Righto. Questions.

> What happens if we marry up? Like if we married a Princess, unlikely though that may be.

It is true that that is a little unlikely. Nonetheless, there are states around your appanage which are not ruled by Kings, but Dukes. These duchies often, as a sign of friendship and submission, send their daughters to Iru to be presented, and marrying one of them is pretty much like marrying a princess - their fathers are sovereign lords, after all.

> I have a question about our uncles. Since they are probably the most currently powerful nobles (or at least among them) do they have any daughters that meet our criterion? Cousins were very much in-bounds for marriage, setting-wise, and there is likely a lot of power to be had there if they do.

I will write up an article listing the ladies to be presented on the Fourth of Fifth on Wikia. (Some of the ladies already have their articles, but it hasn't been collated. Will work on that.)

>>18724893
WOO! NOBLEMAN QUEST!

>>18724914

WOO! Hello you!

I think this quest might have a bit too much for people to catch up on, actually. Sorry guys.

You arrive back to your apartments, and Peony is already there waiting for you - having fully recovered, it appears, from her one-shot alcohol binge. She addresses you by 'sir' again, as well, which is nice.

'Anything the matter, Peony?'

'We got the chit for the conference this evening, a little while after you left,' she says, holding up the chit. You frown. This seems suspiciously like someone rushing to make amends after a plot has been foiled, namely when you found out about the meeting.

Could your fourth brother be...?

You tell her about your work, and she nods. 'Congratulations, sir. But that does mean there will be some work to do, representing the Prince.'

That is true. A representative of the Prince, who is the nominal but rarely the de facto decider of things in Margade, often has his work cut out for him by the very merchants he is meant to monitor. You'll probably have to consider some general principles first.

> How hard do you want to breathe down the Convocation's neck? Is it laissez-faire, or do you have an agenda you wish to pursue? If so, what is the agenda?

>>18724932
Oh, don't be so skittish about your work. You make an exciting, well written quest with great characters and an engaging plot (in fact, this is the only quest that has lured me into participation since Lord Quest went on permanent hiatus) fretting about people not being able to follow it won't do any good at all.

>>18725090
I say fairly laissez-faire, but regulating it just enough for the merchants to want to get on our good side.

not that it will actually help them of course

Well I guess our brother might not have wanted that position then. Ungrateful ass.

I have gleaned from the conversation by Gesdag that he probably knows about the troubles with the throne and, perhaps, thinks there might be a war soon. He might be trying to get close and use us in said war as a frontman or at least ally himself with what he sees as the best and most easily contacted noble of royal line.

This of course means that we need to be careful. We don't know if he wants to build us up into a strong leader he can ride the coattails of to grandeur or a pliable pawn to use and discard eventually. Either way, we have a debt to him now from nominating us -- probably exactly what he was going for. I think it might not go amiss to secure some funding for him when we are at the meeting as a way of repaying it and balancing the scales. I would prefer to repay this "gift" with a "gift" on our own terms, it's much more likely we won't want to do something he asks us to in repayment.

Well, for now send Rose to request a meeting with our fourth brother tomorrow. Cloudberry should be along either tonight or tomorrow and we can schedule that meeting for soon also... and our hunting-hawks-to-be come tomorrow also. It's going to be a day filled with clandestine meetings and intrigue.

The third of fifth and fourth of fifth are both going to be big days for us too... we need to make preparations. I think we should have Linden go ask around about who some of the star noble men and noble ladies are going to be. Intelligence, beauty, lineage, ect. She is obviously already interested from the opening of last thread, so her asking around would probably just be a continuance of what she has already been doing... nothing suspicious about it, and it seems like the kind of thing she would do anyway in her free time. Plus, I imagine the gossip is just flying everywhere among servants in the palace these days.

>>18725090
I think the agenda should be threefold: One, we need to secure some financial backing and money. Our coffers are running low.

Two, we need to find out who the merchant we need to target is and make contact with him. A plan I mentioned in a previous thread was imply that we might have a noble woman willing to marry him that we would gladly pass off, perhaps because we had some 'fun' with her but didn't want to deal with her powerful family pressuring us for marriage. That would be a strong lure.

And third, we might opt to secure some financial aid for Gesdag. He seems to be going through some fiscal strain. By us securing him monetary support we will make it known that we have sources enough to find out about that problem of his -- making him perhaps respect us more and think twice before using us and throwing us aside. One does not simply use and throw away dangerous people who can find out your secrets, after all.

>>18725090
Well, apart from getting that wife-killing uncle of whats-his-name (forgive me) struck from any chance of joining the convocation, I say we should be pretty hands off for now. Our main personal goal should be to find out who the most profitable and innovative merchants are so we can invest in their enterprises ourselves.

>>18725161
>>18725156

Your successful nomination by Gesadag, especially when it's been backed by all the nobles who listen to him, is indeed worrying. You are not a fool, of course; you can sense for yourself the general lines of division among the many nobles who serve at court.

Udisa, the Viscount of Tali who nominally represents all the nobles of the Sworn Houses as the most senior noble, is so senior that he is barely ever healthy. In his sixties, he is bedridden half the time, and coughing the other half, so Senjeri of House Daudu has been doing most of his work for him.

Yet Senjeri has nothing of the prestige that only age can gain, so many of the nobles who used to listen to Udisa are now turning to Gesadag, the Premier Earl, instead. No doubt, as he got his men to second his nomination, he was also making a very clear show of force - demonstrating the weight of his counsel, and its followers.

There is another unknown factor, though; the many frontier colonels, who are mostly not of the sworn houses but are nonetheless minor nobles and represented in court. You know House Kimasig often represents them, but you don't know where they lean.

> More to come.

>>18725233
>getting that wife-killing uncle of whats-his-name (forgive me) struck from any chance of joining the convocation
Why would we do that when we WANT to meet with him and get on his good side, for an eventual betrayal and shaming?

>invest in their enterprises ourselves.
With what money?!

I'm busy catching up on the last thread, then I'll be active.

>>18725161
>>18725156
>>18725233
>>18725232

First things first, though. 'Rose. Go to the Fourth Prince's quarters, and ask for an audience. I would like him to come and see me tomorrow morning.'

'Linden. I want information on the ladies to be presented, or present, on the Fourth of Fifth. You know everyone in the Palace, see what you can wheedle out.'

As for Peony... as the other two maids leave, you sit down and she stands next to you. 'Do you remember that I told you about what happened last night?'

'With the gate-guest, sir?'

'Yes. We need to entrap him somehow. The Convocation would be a good time for this. Also, we need money.'

'As far as I know right now, sir, a lot of the merchants are actually quite worried about the easterners. The River Fiswa gets cut off every now and then owing to violent changes in their regimes, and without those the long-distance trade with the east cannot flow properly. As for their other concerns, well, it's the usual isn't it?' Then, with your permission, she sits down and leans close to you.

'I have heard, sir, that quite a lot of the merchant houses are already beginning to throw their weight behind the Earls of Mar.'

'What, us?'

'Well, your older brothers. There are also new merchants moving in from other parts of the East Lake, and muscling their way into the transport business, and people don't like that.'

You nod as she stands again. You can see why she's whispering that. If merchants are moving to support a lord's children instead of the lord... that's what the start of a succession struggle looks like, you suppose.

> Go to sleep now and think stuff? Or do something else?

>>18725278
If you want to play a long game with him, then fine; I thought we'd prefer to just get his disgrace and eventual slaying over with as soon as possible. As for money, granted we have short-term cash flow issues; I was thinking more of securing long term income sources.

>>18725233
>>18725278

Might not be money that we're investing. We're an Earl; our word and our name must have some weight.

Perhaps we should use the Convocation to try and grow that weight. What would affect our reputation in the city, actually?

Tell Peony she acted cute when drunk, give her a wink.

Go work on mechanical bird then take a bath and hit the bed.

Set up a meeting with fourth brother later so we can figure out what exactly is up here. It would be stupid to set us up for not coming to the meeting and then tell us about it, so I doubt it was him as was >implied.

More likely it was the steward being an ass for making us interrupt his dinner. Or perhaps because the corrupt magistrates we busted and such were paying off his dudes and himself.

We also need to check on the progress of that case, for real. The questioning is taking far too long, two days is more than enough.

>>18725361
That's fine and all, but just being barred from the convocation is hardly grounds for true disgrace. All it does is obviously make us an enemy. A rich one.

Also, to make catching up on previous content easier, I will summarise threads and put them up on the wiki.

http://noblemanquest.wikia.com/wiki/Plot_Summation_List

Will work on the earlier ones later.

>>18725350
We need to get some of these merchants to throw behind us. Ideally that's what Gesdag is doing too, throwing in with us.

It does look like a succession struggle is coming, though. At least some sort of struggle. That must be what Gesdag was talking about when saying a year of turmoil.

We need to start getting our own spies soon.

>>18725450
>>18725394
>>18725450

'Also, Peony?'

'Yes, sir?'

'You ought to drink a bit more. Loosen up a little. You're cute when you're drunk.'

She smiles, bows, and then pats her robe. You think you know what she's signalling, and shrug. 'Draw me a bath, meanwhile.'

Soaking in the warm water, you can think of a few things need doing.

> You'll have to talk to the magistrates again.
> You seriously need to start getting some eyes and ears. You feel a little too blind about plots presently, and while you can listen intently on one conversation, there's rarely just one conversation going on at any time.
> You also need to work on that damn bird. But you'll do so tomorrow. It's a bit too late tonight.
> And then you need to talk to your brother. What on earth is going on? If nothing else, you ought to figure out why he stormed out of the hall...

With that, you clean yourself up and go to bed.

When you open your eyes again, Rose is sitting beside your bed in fresh clothes. She appears to be asleep too, head drooped, and the morning light makes her hair look browner than it normally is. There's a slip of paper on her lap.

> What do?

>>18725553
Acquire paper, read informations. Bathe, get dressed, then we will probably need to know what exactly is on the paper before choosing course of action.

>>18725553
Take slip of paper and read it, but of course.

Also, we should start thinking about paying off some beggars. Beggars can be our ears, as they can be anywhere and everywhere in the city without anyone paying them any mind. It will at least reveal the plots of the merchants.

>>18725553
We should ALSO see about hiring some additional servants, perhaps some underworld types that not many people know about. A thief in our employ would go a long way. Unsavory people but we'll be dealing with a lot of unsavory people.

Tell me, are the thieves organized in this setting or mostly independent?

>>18725633
>>18725627
>>18725657

You take the slip of paper, and Rose's hands move over yours, holding it tight. You have to open the letter with one hand as you sit up to read it.

Wait. What?

'I will be arriving to take Father in the morning. I have been rushing all night, so make ready for me! Second Brother.'

Tinaga's coming? You get up, and the movement wakes Rose, who lets go of you and gets to her feet. Quickly she helps wipe you down - too much bathing harms the skin, Earl - and get you dressed. 'When did you get this letter?'

