“The barons” she grates “are apparently holding a conference in the Barony of Carteer to decide how best to put their case to Duke Ferelric to restrict what they call our *unrestrained theft of their workforce* -one of the solutions they suggest is, is” Sofia sputters in outrage.

“Is one-ah their sons marrying Sof” says Jal, testing a knife blade with a finger “S’funny, a lad gonna have ‘is wedding an funeral on the same day, still, saves all ‘is relatives making the trip twice.”

“They’ve told us about the conference because the Dukes stewards said they had to” explains Sofia, still looking a little steamed; her arms folded across her chest, her jaw set stubbornly “We need to go and sort them out.”

Well it looks like you and Sofia will be taking a trip soon. It shouldn’t end in violence, but you might want some of your more diplomatic or politically-minded allies with you.

>Just me and Sofia
>Take others (who?)
>We’re not going, we can ignore this

>>35318678
>Just me and Sofia

A few days later you and Sofia arrive at the neighbouring Barony of Carteer. It is mostly flatlands with large fields and a thriving farming industry.

You ride up to the stronghold of Baron Carteer and announce yourselves. You’re kept waiting for almost half an hour before the gates are opened.

An unhappy looking steward sees that your personal effects are stored and then asks you to follow him to a large room with several tables and 30 or so people in it.

A half-dozen are sat around a central table arguing.

“Guest-right cannot be ignored” says a fussy-looking man with neat clothes and eye-glasses. You wonder if he dresses to look like a clerk deliberately, or if he just feels comfortable that way. “So stop saying she should be turned away.”

With him are five men each wearing the heraldry of the five baronies that are adjacent to, or close by your barony. You know these men by reputation - and from what Sofia has told you about them, though you’ve never met them before.

Baron McLein
The head of House McLein is a middle aged man, thick bodied with the look of a strong man whose muscles are slowly turning to fat. His face is round and he has prominent jowls. He leans forward when he speaks and tries to use his height (he’s 6ft 5 inches tall, and bulky) to intimidate people.

Baron D’Rough
The head of House D’Rough is a short and stocky man who walks with the bow-legged gait of a man more comfortable on horseback than on his own feet. He is of an age with McLein and often reins his larger companion in. The two of them bicker like a married couple.

Baron Carteer
The head of House Carteer is young, in his early 20’s. He doesn’t do much talking, preferring to let McLein and D’Rough do much of the talking. He doesn’t hide his emotions well though and from the look of frustration he’s often wearing, he doesn’t always agree with them.

Baron Rikard
The head of House Rikard is an elderly thin man who rarely speaks but instead waits and watches everything. He moves with a pronounced limp and fought against the orc invasion 50 years ago. He is known to give a lot of money to the Church of Konig.

Baron Letrall
The head of House Letrall is in his late 20’s and wears rumpled clothes stained with wine and food. He has bags under his eyes and stinks of wine. When he does get involved in the debate, he seems more interested in what you might pay him for him to *allow* his commoners to come into your barony.

“Intolerable and an outrage!” blusters McLein “That this jumped up so-called Princess should be allowed to lure the best workers and apprentices away from our baronies with bribes and promises, if this isn’t sorted out, it will descend into chaos!”

“Which is why we’re having this conference” says the clerk primly, he notices your approach and gets up from his chair and bows respectfully to you and Sofia “Baroness Dalvin, Baronet Jalweyen, welcome. I was not expecting you, but welcome nonetheless. I am Bernard, Steward to Duke Ferelric, who regrets that he cannot be present here today.”

“You have entered the conversation a little late” says Bernard “are you familiar with the Barons complaints, or would you like me to summarise?”

“We can speak for ourselves” says Baron D’Rough

>Bernard please summarise
>Let the Barons have their say
>Other

>>35318791
>Bernard please summarise

>>35318791
>Bernard please summarise

>>35318791

>Let the Barons have their say

“If you wouldn’t mind please, Bernard” you say, as you and Sofia take seats at the table as around you are servants, wizards and scribes.

“Very well, Baroness Dalvin” responds Bernard, pronouncing each word precisely.

“The honoured nobles” he explains “Are concerned that many of your ah, compassionate works these last few years have had the effect of tempting younger traders and crafters, particularly those unmarried or recently married into moving from their homes and settling in your realm. They would like this practise to cease.”

“Your womanly compassion will doom your realm to financial ruin!” blurts our McLein “You need a strong and level-headed man to show you how to properly manage your barony!”

Sofia twitches at your side but doesn’t speak.

Bernard gives Baron McLein a censorious look “There have been” he says “several suggestions as to how this may be achieved: such as restricting the number of people who may enter your Barony via maximum quota; that you must discontinue certain practises such as *free hospitals* and the expansion of your towns, as well as the possibility of an arranged marriage for yourself or Baronet Jalweyen.”

“You forgot-” interjects Baron Letrall.

“Or” says Bernard, with a sigh “That you pay the Baronies a yearly stipend to compensate them for the loss of labour.”

>What else do the Barons want?
>I’ll restrict immigration
>I’ll stop building hospitals
>I’ll stop building houses
>There will be no arranged marriages
>What size stipend?
>If all you have is a list of demands, I’m leaving
>Why don’t you all build hospitals and houses?
>Other

>>35318910
>>If all you have is a list of demands, I’m leaving.

>>35318910
>>If all you have is a list of demands, I’m leaving

>>35318910
>If all you have is a list of demands, I’m leaving

>>35318910
>Other
Here's an idea: How about you take your demands and jam them straight up your arse.

>>35318910
>Why don’t you all build hospitals and houses?

>>35318933
>>35318944
>>35318948
Why did you even vote to come here if you're just going to leave immediately without even making a token attempt to persuade them?

>>35318956
This is just to tell them that that their demands are complete horseshit and we're not going to kowtow to them.

>>35318956
It is quite likely they will have some sort of retort.

>>35318956
This was never a negotiation. This was an attempt to shore up their own by trying to put us in our place.

>>35318910
>“Your womanly compassion will doom your realm to financial ruin!”
Now that's a fear we can easily dismiss. As far as I know our realm is doing great, and would do great even if the royal grant were to cease. This could also be used as an argument for the money-lover. Show him our records, and that to a certain degree giving away “free money” to public works will increase the money coming back over the years.

>Now let me summarize my site of the story:
“My barony tried some unusual tactics to increase both the taxes and the growth. These are so successful that your baronies look terrible in comparison. I already offered to lend you money so that you could follow suit, strengthening the kingdom at large, but you decided that you didn't want to actually improve your baronies. Instead you want to pull my barony down to your level.

>>35318910

>What else do the Barons want?

>There will be no restriction on immigration, hospitals or settlement.
>There will be no 'stipend' - we don't want to bring ourselves to financial ruin after all
>I can offer generous loans, on top of speaking on your behalf to the King regarding crown's subsidies should you commit to improve your own infrastructure.
>On that note, our income statement looks pretty good with all those social expenses, thank you for your concern.
>Maybe, my fellow barons, you could send your accountants to learn from our illustrious treasury officer?

Note that if we do help the other baronies get more attractive, our own trade income is bound to suffer due to competition. We are doing this for the good of the realm though.

>>35318993
*own power.

>>35318910
"And why should I do that? The freedom to rule as I see fit is a long held right of the nobility. I'm surprised that you would wish to limit that."

>>35318998
>>35319000
I'm fine with this after they respond to our telling them we don't give a damn about their bitching.

>>35318933
>>35318944
>>35318948
That's a childish and useless answer. They know we don't like their demands. They think they can get through with them without our consent, and would like Sireyi to not even know about their plans. They could just say: “Ok, then leave.” and be happy. They expressively stated that they don't want us to be there. Why would you offer to leave?

Of course some of them are stupid enough that they will answer differently, but that's beside the point.

>>35318993

That's exactly why we should argue with them and guide them towards seeing things our way, and bolstering their resentment against us is not liable to make that easier.

>>35318910
>Other
"I'm sorry barons however my god Velya has encouraged my actions which only help the people prosper."
"The descendant of Konig himself has personally governed my lands and you question her managment?"

>>35319052
>descendant of Konig himself
Still not public knowledge for mysterious reasons. Maybe so that Sof doesn't have to deal with thousands of pilgrims.

“If all you have is a list of demands” you say, rising from your chair “I’m leaving.”

“In fact” adds Sofia “here’s an idea, how about you write all of your suggestions down, roll up the parchment and cram it straight up your-”

She stops when you touch her arm and rises to follow you, a mulish expression on her face.

“Baroness’ Dalvin’s participation isn’t required” notes Baron Rikard in a wheezing voice “But without her here, I think all that Duke Ferelric will hear is the loudest voices.” He purposefully doesn’t look at McLein or D’Rough.

“No, no, let her go” says McLein “She isn’t wanted here anyway. Once more sensible heads not clouded by sentiment have decided what is to be done, we shall take our proposals to the Duke.”

“The freedom to rule as I see fit is a long held right of the nobility. I'm surprised that you would wish to limit that." You retort.

Bernard coughs and says “Duke Ferelric does not want disputes between his Barons, but if consensus cannot be achieved, then he must side with the majority, for the good of the Kingdom.”

