>>29754946
After breakfast with some of your cabinet, you stayed inside and talked to Sarah about a few minor issues. You’ll need to regroup with your men and probably return to Harrowmont, shortly – Castle Gimbon isn’t too well supplied or suitable for planning. Once she left, you found yourself alone in the room and decide to step outside. You nearly run into Lynn, who had been absent from the breakfast.

Caitlyn’s expression is guarded, once again sporting her flat smile. That smile is a sight you haven’t seen for some time. Her voice betrays her nervousness as she speaks, “Oh, Talon. I was hoping we could talk privately about what happened yesterday...”

>1. Agree and have her step into the war room, which should create a sterner atmosphere.
>2. Agree and have her join you in your bedroom, which should create a more relaxed atmosphere.
>3. Refuse and have her talk to you in the hallway.
>4. Custom

>>29754951
>2. Agree and have her join you in your bedroom, which should create a more relaxed atmosphere.

>>29754951
>2

>>29754951
4. Agree but move to a private room

NOT the bedroom, it will just cause problems, and we want her to relax so not the war room.

>>29754951
>2. Agree and have her join you in your bedroom, which should create a more relaxed atmosphere.

>>29755003
I change my vote for this.

I honestly prefer to think of Talon as mentor/father figure for her, than someone waiting for the chance to get into her pants

>>29754951
>2. Agree and have her join you in your bedroom, which should create a more relaxed atmosphere.
relaxed time

>>29755003
This

>>29755003
I might go with this, unless people really want to go to the bedroom for a relaxing atmosphere.

>>29755003
+1

>>29755160
>relaxing atmosphere
Or it'd just make her tense.

>>29755160
I do.

>>29755205
i dont.

>>29755160

>>29755003
Supporting

>>29755197
>>29755205
Contentious vote, to get this out of the way.

OPTION 1:
Go to the sitting room.

OPTION 2:
Go to the bedroom.

Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to my post declaring the vote and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.

>>29755205
I dont either.

>>29755251
>Go to the sitting room.

>>29755251
1

>>29755251
1

>>29755251
2

>>29755251
1

>>29755251
>1
She can decide what she wants with us on her own.

>>29755261
>>29755276
Great job m8 :DDDDDD

>>29755289
Tanks aloot m8y

>>29755251
2

>>29755276
>>29755261

In future when these posts are submitted, only put the post link and then the number. Otherwise it will just be ignored.

>>29755251
1

>>29755251
2

>1. Sitting room

You gesture to Caitlyn to follow you and walk down to one of the sitting rooms. She follows you silently, her lack of armour quieting her usually noisy movement. Once you arrive you gesture her in before you, she looks a bit surprised before stepping in. She takes a seat around the table in the centre of the comfortable room and you take another yourself

“We shouldn’t be interrupted here and it’s slightly less public than using the war room,” you say. “I’m not sure anybody would be using these at this hour or looking for me in here.”

She nods, her smile still on her face, and you continue, “Now, Caitlyn, what exactly about yesterday do you want to talk about?”

She pauses for a little bit, seeming to steel herself, before saying, “I was hoping we’d be able to start last night’s conversation from the beginning and just… agree to let what happened be in the past.”

You hide a frown at that but you…

>1. Agree to starting over and forgetting about yesterday.
>2. Disagree and try to pick up where things left from yesterday.
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.
>4. Custom

>>29755251
>1

>>29755363
Whichever is stern or shows that we she is still under our command and can't bitch about having to protect us.

Shit this quest seems interesting reading the pastebin.
brb archives

>>29755363
>1

>>29755363
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.

>>29755363
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.

>>29755363
>4
"Very well Lynn. I apologize if I came off as questioning to your loyalty, or any other matter the other day. That...was not my intent. Your opinion is valued, however, and I thank you for speaking with me when it was clear something bothered you. I hope our relationship remains as open. I prefer my most trusted to speak their minds, after all."

>>29755363
>>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.

>>29755363
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.
No, you don't fix mistakes by ignoring them, you address the problem and resolve it. Remember guys she's just a kid, and ignoring the problem is just what a kid would do, and ignoring this problem now would set a bad precedent.

>>29755363
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.
What happened was not all right for fucks sake and you can't fix shit by pretending it never happened. Backpedaling because we don't want to confront the problem is disgusting.

>>29755363
>3. Ask her why she wants to start over.

>3.

“Lynn, why is it that you want to try to start over?” you ask. “I’m not sure I like the idea of you trying to ignore what happened yesterday rather than try to resolve it.”

She squirms a bit, barely noticeable but you’ve gotten better at reading her of late. “Isn’t that how this sort of thing goes? It wasn’t too serious so can’t we just move past it and try to do it properly.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Not too serious? You were of a very different state of mind last night. And no, this isn’t how it goes – if you feel there were problems then you usually talk them out and resolve them. Or not resolve them, in some cases. If we just ignore this, it will come back. You can’t forget things that happen just because you don’t like them.”

You suspect she’s a bit frustrated at your answer and hold back a sigh. You’d forgotten how young Caitlyn was. You probably weren’t all that easy to deal with when you were nineteen, either.

“Again, what about yesterday makes you want to forget about it, Caitlyn?”

“I just,” she starts and then stops, her smile dropping from her face. “I talked to somebody else I trust and they said I was being stupid last night. I was hoping we’d just be able to redo the conversation about why you had us hold our ground and find out your real reasons instead of just getting angry.”

>Response?

>>29755589
I have no idea what to say. There, I said it.

>>29755589
Ah, that's a different then just dropping it then. I wonder who she spoke to, though...hm..

"That is...refreshing to hear, Lynn, I admit. I was worried you would hold it against me for some time. I would not mind discussing it more properly with you, but...well, with less heated emotions behin it perhaps. Would you like to begin?"

Or something to that effect?

>>29755589
"The real reason? I thought it offered the best chance for outright victory. I thought that if I didn't seize it we'd simply have to do it all again, and more of my men would die... One of the negatives of being a general, being a leader, is that you have lots of people willingly dieing for you, and each death hurts."

>>29755589
Just ask her what she doesn't understand and allow Talon to explain it. He can probably do it better than /tg/

>>29755683
Me either man. I'm hoping Talon channels some of that experience into turning something someone suggests into a not stupid answer

>>29755728
>and each death hurts
Really? Talon doesn't seem to give a shit about the deaths each and every soldier he has, he just wants to give them - as a whole - something to believe is worth fighting for.

>>29755739
Hopefully our intelligence and charisma will help with that.

>>29755589

"Don't be too hard on yourself over that. Leadership in combat is just one of those things that until you have seen things go so wrong, you just don't truly comprehend up until that point. But I stand by my decision. Holding our ground was the optimal strategy for the situation. If you want the specifics, we did not have enough men, or support, to make a full assault worth the effort, all we would have gained with that would be more corpses. But by digging in and holding our position, we gave the support units time to move forward and break the formation which, had we not held up, may have broke into two units and flanked both our own unit and the supporting units..."

>>29755756
I fully expect him to pull a Triez Kushranada when someone asks what his ambition has cost people. Doesn't mean the price isn't worth it.

