Angelfalls did not succumb to Elven control, but all scholars agree that the price paid for it was pyrrhic at best. After one thousand years of absence, the human nobles were not willing to give up or even share power with the magical race that had abandoned the continent so long ago. The Lighthouse of Angels during the final battle had activated suddenly, completely unexpected by both sides. It soon opened fire on the Angelfalls dam, and went straight through to the lower city, destroying an entire ward of the city. The Elves had succeeded in capturing the tower only moments previous, so some blamed the Elves for the incident, some were not convinced, since it was such a grievous loss to the city and no one would have taken that action.

Although we have no proof to conclude which story is true, I have proposed my own theory, that the Count Griffith Famento, one of the generals in the battle, had performed the deed. There are reasons to believe, even if not concrete, that this man was actually the Ever-Aphotic Star himself in disguise. First hand and eyewitness accounts of the man are scarce, but his large stature and unnatural and invisible aura that inspired fear. However, no solid conclusions can be established because of just how unreliable these sources are.

What came after the battle, after the last of the surviving Elves were captured or routed, and promptly exiled back across the sea, was a political crisis in Angelfalls. Factions had formed and conspired well before the Duke Gagné had called a Council of Nobles. The merchants demanded compensation for lost goods and wealth when the dam broke and swept away 50% of the city. They blamed the nobles who in the upper districts suffered no damage at all. The nobles themselves were split between the supporters of Catharine Hinter and Lord Gagné. Some wanted to see Hinter remain on the throne and become the Dutchess of Angelfalls and through their support gain influence that was denied to them before as it was already monopolized by Gagné supporters. Gagné himself proposed a solution which was to marry himself and Hinter to stabilize the political scene for the rebuilding effort. The refugees have started trickling back into the city, the submerged parts of the city receding and scavengers trying to find what they can to build their lives again. With no news yet from the capital in Telreinz, and no edict or promise of funds and reinforcements from King Pourcel V of funds or reinforcements, terrible unrest and violence was no doubt on the horizon,

...

"...For that I propose before the audience gathered here, a new start for the city. I here will offer a union of the Gagné and Hinter family. That should forever more unify the old treaty to the current nobility ties of the time."

Equal parts cheer and murmurs between groups and individuals reverberate around the room and off the stone walls. Standing far in the back, near the main entrance to the main chamber you stand, looking over most of the heads gathered there. Standing now in front of his throne, upon its stone elevation above the room Gagné waits for his consensus through noise that is slowly building ever slowly.

Catharine looks shocked at the turns of events, and it doesn't take her long to spot you even so far away, looking right at you. You can tell her eyes are on you, but not the look on her face.

>>17508158
>For that I propose before the audience gathered here, a new start for the city. I here will offer a union of the Gagné and Hinter family

did he... just say he's marrying our waifu? i believe she has a right to choose in this matter

could we get away with a mass dark imply to cover up the fact that our facáde is completely fucked? if so raise >>17508255 this objection.

>>17508060

Jokes on you OP, I never leave /tg/


As for Catharine... Well, that might be difficult.
In one hand we could gain a lot of influence, on the other lose our waifu (fucks given: 0)


By the way, how are our other forces? If I remember correctly we had some mercenaries, child mages, the engineer and his aprentice (who must hate us by now) and a crow.

>>17508309
You'll inspire fear when you do so, no way to get around that.

>>17508334
And yes, you'll have about 250 sailors leftover from your ship you had,after some deaths and desertions. The Raven is gone for now.

I also invite the denizens of /tg/ to elaborate one what they want to say when speaking, if only a sentence or two here and there from each.

>>17508383
as long as we font have to deal with 'IT'S THE EMBODIMENT OF EVIL GET IT!!!' it should be ok as for actual things to say someone else should do that im not great at convincing speeches

Let Catharine be married off. We are loosing a wifu, but gaining a Lord.
We need to outline a long-term goal, and figure out how to achieve this. What were we doing in Angelfalls anyways? I know we were fleeing from the church, but why here?

>>17508422

We should let her decide, after all she is part of that prophecy shit that I don`t remember. I actually don`t remember why we are here either.


Agh, it's been so long... How many months have passed since the thread when we arrived here?

We can not let him Marry Catherine.

It isn't so much as losing a waifu (Fucks given: 0)

It's about how he'll just use her for his own gain, and not ours.

Do you all REALLY think that if he marries her that she'll have any REAL political power anymore? Let alone power in the city? Fuck no.

>>17508422
This and if we insist on keeping her as waifu wait a while (months at least) and off the lord and organize it so she gets all his holdings.

>>17508458
Good addition.
If we need her for something in the future, she should be well taken care of. In the mean time she can start building us an industrial base.
Well, she can when the dam is taken care of anyways.

>>17508451
The Hinter family is the last bloodline from 1000 years ago that had a general fight in the war against Evil. If evil were to return the bloodline was foreseen as a great force in making sure it went dead again. She has two other sisters still alive, but she is steadfastly loyal to you.

>>17508491
Well then we have our long term goal.
Eliminate both sisters. Or corrupt them to our will.

What do we know about them? All information is good information.

See if we can get to speak with Catherine alone. Get her take on this.

Announce that she's already engaged.

TO US.

She's already engaged.

To us.

We don't announce it, she does, while we calmly exit the room and go hide.

>>17508455
agreed, she'd end up being a puppet, and not even our puppet at that.

"I believe the Lady Hinter has something to say about your proposal, your grace." (it's "your grace" for a duke, right?)

>>17508458
>>17508561
seconding doing these. talking to Cathrine obviously comes first but purpose the plan to her and if she goes along with it help her implement it and we can use angel falls as a power base and get us some more cultists

>>17508565
>>17508610
>>17508624
This, so much this. We get Catherine back, and will likely gain quite a pit of influence as well.