At least now you have their attention.

>No really, I’m leaving (leave)
>I’ll agree to some demands (options in next post)
>None of your demands are reasonable
>I can offer loans should you want to follow my lead
>I will speak to the King about royal subsidies to improve your baronies
>My realms finances are doing pretty good (show them the ledgers)
>Velya has encouraged my actions
>Other (what?)

>>35319113
Alright now to this
>>35318998
>>35319000

>>35319113
>None of your demands are reasonable.

>>35319113
>None of your demands are reasonable
>Velya has encouraged my actions
Velya herself hopes for the good of the people. Stopping construction will only hurt them.However.
>I can offer loans and schemes should you want to follow my lead

>>35319113
>>Other (what?)
"If you take your demands as they stand now to the Duke, I will consider that an act of war."

>>35319113
>”All you demands boil down to you being unable to keep your own baronies functioning properly. This is hardly my fault, but rather yours. I'm sure if the Duke has to choose between a successful barony and a couple of unsuccessful ones, he will not blindly allow the unsuccessful ones to pull the other down to their level because that's the only solution they can think of.


>>35319138
And this

>>35319113

>My realm's finances are doing pretty well
>Accepting your demands would hurt my barony, my people and along with them the entire kingdom.
>I offer an alternate solution, that would benefit both your own baronies, your subjects and the entire kingdom

>I will speak to the King about royal subsidies
>I will help with loans and workers

>>35319181
Fucking love it

>>35319181

While completely true, it's more likely to enrage them further and embitter them towards us than to get them to change their opinions. Let's try to explain it to them like one would to a child.

>>35319207
Yes, because Men in positions of power just LOVE being patronized.

ok, writing

>>35319207
Good point.
I would like >>35319181 to be the back-up plan if this go poorly. Or have an enraged Sofia say it.

For now >>35319185 Gives a reasonable list of bullet points. The only thing I cannot agree to is the royal subsidies. The King is not made of money, and he has to finance a lot of things.

We already offer them loans (which is another sign of how well we are doing). We can also show that one baron who cares about money how our income has increased rapidly. While this will not increase as rapidly if many do it, the over-all income through trade will increase a lot of everyone keeps their workers happy and motivated.

Oh and please roll 1d20+14 Fellowship

Using Angels Voice?
(+10 extra to roll)
You know you want to

Y/N

Rolled 14 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
Y

Rolled 3 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
Y

Rolled 11 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
n

Rolled 16 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
N

Rolled 20 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
Y

>>35319246
>You know you want to
Indeed we do. If the hothead can try to intimidate with his size, we can use our voice.
Y

>>35319237

The king gave us royal subsidy and I don't think it has ended yet. I'm sure he would not be opposed to rerouting that particular subsidy towards our neighbors if we told him our reasoning (and were willing to surrender the subsidy for ourselves)

Rolled 5 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35319246
Y

>>35319246

N

I don't think it's a good idea that won't bite us in the ass.

>>35319289
No. What happens when our subsidy ends? better long term solution is needed

“My realms finances are doing quite well” you say “what I’ve done to help people has only helped my realm in return, not doomed it.”

“Yes well” grouses D’Rough “With the kings handout-”

“I’ve built faster than I would have been able to than without it” you say “but I’m not reliant on it, in fact I have the realms ledgers with me if you’d care to examine them?”

That puts many of them on the back foot “Ah no” says Letrall “I don’t think our time is best spent going through pages of accounts.”

“Then let me summarise” you say “My barony tried some unusual tactics to increase both the taxes and the growth of my realm. These are so successful that your baronies suffered. I offered to lend you money so that you could follow suit, strengthening the kingdom at large, but you decided that you didn't want to actually improve your baronies. Instead you want my barony to suffer.”

“Your demands are unreasonable and short-sighted” you say “I again offer loans to help you emulate my example and improve your own realms finances. I also have teams of workers who now have years of experience building solid homes cheaply and I offer to lend them to you to help.”

Your voice urges them towards understanding and agreement.

Barons Letrall, Rikard and Carteer are nodding in agreement, and even McLein and D’Rough appear to be considering it.

One of the wizards steps forward and whispers in McLeins ear.

McLein roars in outrage “This sorcereress is using magic to fuddle our wits and bend our wills! Barons, have your wizards protect you!”

To Barnard he demands “Arrest her for using magic upon us; I’ll not treat with someone whose only tactic is to steal mens minds!”

All of the Barons are looking at you with suspicion now.

Barnard looks uncomfortable “Baroness Sireyi” he asks “Is is true, are you using magic to influence the barons? I must remind you that is a crime.”

Around the room the various wizards are taking up positions behind the barons and watching you carefully.

>No I’m not
>Yes I was
>It is a natural ability as a half-angel, I do not think of it as magic.
>Other

>>35319237

I don't know what model OP uses to come up with our economic indicators, but the barons do have a point in it that a lot of our wealth comes from trade and workforce and brain drain to our barony. If they all get to same level as we do, our income will necessarily suffer even if 'gdp' of entire kingdom should rise. We should be prepared that short of keeping things exactly as they are (and getting the King to BTFO the recalcitrant barons), we will lose some our our income. It's even possible that we lose enough that our social programs will actually start to burden our budget.

Maybe we should direct our attention to investing in building up some magitech industry...

>>35319367
God dammit I was worried about that.

>It is a natural ability as a half-angel, I do not think of it as magic.

>>35319367
>Yes I was
>Other
"One must use what means are available to defend oneself when one being attacked."

>>35319367
>Other
"What wits, Baron McLein?"

>>35319419
>>35319390
Why must you dig yourself a deeper hole?

>>35319367
>It is a natural ability as a half-angel, I do not think of it as magic.

>>35319367
>>No I’m not
I'll not let my good name be besmirched by one of your men, Baron. Present proof or still your tongue.

>>35319367
>It is a natural ability as a half-angel. It tends to manifest passively, and I sometimes have no control over it.

>>35319367
>The effect of my celestial heritage is on my own voice, it has no supernatural effect on those I speak to.

>>35319483
That's possibly true, we didn't get any option to not use it until recently and sometimes we still use it automatically.

>>35319489
Except it does, it's a form of emotional control any time it's used and can even override the target's rational mind if we actively try to make it do so.

>>35319367
>>It is a natural ability as a half-angel, I do not think of it as magic.
I assumed this would happen and I still voted for it.

>>35319373
I do assume that our income will suffer. At the same time, we currently have the best and most motivated workforce. They won't leave, even if the other baronies try to follow suit. it just means that we won't have as many people migrating to our realm.

I do think that our welfare programs won't be too much of a burden. They should keep the populace healthy and effective, not keep them away from working. We might have to increase our taxes, though.

>>35319489
Also a good point.

We might be able to say it was a blessing from Velya.

>>35319505
We have been explicitly told in the past by Pally that Angelic Voice is not a enchantment effect.
We just have a really convincing voice. The supernatural effect sahpes our voice to allow us to convey perfectly what we want to, it does not have any supernatural effect on others.

>>35319367

Told you, didn't I?

>It's a natural ability as a half-angel I use to soothe tumultuous emotions. I'm sure your wizards will tell you that I'm unable to actually force you to act against your intent.
>If you would feel safer, by all means employ any countermeasures you deem necessary against having your mind influenced.

>>35319537
good point

>>35319537
>I'm sure your wizards will tell you that I'm unable to actually force you to act against your intent.
Would they? Sounds like an easy out for Baron McLein to have his wizards accuse us of witchcraft, however logical our position may be.

>>35319567
Its better to just tell them to put uup whatever protections they want, if they distrust our heritage.
It won't work, since our voices magic is on us not them, but if it makes them feel better. We can't 'prove' right now how it works.

>>35319567
They won't accuse us of witchcraft just of what they are doing right now. Of crimes of using magic upon nobles to "control" them.

>>35319579
>>35319591
It seems to me that the best thing for Baron McLein to do now is to fling shit at us and see what sticks.

“It is a natural ability of mine” you say “as a half-angel I can do unusual things with my voice.”

“And your tongue” says Sofia, inaudible to anyone but you. Jal is a bad influence on her.

“I sometimes forget that I am doing it” you say “and did not use it with the intent of controlling anyone’s mind.”

“Or those without minds” comments Sofia quietly

“She lies!” declares McLein “She uses sorcery to fool us and now caught, she attempts to claim it is as a result of her heritage.”

Barnard looks at the wizards around the room “Well, esteemed masters of the arcane, your judgement?”

The wizards confer and then one says “what we detected, though magical, was not an arcane or a divine spell, I believe Baroness Dalvin is telling the truth.”

Baron McLein gives a snort of disbelief as Barnard says “I accept Baroness Dalvins explanation.” To you he says “Please do not use that particular ability here again, Baroness.”

“If you would feel safer, by all means employ any countermeasures you deem necessary against having your mind influenced.” You offer.

Mclein and D’Rough have their wizards cast spells upon them, far enough away that you can’t see what they’re casting.

With the Barons placated, though still looking at you suspiciously, and wizards watch ing you, you the argument (you can’t really call it a debate with all the shouting McLein and D’Rough do) rages on for most of the morning, until Bernard suggests a break for lunch, with a significant look at Carteer.