Perhaps another way to put it is to say "I have a responsibility as a leader to win in a fashion that accomplishes my objectives with the least long term casualties to my men. To do anything else denigrates their sacrifice."

>>29755836
I kinda like this, but I don't feel like raw logic is gonna work on Lynn.

>>29755814
Something like this seems okay, OP should shove it through the Talon filter so we can make sure he couldn't make it better.
>>29755836
>I have a responsibility as a leader to win in a fashion that accomplishes my objectives with the least long term casualties to my men. To do anything else denigrates their sacrifice.
This sounds great and all, but I don't think she cares that much about facts or at least doesn't want to understand them or something.

>I’m going to channel the general feel of this thread and last to speed this up a bit

You nod, feeling relieved that she’s not completely trying to ignore her mistakes. Maybe you should find out after this who her confidante is.

”If that’s the case, I’m happy to talk it through with you again, now that we’re sober and calm,” you say, with a touch of dryness at the end. “Now, what exactly is it you don’t understand about last night’s battle?”

She nods a bit, looking more comfortable. “When you had us hold out in front of the enemy, weren’t you worried about your own safety? What if you had died there instead of just having your face grazed?”

“The same could be said about any time I go into the fight. There is no difference between dying in a fight with my teeth grit against a foe I can reach with my hands and dying against one who I could reach with naught but my bow. It is about what I am achieving or trying to achieve at the time.”

She frowns again. “What about an honourable death?”

“I would have died leading my men to potential victory in pursuit of my goals. How is that not honourable?”

She blinks and stares in surprise. After a few moments she tries a different tack, “Why was it the best option then?”
>continued

>>29756015
“We didn’t have the men or support to pull off a charge with broken momentum – there were only a few hundred of your knights there against thousands of them. If we retreated and they regrouped we may have lost more men in a second storm. By digging in and buying time with our bodies and lives, it would make the entire assault worth the effort if we broke them.”

She stops at that and thinks for some time. Then she sighs. “Salamander said similar things. It annoys me that she understands you so easily as well as the reasons you made your decision.”

>1. Reassure her that understanding and leadership will come with time.
>2. Point out that Sala was probably just saying what she thinks her old masters would have done.
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.
>4. Custom

>>29756029
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.

>>29756029
>3

>>29756029
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.

>>29756029
>1
Subtle, and sweet. Also maybe mention that Sala is actually a lot older then she appears, and likely has had more time to learn such things from previous masters powerful enough to summon her.

...Then ask, was Salamander the one she confided in? Because that is amusing if so.

>>29756029
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.
It was Gnome that gave us advice last time, right?

>>29756029
>1 Reassure her.

basically this >>29756082

>>29756100
Yes

>>29756029
>1. Reassure her that understanding and leadership will come with time.
"But you have to work at it. That is in fact the reason behind me telling you to find and recruit members of my personal guard. To get you used to commanding even a small number of people. None of us woke up one day with the understanding to command armies it took both capable mentors and hands on experience."

>>29756110
Okay.

>>29756114
This is entirely true. support

>>29756029
>1. Reassure her that understanding and leadership will come with time.
3 sounds a little harsher then we'd want to be right now.

>>29756029
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.

>>29756114
Supporting this.

>>29756143
>harsher
It's called being stern m8, like a mentor. Do you remember what Gnome said?

>>29756029
>3

>>29756143
Seconding

Contentious vote. These Lynn votes are interesting...

OPTION 1
Reassuring response.

OPTION 2
Stern response.

Rules for voting are to make a post with a link to my post declaring the vote and the number you are voting for. No other text, no greentexting the number. All informal votes will be discarded. Voting window will be five minutes after the first vote.

>>29756029
>3. Be stern and make it clear she’ll only get to that point if she spends the time, like right now, trying to understand rather than just judging.
Tell her Salamander is pretty damn old and better be able to wrap her head around warfare by now.

>>29756167
I think one will achieve the same result as 3 without chastising her.

>>29756219
>1

>>29756219
2

>>29756219
1

>>29756219
2

>>29756219
1

>>29756219
1

>>29756219
2

Rolled 64

>>29756219
1

Am I the only one trying to resist my urges to try to steer this into Rance the Quest ?

>>29756219
1

>>29756219
2

>>29756219
Vote closed.

>>29756311
I wasn't planning on seducing our enemies actually. Seems foolish

>>29756341
I'm telling you Aspir, people love Lynn.

Must be the whole dragongirl thing.
tg loves dragon girls.

>Personally, I’d advise you to be sterner with her. She’s young and stupid and you’re in the perfect position to put her into her place
This is for the future when being lenient with our soldiers because they're women bites us in the ass.
>>29756311
If you want a haremshit VN mockery go play PGQ.

>1.

“That will come with time and experience, Caitlyn,” you say. “And you will need to work at it. As you come into being the leader of my personal guard you should grow into it. Salamander and Gnome certainly didn’t just get all their experience the day they were born and neither did I.”

She nods and you add, “So, was it Salamander who said you were being stupid?”

She avoids your gaze. “Maybe.”

“I’ll take that as a yes. She’s spent a lot of time in battle so it is her element. And it’s okay to talk to other people – they can give you some very useful advice.”

She nods and looks a fair bit more comfortable and relaxed than she did when first entering the room.

>Anything else to say or ask Caitlyn?

>>29756407
To roll the rest of the clip
"Or if you hope to bed her some day, you may want to be slightly more subtle about it"

I think that's what people aim for now. Stern, yet subtle and comforting.

>>29756429
wud u lik 2 fug?

>>29756429
Are we busy with anything right now? If not, offer to spar.

>>29756429
"I trust you feel better about the events that transpired then? No lingering emotions and burning questions you must ask of me? We are alone, after all. It's the perfect time."

Go ahead and ask us. We got a little time.

>>29756429
Say that understood or not orders are to be followed.

>>29756429
We can just head to the After action Report.

>>29756429
No questions. Send her away.

>>29756477
This.

>>29756477
>>29756502
Nah, we aren't a blind obedience sort of guy.

>>29756463
I'd like to know if she has questions.

>>29756532
It's important to understand the reasons for orders after the fact because without knowing them you will never be a capable commander, but when it comes down to it, they must be followed whether you like them or not. That's how the chain of command works and it cannot be broken lest the whole thing fall apart.

>>29756532
>blind obedience
>the same as following orders
Oh fuck off. This is Emperor Quest, we command an army. If people don't have to follow orders, chain of command will collapse and we will die while our fledgling empire burns.

>>29756532
Understanding orders the moment they are given is helpful but unnecessary.
It is not blind obedience, it is trust.

>>29756463
"Not particularly. Um, I'm sorry about getting angry at you last night. I do want to remain in your personal guard and not just to get into battles. It's been... nicer than I thoguht it would be. Feeling like I'm a part of something.

>>29756477
Her eyes widen and she nods vigorously. "Of course! I was being dumb last night. I'm didn't want to look like that to you."

>Strategy meeting next

>>29756607
Just as I'm going to bed Aspirational.
When did you transition to US starting times?
Will you be running whole day or will I wake up to read the archives?