'Just before dawn, sir.' Knowing your second brother, he will be here soon. He's got few virtues, but punctuality is definitely one of them.

As for the beggars, you do know that the beggars in the city are themselves divided into gangs. There used to be a unified Guild of Beggars and Rovers, whose influence stretched all about the Appanage and even the Kingdom; but several violent purges in the last decade have made for a much more complex picture. Still. You could always stand to pick a faction, or some factions, and work with them...

Just then someone knocks on the door before opening it; it's Baseg. 'Sir. Just as well you are awake. The Second Earl has just arrived at dawn, and he and the Fourth Earl would like to see you.'

'Where on earth did Imian go?'

'He said he went on a night raid near the hunting park, sir.'

You sigh and make your way down to the garden where they say they will meet you. All around you the plum and cherry trees are blossoming; the plum blossom petals lay strewn about the ground like snow, glistening with dew in the morning light. Sure enough, the two of them are there, laughing and clad in armour. Tinaga sees you first.

'Ah! It's our robed brother! Typical. Come here!'

> What do/say?

>>18725657
Yes to the servants. We need more of them.

No to the seedy types, at least for now. Do we really want a thief we don't know in our household? I mean, really?

We will get those kind of people in time, for now we don't want them. They will be both expensive and damage our reputation. Since reputation is pretty much all we have right now, that's bad.

>>18725754
The thief, I imagine, we would hire on much like our tactician. He'd be referred to us from our beggarly sources and we'd have to do something for him first.

>>18725739
Come there, obviously. Greet them fondly enough. Despite whatever else they may be, they are our brothers. Ask Tinaga what makes him ride back on such short notice, the Festiveal is not for another week. (right? or is it two?)

>>18725788
Well, the problem with thieves is that they are thieves. I really like the skillset but trust is a problem. We can't afford to have a bad apple in our court so early on, he would be able to find out everything and we don't have the people to implement a right hand does not know what the left is doing approach yet.

>>18725657
>>18725754

Well, there are plenty of gate-guests, and as for servants, you can easily hire them as well. If you have any special requirements, they can be catered for.

So do think about it as well. In fact...

>>18725807

'Second brother. Fourth brother.' You make your way to the pavilion, and sit down; Tinaga pours a cup for you. Isn't it a bit too early to be drinking yellow-brew, though? You haven't even had your morning tea yet.. 'if I may ask, second brother, what brings you here? Riding by the stars and moon, no less?'

'Father got me here!' He laughs again, a laugh that makes his attendant - a petite girl - flinch visibly. Then you notice it; your fourth brother has got not one, but three girls standing behind him. You don't recall- 'father wants to go hunting. But not in that goddamn little garden you've got down south. That's for ninnies! Wusses! He wants to go shoot some leopards and tigers in the Tallow Forest!'

The Tallow Forest lies to the north of the East Lake, not too far from Tinaga's fief; that would make sense. 'I see. And how long would father be gone for?'

'I don't know. When he's done hunting and I've run out of liquor, I guess?' He bursts into another laugh. 'So the cat is away, and you two little mice can play in the palace all you want, eh?'

'Talking about mice...' Imian smiles.

'Imian is a hero, Adrian, a hero...' Tinaga pats his shoulder. You feel slightly left out.

> What do/say/think?

>>18725904

Ask where the girls come from, and also ask about what Imian did. It is interesting he's in armour.

>>18725904
"A toast to the hero, then. Pray tell, what heroic deeds have you been about lately?"

Study the three girls behind him with glances out of the corner of our eyes. Keep it subtle. See what we can learn about them or if we remember anything about them.

Complement Tinaga on getting a chariot for the races upcoming and ask him if we should bet on him. There's some stiff competition, after all... he might need to have a few aces up his sleeve to win against such worthy foes. Basically, see if we can get anything out of him about the race. If we can make a proper bet on the races we could make a lot of money fast... and maybe gain prestige for having a sharp mind and inside line on things.

After all this is done, maybe we should slip in a reference about how Imian is going to be the bodyguard this festival... and see how Imian reacts.

>>18726032
Easy, cowboy; do we know if betting on the races is allowed? No doubt there are means to do so but openly speaking of it in front of our very martial and rule-bound brothers may land us in the soup.

>>18726095
Fair enough, leave out the asking him if we should bet on him part. Instead just complement him on getting a chariot in the races and ask him how he thinks his chances are against such stiff competition... imply that we know he always has a few aces up his sleeve. See if we can get him to brag about his awesome tricks.

>>18726032
>>18725982
>>18726095
>>18726129

'So, Imian... why the armour so early in the morning?'

'Early in the morning only for you, Adrian! Our little brother has been at that hunting park with some of father's bodyguards, doing a little bit of... practice.'

'We've arrested several men, brother.' Imian nods. 'Poachers. Laying traps in the park at night, to catch those game birds.'

'Oh? Where are these men?'

Imian smiles; he clearly has been waiting for you to ask. He waves his hand, and the guards come out, dragging several people along the ground before dumping them at the foot of the pavilion. They are all trussed; some of them look wounded. 'I'll have them taken to the prison later, brother. But maybe you would like to do some interrogation before Radase's turn?'

Tinaga chuckles; you wonder if you've just been jabbed.

> What do/say?

Meanwhile, you glance at the three girls. They are quite unusually tall, and one of them has chestnut-coloured hair, cascading smoothly to her chest. Probably of hillmen heritage. You definitely haven't seen them before; you would remember.

Tinaga catches your glances. 'Oh yes. These three. Trained them, brought them to Imian because he wants some attendants.' He chuckles. 'But he's only got money for two! I was going to take the last one, but hell, you can choose one if you've got the money, Adrian.'

'As the older brother, naturally you should choose first,' Imian says, saluting you.

> Accept? Also, more about the races incoming.

Background on chariot races: Tinaga is taking part in the nobles' race, where he will be the archer riding a chariot. He has to shoot a small target while the chariot is rounding a bend. One can guess how easy that is to do.

You congratulate Tinaga, who guffaws. 'Oh, oh... don't flatter me. It's only because I've just gotten a chariot, you see? A racer! Beautiful stuff. Made of light wood, a master carpenter made it for me. The other racers had better bloody stay out of my way during the race, or I'll be shooting all sorts of things other than the targets.'

'Certainly the light chariot would be no help, brother, if you weren't already such a good archer.'

'You're ever the talker, Adrian. But you know what, it's true. Those other guys are the border barons, and some from the sworn houses - please. They couldn't shoot an elephant while their drivers are yoking up the horses!'

'Actually, brother, isn't it about time you go and meet father?' Imian cuts in.

'Well, it's pretty close,' Tinaga admits.

> What do/say?

I think we should discreetly work on improving our relations with the stone-folk. If we do it right we could pretty much pull an army out off our ass when we need it.
Something I suspect will be VERY useful if there is some sort of struggle for succession.

Probably a jab at us not immediately slitting the poacher's throat earlier. Yawn. Is that really the best he can do?

"Oh, no need brother. Though I must say, while such a favor is a wonderful offer, you are a bit late in trying to return it. Mayhap next time you should be stuck with the merchants, perhaps you would be more content with them as your peers?"

Zing.

>>18726286

This sounds useful, too... then again, they are rather scattered aren't they.

>>18726156
Oh the magistrate can handle the poachers just fine I imagine. Compliment brother on a job well done bringing them in.

Hillman descended attendant is tempting, and keeping someone out of second bro's household covers our good deed for the day. What's the cost and how Hillman-ish are we talking?

Mention to Tinaga that Imian will be taking over his usual guard posting at the festival and gauge Imian's reaction.

>>18726286
Agreed.

>>18726226
Who is the prettiest of the attendants? And how much are we talking here?

Ask our brother how his training went, and if any of them have special skills.

>>18726156
>>18726226
Are the attendants hot? Unless there is some special reason we might be better off finding our own attendants rather than some second-hand, probably brutalized, potential spies from our brother.

>>18726348
>>18726328
>>18726286

This is worth considering, and worth thinking about. Then again, you know you must be careful; training an army, or gathering an army, without explicit permission or a pretext can have extremely serious consequences.

>>18726324
>>18726338

'I'm sure the magistrate will ask more cutting questions than me, so I shan't worry. Also, second brother, did you know that Imian is going to take your place as the bodyguard commander?'

Imian smiles and nods as Tinaga claps. 'I know! I know! And what a fine choice. He will be dashing. Now, of course, if only he could also... well, it only he could also be given other responsibilities.'

'I'm but young and inexperienced, so one job at a time, I guess.' Imian sounds forcibly neutral.

As for the girls... well, you expect you can use them for the same amount as you pay Linden and Rose, and deduct it from the taxes you get from your lands. Linden and Rose get 8 taels a day, and you know you can spare perhaps 30 taels a day in cashflow, so it's not a problem.

Tinaga introduces the three girls. 'This one is Calla,' he points to the tallest, chestnut-haired girl. 'Geranium, and Daisy.' One look and you can tell Geranium and Daisy are sisters - the same, sharp features; the same deep green eyes, the slight sprinkling of freckles on fair skin. Calla is slightly swarthier, and of slightly broader build.

> Choose another servant? And what do next? Tinaga will be off to see your father, and then you'll have a few days without dad around...

>>18726378
>>18726414

You have to admit, they are pretty. The Hillmen are known for their sharp features and shapely figure. Check and check.

'Trained, eh? Well, Calla knows a little of the horse fiddle,' Tinaga cannot help chuckle at that, 'and as for the other two, well, they can both sing a lovely tune. I think I'll miss them, little brother. Several nights of having them sing lullabies. Good times...'

>>18726466
So we basically just took that backhanded insult and said nothing in return?

...

>>18726498

> To be honest, pardon my limited English skills... but I didn't really get what that suggested insult was about. Like... what was the zing?

> If it is explained, I will gladly retcon. It is true that honour shouldn't be easily impinged, even by brothers.

>>18726466
Another servant would be nice, but we can't really trust them, I doubt our 2nd brother is all that conniving but still people can surprise you.

Strike up a conversation with Calla in Hillmanese, ask about her time under our brother, see what we can get from her.

>>18726466
Hmmm.

I don't know. I think we could probably pick up better ones at the Festival. There are going to be a lot of noble girls presented, and beautiful girls with enough nobility to be servants but not enough to be anything else should be fairly easy to find there.

Question, how rapidly are attendants picked up from those presented? How much of a battle among the ranking nobility is there for the choicest picks? Will our rank pretty much give us first dibs after our father? Or are the ladies presented there normally too high ranking to be made into attendants?

>>18726558
I assumed our brother was making a jab at us about interrogating those poachers we found earlier.
>>18726579
I second this. I don't think we should really pick up our brother's leftovers unless they can be useful.