Baron Carteer leaves you ensure that as host he will be offering suitable refreshments.

>>35319529
I can't recall ever seeing him say that.

I don't see how additional meaning to our voice would matter, since no human would be able to pick up on it, and a beautiful voice wouldn't be deserving of a +10.

It also explicitly stated in the post that our voice was urging them towards agreement, so I'd assume that it was in emotional manipulation mode, if they're even separate.

>>35319601
He is going to do that anyway. We can't really help that.

Now is your chance to speak to some of the Barons individually to see if there’s any way you can sway them to your side. Sofia can help sound them out too.

You’ll only be able to talk to 3 of the Barons before the conference resumes – though Sofia can talk to up to 3 as well, or either of you can talk to Duke Ferelrics representative, Bernard.

Who will Sireyi talk to?
>McLein
>D’Rough
>Carteer
>Rikard
>Letrall
>Bernard
>That’s all (empty option to indicate *no one else*)

And Sofia?
>McLein
>D’Rough
>Carteer
>Rikard
>Letrall
>Bernard
>That’s all (empty option to indicate *no one else*)

>>35319624
>Sireyi
Baron Rikard
Baron Carteer
Baron Bernard


>Sofia
That's all

>>35319607
Its not emotional manipulation any more than what normal people can do with the pitch of their voice, our control over the sound of our voice is supernatural, not the effect our voice has on others.
It was a very important point when we got the ability, since using mind-control magic on other is something that a lot of people would have been very much against as paladin.

>>35319624
>Carteer
>McLein
>D’Rough

Sofia
>Rikard
>Letrall
>Bernard

>>35319624
Who will Sireyi talk to?
>Bernard
>Carteer
>Rikard
And Sofia?
>That’s all (empty option to indicate *no one else*)

>>35319624

Do we know if any of the barons are practicing worshippers of Konig? Might want to have Sofia talk with those.

Sireyi could talk to McLein, D'Rough and Bernard, or anyone Sofia isn't talking to.

We should take a moment to remind Sofia not to lose her temper - we are after all supposed to all be on the same side - on the Kingdom's side.

>>35319661
It is slight emotional manipulation as the emotions we instill can be overwhelming thus shutting down rational thinking.

>>35319673
>Do we know if any of the barons are practicing worshippers of Konig?

Rikard gives a lot of money to the Church of Konig

>>35319673
>Baron Rikard
>The head of House Rikard is an elderly thin man who rarely speaks but instead waits and watches everything. He moves with a pronounced limp and fought against the orc invasion 50 years ago. He is known to give a lot of money to the Church of Konig.

>>35319673
Baron Rikard. But we don't know how that split in the Church of Konig over Sofia has turned out by now.

>>35318791 for anyone looking for who is who.
Sofia should talk to Baron Rikard. He is a strong supporter of Konig.

Sireyi:
>Carteer
>Bernard
>D’Rough

Sofia:
>Rikard
Whomever others decide she should talk to

>>35319681
Emotions can have that effect, its called taunting, for example.

>>35319682
>>35319665
O then let Sofia talk to Rikard while add in Letrall for my vote.

>>35319648
Bernard isn't a baron, he's the duke's representative.

>>35319661
Yes, but the supernatural sound of our voice wouldn't have given us the bonus in this instance due to circumstance, hence why we had to use the emotional alteration properties it can have.

Seriously, it stated that the voice itself was urging them to accept what we were saying, I can't really see that as *not* indicating emotional alteration on some level.

>>35319673
Yes, we do, it was mentioned in the opening to the conference that Rikard is a big fan of Konig.

Keep in mind, however, that Sofia doesn't agree with many of Konig's policies or his attitude.

>>35319705
But the emotions come from the voice itself rather than what it's saying.

>>35319661

I think it would be more correct to say it's about as much emotional manipulation as what marketing experts do in ads with pitch, tone, colour of the voice, or with symbols and images.
It is a talent we have that is meant to influence decisionmaking, that is for certain.

>>35319717
And you don't think what the Duke's representative thinks and tells the Duke isn't massively important?

>>35319730
I do, but that doesn't change the fact that you called him a baron and he isn't one.

File: 279[1].gif (40 KB, 370x263)

40 KB GIF

GODS ABOVE AND BELOW PALLY, YOU ARE ON A ROLL! FUCK YEAH!

>>35319717
>Seriously, it stated that the voice itself was urging them to accept what we were saying
That just meant we were using our voice in such a way to instill that emotion, its not a supernatural thing in itself, normal people can do that. Salesman, politicians, and so forth do it all the time. Your voice can instill emotions in people completly wihtout supernatural property, only the extent to which we can do it is supernatural, but that is on our voice not the mind of the ones we talk to.

Rikard may have another issue with our welfare spending, that's only tangentially related to what the rest might have: that welfare spending drains resources that could have gone into military.

He'd have a point too, since we are a border barony and our military buildup could be seen as pretty lackluster.

Ok, based on votes it seems that Sireyi is going to talk to D’Rough, Carteer and Bernard, and Sofia is going to talk to Rikard and Letrall.

No one wants to talk to McLein, poor guy.

Writing.

Please roll 1d20+15 Fellowship (for Carteer)

Rolled 8 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35319807

Rolled 16 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35319807

Rolled 18 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35319807

I do feel kind of bad for McLein. And if we manage to turn everyone else to our side, he will be fucking pissed too. We should make it up to him somehow.

bake him a cake

>>35319780
A thousand troops from a single Barony is fairly good, and we needed to secure our non-military assets in order to be able to pay upkeep and unit costs.

>>35319766
Normal people can resist the pathetic attempts of salesmen and politicians to persuade them in most instances; an argument could be made that our degree of vocal control is such that it's *effectively* the same as using magic to manipulate their minds.

>>35319807
It's more that we didn't want Sofia to talk to Mclein, and he's less likely to be persuadable than D'Rough.

Had to go with the more likely option.

Rolled 7 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35319807

>>35319846
>Normal people can resist the pathetic attempts of salesmen and politicians to persuade them in most instances
Most salesman and politicians aren't very good at it, even if they bothered learning it at all nowadays. As I said, her prowess in that art is supernatural not the effect it has on people. But thats along and old debate about the "when does is start being mind-control". All we can say right now, its not a enchantment effect, therefore it is not mind-control.

>>35319846
>we needed to secure our non-military assets in order to be able to pay upkeep and unit costs.

I agree, but a military man accustomed to spartan living conditions and military rigour might see things differently. And with some ruthlessness, our economic (and military) performance could concievably be higher.

Don't misunderstant me, I like how Sireyi (or accountant general N. N. Autismo) run the barony, it's very nice. We'll probably have to justify it in front of people with different values and opinions.

Rolled 17 + 15 (1d20 + 15)

>>35319807

Carteer comes to speak to you over lunch, to ensure that the food is acceptable to you. You ask a few questions about his barony whilst you have the opportunity.

He answers politely: it seems his father was close friends with Barons McLein and D’rough and he regards them as his uncles, even though he doesn’t always agree with them.

He also asks you quite a few questions about what you’ve been doing with your realm and you get the feeling that he would also like to build hospitals, better roads, and housing for the people of his realm, but...

“Barons McLein and D’rough have helped me a great deal in running my Barony” he says “I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.”

>It’s your realm, you run it how you think it should be
>A successful realm will make them proud of you
>Best to listen to your elders
>Don’t offer advice, yet
>Other

>>35319899
We did make it clear when we took the title, that our service to Velya will always come first.
This is just part of that, so the Duke doesn't have any grounds before the king complaining about how we run our barony.

>>35319910
>A successful realm will make them proud of you
>I don't get the impression it is really 'how' i run my realm that aggravates them.

>>35319910
>>A successful realm will make them proud of you
>Other
But remember that they supported you from the beginning and although they can be disagreeable, everyone can change.

>>35319910

>A successful realm might make them proud of you, and you personally in better position to aid them in return should they themselves fall upon harder times.
>At the end of the day, the responsibility is yours, though, and yours alone, to decide what is the right course of action with your mandate.

>>35319910
>Don’t offer advice, yet

>>35319910
>That is a commendable attitude.
>They know what they do thanks to their experience. In this case their experience just does not apply. It is a sad truth that people will become set in their ways and disregard new ideas, even if those would be better.
>In this case they might just not be able to even consider which one is better, because they made their decision 40 years ago when they were young.
>You have to make your own decisions at one point, or you will be stuck in the old ways as well. Sometimes change is improvement.

>Don’t offer advice, yet
I won't tell you what to do, because I'm just trying things out as well. All I'm saying is, that so far my new method seems to work better than the old one. You will have to make your own decision if you want to risk it, or if you want to use the old and secure path. I'm sure there are arguments to both.
>I just ask that you make sure this decision is yours, and that you will be able to live with it for the rest of your life.

>>35319910
>It’s your realm, you run it how you think it should be
>A successful realm will make them proud of you

Ok, and roll Fellowship 1d20+14 to convince him.

Angels Voice?

Y/N

Rolled 17 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044
No.