>>29756607
>I'm didn't
>thoguht
Damn, it's pretty funny watching you type things

>>29756607
Woo~ I smell a tiny bit of respect rising.

Yay we recovered from last thread insulting her (I guess?) right? Hope so.

>>29756658
>When did you transition to US starting times?
Since always?

>Will you be running whole day or will I wake up to read the archives?
Until about 2am EST or later.

>>29756659
Side-effect of churning out replies very fast.

>>29756659
At least his updates are fast, not like some other QMs

>>29756691
>Side-effect of churning out replies very fast.
As long as I can still read it, it's entertaining.

>>29756691
>Since always?
Huh. Nevermind then. Thought you are Aus.

You need to consider where you’ll go for now. Currently your forces and officers are spread out across both the Vitrian and Taouran fronts. The options that you see are to push ahead on either front or to withdraw to Harrowmont and build up your forces. You draw your cabinet together, some via sending, and receive their reports.

MILITARY UPDATE

>You have gained:
300 suits of subpar magical plate
500 PoWs (conscripts of the most part)

“The plate is poorer than we thought. It’s better than the mundane equipment our regular men carry but I’d hesitate to call it a suit fit for a mage-knight,” Glynn says. “They’ve got no maker markings of any sort, to answer that question. They’re quite obviously of RSK design though.”

“A few suits would be useful evidence, though I’ll need something more,” Neir says via the sending device. “Something that confirms these were sent from within the RSK recently – it doesn’t have to specify who or implicate a particular family. I can draw the connections if you can give me evidence that it came from here.”

“I’m not sure if we’ll want to use, though,” Moss adds. “Slightly better protection but they’re quite cumbersome for most soldiers.”

>1. Start equipping men with the subpar plate (creates Heavy Men-at-Arms)
>2. Don’t use the mage-knight plate yet (it could be reforged later, for instance)

>>29756746
He is dude. He runs at like, the morning to the evening, from what I've figured.

>>29756746
I am, but I've always used US starting times because most of the audience is in the US and 4chan uses EST. It's 10:30am here.

>>29756758
>2. Don’t use the mage-knight plate yet (it could be reforged later, for instance)
I think speed suits the way we fight better. With traps, guerrilla warfare, ambushes,etc

>>29756758
>2

>>29756758
>2
I say keeping our men mobile is preferred. Slowing down a lightweight soldier seems like a quick way to get him killed.
Better for reforging later.

>>29756758
>1. Start equipping men with the subpar plate (creates Heavy Men-at-Arms)
They were used.

>>29756768
Yeah well I usually catch the quests alive and still running in the morning [my morning] so this feels like a soon start to me.
>>29756784
I'm one of the people who actually enjoyed you starting at weird times.
>>29756758
>2
We could use it now AND reforge it later.
No reason to abandon a small edge.

>>29756758
>2. Don’t use the mage-knight plate yet (it could be reforged later, for instance)

>>29756758
>1. Start equipping men with the subpar plate (creates Heavy Men-at-Arms)
It's better than nothing, and it should give the men at least a bit more experience in Mage-plate.

>>29756836
>a small edge
That's debatable. I believe speed trumps being weighed down with subpar armor and would call it negative.

>>29756867
We lack a strong center though.
Can't pin the whole pressure on HMK only and we do not have enough MMK imo.

>>29756758
>1. Start equipping men with the subpar plate (creates Heavy Men-at-Arms)
We're really low on mage knights.

>>29756758
1

>>29756899
>we do not have enough MMK imo
Woah, yeah we really don't.
Changing >>29756794
to 1

>>29756758

3.
use it as training armour. do not have frontline combat units equipped with it. it gives the prospective Mage-Knights something to train in with which it does not matter if it gets beaten to shit...

>1

You decide to equip some of your men-at-arms with the armor. This converts 300 men-at-arms to heavy men-at-arms, who are slower but stronger and sturdier due to the armor.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

“The outer and inner walls have both been repaired,” Gareth tells you. “Bartom has started on the merchant area though it will take almost a month for him alone.”

OUTER WALL [X] – this is the outer wall of the fortress, which stretches downhill into the fields before returning to the cliff side. It has been completely rebuilt. With assistance from your barrier mages, the walls and barriers are sturdier than they were previously and won't collapse over a relatively short-time. It is 10m wide and 30m high, with a sturdy foundation and imposing battlements. The barriers on it merely protect from high speed magical and physical impacts, not from general physical intrusion (e.g. siege ladders).

INNER WALL – this is the inner wall of the fortress, protecting an inner courtyard and the keep. The wall has been completely rebuilt and, like the outer wall, is sturdier than before. The barriers of this wall, unlike the outer wall, will try to prevent all physical intrusion as high as 50m above it and connects with a similar barrier underneath the entire fortress. As such, mages must man the gates at all time to allow anybody through.

“If you were to send Gnome back, the construction would be finished in a week and a half. Bartom is amazing in his capabilities, but even he realises that he cannot compete with a pure elemental.”

You frown a bit at that. “What’s Bartom’s opinion of Gnome, Gareth?”

He clears his throat before continuing, sounding a bit bashful, “I, uh, think he misses her, Imperator.”

You look at Gnome, curious. She shrugs in return and says, “It happens. Other elementals like being around us in general.”

>continued

>>29756989
CONQUEST UPDATE

Vitria appears to be in nearly complete disarray. If you’re going to move on them, though, you’ll need to win over Craol. On top of that, taking Vitria itself will still be difficult. The city is vast and although it lacks walls, it will be a long and arduous cityfight.

Taour appears to be fortifying around Darlesia and Crece but doing little else. This is putting pressure on the Darlesian rebels.

If you pull back and build up your forces, you might be able to build up your forces from your surroundings. The men might also like a rest after a straight month of warfare and marching, but you also know they’ll be able continue without.

You officers, surprisingly, don’t have very diverse opinions. Most of them, except Sarah and Glynn, support fortifying and regrouping whilst attempting negotiation with Craol. Sarah wants you to push on Vitria ASAP after Craol and Glynn wants to retake Darlesia.

>A bit of discussion time before I call a vote

>>29756948
This has been covered I think.
>Green
status means the men are trained. Just not blooded.
They need actual combat to go up in ranks.
Though we usually conscript veteran men-at-arms to become MMK - logically, they are blooded. They just can't move at 100% in their new armor.
Shouldn't they be at least Reg. status?

>>29757017
You've been getting Vet MMKs from MAA because a lot of the Darlesian Vets are trained in the usage of MMK plate.

>>29756836
>I'm one of the people who actually enjoyed you starting at weird times.
I used to run on varying days, but I've started the quest at the same US time every thread (except the impromptu one a fortnight or so ago).

>>29757013
Gnome returning to assist construction + a bit of R&R for our men + some diplomancing for us, sounds like a good plan to me.

Let's take Sarah, Undine, Sal and a contingent of our HMKs to Carol, while a good portion of our army returns to our capital to rest and recruit.

>>29757013
>Sarah wants you to push on Vitria ASAP
If we choose not to and she seems upset or whatever just say that we didn't want to attack unprepared and end up needlessly wrecking the place she wants us to conquer.

