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>>36880037
Current Date and Time: Mid-morning on November 9h, 1953PC

Current FR Points: 1

It’s taken you longer than you’d liked to get Shropham in a position where you could leave. Alyce had left already, Sylvian was preparing to leave and you were preparing to hand over military command in the region to Parras and Phillias and return to Harrowmont. Sarah was upset that she’d spent all of October in Harrowmont when she should have been in Vitria organising matters there. It’s probably a good thing you made a council her substitute instead of just Aaron.

Despite the fact you’d been busy with other things, you hadn’t forgotten the Mage Guard army camped outside the city. It was a little hard to, really. Particularly as many of the soldiers, including their foxes, had been coming into the lower city during the day to pass the time. You could have stopped them but it would have turned into a pointless and hostile game of chicken, and you weren’t sure if you would actually use force to stop them if necessary. If they were willing to boost the local economy then good for them.

Warden-General Irlin had finally reached the end of his patience, however. You’d received notification from your aide, Kyria, that he was coming to the upper platform with a small honour guard to meet with you. The question was, did you want to meet with him?

>1. Yes, by yourself.
>2. Yes, with Sylvian there, too.
>3. No. You’ll just have some of your subordinates keep him busy.
>4. Custom

>>36880046
>>2. Yes, with Sylvian there, too.
Maybe ask her to enter after the meeting starts?

>>36880046
>1. Yes, by yourself.

>>36880046
>2. Yes, with Sylvian there, too.

2

>>36880046
>2. Yes, with Sylvian there, too.

Might as well throw her a bone.
And hope she keeps anons from fucking up again.

>>36880153
It's mostly just going to turn the guard's hardliner more hostile then it is already. Though it might get points with her.

>>36880046
>1. Yes, by yourself.

Get Syl's advice first, but I don't want him thinking the two of us are conspiring yet. You know, since we are.

>>36880176
As if giving /tg/ free reign to get all offended at anyone who dares disrespecting their authority wouldn't be even worse.
At least this way they can have something else to focus on.

>>36880176
She blatantly flew into the city for a meeting the guy camping outside wasn't invited to.
Bit late there, anon.

What we need to do now is prevent him from being strengthened by our blunder even more without blatantly going back on our word.

>>36880176
I doubt they missed the big ass dragon swooping in a few days ago.

>>36880238
Honestly that bought us time the guard would be gunning for us if they didn't think we where on their side. The irritating part is there isn't anyone to hand over to Sylvian and then work on the rest.

>>36880046
2

What route do you guys want to go in conquering the Mage Guard? Personally I think we should create division between the factions and start a civil war, with us backing Sylvian's faction. With a large core MG army led by her and backed by our AA's we could do well.

>>36880375
Pretty much my idea.

>>36880046
>2. Yes, with Sylvian there, too.

>>36880375
I'm a bit leery about doing something like that, since iot's likely to push the moderates to join up with the extremists, what with Sylvian's faction being supported by an outside invader with a whole lot of vampires and non-humans under his banner, but I'm not seeing many ways around that issue anyways.

Still might want to get a closer look at what the moderates are actually like first.

>>36880375

This however leaves the issue of Alyce's opinion on such a matter, or rather the Magi League at large. Remember we have a personal pact with her, not a formal alliance with the Magi League, if we were to support either faction it would be detrimental to forming a proper alliance with the League at large simply because of appearances.

>>36880375
This is pretty much the ONLY non insane way of doing it.
There are probably going to be more than 2 factions here, so basically we get down and dirty with their politics.

>>36880442
Any who are fiercely patriotic would have joined up the other faction anyways when they saw us joining in

>>36880442
Got to crack some eggs sometimes anon. Though in general we should try to get what we can out of the moderates anyway.

We're on a time limit.

>>36880449
It's pretty obvious by this point in the league that we have an alliance with Alyce at this point. We don't really need to care much about the league at large so long as Alyce keeps them busy.

Also any war with or involving the Mage Guard could leave all the inquisitors up in the air. I imagine many towers within the Magi League would take advantage of the unrest to pursue undesirable research.

>>36880511
>It's pretty obvious by this point in the league that we have an alliance with Alyce at this point.

I'm going to say this needs a citation. And a larger part of our deal with Alyce has working towards a formal alliance at some point. In fact a lot of our decisions in the Shropham were made to further this goal.

>>36880570
You don't stonewall with a power invading secessionists without some kind of deal going on. The magi League would have to be retarded not to realize it by this point.

>>36880615

as far as the rest of the Magi League is concerned, the 'deal' was that TYE deals with the Shopram rebels and keeps the territories in exchange from denying the Mage Guard those same territories...

Alright, so. here is how i suggest we approach the warden general.

>We are all friends here
>Maneuver the conversation to reveal that we have been meeting with sylvian and been guided by her since the tourney. This is why we said we will give over those responsible to the guard
>Pretend to not distinguish between the factions of the guard, obviously both he and sylvian work for the guard, a united front. We weren't ignoring him, after all, we were dealing with sylvian the whole time.
>About the mages we promised them... well, we really planned on it. But unfortunately they were so corrupted by the energies they misused that we had to just kill them all on the spot. And in fact had to ask Raphael to purge the tainted energies. Quite sad, even their foundry had to be purged of everything useful.

.... now, this of course depends on consulting sylvian beforehand about this approach. Depending on the political climate this could be throwing her under the bus which is not acceptable, in which case we do something else. Or it could be helping her showing the rest of the guard that she is "on top of things".

>>36880674
Defense by ignorance isnt something I enjoy. Any competent ruler would be briefed about the political situation in a nearby land.

>>36880674
Sounds reasonable.

>>36880724
Honestly the best defense is "We killed them all. This is a slight issue with it"

Could we give their heads maybe?

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>2.

“Any advice?” you ask.

“Not particularly,” Sylian answers, picking at one of the pastries from the sideboard. “Irlin is frustratingly disarming despite his ostensible support among the militant wardens and other Guard officials.”

The two of you are sitting in the same drawing room that you met Wakato in earlier. Gnome’s lurking in the corner, as she is wont to do, but you made sure she had some space on one of the tables to put some drink and food. You hadn’t made the coffee this time, but Taira had so you didn’t feel any need to complain.

“In other words, expect him to be a completely reasonable human being,” you say, sighing. “Given the circumstances in which I first met you, this is going to be one of those situations where most people with side with him, isn’t it?”

Scowling at you, Sylvian doesn’t answer. A man could get far with a smile, inoffensive dialogue and a conversational tone if they knew the right people to talk to. By contrast, Sylvian was far too confrontational – an approach that likely suited the Mage Guard better when they were so belligerent towards most of the rest of Gauron. Which was an amusing thought because it was Sylvian who was trying to prevent the Mage Guard from returning to that approach and Irlin was her opponent. Politics – what did it get you besides a whole lot of confusion?

The door opened and inside stepped who you presumed to be Warden-General Irlin. His eyes scanned the room expertly even as his general demeanour was pleasant and non-threatening. Gesturing back outside the door to somebody, he stepped inside and Kyria closed the door behind him. You stand up to greet him, noting that Sylvian doesn’t so much as glance at him.

>continued

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>>36880751
“Imperator Talon, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Irlin says, his voice gruff but genial. “I’ve followed your campaigning for years – I’ve learned a lot from you simply by watching from afar, though the one-sidedness is a problem.”

He raises out his hand, the silver and white cuff of his jacket hanging a bit loose as he does so. You’re assuming this to be an officer’s uniform of some sort, though it lacks much in decoration. How much of Irlin’s appearance and behaviour is confected is an intriguing question – he strikes you as far too similar to yourself. A soldier getting involved in politics to realise his own ambitions and ideals. The casually worn dress uniform, the tone of his voice and even the way he speaks… they’re a little too genuine for you to write him off. He fits his appearance as neatly as Old Fenix fit his.

“I’m hoping that this meeting is where the two of us can start to learn from each other, and far more than we possibly could by simply watching each other from separate battlefields,” he continues, not quite smiling. “That blitz you pulled off was amazing to hear about. Damn fine strategy, combined with some quick thinking to deal with nasty surprises. I’m keen to hear more about it, first-hand.”

His hand lingers in front of you as you step up to him, clearly waiting for a handshake.

>Response?

>>36880770
"Pleasure to meet you as well."

>>36880770
Smart guy. Shake his hand. State we know a bit about already as Sylvian has been telling us quite a bit.

>>36880854
yes.

>>36880868
I'd rather not say that.

>>36880854
this seems a bit too short. so, add in some small talk. Offer him a seat, some refreshments.
That way we are actually saying stuff without saying anything.

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>>36880770
Well that didn't work out at all. I should have been a bit clearer when asking for a response.

RESPONSE VOTE
>1. Polite but receptive to what he has to say.
>2. Polite but make no comment.
>3. Cold.
>4. Custom

>>36880941
>2. Polite but make no comment.

>>36880941
>1

>>36880941
>2

>>36880941
2

>>36880941
>1. Polite but receptive to what he has to say.

Honestly don't think too much will come of this, but there's no reason not to at least try to listen to him until he actually says stuff we don't care for.

>>36880941
>>1. Polite but receptive to what he has to say.

We need to juggle them till we can take over. So might as well Listen to him and try to keep the fuss minimal.

>>36880941
>1. Polite but receptive to what he has to say.
it wouldn't harm to at least listen to him rather then snub him outright
Also, as long as he is courting us he isn't smearing us to the others (probably)

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>>36881036
nigguru do you even politics?

>>36881093
I can ask you the same thing.

Worth noting is that as a spiritualist, he is certainly capable enough to realize our astral nature. He didn't bat an eyelid, so the foxes must have told him.

>>36881314
Warden general doesn't mean he is a warden anon. It's them telling the witch hunter title to screw off.

>>36881344
No, he's a high ranking warden. Not the Grand Warden, but the next step down.

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>1.

You return the handshake firmly, giving him a nod, which is returned.

You gesture towards the table where Sylvian is sitting as you say, “It’s too early to tell what we’ll both get out of this meeting. If it’s as productive as you hope, then we’ll both be happy.”

