a gamble, and they'd damn sure freak out our populous. Besides, it sounds like something he's not so eager to try. Assure him we were only asking, not suggesting it.

>>14818101
Yeah have him do something else for the season.

>>14818079
Dreadknights can't be dead already, then they'd just be Zombies/Skeletons. Dreadknights are willing alive warriors that go to Undeath willingly. They're the warrior version of Liches.

>>14818101
>>14818017
these have my support

>>14818079

Maybe make it a volunteer service, and give some rousing speech about duty and honor and love of country and how I came back from Death's Door to serve fair Tautila and I would offer you the same chance blah-blah-blah. You know, something noble and rousing and honorable to sell the idea that I want these guys to die and serve me eternally.

Certainly don't lie to them. Mention the hardships. Mention that they shall never love a woman again. Deliver a grand oration about it, bemoaning the frailty of life as well as its beauty, which is why Life needs its Deathless protectors. Just don't coerce them or force them. If they volunteer their devotion shall be all the stronger.

>>14818112
Okay, so Long term goal.

Train up some Knights that are REALLY loyal, put them under Black Thanes tutelage for a few seasons. Feel out whether they would be willing to become Dreadknights after that.

>You decide to release the Necromancer for the season.

Blinking, the Necromancer kneels. "Thank you, my lord. I will not waste the time you give me, and I remain as always in your service. Perhaps I will travel Heva's lands again," he mumbles idly.

>The Necromancer decides to adventure.

im seconding working with necro in training medics within the army, countless casualties in war are lost for want of aid, in sickness or wounds, and they can be useful in combat itself aswell.
will also serve to give us practice aswell, they say you have not truely mastered somthing untill you are able to teach it to another.

>>14818017

The necromancer idea is a good long term strategy but we wont see as much gain in healing ability as before (remember that the necromancer said that we learned much faster than anyone he saw before). Might consider this as some sort of magic health care system during peace time, like a West Point Academy but with life magic instead of engineering

>>14818142
>>14818147
Too lat for these now.

>Black Thane
>Steward

We still need orders for these two. I vote for the Black Thane to train us in combat. Steward to improve our place as a trade hub.

>>14818147

Holy shit yes this. Long term goal of a stable, wealthy kingdom with a cadre of healers and the Thorned Duke as its ruler, that would be awesome.

Sounds like the Necromancer is going to have fun. What about the Steward, though?

Give the Steward time off too. Have the Black Thane either train you or guard the golem project.

>>14818168

There's not much that needs improving now, really. Maybe we should release her as well.

[ Just as an aside, micromanagement will remain at the level it is currently at. This is not meant to be a rebuke or anything of the like, but troops will remain troops, trade will remain trade, and wealth will remain wealth. There will be no need at present or in the future to measure cavalry against archery, to differentiate the orthodoxy of a local healer from the hasty surgery of the hospitaler, or to measure the average rainfall in Tautila as it relates to irrigation.

Truly, I appreciate your devotion. I just can't say I share it. And as anyone will tell you, the first step in a game -- tabletop or otherwise -- going to shit is when it ceases to be fun for someone to run it. Occasionally exceptions will be made, but only when I think it will not simply serve to be a greentext line that players have to worry about.

There's enough to worry about already, eh fellas?

Thank you, but please direct your analytical mind to problem solving, or other areas of (Dead) King's Quest that do not require further expansion or detail to be fully understood. ]

well, since the necro has already taken a season off (who knows? this may help him out more in the long run), i second the long-term proposal of looking into turning some of our elite troops into death knights (all voluntary, of course)

>>14818180

So Necromancer and Steward as an adventure couple? Let the Steward delegate the management of the economy to those below her, then both of them can go and have some time together for good service. Ask them to come up with ideas and suggestions for the Kingdom based on what they see during their travels, as well.

Seconding having the Black Thane train us further in personal combat, and giving the Steward this season off.

>>14818184

Alright, then.

You have to keep in mind, though, that a lot of it is just us hashing out ideas with each other rather than issuing direct orders to you. We argue and debate and whinge about the particulars to convince one another to our own points of view, and then deliver that point more consisely when we've arived as consensus.

Hopefully. At least that's what I've been trying to do. None of my excess examination has really been done in the expectation that you'll calculate the annual interest rate of the Tautilan dukebuck against the growth of the Zlatan rubel or whatever.

We just need to throw ideas against one another and examine the problem from multiple angles, I think. It slows the thread down a bit, yes, but democracy is a slow process.

>>14818184
uh...what specificly are refering to? most of the post near yours are talking about long term plans more than micro managment.

im a bit torn, part of me wants to let her off, possibly go adventuring with necro, but then part of me also wants him to set out on his own to see what he can find without distraction,

as far as what she could do, im up for either having her start work of waterways and waste disposal,
or else we could personaly work with her on improving our farming.

Steward takes a break. She's been working her ass off, second only to the dictator, who we actually should give some off time. Black thane guards our golem project as i have said

>>14818210
>>14818198

Think we have enough reserves to manage for a season without the Steward stressing herself out. Going to support giving her time off with the Necromancer and seeing if they can pick up anything interesting along the way.

Also training in personal combat would be great, get to know the Black Thane a little better or something.

>>14818232

Why? We can guard it! Equal to one unit of skilled troops, remember? We don't even need to sleep, either, so it won't ever be lacking a guard. The Black Thane needs to go all A-Team on Zlatan and rescue that fair damsel in extreme distress.

>>14818229
set her to preperation for the war/battle hopeful assimilation of some of the enemys land

>>14818244

Actually wait fuck you're right, I'll take back my vote for training. Let the Black Thane go try to rescue the Oracle now, that sounds more urgent, we guard the golem project ourselves.

Send the black thane to begin setting up a spec Ops rescue mission for the oracle. Scoping out where she's imprisoned, training men to slip in and slip out in a moment of chaos. That way we can move surgically, as soon as possible.

>>14818232
down voting this, as it seems like a waste

>You decide to release the Steward for the season.

The idea seems foreign to her, as the Necromancer stops in the doorway upon departure. "I have ... never left Tautila, good Duke," she says, quietly, as the surly, brown-cloaked authority in the arts of death takes her hand.

"There is first time for all things," he says to her, wearing his usual sour expression, though your keen sense detect its softening. You must not be the only one to detect it, as the Steward smiles. "That is true enough," she says, and follows him.

>The Steward decides to adventure.

There is silence in the throne room as you are left alone in the massive chamber with your faithful guard, the Black Thane. He turns to you, and you hear the echo of his voice ring through your mind.

"My liege," he begins, with a pause that would lead you to believe a lesser man was searching for words. "As for love ... Why?"

>>14818259
>>14818253
>>14818244

So: send Black Thane to scout/prepare/look into rescuing the Oracle now and consider the likelihood of doing this, while we guard the golem project and see what we can pick up from the Wizard?

The Black Thane is actually checking to see if we have died yet, which will free him.

>>14818253
>>14818259
Let's not send Black Thane to save her just yet. If he succeeds, we lose our pretext to attack. Have him plan the op this season, but use the actual war as cover for the rescue. That'll help draw guards from the prison anyway.

>>14818269

As for love?

Is Thane learning how to be human and nice? He sounds kind of... oddly... interesting...