>>29757013
Imo we should really try to move against Taour, the longer we wait the more Thralls they get and maybe even more daywalkers.
They are the largest threat due to their inhuman abilities.

>>29757108
I think you're right about them being more dangerous... Which is why I suggest raising Talon's stats and attempting to take out the leaders or at least some of them, ourselves. I'm sure we can get quite a bit stronger just by training while knowing partially what our powers are.

>>29757013
How will we get Craol on our side?
Gnome could upgrade Harrowmont in the meantime. Depends on how the negotiations go and how long they take.
We should train our Astral Archery in the meantime.
>>29757088
>but I've started the quest at the same US time every thread
I see.
It's the long running then that makes it for me I think.
I always have my breakfast reading quests. I catch yours alive.
>>29757096
>>Sarah wants you to push on Vitria ASAP
She meant ASAP after negotiations I think!
>>29757108
>more daywalkers.
Not happening. Like hell they'd create another powermongering monster.
You can see internal strife already with conflicting thralldoms.

>>29757183
>Astral Archery
This. One day we might actually be able to reach EMIYA-senpai's level of skill with even more power. Arrows going several times the speed of sound and taking out enemy leaders sounds pretty fucking cool.

>>29757108
They are the larger threat I agree, but currently we're fighting a 2-sided war. Vitria is the weaker of our two foes and once we take them out we can focus all of our efforts on the dam daywalkers. We'll also have the benefit of more trade with the RSK (due to Vitria's ports), and that civilian magitech factory.

>>29757183
>How will we get Craol on our side?
If you can convince them that you're simply participating in the civil war alongside House Hawkins, the large independent military there won't contest your assault on Vitria.

VOTE

>1. Push on the Taouran front
>2. Regroup, train and fortify at Harrowmont
>3. Give your men and Gnome some R&R/work while you do negotiations with Craol
>4. Custom

>>29757256
Forgot to mention we can even boost our senses so our range that is already pretty high can get even higher once we level Empowerment(I think that's the right skill)

>>29757280
>3. Give your men and Gnome some R&R/work while you do negotiations with Craol

Bring our retinue and some HMKs as well.

>>29757256
It IS pretty fucking OP and is one of the basic ways to use astral magic.
Understanding how we do it opens up more paths.
>>29757280
4. Custom
>Give your men some R&R/work while you do negotiations with Craol
>Have Sala fly Gnome to Harrowmont and build dat Merchants quarters.
We don't need neither for negotiations.

>>29757280
>3. Give your men and Gnome some R&R/work while you do negotiations with Craol
Train our Archery if time allows

>>29757280
3.

>>29757280
>1

>>29757279
And it's exactly why Vitria is weaker that we should focus on Taour . Vitria as suffered a severe defeat which may have undermined the House's influence, not to mention they are only humans so we can safely ignore them for now whereas Taour will only get stronger the longer we wait.

>>29757353
Don't make the same mistake Hitler did.
FINISH THE FUCKING FRONT.

And with that I'm going to bed.
Hopefully you'll be still running in 8 hours.

>>29757335
>Have Sala fly Gnome to Harrowmont and build dat Merchants quarters.
Sala's in Olmm, so that would be slower.

>>29757386
If people are interested, I might just be.

Also, for those voting 3, who exactly do you want with you at Craol? Sarah, Talon, Undine, HMKs + ?

>>29757335
What are we using for arrows right now? Maybe if it's efficient/possible/reliable once we raise our skill we could use Astral energy as arrows. It does generally trump magic after all and we could probably use the Astral arrows to cancel/destroy/break/weaken magic.
>>29757353
Or we could diplomance to make taking Vitria less difficult and then use all the good stuff we get from that to prepare for taking Taour and not getting rekt by vampires

>>29757013

We should take this opportunity to consolidate and reorganise our force deployment.

Since we have two fronts, we should need three armies. One for the Tauor front, one for the Virta front and the third for home defence/emergency reinforcements...

I feel that the Vitra front should take priority in terms of resources, however, directly getting involved in the theatre may cause Craol to percieve it as an invasion, rather than us simply supplying troops and supplies to Sarah...

>>29757280
2 with a bit of 3.
we should return to Harrowmont, any forces which wish to stay on the Taour front may do so, though we will need to assign someone to oversee the theatre.

>>29757386
you make a fair point, Ideally we should take the two fortified passes that Taour control, however taking both of those positions will require a heavy amount of planning, materials and forces, not to mention the large cost of life that will be encored by the assaults...

>3.

You figure to bide your time for now. If you maintain a strong force in Harrowmont and Mier, you can head off any sudden assaults on the Taouran or Vitrian fronts whilst the men get some R&R. Gnome can also see to assisting with construction while you participate in negotiations with General Habell at Craol.

The lingering question is whether to delay for five days to allow Sala and Mal to join you at Craol, or to leave them to defend. If they don’t come along, you will take along Sarah, Undine and your heavy mage-knight unit to Craol for the negotiations.

>1. Wait for Sala and Mal
>2. Don’t wait
>3. Custom

>>29757529
>2
Do we absolutely need those two for negotiations? I mean it's not like we're investigating Vampire territory/expect to burn stuff. We'll meet them back home.

>>29757529
>2. Don’t wait
We don't need them for negotiations.

>>29757529
>Sala and Mal
Do we need them as much as our guys need them? No. We're pretty strong and /should/ be able to deal with any attempts on our life which we don't have reason to believe there will be any.
2. Don’t wait

>>29757529
>2

And would you mind posting the regional map OP? Thanks.

We should ask if our various red shirt magisters can summon additional e elementals to keep Bartom company and do useful stuff.
Also should have Maloric talk to the various towers, mage to mage. Maybe point out that we may Need to institute a magocracy in tour to avoid our viceroy getting thralled repeatedly. Would they happen to know any candidates?

File: 1390608442923.png-(556 KB, 3100x1050, worldMap.png)

556 KB PNG

>>29757613
Doh. Forgot about that.

>>29757653
Towers in vitria rather

>2.

It’s a three day trip to Craol from Vale. You are travelling with Phrace and his heavy knights as the senior officer escorting the carriage that you, Sarah and Undine are in. Sarah’s been telling you about the fortress, the men, how experienced the men defending the province are, et cetera, et cetera. You file the information away but drift off into a thoughtful doze. You’re honestly not sure how well this will go – this isn’t strictly a civil war now that House Hawkins has sworn allegiance to a foreigner such as yourself.

As you come into sight of Trembin, the main fortress-town in the centre of the province, you realise exactly the dangers of frightening the Vitrians into thinking otherwise. The stone walls gleam with runes in a show of force, defensive towers bristle with ballistae and catapults and a couple thousand soldiers undertake drills in the open land surrounding the town. General Habell knew you were coming and is making it very clear how much power he wields in Vitria. His support or opposition could make or break your attempt on Vitria.

The keep itself is no less grand and filled will mage-knights. As the carriage comes to a stop outside, surrounded by a hundred Vitrian knights at attention, you at least take some relief that your heavy knights are probably even more terrifying to them. The enormous doors that lead into the keep proper open, likely driven by a mechanism of some sort, and you have to make the decision as to how you will proceed.