Rolled 9 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044
N

Rolled 1 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044
N

Rolled 12 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044

N

Not this time, no need, I think.

Rolled 4 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044

N

Rolled 5 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320044
N

“If your realm is successful” you say “Then they will be proud of you. The responsibility is yours, as is how you achieve success.”

Baron Carteer nods thoughtfully as he considers your words.

You also spend some time talking to Bernard.

“How does Duke Ferelric regard me?” you ask him.

“I’m not privy to the Dukes thoughts” says Bernard, “and I am not here to take sides, but the Duke did instruct me to ask you about all of the, ah, works of compassion you had been spending the baronies money on – so I believe he approves of what you’re doing.”

You discuss how the Church of Velya has been helping you with hospitals, and how the houses you’ve built have been very popular with many people.

And you also talk to the bandy-legged Baron D’Rough. He regards you with suspicion and is slow to open up, but you manage to get him talking about his barony.

“Heavy cavalry are the best troops” he says, after telling you in detail about his horse-breeding programs “A well-trained mount, a soldier in heavy armour and a properly cut lance can beat anything. We raise only the best horses in D’Rough.”

“Your military must be feared” you say politely.

“They are, they are!” he boasts “Still, with the price of good iron so high, I can’t afford to equip as many soldiers as I’d like to.”

Got him...

>Say nothing, yet
>I could offer you iron cheap, if you help me
>I’d like to buy some of your horses
>Other

Selling iron cheap will make you less money in trade, but could swing D’Rough around to your side.

Buying horses will improve the effectiveness of your cavalry, but will cost more – and can be done later, as long as you don’t alienate D’Rough.

>>35320159
>Say nothing, yet
If we can bring him around in other ways that would be best.

>>35320159
>I’d like to buy some of your horses

>>35320159
>>I could offer you iron cheap, if you help me
>>I’d like to buy some of your horses

We could use a small cavalry unit as fast response forces or patrols. Not many, maybe 20 or so. We really need to do something against those bandits.

>>35320159
>I could offer you iron cheap, if you help me
>I’d like to buy some of your horses
Why not do both? We get horses for iron. Get him to do the patrols for the caravans to minimize costs as well.

>>35320208
That problem has been decreasing due to Waystations and Wagon Trains, it'll decrease to the point of being meaningless after we get Patrolled Roads this year.

>>35320208
>>35320219
I'm in favor of the Horse buying, but not the cheap iron yet. We don't benefit from that, unless we really can't onvince him to our side any other way.

>>35320159
How much is the cost increase for Cavalry?

>>35320159
>>Say nothing, yet
Remember it for later.

Buying horses seems popular, but cheap iron less so.

I'll give it a few more minutes on that part.

Also please roll 2d20 to see how well Sofia does with Rikard and Letrall

>>35320262
>>35320208
>>35320219

Exactly. If we can't get him to come around we can always offer the iron then. Don't just throw out all the advantages at the start.

Rolled 4, 7 = 11 (2d20)

>>35320289

>>35320286
+20% of base cavalry cost.

Rolled 19, 1 = 20 (2d20)

>>35320289

Rolled 19, 9 = 28 (2d20)

>>35320289

Rolled 7, 20 = 27 (2d20)

>>35320303
One other thing, do the defenses we installed after our children were kidnapped count as Basic or Intermediate?

Rolled 9, 18 = 27 (2d20)

>>35320289

>>35320159
>Say nothing, yet
I need a new ISP.

This is probably too late.

>>35320262

King would benefit in having more strong cavalry at his disposal. I guess net effect depends on what alternative buyers would use the iron for. (and how much income we'd lose)

>>35320540
We could use the iron ourselves to cut troop creation and maintenance costs.

“I would be interested in buying some of your horses” you say to Baron D’Rough and you arrange to go and visit his Barony to see the horses in person.

With that he seems to be less suspicious of you, but makes several disparaging comments about how you run your realm *being a soft-hearted woman, after all*

Sometimes people attitudes amaze you: you can left a horse over your head with one hand, banish demons and fight armies, but just because you’re a woman they...ah well, never mind, you check with Sofia as the meal is coming to an end, and the afternoon is ready to begin.

Sofia gives you a quick summary of what she has learned.

“Rikard is an old soldier and a staunch follower of Konig” she says “He doesn’t seem aware of who I am – the Church has kept that a secret for now, though he did mention rumours of a *Child of Konig* that he’d heard – telling him who I am may sway him to our side, I’m not sure. He does seem to genuinely care for the soldiers he commanded however. If you can emphasise how the soldiers benefit as well as the civilians, I think he’ll be on our side.”

“And Letrall?” you ask

Sofia snorts “A drunk and a wastrel” she says “He has no interests beyond his own pleasures – he doesn’t even want his own realm to do well. Offer him money or some other bribe and he’ll follow.”

With lunch concluded the...discussion resumes.

Once again McLein is your main foe, with D’Rough and Carteer playing along, though not as willingly as you thought.

Rikard mostly just watches and listens, and Letrall switches sides frequently.

What arguments will you use to convince:

>McLein
>D’Rough
>Carteer
>Rikard
>Letrall

As long as you convince 3 or more, The Duke will block any attempts by the rest to harm your realm.

Please keep write-in arguments to a sentence or 2 each. You can outline the argument briefly, or give in 1st person dialogue – your choice.

Most popular themes/arguments will be used, and will set the DC of the Fellowship check.

>>35320562
>Rikard
>The realm is in need of strong defences, and strong defences need a stable and prosperous realm to maintain them. The more prosperous a realm is, the more people it can support that don't farm or trade, meaning, standing armies of soldiers to guard the borders and react fast to enemies.

Letrall
>Pointing out the benefits the barons themselves have from the increased productivity, more housing means more people, which translates in larger agrarian production making food cheaper to afford. For the entire kingdom, as long as we lay-off the price difference on other kingdoms.
(Its supposed to subtly appeal to is appetite, cheaper food and wine means he can more easily afford feasting, I just didn't know better how to convey that without being too obvious)

>>35320562

>McLein, D'Rough, Carteer
Our economic model has proven itself financially sustainable so far, and wealth from trade and industry outpaces welfare spending. People are content with quality of governance enough to not overly bemoan our taxes. Assuring the poor some elementary standard of living makes some of them more enterprising and others less likely to turn to banditry and crime.
>Rikard
Letting the subjects know that the crown will care for them and their families when they hit on hard times makes the men more loyal, public health service makes them physically stronger and income from trade allows us to outfit them with better equipment in case of troubles.
>Letrall
Barony with some basic comforts is less likely to cause its ruler troubles, it's less susceptible to crime and subversion by one's rivals. Not to mention that better economic performance also enriches those who rule it. (although that last remark might not sit well with Rikard or others)

>>35320698
Love it. Seconding

Ok, roll 1d20+14 for talking.

Use Angelic Voice?

Y/N

Rolled 16 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320743
>N

Rolled 19 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320743

Oh Sireyi you temptress.

No.

Rolled 11 + 14 (1d20 + 14)

>>35320743
no

As the argument continues, you emphasise to Barons McLein, Carteer and D’Rough the economic benefits of your spending on the poor.

When McLein challenges you on this, you explain “Our economic model has proven itself financially sustainable so far, and wealth from trade and industry outpaces welfare spending. People are content with quality of governance enough to not overly bemoan our taxes. Assuring the poor some elementary standard of living makes some of them more enterprising and others less likely to turn to banditry and crime.”

You emphasise the military benefits to Rikard. When Bernard asks you to explain, you say “Letting the subjects know that the crown will care for them and their families when they hit on hard times makes the men more loyal, public health service makes them physically stronger and income from trade allows us to outfit them with better equipment in case of troubles.”

And to Latrell you explain how doing as you’ve done, will benefit him “A barony with some basic comforts is less likely to cause its ruler troubles, it's less susceptible to crime and subversion by one's rivals. Not to mention that better economic performance also enriches those who rule it.”

McLein scoffs at your explanation, but soon finds himself alone, as you bring the others around to your way of thinking.

Finally Bernard says “I think it is clear that there is little support for any sort of action against Baroness Dalvin – I will recommend that Duke Ferelric takes no action against her realm, and I expect no other Barony to interfere with hers.”

McLein implores the others to listen to him, to no avail.

As you leave, Sofia says “You really can charm anyone can’t you?”

“Most people are reasonable” you reply “You just have to put yourself in their mindset.”

“Oh?” she says sweetly “I look forward to your next conversation with Jal then.”

With the Barons dealt with, for now at least, you return home, hopefully you can have some peace and quiet for now.

For a few days, anyway.

Sometime later a letter arrives from the local merchants guild addressed to you.

Sireyi,

Your father has forbidden me to tell you this, but he is dying. Return home at once.

Aunt Anniya

>Go alone
>Take companions with you (who?)
>No, I’m not going back

>>35320887
>Take companions with you
>Sofia
>Jal
>Isla
Maybe take the kids too ?
For obvious reasons.

>>35320887
>Take companions with you (who?)
Take our whole family. The kids should meet their grandpa before he dies.

>>35320887
Take all our waifus and our children. Those who will also become our father's family in time.

Teleport there soon. Within the day, if possible.