>>14818278
>The Black Thane is actually checking to see if we have died yet, which will free him.

What?

BUH?

>>14818269
"Because I want my people to be Happy, Thane. Everyone deserves to be happy."

>>14818280

You have a point. Thane to prepare operation, or at least, after we deal with his question. Ask him for clarification? What does he want to know about specifically?

>>14818269

"There are many loves in this world, Thane, and theirs is not one meant for those such as you and I. We share a love of duty that transcends death, and that is the only love we shall ever know. Mock not the living lovers, Thane, for we, too, were living once, and subject to life's frailties, beauties, loves, sorrows. We endure. We endure."

>>14818280
What? If the mission is succesful we still have our evidence to attack, and it will give us one less thing to worry about. In this case the oracle being held hostage.

SEND THE BLACK THANE

>>14818244
That is a good point, but since we are going to help in making the golem, we might miss a few things like Zlatan spies. That said, getting the Black Thane to rescue the Oracle is a pretty good plan. A message of "Cut it out or else." The 'else' being crushed by 4 countries.

Personally, I don't mind either plan happening.

>>14818269
"They are young yet. They are still alive, yes, but more than that, they have the spark of VITALITY. A pile of old bones shouldn't stand in the way of that."

>>14818292

Bawww yes.

EVEN THE BLACK THANE DESERVES A HAPPY ENDING. Whoever he was. Is. Whatever.

>>14818271
Voting for this

>>14818280
we already have pretext to attack, we had it ages ago and still do. if we keep dicking around about it well lose it befoe we actully do anything

>>14818303
That's not how diplomacy works in that setting. If we go gallavanting off, it may make us look good, bt then they no longer have something worth going to war over.

>>14818315
Yes. We might loose the Oracle. She was delicate before. God alone knows what this extended stay in captivity is doing to her psyche.
She may end up a shell of a woman.

>>14818269
>"My liege," he begins, with a pause that would lead you to believe a lesser man was searching for words. "As for love ... Why?"

"Because for those who have not yet been taken in by death, it is the most wondrous sensation life has to offer. Let them know love so they may find happiness in life...and hopefully end up with no regrets in death."

>Thane's face

>>14818316

Yeah we do. Just because the Oracle isn't captured right now it doesn't mean that Zlatan never captured her or infiltrated another country to do it. We rescue her and then launch the invasion as a rebuke, not a rescue mission.

>>14818307
>>14818303
We want to save her, yes, but we also want to see Zlatan crushed, and possibly even added into our own dukedom. If the other nations discover that we've freed the Oracle, suddenly they have less interest in going after the nation as a whole. We want to look really good to our allies, even as we wipe out an enemy.

>>14818320

All the more reason we ought to have Thane prepare. We want this extraction/rescue to go off as smoothly as possible and we want to make sure we can hang onto her once she's out. Rushing into Zaltan head on just seems rash and I don't think it's a good idea to risk our Thane on top of the Oracle, much as I want her out.

>>14818292
>>14818301
>>14818310
The Black Thane nods solemnly as you attempt to explain. A witness would behold only two skeletal vestiges of duty and rule, staring at one another in a chamber as empty as a tomb.

"I see. Those who live must be allowed to enjoy what it has to offer."

The Black Thane nods again, as he steps toward the doors.

"I shall go make more of the dead now, my liege."

They close behind him with an echoing boom.

>The Black Thane departs for Zlatan.

>>14818331
>>14818315
What this guy said!
We don't loose our justification for starting a war for trying to get back someone who was wrongly imprisoned.
It's not like us having her back suddenly doesn't mean that the bastards never kidnapped her. It just means she doesn't suffer any longer in captivity.

>>14818350

> "I shall go make more of the dead now, my liege."

brb laughing forever

o thane

>>14818269
Why love...

It is hard for us, the dead, to feel love. It is hard enough even to remember it. I know that the greatest blow any man can face is the loss of love, yet EVERYONE who loves is also destined to be so wounded. I suppose there is something that makes it all worthwhile. It would be funny, if it weren't so tragic.

>>14818350
... odd chap.

Bloody loyal, and hard as nothing else.

but still.

>>14818280
>If the Black Thane Succeeds
>If
Yeah. I there isn't much if about it. He WILL return her.

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

>>14818350
Okay, does anyone else feel really bad for the Black Thane all of a sudden? It seems like he remembers bits of his life, or wishes he did, because that sounded really depressing.

>>14818385

I did ):

Somehow I'd like to make him happy too or give him a present, but considering that very little motivates him besides DUTY AND LOYALTY this is kind of hard do come up with.

please let the black thane return alive with the oracle

>>14818402

Same with us, I suppose. The Thorned Duke and his Thane were torn from the grave to serve, and serve we shall.

>>14818385
>>14818402
we should research his history

>>14818316
>Facepalm.jpg

you know, we already have a perfectly valid Casus belli two threads back well before the oracle got captured. In fact, Mors was suggesting that the oracles capture was not enough to be a Casus belli by itself.

meaning what? that if the oracle had not been captured in the first place and we invaded anyway everything would have been perfectly fine with our forign politics

>>14818385

Same here. That...that just really struck me for some reason.

Damn, Mors. Intentional or not, you're a terrific writer with this sort of thing.

>>14818425
>>14818413
>>14818402
>>14818385
Once the war's over, maybe we should have the Witch scry his life (I doubt the Wizard cares enough). Maybe we can get a hint of something we can do for him.

>It is the 303rd year After Unification.
>It is summer.

Heva swells with heat, a heat unknown to all summers before. Crops wither on the vine, and it takes a portion of your will every morning to maintain the grand gardens in the courtyard. At times, curious children spy you in the maze of life, clutching blooms in your skeletal hand and causing them to wilt no longer with only a gesture and a subtle glow of moonlight.

Your servants sweat profusely, and the noblemen arrive at times, presumably to complain, but in truth they simply end up enjoying the cool shelter of your cellars and the bounty of your banquet table. While others tear flesh or guzzle wine, you politely pass flowers into your smiling jaws, petal by petal. Though strange, it is less upsetting than to sit before an empty plate.

Your court is assembled. Those who breathe take labored breaths, and fan themselves with papers. The first, the one who does not breath, steps forward.

>>14818444

yes, this. we may not be able to give him happiness, but at least we can... probably give him something more to belong to, or something more that he might be.

>>14818452
Oh thank goodness. The black Thane made it back in one piece. I can only hope the oracle did too.

>>14818452
Shit. Looks like someone fucked with our weather. This is Not Good.

dangit, this weather talisman must be defective

>>14818466

Could just be a heat wave. These things happen.

>>14818466
Or the Witch is a traitor and is using it against us.

Fffff- of all days I decide to not go onto /tg/ until too late. I'm missing the return of Dead King Quest? Must catch up. Who needs to sleep on time.

>>14818452
The Black Thane bows his head. "My liege. I am satisfied to report that I did not fail you. The Oracle lives, and sleeps in the security of our hall. She is silent. I do not know why. The Dictator informs me that she has succumbed to some sort of fragility I am unfamiliar with."

"She has lost those faithful to her, Thane," says the Dictator, quite serious. "Surely you do not suppose that the Duke would not be aggrieved if you were to be torn from his service?"