Taking a seat where the last cup of coffee is, Irlin turns to Sylvian. “General Sylvian, I assume that the Inquisition matters have been handled? I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m glad you were helping Talon rather than myself on handling the mage towers. My position in the Wardens would make it difficult to give the most appropriate advice.”

Yes, you could see why Sylvian found Irlin so difficult to deal with. The helldragon frowned obviously, sipping at her coffee to give herself some more time. Even if Irlin’s followers reached the point of outright insurrection, you doubted that the man himself would ever give the appearance of giving anything less than the absolute best to the Guard. The sort of political leader who could call for an end to petty bickering even as his followers launch verbal and physical bombardment at his opponents, who could never call him on it because he was never attached directly. A hell of a feat for a soldier – or perhaps it was because he was a soldier that he could do it. All he had to do was his job – smiting the enemies of the Guard.

>continued

>>36881390
No.
He's not a Warden.
Warden's are a specific order of spiritualists and no longer a major political entity.

He's the leader of a faction of the Mage Guard that enjoys likening itself to the Wardens because they were badass and protected Gauron from monstrous threats and fucked up mages.

He's still not a spiritualist.

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>>36881430
“Things have been handled satisfactorily despite how difficult the situation was,” Sylvian answers after a lengthy pause, having taken a substantial amount of time to sip at her coffee. “There’ll be those at home who won’t support it but they weren’t present. Given Shropham’s close ties to the League, we should thank the Imperator for getting us this much without instigating another conflict.”

“Though I doubt they’d have the resources, I understand why we need to avoid needless death with the recent events of Ember and the Archangels requesting more troops,” Irlin says.

You swear that the man meant it seriously, despite having led an army into Shropham at the drop of a hat. Mind you, it’s easily justifiable in retrospect. Sylvian obviously resisted the urge to glare at him as he gave such a picture of innocence that butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

“With that said, how is it being handled, Talon?” he asks you.

>1. Tell him all the details of your solution, including why.
>2. Just give him the general gist.
>3. Don’t tell him – just state that it’s being handled in a way satisfactory for Sylvian.
>4. Custom

Sorry things are so slow. I got next to no sleep last night and Irlin's a character I want to get right.

>>36881439
>>36881390
He is a Warden as he states here. The title isn't for show. The Wardens just happen to mostly be member sof the hardliner faction.

>>36881439
>He's still not a spiritualist.
you are assuming. He might be, he might not.
Maybe he is a noble born to the title, maybe he achieved his position as general through exceptional service and is actually a really powerful warden.
In the past there have been plenty of guard leadership who were actually very powerful wardens

>>36881459
>2. Just give him the general gist.

Don't want to appear as if we feel the need to justify ourselves too much.

>>36881459
>3. Don’t tell him – just state that it’s being handled in a way satisfactory for Sylvian.

>>36881459
>2. Just give him the general gist.

>>36881459
>>2. Just give him the general gist.

>>36881459
>>2. Just give him the general gist.
very few details, maybe just enough to make it seems we mean business or something. The guy's a soldier, he doesn't need political shit, if he goes "from a soldier to another soldier how fucked up was that" then tell him, as a soldier.

>>36881459
>2. Just give him the general gist.
and be sure to refer to him by his title. I know exactly what he is doing by referring to Talon by his first name, and I'm not going to fall for it.

>>36881459
>including why.
what would that be, specifically?
the
>it was imperative to completely purge the unlawful research while not getting innocents
or is it
>these are the political reasoning

>>36881532
>The guy's a soldier, he doesn't need political shit
Unlike most soldiers we met, he is extremely political

>>36881582
Yeah, but if we give this thing a more political bent, he's probably going to be more familiar with the tone than we are.

>probably going to be more familiar with political subterfuge than us

Maybe, but Talon's had a surprising amount of experience in that arena.

>>36881947
I kind of think of it as Talon is bright and has a lot of experience dealing with poltical shenanigans during his lifetime. He sucks ass at the nitty grittys of taxation and the likes though.

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>2.

“Well, Warden-General – or is Witchhunter-General? I’m not certain of the difference,” you say, pushing the usage of titles.

“It’s Witchhunter-General,” Sylvian responds flatly.

With a slightly sheepish look, Irlin explains, “Warden-General is merely an affectation that some use. There’s been a longstanding push from within the Mage Guard to use a separate title to distinguish the Warden commanders from the Inquisition and general military.”

“A push from within the Wardens,” Sylvian corrects, her tone noticeably annoyed.

Shrugging, Irlin doesn’t bother debating the point. Even if he wants to, doing so would earn him little but would change the tone he’s been setting this entire meeting. Before you can explain what’s happening, Kyria slips into the room with more coffee and pastries. You catch a glimpse of two knights wearing heavy-set magical plate outside the hallway. They look rather relaxed and one catches your eye, nodding slightly. You recognise the style of the armour – the Black Stone knights wear similar.

You start speaking again once Kyria slips out, “Well, Witchhunter-General Irlin, I’ve set up a panel that will undertake a thorough investigation into the towers. My own investigators will head it up and the mages are cooperating. I don’t want to see this sort of magical research again in my empire.”

>continued

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>>36882030
“Understandable. I’m in complete agreement,” Irlin says. “If the mages are cooperating, I take it that means the rumours of most of the leaders of the towers being killed in the siege are true?”

“They killed themselves, really. Their magic went awry. What they deserved, really,” you say, shrugging. “That does mean I’ll have some difficulty handing them over, particularly as Archangel Raphael already destroyed most of the corrupted bodies.”

“As I would expect. Don’t worry about handing them over – the fact the York Empire and the Mage Guard are cooperating to remove the taint across Shropham is enough, particularly with the knowledge that the original perpetrators have reaped what they sew,” Irlin says, actually smiling for the first time. There’s a grim satisfaction in it and you’re certain that whatever Irlin’s politics, the man is genuine in his distaste for what the mages did. Or perhaps in mages in general.

“Does that satisfy you, General Irlin?” Sylvian asks, trying to end the meeting.

“There is still more to deal with, General Sylvian. This panel – did you organise any of our experts to help?” Irlin asks, his tone a little more clipped than usual.

“My own experts will handle it, like they did in Taour,” you say.

“That was enough in Taour, but surely you understand that this is a disaster far greater in magnitude. These mages have undertaken research that is forbidden in most cities and nations on Gauron – and forgotten by most as a result. Our experts can ensure you won’t miss anything,” Irlin says, his face turning the most serious it has this meeting.

>continued

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>>36882049
Holding up her hand to stop you, which mostly annoys you, Sylvian says, “I can provide an inquisitor or two that will be able to help you but keep confidences.”

Which means they won’t tell anybody but Sylvian, you think dryly. The helldragon is savvy enough to turn a twist like this to her own ends.

“Other than the inquisitors, we’d be happy to help as much as we can to restore order to the region and forge close ties. Undo the damage the mages have done,” Irlin says. “We can provide additional equipment and supplies to keep your men going – we’re oversupplied and it’s easier on us if we don’t have to carry so much back. Your Vitrian knights, the Order of Black Stone, would probably appreciate the replacement equipment. We’ll also happily rebuild the forts we’ve damaged on our way in – it shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

That wasn’t hugely subtle, but it was clear that Irlin knew quite a few details of the siege if he knew the Black Stone knights had lost a lot of equipment in it thanks to those wicked spears. Accepting the help of the Guard would make your life easier, except maybe the inquisitors, but would likely send the wrong message to the League. You also know that the inquisitors will annoy the mages of the city. Refusing both will cause you trouble with the Guard, however.

>1. Accept both the aid and inquisitors.
>2. Accept just the aid.
>3. Accept just the inquisitors.
>4. Accept no help.
>5. Custom

>>36882061
>2. Accept just the aid.

More valuable and less risk of infiltration.

>>36882061
>2. Accept just the aid.

We'll need to offer something in return for not accepting the Inquisitors.

>>36882061
I don't want to let the Irlin fraction get ahead too much, but I don't want the problems that come with rejection. Aid is better than Inquisition, so
>>2. Accept just the aid.

>>36882061
>3. Accept just the inquisitors.

We are working on getting Sylvian to join us, aren't we?

You guys realize that accepting any good will from him would publicly be seen as a sign of friendship between us right? Not only that but snubbing sylvian on the inquisitors puts her in an even worse position.

>>36882061
If we accept the inquisitors from Sylvian can we privately request she send our old "friend"?

>>36882061
>4. Accept no help.

Nah I'm good

>>36882061
>3. Accept just Sylvian's inquisitor.

That one who made contact with us at the tournament I could work with.

>>36882332
this is a fair point.
the aid is from HIM
the inquisitors are from sylvian.

>>36882061
>2. Accept just the aid.
On behalf of the people, and Mages, of the city of course. The Mage Guard has helped the York Empire successfully stop a dangerous magical experiment, and is providing relief supplies to help alleviate the suffering that they caused to the people, and mages, in the course of stopping said dangerous actions.

>>36882408
>>36882383
He was part of the more hardline faction.

>>36882422
>The Mage Guard has helped the York Empire successfully stop a dangerous magical experiment
but they didn't
they are offering aid after the fact.

>>36882332
Crap. How much time do we have left to talk tis out? Because I feel like Sylvian owing us a favor might be worth some short term pain with Irlin.

>>36882446
Well, its mostly political bullshit designed to give credit for the entire operation to Sylvians faction.
That said, they did help out by drawing off some of the enemy military.

>>36882061
>4. Accept no help.
Remember that alyce is trying to kick out albanon and others are stonewalling her. If we buddy it up with the guard she might fail to kick them up and we will lose out on albanon.

>>36882061
>>36882183
Changing to

>3. Accept just the inquisitors.

Well fuck I don't know mang

>>36882206
>>36882061
>3. Accept just the inquisitors.
Changing due to reading incorrectly

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>2.