>>35320887
For the record, Ebonsong is part of our family.

>>35320887
Ebonsong, Jal and Sophia

>>35320887
>Isla
>Sofia
>Jal
>Ebonsong
Maybe our kids as well, I'm not sure if I trust our family enough for that, though.

>>35320938
Seconding

You gather up Sofia, Jal, Isla, Ebonsong and your children and explain to them what’s happening.

“My father was always distant” you say “he never really seemed interested in me, him not telling me he’s dying is just like him.”

“My step-mother hated me” you explain “So don’t expect her to be nice.”

“We’re here for you Sireyi” says Sofia, hugging you.

“Yeah” says Isla “We’re your family now.”
“S’right” agrees Jal “No place like ‘ome, eh?” for once she doesn’t try to get a handful of your rear or your chest whilst hugging you.

Ebonsong joins in the hug on general principles.

You blink back a few tears and say “Thanks, really” and cast your spell to whisk you all back to the Barony you grew up in.

As the spell fades, you once again see what you thought of as your home...

Before you stands the keep of the Barony of Valyenya. It’s been 10 years since you last saw it; a tall and imposing castle in the middle of a lake with a long causeway leading to it.

It looks like there’s quite the party going on: Local people, nobility, the castle is heaving with people.

You are not remarked much upon in the crowd as you wander deep into the keep. Apparently today is your youngest sisters wedding day – you remember her as a bratty and spoilt child, 5 years your junior.

Eventually you see your step-mother ahead, welcoming the guests, no time like the present. You steel yourself and walk forwards, your companions at your side.

Your stepmother, Baroness Hespeth Valyenya is greeting arriving guests with a friendly smile that disappears as soon as she sees you.

“What are you doing here Sireyi?” she hisses “Get out of here before you scare the guests away.”

>Introduce your new family to your step-mother
>I came to see father
>Is father sick?
>I came to see Aunt Anniya
>Fine (leave)
>Other

>>35321159
>Introduce your new family to your step-mother
>I came to see Aunt Anniya

>>35321159
>>I came to see Aunt Anniya
>Introduce your new family to your step-mother

>>35321159
>Introduce your new family to your step-mother
>I came to see father
>I came to see Aunt Anniya
>If you quests are the type of people scared away by an angelic Paladin of Velya then perhaps they shouldn't be here.

>>35321159
>Everything but leaving
>Why are you afraid of me scaring the guests, stepmother dear?

>>35321159
>>I came to see father
Don't mention the aunt. She will suspect that it was her who snitched soon enough, no reason to pull her to the fore-front of the mind.

>>35321224
I'm fairly sure our father is not actually dying.

>>35321239
And that is not what I was saying. Regardless of what the occasion is, I want to visit the father.

>>35321274
Then I'm not sure what you mean with "snitched" ?

>>35321284
As in, told us to come at this time. There is something going on here, that the step-mother doesn't want us to see. Some sort of occasion. The only hint we have is, that it is important and that we should try to visit her father.

You know this won’t go well, but you’d best make an effort.

“Hello stepmother” you say pleasantly “This is Baronet Sofia, Jallarial, Isla of House Wendmore – They’re currently dating me, and I’m engaged to Isla.”

Everyone you introduced curtseys or bows politely.

“This is my little sister Ebonsong” you say, as Ebby waves shyly “And these are my children Vivi and Mili” you indicate each of them held by Jal and Sofia. The children just look around with wide eyes.

“And this is my step-mother” you say “Baroness Hespeth Valyenya”

You see your younger sister storming up in her bridal gown “And this is my little sister and the happy bride, Molly, hello Molly, have you met-”

“Mother!” says the not-so-happy bride, addressing Baroness Valyenya “Why is the half-breed back? She’s ruining everything.”

“Oh I was just introducing everyone” you say brightly, “These are your niece and nephew-”

Molly spares your family a glance “Oh look” she says with a sneer “someone requested a travelling freakshow!”

You are momentarily distracted by restraining both Jal and Sofia from responding verbally (and perhaps physically) to that comment – even Isla looks shocked.

To your step-mother she says “Mother! Make them leave!”

As your step-mother prepares to speak you say “Actually, Aunt Anniya told me to come, something about father?”

As if on cue you hear a sticky cough to your left.

Standing there in what you might charitably call his best clothes, is Juvo. The years haven’t been kind to him: one eye is a milky-white orb and he has more scars than you remember on his face and hands – he even has a blood-stained bandage wrapped around his head.

“Your aunt told me ta come fetchya little miss” he says, looking at you and ignoring your step-mother and half-sister.

Jal appears to be retrieving a knife from its sheath.

>Right, lead on Juvo
>Before I go...(parting shots at half-sister or stepmother – what?)
>Jal put the knife away
>Other

>>35321372
>Right, lead on Juvo

>>35321372
>>Right, lead on Juvo
>Take Jal's arm and lead her away.

>>35321372
>Right, lead on Juvo

>>35321372
>>35321410
Backing this, keep it calm now.

>>35321372

Goddamn, I want to say something to chill their spines, but that wouldn't be very Sireyi.

>>35321486
I have a feeling Jal might though

>>35321486
Imagine if your duplicate had shown up.

>>35321372
I'm also supporting >>35321410

“Lead on Juvo” you say, taking a firm hold of Jal’s arm and she prepares to throw her knife – you think she was just going to take out your younger sisters foot-high hair-do, but you can never be sure.

Jal opens her mouth to give a caustic reply and Sofia claps her hand over it. The two of you drag her away.

Juvo leads you into the castle, away from the celebration and up to your fathers quarters. Aunt Anniya meets you on the way.

“Oh Sireyi” she says, hugging you “How you’ve grown.”

You introduce her to your family and she greets them all warmly, cooing over the children and ruffling Ebby’s hair in a friendly way.

Your aunt has aged too – there’re streaks of grey in her hair and she’s moving stiffly, as if hurt, but she doesn’t complain.

As you continue on to your fathers room she explains “my stubborn brother” she says “wanted to leave you a note, but I thought it best you speak to him, one last time, at least.”

You enter your fathers room to see an old and sick man lying on a bed and propped up with pillows.

“Ah Sireyi” he says, or at least you think that’s what he said, his voice is so faint “I knew my sister could not follow instructions, come closer, let me look at you.”

You approach the bed, your companions with you and you introduce them “This is my father” you say quietly “Baron Joseph Valyenya.”

“I am pleased to meet you all” he says in a hoarse voice, greeting them all in turn and laying a hand on your children’s heads, as if blessing them.

“However” he says “I must ask for a moment of privacy with my daughter”

Your aunt and her...assistant, leave the room.

>Everyone, please give us a moment
>Everyone stays
>The children go, others stay
>Other (what?)

>>35321509
And this dear stepmother is my evil twin and if you insult my children again she will pull your heart out through your ass

>>35321551
>Everyone, please give us a moment

Whats he dying of? Is it possible we could do something for him?

>>35321551
>Everyone, please give us a moment

>>35321551
>Everyone, please give us a moment

>>35321551
>Everyone, please give us a moment

“Everyone” you say to your companions “If you would please give us a moment?”

They respectfully leave, taking time to squeeze your hand, or kiss you or whisper in your ear “I’ll be just outside”.

Eventually you are alone with your father.

“What did you want to say to me father?” you ask. You’re not sure how you feel about this: your father was a distant figure in your life and he was prepared to marry you off to the King of Gorim. On the other hand he never beat you, or tormented you like your step-mother did.

“I wanted to explain” he says in a strained voice “I won’t ask for your forgiveness, but I thought you should understand.”

“Understand what?” you say

“Everything” he says “your mother, why I let your step-mother run roughshod over you, your marriage, what your mother left behind for you.”

>My Mother?
>Why Step-mother hates me
>My marriage?
>Mothers bequest?
>I don’t need to know any of this
>What’s wrong with you?
>Other question (what?)

>>35321646
>What’s wrong with you?
>My Mother?
>Why Step-mother hates me
>My marriage?
>Mothers bequest?

>>35321646
>What’s wrong with you?
>Is there anything I can do?
>My Mother?
>Why Step-mother hates me
>My marriage?
>Mothers bequest?

>>35321646
>My Mother?
>Why Step-mother hates me
>My marriage?
>Mothers bequest?
>What’s wrong with you?

>>35321646
Maybe now is a good time to read the necromancy book and see if theres anything (not evil shit) to help him in there.

>>35321748

Doesn't Sireyi have some miraculous healing powers?

>>35321646
Just be quiet and her him out. He is already going to explain. No need to nag him with a thousand questions.

>>35321818
Depends on what he suffers from, we can make people immune against disease though.

>>35321818
My thoughts exactly, but in the case that they fail... well necromancy is traditionally the domain healing spells fall under.

>>35321646
>Frequent reminder that we can dramatically slow down the aging of our mortal companions.

>>35321850
Not sure what "tradition" you mean here, Transmuation and in 3.5 Conjuration are more common for that as far as I remember.

>>35321848
It's likely that his illness is something incurable by magical means.

>>35321850
What.