There is the rattle of armor as the Black Thane seems greatly dismayed by this idea. "Yes. I understand, Dictator. Thank you for explaining this to me in terms that I may so do."

>The Black Thane has succeeded in his espionage action.
>The Oracle is no longer Jailed.

Noticing your glance to his empty scabbard, The Black Thane offers his apology. "I beg your pardon for the absence of my blade. It is being repaired." A pause. "The Zlatan have stubborn armor."

>heat wave
>witch was dicking around with the weather talisman all season

i swear, if she's responsible for this, we gotta get the wizard to give her a good backhand for this

>>14818512

YESSSS and oh god thane, of all the characters that I expected to make me kind of bawww, he was not one of them.

We need to surround the Oracle with HAPPY THINGS too. If she relies on people close to her- hm, must figure out a way to help.

>>14818512
Oh the Black Thane. So awesome. Now we must find some way to help out the Oracle. Having the favour of an oracle is never a bad thing.

>>14818512

thats it we're getting the thane a magical sword and he saved the oracle.

>>14818512
Hell yeah.
Were we a less dignified skelleton, I would totally recommend an undead high five

It's possible the heat wave is just a consequence of abusing the weather talisman so much. I mean we have been using that thing a lot, and we were using it on Zlatan, not Tautila. This might be backlash. Let's wait for the Wizard to report first.

>>14818529

Yess this! A gift to replace his lost sword and to increase his efficiency, so that he may better serve by our side.

>>14818512
well, im making a recommendation now - spend a purchase on the oracle this season to help her out in any way she needs. therapy, recruitment for new servants, anything.

also, thane is becoming more and more awesome the more you write about him mors.

>>14818512
The Captain enjoys a small laugh at the Black Thane's assertion. "Let us hope not SO stubborn, friend," he says, clapping the undead warrior on the shoulder, before turning to you. The Black Thane simply stares at the hand on his mantle for a few moments, before disregarding it.

"The plan has shaped up quite finely, my lord. Your troops are prepared for battle, when it falls," the Captain says.

>The Captain has successfully strategized.
>The next battle joined by the Captain has a greater chance of success.

>The Dictator informs me that she has succumbed to some sort of fragility I am unfamiliar with.

We need to help ease her grief and suffering however we can.

Also, thinking in the long term, once she's better, we need to release the Oracle to the other (friendly) nations for her to perform her services - as dear as she is to us, she IS supposed to be a neutral party, and her abilities available to all nations. Probably offer her an escort guard for that.

The black thane is AWESOME.

If only we had a record of how he did it.

Also. We need to start working on getting the oracle back in shape. Should we see about helping her assemble a new retinue?

>>14818538
The sword isn't lost bro, its just being repaired. Also, I think both our and his swords hold historical significance to the duchy, if not sentimental value. We should instead try to enchant them rather than replace them in my opinion.

>>14818546
[ Almost forgot the statuses. ]

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has four units of elite troops.

>Hildefons has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.
>Gailavira has stationed one unit of standing troops at the Zlatan border.

1. Invite the Oracle to a tea party in your flower garden. You can't drink it, but it might make her feel a little better. Maybe ask the Steward to help out and then she can dedicate the season to cheering up the Oracle.

2. Get Wizard and Witch to work fixing the damn weather. Check up on status of Spring Golem.

3. Invade Zlatan already, Go in with Captain, Black Thane, Golem and maybe even Necromancer. Crush Zlatan completely so we can end this stupid war. The dispense some of our food reserves to deal with the famine we must have caused over there. That should help ingratiate us with the populace.

the obvious course of action is for the oracle to collaborate with black thane to help 'remove her weaknesses'

a tea party with the oracle sounds splendid

>>14818584
Oh god no

Black Thane is the worst possible choice for cheering someone up.

>>14818563
>3. Invade Zlatan already, Go in with Captain, Black Thane, Golem and maybe even Necromancer. Crush Zlatan completely so we can end this stupid war. The dispense some of our food reserves to deal with the famine we must have caused over there. That should help ingratiate us with the populace.

this has every iota of my support

>>14818584

She probably wouldn't survive the session. No, best to ship her off to whatever school she came from for a bit of rest and recuperation. Maybe even the capital, as I can't imagine they don't have stilled healers there, and our duty is foremost to our people, so we can't spend a season healing her ourselves.

>>14818597
its not like we actually do anything

do you even understand how good our reputation can become if we are seen as a hospitable and caring host, rather than someone who just ships off a very unwell guest?

>>14818543
As far as the oracle goes I don't think is a is a problem money can solve
>>14818563
is a better idea, just delegate helping the oracle to the steward, don't concern yourself with the deals of how she does it- we need to think about the war

>>14818561
"As for the evidence of Zlatan's folly, my lord, it have been shown to all, but proclamation or word of mouth. Unfortunately, most of the duchies prefer not to become involved with the conflict. They see the Oracle's misfortune to be simply a ... a sad result of her openness with the many courts."

"They disprove, but offer no reprisal." His mouth warps with distaste and sarcasm. "Oh, dear, charity and a fair mind. Horror of horrors."

"However, it is not all bad news." The Dictator is flanked by a similarly dour man, with white sideburns that are feathered outwards and an impressive moustache of the same hue. "My lord, I give you our liason to Vesna. He will be staying with us, should we need to send word to them. The Duke of Vesna was greatly incensed by the proliferation of the fact that the Oracle met with her misfortune in his lands, and was quite eager to make that displeasure known."

>Tautila may rightfully invade Zlatan.
>Hildefons is friendly.
>Gailavira is allied with you.
>Vesna is allied with you.
>Tautila is provided for. (You may make three major purchases a season.)

>>14818618
Hey! We are a hospitable and caring host! Or at least some portions of us are. I like the Oracle. We shouldn't just kick her out until she is ready to leave on her own.

>>14818623
>"Oh, dear, charity and a fair mind. Horror of horrors."

Okay, I officially like him WAY more than I thought I would someone called "Dictator".

new ally hurray!

>>14818623
>The Oracle is Injured.

There is a moment of silence for the woman sleeping elsewhere in the keep.

>>14818635

The main problem is that if we keep her too long we threaten her impartiality. If we nurse her back to health we'll have to ship her off for a few seasons so as not to further harm her reputation.

>>14818623
Unfortunate, but we have at least one ally in this, and we should be okay without the others.

We are acquiring quite the stable of dour men with awesome facial hair. I'm beginning to think we might need to look into the possibility of cultivating a Mossbeard or something.

>>14818668

do want!

>>14818661
One season to get her on her feet. Steward can handle that, then contact the next place on her rotation and ask them to send an escort to pick her up.

>>14818668

Nah. It'd just look silly. The clean-shaven look is more the Duke's style.

>>14818661
her impartiality has already been damaged by the abduction and a i doubt she will be feeling to impartial if she ever deals with the mental trauma

>>14818668
How many plants are we going to grow on ourselves before people start mistaking us for a Treant?

>>14818689
Well, considering our plans for this season, I doubt she'll have too much chance to be impartial against Zlatan.

>>14818657
[ Ffff, skipped the Necromancer. ]

"I thank you for the time to pursue my wanderlust, my lord," the Necromancer says with a respectful bow. "It has been quite a time since I took to Heva's lands for no other reason than to enjoy what they have to offer."