You weren’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Free supplies and equipment, plus assistance in reconstructing the damage the Guard had inflicted themselves, would save you money and time when you needed it. After all, if you planned on tangoing with the Guard you would need every resource dedicated to production. The League would be upset to see close ties between the two of you but they would come around if you fought the Guard. You could also just throw Albanon in their faces, pointing out that they were supporting a city that had openly supported Shropham.

“I’m happy with whatever assistance you’ll offer, Witchhunter General, as will be the people of the region and city,” you say. “I’d prefer to keep the investigation to my own men, however. I’ve wrangled cooperation from the mages – I don’t want it threatened by fears about the Guard.”

“I can understand that. I still feel you might be better off with some additional expertise,” Irlin says, his tone making it clear he’s not keen on pushing the point.

“We can talk more about what you find, and whether you need the extra help, over the coming months, Talon,” Sylvian says sharply.

>continued

>>36882464
Its not about favors. Its about who we publicly seem to support and ally with.

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>>36882573
You shrug, taking a leaf out of Irlin’s book, and Sylvian’s face briefly twists. You swear that she was going to slap you, if Irlin weren’t in the room. You catch a brief smile on Gnome’s face in the corner as she sees you annoy Sylvian.

You wrap up the meeting and Sylvian leaves along with Irlin, though not together as she once again takes on her draconic form and flies off to Balkarin. You have the feeling that she’s a little annoyed that you accepted anything from Irlin. You doubt he’ll be able to get too much benefit from it but you’ve definitely denied her any coup in terms of support. Both factions can claim close ties to the York Empire, if not superiority over the other.

You shut the aftermath from your mind. You’ve got things to worry about back in Harrowmont. Priorities, priorities.

>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.
>2. See to the men and look over the construction first.
>3. Convene a cabinet meeting to discuss what Sarah’s been dealing with.
>4. Custom

>>36882619
>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.

>>36882619
>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.
Working on a thing about the representation issue that was brought up last thread.

>>36882619
>2. See to the men and look over the construction first.

>>36882619
>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.

>>36882619
>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.

Well, if siding with Sylvan against the rest was the plan that went really shitty.

>>36882619
>1. Immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.

>2. See to the men and look over the construction first.

>>36882573
>>36882619
ah, drat. we are really undermining sylvian here.

>>36882619
>1. immediately meet with Sarah upon returning.
Got to find out what we missed before we call the cabinet.

>>36882619
>2

Let's tie up any ends here now

>>36882717
I assume we are allying with the wardens now. Every time we meet with one we seem to help them more than Sylvian, and I'm suprised she even bothers with us.

>>36882777
I'd rather examine the construction at our leisure with our head engineer (Gnome).

>>36882788
Me too actually. We're kind of a horrible ally to her.

>>36882788

I see it as more of playing both sides. Any civil war hostilities can be played off on our end for as long as possible until we swoop in, surprising the opposing faction.

However the way it is being done seems more like we're stumbling about just picking at random.

>>36882850
It isn't exactly random, but it isn't good either. basically we let him bribe us with cash to let him score a political victory over sylvian.

Also, remember that the more political support he musters before shit hits the fan, the fewer players join and the more join our enemies.

>>36882850
I would agree with you if we were playing both sides. Its been stated Syl is already in a poor position politically in the Guard, after her failed campaign against Ember. All were doing is bolstering her rivals.

>>36882920
I hope more Anons keep that second point in mind...

>>36882619
1

>>36882788
The mage hating extremists that have no reason or interest whatsoever to become our subordinates do not make for particularly good allies, anon...

>>36883073

I don't even care about either faction really. I hate the whole 'we must take a side' thing going on lately.

>>36883073
Then why do we keep helping them?

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>1.

“It’s about time you got back,” Sarah greets you inside her office at the back of the keep. “I was of half a mind to just go back to Vitria. They’ve been pressuring me to make decisions ever since Shropham was seized. Putting them off for so long is difficult, particularly because you don’t hold court.”

“Who’s they?” you ask her.

“Lots of people. I’ve been able to fob off most of the diplomats and ambassadors with embassies – so far I think we’ve got the Guard, League, Seraphs and foxes. The dwarves are also here, as is a diplomat that claims to represent Grand Magister Darvui. Those two have been troublesome – the dwarves want to talk economics and trade and are keen not to talk to me about that, and I don’t know your stance on Darvui. Finally, you have - I suppose I should call them ‘business representatives’, from the Eastern Winds Trading Company and the farming commune in Compagnon,” Sarah explains.

“Why do the dwarves not want to talk to you?” you ask her, moving through each issue one at a time.

“Presumably they want something from you relating to trade that Vitria has refused them.”

“The Trading Company?”

“They’re happy to talk with me but the fox with them annoys me. Plus, I heard what happened in Shropham regarding something from Pharos – I assumed you would want to talk with them before making any deals. The fox seemed happy enough to wait but Tobias certainly didn’t – time is money to him and he didn’t see why we couldn’t make a deal.”

“I see. Probably a good call,” you say, frowning about the mention of a fox. “What’s this about a farming commune?”

>continued

>>36882920
Yeah right now we mostly need to keep them slightly satisfied long enough for us to score points while also keeping Sylvain in ready for when we have to attack.

If we make the hardliners too pissed then we get a war faster then normal. So we need to balance ourselves out here.

The more support we can get from the moderates the better the war will go. But go too far and it gets harder.

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>>36883148
“Compagnon had a mixture of merchants, landowners and a farming commune,” she explains, her opinion of Compagnon’s setup noticeable. “A lot of the peasants got together and decided to start pooling their earnings to buy farmland, one plot at a time. Eventually they started buying enough that they owned the majority of the farmland in the nation, mostly because there was no restriction on who could buy land. The landowners, largely former nobles from Terminan times, started refusing to sell and drove prices up in conjunction with the city merchants. Now that you’ve moved the merchants on to Vitria for the most part, the commune was keen to spread.”

“Except the state owns all agricultural land,” you say, not understanding.

“We pay them an annuity in compensation. The commune is rich as a result, given the rich farmland there, and is using that to build political power across the farmers in the empire. Their representative here wants to talk to you, and only you, about what you think of them I think. I wouldn’t know because he refuse to talk to me. I would have thrown him out except that would just cause more problems.”

Bloody hell. A united front of peasants was the last thing you needed. Damn Compagnon and the endless trail of problems they seem to have left you.

>continued

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>>36883167
The other problem was how to deal with it. You’ve never actually held court. Most of these issues would be resolved either through your governors, where they would hold court and accept representation and then talk to you and Sarah, or through a private meeting. You weren’t sure if it was wise to deal with these issues the same way. You’d either end up in a situation where you meet with everybody who wants to or deal with accusations of needing to grease the empire’s wheels to get representation. Neir had already told you that you ruled the empire from the shadows in a way, with the people knowing you were a military leader but not how you influenced the laws and economy that they saw as the real meat.

>Basically, discussion time.

I need to duck off and get lunch (20-30min before I'm back). The big issues are who you want to meet with and how. The how is important – right now Talon isn’t exactly the most open person. The other issue is that if you hold court you’ll actually need to worry about the whole ‘royal or not royal’ thing.

>>36883112
That's been the result of the votes. Holding meetings with both Alyce and Syl; then with both Irlin and Syl. Most decisions will have diplomatic ramifications but holding the meetings like that makes it intensely personal for them, particularly those trying to actively befriend or get close to Talon.

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>>36883189
Also, from an email yesterday to add a bit more detail:

Talon hasn't set up a proper court. The way TYE is governed results in Talon being more of a shadow government so far, though you'll get the chance to turn that around in the next few threads. With the exception of Harrowmont, which is ruled by Talon directly, the actual day-to-day governance is largely done in the states even as the administration of taxes etc is centralised. This results in the odd situation where most of the really importance governance decisions are made in Harrowmont but the only way to be involved in that is to get an audience with Talon or his cabinet, or to influence your governor through his court.

As a result, Talon hasn't really been handing out noble title or formal ranks. True nobility in one state is respected across the empire (in terms of representation rights and land-holding), but general treatment is another. Darlesian didn't grant landed title to its captains so much as they were just highly regarded and given additional representation. Taourlesia (christ, we need an actual name for it) would have continued that for all TYE officers. Other territories would have likely taken up the idea, if only because the current setup means that military officers have far more influence over Talon than others. Also, they're in no way subordinate to any noble or governor - they answer to Talon and his military hierarchy only.

Also, even if Talon hasn't really handed out formal ranks they've probably been invented anyway. Sarah probably got sick of trying to explain things and just made up a bunch of titles for them. If you elect to hold court next thread (instead of just individual meetings) I might make a few up. Vad, Undine, Taira etc would likely have been given some 'Special Agent of the Empire' title to reflect their military position but lack of command. They wouldn't be called Barons or the like as they're not landed.

>>36883167
>Bloody hell. A united front of peasants was the last thing you needed
how quick talon forgets his roots
this can work sorta in our favor. just gotta be careful not to accidentally spark a civil war between them and the nobles.

>>36883131
Because we are idiots?

I don't think it's all bad though.
I mean, they came out fo this in basically a draw, we got to save some much needed cash, the mages aren't pissed because we let the Mage Guard investigate them and to the outside we look like a reasonable individual, instead of like someone in Sylvian's camp or someone who for no reason is a dick to people they previously agreed to work with.

We reduced tensions between us and the Mage Guard and get more time to prepare, get more resources to do so and might get more pull with the modertes.
Still kind of inconsistent and probably not optimal but eh.
/tg/ can easily enough make worse decisions.

Welp, I was hoping I wouldn't have to put this plan into effect yet and that I could save it for something more important. But, ya'know. Life and Anons.

>>36824674
In thread 56, Sylvian wanted to investigate the other foundries in Shropham to see if they were also being converted to use that weird anti-magic stuff. Raphael shot her down and said that he would have known if they were. Here's my plan: Let her and her Witch-Hunters investigate the "other factories." It's less politically sensitive and there's no risk of bad juju going down or her and the Mage Guard getting dirt on us. That'll keep our panel of experts focused on the people and give her some prestige out the campaign, since her faction will get to be connected to most magically or anti-magically seriously event.