>>35321871
>Frequent reminder we can just make them fucking immortal

>>35321877
>It's likely that his illness is something incurable by magical means.
How so ? Either its a regular disease, in which case our blessing can make him immune, or its amagical disease, in which case it can be dispelled.

>>35321877
>>35321873
In third edition d&d they became conjuration. Before that they were still necromancy. As far as I understand anyway

>>35321901
In 1ed and 2ed yeah, but those are pretty much the only ones that did that. Its not "traditional" by any means.

“What’s wrong with you?” you ask, wondering how your once vital father was reduced to the dying old man in front of you.

“Hah!” he coughs “There’s a tale – suffice to say I picked up an unusual parasite on another plane and it lay dormant in me for years. It recently woke up and tried to kill me – the priest of Konig got rid of it, but the damage has been done, these are my last days.”

“Who was my mother?” you ask. If he wants a deathbed confession, you suppose you can let him have one.

“Your mother” explains your father “is an angel in the service of Velya – one of her most senior in fact. She is Syderis, called Lifegiver – she oversees Velya’s domain of Life and is a fierce enemy of undead as well as a healer and has brought life back to barren wastelands using her powers.”

“Why does my step-mother hate me?” you ask “besides me not being her child?”

“She has long been jealous of you” he says “She knows your half-siblings would never measure up and so she poisoned their minds against you and forced me to agree to her deal – that I would have as little to do with you as possible, else she’d leave me and take her families wealth and political connections with her. I knew without them I’d not be able to protect you.”

“Protect me?” you say “What do you mean?”

“From the day your mother handed you to me when you were a babe” says your father “demon-worshipping cultists kept trying to kidnap you. You never noticed but security around you was always tight. I asked my sister to be your guardian, she used to- well, I’ll let her tell you that if she thinks it is right.”

“If that’s so” you say “Then why marry me off? And to the King of Gorim?”

“Ah” your father grimaces “A mistake – we thought because he was so pious the heavy church presence would discourage demon-worshippers in his kingdom. We thought once you were old enough we could tell you what your mother left behind, and you could choose your own fate.”

“And what was that?” you ask.

Your father coughs for several minutes and you get him a glass of water.

“Under the bed” he says “You’ll find a wooden box, get it for me, please.”

You do as asked and he opens the box to reveal two shards of metal, parts of blades perhaps? One black, one green – they appear to be made of celestial iron.

“I met your mother” he explains “Years ago. I wanted to be a great wizard, but I lacked much magical talent. I was a stubborn young man and convinced myself that enough study would allow my meagre talents to flourish. I was wrong, but as a result I was the only one with the correct knowledge of an obscure type of undead your mother was hunting, and so she recruited me into her party of angels, along with a dragon and a giant, as I recall.” He says fondly.

“Still, the hunt took over a year and Syderis and I grew quite close, I wish I could say I was surprised when she showed up with you.” He says “It was likely on that journey that I picked up the thing that killed me.”

“I can heal you” you say “I’ve brought people back from the brink of death before.”

Your father looks at you sadly “the priests already examined me my daughter” he says “my body simply doesn’t have enough vital resources left to repair all the damage – they said a healing spell would only kill me sooner. Goodbye, and know that I always loved you, even if I couldn’t show it.”

He wheezes “I wonder, would you sing for me one last time?”

It’s been years since you sang a lot – you used to be quite good at it, and with your powers you can even imitate instruments whilst singing.

>I want to try healing you anyway
>How long did they say you had?
>I Have a Tome of Necromancy that might help
>Of course I’ll sing father
>No singing
>You didn’t explain about these metal blades
>Other

>>35321998
>How long did they say you had?
>Of course I’ll sing father

>>35321901
Tradition, by definition, is a practice which is passed down from generation to generation, or edition to edition, in this case.

Necromancy having healing spells was not passed down, and I can't think of anything else that had that other than Arcanum.

>>35321998
>How long did they say you had?
>I want to try healing you anyway
>I Have a Tome of Necromancy that might help>Of course I’ll sing father
>You didn’t explain about these metal blades

>>35321998
How about that staff that can use the life-energy of one person to heal another?

>You didn’t explain about these metal blades
>Of course I’ll sing father

>>35321998
>Of course I’ll sing father
>How long did they say you had?
>You didn’t explain about these metal blades
>I want to try healing you anyway

>>35322026
>>35321940
My bad then, I suppose I chose the wrong word.

>>35322043
>>35322069
Try healing him will kill him faster, why would you risk that ?

>>35321998
>Of course I’ll sing father; at the end.
>How long did they say you had?
>I Have a Tome of Necromancy that might help
>You didn’t explain about these metal blades

I want to pick almost everything in the list...ugh.

>>35321998
>How long did they say you had?
>Of course I will sing
>metal blades

Gotta respect his wishes. If we want to attempt to heal him, we should consult with Velya first.

>>35322091
At least for mine, it segways into the necromancy tome

>>35322068
I can't remember any staff which did that.

There was a charm that drained it's bearer's life energy to keep them fit and energetic, is that what you meant?

>>35322112
Thats not what the option means, the necromancy tome is already " I want to use that to heal you"

>>35321998
>How long did they say you had?
>Of course I’ll sing father
>You didn’t explain about these metal blades

File: I don't even care.jpg (15 KB, 299x303)

15 KB JPG

>>35322152

>>35322123
It was one of those things we found in the ruins, I don't think we brought any of that with us though.

>>35322123
Alternatively it could be bathed in blood, as I recall. Something about "All of one person's blood for a couple of years of power." I'm sure the wizards can modify it to feed it life-force without killing anyone.

>>35322182
>>35322123
It was one fo the magic items we identified in the ruins and had the talk with Isla about ethics of magic use and who should manage these things.
But since we fled from those ruins, I'm not sure we brought any with us.

>>35322161
This

“How long did they say you had father?” you ask

“Oh a week they said” he says “That was three weeks ago – I like to think I held on long enough to put this in a letter, but my sister had to interfere.”

“You didn’t explain about the blades” you remind your father

“Ah yes!” he says, his half-lidded eyes opening “Your mother fought with two long blades that were strapped to her arms. In a fight against a particularly tough rock golem, they broke – these are the largest pieces of each I could find.”

“What are they?” you ask

“I’m not entirely sure” he admits “Syderis claimed the black blade could kill any living or undead creature, and the green one could slay undead, and heal the living it was touched to, I studied them for a time but couldn’t understand their magics.” He seems to drift into slumber.

“I want to try healing you” you say quietly “I think I can do this.”

“As you wish my daughter” he says, trying to smile “After a song, perhaps?”

“Of course father” you say “A song.”

Your song builds slowly, telling of home and family.

You sing of a long journey, of joy, of laughter, of loss.

Your voice lifts high, the sound of flutes and violins accompanying your song.

You sing of returning home, but of home no longer being familiar to you, because of how much the journey changed you.

As you sing the last few lines, of finding yourself once again amongst your family, you look down at your father, to see his eyes closed, his chest unmoving.

You lightly touch his brow and send the smallest spark of divine energy into him – he is gone.

“Oh” you say “oh...”

-------------------

Sometime later you emerge from your fathers chambers, to see your companions chatting quietly with Aunt Anniya.

>It’s time to go
>I want to speak to Aunt Anniya
>Father...he’s...he’s (tears)
>Other (what?)

>>35322355
>I want to speak to Aunt Anniya
>Father...he’s...he’s (tears)

>>35322355
>I want to speak to Aunt Anniya
>Father...he’s...he’s (tears)

>>35322355
>Silent hugging and crying.

>>35322355
>I want to speak to Aunt Anniya

File: Feels.jpg (1.75 MB, 1524x2496)

1.75 MB JPG

>>35322355

>>35322476
>half-sister getting married as her father lay about to die any minute
House Valyenya is doomed.

>>35322576

Sireyi is the oldest heir, isn't she? Wouldn't she receive the titles?

“Sireyi?” asks Isla, noticing you “Are you ok?”

“My father...” you say, tears beginning to run down your cheeks “He’s...he’s...”

Your aunt bows her head, looks up and says simply “He didn’t have much time left.”

Tears are streaming down your face as Isla, Sofia, Jal and the kids all hug you. They hold you for long moments, your three partners whispering soothing words to you, the children not really understanding what’s going on, but trying to make you feel better.

You sob, and then start crying in earnest, tears making streams down your face as you fall to your knees, your loved ones around you. You can’t seem to fit this into your idea of the world, you father is dead. You don’t want to lose anyone, but this hurts, hurts more than you know you could hurt and still not die.

Throughout it all your aunt simply stands a respectful distance away, watching.

“Better?” asks Sofia after a while.

“Not really” you croak, the taste of bile in your throat “But I’ll manage.”

“Yeah well” says Jal, Vivi in her arms “We’re ‘ere fer ya Angel, any time.”

“Thanks Jal” you say, taking a moment to gather yourself, and then you turn to your aunt.

“How long was he sick?” you ask

“6 months” she says “Give or take, we didn’t know what it was at first, if it had been caught sooner, maybe...well, no use in worrying about that now.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” you say, the faintest stirrings of anger in your voice.

“He forbade it” says your aunt “As did Hespeth – guilt on his part, spite on hers I suppose.”