>The Necromancer's loyalty has increased.

>>14818683
bad idea, whats she going to do when she gets there? without her servants shes as good as dead if she tries to do the seeing and thats the whole reason shes there

>>14818668

>mossbeard

awesome

>>14818709
Hm... Well then one season to recover and then back to the capital for whatever she needs to get her oracle thing going again.

>>14818711

I don't really like it. I'd prefer to have a tighter thematic focus. The Duke of Thorns or the Thorned Duke or the Duke of Roses is a far grander title than just the Duke of Plants.

>>14818730
Besides, we all know that plants and zombies can't coexist.

Except in that one minigame mode.

>>14818730

Then a fine beard made out of rose vines!

I think now is the time for all appropriate members of the court to march off to war

>>14818700
"I have to share the Necromancer's thanks, good Duke. I have spent so long in fair Tautila, caring for its people, and I regret not one moment to do so wonderful a service." She smiles, the picture of one satisfied with one's duty. "However, to see Heva's deserts, and its mountains ... I know how lovely it is, now, to have a place to call one's own home."

>The Steward's loyalty has increased.

we're not a zombie we're a skeleton

>>14818661
I counter with this:
>"As for the evidence of Zlatan's folly, my lord, it have been shown to all, but proclamation or word of mouth. Unfortunately, most of the duchies prefer not to become involved with the conflict. They see the Oracle's misfortune to be simply a ... a sad result of her openness with the many courts."
>"They disprove, but offer no reprisal." His mouth warps with distaste and sarcasm. "Oh, dear, charity and a fair mind. Horror of horrors."

If the other courts do not give a damn about her well-being, we of Tautila ought to proclaim that we do. Let her rest in our court, encourage her to go out on our gardens, as her illness is of the psyche and not of the physics.

Someone suggested a tea party, I endorse that, but make it a habit, rather than an event. Keep her company in the morn and the evening, prepare her rose-infused tea. (Heal her Injury with our Life Magic, in practical terms)

BURN
ZLATAN
TO
THE
FUCKING
GROUND!

We have every justification to invade and royally fuck their shit up. If the golem ended up working, i say we bring that, the wizard, thane, the captain and a couple units of elite troops with us across the border and royally FUCK THEIR SHIT UP!

>>14818563
Option 3 has my support.

>>14818730

hmm, i supose your right, a beard might throw off the juxtaposition inherent to a skeleton with a rosebush growing in it.

>>14818758

i agree it's time to wreck them.

>>14818752

Yeah, but we have a war to lead. You can't abandon your people in wartime, especially when your arts will be more needed on the front. The Oracle can rest in Tautila and be provided with all the healing arts needed, but we can't heal her personally. We can't be in two places at once.

>>14818775
True. We start that after the war. For now, have the Necromancer heal her body, and the Steward her mind.

>>14818766

completely agree.

but we should avoid harming the people. only leadership.

burn their eyes out with wizard, impale their heads on pikes, and inflict general unpleasantness

>>14818775
Hmm, we are going with the invasion this season?
Better check whether the Wizard have completed his golem first.

>>14818775
We can meet just once with the Oracle before leaving for war and then delegate it to the Steward. We have a whole season to make war, no reason we can't take one afternoon to say hi.

>>14818790
Indeed. We should focus on defeating the enemy via logistics and surgical strikes at leadership rather than by open battles.

>>14818749
The Wizard seems very tired. There are bags under his eyes, and a manic energy charges his voice. You detect essences clinging to his clothes, strange essences of beasts you have no name for, of cold blood that still runs, of rosewater and black snuff. There is an air in his visage of violent change, the very stuff of creation clinging to him. While no others seem to react, he looks to you the way breaking glass sounds.

"It lives, my lord," he stammers, the smile of satisfaction on his face shifted with a queer sense of genuine pride. "I will be unable to craft any other constructs of such power. You could count the number of such similar beings in this world on your hand, and half are lost forever in the wilds."

He thrusts his hands upward in triumph. "HAH! There is no joy like reaching for the reins of the world, and finding purchase! Gods, I am so very tired," he mutters.

>The Wizard has animated a golem of living spring.
>The Wizard may summon a golem to a duchy.

It is not yet time to wreck their shit. We must prepare our golem and let the withering of their fields truly sink in. I say we hold off our assault until early winter, when belts must be pulled tight, and the grawing at the soldiers' bellies will drive into them the error of their lord's ways.

>>14818817
Your court stands assembled. The Oracle is safe, and another banner stands beside your own, though the extent of their contribution is not yet known. The crest of the hill is before you.

>The Black Thane is available.
>The Captain is available.
>The Dictator is available.
>The Necromancer is available.
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Injured!)
>The Steward is available.
>The Wizard is available.

Hail, fair Tautila! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

>>14818811
So take our best troops, cut our way through to the castle and let it be known that they will be surrendering right the fuck now or shit is about to get totally grimdark.

I highly doubt Zlatan has the kind of forces necessary to stop Us, the Thane, the Wizard, the Necromancer, our Golem and three Elite squads led by the Captain with our plan bonus. And we've got enough Life magic to make the whole thing a lot harder to stop.

>>14818817


it lives!!!!!!

>>14818818
However, we have the Oracle's warning that this war should not be extended.
Her predictions are pretty much 100% accurate, so I'll go for an invasion this season.

>>14818817
YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

GET THAT GOLEM READY, WIZARD! WE RIDE AT DAWN TO RIP ZLATAN A THIRD ASSHOLE!

>>14818818

We've delayed this invasion for very nearly a year. Strike hard while the iron is hot. We've wrecked their lands, won in skirmishes, taken out their magic support, have two allies in the war, and more! What more do you want? Your caution will be the death of us.

>>14818817

Lovely. We must see it soon, so we may see what your wizard has crafted.

As for our hard working spell crafter, I say we let him take the season off. He has crafted for us something that is all but unheard of in this world, and has given us the aid of a second, if far less skilled, arcane weaver.

Ask the Wizard if he or the witch can fix the weather or at least lessen the heat.

>The Black Thane is available.
War Efforts
>The Captain is available.
War Efforts
>The Dictator is available.
Espionage Efforts against Zlatan
>The Necromancer is available.
War Efforts
>The Oracle is unavailable. (Injured!)
>The Steward is available.
Cheering up the Oracle
>The Wizard is available.
Wizard to rest, Witch to fix the damn weather

>>14818512
>>14818817
Wizard is probably not up to snuff this season, and Thane's sword is in repair.

While Captain has a bonus, the bonus seems to say next battle, so it'll keep.

I'm for waiting next season to invade Zlatan while we pile on more curses and embargoes this season.

we need to strike now, our army is strong our people ready our wizard has just finished a absoulutly bitching golem our elite troops are fearless and aou enemy is weakend and no doubt worried at what we will do next.

>>14818818
I see what you're saying, but remember that they're still weakened from our last war. If we hit now, they won't have any more chance to rebuild their military.

>>14818827
Ready the Thane and Captain for war. Cap leading the troops, Thane with you. Let the Wizard rest, but have the Witch provide distance support by means of some of the devices. Have Necromancer and Steward care for Oracle.

Thane, Captain, Duke, and Golem to attack Zlatan.