>>18726558
The zing was saying that we put him forward for being in the noble bodyguard, and that if he couldn't appreciate that and return the favor then he is more like a commoner merchants rather than nobility.

>>18726593
OH! And yah, wasn't our brother saying he wished Imian could've taken our job too? Fuck that guy, Imian don't got shit on us.

>>18726466
I assume both our brothers treat their servants as shit.
If we pick one of the sisters it's more likely that she will remain in some at least sporadic contact with the other two, while Calla might just cut contact altogether.
So i propose we pick one of the sisters and treat her well.
This way she will probably gossip with the other two which will make them realize how much shittier their situation is, which will make it that much easier for us to turn them against our little brother if we need to.
Just don't trust her, we don't know what 2nd brother has done to them yet.

>>18726593
>>18726580
>>18726579
Than again, a little conspicuous consumption might be a boon when attempting to impress the merchants; a whole bunch of beautiful attendants may be just the ticket.

>>18726656
Hence the reason we converse with Calla in hillmanese to find out how much exactly he raped their anuses. Maybe both literally and metaphorically.

No servant, we can find better on our own. Pretty girls with some noble blood are a dime a dozen, and we can get ones that aren't secondhand, damaged, and potentially spies.

>>18726580

Clarification: if a girl is of good enough birth to be presented to the Prince for her Lock-blessing (when her front locks are cut off, and her face is 'unveiled' as a sign of marital readiness), she is not going to become an attendant. Those girls either do hold their own noble rank by birth, or have only just fallen off the tree - that is, their fathers are barons.

They will at the very, very least be concubines, or wives. Peony is four or five generations off the tree, and Linden and Rose are of common (though not contemptible) birth - that means their parents are free men, but not nobles.

Attendants can be hired from the city, or, well, like this. Gifting attendants is not rare; the girls get shared around anyway, eh? Hehehe, hehe, hehehe.

>>18726624
>>18726579
>>18726656

> Still undecided

You look from one of the girls to another, and they seem slightly embarrassed, if not exactly disgusted, by the attention. Tinaga smiles. 'I've got good taste, don't I? Newly hired, newly hired. It's kind of Imian to let you call dibs, Adrian.'

'It is a kindness well paid - no, well repaid, Imian, isn't it? Let's not confuse a repayment for a favour.'

You give Imian a pointed stare, and he looks down. He understands what you mean, perfectly.

> What do/say?

>>18726709
Eh, I still think we could get prettier and better attendants on our own.

>>18726579
>>18726673
>>18726667

Talk to Calla sounds sensible.

Maybe we should excuse ourselves to talk to the girls. Might give them the impression that we are always thinking about girls to bed, make them underestimate us.

>>18726709
Do either of our brothers speak Hillman to a decent degree?

While they say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, look what happened to the Trojans.

Have a nice little talk with the girls in Hillman, get a summary of their time with our brother, their opinion of him, their background before they met him and how they came to be under his service, and any applicable skills they possess.

>>18726709

Still sticking with this (one of the sisters).
>>18726656

If we want to become the asian littlefinger we better start scheming! Also for the sake of convenience I'm voting for Daisy as she is one of the sisters and her name is shorter.

>>18726789
>>18726781
You guys are idiots. Our brothers are not stupid. They will know exactly what we are doing here, and it will be an obvious insult. We are asking for servant's opinions and valuing them over our own noble brothers.

Way to make them fucking rage at us.

>>18726709
Smarter to go and find our own people. Politely decline.

Tinaga, via long exposure, does speak some Hillmanese. You'd better not talk in front of him if you want honest answers...

... unless, of course, Tinaga leaves. Which he does. 'The sun's over that roof! I better go before father takes out his riding crop.' He catches you still studying the three of the girls, and laughs. 'Now now, settle this properly between yourselves, boys. Don't fight too hard over them.'

With that, he strides off, his maid following him; you can spot she has a slight limp. Hmmmm.

> Well. You are still free to choose now. Now Imian is also looking at the three of them.

If we get one, we should get the prettiest one. If they are all about equal, choose the better looking sister.

>>18726869
OP, opinions have already been made known. All just drawing it out with no especially new information does is invite flamewars and samefagging.

>>18726869
Ask questions, determine the prettiest, if they're absurdly beautiful and hopefully competent we'll seriously consider getting one.

>>18726593
>>18726845
>>18726775
>>18726905

> With all due respect, I will be the judge of when the voting closes. Thank you for your opinion, though. Flamewars are indeed to be avoided.

You think this over. Of the three of them, any number could well be spies. Now that... would be an interesting thought. Certainly Tinaga would have an incentive in placing eyes and ears within the palace - if he hasn't already done so.

But if that is so, then there's no need for you to participate in this.

'Well, well. You are a lucky man, Imian.'

'Brother?'

'Nah.' You wave your hands. 'I have hardly any coin to feed Rose, and the other two. Look at her.' In fact she looks very lovely indeed, illuminated in sunlight. But oh well. 'If you wish to keep all three, I'm sure you'll find the means.'

> Do/say anything more before leaving? You can go back to residence for updates from Peony, or go somewhere else now.

>>18726955

Nothing much left to say.

If I'm not wrong, the thing that made Imian angry is that he didn't get both the appointments. Maybe that's why the meeting was kept from us.

We had better start preparing for conflict at this rate.

>>18726955
Take care of yourself brother, may you have success in your future endeavors.

Bid the girls farewell and goodluck in Hillman.

Get back home, get the updates from Peony, work on the mechanical bird and after that we'll go drinking with our old friend Sagota.

>>18726955
"Oh, and one last thing, brother. It might be wise to remember favors and return them... doing otherwise often leaves one with fewer people willing to do those favors for you later."

I have a question. Other than gifting, how does one go about finding servants? Could we have Peony or Rose ask around and find out if there are any far-removed (beautiful) noble scions in the city that we could take into service?

>>18727025
Hell, he couldn't have gotten BOTH could he? I thought that being bodyguard pretty much sucked up all your time?

>>18727100
They don't overlap, the merchant one is before and after the festival, and the bodyguard is during. It might not be the best form to try for both and our brother is a greedy little git, but it is possible.

>>18727128
Well then he's just a dick. Perhaps we should remind him that being in father's favor doesn't mean he can just walk all over us.

>>18727128
>>18727100
>>18727044
>>18727085

Well, yes... technically it's possible. I guess if you lust for glory long enough, you'd do anything for it.

Or maybe there's something afoot...?

'One thing, brother. You asked me yesterday about making one's way in life. If there is one way all men must make, it is reciprocity. 'You have given me a wooden peach; I ought repay you with a jade amulet'...'

'I... understand, brother.' He bows, looking humbled.

With that you stride out, and back into your residence. From your top balcony you can see the hunting team setting off - thirty horsemen at least, and an enormous pack of hounds. That would be a grand sight.

Peony looks over her papers. 'I'll be, sir. Just as His Highness is going off for hunting, it appears we have a few days' breathing space too. In fact there're no appointments for the next ten days or so, until the Convocation's meeting. But I suppose the merchants will need to be seen and consulted...'

'And Martha's bird done up,' you mutter.

'That too, sir. Of course. You haven't seen the young lady yet since coming back, have you sir?'

> What do?

As for servants: well, you can hire them; with this many nobles, there's never a lack of pretty village girls to be servants. If you want someone of noble blood, really, they probably wouldn't deign to be less than what Peony is. Remember - even Linden and Rose, your personal attendants, aren't nobles. At all.

So unless you want a show of force like Gesadag with Cloudberry - and you don't even know if Cloudberry's actually a servant...

>>18727197

That took a while. Sorry, was a bit distracted.

>>18727197
We haven't seen our sister for a while. We need to visit her, we can work on the bird afterwards, but it's unforgivable that we've been ignoring our dear little sister.

>>18727197
I have a question. What exactly is the difference between Peony and the other two girls. In practical terms in the household, that is. They seem to do pretty much the same jobs...

>>18727197

First visit little sister, then work a little on the bird, then have a few drinks with merchants in the evening.

>>18727245

Good you asked! The thing is, Peony outranks the other two girls. The reason you don't hear about it, as players, is the same reason you aren't being bombarded by description of the many slaves around your household.

You have about 20 or 30 slaves which do a lot of the menial work in the house, and they are under Peony's (and her father Baseg's) direct command. Linden and Rose are of course, not slaves, but they attend only to you.

>>18727197
We don't need a princess thrice removed, we just need a few exceptionally pretty hangers-on to wow the merchants. Speaking of which, a few preliminary meetings with a few of the more prominent members of the Convocation would not go amiss.

>>18727197
Okay. We have four things in the pipe right now. In no particular order they are:
Martha's bird
Merchants
Katesas
Gaesdag

Optionally also:
Find another attendant
Begin recruiting eyes and ears
Scout out potential concubines, wives, and allies we will need to watch closely at the upcoming Festival presentations.

Anything else guys?

>>18727312
Our old school friend, Sagota of Tali, invited us to go drinking with him today, and given that we haven't seen him for a while we should go.

>>18727279
>>18727256
>>18727220

'We'll need to go and see her, yes,' you nod. 'And then work on the bird. Then drinks with Sagota. In fact, over the next few days, we should have drinks with some of those merchants too.'

'I'm sure, sir, they will invite you once they know your appointment,' Peony smiles. 'Speaking of which - they haven't sent your badge and symbols of office yet.'

Well, that's bureaucracy for you. 'They'll come. Oh, also. Peony. I need to get some attendants.'

She looks slightly surprised. 'You mean, permanently, sir? Well, I will arrange for someone, that's for sure...'

Well...

> Permanent, or just for the Convocation? You will go see Martha after this - you know she's probably free in the day.

Also, >>18727312

Thanks very much!

>>18727197
I would like to try for a beautiful noble attendant. We don't need one super high ranking or anything like Cloudberry, but the prestige of the servants does reflect the prestige of the master. So we should look for 3rd-5th generation fall-offs.

>>18727350
Just for the Convocation for now. If any of them make an impression, we could consider longer term.

>>18727350
We do need some temporary hot ones so we can play up the dilettante noble, but having more trusted servants would also be nice. If any make an impression we can think about going full time with them.

>>18727329

In that case, change 'drinking with merchants' to 'drinking with Sagota'.
>>18727256

>>18727359

Peony is 5th generation fall-off, and she's higher ranking than an attendant.

>>18727350
One permanent one. Beautiful, noble, and well educated.

We could probably use a few transient ones too, I imagine our workload will pick up in the coming few days and the girls will have a lot to do that can't always be handed off to slaves.

>>18727395
Yes, and? She is still an attendant. Just higher thanking than Rose or Linden.

>>18727412
Ranking*

>>18727350
Have Peony see what she can find among the noble ladies. I would like to see some of these girls before taking them on a hundred percent.