>>36883255
Whoops. That was the wrong post. I meant to link this one:
>>36824702

I really don't see why we can't hold court. Other then the royalty issue.

Perhaps it's time Talon took a firmer more public hand in thing.

>>36883282
Hmm, I think that Sylvian's initial offer to investigate the other factories was supposed to make her faction appear more involved as well. The more people she has in Shropham, the closer we appear to be. Which was why she winced when Raphael rebuked her for bring politics into this. I think that was the thing that Talon "didn't get."

>>36883330
Wait, Talon didn't get that?
It was pretty obvious, wasn't it?

Didn't we put a "If Talon's not here, Sarah's the next best thing you get. Deal with it or "deal" with Talon at your own risk when he gets back" thing after something like that happened?

>>36883189
can you elaborate more on the specific nature of "holding a court"? I have some vaguest of ideas what it means from some works of fiction

>>36883360
Well, Aspiration wrote that:

>Sylvian winces and you catch Alyce’s smirk. You’re not quite sure what happened there.

So there you go. Anyone else have any input on this? Because we're gonna need to put this plan into effect pretty damn fast if it's gonna have any effect.

>>36883392
You sit on the throne, important officials (nobles, other important people or their representatives) look on, the issue is brought before you, the involved people make their case and you make a public decision.

>>36883209
Personally I kind of like the shadow government. If someone needs something they can get their governor.

We should probably meet up with the trading company and the likes first and get those rights out of the way before going into the big time diplomacy with Darvui and them.

Warning, tl:dr incoming
Right, so representation. People seemed to like the idea of setting up some sort of representative body last thread, so I came up with a proposal.
First off, Talon can still rule by decree, and the balance of power between him and this body has talon being slightly more powerful than The Scarlet Empress was versus the Realm deliberative.
Now as to the actual structure: The deliberative is a unicameral legislature with members drawn from four sources, the great noble families, the military (The X most senior officers have a seat), Organizations that support the empire (Basically, the people in the organization tab), and appointed (Talon can do whatever he wants), if a member cannot attend for whatever reason, they can appoint a deligate. Representation in the organization section is determined not by the size and power of the organization, but by what they contribute to the empire, a knightly order that does not support military campaigns gets no representation regardless of how big it is, and Karise and Ren actually have the same number of delegates right now.
This will have several effects:
1. The nobles, mages and foxes will be happy, as will commoners due to the clear path to power.
2. The lesser nobles will likely try to either become knights, officers or mages to gain representation, or scheme gain the deligate spots, probably by throwing heirs at the moderatly wealthy bachlors among our officers. Either way, the nobility becomes heavily militarized and has regular infusions of fresh blood.
3. A likely bidding war as politically minded foxes push to support the empire more so they can have more political power within the empire, and counter Ren's influence (good luck, he can easily outbid you and will have better relations with the military).
4. An acceleration of the immigration of nonhumans, as there will be a clear way for dragons and others to gain political power

I think we should be open to the dwarves. We learned last thread they deal with the catalysts needed for factories and foundries. If we can get a good deal with them, it might significantly reduce the cost of equipment production. if it comes at the cost of Vitria's growth, thats fine. Vitria will grow exponentially with the construction of the canal.

The Eastern Winds Trading Company we should be wary of making deals with. To much contact with Pharos or foxes outside the SSA would put us in a bad position.

We should stomp the farming union before it becomes bothersome. Letting the food producers organize and acquire political strenght is very bad for any empire, specially one built on military.

>>36883396
Alyce and Sylvian are interested in Talon, both politically and probably personally, there is bad blood between them, a ploy of Sylvian got shot down hard by one of the most powerful beings on the continent who additionally might have issues with her because of the whole helldragon vs archangel thing, Talon didn't interven on Sylvian's behalf.

Alyce felt smug superiority, espcially since she disliked the tohught of inquisitors poking around anyways.

>>36883490
Its a terrible idea in general. As an American, I can swear to it.

>>36883209
this actually sounds pretty good to me so far. We are rather hands off, and the big things (or things a governor is not sure about) DO get escalated to talon or cabinet.

I like the shadow government. and I very much like that there is a separate "civilian hirarchy" responsible for day to day stuff but that the military answers directly to talon.

We do need to meet people in person sometimes. But lets not make it a traditional court. rather, we have two paths to reach talon directly. one is having a governor (or duchess) escalate a thing to our attention which means a personal meeting. The other is to establish a "diplomatic office" where people can request a meeting with talon/cabinet on things that they feel should not be brought up before the governor. And then that office helps us sort through what we actually need to see, what should be forwarded to the governor, and what should be forwarded to harrowmont but not talon directly. (say, to a cabinet member)

>>36883249
Honestly it's not really a bad idea. Mostly we are trying to buy time and get some moderate support the helldragon alone is an army so there isn't much.

>>36883291
I honestly don't like that idea. Talon doesn't want to be looked over his shoulder he wants to keep people guessing.

>>36883490
I agree. Unionized farmers could cripple our war effort when unhappy.

>>36883469
I really don't like the idea of representation or fictionalizing our empire. The "representation" is the fact we have so many people of such diverse groups at the top levels of government.
Vitria has that because vitria joined in early and in a special manner.

>>36883490

But what do we gain from doing so? Doesn't seem like much more then the ire of the common folk and a sense of "Talon has forgotten his roots".

He's played up the commoner angle a lot, hell it's the name of the damn Empire.

>>36883528
I like that. Lets do this.

>>36883530
Some sort of public representation is needed though.
Maybe we can meet the people and decide in private and hold our decrees in public or something?
Televising stuff would be pretty neat for things like this.

>>36883561
So none of the positive effects matter to you at all?

>>36883578
Meant "public presence" not "public representation".

>>36883469
Talon wouldn't dilute his powers like that.

>>36883561

I'm in agreence, if we wanted to do that we should have done it back when the whole United Duchies idea was still running around.

At this point it seems more like the representation is beginning to feel the strain of the demands. So either Talon steps in and finally makes public appearance, or we restructure entirely something we should have done a year ago with much more territory now and unhappy people.

>>36883592
I disagree about the positives. I see it as fracturing the empire and creating hostile competing blocs who hate each other and fight each other. Creating sub governments and letting organizations grow in power too much as an organization where we don't need to.

>>36883621
It wouldn't dilute his power at all though, I explicitly said that he he can still effectively completely ignore them. They frankly are basically for show when Talon actually cares about the issue.

>>36883592
I honestly don't think Talon would care about the positives effects here. He wants an empire utterly under his control and he can't pull a scarlet and murder them all anytime they get on his bad side without pissing off everybody.

>>36883578
I think for that we should have a office deal with that and send anything worth it upwards to Talon. Or get the Governor. If you have an empire wide thing then call them. If it's local get your Governor.

>>36883633
>and unhappy people.
what unhappy people? we got some people asking to meet talon in person. Nothing unhappy about it.

>>36883665
>who hate each other and fight each other
What?

>>36883566

We gain a lack of politically organized farmers across the empire who could possibly break the entire nation if they get unhappy.

Better to leave them broken and obedient than running that risk.

>>36883690

That would be Shropham. If we restructure government it is going to include a good bit of recently conquered unhappy people.

>>36883672
>I explicitly said that he he can still effectively completely ignore them
you explicitly saying it doesn't make it true. once you empower them in such a manner, her cannot effectively ignore them
Aside from the fuckton of IRL examples where power, once given, cannot be taken back by the king. There are also all the fuckton of in setting examples. In fact in setting things are much worse and exaggerated. power plays everywhere

>>36883694
is the concept of political parties really this foreign to you?

>>36883672
Problem there is it's letting groups get together that could make deals based on the power. Given enough time it will start growing in power.

>>36883711
the post i replied to explicitly said that the unhappy people are not the result of the hypothetical restructuring.

>So either Talon steps in and finally makes public appearance, or we restructure entirely something we should have done a year ago with much more territory now and unhappy people.
much more territory, and unhappy people, are both described as the "current state". which is why anon argues we should have restructured a year ago to prevent it.

>>36883566
Talon won't let anyone walk over him commoner or not. They are a large risk that we should think about defusing now.

>>36883633
>restructure entirely something we should have done a year ago
restructure into what? our structure is actually pretty damn awesome

>>36883728
>once you empower them in such a manner, her cannot effectively ignore them
Rules state that talon can rule by decree, and you cannot override his veto. good luck
>>36883688
Which happened once in 950 years.

>>36883797
>Rules state that talon can rule by decree, and you cannot override his veto. good luck
top fucking lel anon.
It has nothing to do with overwriting a veto. You are creating a fucking senate where people send in delegates to vote on shit, creating the parties based on RACE, and giving them the political power to amass wealth and power.
Sure, you COULD say no, but you cannot AFFORD to say no because you are saying no to a massive political power bloc that you need.

I am not saying to keep people down... I am saying that I see no reason to just give away all this power for no reason. This is why we went with "governors are employees of talon, not inherited noble title" and the like. we are wiling to deal with powers that already exist (SSA, Vitria, etc), not create new powers for no reason.

>>36883688
He has a bunch of weapons actually. First of all, service to the empire is defined by him, which means that crossing him in an organized manner is an excellent way to see your organization lose half its seats next time we asses usefulness.

>>36883883
>creating the parties based on RACE
to clarify, that is not what i am saying will happen naturally, but what i am saying has been explicitly proposed by that anon.

>>36883883
>It has nothing to do with overwriting a veto. You are creating a fucking senate where people send in delegates to vote on shit, creating the parties based on RACE, and giving them the political power to amass wealth and power.
>Sure, you COULD say no, but you cannot AFFORD to say no because you are saying no to a massive political power bloc that you need.
Considering the example used was the scarlet empress, and we are more powerful than she was in many ways, I highly doubt that
>>36883906
No it hasn't really.

>>36883797
>Rules state that talon can rule by decree, and you cannot override his veto. good luck

Then a 100 years from now we hear.