Steward to focus on keeping up support for the war effort.

Dictator to train a unit of spies [Major Purchase]

Necromancer to heal Oracle.

Wizard to pimp his pad [Major Purchase]

Create more weaponry to equip the army better [Major Purchase]

>>14818836
Hmm, I hope you are right.
Okay, changing vote to now.

In regards to their surrender, it might be worth trying to grab a hostage from them to make sure they don't try anything foolish anytime soon. I believe it was mentioned their ruler had a number of daughters so it might be possible.

Also, I vote we heal the Oracle's injury.

>You decide the Captain will attack Zlatan.
>You decide the Black Thane will attack Zlatan.
>You decide you will attack Zlatan.

The decision is made at once. You give the order, and the Captain departs to marshal the troops at the border, with the skeletal warrior at his side. You plan to join them when your other duties here are satisfied.

>The Black Thane is unavailable.
>The Captain is unavailable.

As you do so, you inform a servant that the Oracle is to be washes and dressed, and brought to a solitary table in the gardens, as soon as all other court members have left to their duties.

>You decide you will heal the Oracle.

Also, ask what the Golem actually does. He was cagey and mysterious before, and while I appreciate a good aura of mystery, I'd like to know what it's capable of.

>>14818872

this for all we know it's the size of a dorf and grows daisys

Also, inquire the Dictator as to matters of etiquette regarding foreign noble families. We're all part of the same kingdom, so we can't just kill them, but we can't really have them hanging around either. We need to know what do do with Zlatan's nobility.

>>14818872
>>14818886
Agreed. Ask him first, then let him rest once he gives a straight answer.

>>14818886
From what he says it is an artifact of arcane might the likes of which comes along once in an eon. I think it's a little more impressive than that.

>>14818868
Don't forget to bring the golem with us. If we're gonna wreck Zlatan utterly, we wanna do it with style!

>>14818860
>>14818857
Agreeing Cap and Duke to lead invasion troops.

Can Witch Scry in real time? Or can she send foul weather to stop most of Zlatan troops from moving against our invasion force? Especially those not in the capital, keep them slogging in the mud and not reaching us in time.
Can Necro send in curses from our border? Seems like last time it needed him to be inside Zlatan's border.

I am unsure of the use of training Spies right now, since there wouldn't be done to work for the war effort. But they are always useful...
Can the Dictator come along to sway the Zlatan or any mercenary troops from fighting us? Major purchase for bribes, presents, amnesties and the like.

Steward to maintain a logistics of our supply.

>>14818868
Aww. This is a cute scene. The skeleton, blossoms growing in his chest, pouring a small cup for a grey faced woman.

I guess that we should know what it can do, given that we helped build it. Probably best to let him take the credit, though. He can go down in history as the only mage in modern history who has created a real Golem. That's his claim to fame, and we shan't take it from him.

>You decide the Wizard will focus on weather.
>The Wizard delegates the task.

The Wizard beckons you to follow him. There is a pause, but you agree, and he leads you upward in the castle, toward his tower. The growing feeling of lingering magic assaults your senses until you stop in a small foyer, a small round room where the Wizard takes his meals. The Witch is seated there, with the talisman before her.

"We have to discuss something," the Wizard says. "You no doubt wish to make use of the powers of weather, but my apprentice has brought something to my attention." He gestures to the Witch.

"To use the weather talisman is all well and good, my lord," she begins, indicating the finely made object. "But, to what end? All of Heva is under the yoke of this heat. I may use this talisman to grant Tautila rain, to spare us from it. Or," she says. "It is just as possible that Zlatan may suffer further, and it has no magic to grant it any reprieve."

>The weather talisman may aid Tautila.
>The weather talisman may harm Zlatan.

>>14818894


...it grows *alot* of daisys..

also, seconding dictator reinstating our underhand

>>14818919
Well as long as the daisies burst alien style from the chests of our enemies I'm okay with it.

if we're attacking use it for offense

>>14818912

If we want to minimize collateral damage while waging this war, I'd advice against using the weather against Zlatan.

Besides, we need to be able to provide enough food and resources to support our army as well.

>>14818907
Oh, right, and the Life+Spring Golem to come along.

Thane... Come too.
I just hope there aren't any other backstabbing attempts from Zlatan.

. . . I am paranoid

>>14818912

Grant Heva rain. We've already damaged Zlatan's crops enough, and the rain won't make the food come for another season or two. We need the rain now so our people, and our soon-to-be people in Zlatan, can eat in the future.

>>14818919
Save the spies until after the war. It'll look good if we "disband" a unit or two once the immediate threat is over.

>>14818912
Aid Tautila. Once we win, the peasants are going to have a hard winter. We don't need to make it worse. Better to be able to lend them a hand, and that means good weather on our lands.

perhaps we can have our resident thaumaturges enchant our armies gear for enchanced preformance

we need to end this war fast we should use the weather to aid us with this

>>14818912
while making Zlatan suffer is tempting our army will be invading there, it your wheather control percise enough to both worsen things for Zlatan and not worsen things for the army? if yes do it, if not cool things down a bit

>>14818931
We are an Elite troop in our own right and a master of life magic Thane is an unstoppable killing machine. Whatever the golem does it's bound to be impressive.

Let's fuck some shit up!

>>14818868
>You decide you will heal the Oracle.

"You have aided me before, now it is my turn to repay the kindness. I may not be able to stay for long at the moment, but I wish for you to know that my castle is yours to remain in as long as you wish. Anything you require will be procured, and any time I am available, I will be here to speak to. Those who have wronged you shall have their malevolence turned on them for their crimes, and even though I cannot undo the damage they may have inflicted, I will do everything I can to repair it.

Rest well, dear oracle. This kingdom is now your home for as long as you wish to call it such."

>>14818912
>You decide the weather control will go to aid Tautila.

You return to the throne room after the decision is made.

>>14818960
>mfw

>>14818912
. . .
I have no clue.

Politically, either way can be turned into slander against us. Only Tautila rains during this heat, or in its attempt to harm Zlatan, Tautila brings harm to the entire Kingdom.

Just being paranoid.

But hell, kick Zlatan's ass. Let's suffer together with all the land.

>>14818926

Disagree strongly. We'll be over there when she uses that thing. This is our toy, but this thing is indiscriminate; there's no way to target just them. I know using it for even more of a heat weave won't affect us or the Thane too much, but I'd rather not lead an army wearing portable ovens into battle.

Besides they should be weak enough.

Also, let's have the Steward follow behind us with an entourage of relief workers. Help out the civilians behind the scenes while we storm through. Have the Necromancer help/guard her.

Shouldn't the wizard go to war as well since we already have a witch to deal with the weather

>>14818979

Nah. He can have the season off as rest for his labors.

>>14818979
He's too worn out from making the Golem. Which is unfortunate but if the Golem really is worth a season of effort and a large purchase it should make up for it.

>>14818979
The Wizard's demolished from working on the golem. Sending him along would invite disaster.

>>14818979
As much as we're all sure he would love to blow Zlatan shit up... he is far too exhausted from making our the golem of the century.

>>14818979

Have him oversee the Flame Wreath/rest would be my best idea. He just drained himself with this golem; though I am worried that the Zlatans might have gotten another magic user while we weren't looking.