>There’s nothing here for me (leave)
>You should have told me! (get angry)
>Well, ok (acceptance)
>It’s my fault, I should have visited (guilt)
>What are you Aunt Anniya, I mean, really, what do you do?
>Other

>>35322611
She might not count since she is a bastard.

>>35322615
>What are you Aunt Anniya, I mean, really, what do you do?

>>35322615
>What are you Aunt Anniya, I mean, really, what do you do?
>It’s my fault, I should have visited (guilt)
>It just occurred to me, who receives the titles?

>>35322611
Our father likely had to name one of our half-siblings as heir as part of the deal with our step-mother.

>>35322618
Legitimized bastards can inherit, if they're the child of the primary holder of the title, IIRC.

>>35322661
That heavily depends on the local laws concerning inheritance, which are so absurdly diverse that there really is no way to know until we asked someone in story.

>>35322615
>>It’s my fault, I should have visited (guilt)
>I wish he had told me. I've become a really good healer.

>>35322648
I'd rather wait for a bit longer before we start asking about titles and inheritance, it feels wrong.

>>35322615
>>It’s my fault, I should have visited (guilt)
>>What are you Aunt Anniya, I mean, really, what do you do?

I wonder what granting immortality and regeneration would have done to him.

>>35322726
>Immortality
Nothing, he wasn't dying of old age.

>Regeneration
Killed him quicker or nothing, it likely requires the body to have 'vital resources' same as regular healing.

>>35322615
>It’s my fault, I should have visited (guilt)
>What are you Aunt Anniya, I mean, really, what do you do?

“It’s my fault” you say “I should have visited sooner, I could have done something.”

As the three young women clinging to you tell you that you’re wrong, that it’s not your fault at all, your aunt gives a harsher assessment “Maybe you could have helped” she says “maybe not, but what’s done is done.”

“What are you Aunt Anniya?” you ask “I mean really, what do you do?”

Your aunt raises an eyebrow at you, looking at your children and you get the message – Ebonsong leads a toddling Vivi and Mili away for a while, and then your aunt speaks.

“I was the Kings Assassin” she says “There are always rebellious nobles, or fools with notions of revolution I made sure that their plots never came to anything. I was also the Kings lover for a time – though I’ll thank you not to tell the Queen that.”

That explains a few things.

“And Uno and Juvo?” you ask

“Juvo was a soldier who loved his job” says your aunt, “He has a talent for interrogation that I put to good use. Uno...Uno came from a place where violence and murder were normal – I took him away from that and he’s never been so happy – though he never forgot the skills he learned as a child either.”

“Nowadays” she says “We solve smaller problems – Uno is currently wanted in several baronies for murder – but the magistrates son is no longer beating and murdering whores, so there’s that.”

Aunt Anniya always did seem a little scary to you.

“Does this mean..?” you say “I mean, the Barony...?”

“Belongs to your oldest sibling” says Aunt Anniya, understanding “Your step-mother insisted you be written out of the succession.”

“Oh” you say, not sure if that’s good, or bad “What will you do?” you ask.

Your aunt smiles “The King promised me a pension, should I ever retire” she says “perhaps I’ll go live in the capital.”

>I hope you like the capital
>Come live with me
>Bring Uno and Juvo too
>Let’s leave quietly
>Let’s go visit the wedding on the way out
>Other

>>35322847
>Come live with me
>Bring Uno and Juvo too
>Let’s leave quietly

>>35322847
>>Come live with me
>>Bring Uno and Juvo too
>>Let’s leave quietly

>>35322847
>Come live with me
>Bring Uno and Juvo too
>Let’s leave quietly

>>35322847
>You can also live with me, either as a part-time or full home.
>Wherever you wish to live, you are always welcome at my home.

Not sure if a good time:
>I'm sure Jianxi would love a teacher, if you ever decide to take a pupil.

>>35322966
Jal too I expect

>>35323068
Jal is more thief and less assassin, I believe. Though the line has blurred with time.

We do need someone to care for the children.

>>35323103
What, you mean like the quartet of angels we already have as their bodyguards?

>>35323120
Duo, I think. And those are more bodygaurds than anything else, I think he means a caretaker in the sense of raising them when we aren't around.

>>35323120

Think he meant like teachings and stuff. Also, the angels are fooled my NotSireyi's tricks, she might find and repair the sabotage.

“Come and live with me” you say “bring Uno and Juvo too.”

“I couldn’t” says your aunt “I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“I insist” you say, as Jal, Isla and Sofia echo you.

Aunt Anniya thinks about it “Alright” she acquiesces “But I’m not having the children call me Granny.”

“Nana?” you suggest teasingly

“I might be able to live with that” she says as you all leave via a side-entrance after she packs her things, and collects Uno and Juvo – the two men pack their few possessions and spend their time playing with Vivi and Mili whilst you help your aunt packs.

“Are those two safe?” whispers Sofia to you “I mean, what she told us about them...”

“Uno and Juvo won’t hurt the children” you insist “But good luck finding all the parts of anyone who does try to hurt the kids whilst those two are about.”

“How do you feel about students?” you ask Aunt Anniya as you get someway away from the keep to teleport home.

“I don’t mind them” she replies “except for the thick-witted ones.”

“That” you say with certainty “Won’t be a problem.”

--------------------------------------------------------
And with that, the thread comes to an end.

Thank you for playing, you’ve been great as always, and I hope you enjoyed it, despite the lack of action.

Next thread will be updates at the years end for your companions, and what’s been happening in the world this year, as well as picking your tasks for the following year.

After receiving a warning from your goddess of course.

>>35323135
Their mothers do that already and:

>>35300636
>Four angels have been summoned to watch over your children – they are from the lower ranks of angels but are still very capable.

>>35323152
They weren't fooled, she purposefully avoided them while she was there and nobody, including us, have reason to suspect any tampering with the wards.

We don't even know if she can use magic in the first place, and I doubt she'd be able to outdo a true angel in that regard anyway.

This next bit is optional, and concerns future quests.

I intend to put Paladin of Joy on hiatus in December and start a new quest – but fear not, I plan to return to it, and already have plot ideas.

In the mean time, I intend to try a new quest.

I have narrowed it down to 4 possible quests, all ideas are in the same galactic setting with high-tech, magic and interplanetary travel, just set on different worlds.

I would very much appreciate feedback on these ideas. And please feel free to indicate a preference as to which you’d want to see me run. I won’t promise to run the most popular option, but it would be useful to see which idea the players find more interesting.

And of course, feel free to ask questions.

If this is not your thing, then don’t feel obliged to discuss if you don’t want to – and thanks for playing today!

1) Former child assassin with spider-themed superpowers: She has left her murderous past behind and wants to make an ordinary life forself. Fate is not so kind and drags her into superpowered battles.

Will she be a hero or a vigilante?

Will she apprehend criminals, kill them, or build her own organisation of criminals to hunt down other criminals?

2) Psychic Rebel on a conquered world: Her world was conquered a 100 years before she was born, she is part of the resistance. Conquerors are powerful supernatural beings that fighting against (initially) will be an auto-kill. Once she masters her powers enough she will be able to fight them however.

Will she build a rebellion based on ideals, or cold-blooded manipulation?

Common folk, or the wealthy elite?

And are her psychic powers making her just as inhuman as the monsters she fights?

3) Not!Batgirl in Spaaaaace: Young girl has completed her training in being a vigilante with lots of high-tech gadgets and some cybernetic implants and is already to try protecting a city on her own. She'll face all sorts of factions (criminal and otherwise) with competing interests.

Should she advance one factions goals at the expense of the others and use that faction to protect the city?

Should she try and keep the factions in balance?

Or should she drive them all out?

4) Magical Girl in Spaaaace: A young girl is given the power to transform into a superhuman version of herself and told to fight evil in the world.

Will she go solo? Or recruit a party?

Should criminals go to jail? Or be destroyed?

And can those who gave her these powers be trusted? Or is there something more sinister going on?

And as I do not expect and changes in XP until next year, here it is!

Also feel free to discuss keep upgrades.

General 28
+50%
Total 42
- Isla Backstory complete 5
- Isla Relationship 4
- Won fight against Defender 2
- Won fight against Cat-Folk 2
- Retrieved 3 of 4 Tomes 3
- Survived fight against your duplicates 6
- Sireyi mortal backstory complete 6

Paladin 26
+50%
Total 39
- Won fight against Undead 4
- Won fight against Highest 4
- Rescued Cat-Folk 4
- Recruited your First Paladin 6
- Didn’t Kill Harro or Jumak 3
- Didn’t kill Ibram 3
- Didn’t let Ibram force you into combat 2

Angel 20
+50%
Total 30
- Created one Tiny Angel 5
- Converted one part-demon to part-angel 4
- Both children saved 8
- Received Mothers Weapons 3

>>35320345

Apologies for not answering this earlier: they could be either, depending upon what is purchased using realm funds.

>>35323231
As I mention I personally am most fond of the
>2) Psychic Rebel on a conquered world
option.

>>35323199
Thanks for running, I enjoyed the politics bit so its all good on the lack of action part.

On the other stories, I like the former child-assasin thing, but I dislike the spider-themed superpowers bit, not because its bad or anything, but I'm oversaturated with spider-themed powers.
Thanks to re-Monster Quest.