"Oh you want to do that. We have half the army on our side and most of the nobles. My friend that got married into nobility is in your central offices. We have most of the dragons with us now. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Once you give someone a political platform to step on like that they are all going to start branding together based on politics. From there just give it enough time.

>>36883934
Assuming you can get most of the military on your side against a god-king who conquered the continent because you have a seat in a powerless assembly.

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So I think I'm seeing a divide between continuing the shadow government (I'm surprised there's so much support for it), probably with a clearer path to speaking to Talon, holding court for representatives and making a sort of faux legislative assembly.

Everybody wants to meet the dwarves; nobody commented on Darvui (because he's a mystery, probably); people are wary of the EWTC; and the farming commune will be an interesting one.

I'll probably flesh out a vote for how to structure your public dealings and representation now. Oh, and I'll do a scene later about contacting Syl to try to appease her if people are interested (there'll be a vote on it).

>>36883238
Talon may have been born as a farmer but he never thought much of them. There's a reason he joined the military so early.

>>36883396
The 'didn't get it' part is because Talon doesn't properly understand how Alyce and Sylvian think, particularly when it comes to him and politics. As you guys become better at reading their motives, he'll probably become better.

Basically, Sylvian and Alyce appear superficially similar in their behaviour and reactions but they're different. There should be enough information to work those out, from what they've told you and their reactions to events. What appeases them and how they'll behave if you upset them too much are quite different.

>>36883934
Yep, and worse, if you DO string them up you will appear like a madman and an asshole to both the public and many power players, turning more of them against you. So now they have 80% on their side instead of 50%.

>>36883931
>Considering the example used was the scarlet empress, and we are more powerful than she was in many ways, I highly doubt that

Does it look like Talon has a doomsday weapon capable of wiping out the nation instantly? Scarlet rules because she can flatten the nation instantly and doesn't have to deal with sendings allowing everyone to know when she slaughters the senate.

>>36883991
>Everybody wants to meet the dwarves; nobody commented on Darvui (because he's a mystery, probably); people are wary of the EWTC; and the farming commune will be an interesting one.
I assumed we are going to be meeting all of them. So really, only been discussing the shadow government vs the "more traditional alternative".

Also, I am not really sure I would even call it a shadow government. I thought we established ourselves really as a federal system (not a democratic federal system though).

>>36884007
>doesn't have to deal with sendings allowing everyone to know when she slaughters the senate.
There's a spell for that actually.
>Does it look like Talon has a doomsday weapon capable of wiping out the nation instantly?
His retinue is actually pretty close. And a hundred years from now, he WILL be a weapon capable of destroying a country. Also, having the legislature inside the effect of his god king zone does help a lot.

>>36884007

Just to say I'm not saying we shouldn't have some lesser representation. But it should be localized if it exists and anything it wants that is major should be sent to us.

So let the governors hold court and deal with it. Talon is above politics or at least should seem that way.

>>36883931
>Talon can just kill 90% of the populace to get his way
even if talon ever gets that strong (and his tendency to befriend and win over the uber powerful suggests otherwise), we don't WANT to have to resort to it. why create the scenario where we have to choose between doing that or not?
Actually, the fact you even consider it a viable alternative suggests you are missing the whole point of the people who said "you could say no, but you can't afford to".
Also, you are assuming that there are never going to be external threads. Sure we COULD slaughter them all instead of giving in to their demands... but we need them fighting the shadowbeasts for us. or for our invasion of pharos. or to fight some fae. or whatever.

The moment the next fae incursion occurs, people in such a position can hold themselves hostage in a way that will turn public opinion against us in a way that they can really screw us over if we do go all scarlet empress on their ass.

>>36884057
>His retinue is actually pretty close
our retinue isn't of one mind, and when we finally include both alyce and sylvian (which we are on the way to) it will be even more fractured. How do you think alyce will feel when we slaughter the senate?
What happens if 100 years from now when we do decide we need to slaughter the senate, their top guys are relatives (or outright sons and grandsons) of members of our cabinet?

>>36884057
Yeah but that's Dragon blooded which isn't mortal and so doesn't really give a crap there. I kind of feel scarlet is far from what we should be going for because she is rapped up in her on politics and tends to clean house way too much.

>>36883991
>As you guys become better at reading their motives, he'll probably become better

Poor Talon.

>>36884101
>The moment the next fae incursion occurs, people in such a position can hold themselves hostage in a way that will turn public opinion against us in a way that they can really screw us over if we do go all scarlet empress on their ass.
Except for all the weapons Talon has to ensure that the legislature stays loyal to him. Service in the legislature is literally defined by service to the empire and to Talon. It is basically impossible to build up that kind of powerbase because anyone who tries gets kicked out early.

>>36884135
This is one of the rare moments I agree with you anon. Although personally I do think if a governors wanted to set this up locally there would be no problem. It's when it goes empire wide problems start.

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>>36884024
'Shadow government' was mostly a term I used due to the fact that it's a government that most people don't directly interact with. Taxes, laws, nobility etc are all locally handled, even though it's all controlled from Harrowmont. If you have a grievance you take it up with your governor or try your hand at interacting with the centralised government that doesn't have a clear path to representation.

So yeah, it's not a shadow government as if you're the Invisible Hand or anything, just that to most people you're not really the 'government' so far as it exists to them.

>>36884173
Plans to still involve Sylvian could be done.

>>36884145
They're not exactly hard women to read. An anon above got that particularly scene mostly right.

REPRESENTATION VOTE
>1. No changes to the system in >>36883209
>2. A clearer path to representation with Talon and Harrowmont but toherwise no changes to the system in >>36883209
>3. Begin holding official court in Harrowmont to provide public representation. Will force you to begin handling royalty, nobility and title properly.
>4. A faux legislative assembly along the lines of >>36883469 which I'll consider and flesh out more later. May amplify both political benefits and grievances as a greater public platform is offered to all.
>5. Custom

>>36884161
So what you are saying is, talon is going to micromanage it and look over their shoulder the entire time?

Also, what exactly are they even going to do? I mean "through service you have earned the grand position of a ceremonial empty position where you come over, debate, vote, and then I completely ignore it and do whatever I want to do. And if i find you to be uppity, i fire you or kill you".
Gee, GREAT fucking reward. Either the position has power, or it doesn't, if it has no power and is under constant scrutiny from talon then it is a lot more work for talon with no benefit at all.

Also, it is overly codified compared to our current system of having a CABINET. where people DO get to participate in a meaningful fashion in the government. And we have kept our cabinet diverse by including people from a wide array of factions and races.

>>36884161
They'll just lie anon. They are politicians that is what they do. There is no need for a senate for show where we are going.

>>36884251
>4. A faux legislative assembly along the lines of >>36883469 which I'll consider and flesh out more later. May amplify both political benefits and grievances as a greater public platform is offered to all.

>>36884251
2

>>36884251
>2

Guess I will go with number 2. I don't want to spend much time doing internal politics, it's detrimental to wolrd conquerind.

>>36884251
4

>>36884251
2

>>36884251
>>3. Begin holding official court in Harrowmont to provide public representation. Will force you to begin handling royalty, nobility and title properly.

>>36884251
>>2. A clearer path to representation with Talon and Harrowmont but toherwise no changes to the system in >>36883209

>>36884251
3

>>36884251
>2. A clearer path to representation with Talon and Harrowmont but toherwise no changes to the system in >>36883209

>>36884251
>3

>>36884251
>2.

>>36884251
2

>>36884251
2

>>36884251
>2

>>36884251
>1. No changes to the system in >>36883209

:(

>>36884251
>2

I can't help but imagine nobles brining supplies to the front-line just to complain about their governors to Talon...

>>36884251
>3. Begin holding official court in Harrowmont to provide public representation. Will force you to begin handling royalty, nobility and title properly.

>>36884418
Then we conscript them.

>>36884418
That would be hilarious

"I'm here to complain about the Governor!"
"Tell your local Governor and then He'll send it in if there is a problem."

>>36884486
>Conscript the nobles
Surely nothing can go wrong here

>>36884499
Actually the whole point is that this kind of thing will go through. just not necessarily directly to talon. but to our offices in harrowmont who will sift through the complaints and bring the ones that need dealing with to us

>>36884251
>2. A clearer path to representation with Talon and Harrowmont but toherwise no changes to the system in >>36883209

>>36884539
I know. I'm mostly just making a joke.

I mostly feel that the office in Harrowmont should go for big things that need to be seen and snuffle the useless shit away.

>>36884539
We may want to stick the Auditors next door. That way any complaints of governor corruption can be given to the high levels and then they can use cell based need to know tactics instead of impugning on the reputation of our officials if they are innocent.

>>36884251
So, 2 is basically the same as 1 but its easier for people to contact us, preventing this Sarah mess?

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>2.

You sigh. “I think the main thing I need to do is make some formal way for people to get in contact with me that doesn’t involve endlessly badgering anybody they can get their hands on in Harrowmont. An office of some sort.”

“That would be nice. Then I can just direct them that way and ignore them,” Sarah says, happy that you’ve taken notice of her issues of late. “No court?”

“No. I have no interest in that sort of public affair,” you say. “I’ll just stick to private meetings. Speaking of which, we should probably organise the first. That way I still have you to help me before you flit off to Vitria.”

“I don’t flit,” Sarah says, pouting.

You’d hoped it would be the dwarves first, but it’s the damned farmers. Though the well-dressed merchant, with what appeared to be a fine silk shirt from Pharos, certainly didn’t look like a farmer. Sarah had decorated the meeting room in the rear somewhat while you were gone, with some greenery and wall coverings. Most of your cabinet was absent, save Tsucchi, Gnome, Sarah, Neir and Marcus. You suspected that Tsucchi was simply here so she didn’t miss the meeting with the Eastern Winds Trading Company later.

“I am Robert Marron, Imperator. I’m the head of the Harrowmont branch of the York Farmer’s Commune,” the ‘farmer’ introduces himself.

“The York Farmer’s Commune?” Neir asks.

“We renamed it,” he says, not missing a beat as a broad smile slips onto his face. “I must admit it is an honour to finally meet you. We weren’t sure if you would actually meet us.”