>1. Just Sarah for now. You want to make sure Habell’s receptive before introducing yourself.
>2. You, Sarah and Undine. You don’t feel the need to hide yourself or introduce confusion.
>3. Your full force. HAbell likely has the inside of the keep full of knights, no need to leave your own outside.

>>29757529
Side note, are you keeping track of how many of house Harkens troops we have left? They might prove useful as showing up escorted by Sarah's troops might help the diplomacy

>>29757892
>3. Your full force. HAbell likely has the inside of the keep full of knights, no need to leave your own outside.
Unless we know that would be considered rude. Maybe ask Sarah first?

>>29757892
>2

>>29757925
Not especially. Tracking nationality wound up being more effort than it was worth. You have a fair bit of Vitrian plate and no small number of Vitrians under your command, though. The HMKs are all Darlesian, though, but are wearing Taouran armour (which itself is copied from the RSK).

>>29757973
Sarah is supportive of Option 2. She believes Option 3 would be too provocative but Undine says bringing all the men in would be a strong show of power in return, especially as they're HMKs which Vitria lacks.

>>29757892

what does Sarah suggest?

For all intensive purposes, we are purely here as Sarah's 'Benefactor', ensuring that the forces and supplies we lend her for the civil war will not have to worry about being assaulted by what we were told was a third party...

>>29757892
>2

>>29757892
>>29758007

then go for 2.
they would have seen our HMKs, no need to bring them in with us, otherwise it might be seen as though we are expecting things to turn sour...

>>29758007
Let's go with 2 then. The General knows we have soldiers that he doesn't, we don't need to thrust them into his face.

>>29757892
>2. You, Sarah and Undine. You don’t feel the need to hide yourself or introduce confusion.
I don't know why bring a champion with us is a good idea, but okay.

>>29757892
>2. You, Sarah and Undine. You don’t feel the need to hide yourself or introduce confusion.

>2.

“There’s no need to provoke him too much,” you say to Sarah and Undine. “His men have no doubt already told him about our heavy knights and we’re more than capable of dealing with any treachery.”

Undine nods even as Sarah frowns and says, “General Habell is an honourable man, Talon. He won’t attack us.”

“He will if he thinks we’re a threat to Vitria. It’s what any man who truly values his country over his honour would do,” you reply as you step out of the carriage.

You give Phrace orders to maintain his position here as you gesture Sarah to lead. Falling into step behind her with Undine, you enter the keep and accept the escort to the hall. It’s a short walk, and you find yourself surprised that the hall itself isn’t part of the entrance. An odd design… As you enter the hall itself, you steel yourself. Thirty noble knights, bearing sigils that make them obviously from the Order of Black Stone, line the walls of the hall. A man you presume to be General Habell stands next to a set of four thrones wearing a decorative set of armour.

Habell throws open his arms, shouting, “Welcome to the keep of Trembin. I hope you enjoyed your trip.”

He hasn’t made it clear who he’s talking to. You…

>1. Let Sarah take the lead.
>2. Take the lead yourself.
>3. Don’t let anybody respond to him.
>4. Custom

>>29758325
>1. Let Sarah take the lead.
In front of Vitrians we are merely Sarah's ally, not her Lord.

>>29758325

>1
this is Sarah's show, let her put forward her case... after all, this is Her civil war that is being fought, not Our invasion...

>>29758325
>1. Let Sarah take the lead.

>>29758325
>2. Take the lead yourself.

>>29758325
>1. Let Sarah take the lead.

This is her shin dig, time for her to earn her keep.

>>29758325
>1. Let Sarah take the lead.

>>29758325
>1

>>29758325
>1. Let Sarah take the lead.
It's supposed to look like we're following her after all.

>>29758397
Well, not publicly at least....

>1.

You tap Sarah lightly on the back as a gesture for her to proceed and she obeys, barely missing a beat.

“We did indeed, General Habell,” she answers, giving a brief curtsy. The curtsy is merely to be polite, rather than showing deference, so you remain standing straight. “Trembin remains as imposing and watchful as ever under your guard. I trust there have been no troubles with the Taourans lately?”

“No. No, there haven’t,” he replies smoothly, eyes meeting yours momentarily, before darting away. “They’ve been rather busy to their south, giving us an easy time. Of course, you would know all about that, wouldn’t you?”

Sarah raises a hand in gesture to you as she responds, “Of course. Imperator Talon here has been keeping them at bay with little difficulty. It makes the reasons for my house’s alliance with him rather clear, I would think.”

“Alliance? I had heard of allegiance. And the two are so very different, Lady Hawkins.”

She smiles and takes a few steps to her right, hands behind her back. That smile of hers is very different to what she’s shown you in the past, bearing a hint of malice along with superiority. “Perhaps they are, but it is not as though my house is alone in such a decision. Viktor Oaln has shown little hesitation in selling himself and Vitria to the Seraphi nobles. I believe Imperator Talon’s aid will benefit Vitria far more than an ailing monarchy.”

Some of the knights grow restless at Sarah’s claims and Habell suddenly snaps, “Enough. Let us move into private. Lieutenant Gregory, keep the men on guard.”

Sarah frowns at that, and you suspect she was hoping to unnerve the knights more. You…

>1. Intervene and try to get Habell to remain here as you and Sarah engage him in debate.
>2. Let Sarah continue to lead
>3. Indicate to Sarah to move into private without debate
>4. Custom

>>29758660
>1

Like it or not, we need to maintain a strong presence, else he might want to overtake us in the future.

>>29758735
>1

>>29758660
>1. Intervene and try to get Habell to remain here as you and Sarah engage him in debate.

>>29758660
>1

But be very civil about it.

>>29758735
>1
Forceful, but with an edge of politeness so we aren't seen as down-right rude.

Hows this as a sarcastic rejoinder?
"Of course. After all, I'm certain that House [insert suppplier here] gave Victor Olan at least 1500 suits of mage plate solely out of the goodness of their hearts. Why, its not like they are known for being particularly ambitious and immoral even among their fellow Seraphi nobility."

>>29758660

>2
while 1 would be nice, I don't feel that there is an acceptable method in which we can obtain the desired result...

>>29758906
>sarcastic
Out you go you failure of an Imperator

>1.

“I do not feel any need to move into private, general,” you say suddenly, causing a halt to the movement of the knights. “These knights have sworn their allegiance to Vitria just as you have and their presence here indicates they are amongst the most trusted of your veteran soldiers. Should they not have the right to hear any discussion of civil war and usurpation of their beloved country?”

Habell turns to you, face reddening as his temper flares. “And what right do you, a man not of Vitria, have to say this?”

“The same as any knight here who is not of Vitria. The same as those Vitrians who live in my territory and expect me to represent them. The same as Count Robin Argyle and his soldiers, who fight for Vitria and expect me to represent them.

“One does not have to be born of Vitria, or live in Vitria, or swear allegiance to Vitria in order to want to better it. I do not think there is any greater right to comment on these matters, and if I was to be included in this private conversation at the exclusion of your most trusted knights, I would find that highly irregular.”