>>17508537

>Or corrupt them to our will


I fully support this action, Catherine must be feeling very alone, perhaps having the company of her sisters will cheer her up.

"And what of Hinter's opinion?"

The voice came off more booming than you had thought. The din in the room cuts off immediately and the crowd turns to face you and those closest back off. Walking forward the crowd parts as you get nearer so you need not raise your voice to speak to Gagné.

"Count Famento," you know well enough to feel a slight edge to his words even if he attempts to maintain the utmost civility. "Do you have something to say?"

"I have nothing to say, but I believe the Lady Hinter has something to say about your proposal, Duke."

"While your bravery and valor in the battle for this city is commendable, your manners I'm afraid are not." All comradery in his voice vanishes as he attempts to regain control of the room, "And your sudden disappearance during the last battle leaves other questions. Maybe questions you'd not like to answer."

"And good duke, I'd question your manners toward womenfolk, for a woman as famous and desirable such as Lady Hinter, and having only known her for such a short time, you'd best make as few assumptions as you can."

...

>>17508730
I was thinking more along the lines of this...

The duke straightens his back, like a cornered animal trying to appear larger to stave off a predator, "...What?"

Catharine finally stands up from her throne and all the eyes turn to her, after regaining her composure she has put on a serious face, all eyes in the room turn to her, who is the one she will chastise for their behavior they wonder. "Duke Gagné, I cannot marry you."

A large roar envelops the room, only to die down when the Duke commands them, "What do you mean? Any family would not pass up such a deal to..."

"My father and eldest brother are dead. There is no man in the house of Hinter, and no one to tell me what I have to do. So I cannot. And I must add, that I will not either." Another loud roar of scandalous and spontaneous gossip. "My hand is already for another. And it is not you."

The Duke losing composure implores, "What? Who?"

"Me." You announce and those near you flinch and back away even further. You grin at the Duke. "You did sign away the city to her to break the treaty of your own free will after all. Yet you failed to see the whole picture."

>>17508754
AND WE'VE GOT A CITY

>>17508749

Even better! (I was actually looking for that one but couldn`t find it)

>>17508744
>>17508754

Perhaps we are getting too much attention? I'm worried that with our faded facade the rumours will spread quickly...

>>17508777
Not without strings.
Not that anything does not have strings to us.

We inherited a group of nobles who will make it their lifes goal to backstab us, a mob of starving workers, and a lake. Not much else.

>>17508777
great success!!!

>>17508777
And some unhappy nobles. I suppose we could just have them executed, because we can totally do that now right?

>>17508801

I say we take everything of value, fake our deaths to the nobles and get the fuck out, perhaps NOW we might be able to stay on low profile.

>>17508801
Eradicate the nobles, and the merchants. Give food freely to the peasants in exchange for their loyalty and service. Become Stalin.

>>17508822
We finally have stable base of operations and you want to sell it and gtfo? If anything we should focus on solidifying our power base.

City for taking if you want to deal with the current leadership and elites. Elven and Dwarven made, human furnishings and finishes. Only slightly inundated. Might need work on the public dissent.

>>17508801
This what I'm thinking is we need an army that answers to us and could possibly act as a secret police to keep the police. Maybe with our new resources we can investigate the ruins where we woke up and find out what happened to our predecessor's army and if some non-human races remain we can bring them back to glory.

Didn't we drop off a bunch of cultists somewhere before, and tell them to go off around the world and cause mischief and grow their numbers?

>>17508849
That can't happen as long as we still have to deal with Sir Buzzkill's star. But you are right about a loyal group of enforcers. What about our crew from the ship?

>>17508864
Cultists in the south being a distraction for an inquisition that was sprung from the Religious seat of power in the south. Trying to slow it down.

You know what I was thinking? About the whole, we can't have kids and shit because of that curse/decree/whatever.

What if we used our zone of secularity, blocking out the star around us, and in that time, we get our lady pregnant.

I can't remember if we tried that before. Maybe we did. But I can't remember. If not, I think it'd be worth a shot, definitely.

>>17508879
Thanks for the refresher.

>>17508842

And then the paladins come to visit and fuck our shit. We had a fairly good situation with our ship, scheming from the shadows as usual, but then somehow we fucked up with the elves and everything went to shit.

>>17508882
And what would that do? Mistresses are fine, but kids are nothing but trouble.

>>17508904

Mainly backstabbing.

>>17508904
You don't see the long term benefit from having direct offspring sired by our evil sperm?

>>17508913
considering how long we might live from a genetic standpoint children from something like an elf or some other near immortal would be better for anything other then short term plans.

>>17508913
>>17508909
Lets focus on mustering up some loyal cronies before we put 'Evil Jr.' to work. See if we can get our crew from the ship armed.

>>17508928
Simply having any child would be a big fucking deal for us right now, since that star curse thing is what caused all of our evil bro races to die off in the past.

Evil, what kind of resources do we have readily available to us?

>>17508976
As of now...

You have your current followers, minions and prisoners. As for wealth on hand, none. The one treasure you have is “Kingslayer". Your sword.

For those saying we need to kill the nobles, don't forget how things get done in ye olde times. Nobles are needed to call in favors from the king to get the dam fixed. We also need emergency food and shelter. This makes the nobles necessary.
For now...

>>17509002
Alright, see if we can get our followers armed and acting as our secret police force, for spying and eliminating potential rivals. What is the situation in the city. Besides the whole 'half-flooded' thing?

>>17509031
So what do you suggest we do to win them over? I imagine they arn't to happy about that 'sign over the city' thing.

>>17509031

Let's learn bout them, their personal lifes and secrets. Their hopes and fears.

Then dark imply the shit out of them for the oncoming days/weeks/months.

>>17509050
Just because we need them, that does not mean we need them to be in a position to fight back.
You need two hands to hold a bow. Only one to sign a piece of paper.