>>18727350
Just for the Convocation for now, a few beautiful ornaments to distract the common traders during negotiations. Of course, if we can get one or two of good breeding or sharp wit for a good price; we may consider them for a more permanent role within our retinue.

>>18727359
>>18727397
>>18727379
>>18727369

'Well. A few for the Convocation meeting itself would not hurt. I guess as the Prince's representative some largesse would be necessary.'

Peony nods, and then looks up. 'Actually, sir... I was just wondering, have you considered tapping into the royal treasury?'

'Eh?'

'After all, when the Second Earl left for his fief, he took twenty-six thousand taels for his own use in building a new mansion. If we are... strapped...' she leaves the rest unsaid. Well, that's a thought.

'I'll think about that. Oh, but - I don't mind village girls pouring drinks for the merchants at the meet, but it would be nice if we did have more staff. Do keep a lookout for some exceptional ones.'

'I'll inform the people, sir.'

And with that, you go off to Martha's. Her compound is farther north, in the middle of a large expanse of parkland, and it isn't long after you enter the gate that you see the thirteen-year-old, long bangs still covering her forehead, dancing to two servant girls beating drums. She stops when she sees you.

'Brozzer! Brozzer!!' She laughs and waves her arms.

> What do/say? And what about the royal treasury?

>>18727466
We can pull from the treasury to cover the temps and any other expenses for the Convocation. Otherwise I'd rather not rely on it.

>>18727466
Wait. So did he just straight up go in there and take it with no intention to repay? Is that Kosher?

>>18727466

Give her a hug. Are there pretty servants around here, actually? Maybe if we just borrowed some from Martha instead of hiring our own...

>>18727466
Martha, it's good to see you little bird. Pick her up, give her a loving hug and spin her around a few times. Give her a kiss on the forehead.

Sorry about not coming to see you earlier, I've been swamped with work and meetings.

How have you been, you keeping up on your studies and lessons? Read anything interesting lately?

>>18727492
>>18727549
>>18727506

It would appear so, yes. Well, in a sense, the royal treasury is where your pay is coming from anyway.

Nonetheless, you figure you had better be quite prudent with taking your father's money. The Second Earl is, after all, the Second Earl. And you are not him.

You run up and give Martha a big hug, and then brush the locks off her forehead. She's a lovely girl, bright faced and grinning. 'Practicing your dance?'

'Yes, brozzer. Have to be ready for the fourth of fifth!'

'It's not your fourth of fifth, young lady!' But it will be soon, as you realise. Time goes fast.

As for servants, yes - since Martha is a woman, she cannot have manservants, so there are maids and female slaves everywhere. Some of them are even pretty, as you can see from a cursory glance.

> What do/say?

>>18727584

Second this. Show her some concern. Maybe also ask if father or the brothers have been around here recently, what did they talk about?

>>18727612
She's just too adorable isn't she. Talk with her about what she's been up too lately, hint that we're making her a present but don't give any details let her know it's going to be a surprise. Give her a light noogie.

Tell her that second brother is in town, see if any of our family has talked to her lately.

When the conversation is winding down ask about poaching a few of her servants for the Convocation, we'll give them back and just need to look really fancy to mess with their heads.

>>18727612
Have some tea or whatever with sis while telling her of our grand adventure in the south (the pg-13 version that is).
Also keep an eye out for pretty servants.

>>18727584
>>18727670
>>18727628
>>18727655

Martha hugs you again, and you ruffle her still untied hair, pat her head. It's all sweaty from the dancing. Imagine that! Soon it will be tied, the bangs shaved, and then she will be ready for marriage.

There is both joy and some fear in that thought, you realise. 'Now get off me, girl. You're all sweaty,' you chuckle, releasing her.

'Would you like tea or liquor, then?' She grins. A long table is set out in a pavilion, and immediately someone - two someones - catch your eye as they come up with the tea and cakes. 'Thank you Sister Orchid. Sister Lilac.'

You look around. This place is also strewn all about with white petals, but the cherry blossoms seem to be blooming much more vigorously in the bright sun. You tell Martha about what you did down south, and she listens with rapt attention as you speak. 'Wait, wait, so the girls were in the basement? That's awful!'

'It was! It was.' You can't think of a way to talk about using their menstrual blood for medicine, so you leave that aside. When you finish talking, she promptly hugs you.

'So did you get a souvenir for me from there?'

'I... nah, I couldn't be bothered. Ow! Hey!' Martha laughs. She can slap quite hard, thankfully it's your shoulders.

'I kinda missed you, brozzer.' She sighs. 'I tried talking to Fourth Brozzer, but we don't have much to talk about. It's a bit weird. You know he's currently fasting and all, right?'

'Eh?'

'He says he wants to purify his body for the appointment ahead. That's what he told me yesterday when he came over.' Just then, Orchid comes over to pour tea for the two of you; she catches your glance, and lowers her head, blushing slightly. 'And then he's going to the temples to pray. Like, all of them.'

> What do/say?

>>18727766
I don't like the sound of this, sounds like he's expecting something.

>>18727766
So, he's on a pilgrimage of some sort?

>>18727766

That guy's superstition is going to get the better of him one day. As for us, keep looking at Orchid. Ask Martha for more information.

>>18727766
Yeah, Imian is pretty gung-ho about the whole praying and omens thing, I have no clue where he got it from, never really understood the appeal myself.

Give Orchid one of our patented awesome smiles.

Don't worry about me not getting you anything in the South, you'll forgive me in about a week, be very vague and don't give her details on the bird, tell her it's going to be a surprise.

Ask Martha about her attendants, lead the conversation to poaching them for a bit.

>>18727845
>>18727825

Well, it's not a pilgrimage, but... you must admit, this sounds a bit fishy. Certainly there are reasons to go to temples other than gods - namely the priests and priestesses of each deity, which themselves constitute a formidable force in the city.

Perhaps Imian's faith is a little more pragmatic than you might think?

>>18727852
>>18727874

'Well, you know, gifts... you just need to be patient, eh?'

'Hmmm?' She seems to have forgotten the question already. You then ask her more about Imian. 'Well, not much other than that. But certainly he's been riding around a lot more. He's the bodyguard commander this year isn't he, brozzer? Is that why he's doing all this?'

You say yes, smiling, but you cannot be sure. You then gesture at Orchid, who visibly gasps. Lilac, too, looks down. 'These two your personal attendants? Do you have others?'

'Well, there's two or three more, why?'

'Nah. Just wondering...' you are quite surprised by what comes next. Martha raises an eyebrow.

'Are you thinking of hiring them from me, brozz?'

The little weasel!

> What do/say?

Just wondering, apropos of nothing, how do we train new skills? We are tinkerer, swordsman, linguist, but other things?

>>18727942
So not expecting something, planning something. Shit.

>>18727942
You always were too clever for your own good.

I'm not planning on stealing them from you, just borrowing, need to look good in front of the merchants. If they think I'm a useless git who covers himself in pretty women they'll underestimate me and I can get serious advantage in deals.

If your attendants fall for my effortless charm and refuse to leave my side that isn't my fault now is it?

>>18727999

The usual way: spend time. It's a bit like making stuff: roll dice, gain points, then gain bonuses in a certain skill.

Just up to you what you want to practice. Arts, martial arts, anything.

>>18727942
I don't think we should take little Martha's attendants. They're hers, after all. If anything we should be giving her attendants.

Plus, I can't think of a better way to piss of literally the entire family than taking advantage of Martha.

>>18727942
Ask her if second brother has been around to visit since he came back.

>>18728018
>>18728001

You laugh, even while you think about the possibilities of Imian. For someone who's just had his hair tied, he sure is being quite enthusiastic. You can't underestimate him...

'Nah, not hiring them off you. I just need to borrow them.'

'Borrow?'

'You know Imian is the bodyguard commander, but you don't know I'm father's representative to the merchants?'

'Is that so? Congratulations!' She hugs you. 'I think that's better than bodyguard commanding anyway. Soldiers smell funny.'

'I don't want to know how you know that, girl. But yes, I'm going to need people. Of course, if they don't want to come back to you, I certainly shan't impose on a woman, should I?'

Orchid giggles.

> What do/say? Anything else, before you'd like to go?

>>18728128

> Shit, I forgot the most important part.

Martha looks at Orchid and Lilac, then straightens herself. 'Lilac. Orchid.'

'Oh. Yes, my lady.'

'From now on, until you are discharged, you shall be the servants of my third brother Adrian. I give you leave to shift to his service. Treat him at least as well as you treat me, and do not humiliate my household.'

'Y-yes, my lady.' Then Martha turns around at you and giggles.

'Was that good? Was that ladylike enough?'

'Almost regal, my lady,' you nod.

> Gained servants: Orchid, Lilac.

>>18728169
Thank her, and tell her we'll have a present for her during the festival, and that she should send us letters trying to guess what it is. If she guesses right, we'll take her on a trip!

We have a vacation coming up soon, after all, right?

>>18728198
Would that be proper? Also, I'm not sure if we can afford a vacation. We have a lot to do here, and will be busy getting noble bitches and making allies after the festival.

Then again, a vacation is a good chance to visit our holding and expand them... and we can stop by the stonefolk and hillmen to make allies while we are gone.

So not really a vacation at all, I guess. We just call it that. But all of this is for after the Festival, if we decide to do it.

>>18728169
They already find me charming, I don't think you'll have any chance of getting them back once I start reciting poetry, in multiple languages. Don't worry, I'll try to give them back just as they are. They'll be well taken care of.

Thank you for this Martha, if you ever need anything within my power just ask, you know I'd do anything for you. Would you care for another cup of tea?

Just chat and play around with her for a little bit, we don't get to see her that often and our appointment with Sagota isn't for a while yet.

>>18728125

'Number Two came, yes!' You always found it hilarious how someone as intimidating as Tinaga got to be called, simply, Number Two by Martha. 'He gave me a bunch of bulbs, said they were a lake plant with really nice flowers and I should plant them near the garden's pond. I think I'll do that.'

> What ask?

>>18728276
>>18728266
>>18728198

'No need for that, I'll guess now!' She thinks for a moment. 'Is it... a book of poetry?'

Well, shows she thinks highly of your linguistic skills too you reckon. 'Nope. Don't bother. You won't guess. Send me notes and tell me.'

'You are such a tease,' Martha says. 'Then again, why vacation after the festival? I mean, after the Great Summer Festival, we'll have to go to the Arrowroot Pond to pray for the fishing folk, and then it's the Tiger-Shooting Festival. You'll be running about like crazy. I say, brozz, if you want to vacation, better vacation now. Daddy's already doing it anyway, isn't he?'

'You're just saying this to get a free trip out of me.'

'Am not!'

'Are too!' Martha really is a clever clogs. And you know what, she has a point... you think about Linden suggesting a holiday too. Hmmm.