Habell stands, red-faced at your response, but his knights have already resumed their earlier positions. Perhaps Habell doesn’t have the power over them he thinks he has… Sarah shoots you a grateful look. You…

>1. Let Sarah resume speaking
>2. Continue to engage Habell yourself
>3. Try to work together with Sarah
>4. Custom

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah.

We're gonna tag team him verbally like we do in combat with Lynn.

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah
She has experience and information for stuff involving Vitria, but we have Charisma, Intelligence and Experience. Now we just need to fuse

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah

>>29759021
>3
Stand at her side, so you appear as equals, don't stand in front or behind her.

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah

This will make things go smoothly.

>>29759069
>>29759076
>>29759094
>>29759127
>>29759131
No no no no
>2
We are the EMPEROR, allowing her to take an equal stance with us means that the loyalty of the knights will be split. I know you all love Sarah, but I still have the feeling she/ll betray us in the future due to her ties with Vitria. We need to be the stronger of the two.

>>29759199
>2
I agree with him, especially with Sarah's little spy network she controls, that's highly possible

Else Sarah just gets pissy and we diplomance her later on,

It's a win-nothing situation if we take the lead, or a semi-win/hard loss if we take Sarah as an equal,

Changing >>29759131
to >2

>>29759021
>3

Also, ask if there are any seats. Now that we've used just a little bit of confrontation, we should back off a bit and allow everything to settle back down to a comfortable level. Having everyone sit down would do the trick.

>>29759021

>1
"My apologies for interrupting you Lady Hawkins, If you would continue..."

>>29759229
>>29759199
Hey, don't forget the primary objective of this meeting: convincing Craol that we are involved in this matter as an agent within the civil war.

It's long term versus short term goal. Taking the initiative will keep us as the Emperor, but risk the short term goal of convincing Craol we only mean well to Vitria.

>>29759199
I disagree. It's not like we're fucking promoting her and giving her military command, we're making a point against what appears to be a very stubborn individual whose help we NEED to take Vitria. She'll defer command to us because we're the one who's GOOD at it and she's not a fucking idiot.

By working WITH her here, we're saying that when it comes to Vitria, we're not a foreign invader, we're here to work with Vitria.

>>29759021
3

>>29759303
Yea this is important.

>>29759199
>she/ll betray us
I completely understand what you mean by taking command because we're the emperor, but I really doubt she will betray us after all this. She isn't an idiot who would fight a losing battle against us, not mentioning that she probably realizes that we could protect Vitria better than she could.

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah

>>29759336
Not to mention she wants the D and she wants it hard.

>>29759021
>3. Try to work together with Sarah
>>29759199
The point is to get Craol on our side, having a Vitrian on ours is good. Besides, she wants the D - betraying Talon is extremely unlikely by now

>3.

You take a step forward to bring yourself in line with Sarah in an attempt to work alongside her. Where she can handle the niceties and Vitrian particulars, you have a stronger presence and can easily directly overpower Habell. Sarah spots your movement and takes a step to the side to join you.

Habell openly scowls at the two of you. “Fine, we will remain out here. If any of my men wish to speak, they will still need my permission.”

You exaggeratedly raise an eyebrow at that, but say nothing. If Habell grows hostile, the knights will still support him. You’re not entirely certain how loyal the knights truly are to Vitria and Habell. The Order of Black Stone is a local order, but many orders local to their rulers have placed their perceived honour and duty above their lords.

Sarah speaks first, “What is your response to the fact that House Oaln is openly consorting with the RSK and is highly likely to be planning to fold our country into another’s, General Habell?”

“I would need proof, for one. And even with that, how is it any different than you handing Vitria over to this ‘Imperator’?”

[DC12 Tag-team Negotiation]

Rolled 11

>>29759412

Rolled 10

>>29759412

Rolled 4

>>29759412

>>29759448
>>29759434
>>29759422
Let's just be glad it wasn't a nat-1. We may have hope yet.

>>29759524
Don't get your hopes up...

>Target not met

“The proof is in,” you start only to find yourself talking over the top of Sarah. You hide a grimace and continue yourself, “The proof is in the three hundred sets of RSK armor supplied to House Oaln. I also have the word of an RSK noble as to the identify of the Seraphi family smuggling equipment, including this armor, to Vitria.”

Sarah had again tried to speak up even as you continued, and you found yourself speaking over her. Not the greatest appearance, but you hope the facts will still provide support. You stop and openly gesture for her to take her turn now.

She begins, looking slightly flustered, “The difference is that Talon, sorry, Imperator Talon, does not intend to rule Vitria himself or attempt to force it into the culture of an ailing monarchy. The RSK has done exactly this in the past.”

“If he does not intend to rule Vitria, who does?” Habell asks.

“I will leave the rule of Vitria, under my domain, to that of one of the ruling houses,” you say, once again speaking over the top of Sarah who started to say her house’s name. “My personal choice would be House Hawkins, of course.”

The mistakes on your part mean that Habell doesn’t look as flustered, but you catch some muttering from the knights. It seems that even if Habell isn’t truly won over, the knights might be a less discerning audience.

“Quiet, all of- Yes, Lieutenant, what is it?” Habell says angrily.

“Permission to ask Imperator Talon York a question, general,” Lieutenant Gregory says.

“Granted.”

>continued

>>29759744
The knight nods and turns to you. “Those are Taouran mage-knights outside. Are you truly going to allow Taourans as part of your nation? The one that Vitria will be a part of?”

Some of the knights begin muttering about that and Habell does so as well, unhappy about Gregory’s presupposition about Vitria being a part of any nation you put together. You respond with…

>1. Curt. “Those aren’t Taouran mage-knights.”
>2. Jingoistic. “Those are Darlesians, not Taourans, and I will not allow any Taourans who won’t support our future nation to be an equal part of it.”
>3. Cautious. “Those are Darlesians, not Taourans, but that does not mean that Taourans cannot be a part of any future nation we build together, just as I would not exclude Vitria because Darlesia and Vitria once warred.”
>4. Custom

>>29759772
>2

>>29759772
>3. Cautious. “Those are Darlesians, not Taourans, but that does not mean that Taourans cannot be a part of any future nation we build together, just as I would not exclude Vitria because Darlesia and Vitria once warred.”

>>29759772
3. If we make sure to point out that we won't keep the day walkers/vampires them selves.

2. If not.

>>29759772
>4
"You speak as if I will make Vitria merely another province in an unnamed nation. Do you not expect me to respect the will of the people - Vitrian, Darlesian, Taouran, et al?"

>>29759905
Seconding this.

>>29759905
Thirding this

>>29759772

4. Resolute.

"We have a chance to build a new nation. To set historical differences and grievances aside and live side by side peacefully. It is not a matter of whom to allow and whom to turn aside. It is a matter of forging a new alliance by fighting together."

>>29759772
>3. Cautious. “Those are Darlesians, not Taourans, but that does not mean that Taourans cannot be a part of any future nation we build together, just as I would not exclude Vitria because Darlesia and Vitria once warred.”