>>17508491
convert both her sisters to our cause should be a goal of ours i think.

also screw Gange preferably politically maybe literally as well, him marrying Catherine would strengthen his position far too much so lets do our best to destroy him subtly and make the people think they saw through him.

Hey Evil, I just remembered something. Wasn`t there a prince that saw us in all our evilness back the city where we got Kingslayer? If I remember correctly he swore to destroy us...

>>17509150
Yeah, the sand proxy user. We'll probably have to deal with him soon enough. Right now, we need to get our shit in order.

"I'm afraid you are in no position to refuse good Duke. Your right to sit on that throne is not by any decree of law anymore. This place is still one of law is it not? Everyone's freedom here, freedom from Elven control fought because the law was on their side did they not?"

"Famento..." The duke growls. "You could not possibly have any control over this-"

"The count is right!" One of the crowd speaks, "I was there in the east wing against the first Elven counterattack. That pet of his roasted a whole formation of those arrogant bastards."

"I saw him with one swing cut down three at once!" Cries another.

The din grows louder and nobles and merchants dissent against one another and rub shoulders. The Duke attempts to calm the room down, but with a stomp of your foot stone cracks and with a few yelps of surprise there is silence again. With a few strides you exit the crowd and climb the stone steps of the two thrones. The people gathered watch you in a mixture of awe and terror as you stare out over them.

"That is right, a city of law, and so the law must be followed. And as you say, the law will be kept and dissent will not be tolerated."

Evil Power: Prince of Darkness (Path of the Tyrant)

Dark Imply becomes: Dark Tyranny

Use fear to influence the minds of others.

>>17509202

yay upgrades!

>>17509202

Influence the weakest in the room to bend the knee toward you. The stronger willed will begin to kneel too because of group think. Only the strongest willed will probably resist, but they will be too few.

Once the strongest dissent, take their lands and homes and give them to the poor, thus ensuring the loyalty of the populace and providing funds for the rebuilding of the city as a evil powerbase.

>>17509202

Neato


Fuck the guys who wanted the path of the beast.

>>17509249

Might I also suggest a new image to use? Since we now own the town of Angelfalls.

>>17509202
Well first order of business is rebuilding the Dam followed by the port so the city doesn't die off from lost resources.

>>17509249

i'll second this also rebuild the dam.

>>17509313
this after >>17509249 so we can secure our immediate power base

I've always wanted to know, is Evil lawful evil or chaotic evil?

>>17509353

both.

Raising your hands up high you implore the crowd before you. About a third of the people gathered there begin chanting Famento over and over again. Behind the throne, behind stone columns leading to the outside a great flapping of leathery wings as the clockwork dragon Kelgris lands with it's talons sinking deep into the balcony, the tail twisting around another foothold to keep him in place. With a terrible roar mixed with clicks and clanks you cast your arm and palm open down to the crowd and force many of them to kneel, others following not to be singled out, some too afraid to move at all.

Dark Tyranny: Fear can be used to make others obedient, it does not overwrite common sense or cause acts of selflessness and altruism. The stronger your right to rule, the more powerful it is as well.

Housekeeping:
-Gagné and his closest supporters are the last to submit, and it is not sincere so far as you can see. What is to be done with them?

-The merchants of the city still expect compensation. There is no where near enough money in the treasury to pay them.

-Risk of exposure and general lack of living space for the people of the lower quarters.

-Envoy from the King of Telreinz is due to arrive, so is one from the southern Kingdom of Lourenz, one of two rival nations against Telreinz.

Which should be addressed first? You may also choose to rename anything at your leisure, such as the city itself.

>>17509436


I suggest we destroy Gange's support, but not enough to make it look like we are singling him out. We immediately take their homes to provide shelter for the incoming poor, and sell off their lands to other nobles to further enrich the city purse to pay off the merchants and rebuild the dam.

However, we make sure that there will be enough room for some of the poorest. It will ensure that there will be p[lenty of fistfighting and maybe even murders to get into the homes and shelter, and cause general evil while at the same time making it look like we are doing everything within our power to provide for them.

We take the King of Telreinz envoy first. He is our nations lord right? Afterwards we meet with the other envoy. What happens in those conversations will determine our course of action to take.

>>17509545

Maybe we should rename the city Elvenfall? Would be a nice touch to commemorate the victorious battle.

>>17509582

i'll second this.

Let's use the poor to help rebuild the city and the dam. That way, we save on cash.

How about meeting both envoys at the same time? That way we might create a massive diplomatic incident and cause two nations to go to war while we play the middle and might take more territory.

Can we use dark imply to curse the weapons that the soldiers are using and by extension slowly start to corrupt the soldiers into being loyal minons? If we could do that, we should also consider giving cursed rings to the nobles to slowly corrupt them to our side.

If both envoys arrive at/around the same time, I'd say Catherine should meet the one from Telreinz, while we conduct a preliminary hearing with the other one.

Sitting upon your new seat of power in the vast and now emptied council chamber you bring Gagné before you after only a short time. He does not kneel nor does he bow deeply, merely giving the slightest show of formalities he can get away with. Sternly you begin your audience with him, "Gagné, although with no title much of your lands still have your men stand upon them. Your mansion within the city noble's district as well as other locales up river. And if you wish to keep them then you will listen to me." The duke avoids eye contact at the raising of your voice and you soon continue when he doesn't say a word, "You will reside in a chamber within the citadel for sometime, and your lands and property will be used to house the destitute for sometime until the lower quarters a rebuilt."

"You can't possibly-"

"Maybe you would like the people to sleep under the moon at night and hot sun during the day? Is that how you planned on rebuilding the city?" You interrupt with voice raised. With a wave of your hand two men flank you, dressed in armor that does not matched, as if it was looted and put together piece by piece, two former former hands from your ship arrive and grab hold of him on each arm. "Do not show me such a face Gagné, it a room I am placing you in, not a cell. I am sure those in fealty to you will show the same hospitality." And the two men lead him away.