It occurs to me that we might need to look into prostitutes eventually. Not for ourselves, of course, and we wouldn't touch them. Strictly business. Rather, taking them on and training them as assassins and favor-givers. I think a night with a beautiful woman could open all kinds of doors for us at times... and since we won't be using our household that way, we could use some other source to draw from.

I am also concerned about both our status symbols being delayed and that we haven't heard anything from the constable in regards to our case. Perhaps tomorrow we should pay some visits.

>>18728378

The status symbols, we had better get Peony or someone to check on them.

Also, do you reckon getting a brothel is better than getting a few prostitutes?

>>18728378
>investing in prostitutes.

>>18728344
Martha brings up a good point, once we have all of our business concluded and loose ends tied up we can vacation some. Until then we should stick around.

Make our farewells, collect our new attendants, treat them like a complete gentleman, we're the classy brother after all. Introduce them to the household. Leave them in Peony's care and get back to tinkering on the bird.

>>18728344
Nope, we've got to have preliminary meetings with the more prominent members of the Convocation, if we show them that we take an active interest in the concerns and wellbeing of the merchants we could gain powerful (and lucrative) allies. Guess we'll have to take a raincheck on that trip.

>>18728344
>Martha really is a clever clogs
"I both envy and pity your future husband."

>>18728344
We have ten days, but that's hardly any time for a vacation. We have so much to do, we need to talk with the merchants and other people.

Hmmm. I don't know. We really will have a hard time squeezing a vacation in, depending on how long it takes to get to our estate.

How many days is it there and back?

>>18728406
Right now we need to be extra careful of our reputation. Buying a brothel will dirty it like crazy. We're going to be courting noble ladies soon, after all.

A whole brothel is like the plans for investing in Inns to house our traveling assassins. Long-term. Even the prostitutes thing might not be until after the festival. It all depends.

Whatever we do though, we should keep it once-removed from us. We won't be hiring these prostitutes and keeping them around, one of our sworn men will, and they will be housed in property that we don't own per-se. That kind of thing.

>>18728415
This sounds good. Promise to visit Martha again before long.

>>18728378
If we are heading back south we should also consider discreetly visiting our stone-folk friends. Hopefully we can arrange a 'favor' for when the time comes.

>>18728411
>>18728406
>>18728378

I say you go wild. The red light district, the temples, the markets, the docks, and simply the streets and alleys - these are all places of potential power.

>>18728378
>>18728415
>>18728416

'Sadly, I have work to do now. Can't really vacation. But you know what, I will have to find a very good husband for you, Martha.'

'Wait, what?' She blushes.

'Well, if he's not good enough, you will drive him up the wall with your brains!' Mind you, you bloody well mean it.

You spend quite a bit more time just faffing about and talking about nothing in particular to Martha. It does not escape you that every time Orchid pours you from behind you, she leans over enough to touch your arm with her body.

But of course this is not quite the place to discuss or act on such things. After a while, you hug Martha and ruffle her hair again, and get off back to your residences. Peony and an attendant are there waiting.

'Sir,' Peony nods at a seal case and a tasselled mace on the table. 'The symbols are here. And the attendant is also here.'

'I'm simply here, sir, to apologise on behalf of the chief attendant Hunaga about last night's oversight.' The man bows deeply. 'It was one of the subordinates who slipped up with the accounting of chits. We've had him roundly whipped, sir, and I hope for your forgiveness.'

Slipped up with the accounting of chits, to the Third Earl of the Appanage? The bastards have guts.

> What do, before tinkering? Roll 2d100 for tinkering results, by the way.

rolled 91 = 91

>>18728551

rolled 26, 33 = 59

>>18728551

Rolling for tinkering!

rolled 18, 14 = 32

>>18728551
We're going to have to have someone beat Hunaga with a tire iron some time, he's starting to get on my nerves.

I understand, be sure that this doesn't happen again, I would hate for anything to hurt Hunanga's reputation of excellence at his job.

>>18728551
"All is well, then. I would like to personally see this man and his supervisor, however, some time in the next three days."

This way the old bastard won't be able to just say he whipped the guy and get off scot free. He will have to actually sell out some of his people to make it look legit... and that means next time he asks one of his dudes to do something like this, they won't be nearly as willing. You don't take as many risks for someone who you know will sell you out in a blink.

rolled 33, 58 = 91

>>18728598
Gah, hope I do well again!

>>18728462

It will take about a day to get to your estate, where there are but dilapidated lodgings. Not the most brilliant holiday spot. But there are lodges, belonging to the Palace, which are nearer than that.

On the shores of the East Lake, for example, or in one of the forest reserves to the west and south - those will take maybe half a day to and fro.

rolled 33, 23 = 56

>>18728551
Let the matter rest, for now.
We don't really have anything solid on the guy, and we have precious little to gain by losing our temper.

Rolling for tinker.

rolled 13, 89 = 102

come on, come on...

rolled 38, 75 = 113

>>18728551
>2d100

Let me have a try.

rolled 80, 27 = 107

>>18728551
Craftan

>>18728649

Wait. How's this for an idea - we take some of the merchants along with us on a holiday? I mean, surely we can impress them by taking them to the prince's lodge.

rolled 67, 30 = 97

>>18728617

Voting for this.

rolled 66, 90 = 156

>>18728649
Hmm, in that case we might be able to spare a day or two on the lake. Depends on how many merchants want to see us before the meeting.

Today is not the best day for birdmaking.

>>18728688
Sounds good, although Martha may be a bit miffed if we try to entertain both her and some merchants at the same time.

>>18728661

> This one was the highest of the first 5 rolls, so I'll take it.

You sigh in irritation and wave your arm dismissively. 'Fine. Fine. If you say so, it's a slip. I would hope Hunaga is as competent as he always was from now on.'

The attendant buggers off, and then you let Rose show Orchid and Lilac to the servants' quarters. Then you roll up your sleeves and get to work on the bird.

... for a while you make quite a lot of headway actually, until the bit when you try to fix the row of covert feathers - copper beaten into feather-thin flakes - onto the wings. Only then did you realise something - you had fitted the damned bloody stupid rear girder of the wings backwards on the left wing. You'll have to undo that whole wing, then, which means just making one wing successfully.

> Bird completion: 3/9

'Heavens damnit!' You growl under your breath, but just then you hear someone step into the room and then hurriedly step out. You turn around. It's Orchid, with tea and snacks. You can already smell what it is, sweet potato mush with almond cream and rose syrup.

'Sir... sorry... am I interrupting?'

> What do/say?

>>18728744

Oh, maybe we shouldn't take Martha along on that trip. We could take her on another trip elsewhere, somewhere nicer, later on?

What lodges do we have that are nearby, op?

>>18728782
Not at all, just tinkering on a mechanical project when I realized I put something important on backwards. You know what the Southerners say, "The most obvious mistakes are the ones that slip your eye."

Please come in, some food sounds amazing, sorry for yelling, it wasn't at you.

Take a seat, I'm making this bird for Martha, don't tell her it's going to be a surprise.

>>18728782
"No, come in. I think that I could use a break, and the smell is wonderful."

Have her sit down and eat a bit of it too. Ask about both her and Lilac and how she came into Martha's service.

>>18728835
>sorry for yelling
Nope.jpg

Never say sorry to servants.

Okay, seriously now. Let's set to work after this and go try to at least get SOME kind of faction under our thumb. I don't care if it's a noble, a gate guest, an influential merchant, a beggar faction, or what. I'm ready to have some eyes and ears in the city.

Ask her in. Let's talk. Show the bird to her, if there are any parts of it that can move.

>>18728890
>>18728900
>>18728853
>>18728835

In terms of factions, you can probably start from the guys you know. Sagota is two years your senior, and does wander the city a lot - maybe his network, if he's got one, can open up your own network...

Meanwhile you tell Orchid to come in. 'I wasn't yelling at you.'

'Then what is - oh, that's a beautiful bird, sir!'

'Beautiful, except this bit's put in wrongly. I can't believe I made the part myself and could still cock it up,' you mutter, and chuckle. 'Sit. So, tell me more about you. Where are you from?'

'I'm from Margade, sir. My family runs a small brewery. I was hired out along with my sister to... pay some loans.' That's not an uncommon arrangement - an advance payment, and then several months or even years of unpaid work. Well, no master ever complains about cheap labour.

'What about Lilac?' You glance at her as you eat the mush; it is velvety smooth, and the rose syrup is really fresh. You didn't think there were roses blooming early enough to make it fresh, but there you are. Turns out Lilac's family are farmers, who own lands near your fief. Or maybe *on* your fief?

Orchid's long, skinny fingers are clasping and unclasping as she speaks. She seems to be watching you eat rather intently, unaware that you know she's doing so.

> What do/say?

>>18728890
Merchants will be coming to us shortly and we can take our pick from them.

Gate Guests are in progress and related to merchants.

Other stuff yeah we should get out there soon.

Are we meeting with Sagota today or tomorrow?

>>18728976

Sagota is today. This evening, in fact, in the city.

>>18728975
"It is wonderful, I did not know that the roses bloomed so early. Did you prepare it? If so, your skill at cooking is rare indeed, a credit to you, and having you in my service for a time will be a great boon. You do not find it objectionable to be serving me rather than your mistress, I hope?"

Let's see what she says.

>>18729087
Gah!

"This is wonderful" by which I meant the food. Fucking typos.

Question: Because of Peony's noble birth is she accorded any different responsibilities than Rose or Linden? Like is she the only one who can manage our finances, or something like that?

>>18729135

As previously explained: Linden and Rose are your servants and attendant. Much like Orchid and Lilac now. They do not command anyone, and they stick around you and serve you.

When Peony sticks around you and serves you, that's only part of her job. The other major part is making sure that the thirty or so slaves in your household wash the clothes, and keep your room immaculately clean, and prepare your horses, and open and close the gates for you. The slaves are under her command, as they are under her father Baseg's command.

As for finances, yes, she is in control of that, not your servants. She's your maid in a sense, but she's also your personal secretary.

>>18729087
>>18729103

'Did you make this?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Well I'll be. It's very good.'

She gasps softly, then bows. 'I'm very glad you like it, sir.'

'I do. So be glad. I will be using you only for a short while, until my official work is done. Then you can go back to your mistress.'

'Well, sir... that would be very nice.' She sounds almost a little disappointed. You finally fiddle the wing back into most of its constituent parts.

> What do/say?

>>18729225

'What, would you like to stay with me? Don't tell me Martha is a bad mistress?'

>>18729225
What is it like working for my sister anyways? I don't get to see as much of her as I would like, is she doing well in her studies, getting along with everyone, growing up well?

We should probably take a bath and clean up a bit before we go out drinking with Sagota so after this conversation ask her to draw a bath.

>>18729225
Okay, thanks. good to know.