>>14818996
>our the golem of the century

I suggest we use The Dictator to find some wonderful contacts in the underbelly of Zlatan who will assassinate some of their officers for a sum.
OR
See if we can bribe any of them to defect to our side.

The steward may also be useful here.

Have the Dictator focus on trade while we're away, and have the Necromancer use his life magic to heal any lingering physical issues from the Oracle's captivity.

>>14818934
Sadly, it only helps Tautila, not the whole of Heva. I also wish we could ease the whole of Heva, instead.

>>14818962
Also, are not going to the war?

Purchases?
> Wizard tower?
> War effort?
> Boost Weather Talisman to ease the whole Heva from heat wave, except of Zlatan?

>>14818987
>>14818989
>>14818979
>You release the Wizard for the season.

"My thanks, milord. I think I'll go sleep for a week, first," he mutters, exhaustedly trudging off toward his tower.

>The Wizard decides to rest.

We never did hear what the Golem can do, though. Oh, well. Maybe after he wakes up.

>>14819030
Well no matter what that motherfucker better be coming on the assault with us.

Dictator should take care of the country while we're away. I mean, if the Wizard is resting up, I wanna make sure someone's here to keep him from throwing a kegger and make sure he does rest up.

>You decide the Dictator will focus on espionage.
>You spend a Major Purchase on espionage.

"At once, my lord. Your underhand will do its fullest to spoil the war effort of Zlatan. Swords shall be found rusted in their scabbards, messages will be intercepted, and commanders shall fall injured or grow ill." He nods sternly.

"All that is hidden, I go now to put in service of victory. Your wealth shall pay for silence, and it is in silence these methods find the richest soil with which to grow," the Dictator proclaims, leaving as he calls for his servants.

Damn, you guys are moving fast! I'm just going to watch for the most part, but we should dictate the Necromancer to keep the flora from dying while we're away. Can't have the people getting hungry during a heat wave.

It's good to have you back, Mors, and the quest is as good as ever. But it's two in the morning here, and I have 2 exams tomorrow. I'm bailing. Good luck on the war, guys. Just don't give away the capital.

Mors, before you go ahead and have the Necromancer do something can we consult with him on what he can offer us in war efforts or agricultural efforts?

Send Necromancer to the war too but use him as a medic in case things go sour. OR we can have him attempt to raise some of the fallen enemeys as cannon fodder.

>>14819084
[ Don't take these frantic posts as hurry, I'm just trying to keep up with you guys! Yikes! ]

>The Necromancer is available.
>The Steward is available.

>You query the Necromancer about battle.
"I am afraid to admit, my lord, that my works, powerful as they are, are best done in solitude and concentration. I would be of no use to you in the chaos of battle."

Think it's time for the Necromancer to teach Death Magic to the Duke. We've already out grew his ability to teach life magic, and as we're heading towards war we've might as well try and learn what we can.

Oh, a thought I keep having:
- Necro can tell the land to eat the dead within its domain
- Tell Necro to wander the battlefield and make with the ritual
- More fertility

Of course, there is the problem of those who want to have their dead returned, from our side or the enemy's.
But on the other hand, after the dead have been sifted for the nobles and those commoners who are willing to travel to collect their dead, all those dead soldiers that tend to be set into mass graves...

Well, fertile soil coming up.

Also, I vote that the Steward assist the Oracle in her recovery, possibly help her to find new assistants; maybe call out to the people, asking if they know of any who would dedicate themselves to her service, for the betterment of fair Tautila?

>>14819106

No, we've committed enough to the war already. We need to make sure our own lands do not suffer in our absence. The Necromancer should assure our crops are not all lost.

Necromancer and Steward help our land stave off the drought.

>>14819108
No time for death magic right now, we are already going to war. We will be too busy fighting to learn.

>>14819111
He can always do that later. Right now I would set him to either keeping tabs on the Oracle and the kingdom or to helping our own crops.

Pretty much Necromancer goes help out with the war as a medic for us and the Thane first, a medic for the troops second and lastly raising some mindless undead to spook the shit out of Zlatan's troops.

Steward can lead the homefront while we are all at war.

>>14819122
slight modification i'd recommend
>necromancer to help fight off drought
I agree with this, but one modification i'd make
>steward to tend to the oracle in our absence

>>14819108

he only said that further insights would be difficult and be, in part, trial and error

i personaly want to run this thread to the ground

>>14819108
I think this would be the best course of action.

We might discover some interesting synergy of life and death magic

Have the Necromancer see what he can do to keep the crops from failing.
Same with the Steward. Maybe some irrigation works and tapping of underground aquifers would help.

Ok new ideas.

Steward should well.... be Steward of our lands while we are busy fighting a war. Never leave our kingdom ungoverned, that would be irresponsible.

Necromancer can have a PURCHASE to build a joint tower for all of our Magic Users to hang out in. Fresh crib yo!

>>14819111
>>14819084
>>14819106
>You query the Necromancer about fallen soldiers.

"Oh. Oh! I thought you had meant for me to ride beside you. Oh, yes. Yes." He clears his throat. "I can ... find uses for their dead, if you so wish. Martial uses. But I will warn you, it would be best if you do not keep them. Afterward."

>The Necromancer may join a battle to turn the dead into undead troops.
>Undead troops are unskilled.
>Undead troops generate Unrest in duchies they occupy.

>>14819137
He just that his works require time and concentration, and besides that, he can't really defend himself like the Wizard. Maybe next season, we'll train him in swordsmanship, but for now, let him remain in Tautila, either helping crops and such, or tending to the Oracle with the Steward.

>>14819150

we should atleast start learning it

>>14819150

then again that also raises a good point.
perhaps im having difficulty removing my own prejudices

>You decide the Steward will focus on morale.

"I am to stay here, good Duke? That is a fine idea. The people will need assurance that the shadow of war will not linger too long." She nods. "I will take up this task at your order, and with pride." The Steward leaves the room to prepare to move her office to the side of the throne room for the season.

>The Steward is unavailable.

Later for Death Magic, when there is time. Next season, perhaps?

Non-combat hexes for Necro, send him with Dictator.
I know he taught the Duke Life Magic, but can he use it himself?

I don't think we need the Undead troops right now. We have quite a lot of muscle as is and it's just going to start trouble later. Leave him here to help run keep the kingdom safe and healthy.

guys we don't know what death magic does we should start learning it as death is a very broad subject

"And I, my lord? You seem ... conflicted, in a way," the Necromancer says.

>The Necromancer may join the battle to create undead troops.
>The Necromancer may NOT instruct you in the magic of life. You will be away at war.
>The Necromancer may NOT instruct you in the magic of death. You will be away at war.
>The Necromancer may focus on morale.

>>14819145
Assuming that she at least partly continues her duty of leading the state in our absence I'm fine with asking the steward to tend to the oracle on the side.

>>14819229

>The Necromancer may join the battle to create undead troops.

this it's time to show that we can be terrifying enemies

>>14819229

Focus on mastering his own skills. Or morale. Whichever. NOT on raising undead soldiers.

>>14819229
Vote time. If all he can do here is morale then I will go with cannon fodder.

Undead Troops +1 vote

>The Necromancer may focus on morale.