>>17509644
This. And let's see if we can't set up an ambush for one of the envoys as they are leaving, incriminating the other- really spark the flames of war.

>>17509741

I like the way you think.

Hot damn I had no idea that this quest was back.

Good to see shit getting done once more.

Days pass after the battle posthumous envoy from Telreinz arrives in the city, and on it's heels an envoy from Lourenz. Hearing of their arrival coinciding with each-other you opt to meet with them both in your council chamber at the same time. Each arriving through a separate door but meeting in the middle, the gaudily and fancy dressed men spot one another as they enter. Their mutual shock is evident and their indignant attitude as they both hurry to stand before your throne.

The Telrein envoy bows fist and introduces himself, "Sir Famento, you do honor me to grant an audience so soon after our arrival in the city."

Afterwards the Louren envoy does likewise, "Likewise, sir Famento, to be so generous in granting an immediate audience even with such a longtime rival as my kingdom, you honor my liege greatly."

You know, it would be a damn shame if someone started spreading rumors that the people who think we destroyed the damn were really the cause of it being destroyed.
And it would be an even greater shame if this spurred some of the displaced workers to assassinate these nobles.

>>17509864

>>17509864

oh my indeed. We should use dark imply/dark tyranny to fan the flames of hatred of the two nations against one another. Once that has occurred, we demand indemnities from the offending party for violating general rules of peace provided to ambassadors.

We demand neutrality until the city is rebuilt as a result of the diplomatic insult caused by the two nations, perhaps even an indemnity, but then take them aside and offer help on our terms.

Then attack one diplomat in a failed attempt per an earlier suggestion. That will definitely move the nations toward war. Once war occurs and both sides bloody themselves raw, we take what we want as we sit on the sidelines, waiting until our forces will be used to maximum effect to insure victory for one or other side.

Geopolitics in action baby.

>>17509864
>>17509947

You know what, I can't think on a political level like this, so I'm just going to sit back and watch the insane machinations that you all come up with unfold.

>>17509947

This level of scheming... I'm so happy...
>Inb4 the quest gets popular again and everyone wants to murder people for the lulz.

rolled 13, 1 = 14

>>17509947
>>17509864
i like where they are headed with this thread

>>17509947
>>17509947

We can provide weapons to both parties to generate an income if war does come to pass. We can rebuild our industry this way. Even if war doesn't come to pass, stockpiling of arms is always a good idea.

Also, if we can create like a dark weapons forge or something? I really want to implement dark-forged weapons that slowly corrupt the user over time toward either evil or our side. Given the amount of weapons that might be produced and the amount of death on either side, this would be great.

If we can link all weapons forged this way to the kingslayer, so that kingslayer gets empowered with every soul taken this way, we could very soon have a weapon worthy of a dark prince. Think about it, thousands of deaths at the hands of darkforged weapons, all linked back to kingslayer, all powering the weapon up to immense proportions. My god, the potential is limitless!

We should lay off the magic for right now. Only using it to press an advantage.
I say we do something along the lines of, "I greet you both, ambassadors. This is a great time of tragedy for my people and we are in need..." >>17509947
This anon has the right idea with sticking to neutrality. Highlight that post war we are a new nation that will put aside its past rivalry for the good of the people.
Then let them gut each other out of fear and revenge.

>>17510030

Supernatural arms dealer?

I like it.

>This thread

>>17510030
Glorious idea. Failing that, we can at least create armour and weaponry for our most loyal followers, and create a black legion.

>>17509947
>>17510030

Great. I haven't used a tripcode on 4chan since I started, but this thread has made me break my vow. I hope you all are happy.

Also, I've been reading Bismarck, so that is who I'll use. Realpolitik!

>>17509849
"It is likewise... an honor to meet both of you as well. I trust you have been informed of the terrible tragedy that has brought our fair city to its knees. The elves have broken their longstanding treaty with angelfalls, seeking to impose their dominion on the innocent men and women within. Oh fair and wise men, of noble heritage and sound judgement- I must ask of you to aid us in this most dire moment. Surely, we would be much indebted to the kingdom that would help us rebuild our broken home. As a man of law and loyalty, I can assure you- I always pay back my dues... IN FULL."

Drumming your fingers against the throne as you wait for their introductions to finish you finally sit up straight and address the two back. "I greet you both, ambassadors. This is a great time of tragedy for my people and we are in need. However, Telreinz has yet to offer any assistance toward its vassal state. Given the sad state of Angelfalls I was compelled to put it under new leadership, my leadership. I still do not hear any word of aid, soldiers, gold or otherwise."

The ambassador calmly replies with a practiced response, "King Pourcel V gives his greatest apologies, but the treaties were binding and no mustering of the royal armies was possible and gold is scarce in the western continent. Nothing spontaneous could be provided."

The Louren ambassador speaks up at this point, "If I may." You give a slight nod and he bows before continuing, "The northern inland of Lourenz has long used the Skyborne river to ship its agricultural yield, both grape, wine, wheat among other goods to the north, and the recent disaster putting a halt to shipping is quite a disaster to us as well. King Quaglia II has offered to aid you in your rebuilding and forming a greater relationship between the two thrones in the future. If only, my good sir, in return for privledges to our merchant vessels through Skyborne river waters and unrestricted access to the Great Lift."

>>17510110
Allow it, and arrange for them to discover those damned pirates that recently arrived upriver.

>>17510110

King Quaglia sounds like he is offering us a tasty deal, but unrestricted access to the great lift is the one thing I dont think we should give him. That is the lynchpin of the city and we don't give that away freely.

As for the trade through the river, we will allow it. However, in return we ask that Angelfalls merchants be allowed to expand into the southern kingdom of Lourenz. These merchants will, in turn, provide a large though not necessarily majority number of the fleets coming from Lourenz through the river from the south to the north. These merchants will have priority access to the great lift.