So I would like the psychic Rebel quest, although I will most likely drop out after the first few quests since more likely then not voters will go the "based on ideals" route, which I don't care much for, for varying reasons.

>>35323368
Suddenly I want to play as fem kiritsugu in spaaaacce

>>35323231
Originally I was going ask your second quest to be more gritty, but you have already included a bit of grit into PoJ in the meantime…

I would like the MC not to be the work-horse who has to pull every other inferior party member along. Psychic Rebel seems to be the best bet for that.

Magical girl sounds kind of bland, plotwise. Balancing and favouring factions in Not!Batgirl in Space might be interesting. I don't yet see why this one girl is supposed to protect the city alone. Psychic Rebel seems to be a typical plot. MC has to grow up during various misadventures to finally stand a chance against the local tyrant. Trying to live a normal live in Spidergirl assassin would be cool, but I don't see /tg/ doing well with that.

I vote for any of those other than Magical girl.

>>35322847

>You can live with me if you would like
>Bring Uno and Juvo as well...

>Let's visit the wedding on the way out
Stepmother might hate our guts, but there's no need not to be nice to the stepsister(s), after all they were being manipulated. We can soak up some insults without problem, and perhaps we could reconcile with them in time.

>>35323449
>kiritsugu

Who?

My powerlevel is very low

>>35323231

Thanks for the thread, OP!

Psychic Rebel sounds fine, although wouldn't mind bat-girl either.

>>35323231
>4) Magical Girl in Spaaaace
I liked "Magical" Girl Quest, so if this has a similar thought behind it, techno-magical girl, I would be totally down.

>>35323253
Paladin:
>Blessed Health 3 -12 PXP
>Sculpted Life -6 PXP
>Root of All Life (+ Expansion) -9 PXP
>Sanctuary 3 -12 PXP

Angelic:
>Angelic Toughness +2 -6 AXP
>Angelic Charm +2 -4 AXP
>Angelic Regeneration +1 -3 AXP
>Call Down the Thunder to Me -4 AXP
>Lightning Immunity -8 AXP
>Intense Lightning - Lightning Storm -5 AXP -3 GXP

General:
>Spells - L5: Gate, Protection from Spells, Meteor Swarm, Major Planar Binding -2 XP
>Spells - L4: Chain Lightning, Planar Binding, Antimagic Field, Prismatic Spray, Phase Door, Missile Storm -2 XP
>Remove (E) from Break Enchantment -3 XP
>Remove (E) from Teleport -3 XP
>Teleport to (R) -2 XP
>Disjunction to (R) -2 XP
>Aspect of the Dragon 3 -15 XP
>Create Other Magic Item -10 XP

>>35323583
Artifice (technology and crafting) is one of the optional power specialties, so maybe.

Others are Magic, Physical, Mental and Social

>>35323231
>>35323633
I admit the promise of Magitech makes that one a lot more tempting.

>>35323613

I am fine with these upgrades.

>>35323532
Protagonist of fate/zero famouse for his ideal of "kill a few save many" backfiring on him

File: fridgehorror.jpg (17 KB, 381x235)

17 KB JPG

>>35323613
>>Teleport to (R) -2 XP
>>Disjunction to (R) -2 XP

...Fuck

I wonder if working toward healing touch 5 would be worth it. We have had several near-death experiences and having resurrection would comfort me quite a bit.

>>35323613
Just curious, is the system used by PoJ based on any existing RPG system?

>>35323749
in theory any of them *could* end up with magitech.

But that one could have it from the outset

>>35323613
Any particular reason why we need the Planar Binding Spells ?
I would think Isla having them suffices, in combination with Poppys Planar Ally.
Not sure if we need Chain Lightning either, we already got more than enough multi-target spells, and lightning spells.

>>35323790
I won't lie, I pinched the basics from Cosgrove.

The abilities are mostly my own and Autism Anons creation

And I steal heavily from D&D

>>35323613
>Root of All Life (+ Expansion) -9 PXP
Does that mean we get to save Sireyis mom next year ? Because we still need 4 DP for that as far as I remember.

>>35323821
Cool, thanks. It's a very interesting system. I'll have to look into cosgrove.

>>35323844
So I'm probably dumb but what is cosgrove? google turns up nothing rpg related

>>35323780
Reading more of the new powers. I wanted angelic lantern for a long time because of how it helps our allies survive. With the new upgrades It's so much more awesome.

>>35323946
QM of Peter Parker Quest.

>>35323946
He runs Peter Parker Quest

His rules pastebin is

http://pastebin.com/w5G3aG3Y

>>35323970
>>35323973
Ok, thanks. That makes sense :-)

So here's a thing: character creation.

Some of you may recall chargen from thread one: and if you do, thank you you brave souls, especially chargen anon.

I've been thinking about how to not screwup that badly again.

I'm thinking either pre-gen character or a prequal story in which players direct a stat-less character and their choices determine primary attributes, personality etc.

I.e. if the character solves problems with fists, Strength is a primary ability etc.

What are your thoughts on Chargen?

>>35323818
Sorry for the fairly late reply, food distracted me.

Our allies don't have Major Planar Binding yet, so I'd prefer to keep that.

Getting both levels is because sometimes we might want to summon a mid-power outsider; I can swap out the mid-level one (for now) if you want.

Chain Lightning because it's a nice arcane offensive option with a fairly consistent damage output and controllable area-of-effect.

>>35324050
I'd say give us a selection of anywhere from 3-5 pre-gen characters to pick from. I expect the prequel quest would lead us to be a jumbled mess.

>>35324071
If you insist on sticking to Chain-Lightning I won't argue that, even though I don't think we are going to use it, since we rarely ever use our offensive arcane magic anyway.
I would prefer to change the mid-level one, its nice to summon mid-level outsider but we can ask two other spellcaster for that.

>>35324050
I would think the "offering multiple pre-made packages" is something not nearly often enough used. In a completly new setting the prequel story chargen often leads to very inconsistent characters.

Random question: can virtuous souls be turned into angels like in D&D? And is there any real reason why we can just planeshift and visit dad even if we can't turn him into an angel?

>>35324050
fwiw, I didn't think that was a screw up. In fact that chargen is what got me interested in PoJ in the first place, although I wasn't here from the beginning. It was something different and unique compared to the other quests and I really liked the customization options.
My opinion is probably in the minority, since I know /tg/ really hates long involved chargen like that. So something like the prequel story might work?

>>35324050
I didn't find the first one all that terrible, even if I wasn't there in time to have input on it and am very grateful to chargen anon that he prevented this quest from dying stillborn.
And the Half-Giant siege bow using amazon was a awesome idea

>>35324050
Chargen was only a potential problem because people didn't know if making the effort would be worth it. Now that you are an established QM, we know that thinking about the character will be worth it.

That said, a bit more structure instead of dumping the whole thing might be good. Maybe have an small sequence, where people can vote on their choices during game-play? Something like “You decide to use your Augmentation to enter the building.
>You use your strengthened arms to break the door.
>You use you enhanced legs to jump through the window.
>You use your in-built lockpicks to open the door.
>You knock. You don't have any implants to help you here.”

>>35324172
>can virtuous souls be turned into angels like in D&D?

Yes, but the standard is high, like paladin high.

And is there any real reason why we can just planeshift and visit dad even if we can't turn him into an angel?

You can, but it's discouraged to do it too much - it prevents the soul from preparing for its next life.

A visit or 2 is ok, but not a lot of visits.

>>35324153
I didn't mean to sound unyielding about Chain Lightning.

My reasoning in getting it is that it's a consistently-powerful offensive option with a limited level of damage to the surrounding environs with a nice AoE.

We're going into Hell soon, so our arcane offensive options may become much more relevant quickly.

Late reply because browser shortcuts a shit.

File: Spoiler Image (46 KB, 267x478)

46 KB JPG

>>35324412
>We're going into Hell soon

Sooner than you think

File: 1370229449377.jpg (235 KB, 800x1085)

235 KB JPG

>>35324474

Good! Target-rich environment.

File: I'm Ready!.gif (95 KB, 315x572)

95 KB GIF

>>35324474

File: I'm Ready!.jpg (8 KB, 218x231)

8 KB JPG

>>35324526
For those of you with sensitive eyes

>>35323253
>>35323613
Replace Planar Binding with Contingency, unless anyone has objections.

It took me way longer than it should've to decide which spell I wanted to replace Planar Binding with.

>>35324346
Does Dad qualify either understand Velia's run or ours? He gets to rest after he helps us get mom back

>>35324650
>Contingency

So Contingencies prepped for all occassions?

>>35324768
If you mean turning him into an angel...He does not qualify under Velya's rules, though you could ask her to make an exception.

As for your rules...what ARE your rules?

>>35324799
Might she allows us to make him one of OUR angels?

>>35324799
Not sure, but I'm willing to bet protecting others from being hunted or killed for what kind of being they are is pretty important. Usually it applies to misunderstood demon blooded and dragons and goblins, but we certainly won't discriminate against those who protected half angels. Plus, he's dad, under our rules he gets in because he's dad.