You weren’t sure if it was a good idea but certainly weren’t going to annoy all the peasants simply to avoid a meeting. Particularly when none of the other diplomats were able to make a meeting on such short notice.

“How many branches do you have?’ Neir asks. “I hadn’t heard of a Harrowmont one.”

>continued

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>>36884823
“I only finished setting it up last week. Two villages have joined already, admittedly far away from the capital itself,” he says. “As for how many, we have a branch in every province of the empire now. Some are quite small, like mine, but we’re growing.”

It seems that the peasants weren’t too keen on the commune. Particularly those who lived right next door to you. You wonder how many villages close to manned castles joined the commune?

“Is there anything in particular you were after from me?” you ask Marron.

“Official endorsement, or at least to have you condone our existence, would be nice. Surely you understand why we’re doing what we’re doing – we might not own the land but the farmers can suffer too easily. So much of the wealth concentrates in the cities but most taxes come from the farms,” Marron says, getting rather impassioned towards the end.

Ah, so it was about taxes. You’d wondered what the political cause was, now that they couldn’t own the land itself. It might not be about taxes for too long, however. The question is, will you let them exist at all? Their support might make it politically easier to increase the taxes on the cities, which are barely touched compared to the farms, but if they turn on you there’ll be hell to pay.

>1. Endorse them. They’ll likely grow fast but they’ll provide plentiful political support (and opposition) for their issues, starting with taxation.
>2. Condone them. You doubt they’ll grow too fast but they could still be a thorn in your side. At least the peasants will stay happu.
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.
>4. Custom

In regards to what kind of people Sylvian and Alice are, if I recall correctly from Sylvian's life story things appear to mostly get worse whenever she's not in a position of authority or action and usually get better when she takes matters into her own hand and starts beating faces in.

Given that and the fact that she's now being sidelined in the Mage Guard, it's only natural that she on the one hand wants to effectively jump ship and get into a position of authority elsewhere and on the other hand takes a more direct and violent approach to obstacles for the simple reason that it tends to work when you are a monstrously powerful gigantic dragon.

Pissing her off is likely going to result in her becoming more forceful.

From Alyce on the other hand I get the feeling that the way everything she built seems to crumble around her made her surprisingly careful and willing to compromise for someone of her power.
After all, her gigantic show of power didn't result in the destruction of tyrannical magocracies or finally fighting the Lords to a standstill, but to the current messy state of things.
The last Merce scene and the earlier times she was mortified over Merce being so confrontational seem to support this.

Pissing her off seems a lot more liable to lead to her compromising with people we don't want her to comprmise with.

>>36884847
If there's no way to seize control of this, I suggest opposing them.

This organisation is proving far too malignant for it to be approved and this merchant clearly has intentions on being trouble for us.

Besides, Virtra is our main trading point anyway.

>>36884847
For this personally I feel we should Condone them but start tightening up the laws on what they can do over time. Within 3-5 years they should be powerless.

>>36884847
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.

Welp. Sacrifices are needed, but it has to be done to secure the long run.

>>36884847
>4. Nationalize them.

Eh, I just want us to have sufficient direct control over the agricultural section that no internal dispute can threaten any region's food supply, or our military's.

>>36884847
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.

>>36884878
Pretty much. Sylvian tends to be the do things right now kind of person. Alyce is more careful.

>>36884847
>>2. Condone them. You doubt they’ll grow too fast but they could still be a thorn in your side. At least the peasants will stay happu.

We cannot afford to lose that much Control on border provinces. And Order must be maintained give the amount of war going on lately.

I don't like them and wish we could quash it out, but we'll need to do so by political movement and law making.

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>>36884924
You could try to use Neir's and Marcus' talents to infiltrate and take control of the commune by stealth (basically, infiltrate it with agents and merchants). I'm not sure how you could feasibly nationalise the commune - it's like trying to nationalise a union or employer association, you can't really control the people like that.

>>36884847
this right there, is how people gain power where you can't just bulldoze over them... sure we COULD just kill them all or break them up. but it makes us look like a total asshole... because it IS an asshole move because its basically oppressing the poor "because we can".

>2. Condone them. You doubt they’ll grow too fast but they could still be a thorn in your side. At least the peasants will stay happy.

>>36885014
Ninjad, I was just about to suggest we could infiltrate them by stealth and perhaps create some competing organizations under the table.

>>36885014

I can agree to a stealth operation hostile take over.

>>36884847
>2 + Infiltration

>>36884847
>condone and infiltrate

>>36884847
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.

Full on Iron Fist here.

>>36885014
Could we have them use agent provactures to make them look like assholes and thugs? Basically, infiltrate them, discredit them, then regretfully disband them once they've lost popular support.

>>36885014
>Infiltration plan
I'm in.

>>36885041
>>36885032
Or we could condone them and slowly suffocate them under so many laws that makes them unable to effectivly work against us. Infiltration if ever found out would backfire massively

>>36885032
More like so they can't starve the empire to death the moment they feel like it. Giving a group the power to cause a food shortage anytime they want is a pretty bad idea.

>>36885014
Now this could work as a decent idea. We could infiltrate them then slowly build laws designed to limit their power.

>>36884847
2 and some infiltration. That sounds fun

I'd honestly rather make a government approved commune or something so farmers could have reps but it would reps we assigned or something.

>>36885070
Do we WANT to do that? not only is there a huge risk to our rep if this gets found out (Remember we are generally hugely popular with the "common man" so far who view us as a hero)
There is also the fact we have at least been TRYING to be a nice guy about things.
And their plan is not entirely unreasonable. As it stands farmers are the poorest people and get taxed the heaviest.

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NEW VOTE
>1. Infiltrate and control the organisation. Let it retain power for your own ends but you'll retain the ability to keep them from opposing you. Should your infiltration be found out there would be a large loss of control and order across the empire.
>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.
>4. custom

>>36885081
Mostly just need plausible deniability. Personally I say we should try to get some competition going on and we should try to limit any power via laws that slowly suffocates them.

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>>36885130
Oh, and you can just choose the old condone option, I guess.

>>36885130
>>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.
The fact that we're up against farmers means the risk should be minimal.

>>36885130
>>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.

>>36885130
>3. Oppose them. Break up the commune, probably through a mixture of laws and just general discouragement. You don’t want the farmers to be organised. You’ll see order drop across the board, however. Former Compagnon provinces will also suffer a substantial loss in control given the likelihood of the farmers there to oppose you.

>>36885130
>4. custom
question him.
What is the commune actually going to DO to advance its goals? And what are the goals besides the taxes?

oh... i just thought of an issue here.. if we let them form and then cut taxes on farmers, then it looks like they "won" one over us. But if we were to go ahead and "take care" of the farmers without them, then we get the credit. Basically, they steal our thunder when we do the right thing.

And that brings up another alternative, and that is to make them obsolete. Basically, create highly visible protections and agencies to ensure the farmers are NOT getting exploited.

>>36885130
>>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.

>>36885126
>There is also the fact we have at least been TRYING to be a nice guy about things.

He wants to take over the world man. He might be nice but this is risky in the long term.

>(Remember we are generally hugely popular with the "common man" so far who view us as a hero)

Honestly they mostly view him like a god-king.

>>36885130
>>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.

See now that sounds like some Shadow Government ruling.

>>36885130
>2. Infiltrate and slowly cripple them. Use the infiltration to stall them while you design laws to restrict them. Their futility will cause them to fall apart quickly. Still vulnerable to being found out, but over a lesser period of time - once disbanded you're safe.

>>36885247
>Honestly they mostly view him like a god-king.
most people are not yet aware of the astral thing.

>>36885130
>2

>1. infiltrate and control the organization.

>>36885130
Can we extend 2 with making them obsolete by actually setting ourselves up as a leader for the farmers?

also
inb4 nat1 on the infiltration and we get fucked

>>36885130
I think its worth mentioning that since they distrust the nobles for obvious reasons, it should be relatively simple to convince the peasants that the infiltration was done by the nobility rather than Talon. Specifically nobility we don't like.

>>36885265
Yeah but even so they mostly view him as a god-king. When I asked the common viewpoint of Talon if his astral power came out. It was basically no big change at all since that isn't too far from his reputation already.

>>36885303
Always have a patsy lined up.

I like it Anon, I like it a lot.

>>36885014
>>36885041
Can't we just replace the heads of it with people we'll trust and slowly deprive it of power over time? We're immortal, lets think long term.

>>36885130
>2

You know, they really do have a point though. We could just let them do some good in the world.
tough luck for them that they didn't send over a cute girl

>>36885361
>spoiler

I was just thinking the same thing. Clearly these people are either idiots or incompetent.

>>36885327
I know I for one have ideas at least 100+ Years in the future.

Problem is I seriously doubt the quest would ever get that far along.

>>36885361
>>36885398
At least they tried to appease us with the naming.

>>36885361
Talon has enough cute girls. Sending over on would just end with him screwing another one then bribing her on his side.

A hairy merchant though can't be bribed with the D.

>>36885446
i was thinking more along the line of actually giving her what she wants instead of sabotaging her like that.

and oh god i am so cringing at the catastrophic loss of rep we will take when we get this nat1 for this infiltration attempt.

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>2.

You’re all smiles with Marron until he’s out the door. Then your façade of condoning the commune vanishes. You give Neir a look and she giggles slightly at the complete about turn you’ve seemingly done.

“I take it you didn’t like him?” she asks you while the others look askance at her.

“How long do you think it would take to dismantle them from the inside? Especially if assisted by laws to restrain their activites,” you ask, not bothering to beat around the bushes.

“A couple of years. They’re unfortunately rather well set up in Avinou, so it’ll take a little while to infiltrate them. Combined with some targeted opposition in the meantime and I could prevent them from growing too much,” she says after some thought.

“I suspect they’ll be easily exploitable, Imperator,” Marcus says with a smile. “You could tell from our dear Robert that they’re enjoying their wealth – greasing their wheels should get some of my merchant friends in, then the corruption can sabotage the organisation on its own. Particularly as my friends would have an interest in doing so.”