Any merchants from Lourenz who wish to move to the city of Angelfalls to take advantage of this opportunity will be more than happily be obliged, but with a wait time until our merchants are established first.

Then, admonish the ambassador from the king Poucel for not helping an ally in need and forcing it into this position.

afterwards, fake the assasination of King Qualgio's ambassador and put the blame on King Poucel. It would make it seem this way as a result of the negotiations of the ambassadors.

rolled 77 = 77

>>17510283

Play the guilt card with Poucel as well. Look at the sorry state we're in and if your home had just been decimated by a war we'd gladly provide charity to such an honored neighbor and so forth. Shame him in front of the other ambassador.

As for the trade deal, more traffic into Angelfalls would be a mixed blessing. It would allow us to spread our influence and the corrupted goods we were talking about earlier even further beyond the city, but increased mobility in and out might hamper efforts to control the populace through propaganda and other means. It introduces more variables to keep track of.

>>17510187
Indeed. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Future Schemes: We need to stoke the flames of whatshis faces hate towards us. We can then provoke him into becoming a monster in order to defeat us. In reality, it will merely empower us.

Also, I have an idea for our next dark Power. Seed of Corruption. Plants a seed of Evil within people. Depending on how much power we use, it slowly corrupts them from within, whispering to indulge their darker impulses. We can use it on merchants, allowing us to subtly spread a wave a darkness and misery via trade.

>>17510283

Assassinations come later.

Right now we need to build this city up and deal with our internal problems before turning our gaze outwards.

rolled 10 = 10

>>17510283
>afterwards, fake the assasination of King Qualgio's ambassador and put the blame on King Poucel. It would make it seem this way as a result of the negotiations of the ambassadors.

We might want to wait until he's on his way home fir that.

Remember, as long as he's here, we're the hosts and somewhat responsible for his safety and welfare. If he gets killed while in our home, some blame is going to be slung our way regardless of whether people think we actually put poison into his glass or slipped the knife between his ribs.

This deal should quiet our merchant class because we give them massive territory to expand into as well as giving them unfettered access to the lift once they have expanded.

This will help Lourenz because the dam will be rebuilt, they get some concessions for their merchants (trade traffic through the Skyborne river), and increase their merchants opportunities in other areas. Furthermore, it grants merchants from our cities priority access to the great lift once they establish themselves in the kingdom of Lorenz, and that same offer is given to merchants from Lourenz once our merchants are established (as long as they move their base of operations to the city of Angelfalls)

Finally, it will help our trade traffic and give us some control of the trade from the Kingdom of Lourens, perhaps even giving us a small stranglehold over their economy.

Everyone wins, but we win far more.

Make sure to admonish the ambassador from Pourcel for his Kings lack of support (diplomatically, of course), and like everyone else says, we wait until they are travelling home before we attempt such a thing.

is there anything else?

>>17510430

Charge them a toll for using the Lifts.

After all, we need to rebuild somehow, right?

>>17510457

King Quaglio is offering us money to rebuild the lift and dam in exchange for concessions for their merchants. No toll would be necessary.

>>17510476

Ah, I must've missed that part. Thanks.

"King Quaglia's proposal would be a great boon, however, the absolute access is something we cannot allow." Leaning forward in your throne you continue with a menacing tone, "If it is a trade league agreement to prevent direct competition between our merchants and allowing each to cross from the south to the north and in reverse with great ease. If no toll is to be charged for merchant vessels flying the flag of Lourenz, then no merchant vessel of Angelfalls will pay a toll in Lourenz."

The ambassador from Telreinz speaks up after biting his tongue for far too long, "Sir Famento, your dealings with Lourenz in such a manner is well beyond your authority as Duke Consort of Angelfalls."

The Louren ambassador retorts immediately, "With all due respect dear ambassador, your failure to provide assistance to your vassal during this time is greatly concerning. My king requires that the trade lanes be established again as soon as possible. Unless you plan on treating Angelfalls as a buffer between Midstland on Lourenz only and see no benefit to providing aid immediately."

"You should watch you tongue, good sir, Telreinz is a nation of proud military tradition, not bankers and money changers such as yourself. The fealty of Angelfalls is something that has been offered and rewarded many times in the past. When in during the civil war the ancestors of your good King laid waste to these lands they once controlled to slow down the mighty cavalry host of Telreinz ages ago. Telreinz ensures you Famento that your fealty will provide you assured protection of Telreinz's armies from your neighbors and the safety of all your subjects now that the unforeseen and forgotten Elven incident is now resolved"

rolled 78 = 78

>>17510580

Hmm, so if we instigate a war by having the ambassador from Poucel assassinated like we discussed earlier, then we can probably count on Telreinz to provide military support since it sounds like they still hold a grudge against that nation.

And we can definitely flame grudges and prejudices into flames of hatred.

>>17510580

Forgotten, is it? Tell the ambassador to look outside into the watery ruin that the Elven incident is forgotten. Tell it to the women and children who have lost loved ones that this incident is forgotten.

*crack stone with fist for dramatic gesture.

We still acknowledge the partnership (key word here) with your king, and his armies though absent from one of the greatest threats to this kingdom will still help defend our borders while we rebuild. Are we asking too much from a friend and ally, when an enemy is offering much more?

The treaties were placed in good faith and spirit on account of mutual deference and aid between two nations. If I overstep my bounds, it is because your king does not honor his commitments, or is the King offering equal terms as is the ambassador from King Quaglio?

>Maybe I should post the map
>Maybe this time it should work

Mention the urgency of the situation. While protection from our liege lord is part of our agreement, people are dying in the streets now!

It would be irresponsible of us to deny the people salvation just because we are traditional enemies. Or would the King have his people suffer needlessly because of ancient feuds?