We can't put all our eggs in one basket. We've got the war machine already, let's keep things going well here, too.

make the necromancer use necromancy it's his job...

FUCKING UNDEAD HORDES, LET'S DO THIS

Have we used all our major purchases? I think we're missing one.

im thinking he join the war effort with us, a skeleton that binds life and a mortal who raises the dead is a funny image

>>14819238

Dunno - we're known for our benevolence. Killing people, raising them from the dead, and sending them off to kill more of their people doesn't seem to fit in with this. It'll be even worse if our allies (whom I presume will be with us at least partly) catch us doing it - that's going to be hell to explain.

[ It's close, but ... ]
>You decide the Necromancer will focus on morale.

The young man kneels. "Of course, my lord. I will stay here, and do what I can to ease the suffering of your people.

>The Necromancer is unavailable.

I see him able to do Hexes, out of combat, if he go with Dictator.
Or, if it can be confirmed that indeed he is proficient in it, Heal allied troops with Life Magic?

Not yet with the undead.

>>14819242
Undead troops unnecessary.
They cause unrest in tarrtories that will soon be ours.

Last two major purchases on armaments and wizard-tower bling.

>>14819290
Armaments.. Seconding.
Unsure of Bling.

>You spend a Major Purchase on sorcerous tasks.
>You spend a Major Purchase on equipment.

Your word is sent to the Wizard's tower that renovations are to be made. You can hear the man's reprehensible joy echo off the walls. Oh, how you wish you could sigh.

At your will, smiths around Tautila plunge hot iron into water. Hammers fall, and blades sharpen. Carts laden with armor furrow the roads from end to end of the duchy.

>Tautila is finely equipped.

Okay, so we definitely have two purchases left?

>>14819324
Thirded on Armaments
I say use the other purchase getting new attendants for the Oracle.

Seriously Mors, can you introduce us to the golem yet? We are dying to know how it came out.

next season time?

>>14819347
[ You'll see.

They'll aaaaaall seeeeeee... ]

>>14819335
>>14819336

Had. Fuck yes, wizard bling. You can't perform proper wizardry without an amazing tower. Hopefully, this will translate to an increased success rate on future magical tasks.

>>14819353
...Mors, you witty word-weaver, what do you have up your sleaves...? Eh? Ehhhhhh? ;D

>>14819353
I swear, if a briar bush grows around their kingdom, and everyone falls asleep...

>>14819375
I laughed.

Life magic, Thorned Duke...

You know, it'd be bitchin if, in the middle of battle, a massive thorned vine burst from the ground in the middle of the enemy formation and spread out wide, strangling and slashing their soldiers. And poisoned them too.

Some lifeforms are inimical to others.

With the spending of the budget and the orders of your fellows set about, the servants sets off to fetch the Oracle, to dress and bathe her while you wait at that solitary table in the garden.

The wrought iron, once hot in the sun, has been cooled by an awning strung over it that has been tied to poles by servants. It flutters in the wind, a heraldic banner of deepest black and marked with the white stars of your flag. The tea is laid out, in a set of fine southern porcelain, and poured into each cup, despite your lack of thirst. The sun moves further along in the sky before she arrives, dressed in good, sturdy clothes of noble make.

Her expression is bleary and distant, and she sits at the table as if in a dream. There is a long silence as she tilts the cup to her lips and takes a sip. The both of you stare down a hedge lane, a servant woman tending the plants.

"I called them my sisters, you know," the Oracle finally says. "Not one of us were related, not a one. But, we still considered each other sisters."

She swallows. "I'm just not sure where to start again."

>>14819412
We could throw Rosebuds at people and then watch them explode as the hyper accelerated rose bush sprouts out of their ribcage.

>>14819422

Silence here is best. Let her talk it out. Get it off her chest.

it's time for caring skeleton action

Try to look comforting and supportive. Can Skeletons do that?

>>14819422
if it is appropriate, i'd suggest using this speech
>>14818960

>>14819422
"Oh, my poor lady...you have indeed suffered a terrible loss...what can I do for you? What can fair Tautila, who you have been so good to, do for you?"

>>14819433
>>14819444
She glances to you, a skeleton in the finery of rule, silver crown on your skull. "Every time it happens, I open my mind to something ... something other. Some black and unknowable. I feel it, you know. Your fear. Every time I've done it in your presence."

She looks at you curiously, the only noise being the quiet rustle of the flora as wind rushes over the garden, and the whistle of it through your skull. "You don't know who you are."

She takes another sip of the tea. "You're afraid I do."

>>14818960
>>14818960
Yeah this guy had the right idea.

>>14819458

i agree

>>14819465

Continued silence, but perhaps for a different reason.

>>14819465

she knows our secret!!!

>>14819465
"You knew, then? You've known since the beginning? And yet you trusted me with your visions...thank you."

>>14819465
"Why haven't you mentioned this yet?"

>>14819458
And something to the tune of the words we speak to the Thane.

"It is commonly said, only the dead feels no more pain, and they no longer have attachments. And yet, I contradicted that by being here, and by making that connection to you, I feel the pain, both when you were taken, and now, of your loss."

"I had many attachments before (lies, the Duke does not remember), but now that I have been re- Animated, those connections, most would have also been buried in the same earth. But I make new ones each day. Surely you could."

"Make new sisters, if you would. And cherish the memories of the old ones."

I type slow.

>>14819465
"... Yes. I have feared that I was not the man that my people thought me to be, needed me to be. Since the beginning I have feared that you would know my fraud, expose me... But you have not thus far and I had hoped that you chose to remain silent.

So yes, I fear your power, but please do not hold it against me. Every man has his flaws. Regardless you are welcome in my duchy for as long as you need to stay. I would count you as a friend if you would accept me."

>>14819465
So you know too, huh?

I always wonder what I really was before I was bound to this body. I may not have been a king in my living life, but when I got put into this body and saw the world around me needing help, I couldn't idly sit by like a fool. I may not know of my origins, but right now, this kingdom needed a king.

>>14819465
You project your words into her mind.

"You have aided me before, now it is my turn to repay the kindness. I may not be able to stay for long at the moment, but I wish for you to know that my castle is yours to remain in as long as you wish. Anything you require will be procured, and any time I am available, I will be here to speak to. Those who have wronged you shall have their malevolence turned on them for their crimes, and even though I cannot undo the damage they may have inflicted, I will do everything I can to repair it.

Rest well, dear oracle. This kingdom is now your home for as long as you wish to call it such."

The Oracle processes the words, the wind whipping her hair about her face as it kicks up. "Thank you," she says, sighing as she stares distantly into the lane, an expression of great thought and debate on her face, as if an open door waited at the end of that grassy path.

>>14819492
>>14819505
You ask your questions.

"Yes. Since the first time I called on the void in your presence," she says. "When I ... go beyond, every person has the same reaction. They don't want to see what I see. You are the only one who, instead, didn't want to know what I know."

She rests her hand on the table. "What was I to do? Insult a Duke in his place of power? The Black Thane would have taken my life before I could scream for it, if he felt you were in danger. I was afraid." She looks you up an down. "I'm not, anymore. Even if you aren't Liuva III, you deserve your crown, for what you've done."

I sure hope we aren't all telepathically speaking at once. Our overlapping babbling might really undermine our point.