The two of them work at one end of the table on the details while you wait for Darvui’s envoy to arrive. Gnome gives you an odd look while Sarah plays with Tsucchi’s tails.

“You certainly didn’t waste any time in getting rid of them,” she says, giving you an impenetrable look.

“I have sympathy for them but I can’t risk their political concerns potentially derailing a campaign or causing famine,” you say.

Darvui’s envoy is a strange one, a Karl Hernsferth. He looks like a bog-standard noble. In fac, you’re pretty sure he is. Odd. You’d expected a mage.

“You’re representing Grand Magister Darvui?” you ask him, sceptical.

>continued

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>>36885563
“Insofar as one can represent a man who claims military dominion over territory but refuses to be involved in its operation beyond restricting certain activity, yes,” he says, smiling nervously. “Sadly, the Grand Magister has taken little interest beyond cutting us off from the RSK. I’m here to represent the, er, federation, I guess, of city-states that are under his control.”

“That sounds confusing,” you say.

“Imagine trying to explain to others how you operate Talon. Except Darvui does even less,” Tsucchi chimes in, grinning at you.

You ignore that. “So, what exactly is your ‘federation’ after then? Beyond an embassy.”

“Trade, mostly. The RSK has cut us off by land and sea and Darvui appears to take no interest in ending that. Gespad is the only possible trade route, simply because that empty-headed princess has cut-off all military access through her regency, preventing King Fenix from reinforcing it. With bribes, we should be able to trade with your empire.”

“You realise I can’t give you an answer to this right away, don’t you?” you tell him.

“I do. Just realise that helping us might put you closer to the Grand Magister. That, and we’ll both pay you handsomely for the trade agreement and you’ll benefit from increases taxes and revenue. The olive trade could be quite good – you have an excellent plantation and we have the oil producing facilities. I’d also appreciate a supply of coffee and spices – we’ll run out of those any month now without trade through our ports.”

>Anything you want to ask Karl?

I’m not going to require a decision here. I’ll be bringing up the RSK v Darvui stuff in a later thread. The main point of this is to give an idea of what Darvui is doing.

>>36885589

Luxury goods? Is that really all?

No military tech? No civvie tech? Normal food? Why?

>>36885589
wow... he really is nuts. He didn't conquer them, he didn't set himself up as a ruler. He is just fighting against the RSK by his lonesome and leaving the people to form a new pseudogovernment (I say pseudo because they still can't cross him, but he isn't directing them).

>>36885589
"How fare your people?"

I'd also like to hear his opinion on the Grand Magister but I don't know a good way to word it at the moment.

>>36885643
>No military tech? No civvie tech? Normal food? Why?
people like to eat.
He said explicitly they are literally going to be out of coffee in a couple of months. Where people go to the shop and order a cup o joe and the barista says sorry. we don't got none.

>>36885589
How is the RSK restricting trade by sea? Unless they intend to sever the entire sea trade in that area (and piss off us, Malantine, the Guard and Pharos in the process), accomplishing that would require a very close blockade with overwhelming naval superiority. I would think Farun and its Islands are drawing off the majority of the navy at this point.

>>36885589
Q. so this diplomatic visit is not actually sanctioned by darvui, he just hasn't explicitly forbidden you from doing it?

>>36885683
>accomplishing that would require a very close blockade with overwhelming naval superiority.
Considering that its a loose coolaition of city states that were all memebers of the RSK before, I am betting their military navy ships numbers at 0
And he said already that fenix's daughter messed up the blockade so there actually is NOT an effective blockade and they can get through it with just a little bribery. they just need our permission.

I don't like the idea of trade through Gespad using bribes. All it take is one corrupt guy spilling and then we get shafted economically and politically. I also cant see his rule going over well if he simply took control and is creating laws. If in 3 years the nobles revolt and overthrow him, we would be stuck with a pissed off RSK.

Telling you people this is a great time to take over the eastern ocean. Look at the fucking mess down there.

>>36885717
>Considering that its a loose coolaition of city states that were all memebers of the RSK before, I am betting their military navy ships numbers at 0
Unless they completely botched the takeover, they should have seized some ships. And splitting up your frigates for a close blockade doesn't work if your enemy has large dragons or people capable of summoning pure or greater water elementals.
>And he said already that fenix's daughter messed up the blockade so there actually is NOT an effective blockade and they can get through it with just a little bribery. they just need our permission.
By land actually.

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>>36885643
"There would be normal trade, of course. I was merely focusing on the more profitable goods. You control the single largest producer of coffee on the continent now. Surely you want profitable prices on it?

"As for military magitech, trade in that would exact ire from the Grand Magister. You could use the trade agreement as a foot in the door for negotiations with him, however. I suspect he'd have a keen interest in a serious ally."

>>36885677
"Well enough. The RSK have been hesitant to attack the land and people, lest they trigger a genuine uprising. A lot of soldiers changed sides, but many still loyal to the king are from Guelburg and Horijssel.

"As for the grand magister, his reputation is positive. I don't quite know what triggered the rebellion - we're at as much of a loss as you are. He's certainly come out swinging - I would love to know where he got a dragon. You have a couple, to hear tell of it. Where did you get them?"

>>36885683
"They're blockading the ports and threatening diplomatic consequences for anybody who flaunts it. If a ship from Malataine lands then the other traders might find themselves blocked at another RSK port. They do have the largest navy in the east and Darvui secured little of it."

>>36885747
Yes, but most of the factions are still the RSK (If only because of bureaucracy). We cant yet do anything without declaring war on the whole.

>>36885784
"They have a habit of just popping up whenever the hell they want to I'm afraid. I didn't find them so much as they found me."

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Anyway, while I write up the dwarven encounter, I'm going to hold a vote on the next thread. People clearly want to seize a PoP and I don't think I'll be able to do all the number crunching I need to do in the days before Christmas, so I figure to do that in the thread on the 23rd.

NEXT THREAD VOTE
>1. Finn thread. Control Finn leading his little team, including Felix, as they grab the two PoPs in Balkarin.
>2. Talon seizes the PoPs. Very different style of thread - less adventure and combat, more exploration and talking.
>3. Don't grab the PoPs now.

>>36885563
>Sarah plays with Tsucchi’s tails.

Something isn't right here.

>>36885919
>1. Finn thread. Control Finn leading his little team, including Felix, as they grab the two PoPs in Balkarin.

I want to see if they have a rivalry.

>>36885919
>2. Talon seizes the PoPs. Very different style of thread - less adventure and combat, more exploration and talking.

>>36885919
>1. Finn thread. Control Finn leading his little team, including Felix, as they grab the two PoPs in Balkarin.

KILL FINN KILL

>>36885919
>1. Finn thread. Control Finn leading his little team, including Felix, as they grab the two PoPs in Balkarin.
This sounds like fun. Will Rayza and Mana be on the team?

>>36885919
>1. Fun with Finn.

Hope Felix doesn't decide to kill him.

>>36885955
>Finn
>Rayza
>Felix

This team already sounds OP. Could Phrace come along as well? He seems to do well with Rayza.

>>36885919
>1. Finn thread. Control Finn leading his little team, including Felix, as they grab the two PoPs in Balkarin.

>>36885919
Doesn't Talon have to be there to claim the PoP's anyway though?

>>36885919
Personally I like the idea of doing a bit of both. Finn takes Sylph while Talon and them take the major one.

>>36885921
Or something is very right, right there.

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>>36885921
Hmm?

>>36885955
No Rayza - she's way too high powered. It'll be his team of Griffin knights, rangers, the FMK, Mana and Kuro and Felix. There's two other characters that I might involve, but if I do I might trade out some others (like the FMK or rangers).

>>36885999
The handwavium is that Finn spends all the time finding them, then he signals Talon who teleports in with Taira and anybody necessary to claim them, take Sylph etc.

>>36885999
He can port in at the end.

>>36885999

Think Aspir said Talon would port in for the important bits. Because Taira and fuck you that's all the more reasons you need.

>>36885921
Tsucchi got tired of waiting on Talon and Sarah acquired a taste for fluffy tails from in the castle so long.

>>36885976
>Phrace

He is pretty high up now so I don't think he would be around.

>>36886004
SarahXTalonXTsucchi Tail stoking gang up.

>>36885919
Why are we grabbing the POP in Anadvsk if we can't use it or attune to it?

>>36886031
>He is pretty high up now so I don't think he would be around.

Eh true. I wonder if he's gotten a promotion yet.

Really I just wanted to see some of our lesser used military guys out there, just for characterization. But a Finn party, fine too.

>>36885770
>Unless they completely botched the takeover
there was no takeover, that is the point. he didn't take over, he has been flying about killing anyone who claims allegiance to the RSK without taking over. and things sorta fell apart. And now they are running out of certain foods.

>>36886047
Going to use it with a mage to get the strongest air elemental alive on our side.

>>36886018
I was mostly hoping to see Mana and Rayza bicker really. Oh well.

>>36885919
>2. Talon seizes the PoPs. Very different style of thread - less adventure and combat, more exploration and talking.

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>>36886047
>>36886070
What? Sylph is in Anadvsk's PoP. The plan (from ages ago) is that Mal claims the PoP and gets Sylph as his familiar.

Anyway, Finn thread is a go in a few days. I'll consider whether to switch up the party, given interest shown.

>>36886018
Got a pair of questions for you Aspirational:
How reliable is our estimate of the dragon population? Between the shapeshifting, the scattered nature and the propensity to hide their nature, a reliable census seems basically impossible.
Also, Kyria said that her fancy armor was a gift from her father. Was that true, and if so can we invite the daddy dragon to our empire?

>>36886031
>SarahXTalonXTsucchi Tail stroking gang up.
Actually I think we should just observe Sarah's technique, offer advice for improvements and perhaps do a few demonstrations. It's very important that she perform at the highest level if she's decided to take up tail stroking.

>>36886120
>Mal claims the PoP and gets Sylph as his familiar.