The River system between Midstland and Telreinz
>FUCK

>>17510749

My god, that is one impressive looking territory right there. As a defensive position, it's pretty remarkable. The only threats come from basically the south and east, and with that river system defending the eastern and southern border, anybody trying to take the territory would suffer a phyrric victory. If things go sour and we have enough troops, this a great powerbase to have.

>>17508060
You really are evil.

rolled 86 = 86

>>17510798

Yeah, so right now we should be focused on building it up and getting those troops.

And then when our carefully-orchestrated powderkeg blows and throws everyone else into war, we'll have front-row seats

>>17510814
That he is. Good thing I was randomly lurking tonight. Now to catch up.

>>17510835
Casleinz is the last piece of that puzzle, all three nations used to be a single empire, The Varum Empre, that was around for 2000 years but it fell apart about 500 years ago into three successor states. They still do not like each other, but they balance the powers of each other.

rolled 98 = 98

>>17510906
>murderers and psycopaths

Murderous psychopaths do not good soldiers make.

We want them to be possessed of a certain level of bloodlust, yes, but keep it hidden unnoticed until we will it and then it comes boiling to the surface. We want them to be controllable and follow our command unquestionably. We want them to be efficient and ruthless, the iron gauntlet that wraps around our hand as we crush the continent in our grip.

>>17510935
Oh those kinds of people can have a role in our forces. Just not officially. It might not hurt to have something reserved just to terrify the hell out of an enemy - either through their ability on the battlefield or the results they leave behind when let loose.

>>17510835

Personally, I believe that we should first focus on rebuilding the economy of the nation while simultaneously funneling any excess cash into the military, improving it with darkforged/corrupted weapons and armor to make them murderers and psycopaths per my earlier suggestion >>17510030.

As the old addage goes, "The sinews of war are infinite money". A economically weak powerbase will not suit use once we expand. By offering that trade deal we proposed earlier we get an economic leverage on Lourens and perhaps can even take massive swaths of their territory and incorporate it into our kingdom while simultaneously not damaging their economy too much. This allows us further conquest at a much more rapid pace.

>>17510935

Now that you mention it, I agree. But some corruption should still take place.

rolled 32 = 32

>>17510959

Now that is a good idea. Berserking shock troops.

>>17510960
Oh yes, corrupt them, remove their moral compass, so they will not hesitate to follow even the most ruthless of orders, but control is the key, an army that falls to its base instincts uncontrollably is no army at all, just mere rabble.

"Forgotten ambassador? Forgotten? Is that the word you wish to use while the people of this city risk starvation and exposure?" Swinging your fist down into the throne the stone arm of the chair shatters and turns to dust, crumbling to the ground in pieces. The two men before you look agape at such a feat of strength, even more testament to it that you are not troubled with it at all. "The treaties that bind this land to anyone are undone, and I merely continue them in good faith, not in due diligence with the law. As such I will take the best offer for the future of this city as I see fit, not as tradition sees fit."

After that display general niceties are performed as the two ambassadors retreat into prepared rooms within the citadel.

You'll have to come to a decision on whose support you will accept. Neither nation will work with the other for any reason. Their animosity and fear of each other runs too deep.

>>17511023
We still have those 7 elf prisoners right?

While we aren't in a meeting we should soul oblit one of them, see what happens when a being that pure is corrupted that thoroughly.

>>17511023
Hmm. Tempted to say we should let Catherine speak to them on her own. We've shown ourselves as the harsh, worried for his people and will do what he must for their good point of view. I wonder if a lighter stance on her part could get more out of either ambassador. Plus she might just be able to get some useful information from them.

rolled 65 = 65

>>17511023

So Lourenz gives us an advantage economically, Telreinz gets us military backing, and Pourcel doesn't seem like it'll get us much of anything right now.

I vote for talking Lourenz's offer, we use the money made from trade to build up our army to better prepare for the war that we're going to be busy brewing up.

>>17511007
Given the time frame I think this is in, we could have imperial storm trooper Landsknecht infantry.

>>17511076
I like that, but even better if we can tie them up in negotiations for weeks, slowly working on them with dark implications until they're under our sway.

Then start a series of individual talks with each of them, making them believe that you're going to go with their offer, and then send them off each to send the aid they promised convinced that you chose their country.

>>17511023

What about accepting the deal with Lourenz while still allowing the Telreinzian military patrol our borders? This allows the Telreinzians to exercise their military stregnth over Lourenz should they see fit, while Lourenz still builds up its economy to provide for a military should Telreinz decide to invade.

Telreinz gets what it wants, Lourenz gets what it wants. Both are kept in check and we gain time to rebuild/rearm.

Once we can argue from a position of strength that's when I think we should side with one of them.

Or maybe we should even side with the empire of Midstland?

>>17511112
Dark imply is gone, it evolved into 'Dark Tyranny'.

>>17511122

Or failing my suggestion

>>17511112

It's a good idea, and we need time to rebuild

>>17511131
so we can force obedience, but we can no longer sway emotion?

Whelp, I know what I'm going to suggest next level up.

>>17511112

that facade can only be kept up for so long, if they find out that we're helping everybody else behind their backs, then we're in deep shit.

>>17511122

Same problem, once Lourenz finds Telreinz troops patrolling the border, they're going to be back for some re-negotiating and won't be as happy to help us again. Same thing with Telreinz.

>>17511122
Worth suggesting to them although I don't know if they'll accept it honestly. Diplomatic talks with Midstland isn't a terrible idea but that should wait until we've fixed some of the internal problems we still have. Especially the remaining nobles that didn't support us. We need to deal with them permanently somehow...

We need to find out if Gagné has any other family. Perhaps it's time to corrupt another person and have someone else take the head of his family.

On a slightly related note, I think adopting a coat of arms and flag with the appropriate colors and arrangement would be in order.

>>17511179
Silver wolfs-head on a black field.