>>14819555

Ah, ah. I AM Duke Liuva III. Who I was before matters not.

>>14819555

nice trips OP

we should get ready for war

>>14819465
>>14819525
Ooops.
> "I had many attachments before (lies, the Duke does not remember), but now that I have been re- Animated, those connections, most would have also been buried in the same earth. But I make new ones each day. Surely you could."
Change that with: "I no longer remember what attachments I had before, but I make new ones each day. Surely you could."

>>14819555
Take a rose from our chest, free of thorns, and hand it to her.
"Fear not, good lady, no harm shall come to you as long as you remain here. And if you have any need for aid from us, or from any of our court, please, do not hesitate to ask. Thanks to you, in no small part, fair Tautila is fair once more: this rose is proof of that. And I'm sure your sisters would not want you to despair; live on, good lady, and carry on their memories. Live on, and enjoy as many seasons to come as you can. As for us...well, perhaps in time, we'll discover more...but for now, do not fret upon it...rest, recover, take all the time you need."

>way on back in the pages

Get back to page 0 you!

>>14819553
>>14819546
>>14819525
You speak to her of fear and silence, of duty and loss, and claim the name as your own, as weary as it makes you.

"No crown is light, good Duke," she says, as you rest your skeletal hand on her own.

She looks to your bony fingers against her skin. There is a tingle in your grasp as you gather the bounteous currents that run through the world. "You have done this twice before to the Captain, I have heard." Her pale eyes lands on the dark orbital sockets of your skull. "It doesn't hurt, does it?"

You lie to her as you pass the energies through her fingertips. The teacup shatters on the ground as she contorts in pain for a few moments.

>The Oracle is no longer Injured.

"I'm still sad," she says at last, as if the healing would have ended her misery, "but I'm no longer content to live in despair, as I was before."

She stands. "I'll begin taking audiences when I can. It is long undertaking to find those suited to be your family." Turning back, the Oracle says, "If I may, I would like to stay in your court, for the foreseeable future."

>The Oracle will no longer travel.

You nod as she walks off toward the keep. A bird lands on your skull. You allow it to sit in contentment for many minutes.

>>14819465

"Whatever I was, I am now fulfilling a role handed to me. I do so because to have not taken up the offered role would have thrust many people into ruin. I served out of a sense of duty to them, the basic decency that makes men care for each other. I have come to enjoy the service, and to cherish the people. What I fear is not what you know of my past, but instead the past itself. In quiet moments I ask myself, "What weaknesses did I have, what enemies that may yet try to undo the good I have done as a way of getting to me? What have I lost? How much of my personality and self is intact?" And though I have no answers for myself, I carry on with my duty. I grow as much as I am able, to fill whatever losses I suffered in answering the call."

>>14819649

she's staying we now has future sight and now we can proctect her

>>14819649
The cry of a hawk, however, steels you with purpose as much as it terrifies the robin. As you stand, the servants have already prepared your armor. The silvery metal shines in the merciless sun as silk and fur is yet again folded around your skeletal substance to fit it to you as it would fit a living man.

You stand in your garden as the trappings of war are cast upon you. Your sword is produced. Your horse is led to you. All things fall into place, and you ride off with zeal. There is a column of peasants and nobility to see you off, waving small scraps of cloth of black and white and crimson. Their cheers are wild and thunderous, spurring you on like a favorable wind, and your escorts sweep behind you on their own steeds as you make for the border.

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

>405 posts
>these threads

mors, you are magnificent!

>>14819676

She's going to begin looking for new companions. I'm sure that until she has suitable companions she will not want to risk much fortune telling.

>>14819722

it's on now!!

This quest has been going for 5 hours today! Mors you are a machine man!

[ Next one's big. Patience, please. I'm a shittily slow typist. ]

>>14819787

take aslong as you need

>>14819787
Take all the time you need, Mors. We await you anxiously, but respectfully.

bump

You meet the troops at the Zlatan border. The army is massive, more massive than you would have possibly imagined. Campfires trail lines of dull tin through the sky, and able-bodied men line the horizon. There is a new banner as well, the red sword and white field of Vesna.

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

>Tautila is sufficiently equipped.
>Tautila has five units of standing troops.
>Tautila has four units of elite troops.

>Gailavira has committed one unit of standing troops to the invasion.
>Vesna has committed two units of standing troops to the invasion.

As you ride to the head of the camp, men touch your horse and your riding cape for luck. There are murmurs of immortality and rescue from death that follow in your wake. The Captain is already at the head, and signals are cast for the army to ride as you move ahead of him, leading your army from the front toward Zlatan land. As you do so, a thunderous cloudburst drenches the fields you leave behind you, soaking the thirsty soil of your duchy. The Black Thane and the Captain ride behind you.

The first battle is spectacularly violent.

>Zlatan has lost three units of standing troops.
>Zlatan has lost two units of elite troops.
>Tautila has lost two units of standing troops.
>Tautila has lost one unit of elite troops.

>Zlatan has lost two units of unskilled troops to routing.

The Black Thane seems awkward on his horse, and unsuited for the muddied warfare of the battlefield, and he stays at your side. Meanwhile, the Captain rallies your men behind him.

"THE LINE IS BROKEN," he shouts! "Ride for the castle!"

You trample tabards and banners of deep purple as you advance.

>Gailavira has lost one unit of standing troops.
>Gailavira has left the battle.

>>14819908
Oh no, our allies have fallen in battle! Zlatan, you shall pay thrice-fold for all the blood you have shed, the hearts you have torn with your actions! Forward, my fellow Tautilans! MORS VINCIT OMNIA!

when we reach there nobels turn them into zombies i'm sick of them

>>14819908
[ Oops, that's "well-equipped". ]

You ride at the head of an avalanche of steel that falls upon the retreating Zlatan. You ride through villages, hamlets, whole towns who militia either retreat or are cut down.

>Zlatan has lost two units of unskilled troops to routing.

Guard and gate houses are set ablaze, a merciless warning to those planning to attack your flank. It is stern and cold, but a reminder to the populace of how easily a less merciful invader could have razed whole towns.

The castle is within sight when the battle is met again in kind. Steep hills and thick forests lead to the hesitation of horses that fall to arrows and pike alike, and soon hundred of men are fighting in deep woods and shallow ditches.

>Tautila's elite troops cannot be routed.

>Tautila is well-equipped.
>Tautila has three units of standing troops.
>Tautila has three units of elite troops.

>Vesna has committed two units of standing troops to the invasion.

The fighting here is awkward and desperate, and the heat casts fatigue on the men like the worst of hexes. The land is swamped with blood and the cries of the dying. At times, you see men strikes at their own in delirium, the Captain a victim of that same mindless rage as he is struck in the back by a Vesna pikeman's knife.

>The Captain has suffered an Injury.

You work your magic, and he ready to fight again.

>You have healed two Injuries this season.

>Tautila has lost two units of standing troops.
>Zlatan has lost two units of standing troops.
>Zlatan has no more standing troops!

>Tautila has lost one units of elite troops
>Zlatan has lost one unit of elite troops.
>Zlatan has no more standing troops!

The opposition is crushed as you streak across the battlefield toward the home of your enemy.

>>14820012

victory!!

Just curious how you're working the battle. Are you rolling or doing some kind of measure, or is it fiat?