These are the very men who would see their homelands re-secured and an enemy who dwells over them defeated. However. There are men, strong loyal men, that live within those borders. Not all men desire the lands they live in, nor the laws applied to them, but they eek out a living doing so, or are forced into thralldom or into an army that does not desire to march. I would see these men freed from such, and I do not imply that I am "freeing" Vitrians. As a Knight, like myself, would you not want to see good people, people that have been yourself, or even family, given equal chance? Could you live out your life knowing you put down innocent men when you were sworn to defend them by your Knightly Honor? I certainly could not.

>>29759905
I thought we wanted to make it seem like we weren't in this to take control, but that it was a civil war we were simply aiding, this would counteract that greatly.

>>29759772
"Those are Darlesians. As for Taour... well if I conquer some or all of their territory in the course of the war I'm currently fighting with them I'll either have to kill them all or let the vampire's chattle live. Killing them all is... a really bad idea. Anyone want to fight a few million people who know you're going to try to kill all of them and they have nothing to lose?"

>>29759905
>>29759939
>>29759952
Merging these.

>>29759959
"respecting the will of the people" is basically "not infringing on sovereignty" parsed to be diplomatic.

>Custom

"You speak as if I will make Vitria merely another province in an unnamed nation. Do you not expect me to respect the will of the people - Vitrian, Darlesian, Taouran, et al? I do not see any reason to maintain historical grievances in any new alliances of peoples. What I can say is, and it is what your honour will say as well, that I want to see good people given equal chance. Something that almost all Taourans are denied under their current rule.”

[DC14 Presence]

Rolled 1

>>29760088

Rolled 10

>>29760088

>>29760118
At least make this look like bad luck instead of Talon being retarded.

Rolled 13

>>29760088
Diplomancing!

Rolled 9

>>29760088

>>29760118
FUCK

>>29760118

How does this keep happening. Come on, we seriously gave some awesome speeches this time.

>>29760118
Reasoning why crits with d20 are retarded without a way to mitigate them.

Fate Points with heavy consequences don't count.

>dramatic failure

“I see,” Lieutenant Gregory says. “Do you mean to-“

“Enough!” shouts Habell, taking control of the room once more. “All has been said that needs to be said. If you tender your proof to me and continue this in private, I will give my word as the General in charge of the Vitrian army of Craol that I will not seek to intervene in the Vitrian civil war.”

Gregory falls back into line, and you have a feeling you won’t find out what it was he intended to ask. Habell looks furious even in defeat and you don’t know if what Gregory meant to say was important or not.

>1. Ask Gregory anyway, possibly inciting Habell to rescind his earlier word.
>2. Go with Habell
>3. Custom

>>29760207
I'd like to point out that ignoring the critfail, we still flubbed the DC anyway.

From now on we only talk to our troops. Sarah does all our public speaking for us.

>>29760285
>1

Fuck it, I like undercutting Habell.

>>29760293
>From now on we only talk to our troops. Sarah does all our public speaking for us.
Yeah, no, that's retarded. Sarah's a kid and we only got interrupted because of chance.

>>29760285
>2. Go with Habell
We can try to ask Gregory at a later time.

>>29760285
>2
For now. We'll find a way to ask him later. Can't risk recogtiations.

Can we like, give him a concerned look to show we want to hear what he has to say?

>>29760319
counterproductive to our mission. Head in the mission!
>>29760285

>2

>>29760285
>2

>>29760285
>2. Go with Habell

I feel like it would be the best choice. He'll feel like he won a battle of superiority and calm down a bit, will make it easier to negotiate.

>>29760293
Yeah nah. She's a child, and only really good with Vitrians. That said, we could use some "politics" training, she would be useful in that.

>>29760285
So basically, we may have won over the lesser people of Vitria, but just angered the head honchos?

Typical /tg/. Always the radical underdog revolutionaries.

>>29760285
>"I will give my word as the General in charge of the Vitrian army of Craol that I will not seek to intervene in the Vitrian civil war.”
Dude needs to choose his words more carefully.

>>29760285
>2. Go with Habell

>>29760285

Give Lietenant Gregory a nod on the way out, when Habell's back is turned. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk to him later, or he'll join us, something, just acknowledge him. It'll do wonders.

>>29760454
Do this

>>29760454
Yeeessss

>2.

You choose to go with Habell for now, not wishing to throw away a successful negotiation. As you walk, you throw Gregory a look and nod that you hope means ‘Talk later’ and receive a nod in return. In a small meeting room, you, Sarah, Undine and Habell take seats. The general is still furious.

“I care as little for your ambitions, York, as I do for Viktor Oaln’s or the rest of the pissant noble houses,” he begins. “I think this nation would be better off without all of you, but it’s my duty to serve and it’s obvious what’s happening here is no worse than any bickering from before.”

He begins to scrawl on a piece of parchment and you know this will be the written recording of this agreement. It won’t mean much in reality, but its bindings to his honour may keep him from doing anything reckless. This is your last chance to try to change the wording.

>1. Don’t say anything and let him choose the wording, which will likely be what he said last time.
>2. Try to change the wording to <write-in>
>3. Custom

>>29760545
>1. Don’t say anything and let him choose the wording, which will likely be what he said last time.

>>29760545
>1. Don’t say anything and let him choose the wording, which will likely be what he said last time.

>>29760545
>Engage Habell with light conversation about Vitria's past.

"I take it this is not the first time you've had to deal with fallout from the Four Houses...not...seeing eye to eye.

>>29760545
>"I will give my word as the General in charge of the Vitrian army of Craol that I will not seek to intervene in the Vitrian civil war.”

I feel like this is beyond a civil war now. He has made it clear we are not of this land and he does not respect our claim, only Lady Hawkins.

>2

>...to interfere with any conflicts upon Vitrain land until such time that a victor is declared.

>>29760651
I agree, supporting this.

>>29760651
Maybe I'm missing something, but this looks like it fails the Talon common sense check - what happens if Taour invades Vitrian land or yours? Under this wording, it looks like he wouldn't take action.

>>29760651
This isn't good. Stopping him from interfering in any conflict?

>>29760733

Oh valid point. Um... Not quite sure how to reword that to avoid that little bit. Hrm.

Am I the only one wondering if the dwarf with devil contracting could have helped us out here?

>>29760772
Yes.

>>29760733
What about?
>...to interfere with any conflicts between Harrowmont and Oaln until such a time that a victor is declared.

>>29760545
1

>>29760772
I told you all that he would be an amazing ally.
But no.
You fuckers just had to do it.

>>29760643

This sounds interesting. I am also curious as to his opinion on the matter. It may also prove to be a good chance to get his opinions on what is wrong with Vitria...

>>29760772
Honestly, I don't think he would've been worth it. This is the first point he would've been useful and I think he would've been nothing but trouble up until now. If we even brought him.

>>29760733

Something involving the banners? No conflict involving the Griffon and the specific ones we oppose? I don't know, this is getting into specifics and leaves a lot of loop holes regardless.

>>29760545
...I'm nervous that you gave us the option to change it
How is he gonna word it? Is it gonna be bad?