>>17511209
add crimson eyes

rolled 73 = 73

>>17511171

Having more pawns in more places of influence is always a good thing.

I believe our Symbol should be a skeletal dragon coiled around a cube of gears, the skeletal dragon is black, the cube of gear is detailed in gold / bronze, on a dark red backdrop.

Because really, what the fuck is our most potent symbol of power right now?

>>17511209

Ah, a Witcher fan?

>>17511171

If we can solve this diplomatic situation now we seriously undercut any opposition's reason to try to dethrone us, as we have proved ourselves extraordinarily capable. It would make an internal "purging" easier.

>>17511170

Lourenz was only offering economic advantages. nothing on the table about military support. Telreinz was the exact opposite. By laying our decision in regards to both in front of them, we show no attempt at deception.

Each ambassadors suggestions do not exclude each other or interfere in their sphere's of wants, so both can be done.

>>17511238
That it is. I'm sure some of the nobles families that support Gagné or his own must have younger, ambitious siblings or bastards in them that we could seduce to our side. Then we just remove a few people and we have more followers in the nobility.

>>17511252

The mental imagery this invokes in me is glorious, but I'm not sure if other people share the same image.

Still though, if Kelgris ever dies, he shall live on in our symbol of power and Domination.

rolled 7 = 7

>>17511255

Well Evil did say that none of the countries will work with each other, so I interpreted that to mean that we can only choose to accept one's offer.

>>17511179
A hand clutched about a ball of light, one that if you squint hard enough looks just like... a star.

I'm on the line between the silver wolf and the Dragon clockwork ideas.

I like one because I love that Symbol, but I love the other one because it sounds bad ass while immortalizing our champion and is a valid symbol of our power.

>>17511284

If that is the case, then I vote we accept Lourens offer. The Telreinz ambassador let slip crucial details on the state of their military, mostly

>King Pourcel V gives his greatest apologies, but the treaties were binding and no mustering of the royal armies was possible and gold is scarce in the western continent. Nothing spontaneous could be provided

Meaning that the nation is poor, and from what I assume the armies are difficult to muster. Furthermore, the mountainous terrain would make it easy to bog down an invading force, especially on our western front.

However, I want to avoid conflict with either. We could end up getting swallowed up by our "ally" if we choose sides, especially once our armies are exhausted fighting two different nations so quickly.

rolled 67 = 67

>>17511313

Make the hand a black gauntlet and I wholeheartedly agree.

rolled 14 = 14

>>17511338

Agreed.

Although we could lay the idea of accepting both their proposals down and see how they respond, but I doubt they'd go for it.

Our symbol should be this. Because I really like it.

>>17511352

Yes.

>>17511321
The wolf is actually symbolic of the tyrant, lethally hunting its prey, not through berserk attacks, nor through ambush, but by surrounding it and harrying it through numbers and tactics, it is to be both feared and respected.

>>17511352
PROBLEM, VALTIR?

rolled 99 = 99

>>17511376

In that case, how about a wolf's head with a star in it's jaws instead of >>17511352

I like both versions, personally.

>>17511352
That's also rather explicitly evil, making it rather difficult to disguise our true nature even when our facade is whole.

>>17511313
I like this. We'll know that we're out to extinguish that goddamn star while we tell others that we embody values of reaching out to new moral heights.

If we want to exploit the trade opportunity and use it to help supply the people we need to accept it now, giving us no chance to corrupt or sway them to our side.
Lets take the deal. And try to reassure or Tyranny the Telreinz ambassador that we're loyal but forced out of 'desperation' to accept the enemies aid.

>>17511396

Then just, mentally trim down the jagged edges and round the claws into long fingers.

Bam.

rolled 53 = 53

>>17511396

we can change the design of the hand so that it doesn't look so obviously like we're crushing it.

>>17511413
That's better, I still support the wolfs head myself, but I don't actually oppose the hand grasping the star.

rolled 89 = 89

We also need a latin motto with a double meaning.

Except I'm not good with latin. Any ideas?

Accepting Telreinz's deal means you will be safe from attack, but languish in the rebuilding effort. Accepting Lourenz will no doubt cause great animosity between the two, a just cause to go to war because of a violated sphere of Telreinz as well as break off Angelfalls into its own independent nation.

Neither side wants either to have any hold of the area, for Lourenz to eliminate the defensive position it could invade them from the north with and Telreinz wanting to starve and choke and prevent free trade for Lourenz merchants in that area.

I support the gauntlet idea, the Wolf idea makes me remember absolutely CRUSHING the Wolf in Stronghold....also the gauntlet has a more...personal meaning to us.

rolled 14 = 14

>>17511452
>Accepting Lourenz will no doubt cause great animosity between the two, a just cause to go to war because of a violated sphere of Telreinz as well as break off Angelfalls into its own independent nation.

We need a strong power base built to prepare properly for plunging this continent into war. We were going to pit them against each other at some point anyways, so I think this is a better option than going with Telreinz.

Maybe this is too evil to post as the coat of arms for our nation/Evil, or maybe not.

How about this.

We (or Catherine) go and speak with the Telreinz ambassador, telling him that we will publicly accept the Lourens offer. We'll use their resources to rebuild our city and repair the area's trade using the rivers and lift. We'll use a metaphor, likening our position as that of a mistress leading her suitor by the hand as he follows blindly, unaware of the trap that lays in wait for him. When important times come, we'll support them always, without doubt.

The Lourens ambassador we'll tell the same. Except in reverse, obviously. That we'll side with them. We tell them the same thing we told the other, except that we'll only give the Telreinz the illusion that we're working towards their interest.

Playing both sides off of each other.

>>17511504
Hell, if we do it right we might even be able to take some extra territory by claiming to "protect it from the ravages of war" or somesuch. while ensuring neither of the countries actually succeeds in defeating the other.

>>17511537

Oh man why did I not think of this.

>>17511537
This came out a lot more confusing than I meant it to.