I still can't wait for the subsequent trip to Ahm after that.

>>36886120
Yeah that's what I said. Get a mage (Mal) who claims the PoP and gets the strongest air elemental (Sylph).

Party wise I mostly just want someone who has some interesting reactions. I don't really like the idea of leaving Mal behind though since it will be his familiar so they should probably have a scene just seeing how they work.

>>36886120
>What? Sylph is in Anadvsk's PoP. The plan (from ages ago) is that Mal claims the PoP and gets Sylph as his familiar.
Well, we really wanted her as a second talon familiar. the problem is that we can't do what gnome did when we summoned her since we don't have the source she is bound to (even if we got said source, we can't control it due to it being sealed).

.... although, i guess maybe we could use the ritual despite the source being sealed? huh.

>>36886169
Mal couldn't walk into Ahm. The weight of his ego and pride would crush the streets he was walking on.

>>36886206
Nah. Honestly for me I"m happy just having two Familiars now. I would have liked to have her earlier but now that we have Aladria it makes more sense to let probably the person Talon trusts the most in the world have her.

>>36886208
And it still would pale in comparison to Talons.

>>36886120
So, in the mean-time, will we be patching things up with Sylvian?

>>36886018
>like the FMK or rangers).
I'm looking forward to seeing the rangers in action personally.

>>36886241
What's hilarious is They're about equal in that department. Most of their friendship is built around helping each other dick wave.

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>>36886264
Still writing the dwarven scene. I haven't written them before so it's proving more difficult than expected.

>>36886160
You don't have an estimate of the dragon population, really. You can ask Kyria in a scene at some point, but her father is a human.

>>36886282
That's a pretty good way to sum up their relationship.

>>36886308
>but her father is a human.

We need to meet this guy.

>>36886264
>"patching thinspgs up"

Is probably the wrong way to think of it. What we need to do is come up with a political pretext to show support for Sylvian while receiving tangible benefit from whatever actions we choose AND simultaneously finding a way to reassure Alyce and the League that that we aren't growing too close to the Guard and Sylvian.

Actually, I think our first move should be to meet with Alyce and have a serious conversation about Irlin. That guy is going to be a major threat to both of us in the not to distant future.

>>36886160
>How reliable is our estimate of the dragon population? Between the shapeshifting, the scattered nature and the propensity to hide their nature, a reliable census seems basically impossible.
Don't forget their ability to crossbreed with humans and elves and still produce dragons

>>36886350
>Support for Sylvian while receiving tangible benefit from whatever actions we choose AND simultaneously finding a way to reassure Alyce and the League that that we aren't growing too close to the Guard and Sylvian.
A few joint operations against infernals and Fae, while steering well clear of any involvement with mage stuff. She gets credit for getting an ally on such operations, the Magi league isn't too worried since we won't touch mages.

>>36886350
Yeah honestly one of the bigger problems we will have here is the 3 way balancing act.

Alyce isn't that hard to manipulate though. So far we mostly have her in a situation where we show support and we have decent points to burn with her if we have to. Right now we need to figure out a way to strengthen our helldragon waifu without agitating the guard as a whole to action.

What support we give publicly is meaningless compared to what we can do to strengthen her for when she joins the empire. We shouldn't think about it as giving public support so much as making her stronger.

>>36824702
>>36883255
>>36883330
>>36886350

Read the linked posts. I suggested the whole inspectors plan to make it appear Sylvian's faction and our's are closer than it appears. The benefits would be that Sylvian gets to appear to handle York Empire stuff that personally affected us and is magically significant for the whole "violation of all that is good and natural," while not really touching anything important to us or the mages, or our current in-house investigative panel.

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>dorfs

“I should warn you, Talon, that your first impressions will be very important,” Gnome warns you as you wait for the dwarves to arrive. “If one of these dwarves is the planned ambassador then you can expect to know him and his family for a long time, particularly if you leave anywhere near as long as you intend.”

“I don’t quite get what you mean?” you ask Gnome, frowning at the sight of Sarah batting at Tsucchi’s tails playfully.

“Ambassador is one of the few inherited positions in dwarven society. The ambassador will raise his family and groom one of his children to be his successor, and then that child will groom his own and so on. I’ve literally known every generation of dwarven ambassador to Ahm in their childhoods for almost seven centuries,” Gnome says. “Your impressions will last forever, potentially.”

Wonderful, you think. Sarah quits playing with Tsucchi’s tails as the dwarves enter, the fox lazily drawing her silver tails behind her. You might have to teach Sarah a bit better – Tsucchi usually reacts more when you bat at or stroke her tails. Two dwarves enter, one of whom carries a war hammer at his waist and an enormous shield in his arms, the other is simply dressed in very fine clothes, suitable for the growing heat.

>continued

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>>36886563
“Imperator Talon York, it is an honour to meet you at last. I am Ambassador Logreb Morthammer of the grand city of Torphenstammen, the greatest of the dwarven cities that lay under the Sithran mountains, and I represent the dwarven council,” the second dwarf says as he bows deeply, his voice deep but eloquent. “Accompanying me is Sir Daime Limneon, one of the finest rune-knights of Cartollstin, a truly fantastic example of fortress design and collaboration between human and dwarf.”

Bloody hell that must have been the most long-winded introduction of two people you’d had. Particular with the way the dwarf enunciated so clearly – it sounded like it went on forever. You catch Gnome’s smirk out of the corner of your eye as you and your present cabinet, save Tsucchi, rise and give a return bow.

“Allow Sir Daime to present to you a gift, Imperator,” Logreb says, gesturing his companion forwards.

As Daime approaches he falls to one knee and bows his head, and presents the shield. You try not to bend down to pick it up, as you suspect the way he’s offering it is to compensate for the height difference. The shield weighs a ton, you realise, and it’s amazing that the dwarf could carry it so easily. Then again, the head of his war hammer appears to be as big as his fist and it looks like the one-handed variety. Holding the shield in one hand, you note that it matches the design of your current shield very well but its front has a griffin embossed on it in brilliant gold to match the shining silver of the rest of the shield. If you’re not mistaken, this is one of the steel alloys the dwarves make with their forges.

>continued

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>>36886582
“The shield should be perfect for you, Imperator. A truly fine dwarven design, it carries magic well and was built of one piece of dwarven steel – if it bends or cracks in any way, we’ll replace it in this millennium or the next,” Logreb says. “I also have a small gift for your familiar, the wonderful elemental Gnome, but it was a little awkward to carry the clothes.”

But not the shield. You notice the way Sarah’s frowning in the background as you consider how to respond to the gift. It’ll certainly replace your current shield, that’s for sure. Thanking them for their gift, you make some small talk and invite them to the table. You would have prepared a return gift but Gnome had told you that would actually offend them.

“So, Imperator, we understand you’re building a canal to Ahm. We’re rather interested in capitalising on that and establishing a dwarven trading outpost in Vitria, for the rapid export of our goods that come through Cartollstin in north-east Sithran. We have a canal that takes us to Norsborough, then you’ll provide from Ahm to Vitria. Once we convince the archmage to extend it to Norsborough we’ll have a single route to Vitria and the ocean, and the next step is to smooth the process,” Logreb says, getting straight to business.

“By which you mean taking all the middlemen, and the wealth that would flow into Vitria and Darlesia, out,” Sarah says icily. “I bet you want a trade exemption, too.”

“We were hoping to talk terms on tariffs, yes,” Logreb admits.

>Q&A with the dorfs

Sorry it took so long. I would have added more but I figure Q&A will do it more effectively than an even longer wall of text. The dwarves basically want to handle all their own importing and exporting along the canal and not have to worry about tariffs (because they’re typically paid with goods, reducing the amount they actually have at their destination).

>>36886603
Personally I say here that we should lower Tariffs on most goods but no so much as to damage ourselves but give an exemption full out to weapons and armor.

>>36886563
>You might have to teach Sarah a bit better
nnnnng. YES!

>>36886603
Being blunt, explain to us how it benefits the York Empire to grant you this exemption. To be frank, the savings on transport are such that you'll be using the canal anyway unless we charge you unreasonable fees. Surely you don't expect us to simply give you an exemption for free? If we did that, the Magi league would be pressing for exemptions and we'd end up with nothing at all to show for it.

>>36886603
Ask them what things they will be trading mostly. After all I doubt they will be selling a whole lot of food. We might be able to manipulate the flow of trade here.

>>36886676
Down boy

>>36886603

Define goods?

I'll be straight, if goods include some of the finest Dwarven architects collaborative efforts on Harrowmont, I'd be willing to offer some tax breaks. I swear I'm not architectanon. I swear.

>>36886603
Before we say anything stupid to them, I think we should discuss this with our cabinet.

>>36886784
gnome does our dwarven architecture just fine. IIRC gnome actually DID do a lot of the dwarven architecture.

>>36886784
Also lower prices on catalysts would be a huge boon.

>>36886655
>Drastically lower the price of dwarves weapons for our neighbors and our citizenry.

I of course see no potential downside as our nobles and merchants will always respect our authority and our neighbors will never take aggressive action against us.

>>36886603
>The dwarves basically want to handle all their own importing and exporting along the canal and not have to worry about tariffs (because they’re typically paid with goods, reducing the amount they actually have at their destination).
Ok, i am a bit confused here, i thought tariffs happen when you enter or leave a country. so. once they enter TYE they pay tariff, then they pay again when they exit... no?

>>36886816
oh, hey. this is true. They are the only known source we have for the catalysts used for HMK, which is why HMK costs 2x what it would otherwise (240 TBY for 600 suits, instead of 120 TBY if we mined it locally).

>>36886831
If they do we crush them with the army. It's not like they won't already be selling It'll just be cheaper. So we can just buy up what we need in bulk.

>>36886831
>for our neighbors
uh, what? our neighbors are the magi league, the guard, and the RSK.
All of which are planned conquests.

>I of course see no potential downside as our nobles and merchants will always respect our authority
what?

>>36886784
>finest Dwarven architects

I wouldn't mind having a master crafted Harrowmount that menaces with rabbit bones