>>29760801
then the other noble houses intervene and the agreement goes out the window. Just leave it be.

>>29760757
You could try to get him to add a declaration that Harrowmont is a Vitrian party to the civil war. Keep in mind the agreement is largely in spirit, as there's nothing to truly stop him from attacknig you.

>>29760801
The city itself doesn't belong to Oaln, so he could attack you if you assaulted the city.

>>29760643
I'll be adding this part to the post itself.

>>29760843
"I will give my word as the General in charge of the Vitrian army of Craol that I will not seek to intervene in the Vitrian civil war.”

That's what it'll say, basically.

>>29760545
1, unless someone has a really good idea.

>>29760868

Wait. We could just fly the Hawkins house banner instead of the Griffon couldn't we? That would fall under the "civil war" part right?

>>29760880
Nope, we blew any chance we had of setting the terms of this. We'll just have to prepare for his now inevitable betrayal.

>1. Plus small talk

You decide not to intervene in his choice of wording, relying on the fact this agreement is largely in spirit and sixty knights just heard him give his word. Instead, you engage in some small talk.

"I take it this is not the first time you've had to deal with fallout from the ruling houses not...seeing eye to eye.”

He snorts. “Vitrian hasn’t been independent for very long and I’ve been around for all of it, even if I was a footslogger at the start. This is the third war. We could so much more and no, I don’t buy that you’ll be the magical solution to this, even if your reputation makes you out to be Great Knight Garynth’s long lost brother.”

“Then why are you agreeing to stay out of it?” Sarah asks, frowning.

“Because Taour’s on our borders. And because I don’t think you can screw things up any worse than Viktor Oaln. Or the Rorek and Tabeth houses. Or the RSK. If you’re already up shit creek, what does it matter if you add to the mess.”

He finishes writing on the paper with a flourish for his signature, and passes it over to the three of you. “All of you sign it, as party to my word – I’ll then have one of my aides sign it and Lady Hawkins can make copies with her sorcery.”

The wording is: “Beron Habell, General of Craol, hereby announces his intentions to remain an independent party to the Vitrian civil war and its transgressors. As an independent party, he will not engage with any of the warring parties and their allies.”

>Anything extra to say to him?

>>29761068

Actually that's a bit better than I expected. I mean it's mostly in spirit, so hopefully it holds. We'll have to watch our backs at least.

>Not much further to say. Talon is best showing with actions, not words.

>>29761068
Shake his hand and request some R&R in the keep. We gotta talk to the Lieutenant and maybe Sarah can distract the General while we get some time in with his troops.

>>29761068
"I sincerely hope that I can prove your expectations about me wrong."

>>29761068
nothing more.

Rolled 17

>>29761068
Say nothing. Just sign.

>>29761068
Tell him to send us word if the border is threatened.

>>29761263

This is good.

"Just between gentlemen."

>>29761068
Gregory next, right?

You sign and pass the paper over to Sarah before reaching out to offer the general a handshake. He takes it with a firm grip and you ask, “I assume it would be alright if we were to stay the night? It’s late afternoon and we’ve been travelling.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “Of course. There’ll be some rooms put aside for the three of you and some room in the barracks for your men.”

As you retract your hand you say, “Although I know you don’t trust me, I would appreciate being informed of any threats to the border. Taour is no friend of mine.”

He raises an eyebrow and nods. The rest of the process goes quickly and soon after the three of you are left alone. Undine lets out a sigh.

“That could have gone worse,” she says. “As it is, we didn’t so much as win his support as fail to make him attack us.”

You shrug. “He has a lot of pride.”

Sarah pouts, “He was never so much of a brute when I’ve met him previously.”

Talking to Gregory may be a good idea, you think, if only to get an idea of the general’s likelihood of betrayal. You…

>1. Have Sarah talk to the general while you and Undine find Gregory.
>2. Talk to Gregory with all three of you.
>3. Don’t talk to Gregory and instead spend some time talking to Sarah and Undine for the evening.
>4. Custom

Next post will be slightly delayed.

>>29761458
>1. Have Sarah talk to the general while you and Undine find Gregory.

Vitrains respect other Vitrains, and I think Habell might see it in his best interest to smooth talk Sarah as much as he can, her position and "availability" are large assets to a man such as himself.

>>29761458
>1. Have Sarah talk to the general while you and Undine find Gregory.

>>29761458
>Speak to Gergory alone.

Keep this unofficial and between men. Earn that lieutenant's trust.

>>29761458

>2
Gregory will probably have questions which require both ourselves and Sarah to answer, especially if they are opinion based questions...

>>29761559
Speak to Greg alone. We need an inside man, a

>>29761458
We failed our diplomancy, so we don't want the General to get any ideas about us. Talon should stay in plain sight, have Sarah keep tabs on the General and run interference, and have Undine seek out Gregory to offer him a chance to talk to us in private.

>>29761559
>Speak to Gregory alone
This guy has it right

>>29761458
1, but have Undine listening in to their conversation. Good opportunity to check if she is scheming anything

>>29761559
While it might be sketchy, this is probably the best course of action
>Talk to G alone.

>Pretty short delay, surprisingly

>>29761559
I assume you want Sarah to keep the general busy in the meantime?

Any opinions having >>29761618 in conjunction?

If we speak to Gregory alone, we will have a vital ally. The general WILL betray us, especially after we failed so hardcore with diplomancing. He only cares about his nation, we need to care about ours.
>Voting to talk alone

>>29761618

We actually know Undine can hide herself. So why not.

>>29761559
second

>>29761618
>>29761662

Agreed with this guy, I'm >>29761675

>>29761662
That is acceptable, if Sarah agrees.

As for Undine listening in, I would be indifferent. Just as long as Undine is smart about her eavesdropping if she decides to watch over Sarah.

>Talk to Greg alone, Sarah distract general, Undine listens in on the two of them

“Sarah, would you mind keeping General Habell busy while I go talk to Lt. Gregory?” you ask.

She gives a nod and leaves as she says, “Maybe I can find out why he’s so unhappy with me.”

After she leaves you turn to Undine and say, “Would you mind surreptitiously listening in on the two of them? I worry that the general might say or do something…”

“Or that Sarah might accept an offer she can’t refuse,” Undine adds. “You don’t need to worry about my opinion of that facet. I’ll find out if either of them will cause trouble.”

As Undine melts away into invisibility, you make your way to where Lt. Gregory is, getting some directions from some soldiers. As you enter his private room, you note his helmet is off and he’s considerably younger than you expected. Early twenties at the earliest.

“Talon York, I’m surprised you came alone,” he says. “Ah, my apologies – it is Imperator Talon, is it not? If you wouldn’t mind shutting the door?”

You close the door, noting the aural-blocking charms that trigger as you do so. You’re confident you can handle a single man if he tries to attack you but he makes no such attempts.

He stands and gives a slight bow. “I am Aaron Tabeth, the heir to House Tabeth. I apologise for hiding my identity earlier but it’s one I’ve had to maintain for several years now. My father is paranoid that the other houses may try to kill me.”

You bite back some surprise and answer dryly, “Is he right?”

>continued