1. Publically support L.
2. Tell T that we are faking with L and robbing them of gold to rebuild our city on their dime. Tell T that we are really with T.
3. Tell L what we told T. That we are pretending to fake support for L, to ease the military threat from T. With L's support, we can rebuild, then we'll have a strong defensive line to rebuff inroads from T.

We publicly support L, but make both sides think we're working in their best interests. Then we fan the flames of war. Conveniently, before any hostility takes place, we need to write up some treatises making us "Officially" neutral for the sake of continued trade. When both sides want our support, we'll defer to the treaties.

>>17511338

That means i still support this idea posted earlier. >>17511452

To prevent being swallowed up by Lourens, we should form an alliance with Midstland to ensure our continued survival as an independent nation however. I don't like one nation bearing down on our tiny one with a destroyed major city and crippled army. We survive in the eye of the storm, and when the storm is removed we create a new one.

If Lourenz tries to annex us, we can bring up documents showing we are allies of Midstland. I am sure they will accept, as it fucks over any of Lourens plans on an expansion of power and if they try to annex, we can use it as justification to remove special treatment of their merchants while still getting all the gold necessary to rebuild our great lift and dam, as well as city.

>>17511598
Or, while we're fanning the flames of war, we go and see the leaders of Casleinz, providing them the opportunity to watch as their two rivals bloody each other, offering them the chance to move in from the rear and take them both, reforming the lost empire with them at the rightful head.

rolled 71 = 71

>>17511599
>>17511598

Treaties, Treaties EVERYWHERE

I'm way too tired to wrap my head around all this politicking, time for me to get some sleep and catch up with it tomorrow.

>>17511622

It's not that bad. If you think that's bad, you should read up on all the secret alliances that convalesced into WWI.

rolled 1 = 1

>>17511678

I remember getting the abridged version of that shitstorm in my high school history class and even then it seemed insane.

>>17511622

The next day you call upon the Lourenz ambassador, alone. And alone to a secluded room within the citadel, not the council chamber, where you begin to present your scheme. "Your offers of wealth are very tempting, but our weakened position does not let me take you up on your offer so readily. Angelfalls still needs military protection, which you cannot adequately provide. However, if you can provide the funds for the rebuilding effort, and once complete, then Angelfalls will no longer be so weak to need the protection of other powers so readily. At that time, we would be free to establish extensive trade agreements."

The Lourenz ambassador does not look agreeable at first, and poses the question foremost to his mind, "Where is the binding in this agreement of yours, you simply take our rebuilding efforts and remain under protection."

"I will sign a treaty now, a defensive pact against Telreinz. Should either attack the either, we shall aid another."

The ambassador pauses, "Full military access as well as everything else discussed, and I will take your response back to my liege for his consideration."

>>17511756

Only in the event of hostilities. No garrisoning of cities. All movements have to be reported to Military command once hostilities start.

Otherwise, we would have Telreinz soldiers and Lourens soldiers running into each other before we are ready.

>>17511798

Also, we can use the movement reports to tip the balance in our favors whenever we choose by providing information for an ambush.

>>17511756
"We can't outright come out and show them that we're allied. I need to keep up the appearance of neutrality."

We should rename the town to Valir Falls, or Vanir Falls, whatever was the name of the dude who beat us before and whose star is up there.

To the people it will make it seem so religious and shit, but fuck them if they don't see our true meaning.

Deal accepted so long as they only have to give due warning, but do not receive permission to move through and occupy Angelfalls territory during times of war with Telreinz for the entire length of open hostilities.

>>17511866
I find this amusing and we can use >>17511352 as our symbol but make the star the symbol of that guy who killed our predecessor

>>17511868
OOOOOH, THIS IS EVIL TRYING TO PLAY IN HIS OWN QUEST?

Naughty, naughty. lol

>>17511883
well, he is Evil...

>>17511883
Clarifying new end terms of deal in accordance to recent addendum by players.

I'd also remember to delete my trip.

>>17511868

I could live with that. We will probably have supernatural means to track their movements once the city is rebuilt.

>>17511908
Hahaha

Okay. So after that, what were our terms with Lorens that we agreed to?

>>17511868
so, they give us a bunch of money, and our merchants have no tariffs for trading in their territory, their merchants get access to the lift, and are allowed to pass through our territory tariff free as well, and they get to send military through our territory so long as they give us warning?

Agreed.

Negotiations are finalized.

Your treaty with Telreinz remains as is, although tithes will be overlooked in the immediate (but not far future) for the rebuilding effort. It will be far from enough money or big enough break to make the process any easier in the slightest though. You will still maintain a guarantee of military protection from them though.

Your secret treaty with Lorenz will have gold secretly funneled into Angelfalls, although at a snails pace, in return for promised aforementioned trade and military agreements upon the outbreak of war between Lorenz and Telreinz.

Returning to your throne and sitting in quiet contemplation, you are interrupted by one of your personal guards (formally your still loyal sailors re-purposed henceforth) raising an alarm. Prostrating before you on the floor still in uniformed guard armor he pleads for his life. After pleading for his life desperatly for some time he finally reaveals that Gagné has vanished from his room, and is presumed to have escaped and be at large. The guards have reason to suspect that his disappearance was around the same time both envoys left the Citadel some hours ago.

And with that, this part comes to an end.

>>17511991
Assuming he escaped with a convoy, I think it more likely he's headed for Telreinz.

>>17511991

Ahh, well done evil. I thoroughly enjoyed this edition. I assume Gagne went over to Telreinz to plead his case.

But that is for another time. When will the next installment be?

>>17512011
Probably next Monday this time.

>>17512015

I will look forward to it.

>>17512015
For real now? When last you left for months on end you left a void in my life that I could only fill by reading awful quest threads here on /tg/ and playing Overlord.

>>17512141
I'd hardly be evil if he said yes or no.