"Is there something amiss with service to Martha? Perhaps it lacks... excitement?" Smile and pause a second, "Orchid, would you please come here a moment and hold this?" Cup her hand with ours and guide it to hold a part of the bird while we fiddle with a spring or something. See how she reacts.

I wonder if maybe she is a bit star-struck by us. We did sort of play up the story of our journey north too. Hmm.

>>18729356
>>18729280
Combine these. Hold and stroke her hand under the pretense of helping us then, depending on how she responds, ask her to go draw a bath. Plus the Martha thing too, of course.

>>18729280
>>18729279

You get to talking about your little sister, and the conversation opens up. Come think of it, you recall seeing Orchid in the past, as a servant for Martha.

Orchid talks about how Martha now knows how to speak Riverrine Eastern, as well as Hillmanese, and she's trying to learn the tongue of the Stone-folk as well. At the same time, though, she's been practicing how to fight with a staff-

'Wait. What? Fight with a staff?'

'The Second Earl, his lordship, gave the Countess a manual. She loved it, so she's been practicing and swinging around. Just the other day she overturned several basins doing some training...'

You laugh, and she laughs too, though she catches herself and covers her mouth. You notice she really has very nice looking hands. At length, she looks a little flustered, then bows and takes your bowl and tray. 'I'm... sorry, sir, to delay you. Lady Peony said you had something on later, sir.'

'Peony will do. But do call her lady in front of her, she'll enjoy that. Also, yes. How about you run me a bath?'

She pauses, and her eyes widen. But then you gesture for her to move, and follow her to the bathroom.

> What do/say?

>>18729356
>>18729415

Thirded. Try to conserve some energy for meeting Sagota, though.

>>18729437
Have her run the bath and undress us, then as we're getting in take her hand and ask her if she would like to join us.

Like a boss.

>>18729437
Picking up languages, I think that proves who the favorite brother is. Make a mental note to speak in foreign tongues when we're with her.

Get to the bath, have her help us undress, turn on our cocky smile and ask if she would care to join us.

Is it proper to sleep with your little Sister's attendants, we're going to do it of course I'm just wondering.

>>18729504
Lets not fuck our sisters servants in a pre-condom era.

>>18729437
OP, how long do I have to actually consider things and write them before it becomes irrelevant to post them? Thinking things through for a minute or two before typing them out seems to leave me left in the dust, even at 9 minutes following yours. Is there a 5 minute timelimit or something I don't know about?

>>18729565
What are you talking about? I'm sure we can slaughter a goat for it's sweet, sweet intestines.

>>18729565
Why not? I don't think Martha will mind, and Orchid certainly doesn't.

The only possible reason I can see not to is that it would scandalize Martha if one of her servants got preggers. But I really don't see why there would be any scandal there. It's a maidservant, not Martha.

>>18729572

> There is no time limit, no, but I might be a bit overeager to post. I do take your point and apologise. If anyone else feels I'm rushing things too quickly, please do tell me and I'll slow down.
> Incidentally, there is no need to be snarky about this. Just tell me I'm being too fast. It's not like I want to ignore a particular player or group of players anyway.

>>18729565
Condoms have been around for a while, also given that it's China and the tech level suggests 1200s or so at least, there are herbal contraceptives available with safe dosages and side effects known not to mention the other methods of birth control.

>>18729576
Pfft. We don't need to bother with that.

>>18729565
Well, it's up to OP. If it will damage Martha's rep we shouldn't. She did us a favor and is our adorable sister after all. If it doesn't matter (i don't think it matters) then go for it.

>>18729641
...well sorry. I'm new and didn't know if there was a time limit on posting. Some quests have those.

>>18729576
It's up to the woman to deal with herbs if she doesn't want a little royal surprise in nine months. We're a noble, we don't need to bother with that.

>>18729641
You're doing great, Xing. It does sometimes make it hard to tell how long we have to get ideas in and plan, but there are a lot of quests that take for-ever to update. It's refreshing to see someone who posts so fast, and has such high quality at the same time!

>>18729697

> Right. No there isn't, but I tend to be a bit fast. I write long, so I start early. But I'll make sure to refresh the page and note other opinions.

>>18729648
>>18729534
>>18729504
>>18729356
>>18729415
>>18729474

You watch on as Orchid pours each bucket of water into the tub until it is suitably full, and touch it. 'Looks like you already know my preferred temperature,' you say.

Then, smiling, you simply loosen your sash a little and stretch out your arms. Orchid again looks stunned; then, tremblingly, she starts to undress you, leaning closer as she does so.

'Sir... to be honest, I've... I sometimes watch you practicing swordplay, sir. In the courtyard.'

'Well, that's embarrassing.' You try not to shudder as she touches your chest.

'No, sir! You looked brilliant! Well, I thought you looked brilliant.'

'Hmm. Kind of you to say.'

You step into the tub and watch as she undresses, then gingerly steps in with you. She's much thinner than Linden, more modestly built. And quieter, quite a bit quieter. But, as it turns out, surprisingly vigorous.

When you're done, you run your hand up and down her back, and she purrs. 'Your lordship...'

> Well, well. How prepare for evening out with Sagota now?

OP, I have questions about legitimacy issues.

One wife vs Multiple wives?
If multiple how is inheritance determined?
Can concubine children be legitimate? Or pseduo-legitimate? Not legitimate at all?
What about random servants getting knocked up?

I think these things could be very relevant to us in the future... just a guess on my part.

>>18729801
>> Right. No there isn't, but I tend to be a bit fast. I write long, so I start early. But I'll make sure to refresh the page and note other opinions.
Okay, thanks. Sorry if I sounded like I was being snippy, I didn't mean to.

>>18729648

There aren't condoms in the setting (time setting is more like 550 BC presently), but herbal contraceptives definitely. Also abortifacients. It's not pleasant, but there we are...

So! How prepare for Sagota? You don't know what he wants to talk about, but you do remember he is a very enthusiastic man, and that he often gets into trouble for his generosity. There was once when Imian asked him for a sweet while he was in the palace studying with you, and what Sagota did was, he went back home the next day and came back with a large cloth pouch full of sweets.

'Your lordship! Take it! It's yours!'

Good times, good times... you'd be surprised if someone like him hasn't got hangers-on.

>>18729801
>How prepare for evening out with Sagota now?
Let's dress in clothes like we did for sneaking out, covered by normal noble robes.

Have Linden or Rose wait outside the palace out of sight and then after we leave with a couple guards in tow we take off the robes and hand them to her. She stashes them in a bag and will take it back in with one of the guards. Then us and the other guard, now in "plainclothes" will go and see him. Two guys going to a bar won't look unusual at all.

>>18729801
Damn we're good. Get out of the bath, towel off and have Orchid help us put on some clothes.

Dress in nice robes but with the option to look unprincely so we can party it up without wearing a neon sign showing our rank.

Tell her that while we're a rather good swordsman, we haven't yet shown her how cunning of a linguist we are and go out to party with Sagota.

I like that we can use these horrible innuendos completely straight.

>>18729826

We'll go by (what I know of) the old Chinese system.

- Only one wife is allowed. However, concubines and consorts can also be taken. But they are not wives. One's status does determine how many consorts he can take.

- The basic inheritance structure is primogeniture, with allowance for other children mostly by appanages. This is to minimise the fracturing of a family's estates.

- 'The mother's honour is via her children; the children's wealth is via their mother.' Concubines' children are, by definition, legitimate but not eligible for inheritance. This is why many consorts will be taken with gifts, which are meant to secure her children's future. But as the quote says, a consort with a good record of producing sons - or with children of unusual ability - can always supplant the main wife.

- It's the servant's problem, really. Seriously. You're a noble, you have bigger things to worry about.

>concubines and consorts
Is there a difference? Or just two names for the same thing?

>>18729961
>>18729927

Gently you get Orchid out first, marvelling at how she looks. You could stand to see this a bit more often. Then she towels you off, occasionally leaning in to kiss, and helps you dress.

'I'm not a bad swordsman,' you mutter, and watch her flush. 'I'm also good at tongues, mind you. Perhaps you'll get to know.'

You are going to the Yellow Flower, which is in the rich district south of the Canal, so you can stand to wear nice clothes. Nonetheless you've got a rough tunic underneath, just in case. 'Nope, no attendants tonight.'

'You sure you won't trip over your own feet then, sir?' Linden whispers, and you shoot her a Glance. This time you've prepared a carriage, and the vigour of your bath gives you good cause to take a nap; by the time you get up, you're at the Yellow Flower.

It is already quite noisy inside, but you go up to the welcomer. 'Sagota invited me.'

'Lord Sagota, sir? Yes, of course, he's upstairs...'

You are led upstairs, followed by your guards, until you reach a room. When you open it, you immediately see Sagota - with six or seven other men, and also three or four women. 'My- my... friend!' He jumps to his feet, and you embrace. The others salute you, as the door closes.

> What do/say?

>>18730170
"Sagota! It is wonderful to see you again!" Take a seat and a drink, "It has been too long. I was shocked when I got your letter, I had almost thought all the other business you get up to might have left you drained of all life in a bed full of beautiful women."

>>18730170
Sagota my friend, what have you been doing lately? I haven't seen you in ages. I heard you got a consort, what's she like?

Also who are these guys, and these lovely examples of femininity?

Oh dear. I should be clearer, yes. Ignore consort, replace with concubine please.

On the wiki, one easy way to tell if a woman is a wife or a concubine - if she's taken her husband's title or noble-born status, she's a wife. If she's just a single name, she's a concubine.

>>18730225
>>18730223

One of the women presses a drink to your hands, and you gladly take it and swig it. Oof, white liquor with caraway, a lovely drink!

Sagota laughs. 'Yes, yes, I took... a concubine. Well, she used to work here actually, and then I bought her freedom... Gorusa is downstairs, you will see her soon.'

> Come think of it, are you comfortable with letting your rank be known?

Sagota introduces the seven men, of whom three catch your ears. One of them is named Tihareg. 'Wait. Tihareg? Don't tell me it's Tihareg of the four swords?'

'The same, the same!' You drink a toast to that. And also to the four swords. Another man, small with disproportionately long arms, is named Chemeho. 'Chemeho of the Reds?'

The Reds are one of the factions of dock-workers in the city; since the docks are far too large for any single faction to effectively dominate, the Reds, Greens, Blues and Whites coexist tensely, always ready to burn things or kill people. 'The same, sir,' Chemeho nods, and you drink a toast to that, and then a toast to the Reds.

Then, in a proof of Sagota's popularity, the third man you notice is Naimir - a foreign-looking man with an Eastern name, whom you know to run some businesses in the city, and to be one of the first foreigners to enter the Convocation.

> What do? Announce your position now? Or...

>>18730391
Announce it very off hand, don't make a big deal of it. Given how drunk we're going to get it'll slip out somehow. Tell them we're not on any princey business so don't call us my lord, we're just here to have some drinks with an old friend.

Greet Naimir in Eastern, say it's lovely to make his acquaintance.

Get some raucous partying in, see if we can get the names of the four we missed. I'm guessing the ladies are here to serve drinks, be attractive and service to everyones needs.

Who exactly is Tihareg of the four swords?

>>18730391
I just had a positively evil idea. We could throw a smile to Sagota, then bow to him, and begin calling him Lord Sagota and Sir. You see, we are a friend of his from within the Royal Palace... a man in service to others. And our employer, having heard of our friendship with Lord Sagota, wondered if perhaps he had friends with sharp eyes and ears...

Then, incogneto, we could chat up the foreign merchant about his business here too. Perhaps we can find out what he is hoping for in the Convocation and any gossip... perhaps we can even bring up that we heard the Third Earl got elected to preside over it. What does he think about that?

>>18730391

Let's announce our rank. Why not? It also makes Sagota feel good - he has the honour to move the Third Earl here. If we're going to be making friends in the city, we would probably need to bend a little on the nobility front...

The merchant, at least, will eventually find out exactly who we are at the concocation. But we could still try to trick him until then and pull a trollface when he sees us there for the first time.

>>18730391
We are drinking a lot of toasts here. Best watch ourselves.

>>18730439
>don't call us my lord
No. We are still 'my lord'. Not to Sargota, but to them yes.

>>18730494
Agreed. Slow down on the toasting, keep a head about us.

> 2 for conceal, 2 for announce. Waiting for decision. Meanwhile, Tihareg!

Tihareg is a famous swordsman in Margade and the surrounding areas. He got his name because he once, after killing three attackers, walked out of the room with four swords, his and his attackers' - into a gang of nearly twenty other attackers. They taunted him - 'what, are you going to wield four swords in two hands?'

None of the attackers survived, and ever since then Tihareg has been known as 'Four Swords Two Hands', or just four swords.

>>18730521
I withdraw my conceal vote, since I don't particularly care either way. It could have been neat, but it can be just as productive to come out with it.

>>18730521
Wow. I wouldn't mind having a lesson or two from this guy.

>>18730545
>>18730444
>>18730439

> Of course, once they know who you are, you will become a target of requests. Then again, noblesse oblige...

'And this, this, my friends, is someone I am proud to say I spent my youth with!' But you stop Sagota before he yells to the whole of Margade that the Third Earl is drinking in the Yellow Flower.

'I'm the third earl of Mar. I just got here from the palace.'

Well, there you are. Despite the gradual and unrelenting slide towards drunkenness, a sense of subtlety continues to permeate the place, and there are no yelled out requests, just nods of acknowledgement and salutes. As you sit down, though, you realise there's no way around this - they probably wouldn't speak unless spoken to by you. But from their glances, it's clear *everyone* would like to be spoken to by you.

One of the serving girls, meanwhile, pours a drink for you, and then starts stroking your arm. It might be just as well you let off some steam before coming here.

> What do/say?

>>18730597
Start talking to people, get the conversation flowing again. Say something in eastern to the merchant, be amazed at meeting the four-swords, seriously as a swordsman ourself our jaw is pretty much on the floor, ask Chemeho what the situation on the docks is like.

Try to get them comfortable with us instead of clamming up because there is a prince in their midst.

>>18730597
"Please, don't stop your conversations on my account. There's plenty of time ahead of us, and I look forward to getting to know each of you."

Then make a bit of chat with each of them, in order of rank working down. Start out friendly/neutral and see what topics they bring up.

>>18730597
>Naimir
Tell Naimir that we are surprised and delighted to find such a notable figure here. There are many stories of his cunning and prowess, leading to his eventual rise to the Convocation itself. Then, in Eastern, ask how business has been. That way he knows he can answer in another tongue if he wishes to keep something private.

>>18730597
At some point we should ask the four-swords if he gives lessons. We are an aspiring swordsman ourselves, though hardly so skilled as he with the blade.

I think the Reds guy would know a lot of shifty types like we are looking for. Problem is, they would be lowborn shifty types. We need people that can blend into the palace.

To be fair though, the fucking triads would be nice to have backing us regardless.

>>18730641
>>18730654
>>18730692

A few uncomfortable moments pass, and then you raise the newly poured cup. 'Come on, people. Let's not be awkward on my account. A toast!'

'To the Earl!' You make sure to sip just a little, and cover the cup when the serving girl's flask comes along.

> Tihareg:

You talk to Tihareg. You kind of expected him to be arrogant about his ability, but he turns out to be a relatively subtle man. When you raise the fact that he's fought at least four battles with multiple foes and won, he smiles and nods. 'It is not courage but tactics that makes the warrior, sir.'

'Indeed. So are you wandering the Realm now?'

'No, sir. I have settled - well, somewhat settled - here.'

'He's taken a girl, is what he's done,' Sagota says, and then laughs. 'No need to be shy! It happens to the best of us!'

'So who is the lucky girl? And what do you work as now?'

'I.... I'm a butcher now, sir. Cutting pork and mutton is rather better than slaying people with a sword.' He chuckles at that.

> Naimir:

You speak to him in Eastern, softly, after sidling up to him. He seems slightly surprised, then bows. 'Yes, I have heard the third earl is most skilled in languages. Thank you for deigning to talk to me.'

He does not sound very happy, though, and when you ask why he sighs. 'There have been... business troubles, sir. To the east and west, there continue to be obstructions to the caravan and river-ship trades.'

'The west?'

'Oh, I mean-'

'No, no, speak up. Taxes from the King?'

'Well... occasionally goods have been impounded. It's... happened before, even here. At the same time, there continue to be... frictions, between us and many traders...'

> More incoming.

> Incidentally, yes, Naimir mostly does long-distance trade. That makes him one of the big merchants, definitely, though as he says there is still a lot of friction between his people and the natives.

>>18730799

> The Red:

You decide eventually to talk about charioteering. 'So, Chemeho. The chariot races are coming. Have you people prepared your teams?'

'Yes, sir, we've gotten some really good men in this year! I bet we'll fuck the Blues right up the- oh, I beg your pardon, sir.'

You laugh. 'No matter! That's good to know. Well I'll be seeing your horses and riders coming in soon, eh?' It is convention for the city charioteers' teams to move into the Palace ten days before a major race, so they can't be killed by people on the streets of Margade. Yes, this city takes charioteering rather seriously.

'Yes, sir. I hope you will deign to support us, sir.'

'The races? Well, well, I'm meant to be impartial.'

'Not just the races, sir. The businesses as well. Did you hear the news recently, sir? Eleven of our brothers got killed at the docks, just four days ago.' The mention of that makes him seem to tear up a little. 'I'm sorry to ruin the mood, sir. But the docks are dilapidated, and, well...' He takes another shot.

A sad drunk. Well, you'll be. Meanwhile you hear one of the other men, a small mousy-looking person, talking about canals to someone who is clearly not listening to or thinking about canals. Sagota is talking to Tihareg; they seem to be talking about an upcoming fight. Mind you, technically, fighting is illegal, and Tihareg is - strictly saying - a criminal...

> What do/say?

>>18730979
Aaah, thank god. We really need to ask Sagota to hook a brother up with a spy network. Let's talk to The Red some more though. Ask him more about the problems at the docks. Does he have any suspects? Was the uneasy peace broken?

>>18730831

Incidentally, Naimir seems to speak very highly of Chemeho when the latter is mentioned. You guess the Reds are probably less mindful of his ethnicity and foreignness when they work with him.

>>18730979
The law is like a sword. Excellent to use as both a shield and blade, inconvenient to swing around at parties or when subterfuge is involved. Many of the things we will be doing as a spymaster will be highly illegal, overlooking a fight is hardly worth even batting an eye at.

Look over at the canal guys. See who they are and what they do.

>>18730979
We don't really mind him being a criminal. Talk to the Red some more, get details on the docks, getting one of the major dockworker guilds on our side is very useful, listen to his ills.

Talk some to the canal dude and get back to chatting with Sagota.

Chem might be the best guy to look at for a spy network in the city... but then again, Namir would have a lot of good spies too. Foreign merchants? Of course they would have a huge spy network just to keep up with the local guilds.

>>18731087
>>18731013

> Mind, spy networks have to be built, you can't just take someone else's over... well, you could, but it'd hardly be reliable.

Chemeho says that the problem is that the docks are really old, and many are worm-eaten. What happened to those eleven was that the dock underfoot collapsed, and they fell into the water, and then the rest of a pier came down on them, crushing them to death.

'It has been some fifteen or twenty years since the docks were last repaired, sir. We try our best to maintain them, but without a rebuild it would be difficult.'

You think about that. A rebuild is all well and good, but if you rebuilt one section of the dock, could you afford not to rebuild everything else? And how much would that cost?

Meanwhile, you go to the canal guys. It turns out it's really just one canal guy, whose name is Asdimar. 'Sir. I go around the world, building canals for irrigation and transport. It's not all I do, of course; occasionally I will oversee the building of a road too. But canals are my forte, sir.'

'Adrian! Sir!' Sagota calls you from across the table. 'That guy - he's the one who helped plan the canal at the Capital!' That was a big project, you remember, irrigating land for some thirty miles across - a huge investment, with a great return.

> What do/say?

>>18731293
We should take his name down. We will be getting estates before too long, and once we have a large estate we're going to need to get the farmland irrigated and such.

If he's been in the capital recently, I wonder if he would know anything about that delegation....

But after we ask him a couple quick questions like that and remember his name for the (somewhat distant) future, we should look back to Sargota and Tihareg. There's a fair chance they might be able to introduce us to some people. We aren't going to magic a spy network out of thin air, but what we CAN do is start building up connections and finding agents that are currently either between jobs or up-and-coming. Maybe free agents who are looking to settle down into a life of more security even, though those would be less trustworthy.

>>18731293
You planned that canal. That is an impressive feat indeed, you have left your mark on the world and though your name may one day be forgotten your canal will stay for a thousand years.

After we talk to him get back to salking to Sagota, try to use him to get connections to the less than reputable world and have him help us build up a spy network.

>>18731538
>>18731429

You nod, impressed. 'One day, good man, I may well have need of your services. I will surely remember you then.'

'That would be excellent, sir. Your patronage would be excellent.'

With that, you go back to Sagota and Tihareg, talking to them about different things. It turns out they are, indeed, talking about some rather seedy activities, and though they are initially reluctant to tell you, you urge them into doing so - 'these walls are thick, and my mouth will stay shut.'

They are talking about plenty of unlicensed activity going on in the city - gambling, cockfighting, plenty of small time brothels. You listen in for a long while before speaking.

'Sagota, how well would it be to know someone who can gather information like the two of you?'

There is a pause, as the two of them understand what you mean. 'Well, sir... there are ways and means, too, for you to gather information in the city. Certainly Chemeho over there would be a good start. But if you'd like to know more, then...' he pauses for a moment. 'There are many ways people can gather information, sir, but if you ask me, I think the best way is to train your own cadre of people.'

Someone sounds like he is speaking from experience.

'And how does one do that?'

'Well, you just need to find desperate people, and then show them a way out through your patronage. Such people will die for you. It's what gate-guests do in the open, and it's what shades do at night...'

> Hmmm. What do/say?

>>18731656

Hmmm. So does he know these desperate people?

Or is this advice for us to find desperate people?

>>18731762
Let's not press him, any he knows are likely already in his employ. We should find our own.

>>18731656
You speak with wisdom beyond your years, I remember now why we became good friends.

We're going to have to find our own desperate people soon. We should be able to do that.

>>18731656
THIS IS WHY WE TALK TO BEGGARS!

Fucking told y'all.

> Okay. I just realised it's 4 in the morning now, and I think I should go to sleep.

If you have any actions, or any more words, before we end this party, please do put them out. This could include things you wish to do in town after the party, if you wish.

If nothing is raised, you take the precious advice from Sagota, as well as several interesting city contacts, and go home - it's not a bad haul.

> So! Last call. What do?

>>18731656
"Then your thoughts move as my own do on this matter. In your own doings if you should come across any who you may, for one reason or another, not be willing or able to help but think I might be of a mind to, I would pay mind to an endorsement from you."

I think we should talk to Chemeho, myself. We need a non-official residence within the city where we can do our subterfuge stuff and not have to sneak back into the palace at night. A place where we can have spies and thieves and prostitutes housed without tracing back to us, with perhaps the upper floor an office where we conduct our less legitimate affairs.

I think Chemeho would be an excellent person to help us with this. Rebuilding the docks, though... that's expensive as hell. We surely don't have that kind of cash. I mean, he's a great contact if we can get him, but his price is so huge. We just don't have the money.

As a rough estimate, what would it take to rebuild the docks? Or rather, just the Red's section of them.

Come think of it - those guys Imian arrested and locked up in the Palace prison, to be tortured and then punished for poaching...

... Surely the forest can spare a few pheasants, as that guy we went hunting with said.

>>18731844
Make sure to talk to everyone, get names and so on.

Make very good friends with Chemeho, he's a useful contact and is eager for our patronage. From there we can spread our tendrils throughout the shadowy underworld.

Tell him he gives good advice, and ask Tihareg if he might, one day, like to stop by and show us a bit of swordplay.

You know, I think Linden might know some people in the city to get us started...

>>18731844
Ask Tihareg if he would be interested in teaching us some fencing at an appropriate time.

>>18731898
Eh. We would have to blatantly bail them out ourselves though. There are a ton of criminals and people wanting the favor of an Earl. Arrange a meeting with Namir at the Palace some time before the festival under the pretense of the Convocation.

>>18731959
We need agents bad, people we can use to recruit more agents where we would draw too much attention.

>>18731908
>>18731880

You go back to Chemeho. Well, you know that the cost of rebuilding the whole dock will not be less than several tens of thousands of taels. But he is still very impressed by your acquaintance, and again hopes you support the Reds for the chariot race.

You do notice he doesn't say how this support should manifest.

It is true, however, that the Reds - along with the other colours - have a headquarters within the city, where you could possibly set up - or at least set someone up. That is quite useful indeed.

>>18731898
>>18731931
>>18731919

Tihareg salutes. 'It would be my pleasure, sir. I would be at your beck and call, sir.'

As for releasing prisoners, well... it might be better, you feel, to simply not lock them up in the first place. As they say, the threat of a single punishment overrides the weight of three promised favours.

>>18731959

Naimir nods, and then thinks for a while. 'Actually, sir, if you may deign to visit me at my humble residence... I have a small house by the lakeside.'

Well, you have several lodges by the lakeside. But make of that what you will!

> Also - it would be lovely to draw up some plans for the next 5 days - let's keep it there. I'd really like some player input, since this is quite a player-directed Quest - there are story points that will be dealt with, but you have freedom to use!

Some fixed things you do have on your plate:

- Gesadag's meeting
- Katesas' meeting
- Martha's bird
- Preparing for the Convocation

But other than that, if you've got anything else in mind, do tell!

>I have a small house by the lakeside.'
I smell working vacation!

>Chemeho
What I was thinking, honestly, is that he could use his organization's front to buy another building for us, under a false name or, perhaps, for Katesas (or one of his men) after we have his sworn loyalty. We will need to do the merchant thing first of course, but an independent base of operations where we can have all our clandestine shit at would be nice. We could take "vacations", ride out from the palace, then ride back into the city incognito and stay there for a week or so to conduct our unsavory shit and be unbound by all the Palace infighting. And all our not-court-presentable people could have rooms there to live in.

>>18732116

This... actually sounds brilliant.

I'm not sure if we should approach the Reds to build it though. Would that be partisan?

Maybe if we got some merchants to contribute instead...

>>18732090
When Linden gets back with her list of females for the Festival we could look over them and visit some of the houses in the city listed there. See what their relative positioning is and things like that.

Visit Namir, but I think that's probably classed under Preparations for Convocation. Could also qualify as our vacation since his house is on the lake and -- likely -- opulent.

Let's see... perhaps visit the black market again with Linden and a guard or two this time. We are going to need gifts for the Festival, and Linden might know one or two people we could begin recruiting as shadows.

Check and see what is taking the damn corruption case from the North so long. Give it a kick in the pants, or perhaps at this point a hot poker.

Okay. I'm off to bed. Thread has been archived.

Next episode time will be announced via Twitter.

You guys are awesome, and have a great week! Keep the day plans coming - I swear to the heavens I do read them. It'll be fun.

>>18732148
It wouldn't be built, probably. It would most likely be purchased and remodeled. A large warehouse, perhaps, that can be turned into a residence for ourselves and our servants. And if we get the Reds on our side, it would even have muscle protection not linked to us as the Earl.

>>18732184

The south. The south. Ahun is in the south.

The ladies of the festival can be seen on the wiki. The nobles are not in the capital, they have their own fiefs. Their respective ranks and some details can also be seen in the wiki.

>>18732148
>Maybe if we got some merchants to contribute instead...
The whole point would be to have as few people know it is actually us who owns it as possible.

What we would do is help Chemho, help Katesas, then introduce Katesas to Chemho as our friend, and tell Chemho to help him with whatever he needs. Katesas would then oversee the buying and remodeling of the place, under the protection and with the help of the Reds.

That way the only people who actually know it is "us the Earl" who owns it are Katesas and perhaps Chemho. We don't want a ton of merchants all chipping in and each one knowing about it. That would defeat the point, since half the reason would be to spy on merchants too...

>>18732219
>The south. The south. Ahun is in the south.
My bad then.

>The ladies of the festival can be seen on the wiki.
There is no way that's all of them. We sent Linden out specifically to get a list of the most beautiful, acclaimemed, or well-bred ones.

>The nobles are not in the capital, they have their own fiefs. Their respective ranks and some details can also be seen in the wiki.
Yes, but we can still ride out to see them and how they are doing. It wouldn't be a bad investment of time, though it is lower on the priority list than some other things. Also, you would think some of the houses would keep at least one or two residences in the city....

we should build up our estate, maybe have that servant girl we borrowed involved in it's development somehow. that canals guy we met might help things along to with irrigation

>>18732431
Was just thinking about our estate.

Would be a good idea to pay it a visit sometime, or ask a servant to do that.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to pay a visit incognito, too, to see how it's holding up.

We should take a working vacation with Naimir to one of our lodges. Like, tomorrow.

He is obviously going to be at the Convocation, so if we could get him on our side for it, we can benefit greatly. For one, we would be gaining his trust which brings with it many things.

He can help us out with Katesas' quest of vengeance, keeping that guy off the list or whatever it is we decide to do. At the very least, we can ask him about the targeted merchant to learn about that guy's status.

He's obviously buddy-buddy with Sagota. Actually, that goes for everyone here, they are all buddy-buddy with Sagota (and maybe each other). Yes, we were told that training our own network is preferable, but there's no reason we can't tap into Sagota's as well. Throw our lots in together, so to speak. If we get our own people, we can certainly interweave them in Sagota's group. They can report to him as well, but be sworn to us.

Other thing: Sagota is the son of Angadis, who is the brother of Udisa. Udisa is the frail and ill head of House Tali, so Angadis has been running House Tali. Udisa's illness has left a power vacuum, so that can be something to capitalize on should push come to shove in a regime struggle.

>cont.

Fourth and Second brother seem to be in cahoots with Father, and possibly actively plotting to marginalize us. Second brother knows we're a schemer, and he's got the boldness to storm in with a bunch of men to wreck our shit. Fourth is young, but lively and more subtle than Second. He seems to have the temples in his pocket, which is unfortunate for us as he controls more information that we do at this point,

Gesadag has 200-some Gate Guests, and he has the support of the sworn houses. He has a reputation for being generous -- especially to wanderers (hey, First brother Luseg likes scholars!). I do not doubt he plans to use us in the comping power struggle, but I would wager that he does not plan to discard us. If House Tali has thrown their chips in with Gesadag (or, at least, Sagota's buddies have), that makes all the people here our allies.

Tentatively claiming that there's going to be a two-way fracture with Fourth and Second on one side, and us (with Gesadag, and maybe House Tali) on the other.

I think we should probably not go to Naimir's house, but ask Naimir to come to our house, if we have a convenient lakeside residence. It probably sends a better message of superiority if we host him rather than have him host us.

If Fourth Brother is planning something, really need to find out what it is.

As for desperate people, I'm reminded of Orchid's family. Debts and loans? Maybe when the servant girls are brought in for our inspection, we can take a few girls whose families have financial issues. That gives us leverage to force the families to work for us.

>>18735707
>Maybe when the servant girls are brought in for our inspection, we can take a few girls whose families have financial issues. That gives us leverage to force the families to work for us.

Brilliant.

>>18735595

There's a point here. We need to know more about the sworn houses and how they align. If the temples are on fourth's side, and probably military men are on second's side, then... we could take the merchants, the underclass in the city, on our side.

That makes us strangely populist, though, which could have bad consequences down the line.

Maybe if we've offended the Ahun before, we can simply align ourselves with Iatar. And then Tali. That and (maybe) Gesadag gives us a pretty solid bunch of nobles, I think.

>>18735823
Yep, given the way it's phrased, we would be the dissenting group.

Not that we have a problem dissenting from father and dear brothers, but an outsider would see it as a bunch of uppity nobles attempting a coup.

In other news, I'm drawing a blank on how to support the Reds in the chariot races. Short of poisoning the other teams or the like (maybe just giving them bad herbs), I don't see anything. Cash, maybe...

>>18735922

Haven't got much cash, though... maybe an endorsement? But that would be too open. We don't want to alienate three gangs for one.